On top of the rock with the sky in reach

So I am skipping ahead of our vacation to our other one as it is fresh in my mind. This one was less luxiorious as we really had to work towards our destination. I know. Why do I do this to myself. Really.

All joking aside, this hike was one I really wanted to do. Since 2009 in fact. Because this was (one of) the ones that got away. Mark and I had originally planned an 8 day hike way back then. But injury forced us to hike 30km out in one day, before we got to this destination. We called a cab from a satellite phone and paid (who knows what) for a hotel, eating freshly delivered pizza in our hotel room (ahh memories). 

What is this hike I talk of. The Skyline in Jasper. It has been on my list since then as I had heard that it was an incredible hike. And guess what. It was. One of the top three I have done in my books. I loved it!

Plus we had the added bonus of another hiker joining our little team. Anita! The girl really loves hiking, since west coast trail.  It was fantastic having her along as she played off us, alternating in sides through out the trip. Seriously, Anita is probably the best travel companion ever. I always enjoy going on trips with her. So laid back, easy going and up for anything. Hopefully it is felt the same. Ha ha. 

We camped in the overflow the night before. Mark went ahead of us and got a site. We got in around 1030 pm (traffic delays in Spruce Grove had us delayed for an hour and half). Through out the night the train passed through our site approx 8 times. Ask Mark, he was up and tired. We grabbed breakfast at a diner and were packed and off from Maligne Lake.

All smiles before leaving the trail head. The beginning was pleasant. Till we started the ascent up top. Man alive I have lost some of my hiking endurance, while Mark has gained it three fold.  Walking the dog has put him in shape.  

 

It was wonderfully warm the whole day and we made it to Little Shovel for lunch. Something. I think we all needed. See below picture to note how we felt 8 km in. Lol. Not even Nutella and shot blocks could kill the feelings of fatigue. 

After lunch and a little snooze we were off again to Snowbowl (6 km away) And what fun we had. Like how Mark convinced me he touched a squirrel and I did it in return (it was a tree in the end). How gullible am I or sugar deprived?

Amazing scenery with the mountains everywhere. So pretty. Who doesn't love a mountain?

And through the little shovel pass on our first day. Altitude 2200m. From there we went to the Snowbowl site. If you all are hikers out there a bit more work looking for water as the creeks were pretty shallow. But found some in the end. 

And at night we stayed up till dark (and p.s. It was kind of cold, I had mitts!) playing crib. Which if you need to know Mark won each game every night. Grrrrrrr. 

The next day our destination was a Curator. Shorter distance 8 km to walk so a bit more time to enjoy the scenery. First bit was amazing valleys with flowers and creeks and the mountains against the bright blue skies. 

Then through the big shovel pass where we enjoyed some yummy lunch of tuna and pita. And down to curator after. That was the kicker. We has to go down 1 km to the site knowing that we would be coming up the same way to the next destination. 

But you know what was waiting for us at curator. A lovely meal of stuffed chicken, broccoli and cheese, salad, roasted potatoes and cake. With iced tea even! There actually is a lodge at this site that day hikers do. They spend the night and day hike out the next day. Apparently you can pay for supper and breakfast even if you aren't staying at the lodge. So worth it. I told Mark he had to stop spoiling me on these home cooked amazing meals as it will become disappointing when it doesn't happen every time!  He he. Or he can just carry it on his back. 

After a lovely breakfast of cheese scones, pancakes, eggs and fruit we hiked up the 1 km and then some. The notch was the pass. Scorching sun and rock face. Hot hot hot. We think it was 32 degrees that day. But serious feelings of euphoria. Because then you could summit the top of many mountain tops. And that to me made this whole trip worth it. It was incredible to be at the top of the mountains. 

And I got really excited about a feature on my camera. Yup the panaramic is back and easier to do then ever!

And you can count on my partner finding snow at the top and throwing at me.

Overall it felt great to be at the top. The descent down was a bit of a trail. We should have stopped for water before the notch as there is no water in sight till about 2 km away from the Tekkara site approx 12 km total. But we survived with a few bits of burnt skin. Once at Tekkara we may have found the creek a bit refreshing and took a dip/swim which was glorious. There we enjoyed our last meal and laughed in giddiness at our over tiredness. 

On the way out which is approx 14 km it is a lot of descent down. You get to be at the top for about 5 km and then decline. That was bit tougher for me and my new hiking boots I am breaking in so I may have taken them off and hiked down in flip flops which was a 1000 times better. 

We made it down and did our fist pump for Anita. Ahh the sweet sound of cars and civilization. He he. 

Lastly we went to Famousa for our celebratory lunch/dinner of pizza and salad. Great overall trip! Highly reccommend to anyone that hikes or has the desire!

Love

An added message that I would like myself to remember in the future. It's a serious note. When Mark and I visited the redwoods this year I had a feeling of smallness. That these magnificent trees have lived so long. Seen so much and survived through it. Questions of wonder and I found a bit of my spiritual side coming out. 

Same for this hike. In a world where you are surrounded by highways and cars on ground, restaurants, bustle and humans everywhere, even in Japser, you seem pretty huge and significant. You look up at where you were just at the top and you can't see a remote human from ground. Up top, you are small insignificant. Everything around you thrives and relishes without your involvement. It's humbling and beautiful. That's what I felt at the end of the hike. I kind of liked it too. 

