The Time I Became BFFs with Bradley Cooper

After my Five on Friday post a few weeks back, many wanted the inside scoop on why Mr. Cooper and I became bffs.

Let's go back to the fall of 2012. Exactly this time last year. It was the Toronto International Film Festival (aka the time when all the celebs flock to our city). I'm not one to go out of my way to catch a glimpse of a celeb and to be honest, prior to this, I had seen zero celebs in my life. Go me!

A friend and I were going for dinner in the area where the major theatres are and we noticed that a few of the bigger films were happening that night.

We heard a few screams across the street so we clearly bolted in that direction, dodging traffic and it was like the sky opened and sang to me. There stood Bradley Cooper. There were probably only about 20 people gathered at this time (and it was outside the media tent so it was a huge area). I felt like we locked eyes and he started walking towards my friend and I. I nearly died. He started signing some autographs and made his way to us, taking selfies with everyone, answering their questions and was SO friendly and genuine. I can't recall if I asked him anything as I was so damn shocked and I definitely didn't get an autograph (no pen/paper and I'm not a fan of them). I did, however get these beauties below. His smile is forever etched in my brain. We were so giddy the rest of the night.

That, my friends, is the story of how Bradly and I became BFFs. I think what made it most fun is that we just happened to "stumble" upon him and we were there before the throngs of crazy people starting pushing and screaming.

 

Oh Bradley.....

We also happened to stumble upon Hallie Barry. The photo below isn't mine but see that pink camera back there? I was standing behind that crazy person. See those people who are much higher than everyone else? Ya, they brought their own step stools. Hardcores.





Have you seen any celebs recently in your area?

Midweek Randoms

• I saw this notice in my condo elevator the other night. Who puts furniture down a garbage chute? Hilarious.

• Remember this post where I complained about my computer issues? Well on Sunday night my computer decided to completely crash. I couldn't even turn it on. After calling Toshiba and going through about 4-5 different fixes, it still wasn't corrected. The best part? My manufacturer warranty expired THAT DAY (last time this happened I was told it had already expired). This was a blessing and a curse. I knew that if nothing worked, I could ship it to them and get it repaired under warranty. The curse was that I worked all day Monday so had to figure all this crap out at work to make sure I met the warrant deadline! Thankfully, I was able to do a full operating system restore and it seems to be working now. I am so relieved I bought that external hard drive a few weeks ago as there is currently nothing on my computer. Nothing.

• Speaking of that, since there is nothing on my computer, I have discovered a random game that appeared and am now addicted. It's a kids game geared towards memory called Purble Place. Ladies, I swear this game is for full on kids. It is SO HARD. There are 3 levels so clearly since I am 27 and this game is made for 6 year olds, I went straight for the hardest level. I've played it about 30 times and I can't beat it. I can't even come close. It's an embarrassment to my memory.

• Earlier this week I was in boots and a coat. Yesterday and today it feels like 45 with the humidity. I think it's hotter than any other day we had this summer.

• Today I am off to a Blue Jays game (our Major League Baseball team..think the San Fran Giants of Toronto ha). Only difference is that our team sucks. Big time. However, we have box seats with work so it will be fun to go drink some beer, eat some unhealthy food and take in the game.

 

How We Make Long Distance Work

How do you do it?  When was the last time you saw him? Don't you miss him?

Those most frequent questions I get asked when I tell someone about Mr.C. I never know how to answer but usually just say something along the lines of "We just do."

Living 3,400km apart ain't easy and it takes a lot of work, commitment but it is worth it because HE is worth it. I never doubted in my heart that it wouldn't work out. Although it's been longer than we first anticipated, we've made it work and we've stuck by each others sides.

Since I like to now call myself a Long Distance Pro, here are some thoughts on how to make it work!

Talk Often but Not Excessively

You don't need to talk on the phone for hours each night. We don't. We rarely talk through the day except for a text message here or there as we both work. We do, however, make an effort to talk in the evening, no matter what our plans are. Skype is basically the best invention and we use it often but some nights it will just be a quick 2 minute phone call to see how our days were.

