Houston, you are the problem

Tofino Bound

2012-02-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

It’s 7am in the morning and I’m on my way to the happiestplace on earth. Maybe I should clarify, I’m on the way to my happiest place onearth. We’re going to Tofino.

Also big news? My sweet little Lexi Doodle turned two thisweek. I can’t really fathom how my twelve week old puppy that was just a bundlein my arms, has become this loving, spunky, snuggly little running buddy. Theygrow up so fast.

As a gift to her, we’retaking her to play on miles of beach and introduce her to surfing.

Surf's up.

Mighty Neighbourly

2012-01-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Lexi sniffing the air - I love the snow sticking to her fur

It snowed about 10 cm this morning, pushing Vancouver into a full blown snowmageddan. I’m serious, that’s what the papers are calling it – granted other parts of the Lower Mainland did get more snow than us. I’m not a huge snow lover, but as long as I don’t have to drive anywhere I don’t mind a few inches.

There’s a bylaw round here that states you need to have your sidewalks cleared of snow by about 10 a.m., so usually when it snows Derek and I grab the complex snow shovels and will clear the paths. Our complex makes us laugh, there’s a North side vs. Courtyard divide, and usually the courtyard ignores the North Side, meaning they’ll clear all of their paths and sidewalks, but won’t touch ours.

This morning I saw that it was starting to snow, so I waited until the majority of it stopped, grabbed a shovel and started clearing ALL the paths, stairs and sidewalks in the complex, North and Courtyard. After about 45 minutes of shovelling and working up a good sweat, I was literally on my last 3 sections of pavement, when a neighbour came outside and said that he’d do the rest.

I had done about 98% of the shovelling, but my hands were freezing so I was happy to hand it over. Just as I gave him the shovel and was walking away, another neighbor started walking up and thanking him for shovelling all the paths.

How neighbourly of him.

A half has never felt so huge

2012-01-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Other than a brief spell in University, I have never enjoyed running or considered myself a runner. Running was something I did to train for basketball or boxing, but I never pushed myself for more than 30 minutes and never had the desire to go faster or further. In fall 2010, with one year to go before the wedding, I started running with a friend twice a week. Our distances began to increase and we set the goal of running a half marathon in the spring.

Running a half scares me so much, it's a mental thing. In my mind, it's a long distance (read 23 km!! aka 13 miles) and the ability to do it seems so far off. But bit-by-bit we increased our distances and the goal seemed so attainable. Just when I was finally starting to enjoy running, I ended up injuring my hip to the point where I couldn't walk up the stairs in my house. Couple this with my running-buddy getting pregnant, the goal died and spring came and went.

I did get in shape for the wedding thanks to the South Beach Diet (I won't blog about it... but it worked, I lost 25lbs before the wedding) and boxing/running twice a week - but I never got back to loving running.

Once we were home from our honeymoon I wanted to maintain my weight, but still eat carbs. In November I started running small distances (4km) just to test out the hip, get Lexi out of the house (my car was totalled this summer and I can no longer drive her daily to the dog park like I used to) and get back in shape. Low and behold I'm building up my stamina.

I'm up to 6-8 km several times a week and I really want to revisit my half marathon goal. The BMO Vancouver Half/Full Marathon is the first weekend in May. So here is my public declaration that I will RUN THE HALF MARATHON! I'm putting it out there publicly so I can't back down.

I'm going to watch my hip carefully, so hopefully it'll hold up through training.I'm also thinking that if I run the half marathon I'll treat myself to a Disneyland trip. Ha Ha, I think I'd drag myself across the line if it means Disneyland!!

Another goal for the year will be to start taking photos again. I got a new laptop, and haven't uploaded any of my photo software on here, and Lexi ate the memory card in my other camera - so I don't have the ability to take anything.... therefore I'll post a few random photos from Easter.

H is for Hitched. A is for Apology

2012-01-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I chose today to foray back to the world of blogging. Actually, I do know why. It's because I have work deadlines and I needed a way to procrastinate.

Here we are, I skipped blogging in 2011. I know, I'm sorry - most of you probably stopped caring, but I'm here, I'm alive and I have a new last name. To recap my 2011, I got married and I went on a honeymoon. Those two activities pretty much took 365 days.

I'll write more about the wedding, as well as a few lessons learned, but first I just wanted to come crawling back, tail between legs and promise you that you'll hear a lot more of my ramblings in 2012.

Here are some wedding photos, they were all taken by the talented Vanessa Voth

Boots

2010-11-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Can I just point out that I've lived in two well-known rain capitals in my life and never owned a pair of rain boots? At least I can’t remember owning a pair.

As a person who meticulously plans everything, after the acquisition of our small fur-baby I started to realize that I would be spending countless hours trudging around the block during rain storms once fall arrived. Derek, being the loving fiancé he is, purchased me the most gorgeous pair of Navy Hunter Wellies for my birthday.

I sit here today, with the rain streaming down, patting myself on the back for finally owning a pair. They’re gorgeous, they keep my feet dry (and my jean cuffs dry – wet jean cuffs are my biggest pet peeve), and I look absolutely fabulous in them. I don’t really understand how I survived without them.

Now, to finally complete my life, I shall be ordering a pair of fleece Welly liners to keep my feet warm during the Winter as well.

Rumour is that we’re getting snow this weekend, YUCK! Although, my hatred of snow is somewhat overshadowed by the excitement of my tiny puppy playing in the snow for the first time.

Knock Knock

2010-11-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

I just want to put it out there that I don’t find knock-knock jokes funny. I never have, maybe it’s because I don’t really understand them? Why is someone knocking on my door? Have you ever actually said ‘Who’s there?’ before opening the door? I HATE it when people knock on my door, its such an intrusion into my space. Unless the person on the other side is delivering Thai food.

Kind of like when the phone rings, I hate answering the phone. I rarely do. Except for this morning when my father thought 6:50 am would be an appropriate time to call. I bolted for the phone because I thought something horrible had happened to mom. She’s fine. But I did leave my cell phone at their house last night.

Anyways, back to the jokes. Who invented them?

Such a waste of time...... Kind of like this blog.

That being said – I tell a lot of knock-knock jokes. I make up my own on the spot and they’re never funny nor do they make sense, yet I continue. They make Derek laugh and he loves them, and that’s why we’re getting married.

Knock-Knock

Who's there?

Unconditional Love.

Unconditional Love who?

Unconditionally Love me.

I vote that we abolish Monday's

2010-10-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Monday’s are horrendous – especially when it’s dark past 8am, it’s pouring rain like you’ve never seen it before, you didn’t sleep well and you go to pick up dog poop but it turns out there was no bottom of the bag and you end up grabbing the poop with your fingers. Lovely, I know – what made matters worse is that I was one poop bag short, and with two dogs you need multiple bags. So when my parents dog went to the washroom, I had nothing to pick it up with and a lady started yelling at me.

So to recap; I hate Monday’s, poor Derek is sick on his deathbed downstairs, and my parents are enjoying fruity tropical drinks in Mexico.

Our photographer has posted the rest of the Engagement photos on her blog – we love them and can’t wait to get some hanging around the house. I want to blow one up for above the bed, but Derek won’t let me. How does that saying go? It’s easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission?

PS - the above photo has nothing to do with Monday's or this weekend - I just thought you hadn't seen enough photos of Lexi lately. Here's some pictures from the summer, including her first swimming lesson with Daddy

October, Weddings & Engagment Photos

2010-10-15T17:41:00.001-07:00

Should I stop being surprised when another month is over? At this rate my wedding will be over and done with before I know it.

Good thing we’re progressing nicely. Today we had an amazing photoshoot with Vanessa Voth Photography – Vanessa and I met in New Zealand and I’m so lucky that she lives close by to take our wedding pics.

Mexico was great, it flew by, but I was able to sleep, eat as much as I could, and swim in that warm Caribbean ocean. Overall, October has been good to us - the house smells of amazing scented candles – I can’t get enough! We’ve been burning ‘Fruit Salad’ by Yankee Candle a lot, but have started going for the Fall spicy scents and I’m loving ‘Leaves’ by Bath and Body Works.

