Looking Back | 2014

Check out my past "Looking Back" posts! 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013

So, 2014 has come to an end. I haven't made a post here all year, what is up with that? I'll definitely have to do detailed posts about everything that happened this year - eventually. For now though, I'll just do my annual "year in review" which I've been doing since 2010 (woah).

Looking back, I have to say this year has been absolutely incredible. I knocked some things off my bucket list (NEW YORK CITY!!!), I finally got to see British Columbia which took my breath away, I got my first job, saw tons of concerts, and went out of my comfort zone quite a bit. I'll let the photos do the talking, so starting with January..

For Christmas last year, Jared and Shanna got me tickets to see Panic! At The Disco who have been one of my favorite bands for almost 10 years now. We saw them January 30th and they were so amazing live, I would totally see them again!

On March 28th, I saw Hedley for the 3rd time on the Wild Live Tour! Their new songs were amazing live (especially Heaven In Our Headlights, man I love that song), and they never disappoint. Can't wait for the next album/tour!

In May, the Habs were having a few away playoff games televised on the jumbotron at the Bell Centre, so Jared, Shanna and I went to 3 of them! We saw them kick Boston out of the playoffs, and I have never seen anything like that in my life. It was insanity. Good times. But, not so good times when we saw them go golfing against New York. Still, though, I think I'll remember this playoff run for a very long time.

For my birthday, Jared and Shanna got tickets to see Twin Forks! They introduced me to them a while back and I really got into them so it was awesome to see them live. Plus, I met them and got my CD signed. The longtime Dashboard Confessional fan in me was pretty happy about meeting Chris Carrabba, haha.

This summer, I went to New York City with Jared and Shanna. Yes. NYC. Which has been on my bucket list since watching Home Alone 2 as a kid. And then when I got into Glee, even more so. We went to Battery Park where I got to see the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, we saw Aladdin on Broadway, Central Park, Bryant Park where they shot countless scenes of Glee, saw a Yankees game, Nintendo World, Times Square and just so, so much more. More than I ever dreamed of seeing. I swear I'll make a post about it sometime. Oh, and did I mention I got a book signed by Chris Colfer? Yeah. What a trip that was.

Mario and Zelda showcase at Nintendo World in NYC. Heaven!!

In July, Peanut unfortunately passed away at the age of 13. I've had her since I was 10 and she was my baby. I'll always remember her as being a happy girl who loved her ball. RIP my girl. ♥

In August, just a few weeks after NYC, my family and I travelled west to the beautiful province of British Columbia. My sister Katie lives in Victoria, so we all went to visit and did all sorts of fun things like the Butchart Gardens (pictured above), Beacon Hill Park, whale watching, and had s'mores by a bonfire. :) BC really is such a beautiful place and I can't wait to go back!!

On October 19th, I saw Demi Lovato, who I've been a fan of since 2008. I remember watching Camp Rock and was like "Who is this girl?!" and a few months later she put out her debut album. She's had her struggles along the way and it's really inspiring how open she is about it all and how she's overcome so much. Her song Warrior really talks about that and I was almost in tears when she sang it live. Her songs have made me a stronger person and to finally see her live was such an incredible and overwhelming experience. I can't wait to see her again. :)

I got my first job in September, and I've been saving quite a bit. So in November after I've saved enough money, I bought a Wii U with Super Mario 3D World and Mario Kart 8! I LOVE it, and I'm so happy I finally bought one. The games are so much fun and the HD graphics are stunning!

On November 23rd, I saw Simple Plan for the 10th time. These guys... I can't even put into words. I was front row, and it was my first time seeing them play an acoustic set. AND they played a new song called "Boom" that will be on the new album next year! I told Chuck (top right) that this was my 10th show and he was so appreciative and kept thanking me and that he hopes to see me at all the next shows. I'll be there Chuck, I'll be there, haha.

♥

And finally, December. Which consisted of sisterly and family bonding time, an insane amount of Christmas baking, some new video games, shirts and pyjamas, Jakey in front of the tree, and a new iPhone which I was (thankfully) able to upgrade to! What a year.

Looking Back: 2013

Here's my annual 'Looking Back' post! You can check out previous posts here: 2010 | 2011 | 2012

This year I..

..saw Simple Plan's 'Musik' exhibit which was filled to the brim with memorabilia

..goofed off with the best dog in the universe

..witnessed and photographed a gorgeous, fun wedding for two people who I am proud to call my parents

..saw Fall Out Boy live after 8 years of being a fan

..went to Toronto in the summer for a weekend

..went to LaRonde for the day with the best siblings ever

..met my sister for the first time in April, and saw her again in July and November ❤

..went to my first gay pride parade

..saw the beauty of the Botanical Gardens

..and had a Christmas to remember forever with the greatest family I could ever ask for.

December 25 | Christmas Day

Nothing like waking up at the crack of dawn and sitting around the living room as a family to open gifts.

Video games and TV shows (and eating my stash of candy that's not pictured!) will be all I'm doing on break!

Wendy put up a bird feeder not too long ago, so we always enjoy sitting and watching the birds. 

Female cardinal! She was a beauty!

After the excitement of presents and watching the birds, Christmas breakfast was in order.

We had our usual Christmas breakfast, french toast and bacon. :)

After the majority of the afternoon playing video games, it was time to go to my brother and sister-in-law's place for Christmas dinner! Before dinner though, we opened presents.

A few hours later, we ate!

Jared got me a Telus panda who now sits on my desk. :)

Part two of my present from Jared and Shanna was a ticket to Panic! at the Disco!!! I'm so excited!

They also got me Panic! at the Disco's new CD.. and my dad and Wendy surprised me with the deluxe versions of All Time Low and Fall Out Boy's newest CDs. Yeah, it was a good day. :)

December 24 | Christmas Eve Dinner

We had a very relaxing Christmas Eve! We had our traditional ham dinner, with scallop potatoes (pictured above!), homemade rolls, and green beans. 

It was delicious. :)

December 23 | Christmas Cards

I gave my family Christmas cards with little messages inside telling them how much they mean to me. :)

December 22 | Tradition

Every year, I make Jake pose in front of the Christmas tree.. it's a tradition. Of course I needed bread to help with that, though.

December 21 | Nintendo

Today was mostly spent playing video games. Ahhh, Christmas break, how I've missed you.

December 20 | Bokeh

December 19 | Grilled Cheese

Not an exciting picture for today.. but hey, it was a good sandwich.

December 18 | Festive Doughnut

Nothing like getting into the spirit by going to Tim Hortons and getting chocolate candy cane doughnuts... only in Canada.