Happy Christmas baby, sure hope Santa treated you right

I hate to say it as I know my mom dreads it but our visit here is almost complete. It's been a very busy, crazy, fantastic-ly awesome week and a bit with tons of family, tons of food (seriously this is what you work out all year for!), and tons of fun. Some highlights include:

Day one: finally coming into the airport after a four hour delay and seeing the house for the first time. So much work. It looks so great over here. From the renos upstairs to the bathroom and kitchen, a lot of hardworking was done by my parents and it definitely paid off! The place looks amazing.

Day two: utter vegging around and eating all the Christmas goodies. Not to mention decorating cookies as per tradition and watching movies (polar express, white christmas, and muppets family christmas).

Day three: shopping, visiting my nan (before the unfortunate fall), and just general hanging out. Inside jokes starting emerging with cox the electronic store and items found in value village.

Day four: walking with my dad through the woods. Kind of cracks me up that dad talks about the same things mark does. That includes the different types of trees to how to grow and space them. He he

Day five: picking up mark from the airport(he made it!) and visiting nan in the hospital. Plus going to the Christmas eve ceremony at the old Anglican cathedral in Fredericton. Met up with my aunts, uncle and cousins on dad's side. Plus going home and getting our Christmas eve pajamas. What the boys got were my favs.

Day six: Christmas. Presents, love, laughter, family, dinner, games. It was tons of fun. I think we had twenty two people in this house. Certainly the biggest Christmas I have been a part of with my family. I saw cousins that I haven't seen in atleast seven years. Great day. Plus being in the kitchen with my crazy mom and aunt, and cousin gave me constant giggles at their hilarity.

Day seven: the parties continue on as great aunts, second cousins decided to come for a little fun.

Day eight: their boxing day started as I gathered my ingredients to make sushi, mom got a case for her iPad and Mark and dad came along for the ride. We fit in a visit to see my nan who is as spunky as ever. He he. I think she is going to recover quite nicely with her fighting spirit.

Day nine: right now. A great vegging day until my dad's family comes by for dinner. Dad is downstairs making beef Wellington. Plus their is an additional surprise for an upcoming birthday coming up. He he.

One more day of I am sure many more memories that may seem insignificant to many but are so significant to one.
Happy holidays!
Love,

So what did Jimi learn today

1. When they say that no lotion over 100mL should go on the plane, they actually mean it.
2. vitamin water even the unopened kinds are not allowed past security.
3. Don't wear a coat with many pockets as you tend to lose things like boarding passes, id, or velvet cases.
4. Don't sit and watch the people board, actually board the plane or miss your plane.
5. Remember to pack your Advil as headaches are imminent.

More may come, I will keep you posted.
Love

clinical: a semester in review

So I thought before I start my Christmas celebrations I would do a little review of all the happenings this semester. Actually I got part of the idea from my last seminar instructor. She said to write a list of all that was accomplished this year and how good we should feel about it. He he. Obviously there are some things that I did not feel great about but I shall not dwell.

Community: I loved! This is something that I really hope to do in the future although I do realize the importance of experience. So many parts of it were fantastic from guest stints at schools or conferences to working home care or wound clinic. I found so many areas that I enjoyed.

Maternity: this challenged me on so many levels (not to mention my fear of labour). Well lets just say I won't have those images erased from my mind anytime soon, but I did enjoy the little ones post labour. Plus the teaching part was lots of fun! Who knew?

Surgery and other things: okay...now that it has been done for four days I can honestly say...it was HARD! He he But with all seriousness I learned so much and did so many skills. Even on the last day! It challenged me both physically and mentally but in the end I completed it and came out learning so much more. I know what it takes to b e a good nurse by watching those around me and definitely have something to aspire to. Really can you ask for more?

So that is it. Next up is fourth year. One more year to go... I am sure much more is to be learned....

Love

Do they know it's Christmas?

Another little something about glee. Really enjoyed this video! Happy Christmas! Love

weekend of christmas festivities

i am always sad to see a good weekend end. especially one that involves christmas festivities. this year i have been trying not to think too much about the holidays as i don't want to get to excited (and there is that need to concentrate on school). BUT with my last assignment handed in this week i gave myself a break and did something i haven't done in so long.....

...shopping! friday night, i took mark to the butterdome craft sale (i know what you are thinking and guess what...it was a bad idea). but after we got used to the crowds all was well. mark even found some things for his co-workers.

i went out again to pick up some last minute things at west ed on saturday. met up with anita. i started off similar to how mark did the previous night as the crowds were in full force...but in the end all was well as i got quite a few things, not to mention deals! AND later that night we all went to the keg....best way to end a day crowds and traffic!

AND of course you have to watch some christmas movies....even if you do talk through out the whole movie. went to jeaninne's and worked on a christmas present, while watching love actually and playing with little penny lane. PLUS ate lots of chocolate and popcorn....great girly day!

last week of clinical this week. i will be glad to be done. i think my body is finally shutting down as i am feeling another attempted cold taking over my body....

till next time,
love

Birthday love

Birthday week continues...let me count the ways. We left off on my actual birthday. The mini celebration consisted of skyping my parents, Indian food, presents and five pieces of cheesecake (individual size I must say since my parents tend to think I am capable of eating that much, he he he).

Then Monday comes along. What could possibly happen you ask? Well left over birthday food and cake! Something that continued on for Tuesday! He he! Love it! Then Wednesday I got a lovely present in the mail, furthering my week (Mark eat your heart out).

And now it's Thursday and I am sitting here eating some birthday chocolates from my mom. Ha ha!

Hope your week is going well!
Love

little fun

I have a new addiction. It's the iPad. Plus Mark's dad put up our Christmas lights so I thought I would share.

Love

birthday week

i heart birthdays...so much! he he he. and i drive mark crazy with my insistence on having a birthday week. for some reason he thinks you should only have one day (what a crazy thought??!!). lol

this is how it works. something always comes in the mail a little early (like right before my birthday) starting the week off. this year: an anthropologie birthday card came on the friday (YES, that is right my favourite store knows my day...he he, i thought mark was going to hit the floor!). then saturday came around: mark's parents gave me a gift a little early as they thought they may not see me (see, it just happens...its like it is kismet, omigosh...mark is going to freak at this post!!). they gave me a lovely...most fantastic who-ville tree! seriously love it. now today: my actual birthday there will be a mini-celebration to be had! BUT because i have one serious assignment due on tuesday, along with some research i can't see my friends till next weekend for a mini-hangout/not really my birthday/but really good excuse to see each other/so i will call it my birthday so we can see each other celebration! :) he he he hence the birthday week continues!

it's genius really! now back to work.

have a good week,
love

i'm a survivor

with another week winding down i thought this was fitting....he he he. only two more weeks...and i won't lie. i can't wait! :) he he he. mostly because i am resentful how i will be spending this weekend working on a paper vs having a little fun! lol. ugh, like i said, two more weeks!

grrrrr

yesterday was not a good day. it may be quite minor when i look back on it in the years ahead, but for me, yesterday, i was not happy. i am organized, it seemed that my organization just left. AND I HATE IT WHEN THINGS AREN'T ORGANIZED! he he he. ugh. then when i went to bed, all i thought about was the night and it kept circling in my dreams....leading to a not so pleasent sleep!

now, as i write this i hear my parent's voices in my head. "i can do this. we don't quit. it will get easier". others (like mark's) words of encouragement go a long way too as there are days, when i know that i am okay, but it helps when others believe in me too!

wow, this rotation is hard. now on to the next day, today! today is a new day! :)

love

today is a good day

why?

