Things I Love Thursday
[ 28 May 2009 ]
& Alright, so to be totally honest, I haven’t done a lot in the last week. I have mostly been packing up everything I own, organising, cleaning & running around like madwoman, as evidenced by the lack of writing here! So it has not been the most adventurous, action-packed week, but here’s what I’m happy about anyway!
Toronto! Specifically: how extremely nice everyone is (it isn’t just a myth! People keep making conversation with me & I love it); the fact that everything is also labelled in French (very lusty for a budding Francophone comme moi); that there is an ad featuring Avril Lavigne which plays in every commercial break (I kind of love her actually); that my friend I’m staying with says “eh” all the time (it reminds me of New Zealand where people punctuate their sentences with “ay!” constantly!), & that I don’t have to leave the house because the weather is so dreary! (I didn’t bring my brolley!) But mostly Toronto is great because of my friend, my friend, my friend, who has totally come to my rescue, is awesome, & a MAJOR Virgo. We understand each other! It is good!
Working out — I haven’t had access to a gym since April 2008! (Oh my god!) While hooping & walking all over New York City is good, it’s just not the same as having all that fantastic equipment at your disposal. Yesterday I used my friend’s gym for an hour. I had forgotten how good it felt, which I am convinced is part endorphins & part smug self-satisfaction! Anyway, I have decided my next apartment needs to be in a building with a gym. Fingers crossed!
Russell Simmons — There are so many reasons to love him. Click his name for another one. MWAH.
Honourable mentions: A Salt & Battery in the West Village; my new Jem earrings (big pink stars!); being distracted by boys; juice & chocolate for breakfast!; vegan burgers; having access to MTV (I really like having it going in the background…); Anna of Lucid New York (she saved my booty on Tuesday!); my friends; people noticing your absence; listening to Justin Timberlake on my old fire escape; puppy cuteness; vegan peanut butter fudge shakes from Lula’s Sweet Apothecary; lesbian lovers having food fights in public (seriously); Bergdorfs; “When you’re in the room I can’t pay attention to anything else”; really cute emails & enthusiasm & honesty; my friend saying “What a dish”, & this email from my mother, after I arrived in Canada.
“Hi Darling,
Thank you for that, have been thinking about you all day.
So pleased your friend isn’t an axe murderer.
Speak soon when you are well rested.
Love and kisses,
Janet.”
& Songs to love: Nine Inch Nails – The Perfect Drug (blast from the past, for real, but so good!); Astro-Creep 2000 by White Zombie (one of the best albums ever, maybe, I don’t know, but if I ever see it in someone’s music collection I know they’re a goodun — it’s like a personality test); Commodores – Nightshift; Burial & Four Tet – Moth; Michael Jackson – This Place Hotel; P.O.S. (add him!) – Purexed & Drumroll; Soul Position – Keep It Hot For Daddy (add Blueprint, too!); Jose Gonzalez – Down The Line; Team Sleep – Natalie Portman. Also White Zombie are one of the only groups who ever ever ever made me want to play guitar. (Them & like… Pantera?!) If someone ever played me riffs from Astro-Creep 2000 I swear I would SWOON to death.
“Let us toast to animal pleasures, to escapism, to rain on the roof & instant coffee, to un-employment insurance & library cards, to absinthe & good-hearted landlords, to music & warm bodies & contraceptives… & to the ‘good life’, whatever it is & where it happens to be.” — Hunter S. Thompson
Alright my darling. Your turn! If you were at a fabulous dinner party right now, what would you toast to?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Tags: things i love thursday Add Gala on Twitter!
for some reason, i knew you’d love nin!
I am so so so happy because I’m going to see my parents in 2 weeks. I haven’t been home since my wedding a year ago. I’ve seen family members when we all went on vacation to disney world together and when my siblings visited, but I can’t wait to go home. Husband will be travelling for work, and I was starting to feel sorry for myself b/c I was going to have to spend the weekend alone at home when i thought … fuck that noise. I wanna go see my family! So I’m going. :-) Cannot wait to hug my parents and sit around drinking wine with them. Bonus: One of my best childhood friends is getting married in our hometown that weekend, so I get to see her wedding. Woo!
P.S. Gala, your mom sounds lovely. :)
I’m glad you like Toronto! I live in Toronto and I loooove love love it.
its not as big or bustling as New York City but it has its own charm :)
and I love that our city is pretty clean!
You really need to go to Kensington Market Gala, you would love it!
Being distracted by boys is amazing. Amazing.
London Went for a day trip yesterday. Forgot how much of an insane love I have for riding the tube and the strolling though flagship stores on Oxford Street.
Australian friends I met a family friend in London and forgot how much of a laugh she is. I’m hoping to go stay out there in a few years.
Imagination I’ve suddenly got some mad creative streak and want to write something, anything! Also imagination = dreams and I’m having some totally sweet thoughts about things that will never happen but work out perfect in my head.
Purchases Magenta tea dress anyone? Oh yes I so can’t wait to wear it out on the town in the summer (when it’s a little warmer hopefully!)
Friends of friends I have gained a totally awesome friendship with a guy who is so supportive. He’s a friend of my ex and he’s the only one who would give it to me straight about the whole situation and I’m very grateful to him for that
- Having the library order in a bajillion books for me! – Planning my Californian summer & buying gig tickets to coincide with baseball and visits. – Reading like a fiend. – Spontaneous trips to Ikea & unanticipated all-night hang-out sessions & chats about life. – A whiny friend’s sickness making me appreciate my health x a million!