We literally JUST got home from our photoshoot and Vanessa has already posted a sneak peak on her blog – and I’m in LOVE! Cannot wait to see the rest of the photos.

Weddings and Whatnot

2010-09-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure where August & September went – they’ve completely flown by at a dizzying rate. Work takes up the majority of my time, and then the rest is divided between the fam & planning a wedding – I don’t know why people stress about planning weddings, this has been amazingly fun and relatively stress free so far! (Ask me my opinion in a few months time)

Perhaps it’s because I’ve had everything planned out for years and a lot completed already - the venue is booked, photographer is 95% booked, engagement shoot is next month, Décor rental is chosen and secured, florist chosen, menus and bar planned, dress purchased (yay) and I still have just under a year to go! I would book and plan more but I’m trying to save some stuff for next year….. I heart all my spreadsheets and lists and love tackling the challenges. In fact, I’ve already made my seating chart and I haven’t even invited people yet.

I cannot wait to become Derek’s wifey on Nine-Ten-Eleven – despite the 30-40 wedding magazines scattered around the house (all donated by past brides) I haven’t lost sight of the most important aspect of our day. I’m curious as to how different being a wife will feel – will there be this sense of completion, a stronger bond between us? An official stamp to make us feel like we’re finally a family? Or will it be business as usual? We’ve lived in this house together a year, pay our bills together, cook our meals together, share chores, laundry and everything else… so what will change?

My last name will change - I get to spend the rest of eternity spelling out a last name to people that I still struggle to pronounce and spell..... Ahhhh the price of love.

Anyways, we’re off to Mexico for a week for a much needed holiday. It’ll be our first time away from our little Lexi and my heart already breaks thinking of her all alone… until I remember that she’s staying with my parents, who think it’s perfectly acceptable to feed her whip cream from a spoon.

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy wine touring?

2010-07-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Derek and I had been planning a weekend of wine touring away in the Okanagan, we took off Thursday and drove up to Osoyoos to stay at a fabulous resort. We drove up with our little Lexi (who just ate through her third power cord in two weeks - 2 laptops and a phone) and spent the weekend relaxing, wine touring and making it the most memorable weekend that I will hold very dear to my heart, for the rest of my life.

Where to start... the weather was amazing, hot and sunny each day - so we put Lexi into Doggy Daycare for the two days we were out at the wineries to allow her have fun and not worry about the heat.

We did some amazing wineries in Oliver and Osoyoos the first day and then on the second day drove 1 hour north to Naramata to do some of my favourite wineries. Saturday was a magical day - not only did we purcase cases of my favourite wines, I also came home with a Fiance!

Derek proposed at Poplar Grove, overlooking the lake up on a cliff surrounded by vines. It was amazing and surprising and I can't wait to spend my life with him!

I can't stop stairing at my ring, which makes driving very unsafe - and both families are estatic that we're getting married. The plan is for next September here in Vancouver!

2 baths 2 days… and an eye infection

2010-06-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

It turns out that we didn’t just come home with a wet, smelly dog covered in burrs when we left the park last Thursday – we also contracted a vicious eye infection that appeared on Monday.

Poor Lexi has been battling a severe case of conjunctivitis. I noticed it Monday morning when she woke up with her eyes crusted with pus and she was scratching them. I made a vet appointment for later that day – and thankfully I did, as the issue got worse over the course of the morning.

The first question they asked me was if she had been swimming in dirty stagnant water? If by swimming they meant tumbling off a bridge, then yes…. The vet shaved around her eyes (which gives her the appearance of two large black eyes) put all sorts of medications and freezing in her eye and then sent us home with a topical cream (have you ever tried to put cream on a squirmy puppy’s eyeball??) along with a big ole’ cone.

Poor Lexi is feeling much better – and the eyes are almost back to white with almost no crusties. But she’ll go into random whining/crying/moaning fits everyone once and awhile. She has to keep the cone on or she’ll scratch her eyes and either scratch her cornea or give herself an ulcer.

She can’t sleep with the cone on though, she’s so gosh darn uncomfortable and doesn’t fit in her crate, so she lays next to our bed at night, but there’s no sleeping going on. She’s up, crying whining, escaping, banging her cone into things and it goes on and on and on…… last night was the second night of sleep deprivation. I’m grumpy, she’s grumpy, Derek’s grumpy…..

I can’t wait for our follow up vet appointment tomorrow when they tell me she’s back to normal and we can ditch the cone.

Lesson learned: If your puppy falls into a dirty pond, don’t just bathe the fur, flush out the eyes and pick up some polysporin eye drops from the pharmacy.

Blogging pool and vinyard side

2010-06-13T12:08:00.001-07:00

I've been at a stagette all weekend in Osooyos, in fact I'm still laying poolside soaking up the 30 degree weather for a few more hours before we trek home to cold and rainy Vancouver. Despite it being mid-June, its been rediculously cold leading up to summer - hopefully it warms up.

I do miss Derek and Lexi this weekend - I keep wondering what they're doing and if they're having fun without me. This resort is amazing and oh so gorgeous - I wish they were here with me to enjoy it. I feel like wine touring is in our future. We visited Twisted Tree and Nk'Mip wineries yesterday and I'm glad to be bringing home 5 bottles to share with Derek.

Anyways, I need to close my eyes and relax some more.

Xoxo

2 Baths 2 Days

2010-06-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

(it's tough to get a picture of her playing... she's fast)

Poor Lexi has spent some significant time in the bath the past few days by no fault of her own… well a little of her own.

On Tuesday night we took her to a friend’s house to watch the Season Finale of Glee (Lexi’s a big fan) and my friend asked if she could have a bone as she was feeding her dog one. Thinking that it was a cookie type bone, I said yes, only to realize that my dog was gnawing on a raw lamb’s neck. I was disgusted butLexi loved it.

What I didn’t think about (until the next morning) is that you’re not supposed to change a puppy’s meat protein. If they eat chicken puppy chow, stick to chicken. If they eat lamb, stick to lamb and so forth until their stomachs are a bit stronger. Since Lexi’s on a Chicken and Rice diet – the lamb went through her, causing diarrhea every time she put anything in her mouth for the next 24 hours…. Fluffy white fur and runny poop will give you an idea of the mess I was dealing with. Poor thing.

Last night we took her for a walk around a lake with a friend and her new puppy. The two dogs are pretty close in age and got along famously – they played and ran and chased for 1 ½ hours straight. However, poor Lexi was running across a foot bridge crossing a muddy creek and slipped and fell off the bridge, down approx 4 feet and into the water. Lexi has never submerged herself in water, and we definitely didn’t plan for her first time to be a surprise.

Derek was a hero however, and ran into the water and pulled our poor flailing, panicking puppy out of the water. I'm pretty sure she was the one screaming, but according to Derek that was me.

She recovered with a bruised ego and continued on playing with the other dog, and ran straight through the bushes and came out covered in burrs and sticky tiny green seeds, which are IMPOSSIBLE to get out. So we spent another evening in the bathtub washing mud and smelly water off of her, and cutting and pulling burrs out of her fur.

I’m off to Osooyos for the weekend for a stagette – so Lexi and Derek are having some Daddy-Daughter bonding time. I hope for Derek’s sake she stays clean until Sunday.

Live crab

2010-06-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

Live crab could have been the theme for last weekend’s sailing trip. Lexi, a coworker and I all headed to SaltSpring Island for a weekend away with my parents. The boat seems to have this medicinal aura about it, that instantly relaxes you and this weekend was all about relaxation….. and crab.

Dad has always wanted to catch crab, for years he's put down differnt traps, all sorts of bait and always come up empty handed. But I think the drought is over, being the scientest he is, he seems to have come up with a fail proof formula and started hauling in the crab this past weekend not looking back since.

Lexi, not to be left out of anything, also starting crabbing this weekend and experienced her first taste of live crab – she quickly learned that if she flips over the rocks on the beach tiny (and some not to tiny) crabs run about and are fun to catch and eat. I spent half my weekend shrieking at her and pulling fatally wounded crab out of her mouth.

All-in-all it was a great introduction for Lexi to the boat, the sailing was great, the fresh crab dip was great and the company wasn’t too shabby either.

