Good News...Sunny Side Up with a Side-O-Bacon!

Since returning from Europe, I've been on the hunt for my first "career" type job. Having been out of university for almost a year already, I have had some time to contemplate what a "career" means to me and what exactly is it that I'm looking for in a place of employment. I quite often get the common question "so, what sorts of things can you do with a BA in geography?" I often reply to this common question will equally common answers...the typical verbiage of listing off skills that I have acquired and what areas of employment go hand in hand with a geography degree. I've come to realize, though, that life is not always linear and B does not always follow A. An even bigger realization I have made is that I, myself, am not always a straight-and-narrow person and am quite OK with meandering through possibilities to find my desired opportunity. Many of the opportunities I have had over the last 5 years have come as a surprise...unplanned turning points...and I try to be patient with myself, roll with the punches, and see what meets me at the end. 9 times outs of 10 the experience has been SO worthwhile. For me, I do not necessarily need or want a job where the main criteria is listed as "degree in geography". It does not mean that my education will go unused or be wasted. It does not mean that I'm not living up to my full potential. It means that I see my education as a tool to open doors for me that I never knew existed...

There a several key things that I am looking for in a place of employment and feel if all aspects could be met, I would possibly find a career that provides me with longevity, growth and satisfaction. Here they are:

1. To be employed with a company/business/organization that is progressive, forward thinking and growing in a positive direction.

2. To be part of a young organizational culture that is motivated and focused.

3. A place of employment that values its employees and takes care of its people -- ie. through a benefits program, incentives, room for steady growth, openness, etc.

4. To be in a position where I can travel, either while working or have enough time off and make enough dough where I can travel some.

This list is not meant to be static...but it is something that, I think, could provide me with a solid base in any job.

Now for my good, good news! I've been eager to tell the world that I am employed!!! YAY!! And I am beyond happy and super excited to start my new career as an International Travel Consultant with a world-wide travel company...

Yes, the perks of the job are amazing, however, not only am I excited that I am able to mix work with travel, but also know that this is a great fit for me because I do have a job that meets all of my desired criteria. I can see myself going a long ways within this company and learn many valuable new skills while broadening my current ones. 

After quite an extensive recruitment process, I received a job offer last week! I have been working for a week and a half now at my home location in Edmonton, and next week my job is sending me to Vancouver (all expenses paid) to attend a 2 week intensive training course! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooOoOoooOOOOOOOOOOOO! Can you tell I'm excited?! I already know there is a sh!tload to learn...my co-workers have explained to me that the learning curve ahead of me is more like a learning wall...that I will run into repeatedly.

I have refrained from informing the whole internet world of where and with whom I work for...as a privacy precaution for myself. But, if any of my faithful blog readers out there are looking to travel sometime in the future and need some advice, let me know! Through this blog, email, Facebook, phone, whatever!

I was excited to share my good news with you all...thanks for reading! :D

Edmonton - The Top 10!

I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday and laughed a lot! Laughing is always a good indicator of a good time...

I took a small break from blogging as I've been putting a lot of time and focus into finding a job. Lately, I've been finding myself missing my West Coast life...I actually have dreams about Victoria quite a bit! I am noticing that I am impatient and missing all the familiarities that I had in my life in Victoria. The main thing, I think, is the stability and productivity of a job...and I am once again on the job hunt roller-coaster and, so far, it is going positively. I had built my own, independent life in Victoria and upon returning home, I feel a bit like I am starting over...rebuilding...though Edmonton is my home-home.

I've decided I need to stay upbeat in order to keep things in perspective. So, I feel now is a good time to list my 10 favourite things about being back in the land of trucks, oil, and snirt...


10. Timmy's lovers. Here, they are abundant (Tim Horton's and their lovers). I appreciate the fact that I can waltz into a grocery store, or wherever, with a cup-o-Timmy Ho's and go about my business without having to engage in a moral debate with someone about my coffee choice. Is it fair trade, organically grown, and environmentally friendly? No. No. Ummm no. Is purchasing a Tim's coffee helping the small, local coffee man down the street? No, I'm sorry. Does it come in a (GASP!) paper cup? Mayyyybbbe...if you go through the drive-thru! Are the proceeds from every coffee sold going to help save fuzzy pandas in China? Dang, no. Is the coffee and the other delicious treats vegan AND celiac friendly? No. Another big, black X. All joking aside, though the issues listed above are important, sometimes I just want a delicious, steamy, creamy cup of coffee from Timmy Ho's! Ok?