& a quote to sum it all up:
“Good friends, good books & a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”
— Mark Twain
Working out is pretty sweet. Lately I have been enjoying doing lots and lots of yoga and occasionally doing belly dancing. I really LOVE belly dancing though, makes me feel super sexy! But I think later I want to tryout kick boxing for exercising.
Working out is like another way to get creative, let loose and just have fun… besides the added benefit of being healthy and looking super hottt!!
iCiNg; finding other wonderful blogs; infinite inspiration; notebooks; yummy roast potatoes; the beach; walking on the pier; delicious waffles; britains next top model; twitter; my friends; my family; the future; the present; learning to be present in each moment; deciding to be happy every day; the 30 day challenge; steve pavlinas blog in general; beautiful girls with fabolous outfits; dreaming of owning my own coffee shop; crafting; sleep; long baths; my adorable dog; britains got talent; making plans; cute boys; borders book shop; having a social detox; confidence; embracing change; love; moleskines; :)
Ahhhhh, I love your mom’s email! Priceless.
Oh my God. Rebel Girl is just about the best song ever! – Meet in the Middle 4 Equality. I am so excited! I’m going with my boyfriend and I’m ready to march. All California residents that support GLBT equality should really try to go. It’s in Fresno this Saturday and they have buses and ways to carpool and the point is, COME JOIN US! Super psyched. – The Sims. I am a total nerd. – The ring that my grandma gave me on my 18th birthday. It’s so gorgeous. Swoon. – Getting things done. This should speak for itself.
finding beautiful places i didn’t know existed in my tiny, sleepy town; Gossip Girl; sorting through my pictures; half term; sleeping; boys that can play guitar; getting things off of my chest; forests; Britains Got Talent
online friends – they are the best you. you hang out everyday, talk about anything and everything and never ever argue.
brightly coloured layers of tulle www.rocknrollbride.com/2009/05…
britains got talent (oh yes Kat I agree!) – guilty secret!
newly dyed hair
new make up
embracing legging (about 12 months after everybody else) i feel empowered and ever so slightly slightly uneasy
date night
cutie maine coon kitty cat
angels and demons
new music
twitter-a-holic-ing
If you like the friendly people in Toronto, you’d like the east coast even more! I’m from ottawa myself and gonna be living in montreal this year, but every time i go out west, i’m usrprised and everyone’s friendliness… they even call you “ dear” ! everyone!
and If i was going to toast to something tonight…
I’d toast to a fabulous year ahead. boring, i know
but it’s the year of change for me!
TILT: – Peaches! even slightly under ripe because then they’re like nectarines – Getting rid of dust- today I have a dust-sucking appendage by my side – Relief- My mum and I have been trying to get a flyer fine tuned all day and now it’s finally dun. \\Sunshine//. – Late night food shooping – The House Of Fairy Tales – Family –
lol having access to MTV, I know the feeling! I’m sattelite less and always have been so when I do come across somewhere that has mtv et al it’s all shiney and extravagant.
I know the rebel girl from livejournal =) All of that picture is coloured in with marker pen!
I wouldn’t know the first thing abut hitting the gym! enjoy!
pssst- who won the shoes?
oh yeah one more thing- how does the ‘eh’ work because I always thought it must sound like ‘ay’ but I guess not!
-new haircut
-clean kitchen(sounds crazy i know)
-old frinds
-sunny days (it rare!)
-working in my craft room
-coffee,cofee, and more coffee
-music
I gotta tell you about IntenSati. It combines a high-energy workout with positive affirmations—you actually shout, “I know my passion! I go right to it! I am strong! I am ready for more! Then, after the workout, in the class I’m currently taking, we actually do a writing exercise. We were told to write the numbers 1 thru 100 on a piece of paper. Then we listed 100 things we love. Just conjuring up all that love while the endorphins were pumping from the workout was incredibly uplifting. The natural high from this class lasts and lasts. I recommend it! Click & scroll: http://www.satilife.com
Also love: graffiti and am psyched for tonight’s Whole in the Wall opening gala!
Photography
Spiders
Alaskan King Crab
Hot Pink Silly Putty
Bengal Cats
Glad you’re loving toronto- we love you back! crummy weather of late..we like to really EARRRRN our warm weather so we enjoy it 8 times as much. Or something like that. Bring the sunshine Gala!
I’m so glad that you’re loving the Canada. Canada loves you too Gala, you should visit more often.
Things I love Thursday
*Realizing that I don’t have to get up early for work when I’m laying bed about to go to sleep
*Going to sleep with one cat on my bed and waking up with a different cat beside me. Like magic.
*Talking to a super cute gothy Leo boy. Can’t wait to meet him, he seems like a very genuine person.
*I love going to work. I get to shiny jewellery, listen to my own music, play crosswords and get paid for it!
*My new adidas running shoes with the shiny stars on the side. Super comfy and cute!
*Knowing that I have the full weekend off! Time to head downtown and party with my friends without minding how much I drink for fear that I have to work the next day!!
