I’m a podcast guy. I don’t know if that’s a generally accepted category like “IPA guy” or “board game guy” but if it isn’t, it should be. I love podcasts. A big reason, I suspect for my love of podcasts is that I work by myself as a window cleaner. When I’m working, I usually have two options, music or podcasts. Over time, I’ve discovered that podcasts tend to make the work go by quicker, and so I’ve been a Podcast Guy for coming up on 5 years.
What I love about podcasts are that no two episodes are the same. When I listen to two comedians talk to each other about their lives, or their careers, or whatever weird yet funny thing they’ve started riffing on, I can’t help but imagine myself there with them. I think that’s a shared experience amongst most podcast listeners. The para-social relationship one develops with their favourite podcast, while weird, is great when it comes to taking one’s mind off of something else.
I also love history, and so I listen to a lot of history podcasts. Dan Carlin is to the history genre what Joe Rogan is to the comedy genre. And the conspiracy theory genre. And the move-to-Texas-and-start-parroting-far-right-propaganda genre. Listening to Dan Carlin is like being transported to a vantage point in the sky above the Battle of Thermopylae, or the conquering of Persia by Alexander the Great. I can almost see myself as the co-pilot in a B-52 flying over Munich in 1941 as Carlin weaves a magnificent rendition of the infinitely complex battlegrounds of the Second World War.
Podcasts are brilliant because they have no boundaries. One can say whatever they want about whatever they want. And in certain cases, when one says such controversial things that gets one kicked off major platforms (cough cough Tim Dillon cough cough), one can then upload on one’s own website, or on Patreon. There is a creator for every audience, and the number of creators grows every day.
Podcasts can launch and end careers, start trends, create millionaires, and shed light into dark corners of the world. The never ending combination of host and guest across 1000s of podcasts creates a space of media that is infinitely vast, with more content than any one individual could consume in their lifetime.
If you don’t already have a YouTube account, you’ll need to create one. Go to www.youtube.com and click on “Sign In” in the top right corner. Follow the prompts to create your account.
Step 2: Sign In
Once you have an account, sign in to YouTube using your email and password.
Step 3: Access YouTube Studio
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “YouTube Studio” from the dropdown menu. This is where you’ll manage your videos and channel.
Step 4: Upload a Video
In YouTube Studio, click on the “Videos” tab on the left sidebar. Then click the “Create” button followed by “Upload Videos.” Choose the video file you want to upload from your computer.
Step 5: Add Video Details
Title: Give your video a descriptive and engaging title.
Description: Write a detailed description of your video. Include keywords and relevant information.
Tags: Add relevant tags to help people find your video.
Thumbnail: Choose a custom thumbnail that represents your video well.
Step 6: Visibility and Distribution
Privacy: Choose between “Public,” “Private,” or “Unlisted” for your video’s visibility.
Schedule: You can schedule your video to be published at a specific time.
Step 7: Video Elements
End Screens and Annotations: Add end screens with links to other videos or external websites.
Cards: Insert cards with interactive elements during the video.
Step 8: Monetization (if applicable)
If you’re eligible for YouTube’s Partner Program, you can monetize your videos through ads and other features.
Step 9: Advanced Settings
Captions: Upload subtitles or closed captions if needed.
Age Restrictions: Set age restrictions if your content is not suitable for all audiences.
Comments: Manage comment settings for your video.
Step 10: Publish Your Video
Click the “Publish” button to make your video live on YouTube.
Today, I want to share a personal journey that completely transformed my life – how I fell head over heels in love with running. It all started when my friend Su, who is an avid runner herself, mentioned a race called Seawheeze. Now, let me tell you, I had never even thought about putting on a pair of running shoes before, let alone participating in a race. But something in Su’s eyes sparked my curiosity, and little did I know, this mere suggestion would ignite a passion within me that would change everything. So, join me as I recount the beginnings of my running adventure, and how it unfolded into a remarkable journey of self-discovery, growth, and pure exhilaration. Let’s dive in.
Seawheeze is a half marathon held annually in Vancouver, put on by Lululemon. Seawheeze has 10,000 runners & you get in by lottery! Su is an accomplished ultra runner & she kept bugging me to put my name in for the lottery. So February of 2019, I did just that. Well low & behold, I got into Seawheeze. I’m like oh crap, now I have to start training! I hated gym growing up & had never played sports.
I basically trained myself. I did research online & just started running. I signed up for several 5km & 10km runs. Then August of 2019 I completed my first 1/2 marathon & I was hooked. I became addicted to running.
November of 2019 I completed my 2nd 1/2 marathon, in Las Vegas. It was so much fun. It’s called the Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon. It’s one of the few times the strip is shut down. Las Vegas gets very hot during the day, so this run is at night time. It’s a very cool experience. I actually paced this race! https://www.facebook.com/597755122/videos/10162608441190123/
Then the pandemic hit in 2020, which pretty much brought all group activities to a stop. I’ll be honest, I didn’t run at all that year or the next. Then in 2022 things started opening back up. I signed up for the Banff Half Marathon. The course was beautiful, simply stunning! I didn’t get the best time, I was too busy taking photos & petting dogs.
