He asked - I said yes!

I am at the top of the world.

This past weekend I went up to Tofino for a romantic getaway. We were able to book the perfect room - oceanside, kitchenette, soaker tub etc. It was incredible. The bliss was in being able to hear the waves against the shoreline and spending such precious moments with my love.

The first day we got up to our wonderful hide-away, David took me for a walk at low tide and just at sundown. We walked to Middle Beach Lodge's private beach and instantly I was transported to kid-like giddiness. We ventured onto the exposed sand and, like a small child, I chased the waves. 

As I turned in my glee, David was on one knee in the sand, a look of pure adoration in his eyes. My heart leapt and I was overcome with joy.

"You are my sun, my moon, and my stars in my sky."

 He asked the age-old question, and I answered the way we both wanted to hear. Ecstatic (as we should be) we let both of our parents know and were overwhelmed with words of congratulations (and maybe a few shrieks of joy).

My next year and a half is going to be a whirlwind of excitement, planning, and maybe a little bit of stress, but I know that my fiancé will be with me every step of the way. He's my rock and my anchor in times of storm and I love every bit of his character.

Up, Up and Away!

Wow. A new year. A new outlook on life.

Many of you have read about the struggles and hardships I had to deal with in 2012. It was an incredibly tough year, to say the least. So many trials were thrown at me, so many dizzying occurences that would have sent a normal person sprawling. I guess through my aptitude in theatre and my recent struggles throughout highschool and university, I was able to pull through.

Some sunny moments have shone through the clouds of 2012. Since the very end of September, the sun has shone brighter and brighter into my life:

School:
I graduated from college with a high academic average. I built some great relationships, and even though school is done, I will strive to hold on to them. The education I received is such a help to further my career. True, it is an odd experience not being in school right now, but it's welcome after so many years of indecision.

Career:
Despite being let go from one legal job, I was hired on with an absolutely amazing experience at an even larger law firm. My coworkers make the day very entertaining. It's so nice working in an environment where I can actually talk to people and not be working all on my lonesome in the basement of a house. The feedback I get, the learning I've done - truly amazing.

Relationships:
Love finally smacked me in the face and told me to wake up and smell the roses. Life showed me that the best things out there are the simple pleasures. The wonderful man in my life, Dave, has brought so much peace into my usual chaotic mind. I'm not sure if he knows how much he's truly helped me become a better person. I love him, and I know that he loves me too. I've learned not to care what others think and to take time for myself and my love. Some say our relationship was 'premature' in the sense that we moved in together even before we started dating, but that's their opinion. We're living our love on our terms - not on the world's terms.

Hobbies:
Theatre was definitely a highlight in my year. Brigadoon was such a close knit family - I've never had a theatre experience quite like that. Collaborating with local media to produce a beautifully quirky music video for Beacon Hill Park was definitely a new venture. My knitting and crocheting took on a whole new meaning when I started making more complex items. Even better was the fact that people noticed my craft and began requesting that I make things for them.

Travel:
Mexico. What a culturally pleasing trip. It was such an eye-opening experience going to a different part of the world and getting to see the culture, ruins, and religions of the Mayan peoples. Despite some difficulties on the trip (getting sick, some arguments etc.), it is definitely a memory for my record book. More to come, I'm sure of it (that is, once I get my passport again...)


I've decided that for 2013 I wouldn't make any New Years Resolutions. I never succeed anyways. Instead, I want to make Life Resolutions. Something I can carry with me from this point forward. Things like being happier. Working harder. Loving intensely. Building relationships. Healing my body, mind, and spirit. Being me.

To help bring positivity in my life I've decided to create what I call a 'Blessing Jar'. This jar is meant to collect all the blessings that have happened in the year. Things like a special trip, meeting a special person, an event etc. get written on a slip of paper and placed into the jar. Then, when New Years Eve comes along, these 'blessings' can be read out and you can remember the good that happened in the year rather than the bad that we all seem to dwell on.

On that note, I wish all of you, your families, and your friends a most amazing 2013. May all the good times be remembered, and may you share precious memories with each other.

-B

Back to the Bottom

Just when I think things are going better - that things are finally looking up - the world offers me a painful reminder that it is a cruel creature.

Today I was let go at my place of work at the law firm. Not saying I didn't see it coming. I mean, I did make a pretty big mistake a few weeks ago, but I have been working SO hard to rectify it; however, my efforts have been wasted. Now I am out of a job based in my career and I feel so lost.

What did I do to deserve the events over the past 4 months? What evil fate has fallen on me?

Help.

Missing

It's times like these when you realize that you miss someone more than you thought. You miss how comfortable you felt with them. The way you fit together when you slept. The way he could make you smile with a simple cheesy look. How he knew exactly what to do to piss you off, but also knew exactly what to say to patch things up. The way you explored interests and ideas, launched inventions and stories. The way you shared a quiet moment. The way he held you. The way he kissed you.

That person is gone, and I miss him.

So much.

At my Wits End

Lately it seems that the world is completely against me. This whole summer has been a type of hell, and I'm wondering when the stress will finally make me collapse. I'm a fighter, yes, but there's only so much fight in a person.

