Still Water Spa

"sunlight streaming through the glass atrium or revert to tranquility of body and mind in spacious wet and relaxation areas and private suites"
I'm not really sure what that means...but Still Water Spa is simply perfect. The services were unbelievable, the ambiance was beautiful, and even the water was delicious. I'm completely rejuvenated and refreshed; not to mention, my skin is baby soft and my hair smells like roses.

Update: My (deadly) To Do List:

Behold, my mighty to-do list! Okay so, it may not be 100% complete...or, it's no where near to being complete (depends on your definition of "complete" I guess); however, I've definitely made some notable progress. Thus, my 'notes'!

1. Get a haircut - note, your appointment is tomorrow at 3pm :)
   
2. Finalize academic courses aka fix your half-ass timetable - note, fuck this
   
3. Call Rogers Wireless to figure out a new plan...and perhaps bargain to reduce last month's $1 700 phone bill - note, do not prolong this any longer
   
4. Drop off (and pick up) massive pile of dry cleaning - note, just pick it up!
   
5. Reload your Starbucks card (Really? This needs to be on the list? Be serious Jess)
6. Take your best-friend's advice about you know what (remember: self-inflicted punishment!)
7. Pay off the following: VISA, club membership, and brother (for loosing a stupid bet...that little shit! - note, I failed to pay my brother...he forgot about the bet and I forgot to remind him
   
8. Refrain from over-obsessive (also known as OCD) daily horoscope reading, in order to suppress further "omg-so-true-well then I shouldn't to that" attitude. However, continue daily readings post August 31. - note, I failed miserably at this
   
9. Buy cute sports jacket from LuLu Lemon immediately - note, purchase this Sunday
   
10. Buy shirt from Club Monaco (the one you consistently dream about) immediately - note, purchase this Sunday
    
11. Stock up on back-to-school house supplies i.e. cleaning stuff (make a separate and detailed list)
    
12. Work out everyday, normal intensity, as per usual
13. Complete "summer chapter" of scrapbook (yes, I scrapbook. Super cute, I know) - note, realistically..this may have to be delayed.
    
14. Re-visit the piano and complete that "un-finished & un-titled song" - note, realistically..this is not happening.
    
15. Attend your Sunday, August 31 Spa appointment :D !!! - note, so excited!

Sake

Sake, pronounced as sa.ke, is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice. In Japan, sake is served cold or hot, depending on the preference of the drinker, the quality of the sake, and the season. Sake is one of the few alcoholic beverages that is regularly consumed hot. Typically, hot sake is consumed in winter and cold sake is consumed in summer.
- Wikipedia (the free and oh-so-popular online encyclopedia)

So, Sake. So delicious! My good friend just returned home from Singapore and brought back a big bottle of Japanese sake. Yum. We plan to crack it open this weekend, aka tomorrow night. And screw the "typical" sake-is-consumed-in-winter detail, hot sake is good all year round. It should be an appropriately messy start to the weekend - can't wait :)

my hanging-by-a-thread-budget

FUCK IT

I'm buying something tomorrow...

End of story.

Nature Walk in the City

This morning I went on a little nature walk. Well...okay, so my nature walk was still in the city, lacked animals and bugs; not to mention, I could still hear the rushing Yonge Street traffic. But whatever. It was nature(ish) enough for me. Who really wants the bugs and animals (expect for the cute bunnies) anyway? Exactly, completely unnecessary. Big city life all the way, please and thanks!

Usually I never walk or run without my iPod but this morning, I left it behind (I did however bring my cellphone but that's besides the point). Sometimes it's nice to just walk, especially if you have a bunch of "thought junk" to sort out (Side note: thought junk is all your random worries, contemplations, doubts, excitment, etc. bundled up into one great ball of junk thus, thought junk!).

I left my house at 10:15AM and just started walking, in no particular direction and with no designated route. I Just walked; to the wind, birds, traffic, and pace of my very own thoughts. It was exactly what I needed.

Revisiting "Something Brilliant" - Take II

Arg take II!? Really? Shitty. I need some sort of intervention. Just like that show Intervention; except, I need someone to intervene my bad day slash mood...unlike the crazy-cracked-druggies on the show who actually need intervention, badly. Hmmm too bad retail therapy is out of the question. Or is shopping justified in this oh-woe-is-me circumstance? Maybe I'll see how I feel tomorrow (smiling deviously).

Anyway, what is wrong you ask? Frankly, it's a whirl-wind combination of things. Simply, just one of those "blah-days"; but I'll spare you the details. I don't want to (or like to) complain, let alone bore you to death (my other half certainly gets an ear full but, she loves me so I get away with it :). Thus, I'm listening to Sia "Some people have real problems". I thought it was fitting lol.

