2010 Review

I'm going to do a recap....I just think 2010 was the best year of my life and I want to share it! lol

January - Started off with a 5k with Jill!! It was rainy and gross and cold, but great!!! It felt really good to be able to run that far, and we got free jackets! January also was when I started in graphics at Global!!! yaaaay! A real job!

February - OLYMPICS! Wow...just wow...Having my dad stay with us for a month and experiencing the greatest event ever was just wow....I'm so happy I was here for that. However some sadness as my grandfather died. That was sad.

March/April - Good times. We got to see the Senators in Vancouver! We went to the practice and met the players afterwards...it was great!

Kept up with the running and working!

I also got a chance to go home and surprise my grandmother! She had no idea I was coming and I didn't know it would be the last time I would see her. I spent the whole week with her and it was lovely. I will be glad for it forever...she passed in April.

May - My sister got married!!! YAAAY! My wee little sister walked down the aisle! She was so beautiful and it was so much fun! My hockey work came to a sudden end though...some day.

June - I quit my retail side job! That felt good...and so far it doesn't look like I'll have to ever work with people againnnn! (meaning I hate customer service jobs)

July - My bachelorette party!! It was so great to see everyone and be cared about! and Lisa got married! That was super fun too! AND Casey and Amy got married! We got to camp that weekend....I love camping.

September - Enter the countdown! Things started to get a little nerve wracking...but exciting! We said goodbye to the Enterprise...but really haven't missed not having a car at all!

October - THE BIG DAY. The most amazing day of my life. Just wow...Thank you EVERYONE for everything..it was great...AND my most amazing honeymoon in Mexico. I'd never really travelled before so it was so great to experience something new..and we were on SUCH a wedding and lovely dovey high. I was so happy to just BE with David. Teehee!

November - A new job!!! I moved from Graphics to Editing and man, do I ever love it. It's early...and that hurts somedays.. but overall...I'm thrilled!

December - here we are. a great year gone by...I'm so excited for what the future brings!

Done

So I've pretty much abandoned the Reverb 2010 thing...it's definitely not as cool as last year's best of 2010.....it was actually pretty lame...and instead of being excited to write and reflect, it felt like a chore....and just not even remotely fun....so I'm done...I'm also not sure anyone reads this....

5 minutes

5 Minutes - Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010.

Ready GO

My wedding - Pretty self explanatory...the best day of my life

My last week my with Grandma - I'll never see her again...and being able to spend a week with her before she died...I'll always treasure that

The Olympics - Oh man....oh man...what a party...Gold medal hockey? The best..It was so fun being able to celebrate with my dad in town too. I'd do it all over again in a second!

Kallie's wedding - My little sister got married!!! It was quite a party...even though I already have little memory of it

Visit to Kelowna - It was super fun to see where Lyndsay lives! and to travel up to the Okanagan! I wish I could travel more around BC

Ziplining - Such an adrenaline rush!!!! I want to do this again for sure..

MEXICO! - I'd never been on a trip like that...all inclusive....every hour of the day with my new husband...the ocean, exploring...all the food and booze we want! Augh...I could live in that memory

Sens game - We got into the practice and met players after...so awesome...probably won't get to the practice this year....but YAY

DONE.

That was a really good one. And sort of scary...I'd be so upset if poof....2010 was gone from my head..this was the most exciting year of my life!

Appreciate

Appreciate - What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?

I think that would be my whole situation in general. I'm lucky and blessed to just live where I do. I have a roof over my head, food every day, water, a job, friends and family. I can live in peace and without fear. I am so fortunate to be able to do that.

There are SO many places in the world where women are oppressed, freedom of speech stymied. No food or water for children, wars and violence are everywhere

15 minutes from my home is the poorest and probably most drugged out and mental ill people in Canada. 15 MINUTES!

I'm lucky that I've had the life I do. I'm so grateful for it and I express this by trying to give back as often as I can. It's not mine to sit upon and gloat, and just be thankful. It's one thing to have it all...it's another to want everyone to have it too.

Action

Action - When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step?

Well...I really really want to try a complex knitting/crochet pattern. I've been searching for a good pattern but I haven't found anything yet that is workable...

I want to make

A touque
An infinity scarf
A Vest
A Sweater
A blanket


Obviously not at once, but those are my needle goals. I'm pretty sure the touque won't be so bad once I get going. I have a pattern for the scarf...It's the vest and sweater that will hold me back...So I guess my next step is to start the other projects and keep my eyes out for a pattern!

Body

Body Integration - This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?

WHAT? What does that even MEAN....I have no comment on this one...Just wanted to post how ridiculous this is..HOW are we supposed to remember things like THAT...What happened to the good prompts?

11 things

11 Things - What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?

Hmm. Another toughy....

1. My life doesn't need SQUISHED. I feel like our apartment is just too small. We desperately need more space. So we need to find a new place to live...getting rid of this will help me to breath more..we'll have more space..and our things will have homes. I'll just feel more at peace in my home if it's not all crammed into 400 sq ft.

