prairie girl musings

Category: Goals

My Goals For the Next Few Months

It feels a bit unusual to be setting goals in a time that’s still so uncertain. With our move completely thwarted, Nick and I feel like we’ve hit pause. We had so many exciting plans for the (Northern Hemisphere) summer, which is now a blank page and I have a serious case of writer’s block.

This lockdown period has been a complete rollercoaster for many of us. Personally, I’ve felt stuck both literally and metaphorically as we moved through the Alert Levels here in New Zealand. As an introvert and someone who works from home, I didn’t imagine it would be as difficult as it’s been. In the past few weeks, I’ve joked that I’ve moved into the ‘acceptance phase’ and have been taking steps to reset and figure out my short term goals. I know I find it helpful reading the ways others are moving forward, so here’s what I have in the works:

01. Streamline my wardrobe
I had a head start on this task, having listed and sold over half of my possessions on TradeMe in anticipation of our move (our house is looking especially bare at the moment!) Rather than shipping everything overseas, most of our furniture, household items and summer clothes, the ones that wouldn’t get as much wear in Canada, have now found new homes. My current wardrobe consists of a few high quality basics and special occasion pieces.

02. Embrace a slower pace
One of the reasons I wanted to work for myself was to establish better work/life balance and prioritise my mental and physical health. I count myself lucky to be able to work on projects I’m passionate about, but in the past, I’ve been known to say yes to work that paid the bills but didn’t fill my cup. Not having the security of a regular income, it’s easy to get carried away and never really ‘switch off’ even in the evenings and weekends. If this lockdown period has taught me anything, it’s how important down time really is, whether it’s binge watching Normal People or baking muffins in the middle of the day.

03. More staycations and day trips
I love a staycation and I’m hoping to continue exploring my favourite regions (North Canterbury and Akaroa) while we’re still based in Christchurch. Hanmer Springs Hot Pools plans to reopen at the end of May, so that could be a nice little getaway. We’ve stayed at a few hotels and Airbnbs in Christchurch from Crowne Plaza to the Britten Stables and will definitely book a night somewhere fun again soon!

04. More domestic travel
Name a place in New Zealand and Nick and I have probably been there. Nick’s parents made sure he’d visited every inch of his country and that’s something he’s shared with me. We’ve been lucky to spend countless weekends road tripping around both the North and South Island whether for work or purely out of interest. I know it sounds silly, but BC (before Covid) I felt like I had exhausted my time in New Zealand. I know we’ll make our way back to Canada eventually, but I plan on revisiting a few of my favourite New Zealand destinations and supporting businesses in the meantime.

05. Practice French
I definitely didn’t learn a new language during lockdown, but I have been trying to refresh my French. I grew up speaking French; all my core subjects at school were in French until grade 10, but I’m ashamed to admit my conversational skills leave much to be desired. If we end up on the East Coast of Canada, fluency in French will be useful in securing employment and it’s always handy to speak a second language.

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So that’s the next few months in a nutshell! I don’t know what will happen in terms of our moving plans, but I know it’s important to look after each other. I hope you’re all feeling okay, too. Sending love to anyone who needs it.

May 14, 2020
Let’s Catch Up

It’s that time of year again. A golden glow is permanently cast over the city, weekends are quickly booking up, and Kiwi holidays are fast approaching. If you’re anything like me, you live for the summer months when the days are long and BBQs are plentiful. I always find myself reconnecting with long lost friends during the warmer months, finding extra time in my schedule for coffee dates and afterwork drinks.

One of my favourite parts of summer is the anticipation. The anticipation for more sunshine hours, holidays and weeks at the bach (Kiwi beach house). These feelings are amplified this year… I’m also anticipating 2019 to be a year of development and growth; one where I plan to invest in myself, my freelance business and my future. I plan to throw myself into my work, travel as much as possible (and in the least conventional way possible) and spend time with those who matter most.

