2011: A year in review

It's hard to believe that today is the last day of 2011. The year has most definitely flown by and I sit here reflecting on the past year.
There were ups and downs as is the normal for each year to go by. I think I'll go through each month and share the major events that have happened that stand out to me. 


January:
-Rang in the New Year with J! It was the first time we were together for it. Although I had to work up until 11:30 on New Years Eve, and only got home about 2 minutes after midnight that night.
- Applied to Grad school and for internships with Dietitians of Canada
- Had my accident with the sidewalk snow plow. I was crossing the street on January 20th, in the crosswalk when a sidewalk snow plow operator wasn't paying attention as he was driving and struck me with the vehicle. He called an ambulance but I was awake and responsive (actually got up right away and was going to continue walking but took the advice of the witnesses and the paramedics to go to the hospital to get checked out). Wasn't seriously injured, but will always remember that day.


February:
- First Valentine's day with J - it was low key but still romantic


March:
- 1 year anniversary with J. 
- Got my first tattoo!
- Turned down for internships
- Accepted into Graduate program for Applied Human Nutrition


April:
- My Granmom passed away. She was one of my family members that I was closest to, so took it pretty hard.
- Left my job as Supervisor at the coffee place after many months of basically hating it. 


May:
- Can't really remember any major events that happened in this month. I was unemployed and seeking jobs at this time. Also had my 23rd birthday.


June:
- Was hired at the Grocery store


July & August:
- worked for Sobeys in the Deli department. A job that I enjoyed. It helped me to save money


September:
- Moved to Halifax for school


September-December:
- completed my first semester of Grad school with tons of hard work and came out with an A average.
- took up hula hooping for exercise and started my journey to lose weight
- decided to learn 60's style go go dancing as well for exercise and really enjoyed it
- Spent a fantastic Christmas with my family and the love of my life. 


So as you can see, I had a lot more ups than downs throughout 2011. Although overall I felt very lonely and isolated, more so throughout the last few months. And losing my Grandmother was hard on me, still is, as I think of her often even now and miss her like crazy. So I'm hoping 2012 will bring forth more happiness and less loneliness as I finish my last 2 semesters of my Grad program. I'm also hoping to get engaged to J this coming year (ssshh don't tell him I said that), and landing a job to work throughout the year. 


What events in 2011 have stuck out for you? 

Christmas

A picture of our Christmas tree this year

Wow, the last few days have been extremely busy with Christmas celebrations.
Firstly, J made it to my hometown safely and on time. His father drove him out of New Brunswick so he could catch the bus in Amherst on Christmas day and travel to my hometown.
Christmas morning itself was pretty low key with just my mother, sister and myself there. We opened our presents that were there at the time, and just relaxed until J arrived. I was tired because I couldn't fall asleep as easily the night before. Even at the age of 23, I have trouble sleeping on Christmas eve as I get too excited to sleep. It wasn't really for Christmas time though, I was more excited to see J later that day as it had already been 6 weeks since I had seen him last.

The next couple of days following Christmas ended up being super busy. On boxing day, my other sister and my brother arrived with their significant others. We had another round of opening gifts with them, followed by another large meal, this time it was ribs and a caesar salad.
On the 27th, we had to wake up earlyish again in order for my mom's else to be showed to potential buyers. We had to be out of the house by 11am, so we decided to go to my dad's house. That was the plan anyway, but he was expecting us at noon or a little earlier. At my dad's we had another round of Christmas with him and his wife. This was then followed by another Turkey dinner and playing Apples to Apples with everybody.

Then yesterday, J and I left my hometown and travelled to Moncton by train, because J had to work today. Upon arriving, we discovered his cat had vomitted on his bed sheets in 3 different spots while he was away. So we started a load of laundry and threw the sheets in. Then he got me to do the dishes we brought down from his room while he organized his living room. I ended up doing the whole stack of dishes that were just sitting in the kitchen, including the ones his roommates used and didn't bother to clean yet. Yeah I went to visit him and ended up doing more housework than the roommates do. lol. But now his kitchen is tidy and all the dishes are done so hopefully the roommates will be more considerate and pick up after themselves more. It probably bugs one of them that I came in and cleaned everything up. I didn't do it to be spiteful to them, I did it because I saw how frustrated J was getting.

So it was a busy Christmas vacation. Hopefully we can relax a bit more now. J actually joked that he is now on vacation from his vacation now that he is back at work. I get to relax and spend time with him for the next 5 days before I have to return to Halifax for winter semester.
I got two grades back so far from the Fall semester. An A+ in one class, and an A- in another. I was quite pleased when those finally showed up.
Even though Christmas was a lot busier than normal, I still enjoyed it a lot. It was great to spend time around more people than just myself, and especially nice to see J again.