Life before twelve

2010-05-23T11:08:00.001-07:00

Some people think I'm absolutely crazy when I tell them I wake up at 5 a.m. three times a week to run a bootcamp, but despite my weekday madness, I'm actually a sleep lover. I go to bed between 9:30 and 10:30 and wake up either at 5am, 6am or on weekends..... 11:30 a.m.

I love laying in bed on weekends - Derek and I used to get in gear and make breakfast around 1 p.m. on weekends.... which has its downsides as we never really got that much accomplished on the weekends. Everything has changed since Lexi Doodle entered our lives 3 weeks ago.

We go to bed after our 11 p.m. pee and bedtime routine, get up at 3:30 a.m. for another bathroom break, and then again at 6 a.m. - we can usually squeeze another hour of sleep out of her until 7 a.m. when it's time to get up, eat breakfast, go for a pee and take our morning walk.

It's been good parental training for Derek and I, as by noon on a Saturday, we've made a huge breakfast, gone for a walk along the harbour, gone grocery shopping, done housework, watched the Bugs Bunny and Tweety Show (it's true) and are making progress around the house (finally getting my home office set up).

Life before twelve? Who knew.

New Camera

2010-05-16T23:06:00.000-07:00

My cup overflows. First Lexi joined our lives.... and now my DSLR - I purchased a Nikon D3000 this weekend and have taken hundreds of photos with anyone or anything willing to pose for me. I can't wait to learn more about this camera and get shooting. I need baby models... may need to convince friends to let me babysit. It's 11:30 so I should go to bed, but I've had so much fun editing and going through all my photos.

Check out some of my efforts from yesterday and today

Loving Little Lexi Doodle

2010-05-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

I can't imagine loving something more than Lexi. She's such an amazing puppy. Her potty training is all coming together - she goes to the top of the steps when she wants let out, she's learning all her commands and was the star of her very first puppy class yesterday - she gives the greatest snuggles and just flops into your arms and will lay there forever.

My mom hadn't met her yet, as she and my dad are away for the summer on the boat, but I was anxious for Pooda and Mom to meet her, so my mom took a three and a half hour ferry round trip to come and visit us for 2 hours!

Pooda and Lexi were great together - they had a very special bond, something you don't often see with Pooda, and I can't wait for them to spend more time together. Lexi also gets along with Farley, my brothers Labradoodle, and tomorrow they're attending a 'Doodle Romp' in Vancouver - where 19 other labra and goldendoodles get together.

When opportunity presents itself

2010-05-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

So the thing with life is that it twists and turns. You go down one path, and then something comes up and you switch gears.

I tend to always hesitate when it comes to opportunity. Opportunity scares me. Failure scares me. And those two often go hand in hand. However every once in awhile opportunity partners up with success and blessings. Sometime the status quo is the easiest route, and more often than not, I take it. I always read about the amazing things people accomplish and do – the way they put their selves out there, and reap the rewards by utilizing their opportunity, and yet – I still sit back and wait for things to happen.

Anyways – opportunity has allowed me to work from home for the next few months. It’s a big deal and project that I get to do – and it’s setting me up for being able to work from home in the future. I’ve been having great discussions with a few mentors in the past few weeks, and I’ve decided I’m going to begin to work towards my ultimate goal of becoming a photographer, by studying, taking classes and beginning to purchase my equipment. My new/old/same/different job (long story) isn’t in photography – but it’s allowing me the time to begin to pursue over the next few months.

And if I fail… at least I took the opportunity. No regrets.

So in the mean time…. I’d like to announce the arrival of little Lexi Doodle – Derek’s and my new Goldendoodle addition. Why not make working from home a bigger challenge by adding a 12 week old puppy!

She’s adorable… when she’s sleeping. We picked her up 8 (fast and short) days ago and she’s coming along nicely with her training. A bit clingy to me… but we’re working on me become a pack leader and ignoring her fluffy adorableness.

She also needs plenty of socialization, but we start puppy classes next week and then we signed up for a ‘doodle romp’ where other Golden and Labradoodles in Vancouver meet up – plus lots of walks and trips to the dog park.

Note to self: Puppies are a lot of work. I spent so many years begging to get a dog, I never actually thought Derek would cave and think it was a good idea. Ha Ha. I love her so much already though.

Have I ever mentioned I’m REALLY into vacations?

2010-03-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Derek and I took off for Seattle a few weekends ago at the last minute. I got a great deal on the Westin downtown through Priceline and made a Thursday afternoon decision that we would head south Friday afternoon.

We spent the weekend walking around Seattle, shopping, had coffee with a friend then drove back north… stopping at the outlets along the way.

Have I also ever mentioned that I’m REALLY into sunshine and decks? Derek and I bought our patio set on Friday and spent the afternoon putting it together. Unfortunately it’s no longer sunny and it’s too cold to use it… but I foresee many a weekends spent barbequing and relaxing with friends up there.

Motivation

2010-03-12T15:42:00.001-08:00

I'm lacking it.

I have several things on my list of things to do, but I'm finding it hard to come up with the motivation to do any. Clean my house, update this blog, take photos, go for a run, get to the gym, the list goes on. Perhaps I'm in a post-olympic funk... a haze of watching curling, skiing and, of course - hockey on t.v, going downtown to mix with the crowds, high fiving strangers just because I can... all of it gone.

Sure the paralympics start today but it's not the same. I miss the Olympics. I also miss my Olympic work schedule, we switched to a 12 hr, 7 day a week schedule at work to cope with the sheer magnitude of work meaning that I had several week-days off throughout the games. I loved heading to the gym at 12pm on a Wednesday only to find it completely empty or actually being able to go to the bank on a weekday! (It's the little things that get me going....)

Anyways, so I'm having a hard time dredging up the motivation to get back to the gym after a 8-4 day of work (although since I coach at 6am still, it's more like an 6-4 day of work) and Mexico is rapidly approaching. The entire family is going mid-April, which I'm completely looking forward to - I'm most excited about doing shots with my parents on the beach at the swing bar (a bar with seats that swing). Don't look horrified mom & dad - just one shot - it'll be fun.

I feel ridiculously out of shape however, I had a few good weeks where my abs were visible again, but I ate a bag of cheesies yesterday.... and two cupcakes.... and some mini eggs.... and I'm thinking the only way to force myself to get back into it... is signing up for a class of some sort. I like the group workout mentality... it pushes me harder, but I'm kind of sick of boxing right now, and hate going to the group classes as they're the same people I coach and people LOVE to make little comments telling me to run faster/punch harder, almost like we're friends.... we're not. I'm your coach... I'm paid to pretend to be nice to you, now leave me alone.

Irrational fears

2010-01-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

If I wasn't nervous and jumpy enough, Derek's managed to add a new fear into my life - going to prison and becoming someone’s b**ch. I am now officially terrified of being sent to prison. Sure, I haven't ever committed a major crime worthy of a prison sentence - actually, that's a lie.

I once accidently shoplifted eggs from Safeway 12 years ago... I didn't mean to, I was babysitting and needed to get groceries for the family and placed the eggs into the stroller to carry them because I ran out of room in the basket.... and sure enough, I forgot they were in there.... Out of guilt however, I always donate to those Safeway charities at the checkout and have more than made up for the $4 I owe Safeway... ugh, okay.... now I'm feeling terribly guilty about those eggs again. Hmmm, can you go back and pay for something you accidently took 12 years ago?

Anyways, back to my important irrational fear - Prison. We were at Costco last night, and Derek stumbled upon the DVD's of his past favourite T.V. series - OZ. We watched the first episode and it was enough to scare me straight for the rest of my life.

There are some scary, scary people in prison - and despite my boxing skills, I'm a huge pansy and sissy... I'd be forced to join a gang for protection, and unless there's a Scottish bagpipe pride group - there's no one else for me except the Aryans... I don't want to be an Aryan a) I would like my body to stay swastika free b) my head is too lumpy and misshapen to be bald, and c) I'm 100% against what they philosophically stand for, so we would probably clash there....

Which leads me back to being terrified to commit any sort of crime... Derek was pretty quick to point out that given my moral piety and fear of pointy things, I won't ever be in the situation... but just in case I ever even contemplate it, I now am officially scared straight. Consider myself warned.