Alas, despite my suppressing efforts (usually I'm a good suppresser), my mood got the best of me.

My Trainer Noticed:
Trainer: "Jess, you okay lady?"
Me: "Kinda...not really"
Trainer: "What did you eat for breakfast and lunch?"
Trainer: "Are you drinking lots of water?"
Trainer: "Did you mix your vitamins with coffee?"
Trainer: "Are you pmsing?"
Trainer: "When was the last time you had blood work done?"
Trainer: "Everything okay emotionally?"
(She literally drilled me with questions like bam..bam..bam!)
Me: (blood work, like wtf?) "Umm...ah...Ate fine. Yes. No. No. I dunno. I guess"

My Dad Noticed:
Dad: "What's up with you?"
Me: "Ugh. Nothing!"
Dad (immitating tone): "Uugghh! Nnootthhiinngg!"
Me: "Shut up"
Dad: "Ooo, somebody's grumpy! And her name is Jessica!"
Me: "Good one Dad"

Even My Regular Starbucks Barista Noticed:
Me: One decaf-grande-skinny-vanilla-latte please
Regular Barista (I think her name is Jill): "Will that be all today?!"
Me: "Yup"
Regular Barista: "Aw are you tired? Late night?"
Me: "Nope"

The Intervention:
- extra long workout (check)
- Starbucks (check)
- Skype chat with my other half (check)
- chilling out to both good music and a book (check and still in progress)
Mood Status:
meh...better, definitely better.

Hangover Status

Good news, I am 90% recovered! So much that I managed to do the following:
- work out
- shower
- cook dinner
- bake cookies (PS they are fucking excellent)
- watch the Olympics aka veg. out in front of the TV (woman's relay was unreal!)
- check my email, facebook, twitter, blog, etc etc.. (but, duh)


...and that's about it. Pretty impressive though, don't ya think? Ooh plus, I finally made my much-needed "To Do" List. So impressive.

My To Do List:

Dear Jess,
All items on this list must be complete prior to August 31, which is exactly 8 days from now. If you so fail to meet this deadline, self-punishment will be inflicted! Punishment TBA.
Sincerely,
Jess

THE LIST

1. Get a haircut
2. Finalize academic courses aka fix your half-ass timetable
3. Call Rogers Wireless to figure out a new plan...and perhaps bargain to reduce last month's $1 700 phone bill
4. Drop off (and pick up) massive pile of dry cleaning
5. Reload your Starbucks card (Really? This needs to be on the list? Be serious Jess)
6. Take your best-friend's advice about you know what (remember: self-inflicted punishment!)
7. Pay off the following: VISA, club membership, and brother (for loosing a stupid bet...that little shit!)
   
8. Refrain from over-obsessive (also known as OCD) daily horoscope reading, in order to suppress further "omg-so-true-well then I shouldn't to that" attitude. However, continue daily readings post August 31.
9. Buy cute sports jacket from LuLu Lemon immediately
   
10. Buy shirt from Club Monaco (the one you consistently dream about) immediately
    
11. Stock up on back-to-school house supplies i.e. cleaning stuff (make a separate and detailed list)
    
12. High-intense cardio for the next 8 days Work out everyday, normal intensity, as per usual
13. Complete "summer chapter" of scrapbook (yes, I scrapbook. Super cute, I know)
14. Re-visit the piano and complete that "un-finished & un-titled song"
15. Attend your Sunday, August 31 Spa appointment :D !!! (holly Jesus, I just thought of a potential self-inflicted punishment. Giving away my Spa appointment! Mmm nah you're right, much too harsh!)
    

Reminder: must complete list prior to August 31 (exactly 8 days)
Punishment: TBA...any suggestions?

Hungover

Ugh, I'm hungover. Someone please save me.


That is all.

Horoscope

My Horoscope of the Day:
There could be a few surprises around the house today. Just try to remain flexible when it comes to dealing with any issues on the home front right now. If you don't, you might end up encountering a few challenges. This could be the kind of day when you feel the need for a certain degree of solitude. And you might be inclined to want to keep your feelings a bit hidden from others at this time.

But, I hate surprises! I don't want to remain "flexible"! And challenges...what sorts of challenges?! Horoscope, next time please be more specific!

Short-Shorts @ Starbucks

Chilling on a Starbucks patio - obviously - enjoying my skinny-vanilla-latte (sweet Jesus, so good)...an old friend of mine came to join me :)

She is wearing short-shorts. Like, hello-bum-short-shorts. She claims they are "still in". I vote, out. Partially because she is saying "No they aren't that short Jess! And yes, they are in!". She is cute. Too cute.

