Archives for December 2015

BABBLE

Goodbye, 2015!

December 31, 2015

Goodbye, 2015! It’s coming to an end tonight; the ball will drop, the champagne will bubble, and the couples will kiss.

I’m sure many of you would agree with me that this year, although it may have started with a bang, was not as great as we would have hoped it would be. There were more downs than ups, and even though I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason, there are some things I can’t seem to find reasons for.

At the end of 2014, I was so stoked to start 2015 – it was going to be the best year ever. I was gonna focus on myself and make sure that I was the primary focus of my life. I would take the time to travel and visit places that I’ve never been before. I would do more things that ultimately made me happy. I am grateful for the things I did get to do, and the happy moments of the year. The only thing I can say about the not-so-happy moments is that I did learn from them.

I’ve decided, even though this year hasn’t been one of my best, that I would compile a list of my top 15 moments in 2015.

They’re not super amazing, and may seem simple or even not that important to some of you, but they’re the little things that made me happy.

15. 27th Birthday
It wasn’t a huge, spectacular occasion, but some girlfriends (and Dave) and I donned our very best pyjamas, ordered some pizzas and played some board games. It was the perfect holiday wind down, seeing as my birthday is the 2nd of January, and no one really wants to go out anymore. It’s a small win, but it starts the list of great memories for 2015.

14. New headshots.
I’ve gotten many acting headshots over the years, but this was the first year that my shots looked exactly the way I wanted them. Taken by Denise Grant (while hair and makeup was done by Christine Cho), the photos are p-e-r-f-e-c-t. They’re classic headshots that I’ll be able to use for a few years, hands down. Also, Christine is a makeup wizard – I felt absolutely gorgeous that day. Here’s one of my favorite shots from the session; how babely am I?

13. Blue Jay’s games.
Pre-playoff success, the Jays were killing the season. I was lucky enough to see two games this year, one against the Yankees and the other the Rays. I love live sporting events, and sharing those moments with friends is another great moment to look back on. Plus, the Jays are amazing, and who doesn’t love beer with friends?

12. First Kate Spade purchase.
In February I was having a pretty rough go with everything – I had a few health issues regarding my tonsils, and just felt super crappy. I wanted to make myself feel better, so I went on a mini-shopping spree and bought myself a bag/wallet combination that I’d been eyeing for a while now. I still take this bag with me everywhere I go. It’s perfect; big enough to fit a lot of junk in it, but small enough that it can be a day or night bag.

11. Calgary/Banff.
My first time seeing the Rocky Mountains definitely makes this list. Despite the chilly weather, seeing those snowy peaks was the highlight of my trip out to Calgary. The cold, crisp air make my cheeks a little red, but regardless, we grabbed ice cream and walked around the quaint little city. Watching the mountains span from one end of the world to the other (at least, that’s how it seemed when we were driving towards Banff) made me realize how massive the world actually is, and how little of it I’ve seen. I need to get one that.

10. Seeing the Whitehouse.
Since I’ve started watching Scandal and House of Cards, I’ve been obsessed with the Whitehouse and had been dying to see it. So in July, I ventured out to New York City and then took a train to Washington, DC with my friend Katrina. I was a very happy girl when I got to stand in front of Obama’s house. Not gonna lie, I definitely waved to him. I like to think that he waved back.

9. Shakespeare in the Park.
I love Shakespeare and all of his works, so while in New York this summer, what better way to spend the last full day in the city than to see The Tempest in Central Park. Tickets were free, so after having breakfast at Tiffany’s, we lined up and hung out in the sunshine for a few hours before scoring a pair. It was a masterful cast, starring Sam Waterston from Law and Order, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson from Modern Family. I was lucky enough to get a photo with Jesse after the show, too.

8. 4th of July fireworks.
Crossing this off of my bucket list was the best feeling ever. Ever since I saw The Sandlot, I’ve wanted to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July, just ’cause. Watching them and hearing “America, the Beautiful” play while standing on the lawn of the Mall, directly between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, was one of the best moments this year. Hands down, best fireworks ever.

7. Statue of Liberty.
I’ve been to New York City 5 times now, and this last time was when I finally got to get up close and personal with Lady Liberty herself. She’s kind of spectacular. I really do love seeing landmarks that cities are known for. The detail that was put into this statue is just remarkable. It was pretty neat heading over to Liberty Island via ferry and watching her grow larger and larger. Ellis Island – the next stop – was also incredible; being present where so many immigrants once stood and were accepted into the United States was pretty magical.