Seattle bound

Let's go back to the beginning. Our first destination on this little road trip was Seattle.

Mark had done all the research on this marvellous vacation and tragically there were no camping sites nearby. Thankfully he did come across three out of town. The first was the closest. A KOA in Kent. It was kind of different camping off the road and all. But we had showers, grocery store nearby AND wifi. And really we were just there to sleep. Plus it had an added bonus of being close to the bus route to take us to downtown Seattle! And that is just what we did. 

The first day we were up and out. And it was a busy day! Took the bus on the outskirts of downtown. Walked and looked at the people, buildings and bustle. 

Got to the top of the hill and saw Pike market. Huge and fantastic is all I can say. Okay I can say more. There were dozens of vendors with flowers, beautiful arrangements, for cheap cheap cheap. Fish vendors tossing fish around and calling to the crowds. A bakery that had apple fritters and other doughnuts the size of footballs. Not to mention the odds and end stores throughout the place selling toys, pet goodies and clothing. It was a fun place to be. The only commercial thing they had was the first Starbucks and that is just because when it first opened it was the very first one on that street and it wasn't a chain then. 

 

 

Next we hit up a tour, called the underground tour (not before walking down to the pier). Very fun. We had a pretty funny tour guide who made fun of Canadians and anyone who wasn't from Seattle and then even if you were. Not to ruin it but basically a fire happened and luckily no one died but a rebuild was in need. At the same time they needed to build the city up due to floods. So they built the buildings as is but anticipated a build up so the second stories were going to eventually be first stories. I found it amusing. 

 

During the time we went Seattle/ Washington had just legalized marijauna. I mean that day. And as we walked wouldn't you know that there were already tour buses set up to take you to the stores and get the merchandise and allow you to smoke it in their bus. Interesting although not interested. Ha ha. 

After the underground tour we walked towards Safeco field, because we decided to see a baseball game! But before we had time to kill and I found an antique mall that was absolutely huge and fantastic right by the Starbucks headquarters. Didn't buy anything, shocking I know!

Once at the Mariners game I found myself kind of amazed. It was a super experience even if you are not a baseball fan. The stadium was so clean with multiple food concessions nothing of which I am used to. I had crab and chips while Mark had a brisket that was being carved on the spot. Yummy. And during that time we happened to get seats right beside two guys from Calgary (on a road trip of their own). Small world! Unfortunately the home team lost but fun overall with many bloopers to see in between innings and multiple things to watch. I mean it had to be good if we stayed for all nine innings right?

 

It was a pretty busy first day. Our second we spent going to the space needle and checking out the "duck" tour. A tour that boasts going both on land and water. Again our guide was quite fun as he invented games like saying "ch-ching" everytime you see a Starbucks, played great music, and frankly any tour that encourages dancing to the 'YMCA' when you see construction workers is good in my books.  We went throughout the city and then checked out the houses on the water. Even saw the house from 'Sleepless in Seattle'.

 

 

After that we checked out the gum wall. Kind of gross. All I have to say about that. Then we bought veggies and fresh fish (at the Pike market again) for our journey south. In the mid afternoon we hopped into our truck and cruised down the US 101!

Love

Surrey and San Francisco

Our vacation began in Edmonton and the final destination was San Fransisco. I seriously questioned if we would make it but we did and had a rather enjoyable experience overall.

Unlike most people that travel there. We stayed outside of the actual city, camping in Marin, Mt Tamalpais, California. It was a pretty cool site, nice facilities overall. Only catch is we were not overly prepared with our backpacking stuff and had to drag all our camping stuff up a hill. Phew! But it was enjoyable. Except when Mark kept beating me in stettlers of catan. Stupid game. 

The other hitch was we had planned on bussing into SF in the day as we were by a bus route. However, the Parks host reccommended we do not as it will take way longer with transfers and such. So we drove through the toll (Golden Gate Bridge) everyday (still awaiting the bill in the mail). Actually quite easy, contrary to all the travel sites Mark read, saying not to drive. We were worried that parking would become a problem as that was what was said in the research but we found meters by the pier one day and a parking garage the other. Meters were cheaper for 1$ an hour!

Once in the city, we checked out Pier 39. Very cool shops. One devoted to just socks (I'm a sucker). Others were electronics, puzzles, clothes, sea shells, Christmas, tourism, fudge and candy (where I found my new love for salt water taffy). The food was great too. Fish and chips, coconut shrimp, crab and shrimp bannock, clam chowder. We got our fill of deep fried goodness!

At the pier, we could also take in a great view of the city, sea lions, boats, Alcatraz and the bridge. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to tour Alcatraz as it was pre-booked a month ahead till August 15. If looking to do this in the future, it's best to buy a package deal or a city pass as we were told on out last day. We found out too late. But it's never too late to go back again!

Loved the houses. I truly was fascinated by them as we walked through the city (the Full House theme song may have played in my head). We reached ChinaTown  where we found tons of interesting items from dried sea horses, shrimp to sea cucumbers. Very busy and bustling.  

