Playback: October ’14

I couldn’t help from saying “Everything is happening” throughout October. What a great month. I mean, I’m a generally happy person, typically seen with a smile on my face – but man, October. You nailed it. (minus those scary sciatica/back pain moments, but you take the good with the bad right?)

October was kicked off with a job offer. After an eight week process and many rounds of interviews I was extended an offer from TELUS. (All caps not because I’m screaming but because that’s technically how it’s written. Though, let’s be clear, I am kinda screaming it and not negating my excitement with that clarification.)

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So, after a year and a half with Merkato, I said my goodbyes. I’m thankful for the experiences Merkato gave me, I learnt a great deal about the industry and certainly went through some valuable life lessons along the way. Life learning is the best isn’t it?

I started the new role with TELUS mid-October and it’s been a dream. I have a silly, happy grin on my face whenever I think about work. There’s so much to learn and I’m trying to absorb everything I possibly can! My team is, in a word – delightful. I’m looking forward to growing in this position and with this company. In fact, TELUS was just named as one of Canada’s top 100 employers. Awesome!

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October was all about trying new things! Canada’s blood supply was in a critical state with supply levels drastically low. I had never donated blood before and for no good reason so I booked an appointment. It was easy peasy. I received my donor card the other day and now I know my blood type. Turns out I’m a universal donor. Looks like I’ll be donating on the regular now. If you’re keen to book an appointment, check out the Canadian Blood Services.

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Ásgeir, a favourite Icelandic artist of mine, came to town for a show. This is the second time I’ve seen him and if I’m honest, he kinda lacks in the stage presence department but that voice is so calming and charming. Give him a listen, he has both an English and Icelandic record out so listen to whatever tickles your fancy.

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I also went and saw Angus and Julia Stone. Please give them a listen! Such a lovely brother-sister duo.

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With a little break between the two jobs, I took a road trip to visit my friend Rachel in Upstate New York. She’s finishing her masters in urban planning at Cornell. It was the kind of trip I needed, out of the city and back to nature. We were surrounded by trees bursting with colour and waterfalls almost everywhere. Gosh, it’s a beautiful place. I spent a day on campus wandering around while Rachel was taking classes and even sat in on one of Rachel’s seminars. Man, I love school and learning!

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So… I started spending some time with a goofball in October who played a large role in making this a great month. We took in a TFC match which was great as I had been wanting to see a game since I started living in Toronto but hadn’t got my act together to actually go. Live sports are where it’s at. We spoke with a scalper… actually that’s a lie. I stayed silent and awkward, I’m too much of a rule follower… anyways, we ended up with amazing field seats. Can’t get closer than that.

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October was the time for me to donate my hair. In total, lovely friends and family helped me raise $750.00 for the Canadian Cancer Society. You can read more about it and see more pictures here.

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I had a lovely trip out to the Leslieville farmers market with Jordan and Hayley. I don’t even know what was so funny, but man – these girls make me laugh. It’s too bad that we’ll be missing 1/4 of the gang for a while, but thank goodness for technology.

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In case you didn’t know this, I’m a little crafty. In fact, there’s been talk of making a parody of Iggy Azalea’s Fancy to “crafty” just so I can have it be my theme song. I’ve been taking pottery and metal classes during the week. I also started up a knitting club. The best knitting club in the world actually. Yay making things!

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October wrapped up as it does every year, with Halloween. And, like I do every year before heading out to try and buy a costume, I searched my closet for something that would work. Putting on this dress I couldn’t help but think of little orphan Annie. It worked. Yay such fun!

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Oh October, I feel so lucky! But… ok… here’s little rant about luck. Yes I feel lucky, but I also believe that when we say we’re lucky it often discounts all the effort that we make as individuals to bring about our own success/happiness. Yes, I’m lucky, but luck is a result of chance. Sure, you could argue that our experiences are brought on by chance, but I’ve worked hard and believe that I can take a fair portion of responsibility. We also should celebrate our successes a little more than we do. So yay! Go me! 🙂 (and thanks luck – don’t want to upset you)