Just a little something that put a smile on my face this morning:
December 24 HOURS - VANCOUVER
Not sure if your Christmas constitutes as "white trash?" Well, if the following description sounds remotely familiar, you might want to start saving up for that trailer home now.
You show up for Christmas dinner and ...
Your mom greets you with a warm, "Oh, I see you haven't made it to the gym in a while." That's when your brother chimes in with, "still single?" Judging by the lipstick on her teeth and the rum stains on his dollar-store Santa suit, the family has got a huge head-start on you. You feel the need to self-medicate ASAP.
Then your obese sister from the sticks shows up with her delinquent teenage daughter, who shows off her barbed wire tattoos, but tries in vain to hide her suspiciously protruding belly (a fact everyone will ignore till her water breaks six months later).
Your sister insists on asking everyone in the room if her Cotton Ginny jogging suit makes her look fat. Everyone stares at the floor in silence.
Awkward.
Later, your gay uncle shows up with his wife and "best friend" Tom.
At which point, your other uncle (a former regular on To Serve and Protect), starts making homophobic remarks. This is to deflect the attention from his own extramarital indiscretions ... with the nanny.
An old family friend joins the festivities. He brings his new girlfriend, which is enough for Grandma to launch into her "Chinese-people-can't-drive" rant. Grandma's never driven a day in her life and the girlfriend is Korean.
You try to cut her off, but she hits you back with her old standby, "Well, I'll be gone for good soon enough and then you won't have to listen to me ever again."
This is the first of many guilt trips she'll unleash before she eventually passes out from one too many G&Ts.
Speaking of which, it's time to top up your drink. But your mom intercepts. "Don't you think you've had enough," she says, slurring every word.
Brother escapes to the garage to smoke up.
Dinner's ready.
ADD nephew plays his Nintendo DS throughout the whole meal. Niece refuses to eat a single bite of Butterball without ketchup. She excuses herself to hack a butt.
In lieu of Grace, a fight breaks out about Linden being captain.
Grandma gets a second wind and threatens to bolt if there's no Stovetop Stuffing, so gay uncle and Tom volunteer to go to the store.
That's the last you'll see of them all night.
After dinner, your brother pins you down to the ground and lets one of his hot & steamy turkey specials rip right in your face.
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Sorry ...
I cant seem to stay on top of my blog if my life depend on it! Things have been SO busy this past month. Since my last post things have been moving at warp speed. And look at it now - Christmas is actually around the corner - Just 8 more sleeps till Santa!
So lets see ... where to start:
Well, I flew back home for the fastest visit I have ever been on! But it was well worth it. I got to witness two of my most favorite people tie the knot, I met some awesome new, little people and got to spend some much needed time with my family.
I took a few pics of the events so here you go for your viewing pleasure:
Kel and Mike Get Hitched!
Erin Meets the Babies!
And once I got back to Vancouver, its been Go, GO, GO!!
Went away to Whistler for the weekend on the 1st/2nd for the Annual Toyota Christmas Party and a few runs on the Mountain.
Sadly, I needed some major help with my new ski gear as my boots were causing me an UNREAL amount of pain ... but thanks to the Boot God at CanSki I managed to get a few more runs in before calling it a day and hitting the bar!
The Christmas Bash managed to squelched any pain I was suffering thanks to the never ending table wine and good time spent with Friends. Feel free to take a look at the weekends events HERE
However, all fun and game ended on the ride home ... A huge snowstorm blew in off the coast and basically closed down the entire Sea to Sky highway, on which we were stuck. For hours ... it should usually take about 2 hours TOPs to get home from Whistler ... but on this fine day it took 8 HOURS!!! Thank god we had a huge brekkie with Jer and Am to fuel our bellies since we didnt get a chance to eat again for 7 hours. Nothing in the car, no water, no food and no where to go. HERE you can see the adventure first hand. But we got home, safe and sound and STARVING - lol!
The following weekend was more parties and more drinking! Phil and I took in my first ever Cushman & Wakefield LePage Christmas Party and what an event that was. It was held at an awesome restaurant in Yaletown and the open bar was a huge hit lol! Great time had by all - AS seen HERE
After all that partying - we could feel the festive spirit and decided it was time to put up our Christmas tree and decked our halls!
This past weekend was a long, hard one full of home renos! Phil and I got the keys to his new condo on Friday and started on the process of making the pad ours! The plan is to basically gut it ... well, sort of. We managed to get all the carpet up and out (FYI: pulling up tack strips are a BITCH), we got the main room and halls painted and the bedroom got its first coat of new paint too. We are getting the new floors laid down on Tuesday and are actually moving in on the 27th! Check out the pics from this weekends adventures HERE
So over all, the past three weeks have been super busy times here needless to say!
Now its crunch time - We're heading off for a much needed vacation for a few days to Seattle and Mt. Baker for some skiing and then back to Vancouver for Christmas and then BOOM - Moving Day!
Before you know it, it will be 2008 .... where has the year gone?
So lets see ... where to start:
Well, I flew back home for the fastest visit I have ever been on! But it was well worth it. I got to witness two of my most favorite people tie the knot, I met some awesome new, little people and got to spend some much needed time with my family.
I took a few pics of the events so here you go for your viewing pleasure:
Kel and Mike Get Hitched!
Erin Meets the Babies!
And once I got back to Vancouver, its been Go, GO, GO!!
Went away to Whistler for the weekend on the 1st/2nd for the Annual Toyota Christmas Party and a few runs on the Mountain.
Sadly, I needed some major help with my new ski gear as my boots were causing me an UNREAL amount of pain ... but thanks to the Boot God at CanSki I managed to get a few more runs in before calling it a day and hitting the bar!
The Christmas Bash managed to squelched any pain I was suffering thanks to the never ending table wine and good time spent with Friends. Feel free to take a look at the weekends events HERE
However, all fun and game ended on the ride home ... A huge snowstorm blew in off the coast and basically closed down the entire Sea to Sky highway, on which we were stuck. For hours ... it should usually take about 2 hours TOPs to get home from Whistler ... but on this fine day it took 8 HOURS!!! Thank god we had a huge brekkie with Jer and Am to fuel our bellies since we didnt get a chance to eat again for 7 hours. Nothing in the car, no water, no food and no where to go. HERE you can see the adventure first hand. But we got home, safe and sound and STARVING - lol!
The following weekend was more parties and more drinking! Phil and I took in my first ever Cushman & Wakefield LePage Christmas Party and what an event that was. It was held at an awesome restaurant in Yaletown and the open bar was a huge hit lol! Great time had by all - AS seen HERE
After all that partying - we could feel the festive spirit and decided it was time to put up our Christmas tree and decked our halls!
This past weekend was a long, hard one full of home renos! Phil and I got the keys to his new condo on Friday and started on the process of making the pad ours! The plan is to basically gut it ... well, sort of. We managed to get all the carpet up and out (FYI: pulling up tack strips are a BITCH), we got the main room and halls painted and the bedroom got its first coat of new paint too. We are getting the new floors laid down on Tuesday and are actually moving in on the 27th! Check out the pics from this weekends adventures HERE
So over all, the past three weeks have been super busy times here needless to say!
Now its crunch time - We're heading off for a much needed vacation for a few days to Seattle and Mt. Baker for some skiing and then back to Vancouver for Christmas and then BOOM - Moving Day!
Before you know it, it will be 2008 .... where has the year gone?
Monday, November 19, 2007
Well hello there …
its been a while since I blogged … really blogged and not just posted shit … so here’s the November Update
Lets see – So far a lot has been going on this month.
It started out with Phil and I getting pumped for the ski season by taking in the new Warren Miller flick – Playground. And may did I want to start ripping on the Mountain after that show!
