that time we borrowed a baby

A couple of weeks ago, the Bf and I borrowed a baby and went for a walk around Kits Beach.  Ok, we had permission.  We took the cutest little lady for a walk, while her Mamma took a nap and got a few things done.  It was actually a lovely afternoon.

Which, of course, brought on quite the conversation.  I (made the mistake of sharing) shared what I knew we were both thinking, "So, this is what we look like with a baby." Let the thousand of questions begin.

We talked about whether or not we want kids, if we do, when do we want them, what we want to accomplish before we have kids, what we want after.  Then leading to how would we raise our kids, and where, how will we support them and ourselves.......it literally went on for a while.  

It was quite sweet to hear some of the things coming out of the Bf's mouth.  And although this discussion brought on a lot of unanswered questions, it also brought on a lot of smiles and swooning.  The thought of my man being a Dad is....well, he'd be amazing.  

All this being said, we don't have children in our direct future, but perhaps one day.  It's nice to know the option is there.  

Anyone need a babysitter?

ship wrecked

I don't know if dedicating blog posts is a thing....but I'm going to do it anyway.

My sister Maggie is a true inspiration.  Years ago now, she left to go on an adventure and is still living it.  

She's taught me that beauty is by the sea.

Maggie, this one's for you!

If you'd like to learn of her adventure and how you could go on your own, two words.... Picton Castle.

must love dogs - Everett Crowley Park

We love taking Kea on walks and hikes, and we do have a few regular places and routes, but now and again it's fun to try somewhere new.  This past weekend we went to Everett Crowley Park, near the Burnaby boundary, to try out their trails.  They offer both on and off leash routes.  We usually prefer off leash for Kea.  She's really well behaved off leash and won't run off to far, that and she just enjoys herself that much more.  

The park had packed earth pathways that were easy on my joints, and were also nice and wide.  There were big trees lining the pathways with some short shrubbery.  The city is doing a lot of planning in this park, as there were lots of young trees and saplings as well.  It sits up top an escarpment with viewpoints of the Fraser River and near by farms.  The over all route we took was probably close to 4 km, so a good distance for Kea (and us) to get some exercise.   

This park was a little further away, so we did have to drive, but parking wasn't a problem.  There were a lot of free parking areas around.  

Kea also likes to be quite social on her walks, so there was a good amount of other dogs there for her to meet and play with.

All in all, Everett Crowley Park was a nice change to our regular scenery.  I'd recommend visiting before sunset, as the views won't disappoint.  Have fun!

washed ashore

Happy weekend everyone! I hope your enjoying this fabulous Vancouver weather....Not! wait....it Not still a thing?....No? I didn't think so.

Anyways, the rain is pouring in the city, the snow is falling in the mountains, and I'm lying on the couch under a blanket.  All is normal on the west side of the country.  

These photos were actually taken last weekend down at Kits Point Dog Beach (when the sun happened to be shining, than went behind a cloud right as we pulled out the camera).  There were a couple of boats that had washed ashore, broken and weathered.  It was kinda cool.  I took some photos that I'll share later this week.  

With my busy schedule, finding down time has been hard to find, so it was nice to walk around Kits for the afternoon with the Bf and Kea in tow and just mosey.  Those little moments really help me decompress.  

I'll let you (and me) get back to your weekend now.

coat: Forever 21 (old)

sweater: Anthropologie

jeans: American Eagle

baseball hat: Target

must love dogs - 3 easy steps to a cuddly dog

spring 2013

Kea is a very cuddly dog.  I like to think she got that from me.  We pet her and snuggle with her everyday, and I really do think that's how she shows reciprocation to the showers of love we pour all over her.  Making a connection and having little sweet moments with your dog is really what it's all about.  These 3 easy steps are regular things we all pretty much do with our puppies, but being a bit more conscious of it, will result in a snuggly, cuddly dog.  

1. Keep that pup close to you. Hold them, cuddle them near your face, rub your nose on their nose (yep, like an Eskimo kiss!), and pet and play with them all over their cute furry little bodies.  I found that this helped Kea to learn that I was her Mama, and we created a connection by having those little moments.  As well as, it teaches that your face is not an area for scratching or nipping.

That being said....

