New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. With the end of this year almost upon us, as most of us traditionally do, I’ve spent some time reflecting and thinking about my resolutions. I feel good for the most part, as I jump into 2008, because I have accomplished so many of the things that I set out to do in the past year. For perhaps the first time, I feel ok about where I’m at. I am poised to jump into this next phase of my career, something which I know is going to be life changing. 2007 is the year that the pieces in the puzzle of my life have started to come together. I can finally see the big picture, and I’m happy with the progress.
One of the major things I would like to resolve to do differently going into 2008, is to strengthen my ability to just brush things off. I need to stop letting people walk all over me. I have such a strong tendency to take things personally. It’s my nature to want to please people all the time. What I need to realize though, is that there are some people out there who just have horns for an aura. I need to remember that not everybody is going to like me or agree with me all the time. Plus, some people are just mean, or insecure and volatile. I need to learn how to stop internalizing that negativity.
I have many goals with regards to my career and this spanking new role that I am set to take on. My stomach is full of crazy butterflies. I feel like I’m walking blindfolded into an unknown world. I’m going to be travelling a ton, and will be facing a whole pile of new challenges. As a control freak, I hate not knowing EXACTLY what I’m in for. Thank God the powers that be have so much faith in my ability to nail this, cause at the moment, I am terrified. I am resolving to bound into this with great intentions, my strong work ethic and an open mind.
Another resolution on my list is to write in my journal more. There was a time when I made it a priority to reflect and put pen to paper daily. These days, I get caught up and busy. I find that the more I blog, the less inclined I seem to be to journal. It’s a different kind of writing though. I can’t be as free as I am in my journal anywhere else. To some degree, I censor what I put out there in this forum. I want to get back to writing in my journal, becaue in the past it has been a great means of catharsis for me.
My other major resolution is to start cooking for myself more. Since I moved into my own place, I have found that I enjoy being in the kitchen more; maybe because it’s my kitchen. I think in the new year, I’ll take some classes and continue to improve my abilities.
I came across a list of tips at MyGoals.com to help you create better New Year’s resolutions. I think it’s worth checking out.
I still haven’t decided what I’m going to do tomorrow night. I have to go into the office on the first to finish setting up our showroom and get everything organized for next week so that kind of limits my options. I suppose I still have another day to figure it out.
What are your New Year’s Resolutions?
I’m quite sure that I could eat sushi every single day and never get sick of it. When my parents came to visit me in the city yesterday, we decided that there was little better to do on a rainy Saturday than to go and fill our bellies with all we could eat sushi at Tanpopo on Denman before heading to Tinseltown to watch a movie (or two).
Image courtesy of Reel Movie News
We saw Juno. I have to tell you that it was even more amazing than I thought it was going to be and after having seen the trailer, I was stoked on it. The film is brilliantly written. Every actor nails their performance. Hilarious. Sweet. Honest. Warm. The soundtrack rocks too. This is definitely one that I will buy on dvd and watch again and again. The sharp, witty, and acerbic dialogue seems to really catch true “teen speak”. Ellen Page is going places, people. This 20 year old Canadian girl is absolutely remarkable in an unforgettable performance. I loved this film. And of course I was all teared up at the end. This is a must-see.
Image courtesy of The Cinema Source
Once our cinematic appetites were whet, we couldn’t stop. Up next, we decided to check out The Savages. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one as I hadn’t seen it advertised. When I saw that it was Philip Seymour Hoffman though, I knew it would be worth seeing. He is one of my favourite actors and I kind of just expect him to be great. I wasn’t disappointed. This film is so true to life. There’s not a false note in this one. Laura Linney is pure perfection in her role as well. The characters can make you laugh and cry, almost at the same time. This is not an easy thing to do and requires outstanding actors, a solid script and sensitive direction, which this film certainly has.
It was months ago that Cindy and Salimah first conceived the idea of throwing a Lamb Luncheon. Last night, the concept was finally brought to reality when they hosted one at Azim’s house in Kitsilano. No, the meal was not served during the lunch hour, and rather as a late dinner, but we decided to retain the “Lamb Luncheon” name because, well, it just has a better ring to it.
It was Eddie’s last night in town before departing to Toronto and then back to Paris. Azim broke out a board game called The Settlers of Catan as the lamb was cooking. We all rolled our eyes as he went over the complicated rules, but once the wine started flowing and we began to figure it all out, we had to agree that the game was a riot. Roads and cities and settlements were popping up everywhere.
