Over the holidays I went back to visit my friends and family in Canada. When I got off the plane, the first thing I noticed was snow…a lot of it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m normally a fan of some casual snow. But I prefer it when the city you’re in is actually used to having it! While questioning what the snow meant and internally giving myself a hard time for not packing more suitable items, I looked up to see my sister. She of course erupted into a joyous scream and ran to give me a hug. Ah sisters… I’d missed her so much.

My sister and I had been begging our parents for a dog for as long as I can remember. My mom would always say no, because she really wasn’t a dog person. Not because she doesn’t love them, but because she didn’t want the responsibility and didn’t want to make the commitment. I’m also allergic to cats and a lot of dogs. We finally figured out it’s not the dander in the fur, but in the saliva, so whenever they lick me I get hives and rashes. But thankfully, the minute I wash my face, within a few minutes it’s all gone.