Mall Rats meets Parks&Rec.

Today I spent some time with the lovely Brianna.
Mother's day is coming up, of course, so we moseyed on over to the mall.
We both spent far too much money -but such is the case when we get together, so I was prepared.
Brianna and I are good at browsing. That way, you can't help but find exactly what you're looking for.
Always a good time, just never easy to leave a store.
Queens of 'oh but this one's nice TOO!'
I appreciate her slow-and-steady technique and she appreciates my honest critiques.
A good match.

"look! it has a BIRD on it!"
(click!)

Anyways, Bri is one of those friends that I don't see all school year, and maintain minimal contact with until the end of exams, but we recap and catch-up and it's like we were never apart.
It's been this way since we were 15yrs old.
Today was the first of many a summer plan.
I'm already plotting trips to the city to harass her in her Toronto abode.

She thinks I make the trek because she's special.
Really I just love her dog bear.

And her ironic swagger on hillsides

And the way she cuts me off in all of our pictures.

"What?? This post is about me anyways!"

I realize this post is completely pointless. I just feel weird going away for the weekend without blogging - I've become so attached!
Felt like a good chat about mall adventures and rekindled flames reunited friends.
Now go follow our example & buy your mother something lovely.
We both know you put her through enough growing up - she deserves something nice!
x

Things Thursday

1.I just saw Gaga's new video.
mixed feelings, but I know the song is going to be stuck in my head so I suppose she's done her part successfully.

2. My puppy, Toby (fine, he's 9. Young at heart!) has an infected something-or-other on his shoulder.
He's not happy about it and keeps biting at it.
We've had to get him a cone.
I think he looks ridiculously adorable (or adorably ridiculous?).
He hates my guts.

D'awwww

Tell me I'm wrong. 

3. I've been to the gym almost everyday this week.
This semester I lost any muscle I had fought for last year.
My cardio is pathetic & I start spinning again next week, so that'll definitely be a test of my willpower.
Separate note: I go to a No Frills-esque gym, so the equipment is very basic. I miss my AMT dearly.

4. Photos I'm loving of this n' that.

Food porn?

so.much.want. 

light & summery & lovely

5.  I'm looking into TESOL/TEFL classes. I think I'll be choosing TEFL, but I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge of the programs that I wouldn't? Or if you've had experience teaching abroad?

6. Carley, a fashion blogger and fellow Canadian I met living in France last year, has returned this week to work in Paris. Reading her recent entries and browsing through the posted photos, I can't help but feel slightly homesick. What's hit me more are the the travel photos.
Airports & luggage & plane food - it just became so frequent (and annoying at the time) - that I didn't appreciate what a ritual it was before & after each trip. The excitement and curiosity before hand, and the  closure and replay of memories on the way back. <33
The thought of terminals warms my heart, who knew?

7.  I've been packing my own bags this week, in preparation for a 100th birthday party this weekend.
A first, but I'd hope not a last. I find aging lovely, to be honest.
The nice part is that it's up in Muskoka!

 It'll be my first time back up since August and I can't wait to see the lakes.

=] I hope you all have lovely weekends ahead
x

Friday run-down.

A few of the things going on/in my head.
I might keep this up once a week... I might just be avoiding getting out of bed.
The clock says it's 2:15...I say it's too much effort.

1. Exams start in 4days. Studying starts in 4hours. I won't be updating as often for the next 4 weeks.

2. I'm finally getting into Madmen. It took me a long while, but then Harry Crane (Rich Sommer) won my heart. I'm also hugely in love with the idea of being a housewife. It will never happen, I'm too stubborn for that. If only my job was to look glamourous though, I might actually put in some effort...

3. Job search, not going so well. It would be, if I were looking for anything longterm! I've had a few offers of year-long contracts. But I'm not ready to settle down yet. There are countries to tackle & cultures to infiltrate.

Machu Picchu, you're next.

4.  The idea of moving is making me sad. Boxes to pack, and goodbyes to say. But it's the first time that I'm not coming back in the fall, and that has not yet clicked. Visits must be planned!

5. I've had jewellery issues lately.  Issue being, it feels so very necessary. Lovely-looking earrings and rings. Sad-looking wallet. 

6.  I seriously need a car. This year I'm spending the summer home alone for the most part. Bike's are not good for work-wear or work-hair.  Car is currently number one. Begging will soon start for claim over my mother's minivan. You might hear more on this subject later in the month.

On a separate but similar note, Sean is off to Vail to snowboard tomorrow. I get his car for the week. This makes him bitter, and makes me happy as a  clam  lamb.

7. Yes, I enjoy being cheesy. Yes, you can judge me for it, if that's your prerogative. No more questions.

8. I'm handing in my letter of resignation this weekend. Is it weird that I really don't want to?

9.  My friend Mike is moving back from BC to Ontario this summer.  Mike is good with cameras. Mike is good with Starbucks. Mike is good for yelling at ranting to. Haven't seen the boy since France. I am psyched. (And you should be honoured, Mr. V).

10. Did I mention my bike? Because the whether has been beautiful and I'm thinking today's the day. It needs a tune-up, I biked through a storm or two back in October, and I left it out in the snow a few times. But walking to work yesterday with the sun & the breeze (ACKKK i can't wait till summer!) made me crave a bike ride.
I've also decided I need to buy myself a cute little basket. And move to the coast. 

Dream ride!

10 of the things in my life.
Now you know.

I'm gonna go grab some greek yogurt w/ honey and think about cracking open some textbooks.

Study face. 

You can do whatever it is you wanna, but let's be honest, you should probably do the same. 

Much love,
(and luck,)
x
Diane.