This year was unique for me, from Yelp to Twitter and other meet-ups, I took time to step out of my shell and tried to actually meet a few people face-to-face. I'm a shy person and so, when amongst others I either talk their ears off, or sit there without saying a peep. I am proud of myself for trying, though, I confess, in an effort not to become less like wallpaper at events, I probably talked a little more than I listened. 

I can no longer say that I am a person who doesn't like chocolate. Thanks to places like Cacao 70 and Le Maitre Chocolatier and chocolate bars like those made by Theo or Dolfin, I think I might be hooked. There was a time when I couldn't even stand the smell of chocolate, and now, in the span of a year, I am a regular at the Brïmstone chocolate shop in NDG! 

I've been taking classes to learn the basics of cooking and prep. Though I have been the main source of food prep for my family for decades, I still manage to slice half my finger off at least once a month, so a basic knives skills class I took last month will hopefully help me end such bloody fiascos. For my birthday I took a sushi making course, which was not only informative but a lot of fun. And the course that started it all was a pastry course with Francois Paynard back in May during Vegas Uncork'd where I learned to make Sticky Toffee Pudding, the perfect pie crust and Flour-less Chocolate Cookies.

I can finally admit it... I am a foodie. However, I am, according to the article 10 Types of Foodies a "DYIer" with a sprinkle of the "I made it myself" foodie. In a way, my foodie ways are very reflective of my childhood obsession with electronics. It wasn't enough for me to have a radio or tv that worked, I had to build one myself to really get into how everything worked. I'm much the same way with food. I really get a grip on the science of food when I pull it all apart and rebuild it on my own. 

And finally, I've decided to stop complaining about my itsy-bitsy-terribly-laid-out kitchen. Instead, I am definitely going to move, probably out of Montreal. I'll likely be relocating to Vancouver come July, we are looking at apartments in the coming months and so that will be the final deciding factor. If I can't find a suitable apartment in Vancouver by April, we'll start looking here in Montreal, possibly even change my 'hood (I'm thinking Little Italy).

This has been a very different kind of year for me. I feel like I've grown as a foodie, as a friend and as a more sociable person than any other year and I am planning to continue this throughout 2012. Getting involved in my community, both virtual and around the city is more important to me now than ever before, maybe it is because of my plans to leave, but whatever the reasons, I'll putting myself out there!

Happy holidays and here is to a fabulous NEW YEAR!