A Thousand Words

13 February 2014

lifestyle

A Thousand Words

Today I am linking up for the first time with Hayley and Lauren for their weekly Getting to know The Girl Between the Lines blogging link-up. 

This week's topic is:  "Share a photo that you love and the story behind it." -----------------------------------------------------------------------
The number one reason I take photos literally almost everywhere I go, is to capture the memories and moments made during that day/night/event.  It's always hard to keep distinctive memories of literally everything in our minds, so why not take a picture to trigger our most favourite memories? So I love today's topic; and because this topic had that throwback feeling to it, I decided to post this on a Thursday, to go with the theme everyone does on instagram - Throwback Thursday. 

If you haven't read some of my previous posts, then I would like to (re)introduce you to my sister - Ashley.  We literally are so close, although she doesn't like to admit it, and we are only 1 year and 4 months apart. People sometimes often think that she is the elder of us to, which I don't mind, I'll take being the younger one any day!

This photo is actually one of my favourite pictures of us two because we grew up literally doing everything together.  We joined all the same extra circular activities, the same teams at school, we went to the same schools; like basically we dominated everything together. We were like the ultimate sisters. 

If you're wondering about the uniform, it is our Air Cadet uniform that we wear in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program. (And no, this isn't a program that sends kids to war). But the story behind this photo is different.

This photo was taken on November 15, 2013; so not too long ago.  It was actually the day of my retirement from the program since I would be turning 19 in just a few short days.  And because I would be retiring, that meant that my chief position would be up for grabs by one of the remaining other warrants.  

Not only was this the night that I would be ending my 7 year cadet journey in the cadet program, but it was also the night my sister was promoted to my rank and my position. I was so happy and so proud of her that I cried; yes I literally balled my eyes out in front of all the younger cadets and parents who came to watch that night.

Not only did we get to celebrate my achievements, but we celebrate my sisters new role and I was honestly so happy for her. In the program, we were always known for our hard work, and if I could do one thing, the officers expected my sister to do the same, and vise versa. So I guess u can say, my sister and I pushed each other to do a lot in the program because of what were both known as. 

So this photo celebrates both of our successes in the program. But there's another side to the story of this. 

Since I am in second year of univeristy, and she will be starting her first year of univeristy next year, this photo represents the last activity we will be doing along side together. It's both bitter and sweet.  We are both used to having each other's back when drama emerges, and we like the experience of us being apart of the same team, as we provide such great motivation for each other. So I like that part. 

But I guess it's a good thing as well.... We are both growing up and it's time for us to do things that will be meaningful for our future. So although her current plans aren't to attend the same university as me; I get it. It's time for her to grow up and not be in the shadows of her elder sister. 

So I love this photo. Just shows the love and joy we had throughout our years of growing up with each other in the many different programs/teams we've been graciously apart of.  And it is just a great reminder to us of all the things that we've got to experience together, which I think is the most important most. She has been apart of all of my achievements, just as I have been there for her's.

So although we probably won't be apart of the same teams anymore, I will continue to constantly be her number one supporter through all her future achievements.

Love you sis!

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My Random Act of Kindness

07 February 2014

lifestyle

My Random Act of Kindness

Today I am linking up for the first time with Hayley and Lauren for their weekly Getting to know The Girl Between the Lines blogging link-up.    This week's topic is:  "This is a free week to write about something that fits the theme of your blog!" --------------------------------------------------- When I first saw this theme, I have to admit that I was thinking really hard about what to write about.  The original intentions behind my blog was just to express myself away from the drama real life provides me on a day-to-day basis.  So if you really think about it, me thinking about what I would blog about is just silly... my blog is just a personal blog, and so what better than to blog about something personal?
Growing up, I've had many elder family members die due to various diseases. Some passed away peacefully in their sleep, and others unfortunately died due to a disease/tumour/cancer of some sort.  So you can say that I have been to a lot of funerals in my childhood/teenage years. But, I think it is also because my mom has 8 other siblings, and my dad has 7 other siblings - so we are a pretty big family. 
So I guess that is why I have this ambition to become someone important in the medical field, just so that I have the opportunities to help those who need it. I wasn't able to help my relatives since I had no idea what was going on back then, and so why not help others. 
But because I am still a full time student working towards these goals, I try to find other ways to help out those who need it. So the other day, without even thinking about it twice, I went for a hair cut. And if you knew me, you would know that my hair is literally my prize possession. I am seriously when I say that it was just long and healthy, and just beautiful to look at (not to sound cocky or anything...)
But the other day, I went to the hair dresser to cut off some split ends.  But when I was in the hair dresser seat, I randomly decided to cut it all off ... and I did. 

