Things I didn't know...

Five years ago, there are many things I didn't know about myself. Things I could not have predicted. I should work on a big list, but right now I'll just share 3.

1) I didn't know how important my hockey family would be. The kids' teammates, parents and coaches are the people we spend the most time with. And, they are really great. They are so supportive of all the kids. I know if my child needed something.... anything, from $2 for juice or advice, or a kick in the rear, they would do it. And I would definitely do it for them and their kids. After a few years of the same core group growing together, I can really say this has improved my quality of life, sense of community and belonging.

2) A year is a long time. But it is absolutely nothing either. When you are stuck in the day to day, it can feel like nothing is accomplished, but when you reflect back on a year, it can seem like a lifetime ago. I really do think social media, like Facebook and Twitter have screwed with our sense of time. When we can receive updates from around the world, every hour, or even by the minute, it affects our sense of personal time and accomplishment. But so much of the information is white noise.

3) I didn't recognize 5 years ago that I'm a runner. Not in the literal sense. I wouldn't strap on sneakers and run unless someone scary was chasing me. But in the personality sense... I flee. When I stress, I want to flee/run/bolt/escape.  I've read, that it's easier to change your location, than your life and that's why people travel. For me, I think that nails it.  I have learnt that I LOVE travel. It's a passion. But I also don't think it's about the destination, or learning or exploring. I honestly think I can say it's my sanity break or my re-start button. Now, I don't think this is earth shattering, or unique but I'm glad to have recognized it.

Change the Input... Affect the Outcome?

Most of my days start with a coffee and some procrastination. Most nights end with tea and ice cream. There are some assorted vegetables, some protein and some water in between. If I remember (which was one of my goals for this year) there are a few vitamin tablets added, generally with the tea.

Most days I start sluggish. I'm not really a morning person, or so I've always said. What if I'm just starting off wrong? What if, I pounded a glass of orange juice before I even brush my teeth and wake up?

What if I woke up and ran screaming out my front door? I'm certain my dogs would chase me and we'd end up laughing and barking like lunatics before I got to the road. The adrenaline would flow, and there'd be no snooze button action, that's for sure. (Especially since the puppy is like a wild panther. She could outrun her shadow!)

So if I change the input, will the outcome change too?  It sounds logical. Because if you do the same thing over and over and expect things to change aren't you just an idiot?

Best of 2012

Glass of wine in hand. Reflection goggles on! So, here goes! In no particular order. With no particular thought to the categories.

Best Vacation:  Atlantis hotel, Bahamas  October 2012.  Because... I feel at home there. I breathe deeply, rest thoroughly and am happy. And it's super fun and awesome and amazing! (Photo at left. That's my favourite pool.)

Best Day at Work:  The day my Uncle Baldur walked in to say hello. (September ?) Because... I was exhausted, it was about 8PM, I was sitting in a corner and finally eating my dinner. I was in a zombie state, reading the newspaper... then I heard a familiar voice at the counter. I jumped up and squealed like a cheerleader at the championships. So happy!!! He's one of my favourite people on this earth and I hadn't seen him in years. What a great surprise!

Best Meal:  (August) Dinner at Bacio. It's an italian restaurant at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. Twice I've eaten there. Two of the best meals of my entire life. It's not very expensive. The food is beyond delicious. The setting is intimate. The staff is fantastic. The celebrity chef, Carla Pellegrino has been in the kitchen (her restaurant) both visits. She's amazing. Seriously, I would go to Vegas just to eat there again! (@chefcarlapelleg) She has recently opened another restaurant @meatballspot which is also in Vegas. I think I better try it out in 2013!

Best Kiss:  (November 18th, 2012) We were looking at puppies. We were there to see a pup named Rookie and this other little black and white scamp flew past me and slurped my hand. She got my attention. Then she sat and captivated with her "pick me" eyes. I lifted her up and she kissed my cheek. My girl.... Bella. I've been getting puppy kisses 6 weeks now. I'm pleased to report that Rookie also found her right people and also has a forever home.

Best News: (March) My mom was strong enough to leave the hospital and head home. Home is always the best place to be.

Best Wine:  This year I found that I really like Apothic Red. Full bodied and holds its own with any meal. I like it with lasagna. It's good with dark chocolate and sea salt Ghiradelli chocolates too. Mmmm.

Best Photo: (November) I like this one. My friend Karen and I were being tourists in her home town. I loved our days together. This photo reminds me of her. I like to think the future holds Blue Skies for both of us.

Best Kid Time: (May) I took my older son on a hockey road trip of nearly 700 miles. We laughed and got to really know each other. It was just the two of us and I'll never forget it. I believe the Under Armour outlet at the shopping centre will remember us too!! We nearly bought the place out! (February) My younger boy and I played hours of shinny together on our ice rink. We took iphone videos of our antics. He says I play like a first year novice (that's not exactly a compliment!) Boy did we laugh hard that day! It was one of his favourite days too.

Best Sleep: (October) Sheraton Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.  We were on a layover, sponsored by Delta Airlines. They comp'd us 2 rooms adjoining. Each of us had our own queen-sized, sweet sleeper bed. We had had the greatest adventure that day, were well fed and were completely exhausted from the day. All four of us slept like kings!

Best Chance Meeting:  (November) I was shopping at a market in North Vancouver, in a little boutique. I was admiring the purses for sale when the "clerk" let me know that she was indeed the purse designer and just minding the store that day for a friend. We got to talking and she was one of the most lovely people I've ever met. She makes the purses by hand, using reclaimed leather. She is an immigrant to Canada and just loves life. Each creation has so much thought to the design and clever craftmanship it was impossible not to fall in love with her work. (Yes! That's my purse!)  Of course I bought two purses for myself as my un-birthday, birthday gift! Jola and I have kept in touch and I expect she will be a huge designer once the magazines discover her.

Best Prayer Answered: (April) The lump that I was so scared of, was nothing. It was months of ignoring it. Then weeks of waiting for tests and results. I kept it pretty much to myself. Finally, the test results came in and I sunk to the floor and bawled. I texted the ones who worried along side me, and hugged the girls at work. That was a relief, big time.

Best Advice Received:  You need to make your own happiness. Live life without regrets.

Best Advice to Give: Eat ice cream. Forgive yourself. Tomorrow is a new day. Be open to new adventures!

With that, I toast 2012! Thanks for the memories! Here's hoping 2013 has blue skies, good health and much happiness ahead for all of us!