My first blog on crack?

This post might not work out. But this is my first attempt to update the blog with my brand new pink blackberry! Other than the motion sickness I'm feeling- and the lady hacking next to me, this bus blogging might not be a bad idea

I hope to post shorter and more frequently now that I can do so on the fly, and I'm debating whether or not I should twitter. Are any of you guys tweeters? Is it all its hyped up to be?

Anyways motion sickness is taking over.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Christmas?

I know, I'm a bad blogger. I don't even deserve the title of a blogger, I'm just some chick who occationally strings together sentances of nonsensical crap in order to make herself feel important.

However, today I have time to update. The snow in Vancouver has been insane and not typical at all. It went from warm & rainy in November to freezing cold, to bucketing snow.... and now it's sunny. I woke up this morning to almost a foot of snow - that NEVER happens in Vancouver so it obviously shut down the city and enduced panic in anyone who needed to venture out.

Work declared a snow day, but I'm such a brown-noser and came in anyways. I'm one of 5 people (out of like 50) at the office today. I regret my decision to do so, because now I'm stuck here with no chance of leaving.

This weekend was a ton of fun, busy but fun. My best friend Michelle flew into town, promping a huge get together involving dip & drinks at my apartment followed by sneaking into a bar and some dancing (it was too cold to wait in line). I haven't done that sort of thing since April.... and I paid for it the next morning, thankfully around 1:30am we stopped off at a European Fry house and got some amazing Poutine. Mmmmmmmm Fries, Cheese Curds & Gravy. If you're not familiar with Poutine I suggest you get out there and some - my uncle, visiting from Kuwait, wasn't familiar and everytime I said Poutine - he heard Puchine - which is this crazy Irish moonshine, made out of potatoes.... so for a good 15 minutes, he thought I capped off my evening of drinking with some moonshine, he was much more impressed with my Puchine story than me just eating fries.

My bestest wishes to everyone this Christmas season (can you believe it's only 3 days away?). I have no clue where the year went..... however, the joy of blogging is being able to go back and find out. I think it was filled with lots of Tofino, Mexico and Derek - just the way I like it.

Merry Christmas, I love you all for reading this blog, and even getting upset when I don't update =) It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy... and when it's -10 in Vancouver, you need that warmth.

I'm attempting to get my crackberry this week - I'm trying to convince my cell phone provider to charge me $15 for unlimited data instead of $45... so if I'm successful, I'll get my berry - and then I can post more!!!

Surfing in Tofino

Currently in Tofino, having an amazing time with some really great Friends... just thought I'd share a few photos from the day. The swell is getting bigger and bigger, hopefully we'll have more great photos and stories from tomorrow.







Right now, we're digesting a big dinner... playing a little guitar hero on Wii, and about to hit up the hottub for the second time tonight.

I'll post some more photos tomorrow after another great day.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

So I am one step closer to being in a Christmassy mood. I put up my tree last night! Yes!!!!! I love the face I got to decided every single detail on the tree, from the decoration colour, to the ribbon to what's going to go on top
(I have yet to place the top bow).

My mom and I went shopping on Sunday and I picked out my colours, bought matching pillows for my couches (which are acting as presents at the moment) bought my first few ornaments and last night Derek brought over this old Christmas tree that makes' Charlie Browns look half decent. I had only planned on using 1 type of ribbon, but after decorating the tree, it became apparent that I needed another... thankfully I had picked up a spare spool of ribbon in teal, and it worked as a great contrast. Unfortunately I threw it up hap-hazardly, so it needs to be redone.

I'm not sure I'm 100% happy with the out come so far..... I was originally debating between brown & teal or a peacock theme tree.... now I wish I peacocked' it... Any suggestions from you crafty people with an eye for style? Perhaps some icy blue ornaments? Or even some wintery white ornaments? I haven’t seen the tree in the daylight yet.... perhaps the ornaments are noticeable in the daytime... right now I feel it's a bit too dark.

38 sleeps

Christmas, Christmas Christmas!!!


I heart Christmas, I love the fact my family gets together for tradition... like the annual Christmas tree fight... where we all get together and argue over the height, cutting the base, we all finger point to each other for who tangled the lights putting it away last year, whose decorations get the best placement on the tree, and whether we will listen to Elvis' Christmas music, or choir music. I don't think my family has ever NOT fought over the tree.... it's tradition, and I love it.