Saturday it was off to see Black Mountain at Richards on Richards – Great show, very hippy rawk. – Check them out: http://www.myspace.com/blackmountain
And it was all chillin’ on Sunday after that jam packed weekend
The following weekend (the 10th, a LONG weekend in B.C. I might add!!!) Phil and I drove out to Chilliwack to take in some Toyota sponsored WEST COAST ARENA CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS… and I have to tell you, I was sceptical but I know now its an uber cool sport. Kind of nasty to inhale all that exhaust but so dang entertaining to watch 4 yr olds rip around a dirt bike track … and the big guys get BIG AIR! WEST COAST ARENA CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS
This past weekend was full of fun and friends. Friday was a nite out at The Morrissey where we drank and chatted till the wee hours … and then stumbled home.
Saturday we attempted to see Beowolf but it was sold out so we went bowling instead … Yup, bowling. I was kicking ass in the first game but lost my mojo in the second and came in 3rd … ah well. Good times had by all.
Sunday was a treat day as we went out to the fancy, schmancy Fairmount Waterfront for the first of many Toyota Christmas Parties, this one for the Langley Dealership. It was a HUGE buffet feast, with everything you can think off, and desserts to die for! Then it was off to GM Place to take in the Canucks/Flames games from a private Penthouse Suite!!! Very posh! Thanks ‘Yota!!!
And this weekend is more fun, fun, fun, as I head back to Toronto for a fast but fully booked up trip to see my girl Kel walk down the isle!! I’m so excited for her and can’t wait to see everyone again!
I’m sure I’ll have lots of stories and pics to share once I get back so stay tuned for the next update.
Lets see – So far a lot has been going on this month.
It started out with Phil and I getting pumped for the ski season by taking in the new Warren Miller flick – Playground. And may did I want to start ripping on the Mountain after that show!
Saturday it was off to see Black Mountain at Richards on Richards – Great show, very hippy rawk. – Check them out: http://www.myspace.com/blackmountain
And it was all chillin’ on Sunday after that jam packed weekend
The following weekend (the 10th, a LONG weekend in B.C. I might add!!!) Phil and I drove out to Chilliwack to take in some Toyota sponsored WEST COAST ARENA CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS… and I have to tell you, I was sceptical but I know now its an uber cool sport. Kind of nasty to inhale all that exhaust but so dang entertaining to watch 4 yr olds rip around a dirt bike track … and the big guys get BIG AIR! WEST COAST ARENA CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS
This past weekend was full of fun and friends. Friday was a nite out at The Morrissey where we drank and chatted till the wee hours … and then stumbled home.
Saturday we attempted to see Beowolf but it was sold out so we went bowling instead … Yup, bowling. I was kicking ass in the first game but lost my mojo in the second and came in 3rd … ah well. Good times had by all.
Sunday was a treat day as we went out to the fancy, schmancy Fairmount Waterfront for the first of many Toyota Christmas Parties, this one for the Langley Dealership. It was a HUGE buffet feast, with everything you can think off, and desserts to die for! Then it was off to GM Place to take in the Canucks/Flames games from a private Penthouse Suite!!! Very posh! Thanks ‘Yota!!!
And this weekend is more fun, fun, fun, as I head back to Toronto for a fast but fully booked up trip to see my girl Kel walk down the isle!! I’m so excited for her and can’t wait to see everyone again!
I’m sure I’ll have lots of stories and pics to share once I get back so stay tuned for the next update.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
THE HEALTH EDITION
Honestly, the news can be scary sometimes … but it can also be reassuring and helpful.
Here are some articles that caught my eye today while perusing the papers ….
Birth control linked to arterial plaque – Heads up ladies
Weight study results baffle health researchers – This you have to read!
High-fat Atkins diet damages blood vessels I knew it was a scam
It's prime time for procreating – hey, how you doin’?
Alcohol +energy drink = a bad mix – I TOLD YOU!!!!
Vitamin 'cocktailing' a dangerous strategy
Here are some articles that caught my eye today while perusing the papers ….
Birth control linked to arterial plaque – Heads up ladies
Weight study results baffle health researchers – This you have to read!
High-fat Atkins diet damages blood vessels I knew it was a scam
It's prime time for procreating – hey, how you doin’?
Alcohol +energy drink = a bad mix – I TOLD YOU!!!!
Vitamin 'cocktailing' a dangerous strategy
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Quote of the day ... its a day late - SORRY!
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
The gunpowder, treason and plot,
I know of no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot
Friday, November 2, 2007
Quote of the Day
November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.
With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.
The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.
Clyde Watson
GO LOONIE!!
Some food for thought when starting your holiday shopping …
Dollar sets record over $1.07 US
Sears Canada cuts prices to reflect strong loonie
More retailers cut prices
HBC to cut prices at Zellers stores in reaction to strong loonie
Major retailers cut prices as dollar soars
Rising loonie expected to negatively impact Canadian retailers
Why Canadians Shop in America
Wal-Mart Canada to sell books, magazines and gift wrap at U.S. list prices
Retailers slash prices for holiday shoppers
Dollar sets record over $1.07 US
Sears Canada cuts prices to reflect strong loonie
More retailers cut prices
HBC to cut prices at Zellers stores in reaction to strong loonie
Major retailers cut prices as dollar soars
Rising loonie expected to negatively impact Canadian retailers
Why Canadians Shop in America
Wal-Mart Canada to sell books, magazines and gift wrap at U.S. list prices
Retailers slash prices for holiday shoppers
Monday, October 29, 2007
Quote of the Day
A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Quote of the Day
When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.Author Unknown
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Quote of the Day
This is a new thing I am gonna try to keep up with. I found a fab one while planning my trip to Europe and thought it apropos given where I call home now ;)
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing
To all of you ..... FLICK OFF!!
If you haven’t been to this site you have to check it out.
Read up on how you can help save the plant with even just the smallest changes to your life style
Shock yourself and see what kind of footprint you’re laving on Mother Earth and make a pledge to change it!!
Enter FLICKFEST and commit to making a change!!
Spread The Word
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Read up on how you can help save the plant with even just the smallest changes to your life style
Shock yourself and see what kind of footprint you’re laving on Mother Earth and make a pledge to change it!!
Enter FLICKFEST and commit to making a change!!
Spread The Word
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Things that I found interesting in the news ...
Greenland's melting ice sheet
Rising temperatures are causing Greenland's ice sheet -- the second largest in the world -- to melt.
Board approves birth control for middle schoolers
Bank of Canada warns of economic slowdown
Finance minister tells retailers to cut prices
Do you need a daily dose?
The Facts on Cervical Cancer
We know monsoon season isn't over
Use your noodle at the dinner table
Chessboard serial killer convicted
Rising temperatures are causing Greenland's ice sheet -- the second largest in the world -- to melt.
Board approves birth control for middle schoolers
Bank of Canada warns of economic slowdown
Finance minister tells retailers to cut prices
Do you need a daily dose?
The Facts on Cervical Cancer
We know monsoon season isn't over
Use your noodle at the dinner table
Chessboard serial killer convicted
Pics ....
Oh I fogot!
I have a ton of new pics to share so 2nite, after ANTM - lol, I'll get them up for you all to check out!
I have a ton of new pics to share so 2nite, after ANTM - lol, I'll get them up for you all to check out!
The October 24th Update
Well, well, well, it’s been a while since I’ve posted … how bad of me!
In all honesty, not much has been going on that I thought needed retelling.
Since starting at Cushman & Wakefield LePage it’s been pretty much work all week and play all weekend.
September was the learning curve month. And it was a sink or swim type deal. And I swam baby I SWAM! And now I’m well into my second month at the job and yes, I am an assistant goddess! I got a fab email sent to me and the Director of Operations (the BIG boss) from one of my brokers a week or so ago telling me what a ROCK STAR I am and I can’t lie – it was a great way to start off what was a rather blah Monday. All my co-workers are great people (well, most of them lol!) and the Brokers are all good guys (sadly, we only have one woman broker in the office – What gives there I ask?!)
