Days of the Week

Traditionally, most people have connotations connected to different days of the week. Monday is usually a groggy day, seeing as it's following the weekend and means returning to real life, work, school etc. Tuesday for my friends and I typically goes hand in hand with a bar back home that offers two dollar pints, and this summer it virtually replaced the weekend. Wednesday, or hump day, is seen as the one you need to get through before the sprint to the weekend. Thursday... I can't really think of anything except for it being the day before Friday (TGIF). Saturday tends to be more fun than Sunday, which is usually a day of rest, recovery, and rejuvenation before the beginning of yet another week. And on goes the cycle...

This year, I'm trying to start not only week a fresh, but every day. Whether it be starting it with a relaxing yoga class, a cup of coffee, or a walk by the canal, I'm trying to redefine every day of the week. I've finally come to accept more often than not, opting out on going out on weekends. Also, I've been trying to enjoy Mondays as a bright start to the week, not holding a grudge against them as I have in the past. In doing so, I hope that my feelings towards every day turn into an invigoration of what's to come. Being thankful for every moment, every day, whether it be a Friday (wahoo!) or an ever dreaded Monday. 

I'm not sure how long this new theory on the days of the week is going to pan out but I'm going to try to stick with it, I mean who knows, maybe days have feelings too.

-C

New Week, New Routine

So today was day one of my new yoga in the morning routine. Heading to the Ottawa Moksha studio for a 7:30 class wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (tiredness wise). I had to get up at 6:20 to catch the 6:40 bus but to be completely honest I felt like I had accomplished something as I strutted out of class at 8:30. I mean I was already finished my workout for the day, I was awake, and I could get my day started. Now, it's 4 hours later and I still feel ridiculously energized. It might be partially thanks to the double tall caramel macchiato in my hand, but let's just say it's thanks to my morning yoga ;) We'll see if tomorrow goes as smoothly, fingers crossed!

-C 

Apartment To Be

So a week from today I get to move into my new place (yay!) and this is one of the first photos I've stumbled upon that looks like it might actually work with the amount of space I have:

[img: appartmenttherapy.com]

I absolutely love the idea of using hanging curtains to divide a studio-style apartment, and although this will mean my bed will have to be on the door side of the apartment, I think I can live with that. I also found a paint combination that I am in love with, and I'm thinking of doing the wall that will be the first thing you see as you walk in (my "bedroom") this beautiful "seagrove" colour (Benjamin Moore). Check out the colour combination and let me know what you think!

-C

The Simple Things In Life

Loving:

-the feeling of the wind in my hair while riding my bike

-a good cup of coffee

-yogurt and berries

-moksha

-keeping in touch with friends

-cheddar goldfish crackers

-my baby cousin

-C

Wine Review #1

So tonight I rushed to my local wine store after grabbing coffee with some friends who were in town, and to my luck I made it there just in time! (They close at 11 here). Unfortunately, they didn't have any wines from my favourite winery, Cassilero Del Diablo (Diablo for short) so I settled for a different bottle than usual. Inniskillin 2010 Pinot Noir was the wine of choice this evening and I have to say, they've done very well with this one. Personally I usually only drink pinot noir, merlot, or malbec if i'm drinking red because I find shiraz and cab sauv's too heavy and bitter, unless they're Diablos of course in which case I'll drink literally anything. 

Price: $14 CAD

Product of: Canada: Niagara Peninsula 

Taste in 3 words: light, crisp, sour

Overall experience: 8/10 

Bang for your buck: 7/10 

Overall, this was a great wine for a relaxing night in. It would be perfect with a mild pasta dish or simple brie and crackers. I would buy this wine again but I don't think it will be replacing my love for Diablo anytime soon. 

-C

Putting Knowledge to Work

So for those of you who don't know, I'm a Sociology major and sometimes it has its benefits. This year, more than ever, I have found myself trying to make connections (or making them inadvertently) between the people around me and their surroundings. My newest observation you ask? What people wear to yoga tells you a lot about the city you're in.