Friend: "They are high-wasted short-shorts so that's like, different!"
Me: "Whatever...whatever"
Friend: "Don't you dare write what I am saying in your blog"
Me: "Don't worry...I'm uh, not"

LOL moment

Scenario: Driving to the gym with my Dad (he is driving). At a four-way, stop-sign intersection, a young woman slightly rolls her stop sign - aka taking my Dad's "right of way".
Dad: "Ever heard of a stop-sign, bitch?"
Me: LOL

Useful Dating Tool: Excel?

If you are thinking, uh excel...as in the spreadsheet? Well then, yes, you would be correct! A good ol' spreadsheet as a useful dating tool. Seriously though, think about it. What a better way to organize, tally, rate, and score all the men you date? MEN versus QUALITIES! (it sounds like a sketchy reality TV show). All of their qualities defined and organized onto your very own pocket-sized spreadsheet! Intriguing, is it not? Maybe...just a little? Or is it downright questionable crazy?

Well don't worry, I have yet to fill out any spreadsheets (unless it's for my hanging-by-a-thread-budget). Besides, I for one think it's downright crazy. Actually funnily enough, I applaud my mother-dearest for this genius interesting borderline pathetic idea. Yes, my married mother suggested excel as the solution for her secretary's troubled love life.

*Some background info* My mom's secretary currently has three (that I know of) men on her plate. Bachelor #1 has been around for a while. He proposed to her, she declined, and now she is 'confused' and 'doubting' her hasty decision. Bachelor #2 she met online and they recently had a romantic weekend get-a-way. She is head over heels for him; however, Bachelor #1 still lingers on her mind. Sadly, I don't know anything about Bachelor #3 although I am sure he is adding to her frustration.

Anyway, in their heated discussion (yes, I was eavesdropping) regarding her tangled 'love' confusion (Quote: "I don't know what to do. Sigh. I feel so confused. Sigh"), my mom brilliantly proposed to "make a spreadsheet!!!" as if it's the best and most obvious solution ever!

Ha. Literally, haha; I definitely thought my mom was making a bad joke (which she often does, believe me!). But nope, it somehow appeared as the best and most obvious solution to my mom's secretary as well! She is currently drafting up an excel spreadsheet - MEN versus QUALITIES. Oh goodness.

I mean, who knows. Maybe - just maybe - she will marry Mr. Right and live happily ever after, due to a fucking excel spreadsheet, and then appear on Ophra to share her heart-warming story. BUT until that day, I'm still laughing..and crossing my fingers, for my mother's secretary's sake. And sanity.

THIS JUST IN

So a famous person just walked into the Starbucks - Derek Jeter

For those who may not know (because uh, it took me a sec. to realize) he is a really famous NY Yankees baseball player. One of the biggest. Here is a close up:

Cool, right? Ya, I thought so. It's a sure good thing I left Aroma! LOL

Aroma Day II - Continuation

Hey, I'm back. I've missed you.

Anyway so Aroma is...oh wait, I'm now at the Starbucks across the street. It was my only escape from the attack-of-the-soccer-moms. Besides, I was craving my skinny-vanilla-latte. It's funny because there is a sign hanging on the door, directly in front of me reading "Thank you for choosing Starbucks". You're so welcome. My pleasure. Anytime! And I'm still stealing Aroma's internet signal muahaha - so sweet.

It's a beautiful August day here in downtown Toronto. Everyone is outside and enjoying the sunshine (clearly, no one has day jobs?). But I suppose it's wise to soak up every last ray of sunshine, since summer is indeed almost over. I can't believe it's already August 21! Where has the time gone? What have I done with my life? 13.5 more days till I venture back to school (joy oh joy). I'm really looking forward to the long-never ending-kill-myself hours at the library. Hopefully my blog won't distract me in any way, shape, or form. Oh hell, who am I kidding...of course it will distract me. I will be at the library 24/7 appearing all "studious" when really, I'll be blogging about anything but studying. Brilliant! Can't wait :) I know you're excited as well.

Glancing over at the Aroma patio...Starbucks is definitely better. Glad I made the switch.

Aroma Day II

I'm back @ Aroma Espresso Bar aka the cozy and very-Jewish corner cafe. I'm parked outside on the patio, which is really quite nice; however, I may have to switch to a different table immediately...a pack of desperate house wives just cultivated directly behind me. Oh great, they just asked me to save their table while they go order a "salad" and "cappuccino". One of the ladies was even bold enough to touch my purse and say "can you put this on our table, to like, save it?"...uh like, don't touch my shit?! Besides the patio isn't even that busy, I doubt someone will swoop in and steal 'their' particular table. There are plenty of tables. Relax!
...too be continued. I need food.