Yay! March!

 9. People here drive with a purpose (polite way of saying aggressive). The typical Edmontonian way: if the light turns yellow, five vehicles will burn rubber through the intersection. DO NOT LET THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS SLOW YOU DOWN, ESPECIALLY THE RED KIND! It is imperative you get to Costco before all the food samples run out! Well, I've just noticed that there aren't too many Sunday afternoon snails around these parts and it's nice, I have to admit. No 50's in a 70 zone!

8. Whyte Avenue/Old Strathcona - one of Edmonton's most vibrant, eclectic and, artsy areas! Old Strathcona is a provincially recognized heritage district and is a mix of boutique and thrift shopping, unique cafes, eateries and bars, and beautiful parks and green spaces. I am fond of this area as I spent quite a bit of my time around 82nd Ave throughout my diving years and while attending the University of Alberta. I hope to live around this area in the near future.

7. The river valley stairs. You know which ones I mean! You know, the ones by the Royal Glenora Club that go up to the High Level Bridge? The-stairs-of-death, to be more specific. These stairs will give you the best work out in the city! Well over 200 stairs at a pretty decent incline. HeLLLLooo hamstrings, calves, and quads! Plus, at the top, the reward is well worth the pain...the southern view overlooking the North Saskatchewan River is spectacular...especially on a warm, hazy, summer evening.

Can't you feel the burn just looking at em?

6. The Rockies are only 300km from the city limits! And, if you drive with a purpose, this equates to a mere 2.5 hour drive. The array of outdoor enjoyment in a magnificent landscape is endless...skiing, hiking, and camping. Just within Alberta, there is Marmot Basin, Panorama, Nakiska, Lake Louise, Norquay, and Sunshine for all the ski bums. I love going to the mountains, and skiing and camping have been a huge part of my life...I have many fond childhood memories of family camping trips with our 1970s Starcraft tent-trailer and crazy ski adventures!

One of my fave places in the Rockies: Mt. Robson

Ashley & I...Lake Louise December 2009

5. My bed. I have a great queen size bed at my parent's home that was purchased right before I moved out to Victoria...and it is wonderful! Heaven. Before that, I was sleeping on a single bed that I had had since I was 3 years old. While in Victoria, I was sleeping on the shittiest mattress possible....but hey, I got it for free from a friend! My mattress is basically brand new since I didn't live at home for the last few years, and now I enjoy the most comfortable sleeps ever! It actually feels like I am sleeping on a bubble now because my previous mattress sagged so much.

4. Fresh, white, powdery snow. Many of you might be wondering why the H snow is on my top 10 list...? If you know me at all, you can probably remember a time where I bitched excessively about being cold or how much I dislike winter in Edmonton. Don't even get me started about last Tuesday being -35 and how the heat in my car stopped working (yes, I have a car now...another blog post to come!)!! I have to be honest, it's not that I dislike winter, I just much MUCH prefer summer. Ok? Winter is pretty nice when there are heaps of white, sparkly snow everywhere...everything looks clean, crisp, and it's how I remember winter being as a kid. I always think back to when my brother and I were in elementary school, and every morning as soon as we woke up, starting November 1st (because it just doesn't seem like winter before Halloween when you're a kid), we would look out our front window to see if the heaps of snow had fallen yet. The morning would finally come when there would be snow on the ground and winter had officially begun! YAYYYY!! Pull out the snow pants! As an adult, I like hearing the snow squeak under my shoes and seeing lots of steam come out of my coffee mug.

North Saskatchewan River and the Edmonton River Valley

3. The arts and cultural scene in Edmonton. Edmonton really has a healthy and vibrant arts and culture environment. The list of events and festivals that take place year round, but really go full throttle in the summer months, is endless. Some of my favourites are: Edmonton Fringe Festival, Symphony Under the Sky at Hawrelak Park, Heritage Days (there is so much amazing food to try)...and I know the Folk Fest is an Edmontonian favourite, though I have never been myself. 

