YIR 2009

JANUARYDragged my feet back to work after a wicked Christmas break. Christmas in Grand Forks and New Years in Fernie. The photo is New Year's day snowshoeing when we almost got lost.

FEBRUARY

The event season had begun. 14 events from January through March. Here I am spectating (not working!) at the snowboard World Cup at Cypress. Thanks to Rachel for the VIP access.

MARCH

I felt like I got run over by pneumonia but still managed to squeeze in a little fun. Met up with the rowing peeps at my first speed skating event and Rachel and I were snowshoeing up a storm. It is the winter version of Grouse Grind.

APRIL

Travel! This trip straddled two months. Here I am in the desert in Morocco. My first organised tour, and definitely not my last.

MAYI return from Spain (where Rachel, Chris and I enjoyed a tour of Alhambra) and while my tan fades we have a lovely birthday party for Joanna. I buy the Garmin and start stepping up the half marathon training.

JUNE

Amongst a lot of Grouse Grinds I go on a trip to Seattle to see the Clumsy Lovers, take in my first major league baseball game and catch up with Seattle peeps. Photo is of the guy I was dating at the time. I know, random. But I really had no other photos of June. And this is supposed to be the year in review....

JULY

Allison already posted the family bbq photo so I am throwing one in of Stampede. Third year of attendance at Stampede and first year with pregnant people. We found out months later there was actually 2 of them. Rachel and I run 10k in the Underwear Affair. It is painful in the heat and Rachel had a bit of a death march.

AUGUST

Grud visits and we meet the latest Dave. Grand Forks Dunnets are in town and I think I got in more than one picnic with them. Rachel's baby shower brings Seattle friends to town. A very social August.

SEPTEMBER

First trip to Tofino! In love with the place and can't wait to go back. Running on the beach, swimming in the ocean, cooking crab...it was awesome.

OCTOBER

Henry arrives! I don't think I remember much else from October other than running the Turkey Trot with a cold while Rachel walked it. We were both quite uncomfortable but the weather was amazing. And a week or so later my newest friend arrives a little early.

NOVEMBER

I run my 2nd half marathon ever and feel like I am officially back in shape. I also go to NYC for the first time and really enjoy the city. Must go back. I also spend as much time as possible with new nephew.

DECEMBER

We head to Seattle for Kim's baby shower (Henry's first road trip), have a few lasts at work (nearing the finish line) and I book my airfare for my trip next year! Christmas was all about relaxation this year and I can't find a photo with me in it. I guess I was too busy relaxing.

Too much to see

With a huge event on the horizon I am taking some time over the holidays to do a little planning. Trip planning that is. Other events should be well planned at this stage are so I am trying to get organised before that other event starts.

Travel planning is an art and not suited for someone as neurotic as I am. I have spreadsheets and bookmarks, cost versus countries visited analysis, and lots of information/opinions from friends that have done a lot more traveling than me. This is probably the first time I have had this much freedom, and time, to plan for a trip. I'm not bound by a limited amount of vacation time or geography. The only thing holding me back are the seasons and my budget. I'm okay with getting rained on but not sure I am up for living like a backpacker on $25 a day.

Other things to consider:

Accommodation - I don't need to stay in the Four Seasons but I would like to have my own room and bathroom if possible. I just like the idea of locking my stuff up, not listening to someone else snore, and not waking someone else up with my snoring. And...I'm 32...I'm over sharing a room. If I was to stay in hostels I bet I could travel for 12 months and see 20 or so countries. A friend of mine travelled for 12 months on 10k. Said she had a wicked time and was paying between $1-5 a night for accommodation in Central America. But she is a braver soul than me and has admitted she sleeps like the dead.

Organised vs. Solo - I really enjoyed my tour in Morocco with Gap Adventures. I paid extra for my own room, which was worth it, but really enjoyed that someone had planned out the route and I could follow along, picking and choosing which activities I wanted to join in on. And as an introvert, it was great to easily meet people. I hate having to make small talk over and over again. While I wouldn't want to do a Kontiki tour (no name badges and big buses) I do like being in a group of 8 to 12 people where there is flexibility to stop at the smaller sites along the way. Gap Adventures, Intrepid and Exodus all have this type of format. Gap offers the option of paying extra to have your own room. I could easily make up a tour of these trips but the challenge is the cost and the fact that there is little spontaneity. It is end to end organise. No stopping for a week on that beautiful beach, or cutting out that big city tour because you're not in the mood.

