fifty-six

2012-02-01T19:43:00.001-08:00

Today was a laid back day. I always feel guilty though and very lazy. I didn't make dinner, at breakfast at 1 PM. Watched Australia and Out of Africa. Both very long movies, the first was good, Out of Africa I got bored the first 10 minutes. :/ A shame, I was looking forward to it and it had good reviews.

I also began to do a small search for traveling abroad. Through a nanny service. A friend of mine is doing it now in Switzerland and I love looking through her photos and hearing her adventures. I found the nanny site through a travel forum and we'll see how it goes from there. It would be a wonderful experience, to work with kids, to learn a new language, etc. I hope something comes out from it.

My bookmarks are starting to add up again. Lot's of pages to read up on! Tomorrow movie day with M. My eyes hurt from starting at 2 screens all day. Yesterday was downtown with C. We went to H&M and then ended up in the library to work on some design work. There was a man who kept swearing into his phone, another guy who kept making calls on his phone, another person who didn't realize their phone was ringing? And then I saw a girl on the ground across the street, lying in the wet pavement?! It was strange because I had looked up and saw two girls walking and I noticed one had a very neon green bag. I looked down and then a few seconds later looked up again and she was there talking with her other friend on the phone by some random girl on the ground? The fire fighter arrived and they began to put tubes/masks and lift her head. Then some other girl came out of nowhere, guessing it was the friend she had just visited or something. The ambulance finally arrived and took her away.

I hope everything turned out alright! What a scary thing to happen she was in her 20s for sure, so young. It was just so random and shocking to see. Before when we were walking up to the library we had seen a fire fighter drive by and the sirens were on and we were saying how slow it was driving? How is it possible to save somebody when they are driving so slow. It's scary to drive downtown at a fast speed and have to watch out for pedestrians/crazy cars/taxis.

Then waited long for the streetcar because it was rush hour. But got to get back home on the express bus thankfully and stopped into the library for my hold. I think tomorrow I might bike/walk to the library. I have been lazy for far too long. The weather was so nice yesterday I didn't want to be stuck inside on the computer. We did walk a bit but still. The weather for Jan/Feb this year is surprisingly warm. I had my thin coat and even unbuttoned and my scarf was making me sweat, my whole sweater was wet. And now this is all too much detail.

I just realized it is Wednesday, I thought it was Tuesday for some reason. I have been applying to places I never thought I would, and I never thought I would again. But it's time to get back to gettting paid bi-weekly and having a routine and saving!

Have started my skin routine with manuka and lavender/chamomile, let's hope for the best. Also have started reading my car manual book. Well it started because I couldn't fall asleep, but need to get into it some more. Ah and need to send a letter, 3 actually! J is off in Quebec now!

2012-01-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Salvation Army ($8.99)

Picked these up after deciding forever whether or not to get them. It was a beautiful day and I ended up walking, then walking into stores. Flats make my feet look so long and big these are kind of grandma-like if you wear them the wrong way.

Gift received from A's mami. :)

Gift from E for Christmas. It is very warm!

Gift from M. So smart having 2 pairs.

Romwe Cross Ring $9.99

I thought I'd have trouble wearing it, but it is actually very comfortable and doesn't get in the way at all. Maybe perhaps at work when I need to hold a bunch of things?

Wal-mart $10

My old watch from Ardene's broke (strap) so I picked up a new one quickly during my lunch break where I also bought a phone.

Gift from M on Christmas. A lovely green cardigan with material buttons. It looks black here?

Talize $4.99

A purchase from a few months back. It's an H&M sweater I found in the men's section at Talize, a size small but lowest price ever. I wear this all the time because it's so warm and cozy and works with everything. Having trouble hand washing it though. So heavy when wet.

$14.99 (?) H&M

A need purchase. I just needed something to put under my other dress which is transparent. But I might like to wear this with a blazer and belt or something sometime as well.

A lovely item that we got in a bag of old goodies from a family friend. What a find! It's a much nicer colour, a rich emerald green.

$19.99 H&M

This was the only size (2) left and I tried it on and it fit perfectly. I'm usually a 6, sometimes a 4 so was very surprised. And have always wanted something in this style but wasn't up for spending $20 on it. In the end I caved and wear it all the time! Love it.

Romwe $27.50

I still cannot believe I bought this. I saw the maroon skirt on another blogger's site and it looked very nice. But it was sold out but I thought black was real nice and classic as well and somehow spent $30 on buying it..and after I realized it's pretty short. It was the darn, cheap belt that got me to get it. And it's real cute but I'm afraid too short but going to try to make it work.

$15 H&M

Before it went on sale I kept eying this skirt on the mannequin. Then I tried on a size 4 and 6. Size 4 I couldn't breath in and bought this one in the end. Have yet to wear it. It's a bit long, goes over the knees which makes it an awkward length, very grandma like so might have to hem a bit. I loved how it was a different shade, instead of all the black/grey skirts I do own.

2012-01-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

I have been looking through photos of mountains, European forest/tree, backpacks, biking, maps, lakes, etc. I have been good and keeping up with my German lessons, at least for 1 hr a day. Even if it's just listening to German dialogue. Still something. I tried to download some apps for my iPod but they don't seem to work. Have been cooking/baking a lot as well. Burgers, cupcakes, tomato soup, spinach salads, rice, pierogi (well frozen this doesn't count), etc.

Went over to M's for our weekly movie nights. We watched Boondock Saints II (horrible) and 50/50 (good). We have also started a movie list. I have started my own on IMDB as well. Moved my pink chair down to the living room so I have space now. No shifts at work, I did send my resume yesterday to 17 places (5 non-design jobs). Very productive, which is good. Didn't even get out of bed at 11:30 AM just kept sending things. We didn't end up going to mass yesterday because M came home late. He was doing a snowmobiling course that weekend too, pretty cool. My hair has been co-operating well after I was it and have actually kept it down. It's also easier to keep it down in winter because it's A. Cold B. You need to wear a hat. But I don't mind the length and this is after I bought that voucher for a hair cut haha.

The following photos are from some cupcakes I made last week. There was a box of cake mix sitting around and since the cooking/baking mood has kicked in. I practiced some German last night for an hour and have a lot of new vocabulary now. Once it gets to grammar I fall apart however. This week I have 2 meetings (Tuesday & Friday). Need to work today on two logos for tomorrow. And focus on photographing my work and updating my site. Also starting a facebook page or photography site for freelancing. It's time to get serious. J has also let me borrow her camera to do some HD filming which can get me started on Adobe After Effects. Need to clean off my computer from all these photos and other files from last year. Thank goodness I had done my bookmarks. The bookmarks are starting to collect again however this time organized at least in folders.

I have also come to a point where I realize it's ok if I don't have a design job at the moment. I realized I still want to try out so many things, like teaching English abroad, or doing missionary work in Guyana, things you can't do once you have a stable job. I can't go away for 4 months then. It's time to relax a little. Moving out though is still on the list. Mama and I were talking about one family friend who was 27 and wanting to move out and find a job, she found one an hour or so away from here and I hope she's happy. But there are so many other people still living at home. I'd be fine if it wasn't this neighbourhood. ;)

I was taking photos of purchases and gifts (yes still from Christmas) I received and as horrible as this sounds I can't remember what I received. Going to try to write it out:

Mama & Tata: ? (I am horrible)
E: IKEA clothes hanger
J: Hat
M: Franny & Zoeey
Mo: Broke Horses Book, Carpet bag purse
Mi: King Arthur/Pinocchio Vintage Book, Green Cardigan
Er: Scarf & Glove set
Su: Feather ornament, coconut bath set, Lindt chocolate
Mi:

2012-01-26T18:36:00.000-08:00

A post about Madrid, today. It was hot. That is all. ;) I have never had so much water in my life. I remember driving into Madrid on the bus and looking around at everything, it was exciting to finally be there after traveling for what felt like so long. Madrid we spent mostly shopping. Which is a bit unfortunate because I had ended up leaving alot of the shopping till the last minute. And I promise myself right now, the next time I travel everyone is getting a key chain. Buying clothes, accessories, books, etc. just ends up costing a lot and my suitcase is always over the limit. ;) Thankfully the way back to NY the airport man at the front desk was very nice.

What I enjoyed was having Burger King with our group. I don't eat fast food, so having a coupon and enjoying the chicken sandwiches, fries and coke was lovely. We spent our shopping at Pull & Bear, 3 H&M's all in the same area, first time at Top Shop, Bershka, Lefties, Springfield, Stradivarius, etc.

It was hot but I wasn't sweating. I tried to get in contact with a family member while I was there but things didn't turn out as planned. It was very fortunate that we got free transit passes to use. We were able to take the bus down from where we were staying in Algete. I love transit, when it doesn't involve transit from home. We had a mass (St. Isodores) one morning then were free to walk around. There was some shoe shopping, we had seen so many amazing shoes the whole trip around Spain and both ended up buying a pair. We walked a lot, had to eat and found a Domino's Pizza (since we had vouchers) and we ordered big pizza's for each of us. I have never been inside such a crowded pizza place. So many people, so hot, somehow we found a seat at the beginning. We then ate on the street and fed a dog. We walked around with a big Mexican flag.