*My etsy shop www.misspurplecat.etsy.com
*I’m holding my first blog contest today, which I’m tres excited about!!
It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these – not that I haven’t been loving my ass off!
Here are the things I am loving this week:
- Having set a goal for the next year. It feels so much better now that I know what I am working towards and I am not just wandering around in different directions with no sense of structure at all. This also means the love of my life, who lives on the other side of the planet, is coming to see me for my birthday in September!
- I got a job! This has helped a lot, as I’ve been without one for two months since I got back from traveling and it’s been extremely stressful, so yay!
- Booking a ticket to New York to see my aunt run the marathon in November! She is my favourite family member and has always supported me in everything I’ve done, so doing this for her, supporting her and seeing how happy it has made her is amazing! And woo, NYC!
- Baking! Because it makes me happy and I love the way it makes other people happy when I share my results with them.
- Getting my bike fixed after postponing it for two weeks. Being without a bike in Copenhagen makes me feel completely immobile. Even though the public transport is great, I am much fonder of biking around everywhere. Keeps me in shape and out in the fresh air!
Thanks, Gala! For always reminding me to love life and be grateful for everything amazing :)
I loved your post about Isobel so much that I mentioned it in my own blog!
This week…let’s see. My design god soul-mate, my best friend who just moved into my building, my friend Kelly who creates amazing ska punk playlists inspired by high school, Feria haircolor, my boss for being so chill, and a fabulous restaurant called Blanc Burgers & Bottles for having a rootbeer “adult” shake with root beer booze and root beer in it.
Oh and Maya G..I just have to answer your ‘eh’ question. It sounds like ‘ay’, yes, but not like an ‘ay’ from Atlanta (like an ayeee) more like just the letter ‘A’. And usage-wise…a wonderfully, versatile little tidbit, the ‘Eh’ slips in at the end of sentences to emphasize a sentiment…kinda like a “know what I’m sayin?”.
Like, “Gala’s really lovin’ Canada, eh.”
I never used to say it until I started travellin abroad and was accused of “not being very Canadian!” So I shaped up and now it’s just a part of me :)
TORONTOOOOO recommendations:
t.dot is my second home. i’d be there right now if i wasn’t recovering from surgery. i will definitely be there in a few weeks.
moving on… recommendations in toronto….
aside from everything on queen st. w… i’ll get specific:
1. red tea box – 696 queen st. – stupidly dainty ambiance, food… everything. adorable. service is… bleh.. but good conversation and the ambiance covers it.
2. coffee? t.a.n. (the alternative network)992 Queen Street West – diiiiviiiiinnnee tofu truffles. yuum. yum. everything is fair trade, etc. people seem to dig the avocado latte, but i’m not big on avocado.
3. shopping: sooooo much to choose from, obviously.. but my two faves are:
+ preloved – 881 Queen Street West – you’ll find it across the street from the park where queen st. meets trinity bellwoods park.
+ fawn – boutique located across from trinity bellwoods also.. however, it’s a storefront that sits beneath the lofts that are across from the park. stop by here to pick up a complex geometries top. :)
i could go on and on.. and i’m sure your plate is full with recommendations.
enjoy enjoy enjoy my home. it may be my ‘second’, but really, it’s my first.
I would toast to… “Boys SUCK!!!”
Then I would be grateful for…
1. Scouting for girls. The only thing that I listen to when I am driving my car everywhere. My girls are sick of them.
2. SUMMER!!! Kids are out of school and I am free to do what ever I want on my lunch break
3. Getting my bills paid. Slowly but surely. I am going to have two credit cards paid off by the end of summer if I plan things just right.
4. Go back to school in the Fall. Trying to set a good example for my girls, so they see that before they start a family, they need to get their college degree.
5. Flight of the Conchords. I want to move to New Zealand if all the boys are this HAWT!!! I can’t help it. I like cute guys.
Happy Thursday!!!
♟ Spontaneous sex and sex acts.
♟ Rollerblading again for the first time in 10 years.
♟ Frozen peach yogurt with kiwis and strawberries.
♟ Blueberry bagels.
♟ Good food in general.
♟ Discovering the best fitness/sporting goods store ever. It’s a dream come true.
♟ Shopping for soaps.
♟ Creating new artwork.
♟ Business ideas coming out of my ears.
♟ New art pens and paper.
♟ Taking camera phone pictures with my Blackberry on business road trips.
♟ Large, gorgeous lakes.
♟ Banishing lethargy.
♟ My hair is getting longer.
♟ Learning to skate board.
♟ Getting used to 100 degree heat again.
- remembering to take time and make this list
- making funky greeting cards with my boyfriend and plotting more things to make and sell
- 5 year college reunions that involve fireworks, and drunk people commenting on fireworks
- sunshiny days and spur of the moment day trips
- chocolate milk
- camping in the backyard
- spring cleaning
- the first story in “flights of love” by bernhard schlink
i’m so glad you’re enjoying canada. i do love that everything here is labelled in french and english, because they are both our national languages. eee.
My first post in my new blog (http://pageofcups.net/) is Things I Love Thursday :D
YES. Bikini Kill rocks my 9th grade socks.