Now, you may be thinking, this girl is definitely off her rocker, but hear me out. I come from Edmonton, where living is (pretty) easy and political views come in a full range from PC all the way to the Green party. Moving to Ottawa, a much more conservative city in all terms, restaurants close early, shops are closed Sundays, people actually move for the elderly on the bus... it's just a whole new world. 

So, what does all of this have to do with yoga? Well, yesterday I went to the Moksha studio here in Ottawa for the first time since arriving. My best friend Chrissy and I fell in love with Moksha this summer in Edmonton, and I made it a goal of mine to work it into my schedule here in Ottawa as well. Anyways, walking into the studio, I noticed that the age of the participants ranged from young adult to... old. Also, the room was packed, I mean Edmonton yoga gets busy but this was literally a sardine feeling. Next, I observed that I was the only one, in a class of 60+ who was wearing spandex shorts and a sports bra... little did I know that the conservative political views here in Ottawa transferred directly into the unspoken dress code of this studio. This made me think of every single person I know who does Moksha in Edmonton, bearing little if anything more than a sports bra and short shorts, even men wear minimal clothing. Maybe as you go west across Canada not only the yoga dress code gets less serious, but so do the people. At least I've noticed the opposite going east. 

Long story short, that's my Sociology knowledge going to use...for once. Who knows if I'm right, but I feel like I'm on to something. 

-C 

Reflections

So today I had to go to a funeral and although I wasn't extremely close to the one who was lost, the service really got me thinking about life. 

First of all how important family is. The family got up to speak today, first the daughters, then the granddaughters, and everything they were saying hit me really hard. I'm extremely close with my Dad and Mom and I can't imagine losing either of them. I think everyone goes through a few phases in life, idolizing their parents, hatred towards their parents (or just pure bratty-ness), and then a stronger love than ever towards them. Luckily, I can say I'm finally in the third stage. My parents have done so much for me and although I got kind of sick of the 11 o'clock weeknight curfew, and the not-much-after 2am one on weekends, now that I'm away for school, I appreciate everything they have done. They have managed to raise a pretty responsible and mature person for my age. I opted out on drinking tonight and last, choosing sleep over shenanigans. I'm happy my parents taught me the value of education, confidence, and bravery. Most importantly I'm happy my parents showed me a perfect example of unconditional love, which I hope I can teach to my children, and share with my future husband one day. I love my dad, mom, and sister more than they will ever know. 

Secondly, friends are everything, especially to me. I am so grateful to have a close group of girlfriends who I know I can talk to about absolutely anything, and although they may have an opinion on the topic they never judge me for who I am or what decision I end up making. My friends are an amazing group of people, most who I love with literally all of my heart. I think Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City was very wise when she suggested that "Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with". 

Last but not least, the service today really highlighted what a perfect marriage should look like. The couple had been together for 63 years. I can't imagine being 63, let alone spending that many years with a single person. They kept on referring to how strong their love was and how it was evident every single day. For those who are close to me, they know I can't wait to get married. To have a husband to take care of, to have that aspect of unconditional love in my everyday life, and someone to be my best friend and my teammate to take on the big bad world with. I dream of not only my wedding day, but the birth of my first child (if we decide we want kids...), and the day I get to celebrate my 50th anniversary. I am a self proclaimed hopeless romantic, but I think you need to shoot for the stars if you want to achieve a marriage that literally lasts a lifetime. I can't wait for my love story to begin. 

Anyways, long story short, if you love someone, tell them. If you're grateful for your parents/grandparents/siblings let them know. Don't let a day go by where you're simply living an average life, because life is a true gift that most people take for granted these days. 

-C 

Maroon 5 Love Affair

So lately I've been in a hopeless romantic mood, what else is new? Anyways I picked up a copy of Maroon 5's latest album, Hands All Over, and it's been on repeat ever since. These guys, lead by the dreamy vocals of Adam Levine, have always had a knack for the not-so-sappy love songs. One of my favourite tracks is "I Can't Lie". Check out this album for upbeat, toe-tapping songs that will have you humming the whole day long!

