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!

I Love Love.

Wednesday's at my job are "Meltbead" days with the students. This is probably my favourite day of the week at work, and also the students'. Meltbeads are a neat craft for kids to build, experiment, and be creative. And let me tell you, my students are some of the most creative I've ever encountered! I've seen kids create robots, the earth, peace signs, men and moustaches, and a world of other creations out of these little beads during meltbead day! 

This past Wednesday, I created the meltbead below and this is the conversation that followed with one of my students:

Student: What does that say? 

Me: It says "Love"

Student: I love love!!

Me: What a coincidence, so do I. It feels so good to be loved, doesn't it? 

Student: I've never felt anything more good'er 

Have I said lately, how much I love my job and the kids I'm surrounded by on a daily basis? They really are fantastic and I'm at my happiest when I'm around them! 

Side note: Leaving for Vancouver tomorrow for 4 days. Updates and photos from the trip to come. Bon Voyage! 

It's Good to be Happy.

I've been living in Calgary now for 6ish weeks. Almost 2 months. It really doesn't seem like it's been that long. Which I guess is a good thing because isn't it the saying "time flies when you're having fun."

I've been working at my job for about a month now. I'm enjoying it quite a bit, as I relayed in my previous blog post. It's so nice working with children again. Many of my closest friends and family will know that I am NOT a morning person. My Uncle David on the phone last week jokingly (or at least I'm hoping so!) said that I can be a bit unpleasant in the morning. I told him that I like to keep the beast inside so as not to scare people away - hence why I just stay quiet in the mornings. With this job, I have be up and at work at 7am. Eek! However, it's the children that motivate me to get to work on time and to be my perkiest so bright and early in the morning. They continue to melt my heart, remind me why I went into a profession working with children, and blow my mind with their brightness. I've been saying to everyone that I think this is the perfect job for transitioning between being a full time student and finding my career as a teacher. I'm really really happy!

In addition, this is the first job I've worked strictly Monday - Fridays. Every weekend off! I hardly knew what to do with myself at first. However, I've quickly learned that weekends are a great time to get caught up on sleep, get the things done on the to-do list that pile up throughout the week, explore this new city I'm living in, and to catch up with friends and family via Skype. This weekend I had a long but much needed Skype date with my friend, Amanda who is living in China for the year. We talked about our new lives and our new adventures. It had been over a month since we talked to each other, and I truly and honestly missed having her in my life. It made me appreciate the time we had together as roommates when living in Fredericton. Miss you. I also got to Skype with my parents. Man, do I miss them. Seeing their faces and being in the presence of their motivating words, updates on family and their lives, and my Dad's hysterical sense of humour relaxed me and reminded me that I did the right thing moving to Calgary. I couldn't have gotten through this month without them and their support, and I can't thank them enough (I know you're reading this, and I mean every word!) 

There is a lot to do in this city, and a lot to see - and I haven't even put a dent into it. I'm going to dedicate more of my time here really getting to know this city and getting to know new people. But for now, I'm feeling pretty blessed to be in a place where I feel safe, loved, and happy. 

I want to end this blog post quoting something my Grandmom said to me not all that long ago. Keep in mind that my memory isn't the greatest, and I may not be saying this in the exact words that she did - but I definitely have the gist of it and the meaning behind it.

"For the first time in a long time, it seems like everyone is happy again. And I couldn't be more proud of our accomplishments as a family."

... I couldn't agree more Grandmom. 

I Love My Job.

Today a mother came in to pick up her son from Student Care. This is the conversation she and I had: 

Mom: "My son is loving Student Care this year, so much so that he wants to come on Friday when there is no school even though I'm going to be home that day" 

Me: "That's fantastic! Glad to hear he is liking it so much" 

Mom: "Last year, he used to cry when I told him he had to go to Student Care after school" 

Me: "Oh?" 

Mom: "Let's just say, we are so lucky to have you!" 

...This is how I know I've made the right decision when it comes to my profession. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful, amazing, and inspiring children and families.

Happy Birthday, Brad!

Today is my "little" brother's 20th birthday. I use quotations when I say little because ever since he was about the age of 12 he's always been bigger then me. In fact, sometimes he gets credit for being the oldest sibling. False! Also, when did my brother grow up? I can't believe he is 20. We are back in the same decade again. 

