City Girl.

Last weekend, a bunch of us "Calgarians" went to a hockey game at the Saddledome. With the NHL lockout, it seems like taking in a WHL game on a Friday night is the thing to do for us hockey fans. I've felt like something was missing from my life, and it was the smell of the rink, the atmosphere of the game, and the team spirit. Growing up watching my brother play hockey saw a love for the sport grow within me. So, when Jenny proposed going to see a game with a group of people, I didn't hesitate to commit! 

The hockey game was great and everything, but I learned something about myself that night that has nothing to do with hockey. Allow me to paint a picture for you. My roommate Andrea and I both work until 6pm and the game started at 7pm. We knew we wanted to cab or take the transit to the Saddledome. By 6:40pm when we still hadn't succeeded in contacting a cab (ALL phone lines were busy!) we ran to catch the bus outside the apartment. We already know at this point that we are going to be late for the 7pm start time. We had to make a connecting bus downtown, but because of construction, we couldn't find the stop. Here's where the story gets good...

Andrea: "They must have removed the bus stop because of construction!"

Me: "Should we take the C-Train?" 

Andrea: "I don't know..." 

Me: "Or I could hail a cab!?" 

As I stepped off the curb slightly, and with the swift lift of my left arm holding up one finger and waving at the yellow SUV cab coming my way, the driver swerved in our direction and gave us a lift to the rink. I sat in the front seat with this goofy grin on my face, not knowing that Andrea was thinking the exact same thing I was. When we got out of the cab, Andrea just looked at me and said (something along the lines of): "You look like you've done that before!"

I had my first Carrie Bradshaw moment...This means I'm a real city girl, right?!

Motivation is the Key to Success.

What's important is not necessarily where you are, 

but in what direction you are going.

I attended my first Weight Watchers meeting last night, and I left felling extremely motivated and excited to start the program. Today is officially my first day of my new "lifestyle change." The program has changed a little bit since that last time I did it in high school. Your daily point total isn't decided upon solely by your weight, but figured out through an equation that takes into account your sex, age, height, and weight. I as given lots of resources and all of the welcome forms, and then I watched as person after person hopped onto the scales and found themselves a seat for the meeting. 

As I left work yesterday on my way to the meeting, I could feel a nauseous pit in my stomach making me question my motives and decision. To get to the building, I have to pass right by my apartment. I kid you not, I totally convinced myself not to go and turned the blinker to turn right onto my street instead of continuing straight. I was worried about so many things - would I be the only younger person? Would people judge me? Would people stare and know that I was new? Would the employees snicker about me? Would I look out of place? Talk about insecurities! Then I thought about how much I would be letting myself down if I backed out. I would just be quitting all over again - without even starting in the first place! So I went. And am I ever glad I did! 

We talked about the holidays and what to expect when you're on a diet. We talked about strategies and ways to still eat the things we love, but not over do it. I totally know that I'm starting a diet at the most inconvenient time. Christmas and the holidays are so much about family, and a lot about food too. But with will power and support, I know I can get through it and still enjoy all the Christmas fixings that I love so dearly (mmm, gravy and mashed potatoes!) 

This blog isn't going to turn into a tracking device for my weight loss. But the reason I did start this blog was to document my life and as a means to look back at this crucial and ever changing time in my life. All of the readers and support from my family and friends are just the cherry on top of a pretty sweet cake! So every now and then I might post about my successes and maybe some of my worries. 

At the end of the meeting yesterday, our instructor showed us the quote above on the board ("What's important is not necessarily where you are, but in what direction you are going.") Talk about relevant! Relevant to my new weight loss journey, relevant to my future career, relevant to my present day life. 

Did I mention that I left the meeting highly motivated?

Turning Over a New Leaf.

For about two years now, I've been promising myself that I would get in better shape and lose some weight. I did DVD workout programs, dieted, and tried to go to the gym/pool more often. What I found was that most of the time I'd lose focus once, and that would ruin it for me permanently. You know what I mean? Like those evenings when you're exhausted and you say to yourself "I'll go tomorrow." Or "Just this once." In the end, I quit. I don't like that I'm a quitter, but the reality is that it was easier for me to quit than to continue. So that's what I did. 

Now I'm at a point in my life where I have a constant daily routine and I have an income that can allow me to join a gym and dieting program. So, on Wednesday I will be attending my first Weight Watchers meeting. On top of that, I have been going to the pool every Sunday to do between 1 and 2 km in lengths (minus this past Sunday - congrats to whoever won the swim meet that took up the time block that is adult lengths). I have done Weight Watchers in the past when I was in high school with my mother. We both were quite successful and I think that this program will work for me again. I think the biggest difference for me between joining Weight Watchers and dieting on my own is the fact that I will have someone to report to once a week. They will be there to weigh me in and to view my point totaling for the week. They will know when I've cheated, and I will be focused on not letting them down, and subsequently, not letting myself down.

