Author Archives: Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

Sunday Resets

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I can’t believe it’s already Sunday night. This week flew by and even worse the weekend felt even faster. How am I sitting in bed trying to get mentally prepared for the week already?? After a busy weekend, I always kinda feel stressed heading into the week, especially if it was a go, go, go, type of weekend. But there’s one thing that I know I can always do on a Sunday that helps make my week just go a bit smoother, and that’s a Sunday reset. 

Laundry

A Sunday Reset is basically a mix of tidying up your physical space, organizing your brain space, and mentally preparing yourself for the upcoming week. Think of it as a weekly life-refresh button. A chance to clear out the last week’s noise and clutter and just start fresh. Maybe your week last week wasn’t the best, or maybe your night out Saturday left you feeling a bit icky, whatever it may be I know that feeling all too well and the only thing that is able to make me feel a lot calmer is just resetting my space and my mind and getting all prepped for the week ahead. You’re not trying to completely overhaul your personality, transform into a completely new person, or suddenly become this insanely productive person all in one sitting, you’re just adding some steps into the routine that help you with your week ahead. But I think the secret is that it doesn’t need to be some big crazy deep clean. If all you have in you is just a small tidy, that is better than nothing. There’s no need to scrub your baseboards with a toothbrush or meal prep every meal for the next 7 days, this reset can be whatever you want it to be. 

The thing about Sunday is that it’s already got that start of week mentality, because technically on the calendar Sunday is the start of the week, not Monday.  It’s like pre-Monday. The vibe is a little quieter, a little slower. And I think it’s just kinda the day society has deemed as the it’s okay to just have a chill day-day. Plus, doing your reset on Sunday means you roll into Monday with a bit of momentum. You’ve already got your to-do list. Your laundry is (hopefully) clean. Your fridge doesn’t look like a ghost town. You’re not waking up in a panic trying to find clean socks or finding your work shirt with a big stain on it. You’ve done all that prep the day before, so instead of scrambling together when your alarm clock goes off on Monday, you get to have a peaceful morning and make if you’re lucky and put a little bit of extra effort into your reset, enjoy it. 

So here’s a rundown of how my Sunday resets generally go. Keep in mind sometimes it’s different depending on the vibes of the Sunday or how my Saturday night before went. 

Sleep in just a little bit

Not too much—but enough that you feel rested. I usually don’t set an alarm unless I have something planned in the morning. Sunday’s are really the only day I sleep in. Monday through Friday is obviously early wake ups and I feel like I always want to make the most of my Saturday so I always just relax, but Sunday, that’s the designated sleep in day. Sleeping until 10 is fine, but if I’m up at 1 p.m. I know it’s going to throw everything off and I’ll blink and it’ll be dinner time. Ideally, I wake up naturally, make a coffee, and get ready to reset. 

Tidy up

This is usually the least fun part, but weirdly the most satisfying. My room always ends up a mess by Sunday—clothes everywhere, random receipts in my pockets, an actual graveyard of empty mugs. I do a quick sweep of each room: put clothes away, wipe counters, vacuum if I’m feeling ambitious. I like to put on music to get my energy levels up to make it seem a little more fun. Make sure you make your bed if you haven’t already, I find that really sets the tone for the day. 

Laundry time

This one’s self-explanatory but always necessary. Doing laundry on Sunday just hits different. There’s something deeply satisfying about starting the week with fresh socks and clean work or school clothes. But make sure you fold it and put it away right away. It kinda defeats the reset purpose if you just let it sit there for the rest of the week. 

Grocery run

I try to head out to the grocery store to get what I may need for the week, fruit, snacks, lunches, whatever it may be to help my week go a bit smoother. I don’t do full-blown meal prep, but I’ll chop some veggies, make overnight oats, if I’m feeling crazy. 

Plan the week

This one is a non negotiable for me. I plan out my week day by day. This may sound wild for some but knowing exactly what I need to do each day keeps me on track with my work and more motivated as well. . I pull out my planner or phone notes and do a little week-ahead preview. What do I have coming up? Any appointments? Deadlines? Social plans? I dump it all out in one place and check it off at the end of each night. Can you tell I’m type A?

Self care

This could be a shower that lasts way too long. A face mask. A little stretch session or a walk around the block. Anything that gives you the feeling of being refreshed and ready to go for the week ahead. 

My reset always ends in bed, clean sheets, coxy clothes, a movie on, and feeling as if I’ve done all I can to make the week ahead go as smoothly as possible. It does kinda sound like a bit of unnecessary effort but I promise you, once I started making this a priority on Sunday’s my weeks felt easier. So cheers to a new week! And happy Sunday resetting! Do you do a Sunday reset? 

Radio Arts And Entertainment Life

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I just completed my Radio Arts and Entertainment program at BCIT and wow did those two years fly by. It’s funny, whenever I told my friends what I was doing at school they would always kinda be a bit confused. I mean it’s definitely not your typical labs and lecture hall university experience. But it was a great two years, so for those of you who are still a bit confused about what exactly goes on in the Radio Arts and Entertainment, here’s what it’s all about. 

bcit

Walk into any Radio Arts and Entertainment class at BCIT and you’ll immediately feel the buzz. Not just from the hum of editing software or the clatter of keyboards, but just the excitement of studying something that you aren’t reading directly out of a textbook for. All the students are  juggling audio projects, hosting radio shows, writing scripts, interviewing guests, editing podcasts, and digging for the next story. Being a Radio Arts and Entertainment student is kind of like being a one-person media production team with a deadline every day. It’s busy, exciting, sometimes chaotic, but always creative.

Let’s start with the basics: what even is the RAE program?