Surprise!!!

I really don't like surprises...okay, well maybe minus any cute and unexpected romance on valentines day; but even then, knowing ahead of time that it's "valentines day" allows you to prepare for the potentiality unexpected. Besides, a one-on-one surprise with someone you care about is very different from a bunch of people jumping out and "Surprise!"ing you.

Last night I went to a surprise party for a friend's birthday. Her bubbly and extremely organized mom organized it. My friend allegedly had no idea; although, I beg to differ. Don't the majority of surprise parties get ruined weeks before anyway? Regardless, my friend's adorably priceless face was well the worth it. I jumped out from under her kitchen table. Genius hiding place, I know :)

But I still don't like surprise parties...at least, for myself.

...to shop or not to shop

As you may already know, I love to shop. No, I live to shop. But lately, I am unable not allowed to shop. Literally, not allowed. Until further notice, shopping is boycotted from my life. Yup, my budget is certainly in full effect. I still blame Rogers Wireless (aka Ha-Ha-You're-Now-Broke-Wireless), my San Francisco trip, and Starbucks (mmm but I love you).

Anyway, today was a bad day. It was the most torturous test for my hanging-by-a-tread budget. The test: I had to venture to Club Monaco (which is one of my favorite stores). Yes, had to. I honestly had no other option. I was essentially forced. Bullied! My CM aviator sunglasses broke so thus, I had to replace them. Immediately. Adding to my already painful suppressed-shopping-syndrome, the Club Monaco is located smack in the middle of my favorite shopping district...not to mention, pre-seasonal fall items are in. Could it get any worse? Why, yes you-poor-unfortunate-soul-budget-girl (ya, that's me) it can. And it did.

So..I get to CM and thankfully replace my sunglasses (and scored the last pair, yippie!) but while on my way out (as I breathe in and out, not daring to look back) the peppy sales clerk says to me

"Oh by the way, September 1-12 we are having a fall film festival special! And also, did you check out the downstairs? We have tons of hot new discounted items!"

Although she was very nice, I wanted to wring her neck and say scream "I AM ON A VERY TIGHT BUDGET HERE LADY!" but instead (sigh) her cute chubby cheeks got the best of me and I...I..went...downstairs to check out the tons of hot new discounted items! Ah! I know, shame! Shame on me! Luckily (and I mean, LUCKILY) this shirt that I really like, dream about must have to complete my life, was all out of my size. Few! Close call though. The budget gods must be on my side (thanks guys, I owe ya one).

I can't wait for the day that my hanging-by-a-tread-budget is over. I think I'll celebrate by shopping (don't roll your eyes!). It will be a self token of my self appreciation, as in "congratulations Jess, you did it!". Legit. Right?

Revisiting "Something Brilliant"

Wow...I really need to take my own advice, starting now. And I quote myself "so if you are having "one of those days" - take it, twist it, and mold it into something brilliant...you truly have the inner-power to make it happen, more so than you may think". The principles of "one of those days" and "writer's block" certainly go hand-in-hand. Take. Twist. Mold. Into something brilliant.

Currently sitting in my local Starbucks, I'm suddenly grinning from ear to ear. Not even kidding, my favorite song just came on! I feel so...inspired! lol! But, uh, literally. See I told you, the littlest and most unexpected things.

And, I write :)

Writer's Block

So...writer's block...how you doing. Please go away, you are terrible. You are the absolute worst. Congratulations on frustrating the hell out of me (insert sarcastic applause here). According to a Google search (I honestly do 5-12 a day, how many do you do? Seriously, think about it!) writer's block is a phenomenon involving temporary loss of ability to begin or continue writing, usually due to lack of inspiration or creativity. Oh good, according to the definition it is "temporary". Thank god, because I can't afford for a "loss of ability to begin or continue writing" to last much longer. I need to write, and I need to write now!

So deconstructing my writer's block - thanks to this rather-wordy-definition - I'm not exactly experiencing a complete lack of inspiration. After all, it's the little and unexpected things that tend to both inspire and trigger ounces of my creativity. And I certainly don't feel totally and utterly uninspired. I think it may just be my state of mind; because right now, it is definitely 'content', 'okay', and at times borderline 'blah'. Yup, it's a case (that we all know and love) of the "blah".

Not that there is anything particularly wrong with a state of contentment. In fact, it's an okay change to wade in the lazy river as opposed to throwing up after multiple roller coasters (FYI: it's a figure of speech). Continuing with this analogy, you can only ride the lazy river once - twice at best. So in other words, the lazy river aka my state of drowning contentment is boring and essentially lacks creativity thus, my writer's block.

