Robert's blog

Top Ten Moments in 2021

Another year has gone by. While the year is ending much like the beginning of this year (lockdowns, curfews, etc.) 2021 has been a year with plenty of great moments. From meeting people in person for the first time in forever to walking along an edge of a tower, 2021 will be known as the year of recovery. Here are the top ten moments that this blogger had experienced.

10. Italy Winning the Euro

It was a nerve-racking game to say the least. The Euro final featuring England and Italy went into penalties. In the end, Italy defeated England, earning them their second Euro cup since 1968. Celebrations took place across the Italian community in Montreal. As an Italian descendent, it was amazing seeing the community unite to celebrate a well deserved victory. After what we’ve been through due to the pandemic, a celebration was much needed.

9. Mont-Sainte-Hillaire

Hiking is an opportunity to walk into nature. It can also be exhausting. With a bunch of friends, we went hiking on Mont-Sainte-Hillaire which is located 30 minutes east of Montreal. It is definitely worth going for a weekend.

8. Riding through town

Cycling, cycling, cycling. Montreal is well-known for their notoroious bike paths. Cyclists can easily get around the city by the different paths set up around the city, much to the car-gin of drivers. In Montreal, we have bixi services where can rent a bike and ride around the city. They also have ebikes which can make you ride faster. Riding on the ebikes was very fun and exciting. It is also convient when riding long distances. Overall, I had an amazing experience with the ebike, and I look forward to riding on one when the biki season resumes in April.

7. Zip-lining

Riding the zip-line is not for everyone. Anyone who has a fear of heights will think that zip-lining is crazy and dangerous due to hovering on a line. For this blogger though, it is always an adventure. I personally went zip-lining in Niagara Falls and did the inter provincial zip-line in Ottawa. The minute and a half ride interprovincial zip-line starts in Ottawa Ontario, and ends in Gatineau, Quebec. I must say it is pretty awesome to zip-line through Canada’s two (very) different provinces.

6. Creative Writing Diploma

In September 2020, I decided to obtain a diploma at Concordia University in Creative Writing. The courses I took had helped me gain my confidence in my writing skills. I also got to work with many talented peers. After completed six courses, I earned my Diploma. What will I do after? Only time will tell.

5. Double Vaccinated

Normally, I avoid heated controversial topics, but taking the two shots was something I needed to do to help fight this pandemic. When it was my turn, I did not hesitate to take the jab. It felt good to take the vaccine because I felt it was the right thing to do for me and the people I love.

4. Trip to Mt. Tremblant

It can be daunting to be stuck with the same four walls at home. I needed an escape. In June 2021, this blogger went on his first solo trip since the pandemic again. Located an hour and a half, northwest of Montreal. Mt. Tremblant is a very popular tourist attraction all year round.

This blogger rented an Airbnb and stayed in a cozy condo for three days. While there, I recharged my batteries and enjoyed some well deserved peace and quiet.

3. Return of in-Person Gatherings

We’ve been craving to meetup with people! It was a long time coming!

2021 saw the return of in-person gatherings after the pandemic putted in-person events to a screeching halt. From poetry meetups to hikes and reunions, it was amazing being around friends and family.

2. Trip to New York

My trip to New York was unexpected. However, a few friends and I decided to spontaneously go to New York City for a weekend last November. While in New York, we went to the popular tourist sites including Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. We also went to a karaoke bar, singing the night away. Looking back, the trip was well deserved and a big break from being at home.

Honorable mentions

Long Walks

Walking is a great way to do a quick exercise. With lockdowns looming, getting in some fresh was a great way to keep my mind off this crisis.

Edge walk

The CN tower is 553 meters high. It is the symbol of Toronto. Now I know what you’re thinking; who would want to walk along the tower, over 500 feet above ground?

Well, as part of seeking discomfort, I decided to try out the edge-walk that is offered at the CN tower. The edge walk takes place at the top of the tower. The procedure is simple. Once you have signed in, you will be directed into a storage room where you leave your belongings. You will then need to put on PPE for safety reasons. Once you’re done, the instructor will bring you to the top where they will give you instructions on holding the cable connecting to the tower. Afterwards, an instructor will guide you around the edge-walk where you will participate in fun games involving leaning along the tower.