2. My life doesn't need my extra weight! I super slacked off exercising in the last few months of 2010. So in 2011 I want to get back on the train I was on at the beginning of 2010! I'll feel better and fitter :D

3. My life doesn't need financial worry! However we've been meeting with our financial planner and in 2011 we will have a long term plan established. Which will be awesome for the future and for the kids

4. My life doesn't need the absence of God. He's not absent, but I really need to dedicate more time. Now that my work has settled down I hope to get to church more often and read the bible way more.

5. Muffins! I eat too many muffins at work I think...I should cut back on them...that would help with number 2.

ELEVEN things?! really? who has 11 whole things!

6. Dramz. Not that my life is full of it. I'd just like things with David to be less dramatic sometimes.

7. Wasted time. I try not to waste my time, I keep my hands busy working on projects. But I'd like to spend more time outside, or with friends, or reading, or SOMETHING other than sitting on the couch. Challenge my brain

8. Wasted items. It's no good owning things you don't use. I'd like to use my things more. The Wii, gameboy...things I have and use occasionally I should sit down and use more...so that I won't feel bad (like the portable DVD player I just found that is dead now...)

9.

I'm leaving off here...if I think of anything new I'll update this.

Wisdom

Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?

Hmm...This is tough! Well I thought it was...but it just hit me that it's not at all.

The wisest thing I did this year was sneak home for a week in March to visit my grandmother. She was ill and it wasn't looking good. So I headed out a couple weeks after the Olympics finished to visit. I ended up spending the week with her, helping her around the house, running around town, I even got to go to church with her. It was hard seeing her so slow and tired. But seeing her face when I walked into the room is something I'll never forget. She had NO idea I was coming. She was just so happy. She was also thrilled that I had moved on to crocheting and was making so many more knitting projects. She was so happy that I'd come sooooo far from when she taught me the simple knit stitch back in 2000.

She died a couple weeks after I got back. Needless to say, I will never live with the regret that I didn't get to see her again. Best decision I made this year.

Party

Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.


Well I think saying my own wedding reception is bias....even though it was an AMAZING party...everyone had fun...so much dancing and socializing...I won't say that...even though it rocked...best wedding reception ever!!!


I WILL say winning the Olympic Gold medal in men's hockey. The Olympics themselves were sock rockin, but for the Gold medal match we had some friends over, all squished watching our plain ol tv

It was really cool having people to share the event with...since we all know it wasn't easy going.

The 30 second mark. From February 2010

And then...30 seconds before it was all ours....

I am a video. Click me

And thus we entered the MOST stressfull overtime EVER

From February 2010

However, Sidney saved the day....and we most definitely won.

From February 2010

When we won was the most amazing thing I have ever heard....

(Advance to the 1:15 mark)

The City of Vancouver EXPLODED! Cheers we everywhere!!! We were screaming, everyone outside was screaming. It was AMAZING to know that the WHOLE country was going just as crazy as we were!!! (I even lost my voice for the following few days)

We stayed for the medal hand out and then rushed to ground zero, Robson and Granville.

It. was. INSANE.

I have never been in such a crowd. We arrived shortly before the CRUSH. We had space for a little while...but decided to head up to the Future Shop and cut right across the middle. We had to link arms and FIGHT to stay together. We were safe on the third floor looking down to the madness. People climbing on street lamps and buildings. Cheering everywhere!!! High fives, flags.... Everyone was just so happy and having a blast. We escaped out an alley and took the back roads home. But it was an experience I'll never forget.

The whole Olympic Party was AMAZING, and I'm still quite sad it won't be happening again....but I have amazing memories like this! :D

Please forgive the horrible photo alignment....Blogspot is HORRIBLE for photo posting...I love the Picasa connection...but it's just AWFUL..I might have to switch to WordPress....

Beautifully Different

Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.

Ouuuu. Some self reflection...this one's good.

What makes me different....I am weird.. Plain and simple. But that gives me a lot of my adventure. I'm not afraid to try something new or act silly.

I feel like I stopped keeping track of how old I am around 21. I still act like I am 21 (mostly...I've learned a lot since then) but I DEFINITELY don't act like an adult or someone my age. I forget a lot that I'm the age I am. I got stuck at 21 and probably won't move past that. I've never been MY age I suppose...in my teens I liked things 8 year old like...in my 20's...I like things 8 year olds like...(Pokemon is FUN!)

I say it like it is. If someone is wearing UGLY ass shoes I will make sure everyone I'm with knows what I think about them...though I'll say it in such a humourous fashion that it just makes everyone laughs. I'm pretty good about making people laugh. Strangely, it's usually unintentionally by saying something that I don't mean to be funny. But I'll take it.

I like to THINK I'm a good listener, but I feel I might not come off that way to the people talking because my eyes wander and I look around, but I AM listening. I just feel weird staring at someone while they talk...and I notice other things ;)

I think what lights people up about me is my humour, my honesty (hilarious honesty), and my childlike nature to just want to have fun. It doesn't get more complicated than that. If you don't like something, don't do it!

Community

Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?

