My 5 tips to help anxiety

Lately I have been feeling very anxious. I have shared with you before that anxiety is something that I have dealt with for awhile. When I just moved here I remember writing a post called "what I have learned so far" and in it I discussed how the subways, crowds and bad news on the TV was causing me to feel quite anxious, well since then I have learned to deal with crowds and subways a lot more. I still try avoid listening to too much bad news, obviously you can't avoid it especially with social media but I try not get engrossed in all the negativity that we have to listen to and watch every day.

I feel my anxiety may be worse at the moment due to the big decision we made to apply for permanent residency but for people who do suffer from anxiety you will know that some times you can't explain the reason for your anxiety and why you feel the way you do on a particular day, week or month. No one likes to feel down or panicked so I thought I would share with you the things I do to help me deal with it:

1. Exercise

For the last month I have been going to the gym in the mornings before work. I am mainly doing it for my mind. If I tone up then all the better but for me its all about feeling better and there is no better feeling after going to the gym or even a long walk. It clears your mind and gives you energy for the day. I think the morning works best for me. People are so busy these days, they say they don't have time but I am telling you, if you find at least ten minutes of your day to exercise you will feel so much better.

2. Talk

This is so important! Be it your girlfriend, boyfriend, mum, dad, friend, work colleague or even a professional. Talk to someone about how you are feeling. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I am quite open about how I am feeling and I think it really helps give you a sense of relief on a day you feel anxious. Someone will listen, even if they don't fully understand what you are going through. Remember if you are the person listening, everyone's anxiety is different. What might not seem a big deal to you could be a huge deal to someone else. So listen, try your best to support them and remember if they feel comfortable enough to open up to you, just sitting there and listening might simply be enough.

There are many great professionals out there that will also listen. Some times however you might not click with the person so don't despair, it might take a few professionals until you find the right person. I had a doctor tell me before they didn't have time for all my problems but that didn't stop me from finding someone who would listen to me. The point is someone will listen, so talk!

3. Treat yo'self

I love this tip! Lol. Really though, pick a day of the week or even once a month and buy yourself something you like. That could be as small as a chocolate bar or as expensive as a pink leather zara coat you wanted for weeks ;-) We work hard enough and for long enough so we need to treat ourselves every now and then. You don't need to break the bank to show yourself a little love once and awhile.

4. Headspace:

If you haven't heard of this app, I would highly recommend it. Its free to download and includes 10 sessions for meditation, additional sessions are available to purchase. It really helps me if I can't go to sleep at night. Night time is when I think the most and worry and this app helps me relax. It's a mediation app and they talk you through the steps. Some times I fall asleep while he is still talking, which is ideal. I should really use it more not just at night to make me more calm all the time. Definitely download it if you find it hard to relax.

5. Find what you love and do it..often

If you don't already know what you love to do, go out and try new things. It might be going for walks, it might be yoga, it might be meeting your friends for coffee, it might be going for brunch with your boyfriend (I wonder who I am talking about here), it might be helping others, it might be getting dressed up and spending time doing your make up, it might be kicking a ball around with your friends. Whatever it may be, if you love doing it then do it often. If that is what makes you happy then that's all the more reason to do it regularly. This world is so judgmental but don't let that stop you from doing the things you love.

Last week, my dear cousin passed away at the young age of 32. Unfortunately I couldn't be home to be with my family but if it has taught me anything, it's that life is too short to waste being unhappy. I know that is easier said than done but we need to try our best. Buy the coat, find what you love doing, take care of your body which will help take care of your mind and remember to talk! You are not alone and it's okay not to be ok.

I hope some of these tips will help you, they work for me and I hope that if someone reading this is feeling down that I might have helped them. Take care of one and other, life is precious!

Hope you all have a happy and healthy long weekend in Ireland! Its not a long weekend here unfortunately so I'm very jealous.

Take care xx

Talk soon

Zita J 

Back to my "long holiday"

Happy New Year,

Just about settled in now after arriving back to Toronto 2 weeks ago. I went home for Christmas and what an amazing 10 days they were, besides the tiredness (I couldn't sleep for some reason, 10 days of jet lag maybe? haha). I didn't go back last Christmas so it was extra special that I went this year.

One of the things I was most excited about was seeing my niece, Nancy. I was a little concerned however that she would be a bit strange with me, understandable for a 4 year old who hasn't seen someone in a long time, however she couldn't of been more excited to see me. She ran towards me with arms out, squeezed me, then followed me over to the couch, squeezed my arm and said " Zita J, I really missed you when you went on your long holiday". My heart still breaks thinking of that. 

