Simple Thing no. 10 + 11: Getting Things Done

Real life is getting really, really, real right now, guys.  So real that I missed a day of blogging and am cheating you out of another real post today.  

Sob.  I know, things are looking bleak.  But I've used my non-blogging time to do actual productive things like:
- Homework
- Saskatchewan Youth Parliament emails
- Showers!
- Running 5K
- Debating whether or not to make cinnamon buns
- Questioning my cat's sanity
- Questioning my own sanity

As you can see, I'm a model of human efficiency and progress.  
But it does feel good to get things done, and that's as simple as it gets.

Simple Thing no. 9: The Christmas Cactus

Gather round, boys and girls.  It's story time!

Once upon a time, there a was a girl.  This girl was very sick, and had to go far away from home to get better.  While she understood why she had to leave, it still made her very sad.

She spent her days locked in tower, with no hope of escape.  The walls were stark, and the air artificial.  The whole place seemed devoid of life, love, and happiness.

One day, the girl's mother brought her something to help brighten her day.  That something was a Christmas Cactus.  Green, waxy leaves sprouted from dry dirt.  It was placed on a window ledge that barley received any sunlight.  The girl was convinced that the cactus would soon die.  

But it didn't die.  That cactus persevered through even the darkest and most depressing days.  And surprisingly, so did the girl. Together, they grew until both were strong, and could leave the tower and return home.

And to this day, they still bloom, happy and free.  The most unlikely things are sometimes the most resilient, and we all will flower in our own time.  

Simple Thing no. 8: Cheesy Fortune Cookies

I've been in a bit of funk today.  Some disappointing news combined with frigid temperatures and a hectic work/school/existence schedule has left me feeling deflated.  But, these times do come around now and again, right?  It's how we learn to deal with them that makes us better people.

Anyway, despite my funky funkiness, I did manage to join some family and friends for take out Chinese food.  It's from our local greasy spoon, and while the cuisine is far from gourmet, it has a certain comfortable predictability about it.  

My favourite part of ordering Chinese food is always the the fortune cookies.  Nothing is less authentically Chinese than a fortune cookie, and yet it's something that I've always enjoyed.  The fortunes are either ridiculously general (something good will happen!) or ridiculously specific (Avoid purple underwear on Tuesdays) or just plain weird (eat your vegetables!).  Tonight, I received "A long lost relative will bring prosperity to your life".  I don't have many relatives, and I don't tend to lose them.  I wonder what it means?  

Probably that I have a rich great-great-great-great uncle that left me all of his money.  Yes, that's a nice thought.  I think I'll hold on to that one to get me through the Monday Blues.

Simple Thing no. 7: Great Conversation

Today's post is a really short one, as I am typing this on my phone between a scholarship interview and the second show of Chrismtas at the Bar Humbug Ranch. All I want to say is that I had some really great conversations today, and I anticipate even more tonight! 

Simple Thing no. 6: Live Theatre

It's no secret that I love theatre. I've been doing it for as long as I can remember - longer, maybe.  Growing up, the stage was never far away.  I love it so much that I've decided to study it in university (saying that on the internet scares me a bit). Every chance I get I either like to be in a play or to watch one. This weekend is the perfect combination of both.

Last night I had the opportunity to go and see the Globe Theatre's Christmas production of Sleeping Beauty. It's been a tradition in my family to go and see a Globe Theatre play every December since I was five. In fact, it was a production of the The Wizard of Oz that inspired me to pursue theatre as a career... but more on that later!  The majority of shows have been fantastic, and Sleeping Beauty was no exception. I twist on the traditional tale, this play offers many, many surprises. Talented artists from Saskatchewan and across Canada worked to put together a great production. I can't say much more without spoiling the story, but I will share on highlight.  It was the climax of the play, when the prince is in despair about how to restore Sleeping Beauty to life. The tension built, until a small voice from the audience cried "Just kiss her!". The crowded erupted into laughter at this completely unplanned line. But that's my favourite part about live theatre - the unpredictability, and the way it captures the imagination of the viewer. I highly recommended seeing this show if you have the chance.

