Hello Again, Vancouver.

It's always nice to get away. Whether it's exploring a new area of your city, or hopping a plane to another city. Taking a vacation is nice - from everyday life and your problems.

Now, I have to say my last 10 days of living can easily be described as interesting, frustrating, and stressful. Amongst the hustle and bustle of work and how hectic it can get sometimes, I was also in a nasty fender bender and have been dealing with auto body shops and insurance companies ever since. What a headache! On top of that, my car decided to stop starting early last week and it remains a mystery to me why this happened and how come it's working fine now. Not going to complain, but I did have a few choice words for my car before she (yes, I've concluded that my baby is a girl) smartened up! I joked with my family and friends that this was life's way of "screwing me over" because I decided to take a week off of work and go away for some me time. I got through, and though the car hasn't been fixed yet and the insurance companies will be contacting me while I'm away - I'm excited to put my Calgary life on pause this week and enjoy some relaxing moments in Vancouver with me, myself, and I (and of course my wonderful Uncle David who I am so excited to see and catch up with again!!)

On the agenda for Vancouver:

- check out the Vancouver Aquarium

- explore China Town

- Easter Dinner with Uncle David and friends

- reading on the beach

- bike Stanley Park (again...)

- shopping!!

- check out the food scene (on my list: The American Cheesesteak Company (restaurant owned by celebrity chef, the late Anthony Sedlak), Cactus Club Cafe (restaurant owned by celebrity chef Rob Feenie), Belgian Fries (featured on the Food Network show "You Gotta Eat Here")) - I'm a nerd!

- so many much needed conversations with Uncle David

- explore, explore, explore!

I'm already breathing deeper and feeling more relaxed thinking about this much needed vacation!

Music Fills My Heart and Soul.

I love music. I love listening to it, I love dancing to it, and I love singing along to it (even if I'm off key!). Everyone has a song (or several) that they connect to. A song for every feeling and occasion. Many of my memories of the past are formed around a song or take place in the presence of music. Parties at 860, road trips to Vermont, sleepovers in high school at Sara's, battling the loss of a loved one, nights out on the town, the list could go on forever. Listening to music is one thing, but being there to hear it live is another. 

Two weeks ago one of my favourite bands of ALL TIME were in Calgary. Tegan and Sara have a special place in my heart. My best friend, Sara, introduced them to me in high school. So many of their songs resonate with me. "Walking with a Ghost" was the first song I heard by them back when I was 16. I always think of Sara when I hear this song. "Where does the good go" reminds me of Grey's Anatomy and how Sara and I spent many an evening watching episode after episode of Grey's in my basement. The whole Sainthood makes me feel nostalgic for my university days and living in Holy Cross. This was when I first saw them live at the Playhouse in Fredericton with Sara and KP. So, when I heard they were coming to Calgary, I asked literally ALL of my friends here if they were interested in going. Thank you, Mollie!

They were amazing. Their quick banter back and forth was the cherry on top of some amazing music. They played ever song I wanted to hear, and man did I ever sing loudly! I danced, I got choked up, and I smiled a lot. I was extremely tired at work the next day, but I didn't care one little bit.

Then, only a short week later, I went to see Maroon 5 with my good friend Jenny. The thought of being in the same place as Adam Levine made me very excited (no one can deny that this man is very beautiful!) I've only ever been to one other big stadium concert, so I didn't really know what to expect. What I didn't know was that there would be a lot of people and a lot of screaming! And I was very right! But that certainly didn't take away from the fun that I had. The concert was at the Saddledome - the big arena that the Calgary Flames play in. Jenny and I were seated at the back way up in the nosebleeds. Thank goodness for Jumbotron's! As soon as the band came out on stage, Jenny and I were on our feet dancing. And there I stayed for the remainder of the night. My voice was so horse and dry and sore for the rest of the night and into the next day. The band played every song I wanted to hear and I had such a good time. Worth every penny and dime. 

I took lots of videos from both concerts and attempted to share them on here, however, my computer doesn't seem to want upload them. Or maybe Blogger is being stubborn. And my pictures aren't that great as it's hard to capture a good shot with the lighting of a concert. But I have the memories...

I'm Still Here.

Hello ladies and gentlemen!

Consider this my formal apology for neglecting my blog as of lately. Life has been a little hectic, to say the least. Changes are around the corner, and I've been preparing myself for them. As well, I've been off having adventures and creating memories - my favourite pass times.

I promise a longer post later about the following things:

- Tegan and Sara concert

- Maroon 5 concert (TOMORROW!!)

- Weekend getaway to Banff

- Upcoming adventure to Vancouver

- Life...

I hope this post finds all of my family and friends well and happy.

In the mean time...my thoughts:



Triumphs.

On November 17th, 2012 I joined Weight Watchers. As of February 13th, 2013 I have officially lost 23lbs. I promised myself that when I hit my 10% weight loss goal I would write a blog post update of my weight loss journey. So here it is!

August, 2012.

February, 2013.

When I started this journey three months ago, I promised myself I would lose 60lbs in a year. I would say I'm right on track! The biggest thing I've learned while being on this program is that portion control means everything. With Weight Watchers, you can still eat what you want it's just about controlling how much of it you're eating at one time. Are you craving a piece of pizza tonight? Then eat it!! But instead of eating the whole box, just have one or two slices. Seems like a simple concept, but when you've been battling with over eating for a while, it doesn't come so easy. And yes, there are times when I have caved and I just can't help myself - but most of the time I follow the simple guidelines.

My diet has changed a lot! I eat way more fresh fruits and vegetables now and I find I have way more energy. Again, it seems like a simple concept but it never had occurred to me before until now.

