On a clear day you can see forever...

It's been cold these last few days- no snow around these parts of the world- but for us used to warmer days, temperature changes come as a shock. Layered up with scarves, sweaters, jackets and gloves (indoors too, in my case) leaves me wanting to cuddle at home, cat on lap. 

Isn't that what these days are for, anyway?

Here I am again, making a promise to myself to write more often, to engage you all in shenanigans.

In the meantime, I come with this.
Bon Iver-ish vibes, perfect for a Sunday like today: cold and cloudy.

I also leave you with the last of the 2012-2013 Holiday pictures... 

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks: The Highlights

No more sounds of silver bells 'round most corners these days now. 

Being back at work (and back at school) makes me miss the holidays, if only because I wish I could spend everyday in pj's what with the cold front still lingering on.

Travelling here and there for Christmas and New Year's didn't leave much time for relaxing, but it did make for fun and eventful holidays.

This might one of the exceptions where pictures don't speak louder than words; don't get me wrong, I'm fond of the snowy pictures and I managed to capture some key moments on camera, but they're nothing out of the ordinary (way to promote yourself, Mariana...)

Having said that, may I (still) please take you along my favourite moments of the 2012 Holidays.

Christmas was spent in Michigan, where I was treated to snow by none other than Mother Nature.
This was just the Christmas gift I was hoping for.

A beautiful sunset at the Henry Ford Museum parking lot also made for a lovely surprise.

"This is what you shall do..."

This is what you shall do;

Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches,

 give alms to everyone that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy,

devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants,

argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people,

take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men,

go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families,

read these leaves in the open air every seasons of every year of your life,

re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book,

dismiss whatever insults your own soul and your very flesh shall be

a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words

but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes

and in every motion and joint of your body.

-- Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass preface

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Mariana on Pinterest

In Which I Count My Blessings (And Recap the Year in Pictures)

Remember how the world was going to end 10 days ago?*
And here we are- ready to ring the new year: 2013!

To say this year has gone by in a flash would not only be a cliché but it's a gross understatement.
2012, gone in the blink of an eye.
But I'm not complaining.

After a(n emotionally) tumultuous 2011, this year proved to be so much more than I expected; it opened  up my eyes and mind to the world around me and to the person I am. To the person I am still becoming.

So- to cut out the mushy stuff- here're a couple of highlights of this year.**

1. I travelled to Asia for the first time ever*** and lived in Bangkok for 6 full months.
I learned some Thai****, learned to smile more often, experienced a proper green tea ceremony with Japanese ladies, saw some of the most beautiful sunsets, was re-united with a college friend and overall enjoyed all the little things in life.




You can view my photos here

2. I officially drive in & around the city, by myself.
I got my driver's license last year but it wasn't til this year that I put it to good use and can call myself a real driver.



3. I  cut my hair short. Very short.
And now I fear I can never go back.

4. I'm a student, once again.
And it makes me happy. I'm getting over my fear of singing in public and embracing my love of musicals- after being a closeted fan for years.

5. I'm a teacher.
Something I never saw myself doing and swore against- yet I enjoy it. It's an incredible learning experience as it is gratifying.
Plus, there's the school vacation calendar... *wink wink*

6. My gratitude journal (which I began this year in February)
I truly am grateful for all the little things in life and am so blessed.

7. Hey, I read 19 books (& some plays) this year.
I hope to read more again (ha, and I call myself an English degree graduate....) but for someone who gave up on a lot of things in 2011, it's a start!
I read my first Agatha Christie novel and joined my first bookclub ♥ ♥



8. I am a quarter of a century old.
Finally hit that big 2-5 mark-yikes. But it feels good.



9. I met some new (and awesome) people and am happy to have them in my life. I've also kept in touch with those far away, those I care for immensely.

Source: img2.etsystatic.com via Maria on Pinterest

10.  I had a snowy Christmas.
And was reunited with my niece & nephew (and brother & sister-in-law) after a year of 'separation'.

11. I've never felt more at home in Mexico.
For reasons that I can (& can't) explain, I've grudgingly lived in my home country for many years.
And for yet a whole other bunch of reasons that I can't (& can) explain, something changed this year.
Mexico sure isn't perfect- in a lot of ways, really- but it's home. And it's charming It's beautiful.
It's a grand city.

12. Myself > myself
I've mentioned it a couple of times on the blog- it's something I'm still working on- and I've come to terms with who I am. I'm cool with messing up. I'm happy to make a nuisance of myself.
YOLO, right?*****

What are some of the highlights of your 2012?
Any epiphanies worth noting?

So, let's ring in the New Year with open arms (and jiving hips)!
[Earth, Wind & Fire's September is also worth a listen to get your groove on. Or for any occasion really.]*Wishing you a spectacular 2013*

from Tumblr

* Poor misunderstood Mayans...** cue My Favourite Things*** And travelled around (some) surrounding countries.**** Chan phuut pahaasaa Thai dai mai nitnoy!***** Eeeeh, I said YOLO.

All pictures taken by me unless otherwise noted