Sex & Cuddling 101

Chatting away (via Skype) with my best friend about life, guys, and everything in between we stumbled upon the topic of sex versus cuddling. In our brief yet heated discussion, we both concluded (without a doubt, and or hesitation): all girls like cuddling. Okay so maybe I don't have scientific-hardcore-factual-proof that "all girls like cuddling"; but realistically, it's a fair assumption. Our second conclusion (which may be a tad harsh yet accurate nonetheless): guys who do not cuddle what-so-ever are best described as jerks.

Intrigued, I did some "sex versus cuddling" research. And here is what I found. According to an article on the "Intimacy Index" conducted by the Berman Center for Women's Health, cuddling may be better than intercourse (uh, really?) in terms of relationship satisfaction (oh, okay. few.)

The survey says that couples who smooch slash cuddle regularly and spontaneously are "uber-connected". They're also way less stressed than partners who bypass the cuddle department and sprint straight to the main event aka sex. Ah ha! So there you have it, cuddling is both necessary and beneficial. Note to self: cuddling is the ticket to a perfect relationship. Note to self #2: perfect my cuddling tactics asap.

A final note on "Cuddling" perhaps for the more...uh, challenged folk.

Enhancing your (already exisiting) Networking Abilities

Profiting in an Era of Social Networking

Consider This:

• More than 57% of online video viewers share links to the videos they find with others
• In 2007, YouTube consumed as much bandwidth as the entire internet in 2000
• Almost 70% of journalists read blogs regularly, while 20% say they spend over one hour per day reading blogs

The 7 Driving Forces Shaping Media:
Some Food for Thought

1. Increasing Media Consumption
   
We are media animals. With greater access to media and content, we are discovering that our appetite for both information and entertainment is virtually insatiable. It is now possible for media overlapping, i.e. music, television, internet can happen simultaneously.
2. Fragmentation

   Audiences are constantly being divided into smaller and smaller segments. For example, there are various niches of people who consistently watch certain TV channels.
3. Participation

   Media participation across blogs, photos, videos, social networks, and more is at its peek. Users - like you and me - are wanting, willing, and essentially feeling the need to participate.
   
4. Personalization

   Media is blatantly becoming more personalized. Users’ expectations for control over their media is increasing. It is obvious, users like and want to be heard. By listening, responding, and sharing - an online experience is created. 

5. New Revenue Models

   The current trend is moving away from subscription and towards ad-supported business models, the way that advertising is sold is dramatically changing. 

6. Generational Change

   Media channels will be increasingly age-segmented. With this, advertisers will implement new media outlets in order to reflect age profiles of audiences. 

7. Increasing Bandwidth
   
In particular, mobile bandwidth is soaring. With the pairings of devices and applications - i.e. the iPhone and Twitter - the online experience is more immediate. Future media will continue to grow this way.

Strategy Tools to Consider and Encompass
All five elements, do in fact, work together. These elements can apply to virtually all social networking and basic business strategic planning. So think big!

1. Standards

   Think both quality and quality for your content. It is up to you to set your own standards for what is being delivered.

2. Relationships
   
Set goals for making and sustaining online relationships. Don’t hesitate to add friends, especially ones with similar interests. It’s like kindergarten on show and tell day all over again. Seriously, show and tell with others!

3. Connectivity

   The better connected we are, the better. 

4. Interfaces

   Many different interfaces are available for us to use, we must strive to learn how they work in order to keep up with the ever expanding online community. 

5. Content
   
Content is the commodity. Rich and interesting content will draw readers in so that they explore your profile, add you as a friend, and continue to come back for more. Posts, blogs, and general commentary should have personality yet should sustain a clear purpose.

Don't ya love it when I get all "businessy"? Psh, like that was anything. You should see me when I'm wearing my power suit-high heel-red lipstick combo. In the words of Christian (ode to Project Runway) it's fierce. Simply, fierce. With that, if you are a rising-social-media-addict slash I-could-do-this-for-a-living-buff (such as myself) then get out there! The tools are avaible and ever accessible, you just have to learn how to use them :)

Something Brilliant

I hate those days when nothing seems quite right. When that great ball "of change" is rolling yet you can't quite see the "bigger picture" of it all. A day when nothing in particular happens (or maybe something does, but you are unable to pinpoint it) but it's just...one of those days. You sigh, contemplate, and sigh some more. And to add to an already troubled mind or heart, all the little things seem to be against you as well; i.e. you miss the bus by half-a-second, it pours yet you have no umbrella, you get a lousy parking ticket, and your Starbucks coffee is cold. In short, it's just... a bad fucking day.

