Tampons, Traumatic, Thigh-Slapping

I learned a very valuable lesson the other night while going through airport security in Calgary.

I had tampons in my pocket. They're not made of metal, so I figured I was safe.

Until I had to go through the full body scan because my jean buttons beeped.

The lady said "If you have anything in your pockets, take it out"

I say they are empty and suddenly remember that there are tampons in the pocket and I look around and quietly (but not so quiet that the male security guard standing there can't hear) ask "Are tampons fine in my pocket?" She says nope, I have to take them out and hold them above my head while getting scanned.

So I step over to the body scan and hold my tampons above my head in the full body scan while the male security guard watches me, smiling and chuckling a bit under his breath.

Embarrassing. But I will look past that, because to me, it was absolutely hilarious. And now I forever have an image of me standing there imprinted in my head and I laugh every time.

So next time you're in an airport, don't leave anything in your pockets, because you never know.

Fatherly, Fond, Frequent

Today marks 8 years since my dad passed away.

This year, there have been so many moments when I wished I could have just sat and had a good, long chat with him.

I see my niece and nephew and know how wonderful of a grandpa my dad would have been, how much he would have loved them, how they would have made him smile.

I am thankful for people in my life who can step into a father type role and am so blessed to be loved and cared for.

But I miss my dad a lot, because I can picture him in all those roles and I know it would have been wonderful.

Ideal, Ikea, Indian

Last week Calgary Flames came to Vancouver to play the Canucks, so I phoned Lindie up and told her she should fly out so we could go to the game together. So I picked her up at the airport and we headed to Vancouver.

Before the game, we went for Japanese to my favourite Vancouver restaurant. And suddenly Lindie was half out of her seat, about to chase two men (dressed in suits and looking quite dapper if I may say so myself) out of the restaurant. Turns out they were Flames players (Hagman and Conroy). Sadly, Lindie didn't make it in time to get some photos, but we enjoyed that we had dinner with them.. Actually this is the same restaurant where the Canucks sometimes go. So perhaps we will have to frequent it even more often.


The game was ideal (for me) and Canucks won. For Lindie's sake, I was glad that Flames scored with 10 second remaining. Because then I was happy and so was she.


The next day we did a bunch of different things and on the way to Vancouver stopped at Ikea for some wandering around and random photo taking. I love it when Lindie comes to visit. The things we do are always incredibly random, but so fun, including a lot of laughs and good chats as well. Brings you back to simply appreciating the people in your life and loving spending time with them.


That evening we went to Vij's in Vancouver, which has perhaps some of the best service and best Indian food ever. And while you sit there, they bring around appies and chai. So tasty! Here we were joined by more friends and it was just a lovely evening all together.

Dropped Lindie off at the airport on Friday morning, and then I spent the day meeting different people and such, before being dropped off at the airport myself, for my cross Canada adventure. I decided I would go to Calgary for the weekend for my friend Jenn's birthday, and figured, why not keep going? Presently I am in Saskatchewan. And it's beautiful. Yay for snow. And for wonderful friends. I am blessed.

More intermittent updates to come soon!

Seattle, Sauces, Sugar

I love when you have long-anticipated days that have been in your calendar that you can hardly wait until they come. Those days that cause you lost sleep because you're just so excited. I have these days and moments frequently, but want to share about this one day that I had been feeling agog (eagerly anticipation) about for a while now.


My friends Amy, Carlee and I met at university and really become good friends during a retreat course we took together one summer. So we have been trying to get together more and figured a day trip to Seattle would be a wonderful way to hang out and a great way to start the new year.


First stop: Krispy Kremes. We realized early in that we were pretty much going down to Seattle to walk around and go eat some good food.


Next stop: The troll under the bridge. Thankfully he let us pass through.


My view of the bridge. Delightful.


Following stop: P.F. Chang's. The best chinese food bistro. ever. They mix you your own sauce to the spicyness level you desire. Every time I go, I want to go back instantly. Probably a good thing that there isn't one in Canada.


Next we found a delightful place called the Chocolate Box which had the best hot chocolate ever. Then on to Pike's Place market and some wandering around.


We found some fun clothing to try on and got some nice modeling pictures...


Then we decided to take a break from our eating and walking and go see a movie. We saw Little Fockers which was good for some laughs. :)

This face-pure excitement.

At some point in the day, we just started taking pictures of EVERYTHING. So we found it fitting of course to take a picture when our buzzer went off at the Cheesecake Factory later on.


Carlee wanted to share her love/hate relationships with popcorn...


We really just came to the CF because of their Thai Lettuce Wraps. And were they definitely worth it.


After crossing the border after suspicious questioning, we found Amy's car with the lights on, and battery dead. Thankfully we found someone with jumper cables who was kind enough to give the car a jump. And thankfully we didn't listen to Carlee who insisted that if we just push the car down a hill, the car will start up again.


I think having a dead battery was actually the perfect ending to the day. I almost peed my pants laughing so hard.

The anticipation and excitement was worth the wonderful fellowship, great conversations, endless laughter, boisterous sing-alongs, tasty food, and chilly strolls. I am thankful for good friends and for the chance to take the day off and go adventuring together. I look forward to many more!

Trees, Teddies, Tons

Christmas Tree Photo Shoot = brilliant idea.

My mom phoned me up and told me she was starting to take down her trees and I should come take some pictures. Unfortunately a few were already taken down, but I made good use of the ones that were still up!


At Christmastime, my mother's house becomes a winter wonderful and a five-star restaurant all at once. The whole house is decked out with decorations, including nine fully decorated trees, all with different themes. And then she hosts about 20 different gourmet dinner parties. She's pretty amazing.


Anyway, this year I didn't take pictures of my own decorations, but I took some of hers and had a pretty fun time with it, so I thought I would share some of my favourites here.


Included are the red tree, the old world tree, the crazy/mardi gras tree, the classic tree and the owl tree. All absolutely stunning and completely different. Enjoy!


















































There you have it! Hope you all enjoyed the holidays and enjoy getting into a 2011 routine-I know I'm excited for it!