Thank You, Summer.

Summer is drawing to an end, and I must say it's been one heck of a season. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... NOTHING compares to summer in Canada. Sure, the weather didn't always cooperate, but there is something about the general atmosphere and attitude of people here in the summer... everybody makes the most of the few short months of warmth. Those countries that are warm year round, well, that's awesome... but after the misery of a long winter and the anticipation through spring, you just can't beat Canada when it comes to summer. We live each moment to the fullest, not a weekend wasted. It's been great being home this summer, but my oh so patriotic status may change in a month or 2 when the temperatures plummet.

This weekend I went camping with some of my best friends in beautiful Radium, British Columbia. Despite being only an hour across the BC/Alberta border, there is something so exciting about leaving the province. Sure, we could have stayed in Banff and things wouldn't have been much different, but just saying "I'm going to BC" makes it seem like a bigger, much more exciting trip. It was a perfect weekend, with beautiful weather.

What a way to end an amazing summer.

Smile.

Sometimes you just can't help but to smile.

I've got everything a girl could wish for.

Photo credit - My super talented boyfriend, Ryan!

Crazy, Chaotic, Confusing... and Perfect.

I hate to be one of those girls who gets all excited and blogs about the new boy in her life, because honestly, who likes to read that crap? That said, after 3 years as a single lady, I think I have the right to at least be a teensy bit giddy. It's not like I force you to read it.

I met said boy about 2 1/2 years ago. Since then we've became quite close friends. That was all fine and dandy for quite awhile, but somehow in the past few months we've marched right across that line that separates "Just friends" from "Something more". This led to many arguments, confusing conversations... we even wrote lists stating the reasons we should never date. Sometimes, you don't have a choice in the matter. Occasionally, you have to ignore what your head tells you and listen to your heart... a difficult task for both of us. With a bit of hesitation and a lot of excitment, we've jumped off the deep end and are praying that we stay afloat. I see fun times in the near future.

Sorry gentlemen (please don't stop reading my blog as a result!)... but I'm off the market.

Project Optimism

Sometimes it's so easy to fall into a trap of negative thoughts. Life doesn't always go as planned, and it's often easier to be upset than to force yourself to stay optimistic. This morning, I decided to list off all of the things in my life that make me happy, every single reason why I should stay positive. When you think about all of the positives in life, it usually overshadows the negatives. I encourage you all to try it. Sit down, write down all of the amazing things in life, and you'll be surprised at how long the list is. Life is great, sometimes you just have to be willing to realize it.

Here's a little sample of my list:

• It's April, it's sunny, summer is coming.
• I've got amazing, amazing friends. I can count on them when I need them most.
• I've got a pretty great family. My brothers look up to me, my mom is proud of me.
• I've got a good job, and a nice warm bed to sleep in.
• My niece and nephew are beautiful, amazing children.
• Lent is over, I can have chocolate, any time.
• I'm falling in love with photography and I'm learning to use my new camera.
• I've been to 9 incredible countries.
• People have told me that I inspire them to travel. That means the world to me.
• My puppy is my best friend, and I love him more than I thought possible.
• I'm happily single, but I have a nice boy who comes over to cuddle, because sometimes you just need to spoon.
• I love that I get such awesome compliments when I sing karaoke. I'm really humble but it gives me such a confidence boost.
• I love God. I love that I'm not ashamed to let the world know.
• I've went skydiving, climbed mountains, surfed, and done more in my 22 years than many do in a lifetime
• I love you, for reading my blog.
• I fly anywhere WestJet flies for $2.50 plus taxes.
• I'm addicted to the gym... yoga, cardio.... I'm getting into shape and it feels great.
• Today is Friday!
• I bet somebody else will smile at the idea of this blog... and maybe make their own list! I hope!
• This list could potentially go on forever... I must have it real good.

I could go on all day... but you get the idea. Give it a try.

Sometimes you just have to jump for joy!

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.