My Christmas Vacation (Pretty Much As Amazing As National Lampoon's)

Hey all!

So, after my overnight flight back across the pond, I am in London town now. Thank you to the supply pilot who covered for the original flight pilot who fell ill on route to Toronto and wasn't able to drive the plane back! It just shows that whether it be supply pilots or supply teachers, we are both equally important.

I must say that my Christmas vacation was exactly what I hoped for and more! Thank you to my adorable Mom who did not fail on the quality time front for the family. I saw 2 musical productions: Annie (which is one of my favourites!) and Top of the Pops: A British Invasion which allowed me to enjoy a slice of Britain while I was in Canada. I was taken on a secret adventure to Anna Mae's bakery in Millbank, ON for a traditional breakfast and a Mennonite homemade sugar-free (for my Diabetic Dad) cherry pie, and then visited St. Jacob's Farmers Market. I was surprised by two of my best friends at two different times. One surprise even brought me to tears it was that shocking! (You got me good Mama Jane & Chandra!). Then there was family night at Woodbine Raceway where I enjoyed the delicious buffet and cheering on the horses, and my brother and parents enjoyed placing small bets. I spent 48 hours in St. Catharines, including New Year's Eve and got to see my two favourite people who have names starting with D. And yes, I spent my New Year's Eve enjoying a great Milestones dinner and watching Aladdin and Beauty & The Beast. To all you doubters of this plan out there, YES WE HAD FUN! Plus, I got to see Taylor Swift perform at Times Square on television while curled up with my new Taylor Swift blanket. So, what could possibly top that?! Oh ya, and don't forget there was Christmas in there too! The highlight of the Christmas family time? Doing numerous trivia quizzes on Sporcle.com and playing lots of card games! I've never been so into a game as I was during that roaring match of 31! Oh ya, and I can't forget I was able to relive my glory days as a Page at Ingersoll Public Library by helping out the ladies on Wednesday night. Then, the fate which led Gail and I to Boston Pizza for dinner where we find out appetizers are half price after nine and we had the nicest waiter I've had in a long long time!

So, those are the artificial highlights of my Christmas vacation. However, there are also emotional realizations that I came to over the 16 days as well. Realization #1: I'm not ready for small-town life. That one came to me on the drive home from the airport on my very first day. Seeing country roads and cornfields and farm animals, ya not really in my near future of everyday life. Realization #2: You just can't beat quality time with people you love. There is absolutely 100% nothing better. Realization #3: Sometimes it just takes a bit of research and self-reflection to figure out what you truly want in life and what makes you happy. Once you figure that out, go and get it. Be determined, and never give up. Realization #4: Let people know how you feel, especially about them. If you love someone, tell them. If you're upset with someone, tell them. Speak up. Realization #5: I miss St. Catharines and I miss Niagara. So, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be doing my best to get myself back in that area when I come home in August. Oh ya, and Realization #6: I'm going to enjoy these next 7 months and be glad for the opportunities and experiences that I am able to have, but I'm moving home in August to be closer to the people who I love. Because Realization #7 (although I already knew this): People matter. Love matters. And good people and good friends are rare in this world, so when you find people that you really get along with, people who are honest and loyal, hold on to them and keep them close. Never let them go!

With all this said, I am ready to see what 2013 brings me! Taylor Swift says it's going to be a good year (13 is her number for all of you who don't know that) and I can't help but be optimistic and positive as well. :)

Here's to 2013 and the continuation of my adventure abroad!