Well we were really starting to get plugged into the church we discovered at the beginning of 2010. We spent the fall of 2009 in a super lameo church...really mega church and not very welcoming or..sane...so we left that in November and spent December hopping and in January found 10th at Kits! And we loved it..and started getting really involved and helping out in different area and meeting people! It was great....aaannnnnd then David starting working Sunday mornings and that was the end of that :(

So we spent the summer churchless for the most part. In the fall we started sporadically going to The 10th Third Service, which is at night after David is done work. So far it's ok. I don't really see a way to connect with the people there..YET! We don't go regularly b/c I used to work occasional Sunday nights. However, that's over, and unless I have a hockey game to work we should be able to make it happen more often.

So for 2011, I would really like to get connected with this community. The church we had in Victoria was really awesome for friends and support and starting to get involved with the Kits service was great and really awesome for our spiritual life and now it's just kinda flim flam and it's really important that we turn that around. Might even have to join...a small group! (DUN dun dun Dun DUN duuuuuunnnlllalalalalala)

Make

Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?

Well I'm always making stuff! I have several projects on the go at one time. I recently finished two Christmas presents! I won't mention exactly what they are b/c those people could read this! I make most of my Christmas gifts now a days...being a knitter/crocheter it's pretty easy! I'm just about to finish up some picture frames for my goddaughter and her sister. Cute ones with photos of us! Then after that I'll start my final Christmas gift! I wish I could show you! But I won't wreck Christmas for anyone!

There is DEFINITELY something...ok a few things I want to make. I want to try a vest, and a touque. I have to learn how to use circular needles and I plan to do that in 2011. 2010 was the year of the DPN and so next year I'll try a touque!! I want to try the vest, but I have yet to find a pattern that I like..All I know is next year I really want to try more complicated and larger projects! So hopefully I can make that happen in 2011. I owe a friend of mine a pair of Gryffindor mittens. I think I'll have to get on that first. I never completed my first pair of learning mittens...so it will be interesting!!

To see my projects, follow the Ravelry link to the right!

Let Go

Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?


Well. There were some old friends from university I tried to get back in touch with...I never figured out why they stopped talking to me. I graduated and went to a different school but real friends should overcome a little distance. Like I said, I tried to reconnect with them, but they didn't...and so they have to be let go. I can't spend forever wanting to know how they are when they clearly don't care about me.

Frankly I don't care what their reasons are. I'm sure they are petty and lame...I'm awesome. Seriously. I'm just awesome. I'm a good friend, and I really don't need people in my life who aren't the same back. I'm doing so awesome that those people would be LUCKY to still be my friend...too little too late!

Wonder

Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?


Hmm.. well David and I went on a lot of adventures. We really explored Vancouver thanks to his Tourism Passport (big post here) and I think that was amazing. We even called them adventures. It was so great to see Vancouver through the eyes of a tourist....B.C. in general really. We found time to make it up to the Okanagan and that was amazing...we have yet to get to Whistler but that is hopefully soon. I think looking at the world as a work of art really help create a sense of wonder...it's AMAZING what you see out here...just beautiful...

Having fun I suppose is another way....just being happy and trying new things is a great way to have a sense of wonder...you never know what is going to happen when you try something new! :D

Alive

Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors)

Now THIS is a prompt....not like yesterday's bizarro excuse.

Hmm...this year was SO eventful. I think I'd have to go with ziplining.

After the Olympics were over, the Robson Square zipline stayed up for the Paralympics, so the line was down to about 2 hours instead of 8. And it was soooo worth it. David and I went together, which surprised me since he is afraid of heights. It was fine being in line, but the closer I got to the beginning the more I began to realized holy crap...I have to do this..We did get the chance to watch someone do the walk of shame. They got all the way to the top and couldn't do it and had to come back down...laaame. Pretty soon it was time...the walk up the stairs was realllly scary b/c they were metal stairs with gaps...so you could see all the way to the bottom as you climbed. Then you had to wait at the top while the people in front of you go. Then finally it was time to step up....I've attached a video of the event

The WORST part of being up there was the 4 stairs that go to NOWHERE. It's hard for your brain to say oh ok...let's walk down these stairs that go nowhere....but as you walk down you feel the zipline catch and pull you up so that wasn't so bad. And then I went...I went without David b/c if I didn't go at that exact moment I wasn't going to go at all!! And then it all went sooo far..I screamed a lot. When I got to the end I was shaking SO much..all the adrenaline!

It was one of the best experiences this year...and I'm totally going to go again!

Writing

Writing.
What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?

Uh....well I don't write....soo....everything I do? I'm not a writer and I've never claimed to be...I have no plans to eliminate this...this prompt is really lame...

One word

December 1 - One Word.
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?(Author: Gwen Bell)


I sum up 2010 with the word marriage.

My sister got married in May, my sister-in-law in July, and me in October!

The beginning of the year was all the planning and excitement and everyone else's wedding, the middle of year was the countdown to mine, and allllll the fun that comes along with that. The fall was the WEDDING !:D! and now we end the year as newlyweds...trying to figure out this whole marriage thing!!!

