TRAVEL: Home For Good (Or At Least The Next Little While) **With Partial Photo Assistance From Instagram**

It's been a long, busy summer, 

and now I've returned to my natural habitat for the start of my official last year of high school.

AS A SORT OF PRELUDE TO A LONG BABBLE-SESH ON MY SECOND AND FINAL TRIP OF THE SUMMER.. I began my new job working in the box office. I absolutely adore it! My colleagues welcomed me with a wonderfully organized folder which included everything I would need to know about the job, along with a full tour of the facility (even though I go to school there anyway). The work itself is relatively easy. It's certainly my kind of work, i.e working directly with people and organizations, setting up events, helping out with those events, etc. It's great, because between those events and bookings, I get a lot of down time that can be put to use by getting my homework done so I can stay on track! I also love the fact I can wear my own clothes to work. That is a HUGE plus.

This is basically a collection of jumbled memories. I could get them chronologically incorrect, but who's really paying attention, right?

After stepping off the stuffy plane, and onto what used to be my homeland, I knew the trip was going to be a good one. I sent notification to my best pal, Emily, to come retrieve her exhausted and incredibly famished pal, and set off to get my bag off the lousy luggage carousel.

The drive back to the Brown residence was one full of giggles and gossip. Paul (Em's father) was just there for the ride. 

This trip was a smidge different than the usual basement stay. I actually got my own room upstairs, due to the fact Hillary, Emily's sister, moved to the basement, and left her room vacant for guests to come and go.

I've always loved their house. It's a beautiful, newly stone covered, tall ceilinged, lakeside manor, fit (I think) for the elite.

I was pretty tired after a long day of sailing through the clouds, so we just watched a few episodes of Skins and called it a night.

The first morning, we were up and at her for a day of boutique shopping down Spring Garden Road. I couldn't explain the feeling in my heart as I walked down the busy street, shopping bag in hand. There's just something about that lively street that gets me. Every. Time. 

A snapshot inside "Dress In Time", a vintage wonderland just off Spring Garden.

On each corner, there were crazy people giving out free hummus.

I don't like hummus.

But I took it anyway, because it was free.

The first store we walked into was All Dressed up, which is a chain around Halifax (I believe) that sells more dressy clothes, and dresses fit for proms and bigger events. We just kind of browsed, searching for something that would catch our eyes for prom, but found nothing. The latest trend, for prom wear is certainly bejeweling EVERYTHING. I'm not so sure if I like it all that much. I find there's one silhouette all the young girls are drawn to. I even noticed in ninth grade when grad dresses were being chosen. It's the strapless sweetheart neckline, with the mellow flowy bottom, and glittery madness around the tit area. You see this in every colour, every year. I mean, it's a flattering for any body shape, you can't get me there, but I wish some people would just jump out of the box a little more, y'know? There are so many beautiful dresses that don't follow that pattern that I know would look killer on these gals.

But, I digress. 

After finding nothing in All Dressed Up, we walked across to Better Than Her Boutique. I'm not sure if I've mentioned anything about it yet, but it's this tiny little boutique on the second floor of the Spring Garden Place mall, run by a fun and quirky girl named Courtney, that has taken the social media world around Halifax by storm! She's all over the net giving updates and previews, talking to her young clients, and really killing the whole self-advertisement thing. I think she's someone to really look up to for girls like me who would one day like to have a small boutique like hers. The entire aesthetic of her store is pleasing in a way that's simple, but edgy. I loved everything about her store. I did end up purchasing a little crop blazer, which fit perfectly with the cinching around the waist of my full black jumpsuit I got at Topshop in Vegas.

After wandering around a few more boutiques, and not buying anything noteworthy, we headed to do a few more errands, ate at a pub called Your Father's Mustache, and b-lined it for home. 

The next day we were in the Halifax pride parade, which was both a fun and eye-opening experience. 