We walked along Gran Vía. There were long searches for a bank. There were many WYD groups walking around everywhere, singing, yelling, in matching t-shirts, etc. We ended up at a Starbucks where one one friend was skyping with a friend back home. I'm surprised I actually ended up going to these American places, I try to step away and try something new of course, it only makes sense, that's what travel is for. It was only in Madrid however. ;) While at this Starbucks I got to check up on my facebook and for sometime I looked at photos of E, M & J and actually missed them all. :) I bought me a lovely Mediterranean smoothie to end the day off.

We then took the metro back up, after asking in incorrect Spanish (Algete) on how to get back properly. We got back just fine, thank goodness for good way finding. We took the bus back and went to the grocery store. I wanted to buy some snacks for the plane ride back. We ended up buying ice cream and walking back to our sleeping place.

There was so much more I wanted to see, I wish I had gone into museums and galleries as well. The line-ups were long however but most things we discounted for our WYD groups, it was a good opportunity. :)

Today I spend hand-washing some clothes, because I learned my lesson from being lazy and throwing anything into the laundry machine is not the best idea. ;) I made a facebook account for Snoopy. Started watching Pan Am, focused on getting some new German words and printing out flash cards, made some dinner, ate all the cupcakes I made yesterday, etc. Yesterday had a magazine meeting, and a bus ride with J. Tomorrow meeting with C I'm guessing and have an environmental meeting and then movie night with M. I have been putting off zumba for awhile now. I should shower, but I really want a sandwich. This post was a bit boring.

2012-01-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

Postcards from Barcelona. I really wish we stayed longer, I was looking forward to seeing all the Gaudí work around the city. We spent the day with a mass and after split up into groups to go see the Sagrada Família. We also got to cut the long line up since we had our pilgrim passes and a cut price as well! Very, very fortunate! The outside was big, and it looked very neutral from a quick glance. But when I got inside through the doors filled with a raised typeface I was struck by how colourful and unexpected it all was. I was expecting another classical looking interior, with a lot of old wood and Saints decorating the walls. But this was so different. I felt as if I was inside Dr. Seuss's book or Willy Wonka. The colours, the lighting, the height, the shapes, etc.

I ended up sitting in one corner and even sketching in my notebook, and I never sketch, but something prompt me to start. I wanted to remember the details not through photographs but from being there at the moment, in the present. They are very ugly sketches but I remember how happy I was sitting there. I checked out the Crypt and viewed the sketches and plans. I stepped into the gift shop briefly but there were too many people. There was also a display of how he used organic forms, plants, nature, honeycombs, etc. for his inspiration and for technical architectural terms as well. I could write on forever but it would have to be more of an essay than a blog post.

We then took the Metro (I was so happy using their ticket machines, so clever, and in 3 or 4 different languages, not difficult to use at all) to a stop nearby Park Güell. Then we had to walk up. The walk up was the most interesting, it was very, very hot! Not as hot as Madrid but I was soaking. And Barcelona has some very interesting escalators because they were outdoor escalators! I had never seen anything like it and loved it. :) But the hill was so steep and the heat just made the walk even funner. ;) We arrived at the Park Güell and it felt as if we were in Arizona or Mexico, the colours, the plants, the dirt. It always feels like a different world when you step into Gaudí's masterpieces. We walked through quickly, the view of the city as seen in the postcard photo above was such a nice view. We ended at the entrance actually. The mosaics were so creative, I want my future home to be decorated with it. There are two buildings at the entrance of the park, I only went into one and it was a souvenir shop but the lighting inside was also so nice. We also quickly walked by the colonnaded footpath.

The other group who decided not to go to the park ended up going to Las Ramblas instead. At first I was contemplating going as well but decided not to in the end. I didn't feel like shopping and really wanted to see as much art as I could instead. I did get to see a bit of it in the end, but it was mostly souvenir booths and random acts. We ended up at the bottom by the Monument a Colom.

I hope one day I get to go back to Spain on more relaxed sort of trip. I did get to see a lot during this WYD pilgrimage, but one day in some places was not enough. There are still the Güell Pavilions, Casa Calvet, Porta Miralles, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, etc. And also Madrid, it felt so big, even though we ended up going down the same street like 5 times and running into three different H&M's like 3 minutes away from each other.

I don't know why I started writing so much about Barcelona. I was supposed to write that today spent it up North in the library for 5 hours working on posters and other nonsense. It felt like I did nothing but I guess I finished something, even if it was a little. Tomorrow yet more design work and some fun (cupcake baking/decorating). Then waiting for a response (e-mail) for Thursday. If no response, more design work (environmental). Friday exploring with C, environmental meeting and then movie night with M.

I had my interview today, it took 2.5 hours to get there, maybe a bit less, like 20 minutes less. ;) Still far. It had begun to snow a bit and since the morning of course my hair was not co-operating. Really? The days I need you to be on my side you are not. The people I interviewed with were very nice and down to earth and loved the studio! Unfortunately, it didn't go through, but I did realize I really like making invitations and I need to make a light box. ;) It's just time to try again and work even harder. It's hard to find a design job, and it's even harder to find a design job that suits your style. This whole month has been filled with design work. Woke up at 7:30 AM today much better than 2 PM and now it is 12:45 AM and I don't want to wake up at some ridiculous time so off to bed. The little one also has her exams this week! Wow so grown up!

2012-01-23T13:11:00.001-08:00

Got up at 2 PM..horrible. It was raining. I even got to bed at around 11:47 PM I remember but couldn't fall asleep so at 12:38 AM got up and began to read which put me to sleep, so why I slept till 2 PM today I have no explanation for. So some positive news, I have 2 things to look up to in the next few days, maybe some hope. :) But also a tough decision if both things turn out positively.

Also obsessed with Pinterest. 22 Boards & 2168 Pins...but all these images would have been sitting on my computer otherwise. Taking up space. And this way everything is much more organized. I used to try this with Photobucket and other photo uploading sites but it would either shrink/distort the photos and I wasn't able to include credit for the photos, it's good to have sources to look back to.

I have been looking at plan tickets lately. To London, Istanbul, Berlin, Munich, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, etc. Just to get a picture of how much all flights costs, of course it depends on what airline/time of the year/etc. I also have some bookmarks with sites saved on how to move to Germany and such. At the moment it is not a possibility, but it's good to have an early plan. It's nice to talk to my travel buddy M, whenever we meet on the bus coming from work we get alle excited about traveling. She is so focused and I can't wait for her goals to go through! And she is working extra hard to get them done. I think she saves her money very well and focuses on school and studies hard. When she wants something done she gets it done. We both like shopping that is the worst though. I have been good and haven't bought anything useless in the past month. It helps when you don't work in a store as well..So all motivation right there and I have to keep my mind on these things. I need to learn German, too. Put it off for a while since I last did any sort of practice. And put it off all weekend as well.

Czas Honoru is the best show. I can't wait every Saturday to watch it. Since it's on the Polish channel it shows Saturday's around 2:30 and then at 8:35 PM. It also repeats itself Tuesday mornings at 7 AM and I actually woke up last time when I missed it to watch it. I am into watching Columbo now. I never had much time before..until now. I used to watch random episodes when mama, tata & wujek used to watch it. But I either had homework or work. On Season 2 now, and it's much better then The Saint.

I made a list last night of all the design work I need to focus on this week, so should get started, since I wasted some time now doing nothing.

2012-01-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

Flowers that tata got mama for their anniversary this year. Tata said to throw them out and mama said she didn't want to but didn't know where to keep them. They seemed to match my room. ;)

The 5 random rings I received in the mail from JWLRY.

The shot glass from my lovely Spanish family from Washington. ;) We played so many games and with our tickets we bought laffy taffy and they got me this and a Spider-man key chain. ;)

A gift from M for Christmas. The book beside I also got from M however for my birthday. I love the old feel and that it's two books in one.

I finally ordered the Great Gatsby with the cover I wanted online. Re-read it again as well.

Birthday Present from P. 1985! Lot's of inspiration. And such a thick book.

A lovely carpet purse, very Mary Poppins from M for Christmas!

I woke up before 8 AM today and probably went to sleep around 4 AM in the end. And woke up no problem. After days of going to sleep at 3:30 AM. Put away some grocery. Went for a walk in the woods with S. It was chilly but the sun was out so a nice winter day walk. Then helped cleaning and finished cleaning my books/clothing rack. Then mama taught me about Microsoft Excel and then we made burgers together for dinner. It was a nice day. :) Then some Columbo Season 2. Some photos as posted up here. Went to mass then Czas Honoru when we came back. So much done!

2012-01-20T23:14:00.000-08:00

Wow, the things that can get done without having internet/facebook. I completed a wedding design set today. I was having trouble last night with focusing. A lot on my mind. But then I deactivated my facebook and today had no internet since I was at UofT. Even though I am done school and all I felt so happy being on the UofT campus, and looking at all the "cool University kids" as I used to call them before school. ;) And even though I am probably older than half of them, they still are the cool university kids. Haha.

So had no internet in the library so had to focus. I also didn't eat! Since 12:30 PM and I got home around 9:30 PM. That is dedication..also not good. But I ended up getting most of the ideas while watching Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows Part 1 with J and eating too much chocolate.

