Happy Father's Day ♥

Thank you for being such a wonderful role model and loving parent to H. We'd be lost without you. Love always. ♥

[And a Happy Father's Day to all of the other Pops and Papas out there (including my own Dad!). Have a great day! xo]

Speechless

Can't. Speak. Still. In. Shock. Breaking. Bad. AMAZING.

[I ♥ Vince Gilligan]

Breaking Bad ♥

We're catching up on the last two episodes of Breaking Bad tonight. OMG. I love this show! At the end of the second last episode, J gasped so loud that it woke up our neighbour's baby downstairs!

If you've never seen the show before, you must! (You must, you must, you must increase your...oops!) Seriously, it is an AMAZING show. Please watch it.

Mixed Pickles

[“Mixed Pickles” by Victoria Alexandrina Anderson-Pelham, Countess of Yarborough (English 1840–?) & Eva Macdonald (English 1846/50–?) from the Westmorland Album, 1864/70 Collage, watercolor & albumen prints]

H & I had another busy day yesterday that began at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) and ended with a celebration at Nathan Phillips Square with two friends and a crowd of my peeps.

The last time I went to the AGO was during the week it re-opened after the massive renovations. I remember waiting under newspapers in the pouring rain with a friend to check out what all the buzz was about. The lineups were long as you can imagine they would be when no admission is charged (a nice way to kick off the event!). I felt like I was in a different country that night as we entered the gorgeous new space. I experienced the same kind of thrill when I took H yesterday as we explored all of the beautiful rooms and halls which housed the amazing collections and exhibits. (Works included the likes of Degas, Chagall and Picasso.)

I have to admit, however, as a collector of ephemera and a lover of illustration, my favorite exhibit was the one titled, Playing with Pictures, which featured Victorian collage from more than 40 of the best albums selected. The pages displayed the witty sense of humour of the artists who juxtaposed photographs and illustrations that poked fun at the social classes and conventions of that time.

We stopped for pizza slices and ice cream before meeting up with friends at Dundas Square. A band was playing when we arrived, singing some very saucy lyrics which kept H giggling. We decided to head over to Nathan Phillips Square where a celebration was taking place honouring the independence of "my people".

I was amazed to see so many Titas, Titos, Lolos and Lolas in one place in downtown Toronto. There were all kinds of stalls set up selling treats such as ube cake, Adobo Cracker Nuts, pancit, skewers of sweet barbequed pork, Siopoa (complete with its distinctive pink dot), plastic cups filled with sago gulaman and cutchinta. There were also stands selling t-shirts emblazoned with declarations of patriotism but the best (read: wonderfully cheesiest) part of the whole event was the singing contest taking place on stage.

Winning-hopefuls belted out tunes from traditional Philippine ballads to rocking Elvis hits (complete with groin-thrusting...a bit disconcerting coming from a very agile 70 year-old Lolo). Always a crowd pleaser, Journey's Faithfully was met with loud applause and our little group began swaying from side-to-side. (I only wished that I had a lighter with me at the time.) We left as they were announcing the winners so we'll never know how "P-Elvis" fared.

Oh, I forgot to mention that we were also celebrating another special event at Nathan Phillips Square and that was V's birthday. I think the highlight for her was not the sampling of deep fried jackfruit or listening to the performances of eight year-olds who resemble fifty year-old jazz singers (weird) but rather, getting shat on by a pigeon. (J & I told her that this was good luck if it happened on your birthday. I think she believed us because it wasn't hard to coax her into buying a couple of lottery tickets...just in case.)

Happy Birthday to you, V. Wishing you a year full of love, happiness and adventures. xo

Saturdays ♥

I love Saturdays, especially the one I had yesterday. It was jam-packed with all kinds of fun activities and finds including visiting garage sales, watching the new Karate Kid movie, purchasing colorful sundresses for $14.99 at H&M, picking up felt Japanese toilet seat covers, eating banchan and Korean bbq, drinking delicious lychee bubble tea, replacing my conked out Spectra Polaroid camera with a "new" one (found on Craigslist) and ended with seeing the Friends with You gang at Magic Pony. Oh yeah, we also saw a really cool ark in Trinity Bellwoods (part of Luminato).