I love the parties, the fact my best friend is flying home for the first time in a year, dressing up with Derek for our annual date to watch the Polar Express in 3D, the cookies, the lights, and of course... the presents!!!!

This year, I really don't need anything. There's nothing I can think of that I don't already have, that I want.... I was having a hard time thinking of a list for my parents - but hopefully that's now been taken care of. For the first time in 13 years my parents are taking me to Disneyland!! YAY! Derek, my Mom, my Dad and I are all going to go down south for 4 days early next year! WICKED GIFT OR WHAT?

I really think that's a great gift, so hopefully mom (hint hint) it works it's way under the tree.

Other than that, my top 3 other gifts would be 1) Ring 2) Puppy 3) Puppy.... so unless Der wants to buy me the puppy I've always wanted, your options are limited!

New Car

You know that dreaded dentist appointment that comes around once every 6 months? I had mine last week, and was declared to have some of the best brushing habits she's seen (I always angle my brush towards the gums.... it took like 5 years of having bad teeth to figure it out)... anyways she did however mention I was a terrible flosser... ummm actually I'm a delinquent flosser. I HATE flossing.... but I've decided to turn over a new leaf, I've pledged to myself that I will floss EVERY day until my next dentist appointment, so I can be a superstar brusher & flosser. Plus, I'm also not on a dental plan right now and cavities are expensive.

So yup - so far I've flossed 5 days in a row. It's starting to actually become a routine, and I'm not bleeding after every floss. I can't wait until my next dental appointment (already booked for May) so she can praise my amazing flossing skillz.

On a sad note... my car died. Sigh... I was super unhappy because I went to the dealership to buy a new car, and they wanted money for it!? Seriously? People PAY for cars?? Ugh.

However, I finally had it towed down to the Beetle Spa (super amazing mechanic, waaayyy better than VW) and I just got word that my repairs would be around $400... which isn't too bad, since I was expecting $1500+. He's also repairing my sunroof leak for free... which VW charged me $2000 to do 6 months ago... and didn't. So yea, the Beetle Spa gets an A+..... VW dealership... not so much.

Anyways, I'm getting rid of my Jetta, and now need to look for a new car. I want something reliable (which excludes VW), nice looking (I'm still a snob... just a poor snob), and something decently priced. If I buy new, I get a warranty.... but it's more expensive then buying used. So many decisions to make. I still really want a Mazda CX-7.....

but it's about $7,000 out of my budget at the moment.... I really don't like any cars out there at the moment I can afford.... a Mazda-3 is affordable,
but I'm not a big fan of the body style (no offense to anyone who drives one)...

I like the Mazda 6, but that's pricey and Derek won't give me his for free..... I like Toyota Trucks/SUV's....

but I can't see myself behind the wheel of a Corolla, it's a bit too Mom-Car for me.

So any suggestions? Does anyone drive something reliable, decently priced (under $20,000) and worthy of me?

I didn't forget you! I've just been too lazy to blog.

Sorry... I know I havn't blogged in awhile, but my internet at the apartment hasn't been working and I've been busy. Working hard, shopping hard (nine west outlet, lululemon & Michael Kors = poor) and just generally enjoying life. In 2 weeks time my friends and I head up to Tofino for our annual group surf trip... it’s usually a gong show and I can’t wait! Hopefully my waterproof camera holds up and won’t break, so I can get some wicked surfing shots!!

I did the worst possible thing last night for the first time ever – I stood up a friend for coffee. My good friend from University and I were to have our monthly (more like once every 3-4 months) coffee date last night, we had sent emails back and forth about how excited we were for it, and she even emailed me on Tuesday saying she had panicked last Thursday because she thought it was last week and had missed it... we laughed.... but in the end it was I who missed our date.

I have a million good excuses as to why it happened (bad day x 1000, migraine all day, car problems, dentist appointment (Cavity free!!! Woohoo!!), swollen painful eye, ect.) but in reality... there was no excuse, and no excuse is going to take away the feeling of guilt and shame that I have.

Kari, who is world’s most gorgeous, sweet, understanding women, was completely amazing about it, sympathized with me and made me feel like less of a total failure, but I still feel terrible because that NEVER happens to me! I’m the queen of the calendar! I’m always early, and there! Ugh.... So now I need to reschedule with her, show up 10 minutes early with a huge thing of flowers and buy her coffee... but that’s okay.

