Long Weekend?

Okay, so if you're Canadian, it isn't really a long weekend. Some employers will give employees the Thursday AND Friday off, but for the majority of the population - you get a day off in the middle of the week. Some complain, but I love that Canada Day falls on a Thursday this year! Now, of course I would love it more if it landed on a Friday or a Monday to extend my precious weekend. But just look at the perks:

1. Because it's a Thursday, you can take the Friday off and have a SUPER long weekend!

2. Tuesday night feels like Thursday night (which we all know I love), tomorrow is ACTUALLY Thursday, today feels like a Friday because I have tomorrow off, and of course - Friday is Friday. That is two Thursday's and two Friday's in a week! Love!

3. C'mon - if some people didn't get Friday off, they are likely taking it off. Going into work? You have to know that it is going to be an easy day and then: Voila! Weekend!

It's Friday I'm in Love,

Michelle xxo

Grace and the G20

I love my freedom of speech!

I am so grateful that I can voice my opinion freely in this wonderful country.

As you may know from my earlier posts, I live in the Toronto area. As you may also know, this past weekend Toronto hosted the 2010 G20 leaders' meeting.

The media exploded and reported on a city that had been invaded with rioters, violence, and destruction. Social media outlets followed (I am obviously on Blogger right now discussing it!). However, the message being spread is quite skewed.

Don't get me wrong, I am not standing on my soapbox denying any destruction or violence in the wake of the meetings. But, I do think that the sensationalization of these particular events can cause more harm than good. The overgeneralization of any group (be it a protestor or a police officer, in this case) is backwards. A handful of people acted horrendously. Not all protestors are destructive, just as not all police officers are bullies. Most demonstrations were peaceful, the RCMP even helped organizations plan them!

I am grateful for the police officers that keep my community safe, just as I am grateful for protestors that peacefully fight for what they believe in. I wouldn't have the freedom, and safety that I have without either.

So, a 'Thank You' to those that both protect and convey the freedom and rights that I have. I wouldn't be writing this blog without you.

Love across the board,

Michelle xxo

Curiosity and the Kitten(s)!

I love kittens!

But, who doesn't right? I actually have always considered myself a 'dog person'. I love the affection that dogs give, and cats are much more independent. I used to swear up and down that the only cat I've ever liked was my friends Jeff's - and that is because she acts more like a dog than a cat.

Enter: Oscar and Toulouse.

My current room mate (who is moving out in a week) just got the two most adorable kittens ever! Her bf and I have been taking double duty watching them while she is in Cuba. I absolutely love how curious they are. Everything is so new and different to them. They want to climb on EVERYTHING (including me), and basically everything that moves fascinates them.

It got me thinking. They won't always be like this, they will grow up and learn that coral nail polish on someone's toes isn't the most amazing thing in the world. But, my roomie will always have those cute kitten memories for as long as she has these guys in her life. Maybe that is why I never much liked cats - I've never had one.

I'll probably stick to dogs (hey, I'm as loyal as they are). But, I'll send some love to all of those kittens, cats and cat-lovers out there!

Loves lots!

Michelle xxo

A Whole Lot of Love to Catch Up On!

I haven't been a very good blogger this weekend. But, that doesn't mean I still haven't thought about things that I love everyday. Since I missed two days, I will post three things that I love today.

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciYk-UwqFKA

Watch this video and tell me that you are not completely awed by Nick Vujicic. This is an absolutely beautiful human being both inside and out. I love his message - to be not only accepting, but happy with yourself and your life. I find it amazing that someone can turn their situation into something so positive and to keep that happiness continuously flowing through their life. When I look at this man, I see life - and it's contagious!

2. I love family time! All day yesterday was great. My brother and I just chilled at my parents place and watched some movies. My parents joined a bit later and we had an evening watching flicks and eating takeout Chinese food all together. It is so rare these days to spend time with just the four of us (well, five including Caffrey - the cutest, most special dog in the world!). I really love my family, and I really cherish the time that we spend together, even if we're all just lazing around.

3. Finally, I love the 'Big Purge'! You know that one time a year where you just go crazy getting rid of things? It feels so good! Right?

