My top ten from the past ten

I’m finding it hard to believe the decade is winding down – I’ve only been around for 2 and a half – but this one was jam packed with the most life experiences… with that travelling, university, love, career, house type of things falling within 2000 – 2010

Don’t read too much into this, but here’s ten highlights.


10. Poodador the Labradoodle
She’s sweet, affectionate, scary smart & just a joy to be around – Boxing day will be our six anniversary with her, and I look forward to another six as well.

9. University

In general it was a great experience, it gave me a degree, I met some amazing friends, lived in dorms, quickly realized why one should never live in dorms (although it did give my 42W roomies – so I can’t be too upset)

8. Senior Basketball (this seems to be my only high school photo on computer)

Most people don’t know that I was obsessed with basketball in high school. I played a lot, year round, most days and when I wasn’t playing I was coaching, playing in my front yard or obsessing over new gear. I love my senior girls team, we had so much fun together and I couldn’t have asked for a better high school experience.

7. Mexico
There’s something about the Mayan Riviera that I love – its more the fact that two weeks in Mexico comes after an absolutely crazy year filled with stress and strife (aka work). Mexico is to me is the most relaxing place on earth (as long as I’m in a 5 star with a fruity drink in hand).

6. Purchasing a Home


I feel like this needs to make the list – when I look back upon the past 10 years, I’m hoping this was the right decision. I love my house – a lot more than I ever imagined I would.


5. Thailand/China

My mom and I had always talked about a big trip once I graduated Uni, so when graduation was rapidly approaching and mom asked where I’d like to go… obviously my first answer was Disneyland – but mom had a grander vision. So off we went to Thailand for 2 ½ weeks – Kayaking around southern Thailand for the first week, then some much needed R&R. We extended a layover in Beijing and I was able to experience China for the first time since I was young. Thanks mom.


4. Annual Camping

Every year some of my best friends and I head off to the middle of nowhere, B.C. for our annual camping trip. We’ve managed to get ourselves into a few shenanigan’s while up there… but always come back alive (although we’ve come close to not….). We’ve never come back without a story or two…. Or three – can’t wait for next year.

3. Capernwray/New Zealand

I learned a lot about myself and others at Capernwray. I had a lot of time for some realistic, deep introspective reflection. I also had a lot of time for amazingly fun, crazy, good times in a country that I fell deep in love with. I can’t wait to go back one day with Derek.

2. Tofino

Tofino deserves top two. It holds a special place in my heart as Derek and I travel here a few times a year. I can never get enough of the beach, surf, forest & the sense of peace that envelops the small community.
1. Derek


Anyone whose ever been in love with their best friend understands the bond, connection and the ultimate comfort your receive when you’re around them. He’s my best friend, best travelling buddy, the one I want around when I can’t open something, and the one I want around when I have a bottle of wine that needs to be shared.

The past ten were unbelievable. I really do love my life, my family & my God. I can’t wait to look back at the future ten.

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This was the sunrise on my way in to work this morning - I'm loving the december weather we've been having; warm, sunny, no frost, no snow - the way winter should be!!

I should be working right now - but a virus has taken over my computer at work and was forcing me to watch porn, so I've shut my monitor off and I'm waiting for the I.T department to come save me.

All in all - life is good. I havnt been overly excited about the holidays - but the bff comes home tonight for 2 weeks, so my excitement is beginning to ramp up.

Blogging from the seabus....

The drivers side window in my car fell down into the door last night... Again. Leaving me soaking wet on my drive home from work yesterday. We've been getting a rediculous amount of rain latley - so I'm leaving the car safely parked underground and taking a germ boat.

I don't understand the people who are so obviously too sick to work hopping on board the sea bus. I jiust changed seats because the lady next to me is blowing her plugged nose and coughing up mucus it was making me sick. Gross. I managed to give a look of disgust once I got up.

Anyways.... 6 days until tofino - I'm so ridiculously delirious about getting out of town. My favorite vacation feeling is waking up that morning, getting coffee and hopping into the car - all the while secretly laughing at the suckers commuting to work.

I can't believe Christmas is a month away! This year has flown by - I guess its time to get the tree out this weekend. I'm doing a peacock themed tree this year, so I need to pick up feathers.... Exciting.

Anyways, my cruise has ended - let's hope I don't get sick, otherwise I'll be forced to lecture that lady about what a sick day is, and when its appropriate to take one.
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A beach girl lives here with her big Kahuna.

Well, we’re in! The house is truly amazing, and I love being in it. It’s been a busy few weeks, so I haven’t had a lot of time to actually unpack boxes and organize, but the downstairs is pretty much put together. So I’m throwing a few teaser photos your way. We still have boxes in the bedroom & den, so you’ll have to wait for photos.... or better yet, come visit.

Other than purchasing & moving in to our new house we’ve both been busy with work but we’ve scheduled a quickie vacation to keep us going, and are heading to Tofino for 5 days in December. We used to be the couple that vowed to get away every month... we havn't been away since August..... unacceptable.