While the experience may seem scary, I enjoyed this intense activity. I felt safe and secure with the equipment and was able to walk along the tower well above the streets of Toronto.

2021 was an eventful year, and I am looking forward to more adventures in 2022!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Wishing you all the best in the new year.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Staying Healthy for the Holidays

Food, food, and more food. With the holidays approaching, it is important to watch your weight while staying in shape. No matter what you are celebrating, you will encounter delicious food which is accustomed to the holiday whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, etc. Here are a few tips of how you can stay in shape despite the food coma you are likely to endure.

Exercise

An obvious way of keeping fit, doing some form of exercise is important. So what if you gain a little weight over the holidays? It’s completely normal to add a few pounds after celebrating a holiday.

Over the course of the holidays, continue with your exercise routine to keep yourself in shape. For those who wish to wait until after the new year to start exercising, it is best to start getting into a habit of exercising as soon as you want to, rather than waiting until after a certain date to start. You can do any type of exercises you want as long as you keep on doing so.

Keeping up with your exercise habits will ensure you that you will keep healthy, and not gain much weight over the holidays, and even if you do, you can always diet once your food coma is all set and done.

2. Eat a well balanced diet

Why would I think about dieting over Christmas? Can I still pig out even if I am supposed to be on a diet?

Yes, you can.

There is no reason why you shouldn’t be eating more than you normally would over Christmas dinner. Treat it as a cheat day (or days) for you. Even those who are on a diet can cheat out for a couple of days over eating at a Christmas gathering (or whichever holiday you celebrate). Of course you do not need to eat all the food if you don’t want to. You can skip dessert if you’re not interested in eating the sweets. Keep in mind that Christmas, and any special occasions may be the one of the only times where you have the opportunity to eat sweets. In other words, dig in! You have the rest of the year to eat healthy. Having cake once a year won’t kill you.

3. Take a brisk walk between Dinner Meals

Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Feeling stuffed? Ready to crash on the couch? We all feel drained out after having that big Christmas dinner. It is tempting to just slouch onto the sofa and take a quick snooze. Hopefully the weather is nice in your area because instead of crashing onto your uncle’s couch, why not take a nice brisk walk? It will help keep you awake and alert while waiting for the next round of meals.

4. Consider Making More Healthier Meals

Not everyone is into tradition. Sone people may want to make something different when having people over. Holidays gatherings are no exception. Consider cooking more healthier meals if your guests do not mind a change in eating. Just be sure to have some sweets on the side as some people may have a sweet tooth.

Conclusion

Tips for a healthy holiday includes working out and keeping your eating habits clean, though you can slack on them during a gathering. Do not worry about the post-holiday weight as you can work on it around the holidays. Wishing you all a safe and Happy Holidays!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Investing

Money, money, money. Oh yes. We want to make money to help us pay our bills, and to live off debt free. We hear a lot about investing our money and how it can help grow our bank accounts. While we hear about investment, what does that mean necessarily? Let’s have a look.

What is investing?

The Oxford Dictionary defines investing as, “expend money with the expectation of achieving a profit or material result by putting it into financial plans, shares, or property, or by using it to develop a commercial venture.” In other words investing is when you put your money in funds to help grow your bank account.

Why Invest and How

It may be a good idea to invest your money for future savings. We all have goals to achieve, particularly retirement. Getting started early will give you more time for your account to compound and to grow. You can invest by buying stocks or put your savings into a fund. In Canada, you can contribute your funds into various accounts such as a Tax-Free Savings account. Investing in stocks can help you make money out of your funds. It is important to invest wisely as not knowing what you’re doing can lead you to lose money. This rule on investing is a great read.

This Blogger’s Point of View

For me, investing your money is a good idea as long as you understand how it works. I would highly recommend seeking a financial advisor at your local bank on advice on investing before taking the plunge. A financial advisor can help you decide what is best for you. I would also suggest on educating yourself on how to invest by looking at YouTube videos, reading books on investing, and maybe take a few beginners courses on investing.

