I’m not sure whether it was the fact that I didn’t want 2016 to be over yet, or the fact that I’ve barely touched my laptop in the past few weeks, as to why this post is late. Nonetheless, December was a pretty crazy month. With exams and finals, my family coming to visit, having to say goodbye to some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met and travelling around America, I haven’t had a chance to catch my breath. Oh, and Christmas was in there too. I’m so blessed to have had some of the best experiences in my life in the month of December, so let’s get into serious reflection mode.
TRAVEL
Lucky me got to do a lot of travel this month! I started the month in New York where I was reunited with my family after 6 months without seeing them. New York was unlike anything else. You can check out my YouTube video here. It was so great seeing my family again, especially to be able to experience a new city like New York with them. A highlight was definitely the day that we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge, plus when Elly and I rode our bikes through Central Park.
And the end of the month was spent in San Francisco, California with my sister. After -20degrees, snow, blizzards and freezing my ass off in Montreal, we were pretty stoked with 12-15 degrees and sunshine! San Francisco is also where we celebrated New Years Eve and despite my sister’s complaint (I had the smart idea of watching the fireworks from the hill near our hostel, however our view of the fireworks were completely blocked by a huge tree), I had a truly lovely New Years Eve. You can check out my San Francisco video here.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is always a special day, and what made it even more special and memorable this year was the fact that I got to spend it with my friends and family in Montreal. My two girls, Chloe and Chantelle, came from America to stay with me for a week over Christmas. On Christmas Day, I had a huge party at my house, inviting all of the stray exchange students I knew who would otherwise be spending it with a case of beer and Netflix (OK, that would’ve been me if I didn’t have a party). But OMG I had SO MUCH FUN. We made so much food, there was way too much alcohol and I got to spend Christmas with people I utterly love.
SAYING A BIENTOT
Urgh, the absolute worst thing about travelling and meeting such incredible people is the moment you have to freaking say goodbye. Honestly, it’s the worst feeling, experience, emotion, everything in the world. There were many tears shed, hugs and embracing lasting minutes, parties, drunken hoorahs and truly painful FaceTimes and waving at airports (Eva, Rosa and Marc, I blame you guys for that). As cliché as it sounds, going through such a heart breaking goodbye really makes me realise just how special, genuine and loving these relationships I’ve created are. So as I’ve said a billion times before, it’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later. In the meantime, enjoy a Pabst at Reggies for me.
TUNES
Well the other day I (finally) voted for my top 10 songs for Triple J’s Hottest 100. It was a very stressful time in my life and I’d like to thank each of you being there to support me through these difficult and strenuous times. But I made my decision and you can check it out below. By the way, my number 1 song was Viceroy- Violent Soho.
FLICKS
The Grinch
December and Christmas mean one thing and one thing only… The Grinch. I legitimately watched it three times this month and my god is it quoteable af. I try to channel his sassiness and attitude regularly in my life and damn it feels good.
Barry
I really liked this film. It was sweet and simple, with some very important messages. Without going into the heavy politics of the US President elect Donald Trump, I think it actually made this film better. It’s the knowledge that Obama is leaving the White House and very rosily looking back at his early years as a college student, where it all started.
YOUTUBERS
Dansvibes makes another appearance, because his Vlogmas was honestly, INCREDIBLE. I watched his vlogs everyday and his presence on camera is so natural, real and personal, how could I not watch?! We met up for an epic coffee crawl in the Plateau (you can watch the video here) and we talked all about YouTube, filmmaking, vlogs and life. Dan – you’re an absolute inspiration and I admire your dedication, enthusiasm and just loveability.
TUNES
Sleep On The Floor: The Lumineers
This month I found myself watching this video clip over and over and over again. Not only is their entire album truly on point but ahhhh I just love the stories their video clips tell.
September: Earth, Wind & Fire
This song makes me instantly happy! I. Just. Can’t. STOP.
Fumes: EDEN
In all honestly, EDEN’s entire EP is incredible. But this song just hits me right in the feels.
QUOTE
Mmmm… what’s a quote, a sentence, a few words that sums up this month? The quote below really helped me get through the rough times of saying goodbye to Montreal and all the incredible people there. That adventure has come to an end, but it had to to make way for a new one. And I’m freakin excited to see where this adventure takes me.
So to all of you out there… happy new year and I hope that 2017 takes you on a truly epic adventure.
A Worldly Addiction 