-C

Moccasins

Over the past few days I have decided I need a pair of these little darlings. They are so versatile and can be worn with nearly everything, but as comfortable as a slipper? Sign me up! I just need to decide which style is right for me. I'm leaning towards a pretty basic pair from SoftMoc but am oh so tempted by the gorgeous pairs made by UGG. I'm going to do my research this week and hopefully have a new pair of feet-loving, toe-hugging, moccasins by the end of this weekend! 

SoftMoc:

($40-$80)

 UGG: 

($100)

-C 

Monday Funday

Today was a productive one to say the least. Went to class, got some much needed errand running taken care of, and ended the day with a mixer with TKE. My day in six words?

-fun

-silly

-rain

-punch

-pirate

-long

-C 

My Day in 3 Photos

 I got a new bike today, it's a Leader road bike and I've never been so excited. Living in Ottawa, it's crazy to realize I can survive (barely) without a car. To make the transition a little easier, I decided to invest in my new two wheeled best friend! I feel like because I don't have a car here, having a bike will make the city much more accessible (thank goodness). I've done a lot of walking the past few weeks and I'm sure my feet will thank me for finally getting a bike. ALSO this means I can go to yoga again! Seeing as the walk to the studio is 35 minutes and so is the bus, but by bike somehow it only takes 10! Yippee!

 My midnight snack, a pepperoni pita pizza, need I say more? 

My evening...and so the never-ending readings begin again. School is officially in session folks. 

-C

Mmm Breakfast

So lately, I've been obsessed with two kinds of blogs. First, fashion, I don't know why, I've never been much of a fashionista, but I feel like lately more than ever I am really beginning to appreciate peoples eyes for fashion. Secondly, I'm loving food blogs, because who doesn't love food? For me, I've always loved breakfast. Wether it be cereal, an egg, or pancakes, breakfast has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of mornings at the cabin, or at home, when the whole family would be together. Or, of course, the hangover breakfasts that my closest friends and I get to share quite often during the summer months. One of my favourite breakfast staples has always been the family breakfast sandwich. My dad has been making these for as long as I can remember, they're delicious, and they hit (almost) all the food groups. You will need:

-an english muffin (I prefer whole wheat)

-an egg

-black forest ham

-cheddar cheese 

-fry pan

-baking sheet

-toaster

To begin, slice the english muffin in two and place it in the toaster. While the muffin is toasting, slice enough cheese to cover one face of the muffin. Place the egg in the fry pan and cook to your liking (personally I love over easy as the yolk oozes out in the sandwich mmm). When the toaster pops, remove the muffin halves and cover one face with the cheddar cheese, and the other with enough ham to cover the face (usually 1 or 2 slices). Place the two muffin halves onto the baking sheet and broil until the cheese begins to bubble. Remove the muffin from the oven and place the egg onto the ham half, season with salt and pepper if you would like, and place the cheese half on top. Voila! You have a breakfast sandwich in less than 5 minutes! Usually I have this with a large glass of orange juice or coffee, and some yogurt with either strawberries or raspberries. Starts the day off on an absolutely delicious note! 

-C

TGIF

So today is Friday (thank God seriously). This week felt like it was going by so quickly but it was a busy one and I just can't wait until I don't have to wake up to my alarm, unfortunately that will be Sunday and not tomorrow, oh well. Today after I was finished classes, I had a nice workout (only cardio, I was too lazy/antsy to do weights) and then headed to the grocery store. I found myself with a new mentality while perusing the aisles than I used to have in Edmonton. Now, living on my own, I have to be a little more conscious of what I'm spending and I caught myself going for the crackers/cheese/yogurt that was on sale (yay me). I wasn't planning on doing a HUGE grocery shop today, but that's what ended up happening, two hundred and something dollars later I have a jam-packed fridge finally! I look forward to making myself real meals this week as opposed to grilled cheese and tomato soup, or spaghetti and pasta sauce, although both will remain favorites for quick eats. 