Love it! Your list always makes me happy. I SO enjoy reading it. :)
www.positivelypresent.com
funny #unfollowdiddy trending topic yesterday on twitter
tuesday and thursday evenings to myself
almost no rain in florida when it was forecasted to rain all memorial day weekend
a short work week
I am currently loving
the sunshine
having conversations with sweet old men in spanish
and being told I speak it well =)
re-igniting old friendships—even overseas
leaving for a weekend at the beach with two of my best foreign friends, cute boys, and absinthe!
toe rings with sandals
and my cute new jean dress that looks straight from the 60’s!
and of course…the fact that I will get to see my friends from the U.S. again in just over 2 weeks!
Life has been so good to me…
-being single and PROUD after 4 years of crap :D
-my brothers dance music
-the summer almost being here (after this toronto rain leaves!)
-to moving and starting uni in september and turning to a new page in my life
-the universe winking at me, and winking back with fervor ;)
- Seeing old friends
- Talking to my best guy friend on the phone and having excellent/hilarious conversations about our eyes:
“I’ve never said anything before cause I thought it would be awkward but… I’ve always wanted to build a shrine to your eyes!” -Him
- Sherlock Holmes (the original stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
- paychecks
- PAIN coming out w/ another Excellent music video (made my day!)
- Trying to figure out what my next haircut will be
So are you going to the NIN concert in Toronto on Sunday?? I was going to go, but since I’ve already seen them 3 times in the past year, decided to hold off. You know it’s their LAST CONCERT, right?!
Anyway- Things I love Thursday!
- The fact that my boss trusts me enough to leave me completely and utterly alone with her shop while she’s away for a while! – I might have a buyer for my car which I’ve been trying to sell for the last few weeks. – I finally spent some money on a nice pair of sandals! – Organic chai lattes from this awesome little coffee shop down the street where I work. – My brand spankin new bright green purse (which I have added a big anti-fur button to) – Job #2 speaks of a raise… hmmm…. btw it’s at a gym so I get a free membership!
Well have fun in Canada!!!
* my exams being over (yippee!) * shopping for new make-up treats * the AMAZING weather (I can’t remember the last time I was so hot in England!) * meeting my friend’s friends * having my first alcoholic beverage (or several) in months * going out for cake with my boyfriend * looking ahead to the long summer and all the fab things I can fill my time with
That quote is so genius!
This week I toast with vodka and grenadine to my sweet Spanish friend that takes care of me and buy me huge cappuccinos as an excuse to talk for hours and enjoy walking under the pouring sky, having a chat and share a meal with a 6 year old homeless child with an intelligence to envy and become intimate friends for an hour until he ran away for no reason, getting to see The Sisters of Mercy live in Buenos Aires next week OMFG!!!, having to prepare a fashion show in 2 weeks with no money to invest, just imagination and design, having a new job as an editor in a cool TV show, receiving a package from Courtney Love with amazing stuff to work with, my new red moleskine twin set, OPI`s I`ve red the script, my kitten being adorable, fresh coffee everyday, chocolate chip cupcakes, my rhinestone sunglasses, syncing the ipod, making lists.
I am so loving that I found this website. That I stumbled upon EFT and that I have yet another way to attract positive energy! love, love, love
today i broke up with my boyfriend of five years and i’m feeling pretty terrible. but here’s to fresh starts. this thursday, against the odds, i’m loving:
- pints of cider on hot days
- being determined to get fit and in shape
- my hair
- infinite possiblities
A toast to soft curls and silk-curtain hair, toast the surprise minute when we realize that life is good and things are going well. Spring turning into summer, and the wind sometimes smells of the ocean.
<3 having my laptop rest slanted on my hip bones, propped up on my bent legs while i lay down on the floor to type this.
<3 organizing my music collection and giving a listen to some pretty old CDs of total randomness
<3 not going to the gym today because i simply did not want to ( & not feeling bad about it). i knew i would not perform well if i didn’t really want to go
<3 coming up with new healthy recipes! (shakes are my favorite right now)
<3 cleaning out my room
<3 not feeling tied down to anything right now.
<3 cuddling with a certain boy but knowing it is nothing too serious
<3 making and taping new hoops with new tape!
<3 living life in the healthiest way possible
The rain is particularly wonderful today in T.O.! I’m glad that you like it here. If you can, hit up Bathurst and Bloor, because there’s a great falafel place there called Laila, Bloor Cinema right accross from it, and a great coffee/tea place a few doors down called Aroma. Their green tea is fantastic and the inside is pretty fabulous. And if you’re looking for some music, a record store called Sonic Boom (Michael Cera just finished shooting part of his new movie there, eee!) is right next to Bloor Cinema on the other side! So if you see the new Michael Cera movie, you can say, “Hey! I’ve been in there!”
Anyway, hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Toronto :) I’ll keep a look out for your big pink hair!
Your mum calls you by your last name!
I love that. Plus meeting deadlines early, feeling like I’m getting better at my job, dealing with my husband being away working in Oz for 10 days really well (no tears!), enjoying the process of writing more than ever (banishing that squeezing-blood-from-stone feeling).
~ Staying at my parents’ house and waking up to my Dad singing.
~ Learning how to play my ukulele. She is pink and I have named her Cupcake.
~ East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
~ Massive storms.
~ Pea, Pie & ‘Pud.
~ Baking.
~ The arrival of my brand new baby niece, Molly.
~ Teaching my sister the words to Baby Got Back.
~ Compliments from strangers.