Fast Forward to 2023 and everything is back to pretty much normal! I decided to take running really serious this year. Since January 2023, I’ve lost 35 pounds. For once in my life, I’m finally comfortable with who I am. I still have about 25 more pounds to lose, to meet my weight loss goal. I also hired a running coach. Typically I run 4 to 5 days a week. Along with doing strength training & yoga several times a week. The photo below is with my running coach Jacob.
In February of 2023, I did the Rock N Roll Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon again. Then May of 2023 I did Vancouver 1/2 Marathon & the Calgary 1/2 Marathon. Then June of 2023 I did the Banff 1/2 Marathon again. Today I finished my 5th 1/2 marathon of this year, in Edmonton. I have two more races left in the season for this year. In September I’m doing the Edmonton Police Foundation 1/2 marathon & the Michelob Ultra Night 10km Run.
In conclusion, it’s truly difficult to express the profound impact that running has had on my life. Beyond the physical benefits, it has become an essential tool for maintaining my mental health and finding solace amidst life’s chaos. The feeling of freedom and empowerment that accompanies each step is simply unmatched. Running has become more than a hobby; it has become a love affair.
So, I invite you, to reflect on what you love about running and share it with others. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush, the sense of accomplishment, or the opportunity to explore new places, let us celebrate the joys that running brings. And while we’re at it, why not dream big and share your bucket list race? Let’s inspire each other to chase our running dreams and embrace the countless joys that lie ahead. Lace up those shoes and let’s hit the pavement together!
When I started making YouTube videos, I was almost convinced that I would just crack the code. Sure, there are plenty of creative people out there, but I’ll rise above! Anything worth doing is worth overdoing, so I’ll just outwork everyone. I’ll listen to every podcast about the art of the perfect YouTube video, and keep up to date on what’s happening with the algorithm. I’ll study the thumbnails of other YouTubers to see what gives their video each tiny competitive edge over the others. I’ll put in all the extra time in the evenings, say no to plans with friends, and work like my life depends on it, because I have a dream! I want to make money on YouTube. I don’t need a mansion in LA, or a Ferrari (I mean, if they were offered to me I’m not saying I’d say no), I just wanted to make money. Any money! And I still do! Which is why this is a strange place to find myself in.
Because I did all those things, and I didn’t get anywhere close to cracking the code. The safe in YouTube headquarters that contains all my riches remains sealed. I ended up experiencing what a lot of YouTubers have talked about. Something called burnout. But I’ve come to realise that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. What one could call burnout, another could call a forced shift in perspective. Why do I feel this way? If I really truly wanted this to happen, I would simply work through the creative block, through the late nights and early mornings, posting video after video even when I’m certain their performance won’t reach my expectations.
Something else I find funny when looking back is that I would spend 40 hours on a video, from recording footage to doing voice over, green screening memes, adding every little element I could think of to make my video as watchable as possible. Then my girlfriend would post a vlog of her taking the train, and she would thankfully not rub it in my face when her video outperformed mine.
The more I write and read this back, the more I worry that I’m coming across as bitter, which is not my intention. Simply put, this is an exercise in hindsight. And in engaging in this exercise, I find that the burnout I experienced, the uncertainty I went through after a year of grinding out videos in hopes that I’d catch the wave, was all a part of setting me on the path that I am on now.
The whole time I was making videos, I was always most interested in the storytelling aspect. Some people like cinematography, some people like editing, I love telling stories. The realization that I need to prioritize story telling over anything else when I make content is what is now pushing me forward while I embark on a new project: making short form content about history and interesting events!
While it’s a completely different way of telling stories than anything I’m used to, I look forward to every step of the process.
In which a girl in her early twenties is transported back to her teens by finding the one book that changed everything for her — in a good way.
You’re cleaning your room for the first time in who knows how long — and who knows what you’ll find. You get to your bookshelf, which is stacked with more than a hundred books and even things that aren’t books, but you have no idea where to put them. You need to de-clutter, so clearing the shelf and determining which books stay and which books are to be donated is quite the challenge. What do you hold on to, and what do you give away? And then, perhaps, you stumble upon one of the oldest books on your shelf, which means you should give it away, right? Except it’s that one book that brings back a flood of memories — being in high school, your first introduction to queerness via your favourite medium — books. You remember that first day picking it up, looking at it, and being intrigued. Then you bring it home, you read it, and for the first time, you feel seen. You feel like you are not the only one who feels the way you do any more. There is a book, your favourite thing in the world, letting you know that you might not be as different as you think you are. That there are other people out there like you out there, and that you are not alone.
It’s incredible what different meaning books can hold for different people. Perhaps they are a loving memory from a friend or an old book passed down through generations. But, for me, just like the books themselves — they hold a story. A story of finding oneselves identity and acceptance through media: specifically, through the discovery of LGBTQ2S+ books.
Flashback
I’d been reading like every other kid did in elementary school, but I didn’t fall in love with it until about Grade 6, where I discovered the book Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix, and I could not stop reading it. For the first time, I realized just how amazing books are. That they held stories, which I loved, just like the TV shows I watched and games that I played. Thus, my collecting grew and grew, and I loved sitting on the couch, playing Avril Lavigne on repeat on my iPod Nano and curling up with a good book. As I grew older, I discovered that on the internet, was a whole community dedicated to books, and eventually, I’d find one dedicated to just the type of books I needed at that age.
