Things I’m Loving Lately: December 2014 edition

December was a big and great month for me, I’m not going to lie. I fell into a good groove at my current job. I made some great food. I got back to dance class. I got better at waking up before 6:00 a.m. I found new foods I liked around every corner. I discovered the potential root of my digestive issues (fructose malabsorbtion). I started snipping away at my hair and have decided on the next step for this funky little haircut of mine.

Pretty grand way to end 2014, eh?

Anyway, here’s my Top 10 list. I also want to include a list of things I’m proud of for 2014, and goals for next year. I’m not a New Years Resolution kind of girl because, well, I always live my life with a sense of resolve. But I do enjoy looking forward and making specific goals.

But anyway. The Love List! (As per usual, none of this is sponsored).

1. Aeropress Coffee. I’ve never been much of a coffee girl, and I usually only have 1-2 cups a day, still. But my partner starts every day with a cup, and I have to say, I love the very even, full flavour you get from an Aeropress. This is especially good if you’re a solo coffee drinker.
2. Coconut Nectar — it’s replaced Agave in my diet ever since I’ve started cutting back on high-fructose foods.
3. This sweater, to go with the coffee.
4. LUSH’s Dirty hair wax. Not a new discovery in my life, but an oldie which I left at my ex’s (he returned everything except the hair wax! Think he’s using it? Haha!) and finally bought again. Hair looks amazing.
5. Instagram’s NothingButPixies has been a great inspiration tool for my new cut.
6. The Ace Diner in Roncesvalles, Toronto. Their quinoa fusili is a vegan, gluten-free piece of heaven.
7. Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts. BRUSSELS SPROUTS.
8. Not wearing a bra. Can I just throw that out there?
9. Lippy Girl Vegocentric Organic Vegan Lipstick in Boss Lady. I’m terrified of it. So that’s a good thing, right?
10. This is one I just have to mention — and while it’s a great thing, I’m not so sure I’m happy that it has to exist to begin with. The Leelah Project is a fundraising effort in memory of Leelah Alcorn, a transgender teenager who committed suicide on December 29 after her parents attempted to suppress her gender expression. Leelah wished for all that she owned to go toward helping trans people, but because she was a minor and her parents continue to misgender her after her death, that probably will no happen, which is why people have been amazing enough to set up The Leelah Project. This amazing effort will go toward providing personal care items and support for transgender women who are having difficulty obtaining “feminine” care items (whether it’s restrictive parents/guardians, homelessness, low funds, etc.). This will help them obtain clothing, makeup, just little things to help affirm their gender and help them feel more comfortable in their own skin. Please do all you can to help trans people, especially those who are young — they are so vulnerable and need a world they can feel safe in.

Anyway, here’s what I’m proud of for 2014:

• Teaching some of the best choreography I’ve ever done;
• Started teaching at a new dance school and met new students;
• Got the best haircut of my life;
• Stood up to my old boss (on multiple occasions);
• Got a new job;
• Found a great apartment in Scarborough;
• Left behind a toxic relationship;
• Started a great relationship with someone I like very much;
• Learned to lead climb;
• Became a more articulate, strong and happy woman.

A few goals for 2015:

• Commit to my ballet training in order to be in great “dance” shape for Camp Kate;
• More outdoor climbing! And maybe learn to trad climb;
• Get a new job;
• Get out to gymnastics at least once a month to work on aerials and hansprings;
• Continue to get used to this low-fructose diet;
• Dye my hair something wacky!

That’s it! Have a great day and night, bloggies — and heed my NYE warnings from the previous post.