Well as you know, bad days shit happens. And the older you get, the more you realize that on such days, it's truly up to you to shake it off, turn it around, and make it brilliant. I've certainly come to realize this. Fortunately, I am blessed with an amazing support system of both friends and family (particularly of my friends who know me inside and out); but at the end of the day, I gotta make it happen. You. Gotta. Make. It. Happen.

Here are some ways to help "make it happen" or simply, ways to counter a bad day. Either way, in my opinion, they are helpful remedies :) Mmm, remedies.

1. Go for long walks. Perhaps to a near by Starbucks or candy shop
   
2. Indulge in a hot bath shower. I'm a shower person, but maybe you're a bath person?
3. Continue the indulgence with your favorite snack junk food.
   
4. Question your assumptions. Seriously, question them!
   
5. Be kind to yourself. Don't dwell and say "well if I did this then maybe this wouldn't have happened" Um, no. It happened. And it's okay, it probably happened for the best.
   
6. Count your blessings. As a reminder that it's not all that bad.
7. Write, sing, run, cook, paint...something...anything...just get up and get active! If your body feels good, eventually, so will your mind.
8. Confront it. Ah, yes I know, confrontation can be a scary thing but once you do, blissful relief.
   

So if you are having "one of those days" - take it, twist it, and mold it into something brilliant. Easier said than done (believe me, I would know) but you truly have the inner-power to make it happen, more so than you may think.

New Location

I am now drinking my much needed latte in mmm-Starbucks. Despite both the comfy chairs and my friends unbeatable company - it was time to depart Aroma and arrive at Starbucks, which conveniently (and thankfully) is across the street.

Hmmm, what internet connection am I using? Why, I'm still stealing Aroma's connection of course! Brilliant.

Unfortunately (for me, without an umbrella) it's still raining out. But - naturally - my heavenly latte is quickly defusing my annoyance. Plus I have new company (my crush) with me to boot.

I just noticed a Starbucks promotional sticker reading "Today is a new smoothie". Well, that's great but what was the old smoothie? And what's tomorrow? Not to mention that "Today is a new smoothie" is a bit vague. Being a die-heart-Starbucks-fan I know they are referring to their protein shakes (both Banana Chocolate and Orange Mango Banana). But what about the non-Starbucks-fans aka the "I go to Tim Hortons" people? (I seriously don't get those people). Regardless, I still don't know the "old smoothie" from the "new smoothie". I'm checking their website for details. Yes, this is my life. I'm okay with it.

Corner of Albany & Bloor

Today I ventured downtown to the corner of Albany & Bloor to a little cafe slash espresso bar called Aroma. I'm actually still here, using their free WiFi access (bonus!). My dear friend happens to be an Aroma employee (perhaps the future employee of the month?!) so naturally, I had to see what all the fuss was about. Besides, he said they had tasty salads; which they do, I'm eating one now.

Aroma is a quaint Jewish cafe, directly across from a corner Starbucks. Competition much? I think not. It's 1:14pm and people are still flooding in for their lunch, coffee, or Jewish pastry fixing. Yum. Not only is the food tasty and affordable but every single chair is cushioned and rotatable! Incredible. Sigh..but I still prefer my oh-so-tasty Starbucks. I'm actually longing for a skinny-Vanilla-Latte as I gaze out the window. Must. Focus. I. Love. Aroma. And. Am. Trying. Something. New. Ugh, it's difficult.

Anyway, as I continue to bite into my massive-veggie-packed salad (since veggies are my new BFF remember? a la my diet? Ya, amazing) I ponder to myself, why is it spelled "Espresso" when the majority of people pronounce it as "Expresso"? What's up with that? Just a moment ago I heard someone order "one expresso please" and the cashier (not my friend since he knows better) repeated "one expresso". Exxxxpresso. Not, espresso. According to Wikipedia (god bless Wikipedia, despite its lack of credibility) "Expresso" can refer to the following:

• a short English comedy film
• a Portuguese newspaper
• a spreadsheet community
• a fashion brand that joined the Fair Wear Foundation
• A common misspelling of espresso
  

Note the last bullet. A common misspelling of espresso. Ha! It's funny sad because until now I pronounced it as "expresso". I know, terrible! I'm an original "x-er". X-er is a term that I just coined, right this very second, for people who pronounce "espresso" with an X. Hmmm, I may have to update Wikipedia with this important piece of information.

Haha someone behind me (ya, I'm eavesdropping. Whatever) just said "Well isn't this a fancy little place" I'm tempted to lean over and correct him with.."Yes. A fancy-little-very-Jewish place". I resist the temptation.

