never blog

I miss Moncton, a lot, and the ocean, always. went out east at the end of the summer, seeing all my old friends was the best. they are always in my heart, but having them in my arms was nice too.

now it is back to school, working on my honours thesis! I am knee deep in research, formulating hypotheses and research questions, testing participants and putting my theory (also known as my supervisor's theory) to the test. fingers crossed for significant results.

music mood:

The Gaslight Anthem, the '59 sound

soulmates

alex and I on our field trip today : )

notice our matching hats
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hello internet

I went to see Blink182 last friday, I loved every second of it. I danced and sang my heart out until the very last song. I am convinced I had the best seats in the place... right in the Canadians bench, just above the kids with floor tickets (I was also aloud on the floor). it was a pretty emotional time in some ways, I was very nostalgic; Blink182 played a very crucial role in my life during my tween years.

other than that, things are swell. the summer has been filled with road trips and shows and fun summer adventures with friends new and old, and for once I am entering the month of august without wondering where summer went.

the new apartment finally feels like home! I have done a lot of decorating, it is in the perfect location, and living with Sean is incredible. we just seem to be on the same page when it comes to living stuff, and everything falls perfectly into place. we have our own mini family here in some ways, between our late night chats, sharing of snacks, and "how was your day?"s.

for the curious souls, Matt and I faced some turbulent times. the internet must have told you our relationship status, but seems we are truly somewhere in between. we'll be heading to New Brunswick together in a couple of weeks, and seems the appropriate thing to say is that we are "seeing" each other, but not a couple. in a nut shell.. we'll see. I think we are just trying our best to not hurt one another.

on another note, Emma and I went to Wolfe Island last saturday to hang with Attack in Black (they were playing at the Wolfe Island music festival). we got free food, and got to ride the ferry for free, and saw some pretty good bands. it was good to get away from the city, even if just for a little bit. it was very pretty there.

lack of post due to fun summer ie:

went to see KISS in Ottawa

Ev painted a wall in my living room; incredible

bowling with two Foster boys and Adam

late night Adult Crash visit

$2 portrait by a 9yr old in Kensingting Market, T.O

babest babe on our mini vacay

best job, best friends, best kids

... Matt, Nessy, friends, YMCA, mini travels, shows, fireworks, beach, parks, new people, water fountains, drinks, movies, late nights, tams, restaurants, early mornings, late nights, dance parties, new apartment, flea markets, goodbyes, festivals, thrifting, decorating, letting go, new beginnings.

my favorite american

this is Kyle (at his fancy job). he lives in Seattle. if he did not have to worry about money, he would be content with never leaving the house. when at home he enjoys drawing, reading, watching TV, thinking (meanwhile stepping out for soda and cigarettes when needed).

communicating during conflict

went to YMCA staff training yesterday, and the first workshop was on communicating effectively during conflict. here are a few useful things I have retained:

-the relationship comes first, not the conflict

-the person and the problem are two separate things

-listen, then paraphrase or validate what the other person is feeling/expressing, ex- "it sounds like this is really bothering/stressing/hurting you"

-words that should not be used: always, never

-instead of using "you" sentences, start with "I" sentences, ex- "I feel sad when... " instead of "you make me feel sad"

I am impressed

link stolen from JohnBaku's twitter.

in reference to 'musics'

ok so maybe the new TBS album is not that great,

just sayin'

but I still love them

fun couch!

I bought this couch today for our new apartment, it has a built-in mini bar, nbd

musics

1. went to see Think About Life last night, the show was incredible and I strongly advise you get your hands on their album Family and have a dance party

2. the new Taking Back Sunday album New Again comes out on June 2nd (however has already leaked) and it is AMAZING they are my all time fav for always

PSC love nest

these two love birds have quite the cozy nest going on since they have joined forces, and make excellent hosts along side Thomas J. who was kind enough to let me take a shoot of him yesterday evening.

Nessy never fails to amaze with her beautifulness

cutest cat poses of life

summer school

studying sucks

heart the weekend

non-stop sleepovers with pseudo hubby.

drinks and biffers and friends.

BBQ with fam and pseudo hubby.

lunch and shopping and park picnic and yoga with beautiful lady friend Stacey.

found the perfect wedges and vintage sunglasses.

love life!!1

lil' sis

pseudo hubby

fav shopping finds

(pseudo hubby just rang door bell, movie night yay yay)

time spent

with school out, I have had more time on my hands lately. it has pretty much been equally divided between thrifting and finding good eats. here are a few suggestions:

Eduardo's, 404 ave Duluth east in Montreal. It is a bring your own wine restaurant, and very reasonably priced (plate of pasta for $10). Cute place, a bit more on the fancy side for a dinner date, but very cozy and yummy.

Midi 6, 3580 rue Notre-Dame west in St-Henri. A little cafe with excellent lunch selection. the place is set up real cute, and the food is healthy, tasty and nicely presented. I suggest going with the "table d'hôte", worth the $10-tip included combo of home made soup, sandwich on baguette, selection of salad, and cup of tea or coffee (and little basket of fresh baguette to compliment the meal free of charge). Not to mention our waitress was a short haired babe wearing chucks.

Encore Books & Records, 5670 Sherbrooke west in NDG. good books, good records, also a few old VHS movies, worth a look if you are in the neighborhood.

I have also found an excellent thrift store up near Jean-Talon, however do not know the address as it is not really a store, and more of a home filled with wonderful finds the owner has been collecting over the years. she is only open 3 days/week, for 3/hours at a time. if you are interested let me know, and I will do my best to explain where it is. from the basement to the second floor, the home is filled with clothes, hats, shoes, purses, jewelry, records, books, magazines and whatever nick-nacks. she will serve you tea, and a dog named Crumpet may be lurking in the shadows.

last but not least, the usual rounds of village at every location, a given. I suggest you show up right when it opens, this trick has been treating me well. my strategy is to hit up the jewelry first, the purses and bags, shoes, then clothes, and finish off in the random house-hold and furniture area, but maybe that is just me.

on another note