It Ain't That Bad

I find it incredibly easy to forget that my biggest problems, are not really problems.

This morning I was running late so I decided to grab my breakfast and coffee on the way. I went through the drive thru to save time and put my order in. I ordered a large coffee with two milk and two sweeteners, a bottle of water and a bagel toasted with butter. The lady repeated my order back to me completely wrong so I repeated it back for it. I got to the window, paid my money and drove away. When I got to class I realized that she didn't fix my order at all. My coffee was made with sugar and my bagel had cream cheese on it. I said a couple of not so nice words and began a rant in my head about how it's not so hard to get things right. I worked at a coffee shop for two years. Blah.Blah.Blah.

The truth is that I have people around me who are going through much worse things in their lives than getting a mixed up bagel and a not-so-sweet coffee. I know people dealing with health issues, money issues, and I'm sure some things that they are keeping to themselves. I, on the other hand, don't have any of these issues. I have everything I need and minimal worries. I need to keep reminding myself this. No matter how bad my life gets, it's really not that bad.

It's hard to be grateful sometimes in the face of what feels like a million problems, even when they are insignificant. So to help myself remember what's important, here are some quotes. They always seem to calm me down when I run them though my head.

xoTaylor

Being Alone

I did something a little different today: I went to see a movie by myself. I was downtown for Social Media Week and after the presentations were done for the day I found out that I didn't have to work that afternoon. I also knew that the only theatre in the whole city that was playing The Spectacular Now was only a couple of blocks away. I made my way to the theatre, purchased myself a ticket and sat in the theatre along with a teeny, tiny crowd of fellow movie goers, who all happened to be in their 70s.

I had a wonderful time. It felt so liberating to just enjoy my own company for the afternoon. I've always wanted to go to a movie alone because I think it's such a nice idea. No need to schedule with anyone, no need to worry about anything but you and the screen. It was pretty great.

It really signified why I came to Toronto. I wanted to be able to be independent without the help of my family or my boyfriend. I know that they are all here to help me but I sometimes feel like I use them all as a crutch. I need to be able to spend time with myself without counting on anyone else.

Like Oscar Wilde said: "I think it's very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person."

xoTaylor

Secret of the Week

I'm always amazed at what causes something to click in people's heads and makes them lose weight. It's fascinating that you can hear so many stats and even feel unhappy but there is usually one event that changes everything.

xoTaylor

Gif-tober

So...I am ridiculously excited for October...like ridiculously excited. I bought two pumpkin scented candles from Bath & Body Works yesterday and that really snowballed my excitement. I bought my very very favourite scent of all time, Pumpkin Cupcake, and a new one, Pumpkin Pecan Waffle. I'm burning my Pumpkin Cupcake one right now while sipping on pumpkin flavoured coffee and listening to Halloween music...yeah it got intense real fast over here.

Speaking of Halloween music, I made an amazing Halloween playlist last night. Find it here. Trust me, it's pretty freaking awesome.

I also texted Erika to tell her that she had exactly 12 days (11 now) until I started decorating our apartment for Halloween. She was excited.

This point of this post is that when October comes I'm going to start posting some of the amazing GIFs that I've found on the internet...to get you in the spirit. And because I can't wait for October, here's your first one:

Don't yah love it? This is actually not my first Halloween GIF...as you know I've posted a couple recently because I'm just that excited.

Have a happy Thursday y'all!

xoTaylor

Instagram: An Ode to What I Eat and Drink, And Random Parts of my Body

Last week Erika and I were in Blacks so she could get some photos developed. Me and her boyfriend Jon were looking around the store and saw a section that they were launching where they were printing instagram photos. Jon was pointing to the poster and was like "That's pretty cool" and I said "Yeah...Not really that into it." And the worker who was lingering around us was like "would you be into it if I told you it was free?" My answer was of course, yes.

So Erika and I made instagram posters and I love mine! It's funny to see my instagrams like this because it's very obvious that I like to take pictures of my coffees, the bottom half of my face and my legs. Guess I have a "thing" going. I can't decide if I want to frame it or just tack it on the wall with pins or maybe washi tape. Decisions decisions. Maybe if I can get a cheap frame that would be ideal...seeing as the poster was free as it is.

The good news for you is that they only cost $10.00. Pretty sweet huh? (Sidenote: I should probably get paid by Blacks..this sounds like an infomercial).

