the break-up

So... it's over.

Highschool and I have officially broken up.

It's not a surprise; the relationship hadn't been working for quite a while. I yawned while we were on dates. I read instead of paying attention to what they were saying. I hid under desks to avoid contact (true story) and yet... I feel a pang in my heart at the thought that we're really over.  At my age, 4 years is a long time for a relationship!

At least today was a good day to break up. (Minus the math exam. That was somewhat of a fail... let's just say writing random equations is not always the best way to go.) Sunny, lovely... and filled with cute monsters, of both the cuddly variety...

(the problem with reflective glasses? you can tell I'm taking a selfie)

and the friend variety. 

(so much sexy. the school can't handle it.) 

(Oh, and his sad face? Let's just say I discovered a new skill for air hockey today. WATCH OUT. Especially because my strategy is slamming the puck as hard as possible, without direction of any kind...)

So, despite the fact that I knew the end was coming... it was a good last date. (Give me a day of wandering around with friends anytime.) 

I can't believe we're really done. We've had our ups and downs... but as a whole, I can look back on our time together as a good one. Maybe not the best days of my life (at least I hope not!) but I've definitely learnt, and laughed, and lived. (Do I get extra points for alliteration?) 

So... goodbye, highschool. May everyone else have as successful a relationship with you as I did. 

advice for my younger self

I looked at the calendar today, and realised: my last class of highschool is next week.

MIND. BLOWN.

Not to be cliché, but... time really did pass quickly. (Except for during many of my classes. I'm pretty sure I could have skipped them without too many regrets... If only I went to a school with more students, wherein my absence would not be noticed. Or at least one at which my mother didn't teach.)

However, looking back, I noticed quite a few things I'd change. Unfortunately, as I do not have a Tardis, they'll remain regrets... but I thought I'd compile a list of advice I'd give my eighth-grade self, before coming to high school. Just in case.

1. Breathe. Ask yourself, "Is this really such a big deal? Will I remember this in a couple of years?" The answer is usually Yes... Yes, you'll remember it because you stressed way too much about it. Just chill out. (Picture your older self wearing hippie glasses and waving a palm leaf... for some reason that's the image that comes to mind when I say chill out. Who knows why.)

2. You don't have to get along with everyone. You know those people you think are mildly annoying but you think you should talk to because they're in your class? Don't bother. You can make better friends elsewhere.

3. But on that note, do actually try to make friends. Books are lovely, but socialising is important too! Just pick people you actually have interests in common with.

4. You have the power to change things. Mostly, this means: pluck your eyebrows. It is a Big Issue in your life, and it's not a big deal to change them, so DO IT.

Or in a more deep way: the world is yours, so go get it.

5. ...but if you can't change it, walk away. You know all those situations you felt really uncomfortable in? You're allowed to leave. Don't think you have to stay somewhere just because everyone else is.

6. Trust yourself. If you think you're going to hate something, assume that you're right and don't do it. (I'm thinking of all the 'school-bonding' activities that I attended. I can't think of one I enjoyed, and yet I went to quite a few... seriously, just don't do it.)

7. You are likeable. Don't assume that you're entirely forgettable. You're worth more than that. (You probably don't believe me, and I don't really believe myself in typing it, but I'm hoping that it'll come true by repetition.)

8. Don't allow your mother to buy you uniform shirts. She will buy you the wrong size, and the result will be that you're miserable for over a year. (They don't shrink that much, and I didn't grow that much. I am not an elephant.)

9. Keep in contact. You know those people you met, and liked, and... never talked to again? Yeah. Send them a message! A letter! A text! It's not that hard, and it might be awkward at first, but really, what do you have to lose? (Confession: I am so bad at this. Still. Which is why I'm putting it down in writing.)

10. Exercise is your friend. You know how you always think you're too klutzy to go running/dancing/move in general? Well, the more you work on it, the better you'll get. (You'll probably still fall down quite a lot, but you'll do it gracefully.)

11. Don't study so much. My studying schedule went like this.
Grade 9: "OMG if I don't study this for hours I will fail and my life will be forever ruined omg must spend hours doing this"
Grade 10: "Hmm I should probably write an intense study guide. I can use it to review next year!"
Grade 11: "Okay, I'll review and rewrite some notes..."
Grade 12: "I don't understand this and I really don't care. I'll still pass and get good grades."

...and every year I did almost equally well. (This goes well with no. 1- just chill out. The only important grades are some grade 11 ones and some grade 12 ones anyway... so really my schedule should have been reversed. Whoops.)

