the other side.

Have you ever questioned your intentions behind the decisions you make.
Have you ever wondered what influences or experiences helped to shape your ideas on life and the way you want to live it.
Now, have you ever taken responsibility for the power you have in creating the life you've always thought you wanted?

For me and my story, the past six months has been an incredible opportunity to test all of these things I once thought I knew so well. 

My decision to move to Tofino was motivated by many factors both conscious and subconscious I'm sure. One reason being my strong belief that I would live out my life in this surf town as all my problems would be dissolved by the distance I placed between where I was and where they were made. Naive? Maybe but it was a realization I needed to make. Both my problems and the answers I was seeking are no where else but right where I started. 

With moving to a small community at the end of the road- literally, I had to recreate myself totally. I held onto my authenticity, and held a blind belief that if I put forth a good effort, good things would start happening. Keep in mind- my first three weeks in Tofino did not reflect the beautiful paradise I thought would unfold for me. It was full of lots of awkward moments, party of one celebrations, hitting the streets-asking questions, hearing no. Although in retrospect the time frame changes the perspective in which I felt these things. At the time I didn't know how long things would be this way. I struggled with the idea that I was lonely not because of anything other then my own choices which lead me there. To be honest, I don't know when this feeling started to fade, 

but it did. 

As my expectations dissolved, good things seemed to start happening. With time, I found myself incredibly rich. Rich in good experiences and wonderful people. I became aware of the power held in one's intentions and the gift we give ourselves when we recognize our unique motivations. I embraced how things were unfolding in front of me. I found contentment in simplicity. I created an awareness towards all of the wonderful things that filled my life every day. 

I got hungry for opportunity, I had several jobs. I learned that old habits die hard. I worked and lived the summer away. I slowly came to realize that although this expereince was wonderful it was not sustainable. I decided to move back to Ontario.

The reasons I continue to write this blog are simple.
 I want to share my adventure, so you can start yours.

 If your fearful of the unknown and not sure if you can do it, those are valid thoughts, 

but  you can. 

I'm learning adventures can be found in every day. No matter where you are or what your circumstance.

 If you can learn to embrace them, you can truly live them. 

well i'll be.

Two months. 

It is incredible to begin to reflect on the time that has passed since I have been living in Tofino. It is even more incredible to realize the difficulty I have when trying to think back to when the feeling of transiency left and I was able to settle into a life, living in the present as much as possible.

I have really been loving the laid back, passionate flow at the Gardens. It's lovely to really respect who your working for and know them personally. I think that has been a key realization for me.. I need to know who I work for and believe and stand by their goals. I've been keeping up with the tutoring. The student is really making some great progress, which is terrific to be apart of. I have kind of backed into two other gigs which has been nice. I'm serving at a restaurant once a week, The Sea Shanty, or how I like to call it.. the job with the view. It has a 180 of windows and looks right over the ocean. Waitressing really doesn't really make my heart sing, but I'm really not looking for it too it's more just to have some extra funds to play with. 

A cool opportunity that has come my way was connecting with a member of the Bruhwieller family (a major surf family in Tofino). Catherine B, is opening up a paddleboard school right down the lane from where I live. I called her to chat about possible energy exchange opportunities for me to be able to use the board and she jumped on board right away! She is pretty rad and totally open to helping me get my instructor's qualifications, so that possibility is on the horizon! 

Something I've always wanted to learn, and have had many try to teach me, is crochet or knit. Bless those people who have put forth solid efforts in the past, as I know I was not an easy student. I decided upon exploring the local knits by the sea shop in town that I was going to take a class and hopefully through the structure and paying for the instruction I would put a stronger effort forward. I was stoked to see that I had been the only person to sign up for the class, giving me one-to-one attention (I must say much needed) The first project was making a toque/beanie, umm amazing!! I picked a nice grey wool and we got to work.. it took almost half the lesson for me to learn how to hook the yarn, but past that point it was really interesting and the teacher had all the patience in the world. By the end of the lesson, I was 'hooked' to say the least. The workshop was two parts, one lesson that night and another a week later. I was determined in the time between the lessons to finish my hat! Within a day I had finished a hat, too bad it wouldn't fit a new born. This situation turned into a great opportunity for me to learn how easy it is to undo your mistakes. I started from scratch pretty much determined to get it right. This time around I wound up making a pot holder, which is the result of making a hat too big.. I also ran out of yarn .. go figure. I once again undid the hat and started from the beginning. Sure enough third times the charm, I got it just right. Before finishing I added a couple rows of pink/purple yarn that kind of gave the hat a cool finish, wobbly and just right! My teacher was impressed! I have now moved on to making a neck cowl, or infinity scarf! I splurged and picked a really nice hand dyed blue. It's a bit of a longer project so stay tuned to hear how it turns out.. should be interesting! 