2. The Oilers!! I am biased, but they are the greatest team going and have the best fans in the league. It is great to be back in Oiler territory and I didn't realize how much I missed hockey until I came back. It is hard not to become obsessed with the goings on of the Oilers. I also never realized how much hockey is engrained into the day-to-day lives of many Edmontonians, including my family. Not a day goes by where someone I know doesn't mention the lastest news going on with our beloved hockey team. I was also pretty stoked this season because Ryan Smyth came back to where he belongs and he has ALWAYS been my FAVOURITE player. Like smooth, delicious icing on the cake! No matter how terrible them boys play or if they end up in fricken last place...again...though it's disappointing, no true Oiler fan will boo them or stop the love flowing! Oiler fans will love their team to the bitter, bitter end...  

1. Number one, of course, is my family and friends. It has been pretty nice to spend time with a lot of the people I haven't seen very much in the last 4 years. I love my family, and like most, we have our moments of tension...but overall, it feels good to be able to see them on a regular basis now, rather than just a couple times a year. 

You Went, You Experienced and You Lived...

In the words of a dear friend of mine: you went, you experienced and you lived...

On the morning of November 23rd, J-Sak and I found ourselves Canada bound, flying back home, after 7 glorious weeks of tremendous travel! 

I feel like this blog post is like the credits at the end of a movie...*insert heartwarming music here*...

First of all, I have to say thank you to my great buddy, Jeni. Thanks for diving into all those experiences with me and forever knowing that we have great memories to share for years to come. It really was a trip of a life time. Also, thanks for putting up with me and all my antics for that length of time!

Would we have done anything differently? Not at all. Both Jeni and I have agreed that this trip was positive in so many ways. We have both said, though, that if we were to do something like this again, we would probably spend a longer period of time in less countries. With that said, I feel that this trip was a great, first time backpacking trek through Europe because we got to experience A LOT and see a large number of the major must-dos. 

I love to travel. I am fortunate and feel blessed, that, at the age of 26, I have travelled far more than I ever thought I would have by this time in my life. I hope this continues for me. There is nothing like stepping outside of your comfort zone to really put a lot of things into perspective. I know that last sentence might have been vague, but, it is more of a feeling than something I can give concrete examples of. I know I am a person of privilege, who has the ability to have a passport and cross many borders, where millions of people around the world will never know that luxury. Therefore, I think it is important, if you get the opportunity, to experience other ways of life on this planet. Thoughts, ideas, customs, practices, languages, creativity, hopes, aspirations, humor, sadness, and desperation come from a wide ocean of human experiences, and my experience is just one of billions.

Another thing that I have learned about travelling is that, often, it is made out to be an experience that is a consistent peak of highs. Constant, abounding happiness awaits the traveller! I have experienced extreme loneliness and anxiety when I have travelled. These emotions have given me the opportunity to do quite a bit of introspective thinking and taught me to trust myself. And so, travelling has given me a sense of self awareness.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has read, is still reading, and will continue to read my blog! I am aware that far more people are reading my words than I ever guessed would. In all honesty, I thought my parents, Jeni's family and some close friends may read it from time to time. I truly enjoyed sharing my experiences through blogging and my words have been completely natural and organic and from my heart. I have decided to continue on writing...

So, as I said before, time seemed to just melt away. Before we knew it, Jeni and I landed at Edmonton International and were warmly greeted by our anxious families.

"I sure hope those bed bugs didn't follow you guys home!" Exclaimed my mum.

One last photo from the trip...brushing our teeth in Lush at the Toronto airport

The Case of the Missing Pants...

The distance from Sevilla in the southwest of Spain, to Barcelona in the northeast is approximately 830 km. Anywhere from 8 to 12 hours driving, depending on how one drives and all the pit stops along the way. I am setting you up here to help you gain an idea of what kind of a distance I am talking about. Jeni and I were lucky and were able to take a high speed train to get to Barcelona on the evening of November 18th. It took us about four and a half hours travelling at 300 km/hour most of the way! Crazy! We need to get a system like this is Canada...6 hours from Edmonton to Victoria, BAM!

Barcelona!!!!! Who has not heard amazing things about Barca?! This was a much anticipated city for Jeni and I and was the last city to visit on our European excursion. We stayed at HelloBCN hostel just off of Paral-lel metro station and it was a pretty fun and happening place to stay at. If you want to party like a crazy person and come home at 5 am with no pants on, this IS the place for you! This DID NOT happen to me, I'm making this quite clear, but it did happen to one of our roommates. And she was not hungover the next day...how do people do this? Interesting night to say the least.