12. Do your own thing. So what if other people think it's lame? You'll have way more fun.

I wish I really did have a time machine so I could send this back to who I used to be- I think it would come in handy. Plus, some of these (especially nos. 1 and 9) are still things I need to remember. What's some advice you'd give your younger self? Do you have any university advice for me?

university woes

As a soon-to-go-to university student (come on now. Admit that sounds far better than mere "grade 12 student") finances are a big concern. To be completely honest, mostly I try not to think about it. (Popcorn is cheap, right? And apples? If those were my two main food groups, I could survive!) 

...that is, when I'm not applying to scholarships. 

Did any of you apply to scholarships when you went off to school? How many essays did you write? (Honestly, my convictions on such varied subjects as Timing in Jane Austen and Worker's Rights are beginning to astound even me. Hopefully the judges feel the same!) Honestly, even though I'm a good writer, it's exhausting. (Although far better than the essays I have to write for French class... despite my growing ability to make things up when I have nothing to say, there is REALLY nothing I have to say on Agriculture in 18th-Century Quebec.) 

Also, I am of fairly average physical appearance. Meaning... I am neither tall enough to apply for the Tall Girl Scholarship, nor short enough to apply for the Short Girl scholarship. (These are really things.) Even more average, I have no desire to belong to a nudist colony... YES. There is a scholarship for people who want to join a nudist colony. WHY. (Seriously, I don't understand this mainly because there are so many gorgeous clothes out there. Why waste the opportunity?) 

However, I have still managed to find a few to apply to. My most recent one is the S-Trip Scholarship, in which I am even able to win a trip! (Let's face it, travelling is just the best.) 

(And, well... I just look so good doing it, too. Always a consideration.) 

However, I need supporters. I just need six more people... and I have only eight days left... and I'd really appreciate if some of you could help me out! All you need to do is sign up and say that you support me. (Yay for clicking a link!) Here's my lovely profile!

Thanks for dropping by, and happy Monday! 

on biology

Sometimes I stare into the mirror and try to count my freckles. I'm nearly certain that (at a rate of one per year or so) they are increasing... however I could be mistaken and it could just be pen stains. (Yes, I wash my face frequently... but I also have acquired the bad habit of chewing on my writing utensils. I noticed this only after I offered to lend someone a pencil and they refused with a horrified stare... causing me to realise that said pencil was currently in my mouth. Whoops.)

Having more freckles is actually comforting, not only because it means I am getting vitamin D (or so I tell myself- I'm no longer taking biology and so try not to trouble my pretty little head with such conundrums) but because it means that, in some intangible way, I am evolving. It's nice to know that my body manages to do things without my conscious self sometimes (although I must say, dreaming three times about The Office last night was not a conscious decision either. That seems to border on obsession... what other things am I thinking about without even noticing? SCARY) because it seems that, in general, I am inclined to think too much.

...speaking of: did you know that the tobacco plant has different reactions depending on what predator lands on it? Sometimes it's poisonous. Sometimes it's spiky. Basically, its leaves... have brains. Am I the only one scared by this? Everyone's worried about the zombie apocalypse- I think I'll fear take-over by plants.

But to return to talking about myself (because we all know that's my favourite subject... actually that's a lie. My favourite subject is literature. However, are my favourite books only a reflection of myself?... #TooComplicated #TimeForANap)... I still haven't decided on a university.

-hides behind the sofa-

Yes. Despite having recieved my offer in DECEMBER, I have yet to decide which program to choose. (At this point, I'm actually hoping for that tobacco plant apocalypse so that I don't have to make a decision. Or I might just draw it out of a hat- that would be far more productive!)

Yeah, so... that's that. Another example of indecisiveness: I've been thinking about making popcorn all week and I have yet to do so because plugging in my air-popcorn maker just seems like too much work...

DECISION TIME: I'm going to go make popcorn- all that's prevented me from doing so before now is the fact that it is downstairs and I am not, and no one has yet invented a teleportation machine. (I am 100% certain that, if such a thing did exist, it would be used primarily to get food.)

also: I am finally on Bloglovin! Go me! (And go follow me!)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Happy Sunday, blog ninjas! (If you've gotten all the way to here, let me award you some honorary popcorn.)

coolio schoolio

So... some days, I actually like school.

THE HORROR.

How could anyone admit to such a thing? In what universe could learning be considered cool? 

But really, some days... are almost... fun? 

-Playing with clear plastic squishy spheres (apparently they're what goes in diapers? except minus the less thrilling paper coating... or whatever else it is that goes in diapers, I really have no idea)

-Drinking tea that tastes like wine (really sweet, fruity wine. Not that I drink wine, but it tastes like wine smells... except less like vinegar. Was that clear enough for you?)

