Retreat

December is probably one of my most anticipated months of the year. It signals my birthday, Christmas, and the New Year. But, for all that, it doesn't make for much of a genuine break. I came straight from exams (or, more accurately, my post-exam party, hangover in tow), and was whisked immediately off to a much needed appointment with my hair dresser, the mall for last minute shopping, my aunt's Christmas party, a visit with my Grandma, and suddenly it was Christmas. With errands and jet lag and two days of -20 snow storms, I have yet to see any of my beloved friends, in fact. If all these flurry of activity weren't enough, between Christmas and New Year I always find myself overwhelmed with the pressure of New Years plans. So, for perhaps the fourth year in a row, I have simply opted out. For true relaxation and an unequivocal break, I have escaped to the Rockies. 

 

My whole family has escaped to our cabin in Waterton Lakes National Park. I plan to do little more than laze by the fire, get a leisurely start on my readings, and allow the clean air and fresh water to cleanse my skin and my soul. Here's a glimpse. Get ready to get jealous.

Being at the cabin means sweaters and leggings and afternoon naps, not concealer and mascara.

So, however you choose to spend your New Year, surrounded by glitter and bubbles and friends, or snow and deer tracks, enjoy it. Tabula rasa everyone. See you in the brand spankin' new year.

I Survived the Apocalypse

I am not speaking of the Mayan apocalypse. I'm talking about the apocalypse that is a law student's first round of exams. Ah, what fresh hell it is. For over a month I felt the constant nagging guilt of feeling as though any energy not expended on the law was energy poorly expended. So you have my apologies. I know I am always apologizing. But, though it was a conversation fuelled by gin and tonic, I made a blogging vow with a classmate of mine. It may even lead to a cool collabo. But first things first - to nurture and love my once and future blog. 'Tis the season, isn't it?

Speaking of, have you seen a more idyllic Christmas picture? An argument could perhaps be made for switching the wine for egg nog, and hanging some additional stockings above the fire (there is my cat's stocking up there, hardly in the frame. It's white and reads "Cats love Christmas too." Which is funny, because my cat could hardly be said to love anything at all, except most certainly sleep and food, and occasionally me, but I suspect that is in large part because I facilitate the latter of her two most constant and unerring loves).

But this is exactly how I envision spending my Christmas break. Blowing off commitments to go out and socialize, which would require trekking into the cold and braving trecherous roads in horrendous weather, in favour of staying in with a glass of truly fabulous red wine, Bernard Callebaut chocolate cherries and a roaring fire. I am aged before my time.

Merry Christmas everyone.