My crazy cousin Anne has encouraged me to join her in a 40 day challenge. Basically the premise is to make several promises to yourself to lead a healthier lifestyle and complete them everyday for 40... potentially make it a life long habit. Parts of my challenge have been easier then others. I've decided to honor my food allergies again and stay away from gluten and dairy. I have honestly not felt as good in such a long time. This one might stick. another promise was to attend beach boot camp twice a week at 6:30 am. This one has been by far one of the best. It sucks to wake up so early but by 7:30 we are done, energized and I already have a killer workout under my belt. I'm trying to wake up at 5:30 the other days and go surfing with the team but it hasn't happened yet... The first couple weeks were defiantly tough as I could barely get on my bicycle, I WAS SO SORE. It was pathetic, I had to lower my bike on the perfect angle and slide my leg across... I tried to ignore the stares from on-lookers. I have been pulling up my socks and trying to make it to yoga twice a week, were lucky enough to have it happen right on property. I have been faithfully washing my face twice a day. 

Yes, some of the things on my list are that simple and doable.

I found this great DIY toner that really does the trick: 

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Lemon juice

1 Cup Water

2/3 Cup Witch hazel (can purchase at any drug store)

Plastic bottle or jar

The witch hazel tightens your pores and reduces inflammation

Lemon Juice reduces blemishes and lightens skin

I do it both at night and in the morning and have really noticed my skin brighten! 

I am Ontario bound in a little over 2 weeks and I AM SO EXCITED. I cannot wait to see my family and celebrate my cousin's special day. They are both such amazing people in my life. I have decided to make the travel to the airport a mini-vacation in itself. I'm getting to Vancouver the night before my flight and staying in a hostel downtown! That way I can meet people and have a bit of a social night and have until 2:30 the next day to explore the city until my flight. It also helps to break up the journey. To get out of Tofino, the end of the road literally, I take a bus, ferry, bus, plane. As ridiculous as this may be, I'm hoping to visit the cupcake girls store... yes from the food channel. I think there hilarious and would love to meet them! haha

Something that has surprised me with my adventure in Tofino so far has been the sad amount of surfing I have been able to get out and do. Between work and school and crochet... can you say addicted? I've found it tough to get out there. But it is still a major love of my life and I refuse to let it continue another week. I will not take where I am for- granted. I am hoping after a test on Tuesday I'll be able to hit the water quite a bit and enjoy my surroundings!

It's amazing where life will take you if you only learn to let. Things seem to look after themselves in a way far superior of our own capabilities. 

"live a life of truth

come from a place of integrity

and you will never falter"

one month!

I cannot begin to describe to you all that has happened this past month. 

 but here is my best effort. 

To say the least, it has not been an easy transition. It was something I could never predict nor expected to encounter in moving to Tofino. So much so, I decided to stop blogging. I have a new found awareness towards my intentions in life- overwhelming? you better believe it. 

A short recap of what this past month has encompassed for me:

- fresh start

- awkward moments

- quit a job

- enjoyed the hostel life 

- read a thousand splendid suns

- got a new job

- moved into a cabin by the ocean

- whale watching

- face painted

- made some new friends

- ran a half marathon

- bought my first pair of lululemon pants

- had a wonderful visit with family in Vancouver

-  moved cabins (still close to the ocean) 

- wake & bake muffins in the wee hours of the morning

- sunset surf

- clam digging

- fresh seafood! 

- started school... again!

-  started my tutoring business, now tutoring twice a week! 

-  pancake breakfast 

- lots of ferry & bus rides

- biking

- falling asleep on the beach- achieved official beach bum status- WIN 

Needless to say, every single day I still think about my intentions and surroundings, wondering if I am where I'm meant to be. But at the end of the day, I resolve to live in the present and trust that the future will look after itself. I think my biggest struggle has come from living in the present. Definitely not something that comes so easy for me.