-Handing in a math worksheet and realising that no, I did not get all the answers wrong (sadly the test is a different story)

-Eating salad (okay so that's a joy that could happen anywhere, anytime)

-Mixing random components together to make plastic (who knew it was that simple? Apparently it can also be done with milk... ewwww)

And best of all, wearing cool Leviathan goggles.

(Before you ask, no. They are not mine, and I have no idea why he had them in his bag... and people say I'm overprepared?) Steampunk is in, ninjas... and school is cool because it taught me what steampunk was. You can't say it's not useful now! (As are cat ears. You don't get much more stylish than this... ignoring the polo shirt and hoodie three waist sizes too big of course. And when I say "waist size" I mean "it makes me look like I'm pregnant with a watermelon".) 

However, the best part of school is... not attending it. 

That's right. By the time you read this, I'll be in France! Discovering new and unknown lands! (Here there be dragons. Or possibly just lots of coffee... in my dreams!) Wish me luck... and lots of sleep. 

promspiration (NOT perspiration)

It might only be February... but for those of us graduating, prom seems to be approaching at light speed. Here are some of my dress ideas! (All of these photos come from Tumblr... at least my procrastination paid off, in a way!)

But first... a workout, just cause I want to look good, youknow?

And now, allons-y!

So adorably retro!

Lace. And corset. OMG.

Okay, so maybe not quite this frothy... but still.

Love love love the rich red colour... and the corset, of course!

This one reminds me of something a faerie would wear. 

Now, dearest ninjas, I'm enlisting your help. Do any of you know of good sites I could peruse? Or, if you live in Canada or near the Canadian border, any actual stores? (I'd really rather try my dress on first... picky, picky!) My top requirement (as you may have noticed) is that it have a corset top (Victorian glamour!)... and other than that, I'm open to anything.

Let the shopping madness begin!

winner, hopefully always

So... I won a giveaway! Of this gorgeous necklace! How exciting is that? (The answer is, through the roof!) It was held by the lovely Laura over at Blue Eyed Night Owl and featured a necklace from Khrystyna's beautiful shop. (If you want to win something this beautiful, head on over to her blog- she's having a giveaway now too!) I can't wait to wear it- a great way to jazz up my uniform for sure. 

On a slightly related note: did you know that... a lobster's blood is clear until it hits oxygen, then it becomes blue?

Nope. Me neither... but now we do! And there's your useless fact of the day.

Where does this come from, you may ask? Why did you need to look this up and share it with us?

Well. You might not have realised this (it doesn't really come up in my posts) but... I have an intensely competitive nature. Like, about everything. When I was younger, I used to say I had bigger feet than I really did because one of my friends had larger feet than I did and I wanted to 'beat' her... (Typing this makes it all seem incoherent and ridiculous, but it was A BIG DEAL for quite a while- see the pun?) I'd like to say that this tendency diminished through the years, but unfortunately it hasn't.

So, now that I am one of two students in my math class... IT IS ON. 

How does science come into this, you might ask? Well, he also happens to be in my chemistry class, and every single day, he comes up with random facts that are somehow also related to the lesson. He's like an encyclopedia... and it's driving me insane.  

(Kori and I now have conversations composed entirely of "Did you know?" A sample here:

"Did you know that this hot chocolate is hot?" 

"Did you know that James Bond has a cousin named Ionic?" 

and my personal favourite..."Did you know that my breasts can tell when it's raining?" Please tell me you catch the reference!) 

So does anyone know any fascinating science facts I could share?

Also, just cause...

Drinking this would simply be cruel...

...but not as cruel as this.

sometimes I amaze myself- or, Ethel

I've decided to name the intensely awkward part of my personality Ethel, so that it/she gets the hint that it/she is not welcome. (Apologies if your name is Ethel, but it's not a name of which I've ever been fond.) Perhaps that way, I'll be able to prevent days like yesterday, in which my amazing inability at dealing with people astounded even me.

First, a sample conversation:

Me: how come some people can just deal with others? Like, what's wrong with us?
Jesse: it's called confidence, omg, where can I download that?
Me: maybe there's a book somewhere?

This was immediately before heading off to lunch at Cécile's ENORMOUS school. (Okay, so there's like a thousand people. It just seems like a lot because an unfair proportion of that number is composed of attractive boys and they don't have an ugly uniform.) I was so overwhelmed by all these people that I was unable to open the door.

I tried like six times, but it was just not happening. People were starting to get impatient behind me. Thankfully, there was another door, so I managed to sneak out behind someone else and pretend that it wasn't my fault that there was now a blockage in the hallway.

