Minimal

I know I've mentioned it many times before, and I'm sure I'll continue to bring it up every so often, but I'm on a journey towards being more minimal.


If you've spent any amount of time scrolling through Pinterest, Instagram or YouTube then you've probably seen people talk about this before. What I've noticed on those platforms is that people tend to display minimalism in their lives as A) your whole life can fit in two suitcases or B) your home is nearly empty, (black and white), and a bit cold. I'm not striving for either of those things.


What I want is simply to love everything I own, with the exception of items that are purely functional such as toilet cleaning brushes and vacuums which I appreciate based on what they do for me. I want to look into my closet and love all my clothes, open my makeup drawer and see only colors that please me. I think you get what I'm saying.


As for the things that fill the spaces; bed, couch, etc. I would like to feel cozy, be stimulated by colors and patterns and feel the natural warmth and vibrancy that plants bring. And you won't see me getting rid of any throw blankets just for the sake of downsizing, I plan to be very cosy in my tidy little home.


I'm in midst of sorting through things and my apartment is a disaster. The living room is completely covered in piles of this or that, some to dispose of, some to sell and a few that need to be sorted still. Normally that would make me crazy but visualizing the end result keeps me moving along.


So far I have sorted all of my clothing including bags, shoes and outerwear, all products related to skin and hair, my books, assorted papers, electronics and wall hangings. Next will come kitchen, bedding and towels, movies, CDs, camping/outdoor equipment, hobby stuff, miscellaneous leftovers and lastly will be sentimental items and photos.

If you're interested in taking your life in a similar direction, I found inspiration and tips for decluttering in 2 books; The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy. If you aren't aware I've always love to clean and organize so these books were right up my alley, but I wouldn't blame you if the title alone was enough to make you run and hide. It's not for everyone.


I have one more book that I will be reading right away, Hygge, which is roughly translated to the Danish "art of being cozy" and I can't wait! Having been to Denmark and invited to an afternoon at someone's home, I can tell you that Dane's have a great sense of what a home should look and feel like.


I think this whole process is still going to take a bit longer, but I'm sure I'll let you know when I get somewhere close to finishing!

1 Year as a Pescatarian

I have officially survived my first year as a pescatarian.For anyone who doesn't know what that is, it's like being vegetarian (which I usually refer to myself as) but I still eat fish and seafood.

People asking me why I don't eat meat is a pretty frequent occurrence so I'm going to clear it up for everyone here and now.

I was bored.

Yes, you read that right, I was bored. I got to a point where anytime I was eating red meat or poultry I would put it in my mouth and then have no desire to chew it. It's a pretty bizarre reason to completely change the way I look at food but it seemed the right direction for me.

I can honestly say that I don't miss eating meat at all. Once in a while I'll get a momentary craving because of something I see or smell, but other than that I'm pretty content. The only thing I was a bit "concerned" about missing out on was Christmas turkey and that turned out just fine. I eat soy-based faux meats to help with my protein intake and also keep food more exciting so I was able to bring my own vegetarian turkey to Christmas dinner.

On that note I can happily report that my most favourite food group has been unaffected by this whole change. Baked goods. I realize that isn't really a food group but for me it might as well be. I could very happily live on cupcakes and scones forever more.

What I have determined to be my biggest advantage of changing the way I eat is that it caused me to become more creative and adventurous and also has me cooking more at home because it is easier than going out.

Ryan and I have started eating a lot more vegetables with our meals and even having meals that are almost entirely veggies. I like to think this makes me healthier.

The places I'd like to go - 2017

As promised, my list of travel hopefuls has arrived. Realistically I don't expect to see more than a few of these places this year but since I'm lusting after all of them at the moment I thought I'd share anyway. 

At the top of the list, and most likely to happen, is Iceland. Yes, it's still hanging around at the top of my list. It's been 4 years in the making and I really really need it to happen this year. Just waiting on that seat sale. 

I've wanted to go back to Hawaii ever since I got on the plane to leave 2 years ago. As gorgeous as Oahu was, I'm mostly interested in seeing Kauai and Lanai now. They have less visitors and are a bit more rugged. Perfect for exploring, hiking and being near the ocean. 

To be honest, Mexico (Chichen Itza aside) has never been on my list of places to see. I associate Mexico almost completely with all-inclusive resorts and that doesn't appeal to me at all. Lately though I've seen a few blog posts about Tulum and I have to admit It's really sparked an interest. It just looks so beautiful!! On top of its beauty it also has some ruins to explore and is only 2 hours away from Chichen Itza. I can't pretend I'm not super into seeing another of the "7 New Wonders of the World"

Peru, and more specifically Macchu Pichu (another of the 7 wonders,) has been on my list forever. I'm really drawn to history and the ruins that allow us a look at the past. It blows my mind that ancient people were able to create what they did and that it has lasted this long. 

Since I could talk about all the places I want to go forever but I'm not made of time, I'm just going to list the other places that have me excited at the moment. 

Egypt is my number 1 bucket list item. I must, must, must see it. The only reason I haven't given that trip to much serious thought is because my parents would have a heart attack if I went there alone.

The Canadian National Parks are always appealing and I'm hoping to visit a few new ones this year.