I was at Honest Ed's today as well, got some hair moisturizer I wanted to buy last time. There were also 25 cent green blazers. They were a bit too long and poor material but oh my word 25 cents?! I can't even buy water for that much.

The time I spend on the computer has not been good. I think tomorrow I might take a break for a bit. My eyes and head will start hurting. Oh M is back! Had the first energy meeting today and it went good. I have a lot to do in the next few weeks, but not as worried anymore. I have ideas, I need to just focus and get things done in an organized fashion. This time I cannot get things done last minute, they can't just change the date of the event. I have asked A about t-shirt printing, and having 3 more meetings in the next 2 weeks. I also have a W meeting and probably an OTM one as well next week. Lot's to do and no shifts at work. :( But I am hoping they start to pick up close to when I have to start paying back my loans.

I also called the bulletin printers to try to get them the file they need? It was a bit strange calling and they didn't have Indesign? But I am guessing that most of the bulletins are made fairly simple, and are printed every week so they can't be too challenging. Probably on simply Microsoft Word and Illustrator. I joked with mama about Page Maker. ;) So hoping that the files I sent work out well and it all prints according to our plans.

There has been a lot to think about the past few days about the present and the future. And I have to learn to live in the present and be a better person. Because supposedly I am scary. ;) I hope this Sunday during mass I take some extra time to pray, that was one of my goals for the new years to pray more. I don't usually talk about religion here or outside of mass/WYD/etc. And I may start to do it a bit more. Weekend time. :)

2012-01-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

I think I am going to hold off being on the internet all the time. It takes up a lot of time, wasteful time, which I could be using instead on something more productive. I had wanted to learn German, Spanish and French. I have many design projects I have to complete. I need to focus on learning how to cook. ;) And read more. I also wanted to play guitar. But it feels as if I am always sitting here instead. It's also funny how some things pop into your life out of nowhere.

2012-01-18T20:57:00.001-08:00

Ugh I was late 30 minutes to a meeting today because I had it mixed up with a previous meeting date. :/ And I didn't realize until the evening. I don't like being late. I always am half an hour early at least. I was in the library since 5:45 as well reading and waiting. Today I tried the Jillian Michaels workout. I am not a fan of her workouts, but got this one for free so tested it out. And last weekend J and I got back into boxing. And I am very out of shape! And my technique was all over the place.

Had my interview yesterday and it went good. So a little intern for the next 3 months. I am pretty excited. :) Something more in my style. So this year I am set on finding a job. I just applied to one that looks very nice, invitations to be exact. And the designs are beautiful! I think if anything, this is what I will end up doing. I called about the bulletin today and it is complete! Just had to fix up 2 tiny adjustments. But now I need to call the printers because they can't seem to open the PDF? On Sunday while waiting for the train I also finally listened (well half way) through Christopher West, that I had on my iPod since last year.

The next 3 months are going to be very, very busy. A lot of design work, this feels like school all over again. Have to re-send the bulletin file on a different program. Need to work on the sponsorship package/logo for tomorrow. Need to think of some ideas for the next article. Need to create a wedding invitation in the next 2 days. I should have woken up earlier. I don't have any shifts for next week. Which is good and bad. I have time to design but no money. And OSAP is coming around in April..2012 is off to a busy start. :)

2012-01-16T16:44:00.000-08:00

Just cleaned out my 700+ bookmarks from my computer. Wow, how did it get so messy? The last time this happened was in school. Watching The Darjeeling Limited and re-organized my room. The problem is, everything doesn't fit in my room anymore. My speedball, my chair and guitar.. There is more room in the centre now however. I also realized I have many books. Nothing compared to my parents or Beauty and the Beast, but I don't know where they all come from. They just add up.

I should be working on finding 10 cover images, M's logo/business card and reading up on Sustainable Energy. I wish I was watching Cracks. Again. I had some strawberries and sugar. Don't remember the last time I had that, we used to have it all the time when we were little. The video posted, I don't really like the music, but the video is very nice. I have an interview tomorrow. Then after I will do some design work and go to work (after a week).

Tata was feeling sick the past two days. Saturday, mama and I went grocery shopping, it was really nice. And Sunday we 5 went to mass and had a nice ride home talking about ghosts and spirits and a bad lady driver, then went to the bank and dropped off J and then E felt nauseaus. Then we watched some Szansa na Sukces with Myslovitz!

It is now raining. The movie was bad, but I liked the visuals. Finished M's logo. Cleaned up the floor a bit..still no room for anything. Too lazy to finish cleaning books. I realize when I am bored at home I eat, I just always feel like eating. I wish I was living in another neighbourhood. Having some time off from work has both been good and bad. Sometimes you have so much time you don't know where to start. And other days it feels like you cannot keep up with everything on your list.

2012-01-14T18:36:00.001-08:00

Images from ASOS and Modcloth

2012-01-11T22:22:00.001-08:00

S reminded me of Summer Heights High, so that is what I have been watching this evening. I can't believe it lasted only 8 episodes, 1 season?! How is Jersey Shore still alive and this isn't? Today was a nice, simple day. I woke up a bit late, it's 1:22 AM now and tomorrow morning the same thing will happen. I had a phone interview this morning, as my face was covered in dots of lotion..how professional..glad it wasn't real life.

After I grabbed two slices of banana loaf and went to the bus. Beautiful weather today, sometimes a bit windy. But for the most part had my thin coat and was fine. I was at school first to meet with D about the sustainable project I will be working on in the next few months. A bit nervous about it. The one from last year that D made was amazing! I was at school a but early and also worked on some magazine work.

After the meet-up (where I realized I need a portable back-up..Western Digital Back-up Drive/ My Passport Studio) saw A & S by the elevator, I always see them at school, when I don't even go to school anymore. ;) I went to print my 83 book (2 copies finally) and some magazine layouts and posters. And got $5 off! Yay! I love that printing place, wish I lived closer.

Then was about to take the streetcar and then realized I had time and had to buy some things so I walked down Queen Street. The weather was fine. I haven't walked all the way down Queen Street since 2nd year or 3rd? So many new places. And the new Joe Fresh, I had only seen it from the streetcar but didn't step in this time anyway. So many Tibet stores as well. I ended up at Capital Espresso for some Jasmine tea and read a bit more of Franny & Zooey which I got for Christmas.

After we had our magazine meeting. I was a bit worried to show my work, like always, but it went good, and everyone else showed their work and it was so good! And we just had a nice meeting. Then A was nice enough to give me a ride home. I think I will make cupcakes this weekend for the staff meeting. J is going to Quebec. E has cooked lunches for school for 2 days now haha. After I made her make tomato soup yesterday which she eats with bread, which I think is just crazy. It's 2:52 time for sleep.

Ugh my face has broken up so much the past few weeks, but especially this week. I don't know what else to do with it.

2012-01-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

I was looking through a friend's photos, she is living now in Switzerland and is a nanny. But she has posted photos of her many European trips, and looks like she is having such a good time! I think I want to become a nanny in Switzerland now as well. Bleh design. This week I have have no shifts at work so need to get a few things done, it's time for the famous list:

~~+ Design notebook~~
+ Call about package ***
~~+ E-mail Professor~~
~~+ Interview (Thurs 1:30)~~
~~+ Print out layouts~~
~~+ Yoga mat~~
~~+ Christmas Gifts~~
~~+ Magazine Intern Poster~~
~~+ Magazine GD meeting~~
~~+ Magazine Book Review~~
~~+ Fix bangs~~
~~+ Franny & Zoeey~~
~~+ Cooking/Movies with M~~
~~+ Meet-up with D~~
~~+ Resolution Print-out~~
~~+ Organize bookmarks~~
~~+ Clean/Re-organize room/Bulletin/Rings/Horse~~
~~+ Dates/Calendar (Show Us Your Type, Zumba,~~ Zine)
~~+ Laundry~~
~~+ UofT meeting (Friday)~~
~~+ Magazine Numbers~~
+ Organize CDs/Desktop/~~Stickies~~
~~+ Interview Tuesday~~
+Phone Number/Address Book
+ Receipts
+ Fitness
+ TIFF tickets
+ Sign up for zumba
+ Print out wagjag deals
+ WYD photos
+ Magazine Bookmark
+ Outfits
+ Ironing
+ Library books
+ M's business cards
+ Birthday list/Packages/Cards
+ Moving Berlin/Munich/London information
+ Sewing
+ Movie list (Birds, The Darjeeling Limited)
+ German Lessons
+ Cooking/Recipes
+ Letter to Babcia
+ Photos of gifts/purchases

I really want go to IKEA. Hot dogs, Frozen Yogurt, buying things to organize your room, I wish I was in Sweden. Yesterday we had a funny time dressing Wujek up as lady Bogusia. I used the granny floral carpet bag purse that M got me for Christmas once now and I loved it! I fit my lunch in it one day to work and it was just so pretty. I don't know why I held off using it till now. :/ I want to use it everyday!

Around the late afternoon I started to feel very nauseous, when mama had come back actually. She opened the window and I slept from around 5:30- 8 PM. I wasted a lot of time online today and was mad at myself for it as well. Somehow, I managed to complete the final touches of the book review layout. Tomorrow the intern/bookmark projects. I meet with M tomorrow to look over the logo I created for her and we decide on business cards.