We all invest everyday. Purchasing an item even as something small as a little key chain is money being invested. Remember to invest wisely, invest on what is best for your well being, and don’t hesitate to seek out financial advise if you want to invest but not sure on how to do so. Happy investing!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Talking to Strangers

“Don’t talk to strangers!”, “stranger danger!”, phrases we hear so often as children. We are told not to talk to strangers because they can be dangerous. You could be running into a predator. They may start to take advantage of you. All sorts of bad things can happen when talking to a random person. While it’s not good to talk to strangers as a minor, it may not be such a bad idea as a grown individual.

Why we Should be Talking to Strangers

As human beings, we strive for communication. It is important for our mental health to communicate with other people. Here are some of the reasons why talking to strangers is a good thing.

You make new Friends

When we take part in something new (a job, a class, a workshop, etc.), we usually meet people we had never seen before. Being part of a group is an opportunity to meet people who have the same interests as you. Creating “small talk” can help break the ice on having a conversation with an individual or a group of individuals.

2. It can Boost your Morale

Talking to strangers can be a challenge for shy and reserved people. Their minds react to the fight for flight response because they feel very uncomfortable on reaching to people they don’t know. While it can be nerve raking for an introvert to approach a stranger, doing so may help built their confidence, especially if they are kind.

3. You Expose Yourself to Different Cultures

We live in a world filled with different languages, beliefs, and cultures. Yet, we strive for what we want what’s best for the world. Most of us want peace, and that is a good reason to talk to a stranger. Opening up to strangers is a great way to explore other cultures, and to get out of your comfort zone.

4. Can Make you Feel Less Lonely

Everyone needs a friend. Opening yourself up to other people will help you keep company. You will make friends, and have someone who you can talk to and hang around with.

5. You may Marry that Stranger

Matchmaking. Matchmaking. There are plenty of apps where can hook up with other singles. Tinder, Bumble, and Plenty fo Fish can help you find that special someone. It doesn’t hurt to get out there and make new friends. You may end up falling in love, and spend the rest of your life with your match!

Conclusion

The idea of talking to strangers may seem strange for a lot of people, especially for those who have a lack of trust towards others. While children may be shield from talking to strangers, as adults, they can identify if the people they meet are trustworthy or not. So go ahead, talk to strangers, and follow your gut. Your life may just start to change for the better.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Public Transit

As the world re-opens after a year and a half of restrictions, it is time for most people to get back to their old commute habits. Unless you are permanently working remotely, you will be back commuting if you haven’t done so already. Which type of transit should you take? Car? Carpooling? Bus? Subway? Train? Bike? It all depends on where you live and how much you can handle the traffic. Here are the various modes of transportation and a list of advantages and disadvantages of getting around.

Transport by Car

Commuting by car is the most common source of transportation to get around. It is convenient, we have our own little privacy, and it is simple to get around. Although taking the car is the most reliable way to commute. It has its disadvantages. The environmental impact on commuting had been an issue for decades. The amount of pollution released from the engine is harmful to the environment and a big contribution to climate change. Another problem is the economic impact on our wallets. Paying at the pump, car repairs, and depending where you live, you may need to pay heavy for parking.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Efficient	Bad for the environment
Privacy	Stuck in traffic
Control the heating and A/C	Expensive
You’re in control	Dealing with other drivers on the road

Transport by Subway

Traveling by subway is a popular way of getting around, especially when living in a city. It is perhaps the must reliable source of transportation. It is usually inexpensive, and makes transport around the city, very fast. The only disadvantages are when the subways are overcrowded, and in the event the subway is shutdown.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	Might be dirty
Relax and enjoy the ride	Standing if there’s no seat available
No need to find parking	May be picketers on the train
No traffic	Service disruptions