Radio Arts and Entertainment at BCIT is a two-year diploma program that blends broadcasting, journalism, media production, and performance. It’s not just about radio in the traditional sense. It’s about all things media and content creation. Radio is the name of the game, but it’s definitely not all of it. From podcasting, producing voice overs, to digital storytelling and on air hosting, to even journalism and marketing, the program gives you a taste (and then some) of what it takes to be a creator in today’s media landscape. At BCIT, you won’t be just watching, you will be doing which I think is the main thing that really sets this program apart. 

First year in RAE is kind of like media bootcamp.

You come in thinking you might just learn how to talk on air or make a podcast—and then suddenly you’re producing segments, writing stories, learning Adobe Audition, managing deadlines, and figuring out how to work in a newsroom. It’s honestly a whirlwind, pretty overwhelming, but so much fun. You dive into the deep end, but in a good way. You own your own to produce your own ideas, but if you need back up, you have support. Near the end of first year you get to fully take over and run Evolution 107.9 which is the highlight of the program. You learn the ins and outs of what it takes to run a radio station and produce content getting you ready for a second year, where it’s all you. 

Second year is where things really start to all click. You have the knowledge to hop on air and do a show, write an ad and produce it, and create a marketing campaign all in one day. Like I said it’s a lot, but you are never really alone. There’s always helping hands to jump in for a voice over or hit record on a camera. By second year you got all the bases covered.  You’ve figured out how to work the board, how to write tight, how to edit fast. Now, it’s about digging deeper into what you really want to do, and creating a portfolio to prove it.

You also get to pick what you want to specialize in second year. Some students pick a radio show all the way through second semester, or some switch it up and do a couple of different things in each phase. I chose online writing. I got to write about sports, culture, Vancouver topics, and honestly, just about anything that came to mind. It’s a super good way to really hone in on what you see yourself doing post-grad. I mean you do the same thing everyday so it’s how you really get good at what you do. It prepares you for a job so when the time comes to apply for jobs post-grad you feel ready to get right into it. 

One of the best parts of RAE? The people.

Your classmates become your team, your biggest cheerleaders, and sometimes your therapy group when you’re pulling an all-nighter editing a podcast that just won’t export right. Because of the hands-on nature of the program, you get close. You work in teams, bounce ideas off each other, and build connections that last long after graduation. Group work isn’t always easy but when you have a group of people who rock and are all on the same page, it’s fun. The instructors are also a major highlight. They’ve worked in the industry as radio hosts, journalists, producers, and marketing pros. They bring real experience into the classroom. They won’t sugarcoat it, but they’ll help you get where you want to go. 

The past two years were stressful, a bit overwhelming, but most of all, so fun. I gained so much knowledge I really wouldn’t have got anywhere else that make me a well rounded person for the post-grad world. If you’ve done the program or you’re thinking of joining then I know you’re a person who enjoys creative work which in my opinion is the best type of work. So, if you’re thinking of applying, or just wondering what it’s like to live the student media life: grab a mic, hit record, and see what happens.

The Crazy 20s

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So to be completely real, last night it was 10:00 pm on a Friday night and I sat in bed doing homework while sipping on a diet coke. Now if you know me, this is all normal behaviour except for the fact that it was a Friday night. I am never ever the person to be sitting in my bed on a Friday night, or even any weekend night for that matter, even if I’m not going out or leaving the house I will at least at the minimum have some friends over. But nope. Not last night, and probably not tonight either. I’m exhausted and it’s finals season. But I have to say, when I got into bed all ready to unwind, I felt that weird feeling of missing out creeping up on me. A feeling that I haven’t really truly felt in a long long long time, FOMO. 

Homework

So where is this feeling coming from? Well I’m in my 20s and it’s the weekend I’m supposed to be out on the town living my life right? Well that’s what I see in the movies, on social media, and even what my parents tell me they did back in their day, but for some reason lately that just isn’t me. I mean this is probably just cause I haven’t been sleeping well and have slammed with homework lately and this is the one free night I have to take off but for some reason I still feel like I should be out doing things. But it is safe to say that this FOMO feeling is definitely going to stick with me through the night, but now my mind is racing on a whole bunch of things that I think I’m missing out on, but that’s just what comes with being an over thinker right? 

I met up with a couple of my friends earlier this week for a walk and coffee, and safe to say something like that usually relaxes me and takes the stress away kinda just made me more stressed. These girls were talking about all these crazy summer internships and trips they had lined up, plans set for the future, and what they had meal prepped, while I on the other hand, I’m probably the furthest opposite from that that you can even get. Remember being a kid and thinking that by 25 you’d have a career, a house, and maybe even a cute dog? Fast forward to your actual 20s, and the reality check hits hard. I am nowhere at all where I’d thought I’d be right now. Well yes, I am 21 and still have a lot of life ahead of me but it’s hard to not freak out when I feel like I’m just behind and missing out. I’ve been scrolling through LinkedIn and seeing random kids from high school who barely passed math now owning a startup or curing cancer (seriously). People my age are apparently out there “networking,” getting promotions, and landing six-figure salaries, while I’m just sitting in my bed. 

I know comparison is the thief of joy or whatever – but wow, it really does steal. Don’t get me wrong, I know I still have time. I know I’m not supposed to have it all figured out. But when it feels like everyone else around me has it all figured out, it’s not the greatest feeling in the world.  People are always talking about their “next move” or how they’re “booked and busy” or “entering their “corporate era” but I’m wondering where the days are when just being 21 meant having fun and working any job not a crazy corporate one. The truth is, being 21 is weird. It’s this awkward, uncomfortable in-between stage where you’re technically an adult, but also not really. You can legally drink, vote, and sign a lease—but emotionally, sometimes you still feel like a confused teenager – or at least mine still does sometimes. 