2010 was definitely the year of the wedding....SO many of my friends got married in 2010 as well...one was even on the same day as me!! And then a lot of other friends got engaged...which is so great! We're all growing up!!


One year from today I want 2011 to be happy. David and I are finally in regular jobs, the whole marriage thing should be an old hat...things should be just good this time next year

Reverb 2010

So last year I wrapped about 2009 with an awesome blog challenge that forced me to review my whole year! So this year I went to the same website and found a new challenge!!! I'm super excited about it! And I invite you to join me!!

Can't wait to start!!!

Brrr

The weather outside IS frightful...

It's been unusually cold for Vancouver....Ontario cold...not cool..luckily I still have all my winter gear so I'm toasty warm...which is good since the new job has me outside at 3am...the coldest of the hours!A blurry photo of me walking to work...but you can see the snow!

Lucky I have this awesome touque to keep me warm!!

Fortunately, the good thing about cold weather is the yummy warm drinks!!

My faves include : Mighty Leaf Vanilla Bean tea, Earl Grey Tea with Bailey's, Rum and Eggnogg Latte (MMMMMMMM), Hot Chocolate and Caramel Bailey's, and last but not least, Apple Cider and Fireball Whiskey.....

Yes...those are the things that get me through the cold..nothing beats curling up on the couch with one of those in front of the fireplace channel....speaking of which...anyone know when that is going to start playing?

To keep warm you can also check out our photos from Mexico!! and the wedding and the lot

http://picasaweb.google.com/sdperrywedding

What's your favourite winter drink?

I'm a Mrs.

Yep...I'm all done and married...and I grew older too!!!

It was a very busy and exciting October that's for sure. The best October ever!!!

The wedding was perfect..100% flawless and I had so much fun.

Me the bride (more at Jon Mark's Blog)

I don't have many photos uploaded from our honeymoon in Mexico yet, but I will once I have free time. I went right back to work and have hardly had time to sit and think!

Mexico was amazing. Our resort was beautiful and we got to see SO much marine life because we snorkled a lot. AND we climbed a Mayan ruin...it was amazing. I miss Mexico very much.

So now it's just settling down. I miss having all our friends and family around. The wedding was an amazing mingling party and everyone became friends with everyone. It was so neat. I wish we could have big parties like that more often.

I'll have lots more photos to show you later. For now ciao!

15...days?

Ok....suffice to say....the very LAST thing I'm doing now is totally freaking out....no WAY!...why would I be terrified that my WEDDING is in 15 days...and all my friends and family (ok not ALL but most) will be coming to watch us do this thing....and then I'm married...FOREVER...


Terrified?

me?!

I would say that sums it up pretty well!! It's just finally here..well not yet..but 15 days isn't long...my work schedule is up for that week!!! People have countdowns going everywhere! It's down to the last two weeks!!! Where did the time go!? It was a year just yesterday I swear!!!

Sure I'm excited....but really...I'm more terrified than excited...

WHY?!

I don't know...I mean David is great and all...we already get along. I'm not scared of HIM..I don't know what I'm scared of. I DO want to get married.

I think it's just the fact that it's actually the home stretch and it's actually going to happen...and then I have...FOREVER..with this guy....

I do have Mexico to look forward to though....

Forgotten awesomeness

I forgot how awesome this is



HILARIOUS...


To see why it's hilarious, watch this....

Some Reviews!

Well! I have three weeks left before I get married!! Wheee!! Everything is all done and planned and good...totally not a stressfest...so now just trying to pass the time!!! Other than making a music playlist...I basically have to show up! yaaay!


In the meantime I'm back to running....it's really hard when I haven't done it all summer so I'm bascially starting from scratch, but I'm doing the Terry Fox Run on Sunday so that has been my motivation. And then after that my motivation is running around False Creek before my birthday at the end of October!! it's around 8k I think...

I also found time to read!






Want to know something surprising?



Not very good.





I know right!? I've been gushing about the first two like they were the best books since sliced bread! But this....not so much...I won't go into details as not to spoil it...but man...what a let down..





I also went to my first 3D movie!



I'm a huge Resident Evil fan....which is strange since I'm terrified of the games. I played Resident Evil 3 for a while but my save point is currently in a closet because Nemesis is outside and I'm scared of him. I played Resident Evil 2 but the controls were backward from 3 and so I was confused. I also have a bunch for the PS2...which I have never played...So it doesn't really make any sense. But I do enjoy the movies. I think I've seen the first one over 20 times.

So this being my first 3D movie I was slightly disoriented at first...it messed with my brain! After a while I adjusted and it was neat! Sometimes annoying though since I don't like things flying at my face! The graphics and such were awesome...post-apocalyptic world and all...scary thought. The plotwas a mix of Resident Evil 5 and other games. Mostly 5 I think...I really didn't like the portrayal of Wesker though. They should have kept the guy that was in Resident Evil: Extinction. I can pretty much guarantee there will be a 5th movie though. It was ok...but when you think about it....how much farther can they go with this? In this movie they basically show that there is about 2500 non-infected people left on earth...not including Umbrella operatives and other unfound survivors. That leaves the remain 6 BILLION people on earth as the infected....2500 people are supposed to keep living with no source of food, water...or other nice life-isms?? I don't know...I'm not sure how much longer the plotline of revenge on the Umbrella corporation can keep going....