Seriously –should I call Safeway? This is now bothering me a lot… what if they read this and send me to prison? Could I buy a dozen eggs (they weren’t free range) from Safeway, and then sneak them back onto the shelf so they can sell them again?

My top ten from the past ten

2009-12-31T16:57:00.000-08:00

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.

IMG00121.jpg

2009-12-18T09:24:00.001-08:00

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....

2009-11-26T07:58:00.001-08:00

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.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

A beach girl lives here with her big Kahuna.

2009-11-18T22:09:00.001-08:00

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....

2009-10-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-06T18:04:00.001-07:00

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
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Blogging from the bus!!

2009-10-02T07:42:00.001-07:00

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.

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Days that make you smile.

2009-08-26T16:58:00.001-07:00

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.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Photographic Satisfaction

2009-07-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

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

My new hair!

2009-07-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-14T19:49:00.001-07:00

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

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Indeed... I am surprised.

2009-07-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

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

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.
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)
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….
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.
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.

2009-06-14T00:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

I know... I know...

2009-06-12T12:58:00.001-07:00

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
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

California here I come

2009-05-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

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

IMG00061.jpg

2009-05-07T17:21:00.001-07:00

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.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

V is for Vacations

2009-05-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

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.......

2009-04-30T17:08:00.001-07:00

....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

2009-04-24T20:26:00.001-07:00

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.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

A photographic Essay: Stuffed Bread without a recipe

2009-04-13T20:06:00.001-07:00

Enjoy

bread

2009-04-12T16:58:00.001-07:00

my newest obession is making french bread

i've made four loaves this weekend

happy easter

I promised you Disneyland photos.... more to come

2009-04-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

IMG00044.jpg

2009-03-27T13:40:00.001-07:00

Blogging from the salon... I just had my foils put in... So I've got an hour of just chilling before the rinse and cut.

So I've been a totally negligent blogger lately. I've been sick, busy, and lazy.

Disneyland was a lot of fun, derek and I both got the flu before we went down, but did our best to enjoy it. I loved all the rides at disney, I'm such a rollercoaster and thrill junky, Derek is not a rollercoaster fan, so luckily mom stepped up to the plate and tested her limits. I'll post some photos when I get home from the salon.

On the vacation front, Derek and I booked another surf trip to Tofino in April - just after Easter. We're going with my fabulous friend Ashley, who I've been good friends with since high school and her boyfriend Andrew.... I'm excited as I haven't had a vacation in almost 3 weeks!

Anyways I'm going to read some trashy magazines and wait for my hair to blonde.

Xoxo
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

The pretty couch

2009-02-23T16:51:00.001-08:00

Well it happened. I moved back home.... Again. Now before you write me off completly as a failure - free rent was only one reason for the location change.

Mom and Papa Gord are taking off on the boat for a few months wherever the wind might take them. And needed someone to hold down the fort. Last year I housesat all summer and paid rent for nothing...... Plus my roomate was moving out and I was too lazy to find a new one.

If you go back to my first post last Feb, I wont link it as I'm on the crackberry currently, I mention how stressful it was to get my couches into the apartment. Many hours of labour, stress and scheming went into getting them in, and I stressed for a month of how I was going to get them out.

By the way, this isn't any ordinary couch set - this is the most beautiful set in all the world. Its also the most comfy. No lies, my set trumphs yours by miles. Or km's......

Anyways, all that stressing was unnecessary. My dad took the door off the apartment and he and Derek planned it out. In the end Sander and Derek had the couch out without any effort at all!!! Now my gorgeous creamy leather couches are in storage which they don't deserve.... But its only for a few months and I'll visit them regularly.

Ps, why does the well dressed seemingly put to together lady think its okay to smell like rotting nicotine?? Its gross.

9 sleeps until Disneyland!!!!!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

January

2009-02-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Just a few pics from January... Derek has some better ones from Surfing, but I didn't take many for some reason. So I'll try and harrass him to get them, but he tends to not share/never upload his photos.

You've got to be kidding me

2009-01-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

I've managed to use this line (You've got to be kidding me) four times at work this morning. And no, I'm not kidding you.

My first time today, was when the Tim Hortons line I stood in, despite only have 7 people in front of me, took 16 minutes.
Ugh, you've got to be kidding me... Pour coffee faster

My second usage came a short 3 minutes later, when I rounded the corner to my office building only see a huge line up of several hundred people. The elevators were down, and I work on the 22nd floor.
Ugh, you've got to be kidding me..... At least my meeting isn't until 9

My third was when I finally made it through a 30 minute line up to use the one elevator that was working, which took me up 22 floors only to find out my boss needed donuts for the meeting, and that I had been nominated to go back downstairs.... to Tim Hortons of all places.
Ugh, you've got to be FREAKING kidding me....I hate being the new girl

My fourth line and final utterance of that damned line was used after I sweated & hoofed my way up, in 3 inch heels i might add, 440 stairs with a box of donuts in hand.... only to get to the top and hear the fire alarm come to tell us there was a fire on P3 and to stand by for stairwell evacuation..... YOU'VE GOT TO BE ABSOLUTLY F**KING KIDDING ME... I'd rather burn

On a happier note - I added Twitter to my phone/life. You can now follow me constantly with Twitter. I found that our Premier (Gordon Campbell) is on Twitter, so I started following his tweets, and I saw this morning that he added me as well.... so now the Premier gets an update about my life every few hours. It's nice that he cares so much =) (Ps. he follows 500 people, so I'm not special....)

If you're Twit... follow me =) I promise I'm not boring.

Fulfilling a need

2009-01-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

I've been in a shopping mood lately... I can go for months without purchasing any items of clothing or shoes, and then the next week I'm obsessed with having something new. I never really truly need anything - I've been much better with my obsession since I moved into my own place - when it comes to having food vs jeans, food almost always wins.

Although, last night I made myself $150 more poor by visiting Victoria Secret online. I needed 2 new bathing suits, after an unfortunate accident (forgot they were wet in a bag for a month after surfing) where I ruined my favourite one. V.S has some really cute bathing suits, and a sale going on right now - so I picked up 2 new bikini's for less than $50. Which, in bathing suit world for me, is a great price. The last bathing suit I bought was almost triple that.

However, purchasing clothes that I don't get to see for 10 days doesn't really satisfy my craving.

So onto my bigger news. I'm moving back home. I'm actually really bummed about this, as I love my apartment, my furniture and having my own space. But my roommate can't afford to live there anymore and instead of finding someone else, I'm going to be financially responsible and move back home. My parents are planning on sailing to Alaska this summer (or are lying to me to get me back in the house), so I was going to move into their place to help take care of the cat/plants/house. I'll just bump that plan forward a few months.

Plus, if I keep 'paying' rent to myself - I can save several thousand dollars in 6 months.
So yea, I'm sad.... and a little worried about how to get my couches out of the apartment (hiring movers... for SURE). And I really don't feel like hiding all my pretty things into storage... but I'll survive.

Maybe my parents will buy me a puppy to make the transition easier.

Early morning posting

2009-01-14T07:57:00.001-08:00

I'm tired. I'm having one of those mornings where you can't believe your alarm is going off. Puffy eyes... I call them 3 cup mornings.

However, I'm counting down the days until Derek and I go surfing. His sister asked me if I wanted her old bridal magazines once she was done with them. I accepted thinking I would get them in july after her wedding was over. But on Sunday I was presented with a towering stack of mags. Ha ha, poor derek now has to spend the entire trip listening to me obsess over gowns, rings and favours.

Speaking of D's sister and her fiance. It turns out Adam was the one who dug my carout of the snow!!! Such an amazing act of randome kindness. One of the nicest things someone's ever done for me.

Anyways. My seabus ride is over. Pictures of the holidays to follow.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

The internet is my friend.

2009-01-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Have I ever mentioned I hate surprises? I really do. I dislike the uncertain, I’ve always been nervous in new situations, the obvious would be starting a new job, meeting new people, joining a class or group and even simple things like trying a new restaurant, going into a clothing store I’ve never been in before or trying to drive somewhere I’ve never been. Not many people understand this, or even would believe me – things that seem like they shouldn’t be big deal to anyone, really are huge issues for me.

