2009 - What A Year!

I looked at the date today, as I was putting out the new bar calendars for the restaurant, and shook my head. Where did 2009 go?

January
All I seemed to do this month was work! Events, events, events! Ryan & I started to look at vacations for February, as I wanted to spend my birthday on a beach. Winter babies don't get the warm sunshine, outdoor activity filled birthdays like you Summer kids!

February
This month I experienced a new form of love. Cozumel. Ryan & I took our very first destination vacation to Mexico. I fell absolutely in love with the turquoise ocean, snorkeling the Palancar Reef, and spending from 8am-5pm in the sunshine, watching amazing sunsets. Upon our return back to Ottawa, we welcomed our new nephew Karson James Scott into the world. Such a sweetheart!

March-May
I actually had to go back into my agenda to figure out what happened during these 3 months...and all I can tell you is work! Ryan & I were both quite busy during these months for work, I with planning our 2nd Annual Golf Tournament and school fundraisers in the restaurant, and Ryan with his daily cameraman duties! I'm sure we had some fun in there somewhere! :)

June
Ryan & I celebated our 4 year anniverary together this month with a trip to La Ronde in Montreal. It's been a few years since we've been on rollercoasters, and the park was empty! After 4 straight rides, we had to call it quits due to motion sickness! Guess we're getting old!

July
Oh boy. This month was a doozy. Ryan fell ill at the beginning of the month with what we were told a couple of times was the regular flu. Poor guy had a fever for 10 days straight, upwards of 103.9 (his highest) Finally, he was diagnosed with H1N1, and so severe of a case, resulted in pneumonia. We tried to disinfect everything in the house as well as we could, but alas I ended up with H1N1 at the end of July.

During this time, we also found out that my Dad had been diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer. A young man, only 60 years old, always healthy. It was a shock to everyone, and because we were both sick, we were unable to be with my family during this time, in fear of my Dad catching H1N1, when he needed his strength the most.

August
A continuation of July, and H1N1. I was given Tamiflu, which caused a severe ear infection and a loss of 85% of my hearing for 2 weeks. We were away from our families & work from July 8th-August 18th, which was very difficult for both of us. My Dad had more appointments to find out more about treatments, and everything that he would be going through in the upcoming months..so scary. Our bright side was celebrating Ryan's sister's 2nd pregnancy with a baby shower at the end of the month for her soon-to-be baby girl.

September
"These lights will inspire you" NYC! Ryan & I took a week off, and drove to NYC for a vacation. Wow. We did so much...saw Letterman, Times Square, Kleinfelds (love!!), bought me a fake Coach in a back room on Canal Street, ate amazing cupcakes at Magnolias, and window shopped at all of my dream stores!

October
Found out that I was nominated in a few award catagories for the Orleans People's Choice Business Awards, which was amazing to be recognized. Spent time with my Dad at a couple of his Radiation treatment appointments, and tried to keep everyone's spirits up with positive thinking. Oh and my car died. Lovely.

November
I was named the Orleans Young Business Person of the Year at the Orleans People's Choice Business Awards. As much cavassing for votes as I had done, I still wasn't expecting to win, as I was up against two amazing entrepreneurs both in event planning way beyond what I do for Boston Pizza. Such an honor, and a beautiful trophy!

December
My Dad's surgery was an absolute success. Best possible case scenario. Chemo & Radiation did exactly what they were supposed to, shrinking the tumor small enough to be removed. He is also only with a temporary bag for 12 weeks. We then celebrated 2 amazing family Christmases with my family and Ryan's family! I was also named a Top 10 finalist for CRC of the Year for Boston Pizza International. I now am to submit my portfolio for 2009, in hopes of being named CRC of the Year. All fingers crossed!

We joke sometimes, Ryan & I, saying that 2009 was a writeoff, and that it was a terrible year. After writing out the amazing things we did and the positive outcomes of my Dad's treatments, I have changed my mind. 2009 was a great a year, if not better, than most years past. I experienced so many new things, and accomplished so much with my career, and my personal life.

Here's to 2010, health, prosperity, love, happiness, to each and every one of you.

All my heart,

Leslie xo