Tomorrow I don't have too too much planned, I'm meeting up with a potential bike seller seeing as I'm really in the need of one without a car here. It seems that everyone in Ottawa rides bikes, I wonder if/when this will ever happen in Edmonton. After (hopefully) purchasing the bike, I have an Amazing Race function with one of the sororities I'm going through rush with, and then might be going out tomorrow night. I feel so old lately that staying up past midnight seems like a chore so we'll see if nightlife and I can get along this year or not. 

Sundays, I always set aside for me time. By me time, I really meen school time, sifting through my readings for the week, and church if I'm lucky, although I haven't been able to make it out to a service since I've moved east, maybe this weekend it will happen, that would be nice. 

As for now, I'm browsing my favorite blogs with a Venti Zen tea in one hand (one teabag only, with 2 sugars, and steamed milk) and a brownie in the other, at my new favorite Starbucks on Elgin Street (in my new city? scary how that sounds...). It's silly how I almost forgot it was a Friday night, until I made my way out my door and was greeted by people dressed up and gathering around the doorways of restaurants and bars along Elgin. Lucky me, dressed in leggings, a hoodie, and doning my glasses (eye savers these days) I stuck out like a sore thumb. Oh well, these days I'd rather be reading/studying/lounging than going out, how lame am I? It brings up a question I've been asking myself lately, are the words lame and mature interchangeable these days? I'll leave that up to you to decide. As for me, I'm going to be "mature" and hit the sheets before midnight on a Friday night.

-C 

E.E. Cummings

I've really been loving on lots of quotes lately, and have been trying to find one specific one to incorporate into my new apartment (possession date is October 1st and it really can't come soon enough). While looking at quotes I stumbled upon so many by EE Cummings. Here's a (not-so-short) collection of the ones that I really like/love/adore. 

"Laughing is just another way of showing people you're wise"

"Only by you my heart always moves"

"Kisses are a better fate than wisdom"

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter"

"Unbeing dead isn't being alive"

"Unless you love someone, nothing else matters"

"One's not half of two, two are halves of one"

"I like my body when it is with your body. It is quite a new thing. Muscles better & nerves more"

"Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiousity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals human spirit" 

"Most people are perfectly afraid of silence" 

"Love is the every only god" 

"The earth laughs in flowers" 

I know so many have to do with love but I couldn't help it, hopeless romantic over here. 

-C

My Day in 6 Words

-tiring

-reading

-starbucks

-rainy

-humid

-packed 

Night night world

-C

Thinking of Writing a Book

I'm seriously considering writing a book, I think I would call it "How to Survive Your First Year of Uni". It would include so many handy tips such as: 

-Regardless of how convenient a roller backpack makes your life, you look like an idiot

-Take notes by hand, not on your laptop, studies show it uses a different part of your brain that allows you to recall the information more accurately 

-If you don't know where you're going, get out of the way 

-Don't walk 2 or 3 or 4 across, it's just annoying

-Walking is like driving (stay to the right)

-If you want to avoid the freshman 15, maybe choose a salad or sandwich for lunch instead of pizza or a burger

- Most universities include a fitness center membership in tuition, get use of it, studies show people who exercise regularly can access learned information at a better rate than those who don't 

-If you don't know where something is, ask

-Don't wear full pink outfits

-EAT BREAKFAST

-Drink lots of water

-Coffee is your new best friend

I could probably ramble on for at least 100-200 pages... I think we may have a bestseller in the making

-C

A Few of My Favourite Things Today

- Bachelor Pad: garbage tv I know but once you start watching it's impossible to stop

- Casillero Diablo wine, tonight I had the Cab Sauv, its SO good, I also really love their merlot

- Skype, whoever invented it really needs not only a pat on the back but a smooch on the lips

- This puppy:

I really want a puppy to keep me company here but I need to weigh out the pros and cons and really think over the commitment (15+ years) 

- The neighbourhood I'm living in right now, SO gorgeous, steps away from the Rideau Canal and almost too convenient in terms of proximity of coffee shops, restaurants, stores, etc. 

-Sleeping for 8+ hours a night (definitely needing it)

-The workout I had today, definitely got my sweat on weeooo

-EE Cummings quotes (I'll post some of my faves soon!)