Sometimes I’ll have a day where I feel really put together. I wake up early, make my bed, eat a real breakfast, maybe even go for a walk. And for a second, I’m like, I’ve got this. And then the next day I wake up at noon, drink a coffee, and spiral about my life in the future for the rest of the day. Being in your 20s is messy, and nobody really talks about the ups and downs of it all. One minute you’re applying for a job and pretending you’re qualified, the next minute you’re crying because someone used a passive-aggressive tone in an email. You’re trying to grow, evolve, heal, plan, and thrive—while also just trying to survive. It’s a lot.

There’s no roadmap. And I think that’s the hard part. Once you graduate it’s the first time in your life that you have no structure and nobody telling you your next move, you get to choose it yourself (exciting but terrifying). There’s no “right” way to be 21. Some people are in grad school, others are working full-time, some are taking time off, some are traveling the world, some are living at home and some have already moved across the country three times. And all of it is okay. But when you’re in it, it’s hard not to feel like you’re doing something wrong just because your path looks different. 

Graduates

Sometimes I wonder if I’ll look back on this time and laugh. Like, “remember when I thought I was failing but was actually just figuring it out?” I hope. Maybe the chaos is part of the process. I hope. Maybe the late-night breakdowns, the weird in-between jobs, the lonely Friday nights, the spontaneous joy, the confusion is all meant to be. I sure hope so. 

So if you’re anything like me and just feeling so uncertain of your next move, I know it feels insane  but once you put it in perspective, it’s all going to be okay, this is just a small bump in a long road. And no. 20s are not old. So don’t stress about time running out because really life is just starting. 

Whistler In The Spring!

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When you think of Whistler I’m sure you think of the slopes where skiers and boarders spend their day slashing in the powder and the gorgeous lakes, the perfect spot for a cool down. But I always feel like spring can be a little awkward. It’s not too cold, not too hot, but the weather is still good where you want to get outside and do something. Whistler in the spring is like that friend who’s good at everything. I feel like it’s either winter or summer that gets all love in Whistler but spring is just as good. Whether you’re into adrenaline or après, here’s your guide to making the most out of a spring trip to Whistler.

bluebird day at whistler blackcomb yesterday! #lucky #iLoveWinterSports #thanks

Spring Ski Season

The ski season isn’t over quite yet, you still have some time to squeeze in some days! From March through to late April (and sometimes even May!), Whistler Blackcomb keeps the lifts spinning. You’ll get bluebird days, soft snow, and fewer people vying for the same chairlift. You might even be able to get your tan on too! (beware of a goggle tan….).  Start your day early while the snow’s still firm, then switch to t-shirts and beers by noon. Nothing beats a spring bluebird day on the hill!

Apres! 

Apres in the winter is a blast, but when the sun goes down at 5 and you want to keep the party going it can be a bummer, but in spring, the sun is up later and the party goes longer! Whistler arguably has some of the best apres spots of all time, you got Merlin’s in the upper village, Longhorns at the base, and of course Dusty’s in Creekside. Whether you spent the day on the slopes or not enjoying an Aperol or a cold beer in the spring sun is an absolute blast.

Biking Begins

By mid-to-late spring, lower elevation trails start to melt out, which means mountain biking season starts to wake up from hibernation.  The legendary Whistler Mountain Bike Park typically opens in mid-May, depending on the snowpack. If you’re in town early, check out valley trails like Lost Lake or the Cheakamus area, or even just bike around the village and get your bike legs warmed up for when all the biking trails open up! Even if you aren’t into downhill mountain biking, renting a cruiser or an e-bike for a mellow spin around the Whistler area will lead you to beautiful lakes and viewpoints. 

small The Crown Mtn Bike Trails CO-1087

Hiking!

While some alpine trails stay buried under snow till June or July, spring is perfect for exploring low-to-mid elevation hikes. My go to’s for a nice calm hike with friends is the Train Wreck Trail where you cross over a river that leads you to a bunch of old, graffiti-covered train cars scattered in the forest – super cool. Brandywine Falls, about 15 minutes south of Whistler, this 70-meter waterfall is a stunner. Great for a quick stop or a longer walk. And if you’re feeling a little bit on the chiller side of things, walking around Nita Lake is gorgeous on a sunny day.

Spa Days!

Looking to relax, destress, and unwind? Whistler is home to one of the most iconic spas. The first one that comes to mind is the Scandinave Spa. hot pools, cold plunges, cedar saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, and silence. That’s right. No talking. My tip for you is don’t go with people who make you laugh. I went with a group of friends and the urge to not talk was hard – but so worth it, it was a great relaxing day that was much needed. If you’re more into massage than meditation, there are tons of other wellness spots around town, (especially in the hotels in the village), massage therapy, facials, or yoga classes to stretch out after a day on the mountain.

The Lakes!

By late spring, the lakes start to thaw—and the brave (or the foolish?) start jumping in. Or maybe you’re even down for a cold plunge. Cold plunges are not something that even cross my radar, but I’m still always down for a good day at the lake. Lost Lake, Alpha Lake, and Alta Lake are my top three. There’s nice grassy areas where you can bring some cards and snacks and chill with friends.

Golf! 

For all the golf enthusiasts out there – the season is just beginning, and let me tell you, the Whistler golf courses are amazing.  The Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North, and Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club are all open by late May. Pristine greens, great vibes, and if you’re into spotting wildlife there is a great chance you’ll be able to see a bear – just keep some distance, especially if you see cubs. 

