4 In Ramblings

2012 Gratitude

Because I think it’s important to celebrate accomplishments and gratitude, this is why 2012 was a spectacular year (in no particular order)…

  1. There were all of these enchanting conversations that occurred with pseudo strangers and familiar faces in the right place at the right time. And for the first time ever, I described conversations and people as “enchanting”.
  2. Happenstance. Believe in it.
  3. Norway

    Shook the shackles of anonymity and fully embraced (and took pride in) my writing. Yes, I am Tales from a Bar Stool. Façade crumbled.

  4. Traveled to Norway. Despite the itchy, hivey, swollen allergic reaction to penicillin as prescribed for strep throat, the visits to the Oslo hospital, and the lack of real Vikings, I was able to truly appreciate the beauty of the country. Plus, I survived my first mountain biking adventure and my first mountain biking accident. I’ve got the bad ass scar to prove it.
  5. Covered the “society” hoopla of the Toronto International Film Festival for The Province Newspaper and had a little stint on CTV Toronto. It was an event I’ve wanted to attend for years. Let’s do that again, please and thank you. The energy was electrifying and I learned a thing or two.
  6. Watched Arcade Fire perform for a crowd of maybe 200 under a tent in a backyard to benefit Artists for  Peace and Justice. Music that traveled down to my toes and up out the ends of my hair.
  7. Kept randomly meeting and connecting with all of these screenwriters and storytellers. From Oscar and Emmy winners to writers working the trenches to those who merely dabble. I’m noticing the signs the universe sends out and meeting some truly incredible, like-minded people.
  8. Arcade Fire

    Started a screenplay. Seriously. To be completed early 2013. Almost finished…

  9. Also started a book of erotic short stories. Let’s keep that on the down low. And no, you cannot read them before I am finished in entirety.
  10. Discovered what I love to do. And went for it. Because there is no other option.
  11. A whimsical trip to Italy with my mother awakened my love for all things pasta, historical, and Mediterranean. Also opened my eyes to the insatiable appetite of Italian men. Full story not so forthcoming. Part of the story here.
  12. Got this awesome roommate named Ashley. She’s the bee’s knees. The apartment has never been cozier. We are advocates of dance parties and high fives.
  13. Rome

    Interviewed by Notable.ca and Playboy Energy Drink as “someone to know”. So grateful.

  14. Got on the cover of the National Post Newspaper as a Worthy 30 of Vancouver. No, wait. Front cover and section cover. Holy bananas! Truly honoured. And a little gobsmacked.
  15. Listened to Richard Branson speak in person. Eloquent and awe inspiring. Ditch the ties. Embrace individuality.
  16. Witnessed my dear friend Krista marry her perfect puzzle piece, Jimmy, in Positano. Learned that, in Italy, “a wet bride is a lucky bride”. And as Krista assured us during the ceremony, it also makes for a lucky groom.
  17. Once again, saw my gorgeous family in England. And once again, not enough time.
  18. Continued to grow the best friendships a girl, scratch that, a person could ever have. And started a few new ones.
  19. Truly learned to believe that I, and you, can do anything.
  20. Bought a new bed frame. It’s delightful. I feel like Sleeping Beauty – not to mention, an adult.

And a thank you to a few (I’m sure my memory is failing me right now) of those who made it memorable… Ashley, Robbie, Robyn, Brandie, Krista, Jimmy, Lola, Kerry, Annie, Dean, Cyndi, Brady, Baron, Haida, Joelle, Paul, George, Brian, Attila, Simon, Bob, Max, Patrick, Sam, Nathan, along with my dear family.

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4 Comments

  • Reply
    Mel
    December 30, 2012 at 09:02

    Love this post…gorgeous photos and fantastic memories!

    • Reply
      Sandra
      December 30, 2012 at 11:23

      Thank you, Mel! It was an amazing year 🙂

  • Reply
    Brian
    December 30, 2012 at 11:59

    you had such an amazing year Sandra! mucho kudos to you. it’s so great to look back and smile at all of the dreams coming true… all because you’re living your passion. love it. can’t wait to see what you continue to unravel for yourself in 2013… 🙂

    • Reply
      Sandra
      December 30, 2012 at 17:59

      Thank you, Brian! I’m excited to see how your 2013 develops. You’ve got some great things on the horizon 🙂

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