I also just finished being in a show! My community theatre is in the middle of a run of Christmas at the Bar Humbug Ranch, the annual retelling of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Seriously, I've been in like nine different versions of that story. Even though I've done it so many times, each year is unique. Christmas at the Bar Humbug Ranch places the characters in the old west, complete with an Elmer Fudd-esque Scrooge. The show came together against the odds, and was a universal hit (I even managed a pretty rad step dancing sequence...)!

So my weekend so far has been filled with lots of awesome things. Hope yours is too!

Simple Thing no. 5: People Watching

During the holiday season, our lives are often bursting at the seams with involvement. Parties, dinners, crowded shopping malls - every moment is filled. While it's great to be in the thick of things, there's something to be said for simply observing, rather than participating.

One of my favourite things to do is people watch. It's fun to imagine all kinds of stories about the people around you, especially around Christmas. Every mall shopper could have some incredible life experience - or at least an imaginary one. When you feel overwhelmed by your own world, creating someone else's can be a great escape.

Simple Thing no. 4: Slippers

I didn't really feel like getting out of bed this morning.  When I finally did, I really didn't feel like leaving my house at all.  Why, you ask?

 Because it's the coldest day of cold that ever colded a cold, that's why. (I'm aware this sentence is a grammatical horror, but I doubt my English teacher reads this blog...)

With the temperatures dipping below -30 degrees celsius, today was the first real bone-chiller of the winter.  Walking anywhere seemed unbearable.  Forget outdoor exercise. Even running from my house to my car may have led to the uttering of words that cannot be repeated in good company.  I tell you folks, IT WAS COLD.

But hark! There's a warm, cozy light at the end of the frigid tunnel!

Slippers to the rescue!

After coming home from school today, I put on a pair of fuzzy slippers, and suddenly, everything was better.

Okay, the rest of me was still freezing, but at least my feet were warm! Seriously, slippers are like a hug for your feet, AND they can be super stylish.  Sounds like a winning combination to me.

I bought these at SoftMoc last year, and they're as good as new, if not comfier.

Next time you're feeling cold, warm yourself from the toes up by putting on a pair of slippers.  

Simple Thing no. 3: Passing on Something You Love

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Today's post is rather short, as I am in between teaching fiddle lessons and rehearsal for a show.  

Simple thing no. 3 is related to fiddle teaching - the simple joy of passing on something you love to another person.   I am extremely fortunate to have a job that I love.  Every week, I get to share my passion for music with a bunch of great kids.  It isn't always easy, but it is the most rewarding thing I do all day. When you really love something, and you get to share it with someone else, it's one of the coolest things ever.  Every time a student gets excited about fiddle music, or learns a new tune, it just reminds me about the benefits of passing on experience.  It's one thing to learn a skill yourself, but another to help someone else learn it.  You're spreading the love for whatever your "thing" is - be it music, bowling, rug making, or birdwatching.  That's how things grow.

Have a great evening!

Simple Thing no. 2: A Warm Bowl of Soup

Soup is basically the best food ever, right?

It can be sweet or spicy, hot or cold, rich or refreshing.  Add vegetables, and it's healthy.  Add tons of cheese and some croutons, and you've got yourself some serious comfort food.   It's even cheap, which is a bonus in my books.  

I firmly that soup should be its very own food group (along with hummus, smoothies, and chocolate...), and could probably eat it every day without complaint.  Either that makes me extremely weird or extremely creative - I'll take both.

Today was freeeeeezing cold, and I spent all day looking forward to a warm, toasty bowl of soup for dinner.  That's exactly what I got!  Lentil and squash soup, adapted from here.

(The food blogging gods are probably frowning on my terrible iPhone photography, but I'll let that slide...)
When you're rushing around doing a million different things, the small stuff it what keeps you sane.

On a completely unrelated note, peanut butter cookies make the BEST pre-run snack ever. 5 km flew right by! 