We were super excited to be in Barcelona because Jeni and I had purchased FC Barcelona tickets for November 19th. FC Barcelona!!!! We had purchased our tickets over the internet back in August and had been patiently waiting almost 3 months to see this match. Barcelona vs Zaragoza. The first day in the city, Jeni and I spent most of the morning at Camp Nou (the soccer stadium) picking up our tickets, being around the fan fare, and, of course, dropping some dough, re, mi at the official FCB store (sometimes I say these really cheesy things and I can't stop myself...it's in my genetic make-up). Did I buy FCB underwear? Yes I did!

Got the gold nuggets!

FCB store. Offish!

Can you tell that we were excited? Just a tad. After we had finished our Black Friday-like shopping frenzy in the FCB store, we decided to check out more of the city as the game did not start until 7:30 pm. J-Sak and I decided to check out La Rambla, one of central Barcelona's main streets for shopping, eating, and people watching! Mercat de la Boqueria, located just off of La Rambla, is Barcelona's most popular (and awesome!) street market. Anything you want, food wise, it at your fingertips.The fruit stands are beautiful and delicious with all the colours. Not only is fruit sold at La Boqueria, but so is fish, meats, seafood, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, candy, vegan wraps...anything and everything! Jeni and I had lunch at the market and kept cover from the mid-afternoon rain that had set in. 

Eating my fruit bowl at La Boqueria

Candy stand

The rain never let up and we found ourselves scrambling to find some rain ponchos right before heading to the Barca game. Luckily for us, when we arrived at Camp Nou, we discovered our seats were located under the balcony overhang and we were able to stay dry for the game. What can I say about the game? So many things! Barcelona won 4-zip against Zaragoza and played outstanding soccer. It was amazing being there and I left feeling like I knocked something off my bucket list! I mentioned to Jeni, half jokingly, that I hoped we got to sit by some hot guys. I should've knocked on wood because, with my luck, we found ourselves surrounded by children. *Sigh*...children.

To my Castaways team: I DID carry the soccer man around Europe, always in my backpack...except for this night!

A couple of Canadians at Camp Nou

Soccah action!

Hug it out.

Jeni and I never got a sound night's sleep while in Barcelona. We had four American roommates who were, I'm guessing, around 18 years old and seemed like it was their first time away from home. EVER. I feel that this age estimation is quite accurate due to their OH-MY-GAWD-THE-DRINKING-AGE-IS-EIGHTEEN type alcohol consumption...and the shenanigans that followed them (or in the Case of the Missing Pants, did not follow them) back to the hostel every night, or more accurately, morning. It was fine though, Jeni and I were quite entertained by them, they were really friendly, and always apologetic the morning after!

The next day was jam-packed! Another bike tour, people! No accidents this time. We did our Barcelona tour with Fat Tire Bikes and this company also runs tours out of other major European cities (we did a tour with them in Berlin). We rode all over Barcelona...so great...so freeing on a bike. The main highlight for me on our bike tour was cycling along the beach, looking out at the Mediterranean, and ending up at a beach side cafe to eat a small bite and sip sangria!

After our bike tour, J-Sak and I went to check out Gaudi's Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudi was a Catalan architect who had a very distinctive, creative and unique style. Sagrada Familia is Gaudi's most well known piece of work and is a mammoth Catholic church in the heart of Barcelona. The project started in 1883, is still under construction today, and the anticipated completion year is 2026. Apparently Gaudi knew the church would not be completed in his lifetime, and dedicated a lot of his time during the construction to teach other artists and architects his style, so they would be able to continue construction after his death. The Sagrada Familia is unlike any church in the world. To me, it looks like a melting candle on the outside. Inside, it will take your breath away. It is spectacular, wildly different than any other architectural designs out there, and something you cannot miss if you go to Barcelona! Jeni and I did the audio-tour inside...well worth the extra money.

On the bike tour...and Sagrada Familia in the background

Close up of the outside of Sagrada Familia

Inside of Sagrada Familia

Looking directly upward, inside Sagrada Familia

We explored Sagrada Familia in the late afternoon, and by sunset, Jeni and I made our way back to the hostel. That evening, we met up with a long-time friend of ours, Ellen, who is currently studying her Masters in Barcelona. Ellen and I were close friends in elementary and junior high, and Jeni and her played soccer together. After grade 8, Ellen's family moved to Ontario and, though we did not remain extremely close, we have always known of each other's whereabouts via Facebook and things like that. Before J-Sak and I left for Europe, Ellen had sent me a Facebook message encouraging us to try and meet up if Jeni and I were coming through Barcelona. And so, that's exactly what happened! It was a great night of some good eats and wine and a lot of catching up. We figured it had been about 10 years since we last all had connected! It was great to see you, Ellen!

