adventure of a lifetime.

'is your dad a dealer? cause your dope to me'

random start to this post, but I am hoping to include everything I can about the last three days of my life (which were amazing, epic, and surreal...yes, big words to describe such a phenomenal time)

On tuesday morning I was lucky enough to scam a free ride (avec mon pere) to Northern Toronto to begin my adventure in the big city. I arrived at the Vaughn GO station at 7:45am and the journey began. I have to brag about how I easily figured out what to do, where to stand, and how the train/subway system worked and I was in the downtown within half an hour (yes, 8:15). The visitee was shocked at the harsh reality of my early morning adventure, but greeted me with open arms when I finally made it on the proper bus down good ol' Pape street (which can be referred to as Pepe, papie, pope or any other variation as my mind could not figure out the simplicity of the name.

The adventure to Jenn's sisters aside, I was settled in by 9am and we were catching up on our christmas breaks thus far (that and beginning to make plans for our three day adventure). After calling ms. spadafo and discussing how we would meet up with her at her new place (p.s. it was gorgeous, but that will follow) I got my first real taste of Toronto life.

I was so blessed to be in the downtown of this major city, and with friends that I love...and this trip helped me to realize all of this. Jenn (and her sister) I owe a huge thank you to for opening up my eyes to a life outside the closet, and that in non-conservative, open cities you can live freely and be who you want to be. this was the most amazing part of my experience.

The village: was eye opening. I had been before but just to one bar for dancing and nothing special, but I was given the chance to parouse the stores in the village, and take in a bit of the life that I dream of in conservative London. For the first time in my life I was able to ask a ton of questions, which most would find annoying, but luckily they answered them with amazing responses helping to clarify any of my fears of fully coming out... and again, I thank them.

Bloor St.: window shopping in Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and FCUK was stunning, as they were all in a one block radius.

Anni's apartment: was phenomenal. She is living the 'university life' that me, being at Western, has never experienced. Being in a big city, with such diversity, and such culture allows her to truly be herself... I would almost dub her ms. Toronto.

Katie: too cute to describe. So nice to see you, you help keep me grounded and real. You and Anni are stern reminders of how JN2 will never disappear from my mind, and your ongoing friendship is amazing.

Jenn: proved as my saviour this trip. I don't give her enough thanks (to her face) for making me be the real me, and not a phoney person. She pushes me to be exactly who I want to be, and although on this trip I felt I might have annoyed her, she constantly helped me develop resolutions and decide on my future. Thanks again, photoshoots and all, I had an amazing time.

I mean, it's two thousand and fucking six.

Finally, to Eano and Paige (and the rest of the Toronto peoples who I got to meet up with during my visit) thank you for letting me experience that wild life for three days. I envy the fact that when you guys head home you head to Toronto, instead of some country bumpkin town where plaid is still fashionable.

and as I return home to turn another year older (it's happened, I am now 20) I think about how the last year of my life has been the wildest year yet. Here's to raising the bar and trying to make this year ten times that.

p.s. the bus ride home was cute, it was nice to see you.
p.p.s. tomorrow I will hopefully post pictures, my resolutions, and exact stories... but I wanted to clarify how thankful I am...