My 10 days were spent with my family, friends, eating, drinking and more eating. I think I had nearly every takeaway in Cork. I even got a 3 in 1 one night, haven't got one since I was like 15 but sure I apparently missed it. Its funny the things you miss when you're away. You get stuff sent to you that you wouldn't normally eat when your at home but when you do have them you think they are the best things you've ever eaten. Like double decker bars, never use to have them, got one sent to me in Toronto, nicest thing I have ever eaten haha. Weirdos the lot of us.. or just me maybe.

Being at home made it really hard to come back to Toronto. Firstly, the weather was amazing, it only rained once and the sun shined nearly every day. Secondly Cork looked really well, busy with lots of new places opened which made me happy to see. It made me very proud, not that I wasn't proud before but I think you just don't appreciate things until you have been away from them for awhile. Be very proud of Cork those of you rebels reading this, it rocks! Lastly, what made it really hard to leave was my family and friends, I had such great nights out with my friends and that was something I was really missing. Saying goodbye all over again wasn't easy. When it came to my family, saying goodbye was like the first time I did back in July 2015, that horrible feeling at the bottom of your stomach. I don't think it every gets easier. When I think back about crying and cuddling Nancy, while she stared at me strangely realizing that this whole counting down sleeps thing leads to sad times too, was by far the hardest part when getting back on that plane.  

Now back in chilly Toronto what the future has in store, I am not sure. January, besides being the best month ever (cough cough My Birthday is the 29th, start saving) this is the month were decisions need to be made. Do I apply for permanent residency? Do I try extend for another 2 years or do I pack up the life I have made for the last year and a half and come home in July? 

Who knows...

Talk soon xxx

Zita J

Filling you in...

So its nearly been a whole month since I last wrote a blog post. oops! Honestly I haven't found the time to sit down and write something and I actually really miss it. One of my friends also requested that I bring back foodie Friday, so I will try my best. Its not like I don't have places to write about, I have about a million restaurants and fast food places I want to share with you. Its just trying to find the time to sit down and type.

I feel so busy lately.I am about two months into my job now and to be honest the first few weeks were really hard for me. Learning something completely different can be really exhausting, on top of trying to fit in and be the newbie. Most days I come home and I just want to collapse. I think I am doing pretty good now though and as I am a contractor they informed me  they would like me to stay on until January at least. After that it'll be decision time if I want to stay in Canada longer or if I will go home after my current visa is up. So the next few months is decision making time.

Besides work, summer is almost coming to an end here. Although it technically Autumn now, the weather hasn't realised that yet and its still 20 degrees most days. I keep thinking its going to be cold and I wear warmer clothes and by the time I get to work I am stripping. Haha. I am NOT  complaining though because apparently the winter is going to be horrific this year. With February reaching -40. Fuck! I think Cuba will be seeing me then.

We had such an amazing summer here. Some days were very humid and I did say I prefer the winter at one point but I will 100% take the statement back in a few months. This city is so different in the summer, its weird. All the restaurants have patios open, there is more people out, everyone seems happier, its great. I have said to family and friends to come in the summer time because of the weather but they haven't listened to me yet. There is always next summer guys! Wink wink.

Speaking of family and friends, I have an exciting few weeks ahead and I am wishing away my life because I am getting VISITORS! Ahh. One in 3 weeks time and two 2 weeks later. All my nagging eventually paid off and I couldn't be happier. Being away from family and friends is not easy at all. There is so many times during a day or week where I wish they were here, to tell them something funny that happened or just to talk about my day. Sometimes Skype or texting just isn't the same. So I can not wait for the next few months eeeeek!

So that is pretty much an update on my life at the moment. I am looking forward to this Friday too as a few of us are heading to Oktoberfest. Its always great fun so I can't wait. I will leave you with a few photos of my summer here.

Talk soon xx

Zita J

Someone get me a chips,cheese and garlic please!!!

So besides the obvious of missing family and friends, there is a few things about Ireland that I miss lots. Mainly food, surprise surprise. Now, don't get me wrong, Toronto has some of the nicest food I have ever eaten and the amount of options is huge. However there is food in Ireland that just doesn't compare to here. I wish I never took them for granted when I lived there haha.