Now, I’m not one of those people who knew I was queer right from when I was little. It was a slower discovery — one that I only started realizing as I grew into my teens. My first introduction was the TV show, Glee, where they had a story line about one of the characters realizing they are a lesbian. I remember it made me feel … weird, like there was something that resonated with me with that story line, but I couldn’t exactly click what it was. So I ignored that feeling — but it did get me researching other media with similar topics. Thus, I discovered LGBTQ2S+ books — and then, down the rabbit hole I went.
In about 2015 and 2016, LGBTQ2S+ books were nowhere near as many as there are in 2023. The Goodreads lists had the same books as the lists on any other media website, and I really wanted to check one out. So, when I went to Chapters and saw Simon Vs. The Homosapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. I remember reading it constantly — I’d bring it to school and read in the cafeteria, under my desk, whenever I could. And it was the first time it hit me, as I was reading, that I felt just like Simon, the main character. A bit scared of what everyone would think, that I may actually like girls, and not boys. (Which, is, well, opposite of the main character, technically, but in general terms, it’s the same experience.)
Sometimes you cannot put your feelings into words themselves. Especially if they are scary and unfamiliar. So, books can do it for you. I flipped through the book and found this quote:
So, I keep thinking about the idea of secret identities. Do you ever feel locked into yourself? I’m not sure if I’m making sense here. I guess what I mean is that sometimes it seems like everyone knows who I am except me.
Simon vs The Homosapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, page 56
And that quote, that quote hit me like a truck. It feels like I never understood myself, but some of my friends did and would say things that I just didn’t understand. So, to understand myself more, I read. I read more and more books to help me understand and find myself — because as someone who loves stories and fiction, it resonates with me more than anything else could.
Keep Moving Forward
Flash forward 7 years, and here I am, still reading books to help discover myself. We never stop growing as people — we constantly learn and change and adapt. And for me, being in my early twenties, that’s definitely one of the most self-discovering times of life. And I still let books help guide me through that. And LGBTQ2S+ books aren’t even only about self-discovery — there are also books where queerness just is, something that isn’t different and just exists, which is much needed and much therapeutic. As a connoisseur of queer books these days, I’ve made an infographic about some of my favourites for different genres if you want to step your toes in! Even if some of the books are very fantastical and out of this world, I still see myself in each of these books, and I hope you can, too.
Finding that book on my shelf while doing some summer cleaning brought back these memories for me — and I even reminisce about that a bit on Twitter, if you’d like some more spur of the moment thoughts. It’s incredible what finding one book can bring back for you, and how you just can’t get rid of it because of the special meaning for you. Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda will live on my shelf forever, and continue to tell an important story — the story within it’s pages, as well as my story.
Yes, it’s still Summer, but if you’re a seasonal freak like me, you never reeeeally stop thinking about the holidays…
I’ve been extra fired up for Christmas ever since I started collecting vintage décor and I constantly catch myself dreaming about our home during the holidays. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year for me. The levels of coziness, comfort, and joy are unmatched, especially when you’re surrounded by antiques you love!
I decided to make a Top 10 List of all the vintage Christmas decorations that I’m obsessed with to fill my Christmas void, since we’re still a few months away. Enjoy…
#1 Sooty Santa
Rating: 1000/10
I mean… look at that smirk and those rosy cheeks
Has sexy black boots
Doubles as a decoration AND a cuddle buddy
Where it came from: Blue Jar Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB.
Why it’s a fave: These Rushton Santas from the 50s-60s make the perfect addition to any living room during the holidays. You can put him anywhere and he’ll look good – on the couch, on a mantel, even on the floor. He stands, so if you put him on the ground it kind of looks like he’s moseying around the place on his own. We keep ours inside the screen of our wood-burning fireplace… if you’d like to know why, check out my twitter thread (you’ll also find out how his name came to be.). He’s also great for photoshoots! He sports a stylish outfit with rubber boots and rubber gloves. His face is made from rubber too, and it’s filled with so much personality. I adore his cocky grin and side-stare. If he came to life (which always seems like a possibility with him…) I think he’d be a little rascal. Just looking at him cracks me up, and I couldn’t imagine not having his silly, spooky aura around at Christmas. So glad we found him. He’s the best.
#2Santas Galore Wreath
Rating: 100/10
Has fancy gold touches
Some of the Santas look like they have blood around their mouth, but we love the vamp vibes
Makes a great prop for Christmas tags
Where it came from: My Mom! (She got everything from Ibon Antiques, Edmonton, AB.)
Why it’s a fave: This one holds a special place in my heart since it was a gift from my Mom – she knows how much I like my eerie decorations, so a wreath with floating Santa heads was right on the money. The bottlebrush wreath was made in Japan in the 50s, and the heads are actually vintage cupcake toppers made in Hong Kong around the 60s-70s! My family has always made home-made gift tags for Christmas, so my partner Jackson and I decided to utilize the wreath when we made our tags last year. We covered a box with red felt, cut a hole the perfect size for our new kitten Potato, and hung the wreath above it – we may have needed to bribe Potato with treats, but we got some good shots. Who knows how we’ll use the wreath next year! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
#3Derby Hat Snowman Blow Mold
Rating: 10/10
As bright as the moon
Reminds me of a circus clown
He seems friendly
Where it came from: Facebook Marketplace Find, Edmonton, AB.
