Tuesday, January 31, 2012

back at it

A whole nine days later, and I'm back at it.  Our trip home was a whirlwind, full of visiting friends, spending time with family, eating amazing meals, and packing up the rest of our lives.  
It was so great to see everyone, and catch up over the last year.  Spending time with family was relaxing, except for the excitement of my oldest sister flying in from Nova Scotia for a quick visit.  Love you!!
One of the more exhausting things was sorting through the rest of our stuff that we left behind before we moved out here to Vancouver.  I tried my best to be as selective as possible when choosing what would come out here, via a pallet.  Some favourite kitchen items, clothing, and a few family photos.  
These are a few of my favourite moments, thanks everyone for such an amazing visit!!








Thursday, January 19, 2012

bye computer....and you


So I'm taking a bit of a vacation. From my computer.  I decided to not bring my computer with me on my vacation back home to Toronto.  I think it'll be a nice break away from it all.

Shhh, don't tell the Bf though, I have twitter and facebook on my smart phone, so if I need an internet fix, or you need to get a hold of me for some sort of crazy blogging emergency, or just want to say hi!....or I get really bored....We'll all be safe!
Enjoy next week! And I`ll see you all back here on Jan 30th with all the family fun to tell you about!
Same blog time! Same blog channel!!

p.s. So.... I don't have a blog channel....wait, is that even a thing?

Monday, January 16, 2012

3 days to go!

In just a few days the Bf and I will be taking the red eye heading to Toronto.  We'll be spending 9 days with family and friends and experiencing our very first 'Christmas Re-do'.  At least, that's what my Dad is calling it.     I'm looking forward to having big family meals, sharing some drinks with friends and definitely relaxing.  This is my first bit of time off after the holidays, and I feel it's well deserved! Also, in order to squeeze as many days together as possible, I'm working an 8 day stretch, 3 days to go! 

p.s. I'm still deciding whether or not I'll be bringing my laptop with me.  I might go through withdrawal..... 

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Green Cape

Here I am in the middle of the sidewalk, trying not to look awkward, trying not to laugh and attempting to be slightly fashion-y and these 2 friendly (read: drunk) guys walk into my photos, and won't leave until I take one with each of them.  That was my experience with these outfit photos.  Well, we'll have to see how quickly I attempt another outfit post.  
They did say, "lookin' good!".  Slightly encouraging.  Did I mention my Bf was the photographer?? 




Monday, January 9, 2012

Goals for 2012

I've decided this year to make goals instead of resolutions.  I just feel like resolutions are a bit overwhelming, intimidating and very set in stone.  Boom! you now need to change everything to be like this!
I don't know about you, but it's hard to make such a drastic change and I end up feeling even worse when I've broken my resolution.  And they usually don't last past January.
The reason for goals is that I like the feeling of working towards something.  Knowing that I don't have to make such a drastic change from what I'm regularly used to, eases my mind that I'm not going to fail.  So, here's what I'm working towards for 2012!

1.  Live healthier.  I want to eat lots of healthy foods and be more active.
Yes, this does include working out more and so far I've been doing alright.  I bought an online coupon for some yoga classes and they will tide me over for most of January and maybe a bit into February.  And I've also been jogging.  I did have a little hitch in my plan over this past week though, I've been hit with a cold and sore throat so I had to lay a little low, but I pushed through and went to yoga this afternoon (it was a bit intense, but kinda worth it).  I plan on jogging throughout the year, and then changing around what my other workout is roughly month to month in order to keep myself interested.
I'm not gonna lie, I looove chips, french fries, and pretty much anything made form a potato! And let's be honest, I'm not going to stop eating things I like all together just because they're higher in calories or fat or down right bad for you.  I'll be eating them in moderation, and definitely watch my portion control.  I 'm excited to eat lots of veggies and fruit and if I can, have a salad in at least one meal everyday.  My Bf ,aka,  my personal chef, are going to work together to have some super yummy yet healthy meals.
Don't you worry, I'll keep you updated with any of my workout woes ;)

2.  Taking more photos.  This goal not only benefits my blog life, and all of you, but stimulates my creativity.  Ever since the Bf and I were in Europe (over a year and a half ago! crazy!) I've really taken to photography.  As most of you guys know, I just have a Canon powershot (basic point and shoot) and I feel like I've mastered that.  I'm ready for the challenge of a SLR camera!! I'm saving up to get one.  And when that happens, I want to take a course to teach me the basics of photography as well as the basics of how to use my new camera.  This makes me soo excited! and I'm ready for the challenge!  I'd really like to develop my skills and see where they take me!
So any suggestions or recommendations as to camera, brand, or anything about photography would be greatly appreciated!

3. Reading more often.  I haven't always been the best reader, even as a kid. I've always been a bit slow at it.  In elementary school I enjoyed reading aloud because I was able to take my time and get through every word so that everyone could hear it.  Now, if I were to read out loud, people may think I was one of the crazies on the bus or something.  Clearly I'm not crazy, so I just read at home, or at a coffee shop (not out loud, lol).  I usually take a couple of months to read one book and its because I'll read a chapter before bed a couple nights a week.  Well, now I'm going to challenge myself to read anytime of the day.  Instead of being on Pinterest for 3 hours, I'll be on there for 1 hour, and then spend the other 2 hours curled up with a book.  Seems fair (sorry Pinterest! I do really love you!).
If anyone has any good books to share, I'd love some suggestions!

4.  Pet more dogs.  I know, I know! I had this as a resolution last year, and out of everything, this one I kept.  And to make this goal easier this year, guess what? The Bf and I are getting our very own dog!!!!! He surprised me at Christmas with a Book called The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, with a little note saying, Yes, it's true.  That is what this means.  I screamed and cheered and gave him the biggest kiss ever!! We're going to start looking after at the end of January and plan on adopting.
Don't you worry, cute dog photos are coming. your. way!

5.  Blog.  I'd like to make more of a commitment to my blog and to you, the readers.  Life gets in the way sometimes, and that's ok, but I really feel like this blog, this little corner of the internet that's mine needs some love and care.  I look forward to more writing, more photos, building my html skills (which I have none!) and putting myself out there in the blog world! Meeting new people and making friends.

The start of a new year doesn't have to be the only time to feel like a fresh start, but it's as good a time as any.  I kinda feel like posting this goals on here for you all to see will help keep myself accountable, and makes things seem more realistic.  I'm ready to do it!!!

What are you guys working towards this year? I'd love to help support you in those goals!

Happy new year to you all! I hope 2012 is the best year yet!

Friday, January 6, 2012

2011 in review

This past year was a doozy.  So much took place in such a small amount of time.  I feel like I've just barely gotten to know Vancouver and all it has to offer.  Moving across the country, getting settled in a new city where we barely knew anyone, finding a job, and generally living everyday life, sounds hard and at times it has been, but all in all I'm glad it happened.  I'm happy to be where I am.  
Here are a few of my favourite moments from 2011.
I hope all the best to you in this new year and each day after it.  
Happy New Year!