6. New tattoo.
I posted this a while back ago – you can read about it here – so I won’t bore you all by repeating myself. But check this bad boy out!

5. First Leafs game with Dad.
My dad’s been watching the Leafs since I can remember, but he’d never been to a game. So, when Christmas of 2014 rolled around, I got him a pair of tickets for one of the last home games of the season against the Ottawa Senators. It was both of our first times at an NHL game, and it was probably the best game to witness; not only did they win, but it went to a shootout. #GoLeafsGo

4. Filmed a movie.
Just like with the tattoo, I recently wrote a post about this, so click here if you want to read it. But, here’s me with Kevin Sorbo.

3. Became a student.
After thinking long and hard about this, I realized that I wasn’t very happy and something was missing from my life. I decided that the best thing I could do to help me turn my miserable into happy was to enroll in school again. I’m starting slow, just doing a few classes a week, but it’s something. And I was right; I am happier because of it. You can click this link if you want to read more about my decision.

2. Started my blog.
Pretty self explanitory – I love writing and sharing my opinion, and this helps me do this. I’m a creative soul and I needed an outlet. This just happened to be it. I would love for this to be a career eventually, or something more than just a hobby – but that’ll come in time. I do love this photo, though, because it shows how far along it’s come in just a few short months.

1. Found my passion.
I don’t have a photo for you here, but just imagine the one thing you love doing most in the world, and think of how happy you are when you’re doing it. Yeah, that’s the stuff. This ties into school, writing, journalism.. just being happy. I also started writing a novel; pouring your heart, soul, and words into something just feels right to me. Giving characters a voice helps me escape into a world that isn’t mine, and it’s a mini brain vacation. Writing has been the one thing I can do everyday; it doesn’t matter if it’s just one line or a few pages, but writing helps clear my head.

Despite the ups and downs of this year, I think that overall I have some great memories to look back on.

I don’t have any resolutions for 2016 yet, but if I do think of some, I’ll be sure to post them up so y’all can keep me accountable for them.

Like everything else, it’s out with the old, and in with the new. Here’s to health, wealth, happiness, and all the best in 2016.

Leave me a comment below and let me know what some of your resolutions are!

xo.

BABBLE

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2015

From my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas; may it be filled with good memories and warm cookies! Fill those wine glasses a little bit higher (I know I sure will), and why not make that rye + ginger a double? Sure, pile a few extra cookies onto that plate – seriously, calories don’t count this time of year!

Now, I don’t know about you, but it hasn’t really felt much like Christmas this year. Perhaps it’s the lack of snow and wintery weather, or perhaps it’s the fact that this year, Christmas just kind of crept up on all of us. I know that I haven’t been feeling the most Christmas-y this holiday season, despite my best efforts. To be perfectly honest, I think it’s because I was stressed when I was running around on very little sleep – of course, I make my own decisions and I don’t regret a single one, but it just doesn’t feel like Christmas.

And that’s okay. 2015 has been a long, emotionally draining year, so it’s alright that this holiday season is a little more lowkey than usual.

Regardless, ’tis the season to spend with those we love; our friends, family, and everything in between. Whether it’s a few text messages, a phone call, or physically spending time with someone, it’s the thought that counts at this time of year. There are no rules when it comes to the holidays. If you’re with family, cherish the moments; if not, enjoy the time on your own.

And hey, if you’re like me and you’re not really feeling the Christmasy vibe, just take the time to relax – read a book (or two), watch some movies, catch up on television shows; eat, drink and be merry (or, at least try to)! Do some baking, or cooking, or crafting – really, the sky’s the limit here.

Send the people you love warm wishes. Smile at a stranger as you walk past them. For those of us who have lost someone close to us, even though they’re not with us in the physical world, they’re still with us celebrating the holidays.

Have an extra drink for them. I’m sure they’d appreciate it. ;)

Cheers, everyone, and again, Merry Christmas!

xo.

BABBLE

Bullet Journal Week One

December 22, 2015

It’s only been a week, but I’m so in love with my bullet journal already I don’t know how I lived without it for so long.

On Monday night, I started creating a wishlist of things that I want to eventually call my own. There aren’t many right now, but I’m sure it’ll fill up eventually.

On Tuesday, I sat at Starbucks after I wrote my final exam for my Grammar course, and tried to plan out the next few days. I was feeling a little iffy about the exam I just wrote – I flew through it, briefly pausing and skipping a few questions, but answering every single one that I could and going back to the ones I didn’t get right away – but felt uneasy after handing it in.

There are two options here: I either flew through it because I understood everything, or I was completely wrong and bombed the entire thing.

But, “what’s done is done,” and that’s why I doodled that saying under Tuesday’s date. I can’t change the outcome of what I’ve already written – I either pass (which I really hope I do), or I fail. Simple as that. Seeing that quote in my bullet journal every once in a while when I flip back to that page really helps let that sink in.

Wednesday night, I decided to make a list of cities & places that I want to visit eventually – everything from San Fransisco, to Paris, to Vancouver, to Beijing – I love to travel. I haven’t seen enough of Canada, despite living in the country for 27 – nearly 28 – years. It’s time.

Thursday night after work, I sat and had a drink at the bar and wrote my 30 Under 30 bucket list (which you can read about here) while having a gin + tonic. Of course, I began planning for the rest of the week/weekend, too.

I find that I’m much more productive when I’m kept accountable for things, and tracking it all helps. Although it is easier to sit and for the week, there are things that come up that cause me to migrate certain tasks (usually laundry and various cleaning).

This week has been especially long and stressful, trying to balance work and real life and school and blogging – I’m mentally and physically exhausted, but it’s not over yet. I’m boarding a plane this morning and will be on my way to Sudbury for the holidays; it couldn’t come at a better time.

Of course, I’ll be taking my BuJo with me and keeping you all updated on what little things I choose to add, and will probably try to map out my 2016 layout! :)

What will you be adding to your 2016 bullet journal?

xo.

BABBLE

30 Under 30 Bucket List

December 20, 2015

I’ve created a 30 Under 30 Bucket List of 30 things I want to do before I’m 30.

In 742 days, I will celebrate my 30th birthday. That’s kind of a big deal. 30 is the new 20 these days, but it doesn’t mean I’m excited to be in my 30’s.

When I was younger, I always thought that by 30 I’d have my life together: married, 2 kids, awesome job, beautiful house, you know the deal. Then again, when you’re 10, 30 seems a million years away. I’ve never really been one to be afraid of turning a certain age, but the fear of not having lived the life I wanted to live, or having done the things I wanted to do is certainly real. And it’s creeping up on me.

I’m freaking out just a little because that’s only a little over 2 years to complete the list.

Some of these things aren’t too crazy, but they’re things I’ve wanted to do, or experience, at some point in my life. So why not now? A few of the things on this list I’ve already done, but I couldn’t keep them off: 4th of July fireworks and visiting the exterior building used in FRIENDS, for example.

In no particular order, my 30 Before 30.

See the Eiffle Tower at night.
~~Watch the 4th of July fireworks in Washington, DC.~~
Write a novel.
Spend New Year’s Eve in NYC.
~~Kiss someone at midnight on New Year’s Eve.~~
Go apple picking.
Visit relatives in Poland.
Get something I write published.
~~Visit the FRIENDS building in NYC.~~
Go on a hot air balloon ride.
~~Appear in a movie/TV show.~~
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.
~~Participate in a flash mob.~~
Learn a different language – I’m thinking Spanish.
Take a spontaneous trip; as in, go to the airport and take the first flight out to anywhere.
Get a job in my field – either in the Entertainment industry or in Journalism.
Adopt a kitten.
See the West Coast of Canada.
Visit the HOLLYWOOD sign.
Participate in a Color Run.
Put a piece of gum on the gum wall in Seattle.
Own a really nice camera.
Get matching tattoos with someone special to me.
Write on the ‘Before I Die’ wall in New Orleans.
Go whale spotting.
Visit the Salem Witch House.
Visit the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville.
Take a photo at Robin Williams’ star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Stand in two places/states/towns/provinces at once.
Be happy.

Yes, a lot of these things require travel, but traveling is something I love doing. What better way to spend your life, than doing all of the things that’ll make you happy?

Road trip, anyone?

xo.