Although Emily and I are not of homosexual orientation, we thought it would be fun to actually walk in the parade with the organization The Youth Project, which was basically just a float for the people who make use of the organization, who take part in helping it, and any members of GSA groups across Nova Scotia. Both of us are not a part of either of those things, I don't even live there! But we went regardless, with Aiden and Paige (who is actually a long lost cousin of mine). We walked around, got some Starbucks, and arrived at The Youth Project house on the other side of the downtown area. 

We were all given these sweet bracelets.

When I walked in, it was kind of an incredible sight. 

All of these young people, dressed in rainbows, and what I learned was the transgender colors (just white, blue and pink) all ready for a day of self-celebration. Some decorated in paints, some in scars, many both. At that point it really hit me as to how important this event actually is to a lot of people. Just one small period of time where they can freely and fully express, themselves in public, for hundreds of thousands of eyes to see, and actually feel comfortable about it because of the blanket of support, all ages and orientations, that surrounds them. I don't know. It was just a heartwarming day to see what a little effort from a lot of people does for individuals who have really been close to giving up all because of one characteristic they possess.

That day also made me want to take a pole dancing class. 

Do you know how much strength is required to hold yourself up on a pole? WOW.

After a long day of dancing in the street, we made our way to Boston Pizza for a bite to eat, and headed home on the shady 80 (bus to sackville) and were pleased to see Willie Stratton on the bus with us! I was kind of starstruck, but Em just thought he was a total hottie, which is completely correct. 

The following day was spent with my two great friends Cailyn and Noah. We went (yet again) to Boston Pizza to enjoy some thai bites, and then spent the day babysitting two precious little boys with Em. I honestly had forgotten how much I enjoy their company. The pair of them are just so chill, but quirky in their own ways. I probably couldn't count the laugh attacks that were had that day, and I'm awfully glad I got to spend that time with them.

Some night in between all of that, I got to spend a nice East Side Mario's dinner with a group of friends who hadn't all been together in years, and that would be Alicia, Emily, Savannah, Tiffany and myself. It was awesome to catch up on everything that's happened since we'd been together last over fettucini alfredo and unlimited garlic bread. We later went to a party in Beaverbank, which was a perfect opportunity to talk to a few acquaintances and get to see my old pals from dance I hadn't talked to in a while. It was nice to walk in and not feel like a total outsider, even though I haven't seen any of them in years.

The following days were basically just filled with lazing around, eating a lot, and watching Skins.

Then we were off to Cape Breton to stay with my grandparents for a week. 

Emily sobbing over the deep-fried cheesecake Chubby's Lunch in St. Peters had to offer.

Whilst being there, we celebrated their 50th anniversary, which is actually in October, but thanks to my wonderful family, they switched the celebration to a date during our stay so we would be there for it. So thoughtful!

The week was packed with lots of laughter, baking and hugs/kisses given and received.

I'd say towards the end of the week, we attended the Wintersleep/Alvvays portion of a small music festival in Port Hawkesbury. Both bands were flawless. The whole atmosphere was comforting and relaxing. No mosh pits. No disrespectful, loud hooligans. Just a bunch of families, teens, and elderly people gathered in a field in their lawn chairs and on their blankets, ready for some good tunes.

The view from the porta-potties.

We also spent a lot of time on the beach at my Aunt and Uncle's house on the Bras D'or Lake. I even got to drive the Seadoo! So much fun.

After the week flew by, we drove back home to Sackville.

I then got to see a long lost friend, who never ceases to amaze me with her infectious smile, and constant sing alongs. Megan and I got to catch up while waiting for Emily to finish her bath, and then we all went out to enjoy some chinese food at my all-time favorite restaurant, Yan's. I seriously vacuumed both my bowl of wonton soup and soo-guy/rice/eggroll combo. I seriously hadn't eaten good chinese food in what seemed to be AGES, so I had to take advantage.

Still craving the food/wanting Meg's hair/mega retro dress she purchased from Topshop.

