Mega Bus Tips

Soooooo.... This past weekend I took the Mega Bus from Montreal to Toronto, and then back to Montreal. It is a pretty cheap way to travel since I was just going home for the weekend; however it is not the most comfortable mode of transportation.

Tip #1 : If you do not want to sit with a stranger for 8 hours these are just a few things you can do to ensure you have a seat to yourself. Firstly, make sure you are there early so that you get first dibs on seats. Secondly, keep your carry-on bags on the seat beside you. Lastly, every time you stop to pick up more people- pretend you are in a deep sleep. These tips work like magic.....unless of course, you are on an entirely packed out bus- then they do a seat count and make sure every single one is full. Boo. I should mention that if you DO open up the seat next to you for business, you can meet a lot of really cool people.

Tip #2: If you do not want to have to use the spaceship-like washroom that is on the bus, avoid most beverages- especially tea and coffee. If you you do end up having to use it, relax, it is not THAT bad. In fact, I think everyone should at least try it once; it is one of the strangest sensations. I would compare it to using airplane washrooms, but A LOT more bumpy and takes some level of balance. JUST DO IT.

Tip #3: Smell clean and pretty. Believe me, I know that people are NOT happy when they have a smelly person behind them. If you do happen to have a smelly person sitting within your sniffing range, the most important thing to do is to out-scent them. This works best if you have some sort of scented food or perfume on the vehicle with you. If you don't, the smell of your own clean laundry and deodorant should suffice.

Tip #4: Remember, this bus ride can be up to 8 hours; so be sure, if you are like me and cannot sleep in moving vehicles, you have enough things to keep you occupied. Some of my personal favourites: I-Pod, books, notebook (to write people letters or draw), laptop (free wifi), etc.

Obey the rules.

Dream Facts

A dream is a semi-conscious state where we have absolutely no control over our thoughts and expressions (unless we master lucid dreaming). Did you know that most of us spend six years or more of our lifetime dreaming? Research proves that all of us dream at least twice or more in our sleep though we may not remember when we get up. In 5 minutes of waking, half of our dream is forgotten and within 10 minutes, almost all dreams are forgotten. People who are blind from birth too dream. It is just that the dreams of these individuals are formed by other sense such as the touch, smell, sound and taste. Lucid dreams are considered those dreams where person can take full or partial control of their dreams. Most important fact in order to be aware that we are dreaming is practice. Writing down and keeping track of your dreams is very important. Second thing is noticing signs or triggers that can help us stay aware that we are in dreaming state. Once we start dreaming lucidly we could control the imaginary experiences in the dream environment. This is extremely important for people that have nightmares. Interesting facts is that our body is paralyzed during our sleep probably to prevent the body from acting out dreams.

Welcome to 20, Mary.

So I guess it's my birthday. Twenty. There is just something so intimidating about being in my 20's. Part of me is really excited to be entering this new era in my life, while the other part is terrified. I know, what's another birthday, right? I don't look any different, or feel any different; but when you are a kid and think of what your life will be like at 20 and compare that with how life has really played out, you  realize how much you still have left to do. One of my more recent goals was to have my life figured out by 20; I am still figuring. When the time is right, God will let me in on this little secret also known as my future.

My birthday is usually spent working at camp, but this year I am in Montreal doing a french program at the University of Montreal. I guess it is fun in a way, but at the same time I am missing home a lot more. I have only been here a few days, so I am still in the "meeting people" phase. I have never put much significance or emphasis on my birthday, but it is kind of difficult being away from all the people I love when you are so painfully aware of what day it is and all the novelties that come with that day.

My Birthday Wish:
Well besides seeing a unicorn, I would like to see a world where all people felt safe; where hunger and thirst are a thing of the past; where all have access to health care; where all people have equal opportunities; and a world where all have come to know and love their creator.

Mint Chocolate Chip Frappuccino!

Okayyy. So I was supposed to post this a while ago.... But..... Here it is! If you have not tried one of these- it is a must! This is probably the best Frap out there, but it is not on the menu! It taste EXACTLY like Mint Chocolate Chip Ice-Cream! If you ask for it, most people can make it for you. If not, here is what someone wrote in their blog about what to tell them to put in it.....

Mint Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino® blended creme with Chocolate Whipped Cream
Classic chocolate and spearmint flavor combined with milk, mocha sauce, Frappuccino® chips, blended with ice, and then topped with chocolate whipped cream and mocha sauce.