I'm sorry. I'm here.

I'm so sorry. I've been completely awol. My life has been crazy lately to say the least. I've been so busy it seems like I've not had a chance to sit at my laptop and write a post (I say this with little conviction as I'm sure I have had the time, however have used it for other things). The only reason I'm taking the time to write this now is because I'm bogged down with an awful stomach flu. 

No matter the circumstance that brought me to this, I am here and I am writing. Since it's been a month and three days since my last post (two months since my last personal post) I thought it would only be appropriate to catch you up on what has been happening in my life. 

Josh and I went to Toronto to see a Blue Jays game (which turned into seeing two Blue Jays Games!). We had a great time staying in downtown TO. Not only did we see the Jays but we also went to the Ripley's Aquarium and Vaughn Mills for some shopping.

I did a charity run! My friend Michelle and I entered Run The Great Lakes which raises money for a local hospice facility. We finished five kilometres in thirty-two minutes (which if you're a serious runner sucks, but if you're me and just getting back into it, is amazing!)

This little guy turned THREE. What the actual heck? I can't believe Tate is already three years old. It seems like just yesterday I was holding a six pound newborn in my arms.

This. Freakin. Highlighter. My goodness, check out E.L.F. highlighters and you will not be disappointed. 

I'm working for CLA again job coaching intellectually disabled students. The girl I'm paired with is an absolute riot. I adore her and am having an amazing summer.

I've been to the beach exactly one time... so there's proof I've truly been busy!

Canada celebrated it's 150th birthday! Unfortunately July first didn't go off as planned, however I was able to make up for it a few days later by lighting sparklers with a girlfriend of mine.

Josh's family dog sat his friends dog, Leslie. Her and Oakley become best friends quickly and now that she's gone home he seems to almost be going through a break up! She's still a puppy so her energy is high. It was an absolute blast having her around.

Sixty pounds dropped, I've finally hit my goal size. I started my weight loss journey at size twelve and I'm now a size two. I know it's not about the numbers but it was a goal of mine and I'm so proud I accomplished it.

I got my hair done again and it's freakin' amazing. I'm beyond obsessed with it. Pinterest worthy or what? Check out Liv's Instagram to see more of her amazing work!

Josh and I went to a Stag & Doe just this past weekend (where we won absolutely nothing). We had a blast with a few friends, and he even danced with me! 

These past couple months have been phenomenal and I've been selfish with keeping it all to myself. I promise to post more often! 

21. I'll Be Home For Christmas | Blogmas

Being that it's my first time living away from home, it's also my first time flying home for the holidays and boy was it an experience! I arrived at the MacDonald-Cartier International Airport in Ottawa at 9:10am as my flight was scheduled for 10:15am. As I was checking my bag the lady working at the desk (who was quite rude I have to say) informed me that my flight to Toronto was delayed until 12:15pm. She then proceeded to charge me $85 freakin' bucks for an oversized luggage fee because apparently their weight limits changed but the website wasn't updated. 

So little distraught me ended up boarding the plane to Toronto at 12:15pm and landing safe and sound in TO. The girl sitting beside me on the flight was an absolute doll I have to say and even grew up just a little ways away from me back home! What a small world it is. 

Then came the Toronto airport...

"Ladies and gentlemen waiting for flight 687 to Sault Ste. Marie, we're sorry to say your flight has been delayed again due to poor weather conditions."

The Sault was supposed to be having it's first green Christmas since the 90s, which of course broke my heart. It's not Christmas without snow! Well the Lord clearly heard my prayers as he blessed SSM with this lovely snow storm... the day I was meant to fly home! I can't say I was the happiest of campers having spent five hours sitting around an airport. But, I eventually did make it home safe and sound which is really the most important thing at the end of the day!

I really do love flying. There's something about being above the clouds that's so calming to me. The turbulence tugged at my anxiety a little bit, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Landing in SSM was the best feeling! Hugging my parents- and finally eating food- was amazing!

My first solo travel experience is something I will never forget. It was a learning curve for sure but I'm really proud of myself for keeping my anxiety under control and "putting on my big girl panties" to get through the whole travel experience.

If you're travelling home for Christmas I hope you make it safely with as little delay as possible! Have you ever travelled alone? If you have any tips to make the whole travelling experience less stressful please do let me know!

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

31. Core Value & 32. A City You've Visited | 52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge

31. Core Value

Trying to think of what my one core value is was very challenging, however I think it all goes back to one thing- be nice to people. There's so much hatred and crap in this world that being nice to people goes a long way. Treating others the way you'd like to be treated is such an easy way to help improve the world. If everyone was just a little bit nicer to those around them I think we would all be a lot happier. You can be fat or thin, short or tall, dumb or smart, black or white, etc etc etc; it doesn't matter what you are or who you are in my eyes. I may not understand you but that doesn't mean I can't respect you and with that comes kindness. 

32. A City You've Visited

I've been to quite a few different cities but the one that always sticks with me is Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. I have never been to such a relaxed and free place. There's something about walking barefoot on a beach by the ocean that makes me feel so at peace.

I'm sorry I missed posting last Sunday, but sometimes life doesn't go as planned. What is your core value? Where is your favourite place that you've been? Please do let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn