The number 6.

Well it’s official – I’ve been in Vancouver for 6 months!

As of September 6th I will officially lived in Vancouver for 6 months. Tonight was a beautiful Vancouver evening so I put on my shoes, grabbed my shades and did one of my most favourite things in my neighbourhood – head out out for a walk. I wanted to capture the places around my neighbourhood that I’ve come to love since arriving here 6 months ago. So in the spirit of the number 6 – I’ve decided to reflect on my top 6 favourite places/things I’ve found over the past 6 months.

#1 – The Treehouse

I remember the first day I flew into this wonderful city – caught a cab – and landed on this front door step with my two bags in hand and had absolutely no sweet clue where I was or where I would be where I am today. It took me a mere three days to feel comfortable here and I know how fortunate I am to have found this place and the people who live here.

When I first arrived here at 2215 this path was made up of stones – we recently had the path paved and I wrote this into the wet cement so that even after I’m gone others will come and go as I have – and will feel welcome just like I did.

Just one block away is this gorgeous tree covered walk way that looks literally like it’s come out of a movie. I could honestly see myself walking up and down this pathway for years to come.

#2 – Whole Foods

Call me a dork – health freak – foodie – ridiculous – but one of the most exciting aspects about living where I do is that I’m only 9 blocks from my front door is a Whole Foods (or Capers)! For those of you who don’t know what Whole Foods is – it’s a grocery store that is full of all healthy, organic, fresh foods chalked full of clean eating food! I actually hate grocery shopping (shocking I know) but I love shopping at Capers.

#3 – Coffee

Best part about where I live is the abundance of delectable coffee on every corner, more specifically 49th Parallel. If you know anything about me (which if you are reading this I’m assuming you do!), good coffee is essential to my entire being. Give me a book – sit me in this coffee shop – buy me a non-fat latte and you’ll have found the key to my heart.

The staff are wicked, the atmosphere is amazing and look how cute it is!

Not to mention how amazing the coffee is.

#4 – Kits Beach

The one thing I forget to appreciate and complete take advantage of is the fact that Kits Beach – one of the best beaches in the entire world (actually) – is a 15 minute walk from my front door.

There are ALWAYS people at the beach – playing volleyball, basketball, running, sun tanning, BBQ-ing, eating at the Boathouse Restaurant, reading, enjoying each other’s company and even sleeping – at any point of the day.

Not to mention I’ve worked at this beach, layed in the sun for entire afternoons, sat in the sand reading a book, watched fireworks surrounded by thousands of people from the sand and the most amazing aspect above all else – watched the incredible sunsets countless times.

You can see English Bay and the West End from here as well – how beautiful is this?

I remember when I was watching the leaves on the trees grow and it feels like I’ve blinked my eyes and now they are already falling to the ground…

This is one of the most amazing points I’ve come across since exploring this neighbourhood… I always walk back here just to get a look at the incredible view.

#5 – The Parks and active lifestyle

Rosemary Brown Park might be tiny, might only have 2 swings and is barely used, but I love it. Whenever I’m there I feel like it’s my own private green space. Not to mention I have a new-found love for city parks… I’m not biased or anything…

One of the main reasons I moved to Vancouver was because of its above average active lifestyle. Vancouverites are conditioned from a young age to be active – its in their blood! With a mix of warm climate, active choice of past-time activities and the social-aspect of sports and activities, I came here to become immersed in one of the most important aspects of my life. I need to reach my personal fitness goals and if I am ever going to do it successfully – it’s going to be in Vancouver. Wait until you all see me at Christmas ;)

#6 – The streets

This is one of my favourite street corners – the corner of West Broadway and Vine. I love this corner for a few reasons – one that the coffee shop is basically the type of coffee shop (almost exactly) as I see myself owning in the future – and secondly the condos that are in this building are completely incredible!

I love my street. It’s so private but feels so lively at the same time.

 I feel like I’m walking home every time I come to the corner.

Oh, I have to mention I’ve eaten a whole lot of oatmeal…

Met a bunch of great people and eat a lot of wonderful sushi.

Just to think… only a year ago today I had just graduated from MSVU, moved back into my parents house while I decided what my next step was going to be in life and the idea of moving to Vancouver was just a pipe dream… If anything, these past 6 month just go to show that anything is possible in life.

If I can make a big move like this, start from nothing and leave everything in my life behind to follow my dreams – you can too. I don’t regret anything in the past 6 months – except maybe not moving here sooner. I’ve experienced so much in my last 6 months, have grown unbelievably as a person, fell into the life I dreamed about, learned a lot about myself and can’t wait to see what the next 6 months will bring.

One Saturday Morning

Saturday morning is most definitely my favourite time of the week!

For as long as I can remember Saturday morning bliss has been some of my favourite memories. It all started way back when I would get up early to watch “one Saturday morning” cartoons! Does anyone else remember how amazing it was? I can still remember the theme song in my head :) As I got older Saturday mornings consisted of meeting friends for shopping or going to the beach – and now turned into early morning workouts, coffee shops, markets and lunch dates.

There’s something about getting up early, working out and having the entire day to do WHATEVER I want! On that note- I had one of those amazing mornings this morning! I got up early this morning to meet a friend of mine and bus downtown to the gym at his work .. To do Insanity! It’s so awesome to workout with someone who has the same drive and ability (ok so maybe he had the upper hand because we did a deluxe workout that I don’t have!) and wants to push themselves to the extreme :)

After we worked out (I can already feel it in my arms and back!) we grabbed some chocolate milk and headed back home through the city. The best part about this was that it was raining and since I was already sweaty – the rain felt amazing! I got some groceries and as I was walking home it started absolutely down pouring. So what did I do? Let it pour on me as I walked home.. My jacket needed washing anyway. Even better- every single person I passed smiled at me as they walked or drove by. Why? Because I was enjoying getting drenched and in some twisted way I think they realized that and it also made them happy.

Last night Faith and I met for dinner and a movie downtown. I love hustle and bustle (especially the after work drinking crowd!) and the vibe on the sunny Friday was so cheerful. As we were taking the bus home we saw a guy who was physically challenged (both of his arms were missing) and he was on the bus alone – heading somewhere with a backpack. It really made me think about how fortunate and lucky I am. I have so many good things in my life and it reminded me to truly appreciate every little thing in it. It’s not perfect- no one had the perfect life- but it’s mine and I get to choose what I do with it.

What do you appreciate about your life?

My favourite part of the entire evening was walking home with Faith along one of the main streets. We hit up chapters (our favourite store in the world), shoppers and a little cafe – then passed this cute little flower shop that literally made us stop in our tracks.

Now I’m drinking a latte at my favourite coffee shop and blogging from my iPhone (I love that I can do this so easily!).

I love the point I’m in right now in my life at this exact moment. I’m starting to get used to my city, getting adjusted to my job (and am SO excited for what is to come with it), working out and eating healthy and appreciating every moment of it. Even though I feel like I’ve already achieved so many of my goals, I’m setting bigger and better ones already. The funny thing about goals is – once you achieve them you just set new ones and the process starts all over again!

Most of all, I feel like I’m starting to find myself and be comfortable with me. I don’t know what’s in store for me next, but all I know is it’s going to be good, really, really good. When you are comfortable with yourself there’s no stopping your potential for greatness.

Whatever it is that you want to do – do it. Set that goal, plan your route and work your butt off for it.