Franglo

As we close the year, when I celebrated my 50th turn around the sun, I have much to be grateful for. This year was a year of great travel adventures, another year of musical chairs in my career and stability within my Montreal family.

It’s always exciting to be a part of history, but what I am realizing with one of Canada’s most significant mergers is that change never ends. I started the year in one role and was transferred to another, only to be moved back to my first role with more responsibility. I liken this journey to that of the characters of The Wizard of Oz. I followed the yellow brick road, met the wizard, and realized he was just a man behind a machine. Most people in their careers want to work with or present to the senior leadership team; I have learned they are just a different form of the wizard. We will see what 2025 brings. My senior director is planning to retire, and I am debating what I want to do for the balance of my career.

Travel started with the celebration of my 50th birthday in Mexico City. For those of us who are gluten intolerant, a corn-based civilization is a blessing. This trip was an adventure, from flying Aero Mexico to staying in a boutique hotel in a non-touristy neighbourhood. Fantastic food was eaten, and memories were made on this trip. I will write a trip synopsis shortly; I am a bit behind on blogging.

A last-minute decision put us on a summer cruise with my other half. We left from Boston, a unique city for us, as it was one of our first trips. I tagged along on a work trip when we first started dating. The trip took us up the eastern seaboard, visiting a few parts of Canada I had not seen yet. PEI and the Cabot Trail, as well as Portland Maine.

Finally, the trip I have been writing about in the past weeks is my 50th birthday present to myself, Bali and Singapore. The experience was my eat-love, prayer moment, where I had amazing food, fell in love with myself again and found my spiritual side in Bali. I continue to bring life lessons with me as I evolve.

Finally, I spent a weekend in British Columbia with my parents. I am always amazed at how long it takes me to get to Canim Lake, BC; I could be in Europe or Asia, but that is the vastness of our country. We laughed and made memories. It’s always good to see my parents; I hate that they are so far away.

There were a few trips to Toronto for work and to spend time with my choosen family.

This year brought harmony to the homefront. The kids are getting older and more independent, and we are entering a new chapter of our relationship; dare I say, I survived the teenage years…

As we head into the next year, I am looking forward to more adventures, more balance, and tranquility.

Happy New Year, Everyone; I hope 2025 brings what you desire most.