Over the past several years I’ve had a few different conversions about blogging: Who actually blogs? Why? Why do I blog?
And I think that my answer has changed over time. What started as a research project has now turned into a personal one. For me, this blog is a place to post my interests, memories, and opinions. I don’t care so much if it’s read or viewed by anyone.
In the ephemeral world of the late internet era, it’s nice to have a place to call your own.
This post is one of those personal ones. It’s a way to remind myself of the highlights of the past year, and a place where I can go back and relive them.
I’m cheating a bit with this one - it’s actually from New Years Eve 2022, but was an incredibly special moment with my partner and her family somewhere in the mountains of New York state. We were gathered around a fire having a few drinks (including an incredible hot, spiced wine) after a day of snowshoeing.
The year ACTUALLY started on New Years day at this incredible cabin.
Part of the beauty of the cabin where we spent New Year’s was that there was no car access, and getting there meant a ~2km hike uphill while hauling all your luggage, groceries, and wine for the family. Even after a day of skiing and afternoon drinks in Lake Placid!
I also made it out to Whistler in February for a great bluebird day with a friend. We finished the day by by sitting on the side of the slope and having a couple of cans.
This little weirdo will never not be a highlight of my days.
We had a lot of great couch cuddles.
I made it to Washington DC to see the Air & Space Museum, and had a former fighter pilot as our guide.
We had our annual skip trip with an incredible group of friends - this time at Silver Star.
In March she said “Yes!” and me me the happiest man around.
For my birthday she took me out to our local bar for a game of pool and a VERY sweet and strong drink that had gummy sharks and a light in it (she knows me well - I loved it).
Beach walks and beers with friends are always great.
Lots of time walking around the neighbourhood.
And foggy, rainy hikes up the chief with my little gremlin.
I found time for quite a few beautiful sunsets (and sunrises).
And sailboat rides with good friends.
And seeing my dog graduate from Advanced Puppy School was maybe the proudest moment of my life.
And I got to hang out with my dad on some great boat trips.
And nice times hanging out having wine with my parents.
And forest walks with my mom.
And beach walks with my girls
Hangouts with my Cousin were always a highlight.
Gaming.
And seeing friends get into grappling.
…and book club meet-ups all contributed to a well-rounded year.
We all had a blast at her birthday.
And we followed it up with an incredible mountain adventure to camp at this lake, totally alone.
Just the two of us, and our little gremlin carrying her own food.
A business trip to LA meant a great new client.
We also moved offices, which brought with it new energy.
Another new client meant another great trip - this time to the farthest west coast of Vancouver island.
Another trip - this time to Toronto- meant catching up with some of the industry’s finest ad men.
And a game of pool with one of my oldest and best friends.
Forest walks with good friends….
….and their owners.
Some incredible news :-)
Finished the year in one of my favourite places…
Scoring some great waves.
Hi.
If you made it this far, good for you.
That was a lot of photos. And I skipped a lot of highlights, because of space, time, because I didn’t have the photos.
It was a pretty incredible year. Here’s to 2024!