They closed the office early on the Friday of the long Turley Weekend (which Phil and I spent both in Whistler **FAB** and with Stacey & Steve, biking, eating and laughing) and that was a super pleasant surprise and made me think … hmmmmmm **taps finger to chin**… this place is a good place to be… they treat their staff well, give them time off and offer early-leave days when they don’t have to and feed us during meetings – Yes! They feed us during mandatory lunch and breakfast meetings – What a concept!! Makes getting up early each Friday for my Research Meeting well worth it when I know I’m getting fresh Tim’s in the boardroom – lol.
And get this – I’ve been here just over two month’s ... that’s what I said above right? …and I already have been given 4 vacation days for this year! Insanity, but I am not complaining. I am using up two to come home in November and the other two are being tacked onto my 15 days next year so I can get to Britain and France in August. WoooHooo – 17 days off next year for which I will be PAID! I love it!
And really, that its folks – Nothing overly exciting to report …
Can’t wait to get home next month and see my family and friends! Man I miss you guys!!!
Love and Kisses
Er!n
In all honesty, not much has been going on that I thought needed retelling.
Since starting at Cushman & Wakefield LePage it’s been pretty much work all week and play all weekend.
September was the learning curve month. And it was a sink or swim type deal. And I swam baby I SWAM! And now I’m well into my second month at the job and yes, I am an assistant goddess! I got a fab email sent to me and the Director of Operations (the BIG boss) from one of my brokers a week or so ago telling me what a ROCK STAR I am and I can’t lie – it was a great way to start off what was a rather blah Monday. All my co-workers are great people (well, most of them lol!) and the Brokers are all good guys (sadly, we only have one woman broker in the office – What gives there I ask?!)
They closed the office early on the Friday of the long Turley Weekend (which Phil and I spent both in Whistler **FAB** and with Stacey & Steve, biking, eating and laughing) and that was a super pleasant surprise and made me think … hmmmmmm **taps finger to chin**… this place is a good place to be… they treat their staff well, give them time off and offer early-leave days when they don’t have to and feed us during meetings – Yes! They feed us during mandatory lunch and breakfast meetings – What a concept!! Makes getting up early each Friday for my Research Meeting well worth it when I know I’m getting fresh Tim’s in the boardroom – lol.
And get this – I’ve been here just over two month’s ... that’s what I said above right? …and I already have been given 4 vacation days for this year! Insanity, but I am not complaining. I am using up two to come home in November and the other two are being tacked onto my 15 days next year so I can get to Britain and France in August. WoooHooo – 17 days off next year for which I will be PAID! I love it!
And really, that its folks – Nothing overly exciting to report …
Can’t wait to get home next month and see my family and friends! Man I miss you guys!!!
Love and Kisses
Er!n
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Things never stay the same ....
And at least that way they also stay interesting, right?!
Here's what I am talking about:
As you all know, I moved out to Vancouver for a few reasons, one of those being that I was going to be going back to school to get my long overdue Graphic Arts degree ...
Well, as fate would have it, it now seems that those ducks that I needed to get in a row to make that happen have decided to not line up so pretty for me. And as sad and disappointed as I am and as hard as it was to come to this decision, I have decided to put my educational plans on hold for a while longer.
Its not the end of the world, and things have waited this long, what's another year right? I'm still young and have a load of time ahead of me before I need to "grow up" ;)
And so I have also made another decision. As of September 4th I will be starting a new job at Cushman Wakefield LePage in Vancouver as an Admin Assistant. I'll get back my weekends, have my nights free to what I like and I'll be making some decent money .... all in all, good things.
And so this is my last week at the Vancouver Aquarium. I have had a blast working there and meeting all the fantastic people that I have had the opportunity to work with.
All and all I just have to be Zen and roll with the punches and honestly, if things ever went according to plan I'd be worried ... that's just not what happens to me.
Oh and PS: So far my time in Vancouver has rawked! I went on a 2 hr long bike ride today with Phil all the way to the Spanish Banks. It was raining a bit but who cares when this is the view:
Here's what I am talking about:
As you all know, I moved out to Vancouver for a few reasons, one of those being that I was going to be going back to school to get my long overdue Graphic Arts degree ...
Well, as fate would have it, it now seems that those ducks that I needed to get in a row to make that happen have decided to not line up so pretty for me. And as sad and disappointed as I am and as hard as it was to come to this decision, I have decided to put my educational plans on hold for a while longer.
Its not the end of the world, and things have waited this long, what's another year right? I'm still young and have a load of time ahead of me before I need to "grow up" ;)
And so I have also made another decision. As of September 4th I will be starting a new job at Cushman Wakefield LePage in Vancouver as an Admin Assistant. I'll get back my weekends, have my nights free to what I like and I'll be making some decent money .... all in all, good things.
And so this is my last week at the Vancouver Aquarium. I have had a blast working there and meeting all the fantastic people that I have had the opportunity to work with.
All and all I just have to be Zen and roll with the punches and honestly, if things ever went according to plan I'd be worried ... that's just not what happens to me.
Oh and PS: So far my time in Vancouver has rawked! I went on a 2 hr long bike ride today with Phil all the way to the Spanish Banks. It was raining a bit but who cares when this is the view:
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Well, I got a month behind me now ....
Hi Everybody!
Just wanted to take a moment to update you on what has been happening over here on the West Coast. Things have been a busy!!!
I've been here a month already ... Can you believe that!? I can't!! Sometimes it feels like its been ages since I got here and sometimes I still feel like a newbie ;)
So what's new: To be honest, I have been working a LOT!!! And the hours are such that when I get home around 8pm each night I just wanna crash out and eat some dinner. And at that time phone calls are out of the question since so email will have to be my go to for a while since its not gonna get any easier with the work hrs and the time changes....
Work is going well. Its a basic retail position at the Aquarium gift shop, nothing fancy but it pays the bills. Meeting lots of nice people and learning a lot about all the local animals and whatnot. Its hard being on my feet again for 8 hrs a day after having that cushy desk job for so long but its starting to get better and I am developing my retail feet again :)
Took in the fireworks for the Symphony of Fire last week in English Bay and MAN, what a show!!! Dont think I ever got to see one in Toronto so I was fully impressed with what they put on. Got to hang out with Stacey and her buddy Tim and had some good laughs :)
Then Phil and I headed to Seattle this past weekend for the Daft Punk concert. Managed to get up to the top of the Space Needle, went to Pike Place Market and got a coffee at the very first Starbucks.
Here are the pics:
The concert was awesome!!!!
Also got me a shiny new bike the other day. Too funny that its called the Force ... Yes, I am learning to use the Force!!! (Thanks to Phil!) So I have been riding to work and had kissed that crappy bus commute good-bye. Its amazing to be able to ride to work, taking in all the sights of Vancouver, the Mountains and Stanley Park.
Went for a great ride yesterday to Granville Island. The weather we outstanding. Here are some pics
Things are settled for me to start classes on October 1st, just waiting to get my full schedule. I am getting really excited and have been getting inspired all over the place!
Otherwise, all is just normal. Nothing too exciting to report. Getting more settled in, and feeling like I know where I am and how to get places.
Oh, and there is a civic strike on here in Van City so garbage and public washrooms and whatnot are all shut down. Makes me think of the garbage strike we had back in TDot a few yrs ago ... Ahhh cities!
Miss you all like mad and I'll be in touch again sooner than later :)
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Friday, July 13, 2007
I GOT A JOB!!!
Well, after being here for just over 10 days I have scored myself a job!!!!
I must have been out on a million interviews, filled out a million applications and gotten lost on a few buses and pounded the pavement hard but its all been worth it.
I got the call today from the Vancouver Aquarium offering me a position in the Clamshell Gift Shop. A totally easy retail position, but the foot in the door is what I am most excited about.
You see, during my interview ... yesterday might I add ... Melissa, my manager, and I talked about my plans for the fall and my graphic design course and she told me that within the Aquarium there is a lot of internal movement between departments and that they have a in-house graphics department and that it would be very possible for me to move into that area after I am done school!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CAN WE ALL SAY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So not only am I going to get to work in Stanley Park, be in an environment that I am totally in love with, at a world renowned Aquarium, I now have my foot in the door for a possible long term career with the Aquarium!
