I’ve come to the realization that my blog hasn’t contained a lot of substance lately, and apologize for that. It’s been all photos and costume and fun! I guess I can admit that it’s laziness. Or writer’s block. Or not wanting to dwell on anything that doesn’t quite matter in the long run, and I don’t think I’m quite ready.
This sort of came to me after spending 4 days of (almost) solitude in my house. After Halloween I was in quarantine with the flu. The usual hot and cold chills-fever-cough-immobilization was pretty much the worst thing to physically happen to me in a year. I went on a massive Wes Anderson kick. It was fantastic. The Royal Tennenbaums, The Life Aquatic, Bottle Rocket, Rushmore and the Darjeeling Limited with a few other movies thrown between them. What can I say? I was awake, alone and couldn’t force myself to read or make anything.
After three days off of work and a very large and unexpected hydro bill, I’ve decided that it’s time to pull out the crafts and never leave my house again. Most people, after being stuck inside for 4 days straight, would jump at the opportunity to go outside or just get out. But not I. Once I get the taste of lazy domesticity, I would rather do it forever than do anything else.
Here are some legwarmers I made this week. Well, technically it took me like 6 months to make them, but most progress was done this week.
My current project is making a cowl like the ones I’ve seen at H&M for over $20. I’m making a cream coloured one, and will be trying to finish it soon so I can wear it and get on with making Christmas presents.
Current song: Múm – The Land Between Solar Systems
Current movie: 500 Days of Summer
Today marks 365 days of this little blog being in existence! I started writing here to try a different way of recording my thoughts. Rather than writing in a journal, I would be able to organize my thoughts easier, and portray them differently if I typed them. Whenever I have a physical paper journal, I tend to lose interest after the first month or so writing in it. For the first couple of weeks I go crazy with decorating and collecting clippings and taping everything I can fit in it. But after a while, it starts to feel like a burden or chore, so I get lazy and procrastinate.
This blog and I have gone through a lot in the past year. Previously mentioned technology fail, childhood stories, craft projects, moving into a new house, and all of the other day to day stuff that I feel the need to share to whoever’s listening out there has taught me that I can still stay on board as long as I keep the train going. The people I have met along the way have been crucial to this success! Thank you guys so much for your comments and emails and ping! messages whenever they were called for.
Stay tuned for future tales from the life of Awmb. They’re out there somewhere. But for now, here’s a nice song for you (the part where he is drumming on the watermelon is my favourite). Thanks for stopping by!
So the time has come for us to get into character and go out trick or treating to get our drink on. I have been slaving away at my costume as much as I can for the past week to get organized for tonight, and I can finally say that it is complete. Some people gave it a shot and tried to guess what I was going to be based on the photos that I had put up, but no one could do it.
So here, I am finally revealing my secret. I am being..
It all starts with going to the fabric store. No, it started with an idea, then the fabric store. And the pressure of finding an original idea for Halloween. I bought the fabric, and for the first time ever, I can say that I am in the middle of making my own costume. It hasn’t been easy, though.
After getting the material together, I ended up staring at it every day in my living room. It was waiting there while I watched all of that television, and made all of those dinners. It was there on nights when I came home at 6am the next day without sleep, and when I woke up at 3pm and procrastinated. For some reason I couldn’t find motivation past looking at it from afar.
Last week was nothing but going out and enjoying fall. I have been taking a lot of photos of autumn in the city, and have been acting like a 6 year old, mostly. One of those days I ended up riding my bike with a friend all around our neighbourhood shouting, howling like a wolf, and going ‘Aw-aw-aw-aw!!!’ like an Indian (I realize this may sound politically incorrect, but it’s the best way to describe it; think old Western movies). It was one of the most exhilarating days this year, and one of the most exhausting. I swear by 10pm I crashed into my bed and fell asleep as soon as I landed. No costume making happened on that day.
Okay, back on topic: The fact that Halloween is 3 days away is the scariest thing to someone who has their costume half done. However, after picking it up yesterday, I feel pretty confident that I can get it done in time. I still won’t reveal my secret until I have the whole thing done, but I can say that it is a big, white, furry costume. I made a lot of progress yesterday and am excited to say that it actually looks like a jumpsuit as opposed to a bundle of fur. Thanks to Taylor who came over and got me motivated to start working on it again.
