Live crab

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.

Loving Little Lexi Doodle

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.

My top ten from the past ten

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

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


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

9. University

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

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

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

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

6. Purchasing a Home


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


5. Thailand/China

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


4. Annual Camping

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

3. Capernwray/New Zealand

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

2. Tofino

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


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

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

Photographic Satisfaction

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

D is for Deck.......

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

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

38 sleeps

Christmas, Christmas Christmas!!!


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

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

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

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

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

RIP Grandma

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

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

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

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



Marcia Lenore Johnston (1922-2008)