Smiling, Laughing, Tired, Toronto.

I'm a bad blogger.

The Toronto skyline from Billy Bishop Airport

I spent a week in Toronto for work and not only did I manage to take zero (good) photos (and I completely neglected to take outfit photos on three occasions), I did absolutely no shopping. NONE. I had even scheduled my flight home for later on Sunday so that I would be guaranteed some quality time with H&M; however, my need for sleep won out (sleeping in the Porter Lounge at Billy Bishop Airport is tres classy and not embarrassing at all).

I have no one to blame for this travesty but myself.

You see, after working 16 hour days I decided to go against my usual hermit tendencies and was a social butterfly. Not only did I have friends who lived in Toronto that I had to see, but friends/former colleagues just happened to be in town from Vancouver - so really, it would have been rude of me not to go out.

Day 0 - drinks with a friend
Shirt - Wilfred from Aritzia; Jeans - Mavi; Wedges - Aldo

Even though I was exhausted, it was fantastic. There's nothing quite like catching up with friends who you haven't seen in over a year, and in some cases two years. I swear, part of the reason I was so tired at the end of my trip was that I'd spent the entire time smiling and laughing. So really, it's pretty good excuse for neglecting my dear old friend H&M.

But I wasn't just in Toronto to socialize, I did some work as well.

My Conference "uniform". I made t-shirts to promote our national week of celebration (which takes place in November) and they were a hit! I've never had so many people compliment an outfit - the power of an iron-on transfer!
Sweater  - Zara; shirt - homemade/Fuit of the Loom; Pants - Jacob; Shoes - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I was in Toronto as my work was hosting it's annual general conference (AGC). But this wasn't just any AGC, this was an AGC for the record books because we had partnered with the International Society to host the biennial World Congress - only the second time this event has ever taken place in Canada. Over 1,200 people from 60 countries traveled to Toronto for these four days, and it was incredible. Talking with people from all over the world was amazing and quite eye-opening. It really puts it in perspective how lucky we are to live and work in Canada.

Day 2 - Sweater - Zara; Shirt - homemade/Fruit of the Loom; Skirt - Jacob; Shoes - Aldo

Some of the highlights (aka: Kate's most embarrassing moments) from the Congress include:

• A poster I designed for World Radiography Day was revealed at the Opening Ceremonies (I was not expecting this at all; thank goodness no one asked me to come on stage).
• Being asked last minute to walk the catwalk in a radiation safety fashion show in a zebra-printed led vest and skirt combo - tres chic! (I was on my way back from the bathroom, about to make my way to the fashion show to take pictures when I was scooped up and asked to walk. I was awkward.)

All-in-all, it was a long, but amazing week in Toronto. I was sad to leave, but have also never been happier to be home.

It's taken me a full week to recover. I'm still not completely caught up on sleep, nor have I put away any of the seven pairs of shoes I brought with me, but I'm getting there. The Kate-day I took on Saturday definitely helped - there's nothing quite like a day of brunching, shopping, spa-ing and sunshine to help you feel back to normal.

Until next time Toronto!

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