Keeping the conversations present that most non long distance relationships have is important. Ask how their day was, how they are feeling, what they are making for dinner. Continue to share your everyday happenings! It may seem silly but it helps make you feel closer physically than you actually are.

Dream Together

When in a long distance relationship, the future is always exciting - whether it be 3 months away when you get a visit, or 2 years away when you are back together for good. Talking about the future and what life will look like when Mr. C comes home makes me so excited and I think (hope? ha!) it makes him as equally excited. It sends me a gentle remind that he will be home before I know it.

Trust

Plain and simple, if you don't trust your man, it ain't gonna work out in a long distance relationship (or non long distance relationship). You need to grant each other the freedom to carry on with your own life and continue to have fun. 

Live your Life

You can't put your life on hold or mope around at home. Continue to life your life. Hang out with friends, travel, visit family often, start some new hobbies. You need to maintain interests and friendships while you are apart as it will be those things that help you through the days you feel blah.

Stay Connected with Their Family

This may be weird to some and it depends on the relationship you have with his/her family prior to your long distance begins. For me, I was fairly close with his family before he left. It has been so nice to keep in touch with them (they live a few cities over from me). Every few months or so, they will invite me over for dinner and we catch up. Unfortunately, this doesn't work on the flip side with Mr. C and my family as my family doesn't live close to him. Where possible, keep those connections open!

Believe me, you can do it. Have faith in your relationship, stay positive and think of the happy ending!

                                   

Book Reviews

I'm flying through my books these days. Here are a couple that I finished in the past few weeks. I have about 20 books on a waitlist at the library and I know they are all going to come available at the same time (always happens) so I'm trying to power through these! Plus, I just love reading.
 

To be honest, I had really low expectations for this book but it very much surprised me.
The story is based around a young grieving widow who decides to get back into shape and ends up getting a lot more than she originally thought.

It's a story of loss, friendship, romance - and definitely some steamy scenes thrown in there. I'm not one to typically say "I really enjoyed the characters" but I can definitely say I felt connected with the main character, Holly.

Definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a light read.

Have you read any other books by Stephanie Evanovich?

This was a new author for me and again, really enjoyed this book. I think for anyone who has siblings, you will be able to relate to this book. It follows the ups and downs, differences and different paths each take. The three main characters parents go through the struggles, stress and stigma that is put on parents when their children don't necessarily follow the path that they visioned for their children - especially when they all move back home!

Although I wish that some of the anxieties in the book were filled with a few more lighthearted moments, this book was a great summer read.

Do you have any book recos?!

Sunday Social

1. What is your favorite fall activity?

I really just think it's walking around in a cozy sweater, boots and warm scarves and taking in the cooler temperatures and all the leaves changing colours.

2. Do you follow a football team? If so, which one and why?

I don't follow a football team. The CFL in Canada absolutely sucks and although I don't dislike football, I just don't find myself watching games on TV. I fully understand the game, too, so it has nothing to do with that. College football in the states seems really fun and I feel like if I lived in the states, I'd be really into that (or maybe just into the food haha).

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?

Apple orchids and pumpkin patches galore! The Prince Edward County area which is about 1.5 hours from me is SO lovely to go to this time of the year with all of their wineries.

4. What are your favorite fall staple outfits?

Think skinny jeans, riding boots, warm scarfs, collared shirts. 

                      

5. What things are you looking forward to most about this coming fall season?

I'm most excited at attempting to bake another apple pie and finally being able to wear my scarves!

6. What is your favorite fall holiday? Tradition?

Thanksgiving is my favourite fall holiday (which happens to be in October for us Canadians!). I had such memorable Thanksgiving dinners/time with family growing up, and although it is much different now since we are all scattered about, it is still fun!

My mother also passed away 6 years ago on Thanksgiving Day so this holiday is extra special to me. It's a weekend to remember how blessed I am and to always give thanks for all the special people I've been surrounded by.

Five on Friday

Advance warning that this post is more random than normal. You've been warned!