This week is going to be busy.
Breakdown of To Do list is as follows:
Dressew for more fabric!
Rat food from the pet store after dressew (2 birds with 1 bus ride)
Blog about costume & post photo of it for my lovely readers (you know how much I love you)
Work on costume!!
Call dentist to schedule a consultation for my wisdom teeth pull-age (*cringe*)
I recently went home for a visit to my parent’s house with one of my greatest friends, Taylor. I swear we spent every moment of the day taking photos and I thought I’d share. I also recently started learning how to use PhotoShop to make rounded borders. If anyone knows any super easy tutorials, let me know!
This has been blatantly stolen by Just a Titch who first stole it from Kapachino. When I saw it I knew it was exactly what I was in the mood for.
Current Books: I have been working on reading Julie & Julia for a while, and haven’t been completely sucked in. Although it is great, I have been reading right before bed which makes me fall asleep in about 2.5 seconds every time. Next on my list is The Neverending Story
Current Playlist: I recently downloaded most of what I didn’t already have from Freak Folk for Dummies and am completely in love with it. Current obsessions are Múm and Blonde Redhead.
Current Guilty Pleasure: At the moment nothing really. But the only thing that comes to mind when asked this question is Jay-Z pretty much every time. HOVA, FTW!
Current Color: I love green right now. I’m hoping to pick a great colour to paint my room and will be getting a lot of swatches from General Paint this week.
Current Drink: Earl Grey tea, every moment of the day. It has been making me pee like Sea Biscuit, but I don’t care. So deliciously comforting.
Current Food: I have made Potato Leek soup about 4 times in the last 3 weeks. Big batches that last me days, mind you. I’ve also made Apple Crisp and am going to be experimenting with Pumpkin Pasta this week.
Current Favorite Show: The Office is pretty much the only thing I turn my TV on for. *Side Note: Hey There, Yogi Bear was on TV yesterday and it was phenominal.
Current Wishlist: Motivation to make my Halloween Costume. Cutesy fabric to make something special. Someone to cook for me right now.
Current Triumphs: I managed to have a super low key weekend with absolutely no one around for most of it. I saw Where The Wild Things Are and dressed myself like a 6 year old both yesterday and today. I managed to get up and make pancakes this morning, even when I had no one else to feed by myself.
Current Bane Of My Existence: My teeth and having to go to the dentist every 2 weeks. Blech!
Current Celebrity Crush: Cate Blanchett and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. They both have two t’s at the end of their names.
Current Indulgence: Craft ideas!
Current Blessing: Having my roommate gone for the weekend.
Current Slang: Hmm… well it’s always been and probably always will be ‘your mom’ jokes, and ‘that’s what she said’ jokes. They’re the funniest jokes.
Current Outfit: From head to toe: Hair up, gold braid headband and black feathers in my hair, Gogol Bordello T-shirt, Black skirt with white lace, grey leggings, and pink, purple and black striped leg warmers. No socks.
Current Excitement: Going to a friends so we can make butternut squash peanut curry delicious!
Current Mood: Fanastic.
Current Link: There are so many… but the one I want to share today goes to…This T-Shirt scarf Tutorial. If you look close enough, you can find the words ‘t-shit’ in there somewhere. Haha!
Okay. This is the last of the set of 3 photo blogs because-i-felt-like-it. This set was all taken by me on my Pentax ME 35 mm that my step mother gave me in the spring. I had some serious issues with it, but it has finally started working! And I am so happy with the photos I’ve taken. These are just the best of the ones I took, but if you’d like to see the rest, visit my brand new flickr page!
Jessie and her mother during a beautiful sunset at Kitsilano Beach
I have a bit of an obsession of taking photos of old cars.
By far my favourite photo of myself this year.
Ratface! Isn't he just adorable?
Taylor, have I ever told you that you're my favourite sometimes?
Okay, I know that I’ve been photo blogging because I am trying to make up for not writing anything, but I’m using this as an excuse to stay away from hard, exhausting things (“THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!!!”). And it’s allowing me to recap summer. I will be posting oooone more photo blog soon. Well, as soon as I find some time to scan some photos. These were all taken by my friend Taylor this summer.