Roughing It - Having very limited experience in camping I am a bit scared of Oasis. I met two Aussies on the Morocco tour that had just been through Africa with them. They loved it. It was super cheap and they covered off 10 countries in 2 and a half months for about 3k. As it was all overland, they felt they had seen it all, up close and personal. The bargain makes it super tempting. The equivalent trips with Gap are closer to 6k and are also 'participant camping'. They also do tours through South America.

Where to go - I've seen bits and pieces; some of Europe, some of Asia, Costa Rica, but not really all of something. Do I take this time to fill in the missing pieces? Or am I okay with not seeing Laos? Really enjoyed Vietnam and would love to spend more time there; is now the time to go back? Or do I start a new continent? All of Africa or Nepal and a beach tour of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore? Do I even bother stopping in Europe? I will be flying through on my way to Nepal; do I sneak in 3 days in Paris? I'm sure I'm going to have a great time wherever I go, but still debating over whether I should focus in on one area or jump around. I was going to do a theme trip of all trekking; Annapurna, Kilimanjaro and Mount Blanc. Asia, Africa and Europe. But added together they make for a very pricey trip and me not actually seeing that many new countries.

Break it up? - My other debate is if I should do two trips and come home to catch my breath and enjoy summer in between. Head out for Nepal etc. for April through June, enjoy July and August in Vancouver, then head to South America or Central America or Africa for the fall. Risk is that I will come home, get a job and not finish my travels. Or that I will blow my travel money living it up in Vancouver.

I think I've spent about 8 hours today researching for my trip. Might be time to shut down the computer and work on something else.

Christmas highlight reel

A great Christmas in Vancouver this year.

It kicked off with Christmas Eve at Rachel and Chris'. An evening of great food, lots o kidz, and a couple episodes of 30 Rock. Does it get any better? I also used video skype for the first time. Awesome! Please, everyone in the family sign up, I will be using this during my travels next year. My user name is 'hazbnrower'. :) So great to see the Dunnet Chicago branch of Christmas Eve. Love technology.

Above are some of the Dunnet and Jonat boys on Christmas Eve. Cute eh? So impressed they are all looking at the camera.

I slept over at R and C's for Christmas Eve. Henry woke from a coma just when we were all going to bed. I think that was the only time I heard him before 7am but rumor has it he was up every 2 hours.

Spent a quality hour and half with H while is parent's caught some sleep on Christmas morning. I even put the carrier on and made myself coffee. Not sure it gets any better than nespresso and newborn sleeping on you.
We opened stockings (thanks Santa!) and presents, had homemade breakfast sandwiches and then went for a walk/run as it was a spectacular day out. Above is Henry really happy with his stocking.

FYI Santa was great to me; great stocking, and presents from H, R and C for my travels. Not that it is about the gifts; that was all bonus after the great evening and relaxing morning.

I third wheeled on the family walk and went for a bit of a run. First run outside since the half marathon in November and the day was perfect.

We all split up after, me home to mash potatoes, Jonats off for Jonat Christmas.

Headed over to Mum's with the mash potatoes around 4pm and spent the evening there.

Highlight for me was some quality time with Kaz late in the evening. Here he is climbing over his passed out Dad (too many rum and cokes!).

Boxing Day brunch at Chach and Dave's; Grand Forks Dunnets are all about Wii. Disappointed to have missed the Boxing Day run but the cold is starting to win and I am not feeling great. Awesome breakfast casserole thing at Chach's and it was a nice chill morning.

Next up: the Grud returns to Vancouver!!!!!!!!!!

'I can see clearly now....'

'...the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way.' Johnny Nash

Other song lines running through my head in the last 24 hours.

'I wear my sunglasses at night. So I can, so I can...' Corey Hart

The sunglasses song was as I was sitting in my living room wearing sunglasses while eating a super late lunch.

Yesterday at about 2:30pm I paid $1580 to have a surgeon do this to both of my eyes. I have to say the worst is when they put the ring around your eyeball because on the left eye it was super tight and uncomfortable. Feels like your eyeball is being squished. And that is the part where you vision goes black so that was also a bit worrying. Other weird parts are watching the surgeon rake a tiny brush across your eye to make sure the flap is sitting smooth. It is like your eye has turned into a camera and you kind of watch it happening. Surreal. Overall, a short amount of discomfort for what I am hoping is a lot of comfort for the next ten years when I am not wearing glasses. And never having to wear contacts again.

I also really enjoyed the Ativan they gave me right before the surgery.

One more week of no eye makeup, a month of being super careful outdoors, and I should be good to go.

Only noticeable signs of the surgery are a couple of broken blood vessels in my eye. If you actually lift up my eyelid they are worse on the top of my eye and are big bruises. Small price to pay for 20/20 vision.

