end of year.

Started watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy last night, my first time really sitting down to watch them since purchasing the extended edition DVD's many years ago.  I'd forgotten how much I love these movies, along with some things they represent.  This post I came across - Life Lessons Learned from Lord of the Rings & the Hobbit - touched on a few things that I try to keep in mind in my life, and want to continue into the new year. 

It's so easy to focus on relatively small negatives and be distracted from a world full of amazing and supportive positives.  I feel so blessed to have the family, friends & opportunities that I do, and want to try to always remember how much love there is in my life. 

2012 was a challenging year, full of many changes.  I wanted it to be a year of growth, and I think it has been, though unexpected in some respects.  2013 is shaping up to be another busy year, and I hope that I can be strong, and make the most of everything.

eggs.

Went out to Bitter Tasting Room last night & enjoyed eggs three ways - scotch, deviled, & pickled.  Not bad, but the scotch egg was definitely better at Pourhouse.  Enjoyed the evening of chatting about our holidays while snacking on tasters & drinking a delicious coffee porter.

A wrap-up at Jeanne's pool/hottub/sauna, followed by 90's music at the sketchy pub with $2.50 highballs, was the perfect closing to the night.

merry christmas.

Warmest wishes to all my friends & family this Christmas season <3

bel cafe.

Took advantage of another weekday, for brunch at Bel Cafe.  Wonderful company, lovely pastries & finished off the meal with a delicious PB&J macaron.  Simple things.

honest.

Sometimes, too true.

snow.

First snowfall of the season...

different.

narnia.

Went to watch The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe at Pacific Theatre last night.  Was curious how they would do a stage production of this, and didn't realize until we arrived that it was a 2-man show!  It was an adaptation of the book, where Peter & Lucy reminisce to tell the story.  It was so amazing to see the actors use props & transition from role to role - you could really get into the story.

Taking advantage of the Christmas season!  Been a busy week full of my favourites - food, friends, & family :)

st. augustine's.

Had a wonderful catch-up with Karen at St. Augustine's last night, celebrating her return from 6 weeks away in Bali. 

It's a bit weird to think that she'll be around Vancouver for the near future, after years of just short visits.  She is one of my oldest friends, and I'm so happy that we'll get to spend more time together in the coming year :)

As I am fortunate to experience so often - a night of great food, great drink, & great company.

christmas market.

Took advantage of a weekday and went to the Vancouver Christmas Market last week.  Had a wonderful afternoon chatting, eating, drinking & shopping.  Highlights included a mug of apple-mulled wine, waffles on a stick, a ridiculous meatloaf sandwich, and the acquisition of a pickle ornament :)

I'm ready to be Christmas-y this year.