A Relaxing Sunday

Hanging out with a fruit smoothie and a fresh coffee

Listening to the waves crash against the sand

Watching the ocean dance to its own music

Hoping it warms up enough to go for a swim

Life is a delight today

Family Memories

This spring and early summer has certainly been a time to build family memories. I love moments like these, family dinners, reminiscing, inside jokes and knowing that they always have your back.

We just finished hosting Mom and Dad Farrell as well as Uncle Roy and Aunt Roselle. We were blessed to have them out in Calgary for a little over a week. The time positively flew by with such moments as:

- family dinners
- drive to the mountains
- an interesting play that has me suspectful of my neighbors now
- delicious lobsters
- meeting a special someone
- watching elks
- household chores and dump runs
- appies on a freshly painted deck (i had nothing to do with the work - just enjoyed the final result)
- morning coffees and evening chats

Wish you could have stayed a little longer, mom and dad - there were so many things we didn't get a moment to do. But alas - lots of items on the list for next time.

And Saturday I head to the farm to see my family. So excited to squeeze the nephews tight, share coffee on the deck with Kim, have relaxing chats over lunch with ma and pa, and admire Trev's hard work. Jimmy can't make this trip but no worries - there is still the weekend home for my little cousin's wedding (the second youngest of us - mercies!) and then a family weekend out at Cypress Hill's (really looking forward to that mom!).

And you know what the best part of the coming week is? I won't have a stitch of work to check in on nor catch up on!

A new challenge

Well, after 7 years - this is it. It is time to wind down my time at Entero and move onto a new experience.

I am joining The Structure Group as a consultant.

Giving my resignation was one of the hardest things I have done - and as I expressed to Jimmy it feels a little like my boyfriend and I broke up when we were on vacation with his family! But alas each day brings the transition a little closer to the end and as I anticipate my new challenges - I am very excited.

I will essentially be doing what I do now - but rather than working for the vendor, our company is hired by the client. I am not sure what a day in the life will look like yet, but I should know soon enough and will be sure to keep you posted!

This cold rainy day is perfect for curling up on the couch and watching the bachelorette - my guilty pleasure. Especially after the late departure from the office. Hope the sun comes back, my to do list gets a lot shorter when the sun shines.

--- 1 ---

Pizza on Friday has quickly become a little tradition for Jimmy and I.  It is the perfect way to end a crazy week. Especially since we both love it sooo much. Tonight rather than take out and relaxing at home with a movie it was this little pizza shop in Inglewood that I have been wanting to try for a while - Without Papers. Jimmy arranged the date out and I loved every minute of it. After another successful week at the office we headed directly over their and lucked out with a little table for 2. The Hog Wild and Hutch were our selections and both were equally delicious. (And we just might have come home for a little ice cream treat for dessert . . . )

I would highly recommend this restaurant - the staff were great, the ingredients so fresh and the atmosphere hopping. I would also highly recommend trying to nab a table earlier than later on a Friday night - especially if you land with a group larger than 2 and are starving.

--- 2 ---

Over dinner Jimmy told me that when he was researching pizza joints, he came across one which is owned by a guy who fell in love with Neapolitan style pizza while travelling. I cannot wait to travel through Italy. It is one of those countries that I dream of living in for 6 months or maybe 8 or even a year. I do hope that one day I get an international opportunity for work.

I dream of sitting at a table like this, enjoying a delicious meal of pasta and fresh cheese with bread . . .

Overlooking a view like this . . .

If Jimmy and I make this dream come true will any of you come visit???

--- 3 ---

It is pictures like the outdoor space above that gets me so excited about creating an outdoor oasis for ourselves in our own back yard. I would love to have a little outdoor fireplace, a cozy hot tub, a big huge rustic table for entertaining and a lovely little island for the bbq.

The backyard on the show Parenthood is gorgeous. I love the mix and match chairs and the big wooden table. The whimsical lights. It certainly emulates the feel I would like to replicate in our backyard.

We need a cool gate - it sets the tone I think.

A bbq island is a great way to set up an outdoor buffet, tuck a little fridge and plug in a blender to make a delicious watermelon lemonade.

I love the idea of a fire in the backyard but not necessarily a fire pit. So why not a fireplace? You can still roast marshmallows and make smores, enjoy the warmth and make banana boats . . .

--- 4 ---

If I had a Pinterest account, I guess all of this would be detailed there. But I must admit, I haven't jumped on that bandwagon yet. Not really too sure I understand it - do you? It looks like you just pin pics to categories. But don't you want to add some words - a little context - have the recipe for the watermelon lemonade?? Maybe I am just too chatty for Pinterest. That must be it!