Yes thats right, in that moment, I decided to chop off 15 inches of my hair.  Not only were the ladies in the salon shocked that I would cut off my hair, my mother and sister was as well.  Not going to lie, I was shocked at first at how I looked with my hair shorter, but in all honestly I felt no way about losing my long hair that I loved so much. My sister asked me why I randomly decided this, and in thinking of my friends and family members that I've lost, I said with pure happiness:

There are others who are unable to grow their hair long due to cancer, and I want to be able to give them a little something that reminds them that they are not alone. There are others out there, who like me, are thinking of them and providing them with a bit of encouragement to keep strong.

Well there you go... I hope this random act of kindness of mine inspires you all to just think of others once in a while. I'm not sure who will end up with my hair, but whoever she is, I hope she is happy. I hope she realizes that she isn't alone, and that there are many of us out here in the world who are willing to contribute to their recovery efforts as much as we can.

I know I am happy that I am able to make someone else happy and feel confident whenever they are feeling down.

Have a great weekend everyone! 

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Then and Now

30 January 2014

TGBTL

Then and Now

Today I am linking up for the first time with Hayley and Lauren for their weekly Getting to know The Girl Between the Lines blogging link-up.    This week's topic is:  "How did you picture this stage of your life when you were younger. How is it the same/different?" --------------------------------------------------- My life is nothing like how I imagined it would be.
When I was younger, I was so excited about growing up.  Just the idea of being on my own, and not having to follow my parents rules while doing my own thing, was so appealing to me.  I seriously thought I would have my whole life together and planned out properly by the time I got into university.  Similarly, picturing myself at the 20 years old was seriously hard for me to imagine.
The plan was always, "Get into and study at University of Toronto, and become a doctor."  Then reality hit. 
I ultimately did end up at the #1 university in Canada, and top 20 university in the world - University of Toronto.  So kudos to me for making it to this university that I've always imagined of attending since elementary school.  But I am currently 19 years old and I am again rethinking my career path.  Becoming a doctor was clearly not in my future as I am definitely no good with maths or chemistry... 
So, here I am now, studying to get my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and Anthropology, thinking I want to become a speech therapist.  But, again, I'm thinking about reapplying for the nursing program.  See it is very difficult trying to figure out a life of your own... It's all dependent on me and what I am capable and willing to do to get to where I want to be. 
One thing for sure I for sure didn't imagine when I was younger was that I would still be living with my parents.... hmm maybe this was more of a desire growing up.  But nevertheless, I'm a 19 year old jobless full time student... even if I did ended up moving out like I thought I would by now, I would have no way to support myself without my parent's full help.  
I definitely didn't imagine meeting anyone as special as Jay.  Wow was that a HUGE changing moment of my life.  Growing up, I didn't plan about having a boyfriend until after I finish university and have a steady job that will allow me to take care of myself.  Then one day, at a party, everything changed.  Now he's been apart of my life for 3 years.  No way did I even ever see myself so committed to someone else, other than myself.  It was so weird and so life changing that I am actually grateful that I am able to tell others that I have experienced being in love.  
What I've learnt from this blog topic is that I just have to trust myself with the skills I have to become who I want to be.  Yes planning and having aspirations are great and motivational factor, but nothing ever goes exactly as planned.  We just have to prepare for reality, whether it is good or bad, and we have to learn how to recover and move on with it.

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Tangible Object, Intangible Value

23 January 2014

personal

Tangible Object, Intangible Value

When it comes to gifts, I think it's safe to say that jewelry speaks closely to not only a woman's heart, but to her emotional and mental well-being as well. There are many meanings and emotions that we associate with that piece of jewelry... it really can make any girl smile just by looking at it.  I mean, that's how I feel... Everytime I wear the rings, necklaces or earrings Jay bought for me. I know cheesy, but  I always get this mini slideshow of the happiest and best moments I've shared with him. And, this happens with all the thoughtful gifts he has spoiled me with.  My something tangible with an intangible value is the ring he gave me three years ago. 

This was a surprise to all his friends as it was to me.  He was the type of guy who was never comfortable with showing his emotional and vulnerable side in front of others. Like him, I was also scared of the idea opening up because I was was afraid of getting hurt. This gift means the world to me.  Not only is this ring the first ring he gave to me, but his intentions behind this gift is worth so much more to me. He wanted to show me that he was ready to just let the past stay in the past as we move forward in our lives together.
This ring also symbolizes the commitment we will have for each other, especially through the ups and downs of our relationship. So, by him giving me this ring, shows me his willingness to show his vulnerable side by trusting. And, by me wearing this ring everyday is reminding him that not only I am going to stay committed and loyal with him throughout our journey together, but I too am trusting him to not hurt me. Like I said, I wear this ring everyday.  It is a way of expressing the love and joy that I share with my best friend.  This is the intangible value no one fully realizes when they just see this tangible object on my finger.  The value lies within not only my heart, but his as well. My ring that he gave to me three years ago, is the symbol of us not giving up on each other. 

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