The end is near

For my summer semester that is. This has really been one of the most intense semesters I've had at school in forever. I also am putting a lot of pressure on myself to get the grades I want because I know I can. I have been so ahead of everything but still feel so behind. Just a few more projects and final then I am done.
The really unfortunate thing is that I have had so much group work and I like the girls I work with but they are not as motivated as me and don't care as much as I do. We had an assignment due last week and I was the only one who did any of it, there are THREE of us. It's so frustrating to try and get them to do the work. Instead they just skip class and leave everything until the last minute and it stresses me the eff out.

Anyway, rant over haha.

Then summer can actually start. Even though the weather in Newfoundland had been AWFUL. It has seriously been 12 and raining or fog for all of July. To the point now where we are so over it that we are joking around with the weathermen on the local stations and arresting them for bad weather. At least we can laugh about it?
Aurelien is coming is like two weeks and I'm sooooo excited. I can't wait to see him and show him around, but mostly just cuddle because I haven't had it since january. The struggle is real, am I right?

That's the little life update. I will just conclude this with some Toronto pictures and throw in that I am going to Ottawa in September to see One Direction, again. There is zero shame in my game.

Pre Shania Twain <3

Being a tourist, obvs.

We ate POUTINE spring rolls. they were AMAZING.

In the distillery district. Love is all you need!

Whoops

How many times is too many to say "sorry I left, I'll try harder this time." That's what I'm like with this blog. I evidently have issues balancing everything, I wish I didn't.

I do want to come back because I enjoy reading everyone else's blogs and I do enjoy writing these posts. School has been overwhelming with a million assignments due every week plus exams. Although my work ethic is paying off since I did really well in my two 6 week courses so it's really making it worth it.

I need to get caught up in some link ups and get this show on the road. I guess this is just a post to maybe hold myself accountable? I need somewhere to vent my feelings.

Short life recap:

- Went to London, ON and saw Shania Twain and my mind was seriously blown.
- Went to Toronto and met up with some of my loveliest friends who I haven't seen in a couple of years.
- Ate poutine spring rolls
- Spent too much money.

ANYWAY

Thanks for any amount of attention you pay to this. LOTS OF LOVE.

What makes me happy

Oh hi.

So I started school again and it has been so overwhelming and busy. Any time I'm not at the library I'm sleeping or in class. The struggle is so real. I am enjoying it thus far though. It's not even really hard work, just tedious with a lot of assignments.

ANYWAY

I could keep complaining or I could get to posting! Luckily this is still May so I can get away with Belinda's Blog Everday in May :)

Today's prompt: What cheers you up?

Messages from friends away: It doesn't have to be long, even just a simple hey or what's up. I am so crappy at keeping in touch with people once we are at a distance so I like when people contact me. I do reach out to people as well, but them sometimes I just forget to respond. Sorry about that.

Driving around: There is nothing more relaxing or enjoyable to me than driving around with my music by myself. I can listen to whatever I want, feel however I want and just get out of my head for a while. When I was little my parents used to drive me around until I fell asleep, maybe that's where the relaxation thing comes from.

Getting stuff done: Groceries, assignments, laundry etc. Whatever it is. Once it's done, I am so happy. I don't always love the process, but making progress and being productive is enjoyable to me.

Terrible food: You want to try and tell me nachos and pizza don't sound lovely at any point in the day? And that they aren't the perfect thing for a pick me up?


What cheers you up when you're down or stressed? Or what makes you happy in general?

Hola monday

Whomp whomp Janet. I have been THE worst lately. I don't think I'm cut out for blogging everyday. I've just started back to school and my friend moved to Ohio this morning so there is just  AWHOLE LOT OF EMOTION happening up in hurr. Anyway, let's get back on track with Blog Everday in May.

The prompt today - Who Inspires You?

Things/people that inspire me:

- The women in charge at the organizations where I volunteer. They put their heart and soul into helping others and putting others first. I want to be like them.

