The Sten and more

Happy Monday,

Hope your weekend was fun. Mine went so slow, I think it's because I am excited about going home TOMORROW. It was good to not do much this weekend. We needed to pack and get organised for our trip home. The last few weekends have been crazy. One of my best friends, Nicole came to visit last Thursday for 5 nights. We had some laugh. Saturday was probably the most fun. Five of us rented a car and went to Niagara, to be honest I wasn't overly thrilled about going to see it for the fourth time but I wanted to go with her. When I saw it again though it was still as amazing as the first time. We had only planned to stay in Niagara for a few hours and head back to Toronto but we decided instead to stay overnight.

As Niagara can be expensive to stay in we didn't want to be spending a fortune to be close to the falls. We drove around and picked a family room in a Motel. As you can imagine it wasn't the best. The bath tub was like something from the 80's (actually it probably was from then) and I only got about 2 hours  sleep thinking that Norman Bates was going to come in and murder us all. I read the reviews the next day and they were horrendous, glad I didn't read them before I went to bed. You know what though, it was all part of the experience. I have never laughed so much all weekend and It was amazing to see Niagara Falls lit up at night. Its a great place for a night out too and I definitely want to go back (Might book a hotel in advance though) haha. For once saying bye to my friend wasn't that hard, knowing I'll be home this week.

Besides Niagara, I wanted to share with you a few things I did for the long weekend we had two weeks ago. As some of you may have read on my last blog post, I was helping organise my two friends Sten(Joint Stag and Hen). We rented a cottage in Blue Mountain that slept about 20 people. There was 14 of us that headed up there. The cottage was everything we wanted and more. It was very clean,spacious, had a hot tub, a fire pit outside and was very close to the village. I loved the small details about the place and how the owner had everything labelled for us to help find things easily.

To make the weekend a little bit more special, I wanted to add a few Hen and Stag elements to it. I bought a few decoration in the dollar store like balloons etc. I wanted to make a banner for them but had to think of something that would work for both a hen and stag so I came up with this....

This was very easy to make, I drew the letters on white card stock, cut them out, made little holes on each letter and fed string through, super easy!

The next day after a night of drinking. I gave everyone hangover kits. I got the idea from pinterest. Inside I put, a barrys tea bag (I had loads from home), a plaster, a kit kat, a moist wipe, a mint and some alka seltzer. All essentials after a night of drinking. It was a bit of fun and I think everyone enjoyed it.

On Saturday we went to the village for the day and that night we did it all over again. I organised a game of Mr and Mrs, which was hilarious. I also bought photo booth props and set up my camera and tripod and got some great group pics.

On the Sunday, we were all a bit wrecked so it was a more chilled night around the fire pit having smores and some drinks. I bought lanterns so that we could all make a wish to the couple of the weekend, however the weather wouldn't cooperate with us and the wind wouldn't allow us to light them. I was gutted! Besides that, the whole weekend worked out great, all the little things I planned to make it special for them turned out well  and everyone enjoyed themselves. Now for the wedding in 3 months time...eeek!

Talk soon (very soon for my family and friends).

Zita J xx

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

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

Christmas in Toronto

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas,

It's not over just yet, there is still time to eat all the food you possibly can before you can feel guilty about it in January. So I'll fill you in on my Christmas. As some of you may know, I didn't go home to Ireland for Christmas. I'm not going to lie, it wasn't easy. For anyone who lives away from home, you will know the feeling of wanting to be at home at certain times either to see someone you love or even just to get your favourite takeaway. The two don't compare obviously but missing certain foods is a huge deal for people who live outside of Ireland.

There have been times I've felt homesick since I've been here (not as bad as I thought I'd be though) but Christmas time was particularly difficult. Seeing friends in pictures on nights out, watching how excited friends here were to return home for the celebrations, missing out on traditions like getting the tree with my mum, listening to a John Denver CD in my living room while dancing like a freak or just watching my nieces face light up as she opens her presents were all parts that I missed out on. 