Adrenaline Activities 

Want some activities? Go full tourist mode and head up the mountain and go on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. This gondola will take you from the Whistler peak to the Blackcomb Peak (or vice versa) and it’s really so gorgeous. There are even some glass bottom gondolas for a better view of below, but if heights aren’t really your thing like me – I’d avoid those ones! I do have to say I’ve done the Ziptrek zipline tour once and it was amazing. It gives you a great view and a chance to get into the mountains if you aren’t a skier. It’s super fun and definitely an adrenaline booster! One thing I will never try but maybe you’re into – bungee jumping. I can’t even think about it without my heart racing, so I’ll leave it at that, but an option if that’s your thing. 

If one thing is for sure Whistler is definitely not short of things to do in the spring. Whistler in the spring is the best. The place where you can ski in the morning, bike in the afternoon, soak in a hot tub at night and maybe hit up an apres spot in between. So happy spring! And get out there and enjoy all Whistler has to offer! Even if it’s a day trip from the city or you have the weekend to spend, I know it will be a blast! 

 

The One and Only, Coachella

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Every April, the California desert transforms into a sparkling, glitter covered music festival, for the one and only, Coachella. It’s a big event for many, whether you’re into the music, the outfits, or just a big festival person it’s kinda the event of the year festival wise. And while I’m watching it all unfold from the comfort of my couch with snacks in hand and zero risk of sunburn, I’ve still done a deep dive into everything you need to know about this iconic festival. So whether you’re getting prepped to go, planning on going next year, or even just thinking about it for next year, or like me and just watching your Instagram feed get flooded with Coachella posts, here is the Coachella 2025 breakdown. 

So for those of you who don’t know what Coachella is, Coachella is a music festival in Indio California which spans over two amazing weekends, this year it’s April 11-12 and April 18-20. But Coachella has kinda become more than just the music. Now it’s about the outfits, celebrity appearances, PR, and honestly just kinda one big marketing stunt. It started back in 1999 as a humble two day concert in October and now it’s a full two weekend event with people flying in from around the world. 

But of course, outfits and food aside, the main event is obviously the music. With the biggest named artists, from pop to metal, indie to house, Coachella has got it all.

Friday April 11 & 18

On Friday the headliner is the one and only Lady Gaga. You can expect some fun outfits, great energy, and some great vocals for this one! Along with Gaga keep your eye out for Benson Boone, Djo, and Missy Elliot. There are 8 main stages at Coachella with music flowing the whole time so you can watch out for a lot of other people hitting the stage on Friday too. 

Saturday April 12 & 19

It was a “Brat” summer last year, and I think that energy will definitely be carried along into summer 2025 as well. Charli XCX will be hitting the stage Saturday and I know a lot of people are looking forward to that one. Green Day will be headlining Saturday which I just know will be awesome to see. Along with those two icons, Clairo, T-Pain and many others will be bringing the Coachella energy 

Sunday April 13 & 20

Coachella will be closing off with a bang on Sunday with Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, and Travis Scott! Sunday is shaping up to be a great day of music with artists big and small. Shaboozey, Ty Dolla $ign, Still Woozy, and beabadoobee will also be hitting the stage and closing off the weekend in the right way. Sunday is bringing a huge mix of music and there will definitely be something for everyone. 

Coachella’s food scene is pretty wild. It’s not your average festival food, it’s kinda insane and fancy. I mean it really does match with the LA influencer aesthetic and the target demographics.  There’s gourmet ramen, plant-based burgers, churros longer than your forearm, and yes, overpriced iced lattes that taste better in the heat. And don’t even get me started on the drinks, they are outrageously expensive but also look so good. If you are thinking about drinking at Coachella, or just curious about the prices, just know that there is really no way around not spending a big chunk of money. The beers are and highballs are $20 and fancy cocktails are around $30, and that is USD! I know if I was at Coachella, I’d be skipping out on the liquor options. 

The outfits are one of my favourite parts of it. Even though I’m not physically there, I’m emotionally there through everyone’s “outfits of the day” on social media. I feel like there is always a trend each year too. Last year was definitely chunky belts. I guess we have yet to see what this year will be but I’m going to guess somewhere along the lines of a 2000s vibe with a mix of glitter, mesh, lots of sheer fabric, cowboy hats, and the return of low-rise everything. People really get into planning their outfits in advance too. I’m talking months in advance. I love the commitment though. Not something I think I could do since I’ve always been kinda a last minute person. 

But along with all the fun there’s definitely some downsides to Coachella too. So if you’re not there this year and wishing you were there in person, here are some things to keep in mind that might keep you happy with the fact that you are home. 

The Heat – It’s hot. Like desert hot. So be prepared to be hot. And if you’re not there, just know that you dodged a major bullet with sun stroke. 

Dust Storms – Like I said desert hot, but key word desert. So if it gets windy just know to close your eyes or else the sand will get them. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 

Exhaustion – 3 jam packed days of music, no sleep, and dancing, I mean ya it does sound fun but I think I’m at the point in my life where sleep is my number one priority. 

A question I keep coming back to is why the obsession? I mean ya I understand it but I don’t know if I could drop that much money on this thing. But from what I’ve gathered is that Coachella isn’t just about music – it’s just a lot more. It’s part concert, part fashion show, part spiritual experience with overpriced food and drinks. And even if you’re not there, you’re kind of still there. Whether it’s live streams, YouTube vlogs, TikTok, X, and Instagram, it’s impossible to miss the action. 

So if you’re not standing in the desert surrounded by sweaty strangers and confetti this year.  Or tapping your card for a $22 vodka soda, just know there’s always next year, or maybe you aren’t missing out at all and us at home are the real winners. Whether you’re there in person or just scrolling from home with Netflix in the background – you’re part of the party in some way or another. So happy Coachella to all those who celebrate and I can’t wait to see how these next two weekends unfold. 

