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.)

Left: Job offer 2013. Right: Job offer 2014. Happy times
Left: Job offer 2013. Right: Job offer 2014. Happy times!

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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?

Thanks for the times Merkato
Thanks for the times Merkato

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!

New views
City views from the new office

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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.

Oh, I'm positive... o positive that is.
Oh, I’m positive… O+

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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.

Ásgeir Trausti came to town again
Ásgeir Trausti @ Lee’s Palace

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

Angus & Julia Stone
Angus & Julia Stone @ The Opera House

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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!

Exploring Ithaca with Rachel
Exploring Ithaca with Rachel
Feeling collegial, like a Gilmore Girl... except at Cornell
Feeling like a Gilmore Girl… except at Cornell. Yummmm Collegetown Bagels
Ithaca Falls before the rainfall
Ithaca Falls before the rainfall
Ithaca Falls after the rainfall
Ithaca Falls after the rainfall
That campus tho
That campus tho
Rainbow over campus
Rainbow over campus
Out with a bang
And out with a bang

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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.

Only way to get closer is if you're on the field.
Only way to get closer is if you’re on the field

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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.

Haircut
Fresh haircut and fresh flowers should always go together

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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.

3/4
3/4 and all the laughter

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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!

Pottery
Pottery
Working with wax
Working with wax (to be cast in bronze)
World's best knitting club
World’s best knitting club

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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!

Red heads do Halloween
Redheads do Halloween

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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)

3 Comments

  1. November 15, 2014 / 9:17 pm

    You’re blog is magical! ps. I am liking this Icelandic artist. – Chantal

  2. Gamli
    November 17, 2014 / 1:10 pm

    You sure are busy and happy. Like your pictures, can’t wait for next report, Gamli….

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