December. December?

Where my year went?

Summer was busy and short, as always. Fall is gone and the ski season started a few weeks ago. My home has a Christmas tree in the middle of the living room and I am not sure how it got there…

Some highlights of the year:

Ricardo’s cancer is still getting smaller and he is looking healthier and healthier but the treatment goes on. His diet is for life, so I will not even mention it here.

By the way, my diet is also for life and I keep doing it. Ian got a cooking book in October and he is very interested in cooking from his own book. We’ve been spending some quality time in the kitchen and eating some yummy food prepared by my favourite chef!

I went back to the mountains. I was really looking forward to this encounter and 2011 was the year. It was also the year that I lost my dear friend Bernardo Collares Arantes. I still miss you, Bernardo… and I will forever.

I’ve separated from my husband, Ricardo, and gained, in the process, my best friend. Yes, it is possible, if you are wondering. And I recommend it… It is such a special feeling to share a home and the hard and sweet job of raising a son with your best friend!

I found a partner, Nick, that shares the same passion as me: the mountains. An experienced mountain guide, Nick has been my partner in my re-encounter with the mountains and I spent a few memorable hours hanging on a rope tied to him. Rock climbing became a passion again, mountaineering not so much. And I am learning to enjoy ice climbing, an activity that Nick is specially skilled.

My son is growing and I am absolutely in love with this stage of his short life. Four and a half years-old is so much fun! He still has some babyish attitudes but talks a lot, has ideas, discuss things, and negotiate absolutely everything. Oh my…