So I'll stop "selling" this to you and talk about my love for instagram...maybe they should pay me too. It's hard to find inspiration sometimes to take beautiful pictures but when I get in the groove I find myself pulling out my iphone at every turn. I love looking back at old photos and having these wonderful little tidbits to remember every day by. One day I'll have to get an album made of every single photo (yeah...even the dumb ones) just so I can remember each and every moment that I once felt deserved documenting.

So here's to you instagram, sometimes you can be lame (what with all those "sexy" selfies people like to take without their shirts on in the mirror) but you've also made me see life in a much more beautiful way.

xoTaylor

Fall is in the Air

Fall is finally back! I love this time of year because it's the only time when I just feel the season. Even around Christmas time I never feel that spirit but I most definitely feel the fall spirit. It's so cozy and welcome and it has the best foods. I know, I know, you're probably thinking about the delicious feasts of Christmas time but I love all of the fall flavours! Also, fall is all about nature! The trees really do their thing this time of year. Gosh I feel like I can't even put to words how into this season I am. The boots, the hot coffees, the welcome nip in the air. It's all perfection. Oh and the fashion. I've been dying to get my butt back in shorts and tights. Yesterday I took full advantage.

The biggest problem: I'm dying to buy new sweaters around every turn. Yesterday, after I saw Tieka's post, I literally ran out and bought her sweater immediately.

Perfect styling!

Most important of all: Halloween is coming! Yay Yay Yay!

This means:
- Constantly playing my Rocky Horror Picture Show record
- Watching The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and countless other Halloween movies at all times
- Planning a costume
- Decorating my apartment with baby pumpkins

I'm just too excited to even type anymore so I'll leave you with this:

xoTaylor

Secret of the Week

It's sad because I never want to think of anything as the best years of my life. Who would want that when that implies that someday you'll look back on them with longing? All of my years should be my best.

xoTaylor

Back to School

*My brand new back to school shoes because who am I to break such a tradition?*

I had my first day back to school today and last day of university. It's an 8:30am Friday morning class (which most people hate but I kind of like). Despite the fact that I wish I didn't even have to take a class this year, it seems like it should be pretty interesting. One class down, eleven more to go my friends. Another bonus: there is no midterm or final exam for this course. Boo-yah. Also, I'm one of those weird people who get's super anxious when I hear that we have to pick our presentation topics from a pre-decided list. We're having a lottery to decide which order people get to pick in. This is probably my worst nightmare because I already have a topic I'm dying to do and I'll probably get number 20 or something. If I was still in the third grade I'd be squirming in my seat with the anticipation. I'm that kid.

In other news, I have had a wonderfully relaxing couple of days. I have had very little to do since I've been home and Jordan has been working lots so I've spent lots of time in my pyjamas on the couch watching movies. I watched The Dark Knight Rises last night and Moonrise Kingdom this afternoon. Both solid picks. 

Tomorrow I am running a 7K race/obstacle course. I'm terrified. My aunt pressured me into it. The picture shows people crawling through the mud, trudging through waist high water and climbing over school buses, yeah you heard me, school buses! Wish me luck.

Oh and don't forget: today's Friday the 13th!

Who's ready for Halloween already? I am!

xoTaylor

Must See

I am dying to see this movie:

It looks beyond adorable! And the song from the trailer is currently on repeat in my bedroom. It just makes me feel happy!

The worst thing about movie trailers is that they make you want to see the movie so bad but then you have to wait what feels like forever until it comes out.

Any movies you guys are looking forward to?

xoTaylor

Routine

I'm one of those people who completely thrives on routine. When I do the same thing every day it makes it easy for me to workout, eat well and get the things done that I need to get done. Since I've moved to Toronto I've had zero routine and it's only going to become less structured and more chaotic.

I just got a part time job at La Senza. I've worked there before (about two years ago) and got the job pretty easily because of that fact. I'm really happy that I got it because it will be easy for me to slip back into the groove of things and I won't have to worry anymore about not making the bills. Well, I may but at least I can worry less-so!

The thing about part-time work is that it's random. You can never say when you're going to work from one week to the next. There goes my structured life. I guess chaos is my new normal and I'll have to find the willpower in that to keep my health as a priority. Does anyone else find that it's harder to eat well on days when you're running around like crazy? I also live with my best friend so it's like a never-ending sleepover. There are always snacks around and someone is always making something to eat. It's been delicious, but tough. The good thing is that I've been working out more than ever (which is weird because I don't have a gym membership for the first time in two years). I guess there are pros and cons to every situation!

