last year, right before the new year, i compiled a list of memories that made me smile from the year before... and i like that that did... it reminded me that despite what may have seemed like a dismal year, there were plenty of good things. and as i have been posting about things that make me smile - little things - in and amongst seemingly hard times, i feel as though it's important to reflect on what the year brought. and what made me smile throughout all those months.
April: i finally took a photoshop course, offered by ladies learning code, and just. about. collapsed (from happiness). i then spent the rest of the month using everything i learned. aside from - of course - spending time with friends, this was the best thing i did that month. so perfect.
September: my birfday was home to plenty of amazing and incredible friend attendees. i had a day-of-birth celebration, and i got to eat at enoteca sociale. then i had a surprise morning with vegan cupcake celebration, and THEN i got to see kiss and motley crue, and THEN i got to see first aid kit. pretty much nailed having a good time in september. also dope? one of my dear friends from high school was married, and had a kick ass reception involving homemade wine, and a puck'n'wing bar celebration.
this year, i will do the same.
so.... my favourite memory from…
January: taking a road trip with hma to visit our friend jess in kingston... amongst the rain and snow. also, would could forget - my amazing and wonderful grandma turned 80. whatta woman. and, despite a hairline fracture in my hip and one of my vertebraes (and people ask why i hate winter and snow/ice so much), i enjoyed so much dancing with friends.... cause we got to have 2 holiday parties this year! hurrah!
February: i travelled to florida with my family, and got to spend a solid week with my sister, parents, aunt, uncle, and cousin. and without reason, it was a wonderful, much needed time. plus, we got to see cody simpson - i know. jealous. erin and i also spent a lot of time in february exploring new bars for new and fabulous drinks.... and the snow couldn't keep us away.
March: am i allowed to say that st. patricks day is my favourite memory, every year? because it nearly always is. and, of course, the madness. march madness. trumps everything else in the world that's going on.
May: though i missed my friend's annual mini olympics (and announcement of the new baby - pregnancy - to join our friend group!), i did get up to a cottage... and got one of the best presents ever... a cardboard cutout of me. i ALSO got to travel via the via to see my good lovely friends emily, leigh and elisa in ottawa. zombie jokes, drinks, and laughter abounded. and, i taught my first standalone jewelry workshop. so fun, and a good start out for the year's workshops to come.
June: despite mono (nice jamie, nice), i took a weekend to literally get away, and relax. and that's it. it was wonderful. and within the context of a month that really only included cancelled trips, and hard work, it was much needed, and much appreciated. i loved every second of it.
July: i went to van. again. and loved every second of it. i almost died (on a four wheeler), and i fell in love (with whistler, and parts of Van i had never seen). and it was marvelous. oh. and. i got to spend a weekend with one of my best friends in the world, and hang out with him and the guys at his bachelor party. let's just say, i'm not sure many bachelorettes can top i.
August: jake and kim got married. and it was amazing and awesome, and i got to stand up beside jake and support their partnership. and i couldn't imagine being happier about it. it was perfect and wonderful and lovely, and emotional. (and i got to attend kim's bachelorette.... amazing).
October: my friend jess got married (and came to celebrate with us, all the way from merry ole' england!); i hiked, visited friends, spent time in cabins, and made jewelry. AND spent one of the most memorable thanksgivings to date - in ellicottville, then peterborough, then the cottage, then waterdown, then ancaster. it was exhausting, but a reminder of how much family and love i'm surrounded with. man - i'm lucky. and homecoming. oh homecoming.
November: our annual holiday party (2 in one year!), which was (as usual) perfectly filled with little munchkin love, present exchanges, warm and delicious food, conversations with people far away, and love. so much love. i also was blessed/lucky to go to the grey cup this year in toronto. totally memorable. there was cupcake wars (as part of our annual united way campaign at work), and baby showers. and, of course, one of my favourite times of the year - movember.
December: i wish i could explain what components sometimes just align in order to create the perfect social setting - i really wish i do. but i can't. so i can't even come close to explaining why my beading 'workshop' with some random lady friends (who are near and dear to me) was one of the most fun nights i've ever had. ever. it was filled with gut crunching laughter, amazing food, and hearts that were so filled with compassion and a shared love for fun. as steph said following the night's events, "As cheesy as it may sound last night was good for my soul."
man. 2012 was dope.