Packing for a trip always makes you look twice, or thrice, at the things you have lying around your life.

46. Some cardboard boxes.

47. Sweatshirt that doesn’t fit

48. Pair of flip flops that have seen better days.

49. Some holey socks.

50. Bits and scraps of wrapping paper that just won’t do.

Signups for the Cocoa Swap 2 open in one week on December 28th. The swap is in the New Year.

See you there! Thanks Michelle & Holly!

P.S. I made buttons for them!

Y is for… YVR

YVR is the airport code for Vancouver International Airport. It’s probably silly to like an airport so much, but I just love how much time they’ve spent on decorating the arrivals. Not to mention that they have free wireless internet, duty free, and multiple Starbucks’.

Arrivals walkways above Departure Gates

Bill Reid’s sculpture (in the Departures level prior to security). It is entitled The Spirit of Haida Gwaii and is actually now featured on the Canadian $20 bill. Visit the Bill Reid Foundation for an explanation of the sculpture.

Landscaping near the Departure Gates:

International Arrivals:

USA Arrivals:

This is the main hospital in downtown Vancouver and I was born here (in the now defunct maternaty ward). At the end of November each year, they put up the Lights of Hope — a holiday light display errected on the exterior of this gorgeous heritage building.

“Lights of Hope — Vancouver’s landmark holiday display is a welcome show of light in the winter. Every year, dedicated volunteers set up this festive display using donated materials so that your donation to the Lights of Hope fundraising campaign can help St. Paul’s caregivers and scientists continue their inspired care and research.” [Visit their website for more information]