All was not lost however as Christmas Day in Toronto was quite magical, full of lovely moments and some surprises. To make things special I played Santa this year and woke up at 3.30am on Christmas Eve night to put out stockings and some presents for Parker just like Santa would. It was nice to surprise him but he won when it came to surprises as he had been hiding presents that my mum gave him back in November for me. Naturally I was bawling and after I stopped I realised how blessed I was to have both of them in my life.

After exchanging presents, munching on some chocolate santas while The Grinch was on in the background, we begun preparing for the dinner. Parker and I cooked the turkey and ham, I also made a raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake and the other apartment made starters which was a gorgeous prawn pil pil and they also did all the vegetables, stuffing and potatoes.Overall it was a great success, so much effort was put in by all six of us left here and I was very proud of us all.

Skyping the family was the closest we got to being part of our families Christmas Day and although emotions were running high I enjoyed having a different Christmas with friends and someone I love. The weather has been very mild this winter and not at all what we expected, so excitement kicked in when it snowed on Monday night. It is still very mild for this time of year so I'll keep you posted when I start complaining about the snow and it being -20. 

Hope you all had a great Christmas surrounded by family and friends. Here is to a new year full of adventure.

Talk soon xx

Zita J

Christmas Week

It's Christmas Week everyone, yay!

My weekend was spent spending quality time with Parker as we celebrated being together five years. Christmas films, Christmas markets and staying in out of the cold.It was just what I needed.It's starting to get very chilly at the moment with a real feel of minus 9 but apparently it's above average for this time of year, so I'll count myself lucky for now I suppose.

I received two packages from home yesterday and I'm starting to get excited about this week even though I'm not going to be home. It's going to be different but the friends that have stayed and myself are getting into the spirit of things and having Christmas dinner together on Christmas Day and exchanging gifts so that should be nice.

To everyone back home, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Surround yourself with the ones you love and enjoy every minute of it.

Merry Christmas from Toronto

Talk soon xx

Zita J

'Tis The Season

Hey,

Welcome to Monday, don't worry it is nearly over. Hang in there. So this week I have started my proper shift at my new job. I am feeling positive about the whole thing and  I am getting use to my new role and this new experience that I face. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the Friday feeling around the office and knowing I had 2 days off to myself. Do you hear me? "Around the office", law de daw, still getting use to the fact I work in an office haha.

When I think about it though, all my previous jobs even since I was 17 have been jobs where I had to wear a uniform. Childcare required a uniform, my recent hostess job required a uniform and so on. Now I finally get to dress as I wish and feel like a fancy pants, its the little things that keep me happy as you can see. I know the privilege will probably wear off when on a Sunday night I have no clean or ironed shirts and I can't just wear a tracksuit pants into work, For now I am getting a thrill out of dressing up during the week.

So as I had the weekend to myself, the celebrations and countdown to Christmas have begun. On Friday, my friends and I attempted the 12 pubs of Christmas. We went to a new location where we knew there were a lot of bars but I am embarrassed to say we only did a pathetic 5 pubs (I am sorry Ireland for letting you down). In our defense however we started late enough and we weren't as familiar with the bars compared to our usual spots, we didn't know what to expect.

One bar in particular that we went in to, I quickly took off my flashing antlers as we realised it was a fancy Portuguese wine bar. We didn't stay long in that place as you can imagine. Overall a great night was spent with friends to celebrate our first Christmas in Toronto and a last night out with a few of them as they head home for Christmas, not jealous at all:-( I am going to try make the most of the Christmas celebrations here as its new and something different to other years. I know already I am going to find it difficult not being home for Christmas but then again spending it with someone I love and enjoying it with friends is also what its all about. Emotions are running high as we received our first care package from home courtesy of Parker's parents. It had some really special presents inside and of course, me being me..I cried when we opened it. Some things never change! Have a great week everyone;-)

Talk soon xx

Zita J 

I am thankful for...

Seeing as today is Thanksgiving in Canada, I said I would embrace the culture and write a post on what I am thankful for. Myself and Parker are not really celebrating Thanksgiving, in fact as I am typing this we are waiting on a pizza to be delivered. I have work in a few hours and I am working late so we are not embracing the whole Thanksgiving culture today. However I am going to be writing what I am grateful for right now...

