Mom chuckled as did I and said...

Today was a very hectic day. I moved all my stuff back into the city! 

I had a rough start to the day.

1. We couldn't find the landlord's office and almost missed them, luckily I had their number and resolved the issues.
2. I couldn't get the door to lock on the new apartment. Thankfully, my roommate manged to show me a little trick to get it to work.
3. We went looking for a bed, unfortunately we waited to long to buy a futon and there was none left. So we opted for a twin bed. That needs to be delivered on Sunday. (Lack of a truck)

It was extremely hot today, so that made for the moving extremely hard. I also went in for a new validated ID, and information on the new student loan process, which by the way has had me pulling my hair out since mid-June. Thankfully, I'll have it all sorted out on Tuesday.

My roommates are very lovely people and I'm excited to have some company every now and then, along with my closest friends and best friend Lindsay around all the time. It gets lonely living alone.

Today was the first step towards my second year of university and let me tell you that it's overwhelming. I recently visited a local convenience store.  A woman I knew since I was only ten was behind the counter, and I asked her for boxes. She quietly asked my mother "what grade I was in".

Mom chuckled as did I and said "In her second year of university"

The woman slightly taken aback told me a story that I remember vaguely, "I remember you came in when you were little not yet of age and you're mother was buying pull tabs and you wanted to pull on. And you pulled it and you won a hundred dollars. And said you were your mothers lucky charm. Seems like yesterday" she said.

It makes you realize that things pass quickly, and in the blink of an eye. You can have grown and turning twenty and in your second year of university and not even remember how you got there.

It's been a wonderful, traumatizing, life changing life I've lived. And it doesn't stop here!

What has changed for you? What memories do you remember from your childhood? 

~ N 

Crossing my fingers on this one

Pre-warning this post will not have very many pictures! It'll have none. I just want to tell you how things are going.

It would appear the sun is shining in my corner of the boxing ring. So basically without all the stupid vagueness my life has turned around for the better.

It happened in a few processes really over a four month span. It started rocky, which should be no surprise consider the events of my year. I had no job, I had no social life, I rarely left my house, and I was very depressed. All those things leading to the last.

Then after a set of very revealing conversations, I discovered this weren't actually what they appeared to be. Now, that store is much more then I would care to share. Since then, it's been up!

I have reconnected with someone very special to my future, and it would seem that despite the road we took was filled with a lot of huge holes, we are managing to do things right and both of us are happy. You might see this person on my blog in the future, so keep an eye out!

I am moving back to my favourite city, and school soon. Like in the next day or so. Though finances are a bit rocky, I now have faith that stuff like that will work out. And hopefully in time to pay the bills. (crossing my fingers on this one)

I guess a few things I've learned this whole month is
1. Things aren't always what they seem. 
2. People will lie to you, so remember who you SHOULD trust. 
3. Love rekindles, even when you think you don't deserve it
4. Life will turn around, no matter what curve balls it wants to throw at you. 

Has anything turned around for you lately?

~ N 

Music Mania Monday

This song I recently stumbled upon by a Instagram-er. She said it was part of her work out music and her new obsession. So I decided to listen to it. I loved it the first time it played.

This weeks Music Mania Monday is...

Roar - Katy Perry

Tips on packing!

It's the time of year again. Back to school, whether you're in elementary, middle, high or college/university, the days are coming to end. For me, it's packing, lugging, lifting and tearing time. So, here are some helpful hints for packing up your things.

1. Pack in stages
This is important because if you do it all at once or leave it to the last minute, things are carelessly forgotten or even worse things may get broken. Set aside at least four or five days dedicated to packing and collecting your supplies and belongings.

2. Get enough boxes/totes
Every year this is problem for me. Either I take too many boxes or not enough. Make sure you have a sufficient amount.

3. Plan ahead
This probably should be number one. But these are not in order of importance. Take the time to make a list of items you know you'll need. A helpful tip might be taking an inventory of things you brought home ensuring you pack at the things you came home with. Keeping track of that makes the whole situation a lot easier.

4. Pack efficiently and effectively
Making sure that there is not much in your boxes is as important as if there is not enough. Packing the appropriate amount is important. This ensures that when the lifting, lugging and tear part comes about you're not straining or hurting yourself.

5. Properly pack certain items. 
Make sure that all your items are properly packed. For example, glass and breakable items should have paper or paper towel wrapped around them with plenty of extra cushion around them in case a box may fall in the process. My rule of thumb is double wrap paper towel and securely wrap again with a towel.

6. Take breaks
This is important if you're doing the actual moving in. This year I have a large number of furniture items needing to be moved. If you feel tired, or hot, or hurt, stop and make sure you're rested. Especially in this hot sun.

7. Making packing fun
Though packing is probably one of the things I hate the most. Make it fun, do it with you mom, grab some of your closet friends and make an assembly line. Grab a bottle of wine, and put some things in some boxes. And be ready for the unload. Better get two bottles of wine!

Good luck in your new school year, everyone!

