Naples, Italy

We arrived in Naples August 3 to the open arms of my amazing aunt piña and her son Davide!! I was ecstatic to see them, and the rest of my family! With the anticipation of landing in Italy, I was filled with pure joy. It has been fifteen years since I was here in Naples , which is my dads home city. 

The weather and the beaches is what Ben and I were most excited for, and we were not disappointed !! The weather was nothing short of 35 degrees, 52degrees with humidity on the hottest day we were there. 

We tried every cappuccino we could get our hands on, and devoured a copious amount if gelato! Naples is a city that is full of people, and a slim amount of tourists except at the ports. Not a lot of people speak English, only my aunt. This however tested me in many ways. I studied Italian for many years, but never spoke it fluently. The challenge was tough at first, but I learned quite quickly. Love the language, it is absolutely beautiful. 

The first beach we went to is called Formia. Just thirty minutes from the town Terracina - which is my moms home town. The sand was scalding hot from the sun, the water a darker green than blue, and soooo salty! Needless to say we finally got our tan on we're extremely excited to fulfil our passion of being "beach bums". You can say we are conoseurs of sorts. 

We also got the opportunity to drive along the Amalfi coast, hit a rocky beach with beautiful blue water and many waves! I fell INLOVE with this coast. In the same day, we hit a beach in Positano which Is a smaller town on the Amalfi coast. This too was beautiful, a bit lighter sand color than in Formia and still blue water. A port filled with boats, and more tourists, but so worth the drive/ bus ride. You must try limoncello here! An italian lemon liquor. Amalfi is famous for its limoncello. 

We also visited the island of Ischia. Bigger in size than Capri, more European tourists on this island, this is probably because Capri is more known to non European travellers, therefore more of a touristy attraction. In Ischia we didn't tour the island, instead we headed straight for the beach! A bit rockier than the last couple of places we hit, but probably the most beautiful coast line we got to see this far!! We found a beach titled, "inglese", not sure why Haha, but it was amazing! Small! No more than 75 people where we were. We purchased some beach chairs and umbrellas on the private beach side with my relatives, and enjoyed a full day in the sun! :) Ben and I rented a paddle boat so we could go out as far as was allowed to take in the hillside. No words can put in to description how serene it was. 

Pompeii is a must see!! 

Glasgow - Scotland

We arrived in Scotland July fifth bright and early. We stayed at a Central hotel called St.Enoch. For every backpacker it is a dream because of its central location. Right behind us was the River Clyde and right next to us was an amazing pub called, The Hootenanny"consisting of amazing beer deals, live music on the weekend and a menu to die for! We will have to admit, we didn't do our research on Glasgow, not knowing it was mostly a quiet city. Great shopping, not enough sight seeing attractions. We stayed in Scotland for one week! After London, arriving in a quieter city, we realized this was a blessing in disguise. Culturally, Scotland has plenty to offer. Stores dedicated to kilts and clan clothing! Frequent bagpiper's, kilts, friendly, accommodating Scottish accents and the constant smiling faces in the streets of Glasgow, made for a more than pleasant stay. We mostly explored Glasgow north of the river Clyde- Kelvingrove Park and museum is an attraction for Glasgow. we got to see Dali's infamous painting of Christ on the cross of St.John, and we also visited their mall called Xscape ! Which has an indoor ski slope, movie theatre, arcade, bowling, multiple restaurants and a sky park! So much fun! 

For Ben arriving in Scotland was a dream come true, considering his family history is Wallace. That's right William Wallace is in his bloodline! So, naturally we went on exploring certain parts of Scotland, our first stop being the capital - Edinburgh. We were blessed with beautiful weather all day. We took the train from Glasgow into Edinburgh, and started on our Journey to the Edinburgh castle, a short half hour walk from the train station. Along the way, your eyes are overwhelmed with awe-inspiring infrastructure! The Scott's Monument is one of the first things you notice! Tall, black stone, and a mass amount of detail. You have to see it for yourself. This city was our top pick for a home base if you are going to explore Scotland for a week, find a bed in Edinburgh! There are many enormous monuments and historical buildings making the beautiful skyline a clash of mid evil castles and cathedrals and modern centres.  With the coast a short drive from the city centre, you have the ocean, and the scenic highlands at your disposal. Seeing the castle is a must, but BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE! Not only will this save you 10%, you will get to skate by the enormous line and straight into the castle. The highlight by far is the very well done history exhibit on your way to viewing the Scottish Crown Jewels. Other amazing sights include the one o'clock gun and a very well done military museum. 

Our other day trip was to Sterling. This is a quaint town, with a beautiful scenery and the legendary Wallace monument.  Rich history surrounds the town as the battle of sterling bridge where William Wallace lead the Scottish rebels to their first victory over the English to win there independence.  The monument is a must, and has a great history lesson about Wallace and the constant struggle the scots had against the English. We fell in love with sterling and thoroughly enjoyed the monument, including an amazing exhibit of William Wallace's incredible 5 and a half foot sword. 