2012-01-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

This week I was away in Washington/Maryland. It was a long bus ride, longer than New York or Spain. I have taken this route before but this time around it felt like a long trip. But it was worth it, I had a wonderful time visiting a friend from WYD. I got a ride downtown and took a traditional stop at Starbucks, it seems to always be the plan before a bus ride anywhere. The few days I stayed were very nice, A's family was so welcoming.

We went to the doctor/hospital, went to zumba, Dave & Buster's, had golden fingers, Skype with a friend in California, saw three deers in the backyard, saw many creeks, Washington monument (leaning), The Lion King, dancing & singing in/out of the car, Georgetown Cupcake, went to visit the elementary school (felt like detention), ate so much food (mm tamales, chicken, rice), random jogs around dark plazas, National Museum of Natural History, Butterfly Exhibit, meeting with WYD friends at Ruby Tuesday's, Metro rides, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Home videos of quinceañeras, dishes, nice shoes, Chinatown/Chinese Town, sleeping diagonally on bed, Target, random encounters with uncles & cousins & friends, etc.

Today us 4 went to mass, then we came back and I helped mama help prepare a bit for J's birthday. We also put make-up all over Wujek and couldn't stop laughing. We had tacos and Chinese noodles. Yesterday, I was at work since 2 and then took the bus part way to Ciocia's house, we had koledy, I wasn't in the best mood and we left at 3 AM.

2012-01-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

It is 2012, hurray! The year 2011 was an amazing one and I am now going to make my annual happy list to remember all the wonderful experiences/accomplishments. Some are very small and some are very big. You tend to forget over the year what has happened:

1. Spain, Portugal, France
This was a trip beyond amazing, I met some great people, took so many photos and am very happy I got experience a second WYD, and got to see the pope like 3 metres away from me!

2. Magazine
I got a volunteer position at a vintage fashion journal! Got buttons made.

3. Graduated University
Had my grad show, finished my thesis, graudation!

4. Camping at Pinery
Though it was a very hot trip with S, M & E it was a lot of fun trip, ukulele, trying to learn to swim again, swimming in the evening, etc.

5. Art Galleries
Had my work exhibited at some pretty amazing places. Creative Type Show, Urbanspace Gallery, Mercer Union.

6. Interviews
Though I didn't qualify for the positions I was happy to have some great interviews with some amazing companies.

7. WYD Reunion
In Kitchener, lovely time at V's house. Also met up with N downtown and then in Peterborough. And we biked in the fall!

8. Birthday at High Park
Had a potluck birthday and it was very nice and outdoors in the fall.

9. Apple Picking
Something small, but I very much enjoyed it with M & M. Even made some apple pie!

10. Boxing equipment
Found boxing shoes, ball bag, focus mitts!

11. Biking to Kelso Beach
It was 60 km in total and it was the best!

12. Polski Piknik
Making flower wreaths, playing outdoor badminton, Polish dancing.

13. Rouge Park
A lovely picnic with K, I & T.

14. Late night tobogganing
With M at the big hill, on our bellies like penguins and a laundry basket because we are poor.

15. Two trips to Brockville
One to see Grease the other to see The Fiddle on the Roof.

16. Maharaja exhibit at the AGO
With J & E during March Break.

17. Pierogi with mama
For Wigilia one Sunday.

18. Yann Tiersen
Concert downtown, amazing. :)

19. Books
The Great Gastby, 3191 Mornings, German tapes, Parisian Chic, Frida, etc.

20. Rings
Online shopping ;)

21. Braces removed
Yaaay straight teeth!

22. French Classes
Got a deal to take some French classes downtown.

23. Website
Made a portfolio website.

25. TV
New Girl, Czas Honoru, etc. We also got cable for the first time and a flat screen TV!

26. Celebration Square
Outdoor movies & fitness

27. Tap Dancing
Finally tried it!

28. Polish Festival
With P & J.

29. Travel Expo
So motivating, so exciting.

30. Mushroom Tour
Learned all about mushroom.

2011-12-30T21:16:00.000-08:00

A poor photo from my phone, however it is late and I am tired and I just wanted to post something quickly that would show some results of the day. And I apologize for my lack of perfect nails. The right hand looks horrible! I came home to receive a lovely package from Maryland! Inside was a Christmas card and a small box with lip gloss and a charm bracelet! How wonderful! And then a nice craft paper envelope with a lovely glitter card inside and random German words thrown in from S! I also need to pick up a package tomorrow. I wonder if it is the earrings, the mitts or the ring/skirt I ordered.

This morning I woke up early (after my neighbour's phone kept vibrating and ringing for over 30 minutes). I had gotten up by then and gotten to Wal-mart. After finished wrapping gifts and got picked up by M to go to E's house. At E's (who I hadn't seen since September) we had a nice breakfast. Belgian waffles, talks of Tin Tin & Now and Then, Harry Potter, Secret Garden, etc. We then opened gifts like savages. Then M and I left and drove downtown. She gave me the found metro pass and I took it to work. And I caught the new TTC subway! So amazing! I was an hour early so I went to the library to re-read The Great Gatsby. However, I was tired from waking up early and put my head down to rest. Only to get woken up by the security guard "excuse me mam", who probably thought I was homeless, to tell me that there was no sleeping in the library. I stared at him for a moment in shock of how stupid this all felt and just said I had a headache and he left me alone. But then I felt weird fake sleeping so I finished the rest of the book. Thanks security guard for keeping me in order. Why on earth does the library even have a security guard?

Tomorrow off bright and early with mama because she needs to get a gift! Then mail, then M drops off my gifts from S & E and I return the metro pass, last day to use it, then work (short shift) then NYE get together. I wasn't going to do anything as mentioned. I might fall asleep by 12 even, but maybe it'll be nice to go. I just made some camomile tea and added honey, but I added too much so now it just tastes bad. 2 days till Washington! I need to get some snacks for the road. :) And make a sandwich of course! And find my water bottle..ugh sleep 1:30 AM.

Ah and I haven't written about this before but one of my friends from WYD in September joined the convent (oh yes let's go back and watch a little Sound of Music again) and is becoming a sister! How exciting, it'll take around 8 years ago but I thought it was pretty cool, She gets excited about fireworks a lot.

2011-12-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

Today I spent the whole day in Kitchener. I picked up some friends from the subway and then we took a trip down to visit a friend and her husband. It was a nice reunion. Some amazing noodles, quinoa and chicken rolls. We had to much fun playing Raving Rabbids, Singstar ABBA & Disney, and Dance Central. I was never into video games or any TV sort of games, you should see how horrible my Guitar Hero skills are, but these were a lot of fun.

Tomorrow morning off to meet up (I hope) with some other friends for another Christmas Exchange and some waffles. And then off to work in the afternoon. Then work the next day as well. Then a birthday, then off to Washington! Then after Washington meet-up with D to go over the UofT projects. New Year's I plan to just sleep haha. Just a quick post on what is happening. Bah need to work on design work.

2011-12-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

Today met up wit M & M at a fifties diner for some Christmas gift exchanges. It was lovely, the diner was pretty dead since it was early afternoon. The food was good, there was a jukebox. And I have never seen so many Elvis Presley's in my life. There was snow on the ground as well. Received some beautiful gifts, thank you both! The rest of the night is spent listening to Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Jessie J and zumba music. I might be going to Washington twice this month haha! Thanks also to the nice dad who took a group photo of us.

2011-12-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

Some photos from our Wigilia (Christmas Eve) this year.

2011-12-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

I was a big girl today and looked up apartments/rooms for rent downtown. I'm getting an itch and looking for a place. I found one in Kensington for the summer and it is looking great so far. But photos/reviews can get you excited until you really see something. But it was nice and I promised I wouldn't stay up late and here I am..then I stopped myself from eating nutella from the jar and moved onto a bowl of chocolate ice cream with chocolate syrup instead. It seemed to be the healthier choice. Sent some Polish e-mails to families. Work was more tiring than usual today was not into anything at all.

It just makes sense to move. I work downtown, even though it is part time. I have my magazine things downtown, I walk a lot, I would pay less or nothing for commuting, I know more people downtown now. Grocery shopping.

I am happy to be working with UofT this winter/spring on their environmental campaign. I don't know what to expect, a bit nervous for the job as well. My friend worked on it last year and it turned out amazing, so it's a lot to look up to.

Tomorrow Kris Kringle with M & M at a nice little 50s diner. Then time for the movies, then design work. Then off to Kitchener the next day. It's going to snow and I am not looking forward to driving in that sort of weather. :/ Then work and work again. Then J's birthday then off to Washington for the week! :D

I am done with shopping for this year I believe. Just the few other gifts I need to get people. But I after seeing the store crazy and filled with so many people it makes me not want to shop. I feel like I have so much clothes and at the same time I feel like I don't have enough. I was smart and bought some fancier items, so I can dress up more for church or other special occasions, because I was lacking simple things like a plain skirt or black dress pants. So now I am alright. And I have blouses! Lovely ones. It's time to really start saving for rent/OSAP/Brazil!