Over in the continent many people are starting to plan what they will be for Halloween this year. Many may already have their costumes, and some may have no clue what they’ll be. I am glad to say that I went to my favourite craft store in all of Vancouver, and bought the supplies I need to work on my get up for the year. I don’t think I will be able to disclose what I’m being for Halloween just yet, and that I will have to let you keep guessing until the time comes. I feel that it’ll be better this way, and will keep some of the fun for the actual night we’re waiting for.
ps. The album of the day has been Blonde Redhead – Misery is a Butterfly. I just got this album, and cannot believe that I have lived without it for so long.
Last year around this time was very hard for me to live through, and it feels like it all sort of hit me like a ton of bricks today; that I’ve really been through a lot. A sort-of-relationship ended somewhat mutually, I lost my job, found 2 new jobs, quit a job, quit another job and found another job after that. I got broken into twice in a month, moved into a new house, and found out I don’t get along with some people as well as I thought I did. I found some closure on an incident that happened with a friend a few years ago, and finally let him go (for the most part). I rekindled some friendships and made new ones along the way. This year I lived through the most snow and heat Vancouver has seen in 20 years.
Autumn always feels like the most reflective time of the year for me. It’s the time of year where the climate changes so dramatically, and the days start getting shorter. I know the right time more socially accepted time to reflect is during the New Year, but you don’t feel the change in the middle of winter as much as you do now. I think part of it for me is that it feels like my anniversary with the city of Vancouver and what it took to make it this far. It’s not only the year I’m reflective of, but my life. And Vancouver has played a major part of that. Thanksgiving is the weekend that I met my first friends in Vancouver when I moved here 4 years ago, and the first time I really felt connected with the city.
It’s a time where I start feeling the longing of staying home and being cozy, and where I feel the loneliest. I’ve come to the conclusion that during the fall people start preparing for hibernation, and realize that they don’t want to go through it alone. So there they are, finding someone to spend the winter with, exploring their warmth, and those people who don’t find anyone freeze all winter. It’s always so depressing realizing that you may just end up spending another miserably cold winter alone.
I wouldn’t say I’m depressed, but overly aware. Looking back on the things I have been through this year makes me feel so strong and so overwhelmed. It’s hard to think about all of the instances lived through in a year all at once and maintain a stable piece of mind at the same time.
There are those things that were negative throughout the year:
-I killed my computer with coffee
-I lost a reasonable job in a nice office
-I worked in a warehouse basically located outside in the middle of the winter
-My house got broken into twice
-Steve didn’t come home
-I’m beginning to feel like my virginity is growing back
-I didn’t enroll in school like I said I would
-My occupational life feels stagnant
-I didn’t get a proper vacation again this year
-I am apparently still living paycheck to paycheck and find it impossible to save
There are those things that were positive throughout the year:
-I didn’t get a bad sunburn all year (first time ever)
-I found a stable job that pays well
-I got a pet rat that I love dearly
-I did a few things with makeup that were fun
-I rediscovered such things as old 80s kids movies and Elvis Presley
-I lived through my first dentist visit in 4 years (with about 3 more to come)
-I started riding my bike regularly
-I discovered creativity within myself for crafting
-I think I quit smoking for good
-I joined yoga and started eating healthier
-I’ve learned to embrace my emotions
-I’ve realized that high wasted skirts will inevitably get me through life, and that I still absolutely hate wearing pants
I’m sure there are more things that I should add to this list, but feel that you may be a bit bored already, and that if I dig deeper I may end up in a bit of a rut. I’ve been realizing that there are some things that I have to open up to, and others that I need to let go. And although I find it may not be entirely safe or fair to say exact details here, that the vagueness gets the point across.
For now, I’m going to focus on myself and how I want to live my life. I want to start making Christmas gifts and knitting and finding balance. I want to feel less of the pressure of having to accomplish things that others want me to do, and more ease within myself.
Reading this post a few hours after writing it, I can definitely say that I’m proud of what I’ve become.
