Rock the Boat

I'm reminiscing a little today. Back in Dec 08 - Jan 09 I was cavorting in New Zealand, enjoying the sunshine and spending time with my friends and family. One of my favourite getaways was an overnight trip on Rock the Boat out of Paihia. I loved it so much, that I decided to share the experience with my friends Meagen & Allan and got them vouchers for the same getaway as an engagement present.

I just got a text from Meag saying they were driving up to Paihia now, and they were going to have fun in the sun and enjoy the warmth (at 24 degrees and it was not yet mid morning) before they board the boat this afternoon.

Here are some picture from Rock the Boat - an old car ferry they've converted for overnight trips - great staff and super fun activities... you can check out more on them here: http://www.rocktheboat.co.nz/

I'm hoping Al & Meag take lots of photos - here is just a taste of what I got up to when I went.

 

Target shooting off the back of the boat to win beer! 

 

Fishing off the back of the boat for fish to add to our bbq dinner

 

Getting ready to sample fresh sea urchin

 

The paradise they took us to for kayaking, snorkeling and a picnic lunch on the second day

so sore!

My trainer was away on a 2 week holiday, and I have to admit to taking a little holiday in that time too. I was doing some crazy overtime at work that coincided with being sick, and that kept me out of the gym. Then I started up again but lost the weekend to the Olympics, and didn't get back in early in the week like I'd hoped. But yesterday was a new day and I was back!

And Claire was back with a vengeance - just kidding. But she had worked out a new interval training routine for me that brings on board a few things from boxing. There's a lot of skipping, and some bobbing and weaving. Push ups too... I can feel my triceps a LOT today. But feeling new soreness is nice - so I'll embrace it.

Fever, of the Olympic variety

Wow - that was a whirlwind trip that totally exceeded my expectations in some ways, and not in others.

During work on Friday, Kim and I decided that we'd head over to Vancouver just for the day on Saturday and take in all the sights that the 2010 Olympics have to offer. Since we wanted a full day there, we decided we wanted to get the second ferry over. That meant arriving at the bus depot at 5am, boarding the 7am ferry and arriving in downtown Vancouver at 9:30am - 4.5 hours of travel there.

We ran into our friend Chrissie on the ferry - she was meeting up with friends from college who were nice enough to come out and pick her up from the terminal. We enjoyed a delicious ferry breakfast (I actually do enjoy them!) and finally got to see the sun rise!

We got dropped off at the Art Gallery and there was already a line around the block. Kim and I decided to head towards the water to find the cauldron housing the Olympic flame. My friend Noah had been there earlier in the week and said it was worth waiting in line to have access to the viewing platform. Surprisingly, we waited less to see it on a Saturday than he had on a weekday - only half an hour!

 

 

 

We didn't have tickets for any events, but that morning on the bus, we talked it over and decided we'd head to Canada Hockey Place (GM Place) and see if we could either buy tickets at the booth (they said they might release small amounts of tickets right before events) or just see if any where for sale on the street. We decided that we'd pay up to $100 to watch an Olympic hockey game... the first scalper we ran into said he didn't have any in that range - we began to fear the worst. The next scalper we past was actaully too sketchy for us to even want to talk to - we just kept walking. We then came to another fellow (are there no woman scalpers?) and he started the sales pitch the moment we walked past. He had a great pair of tickets, just perfect for us. The game was Switzerland vs Norway - starting in 45 minutes. They were good seats - A level (tickets were sold in various price ranges when they were release, based on how good the seats were. A levels were always the best, and most expensive). Face value for these ones were $140, but he'd let us have them for for $130. He gave us the tickets to look at.... Ok - good deal, he'll part with them for $125. Kim and I turn the tickets over and over in our hands - are they real? How do we know? $120 - awesome seats, above the glass in the main bowl. I feel daring - I ask for them for $100 each... He brings it down to $115 and we decide to dive in. If they're fake - well, it'll have been an adventure. If they're real - we're happy with the price and off to a better adventure.