How To Become A Swiftie 101:

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So… you’ve heard a Taylor Swift song or two. Maybe “Cruel Summer”, a summer song that is guaranteed to get you in the right mood, or a class “You Belong With Me” that is your number one karaoke song on a night out. Or maybe you’ve seen Eras Tour clips around social media and are just blown away by how many songs she sings in one show. Now you’re curious and maybe even want to become a Swiftie! But you’re in luck because I’m a hugeeeeee Swiftie and can teach you all the things you need to know about Miss Swift and being a fan.

Step 1: The Music – Duh

Obviously, the first step is actually listening to Taylor Swift. But where do you start when she’s got 11 studio albums, re-recordings, bonus tracks, and vault songs? If I had to give you a run down on every single Taylor Swift album and song ever we’d be here for years so to save you the time and to not overwhelm the new Swiftie’s, here’s just a quick run down on her stunning albums. Keep in mind almost all of these albums have been re-released, TV, “Taylors version”. 

  • Taylor Swift (Debut) – Country roots, teenage diary vibes. Think cowboy boots teenage love. 
  • Fearless – Coming-of-age sparkle. You’ve heard “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me.” These are the classics. 
  • Red – A heartbreak album with a side of scarf. Fall vibes.
  • 1989 – Her full pop pivot. Glossy, bright, catchy, and fun. 
  • Reputation – Snake era. Dark, edgy, misunderstood. She’s mad, and it’s art. 
  • Lover – Pastel and glitter, summer, slow, and up-beat, the perfect album. 
  • Folklore & Evermore – Sister albums. Emotional devastation via piano. Masterpieces. Arguably my favourite albums ever by Taylor Swift, they are literally on repeat for me, I don’t think a single day has gone by that I haven’t listened to a song from Folklore or Evermore.
  • Midnights – Midnights is fun and interesting. In my opinion I think the lyrics are the real start of the show. 
  • The Tortured Poets Department – Poetry, chills, heartbreak, and literary chaos. This album is horrifyingly beautiful. 

Step 2: Understand “The Eras”

No, I’m not talking about historical periods like the Renaissance or the Industrial Revolution. I’m talking about Taylor Swift’s Eras, which are basically phases of her career, complete with their own looks, colors, sounds, and feelings. Just like different eras you have had in your life, maybe relationships wise, school wise, or even just you wise. Each era you have had is probably really different from others and that’s just like Taylor Swift’s albums. So there comes in the “Eras Tour” one concert, every album. Yup. Every. Single. Album. Of course not every single song, Taylor picked the ones she wanted to include but let’s just say it was enough to make it a 3.5 hour concert of non-stop music. So the Eras Tour literally celebrates each one like its own mini concert. 

Step 3: Taylor’s Version

You’ve probably seen “Taylor’s Version” in the title of some of her songs or albums. At the heart of it, Taylor’s re-recordings are her way of reclaiming control. Making her music hers. Back in the day, when she first signed her record deal as a teenager (Debut era), she didn’t own her master recordings. That means the original versions of her early albums weren’t technically hers,  they belonged to her old label, Big Machine Records. So where it all went south when Scooter Braun came into the mix. He bought Big Machine and with that, the masters to Swift’s first six albums. Taylor wasn’t exactly thrilled about this. She actually made it very public that she had tried to buy her masters back, but was shut out of the deal. Rather than just sit back and forget it (or probably write a killer song about it) she took control and re-recorded everything. Every single song. And on the journey with this even released some new songs and added some new songs to the old (but newly released) albums and these are called “Vault Tracks”. 

Basically, by re-recording her old songs and releasing them as “Taylor’s Version,” she creates a new master that she does own. And since she has a pretty devoted fanbase (me and a million other Swifties) we all just collectively agreed to boycott everything non Taylor’s Version and switch out the songs on our playlists to Taylor approved songs. 

The re-releasing of older albums was also kinda a genius way to re-engage old fans. Fans that were into her in the “Love Story” days kinda jumped back on to listening to her stuff and now get to experience the beauty of her new recordings. Now there are only two albums left to be re-recorded and released to the Swifties, “Taylor Swift” (debut) and “Reputation”. I can’t even stress the amount of times I’ve been tricked into thinking that that day Taylor was going to release Reputation, she’s really tricked us all. I was convinced that she was going to announce Reputation Taylor’s Version on the final night of the Eras Tour but I was fooled. Now the Swifites are all patiently awaiting the day that all her music will be hers. I can’t wait. 

Being Swiftie isn’t about being crazy obsessed and weird – it’s about finding joy in her music, the storytelling, and honestly just the whole Swiftie community itself. Whether you’re a casual listener or a knee-deep in easter egg theory videos trying to figure out when you can expect Reputation Taylor’s Version, you’re in the right place. So congratulations and welcome to the club if you’re a new Swiftie! And maybe the next time you are belting out “You Belong With Me” on karaoke night, you’ll have a little background info to share with the group to create even more new Swifties! 

The Secret Life Of Servers

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I think being a server is one of those jobs that look easy from the outside, but once you get into it wow, I mean it’s not rocket science or anything but it sure can get pretty hectic. Before I started serving I thought that I was going into the most chill job ever, I mean common, it’s really just ringing burgers and beer at the end of the day, but no, it’s a lot more. From dealing with extreme allergies, to serving someone’s engagement dinner, to of course all the Karens that come and sit in your section, it’s a lot, it’s insane, but it can be kinda fun. 