Secondly, I sang on my way to work. This is a daily occurence. However, I also decided to incorporate dancing at the intersection. (Blame the One Direction.) I was getting really into it when I turned around and realised that everyone driving in the opposite direction was pausing and laughing. One man in particular gave me a kindly look- so at least I made his day?

Finally, I had the most awkward work conversation of my life with a classmate's (possible? identity as yet unconfirmed) mother. I was going to post a transcript, but I came off as such an airhead (yes. Even more than usual. Hard to believe, I know) that I decided not to expose you to such cringe-worthyness.

...okay, so it was funny. (Maybe not for my classmate's mother, who's probably still wondering how such a confused person got a job. Let's just hope she had no idea who I was.) But still.  I can only hope that I will one day be able to eradicate Ethel.

shoes and dresses and yoga, oh my!

Good morning dearest ninjas! (Now that I've typed it, that greeting seems a little presumptuous. It's morning now and here, but who am I to say that when you're reading this it'll be morning in your time zone? However, I can't think of anything better to say, so hopefully that's acceptable.) I can't believe I haven't posted in almost a week! I would like to place the blame squarely on the shoulders of exams and work: really, I haven't done anything noteworthy enough to blog about. Nor have I even thought anything interesting. (Sad. So sad.)

However, yesterday... I DROVE to go SHOPPING. (Yes. Caps lock definitely necessary.) The fact that I can drive myself places has yet to lose its thrill... although staring at the road for an hour was less than exciting.

However.. Urban Outfitters. LOVE. It's so self-consciously hipster (and there is no way I'll ever fit into that perception of cool... I have no interest in listening to Pink Floyd, nor am I able to wear beige clothes because I'm too pale. I'm not sure why that's a hipster thing, but all the hipster stores are filled with beige clothes and it's NOT FAIR) that it's almost clichéd... but it's lovely anyway. Just look at this dress! (So Great Gatsby. Sigh.)

Also, kitty ears! (Yes. Crazy cat lady alert... or should I say ear-lert? Hahaha!)

But really, what takes the prize (both for cute and crazy factor) are my new shoes. There is no way you can believe these to be anything less than the most darling creations on Earth. (Look at that wonderful sentence construction. My English teacher would be so impressed.)

Or... this sweater.

-insert photo here- 

It's bulky yet also colourful and fancy. It's the sort of thing I'll reach for when I feel lazy but also want to look good (so, most of my life). (And it's Desigual. LOVE.) Why is there not a real photo, you ask? Because tomorrow... I'm going to make another tea vlog. And I will wear it. And you will all be in awe of its beauty.

(Aka: I want you to watch my vlog, so I'm building suspense. Is it working?)


Following this delightful exercursion, I headed off to hot yoga with Erika. Have any of you ever done hot yoga? What did you think of it? Personally, I thought I might drown in a pool of sweat and humidity. Even just walking into the room made me wonder if I had been transported to the Sahara desert.

I hadn't realised just how tense I was. Every time the instructor mentioned 'loosening your shoulders' I realised I didn't really even have shoulders- more like a steel bar connecting one side to the other. (And don't even get me started on the back bends. Everyone's neck was pressed to the floor and I was just sitting there like... yeah, I can barely turn my head...) However, I definitely felt better after- just the thing to remedy an excess of exams.

...and when I say 'excess', that means I've done one.

I'm off to study for math- joy. Hope you're all having a lovely weekend too! I probably won't be posting much next week either, as exams continue and I work everyday afterwards... my glamourous life. Try not to miss me too much! (Actually, no. Miss me muchly, so that you'll continue needing to read my blog.)

how to write

It's exam time. And you know what that means... lots and lots of writing. Essays. Study guides. You name it, I've probably written it. (Except for spellbooks. I'm sure I'll get around to that eventually, though!) By this point, I could be considered an expert... and so, I decided to share my wisdom! 

Zia's Essay*-Writing Guide

*these steps can be used for any** written text that someone else will see
**except not for blog posts because in that case, the randomer*** the better
***example of word not to use 

1. Read/decide on subject.
2. Stare blankly at the ceiling. (Repeat for as many minutes as necessary, or more.)
3. Write ideas.
4. Realise that more than half of ideas have nothing to do with the subject.
5. Get distracted by own writing. Practice signature or write song lyrics all over idea paper.
6. Erase everything, so vigourously that paper tears.
7. Scrounge new paper.
8. Write down a few more ideas. Manage heroically not to be distracted for more than five minutes.
9. Get distracted, this time by people singing Backstreet Boys songs and dancing along. (In all fairness, this is very distracting and you may be forgiven.)
10. Start actually writing.
11. Look up words because the ones you're using are more appropriate for a sixth-grader.
12. Look up other things because it's more fun than writing.
13. Give self a vigourous mental slap.
14. Keep writing.
15. Realise that writing, like ideas, has diverged so far from the subject as to be practically irrelevant.
16. Erase five-eighths of work.
17. Repeat steps 8-16 (with a judicious amount of step 2) until you no longer have to repeat step 16.