--- 5 ---

Since i piqued your interest around the watermelon freeze, I figure I better not make you wait any longer. Here it is from one of my favorite blogs: Smitten Kitchen

Watermelon Lemonade

from Smitten Kitchen

Makes enough to fill two glasses with ice cubes; we quadrupled it to fill a pitcher. We already need more.

1/4 cup (2 ounces) fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup (4 ounces) fresh watermelon puree, strained through a coarse strainer to remove seeds
3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) simple syrup*
3/4 cup (6 ounces) cold water

Stir it all together and serve over ice. Garnish it with a thin watermelon or lemon wedge, if you’re feeling fancy.

--- 6 ---

Watermelon is my favorite summer fruit. I love how refreshing it is - so juicy and cold. I could have watermelon every day! Definitely what makes a summer picnic extra delightful.

--- 7 ---

I would like to try my hand at jam this summer. I had pineapple jam in Bali and it was incredible. Maybe I should try to make some watermelon jam? Bet that would be yummy!



For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

My strange new addiction . . .

Okay it really isn't strange. I promise you that. But it is a borderline addiction that is taking every ounce of self control I have left (which isn't much these days!). So I am sure you are all dying with anticipation: the mini ice cream treats one can find at Costco. They are so very cute (yes that does drive some of my food choices!) and tasty. The options are an ice cream cone, fudge bar or ice cream sandwich. Tonight was an ice cream sandwich. Yum! Don't try to deny that you are all craving an ice cream sandwich right now :-) and for that Mr. Nestlé, you are welcome!

Another perfect weekend

Pizza Surprise overnight guests Laughs Gardening Shopping Cleaning Sleeping in Travel dreams Catching up on shows Groceries Coffee date Dinner party with great friends Fresh bread Gym date Phone chats How can 48 hours fly by so quickly.

The End of the Season

 

Series championship - - - the Schooners are the underdogs and have fought the hard fight . . . 

They took the long road to this game . . .

 - not by choice . . .

But stayed in the game . . .

Kept their eyes on the puck . . .

Controlled the face offs . . .

Extending their chances just a  little . .

The defense was strong . .

The goalie kept his head in the game . .

And finally . . .

Celebrated a win . . . now it is down to the final game . . .

They answered with a goal . . .

But the other goalie stood on his head to save the lead . . .

And alas it was not to be  . . .

Better luck next year schooners! You did us proud!!

7 Quick Takes Friday - All about eating

Hey everyone - trying something new. It's 7 Quick Takes inspired by this blog. Enjoy!

--- 1 ---

I love cooking - I spend hours searching food blogs, flipping through recipe books, planning out a special meal. Here are some of my favorite blogs - hope you enjoy them as much as I do:

Dinner with Julie

In Jennie's Kitchen

Smitten Kitchen

Hope you enjoy perusing as much as I do.

--- 2 ---

I love candle light dinners with my husband. I don't do it nearly as often as I should but it never fails to be a special moment. I love it for so many reasons. I love doing something special for him. The preparation it takes is a bit like courting. I love trying new reciptes. I love that it is just us, no tv, no distractions, enjoying each other and having those conversations that you never make enough time in your life for.

--- 3 ---

I love reading the City Palate. It has been a favorite ritual of mine since I moved to Calgary. They release them every other month and can be found throughout the city or online. I have never made a recipe out of the magazine. Nor have I ever bought a kitchen gadget it recomends. But that doesn't dim my love for picking up a copy, sitting down on the couch one evening and pouring over that fresh print.

--- 4 ---

I love trying new restaurants. In the back of City Palate, there is a section called Stock Pot: Restaurant Ramblings and it documents the comings and goings of restaurants and chefs. I often find at least one new place or newly revamped restaurant that I am intrigued by. Before long, I have sucked someone into going to try the restaurant with me - whether it is my husband, girl friends or a double date. Here are the latest new restaurants that I tried and loved:

Borgo

Cassis

--- 5 ---

I love my dinner club. The ladies are quite delightful! The restaurants chosen are a mixture of classics and up and comers, diners and fine dining, exotic menus and reworked traditional dishes. It is always sure to hold many laughs. Dessert. No topic is off limits. No question left unanswered. We sample off other's plates, critique and delight in the tastes. It is many years and counting - through babies and marriages, budget restrictions and celebrations. I love my girls!