- My friends. As I mentioned above, a friend of mine is moving to Ohio to start her Phd in Clinical Psychology. She'll be gone for five years but she was sought out by this school because of her research and so I couldn't be more proud. All her achievements really inspire me to do the things I want to do.

- People in general who are kind, optimistic and generous. Keep doing you boo.

- Any one facing any kind of illness or disease. You are so strong to be dealing with what you are and I only have respect and admiration for you. 

- Children that believe whatever they want and believe that the sky is the limit. Never lose that attitude. 

Who/what inspires you?

Causes I Support

I'm really not very good at blogging everyday am I? I promise I'm trying, I really am.

Today’s prompt is, “Do you have a favorite charity or cause you support?”

For a long time I never volunteered unless it was to fulfill requirements for school. Not that I had anything against charities and causes (obviously) but I just never really found one that I could connect with or was really passionate about. 

That all changed when I became a mentor for the Go Girls! Program with Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

The program involves going to a school once a week during lunchtime with group of girls in the 6th grade. It's the last year of their elementary school days, and junior high or middle school can really bring a lot of changes to your life. The basis of the program is to build confidence, awareness, healthy habits and acceptance. It is truly empowering to see the girls grow week to week in how they interact with eachother, with other people who aren't necessarily in their friend group and their evolving opinions on things. Having girls realize their full potential is a starting point for great things to come. Big Brothers Big Sisters is an incredible organization. 

Playing a role in the development of youth, I wanted to pursue another area that would bring me the same satisfaction the Go Girls! did. The local Planned Parenthood in my city runs basically on volunteers, there are only two permanent employees (the perks of a nonprofit am I right?).  

I decided that PP would be the perfect spot for me and I wasn't wrong. Their stance and opinions on certain subjects reflect almost exactly my own, basically a match made in heaven. As a volunteer you have front desk duties, but we also council girls who come in for pregnancy tests on their options should they be pregnant (healthy fetal development, adoption options, abortion). We give presentations groups of teens in schools about safe sex, STIs, gender orientation, gender identity, abuse, consent, healthy relationships - the list goes on. All of these conversations which have become to taboo in our society and I think it's so important to talk about them. Especially to young people. 

I don't think I could have found better organizations to donate my time and money to. They have both inspired me to take my education degree and find work in the non-profit sector, I love the things they do.

What causes are close to your heart?

Never have I ever..

Today's prompt for Blog Everday in May is the ever so fun game "Never Have I Ever". I'm usually terrible at coming up with stuff like this when I actually play the game but maybe I can get it together here.

Never have I ever:

- Practiced yoga

- Gone skinny dipping

- Been to Australia

- Been in a car accident (knock on wood)

- Kept my room clean for more than 2 days

- Read the Harry Potter books

- Had an actual relationship besides the one I was in/currently trying to figure out with the guy from France

- Gone sky diving

- Or ever will care about baseball or basketball

- Successfully drank a glass or bottle of anything without spilling it

What have you never ever done?

A Thank You Letter

So I missed yesterday, whoops. At least I made it two days in a row. I was seriously too tired/hungover to write a post even though I would love to share my bucket list. Maybe I'll swap that prompt for a different one later on.

On to today, the prompt is to write a thank you letter to anyone thanking them for anything. I love this idea as I find that as we go about our lives, we forget to take the time to thank the people that have helped us along the way. Not on purpose of course, but we are busy as a society.

I have a lot of people I want to thank, so I'm going to incorporate them into a couple of letters. Let's go!



Dear Alison,

    When we met a few years ago, I didn't realize how much an influence and impact you would have on how I saw the world. While we never became extremely close, I admired you desire to help and your passion for justice in a world that seems lost sometimes. You are so intelligent and you bring happiness to everyone around you, which I find rare to come across these days.
     Without having met you, I don't think I would have grown the way I have. I wouldn't be questioning the world around me and I would find myself blindly following others because it's easier. Because of you I have developed my critical thinking skills and to challenge what I see and read. Because of you I am sure about my beliefs and what I stand for. Because of you I am more open and less quick to judge others. These are things that I will be forever grateful for.
      I know we don't talk at all, but judging from your Facebook and other social media outlets, your life is going in a direction you're happy about that makes me extremely happy as well.