~ Bagels with Cream Cheese.
~ Nirvana’s Nevermind (My blast from the past album of the moment).
~ Spending a night at home watching DVDs and knitting.
TiLT:
~Friends & packages & sweet surprises that make you smile!
~Deciding that a certain day is special, just because, and making chocolate cupcakes.
~Star Wars.
~Downtime and relaxation, particularly when there are plenty of good books lying around.
- The terraces in Amsterdam are at full swarm and I finally got out of the house today after an arm injury kept me in bed for a week and had drinks with friends who know how to make me laugh!
- Naughty emails to a special guy about a dream where he was the star of the show!
- And finally knowing that this rough patch won’t last forever.
Up up and away!!!
wow, i haven’t done this in two weeks :o
anyway, what i love this thursday:
♥ holland! i don’t know why i was in such a rush to get the hell out of here.
♥ the diyscene forums!
♥ following tom felton on twitter! his updates usually make me smile :]
♥ having an organized fabric stash!
♥ bright colours!
♥ reading & writing every day! i had almost forgotten how addicting those things can be.
♥ slip dresses, pearl necklaces, stockings with garter belts, brightly coloured make-up, false eyelashes, elaborate bows, bling, insanely high stilettos; basically the “classy ho” look :p i really need more items like that…
♥ my new sugar mafia/callow lily ring!
♥ having lots of money again! & spending it terribly unresponsibly! while i still can.
♥ improving myself!
Fog – makes the everyday world look mysterious.
Fingerless gloves – for that ‘Dickensian pickpocket’ look.
Skinny jeans – yeah, I wore them in the 80s. And (finally) I’m wearing them again!
Getting up half an hour earlier – hard work at the time, but worth it, productivity-wise.
Kapa haka – when I was 12 I had to make a choice between committing to either kapa haka or drama. Now as a parent helper I can continue my kapa haka journey. I love it!
i toast:
- my postman, who has begun calling me out onto my balcony like i’m juliet, and throwing my parcels at me.
- riding my old pink bicycle – my mother’s in the 70s – through the cold streets, at night, through dead leaves.
- having beer picnics instead of starting my thesis draft.
- my current obsession with 1940’s clothing. buying an inordinate number of 1930’s – 1950’s onesies and rompers on eBay, even though it’s very nearly winter.
- arriving at the stupidly simple realisation that if i ruin a painting, i am only ruining a painting, NOT MY WHOLE LIFE. don’t you just love perspective?
- wearing pretty much only vintage nightgowns and slips and torn antique dresses, because i am in the studio all the time.
- having kitchen dance-offs with awesome boyfriend while waiting for ridiculous student vegan poverty-pizzas to cook.
- blush pink and paynes grey.
My TiLT:
Shoes. I am all about shoes right now. The brighter the better. I’m gaining quite a collection.
Trashy Reality Television. Guilty pleasure. Its so bad that its good.
Summer. I’m so excited about getting to finally relax (Sort of).
Organization. Things have been a mess lately. Its nice to start getting organized again.
Exercise. I have really been slacking off when it comes to working out. Not anymore. Its on.
Via Twitter @darcebobarce:
Making EPIC traveling plans, interning at @apbspeakers, learning, the Malcom X autobiography, BF bus greetings #TiLT
a four year old boy gave me a flower today and told me he liked me. it made me feel incredibly beautiful.
there’s a psychic who’s meant to be the heroine’s yoda, and will teach her to use her powers without going insane, in a cute new teen romance book series i like. she looks like me… long red hair, shoes with little bows, mischievous smile. and her name is just like mine but spelled ava. i’m in a romance novel!
semi illicit kisses on the neck, the d&d spell hold monster, and getting to wear my hair long anytime i want now that i’m laid off.
the songs “rain king” by the counting crows and “we will fall together” by streetlight manifesto.
In the first paragraph, I definitely read “organising” as “orgasming”
And if I were to toast something tonight, it’d probably be receiving lovely letters from ridiculously sweet boyfriends.
- Finally getting an epic talk with Ben! (my long distance boyfriend) – Daydreaming about Ben – Getting 4/5 exams out of the way – Kit kat chunkies – Free lipgloss – Cool music from the 60s! (e.g HAAAANG ON SLOOOPY!) – Sunny weather! :D – Getting on well with my Mum – Lacy green leggings – Looking at London Underground maps in book shops and getting all excited – The promise of being able to have a decent vegan mac and cheese – Having to only wait 10 days to see Ben! – Decorating ideas
that team sleep song is definitely what I’m thankful for now, it’s amazing
to life, to confidence, to lovely friends.
teachers who care, Horace the Latin poet, Dostoevsky, potato chips, the New Yorker, National Geographic maps, races
On Monday I’m jetting off for Africa. I’m spending two weeks in Cape Town with my best friend in the whole world; we’re going to paint our faces and eat pizza and drink vodka and dance and kiss as many pretty boys as our lips can handle. Then I’m flying to Tanzania where I’m living until January.