Hope everyone is having marvellous Holidays!

Top: Me opening a present on Christmas day!

Bottom: Me and J 

How do you know?

So tonight I ran into a little bit of upset while talking with my family. See, I have expressed that someday I truly believe that J and I will marry each other. We've been together for two years now. We have discussed this before and we just know that we want to be together for a long time.

Then my brother N piped up with his opinion. He claims that there are some couples that should be together for at least 5 years before they get married. And then went on to say that J and I have only technically been dating for a year and a half, since we lived together for 16 months so that's all that counts. And that the whole long distance thing and online meeting thing  doesn't really count.
I started to get upset with this, because I'm very protective of my relationship with J. I know that we started out in an unconventional way. But we're still together and our bond only gets stronger. Every person and every relationship is going to be different in some way. My relationship with J is definitely not the same as N's relationship with his girlfriend. He met her living in our hometown, they worked together, and then moved to Halifax together.
He has never been in a long distance relationship or a relationship that started out on an online dating site. So the way I see it, he's trying to "school" me on a topic he has no personal knowledge about.
I just know that I'm happy with J, and our relationship happened to start out online, but the feelings were real. The conversations were real. We still went out on dates when we visited each other. We decided to only date each other in that time we were together. By my definition, we were dating each other and that time most definitely counts.

I suppose I'm just frustrated because my family has a more traditional view of things, especially when it comes to dating. I went against the "norm" in a way by initially meeting J online. I believe I can testify for online dating and long distance relationships because I have actually experienced them.


Has anyone tried to give you advice on something they actually had no personal knowledge or experiences with? How does one really know what is real or what isn't real unless they have actually lived through the experience? 


I mentioned this conversation to J because I was upset over it, and he said that sometimes outside advice is a good thing, but in this case it's not. lol He seems to always have the right things to say :)

Making Progress

So I mentioned that I am on the long challenging journey of losing weight.
Last time I weighed myself was on Thanksgiving, which almost made me cry.
I've been working hard with hula hooping and go go robics (fast paced 60's Go Go dancing) over the last 2 months, but wasn't sure if any results were coming out of it.

Then today my mother came to pick me up to take me home for the holidays. She kept my Grandmother's scale, so a few minutes after I arriving home, I went searching for the scale as I was curious. I was nervous, but stepped on it anyway.

Almost 10 pounds lighter! (Actually, that's a estimate since I was wearing a few layers when I decided to check so I think the clothes accounted for at least 3 pounds). I'll have to check again later, preferably in the morning as I don't have the weight of gravity pushing down on me all day first thing in the morning.
But I'm making progress and I couldn't be happier.
Baby steps :)

Struggling

As Christmas approaches I'm beginning to face a challenge. Sweets.
They are kryptonite in a way. Although I don't think kryptonite would taste so delicious.
(look at me making Superman references, I think J's nerdiness is rubbing off on me)

Anyway, I have a goal that I'd like to achieve by the end of 2012. It's not a realistic goal to set for one month so I figure a year is possible. I want and need to lose 60+ pounds by the end of next year. I want to because I want to feel desirable and sexy. Which I can't do with flabby arms and stomach.
I need to because right now my BMI is sitting over the 30 mark. Which in scientific terms means I'm classified as obese. I never really saw myself that way until recently though.
I noticed it a lot more at my dance classes though. All the other girls were skinny minnies and I stuck out like a sore thumb.
The risk of developing type II diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer increases as a person's weight increases. The heavier you are, the more likely you are to develop these things. Plus family medical history can play a role. So far, on both sides of my family thyroid problems exist, as well as diabetes and high blood pressure. Being "obese" (god I hate that term) is something I can actually fix now and maintain throughout my lifespan.
So I started doing daily exercise. 30-60 minutes of hula hooping a day. And cutting back on consuming sweets. I can't seem to cut those out completely, otherwise I'd revert back to my old ways. Baby steps is key.
A little at a time is a safer and healthier way, and every little bit counts.
I'm hoping with J there on Christmas, he'll be there to support me and help me through my struggle.
Although, he still thinks of me as beautiful and sexy, I think I need to see it for myself after I shed a few pounds.
All that candy and homemade goodies are just so tempting.  I just need the willpower to limit myself to them.
Wish me luck! It's a long journey ahead of me.

All I want for Christmas...

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree

I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas
Is you

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
And I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree

I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day

I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You baby

Oh I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
And I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe

I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click

'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do?
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
You

Oh all the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air

And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need?
Won't you please bring my baby to me?

Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door

Oh I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is
You baby

All I want for Christmas is you baby
All I want for Christmas is you baby
All I want for Christmas is you baby

*************************************************************************

This is one of my favourite Christmas songs. And since Christmas eve is a week away, I thought it'd be appropriate to post this song, because it showcases how I'm feeling this year. All I want for Christmas is to see J. And it seems my wish is coming true. 

