My Date with the City

Toronto is an amazing city, there are always things happening and if you’re smart about it, entertainment won’t cost you too much. Well at least in my case, because on my date with the city I spent 4 hours roaming the streets and window shopping.

I went to the mall first and of course ended up in the bookstore. I spent about an hour in there browsing the books and then reading a couple of them in the ever comfortable chairs they have available to use. I actually had a ton of books to purchase, but I talked myself down from the book buying ledge, seeing as how I have 8 shelves of books to read. I took a picture of the mall and the bookstore, but it’s not a good represntation of the Eaton centre… oops.

It’s a beautiful day here, so instead of jumping on the subway, I decided to walk down Yonge street, where there was lots of going on, such as a man drawing Michael Jackson’s head on the sidewalk and there was an outdoor art exhibition going on, which unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of However, I did get a picture of Yonge street for all of you….

I ended my date with the city by hitting Starbucks (for the second time this weekend) where I bought the paper and read for about an hour with a London Fog drink, which I should be calling an earl grey late according to the informative Starbucks employee.

So all in all, it was a lovely date and I think I’ll see it again soon

I’m Dating Myself and I Think I Like It.

I’ve spent the whole day packing… I don’t move for 20 days, but everything that I don’t use (such as mounds and mound of books and dvds) have been packed and placed at the bottom of my stairs. So I’m rewarding myself by spending the day downtown Toronto tomorrow. I don’t have anything planned, but I plan on bringing my book and see what happens. I’m calling it a date with myself, because I haven’t spent one on one time with myself in a little while. I might go see a movie, do some shopping, read… who knows.

What do you guys do when you have a whole free day to do whatever you want???

United Breaks Guitars

I’m a proud Canadian gal and when someone from my hometown makes it big on YouTube, I have to give a shout out, so check out this talented guy from Halifax, Nova Scotia:

After United Airlines saw this video, they said, “They are going to make what happen right” and they called the video, “a unique learning opportunity and will be using it internally to ensure better customer service” (this source was taken from cnn.com).

Good on you, you clever Haligonian.

Playlist Wednesday

Some of you may or may not know that I am not in a relationship, not for lack of trying, I might add. However, past relationships have turned sour and I have had to use this playlist on more than one occasion. This is my version of a Breakup Playlist – if you guys have more songs to add, be sure to comment, because there are a lot of songs with words of heartbreak!

1. White Horse – Taylor Swift
2. Happy Ending – Avril Lavigne (I played this song 12 times one day, it was that bad of a break up)
3. Dickhead – Kate Nash
4. Fuck You – Lily Allen
5. Untouchable Face – Ani Defranco (Another song that was on repeat for about 2 months)
6. You Oughta Know – Alanis Morisette
7. Survivor – Destiny’s Child
8. These Books are Made for Walking – Nancy Sinatra
9. Irreplaceable – Beyonce
10. Bye Bye Boyfriend – Fefe Dobson
11. Cry Me a River – Justin Timberlake
12. Since You Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson
13. Picture to Burn – Taylor Swift
14. I’ll Always Love You – Whitney Houston
15. Caught Out There - Kelis
16. On the Radio – Regina Spektor
17. Why are you so Mean to me? – Nada Surf
18. You’ll Think of Me – Ketih Urban

Hopefully, you won’t have to use this playlist anytime soon if you are in a relationship, but keep it around if you’re in a man/woman bashing kind of mood.

A New York State of Mind

I got back from NYC last night and I miss it already!! It was one of the best trips I’ve ever gone on and I cannot wait to go back.

To easier describe my trip, I’m going to break it up into days (with pictures of course)!

Day 1
We left really early, like 5am early, so needless to say we slept a lot on the way into the city. With 46 people onboard a bus it took a bit of time to get to NYC but 14 hours later we made to our room in New Jersey right outside of the city.

Us in the Glass Museum on route to NYC

Our lovely hotel room with pillows that said "Sweet Dreams"... Bliss

Day 2
This is our first venture into the city and we were so excited!!! There may or may not have been a NYC dance on the way in… LOL. We had a NYC resident come onto the bus and give us a guided tour of the city, which was really helpful in getting to know the city. Some of the sights we saw with the tour guide were Times Square, Ground Zero, Central Park, China Town and Soho. It was so interesting and fun to get to see the city in which I’ve seen in movies and on TV. It was unbelievable to actually be there.

Once the tour was over, we were on our own so we made way to the TKTS booth to purchase some discounted tickets for a broadway show that evening. The TKTS booth is right in the middle of Times Square and we stood in line for 2.5 hours for tickets to see Chicago. After we got the tickets, we had some time to kill and since it was raining buckets (literally) so we decided to go to Madame Tussauds wax museum, which was so cool and freaky because some of the wax figures looked so realistic.

