Back from Hiatus

It's been a long time I know. But getting through the 30 before 30 list takes time. I'm now back and refreshed and ready to blog about the news things happening. Here is an update on my list.

7. Fall in love - Check! Met great guy last summer.
9. Grow something - Check! My friend and I got a plot at the community garden and had an abundance of lettuce, zucchini, and carrots all summer long.
15. Build a portfolio for retirement funds - Check! Set up a Questrade account and built a portfolio with ETFs.
22. Get professional designation - Check! And the raise that came with it.
24. Find a pair of wicked high heels - Check! Bought a pair of nude heels that look and wears amazing.
27. Donate blood - Check! I tried again right before leaving to Brazil and success!
28. Take a significant trip - Check! Went to Argentina and Brazil!

27. Donate blood

I made an appointment for yesterday to make my first blood donation. This might not be a big deal for everyone else but for it is. Firstly because I hate needles and secondly because I have fainted a couple times before that makes people think this would not go well.

Well I passed all the tests and actually made it to the donation. I even made it past the needle and filled the little pack they use for testing. Then my blood stopped. Is that even possible? Yes it is. We never did find out what's wrong but some theories were that my vein collapsed or that my machine was faulty.

Also, I was felt a little light headed and was immediately swarmed by nurses, cold packs, and a fan. Very embarrassing in a room full of people.

Anyway, major fail on donation and now I have to wait another 56 days before I could donate. My friend who came with me is amazed that I want to try again. Truthfully, I don't know how much fun that would be but I should give it another go.

Elections

In previous elections I usually know exactly who I'm voting for, but this year I'm torn. I don't like any of the options. So, I hopped on to the Vote Compass to see what it would. Guess what. It tells me the same thing. I fall in a spot where none of the political parties suits me.

I deserve special

How is a girl like you still single? I get asked that a lot. So much so that I'm beginning to ask myself that. This leads to other questions like: maybe my standards are too high, am I too judgmental, is there something wrong with me?

I'm all for a little self reflection and personal growth. However, be careful. I mistook my self-doubt for self reflection. It only led to staying with Mr. Wrongs longer than I should and being miserable during that time.

Last week after breaking up with the latest Mr. Wrong(but oh so amazing on paper), I felt happier than I've been in awhile. I came home Friday night after a week of living the single life, relaxing in my condo alone, I realized that I like my life. I make a good living, own my home, have caring family and friends, and lead an active life ( I do what I want when I want). For me to let someone into this life, he has to be worth it. I deserve someone special.

That's going to be my mantra. I deserve someone special. Other fab ladies are saying the same.

# 18. Take pole dancing class II

I started my 4 week into to pole dance class this week. It was awesome! It's weird to be dancing in front of the mirror and looking at myself so much. But that's the whole point I guess - outside of my comfort zone.

Apparently, I have to stop thinking too much and go with the flow. I tried the spin so many times I didn't think I have any muscles left. But I couldn't get it. But then she said let's try all the step together, which was so much I didn't have time to think. Guess what, I did a spin. Isn't that so true with everyone? Sometimes you can overthink. Looking forward to next week.

Resisting Sales

I'd like to think that I'm pretty good at avoiding buying something for the sake of buying it. However, something happened today made me realize that I still need to be mindful of my shopping habits.

I went into Indigo books to look at the Kobo e-reader because I've been considering it. I couldn't come to a decision but I wandered around the store a little. Then I saw these mugs I've been eying on the sales table. As I was carrying it to the till, dreamily thinking about the lattes and teas I'd be drinking out of it, I realized, just that morning, I washed 4 mugs that I've used over the week. How many mugs can one girl need? I think of the clutter and expense of trying to follow the latest trend (even with a discount) I quickly put the mug bug.

The good sales they are tempting. Even if something is a screaming deal be sure to ask these questions: do you need it? do you already have something that serves the same purpose? do you have room for it?

Friday night Crafts

It's been a crazy week. After dinner on Friday I was looking forward to a little craft project I had planned. I was going to make wine charms. I had some friends over for drinks last weekend, and realized I need wine charms. I did a search online and thought they look like a quick craft project. You can find great instructions on how to make them here.

I bought a box of 60 assorted wire loops from Michaels, which after a 50% off coupon, came to $2.50. They also sold boxes of assorted beads for about $6.99 and up. However, I've a tin where I collected broken pieces of bracelet, earrings, and buttons, which I thought might work just as well and they did.

I wish I took before photos of the beads as they were, but I didn't think of it until I was done. But I did take photos after.

Materials I used: Wire loop findings, beads, and needle nose pliers. Easy if you want to give it a try.