1. because its friday. that needs no explanation
2. because i saw miracle on 34th street yesterday on tv. the black and white natalie wood the best version. love christmas movies
3. because i have three weeks left till christmas break
4. because i have one more week till my birthday
5. because i am tired and exhausted, this rotation is HARD. but at least i am learning lots
6. because i have a date-day planned to the market tomorrow and it is suppose to have 63 vendors!
7. because i have a friend date tonight and those are always stupendous!
8. because i saw this trailer and it seemed romantic and cute and i really want to see it!

AND

i am just happy that its friday...said that already but it needs to be reiterated!

love

a girl and her flower

so although i won't be doing a christmas countdown, it doesn't mean i won't share some of my memories, thoughts, and more loves of the holiday season! :)

last year for christmas my parents gave both my brother and i digital frames loaded with pics from our childhood. i find it amusing, letting it run as you never know what picture will come up. well this was one (excuse the nightgown and i really don't know what jimi-jam was wearing) came up.

me and my amaryllis. my grammie gave it to me for my birthday to plant and see it grow over the christmas season. i don't know how eager i was of the gift but i look happy! i still remember it being up to my chest and had actually been thinking about that flower last year. so much so that i bought one! this time i know i was happy to see it inch every day and come to a beautiful bloom. it is especially nice when you rarely see things grow during our winter months!

if only i actually thought about it and kept the bulb to grow again this year....once again showing my lack of "plant knowledge!" he he he.

happy christmas memories!

love

its okay to cry

so this rotation has brought on a wide variety of emotions from me...and when i talk to my nursing friends (them, too). well maybe this will be interesting to them...its not totally our fault ladies! mark's mom was talking about this as there was a speaker on cbc. i don't know if i have the exact author but i found this interesting....

Kreamer contends that women naturally cry more:
Women, who produce higher levels of prolactin, the hormone that controls tear production, cry on average 5.3 times a month, compared with 1.4 times for men. Women’s tear ducts are also anatomically different from men’s--they are smaller, which means that when women cry tears tend to spill out and down their faces, whereas when men cry their tears merely well up.

So why fight it, asks Kreamer:
Tears are a biological phenomenon, and when they appear they should be regarded not as bad in and of themselves but as a message, like the check-engine light going off on the car dashboard. Tears at work signal that something’s not quite right. They aren’t necessarily a moral failing or a sign of weakness.

(Ann Kreamer, It's Always Personal: Emotion in the Workplace)

very interesting....so it is okay to cry! but i still want to hold it in if i can, because it just ain't pretty! :)

love

what to do when one is anxious

• have a support person (or persons) to talk to. this means they will support you, let you cry, tell you that first days are hard, and quit trying to be so darn perfect (because even if you feel you are perfect, you aren't and frankly sometimes that needs to be said). he he he
• scrapbook. i know it diverts from the part you are anxious about but sometimes that is needed!
• with that in mind just take a break: long baths, read, bake, watch movies....try to de-stress
• download les miserables on itunes and sing at the top of your lungs (or any other of your favourite music...my choice always reverts to broadway!)....really it works
• talk to others that are in a similar situation. some may not [but most will] empathize and be there to vent with. 
• know that "this too shall pass" and that once you get used to things, it will get better.

now i just need to read this everyday...he he he! four more weeks!
love

another week bites the dust

it's officially the weekend in one minute. so happy you are here! it has been a freakishly busy two days in clinical. ahhhhhh. even my computer was busy as it decided to freeze and delete half the research i did. ugh. note to self, back up and save! :) but i have learned so much in just two days. talking to one other person in my clinical was funny because we both wished we could just skip over all this part and be "good" nurses. someday...;)

on top of the official week of clinical is the first official week of winter with snow, snow and more snow. it has come! i actually have to say this time of year i never mind the snow. i enjoy it. reminds me of holidays, xmas carols, lights, festivities...

speaking of holidays...already have some christmas shopping done with. hopefully going to wrap up the last little bit this weekend when there is little to do at the moment! eek! i love christmas. but on a sad note i don't know if i will even be decorating this year because we are off to my parents home for the holidays. i know i probably still could but i don't really like coming home to all sorts of decorations when in my mind xmas is over....this also means no christmas countdown for this blog.

i think i will leave now. mark stayed up and i think i will watch a bit of a movie with him. have a great weekend all!

love

birthday wishes

i have been kind of bad with regards to sending out birthday wishes on this blog this year. last year i was on top of it! he he he. but considering i do wish the lovely people in my life a very happy birthday in person, and usually through other mediums i figure it is okay...

however...since today i happen to think about writing on the blog i would like to wish my momsie a very happy happy birthday! love you lots and hope you have a wonderful day! check out my countdown...i will be seeing you soon! :)

love

the countdown is on

1 more day and it is my mom's birthday

19 more days and it is mine

21 more days till my last assignment is due in this term

30 more days till my last day of clinical

36 more days till i fly to new brunswick

39 more days and mark will be there

40 more days till christmas

AND

45 more days till mark's birthday (i thought i would add that one for points!)

this is the countdown that i keep playing in my head. i have extreme anxiety right now as i am officially starting my new rotation for clinical tomorrow. i am pretty scared and may have had a few bouts of tears already, such a dork! ;)  i know i can do it, but it will be challenging, with many new skills to practice! ugh! so i keep playing this countdown in my head!!!

p.s. the cold fx, the sleep, the baths, the relaxing worked. i feel somewhat free of a cold! :)

love

i feel it coming

that being a cold. its the first big snowfall and i feel it coming.

i hate that pre-stage with the slight chills and the tingle in your throat. when you try to fight off the cold before it takes over your body for good. this is done by taking as much cold fx as possible. hoping, wishing, willing the cold to be gone by the morning. pummeling down as much fluids as would be allowed, bundling in warm clothes till you "sweat". taking warm baths to relax and let your body fight the evil germs that are lurking in your body.

and colds always come in the most inopportune times. but really when it is it opportunistic. i remember having one right before i left for new york city. another came during final exams. then two hit me during two music festivals, folk fest, and lilith fair. not to mention during the summer months when you are not suppose to be sick. this time around, my first week of my last clinical rotation, seriously?? (!!)

all this said in done i will tell you the result of this one. let's see if i can just fight it off! wish me luck...now back to the water!

in the meantime, enjoy this little video.


love

in remembrance

on this day i will remember my grandfathers. i love you both so very much!

love

its beginning to look a lot like...

the christmas commercials have started. i called mark from work in a fit of glee. the hype has started and i am buying completely into it! eek! also have been scouring sites in my downtime looking for "cute" ideas. i found tons of diy gifts that i am pretty pumped to make (let's just hope i have the time).