Why it’s a fave: Ever since I was a kid, it’s been tradition to watch Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special during the holidays. The show’s set is so remarkable, and it looks even more amazing when it’s decorated for Christmas. When I started collecting blow molds, I realized that there were tons throughout the set (which is probably subconsciously why I was so drawn to collecting them in the first place!). So, it became a bit of a mission of mine to have one of the same blow molds from the show in our holiday collection. After lots of searching and wishful thinking, someone posted the Derby Hat Snowman for sale on Facebook marketplace, so you already know that I messaged them IMMEDIATELY to set up a pick-up time! I’m so stoked that I have him, it makes me feel like I’m living in my own Playhouse during the holidays. If childhood me could see how Jackson and I decorate our place, she would be pumped. If you want some more info on blow molds, you should take a look at my Instagram post, where I talk about their history and more about the Derby Hat Snowman!
#4Light-Up Sleigh Set
Rating: 10/10
A true show stopper, has so many elements
The lights have a nostalgic feel
Fits perfectly on our ledge in the living room
Where it came from: Old Strathcona Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB.
Why it’s a fave: Anything that comes in the box is extra exciting, so when we saw this gem at the Antique Mall, for a really reasonable price I might add, we knew we definitely had to have it. It’s the whole package – wonderfully illustrated box, teeny yet sinister Santa being pulled by red, flocked reindeer, complemented with glowing lights, fluffy snow, and pipe cleaner trees. It was made in Japan in the 50s, and a total rare find. However, the base of the decoration was made of this flimsy white cardboard which wasn’t really jibing with everything else, so we decided to make our own custom, wooden base. That probably goes against the rules of vintage collecting, but we don’t care because we love it even more now (plus it turned into a cute craft night with bae)! The second that snow flies, I’m bringing this bad boy out!
#5Santa Coin Bank
Rating: 9.8/10
Chair is giving Big Bird vibes
He just chillin’
Just wish he was a little weirder
Where it came from: Facebook Marketplace Find, St. Albert, AB.
Why it’s a fave: I’m always perusing Facebook marketplace for vintage goodies, so when I found this in the middle of Summer FOR ONLY TWO BUCKS I was hella excited. What made it even better was that when I messaged the seller for pick-up details, I found out they were only a couple blocks away from me! It was fate. But the surprises didn’t stop there – after I got it I realized that it was a coin bank too! I thought he was just a sleepy guy relaxin’ in his big yellow chair. I’ve tried searching online to find some more info, but no luck, which leads me to believe he may be rare… One of my best finds ever, I’d say!
#6 Satanic Santa
Rating: 9.666/10
100 years old and rare
Has piercing blue eyes
Kinda looks like he has devil horns
Where it came from: Ibon Antiques, Edmonton, AB.
Why it’s a fave: I feel like this scary little guy gives me the best of both worlds – Christmas and Halloween (shocker, I’m a huge Halloween lover too). He’s a small tree ornament and he’s from the 1920s! It blows my mind thinking about how old he is, and it’s so fascinating and kind of strange to think about who’s tree(s) it was on before it ended up on ours. He’s made from chenille pipe-cleaners, and he has a hand-painted face either made from clay or paper mache. This little Santa/Devil is the perfect accompaniment to our other wacky tree ornaments!
#7 GrumpyHugger Santa
Rating: 9.5/10
Gives me the giggles
Great way to spruce up an ugly cord
Looks ill and displeased with life
Where it came from: Old Strathcona Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB.
Why it’s a fave: The Old Strathcona Antique Mall held a Christmas Open House event a couple years ago, and when we first heard about it, we knew that we of course had to be the first ones in line! Naturally, it was FREEZING that day, but we braved the cold because we knew it would be worth it. When they opened the doors, I bee-lined it to a booth that I saw had all of these teeny vintage Santas. I immediately grabbed this crabby looking fella, because how could I not? He was too funny. Every year we add a border of vintage Christmas lights around the window, but I’m always kind of dissatisfied with where the cords have to hang down. Luckily this Santa clips right on and and distracts from the ugliness of the cord! I love how it makes him look like a little spy rappelling down our Christmas lights. Can you spot him in the picture below?
#8Lil’ Gnome Friends
Rating: 9/10
Mischievous faces
Tiny and cute AF
Made with dainty, fragile materials so they’re always a little beat up
Where they came from: Capital City Vintage Market, Edmonton, AB.
Why they’re a fave: I don’t know how you can’t fall in love with them… They’re from the 50s, made in Japan, and they’re just the coolest – especially the ones with pinecone bodies! The other bodies are made from spun cotton and chenille pipe cleaners. They come in a lot of varieties: some hold fruit, some hold musical instruments, some hold candles, some hold gifts… But the thing that makes them so brilliant for me are their expressions. They all look like they’re up to something…
We also discovered that they make fantastic record toppers. Look at this guy, he’s having the time of his life.
#9 Spinning Snowgurl
Rating: 9/10
Could watch her spin all day, so satisfying
She has poppin’ red lips
Kinda stained
Where it came from: The rafters in our garage (wreath), and the Old Strathcona Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB (snowgurl).