We traded cash for the tickets and set off down the path towards the game. We walked for about 20 minutes, passed another dozen or more scalpers and thousands of boisterous fans towards the gates. We texted our friends saying we might be watching a game - didn't want to get ahead of ourselves until the tickets were scanned and we were inside the building. We made it through the security checkpoint - had our bags checked after the scanners found containers in them. They checked out our water bottles and waved us through. Up the stairs and back down again, up another set and towards the door. We gave each other a nervous glance and held our tickets out to be scanned. SUCCESS!!! There were no bells and whistles proclaiming them to be fake. Our money was well spent and we gained access to the arena.

Our seats really were great - we had a great view of the ice, the TSN sportscasters and were surrounded by loud Norwegian fans - that helped me pick which team I'd be supporting.

I don't think we could have asked for a better game - tied 1-1 at the end of the 1st period, 2-2 at the end of the 2nd, and 4-4 at the end of the 3rd to send the game into overtime! Woooooo hooooo! Switzerland ended up taking home the win half way through that 5 minute round and the building erupted. We even ran into Lexi and Jenn during the first intermission - they were decked out in Canadian gear and cheering loudly for the Swiss.

For some reason, we were even entertained during the game by this poor little kangaroo that made it's way around the arena at least twice. It was kicked, pummeled and subjected to other unmentionable acts along the way. Is there a rivalry between Canada & Australia that I'm not aware of?

We headed back out into the sunshine and spend a few hours wandering around the Granville & Robson area. Watched the zipliners, checked out the many buskers and weaved in and out of the crowds. In a way, we felt like we were back home on the causeway in the midst of a busy summer tourist season. I think the days are quite different from the nights in Vancouver. I expected to see seas of people all breaking out into random cheers and chants - feeling the Olympic spirit all around. But it wasn't like that for me. Even when we were in line for the cauldron we could hear the whispered conversations of a couple 5 people away. We saw a few of the pavillions and country houses, but the lines were starting at 3 hours, and we didn't have that time to spend in line.

We ended up down by False Creek where a sea of inukshuks have been constructed - very cool! We had dinner at the Casino on the water and enjoyed the people watching.

Our day was coming to an end, so we headed over towards Science World - the bus depot is only a few blocks past that. We knew we had to be at the depot an hour before the bus departed, and we got there even earlier, as we were expecting big crowds. There were a few groups in line ahead of us at 6pm, the bus left at 7:20, got to the ferry at 8:05. We got to wait on the bus til we loaded on the 9pm ferry, and made it back to downtown Victoria by 11:30pm - 5.5 hours in transit and waiting.

We spent 9 hours that day waiting for a bus or ferry, or being on a bus or ferry. Insane. And tiring!

But oh so glad we went! Go Canada, Go! I'm proud of how it's all playing out over in Vancouver, and glad I made a point of being part of it.

Olympic Bound!

Wooo hooo! Ok - no more complaining about not buying tickets in advance. I'm just going to suck it up and go celebrate with the crowds. Kim and I are hoping on a 5:45 am bus tomorrow, on the ferry, and into downtown Vancouver by 9:30am. It's supposed to be clear sunny skies tomorrow (even a high of 10! lol) so we'll stay outside for most of it, and partake in the Olympic spirit everyone says is flowing over there.

I only have one goal, and that's to get photos of and with the Olympic cauldron. Apparently they've put in a viewing platform now, so you can get photos without the chain link fence spoiling them. A friend who was over yesterday said the wait for that was only 45 minutes, so we'll brave it.

Anything free (and most things that aren't) will involve an hour + wait to get in. I've done my HBC shopping here so won't be partaking in the epic 1hr + wait to get in the store, and another 1hr + wait to get through the tills. Phew!

Hopefully I'll have some great stories and pictures to share come Sunday!

Olympic stress

It can be hard watching some of these competitions. The quickness of speed skating has me tensing every race - the false starts, the tight corners, photo finishes - it can be too much! But I enjoy it, and even find myself moving side to side, mimicking their motions as I watch it on the couch.

Then you have the skiing, in which I think I've seen as many crashes as amazing finishes. My heart breaks for those who've trained and trained and travelled all this way, only to not finish a race after a fall or an out of bounds error.

