1. The days are getting shorter, and I can feel it happening: that winter funk approaching. Ugh. Contrary to appearances, I do like a lot of things about the fall. It’s winter I really have trouble with. Both seasons, though, have the whole shorter-days-less-light thing going on and I always seem to find myself feeling blue as both start happening. I try to do what I can: sit in the sun for a bit every day, smile as much as possible (it really works, I swear, for the whole cheering up thing) do whatever I can to lift the spirits when I’m feeling especially blah. Also, there is the whole carbo-loading-for-hibernation thing. I mean, we are almost REQUIRED to eat pasta and bread to make it to March. It’s not up to me. It’s biology.
2. In (much) brighter news, I go to both Toronto AND the National Book Festival next week, which is actually just the shake up I think I need. I’m picking up dry cleaning, getting eyebrows done, and making time for a much-needed haircut. Is my first book tour trip to Canada AND first trip to this festival reason enough to do something radical with my hair? Fine, fine. Raise your hand if you have been reading this blog long enough to know that I always say I want to do that, and yet am still rocking the same style I had in high school. Sigh. I think I missed my radical hair window, you know, back in my 20′s. The craziest I ever got was some ill-advised use of Sun-In (I had an orange streak down the back of my head for MONTHS) and a brief infatuation with a crimping iron. Other than that, though, I have basically virgin hair. Maybe it’s time to get deflowered? (So to speak.) No? Oh, fine. I don’t think I will either. You know me too well.
3. Speaking of Canada, it’s been ages since I was there and I feel like I am woefully unprepared as far as what to expect. I have my passport but not much else. I’m told I should bring a sweater (if not a jacket) and that my AT&T iPhone will be crazy expensive to use, even with the International Plan I signed up for. But what about money? Do I need to convert currency? And what restaurants are REALLY good in case I can actually slip out and eat something delicious? Any seasoned travelers and Toronto natives who have tips, pass them my way. I do remember from when I went for How to Deal that there was LOTS of good shopping. Uh-oh…
4. My kid is such a hot mess right now. First, she has been INSISTING on playing outside in mud puddles and is covered in bugbites. I spray her EVERY day, but I think she’s built up immunity to our bug stuff. Then, today outside preschool, she totally bit it on the cement walkway, scraping both knees badly and one palm. So we have spots AND band-aids. I mean, I’m worried someone is going to call Social Services or something. I swear, I am overprotective! Even if it doesn’t look like it. For instance, right now (because of Wubbzy) she wants to put banana peels on her feet to skate around the house and I am saying NO. See? Responsible parenting in action!
5. Finally, I know that I have blogged a lot here recently about how much I….am not sure I want to blog anymore. As of tomorrow, September 16th, 2011, I will have been doing this blog for exactly ten years and one month. I know! That’s a lot of entries, a lot of life, a lot of, well, everything. It’s like we grew up together. I’ve gone from seven days a week to five to three and now….well, I’m not sure what I want to do. All I AM certain of is that I don’t like feeling a sense of obligation or fatigue whenever I think of updating here, and since I worry that is becoming the case, I’m stepping back a bit. I know, I know. I’ve said this before, too. But I will show up on this page when I have something worthwhile to say. It just might take awhile. In the meantime, if you WANT to hear the inane updates of my day to day life, feel free to follow me on Twitter, where I am probably more active than I should be. (Not even kidding: it’s like a sickness.) I’m at @sarahdessen.
Thanks for reading, everyone. You guys are the best.
I’m 99% sure you’ll have to convert currency. Makes sense to me…then again, I’m Canadian and have never tried to buy things with American money (although you could easily get away with using American pennies
I do it all the time! lol), and I don’t live in Toronto, so I’m not very well informed. xD
Toronto has lots of great little restaurants that are not part of a chain. If you look on the main streets, you’ll find cute little places that have great food and service. For shopping, you’ll be right at one of the biggest shopping malls- the Eaton’s Centre! Have fun! It is three stories full of shops. There is also Vaughn Mills and Yorkdale that I particularly enjoy. Lots of great stuff for adults and really cute stuff for your daughter too. The weather here (I go to school here) has been kind of crazy so I would prepare for anything. Yesterday, it was in the high 20s and I was boiling hot with pants and a sweater on. Today, I went out in a cardigan and pants and froze just walking to class. I would not be surprised to find next week like that too. They are calling for the 20s next week, so theoretically you should be fine with a light sweater. However, bring a jacket (or buy one!) to be safe
Oh P.S. I am pretty sure most stores will accept American cash, especially the big ones. I have been in many stores waiting behind someone who is converting. So I wouldn’t worry about converting it too much but if you don’t want to have to wonder if the store will accept it or not, then do so!
I completely understand about the hair thing. I have done some dying and a radical cut once, but mostly I just do layers and keep my natural hair color. I always get that itch to do something crazy. But, how I look at it is that by not doing something crazy my hair is a lot healthier and will stay that way longer.