-C

Sunday Studyday

Today I had my first Sunday Studyday of the semester, cracking open my anthro 2108 book for the first time. I chose to set up shop at Bridgehead, a cute little coffee shop on Elgin Street, about a 5 minute walk from my hotel. Can't say I got everything I wanted to accomplish done, but I did make some headway on my readings for this upcoming weeks lectures. The atmosphere at Bridgehead was perfect for a reading session, a lot less noisy than the Starbucks down the street (and they support free trade, score). I think this may be my new "spot" for my Sunday routine. Now I'm off to get changed and head to the Byward Market with a classmate for a dinner date! (She's a girl so don't get your hopes up about a budding relationship ;) )

-C 

Day Zero #13

Go to a uOttawa football game. 

I can check this one off my list as of yesterday! I went to the home opener vs Queens and the GeeGees won the game with a score of 19-6 weeoo! I can say that I will for sure be attending many more this season, as long as I can find a buddy who wants to come with! The atmosphere was so sick and the cheers (although some were unclassy...) really brought out my inner school spirit that will hopefully continue to develop throughout the year!

-C

It's a Love/Hate

Love

Lucy Rose (Youtube her, amazing)

School spirit & new friends

The Down With Webster concert at Fedstock tonight

Hate

PDA: not because I'm jealous, just because I feel like I don't need to watch you and your girlfriend/boyfriend make out and neck each other in front of me in the grocery store, at the football game, at a concert, on the bus, on a bench on campus (the list goes on...and on...)

The distance I am away from home right now, over 3000 kms

and last but not least:

Missing people, family, friends, and a few select others :(

-C

Sept 10 To Do List

- Do "typewriter nails":

- Work out or yoga

- Make breakfast 

- Walk to Starbucks or Bridgehead for a morning cup of joe

- Go to the GeeGees football game

- Go to the Down With Webster concert 

Should be a good day :)

-C

Missing Home a Tad

Today is Friday, it was a hot one in Ottawa, 28 degrees to be exact. I had class 11:30-4:00 which went well except for the fact my middle class in at Lees campus which is about a 5 minute bus ride away from main and just not the most convenient. Today I'm feeling a little homesick, mostly I miss my family and my dog, Jack. I'm hoping this weekend is relaxing and fun seeing as next week is when the cracking down in class really begins. I think I still need to diddle around with my schedule a bit (hopefully dropping the first year intro english essay writing course..) and then I'll be set! I think I'm gonna take it easy tonight, I just painted my nails and now I'm gonna go for a little walk, maybe grab a tea, and come back to read a bit. I guess this is what it's like being in third year, no more partying every single night (mom and dad will be happy about that ;) ) I better head out before it gets too late, need to have a productive day of grocery shopping and hopefully find a bike tomorrow! 

- C

Day 2 Of Classes

So today was my second day on campus and I had two classes. My first is a class which is pretty much an overview of all the social sciences which although it's a first year course, I hadn't taken before and it's mandatory for my degree. Although it seems pretty straight forward slash boring, I did get to know some of my classmates which was a bonus. Next I had anthro 2108 which is fieldwork... trying to be optimistic I'm just going to hope it's more interesting than the course outline makes it sound. I came home for lunch today and made one of my favourites, a grilled cheese sandwich mmm so basic but so delish and always seems to hit the spot. I got a little homesick today but thanks to my friends from back home (thank goodness for text messaging) I was able to wipe away the tears and try to just enjoy my day which is exactly what I'm about to do. I just grabbed some "supplies" from the LCBO which is their version of liquor stores in Ontario (it works so differently and they were so surprised when I said lots of liquor stores in Edmonton are open til midnight or later...) tonight we're going to a headphone disco in Quebec tonight which should be a neat experience. I'm about to head out to a new friends dorm to pregame and then meeting up with my "frosh group" at 8! Here we go! 

-C

Things I'm Loving At The Moment

 This sandwich was absolutely delicious, who knew Ottawa could do Montreal smoked meat as good as or better than the French city itself! I gobbled this down at a 24 hour place called Dunn's which is conveniently located about a block away from my hotel. 