Today I’m stuck at the gym coaching all day.... it’s already 9am and I’m about to start my 3rd class, followed by my 4th, 5th and 6th....... I can’t wait for this day to be over so I can go back to bed.

RIP Grandma

Just a quick blog update... since I know some of you LIIIIIVE to hear what's going on in my life. I've been really busy with work, and life in general.

Nothing really blog worthy.... so I'll dedicate this one to my Grandma who passed away on Friday Afternoon.

I was really lucky to have the day off on Friday, so I was able to see her before she passed. I really don't have much else to write about her..... she's was a pretty funny lady... I don't think she really meant to be, but I sure did get a kick out of her, especially towards the end. She had a life full of hard knocks, and yea I think that shaped her a lot. She reminds me to enjoy each day I have in this world, and to make a positive impact on those around me.

So yea, if you're on the praying variety, a shout out to my family would be highly appreciated... and if you're more of the incense burning, dancing in the meadow type you can do that to in her honour. I'm also collecting bottles of wine for myself in lieu of Flowers. Please... seriously, no more flowers - we ran out of vases long ago.



Marcia Lenore Johnston (1922-2008)

Why men don't make good house-wives.

The new job is fantastic! Who knew you could be happy... AT WORK? I never believed it was possible, but low and behold I actually enjoy my job! And the people I work with! However, there is one aspect of my job that I loathe..... and it's public transport. Seriously, what is the deal with people on public transit???? It's like a genetic cess pool of the crappiest genes you've ever seen all crammed together on a bus. UGH.

Ugh, and the bus drivers are the worst!! For example, downtown today had terrible traffic, the buses were running late so there was an abnormal amount of people lined up waiting for the bus. I happened to be first in the bus line, I waited patiently in the bus line.... gave would be budgers the evil eye, and generally was minding my own business.... then all of a sudden, the freaking bus couldn't make it all the way to the bus stop because of cars ILLEGALLY using the HOV lane... anyways, the bus driver stopped the bus about 30 ft short of the stop, opened the door and all the people from the BACK OF THE LINE GOT ON FIRST!!! Leaving me, the patient keeper-of-the-line to attempt and push my way to get on, only to be stuck with no seat on a very jerky, long bus ride.

The line budgers of the world silently mocked me from their seats while I was forced to hang on for dear life to the germ infested pole, digging my 3 inch heels into the slippy floor attempting to not fall on the laps of dirty, unemployed, ipod listening jerks - who, I might add, only ride the bus during rush hour to steal seats away from the contributing citizens of the world.

But you know what really made my day? Derek offering to make me dinner while I checked my email/facebook.... and then gave my portion away to his roommate and forgot he was supposed to feed me.

Who offers to make you dinner... and then forgets to feed you!?

Men.

Just as I was getting the hang of unemployment.....

Just as I was getting settled into unemployment, I was offered a great job. I’m excited to start work again, having the past month and a half off though has been great, I was able to reorganize my bedroom… well, actually I was finally able to organize my bedroom for the first time since I moved in February, I went kayaking, I spent time with my mom and Poodador and I was able to think about things that needed thinking about.

So yea, Wednesday will be my first day at my new job as a Communications Officer… in the interests of not giving my devoted stalkers a place to find me I won’t say where, but I’m excited. It’s a much larger company than what I’ve come from… and I’ll actually have Communications department to learn from, instead of me winging it and having nobody to correct my mistakes.

Although hands down, the best part about my new job is that I only work 3 days a week… but I end up being paid more than my last job, which was 5 days a week, plus every weekend in the Summer. As my best friend Michelle put it ‘You deserve good work karma, after putting up with your last boss’

So yea, I’m off to Ikea & Michaels today to put the finishing touches on my room, now that I actually have to work next week, I’m starting to utilize my time more effectively.

Here are a few more photos from Tofino

Guilt, shame, indulgence and a whole lot of happiness

I’ve been putting off updating my blog, I keep sitting down to write the epic update, and then nothing of supreme genius spurts out and I’m left with nothing. So I’m biting the bullet and posting something lacking in wit & functionality…. Of course, isn’t that what the header of my blog promises?

Okay, apologies aside. I’ve been away. I spent 2 weeks in Mexico, came home, quit my job and then took off for a week’s surfing in Tofino. Mexico was amazing, Derek and I stayed at the Bahia Principe Tulum in Akumal (The Mayan Riviera). It was delightful, all you can eat… all you can drink and all you can stomach of sitting on the beach in the heat watching the waves crash in front of you. It was our second time at the resort, and returning felt like visiting an old friend….. I can’t wait for our 3rd stay.

