It's a Wonderful Life...

I apologize for my lack of recent updates. Since finally finding a job, my life revolves slightly less around the internet.... only slightly. So here is the past month summed up:

1. The Job: Timing is everything. I was down to $36, my car insurance was due the next Friday, and I'd come to terms with the fact that I'd probably end up being cancelled due to non-payment. And then, for the first time in nearly 2 months, I stumbled upon some good luck and finally found a job... a good one, at that. I'm now working for an insurance agency, a refreshing change from the unstable oil and gas industry in which I'm usually employed. Oh, and I got paid the day before my insurance was due.
2. The Camera: I was the proud owner of a little pink Canon Ixus 80 IS. I'd purchased it in Australia after my silly Olympus died from the heavy humidity of my home in the rainforest. A faithful travel companion that never left my side, Little Pink passed away a few weeks ago. It was tragic, and I was greatly upset. Everything happens for a reason though, and I think that this time it was a clear sign that I needed a new camera. So I headed to the store, and spent all of my money on a beautiful Nikon D60. It was love at first sight. We've been together for just under 2 weeks and I already am convinced that it's meant to be.
3. The Boyfriend: Single no more. Okay... I kid, I kid. I totally had you believing me there for a minute... I'm so funny... but as per usual, I'm still a happily single lady. I did, however, have a "boyfriend" for approximately 4 hours on April Fool's Day, purely for the shock value amongst mutual friends. It was good while it lasted, thanks for the memories Ryan.
4. The Season: I've broke out the flip flops and started wearing skirts to work. Yes, there are still patches of snow on the ground, but Spring has arrived and Winter is no longer welcome here. I'm praying for no more snow. The geese are back, so it must be Spring, geese know everything.
5. The Chocolate Withdrawals: If you've spoken to me in the past 43 days, you are guaranteed to have heard my rant about how I'm suffering since giving up chocolate for Lent. I can proudly say that I haven't cheated, not once! Easter is 3 days away, and I'm going to make it! Hellooooo, mini eggs.
6. The Gym: Since I started going to the gym in February, I've shed 15 lbs (which, coincidentally happens to be the exact amount I gained in Australia... curse you, Tim Tams!), prepped myself for bikini season, and I can even run 2 whole laps. Okay, that's not much, but for me, any running is impressive. My gym buddy/ex April Fool's Day boyfriend and I have started attending fitness classes.... everything from yoga and Pilate's to high energy "Boot camp" classes. I'm by no means trying to lose weight, but the endorphins are so addicting!

That's about it. I still lead a relatively uninteresting life, I just get a pay cheque these days!

Starbucks in the Park... Welcome Back Spring!

Chocolate. A Girl's Best Friend.

I'll be the first to admit that I consume far too much chocolate. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate, hot chocolate, chocolate milk... I could go on, but I think you get the idea. When I'm sad, I eat chocolate and even if it's only for 30 seconds, everything is better again. I'm told that can be a sign of addiction. I don't care. I need it, every day.

Anyways...As a good little Catholic girl, it's tradition for me to give something up in the 40 days leading up to Easter. In previous years I've managed to go without television, soft drinks, even bread. This year in some insane moment of ambition I decided to give up, you guessed it.... chocolate. 11 days into Lent, and I haven't touched chocolate once. My normal breakfast of toast and Nutella, replaced with peanut butter. Yuck. My mochas, replaced with double doubles. It's been a long hard road, and I've still got 29 days. I can do this, yes I can!!

Photo taken on February 24... the last day I ate consumed chocolate.