 Meet Mila, my friend Karl just got her today! She's a Jack Russell Terrier which makes me miss my dog, Jack, who's back home in Edmonton. This cute little face makes me want a puppy of my own to keep me company in Ottawa more than ever! 

 The most beautiful walk to school I've ever had. Parliament within view, it's surreal. 

I love this ring, I'm really into the bows these days and it's a great price point ($1.50 from F21)

Day Zero Project

For those of you who don't know, the Day Zero Project is a list of 101 tasks you want to achieve over a period of 1001 days. The beauty of it is that there is a strict deadline which equals about 2.75 years, this means that it's less open ended than a "bucket list". Also, the tasks or goals must be completely unambiguous, meaning once you've achieved it, it's done, there's no "grey area". So here goes, my 101 things are:

1. Hike the West Coast Trail

2. Go to a big music festival

3. Read the Hunger Games series

4. Cleanse my Facebook "friends" list 

5. Go back to Europe

6. Achieve >3 A's in a semester of my degree 

7. Go on a tour of Parliament with the MP I met at work this past summer

8. Start a book club

9. Watch Breakfast at Tiffany's 

10. Go to Toronto

11. Get rid of 5 pairs of shoes

12. Go to an Ottawa Senators game

13. Go to a uOttawa football game

14. Join a club/team/organization

15. Eat breakfast every day for a month

16. Send 5 friends postcards from Ottawa

17. Go back to Montreal 

18. Have a real Calgary Stampede experience 

19. Go on a roadtrip 

20. Get a piercing or tattoo 

21. Read a book (not school related) once a month for a year 

22. No fast food for a month

23. Go to a comedy club

24. Learn 5 guitar chords 

25. Surprise someone big-time

26. Give a good guy a chance

27. Save $10,000

28. Start a wedding dress fund

29. Re-read the New Testament 

30. Go to a 90 minute Moksha class

31. Walk or run in a charity event 

32. Go on a wine tour 

33. Write a letter to myself to open in 10 years 

34. Pray every day for a month

35. Refresh Spanish 

36. No swearing for a week 

37. Work out every day for a month

38. Make a tie dye shirt

39. Take my parents out for dinner

40. Make a wish at 11:11 on 11/11/11

41. Graduate Uni

42. No caffeine for a week

43. Make borsht from scratch

44. Make sushi

45. Watch all of the Harry Potter movies

46. Watch all of the Lord of the Rings movies

47. Watch the sunrise/sunset in the same day 

48. Dress nicely for a week

49. Go skydiving

50. Go to Las Vegas

51. Go to Seattle 

52. Visit Chrissy in Vancouver 

53. Blog every day for a month

54. Go horseback riding 

55. Volunteer 

56. Log 50+ hours in the library in one month 

57. Don't spend any money for a week

58. Make bannick 

59. Leave a note in a book for someone 

60. Have a bonfire & s'mores & wieners 

61. Volunteer at a soup kitchen 

62. Get up before 10 am for 2 weeks 

63. No Facebook for a week 

64. Go a week without gum

65. Make spring rolls

66. Go up north to watch the northern lights 

67. Kiss in the rain 

68. Get at least 8 hours of sleep every day for a week 

69. Try out a new church

70. Have a picnic 

71. Floss every day for a month

72. Go to a Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives restaurant 

73. Don't complain about a single thing for a whole week

74. Get a pedicure 

75. Identify 100 things that make me happy

76. Host a board game night

77. Take a train somewhere 

78. Make a list of 20 things I like about myself 

79. Tie a note to a helium balloon and let it go 

80. Learn how to drive stick 

81. Ask the server to order for me at a restaurant 

82. Renew my passport 

83. Learn how to do a smokey eye

84. Go skinny dipping

85. Answer the 50 questions that will free your mind

86. Visit and thank a teacher/coach who has influenced my life

87. Bake a pie from scratch 

88. Find a personally inspirational quote and incorporate it into a piece of artwork or decor

89. Have my fortune told 

90. Go to a movie alone

91. Back up/transfer files from HP->mac

92. Build a snowman 

93. Send something in to postsecret 

94. Keep a "my day in 6 words" diary for a month 

95. No Twitter for a day 

96. Eat 5-10 servings of fruits&veggies every day for a week 

97. Show up 10 minutes early to class every day for a week 

98. Have a stargazing night with snacks 

99. Give up something meaningful for Lent

100. Go back to New York City 

101. Keep a gratitude journal, write in it for 5 minutes a day, every day for a month

1001 days start... now!

