Happy New Year!

2010 brought lots of new surprises, challenges, and adventures. Here’s a little look back at my year:

In January of 2010, I was in South America, on the border of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. We rang in the new year in Puerto Iguazu, over caiprinhas and Argentine asado. Shortly after we found our way to Montevideo, Uruguay, where we rented a car and drove to Gabriel’s favourite place in the world, Punta del Este.

January also brought the reunion of the Broughdale girls, my two University roommates who I lived with for three years while we were studying. We met up in Toronto, spent the weekend roaming around Yorkville and catching up, and vowed to do it again soon. It was great to be reunited with the witty geologist and outspoken biochemist. Miss you Serp and Krall!

In February, after vowing to put off traveling for a while, we caught the itch again, and flew to a more domestic location: Las Vegas. Under the neon lights, we played black-jack, roamed the strip, and laughed til our bellies hurt.

In April I finished the first year of my MBA program. A week later, my wisdom teeth came out, and I started a diet of liquids. During that time, I discovered what had been ailing me for the past 10 years of my life. Gluten. Immediately I began a strict gluten-free diet, and never looked back. It’s been a challenge to live without the normal breads, pastas, and baked goods that I love, but seeing the improvements in my health has made it all worthwhile.

In May, Gabriel purchased his first home, a condo in downtown Toronto. I moved in, and we spent the summer painting, buying furniture, and making the condo into a home.

We also spent the summer exploring a new city, Toronto. From Buskerfest to Sunday mornings scouring the antiques market at the St. Lawrence Market, we really soaked up everything the city had to offer. Favourite moments? Discovering Kensington Market, walks along the harborfront, watching the buzz of the Entertainment District from our balcony, and entertaining at the condo with friends.

In late June, when the G20 came to Toronto, we fled the city. Off to Miami Beach we went, to the Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa. For the next two weeks, we spent our days lounging on the beach, biking down to South Beach, making Lean Cuisines in the kitchen, and watching Food Network shows well into the night. Being in Little Buenos Aires, we made a point to watch all of the Argentina and Uruguay World Cup games in the restaurants and cafes around us. We caught serious World Cup fever. I was thrilled when the Netherlands made it to the finals, and loved having a celebratory drink at Bier Markt once we returned to Toronto.

By the end of the summer, I had begun studying for the LSAT for admissions into law school. Whether it was on our balcony as the sun set, or in the newly furnished office, my nose was always in my LSAT study guide. In September, I started my second year of the MBA program. Specializing in Marketing, I had a great time working through cases and getting involved in our business council. In October I wrote the LSAT, scored well, and immediately felt an immense amount of relief. We spent the fall touring the Niagara wineries, visiting the local beaches, and spending time with my niece and nephew.

From Halloween as a belly dancer in Toronto, to Holiday Mixers with my MBA friends, this past fall has flown by. I’m grateful for an amazing 5 year relationship with Gabriel, the time I spend with my family, and the opportunities I have been given to attend law school next year. Where 2011 will take me, I have no idea. It’s exciting and a tad scary at the same time.

A new city. A new home. A new school. A new career. A new degree. A new adventure! Thanks for all of your support this year, and I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store!

Happy New Year!

May your 2011 be everything you hope for!