Bang Bang …

I woke up early this morning. I had a lot to do, some errands and things. I took a shower and like I normally do, carried on with my normal morning activities. I ate some Shreddies, answered some emails… thought about what I’d wear today, that sort of thing. It wasn’t until I put my bra on that I looked up and out the window, only to see a blonde and sweaty, 20-something year-old dude wearing a wife-beater and cargos working on the neighbour’s roof. About 40-feet between us.

I ran into the bedroom, only to see another blonde, sweaty, 20-something dude wearing a wife-beater and cargos working on the neighbour’s roof. So I ran into the bathroom, trying to act all cool-like. I managed to avoid eye contact with both dudes… but “did they see me?” I wondered. Then I grabbed a towel, kept my head down, grabbed some clothes and proceeded to change in the bathroom. Face flushed red, I ran out of the appt. and into my car to run some errands and get on with my day. Now I’m back, facing the music, bang bang go their hammers.

This is my view.

Kensington, the bubbles to my blues

It's been two weeks since I resigned my full-time position at a custom publishing company in Toronto's Old York neighbourhood.

Since then I've sent out nine resumes. Three were for part-time jobs (H&M, Town Shoes and Three's Company Cafe). I just heard back from H&M:

Dear Natalie,

Thank you for your interest in working with H&M.

We regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you an opportunity with our company.

Thank you again for the time and effort that you have invested in your application and we wish you all the best in the future.

Sincerely,

Recruitment Department

H&M Hennes & Mauritz Inc., Canada

The whole purpose of my resignation was to free up my time so that I could focus on my crafts. Whether it's hairbands or crochet dolls, I wanted to spend my time making things that would make other people happy rather than sitting behind a desk and feeling unhappy and unfulfilled.

And I've been doing just that for two weeks. Making things, creating things, meeting people.

But I'll admit, unemployment is depressing, if you let it eat away at you. Too much daytime TV can make you feel worthless, and the constant commercials about losing weight and going back to school and freeing yourself of debt don't help. I guess I had a bit of the blues.

So today, after chatting with Julia (partner in crime), I decided to go to my happy place, Kensington Market, Toronto. Some say it's not what it used to be, and they're right, but for me Kensington will always hold a special place in my heart, because special things happen here, magic happens here and good things happen here.

My favourite part of the day was not parking in the Bread level in the Green P on St. Andrews, not the fresh Ontario-grown artichokes I found, not the amazing bag of goodies I grabbed in Twilight - but the totally awesome and delicate hair clip I discovered in Courage My Love made by Suki, a sweet girl behind the cash. It's got white feathers, chiffon and pearls and I just love it. Thanks Suki.

Now I'm home, my spirit lifted by some bubbles and a charming girl in Kensington, some fresh vegetables and sunshine.