Last night's Canada vs Switzerland men's hockey game? I almost couldn't watch. I was texting my fears back and forth with Gwen - trying to comfort each other. When we won the game in the shootout, I wasn't cheering for the win, but simply breathing a sigh of relief - it was just too close!

Fortunately, I had my men's figure skating to turn to. My newly-discovered favourite skater, US's Evan Lysacek, was in second place after Tuesday's short program. He is a tall fellow - 6'4" I believe, and he moves with such strength and grace on the ice. He skated first in the last group of 6, and what a skate it was. If there was a perfect program last night, he had it. Not only are his jumps strong and fast, but inbetween them he moves with such emotion and artistry. It's a performance, not just an athletic feat. And he was recognized for that by the judges and he took home gold - so well deserved!

One of the last of the night was another favourite of mine - US's Johnny Reid. It's his personality and outgoing style that won me over. While his performance was technically clean, he doesn't seem to have the same footwork inbetween the jumps. Something abundantly clear after having seen Evan perform. He didn't get high enough points to make the podium, and the crown in Vancouver weren't happy about that. They began to boo, and Evan stood up and began to make a motion for them to quite. He seemed happy with how he'd done, and didn't want to hear the boos.

Last night had some great skating, but was dissapointing from the costume angle. No over the top ones like the short program. But Johnny made me laugh out loud when I saw him waiting for his results wearing a fan made (tossed down to the ice for him) rose head piece and holding a bouquet marked with a J. You go Johnny!

Canada's Patrick Chan finished in a respectable 5th position. He didn't do as well as he could have on his jumps, but he's only 19 and has many more years of this ahead of him. It was a learning experience and I'm sure we'll see great things from him in the years to come.

A new spot to avoid...

on days I don't want to spend money that is!

I'd heard about Frilly Lilly opening through a brochure in my Bella Boudoir gift bag but just hadn't had a chance to stop by til last night. I'd always walked by at night when they were closed, but it was my lucky day.

It's a store/spa. You can get manicures or waxes - they specialize in bikini - and do a little shopping in the same trip. I haven't sampled these services yet, but might do so in the Spring.

What got me into trouble were their accessories - lots of shiny, sparkly pieces of jewelry, and an abundance of scarves and hats.

 

The matte gold earrings in the center came home with me. (And that's my custom-made (a la me) antique picture frame earring holder that they are looking oh so comfy in) They'll be in my ears tomorrow for work. And I'll be deck out in this too:

This bobbled, twirled, light knit scarf caught my eye before I even entered the store. Love at first sight! (Update: this scarf is the exact shade of green I like to wear near my face because it makes my eyes look green - score!)

That's what I did last night - took photos of my new purchases. Well, that and met Chrissie at aquajogging. I'll let you know how that went later... I missed the prior week cause I was sidelined with a cold and too few hours in the day. It was nice being back :)

Beauty shots!

A lot of you know that I did a retro pin-up style photoshoot back in the fall. It was with Bella Boudoir and was one of the funnest afternoons I've had! I really enjoy playing dress up, and I adore having my photo taken, so you can see why I had a blast.

I had an email from the photographer (Jen Steele) the other day, telling me that they are redoing their website and would like to include one or more photos from my shoot. Squeeee! Exciting stuff. So hopefully one of the pics will go up there. They specified which ones they were interested in and I got to approve each of them.

Here's a taste of my favourites from the session. You may end up seeing one their site in the near future!

 

Olympic fun!

I am kicking myself for not investing in tickets for any of the Olympics... but they were really expensive and I wasn't hyped when they went on sale. I'm doing my best to catch all the activity online while at work, or on tv at home. The office is pumped for the games, so it's easy to have a window open in case there are any medal events, like yesterday's women's snowboard cross. We watched Maelle win the gold live - so amazing. How she must have felt winning gold in her home city!

Last night I watched the men's short program figure skating on tv, and LOVED the costumes some of them wore. I knew I had to talk about a choice few here...

