I’m not a morning person at all. And so, when I have to wake up at 8am– on my day off from everything– due to an annual maintenance check in our apartment complex, I turn a little grumpy {which was the case yesterday}. I’m tired and it’s early. Please let me go back to bed?
Then Ken surprises me with this:
Breakfast in bed! Ahh, I’m pretty lucky :) Hoping today will be just as fabulous… not only is it Friday, but it’s my 25TH Birthday. I’m pretty darn excited for some birthday cake…
It’s important to take note of the simple things in life. You know, the things that make you smile and that you tend to remember years down the road. Anyway, here are a few things that have made me smile lately…
+ Taking a stroll downtown, Ottawa to see parliament and all of the Christmas lights with Ken.
+ Grabbing a beaver tail {mmm, soo good you guys!} in the Byward market before checking out all of the holiday sparkle.
+ Calling this simple outting “a date.” How cute!? Hehe.
+ Arriving back at out apartment, hopping in my warm pjs, popping some popcorn, and watching Dateline or 48 Hours Mystery with Ken. It’s our nightly thing <3. It’s the small things, right?
What has made you smile lately? :D
For me, 2011 was a year of surprises, a year of growth, and a year of love. In the first week of 2011, I started my second semester {of year one} of graduate school. After battling a series of “oh, I’m way too stupid for grad school” thoughts the semester prior, I finally felt a little more confident in my work and abilities. After spending four months in a new city {a new province!}, I felt more comfortable. I knew where things were and I was starting to like Ottawa a lot. What else happened in 2011? Well…
I traveled to the United States for the very first time. This trip included many firsts: first time in Florida, first time swimming in a warm ocean, and lastly, it was my first time visiting Disney World! Haha yes, at the age of 24 :3
I traveled to Russia and lived there for two months. This was probably the biggest surprise of 2011 since I ended up getting funded by my university to go there. Not only did I experience a totally different culture, language, and cuisine, but I also made several new friends and got to visit Moscow for a weekend. Ahhh, red square <3.
Outside of the Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia
Red Square, Moscow, Russia
I spent a week in London, UK. After leaving Russia {and before I departed for Canada}, I decided to spend a week in London. I got to see all of my favourite museums again, walk through my favourite parks, and shop on Oxford Street. My good friend– from Australia– ended up meeting me in London before she also departed for Canada. I really enjoyed everything about that week!
Me, feeding a squirrel chocolate {oops!} in London
I got engaged! Spending two months in Russia did not take a toll on my relationship at all. Actually, it made it much stronger. I think we both ended up growing a lot– as individuals and as a couple– during the summer. On October 18, Ken asked me to, you know, marry him *gush*, lol.
Ahhh, 2011– you were a good year! I am praying that 2012 will be similar ;) …No ph meters needed :P
Question: What were your 2011 highlights?
I know, second blog post of the day but I totally forgot to share something special with you guys :3 The lovely Katie from Love is Everywhere frequently shares love stories from her readers {her collection is amazing! take a peek here}. Well, last week– while reading a few love stories– I felt compelled to finally write up my own :)
Read about my love story here.
Biggest thanks {and love!} to Katie for starting this special collection.
The other day, Ken and I received a few cards from his family congratulating us on our engagement. The cards were so cute, especially the one from his mom. She’s so supportive, I love her! Two of the cards included a few gift certificates to East Side Marios– one of our favourite places to eat. Since it’s Friday and there’s one close by, we’re making it an official date night ;)
I even applied my false lashes… OoOlala:
Enjoy your Friday everyone!
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