Barcelona trio: Ellen, Jeni & I

Our last day in Barcelona was upon us and we kept it low key. I will admit, not only were Jeni and I drained from 7 weeks of travel, but so were our bank accounts. Funny how that goes. I still did some last minute shopping though...I got the koolest clock ever! Ashley, if you're reading this, I got one of those droopey clocks like yours that hangs off your mantel! I luuuvvv it! Jeni and I hiked through Park Guell, which also is home to some Gaudi architecture and spectacular views of Barcelona. 

Look at that mane! It has not been cut in 2 months! Barca yonder...

My dear friend...and look over her shoulder...you can see Sagrada Familia

Just to give you a perspective of the enormity of Sagrada Familia...

And, just like that, time melts away...another major European city conquered! The next morning we were up early and hopped the metro to the train station where we were Paris bound. Our flight back to Canada was departing the next morning, November 23rd, from Charles de Gaulle airport. Why Paris you might ask? Well, I booked my flight with Airmiles and it was a bit finicky as to where I could fly in and out of. One last train ride to go...

Merry Christmas!

This year will be the second Christmas where my immediate family and I jointly decided not to exchange any gifts. For the past few years we had all been trying to come up with ideas to make the holiday season less stressful, economically and emotionally. Different ideas that have come up are (a) do the shopping in August, (b) only buy one small gift per family member, (c) each person buy one gift and do the "Chinese" gift exchange thing. Finally, unanimously, we voted NAY for gifts. Could we really do Christmas with no gifts?! Yes! Hallelujah Jesus, Mary and Joseph...it's great!

Last year we simply ruled out gifts and put our money towards having a shin-dig at our place with our family and friends. Booze. Hors d'ourves. Festive napkins. A new Bing Crosby Christmas CD. Plushy sleeping bags for those who needed to sleep on the couch (haha, joking...or am I?). This year though, we decided to participate in the Christmas Bureau's Hamper Sponsorship program...check it out: http://www.christmasbureau.ca/sponsorship/

How it works is that families who are in need and cannot afford a Christmas dinner are given the contents to make a delicious Christmas dinner with help from voluntary members of the community. Each family who volunteers is emailed out a list of groceries to buy for either a small, medium or large family and is also required to buy a hamper to put the groceries in, along with small gifts for the children in the family.

On December 17th, all the hampers are delivered to the families in need. Before delivery happens, all volunteers are required to stop by the Edmonton Expo Centre (this is hub of the Hamper program) to register, collect the address of the home they are going to, and to pick up a frozen turkey to go along with their hamper. Deliveries happen between 11am and 2pm and is quite an extraordinary event!

When my family and I arrived at the Expo Centre, we were greeted by cheerful volunteers who were efficiently handling all the behind-the-scenes action. Turkeys were being tossed left and right, the media was there conducting all sorts of interviews, and volunteers were trying to round up families who were willing to deliver more than their one hamper...as there were more hampers than delivery people!

Our family ended up delivering our hamper plus 3 more. It was an awesome event and, I think, a great way to participate in Christmas. It was pretty kool to meet the families and see how happy they were to receive their hamper-o-goodies. It was equally as kool to see how excited my own family got! My Dad was just tickled and eager to get all the hampers delivered, my Mum was the one who initiated the process, and my brother and I were up for a new spin on Christmas. I think this may just be our new Christmas tradition.

Whatjah think? Ditch the gifts and buy a hamper!!

Merry Christmas to all those who are reading...in Edmonton, Victoria and around the world!

Merry Christmas! This is the only family shot I could find. Probably the most ridiculous family photo of us out there...for the world to see...

Rendezvous X 2!

En route to Sevilla, Spain! Only two more destinations left to blog about until the Euro journey is complete! Thanks to all who are still interested and reading...

We took a 4 hour bus ride from Faro, Portugal to Sevilla, Spain. After another full day of travel, we finally reached our hostel at about 9:00pm. Upon our check-in at the front desk, we were informed that there was an awesome Flamenco show happening at 9:30pm if we wanted to check it out, which was promoted by several hostels in the area and great chance to meet some other travelers. J-Sak and I, greasy as we were, decided to throw on a change of "nicer" clothes and enjoy the night. Our first night in Spain!

