Saturday

Today has been a very interesting day. It started off by the dog and I making a trip to Canadian Tire. I had to get floor mats for Olive, my new car. The floor mats that come with the car are useless if you're me. I'm not a casual driver, I AM A DRIVER. Meaning I drive in any kind of weather which means any kind of dirt will end up on my shoe which will end up in my car. New cars come with silly fabric floor mats. Dumb. Anyway, the dog and I went to Canadian Tire where I carefully picked out some floor mats (with dog prints on them-cute) and a gel mat for Sadie to sit on in the back of the car.

After CT we headed straight to Olive who is currently parked on the street. Our loft came with a spot in which Astro owns (senior cars get priority). We also rent a spot that our motorcycles are currently parked in. So that leaves Olive and the street. If you have been to my neck of the woods, you would understand that absolute joy in scoring a FREE no TIME LIMIT spot on the street. Well, I did just that. It's half a block away from me. One thing I hate about parking on the street...no it's not the threat of being broken into, or having the car vandalized.... it's going to the car in the morning and starting it. I like to give my car a minute or two to warm up (also the light on the dashboard says when it's ok to drive away). HOWEVER because free parking is a hot commodity around here, the minute I get in there's about seven cars waiting for my spot. GEESH. When did it become law that as soon as you get into your car you MUST drive away immediately??? I just hop in, start the car, hand signal to the people that I'm not leaving then pretend to rummage around the very back as if I'm looking for something.

I got off track.... today I took Astro to the British Properties. I wasn't about to lose my great parking spot so off the dog and I went. It was raining pretty hard until we got into the woods. The rain stopped however, about 45 minutes into the hike the fog set it. It was pretty creepy. No one, and I mean no one seems to hike up there. I don't ever run into anyone. So I felt a tiny bit nervous, not being able to find any markers on the trees. But the dog seemed to know where she was going. At this time of year, the trails are mostly just mud or streams so there isn't the usual path to follow. The bridge I had to cross was washed out so trying not to slip on the rocks was interesting. Anyway, a few twists and turns and fog patches it was confirmed: lost. Yup, I was lost. But I didn't panic because I always hike prepared: lots of clothing, a flashlight, snacks, plenty of water and a cell phone. Always prepare as if you're spending the night. Which I had to do once, on Seymour, again because of fog, but that's a story for another time.

So as I followed Sadie through the bush for about 15 minutes I finally came out on to a tiny tiny tiny trail and a stump with a badly posted sign carved out of wood with the name of some trail. Just as I felt relieved and not so lonely, there was a crash in the bush. My heart raced and then BAMMMM! 5 handsome mountain biking men popped out from behind the tree. "howdy" said one and they blew past me at a thousand miles per hour down the badly marked trail. I had to laugh. No matter where you are, no matter how alone you feel, you're not really ever alone. But then they disappeared down the trail and I was left with the sound of water falling and the silence of the lonely mountain.

Peaceful.

Now I'm about to go out with a new friend tonight for dinner down the road. Very excited. So I must sign off and blow dry my hair. Not sure why because the rain will poof it the minute I step outside.

2011

My friend Christine and I go for brunch after NYE and discuss what our plans are for the up coming year. Not really goals, but what we would like to accomplish, try and challenge ourselves with. Last year was the year of the Tiger, and we're both Tigers. Last year for us both was all about finding balance in our lives. Finding honesty within ourselves and how to hold on to that. I think we both succeeded and I feel very proud of us.

This year we both agreed: adventure, being the best we can be, try new things, get the financial house in order and be happy. Well I am happy to report that so far, we're on the right track!

I've read lots all over that you need to surround yourself with people that bring or have qualities that you too desire or admire. I thought lots about this and I'm really lucky to have the people that I do have in my life, in my life! I really don't think I have anyone that I brings a negative influence on me, and for that I'm thankful. No drama. I hate drama. I never really had a lot of girlfriends in high school because of the all the drama that came with them. I was never one to have a lot of friends. I find friends to be exhausting sometimes and now, being 36 I think I've done an excellent job at having the friends that I do. They are all special to me in their own ways, providing me with different qualities that I like and admire.

So as I sit here sipping my gin martini watching What Not To Wear secretly wondering if my peeps think I would make a good candidate, which I probably would, I feel lucky. Very lucky.