I learned a bit of the Hebrew alphabet this week. Very quickly, and what I mean by a bit is like 5 characters in like 2 minutes haha. But I will pick up the rest in a short amount of time. First real snowfall, the snow is actually staying on the ground. Tomorrow it is supposed to feel like -20! I was waiting for my bus today until I realized it wasn't holiday hours like the day before on boxing day. So my 11:08 AM bus didn't exist. I decided to walk to my other bus and took the 11:38 AM bus and surprisingly made it with 10 minutes to spare! I was sort of annoyedof myself because this was not the first 1 PM shift I had had and didn't realize my mistake.

I almost done re-reading the Great Gatsby. Have been thinking of joining the boxing gym again since there is a promotion going on..they are cleaning the snow outside in the little machines.

2011-12-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

We have completed two days of holidays. It was a lovely time with my family and there may be some embarrassing photos and videos that cover it all and will never be released. We had some gypsy songs and big butts, English choir boy singing, Goralskie piosenki, ice cream and beer from the backyard, falling asleep after the gifts, some quick Skyping, dropping off gifts at P's house, watching some creepy van, putting together IKEA furniture on the coach because I was too lazy to get up. The food was amazing but since I was eating the whole day little bits and pieces while helping mama I was full by the end. And I have just realized I get to eat more pierogi for work tomorrow! Yay! Boo to going to work, I am not looking forward to the rush of people. And the fact that I still need to buy some gifts...hah.

This week will be a good one I hope. Meeting up for Kris Kringle, movies, Kitchener to visit some WYD friends for lunch, and then J's birthday, New Year's I work and think I'll just end up going home. I was never really excited for New Year's, some people plan months in advance but it's one day ech I don't really care about. I am no longer watching movies on the computer because the streaming can get pricey, so hopefully I will sit less online.

I received some lovely gifts from my family. M got me Fanny & Zoeey. J got me a beanie hat. E got me an IKEA clothes hanger. M & T got me Tin Tin. :) Such lovely things I am so thankful for them all! :) Tomorrow off to work and then to Wujek R's house for more Christmas celebrations. I still need to finish the bulletin and the editorial layouts. And now re-do my room even though I just did it a month or so ago? This new coat horse needs a spot by the wall! I hope everyone had a nice Christmas and wishing a Happy New Year as well. (I just realized I work shorter than I expected yay, sleep in a bit.)

2011-12-24T10:03:00.001-08:00

2011-12-22T22:32:00.000-08:00

Some recent purchases:

5 random rings. Hope I get a nice batch and nothing duplicates. :)

Pleated black skirt. I am scared because the waist size is bigger than then the actual length of the skirt. 60cm waist and 43 cm height. Ahh it will be so short. :( That's what you get for not reading the instructions. I loved the belt.

Focus mitts to practice boxing with J.

Cross ring. I like that it only has one finger hole, compared to most that have two.

I think I'll just wear one of these. And I hope they are big. Hope they don't turn out small. Ordered off ebay.

2011-12-22T21:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Miriam in 2012,

I know it isn't New Year's yet, Christmas hasn't arrive, but before I forget here are my goals for 2012:

1. Stop spending money online, at work, for food. Must have a strict limit on what to spend on. I just bought a shirt (real cute) and dress pants (because I don't have any)..actually 2 pairs of dress pants. You need to remember you: A. Want to move out, save on rent. B. You need to pay OSAP. C. I should only buy clothes from the UK. D. Brazil 2013. E. New DLSR/HD Video.

2. Fitness. Miriam, you have just purchased a boxing ball and have some focus mitts on the way. Time to get back into shape. Good job for buying a zumba class. Start running. And get those flat abs again. Remember cadets and how fit you once were and how lazy you are now. Arms too!

3. Keep up with German, French and Spanish! You have plenty of tapes and CDs! Just think of the 6 year old who could speak 4 languages.

4. Keep up with teeth whitening and brushing after every meal. And ugh maybe floss.

5. That's it, learn how to use film again.

6. Learn Adobe After Effects. Learn it well.

7. Get a job.

8. Time management. Sleep. Don't be lazy. Stay Organized. Take chances, make mistakes, geeeeet messy. Oh Ms. Frizzle. :) (Watch more Magic School Bus) If mom's can do it, so can you.

9. No more slouching. You don't want to be one of those grandmas with the round backs. You don't want to be living in Notre Dame ringing bells in the towers..actually that's in France and sounds quite nice.

10. Pray.

11. Limit internet hours.

12. Keep up with cooking and eating healthy and bringing your own lunch. Doing good!

13. Send mail.

2011-12-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

I finally created some Christmas cards and sent the 4 to America today at the post office. The line-up was long and the post office lady was surprised so many people were still sending Christmas cards. I accidentally stamped all my International stamps onto the Canada envelopes. haha the most expensive stamps onto the envelopes that are the cheapest to ship. But luckily I peeled them off and can reuse them. I was in a rush to pick up my sister from school and half paying attention. I will post the cards up soon, but after Christmas when everyone receives them! I also created some envelopes from some old paper I had still from school. It was handmade paper with flower petals.

I have been getting around to buying Christmas gifts. All the ones I have for Christmas have been completed! I have a few meet-ups with people after Christmas so if anything could finish by then. Buying for 20 people is insane, and then making cards as well. Christmas becomes a very expensive holiday. Which is unfortunate because I wouldn't mind not getting gifts and instead just spending some time with home-cooked meals, why bother with gifts, the holidays are not about that. Maybe next year I can change that. Trying to use up the IKEA wrapping paper I got some time ago as well.

Some recent purchases from the past few weeks. The quality of these photos is very poor, it was an overcast day. I have a new phone, except this is the exchange. Only 2-3 weeks old the first phone already had problems with the battery. I had to exchange it for this one. I have yet to charge it but if it starts acting up like the previous one I am done with this phone! It's sad because it is a simple phone to use. I don't care much for phones, I would be happy without one, but sometimes it does prove to be a bit difficult without one.

The second two images are the Learn German packs I found at the library for only $6! They come with some tapes and booklets. I practiced some of my German today at the laundromat. Then mama came and helped me with pronunciation and other reading exercises. It has been well 23 years since she has had to speak German so it was interesting seeing her remember things again and also she looked to fancy to be at a laundromat in her purple coat. I think I have a good grasp on pronouncing things, even in French, I can fake a language..but that won't get me anywhere. I also keep thinking of all the people I meet in Europe they all can speak so many languages. Like if you go to Europe you are for sure bound to find someone you need to ask directions for and they will have no problem answering back in English. Not everyone, I had to use my broken French and German a few times in situations like this but a great deal of people learn English or other languages at school.

I went to Honest Ed's and picked up some Dove products. There was this face cream and also some face scrub. I don't see much of a difference now, or maybe I should pay more attention. The cream doesn't seem to make my skin moisturized. It always seems to be dry compared to the Nivea cream I use.

I woke up very late today, around 1 PM. I kept waking up during the morning because of a dream but in the end 1 PM it was. Horrible. It was because I came back from work (which we close at 10 PM now! Insane! And there are people still!) and then I started watching The Saint (Simon Templar)..I might have to read the books as well one day. Today after doing laundry we went to do a bit more shopping and I came across the Tin Tin DVDs! I was so happy, I got one and am going to watch it soon! Very excited. It's been a mission to find any in stores.

2011-12-18T18:19:00.000-08:00

I rarely take pictures of my sister's dog but once in a while he's kind of alright to be around. He got to sit on the chair today and observe everything we did and feel all mighty. He prefers the window however. Mama and I spent the morning and early afternoon making pierogi for Wigila. I am so happy she waited for Sunday, because I had work yesterday. I love making them with her, I am eating the filling the whole time and we listen to Classical Music on the radio and I just really enjoy it. It's not often we do it so it's a nice change. I also finally sat down and finished some Christmas cards. Printed them, signed them, need envelopes or might make envelopes, and need to get them to the Post Office tomorrow.

I ended up buying 5 more rings online without even thinking. I was just in a zone and found myself clicking a button. They had a discount so got them for around $11 only! They are mixed however, so it's a surprise what I will receive! Exciting.

There was a family that came into work this weekend and I was on the phone for awhile trying to find their item. They had a 6 year old son and I tried to play some games with him so he wouldn't go crazy from waiting so long. And after talking to them for awhile they mentioned that he speaks English, French, Arabic and is learning German. He is only 6! I have got to get started! He even told me I should learn French. ;) Talented kids.

2011-12-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

A Schwarzenegger (I love that his name is in Spell check) night. Went over to M's house and we watched Jingle All the Way which we both never saw before, one of those movies that are so bad they are good, it was a funny, cheesy Christmas movie. We also watched The Snowman..with narration by David Bowie! What blonde hair. We were supposed to make oreo cupcakes, but we just sat and ate pizza and wings and sunflower seeds and mandarins.

I spent the morning working on getting my Christmas list from 20 people to 10.5. In the very morning went with tata to Costco and it was packed! The whole parking lot was full and the store had opened 20 minutes before, it was like a Saturday. I enjoyed shopping on my own, it's so much faster and I am not distracted. I also ended up buying some chip & dip bowls for $5, they are so clever. I had to go pick up J from school, so didn't get to finish everything.

Yesterday a long day at work and then met up with L after work, we talked for a long time and then took the streetcar and encountered a detour. Had a staff meeting where we wrote haiku's about Naomi Campbell and then a little party in the apartment. We were both pretty tired so we left pretty early and it was a Thursday night.