All about dinner

Had a lovely barbecue feast last Sunday evening at Memphis Blues with Mum, Harry, Rachel, Chris and Henry. The four of us from downtown walked (FYI it is 4.4kms one way) there and back to meet to Memphis Blues on Commercial. I am really enjoying the walking these days...especially when it is not raining.

Dinner was a protein feast. Can't even remember the last time I had ribs. Had the combo plate and only made it through 1 rib and 1/3 of the chicken before I called it quits. I did eat the sides (fries, beans, corn bread and slaw). All washed down with a beer. Yum.

Other restaurants I've eaten at recently.

Campagnolo

I went for dinner post-work a few weeks ago with Kristina and Beth. Walking there from Main street skytrain I didn't know quite what to expect as it was right next to sketchville but looked to have a fantastic menu. Outside dodgy; inside cool modern and inviting. Excellent Italian food and I kicked the meal off with presseco. Just because. Had a Vancouver market salad and a pizza. Felt like I really might have been in Italy.

Grub

Another post-work meal with Jacqui and Kristina. FYI Kristina has the hot hand with restaurant picks as this was her pick as well as Campagnolo.

From the exterior I again had no idea what to expect. On main street a little farther south and so subtle we almost walked by it.

We started with the bread as we waited for the third and it was a massive serving of assorted breads with hummus, butter and olive tapenade. Third arrived and we ordered; had steak with mash potatoes and veggies. Amazing! Generous portions and the food was perfection. Simple fare that was extremely well done and at very reasonable prices.

Bistro Pastis

This time it was dinner with Jodi and Anna. Jodi and I go out for dinner every 4-6 weeks to catch up and we like to eat at higher end restaurants. C, Chambar, Goldfish and Glowball so far. All excellent. It was Jodi's choice and I decided to make the effort to meet her and Anna OTB (over the bridge) as they both live in Kits.

Pastis felt like being Europe; warm, inviting and cozy. Had the endive salad to start; was a bit too cheesy for my taste as I am not a huge fan of Roquefort but still good.

Went with the bacon wrapped tenderloin for main. C'est fantastique! I never cook red meat so I often go for it when it looks like it is going to be good. Almost wanted to go for dessert but didn't have the space and it was 10:30pm at the point.
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No plans for any dining out this weekend but am really making an effort to try out new (to me) restaurants as much as possible. Not that I don't enjoy Earl's, Milestones and the Keg, but feeling like I should be diversifying my taste.

Back at it

I've just enjoyed a vegetarian chili and rice dish Rachel gave me after my Sunday run (treadmill). So tasty and healthy but really hope I won't be too full to enjoy Memphis Blues ribs in a couple of hours.

Life has been busy since I returned from my New York trip on Wednesday but I finally got some quality hanging out time in with R and H. We made stew (a first for me) had sushi for dinner and I watched the film Angels and Demonds while Henry slept on me. It was an awesome Saturday afternoon/evening and I now feel organised as I head into a busy week with laundry done and food in the freezer.

More (higher quality) pictures from new york on facebook. Not that any of it compares to the amazing stuff Dave has been putting up. Although, it looks like he is resting on his laurels in the blog world.

Day 4 NYC: wrap it up

Day 4 kicked off with brunch. Dominika was running late so I grabbed a latte in the Essex market. See attached photo of coffee beans. One man show coffee bar with old school espresso machine. After a late night with drinks (only 3 but that is a lot for me) I welcomed the caffeine.

Brunch was at Shopsin's in the market. Tiny breakfast and lunch place with great food where the staff are known to be rude. I was hoping we would get yelled at when Dominika asked what 'Hatch" was (hot pepper sauce) but they waited right until we left and yelled at us for trying to take a photo of the place. I had 3 poached eggs on spicy, cheesy garlic bread with peppers and chicken sausage. Yum.

Said goodbye Dominika (who was the best tour guide ever!) and got on the subway to head to Battery Park for Ellis Island ferry.

This experience was by far the most touristy. Full security check to get on airport, long lines and crush of humanity. After security we all piled onto to ferry; first stop Statue of liberty. Very cool seeing it from ferry.

Having purchased a ticket yesterday I actually got to go into the pedestal. Another round of security to get in and no phones allowed (sorry, no camera phone pics). Pedestal was very cool. Neat history on how it was but and restored, along with 156 steps to the lookout on the pedestal. You can visit the crown again (was shut down after 9 11) but tickets are sold out for it until March. Wandered around listening to audio tour and taking photos.

Next event was supposed to be Ellis island but I was exhausted and not in the mood for more tours. Maybe next time.