2. Don't be afraid to get a little scratched up. I know, puppy teeth are basically like needles, but I think it's important to have your hands near their mouth.  It's helps them to know the difference of what's edible and what's not.  Maybe get some extra Polysporin and band aids to keep in the medicine cabinet if this lesson takes a little longer to sink in.

3. Baby talk.  I talk to puppies the same way I talk to babies.  A higher pitched, soft voice can help them feel at ease, and more comfortable.  And this helps pups associate the action of being cuddly with the tone of your voice.  

Like I said before, I'm definitely not an expert, but these were things that I was practiced with Kea, and came out with the best results.  A loving, snuggly, cuddly dog.

new year...new me?

resolutions and goals....kinda the same thing, right? I definitely have some of both.  

This past year wasn't necessarily a bad year, but it wasn't necessarily a great year either, I'll settle for good. 

I've been dealing with what feels like a lot, but with 2014 already in motion, I know I'm not dealing with it alone.  I have learned that I have a great support system around me and I am truly thankful for them (you all know who you are :)).  It can get really easy to get down on yourself, but its even easier to get back up with some help.

My Life
A few of the things going on in my little head feel sometimes like they are all revolving around one thing, missing my Dad.  It's now been over a year since his passing and I'm still working towards being able to write/talk/express about it, but for now, I'm ok with that, and know it's a long journey.  When I flew home to see him and stayed through the holidays to mourn/spend time with my family.  I was away from work for about a month and a half, and the majority of that time was without pay.  And earlier that year, I was without work (by choice) for about two months.  That's over three months with no income, and a lot of flights home (and Canadian flights are soo pricey!)
All this being said is that debt has now become my acquaintance (we could never be friends).  I've already taken action in fixing this and taken on a part time job (back in September).

My biggest resolution/goal for 2014, to be debt free!! I'm on my way, but still have a lot of work to do.

My Love
The Bf is the love of my life, and this year, more than any of the other five years we've been together, I really want to show him how much I love him.  I know he knows, but I want to return the favor.  He loves me, treats me so well, and takes such good care of me, that I want him to know just how much I care about him (and it's a lot!)

My resolution is to be more in love!

My Career
I think it's a little funny that I talk about money in the section above about my life, but right now, my career isn't necessarily at top of mind.  I like my job(s), and I can deal with the daily grind.  I think what I want to work towards this new year is the idea of being more.  I want to envelope myself in all things creative, writing, blogging, sewing, photography, knitting, reading, and lots more, and just see where it takes me.  I think a big part of this is opening up my mind and saying yes to more things that pop up in life.

My resolution/goal is to say yes more!!

I wanted to add in this little article, as I think it'll be a great a push for me in the right direction blogging wise, and a great tool and resource to learn new things.

My Soul
I've been having this imaginary battle with myself to really ensure and prove to myself that I'm a good person and care about the world and those in it.  And I feel that volunteering is the perfect way to feel like part of the bigger picture.  I'm hoping where I end up volunteering that animals are involved.  I just love them so much!

Here are a couple of other great resolutions that I came across that I found really inspiring. one, two, three.  I can really relate to just about all of these things listed, and think we could all take a few of these things to heart.
What are some things your looking forward to in the new year? are you a goal or a resolution kinda person?

happy new year!

yes, there is a dog peeing right next to me, it's all I can see in this photo!!

The new year is now upon us and all over the internet bloggers have been sharing their year in review posts, which I totally enjoy reading and reminiscing on.  But, this year I thought I change it up and share my very own outfit post blooper reel! Usually when the Bf and I are trying to take photos, we tend to get a little silly.  He'll be trying to tell me to look in one direction, but I look the other way, or break into dance and laughter, and apparently I enjoy roaring like a lion.  You'll see what I mean.  So here's my photo heavy 2013 in review, along with my hilarious commentary.

 "If we could all just laugh at ourselves, in hard times or good times, it would be and incredible world."
                                                                                                               - Jena Malone

I'm a little star struck, but I don't care.

what stinks over there?

that's some major air, you'd think I just won the house behind me, but no, I don't live there. 

I'm trying really hard not to laugh when people were walking by.

Kea thought the peewee herman dance was hilarious.

Roar!!

Walk like an Egyptian.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

1990's Sears catalog model debut.

Snarl.

Don't steal my stuff.