--- 6 ---

I love little food markets. Lina's and Edelwiess are two of my favorites. The meats and cheese are always so tempting. The fresh bread smells so delicious and I rarely leave without a little baked treat for later. If I am looking for unique sauces, spices or ingrediants, I always head to one of these first. Cookbook Company and Calgary Farmer's Market never fail to inspire me. The ingredients are so fresh and flavorful, the people delightful and the 'individual' portioned meals are such a delightful treat. Little grocery stores like Community Natural Foods, A1 Spices in Castleridge, T&T Supermarket and Sunterra are places that I can never run in for something 'quick'. The aisles beckon for me to stroll through and try something new.

--- 7 ---

I would love to take a food/cooking tour style trip at some point in my life. Whether that is a cooking class out at the Banff Springs, or a French cooking vacation. Italy, Spain, Turkey, Morrocco or Mexico - wouldn't that be a fantastic aspect to include in your vacation? One day - I promise.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

A perfect weekend

Pizza and friends Walks and sunshine Yummy lunch parties and dinner parties Trying new recipes and perfecting old Sleeping in and lying low Planning trips and reminiscing of places we have been These are the weekends I enjoy!

Coffee in bed...

Having a husband is fantastic!

Today is the day a year past

The day I married my best friend.
This very day I hoped could last forever
Today a year ago I wanted every second to last a minute
To cherish this day like no other

And now a year later....

He's a better friend than yesterday
Each day since, we have dreamt of forever
There isn't a second I would change
Our love is something we cherish above all

And this day in a year to come....

I promise you I will still choose you, my love
Only the Lord knows what forever will hold
He is counting our seconds
But regardless of His plan, as long as their is breath in our lungs, I will cherish you

Monday

I was dreading my first Monday after vacation. It started with the water being off at the office. I quickly emailed and texted the team and let them know; telling them to stay at home until we could wash our hands or flush the water closets. But alas another work from home day was short lived when the water came back on and I jumped in zinny to head into work. I was just going to make our ops meeting.

The day proceeded with trying three parking lots before finding a spot, meetings and catch up, training and client emails. By the end of the afternoon I was exhausted and couldn't bear the thought of taking the bus.

I texted my fantastic husband a sweet note asking if he was coming through downtown at all hoping to catch a ride home. He gently responded that he wasn't.... But didn't I have my car???

Yup, a Monday.

Happy Second Easterversary Baby

Jimmy thought he had scored a little reprieve when we decided to plan our wedding for Easter last year. The notion that he would never forget our anniversary because it was tied to an 'event' and a day that cannot go unnoticed. When we were talking about my trip to visit Kimmie, he made the off handed comment that I would be missing our wedding anniversary.

Well baby - we probably picked one of the worst times for a wedding if we were looking to add a date queue so we would never forget - Easter can be anytime in later March or April - but know that I am thinking of you and our wedding day all the same this Easter Saturday.

What a joyful Easter 2011 was!

Lazy Days

I pre apologize to all of you reading this whom are not currently on vacation.

Have you ever noticed how everything is a bit sweeter when you take a much needed break. 8 hour sleeps feel that much more luxurious. Showers are more energizing. Coffee is that much more delicious. Books are more exciting. Time ticks to a more pleasant beat. Salads are that much crisper and yogurt that much richer.The smaller most mundane items are rejeuvenated to being special again.

I am some number of days in -  less than 5 - have already lost count - to my vacation. Did a little work on the plane and logged into email twice to send that work back to the office and grab a couple more docs from Kai. I have not read any other emails - even the subject - and my phone email is completely disconnected. If they are desperate they know how to text me - and so i turn my phone on to receive texts once a day.

I miss Jimmy like crazy and wish he could have joined me. But I know we will come back here together one day.

In the meantime - I am drinking in every minute of this time away. Time to read and to lounge poolside, soak in that vitamin D, my workouts are now swimming and water aerobics style, I have that second cup of coffee, walk at a leisurely pace (well not so much yesterday but you can read about that here), eat meals on the patio, chat with a dear friend and just be whole in every moment.

At home in my daily work life - I am rarely ever whole in that moment. I am always performing tasks thinking about what is next, what this impacts, what this adds to my to do list, how to utilize this to our advantage. So to sit here wholly in the moment is such a refreshing delight.

And on that thought - it is time to update the travel blog and then head to the pool. My coffree is half way done so I know the timing will be perfect. Oh and for those of you wondering - jet lag is nill now - yay!

Sorry for the quasi sappy post but it is kinda true today. Wish you all could have joined me here - it really is such a treat.

