19 posts tagged “family”

Hey, guess who's taking a break from homework to finally update this - wait, what do they call it again? oh yeah - blog? That would be me. Sorry about the extended absence; my free time tends to get sucked up by chores or trying to get as far away from my computer as I possibly can. (Preferably somewhere outside and oceany.)

Anyway, here's a quick rundown and some of what you missed in the past three months (or at least what I can come up with right now):

• My week-long break from school at the beginning of July was nice, if way too rainy. I didn't do much of note (that was the idea), although Shane and I went in for a couple's pedicure at one of the fancy spas on West Fourth (the yuppie part of town). That was a riot, since it's very much not the norm for either of us.

• When my second term of school started, I made a point of sitting in a new seat. That change has been really good, as it's allowed me to get to know more students and feel less isolated. The program has finally been getting into the web design/development in the past couple of weeks, and I have definitely been enjoying that. (Even JavaScript! Who knew?)

• After spending the first half of the term in the (required) video class for my program, I realized two things. One, I was not going to learn ANYTHING new. Two, I was going to waste WAY too much time on projects for that class. I went out on a limb and asked the program head if I could drop the course, and it turns out I could! Now I am just waiting for my St. Thomas credits to transfer, which hopefully will go through fine.

• For my birthday, Shane and I went out to eat at a new Thai restaurant here called Maenum. Both the food and drinks were amazing, and I can't wait to go back and try more of the delicious curries and cocktails. (Mmm, coconut-flavoured anything.)

• At the end of July, my mom and brother came out here to visit for a long weekend. Shane and I had fun being hosts for the weekend (we don't get to play that role enough!), and we made a point to get out and be active. We biked and hiked around town (the weather was perfect), although probably not enough to burn off all the food we ate over those three days. My family also got to experience a rarity that weekend: a Vancouver thunderstorm! Even better, a Vancouver thunderstorm during the annual Celebration of Light fireworks show. Awesome.

• In related news, Shane and I came home from the final fireworks show of the summer to find six people trapped in our (small) apartment elevator. Our landlord was not around, so we helped keep everybody calm until the elevator repairman could arrive through all the post-fireworks traffic. We managed to crack the door open, pass in ice packs and playing cards, and set-up a fan to blow some air in (did I mention this was happened during a heat wave? it was HOT here). It took about 75 minutes for the guy to get here, but eventually everyone got out.

• My latest obsession is with the bagels from a local bakery here called Siegel's. They are not kidding about having "possibly the best bagels in the world." Seriously, you guys. We've been buying a dozen bagels a week, meaning I have pretty much been eating a bagel a day for the past two months. DELICIOUS.

• Shane bought a new laptop recently, and thus my 2005 desktop PC was finally put to rest. Or at least put into our basement storage until we can figure out a place to donate it.

• Last weekend, we went out to BC's equivalent of a state fair: the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition). You may recall we went with Carrie to this event last year, when we saw the Superdogs show for the first time. (Okay, nobody but Carrie probably remembers that.) Well, we went back to the Superdogs show again this year, and it was even more hilarious. One of the performers this year was a tiny, tiny Yorkie named Pocket Rocket. Every time Pocket Rocket came out on stage (to compete in the obstacle course or just run around), the contrast between her and the other, bigger, built-for-agility dogs made me laugh until I cried. I cannot even tell you how much that sight tickled my funny bone. Good times.

• As some of you may have seen on Facebook, I went in for an appointment with a rheumatologist here last week. My pain has been getting worse lately, and I was hoping to come away with some new treatment ideas for my fibromyalgia. Instead, my new doctor wanted to run a series of diagnostic tests on me, to see if we can better pinpoint the problem. I will know the results of some of the tests by the end of month; it's weird to think that I may have been suffering from something else entirely all these years. (And no worries, so far nothing he's suggested is life-threatening or debilitating, if treated properly.)

That's about it. Now back to my regular homeworking...and counting down the days until my next week-long break (in October, when we will be joining Jon, Shannon, Joe and Carrie in California for a long weekend, yay!).

I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned on this blog what got me started running.  The story is simple: my brother randomly decided to go for a run his freshmen year in high school.  I figured if he (of all people! ha!) could find the motivation to try running, so could I.  And out the door in a pair of old Reeboks I went.

Running stuck with me from the start, but not with Ian.  He lasted 2 or 3 weeks back then, and aside from some sporadic attempts to take up the sport in college, he never laced his shoes up again.  But late last year, he started expressing interest in developing a regular running routine.

Anyone who knows me can probably guess how excited I was to hear Ian was maybe feeling the bite of the running bug again.  I LOVE finding new runners to share my enthusiasm and knowledge with; training for the TC 10-Miler with Jon, Shannon and Carrie was a huge highlight of my running life (and Shane’s).  The idea of being able to run with my own sibling sounded like so much fun!  So once his mileage started going up, I suggested that Ian think about running a 5K with us in Vancouver.