For some reason watching One Tree Hill, because M & I discussed it, but don't know if I can get into it. I missed out on a lot of shows in high school. I watched Gilmore Girls for the first time in the past few years. Pierogi weekend and I think I'll be away for a lot of it. :( Maybe all of it. I cannot believe Christmas is next Sunday. Last day of Advent this week already.

Booked my ticket to Washington for the new year and I am very excited to see everyone. Tomorrow I am off to work and maybe take a look at some work at a gallery I submitted my work to and got accepted. It's exciting. The posters people created are beautiful! They can be found on this website.

2011-12-14T18:38:00.001-08:00

I am sitting working on some magazine posters and layouts. I sent some resumes out today as well. Vanilla candles are burning. Practiced with my sister for her driving test. Mama is making oatmeal raisin cookies on a Wednesday night and I am wondering why?! This never happens, or hasn't in a long time and definitely never oatmeal-raisin? Friday is Christmas gift shopping, I have around 15-18 gifts I believe, so it has to be a productive day. I also am attending the Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District. A friend from work mentioned it a few weeks ago and very happy that she did! I forgot about it this year and found out too late last year to attend. It was raining today that was the initial plan but before it closes this week I am going to visit. Also cleaned my room a bit. Am still very happy I bought those winter boots two months ago. Listened to some MIKA (The Boy Who Knew Too Much) which I borrowed from the library along with The Saint and What's Eating Gilbert Grape, since my sisters haven't seen it yet!

I need to get started on some business cards. Re-print my 83 book, get in contact with a past reference (can't find e-mail)! Create some new design work! Print and send Christmas cards! ASAP! At the library today I quickly scanned the books for sale and came across a heavy duty 3 pack tape set to learn German. It was only $6 and bought it right away. The librarian said it belonged to another lady who worked there who had bought it for her son but he barely used it and she had spent $250! Got the Walkman out and bus rides are going to get very interesting. Looking also into bus/plane tickets to Washington/Maryland for the new year. Also trying to also find time to learn I See You, Heartbeat & Pachbel's Canon (before Christmas) on piano.

2011-12-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

My sister and I stopped by Zellers today to check if there were any Crest Whitestrips for sale. And good thing we stepped inside, they were on sale for $19.99 (with tax around $22.59)! Compared to the other prices which can range from $40-50. My sister had bought some last year and it was only for 7 days but the results were really nice. And she had paid $30. So this was a great deal for 20 strips for 10 days. It is only day one of testing them out so I can't make a full review yet until day 10.

I had bought a no name brand (because that's what I always do) at the beginning of summer. It was very annoying to use however. Sticking it on would become difficult sometimes because it wouldn't come off the other layer. Then it would be very slimy and it felt like I was foaming at the mouth all the time. I just looked crazy. And the taste was not the best. I also began to see random white patches on my teeth as well so I discontinued using them.

So at the moment I am using Arms & Hammer Whitening toothpaste and these 3-D Crest White Vivid Strips. The only thing that I am worrying about is sensitive teeth. When you apply these strips it's pretty easy, I put the bottom strip on first. They are gunky while sitting on your teeth but the taste in your mouth isn't a bother at all. It is a bit harder to talk in them. Leave on your teeth for 30 minutes each day, and avoid putting them on after you have brushed your teeth.

I got my braces off in the summer and have been on and off on trying to get things done. I got a free whitening kit from my dentist but it just made me gag leaving the retainer in. And it didn't work! It left patches, but it was free. The 3-D Vivid box also came with some coupons for the whitening toothpastes, mouth wash, etc. So that was a nice bonus. I might pick up the toothpaste. Here is hoping for a nice smile for Christmas. :)

Update: I was really excited to use this product but was left feeling not so happy with it. I got no results. My teeth were not very sensitive to the product which was very good. Overall, I will not be using it again.

2011-12-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

I apologize (I don't know how to spell that word, it always has to be spell checked) for the lack of good pictures. My phone has become my best friend again, after going 4 or so months with an old phone that was passed down generation to generation. I believe it started off with my sister, then my mom, then my other sister, perhaps my brother and then ended up in my pocket. I had come back from Spain and was fine going a month without a phone but that's only easy overseas. Back home it became a necessity again which is unfortunate, I wish I could stay a hippie forever.

This phone was pretty beat up and I was able to send 5 texts before the battery decided to die. We had a very angry relationship and in November I finally got to the point that I had to buy a phone. I even had a Rogers Wireless moment on the bus one time. The guy beside me wasn't blonde but bald but the same scenario. He was babbling on his phone while I struggled to send my text 2 letters: OK...so during my lunch break I bought a phone in 10 minutes and since I was doing so well bought a watch after as well. It was a very productive lunch break. So now I have a new phone, with lot's of texting and for some reason I enjoy taking photos on it. It's quick and the phone is small compared to my DLSR which is so annoying to carry around. So the quality is the worst but for quick memories I find it to be alright.

So as the photos above show, I took part in the City of Craft show today. I never take part in these sorts of events (because I can't count) or attend them (because I find out too late), I always wanted to however! It was nice, we had a table and listened to music, traded music, got free cookies and sold a lot of magazines! People coloured and it was overall a cute event. I wish I did more of these things when I was downtown during school more. I also realized I need to start using my film camera. For real, I am tired of just editing photos because I like the effects and feel like a fake and lazy person. It's been almost 8 years though! I have forgotten everything.

Tomorrow I am off to pick up a punching bag and some boxing gloves as well. I need to also work on my editorial spread, bulletin, intern campaign poster, do Christmas shopping, make pierogi this weekend, put up Christmas lights in my room, exercise, design & print Christmas cards, mail cards & packages.

Signed up for Zumba classes starting next year.Tried it once and it was difficult, but this darn Sean Paul song (which I listen to on repeat, I learned the lyrics so quickly) just makes me want to dance all the time. Like at work..on cash..and it's embarrassing so need to put all that shaking to a different environment.

2011-12-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

I have been listening to Sha Na Na today for over an hour, because of Grease..it just got me back into all the oldies that I missed out for some time now. So much energy, so funny, I would be dancing in my seat if I was in the audience. This is not my favourite song but Bowzer and Elliot seem so great here. Great performers. :)

2011-12-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

01. & 02.
There was a photo shoot at the magazine I volunteer at this week. I was so tired. Had a cup of hot chocolate and a fresh chocolate chip & oatmeal muffin. :) Delicious. I sat in the comfy chair.

03.
From the photo shoot I walked up to work and came across this lovely vehicle.

04.
Preparing a sandwich for a mini road trip to Brockville. Mmm avocado. My friend from Peterborough taught me this special sandwich.

05.
At a hotel in Brockville waiting for the Grease musical. I tried hard to read the Great Gatsby but didn't succeed even two pages. I never watch TV so it was a nice break.

06.
After the show back in the dressing room, stealing Hershey Kisses.

07.
First real snowfall I have seen. Alright maybe the second one this year. Very nice to wake up to.

08.
Had some breakfast at this diner/restaurant in Brockville today. Pancakes & bacon & orange juice! And there were so many old people, I was so happy.

2011-12-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

This song makes bus rides so much better, makes you feel all warm and sunny while I overlook this gross city. :)

2011-12-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

01.
I had some free time one evening before meeting some friends and stopped at Krepesz in Kensington Market. Had some hot chocolate and started re-reading The Great Gatsby. I need to make more time to do things like that.

02.
Walking in the parking lot back to the car after mass. It was the first day of Advent and E was looking at my new phone.

03.
When I was doing laundry I noticed all the old details. This was a dispenser for laundry detergent. The old labels were replaced by Downy, Tide, etc. instead.

04.
Wandering back and forth in the cold laundry room before work.

Some things I have been up to lately, it hasn't been a particularly exciting few days but things happened. I finally got around to doing some laundry, went to a new laundromat. It doesn't have a dirty couch like the other place. I tried to read the Archaeology book I borrowed from the library but since I didn't have to because it's not as if I am in school and the fact I had no sleep, caused me to walk back and forth instead. At this moment my neighbour has decided to sing really loud and play his music. Goal for 2012, to move out.

I just received a text from the lady I met in the previous post and she got home safely, not in the best circumstances and very late but she's back and doing fine, which is a nice and reassuring text to receive. I also want to write about a man on the subway yesterday. I feel very horrible for being the kind of person I always say I never will be. We always read those articles where people don't take a stand and help someone who is in need. And we are shocked and don't understand and then state that if we were in that situation we would take a stand. I was on a late subway ride home it was around 1:30 AM on a Saturday night. I went into the first subway car and there were a few people sitting around. I sat behind a man who had seemed to be sleeping. I didn't really stare or realize I just sat down.

After some time on the ride back home I heard a man behind me asking the sleeping man if he was alright. The man tried to nudge him but got off because of his stop. But then I turned around and didn't do anything! I was a bit afraid to it was late and sometimes when people are on drugs or drunk they can do crazy things. So I decided to wait it out until the last stop to ask for help from the driver if anything. But another girl tried after and in the end I was shaking the man to get up because I was scared that something serious had happened too! In the end we finally got him up and she just let him know where he was and got off the train. He ended up passing out again at the last stop where they were rushing people off the train and I tried to explain to him (he was still out of it completely) what was happening while the driver just went crazy with his little whistle.