A few weeks ago, upon returning to New Zealand, I experienced my regular post-travel blues. I always feel a bit out of sorts whenever I return from seeing my family in Canada. I think it’s the disconnect between my Canadian and New Zealand selves. It’s something anyone who lives far away from their immediate family can relate to. Lately, though I’ve found myself grateful for the privilege of being able to travel between the two countries and the exposure to two different cultures. It’s funny how I always say how similar Canada and New Zealand are because in many ways, they are vastly different.

So, how will I fill the next few months? Well, I’ve been experimenting with different exercise routines. From cycling and running to yoga (I just did a two-week trial at Apollo) and regular strength training and classes at Les Mills (my go-to for its proximity to my house), I’m also getting back into cooking and selling my wardrobe on Instagram (gotta save for the wedding somehow…) One of my goals is to shop less and streamline my wardrobe. One thing that’s helped immensely (and will continue to be a godsend come wedding season) is renting occasion wear and designer pieces. Lend the Label is my go-to and I love their business model and philosophy. Why buy new clothing when it’s more sustainable to borrow? I’ve just become an ambassador for them, which means I’ll be borrowing for all my major events this summer.

Professionally, I’m working on a new website — one that outlines my services (copywriting, SEO, content creation, guest blogging, sponsored content, etc.) because it’s clear I can’t keep directing prospective clients to this blog (as much as I love to!) I’m also looking into workshops, conferences and networking opportunities. Oh, and I think I’ve finally nailed that all-important pitch email, so more on that later… I went through a period of event exhaustion (all the bloggers in the house know what I’m talking about…) Going to events constantly can become draining, but during the summer months, I’m way more inclined to accept invites to media dinners and events. I find they are a great way to socialise and connect with people whom I have an online relationship but rarely see in person.

I’m also spending more time with myself, reflecting, reading and meditating. I’m truly cherishing working alone, having space to create, to write at my own pace, and to live more intentionally. As I get older, the more I want to commit to truly understanding myself and my behaviours.

What are your plans for the next few months? Whether you’re heading into the depths of winter or the sun-drenched days of summer, I hope you are well.

Photos by Malia Rose
Dress courtesy of Lend the Label (of course!)

November 11, 2018
2018 Blog & Business Goals

I say this EVERY year, but where has the time gone?! I can’t believe we’re already a week into 2018.

As much as I love the clean slate of a new year, I’m all about setting goals year-round. While my goals usually include a personal component, I wanted to focus a bit more on business goals this year. Since leaving my full-time job and dedicating more time to my side hustles, I’ve been thinking a lot more about where I want to be 2018, so here it goes…

Work with a photographer
I’m lucky to have a few photographer friends, who I’ve been able to work with (quite sporadically) over the past year. Nick’s also a pretty good Instagram boyfriend, (or should I say, fiancé?) but I think it’s important to separate our personal and professional lives. This year I’d like to work with a photographer more regularly to take my content to the next-level.

Travel content
One of the reasons I started blogging was to share city guides and travel tips with you all. Living in New Zealand has been an incredible experience in itself (one I’m super grateful for…) but it’s isolated from the rest of the world and limits the number of places I can reasonably travel to. In 2017, I travelled to Japan, three Australian states, and all over NZ, but my city guides were few and far between… In 2018, there’s no excuse, I’ll be sharing all the best spots right here.

Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate
Christchurch is full of incredibly talented individuals. When Mooch Style and I hosted our bloggers meet-up, we were blown away by the number of people who attended and shared their blogging stories with us. I’d like to host another Bloggers Collective this year because well, last year was so much fun! Another goal is to collaborate with other creatives – photographers, writers and stylists because it’s such a great way to learn and stay inspired. I’ve already got a few partnerships in the works, so stay tuned.

Sponsored content
As a creative, it’s hard to resist opportunities that come knocking, especially those with desirable budgets. After all, we need to get paid. As hard as it can be to turn down opportunities that aren’t a good fit, that’s what I intend to do this year. I want to be as transparent and honest with you guys as possible because that’s what this is all built upon.