Today, H & I are going downtown to spend the day at some gallery or museum and maybe, meet up with a friend.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend. Talk soon. xo

Mmmatcha

I wish I had one (or more) of the treats pictured above. Don't they look delicious?! I bet they would taste good with a cup of Hojicha and an episode of Wipeout. If I had a choice, I would pick the one on the left filled with cream in the middle. Mmmatcha. :)

Rainy day

This picture has nothing to do with my post but I find it quite intriguing. As some of you know, I'm afraid of most (if not, all) members of the rodentia family yet like to look at photos and images of them (especially chinchillas and capybaras).

Anyway, it was a rainy day here in Toronto. The perfect kind of day for watching movies and writing letters. Still, I was glad to be at work meeting new clients and chatting with staff. Starting next week, the Employment Counsellors will dedicate one day strictly for drop-in appointments. This isn't to say that there won't be drop-ins any other day but for one day a week, we'll keep our schedules completely open to accommodate them.

Right now, I try to schedule three appointments a day. Of course, this can always change on a dime as people don't show up or they show up late or still, others wander in and squeeze their names next to your free time slots. It's very dynamic and I really love it. Part of my work also includes helping out with the ERC (Employment Resource Centre) which is manned primarily by the Employment Consultants but sometimes it gets so crazy busy that we all just pitch in when needed. I love it! The days go by so fast and you really feel like you've earned your pay, not to mention, did something meaningful that day.

It's such a privilege to hear the clients' stories and some of them are downright heartbreaking that you just want so desperately to find something that will help the person move forward and get closer to their goals. I love the challenge but still have so much to learn. I'm just happy to be part of the process and meet so many interesting people.

Hellloooo there!

Hello out there in Blogland! Remember me? I can't believe it's been so long since I've written a blog entry and touched base. How are you? Enjoying the weather? What have you been up to? Wherever you are and whatever you're up to - I hope you're doing well and having a bit of fun!

At the beginning of last month, I wrote about the closing of the women's program I was working at and some of the changes that were taking place in my field (and in my life). Since then, some exciting (and not so exciting) things have happened. Here's an update:

I'll start with the not-so exciting things...mainly, the fact that I've had this annoying and persistent cough for a few weeks now. It began while I was in Winnipeg with J+H visiting my family and friends. It was particularly annoying because I had all of these wonderful things planned while I was visiting such as shopping at my favorite vintage stores, catching up with friends over wine and attending family parties. Unfortunately, much of that was thwarted by the full-blown head cold which then turned into an ear infection and now is just a nasty cough that won't seem to go away. I've gone through a dose of antibiotics and even begged for more this past weekend (the doctor refused...hmph!). I can't wait 'til it runs its course and I'm feeling 100% again!

Moving on...the exciting things! Shortly after the women's program ended, I received a call from one of the Directors at the agency I was working for. "Would I be interested in a contract position beginning on Monday?" (She contacted me late Thursday evening just days before starting.) "Of course!" I replied and have been working with an amazing program ever since.

It's funny how you think that you'll only ever love one program or population to work with. It's not that I actually believed this entirely but when the program I was working for ended, I kind of romanticized it and was ultra sensitive to J's attempts at optimism when he said there might be other programs and populations that were just as fulfilling and interesting as the one I just experienced...and he was right.

I'm currently working as an interim Employment Counsellor at a centre which serves youth (ages 15-30) but are slowly transitioning into a new model which includes all ages. I am absolutely loving it!

There are two things that have made this experience incredibly enriching and rewarding: 1) I've never worked with youth before and 2) I didn't know much about the community the centre is situated in.

I've always been curious about what it would be like working with youth and if it was something I would enjoy. It's been such an eye-opener and I feel so lucky that I'm having this opportunity to see what it's like. I love the energy at the centre - it's busy, loud and full of activity! And I really like meeting all of the youth, listening to their stories and helping them with their job search or training needs. I love finding out what they're interested in and what they're hoping to do. I especially love sharing resources and information, as well as making recommendations that might be useful. It's been such a treat working with them!

As for the community the centre is located in - it's referred to as a "priority neighborhood" which I won't go into the logistics of nor will I attempt to give an accurate definition of. In very simplistic terms it's an under-served area which has been identified based on various factors (I know, vague) and which involves having priority for infrastructure investment (again, vague). If you want to know more about it, please feel free to google. In any case, it's in one of those areas that people (usually those that have never been there - maybe from deep in the suburbs) often have very strong and often negative opinions about to the point of fearing it. Let's just say there are a lot of incredibly ignorant views floating around, some of which are the result of fear-mongering. In any case, having the opportunity to work in this neighborhood and see how vibrant, diverse and community-minded it is has been amazing.