Ferry back to Battery Park and subway to Rockefeller plaza. And mixed nuts from street vendor. See photo.

Day 2 I had a brief visit NBC store but didn't look around and took no photos as I was running late for Greenwich food tour. Picked up a half dozen famous Magnolia's cupcakes (hope they make it home) and watched the ice skaters. Definite Christmas feel.

Now I am going to look for somewhere to get a pedicure. Tired feet.

Heading to Newark airport hotel in a few hours and then on 7am flight tomorrow. May take my only taxi ride when I bring my luggage to Penn station (to get to Newark) as it is 5 blocks and 2 subway transfers from hotel.

Awesome trip and I am looking forward to coming back soon.

Day 3.5 NYC: hanging with a local

All the photos from this adventure are on my regular camera. That is the downside to the camera phone in the evening.

Met up with my friend Dominika (she and her husband Ray were on my Morroco tour and live in NYC) at Union Square at 330pm. I was in luck; she had no plans for the afternoon and was happy to show me the east village while we caught up.

I think my bus tour had driven through the east village but I hadn't actually seen any of it upclose. Lots of character and brownstones. Tons of restaurants and bars but we started off with coffee due to the time. Cute little shop that reminded me of commercial street. From there we went for a glass of wine at a jazz bistro. Very cute and european looking. Dominika's friend joined us and we discussed travel hazards before her friend departed for a nightclub in chelsea.

From there we went to a hot dog joint. Inside the hot dog joint is a phone booth, you get in call, other side of phone booth opens and your in an old school speakeasy. We sat at the bar and had a cocktail and some fried (the fries are from the hotdog place since they're owned by the same person).

At this point it is 9 or so and we haven't had real food so we walk to Soho and a restaurant called Delicatessen. Apparently celebrities frequently dine there (not last night) and the food is amazing. Had another cocktail, squash and arugula salad, braised beef sliders and we split chocolate cake. At 1130 we called it a night and headed for the subway.

It was an 8 hour tour filled with excellent food, drink and company. Dominika uses her iphone to direct us places and also uses an app that suggests restaurants. Never lost or hungry.

About to meet up with Dominika for brunch and then I am off to the statue of liberty. Last night was for sure the highlight of my trip.

Day 3 NYC: flexibility

I attempted a short run on the treadmill this morning and found out all the walking has left a mark. Took effort to stretch and my knees said no to running. Did some elliptical and then got ready for what was supposed to be a day of seeing the major sites.

Kicked it off with the Empire state building. Had heard horror stories about the lineups but I breezed through to the elevator, no waiting. My plan to avoid tourist stops during the weekend was working.

View was great and reminded me that the city is crowded. Like the view of central park is actually blocked by skyscrapers.

Left with the intention of hitting the statue of liberty next. Arrived at Battery Park via the subway (i love the subway!) and headed with the crowds to the ticket booth. As I was walking there I got a text from my friend Dominika asking if I wanted to meet at 3pm in the east village. I said yes and that meant I needed to bust a move if I was going to make it to Ellis Island and back.

Turns out there was an hour wait for ferry so I bought a ticket for tomorrow which also meant I would get to go into the pedestal (sold out already for tody).

Checked guide book for lunch recommendation and chose a cuban restaurant at south street seaport pier 17. Conveniently this is where the brooklyn hop on hop off tour starts from. Lunch was delicious and exactly what I needed after pizza and baked goods yesterday; lots of vegetables and chicken.

Took the bus tour of Brooklyn and it was boring.

Then met up with Dominika and have seen too much to add into this blog at this hour. More tomorrow but we hung out from 3:30 until midnight and visited four different places including a real speakeasy. It was like insider's tour of the city.

Day 2 NYC: all about food

I started off the morning with another bus tour. Downtown this time. Tour guide was much less annoying. It was chilly out but I stuck with it. Downtown tour included Flatiron building, Empire state building (still need to actually go in and up), Chinatown, Little Italy, World Trade Centre site, a mass exodus from the bus as everyone got off at Battery Park to take the ferry to see the statue of Liberty, United Nations and the Waldorf Astoria. I hopped off the bus at Rockefeller Centre to check out the NBC store. Quick shopping and upon departing the store I realised my tourist mistake; I was no carrying purchases and still had a long day ahead. Dashed back to hotel to drop merch and then sprinted for subway to Greenwhich and food tour.

I was late and slightly panicked but made it.
The food tour was a recommendation from Niina. 3 hours in Greenwhich tasting food and visiting shops. I loved the food and the neighborhood.