Um, where to start

I decided at the beginning of January that I no longer wanted to be responsible for the expense of an office when I don't really need an office. I didn't see why I had to pay for a place that we just "hang out" at. Yes we work here, but no one comes to visit (except my awesome mom with baked goods), the purolator guy with cookies for the dog and the occasional lost person (our building is hard to navigate through). So I put some good long hard thinking into getting rid of the office and doing the "shared office space" closer to home. Then I looked around the office. That's when panic set in.

I don't have a desk or two. I have five, two of which are executive desks which take up two whole rooms. I don't have one or two filing cabinets.......I have 13 including one fire safe that weighs about a tonne, no word of a lie. I also have shelving, 7 computers, three printers, one massive photocopier, an all-in-one machine and a fridge. What the F am I suppose to do with all of this? Yes, I could sell it (some of the cabinets I will be) but what about the rest? Do I really want to sell everything, have the shared office thing not work out and then end up getting an office anyway? What about my fire safe? That thing costs about $500 alone to move because it's seriously heavier then an elephant, but I need it.... my company books need it.....

So now I think I've switched gears and have decided to find office space, closer to home (preferably walking distance) and charge the boys a desk fee to help cover the costs. Or at least that's my plan today as I look around my office trying not to throw up.

Wow

That's all I've got to say to sum up the past few days. W O W. I am a lucky duck and a new proud owner of a Subaru Forester. I love it. I could go on and on and on about how super awesome it is, but then everyone would probably stop reading my blog. Just know that it's freakin' super awesome AND the dog fits in the very very very back quite nicely. I can actually drive people around now.

This new car (not yet named) has made a lot of people ask me as to Astro's future or if I got rid of her. I assure you, the answer is HELL NO SHE'S MINE. I can't part with her. I won't, not until the last dying breath comes out of her. Which won't be for some time as she too is super awesome.

Some people might think it to be a bit excessive to have two cars. Well, we need two cars. Rob lives five blocks away, we share a dog and the office. We've been struggling the last few months with schedules and now it's going to be better. Mostly for me because I now have the freedom of going to work when I want (early) and I don't always have to take care of the dog. Don't get me wrong, I love the dog, but sometimes it's nice having a night or two off from walking, picking up shit and making sure she's entertained. I now know why people say to get a dog before having kids as having a dog is a commitment. Although I prefer the dog as it's completely legal to leave her at home for hours on end or in a crate. Apparently that's frowned upon in the "parenting a kid" world.

Anyway, time to relax and think of my new car and what name she shall have........

Feeling better

ahhhh....feeling much better. Boy, was I tired. I didn't feel like puking or anything, just really low energy and my nasal passage feels swollen. No snot or anything. Weird. I guess that's my body's version of a "cold". Anyway, today I got back at it as the world doesn't seem to stop when I want too!

So, the Tigh Na Mara resort. An absolute must on peoples lists. Especially October - February. Dark and stormy season. The cabins are ridiculously cozy. Some are equip with kitchens (those are usually the "stand alone cabins) and others are not (those are usually one cabin, split into two). The stand alone cabins are one or two bedrooms and they take dogs!!! They even have a dog welcome gift basket - dog dish, ball, cookies, poo bag and a towel all neatly wrapped in cellophane and a note! How awesome is that?! The cabins are scattered around the grounds amongst the trees. On the water side is the... hrm a cross between a lodge and a hotel. All the rooms there are also amazing. Faces the ocean. Then there's a fabulous restaurant and bar. World class food and drinks.

This last weekend I went there with my friend Christine (starting to become a tradition of ours) and we stayed in a split cabin (duplex style). It was nice nice nice. Even though there wasn't a kitchen, they had a fridge and a coffee maker, glasses, wine bottle opener, cutting board and a knife. Everything you need for a one night stay. OH, did I mention that the fireplaces are REAL fire places?! None of that gas crap! (well, the lodge part has gas). We didn't have a fire that night but we did have a bottle of wine, the box of crackers and cheese and danced and were in bed by ten. hahahahaha.