We headed to a small, intimate bar that served tapas, of course, and €3 sangria and waited for the Flamenco performance to begin. Flamenco music and dance originated in the Andalusia region of Spain in the 18th century and is very popular in Sevilla.

Just to give you guys an idea...

Our Flamenco experience

A quirky thing that occurred that evening at the Flamenco bar was that Jeni and I ran into two travellers, a girl and a guy, from the US who we had originally met in Munich. Both of them were on the same Dachau tour as us waaayyy back two months prior, our very first full day in Europe! The girl recognized Jeni and I first (and let's face it, we'd been wearing the same duds for two months so it may have been easy to remember us...my blue coat and Jeni's green one...haven't you noticed all the pics I've posted? Yeah. Same outfits, different backgrounds)! I distinctly remember this girl reading The Hunger Games on the Dachau tour and I struck up a conversation with her about how much I enjoyed reading the book. This was her second time around reading it and advised me to make sure to read the second and third books as well...I crack a smirk at this comment because I have been strongly encouraged to read the whole trilogy by someone else, too (Jill, I know my friend...I gotta get on this)! Anyways, Jeni and I chatted with the two of them for sometime and discovered that they had travelled a completely different route than us; they went from Germany to Greece to Turkey to Spain, whereas J-Sak and I travelled Western Europe. Isn't it interesting how our routes rendezvoused at a tiny bar in Sevilla? Funny.

Because we had spent a good part of our night out, the morning came quickly. We joined yet another free walking tour around Sevilla. J-Sak and I both agree that the two free tours we went on during our time there were not the best. So-so. Mediocre. They city of Sevilla is beautiful though, and, as I've said before, unlike any other city I've visited. There are orange trees everywhere and the sun is always shining. It is supposed to be one of the hottest, if not the hottest, Spanish city. Apparently, it is not uncommon for summer temperatures to reach 40 Celsius. Sevilla is another city that has a lot of Moorish influence in their architecture.

Catedral de Santa María de la Sede...supposedly where Christopher Columbus is buried...but that's up for debate

A typical street: narrow with tall buildings, lined with orange trees

Plaza de Espana

 

A big thing in Spain, as I'm sure most people are aware of, is their tapas culture. Oh my gawd...the tapas were SO delicious! What an ingenious concept, really. Tapas are generally anywhere from €2 to €5 and are small appetizer-like dishes which are great for a snack or to share. I like this idea because a person can eat several small portions of a wide variety of foods and not have an empty wallet at the end. After our morning walking tour, Jeni and I found a nice outdoor table at a quaint tapa bar and ordered 4 tapas, some beer and sangria while enjoying the warm rays of the sun. What a great way to spend the afternoon!

That evening, we decided to join some other travellers we had met that day for a Tapas Tour, offered by our hostel. The tour was €14 and it included tapas and a bevy at 3 different bars. It was one of our best nights out on our Euro trip! We met some great people who liked to party and have a good time...and most of all, we laughed a lot! The tapas were excellent and non-stop, and I have to say the wine went down well, too! Later on in the night, a group of us wanted to check out an authentic Flamenco show and someone knew of a really great place. So, after getting lost around the streets of Sevilla, we finally made it to the bar and saw about half of the show...and enjoyed awesome mojitos!

Tapas!

The group enjoying the Tapas Tour

Authentic Flamenco bar

A fun group of peeps in Sevilla! Yes, I'm wearing flip-flops...

The next day was our departure day from Sevilla. I had been trying to contact my friend, Pippa, for several days because I wanted, so badly, to connect with her while we were in Sevilla. Pippa was a co-worker of mine at the Victoria Symphony and she resigned about a month before I did for the same reason; to travel in Europe, more specifically, Spain! Though I only new Pippa for about 5 months, she became someone I grew to admire very much and always knew she had a great energy and solid character about her. I feel we both have quite a bit in common in certain aspects of life and I always feel natural and like myself when around Pipster. During our last month together at the VS, we had discussed to meet up, if possible, in Sevilla. We had some communication issues in the days leading up to my arrival in Sevilla. Facebook messages and emails were not cooperating with either of us and it so happened that the day J-Sak and I were leaving, I finally connected with Pippa by using someone's local cell phone at our hostel. It was so funny talking to Pippa on the phone in Spain! I was so used to having conversations with her in her Victoria office, over some coffee and the mail, haha! Pippa scurried to our hostel as soon as we got off the phone and met up with Jeni and I. Wow. It was so kool! Upon receiving a huge, tight hug from Pippa, I have to say, I couldn't help the tears. Because I'm a cheese-ball that way. I felt a lot of things at once. For one thing, it was almost the end of our trip and seeing a familiar face gave me a huge sense of comfort. Also, physically seeing Pippa, in Spain, felt kind of surreal. We had so often talked about what it would be like to connect with each other in Spain, but it's so different when talk becomes reality.