And BONUS I'll get to see these guys whenever I want:
I am so excited!
And the timing couldn't be better, as I was sitting here, working out my budget and looking at my dwindling bank account and starting to panic ... and then the phone rang!
I was getting scared there for a while, I ain't gonna lie ... but now it seams that it may all be coming together!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Great Canadian Road Trip: Day #5: Monday July 2nd
THE HOME STRETCH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, this is it, the last day on the road. I am both excited and sort of sad. So much planning had gone into this trip and it just seems that its all going by so fast!
But with all the pics that we took over the last few days we’ll have tons of memories for a lifetime and stories to tell till we’re in the grave!
Leaving Calgary was hard. We were both really tired and getting sick of being in the car. Knowing that this was the last 10 hrs made it easier, but our eyes were on the prize – VNACOUVER, BC!
We passed the ski park for the 1998 Olympics and took some cool shots of the venue. And then they started to appear; in the distance you could just start to make them out … the stunning, amazing, and imposing Canadian Rockies.
It didn’t take long for them to be right in front of us, and before we knew it we were right in them. And I couldn’t stop looking out the window. They were just breathtaking. Too bad Phil was driving and didn’t get to really appreciate them , so I took lots and lots of pics!
We came into Banff Provincial Park around 11:30 and stopped at West Lake Louise for a pit stop and some photo ops.
We crossed over into BC around noon and stopped again in Field to stretch our legs. This day was proving to be a hard one. It was only a few hours on the road and we were already getting itchy to be home!
But we got another surprise just outside of Kicking Horse Pass, BC. As we cam up and crested a sharp corner on the trans Canada we notice a lot of cars pulled off to either side of the road. My firs thought was car accident and how long we would have to be stuck there, but as we got closer we saw what was causing the commotion … a heard of wild mountain sheep were plopped at the side of the road taking in the rays! A sight to be seen for sure! Phil pulled us over, ran across the highway and snapped some great pics of the adventurous guys.
We got into Revelstoke, BC about 1:30pm Pacific Time (scored us another hour just outside of Golden BC!!) and it was my turn to take over the wheel.
I got us to Merritt at about 4:50pm and since I had had enough of driving into the sunsets, Phil agreed to get us into Vancouver. Plus he knew where he was going – lol!
We decided to take The Coquihalla Highway and thought it was a toll route it was totally worth it! The scenery was unreal and the elevation (4,068 feet/1240 m) made your ears pop all over the place. The scary part was seeing all the runaway lanes and avalanche guns. But that’s the BC interior for ya!
And so after 5 days, 5 provinces and a mere 4565 km, we were in Vancouver!
It was surreal to be honest. It had felt like a great trip but it only hit me that I was MOVING here, and not just visiting, when we got to the airport to drop off the car. I was scared and excited and very tired!
We got all my stuff out of our fabulous Ford Focus that got us here in one piece and into Phil’s fancy Camry around 8:10pm and we were sitting on the couch, car unpacked and put to bed around 9:00pm.
So we made it here – Safe and sound and we had a blast!!!!!! I truly think that if you ever have the chance to drive across this crazy huge country of ours, you MUST!
Now, with all of that behind us, its time for me to start my new life on the West Coast!
Click here for pics from Day #5!
Well, this is it, the last day on the road. I am both excited and sort of sad. So much planning had gone into this trip and it just seems that its all going by so fast!
But with all the pics that we took over the last few days we’ll have tons of memories for a lifetime and stories to tell till we’re in the grave!
Leaving Calgary was hard. We were both really tired and getting sick of being in the car. Knowing that this was the last 10 hrs made it easier, but our eyes were on the prize – VNACOUVER, BC!
We passed the ski park for the 1998 Olympics and took some cool shots of the venue. And then they started to appear; in the distance you could just start to make them out … the stunning, amazing, and imposing Canadian Rockies.
It didn’t take long for them to be right in front of us, and before we knew it we were right in them. And I couldn’t stop looking out the window. They were just breathtaking. Too bad Phil was driving and didn’t get to really appreciate them , so I took lots and lots of pics!
We came into Banff Provincial Park around 11:30 and stopped at West Lake Louise for a pit stop and some photo ops.
We crossed over into BC around noon and stopped again in Field to stretch our legs. This day was proving to be a hard one. It was only a few hours on the road and we were already getting itchy to be home!
But we got another surprise just outside of Kicking Horse Pass, BC. As we cam up and crested a sharp corner on the trans Canada we notice a lot of cars pulled off to either side of the road. My firs thought was car accident and how long we would have to be stuck there, but as we got closer we saw what was causing the commotion … a heard of wild mountain sheep were plopped at the side of the road taking in the rays! A sight to be seen for sure! Phil pulled us over, ran across the highway and snapped some great pics of the adventurous guys.
We got into Revelstoke, BC about 1:30pm Pacific Time (scored us another hour just outside of Golden BC!!) and it was my turn to take over the wheel.
I got us to Merritt at about 4:50pm and since I had had enough of driving into the sunsets, Phil agreed to get us into Vancouver. Plus he knew where he was going – lol!
We decided to take The Coquihalla Highway and thought it was a toll route it was totally worth it! The scenery was unreal and the elevation (4,068 feet/1240 m) made your ears pop all over the place. The scary part was seeing all the runaway lanes and avalanche guns. But that’s the BC interior for ya!
And so after 5 days, 5 provinces and a mere 4565 km, we were in Vancouver!
It was surreal to be honest. It had felt like a great trip but it only hit me that I was MOVING here, and not just visiting, when we got to the airport to drop off the car. I was scared and excited and very tired!
We got all my stuff out of our fabulous Ford Focus that got us here in one piece and into Phil’s fancy Camry around 8:10pm and we were sitting on the couch, car unpacked and put to bed around 9:00pm.
So we made it here – Safe and sound and we had a blast!!!!!! I truly think that if you ever have the chance to drive across this crazy huge country of ours, you MUST!
Now, with all of that behind us, its time for me to start my new life on the West Coast!
Click here for pics from Day #5!
The Great Canadian Road Trip: Day #4: Sunday July 30th
What a great day to be road tripping across the country … Canada Day!! Could it be more appropriate?!
Today’s goal: Get to Calgary in time to see Jim Cuddy at Olympic Plaza and take in the fireworks!
Well, the day started off on the wrong foot. We had ordered our brekkie to be brought to our room for 9:30am so we could be on the road for around 11:00am since we had some exciting places to visit before heading to Calgary! But when 10:10am rolled around I feared the worst, they had forgotten our yummy, very eagerly anticipated breakfast order. A call to the front desk confirmed it and this little chicky was not impressed! So, after check gout of the lovely Regina Inn, it was off to see a few sighs about town (The Mosaic Stadium, Victoria Square and most of Downtown Regina … its pretty small lol!) and on to the nearest Timmies. Now, to be honest with you all, at this point I am getting a little sick of bagels and cheddar, I know, I never thought I would ever say that but I have and I was … so since there was a Sobey’s right across the street, I managed to pick up a yummy fruit salad and some apples and I was fully happy and ready to start the days ride…
First stop: Rouleau, SK: Saskatchewan's First 1 Million Bushel Town (whatever that means lol!) My interest in Rouleau is this … its home to Corner Gas!!!! Yuppers, that’s right, we went 30 minutes out of our way, along a long, dusty dirt road to the small, tiny town of Rouleau. And it was SO worth it! There was no one there and so we got to run all over the set of Corner Gas and The Ruby. Then we went into the actual town and saw the Dog River Police Station, The Foo M rt, The Howler, The Dog River Hotel and Oscar & Emma’s! It was great! Totally loved it.
After spending a whopping 20 min there, that’s all that it took to see everything, we were back on the road.
