Monday, 28 April 2014
Monday, 14 October 2013
THE END OF ONE CHAPTER...
And just as this blog began with nothing but hope and happiness, it ends with the same.
Coming back from England has not been an easy step to take and I have had to reshape my life in many ways, but I am still confident that it is the right decision for me. The adventurous spirit and continuous smile have not left, but they are now present for a different idea, a new chapter in my book.
This blog holds so many stories of a beautiful part of my life, a time when I needed something to hold onto and a dream to chase. As I read back, I will always be thankful for the moments that tested me, the moments that made me feel as though I was accomplishing the impossible and for the moments that brought me closer to those I love.
I may be home, but my adventure is definitely not over. In fact, a whole new dream is just beginning. Having a year all to myself has helped me to discover who I am on my own, what I want for my future and who I want to become. So, although I am not miles away from home or completely on my own I am growing and changing, evolving into what I have always wished. I have eighteen months until my hopeful graduation date and I am going to take these months and enjoy them. I am going to laugh, to shop, to try new things and spend as much time as I can loving life.
So yes, My English Style Life is no longer relevant to who I am, but that does not mean my blogging days are over. Just like my life, I am simply taking a new path. My hope is that this new blog will hold just as many wonderful moments and will take me to places I cannot even dream of. I am thankful for what this blog has been for me and I look forward to the excitement and adventure in the new one!
Goodbye My English Style Life...Hello Kate Lately!
www.katelatelywrites.blogspot.ca
Monday, 23 September 2013
OXFORD: WELCOME TO ENGLAND
I may not be living in Oxford, England, but that does not mean I did not have an amazing vacation for the two weeks I was there. We left the Maritimes on Wednesday afternoon, stopping over in Toronto before flying through the night towards London.
By the time we arrived it was 8:30am London time, which meant we felt as though it were only 4:30am! Needless to say, we needed coffee! We quickly located a cafe in the airport and enjoyed pastries and caffeine before heading out into the (rare) sunshine.
We then had to find the bus station and travel for over an hour in order to get to Oxford. We then had to get a cab and once we climbed into the car, we thought we were headed towards our vacation home. What we did not know is that there are many streets in Oxford with the same name, so you distinguish them by road, avenue, etc. So when we said Henley St, we failed to realize we meant Henley Rd. We were dropped off on a street of row homes, in front of a real fixer upper that we thought we had to spend the next week in. Thankfully, after a gas guy called another taxi we headed just outside the city and found Henley Rd, a beautiful and quaint place. Thankfully, our real vacation home was beautiful.
Unfortunately, we did not get any photos of our home, but this is the view from my window that shows Henley Rd and just how adorable it is. For the rest of the day we rested and tried to figure out the bus stops. Of course, we had not gotten any groceries, but the owner of the home had suggested we walk to this place called The Kings Arm. That night we had fish and chips, I tried (and loved) mushy peas, and we found our favorite Oxford restaurant.
I already felt as though I wanted to go home, but looking back it was a great way to start our two week English adventure.
xo: kate
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
ANOTHER FORK IN THE ROAD
It has been a long time since I've updated on this blog and I'm sure many of you have noticed my absence. On September 5th I officially made it to Oxford, England and that's when everything changed.
As soon as we arrived I no longer felt excited, no longer felt hopeful or that sense of adventure that had so long been building inside of me. For a while, I tried to ignore it, but it did not take long to surface. I explored my emotions for a few days, wondering why I was feeling so down and chalked it up to nerves, but as the days went on I knew that wasn't the case. There were many days spent trying to fall in love with the city and many nights spent crying over the disappointment of Oxford not being what I thought it would be, but in the end I knew a decision had to be made. Unfortunately, it was another decision I had to make completely on my own.