I’ve been overly emotional tonight and it’s biting at me that I don’t know the cause of it. My body feels like a foreign object lately with things being off in weird ways. Yoga is helping, but I feel like I’m spending all of my time doing yoga, and when I’m not doing it, I’m thinking about doing it. Or I’m hanging out with friends that I just finished doing yoga with. Being out every day after work is something that I really can’t handle anymore.
With fall being in the present instead of the future tense, I am getting more and more stressed about Halloween and Christmas being just around the corner. I feel that I haven’t been crafting at all, and it’s driving me a little insane. I understand that last year I had a lot more time on my hands with the whole being unemployed for 2 months… but I still feel lacking.
I also went to the dentist today. It is one of my ultimate fears of all time. Actually, it is the one situation where I really get stressed out. I am usually very easy going and can handle stressful situations. Tattoos, doctors, blood tests…. I’m in – no sweat. But somehow I was scarred when I was in elementary and high school, and it’s my least favourite thing ever. I hate it so much, in fact, that I hadn’t gone to the dentist since I had graduated high school in 2005. That’s right guys, more than 4 years of not going to get a checkup even.
So I got in there, and everything was great. The technician was the nicest lady ever, and I informed her of my anxiety. She was so accommodating, I really couldn’t have asked for more. Well, the only thing I could’ve really asked her was, ‘Can you stop fucking digging into my gums? Can’t you tell that there sensitive?!?!!‘ The dentist was really great too. The outcome of my visit? NOT SO FUCKING GOOD. I have, I shit you not, 8 cavities in my mouth. 8!!!!! How the eff does that happen? I mean, I brush very thoroughly 2-3 times a day and all that shit….. I almost cried when they told me that. And to make things worse, I have to book a consultation to have my wisdom teeth removed. And to make things way worse, the dentist has to replace one of my fillings, and it may or may not turn into a fucking ROOT CANAL. I can’t even handle this right now.
Just typing this out right now is making me cry. Not the fact that I have to spend all of this money to fix my teeth, because I know it will be worth it. But the fact that I have to endure at least 3 more visits within the next month. This is why I’ve avoided this for so long.
Yesterday was one of the most incredible Mondays of my life. Work was surprisingly great, and I ended up having the perfect amount of productivity/procrastination combo that got the job done. After that I ran into an old childhood friend/roommate that I haven’t talked to in almost a year, and she came over for dinner. I made my ultimate comfort food of the season (potato leek soup) and apple crisp out of the apples from the tree in the back yard! Then I sat and read for about an hour before bed. The only thing I didn’t do was burn off all of my calorie intake by going to yoga. But I’ve got a schedule for the next two, if not three days that I’m determined to follow.
Some other things I am completely in love with this week:
‘’the wind and I we speak the same but he don’t hear so well, if you’re gonna have to curse him then you’re gonna have to yell.’’
-My best friend Taylor. There is a definite reason why we were meant to be together. Here’s the string of texts throughout our day:
taylor: i’m brokexors. banana and nutella from francels rents for me
me: with the lingo in that text there’s a reason you’re my bestie. really lovel.
taylor:aw lovel too shmoogle poogle. have a sane day!
me:haha you too liver loaf chicken butt brain smoogle snoogler. hahaha
taylor:laugh out loud for cereal! bye-l!
This song reminds me of Kyla, and not just because it mentions Winnipeg. <3
-Email addresses like this:
gothplaya69@…
flyingmule@…
During the past month or so, I have become more aware of the addiction that I have been supplying daily. Yes. I am a smoker. I have been for about 3 years. And I have recently decided that I want to make changes in my life. Changes that mean a lot to me, because it’s giving me an excuse to challenge myself.
About a month ago I decided that the best thing for me and my body was to learn how to eat more healthily and be aware of the way I tend to indulge. I became completely vegetarian again. I was vegetarian for a long time, and after that have never really eaten a lot of meat anyway. I haven’t eaten any type of seafood since I was 10 years old and refuse to, don’t really like pork at all, and have eaten chicken and beef occasionally. Becoming vegetarian is more of an experiment with myself than anything else. I know that there are some morals to it, and health reasons like not ingesting the same hormones a cow gets fed on a regular basis, but I really just wanted to see if I could do it again. And I have been really good about it. I’ve been making meals with full proteins and eating more interesting foods, and it just seems to make my meals more enjoyable. I was really proud of myself when I refused meet a few days ago when my roommate, Tom, came into my room wafting this fresh salami in my face telling me to try it. It was really hard, but I did it!