Every single moment I say thanks for what’s ahead of me, but really what I love this Thursday (Friday!) is that I am not nervous at all. All I feel is an overwhelming sense of excitement of the imminent adventure. I feel ready and I am so happy to feel that way. :D
to the amazing things my friends sign my yearbook with. it’s so very cool to see how many people like you. haha, that sounds so… selfish.
to starbucks and gel pens, telling my teachers how much i appreciate them, and crazy awesome developments.
also, to the end of the school year. can’t wait!!! n.n
+ Music
+ Coffee
+ Tea
+ Sleep
+ The fact that the beautiful, open-minded, vivacious, pink-haired woman who used to be half a world away, is somewhere in Toronto at this very moment—a city I can see from my house. Even though I might never meet you, I still think that the idea is very cool, because it makes you seem more real, as opposed to this lovely person whose words I’ve read on my computer screen. I hope you continue to have a good time with your friend!
Love, Love, LOVE Nine Inch Nails! Seeing them play live at the Soundwave Festival here in Australia was amazing! In regards to toasting – here’s to new beginnings!
♥First real party that was a total BLAST
♥Drinking alcohol for the first time (like really drinking)
♥Getting completely wasted at said party…it was definitely interesting!
♥Feeling attractive
♥Realizing it’s ok to have a multi-faceted personality
♥The major testing finally over
♥Bonding with family
♥Starting to not give a crap what anyone thinks
♥Yearbook signings that are insanely hilarious
♥Summer plans/goals
♥Prom tomorrow and one more week of school!!!!!
oh and…
♥Inspiration :P
nothing like a good workout! i had a period where i got lazy and stopped, but this year i have been running almost every day and have never felt better!
I just got back into working out this week too, I love love love it. I used to hate it, but now it’s awesome.
this week has been really hard for me since a few days ago i lost one of my best friends, my guinea pig gilligan, and my heart is broken. but i’m still going to take a minute to make a TiLT list in spite of it.
gilligan and memories of him, support from my friends, finally having a female roommate, kickboxing classes that are so intense my ears are popping after them, my other two beautiful guinea pigs, being a bon vivant, the song “is you or is you ain’t my baby”, having hour conversations through a window at 4 am, chuck bass, pedicures, fashion show parties, milan kundera, new dresses, the way men talk in old movies, and tequila.
The only thing i love this thursday is the comments in that youtube link to Team sleep with Natalie Portman.
“I don’t understand the connection. Is there some signification that I am missing. Natalie Portman + team sleep = explanation please??”
“I don’t know, but it made me cum.”
EPIC WIN!!!
I loved Toronto as well! I don’t know, but there’s something about it.
My tilt:
*Getting two jobs confirmed in one day!
* Getting superfit
* Writing heaps of creative and non-fiction.
* Getting closer to European & North American adventures
* Playing duck, duck goose with kids in an art workshop.
-Being inspired! I’ve finally started on my graphic novel Snow Queen that my friend Julia and I are writing the screenplay for, but messing around in Photoshop with screentones and colors and page layouts has been so much fun. I’m so glad that I have the entire summer to do a graphic novel and to just have fun with it.
sleeping in, outings to the Natural History Museum, Neandertals, running amok in Greenwich Village, the fountain in Washington Square Park, text messages, Yoshihiro Tatsumi’s A Drifting Life, poems by John Ashbury, red bow headbands, pearls, smiling at strangers, little kids in the park, my kindergarten classes, the song “God Help the Girl”, Michelle Branch, making paper stars, desperate talking fish in Queens, walking in drizzly rain, laughing at nothing, reading Tarot for strangers, the upcoming Cake concert tomorrow night that I shall be attending with my friend Belinda, robots, bookshops, Beauty and the Beast, Gina Biggs’ Red String for inspiring me to persevere with my own artistic endeavors (she’s kept it up for over five years!), Sarah Ellerton’s Phoenix Requium, lounging in coffee shops with friends, sleepovers, random phone calls, challenging fate and getting closure, new, comfortable heels, polka dotted dresses, and finally, being able to put on my biggest, brightest, most genuine smile for the world to see, and getting a smile in return.
this was a good week.
i love that i’ve figured out what i’m doing this summer, after agonizing about getting a real job for months. i’m pumped that i’ll finally have free time to do everything i want, like learn to sew.
other loved things: getting a free case of water, getting a once-weekly job helping some people with their garden (which hardly feels like work), talking to people who look interesting, compliments, lentil soup, oversized strawberries, books, having two dressers for all my clothes instead of one, coming home then working out then falling asleep and waking up in time to watch law & order, canada’s next top model
+Working hard and getting appreciated (and paid!) for doing something I love.
+Trusting that the universe will take care of me.
+Mad crushes on boys that make my heart beat.
+Poetry as comfort food.
+The way the sun shines through the trees and the infinite varieties of green found in the leaves.
TiLT
* San Francisco. My favorite American city so far.
* Getting cute messages from my boyfriend on the otherside of the world.
* Buying random patches to add to my growing collection (no idea what to do with them yet).
* Finding cute little salad bars that name the salads after mad genius(es).
* Meeting people in elevators.
* Wearing my souriver Ohio Bobcats shirt and having people shout “GO OU” as I walk down the street in Colorado.
1. Working out! It makes me feel so goood… and proud of myself =]
2. Getting fabulous books! This past week I scavenged the library and garage sales for books, and I found the best stuff! Angels and Demons, Palm Reading, Child Star (the autobiography of Shirley Temple), Swell (A girl’s guide to being charming & making everything look easy… trust me it’s better than it sounds!), so much good stuff!