Then it was off to see Chicago!!! Little did we know that Chandra Wilson AKA Dr. Bailey from Grey’s Anatomy was playing the role of Mama in the show. So that was really cool. It was one of the greatest productions I’ve ever seen and the amount of detail in the show was incredible! So all in all, day 1 was a success.

Ground Zero...

Strawberry Fields in Central Park

Waiting in line at Times Square

Johnny Depp and I, just hanging out!

Waiting in line to see Chicago!!!

Day 3
Day 3 was exciting, because we knew that we were going on the Sex and the City tour and we have been waiting for this tour since March! The day started off with a visit to Liberty Island where we were up close and personal with the leading lady herself, it was surreal to say the least!

Then from there we travelled into the China Town to find some “good deals”. Let’s just say that LK landed 3 purses (one for her friend) and I got a “D&G” bag that is so amazing! I love it so much and I tried it out into the city of T.O. today and I felt fabulous.

From there we headed off to 58th and 59th street to start our Sex and the City tour and it was FABULOUS! We got to see Samantha’s meat market apartment, where Elizabeth Taylor (the dog) got gang raped in the park, where the last single girls kiss to place/AKA where the rehearsal dinner took place in the movie and many other spots. We actually got to get out at a park where Miranda took Brady in the show and bumped into Steve and his new girlfriend Debbie and it was here that we had our first celebrity sighting… that’s right my friends, Heidi Klum was there with her children and after a few pictures, we laid off because we felt bad taking pictures of her children and other peoples children. We also saw Chris Robinson (Kate Hudson’s ex) with their son Ryder. The tour was awesome and we got to see lots of Sex and the City scenes and got to see more of the beautiful city.

From there we had some dinner at the Olive Garden in Times Square, because we don’t have the Olive Garden in Canada and then walked all over the city during the evening for our last night.

The Statue of Liberty and Me

LK and her China Town purchases

The alleyway where Carrie pummeled Big with her wedding flowers!

Us and the Pleasure Chest where Charlotte bought her "rabbit"

The Engagement Table

HEIDI KLUM!

Awww...

Times Square at night time = LOVE

Day 4
We left the hotel at 8am and I was sad to leave. The bus trip seemed VERY short due to the fact that I slept the majority of the ride. We stopped at an outlet on the way back to Toronto and I got a last few purchases. 12 hours later we were home and even though I got tons of sleep on the bus, I was still in bed at 10pm last night.

It was an amazing trip and I cannot wait to go back!!!

Guess who’s back!!!

Hi guys!!!

I just got in from NYC (literally) I’m currently staring at my unpacked suitcase, but I had to write (this blogging this is so addictive!) – NEW YORK CITY was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on and I can’t wait to divulge into detail about my awesome 4 days away! Stay tuned for tomorrows post which will include, Sex and the City tour details, a broadway of Chicago recap, the Statue of Liberty and a celebrity sighting with Heidi Klum and kids.

Many thanks to Ria again for an amazing post and filling in for me while I was away!!! I guess I should go unpack, boo-urns.

Happy 4th of July to my many American friends!!! xo

Ria’s Playlist Wednesday

Hi Guys… I’m on route to NYC today but Ria from & That’s the Way Life Goes graciously agreed to guest post today. She’s the best and I strongly urge you to head on over to her blog after you read her wonderful post below…

Hi!  It’s Ria from & that’s the way life goes.   I was so excited when Reeder asked me to guest post!  In honor of her usual Playlist Wednesdays I thought I’d focus on music. 

I’m not a music fan that goes to a lot of concerts.  Music to me is mostly about background noise, stimulating memories or making me want to get up and move.  I love that Reeder posts her playlists.  We have a lot in common when it comes to music and she has helped me find some artists I might have never listened to. 

We all have songs that mean something to us.   Here are some songs that evoke memories/feelings.  Tell me some of yours, please?

My Heart Will Go  On – Celine Dion: I lost my virginity to this song.  It was “our song” but he put it on repeat.  Every time I hear it I cringe.  Partly of embarrassment because this song is kind of awful and because he had borrowed his best friend’s bedroom and we were on a bunk bed.  Mmmk *blushes profusely

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LeHdjaJSYg

 

Yeah – Usher & Lil John:  Makes me want to dance.  Mostly because you hear it a lot in clubs and it happens to be the song I danced in the rain to.  Why I remember that, I have no idea.  But Reeder did make me feel better when I confessed the drunk unclassy moment by telling me  I wasn’t the only one that dances in the rain when intoxicated.  Thanks Reeder!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSPhCS-15eE

 

Wanna Be a Baller – Lil Troy: Here is a secret.  I smile every time I hear this song (which is hardly ever!) because it reminds me of my what-if boy.  We used to use this song in emails to each other.  We could repeat the whole song together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_089EURkNo

 

Count on Me – Whitney Houston: My best friend and I used to stand on chairs in her room and sing this song into hairbrushes to each other.  It makes me smile and tugs at my heart because girls can be so close to one another but it can change in a heart beat and it takes a long time to rebuild that friendship, if ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ses7Y4oaxY