Why it’s a fave: When we first moved in to our new home, we noticed that a lot of stuff was left behind in the garage, including a bunch of mystery boxes and bags, so obviously we were super intrigued. We got out a ladder and hauled everything down, and to our excitement we found some Christmas stuff! There was a small pre-lit Christmas tree, a strange angel tree-topper that we’re pretty sure is from the 60s, and this pre-lit wreath! When we plugged it in to see if the lights worked, we noticed the funny little spinning attachment at the top – whatever hung off of it wasn’t anywhere to be found, but we knew we’d be able to find a great replacement, especially at the Antique Mall. We were right! We found this sweet snowman (who, to me, is a snowgurl, because of the sassy lipstick, fashionable ear muffs, and cute button nose) that was made in Japan in the 60s! I think she was made to twirl around in that wreath. See for yourselves!
#10Smokestack Santa
Rating: 8.5/10
Looks like he has a secret he can’t wait to tell me
Nice and big, makes a great focal piece
Often falls down inside the chimney so it looks like we just have a chimney in our living room for fun
Where it came from: Blue Jar Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB.
Why it’s a fave: I’m already in the BEST mood when we’re on our way to the antique store, but I’m in an even better mood when I see this crazy looking Santa in the window display. I was worried he wouldn’t be for sale and was just part of the store’s personal Christmas decorations, so Jackson and I basically sprinted to the cashier to ask if we could buy it, and SCORE! Both the chimney and the Santa were up for grabs, so it was our lucky day! He’s from the 40s, and his kooky face is made from celluloid and surrounded by faux-fur. He has the definition of a bombastic side-eye (although I’m realizing a lot of my decorations do…). His permanent spot during the holidays is next to our fireplace and he adds some awesome quirkiness to our living space!
Some may say I’m a Christmas addict (and maybe I am), but why not enjoy the season to it’s fullest potential and go all out? If you could live in a dream for a month, wouldn’t you? I think by decorating your home with tons of eccentric ornaments and lights, you get to experience that feeling. Shifting your regular, everyday views into something magical and unique is really special, and that’s why I love holidays so much, because it provides that opportunity. It’s only around for a short, brief moment of the year, so embrace it and fill your space with decorations that spark joy in you! For me, that’s unconventional vintage decorations, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Three years ago, I embarked on a journey that turned out to be so much more than just building trails. You know, I’m the kind of person who’s easygoing yet a bit shy, maybe even a touch stand-offish. Adventure has always been my calling, and I have a deep desire in me to hike the Great Divide Trail end to end, a dream that not many of my existing friends share. So, I had this idea – why not meet people who share my passion?
Hanging out, after a hard day trailbuilding!
I signed up to volunteer on a trail-building crew on the Great Divide Trail. The rugged wilderness, the thrill of creating something that people would use to explore nature – it all resonated deeply with me. I set off, both excited and a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect.
As I arrived at the campsite, I remember feeling that mix of anxiety and anticipation. Little did I know that experience would change my life. That’s where I met someone who had just moved to town, someone who was as enthusiastic about hiking and thru-hiking as I was. Our shared interest was like an instant connection, a kind of unspoken understanding that adventure was in our blood.
Building trail….
We got to talking during breaks from trail building. I remember feeling surprised by how easily the conversation flowed. This person was genuinely interested in the same things I was, and there was this mutual respect for nature, for the trails, and for each other’s journey.
Our days were filled with sweat, laughter, and stories. As we worked side by side, I realized that breaking the ice wasn’t so hard when you’re united by a common purpose. That initial exchange of numbers felt like a small step, but it led to a series of adventures I could never have imagined.
Fast forward to today, and that chance meeting has transformed into a deep and genuine friendship. We’ve hiked trails, explored new places, and shared countless moments of awe at nature’s beauty. The Great Divide Trail that brought us together was the perfect metaphor for our friendship – challenging, breathtaking, and full of surprises.
WE are smiling, but this was type 2 fun all the way!
Through the ups and downs of trails, the laughter around campfires, and the quiet moments of introspection on mountain summits, I’ve come to realize that friendships as adults can be just as magical as those formed in childhood. It’s about finding someone who not only shares your interests but also inspires you to push your boundaries and grow.
The trail that made us friends!!
So, here I am, looking back at that decision to volunteer on a trail crew with gratitude. Not only did I contribute to something meaningful, but I also found a friend who shares my love for adventure and the great outdoors. It’s proof that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to the most beautiful connections.
Being 24 years old and trying to date after COVID-19 ishard. Over the last year, I went on a first date with 24 men. Out of these 24 men, I went on a second date with 18 and I got along well enough with only three of them to see them for more than a couple weeks.
These numbers may seem crazy to some people who have been out of the dating pool for a while, or even for people who are in the dating pool currently. The truth is, all of my best friends are in serious relationships and I sometimes feel some sort of pressure to be at the same stage of my life, so I rely on dating apps to get me to there.
Even though none of these dates went anywhere and I was quite tired of asking so many people how many siblings they had and what their favourite colour was (I mixed them all up too), these many dates taught me so many lessons about myself and about people around me.
I want to share a few of those lessons with you, as well as the not so gracious stories of how I came to learn those lessons so that you do not have to suffer through 24 first dates too.
#1 If you do not respect yourself enough, your dating experiences will mostly be low quality.
I met this guy that was very attractive for a coffee date. On our first date, he asked me only 2 questions about myself and talked about himself for the rest of the date. I was quite shocked when he said he had a great time and would like to do it again (I mean of course he did, who doesn’t like talking about themselves?!).