One of the main reasons I moved to Tofino was because I've always thought I am at my best when by the ocean. Something I was not so sure of was what else I needed in my life. I now know without a doubt, I need my family. Unlike living by the ocean, this is something I cannot compromise. Upon moving out here, my brother said to me, " I hope you find what your looking for," and although it has only been one month, the clarity I have obtained from this adventure already has surely changed me forever.

Everyday I wake up and realize once again, I live in a beautiful garden. I have a job I believe in and am proud of, and that I'm well on my way to slowing down enough to enjoy the simplicity that surrounds me.  For this I am so grateful and happy that I came. I can't imagine what awaits for me this summer, surely I hope loads of catch-able waves and good times with friends & what ever else comes my way, will be a lovely addition!

Home is where your heart is, although family is one-of-a-kind.

the end.

roller coaster livin'

As I am writing this, I sit in a hostel by a fire, surrounded by strangers and good energy. To begin to describe what led to this place, I will start by describing my day today. Upon waking up, I decided today was the day I quit the soul-draining job. Before work, I called the hostel in town and made a reservation in preparation for the big move. All day, I worked wondering when would be the time I talk to management and let them know my decision. For the first time today, I worked with someone that I really connected with. The difference between her & the others? She is a lifer, trying to make something permanent work for her here in Tofino. Needless to say, it was the best day yet. The day seemed to pass without much time to think about having the much-needed conversation with management... I have not really quit something before, so it would be fair to say that I was dealing with a great deal of nerves about the whole ordeal. After work, I realized my time was evaporating. I went to the managers apartment above my house, and had the conversation. Phew, it was over. In summary of the conversation, I just spoke about how I felt my heart wasn't in the job and she responded with her ever- positive mhmm, yep! no problem! It was crazy that this news seemed to not phase her. I'm thinking either it happens super often or she simply doesn't care about people who do not wish to be there. She asked when my last day would be and I told her I was done. To continue to train me at this point would be useless for everyone involved and I am sure my direct manager would feel the same way. I'm very ready to close this chapter in my adventure and move on to bigger and better things.

An important life lesson to note: 

Last night on my way out of town, I thought I treat myself to a cheap, but good dinner of fish and chips. I decided to stop at a restaurant just on the outskirts of town. Hoping that it would be a Tofino treasure.. Well, I can safely report that it's not and far from it. I ended up paying $16 for the worst meal I have ever had. To add some clarity to the situation: Today the cab driver, informed me that the place I went is pretty well a drug operation in disguise and that any drug you could possibly want can be found there. LIFE LESSON: if a place looks sketchy, it probably is. No community would disguise a gem as a dive. 

To celebrate tonight, I decided I would go out to sushi, at a restaurant the cab driver suggested. It was delicious, the tuna rolls were made of fresh BC tuna. Definitely worth the money, and a real tofino treasure. After dinner, I wandered over to a local hangout for an open mic night. It was so sweet to hear some live tunes and poetry. 

 I was able to talk to the gardens more today and they offered me an amazing job package. I am most definitly confident in my decision to commit to this opportunity. Things are looking good! 


I can only imagine what lies before me. It completely boggles my mind it has only been 4 days here in Tofino. A week in total. The best way to describe it has to be roller coaster livin' and I'm definitely learning to love it!

- most definitely channeling wonderlust in every possible way.

Nobody said it would be easy. I just think it has to be worth it.