 

Sometimes Wanna Die – Joydrop:  I had a really awful boyfriend for awhile.  I felt completely alone.  This song really spoke to me.  And ironically my best friend listed in the song above asked what songs she could put on a cd for me.  I told her this one and I think it worried her a little.  She called me out on it and I realized I wasn’t as alone as my boyfriend made me think I was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyBsQ5lYaVE

 

The Joker – Steve Miller Band: When C and I first started dating this was our unofficial song.  It makes me laugh because we always heard it at this restaurant we frequented a lot where we would stuff ourselves with twice baked potato soup and chicken tenders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIHP9o6X6D8

 

 

Ride Wit Me – Nelly: I can always bounce along to this song.  It reminds me of good times with good friends up north and of riding in the backseat of Landon’s car.  Instead back of the benz we would supplement in the back of the Bonneville J

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TantIZIhPD8

 

Sweet Thing – Keith Urban: Ok this song I could not understand why I had to stop and listen to it if I heard it while flipping through stations.  It took me a long time to figure out that when Keith Urban says “sweet thing” it reminds me of someone who called me that once and I smile nostalgically.  I’m glad I figured it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OWAtKSEVSo

 

 

Ohmygosh I could go on and on.  So what songs are special to you?

Back in the Day… BLOG CARNIVAL: LOOKING BACK

“This post is a part of 20SB’s Looking Back Blog Carnival, and Ben & Jerry’s is awarding free ice cream to lucky bloggers and readers!” You can find out all about it right here and be sure to submit by this evening because the fun ends at midnight!

I actually tried to start a blog on numerous occasions to document my new experiences out of university and then I wanted to blog about life in the big city when I moved in 2007 to Toronto, but it took me a year to get my act together and I finally started it in October 2008. I never would have thought that the process of writing out my everyday activities and likes/dislikes would enable me to meet people from all over the world. I’m now a commited blogger that “feels bad” everytime I haven’t read your blogs (and commented) or updated my blog in 3 days (case in point). It’s been such an amazing experience and firstly I want to thank each and everyone of you that read this blog – you guys are the best!

Walking down memory lane was quite enjoyable and it was fun to see what kind of thoughts I was putting out there… such as the things that I’ve learned since I turned the big 2-5. So here’s a look at what I was like back in the early days of blogging:

“25 Things I’ve Learned – November 18, 2008″
Thank you to everyone that sent me birthday wishes! I love that on a single day I get so much love… it’s awesome. I thought in honor of my birthday, I’d list the 25 things I’ve learned in 25 years – so here goes:

1. You can’t change someone

2. Your parents are usually right about a lot of things

3. Make sure you tell your friends you love them often

4. If you have a one night stand, you are not a slut

5. Eating a tub of Ben and Jerry’s after a bad break-up is not a bad thing

6. Be kind to people and they’ll be kind back

7. Do NOT have tequila #4

8. Be patient, it’s a virtue

9. Be sure to save 10% of everything you earn

10. Wash your face every morning

11. Continue to educate yourself, even when you’re out of school

12. Read everything and anything

13. Enjoy each day

14. Laugh often

15. Everyone makes mistakes, you’re not the only one

16. Don’t hang up on people, it’s rude

17. Don’t blame your bad mood on PMS, all girls have it

18. Send cards just because

19. Get along with your siblings, they’ll eventually become a close friend

20. Friday and Saturday nights “in” are never a bad thing

21. Take pictures to document everything

22. Learn yoga

23. Take advantage of your library

24. Always moisturize

25. Try your best to be in a good mood even when you’re not

———————————————————————————————————————————————–

This is actually one of my favorite posts from last year because I still believe every single one of these points on my list.

I’m off to NYC tomorrow and I’ll be back on Saturday night! WOOHOO I should likely pack now, since I have nothing organized yet… eeek

Reeder’s Weekend Update

I’m officially on vacation! I’m taking the whole week off to head to pack for the upcoming move, read and head to NEW YORK CITY! I am sooo excited and can’t wait to get to finally see the big apple.

The last two days that I’ve been off has consisted of a massage, hanging out with an awesome friend and a celebration of MJ’s music and look what I found on a sidewalk in Toronto…

Michael Jackson Tribute

Hope you all had a lovely weekend as well…

Sad Day in Pop Music :(

I don’t even know what to say… I’m shocked and saddened by the news that the king of pop, Michael Jackson has passed away.

His music is so influential and legendary, so in honor of MJ, I’ve made a playlist of what I consider some of his best work:

1. Thriller
2. Bad
3. Billie Jean
4. Man in the Mirror
5. Black or White
6. Heal the World
7. Beat It
8. The Way you Make me Feel
9. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
10. Rock with You
11. You Rock My World
12. I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
13. You Are Not Alone
14. Scream
15. Smooth Criminal
16. They Don’t Care About Us

Michael Jackson 1958 – 2009