Newfoundland and British Columbia both grasp at my affections every time I see photos of them. I'm clearly meant for coastal living.

Chile looks incredible and the Galapagos and Easter Island are both hugely attractive to me.

Europe in general has a very strong magnetic pull I can't resist, I'm not sure that will ever change, but I'm currently lusting after Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Having heard my Dad talk about Bosnia when I was young I was equal parts terrified and curious. The fear is gone and now it's just another beautiful destination to explore. 

This list could go on and on for so long and barely skim the surface. Unfortunately for me I'm not made of money and I think my boss would prefer I actual came to work and did my job so I'll have to take these trips little by little. 

Goals for 2017 - Review of 2016

It's that time of year again and since I've been doing this for a few years, I'm going to do it again now! Here's a little review of last year’s goals and some new ones for 2017.

In 2016 I planned to: 

• FINALLY go to Iceland
• Start doing yoga again
• Find a “permanent” job
• Continue to minimize my belongings
• Save a significant amount of money
• Take a trip alone
• Go on more NEW adventures
• Learn to scuba dive
• Be less concerned about getting dirty
• Slow down. Life is not a race.

I have to say, unfortunately, I didn't do very well with my goals this year. I did not go to Iceland, take a trip alone, learn to scuba dive or slow down. I suppose that's only 4 out of 10 though.

That being said, 2 items were attempted but not what I would consider to be fully successful. I did start yoga again, but only for 1 month. I got rid of a few things and didn't get too many new things so I'm still going in the right direction for minimalism.

And that just leaves the successes. I have been working at the same job for 15 months and as of January 22, 2017 it will officially be permanent. Because of that, saving has been going great! I went on new adventures throughout Alberta and Nova Scotia, and during the trip to Nova Scotia I enjoyed myself so much that I didn't mind in the slightest that I got soaked and dirty on the beach while fully clothed.

My goals for 2017!!

• Make a stronger, active effort to minimize. 
  Get rid of things. Be realistic about what I want vs. need. Don't bring in new things. Also be realistic about what to keep or get rid of. "I maybe might eventually want to use/wear that" isn't a good enough reason to keep it. 

• Travel more - mini trips
  I recently saw on facebook someone asking if it was "worth it" to take longer distance trips, for short amounts of time if you don't get much paid time off. (Side note - the idea of paid time of is still mind blowing to me..) I've always though that it wouldn't necessarily be really worthwhile, but in the end would I rather sit at home doing nothing with the days off I do get, or have a potentially amazing experience in just a few days?? Starting this year, I'm going to let those mini trips rule and really enjoy the time I do have off!
  **look for a post on my hopeful destinations soon!**

• Get my scuba diving certification. 
  This will stay on the list until it has been achieved! I found the class I would like to take, but finding it in the fall time meant the outdoor dives would have been too cold when I was actually able to take the course. Hopefully this summer it will work out.

• Pay closer attention to myself
  Write things down. Be more present. Keep better track. My doctor just asked me if I get tired a lot and I said no, but to be honest, I don't pay close enough attention to know for sure when I'm "didn't sleep enough" tired and when I'm "don't have energy even though I sleep and eat well" tired. I'd like to be a little more in tune with what's going on with me.

• Continue saving, but also figure out what I'm saving for. 
  I've been working at saving money for a long while now and to be honest, I have no idea what for. I know, I should consider that one day I'd like to retire, and maybe I'll want a new car some day, kids won't be cheap, etc etc.. but what do I really want? I actually find it difficult to buy anything with my savings, I'd prefer to leave them alone and find a way to purchase what I need with just what's on my pay cheque. That being said, what's the point of saving if I won't spend a little now and then?! I'd like to have a basic idea about what I want in the future. 

• Mini money saving
  Still on the money train, I would also like to save separately for specific things to help keep me motivated towards achieving those things. If scuba diving will cost me $500 than I'd like to make a special pot to save that $500. 

• Learn about my camera
  On this front, I received a book all about photography and cameras for Christmas and I can't wait to start exploring it! I love to take photos and I'm happy to just press buttons until it looks appealing to my eye, but it would be equally nice to know what I'm doing when I do press those buttons

• Find a home for myself in the fitness world
  I’ve done a few different things when it comes to fitness and I’ve enjoyed them all, however if the location, studio, teacher or atmosphere aren’t right for me then it just doesn’t work. Also, the longer I stay away, the harder it seems to get back into. I know where I would prefer to run, box and do yoga and none of those places are available to me anymore so I’m having to start again. I did yoga for a month at a new studio and though I liked the classes the schedule doesn’t work for me.
                                   

I've set a few "tiny tasks" for myself as well. They aren't really goals per-say, more of things for me to work on, change, learn or achieve in a smaller sense.

-I would like to eat more fruit and vegetables everyday; read - be a better vegetarian.
-Get my nose pierced.
-Re-learn proper cursive writing. I have a basic idea but there are a few letters that I can't ever remember how to do.
-Organize, and when necessary, discard digital photos.
-Print my favourite photos and put them in scrapbooks or albums.
-Create blog income.
-Sort through everything I own.

And that is all. Those are my goals and plans for 2017.