Family.

While BC celebrated their very first “Family Day” this month, I was unfortunately spending the day in Edmonton – away from my own family for the second year in a row (I was in Edmonton during Alberta’s family day last year). After spending the past two years living in towns and cities that are distanced from the city I call home (Vancouver), I find myself more appreciative of the fact that I have the family I do – both blood related and non.

My real family – the people I share common blood with – are the most loving, caring and nurturing people I know. They’re funny and understand the importance of enjoying eachother’s company, but they’re also intelligent and dedicated to using their knowledge to make something of themselves in this world. They’re a great influence on me, and they encourage me to give my very best to everything I do.

But I’m also lucky enough to have a family of friends – who I’ve found along my journey of growing up and bouncing around between jobs and cities. People who were once random strangers, have become the most crucial and important people in my life. I couldn’t imagine my life without them and I love them as if they were truly a part of my family. They make me a better person, because they push me to follow my heart and find happiness. They take care of me and protect me – not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s a mutual feeling of honest love that we share, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

I know that family members can sometimes be extremely irritating or bothersome, and that some friendships can be dramatic or frustrating at times – but at the end of the day, these are the people who contribute to the awesome-ness of your life. So just remember to be real, be genuine and give them the best you can. They deserve it, and so do you.

And even though Family Day might be over, don’t forget to give your loved ones an extra tight squeeze, a big wet kiss, and a great reminder of how grateful you are to have them in your life.

santos kids

You’ve Got A Friend…

I have a lot of people who I call my ‘friend’, but there’s only a select few who I can honestly call some of my ‘best’ friends.

My favourite friends are the ones I know I can always count on, no.matter.what. They don’t hold judgement on my worst decisions and they embrace my every flaw. They never make harsh demands or absurd requests, and they never put me in agonizingly awkward situations (but for a good laugh, in good fun).

My true friends would never betray me or take a knife to my back. They wouldn’t assume the worst of my actions, they don’t hold negative judgement or angry grudges towards me. Regardless of how many times I make the same bad decisions, they’re there to support me and hold my hand. For every victorious occasion and moment of celebration, they’re behind and beside me, cheering me on. Sometimes, I never even have to drop a hint, for one of them to know that it’s time to offer a shoulder to cry on; they’ll listen to every rant and remark I have, as unbiased as they can.

The reasons I love my ‘best’ of friends are because they’re there for me, just because. They’re not here to tell me what to do or how to do it, they’re not even around to take up all my time. My best friends stick around, because they enjoy me – just the way I am. I bring out the best in them, while they bring out the best in me – and we make each other smile.

Friendships are supposed to be one of the best aspects of your life – and they’re supposed to be fun. You shouldn’t have to worry or fuss about them, and they shouldn’t require constant or crucial maintenance. Regardless of time zones, location, and seemingly impossible distances between people, the strongest friendships should be able to withstand anything.

My best friends are my family; without them, I’d truly be lost. They make me laugh, they inspire me, and I look up to each one of them with nothing but the utmost respect. The select few individuals who I call my ‘favourites’ are uniquely amazing in their own way, but that is exactly why I love them so.

They’ve been there through every heart break, bad mistake, and all the wrong turns I’ve made. They’ve shared all my happiest moments, proudest accomplishments, and they’ve always given me a reason to keep being the best me possible. Not once have I ever felt the need to prove or justify myself to any one of my bona fide friends. I’ve been nothing but myself, and they adore me for it. I know that whatever ridiculous, crazy, unorthodox idea and for every outrageous event that I embark on – they’ll be the first ones to throw me a high-five and without a doubt, they’ll be the ones who will come to my rescue when things go sideways. ‘Cause that’s exactly what friends are for…

Genuine friendships that last for what seems like forever, aren’t found everywhere. They’re something special that life has to offer, so I suggest you treasure the friends you could never live without.

Love your friends, always. Be loyal, be real, and do everything you can, to be nothing but the very best friend you can possibly be.

 

Cursed Superstitions.