Anyway. I give it 3 stars out of 5. It was good...but not AWESOME. It was so-so.


That's my thoughts for now!

Running for change

This year I'm doing the Terry Fox Run.

Too many people close to me have had cancer, and in the past year, 3 of my grandparents passed away...and they all had cancer.

I've known a lot of people in my 26 years that have died from cancer...I'm sure we all do...but for all those people...I also know a lot that have beat it. Those are some pretty awesome people....but I wish we could move more people from column A to column B....so I'm running and trying to raise money. We've all been affected by cancer, so please considering donating to my run.

I'm no Terry...but we can all help to beat this thing...and to help those fighting.

My donation page


Thank you

EXCITEMENT!

39 DAYS TO GO!

I can't believe how excited I'm getting. I know I did nothing but moan and groan for so long...but I'm so excited...it's actually coming up!!

Today we booked our honeymoon!!! Actually paid and are going!!! To a five star resort in Mexico! I can't beleive it!!! I've never been more excited for anything...The week of October 10th is going to be amazing.

I've put reading on a big hold for now....mainly because I've read through my book list for now...I could use some suggestions!!!

I'm turning my focus to my crafts. The flowers for the wedding need finishing...and I've got to start my Christmas presents!!! But I could still use some books to read...especially for when I'm in Mexico!! So please comment with some suggestions!

:)

Heat=hide

I love the sun....it makes everything bright and fun and happy...but I hate heat...I HATE it. I hate sweating and I hate feeling hot. Which makes things very awkward in the summer. I look forward to it all year...but then it just gets HOT. So hot that I won't do anything. I will hide inside on amazing days because it feels like 32 degrees outside. Which is just too hot for me. I hate feeling uncomfortable and hot and gross. I feel kinda bad that I've been spending my days off hiding inside...though it's given me a chance to work on a lot of wedding stuff...the smaller crafty items. Which I actually think is great because come September I think I'm going to be VERY busy with work so I don't feel TOO bad....except that it's too hot for me to even want to THINK about exercising...lame...

I do want to go for a swim in the ocean though...I've never swam in the pacific before...but I just don't want to go outside! Or alone....

So! Allow me to review some books!

First up

The Friday Night Knitting Club series.

The above two along with Knit The Season are what I've read thus far in August. I really like the first book, The Friday Night Knitting Club. So much conflict! Definitely difficult to put down...and really got me wanting to pick up my knitting again! (I've been crocheting for most of the summer) It's a fantastic book and double awesome for anyone who likes knitting.

The other two books however....meh...just seem like a cash grab for the author...not very interesting...I can't say too much about them without revealing the plot from the first one...but they certainly weren't on the same level as the first one.

I also read

Not good....At least I didn't like it....it was kind of like....hey we talk about Jane Austen books....sort of...here is a lame plot for every member....It just didn't have any gusto...no major conflict...nothing that would make me relate to any of the characters in a way where I would want to eagerly keep reading.

For an amazing book club book I recommend Angry Housewives Eating Bonbons. That was the first book I started reading when I joined a book club back in Victoria (which I miss very much and will probably end up starting my own club in the fall). It was SO ripe with conflict and struggle and drama....Excellent read.

I'm finishing up Comfort Food by the same author as the Friday Night series....but it's REALLY annoying me....I won't put up a review of it...other than it really annoys me..I think this is a book that other might really like...but for my personality and the personality of the main character and those she's surrounded by...I'm annoyed...Augh...Can't wait to be done.

I also found time to sneak in The Girl Who Played With Fire, the sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, (which we all know I loved.) I finished this one in about 5-6 hours because I couldn't put it down...These books are amazing and I can't wait for the third one!!! It's being passed through people so I have to wait a bit.

I think I'm going to take a break from new books and read an old goodie....Perhaps a Harry Potter or Narnia book. Speaking of...I cannot WAIT for those movies!!!! It feels like FOREVER until they come out... Part of me doesn't want HP to ever come out....because then it's really over...AGAIN! It was hard enough to read the last book and know it was the end...but the end of the movies!? :( sadmac.

Body Issues

I've been so bothered lately with myself....I feel like I just can't be happy with who I am....

Let's start way back at the beginning....I've always been overweight. Since I was too little....which is unfortunate...Things weren't too bad when I was a swimmer and practicing for almost 2 hours a day, 6 times a week. However, once I stopped swimming things got really bad....and I was tormented in school, which of course isn't nice and thus I have some hurt from back then that I still carry with me.... Luckily due to the closing of Geocities most of the photos of me at my worst are now lost to the world....

I lost a ton of weight in grade 12 thanks to a fad diet....so of course once I stopped that it all came back....coupled with first year of university....Frosh 15? I wish...anyways....It was a very very long time before I woke up and started exercising....I didn't notice at the time...but I look back at photos and I'm just shocked at how I looked....So since the start of university I've yo-yo'ed with my weight a lot.