Always sign a contract
I’ve been burned a few times in the past by clients who’ve refused to sign contracts or commit to a payment schedule. I’ve talked to other friends in the blogging world and they’ve all experienced similar issues. As unregulated as our work can be, I’ll always handle myself professionally and only work with those who do, too.

Improve my blog’s SEO
This one is definitely a long-term game, but I need to focus on search engine optimisation. Despite working as a digital marketer for more than two years, my blog’s SEO ranking is abysmal, so I’ve got to dedicate some serious time to improving it or look to hire someone to help!

Blog rebrand & refresh
As much as I love my blog, this layout needs work and is overdue for a refresh. The navigation is non-existent and there’s no search function… I created this blog 5.5 years ago, and while I still love it, there’s lots I’ve outgrown. I am considering working with a designer and developer to create something a bit sleeker and user-friendly. Who have you worked with in the past?

2017 was a great year and I figured a lot out, here’s hoping 2018 is just as good!

Have you thought about your goals for the year ahead?

January 6, 2018
Turbulent Times
2016 was a memorable year in every sense of the word. I finally obtained New Zealand residency, contemplated my career, and accepted my dream job in what some would consider, a broken city. I grieved from afar, experienced displacement, and watched the world descend into absolute chaos as Donald Trump ran for and won the American presidential election. In many ways, 2016 was a year of the highest highs and lowest lows. If anything, I’ve realized how privileged I am as a white, middle class, heterosexual woman living in the Western world. Though, as the Trump candidacy clearly demonstrated, the West is as sexist as ever.

Looking forward to 2017, I’d like to chronicle my own goals, but also acknowledge how fortunate I am to be able to set goals for myself. Maybe it’s time to dig a little deeper and help those who aren’t so lucky. As we’ve seen in Aleppo and closer to home, in Kaikoura, there are people who need our attention and compassion.

As writers and bloggers, we live in a world of aspiration and isolation. I’m not here to dismiss creative outlets and forms of expression. I believe the world needs both art and escapism as relief from the pain and hatred. As long as we’re aware how truly privileged we are to ‘escape’ from a situation that is far less dire than most. These goals are a reminder to myself, to do better.
1. Donate my time and resources wherever I can, but especially in my community. We live next door to the Christchurch City Mission and I resolve to volunteer my time and help out as much as I can.
2. I have more than enough clothes in my overpacked wardrobe. This year, I’d like to donate these to community living and families who cannot afford new garments.
3. Reduce my carbon footprint, drive less, eat less meat and consume less.
4. Support local, small businesses. The folks opening and operating new businesses post-earthquake deserve my dolla billz more than any shopping mall or chain restaurant ever will.
5. Develop and hone new skills at work. I’m surrounded by hardworking, intelligent people, they continue to inspire me to work hard, set goals and smash them.
6. Cook more. Nick’s a great cook, so cooking duties often fall on his shoulders. I’d like to master a few more dishes in 2017.
7. Spend more time with family. My family is the coolest and I hate that I live so far from them.
8. Travel to Japan. I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture and I can’t wait to experience a new country with Nick for the first time!
Was 2016 a good year for you? Let me know what your goals are for 2017 in the comments below!
December 27, 2016
Where To Go From Here?

It’s crazy to think January is more than halfway over. I’ve been feeling a bit uninspired and homesick lately, like I’m stuck in limbo. I haven’t felt compelled to talk about it for fear of sounding ungrateful or as though I regret my decision to move overseas. Also, Nick has really found his groove in Christchurch; he is killing it here and I’m proud of him.

I’m starting to realize that all the things I took for granted in Toronto are actually what make the city interesting. I miss the constant buzz of that place, the jam packed subway and streetcars, the dirty streets, the constant Drake references, and even the frenetic urge to walk faster than anyone else on the footpath. The over saturation in almost every industry kept me competitive and ambitious. I loved balancing two jobs and the abundance of networking opportunities that often made me exhausted.