Thus, on the last Saturday in March, Shane, Ian and I lined up for the Dave Reed Spring Classic 5K in Stanley Park.  Ian did really well – he struggled through the last mile (his lungs are not quite used to outdoor running yet), but pushed through the discomfort to run the whole race.  And he completed it in 29:06, which is an awesome time for a first 5K!  I was so proud and pleased to have the chance to run next to him – my initial running inspiration, really – as we made our way around the seawall.

We celebrated the milestone that evening with a delicious Thai dinner and a liberal number of drinks.  (Shane downed three martinis; Ian went through 40 oz. of beer.)  And then, as all post-running parties normally conclude, we sat down to assemble Legos into the wee hours of the morning.

Elena asked me an interesting question at the wedding reception, during our long weekend back in St. Paul.  She wanted to know if the trip was helping or hurting our homesickness.  At the time, I wasn’t sure.  Returning to Minnesota was, primarily, really fucking weird.  It was so easy to fall back into our same old routines, we almost felt like we had never left!  But in retrospect, being confronted with everything we enjoy about “home” – friends, family and familiar haunts – was a bit tough.

The thing is: we crammed nearly our ENTIRE vacation full of our favourite people and favourite places.  I managed to see all the members of our wedding party (who = the awesomest people I know).  I got to dine on delicious local tea and cupcakes (and finally get my goddamn hair cut).  So the aspects of Minnesota we don’t so much care for (hi, snot-freezing winters!) were completely irrelevant for those four (unusually warm) autumn days; we were in Midwestern heaven.

That said, was it good to arrive back on the West Coast again?  I have to admit it was.  I loved being able to have lunch with my brother before we crossed the border Tuesday night.  And on Wednesday morning, I hit the Stanley Park trails for a 4-mile run seeing everything with fresh eyes.  The mountains!  The sea!  The fantastically-scented conifers!  The numerous dogs carrying sticks far too big for their tiny mouths!  I still do love this place, despite its inconvenient locale.

Which all boils down to the conclusion that yes, the grass is pretty much always greener on the other side.  The trick is to appreciate whatever side you’re on for however long you’re on it (and grab soul-warming hugs from the people you love whenever you can).

This past Friday, Shane's parents drove up to Vancouver in preparation for our trip to Whistler.  For those who don’t know, Whistler is a big ski town about an hour north of Vancouver.  It is also one of the main venues for the 2010 Olympics (two of the mountains there, Whistler and Blackcomb, are quite popular with winter sport enthusiasts).  Mary Jo and Rick had suggested this trip to take advantage of the off-season hotel rates and the scenic biking routes offered by the cross country ski trails in the summer.

The weather forecast predicted that precipitation would hold off Saturday and hit Sunday, so we loaded up all four of our bikes on Saturday morning and headed out.  Unfortunately, the rain moved in early and did not let up all day, so we had to find other activities to fill the time. 

This was made easier by several factors:

• the location of our lodge, which was literally steps away from the main, shop-lined stroll through Whistler Village;
• a free upgrade to our rooms that moved us from studios to awesome, loft-style accommodations, featuring an in-room jet tub, gas fireplace and dry sauna;
• several board games and my trusty set of Farkel dice;
• the two bottles of wine that accompanied Mary Jo and Rick from Washington.

We spent the afternoon window-shopping, playing games and relaxing (read: drinking) (and, in my case: melting away in the delicious confines of a 100-degree sauna) before seeking out a dinner locale.  I also experienced a maybe, sort of, possible celebrity sighting?

It happened when we were popping in and out of stores in Whistler Village.  I saw someone who seemed somewhat familiar, but it took me a few minutes to figure out why.  And then it hit me: hey, that looked like Sarah McLachlan!  Of course, assuming I was imagining things, I did not share this suspicion with anyone else.  But we followed this particular group over a stretch of three shops (including a tasty candy store), which lead me to observe that this woman also: a) sounded like Sarah McLachlan, b) was accompanied by two children around the same ages as Sarah McLachlan’s kids, and c) was referred to as “Sarah” by one of her companions. So interpret that as you will.  (She does live in Vancouver, so I’m not completely off my rocker here.  Or so I would like to believe...)

We awoke on Sunday morning to overcast but dry skies, so we seized the opportunity to make use of our bicycles before heading home.  We biked on a stretch of alternating paved road and dirt trail that meandered in and out of the mountain forests and alongside a couple of lakes and streams.  Although the nearby mountains were obscured by low-hanging clouds, the views were still sweet.  And after about ten miles, we found ourselves back at the lodge, just in time for check-out!

Shane and I really enjoyed our first Whistler experience, and we're looking forward to future, return trips to our new version of “Up North.”  And next time, I will definitely seek out a second opinion on any could-be celebrity encounters.  (Damn you, inconclusive evidence.)

We decided somewhat last minute (well, for us) to spend this past weekend down in Portland.  Shane’s mom and step-dad had invited us to participate in the Bridge Pedal, a biking event they’ve taken part in the past couple of years.  So we loaded up our bikes in The Couv and headed out early Friday night.