Highlights include;
- mini canollis from Rocco's (they fill them when you order so they are fresh and crisp)
- homemade rice ball from Faicco's. Made with three different cheeses. They're deep fried but not greasy.
- a three mushroom rissoto at Centro Vinoteca that I paired with a big glass of red. Yum.
- cheese platter from Murray's cheese shop. There were also mini gerkin (?) pickles that were super tasty...normally I toss the pickles from burgers.
- seeing the apartment on Friends...well external shot of the apartment since Friends was filmed in LA.

I want to go back tomorrow and try a restaurant for lunch. I was fairly full by end of day so rather than sit down for a meal I grabbed a slice of New York's #1 ranked pizza at Bleeker's st pizza. Like being in Italy.

To burn off some of the calories I walked roughly 50 blocks, touring Broadway and looping back up through Times Square.

Sorry I don't have pictures of all the food. Too busy eating. But I attached a couple of pictures of my hotel room. Heard horror stories of the small size of NY hotel rooms. I pricelined this one and it has a king bed, kitchen, two desks and massive bathroom.

Tomorrow: goal is to see Empire state building and possibly get to the Statue of Liberty. Have to see how weather and time go.

Day 1 NYC

Sitting in diner a block from hotel about to enjoy what will probably be very average fare. There was a nice looking italian restaurant close by but I wanted to check off NYC diner from my list.

Today was focused on walking the city since the weather is great and the rain is supposed to start soon. I walked the Brooklyn bridge, strolled Park avenue, wandered with the masses through Time Square and then sat on a bus for an hour and a half for a hop on hop off tour. Those things are the way to go. I was a little annoyed as it was an actual guide versus audio tour but I made it through. The bad jokes always remind you that you're a tourist. In case you've forgotten that you're on a big red double decker bus.

The city is just as great as I thought it would be. Probably even better. While the subway is packed and dirty, it is super fast and people seem nice. I feel like I am walking in a movie set since up until now I've only seen it on the screen.

I've probably walked 15k today so I will be heading to bed early.

Tomorrow; Greenwhich food and walking tour, possibly Empire State building if I can get there early enough. I really want to go for a run in Central Park but have to wait and see how the weather is.

Off to the races

Shotgunning a latte and just finished an English muffin with almond butter. Off to catch the #17 to UBC in about 30 minutes. Weather is horrible; wearing my fleece lined running tights, a couple of layers and then a waterpoof vest to top it off. There is a rainfall warning and it is 6 degrees. Will be a cold 21k.

Last night's post was my Saturday highlights from my camera phone.

A few of my favorite things...

A perfect Saturday.

Hurry up and slow down

' Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. '

The days and weeks are speeding by here in Vancouver. I try and get over to Rachel's once a day to have time slow down for a moment. Even that seemed like an impossible task this week. We've been participating in readiness exercises and they ran from 7:30am to 8pm Monday through Thursday. Luckily I started practicing shift changeovers with my staff so after the first day I had 10 hour days max in the exercise with regular work happening during and outside my shift. I also practiced trying to get to the gym in the middle of all the working and I actually had some success. While I didn't get any long workouts in, I did manage 40-45 minutes each day. It kept me balanced. Still trying to figure out how to make it to 6:30am bootcamp class January through March. It doesn't seem feasible that I can finish a shift after midnight, get home, sleep for 5 hours and get up for bootcamp the next morning. We'll see.

People I work with who have done previous Games tell me you either turn into a 'skinny' or a 'fatty' during Games (their words, not mine). So I am working on a plan to combat this. I have a desk job and apparently the 'skinnies' are usually people that are on large venues and end up walking 20km in a day. Maybe I can get a treadmill put in instead of a desk.

Speaking of health, bummed I missed brother man and the family this weekend. I hope Kohei is on the mend. As I am super busy at work and running a half marathon next weekend, I am kind of paranoid about being near anyone that is sick. I'm also hanging with Henry a lot and don't want to bring any germs over there or get sick and not be able to visit.

Having a debate over trying to get the H1N1 shot. I'm really worried about getting H1N1 as I've had pneumonia three times over the last two winters. Everything I've read says if H1N1 turns into pneumonia you're likely to end up in the hospital and be on a respirator. Am I worrying over nothing/fear mongering? Do I wait it out until December when the rest of us can get the vaccine? One of my colleagues' brother had it. He had no complications but was in the hospital for 24 hours. But with all the press on que jumping I don't know if I really am considered to be more at risk than the average person just because I have asthma.

Hopefully if I wash my hands frequently and stay away from anyone who is sick I will be fine. Or maybe I need to create a bubble to walk around in. How do you think the suit above would look on me?