...I really want a Starbucks.

My Current Likings & Recommendations

Reading:
Love the one you're with - Emily Griffin
This is a light and entertaining read, I just started and I'm more than half way through.

Book of Longing and Things - Leonard Cohen
If you enjoy poetry, I strongly recommend anything by Leonard Cohen. I particularly like this book because of the illustrations and short-story-style poems. Most of his work is rather dark and at times, mellow-dramatic-depressing but nonetheless, it's an amazing read. He is fucking brilliant with words.

Listening:
Lately I've been enjoying pretty piano and female vocals. It must be my inner vocalist self coming out (well, ex-vocalist self). Some of my current favorites include: Eisley, Leigh Nash, Nicole Atkins, and Sarah McLachlan.

Watching:
I've never really been a TV person, not to mention that summer programming sucks. So hmmm, I'll have to pass on the "watching" recommendation. My bad.

Drinking:
Starbucks, as per usual. Obviously. But I've officially crossed over to the dark side - caffeine! A grande, skinny vanilla latte is still my favorite. At first I was trying the whole "half-caf" thing, but now I'm hardcore and get the real deal. So fierce.

Eating:
I'm on a serious health streak (well, as of today) so from now on, fruit and veggies are my BFF. So I suppose I recommend 'veggies'...oh but if you want to treat yourself, try dark-chili-cherry-chocolate. It exists, I swear! It's..interesting.

Wearing:
Anything comfortable during the week i.e. sweats or lulu lemon. I could live in lulu lemon. On a night out, I recommend anything black and chic. Going jewelry free, in a fitted black shirt is simple yet sexy.

Plan of Action: Money Matters

As I said earlier, my outrageous phone bill (cough, $1,700) has left me in both tears and fears regarding my financial situation. Ugh. Terrible. To counter this matter, I plan to set out some "realistic goals" and eventually meet them. And by "eventually" I mean, by the end of the month! Yup, that's right; in less than three weeks, I will be back to a content state of mind with a stack of fat dollar bills in hand. At least, that's the plan.

As I draft up my "goals" and calculate my receipts (which currently crowd my wallet)...I will happily continue to pick up stray pennies and make the same wish over and over. My wish: for money to magically grow off the trees in my backyard. I hope it still comes true, despite me saying it aloud.

Stay tuned :) Jess

Ode to Rogers Wireless: Way to Screw Me Over

Let me paint the scenario...
July Cellphone Bill = a whopping total of $1,700
My Dad = furious and "disappointed"
Me = speechless (Although, I knew I had it coming)
My Cellphone = beeping loudly as I receive a text message (crap! shut up!)

So...ya, you read correctly: one thousand, seven hundred dollars and something cents. Outrageous, is it not? Where did I go wrong?! And yes, my Dad still pays paid for my cellphone bill. In case you're judging, it's "bundled" in with my families cable, internet, and so forth. So even though I don't live at home, I'm still bundled in. How cute and cozy it is was.

But thanks to Rogers Wireless my idiotic self, I'm officially bundled out. Unfortunately (for me) Daddy is no longer held responsible for my abusive long distance charges (damn you San Francisco trip), overtime day minutes, manic text messages, and unnecessary ring downloads (what was I thinking?!) Sigh. And the worst part is, he is so terribly "disappointed" in me. UGH! Disappointing my Dad is the utmost worst feeling ever. Oh and to put the icing on the cake - no pun intended - yesterday was his birthday. Talk about shitty timing.

The moral of the story is that I, Jessica, vow to organize my financial situation(s) and come to realize that money will not and does not grow on trees (It really should though, especially in my backyard). Even though I'm "bundled" out, the account changes have yet to be made (muaha). So in the mean time, my goal is to redeem myself in hopes to wash away my fathers "disappointment". Fuck, I hate that word! I mean really, it should simply be removed from the English vocabulary. Also, I plan to call Rogers Wireless Thanks for Screwing me Wireless first thing tomorrow morning, to sort out a "new and more affordable plan". Yippie, I'm saving pennies already just thinking about it. Yet I'm still crossing my fingers that I even own a cellphone for next month. Wish me luck!

PS
Some useful advice from me to you :
1. Roaming charges are not free slash long distance is brutal
2. Stay "bundled" in for as long as you can
3. Don't disappoint your father, or mother for that matter...because it sucks

Summer Rush

Key word: "rush" because seriously, summer is rushing by. And I hate being or feeling rushed, it's one of my pet peeves. My good friends (specifically, my other half) know that I enjoy - don't necessarily need, but prefer - ample of "getting ready" time. Not to mention, before I leave the house (for either a night on the town or grocery shopping) I mindlessly talk to myself aloud which usually goes something like this, "keys, check; gum, check; lip gloss, check; wallet, check...mmm k, I am good to go!" Oh but - sadly - if it's grocery shopping, I more than often forget to take my "to buy" list with me. How convenient...not.