~ N 

Music Mania Monday

One of my all time favorite songs is sung by Celine Dion. She is one great woman!

This weeks Music Mania Monday is I'm Alive - Celine Dion is an inspirational song that could brighten even the darkest days! 

I don't mean to gloat but...

It's been a good weekend! I leave for school in about two weeks. Seems like my parents see it more as me sitting on death row and wish to experience all the fun in these last two weeks as they possibly can. Guess they miss me more then they admit. (insert winking face here)

My dad doesn't work weekends, however he works long days that start at 3 a.m. and involved some rough woods work. So even though he is tired he tries to make the best of the weekends.

Today, we went to one of a those great restaurants that make quality food but are seriously undervalued. Technically, it's more of a canteen/dairy bar.

We first went at the attempt to get ice cream. But we got a little meal first. It was honestly the best cheeseburger and fries I have ever had.

P.S. I got the ice cream too...

Little fact about me. I have a stomach the size of a 40 year old man.

Afterwards we stopped up to pick up supplies I needed for moving back...namely ass-wipe. Or rather toliet paper.

Yesterday was spent washing and waxing vehicles. Not as nice as what I did next. But I was definitely proud of the finish product. I also learned to parallel park - and had an accident with another vehicle. Good news is it was my own, and no one was hurt.

After we returned from our adventure into the city. We headed to the river. Honestly one of the most beautiful places on earth.

 Remember kids and everyone else for that matter - wear your life jacket always. 

It was the first trip I had taken with the motor on the back of my Dad's boat. So I took a causal excited selfie!

 Please excuse my hair...

I don't mean to gloat but I did the detailing on the boat we're in! I gloated, guys, sorry. 

As I go to embark on my second year of university, things are starting to pick up around my house. Boxes, and last minute buying. But I'm glad me and my family manage to find time to slow down and spend time together.

What are you doing to spend time with your family? 

~ N 

Music Mania Monday

This weeks Music Mania Monday comes from the late great Michael Jackson!

This is a song that I still love listening to. It has a powerful message for the world and for ourselves.

It's Man in The Mirror - Michael Jackson

I decided to cut all my hair off.

Change is never a bad thing we can always agree. Early in high school. I decided to cut all my hair off. Completely.

I loved my hair at this length. Easy to wash, easy to style. And a plus - this is my natural hair colour. So weird...

I then decided that perhaps it was a time for change all together.

I had a slightly maroon colour before this purple shade - but this purple shade was an in between.

Then I switched to my favourite colour I have ever had it. Copper red. Now notice that the sides of my hair is very short. This was before I shaved it completely! Hence why the growing process has been a bit slow!

I then made the decision to bleach my hair blonde. It was the colour I liked the least. It just washed me out badly! Here is my hair starting show some length. Yay!

This is how my hair started it's journey.

And after 5 months, it has made great progress!

Though you can't see the back. It's about midway down my neck. And has made it's way half way down my ear! Getting very excited about the new change.

What you are changing about yourself? Or in general. 

~ N 

Ready go make up bag!

The amount of makeup a girl has is kind of ridiculous. Usually they have a big trunk full of used, new, half used mascara, foundation, blush, lipstick, and nail polish. But every girl has a ready go bag of makeup she uses on a regular bases.

I sometimes leave normally leave the house without makeup on. I apply some foundation and blush since I'm a bit of a pale white all of the time.

So I figured I would show what's in my ready and go makeup bag!

A nice pink case, that is fairly new. Larger amount of make up required a bigger bag. I usually have one or two options for eye shadow. But my Almay smokey-eye is the favourite. I recently discovered that Covergirl has an oil-free powder, which is ideal for me!

Using blush is a nice way to give your cheekbones a little extra definition and not to mention it adds a little colour to your face. Especially, when you're in university and you've spent all night studying. Blush should make it easier for people to think you're less dead! I use a dark red, applied on it's lighter.

I don't particularly have a specific mascara that I prefer. Whatever I pick up really. I believe eyelashes are in technique.

I love liquid eye liner. I wouldn't really have pencil, however; a pencil is a good back up. And always can be used with an eye liner brush (don't worry, I have some of those). Liquid eyeliner gives you a good straight line - clean, thick, and lovely.

A lip gloss I rarely wear - but it is also nice to have a lip gloss for those dry lip days.

I have a particular obsession with lipstick. The top colour more matches me then the bottom. But keeping lipstick options open is good. (In case you can't read the colour of the red shade, it's "fire & ice")

Clearly I need to buy some of this. I don't really think this type of foundation is working for me anymore. It makes my skin dry, and flaky looking. However; the colour is nice.

And finally,

The beginning of my brush collection. These are from the mark. brand. These brushes are good. My powder brush handle did come apart. Just means watching to make sure!

What's in your makeup bag?

~ N 

Music Mania Monday

This weeks Music Mania Monday comes all the way from Denmark.

One of the things I'm a fan of is Eurovision. It's an international music competition. This years winner was beyond fantastic.

Emmelie De Forest: Only Teardrops

Her live performance of this song is amazing!