That is why the Internet is my best friend. I research EVERYTHING before I do it. I use google maps to get exact directions, to locate parking, and find out exactly how many minutes it’s going to take me to get somewhere. I use google to research restaurants, events, concerts, vacations (tripadvisor.com is amazing for this) Disneyland rides, Disneyland hotels, restaurants & menus around my locations. Somethings I can get by with by observing other’s social cues– like ordering a sandwich from a new deli (this took me two months to build up enough courage to do at my work’s food court – the first time I was super anxious, but the second time I didn’t have to think twice about). I have no clue how people lived without the Internet before? Phone calls? Phone calls also make me nervous, and usually I rehearse the conversation in advance so I know what I’m going to say. The internet doesn’t judge if I make a mistake, I can always press the back button.

So if you’ve ever traveled with me and wondered why am I so obsessive compulsive about time, lists and organizing details, now you know.

This anxiety doesn’t bode well for me in the next few months when my living situation & job security (my contract expires) are up in the air. I can already feel my blood pressure rising, and I woke up this morning stressed to the max with my shoulder tightened and my teeth clenched. It’s a story for another day…. Perhaps when it all works out in the end.

I think it’s time to google Xanax.

Ps. My strategy of not digging out my car in the hopes that the snow would magically go away, worked. The trick is to park overtop of a storm grate, so when the flooding rain arrives, the City is forced to dig around and in front of your car to allow the water to drain; thus freeing your car of snow allowing you to drive without anysort of manual labour. Thanks City of North Vancouver – I’ll pretend that $25 dollar parking ticket you made me pay a few months ago went toward the digging labour.

Rainy day newbies

2009-01-06T16:55:00.001-08:00

My issue with the bus today? Other than the general hygiene of the people around me, which is a given - its the rainy/snowy day newbies who don't have a general concept of bus courtesy. The line is especially confusing for newbies. They see the line and everyone standing in it - yet seem to think that they're exempt from the task of waiting in it.

Also an annoyance at the moment would be the lady standing next to me with no general clue of her backpack clearance. She keeps smacking me in the head and my tolerance is waining.

On a woosha sort of note, yesterday 2 vacations were booked. Derek and I got a good deal on a house in tofino, so we go surfing in 2 weeks time.

And my mom finalized and booked our Disneyland vacation!!!!! I'm so excited that its painful to think its still 56 days away.

Anyways that's my bus and blog update - I now believe success is measured by a downtown parking space. One day..... One day.

Ps. I was forced to push the lady off of me. I don't feel bad. She got the hint
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Musings from the bus.

2009-01-02T16:57:00.001-08:00

Happy new year! I'm excited for 2009, sure it means I'm another year older, but it also means I have another year of adventures ahead.

Disneyland is only 61 days away. Surfing trips are approaching, the dominican is being discussed, and another year of discovering life with Derek makes getting older seem more berable.

2009 should be alright.

Oh and a big shout out to Ash and Ang who get married on Sunday. You guys are amazing and I'm so blessed to be able to witness it.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

My first blog on crack?

2008-12-30T16:55:00.001-08:00

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?

2008-12-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-25T22:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-10-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

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.....

2008-10-04T09:20:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-27T17:55:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-21T12:55:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-08-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

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....

2008-07-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

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.

Dear Lord, please make this week end.

2008-07-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

My brother gets married tomorrow… lets have a recap of the past few days.

Tuesday, Kelly receives a concussion from a freak volleyball collision. Her face is swollen, slight bruising (which has faded nicely) & she’s unable to drink alcohol (which is how she was planning on getting through the wedding). Kelly’s unhappy & in pain.

A freak severe windstorm blew through Vancouver Thursday, reeking havoc upon nature. Kelly’s parent’s brand new landscaped backyard, which was landscaped all for Friday’s rehearsal dinner, is destroyed by a tree that blew down taking out bushes, and flowers. The landscapers came over after a frantic call from my mother… all is almost restored - 5 hours before the caterers come to set up.

My elderly mean/evil grandma decides she isn’t happy not being the center of attention. My mother has shifted her focus elsewhere this week, and Grandma decided it was unacceptable. She’s placed several calls to 911 informing them her daughter was missing because she wasn’t picking up her cell phone (at 5am). The police have called my mother asking her to control Grandma…. Phhfff good luck. Several hours go by before she wants more attention, and told her nurses she was going to kill herself…. She only became sane again once my mother promised to take her out for breakfast this morning and to do her nails….Grandma is happy for now….

Some families are great thinkers…. some are talented in athletic pursuits…. Others are kind and nuturing. Mine stirs up drama, it’s what we’re good at.

In the mean time, here are 2 photos from last week.... the first one is my mom and I... my mom deserves the shout-out this week due to all the work she's doing for the wedding... and the second is me trying to take one of those cute kissy photos and Derek ducking....

Not a shabby way to end a Monday

2008-07-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

I dragged myself to the gym after work yesterday, as I need to fit into a bridesmaid’s dress (and look decent) on Saturday for my brothers wedding. After a pretty hard workout the owner of the gym (who doubles as a friend) invited me out on his boat for a few hours. We were considering wakeboarding, but it would have been cold. So instead we cranked Bob Marley and a few of us hung out on the water enjoying life.

Here are some photos from a beautiful Monday evening,

nood

2008-07-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

What does nood sound like to you? Nude right? What if I told you their store description was New Objects of Desire. You would assume it was a Sex Shop, right?

The story goes like this.

Derek and I were driving past where Lenscrafters used to be and see a new store open called ‘nood – new objects of desire’ and we just assumed it was a Sex store…. This past weekend my dad lost his glasses and was going to go to Lenscrafters, Derek and I informed him, they had moved it was replaced by a sex store called nood.

Flash forward to about 5 minutes ago when I got a call from my Dad to inform me he was in Lenscrafters today - they had only moved next door to nood. He also mentioned he bought me a present from nood. This is where I become highly confused and a little grossed out…. An awkward pause ensued. Then he said along the lines of ‘Kelly, you and your perverted boyfriend are huge dorks, nood is a furniture store’.

Ooops,
I wonder what my present is?

Anyways – pictures from our sailing trip

Life changes are scary

2008-06-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

The real world is a scary place, and I don’t know if I’m ready to be a big girl making big girl decisions.

My job is changing in September, I’ve been offered to take a ‘new position’ going in a ‘new direction’ with my current employer, but in reality, it’s not what I want to do with my life, and it’s not where I want to be. Therefore, I am officially unemployed in the next few months. I’ve never been unemployed, there was a 6 month stint in New Zealand at Capernwray where I didn’t have job, but I had one waiting for me when I returned.

Now, I have rent, insurance and all the responsibilities that go along with those things and I’m panicking. I tend to be an over achiever, aiming high and already have an amazingly great opportunity possibly lined up – the down side is that I’d start as soon as possible, meaning that my vacation to Mexico with Derek the first two weeks is in Jeopardy.

We’ve been looking forward to this vacation for a year, the first two weeks of September on a beach in Mexico, pure bliss…. Derek booked this time off in January and I feel terrible making him miss out. He’s pretty understanding about letting my career come first, but I know he’s really disappointed.

What to do? This position is crazy big in the world of PR, I’d be set for life if I succeeded. To turn it down because of a small move (okay, well maybe not small) and 2 weeks of missed vacation is wrong right??? Right????

Aidez-moi.

Hmmm maybe I should just relax and see what happens. I tend to try and control situations when I should really just Trust. Anything’s possible right? I guess my mantra should become ‘God has a plan’ ‘God has a plan’ ‘God has a plan’

On a happier note, I go sailing from Tuesday – Friday.
Fabulous photos are just days away. I'd post some great photos from my weekend, but I left my camera at my Parents house. I feel naked without it.

Lol??

2008-06-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

I just read something amusing, and instead of laughing in my head… I managed to think the word ‘lol’. Yes… something that stands for ‘laughing out loud’. Terrible. When did that make its way into my everyday vocabulary? Less facebook, more novel.

