#28

 

Somehow most of my Christmas dinners magically worked out to be a day after the other, and this is what basically happened last Sunday to Wednesday. It made sense that the recurring theme of last week was to celebrate the holidays and reconnect with great company — and in some cases, get to know others a lot better.

Looking back on the past year, I'm entirely grateful I get to surround myself with an amazing bunch of people. Whether it's with different groups of friends or with the YWiB chapters, I'm just happy I get to be a part of their lives, and be able to pick-up where we last left off!

In case you're wondering, I didn't eat any meat with the exception of fish at all five dinners (this called for interesting conversations as well). So no tryptophan or food coma for me, just really well-balanced Christmas dinners. I truly believe anyone can do anything after getting through that :)

#27

 

In my week or so of not blogging, I owe a lot of posts. This calls for much-needed time to catch up and tell you what I've been up to! Starting with last weekend:

Last Sunday my high school friends and I got together to cook dinner, which probably hasn't happened in well over 3 years. And the fact that we haven't all hung out since February is proof enough that we're just too busy these days.

That evening we enjoyed a roast beef, fresh roasted potatoes and vegetables, bacon-wrapped peppers, rye sourdough with garlic spread, spring greens, and red and white wine (note: my friends made me grilled salmon to eat instead). It was a team effort and was a delicious way to catch up and reminisce about our high school years and share what's changed since then.

#24

Another reason why I love winter break is that I get to redeem myself as a good girlfriend. Gone are the days of take-out and study dates, and in their place freedom to plan as many fun things as possible!

Which is why I surprised my boyfriend with an early Christmas gift and took him to the Vancouver Christmas Market. There’s no better way to kick off the holidays with German Christmas festivities – the smell of spiced drinks, baked goods, sausages, and seeing the beautiful display of handmade items. Though I died a little inside when I realized I couldn't have sausages anymore (vegetarianism is so bittersweet).

Mulled wine in the pouring rain, puddles in our shoes and all, we loved it. The best part is you get free re-entry the entire season, so we’ll be coming back with proper rain gear!

Absolutely enjoyed going to the Vancouver "Christkindlmarkt," check it out if you haven't already!

#20

In the spirit of this season, I wanted to create new traditions — one of them being a Christmas movie list. So this year is a little more fun than the next, because I get to test drive a bunch to see if they make it or not.

I've kicked things off with It's a Wonderful Life. How I've never seen this classic before, I have no idea. But like most people, I fell in love with it. The notion of youth, dreams and opportunities, and the sacrifices people often have to make to let these slip away. And the strong sense of community — it was enough for me to want to experience that at some point in my life!

#17

There's nothing that grinds my teeth more than studying for a final where I learned (close to) nothing the entire semester. This usually means starting from day one and it's definitely not good times.

But I've been pretty good so far about sticking to a plan I've set, and what's helped a lot is pairing studying with my current favourite playlist. There's something about Christmas music that is an instant pick-me up no matter what I'm doing!

#6

 

Before everything gets too hectic this season I'm making a commitment to plan ahead. After realizing how easy it is to neglect my Christmas to-do list each year, this MUST change!

This means: listing and making time for the things I want to do and no more last minute gifts. In thinking about this now, I can simply focus on enjoying the company of loved ones and avoid the unnecessary stress that often comes with my favourite holiday of the year.

Here's a sneak preview of my Christmas list:

• A "Christmas barfed all over us" photoshoot with my best friends
• Holiday baking with my cousin on Christmas Eve
• Christmas lights in Bellevue, WA!
• Sustainable gift wrapping (example here)

So excited :) can the end of exams come faster?