Best of 2009

I was in yoga the other day. I was in full lotus position. My chakras were all aligned. My mind is cleared of all clutter and I’m looking out of my third eye and everything that I’m supposed to be doing. It’s amazing what comes up, when you sit in that silence. ”Mama keeps whites bright like the sunlight, Mama’s got the magic of Clorox 2.” — Ellen DeGeneres

Yoga may seem like quite the fad these days with Madonna flashing her guns, people doing the downward dog with their pooches in Doga, and everyone’s favorite, nude yoga—the latest celebrity trend. However, yoga is a discipline that has existed among Hindus for thousands of years, and has frankly changed my life over the past 6 months. [...]

Since the majority of my colleagues are blogging about the good “goods” of 2009, I thought I’d be somewhat different (somewhat?) and write about one of my best experiences of 2009. Well, maybe not the best as it’s not fit to print (wink).

Moving on… [...]

Hand me a ball-point pen and I’ve got nothing. [...]

About a year ago, I found myself in a gutted room on Barrington Street, sitting on a rickety chair with a big, fat marker in my hand. It was a brainstorming session for a communal business centre—a hub for freelancers, creative types, entrepreneurs—and a good friend had invited me along with little introduction. Each of us in attendance, many of whom had just met, had been handed said hefty writing tool to map out what we thought the space (what would later be the Hub Halifax) should look like, where we saw the walls, the desks, the rooms and the details finding a home. From the very beginning, the Hub has been all about collaboration. [...]

It’s no secret that I love to shop. I’m a borderline shopaholic when it comes to clothes and shoes. When I’m approaching such a store I get giddy, anxious and uncontrollably driven, especially when I’m carrying an obliging piece of plastic. [...]

One highlight of my week is our Thursday get together with friends. A chance to catch up, have a laugh and make plans for the weekend. Before moving to Halifax, our locale of choice was George’s on 17th in Calgary. I don’t consider myself a connoisseur of the domestic fowl, but I have been known to fill a few bone buckets. [...]

I love Barrington Street. Or, perhaps I love what it could be. Yes, Spring Garden Road has better shopping, and Argyle has more to do, but no other street in Halifax comes close to the charm, the warmth, and the urban character of Barrington. And no other street says “Halifax” to me like it does. [...]

There’s nothing like a relaxing weekend brunch in Halifax, and as far as I’m concerned, Saege Restaurant on Spring Garden Road is the best place to go. [...]

Trident Booksellers on Hollis St. makes the best coffee in the city, the province and quite possibly the country. Period. End of discussion. [...]