First up, currently in second place after the short program, Evan Lysacek (USA). As soon as he came on screen, the thought "this is what Severus Snape would have worn had he gone into figure skating as a youth, instead of potions and Voldemort!". Accurate, no? ** Update - forgot to mention that this outfit is a one-piece designed by Vera Wang. Yes, THAT Vera Wang. Amazzerballs!**

Also from the US, Johnny Weir. He is extremely flamboyant and has a HUGE fan base. My favourite moments came after his performance. There was a Lady Gaga song (Bad Romance) playing in the background and he started dancing to it while waiting for his score to come up. He speaks fluent Russian and English and blew kisses like crazy to his fans. He owned this outfit, from the corset style leather featuring pink lacing and sheer shirt, to the hot pink shoulder tassle right down to his sheer fabric covered pinkies!

Tomas Verner (Czech) was paying homage to Greece with his outfit and music choice. I thought it was great, but what pushed it over the top... the sheer white fabric flowing on his right arm. It adds a little something something when it's fluttering in the breeze, don't ya think?

And I saved the best for last - Italy's Samuel Contesti. This 6'4" Italian is very pleasing to the eyes (noticed a weddign band there though - pout!), yet I expected an Italian to be dressed better than this. Dirty overalls - in a light wash denim no less! What was he thinking?! At least he made the effort to add the details of matching cuffs and overall lining to his plaid shirt. It helps redeem him. And fashionista Johnny Reid enjoyed it! (I wonder if he enjoyed the man wearing it more - hehe). Johnny said, prompting much laughter from reporters, "I thought it was very fashion forward and a very big risk, even riskier than man cleavage and a pink ruffle."

I can't wait to see what they come wearing tomorrow night for the long program/free skate!

A night with two men...

My dad, and Colin James. AMAZZERBALLS! If you ever have the chance to see him perform, do. He is so full of energy. I was bouncing in my seat all night. He's playing at the Royal again tomorrow night, so you might still have a chance to get tickets. :)

The show was filled with classics like Just Came Back, Voodoo Thing, Tupelo Honey and Into the Mystic. He even covered Stuck in the Middle with You! His guitar playing was sharp and the horns & sax were on point. The theater was sold out, and people were on their feet multiple times in the night.

At one point, Colin even came out and stolled down the aisle to the rear of the theatre and back. You have to love a musician who appreciates his audience and isn't afraid to get to close to them.

This was a great show, and an I loved that I got to share it with my dad! We were totally relaxed in the loge seats - all the leg room you could desire. I'll def try to get those seats again.

The opening act was Suzie McNeil. Some of her music includes Believe (you may recognize this one from Olympic promotions) and Supergirl. I think I remember her from the tv show where INXS were auditioning new lead singers...

phew!

This week has disappeared waaay too quickly! I'm battling a cold and worn out from work, so it'll just be the highlights (and lowlights)...

Paid an emergency visit to the optometrist on Monday and was diagnosed with an eye infection. First one ever, which isn't bad for a 14 year history of contact wear. No biggie in the long run, but I am taking eye drops 4x a day and have to go without contacts and eye makeup for a week.

The performance of Moulin Rouge was outstanding! Love love love how the Royal Winnipeg Ballet make it all look so effortless, entertaining and enthralling! Mom & I had a great sushi dinner before the show, and met up with friends in the theatre. The costumes were gorgeous, the story was beautifully done and it was a fabulous night overall. The only downer - the little girl sitting behind us who was constantly scratching at her tights, and sucking a lollipop very loudly. Ah well - can't always have it all.

Mom & I, excited for the ballet to begin!

I've since been pulling 10 - 12 hour days at work, but it's all been worth it. Will go in tomorrow for some more OT - have a project to finish up. But oh, it will feel so good to have it completed!

Tomorrow is also date night with dad. I bought him tickets to see Colin James for Christmas, and the show is almost upon us. I'm excited because I was able to get loge seats, which mean front row of the balcony. Should be ideal for dancing. :)

Did you all watch the Olympic open ceremonies tonight? Was kinda bummed by Nelly & Bryan's performance - thought it was lacking something.But then I was blown away by kd lang's rendition of Hallelulah - outstanding!