I have also started yoga, which is great because I bike there, work out and get grounded, then bike home and get ready to sleep or just relax. I always feel good leaving yoga, no matter how much my muscles shook or how grossly sweaty I was. And the day after, I feel like I’m 20 pounds lighter and that people around me notice me more. You never really notice your insecurities until you start feeling really good about yourself.
So yes. The next step is quitting smoking. And it’s been really hard because the fact of the matter is.. I don’t really want to. I mean, I want to … I just don’t have much motivation. It’s hard to get motivation when you enjoy something and it doesn’t feel that you’re doing harm when you’re doing it. The long term effects will kill you, but for now, here’s a stress reliever!
I have officially been on my anti-smoking kick for 3 days. Let me tell you, if you’re planning on quitting smoking, don’t do it on a Monday. The first day was grueling. I ended up having 3 cigarettes that day, and less concentration. Day two was even worse. I wanted to literally rip someone’s head off and bite it, then throw it at them like in the video games. I had 1 cigarette on day two. Today was day three, and I have had 1 cigarette. Even though the day isn’t over yet, I can safely say that I have and will not have another tonight. I’m hoping that tomorrow the cravings will subside completely so I can get on with my life.
I’m planning on getting my nails done on the weekend if I can go the rest of the week without a smoke, and trying to find other ways to reward myself.
Apparently my life has been too busy and important for such things as the internet, so I’ll make this short and hopefully sweet.
Yoga has been kicking my ass. And I feel so great when I leave. It’s so weird how you don’t seem to recognize your insecurities until you really start feeling good about yourself.
We finally had our yard sale today, and it really wasn’t as exciting as I’d imagined it to be. I made $4 and my friend made about $50
I went to see CocoRosie on Wednesday, and they’re incredibly talented. But the crowd was full of obnoxiously pretentious hipsters. Go away you guys, and let me enjoy a show without you being annoying. Kay thanks. [The video below is way more elaborate than the intimate show we had with them.]
This fall is going to be great. I’m starting to think of Christmas gift ideas and Halloween costumes. Let me know if you have any suggestions for Halloween, because it’s going to be pressing soon, and my ideas don’t seem to be too good.
My Google Reader has 85 unread blogs from the past week that I still haven’t gotten to because I’ve been feeling sick all weekend. I’ve been having these almost migraines that have been killing me. Yesterday I slept from 230-730 because of it, and today I had to leave my friends’ company early because I had it again. Go away headaches!
I have decided to paint my room, and have received permission from my landlords! I will post swatches soon to see what you guys think, because I need help deciding.
This weekend was all about the rediscovery of my childhood. The word that best describes this weekend is ‘Fantastic,’ and it ended up being so relaxing that they were the most enjoyable days ever.With my excitement from the past 2 weeks under me, I couldn’t wait for what lay ahead.
It was two weeks ago that I found out about the movies playing at the local independent theatre about a block away from my house. Every weekend they have a midnight double feature, and this Friday was The Dark Crystal and The Labyrinth. Two mystical classics that are so amazing. I had actually never seen The Dark Crystal, and was amazed by its awesomeness once it was over.
I ended up getting home at 4am that night, but knew that I had another day ahead of me the next, so went to bed as soon as I got home. Waking up at 930am, I headed towards the theatre again for old Saturday morning cartoons including Scooby Doo and The Bugs Bunny Show. This was followed by the most epic movie of my childhood, The Never Ending Story. Watching this movie brought back so many childhood memories. I remember watching that movie over and over, and eventually had reoccurring nightmares of a wolf chasing me through the wilderness. I had never connected the two until yesterday, and was completely horrified by the wolf in the movie. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. I left there feeling like I was a part of the never ending story and that if I had stopped having hopes and dreams like Bastian then I would ruin Fantasia forever.
The weather was incredible when we got out of the theatre. Bright and hot, it felt like the rain and grey had never ever been in Vancouver! A friend and I headed to Trout Lake close to my house and we ate Pez candy while daydreaming about life. We were learning to love everything around us as if every piece of the world was new to us. Like small children, we experienced the colours and plants and clouds around us, and were amazed by it all.
