So long '13

I remember discovering the word epiphany in grade 6. It was in a book I was reading (I want to say Sarah Plain and Tall?) and after looking up the definition I thought the word sounded as wise as the act itself.  Epiphany: a moment of sudden revelation or insight. I think 2013 for me was a year of epiphanies. I thought I'd share a few:

Toronto is an odd, but amazing place.

I always thought Toronto would be a huge change but really life in some ways feel the same. But with more lights, more stores, more opportunities, more amazing food.  

mmm funnel cake. 

Apartment Life is Challenging

I always thought all my problems would be solved when Peter and I had our own place again, sometimes I'm a real idiot. I love our space, I love living together just the two of us but between hot water radiators leaking and warping the hardwood floors and the first two months with our screaming sex neighbours, finding places for all our crap... apartments still mean a heck of a lot of work.  

Still not okay with using the apartment building washing machines to wash my bra collection.  I call this hand washing technique the brabble bath.

I'm really a 65 year old woman at heart.

I wish I could always be asleep by 10, take bubble baths every day, cuddle on the couch rather than go out. I pretty much feel that way all the time unless I've bought new clothes. Someone get me some velcro rollers.

The one night I've gotten dolled up..in like September

Life is fragile

This Christmas my family definitely had an epiphany. While getting ready to open presents we got a phone call saying my Dad's best friend lost his battle with stomach cancer. He was more family than a friend, as soon as he retired he was at our house every day.

I was naive to the deep ache of true loss until this Christmas. 

To hug a friend I used to have tea parties with while our dads built a shed in the backyard and realize only one of us only still had father. To put into words that this man was like a half-father, always supporting myself and my mum whenever my own dad was in the hospital was a revelation on its own. 

but it gives and takes.

The same day as my family suffered a great loss, a dear friend of mine gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She's my first friend to get pregnant and I was so grateful to witness all the changes and for her to share her experiences with me. And even through my tears to see a photo of my friend's new baby couldn't help but make me smile. 

 

Rituals

I know I'm not alone in having rituals for watching the Victoria's Secret annual fashion show. Lots of my friends make cocktails, invite a friend over, share snacks and chat while they watch the show. Every year I usually do the same this year was a bit quieter as I was solo however that doesn't mean the ritual was less fun, me time is always good.

Kernel's Christmas Cheer popcorn with a touch of Pink.

I've wanted a souvenir from the show for years, got myself a cute nightgown 

Well and when at VS….buy pretty things.

Snow day!! Not really, I live in Toronto now

I always find whenever classes are cancelled my day goes one of two ways.

1.EXTREMELY PRODUCTIVE.
I will do everything on the crafts and home decor DIY sections of my Pinterest page.
I will bake something just for the heck of it.
I get all of my homework done.
Shop.
Cook a kick-ass dinner and feel like Rachel Ray.

What this old thing? I just made the Barefoot Contessa's Shrimp Scampi and homemade molten brownies from scratch just cause. #NBD.

 2. Waste your life away in bed.
Sleep in till whenever o'clock.
Maybe eat cereal around 2 pm.
Watch videos of otters being adorable. (click the link, honestly, adorable.)
Don't even think about showering.
Watch 1000 episodes of TV I've already seen like Supernatural or Mad Men.



(new low point, all bowls are in dishwasher, use a small mixing bowl to eat cheerios.)

It's only 11:27 AM. My day could still go either way.

Little Steps Forward

Since moving for grad school I've learned sometimes I agree to take on too much. I've been trying to work 25 or more hours a week on top of all my coursework and I'm so burnt out already. Though I've always been a workaholic I feel like I need to put all my focus into my portfolio and stretching myself this thin isn't working out too well. That in mind I've handed in my first 2 weeks notice. It was not fun, definitely thought I was going to puke. But right after I felt fantastic. The idea that I can focus on my writing, my ads and actually experience more of the city life is thrilling. Also getting more sleep is a big plus. Wish me luck.