December 19th, 2018

I’m about to board a flight to New York for the second time this year.

Against all reason, I decided to wear a sweater that says ‘Satan is a Woman’. It was really comfortable, I didn’t feel like taking it off, and I decided that upon arrival I would hide it away in my carry on.

To no one’s surprise, I forgot to do this and remembered only as I was placing my belongings in the security trays. I decided that if the TSA agent seemed concerned, like: wow, this girl really has self-destructive tendencies- should we let her board a plane?, then I would bite my lip, look down in shock and exclaim “Oh! I thought that said SANTA!” (Which I realize is probably worse than wearing the sweater in the first place).

However, to my surprise, the TSA agent grinned, nodded towards my sweater and said “I wish I could give that sweater to my ex-girlfriend.”

And as I walked through that x-ray thing, and over to the other side, I noticed that all of the TSA agents (even the most stern guys of the bunch) were sporting a silly little grin on their serious little faces. It was nothing short of a Christmas miracle, brought to you by crazy women everywhere.

PS, this is not why I bought the sweater. Nor is it my interpretation of the sweater. But for one brief moment, I enjoyed seeing a softer side to the TSA department. TSA, homeland security: they all terrify me. They are the antithesis to good customer service. Today though, I got a little smile. That makes me happy.

Upon return, I will not be taking my chances with the U.S. TSA.

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December 27, 2018

Going to New York was the right thing to do.  It was the perfect chance to think about the year. This year began with travel, which was like some kind of incredible dream. You know when you build something up forever in your head only to be let down by unrealistic expectations? That was not Brazil. It was an incredible combination of amazing people, amazing food, SURFING, sunsets, hammocks and the exhilaration of figuring out most of it on my own. I felt brave and I felt alive. There was one particular cab ride to a vila I had rented in a beach town that will forever be burned into my mind as death defying. The vila was well worth it.

When I returned from Brazil, I dove right into work. I worked almost non-stop from March to October. When I wasn’t working, I was exhausted. That is also burned into my mind.

For the rest of the year, much to the utter pain of my bank account, I shifted my focus to my friends and having as much fun as possible. It has been the ultimate reward.

Getting out of Toronto and going to New York reminded me that it’s time to refocus. Maybe spend more time in New York working on creative projects. I think that will take just about all of my bravery in the way that all things you actually care about do. I’m ready for new challenges, I’m ready to take risks, I am fucking ready for what is next.

Let’s do this.

30 Minute Playlist: A Deal with Chaos

 

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