-C

"Tryouts"

So tonight was tryouts for the GeeGees Women's Volleyball team. Although looking at the website it says there are 14 recruits and returning players, it's mandatory to hold open tryouts for college and university teams. Long story short, the coach let us all know as soon as we walked in that he wasn't really looking for anyone else, not even red shirts really, kind of annoying. Not sure if running back to my hotel to get my court shoes was even worth it. Oh well I would have kicked myself if I didn't try, and hey, I met some pretty good volleyball players who I might play intramurals with... I'm really trying to find a bright side okay? Uggggggg I miss my Thunder Volleyball team :(

-C

First Day on Campus- Orientation

So today I woke up on time for once! Yippee! I had to in order to make it to my faculty's orientation, which was an hour of a professor making jokes in an attempt to make all the first years more comfortable to be out in the big bad world of university. Personally, I learned a few tidbits of information I wasn't sure about before but other than that the biggest score was the uOttawa USB they gave everyone upon entrance. After the orientation, there was a "cocktail hour" of pop and chips on the 8th floor of the social sciences building, which was a mingler with the dean and a bunch of profs from both Sociology and Anthropology. The awkward part was most of the introductions being in French... seeing as I can far from understand basic French let alone when they're talking about academics. All-in-all it was a good experience, I got to meet some of the profs I have this semester and met the guy who is in charge of advanced credit, lets hope he gives me more when I go to talk to him this week! I also ventured to the Starbucks on campus which is a little too convenient, on the main floor of my faculty's building! Even a Seattle based company has been turned French by this city though, check it out:

Although it's blurry, I hope you can tell that it's in French! Welcome to my world for the next year at least, eeek, lets hope I pick up enough to understand a professor's introduction this time next year! 

I'm about to take a nap though, I'm planning on going to volleyball tryouts tonight at 6 although I don't have my heart set on playing so we'll see what happens!

-C

Labour Day

So unfortunately my errand running wasn't as successful as I had hoped. I went to Rideau Centre and it was an absolute zoo, apparently it was the only mall in Ottawa open today. Although I did grab an umbrella (plain black, boring but better than a tacky pattern), the shoppers I went to was all sold out of nail polish remover so I guess my nails will have to wait another day before they can be revamped. I did luck out while walking by American Eagle, not my favourite store but my sister and I do have a secret love affair with their sandals, and EVERTHING was 40% off today. I got a pair of simple black flip flops and a pair of "diamond" studs for $22.02! What a deal!

 -C

First Night of Frosh, Before & After

I left the hotel around 5:15, I wanted to be on time for "ice breakers" with all the first years in my group (S.A.S.A-> Sociology and Anthropology Student Association). When I got there I met quite a few people, most were 17-19 and almost all from Ontario. After playing some cheesy games that took me right back to my girl guide days, we all loaded up onto a bus destined to Camp Fortune in Quebec. It took about 20-30 minutes to get there and after waiting in line for alcohol which seemed like it took forever, we mingled with 1000+ other first years from uOttawa. It was quite the set up with 4 bars, and 4 DJs all playing different music, half the party was inside and half outside. Inside was so toasty that I don't think anyone minded in the least when it started pouring towards the end of the night, as we all fled to the main outdoor dance floor. Since we got there before 9, it was understandable that we were ready to head home before 1. Thank goodness I didn't stay any longer because this is not exactly what you want to look like when you're meeting a fellow classmate for the first time. 

Long story short, the cabin party was fun despite the never-ending lines for the bars. I can't wait to meet more fellow uOttawa-ers, hopefully some closer to my age (English speaking preferably...)