After that we hopped onto a cable car. Too cool watching how they worked that. It takes two people to operate them! Crazy. And did I mention that their transportation is so neat as they had buses and cable cars operating from the many decades before us? Loved it. 

We made it to union square where we walked to the ferry station (basically a grand central station for boats). Back to the pier and then headed back to our site. 

The next day we took a rocket boat ride in the water. Good fun. Then drove to SF park. Here we had a most hilarious expedition on the Surrey bike. I really wanted to go to the park and rent bikes. We were there for such a short amount of time I figured biking around would be an easy and quick way to explore the ginormous park. We found the rentals and Mark saw the surrey bikes. 

Looking interested we rented those. The guide told us it was easy and that we could get around the park in an hour through a series of left hand turns. So we were off on our double bike (which I might add had two steering wheels...but after five minutes I realized mine was just for show). 

Let's just say that we failed miserably at the directions as we ended up going up hills. And with a one speed bike that is hard. We ran into a Segway tour three times during our voyage and they chuckled and said we looked like we were working hard. A rollerblader may have come by and gave us a push and mentioned we looked like we were having a lot of fun. And Mark had me in a fit of laughter telling me to "push it" every pedal up the hill. Thus me slowing down as I was crying from laughing so hard and him pushing harder. Even better was the downhill where if we had a runner beside us they may have put us to shame. In the end our hour covered probably only 25% of the park. But it was fun and we got a SF ice cream treat so we were rewarded valiantly. Even the Segway tour operator who ran into us again (on the same tour) saw us eating made the comment that we earned that!

That was the end of our wonderful SF adventure. After that it was onward up the US 101 to Canada. Till next time. I will start at the beginning then!

Love

So this happened.

So I know I was going to talk about our vacation but something happend today that was sort of related. Very weakly related. Okay not really related.

So today got to be one of the hottest days of the year here. That's right. 30 degrees baby. So Mark and I spent the part of the day going to the dog park. Before checking out, our friends, children's snow cone stand (they made 30$!). After the walk we had gooey cinnamon buns and drank cold water. Could it get better? Yes! We made plans to be in an air conditioned building for the evening. 

Those plans I concocted was to bike ride to the movie theater and check out a movie. I mean it's cheap Tuesday! I don't work and he's on holidays. And I just like to bike any chance I can right now.

I joked as we biked how happy I was, as my bike makes me happy but biking with another is just so much more fun, thus doubly happy.  Mark laughed. 

I then said, "You know Mark, I need to change my focus. After this road trip I really think my motto should be the journey, not the destination."

He laughed again. 

I continued, "Like for instance this bike ride to the theater is just as fun. Even if the movie was sold out, I got to go on a bike ride."

Little did I know where this journey would take us. 

We got to the theater, locked up our bikes. Ate. Bought our tickets. Stood in line at the concession. Watched a twenty something girl pull down her pants and pee on the floor....wait what?

Yay that's right. Totally pulled down her pants and peed. My first instinct was really nothing. Then I thought, oh dear maybe cognitively she is just not with it...and it looked like I was right as she pulled up her pants and wavered to her boyfriend in an inebriated state. Mark, calmly went to the manager to tell him that their was urine on the floor. I stayed in line and spoke calmly to the 74 year old lady that was previously behind the girl. She exclaimed, "I have never seen something so discusting in my 74 years."  That lady then proceeded to talk to other people in line, as they too were outraged. 

Mark and I just stood their unfazed. The manager figured out the culprit and dealt with the situation. Then we went to our theater and sat down. And then we looked at each other and smiled. While others in the crowd were upset, we really were nonchalant. You can tell that we have been exposed to some weird stuff in our careers. It sadly almost seemed like a normal day. That brought us into a fit of laughter. The whole ludicrous situation. Even after the movie, we talked briefly about it but couldn't stop laughing about the previous escapade. 

Life really is about the journey. Who cares about the destination! The journey is hilarious!

Love

And two years ago

We got married. So happy anniversary my love. You always seem to get me out of the tight jams in life.

We just got back from vacation and I am still pretty exhausted. More on the vacation later. Today I woke up with a migraine and feeling tired. Not the greatest person to be around for a celebration. This is when I have Mark who always seems to deliver. I unpacked all of our stuff and cleaned and Mark took the dog for a hour and half walk, did my outside errands and made me a most delicious supper of Thai burgers and salad (oh salad I have missed thee).

Happy anniversary!

Love you. 

Happy Days Canada

Have you ever had a bannock burger? It is am-azing! So good.

Took the dogs for a walk along Victoria park to the Legislature. Heard the band, smelled the flowers, heard all 21 shots in the 21 gun salute (dogs didn't think it was that cool). Perused by the tanks and model cars....then to the food trucks. 

Hello bannock burger. Yum yum. Worth every penny. 

So far canada day you are treating me right! Bring on the bike ride and fireworks!

Love

Colour me happy

So after a year of anticipation....Jimi and I finally had our race. And it was fun. 

We headed down to Calgary for colour me rad, 2014. This was all due to last year, Edmonton selling out so fast....then the unfortunate flood that happened during the actual race day. Then their rescheduled race being on August long and me working. Thus them, transferring our race to this year. So, yes, it was long and awaited!

The road trip was fun. Practicing our race faces in the car (and our stride). Listening to fun road trip songs. Rapping like no other. And laughing of course. You always laugh when your around Jimi. 