I'll keep you updated on my unscheduled and totally chaotic life and pursuit of health!

xoTaylor

Secret of the Week

I chose this postcard for it's amazing story that was included after. I love a good happy ending.

June 18, 2013

Dear Frank,

I recognized my dad's card as soon as I saw it. All of us kids sat him down tonight and asked him about it- turns out it was written and sent a year ago, when my mom had just broken his heart, and he was hopelessly lost.

Now a year later, he's healthier than he's been in years, our family is closer than ever, and, thanks to the strange blessing of PostSecret, tonight we all had the opportunity to share our appreciation, love and support of one another.

My dad is working on a follow-up postcard to reassure you and the supportive PostSecret Community. This whole process has been incredibly therapeutic for him and for us kids too. 


Also: I found this update on the secret that I posted last week!

This was the secret:

Less than an hour after the first secret was posted Sunday, Reddit volunteers had identified the exact location on the postcard. Reddit moderators then self-censored their site to ensure that the information would not wrongly implicate someone in a crime. The Chicago Police were notified multiple times and investigated. They searched the site and found nothing unusual. I continue to be in contact with the Chicago Police. 

This was reported in The Chicago Tribune. 

xoTaylor

Getting into the swing of things

As I mentioned in my last post, I had a wonderful week last week. I filled all my moments with friends, fun and food, but now I'm back into real life.

This week I started my job as Assistant Editor for the Women Who Run It e-magazine. It's not too big of an adjustment because I worked there all summer as an intern but it is definitely an adjustment to go from intern to staff. I'm learning new things everyday and, while it can be hard to feel so lost at times, I'm definitely finding my way thanks to the million questions I have been asking my boss!

I work from home so that means not even showering until 2pm, never making my bed anymore, multiple coffees during the day and working while chitchatting to my roommates as they come and go to class.

My next task is to find a part-time job. I've interviewed at two places and I'm waiting to hear back. Think good thoughts for me okay? This girl has got to get that rent covered!

Hope you enjoyed your week my loves.

xoTaylor

My first week in the big city

As of yesterday I had officially been in the beautiful city of Toronto for one full week. It was an incredibly wonderful week, if I do say so myself. I decorated my space, learned the public transportation system, worked on getting a job and spent many, many wonderful moments with friends. It was probably one of the best introductions to a new city that a girl could ask for.

Seeing the first week in hindsight I'm realizing how incredibly lucky I was to have that week off to get myself situated. I was a tad worried that all of that free time might make me feel lonely but I managed to fill every second of it. I mostly filled it with food, like the beautiful dish you see above. Somehow, I ended up eating out every single day. I don't even know how that happened. People just kept wanting to eat out or go places all day and I must admit, it was not a good way to spend my money, but I did enjoy all of the moments that I spent over those dishes.

xoTaylor

Secret of the Week

This is probably one of the craziest secrets I've ever read (and I've read a lot).

xoTaylor

Dancing Ladies, Art Exhibits and Board Games

*Tessa, me and Katie. Aren't we presh?*

I've had a seriously wonderful weekend so far and guess what, it's not over! It's a long weekend this weekend! Hooray for that!

Friday night my friends from home came up because Tessa is moving back to B.C for school next week. So sad but I was glad we could get the girls and boys together for one last hurrah. All together 5 of them came up and slept on my living room floor (crazy kids). We all went out to a club and danced the night away. I wish I could say I looked this beautiful and composed all night but when you never ever  drink and then go out like a wildcat...well it ain't cute haha. But we had fun!

The next morning we all went out for breakfast before they headed home. My beautiful friend Shauna came over to see them before they left. After Shauna and I watched Pitch Perfect her boyfriend Mike came over. The three of us headed downtown to the Art Gallery of Ontario to see an exhibit. After that we headed to his house, watched a movie, ate dinner and then a couple of his friends came over and we played a board game. Have you ever heard of the board game Nightmares? Well I hadn't and I sucked! You play a VHS during the game (yeah...it's from 1991) and a zombie comes on and tells you what to do. Because I rolled the highest number he affectionately called me Dirtbag and then proceeded to pick on me the whole game by making me miss turns and get stuck in the Black Hole..how rude.

Today Jordan is coming to visit and I think we will go out for a nice dinner but other than that we have no plans. Hopefully we can come up with something exciting to do. That's the great thing about being near a big city though, there will always be something for us to do!

Have a happy long weekend!

xoTaylor