And there you have it, dearest ninjas: how to write. One day, when I am a famous author, you will all read this and be amazed that I ever became a famous author, what with all the blank staring that went on. (Really, this occupies at least forty percent of the total writing time.) Is this how your writing process goes?

a hairbreadth of happiness (or, work)

I complain about work all the time, but sometimes there are just little things that make me smile and brighten my day, so I thought, for once, I'd share those instead! (And wow, long and ungrammatical sentence alert. Obviously today's writing club didn't do me any favours.)

• the little girl who said to her grandma, looking at me, "Oh, that girl is so pretty!"
• when an actual good song plays on the radio (mostly it sucks)
• the joy I feel when I go shopping and realise I'm not the one trapped behind the counter (muahaha)
• the cute boy who watched me (in a non-Edward-Cullen way) and smiled at me the entire time 
• the little girl (couldn't have been older than three) who complimented me on my makeup and noted that my nails matched (which I hadn't even noticed- future stylist to the stars?) 
• an excited explanation of hockey (someone had walked in wearing a jersey and my current customer explained who the player was)
• joking with my coworkers
• when I put away the hangers correctly and don't spill them on the floor (shh. It's the little things.)
• the older ladies who tell me about their cats 
• the feeling I get when I look at my bank account (MONEY)

And best of all... the thought that I have less than two months left. (Insert happy dance here.) 

On another, slightly related note, in my last post I mentioned that teenage years didn't seem to be too thrilling so far.
I didn't intend for this to sound as though I was unhappy- far from it. I'm lucky in so many ways; my family situation (when the worst memory of your parents you have is of being forced to drink a glass of milk, you're pretty sheltered), my friends, my cats... (who, apparently, didn't steal my USB- it was in my pyjama pocket. Why do pj pockets exist, anyway? It seems like you're guaranteed simply to lose things in them...)

I'm just bored; sick of slow nights at work, sick of classes that I'm taking only to get a credit, sick of being in those classes with the same people I've known for years. Simply put, I'm craving change. (Unfortunately, new clothes don't quite seem to cut it, especially since I have a uniform- nor does different dessert, mainly because I'm too lazy to bake anything.)

Finally, on a completely unrelated note: TV shows are starting again! Unfortunately, this aligns perfectly with 'exam time is starting again'... at least I've already been accepted to university, so no need to worry!

(...I'm joking.)
(Mostly.)

what I stick in (and sometimes on) my eyes

Reasons I like blue mascara:

1) It's blue. (Really, the list could just end here and it'd be complete.)

2) Small children compliment me on it. (At least I know, if I ever do decide to have a child, that we'll have something in common.) 

3) Ot has been worn during the majority of my (sort of) successful flirting experiences. (Obviously, it has magical powers.) (Although it doesn't always work...)

My current weapon of choice is the Diorshow Waterproof mascara!

As you can see, the brush is slightly huge... but I love it. It's just so blue and lengthening! 

(Admire the hat, and the pyjamas. Even when getting ready for bed, I'm stylish.) 

You ninjas who have been with me for a while might be wondering, what happened to the one mentioned in this post? I regret to tell you (try not to cry too much, now) that it is deceased. It developed a rare disease known as "The Clumps" and degenerated quickly. However, I gave it a lovely funeral! (...or maybe just threw it out.) 

My inspiration for today's look:

Audrey Hepburn and I- twins. 

(Haha. In my dreams.) In other news, school started back today- you can see the ever-glamourous polo in this shot. (Yet another reason I am not anything like Audrey Hepburn. I'm certain that, if she was ever forced to wear a uniform, it had decent blouses at the very least.) Has anyone ever heard the saying: "the best days of your life" as regards their teenage years? My only thought on the subject is, if these are the best days, I'm not sure I want to experience the rest! 

(That came out sounding far darker than I'd intended. Please, have no fear for my mental health- unless you think a belief in unicorns is unhealthy- just consider this the desperation of a girl whose morning began with "my cat stole my USB" and went downhill from there.)