Tofino was also great, Derek and I stayed with his family in a rented Beach House on Chesterman Beach. We surfed, walked, ate waaaaaay to much and generally enjoyed the company of his family.

Ohhhh and yea, I quit my job. I spent a good portion of Mexico fretting about returning to work, and by fretting… I mean crying over it. I returned home, and incident and went down with work, and I quit. I couldn’t take it anymore, and I’ve never been happier. I’m honestly excited for the future, and although there is the stress of finding a new job, paying rent and other bills, I stand 100% behind my decision to leave, and not once have I though it may not have been the right decision for me.

Anyways, enough reading for today…. Here are some photos from September. I haven’t had time with Photoshop yet, so they’re all raw and un-edited, but I’ll get there.

George & cakes

I’ve been laugh-crying all morning thanks to discovering Cake Wrecks, a blog dedicated to cake decorating travesties.

But firstly, I’d like to confirm the power and awesomeness of my Christmas wish list, Due to a lack of editing skills, I accidently placed a ‘George Forman G5 Grill’ twice on my list, apparently emphasizing how badly I wanted it. Poof last night Derek gave me my birthday gift and BAM, it’s a G5 Grill. I can’t wait to cook amazing things in it.

My mom called me this morning to discuss moving some furniture, and I mentioned that Derek bought me the G5….. This is exactly what my mom was on her way to purchase me. Sorry mom, but I did give her tons of other ideas, so I think it’s all good.

How come the technique of really emphasizing a want by placing it twice on your list, never works when I ask for a puppy? I’m going to have to revise the list now in time for Christmas, I’ll be sure to add Puppy twice!

Anyways, here are some of the cakes from Cake Wreck… ch-check ‘em out.

Gift ideas

Hey mom,

You were inquiring about what to get me for my birthday? There's a delightful birthday wish list created on May 29th - Scroll down slightly, and click on May... or just click on this link 'You can never be too prepared for Christmas'

As discussed on the phone 'Safe boating courses' are not gifts... they're punishment for daughters whom you no longer love. If you need to get Derek something, just get him something from my list and hopefully he'll fork it over to me.

Also I accidently chewed a peice of walnut this morning, I didn't swallow it and spit it out as soon as I realized..... does that win me a sympathy gift?

love you.

Say NO to Gustov!

My next big problem? A German is threatening to ruin my Mexican Vacation.

Currently Hurricane Gustov is bearing down on poor Haiti, who is still reeling from last week’s major flooding. There are several tracking models out there predicting Gustov’s path…. which will either hit the Yucatan Pennisula (where we’re staying) or turn northward slightly to pass between Cuba & Mexico.

We do have a few options if the Hurricane lands Sunday; we can reschedule before December, but will have to pay the difference on the vacation (which could be several hundred more each), we could go somewhere else that Sunquest is flying, but have to pay the difference (and neither of us want to go to Puerta Vallarta/Pacific Coast)…. Or if our flight is cancelled and doesn’t fly within 24 hours of the scheduled departure, we can take a full refund

The newest updated model is looking better for us, but things change so quickly over night. We’re in wait and see mode. I’m terrible at waiting, I stress to the max, and last year we had a similar problem 1 week before we left, I lost 5 pounds because I was so nervous…. So perhaps this is not all bad? If the current prediction model holds true (which is won’t, no one really can know) we’ll most likely be delayed several hours or a day…. But that’s why we go for two weeks….. a few days of rain doesn’t ruin a 2 week vacation.

Hmmmm maybe Disneyland IS in our near future.

Mexico is only 6 days away

Life tends to move very fast – I feel like I’ve been put through a washing machine and been tumbled around a bit. I can’t even keep up with my own issues. It’s been a very emotional and tumultuous week…. I’ll leave it at that. However below is a quick update.

My roommate told me she was moving out a few weeks ago, which is fine – but she still hadn’t found anyone to take her place and I wasn’t excited about living with a stranger from Craigslist – so yesterday I came home from a busy Business trip and all her stuff was out of the apartment…. I was super frustrated… but randomly an acquaintance called me this morning looking for a place to live. Nice. So she’s moving in tonight. One problem solved.