Third wheel

The picture is from Morocco but I thought it fitting seeing as how the Olympic flame is on Canadian soil and life is about to take a turn.

Why no posting? you ask. Well, I just didn't have much to write about and if I'm being honest, I was kind of tired. But a few weeks ago (or maybe at this point it was months) R reminded me that I will need to blog a lot when I am travelling next year. So when I forced myself awake at 6:30am (big week next week and I don't want to jet lag myself by sleeping in Sunday when I need to be up at 6am tomorrow) I thought about what leisurely activity I could do after breakfast and before my run. Blogging it is.

Working out: going okay but had a bad spell there right before I was supposed to run the half. Got a cold/flu the Wednesday before the Sunday half. It took me down. I cancelled my plans and ran the turkey trot instead. 10k was still probably a mistake but it was fun race and I broke an hour for 10k (a first for me - I have none of Dave man's speed). Took me a while to recover from the cold and am now preparing to run the Fall Classic half on November 15th. Which means today is an 18k day. Or maybe 19k. Will see how I feel. I'm really looking forward to being done with the half marathon running. I enjoy the running but find it stressful on the weekend to get the longer runs in. Especially during flu season when the risk of getting sick is so hight. Will be happy to run 10-14k max on Sundays after November 15th.

Work: busy. What you would expect in the last leg leading to the event. There have been a number of very poignant moments for me in the last few months as I see the last 5 years coming together. They unveiled the medals, our workforce uniforms (yes! I look good in blue) and have now lite the flame. We watched the flame arrive in Victoria and after some excitement in the office (felt like early Christmas!) I know realise we're literally racing the flame back to Vancouver for the Opening Ceremony. The other day I was thanking someone for their help on a project and they reminded me that everything we finish now is bringing us one step closer to the Games time...which leads to unemployment.

Unemployment: yes, I know it is coming. It is amusing to have people ask me if I have thought about it or remind me that I need to start looking. Trust me; I know the end of this job is coming, I will not be caught off-guard on March 26th. And work is really good about reminding you and providing support to get us brushing up our resumes, networking, job searching and creating a plan. My plan so far is travel for 3-5 months and then a job in the fall of 2010. I'm looking at overseas jobs as well as some here. To have anything organised for after Games right now would mean signing on with another organising committee. Other businesses don't want to hire you in November for a position starting next September. So we'll see. Right now I would like to work overseas and travel for 2 years. Seems like the right timing and I definitely still have the urge to see much more of the world than I can living in Vancouver with 3 weeks vacation a year.

Travel: I have a plan. 3 months traveling and then 2 months stationary somewhere. More on that when I start booking flights.

Henry: He is awesome. Trying to get as much time as I can in now since I know I'll be too busy with work soon. I think out of his 11 days so far I've only missed 2. Rachel and Chris have been awesome about letting me hangout with them. I literally went over there Tuesday night for 15 minutes just to get sometime in before going out for dinner with friends (two thumbs up for Chambar! Food was awesome).

The less than 24 hours of time I spent hanging out waiting for him to be born was exciting and stressful. Stressful because he was early and that was unexpected. And you know...my twin sister/best friend is having a baby so I was worried as one worries. People seemed to be expecting the play by play but really, after 9:30pm I was at home so I didn't really have much to tell until I arrived 2-3 minutes after Henry was born. At that point it seemed a little out of place to be breaking out the phone as I'm watching the new nephew's cord being cut and Rachel and Chris are bonding with Henry. As well, the midwives and doula were all 'no phone' and 'guard the front door' to let the family rest. R and C never had a talk with me about who to call and when so I didn't want to steal their thunder telling people.

Rachel was amazing and even though I missed Henry actually being born and Rachel's active labor, I still feel like I got to see some cool stuff. The fact that they had a baby at 6:10am and then by 9am the place was cleared out and it was just the new family taking a nap together was a real highlight. I also got some odd/memorable chores on his birthday like taking out a big garbage bag of stuff from the birth, doing the laundry from the birth and helping the guys from Sears bring in the new kitchen appliances less than 6 hours after Henry was born.

It sounds cheesy but I really feel blessed that I am getting to kind of third wheel on life's miracle.
I should go for my run now before it starts raining. Hopefully this won't be the last post for the next 5 months.

One good reason to blog

It was going to take something spectacular to make me put up a new post. And here he is... (really hope blogger uploads photos as it is down right now and I promised someone in Montreal they would get their photos of Henry asap) This may just be a big tease. Sorry Grud. Technology was not cooperating.

 

Was trying not to steal Rachel and Chris' thunder with announcements and photos.