The next morning we went to the spa. I've never been to the spa so early to have an appointment. All the times I've stayed there I've never been to the spa so this was quite the treat! We got to put on the must awesome robes ever. Amazing. Then we went to get our toes done. In the middle of the treatment comes the wax. They put boiling hot wax in plastic bags and then put the bags on your feet. HOT. I've had this before so at least I knew what to expect. As your feet hardens in wax, they massage your hands. I was in heaven. My feet were warm, my body was warm in my robe, my chair was massaging and vibrating my back, the lovely girl was rubbing my hands.... drifting off to relaxation.... sleepiness.... when BANG CRASH! I nearly jumped out of my skin!!!! My sweet, sweet Christine went to pull herself up and in the process knocked her coffee cup and saucer. Holy cow my heart jumped! We had a giggle and settled back down. My toes are awesome. However Christine got a super awesome colour which we both ended up taking home (thanks C for the present!). My nails are that colour as I currently type this blog. I kind of want to eat them. My nails look like sparkly red skittles.

Anyway, I'm getting tired and need to walk the dog (who got hit by a car today, god damn dog). Night!

Fantastic Weekend!!!

This blog entry might seem like a play-by-play but I'm not feeling well and only have so much energy.

Yay, another awesome weekend! It started early Saturday morning when I went to pick up my friend Christine as we were heading over to the Island for a belated Christmas with my brother and his family. First stop though: coffee. We of course went to JJ Bean. Next stop: Ferry. Even though it's January and the 8:30am ferry, I still reserved a spot. I hate...HATE having to wait for ferries. Spent my whole life waiting so now I don't mind paying the extra $17.00 to ensure my spot.

The family took the same ferry as well so it was nice to catch up with them over breakfast. Yummy BC Ferry Oatmeal and dry white toast with peanut butter and jam. YUM. I like the oatmeal on the ferry.... probably the only one out there. With a tiny bit of brown sugar. No milk as it ruins it's thick glob like consistency.

Anyway, we arrived at my brothers house, my brothers peppermint smelling house. Right before we arrived his wife Tandy boiled some water with peppermint. Seriously smelt like a candy cane barfed but in a good way. It made it feel like xmas!!!!!!! And the best part: my nephew. Fenton is one charmer of a kid. He had us laughing the whole entire time. From his poo-poo tea song to climbing all over me to hanging him upside down and running through the house (it's probably safer to run with scissors). We opened up presents and ate way too much food.

Christine and I headed off in the distance around 5 to get back to Parksville where we were staying at the Tigh Na Mara. I ALWAYS stay here when I go to the Island. It's such a great place and they take dogs :o) We unpacked our stuff, got into our PJs, drank some wine and played cards. We also ate an entire box of Triscuits, the Rosemary Olive Oil ones, and a block of aged white cheddar cheese. I brought my iBook with me so we played music and spent a good half hour dancing around the room. After that we brushed our teeth climbed into bed and slept!!! Did I mention that we went to bed at 10? Yup, lightweights.

The next morning promptly at 9am we had to be at the Tigh Na Mara spa.... Christine booked us for Peppermint Pedicures as a Christmas present to me!!! I will write about this in another blog as I'm starting to run out of steam here.... Anyway, it was wonderful. Caught the ferry home and apparently a cold. I've been in bed since yesterday and I don't feel any better :(

Anyway, I'm tired and must sleep. Again. I will continue tomorrow!!!! Night.

Things that make me happy

I was sitting in front of the tv tonight, a sleeping cat on my lap, the dog by the fire, snow falling outside when I suddenly decided to do something else. Something fun. Something that I haven't done in awhile that you can only appreciate when you're home alone: DANCING!

I jumped up, grabbed my laptop and headed into the kitchen where my speakers are. I plugged it in, clicked on The Golden Dogs "1985", cranked it up and danced like a complete and total nerd. PJs, slippers, high ponytail, and moves that haven't been seen since 1985. It was awesome. Sometimes, you just have to dance, dance alone. It feels sooooooo good.

You know what else feels good? Taking your dog at night to the park on the first snowfall night. Sadie goes crazy! She runs around then throws herself down on the ground and rolls around. I swear you can see the smile on her face. What I like about the dog and the snow is throwing snowballs at her. When they hit her, they disappear and it's funny watching her try to find the item that just violated her space. Well, funny to me. To her, probably not so much. But whatever, she's a dog and it makes me laugh.

So remember to do stuff that makes you laugh. It's important to have a really good laugh at yourself at least once a day. :o)