Juno, like the city in Alaska.....

No. Not really. More like the movie written by Diablo Cody (fake name). I went to see it over the holiday season and it was fantastic. Good characters, fantastic writing, and a quirky soundtrack. However, the best thing of all - because of the very strong Canadian presence (the two main characters and director are Canadian, it was shot in Vancouver) - it is very reflective of the humour, sarcasm and outlook of a Canadian teenager. Ellen Page (halifax native) was fantastic and I highly recommend getting out to the theatre and supporting good movies.

Delightful dinner in Ottawa

To the locals in Ottawa, this is probably nothing new. However, to any of the other Canadian residents who may travel to Ottawa - the Wellington Gastropub is a must try.

Liam surprised me on Saturday night by booking reservations at one of the top restaurants in Ottawa (according to the Globe and Mail). I've never ate a more tender steak and the mashed potatoes were made with stilton and old cheddar. I'm a simple and picky eater most days (I like very straightforward food that doesn't touch any other food on the plate), and though the food was touching at times - it was a delicious combo.

The place is pretty small, but has a unique charm. The best part about the place was the lack of pretentious people and staff.
If you have a chance or are brought to Ottawa - check it out. Its a bit pricey but worth it for a treat.

New Years Goals

Like a fellow blogger (ahem Kaili), I'm also in love with making lists. However, I'm not in love with resolutions - I often break them quickly if I don't follow them to a tee.
So these are my new years lofty ambitions.
1. Lose 10 to 12 pounds by March 22. I'm now at the weight I was at the end of my first year of university. I didn't like pictures of me then, I don't like pictures of me now. Plus, I think I need to be healthier. It shouldn't be hard to do, maybe if I cut out eating a whole brie in one sitting I should be fine.

2. The gym issue. I need to go - I have ballet once a week and pilates or yoga once a week. I just have to go twice a week to the gym. Hopefully that doesn't bore me to tears to much.

3. Start the savings. If I want to ever afford big trips and a teeny tiny flat, I need to save now.

4. Finally finish those photo albums. It's the bane of my existence. I used to be so good - now I'm four years behind. I may need Liam to send me some cds and the albums to finish this though. But I want it done before the end of March too.

5. Make better use of Europe and travel somewhere new once a month. I know I can do it - I need to be motivated. The next trip planned is Paris!

6. Keep up with French classes. No letting anything lag.

7. And finally - set up the recipe book. I have way too many loose recipes hanging around - it's starting to get agitating.

I have a feeling all are attainable but the photo album...... It's not good when you know the one thing on your list that you probably won't complete as you write it down. Oh well, if I do six out of seven - I have pretty sweet odds.

Back to the grind

I was right - with all the merriment I did not blog one bit. I was barely on the computer. It was lovely. My boyfriend asked me to list a bunch of things I wanted to do in the nine days I had in Ottawa. Fortunately enough (through good weather and surprisingly smooth planning) he fulfilled my entire list. I went xcountry skiing (where the bindings didn't fit the boots but that didn't stop Liam from mcgyvering my boots into the bindings in some sort of way), downhill skiing (despite falling asleep on the chairlift), tobogganing, and the list goes on. It's lovely to have a holiday but now it's back to the working life. I figure nothing can be as bad as yesterday though. Working on the day that you arrive from the overnight flight at 7 a.m. is rather brutal. As well, it was the first day of the four months without seeing Liam. That was a hard item to swallow.
Now that I'm on day 2 - I'm super planning everything so I can minimize the time I miss him so much.