Thank you so very much,

Janet



Dear parents,

    You are truly amazing. There has never been a time in my life where you haven't been there for m. You always put your children first which I know hasn't always been a walk in the park. I can come to you for and about anything. You listen, you care and you don't try to make my decisions for me.
    You have allowed me to grow and evolve into the woman I am today, but I wouldn't be the same without you. Your support and love means more to me than you'll probably every know. I know sometimes we come off as ungrateful and dismissive, but I don't mean it. I am so luck to have you.

Janet

Oh hi! - Blog Everyday in May Day 1

The first prompt for blogging everyday in May is "Introduce yourself" - I think I can manage that.

Hi, I'm Janet!

I'm 25 and I currently reside in St. John's, Newfoundland. AKA the most easterly point in North America AKA you've probably never heard of it but that's ok!

I completed an arts degree last October with a double major in French and Linguistics. Currently I am working as a translator and in E-commerce customer service and processing at a national clothing company based out of St. John's. (Eclipse stores if you're interested ;))

I actually only have a week left at this job then I'm going back to school to get my degree in Primary/Elementary Education. I am super excited to get back to the student life and learn some more.

Ok I could sit here and many paragraphs, but let's do the condensed version shall we?

Fun facts about Janet

I've done 3 studying away programs I guess you could call it. The first was one semester in Saint-Pierre, a group of islands just off the coast of Newfoundland. There is where I would say my French got really good and really made me fall in love with it again.

The second was in Quebec City for a year. While I didn't speak as much French among friends here, I met some of the most amazing people and some of my closest friends. It was also a really eye opening experience and the first time for a lot of things: living on my own, relationships, love. I don't regret anything about it. (Read all about it hurrr) 

The 3rd one was my semester that I spent in Lorient, France last January. I was there for 6 months and had an incredible time. I really loved planning trips, getting know the community I was win, meeting people from all over the world. It was also amazing to experience the true French culture and immerse myself in it again. Like Quebec, many life lessons were learned here. I also found myself in love with an French man. We've had some rocky patches and a breakup, but he is coming to visit me here and all I can think about is how happy I truly am with him. I don't know what the future holds for us, but that's all part of the fun right?

I am the middle child.

My sisters and I are all very different but it kind of works out better that way,

I don't know if I'll ever want to get married.

I don't know if I want to have kids.

I hate onions, peas and red meat.

I believe everyone's main food group should be pizza and subway.

I believe that travel is good for the soul.

(fish spa anyone)

I have a lot of hypochondriac tendencies.

I have had anxiety since I was little, but it started affecting me when I was 14 after losing the my grandfather. I have it under control most of the time but there are periods of intense stress when it comes back head on.

I enjoy a nice cold beer or a glass of wine.

I like painting my nails but I'm the worst at it.

I have been obsessed with Greys Anatomy but everyone on social media keeps ruining the new episodes. 

I love dresses and leggings, real pants however, I don't have time for.

A girl can always use more lipstick. 

I have the best friends in the entire world.

My main goal in life is to see as many things as I can and be happy. 

Just kidding, that wasn't very condensed. 

Tell me about you!

Thinking out loud

Hola amigos!

I've had a lot to talk about this week and nothing at the same time. I plan on participating in Belinda's Blog Everday in May challenge so hopefully that'll bring me back here! No that I've been away, just silent I guess. Don't worry, I have still been creeping on and reading everyone else's blogs.

It's that thursday time of the week again where I let you know what I've been thinking about. I'm sure you're all dying to know. Who wouldn't be?

Let's link up!

Meg @ Beautiful Things

Thoughts:

I bought an ipad mini this week and I don't know how I feel about it. I really like it but I probably shouldn't be dropping $300 dollars on something before I start school. Whoops. 

