Chocolate-covered potato chips

Yes, they're that good.

[I'm eating them as I type.]

I'm so glad

...it's Friday.

Wine and cheese

After work I went to Bistro 990 with a friend. What was supposed to be a quick drink turned into a few hours of chatting. Glasses of wine on an empty stomach are never a good idea but to be honest, it was such a nice way to end the day as I really enjoyed the lively and candid conversation. After we made a pit stop at the grocery store for Finn Crisps and cheese, we parted ways and I headed to the subway.

For anyone who's ever accused Torontonians of being unfriendly busy-bodies, I wish they had witnessed all of the friendly and lively interactions going on between complete strangers in the subway car tonight. Okay, maybe it was the buzz I was experiencing or perhaps there's a full moon out but seriously, there seemed to be so much good energy circulating about in the car tonight. I couldn't help smiling to myself as I observed.

I watched a youngster give his seat up for an elderly woman who then began chatting with his mother for the length of the subway ride, smiles being exchanged between strangers (and not in a lecherous or violating way), people making space for others to squeeze into the busy subway car and a visually-impaired man carrying on with a young woman who had shared her seat with him (actually, so it was a tad bit creepy upon closer inspection but still). I felt really happy to be part of the city and was basking in all of the love tonight.

[I blame the wine for this corny missive.]

As the effects of my buzz wane and fatigue sets in, I find myself reflecting on the bigger picture. I feel like I'm in a good place right now and I'm meeting all of these wonderful people. And even though I'm on the verge of possibly being laid off (more details to follow) and there's so much uncertainty up ahead, I still feel so hopeful that I'm heading in the right direction...wherever that takes me. Of course, this isn't to say that I'll wander about aimlessly without regard or some sort of contingency plan but I'm keeping myself open to what lies ahead because ultimately, I know it'll all work out in the end. It always does. This I know for sure.

Feels like the first time

Last night I went out with a couple of new friends for the first time. It really felt like an initiation of sorts as I introduced them to one of my el cheapo favorites - Ginger on Yonge - while they revealed interesting and intimate tidbits about themselves. Afterwards, we watched one of the worst movies I've seen this year, Cooking with Stella (which I've aptly renamed Cooking with Hella).

Thanks for the wonderful evening! Can't wait to hang out again! xo

Reunited...and it feels so good

I've been doing some experimentation lately - the kind that involves copious amounts of raw milk which has been aged and fermented into delicious rounds of goodness. Despite a recent blog post, I am happy (in fact, elated) to report that I have been reunited with one of my true loves - beautiful and glorious cheese!

[Standing ovation]

My experimentation involved "research" at St. Lawrence Market where I was tantalized and seduced by the many varieties of raw milk cheese. My favorite so far has been Comté for its complex, nutty and caramelized flavor. (Of course, there are many more to choose from and experience!) I was happy to find that there were even varieties closer to home at our local organic market such as a simple white cheddar with a savoury aftertaste. Heaven, I say...heaven.

Toasty

Hello friends! How are you? Hope you've been doing well and enjoying the last days of winter! I've missed you.

It's been awhile since I last posted and it's time to start catching up on regular blogging. Lots going on with work which has been keeping me busy and on my toes. I've also been trying to squeeze in time with my little family and friends. The other night I got together with a former classmate that I haven't seen in ages. She's such a sweetheart and so much fun. We caught up over wine and laughed for hours. She filled me in on all of the interesting things she's been up to and all of her exciting plans. She's in the midst of starting her own arts-based company that incorporates some of the assessment and counselling aspects of the program we were taking together. One of her upcoming projects involves an art installation based on a tool that she'll be administering. Very exciting, indeed! It was inspiring to hear about it and she shared some great resources with me.

I've also been connecting with a few new friends that I'm excited to get to know and spend more time with. It's been a wonderful surprise.

As for J + H, we've been watching a lot of movies and having people over lately. Today we decided to cozy up over movies, munchies and our favorite treats. It was a perfect day for it, too since it was so wet and miserable out. I love these kind of rainy days and lazy Saturdays.

Hope your Saturday's been cozy and that you're toasty. Take care and talk soon. xo

Magic Hour

I walked home from the subway station during Magic Hour today and enjoyed the smell of barbequed steak cooking in the neighborhood.

New people

This weekend was all about spending time with new people. On Saturday evening, a couple of J's friends came over for dinner - both of whom I've never really had a chance to sit and chat with. It was a nice evening of dinner, coversation and random YouTube videos.

Friday evening was spent in the company of two very interesting and lovely women which began with a delicious dinner prepared by T. The rest of the evening was spent drinking wine, grazing on treats, nibbling on chunky peach bits, sniffing Diablo and chatting or laughing. I even consumed dairy and felt perfectly fine. (I think the key might be to simultaneously drink red wine and eat cheese made only from raw milk.) It was a fun evening and I hope we get to do it again some time in the future.