The fact that children think to themselves with so much more wonder fascinates me. It’s like you’re in your head way more when you’re younger. You look at something, and accept its existence, but wonder where it comes from, what it feels like or tastes like. What made it, and how did it get here? Then you try to put your thoughts into words and it is all jibberish and doesn’t make any sense. But it all makes sense in your head, and that’s when it gets to confusing for you to understand. Psychedelics may have had a big influence of rediscovering this, but it was definitely refreshing.
I’ve been thinking about routines lately. More about the fact that I don’t have much of one, and that I’d like to try harder than I have been. I’ve always remembered and planned things better when keeping them in an organized place like a day planner or a calendar, but seem to stray away from them when life gets less hectic.
I have officially started my 9 week yoga challenge, and kicked it off with a Saturday morning class on the weekend. I surprised myself seeing that I could hold my weight in certain positions, and had sweat basically pouring off of my face. My goal was to go yesterday, but was in too much of a negative mindset, and felt like I would not be bringing anything positive to anyone. However, I went to my second yoga class tonight, and it was amazing. Going at 8pm on a Wednesday proves to be great for my mental stability. Despite me feeling like I wasn’t doing the poses correctly, I still did them. And despite me not pushing myself to the point where it hurt, I still challenged and surprised myself with what I could do. And despite my right hip still hurting an hour later, the instructor applauded the energy I brought forth.
So I’ve decided to make an effort to go to yoga at least 3 times a week. I feel that this will be easy enough to accomplish, especially after work. Somehow my weekends end up being jam packed, but the studio is really closeby and I could go there before the day really starts.
I’ve also decided to start making it a point to explore and be more centered. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I feel like I have two sides to myself. The one which is calm and easygoing, where anyone can deter me into doing whatever they want (get your mind out of the gutter), and the one that stresses out, talks to her computer screen, and wonders why she works with a bunch of morons. I want to be able to let these things go more easily.
I also want to start cooking more exotic things, and trying different foods, but still maintain a healthy diet. The other day I tried avocado in my salad, which was pretty much the second time I’ve tried it since I was 10 years old and said, ‘Ew, gross! I don’t like it!’ Avocados and I are now friends, and I am planning to eat them more frequently from now on. I also bought myself a dragon fruit, and indulged about half an hour ago. If you’ve never had one, they taste like a kiwi and pear combo, with the consistency almost like a watermelon. They are so delicious! Let’s just pretend that handful of gummy bears I ate today never happened…
Sometimes I feel that this rock represents my knowledge of any sort of pop culture reference of any time period ever. Growing up I had television until I was 7 years old, allowing me to experience such amazing things as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Dinosaurs, Full House, old Disney movies and some oldies like the Goonies and E.T. but that’s about it.
During the year I went into second grade, my family moved to Pemberton, BC. It’s a small town with a population of about 2,000 now, and definitely less back then. We moved to the country where there were less negative influences around to sway me the wrong way growing up. We had no television (or means of getting any signal), no radio and a handful of neighbors in the same boat. Thankfully, we did have a VCR and a few movies that could keep me entertained. I must have watched Dumb and Dumber and Men In Black hundreds of times.
Now, if you think about it, someone growing up without any of these makes you have a completely different mindset about pop culture. I have no desire to watch television during my every day routine, and most of my music taste has been influenced by my close friends and some research online. I still have no clue as to who is famous or popular right now, or what movies are out that are ‘must sees’. Sometimes I really feel like I’m missing out. There have been many occasions where my lack of knowledge has effected me such as crossword puzzles, trivia board games and conversation with friends, which usually turns into them shaking their heads in disbelief that I’ve never heard of ____.
Lately I have started exploring old music that I have heard of but never consciously heard, and have a pretty decent list now. [See also: Dollars and Decades] I have since branched out to classic movies that I have not seen, and am just waiting for my roommate to yell at me about my downloading rate. But if it comes up I’ll simply say that I need to download these things to feel more complete and connected with the people I am surrounded by. Haha I’m hoping it doesn’t come up.