That night was spent at another long lost friend, Niki's house. Another group I hadn't been with in forever that felt so nice to be together again. It's kind of funny how a group of friends like us; all going to different schools, living in different places, doing different things, can still get together and have fun like we've always been close! I love hanging around with Niki, Erin and Emily. Our personalities mesh so well, and we always find some way to have a fun, but incredibly weird, night.

Many nerd ropes, flying saucers, and mixed drinks later, we found ourselves having an early to bed night, only to wake up and have the infamous Cora's breakfast. Another thing I appreciated. Mmmmm, I can taste the April 89 now.

The rest of my trip was spent at Emily's parents' friend's cottage an hour or two away, and what a beautiful place it was! We ate delicious food, watched scary movies, spent endless hours chit-chatting and to finish it all off, walked along the beach that beautifully bordered the ocean. Although I didn't attend equipped with a bathing suit (stupid me), I just walked around in the water in my Victoria's Secret Pink sweats. The water was just THAT nice, I couldn't resist!

The drive home felt unusually longer than driving home usually feels. Maybe it was the fact that I was leaving early the next morning that was sinking in, the exhaustion felt from all the running around, or it could have been the gem of the ipod I had received, after being MIA for two years, packed with all the music I ever-so-conveniently hoarded in middle school.

All in all, this trip to Nova Scotia was splendid, and although I didn't get a few things that I wanted to get done, time is on my side, and there will be plenty more visits to come.

Here's an 8tracks playlist to go with all of this babbling on! Click here to listen.

I hope I didn't bore any of you.

Hahaha

Take care & stay cool,

Jaime

TRAVEL: And Now I Make My Descent Into A Fabulous Summer Of Traveling North America & Such

So,

the last exam was finally written, and I am now free from the shackles of eleventh grade and all it's bullshit. 

Now starts the shenanigans I've been ever so patiently awaiting all year.  

Since I may not have proper time (or computer access) for the next few weeks, I'll just do a breakdown of the trips and events I've got going on.. so here we go! 

FIRST OF ALL, I must mention as a bit of a side note that I had a job interview to work in the box office at my school and help to set up events and shows my school holds during the time school is not in session. Thankfully, I had some connections and it all went well! I start in August, and I can't articulate how stoked I am to be able to quit Boston Pizza. It makes me feel like I'm turning the page to the old chapter of my life that's become very one dimensional and boring. So hoorah for that. 

As far as the rest of this week goes, I've got a lot on my plate. Not a bad a lot, but a good a lot! Returning to the beach (as I did last Saturday) with a bunch of people in my grade this Saturday. Boy, is it fun getting to know them further. I kind of regret not spending as much time getting to know them last year, but can't go back now I guess! 

Then my great friend Makayla and I have plans to go camping with our friends Jared and Tamara. I don't know what it is about hanging out with those two, but we really mesh well together! They make me feel alive and youthful, which is something I haven't really felt in a while even though I'm only 17. I don't know, we're just a good group together. 

On Sunday, a grand celebration for Canada Day will be had. Simple Plan, Mother Mother and Dan Mangan will be doing a show in a field downtown, and I'm so excited for it! Not too much for Simple Plan, but Mother Mother and Dan Mangan are going to be WICKED. There'll be a large group of us attending, and hopefully it'll be relatively rain-free. It would be cool if the bands come out into the crowd again this year. Because last year, Hey Rosetta! came with Joel Plaskett (thank goodness!!!) and once Joel started playing, the band members of Hey Rosetta! came out and I got to take photos with them. It was such a dream. I suppose living in such a small town has its perks sometimes.

Monday, my nanny is flying in from Nova Scotia to accompany my immediate family and I on a road trip down the west coast, and up through the states. I have good feeling this road trip is going to be top notch. The photos I'm going to take.. oh boy! The countless hours spent sitting in the car probably won't be that awesome, but other than that, I'm stoked. I have a list of things I need to get, so fingers crossed that I cross all of those things off that list! One of those things being my prom dress for next year. I'd really like to find one while on my travels, just so I can see it in person and try it on rather than getting one online, not knowing what'll arrive in the mail. Most of this trip will be focused around California as well, which excites me more than explainable because I've always wanted to travel there. I hope we get to see my main points there though, which consist of: Salvation Mountain, the Rose Bowl flea market, shopping at Wasteland, Venice Beach, eating some Pho and some other small things I wouldn't get to see/partake in here.

