- Hank Moody, Californication
I love this show. I think it might rank up there in my favourites. Can't wait for season 3.
Labels: TV
posted by Maresa @ 11:22 PM
0 Comments
Friday, July 31, 2009
"There is no life without love. None worth having, anyway."
- Hank Moody, Californication
I love this show. I think it might rank up there in my favourites. Can't wait for season 3.
- Hank Moody, Californication
I love this show. I think it might rank up there in my favourites. Can't wait for season 3.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
BC, I miss you.
I pretty much grew up on this beach.
My amazing family taken in my parents' backyard! My bedroom had the exact same view. So beautiful.
Watching amazing sunsets on the top of a mountain.
This is me showing my love for BC!Seriously. I miss it. This whole past week I've been wanting to smell the refreshing salty sea air, hear the waves crashing on the beach, swim in the numerous lakes, walk through the forest, walk through my favourite long-grass field filled with so many fruit trees that are probably almost bursting with apples by now, and I want to hug every single person that means something to me. It's really amazing how you don't realise what a beautiful place you live in until it's gone. Well, that applies to everything, really.
You know what else I miss? My own furniture. My own bed. My beautiful leather couches, my real computer, my art, my framed photographs, my cute lamps... having my own stuff. My own apartment. And an oven! I have no real oven here, and have not been able to make any cookies, muffins, pies... I always make apple blackberry pies and crisps in summer, and I seriously miss that.
Not to say that I don't love Montreal. Because of course I love it here, but it's a different love. I love the cute cafes filled with laughing French people that spill onto the sidewalks, sipping drinks on rooftop terrasses, the old walk-up brick apartments with their grand spiraling outdoor staircases, the passion, the zest for life that is here.
I have been here now for 3 months. It seems like so long, and yet it doesn't seem like long at all. I'm so glad that I came - the amount of things I've learned about myself, the new experiences I've had, the tough times, the fun times, it's all been worth it.
I've realised though, that Montreal is not a place I could make a life. English people will always be at a disadvantage here. No matter how hard you try, how much effort you expend, you will always be one-upped by a bilingual or French-speaking person. My French will never be as good as theirs. I can't even count how many jobs I've applied for here - probably around 15 or 20. I've had one interview. I have no hard feelings, though, I understand that the French culture is something special and they want to preserve it.
Montreal will always have a place in my heart, but BC is my first love.
You know what else I miss? My own furniture. My own bed. My beautiful leather couches, my real computer, my art, my framed photographs, my cute lamps... having my own stuff. My own apartment. And an oven! I have no real oven here, and have not been able to make any cookies, muffins, pies... I always make apple blackberry pies and crisps in summer, and I seriously miss that.
Not to say that I don't love Montreal. Because of course I love it here, but it's a different love. I love the cute cafes filled with laughing French people that spill onto the sidewalks, sipping drinks on rooftop terrasses, the old walk-up brick apartments with their grand spiraling outdoor staircases, the passion, the zest for life that is here.
I have been here now for 3 months. It seems like so long, and yet it doesn't seem like long at all. I'm so glad that I came - the amount of things I've learned about myself, the new experiences I've had, the tough times, the fun times, it's all been worth it.
I've realised though, that Montreal is not a place I could make a life. English people will always be at a disadvantage here. No matter how hard you try, how much effort you expend, you will always be one-upped by a bilingual or French-speaking person. My French will never be as good as theirs. I can't even count how many jobs I've applied for here - probably around 15 or 20. I've had one interview. I have no hard feelings, though, I understand that the French culture is something special and they want to preserve it.
Montreal will always have a place in my heart, but BC is my first love.
Labels: memories, montreal, thoughts
posted by Maresa @ 1:32 PM
2 Comments
Sunday, July 26, 2009
There is a huge thunderstorm happening outside right now. Flashes of lightning every 10 seconds, super loud thunder, pelting rains, and I think a bit of hail too.
I went to go see the movie "Moon" tonight. Very strange film, plays tricks with your mind, I seriously felt claustrophobic at times watching it. It also shows how humans cannot function alone for long periods of time. I dunno. It was weird. And now it's put me into this weird alone-feeling blah mood. I need company.