 

Then to Canadian Olympic Park. We arrived super early, so we hung out by the DJ booth, practicing our Zumba and dance moves. And maybe threw a few colour bombs towards each other. He he. White shirts no longer. 

Actually we bought a pressurized container that was filled with colour. And I had the honors of using while Jimi had the honors of receiving the blue powder. After that the attention came. Smurf, avatar and pictures galore. They were in awe of my brother. Lol. It was hilarious. 

Then the race. The announcer said right before, you know it's running alongside the bobsled track right. Yes, folks. That means up. Ugh. Utter failure for me. Did a bit of walking (okay a lot) up the hill. But Jimi was a champ running quite a bit. He did amazing. 

All in all a fun day and glad I could spend it with him. Good road trip!

Additional bonus, we were lucky to come home to a bomb fire and hot dogs waiting to be cooked. Lovely husband!

Happy summer!

Love

The first summer weekend

And guess what....no rain, no snow. 

It was spectacular. 

Yoga with my brother

Breakfast at Cora's (a first for Mark and me, well worth it)

Sitting in our truck, facetiming my parents

Ride my bike to pick up fire desserts

Firepit, with cherry pies, chocolate crossaints and banana boats

Then a walk to the dog park

Where my partner went to the puppy carnival (with our dog)

Bobbing for hot dogs, digging for treats, and playing with friends (the dog)

I went to baby sit a cute blondie and redhead

Played on the swings, and made Dino sounds

Busy, beautiful summer weekend. 

Love these kind of days

Love

Happy sun

Oh happy days. I realize I have not written on this blog in a long time. Truthfully, I have kind of cut myself off from social media a bit and I am kind of loving it. I am truly, utterly, no qualms about it, enjoying summer. 

This is what I have been up to lately....

Bentley

Yes of course I am going to talk about the dog. What a life force he has been in our lives. He can be wild, loving, disobedient, and obiedient...really he is just one crazy dog. He has given us some frustration as he runs off, and rolls in less than desireable substances. But with that we have laughed as he runs, plays, greets us with 'waggles' and when we bath him after those less than desireable substances, we get even.  

Bonus about the dog is we have been forced to always be outdoors at least a half hour to hour a day as he needs two walks. It's nice to be out and about in the sun, and yes even the rain. With that, my running has kind of taken a bit of the wayside again this year. I do it on occasion but definitely not enough. Kind of miss it, but not that much. Funny how that is. 

Bike

What I really was looking forward to this year was riding my bike. And I have taken it out a couple of times already and love it. I have a basket that I would love to rig up and then do grocery shopping. But don't think that is going to stop me from going places. All I am doing now is thinking of places to take it. I kind of feel like a kid riding it and it just makes me feel so happy. I may have called out my partner from the house just so he could watch me ride it....yes just like a child. 

Truck

Speaking of my partner (and showing off pretty things), we got something he really enjoys. Yes. I can officially say we got a truck. A red one to boot. I, a girl born in the maritimes, who loves seafood and the ocean married an Alberta born, red meat loving boy who now owns a truck. He he. And he is really happy about it. I think it's a boy thing. Because every time I tell my friends husbands their eyes light up and they seem to want to know all about it. 

Regardless I am happy as I hate hate hate vehicle shopping. Really and truly. When our other vehicle broke down I was dreading the whole process. Ugh. But we found one. It's ready and it's on the road. Yay!

And a big thank you thank you thank you to my inlaws that lent us their vehicle during the shopping process. 

Work

I really hate to say too much about work in fear of jinxing it but so far so good. Enjoying it immensely. Still tons to learn as always. But it's enjoyable and so far people have been so good. Being new is so intimidating and overwhelming at times but I am making by. And I kind of enjoy this casual business although keep thinking that I should probably get a second one in the fall...we shall see. 

Bonus about casual is that I am not doing the six to eight in a row that I was doing before so I have a bit more down time. So yes I am attempting to garden, able to do some less than desireable spring cleaning (ugh our garage was discusting) and I get to see my....

Friends

Who I missed so much. Valuable get togethers that are so necessary for a girl to have.  That is all I have to say about that. 

Other than that, in my downtime at nights I have become addicted to....

Game of thrones 

My parents lent me three seasons and oh dear it's addicting. I know I may be slow on the uptake as this is a show that many have watched and watching already. But holy cow. Addicting. I called my mom last night and discussed the show with her for a half an hour. 

That's about it. 

Hope your summer is treating you nicely too. 

Love

Summer days with friends.

So I said way back when, that I was going to blog about my dear friends. Well I didn't forget so let's talk about dear, Anita.

I just saw her the other day actually at the market. It's fitting as that is the kind of thing I love to do with her. We go to markets, craft fairs, check out restaurants that I have never heard of, as she is a great foodie and knows up and coming places to go. Don't get me wrong she is a master shopper like myself and we did quite a bit of damage here. But it's fun when we can explore other different exciting haunts. 

Anita is a person that I can talk about anything with. She is smart and ever so politically savvy. She is passionate about change and making a difference and I find myself gravitated towards her and inspired when we speak about people with disabilities, or those that are vulnerable. 

