Moving Progress: Thoughts/Concerns/Excitement Log #1

Thoughts:

So, after this past weekend, I think we can all refer to my mother as SuperWoman. Seriously, she KILLED IT! Everything as far as accommodations, to the u-haul rental was taken care of, all by the lady herself. We seriously got so lucky though, because the place I got super good vibes from (the place the lady with the golden retriever talked up) had a room open up literally the morning we called to inquire for July. HOW SICK IS THAT?! So Laura and I will be living in a glorious place, and now that the lease and everything has been taken care of, that's another thing taken off the "OMG so stressful" list.

Now all I can think about is how I'm going to decorate. I, like every other over-planner, have begun to put together a Pinterest board of what elements I'd like to incorporate into the place. Ask me how excited this makes me feel. EEEEK!

SuperWoman also nailed it by letting me know that Beck is doing a show in Burnaby shortly after I move, so the tickets have been bought for that, and I couldn't be happier! I had been heartbroken to hear that Beck was playing Osheaga last year, and that I wasn't allowed to go. If I told you guys how many temper tantrums I had... well.. I'd just be embarrassed. Not my best moments whatsoever.

I think I can totally win the prize for most laid-back grad year ever! Being prepared early really really pays off.

Also, I'm stoked that Laura is on the same page with those clear dining chairs.. They're going to look so chic!!

Concerns:

I really need a new backpack. Like super bad. I haven't purchased/used one really since that denim Topshop one (with all the members of Mother Mother and Dan Mangan's signatures on it) kicked the bucket. I don't know which kind to get though. I know I certainly won't opt for denim again though. Not durable in the least! I was thinking about getting one of those Fjallraven Kanken ones, they look like they could handle a lot, but I don't know if they suit me at all. If anyone has suggestions on good backpacks, please let me know!

Both Laura and I's parents are laying down the "no pets allowed" rule hard. But we both hate living without fluffy companions.. To get a secret dog or not is the serious question here. Hm!

To bike or not to bike also seems to be a pretty honest question.. I mean, it's a great way to get around, however when I imagine myself in the midst of all of the people who are used to biking everywhere at such a fast pace level.. Look out, Charlie. A person at my level of clumsiness should probably stick to walking. I'm sure, like anything else a person does, I'll get used to it. But just the initial "getting used to it" phase will be a little more than embarrassing, and that makes me nervous.

Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. I've never had to apply to a workplace anywhere other than in Fort Mcmurray, which may I add is a very easy place to get a job because of their constant need for workers. How does one cope with the (apparently daunting) task of obtaining a job in the real world? And where should I begin applying? It'd be nice to get a job in Topshop Personal Shopping, but why would a little pipsqueak like me even think about starting there? Maybe smaller? Or no. Maybe if they see how hard of a worker I am, they'll like me? Should I just go for it? Why am I asking anyone this, OF COURSE I'm going to go for it! Maybe Zara too, and my mom is pushing for Cactus Club when I turn 19.. She feels comfortable with the whole tip job thing. As do I! It's a little extra to take home each shift, which couldn't possibly be a negative thing!

Excitement:

Your Eyes by Bombay Bicycle Club is filling my ears as I type, which I could go out on a limb and say is my ultimate pump up song ever, so please excuse me if I let my excitement get a little out of hand for the next 3 minutes and 31 seconds.

One of my managers at my current job was telling a few of my coworkers and I about online grocery shopping in Vancouver last night. Upon first mention, I was kind of mind blown honestly. All I could think of was "WHAT?! PEOPLE DELIVER YOUR GROCERIES TO YOUR DOOR?! NONSENSE!" But she explained it all to me, and it's a real thing! All organic too!! So I did some research this morning, and this service IS as cool as it sounds! Check out spud.ca to look a little more into it, but hell, I'm totally in! #SUPPORTLOCAL, YO!

As I read more and more about Blanche Macdonald and all of their past students' successes, I get increasingly excited to become apart of that family. I mean, the whole year I'm about to experience seems unreal still. I'm so happy with all of the choices I've made so far. Holy cow. I know it's a bit scary and it will be very challenging, but I'm following my dreams from the start, and that's all that matters. I'll do whatever it takes to get there (within reason). Personally, I couldn't learn in a 200-500 person class with professors who only talk and mark but don't listen. I'm excited to feel the warm learning environment that the school has to offer. *does a little dance around her room*

That's all of my thoughts for now. But as things progress, I'll be sure to keep you guys posted!! 

Hope everyone is well.

Stay cool, 

Jaime

Spraaang Break Fo'Evaaaa: My Trip To Vancouver

So we began our road trip to Vancouver by going our usual route through the mountains. There's something so comforting and refreshing about being surrounded by so much nature. I found myself feeling so grateful to be there while driving around the national park. Come to think of it, I was getting really sappy.. L-O-L oh well! It was a lovely drive. And we saw goats again!! That was super cool.