I just watched the trailer for the upcoming movie "The Time Traveler's Wife" and I must say that I'm very excited about it. That book is probably one of my top 3 favourite books ever - the only book I have actually cried (no, sobbed is a better word) from both happiness and sadness. Truly moving. I will be hitting the theatres on Aug 14th to see it for sure.
Is it lame if I crash into bed at 10:30? Whatever, last night was a late night, I'm tired, and I don't care!
I went to go see the movie "Moon" tonight. Very strange film, plays tricks with your mind, I seriously felt claustrophobic at times watching it. It also shows how humans cannot function alone for long periods of time. I dunno. It was weird. And now it's put me into this weird alone-feeling blah mood. I need company.
I just watched the trailer for the upcoming movie "The Time Traveler's Wife" and I must say that I'm very excited about it. That book is probably one of my top 3 favourite books ever - the only book I have actually cried (no, sobbed is a better word) from both happiness and sadness. Truly moving. I will be hitting the theatres on Aug 14th to see it for sure.
Is it lame if I crash into bed at 10:30? Whatever, last night was a late night, I'm tired, and I don't care!
Labels: movies
posted by Maresa @ 10:17 PM
1 Comments
Saturday, July 25, 2009
I got a free Iced Cap at Tim Hortons today. I'll admit that this isn't the first time it's happened.
So I go into Timmies, wanting something to refresh me since it's so hot outside. The Iced Cap (which was actually the first one I've ever tried today) came to something like $2 and I pulled out my Debit card to pay. Anyone who knows me will know that I never have cash on hand. I always pay for things with my Debit card, or sometimes Credit. Especially these days when I have to pay for laundry with coins, I never ever have anything other than pennies in my change purse.
Eyeing my Debit card, the guy told me they didn't accept Debit. I pulled out my Visa. No, they only take MasterCard. Fuck. So I asked if there was a ATM around, and the guy sneakily whispered to me, "Just take it!" I wasn't going to argue, so I took my free Iced Cap and walked out!
This exact same scenario happened to me downtown. I ordered a coffee at Timmies and was told the Debit machine was down (or maybe they didn't accept Debit there either), and I didn't have any cash, so I was sneakily given my coffee for free too.
Now, I ask you, what store does not accept Debit?? Or Visa?? I think that is a little ridiculous. Especially with how popular paying with plastic now is. This was never the case with the Timmies back in BC.
Although, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about getting stuff for free. :P
So I go into Timmies, wanting something to refresh me since it's so hot outside. The Iced Cap (which was actually the first one I've ever tried today) came to something like $2 and I pulled out my Debit card to pay. Anyone who knows me will know that I never have cash on hand. I always pay for things with my Debit card, or sometimes Credit. Especially these days when I have to pay for laundry with coins, I never ever have anything other than pennies in my change purse.
Eyeing my Debit card, the guy told me they didn't accept Debit. I pulled out my Visa. No, they only take MasterCard. Fuck. So I asked if there was a ATM around, and the guy sneakily whispered to me, "Just take it!" I wasn't going to argue, so I took my free Iced Cap and walked out!
This exact same scenario happened to me downtown. I ordered a coffee at Timmies and was told the Debit machine was down (or maybe they didn't accept Debit there either), and I didn't have any cash, so I was sneakily given my coffee for free too.
Now, I ask you, what store does not accept Debit?? Or Visa?? I think that is a little ridiculous. Especially with how popular paying with plastic now is. This was never the case with the Timmies back in BC.
Although, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about getting stuff for free. :P
Labels: random
posted by Maresa @ 6:29 PM
0 Comments
Thursday, July 23, 2009
More point form updates:
- I went to go see the Beyonce concert on Tuesday night. It rocked my socks off. Seriously. I'm not a huge Beyonce fan to begin with, but her concert was amazing and super entertaining. I was dancing around and singing... I think it might have been the best giant concert that I've seen. (I think the best small concert I've seen was MSTRKRFT in Seattle, but that is beside the point!)