Pippa, Jeni and I strolled around the streets of Sevilla for a while before deciding to have some sandwiches, cafe con letche (coffee with milk) and churros with chocolate dip at a cafe in the university area.

Churros: a fried, doughy pastry with chocolate dipping sauce...MmmmMMm!

 We spent the better part of the afternoon catching up, laughing, sharing travel experiences and future aspirations with each other. Seriously, that afternoon felt extremely refreshing for me and I am so thankful that I was able to see Pippa. Time always goes by so fast when you're really enjoying yourself, right? Unfortunately, Jeni and I had to catch a train to Barcelona that evening and were only able to spend a few short, but delightful hours with Pippa. Saying goodbye has always been a big struggle for me. I always find it quite a daunting hurdle when I am confronted with goodbyes (I always tear up at airports, even if it's complete strangers saying their goodbyes and not me!). Saying so-long-for-now to Pippa was no different. I almost felt like we were in an alternate universe; meeting up in a foreign country, talking about a whole bunch of new experiences, and then not knowing when the next opportunity will come when I will see Pippa again. And so, paths cross and then meander and maybe, one day, cross again. I hope so. Thanks, Pippa, for a great afternoon...it still puts a smile on my face!

My 25th Year.

I have been wanting to write this blog post for a while. Actually, I've wanted to write it since the inception of my blog back in October, but have been waiting for a day where I feel inspired to write it. I think my birthday might be a good day...


When J-Sak and I were flying over the Atlantic, to Europe on October 5th, I began thinking about life. You know how it is, 9 hours sitting in the same spot, everyone around you is conked out after their airplane meal and wine. It gives a person time to ponder. I am at a crossroads in my life right now, and the beginning of this crossroads began when I made the decision to leave Victoria, which has been my home for the past 4 years. Looking back, I cannot believe how influential that time in my life was for me. I often wonder what kind of person I would've become, or what experiences I would or would not have had if I had stayed in Edmonton throughout my university years.


There are certain years of a person's life that are big, monumental and will always be remembered. For the good and the bad. I think my year of being 25 was that kind of year for me. It's funny because, when you are in the moment of living, it is hard to see things for what they really are. I never really felt like the past 14 months were big for me when I was living through it, but when I look back, it's hard to believe what took place in a little over a year's time.


It started when a major relationship of mine completely disintegrated before my eyes in the fall of 2010, and that Christmas was the worst Christmas, hopefully, of my life. It was awful. Before Christmas though, in December of 2010, I had finally finished my undergraduate degree at UVic. It was the biggest feeling of relief for me and I was very excited to have completed all my coursework. I came home to Edmonton for the Christmas holidays and knew that when I went back to Victoria I was going to be broke and jobless. It created some anxiety and was a scary thought. Everyone was asking, "So now what?". Yeah. I wasn't too sure.


The job market in Victoria sucks, I'm just saying that now. High cost of living coupled with limited jobs, and low paying ones at that, make it tough in that city. I had made the decision in my mind that, if I did not have a job in Victoria by the end of February, I was going to make plans to move home after the soccer season wrapped up in March. While I was on holidays in Edmonton, I had seen a job posted on Craigslist Victoria for a temporary customer service position with the Victoria Symphony, and figured that I would apply for this job...even if it was only temporary. As soon as I returned to Vic, I marched down to the Symphony office and put in my application. I ended up getting an interview! Wow! That, in itself, felt like an accomplishment in Victoria's job market. Unfortunately, I did not get the position. I ended up working in a mind numbing retail job just to generate some sort of income while I looked for other work. I pounded the pavement for a good three weeks looking for work and nothing came of it. However, a few weeks after my initial interview with the Victoria Symphony, I got a call back saying that there was another opening for a CSR, as someone had been promoted within the staff. "Would I still like the job?" I was asked. Of course!! By the end of February, as I had set out to do, I was working full time at the Symphony with a great group of forward thinking people! It turned out, three months later, that I was asked to stay on board and become a full-time, permanent member of the VS team! This job experience turned out to be the best work experience of my life so far. I had a blast with the VS, learned some valuable skills, developed friendships with some ultra-kool kats, and, in many ways, it totally turned my life around in Victoria. It came at a perfect time. Coincidence? Fate? Someone was looking after me? I'm still thinking about that one.