These past few days have been filled with so many ups and downs  this experience is truly shaping up to be an amazing adventure. The 4-bedroom house I am staying at in Cox Bay, isn’t really what I thought it to be. I don’t know when it happened, but at some point I have grown out of the resort lifestyle. As shocking as it may be, no one I work with surfs. No one is really into health, and few can be distracted from anything else but where the next party is at. For the past little while, I have really been focusing on asking myself what truly makes me happy, and I’m finding little of that in this current place. I didn’t realize how much I disliked housekeeping until I did it again. The days are so long, and there has only been two of them. Last summer I was a housekeeper, but there was a certain magic to the environment that made it likeable, Strathcona will forever be the first and last housekeeping job I have. I realized that this job, in an ideal world, will last me through the nine months I have off. I had to get serious about finding one that fit my interests and unique sense of happiness better. After my first day of work, I rode my bicycle into town- without question my most sacred possession right now, a lifeline as you will. On my way into town, I stopped at the Botanical Gardens (where I had previously applied to work, and turned down an interview) I spoke with someone who told me to come back the next morning. The Gardens themselves are gorgeous, what a lovely piece of land. I kept peddling into town and started talking to some people about finding accommodation.  As I wondered up to one neat looking house, someone pulled in the driveway. A middle-aged woman jumped out of the truck and introduced herself as Joan, one of the tenants in the house. I asked her about housing in the area and she couldn’t offer much help, but after some discussion she gave me her business card and said perhaps she could help me out with employment, she is the assistant manager of the credit union- well I’ll be.  I took her card and was happily on my way, rein stilled by the goodness in human nature. I went to the COOP bulletin board and say an ad for tenants in a quiet, four- bedroom apartment by the ocean. I emailed the lady, thinking what did I have too loose. Later that night, I heard back and I’m hoping to go and see her accommodation as soon as possible.  $475 everything included, it will be interesting to see what it looks like for that price, but hey, beggers can’t be choosers. After grabbing a $4 slice of pizza (food is super expensive here) I wondered into the local pharmacy to ask some more questions about accommodations. The teller was super helpful and directed me to the Tofino Motel, which also operated as a large property manager for the area of Tofino. I was able to have a super good conversation with the lady there and left with a very promising feeling. I decided since it was getting dark, and I most likely had a 45 minute bike ride in front of me to get back to the resort that I would try and find a hostel bed to sleep in for the night. I lucked out and found one for $25 breakfast included. Later that night, I sat around a table with a couple from Ireland- the lady was also named Norah, a girl from Australia, and Nick, the man that owned the hostel, and had a fabulous conversation to top off the productive night. Later on though, when I was trying to get to sleep, the lady below me was quite a snorer, let me tell you, it got to the point where I had to put my ipod in and cough loudly to wake her up- I’m not kidding I think I heard a thank you applause from the other people sleeping in the room with us.  I woke up at 7 and had a waffle and was off anticipating a great meeting at the Gardens. My dear friend Mere, had wolfed there over the winter and had put in a good word for me, Thank you Mere! Upon arriving at the gardens, I got the chance to sit down with George and Harmony and discuss what the job looked like and chatted so they could get a good idea of who I was. Immediately upon walking into the gardens, you feel a certain sense of magic that doesn’t happen that often, I loved it. I eagerly answered their questions, and was even told of the possibility of living in the garden with harmony in a cabin. It all sounds exciting and like a much better situation then I am currently in. The position is majority front-desk with a side of housekeeping that I can handle. After chatting, they told me that they would make a decision within the day and get back to me. Well how excited was I when I got off work I had both a phone message and email, extending a job offer. The only thing that holds me back from totally embracing this opportunity is my worry about meeting people and creating a sweet social circle, as the gardens employs very little. But to be honest, my mind goes back to what I’ve said in an earlier post, life is really simple- surround yourself with people that make you happy and spend your time at something that challenges you and peaks your interest and I think the rest will look after itself. Needless to say, I took the job. Another way I was able to calm my nerves about meeting people was, upon talking with the motel, they told me about a two bedroom apartment that exists in the downtown of Tofino. There is already a girl living there but she is in need of someone to fill the other room. I think this might be a great opportunity to have the best of both worlds. I’ll live in town but work at the gardens, being only an 8 minute ride out; it is definitely doable. The only negative thing is that the apartment does not become available till May 15^th, but I am hoping the Gardens will allow me to stay in their hostel room until I am able to move into the apartment. In the past three days, I have been faced with so many choices and realizations; it’s hard to put it on paper. Three things I know for sure is: keep it simple- surf everyday, a happy life is lived by the ocean, by doing what you love, things come together in a way you could of never of imagined.

just the beginning.