Restuarant

From the outside looking in, serving might seem straightforward. Smile, take the order, bring the food, get the tip. Simple, right? Not quite. In reality you’re serving up to 10 different tables at a time, each with their own allergies, moods, and of course, preferences. You’re mentally juggling a million different thoughts at once trying to remember what table 7 flagged you down for while getting refills for table 4, and you probably just got double sat (a servers worst nightmare). Most guests don’t see what goes on behind the scenes, especially if they don’t have any experience within the industry, and sometimes they can be pretty misunderstanding and just plain rude if not everything is perfect. Guests don’t see how backed up the kitchen or the bar is, or maybe they don’t see all the tables you have in your section, so they jump to conclusions that you’re off in the back slacking and chatting with your co-workers. The amount of times guests have made comments to me with something along the lines of “I guess you need a break too” or “how was chatting in the back” is insane, little did they know I probably was ringing in an anaphylactic peanut allergy or ringing in broken class, thanks a lot for the added stress, Karen. 

burger and fries

Sometimes I like to think of serving as being an entrepreneur, or like running my own business. You are literally running for your money. You learn quickly that time is money, your money. The more efficient you are, the more tables you flip, and the more tips you (hopefully) earn. It’s kinda exciting, but also a little bit unsettling with having the majority of your income be tips. You never know if you’re going to walk out and be able to go on a shopping spree, or maybe you won’t be able to fill up your gas tank all the way, it’s definitely a gamble. Every shift is a hustle, and no two are ever the same. One night, you’re riding high, your tables love you, the banter is good, the team on is great, and the kitchen is on it, while other nights your just watching a disaster unfold right in front of you, maybe you forgot to punch in table 12s food, or table 9 asked for no cheese on their salad and of course, it came out with cheese on it. It just feels like one bad thing after another. Those are the nights where I find myself questioning if it’s all worth it. But one thing serving teaches is is how to bounce back quickly, a lot of guests can be passive aggressive and kinda just demeaning, but at the same time there are so many other people in your section who are they having a good time, you just have to let the Karens be Karens and move on, it’s their own loss for being so negative! 

Serving can be pretty physically draining, but to be honest, it’s 100% more emotionally draining than anything. You’re expected to be “on” no matter what kind of day you’re having. Bad mood? Doesn’t matter. Dealing with something personal? Push it down. Because the second you step onto the floor, you’re in performance mode. If you aren’t a social butterfly or have a low social battery, then I hate to break it to you, this is not the job for you. I even consider myself a pretty social person but by the end of my shift I turn mute. There’s also the emotional toll of dealing with difficult guests. Rude customers, inappropriate comments, complaints over things outside of your control—it’s all part of the gig. And you have to take it with a smile because, at the end of the day, your income is literally tied to how much someone likes you. As a very opinionated and vocal person I think the hardest part of the job is not responding back, I really have to bite my tongue and try to forget the comments because responding back out probably results in losing out on some cash. The best way to deal with it is just to fake it till you make it and agree with everything the guests are saying even if you 100% know it’s not true.  

But it’s not all bad guests, I’ve met some pretty amazing people and got to be a part of some pretty special days too. Serving birthday parties, grad parties, anniversaries, or even engagement dinners, are definitely one of my favourite parts of the job. Knowing you’re adding a special touch to someone’s day whether it’s a free dessert on the house or a couple of tequila shots to celebrate a 19th birthday, it can really be a blast and feels good knowing you’re making a positive impact on their experience and their day. 

I think it’s pretty obvious that minimum wage is not a livable wage, so being able to take home some cash at the end of the night is a real blessing. But it can also be kinda weird. Your earnings depend not on how well you do your job, but on how someone feels about how you did your job. You can give flawless service and still get stiffed. It can feel brutal, but it’s just part of the game. Serving can be a real hit or a miss, a gamble like I said. You also have to remember that going out to eat can be crazy expensive and there’s going to be times where tipping is just not on the table, and that’s totally okay too, no reason to get down about one table, you still have the whole night and section to go. 

At the end of the day, it’s no doubt that serving can be overwhelming and exhausting but at the same time, I think it’s also the perfect side hustle or job to have while you’re in school. I’ve met some of my closest friends on the job, made some great memories, and of course, some good tips. And while it’s not always glamorous, and sometimes you feel very far from appreciated, it’s just a fun job. So cheers to the servers out there, it can be tough but don’t forget it can be so, so worth it! 

Digital Detox

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I bet a huge portion of your day is spent on your phone. Mine is too. We live in a world where being “plugged in” is the norm. Everyone brings their phone everywhere and it’s like it’s just glued to your hand. It’s almost like a new part of humans. Whether it’s through social media, work, streaming movies or music, calls, texts, or emails our digital lives have now become seamlessly integrated into daily life. But a concept that can be a bit off putting, yet at the same time completely refreshing, is the concept of a digital detox. But although that break and disconnect does sound nice, a question that I always keep coming back to is “is that even possible these days?”

TELEPHONE

This digital age that you are in is really a blessing and a curse. The internet has really given us unlimited knowledge and the unlimited ability to stay connected from literally anywhere. From being able to call a loved one from across the world, questions you may have answered in an instant, and entertainment right at your fingertips, the digital world is pretty amazing. But with all this ability to connect I think the ability to be able to disconnect has gotten a lot harder. I also think that all this information that you can access in just seconds can be incredibly overwhelming, it is great to know everything and anything right in that moment, but I think it can get to a point where it’s all just too much. 