in school news, my last maternity shift is wrapping up tomorrow. i have to say. i actually really like post partum. this is something that once again surprises me as i didn't think it would interest me at all. who would have thought. maybe my mom is right, i just love every rotation i am in....although maybe not one (refer to this post). it is going to be very tricky figuring out what to do in my preceptorship....

with this rotation winding down i will get a bit of a long weekend to unwind, scrapbook (something i have been doing heavily this last week) and maybe review some of the material that i am going to be needing to know for next rotation. this last one is the one i am the most nervous about. but who knows...it will probably be for me...he he he. jk!

till then!
love

hibernation time

the season is upon us. not christmas, but pre-winter. this is the time where i just want to:

• make "hearty" soups or stews.
• meals heavy on the pasta.
• snuggle in warm blankets.
• have warm baths while reading really good books
• wear my mittens everywhere i go
• avoid going outside for anything

i can now see why when spring comes i want to start eating healthy again and going to the gym because all i really want to do is hibernate until the sun comes out in full fury! he he he

however days like today i can make a bit of an exception. snuggled under the blankets till 10 am, then mark and i went on a market date. its rodeo week so there happened to be some festivities at city hall. some "bad" miniature ponies (i say that, as they would be kicking the side of their trailer when their owners weren't looking...he he he). movies in a warm tent and coffee/apple cider/hot chocolate for only a dollar!! love it. not to mention fire pits and music entertainment.

sure glad i decided to put off my hibernation for another day!

love

time warp!

halloween is upon us once again. this year mark and i have been a bit lazy. i don't know if its being busy with school (mark) or procrastinating on papers (moi) or it could even be the sugar coma we fell into the past week eating little candy bars but we didn't do anything (well i guess we did buy some candy!)

regardless we have had our fair share of halloween fun in the years we have been together. whether it was dressing up in disco costumes and going rollerskating, attending parties (as a ninga and hippie...guess which one) or having a pumpkin carving contest (i still say i won).

i was even looking back at old blog posts made on this blog. it made me laugh at some of the things we were doing for halloween like this and of course rocky horror with a pregnant christine and very random outfits by all of us....he he he.

next year we will have to make a concentrated effort not to be halloween grinches. he he he

until next time i will give you this little video in honor of halloween. someone posted it on facebook and brought back so many good memories from halloween and not! :) happy halloween!

good friends

good friends are there when you need a to laugh
good friends are there when you need to vent
they ask questions
and they listen
in return you do the same for those good friends

good friends go out for dinner with you
let you "try" their ceaser salad and dessert
laugh at you when you try to order something that you hadn't ever before
and talk about topics that you NEVER though you would be discussing

good friends are there for after dinner
willing to do anything from bowling, board games or a movie
yet good friend are understanding when you cannot
because you (the other friend)
urgently need to go home due to an unforseen circumstance...
related to food not sitting well in you stomach
lol

thanks jeff for the wonderful evening and the understanding!

love

i am feeling it...

so i know halloween has yet to come, but i am starting to feel a little christmas like!! yes, i know, much to early for these feelings BUT:

• i am officially half way done the semester as of today. the hard part has yet to come but after all that is christmas joy so how can i not look forward to that???
• i will be visiting my family on said holidays. my mom already has our rooms ready. i had to laugh when she told me that, but after i started to get excited...even though it was on october 19th
• it is getting that slight chill in the air. the chill i love during the holidays but absolutely hate during the january, february, march, april, may (???) months
• i am starting to think of christmas presents....eeekkkk!!!!

i know its a little crazy but i just can't help myself. to focus i probably should buy some pumpkins and have a carving contest to concentrate on the actual holiday in front of us. or eat three boxes of chocolates (oh wait....).

have a good night!
love

lovely date night

you know what i love?
cheesecake. love cheesecake. so bad for you, yet so good.
indian food. mattar paneer, beef vindaloo, naan bread. can you really go wrong here?
bowling. so fun! gutter balls, strikes, spares, near misses, hitting the spot! so fun, silly, and competitive.

you know what i love more?
doing all this in one day!
lucky girl!

love

what i do in the mornings when i work in the evenings...

• eat eggs: because i love eggs for breakfast and he doesn't. because i have the time to do it in the mornings. because it seems like a sunday breakfast but during the weekday.
• glee marathon: because i love listening to singing. because i love watching dancing. because it makes me happy.
• write notes to mark: because i haven't seen him all week. because it is nice to be thought of. because i am thought of in return
• workout: because there really is no excuse why not. because i feel good after. because it is good for me!
• start the slow cooker: because i get tons of leftovers for more night shifts. because it is fall and i love fall comfort food. because it is just so darn easy to make!
• cuddle with a kitty: because suprisingly he is way more up for cuddles during the day. because he is needy. because he is kind of cute!

love

what do you think?

check out this link right here. do you think you could live in such tight quarters with your partner.

i know i could do it alone...but with another person??? it would so not work for me. i like retreating into my room to scrapbook, blog, do homework or just be alone.

but i am impressed with the people that do it....wonder what they do if they have visitors???
love

a new rotation and a new night!

ahhh. the new rotation has started. back to shift work, mornings and nights. this week is nights, something i am looking forward to having as sleeping in seems so very nice at the moment!

so far i have been in awe of the ever so experienced nurses and doctors on my unit. so much knowledge, skills, compassion and SO SMART. yet i know know know that labour and delivery is not for me! it is quite amazing to see a baby enter this world, probably one of the coolest things i have seen. BUT if i stay in this field for the long term i think i will be scared away from ever having children (as it is i have pushed it even farther into the future after being in this rotation for one week) !! ha ha. i don't know how to explain it but i just feel too much of their pain. there may be a reward in the end but i think i will hold a grudge on that reward as it just went to war on my body (p.s. sorry mom, never meant to do that too you)! i know all you mom's out there say you forget the pain, but let's face it, (you can ask mark) i don't forget. lol

in other news....tried out the enjoy center with a nursing friend today. very cool place. organic grocery store, organic food (i recommend the carrot cake, very tasty), and cool little shops through out (although a little expensive). definitely a place my mom would enjoy as it has a similar feel as salisbury greenhouse :)

AND speaking of organic, mark just "harvested" his feast this year. potatoes, garlic, carrots and many many herbs. so very lovely. i may have been slightly annoyed with him when he initially started "cleaning" his veggies as i had just finished "cleaning" the kitchen. but a mess is no longer lingering on the counter tops so my annoyance has faded. and better than that i am happy to have veggies. it is a fantastic experience to bypass the veggies aisle in the supermarket because you have your own grown goods at home! :)

i have been reading lots too. i am loving this library card. it is kind of like homework to finish these books before they are due back but so many good ones to read! i just finished one book "those who save us" by jenna blum. a little graphic in some chapters but i found it interesting (even though it was fictional). AND right now i am reading "little princes" by conor grennan, a non-fiction book about orphans in nepal. so far i like...

hoping to find time to scrapbook again. the assignments are taking over my life, and when they are not, i am just tired and want to veg out. we will see what this weekend brings!

love you all!

yummers

what a wonderful thanksgiving weekend!
full of:

