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2024 Goals Set!

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I added the Sailor Moon stickers to personalize my planner (as seen above) I purchased off of Amazon. This planner is a wonderful tool that enables me to not only stay focused, have daily to do lists, and sooth my anxiety it also helps me reach my goals. In my previous post , I reflected on the goals I had set for myself in 2023. While I didn't achieve every single one, I found immense satisfaction in the overall outcomes. Continuing this tradition, I've outlined my goals for 2024, aiming to build on my past experiences and lessons learned. Here they are! 1) Save some money - While I am a student and money is tight, I wouldn't mind having a small savings account. Whether it is to put funds aside for my dream trip to Japan, to purchase videogames or figures or even to get more tattoos, it would be nice to have money aside instead of making impulse purchases.  2) Keep getting good grades and try to raise my GPA -  So far, I have a 3.1 GPA, and I wouldn't mind boosting it

Goals Achieved, New Beginnings

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Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon) studying Last year, I outlined my goals for 2022-2023  and I'm thrilled to share that I've made significant strides in achieving most of them. I understand that setting goals might not resonate with everyone; however, from my standpoint, having specific targets has greatly contributed to maintaining my mental well-being. Did I tick off every single goal? No, and that's perfectly okay. Instead of dwelling on what I didn't achieve, I'm choosing to focus on the milestones I reached this past year, and I couldn't be prouder. Before delving into my new goals for 2024, let's take a closer look at what I managed to accomplish and what's still a work in progress. (1) Ask for help - This has been a personal struggle, but I've made strides. I've learned that seeking assistance doesn't signify weakness; rather, it's a strength. Breaking the habit of self-reliance was tough, yet the positive outcomes made it worthwhile. (

From Cynicism to Celebration: Unveiling the Magic of Togetherness

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“And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches, plus two!”  -  Seuss. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2023. Despite being pressed for time, we still managed to put some lights on part of the house!  Dear readers, Merry Christmas! If you've been following this blog, you might have noticed my absence, and for that, I sincerely apologise. The recent move from Montreal, Quebec to a charming town in Ontario demanded much of my time and attention. The process of settling into a new home, alongside renovations, seemed like a whirlwind, affirming the saying, "time flies by." My partner, Skye, and I also found ourselves racing around, engulfed in the chaos of the last two months as we prepared for the holiday season on top of everything else. Our decision to embrace Skye'

The Bond Between Pizza, Ninja Turtles and my Partner

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Scene from the 1990 film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle film Pizza has always been a staple in my household, and it played a surprising role in connecting me with my partner. It all began during a particularly stressful winter semester, filled with endless essays and exams. In moments of anxiety, I sought solace in a beloved tradition that my child (whom I affectionately call my 'baby bat') and I had cultivated over the years. Since my child was very young, we'd watch the original live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie from the '90s while enjoying homemade or ordered pizza. I vividly recall one day when the weight of my impending finals was overwhelming. That's when I decided that a pizza and Ninja Turtle movie night was precisely what I needed. I even shared my plans on Facebook, as it was a cherished tradition. To my surprise, my partner, who was merely an online friend at that time commented on the post, sparking a conversation about '80s and '90s mo

Moving to Ontario: A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs

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Moving to Ontario certainly came with its ups and downs. Relocating is always a stressful endeavour, but crossing provincial borders adds a unique set of challenges. Let's begin this blog post by recounting my experience of selling my condo in a particularly tough real estate market. In the face of economic uncertainty, inflation, and rising mortgage rates, I consider myself fortunate to have received a good offer for my condo. I attribute this success to my condo's prime location in one of Montreal's most sought-after neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, the sale was not without its share of skepticism and negotiation. The process was certainly demanding, not to mention the effort required for staging the condo and vacating it for showings. However, in the end, all the effort proved to be worth it. I distinctly remember stumbling upon my dream home online. Last summer, during a visit to my boyfriend in his quaint Ontario town, I arranged with a real estate agent to see the house.

E-Bikes, Scooters, and Motorcycles - Oh My! A Love Story on Two Wheels

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In my opinion, there is nothing more appealing and sexier than a man on a bike. When my partner expressed his desire to own an E-Bike for zipping around town, we decided it was time to make the purchase. Luckily, we stumbled upon a shop in our area with one E-Bike left in stock as the summer season was coming to an end, and it happened to be in the model and colour he desired. Upon arriving at the shop, I spotted a gentleman working on an E-Bike that resembled a motorcycle with its striking red paint and imposing physique. I couldn't help but exclaim, "I want that bike!" My partner chuckled and pointed out that I might be too short for it. In defiance, I proclaimed myself a fearless adventurer who had no intention of riding a mini putt-putt around town. With his insistence, I approached the gentleman and asked if I could try sitting on his bike. Getting on it proved to be a challenge, with my feet barely touching the ground. Undeterred, we purchased my partner's E-Bik

Montreal Condo Sold: Onto New Beginnings

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Downtown Montreal view as seen from the Mount Royal lookout (image source:  Mtl Blog) I'm excited to share the news that my condo has been successfully sold. Despite the current market conditions, I am grateful that the sale didn't result in a significant loss. One of the primary reasons for selling my condo was that moving out of Montreal had been on my mind for quite some time. Another deciding factor was the fact that I fell in love with my boyfriend's charming Ontario town. This provided me with the extra motivation to make the move. Living in one of Montreal's most popular neighbourhoods has been convenient and enjoyable due to its proximity to various amenities, parks, public transit, a public pool, and even a beach. It was undoubtedly a fantastic experience, but as the years passed, the city's allure started to fade. One of the major reasons for this is the persistent linguistic politics that have existed long before my time, but unfortunately, these issues s