The coming year, two thousand and twelve, is already feeling like it is full of opportunity. That may have something to do with 2011 putting me through the mill for twelve long months. I won’t do too much reflecting, but instead give thanks for the wonderful people in my life, and the wonderful trips I got to take in 2011 that got me through the tough times at home.

Now, a new city and a new job, a fresh start and a return to the ocean. Sounds promising!

I am rethinking my blog, figuring out my life and how it all fits together. Ready to burst out of my limbo state of being (and Ottawa) and into something amazing. Putting it all out there in the universe. An opportunity to be true to myself, Pailin and the world around me – all I ask.

I’ll be back. I am just not sure exactly when.

And so another year comes full circle. The week has been filled with Bluesfest and dealing with the continuous job search. It’s an emotional roller coaster, and some is in the hands of lady luck. Here’s what I know, things will change and by next year I will most likely be living on the West coast, definitely no longer in Ottawa. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Settled down, out of limbo. Until then I will have to ride this tough patch out. The year is bound to better than the rough ride of the last six month. But what I really hope for, is that dream job where I am making a difference in the world. And maybe save some elephants on the side.

May this time next year I be as smiley as Josh Ritter was last night on stage.

good things (week fifty-two).

On Thursday the royals arrived in Ottawa, and despite not having fully recovered from my cold, I was determined to get a closer look. I’ve had a crush on William since I was about fourteen, so it was quite lovely to see him up close. I got to the war memorial a good two hours before their arrival, ate the salad I had brought and proceeded to wait. As moments like these always offer, I soon made friends with a girl standing near me, and we proceeded to play scrabble on her iphone for well over an hour to pass the time.

When Will & Kate did arrive, it was quite a thrill, she looked beautiful, he looked gracious. It was, all in all, well worth the wait.

good things (week fifty-one).

. playing scrabble while waiting for the royals
. up close encounter with prince William
. reading some beautiful books; Lake of Dreams & The Weird Sisters
. wandering the busy streets on Canada Day
. a delicious salad from Freshii
. enjoying another fantastic season of So You Think You Can Dance

“No such thing as a spoiled bunny. This is an animal who possesses a limitless capacity for affection.”
Ann Patchett, The Magician’s Assistant

My dearest Frankie has been on my mind, and I am half tempted to email her adoptive parents to ask if I can come visit. I am not sure if that is proper foster parent decorum. Bunnies seem to be everywhere, I am nearly twittering as much about them as elephants. Here are some links I’ve come across and news I wanted to share.

.  The Ontario RSPCA recently did a raid at a bunny mill (evil places!) and rescued hundreds of bunnies. Sadly about half of them had to be put down due to their poor health, and the other half has been taken in by rescue centers across the province. This includes New Moon Rabbit Rescue, for whom I’ve fostered Frankie. Frankie was traumatized for a long time following her inhumane life at the bunny mill and it took many months for her to relax and trust. If you know anyone who can commit (important!) to adopting a bunny, please let them get in touch with a nearby rescue.

This is a topic dear to my heart, bunnies are often overlooked and easily cast aside (how, I ask you?!). I wish I could foster at the moment, but with my current “ready to move at a moments notice for the dream job” state, I cannot make the commitment. I grew up with a bunny in the house, Jolly was with us for almost twelve years and was more like a puppy following me around and greeting me at the gate when I came home from school.

. Just a girl and her bunny flickr set. Such a treasure and what a gorgeous bunny. Frankie never stood still long enough for me to get a good photo of her (except the one above that is). She also blogs about bunnies.

. Article about why to take a rabbit in, instead of a cat or dog. But please do your research first. Bunnies aren’t always ideal pets for small children, for example, they do need care, they do need vet care etc.  Always be sure to adopt from your local shelter and not buy your bunny from a store. And don’t get one around Easter, just because it’s Easter. They are often bought on a whim, especially around this time, people realize the work involved, and  shelters are full with them a few weeks later. This story resonates with that (sad ending).

That ends my public service announcements for the day.  Just to close: Frankie was such an awesome bunny. I can’t wait to get that job, settle down somewhere else and be another foster mamma.

A cold had brought me down for the weekend, which was a shame, because I had plans to go all out with the Fringe Festival. The two plays I did manage to see however, were absolutely wonderful: Roller Derby Saved my Soul (genius) and Question Period; The musical (quirky and written by a friend’s husband).

good things (week fifty).

. spotting cottontails on the way to work
. catching up with sabrina over coffee and cake
. a wonderful, wonderful Fringe play
. meeting some interesting people at a non profit networking event
. fixing my bike all by myself
. getting an exciting application out the door

When you go back to the daily grind, any outdoor moments are so much more appreciated. From playing bocche in the park during the week, to reading my book for a few hours at Dow’s Lake, I enjoyed the fresh air.

good things (week forty-nine).

. visiting my old colleagues during an Open House
. watching the hockey games at the pub with friends
. phone call from the parentals
. reading a book that is transporting me back to Rome
. cupcakes and bocche with the CPAWS crew
. face to face with a gorgeous groundhog
. booking my birthday trip to New Brunswick – sand, ocean breeze, scallops and friends!

An evening of dance and on stage twice. Breaking out of my comfort zone made me feel comfortable and confident at a time where I feel I have little control over everything else. What a marvelous evening, with wonderful people, glitter and just leaving it out on the dance floor.

good things (week forty-eight).

. buying a big chunk of Dutch cheese at the airport before leaving
. making it ‘home’ safe and sound after a long, long journey
. a lovely lunch with Sue catching up on the going-ons
. planting some zucchini plants on the balcony
. such a great evening performing at Salsapalooza
. veggie burgers and laughs at Karen R’s

What a great two weeks I had away in Europe, the time spent with my parents, the beautiful wedding followed by my wandering around Rome, closed with a magical few days in London and a few more days in Holland. It was a whirlwind, yet it truly felt like a vacation. I was able to fully relax and enjoy for the first time in months. I saw dear friends again, ate magnificent food (lots of cheese!) and explored my favorite cities.

The photo above (featuring Ceri & Armel) was taken at Spitalfields market, where I went on a bit of a mirror kick. See the rest of the collection below the cut.

good things (week forty-seven)

. a day wandering around Rome; history, pasta, fountains, sun and splendid beauty
. morning visit to the V&A museum with Sandhya, followed by a lovely lunch
. the healing power of London, what a glorious, ever-changing city
. exploring the east end with Ceri & Armel
. a great meeting with The Elephant Family, and giving them some books
. seeing my parents’ photos of their travels around Asia
. the living room at the parentals house looking fabulous, no more building site!
. crossing paths with my cousin just in time for a quick catch up at the airport
. some sushi and frozen yoghurt with Mercedes
. meeting Jessica & Jolanda for drinks and catching up on life in the sunshine

It was such an honour for me to attend my close friend Cecilie’s wedding in Italy, with only one other non-family member as a guest, and only 17 of us in total. To share with her this special day and seeing her glow and smile broadly all the time, lifted my spirits. Spending time with her daughter Isa, who thus far I have seen grow up on skype, skyrocketed them (my favorite picture of the whole trip is below the cut).

good things (week forty-six).

. spending lots of time with wonderful Isa
. seeing my dear friend Cecilie so happy and radiant
. lazy mornings by the pool, late lunch and dinners in town, siestas
. making a new friend who also translated lots of Norwegian for me
. glorious evening walking around Rome and an extravagant meal
. family visits around The Netherlands and spending lots of time with my parents
. a morning tea-time visit from my friend Babita and her 5-month old son
. mango gelato