Sausages: People living in Ireland.... Listen up, you have no idea how lucky you are to get to buy the sausages you want in every supermarket in Ireland because I  will tell you something, there is no such thing as normal sausages in Canada. Its mind blowing. I remember a girl I used to work with who lived in Toronto before telling me to eat as many as I can before I move, as you cant get them here. I remember thinking, ah there has to be some! THERE IS NOT! They all are massive things with herbs, or spices and even the ones they call breakfast sausages are NOTHING like Irish sausages. One day though I did have breakfast in a restaurant where the sausages tasted very similar, I was so excited that I wanted to ask the chef where he got his sausages from but that would of been a bit weird!

Lennoxs: Anyone who knows me well or even knows my mums side of the family will know that Lennoxs is our ultimate weakness. Hands down its the best chipper in Cork and nothing compares to it, not KCS, Dinos or any of them. However, I do crave a creole from KCS from time to time. There are really good fast food places here and so many choices but nothing beats some chips from Lennoxs on a hungover Saturday or Sunday. I'd murder someone to get my hands on Lennoxs some days! Haha. It's the first place I am going when I get off the plane at Christmas, I know ya.. Relax Zita J!

Crisps and Chocolate: It's not as bad as chocolate in America but the chocolate here just isn't the same as home. Anyone living aboard can back me up on this. You even see it online when care packages are sent from Irish mammies to their loved ones, it usually contains all the good stuff like Dairy Milks, Freddo Bars, Curly Whirlys, Moro Bars, ugh I would love a Moro bar right now! Well ya, its all that good chocolate from Ireland that just doesn't tastes the same here. Crisps are another one or chips as I sometimes have to refer to them as. First of all they don't have cheese and onion, like why not? That's the best flavor. They do however have nice bacon ones and other unusual flavors, but nothing like good ole Tayto!

Driving: Staying away from food for a minute. I miss driving so much. I have been driving since I was 17 and it feels weird that I haven't driven in over a year. I walk everywhere, to work, to the shops or to friends apartments. The only time we don't walk is if its too hot or too cold. We get the streetcar, subway, uber or a taxi instead. I really miss having the freedom of getting into my car and going wherever I want.

Penneys: I am not even joking, I wish I appreciated Penneys more when I lived at home. Clothes can be expensive enough here, its not ridiculous or anything but when you are use to buying most of your clothes in Penneys it seems insane. H&M is probably the cheapest alternative you can get here but then you go up to pay, and you forget about TAX.. FUCKING TAX.. Every time! I miss just being able to go into Penneys and buy a cheap top for a night out or cheap shoes. I have been finding good bargains lately though because I either shop in the sales or go to this vintage shop where everything is $10 or less. Its not for everyone but you have to go in there with an open mind. When I come home at Christmas, I am bringing back an empty suitcase and buying all of Penneys! I have even contemplated going to Boston just so I can get my fix, I am sad, I know!

The last thing I miss is, people understanding me when I speak. The amount of times I have said, how are you getting on? and got a blank stare and a reply of " getting on?, " I'm not on anything!" or even when I use words/ phrases like, post, crisps, the press, rubbish, naggins, a rubber(yes this has caused an awkward office moment, I will forever call it an eraser now), tipex, a hoover, a jumper, being allergic. The list is endless. To be fair, most of my friends at home don't understand the phrases I come out with half the time.

I really do love it here but there are obviously things I miss. At times missing family and friends can be unbearable so missing things like food and clothes is easier sometimes. Appreciate all the good shit you have Ireland, you don't realise what you have until its gone. How dramatic I know, you'd swear it was serious the way I am going on. But seriously, next time you are in Penneys or standing in a queue for your chips or even having a cuppa with a Moro bar, think of this looper over here, who is so jealous of you right now! 

Talk soon xx

Zita J

P.s Will someone be so kind and vacuum pack a chips, cheese and garlic and send it over...Cheers!

Cottage Trip with The Parkers

Happy Monday,

Hope you had a great weekend. This day last week I was on the way back from a fantastic trip up north. I went with Parker and his parents who were over visiting us. So I thought I would fill you in on our trip.

We left on Saturday morning after picking up our rented car which we were pleasantly surprised with. We received a red Jeep Wrangler which we hadn't ordered but there was no complaining. After Parker got comfortable with driving an automatic on the other side of the car and on the other side of the road, we were on our way to our destination in no time. The drive was very pleasant all the way up. We decided not to take the highway and to go a more scenic route instead. We drove through cute little towns and even stopped in a trucker stop cafe for some food.