In the end I wanted to kick myself in the butt, what if something more serious had have happened and I just sat there. Instead I had sat there and thought about it more than actually doing. I guess it was the first time an experience like this had happened. And am glad I realized my mistake and this teaches me to act rather than think to act the next time it happens.

I have been singing really loud in church lately, I think the pre-Christmas/Advent songs just get me all excited for the holiday's. It's rather embarrassing actually. We have our Christmas lights up and I have to start designing some cards, print them and send them out! I also need to start shopping. I kind of want to do something different this year but haven't talked to my family about it, I didn't really want to do gifts this year but we'll see how everyone else reacts.

Now I sit and wait to Skype with my lovely Maryland, California & Peterborough friends. I need to work on the bulletin and magazine campaigns as well. I was featured on the magazine website/blog I realized as well. :) Yay! Have another design job coming up starting in late winter/early spring for UofT's sustainability exhibit. I took photos (very bad ones I might add) a few exhibits ago and now designing instead, thanks to a friend.

Now I light some lovely vanilla candles, I got as a gift (my last birthday present this year was in December haha) and one from IKEA and spend a rainy evening designing and skyping. :)

2011-12-02T21:44:00.000-08:00

I always put it in my head that I work hard. But I really don't. I say I do, and I make myself feel as if I do, but I see how much other people do and it's alarming. Through my parents, or friends, I seem to take the easy route. Today I came across one lady that just made me want to push myself and try harder.

I was waiting for the bus (I had missed the first one by a minute! Don't you love when that happens?) and this lady who I was walking behind on the stairs before sits beside me. Since I got a new phone of course I am busy texting away. She asks if this is the right bus? I try to explain to her directions on how to get where she is going which is like 3 cities away. And then we began talking.

She has 5 kids and is 53 years old, I did not guess she was 53 at all! And she has a grandson. All her kids are so talented and they range from 25 to 32 I think. She had them all by the time she was 23 years old! She got married at 17! She also knows 8 different languages. 1. English 2. Croatian 3. Italian 4. Polish 5. German 6. Spanish 7. Greek 8. Albanian She says she uses those translator computer hand held devices. I'm not sure what the correct name is for them. Well in Polish Slownik-Elektroniczny. Electronic dictionary I guess. She used that as her method to learn new languages. And 7-8 hour flights were sometimes perfect for time to learn. Ah making use of time, how wonderful!

She told me about her hotel in her home country and I was welcome to visit. ;) She had gone through so much and worked so hard to get to where she was, such a smart lady! In the end she left for her other bus and I left for mine. I hope she got home safe and got some sleep finally. She had her mother's funeral at the other side of the country, her purse stolen with all her ID, no one to pick her up, waiting at the airport with security for 3 more hours, phone not working, charger at home, slight jet-lag, actually no sleep, etc. She said she was lucky she had found $10 in her pocket! She travels back to her home country every few months and her 4 sons are off to Australia some with working visas I believe, all graduated from Universities and everyone at least knows 2 to 3 languages. I hope them all the best. And I hope her all the best as well. It was a nice casual encounter, people don't talk as much anymore. I don't even know who else was on that bus haha.

I finally got up early this morning (this week has been horrible for walking up) and went to get my laundry done at this new laundry place. It was cold there and I barely got any reading done, I picked up an Archaeology book up because it looked interesting. It feels more like I am studying. I'm hungry and had some chocolate ice cream and chocolate bar for supper..I need real food. Amazing lunch/dinner, sandwich with everything and lot's of spinach & tomato sandwich. Must keep up with spinach for iron, which equals energy.

Tomorrow back to work but meeting up with some OCAD friends. :) I am very excited, I saw them last on Halloween but it's always a nice get together.

So things to work on:

Learn some languages, get motorcycle license, do a working VISA in Australia, move to Germany, visit India/South America/Nepal/Morocco/Europe/Africa/etc., get enough sleep, learn to play piano, guitar, drums, read in Polish, write letters/e-mails, send packages, send Christmas cards and souvenirs, no slouching, Crest white Strips, internships, WORN, website, Adobe After Effects, hair, hacky sack, football, boxing, stick, wake up early...take my allergy pill because I am so itchy!

2011-11-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to our magazine office to discuss some upcoming projects I need to work on. Afterward, I finally visited The Drake General Store and found the Great Gatsby tote bag. But I think I might wait for the Drake warehouse sale, hoping it will be there? If not, I know there will be some nice finds.

After visiting the Drake I stopped by the Bicyclette Shop. I have been meaning to visit for a long time and finally did and wanted to buy everything! There are some MIA Bedazzled Shoes.

It also came in a leopard print for $100. But I think it would be harder to match the leopard print ones. They also had Butter nail polish for $17. I couldn't find the colour I wanted however. After I walked to a book binding workshop. It was a bit colder since it was later in the day. At least the rain had stopped by then and I could walk outside. :) The morning was a bit crazy, trying to return a package seemed like a simple task but I looked like a crazy lady with a bird's nest instead. While a girl walked by in a lovely business outfit, smelling like perfume and perfect non-frizzy hair. How do girls do that, when it's raining like crazy? It's magic.

At the workshop that was inside a gallery I used to pass by so many times but never walked inside. Craft table laid out on the table and all the tools: paper, xacto knives, paper, white glue, etc. We created two books which can be seen in my top photos of this post. I had a book binding workshop last year as well for thesis as well. I really do enjoy making books and maybe will work on a side project sometime soon.

This is a typography book created last year about my grandma. 4 AM book binding is the best. The past few days have been up and down. Lot's of closing shifts this week, holiday hours have officially begun. I keep waking up very late lately as well and need to switch that around.

2011-11-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

This bag was bought at Canadian Tire in grade 4 and I was around 9 years old and I still use it now. All the older kids had this bag and I was so happy when tata and I went to buy it.

Found this jacket at Bluenotes for only $10. It's the perfect fall jacket with my brown hoop scarf.

Bought at Winners for around $11. Don't own many shirts, don't own many fancy shirts as well so thought this was a good deal. It already has a horizontal run, don't know if it's visible in the last photo.

A long grey cardigan for $10 at H&M.

A light grey blazer I picked up at Katie's with lace for $22. The best is the gold button.

A dress for Christmas or Wigilia for $15 at H&M.

A chiffon blouse for $9.95 at H&M that I don't know how to wear properly. I think I just need black pants or a black skirt.

2011-11-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Dreamers (2003)

I have yet to see this movie, it has one of my favourite actors Eva Green in it. I think I will enjoy the settings and style but not too sure about the actual plot of the movie, but that might change when I watch it. I used to keep a list on my old blog of all the movies I need to see. I haven't even finished half. At the moment there are a few on my mind that I do want to sit down and watch during those winter days where you just want to sit inside and not do anything.

Léon (1994)

Le Scaphandre et le Papillon/The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

The Darjeeling Limited

Some films to re-watch because they are always a pleasure. Some of them are actually pretty boring or have bad acting but the style is just lovely:

Fantastic Mr. Fox
La Science des rêves
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain
Les poupées russes
Le battement d'ailes du papillon
À la folie... pas du tout
L'auberge espagnole
Pierrot le fou
Two Days in Paris
Under the Tuscan Sun
Before Sunset
Before Sunrise
Goodbye Lenin
Cracks
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Roman Holiday
Rear Window
Frida
Le Petit Nicolas
Alice in den Städten
Run Lola Run
Inglourious Basterds
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Into the Wild
Jutro Idziemy do Kina
Son of Rambow

I am off to a friend's house soon for some Sunday afternoon movies. :)

2011-11-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

My Berlin poster was part of this show in Barcelona, unfortunately I wasn't able to just fly on over there for a weekend. ;) And I forgot to write down the address of the cafe when I was in Barcelona this year. The next deadline (November 23) is coming up for Show Us Your Type, the city this year is Melbourne. I love the type design done by Bungalow. I wasn't happy with my Berlin poster so going to work real hard for this one.

2011-11-07T21:17:00.001-08:00

2011-11-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

Images from Free People

2011-11-03T21:23:00.001-07:00

Images from Monki

2011-10-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

The following items are from H&M. I liked the items they paired the skirt with on the website. The skirt is only $14.95 (CDN). I tried on two sizes today and they were alright. I wasn't too crazy about it, made me feel like a grandma but it was so flowy at the same time and with some heels and black stockings I think it would work. The ring I have been eyeing for awhile, however I think I have enoughr ings for now. It is only $6.95 (CDN). The envelope bag I haven't seen yet, don't know what I would fit inside of it besides a book because everything else I own is so bulky. Time to go to sleep, early shift tomorrow.

2011-10-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

Revlon / Peach Smoothie

As the label says, it is scented! Well at least for the first day, unless you don't was your hands for 3 days or something the smell might just last. ;) I have never used any Revlon products before, this one I borrowed from my sister who received it from a friend who interned at Revlon. I wanted something simple and all my nail polish seemed too crazy and so I borrowed this. It was lovely. It has a slight shimmer/glitter to it but only if you put your hand right to your face, it's barely noticeable. But it still has that extra touch, that fanciness to it. It is a very light peach, it almost looks as if I have no nails, it just blends with my skin. It is day 3 and it has slowly started to chip away but just on my pointer fingers because I guess at work they get scratched up the most and from dishes. But the rest are still alright. Not sure how much this costs but if I were to buy it I think I would just for the colour. You had to apply it a few times to get the colour but I didn't mind.

