Birthday Weekend: 21

Sooo, it would seem that I've turned the big 2-1 this weekend--what! Hard to believe I've been around for 2.01 solid decades. It has been a crazy year entering my 20s--one step up to being an adult. Me? An adult? An independent, full time working adult?? Well, I haven't reached that last part quite yet, but I will eventually. Right now I'll continue to go to school and writing papers and exams, thanks very much. Which brings me to a subject I find fascinating, and I figured it was relevant enough since I'm 21 now.

Apparently our bodies regenerate every seven years, and biologically, we are new people. I mean new tastes, different feelings, and maybe even new allergies. How weird is that??? I learned of this just last year, but the thought has intrigued me all along. Can things really change inside of you? I guess I have "evolved" considerably since I was 14, in terms of who I want to be. It's been so gradual; but then again, that's what usually happens. Sure, I've gotten more confident over time and I've learned lots of lessons (hopefully!) for the better, but I can't really think of ways in which I have changed considerably. I maybe thinking in terms of identity, but I wouldn't know physically, just yet. Whether it's the continual life experiences that change a person, or something "biological" that occurs every seven years, it's constant, and I guess we are bound to change in one way or another. And in that strange sense, I still find it fascinating!

Ahh well--I spent the day basquing in the birthday glow that happens but once a year, continuing my school readings, took a dance class in the evening, and celebrated by going out for dinner tonight with the housemates. All in all, a pretty good birthday!

Reese's Pieces DQ cake FTW!!

Have a great week!

Destination... Unknown

Ahh, only two weeks into the return of school, and I'm already thinking about the next few trips to take. Traveling brings to mind some great memories. Whether it was a trip down to the cottage in the summer, a trip to Europe, or even coming back here to Halifax, it always is something special. As of lately, there have been quite a few places I've been thinking I'd like to visit some day, particularly here in Canada. Actually, it will be my goal within the next few years or so to actually travel around the country, as I have never done so. (Talk about disgraceful as a Canadian!) Also... This is a rather autumn-themed post, just to get us in the swing of the season.

Image belonging from here

1. The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton. I've heard a lot about it lately, and certainly has an appeal growing on me. Apparently the drive through is about four days(!!).

Image from here

And if it looks this pretty in the fall, then I'd love to visit it right about... now. Please?

This is in Saskatchewan. Image from here

2. The Prairies. Sure, some may argue that it's all flat and boring, but there have to be some nice spots like this! I'd love to see it for myself. Plus, when I read this when I was younger, and that kind of drew me to the Prairies.

Image from here

3. Vancouver, yes, in all of it's post-Olympics glory. It's like Toronto's cooler cousin, who doesn't even try to be. It just is.

Image from here

4. Montreal, Toronto's other cool cousin. But on a more Frenchy and sophisticated level.

There are certainly places outside of Canada that I've been dying to visit! Too many, in fact, so I'll shall limit myself to the top 4 (in no particular order):

The French Countryside!!

Image from here

New York!!! In the fall, preferably. Or winter, or spring.

Image from here

Scotland!! My parents went a few summers ago, and absolutely loved it. This picture (from here) is in Applecross.

Alas, I can't think of a fourth place I'd like to visit one day. If you think of one, do tell! Wherever the scenery is incredible.

Just to let all you know, my posts might be sporadic for the next while. Actually, they're probably already sporadic, but it will be more than usual around this time of year. (You know, school.) But I'll try to post when I get free moments! They'll likely be food related, because when I won't be concentrated on work, I'll be concentrated on eating.

Enjoy the week!

ps: I'm already thinking ahead to Christmas. I mean, there are only 90 some-odd days, but... WHHYYYY???!!

Reign of the Blueberry

Well, there goes my first week back in Halifax. I've since settled in nicely, and as of Thursday I'm back to the old school work grind. The flat my housemates and I have been living in needed to be cleaned up considerably, so we've been cleaning stuff up all week. I'm really glad to be back, though, and doing my own thing--even if that means making my own meals! This week it has been iffy in the meal department, and I haven't quite replenished my food supply, so what do I turn to when I've run out of ideas for dinner? Pancakes. Betty Crocker pancakes, to be precise. With a helping of lovely Nova Scotia blueberries to add to the mix, and they are lovely this time of year.

Betty Crocker's (Original) Pancake Recipe

1 cup all purpose flour

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons shortening, melted, or vegetable oil (I got away with canola)

1 tbs sugar

3 tsps baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Beat egg with hand beater until fluffy; beat in remaining ingredients just until smooth. For thinner pancakes, stir in additional 1/4 cup of milk. Grease heat griddle if necessary. (To test griddle, sprinkle with few drops water. If bubbles skitter around, heat is just right.)

Pour about three tablespoons batter from tip of large spoon or from pitcher onto hot griddle. Cook pancakes until puffed and dry around edges. Turn and cook other sides until golden brown. (To keep pancakes hot, stack on hot plate with paper towels in between.)

On the road again...

Here we are, at the end of summer once more. Once more, I'm ready for another year of adventure in Halifax. I can't believe it's already September again--where oh where did the time go?? The weather for the past few days have been ridiculously hot. It's cooled down a bit today, but you could have fooled me otherwise into thinking it was July. Ah well, if the weather can't convince me that fall is on its way, the changing leaves certainly can.

These last few weeks I haven't been doing much, other than lounging in the backyard. I started packing yesterday, a nice slow process. I'll be leaving this Friday, so chances are I will still be packing. Starting a list really helps.

Taking back my new favourite mug. Words to keep me going on those late nights writing essays.

Can't forget these babies! I took them home to re-sew the ribbons.

The finished results... So far.