Stopped in Moose Jaw to pose with a giant moose name Mac and a rest stop and back on the road … and then it happened … I had been wondering when it was going to and thought maybe that we would have somehow escaped it, but I was wrong. About 5 minutes after getting back on the highway we saw the flashing lights … yup, we were getting pulled over by the lovely Moose Jaw police! Phil got nailed doing 118 in an 80 … and please, ask us when it was 80 since the whole ride on the Trans-Canada thus far had been 110 … well, I guess there is a 30 second stretch where its 80 and that’s where we got nailed! BUGGERS!! So after wasting 20 min at the side of the road, we got our ticket and SLOWLEY started up again.
Crossed over into Alberta about 5:15pm and we switched over to me driving thought to Calgary in Medicine Hat. Speed demon that I am, I got us into Calgary, without any issues around 8:00pm. Now that was into Calgary, finding the hotel was another situation. Damn they have a ton of one way streets in that cow town and since it was Canada Day ½ of them were closed off and it made for a great ½ hour adventure before finding the hotel.
Once we checked in and washed off the grim of the day’s travels, it was off to see Mr. Jim Cuddy. We strolled down Stephens Street, taking in all the action and people and found a great place to park it and listen to the tunes. Then it was firework time!! After all of that, we headed out to find us some grub … something that was much harder than one would think at 11:30pm on a Sunday night - lol! Managed to get a burger and throw back a few beers at The Unicorn Pub and then stumbled home to crash out ….
Today’s goal: Get to Calgary in time to see Jim Cuddy at Olympic Plaza and take in the fireworks!
Well, the day started off on the wrong foot. We had ordered our brekkie to be brought to our room for 9:30am so we could be on the road for around 11:00am since we had some exciting places to visit before heading to Calgary! But when 10:10am rolled around I feared the worst, they had forgotten our yummy, very eagerly anticipated breakfast order. A call to the front desk confirmed it and this little chicky was not impressed! So, after check gout of the lovely Regina Inn, it was off to see a few sighs about town (The Mosaic Stadium, Victoria Square and most of Downtown Regina … its pretty small lol!) and on to the nearest Timmies. Now, to be honest with you all, at this point I am getting a little sick of bagels and cheddar, I know, I never thought I would ever say that but I have and I was … so since there was a Sobey’s right across the street, I managed to pick up a yummy fruit salad and some apples and I was fully happy and ready to start the days ride…
First stop: Rouleau, SK: Saskatchewan's First 1 Million Bushel Town (whatever that means lol!) My interest in Rouleau is this … its home to Corner Gas!!!! Yuppers, that’s right, we went 30 minutes out of our way, along a long, dusty dirt road to the small, tiny town of Rouleau. And it was SO worth it! There was no one there and so we got to run all over the set of Corner Gas and The Ruby. Then we went into the actual town and saw the Dog River Police Station, The Foo M rt, The Howler, The Dog River Hotel and Oscar & Emma’s! It was great! Totally loved it.
After spending a whopping 20 min there, that’s all that it took to see everything, we were back on the road.
Stopped in Moose Jaw to pose with a giant moose name Mac and a rest stop and back on the road … and then it happened … I had been wondering when it was going to and thought maybe that we would have somehow escaped it, but I was wrong. About 5 minutes after getting back on the highway we saw the flashing lights … yup, we were getting pulled over by the lovely Moose Jaw police! Phil got nailed doing 118 in an 80 … and please, ask us when it was 80 since the whole ride on the Trans-Canada thus far had been 110 … well, I guess there is a 30 second stretch where its 80 and that’s where we got nailed! BUGGERS!! So after wasting 20 min at the side of the road, we got our ticket and SLOWLEY started up again.
Crossed over into Alberta about 5:15pm and we switched over to me driving thought to Calgary in Medicine Hat. Speed demon that I am, I got us into Calgary, without any issues around 8:00pm. Now that was into Calgary, finding the hotel was another situation. Damn they have a ton of one way streets in that cow town and since it was Canada Day ½ of them were closed off and it made for a great ½ hour adventure before finding the hotel.
Once we checked in and washed off the grim of the day’s travels, it was off to see Mr. Jim Cuddy. We strolled down Stephens Street, taking in all the action and people and found a great place to park it and listen to the tunes. Then it was firework time!! After all of that, we headed out to find us some grub … something that was much harder than one would think at 11:30pm on a Sunday night - lol! Managed to get a burger and throw back a few beers at The Unicorn Pub and then stumbled home to crash out ….
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The Great Canadian Road Trip: Day #3: Saturday June 30th
Day 3, we have to get from Winnipeg to Regina and we want to be there for no later than 9:00pm. So we best get a move on.
Ended up leaving Winnipeg around lunch time after trolling about the city looking at the legislative buildings, the painted bears, the downtown core and the people … it was an experience.
Then after our required Timmies stop, we pointed our wagons WEST!
About a 1/2 hour of being on the road, we passed through a little place called Portage La Prairie Why, you ask , would you go to this small, tiny town … well, it was 2 things:
A) It was on the way; and
Then after our required Timmies stop, we pointed our wagons WEST!
About a 1/2 hour of being on the road, we passed through a little place called Portage La Prairie Why, you ask , would you go to this small, tiny town … well, it was 2 things:
A) It was on the way; and
B) It is home to the WORLDS BIGGEST COKE CAN!!
And come one, that’s worth a 15 min detour lol! So after many photo ops we we’re on our way again.
At about 4:30 we had managed to cross over into Saskatchewan and were in the tiny town of Moosomin. Pit stop time and a craving for DQ and then we were good to go. …
Took a detours from the Trans-Canada and off into the Qu'Appelle Valley, SK.
Full of stunning scenery and amazing views and vistas, it was a great adventure. Trolling about nowhere Saskatchewan, in the middle of the Parries. It was wonderful.
We managed to get into Regina about 8pm. Well, what we thought was 8pm. Apparently, Regina does not have day light savings time in place so it was actually only 7pm. SWEET!!! Just scored another hour!
After checking in and cashing out for a bit, we went out for diner and drinks and amazingly enough, found this great place in Downtown Regina!
Who’da thunk :)
Called Crave: Kitchen and Wine Bar, we sat on the patio and enjoyed the summer weather and had an incredible meal. I kid you not that I had the singe best salad I have ever in my LIFE ever had here. YUMMY! And after a few glasses of wine, we wandered back to the hotel … time to prepare for Day 4!!!
Click here for Pics of Day #3
Friday, July 6, 2007
The Great Canadian Road Trip: Day #2: Friday June 29th
Day #2 started off later than Day #1 … much later ... lol! We needed our ZZZ’s! We crawled out of bed around 10:30am and checked out of the good old Econo Lodge and made our way to the closets Timmies to get fueled for the day’s events.
Before leaving Thunder Bay we made a few stops around town, like seeing a HUGE curling rock and taking in the Terry Fox Memorial. We actually were in town the day after what would have been the 28th anniversary of his death. Very inspiring it was to be there. And it was a beautiful and well-designed monument.
Then around noon it was back on the road to Winnipeg!!
I drove the first stretch to Kenora, about 4 ½ hrs, with this damn red truck following me on my tail for a good 3 of those hours … Big Red just would not let up! And I was making good time … if you know what I am saying ;)
Along the way we had another wildlife encounter … this time the animal was a baby Black Bear who decided to go for a wander across the Trans Canada. I was spacing behind he wheel and out of nowhere Phil is saying “Bear ... Bear … BEAR ON THE ROAD!!” I slammed on the breaks, and stopped about 10 feet from the cutie (yes, he was cute!) and then saw Big Red coming down on me … that scared me more than the damn bear! The bear stared at us for a moment and then scampered off to the other side of the road and was gone into the forest. Luckily Big Read was on top of things and didn’t take me up the backside and we were on our way, a little shaky, but on our way in a matter of minutes.
Never a dull moment on this trip so far!!