1. turkey
2. stuffing
3. veggies
4. buns
5. salad
6. more turkey
7. pumpkin pie
8. chocolate pie
9. apple pie
10. more pumpkin pie

yum! plus family events such as card games, walks, joking around, and even fit in a football game! i heart long weekends! they are too good to me!

i think i am going to go make a pumpkin pie now ;)

love

randomness and thanks

one rotation is officially finished. sad to leave it as i had quite a few opportunities that i really enjoyed. i got to do a presentation to an elementary class and to seniors. this would normally not be my favourite thing in the world but getting feedback that (maybe) it would make a small difference was quite an amazing feeling. my new motto, "primary prevention is key!"

not only that but to go to people's homes and assist them was a privilege and something that i really loved. this was definitely something that i could see myself doing...i know i have said that already. but it is nice to really love something.

but alas, i must move on to more experiences...who knows...maybe another love??? he he he

in other news. a new arrival has come! jeaninne and dj's baby girl has arrived! she is a beauty. so excited for her toddlers and tiaras debut (he he he, joke). brought them lasagna on friday as that was something i also learned at my clinical: new parents need food! what a horrible friend i have been to my other friends that had new babies...BUT GUYS: I NOW KNOW! lol

lastly, thanksgiving is tomorrow so i must give thanks to:
mark: for everything but recently the flowers and chocolate doughnuts that came to my door while i was at work. you are pretty awesome in all ways!
my family: you are so far, but yet so close. i love you!
my lovely friends: such good listeners all of you. especially during my trials regarding never-ending assignments!
really i am just so grateful to everyone in my life. thanks for being there for me! :)

love

the last day of september

craziness to know how fast time flies. yet when you are in the beginning of something, starting it brand new, you just wish time would fly by faster...

almost done my first rotation of clinical this year. that means that the assignments are complete and just need to be presented! feels good. this clinical has been pretty spectacular. it really excites me to see where i could go with this. but i am also happy to see it end. the commute was an hour each way, and the much needed sleep and extra time will be appreciated in the upcoming ones. :)

because the assignments are pretty much wrapped up that means a weekend (pretty much) off! so excited. yoga and breakfast with my brother tomorrow, dinner with a friend on sunday and general lazing around the rest of the weekend. i am actually reading a pretty good book from the library called the "those who save us" by jenna blum. maybe i will actually finish it!

that is pretty much it folks. hope you have an amazing last day in september!
love

this is my life...

i must apologize from the lack of posts. i am in "stress" mode at the moment with two presentations that need to get done by the end of the week. so the anxiety i feel for this workload is reserved for the people in my life, rather than the web (they are so lucky, he he he and have been soooo ever amazing).

but i do have to say, with the stress that i have been feeling, i do LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my rotation. that definitely excites me for the future! so at least i am able to see the bright lining even if it does seem so far away right now.

been trying a bit to running but stumbled upon an injured knee. not quite sure at all what happened but it hurt quite a bit yesterday while i attempted to run. kind of frustrating considering we are having a most beautiful fall this year. it will have to be one of my photoblog photos for sure.

other than plugging away writing papers on the computer, i have been perusing youtube watching music videos. these are my favs this time around. kind of on a beyonce love fest. the amazing power in her voice.love it.

AND of course my glee is back!!! their music just makes me so happy. i'd have loved to put a video on here but they prevented it so....you will just have to watch the show!

till next time have a good one! i am on baby watch for a very good friend having her first one (hopefully soon) so their is some exciting things to look forward to!





love ya!

love

in love with running

yesterday was one of those perfect days for running.
the air was crisp.
the leaves were coloured.
the sun was out.
the clouds were different shades of white to dark blue.
no wind.
just my me and my ipod.

and my memories.
jr. high memories of doing worlds
and beating the boys (wink, wink) 
going to track meets
 
high school memories of running in the hallways.
doing cross country.
running in cities not far off from where i run now.
going to meets in airdrie.
training in the 500km club
having fun with friends.

more memories.
15 years later i am still running.
even longer distances.
that is still hard to believe.
i truly love running.

its nice to have some friends

school has begun and let's just say i am slightly overwhelmed. the assignments, the extra work, not to mention the actual clinical and the extra job that one hangs on to to make money. sigh. sometimes being a student kind of sucks...

but then you talk to your friends. the one's that are in the same boat as you. AND the one's that listen with an outside perspective and tell you everything will be okay. AND it will. i know this. deep down inside. but sometimes it gets a little buried.

so thanks to all my lovely friends this week. you have calmed my nerves for another week. (but keep your phones on standby...he he he, jk).

i love you all!
xoxoxo

summer winddown

with school fastly approaching (tomorrow) the summer has officially ended for me. sigh. it is sad to see it go, but overall, i have had a pretty fantastic summer. just the right amount of rest and relaxation, fun and adventure, escapism and hilarity that i cannot complain at all. the last month i have:

• conquered a trail and come out feeling good about hiking again. who would have thought it?? thanks west coast trail, you were grand!
• read some pretty good books...for leisure! that is always the best part about reading!
• saw some more movies with some pretty fantastic people i.e. mark, jimi, anita, jeaninne, christine and a.s. (a co-worker of mine)
• gone out for dinner, snacked on brownies, or celebrated with the last days of work with even more fantastic friends from my high school days to my present university days to my (now) former co-workers. i love you girls and guys! :)
• gone to a place that i love on a day that celebrates just that place: b.c. day AND getting to explore with the person that i love.
• had my fill of seafood from mussels to crab to just yesterday with lobster. who says i need to be in the east to eat that stuff!!
• continued in our festival attendance by dancing away at the cariwest festival
• going to the market, buying fresh flowers, fresh fruit and seeing a special little lady with her special mom (aka hailey and casey)
• ran a marathon and scored a personal goal and personal best for myself.
• finally organizing and putting final deposits on the rest of the major aspects of our wedding for next year.

it's been fantastic. hopefully next summer can live up to it (wink, wink).

love

new girl

okay this is seriously my new favourite show even though it hasn't started yet. i swear this girl is me...besides the whole horrible breakout thing...BUT seriously she lives her life like a musical....LIKE ME!! :) so pumped! love

i have an obsession....

an obsession with meatloaf. 

not the food

the singer

you see i have borrowed my dad's car this semester to get me around the city and some of the city's far limits (seriously!). mark, on the other hand, will use the other one to get back and forth from school. it will most likely be late nights for both of us so it is extremely useful to have this. thank you parent's as you are helping both of us this year!!

but what about meatloaf. well dad left some of his prized cd's in there (maybe to make it on the drive back to n.b.). i came across bat out of hell. there is just something about his music, while driving. memories of suicide ski trips or driving lessons come to mind. BUT overall, meatloaf is the perfect driving cd. i find myself singing (aka yelling) along with his musicality. wonderful! don't you wish you were in the car with me??

love

a sunday with jimi

two weekends ago, mark and i hung out with jimi
after a million ideas
or what seemed to me that amount
we figured out what to do.
remember jimi, you drive me crazy!

the fringe we went
jimi got root beer
mark got green onion cakes
jimi got a waffle
i got pizza
jimi got ice cream
mark got ice cream

after the eats, we decided to go to a movie.
BUT before,
we had a mini waterfight
courtesy of jimi-jam
in the car...
...while mark was driving...
...i was amused!

at the movie we laughed hysterically at the film
or atleast jimi laughed.
then i laughed because his laugh was so darn infectious
then we both started re-enacting the scenes that just happened...
...while the movie continued to play...
...in the theatre
mark looked slightly embarassed

ahhh, i just love the good times with my brother.
and mark, you are pretty awesome for putting up with us!
love

the half marathon continues

as i look back at this post i laugh a little because i was right. i did do it again. but this time around i felt fantastic. i used the same training program as last year but instead of running four times a week (something i felt i was overdoing and causing unnecessary soreness and potential injuries) i ran three times a week with hills on one day and progressive distances the second and third days. in between i rode my bike to work and did some weight training (plus a monstrous hike) so the strength and cardio were there...