Hopefully your Monday wasn't too awful! (I'd wish that it was wonderful, but it was a Monday; I don't think there is such a thing as a wonderful Monday, and if there is, it has the same rarity as a great sale at Sephora or a non-cheesy One Direction song.)

the cool factor of chemistry (yes you read that right)

Now, as you know, there are three science options in highschool: Biology, Physics and Chemistry. I think you've all heard my opinions on the first two, so I thought I'd write a post about chemistry!

Reasons Chemistry Is My Favourite Science
(Note the capital letters- this is some serious stuff. Note also that I have yet to complete my lab report... so I may not be so excited soon...)

• No dead things. After my trauma in biology last year... I think we can all agree that NOT needing to do dissections is a simple and often overlooked joy. 
• Naming components. Learning how to name the different parts of molecules is like learning another language! A nerdy one perhaps, but a language nonetheless.
• Possible explosions. Okay, so it is highly unlikely that we'd actually be allowed to make a bomb (I'm pretty sure there are laws against that) but the potential is always there. Plus, we do use Bunsen burners... so you could always burn some hair off! (What a joy.) 
• Food colouring. Seriously. Adding food colouring to something makes everything cooler. It is a Well-Known Fact. 

Today, we made solutions with sucrose (aka: sugar + water) and left it to spin (with an automatic spinner! Again, how cool can you get?) during math class. The division between the Cool Chem kids and the Lame Non-ones was immediately clear; us CC's were super excited/distracted/kept leaping up to add more sugar and see if it would still dissolve (good thing our chem teacher is also our math teacher and could see the excitement, or she might have been a bit frustrated).... and the LNs didn't even look at it. (Come on, guys. It was a break from learning about trigonometry equations. Take what you can get.) 

And, just because I know you're all soooo thrilled, here are some photos for you! (Just so that you know I'm not just making this up.)

Just look at those faces!

WHIRLPOOL! Watch out, there might be sugar sharks? (Is that a thing? It totally should be.)

Again, major fascination. (Plus our teacher looking on all proud of our nerdiness.)

WHOA, just overwhelmed with excitement! I know, this made your day/weekend... I hope you have a great one!

let it snow

Today -drumroll please- IT SNOWED.

like oh my gosh, guys, it snowed.

How to tell if you are a Canadian: this thought is actually exciting and not a source of terror. (Minus 30? PLEASE.)

Okay, actually, this might be more a sign of "How to tell if you are Zia" because honestly, no one else in my highschool seemed all that thrilled. It started during lunchtime, and I asked several people if they wanted to go for a walk with me, even offering the promise of a stop at the pizza or poutine place; the lure of fresh air might be negligable, but junk food rarely is... but even that was not enough of an inducement. (Thanks guys. I love you all too.)

So, instead of being constrained by their lameness, I headed outside to, as one boy put it, "frolic" in the snow. A random photo shoto ensued. (Apologies for the no-makeup face... I hadn't realised there would be so much excitement!)

From almost no snow...

To the beginnings of a BLIZZARD!

(Okay, not really, but still.) Look at this. Seriously, it's beautiful.

I had to fulful my frolic duties, after all!

Good thing I went out, too... because how much is there now?

NADA.

...sadness.

Hopefully I'll dream of snow tonight and it will be there when I wake up.

What are your thoughts on snow?

epiphany of the year

This week, I came to an important realisation. I used to be that girl who dressed nicely on every occasion. I was never seen outside the house in sweatpants or without makeup. I did my hair (okay. I tried. I should get an A for effort).

However, I just realised... after this year, I'm never going to see these people again. There is absolutely no one I need to impress here (except for myself, and let's face it, I already know I'm amazing). Therefore, I no longer need to expend any effort on looking good.

Bring on the sweatpants, baby!

(Or, in this case, the shapeless cargo pants that are as wrinkly as elephant skin and the tent-like polo shirt... although actually, that's what I've had to wear all along. It's just that it no longer has the power to bother me.)  The one thing is, seeing as the girl's uniform is the same as the boy's, I'm worried that without makeup I might be mistaken for one... Time to break out the huge and sparkly earrings!

On a slightly related note, I am pleased to announce that I can now eat watermelon-flavoured gum once again! For a while, I was using watermelon-scented deodorant, and whenever I had any it gave me the impression that I was licking my armpit... not so pleasant.

Oh, and don't worry- I am still wearing deodorant. I'm not quite that far gone. (Yet.)

