So Vendy is finally learning to drive

I still plan to live along the subway line for the rest of my life but driving makes traveling independently much simpler. So Vendy is finally learning to drive this year. The motivation … Iceland road trip!

Next Step: Read the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook & take the written test at Downsview Park (yes this is next to a subway station)

365 grateful project (count=122)

• Alice Rosignoli for Ligne Roset wardrobe concept (better display than randomly draping over furniture)
• separate spaces without introducing (too many) solid walls

365 grateful project (count=120)

• fabric the color and texture of travertine
• joyful trees in liverpool
• Liz Diller to speak at Daniels (faculty of architecture, landscape, and design)

365 grateful project (count=117)

Have had many amazing tasting trips to Niagara on the Lake over the years (2006 / 2008 / 2010 / 2011) but this is easily the best

• Mild winter not the best for harvesting frozen grapes but perfect for amble through the vines
• cecile’s house is impeccable from chocolate bread to bathroom tile
• Not impressed by Sand and Gravel in fact me thinks Ravine is more style than substance but discovered southbrook which has great style and great substance
• cattail creek was my favorite: 2008 Select Late Harvest Meritage + Dark Chocolate Butterscotch Crunch
• amazing osso bucco at epicurean accompanied by white bean cassoulet and wild mushrooms
• rhubarb pickle is perfect with pork or field greens

365 grateful project (count=111)

• One thing I stopped doing when I started traveling for work is bringing leftover shampoo home. But cannot not bring L’Occitane home!
• Dinner with dad at le paradis. I love the open kitchen but we sat in the third (quieter more intimate) room, enjoying duck confit and conversation.
• Weekend of wine and choco with Sharon & Carl. I’m interested in: 2008 Sauvignon Blanc + Chocolat au Herbes de Provence @ Stratus; 2008 Pinot Noir + Caramalized Pine Nuts & Dark Chocolate Square @ Reif; 2010 Sand and Gravel Cabernet Franc + Salted Pretzels Dipped in Milk Chocolate @ Ravine

v-day

My relationships tend to start in the spring and end in the fall (very agricultural i know). Hence, this is only my third (maybe fourth) v-day not being single. Nevertheless, I find headlines like “Remarkable Women Making Single Sensational” ridiculous!!!

Sarah Rosen, Power Publicist: “I’d say the one thing I like most about being single is having the time to work as hard as I do, spend the extra hours doing research, going to all events, conferences or trips that interest me.”

Kelly Framel, Blogger and Stylist: her dream date is someone who can, in her words, “understand my crazy schedule! But ultimately, someone I can learn and collaborate and grow with; someone equally curious who can help me keep things interesting.”

365 grateful project (count=108)

• cool finds at thepondmarket
• dad starting new job at snclavalin
• mum received an award for her work so we are going to party at four seasons

365 grateful project (count=105)

• coffee table inspired by Mies
• cappuccino doppio at caffe furbo
• olive oil massage
• roasted salmon sandwich at mbco. yes romantic afternoon of self.
• 105 > 100

365 grateful project (count=100)

• Carl brought a bottle of Yellow Tail Bubbles to brunch; semillion + traminer + viognier + trebbiano = partying in a citrus grove
• Sharon made angel food cake; unusually delicious density
• Wei brought daffodils

in time of daffodils(who know
the goal of living is to grow)
forgetting why,remember how
in time of lilacs who proclaim
the aim of waking is to dream,
remember so(forgetting seem)

in time of roses(who amaze
our now and here with paradise)
forgetting if,remember yes

in time of all sweet things beyond
whatever mind may comprehend,
remember seek(forgetting find)

and in a mystery to be
(when time from time shall set us free)
forgetting me,remember me

365 grateful project (count=97)

• we spent an hour perusing Mark Ovenden’s Transit Maps of the World (he bought the book at 401 Richmond West; i like bilbao’s Fosteritos; funny picture of union station yes both directions are north)
• preceded by making mulled apple cider; love the scent of mulling spices
• followed by late dinner at corner house; onion tart plus beet salad is perfect
• bday gift: hot docs pass
• steak dinner with Mum + Dad: 1 x rib eye + 1 x sirloin
• winterlicious lunch with Faisel, Fei and Vikram: love the standing knife at C5