With social media and the overall internet on a constant rise and evolving daily, a term that also has been on the rise and tossed around more frequently is the term “digital detox”. It’s just been encouraging people to take a break, get off the screens, and be present in the world right in front of them, not just through their phone. Some people do it for a mental clarity break, some people do it to be more productive, and some people do it to hop on the bandwagon trend, but to be honest I think for any one that tries it, no matter the reason, it can be like a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. Social media especially gives you the idea that you always have to be “on”, responding to messages, liking and commenting on posts, posting your life, it can be exhausting and feeling as if you have to live up to certain social expectations can be overwhelming too, this is where the need for a digital detox to come in. time to just step away and simply just be. No need to be constantly on and connected, just your time to get your head in the real world. 

Digital detoxes are usually pretty short lived, but for a valid reason I guess. With remote work growing and the lines between work/life balance blurring, having a phone on 24/7 for work is kinda becoming a norm in itself. So a lot of people really aren’t able to truly detox and step away. But with just a short break, many  people return from these breaks only to find themselves back in their old habits within days, checking notifications, responding to messages, and endlessly scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, but social media is just as addicting as anything else. It’s instant gratification. 

Sometimes it can sound kinda silly. Really? A digital detox? It can’t be that hard. But it is. It can be super difficult to put down your device and live in the moment. Every time we get a like, a notification, or a new message, our brain releases a small amount of dopamine, it’s literally just a happy chemical, no reason my screen time is insane on social media apps. 

It’s also hard to disconnect when everyone is connected. I mean it’s not like the good days where you could step outside your house, walk over to your neighbours and hang out with friends. It’s all just so different now. My friends and I all live pretty far apart and our schedules are so busy that if we didn’t have our phones to communicate we would literally never see each other! I also find that if I’m off my phone for a while, like at work or in class, I miss so much. There’s always something going on, whether it’s a group call or chat it’s hard to not always want to keep checking in. 

I also rely on my phone for so much, my work app to clock in is on my phone, I use maps everyday to get where I need to be, the weather app to see if I need to bring my umbrella, there’s just so much important information on my phone where if I did do a digital detox, I’d have to really plan out my life days before, but then again, that was the norm for my mother and her mother, so if they could do it, I guess I could  figure it out too. 

But I think everyone should take time out to try a digital detox at one point or another, even if it’s just a day. Any little bit to turn off a device and tune into the world will do you more good than you would imagine. I mean I just know in the times where I’m off my phone my anxiety levels are a lot lower and I really feel present in life. So what do you think? Are you all for the digital detoxes and breaks from being constantly online? Or do you feel as if your phone has just become a vital part of your daily life?

Shifting Your Perspective

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People love to be negative. I get it. Sometimes it is easier to just see things for how it is and not work to shift your mind. Life can be frustrating too. Sometimes taking the easy way out means throwing in the towel and shutting down. But here’s the thing, what if you could shift your perspective and find the good in the bad? What if you could train your brain to see setbacks as setups for something better? It sounds cheesy but changing the way you think can actually change how you live your life. I am the type of person that can get really irritated and frustrated really fast. I just shut down. One little thing sets me off and my whole day will be spent alone not talking to anyone (yes I know a bad character trait). But lately, I’ve been learning to shift my perspective. While yes, when things don’t turn out as you thought can be frustrating, nothing is ever really that serious that you need to have a mental breakdown over. 

It’s so easy to dwell on the bad stuff, think about what went wrong, where it went wrong, regrets, going back and changing it all, but one of the easiest ways to shift your mind and just reframe. Take whatever negative thought you have and flip it into a more positive or at least a neutral perspective. A good example is the traffic example. Being someone who commutes to school, I know how easy it is to get annoyed about being stuck in traffic. Your mind might jump to thoughts like this is the worst start to my day, I’m going to be late, my day is ruined. But in reality you have to remember that being stuck in traffic is just something that is totally out of your control. You didn’t decide to be stuck in traffic, it just happened. So turn your music on, enjoy the ride, and if you’re late, don’t let a silly little traffic jam ruin your whole day when it’s just starting. 

New Zealand traffic jam.

You’ve probably heard this one a lot, and it may be annoying to hear again, but it’s all just so true and works. Be grateful. This doesn’t mean ignoring your problems or pretending everything is fine when it’s not, it just means  acknowledging what’s good, even when things aren’t perfect. There can be so much bad all around and maybe you feel like you’re on a streak of bad looks but if you look around I can guarantee there is at least one thing in your life you can be grateful for. And once you realize it and point it out, eventually one good thing will turn to two and two to three. So next time you order a coffee and it’s not how you like it, well at least you can say you still can get that little caffeine boost. 

I think a big thing is the environment and people you surround yourself with. If you’re around negative Nelly’s all the time that complain about everything under the sun, eventually, whether you like it or not some of that will rub off on to you, or worse, you will just get irritated by them!  If you’re always around negative, complaining people, it’s easy to fall into that same mindset. But if you surround yourself with people who carry a contagious positive attitude, then life will probably be looking pretty good. This doesn’t mean you should cut off friends who are going through tough times (we all have our moments), but be mindful of how certain relationships affect you. If someone is always bringing you down, it might be time to set some boundaries.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I can be a total control freak. I mean it’s not a crime to be in control right? Well, not a crime, but it can just cause more unneeded stress and anxiety for sure. You waste so much energy worrying about things that are completely out of our hands. The key to peace? Learning to let go. At the end of the day, you aren’t going to be able to control every little thing around you, so why let everything bother you? I love a clean space, but it feels like every single time I clean the kitchen or my room someone comes in 10 minutes later and it makes it all dirty, and honestly, if that’s just something that is out of my control, then why let that take control of how I feel? 