So, I had a pretty lazy weekend considering that there is so much to do before Jon moves in. But, today I spent the whole day turning my room into 'our' room. I cleaned and purged so much 'junk' from the apartment - and it looks great. It feels really good to get rid of old 'stuff'. It feels even better knowing that our old clutter can be made more useful to someone else. The result is fantastic too. There is really nothing quite like a clean home.

I will try to be more diligent with the entries - but I will still be lovin' daily!

Love cubed for the days I missed,

Michelle xxo

A Love Lost, a Love Gained

I love Thursdays! Is it because the weekend is right around the corner? Is it because of the awesome TV? Yes, and yes. But, I have other reasons for loving this fabulous day!

When Jon and I first started dating, the first time he came over to my (soon to be our!) apartment, it was a Thursday. We watched The Office, ordered pizza, and spent what seemed to be hours just giggling and gazing at each other all googley-eyed. Towards the end of the night, I remember him saying to me. "Let's make Thursday our 'thing'". Ever since then we have spend almost every Thursday night watching our favourite NBC shows and ordering takeout. It became so much a habit, that our friends and family knew better than to make plans with us on a Thursday.

Now, due to the fact that it is summer and a few things have interfered with our weekly tradition (or possibly also because The Office is in the off-season), we haven't had a 'Thursday' in about a month!

Jon knows that I love our weekly date, but I've had a tradition of my own for the last couple of Thursday's... I've been making a very light dinner and eating it early. After that, I'll make some snacks! Last week, I favoured a big bowl of popcorn drizzled with some olive oil, mixed with a pinch of dried rosemary, and generous amount of grated parmesan cheese. I've been watching guilty pleasure TV On Demand, Rom-Com's, and painting my nails! I am loving new Thursday, I can indulge my girly side and get my snack on!

A Thursday past, and a Thursday present. I love em' both.

Love all Around,

Michelle xxo

Twist and Shake!

I am going to start off by stating very clearly that I dislike natural disasters. People can be killed by the thousands, homes and businesses ruined in seconds, and schools collapsed in the blink of an eye. It takes years to rebuild lives for some caught in floods, earthquakes and hurricanes, and some aren't as lucky. Large natural disasters are in a word: horrendous.

I am going to coin a term for those thunder/hail/snow storms that take everyone by surprise, but cause no major damage. These I will; call Mini Natural Fiasco's. It involves the type of booming thunder that makes you aware of just how powerful the atmosphere in the world can be, yet doesn't bring down buildings. Not to say that I love Mini Natural Fiasco's - I like them. I mean, who doesn't like a snow day as a result of a snowstorm, or marveling in absolute awe at beautiful lightning shows? I like when the forces of nature shake us out of of our daily grind and urge us to look onwards and upwards. To feel the strong wind, or listen to the pelting hail.

But, what I really love is the clustering and chattering of people that comes along when these storms occur. I love that nervous energy! It seems to bring out the social side of people, everyone bonds over what is going on outside. Who doesn't love being in a room full of people when the power goes out? It's a blast! Everyone sports a 'go-with-the-flow' exterior, but the chatty energy shines through!

I am definitely guilty of it, but I still think it's cute! Today we felt tremors of a 5.5 earthquake in Toronto. I have never felt an earthquake before and many others I've spoken to haven't either. Everyone has been talking about it all day while hunkering down for the major thunderstorms expected tonight.

My version of 'hunkering down' will involve homemade pasta, a glass of wine and some dark chocolate....and of course, giddily chatting about the storm with my man.

Whirlwinds of Love!

Michelle xxo

Love,

Michelle

The Power of Promise

I won't lie to you, and I know you won't lie to me.

My blogs have been lacking content lately, and have been getting right to the point. Jon will be moving in, in less than two weeks - and there is tonnes to do! When I do get a free moment, I am usually doing something else or thinking of the next thing that needs to be done.

It is sort of overwhelming to make a commitment to write in this blog daily, but I love a good challenge. As I said in my first entry - I love to write. So today, I love my commitment. I am really proud of myself thus far. I could very easily let life get in the way (as I have with my workout routine, but I digress) but, I have kept at it. I'll also admit that I've had a few days where I let grumpiness win, yet I have still made significant room for love.

Now, that being said - one minor warning that the entries for the next two weeks may be a bit lacking.

But, it's all out of love!

Michelle xxo