Transport by Bus

A lot of people do not like taking the bus because the service can be insufficient and it can be uncomfortable. After all, it’s easier to get around by car. Bus lanes can help save time as cars and trucks are prohibited during certain hours of the day.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	Buses may run late or not show up
Environmentally friendly	Waiting in the cold or in the heat
Relax and enjoy the ride	Can be overcrowded
Skip the traffic through bus lanes	Can get stuck in traffic

Commuting by Train

The good old train. It is quick, and you have views where you won’t get anywhere else. It is convenient to take the train to avoid the morning and afternoon traffic. Taking the train can be a bit expensive and their schedule may not be suitable for everyone.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Travels Quickly	May be running late
No Traffic	Need to rely on their schedule
Can look Outside the Window	A bit costly

Carpooling

To help save money, and to be environmentally friendly, carpooling is a great way to get around. There are lanes dedicated to carpool drivers, and it’s one less car on the road. The only issue is not having your independence.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Less Cars in the Road	Need to rely on the Driver for a Lift

Cycling

Cycling is growing more and more as a way to get around. Depending where you live, there are lanes dedicated to cyclists. It is inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Cycling can be fun, but watch out for moving vehicles.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	May get a flat
Good Exercise	Difficult to cycle in the winter
Environmentally Friendly	Motorists may cut you off

Location, Location, Location

The type of transportation that you should get around depends on where you live. Major cities usually have a subway system where you can get around. It is very sufficient for those who leave near a subway station. Getting around by car in the city is rough because of heavy traffic and usually offer pay parking which adds up to what you are already spending on a car.

Coming from the suburbans really depends on the service public transit offers and your schedule. If you have a 9 to 5 job, and you live near a train station then taking the train is the easiest way to get around. Just don’t miss the 6 PM train when you leave because service tends to really slow down during off-peak hours. Taking the car to work depends on the type of situation you are in. If you have kids and have other responsibilities outside of work hours, then you may have no choice but to take the car despite the gridlock traffic going into town. If commuting to work does not require following the traffic then you are in luck.

Driving is a must if you live in a rural area. Buses in rural communities usually have service once every hour, and some buses only offer service during rush hour periods. Not to mention that they do bring you directly into the city, but rather a train or subway station.

To conclude, commuting really depends on where you live and if you have other responsibilities.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

What’s in a Coffee?

A while back, this blogger discussed coffee and how it affects everyday life. This time, let’s look at coffee from a different point of view.

Coffee Culture

Coffee, a type of caffeine that a lot people crave. It is very common to have a cup of coffee as soon as you wake up. Consuming caffeine usually helps us perk up and stay alert.

Some people like to have their coffee at home. It might just be a moment for one to replenish their thoughts, and to prepare for the day ahead. Others like to take coffee on the go by going through drive thru restaurant which serve coffee. Others enjoy going to a small coffee shop, and have their coffee.

Reasons for doing so include, but not limited to meeting up with someone, to study or write, or to support a local business. The impact of culture in our society is certainly significant.

The Art of Coffee

Coffee is art. For example, we can see art in the coffee when the barista pours foam in the cappuccino, and makes it into a shape of a cloverleaf or a heart. Art can make coffee, taste that much sweeter.

Lets for a minute look right through a cappuccino. What do you see? I personally see dots which can be freckles from a human body. Looking through an empty cup of cappuccino. I can see a dried up pond. What do you see? Two eyes? A lake? What’s inside a cappuccino? Let your imagination wonder.

Coffee is not just a beverage we have to stay awake, its a piece of art.

Conclusion

By looking at coffee through our eyes, we can see the creativity that is being put into the cup. All it takes is using your imagination. Most people will not think of coffee has art, but if you just look through the coffee, you may find a different perspective of how your morning coffee tastes of.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Music

The sound of music. It brings a nice tune. Music can also put us in a certain mood. Regardless of our tastes in music, we can agree that a tune can help us lighten our mood. As someone who listens to music everyday, I get curious as to why we as humans feel different music genres can shape the way we function throughout the day. Let’s have a look.

History of Music

The origins of music dates back to the early days of human civilization. Early evidence reveal that humans may have created flutes from animal parts while using rocks as percussion. It appeared likely that the sound of music was used thousands of years ago to help people communicate as they were unable to speak like we do today.

