Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017

Hey folks! How have you been?

If you wondering how I am or where I’ve been, then I’m writing this for you. 🙂

2016 has been one of my toughest years. Nothing major happened, no tragedies to speak of, but it’s been a year of reflection for me. After leaving the comfort of my easy, quiet life in Burlington, Ontario a little over a year ago and moving to the bustling metropolis of Vancouver, I’ve had a few personal revelations that have been both wonderful and very difficult at the same time.

The good? I’ve realized that I am incredibly strong. When you are surrounded by a team of friends, family and co-workers supporting and encouraging you, life can skate along very smoothly. Take yourself out of that comfortable environment where you only have yourself to rely on, it changes the game a little.

And that is what 2016 has shown me. I’ve been the strong one all along.

The bad? I’ve had a hard time adjusting to life in Vancouver. It’s been lonely and at times very depressing. We have had record rainfalls which left us under a grey cloud for literally three straight months. This was meant to be a homecoming of sorts, as I was born and raised in BC, but has felt nothing like home. I missed the simplicity and routine of my old life and the close friendships I built over the almost 20 years I spent in Ontario.

My first job in the city was a nightmare. I hated virtually every moment of my time there. Besides a few cool perks and one or two fun co-workers it was so awful I began looking for a new job almost immediately. It was not my ideal scenario, as the whole job hunt/new job process is frustrating and exhausting. I definitely didn’t want to make the same mistake twice by choosing another dud gig so this time I was pretty thorough and picky about what job I would accept.

Soon, I did find a new job. I gleefully quit the horror I was in and have felt so happy about that decision ever since. I also realized that for me, home is where the heart is. I struggle with the concept of where my home really is. I lived my first twenty years in one place and my next twenty in another. My heart tugs for both … but it beats for my Joe. Wherever he is, I am and that’s my home. <3

So, the one drawback of my new job is that business pretty much stalls for the month January and I have a few weeks off. I say drawback, but really it’s turning out to be the biggest blessing.

Why you may ask?

I feel like it’s all coming full circle. My mind has been 100% occupied by this move, the job hunts, and taking care of things at home that my blog, this wonderful space I love so much, has taken a back seat. I think I posted ten times last year. TEN TIMES! The first year of the Honour System, I posted over two hundred times.

This break from work is giving me a chance to get back to the things I love doing and it’s affording me the opportunity to focus on myself.

Another revelation of 2016 was that my health has been affected. My last blood test revealed a serious iron deficiency and thyroid issues. To me, this means getting back on track with proper nutrition. Expect lots of meaty recipes upcoming to battle back from this deficiency.

In fact, just expect more in general. I’m back!

To those who have missed my regular blogging I thank you and I hope you haven’t given up on me. A special thanks to my brother, Tim, who checks my site daily to see if I’ve returned. That was unexpected and very, very appreciated. xxoo.

Happy New Year to everyone! Seventeen has always been my most favourite number, and I have a strong feeling this year is going to be amazing.

Here’s to 2017!!