We're still trying to figure out the definite travel plans, as the buses in New Brunswick and PEI are still on strike/locked out, so the issue is getting him out of New Brunswick so he can catch the bus in Amherst and get to my hometown for Christmas. I probably won't sleep much on Christmas eve, just worrying about if he's going to make it to his destination to catch the bus on time. 

So my wish for Christmas is that everything runs smoothly and I get to see my wonderful man. :)

What is your Christmas (or Holiday for those that don't celebrate Christmas) wish this year? 

Nothing yet

Since last Friday, I've been on Christmas break. It's been a relaxing time. I've cleaned my apartment multiple times. Been able to meet up with some friends for coffee or shopping. As well as just take it easy, enjoying my time off.

However, I'm curious to see my final marks for the semester. There were two final projects that were handed in at the beginning of the month, so two weeks later, I had hoped that the professors had already looked at the final assignments and marked them.
But that doesn't seem to be the case. So I continue to wait to see how I did. I frequently check the website on my school's page that takes me to my unofficial transcript. Nothing yet.
Hopefully something will be there by next week. I want to share my achievements with my family while I'm home for Christmas break. My father always asks about marks.
Plus I managed to stay focused on my school work this semester. Even with the constant loneliness of missing J while he stayed in Moncton, I managed to get my work done ahead of time most times, and not get too distracted.
It was a step up from my undergrad, which I didn't think I took as seriously as I should have.
See, through high school I managed to get first class honours when I graduated with minimal studying. I was able to take tests well and remember the material I learned quite easily.
But in undergrad, it was a harsh reality. I let myself get distracted. I still passed all my courses, but my grades weren't the highest.
So this time around I decided to do things differently. I had no choice really. 2 C's on my transcript in this Master's program and they will ask me to leave the program. So I have to strive for higher. I'm thinking I'll be getting A's across the board this semester but want to be completely sure.
Hopefully Monday I'll have some solid results.

It's a material world!

My brother actually posted this video on his facebook. I decided to watch it, because every time N posts a video it's usually pretty funny.
And this one is.

I was quite shocked at these children's reactions. Are we too materialistic nowadays? They didn't appreciate a gift from their parents because it wasn't the toy they wanted.

I know when I was a child if I received something I didn't particularly care for, I still smiled and said thank you to my parents. Or whoever gave me the gift.
Because Christmas is not supposed to be about the gifts. It's supposed to be the sharing of happiness and joy among family and friends.Although that's not how the media really markets it, and kids get sucked into that. Unfortunate but true.

How would you react if you received the gifts these kids in this video received?

Not this again

Last month I came down with the flu. I had the fever, muscle and joint pains, cough, headache, etc.
All of that lasted about 2 and a half weeks. The fever lasted 24 hours but the rest lingered on.
I had about 1 week of no coughing or anything.
But now my nose is all stuffy!
Seems I'm getting sick again.

The only thing I can think of that's causing this never ending sickness is that I ride the buses through Halifax quite often. I need the bus system to get back and forth to different places, as does a lot of people. Unfortunately the buses are an environment that germs and bacteria like to linger in. And it keeps getting me. Even if I use hand sanitizer.

Hopefully this clears up soon though. I'll be counting on vicks tonight to clear up my airways.

Ebay can be dangerous

Especially if you're a bit of a shopaholic like me. Who is on student loans and needs to limit her spending... lol
My favourite thing to shop for on ebay is shoes. See, I have size 11 feet. And shoe stores don't normally carry a lot of nice looking shoes in those sizes. But ebay does.

Especially go go boots. Oh how I want a pair. I'm just learning some 60's style go go dancing, and would like to accessorize!
lol
Even though the last class is next weekend, it'd still be fun to continue what I've been learning.

What is your favourite thing to look for on ebay?

Sleepless in Seattle

Okay, so this isn't exactly Seattle, it's Halifax.
But I'm really quite sleepless lately and I don't understand why.
Two nights ago I didn't fall asleep until 6am. I guessed that it was because my brain was thinking about the paper I had started but didn't finish that day. 
So yesterday I finished the paper. Printed it out and stapled it to be handed in today. I still didn't get to sleep until 2:30ish. Which is an improvement from 6am. But still.
Now it's 1:22am, and I'm still awake. But even if I feel tired and sleepy, I can't fall asleep. Stressing about it won't help either.
But I'm really quite frustrated, as I tend to usually be awesome at falling asleep. Anytime of the day I could lay down on my bed and fall asleep within minutes. 
Now...well... not so much. 