....and guess what!

i felt great. wonderful morning of sun, slight breeze and zero cold. did my warm-up and off i went. this time around i ran solo as jeff was in training for a marathon. so my strategy was to stick to the back in the beginning and do the passing. it seemed to work! PLUS it was flatter than the hillier one i had done previously.

best of all was my friendly supporting team. RIGHT when i was about to walk (seriously) within the last kilometer jeff spotted me. shouting my name he ran right with me leaving me no excuse to stop until he left during the last portion  (and really who walks that part). jeaninne and dj caught the finish this time and cheered me on and mark rode his bike effortlessly to find me (unfortunately to no avail) but he was there for me in the end and that is really all i can ask for! :) thanks guys, you make a girl feel so special, so glad you could spend your sunday morning with me! :)

overall i got my goal time sort of. i had wanted to get under two hours. well my total time was two hours and one minute. ooooo one minute i will love you for ever as i enjoyed my water breaks and small walks in that time! i am actually really excited to do it again....we will see if i can make it happen! ;)

here is a little photo slideshow of the ending with my lovely friends. note jeaninne posing as a pregnant marathon runner! yes she is that amazing! :) lol

have a good night,
love

awesome

so i came across this book at the library and started to read it last night. it contains "daily" excerpts of little things that this person (or others) consider AWESOME. overall it is a little pick me up to look at the little things in the day that are actually pretty good and make you smile.

this book came from a website where you can also get daily update or even go to their facebook page. this was a post that i particularly enjoyed about napping. napping is one of those things that i never thought of as AWESOME and sleep lines...well. but i do nap and reading his perspective is pretty AWESOME! :)

enjoy your saturday!

hair drama

mark and i got engagement photos done yesterday.
trying to plan ahead for any kind of mishap as the drive to our "site" was far:

• our clothes were washed and laid out from the night before. 
• both of us got home at reasonable times. 
• he showered. 
• i showered. 
• he got changed. 
• so did i.  
• i plugged in my straightener to do my hair...
• yes, the power button was on...
• but the plates were cold...
• totally broken.

sigh. i know in the grand scheme of LIFE this really doesn't matter and it did put me in a fit of giggles 15 minutes after BUT if you did see my hair at that time, it did need some work done, considering lately when i wash it i put it immediately in a bun. those girls with long hair will understand what it looks like after the elastic is out. AND if you put a bit of money into pictures being taken...hopefully i have a bit of support ;)

thankfully in my life i have wonderfully supportive and fantastic-ly great friends and an equally supportive and fantastic boyfriend. call jeaninne, she plugged in her straightener (my old one) and told me that i could come right over. mark cut his dinner conversation short and with his ice cream cake in tow we drove to sherwood park earlier than expected. he may have even driven me to the mall to buy a new straightener (as my old one, isn't mine for a reason). at jeaninne's house, she was there by my side to help do my hair in 10 minutes flat (the back had never looked better, he he he). off to elk island we went.

the photos were done and we actually had a lot of fun, joking around, enjoying the scenery and having many laughs. AND my hair was straight so i was happy, seriously i can be such a dork! he he he

love

jump, jump

so the other day i went to see friends with benefits with my girlfriends. quite funny and it played this song...totally reminded me of grade 6 and the overalls we used to wear (although i never wore mine backwards...that is just silly). enjoy and see if you still know the words! :)



love

remarkable women

while i was on vacation i read a great book. i don't know if it was great because i had no worries, no deadlines, no work. OR was it just great because (to the author) it was about a great person. it was by jeanette walls. i had previously read the glass castle, a book that i found triumphant but heart-breaking. this book,  half broke horses, was a true-life novel about her grandmother. a woman who lived a HUGE life.

i like books that make me feel good, that show me how people live extraordinary, yet ordinary lives. this women was probably like many in her time, BUT she took chances like flying a plane, breaking horses, playing poker and getting her teaching certificate in an unconventional way. she lived her life as it was her only life so she made ever moment count. i love that message!

this made me think of my grandmother. her desire more than anything was to go to university not a common sentiment at that time (even within her family). her determination brought her to the university of new brunswick where she graduated with a degree in entomology. she substitute taught in the states and when she later came back to canada (air force wife) she did research in her passion of bugs. love it. not only that but she managed to travel to far places and had (what i think is one of her greatest achievements) my mom, my aunt and uncle. simple things, yet so extraordinary all the same.

one does not have to be in a position of power, receive a pulitzer prize, a grammy or nobel peace prize to be remarkable. just to live a life of both hard work and HAPPINESS (and take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way) can leave an imprint on the lives around you. it did for jeanette walls and me. the ordinary done day in and day out, when looking back in time will seem extraordinary to others. at least it will to me!

love

if you happen to go...

so if you decide to ever do the west coast trail can you do me a favor? if you decide to go on day 5 or possibly day 2 and you get to tsusiat falls, (one of the more beautiful sights i have ever seen) can you look for our buoy? its by the toilets (where i figured it will not blow away). it is our little landmark that we did the trail and i would like to know if it is still standing. cheers!

love

let's talk about food

one thing i forgot to mention about the west coast trail was something that is very near and dear to myself. what is it, you ask?