My next problem hasn’t solved itself yet…. I had yet to give Derek an anniversary gift and his birthday was coming up this week (the same day we leave for Mexico). His camera died slowly over the past few weeks and I got the great idea to buy him a new digital camera and give it to him on the flight to Mexico. I thought I had convinced him not to buy a new one, but I come home last night and discovered that he purchased a new camera. He couldn’t understand why I was so upset.

So yea…. Back to square one with gifts for Derek – I really truly have no ideas once again, and have almost no time before we leave for Mexico on Sunday.

Below is me at the BMX track in Victoria.... I'm debating racing indoor this year, I started going around the track for the first time (putting effort into it) and really liked it.... it has a good combination of skill, speed & crazyness.

No time

It has been a stressful week.

I haven't had any time to myself, or any time to edit any Victoria photos. Below is all I've managed.

I'm away on Business (back to Victoria) Friday-Sunday, so hopefully I'll have downtime in the evenings (and internet in my hotel) to post. I am gearing up for Mexico though... 10 more sleeps

Minnie & Mickey = tru luv 4 eva

Derek is an amazing guy in so many ways…. Except one… he doesn’t like Disneyland, and swears the poorly built, unsafe rides will lead to his untimely death. For me, Disneyland may be the most magical place on earth. I love most things Disney and run around the park like a mad women pushing small children out of my way as I climb on ride after ride.

So yea, the Derek not loving Disneyland thing has always been a sore point in our relationship, and it bothers me greatly. Until last night…. that’s right… Mr. Disney-hater himself said one day he would think about going and riding rides with me!

He wouldn’t commit to a date, but just said maybe one day, and that’s good enough for me =)

Now if he only would buy me a puppy, It would be true love and I could start writing ‘D.G + K.H = tru luv 4 eva’ on everything I own.

We head out tomorrow for an anniversary weekend away. I still haven’t thought of a gift, but I think he’s stuck too… because he’s decided that we’ll just go shopping together in Victoria and it’ll be more ‘romantic’ that way…

I’ll take lots of photos and post on Monday. In the mean time, this is Derek and I back in '05 on August 16th - how could I say no to a man in a toga?

I need help!

Usually I’m so on top of buying gifts for Derek – I always have great, unique and original ideas of things that he really needs but doesn’t know it. Derek is hard to shop for, he has impeccable & very specific taste when it comes to clothing, I’ve never bought him a piece of clothing he hasn’t returned, so I need to be creative in his gifts.

Some of my past gifts that he didn't return have been... (this may not be in order…) a foosball table, a Nintendo Wii, a video game chair, a watch, a surprise surf trip, and a duvet & new bedding…. So here I am, panicking because in 5 days it will be our anniversary, and then his birthday shortly after – and I have no ideas. Not ONE clue what to do or get for him. It doesn’t need to be expensive, it just needs to be something he’ll appreciate receiving.

The only ideas I have are gift cards, which is like giving up in my eyes. Perhaps I’ll have to do a series of smaller ideas to show how romantic and amazing I am. We’re going to Victoria for the weekend to celebrate, so what could I do that would be something he might like or appreciate?

He’s got it easy, I’m super easy to shop for, I even MADE a list of things I wanted/needed, and lets be honest, there’s really only one thing I want – and I’m 99% sure that’s not happening any time in this decade. =)

However, it HAS happened to some of my friends in this decade, the latest being a good friend/dorm mate from University. Cindy and Frank were married on Saturday, and I had a great time at their wedding. My former roomate Kari was there, and we had a blast catching up, and watching our little Cindy finally get married!!!

So yea….. ideas for Derek?

Long weekend = long work week

Despite the shortened week (due to the fabulous August long weekend) this week seems ridiculously long.

Perhaps it’s because I have other things on my mind, like counting the 24 days until Mexico, or counting down the 8 days until my fabulous Anniversary trip with a fabulous Man…. Or even counting down the 6 weeks until my fabulous Surf trip to Tofino… I have a ridiculous amount of pent up excitement when it comes to September…. Which is dubbed as Kelly’s month long vacation. WOO HOOO!!!!!

Anyways, since I know you only read my blog for the photos, I’ll cut right to the chase; Here was my long weekend.