I loved Sarah's part of the cultural section, as well as the fiddlers (and Ashley MacIssac!) but could have done without all the foliage in that part. And the beat poet? What a surprise! I actually thought "oh no" when they announced that was what was next, but I loved his performance.

The picks for people to carry in the Olympic flag and do the final torch lighting were also very emotional. Talk about having a moment of being proud to be Canadian!  Any highlights I missed?

to the Ballet!

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is back in town, and I've got tickets to watch them perform. I've been to two prior shows of theirs, Dracula and Peter Pan. Both were outstanding, and led me to try and buy tickets whenever they come to town.

Tonight's performance is a Christmas date - I bought the tickets as a gift for my momma, and we'll be enjoying a sushi dinner before the show. Dad got a similar gift this year - I'll be taking him to see Colin James on Saturday - a great week for me! I took mum to see Peter Pan last year as well, so this may become a tradition.

Tonight's show is Moulin Rouge!

 

Photo of Serena Sandford, Photo by Nardella Photography Inc

This tour is the world premier of the production, and I can't wait. The RWB is the only ballet company I've seen perform, but their shows have each been awe-inspiring and oh-so entertaining. The reviews I've read from earlier dates of the tour suggest that I won't be dissapointed.

I hope to be back tomorrow with a review, and feedback from friends Alyx, Kim and Lex who will also be at tonight's performance.

Here's one last picture, taken from the RWB website:

 

And the overview of the production, also from the website:

The most famous cabaret in history, the Moulin Rouge has been the subject of many books, paintings and musicals - birthplace of the Can-Can and home to a cast of outrageous dancers known as the Diamond Dogs.

Drawn to Paris by the city's passion, Matthew and Nathalie tempt the fates as they seek love and destiny in the infamous cabaret.

Choreography: JORDEN MORRIS
Music: VARIOUS COMPOSERS
Costume Design: ANNE ARMIT & SHANNON LOVELACE
Set & Properties Design: ANDREW BECK
Lighting Design: PIERRE LAVOIE
Dramaturge: RICK SKENE

the Super Saints

I tuned in just before the half time show started, and stayed pretty much glued to the tv after that. The game between the Colts & the Saints was great. I don't have an attachment to either team, but I was rooting for New Orleans. After the four years that city has had, their first ever Super Bowl win would be inspirational, and a reminder for what they can accomplish.

They had everything going in their favour yesterday, and the Saints came out on top. Their young (ish) quarterback Drew Brees tied a Superbowl record for most completions and was named MVP. He was celebrating on the field post game with his wife near by and his 1year old son in his arms. This photo came up on Twitter this morning, and I just had to share it. I think it captures the moment in a way that words can't. Just try not smiling!

crumble!

On Saturday I made an amazing crumble for a potluck. I don't do baking very often, so I was really happy with the outcome. I think most people who tried it had second helpings, so there was only a little bit left to bring home with me. The awesome part of this dessert is that there was no sugar added to it - it was just delicious in it's own right.

In a sauce pan, combine 1.5 lbs granny smith apples (peeled and sliced), 1 1/2 cups of backberries and the juice of 1 lemon and simmer for 5 - 10 minutes. (I added 2 chopped dates to the mix to add some extra sweetness - I think it was a good call!) Transfer the fruit to a baking dish.

Combine 1 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of flour, 5 tbsp of canola oil, 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds and 10 finely chopped dates. Pour this mixture on top of the fruit and bake for 25 minutes.  

This is based on a recipe from my aunt, who made it for Thanksgiving last year. It'll become a regular on my list, so let me be in charge of dessert next time you have a potluck - you won't be sorry ;)

success

It's a Saturday, and I just got home from the gym. I get a giant "boo-yah!" for accomplishing that. Helps that the brewhaha ended relatively early last night, so lots of sleep was had. Some of us even practiced the liquor - water - liquor - water routine.

Now to enjoy a hot shower, have some lunch, make a healthy (and yummy) apple blackberry crumble for a friend's open house, then end out to Cactus to celebrate another friend's 25th birthday. Oh, she's practically still a baby!

