Christmas 2012, Part I

This Christmas, we packed the car and made the 16-hour journey up to Ontario!

Despite constant rain and poor visibility the whole way up, we made it safely.

The first night we spent at Niagara Falls so Lin could see the famous waterfall.

The next day we headed to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Here are some pics from our first two days of travelling.

^ Niagara Falls by day! :)

^ Lin sees the Niagara Falls for the first time!

(well, second... since we saw them the previous night)

^ Christmas deco at the Falls Welcome Centre

^ Conrad relaxes at house just his size!

^ Randy and Lin overlook the Niagara Falls

^ a beautiful poinsettia tree 

^ Conrad meets his first Canadian beaver

^ Conrad enjoys cuddling with the polar bears

^ Randy and Lin enjoy Swiss Chalet chicken

^ Conrad eyes my chicken and veggies

at Swiss Chalet for my birthday

(Dec. 21)

^ Alex and Amanda

^ what's left of the Suk Family Christmas Party :)

(Dec. 22)

^ me, Trista, and Aunt Jules

^ Michelle and Brian (and the little one to come in May!)

^ Uncle Tony, Randy, and Lin

^ Conrad enjoys gifts from Grandma Suk... 

especially the chocolate letter from Holland!

Shutterfly Project

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo books are the perfect gift for any occasion.

His Heart Was Quiet

I was just re-reading some of my favourite quotes --I keep a notebook full of insightful, witty quotes from books and articles I've read over the years-- and one in particular jumped out at me. It is from the short-yet-amazing book titled The Alchemist, by Paul Coelho:

"SO HIS HEART WAS QUIET FOR AN ENTIRE AFTERNOON."

I can't help but smile and be simultaneously inspired when I think about someone, who, just to give you some context, had been asking very important questions of those around him. Questions that his soul was seeking to have answered.

And instead of ignoring those questions, which seems to be the easiest and most convenient option most of the time, he set out on a journey to ask them. For me, during a time of trying to figure out "where I'm going" in this life, I need to remember how vital the act of meditation can be.

I tend to get bogged down by future possibilities and researching ALL options (even the out-of-reach or unlikely ones) as much as possible. I get stuck in "Opportunity Cost" thinking, which basically makes me afraid to make a decision and move forward.

By quieting my heart and mind --and by saying a prayer for guidance-- I think I'll be in a much better place (emotionally, spiritually, even physically) to make decisions and make steps along my life's path.

Thoughts

I am on the verge of greatness, but I have no idea how to get there.
How do I choose from the endless amount of opportunities the world offers?

Florida Vacation

This week I'm in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida. :) We're on a week vacation down here to enjoy the warm(er) weather and to take advantage of the American Thanksgiving holiday. Our condo is huge and right on the ocean, right beside the Marriott, where we have access to their restaurants, pools, and services. My dad's mother flew down from Toronto and is staying with us this week. And I've also been blessed to be able to spend some time with Josh, who lives two hours from here. We spent a few days hanging out, talking, and just having fun. No overanalysis of what we are/were/could be. Just two people who care for each other, are trying to find their path in life, and are at peace with whatever ends up happening.

Here are some pictures from this week.

^ complimentary cookie from Hilton Doubletree

(where we stayed in Orlando on the drive down)

^ a date with my never-ending reading project

(it's my first Austen and I'm not too impressed!)

^ delicious new Organic Sangria! I love this.

^ rooftop view of the beach.

^ the living room in our condo/apartment.

We have the entire 2nd floor!

^ breakfast nook, bright and sunny

^ coffee area and balcony

^ main foyer

^ beach bound with Dad, Randy, and Lin

^ Josh and I found this at a Publix

^ our location. It's amazing how far south we are!

^ at Ft. Myers beach with Josh's parents

^ sand castle competition going on!

 ^ an inside peek at some of the entries... the event closed at 5pm and we arrived at 5:05pm. :(

^ then we made FISH TACOS for dinner! yum.

I watched you sleeping quietly in my bed
You don't know this now but there's some things that need to be said.
And it's all that I can hear, It's more than I can bear.

What if I fall and hurt myself?
Would you know how to fix me
What if I went and lost myself?
Would you know where to find me
If I forgot who I am, 
Would you please remind me?
Cause without you things go hazy.

Sick

Unfortunately, with everyone at home and at the office being sick, I myself have become run-down with a mild fever, sore throat and hurting sinuses. I spent today in bed-- and to the doctor I go tomorrow! :( I hate being sick, primarily for the Opportunity Costs. No energy, no appetite, no goals for the day except to nurse my symptoms. I will probably head to see the local herbalist, Dr Eli, tomorrow to see if she has anything to help me get well. Hope you're all healthy out there!!

Last weekend my mum and I took the dogs on a hike at Red Top Mountain state park. :) The weather was beautiful and we had a great time. (The only thing that really put me off was the snack selection at the park information lodge... there was one kind of granola bar and ten or more kinds of chocolate bars. I won't even elaborate on how I feel about that). This weekend we had some family visit from Ontario on a whirlwind Country Living and garage saling trip. My Aunt Rachel and her mum came to visit for 3 days to look for stuff for my aunt's barn shop up in Ontario. She finds the coolest antiques and chique things from estate sales and local artisans to sell at her store. We had a great time running from place to place searching for the "lucky finds"... and the jokes we made and the great people we met along the way were just wonderful. It was a great weekend. :)  I put a few pics below... but I'm waiting for my iPhone to charge so I can post the rest!

^ fresh air

^ beautiful lake

^ view from walking along the trail at Red Top Mtn

^ dinner and drinks at the country club with the ladies :)

Not only is work really busy this week, I'm doing a lot of thinking and research regarding where I want to be next year. I'm looking into everything from how to re-enact my Ontario health insurance (which involves moving back up there) to studying at Queen's or Oxford or wherever else... to traveling again to find myself. I also have to think about applying for jobs-- where, when, and in what field? Things have gotten a lot more complicated. I am, however, thankful that the world is literally at my feet. I just hope that I can figure things out and be able to afford my next step in life.

Until then, here's a new song from a favourite of mine, Benjamin Francis Leftwich... who will be playing in Atlanta on Dec. 19! :)

Fall Creek Falls, TN

This weekend I drove up to TN to hang out with some friends. Here are some pictures from our trip up to Fall Creek Falls in Pikeville, TN. What a fun dayyy!

^ awfully close to the edge...

^ gorgeous fall colours :)

^ long way dowwwwn

^ FALL CREEK FALLS

^ view from the bottom

^ run Bambi run!

^ we're coming back here in January

^ these mountains are part of the Eastern Ridge of the North American continental bowl;

the Rocky Mountains are the Western Ridge. :)

^ Em and Kristin 

^ yodelling and dancing to mother nature at sunset 

^ last look while driving home