We chatted about life and world events. Salimah will be heading to Pakistan shortly to report on the Bhutto assassination. With this particular group, there is never any shortage of intense conversation, debates and witty banter.
The meal was absolutely exquisite; the lamb was cooked to perfection, juicy tomatoes in balsamic and couscous- capped off nicely with warm blackberry pie for dessert. I’d say that the first ever Lamb Luncheon was a huge success.
Gemini: “You must place sufficient attention on your inner processes now and this could require you to go somewhere quiet. Spending a peaceful evening at home might lead to significant revelations. If you can’t find solace there, try a few hours at a public library. The location isn’t important as long as you can be alone with your own thoughts.”
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Photo courtesy of Paul J Whaley on Flickr
I want more than anything to be asleep right now but I can’t get comfortable. It hurts to lay down, it hurts to stand up, it hurts to sit. I did some damage to my tail bone last weekend (long story involving me -the klutz-, snow, borrowed heels and a slippery staircase). The pain does not seem to be easing up no matter how much Advil I pop. The bruises are a hideous combination of black, blue, purple and red. So here I am, exhausted and back to my old insomniac tricks with the new years blues or some bullshit like that. I’m all emo and self loathing and woe is me. I’m all weepy and lame and lonely. I’m just not feeling good; not mentally, not physically, not emotionally. Sometimes I wish that I could run away from the thoughts in my head, but they chase me. In my dreams, they haunt me. No escape. I am so damn uncomfortable.
I keep fantasizing about staying home by myself on New Years eve, ordering takeout and falling asleep well before the stroke of twelve. In fact, I may just do that.
With the buzz of Christmas now officially behind us, it’s time to gear up for a few months of cold (and often miserable) weather. In the spirit of looking on the bright side, I’ve compiled a list of some personal necessities of my own. Here is Jen’s Winter Survival Guide, to help keep you warm, cozy and smiling all through the next few months:
Photo courtesy of Jeevice
Whether you’re a ski bunny or a shred dog, you want to be warm, dry and look cute when you hit the slopes. Who better to outfit you for your winter action sports than DC? They make fashionable and practical outerwear and snowboots. Plus, they also have just launched a new line of snowboards to keep you looking hip, while still being a serious rider on the hill.
Photo courtesy of Macys.com
The cold winter weather can result in drab, dry skin on your face. The perfect remedy? Benefit Honey, Snap Out Of It Scrub will keep you glowing even when the sun’s not shining. It’s one of my all-time favourite skin care products, and thankfully my mother replenished my stock this Christmas. It’s a morning must for smooth skin. Use daily for unclogging pores, deep cleaning and gentle exfoliating. With triple milled almond paste, you can feel the vacuum cleaning begin immediately. Seriously amazing!
Photo courtesy of Global Gallery
No matter whether you’re exhausted after a long day at the office, or a full day at the mountain; soothe your tired body in a warm bath. Origins Calm To Your Senses Lavender Vanilla Bath & Body Oil can enrich this experience for you. Lavender is known for its ability to soothe the soul, calm the mind and inspire a sense of balance and serenity, and the rich aroma of vanilla carries a familiarity that comforts and relaxes. This oil can be used on your body or in bath, it’s a real treat for your skin and your senses.
Image courtesy of Style Bytes
There’s nothing better to keep you warm and cozy on a cold day than a fantastic scarf and hat. I love throwing a hat over my locks and not having to worry about them- especially in the rain and snow. Scarves are absolutely one of my favourite winter accessories. You can change your whole outfit by throwing on a different scarf. I just picked up a new black and red one last weekend at Winners. My other favourite finds this season have been at second hand stores, H&M and Urban Outfitters. There is so much cute gear for heads and toes.
Photo courtesy of Ugg Australia
Omnipresent and omnipotent, the knee-high boot is the god of fashion this season in the heaven of shoes. How often do beauty and practicality collide? I’m a little boot obsessed this year. UGGs are another a staple, which I couldn’t live without…like butter on my feet, I tell you.
Photo courtesy of Mecca Beauty
Bumble and Bumble’s Defrizz is the perfect remedy for your frizzy, flyaway winter locks. Defrizz smoothes and tames, leaving hair shiny and amazingly soft. Enough said. Go visit my friends at i.d salon today!
Photo courtesy of Blog Apogee
One of my favourite things to do on a cold winter night is to curl up with a big mug of hot chocolate. Check out this amazing recipe. I don’t watch much television but watching tv shows on dvd is one of my guilty pleasures. The Sex and the City and Friends series are classics, but I am always on the hunt for new ones. Up next is: Big Love, season two.