I wish student loans would get back to me already. I need to know how much money I'll have over the semester. 

I wish I had the motivation to make something for myself for lunch. I am honestly just so lazy and there is a Subway like 3 seconds away from my office.

There is a website going around my city where guys are posting nudes of girls and other guys are posting names of girls asking if anyone has nudes of them. I DON'T GET IT. I don't understand the mindset of these people. And when someone says "well maybe don't take nudes in the first place and be a whore" my blood boils. 

I have $40 worth of Forever21 gift cards to use and I am really struggling with what to pick out online.

Moving house is hard. And it's not even me who's moving. You realize how much JUNK you have accumulated over the years. 

Saturday cannot come soon enough. Here's where I'll be:

The closest I'll be getting to France for a while. Bring on the wine!

Whatcha thinkin' bout?

Thoughts on a Thursday

Linking up with Meagan from beautiful things to express my thoughts on this lovely Thursday
morning!

Thoughts..

That spring in Newfoundland is never going to come. Why do I continue to put up with freezing rain?

How amazing it is that I was able to get a pair of Hunter boots for free from my work. Booyah!

How did I miss two alarms this morning? I love being late and rushed..said no one ever.

I am so excited to start school again in a couple of weeks.

However, I'm not excited to be in debt again. Worth it?

I ordered a new planner from Kikki K in Australia last week and when I got home yesterday THERE IT WAS.

Last night on the news there was a story about how being happy is a choice. So after I frantically woke up this morning, I've decided that I want to be happier.

Things that make me happy: friends, feeling loved, volunteering, eating good food. Very simple when you think about it.

I still have 6 seasons of Greys Anatomy to watch before I'm caught up.

What are you thinking about?

what you should invest in

Warning: this is just going to be a lot of word vomit about my life. Apologies in advance.

Do you ever feel left out or find yourself questioning your friendships? I have been doing this WAY too frequently over the past few years. I often wonder if it stems from my insecurities or if it's actual fact. Maybe I spend too much time inside my own head.

Just recently, it feels like I'm being over looked and as though I'm not really that important to anyone in my friend group. It's just stupid little things like not being told about a date, or about something someone said. Sometimes it's about not being invited. It's not even the not being invited, it's the fact that I feel like my name didn't even cross their minds. It makes me want to just not hang out with them to see if they'd even notice.

The group would wait to if someone could go do something, and if they can't, then no one goes. But if I can't go, I'm always the one saying no go anyway, even though I know they were still going to go all along. 

Maybe I'm just reading too much into things.

But maybe I'm not. I've really been thinking lately about my life and where I want it to go, and what people I want involved. Do I really have a need for people in my life that don't give me a passing thought? For people that don't really even miss me when I'm gone? Every time I go, it's not like everyone messages me all the time to talk to me. But I wonder what it would be like when someone else left. Maybe I should be re-evaluating the people I let into my life. Become more picky and particular.

I almost feel like an angsty teen for even writing this, probably should be kept in a diary. I am just so sick of trying to be important to people who don't want me there. There are so many people out there I know would want to be my friend so why am I wasting time on those that don't?

Making the most of your semester abroad

I know there are hundreds of these kinds of lists floating around the internet, but I wanted to take my own personal experience, both good and things I regret and make my own.

Plus it's the third Thursday of the month which means another Thursday Travel linkup!

Do's

Travel where you can - Obviously you are studying in one city, but make the most of your time there by travelling where your budget and availability allows. The one thing I never stopped telling myself while I was away was "when am I ever going to get to do this again under this circumstance". I don't doubt that I'll be back in Europe but not as a study abroad!

Do a mix of touristy and non touristy - If you've picked a place to visit, chances are there is initially something that you saw somewhere that drew you in. Example, in Paris? Go see the Eiffel Tower. Italy? Go get that leaning tower of Pisa picture. If you want to! Don't get caught up in the "that's too touristy thing." But also, eat at a restaurant so far removed from the touristy area, meet some locals. Go to a pub/bar that isn't crawling with foreigners.

