SNAP SHOTS

Illustrations by Iryna Presley

Have an adventure — get a new perspective

This past week, I had the pleasure of going on a road trip with my best friend. We drove over 1,400 km, stopping all along the Rocky Mountains on our way to my hometown of Edmonton. Settle in, jam to your favorite playlist, and get into some deep convos, because being stuck in the car with someone you love on a trip like that is a profound bonding experience.

The sites en route are breathtaking! Cruising down the highway, you’ll see sweeping views of snow-capped mountains, crystal clear blue lakes, and if you’re lucky, a bear or two! My favorite experience was the Sulphur Mountain gondola. Even though I’m terrified of heights, the short ride to the peak was worth the mini panic attack from seeing the ground very far below us. At the summit, we had 360-degree views of Banff and the surrounding mountain vistas. That state of nature makes you feel almost insignificant. These mountains have existed for millions of years, and will be around for millions more. I’m very lucky to exist in this very small period of time that allows me to experience it.

I’m glad to have made some epic memories and inside jokes that will last a lifetime. Pack your bag, grab some snacks, and hit the open road. Life’s too short not to take that risk or go on that trip — it’s absolutely worth it!

Lindsey Roberts

I built my own computer during the height of a microchip shortage. If you don’t know what that means or why it would matter, graphics cards (a fundamental part to a PC) were egregiously priced at the time. Despite the damage to my wallet, I loved the entire process of building the computer. I watched several videos on how to go about it and studied up on what sort of specs I wanted my computer to be running. I then worked out where to get the parts I needed, and even custom painted my PC case.

Did I know anything about computers beforehand? No. I still don’t even know how to use Excel (please don’t ask me to ever make a spreadsheet). Did I learn a lot in the process? Yes (but not how Excel works). Would I do it again? I would, but not during a microchip shortage. I think building your own PC is a great idea if you are into gaming, have specific PC requirements, or just like a fun project, but maybe be kind to your wallet in the process.

Emmaline Spencer

A few months ago, I brought up to friends that I would bring back the concept of yearning. Maybe I’ve seen too many episodes of Bridgerton, or maybe I just like the chase of it all! I have been dabbling in hand touches and tweeting from a distance in hopes that my crush sees it, but I’ve also come to realize that yearning doesn’t have to be romantic. The impulse to yearn can be deeply rooted in my desire to be rid of instant gratification. I count down the minutes during my work day for when I can go enjoy a cold patio beer. I sit by my front door waiting for my Sephora delivery and think: seriously?? A whole week before it gets here?? Yet, I try to argue that I’m self-aware enough to know I’m being ridiculous. Just these past few weeks I started reading three books at the same time due to feeling like the pacing was too slow! One book off? That’s the author's problem! Two? Coincidence! Three? Okay, that’s a “me” problem. So, slowly, I have been trying to gain back patience. I yearn to yearn.

Eva Davey

Sometimes I feel like there’s too much dating advice in the world. I feel like we’ve come to a point where most of it contradicts itself, or precedes toxic and/or codependent relationships. But, the best and simplest advice I have been given is to find someone I can fart with.

I needed to stop looking at what I wanted my partners to be, and stop trying to make them see me a certain way. I needed to be comfortable enough to fart.

Admittedly, it wasn’t until this last relationship that I finally understood this breeze of wisdom. You see, at first, I didn’t want a relationship. I was tired of the repeatedly disappointing results I’d had in the past, so when this one came along, I was too exhausted to play a role. I never filtered what I said, I dressed up if I felt like it and didn’t when I didn’t, and most importantly, I never held back a fart. I implemented the same policy as the as-is section of Ikea, and they could take it or leave it. It’s been five years now, and we are still farting together.

Marie-Ange Routier