So, in preparation for my new routine, I went out this weekend and bought a cookbook at a used book store that is full of Weight Watcher recipes and their point totals. Like my mother, I'm not a sandwich person. I like one here and there, but not every day. So what ends up happening is that I eat out for lunch or just eat little snacky things to tie me over until supper time. I need to have stuff pre-prepared that are quick and easy to reheat that I can eat for lunch. My first recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup with Vegetables. I posted pictures on Instagram and had a lot of people asking me for the recipe and commenting on how delicious it looked. I'll tell you right now - it's AMAZING! So for those of you who are interested, here's the recipe. Super easy to make, and done in under an hour. 

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, thinly sliced
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
4 cups fat-free lower-sodium chicken broth
3/4 pound skinless boneless chicken thighs
1/3 cup quick-cooking brown rice
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme; cook stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften (about 5-6 min). Add the broth and chicken; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.

2. Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to a cutting board; cool 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cover the saucepan and return to a simmer.

3. With 2 forks, shred the chicken. Add the chicken and rice to the saucepan and simmer, covered, until the rice is tender, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley and salt. 

If you make this recipe, let me know what you think! I portioned it into 4 containers (1.5 cups in each) and put them in the freezer. The book says that if you microwave them on high for 5 minutes, they'll be hot and ready to eat. 

Wish me luck!

Recipe originally from the book by Weight Watchers entitled "From Pantry to Plate - Easy Meals from Foods You Keep on Hand"

Happy Birthday, Amanda!

Today is my amazing friend Amanda's 23rd birthday! Amanda and I go back about 5 years. We met when we both lived in Holy Cross House during our first year of university but didn't become the kindred spirits that we are today until our 4th year when we were RA's together in Vanier Hall. Then we became roommates during our grueling year as education students. And now we are beginning our lives in the "real" world - her in China, and I in Calgary. 14 hours apart. When this all came about it almost seemed impossible to stay in touch with someone so distant. But when you have a friend as dedicated, loyal, and kind hearted as Amanda, it's hard to not have that constant light in your life. 

I guess what I'm trying to say here, Amanda, is that I miss you and I wish you a million birthday wishes and only wish that I could celebrate with you. Hopefully this blog post will help connect us across the miles and affirm the love and admiration I have for you, friend!

On your 23rd birthday, I want to take one of your birthday blog post rituals and give it back to you. Here are 23 reasons why I'm glad I have you in my life (mostly in the form of memories):

(In no particular order): 

1. You encouraged me and motivated me to start this blog. When I complained on several occasions that I didn't know what to write about, you reminded me that the blog could just be for me. I'm thankful every time I write a post that you got me doing this, because I'll have these memories and writings with me forever. 

2. You always know the best time to have a spontaneous dance party. 

3. You love trying new things (and inviting me along for the ride). Even little things, like making banana muffins. 

4. John Cougar Mellancamp. 

5. You appreciate a classic road trip. Those road trips to Vermont are some of my favourite memories with you, and I'm so glad I have them to cherish forever. 

6. You introduced me to the joy of Gilmore Girls. I'm sorry that we didn't get to watch more of it together, but every time I watch an episode I'm reminded of you. (PS - OMG! Luke has a daughter. And Rory and Logan...me no likey. He's gonna really hurt her. He has so many times already. I still don't think Luke and Lorelei are gonna get married. I can't believe he hasn't introduced her to April yet! I'll be sad when the series is over...) 

7. Friday Night Lights - all of the tears and laughter. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't loose. 

8. Remember that time you, Alex, and I went and saw the Breakfast Club in the theatre and it was my first time seeing the movie. Now I've watched it 5 times. And every time I think of you.

9. Snooty Fox. And the charm of the rooftop patio.

10. Numerous Sunday suppers.

11. Sitting on my screened in porch, sipping beer, and just enjoying each others company.

12. You always remind me how important it is to read for pleasure. I admire how quickly you go through books, and how you are always reading something for yourself. I try to be more like you in that aspect, and am thankful that I am - because I've read more in the last 2 years than I have...ever!

13. You also remind me how important it is to journal. Even if it is just a sentence or two. Those memories, when written down, can truly last forever.

14. Winning a cheer off together.

15. Thank you for introducing me to Mumford and Sons. OH MY GOSH, GOOD!

16. One thing (of many) you taught me: It's never too late for a girl talk.

17. Listening. You are the best listener I know. You make eye contact, you respond, and you give thoughtful advice. I can truly say I have never met anyone who listens like you do.