The December Challenge + Simple Thing no. 1

Do you ever stop, take a look at your life, and think: how on Earth did I get here?
I've been doing that a lot lately.  Not that I'm unhappy - far from it.  It's more that I'm extremely busy doing all kinds of different things, and sometimes it makes me a little bit crazy.

There are essays to write.
There are things to apply for.
There are projects to finish and events to plan and rooms to clean and letters to write and - 
You see what I mean?

Life gets complicated.  Time is spent on the most urgent thing at the moment, rather than the things we really want to be doing.  I'm extremely grateful for the exciting opportunities I've been given in the last few months.  For the most part, I do an okay job of balancing.  Other times, not so much.  

Some nights, I look like this:

Now, it's December.  The time of year to remember what's really important.  Find the joy in friends, family, and simple things.  
Which brings me to the December Challenge.  
In order to prevent myself for working myself into a nervous ball of stress, I'm taking the time each day until Christmas to blog about one simple, glorious thing.  Part (non-religious) advent, part therapy, part fun, I hope to share awesome things with you, my (non-existent) readers.  Maybe some recipes, maybe some pictures, maybe just some stuff I think is cool - I'll have to wait and see.

So, without further ado....

Simple thing no. 1:  Freshly Fallen Snow

Last night, we received the just the right amount of snow to make everything look like the front of a Christmas card.  As much as I normally hate winter, I couldn't help but notice how absolutely beautiful it was. 

That's all for today. Visit again tomorrow for more simple things.
Happy December!

P.S. After a hilarious bake sale cookie fail (waaaaay too small) I made these and they turned out great!

7 Things to Do With Your Day Off (Besides What You Should Be Doing)

Hello dear readers, if you are still out there.  If you were ever out there.

Long time, no see.  I realize that this is my first blog post in quite a while.  

Almost a month, actually.  I always meant to write something, but life kept getting in the way.  

Honestly, my lack of bloggage is probably not a huge issue - the only person who really reads it is Mckenzie, who just spent the entire weekend with me in a car and probably never wants to speak to me ever again.

But, there is good news.  I have the day off of school today!  What am I going to do with it? Well, if you're practical (re: boring) like me, it will be spent cleaning, doing homework, filling out scholarship applications, and practicing the various things that most people would call "hobbies", but what I call career options. I really know how to live it up. Since "routine" doesn't make for a very interesting blog post, I thought I'd take a cue from my friend Robin and create my very own list!  I'm not nearly as creative as she is (and lazier, too), so I have seven things instead of ten...but it's close enough for me.

So, without further ado, here are 7 things to do with your day off (besides what you should be doing):

1. Bake an extravagant, delicious cake and share it with your friends. Seriously, doesn't this look absolutely divine?

2. Alphabetize your book/movie/music/sock/vintage ugly sweater collection.  Because your beloved junk might as well be organized.

3. Go on a road trip less than 100 km from your home and check out something weird.  When else do you have a chance to check out the World's Largest Red Paperclip?

4. Write a letter to your local political representatives and complain about the lack of kittens in official government documents. Wouldn't filing your taxes be more fun with kittens?

5. Watch reruns of Doctor Who in preparation for the 50th Anniversary Special! A choice that requires no deliberation.

6. Work on your fabulous Halloween costume.  Like these.

7. Dance to polka music in a public place.  Because you can.

Bonus: Throw it on the ground.

That's all, folks!  I hope you have a wonderful, unproductive day!

Personal Best

The second day of grade twelve is finally complete.  Aside from a few philosophical quandaries , I think I’ve got this year under control.  I haven’t totally lost my mind yet, so that’s a good sign.  Between classes and extra-curriculars and being a genuinely fantastic human being, my days are pretty jam-packed.  Maybe I’ll try to squeeze some sleep in before the semester is over.

Today also marked my first cross-country practice of the year.  Yes I’m actually participating in a sport on my own accord.  It’s taken me seventeen years to figure out that I don’t dislike sport; it’s the teams that I’ve never been crazy about.  Not to be misanthropic, but team sports just never agreed with me – to much pressure, too many people, too much competition.     What I love about running is that you’re only really competing with yourself.