You may not realize it, but the way you talk about yourself has a bigger impact that you probably could ever imagine. How do you talk to yourself when things go wrong?  If your inner dialogue to yourself is mean then that’s how you know it’s time to change the conversation. Would your best friend, partner, or family member talk that way to you? I sure hope not. So why talk that way to yourself? At the end of the day, you should be your number one cheerleader, so instead of bringing yourself down, lift yourself up. I promise it will not only help with having a more positive mindset, but it will also help with your confidence too. 

Life is always about perspective. There are two sides to every story and the way we can flip things from negative to positive can truly make a difference in your life.  Bad things will happen, that’s unavoidable. But how do you respond to them? That’s up to you. So, next time you’re faced with a challenge, challenge yourself to think differently. See things for the good that they have in them, even if it is very small. Because sometimes, all it takes is a little shift in perspective to turn a bad day into an opportunity for something even better.

 

Post-Grad Life

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For many students out there, April marks the beginning of an end. Whether it’s your fourth year of college or finishing up your diploma, for many students out there, the time of being a student is coming to an end. And while it is so exciting it can definitely be scary. Those years of studying, testing, exams are all over, but now it honestly might just get harder. So welcome to post-grad life. It’s weird. No one prepares you for this part. 

Graduation

One of the most under looked side effects of graduating is the existential identity crisis that follows. Remember when you were graduating high school and you had to make all those decisions about what to do next. Yea. It’s like that but worse because this time around you’re a literal adult with a degree, there’s not as much of a safety net to fall back on, you’re out there in the world in survival mode. Who are you without due dates? Without late-night group projects and 2 a.m. library breakdowns? Without the structure of school to give your life shape? For the first time in your life, no one is telling you what’s next. There’s no syllabus for adulthood. No one’s handing out gold stars for doing the dishes or replying to your emails on time. 

Then will come the most dreaded part, the job hunt, which in itself is a full time job. You spend hours crafting the perfect resume. You write cover letters that are practically love poems to companies you’re not even sure you like. You apply to 50 positions a week and maybe  – maybe – get one reply. It’s honestly exhausting and half of the jobs that I see require at least 2 years of experience. Like how are we supposed to get work experience to get a job if we can’t even get a job without work experience? And even if you shoot for something low the requirements are still insane. 

Here’s a hot take: the first year of graduation can almost be like a gap year in disguise for some. You think you’re going to hit the ground running, but really, you spend a lot of it… wandering.Maybe you take a retail job to pay the bills. Maybe you start a side hustle. Maybe you go back to school because “why not?” is your current life motto. Maybe you move back home and feel both comforted and completely defeated every time your parents ask, “So, any updates?” The year after can be even more confusing than your college assignments. It’s all uncharted waters and nobody really has the right answer. It can be especially tough if you’re going from living on your own to moving back in at home. It almost feels like a step backward. Again, this is all such a confusing time. But although it is super confusing, it’s also where the real learning happens.  You find out what you don’t want. You figure out your values. You make mistakes and you push past them. Slowly but surely, you start building a life that isn’t defined by a class schedule or GPA.

But graduating school and transitioning into real adulthood can be difficult. Let’s talk about money, or more specifically the complete and total lack of it. You thought being a broke student was rough? Try being a broke adult. Now your bank account is low and it’s time to start thinking about those student loans. If you hadn’t realized how expensive everything already is then you may start paying closer attention now. The cost of living is ridiculous! And that Friday ice cream treat you used to treat yourself with for getting through the week might just be a distant memory. 

One of the hardest parts of post-grad life is realizing that not all friendships are built for the long haul. When you’re in school, your social life is effortless. You’re surrounded by people all the time. You bump into friends on campus. You make last-minute plans. You exist in the same bubble. After graduation? That bubble pops. People move away. They get jobs. They get busy. Some friendships fade, and it feels weird, like a slow breakup without closure. But that being said, new friendships form too. Maybe you’ll meet a new work bestie that you will become totally inseparable from And the ones that survive this transition? You know those friends are real keepers. I think once you get older you start valuing the quality over the quantity. You learn who checks in without a reason. Who listens to your voice notes when you’re spiraling. Who shows up even when it’s inconvenient. 

I also think that post-grad is the peak comparison season. Everyone wants to show off what they are doing and what they have accomplished and it can be nice to be catching up with people and seeing what they are up to, it can be really hard to compare. Wow, that person is going to med school? She’s a lawyer now? Yup, these are all real statements, and in the mix of all of that you will see people starting off at brand new fancy jobs and some people travelling Europe. It’s important not to compare, even though it really is just right in your face. 

A main worry I hear a lot is people worrying that they chose the wrong thing to study. Maybe they don’t like it anymore, or the job market is rough, or they have new interests, whatever it may, looking back and wishing that you did things differently is an awful feeling and unfortunately a feeling I know all too well. But here’s the thing, that’s not a bad thing, that’s just growth. You might discover that your “dream job” isn’t so dreamy. Or that the thing you studied doesn’t light you up anymore. You might pivot. You might experiment. You might fall flat and start again. That’s not being lost—that’s being curious. Your 20s are for trying things. Don’t let the fear of looking flaky stop you from exploring. Your path doesn’t have to be linear to be valid. Your career and study path that you chose at 18 does not have to be the one that you stick with for life, there is so much out there! Don’t stress out too much. 

Post-grad life isn’t easy. It’s messy and weird and awkward and full of days where you just want to scream into a void. But it’s also just a transition period, not a forever period. Soon the time will come where you’ve settled into a routine and look back on this time and realize that you really had no reason to stress out. It’s the first time in your life that you get to fully own your choices. It’s exciting! You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. In fact, most people don’t. They’re just pretending really, really well.