best of 2009

Lovely Amy at Rainy Saturday tipped me off to Gwen Bell's Best of 2009 blogger challenge — to blog each day about something great that happened in 2009.

Sounds like fun to me, but I'm clearly a bit behind.

December 1

What was your best trip in 2009?

Husband and I spent an amazing week in Florida in April. It was my first time to the sunshine state, and our first big vacation together, and we made the most of it — visited the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, sunned ourselves on Miami Beach, cheered on the Knicks at a Miami Heat game, and had a wonderful visit with Husband's Grandma.

December 2

Share the best restaurant experience you had this year. Who was there? What made it amazing? What taste stands out in your mind?

I love food and have several local favourites I can always depend on — The Wooden Monkey's veggie burgers, potato skins at Henry House, and The Foggy Goggle's mac and cheese. For my birthday this year, lovely friend A took me to brunch at The Brooklyn Warehouse, which was a delicious treat (the food and the company). Husband and I also had amazing homemade strawberry lemonade at a restaurant in Florida. The bottomless glasses and 30C heat didn't hurt either.

December 3

What's an article that you read that blew you away? That you shared with all your friends. That you Delicious'd and reference throughout the year.

I read so many articles and blog posts in the run of a day, it's hard to keep track of a year's worth. What articles stood out for you this year?

December 4

What book - fiction or non - touched you? Where were you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies?

I'm enjoying re-reading some my new designed classics, like Little Women. I can, too easily, get into a rut of reading chick lit, so it's nice to read something more substantial. I love getting wrapped up in the language. Next on my list — Jane Eyre.

December 5

Did you have a night out with friends or a loved one that rocked your world? Who was there? What was the highlight of the night?

I went to see The Rankin family in concert with a bunch of Cape Breton girlfriends back in February. It was a great time — one of the last times we all went out together before many friends moved away. A great memory.

December 6

Was there a conference or workshop you attended that was especially beneficial? Where was it? What did you learn?

Through my job, I've had the opportunity to attend a few interesting social media seminars locally and online this year. I'm constantly learning about the advertising industry and neat to see how individuals and brands network through social media.

December 7

Blog find of the year. That gem of a blog you can't believe you didn't know about until this year.

Oh, I have too many favourites to choose just one. Lately I'm loving Down and Out Chic and m.writes. New local must-reads in my Google Reader include Things To Do For Two and Snow Loves. And I must mention my daily reads — Rainy Saturday, Bower Power, Young House Love, Laptops to Lullabies and Magchunk.

December 8

Moment of peace. An hour or a day or a week of solitude. What was the quality of your breath? The state of your mind? How did you get there?

Wow. This list really makes you think back. I've been doing more yoga this year than ever before. It's the perfect way to unwind and de-stress, not to mention a perfect workout.

December 9

Challenge. Something that really made you grow this year. That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best challenge of the year for you?

Though I technically started my job in late 2008, the learning curve really kicked in after the new year. This year, I've made the transition from journalism to advertising. I've stepped out of my comfort zone on many occasions and learned a lot. I'm lucky to be in a position that has evolved with me and being busy and constantly challenged is one of the favourite part of my job.

December 10

Album of the year. What's rocking your world?

I'm enjoy Adele's 19, the Twilight and New Moon soundtracks and Dave Matthew's Band's Big Whiskey & The Groogrux King.

December 11

The best place. A coffee shop? A pub? A retreat center? A cubicle? A nook?

As cliche as this sounds, there's no place like home. It's been a busy year, but I love the moments I have to just relax with Husband, entertain friends and spread out my craft supplies to work on projects.

December 12

New food. You're now in love with Lebanese food and you didn't even know what it was in January of this year.

The newest thing on my menu is probably sushi. Sometimes I just crave it. And to my great surprise, Husband has become a sushi convert, too! Making homemade sushi is on our 2009 to do list ... eek, we're running out of time!

December 13

What's the best change you made to the place you live?

If you've been here from the beginning of this blog, you've witnessed many transformations in our little apartment. Our biggest success was probably our furniture makeover in the spring. Instead of spending hundreds on a new bedroom set, we sanded and painted our existing pieces to match.

December 14

Rush. When did you get your best rush of the year?

This is easy. The Rockin' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. So awesome.

December 15

Best packaging. Did your headphones come in a sweet case? See a bottle of tea in another country that stood off the shelves?

I'm alway inspired by the beautiful packages I see on Oh, Hello Friend. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to win a giveaway from this lovely blog and the pretty parcel was everything I expected it would be. Love.

December 16

Tea of the year. I can taste my favorite tea right now. What's yours?

Aside from a good, strong cup of orange pekoe, peppermint green tea is my choice.

More to come ... stay tuned!