With almost a month off from school over the holidays, I somehow thought the break would seem long and luxuriously slow-paced. 
I should have known better. Of course, it feels like it all sped by. Time flies when you’re hosting wonderful house guests, starting small oven fires (with some dope granola), slinging growlers at a hopping brewery, making merry with people you love…and having oh-so-much fun. Click to continue reading…
From Madrid, then south to Andalucía, and back up to Barcelona, it has been a sunny and wonderful whirlwind in España. After a bit of an unfortunate start to the trip, my ten days in Spain were like a dream.
It almost seemed surreal to be traveling through cities that became familiar during my time in Spain last year. Having been to all the cities before, the pace was more relaxed as I didn’t arrive with a checklist of things I wanted to see (but I did have a bucketlist of Spanish food that I needed back in my life!). More than anything, this trip was about the people. It was such a blast to travel with the friends I met last year in Huelva (and some cool new amigos), and to all be in one place again. (Muchísimas gracias to all my travel buddies and wonderful hostesses…you are all fantastic.)
As usual, I’m leaving Spain already fantasizing about my next visit, but for now it’s off to somewhere new…
Hasta pronto!
The end of a show is always bittersweet. After the final curtain call last Sunday, we put away all the costumes in a blur of glitter and sequins, colourful wigs and knight’s armour, packed up the set and all the silly props (coconuts galore) and that was it.
The accessories of a chorus girl…
Despite being a bit relieved that I don’t have to try and do school work backstage anymore, I still find myself humming tunes from the show and throwing around Monty Python one liners — the everlasting joys of Camelot (Spamalot!).
A chorus girl receiving roses? Thrilling! <3
It was a blast to be a part of Spamalot; it’s such a silly musical I think it would be impossible not to have a hoot onstage. I’m so glad I got to meet such wonderful people in the cast and crew — we had a ball.
Members of the ensemble (out of costume!).
Although a resolution of mine for the new year is to be less attached to my phone, I still love the little moments Instagram allows me to capture and share. 2013 was certainly a big year for me, and I’m so grateful for the adventure that was peppered throughout. Here’s to more years like these and wishing you a happy and healthy 2014, friends. Happy New Year!
Around this time of year I feel like I become a hybrid between a sentimental grandmother and an excitable child — ’tis the season? The twinkling lights, my favourite music, the snow, the gingerbread…none of it ever seems to get old for me. And then even uber-consumerist commercials can have me tearing up. I get caught up in it all pretty easily.
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the season, I just wanted to take a moment to say a big THANK YOU to all of you for making this little hobby of mine so much fun. This past week marked two years since I tentatively dipped a toe into the world of blogging, and I’m so happy I did. Continue Reading…
I turned 22 last week! When you and many of your friends turn 22 the same year that Taylor Swift comes out with a hit song about that very age, chances are you’ll hear it a lot. I’ll admit to totally loving the song – it’s super catchy, and who doesn’t enjoy a sugary pop song now and then?
Although Taylor’s words are wise, for my 22nd birthday I asked people who know me a little better than she to send me what they would say to a 22 year old. I asked for little “nuggets” of advice; either “words of wisdom” or something they wish they had known when they were 22. I received Chinese proverbs and Shakespearean quotes, wise one liners and whole pages of thoughtful advice…it was really great. How to feel about feeling 22? Read on…
Delicious chaos happening in the kitchen.
After spending Canadian Thanksgiving at the beach, my flatmates and I celebrated the American holiday with a slightly more traditional dinner this week. We were joined by a couple of our Spanish friends, our flatmate’s mum all the way from Atlanta, AND her dog who will be living with us from now on (a little chihuahua, who I affectionately call rat-dog…). Dinner came together rather chaotically in our small kitchen, as we each made something to contribute to our feast. It was a happy chaos; dancing around each other as we cooked, languages mixing over lively conversation, music blasting, cervezas in hand. We each talked about some thing(s) we were grateful for, and sat down together to a delicious spread of roast veggies, seafood paella, polenta fries, pumpkin pie and this fruit crumble. 
Dessert and/or breakfast. Perfect.
My parents and twin made the trip over in October, and I’m so glad I got to show them my home for the year and travel with them around the country. I had been feeling rather proud of myself, in that I hadn’t been feeling homesick at all since getting settled in, but when Thomas and I met my parents in Madrid I realized how much I had missed just seeing them everyday. Internet is great for keeping in touch, but it was super to catch up face to face. We spent a weekend with all four of us (just missing the two little brothers; you’ll have to come next time, S&R?! xo) exploring Madrid; examining art through the grand museums, enjoying cold sunny days through the streets and the parks, and trying a different chocolateria everday. It sounds cliched, I know, but I really am so thankful for my loving and supportive family — and it’s nice to have two Thanksgivings in Spain this year to remember that, although I know it everyday.
Chocolate, churros, sangria, mojitos…Madrid is tasty…
Gratitude is a nice feeling.:) Happy Monday!
There isn’t anything particularly special about today. It’s a regular Wednesday and I’ve been at work for most of it.
But it was beautiful outside. One of the first real fall-like days; crisp and sunny. Not cold yet, but sweater weather. And the sunny day turned into one of the clearest, starry nights. Even with the lights in the suburbs you can make out crystal clear constellations.
I had lunch with my step-grandma, and then coffee with my cousin. I don’t see either of them often, and it was lovely.
I went out for my last dinner in Ottawa (for now!) with two of my closest girlfriends.
The hair that Dunlop chewed off of his back paw is growing back and he no longer has to wear a sock to cover that hot spot!
I leave for Spain in six days. I am excited and nervous, and ready to go and a little afraid of doing so. But mostly excited!
My cousins from Vancouver sent me the cutest, funniest, homemade pre-travel care package.
My family and friends make me so very happy. I’m such a lucky kid, and so grateful.
There is nothing particularly special about today, but I couldn’t be happier.