And I agree about the blogging, don’t force it. When you feel like it, that makes the blog fun. If it’s not fun, then it kind of defeats the purpose.
While I will miss your blogging, I totally respect the decision to step back. That feeling of obligation is exactly why I don’t have a blog. But I am glad we will still see you on Twitter!
You don’t really need to have canadian money if you have a credit card like visa or mastercard. A lot of places will accept your debit card too! Have a nive trip to Toronto!
Hey Sarah,
A tip for the bug bites- Lush Handmade Cosmetics! http://www.lushusa.com
They have amazing stuff for kids, and they have shops in Toronto, so you can shop when you’re there. They are amazing! They have a calamine cleanser in bar form that is great for in the tub for Sasha for the bug bites, and a Tea Tree Toner Water spray that seriously keeps the bugs away like magic. I used it all over my legs when I used to work at a kid’s day camp.
And your best bet for phone stuff is to download the Skype app for your phone. You can buy a monthly unlimited for like $8 and you can use it to make calls, video chat, and even text on your phone. It’s the cheapest option because you’ll probably have wifi at your hotel and at the bookstores. That way you can turn on airplane mode more often and be able to save some money but still be able to talk to Sasha constantly!
Converting currency would be the best thing, I think. From what I hear, people CAN use American money here in Toronto, but apparently it makes the storeowners kinda grumpy haha. It’s not preferable. As for restaurants, there are TONS of things to try. Take advantage of Toronto’s diversity and perhaps try a Chinese restaurant or something different. Something unique to Canada that I recommend you try is poutine. Absolutely delicious
The weather’s been a bit bi-polar lately. I was dying of heat a few days ago, but today was chilly, to say the least. Have extra layers just in case! I hope you enjoy your trip to this lovely city of ours!
You don’t need to exchange currency. I know Canadian money is not accepted down in America, however, friendly ol’ Canada will accept your American money!
Hey Sarah! I am so excited to come see you next week! The Eaton Centre has a BUNCH of stores, but I think you should convert at least a small amount for “fun spending”
As long as you bring some cardigans or light jackets, and then some tees you’ll be fine!
Sarah, I feel like I grew up reading your blog and books. I started reading them when I was in high school and read your blog all the time. I just graduated college in May and now I am teaching high school. Your books helped me so much and now I hear my students talking about so many of the same issues. You really get it! I have loved reading your blog over the last 8 years but I totally understand about needing to step back. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with all of us! So glad you’ll still be tweeting! I love following you on twitter!
Best,
Celia
Sarah, I feel like I grew up reading your blog and books. I started reading them when I was in high school and read your blog all the time. I just graduated college in May and now I am teaching high school. Your books helped me so much and now I hear my students talking about so many of the same issues. You really get it! I have loved reading your blog over the last 8 years but I totally understand about needing to step back. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with all of us! So glad you’ll still be tweeting! I love following you on twitter!
Best,
Celia
Autumn is definitely my favorite season. Other than that is prescribes the cutest wardrobe (who doesn’t love cashmere sweaters and knitted hats?), but it makes everything feel so cozy! Maybe it’s just me.
I think your hair looks fantastic right now! I wouldn’t change it, but it’s totally up to you. Some people need a change.
I hope you have TONS of fun in Canada! I haven’t been there so I can’t give you any tips, but I’m sure you’ll find a bunch of great things.
I know that the decision is entirely up to you, but I’m just going to say that if you stopped this blog, I’d be soooo sad. You are honestly one of my favorite authors, and it’s so cool to be able to come on and actually hear what you have to say and read what kind of person you are. I actually find myself logging onto the computer every day to check if you’ve written another blog entry. Like I said, it’s up to you, but I’d LOVE you to keep writing. All the best!
So happy your coming to Canada!!!
For Toronto weather, you do need a sweater, and even a light jacket! This week is been getting really cold! Tomorrow morning for us is 5 degrees (Celsius) not sure what is in Frehenit but pretty low!
As for restaurant, there’s a great one called eggspectation for breakfast which is right by the Eaton center, like literally almost connected to it! Really great food for breakfast!!!
Also, have you ever used dealsfind or groupon? great deals on there for things in Toronto you can find
Excited that you are coming next week!
Aw, I love reading the blog, I have been doing so for the past couple of years. It’s been really fun reading it. Anyways, have fun on your Canada trip! I was 4 or 5 years old the last time I was there, so I don’t have any suggestions. Sorry, lol!
Have fun in Canada! Sadly, I won’t be able to make it.
but- nope. No buts. 
I have bug bites allll over my legs. 
so many curses… 
HAVE FUN! ans beat of luck with ur daughter and book tour! 
