Monthly Archives: January 2012

Welcoming the Year of the Dragon

As I return and recover from a quick trip to Las Vegas during which I I walked about 30 miles of the CES floor, I want to share a few photos from our weekend visit to the Japanese garden to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

Of course a Japanese New Year leads to reflection of each of our own birth years – what they mean and how they may have shaped our personalities. A quick critique of my year – the year of the Rabbit:

  • Usually generous, friendly and tranquil by nature. (ummmm…ok…)
  • Rabbits like everything to be low key and even tempered and are anxious if forced to take risks. (that’s fair)
  • They enjoy paying attention to detail to create an ambiance in their lives. (I have no time for details)
  • Rabbits most often prefer the easy road. (OK, now we’re onto something…)
  • Rabbits are suited to careers in literature, art, design, public relations, counseling, advisory occupations and law. They also make good secretaries. (Stop right there! Secretary? I would be a terrible secretary. And where is Photographer?)

Regardless of the inaccuracies in my own zodiac, I am looking forward to the Year of the Dragon and I’m grateful we were able to welcome it in style amidst the beauty and tranquility of the Japanese gardens.

Thomas and his friend Camille jumped at the opportunity to practice their Japanese calligraphy. Thomas tried his hand at some Kanji…

…while Camille worked on a Dragon.

And then we watched the professionals create their own amazing works of calligraphy art.

With REALLY big brushes.

Wishing you a very happy year of the Dragon.

Today’s Photo of Playing in the Bat Tent

The best part about having kids who are obsessed by superheroes right now? The ability to use it to selfishly manipulate them.

Need to go somewhere? Let’s use the “Bat car”. Time for bed? Time to use the “Bat Toothbrush.”

I’m sure they’ll catch on soon and the plan has it’s flaws (“I’m NOT BATMAN! I’m Superman!) but I’m determined to get as much mileage out of it as I can in the meantime.

Today’s Photo of the Last Lights of Christmas

The christmas tree has been taken away by the recycling and all of the ornaments are packed away in the basement, but I just can’t bare to put these away. They give the house such a nice glow.

Five Things Friday: The Christmas Gift Roundup

Here are some of my favorite gifts that appeared under the tree this year. Some were for me, some for the kids and a couple I probably chose and/or purchased myself – which is probably why I love them so much.

I’m choosing to leave one item off the list and that’s the book that I was so proud to purchase for my husband only to find out he bought the exact same book (signed copy) for me six years ago. What can I say? I’ve had two children since then and apparently the memories of this book (that I even READ) were lost in my fried Mummy brain.

1. My BRAND NEW Kindle Fire 
Love love love this little piece of technology – and sure I will love it even more after I try it out during my first plane ride of 2012 on Monday. A little sad that I purchased the hardcover version of this book before I got my new toy because it would definitely be easier to carry on the Kindle than lugging around all 600 pages. (thanks to my wonderful husband for this surprise).

2. Stuck by Oliver Jeffers
I bought this book for the kids and it’s jumped to the top of my list of favourite children’s books. It’s also apparently perfect for six year olds because Thomas laughed out loud the entire time I was reading it. The best thing about this book is that it’s not predictable – well, not until you’ve read it 20 or 30 times.

3. Bridesmaids on Blu Ray
My favourite funny movie last year and the Blu Ray means I can have another laugh at the movie and then laugh again at the thousands of extras. Still haven’t found the time to watch the entire thing. I see a girls’ movie night in my future. (thanks Kellers!)

4. Peter Alexander Pajamas
They’re not exactly the same as these ones, but they’re black and white and just as comfy. I wish I could wear them night and day. (thanks Ben & Emma!)

5. The New York Time Magazine Photographs
Not every book should be on the Kindle and this is one of those books that need to be seen in person and full size. A wonderfully enormous collection of photographs, and the stories behind them, from the past 30 years. Hours of inspiration ahead.

So much to keep me inspired and entertained for the coming year. I’m a very lucky girl. 🙂

Happy Trails for Some – Back to Reality for Others

Sadly, I was not the one boarding a flight for Hawaii. Back for my first full day of work for 2012 and fully into the swing of things.

Trying hard not to feel too resentful of the three people I dropped at the airport earlier this week who are now likely soaking up the sunshine and sipping Mai Tais (well, the two who are of age anyway).

I will be heading down south for a little unexpected sunshine early next week – but it’s for a work trip so I’ll be catching glimpses through any window I can find while the sounds of poker machines play in the background.

I feel as though I haven’t had much time to reflect on 2011 and even look forward to 2012, so I think I’ll need to set aside a little time for that over the next few days. It would be a sad day indeed if I were to I plunge into a new year without a favorite photo of the year post – or maybe two. I’m working on it.

In the meantime, it’s back to reality and vicariously living my dream of a Mai Tai on the beach.