Tuesday, January 10, 2012

2011 in Review

2011 was a year of ups and downs to say the least. 

In February we decided to investigate moving out east or even overseas while I finished my business degree.  After much research I applied the UPEI and anxiously waited to hear back.  Unfortunately, because of the way the University handles transfer credits, I was unable to accept my position in their program without setting myself back by over a year academically.  We were definitely disappointed, and still talk often about moving there sometime soon.

In April we went on our first all-inclusive vacation to Cuba.  To say that we loved it would be the understatement of the century.  We enjoyed every single second of swimming, eating, drinking, relaxing, reading, snorkelling, scootering and sleeping, and we can't wait to go back.


In May, I attended my first book signing with Veronica Roth and Lauren Oliver.  I was a total spaz, but it was really cool and got me prepared for the nerdy adventure of a lifetime that was to come later in the year.



In July we spent Canada Day with Weezer and the ever incredible Tragically Hip.  They were fantastic as always, and it was the perfect way to celebrate being Canadian.




In August, we spent our vacation at "camp" with my Dad and step-mom just outside of Thunder Bay.  While we never seem to have great weather while we're there, it's still a ton of fun.  This year included boating, lots oc campfires, ghost hunting and definitely a lot of beer.  Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures... but we really had a great time.

September brought with it an epic trip to Decatur (Atlanta) Georgia for the Decatur Book Festival.  It was a whirlwind weekend of book love, good friends, good food and nerdy wonderfulness.


I also spent a weekend refinishing my kitchen cupboards which, to most people, would be really boring... but I had wanted to get it done for 3 years, so it was really nice to finally accomplish the task I'd been dreading.



September also brought the most life altering piece of news I've ever received.....

Baby T is officially cooking - Sept 27 2011
nothing has been quite the same since that exact moment.

After the absolutely amazing news of September, October not only brought first trimester morning sicknss and exhaustion, but also the news that my job was being eliminated. The panic and then almost comatose state that followed brought the longest two months of my life.  It wasn't until December that I really started to pull out of it and get back to "normal". 

Luckily, November had it's high points as well.  First we had an epic trip to Staniel Cay (in the Bahama's) to attend my favorite Uncle's wedding.  I still haven't done a full post on that trip and really need to get around to it so I can record it for memory, but here's sneak peek.

Yep- those are swimming pigs.  In the wild.

Our cottages

And just one week after returning from our wonderful vacation, we got our first peek at this little thing....
Baby's first portrait

Cute, right?... RIGHT?!
What do you mean it looks like a blob? I think it's the most adorable baby EVER.

December was jam packed with a crazy exam schedule and then the holidays... it just flew by.

So, here's to 2012.  The year that I start many new adventures.  The year I start a new career, the year I become a Mom and a year of many unknowns.  The one thing I know is that 2011 made me stronger, smarter and far more appreciate of the little things.  I what I've learned will last.

Monday, January 9, 2012

2011 in Books

I know this is late coming.  Actually drafted this blog almost 2 weeks ago and didn't publish... so here it is.

While I read disappointingly few books in 2011, I did have a great year in terms of some really great 4 and 5 star reads.  As always, I thought I'd recap my favorites, and some disappointments, of the year.

The Best of 2011 (5 star reads)

The Bronze Horseman - Paulina Simons



Delirium - Lauren Oliver

Divergent- Veronica Roth


Lola and the Boy Next Door- Stephanie Perkins


Water for Elephants- Sara Gruen


Anna and the French Kiss- Stephanie Perkins


Forever- Maggie Stiefvater


Disappointments of 2011

Crescendo (Hush, Hush # 2)- Becca Fitzpatrick

Shadow Hills - Anastasia Hopcus