One

I live about a 30-35 minute walk to work and most of the time I take transit. When you work 9+ hours each day, the last thing I typically want to do is walk to or from work. Feel free to judge me, it's ok haha! It's not even the walking part that bothers me as it's a fairly nice walk. It's the fact that I have my heavy laptop with me (required to bring it home every night) + lunch + need to dress appropriately for walking. It's all such a task.

I have attempted to bike to work and did most of last summer but my work area is EXTREMELY busy with cars/construction at the moment so it's just not great. Plus, last year on the way home I fell of my bike and nearly died (not really, but it could have been really bad) so now I keep biking to weekend activities!

I do walk every now and then especially in the spring and fall. This week I have walked to and from work each day. I'm so awesome. I was thinking I should attempt this for all of September but I'd fail miserably. What do you think?! Here are some shots from my morning walk - excuse the crappy Blackberry photos.

Two

Thermometers. I told you this was going to be a really random Five on Friday.

I've never owned a thermometer. I guess I never needed one in uni and obviously pre-uni I just used my parents when I was living at home. I decided to buy one on my way home yesterday because I feel like it's just an essential item.

WHY ARE THERMOMETERS SO EXPENSIVE? They had one there for over $100.00! I mean, I'm sure it's worth it if you have kids but that is so excessive to me. They are all fancy now, too. Mine lights up red, yellow or green depending on what your temperature is. Maybe they all do that now but I thought it was brilliant. I bought the Vick's Speed Read Thermometer - lifetime warranty baby! ha!

 Three

Toronto International Film Festival starts this weekend and all the stars are descending upon the city. I can't remember if I mentioned this, but last year, Bradley Cooper and I became bffs. Perhaps I'll find some new friends this year ;)

The day we became bffs.

Four

I'm in a serious rut when it comes to bringing lunch to work. I pack it 99.9% of the time and find myself so sick of the things I usually bring. Do you have any suggestions? What do you bring to work? I you stay at home/are in school, what do you eat for lunch? I sometimes bring dinner leftovers but I typically like to save those for dinner the next night.

I've done the whole salads, tuna sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, wraps etc. I need some inspiration!

Five

After my US Travel Wish List post earlier this week, I had a few mention that I should add NYC and Boston to my list. Mr. C and I actually made a trip to both of those cities last year and although I had been before, we both loved our time in each of the cities. Thanks for all the recos! :)

ABCs - All About Me!

I saw this fun post on a blog a while back (sorry, I forget who!!) and since I always love knowing a tiny bit more about the fabulous writer behind a blog, I thought I'd share with you my ABCs.

Age: 27.

Bed size: King and never going smaller!

Chore you dislike: Ironing. Big time.

Dogs: None.

Essential start to your day: Any type of cereal except All Bran!

Favorite color: Navy,Gray

Gold or silver: Silver.

Height: 5'6"...ish

Instruments you play(ed): I played piano for a year and hated it/sucked. I think I had to play the triangle in elementary school too. Amazing.

Job title: I prefer not to share this but I work in a very corporate world :)

Kids: 0 for now!

Live: Toronto

Mom’s name: Jane Elizabeth

Nicknames: A bunch to do with my last name :)

Overnight hospital stays: Pneumonia when I was a child.

Pet Peeves: Slow walkers. Can't handle them.

Quote from a movie: "It's so FLUFFY!!!" - extra points for anyone who can name the movie! 

Righty or Lefty: Lefty

Siblings: 2 brothers. One older, one younger.

Time you wake up: 6am during the week.

Underwear: Yes...

Vegetables you don’t like: Mushrooms. They are disgusting. Especially canned ones.

What makes you run late: I'm never late. Actually. Being late is another one of my pet peeves and gives me anxiety lol!

X-Rays you’ve had: I've had way too many...of probably my whole body. Fun fact though, I've never broken a bone!

Yummy food you make: taco soup

Zoo animal favorite: penguin

Share your ABC's with me friends!!! 

Midweek Randoms

• I love that it's already Wednesday. My days always get so messed up with a long weekend.