After a few dates, when we were watching a movie, the actor came on the screen in her bikinis and her perfect figure. The guy pointed at the actor and said “You could look like this if you worked out more”.
Now…I have always been the girl who was insecure about her appearance because I was never a skinny girl, more like a happy medium. And usually felt insecure in my body that my reaction would be to laugh it off to make the guy not feel awkward. But on this occasion, I looked him in the eyes and said “It’s hilarious to me that you feel comfortable to say that out loud”. This was the first time I ever stood up to a guy, and let me tell you it felt GOOD. Needless to say, I stopped seeing this man shortly, or any other man that had the audacity to comment on my body or any other insecurities. My dating experiences have been significantly better since then.
#2 If you do not like them, you don’t have to see them again
I used to feel so guilty after a horrible first date that I would always agree to go on a second date, just to give them a chance to redeem themselves (in their own eyes at least). This cost me many hours of my time and endless boring conversations. The last time I did this was when I went on a date with a guy that was 8 years older than me, because I thought he would have fun stories to tell me AND BOY WAS I WRONG. We were there for only an hour and 50 minutes of this conversation was about his business (he was quite proud of it as you can tell). In the last 10 minutes of our date he asked me a single question about myself, which was a setup so that he could bring the conversation back to his business. And even after this date, I felt like I should go on a second date with him just so he doesn’t feel judged for liking his business so much.
But, sometimes it is important to remember that just because they paid for your coffee or dinner, doesn’t mean you should put up with a man that doesn’t know how to hold a conversation. Frankly, I never texted this guy or saw him a second time and I have absolutely no regrets about it.
#3 Your type also has a type, and sometimes it is not you
Out of those 24 people I met, I found 3 of them extremely attractive. When I got home after the first date I was all giddy.
I waited by my phone for them to text me and tell me they wanted to see me again. However, unlucky for me that I was slowly ghosted after two or three dates by all three of these men. If I am being honest, I was quite devastated, because I was secretly hoping that one of these guys would be the last first date I would have to go on. I spent days replaying these dates in my head to see if it was something I said or did.
But being let down is a part of dating, just because someone seems like your dream person, doesn’t mean they feel the same way about you and that is OKAY! Sometimes people do not think you are the right fit even though you did nothing wrong, you were just not quite it.
Just don’t give up and take this rejection to heart.
#4 No amount of extra effort will make someone like you
I have been on both sides of this, being the one who is extremely giving and being the one that is receiving so much. One thing I realized in this dating process is that acting out of love and acting for love are very different things. One of them is wanting to do nice things for someone else because you like them and you want to see them happy. There is no ulterior motive, you simply like spoiling them. However acting for love is a little different even though it starts off with the same goal of making someone happy. Acting out of love has the ulterior motive of making this person see HOW GOOD YOU ARE TO THEM with the hopes that this will make them see you differently.
I can tell you with confidence is that no amount of dinners you pay for or nice gifts you buy them, will make them magically start liking you. They might appreciate the thoughtfulness and the effort but this will rarely end up with them in love with you just because you are nice to them. And it is quite unfair to expect that.
#5 Settling is worse than being alone
After these 24 first dates, I decided to take a little break. I realized that being on dates that I did not quite enjoy, or talking to men that I did not quite find attractive was not helping me, it was only making me panic and despair.
I have always been one of those girls that really believed the narrative of “good looking guys aren’t very nice, and nice guys aren’t very good looking, so you gotta pick one or the other and settle for it”. My dating experience so far kind of supported this point and if I am being honest, I was quite close to doing exactly that…settling for one.
But then I heard one of my girlfriends say “it doesn’t have to be either looks or personality, there are men out there that are great people and you will find attractive”.
I love the life I created for myself, I have a nice job, great friends, a place that looks like a Barbie dream house and an adorable cat. I think it would be a shame to settle for someone that I did not find as amazing as everything else in my life. Sometimes it is nice to be reminded that being alone comes with so much peace and happiness that settling for something that is not quire it would take away from that peace and happiness. Being with someone isn’t the ultimate goal. Being happy is, single or with a special someone.
I really enjoyed my speed dating experience this year, it helped me learn more about myself and collect some fun “dating nightmare” stories that made my friends laugh. I am excited for what the future might bring.
For now, I will be using the horror stories I collected on my Instagram to entertain my friends 🙂
Vegas has been my favourite vacation spot for many years. It’s an easy, fast and (when you want it to be) cheap holiday. But if you have never been, it can be easy to fall into schemes and spend money that will eventually make you wish you had sprung for the Cayman Islands instead.
To help you avoid some of the most common travel mistakes that I made, I am going to share some tips and tricks I have learned over the years to make your first trip to Las Vegas memorable and cost-effective.
Airport/Airfare/Travel
The flight from Calgary to Las Vegas is a quick 2 hours and 45 minutes (give or take) and most of the airlines (Westjet/AirCanda/Flair) will usually have a deal.
Summer
This is Vegas’s busiest time and will cost you more. But May or September will be cheaper, and you still get beautiful weather that will allow you to sit by the pool.
DON’T do Vegas in August… +50 C is awful, and everyone will be miserable. Plus you pay an arm and a leg for flights.
Halloween/Christmas
Worth paying extra for flights and hotels to see the decorations. Las Vegas goes all out for both holidays.
