Cool girls on the wall!

Here's a little gem I forgot about. Alysia and I were reminiscing about being the cool girlfriends on the wall at the academy. Never would have imagined then what life would have brought to us! <3

The Last 6 Months

Six months ago today I lost my job. And it has been the most surreal, emotional and eye-opening experience in my life. It was such an odd feeling, to walk home that day knowing I wouldn't be going back the next, and not knowing what I was going to do. I really loved that job. Even though I had experienced my most challenging and frustrating moments working there, I had also experienced my most rewarding moments, and met some amazing people - both co-workers and customers.

So in the days following I had two overwhelming thoughts;
1. I had never been let go from a job before - I'm a failure.
2. I've always had a job, since I was 17 - I need to find another job ASAP!

I hit the ground running - re-vamped my resume, searched for jobs online, applying to anything that remotely related to my skills, and even flirted with the idea of starting my own business (which I think will always be in the back of my mind). After a few days of this, I decided it would be best for me to clear my mind, so I went to Port Alberni for a week. Part of me felt like I was running away from my problems, but the other part felt it would be a good way to hit the re-set button. I'm still not sure if it was either.

When I got back to Vancouver I decided I would take it day by day, and not stress out about it, and BOOM! I got an interview. Then I got another interview the next week. Then a couple more the next month. Then one in December and one in January. But all the while never hearing anything back from anyone, even after I followed up with them. Which was really strange to me for two reasons - because I have never interviewed and not gotten the job, and because I feel like it's common courtesy to get back to someone when they're waiting on your decision or they've reached out to you. Maybe its one of those big city things I'll never get used to - people feeling like their time is more valuable than yours. (Sorry, small rant.)

So that brings us to today. Besides a small stint at a clothing store for a few weeks around the holidays, which I'm not even counting as work since it was the most mind numbing experience of my life, I have been unemployed for 6 months. I have really tried to embrace this time, stay positive and to use it to really think about what I want my path in life to be.

I have never had a clear vision of what I want to do for a living, maybe because I haven't put much thought into it, maybe because I don't put much value on what someone does for a living (what you do is not who you are). All I know is it would be lovely to be able to spend my time doing something hands-on and creative, and I know I want to be living on the west coast. But the only thing I've always been 100% sure of was that I want to be a mum when I grow up. That's all. And I know that's not in the cards for the next few years, so I've been searching for something to do until then that won't just be a way to pass the time, if that makes sense. I do feel like something great is just around the corner, but I have no idea what that thing is.

A pleasant side effect of all this time on my hands, I have had plenty of time to try new recipes and have gotten really fast at crocheting - but more about that later.

Obsessed

My son has become obsessed with cheese and bacon rolls! He loves to eat them top down just like a cup cake with delicious butter icing, or how we all know muffin tops are the best part and the only part really worth enjoying :) ...insert talking muffin joke here.

Yesterday I thought seeing since I am obsessed with making everything #homemade I would experiment and make them myself.  I know we all have kitchen-aids and they do an amazing job kneading the dough for us busy ladies but sometimes it just feels soooooo good to get out the mat and kneed it by hand. There really is something soothing about pushing out and rolling in...for 8 -10 minutes. 

On a side note - Aaron and I are signing our very first lease tomorrow morning. We have made a huge leap and got out own place. I am so excited! I can not wait to show you guys pictures... of the kitchen... cuz we know thats all that maters ;)

Ps I love how many inside jokes I can squeeze  into one post:) ooxx

thankful.

What a smile this brought to my face as I came online after "just one of those days". I read and reminisced and thought to myself ...

I am thankful.

for all of you lovely ladies.

I am so thankful for these 11 750 km that have separated us over time because it caused us to pull together in a different way than most friends aren't able to experience. It reminded us that distance doesn't mean separation; rather, it means appreciation. Appreciation for those moments we have to remember from our childhoods spent together, those first few reunion moments after time spent apart, and, now, for all those moments in between.

As Alysia's mom said [shhh.... still holding to keeping it a secret that our mother's are always often right]: to hold such memories that make it difficult to come back to a place that we love because we know it will never be the same is truly a blessing. Five childhood friends in five different places with five different stories with one special bond is a gift. Thanks for that, my friends.

So excited to watch this blog/story unfold as each of our stories continue - together & apart.