FOOD

yes this trail is so fantastic-ly unique that not only does it have one...but TWO restaurants set up along the trail. now when i say restaurants it was not a chateau louis or for that matter a denny's. BUT for a backpacker who has been eating dehydrated food for 4 days, it was heaven.

the first one was chez monique's serving fresh fruit, juice, chocolate and chips, not to mention hamburgers with lettuce, tomatoes, relish, ketchup, mustard AND cheese. located just off the beach on our day 4 adventure. one lady, monique, taking the orders and three cooks/servers. it was awesome!

day 5 we got spoiled too. this was the ferry crossing (or boat crossing) from one side of a salt water lake to another. along with the boat ride, the guys running it will serve fresh salmon and crab caught on that day (obviously for an extra price!). no matter the cost, it was delicious. i may have been accused of whacking my poles at a certain blond hiker within our crowd (aka anita). but in my defense, i was starving and saving all my hunger for the food at the boat crossing. really, people should no better than to let me starve. ;) BUT there might be an unhappy picture of me prior to the food. 

probably one more post coming of the trip...so stay tuned...or avoid! :)
love

this is for jimi

this is something i think my brother would enjoy. so this is for you! :)



love

a week on the west coast trail

it has been about a week and i am starting to get back in the grind of things. the camp stuff is FINALLY packed away for another year so i thought i would work on some posts as i do have plenty to say about this trip. first up (because my mother is dying to see some pics) is a little slideshow of what we saw (and if you are going) what to expect on the west coast trail. enjoy!

ladders: there were tons of these. one section with 200 rungs alone. let's just say i probably have buns of steel right now, he he he. our friend anita, knew extensively about the ladders as they were her nemesi. BUT she conquered them even with her fear of heights! even though she may have (a couple) war wounds here and there...regardless, GOOD JOB ANITA, YOU DID IT!

mud: yes, like the north coast trail this one was full of mud. luckily for mark and i we were quite used to it, and the trail seemed FAR better maintained as there was extensive boardwalk. i was extremely thankful for my gators as they kept me clean during the majority of the trip (a christmas present) well used. some of us did not fare so well as anita's boyfriend, fraser soon gave up and just trounced through the mud pits.
other mud things: also amongst the mud was the slugs. everywhere. one was roughly 9 inches. i was lucky enough to hold one as it was smack dab in the middle of a ladder as i was coming down. he, sadly, didn't make out as well (i have a tight grip, what can i say??)

bridges: another conquered fear of anita's. yes the log bridges and suspension bridges. i personally loved them as i felt i was at circus camp and i was a trapeze artist. she, didn't take to them as fondly. but she did do a far majority (when mark and her had the chance they would go down and back up, hence the upward shots of me on them). i did enjoy the suspension bridge as well as me and fraser may have swung on it....

wildlife: probably one of the more magnificent hikes for mark and i when it came to seeing things. at one point there were two bald eagles in the air to the right and grey whales bobbing up and down in the water to the left. where does one even look? plus many anemones, starfish, a black bear (forgot to put that picture in) sea lions, birds of all shapes, crabs, and fish...it was amazing. our own private wildlife zoo! :) my favourite part (similar to the north coast) was running through the seagull flock and watching them fly...until they started defecating....he he he

beauty: again, in terms of beauty it was amazing (although i probably would still pick hawaii for the warmth and tropical atmosphere). but where do you go when you get not only one but two gorgeous waterfalls that you can swim under? i hadn't found that place until now. not only that but the ocean was gorgeous during fog, sun, and rain. we saw all sides of it with tide going out (up we went on the sand beds or reef) or in (walking on the sand). oh water how i love thee! :)

love and friends: going on this hike gave me quite a new perspective on hiking. i thought back to some of my hikes and some have been less than joyous compared to others due to injuries or difficult terrain. this time around i was approaching the hike with a certain amount of apprehension as i wasn't fully willing to trust what we were about to do (last year's hike was so difficult). having friends around, watching them as they truly appreciate what we were doing, giving the area a vast amount respect, and greeting it with new excitement helped me get more excited and be more appreciative of what me and mark have been doing for 4.5 years. for that i am grateful as my friends have given me a gift! :) AND to watch mark, glow with happiness at everything around him from the wildlife, to the gigantic trees, to even the mud on the ground made me realize how much he really does love this and have such a deep passion for it. so this hike gave me so much more and to my love and friends THANK YOU! :)

love

one year from today...

we have picked the venue.

we have picked the church.

we have our photographer.

AND

i have my dress.

our colours are almost set.

dj's are in the works.

our friends and family have wonderful ideas.

AND 

this bridal thing kind of works for me...now!

one year from today we will be married.

who runs the world?

my half marathon running song right now. so simple but love it! ;)



love

summer so far

thus far my summer has been pretty fantastic. i really enjoy my "student" summers. it is a bit different than being in a permanent job as i know it is temporary and i know books and classes are waiting for me in september. SO i really try to appreciate everything that i so and sit down and soak in the relaxation! :)
thus far i have:

• watched 5 summer blockbusters starting with the hangover II and ending with harry potter and the deathly hallows part II (which by the way was very fantastic but bittersweet as the books and now the movies have concluded).
• gone on a canoe ride down the north saskatchewan seeing plenty of wildlife on a beautiful day.
• experiencing new dates with mark like visiting the devonian gardens, the clifford e. lee bird sanctuary, the highland games, and the muttart conservatory. love new and exciting things especially with the one you love
• have a very special mom (aka MY MOM) visit and vacation with me at the beginning of may...lots of shopping and visiting.
• continue to train for my half marathon...coming soon in august
• attend a very special graduation for a very special graduate!
• go to a fabulously fun concert with a dear friend!
• attend the street festival twice and have a sampling of the green onion cakes...drool and yum!
• attend a wedding (our only one this year...very shocking!)
• plan some wedding details...that is a whole other post!
• go out with my brother and practice our yoga and attend movies!
• see wonderful friends on those other days off.

so far summer has been good to me. AND it shall continue to be wonderful as our vacation is coming up in a week today. although i am unsure what to expect i know i will be happy if we accomplish it!
hope you are enjoying our sunny skies!
love

they came, they sang, they danced, they left.

okay. i am going to be a complete dork here and talk about this once again but (hopefully) it will be my last time.

the backstreet boys were to me what others had with elvis, the beatles, the monkees, new kids on the block...i could go on. they will not go down in history as a remarkable band but one that in my teenage years i loved. they were the one band that jeaninne and i would figured out the choreography and re-enacted it (i may still know some moves). their hits were playing during pivotal times in our teenage lives like learning to drive, traveling to foreign cities, graduation dances, or those serious talks you have with your girlfriends.

new kids on the block were a different kind of trend for me. i was eleven when my parents bought me one of their cassette tapes. i played them over and over for quite some time. yet i don't think i held them at the same threshold that other girls did at that time. one memory of them sticks out. jeaninne had a new kids tape and when we were in grade 11 she brought it over to a sleepover and we (once again) re-enacted the dances (much more simpler moves during that era).

cut to yesterday. the reunion tour uniting those two bands together. really what can i say? it was pure cheese but in such a delightful way. the bedazzled costumes, the dancing (as they kept the original moves), the sing-offs, the trademark pelvic thrusts...he he he. 

making it all the better was being with the girl that loved them along side me all these years as we could relive everything. we spent more time over the course of the evening remembering and laughing over our memories.  if a concert can do that to you it really has to be the best concert.

thanks for bringing back the memories!
love

check your phone!

checked my phone. 7 missed calls.

checked my voicemail. 2 missed messages.

anita comes by. one missed call on her phone

one missed voicemail too.

message one: mark, "hi tracey, i may need you to come pick me. i hit my head, and i may have a concussion"

message two: mark, "hi tracey, its okay. i am fine. i can drive. i went to the medicenter. see you when i get home".

wonder what i saw....take a look!

diagnosis: twelve stitches

one tetanus shot

one headache

some blood loss

one bald patch

tons of paperwork

but no concussion!

love

internet exhaustion has got me thinking....

i am becoming an internet addict. who am i kidding. I AM AN INTERNET ADDICT! he he he.