She has been a fantastic travel companion that I hope never ends as we explore the world together. And she gets riled up as badly as I do, which can be a little harmful when we go home to our partners. He he. 

Really I couldn't imagine my life without her. We have busy lives (hers more that mine) but I am so glad that we have managed to maintain our friendship and keep it going all these years. 

And on that note. So happy with her new position. All the best to you and congratulations. You will do great things. And this is just the beginning!

Love

Trip to the maritimes involves

Day 1

Warm spring days. 

Kayaking down the Nashwaak

Having tuna fish sandwhiches and cookies. 

A trip to moms favourite store. 

Find out that mom was driving a car with a loose wheel...after the fact

Then a favourite supper that dad makes involving pork chops, sour cream and apples. Yum!

Go quading around the trees to see dad's work. 

Top it off with, "do you want to build a snowman". 

Day 2 

Early start to the morning. 

Cousin Jason drops by and I see him for a second as before I had to leave. 

Off to the market with Aunt Cheryl and mom. 

Stop for breakfast of a lox bagel. 

See moms cousin Kim, Beth and Amy. 

Walk downtown as the sun is out. 

Gather groceries for the day. 

Return home and nap. 

Then have lobster, garlic toast, and salad topped with butterscotch pie. 

And because I really love to eat,

Convince mom to buy a whirly pop and make popcorn for the movie, "about time". 

Day 3

Early again. I am starting to get pretty sleepy. 

Stop in Harvey. 

Saw my great great grandfathers and mothers home 

where my great grandma Eva Tracey lived. 

It is now called the kubbyhole. 

Drive to Bocabec.  

Baby shower for a little one and my cousin Heidi. 

Saw cousin Beth and aunt Beth. 

Loveliness. 

Serious movie of August: Osage County. 

Good night. 

Day 4

Sleep in finally!

Doughnuts in jam cause that's what you do when you are on vacation and visiting your parents. 

Drive into Fredericton to see Nan. 

Show off your dog. 

Speak of an incident of a small toddler (I bet she was cute) eating a prized tomato of her grandfathers way back in the 80s....any guesses?

Checked out the largest pothole In NB, although I feel AB still can give a run for the money. 

Fish, fiddleheads, salad, and spicy potatoes. 

Off to Zumba....because did mention I bought another butterscotch pie. Yum!

Finish the night with dancing with the stars. 

Day 5

Rainy hazy day. 

Watched a bit of tv. 

Made cinnamon buns. 

Went for a walk in the woods and saw the twin (trees). 

Went to the city to see the movie Godzilla. 

Facetimed the family at home. 

And found a horrible new ipad game to be addicted to. 

Day 6

Rain comes again. 

So it's a lazy hazy day of leftovers. 

Talking. 

Lounging. 

TV watching. 

Then out to dinner with the Robertson clan for dinner. 

Mini reunion with the cousins (without Jimi, we missed you!)

Good family talks with games in the restaurant. 

Good way to end!

Love

Nursing moments

As I finish off my last week of my current job I have found myself sentimental of the moments I had with staff and patients. I know that I am making the right descison. But isn't it funny that when you decide to leave a job and embark on something new, you find yourself looking at the present situation as wonderful and amazing and the new one looks a bit more daunting than you last imagined it?

I talked this over with my family and husband and am told that this is a natural reaction and everything looks brighter and better when there is something new and different in the horizon. 

Regardless I have been thinking of some really positive moments that I have had. That I have loved and enjoyed. And I think that is really where you want to leave things off. 

There were shifts that I have managed to be in patients rooms laughing as they tell wonderful stories, joking with me, pranking me. They became friends with their roommates and would look out for them, discussing their ailments with each other and being each other cheerleaders. And I would cheer them both on, pleased at how people can really make the most of their situation and find a friend in the process. 

Other shifts where goals of care would be switched as medical intervention could know longer help. They would become comfort care and I would be there to hold their hand, wash their skin, control their pain and massage their feet if time permits. Those were fantastic moments. 

Other rotations was with the dream team. They were a collective of nurses that I truly loved and admired and would consider them friends. Usually on an evening shift. We would make plans for cupcakes and treats one day to keep us going to day 6 in our rotation. Or make plans to dye a long term patients hair as she was in need of primping and fauning that you just don't get in a hospital. These were the people that would come to my aid if I needed help with a boost, med, info, or wash. Love love love them. And will miss those the most. I have laughed with them, vented with them, offered words of encouragement as they did for me and just enjoyed them so much. 

Sure there were days where I have gotten hit, sworn at, yelled at. Some days I would go home questioning, feeling despair, or anxiety. Good talks with family would usually help. Then I would talk with myself. I am a person that tends to give power to the negative things said to me and dismiss the positive with little regard of what was said. It is a work in process. As apparently I need to believe it when people say I am good at what I do.....blah blah blah. I still can't say what people have said to me in actual quotations, he he. One day, but it is something that I am starting to believe as I embark on new adventures. 

It has definitely been an adventure. A year of growth. A year of knowledge. And a year that I have pushed myself into situations I could not have imagined being in. 

And it's just the beginning....

Love

Lost mittens

As we walked our dog down a grassy path

A path that I frequent regularly now that we have a dog

Mark spotted a mitten

Did you drop a mitten recently, Tracey?

