Rochelle Almonte

I wrote this same type of post last year and I remember enjoying it because I spent a lot of time with family. Well, this year is no different. Actually, we had our best weekend when we went to Toronto after so many years. We actually stayed in downtown Toronto during those 3 days and we got to experience how it was living there for a bit. In fact, most of us agreed that it would be fun to move there (maybe) one day.

This summer, I have to admit that I spent a lot of money, but I do not quite regret it as much because I got to experience a lot of different activities with different people. This summer, I had events to attend and actual plans. Even when the majority of the time I was at home, I still feel like I did a lot.

1. I wrote and still editing my master’s application statement and CV

I guess you can say I am taking my time with this considering I started writing back in June. I am still having doubts about if I actually want to invest in my master’s, especially since I am reading a lot of self-improvement and self-help books. My whole motivation to apply was to learn more about mental health, improve my knowledge about the subject and become a mental health counselor. I just do not know if I want to do this next fall or wait. I am still reflecting on my priorities at the moment.

2. Toronto trip

This trip was last minute. The plan was to go to Gaspésie, QC, but we did not realize that we had to book a chalet MONTHS before. It was too late since all motels, hotels, and chalets were booked. This trip was memorable because we did so much in so little time. During the school year, my family and I do not actually have that much time together which is odd because we live together. The only time we actually eat meals together the whole day is Sunday. That Toronto weekend, we spent 3 days together and I am very grateful for that.

We spent a lot of time in downtown Toronto just walking around, buying a few things, eating Jollibee for the first time in years and I also went up the CN Tower (finally!). I was the only one though because everyone was scared. I saw the CN Tower in person twice before, but never got to go up, so I am glad I finally did it.

We also went to Canada’s Wonderland which was fun this time around because my brothers actually rode roller coasters with me (Except the big ones which I went to alone: Yukon and Leviathan).

We also went to the central island and Sea Food City.

3. Wedding!

I was looking forward to my college friend’s wedding since my friend finally met and will marry the man of her dreams. Also, I have not been in one since 2013. I danced until my feet hurt and the food was amazing as well. Congrats to the married couple!

4. Friends birthday!

My friend also had her birthday celebration with her boyfriend. I had a blast until later that evening. I decided to go home after that, but I still had a great time. I also drank more than I wanted to. The good news is that I have not had a drink in a while now.

5. Reading books

I read pretty much every day for the first two weeks of my summer vacation and I enjoyed most of them. My favorite book so far is probably The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. I talked about this book before here on my blog. I took a break for a few weeks, but I am reading again now. I also started a routine recently where I exercise, journal, and read every day. One thing that has been helping me keep this up is the fact that I do not schedule a specific time to do it or an amount of time I have to do it. As long as I complete those 3 things in a day, I will feel good.

6. Podcast

I have also been listening to podcasts for hockey and mental health. I recommend the following:

For hockey fans (habs fans)

• Locked on Canadiens Podcast
• The Sick Podcast
• 32 Thoughts

Mental Health and Productivity

• Joyce Pring (JP TV)
• Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal
• Mindgames: The Podcast

7. Social Media Detox

Last but not least, I have been off social media for more than a week now. Though I am still using Twitter for hockey news, I stopped using Instagram and Facebook which are two apps that are quite toxic (for me, anyway). I feel really great about not using them. I actually have been doing other things like watching a new TV Series (Vampire Diaries that I haven’t watched until now). I have been reading and I have established a routine. I have been exercising and just taking care of myself.

Needless today, I had a blast this summer. While I only mentioned the good parts, please do not think that my life is perfect. Nobody’s life is perfect, but what I would like you to remember is to focus on the good things in your life. Yes, we have plenty of bad moments, admit it, but if we take the time to think about the good moments we have spent, we will actually feel amazed about how we have so much to be grateful for.