Las Vegas Airport
Has some but not many food options, and the ones they do have, are always lined up and are expensive for what you get. Make sure to eat before you fly out.
There are group shuttles where you can pay less but will make multiple stops along the way. The fair will include return trips too.
The Deuce is a double-decker bus that services the Strip to Freemont Street and back. You can purchase a 3-day pass for roughly $20 USD. I did find this to be a valuable investment for those nights when your feet are done, and instead of paying for a cab all the time, it is a cost-effective alternative.
Hotels
Las Vegas is known for the hotels along the Strip, with a mixture of cheap options, to very expensive. Here are my top 3 hotels and why starting with number 3:
3. The Park MGM
A little down from being center on the Strip, but has a Deuce bus stop right in front.
Newly renovated, with a fun Italian theme.
Fantastic food and beverages.
2. Caesars Palace
Located center of the Strip, making it easy to walk pretty much anywhere on the Strip.
Attached to the Forums Shops, which also include TONS of amazing restaurants. Make sure to check out the animatronic show next to The Cheesecake Factory.
The pool is gorgeous.
Rooms have fantastic views of the Strip, some of them look over the Bellagio water show.
Prices range from average to the high side.
1. Paris Hotel
Located center on the Strip it is close enough to walk pretty much anywhere on the Strip.
Nice large rooms.
Reasonably priced pool cabanas that can be booked online.
Entertainment/Food/Drinks
Entertainment
Vegas is known for its entertainment, everything from Cirque du Soleil shows to Burlesque. But you don’t have to pay a fortune to see some of the entertainment that Vegas has to offer, there are numerous free shows along the Strip for visitors to see.
The Bellagio Fountains
This is a must for every new visitor, and it is best watched at night to get the whole experience. A beautifully done water dance with lights, that takes place every 15 minutes after 7 pm.
The Freemont Experience
Located on the “old Strip”, the Freemont experience includes ziplines and vendors, but the free aspect is the Viva Vision show that runs across a roof top screen that runs the length of Freemont Street. It is a 6-minute music show that runs at the top of the hour every hour after 6:00 pm. It is easy to get there too, the Deuce bus system will take you from the Strip to Freemont Street.
The Fall of Atlantis
Located in the Forum Shops attached to Caesars Palace, it is a large animatronic show about the Fall of Atlantis, it includes a large aquarium and pyrotechnics. Definitely worth taking a swing by.
Food
There are amazing restaurants in Vegas, and some can cost you an arm and leg, but there are some cost-effective options.
The Cheesecake Factory- Forum Shops
Good prices
Large portions mean you can share meals
SOOOOO many cheesecake options
2. Hash House A Go-Go – the Linq Hotel
HUGE portions
Good prices
Fun atmosphere
3. Margaritaville
Huge portions
Good price
Fun atmosphere
Drinks
You can drink anywhere at any time on the Strip. It is crazy, but the drinks can cost more than food at times. The tried and true way to get some free drinks is to gamble a bit. Play a couple of slots (penny slots) and grab a drink from one of the amazing servers working at the casino.
Look for the stations that offer discounts on refills. They will give you a reusable cup and will usually have multiple locations. Make sure to ask where their other locations are!
Hope this helps a bit for your first trip to Vegas! This barely touches all of what Vegas has to offer, one trip down will never let you experience it all. I have been down so many times, and I am still discovering new things every time!
I’m a huge fan of going to watch movies in theatres, it helps me keep all my focus on one area rather than get distracted by my phone or something else while watching at home. Sure, it drives me crazy if I hear people talking, and sometimes I feel uncomfortable due to people I don’t know sitting next to me, but I highly prefer that to watching movies at home! I love watching movies with my family, and sometimes it’s easier to just wait until a movie is out on a streaming service rather than all go to the theatres, but I hate when they end up talking during the movie, so with the common theatre rule of ‘no talking when the movies playing,’ I just prefer going to the theatre!
I should preface this by saying I won’t give away any spoilers for movies, even if they were released at the beginning of the year, or are out on streaming platforms now. They’re new enough that I would hate to get spoiled just because I don’t have the time to see a movie the second it comes out!
So grab your popcorn and choice of drink, and join me as I rank my top 10 films I’ve seen this year! These are only movies I’ve seen in theatres, not including anything released just on streaming platforms.
Number 10… Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania! (Released February 17, 2023) Now, while normally I’ve loved Marvel movies in the past, I think I’ve been so overwhelmed with Disney+ Marvel original TV shows, that I’ve fallen into a general dislike of Marvel movies, a fatigue that grows more every time I see a upcoming Marvel movie. While it was visually stunning, had good laughs, and Michelle Pfeiffer did amazing in it, I felt myself just waiting for this movie to end. I see Marvel movies with a friend, then a second time with family! At least… I used to. I couldn’t bring myself to see this film a second time to give it another chance! That’s why, despite my love for the Ant-Man character, I had to rank this movie last.
Number 9… Scream VI (March 10, 2023) If I’m being honest, I fully forgot I had seen this movie in 2023. For whatever reason, it felt like I had watched it in 2022! The Scream franchise is one of my absolute favorite horror franchises of all! Actually, it’s probably my favorite period! Though I think forgetting I watched it in 2023 really says how much I enjoyed it. It wasn’t my favorite of the franchise, that goes to the original, but it wasn’t my least favorite! I loved the callbacks to the previous killers, but at the end of the day it really isn’t a stand out movie for me.