i have spent way too much time today looking at photographers' pictures, their quotes, emailing them, looking at dj sites, emailing them for quotes and in between checking "in" on facebook (and maybe playing a little bejewelled here and there, thanks mom).

i really should have cut my computer time in half or totally for my new year's resolution. BUT my thought is that at this time in our society can one live without internet? i don't think i could. i utilize the computer so much from finding recipes, to diy, information on how to plan a wedding, download my music, look at how i improve in running, watch old television shows, to doing my research through databases at school. not to mention writing on this blog!

looking at this i KNOW the time i didn't have a computer. it was when i was about thirteen. i didn't have internet till about 18 (unless you count the small times my dad brought his laptop home, so we could surf the net). i survived.

did things take longer to do? i remember when i was young my dad built me a skating rink in our backyard. not to sound knowledge deficient but really, how did he know how to do that? if i wanted to do it, i would just check the internet. did you talk more? do we talk less?

sigh. a little thought that has turned into a ramble. :) i think i need to get off the computer.
love

just a thought

"The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us." —Ashley Montagu

summer makes me happy

i really can't say it enough:

i love the sun
i love the blue sky
i love the soft wind
i love summer.

i can officially say it too since yesterday was the first official day! AND on that day i went for my first SUMMER run. the river is very high (suprisingly so) from all the rain that we had last week. so much so that one of my favourite running spots has eroded away. tear. BUT from all that wonderful rain we got green grass AND:

 i love the green grass!

in gretting this summer day two, i decided to have a sweetheart shrimp and watermelon salad. DELISH. i then promptly called my dad so i could brag about how awesome the meal was. he was jealous, i could hear it in his voice (tee hee).

now i am off to go scrapbook. something that is extremely hard to do on these beautiful summer days but at the same time something that i really love to do!
so long for now
love

rain rain and more rain

it has been a fairly rainy week and i have to say that i love it. it is a little cold but it cleans up the streets, the air smells so fresh and it gives me a great excuse to stay inside on these days i may snuggle under some blankets while watching reruns of so you think you can dance OR do some baking OR do some strenght training OR do some chores OR do all of the above.

it was a busy morning. i dropped mark off at first aid and they advertised the wrong time so we took a small trip to the italian bakery where i found rose water and orange blossom, something i had been looking for for awhile as i have cookbook that uses that quite a bit! so pumped.

did a yoga session. me and my body have really missed it! my hamstrings are tight! especially since half marathon training has commenced. jimi came too. as i was laying on my mat waiting for class to commence, i could hear jimi's car park. love it! thanks for coming jimi-jam! and namaste!

so off to start my lovely rainy day plans! love to you all!

lets get a little of hawksley shall we....

so sad for mark right now as vancouver lost the cup (vs. boston). sigh. but i am sure there are a certain bunch of people in a small town in n.b. that are absolutely thrilled.

this song (having nothing to do with any cup) is one i adore. both artist and song, actually. i have been to two of his shows (once at the winspear...excellent) AND since i really have no news to share here you all go!

so far on my summer vacation i did...

the summer days have been wonderful this past "celebratory" week. it brings me to talk about what i have been up to this summer. thus far i have:

• attended a graduation, 95th birthday, and wedding celebration
• gone to FOUR summer movies thus far: hangover 2, bridesmaids (most excellent), pirates four, and super 8 (my favourite movie thus far this summer).
• worked my two jobs still, and still having fun
• started training for a half marathon again...i obviously don't remember the pain from last year ;)
• started "eating" better for my training. big step for me especially when it is green onion cake season.
• shopped around for venues for our upcoming BIG DAY! when it comes to wedding planning, i would love to have the whole wedding planned and done in a week but i guess it doesn't work that way! :)
• visited with some AWESOME nursing friends that i have not seen in awhile...fun evening ladies!
• gone to the muttart, a place i don't ever remember going (unless i was fairly young). fun times.
• canoe trip from devon to edmonton involving two very crispy people that may have not put on sunscreen....sigh, I KNOW YOU ARE DISAPPOINTED MOM! :)
• enjoyed some summer walks, market days, and just being outside!

so far this summer has been nice. have much more to look forward to, too! until then...
love

happy graduation

a bachelor of education allows you to:

• go on a ski trip in the "outback" of the mountains
• gives you an idea of what to expect with children at different ages
• learn many different dancing styles from hip hop and jazz with videos to prove it
• having fun (and sometimes difficulty) with sports from curling to hockey, gymnastics to badminton, swimming to kayaking
• being able to debate about people such as piaget and erikson
• wanting to learn more about reading comprehension
• getting to teach twice in a classroom setting and confirming many times over that that is what one loves to do
• knowing that one cannot simply condense it all on their blog but realizing.....
• ...that having a degree allows you to finally do what one wanted for so long! 

CONGRATS TO MARK ON HIS GRADUATION! GREAT JOB AND WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU! 

love

i'm so excited

since i have done MANY dedications to my father when it comes to music i thought i would do one for my mom! i think i managed to get both of their tastes in music integrated into mine. i love that old school rock from my dad with a mix of some eclectic beats. my mother (like myself) loves all broadway all the time...seriously when we get to new york one day broadway will be ours! but she also loves the "woman" singers (as dad calls it) and the fun mainstream pop.

this little music video is a reminder of my mom when i was young. she (like myself) loves to pump up the music loud especially when cleaning (again like myself). i still remember her jamming out to this while vacuuming...the image is forever ingrained in my mind. love it! :) this song is now a motivator for me while i run. so enjoy!



love

soooo

so this is a lazy post with a story. i JUST saw bridesmaids with my bridesmaids and laughed till i cried....still ladies take some hints (ha ha ha, joke). the movie brought a song close to my heart from the elementary era when i would listen to it with my dad...so dad this is for you right here! :) sorry i couldn't get one without commercials!



love

the stool

my mom told me to throw it out. we were cleaning out the "junk" in their basement. i came across a broken stool that mom got back in the day at county's reach. i loved that stool. it reminded me of a country/cosy style that fit in my parent's house perfectly. mom told me it was junk. toss it. i restrained. call it nostalgia...or that i wanted to grasp whatever i could of my parents but i was determined to make this stool mine somehow. thus the wheels started turning....

cut to two months later i went to a fabric store (i rarely frequent them). i came across this fabric (below). i know what you are thinking...orange??? but it matched a chair that we happened to have and the flowers are really pretty...or at least i think they are. i headed to casey's house for a craft night and we set up on stapling this fabric on to the cushion. easy-peasy.

the last bit i needed help. i didn't get a before picture but the stool was in pretty bad ruins and it was confirmed what my mom had originally said. it was junk. the wood was slightly cheap and a handy kind of handy man managed to put it together but warned not to put too much pressure on it. i promise i won't.

it now sits idly by the orange chair waiting for a nice kitty or a foot. the project is finished and i am happy!

thanks so much david for your hard work! :)

time to be appreciative

its been awhile since i have wrote about what i am thankful for. i really enjoy doing it as it allows me to concentrate on positivity rather than some of the negative things that can happen in life. here is what i have today!