Anyway, so summer. I don't really know where it's going. All in all, I have done quite a bit (I think). As most of my readers know, I was in San Francisco for a month to both work and play. Hmmm what else. Well, i've written lots, worked out lots, hung out lots, and shopped lots...like, A LOT. Obviously there have been a few wasteful days aka I do nothing but sleep, eat, play on my laptop, and then sleep some more. But in my defense, I'm 99.9% likely to be extremely hungover on those days. So it's legit (I think).

But I still feel that there is so much I need and want to do with my summer! Arg, this aaalways happens; I freak out once it hits August and that damn-no-good summer countdown begins. The good news is I have exactly 26.5 days until I move back to London (cringe & shiver) for school. Side note: by then, it will soon be October which is my absolute favorite fashion month. Scarfs, soo fucking sweet! So, I figure...26.5 days = plenty of time to soak up the last days of summer. In fact, it's ample of time! Gosh, it's too much time! (okay, maybe not too much time) But it's definitely a good amount of time. August Goal: do what I wanna do and say what I wanna say - before it's too late. Seems simple enough.

Scattered images from my sunny, sassy, & sensational SUMMER
(note my clever alliteration. It wasn't planned, I swear)

And many more to come.
So let the 26.5 day countdown begin!

Found my so called "Dream Guy"...in my closet.

On a rather productive afternoon I found myself rummaging through my closest - which is practically a war zone - in attempt to organize some new space for my newly acquired shoe collection. I was feeling rather "chore-ful" so thought, what better place to start than my closet aka the oh-hell-I can't find anything-so much fucking junk-does this even fit me anymore? closest.

Fortunately, I lost interest in my organizational project once I came across a tightly sealed box, boldly marked as "important stuff". As I tried to recall its contents, I propped the surprisingly heavy box onto my bed and ripped off its tape. To my surprise, old letters, pictures, journals, ticket stubs, receipts, and other miscellaneous junk poured out.

I couldn't help but laugh at a note between a classmate and I (which was probably passed during math). I barely even recognized my childish hand writing which read:

Me: "SoOoO bored. This class suxs. Do you think he will ask u out after school?"
My Friend: "I knoo, this class always goes on forever! I dunno, I hope so..even though he isn't what I'd call my dream guy..what's your dream guy?

Apparently at the time I spelled sucks as suxs and my perfect dream guy was completely narrowed down, without any dating experience required. And the note only gets better...

Me: (this is where it gets really good thus I laugh out loud):
"Looks: blue eye, dirty blond beachy hair, tall, perfect smile, nice back
Personality: has to make me laugh a lot, smart, says please and thank you a lot, and nice
Me: What are you going to say if he asks you out, since he isn't dream guy?"
My Friend: "Well, obviously we aren't going to meet our dream guys for a long time"

*end note*

Somehow I was able to specify both a "nice back" and "beachy hair". Maybe I should hit up the nearest Abercrombie and inform one of the wanna-be-models that we are destined to be together. Side note, I have yet to date someone with blue eyes. In regards to personality, (which thankfully I even noted in the first place) I clearly rated humor as a first priority; and by "says please and thank you a lot" I think I meant to say, polite.

In ironic actuality, I am definitely attracted to witty banter and love laughing until it hurts. I just can't believe that at such an age I was able to pinpoint certain personality traits let alone specify appearance, especially since all the boys had a ways to go before hitting puberty.

But what gets me the most is that my friend, so young and naive, boldly states "Well, obviously we arn't going to meet our dream guys for a long time". It's as if we automatically knew that we would have to kiss a bunch of frogs before meeting a prince. And almost a decade later I wonder, how much longer is this so called wait? Where the fuck is dream boy to my rescue?

According to my specified profile, I don't ask for too much. As long as he has manners, a nice back, and humor toboot - I'm a happy camper. Or perhaps my "dream guy" essentially needs some alterations, a more to date and upgraded profile. Still grinning, I refold the ridiculous note and remind myself to contact my childhood friend.

After skimming through the boxes contents, I repacked all the memories, skeletons, and junk. But before resealing the tape, I threw in some recent pictures - just for some symbolic measure. I hope years from now - perhaps in attempt to organize my closest - I will be just as surprised to re-find the mysterious "important stuff" box.