We arrived at our destination after about three hours driving and to say I was excited was an understatement. When I moved to Canada, all I wanted to see was the wilderness, to be surrounded by tress and lakes and this was everything if not more than I could of asked for.

Our whole experience was made even more incredible by the accommodation that we had for the two nights. We stayed in a two bedroom cottage in a resort named Safe Haven Cottage Resort I could not recommend it more.  The owners go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The cottages are so clean and the location is ideal. On the first night after enjoying a lovely BBQ courtesy of the Parker men, we joined the owners and other cottage guests around a camp fire where they were already roasting marshmallows. 

We quickly became friendly with the other guests who were of Indian origin. They played Indian music and got us all up dancing. It was so much fun. After the dancing we all sat around and shared stories, it was like something from a movie. I was just waiting for that part of the movie when the bear comes out of the woods and mauls everyone, but we were lucky!

After a wonderful night we woke up the next morning to explore Algonquin Park. We went on two walking trails and stopped a lot to take pictures. I'm not going to lie, there was one point I was a little scared. On one of the trails we saw a footprint (picture below) and then a few minutes later we heard growling. I wanted to leave but at that point we just had to keep on going. Safe to say I was glad when it was over.

The views from the top of the trails were worth it though and I am glad I carried on instead of being a scaredy cat. After our day exploring we arrived back to our cottage and took paddles boats out on the lake and watched the sun go down. All the water facilities are free when you rent the cottages which is incredible.

There was so many highlights of the whole weekend, seeing a moose feeding on the side of the road being one of them. We noticed cars pulled in on the highway so we slowed down and saw that there was a young moose feeding just a short distance from us. You don't mess with moose if you see one but we felt at a safe distance to get out and take some photos. We were very lucky to see one and I was delighted even if I compared it to "big donkey".

Overall, the trip was amazing and I got to tick off one of the locations on my travel wish list by going to Algonquin Park. The weather was perfect, the accommodation was exceptional and I finally got to see what I called "the real Canada, where there is bears and shit" haha.

I will definitely be visiting again...

Video to come in the coming weeks too of our trip on my Facebook page so keep on eye out for that.

Have a great week!

Talk soon xx

Zita J

Catching up...

Hey everyone,

I haven't wrote a post in ages, apologies. Since I wrote last I have had a lot going on and I found it hard to find the time to sit down and write. I am in awe of bloggers who can post content regularly. Editing pictures and posts is not easy, so hats off to people who can do it all the time.

I was meant to write a blog post about my trip to Las Vegas but it wasn't the right time. When I got back from Vegas I had to fly home to Ireland unexpectedly for three days. Instead I am going to fill you in now on the past month and show you a few pictures of the Las Vegas trip and my life in general in Toronto.

First off, I will let ye know how my Vegas trip went. It was myself, Parker and 2 friends that went on the trip. Seeing as it was a couples holiday, it wasn't going to be extremely wild, although we did joke that one of us could get married and I can confirm that we..... DID.... not get married ;-)

I have been to Vegas before but Parker had never been so I was excited for him to see it. I think it's such a cool place. Everyone is in good spirits partying and gambling and the sun is always shining. We stayed in the Flamingo Hotel and we got the renovated rooms which were lovely. We ate alot, like you do on holidays and we enjoyed the well needed heat after coming from the minus figures in Toronto. Over all it was an enjoyable holidays, we could of done with partying a little be harder but I must be getting sensible in my old age haha. Below are a few pictures. I also posted a video of the trip of my Facebook page a couple of weeks ago if you missed it.

The day after I returned to Toronto I received terrible news and flew home to Ireland. Although my visit was brief and not a happy one, I count myself extremely lucky that I was able to fly home so quickly and it made me realise that I am not so far away after all, On a good note, I did get to spend the time with my friends and family and of course I got some cuddles from my gorgeous(grown up) niece. I hope I get to go home at Christmas now under nicer circumstances and see everyone again.

When I first arrived back to Toronto it started to snow again and I thought it would never end. This weekend however it completely changed and I actually got burnt. A few of us decided to take a trip over to the islands which is a short 10 minute ferry ride away. We spent a lovely Sunday afternoon relaxing and getting some heat into our bones for a change. I couldn't get over how last Sunday I was eating ice cream while it was snowing (yes, my hands were freezing) and then this Sunday I got burnt. Lets hope it continues now for awhile. The city is a different place when its warmer. It's busy and everyone is happier. 