3. My Mom- she’s seriously the best! She took me to walmart when I was in the mood for buying a hoop, let me tag along with her to garage sales (i had so much fun), makes me amazing Vegan meals every night…
4. Field Trip… Nuff said!
5. Getting to spend some time away from people that have turned into negative nancies… It made my overall mood so much better, and now I feel refreshed and ready to take on the world
Also, I’ve started a gratitude journal that I write in every night before I go to bed! It’s like my own little TiLT but every day. It makes me feel so good! =]
xoxo
TILT:
+ driving
+ red wine (not together)
+ my kids little versions of dancing
+ the look and feel of freshly applied lip gloss
+ My 5 yr old’s response when I told him we would keep looking for his lost croc this afternoon “That’s right because superheroes never give up”
-The fact that I only have two days of High School left!!
-Going to the gym when it’s empty and lifting weights really slowly (it’s a much better workout)
-Seeing a guy who I hadn’t talked to in four years perform an amazing one man play. – The first Oregon strawberries at the Farmer’s Market – Eating chocolate chip cupcakes in the grass with my mentee
-Baking blueberry crumble bars with a recipe from Smitten Kitchen that my class devoured and adored. – My oil painting; this is the best thing I’ve painted so far
Hi Gala :)
I’m also really glad you’re in Canada, I hope you have a fabulous stay, it’s awesome that everyone has been friendly so far, that’s a nice reputation for a country to have!
If you go shopping on Queen Street West and you want to see some insane architecture you should walk north of queen and see the building on stilts (aka ontario college of art and design) and also the new frank gehry renovations to the Art Gallery of Ontario, they have tons of great art in there and you should definitely take a peek! Oh and I think you would love the restaurant Fresh in the student annex around U of T. So much exploring to do there! I’m jealous.
My TiLT
-dancing at motown night
-the band jamming on the street outside from nashville, cutest boys with the best rhythm
-being able to share my bed so a friend doesn’t have to take a taxi home
-strengthening new friendships
-yoga and lemon water!
-free laundry at grandma & grandpa’s
i love that today is finally over.
oh, and my two new dresses.
Hahaha OH MY GOD I have been listening to White Zombie and Pantera on end for a week, because they are helping to keep me sane in a very crazy country right now, but ended up getting a violin on one of my best days here.
Which leads to me my list: – my amazing genius cellist-composer friends. One of them is arranging Billy Idol for violin for meee, lovelovelove – um, America’s First Amendment. Kind of the best thing ever. – new friends! Having recently learned that I seem to attract people who aim to be the best at what they do, they are now leading me to brilliant new things and talking me out of getting degrees for things that are notorious for being mundane. A+!
Mine is a bit different, a visual representation of the things i love is here: bexlyell.blogspot.com/
Skiiinnnns! Skins, skins, skins! I have been watching it instead of studying.
Also new music.
Also, the brightest pink nailpolish I have ever found.
xx
Me, today I would like to toast myself for bravely clinging to the mission of being the true me instead of falling into the depths of klichés that I see people all around me doing. I toast myself since this is scary stuff to be dealing with since it’s not just puppies and rainbows all the time.
ugh. i’m dealing with a lot of crap, the death of my dog, my daughter being stillborn, and my boyfriend taking off on me and my having to move in with my dad….but i’ve become determined to do this. i think i’ve made it a requirement of myself.
-flirting with cute boys…even if it is just online (thanks to you for getting me hooked on okcupid, haha)
-katy perry’s album, and dancing like crazy to it.
-this one will sound a little bizarre, but…letting myself really cry. there is a bit of a catharsis in that.
-playing scrabble outside
-having a good friend take you out to a toy store and playing with all the toys
-going to the zoo and having conversations with the tiger, because apparently he wants to talk to you, lol.
tiffany — I’m so sorry honey, let me know if there is anything I can do for you. xo
It’s been Friday for 35 minutes, but I’m still gonna write my list.
-I’d toast to good friends & laughter. Some of my favorite people in the world are visiting me and I couldn’t be happier about it.
-Getting over old crushes! I re-read your article on Unrequited Love (because I feel like this is hopeless, and I don’t want to waste any more time! I’ll probably be happier just being his friend.), and am working on following. Even with the occasional heart-wrenching moments, it’s incredibly liberating to be free of this! Or, almost free! ^^
-People who say such sweet things that your insides squeeze and your heart skips a beat.
-New music in different genres. It’s so fun to explore outside of your norm!
-Making the commitment to dressing up every single day. I feel so much more satisfied with myself.
I always love your list so much!
Whatever, it’s still Thursday here. I haven’t done one of these in forever, so I’m glad I caught it just in time.
1. bff number one is here for the whole summer! he’s in law school and lives in st. louis for most of the year, so having him here is an exceptionally nice treat.
2. bff number two is coming here from connecticut in one week and will be here for TEN WHOLE DAYS!
3. CLEANINGGGGGGGGGGG. because I will soon have an awesome lady who is allergic to cats sleeping on my floor, I decided that I should do a major spring clean, and it somehow turned into me totally rearranging my room and redecorating and painting bookcases! it’s not done yet, but it’s starting to come together, and it makes my room feel like a whole new space.
4. american fucking idol. is that sad? I don’t care.
