That really grinds my gears - #6 Learn to drive standard

J and decided to trade in the Mazda 3 for something more fuel efficient. We agreed on a Toyota Yaris and bought the last 2008 in Canada. It's a manual transmission. I had no choice but to learn how to drive it if I ever wanted to drive anywhere by myself.

After 3 weeks, I am comfortable going out on my own and know what to do in most situations. Phew!



A life skill I am happy to have.

A&S Get Hitched - #59 Be a bridesmaid

A&S got married in October. I was thrilled when they asked me to be a bridesmaid. I took my responsibility very seriously and did everything I thought I was supposed to do: we threw showers and got dresses and took S downtown and got her drunk. We walked the aisle, posed for pictures and danced the night away. It was a beautiful wedding and a great party.



Congratulations A&S and thanks for having me in the wedding party.

Running girl - #21 Run a half marathon

In September I joined almost 10,000 people and ran 21.1K in the Army Run. I made up a training program using multiple sources and actually stuck with it for 3 months. I got my distance up and only injured myself once along the way (a sprained ankle from falling off the sidewalk - I'm not even kidding!)

Race day was freezing and before the race I was covered in goosebumps and questioning my judgement.



I finally warmed up about 10K in and by the end I was a sweaty mess, but a happy sweaty mess. Here I am with a random guy who had a pace I liked. We ran together for the last 4K and finished strong.



I was SO happy and felt such a huge sense of accomplishment after crossing the finish line.

Boring - #89 Clean out freezer

Not much to say about this one except that J and I finally cleaned out the freezer in the basement and lugged it upstairs. It's in the garage waiting to be picked up.

My Mine - #73 See the abandoned mine in the winter

In September 2007 we went to the abandoned mine. It was beautiful but I really wanted to see what it was like in the winter. This past March I got to see it. I've blogged about it here and my pictures are here.

It was exhilarating and scary and fun all at the same time.

Ouch - #39 Go to the dentist

I went to the dentist. And then went again. They like my teeth and keep giving me free stuff. I have already scheduled my next appointment.

Tremblant Weekend - #20 Go skiing

In February, we went up to Tremblant with three other couples.



J and I arrived before everyone else and were actually on the hill Friday afternoon. I hadn't skied in 12 years but it was exhilarating.



We skied all day Saturday and then hit the bars. L proposed to S and we all celebrated. It was a great weekend.