Back in the city

After a one week project in Victoria turned into 6 weeks, I'm now back in Vancouver and viewing the city through fresh eyes.

They say when it rains it pours, which is particularly true in our fair city and has become particularly true in my own life.  Recently I have signed up to write the CHRP exam, shacked up with a roommate, accepted a part-time job in hospitality, bid on a contract position, reconnected with a friend who's visiting from Ireland, and offered my place for the weekend to a friend from Berlin - in that order.  Yep, it's pouring in Vancouver and I am soaked with gratitude for all of it.  The opportunity to show off the best coast is one of my favorite things to do.  There's nothing quite like introducing someone to your home all the while, reminding yourself why you live here.  And for the meantime, I need to be killing two birds with one stone every time I throw.

Breathe in, breathe out, bring it.

Trending?

I like the idea of Social Media.  I have this blog, signed up for Twitter, avidly Facebook creep, and have all of the above set to blink on my Blackberry so that I don't miss a beat. Having said that, I don't think I'm very good at it - success comes from real time and relevancy, something that my most recent FB album of holiday pictures had neither of.  My trend? One post a month and content that leaves something to be desired.  At least, if I was to review my blog, that's what I'd say.

Today I took a quick trip to America sheerly through the magic of television and thanks to the Super Bowl.  Without even leaving the comfort of my (parents) home, I garnered a greater appreciation for the place I call home and the people that make it that way.  The quaint news cast of the local station no $3 million commercials to be found, the island wide news paper that features front page stories on ice skating over major world events and the sheer lack of football buzz around downtown Victoria today.  With frizzy hair thanks to the constant mist throughout the day, I wandered the streets and shops owned and lovingly run by the people who live here.  Before plunking myself down in front of a giant plate of nachos and the halftime show, sensationalist and fleeting.  Social media doesn't stand a chance up against the island feel for community - and I love it.

The 23rd hour

New Years resolutions, I've never been a fan, but without fail, the 23rd hour arrives and my mind is flooded with genius ideas that I take for a test drive.  This year, I sat watching two of my girl friends snuggled up by the fire.  Just writing words like hug, snuggle and cuddle makes me squirm.  Not that I'm uncomfortable with the idea, but platonic snuggling is not something that has ever been part of my repertoire.  So, starting at mid night, I hugged everyone in sight.  I think they're all tired of that fleeting resolution, so am I.

More in tune with my attempt to stay present as the world flies by, I'm taking a page from my friend Manusha Janakiram's book.  2011 will be the year I document my life in photos, one a day.  Now that's a resolution. 1.1.11.