slow.

Today was one of those perfect autumn days that don't come around that often.

I was blessed with a fall birthday, and I have always loved celebrating the season alongside it.

Although technically my birthday is this upcoming Tuesday, having a weekday celebrating isn't always possible for my usual suspects because of work, class, et cetera.

I like turning to the weekend before to have an extra glass of champagne and dance around the apartment.

As you may have read on the blogette, I also adore Sundays. My week consists of constant emails, phone calls, updating social feeds and more, thus making me addicted to my phone.

On Sundays, my world slows a bit. I only have a few emails (usually from my mother or store about an upcoming sale - both are very welcome messages) and if it's sunny out, you can stroll along the street listening to your iPod without interruption.

Taking the time once a week to slow down and recharge in whatever way works for you can make a huge difference on the week ahead.

Today consisted in an impromptu meet up with a friend, a putz in a favourite neighbourhood for a cupcake, fabric and trim shopping and ending with a manicure at a salon hosting a one-day discount.

This upcoming week looks wild again as well - I'm performing in two dance shows, attending my first Toronto Fashion Week show as a guest, am helping out AM with their 40th Anniversary shows and turn another year older in between all that.

Stay tuned for more updates and coverage from all directions of this - looking forward to another wild week (and a little relax apres).

Have a lovely rest of your Sunday.

mantra6.

Solid first day at my internship - started work on a segment going to air, brushed shoulders with a few journalism idols and I'm feeling like a real grown up.

I'm happy and sad all at the same time - I have been so ready to be done school that this feels like a vacation. However, it's also the introduction to the world as a career woman, which I always saw as being far away.

The time is now.

No matter how dark the winter may be, I'm going to be bright. It's all good.

PS on a totally unrelated note (and I never do this!) here's my best dressed pick from last night's Academy Awards ceremony: Gwyneth Paltrow in a white Tom Ford dress. Effortless and stunning.

spontaneity.

As much as I like the carefree and spontaneous nature of my life (and I have to be, I'm a journalist), there's a part of me that will always love routine, repetition and the comfort of what's coming next.

One small way I can maintain and have control over at least one aspect of my life is knowing where to go for certain things. The wonderful thing about living in a metropolitan city like Toronto is you can be out walking at any hour of the day or night, and the coffee shops are still full of people working, the bars are busy with young and old partiers, and you get ice cream at 10PM just because you feel like it.

One of my girlfriends and I have our religious date. Some may think it's boring, but for us, it's perfect. We have a token restaurant we both love (and I don't get to enough), and end up hours-long conversations about everything over soba noodles.

Our apartments are steady. In a time when I know I'll be moving out of what's been my home for the past few years, I can really see how this little place has grown up with me, and I think I'll miss these lime green walls.

On Monday, I'm starting the last half of my semester working at CTV's Canada AM as an intern. I tested the travel route today, and it's interested to see how this will now be my new constant. Right now, it's the eve again. The eve on the unknown.

Who knows what's going to happen? I'm willing to try. It's the spontaneity that keeps us alive.

journey.

Merry Christmas and (almost) Happy New Year! I hope that you all enjoyed lots of time with family and friends this holiday season.

2011 has been an amazing year full of opportunities in both dance and journalism; I'm hoping for the same in 2012!

Upon my return to Toronto I will be starting work in the Ryerson newsroom and then interning at CTV's Canada AM for my practicum placement. I'll still be running the social media for McClung's Magazine, and it will continue to have constant updates about the issue through the semester (check for the winter issue coming out in January!) I'll be graduating from the journalism program this June - needless to say, I'm excited!

In the dance world, I have completed six contemporary solo and duet pieces for dancers at Reflections Dance Studio and they will compete across western Canada in cities such as Vancouver and Calgary this spring. My open choreography/music theatre piece for Kelowna Secondary School's dance team will also be travelling to perform and compete in the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan in the coming semester.

Thank you to so many of my friends and who have believed in me and my vision (whether it be for something dance or journalism) and supporting me through this journey.

As I stand on the edge of my next chapter, I owe so much to those who support the dreamers. I couldn't do this without you.

Stay posted for updates about journalism, dance, life and everything in-between here and on my Twitter (@PortiaLoretta) for the coming year - this is only the beginning!

(PS here's another sneak peak of one of my dancers...beautiful lines!)