TORONTO GIRL CHRONICLES

With my academic obligations now behind me and a renewed sense of "I can do anything", I am bringing this sexy blog back. So stayed tuned folks! I will continue to write about what it takes to make it in one piece in this beautiful city of ours!

Dearest Readers,

I'd like to apologize for dropping off the face of earth so suddenly and unexpectedly. As it turns out, I decided that I should practice what I preach and really give it my all to this math course. One month left and I said to myself, this is it, what you do now can determine your success! do I want to be known as the girl that can't add -2+1 for the rest of my life? No! the horror. So I did drop everything (except my main job - the one that pays the bills) and gave it my all to this course. I'll be happy to say that I got an 80% on chapter 6, coincidentally the hardest in the whole course and I am pretty sure that I just topped that last Thursday...
But dearest readers, its not all about mathematical domination. Its about getting out of your comfort zone and taking control of  said zone. Its hard work, and sometimes you have to prioritize accomplish these things. I've looked around all the people that I know to be successful and that is one thing that they have in common. They have stepped out of their comfort zone and found their edge. Everyone can do ordinary things like get up in the morning and go to work, but it is those who are truly extraordinary that go that extra mile, even if it means stepping into unknown territory, and they work hard and dominate their field. They own their craft.

Having said that...this is a project that is very close to my heart and I will continue to pursue and work hard and take it to the next level on June 1st. So come visit me then! I will have a new layout, more streamlined information, new topics, I'll answer your questions, more interviews with the experts, etc! its going to be great!!!!!!!!!! I promise.

Thanks for your patience. I promise it will be worth it.

Toronto Girl

"I could honestly write a war and peace length novel about my psycho roommate from hell, who I lived with for one semester.  I try to always give people a chance, give them the benefit of the doubt, but I can honestly say this girl is in a class of her own." - Excerpt from the Experienceproject.com Roommate from Hell Blog

Living with a roommate is an inevitable position if you're in school or just graduated and started you first job. Living with a roommate is also a great choice if you're saving up for a down payment. The thing is, anything can happen when you are living with a stranger. I recently took over the lease of my apartment (because I love it) and through trial and error discovered somethings that I wish I had considered.

THINGS THAT EVERY GIRL SHOULD KNOW WHEN PICKING OUT A ROOMMATE

• Important question: Do you have the same lifestyle? Are you both party animals? Are you both homebodies? Are you both Eco-friendly? Do your personalities mesh?  Personality issues (second to money issues) often out weight everything else.
• Will they help out with cleaning? Always be upfront with your expectations. Do you want to share chores? or do you mind doing all the cleaning? Propose a cleaning schedule.
• Do they have a stable job? Do they pay bills on time? You have the right to ask for a credit check. As nice as a person can be, paying your bills AND their bills when they flake out is not nice.
• How do you feel about guests? When is it okay to have guests over? how do you feel about overnight guests? how do you feel about parties? Establish the rules/what you feel comfortable and present them upfront. Be willing to negotiate on this one.
• What things are you willing to compromise on? Like I said before, you might negotiate having visitors only during the weekends (rather than no visitors at all) or who cleans what.
• Are they respectful of your property? I once had a roommate that broke the lid of my $150 food processor and didn't even offer an apology. Having said this - you should also determine what you're willing to share and what you want to keep to yourself.
• Every relationship needs boundaries. From experience I can tell you that it is best to be friendly but not befriend a roommate. You don't want someone to feel comfortable enough to not pay rent or break your dishes.
• Be positive, a 100% positive, that you want to live with that person. Trust your gut. Be assertive, be patient. Toronto is a renters city. Do your homework and you'll be okay.
• Ask for references and proof of employment. This is mandatory! I can tell you that I work as a secret agent, but can I prove it?

RESOURCES
Experience Project - Roommate from Hell  (just to laugh a little)
Viewit.ca
Craigslist
How to be a great Roommate (yes, it works both ways)
Roommate Conflict Resolution
Ontario Tenants Website (some laws you should be aware of)

And last but not least.... do you have any "Roommate from Hell" stories. Leave it below.

       

Seeing as how today is cloudy and its probably going to rain I suggest you head indoors to the Distillery District.  They have a lot of art galleries and artist studios, ranging from jewelry artist to encoustic artists (basically painting with hot hot wax). I love the artsy/sophisticated feel that the D.D has with all the cute little out door cafes, outdoor sculptures, elegant hip restaurants...they even have a chocolate shop. I love chocolate!

My friend and personal trainer Lyzabeth Lopez, creator of the Hourglass Bootcamp,  loves to pair us up so that we can torture each other. She was also featured in "Training with the Pros" torturing the host with this lovely exercise called the "booty blast". So if you are bored this weekend this is something you could try out with your best friend. Share the love.