Restaurant wise, you want to hit up the Yorkville yummies: Cafe Nervosa is Italian and mid priced, Sassafraz is more expensive and DELICIOUS French/Canadian fusion. There is good sushi at Sushi Inn on Cumberland (better tempura) and also at Ginza on Bay north of Bloor. There is also good simple sushi at Sushi Garden on Wellsley between Yonge and Bay which is right by the Sutton Place hotel (you could be staying there?) The cafe in the basement of Holt Renfrew is really yummy too if you’re out shopping and need lunch.
On Queen St. W, Nota Bene is very chic and AMAZING fusion food but somewhat prohibitively expensive to students like me.
For brunch, Over Easy on Bloor or Yonge are great.
If I knew where you were staying I could be more helpful!
Shopping, hit up Holt Renfrew for the designer stuff with Canadian and world names (you like Theory, they have Theory) mixed in and you might like Aritzia for loungey stuff and they have cute coats and stuff which incidentally is right next to the Indigo you’re going to in the Eaton Centre. We have a lot of the same chains as you do but there are some nice boutiques in the Queen W. area. If you pick up a guide book it will give you some ideas.
Use a phone card on your cell or the hotel phone and I don’t know if you can turn off the internet on an iPhone but you should try that. You’re only going for a couple days so I wouldn’t worry too much about the cost. Just wear a watch and only use the phone for outgoing calls.
Weather: you definitely need at least a blazer if not a trench coat and you need a lightweight sweater. You also need an umbrella that fits in your purse because it has been known to rain in September. It is not summer there. It could get warm again but nobody there is acting like it is still warm.
You need Canadian money @@, of course. American money is accepted some touristy places of course (NOT CABS) but you’ll get Canadian change back anyways. If you have time, go into your bank and give them a cheque and ask them to get you the equivalent amount of Canadian dollars. It usually takes a day or so but they’ll get you an envelope of bills ASAP and you don’t have to deal with insane exchange rates and fees at the airport or getting international ATM fees. Using an ATM isn’t a big deal and basically everywhere will take your VISA, just let the bank know you’re traveling.
I SO wish I was going to be there to see you. I’m studying abroad this semester! Drat!
NOOOOO! Sarah, I LOVE reading your blog. In fact, you motivate me to write in my own — indiraadams.wordpress.com . Please try to write at least once a week. It means a lot to me.
NOOOOO. I just started reading your blog and I’m so sad you will be stopping! I will miss it.
OMG, my daughter is covered in bugbites too! Her legs look awful, I’m kinda glad that she will have to wear pants now to cover up the bites, scars from bites, and bruises from who knows! Though I’m like you, not a big fan of winter and I live New England, but there are no bugs!
I was pretty excited to find out that the School Library Journal leadership summit next week coincided with the National Book Festival, and then I found out you were going to be there and I just started jumping up and down. You know authors are like rock stars to us librarians, you know, and I cannot wait to meet you!
Good luck with the packing, as I know you stress (but only a teensy bit) over that and now it sounds like you have to pack for fall in Canada and then we’ll be having full summer in DC. Not that I’m complaining! See you soon.
Cheers
I’d be really sorry to see you stop blogging, I only found it a year ago, even though I started reading your books years ago.
I love your blog, because as well as being so superbly written, believe-it-or-not it is also inspiring too. It is nice to see ‘behind the scenes’ of an author, which is really nice for me as a bookworm to see behind the page, so to speak. I also like hearing the little bits of American culture and way of life in your blogs – diners, not knowing whether to take a coat places, and mozzie bites in September! Here in the UK, diners are def an American thing, a coat is a necessary now and midges definitely aren’t about! It makes the differences in the books seem smaller and gives your and other books more context which I especially like.
Of course I can understand why you don’t want to pressure of blogging if you don’t feel as if you want it, especially if you’re writing something else, but it’d be nice to still have an update – even if it is only very week or two
Hi Sarah!
Born and raised in Toronto and I can’t wait to see you! Definitely bring a sweater or a jacket – I’m currently rocking a leather jacket; it’s starting to get chilly but the temperature is very bipolar right now.
As for places to eat….The Urban Eatery just opened at the Eaton Centre aka the entire first floor has been converted to a fancy shmancy food court. Milestones is DELICIOUS (and also across the street from the mall) and I recommend the chicken pesto fettucini (my FAVE).
There’s an AMAZING all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant called Kyoto on Dundas and Elizabeth street that is my go-to place.
Fran’s or Eggspectations is excellent for breakfast or brunch!
As for currency, your best bet is to convert your money or use your VISA. We accept American money but it’s a lot less confusing if you use CAD currency.
Shame you’re missing out on TIFF. I passed by Madonna the other day!
If you plan on shopping (which I know you are), hit up Holt Renfrew for designer labels, Queen Street West or Kensington Market for a more vintage-y touch.
I’ve been waiting FOREVER for you to come to Toronto! Look out for me – I’ll be the girl with the lock tattoo on the back of her neck in honour of Lock and Key! I got an honourable mention in your photo contest.
- Alexa
Good luck with Sasha! I want to go to Canada!
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