The experience has been really wonderful and I've been learning so much on so many levels. I feel energized when I'm there and like I get to use different parts of my personality that often get neglected when I'm in quieter surroundings. And I haven't even mentioned the staff - they're really great! People chip in whenever help is needed and there's so much interaction and sharing going on. People seem really happy to be there and there's a lot of banter and laughing going on. The director is also really fantastic and the staff obviously love her. It's a really nice place to be.

So, all this to say that I'm feeling good, despite this annoying cough. I'm just happy to have this experience, albeit short-lived. Who knows what's next for me? More exciting things I hope. If not, I've got a list of things that I can catch up on during the down time but more about that in a later post.

Take care and talk soon. It feels good to be back. xo

Special day ♥

Happy Birthday to all of the special people celebrating today. Love always and forever. xo

[Party time!]

Happy Mother's Day ♥

This is dedicated to my Mom and all of the special Mothers today (those near, dear, in our hearts and soon-to-be). Wishing you love and happiness always. xo

Remember me?

Hello out there in blogland! Remember me? I was once a semi-devoted blogger who liked to share my internal dialogues and meanderings. How are you? Hope you're well and have been enjoying spring. I've missed you.

I can't believe that a month has passed since I last wrote! It seems like Easter was such a long time ago now. (So much has happened since we last spoke!)

The theme for the last four weeks has definitely been 'Endings' - from the closing of the women's employment program I was working at to saying goodbye to people and finally, the completion of my studies at school. It's been very bittersweet, hence, the silence. I wasn't in the mood to document what was going on, especially at work. It's not even that it was so depressing or anything because, to be honest, the last few weeks at work were the most fun I've experienced there. I just didn't feel like it. But let me tell you, we were 'haunted' as my co-workers would say (translation: bored and restless) - a state in which imaginations go into overdrive (quite a creative time, really).

Just to give you some background on the situation - Employment Ontario is undergoing a huge transformation to improve their services. Their hope is to provide more accessibility to service delivery which encourages training, industry and government to work together (an integrated service delivery model) providing service within hubs around Ontario. What this means is that some of the smaller centres that offer services to a particular clientele that can be serviced under the new model are being closed, like the one I was working at. (Please note that there are still specialized services available to certain populations such as those with learning disabilities or requiring mental health services, for example).

The "wind-down" phase at work was very strange and surreal. I teetered between feeling sad about the closing and disappointment that I wouldn't be able to work at such a wonderful place. On a superficial level, I was upset that I wouldn't be able to look out onto one of the busiest corners of Toronto from the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows or walk up the steps of the subway station right in front of the building. The location was amazing - a constant reminder of what drew me to Toronto in the first place, the energy, diversity and excitement. I knew I would definitely miss being part of that.

Of course, on a grander scale, there were so many other things that I was going to miss like my lunch-hour walking partner, having fun with my co-workers, the wonderful women I met as clients (some of which, left as friends) and of course, the program itself - what it meant to me (as both a student and an employee).

I think I would be doing the program disrespect if I didn't pay homage to what my time there really meant. I felt like I had grown and learned so much by being there - personally and professionally. I gained confidence as a professional by uncovering my strengths, humbled as I discovered areas for growth, reinforced my passion for helping others, became aware of my own personal boundaries and found my voice as an Employment Counsellor. It was really quite a validating experience which was incredibly rewarding and rich. I'm just grateful that I was fortunate enough to be a part of such a special program.

And now...what's next? I'll let you know. For now, take care and talk soon. xo

Hoppy Holidays

Chocolate-covered potato chips

Yes, they're that good.

[I'm eating them as I type.]

I'm so glad

...it's Friday.

Wine and cheese

After work I went to Bistro 990 with a friend. What was supposed to be a quick drink turned into a few hours of chatting. Glasses of wine on an empty stomach are never a good idea but to be honest, it was such a nice way to end the day as I really enjoyed the lively and candid conversation. After we made a pit stop at the grocery store for Finn Crisps and cheese, we parted ways and I headed to the subway.

