Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009 REVIEW


2009 wasn't a great year for me, lots of stress due to house and health issues, and I, for one, am really looking forward to starting a new year tomorrow.

When I think of highlights, I think of going out on a boat tour with my Mother to see the Puffins off the coast of Nova Scotia. It may not seem like much of a highlight, but to me, to see the Puffins was an amazing experience, and I will never forget it.

My Mother came back to Toronto with me on the train to be here to celebrate my 40th birthday, and that is a highlight as well.



In July I got to help a friend meet one of his idols, Phil Collen of Def Leppard. I know what it's like to meet one of your rock n roll idols, and to be there to see Brian meet one of his was as much fun for me as him. Highlight definitely.



The health issue was a breast cancer scare, and scare me it did. I was one of the lucky ones, I didn't have it. The not knowing for the 6 weeks it took to find out were the longest of my life. I am truly grateful my news was positive.

Rob and I had a hard time house wise this year, the basement flooding in the summer numerous times was difficult on us, lots of stress. Then the stress of getting it fixed, and the financial difficulty caused even more stress, it was the summer of stress.

But one good thing about all the stressful times we went through this year, is that we learned we could really lean on each other in difficult times and pick each other up mentally. We learned to be a team this year more then any other, and knowing I have a real partner is a great feeling going into a new year.

I have loads to look forward to and work towards next year, and I'm really looking forward to 2010.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

COUNTING COINS PAYS OFF



Last January 1st we started using a "counting coin jar". The idea for this jar was to save for something that we would like, but didn't necessarily need.

We didn't need a new TV, but we both wanted a new flat screen, so for close to a year we saved our loonies, toonies and quarters. We wrapped the coins this week, and had just over $700, enough to purchase a lovely Samsung 32 inch flat screen (perfect for our small living room) and get us hooked up with digital HD cable. Merry Christmas to us!!



We'll start using the jar again Jan. 1st. Next on the list, a new laptop computer.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

CHRISTKINDL MARKET


Yesterday, Rob and I drove over to Kitchener for our first visit to the 13th annual "Christkindl Market", a four day festival of a German Christmas.

It was lovely. There were choirs singing Christmas carols, a live nativity scene, and lots of food and craft vendors. For lunch we had bbq'ed sausage on a bun with sauerkraut, and also some potato pancakes with applesauce.

We stocked up at the bakery buying lots of German Christmas cookies and stollen. We purchased a few other treasures, but our purchase of the day was definitely the authentic, handmade in Germany, Christmas Pyramid.

It is gorgeous, and we loved it on sight, as it is more a winter scene then Christmas, with lots of furry and feathered creatures. The attention to detail is amazing, and every time I look at it, I notice something else.

Why all the bother about German Christmas stuff? Rob's father immigrated to Canada when he was a young man, so this is part of Rob's heritage. I think it's important to keep your heritage and traditions in your life, especially at this time of year.

The pyramid we purchased together yesterday will become a treasured part of our Christmas's together, as will an annual trip to the Christkindl Market.