ABC's of Me!

Hello and welcome to my blog!

My name is Hilary and I will be travelling to South Africa for 6 months on July 20th! I thought I would start my blog by telling you a bit about myself. Instead of doing a boring getting to know me paragraph I would do an ABC's of me survey.

A. Age: 22

B. Bed size: Single all through University (Brock) and College (Niagara) but now that I am at my parents before I leave I am living it up in a double haha! I am guessing in South Africa I will once again have a single bed.

C. Chore you dislike: I would have to say vacuuming, I hate trying to get into all the tight spaces!

D. Dad's name:  Timothy.

Me and my Dad after a race

E. Essential start to your day: COFFEE! And breakfast. Brushing my teeth is also definitely up there.

F. Favourite colors: I always say white but people say that it is not a colour. Second choice would have to be pale yellow.

G. Gold or silver: I am allergic to gold, so I would say silver!

H. Height: 5’5

I. Instruments you play(ed): I went to an arts high school and played the trumpet for 4 years.

J. Job title: Right now I am employed with Niagara College through this internship! The job title on my business card is Economic Development Officer – Gender Research Specialist. I will be working with the Commission for Gender Equality. Here is there website if you are interested in seeing what they do before I blog about it!

K. Kids: None.

L. Live: This one is a bit tricky to answer! For the past four years I lived in St Catharines, Ontario while I attended University and College. I am was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario and my parents and sisters still live in the city. Finally, I will be living in East London, South Africa for my internship!

M. Mom’s name: Laura.

N. Nicknames: Oh my, I have a lot. Everyone in my family calls my different nicknames which are too embarrassing to share! Haha but my friends usually call me Hil, Hils or Hilary.

O. Overnight hospital stays: Lots! I have asthma and was in the hospital a lot when I was younger.

P. Pet peeves: The sound of Styrofoam touching things, totally weird I know. Also not being able to brush my teeth after I eat a meal.

Q. Quote: “Action expresses priorities” Gandhi.

R. Righty or lefty: Righty. I can’t do anything with my left hand.

S. Siblings: Two wonderful sisters named Caitlin and Briana. Caitlin is 30 and married to my brother-in-law Kyle. They have a 3 month old baby named Elliot. I might be biased, but I am pretty sure he is the cutest baby in the whole world. Briana is 27 and married to my brother-in-law Matt. They have no kids, but they just bought a new house.

My Mom, Me, Briana Elliot and Caitlin

T. Travel Experience: None!! I have never been on a plane prior to this trip. I have travelled to a few states and the only province I have been to outside Ontario is Quebec. I am very nervous but very excited.

U. Unknown Fact: I can touch my tongue to my nose.

V. Vegetables you don’t like: None! I am actually a vegan and love all vegetables. My favourites are kale, brussel sprouts and onions. If I had to pick a least favourite I would have to say celery.

W. Work Experience: I have worked in a few not-for-profits in the past. So far I have worked in or done placements with: AIDS Niagara, Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre, Alzheimer Society of Niagara and March of Dimes. I also worked at a lodge in northern Ontario as a kitchen worker, server and office assistant. In the future I hope to continue to work in not-for-profits or NGO’s. This will be my first time working with women and I cannot wait for this amazing experience. Gender studies have always been a passion of mine. 

X. X-rays you’ve had: Teeth, chest and of my wrist when I broke it.

Y. Yummy food you make: I love to cook! I make all kinds of things and love to experiment making my own twists on ethnic foods. I have a separate blog where I post recipes of things I make. I may post the link later! My favourite thing to make is Thai or Indian food, probably because they are also my favourite to eat

Z. Zoo animal you like: Giraffe’s are my favourite animal. I cannot wait to see them in the wild in Africa.

That is all for now! I will post all about pre-departure training soon!