Here’s the list of what I have so far:
Scarface
Harold and Maude
American Graffiti (I’ve seen it, but can’t quite remember it)
Casablanca
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Gone with the Wind
Bonnie and Clyde (I’ve also seen this one)
I’m excited to be able to understand some cultural references with these under my belt, and would love to hear about other movies that are must sees! Send them my way!
ps. Yoga was amazing on Saturday and I cannot wait for tomorrow’s session.
This week feels like it has gone by faster than most others this summer. I’ve noticed with the days getting shorter and chillier, more people in Vancouver are getting more smug about the winter being on its way. This happened this morning, even, when I was on my way to work with my friend. ‘Gah… Awmb the wiiiinterrrr is comiiinggg! It’s going to be so coooold soon!’ she said. Hell-o-ooo?! Why are there so many people that completely give up on the first signs of fall and jump to horrid memories of cold winters? May I add that Vancouver winters are nothing compared to anywhere else?
The fall for me is always a time to reflect on the parts of the year that passed by so quickly. It’s the time of the year where I feel the most change occurs. The leaves on the trees fall, and I feel like I can let go. I find that it’s the best time for me to be creative, especially with Halloween and Christmas coming just around the corner. Regardless, I’m excited for what I am to discover within the next few months!
On another topic, it’s time for a lovely little blog award (my first EVER) passed onto me by one of my bestest friends in the entire world (not to mention on the other side of the country) Kyla Roma!
Here’s the deal. Name 10 things about yourself & give the award to 10 blogs you love.
1. I am a relentless homebody, am in love with anything crafty and wish I could finish all of the projects and ideas that I have started.
2. Two guilty pleasures in my life that I sometimes hate to admit: So You Think You Can Dance and Jay-Z
3. One day I would like to get a mustache tattoo on the inside of my right index finger.
4. I love love love getting things in the mail that aren’t bills. Send me something! I promise I’ll return the favour!
5. I get mixed reviews about the level of stress I create around me. My coworkers think I am one of the most stressed out people because I tend to talk to myself and swear under my breath, but my friends think I am the most calm, easy-going person they know. I tend to think that I get the stress out at work, and leave it there.
6. I once worked 2 jobs and went to school at the same time, and it lasted about a year.
7. I cannot save money for the life of me, but try really hard.
8. Anything from the 30s to the 50s will win my heart over.
9. I could read at the age of 4 and almost skipped grade 1 because of it. My grandparents talked my parents out of letting the teachers bump me up because I’d be with all the kids a year older than me and it might’ve ‘affected me socially.’
10. I don’t eat seafood, and haven’t since I was 10 years old. If there’s anything in it that came out of any sort of water source, I’m out.
Within the last few months I’ve really realized that my body is in horrible shape. Not the shape of it, but the fact that I can’t ride up the hill without gasping for air tells me that I really need more exercise. This thought occurred mostly when summer started (as it always does) and has caught up with me more recently. My friend Shayna and I have been journeying through our expedition to find the perfect bike for her, and found one yesterday!
I tried to convince her to come out with me for a quick cruise after work today, but she wasn’t up for it right away. I went home, hopped on my bike and got some running around done, mostly to buy stuff for my rat at the pet store. I swear I nearly killed myself getting up the hill to the store. But, I made it home successfully about an hour later.
10 minutes after I plopped myself on a chair, still inhaling the water in front of me, Shayna called me asking if I wanted to join her to the bank for a brief meeting with another friend, which was exactly where I went before! But I figured it would be a good excuse for me not to clean my house, and actually get out for being active for a little longer. I quickly changed (again) and made my way to meet her. It was nice to see that I’m not the only one who has a hard time getting up that hill, that’s for sure.
This brings me onto another topic that I’m excited for! Two of my friends and I have decided that we’re going to sign up for Yoga! We have found a place with the most competitive rates, and it is only 15 blocks away! Considering that we all have bikes now, our plan is to bike there, do a yoga class, then bike home. Easy enough, no? It will be great because we can push each other to get into it if the other doesn’t want to do it that day, or whatever scenario that comes up. Taylor comes back from Onterrible tonight, then I get paid on Friday and it’s ON LIKE DONKEY KONG, but in a peaceful kind of way.