Managed to get into Kenora around 5:00pm Central Time – Yup, that’s rights, we had left Eastern Standard Time somewhere just before Upusla, ON and entered the Central Time Zone! Scored us a whole extra hr of travel time – SWEET!!
Had some dinner at the BoPo in Kenora and then Phil took over for the 2nd leg of the day … Kenora to Winnipeg!
We crossed over into to Manitoba around 7:00pm and man, does it flatten out immediately after you cross the boarder … its shocking really how the landscape is so vastly different in Ontario than Manitoba. The highway was so straing we thought we could see for days … and man, they have some HUGE black birds in that province.
Got to our hotel around 9:00pm and once we were cleaned up a bit, we headed out for some drinks in downtown Winnipeg. It sounds much better than it was. Then again it was off to bed around midnight and up and at them for the next days drive ….
Before leaving Thunder Bay we made a few stops around town, like seeing a HUGE curling rock and taking in the Terry Fox Memorial. We actually were in town the day after what would have been the 28th anniversary of his death. Very inspiring it was to be there. And it was a beautiful and well-designed monument.
Then around noon it was back on the road to Winnipeg!!
I drove the first stretch to Kenora, about 4 ½ hrs, with this damn red truck following me on my tail for a good 3 of those hours … Big Red just would not let up! And I was making good time … if you know what I am saying ;)
Along the way we had another wildlife encounter … this time the animal was a baby Black Bear who decided to go for a wander across the Trans Canada. I was spacing behind he wheel and out of nowhere Phil is saying “Bear ... Bear … BEAR ON THE ROAD!!” I slammed on the breaks, and stopped about 10 feet from the cutie (yes, he was cute!) and then saw Big Red coming down on me … that scared me more than the damn bear! The bear stared at us for a moment and then scampered off to the other side of the road and was gone into the forest. Luckily Big Read was on top of things and didn’t take me up the backside and we were on our way, a little shaky, but on our way in a matter of minutes.
Never a dull moment on this trip so far!!
Managed to get into Kenora around 5:00pm Central Time – Yup, that’s rights, we had left Eastern Standard Time somewhere just before Upusla, ON and entered the Central Time Zone! Scored us a whole extra hr of travel time – SWEET!!
Had some dinner at the BoPo in Kenora and then Phil took over for the 2nd leg of the day … Kenora to Winnipeg!
We crossed over into to Manitoba around 7:00pm and man, does it flatten out immediately after you cross the boarder … its shocking really how the landscape is so vastly different in Ontario than Manitoba. The highway was so straing we thought we could see for days … and man, they have some HUGE black birds in that province.
Got to our hotel around 9:00pm and once we were cleaned up a bit, we headed out for some drinks in downtown Winnipeg. It sounds much better than it was. Then again it was off to bed around midnight and up and at them for the next days drive ….
The Great Canadian Road Trip: Day #1: Thursday June 28th
I know I was suppose to blog this as we went but the time just got beyond us so fast it was impossible. So here I go, lets start at the beginning …
The start of the five-day road trip to Vancouver began without incident. Phil and I had packed up the car the night before, so it was up at 6am and out of the apartment for 7am and on the road.
Getting out of the city was easy-breezy but we hit a tad bit of a snag on the good old 401. Took us about ½ hr to get to the 400 but then it was clear sailing … and on to our first Timmies stop of the Trip :)
I got us into Sudbury just after noon and we headed for the Big Nickel. Took some fun pics there and then it was time to head out. No time to waste … we had to make it to Thunder Bay that night!!
But we did stop along Hwy #17 to see a Giant Loonie in Echo Bay … yes, were geeks like that :)
Phil took over then and got us to Sault St. Marie for some lupper (lunch/supper) around 3:30pm. Had us some yummy Pita-Pit and posed for a few shots with a giant Moose and the time to get back into the car.
We made a pit stop at a scenic look-out at Agawa Bay looking out to Lake Superior and man, that was just stunning. Never knew that we had scenery like that in Ontario.
With no time to waste it was off for Wawa …
Got to Wawa around 6pm, hit another Timmies and it was my turn to get behind the wheel.
Now the drive from Wawa to Schreiber was a tough one. Very bendy and curvy and with the sun setting in my eyes it made for some tough driving. So we decided to switch again in Schreiber for the sake of getting us there alive. This was around 9:30 or so and would you believe that it was still really quite light out … amazing really.
Along the way to T-Bay we did see something that rattled us a bit. Around 10:30, while we were chatting about how awesome it was that it was just now starting to get dark out, we spied at the side of the hwy a HUGH dead moose. And when I say HUGE, I mean HUGE. I’ve never seen one up close like that and man was I shocked to take in its size. The thing must have been hit by a mac-truck or something and then moved off to the side of the road. Insane really. Needless to say this made both Phil and I a bit more concerned while on the road since every few feet there were signs telling us to watch out for Moose, Deer and other assorted wildlife that could come out and try to cross the road at any time … defiantly kept us on out toes!
We pulled into Thunder Bay around 11:41pm and DAMN we’re we tired. When we finally got to the hotel and out of the car it was like we needed to get our walking legs back. Like sea legs on a cruise, it was odd to be standing at first and took a while to get used to it again. I guess 17 hrs in a car will do that to you!
Don’t think we have ever been so happy to see an Econo Lodge in our lives before and in no time we were checked in and crashed out …
Click here for pictures from Day #1
The start of the five-day road trip to Vancouver began without incident. Phil and I had packed up the car the night before, so it was up at 6am and out of the apartment for 7am and on the road.
Getting out of the city was easy-breezy but we hit a tad bit of a snag on the good old 401. Took us about ½ hr to get to the 400 but then it was clear sailing … and on to our first Timmies stop of the Trip :)
I got us into Sudbury just after noon and we headed for the Big Nickel. Took some fun pics there and then it was time to head out. No time to waste … we had to make it to Thunder Bay that night!!
But we did stop along Hwy #17 to see a Giant Loonie in Echo Bay … yes, were geeks like that :)
Phil took over then and got us to Sault St. Marie for some lupper (lunch/supper) around 3:30pm. Had us some yummy Pita-Pit and posed for a few shots with a giant Moose and the time to get back into the car.
We made a pit stop at a scenic look-out at Agawa Bay looking out to Lake Superior and man, that was just stunning. Never knew that we had scenery like that in Ontario.
With no time to waste it was off for Wawa …
Got to Wawa around 6pm, hit another Timmies and it was my turn to get behind the wheel.
Now the drive from Wawa to Schreiber was a tough one. Very bendy and curvy and with the sun setting in my eyes it made for some tough driving. So we decided to switch again in Schreiber for the sake of getting us there alive. This was around 9:30 or so and would you believe that it was still really quite light out … amazing really.
Along the way to T-Bay we did see something that rattled us a bit. Around 10:30, while we were chatting about how awesome it was that it was just now starting to get dark out, we spied at the side of the hwy a HUGH dead moose. And when I say HUGE, I mean HUGE. I’ve never seen one up close like that and man was I shocked to take in its size. The thing must have been hit by a mac-truck or something and then moved off to the side of the road. Insane really. Needless to say this made both Phil and I a bit more concerned while on the road since every few feet there were signs telling us to watch out for Moose, Deer and other assorted wildlife that could come out and try to cross the road at any time … defiantly kept us on out toes!
We pulled into Thunder Bay around 11:41pm and DAMN we’re we tired. When we finally got to the hotel and out of the car it was like we needed to get our walking legs back. Like sea legs on a cruise, it was odd to be standing at first and took a while to get used to it again. I guess 17 hrs in a car will do that to you!
Don’t think we have ever been so happy to see an Econo Lodge in our lives before and in no time we were checked in and crashed out …
Click here for pictures from Day #1
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
T-7 days!!
Well, it’s down to a week now before I leave on my gallivant across the country to my new home in beautiful, if not always sunny and dry, Vancouver!