18. Honesty. Your honesty helped me grow. It helped me to be honest with myself and my friends. It made my relationships stronger, and helped me to appreciate ours even more.

19. Laughter. Cures everything.

20. You're the only person I know who drinks milk with her popcorn. I always thought it was disgusting. Until the other day. You were right. A wonderful combo!

21. I'm so glad your camera takes better pictures then mine. And that you appreciate taking pictures to commemorate the different stages in your life. Because those pictures remind me of the happiness that we have shared together.

22. Remember that time we got kicked out of Cara's room for being too loud. And the time I asked Cara to open the window and she opened it about 1mm. And all of the times we did homework in your room. And watched Grey's. And all of the girl talks we had, you, me and Cara. And hearing Cara's shoes clicking down the hallway, and my slippers shuffling. I miss those times. But so glad I have those memories.

23. Your loyalty to your friends stretches for miles, and I admire it. You have always been there for me through thick and thin, good and bad. You literally picked me off the ground when my world came shattering down upon the news of my Grandfather. You held me, gave me a shoulder to cry on, and listened to me and my insecurities. I only hope I have been as good as a friend to you as you have been to me. 

Happy happy happy happy happy happy birthday, Amanda! I hope it is all you wish it to be and more.

Love you, always!

I'm Coming Home.

Last week was a week of tickets. The good kind.

On the radio last week here in Calgary they announced that Maroon 5 would be playing at the Saddledome in March. SAY WHAT!? I immediately broke the news to Andrea and Jenny and told them that I was going and that they should join. Unfortunately, by the time we decided to sit down and buy tickets, the show was sold out. Sad days. But alas, kijiji saved us and we were able to buy tickets from someone who bought them in bulk. HAPPY DAYS! Mmm. Adam Levine, I'll see you in March!

AND...my favourite ticket from last week....

My plane ticket. It's official! I'm coming home for Christmas. An expensive trip, but well worth it. I can't imagine NOT going home for Christmas. I'm so thankful to have this opportunity, and beyond excited for my trip home. 

Things on my to-do list when I come home: 

- visit my loving and supportive family 

- visit my amazing friends whom I miss immensely! 

- go on a bumble (or two, or three..) 

- Snooty Fox (and other charming gathering places in Freddy)

- Sleepover at Sara's (with junk food, cheesy movies, hugs, tears, laughter, and sharing stories)

- Relish date with Kate 

- visit campus 

- Coffee and Friends with Kathryn 

- Sleepover at Grandmom's 

- Lunches at Grammy's 

- girl talks with Mom 

- laughter, wine, and food with Dad 

- visit Grandad 

There is so much more I'm probably not including in this list, but if I write anymore I'm gonna cry out of happiness. Because when I write this list, I remember how much I'm loved and how much I love. I watched Ellen today (like I do everyday!), and she said something that really stuck with me. I can't remember it word for word, but it was along the lines of this: 

"I believe there is nothing more important in life than love. To be loved, to know how to love, and to give love are the most important things and all that matters. It's a beautiful thing." - Ellen DeGeneres

To sum it up, I can't wait to go home! 

Come Back Fall.

 Snow. 

6 inches of it (or more). 

Outside my window. 

On October 24th. 

Why? 

I can't say that winter is my least favourite season, because I find something I like in all of them. Spring smells good, summer brings sunshine and days on the beach, sipping cold beverages on the patio, and bonfires behind the house, fall brings the most beautiful colours and new smells, and winter brings comfort, the crunching of snow, and Christmas. 

HOWEVER 

Where did fall go? Here in Calgary it seemed like one day the leaves were falling out of the sky and the next there was white snow EVERYWHERE. I'm not exaggerating. Friday while supervising kids outside they were making piles of leaves and jumping in them and trying to catch the leaves out of mid air when they fell from the trees. Today they were building snow forts and snow men and bundled in layers of clothing. How is this possible?

What happened to the crunching of the leaves under my feet, wearing a light coat and sipping Caramel Apple Spices outside and the damp smell of leaves disintegrating on the ground. Now I feel like I have to move on to damp socks and cold feet inside winter boots, scarves around my neck, and peppermint hot chocolate on my walk around the city. 

And kids are starting to sing Christmas carols. Too soon. Too soon. (Blog post to come)

Come back fall. I miss your charm!

A Weekend Getaway.

This Thanksgiving long weekend, my Great Uncle David invited me to spend the holiday in Vancouver. I was thrilled when I got the invite, and even more thrilled when I was able to get the Friday off to spend 4 days in the city. It certainly was a whirlwind trip, but it was absolutely fantastic and the best possible way to spend the Thanksgiving weekend!

