A massage is fabulous!

Just home from a faaaaaabulous massage! I have finally used up the $350 gift certificate that I purchased just before Christmas. Those plans fell through, so I had to use it up - a hardship I know:) Still, it was sad to see those plans fall through. However, I have to tell you this - Jugraj is a miracle worker. Wow. Nice to have the knots of worry gone for the time being!

As Luke posted on his site a few days ago about "trying to clear his mind and exist without" - I wanted to use his words because it's what I have been trying to do too. I have been trying to work on that more and more. It's good to have goals and ambitions...but not at the expense of my happiness and health. I need to appreciate everything that I am...what I have...what I have accomplished. Before I make any more decisions I need quiet... A walk among the night may be what I need. And bouncing ideas off those I trust. Sadly, of the two people I had to do this with, one is now gone, but I will always have Shannon. The one who I can count on to listen when I have to vent or stress, or tell me something so off the wall I can't help but laugh. Thank you:)

Photo: dlouw

Sailing...

So I did something this weekend that I have never done before. Sailing. It was great! It’s a fabulous experience that everyone should try at least once. We were on a 35 ft. sailboat that was beautiful. When the 5 of us were all there introductions were had followed by visiting.

We saw the fire boat put on a show blasting water through all the cannons while doing 360º in the harbour.

After feeding two swans and their baby we were off!

We all got a chance to steer the sailboat and it was great! I got the job of getting us out of the harbour and onto the lake. Switching from motor to sails was quite a change and it took me a bit to get it all figured out – I did, but I’m still pretty green!

We sailed around Centre Island, docked, went for lunch on the island and then back home. All together we were on the boat for about 8 hours. Even though the movement of the boat did make me feel a little sick it was worth it. There was something freeing about floating along, being powered by only the wind. So relaxing, and yet that day of fresh air wiped me out. I had a lot of fun, and I do hope to get the chance to do it again sometime!


Photos: cfolkes

A day...

Ever have one of these days?

Oy! It’s going to be a long one…thank goodness it’s Friday!!

Cottage and the falls...

So this is our adventure up the falls, beginning with a picture of our lazy day indoors on Saturday. I have a couple videos from the falls as well, but unfortunately I don't know how to post those, so if you're interested let me know and I can forward them on:) Otherwise...enjoy!

Anstruther Lake

Just in from a weekend at a cottage. It was fabulous! The weekend started with the drive up to Anstruther Lake (just over 2 hours away). The boat trip across the lake to a lake access only cottage was very cool because it’s a totally new concept for me. I’m used to cabins in the mountains:) FIFTY stairs up a cliff to get to the cottage (I was the designated sherpa) was thankfully followed by a large dinner – mmmmmm! We then watched Bandits and this was, overall, a great way to start the weekend. Saturday we spent the day in the cottage because of the rain. Movies, reading, Trivial Pursuit (my team kicked butt!!), lots of chatting/laughing/teasing and some great meals filled the day. Today the weather cleared so we ventured over to the waterfall. The 4 of us climbed up this waterfall that was beautiful. We spent about 2 ½ hours there exploring, playing, and simply taking in the surroundings. Mary and I ventured into the whirlpool which was very cool. Many photo ops were there – so we obliged, and I will post as soon as they are sent to me since I was the one climbing about:) We headed back for a BBQ and packing up. Now I’m home, have to unpack, and am bagged. I’m sad to see these great weekends end, but I know I’m fortunate to have these opportunities presented to me, so thank you!

These are a couple quick pictures from the cottage…

Baseball game

Well it was a fun night! Dinner out with friends from work followed by a baseball game. Jays vs. Red Sox! WOO HOO! Jays won 8-5!! It was a good game, lots of fun, and a ton of heckling since we were sitting a couple rows behind the Red Sox bullpen. I don’t know how some of the Sox take so much of it without reacting….I must say kudos to them!

A couple great things about the game: 1) five home runs by the Jays!! and 2) finding out there is someone actually named Coco Crisp (heehee)! So that is two in a row for the Jays – lets see if we can make it three!

Beginning of my week...

Well, an interesting day was had by me today. Woke up this morning to the news that transit had gone on strike. Sadly, I rely on this, and soon realized that I was not going to be able to go to work. Cabs were not available, and if you found one the drivers were taking advantage of the strike and were jacking up the prices. So with no transit, no car, and no cabs, I didn’t work at the office today. First time ever, I worked from home. It was good. Got everything done today that I would have normally minus the few meetings that had to be re-scheduled. It was interesting watching the news and hearing what people had to say – whether it was the workers or the public. Tempers are flaring…

The week again was started by a fabulous weekend. I went away to visit friends that I haven’t had the chance to see in a couple of years. Two late, late, late nights were spent catching up, sharing memories, sharing pains, and finding that regardless of how much time we spend apart we are both there for one another, no matter what. Through all of our visiting a lot became more and more clear. To top it all off was the car ride home when I was asked a question that I couldn’t answer. I couldn’t. I realize that I am being cryptic, but over time things will become more and more clear. Trust me.

Thank you so much for the weekend Suzi (pictured here with her very cute son Daniel) – you mean more to me than you could ever realize. Here’s to another weekend coming up very, very soon! :)

A few pictures from the past few weeks!

Tulips...

Lovely...

In color too...

Lake Ontario shoreline

And a little fun...

Photos: jbrandick, dlouw

A little fudge, coffee, and Christmas...

Had a great weekend! Two friends and I headed to Niagara Falls on Saturday morning! It was great! We had headed across the border for a little shopping (got the best t-shirt and two pairs of great shoes!), dinner at BP's that night and then swimming finished off the day! It was great! I love swimming, and so wish I could do that more often. Will have to add that to my list:)

Sunday we went to the Aviary which was really fun. All three of us had never been so that was kind of neat to all go for the first time together. So many beautiful birds that were all quite active. Then we headed to the mall for a little bit followed by Mission Impossible: III. It was enjoyable. Your standard action movie with explosions, cars crashes, special effects and mystery. It was fun though - all you can really expect:) Then we headed to dinner and had a fantastic time at The Keg....mmmmmm, steak! A great waiter made the time there lots of fun and we were able to be as silly as we wanted! Pina colada's, steaks and salad, and a huge dessert with lots of whipped cream later we were all stuffed and ready to veg. Back to the hotel to relax and sleep.

Today, after breakfast, we headed to Niagara on the Lake. Beautiful, picturesque town. So cute! Did a little shopping and lots of looking. A little fudge, coffee, Christmas, a few rings, and a gorilla later we were on our way home.

It was a great weekend - and I have pictures to come...soon. Later this week! So far, with the long weekend away as the beginning to my week, it seems to be shaping up to be great! Thank you so much to you both!!

More birthday...

These are not very becoming pictures of me, but nonetheless I thought I should let you see my desk and one of the dessert type treats I got for my birthday! It was great! I cannot tell you how much fun I had:)

Caramel Crackle cake!

My desk!