2011-10-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Images from Topshop

Hello Topshop and welcome to Canada! I have waited awhile for this. I won't go crazy and use all my money here. But it'll for sure be a nice, special place to visit once in awhile, to pick up some Peter Pan collars which seem to be so hard to find here in Canada and surprise to check out their make-up line. I remember looking up the designer, Sarah Thorne. So simple, but so lovely. Maybe if I have time tomorrow I'll take a look. The first Topshop I went to was in Madrid and it was a quick run through three floors because a priest and group was waiting for me, but it was exciting. :)

2011-10-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

MCMLV - MMXI

I got my first laptop in second year and saved up a lot for it. The purchase was very exciting and I went with mama to my school computer shop to get it. It was so sleek and silver and glad I decided to get this one rather than the white one I had myself set on. Also received an ipod with it as well. All are still working very well, it's been almost 4 years now. The first Macintosh I used was at school in the library. Hyperstudio, Kids Pix, Success Maker, etc. Then receiving the Bondi Blue (iMac G3) computers at school a few years later was so exciting. Watching Legally Blonde and wanting the orange laptop so badly. It's funny how much I have had Apple around me for a long time. Also getting my first Mac was a few years ago and it was still using the original 1984 Mac OS desktop haha. I loved it and wrote a lot of my essays in high school with it.I think it was a Mac II. Being fascinated by an iPod's touch screen and then thinking everything was touch screen. Also watching the commercials for the Macbook Air and how it fit into an envelope and the catchy music no one knew before but exploded after the commercial. Here's to Steve Jobs who accomplished so much.

2011-10-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

From our family birthday for E & I. We made some of these koreczki. Pickle + cheese + kabanosy. Then you pop in some toothpicks and it's great finger food.

Recieved this fan from I who was in Barcelona. :) Fans were so useful in Spain.

Bought this at Bershka in Madrid. I wasn't sure whether I wanted it or not because I don't usually wear any colours, purple for sure but it's quite nice. Around 7 euros.

I bought this at H&M in Madrid. I needed a cosmetic sort of bag for awhile and thought this one was simple, yet a bit fancy at the same time and big. It was around 5 euros.

Treasure Island on one side and Gulliver's Island on the other side. Gift from M. :) Was actually meaning to read this again.

And then M made me a clutch..a purse. Who makes someone a purse. Amazing!!

So M made me a box of these cake balls! How crazy is this?! So good I ate them until I was sick one day. And a sweet box and tissue paper.

Pretty design book and about war from C.

Billy Idol CD from M.

Ahaha tape from C. Rita!

Pretty fall, multicolour scarf from S.

Wall decoration from E.

Card from E, I laughed so much. Anne of Green Gables. ;)

Card from M.

Joe Fresh gift card from M. I died.

Book from M. Yes Jerry Spinelli!

Soap from S.

I went to the Global Expo and listened to some interesting working/volunteering abroad lectures and talked to many fascinating people. The event was smaller than expected but still useful. I got his free water bottle as well. :)

From S, melon and cucumber bath soap. I spent one day smelling some bottle from a girl I didn't know, but we became friends over the melon/cucumber shampoo she had. Not weird at all.

Yay gift card! Time to buy books & magazines.

A lovely card from mama which came with a giftcard to Chapters/Indigo. :D

Finding Neverland DVD from E. Johnny Depp & Kate Winslet. :) We already own this movie but I think it has the Polish dubbing.

Card from S that came in the mail in a silver envelope.

Company Magazine from mama. :) Oh UK fashion.

Gift from M. A set of notecards. My neighbours are playing music right now.

Gift from E. Petit cookies made in France.

One day tata was going through his things and found some very old film I thought I'd have to buy from ebay, but here they are! Who knows what will even come out of this.

2011-09-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

One day before work I stepped into Value Village to pick up a cardigan and a blazer. And I left with both of these garments, what luck! The blazer I was looking for though was supposed to be black and more fitted. But loved this military/olive green one, for $9.99 CDN. Then a few months later I saw a similar one at Top Shop, hah. It's getting colder, so I can finally wear it, just need to remove the shoulder pads.

This was bought one morning back in May at H&M. I had seen it for awhile and got it for my final grad show. It's the perfect length and with a blazer looks lovely. The colour is something I haven't worn before either. I believe it was around $40-$45 CDN.

I bought two pairs of these pants. One in a military green and the other in a dark navy for only $10 CDN. They are high waisted and wore the green pair a lot in Spain, because it was 1 out of 2 pants I brought. Everything else was shorts.

Ordered from ASOS for some crazy, low price I don't remember now. It looked cute on the model, but now I'm scared I can't really pull it off haha. Mm oatmeal.

Bought at a small shop in Port Credit called Antique Chic. We were originally not going to go in but then ended up checking it out and coming back again because I had to think about buying this bag. It's the perfect size to keep my bigger books/laptop. The strap broke though when I tried to bike to Starbucks with my lap top in it. I hadn't noticed they were so fragile. But still lovely.

This bag has served me for many days. Bought it last year around October I believe for under $30 at H&M. I don't think I have ever found a bag as perfect as this, size, colour, shape, style, etc. It holds everything, lunch to work, water bottle, books, SLR, notebooks, etc. And it matched with everything. They have a new version that is braided but it's not the same.

This book I ordered online because it turned out to be cheaper that way. Had no idea what the inside consisted of, but read it right away when I received it. A lot of good ideas and great Paris shop information as well. I'm glad I also ordered it online because I received the version with the sewed in bookmark vs. the paper one.

Ordered on ebay back in the beginning of summer. Because of the Canada Post strike it took a little bit longer. Debated for a long time whether to buy this and finally did and am very happy. I really liked the B&W version compared to the colour. It serves as a nice reminder to me. Unfortunately the elastic broke while in Spain and I have to fix it. I have been looking for a Saints cameo bracelet for a long time, like 5 years!

Ordered this rosary back in the beginning of summer as well. I have many rosaries but they seem to always be breaking because they have those small metal clasps. Thankfully it traveled with me the whole time and served me every day. :) I ordered off eBay.

2011-09-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Created a logo last week for my website. It's hard to create something that will stick for a long period of time.

2011-09-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

These oxford shoes were popular last year but I finally got a pair from Zellers. And now I see them everywhere at Wal-mart, Ardene's, etc. They are a bit loose and a funny shade of brown so matching them to some outfits has turned out to be a bit difficult. But I like the style, compared to the ones I almost accidently ordered on eBay one time.

I bought these for around $38 CDN/ £24 GBP from ASOS. I wasn't quit sure what size to get and they are a bit small, but nothing crazy. I love the fur trim and the overall shape of the shoe. They are much higher than I expected. :) But was so happy to get my package.

I have many autumn shoes this year. This pair I bought at Gusta in Madrid. They were around €16 EUR. And they fit perfectly well in the store, and then I came back home and they also hurt a bit. Have not been doing good with show sizes if you haven't noticed. These reminded me of a boxing style shoe and I just want to go for walks in these. :)

Picked these books up before trip to Spain for a total of $3. Frida I had wanted to pick up for awhile and the second book was suggested by my friend E. I might pee my pants reading it. Or worse. Just kidding. Not really.

I stood in line for like 15 minutes to get this pair of sunglasses I never wear because I have glasses and it just looks strange when I wear two glasses on top of one another. But they were $6 CDN and I had wanted for some reason sunglasses really badly this summer. I think for the beach so it was easier to read. And this was a nice, stylish pair that reminds me of Ciocia H. Bought at Forever 21.

Also from the same Forever 21 trip, this shade looked really fresh and vibrant. Haven't tried it on my nails yet, think I was looking for something a little bit lighter, more mint green. Then seafoam.

So there was an orange stage I went through in the summer and had to get orange nail polish.
Joe Fresh always has the best colours!

These rings I got for £10 from JWLRY. I couldn't believe the price and snatched them with a discount code at the time right away. And was fortunate to receive them before Spain, right after the Canada Post strike. The variety is amazing. My favourite are the first two on the left. I wore them almost everyday.

Bought this for €5 EUR at a outdoor accessories market in Santiago De Compostela, Spain.

A scapular I recieved at a mass.

Some purchases from last month. Click on images for closer view.

2011-09-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Photos from Uniform Freak.

I was at a thrift store one day while doing laundry and I had found a scarf which was an interesting design and one of the old ladies who worked at the shop told me it was a stewardess scarf. I didn't end up buying it in the end, but it was a nice find. I still have the small KLM pin I got on the plane when I was little, I think it says Junior Stewardess.

2011-09-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Images from M/M (Paris)

2011-09-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

Some photos from this summer in Portugal, France & Spain.

2011-09-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Images from Topshop

This summer I walked into my first Top Shop in Madrid, and everything was so beautiful but my wallet was not so beautiful. The weather these days is strange, sometimes it's warm and sometimes it's chilly, like today. So picking out outfits every morning is all based on theweathernetwork.com I can't wait for autumn though! :)