I've lost a LOT of weight this year....finally due to just LOTS of exercising and smart eating...I'm sad to say that it actually surprised me that it's just as simple as that....

Compared to last year I look fantastic.....I fit into clothes I didn't last year...even remotely...and yet I'm STILL not happy....but I SHOULD be...I look FANTASTIC in my wedding dress....I'm normally happy when I wake up and see myself in the mirror...but I still feel like I'm just not good enough....whenever I see photos of myself the first thing I see is fat...and bleh...I hate photos of me....but then I also LOVE them..I think I look AWFUL at my sister's wedding...like HUGE massive bleh.....and in my engagement photos I'm not too happy either...I look OK...but not great....I see a lot of problems....

I guess I'm really worried I'm going to see my wedding photos and just see how fat and gross I am....

I shouldn't be so hard on myself...I mean look at these girls and Sara Ramirez and Brooke Elliott. Gorgeous...and let's not pretend I don't have my own hot modelling shots.

I just don't know why I can't be happy with myself....I'm still excercising....not as much in the summer because it gets hard with things to do and the heat....and eating well has fallen a little by the wayside with the heat and ice cream being nice and refreshing....and my refrigerator being broken for so long didn't help as that left me with dry goods to eat...meaning mostly carbs and eating out...I think I feel like Jabba the Hut and I'm pretty sure that what everyone else sees....that and my biggest fear is ending up like this...

Pretty much terrified...sometimes I feel like I already DO look like this....

I just don't know what to think....I'm not trying to impress ANYONE...except myself...no one is judging me...I'm healthy (for the most part) and I don't feel any pressure....I'm just...not happy...

The worst foe lies within the self.....

July books

Well, I foretold in my last entry that I had a slew of books to get through and get through them I did...with a couple more additions. I just LOVE reading in the summer...I find in the winter I prefer to knit more because it's warm and there isn't too much to do when it's POURING rain...but in the summer I like to get out and enjoy the sun and such and it's too hot to work with yarn. HENCE my rediscovered love of the library. Free books!! And it only takes me a couple of days to read them!!



First up.




Eh....I really like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies....so I was excited at the prospect of another version of an oldie I would never have read...this book does that...but it's SO fantastical that I have no idea HOW the original plotline would go...With P&P&Z most of the setting and events were the same...in this book there is no WAY any of it was the same...so what was it actually...I think a lot of the book is lost in the fantastical-ness of it...while the original work was more preserved with P&P&Z...

Next!







This book I REALLY liked. It really has nothing to do with Pride and Prejudice, other than the main characters and locations. It's a prologue to the P&P and Zombies work. Otherwise it really doesn't have the boring-o old timey speak as the original Austen did...it TRIES to...but doesn't succeed and I like that. The story was SUPER interesting and I think this was because it didn't have to follow to the storyline as it's predecessor...it knows where the plot has to end up and has the freedom to get there how it sees fit....surprisingly suspenseful for a prequel. I do recommend!!!

Next




Boo. Do not recommend....this is written by the same man who co-authored Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which we all know I was a fan of. But this book...just didn't have a point...it basically took the life story of Abaraham Lincoln and explained that all his decisions were made because his life destiny was to hunt vampires....obviously this isn't true...but the book is just so hard to even pretend it is....It's just not good.... don't bother people I tell you!

I followed this up with

I had been waiting a very long time to read this book. Since the event occurred I have always had a

fascination with the Columbine Massacre (even going as far as to play Super Columbine Massacre RPG! ) ...not to the extent where I'm studying it in order to learn HOW to do it...that's just silly....but the idea that two kids that were not much older than myself in 1999 were able to plan and execute such an event...it just boggles my mind....Getting up and taking a gun to school is one thing....but planning an event for over a year involving decoys, several pipebombs and at least seven propane tank bombs...that is quite a different thing...these kids wanted people to die... A LOT of people....Had the propane tanks bombs actually worked the death toll might have been as high as 500 people....FIVE HUNDRED PEOPLE....Two 18 year old kids could have killed at least 500 people....why? Why why why why why....that's where my fascination lies...Sure everyone wants to know that...and some of the best forensic and psychological minds are all over that...which is why I like this book. This man compiled all the information he could get access to..including information on the Basement Tapes and the boys' journals...evidence that was never released to the public (waaaaaay too disturbing). This book was amazing for getting down into the events as they occurred. The years leading up...the weeks and years after...Anyone wanting to know more about this event should definitely pick up this book.

Lastly, I spent the last two days reading this

For those who don't know, I love Michael Jackson....Like LOVE...not just oh he's a great singer, I like his tunes. No, not even close. I grew up on Micheal's music..long before I have memories of life I have memories of MJ...My favourite movie of all time is Moonwalker....I could watch that movie a million times and never get sick of it....His death was incredibly hard...more so on my sister...who loves him more that's for sure....but still...it's unfathomable to think that this man...possibly the most amazing man to ever live...just died last year...up and died forever....He was beyond amazing....some people won't look past the headlines to understand who he was...this book gives insight into that. It came out in 1988...so I was four...but I know the songs and albums and events he's referencing. This book is a look into his world....one that he kept so guarded..and for good reason. Reading this book gives you insight into a man that was bigger than anyone on this planet has ever been. After reading this book you know that all the tabloids and headlines are lies...and this man could never have been capable of anything the tabloids claimed...and still claim....He was a beautiful, gentle soul...and the world will never seen another like him again.