Number 8… Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (June 9, 2023) I had watched all the previous Michael Bay directed Transformers movies along with the 2018 Bumblebee movie (Which is my absolute favorite Transformers movie), so I definitely knew the characters and what was happening for this movie. I love the new, more friendly appearing designs for the Autobots, and I love that they continued off what the Bumblebee movie did, with making them look easily identifiable, whether they were a villain or hero. That’s something I didn’t care for in the Michael Bay movies, it was hard to tell who was where, and if I should be sad a character died, because it was just a bunch of black, grey and loud noises. But I’m not ranking a Michael Bay movie! Rise of the Beasts was amazing, they had an actual purpose for the human characters, and I was genuinely excited throughout all of the movie, I just wished my favorite character had more screentime!!
Number 7… The Super Mario Bros. Movie (April 7, 2023) I actually loved this movie! I thought it was animated wonderfully, the soundtrack was amazing, and the story was fun! I had a hard time ranking everything else past this point, I loved seeing all the easter eggs and throwbacks to the games!! It was a fun story, while clearly aimed for younger audiences, I really, really enjoyed it!! The only downside was Chris Pratt as Mario, though that’s just because he would’ve been my last pick to play our favorite mustached Italian-American plumber! But my worries of him quickly got drowned out by my excitement for Jack Black as Bowser, who did absolutely incredible!! I really hope Nintendo and Illumination make another Mario movie!
Number 6… Haunted Mansion (July 28, 2023) The most recent movie I’ve seen! I highly, highly prefer this movie to the 2003 Haunted Mansion movie with Eddie Murphy. This one had a story I could actually understand, amazingly designed ghosts, and a wonderful heart to the story that made me tear up multiple times in the theatre! At first I was worried we’d get too much of the human characters, and not enough of the ghosts, but they balanced it perfectly. Not to mention, it was actually scary!! I’m a fan of horror movies, so the small jumps of fear from quick spooks was really fun to have, even if the parents that brought their young children may regret it that night.
Number 5… Barbie (July 21, 2023) While my brother waited a few weeks to see Oppenheimer in IMAX, I was seeing Barbie in the first week it opened! Unfortunately I couldn’t wear pink due to the horribly rainy weather and my only article of clothing being a pink crop top, but it was a beautiful movie with incredible lessons on the world and how women are pushed to fit a very small, specific standard. I teared up multiple times, and walked out still thinking of all the movie talked about. It certainly wasn’t a movie I was expecting to hit me so hard in my feelings, but it did! And I couldn’t be happier.
Number 4… Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (August 4, 2023) I actually got to see this movie a few days early (4 days early, to be exact) for a fan event, where there was fun trivia and behind-the-scenes info on the movie! I even got the collectable tin popcorn bucket!! I love the comic book feel to the animation, but turns out it was meant to be inspired by an actual kid-tween’s drawing!! That was super creative and I loved all the character designs. I love that the turtles all have different designs, making them look like they’re their own person, instead of the original comic book debut designs that had them all the same, even down to the masks! Seth Rogen finally made the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles actually feel like teenagers, and I adored every second of it.
Number 3… Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (December 21, 2022) Now… I know… This is a 2022 release! But I saw it early 2023 so I’m counting it for the list! That, and it’s more satisfying to read lists of 10 instead of 9. This movie… I absolutely love it. The story is amazing, the characters are showstopping, the numerous villains that fall under different types? Mind blown! It’s such a wonderfully detailed movie, that I forgot it was made for little kids! I highly prefer the world building that takes place in the Puss in Boots movies over the Shrek movies, it just feels more thought out and it feels like more care was put into making it just right. I love that animated movies are starting to take inspiration from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, with lower frame rates for action scenes and beautifully colored scenes.
Number 2… Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 5, 2023) Yes, I have a Marvel fatigue, but the Guardians of the Galaxy are my all-time favorite hero team from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film was a beautiful wrap to the teams story. It delved more into other characters backgrounds while still perfectly giving this team the ending they deserve. I cried throughout the movie, laughing at the funny parts through tears from the heartbreaking scenes taking place seconds before. It was a whirlwind of emotions. I saw this film twice, once at an IMAX Guardians of the Galaxy marathon that played all three movies (I was up till 3 in the morning!!) and a second time just on it’s own, and I cried through both showings. It was so hard to pick my favorite, but while Vol. 3 was amazing…
Number 1… Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (June 2, 2023) Across the Spider-Verse was showstopping. Now I’m just eagerly waiting for part 2! Ghost Spider (Gwen Stacy’s) universe is beautifully done, watercolor art showing her feelings in real time, it captivated me. The different universes were amazing, and I’m so excited to see more of this story! Honestly there’s nothing to say bad about this movie except I wish it didn’t end!! I even reminded myself and my friend that this was only part one, so we should be expecting a ‘to be continued’ screen. And as the movie was building up to that said screen? I realized and it felt like my world was breaking around me. The new characters were amazing, I was so excited to meet Spider-Punk and Spider-Man 2099. There’s nothing I’d change with Across the Spider-Verse!! Easy 10/10!!
EXSM 3989 - Digital Storytelling Class Blog 