As of Saturday, June 23rd, I will not have regular access to a computer so in a preemptive attempt to keep you all in the loop I thought I’d plot out the road trip as it is currently planned and you can see where we'll be and when.
Here’s the link to the complete map of the trip:
T-Dot to Van City Road Trip!!
Day 1: Thursday June 28th
Toronto – Thunder Bay (1,386 km (about 16 hours 35 mins)
Well, the plan is to leave at 6am … this is “late” if you ask me, but seeing as Phil only gets into Toronto at 11pm and we then still have to pick up our car, go back to my place, get the car crammed with all our stuff and then try and get some ZZZ’s, I SUPPOSE it’s a reasonable time to leave.
We are still arguing about routes out of the city (I say plough through downtown, up Spadina, over to Bathurst, over to Eglinton and up the Allan, making our way to the 401 West to the 400, sounds good no?!) He has other ideas …. But I’m driving the first leg so I get final say … Ya, that’s right, the foot is coming down, lol.
SO ...... once we’re on the 400 its Wagons NORTH to Thunder Bay … a mere 16 hr drive …. Good gawd, what have I agreed to?! I figure I’ll at least make it to Sudbury, if not farther and then he can take over from there.
Day 2: Friday, June 29th
Thunder Bay – Winnipeg (703 km (about 8 hours 34 mins)
I don’t see any reason why we wont be in Winterpeg (home of Winnie-the-Pooh!!) for dinner, unless we snooze in the am, and lets be honest, after Day 1, we may just! But with just 8 hrs of driving planned for Day 2, I think we’ll make it there in good shape and with time to relax.
Day 3: Saturday June 30th
Winnipeg – Regina (571 km (about 6 hours 36 mins)
Again, this should be an easy drive, however, it may be rather boring … parries anyone?! Sheesh! Let’s hope it’s not nearly as bad as everyone claims it to be, that the 6 hr drive goes smoothly and we don’t drive off the road just for some excitement …
MOM, I'm kidding!!
I promise that wont happen!!
Day 4: Sunday, July 1st : CANADA DAY!!
Regina – Calgary (760 km (about 8 hours 12 mins)
Who doesn’t want to see Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Medicine Hat and Strathmore?? Honestly!! I know, I know, you’re all insanely jealous :) That’s just what we get to do on our 8 hr drive from Regina to Calgary. How perfect is it that we will be in the middle of our cross Canada adventure on CANADA DAY!! And we’ll get to celebrate with all the cowboys!
You know what they say … Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy ;)
Day 5: Monday, July 2nd
Calgary – Vancouver (971 km (about 10 hours 57 mins)
As of Saturday, June 23rd, I will not have regular access to a computer so in a preemptive attempt to keep you all in the loop I thought I’d plot out the road trip as it is currently planned and you can see where we'll be and when.
Here’s the link to the complete map of the trip:
T-Dot to Van City Road Trip!!
Day 1: Thursday June 28th
Toronto – Thunder Bay (1,386 km (about 16 hours 35 mins)
Well, the plan is to leave at 6am … this is “late” if you ask me, but seeing as Phil only gets into Toronto at 11pm and we then still have to pick up our car, go back to my place, get the car crammed with all our stuff and then try and get some ZZZ’s, I SUPPOSE it’s a reasonable time to leave.
We are still arguing about routes out of the city (I say plough through downtown, up Spadina, over to Bathurst, over to Eglinton and up the Allan, making our way to the 401 West to the 400, sounds good no?!) He has other ideas …. But I’m driving the first leg so I get final say … Ya, that’s right, the foot is coming down, lol.
SO ...... once we’re on the 400 its Wagons NORTH to Thunder Bay … a mere 16 hr drive …. Good gawd, what have I agreed to?! I figure I’ll at least make it to Sudbury, if not farther and then he can take over from there.
Day 2: Friday, June 29th
Thunder Bay – Winnipeg (703 km (about 8 hours 34 mins)
I don’t see any reason why we wont be in Winterpeg (home of Winnie-the-Pooh!!) for dinner, unless we snooze in the am, and lets be honest, after Day 1, we may just! But with just 8 hrs of driving planned for Day 2, I think we’ll make it there in good shape and with time to relax.
Day 3: Saturday June 30th
Winnipeg – Regina (571 km (about 6 hours 36 mins)
Again, this should be an easy drive, however, it may be rather boring … parries anyone?! Sheesh! Let’s hope it’s not nearly as bad as everyone claims it to be, that the 6 hr drive goes smoothly and we don’t drive off the road just for some excitement …
MOM, I'm kidding!!
I promise that wont happen!!
Day 4: Sunday, July 1st : CANADA DAY!!
Regina – Calgary (760 km (about 8 hours 12 mins)
Who doesn’t want to see Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Medicine Hat and Strathmore?? Honestly!! I know, I know, you’re all insanely jealous :) That’s just what we get to do on our 8 hr drive from Regina to Calgary. How perfect is it that we will be in the middle of our cross Canada adventure on CANADA DAY!! And we’ll get to celebrate with all the cowboys!
You know what they say … Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy ;)
Day 5: Monday, July 2nd
Calgary – Vancouver (971 km (about 10 hours 57 mins)
Now this is the part of the trip that gets me the most excited!! Not only will we be driving through some of the most stunning scenery in the world, I’ll be just hours away from being HOME!!!!
We’ll get to pass through the Rockies in Banff National Park and take in the wonders of Lake Louise.
Then we make our way through to BC!!!!!!!!!!Entering via Yoho National Park and passing though Glacier National Park.
Then its Kamaloops and then Vancouver!!!
My new Home Sweet Home!!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Someone gonna get a hurt real bad ....
I was having a shitty morning, and then I watched this! It never fails to make my laugh my arse off!
Enjoy
Part I
Part II
Part III
Anthony = Tap Some Bong!!
Part IV
Jeazus-christ!!
Part V (This one wont embedd for some reason ... )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXrmEsmyQpc
Enjoy
Part I
Part II
Part III
Anthony = Tap Some Bong!!
Part IV
Jeazus-christ!!
Part V (This one wont embedd for some reason ... )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXrmEsmyQpc
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
I'm thinking of cutting my hair ...
... ALL OFF!
Its been ages since I have had hair this long (like since I was 6) and I have been growing it for over a year now, but its getting to be a pain in the ass. All the time spent washing, drying and then styling is starting to not only make my arms hurt, but take up precious time that I just don't want to be wasting in the bathroom each morning.
So give me your honest opinion on the pics below ... do you think I could pull it off?
And no, I dont have a thing for Posh ... she just has a kick-ass cut!
Friday, June 8, 2007
Well, we're down to 19 days left in Toronto and to be honest I am getting nervous. With some help, I have managed to get almost all of my kitchen stuff packed up and put away and its starting to feel real ... I'm moving to the other side of the country ... YIKES!!!
Its insane how fast a year can go by. It seems like just yesterday I was moving into my place and getting used to being on my own and now, here I am, packing everything up again.
Don't get me wrong, I am very excited about the move and all the changes to come. But it hit me the other day: After June 28th, I wont just be able to hope on the TTC and head out to the Saug to see the 'rents or my little bro or any of my friends. This brings tears to my eyes. I realize just how much I am going to miss everyone.
Hopefully the fam will get their butts out to B.C. at some point for a visit (Davey, I know you want to hit up Whistler so you best be getting on a plane in the winter!!) but I know that its far and expensive and not something easily done.
I don't know when I'll be back in Toronto other than the last weekend of November for my very good friend Kel-Bel & Mike's wedding.
Just know everyone that I will miss you all terribly. I will blog my little butt off and try to keep you all posted on my West Coast Adventures and if you're ever in town ... GIVE ME A RING!!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Breakaway
Sometimes you can listen to a song and it just hits you ... they lyrics are bang on, they speek to you. And though they may not be exact in relation to your particular situation, you can relate.
