Hannah B

"Oh GAWD, I seriously love Ativan."

I really do love this age of media... but saying that feels like I just let a swear-word slip in front of my boss. I know that the use of media isn't always constructive or positive but I find it so incredible that we, the humans living on this earth right now, are the first ones to have ever experienced it like this. We've stumbled upon a moment in history: we are "the age of the internet". I think the best thing about it is we are all figuring out that the internet, so saturated and full to the brim with information, is almost entirely what we decide we want it to be. Certainly it's always important to explore new sources of information and to keep up to date on current events, but you ultimately have the power to decide when and where and how you do that. We can find a happy place on the internet amidst the chaos of the information overload. We can create better online environments for ourselves and others by interacting with joy and ignoring hatred and negativity. We can use this tool to connect rather than divide if we so choose. It's truly amazing how much power we have over our own feelings and experiences even in the wake of all of this information!

Spa: a place one is encouraged to visit in order to pamper and take care of one's self. A tranquil place of relaxation, luxury, wellness, and beauty. Or, as some in our town would like to call it.... "fancy!" Until 10 years ago, I don't think many people in our town of 7,000 would have ever thought such a "fancy" place could survive in our blue collar farming community. Yet, here we are: Altitude Spa is beloved by men and women of all ages in not just our community, but in our province, our country, and now, in a little part of Uganda.

Let's just rip off the bandaid: I despise the phrase "dog mom". I know, I'm a monster, and my poor sad dog must long for a motherly figure in her life every day she spends with me. Let me clarify: my dog is very loved, and is my trusty sidekick in most day-to-day life activities I can get away with bringing her along for. Do I let her sleep on my bed even though I vowed I wouldn't? Yep. Does she get her own donut when we stop at the donut shop? Always. Do I take her for doggy play dates to my parents' place to play with their dog so she doesn't get bored? Guilty. BUT. I am NOT my dog's mom, and I cannot stand when people refer to me as such.

Oh, hey Canada (citizens, government, all concerned with the wellbeing of this country)!

You'll notice that before you clicked on this image, it seemed crisp, vivid, and clear. From far away, this is the perfect image of McLean Falls, a famous spot in The Catlins that I've seen on almost everyone's New Zealand trip feeds. From far away, this shot is serene and lush. The greenery contrasts so sharply with the falls, like something you might only see on a computer desktop background. As a small thumbnail image in my phone gallery, I had captured the perfect picture of my trip.