Today is the first Monday of 2010. Like most people, I’m trying to get my life back into a post holiday routine. OMG-did I just say that? Am I really looking for routine in my life?
I suppose I am merely reflecting on the rush of the last few weeks buying and making gifts, hanging up Christmas lights, writing cards and eating too many treats. I’m tired of the Hallmark Christmas and the money sucking New Years Eve. The time for family was irreplaceable and my friends are fabulous, but now I just want to get on with the other stuff-DISCOVERING LIFE as the one and only, Babe With A Backpack!
Lucky for me, I still managed to fit in a bit of adventure over the holidays. On Boxing Day I went rollerblading in Stanley Park. This was an escape from packing and moving for my friend Cecilia as she decided to buy and move into a new apartment days before the New Year.
As we wheeled our way past the many walkers along the seawall, an appreciation for my fair city grew even more. There were people wearing shorts. I have to admit it’s not exactly shorts weather, but some Vancouverites really like to get the point across – unlike the rest of Canada, we can!
On New Years Eve day I joined my friends Cheryl, Shannondell and Cecilia for a snowshoe on Dog Mountain, off of Seymour Mountain. Some fresh snow blessed our tracks and motivated me to attempt some trail running-definitely a new sport I’m looking to take up. Although I am not a fan of running, I’ve discovered darting in and out of trees and making my way as fast as I can along a narrow route in nature, is an adventure to be repeated. Of course I tripped over my own snowshoes a couple of times, but I don’t think anybody saw.
And to wrap up 2009, or better yet, start off 2010, I took the Polar Bear Plunge. My first backpack packed for the new year, held a towel and a bottle of champage. I made my way down to English Bay with a coffee in hand and was faced with a sea of umbrellas along the beach. A few brave souls had already stripped down to their suits, others paraded around in costumes to entertain. I wish I had captured more of the outfits, but truth be told, it was raining so bloody hard I didn’t dare remove my camera from my pocket. I did however, manage to strip down (to my swimmers of course!).
And was the water cold? Well of course it was you fool-it’s winter!! And it was invigorating to splash, swim and scream excitement for a new year ahead. I recommend everybody joins in the challenge at some point in their life. I’m ‘gonna try and do it as often as possible.
So there you have it-January 2010 is no longer in the future. I’m still looking back at 2009 and adjusting my resolutions-will keep you posted!
Cheers me dears,
Fiona
Babe With A Backpack
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