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.

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 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 20 | Bokeh

December 18 | Festive Doughnut

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

December 17 | Cozy

What does one do when they find their dog sleeping on the couch next to the tree all lit up? Quietly, without disturbing said dog, goes to get her tripod and quickly sets up the camera for this shot. Worth it. :)

December 15 | Snow Day

Today was very much a snow day. 30 odd centimetres of snow fell today, so it was a nice day to stay inside and snap some pictures through snow-covered windows. 

It was also a nice day to decorate the Christmas tree.

December 14 | Santa Paws is Coming to Town

Jake's Santa hat was lost for a few years.. until it was found today among all the Christmas decorations. :)

December 12 | (Less than) Two Weeks

Less than two weeks to go! :)

December 7 | Christmas Playlist

Ahhhh, the time of year where my Christmas playlist comes out in full force. It's mostly the Glee Cast with some Straight No Chaser, Michael Buble and other random artists thrown in there. Can't wait to have it playing while the tree gets decorated next weekend!

December 5 | Light 'Em Up

(yeah I totally used a Fall Out Boy lyric for the title heh.)

So decorating my room for Christmas has been a tradition for the last 3 years. I like it. I also really hope it gets colder soon.. the snow is melting and green Christmases are no fun!

December 1 | Tree Trimming

I went over to my brother's today to help decorate their Christmas tree! We also ate potato latkes and lit the candles on the menorah. Yep! We're actually getting a real tree this year.. so I'm pretty excited to have my second dose of Christmas decorating in two weeks. :)

December 25 | Christmas 2012

I love waking up and seeing this. AND.. it was snowing lightly. Such a pretty morning.

Jakey got a bully stick. His favorite.

Lots of reading and video game playing will happen on my two-week break. :)

This guy tried to stay cool by sleeping in front of the front door. What a cutie.

Christmas breakfast!

French toast.

With bacon.

Later on, my brother and sister in law came over for dinner, and a couple of family friends did as well. We exchanged gifts before our big feast!

Dinner was lovely! So much food. 

I think I ate enough stuffing to last me a lifetime.

I love this couple. A lot. They're freaking adorable.

So long, Christmas. You were good this year!