•  September is always hilarious to see the vast difference in the way people dress here. I swear I saw people in winter parkas and some in shorts and flip flops. Welcome to Ontario!

• Seeing all the students move into residence this past weekend had me feeling a bit sad even though the city I'm in now isn't where I went to school. I can't believe it was NINE years ago that I moved into residence (where I knew NO ONE) but later came out with such amazing friends. Sidenote, I've actually never not lived in a university town.

My Uni!

• Speaking of university, it's frosh week for all the universities. When walking home from work today all the UofT students were out trying to raise money for a local charity which I am fully supportive of. The bad part? They were blocking entire sidewalks and intersections. Move people! We commuters want to get home!!

• Just saw a youtube ad that Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition is starting this week! I used to dance for about 13 years. Not competitive or anything but I really enjoyed it. I did tap!!

• On of my besties won an all inclusive trip down south and she left on Monday to Jamaica. So jealous. She was actually at a bridal show with a friend who was getting married and decided to enter in the draw so she technically won a honeymoon (even though she's not engaged). Ha!

Dear Casey: jealous of you and your winning ways.

• I bought this top over the weekend from Old Navy. The photo doesn't do it justice and actually makes the top look really plain. It's made of the softest material ever and feels really well made - more of a twill material than cotton. I'll be pairing this with a fun coloured waisted belt and some jeans for the fall!

Via

• What fall shows will you be watching? There aren't too many that catch my eye.

US Travel Wish List

I saw this post that Jasmine did and thought it was so fun. Although I'm not going to be a time frame on my places I hope to visit, I thought I'd share with you some cities within the US I hope to see in the next few years (keeping in mind I live in Ontario).

Hawaii



For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to visit Hawaii. Any place that is tropical but still has a city life is hugely attractive to me. I LOVE sitting on the beach all day, but I also like when there is a city to explore and history to take in. If I could go anywhere in the world right now, it would be Hawaii.

San Francisco, CA
 


I've heard nothing but anything things about San Fran. My parents went here for their 25th Wedding Anniversary and loved it. Friends who have visited have raved about it. I hope to go soon - it's just SO expensive and quite the distance from me! I could fly to Europe for cheaper!

 Vail, Colorado




It's no secret, I LOVE to ski. I started when I was about 4 and have been on many ski vacations over the years - Vermont, Whistler, Lake Louise etc. The great thing is, Mr. C loves to snowboard so it makes for fun winter vacations for us. Vail has been a long time favourite of mine that I hope to one day visit in the winter months and hit the slopes!


Chicago, IL




Given Chicago is only an 8 hour drive or short 1.5 hour flight from me I am shocked I have never been! What is wrong with me!? This is a great place to visit over a long weekend and think Mr.C and I will make it happen in 2014!

Washington, DC



I went to Washington when I was about 10 with my family and recall really enjoying it even at that age. Again, it's only a short flight from me (hello Porter Airlines!) and makes for a great long weekend trip. There's something about all the history in that city that really excites me!

Charleston, SC



I love the South. All you lovely ladies from the South, I am SO JEALOUS of your game days, big bows, lovely weather and yummy food!

There are many, many other places I'd love to explore (Alaska! San Diego! Nashville!) but this is the list that's been in my head for a few years.

Do you live in any of these places and/or have you visited? Is there anywhere in Canada you've been wanting to visit? I have a whole other separate list for Canada ;)

Sunday Social

1. What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer? 
I had a blast in Mont Tremblant, Quebec this year! Read more about that here.

2. What was your favorite outfit look/clothing item of the summer?

I lived in my pink eyelet shorts from the Gap.

3. What is one thing you wish you’d gotten to do this summer?

I wish I was able to visit Mr. C but it just didn't work out with our schedules. Hopefully he will be home SOON!

4.What was your favorite song of the summer? 

5. What was your favorite movie/tv show of the summer? 

TV sucked this summer and I really didn't watch that much. If anything, and don't laugh, I have to admit I was mildly addicted to Big Brother. HA!

Hope you're all having a fabulous long weekend!