Counting Down to 40

Jimmy turned 39 this year so we had to celebrate his last year in his 30's in style. A helicopter ride, a hike on a mountain top followed by a delicous dinner all with great friends seemed like the perfect way to do it.

 
The views were incredible. We had never seen the mountain tops from this vantage point before.

Flying over the mountains felt a little bit like a crazy roller coaster when we hit the wind channels that curve over the top.

We landed at broken lakes and went for a little hike.

You will notice I cropped out my 'flood' ski pants. I even have boys ski pants and they still aren't long enough for these legs!

 We finished our day at the Iron Goat Pub & Grill in Canmore. The food was delicious and the mountain view incredible. Would certainly recommend it! You can check out their website here. Tim, Tanya and I all went with the Kobe 'Oscar' Burger (house-made with kobe beef, lobster, blue crab, provolone, tomato, tarragon mayo, ciabatta) and were not disappointed!

Mirror mirror on the pillar . . .

Keely, the beautiful daughter of my dear friend Shannon got her braces off this week. I was so excited for her as it instantly took me back to a fabulous day in Regina when I experienced the very same thing.

I don't remember how old I was, I don't remember if it was summer or winter but I do remember standing in the Army and Navy looking in the mirrored pillars while mom and dad shopped for something (probably work jeans) for Dad in the men's department.

You see braces are awkward. They cut up the inside of your lip, it is hard to play sports, you have constant canker sores, you can't eat a bunch of foods and you truly feel like you have ball bearings in your mouth. You face structure looks so different - your nose is flattened weirdly, your lips puff out, your cheeks are fuller - all in all you have a totally different profile. And as a female teen/tween it's a hard time. You don't have the confidence in yourself, you can't always see beyond the present and you have no idea what you 'should' look like since your development years have included these big icky metal braces.

So the day I got them off - all i could do was stare in the mirror. Look at my profile. Check out my smile. Run my tongue over my smooth teeth. Smile again. Dad could have shopped for hours and I would have been happy to just stare at that mirrored pillar. It was at the back of Army and Navy - with that distinct smell in the air. In the old store off Dewdney. The store may no longer exist in Regina. And you don't see mirrored pillars very often anymore - but that memory is still so vibrant in my mind.

Shan said Keely did the same thing. Of course it wasn't Army and Navy but rather the orthodontist office. But I am sure she was filled with the same emotion, same excitement, same relief to find that your nose and puffy lips don't stay that way.

Congrats Keely - you are a gorgeous girl and one day will look back at this memory and grin like a fool. You might even still run your tongue along your teeth - I find that I still do whenever I am reminded of that moment.

Coyote hunting they say?.

Jimmy and I got a little bonus Flames game in on Thursday. And what a treat it was - it was the most fun game of the season. Complete with a little Iggy dance:



The Coyotes were in town but Calgary was't backing down.

And of course we got some ice cream. A game at the dome isn't complete without a little ice cream for the third period!!

Sitting on the couch with my husband of almost a year (eep) drinking hot chocolate watching the flames.

The floor needs to be washed.
My hair could be blow dried.
Taxes are waiting.
Shirts to iron.

But tonight . . . it isn't a priority.

Tonight, I choose spending time with you my love!

When Life Seems Busy

I read a  great post this week on being 'too busy'. The author suggests that to understand where your time is being spent you should start cataloguing your days. People often work less than they think they do, cutting back on Facebook would allow them to fit in their gym time, swap a little fluffy TV time for reading that book that they are dying to get to.

You can read it in full here.

The paragraph that stood out the most was the last one:

Change your language. Instead of saying "I don't have time" try saying "it's not a priority," and see how that feels. (Are you as busy as you think? By Laura Vanderkam)

Hmmm, how different would my days look if I evaluated my time more purposefully. What if I  didn't clean the bathroom this weekend because it was not a priority? (I kinda didn't) What if I chose to spend time with Sarah and her beautiful babies because it is a priority? (I kinda did)

It feels like Jimmy and I have spent a lot of energy since Christmas trying to prioritize better: vitamins, working out, healthier meals, flossing. LOL - baby steps we know - but cut us some slack. It hasn't been easy since work has been crazier than I would have liked (and I can't exaggerate this one).

However, after reading this article, I have found myself pondering my choices. I am a queen of multi-tasking so I can check Facebook and read the blogs I follow while commuting to work. I can clean the living room and bake muffins while catching up on a show. (That is why commercials were invented).

But what else can I do to ensure I don't miss those work outs? To be a better long distance friend? To enjoy our second year of marriage even more than we did our first?

When life is busy . . . I will choose what is my priority.