-C

To Do List- Sept 5, 2011

So seeing as I slept in and missed the bus to "Beach Day" (it's 16 degrees out, so maybe I slept in on purpose) I'm heading to Rideau Centre to get some essentials that I forgot at home: 

- Nail polish remover

- an Umbrella (it rains way more than I ever knew here)

- A comfortable pair of flip flops/sandals that aren't Birkenstocks (I forgot my two favourite pairs)

Out I go! Lets hope it doesn't rain on me (again) before I find an umbrella!

-C

Frosh Week Begins

So today I didn't get a chance to do either of the things I had planned, I slept through church and I can't go to yoga because apparently I have to be back on campus by 5 pm! I guess it's a good thing I went to go pick up my "frosh week kit" because they let me know of all the activities happening tonight! This kit was full of the most random things including kraft dinner, uncle ben's rice, franks red hot, a water bottle, coffee mug, toothpaste and whole bunch of other goodies. 

The only downside is that the only t-shirts they had left were L and XL... and I guess they're mandatory for this evenings events ugh. Each faculty has their own t-shirts, what do you think of the jester style of my faculty, social sciences? Apparently icebreaker activities start at 5 and then the busses for the cabin party leave at 7:30. Cabin party.. I know right?! Should be interesting. Lets hope I meet a friend or two seeing as I've been roaming solo the past few days. Anyways, I should probably make some dinner before heading back to campus for this evenings events! Wish me luck!

-C

Best $5 I've Ever Spent

Today was my first full day in Ottawa and unfortunately my sleepiness got the best of my productivity. After waking up from a marathon slumber, I headed out to load up on groceries. 

For the first grocery run, I think I did pretty well, until it came to leaving... five full grocery bags and about a 15 minute walk didn't go so well together. So after much deliberation, I hailed a cab and to my surprise, $5.27 and about 3 minutes later, I arrived at the front door of my hotel. This cab ride for sure tops the best $5 I've spent, in the last few weeks at least. When I got home, I unloaded the groceries and washed all of the dishes in my suite (some crusty substances on the bowls and colander, yuck) then had a little snack of mini mini-wheats, yogurt and strawberries before skyping with one of my best friends Chrissy who just finished setting up her townhouse at UBC. I was lucky enough to hear from my sister, mom, and dad today, all of which say they miss me already...just over 24 hours after leaving but I can say I feel the same. Tomorrow I plan on getting up early (wish me luck) and heading to a church which I haven't decided on yet, for a 10am service. The thing about finding a new church is that no one really reviews churches. I trust online reviews of everything these days, hairdressers, restaurants, books, and movies, but churches aren't really in the same category. I guess I'll have to do some browsing and sit in on a few sermons before I can find my happy church which I really hope I can find here. I'm also hoping to go to a Moksha class here tomorrow, after going almost every day in August I find myself really missing it even though it's been less than a week. Now it's time for me to hop in the shower and cross my fingers that my hair will cooperate with the humidity here, very unlikely but we can hope right? 

-C

Landed in YOW

Today was my first day in Ottawa, or half day I guess. I'm here for school, to finish my Honors Social Sciences Degree and I can't wait to get started. Although it's eerie to be in a city where the only person I know is my 30-something cousin, her fiance, and their two month old baby, I think everyone needs to get away from home, even just to try it, sometime in their life. I landed around 4pm and came straight to the hotel (I signed the apartment lease for October 1st, I loved it too much to settle for one that was leasing in September), and after doing some unpacking, conked right out. Once I woke up, I got some more arranging done, freshened up, and headed out to explore a bit. I was approached by two guys who asked where a good restaurant was around the Elgin Street area, so I guess I look like a local? Unfortunately I had to blow my cover and tell them I just moved, today to be exact. Tomorrow I plan on getting an early start to get my bearings, maybe grabbing a coffee and breakfast treat at Bridgehead, a cute coffeeshop I discovered while here for volleyball nationals a few years ago. Anyways, time for bed for me, trying to get at least 8 hours every night leading up to Uni!

-C