We stopped in Jasper, AB as we usually like to. It was a gorgeous evening there, so we just cruised around before we continued on our path.

We spent the first night in a little hotel in Blue River, BC. The staff were so sweet, and the beds were so comfy! Even all through that morning I was feeling so thankful to be around all this beautiful scenery. I think I was just on a high because I was so excited to get back to Vancouver.. Regardless, it was still a great feeling!

We left Blue River at a fantastic time, so we got a few hours of driving in before we all got hungry again. We decided to stop in Clearwater, BC for some German/Canadian cuisine. The little food truck was a family business, where the father cooked the food and his young daughter took all of the orders. I swear this little girl was only around 8 or 9 years old! Their food hit the spot though. Man do I wish you could have seen my father's face while he devoured his mushroom swiss burger... His exact words were, "THIS IS THE BEST FUCKIN' BURGER I'VE EVER EATEN!" which followed with him going up and giving the man a handshake in exchange for a business card (so we could stop there next time we drive through). Nick and I had cheeseburgers, while mom had schnitzel. We all loved ours as well. A+ spot for sure!

Shortly after our ever-so-brilliant lunch, we stopped by a gigantic antique shop. It was this huge building filled with stuff, with a back yard full of different themed baby barns also filled with things! I'm so glad we stopped, because we actually came out with a few good finds! I got an old pepsi crate to house my records, and dad got a sign and a few oil cans. The man gave us a pretty good deal as well. I wish I would have taken down the name.

After spending another night in an unknown location (I forget where it was), we braved the mountains again going through Kamloops, Marrott, Chilliwack and everything after. We were almost to Vancouver and I was more excited than ever! I won't lie, I lip-sync-rapped to every Iggy Azalea song that exists.

So we'd finally arrived, everyone in the family needed to take their showers, so we all did and got ready to go exploring. The sun was just setting on this gorgeous evening, so we walked around a bit in hopes of finding a nice place to eat. We stopped at Smoke's Poutinerie (it was my parents' first time) and had a delicious meal. After we were all full of cheese, gravy, fries and blue calypso lemonade, we decided to retire to the hotel room early to be well rested for a day of fun that was to follow.

There was a lovely cafe down the street from our hotel on Hornby street called Breka, with a beautiful man inside. I would be lying if I didn't say I blushed terribly when I ordered my hot apple cider. HEHEHE.

Since the weather was on our side this day, we thought we'd take advantage by taking a walk around Stanley Park. Great choice on our part! It was a beautiful walk! After doing a good chunk of the sea wall, we decided we were hungry enough to catch a street vendor hotdog or something. We were unsuccessful in our search, however we did end up stumbling upon this delicious pub that looked over the water. My whole family had cod and chips, of course, and I went for the onion rings. The platter I got almost resembled the mountains I had been so in love with just days before.. It was HUGE! I think they were the best onion rings I'd ever eaten, I swear!

After enjoying a fantastic lunch, we drove back to the hotel for a small siesta, and headed back out with our sights set on Granville Island. We hopped aboard an Aquabus for a 25 minute mini cruise around False Creek, then made our way around the markets and sweet little shops. Nick and I got gelato. It was amazing! There was also a dog that was wandering in and out of all the stores too. SO CUTE!

We ended that night with a trip to Chipotle, where a homeless woman greeted us with an enthusiastic "HAPPY TUESDAY!!!"

The third day we spent there, I got a tour of my school/met a few of the ladies who work there. I've got to say that even though the weather wasn't as nice, that day was by far my favourite! Seeing where I'll be taking my classes next September got me soooo much more excited, if that's even possible, for what's to come!

Then we drove around writing notes and numbers down for buildings we can begin calling in June to inquire about open apartments. The ball is rolling, and I couldn't be happier!

We ended up traveling to Langley for the evening to have dinner with some family. I always love visiting them, because they treat us so well when we're guests in their home. My cousin Courtney cooked us a delicious meal of chicken wings and probably the best ribs I've tasted to this day. Then while the parents sat around to chat we played with nerf guns, and then Kali and I watched Treehouse and played with their cute dog Feta.

The next day, my parents decided we'd leave 2 days earlier than planned in order to minimize the rush on the drive home. That drive was miserable. I didn't want to leave at all, let alone early. And everything was gloomy and rainy. No fun at all! Luckily I had my friends to text me silly things to keep me company.

Overall this trip was a great time! Although there are many things I wish I could have done, what we did end up accomplishing was great, and it just leaves things for next time! Next time.. Hahaha! Next time I'll be there to stay for a while, so I'll have plenty of time!

Hope all of your guys' spring break festivities were lovely!
Stay cool,
Jaime