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By kilax, November 25, 2009 5:28 am

First of all, can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow? It feels like just yesterday I was looking for friends at the Chicago Marathon. The holiday really snuck up on me – probably because we aren’t doing much of anything tomorrow! Well, we’re running a 5K, maybe volunteering to box canned goods (if we aren’t all sweaty), checking in on Diane’s babies (cats) and picking up my sister at the O’Hare (returning from Cancun), but we’re not actually having the big meal until Friday, when we can celebrate with my sister and her friend.

What are your Thanksgiving plans? Traveling to see family/friends? Hosting? Sleeping in and lazing around all day?

On to Facebook. I’m sure you heard the story about the Canadian woman who says she lost her benefits (she was on long-term leave for depression) after her insurance agency found photos of her having fun on Facebook (story here).

According to the woman, Nathalie Blanchard, her insurance agent found photos on Facebook of her on holiday, at Chippendales, and at a birthday party, and that was evidence that she was well enough to go back to work. They cut off her sick-leave benefits this fall.

Blanchard says her doctor recommended she go on holiday to cheer up, and that she went when she was feeling particularly low.

The insurance agent said they would never deny a claim based on a website like Facebook. Blanchard’s case is going before the Quebec Superior Court next month.

What is your opinion on this story?

A few thoughts come to my mind. My cynical side can definitely imagine someone milking sick-leave benefits for all they are worth. Some people are just lazy and abusive of privileges like that – you know it.

On the other hand, I’ve been up and down in moods myself, and I know that going on a holiday is a good change of pace and way to cheer myself up.

Either way, it’s strange to think that photos you publish online could have this power. Of course, the insurance agent is saying they didn’t base it on that, and we can’t really know, but we do know that online photos have prevented people from getting jobs (and maybe dates, ha ha). Stories like this always cause me to stop and think about my internet persona. Right now, I don’t think I put anything risky or harmful (to my image) out there, but you never know how things can be interpreted!

Comments (12)

By kilax, September 17, 2009 6:56 am

Shaina was right – Georgetown is the place to hit up for people watching. I honestly didn’t realize DC people are so fashionable… a lot more fashionable than what I see in the Chicago Loop. It’s like a walking fashion magazine in Georgetown (between all the runners). I wanted to stop and ask people what label they were wearing and ask if I could take their picture for outfit inspiration (some people might be flattered by that, others… creeped out). Unfortunately, I didn’t, so I don’t have anything to show you. Except my imaginary DC outfits…

Here is what I would wear to the office, you know, if I had a meeting with an important client…

Oscar de la Renta Ruby-Embellished Dress

Or just on a regular day (I love you Rachel McAdams! Bonus -this movie is set in DC.)…

And here is what I would wear to meet with the President…

Jason Wu Rosette Covered Sheath

Okay, enough of that.

In reality, Steven spent yesterday exploring Georgetown, and we went back to there in the evening for dinner and exploring (It’s so nice to have him explore during the day then become my nightime tour guide). What a neat area. I love all of the old houses and shops. That would be a fun area to live. Yeah, I’m sure it’s super expensivo. I would have to be one of these people to afford that lifestyle. A girl can dream.

Cute colored houses/shops

Remember my old tagline?

DC sure is happening! Too bad I missed this yesterday. Oh, PETA people, you amuse me. Your heart is in the right place.

Comments (27)

By kilax, June 10, 2008 5:34 am

I guess I am an even bigger snob that I thought!

Steven and I simultaneously decided we need a vacation yesterday. But I started spurting out places like Australia, Austria, and Egypt. And I even said “Maybe we should go to the library and look at books about England, Scotland and Ireland!”

Then he said, “Why don’t we stick to the US?”

Hmm… none of my fantasy vacations have taken place in the US! I don’t even know where to begin! I did pull out my copy of 1000 Places to See Before You Die – US & Canada for ideas, but it’s so specific. I’m not sure if that’s the best place to start.

So, it’s time for your suggestions! We don’t want the trip to be 100% educational (so no Washington D.C.), but more recreational (I guess) and relaxing. I already asked, and Walt Disney World is out of the question. We’re both especially interested in California or the New England area, but not anywhere super hot and humid (so maybe we should go to Canada!). Any tips or ideas?