I've just started What's So Amazing About Grace? a book by Phillip Yancey....I have several of his books already and they always open my eyes...and grace is something I REALLY lack....in every aspect...so I'm hoping this book can shed some light on that for me.


My garden is NOT doing well at all...no new tomatoes since that one...and the strawberry plant seems to not be able to recover from the wind storm :( very sad indeed.

New Purse!

Yay! I finished my purse!

I'm pretty impressed! I made this all with my own hands! It's exactly what I wanted! The strap is a little off because I chained too tightly for the foundation chain....however it's done and I can't wait to go out and use it!

Busy hands!

Well I've been up to much more than just gardening...which looks to expand after having paid a visit to my friend Jill...who grows ANYTHING she can get her hands on!




















I've been working on this small side bag...I realized I got rid of the perfect bag when I moved from Ottawa...this distressed me greatly as it was really a beautiful bag...and a part of me is hoping it's just in a box somewhere.....But since I'll need something small for just keys, ID, and a cell during the summer, I decided to whip this up..It's less than halfway but works up quite quickly when I actually sit and work at it...which is harder since I've been working so much lately! (Which is a good thing)

I managed to sneak some time in to go to the aquarium and see David do his shows...he's AMAZING...he's so captivating and funny and he LOVES it....I'm so proud of him..I'll post some teaser photos next time.


I've also dove back into reading....

I spend mid June reading this....ok I didn't spend MID June reading this book...I only spent two days...I couldn't put it down!!!! It's a pretty long book...but I read faster than almost all people (I've been tested...) and so I plowed through it....the suspense is enough to make anyone stay up until 3 am to finish it!! It's amazing and I recommend it HIGHLY



I followed that up with a classic



Okay not so much a classic as an update....I definitely would never have read Pride and Prejudice on it's own...(blah de blah blah) However this book gives it an extra edge...ZOMBIES! It's awesome reading about these prim and proper ladies kicking butt!! And the original storyline remains intact. Love the idea of updating a classic and it definitely motivated me to read it...Next up I have Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters...and right now I'm in the middle of the prologue, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls (not an original Austen, but still old timey and super entertaining!)


Lastly I picked up a book I've heard about for years but never remembered to grab it.



I was watching an episode of Corner Gas where they started a book club and read this...which finally got me to remember to get it at the Library...It was a little slow in the beginning...a lot of talk with no real sign of where this book was going...and then BAM.. It just jumps right into it and you are hooked on what the heck is going to happen to this boy...It has a very Lady or the Tiger ending...which if you read this book I would like to discuss with you. But definitely something that should be read...but not for the faint hearted.

I've also starting riding my bike to work....I haven't yet biked the WHOLE way. It's about an hour and a half, but there is a path that takes me directly there! The Central Valley Greenway! I tried to bike the whole way yesterday, but took a massive wipeout and wounded my will so I jumped on a Skytrain for the rest of the way. I've taken to biking to VCC-Clark (which is the terminus station for the Millenium Line, which takes me directly to work) and then hopping the train the rest of the way. It's definitely faster than taking buses and trains from my house...drops about 20 minutes from my commute...and the weather is so nice how can I not bike?! And the excercise...it's great. I'm glad a co-worker shared the bike info with me....now if I can just make it without bailing.

I think that's good for now....I have to get back to focusing on my running... I have a goal to run around all of False Creek before the end of the summer...can't do that if I'm not training! Wish me luck!!

My Garden Grows!!!

See my first little tomato!!!! YAY! I'm so excited. Especially since the plant was all wilty and weak after I got back from being in Ottawa for 5 days

Looks like the flowers just needed some more time to adapt...and the lavender looks like it's ready to grow more!

The cilantro is looking amazing!!! Just like in stores!!!

And finally!!! A whole strawberry!! They are popping up all over the plant!! It's so exciting!!! I made a garden :D!

Quick update

Back in Vancouver from David's sister's wedding! It was lovely. Got to meet Elisha Cuthbert...she loved David lol. Busy busy with work for the both of us. Will upload some new photos soon!! My strawberry plant has it's first berries!!!! So exciting!!!


All is very very well....David and I have some amazing friends and family who love and support us and we are so thankful for them. They are all lovely people.

Green Thumb update

YAY!! My Garden hasn't died yet!!

Look at all the flowers soon to be tomatoes!!

So exciting!

My Lavender is coming along! The flowers don't seem to care much lol

My first little strawberry!!!!

And looks like many more to come!!

And the cilantro has sprouted!!!!! I'm so happy!! Nothing makes you prouder than seeing little seeds become a plant!!