I’ll keep this short, because I'm aware that people only show up for the pretty pictures. Here’s the long awaited, much anticipated new townhouse, and because I’m a vain little beast – a photos Derek & I in White Rock on a beautiful fall day. Em & Nini - you'll notice the sign in the bathroom - it's my own little piece of Santa Cruz.

Wednesday Randomness....

On Monday I rocked a great fall outfit complete with sweaters, thicker pants and a scarf - I was too warm.

Tuesday I unpacked my newly put-away Summer wardrobe and rocked a thin blouse, belt, light black pants and a thin shell jacket - I was freezing cold.

But I think I finally found the right combo today. Black skirt w/tights, summer shirt but with a fall sweater & scarf - great success!

On that note, 26 more sleeps until we take possession. I would post photos, but Derek won't let me until we have OUR furnature in the space.... so all you get is the outside - this doesn't really capture how great our new place is.... but eventually you'll see that for yourself.

I've never been more excited in my life (except when going to Disneyland).

Blogging from the (sea)bus pt. 2

Why is it that of the hundreds of people taking the seabus right now.... The sickest one hunts me down, sits next to me and makes it their personal mission to infect me?

Disgusting. Note to self - don't take public transit during swine flu outbreak.

If it weren't for my downtown meeting this afternoon, I would be in the protective germ bubble that is my car - but that darn new rapid transit system is far too convienient to ignore.

On to happier thoughts - Derek and I have a hockey game tonight. We joined a friendly, co-ed floor hockey league.... Which has turned out to be coed, but not as friendly as we expected. I'm not sure how some people got the idea that this particular leauge would launch their NHL career dreams - but the way these guys throw body checks and fists you would think that we play on the canucks farm team.

Week one resulted in a swollen hand after someone swung their stick down on my poor exposed wrist. Week two was a ball right into the eye socket and last week I took a slapshot to the jugular. So needless to say, I've got 911 on speed dial for this evenings game.

Anyways, I've shifted to a bus and am getting car sick.

27 more sleeps until we take possession.

Xoxo
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Blogging from the bus!!

Seabus that is. I actually don't mind transit as long as I can stay off buses.

So yes... I would insert an apology, but I'm not sorry I've been busy. My job takes up most of my day and househunting took up my evenings and weekends... Yes, that's right - househunting! Derek and I just purchased a great townhouse in North Van! Sooooo excited! I can't wait to get in there and start decorating. We've already got most of our furnature, and the place is essentially move in ready, so at the end of the month I'm officially a homeowner!!

So for the next 35 years I am poor... Which is a pity as I happended to be in The Bay last night and fell in love with fall fashions... Beautiful sweaters and tops, scarves, capes, and of course boots.

I'm headed down to Seattle on sunday for my last credit card fling before our mortgage kicks in.

Anyways, the first half of my commute is coming to an end - love you all... I've missed this.

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Days that make you smile.

I don't think I've ever loved a job more. I won't say much, except that my boss rewards hard work with an afternoon at the spa.

Today made me smile.

I love my job.

A lot.

It makes me want to work hard again tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.
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Photographic Satisfaction

Just a few from Derek's sisters wedding this weekend.

My new hair!

Here's my new short hair! I like it... and I don't. I miss rocking a pony tail... and gosh knows what I'm going to do for Derek's sister's wedding on Sunday? Perhaps I'll see if it curls with some good diffusing and a salt spray?

Love you all!

Blogging from the salon

Something today made me decide to chop my hair! I was feeling a little bored with my hair lately - and I had a scheduled hair appointment to touch up my roots, so in one fatal swoop, I allowed my stylist to chop off 7 inches of my hair.

I'm waiting for my foils to set, so I figured I'd bang off a quickie. My hair still has a few inches to lose once the foils come out, I'm nervous as my hair hasn't been short since 2003.... Which I hated - so I'm nervous about this time. Ill take a photo later tonight.... If you're lucky.

Anyways, enough about me... Actually, this blog is all about me, so I'll continue.

Life is amazing right now. I can't even imagine it getting much better. I can truthfully say I love going to work every day, and I love coming home to my new roomate after. I'm blessed to have what, and who I have.

We have a jam packed weekend featuring Derek sister's wedding, and a No Doubt concert. I'm so excited for the wedding and all the fun stuff surrounding it. They've been planning for 18 months - and its almost scary how fast its gone by. We have a clock at work that is counting down the days, hours, minutes seconds and millaseconds until the Olympic games hit vancouver (or should I say steamroll) I think we have 216 days left but MAN are they flying by........ Its like watching the minutes, seconds and millaseconds in your life fade away. Because technically, anf genereally speaking there are quite a few people who will Die on that very day next February - and that clock is literally ticking down until their demise... They could sit there and watch it all go by. Thoughts for thinking.... Thiught for thinking....

Anyways its time to go

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Indeed... I am surprised.

At 25 years of age, thanks to the Internet, I didn’t think much would surprise me anymore… I was wrong

1. I am surprised that two boys could live in an apartment for five years, without cleaning out or ever opening a cupboard of food that the previous renters had left behind. I am surprised by the smell of five year old food, and I’m surprised how much scrubbing to took to remove the stains left behind.
   