VS Plaid Day! Lookin' mighty fine!

Another great VS theme day: Polka Dots!

 
June 2011. My whole family (Mum, Dad, Drew, Grandma, B and Peter) flew out to Victoria to be at my convocation. It was now official! I graduated from UVic with a BA in geography and I finally had my degree in my paws. It was a big celebration and great to have my whole family there to support me. A long road to the end and here it was! Even the Symphony surprised me with a lovely card and flowers, how nice!

Convocation...June 14, 2011

My Mexican sister, Begonia, and I in Vancouver...Easter weekend 2011

Inner Harbour @ Symphony Splash 2011

July 2011. Me, along with all the staff at the Symphony worked our asses off for Splash. What a great experience for me. I was so excited and proud to be part of an event like Splash! If you don't know what Splash is, check it out: http://www.victoriasymphony.ca/splash/. And, you should go sometime! Also, Yvette and I did our first sprint triathlon (all the events are half the distance of an Olympic triathlon) together! Woot!

My volunteers and I @ Symphony Splash 2011

Success! Sprint triathlon completed!

The first weekend of August came around and I had planned a mini vacay with my cousin, Ashley, in Toronto (she flew to TO from Edmonton and I met up with her coming from a Victoria flight). Perfect timing for a break as I was exhausted from Splash and triathlon training! Ashley had invited me to come with her to her friend's wedding and we spent a marvelous 4 days together, catching up and really talking about some good stuff. She is one of the closest people I have in my life, I'm so thankful to be so connected with her! That weekend she informed me that she had made the decision to pursue great opportunities in Australia for an indefinite amount of time (meaning she would not be back for a while) and she would be leaving in November. That weekend was a true blessing. Upon our departure from each other at the TO airport, saying goodbye was pretty tough because we did not know when we would see each other next and be able to spend some good, quality time together. But you know what that means? Um, hello, Australia trip?!

Bloor and Yonge St. WOOT!

Just chillin out in TO...looking badass in our badass shades...

 Because I spent the summer in Victoria, I was able to keep on playing soccer. I was on a couple of just-for-fun summer teams and felt like I was steadily improving at the game. I also felt like I was really gelling with my Castaways team and we had done well in the previous season, so we were moving up to Div 2 for the 2011-2012 season! I was also training to do a half-marathon sometime in the fall...not sure when...but I picked up running a couple of years ago and have come to really enjoy it.

Castaways Div 3...2010-2011

My soccer going away party. Such a fun night! Thanks to my awesome team!

Jeni and I had been talking about going to Europe together for quite sometime. We both knew we wanted to do some backpacking after finishing university and the fall of 2011 was a now-or-never time for J-Sak. I had to do it! I had been saving, bit by bit, for such a trip not knowing when it would happen. Full fledged planning started in the summer of 2011 and I came to the realization, bitter-sweet it was, that it was time to move on from Vic. Though I had a great job, a nice place to live, awesome friends and a crazy-fun soccer team, I knew in my heart that my life was not meant to be in Victoria...no matter how great the present seemed to be. Jeni and I booked our flight from Edmonton to Munich for October 5th. I also ran my very first half-marathon in Munich, Germany on October 10th. So, September proved to be a very emotional month. Saying goodbye and packing up my Victoria life was difficult, but essential, in order for me to explore other avenues of life.

Venice...November 2011

Barcelona...November 2011. With our lives on our backs!

And a year came in full circle...
I found myself on an international fight, Europe bound, for a two month whirlwind backpacking adventure with one of my closest friends (I've known her since grade 3 people!). I have been back in Edmonton for two weeks now...staring my 26th birthday in the face. I never would've guessed that I would have done all that in a year! It came with some very low times and some very high times. The future is still very unknown at this point...a little bit scary, I have to say. But exciting at the same time. I am thankful for all this year has given me...there is no doubt that I am a stronger and happier person because of it all.


Now, I've got to go blow out 26 candles and get another big year underway! Thanks to all who are reading...