Refrain from buying a lot of clothes - If I could take this back I would haha. I spent so much money frivolously on clothes and shoes. You can buy shoes and clothes at home! Obviously you are going to buy SOME things, but don't go overboard. Not like me to the point where you need to get another suitcase. Whoops.

Don'ts

Don't forget about your study city - I know I know. I just said travel as much as you can. But don't forget about the city you're studying in! Take the time to speak to the people in your classes. You will definitely find some Erasmus students in the same boat as you. This is another regret I have; i made friends, but I didn't actually evolve the relationships the way I wish I had because I was always gone with the people from my home university. It's worth getting to know people!

Then you can have group photo ops like this:

Try NOT to lose your patience - If you're traveling with people for the first time, it's going to take time to get used their personalities, especially their travel personalities. Some people need to be 4 hours early to the airport, some people like the thrill of almost missing the flight (ok I don't actually think it's thrilling but that's part of the adventure right?)

Don't forget to live in the moment - Document your trip, absolutely. But don't get stuck always taking pictures instead of looking at things through your own eyes. Keep a journal, write down jot notes even. Something to remember how you felt, not just what you saw. You will want to look back on this and remember the amazing time you had.

I guess these things don't really JUST apply to studying abroad. They can be used for anyone backpacking or going on a trip (except the study city I suppose!).

What are your tips for travelling? What are things you should avoid doing or things you should do?

Don't forget to link up!

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The Girl On the Train

Hello hello hello.

So last week when I was going to Ottawa , we experience significant delays at every airport. Since I forgot to bring a book with me, my first stop was to the Relay at the Halifax airport and buy one.
I had heard a lot of good things about The Girl On the Train (even the girl at the store said it was amazing) so I picked it up.

Once I picked it up I seriously couldn't put it down. I've never usually been one to go for the thriller type books but I was drawn to this one.

The book follows Rachel, a woman recently divorced whose days are filled with watching people go about their lives from the train. The book involves her ex, his new wife and neighbours down the road. There are affairs, drinking problems, troubled souls, essentially everything to make up a good psychological thrill.

I really love Hawkins' writing style and her story telling. You are seriously kept in suspense until the very end. There are a lot of twists that you wouldn't expect, and just when you think you know the outcome, you don't any more. I've been told this is similar to Gone Girl which is a movie I loved but have yet to read the book.

I would 100% recommend this to anyone!

Since picking this book up, I wonder why I ever let myself get away with not reading. I go through spurts where I just stop for no reason. After I finished this book I went to chapters to find a new one, something on the lighter side.

From what I read, this book is just a light read that is meant to be relate-able and fun. A woman as she tries to find love through different routes and rules, by different books if you must. I haven't started reading it just yet but I am going to dive in tonight.

What books are on your list? I am always in the market for new recommendations (even if I don't pick them up right away!)

Birchbox #1

I was so excited when Birchbox FINALLY opened for Canadians. I had used Ipsy before but had been disappointed one too many times to continue to pay for it. I was always receiving the same products and my skin can't use anything new ever so it was totally freaking out.

I was also way more drawn to BB when my friend Rebecca over at Rebecca likes nails told me they were giving away Beauty Blenders in this box. I have wanted one for so long after watching many Youtubers use them but I could never convince myself to shell out the cash. Thanks for saving my wallet Birchbox!

Anyway here's what the box looks like and what goodies were waiting inside for me:

SO cute!! 

and most importantly:

Products:

Harvey Ageless Perfume - This perfume is a really nice floral one. Which works well since spring is (or should be anyway) on the way! I like this because it's not too overpowering and it just has a nice sweet scent you can wear day to day.

Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge - This is bright red lip stain that turns matte. I often find stains really drying but never care because I love every lip product ever. I haven't tried it out yet but I'll let you know! It gets really good reviews online!

Paula's Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer - This moisturizer smells really nice and it does make my skin super soft. I use it before I go to sleep because I find it quite heavy and for whatever reason I can't handle heavy moisturizers throughout the day. I haven't had any reactions yet! Let's hope I don't haha. 