I need to pick up a few books for next week for my sailing trip (if it actually happens** don’t get me started), hopefully that will restore my inner monologue to something more along the lines of a 25 year old educated female, and less of a 14 old texting nerd.

Speaking of Sailboats… it’s officially ours, we signed the final papers yesterday and they handed us keys. CRAZY because we spent 8 months waiting for it to be built and arrive in Canada! My mom and I headed down to check it out – here are a few pictures. If you’re not a yachty snob and don’t know how freaking sweet this boat is, it’s like the Bentley of sailboats.

you'll have to excuse the look on my face, my mother the anti christ of technology

was attempting to take pictures with the lens pointing her way...

it took 6 tries for her to turn the camera around...

I wasn't ready when she finally got it.

This was the view driving down lonsdale at 5:30 this morning. Beautiful.

It's also hard to take a photo and not run pedestrians over.

I heart Summer

2008-06-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Last night it officially felt like summer. It was in the mid 20's, the sun was shining and I spent almost 30 minutes in the shower getting sand out of my hair & ears.

Our team was super rusty..... and bad. It was pretty sad how terrible I played, we tied our first game (and most likely lost when it comes to calculating points) but bounced back and won our next three.

I managed to take a few photos. The final two photos are from the Stagette in Kelowna.

(hot tub)

Beach Volley = summer

2008-06-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

My beach volleyball season begins tonight, Summer doesn't officially start for me until beach season begins. I really love it, I've been playing for quite a few years in a rec league, this is my second year with the same team. We're pretty decent and managed to come 2nd overall last year, so who knows how we'll do this year.

It's really not about the winning though, it's more about sitting at Jericho beach with your friends, rotating in and out of play, laughing and getting a bit of excersize. I always get nervous for the first game of the year, as I havn't played since Mexico last year.

I'll try and take some photos if I have time.

Oh and on a side note, I totally had one of those God is amazing, prayer answered days. It's a good feeling to have such a wicked Savior.

Girls are mean.

2008-06-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

It’s been a very interesting weekend, as I type this I am sitting lake side at a resort in Kelowna for my sister – in-law to be. It hasn’t been the relaxing weekend I was hoping for; girls are really something else when they get into packs. A group of six has to automatically split into groups of three who bad mouth each other behind their backs….. and then later the cliques change people and you gossip about those who you were just with…. Interesting. I’ve never been good with girls, I can do one-on-one, but a weekend of 6 has made me wary of doing anything like this again. We dropped into the boys stag yesterday which isn't too far from us, and I felt instantly comfortable... perhaps I was meant to be a boy??

Yesterday we visited some great wineries in Naramata, about an hour south of Kelowna. I highly recommend La Frenz and Therapy and picked some amazing bottles you can’t buy in Vancouver. I’m excited to share them with Derek. I was driving, so I kept having to spit out the wine (although I swallowed the good ones….), so I’m excited to spend some time with my wine.

Speaking of Derek, I miss him. I made the mistake of calling him yesterday, and was so incredibly homesick by the end of the conversation that I started to cry. He’s a keeper. The more I hear about other girls relationships, the more I appreciate and respect what we have together.

Anyways, I better go… the girls are starting to wake up and we need to pack up soon to head home. I’ll share photos later.

The question I hate.

2008-06-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

I’m one of those complex beings who loves stability, but needs change to stay mentally stimulated. I feel like nothing new is going on in my life… I keep running into people who haven’t seen me in several months, and I dread the question ‘So what’s new with you?’ the quick answer is always Nothing. Nothing has changed, but in reality, I’d love to answer more. I’d love to say ‘I just changed jobs’ or ‘I just got back from this fabulous trip’ or ‘I got a dog’…… but no… I’m stuck in a rut.

Although I have been doing long, relaxing runs this week. They’ve been helping me bring perspective to issues and allowing me to stay sane. My body is killing this morning after I accidentally took a new trail halfway through an already long run, that I thought would be a short detour. It added a good 30 minutes to an already brutal run. Apparently Poodador was so tired this morning she refused to get out bed for her walk & breakfast.

I’m going to take up yoga again this week. I stopped after some pretty negative/uncomfortable experiences in one studio, so I’m attempting to find another studio that works with my schedule. I think I may have found one, it’s a bit further to drive, but I really enjoyed the calmness of yoga. It gave me a place to de-stress and relax, whilst using my body. I’m not boxing as much anymore, I’m still coaching four times a week, but I don’t get the same enjoyment out of it anymore. It used to be just a work out, now everybody knows me, my business and I get sucked into too much drama. Just let me punch the bag and leave!! I took last Friday off work to spend it with Derek, and I opened up the gym early and got a great workout in. It was nice because it was just about Me and the Bag, nothing else.

This weekend is Stephanie’s (my sister-in-law to be) stagette in Kelowna, it’s super frustrating because her friends keep dropping out, or deciding they’re not going to stay in the villa I rented (after agreeing to) so now I’m stuck paying an extra $700, because I booked it when people agreed to it… sigh. Her bridal party is a total example of ‘who NOT to pick’ (other than me). It’s super frustrating having to pick up the slack for them, because Steph expects things from us, and only I deliver. But I guess that’s another topic for another day. Its no secret that Stephanie and I aren’t friends, but I’ve been going out of my way to try and build a friendship and make this wedding special for her…. Sigh.... I guess we'll grow to like each other, but I have my doubts.

Anyways, here are a few pictures from last week.

Good Wine, Friends and Family + a kickass camera

2008-06-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Fabulous weekend! I was able to use my new camera quite a bit - and I'm totally in love. I can't wait for surfing or mexico! It shall be grand.

My cousin and her daughter Karalee came into town on Saturday for a suprise visit. I use the cousin title loosely, as my parents raised her... so she's more like a sister. Anyways, I got to spend time with, who usually is flanked by a twin and older brother - so we got some quality girl time when I took her shopping. She doesn't understand the concept of shopping though, I kept hearing 'but I have enough tank tops/shoes/skirts at home!!' WHAT? Karalee!! We have grandma's credit card, that's NOT the right attitude!!! Needless to say, 30 outfits later in a Gap kids changeroom and she started to get the hang of it!
I was hoping lululemon did a kids line so I could make her a mini me.... but I did a pretty good job none the less!

Anyways, I believe a picture is worth a thousand words... so I present to you my essay.

Rocks glistening under the river's surface

Mon Amour

Derek's hockey game on Friday, He's the goalie.

Poodador stairing at the camera underneath the surface

Karalee building inukshuks

The riverbed behind my house

Poodador watching her river. Yes it's hers.

River Rocks, taken beneath the surface

Life is pretty sweet when you grow up with this as your back yard

Flat tires in the ghetto.

2008-06-06T13:24:00.001-07:00

And the answer is Green! My new Camera is green! I went with the 1030SW Olympus which came with glowing recommendations from Michelle’s dad. I’m pretty stoked about it. However, all my elation came to a crashing halt once I received a flat tire out in Surrey late last night.

It was super frustrating because I could kind of feel something wrong with the car so I decided to find a gas station in Surrey closest to the highway, but they didn’t supply air for tires…. And then next gas station I found made you pay 50 cents for air…. Paying for air seems just so wrong! By the time I actually got to fill it up, it was pretty low, but I really didn’t want to be stuck in Surrey and I have no clue how to change a flat tire, so I pumped it full of air and hopped back on the highway….. I then had to pull off in Coquitlam (the next town along the highway) and it took 2 try’s to find a gas station that had an air pump (shouldn’t these be mandatory… and free?).

So I continued down the highway pulling off the highway at almost every exit to find a gas station that supplied air. It was a very frustrating and long drive home! I kept calling Derek and crying over my situation, but felt guilty making him drive out to save me.

I finally got home 2 hours later. It was brutal and stressful. I left my car in front of my tire and vowed to change it (or employ a boy to change it) in the morning. One of my bootcampers happens to live next door to me and offered to change it, but there were these stupid locks on my alloy tires that I don’t have a key for….. so I called my brother (who has the same wheels) and he dragged himself out of bed to help me… turns out the ‘locks’ aren’t locks and all – and just caps needed to be pulled off. Oops.

Anyways, long story short, my tire is unfixable and it’s costing me $360 to get a new one. The same week I spent $500 on a new camera…. Sigh…… I either need to a) win the lottery or b) make more money.