In other news! I bought my wedding dress!!!! I obviously can't post photos because David could see. But it's amazing...it fits perfectly and I feel amaaaaazing in it :D Very excited

Green Thumb

For some time I've wanted a garden....fresh food...knowing where it came from! Who wouldn't want that...but living in an apartment tends to limit that....until now!!



This is the tomato plant! It gets lots of sun, and apparently likes compost! So we've started composting again :D

This is a flower (just for fun) Tiger Eyes, and some Lavender because fresh lavender smells SOOO GOOD.

And finally the empty space has Cilantro seeds in it, and beside that is the stawberry plant!!!! I'm very excited for my new little garden!!

Vancouver Tourism Review

I recently had a chance to complete the Vancouver Tourism Challenge that David had on account of where he works. Free admission to SO many tourist locations in Vancouver. So I thought I would write a little review on the ones we went to!

Grouse Mountain - The Peak of Vancouver
http://www.grousemountain.com/

REALLY fun. We went after the skiing season so it was a bit mucky, but we wore appropriate footwear. Even after the season is over there is still a lot to see up there. Highlight was the grizzly bear habitat!!! It was spring so the bears were done hibernating and we got to see them up really close! A thunderstorm trapped us on the top of the mountain for a while. But an awesome adventure!

Capilano Suspension Bridge
http://www.capbridge.com/

AWESOME!!! I thought it was just a bridge...but NO it's an entire HUGE park of treetop bridges and paths! Our time here was limited due to the being trapped on Grouse Mountain...but REALLY enjoyable!! Highly recommend



























Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park
http://www.visitvanaqua.org/

I LOVE the Aquarium...I have been here on several occasions as I have a membership and I love it every time...The animals are so cute and it's such a calming location. I love it and will always recommend it.



















Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours
http://www.stanelypark.com/

This was such a cute tour. We learned a lot about the park and Vancouver we didn't know before...It was a calming and enjoyable ride...good if you want to really see Stanely Park slowly, while learning...with horses!!


















Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre
http://www.vancouverlookout.com/

You can see all of Vancouver from up there!! It's awesome! I liked how at every vantage point there was a plaque explaining the landmark you were looking at...the restaraunt is RIDICULOUSLY overpriced. Do not go there at all....It's a tiny look out compared to the CN tower...but awesome to see all of Vancouver


















Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/

Neat...but I wouldn't pay to go here...It's really nice how they built basically an authentic garden...it's very peaceful...but there is also a public park for free right next door...soo...unless you are hardcore to learn about ancient Chinese culture...probably not for you...


















Science World
http://www.scienceworld.com/

FUN for all ages!!! I love Science World....sure it's angled towards kids...but it's definitely a blast...they even have adult nights sometimes!!! Definitely recommend (it's way better than Sochi House)

The Vancouver Trolley Company
http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/

The best of the tour buses....LOTS of stops near popular attractions and informative drivers!!! Hop on hop off makes it possible to see everything! Thumbs up!

Landsea Tours
http://www.vancouvertours.com/

This is the tour service we used to go up to Grouse Mountain and the Capilano bridge....SO AWESOME! The cost includes your admission to both, along with a Seabus ride home! (a little mini cruise!) Our host, Paul, was SO nice and so friendly and we learned a lot about the area! Also takes you on a trip to the Salmon Hatchery! I didn't even know there was one!! It was super amazing and I HIGHLY recommend this for seeing the North Shore!!! A+ !!



















Big Bus
http://www.bigbus.ca/

Not a fan....buses are late and the drivers aren't very helpful....go with the Vancouver Trolley if you can...they have more tours anyway.

Canada Place
http://www.canadaplace.ca/

Headquarters for the media during the 2010 Olympics, Canada Place is HUGE! Home to the Canada Pavilion at Expo '86, the huge draping tent ceiling is visible from most of Downtown and the North Shore....amazing and worth a stop by

False Creek Ferries
http://www.granvilleislandferries.com/

A quick and easy way to get around False Creek...also a very cute tour! I love this service and perfer it to Aquabus.

Museum of Vancouver
http://www.museumofvancouver.com/

WAY cool! While the main exhibit about old shoes was pretty lame. The actual Museum of the history of Vancouver was fasinating! Pre-1900s to the 70s is what is chronicled! SO AWESOME! I loved it and it's definitely worth it's admission

H.R. MacMillian Space Centre
http://www.spacecentre.ca/

Neat...the Planetarium MIGHT be worth the price of admission, but the actual space centre isn't. While it's super neat...it's very small and can be viewed in under an hour....but sticking around for all the planetarium shows is probably worth it!!

Greater Vancouver Zoo
http://www.gvzoo.com/

Probably should just be called the BC Zoo on account of how far away it is from Vancouver, but it's SUPER cool. Definitely worth the trip. You can even bring your bike and bike the whole thing (which is what we did) Lots of animals and a lot of fun!






















Those are the places we got to try...we missed out on some places we really wanted to check out..but I think we can get it with the Privledge Pass...so if we go anywhere else new...I'll update this!