After getting completely lost on my way to the Calgary International Airport Friday morning at 5:30am (details to come in a future post about my bad sense of direction), I flew over the Rocky Mountains and landed in Vancouver at 8:30am. A warm hug and quick catch up chats later, Uncle David and I began our weekend together by checking out his humble abode and remarking on the beautiful weather. I was excited to see the sun and its warmth in Vancouver because recently it has been bloody cold in Calgary and we've seen many a snowflake fly. Uncle David has a rooftop deck that I admire. It looks out over the harbour and along the mountains. You really can't get a better view. I can see myself spending many many hours in the summer on top of his house taking in every minute of the scenery and peacefulness. I hope that in my future trips I get to spend more time atop the deck! (hint hint Uncle David!)

After taking a walk around the University of British Columbia campus and checking out the Anthropology Museum, we finished the night off with a fantastic and delectable dinner at Cactus Club Cafe - a restaurant owned and run by celebrity chef Rob Feenie. Now, I've written before about my love for food and everything about it. So when Uncle David suggested we check out this restaurant I was so excited to take in my first meal at a celebrity chef's restaurant. A big deal for this foodie. I had a seared halibut atop noodles and a vegetable medley with a saffron cream sauce. For dessert, we enjoyed a chocolate mousse with a caramel foam and toffee bits and a drink of cappuccino. Yum yum yum!

Saturday was another fantastic day weather-wise. David took me to Grouse Mountain - the peak of Vancouver. I can't describe in words how magnificent the view of the city is from atop the mountain. You also get a great view of the different mountain ranges. The pictures don't do it justice, but at least they'll give you a taste.

After our adventure on the mountain, David ventured home for a much needed nap and I went to Robson St. and did some shopping. Can never get tired of shopping! I'm quite proud of myself - I looked up the bus schedule online and found the proper bus to get me to the shopping district and back to the hotel. Didn't get lost once! A different story can be said for my first bus trip in Calgary (another future blog post about my bad sense of direction?!) I bought a new pair of shoes on my shopping adventure and wore them on our dinner cruise along the harbour and Falls Creek that night. Another great way to get some beautiful views and pictures of the city. The city looks so majestic at night. The lights reflect off the water and create a wonderful ambiance. If only it hadn't been so darn cold!

Sunday was an action packed day! David and his friend Marg meet for breakfast and walk along the sea wall on Sundays. So I joined in on the fun. Now, I must add that the night before the new shoes I wore gave me quite the gash on my right heel. So wearing sneakers and walking approxiamtely 10 km that morning I knew was going to be painful. But it was totally worth it! That was probably the most beautiful walk I've ever taken. It was sunny out and warm, but not too warm that I was drenched in sweat by the end of it. Lots of people take in this unique walk. And not only do they walk, the rollerblade, skateboard and bike too! Which leads me to the next part of my day. I rented a bike later in the afternoon and biked around the rose gardens in Stanley Park and then back along the sea wall. Everyone rents bikes in Vancouver. I can probably direct you to 5 different rental shops within a 7 block radius from the hotel I was staying at. My bike had a cute little basket to hold my purse and leftover noodle take out from a cute noodle pulling restaurant around the corner from my hotel. I got some great pictures of the city on my stroll and bike ride on Sunday (and on the bus tour I took between the two). Did I mention that it was an action packed day?!

That night, David and I went to the lookout tower restaurant and had supper. This restaurant had a rotating floor so that while you ate and chatted, you got to see some beautiful sites of the city from every angle. I mean, I saw EVERY INCH of the city at night from up there and I didn't have to move (the floor did that for me). The food was delicious, the sites were breathtaking, and the company couldn't have been better. It's difficult to pick one thing that I enjoyed most of all the fabulous things I did while in Vancouver, but I must say that this is on my list of things to do again whenever I return.

After a busy busy busy three days in Vancouver, David and I both agreed without conversing with one another that Monday we needed to slow down. After having breakfast, I strolled out to the beach and sipped on a coffee, read a good book, and sat in the sand wiggling my toes through it. Nothing feels better then sand between your toes and the sun beating down on you. The smell of the water and the sound of children splashing around brought a smile to my face and a peace in my heart - like nothing I've felt before in a long time. The feelings are returning slightly as I write this all down...

The rest of the afternoon before my flight departed back to Calgary was spent with David on Granville Island checking out the fantastic market and people watching on the boardwalk. They had some decent buskers performing, but I think the performance from the plethora of children chasing pigeons was top notch. I found myself in tears giggling at their presistence and tactics on several occasions.

What a fun filled weekend. I'm still tired and haven't gotten caught up on sleep. That's okay though, because it was totally worth it!

PS - did I mention that I came home with a tan?! The weather was so perfect that this pale red head came home with a slight tan. Yes, sir!