1. Getting ready for a paddle into English Bay for the Fireworks (Saturday)

2. Fireworks (we were close & in front of all other boats... I'm not zoomed in, we were that close)

3. Fireworks (it was hard to keep my camera still while on the kayak)

4. Paddling under the Granville St Bridge

5. I had the camera underwater in the hottub, this is underwater Derek.

6. This was my face after hiking up to Quarry Rock... we hiked there, ran back (its not all downhill going back)

7. Deep Cove from Quarry Rock

Someone please make decisions for me... just make them the way I want it.

Does anyone have this clear picture in their mind of what they think God looks like? I must admit, despite all my faith education, I have been heavily influenced by The Simpsons, (yes the tv cartoon) and their portrayal of God… he’s big, yellow and has a long white beard, walks barefoot… seriously the almighty Lord, my Savior….is a cartoon in my mind….. (please don’t smote me)

Anyways…. Currently I have this picture of God in my mind, sitting in this pimp gold/wood chair staring at me with one eyebrow cocked, in sheer amazement at my attempts to dodge His will. He’s carefully lining up an opportunity for me, and I’m ignoring it with all my might… he then tips back his head and laughs and makes it even MORE obvious to me what I should be doing… and yet I fear… and I cower… because His will is not my own. In fact… His will is scaring the crap out of me and pushing me WAY WAY out of my comfort zone…. I love my comfort zone, I keep it for good reason.

I’m seriously freaked out that God has taken such an interest in my life and made it soooo clear to me what I should be doing…. And yet, I still am doubting it…. This could all just be a series of coincidences right? Right???

Yea… I didn’t think so either.

Adonai, Adonai, Adonai… aidez-moi

Photographic Satisfaction

Today is another one of those days at work where I have a huge list of to do’s, but can’t seem to actually motivate myself to do any of them. Therefore I shall post a few photos from Yesterday.

The first one is to satisfy your carnal craving… (the meat, not Derek). We bbq’d some delicious steaks last night, as well as roasted peppers & mushrooms on skewers.

Secondly, I had a good hair day, and what self respecting female doesn’t take a photo on a good hair day??!! (It can’t be just me!?)

And lastly, here is the Oswego Hotel in Victoria. I didn’t take this photo, but Derek and I have decided to take a weekend away in Victoria next month for our anniversary. We had planned to just spend it in Vancouver, but Tourism Victoria has an amazing promotion on right now where they will pay for your ferry (round-trip) if you book two nights (or more) in a hotel. So we’ve booked this really modern looking fabulous Hotel (The Oswego) for the 15th- 17th of August for a little get-away. How can you not love this hotel? Our suite comes with this full, fabulous kitchen that is way nicer than anything we'll own for a very long time.

I'm getting old....

I attended my friend Cindy’s stagette Saturday during the day, it was a beach picnic & pole dancing class. Pole dancing is pretty hilarious actually, especially when you have zero moves (me). In fact, during the lap dancing component of the lesson, I fell off the chair and smacked my head on the way down. Sorry Derek, looks like you’re out of luck…..

Sunday was filled with shopping downtown. I randomly ran into Vanessa (Loewen) Voth from Capernwray, who was downtown for the weekend with her Hubby. I got some great fall work clothes. I love fall outfits…. The only problem is, you can’t wear them for months!

Sunday evening was the best of all, and I’m not even talking about the free yummy dinner I scored from Derek’s parents. Derek’s sister and I somehow got on the subject of Grad dresses (Prom for you Americans) and before I could explain what mine looked like, they interjected that they had photos of me from Grad. I was sooo confused, Derek and I had maybe had one conversation in five years, despite going to the same High School and I didn’t remember even seeing him at Grad! (Although that’s a lie… secretly a bunch of my friends and I noticed him, and I distinctly remember sneaking a photo of him and talking with my friends of how he 'cleaned up good'

But it turns out Derek and I DO have photos together! Our mutual friend Jess (his roomie/hetero life partner (their words, not mine) and my male best friend) is in the photo, but his parents are going to email me a copy so I can Photoshop Jess out! YAY!

We have a graduation photo together!!! Sooo excited. I’ll post it when I get it. It’s pretty funny, I have some terrible makeup & hideous dress action going on. Derek looks amazing though….. in fact, I think I have that photo of him on my computer from Grad.

Ha Ha FOUND IT (15 minutes searching later)…. Sorry babe – in order to not embarrass D too much, I’ve added one of myself from Grad. (Sorry Michelle & Jess)

Lets see if I remember these guys... I was only friends with 3 of them, but from L-R

Simon (?) Tyler, Darryl (?), Mike (?), Adam, Brandon, and my future hottie Derek

Jess, Me & Michelle... apparently we all wore blue....

