This is my face, covered in freckles...

- Kate Nash

Today's blog is about makeup. No, it didn't take me three months to conceptualize the topic. Rather it took about 3 seconds. Why? Because I've heard the comment "You know, you'd look so beautiful/gorgeous/pretty/etc if you wore a little make-up" a few too many times. The funny thing is that this statement is always followed by "not that you aren't already" comment. Usually I just laugh it off in hopes that people will get the hint. I guess not. When they ask why I don't, I usually prefer not to go too in depth with my answer, and so I always end up giving them the excuse that I just don't have time for it. Which isn't untrue. I mean, if I wanted to, I'd make time for it. But I don't. So, what are my real reasons for avoiding makeup? Are you ready for this?

1) God didn't need make-up to make me.
Therefore, there's no reason for me to try to improve the way I look. He cares more about where and how my heart is, and frankly, so do I. Instead of trying to improve upon the way I look, I'd rather start inward and work my way out. If ever I find that what's inside of me is perfect, then maybe I'll consider wearing makeup. Which, by the way, is pretty impossible. Which, by the way, is my point.
2) Don't fix what ain't broke.
If I already am "beautiful/gorgeous/pretty/etc" then there is no reason for me to try to improve on that. Again, I care more about what's inside me and other people.
3) What does the Bible say about makeup?
Although I don't think the word "makeup" is used in the Bible, there are instances where it's mentioned in some way. Generally makeup is reserved for, well, prostitutes. Nough said?
Esther wore makeup. But for one reason... so that she could be pleasing to Xerses so he'd choose her to be queen, because he was obviously shallow. And she ended up being queen and saving her people. However, I'm thinking... that makeup is not going to help me save the Canadians. But if it came to that, I could do it.

I'm leaving on a jet plane

- Chantal Kreviazuk

Ok, so I'm not leaving just yet. BUT! I am going to France to study in the Fall. I'm going to the Université François Rabelais in Tours. One of my teachers told me that the people in Tours think they have the purest French. "Français pur de Tours," they say. She also told me that that's the place to find all the castles. So, I'm definitely looking up castles to go see in Tours because well... who wouldn't want to see a real castle? (I mean, other than Casaloma :P)

I'm also planning a little trip up to Belgium to see some relatives. That should be nice. Also, since I'll be away from home during my birthday, I've decided I'll celebrate by doing something that I've wanted to do ever since I was little... I'm gonna go to Italy. Maybe for a weekend or something. I'm thinking Venice, Milan, Rome... Cathedrals, art, history and more. And I'm super-excited for it all. Like, just thinking about going there makes me nervous and excited and all those feelings I'm sure will reproduce the minute I get off the plane.

The hard part is being away from here. I've never been gone from home that long... and by home, I mean both Waterloo and Bowmanville. And everyone keeps telling me how much they'll miss me and like... I'll miss everyone too. So much. I wouldn't ever be able to replace the people I love with new, French ones, either. That's just a silly notion. So I'm hoping... they won't be able to replace me while I'm gone for three and half months. (I know, it's a silly notion.) And I get home sick really easily. But I know this will be a great experience for me, and I'm hoping to come back more cultured and with a better ability to communicate in French. (Not to mention I'm gonna have some awesome Christmas presents this year.)

Anyway, I'm not gone yet, so don't even think about looking for a replacement yet!

So kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you'll wait for me.