• dance offs with my boyfriend...leading to hysterical laughter
• lilacs blooming. it is officially spring
• biking to work and having paths to do so
• running outside. i have missed it so much
• fresh fruit
• finishing one scrapbook project that i have been trying to accomplish for two years. felt good!
• spring walks
• downtown market opening. it makes me so happy as its my favourite market!
• having a job. i really do like working!
• hanging out with friends that i haven't seen in awhile
• movie dates
• pillow fights (yes, event though i am "how old" i still have them...and they are fantastic)
• sun because it is finally out in all its glory after so many months
• my library card...seriously, why didn't i get this sooner. so much fun! :)

that is it, for now. have a glorious sunday! :)
love

nursing in my genes??

came across these pictures that my dad put in my digital frame...what do you think? was it meant to be? *wink wink*

love

barbra streisand

so glee had a flash mob with the lovely diddy below. it brought up a goal that i would like to accomplish. i want to be part of a flash mob. i have added it as part of my "likes" on facebook to alarm me of any in canada.

what else could i do? suggestions??



love

biking part IV

i rode
i went
got to work
very nice
home time
i rode
i went
flat tire
again
not so nice.

maybe its time to get a mountain bike?
don't get shocked/dismayed my dear father...
love

she came and went

so it has been a week since my mom has been here and i have not written about any of it. SOOOO here is a little summary of all the events that occurred during the 2011 mother visit.

1. went on a roadtrip to calgary. visited my great aunt (who i think i have seen in atleast 16 years...yikes) and my mom's cousins.
2. numerous expeditions to the mall where even mark accompanied us once (a promise of chapters may have been made)
3. a mandatory trip to costco for a hot dog of course...
4. a bridal/engagement shower may have occured leading me to think that mark is WAY more bridal than myself
5. wedding dress shopping AND buying. one solo trip with just my mom (exactly how i wanted it) and then with a crew to see if they also thought the dress was the dress...IT WAS!
6. brunch (mark's favourite meal) at the sawridge. a place that mom swears dad needs to visit.
7. renting "the girl with the dragon tattoo" and all of the sequels. very enjoyable, if not a little risque.
8. going on a mother/daughter (plus friend) movie date like we used to. (p.s. jeaninne said it was like hanging out like old times at your old house).
9. sushi attack for jimi's belated birthday party with sugar overload after.
10. waking up early in the morning to see the royal wedding...craziness!!!
11. babysitting a little gal.
12. lobster rolls!! YUM!

plus many more events but overall it was nice to have her around just be there.
glad you could come up mom. lots of people sure missed you (of course i am included in that combo). glad that you got to see all your friends, we got to spend lots of time together, and you got to go on a bonding shopping trip with my little bro.

glad you made it safe back home and that you are with dad. lets face it: he totally missed you!
love you lots
xoxoxoxo

beware of mush

mark asked what i wanted to do today. i wanted to walk downtown and get some ice cream.
"really, that is what you want to do?" he said.
"most positive," my response.
i love our walks. we don't do it on a regular basis (which we should) but it does make it all the more special when we do spend that outside time together (especially when we have slightly different interests: he being a gardener and me a runner).
it reminded me of our first times together in the summer of 2007. one particular time i took the bus downtown from my parent's place. met him up with him then walked to MEC and bought him some hiking boots. then off for some ice cream. next back tracked to a lot of mark's favourite trees in the downtown area. during our trek we watched people running the obstacle marathon, the live bands in churchill, just downtown people and finally soak our feet in the city hall pool.
today it was just as sunny, with some fantastic wind. the ice cream was coconut and raspberries for me, for him birthday cake and gummi bears. we walked downtown to the legislature, down to the river valley, back home.
both are nothing special but to me, something i love and feel the need to appreciate. like in i said in the title: pure mush!
love

a love

glee covered a "mash-up" version of this song last week. reminded me of the original and how much i loved these gals! :)



love

biking part III

conquered the hills.
got to work on time.
had time to change.
success on all fronts!

biking part II

a little bit of wind
the sun was shining.
the bike's tire was newly changed.
no mishaps on making it to work.
success.
now i just need to conquer those hills....

love

biking

i was determined to bike today.
even though it was raining,
a soft little drizzle.
it didn't look so bad,
until i started to ride.
the rain fell harder,
the wind blew harder,
the gravel seemed more slippery.
i finally made it to the top,
with just five minutes to spare.
then i got a flat tire.
sigh.
hopefully tomorrow will be better.

what i learned about the royal wedding

1. three am is much too early to watch a royal wedding. especially since your father laughs at you via skype.
2. good laughs are bound to come if your fiance is catching bits on television. imitations like "twist from the wrist, from the wrist you twist" are said with an impeccable english accent.
3. princes don't have to wear rings...but according to your fiance they are not "betrothed" (again in said english accent).
4. even prince's get nervous as they have trouble getting the rings on their princesses.
5. normal brides don't need to be nearly as nervous as 750 million will not be invited, let alone watching their wedding (hopefully).
6. it is terribly sad that one has to wait 2 hours for the groom to finally kiss the bride...especially when that is what this writer was waiting for and fell completely and utterly asleep by the time it happened.
7. no matter what the stipulations are for a bride, she does always look beautiful and the groom looks so very handsome.
8. little kids in your bridal party are quite amusing for those serious moments, especially since the service may be a little long.

AND FINALLY, MOST IMPORTANTLY WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE ROYAL WEDDING:

9. hats are fabulous fashion pieces to wear at any event, especially a wedding. i particularly enjoyed the fascinators. absolutely gorgeous. i really think that canada is in need of these fantastic head pieces!

love

horrible horrible horrible sister

yesterday was my fantasticly fantastic brother's birthday. so i must Must MUST say to him: 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMI!

i wish you lots of love and hugs for this upcoming year. you deserve it as you are one of the most kind, good natured, lovable, goofy, humor filled, laughter-loving, relaxed people that i know. love you lots dear jimi-jam!

love

let the planning begin

i know our wedding is so very far in the future but with my mom being around and school over the planning has begun. we are in the final stages of refining our guest list so that we can go through (the painstaking) process of finding a venue. lucky for me i have a very thorough and dedicated fiance to look through the venues to find one that suits our needs (seriously so lucky).

mom is dying to do some wedding dress shopping in the next two weeks (my very own say yes to the dress if you will). wish me tons of luck on that one!

AND tomorrow i have my first shower/party to attend. this should be fantastic as i haven't seen anyone really since the final study session began. so i get to see my lovely friends and more (i have no clue who is coming). sigh...it begins.

so far in this very beginning process i have discovered that i am not very bridal and mark is not very groom-al(?). but we have established that we just want to have a fun day, with good food. PLUS i want a fabulously awesome honeymoon (he has my list of places to go, tee hee).

continuing on my lists...
love

dreams

since i have study brain and i can't really think, let alone write, i will just have this picture as my blog post.

oddly enough, i had a dream i went to australia with my mom and cousin last night. the lovely thing about dreams is the flight was super fast, we found just what we were looking for (for some reason that was seals) and i woke up content and happy.

ahh back to the 10 hour study session!

love