What are your winter must-haves? What does it take to keep you smiling through the coldest months of the year?
Well, another Christmas is in the books; and a white Christmas no less. I can’t really explain my complete lack of motivation to write anything over the last little while, except to say that I just haven’t been able to conjure up anything interesting to talk about. The last few days have been mellow, relaxing and quiet. Rather than putting myself in the middle of the Boxing Day chaos at the malls today, I opted for one more peaceful day in the country before I head back to the city tonight and work tomorrow.
Christmas itself was, in truth, absolutely perfect. Time with loved ones is something to treasure and that’s certainly what I have done over the last few days. I can’t say that I’m ready to go back to reality quite yet, but alas I don’t have a choice.
I must have ended up on the Nice List because despite expecting nothing at all, I was utterly spoiled on Christmas morning. Plus, Santa must read my blog because he caught my hints and left a Canon PowerShot SD 850 IS under my tree! I was delighted (to say the least) and have been snapping like crazy since I pulled it out of the box.
I hope that all of your Christmas wishes came true! I also hope that I am soon inspired to write an entry that may be somewhat interesting to you all! (I realize that it has been a while!) In the meantime, I’d love to hear how your Christmas was in my comments!
I could say that I haven’t posted anything for a couple days because I’ve been so busy. But today, that would be a lie. The truth is, with all the stress I’ve been under and the craziness at the office over the last couple of weeks, today is the first day that I have done absolutely nothing. I just haven’t felt inspired to write much over the last few days. I cuddled up in bed with my laptop watching season four of Nip/Tuck in my pajamas for hours. I’m addicted and I can’t get enough. I think season two of Big Love is going to be up next. It’s an absolute pleasure to forget about everything for a few days and just relax with my family. This is what I love about the holidays.
Last night was all about holiday cheer and old traditions at Danielle’s annual “Christmas Vacation” party. Another night with those old friends who can make you laugh just by glancing at you sideways was just what I needed. It was the perfect combination of debauchery and jack assery so of course we carried the party on to the local pub. Many, many drinks were had and the traditional 2am stop at Denny’s was a must. It has certainly been a while since I’ve done that. It was fantastic to get the whole crew together in the spirit of the season. Good friends are the greatest treasure in the universe and I am blessed with an unreal group of peeps.
Tonight, my little bro and I are going to watch my most favourite Christmas movie of all time Santa Claus ,The Movie plus some other favourites; Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Ernest Saves Christmas. I also still have some serious wrapping to do. Are you all ready for Christmas?
Filed under: birthday, eddie kolla, friends, personal, restaurants, vancouver
Today is my dear friend Eddie’s 27th birthday. I love that his birthday is at a time of year when he is usually in town, especially because his days in Vancouver have certainly been numbered over the last couple of years. A small group of us met for dinner at Guu with Garlic on Robson Street last night to celebrate. I was pumped to get to spend some quality time with Cindy B. as well as Eddie’s sister Gillian, who is visiting from Toronto. Eddie has a dynamic group of extremely brilliant friends in this city, so I always enjoy getting to hang out with them and look forward to having the opportunity to hear about their elaborate life experiences. We noshed on tuna tataki, beef carpaccio, duck salad and an array of other tasty tapas. Everyone was impressed that Salimah had called ahead to pre-order some of the famous pumpkin balls, which are known to sell out early on and are absolutely amazing. The highlight of the evening was when they brought out a sizzling mackerel with birthday candles on it and we all sang to the birthday boy. Nothing like a flaming mackerel to get the party started.
As we were leaving the restaurant, Salimah emerged with a shirt for Eddie. Until today, we were unsure about whether the shirt was purchased, or cajoled off some unsuspecting waiter. Salimah has confirmed that the shirt was in fact brought out by Dice Kay just for Eddie. He designs them so he has some in the back. It’s the Guu with Garlic birthday shirt. This is a photo of Eddie modelling his new birthday shirt:
There is something sacred and special about the people who knew you when you were young. Connections you had when you thought that bad times were not ahead of you, that they only existed in books and movies. The people who wiped your tears, who knew you when you were really, really dramatic (or was that just me?) and put up with you anyway, because you were loved the way you were. So today on Eddie’s birthday, I want to say hey, I am really lucky to have you. You have made my life so much richer and my soul so much stronger. Love you E.
Photo courtesy of Lindey Magee on Flickr
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EDIT: My super awesome friend Leah posted a special shout out to me on her Flickr page today. Thanks Louie! I love it! You rock!
Photo courtesy of Simone Hudson on Flickr
