The Diary Of An Insane Bat Mom

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. (

“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'

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

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

Around this time last year, I found myself at the lowest point in my life. My heart was broken, and depression consumed me, causing me to spiral out of control. Every day felt like a battle just to keep my head above water as I struggled to crawl out of the pit of despair. I spent months confined to my bed, lacking the energy or desire to do even the simplest tasks like showering or cleaning my house. But as time passed, I began to slowly pick myself up from the darkness. Usagi Tsukino, Sailor Moon (1992) Like a phoenix rising from its ashes, my journey of healing commenced with a life-changing event: receiving an acceptance letter from Concordia University. I was ecstatic to be admitted into my first-choice program, English Literature, even though I missed the deadline for the Fall Semester, and my studies would begin in the Winter. This opportunity motivated me to reignite my passions for reading and blogging, which brought genuine happiness into my life once again. When school star

Navigating a relationship with a musician or writer can be an exhilarating yet amusing experience, especially when you find yourself at the center of their creative inspiration. This post is an affectionate dedication to my partner, where my profession as a writer, allows me to explore our quirks and idiosyncrasies and get inspired to write about it. We affectionately refer to this phase of our relationship as "beta testing," where we're continually learning about each other and testing our compatibility in the close confines of his cozy, tiny apartment. Living together temporarily for an extended period has provided us with a unique opportunity to delve into each other's lives and truly understand one another. While some may struggle with the proximity, we, as introverted souls, have surprisingly found solace in each other's company. Of course, living in such proximity has its challenges, but this post focuses on the endearing and lighthearted aspects of our jour

These scorching summer days, marked by oppressive humidity, truly embody the dog days of summer. The discomfort all began when the noxious smog from the Canadian wildfires blanketed the air, and to make matters worse, a wave of stifling humidity soon followed. Personally, I find muggy weather unbearable, so I've been seeking refuge at my boyfriend's cozy apartment in Ontario, where we've been huddling next to his beloved air conditioning unit. Spending the entire summer together has been an incredible journey of discovery for us, unveiling just how remarkably compatible we are. It's not just our shared silly quirks that align; we also have the same cleaning habits, sense of humour, and even the same contagious laugh. It all started when he visited my hometown of Montreal, Quebec. I proudly showed him around my condo, introduced him to my child and beloved dog, and together we embarked on numerous adventures. We strolled along the picturesque waterfront, wandered through

''Some men are like chocolate But most of them are like shit And if you don't have the experience To spot that tiny difference You're likely to fall for all of it.''  Source: Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble of Shadows, Some Men Are Like Chocolate, 2017, Les Fleurs Du Mal Album  "I spent months crying or waiting for someone who only gave me breadcrumbs'' Is a quote I heard someone say and  I can unfortunately relate to this sentiment where heartache intertwines with anticipation, for I too have dwelled in its melancholic embrace. And now, as I witness others experiencing this torment, it ignites a spark of inspiration within me, compelling me to write. I eventually recognised that I had expended countless months blaming myself for pursuing an illusion, an idea of someone or the mere concept of a relationship that I yearned for. Instead, I should have invested my time and energy in endeavours that truly mattered to me. Eventually, I took my power ba

The conclusion of my first semester as a University student has finally arrived, and with it comes a much-needed moment of respite. The weight of essays and finals has been lifted from my shoulders, allowing me to take a deep breath and shift my focus towards my job search. Looking back, I realize that I might have underestimated the academic rigor of University-level coursework, especially as an undergraduate, first semester student who hasn't been in school for about 20 years!  Only towards the end of the semester did I realize that I should have started with lower-level courses (level 200) instead. No wonder I struggled so much! I vividly recall the tears I shed when I received unsatisfactory grades on my first midterm essay and another midterm exam for a different course. However, I'm proud of myself for not letting those setbacks defeat me. I picked myself up and dusted off my ego, determined to do better. I took advantage of my professor's office hours and poured my h

Setting a butterfly free ( Meer ) Letting go of situations, people, jobs, and things that no longer serve you or your happiness is a step towards a productive life. Sometimes the decision itself to walk away is a difficult one to make but usually, in life, the most difficult decisions are the best ones. It doesn't matter what career you have or where you are in a personal relationship. Toxic is toxic. It is imperative to make sure you are living your life to its fullest. We often forget that our time here is limited and we need to make the best of it instead of just squandering it away on someone or a situation that is really doing more harm than good. Sometimes, we just need to walk away and focus on the things that matter to us. It sounds simple, doesn't it? Turns out, there is a whole process of letting go and it isn't as easy as we may think it is.  Why do we Struggle so Much With Letting go? Is it a fear of change or the unknown? Change is scary. Walking into the unkn

A good visual representation of mental illness ( Plan Street Inc .) If you are an avid reader of this blog, you would know the subject of mental health is a common theme. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and was told by my psychiatrist that I have traits of BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder). I struggle with my issues daily and I often find myself battling with my mind. After years of therapy and shadow work, I like to think that I am pretty good at knowing my triggers and what tools I can use in difficult moments. It is a lot of work and it can be exhausting.  Of Feeling Fulfilled; Dating, Friendships, Work, and School I wrote in my previous post " Our Story " about not needing to be in a romantic relationship to be happy. I also wrote that this was a lesson that I had to, unfortunately, learn the hard way. Sure, I miss having that special someone to complain about silly things to, to cuddle with while watching a movie, to talk about all sorts of things with, a