My health: 

They say your health is your wealth, so although I am the allergy queen and always have sinus problems, asthma, colds etc. I am thankful that I can get up every morning and embrace each day. 

That I have a job:

Today is my first proper shift as a hostess. I am a little nervous as my training is over and I "go live" today. The job will take a bit of getting use to. Its not just as simple as sitting people to their table and I have found that I underestimated the importance of a hostess in a restaurant up until now. Like any new job it will take time to learn everything but with that said I am thankful I have a job. That I get to go to work and get paid so I can enjoy my time off, pay bills and keep living in our lovely apartment.

My Friends:

In previous posts such as, What I am leaving behind I have mentioned how I have the best friends in the world. Well that hasn't changed. The friends who I have left behind have still made me feel so special and I am thankful for them. Skype, Snapchat and whatsapp all help when I miss them. Just seeing one of them for even 5 minutes on a screen puts me in a good mood for the day and I instantly feel like they are not so far away anymore. So in one way I am also thankful for technology. Not only am I thankful for the friends I left behind but I am thankful for the ones I have here with me. Its kind of crazy that there is a group of us here and the numbers are still growing. While I know some of them over 10 years, some of them I am just getting to know. Going out every Friday night or staying in on a Saturday night to watch a dvd with them, makes missing home easier and I am proud of our little group for making the change to move here. I am thankful for them for making this adventure that bit easier.

My family:

I am thankful for my family. Their support both prior to moving and right now is incredible. They have put up with tears, worries but also they have listened to my embarrassing stories and laughed at me, just like families should. Like I mentioned with my friends, seeing them on screen really helps as I feel I am right there with them. its not easy when you want to crawl into the computer and be with them but that comes with the package. I am thankful for them and all they have done for me to get me where I am today.

My boyfriend:

Last but certainly not least is..Parker. I really don't know what I would do without him sometimes. He is what keeps me together. Without sounding too cheesy and getting mocked, he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Together 5 years in December and I love him just as much today as I ever have. He is a domestic god and keeps our apartment in tip top shape. He puts up with a lot from me and I am so thankful for him.

I am sure there is lots more I am thankful for but I won't bore you with pages and pages. Even though it might not be Thanksgiving everywhere. It is no harm to have a think about what you are thankful for today. We should take the time once and in awhile to realise what is good in our lives.

Have a great day everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!

Talk soon xx
Zita J

What I have learned so far

So they say you learn something new everyday, that means in these 3 short weeks I should of learned a good bit, well... I have. Some things I have learned are small, others things I have learned could change me and then there are things that I have learned that I could do with changing. However changing your ways or way of thinking can take time so this title, "What I have learned so far", might be a feature I do every once in awhile to keep you up to date on what I am learning while on my adventure.

The small things I have learned...

Before arriving to Canada, I had the preconception that EVERYTHING was going to be so expensive, that I wouldn't be able to buy any new clothes every again and that I would be living on beans and rice for the duration of my stay, however so far this is not the case. Now I am aware that once we start paying rent and bills etc that things will be a little tighter but there are lots of places where you can buy cheaper clothes, buy healthy fresh food at a good price and places to go that are not going to break the bank. Come back to me in a few months and it could be a different story but for now I am feeling positive about the cost of living.

Another small thing I have learned and for anyone thinking of travelling here and moving over. My hair straightener and hair curler do not work!! Now, my hair straightener is a GHD but about 7 years old so that's why it doesn't work but my hair curler is not that old at all. I will now have to live here with large wavy hair or buy some new appliances. I'll let ye know.

The things I have learned that could change me...

So I am learning a lot about Canadian culture, their way of living and thinking. Its only been three weeks but already I can't get over how polite people are. While some people can find a stranger randomly talking to them in a lift odd, or a shop assistant asking how they are today, annoying. To me, I think its more of what we need in the world. Although at times the smiling shop assistant may just be saying it to get commission or the waitress may be extremely  friendly to get more tips, if your having a bad day, someone just asking how you are can change how you feel for the rest of the day. The enthusiasm and energy that Canadians have excites me and I hope it rubs off on me to become a more positive person.