I moved to Kelowna in August (2012), and within the 6 months that I’ve spent as a Kelowna resident – I’ve seen more silver, Hyundai Tiburons around town than I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
(I wish I was exaggerating, but I’m being sincerely honest. And in case you’re unsure as to the vehicle I’m referring to, see below…)

tiburon

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may be wondering why this is such a big deal. It’s just a silver car, no?
A year and a half ago – this probably wouldn’t be such a big deal; I wouldn’t really care too much. But today, the overwhelming sights of this exact car is suffocating, frustrating and uncanny. That car brings back haunting memories of an asshole ex-boyfriend I’m continuously trying so hard to forget. (A gruesome story which I won’t get into – but all you need to know is that he’s a big, fat, jerk who deserves to be forgotten)

Anyways…
I initially thought I was going crazy. Actually, I’m still slightly convinced I might actually be crazy; another part of me tells me this is more than mind tricks.
At the beginning, I thought it might be a coincidence. I frequent the same places quite often- maybe I was just seeing the same car over and over. After recently cutting all communication with my ex, I thought that my sub-conscious was just having a hard time letting go. But as more time passes, I’ve completely convinced myself that this isn’t just my brain on overdrive. I’m almost positive that evil spirits in this world are messing with my head and my heart.
Because, I understand that these are somewhat attractive vehicles, but how is it that I see at least one a day, all over Kelowna.
(And, I assure you they’re not always the exact same silver Tiburon either. After months and months of these sightings, I’ve started paying closer attention to defining details – which only drives me more crazy)

If I could, I’d embrace this as some silliness caused by an active imagination – convincing myself that this city is in fact over-populated by numerous silver sports cars. But, I cant. It doesn’t make any sense and the whole scenario has this undesirable way of striking certain nerves in my soul. I get this eery feeling when I see that car – it’s unsettling, but almost like a gut instinct that’s intense and very confused.

In all honesty, this kind of thought process isn’t abnormal for me. I’ve always been slightly superstitious and wary of why things happen the way they do.
Once upon a time, I bought myself a bottle of DKNY “Be Delicious” perfume. It was one of my favourite purchases from my trip to NYC at the age of 17, and I couldn’t wait to smell like a fragrantly sweet, sour apple. (Ha!) Unfortunately, I’m always positive that perfume was cursed.
It smelled so divine, but every single time I wore it, something unfortunate would go down. Things wouldn’t work out in my favour, I would have a really frustrating day, and my boyfriend and I would often get in squabbles on the days I donned that apple scent. There was one time I was wearing it while out shopping with some friends downtown. While perusing through the racks at a clothing store, I caused an entire shelf of lotions to knock over and spill all over the new merchandise! (I’m also clumsy, but still – I blame it on the perfume. Luckily, I managed to leave the store before someone caught me and forced me into buying a whole bunch of chunky knit sweaters)
E
ventually, after too many horrendous disasters and bad days, I decided to put the perfume to rest and avoid it’s evil spell. I think the bottle, a silver apple shape, sits on the bathroom shelf collecting dust. I’m often tempted to pick it up and spritz a small quantity onto my wrist, but in the end, I decide it’s a risk not worth taking. 

I believe that wearing certain t-shirts, has the power to make for a better day and that a certain pair of leopard print underwear leads to a day worth smiling about. I swear by certain brands of deodorant and body wash for good luck. If I get to the grocery store and discover that my desired necessity isn’t available in a certain brand, colour, scent, or style- I get goosebumps and waves of anxiety shoot through my every limb. I’m a stickler for routine and consistency. I’ll admit I’m slightly insane, but I cannot help it!

It’s weird the way our brains work and the way our thoughts come together; it’s sometimes so bizarre and mind-boggling, but it’s all also kind of cool and fascinating. These characteristics, whether we consider them flaws or unique quirks, make each of us – who we are.

face

Can you relate? Do you ever feel like the world is trying to prove something to you?
Feel free to leave a comment and hopefully give me some hope that I’m not the only crazy one!
In the mean time, I’m going to cross my fingers and hope that wearing one of my favourite outfits brings me good luck, and no sightings of a certain familiar sports car