 

 

weekend repeat

I am having the same weekend over and over again. And loving it.

Usually involves brunch, grouse grind, some other activity, pool time, a long run, errands and a bit of housework. And a few bud light limes. My only complaint is I need to stay away from the computer. I can waste 4 hours looking at MLS listings, researching travel plans, reading Facebook, and pretty much getting nothing real down.

I was lamenting to Rachel that I have a better run in the afternoon but am worried because a half-marathon generally starts in the morning. Maybe I will need to get myself on a different sleep cycle so I make it through a half in October. Pretend I'm living on Europe for a while.

On that note, off to the library, then Costco (for fruit & veg - so much cheaper and higher quality than my IGA), so R&R (reading & relaxation) and then my longish run this afternoon. Fingers crossed it stays overcast and windy; these are perfect running conditions for me.

day on

While still cranky and tired I did manage to have a very productive day at both work and play.

Work: I worked from home and cranked out some stuff that I needed to get done. Felt good. Real good. Especially since I was dressed in workout clothes, able to make 2 lattes from my kick ass espresso machine and did not have to get on skytrain. I only got one panicked phone call from someone at work stating that the wheels might be falling off a project. Talked them down from ledge and was rewarded with an email late afternoon that the wheels were securely on and all was as it should be.

Play: After yesterday's day off I hit the gym feeling refreshed. Debated over the spin class but it didn't look like a good instructor so I chose to do 60' of cardio and 30' of running on the treadmill.

Met up with Rachel this evening and we tried on stuff at Banana Republic to prepare for Montreal Dave's offer to use his status to get us discounts tomorrow. Brunch with Grud, her Dave, Chach and Rachel at my place tomorrow morning. R and I are going to go for the later afternoon Grouse Grind. Legs are warmed up by then and we're ready to dodge tourists.

day off

I can't quite remember the last day I took a full day off from working out. But today will be one.

Tired and cranky. The weather has turned to grey skies. The microwave has been broken for over 3 months now and all I have to eat is delicious healthy FROZEN meals that I've been making. And I need to get these damn fake nails off ASAP.

Luckily I am working from home tomorrow so I think that will improve my mood and allow for 2 workouts given the 90 minutes of commuting time I save.

Need to get to bed early so I wake up feeling refreshed and rested for bootcamp tomorrow morning. The class is going to be a struggle because the usual instructor is on holiday and the replacement makes the workout painful by using bad music, not getting a good flow of exercises going and adding in random jumping for the cardio component. Wednesday morning she had us going random twisting jumps that looked like 'the twist' on speed. And I actually get less of a workout than I normally do because of the stilted flow of exercises.

Need to go sleep off this bad mood.

can't get my stretch on

For some reason I avoid yoga. Not sure why because I always feel great after going. I sleep better, don't wake up feeling like a truck ran over me, and my brain enjoys the 'quiet time'. It is a treat. A mini 1 hour vacation during the week. But yet I can't get myself there. Right now I would rather go down to the gym and do more cardio (I already did some at 6am).

I should try doing yoga in my living room and see if that works. I have the mat. I have a yoga DVD. I have the floor space since I never bought that coffee table. May try it out later.

Right now I am going to procrastinate by going to London Drugs to replenish cleaning supplies and then cook up a batch of turkey chili. I am on a cooking roll. My freezer is busting at the seams. May need to finally eat all of those frozen vegetables to make room.

Use of building pool is currently at 5 times this month. At $75 a month for membership I am keeping track. My threshold to make it worthwhile is 15 times. Need to step it up.

lazzzzzzzzzzzzzy Sunday

It is 3:46pm and so far I have; had breakfast, spent some time in the pool with R, ate too much of the delicious low-fat healthy baking R brought me (low-fat and healthy are negated when you eat too much of it BTW), read 7 of 14 ITQs for work (don't ask), laid in the sun while reading said ITQs, took a nap because the sun tired me out, and ate a healthy burrito from the stash of healthy burritos R and I made yesterday. With the microwave broken I had to revert to the dark ages and heat up the burrito in a frying pan. Made it nice and crispy. Feeling good about the fact that I have 10 of them in the freezer right now.

My one other activity was going to get the running belt from R before she left for the day. I've borrowed this belt from her for the rest of my running season as it holds water and other necessities while you run. There is nothing as disappointing right now as a run in the afternoon heat and 4k of no water fountains. With the new development in south False Creek there are water fountains aplenty, just none of them are hooked up to water yet. I've made the mistake of trying to use one, wanted to kick it when I realised it didn't work and I wasn't getting any water until Granville Island. They should really put up a sign.

