Oh Canada

After a week of wonderful rest and relaxation, I have finally returned to the good ol’ U.S. of A. I can’t say that I’m overjoyed to be home, but I had to get back to reality eventually. Although I went to a different country (if you think Canada counts) I should admit that we didn’t accomplish much (but I am up to date on True Blood!). That being said, there are a few things I’ve learned about Canada this week that I will definitely miss.

This gal loves her sushi and Japanese fare. Seriously, I could eat it every day of the week. And in Canada? Well most places offer All You Can Shove-in-your-gullet Eat menus. I’m not talking buffet style, you actually order exactly what you want and it is prepared for you. Of course this has a downside (when you feel like you want to vomit), but I try not to think about that.

Don't look at me, I've eaten too much sushi!

Think Victoria Secret is nice? Well I think La Senza makes damn sexy undergarments. I’ve heard about the company before, but had never seen or tried anything on. Unfortunately the store was closing fifteen minutes after I entered so I was only able to procure a few underoos, but I know I’ll feel sexy beautiful when I wear them. (Not that anyone else will be seeing them for a while…)

Apple Fritters will be my greasy, sweet downfall. Adeel decided to show me the local flair and took me to a flea market. Apparently the item of choice for most people were the freshly prepared apple fritters. You watch them peel, slice, and fry them into sweet perfection. I will not be telling you how many I actually consumed, let’s just say I will be doing two a days this week to get them off my hips.

And most importantly, I’m not sure if you were aware of this, but Canadians really are more polite and nice. Ask them a question on the street and they are happy to help. In stores and restaurants they bend over backwards for you. And when you’re in a hurry at the airport, they will let you get in front of a whole line to pass through security. Don’t know if I could get used to it (too much New Yorker in my blood), but it was pleasant for the week.

What exciting things can you tell me about Canada? Tell me something about your week!

A major thanks to the lovely ladies that guest posted for me while I was away! If you haven’t been to their blogs, I seriously suggest you check them out. I adore them and I bet you will too – Laura at the Odd Duck Blog, Melissa at Journey to Marvelous, and Sarah at Running on Words. I feel so behind since I haven’t had much time to read or comment on blogs, but now I have something to keep me occupied this week…

Make sure to check out my Chobani Review and Giveaway for your chance to win a case of delicious Greek yogurt. The contest ends on Tuesday, so enter now!  

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The Importance of Sleep

You know, some days I forget how important sleep is. And then I have a dreadful night of sleep and remember quite a bit. Waking up in a ball of sweat this morning I realized it was going to be a long day…

See, yesterday I returned to my apartment after a week of vacation to find that my air conditioning was completely bonkers. My apartment was over 90° and wouldn’t cool. Fortunately I was able to escape to a friend’s (with functioning AC) for the evening, but I returned to get to bed. Boy was that a mistake.

My friend lent me a box fan, which I set up next to my side of the bed, and I opened my windows. Splayed on top of the covers, I found myself tossing and turning. About one in the morning I realized that just wasn’t going to work. I plopped onto the floor in front of the fan and tried again. I may have accumulated four hours of sleep all night.

On the plus side? I’m sure I sweat off a pound or two. (That is what I get for sleeping in a sauna.) I’m praying that maintenance will fix this little issue for me by the time I return home, if not, I’ll be setting up camp on a friend’s couch.

Overall this experience emphasized how necessary it is to get a good nights sleep every day. Not just sleeping in on the weekends, but actually making sure to get a solid amount each night. Typically I am lucky to get seven hours, although I feel I might need eight hours these next few weeks to make up for my sleep deficit.

How many hours a night do you sleep? How do you recover after a night of insomnia?

In other news, I just gave my two one-and-a-half weeks notice to work. As of July 20th I’ll be an unemployed bum. I. Cannot. Wait!