Source: Fashion 18 (Online Archive)
Published: June 22, 2006
Author: Sarah Barrable-Tishauer
Yesterday was a momentous day. As of 11 a.m., I was finished school for a whole TWO months. It’s funny how the landmark you have been working toward since September has a habit of not setting in for a few days. As I sit watching Live with Regis and Kelly (which I never get to watch because I am always at school), it begins to set in that I have an amazing summer ahead of me.
Last night was quite busy, if I do say so myself (guess I’m living up to my Fashion 18 nickname, “The Princess of Parties”). After my exam, I went out for lunch with a good friend and talked to my guidance counsellor about universities.
(On that note, I’m going to go out on a tangent. Sorry, I tend to do that a lot.)
Is anyone else stressing out about university? I’m a year behind my friends (because I’m so busy I took half a course load this year and will finish up my credits next year), so at least I can look to them for some guidance. But either way, I was looking for solid answers from Ms. Curry and I didn’t get them.
Basically she said it comes down to campus life and, of course, location! So, do I choose a big school in a small town, a big school in the city, a small school in the middle of nowhere or the option that seems non-existent — a small school in a big city? At least my counsellor helped me narrow down options. With a 91 percent average, she said I can get into any school I apply to (and even get a great scholarship).
I think I’d like a job where I can use both sides of my brain: practical and creative. So, it looks like a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Communication Studies is the program for me. But where do I go now? I’ve been assured that it all will slide into place — but isn’t it fair that I’m a little skeptical?
(Back from the tangent.)
Then I get this urgent call from my mom freaking out about our upcoming trip.
(Off on another tangent.)
Lemme just break the news to you guys: next Friday I’m off to China, Hong Kong and (the pièce de résistance) Tokyo. I am beyond excited. One of the directors for Degrassi has already got me pumped up about Japan with all these amazing photos of teen fashion.
So, anyway, my mom calls me and says we have to get visas for China. Since it’s a communist country you have to get government approval to cross the border and they take a week to process. So I raced down to the Chinese embassy with the passport photos my mom and I had just taken (I always look like a criminal in those photos) and luckily got the forms — three minutes before they closed!
(Further tangent.)
Speaking of close calls, I had promised my best friend tickets to one of the best concerts this summer. Ticketmaster was sold out and I felt horrible that my procrastination had led me to break a promise. Luckily, dads are always there to save the day. My wonderful father found an obscure record shop that still had tickets.
This Saturday on beautiful Toronto Island I will be enjoying the sounds of Feist, Broken Social Scene, Bloc Party and many more. Equation: Feist + Toronto Island + sunshine + BFF + school’s out = YAY!!!!
(Okay, finally, back to last night…)
After the Chinese embassy adventure I dashed back home, then got ready for the CTV Client Appreciation Event at the Rosewater Supper Club. Miriam and I enjoyed talking to a few local celebs, then headed back to her place for So You Think You Can Dance.
Later, I headed to an end-of-school BBQ at my friend Calynn’s house (trampoline included), followed by a midnight dessert bar run. Banana chocolate waffles? Yes please.
So, I guess the next time I write it’ll be from Tokyo. Enjoy the beginning of summer — it’s only going to get better from here. Happy tanning (don’t forget the SPF 30).
—Sarah Barrable-Tishauer
P.S. I just wanted to thank you all for your lovely comments on my last blog. It’s so nice to hear that you enjoy reading my adventures each week and, as an aspiring journalist, I was touched that you think I have potential in writing. Keep the comments coming—I’d love to hear about how you guys are spending your few months of freedom.
Archived Slideshow Captions
Editor’s Note: The original post included a photo slideshow. While the full image set was not archived, the surviving captions are preserved below.
- Caption 1: Sarah celebrates the first days of summer.
- Caption 2: Sarah and her mom at the first rooftop BBQ of the summer.
- Caption 3: Summer fun with her friends.
- Caption 4: The beauty of summer.