I wavered back and forth, some days thinking I would return home and others thinking I would stick it out for at least a semester. Thankfully, a very wonderful friend suggested I go check out my school campus and my dorm room in hopes that it would help me come to a conclusion. Well, it did. After walking well outside the city center and coming to a not so wonderful looking campus, I was slowly wanting to return to St. Thomas. It wasn't until a taxi driver took us to my dorm that I was truly scared. In a locked gate, across from a stone wall, covered in barbed wire, was my residence. Located in a horrible neighborhood, I was standing in front of a building that was costing me more than I could ever afford.
That night, I decided to come home.
Over the past week I have had people tell me their opinions, some supportive and others quite the opposite, but regardless I know that this is my decision. I made the decision to move here and once again I am deciding to come home. I know that now, spending so much money and not loving this city, I would be miserable. Many have asked whether I want to try a semester, but if I hate it I have spent so much money and gotten no farther in school. There are so many options and in my mind all I want is to be happy.
Then comes the idea of regret. I may get home and wish I was in England, but I know in my heart that now is not the right time. This decision, by no means, has closed the door to me living over here, I have simply walked away for the time being.
Returning home is quite scary for me. I realize there will be people ready to give hugs, comforting words and the support I need to move on. Others will believe I have done this for all the wrong reasons and hold anger or disappointment in their hearts. While I cannot control what other people say or think, what I can control is how I feel and today it is content. I feel at ease about my decision and if I begin to regret leaving England, I know it is only a few years until I can return. That is the wonderful thing about time, it keeps going on.
So this is the road I have chosen. I believe the last eighteen months have been a learning experience with lessons that I will take with me as I move on in the future. I am a happier, more confident girl who is ready to take on more adventure and let life take me where it may. At the end of the day, I have to be able to look at myself and be happy with who I see. I have no one else to please, but me.
As far as the future goes? I will be returning home to continue my degree at St. Thomas. Between my Creative Writing major there, taking Marketing classes at UNB and Social Media courses online through UBC, I will graduate (hopefully!) in July 2015. From there, the world is mine! I would love to obtain an internship in either England, New York or California and let life take its course. This dream of England has been put on hold, but I can assure you all it is far from over.
xo: kate
xo: kate
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
GET READY, GET SET...GO?
There are no more days left...just hours. Hours until I zip up my (currently not packed) suitcases, hours until I leave the only home I've ever known and hours until I embark on the newest chapter of my life. It took fifteen years of dreaming and eighteen months of preparation, but it's here. I'm moving to England.
If you ask me how I'm feeling you will get a few different answers. Of course, I'm thrilled. This is the biggest dream I've ever had and it is going to be the most wonderful few years of my life. At the same time, I have had a horrible time saying goodbye to my friends and family. They are everything to me and I am choosing to do this all on my own. My final feeling is nerves. I am so nervous to be taking such a huge leap into an unknown world, but I know God has gone ahead of me and has it all planned out. That has proved true every step of the way. Still, one can't help but be nervous about all of the responsibilities and decisions I will now be making. It is a leap of faith, but one I am making with a huge smile on my face.
Tonight my house already feels different as my sister and the boy have already moved to their new home. So, I am missing the noise of a little one and the comfort of my best friend sitting across from me. Still, I will miss the sounds of my mom working in the kitchen and the conversations our family has during dinner. It was always those small moments that meant the most to me. This house has been my safe place, my healing place and the place where I was allowed to grow, discover and learn exactly who I am. I know that it will remain just that, forever: a place where I can return when I need healing or rest. No matter where I live, this will be home.
I hope that this chapter is one of adventure, of discovery and of happiness. I want to be challenged, to take chances and to live out every possible dream I have. I was given such a blessed life and there is no way I am going to waste a second of it.
Everything is done and in place, the prayers are being said, the hugs have been given...
the only thing left to do is fly.
xo: kate
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
MY GIRLS
There are only 8 days left!
It's hard to believe we are finally into the single digit countdown, but being this close has made me quite nostalgic about this past year and about my life in general.