My frustrations with the Passport office

My passport expired a few months ago, I filled out the renewal forms & got my photos taken, but never sent them off. It was always at the back of my mind to renew it, but it wasn’t until we booked our Mexican vacation for September that the urgency to receive it kicked in.

Ever since Canada and the US decided that all flights in-between the two countries required a passport, the lineups and wait times have be long – 2-3 months to get your passport, hours spent waiting in line to apply.

So yesterday I took the day off work, mostly because I was feeling under the weather, actually I have a boarderline sore throat… I just really needed a mental health day and to run some errands. Plus I’ve worked so much overtime this week, and throughout the summer it didn’t even matter. I got a venti latte, a few snacks to keep me going through the long wait and I grabbed a novel that I was excited to start reading.

Yup, there I was trundling down the streets of downtown actually looking forward to my time spent in the waiting room…. As I rounded the corner towards the office I thought ‘hmmm I don’t see a line’ and once I got into the office there was almost nobody in there. I pulled a number to get a place in the line up, sat down in a chair and less than 15 seconds later my number was called.

Needless to say I’m angry, I didn’t even get to open my book, let alone read any of it, nor was my scone eaten, nor my coffee drunk. It took less than 5 minutes in-and-out, and my passport will be mailed to me within 2 weeks… I didn’t even get to pay a rush fee for priority, how disgustingly efficient. I felt like hanging around the waiting room for an hour afterwards just because I was so prepared, but decided it was probably best to go home.

Anyways, I’m having a crazy day at work scrambling to get something done… so blogging probably isn’t’ in my best interest.

What did I do this weekend?

I did nothing. Absolutely nothing.

I slept until 10am, I made breakfasts full of grease & salt, I booked a 2 week vacation in Mexico, I spent 48 hours with the love of my life, I made a picnic and sat on top of a mountain looking down at Vancouver, I watched a kayaking video, I washed my car, I laid in the sun and I read 2 novels.

It was the most satisfying nothing I’ve ever done.

We re-created the sandwiches that Derek made on one of our first dates,

they were so delicious that I fell in love with him and have been bugging him to make them ever since. I got my wish on Saturday

Overlooking English Bay from a random park at the top of 21st in West Van.

An English Bay sunset on Thursday evening

Sleep deprived

So it looks like I have a blog stalker... that's right Ash, I'm on to you, Angela ratted you out last night. I told Angela I'd give Ash a shout-out, so I'm posting a photo from their engagement shoot. They're such a cute couple and Angela couldn't have found a more amazing man suited for her.

I'm actually pretty excited that someone does read this blog! Is there anyway I can track the people who read this? I need numbers, perhaps I have this big cult following in Peru that I'm not aware of?

So yea, I'm so thankful it's the weekend - I'm counting down the hours until I'm able to go home. I keep closing my eyes for a minute or two, and am hoping that nobody catches me napping. My throat is also starting to hurt a bit, is that an excuse to go home to bed?

And Breath

Yes!! It’s all over! No more wedding! It was actually pretty fun, but I think the mantra for any of the un-married was ELOPE, especially after seeing my mom who we will call Mother-of-the-groom-Zilla. There was also a little Groom-zilla going on from my brother, but that was only to keep the Bridezilla in Stephanie from coming out.

My mom was pretty stressed out on Friday before the rehearsal dinner, but everything worked out in the end. It was beautiful and sunny (and sweltering inside the church). No major melt-downs… unless you count one of the groomsmen turning white, swaying and having to leave the alter to go take off his tux and pour water over himself… it was pretty funny. Rumer also has it, that my brother got so nervous before the wedding he took off running, his groomsmen thought he was making a break for it, but in reality - he just need to get rid of his breakfast.
I loved being the in Bridal party, the dresses looked great, getting my hair done was fun & you always get better wine at the head table. All-in-All it was a great weekend, but boy am I exhausted.

I don’t have many great photos because I was so busy catching up with relatives from out of town, and different friends…. But I know my mom took some of me walking up the aisle, so I’ll try to grab those later on. Plus professional photos when I get my hands on them, they should turn out pretty great, she let me take a look through a few on her camera and they looked fabulous.

My mom harassing poor Derek about Marriage... actually, everyone there harrassed Derek about marriage.