Nope, I replied

Just making sure as this could have been yours. 

This has been a year of lost mittens. 

One in November, in Jasper

One in a movie theater in Edmonton 

One in the work parking lot in St. Albert 

And finally one just recently in a building in Stony Plain

Could it be that the winter was this long?

Or that I am this absent minded?

Regardless thank you to my husband for keeping a look out on the orphan mittens. 

Love

Sickness

So I got sick. It was a few weeks ago. And never had I felt like that before. Some kind of stomach flu. But when I googled stomach flu it actually came up that there was no such thing. But I think that is the best descriptor for most to understand what was happening. 

It was also the first time that I had to call in sick without giving a bit of notice. And I felt horrible. Two am sick calls on a weekend. I know I was sick, blah blah blah. But it's okay to feel bad for the people that are going to be working that shift right? (Wink, wink). Thankfully the charge that I talked to was so understanding and nice about it that I didn't worry. 

Now that I am over the sickness and can actually look at perogies now, he he. I have to give a big appreciation shout out to my partner. I can sometimes be (a little) unsympathetic to his blights of illness...poor thing. But as I rolled down the stairs the next morning half, sleep, with chills going up my back and extreme pain jabbing me from all sides he took care of me. 

He went to the store and bought me five different flavored Gatorade drinks to boost up my hydration and electrolytes. He made me chicken broth and rice to eat. He let me be as I slept on and off the day. And at night when the pain still wouldn't go away and I was still experiencing "chills" he went out again to buy me Tylenol, allowing me to sleep 11 straight hours that night and morning. 

He's a good man. I could learn a lot from him. Ha ha ha. 

Love

Two wolves

So I mentioned before that I was reading the book "Prime," by Ariana Huffington. Lots of valuable thoughts and stories in it that I am going to attempt to practice in the coming months...hopefully years! Blog on some of those things in later posts. 

But one story that I loved loved loved was this one! I had to search for it immediately after. Such a wonderful lesson! Hope you enjoy! 

A Native America Indian legend

Two wolves

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. He told him of the battle that goes on inside people. 

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, jealousy, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” 

He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Love

whoopsie!

Bringing in May with a whoops....so I actually made a few posts at the end of April. But it looks like I forgot to publish them....so enjoy.

AND...

Happy May 1. Spring is upon us. Let's enjoy!

love

Bentley

We got a dog. And I kind of love him. I am surprised at the amount of affection I have for this giant beast of a dog. He is cute. And big. He is affectionate. And big. He is cuddly. And big. He is friendly....and did I mention he is big!

I have been wanting a dog for a couple of months. Mark always expressed a want for a rescue dog so I have been perusing the website looking at the perfect fit for our family. Cat friendly, bathroom trained and additional training is a bonus. Kid friendly as we have friends, with little ones. It was a tough criteria as I looked at all the cute dogs that just wouldn't work. 

But then we found him. Bentley. Two years old. Black lab and oh so nice. When I first saw him he was cute. Mark loved him right off the bat. I thought, this could work. I was cautiously attached. But then I found myself looking forward to coming home from work. Looking forward to going for walks. Looking forward to tossing the ball and playing with him. That's right. He's got me wrapped around his paw. I kind of love the big guy. 

 

So now we have a dog. And he is big. 

Love

Moments that make me smile

I am watching Jurassic Park right now. You know that scene in that movie. The pivotal scary moment where you just hear the foot on the ground. 'Thump, thump, thump'. You get chills up your spine. The danger is coming. The water in the puddle is vibrating rhythmically to the sound of the 'thump, thump thump.'

That moment always makes me laugh. Always. I think of Jeaninne. We were on a plane boarded to Italy for a school trip. We were overtired and hysterical. Committed to not sleeping. Joking around. Playing games and talking. The flight attendant came around and brought us water. Setting it down on our trays, it rippled in accordance to the plane's engine. Jeaninne quickly quipped, 'It's coming!'  Mimicking the movie, Jurassic Park. 

Still to this day when I see the water vibrate in the puddle and hear the 'thump thump thump,' I am brought back to that plane ride. Our seventeen year old selves laughing and giggling in that moment. 

I love that moment. 

Love

The tides are a changing

How does one find happiness?

These long winter months, (yes I continue to say that as the snow trickles down) have been a challenge to find just that. What makes me happy? Being housebound, with the never ending snow can be more than a little depressing. Not that I was always housebound. But if you read a few posts prior to this you will understand that one of my enjoyments (working out and the gym) was a little side tracked with a knee injury. Blah. 

So I needed to get to the root of the problem. Why was I so unhappy? Sure weather played an impact. Sometimes the feel of sun, warmth and light is revitalizing. Seriously. Cheesy maybe for some. But we have had glimpses of it during this periodic snowfall (seriously, poor Canada this winter) and it has been fantastic. Feeling more energetic just uplifts the mood. 

I wasn't the only one that felt the winter blues. Talking to a few friends and family and the lack of sun has soured many. This forced my partner, and my parents to make a pact for next spring break. Sunshine is in our future and we are going to seek it out no matter what. 

Weather wasn't the only thing that impacted my mood. I took on an incredible opportunity to work in a casual job on top of my current position. I was happy to get the job but I was working my 3 jobs more than I personally wanted to. 