- I had the most frustrating run-around day yesterday ever. Ugh. It stemmed from me leaving my photography assignment, due that night, to the last minute - well, it wasn't quite my fault because I had been in Quebec City for the entire weekend. I was running around to a bizillion Jean Coutus and Pharmaprixs trying to get a photo printed in an hour, running home, running back, running to class, running running running. Lesson learned: be more organized!!
- I'm having serious contemplations lately about my future. About what I want to be when I grow up. This whole "future" thing is creeping up on me slowly, and I realise that I can't bum around and work shitty jobs forever - not that I want to anway! So, options are looking towards possibly grad school? Becoming a child psychologist? Continuing studying photography? Moving to other cities (maybe settling in Vancouver?)? I'm going to make this weekend a let's-get-serious-about-the-future weekend, and do some career research. Yeehaw.
- I want to see a Broadway musical. Is it weird that I have a craving for that? Singing and dancing just make me so happy. I've been YouTubing a bunch of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs tonight and singing along like a crazy girl. These songs always remind me of being a kid, too - my dad used to have a bunch of Andrew Lloyd Webber CDs and we'd aaaalways listen to them. I think it's his fault that I am now a musical junkie, and love Phantom and Cats and Joseph... There's no shows happening in Montreal though. When my mom and I were in Quebec City, Les Miserables was playing there... So it's either to Quebec City again, or to NYC! I'm thinking NYC wins.
- This entry was completely random and weird. I will end in the best way: with a photo.
- I went to go see the Beyonce concert on Tuesday night. It rocked my socks off. Seriously. I'm not a huge Beyonce fan to begin with, but her concert was amazing and super entertaining. I was dancing around and singing... I think it might have been the best giant concert that I've seen. (I think the best small concert I've seen was MSTRKRFT in Seattle, but that is beside the point!)
- I had the most frustrating run-around day yesterday ever. Ugh. It stemmed from me leaving my photography assignment, due that night, to the last minute - well, it wasn't quite my fault because I had been in Quebec City for the entire weekend. I was running around to a bizillion Jean Coutus and Pharmaprixs trying to get a photo printed in an hour, running home, running back, running to class, running running running. Lesson learned: be more organized!!
- I'm having serious contemplations lately about my future. About what I want to be when I grow up. This whole "future" thing is creeping up on me slowly, and I realise that I can't bum around and work shitty jobs forever - not that I want to anway! So, options are looking towards possibly grad school? Becoming a child psychologist? Continuing studying photography? Moving to other cities (maybe settling in Vancouver?)? I'm going to make this weekend a let's-get-serious-about-the-future weekend, and do some career research. Yeehaw.
- I want to see a Broadway musical. Is it weird that I have a craving for that? Singing and dancing just make me so happy. I've been YouTubing a bunch of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs tonight and singing along like a crazy girl. These songs always remind me of being a kid, too - my dad used to have a bunch of Andrew Lloyd Webber CDs and we'd aaaalways listen to them. I think it's his fault that I am now a musical junkie, and love Phantom and Cats and Joseph... There's no shows happening in Montreal though. When my mom and I were in Quebec City, Les Miserables was playing there... So it's either to Quebec City again, or to NYC! I'm thinking NYC wins.
- This entry was completely random and weird. I will end in the best way: with a photo.
Labels: concerts, montreal, random
posted by Maresa @ 10:39 PM
2 Comments
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Okay. Quebec City is the cutest ever. If I had to use one word to sum up this city it would be undeniably adorable. Oh, is that more than one word? ;) This city is definitely the type of place you come with your lover - it is very romantic with lots of street cafes, cobblestone roads, little shops, street performers playing guitars and pianos and violins. And the fact that there was 3 weddings today at the Hotel Frontenac will attest to that!
It was a beautiful day yesterday, super sunny and warm, and my mom and I made sure to wander all of the streets and see the sights and take in a few drinks on a couple nice terrasses. We also saw a free Cirque du Soleil show! Craziness. Today it's been raining off and on and we've taken in some history and done a few guided tours. And - I'm trying to speak as much French as possible!! Yes!! I can almost get by at a restaurant now and not speak any English. Feeling good.
All in all, Quebec City has definitely captured my heart.