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Shampoo - Another one that smells SO good. I have yet to use it because I just recently coloured my hair so I'm just using a colour protectant. I can see anything going wrong with this Fekkai one though. It is shampoo, I don't generally find any brand makes a difference in my hair. The perks of having impossibly thin hair?

The Beauty Blender - I still haven't this but I am so pumped. I might put makeup on tonight just because I want to try it out. That's as good a reason as any right?

Have you tried any of these products? Any more subscription services I should look into? I think I mostly just like getting things in the mail, no one sends letters anymore.

Maybe I should get a penpal.

Whirlwind Ottawa weekend

It's funny how you spend so much time looking forward to a weekend away but you forget just how quickly it goes by.

I was in Ottawa this past weekend for my cousin's wedding (and shopping of course). It was a great time and I got to see so many family members that I usually don't  because they don't come back to Newfoundland very often to visit. I can't really blame them, they are all sisters living in the same city and their parents don't live in Newfoundland anymore.

I met lots of their friends, ate too much food and spent too much money but it was 100% worth it!

Here's what the weekend was like in picture and brief explanation form:

Our flight out of St. John's was delayed (OF COURSE) by FOUR hours. So by the time we arrived in Halifax, our connecting flight to Ottawa was long gone. And the next available flight for us wasn't until 5pm, we were supposed to arrive in Ottawa at noon. This took a huge chunk out of my shopping time and I was less than impressed.

This was my view for 5 hours (minus lunch and bathroom breaks):

Yep the Halifax airport is about as exciting as it looks. On the bright side Air Canada did give us meal vouchers so our lunch was paid for. (the little things am I right?).

Eventually 5pm came and we did make it on that flight and we were finally off. We arrived around 6:30 and then had a quick visit with my cousin before rushing to the mall before it closed. We only had an hour and a half but I definitely did some damage in that time. Sephora and Mac get me everytime. 

Friday was Good Friday so everything was closed. We went to have lunch with a relative in Kanata and just ended up sitting outside enjoying the 15 degree sunny weather and drinking local beers. Quite the relaxing afternoon.

Saturday was the big day - Wedding day that is. It was at the Ottawa Wedding chapel in Kenmore which serves a non-religious wedding ceremony chapel. The wedding itself was short and sweet then there was SO much food afterwards and a lot of wine to be had. It felt off to be sipping back wine in a church pew but it happened.

so did a selfie on the drive over:

And I had to get a picture of my dress obviously:

My mom brought it back from Milan. I am just sooo #cultured (kidding).

The reception was right after the ceremony so after the cutting and eating of the cake, my sisters and I headed off to do more shopping since we lost so much time on thursday. After spending MORE money we went back to my cousins house for a party where we just drank, danced and ate pizza. The best saturday night if you ask me. 

Sunday was our touristy day. We also had brunch at my cousins husband's parent's house and can I just say day, Lebanese homemade food is amazing. 

My sister has a friend who lives in Ottawa so she took us on a little tour around the downtown area. It was only -3 it felt like -50. Wearing a dress probably didn't help.

Smile and pretend it's not -50

National War Memorial

Parliament Hill

  After sight-seeing we headed back to my cousin's house where I took a much needed nap. Then we set out for one last night with our cousins for some food and drinks. And we were not disappointed. If you ever find yourself in Ottawa, make sure you make the time to go to El Camino. It's a taco place, but not your average taco place. I wish I had taken pictures of the inside because it's such a cool atmosphere! I did take pictures of my food though:

 

Bourbon Sour - AMAZING. I could have had 3 of them but probably would have ended up on the floor. A bit strong.

Fish tacos - To die for. If you love spicy food you will love these. I generally don't go for spicy but I powered through them because they were delicious. We also had churros which I didn't get a picture of because I was busy eating them.

All in all it was a great weekend. We had a 6am flight back to NL yesterday and so now it's back to the routine. I wish I was still eating churros though.