Being a grown up is hard. I'm ready for the weekend because my emotional bank (and financial) is low.

To Camera? Or not to Camera?

2008-06-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

I think I’m going to take the plunge this week and buy myself this Camera.

It’s the Olympus 1030SW meaning it’s waterproof, crushproof and washing machine proof! Actually, to give Olympus credit, Derek once ran his NON-waterproof Olympus Digital through the Wash and once it dried, it still worked. So hopefully the Waterproof version gives me similar results. (not that I plan on washing it, although I did ruin a cell phone that way)

Considering I do so much kayaking, surfing and wakeboarding…. and snorkeling…. and sailing… and hiking in the rain…….. it seems like a great investment, and I killed my first Nikon with moisture from a wet hike in New Zealand leaving me paranoid towards electronics.

Olympus has another model, the 770W so I’m kind of torn…. The 770 also has a smaller price tag, but I’m pretty sure the 1030 takes better pictures. I actually know nothing about Cameras and which would be better to purchase, it falls into the clueless about technology and science department of my brain…. Anything to do with technical jargon and numbers shuts my mind down. (hence the Public Relations degree). But I’d like a camera that takes great photos both on and off the water – and I don’t want to purchase a camera that is only good in water.

My best friend Michelle’s dad is a professional photographer and runs a Camera store on the North Shore, so I’m going to pop in and talk to him about it. I’m pretty sure they sell both there, and he’ll give me good honest opinions without the salesman bull**** like at Future Shop or London Drugs.

Now to decide on a colour……

D & K

2008-06-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

If I could have just one wish,I would wish to wake up everyday

to the sound of your breath on my neck,

the warmth of your lips on my cheek,

the touch of your fingers on my skin,

and the feel of your heart beating with mine...

Knowing that I could never find that feeling with anyone other than you.

- Courtney Kuchta

Finding an employee may be hazardous to your health

2008-05-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

“A Brampton No Frills employee was stabbed in the head this morning by a man looking for a job at the store, Peel police said.”

What ever happened to good conversational skills, a little confidence and an error free resume? I’m hoping he didn’t get the job, but considering the decent worker shortage across the country (okay… so Vancouver & Calgary, but I only care about those two cities) he might be a contender.

Good service in the lower mainland is getting hard to find, store workers hung up their aprons for hardhats to prepare for the Olympic construction. The food industry probably has seen the biggest loss for decent employees.

For example, this morning in Tim Hortons, I was told my Debit card wasn’t working, but considering I had used it about 5 minutes earlier at a Gas station, I was pretty confident in my card’s abilities. The Tim’s employee kept swiping it and telling me ‘No, an error message comes up’…. I looked at the “error” message, and it was actually asking him to punch in the payment amount. It also didn’t help that 3 other employees were watching over his shoulder to be trained. After I informed him of his mistake, he punched it in and off I went. Sigh…. Also, I think it’s ridiculous Timmie’s doesn’t except Visa, only MasterCard…. But I digress.

Managers and Owners cannot find decent reliable help anymore, without offering insanely high wages for the effort and work put forward. A quick trip through my local Wendy’s drive through informs me I could make $14.10 an hour plus benefits. Larger chains can afford to do this until theirs some sort of shift in the unemployment rates, but smaller ‘mom & pop’ outfits cannot, hence the crappy service wherever you go.

I think it’s because I’m such an exceptional person and employee I tend to look down on incompetence performing simple, self explanatory tasks. I ran into these people when I was an Assistant Manager of a clothing store at the age of 18 and I had employees who were 30 and had been there 4 years longer than me. You couldn’t trust them to do the simplest of tasks. Don’t feel bad for them though, they’re now making $20 an hour screwing up coffee orders at your local Coffee House.

Moral of the story is, you can get a job just about anywhere by NOT stabbing an employee during your interview. Hold back that primal urge and you’re set to go for at least $35 k a year. (which in Van will STILL keep you below the poverty level)

Life's too short

2008-03-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

This morning I received terrible, incomprehensible news. The type that makes your realize you need to focus your energy and time on the things in life that are truly important.

Here are the people in my life that make each day worthwhile. There’s only 5 here, and I do have way more amazing people in my life, but I'll save them for another day

Derek, who makes me feel amazing and loved (and ever so lucky) every day, no matter how crazy I am, he always pretends to find me normal.

My beautiful Mother, who loves me selflessly and always agrees to crazy adventures even if she's terrified, or on crutches, or tired - she'll never pass up an opportunity to make me happy.

My Dad who is an amazing businessman, and for giving my family everything we could ever ask for, and then shedding all those serious layers and becoming this amazing funny, crazy guy the moment he steps onto his boat. (who knew!?)

Poodador the Labradoodle, for being the most amazing, happy, obident dog you've ever met. She's always smiling and wagging her tail, and never thinks you're anything but amazing.

Michelle, who is such an amazing best friend, goofing off, laughing and crafting it up with me and agreeing with me no matter how wrong I am. She's always letting me call her at random hours and gets me laughing after the most horrible day.

Weekends & Weekday coping mechanisms

2008-03-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

Monday’s are really quite depressing, especially if you have these nocturnal homeless people in your alleyway and below your window that seem to congregate, banging on the garbage can (why doesn’t my building have a lock on it? It’s a bear/homeless person hazard), yelling at the top of their lungs and having buggy races. Last night the power line box thing RIGHT outside my window was buzzing loudly enough to keep me up. So now I’m running on about 2.5 hours sleep, coupled with the time Change which made me get up at an internal clock time of 4:15.

How do I cope? By going through my ‘Dumb Dares for the Office’ Desktop calendar given to me at Christmas time. This thing is truly amazing, it’s 366 ways (leap year) to mess with your co-workers, by either doing mean creepy things, or just by being creepy.

Here are some from the past month,
1. Ask your boss after lunch to hide your keys from you because you’re too drunk to drive home
2. Ask your boss if the company will reimburse you for a tattoo of its official logo
3. Make vomiting sounds in a stall in the bathroom once you’re sure someone else has entered, then mutter, ‘Oh I never could hold my tequila, Why do I do this to myself’
4. For an hour, try to guess the end of other people’s sentences. Interrupt them repeatedly, asking each time if your guesses are getting “warmer” or “colder”
5. Discreetly inquire of one of your colleagues if they know which local massage parlors offer extra services.

I’m also sad the weekend is over, I love having time for myself to do absolutely nothing. Friday night I coached (as per usual), then Derek and I watched Happy Gilmour, which I love –( I tend to gravitate towards movies that make me laugh hysterically without making me think) followed by Saturday Shopping downtown on Robson with a Girlfriend that I love spending time with but never see, and a great dinner/drinks out with Derek and his roommate Jess.

Sunday I didn’t do anything. Literally. I dragged Derek for a run around a lake, but became annoyed that despite only going for two runs in the past year he is STILL in better shape than me!? How does that happen? Boys have it so easy. Naturally skinny and fit. Sunday night was spent in my sweatpants catching up on TV shows I haven’t watched in awhile. A perfect weekend really.

It’s a shame it’s already Monday.

Ps. I can't seem to upload any photos to the blog... It starts to load, and then I get an error message after about 30 seconds...... Lame, since I know you all wanted to see my beautiful face!

Vacations make my world go round

2008-03-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

Worlds Worst Blogger......It’s true, my diligence to sitting down and typing is lacking. It’s not that I don’t have the time – in fact, I spend a good deal of my free time each day reading through what others have taken the time to write, and attempting to start an entry. It’s just, I have nothing blogworthy to actually write about.

However, plans are in motion to make exciting things happen……. Aka Vacations. I love getting away, whether it’s only for a night or two or a whole week – there’s something about them that sooths my soul, calms me down and keeps me from quitting my job.

Derek and I rented a house in Tofino for a surf trip over Valentines Day Weekend. The weather was pretty decent, and we got one good day of surfing in. I love surfing, I'm pretty terrible, but there’s no better feeling than finally catching a wave… only to get pounded by the next 10. I think Tofino is one of my favorite places to visit. It takes 5-6 hours to get there, but once you do – you’re in a whole other world. I can’t say I’ve ever had a bad moment in Tofino.