It was a beautiful day yesterday, super sunny and warm, and my mom and I made sure to wander all of the streets and see the sights and take in a few drinks on a couple nice terrasses. We also saw a free Cirque du Soleil show! Craziness. Today it's been raining off and on and we've taken in some history and done a few guided tours. And - I'm trying to speak as much French as possible!! Yes!! I can almost get by at a restaurant now and not speak any English. Feeling good.
All in all, Quebec City has definitely captured my heart.
Labels: travel
posted by Maresa @ 5:09 PM
3 Comments
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Haha, I just got caught in the hugest thunderstorm EVER. It's been raining in Montreal all day. No, pouring is a better word. As in, I woke up this morning and it was sunny, went for brunch and it was cloudy, and walked out of L'Avenue into some hardcore raining cats and dogs. The type of cats and dogs where in the 2 minutes it takes to get to the car, you're soaked.
It's been raining and thunderstorming all day, and I got feeling a little cooped up inside. It finally stopped raining this evening, and so I decided to go mail my cheque to Bell, and go to the mailbox that was a 10 min walk away to get some fresh air. I got to the mailbox, then all of a sudden the giantest lightning bolt lit up the sky, followed by some insane thunder, followed by some INSANE RAIN.
I had no umbrella, just the hood on my cotton jacket. The rain was absolutely pelting down, creating instant puddles and soaking my jeans up to my thighs, dripping off my hair, flooding my jacket... I started running and laughing like a mad woman, trying to get home, but running just caused me to splash puddles and get more wet.
My clothes are now hanging up in my bathroom, dripping.
SERIOUSLY.
It's been raining and thunderstorming all day, and I got feeling a little cooped up inside. It finally stopped raining this evening, and so I decided to go mail my cheque to Bell, and go to the mailbox that was a 10 min walk away to get some fresh air. I got to the mailbox, then all of a sudden the giantest lightning bolt lit up the sky, followed by some insane thunder, followed by some INSANE RAIN.
I had no umbrella, just the hood on my cotton jacket. The rain was absolutely pelting down, creating instant puddles and soaking my jeans up to my thighs, dripping off my hair, flooding my jacket... I started running and laughing like a mad woman, trying to get home, but running just caused me to splash puddles and get more wet.
My clothes are now hanging up in my bathroom, dripping.
SERIOUSLY.
Labels: random
posted by Maresa @ 9:19 PM
2 Comments
Friday, July 10, 2009
Photo Shoot
These are a few photos from my photo shoot last Sunday. We went to Parc Lafontaine and it was a gorgeous, gorgeous morning. Maria was a beautiful model, and we had some amazing settings to work with! Couldn't have been better!!!
Laurel was just here visiting me for a few days, and it was soooo awesome!! We partied it up! of course we saw the sights, but we mainly hung out on a bunch of terrasses and had a good time. Now on Tuesday my mom arrives! Holy guest month!!Labels: montreal, photography
posted by Maresa @ 7:44 PM
0 Comments
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Bits and pieces
My life in point form:- My amazing friend Laurel is coming to visit me for a few days tomorrow! I am beyond excited.
- Tomorrow morning I have a photo shoot! I am also beyond excited about that.
- French classes have finished. I wish I could continue, but they now conflict with my evening photography classes. I passed the exam (yay!) and am definitely noticing an improvement in my French, especially in understanding other people when they talk.
- I spent Canada Day on a rooftop terrasse in the Old Port, baking in the sun, watching the festivities below, having some drinks, and debating about whether I wanted to go sky diving... (hah, kidding on that one!)
- I saw Stevie Wonder at the Jazz Festival - well, I didn't actually see him, I saw the screens which told me he was on stage somewhere among the giant crowds... And I realised that I don't actually know all that many Stevie Wonder songs.
- The Coffee Crisp McFlurry at McDonalds called my name - I had high hopes for it, since it combines my favourite chocolate bar with ice cream... but it just didn't do it for me! Oreo Blizzards are still far in the lead.
...Which brings me to right now! I'm currently editing photos, trying to flush the caffiene rush out of my system, and thinking about cooking dinner. One more thing: rosé wine is my current fav wine for the summer. Yum.
posted by Maresa @ 6:33 PM
2 Comments