Scotland is definitely worth the visit and exploration!  

From Miss to Mrs.

June 15, 2013.

The best, most heart warming , amazing day I have experienced thus far in my life!
I cannot describe in words how I was really truly feeling but I will try for writings sake.
Waking up alone in the morning in my bed before my girls woke up, I stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours, reflecting back on everything that has happened in my life that has led to this moment. Understanding what it means to be in life with someone. I cannot imagine a life without Benjamin. From the moment I met him I knew that.

 I have never felt more consumed with appreciation and love then I did the day I got married and was introduced as Mr and Mrs. Benjamin and Christina Freudenthaler . It is such a blur of faces, smiles, tears and food! You never know where the next genuine smile, dream or thought will come from.  There was so much love poured into our special day. I have reflected so much on that day lately, from getting ready with my beautiful bridesmaids, having a traditional Italian get together with my immediate family before the ceremony, riding with my dad to the Ceremony, hiding anxiously in the bathroom so Benjamin couldn't see me, ... And when those doors opened to the Church, all I could see was him. All those people vanished and all I saw was him.

This, this moment is what I've been waiting for . This was the moment I dreamed about since I was 5.  I cannot put into words exactly the feeling. It was indescribable. Benjamin has been my everything since the moment I met him, it truly was love at first sight, and that itself is so rare, but to get engaged after five months and married nine months later, especially in this day in age is rare too.
What I've come to learn about this whole experience is that it doesn't matter whose watching. If you trust your heart, you will recieve everything you ever wished for and more.

Autumn

I am so blessed. 

Thank-you Lord, for everything you have given me in this life time, and for every future blessing you have in store for our family. 

We are a family. 

Can't wait for all the milestones to come. =)

1 + 1

Had an awesome weekend!

My boyfriend is amazing.
My family is amazing.
My roommate is amazing.

I love my life. I am so blessed and thankful to have each and every single one of you in my life.
I am so appreciative of all that I have.

I feel whole.
I feel so loved.

Life choices

Oh Shambhala, I'd love to attend you, but family's more important.
Besides, it's not like its going anywhere!

So excited for Ottawa! =)

Dee

Saw my other half last night super quick cause she was in town to surprise her sister's for their bday! (HBD Ro and Clo) =D


So Dee was out last night with her lovely, polite boyfriend.
And does it ever make me happy to see you that happy !
You deserve this !
I already told him, 'Don't hurt her.' I genuinely don't think he ever will.
My final thought: ITS ABOUT FUCKING TIME! ;) hahaha love youu

baybee

There are so many babies / pregnant woman that I know of right now! It is so exciting to see all of these new mom's and their cute little babies!

It is my cousin's bday today (HBD Ni!) . She's with child and looks fabulous! I cannot believe how close your due date is already!
My other cousin is with child as well and I have the special honour / privilege to be in the room with her.
This as you know pertains to one of my bucketlist items : Witness a Birth.

I am excited for you ladies and the new adventures you are about to embark upon! Love you both SO much.

Wake UP

So, I went to get a Tarot Card reading done yesterday and it was really eye opening for me. Taught me a lot about myself and it was a huge insight into my being. How I need to be the one to take my own advice. About finding my inner truth.
A lot of the same cards came up.
The Hermit
Queen of Cups
Queen of Swords
Heriophant
Traveler
Empress

Most of my discussion had a lot to do with the relationship I have with my mother. I love her to death, but wow has this ever changed my prospective on things and has forced me to come to terms about the decisions I have yet to make. No more excuses.

Fa-la

Holiday Season!

So many amazing things to look forward too!

• House and Huskies Sitting with the bff for two wonderful weeks!
• Traditional Christmas Eve Family dinner at La Trattoria. 
• CHRISTMAS! 
• New Years. 
• School! 

Happiness is everywhere.  I am thankful for everything and everyone!
LOVE IS EVERYWHERE.

After much thought

I HAVE FINALLY FOUND A VEHICLE!!!!!!! EEEE!
I am so excited!
Its a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Green, Fully loaded, power locks, power windows, heated leather seats, sun roof! Its great for winter, and PERFECT for camping! I can't wait to start driving it!!


Thanks so much to my parents who are helping me out as much as possible!
Best combined Christmas and Birthday present ever! Love you two so much!

assorted

I have gone through enough in my adolescent life to know that you can't please everyone. The issues, misery, tears, stress and desolation seem so large in scale, when in reality they are mere stepping stones towards building character. However, without issues, misery, tears, stress and desolation we would not be able to feel and experience, serenity, contentment, happiness, and love..