Hey your grandmother is probably a university student!

It should come as no shock that I'm a university student. Hey your grandmother is probably university student.

For my first year I lived in a dorm like apartment that doubled as a hotel during the summer months. The staff were extremely wonderful. I developed a second mother in the cleaning lady! Not as bad as it sounds. Maintaining the building for the summer months takes more then cleaning energy of a full-time college student.

The place was very lovely and certainly quiet. It had a few downfalls, including a communal kitchen. And a very tiny bathroom but compromised for the tub. I will miss it! Why you ask? I'm moving into a new apartment with three other people.

It's a street much closer to the university, however the 6 minute commute is all up hill. I'll be taking the bus for at least the first couple of days until I get used to walking the hills again.

As I grow up into an adult who lives on her own. I've learned some valuable yet painful lessons.

Last year I learned:
1. Paying bills sucks! This year I turned nineteen and for the first few months I didn't have a way to contact my parents via phone so it was number one on my list of things to get - but with that came a bill, every month.
2. Overall, this next one probably applies to ALL my lessons, I depended way too much on my parents. I was never made work a job AND go to school. My parents paid for all my back to school stuff, any material things I wanted, all my medical supplies, even more so groceries. So I learned that EVERYTHING is expensive.
3. Money only goes so far. Living on a loan is tough.
4. Remembering appointments and when to get up in the morning. I rarely ever missed my alarm to go to school, but I have been late, even cancelled appointments sometimes because I forgot about them.
5. Everything is on you. When you live on your own, and you don't pay a bill, or miss an appointment, or hand in a paper/assignment late, it's your fault.
6. Not everyone is going to like you. You'll run into people that are going to rub you the wrong way - dust yourself off and find someone who is all about positive things.
7. You're going to make mistakes. And, yes you will regret them. For a long time! Don't beat yourself up over them. Move on.
8. Love - though at 19 I have lots of time - will pass you by if you busy making bigger plans. Sometime you just need to stop and smell rose to load you up with cliches.
9. One bad mark doesn't mean it's time to give up, it means try harder next time.
10. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Notice that most of the things I've listed are pretty major major. A little help every now and then is not a bad thing. Whether it be someone to talk to when you're stressed, a tutor to help you with a tough subject, or a family member/friend help with a bill your short one month.
11. People and things change - I'm sure this is no surprise to anyone really, but it's worth drawing your attention to.
12. Don't be afraid to try new things. I live in a very small town. Even when we go into the city, there isn't much there. I moved to a university that is housed in one of the larger cities in my province. It's like having the world at your fingers. New types of food, clubs, bars, activities, parks, coffee shops, alternative lifestyles, acceptance, you name it, it's there. So even though things are new - try them. You might actually like them.

I'm sure there are plenty of other things I've learned that I neglected to mention, even I am more that I will learn MUCH more lessons to come.

What have you learned in the past year? Or better yet, what are you learning right now?

~ N 

I am currently 134.8 lbs

This summer has been a long one. I spent a lot of days sleeping in until noon. Lazy days spent in my pajamas. Being kept in the middle of no-where and very far away from Starbucks and any good restaurants. I've spent a lot of my blog complaining about this. So, it's not about that.

I've been trying to manage my diet - however, that plan has simply backfired on me. I have gained more weight then I have lost. In an effort to try to be fit and healthy, I started a fitness routine. Then I got sick.

I spent a night or so in the hospital with a pain in my lower right side down into my right leg. Alongside of this horrid pain, I had flu like symptoms accompanying it. So it prompted the stop of most all physical activity.

The symptoms have all but subsided - some pain every now and then. My energy is very low. Other then that, I'm feeling fine.

I've struggled with my weight since middle school (or junior high, as others would prefer it). I around my 7th year lost a huge amount of weight due to anorexia, it was around this time I got type one diabetes. I was approximately 74 lbs.  I spent several months in the hospital and some time rehabilitating my body to regular amounts of food.

I gained all of my weight back and then some. But as usual weight WILL fluctuate. I lost some - gained some - got some obscene cellulite. And now, I'm double my weight for my height. I should weight in the range of 110-115 lbs due to my 5'1" height.

I am currently 134.8 lbs. 

I portion my meals, and have been eating much more healthy and reasonable food...for the most part.

 This is boneless, skinless pork. With the right seasoning, it can be delicious. I also had a cup of carrots not on the plate. Meals like this will help me lose-maintain a balanced weight. If those were all I ate.

Getting back into a routine when I return to school will also help.

The point of this post was not to seek your pity. This post is simply to say that I have a problem with my weight like a LOT of other people. This post is not to give people who struggle like I do the usual "you can do it, accept your body" speech. This is just simply to say that everyone struggles. I'm not particularly overweight, and I don't wish to recieve messages that tell me you don't understand why I have troubles with my body. My issues are my own. I hope to help someone understand you CAN be uncomfortable whatever your size.

Skipping a meal is never okay!

 And if you don't like the look of your body or unsatisfied with your body, start eating right and start being active. 

~ N