The evolution of music has changed over the centuries. In the early days of Christianity, music was flowed with latin texts which was meant as worshipping God. During the medieval era, music started to elaborate on devices which created beauty and faith. The renaissance era of the 16th century, was known as the golden age of music because the instruments that were formed helped create great music. We can agree that music has greatly changed over different periods of the common era.

Music in our Head

The musical effect (as this blogger likes to describe it) can change the tone in the human mind. A study from the University Of Central Florida reveals that music can help with people with Alzheimer’s by playing their favorite songs. The connect to music and Alzheimer’s patients can be associated with fond memories evoking in the brain. Other benefits can also help reduce seizures, boost your immune system, as well as helping repairing brain damage.

Hip-hop, techno, classic, what’s your favorite genre? Why does our mood change based on the music we listen to?

Research studies have shown that the music we enjoy relies on dopamine. The music we play activates our “dopamine receptors” in the brain, which allows our hormones to give us feelings of comfort and happiness. The release of dopamine explains why we feel pleasure when we listen to our favorite genres.

Music and Dancing

How does music makes us want to dance? The answer to this broad question is very scientific.

In videos, marketing music is used to grab our attention. Don’t you start to sing when your favorite song starts to play during a commercial? This can be seen as a way to get your attention in the product the ad is trying to sell.

This answer could be similar to why we enjoy certain music genres. The human brain activates when someone dances as the brain is trying to observe how a dancer moves around.

Conclusion

Music is a tool we use to help take our mind off things. Listening to tunes can help our brains release dopamine which can makes us motivated to perform a task or to keep us in a calm mood. Regardless of your taste in music, we can all agree that without music, the world would be much different.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Class is Now in Session

As the summer season comes to an end, it is time to start thinking about the fall and the return to school. The idea of returning to class is not something anyone wants to think about. Getting back to the school routine can be quite an adjustment, especially after a summer of staying up ate, and not worrying about studying.

For college and university students, it means setting up their schedule for the thirteen or so weeks of classes they will encounter (as well as potential finals).

For kids and teenagers, heading back to the classroom means a nightly bed routine, and being swapped with homework assignments.

For parents, this means going back to preparing lunches everyday, buying school supplies, and making sure their children are up to date on their homework.

Here are some suggestions which will help make the transition easier for everyone.

College/University Students

The idea of a new semester is an opportunity to start fresh. If you are a college student, are you felling good the first day, but then start to drain by week 4? You’re not alone. A lot of students feel burned out by the time mid-terms come around. To help maintain a great semester, it is important to set your priorities.

Which comes first? What about my job? Can I still have a social life?

It is important to not let work interfere with your education so be sure to work enough to make an income, but not to lead you to a burnout. You can still go out with friends during the semester. Just remember to put your studies first, and you may want to spend the weekend before finals in the library over going out for drinks.

Children and Adolescents

Getting children back to a nightly routine can be a challenge. The best thing to do is to set a phased earlier bed routine. This means letting the kids slowly going to bed earlier in the last week before their first day back to school. Children and adolescents should get a guide on what they can expect in the next school year. Have the kids read their favorite book and to prepare them the material they will be learning. Just remember to let kids be kids and have them enjoy the summer.

Parents

It is already enough parents need to prepare for work the next day. It is much tougher when it comes to preparing their children’s lunches and making sure they do their homework. Compromising is the best thing when it comes to participating in their children’s academic life. Parents can take turns in handling the responsibilities of preparing for the next day depending on their skills and their work schedules. If one works less hours than the other parent, the parent with hewer hours will have more time to be involved with helping out the kids. For the other parent, they can participate whenever their schedules allow them to. It is important to have both parents take the responsibilities of being active in their children’s lives.

Unfortunately, it is not said for single parents who are on their own. The work is twice as hard for those in that situation. In this blogger view, the best thing to do is to see if it’s possible for the other parent to be involved. If that’s not possible, just be the best parent you can be.