It is safe to say, my adventure has most definitely started. After saying some sad goodbyes to some lovely people I was off. At 5:30 in the morning on Monday, I was dropped off at the Hamilton airport by my Mom & Dad. During my flight to Calgary, I met Jim, a welder from BRANTFORD Ontario. Such a small world! We had great conversation and the flight went by in the blink of an eye. Soon enough I was hugging Annie and Arlo in the Vancouver airport. It was so good to see them. I was able to quickly grab my knapsack, and bicycle and we were on our way. Anne did a wonderful job strapping the bike to the top of their Subaru and we were off to see their new house! We pulled up to a lovely house on a beautiful street. I was so happy when Annie announced this was theirs. It was amazing to see the gardens and the great amount of work that they had already put into it. Over the next couple days, many laughs were had, plays with Arlo, a spa night, stories read, errands run and yummy food made and best of all lots of time spent catching up with Anne, Ben, Arlo. As wonderful as my time had been with the Bresnahee’s it was coming to a close quite quickly, as I started my job at Cox Bay later on in the week. On Thursday Morning at 5:30, (do I sense an early morning trend here) I was off again. Ben & Anne helped me tie my bike back to the Subaru and we were off to the ferrie. I do not think I had truly processed how difficult it would be navigating myself onto a ferry with a gigantic bike box, huge, overfilled knapsack, smaller stuffed knapsack, & the biggest “purse” known to man kind. However, with the help of a very cute and helpful man, I was able to make the journey a little simpler. He was a paramedic from Nanaimo, that was working full time in Vancouver as a paramedic, as it is too difficult on the Island to find full-time work. I really appreciated his efforts to help me but even more-so the reminder of how powerful going out of your way for somebody can be- Definitely made my day so much better. Upon getting in the ferry terminal, I know had to juggle all the baggage on my own once again. To make things easier, I asked at the customer service desk if they would be able to watch my bag…. Upon going to retrieve my bag the strap had gotten stuck underneath the door. My bus was at the terminal and I had no time to waste. I urgently tried to pry the strap loose, with no luck. Finally, I decided the best option was to cut the strap-on my brand new birthday pack- and be on my way. I won’t bore you with the ridiculous details of how my heart broke etc. but continue to tell you that the bus ride was good. What made things easier was that Annie was able to find a bus that would drop me off at Cox Bay Information Center opposed to right in town. I was dropped off and promptly picked up by a co-worker and brought to the resort. She dropped me off right on sight, at a four bedroom accommodation. It has a beautiful fire place and nice rooms, well see if this place sticks with me. By the sounds of it, no one stays around this house for long. Right now, I have one roommate with two empty rooms. I travelled down to the water and finally took it all in. The ocean definitely has a way of putting me at peace. When I started this blog again, I made a promise to myself to be honest and write about everything- the good, the bad. The first couple days are always the hardest for me. I am pretty sure they could have a parade, party or bouncy castle (all good things) and I would still have the same experience. I remember Strathcona Park last year, I went to bed from a campfire the first night and so deeply regretted my decision to come there, and within three days I loved it. Right now, I’m just trying to remember that, and the awkward unknown feelings pass with time. The hardest challenge is learning/acknowledging this time and appreciating it. That is really what I’m trying to do. Take the positives and make the most of it. Walking by the ocean, really helped me remember that. On a super positive note- I called the bike company and the man was able to come to the resort and pick up my bike to put it together- WOOHOO! This means by tomorrow night, I will most likely have a bike to ride. This is a huge positive. I can’t wait to go to town and do some groceries, check out the house-renting market. I’m hoping something good will come my way.

So the adventure has begun. I can only imagine what tomorrow brings, but I’m stoked to see what it has in store for me.

"It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice" 

                                      -unknown 

a little bit of everything.

"In the midst of our lives, we must find the magic that makes our souls soar" 
                               - unknown. 

I simply cannot believe how fast time flies. This realization confirms the fact that nothing is forever and that all good things must come to an end. 

Today was my last day at Woodview, an alternative placement that I'm doing as part of my teaching program. It has been one of the best experiences of my life, and has definitely awakened my spirit in ways that not too much else has. I was working in a classroom setting counseling high school aged students- AMAZING. Combine this experience with a rad team of counselors & a fourth year Adolescence seminar class and you have most definitely sparked my interest instilling a motivation to continue my education towards pursuing my goal of obtaining my Masters of Social Work.

As for school, I have one formal exam left on the 12th and two take home exams to complete by that time as well. By this coming Thursday at 3, I will be officially completed my winter semester! The heaviest course load I have ever taken on.  WOOHOO

The COUNTDOWN is on! 10 days till the big move out west! I am weirdly calm and trying to remain as collected as possible as I finish up school and start to pack up my life. 

This past week, I was offered and accepted a job at Cox Bay Beach Resorts! Woohoo. This would be the resort that maintains the surf cam that I am quite religious to in checking/watching live shots nearly every day. It's another housekeeping position, but hey it's a start and a girls gotta start somewhere. In the whirlwind of excitement that accompanied finally accepting a job, it totally slipped past me that they wanted me to start work April 17th... I only get to Vancouver on the 16th... so not cool! I emailed back and negotiated a little bit of a later start date. Plus side full time work earlier then expected, down side- less time with my lovely cous and fam that I have missed SOOOOO much and a pipe dream vaca to Victoria squashed. 