That said, I thought today I would blog about four very important people in my life: my best friends. I know, I know, you are not usually supposed to have more than one best friend, but there is no way I could ever choose between them. Some have been my friend for years and others for a very short time, but all have been nothing but supportive and happy for me during every stage in my life and I just wanted to thank them for it all.
So, here they are.
Meet my BEST FRIENDS.
BRIDGET
NICKNAMES
Bridge, Bee, Beaver
WHERE YOU MET
I believe it was Grade 7, although we did not become really close until Grade 8.
I don't remember how we met.
FAVORITE MEMORY
There are way too many to choose from. We've been through a lot together. Just to name a few: St. John, Quebec, High School Musical, Graduation and the list could continue forever.
WHY YOU LOVE HER
She understands me like no other friend ever has. It's probably because we've grown up in very similar families, but she just always understands exactly how I feel or what I'm thinking.
AN INSIDE JOKE
FLUMP. Enough said.
THANK YOU
For standing by me for years, for continuously making me laugh, for making me feel important and for returning to my life without any questions.
(You can find Bridge at www.girlplusmaritimes.blogspot.ca)
JORDAN
NICKNAMES
Jord, JJ
WHERE YOU MET
Well, this is a long story! Our families have known one another for years, but it wasn't until Jordan got married that I realized I wanted to be friends with her. So, I emailed her and we became friends within a few months. We like to say I stalked her...
FAVORITE MEMORY
Once again, that's hard. Probably all the snack nights at her house, laughing until I cried or the trip we took to Toronto. That's where I realized we really are best friends.
WHY YOU LOVE HER
She has a faith that is incredibly inspiring. Her happiness is addicting and her belief in my future has encouraged my own belief in it. She has such a positive spirit and you cannot help but smile around her.
AN INSIDE JOKE
Anything that was said in Toronto!
THANK YOU
For answering that strange email and for giving me advice. You inspire me, have given me such hope for the future and have given me a model of what a real marriage should be.
MARIAH
NICKNAMES
Mrs. BarronBark
WHERE YOU MET
She was hired just after me when I started my second job last fall. My first opinion of her was quickly changed.
FAVORITE MEMORY
Definitely her wedding! It was an honor to be there and celebrate with her...plus the dancing was awesome!
WHY YOU LOVE HER
She just loves life. I love to have in depth conversations with her and being open to different views of the world. She has such a loving heart and would do anything for everyone, yet she is also a fashionista and of course I can relate to that! Plus, she comes with Donald and he's just a bonus!
AN INSIDE JOKE
"Can I get something started?"
THANK YOU
For being my friend! It has been such a short time, yet you have been so supportive and loving through it all. You included me in your special day and made our shifts together so memorable.
JEZZIE
NICKNAMES
Jezzabella Beatrice, Jezzabelle
WHERE YOU MET
I met her at work too! I can't remember when we first started talking, but I feel as though I've known her for years.
FAVORITE MEMORY
There are a lot! All the dinners we have eaten together, the car rides we have taken, the movies we've watched. They are all my favorite.
WHY YOU LOVE HER
She is such a gentle person, the complete opposite of me. Her heart is so big and she is such an intelligent person. She has an amazing sense of humor and reminds me so much of my sister. (Which is probably why we get along so well!) Her presence alone makes me feel comforted and happy.
AN INSIDE JOKE
All the secret names for the attractive men at work!
THANK YOU
For being a constant in my life. You are there whenever I need you. You have shared so much of yourself with me in such a short time and made me feel important and loved.
Bridget, Jordan, Mariah and Jezzie. Those four names mean so much to me. They are such incredible women with such bright futures and I am blessed to be a part of them. No matter where I am or which people become my new friends, these four girls will have a special place in my heart. They have gone above and beyond for me and I don't know if I will ever be able to repay them. All I can do is say:
Thank you for being my friend, I love you.
xo: kate
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