When I announced at the meeting on Wednesday that I hit my 10% goal, I was awarded with this keychain.

I then had to stand up in front of the group and tell them why I thought I was succeeding. My response? Having the support of my family and friends constantly. I really couldn't do it without them. And the people at the meetings give me all kinds of new ideas and support all of my decisions. I have tried to lose weight on my own before and most the time I fail or just quit. This time is different though. It's amazing what a support system can do!

And now I look ahead. A little less than 40 pounds to go. I'll be sure to update you again soon!

Beginner Knitter.

I certainly don't consider myself a crafty lady, but I do enjoy starting new hobbies. When I was in middle school, we used to have "Activity Afternoons." Everyone signed up for an activity and for one afternoon every couple of months there were no classes, just fun and exciting activities. One of these afternoons I chose cross stitching not knowing what the heck it was. Little did I know that it would start a hobby I continue to do today!

Not that I don't want to stitch anymore, but I was getting a little bored with it. I love the creations I've been able to produce, and I like to think the people who have received them cherish them. But it is time for something new.

My hobby of choice...KNITTING!

How did I come to doing this, you ask? My friends, of course!! I have a few friends back home in the east who are avid knitters or crotcheters. Seeing their creations, and accepting some homemade gifts from them motivated me to start this crafty pastime.

So I completed my first project, and kept it for myself! A scarf:

I wanted to do something simple that would teach me the basic stitches. Nothing was more basic than this scarf pattern that I found via Pinterest, which can be accessed here.

It took me no time at all to do the scarf, and I now know how to knit and purl! The projects are endless, and there are tons of free patterns online that are posted on all sorts of blogs. My favourite blog: Painting Lilies. Not only does she post knitting patterns, she posts about crocheting  and cooking, too! I have recently found another pattern on this blog that I'm working on now as a surprise for a friend. It's a much larger project - so wish me luck!

You Shall Not Pass!

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." - Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring).

 

Ok, please don't roll your eyes when I say this...but until this past weekend, I had never watched any of The Lord of the Rings movies. Actually, I shouldn't say that. In high school I watched The Fellowship of the Ring at my best friend Sara's house. But, like every movie I watched at our sleepovers, I probably fell asleep. I honestly didn't remember anything about it when Jenny and Andrea suggested we watch the trilogy. Also, when they suggested we watched the trilogy I'm pretty sure their mouths dropped to the floor. I think there was mild disappointment on their parts from this revelation (as well as everyone else I've told since Sunday - yes Katie, that's you!) 

What did I think of the movie? .... AMAZING! But I didn't expect anything less. I CAN NOT WAIT to watch the next movie. 

Frodo and Sam and their "bromance" melts my heart.

I want Gandalf to give me advice everyday. My favourite quote from The Fellowship of the Ring is quoted above. Wow. Relevant! 

Can someone please explain to me how I waited this long to watch such an epic trilogy? K thanks.

Welcome to Dinner Night!

Since moving to Alberta, some of my friends and I have started a monthly dinner night ritual. These nights see a pair host dinner where they create a main course to share with 6 guests. The 6 other guests rotate between bringing dessert and beverages. The nights usually end with board games and other fun activities that tend to lead into a session of gut-busting laughter. Food, friends, and games...what else could be better? 

This weekend, Andrea and I were up to host dinner night. Before I go any further, I need to back track a bit about a month to Christmas 2012. For Christmas, Mom wrote out some of my favourite family recipes and arranged them into a book for me. What a special gift! So, I knew immediately that I wanted to make one of these family favourites for my friends. Meal of choice? Lasagna! And I don't think I've ever been so nervous to cook for a group of people. The meals we have had so far during these dinner nights have been outstanding! Homemade tacos (and by homemade, I mean EVERYTHING made from scratch - from the tortillas to the refried beans) and delicious comforting chili at another. Also, I was making a recipe I have never made before. Not always the best idea when hosting 6 people for supper, but with patience and by following the recipe exactly, I knew I could do it...(and with a little encouragement and reassurance from mother and father dearest!) 

 Good thing I read the recipe earlier in the week before making the lasagna on Saturday! Because to my surprise, I had to let the sauce simmer for 4 hours. I completely understand why this step is necessary - to help develop and marry the flavours together. So the sauce simmered, and simmered, was stirred and stirred, then simmered some more. In all honesty, this recipe is super simple, just takes time. 

Once the sauce is done, and the lasgna noodles have been cooked in boiling water, all that's left is to layer everything together. A little bit of sauce needs to be placed on the bottom to keep everything from sticking, then you layer noodles, sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzerella cheese, repeating until the pan is full. I made two layers. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 1 hour and you've got a gooey, delicious, cheesy main course. To go with the lasagna, Andrea made her mother's homemade caesar salad. The dressing Andrea made was to die for! Garlicy and creamy, it truly is a good thing we were all eating the same meal. Garlic galore. And it was a hit! 

I've really been enjoying these dinner nights. I'm getting to know new people, getting to explore the things I love (cooking and food!) and I'm getting to try new things. It's an affordable way to have fun in this large city! I Skyped with one of my good friends, Cara, yesterday. During our talk, we discussed how sometimes I feel like my life is stagnant and I'm not going in the right direction. When I told her about these fun dinner nights, she was amazing in reminding me that this is proof that I'm putting myself out there and finding new adventures. Sometimes it's hard to keep these things in perspective when you watch other peoples lives develop and change as well. But it's good friends like Cara that keep me level headed. And it's these dinner nights that keep me passionate and allow me to have fun!