I didn't realize it at the time, but it was impacting my mood at home. Increasingly grumpy, tired as my get away from work became chores, errands and sleep. I missed my friends. I missed talking to my family. And I missed my partner. In particular I missed happy times with my partner. It seems unhappiness spreads. When one is sad and miserable the other tends to get to be the same. Doesn't make for a happy household. 

However good things come out from this. Family are ever so encouraging. They had my back no matter what. Put a smile on my face. Listened to my fears. Loved me. Friends were the same. And don't dismiss my partner. We learned different ways to communicate and to continue on, growing further in our relationship. 

The next descison was a particular hard one. But I decided to leave my current job and delve into the casual one over the summer. It is something that I am interested in and why I chose my current career. I am excited at the opportunity for learning, and growth. 

But I have to say I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to work in the hospital that I did. I learned so much and met some incredible people. I learned the essence of teamwork. I learned how to deliver safe, effective patient care while maintaining my integrity and compassion. I really couldn't have asked for more. But after a year and a bit. I am ready to move on. 

So the tides are a changing. And it scares me but truthfully I have a sense of immeasurable relief and glimmers of happiness. This last year happiness has not always been easily achieved. Something hard to write about on a blog about happiness. But maybe it's not suppose to be easy! 

Presently I am reading 'Prime' by Ariana Huffington. She said something that impacted my present quest. Happiness takes practice. Making an effort to be happy, finding mindfulness and seeking out simple pleasures can help ones own emotional well being. So I am going back to the beginning. Some of these things will be shared on my blog. Others in my life. But let's just say I am excited at the new prospects my life will bring.  

Love

Corn starch

I was cooking today and I grabbed the corn starch from the top shelf of the cupboard. And then I smiled. I thought of a moment not so long ago. With my parents.  At the end of December. 

Dad was making fun of my paper towel holder and how it takes so much space in the cupboard (it's one of the ones that hooks on top of the cupboard and hides your paper towels inside the cupboard). I told him he was wrong. He proceeded to tell me he could keep 2lbs of chocolate chips in his cupboard. Not to be outdone, I pulled open mine to show him my big bag of chocolate chips when....

Poof. Corn starch comes tumbling down. Poof again! It powders me, the counter, the cupboards, the floor, the sink....everywhere!

Dad took one look and was hysterical. Zingers coming out as I proclaimed, "mom placed the corn starch there." "It's a little persons trap," he replied. As I moved from my spot, he laughed harder noting the corn starch markings on the floor, outlining a person, just like police tape. Between fits of laughter he called my mother who came in denying my accusations (she is probably right) and at the same time grabbing her camera to take pictures like I am a celebrity and she is the paparazzi. 

I gasped, "I am going to go have a shower". Dad quipped, "Be careful. You may not be able to move after." 

That is what I am reminded of today with that box of corn starch, right by my paper towels.  Dad still stands by his opinion of my paper towel holder. And I still stand by mine. But I could be wrong on that too. At least a funny story came from it. And I will forever be reminded. 

Love

Olympics....I won't be seeing you anytime soon

So it turns out I am not an olympic skier. Shocking I know. 

I think the first clue would have been when I took a look at my ski jacket. The last ski pass on there was Fernie 2010. Whatever. I am a champ. I can conquer any mountain. I am a pretty good skier. I mean I have been doing it since I was 8. 

The next clue may have been that I thought about the last time I sharpened my skis. It probably wasn't good that I don't remember. But whatever. Sharpened skis don't mean anything.

Then it was overcast. And I couldn't really see in front of me. And my googles started to fog. Then ice. But who needs googles anyway? And my legs know skis. It's in my blood. He he. Okay so three things aren't looking good. 

I actually started to feel sick as it felt like a scary ride of bumps that could only be stopped by me. But I couldn't stop as how do you get off the top of the mountain without going down? Solution? Go to the other mountain. 

Eureka! No overcast. Gorgeous conditions. Two runs in. I am feeling great. Sickeness gone. Skiing up a storm. Look over at my partner. Wow. He is a great skier too. We are awesome. Who needs to sit and watch the Olympics, when you can perform like an Olympian in life?

Run three. Go in for the first turn. No edge in the ice. Slip, head first down the hill. Clunk your head. Oww. Skis stay on as you slide head first. You manage to stop. You get up. Shake it off. Your partner comes to your aid. You feel okay and proceed to ski down. Then something doesn't feel right in your one leg. You turn just a little...and ow. 

Okay time for the ski out. No biggie. Will try harder tomorrow. Grumble a little bit (or maybe a lot). Sit down for a lovely dinner. Get up to leave. Ooooooo dear. This leg is really hard to move now. "I think it's best we head home tomorrow, maybe we will go back in a month". 

He he. Now time to ice ice ice. Watching the Olympics isn't that bad. 

Love

Happy family day.

I love my family. I have said this many times over. And I think I have expressed this on this blog many times over as well. Well let's talk about my small little family as well. That would be my husband. And let's talk about his views.

Family is very important to him. Many think it is me, but I think he plays sometimes a bigger role influencing my view on family, than I on him. Or maybe we just enhance each other's? 

