a week of firsts

Who knew I would come out of my first week of holidays excited about snowboarding and piercings? From the sounds of it, one might even think I have taken the path towards youth angst and rebellion. All I need is to dye my hair some crazy colour and I will truly be any parent's worst fear!

How did this happen?
Well, it all started innocently enough. I made my way to Justine's on the 23rd of December where we strolled Toronto's streets looking for good food and great bargains. With Justine I watched the Blueman group- a wild show featuring three blue men, a lot of paint, paper towel and percussion. It could not have been more random. The next day, Simon and our parents then met up with us to take us to Uncle Alex's where more food, energetic kids and caroling were prominent on the agenda. It was quite the ideal Christmas.

Afterwards, my family went to Huntsville where family friends had a timeshare. And this is where the trouble began...
The timeshare was a beautiful chalet that could easily house more than 10 people. It was also 10 minutes from some ski hills which we decided to take advantage of. For three consecutive days, all the kids went to this ski lodge with the mission of snowboarding our bums off. And boy did we ever! Being the first time for Justine and I, all I can say to describe the experience is that it was awesome, exhilirating and well...incredibly painful all at the same time. My muscles and buttocks/knees are still bruised and soar, two days after the whole ordeal. But would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! It was really that fun:)
The second "first" I experienced, if you will, is that I got my ears pierced! That is right! Though it took a lot of coaxing, family support and rubbing alcohol- I am a proud owner of some swollen earlobes ornamented with turquoise studs. I hope they don't get infected...

So there you have it- a week of new adventures that really, in retrospect, are not that daring at all! But I did have you worried didn't I?

Right now, I am at home in Ottawa sipping tea. It is strange to realize that all the activity is in Toronto now. To see family, both immediate and extended, my parents and I have to go to T.O. I remember years past when Ottawa was the centre of activity. Well, I guess that is what happens when a new year ends and another begins: things change.

Looking back, my 2005 was a great year. I guess all I can wish for now is for 2006 to be even better!

Happy New Year everyone!