I'm really trying to prepare myself for this move better then my last move to the Education Lodge, as I was most likely one of the most clueless towards what I had gotten myself into.. I didn't even bring a flashlight.. This time first thing in the to-be-packed pile is most definitely a flashlight.. 

Fun Purchase- When I asked my employer things that I should bring but probably wouldn't think of: she replied a good rain coat and gum boots, well ladies and gents I splurged and bought a really nice pair of rain boots. Celebrating surviving a heavy semester I suppose?  

And finally, I have to share a super cool cosmic occurrence that literally re-instills my faith in putting things out there in the universe. In an earlier post, I wrote about beach cruiser's and how cool I thought it would be to own one. While, my Uncle G was cleaning out his shed and stumbled across a bike that he had won in a sports tournament years ago. He asked my Dad, if he knew anyone who could make use of it.  Well it just so happens, this girl's dream came true.

the end of a wicked era.

In a process that seemed like forever, I am nearly  moved out of my apartment in Brantford. Definitely a bitter sweet feeling. I'm excited for the future adventures and freedom, but strangely enough, I'm finding it hard to get used to having all of my belongings in the same place. I have been so lucky to have great helpers- ma & pa; i honestly don't know what I would do without them. The Temple apartment will always have a warm place in my heart, I had two beautiful roomies and many good times shared. 

As one door closes another seems to burst open. I have had some more interviews out west, Cox Bay Beach Resorts being one of them. If I had to work in the resorts this would probably be my top pick. We'll see, I haven't heard anything yet. As it stands right now- I'm thinking once I get to Tofino, I will hopefully be able to find a cheap but lovely place to live in town (fingers crossed) and a job at a surf school. -This would be a big dream come true. 

I am trying my best not to leave things to the last minute, which in past trips- i most definitely have,  and plan out the rest of my time in Ontario.

16 days till I fly. 

woohooo!

 

march 13, 2012.

March 13th 2012...

 will forever be the day I remember as the day the Tofino tourism industry came out of hibernation. The Tuesday morning started out like any other, class-run-work. While I was at work I got a call from a resort located right on McKenzie Beach. While walking home from work, I got another surprise phone call from my top pick of the resorts Cox Bay. I had an on-the-spot interview and we left the conversation on a very positive note. Upon checking my email, I had three messages waiting for me from jobs that i had previously applied to. Most exciting of all, one email was a response from Raph Bruhiler. CONFESSION: I was walking in a parking lot, when I got this email and actually screamed out loud. The Bruhiler family was one of the founding families of the surf scene in Tofino. Their family house was on Chestermans Beach, and all grew up surfing. While visiting last year, I got the opportunity to visit the surf shop/school and meet Raph. I had emailed Raph a few days earlier to inquire about possible job opportunities. I would love the opportunity to work here, and if given an offer I would take it without question! Well see, keep your fingers crossed for me. At this point, I'm thinking of (depending on bruhilers) getting a full time job w/o living quarters and find that part outside of my work. I think it might be a neat adventure to move in with a bunch of strangers.. isn't there that corny but reassuring saying "there are no strangers, only friends you haven't met yet?" Well I'm hoping that's true. On another note, I got an interesting call Friday from the principal of the Tofino school that has agreed to proctor me. It's a go I think, so that's pretty exciting. I decided to celebrate all that happened on the 13th by looking into getting a bike in Tofino. I could get a used for around $99, but I was dreaming of a cruiser beach bike, kind of surreal. We'll see what comes my way.
 Little by little, my life in Tofino is coming together.
I know it won't be easy but it's time. 

what we see, depends manly on what we look for.

live in possibility.

“ Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.” 

           – Christian d. Larson 

One day I was window shopping with my ma when a card jumped out at me. It was simple yet spoke more to me then anything I had ever read. It was these words spoken by Larson. 

words to live by.

"The best day 

of your life

is the one on which

you decide

your life is

your own. 

No apologies or excuses. 

No one to 

lean on, rely on, 

or to blame.

The gift is yours-

it is an

amazing journey- 

and you alone

are responsible for

the quality of it.

This is the day

your life

really begins."

- Bob Moawad 

the end.

a one-way ticket west.

big gulp. sweaty palms. nervous pacing. 

