I can't believe

The first six months of 2010 are now a memory - and what a glorious memory they are.

2010 started with a rad Justin Timberlake, Euro-chic birthday surprise; then the Games; followed by Paris and the most swoon-worthy Swiss boy; Hawaii with the family; and Vegas for a friend's stagette.

Like Whoa.

It feels like yesterday that Vancouver, its residents and the world were getting ready for the Olympics. Here we are, three months later and I'm still feeling the Olympic hangover. Why? The Olympics showed me the potential of this city and its people. It showed me that the Vancouver I see every day is one millionth of how awesome it could be.

I skipped the immediate Olympic hangover by fleeing to Europe. I left for a couple of reasons - partly for a vacation and partly to see about a boy. And what a vacation (and boy) it was. You've read the details, so I won't bore you. Again.

A month after Paris was Hawaii with the cutest kidlettes ever. I confess, they make kids look like a more appealing option than before.

After Hawaii was Vegas. As it wasn't my trip, what happens in Vegas will stay in Vegas, this time. You can read Sarin's thoughts on the trip if you'd like.

But now I am bored. I'm not sure how the next six months will shape up, but they better step it up. And soon.

54 days later

I haven't written anything in two months. I don't know why, but I haven't. My life has been busy, but it has also felt somewhat ... uneventful since the amazing trip to Europe.

Um, can we talk about how I still can't believe those ten perfect days were mine? That those aren't fake memories, but real ones? That the boy wasn't a figment of my imagination? Whoa.

I digress.

So what have I done in the past two months? Well ...

I've celebrated a great birthday with my boyfriend, been to Vegas for a stagette, moved offices, lost a beloved co-worker to a baby, saw some music, and continued my attempts to win over the Swiss boy.

So that's been my two months. It doesn't seem like a lot, but trust me it's been awesome.

There's the update. Hopefully I don't get lazy again, because let's not lie, that's what this lack of posts can be chalked up to.

Priority: High

I went to Hawaii this weekend. Yes, it is extravagant for a weekend trip, but the flight prices were cheap, and because it was a family vaycay, I didn't have to pay for anything else.

This weekend has been all kinds of ups and downs.

Up because I got to see all of my immediate family and a good chunk of my extended family.

Up because my nieces and nephews (two of each) are the most awesome kidlettes ever. The kidlettes and I were Team Awesome all weekend. My 1 year old niece was trying to scream my name for the last two days. My 4 year old nephew said I was his girlfriend and tried to stay up all night so he wouldn't miss a minute with me. My 6 year old niece wore her Canada sweater with pride and was fucking awesome-sauce.

Down because it was so short.

Down because Monday was spent in front of a computer working. As these nieces and nephews of mine were on the beach, yelling for me I was forced to deal with a 'client issue'.

Normally, I don't mind working from home, but this was not home. This was a house on Oahu's North Shore. This was time that I was supposed to have with my family that I don't get to hang with much.

This was MY time.

My family understands the reality of mortality and this weekend made me realize: at any point, any one of these people might not be here. And should they stop being here I would be left with nothing but regrets for not spending Monday frolicking on the beach with the cutest half-breed kids in the world.

So, this weekend left me with one nagging question: where the fuck are my priorities?

Dood's Weekend Eve

Tomorrow, my best dood, Smelly, comes for our annual Dood's Weekend.

I know I've talked about Smelly before, but I don't think I've ever told you about him.

KEY FACTS:

• His name isn't really Smelly.
• We met in 1996. Yes, you read that right. 1996. It's mind blowing right? Soon, we will have known each other for more than half of our lives. What?!
• He was actually my grad date, although we went out separate ways after the dance - in fact, I don't think we even danced together. 
• We have never shared anything more than platonic exchanges. Although he gave me a gas pedal two weeks before grad, and that wasn't very friendly. Jerk. 
• When I came home from New York, he drove my car to Calgary to fetch me and drive home with me. 
• After high school, we almost stopped being friends because his girlfriend didn't like me. 
• I've asked him to leave before. 
• He got me a boyfriend once. The guy wasn't a good boyfriend, but Smelly made that one happen. 
• He is a total guy, without being a total guy about it. I mean, he loves all things boys should like - hockey, camping, etc - but he isn't a macho douche. 
• He once told me I looked like a lesbian. 
• He is possibly the best dood anyone could ask for. 

That last one isn't even an exaggeration - Smelly has stuck by me for 14 years. It hasn't mattered what I say to him or tell him, he says his piece and then moves on. He's pretty awesome like that. 

Smelly (left) and I at my 25th birthday. 

We are doing our 3rd Annual Dood's Weekend in style. Thur - Sun will be spent over a table and Catan, I'm sure, Monday we are going to Miike Snow and Tuesday we are going to The xx (yes, I'm giving them one last chance). 

It's going to be all kinds of awesome. 

Chag Kashruth Pesach

This past week marked a little milestone for me - my first real-life Passover experience, with God's Chosen People and all!

You see, my girlfriend invited me to celebrate Passover with her and her family. I was the only Gentile in attendance. It was a full evening's worth of food, prayer, singing and wine.

And let me tell you, Sarin's mom can cook! I got matza ball soup, tapas and spreads of every variety, so many main course options it was like a restaurant and some serious dessert yumminess.

Also, I totally got to see Sarin get her Jew on - she was singing, and praying and everything! She refused to put on her traditional Passover clothes, which was a little mean of her, but whatever.

I felt like I was meeting my boyfriend's parents for the first time - I was nervous and excited and well, I'm really grateful to these people for having Sarin -  and I wanted to make a good impression.

Anyways, just a little shout-out to Sarin and her familia - thanks for the Passover goodness. It was totally the best Passover meal I've ever had.