Anyone have excitement planned for this weekend?

Febraury Brewhaha

Less than two hours until the Brewhaha celebrating Noah's birth begins. I expect full on tomfoolery by all, and a potential quiz night visit. Strongbow will be allowed, even expected. I can already hear the stirrings in the office of folks wanting to head out to Smith's... Let the shenanigans commence!

If all goes according to plan, it should look something like this.

clothing hunt

So I was on Lainey's site this morning, and saw this picture of Jennifer Garner. I'm in love with that sweater. Love that it's got the Army/Sargent jacket style details, but it's a cozy zip up sweater. Awesome combo. How do you go about finding out what brand it is or where she got it? There must be celebrity or fashion sites dedicated to that kind of thing... I just don't know any.
Anyone seen a site like that, or a similar sweater? Help me!

time to be held accountable...

Ok - so tomorrow morning is measurement time! I've now had nine training sessions with Claire, visited the gym on my own (not quite as many times as I'd like to have), made use of my wandering yogi pass and treaded water at aquajog.

I'm not going to be posting my weight or measurements, but do hope to announce a reduction in inches tomorrow.

A HUGE part of weight loss is diet, and that is still something that I struggle with. I am being more conscious about what I eat, trying to make smart choices and cooking for myself more often. My game plan has been to get fitness to be a habit in my life, and then introduce another big change in terms of food.

I feel so much better now than I did two months ago. I have more energy, feel stronger, feel more alive - even sit with better posture. I haven't seen too much of a change in the way clothes are fitting yet, so I'm interested in seeing how my body measurements have changed since we took them on January 4th.

So fingers crossed, I'll see some results tomorrow! I'll keep ya'll posted...

Update: the only change was a loss of 1/4" in my chest. Oh well. I am wearing a dress today that didn't fit me in October, so I'll take that as my reward for the hard work. And it has been hard work, with a lot more to go. It's all good - yea fitness!

Excitement!

Ya - just got word that we've booked our cabin in Tofino for Easter weekend! It's a cozy place, only an 8-minute walk from the south-end of Chesterman and comes complete with a hot tub (or ho tub as it will now be referred to as - thanks Kim).

Just 4 ladies surfing, hiking, ho tubbing and drinking wine. Now that's the recipe for a perfect long weekend! And stoked to be returning to the west coast with 3 of the ladies from my last Tofino trip!

post-hike in Tofino, Easter long weekend of 2007. L-R, Kim, me, Dominic, Gill, Donna, Lex & Marc

   
On the beach in Tofino, Remembrance Day long weekend of 2005 with Gill & Donna

The whole group, Remembrance Day long weekend of 2005.
L-R: Ali, Jon, Richard, Dominic, Donna, Gill, Mark, me, and others (is that rude? I know it's Dominic's co-worker, his sister and her husband, I just can't remember their names at this exact moment in time...)

I heart Etsy

I spent my lunch hour today browsing the virtual windows of etsy. There are so many people out there with creative minds and the motivation to create what they imagine. It almost spoils me!

If I won the lottery, I would adopt these treasures and give them a loving, new home. Spoil them with attention and show them off where ever I went!

From ForTheCrossJewelry's shop, vintage copper bird cage and leaves earrings, "Fly Away". I think they're a steal at only $27. But I have other priorities. If these babies are still there come next pay day, they get to fly away to me!

 

From onegarnetgirl's store is this sterling silver and diamond Virgo constellation ring. They are made to order, and she will also do these as pendants. A little rich for my blood at $118, but it doesn't make me love it any less.

And of course, I'm a sucker for leather cuffs. This one with it's 3D nature and bright green ginkgo biloba leaves from julishland's store pulls at my heart strings. Again, a steal at $20 - maybe something else for my list for next payday.

 

A half hour spend perusing the etsy shelves makes my heart feel a little lights (some times my wallet too). But where else do you get to find so many unique pieces that are handmade, gorgeous, sometimes recycled, maybe vintage, and from all over the world? *sigh* I'm feeling better already!