After 18 days on the road, all of us will return home for a week where I will despise my life for one of two reasons (or probably both): a) I miss civilization again OR b) I ever so painfully have to return to work full time for those 7 days. But have no fear, future Jaime, we will then embark on another adventure, this time being to Nova Scotia to see everyone we miss so dearly. Within those two weeks, I hope to see all of my friends and family to have so so so much fun with them to make up for all of the missed time. I have yet another list of things I'd like to get done while away. This list includes: so many beach days, beavertails galore, getting my first tattoo, so many days spent downtown, maybe seeing if I can drop into my former dance academy, and stuff like that. Thinking about going home honestly makes me tear up so badly. It's the only thing that's ever on my mind. It's not that I regret moving, because sometimes you have to take one for the team, and in this case I took a big one for my family by sucking it up, and agreeing it would be okay for us to come. But it does hurt so bad to think of the life I would be living if I never would have moved. I don't know. It sucks. Especially missing prom and graduating with everyone I grew up with and ahhhhhh. ANYWAY, I can't wait to go home and see everyone and do everything that makes Nova Scotia cool.

After arriving home from NS, I will most likely be exhausted to shit, and still not ready to go back to school. But a couple short weeks, and I'll be walking though the doors of Trin Trin on the first day of school for the last time, and boy will it feel great.

So that's pretty much the skeleton of plans I've got up my sleeve for this summer.

In case I don't get a chance to check in, I hope you all have a super rad summer, go out and diminish all of those "what ifs", be infinite (and tacky), and make this an unforgettable one.

Rock on,

Jaime 

JGD: Where Is My Mind?

SO, 

I've got one more exam to go until eleventh grade is ready to be locked in a box and thrown into the ocean.. 

and there are so many choices I've got to make in the next year, it's reDONKulous! Although I marvel at the fact that within the next twenty four months I will have finished all of high school/middle school/elementary, and I'll be living on my own, I'm still pretty scared to take the plunge. 

I mean,

then all of this work will have payed off, right?

Just the thought of finally living in a city with exceptional culture, and being surrounded with people who share the same interests as me makes me as giddy as giddy can be. Being able to study things that I enjoy, and dedicate all of my time towards it, ahhhh. The nightlife, the concerts, the sights, the people, the food, the everything excites the living shit out of me. To be able to buy my own food, make my own meals, exercise whenever and however I please, decorate my apartment how I'd like, explore the wonders of the city, meeting dudes who are there for the same reasons who would be interesting to get to know.. I daydream for hours about it!

But

that scared feeling is still lingering there deep deep into the back corners of my thoughts. I don't want my lack of motivation throughout high school (in regards to the classes I take no interest in) to rub off onto me if actually do get into a fashion merchandising program, or whatever I end up choosing. I'm scared of the new encounters I will have to endure, and all of the new surroundings I'll have to warm up to. I'm scared of failure. I'm scared of being away from my parents without any direct help. I'm scared even to think of all the lonely nights there are to be had, missing, wishing. 

But these are all things to be excited for as well!

It all depends on the general outlook and attitude.

ANYWAY, this year is definitely going to be a doozer as far as choices and events determining what I'll end up doing post-secondarily goes. However on the other hand, it's going to be SUCH an amazing year to spend getting pumped and getting close to my grad class. I just can't wait.

Which brings me to my final point. This summer, IF I DON'T CHICKEN OUT, I thought of a great tattoo idea. I feel I've thought up a tattoo idea that would really be relevant in regards to this stage in my life, and all of these scared feelings I'm having. That in itself is scary/exciting, 

but

I love it. 

And that's all I really have to say. So, I'll leave you with this. 

the Scared is scared from Bianca Giaever on Vimeo.

Stay cool, 

Jaime