Spring flowers
This spring creeped in quite suddenly. It felt like yesterday was snow and blizzards like Narnia and the next day was sunshine and bird-chirping. It might also be that my calendar has somehow kept super busy the past few weeks that I’m almost not noticing other changes in life. This reminds me of a quote I came across the other day: “Life is what happens when you’re busy planning other things”. It completely resonates at this very moment. I’ve been trying to remind myself of this whenever I start to lose myself in work and future planning – and so this cherry blossom photoshoot was a perfect example of my new practice. We were actually location scouting here for an upcoming photoshoot, and decided to turn a work-related chore into a fun adventure: snapped some amazing shots, then explored the neighbourhood (parkdale, toronto) and had some amazing brunch and desserts here. The only sacrifice was sleep: we woke up at 4am to catch the sunrise at High Park, but the whole day was so fulfilling and enjoyable, it was completely worth it =D (photo credit: ericcheng.ca)
Beach life – taking a breather
After an intense working month, I took a breather and spent a week in Punta Cana with some great company. The Bavaro beach was just as in pictures – cushiony white sands and turquoise ocean. Beach resort vacation is definitely the most fun with a big group of fun friends. We rode dune buggies in the mud, sailed on the catamaran, played volleyball on the sands, searched for starfish in the ocean, played Resistance at night, and made deep conversations by the beach. It was meditating to shut my mind off from work and let my mind breathe completely. We all need it. It doesn’t have to be by a beach. Just give time to relax and recharge so you can take on life with a positive and energized spirit.
An update and Ottawa
This year started off quite excitingly (though I make no excuse for my lack of posting…). So here’s quick update =D
|January|
I made the decision to go back to school and accept my MBA offer. It all happened pretty quickly. I studied 2+ months for the gmat, took the test, sent in my supplementary documents, and got accepted all in a 4 months period. It’s going to be a dramatic change of lifestyle — switching from comfortable professional life back to debt-bearing but completely exciting student life. It just feels right, to finally realize your vision, chase after it, and make worthy sacrifices along the way.
|February|
So pre-MBA life starts way before school actually starts. I’ve been busy attending events and meeting future classmates and current students. The Problem Solving Challenge was the first case competition I’ve participated in and spending time on putting my case together was exhilarating. Something about starting with a completely unfamiliar and ambiguous topic and having the freedom to go any direction you want with your ideas just gets my blood flowing! And Yay I moved on to round 2 of the competition.
|March|
This month I experienced what it’s like to have a busy travel schedule: AWESOME. I spent a few days discovering Ottawa (first time there). The city was quiet but I found some seriously hip and delicious food spots. (Don’t mind this post sidetracking with some foodie recommendations…)
Best coffee/bakery shop: Bread and Sons
Get their Latte!!! Best I’ve ever had. They use 49th Parallel beans from Vancouver, and it seriously leaves an aromatic aftertaste. The buttertarts and croissants were so crispy and heavenly – they sell out fast!
Best truck food: Ad Mare Seafood
Is this a gourmet lunch or what?! Lobster roll was so fresh and chips so crispy and coleslaw so tangy. It’s a seafood-themed food truck right at the corner of Slater and O’Connor.
Most creative breakfast: The Scone Witch
It’s a sandwich but made with scones instead of bread… How innovative and totally delicious!! The plain scones were absolutely amazing too, don’t miss the lemon-poppy! Prepare for lineups here, but you won’t be bored as their decor will keep you entertained with little trinklets and hipster accessories (for sale).
On our way back to Toronto, we stopped by an alpaca farm (insert all sorts of feelings of excitement). I’m just realizing how random this sounds… I’ve always loved alpacas and wanted to see them in flesh for the longest time, this was a dream come true ❤ Words can’t describe how adorable they are in real life — so gentle and very curious too!! I just can’t get over the way the whole pack stick their heads out and slowly come up to strangers. 
The day after my short trip was the Rotman problem solving challenge weekend — two intense and fulfilling days of preparing and presenting our case in a team. It’s a first taste of what business school will be like and I love it. To my complete shock I somehow landed the 5th place overall scholarship! What!? An awesome start to this new journey already.
A day later, I packed up a completely summer-themed luggage for beach vacation in Punta Cana, for my girlfriend’s bachelorette party. What a whirlwind of events, didn’t anticipate this post to turn so long so I shall follow up with a separate sunshine-filled-beach-post! Stay tuned =D
Shameless plug: help yourself to instagram for daily updates 😉
Delicate affairs 