Something else I have learned from this city is that everyone walks extremely slow here. People could be on the way home from work, trying to catch the street car or subway yet they walk at such a slow pace. If people are in their way they wait and if you bump into them trying to pass them out, they apologise to you! I thought I was a patient person, especially as I work with children, you have to be but this is a whole new level of patience. I hope I become as easy going as they are.

The things I have learned that I could do with changing...

What I have learned that I could do with changing is a bit personal and to be honest I didn't just learn this. I have been this way for quite some time but since I have arrived here and I am out of my comfort zone it has become more prevalent and that is anxiety and fear. Although I can be quite a positive  person at times and try to give people good advice, try preach the philosophy of everything "happens for a reason" and "if its meant to be it will happen". Although all these ideologies are great in theory, in practice they don't always work for me, especially when fear or anxiety takes over. Talking about anxiety is a very personal  thing and lots of people don't understand it and to be honest each persons anxiety is different to the next persons, although they might suffer similar traits, no one can be in someone else's mind, however we can empathise, talk to each other and help each other out.  

For me since I have got here I have had anxiety towards getting the subway, for some reason the crowds all cramped into an under ground space, the heat and the rush makes me panicked. The bad news that is on the T.V of people getting shot, the scenes of car crashes and reports of hurricanes all makes me anxious. I have lots of fears like most people but the difference is, is that I sometimes let mine take over. Having got a few panic attacks before (which for anyone lucky enough not to experience, it is the most unpleasant feeling you will every encounter) I have vowed never to let my mind take it this far again. I have learned a skill that I am aware when one is coming and and  I just breath and don't talk for awhile (Which is hard for me). Anyone who suffers from panic attacks have their own ways of dealing with it, for me its breathing. Also going to the gym has been my savior but because I have been so busy lately and not settled yet I haven't gone. I know when I get into a routine and go more often that my mind will work better too. Anxiety comes in different forms, is different for each person and is more common now than ever. Talking about it helps, I am lucky to have a fantastic boyfriend to support me, a great family and a wonderful group of friends. You may judge me for sharing this or you may not, either way I am happy to share with you a part of me you might not be aware of. I am still a smiling, happy, friendly and caring person just dealing with this fast paced life. I am not going to change who I am, but I hope to change the way I think about things. Life is about living so I plan on making the most of this opportunity and learning more everyday!

Talk soon xx

Zita J

The Story So Far...

Greetings from Toronto,

Sorry I am only getting a chance to write my blog post now but as you can imagine, I have been very busy. I only bought a laptop yesterday so its all systems go from now on. So... As you can see I have arrived safe and sound in Toronto and if I could describe in one word what I think so far it would be... AMAZING!

We arrived on Monday after a very doable six and a half hour flight. We flew with Aer Lingus and I could not sing their praises enough. One flight attendant started talking to us and we told her that we were moving over to Canada to live, a few minutes later she arrived back to our seats with two bottles of Prosecco to celebrate our big move.

After landing, going through security and getting our visas sorted, we got a taxi into Toronto to meet our friends who we are staying with. They met us outside their apartment block and brought us up to their apartment on the 15th floor, I am really going to have to get use to heights in this place because all the buildings are huge. Anyway after settling in a bit, some more friends called over to see us and we went downstairs to a communal area and had a BBQ and a few drinks. Surrounded by high-rise buildings in lovely warm weather, with friends around us was a great way to start our adventure.

The rest of of week was spent eating some amazing food, shopping for bits and pieces, playing basketball, watching softball and getting lost in this fascinating city. So far I am absolutely loving it! The people are so friendly and helpful, the weather is in the high twenties everyday and they have some cool shops for example Bulk Barn you can buy every type of food imaginable in there from spices to sweets, to peanut butter and soups, all you do is put what you want in bags or containers and they weigh it. So simple yet so great!

Next week will be spent viewing apartments and getting to know the city even more but for now its so far so good. I will leave you with the story so far...

Have a nice weekend:-)

Talk soon xx

Zita J