But maybe it’s not sustainable to rely on external forces to stay passionate.

Photo by Annie Zhang

Rather than sulk, I’ve been trying to figure out ways to get back into the swing of things. I’ve come up with a list for combatting those January blues. Hopefully it will prove helpful for those of you who may be feeling a bit under the weather.

Join the gym or a pilates/yoga studio. I know it’s cliché, but you can’t beat those endorphins. When I’m down, exercise is the only thing that improves my mood.

Network – this can be more of a challenge if you’re not in an urban centre, but get creative. Seek out new ways of interacting, say with your barista or someone at your gym. Most people are pretty receptive if you give them the chance to be.

Join a running club, or (insert favourite activity here) club.

Take in local events, be it a comedy show, buskers festival or a street art crawl. Use these events as ways to connect with likeminded individuals.

Appreciate what your city has to offer. My best friend visited last week and her enthusiasm for everything from the rebuild projects to the botanic gardens was refreshing.

Dive into a new project. More on this soon!

When I was in Toronto, I used social media to connect with other creatives. When my friend, Isabelle reached out to me via Instagram, I had no idea she’d become one of my closest friends. I also attended social media workshops and events that helped me get freelance jobs.

I’ll soon be starting a series on this blog, which will highlight Christchurch businesses, spaces and events.

January 17, 2016
On why I love December

December brings people together. Friends and family return home for the holidays, there are celebrations left, right, and centre, everyone allows themselves to indulge, (in the best possible way) and we all finally take a few days off from work.

And on Tuesday, I turned twenty-five. Cue the panic attacks!

I’ve always viewed this age as a major milestone. My life has unfolded in unexpected and unimaginable ways. On many fronts, I’ve achieved more than I could have ever hoped for this age: I live downtown in a major metropolis (which was a major goal of mine as an eighteen-year-old prairie girl in North Dakota), I’ve progressed from unpaid intern to receiving respectable compensation to do what I love most (writing and social media!), and I’ve ventured beyond my comfort zone both physically (through travel) and emotionally – to places and spaces I had only dreamed of in high school. These are vague examples of praise because let’s face it: we don’t give ourselves enough credit. We’re guilty of beating ourselves up over our ‘failures’ rather than celebrating how much we’ve grown!

After almost a year in Toronto, I’m beginning to find my footing, to truly feel at home. I spent my first birthday at Guu SakaBar, a rowdy, over-the-top, delicious Japanese restobar and Get Well, a happy hipster hangout on Dundas West with a few absolutely amazing people. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special.

Here are some highlights:

Dinner at Guu

Coffee and good conversation with one of my best friends.

Get Well propaganda

Club Monaco friends

Food and Wine Show

Excited for the Club Monaco Christmas Party

Our host and store manager.

The Kennedy siblings always look fierce.

One of many blurry, red-lit photos taken at Brian’s pad.

May the new year bring more of all things good.

December 20, 2013
Travel Wishlist

“If you’re twenty-five, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and wide as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live, eat, and cook. Learn from them wherever you go.”

From a very young age, my parents instilled in me a love of travel and exploration. My sisters and I were enrolled in French Immersion from age five, and spent evenings and summers learning Ukrainian. While vacations to Hawaii and Mexico are a favourite among North Americans, my parents were far more eager to take us beyond what was comfortable. My most memorable travels include visiting the remote regions of Ukraine, where we connected with our cousin, Ljuba for the very first time, exploring the sacred (and relatively tourist-free, at that time) temples in Ubud, Bali, and navigating the poverty dynamics in a nation that was re-discovering itself post-apartheid. And so, as my 25th birthday approaches, I have been pouring over travel blogs, Pinterest, and friends’ travel photos. Here are my top travel picks for 2013/2014:

1. Bolivia

A country unlike any other, Bolivia is a haven for adventurous travellers. With its arid deserts, tropical rainforests, snow-capped peaks, silver mines, and colourful inland lakes, there’s much more to this landlocked country than you’d ever expect! Not to mention, Yungas Road has been declared the world’s most dangerous road, a must for any daredevil!

2. Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo)

Rio is known for its stunning architecture, abundant museums, and delicious food. I’d also like to see the massive Cristo Redentor statue in person, and visit the multitude of beaches (there are 23 just in Rio!)

I have a few friends who reside in the massive metropolis of São Paolo: my first RA at MSU is from Sãn Paolo, and four of my exchange friends are from Brazil. Latin Americans possess a loveliness and warmth that I’ve always tried to embody, the demeanour of my Brazilian friends is especially attractive to me.

3. Havana, Cuba

I’ve had a strong desire to visit Havana ever since first watching Havana Nights. I’m kidding, but I do have a soft spot for any dance film. After discussing the lively locale with one of my most well-travelled friends, I am certain Havana and I would hit it off. Katherine spent a semester in Havana during her undergraduate degree, and described it as one of the most exuberant cities she’s ever visited. Not so secretly, I plan to extensively visit all the places Ernest Hemingway frequented while he penned two of his best novels. I’d even like to spend a night in the hotel where he spent his days producing the masterpiece, For Whom the Bell Tolls.

4. Japan

There are endless reasons why Tokyo is considered the greatest city in the world. Its public transport, for one, is efficient and sophisticated and it possesses more Michelin-starred restaurants than Paris! It has taken over as the fashion capital of Asia, and the skyscrapers are remarkable! I could go on, but I’ll just say as an urbanite, Tokyo has topped my ‘must-visit’ list for awhile now. I’ve also heard wonderful things about Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, not to mention Mount Fuji and those cherry blossoms… Needless to say, I’ll be sure to do an extensive tour of Japan when I finally get a chance to visit!

5. Turkey

I’m aware that this may be a controversial addition to the list. As of late, many travellers have been hesitant to travel to Turkey given what’s happening across the border in Syria. While each traveller has a different level of tolerance for risk, it’s important to remember that Istanbul is a long way from Aleppo. I’ve been reading a lot about Turkey for one of my jobs, and appreciate all the work that’s being done to provide equal opportunities for Turkish women. There are many organizations dedicated to helping educate and send Turkish girls to school. The more I delve into my research, the more intrigued I become with this transcontinental country. I’ve known a few people who have studied in Istanbul, and it’s a hotbed for culture and history.

I haven’t planned any trips outside North America for 2014 yet, but I will be visiting Boston, Mont Tremblant, and New Orleans in the coming months.

Check out my Pinterest board, Travel o f t e n to see where else I’ve been (and would like to go!)

Where would you love to travel in 2014?

Need more travel inspiration? Check out National Geographic’s Tours of a Lifetime.

November 14, 2013
Ramblings and Deliberations

I’m sorry that I haven’t been active this week on the blog. I wasn’t feeling very motivated and didn’t want to write anything less than inspired. I know I’m prone to spitting out useless jargon and I’d like my blog to be more than a collection of my recent ruminations.

I was able to re-focus my energy towards something positive towards the end of the week. Namely, my summer goals for 2013. I came across this article on Thought Catalog this evening, and it really contextualized a lot of what was going on in my head. I’ve spent the past week freaking about my lack of career. Sure, I’m interning at an awesome magazine and enjoying it immensely, but I still have this nagging feeling that I’m nowhere near where I should be professionally. I constantly feel like I gave up the opportunity at a very good career in favour of pursuing my passion to write (and live abroad). It’s obviously not as simple as that, but I do hope that I will eventually figure out what it is I should be doing professionally.

In other news: My younger sister is moving to a suburb just outside Toronto, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. She’s my best friend and it’s been way too long since we’ve lived in the same province, not to mention the same city. Case in point: many of my summer plans will involve my sister.