For anyone who's ever accused Torontonians of being unfriendly busy-bodies, I wish they had witnessed all of the friendly and lively interactions going on between complete strangers in the subway car tonight. Okay, maybe it was the buzz I was experiencing or perhaps there's a full moon out but seriously, there seemed to be so much good energy circulating about in the car tonight. I couldn't help smiling to myself as I observed.

I watched a youngster give his seat up for an elderly woman who then began chatting with his mother for the length of the subway ride, smiles being exchanged between strangers (and not in a lecherous or violating way), people making space for others to squeeze into the busy subway car and a visually-impaired man carrying on with a young woman who had shared her seat with him (actually, so it was a tad bit creepy upon closer inspection but still). I felt really happy to be part of the city and was basking in all of the love tonight.

[I blame the wine for this corny missive.]

As the effects of my buzz wane and fatigue sets in, I find myself reflecting on the bigger picture. I feel like I'm in a good place right now and I'm meeting all of these wonderful people. And even though I'm on the verge of possibly being laid off (more details to follow) and there's so much uncertainty up ahead, I still feel so hopeful that I'm heading in the right direction...wherever that takes me. Of course, this isn't to say that I'll wander about aimlessly without regard or some sort of contingency plan but I'm keeping myself open to what lies ahead because ultimately, I know it'll all work out in the end. It always does. This I know for sure.

Feels like the first time

Last night I went out with a couple of new friends for the first time. It really felt like an initiation of sorts as I introduced them to one of my el cheapo favorites - Ginger on Yonge - while they revealed interesting and intimate tidbits about themselves. Afterwards, we watched one of the worst movies I've seen this year, Cooking with Stella (which I've aptly renamed Cooking with Hella).

Thanks for the wonderful evening! Can't wait to hang out again! xo

Reunited...and it feels so good

I've been doing some experimentation lately - the kind that involves copious amounts of raw milk which has been aged and fermented into delicious rounds of goodness. Despite a recent blog post, I am happy (in fact, elated) to report that I have been reunited with one of my true loves - beautiful and glorious cheese!

[Standing ovation]

My experimentation involved "research" at St. Lawrence Market where I was tantalized and seduced by the many varieties of raw milk cheese. My favorite so far has been Comté for its complex, nutty and caramelized flavor. (Of course, there are many more to choose from and experience!) I was happy to find that there were even varieties closer to home at our local organic market such as a simple white cheddar with a savoury aftertaste. Heaven, I say...heaven.

Toasty

Hello friends! How are you? Hope you've been doing well and enjoying the last days of winter! I've missed you.

It's been awhile since I last posted and it's time to start catching up on regular blogging. Lots going on with work which has been keeping me busy and on my toes. I've also been trying to squeeze in time with my little family and friends. The other night I got together with a former classmate that I haven't seen in ages. She's such a sweetheart and so much fun. We caught up over wine and laughed for hours. She filled me in on all of the interesting things she's been up to and all of her exciting plans. She's in the midst of starting her own arts-based company that incorporates some of the assessment and counselling aspects of the program we were taking together. One of her upcoming projects involves an art installation based on a tool that she'll be administering. Very exciting, indeed! It was inspiring to hear about it and she shared some great resources with me.

I've also been connecting with a few new friends that I'm excited to get to know and spend more time with. It's been a wonderful surprise.

As for J + H, we've been watching a lot of movies and having people over lately. Today we decided to cozy up over movies, munchies and our favorite treats. It was a perfect day for it, too since it was so wet and miserable out. I love these kind of rainy days and lazy Saturdays.

Hope your Saturday's been cozy and that you're toasty. Take care and talk soon. xo

Magic Hour

I walked home from the subway station during Magic Hour today and enjoyed the smell of barbequed steak cooking in the neighborhood.

New people

This weekend was all about spending time with new people. On Saturday evening, a couple of J's friends came over for dinner - both of whom I've never really had a chance to sit and chat with. It was a nice evening of dinner, coversation and random YouTube videos.

Friday evening was spent in the company of two very interesting and lovely women which began with a delicious dinner prepared by T. The rest of the evening was spent drinking wine, grazing on treats, nibbling on chunky peach bits, sniffing Diablo and chatting or laughing. I even consumed dairy and felt perfectly fine. (I think the key might be to simultaneously drink red wine and eat cheese made only from raw milk.) It was a fun evening and I hope we get to do it again some time in the future.