Brad, I just wanted to write this little blog post to wish you the happiest of birthdays. It's been a pleasure and an honour to watch you grow up. I know that we didn't always get along, but I want you to know how much I cherish our relationship and how important you are to me. Can't imagine a world without a Big Brad in it. So in "Melissa Birthday Blog Post Tradition," here are just a few reasons why I think I'm the luckiest sister ever to have such a great little brother like you (don't blush!): 

- You put up with my cheesiness (sort of). When I try and do something special for family, or try to be all sentimental on ya, you are patient and take it in stride (even if you poke fun of me afterwards). 

- You make me laugh. Whether it's pulling a funny face when I try to a get sibling photo or doing something completely random and foolish out of no where, you make me shake my head and wonder how you got such a unique sense of humour (I think our Dad has something to do with it). 

- When I ask to borrow your precious car to teach a friend to drive standard, you don't hesitate to say yes. This reminds me that you'll always have my back. 

- I know that I can confide in you, and it warms my heart that I know you trust to confide in me. 

- When I had my little break down before moving to Calgary, you were the one to remind me that family is always there and that I am loved. For me, this was a big step in our sibling relationship. 

I'm proud of you, Brad and everything you've accomplished in your 20 years. It breaks my heart a little bit that I'm not in NB to witness your final year of Junior hockey. I know you'll do great and I am so looking forward to seeing what step you'll take next in this big world. 

Happy Birthday! Love you. 

A Love of Food.

I'm a natural born foodie. One of those free dictionaries online describes a foodie as "someone who has refined interest in food." Urban dictionary refers to a foodie as "a person that spends a keen amount of attention and energy on knowing the ingredients of food, the proper preparation of food, and finds great enjoyment in top-notch ingredients and exemplary preparation." In another excerpt, they also call foodies snobs. Pft. In my own definition, I'm just somebody who gets excited about the world of food and flavours.

In reflecting on this during one of my many bus rides in the past 2 and a half weeks of living in Calgary, I realized that I don't share this love for food as frequently as I wish on my blog. So, I am going to try and devote more of my blog posts to favourite recipes, food experiences, and sharing my love for flavour. This story comes from an experience I had not all that long ago. The first Saturday that I was living in Calgary...

Along with being a foodie, I am a Food Network freak. Whenever there is a television available with the Food Network station "unlocked," I'm glued. There is this one show I love to watch called "You've Gotta Eat Here!" In this show, the host John Catucci travels all over Canada hoping from restaurant to restaurant checking out what our country has to offer in the food department. He's even traveled up to the middle of nowhere New Brunswick - Shippagan - and sampled food at a local seafood restaurant. However, Catucci makes most of his visits to big cities...like the one I'm currently residing in, Calgary. Every time he visited a restaurant in Calgary before I moved here, I'd immediately think to myself "I've gotta eat there" (guess they picked an appropriate show title). I'm pleased to announce that of the four places featured on the show from Calgary, I've currently eaten at one: Tubby Dog. 

What a place! They specialize in hot dogs. When I saw the show, one hot dog stuck out in particular. "The Captain's Dog." This all beef hot dog is bacon wrapped, topped with peanut butter, grape jelly, and Captain Crunch cereal. I know what your thinking (it was my first thought, too) - EWWW! But how could I go to this place and NOT get such a unique hot dog. So when Jenny, Andrea, and I ventured to Tubby Dog that first full day in Calgary almost three weeks ago, we decided to buy one and split it three ways then each get our own hot dog. I have to say, if and when I go back I'll be ordering my own Captain's Dog. It was surprisingly tasty. Think about all the best things about breakfast and put them in one bite. That's the Captain's Dog. 

The Captain's Dog

So besides the previously mentioned delicacy, I also had the A-Bomb. This bad boy was topped with mustard, mayo, ketchup, bacon bits, a variety of flavours in crushed potato chips, and nacho cheese. It was HUGE! And I ate every last bite. The onion rings were enormous as well and we split one order between the three of us. I didn't have to eat for the rest of the day after this meal (seriously - not a figure of speech this time). 

The A-Bomb

I highly recommend going to Tubby Dog when you come to visit Calgary. It was cheap considering the amount of food you get, and it's an experience. There is so much to look at on the walls and in display cases. Plus you have a great view of the cooks putting together the masterpieces of hot dogs. They even have old school arcade machines like Mrs. PacMan. 

Six onion rings in an order - plenty for three people!

It's not gourmet, but it is unique. I loved it. And I think my excitement shows in the pictures. Just ask the girls, I was a overflowing with excitement and emotions - I couldn't sit still. And this is my constant feelings about the world of food.