2. I am surprised by the colour of the water after you clean the carpets of an apartment that has only been vacuumed a handful of times in 5 years. I am also surprised by the amount of gunk I had to clear out from the carpet cleaner every five minutes (despite me vacuuming the rooms several times beforehand) (don’t worry mom – your cleaner is fine)
   
3. I am surprised by how much stuff my boyfriend owns… which is now piled into my garage. I would not be sad if a thief came and accidently tossed out several boxes of old magazines/CD’s. I have a sneaking suspicious they may be ‘stolen’ next weekend….
   
4. I am surprised that I love my boyfriend just as much, if not even more, despite the fact I have spent the past four days with rubber gloves, bleach and a chisel cleaning out his former apartment.
   
5. I am surprised that the boys managed to get their damage deposit back.
   

Despite how much work it took to move, it was completely worth it. Der and I fit well together…. I’m sure we’ll have our moments (like when he forgot to take out the garbage this week… despite me leaving a note) but I believe we’ve started a beautiful thing.


And as per usual, my apologetic note:
June flew by, I’ve already been at my new job a month, and July is so busy that it’ll be over before I know it. I’m sorry I’ve been so negligent, I need to get out there with my camera – but at the moment the battery is dead and I’m unable to find either of my two chargers.

I’ll take lots of photos though once I find one of them – and post them for your viewing pleasure. Because I know you all only read this blog for the photos.

The fact that my photos are half cut off is killing me.... ugh, suggestions? It's only when I upload them from a URL source.... UGH.

California photo porn

I know... I know...

1000 apologies for being so absent, as usual I have great intentions and little time.

I've started my new job, which is full time, extremely busy, exciting, and challenging. I love it, but things like cleaning my room, laundry and blogging and gotten shelved.

California was beautiful and amazing, but deserves more than just a quick update. I have gorgeous photos to post, so hopefully this weekend I can share those with you.

Anyways, my lunch break needs to end and I have a meeting to attend.

Xoxo
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California here I come

Derek and I head to California on Friday for a little road trip.... yay!!!!

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Life's little pleasures include being able to watch the Canucks game, while waiting to board your flight.

Off to Calgary for a few days..... California is all booked, 8 more days.
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V is for Vacations

Derek and I usually head off to Tofino for a week in June, and Mexico for two weeks in September…. but it looks like because of my new job, which I haven’t officially gotten yet – we won’t be able to take a Vacation until December…. and that’s a long time without vacations, probably not for most people… but for the Sun loving, vacation taking people we are, it is.

So our plan was to hop down to Mexico for one week during the middle of May. But a wee piggy flu has created this mass media hysteria, causing tour operators to cancel all Mexico travel. Which isn’t a huge deal…. but this cancellation caused everyone to rebook in Cuba & the Dominican, jacking prices WAYYY up plus there are no direct flights from Vancouver right now… meaning an overnight layover in Toronto, which is lame and ends up wasting 2 days (return) of beach time.

Anyways, so we were looking at going to Hawaii for a week… but flights are pretty expensive for the days we’d need…. and because we can’t do the all inclusive thing there, we’d end up spending a lot more than we wanted to make it a decent vacation……. although Hawaii is still a possibility… I’m looking into it today…..

However, my newest idea is driving down to California & back. Derek and I love driving road trips…. driving to Calgary in one day (10 hours) is no problem (and fun!) for us, and we could totally do a longer day of driving…. so possibly leaving Vancouver and just booking it as far as we can possibly go down in one straight shot. I’ve heard of friends making it to San Fran, no problems in 1 day (Ash… I know you still blog stalk me… I need trip details of when you did it.)

So yea, possibly hitting up the Cali coast – camping/moteling it? Good idea? Anyone out there done this? is 8/9 days waaaay to impossible to enjoy ourselves? Emily, we may end up on your door step in Santa Cruz in a few weeks =)

D is for Deck.......

....daquiries, dips and mohito's.... okay, so not Mohito's, but I will drink plenty of them on the new deck I helped build at my parent's house. That's right! I helped build. I learned how to use a hammer and a drill! I'm pretty pro.... but don't even bother asking me to help you - it's sooo much work, and I've seen enough spiders now to last a lifetime. Here are some photos of the new & old Deck..... it's nothing too impressive, but it looks way better. You know what IS impressive though? - My cookies I made. White Chocolate Skor Chip...... mmmmmm so chewy and delicious

Hockey

I'm currently blogging from Dereks hockey game, I've only watched the past 5 minutes because I was watching the wrong team play.... Oops.

That's him in the green, he's so cute in his gear... Don't be leured in by his cuteness.... He smells horrible.

On to more important things.... Big things are in the works, life changing things, vacation like things, and career things. Its actually been quite a good day. I'll share more once plans are definite (derek just made a HUGE Luongo like save.... He actually kind of looks like bobby lou in his gear).

Life is good. God is good. The bread I make is delicious and love is just so much sweeter in the Spring.

Dereks actually playing really well and making some huge saves, so I should probably watch.

Xoxo
K.
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A photographic Essay: Stuffed Bread without a recipe

Enjoy

bread

my newest obession is making french bread

i've made four loaves this weekend

happy easter