 

                               

Today is also Parker's birthday, another year older and not even slightly wiser;-) Looking forward to the weekend to celebrate Parker's and another friends birthday on Saturday. Should be a good one.

Happy Birthday to my better half, the housewife, the chef and my absolute rock.

Enjoy the celebrations you legend!

Talk soon friends  xx

Zita J

It's all about..My Sister

This has now become a new tradition, to write poems for Birthdays.Today is my sister Cathy's Birthday.This time last year was super exciting because she turned the big 30 and we threw her a surprise party and then the two of us headed to London for a few days. This year she gets to spend it in her new home, which for anyone who doesn't follow her blog Turquoise Flamingo , you must! You'll see how creative she is and how amazing her new home looks, which I wish I could see in real life.

Today I miss another family Birthday. I love Birthdays! I think they should always be celebrated and you should do something nice for yourself. So Cathy, I hope you put your feet up and get spoiled. Sorry I am missing it but I hope you like the small pressie I sent home. Thank you for being a fantastic big sister, for your advice and guidance. Thank you for showing me how through anything you can run a business and raise a fabulous child all at the same time. Hope you like my weird poem, that has been inspired by Mary had a Little Lamb.. I have no idea why.

Cathy had a little girl

and a vintage shop.

Cathy had it online too

so the dream would never stop.

Cathy asked for a girl,

She was told it was a boy.

But when the doctors got it wrong,

It filled her heart with joy.

So Cathy raised this little girl,

with the help of Mr Louis.

She put a tea towel on her face,

when the nappies were too gooey.

She gagged sometimes, then laughed a lot

at the cutie on the floor.

Then picked her up and kissed her lots,

and loved her even more.

You see Cathy is special

and very talented too.

She's creative and she's smart,

and could design a house for you.

Cathy knows that on this day,

it means eating cake and some sweets,

so they gathered around in their new home,

to enjoy the cake and treats.

But something was missing for Cathy today,

A person so fantastic and fun.

She's pretty and she's great 

and only 25 years young.

"Maybe next year" she thought, that Taylor Swift would turn up,

They would drink wine

 have some beer..what a plan!

I'm funny, I know but remember, 

you rock from your sister and number one fan!

Happy Birthday xx

Love you lots

Zita J

Niagara Tour

Happy Monday, hope you had a nice weekend. As some of you may know my Mum came to visit me on Thursday. It was all emotion as I surprised her in the airport. I told her I was working but instead myself and Parker traveled to surprise her. It was no shock that I got teary eyed as I saw her. On Friday I showed her around the city, mainly places to eat as that's all I seem to do here. On Saturday morning we did a bit of shopping before I headed to work, later that night she popped in and had some food and drinks where I work. Then yesterday we had a bright and early 8am start as we headed to Niagara Falls. We went with a company called Niagara Toronto Tours and I could not recommend it more.

The package we got was $99 each and it included:

• Pick up from our apartment at 8am.
• Driver/witty tour guide 
• First stop was wine tasting in a Niagara winery, yes I did drink wine at 9.30am but it was just after lunch time in Ireland so it was totally acceptable.
• Second stop was to the historical town of Niagara on the lake (where there are amazing bakeries may I add) and is so picturesque. 
• Third stop was to view the worlds largest natural whirlpool and rapids.
• Last but certainly not least the fourth stop was Niagara Falls.Which did not disappoint.
• Included in this package you also get the Hornblower Boat Cruise right up next to the falls.(Bring a raincoat, wellies, overalls and an UMBRELLA! Don't really, that would be weird but if you think a tiny poncho will keep you dry on this boat you are sadly mistaken. So much fun though, so its well worth getting soaked for.
• After 3 hours free time, where you can take as many pictures as you like, eat some average tourist food, gamble at the casinos or just enjoy the sunshine and mild temperatures, which was very surprising and very welcoming in Canada during November, you are then brought back to your apartment door, tired but very happy that you got up early that morning.

Overall, we had a really great day. The weather was amazing so we picked a prefect day to go and I got to see one of the seven wonders of the world with my Mum and boyfriend, what more could you want? Below are some pictures of our day. Hope you enjoy!

The last one is my favourtie picture that I took of the day. Now off to spend more time with my Mum, who just made a roast..I am very excited!

Talk soon xx

Zita J