I'm back from Canada, having spent the Christmas holidays with my family, skiing the snowy slopes of Whistler and feeling just a bit spoiled. (And a bit skiing challanged as well - the heavily carved powder made for some treacherours runs as did my out-of-shape body! I'm thinkin" "gym" for 2007.) Sore muscles aside, Whistler and Blackcombe are incredibly beautiful and the Canadian people (eh!) are extrodinarily relaxed and friendly - as are the Aussies - who seem to make up the bulk of the itinerant work force; many of whom stay on for the spectacular summers and the downhill mountain biking that attracts extreme sportsman from all over the world. Perhaps it's the lack of stress that makes everyone so nice. Perhaps it's the beauty. . . The village at Whistler truly is magical - between the Christmas lights, the absence of cars, the stone and beamed architecture, and the freshly fallen snow, the town looks and feels as if it has emerged from a snow globe. Perhaps it has.

On the return trip home, we spent an evening in spectacular Vancouver and happened upon Boxing Day - a holiday (I'm told) is a Commonwealth holdover from a much earlier era when the gentry "boxed"up their holiday leftovers and gave the servents a day off. In Canada, Boxing Day seems to consist of lots of parties and HUGE sales - the likes of which I've never seen before. Robson Street was literally overflowing with wall-to-wall shoppers and stores had lines out the door. And while I'm not a clothes horse by nature, I had to admire the skill of the people I encountered and the energy with which they pursued their goals.

Now back at home in Piedmont, my closets and drawers freshly purged of last year's broken, unused, or too small items, I'm considering my goals for the New Year. . . I've already intimated about the need to get into better physical shape but I would also like to get my philanthropy muscles toned up as well. Instead of just contributing to Habitat for Humanity, I'd like to get out a hammer and actually help build a home this year. I'd like to organize a blood drive for Valentine's Day. I'd like to get those damn tulip bulbs into the ground! I'd like to teach my children the importance of reaching out and giving their time as well. I'd like them to understand that they are lucky to have a roof over their heads, to have parents who love and care for them, to experience laughter in the home. (I'd settle for "thanks" from my teenage son once in awhile.) I'd like to recognize that my kids, as well as my husband and I, are all works in progress and I'd like to find grace and acceptance and patience while we grow and learn and navigate the world. . .

In business, I'd like to continue to serve my clients well - to help them find and acquire the home of their dreams at a price they can afford or help sell the one they currently own so that they can take the next step in their journey. And if their journey happens to include a visit to Canada, that wouldn't be such a bad thing - Eh?