Aiming to leave for my run by 4:30 since I sleep like crap if I don't finish my workout 4 hours before going to bed. It is going to be hot. Tarzan couldn't stand this heat.

i wish....

That Blogger was easier to post photos to. It seems whenever I have photos I want to share I have to post them to blogger, facebook and Picasa. I think I am going with just facebook for now so don't expect any pictures anytime soon. I was inspired by Chris' blog as he has good writing but no photos and I am still interested in reading it.

So I better step it up on the writing front. Now that I've worked out how to email and update my blog (and have a data device so I am not typing it out in 140 character bites in a text message) I should make more of an effort.

It has been an awesome couple of weeks here in Vancouver. The family visit has really put a different spin on living here. Weather is awesome and this is my first summer living downtown. The last two summers were different what with living in Burnaby and then last summer going to Asia for 3 weeks. Twice now I have met with the Grand Forks Dunnets at Kits beach to hang in the evening. Both times I walked home with a big grin thinking 'This is how it should always be'. Between that and the outdoor pool at my building (costing me $75 each month and currently have used it 3 times so far in July - must get a couple of dips in this weekend) I feel like I am on vacation when I am not at work. I know I should always feel that way but right now it seems to stand out in the day to day business. I think it is tough in the Vancouver rain and overcast season (aka fall, winter and spring) to really get the serotonin running through your brain. The snowshoeing was kind of good for that but not as easily accessible as strolling out my front door and down to the seawall.

On the workout front I have been lackadaisical this week. Early morning (8:30am) meetings and a late night with a few too many drinks, have conspired against me. But I am getting creative. As I nursed my hangover yesterday I managed to get the following workout in; 35' on the elliptical and a 90' walk. It is no 14k run + Grouse Grind but it was something. I seem to be off the spin classes these days but I think that is more due to the weather. Who wants to cram in an indoor class when it is nice out? I have a 12k run on the agenda for tomorrow as I start to build up my mileage to attempt a 1/2 marathon. I am like a science experiment; can you really run a half marathon on 2 runs a week? I am supplementing with 2 bootcamps, erg workout, min. 1 Grouse Grind and some other cardio but time will tell if it is enough.

I'm off to bootcamp followed by Grouse Grind with Rachel, Grud and Montreal Dave. Haven't been since last Monday and a bit nervous. It is going to be high noon by the time we start hiking. Must hydrate. Do not want to be one of those people passed out beside the trail looking like an out of shape slob. I predict Montreal Dave is going to kick our asses but Rachel, Grud and I will have fun slowly climbing up the side of Grouse Mountain.

Stampeding

It was great. Third year at Stampede and I probably drank a third of what I drank in my first year. At this rate, if I go next year, I'll have some Bailey's in my coffee the first morning and that is it.

 

Having been to Stampede twice before I no longer attend for the rodeo, pancake breakfasts and excessive drinking. Stampede is the excuse to visit with my 8 good friends from my national team rowing days. The first year it was just Clark and I hanging out with PVR and Rozzo. Then next year Sarah and Rachel joined in. This year Andie, Darcy and Jacqui made it out there and the 'team' was complete. We all descended on Calgary for our yearly meetup and Stampede happens to be at the same time.

 

While those new to Stampede were mildly disappointed at the lack of excessive partying, I was quite happy with seeing my friends and enjoying copious amounts of meat. We had burgers and steaks at every meal (or so it felt). I had a couple of coronas at 8:30am while we watched a parade. I wore a cowgirl hat for 3 days straight. And I caught up with all of my rowing friends. It was good times.

 

And the two newbies that complained about the lack of partying did manage to get a bunch of free drinks and taken to a restaurant for nachos (in a limo) by someone they think might have been a mobster. He also had a stripper from Vegas with him that had breast implants in size F. This was long after many of us had called it a night but I think they still have a great story even if nobody got totally out of control.

 

Not sure what next year's plan is but I am hoping for a lakeside cabin somewhere with wine.

Grouse Grind + 14k

Well I made it through my double workout Sunday. See graph below for my speed versus heart rate during my 14k (yeah Garmin!). The first 30 minutes of my run felt like I had cement blocks attached to my legs but then I warmed up. Richard and I did our fastest GG this summer just 4 hours prior to the start of my run. For going 5 minutes faster it was significantly more challenging. R and I have a theory that while we both enjoy getting a workout done in the morning, physically your body is ready for it in the afternoon.

Today, while others go to work, I am on day 3 of staycation. I have plans to go to foot reflexology with a friend, workout/stretch (my legs are feeling slight worked over) and read in the sun. That is it. It should be great.