Blogging challenge: communication

6. What is your preferred form of communication? 

Although I prefer face-to-face, I'd have to say that texts and chat (Facebook or Gmail) are probably the way I communicate the most.  I'm not sure when texting became the thing to do, but somehow, it did.  I have friends who I don't think I've EVER called, although I talk to them often.

I used to love being on the phone, at least with close friends and boyfriends.  I loved talking for hours about everything and nothing.  When I was younger, I'd even enjoy watching TV or playing a computer game while on the phone with someone, because it was almost like they were watching it or playing with you. 

And then, somehow, that stopped.  It became easier to text people instead of talking to them.  Even with my last boyfriend, who I dated for three years, I only texted or talked over Gchat with.  Seriously, I think I talked to him on the phone only a handful of times.  In three years!!

Craziness.

But nothing beats going out for dinner or coffee and catching up, venting, or plotting your world takeover.  I miss my epic coffee dates with Jess!!  Maybe I should do more to keep in touch and not lose contact with people.  And not just a message here and there that doesn't mean anything, but actual, meaningful contact.

I'll get on that.  And if you read this, feel free to call me (or text/message me, whatevs).  We'll do coffee, catch up!!

Blogging Challenge: De-stressing

5. How do you de-stress?

This one is fairly similar to the last blog challenge question, but I'll answer it anyways.

Well, considering I spend most of my life stressed out and in a somewhat freaking out mode, de-stressing doesn't come all that easy.  There are a few things I can do, however, that help me to calm down and just take a breath.

1. The beach and swimming.  Sadly, seeing as I live in Toronto, there is no ocean beach or even really nice, clean, swimable area nearby, so my favourite place is Sauble Beach.  At about 2 1/2 - 3 hours away (depending on traffic and how you drive), it's a beautiful place to go.

Panorama of Sauble Beach.

2. Organizing and decorating and cleaning.  Yes, I know it seems weird, but when I'm really stressed, cleaning my space helps.  It's like I'm metaphorically cleaning my head as I throw out garbage and make space around me and place everything where it should go in a neat and orderly fashion.  Usually, this is followed by me re-decorating or moving stuff around and putting new stuff up.

3. Reading. Unfortunately, this has been loosing its calming factor lately.  I get agitated and distracted much easier than I used to.  Although I did just start a new book (well, new to me) called The Baghdad Blogger by Salam Pax, which is pretty freaking interesting.  I've also started to read World War Z by Max Brooks, and I've got a copy of The Cuckoo's Calling by Roberth Galbraith (a.k.a. JK Rowling) waiting for me.

4. Driving.  Preferably by myself and for a fair distance, with music blasting and singing as loud as I can possibly sing.  Even better if this ends at a beach.  I also like driving adventures with friends, where we just go, without thought to where.  It leads to some pretty interesting places!!

5. Tobermory.  I definitely de-stress there. It's my favourite place in the world, and I'd go there any time, for however long, with whoever wants to see it.  Just hike to a nice spot and sit down and stare out at the lake.  It's a good feeling, especially if you've worked hard to hike to that spot.  And the water, regardless of how cold it is, is amazing.  Clear blue, it looks like you could be in the Caribbean.  Here's a few pics I took on the latest trip there for your viewing pleasure:

The view at Pebble Beach.

The view on the way to Cave Point, the highest point in the park.

Tom and Kacper enjoying the rocks (and waves) and Half Dump Log.

Kacper walking into the water at Half Dump Log.

That's all I can really think of.  Nothing lately has really been helping me calm down, as money and work and life have become an incredible weight on my shoulders.  The week in Tobermory helped, but now it's back to applying for jobs and getting my life back on track. 

I'm gonna be an aunt!!

So I'm not sure how many of you are aware that my sister is having a baby, but come August, I'll be the proud aunt of one Reina Fae Oppenheimer.  Well, at least that's the name they've chosen for now.

Gaby's ultrasound from a few days ago.  She's at 20 weeks.

 

 

I'm so excited!!  You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to smushing and cuddling and hugging that baby.  I also get to buy it a lot of cute outfits, and help dress her to look adorable.  And the shoes!!  Baby shoes are freaking cute!!  I may or may not already have a (secret) Pinterest board for stuff I plan to get.

I can't help it, there are just so many adorable things out there for little girls!!  Like these:

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And I also get to instill in her a love of all things Hello Kitty.  I will buy the shit out of everything Hello Kitty offers.

I'm also really looking forward to, hopefully, teaching her how to love reading.  I love it, and I did everything I could (and succeeded!!) to make sure Gaby also loved it.  Now I get to make sure her daughter is the same. Somehow, I will also make her love camping and going places.  Not right away, of course, but in time.  Maybe it'll finally be time for that Disney family vacation we never took, right??

I also get to plan the baby shower.  Nothing crazy, but it'll be nice.  We're thinking a jungle theme, and my mom's friend Elsa is going to be making lots and lots of Mexican food, along with the snacks and appetizers I make.  And Gaby's asked me to make a cake, which hopefully will turn out nicely.

And, on the last bit of exciting news, guess who's the godmother??  That's right, ME!!  I'm happy Gaby's asked me to be, as I plan to be there for her daughter through anything and everything, good times and bad.  I'll make sure that no matter what kind of life she has, or what kind of world we live in, there will always be a safe have for her to go to and someone to talk to.  Because that's my job as aunt, as godmother, and really, as someone who loves her already.

Anyways, this is super exciting!!  If you see or talk to Gaby, feel free to congratulate her.  I know she'd love to hear it.