And, on an actually related note (...okay, sort of, connected-ness is not my strong suit) remember me mentioning the construction on the school? Well, that's been going on for a while now, and I am in fear for my life. (So really, I should be trying to look good while I can... nahhh...) My hair is permanently filled with fallen ceiling dust (thus adding to that sexy hobo style) and everything hung on the walls trembles and rattles, making writing on the whiteboard a challenge. (On the plus side, if you get the wrong answer, you can simply say that your writing is messy because of the shaking and that you were actually right. I'll let you know if this works.) Plus (and this is the worst) they constantly blare bad pop music. (There is only so much BABY YOU'RE A FIREWORK this girl can take. My quota was basically reached the first time I heard it.)

In conclusion: I have to save up all my cute-dressing-skills for university, when I actually will meet new people... til then, I'm going to revel in my laziness.

vérités de la vie

aka life truths... with my French twist. (I have to insert a little bit of French somewhere... I don't want to break the school's heart. And why yes, inanimate objects most definitely have hearts.)

-If you need to surrepticiously eat a snack (aka during class, not that I ever do this, cough cough), you will have brought something like apples or carrots.

-Plus, because you need to eat it quietly, the sound will be magnified a thousand times. (This is also true for wrappers.)

-There are two types of knee sock monsters. One steals socks and builds his nest with them so that you can never find them again; the other puts the mismatched remaining socks in pairs so that you show up at school with two completely different socks.

-The day you decide to put your hair in a messy bun and not wear makeup will either be a) picture day, b) the day all the other girls decide to look good (somehow without informing you; I suspect a plot) or c) the day you're supposed to be on a trip with a chance to see cute boys (and, because you are not groomed, they will appear).

-If you are not in class a full five minutes before the bell, you look like a slacker because everyone else will be.

-One side of the school will be a sauna: so hot that you have to take your tights off in the middle of class and just hope you're not flashing the people sitting behind you. The other side will be a freezer: so cold you have to wear a winter coat, a blanket and two hoodies in order to avoid becoming an icicle. (To be completely honest... both of these happened yesterday.)

To finish, this video... is kind of my life.

Except for two key differences:
1- we sing O Canada. Every morning. Except it's more like standing awkwardly and shooting glances at each other like 'why are we hereee?" because no one actually sings.

2- I don't bring notes to leave. I just disappear, and when asked for a valid reason smile and say that I was working on yearbook. (Works every time. This is probaly because enough people have witnessed my hallway meltdowns and are now too scared to confront me... SUCCESS.)

Any of this seem familiar?

Linking up here!

currently...

For whatever reason, I am super excited to write a post of this type. (I suspect it is because I am super tired, and talking about myself requires little to no effort... I am a constant font of wisdom, or maybe just made-up words.)

Reading: Cotillion, by Georgette Heyer. This book (like most of Mrs. Heyer's, actually) is like chocolate: a comfort read. I can be near tears... read... then still be near tears, but from laughing. (I think I mention this whenever I talk about a book I'm reading- rest assured not everything I read is funny, but I do dearly love to laugh. Yay for random Jane Austen references!)

Watching:...New Girl. Yes. Still. Repeatedly. Also, The Mindy Project! (Has anyone ever heard of this? It's in a similar wacky-girl vein.) However, I couldn't find this week's online... I think that the presidential candiate debate played instead. -sadface- How dare politics interfere with my TV watching? Obviously I need to find some Canadian programs to watch, seeing as our elections are so short that one week it's like, oh, there's an election and the next day it's like, oh, wait, we're voting today...

Working On: scholarship applications! Yay money! (Or maybe just hard work for nothing. Who knows. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for CASH!) Blah. If any of you feel like sending me cheques for my wonderful blogging skillz, please let me know.

Thinking About: the fact that 'retardis' should really be a word: someone who is dumber on the inside than they look on the outside. (Doctor Who, anyone?) Also, the fact that The Lizzie Bennet Diaries are soon nearing a scene that I think Darcy will appear in. Does that make sense? I'm trying not to be too obvious for fear of SPOILERS! (Which, in case you didn't know, is also a Doctor Who reference.) (I know, I know, crazy fangirl alert.)

Listening To: Taylor Swift's latest release (OMG her album comes out on Monday! Excitement central!) as well as some Owl City (this song is so adorably stalker-ish... and no, I didn't think I'd ever say that either) and a... boyfriend checklist song? (It is positively darling, and I can picture myself singing this to someone.)

Eating: nothing... but I want pumpkin. I saw this recipe for pumpkin cinnamon streusel cake and I want it... but I am lazy and so I am not cooking. (I am fully one of those people who bookmarks 500 recipes and eventually makes 3 in a year.) While I'm at it, I also want every single one of these cupcakes because I can't pick which one looks best. (Yes. I will one day become a hippo.)

