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 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 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 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 9 | Jake

I would have loved to take Jakey outside during the day since we got our first big snowfall today.. but sadly I have way too much school and exams going on now to do so. By the time I get home it's pitch black outside, so fun photo shoots in the snow will have to wait until next week. For now though.. have this cute face. :) 

December 6 | Happy

What a face. I love this big guy. He puts a smile on my face. He's my eternal sunshine.

Summer 2013

So I realize December starts tomorrow.. but let's flashback to this summer.

What a happy guy. :)

THIS awesome lady to the left of me is my sister, Katie. And she surprised me back in July with a week-long visit! Everyone else she knew she was coming.. but me? Nah. I was left in the dark. Until I came out of my room and saw her just sitting in the living room. I nearly had a heart attack!

We did super awesome things like eat ice cream. A lot of ice cream.

We went to LaRonde for the day (I went on the goliath.. everyone else chickened out so I went alone) and we stayed for the fireworks. Definitely a highlight of the summer. :)

I started off with one sibling. Jared who's on the far left of this picture. Who knew I'd end up with two sisters in the end? These people are my favorite.

..did I mention we went out for ice cream a lot? We're ice cream-aholics. This was our last stop before Katie left. :(

Other exciting thing that happened this summer.. well, I saw One Direction get off their tour bus!

Jared, Shanna and I went to the gay pride parade back in August. Montreal is known for their big events, and Pride here is one of them. This was my first time going, and I can't wait to go again next year!

Great way to end an awesome summer. :)

Meet Elfie

We're halfway through 2013 and yet, not one post from 2013 on my blog. Man, I really DO suck at blogging, don't I... Well, not to worry because I have tons of pictures to upload. And by tons, I mean almost six months worth.

Earlier this year, Jared and Shanna added a new addition to their family. Meet Elfie! She's a Pomeranian/Chihiahua mix and she's really adorable. And fluffy.

I pretty much fell in love.. but how can you not? She's a sweetie.

 ..and here's some old ones of Jakey I took back in February.

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!