We met after school on the front lawn.  Despite being the oldest person there, I didn’t tower over anyone.  Most of the other participants were grade seven boys, with whom I share a similar stature (five feet or less…).  I didn’t let the age division deter me – I was there to run.  After some quick stretching, we laced up our shoes and set off.

So, I consider myself a pretty decent runner.  I won’t be winning any marathons in the near future, but I’m no greenhorn either.  But wouldn’t you know it, after the first few minutes of the run, I found myself at the very back of the group.  In fact, I was the slowest runner there.  

In the past, this would have really discouraged me.  I’d be angry and confused at my inability to live up to the achievements of everyone else.  My entire self worth would have been questioned by one perceived “failure”.  But not this time. 

I remember back to a time when I could barely for a minute without being in pain.

I remember times when I was so weak that I couldn’t run at all.

I used to spend so much time trying to be the best, instead of what I should have been aiming for: my personal best.  In the end, that’s all that really matters – how we measure up to our own expectations. 

            I may have been the slowest runner, but I ran the farthest of anyone else.  Maybe I wasn’t the best person there, but I gave my personal best.  And that’s good enough for now.

On another note, I'm hoping to prepare a recipe post within the next few days!  Keep checking back for all kinds of new things on Emily Untitled.  

The Beginning of the End

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the end. 

It’s full firsts and lasts, constants and changes.

It’s my last first day of high school.

It’s my first day of grade twelve.

It’s the last time my mom will take a zillion pictures of me with my backpack by the front door.

But maybe, it’s the first day of the rest of my life.

Tomorrow, I start grade twelve.   It’s less exciting than you’d think, but I’m still bizarrely excited.  I actually like learning things.  I’m excited to see what this year brings. 

Well, an end of summer walk is calling my name – I’ll fill you in on the first-day details tomorrow!

The "Bowl" List

Ah, September.  A time of great change. A time of beginnings and endings.  A time to finally have an excuse to buy new pens!  If I haven't already mentioned it, I'm about to enter my senior year of high school.  It's the last chance that my BFF Mckenzie and I will have to spend an obnoxious amount of time together before we head off to university, perhaps on opposite sides of the country. In order to mark this momentous occasion, we have compiled what we call the "Bowl" list - things that we wish to accomplish in the next year.  Instead of a bucket list, which implies dying, we chose something less powerful than a bucket - a bowl.  Mckenzie and I will attempt to complete each of the items on this list, document it, and I will share it with all of you lovely readers (if you're even out there!).  It will be intense.  We'll laugh.  We'll cry.  We'll cry because we're laughing so hard.  But we won't forget it.

So, without further ado, here is our list:

Mckenzie and Emily’s list of stuff they must do before university (The”Bowl” List), in no particular order:

1.     Sell baked goods at a farmer’s market under the name “Ganache with Panache”.

2.     Start a book club.

3.     Do silly things with a slide whistle in public place.

4.     Attend a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, in full costume.

5.     Write slam poetry and read it to an appreciative audience.

6.     Learn to play the guitar (me) and bass (her) and start a band.

7.     Write spectacular songs for said band.

8.     Attend each other grad parties. Do the polka and bring a chess board.

9.     Pull an all-nighter.

10. Create a graphic novel or web comic.

11. Paint fancy nail art.

12. Go to Zumba class dressed in 80’s workout gear.

13. Learn a trombone/flute duet and perform it at music festival.

14. Learn a Shakespearean duologue and perform it at musical festival as well.

15. Prepare an elegant five-course meal.

16. Go on a road triop.

17. Go on a bike trip and pack a picnic.

18. Participate in a movie marathon lasting at least twelve hours.

19. Raise money for charity.

20. Create partner Halloween costumes.

21. Make Candy Salad.

22. Compose a rock opera based on Carmen.

23. Write a musical called First World Problems: The Musical.

24. Have several gratuitous photo shoots.

25. Take photos to record the completion of the above items.

26. Compile those photos into an intentional sentimental scrapbook.

27. Just have a helluva year.

Let the games begin.