I tried giving up caffeine. And tried doing exercise in the evening to tire me out. But I think it backfired. 
Having a cup of hot chocolate the other night seemed to calm me enough to put me asleep. But I can't do that too often as hot chocolate carries a lot of calories. And since the body's systems slow down at night, not all of those calories get used properly. Plus it's bad to have sugary things on your teeth before bed. 


Maybe I need an intervention of some sort. Acupuncture? Massage? 
Or maybe I just need to be closer to J. His warm body next to mind and the steady beat of his heart makes me fall into a sweet dreamland quite easily. 
Only 15 more days until I see him again. I can't wait! 
But hopefully I can get some sleep before then lol. 


What are some remedies to fall asleep quicker? 

Girl's Night

After the last few months of hard work and stress, I was able to get out for a girls night with my best friend tonight.
Something I really needed.

There were a bunch of girls at this girls night, some I had just met, but it was a fun time.

See, I sort of have felt like I've in a bit of a rut lately since I moved to Halifax. It dawned on me last night in a moment of severe loneliness that I didn't quite make as many new friends as I had hoped during my first semester of my Masters.
Sure a lot of the girls in my program were nice and all, but I got the feeling they didn't really want to hang out with me outside of class.
Over the last couple of months I gradually added a few to Facebook, which might have been a bad idea, because I was then exposed to seeing them post pictures of different outings with each other. Outings I wasn't even invited to.
It kind of hurt.

I like to think I'm a great person to know. I can be funny, most times without even trying, and am generally a pleasant person to be around.
Sure, I can be quiet and awkward at first. But once you get to know me I'm a great friend.
I kind of wish these girls had taken the time to do that.
At first I tried to step out of my comfort zone and introduce myself and talk to them.
I've felt left out of a lot of things in the last couple of months, spending multiple nights alone in my apartment.
*sigh* Living in Halifax isn't what I thought it would be.
I really miss J. And Moncton.

Anyway, girls night.
I needed to get out of my apartment and do something for once. And my best friend happened to be in the city for a few days.
We went out for a delicious supper at Montanas (although tonight the service was surprisingly bad, they must have been having an off night), followed by catching the movie Puss in Boots for cheap night at the theatre.
Thoroughly entertaining.

It was a great way to unwind and spend time with my best friend. :D Hopefully we'll have more of these in the future.
In the meantime I'm going to try and make some new friends. Without trying too hard of course. People can see right through that.

I'm like Martha Stewart... without the jail sentence

Only three more weeks until Christmas!
I say Christmas because that is the holiday I celebrate, and the holiday I`m excited for.

Anyway, I did all my Christmas shopping two weeks ago. On a Sunday, in about 2 hours.
It was actually 2 days after I had a fever, so what possessed me to go shopping in that zombie like condition is beyond me. I guess it was on my mind and I wanted to get it over with. December was nearing at the time, and I tend to like avoiding the malls after December 1st because they get crazy!

That's not to say that the malls weren't crazy when I actually ventured out for that Christmas shopping in Mid-November.
Anyway, that's beside the point. The point is that when I went Christmas shopping, I stopped in at Walmart to pick up a picture I had ordered online to get developed. I also decided to pick up wrapping paper and other Christmassy things. Problem was, I couldn't find any gift tags anywhere! They were no where to be found in the Christmas section at the entrance of the store.
They might've been in a different section, but like I said, I was just coming off a fever, and the place was already turning crazy busy, so I didn't want to walk around looking for Christmas tags.

So when I wrapped my gifts, I made sure to label them with post it notes. I was going to keep the post it notes on the gifts, but tonight I decided to actually MAKE personalized gift tags.

I opened up a word document on my computer, and made a table. I then counted how many gifts I had that needed tags, searched for some clipart, and then printed them out. I could've just stuck them on the gifts like that, but no, I decided to be creative, and give each of them a cardboard backing, with little squares of wrapping paper (to hide the ugliness of the cardboard).
I thought this whole ordeal would only take a few minutes, but it actually turned out to take almost 2 hours.

The people I give my Christmas gifts to better keep the gift tags lol I put a lot of work into them. I could possibly even use them for next year lol

Have you ever had to get creative to do something? What was it? How did it turn out? 

Jittery no more

I'm not sure if I mentioned it here, but I'm a diet pepsi addict.
Every day I need my fix of diet pepsi or I get a little grumpy.

But I noticed since I moved to Halifax, I was drinking way too much diet pepsi. Especially late at night, so it would affect my sleeping. I was way too jittery and awake, even very late at night.

So I decided to try something new. I started buying the non-caffeinated diet pepsi they have available.
I have to say, I'm actually quite happy about the switch. It still gives me the diet pepsi fix and taste, but without the caffeine.

Hmm maybe eventually I'll be able to kick this diet pepsi addiction. People like to school me on the effects of aspartame, even though I'm a Nutrition student. lol
We'll see I guess :D