This is how I feel today:
Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray (I would pray)
Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I prayed I could break away
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
And I'll make a wishTake a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away (I will)
And breakaway
Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway
I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
This is how I feel today:
Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray (I would pray)
Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I prayed I could break away
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
And I'll make a wishTake a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away (I will)
And breakaway
Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway
I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
I believe in the stars
About My Sign...
Aquarians basically possess strong and attractive personalities.
They fall into two principle types: one shy, sensitive, gentle and patient; the other exuberant, lively and exhibitionist, sometimes hiding the considerable depths of their character under a cloak of frivolity.
Both types are strong willed and forceful in their different ways and have strong convictions, though as they seek truth above all things, they are usually honest enough to change their opinions, however firmly held, if evidence comes to light which persuades them that they have been mistaken. They have a breadth of vision that brings diverse factors into a whole, and can see both sides of an argument without shilly-shallying as to which side to take. Consequently they are unprejudiced and tolerant of other points of view. This is because they can see the validity of the argument, even if they do not accept it themselves. They obey the Quaker exhortation to "Be open to truth, from whatever source it comes," and are prepared to learn from everyone.
Both types are humane, frank, serious minded, genial, refined, sometimes ethereal, and idealistic, though this last quality is tempered with a sensible practicality. They are quick, active and persevering without being self-assertive, and express themselves with reason, moderation and sometimes, a dry humor.
They are nearly always intelligent, concise, clear and logical. Many are strongly imaginative and psychically intuitive, so that the Age of Aquarius, which is about to begin, is much anticipated by psychic circles as an age in which mankind will experience a great spiritual awakening. The Aquarian philosophical and spiritual bent may be dangerous in that it can drive the subjects into an ivory-tower existence where they meditate on abstractions that bear little relevance to life. On the other hand it can help the many who have scientific leanings to combine these with the Aquarian yearning for the universal recognition of the brotherhood of man, and to embark on scientific research to fulfill their philanthropic ideals of benefiting mankind. When some cause or work of this nature inspires them, they are capable of such devotion to it that they may drive themselves to the point of exhaustion and even risk injuring their health.
Both types need to retire from the world at times and to become temporary loners. They appreciate opportunities for meditation or, if they are religious, of retreats. Even in company they are fiercely independent, refusing to follow the crowd. They dislike interference by others, however helpfully intended, and will accept it only on their own terms. Normally they have good taste in drama, music and art, and are also gifted in the arts, especially drama.
In spite of the often intensely magnetic, forthcoming and open personality of the more extrovert kind of Aquarian, and of their desire to help humanity, neither type makes friends easily. They sometimes appear to condescend to others and take too little trouble to cultivate the acquaintance of people who do not particularly appeal to them.
They do not give themselves easily - perhaps their judgment of human nature is too good for that - and are sometimes accounted cold. But once they decide that someone is worthy of their friendship or love, they can exert an almost hypnotic and irresistible mental attraction on them and will themselves become tenacious friends or lovers, ready to sacrifice everything for their partners and be faithful to them for life. However, they are sometimes disappointed emotionally because their own high personal ideals cause them to demand more of others than is reasonable. And if they are deceived their anger is terrible. If disillusioned, they do not forgive.
Aquarians work best in group projects, provided that they are recognized as having a leading part in them. They have a feeling of unity with nature and a desire for knowledge and truth that makes them admirable scientists, especially astronomers and natural historians. They may excel in photography, radiography, electronics - anything connected with the electrical and radio industries - aviation and everything technical. On the arts and humanities side their progressive tendencies can be expressed in writing, especially poetry, and broadcasting, or as welfare workers and teachers. Some have gifts as entertainers and make good character actors (having an ability to mimic) and musicians. The more psychic among them possess healing gifts, especially in curing the mentally sick.
Among the faults to which they are liable are fanatical eccentricity, wayward egotism, excessive detachment and an inclination to retreat from life and society, and a tendency to be extremely dogmatic in their opinions. Aquarians can be a threat to all they survey or a great boon for humanity in general. Circumstances - for example, continuous opposition to a cause they hold dear - may cause the atrophy of the openness of mind that is one of the Aquarian's most attractive traits. They may express a lack of integrity in broken promises, secretiveness or cunning. Simmering anger and resentment, rudeness or, worse, a tense, threatening silence which may suddenly burst out in eruptions of extreme temper, these are all part of the negative side of the Aquarian. This can also reveal itself in a sustained hatred for enemies that is capable of enlarging itself into a misanthropy toward the whole of mankind.
Your emotional weather system is forecasting big storms ahead, but could it be that your barometer is a little bit off? Don't focus on what you think is wrong. Instead, look at everything that's gone right so far.
You don’t much like being given orders and you’re getting sick of receiving advice. In deference, I will offer no advice today, except to implore you to trust yourself.
Aquarius: Instead of keeping your feelings all bottled up inside, talk to someone you trust. A good long talk can do wonders!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
I like to read ….
“Like” may be the wrong word … Its more like I need to read. I feel bad if there isn’t a book dog-eared on my bedside table or bathroom. I need to read, yes, it’s a need. Like breathing, sleeping or eating. Needless to say, working in a bookstore was as close to heaven I have gotten so far ….
To feed this craving, I have been digesting a lot of books since the start of the year, a record number even for me. I am decided that I want to get 24 reads behind me this year (an easy two a month) And between a 5 day cross Canada road trip and the copious amounts of general down time I plan on having this summer, I may just be able to reach my goal.
These are the stats so far:
1. Life After God ~ Douglas Coupland
2. All Families are Psychotic ~ Douglas Coupland
3. Eleanor Rigby ~ Douglas Coupland
4. Hey Nostradamus! ~ Douglas Coupland
5. Shampoo Planet ~ Douglas Coupland
6. The Rebel Sell ~ Joseph Heath & Andrew Potter
So it would appear that I have to take on a few more reads stat! As it stands, the following are on the NEXT LIST:
1. Generation X ~ Douglas Coupland
2. Wicked ~ Gregory Maguire
3. No Logo ~ Naomi Klein (it’s a re-read but it sill counts!)
4. Chuck Klosterman IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas ~ Chuck Klosterman
5. Wet and Wired: A Pop Culture Encyclopedia of The Pacific Northwest ~ Randy Hodgins
If anyone has any suggestions, please send them my way.
Hopefully I will accomplish my 2007 goal!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Words To Live By
I can't invest my time
I've tried it all and I'm tired of trying
You think you've got it all figured out
And everything you think it's about
When you found yourself finally released
You hit the ground and kept running east
And now it's all catching up to you
As these things usually do
Saw it all and I can't deny
It's a hard life living a lie
If it feels good do it even if you shouldn't
Dont let people mess you around
Feels good do it even if you shouldnt
Nobody can mess you around
You're running away
Things would have been different
If you decided to stay
You can't wear your heart on your sleeve
If you're just going to leave
I can't invest my time
I've tried it all and I'm tired of trying
Saw it all and I can't deny
It's a hard life living a lie
Well, I guess I need to start at the begining ...
As most of you know... I am moving to Vancouver, BC at the end of June!
And today I took one GIANT leap in starting that move .... I took the plunge and QUIT MY JOB today!
I was planning on waiting another week or so but the time felt right and so, into my boss' office I went with resignation letter in hand, shut the door and just blurted out that I was moving .... to Vancouver ... at the end of June!
To be honest, I had no idea how this news was going to be taken and to my surprise it was met with good wishes and smiles! Not that they want to see my go (...right?) but to know that my office is supportive of my decision to move across the country and start a new life is more than I had hoped for.
I fully thought it would be "Here's your hat, where's your hurry!" But that’s not the case at all!
And the icing on the cake is this: My boss is gonna work his contacts for little old me and help me get a new job in Vancouver! Now that I didn’t see coming at all.
So now I have 5 weeks in which to pack up all that is coming with me to B.C., store all that is not (and that’s most of my shit lol) and get my self ready to move far, far away!
But never fear! I will be in touch and will be blogging my llittle butt off during my cross Canada adventure as I make my way to my new home!
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