The People We Meet

Today you met someone. Today I met someone. Did I meet you? Maybe you met me? Maybe we’ll meet tomorrow, or maybe we won’t.

The reality that isn’t before us, behind us, or between us is also the reality we can choose to deal with constantly. We can choose to accept our happenstance of constant encounters with one another as simply that, or as something more.

Whether in fact these encounters are something more is totally dependent on our actions in the moment. Did you smile at me today? Maybe I smiled back. Maybe you didn’t smile, but I can tell you I definitely did.

A Night in London

Almost any time that I have free I go to London to visit Michelle. London has become, in certain ways, my sanctuary. Here, it is a different life. I have the university, Western, and I have a different set of friends. It takes me to a different world. It causes me to reflect. I find that when I go back to Whitby I am renewed with a new focus and new direction. These kind of breaks are good.

Sometimes I reflect on what it is like to have two different homes. I spend about the same time between both. There are benefits, but there are also disadvantages. Sometimes there is a Jekyll and Hyde effect. Almost everyday I long for more consistency and solidarity, especially in my living

arrangements. I didn't want to go on a long reflection about my constantly wavering emotions and their cause, but I also didn't want to deny the truth its moment.

The past few days in London have been slower and more subdued than previous trips. It has been enjoyable and relaxing. Tonight I visited a bar and took a cool picture.

Now I am watching Rachel Getting Married and thinking about how I can have all this beauty in life, if only I try. Sometimes I am terrified to try.

A Valentine's Day to Remember

Okay, so I will try to keep the sap to a minimum for everyone concerned. Let it be known that even though I love romance I still have my own issues with Valentine's Day too. I figure, if I am going to celebrate the holiday with loved ones I shouldn't embellish or exaggerate my feelings and sentiments in any way. My logic is, any gesture of love on Valentine's Day should be a gesture I am willing to make on any other day of the year. So, with that said, here is my amazing recount of Valentine's Day.

After a long day of work I headed to my girlfriend Michelle's house for some hors d'oeuvres and mocktails with her Mom, Dad, little sister and little sis' boyfriend. Everyone was looking great in their dressy/casual attire. I was greeted by Michelle dressed in a beautiful crimson dress adorned with little flowers around the bottom. I greeted Michelle with her own bo

uquet of flowers. However, I sprung for an non-traditional bouquet of Gerber Daisies. I also gave Michelle a bamboo mobile with hand-painted wooden hearts (I painted the hearts). I have a picture of the flowers along with the amazing cupcakes that Michelle gave me.

The cupcakes were ordered from Hey Cupcake in London, ON. The dozen included PB&J, Carrot, Red Velvet, Maple, S'mores, and Orange Chocolate. These cupcakes are sinfully delicious and amazing. Luckily, Andrew received his own, so he didn't feel to jealous. 

After the cupcakes Michelle's parents left for dinner. The rest of us chowed down on mozzarella sticks and puffed pastries. With the 8:30 dinner reservation I was very happy to have the time to digest.

By the time we left for dinner I was definitely hungry again and ready for the upcoming three-course meal. Pickles & Olives Bistro was cozy, warm, elegant and romantic. Upon entrance I instantly new it would be the perfect way to end the night. Michelle and I both started with salads to awaken our appetites. She drank wine while I had amazing vanilla tea. After, our

 delightful servant brought me my plate of heart shaped pastas, stuffed with cheese, soaking in alfredo sauce and the best sun-dried tomatoes I have ever tasted. Michelle was equally impressed with her salmon wellington stuffed with crab. 

Dessert was almost as decadent as the cupcakes I received. Michelle had a vanilla mouse crepe and I had a triple chocolate tiger cake. Each of us took our time with the dinner and with each other. We sat in the warm, tiny bistro and enjoyed the food. The night seemed to move in slow motion and it was exactly what I wanted for Valentine's Day.