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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

Supporting a Trans Kid

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"It's just a phase" is a sentence that I became all too familiar with during my childhood. Little did I know how much impact those words would have on me when I faced my own battles with depression. It began with my mother uttering that dismissive phrase. To her, my depression was nothing more than a passing phase since I was just a child. However, those words cut deep and made me feel abandoned as if my emotional turmoil was insignificant and unworthy of attention. Instead of receiving the support and understanding I desperately needed, those four words felt like chains, keeping me locked in my struggles with no way to escape. They pushed me further into despair, leading me to make harmful decisions. During my teenage years, I found solace in the goth subculture. To many, especially my mother, those famous four words were once again uttered. As an adult, I can see why to so many people, it may have seemed like was "just a phase," but it was far more than that t

Embracing the Journey: Pursuing University in Your Early Forties

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Life is a series of chapters, each presenting opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation. One such chapter that often gets overlooked is returning to higher education in your early forties. In a world where age is just a number and possibilities are boundless, going back to school at this stage of life can be a decision that unlocks a new realm of personal and professional development. In this blog post, we'll explore the inspiring journey of pursuing a university education in your early forties and highlight why it's never too late to embark on this remarkable path. 1. Embracing the Decision: Embarking on the journey of returning to university in your early forties is a testament to your courage and determination. It's not a decision to be taken lightly, as it involves juggling responsibilities, managing time, and overcoming potential self-doubt. However, it's essential to remember that the decision to pursue higher education is an investment in yourself an

Poem: The Narcissistic Mom

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In shadows cast by an ego's flame, A mother's love turned ego's game. A narcissistic heart, so cold and bright, In her own reflection, she found delight. Her gaze a mirror, to her own desires, She stoked the flames, stoked the fires. Her love, a currency, a twisted dance, Control and praise her only chance. Yet beneath her surface, a yearning grew, For validation, for love that's true. A child's heart, seeking warmth and care, Lost in the narcissistic mother's snare. She spun a web of twisted lies, A masterpiece of self-serving ties. Her needs above all, she'd constantly proclaim, Her child a pawn in her self-centered game. But in the midst of the stormy night, The child found strength, found inner light. No longer captive to her mother's gaze, A journey to healing, to brighter days. For scars may mark where wounds have been, Yet healing's possible from deep within. The narcissistic mother's grip may fade, As self-love and strength begin to casca