Tea would also be lovely  (after reading this mouthwatering post by Em) because tea is just THE BOMB. (Side note: is that cool? I keep reading 'cray' and 'cray cray' everywhere for 'crazy'. Is that the new hip thing now? Is hip even in? As a teenage girl, aren't I supposed to know these things? I'M SUCH A LOSER.) However, it is late at night (read: after eight, oh my) and so I will resist temptation... sigh.

Anticipating: my basketball tournament! We leave next Wednesday... I just realised that yesterday, and was like OMG I NEED TO PACK. (Yes. I have a week. That's not really a lot of time when you look at the size of my closet. Plus, I have to bring several different outfits because I will probably be sweaty... gorgeous, I know.)

Wishing: that I did not have to work. (Whine, whine.)  I know. I should be grateful, and I am... especially when I hear the horror stories from friends (example: the girl who works in the deli and has to empty chicken grease into a gigantic vat... all together now, EWWW) or think about how much shopping money I have. (Shallow, yes. Exciting, even more so!) Ah well, keep calm and write blog posts, right?

Not gonna lie: I had a ton of fun writing this post. (Hopefully it wasn't too boring!) What about you? How is your week going?

what we do in religion class

Let's just say that, when the teacher's away, the students play... Or, in our case, create extremely (I don't even know what word to insert here) photos of what our future children would look like.

You're welcome for the SEXY.

falling is only a beginning

Before you ask: this title is irrelevent. (I just wanted to write something vaguely poetic that talked about fall... I don't know if I succeeded but at least I tried.) Actually... well, I guess it applies a little bit... because lately I've been in the mood to DANCE! (You know you're a klutz when dancing= falling...)

Yay for Oppa Gangham Style! (You can tell I'm Canadian from the heavenly cup of Tim Hortons in my hand. Yay x2 for coffee!) Who doesn't like crazy dancing in the middle of the street, right? (Honestly, plus the glasses, I probably looked like an alien... but a gorgeous one, of course.) Of course, it's a little less glamourous when one trips over innocent passersby... but let's not speak of that.

...I'm so bored right now, guys. My life consists basically of school: long discussions about whether or not Henry VIII had a son (the answer is yes, no matter what Physics Boy says), trying not to burn off my nose in Chemistry (because somehow I don't think I'd be as cute with a little stub), writing poetry (watch me drown in a pool of angst) and drooling sleepily (SEXY!). I apologise for the lack of posts, but the truth is that I don't have much to post about.

On the plus side, this means that I'm overdue for some excitement... come on, universe, fulfill my wish....and at least I have lovely friends who can comfort me with their beauty.

Plus, let's face it: no matter how down you feel, it's almost guaranteed that a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate will make you feel a teensy bit better. (The perfect remedy for a Monday.) 

a slight case of blabbermouth

I was told this morning that I was 'too happy' (although how this is possible I am not sure)... so I apologise in advance if this post is bothersome to you, dearest listeners. To combat this possible overjoyedness, I will confess a secret:

I live in fear that I will one day walk into my basement and discover that a tramp has taken up residence there.

...yeah, ok, moving on now.

The current dilemma of my life: exercise, read, or blog? (This is why I shouldn't eat chocolate any later than four. I get all hyper and bounce around like the Energizer bunny, frightening the cats in the process. However, they often frighten me with their unearthly howling- maybe that's why I think a tramp is in the basement? More like an elephant- so I suppose we're even.)

EXERCISE BREAK! Get up and do ten jumping jacks or run around your room for a while during my distraction... Okay, I'm back. You may now stop your mini-workout. (Did you actually do something?)

Without any graceful segue (which is really pronounced sedge-way... how bizarre!) this was my amazing outfit for casual day today!

(Glamour bathroom shots foreverrr!) I love casual day. It is literally the best day of the month. (No wonder I'm happy today!) Except this photo worries me a little... like, do I look like a Bratz doll? As in, is my head too big for my body? (I swear it's not like that in real life...unless I'm wearing one of my extremely large and lovely hats.)

Also, for your personal edification (yes, I'm in a big-words-mood) today was the birthday of the French-Ontarian flag! It's partyyyy time, y'all. (I really need to stop that...) Except not really... because there was only a boring ceremony -sadface- Not so happy.

However, I had Carly Rae Jepsen's new album to comfort me. I was literally dancing a bit (read: all over the place) in the hallway this morning. (This may also account for the 'too happy' comment.) Seriously though, how can you listen to this and not want to dance?

(Yes, you guessed it: I'm dancing again.)

Let's just end with: dinosaurs are the best. (Thank goodness I have pens to occupy myself during math class...) 

Kthanxbyeeee!