My new thing in 2008 to keep me sane is mini vacations every month, before the Derek and Kelly annual Caribbean trip in September. Otherwise, I'll get burnt out and always have the feeling that a Vacation is never going to arrive! This way, I’m counting down every four weeks for something new and exciting!

Easter Holidays will bring my annual Road Trip to Calgary to visit my best friend Michelle. Every year this turns into one of my favorite trips, and I get to spend 5 days with my four best friends (Derek, Michelle, Jess & Sander). Although, Jess & Sander need to promise not to eat Dairy 24 hours before our trip, because I still haven’t recovered from the car ride for our November surf trip.

My parents purchased an amazing new yacht late last year, which is currently being built in Germany (I believe it’ll be complete by next week), it then starts the long trip across the Atlantic, then by truck across Canada. I’m really excited to get out sailing again, and the Sea Tian (our new boat, named after the first ship my family voyaged on together (also the name on the bell in the foyer of my house for those who've been there).... the old boat (the Falaba) was the first ship my Father ever sailed on.... we're a nautical family, what can I say) comes with more cabins, bathrooms and space in general, making any voyage easier with the family. So hopefully by the end of April, weekend sailing trips will be in my future. April also holds a weekend kayaking trip with a bunch of crazy extreme kayaker, so it’s shaping up….

June includes me having to go on a stagette weekend to the interior…. And in July my brother gets married to some girl (see above stagette) so I most likely wont get to go away too much, but I’ll attempt to get in at least a few paddling/sailing trips… but by the end of August it’s Caribbean time with the love of my life! YES!!! See, and now my vacation in September doesn’t seem so far away!

Oh I almost forgot, after we return home from the Sunny South, we’re off to stay with Derek’s parents in Tofino for 5 days for MOOORE surfing. They always rent this amazing house right in front of our favorite surf spot, so we can just sit on the deck watching the waves until we find some we like!!

I LOVE 2008!

Drug overdoses causing massive food cravings

2008-02-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

The lack of updating as of late has been primarily due to the fact that one day is only allocated 24 hours, and I spend about 22 of those sleeping or working. When I finally do get time to myself it’s filled with errands or trying to convince my boyfriend I’m not the worst girlfriend in the world. (I am, but don’t tell him that).

Derek and I are heading off to Tofino tomorrow morning for a much needed surfing/beach vacation. Sure it will be cold and the waves are 45ft this weekend, but it will be amazing as I finally get to spend some alone time with Derek, and those bags under my eyes will disappear. People have been telling me all week I look awful, so it’s time to do something about it…. I will also need to start a fake tan to gain some esteem.

I think I'm getting sick, so this morning I popped 6 garlic pills… you’re only supposed to take 3 at a time, but I was attempting to double up my efforts. Soon after I swallowed them I realized there were a ton of different types of pills in the bottle….. sigh, my mom haunts me even after I move out!! She loves to combine pills with no regard to what they actually are, how many mg they are, or when they expire…. All my life I’ve battled with expired food and pills with her…… she seems to think labels are merely suggestions, and I’ve been scarred for life by finding mould on my sandwiches, being forced to eat stale food as a punishment (oh yes, it happened) and being fed expired medications growing up.

So gosh knows how many of those pills I should have actually taken or how many mg’s I took. As soon as I walked into work this morning I threw up in my trashcan what looked like Mini Wheats but tasted like garlic. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds, does anyone know the side effects of taking 1500-3000 extra mg’s of garlic? I keep burping Garlic up, and it makes me want is some really yummy butter prawns or bread… mmmm garlic. I guess I could have worse side effects?

Here is a photo of my super amazing travel mug. It's Ceramic, but comes with a lid for travel.... best part about it? (Other than it's amazing design and pinkness) I painted it! There's a ceramic studio in West Van ( Bella Ceramica) where you can paint dishes, mugs, and pretty much anything else! Then they fire it for you, and you pick it up a few days later. I full on love my mug and can't wait until I have some free time to go back and paint more!! Also attached is a photo of me expressing my love for this morning.

How many men does it take to get a couch through a door?

2008-02-05T08:02:00.001-08:00

You don’t really know how many true friends you have until you decide to move. I learnt this week that I have an amazing boyfriend, and some really great friends and family who gave up their Saturday to help me get my things into my new apartment.

I purchased the most amazing creamy leather couches last month, for the new move. After finally picking them up Saturday afternoon, we carried them up the stairs, (we being the collective ‘we’ meaning Derek and my Cousin) only to find out – there was no way they were going to make the angle to get them through the door. After input from my crazy landlord how there was no way it would ever fit, and plenty of trying. My dad decided we were going to hoist them up over the balcony and in through that door.

So I called every male friend I could think of to help with this enormous endeavor. We happen to have all our yacht lines in our garage at the moment, so my father set up a rigging system which was going to be almost impossible to actually implement. After my brother arrived, quite grumpily, he decided there was no way he was going to exert himself to move them over the balcony, so we unscrewed the door, the legs off the couch….

And the answer is 7. It takes 7 men and one hour to get one couch through my front door.

The lesson learned?? Always hire a moving company.

So this is my place, the photos aren’t the best as it was dark out and you can't see my sea view, and Derek was attempting to hook up my surround sound so everything is scattered. You’ll also notice I’m lacking a TV cabinet – I’m working on it.

The door is always open for everyone to visit,

xoxo

Whatever happened to Global Warming?

2008-01-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to work from home, perhaps it was the foot of snow covering the ground, or maybe it was the general desire not to go in…. but so far it’s been delightful! No one gets mad at you if you fall asleep when you work at home!

There is a crazy amount of snow up in North Vancouver right now – I haven’t seen this much in several years, Global Warming is such a deceiving word eh? Because at first, I was all for Global Warming, but now I’m having second thoughts.

After plowing my driveway 3 times, and the neighbors driveways – my neighbor Joe and I decided to take an old windsurfer down the hill near our houses. It didn’t work too well, but I did get a delightful shot of my mother face down in the snow.

In fact, I haven’t done much work today, but once and awhile the soul just needs a good day of laughter and rest. Hopefully it’ll all be gone by Saturday, or else how am I going to move?!?!

What's love got to do with it?

2008-01-28T09:03:00.000-08:00

In just a few short days, I've known of 5 couples, long term in-love couples, who have changed their Facebook status to 'Jack and Jill are no longer in a relationship - with that broken heart sticking out as a symbol of their collective failure.

With only 2 weeks until Valentines Day, more and more broken hearts will form on Facebook news feed's around the country. In fact, the period between New Years and Valentines Day is when couples are twice as likely to break up.

Valentines Day celebrates the love between two people... but in reality, in the ever-so-wise words of Tina Turner - What's love got to do, got to do with it?

Society is far too centered on the word and idea of 'Love'. We are taught from a young age that we need to find Love - love our family, love our partner and we will find happiness.

It's a fraudulent idea.
People believe that once they love someone, it'll all work out, because isn't that how every other couple survives?

It's not by the way..... It is with hard work, respect, trust and honesty. These well kept secrets alone will make a relationship successful. Once again Tina had it right – What’s love but a second hand emotion.

And sometimes.... it just won't work, nor is it worth making it work. Couples tend to drag out relationships, keeping something alive that clearly isn't working for either of you.

But alas, you happen to love them.... oh so dearly, so you neither of you bring it up. JEEE-ZUS people, it's time to rip the security blanket away. Love won't solve your problems. It'll only make them worse.

Love is an addiction, and just like other addicting drugs, as fabulous as they may be, they muddle things in your life. Love = Drug = Cloudy state of disrepair.
As great as the drug seems at the time, it's really doing nothing for you or the relationship formed while in love.

So my advice to every couple out there is, fall out of love, and if your relationship stands, you then have a good solid foundation to build upon. If not, embrace National Break Up Season, be bold! Move on! And find a true someone not to love.

............................

I shall not be celebrating Valentines Day this year, but will celebrate the sea, surf and amazing scenery in Tofino with a Man that I respect, honour, trust and laugh with. Perhaps I love him, but you'll never hear me admit it.