these are a few of my favourite things..

Happy 2009!
I've been thinking about what I might write as my first post of 2009 - one that would detail the happenings of the holidays. There are many things I think I could share - but that would be a long post - rather I wish to just right some things that are what I like to refer to as "magic moments"... moments that are treasurable, interactions that make you smile. There were a lot of happenings since my last post - so the magic moments that I make note of - are above and beyond that of being in the presence of friends and family, as those are situations in which in my opinion there is no better.

Christmas:
My brother's wife... hehehe - I just like calling her his wife. My sister-in-law really wanted to go out and do something. She and my brother had gone shopping two days in a row; so had my sister for that matter, but separately. Although my sister would shop any and every day - my mother and I have not highly favoured shopping on our "things to do" list. I actually do not recall who's idea this was originally - but we decided to go bowling. I'll be honest, I was totally a 15 year old girl when this idea came forth - I really didn't want to go bowling. I love bowling - but I don't think I've ever gone with every individual of my family. I had never seen my father or my mother bowl. My sister being in Special Olympics bowling, I had seen her skills a multitude of times - and I personally have enjoyed bowling with friends.
However, we went. We went 5 pin bowling at that! I was not thrilled, as it is so much more difficult to 5 pin bowl than 10. My brother almost instantly criticized me as I was bowling with my left hand. For the most part I do a lot of things right handed - I'd consider myself a right handed individual. However, there are a few things that I do left-handed. For example: using chopsticks, miniputting, shuffling cards, and of course, bowling. Thankfully, a few frames in my brother accepted that I was a left hand bowler. He was a little rough on me and Elise though - as the two of us were quite obviously the worst bowlers there. In our defense, neither of us could recall the last time we went 5 pin bowling! Eventually my brother actually became nice... he started giving us pointers - which actually really improved my game... possible bonding moment - maybe - . My brother's bowling style really stung my mother. She told me, that his bowling style, which is unique in its own right, was actually not so unique. Although none of us have ever seen my father bowl, as the last time he bowled was when my mother was pregnant with my brother, Leo's style mirrored that of my father. Bowling style linked to genetics? Totally a thesis title if I've ever heard one? hahaha - any takers? My mother on the other hand - schooled us all. Although she bowled once last year, before that it had probably not been since she was pregnant with my brother. Let me tell you though - this lady can bowl!!! Maybe I convince her to join a league???

New Years:
What a wonderful way to bring in the New Year then having a bunch of people standing outside in the cold, most not in proper winter wear, roasting a pig! No seriously - a lot of people came together, and although some people's traditions in the room were different than others - it was really nice. My favourite moment though can shortly after the 2009 countdown. Minutes into the new year several individuals were bopping around Sharon and Rafa's living room - singing, drinking, laughing, enjoying themselves. I was fortunate enough to be sitting in a chair that made me privy to a different variety of viewpoints. One, was directly in front of me. Wow - wasn't that a line of genius! Anyway - Olivia, Sharon's brother's daughter just became so overwhelmed with excitement - she was singing, dancing, laughing, and just thrilled. It was just awesome to watch her for a few moments.

Jen and Mark's Wedding:
Their wedding is a novel in and of itself. Lots of people once again gathered together to celebrate. In the receiving line, and throughout the night as I would try so hard to mingle with people, and the days following, I asked several individuals what some of their favourite moments were. Jen's dress, the speeches, the ceremony in general, the food... all popular answers. Although - many of these things were outstanding - mine differs. I was very excited to see Jen walk down the aisle. I had once again a fantastic viewpoint. However, I had the best viewpoint for another "picture". I took a few moments to watch my best friend walk down the aisle with her father, and then I did what I knew few others were probably also doing. I looked at Mark. The expressions and the emotions that Mark was showing the world during those few moments were precious - and my favourite. He was so overcome with joy, nerves, excitement, love.... it was amazing. I've known Mark for a while, and I have believed that he was a good match for Jen - but at that moment, it totally sealed it - not that I had any doubts - but Jen was right for Mark, Mark was right for Jen (or I should say "is" and not was).... it was a moment of purity.

Close runner up - this really doesn't have much to do with the wedding persay - but it was something that kept making me smile. The best man, was so kind to offer to hold my flowers and shawl several times through out the night. Each time he took my flowers though - each and every time, he'd smell them. It wasn't a burden for him to hold them, it wasn't embarrasing - actually there was a time when I was standing next to him and he'd slightly lean over and smell the flowers! I liked those moments.

Today:
One of my favourite moments, almost each day at school... is when I stop off at Tim Hortons near my building. I often have the same lady. She just makes me smile. I truly enjoy our interactions with each other. I have yet to not walk away from there after chatting with her without a smile on my face.

that is what I hope for everyone - to have those moments. Those things in their day that help to make them smile. Often times it is the little things - the things that sometimes may get overlooked.

I had something else to type/share - but I'm out of time... I have a meeting - so my apologies.