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jo being gross and cute all at once 

I would say that, above all else, our generation values independence, self-sufficiency - as though, to depend on someone is intrinsically negative. I can't help but feel that a young person's success is measured by our ability to achieve things on our own. From the time I was born, I was taught that no one can truly be trusted, nothing lasts forever and best friends and high school sweethearts are only for the foolish and naive. Despite this, I know that I am not self-sufficient, nor do I wish I were. My inspiration, my joy springs from the people around me. I believe there's beauty in dependancy, and I will be forever grateful for those there to lean on, to trust. 

Came home Friday to the best boy (he was gone to Las Vegas for a week), and the best homemade meal. Incredibly grateful. Of course, nothing tops off a romantic night better than some lemon ginger tea and some good ol' episodes of True Blood by candlelight, hah. 

"you're already home if you feel loved"

Stole these pictures from Britt and Chantal's instagrams. I just had to though. I love them way too much.

Yesterday morning, after ten of the best days of my entire summer, Britt had to fly back to Vancouver. Our goodbye seemed impossible, as though it wasn't actually real. Christmas seems so far away, aargh! What can I say? "bitches be emotional"

This became the song of Britt's visit. Was on replay. Poor Jo.

let's try this one more time

This blog existed once before, and then, it didn't. Of course, this wasn't for any mysterious reason. Only that, what had originally started as something spontaneous and fun, became something I felt increasingly self-conscious about. So I deleted it and everything I had once posted. This was obviously silly. And admittedly, a little self-centered. I mean, who do I think I am that I should be self-conscious about what I post? NO ONE IS READING THIS. Other than my friends, or at least people that know me in some way - hello friends! This feels funny to admit as I continue to speak of them in the third person. But I can't just say "you". Who are you? Do I speak to the Internet as if it's an individual? Anyway, this is my second real attempt to join the blogging world. Let's hope I stick it out this time.

Some things (good and bad) that have happened since the last time this blog existed:

- Britt left for Vancouver and David moved back here
- Matt graduated from Algonquin in photography and in just the last year, has already become a successful freelance photographer
- We cried and prayed for Helene as she found out she needed new lungs, fought to help her raise awareness for the importance of organ, tissue and blood donation (a fight that made her pretty famous), and danced and celebrated when we found out that she had successfully received the fresh pair of lungs that would save her life.
- Chantal and I visited Ben in London and loved the tube and oyster card so much that we bought Matt and Jo boxer shorts with maps of the London underground printed on them
- We also visited Arvindan in Paris where we learnt that while a place may be beautiful... Well, it's the people that matter, not the place. ("Happiness is only real when shared", and all that) When I say this, of course, I'm not implying anything about the friends we hung out with but just, in general: the waiters, the taxi drivers, the people walking by us on the street... Naaaaht the nicest people I've ever had to interact with - which is unfortunate considering the negative stereotype they perpetuate. Or maybe I'm just an overly-sensitive Canadian... That's one stereotype that applies at least to me and my friends.
- Unfortunately, closer to home, lost a couple of friends to an intricate web of conspiracy theories, where, to summarize, most things are satan and the Lord of the Rings is the "real" Bible. (In case anyone didn't know, drugs are bad!) But on a lighter note...
- Started doing 80's workout tapes with Chaddie and mama Gisele
- Learnt to bike
- Wrote too many essays
- Read books (never too many though!)
- Celebrated my five years with Jo at a B&B in Chelsea
- And most recently: moved in with him, which has been wonderful.

It's been a busy year. But through it all (because of it all), good and bad, I've learned a lot. And I guess learning always has at least some element of good in it, right?

matchy matchy. photo by vince.