-it's time to book my ticket west. 

It's a magical thing when something you've greatly anticipated comes to the point of actually happening. I have packed my up my belongings at my parents house as well as my apartment at school to the point of having bare essentials left for these last few weeks.  I have stayed committed to getting rid of a ton of stuff, garbage bags upon bags to the donation bin. That piece of clothing I loved but never wore- gone! The sentimental note from my high school days gone! knick knacks- how the heck do we wind up with so much- pretty well gone! And to be honest I'm feeling good about it all. This past summer taught me how little we need to live when it comes to material belongings and how happy we can become because of it. In packing up, I have made it a goal to greatly reduce my material possessions to things I use and can use as I take my steps forward.

In keeping up with Tofino progress- I have re-applied to a lot of places and was lucky enough to hear back from a place last week! Fingers crossed, I should have an interview in the coming days.. this place would enable me a full time job and a place to stay... solutions to very big unknowns of my Tofino dream right now...

Also a couple weeks ago, I found out about an educational society that exists on the rain-coast. They have 2 internship opportunities to tour school groups and tourists through the natural surroundings... this opportunity is extremely tempting and I'm thinking I'll apply when the job opens up.

The weekend of suicide first aid training went off with few hitches and we can now say there are 17 more individuals equipped and ready to talk about the issue of suicide! 

This week will be a blur no doubt, an exam and a big paper... perhaps giving me a bigger reason to have a big gulp. sweaty palms and nervous pacing but for some reason these things never have quite the same effect

 wonderlust

         - a desire to travel to understand ones very existence.

courage.

Here she is. My good ol' life list. 

Some would call me an idealist, perhaps even an optimist at times but w.e. I may be I'm trying to be a realist when it comes to making dreams come true.

This is the root of a lot of my adventures. They have all pretty much started with a seed planted by a pen on a wrinkled old' well traveled piece of paper. This single sheet, may be my most treasured possession as it captures what I truly want from life.

Not to be taken to seriously, there are things on the list like #28 host a lemonade stand, &  #30 throw the most bad ass party ever. I'm no mother theresa. I think one of my favorite aspects of putting these thoughts down on paper has been the conversations that have happened as a result with so many different people. Depending on the person, some have a mental list that they carry around with them, while others such as myself have a list or have the intent of making one one day. As cheesy as it may be, this list essentially is just for you. A wise person once told me, you must put things out into the universe in order to see life present them to you or at least provide you with the vehicle to get there. Although, living in Tofino is not exactly on the list, having the ability to surf every day is, and through completing other ideas  it has led me to this destination.

With only three weeks left of school, the anticipation is definitely building. I cannot wait to find out who I'll be working for this summer/where I'll be living. Ive been trying my best to put forth the effort in finding out these things but also giving away the worry behind having the control of them. 

The wind may blow me somewhere wonderful, if I only I learn to let it. 

where am I going?

This question has been a constant thought on my mind these days. Amongst this hectic time of finishing up my undergrad, this unknown seems to occupy my mind the majority of the time. I have dreamed of living in Tofino for three years, and I've finally decided it's time to make this a reality. If your dreams don't scare you there not big enough right? I have been applying to jobs everyday, and have wonderful people helping me find my way. This time although stressful has already taught me so much. 

Specifically three major realizations: 

1. build happiness on the foundation of your own character 

2. there are things in life out of your control, don't waste your time chasing this fact

3. surround yourself with wonderful things/people and your life will in-turn be wonderful- its just that simple. 

It seems everyday I apply to jobs, hoping something good will come my way. I have had a lot of promising applications, and I believe I've entered the waiting game, well see. As for my living situation, I have responded to some ads and put one out there myself in hopes of finding something. I am told your best bet in Tofino is to go out there and hit the pavement and good things will come your way. 

Good news tho! A couple weeks ago I sent out emails to the local school principals in Tofino and Uce, I got a response yesterday, with a principal volunteering to be my proctor! woohoo! one more thing to strike off the list! 

Something else to celebrate: an ASIST workshop (suicide prevention training) that I've been putting together for the better part of this school year is a go! woohoo! I'm so happy that there has been a passionate group of individual's emerge with interest in participating!

I will try my best to keep up this blog as things come my way... I think a couple people may remember the one hit wonder of my last travel blog... this one will hopefully have a longer lifespan! Fingers crossed. 

"The only difference between fear and excitement is your attitude about it."