Recap

The school year is upon us, and it is time to set your new school routine. Take a deep breath. Let it sink in. Do your very best to make the new school year as great as possible. Good luck!

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_0228-1.jpg

Brief Solo Getaways

Everyday living can be exhausting at times. We get up, go to work, come back home, repeat. Even when we are home, we cannot escape from doing tasks such has cleaning, laundry, and cooking. For those who have children, it means coming home to helping out with their homework, and preparing their lunches for the next day. Even for people who do not have a family to raise, it can be irritating to always see the same four walls everyday.

The idea of getting away from it all is tempting, but it is not as easy as booking a hotel or an airbnb on the spot. Most people say “no” to peace and quiet because they have responsibilities at home or simply cannot afford to take a mini vacation. How is it possible to take a solo getaway despite living in a demanding world?

The Idea of Getting Away

It’s 5:30 pm Friday. You arrived home after a long week of work, and you just want to get back on your feet. Unfortunately, you have a weekend to do list being shoved in your face. You feel bummed out to the point where you just cannot take it anymore, and need a mini solo vacation.

It may be easier to getaway if you live alone and/or do not kids to take care of. If you do have children, you should still seek a small getaway to take a breather from the kids. While it may seem selfish to go away without your partner and children, it may be worth going alone in order to get some much needed “me” time.

Personal Experience

A few weeks ago, this blogger went away for a few days to get some much deserved peace and quiet. I spent a lot of time at home for the last fifteen months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Living with my dad, my divorced sister her five year old daughter, and her dog, it is not always easy living in a rowdy environment, especially when living with anxiety.

I booked an airbnb in Mt. Tremblant, Quebec (a 90 minute drive from my hometown of Montreal). Mt. Tremblant is a ski resort during the winter months, while there are plenty of activities you can such as hiking in the summer. The resort has several hotels, shops, and restaurants. There is also plenty of activities to do for people of all ages such as cycling, hiking, and go karting.

The airbnb where I stayed was in a condominium, a five minute drive from the resort. It had a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a patio which works for me.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_4997.jpg — Mt. Tremblant Resort

Why it’s Critical to Getaway

It is understandable why most people do not bother with going on solo vacations. They have commitments at home, and a family to take care of. Some simply cannot afford to getaway. Despite the obstacles that are out here, leaving and going to the countryside or the mountains for a few days will give you so much needed alone time.

Recap

My experience on getting away from the chaos at home was great and peaceful. It felt amazing not getting up to the noisiness of others, and not having to be awaken by the dog barking. I highly recommend anyone to get away into the wilderness and not to worry about anything for at least a few days.

To find an airbnb, first download the app and sign up. Once you’ve signed up, picked the destination where you want to stay and when you want to check in and check out. You can go with the price range you are willing to spend a night. You will then find places you can rent. Click on the place you want to stay and read the itenrary. Before you book, make sure your host has a good rating and has general positive reviews. Once you book, you are all good to go.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger

Being Bored (and how you can use it to your Advantage)

“I’m bored!”; a catchphrase we use often when we run out of things to do or when we get tired of always performing the same repetitive tasks. Although feeling bored is not amusing, it can be used as a tool of being productive. How’s that possible? Well, keep on reading and I’ll get you out of your boredom.

What it means to be bored

When we think of boredom, we think of ourselves sitting down and just staring at the wall. Some of us even lie down, and close our eyes. Boredom makes us sleepy because our brains are drawn to be creative, and if we do nothing, the brain starts to shutdown and therefore, we fall asleep.

It can be daunting sometimes to feel bored, we as human beings want to enjoy ourselves and be entertained. We try to find entertainment in hopes it would help relive our boredom. What if we can use our boredom to our advantage and create ideas and goals we had been holding off?

How you can use boredom to bring in creativity

Being bored can help you come up with objectives which can have an impact on your future. It can be as simple as taking a short walk. While taking a stroll to help relieve your boredom can lead to daydreaming. While daydreaming, ideas will pop out of your head. Say you want to start a business or you wanted to do a project you have been procrastinating. If you become bored the right way, doing so can open your mind too many possibilities.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger