Real, Not Ideal

In the interest of being honest, I have to talk about some recent failures I have had as an adult. These are not massive, mind-blowing, life-ruining failures, but the ones that just kind of grind your gears. I also fully believe that there is a lesson in everything. I have learned an odd lesson through these experiences, but nevertheless, here we go. Experience One: When my mom was teaching me how to quilt , I got to a point where she was not around and the thread ran out. I had NO idea how to fix it and the manual for the sewing machine was no help. The pictures did not include every step, and the instructions were not accurate. I spent at least twenty minutes looking up instructions online and finding YouTube videos to give me an idea of how to fix it. Even then, I figured it by mistake. Experience Two: I have a tendency to break things or get things stuck. The other morning, I was SO sure that I got the bottom of my mini blender stuck. As it turns out, it wasn’t stuck a...

I’m going to go ahead and say I am a self-proclaimed expert on studying abroad at this point. I did for the first time three years ago in Leeds and last year in Cardiff . At this point, four of my friends (that I can remember) have reached out to me to ask for advice on the subject. All of this is to say – take my advice. I know what I’m doing. If you’ve read this blog for a while, you may have already heard some of the things I have to say. I wrote lessons learned in Leeds   and lessons learned in Cardiff posts after I completed the years. However, hindsight has given me even more to say on the matter to make your study abroad the best it can be. Also, congratulations on doing this. I mean, have you ever heard someone say they regretted studying abroad? 1.        Don’t hang out with solely international students. This is my biggest piece of advice. That’s why it’s number one. In my experienc e, international offices are great ...

*I have been given this book as an ebook for free from NetGalley in exchange for a review. This journal-handbook is an absolutely wonderful guide to reflecting on your passions, what is important to you, and how to find meaning in life. I love the root notion: that finding your meaning in life is what will keep you alive and full of joy for as long as you live. The reflections are thoughtful, inspirational, and devoted to truly making you think about your life as you live it. The pages are beautiful and colourful. The artwork is absolutely stunning, and the activities aren’t time consuming (although there are exceptions). I am about halfway through the book, and I have already come to a better understanding of what brings me joy in life. I think this is a great companion for anyone who is feeling a little lost or can’t seem to find what brings meaning to their life. There are a few exercises that are difficult to accomplish (for example: ask a person you admire if you can ...

Guess who has been absolutely nailing adult life lately? It’s me! I am so proud of myself for what I have accomplished lately. A big moment for me was when I actually bounced back from a few days of setback. One of my biggest issues is that when I go off-track, I tend to stay off track. From Tuesday-Friday last week, I did not fulfil my daily duties. On Saturday, I went right back on board with everything. It’s a big deal for me. It means routines are really being established. Since my last post about my goals , I have really used the time I had left in the summer and post-surgery to the better myself. This is all about my updates. 1.        Read. A lot. Updated: Read One Book a Week. I have exceeded my goal of reading nine books in the summer. I am so happy that I signed up for Goodreads to keep track of and review the books I read. It’s just another platform to connect with like-minded people! Now, about this update. At the moment, ...

Controversial opinion: I don’t really like music. I’m not one of those people who can listen to music at all hours of the day. I listen when I’m in the car for a long period of time or when I’m writing blog posts (it’s on in the background right now). My favourite band of all time is Walk Off the Earth , and I’m always a fan of musicals, but music just doesn’t have a place in my everyday life. Enter podcasts. I got into podcasts a few years ago, and they are my go-to listening companion. I like learning things about myself and listening to other people talk while I’m busy washing dishes or getting ready for the day. They make time go by so much faster, and it really does feel like there are friends around me all the time. The podcasts I like are typically funny and conversational as opposed to scripted. I’ve listening to some and then deleted them because they weren’t personal enough. Below are my favourite podcasts right now. This list has changed since I started, and I think...

Well, that’s it folks. Summer is pretty much over. Goodbye ice cream and tan lines; hello cosy sweaters and warm drinks. Also, hello starting a new job (hyperventilating). I don’t feel ready. I have yet to set up my classroom (that’s happening in a couple of days), and I’m really just starting to get into my own routine (these past couple weeks have been the most consistent I’ve ever been with working out). I’m still waiting for the nerves to set in. I’m mostly just really excited about starting this adventure. Anyway, August didn’t actually feel like it flew by. It feels like I’ve lived a thousand lives in one month. I’ve been a patient, a daughter, a friend, a traveller, a big-leaper, and an independent woman. It has been crazy to look back and see the roller coaster of emotions I’ve felt this month. These favourites are what got me through it. 1.        Herb Garden I can say – with conviction – that I’m completely obsessed with...

Since last month's post went pretty well, and quite a few people viewed it, I’m going to go ahead and declare this a new monthly post! I have been loving going through all the pictures on my phone to see what I got up during the month. It’s also making me more mindful about what I’m taking pictures of. I’m never the person who whips out their phone to take pictures all the time (travelling being the exception) , so I’ve been choosing my moments carefully. What do I want to remember? What emotion is this moment connected to? Curating this post is a great way to connect to the way I’ve been feeling this month. The one thing people who know me understand is that I am the queen of grilled cheese. I spearheaded #grilledcheesefriday a few years ago, and it’s something I’ve carried on since. Once I could finally eat solid food again, I was thrilled to bring my weekly ritual back. On the August long weekend, my dad and I went on a little canoe trip. We honestly can’t...