The last 5 years of my life have been a blur of overwhelming emotions. Captivated by the sense that every one I knew had it together except for me. I was so lost, dejected, and irritable.  I  could only see what I wanted to see. I knew the weight of expectations from family, school, coaches and even friends. It became too much to handle, so instead of dealing with it, I gave up trying. I coddled failure because it was the only thing familiar to me. I ended up becoming comfortable. and I never opened up, I always pushed people away. I was so afraid of being who I really am, because I used to be so insecure. I knew something wasn't right with how I was thinking, acting or even talking for that matter. It was foreign to me. It was like I was in a vivid dream, watching myself. I would burry my deepest thoughts and secrets until I exploded. Taking it out on those who loved me most. Having manic episodes and not wanting to even get out of bed. Depression.. consumes you like a demon. it crawls inside you, taking hold of you. draining you. One moment you seem fine, the next your light is gone. Just like blowing out a candle in a black room. I felt alone, tired and helpless. I can place the blame on a series of unfortunate events; death, deceit, anxiety, heartbreak - but why? How does blame help? It doesn't. Accepting responsibility for my actions is a step in the right direction, and well fuck, its been a long time since I've felt like I'm heading in the right direction.-  I have felt pain; great and deep, and full of agony and I would put on a mask every day for  1277 days. 1277 days spent being sad, hopeless and lost. 1277 moments that I missed.. If there is one thing I regret, it would be never asking for help. Never reaching out.. If you're reading this, and you are feeling what I have felt, please get help. Push your pride aside and reach out. 

The grass really is greener on the other side. 

Everything I have experienced has lead me here. To the beginning of a very new chapter. wait, lets say a new book. (the sequel!)  These last 6 months have been full of acceptance, appreciation and attempts to succeed in everything that i do. you never know until you try. I used to let failure define me; now, when ever I do fail I lean on those closest to me. I pick myself up, and try again, and again and again. failure, like misery, desolation, anxiety, hopelessness and stress are all emotions. they are all temporary. You may feel it now, but you have the choice to feel something else tomorrow. Why live in such angst, when you, and you alone have this great power inside you to live at ease? 

Just accept love. It is all around you, full and bright. You deserve to be happy. I deserve to be happy. I never knew I was depressed until 6 months ago.. i have changed for the better. I am stronger. I am strong, charismatic, organized, healthy, kind, opinionated and so much more. I have so much to offer this world, and all of my time wasted, will turn into not enough time to do things I want to do! I am so utterly happy. I would not be here without my family and my best friends. In short all I can say is thank-you. I have so much gratitude towards all of you, i don't think you can understand how much you all mean to me. Camaraderie is important. hold onto those who would do anything for you. I love each and every one of you with every fibre of my being. 

Without issues, misery, tears, stress and desolation we would not be able to feel and experience, serenity,  gratitude, appreciation, contentment, happiness, and love..

Where would you be without love?

Where would I be without love? I used to be lost, I am so glad I found a sense of self again.

prisoner

give me an answer, give me the way out. 


#%!@*?

Rascal Flatts - My Wish

little sisters <3

FFL

Food, Family, Laughter.


I am thankful for my parents, my brother, the roof over my head, my family, my bestfriends, my education, the people who got me here, my job, the country I live in, this beautiful autumn weather, my shoe closet, and so much more. 


Happy Thanksgiving to all! 
Its just simple gratitude, do it every day, not just once a year!

ma.

So, growing up has its perks. However, those perks come with so much responsibility! Sometimes its hard to fathom how much I have to get done, and even though I finish one task, three more are added to my tedious and tumultuous list(s). I have been stressing over my student loans, visa, school in January, so on and so forth. Thank the heavens for my wonderful parents, who are always offering to help me, no matter what the situation. I seriously do not know what I would do without you. Especially my mom, who is always on the other end of the telephone when I call her crying, stressed out, or in a panic. She's always reassuring me, and convinces me that everything will be fine. Walking me through some steps, or consistently answering any and all of my questions. I'm coming close to being on my own two feet and she is without fail holding my hand, or taking a step back to let me learn on my own. I appreciate the fact that you are continuously here for me. I admit that sometimes I take advantage of that, and I'm sorry. I just simply wanted to say: Thank-you. Thank-you for being my support system, my therapist, my wake-up call and my best friend; wrapped up into one syllable: Mom.

ah!

technology frustrates me sometimes!
So i wanted to post some pictures of my vacation with my family. Unfortunately for some weird reason, it won't let me open that folder. (strange i know).

However, I have GREAT news! I get my tattoo in an hour!! I am 15% nervous and 85% excited! My mom is going to come with me and hold my hand! =) love you mom.

home sweet home.

My trip was amazing. i am extremely exhausted, can't wait to sleep in my warm, cozy bed! I will update you and post pictures tomorrow for all of my lovely readers!

family is everything

I leave for my last vacation this year to visit and see family in Ottawa and Montreal, tomorrow! I am beyond excited! I miss everyone so much! CANNOT CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!!


Today I'm spending the day with my mom =)
Mani's, pedi's and tanning!



ps. love is everywhere.

where my heart is.

I just wanted to make a post about my family. 

How much I love and appreciate them.