5. aaaah, I forgot that another friend who I never see is going to be here soon! he’s been in vienna for almost a year, and is coming home for just a few weeks before going back.
6. raisin bran crunch
7. i like you so much better when you’re naked by ida maria (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR1yOJC_eEw)
8. true blood!
9. um, this one is super nerdy, but I came up with a new character for kind of a competition/rp that I’m involved with, and I’m pretty much in love with her. I’m having so much fun coming up with her background!
10. star trekkkkk. I might go see it on saturday for the, uh, third time? it’s a fucking awesome movie, don’t worry about it.
11. goddamnit, I wanted to make it an even ten, but then I thought of one more thing which is: so noTORIous, which is a show tori spelling had on vh1 a few years ago. I watched a few episodes when it was on, but I just rewatched all of them earlier this week and: damn, that is a good show. it’s surprisingly really funny and charming. I’m kind of considering buying the dvds just so I can watch it again.
I love your things I love thursdays… I did my own last week :)
bridgetbeaver.blogspot.com/200…
Hi Gala,
Here are some recommendations for the best hair salons in Toronto:
www.torontolife.com/guide/fash…
Some fun things to do in Toronto:
-Afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms Hotel or The Red Tea Box
-Vintage Shopping at “Courage my Love” Kensington Market
-If you are looking for a really good raw food restaurant, check out:
www.livefoodbar.com/
Enjoy your stay!!!
-My amazing girlfriend, she is what I live and breathe for.
-Finishing my book, and starting a new one (now reading Chuck Closterman’s “IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas”)
-Steak and potatoes, because sometimes it’e the simple things
-Finishing all the TV series’ we were watching, though now i don’t know what we are going to watch.
(Okay, so technically this is a Things I Love Friday, but it still counts, right? Right.)
Things I would toast to:
-Just finished the recording for my bands new album and it sounds terrific!
-Cinnamon apple tea in the afternoon on the back deck
-Having a job in Michigan’s terrible economy
-The excitement of looking for a new home!
-Craft parties with new friends
-Letting go of the people in my life who are pessimistic and drag me down (even though it is hard to do!)
-Baking 4 dozen cupcakes this week
-Poetry readings
-Old men drinking bubbly
-The school quarter is almost done
-This most beautiful weather my side of the state has been having
Today I toast to:
Colourespecially red. I wore a red slinky dress last night and not only did it get me lots of attention it made me feel alive.VarietyI went shopping for wine with my dad today and usually he get’s the same wine everytime but since I was there I convinced him to go to the “vintage wine” section and we got chilean and spanish wine and some french champagne.-Trying new stuff with old friends. I went clubbing for the first time last night and me being the total bar pub person that I am wasn’t sure what to think but I ended up having the best night EVAR!
-The stuff that happens when your unemployed. As much as not having a job sucks a lot of good things can happen.
-Sparkly, black, sequined, peep-toe 6 inch slingbacks. Yes, every woman that just read that orgasmed.
Everyone have a lovely weekend
1. meeting kids who you thought would be creepy but are actually really nice and generous with their coconut rum even though they have a huge mole on their face
2. my new TIE DYE PANTS
3. new books on zen bhuddism
4. wagons
5. watching the spelling bee
6. learning to not be angry all the time and stop daydreaming about punching my graphic design teacher in the face and then spitting on her
I live in upstate NY and we constantly mock (in a good natured way) the stereotypical Canadian accent. After spending 2 months in NZ I sounded like a Canadian myself! – almost year later I still add “eh” on to my sentences occasionally (:
As least people still have an idea of what I am talking about – unlike when you throw in a “sweet as”!
Glad you’re having a great time in lovely Toronto…I love the French signs too :) I have missed your posts!
It’s Saturday but whatever…things I love: * new knickers, in frivolous floral patterns, from M&S * the sunshine * my affectionate cats * The West Wing…Rob Lowe circa the late 90s is to die for :) * phone calls * boys (men) with full sumptuous lips, haha * libraries * bumping into old acquaintances * water fights on hot May days * flirting * car mechanics (of the human variety) :P * Milka chocolat… * exams are almost over!
To nerdy guys/people & inventors- where would I be if I wasn’t totally in awe and in love with them? (After just going the the Maker Faire Bay Area)
headaches- because how would I know how great it is to be without one?
volunteering- met an awesome friend today while we were stuck at a table together.
Love the site gala- i’m a long time reader 2nd time commenter.
til…m? it`s monday (past midnight already), but i only caught up on your blog today, my apologies! was born in & have lived in toronto my whole life, & i`m glad you like it :)
we`re kinda really awesome here, & i`m not gonna be modest about it!
things i love at the moment – my boyfriend`s snoring over the phone – blackberry messenger – 8th generation civics – flipflops (guilty pleasure) – bright orange nailpolish – summer weddings!
Gala, come to Vancouver. We all love you here.
I want to meet you. __
i absolutely love white zombie! my best guy friend introduced me to them (his screenname is astrocreep!) whenever i hear them now i think about kissing him in the back of his moms van, mid-winter, freezing my toes off!
Just stumbled across your blog and it’s wonderful. Glad you’re enjoying Toronto, it’s a great place to be. Also love your blast from the past song, just saw the NINJA tour at Molson Amphitheatre and loved it.