So, without further ado, I introduce you to my summer 2013 goals:

1. Train for another half marathon – Those who know me, know that I’ve been running on and off since I was eight. I completed my first half marathon after finishing high school, and it was all downhill (or uphill?) from there. My best time was 1 hour and 45 minutes at the Rotorua Half Marathon (in New Zealand). It was a trail run and I had been training on the craziest hills the North Shore of Auckland had to offer. That was in March 2011 and needless to say, I’m not nearly as fit right now. It’s time to get back into shape.

2. Attend as many summer concerts as humanly (financially) possible – I’m a huge concert goer because many of my favourite bands toured New Zealand while I was living there. I’m not surprised that it’s one of the most popular destinations for band tours because it’s literally paradise on earth; a place most people dream of visiting. Last year, I went to Osheaga in Montreal, which was the best music festival I’ve ever been to. The lineup this year is even better, so I’m hoping I can make it again. I’d also like to attend North by Northwest, which Toronto’s version of South by Southwest. My sister wants to see John Mayer and Taylor Swift, so those are two more possibilities.

3. Ruminate various career paths – I’m wrapping up my second internship in a couple weeks. I have learnt so much from both Ottawa Magazine and Weddingbells and I’m truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with both publications. It’s been wonderful getting my foot in the door, so to speak, and learning the ins and outs of the editorial industry. While I’d like to maintain involvement in the magazine industry, I’d also like to continue to build my freelance proofreading business and get my website up. I’m not entirely sure what will happen over the summer, but I’m excited to see where my editing will take me. I have also decided that I’d like to upgrade my university courses over the next year and complete all the prerequisites to begin a Masters or postgraduate program in something practical and rewarding. I don’t think it’s too much to ask to discover a fulfilling career by the time I’m thirty.

4. Attend dance class 2-3 times per week – I have recently discovered an amazing drop-in dance studio only five minutes from my apartment. It’s ideal for me because I don’t want to commit to the same class every week as my schedule is always changing and I easily bore from too strict a routine. I love ballet boot camp, which is perfect for whipping me into shape. A one-hour dance class has the ability to completely alter my mental state. The prospect of letting go at a ballet or contemporary class is an intoxicating feeling.

5. Explore and make Toronto my home – I am twenty four years young, but boy do I feel somewhat aged. I’ve spent the past six years being nomadic. I left Canada for North Dakota right after high school, then studied abroad at Massey University in Albany on the North Shore of Auckland for one semester. Then, it was back to Minot for a semester before moving home to Saskatchewan to work at the dealership and flower shop while applying to transfer to the University of Auckland. Auckland became my home for two and a half years before I returned home for the summer before starting my internship in Ottawa/visiting New Zealand/travelling to South Africa for a month/moving to Toronto to begin internship numero dos. Don’t worry if you’re no longer following because it makes my head hurt just to think about it all… For those who know me personally, I’m sorry if you read that all. It’s an absolute bore. Needless to say, I am ready to settle down for the next little while. It’s been INCREDIBLE having my Kiwi boy here with me, and I don’t know what will happen if he isn’t granted residency. I can’t imagine moving again in less than a year not because I don’t love the constant change of scenery and the excitement of exploring new horizons, but because it makes maintaining friendships difficult. It’s nice having a core group of friends that you can call if you’ve had a rough week and need to consume an entire litre of Pinot Noir.

That being said, I do enjoy Toronto. I like the urbanity of living downtown and having everything at my disposal. Your twenties are about being hedonistic. They are about maximizing on pleasure and not feeling guilty about it. I’m all for bountiful pastures and living skies, but cosmopolitanism is a wonderful, wonderful thing.

So, there you have it. My goals are broad, much like my life and my current scope. I could get down to the nitty gritty details, but I’d hate to bore you any longer.

Until next time,

V.

April 29, 2013