I’ve spent the last two and half months entertaining my vacationing family…exploring all the sights, sounds and special effects this side of the world has to offer. There’s very little money left in the bank and my healing ankle took a beating, but it was all worth it.

It’s also made me realise how much I love this city. Whether I’m getting my weekly meats and veggies from St. Lawrence Market, or getting my art on at the AGO; delighting in some Korean BBQ in the Annex or taking a leisurely stroll down the Harbourfront; trying out a new restaurant on King West or getting some retail therapy at Yorkville — there’s just no shortage of activities in the T.Dot.

As summer winds down, I take the time to thank the Good Lord for his countless blessings as I continue my journey of discovery. And for giving us a great patio season!

Then came the mysterious green mermaid and her caffeine-laced siren call (also known as Starbucks), and city-dwellers around the world found themselves sucked into a world of multi-syllabic coffee orders.  Obviously, I am a fan…and I’ve mastered ordering my “Grande vanilla soy latte no foam” in a single, uninterrupted breath.

Then there’s the quaint, European-styled coffee shops where, on lazy Sunday mornings, I delight in a steaming demitasse rather than lining up with the masses for a Timmy’s double-double.

And finally, my moderately-matured palate can no longer stomach the utter swill spewed out by those instant-coffee machines. This ofcourse is disconcerting to my wallet, given that I’d rather pay $5 for my Starbucks than avail of the 10 assorted choices available for free at the office.

So yes, it appears I’ve undergone a java baptism, developed a more discerning palate, and turned into a closet coffee snob. And I’m unashamed to admit it.

Percolate on that.

As I’ve aged (only barely), I’ve come closer to my faith and in the belief of a higher being. In my darkest days, I have someone to turn to; in my brightest moments, I have someone to thank. Prayers lead to miracles, and although I don’t pray as much as I should, I have been blessed time and time again. JC and I – we tight…and as for the saints, I am their biggest groupie.

With that said, I’m far from a model Christian. If the Ten Commandments was the ultimate modus operandi, I’d have the good book thrown at me. Still, I’m trying, and at least that gives me a shot at heaven instead of a one-way ticket to the other side.

So a good friend (we shall call her Kim, for Kim is her name) posed this thought-provoking question: “Do you like it here? Will you stay forever?”

I’m hoping I didn’t sound too eager with the resounding “Yes!” I spat out, before the poor girl could even finish her question. Until that very moment, I hadn’t really given this whole ’staying forever’ notion much thought. The events of the previous year had left me with a sour taste in my mouth, and not on account of the Percocets I was popping.

But this year, things are very, very different — my life is suddenly a high-speed subway ride, and every trip takes me to stations offering the most captivating sights and sounds. Commuters, in the shape of friends, walk in and out, as the new-found relationships make a beeline for that online repository of all things amiable… facebook. For now, I’m taking my Metropass and hitting all the stops.

This is where the fun begins.

It's amazing what an iPhone can capture on a subway ride

If my life today was a t-shirt, it would read, “I don’t skinny dip, I chunky dunk”. I’m not as young, definitely not as slim, and hipsters is only a term used to describe those cool, indie kids who are defining urban culture.

Today, I find myself slightly intimated by the Victoria Secret commercials…and oddly enough, whenever they’re on, I cannot turn away. Not that I’m harboring any closet tendencies, but that is seriously just way too much sexiness for one brand. Those Christmas 2010 ads were especially compelling, what with their techno music and erotically-charged production.

So, when I’m confronted with supernaturally-attractive, physically-proportionate, uber-sexy long-legged women in their lacy, electric blue skivvies, I get a little bit afraid. Trying to look as good is just not in my gene pool.

Why can’t these ads feature “normal” women? You know, like you and I.

I stepped into a Victoria’s Secret store today, half-expecting to be sneered at by supermodel-looking customers. What I found instead was plenty of excited teenage girls and clueless forty-something women running around aimlessly, with a couple of happy husbands to boot. $150 later, I proudly walked out with a little pink bag full of merchandise, feeling like a true ‘angel’ (that’s, like, VS-speak for their models).

Gosh, if only they didn’t make those ads so scary, I could have felt this good a lot sooner.

This time around, I’m taking my inspiration from the I Ching. This classical Chinese text is one of the fundamental books of Confucianism, and a popular source of wisdom and inspiration. Its teachings are simple – by changing ourselves, we can change the world.

Deep yet pragmatic stuff, man.

It’s funny how your entire world starts feeling quite different the second you make the commitment to change. Suddenly, opportunities are created. It’s as if the universe is rushing to complement your newfound outlook – creating circumstances to aid and abet your journey of discovery.

But opportunity is nothing if not embraced. See it, pick it, plant it, and grow it. And when you reap its bounty, give thanks to whichever supreme being you believe in.

My mantra for this year: Learn to receive and learn to be thankful.

In 2K11, I hope not to blow any more proverbial smoke out my ***. No more epic NYE resolution fails. I’m going to stick to my guns and successfully  change my world…and, with any luck, the world around me.

An unfortunate accident at the start of the year resulted with me in a cast and bed-ridden for three months. Just when things were looking up, a patch of ice brought it all down. But the eternal optimist in me trucked along, confident in the belief that everything…yes, everything…happens for a reason. As the year progressed, thankfully, so did life.

What can I take away from the year that’s been?

Well, for one, watch out for those damn icy patches. And…learn to be self-sufficient, no matter the obstacles; keep my head held high, no matter what maliciousness is flung my way; believe that my strengths, my attributes and my talents will help me succeed; and finally, know that my Lord and Saviour will always be by my side.

I venture into the new year with renewed hope. And although the giant jigsaw puzzle that is my life still has a few missing pieces, I’m certain the year 2011 will bring them all into place.

Oh yeah. I got a good feeling about this. Happy new year…I wish you health, wealth, prosperity and happiness.

It’s also the reason why I look forward to the Christmas dinners and get-togethers. Who doesn’t enjoy exchanging gifts, eating their own body weight in food, and indulging in a bit of seasonal spirit (i.e. getting ****-faced on one too many Candy Cane Martinis)? And I get to do it all wearing a Santa hat.

God, I love Christmas.

Happy holidays to one and all.

Soon, two more sets of friends will turn their lives upside down as they welcome their own bundles of joy. As for me, my growing Christmas list will probably run me into a huge, unmanageable debt.

But kids are so awesome. They’re so precious when they talk gibberish, hilarious when they jump all over you, and just darling when they try to act all grown up. And then I have the pleasure of giving them back to their parents. Score!

“Dear my friends’ kids, thank you for being so cute and adorable…and sooo not my responsibility. Hugs, Aunty Parv.”

With the spate of baby showers and Christmas parties already scheduled this season, it’s safe to say that my patched-up little camera will be shooting its fair share over the next few weeks.

Here’s a few of my favourites from a recent baby shower for a friend, hosted by her very talented, certified meeting planner of a sister-in-law. As a former event planner myself, it was great seeing the effort and attention to detail that went into the various food and decor elements. It made for much more interesting photo opportunities…well, much nicer than the drunken affairs that’s eating up space on my iPhone. :)