When I talk about visiting my parents he is the first to say do it. No questions asked. He actually will encourage it on times when I don't think to go. It's like he senses I need my mom and dad. He gets along with my brother too. I see so much endless support when it comes to those two. He was extraordinary when my brother broke his leg and has been a good head to lean on with more personal matters this year. 

Of course it's not just my family either. If his parents call for a favor, his usual reply is what time and when, without question. He adores them, a quality that is always nice to see in your partner. He makes himself available at important family events, helps host, asks what needs to be done and is there to do it. Calls his brother to check up on him. When it rained on his sisters wedding he drove the morning of to pick up umbrellas. And loves playing uncle to his little nephew. 

I think as you grow up in your family, you love them but you are always hanging out with the parents who embarass you and the little brother who bugs you all the time. Then you reach a point where that doesn't happen anymore. 

You realize your parents aren't embarrassing they are really interesting. And your siblings are pretty cool in their own right. You gain a greater appreciation of them and cherish the moments you have with them.  Let's face it. You want to spend time with them! Maybe even making memories that are to be treasured more. 

That's what my little family has taught me. It's been a fun journey so far with my little family. And hopefully the memories with our little family continue to grow with laughter and love and experience.  And with our bigger families too!

Happy family day!

Love

Oh canada

I kind of love you. You are a fabulous country. There is so much to do around you. You have wonderful parks. You have fantastic aspects of nature. And you have amazing people. I am sorry I don't say that I appreciate you more often. You really should be thanked more.

Every two years I feel a great pride for you. I see people that belong to your country show acts of kindness, athleticism, pride and joy. Funny thing is this happens on a daily occurrence in our country. And not just in sports. But to see it on a international stage just makes me proud.

I love that we have people that will forfeit their opportunity in a race for the better person. And that person medal. I love that another will come to the aid of another country so that they can finish the race. I love seeing two sisters hold hands while on the podium. And I love that our passports open a beer fridge! And I loved this article as it made me laugh as I felt more pride. Because we can be good and can win at times too. Not always the most important in my eyes but nice!

The Olympics does something for me. I normally don't care about sports. But speedskating, figure skating and yes even hockey is on constant stream in our home. I find my self watching snowboard competitions with fascination and with one eye open I will catch the skeleton and luge. I FaceTime my mother and we watch and comment on the Olympics together. Seeing if we can out do each other with the latest olympic gossip, trivia or unknown fact. 

Oh olympics. I have had such fun times. Calgary 88 my great Aunt Elizabeth came down as we saw Elizabeth Manley skate to silver. I vowed I would be her...for two years. Barcelona, 92, I was tumbling around the basement practicing layouts and back handsprings, perfecting my splits just like Shannon Miller. Lillehammer, 94, I watched my dad quote Jean-Luc Brassard, "I love to fly" in his gold medal win. In Atlanta 96 I was home alone for two weeks (for the first time) as I screamed and laughed to Donovan Bailey winning the gold in the 100 m sprint. So many memories. 

Cut to spending Valentines Day with Mark in 2010 watching Vancouver in a small mountain town at Boston Pizza...eating a heart shaped pizza no less and seeing Alex Bilodeau hug his brother after his gold medal win. His brother, having cerebral palsy, touched my heart about how great this win was for him and his family. And I have great fondness for London 2012 as we honeymooned and watched Jamaica win the 100 m sprint with Usian Bolt. 

Canada and the Olympics you have brought me and my family together. You have made me feel proud. And I kind of love you!

Love

Good friend

I got to spend today with three of my favourite people in the whole world. Two are small and cute and one is a girl i really could not live without. That's right little P, baby M and my favourite redhead (non related...although we still question that), Jeaninne.

Quite a nice afternoon. It was a short visit. Jeaninne was taking the girls to west ed and I had to get some errands done as I am going to be working a long stretch starting tomorrow. So we met up and I went to the under water aquarium with them. Touched the stingrays, anemones, and starfish with little P. Watched the sharks eat, along with the sea turtles. And even saw some nemos!  Lovely short visit. 

It got me thinking about my friends. I am truly blessed. I probably have some of the best girlfriends around. I will talk about others later but just a little glimpse at Jeaninne. 

One of the greatest things about this girl is ability to be happy and joyful about all those around her. She is never spiteful. She is honest and always there to listen and encourage. And she is so genuinely happy for all her friends milestones and events. She is probably the most empathetic person I know. She hates that she can be emotional at times and cares so much. I think that is one of her greatest gifts. 

I remember when I got engaged. I think she was more excited than I was (and I was pretty excited). And I can't even go into how involved she became in the wedding, amazing. She was slideshow coordinator, house host, provided car rental, and just all around there. 

I am just so happy she is in my life. I don't ever want to take that friendship for granted. 

Just grateful. 

Love

A little Christmas in February.

I cannot get over that it is February already. Where has the time gone? It had gone from hot to cold from warm to down right freezing today. I hate it when the weather does that. I start to get a little to hopeful that maybe, just maybe, spring will come a little earlier than normal. He he. 

But this was a nice surprise in this crazy weather. I let my amaryllis continue to grow this year and cut off the dead stems and what did I get. A bigger and taller one than the initial flower that came. Sure is pretty!

Love