This past week has definitely been a trying time with me in the work world, as well as with my patience. I nearly lost my job as a legal assistant due to one error that just had a domino effect. I couldn't believe me own stupidity in the event, and I take full responsibility. I can understand my employer's frustrations in the matter, and I would completely understand if she had followed through with her initial thought to let me go. The thing is: I'm still learning. I only JUST graduated from college, and our classes didn't cover every single document that I will be processing at work; however, this is no excuse. I should have covered my butt.

Now, I'm looking to enhance my learning in the legal field: personal study, overview of manuals and processes, asking questions, and being patient and thorough with myself.

I know I've said several times to myself (and to others) that I am not in pursuit of a relationship or involvement right now: I'm trying to focus on my career and theatre. That being said, it DOES kind of sting when a person you were involved with previously hands you the 'friend card'. I shouldn't be bummed out about it, but hey, who doesn't get a little upset when they're rejected even in the slightest. Oh well, better fish out there anyways.

Despite the happenings of this whole summer (relationship drama, car damage, moving incidents, job mishaps and anything else you can group with troublesome, depressing, and stressful), I DO have one highlight! I'm on an adventure to get my motorcycle license this week! As soon as that happens, I just pray that D has the patience enough to teach me to be an excellent rider. Can't wait for Black Beauty (BB) and I to let loose on the open road!

Until next time, let's just hope that my Fall will be much better than my Summer. First things first for the fall: Prince George trip with D, as well as reuniting with my cousin and his horses. You have no idea how excited I am.

-B

Eviction Notice

Life is always interesting.

Last week (July 31st) I decided to talk to my landlord about a few concerns I had about the agreement, as well as some conduct around the house. Always being the respectful one, I opened a polite discussion about the matter, and he seemed to be willing to make some changes.

My landlord completely mislead me. After working a 13 hour day, I came home to a nasty letter about how I was 'disrupting the harmony of the household', as well as stating many ridiculous things. I couldn't believe it. I decided to ignore it; however, I came home to two more letters the following night (after yet another 13 hour day), and I was livid. There were so many accusations in these letters that I couldn't even stay in the house anymore. I was too afraid I'd lose it with him.

My roommate, bless her heart, has tried to reason with our landlord about the situation. For some reason he listens to her, for the most part. I didn't want to pull her into this mess. I just wanted to see if I could make it more comfortable for the both of us. In retaliation to her attempted mediation, both N and I were served with an eviction letter on August 3rd. She did not deserve to be evicted. She didn't do anything wrong.

Our dear landlord accused me of conspiring with my roommate to move out and ditch our contract. I NEVER stated to N that she should move out with me. She did that all on her own. I really enjoy living with her - eventually we plan to move in together again.

For now, D has offered to let me stay at his place until I can get back on my feet. He is truly an amazing friend. So, the packing begins, the memories continue, and I bid yet another house goodbye. I hope eventually I'll settle down in a house I love with a person I love. One can only hope.

-B

Message in a Bottle

As today is the last day in my formal education, and in particular my education with the Legal Office Assistant program at Camosun College, I was responsible for sending a message to future students of the course! Here's my Message in a Bottle from 2011/2012!

Message in a Bottle

Dear LOA Student:

You are about to embark on an incredible journey and I can only hope that I can provide you with some tools that will help you on your path to becoming a Legal Assistant. This program can open so many doors for you in the professional world and can lead to some amazing opportunities.

I decided to take this program in the 2011/2012 year because I have always had a love for law, as well as a love of supporting those who need an extra hand. The knowledge I received through our wonderful instructors was extremely valuable for me and for future students of the program.

In the Legal Office Assistant program you will experience new challenges. It is extremely important to complete all assigned tasks, not only for the grades, but also for the hands-on practice that will be crucial to your development. Be sure to manage school and home accordingly. Know when the stress level is getting to be too much, and if you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to your instructors. They understand what you’re going through.

Right off the bat, make good connections with your classmates and your teachers. Be willing to ask questions and give feedback on assignments. Keep note of your homework in a planner as well as a detailed schedule of your day – this will instill organizational habits that will be beneficial in your future career.

The courses are here to help! Be attentive and write notes that will help you remember important information. For keyboarding, work on your speed and accuracy. Be diligent. I found it useful to hand write my notes in class and then re-typing them later on; this helped me in practicing my keyboarding, as well as refreshing my memory on what we learned in the class.

For the more involved classes (civil litigation, conveyancing, family law, wills and estates, business law, corporate law, criminal law), learn how to multi-task appropriately. Don’t heap a pile of tasks on your plate. Work through them bit by bit. I found when I got frustrated with conveyancing, I could move onto my tasks in civil litigation to clear my head of mortgage numbers and add a little variety into my day-to-day responsibilities. If you’re stuck on anything, don’t be afraid to collaborate with your classmates – sometimes they can be stuck on the same issues and you can work on it together to figure it out.

Housekeeping is an important aspect of your school year as well. Always make sure you have enough print credits to get a job done. If you run out, it is a possibility to transfer credits from one student to the next. It never hurts to have too many credits! Also, if you don’t necessarily have the capability of lugging your books around in the first and second semesters (the bulk of your courses), be sure to get a locker. It might be good to split the cost with another student and share. That’s completely up to you, though.

The most important thing to remember about this year is that it is conditioning you for the working world; therefore, treat it like a job. Present yourself professionally. Keep on top of your tasks. In the same instance, have fun!

Good luck!