As seems to inevitably happen every time we journey to the U.S., we hit terrible traffic at the border.  We waited in line for nearly two hours before finally receiving the two-minute passport check from the border guard.  Add to that another five-plus hours of driving, and you’ve got some pretty damn tired passengers pulling in the driveway at 2 a.m.

Nevertheless, we got out and made the most of Saturday.  Mary Jo and Rick borrowed a canoe and a couple of kayaks from their neighbours down the street, so we drove out to Lacamas Lake for a few hours of boating.  The sun refused to come out and play, but we had a great time paddling up and down the river side of the lake anyway.  (Or at least we did once Shane found his kayaking “sea legs.”)  We also stopped out on the water to sip on some fabulous wine and snack on a mixture of cheeses, crackers and fruit - a perfect afternoon.

Sunday morning we rose at 5 a.m. (yes, ouch) to drive into Portland for the event start around 7.  There were multiple rides going on – a 6-bridge route, an 8-bridge route and an 11-bridge route.  The four of us – along with the aforementioned neighbours, Margie and Jerry - were part of the middle group.  Although Shane and I were perhaps a bit too slow for our fellow riders, we enjoyed the nice, mostly leisurely 27.5 miles.  The inclines getting up each bridge were tough, but the views on top (and the sweet downhills on the other side) made up for our sore quads.  (Also taking the edge off: the bananas, bagels, yogurt, cookies and cheerful volunteers along the way.)

After the fun of paddling and pedaling over the weekend, it was unfortunately time again to get in the car.  Our trip back was filled with more stretches of seemingly random traffic.  We were stop-and-go (with no discernible reason) at least three times in Washington, and when we finally got close to the border, we found out the Peach Arch crossing was closed!  Due to a “security incident” (which turned out to be a pissed-off person making empty threats after being denied entry to the States), all traffic was diverted to the Pacific Highway truck crossing.  So we had to wait in line.  Again.  Meaning we got home around 11 at night.  Sigh.

Luckily, I had downloaded a certain, special song onto my iPod that made it possible for us to re-enact this classic moment to pass the time.

This weekend, we hosted our first official visitors!  My parents flew in to Seattle for Memorial Day and, along with my brother, braved the holiday lines at the border to drive up and see us.  It was the first time my dad has been to Vancouver and, therefore, the first time we’ve ever been in the city as a complete family <cue Full House music>.

Despite a nasty head cold (that knocked me on my ass Thursday-Monday), I enjoyed spending time with everyone.  On Friday, we hit up the Lookout tower (the Vancouver equivalent of the Seattle Space Needle) and saw the newest Indiana Jones movie at a downtown theatre.  On Saturday, we toured Stanley Park, drove both North Shore bridges, walked the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge and stopped by Queen Elizabeth Park (joining dozens of neon-clad high schoolers dressed up for prom).  The weather was perfectly sunny and breezy; we really couldn’t have asked for a better three days.

And, for those of you wondering, we were able to find places to feed my dad.  Not that he needs to be...fed in the literal sense, just that he’s a meat-and-potatoes guy, and this is not so much a meat-and-potatoes town.  But we hooked him up with hamburgers, hot dogs, beef ravioli and prime rib.  So you meat-lovers needn’t worry: you will be welcome here!

Excerpt from my conversation with Grandpa this weekend (who chatted with Shane while I was in the bathroom).

Grandpa: So, I understand you were just in the toilet.

Me: <laughing> That’s correct.

Grandpa: Ah, good for you.

Me: <still laughing> Thanks.

Grandpa: It’s important, you know.  Bowel movements keep you healthy.

Me: Absolutely.

On Friday of last week, we left town to a Saturday forecast (in both Washington and Vancouver) of 80% chance of rain.  I was sure the West Coast was preparing to hit us with a wet, welcoming bitch-slap on moving day.  However, we miraculously managed to avoid the rain in BOTH locations, loading and unloading our moving van with nary a sprinkle until nightfall.  Much gratitude goes out to Ian, Mary Jo and Rick for helping us avoid getting drenched!  (And for cramming the bulkiness of The Couch™ up two, tiny flights of stairs.)  You guys rock.

We've spent the days since unpacking, unpacking and then doing some more unpacking.  It is truly insane how much stuff we’ve accumulated over three-plus years of living together.  Thankfully, this apartment came with plenty of storage space – both in our suite and in our storage locker downstairs – so we found a place for everything and then some.  I would especially like to give a shoutout to our kitchen closets, which are totally (and roomily) awesome.

There are still a few finishing touches we want to put on the place before the official “unveiling.”  But no worries, Internets, we will give you a virtual tour soon!  And you too can experience sitting in this very chair I am typing from.  Except without the having-to-wash-dishes part that is about to follow (you lucky bastard you).

In other news, The Couv underwent a federal and provincial inspection today.  Aside from needing (ridiculously expensive) daytime running lights (seriously, it felt like I was back with my Focus for a moment), our Prius passed with flying colors.  Next stop: registration, license plates and insurance, all of which are apparently taken care of through B.C.’s Autoplan, whatever that is.  (I guess we’ll find out...)

This month’s banner theme is puppy ornaments!  Back in 1992, my grandmother bought me the second in the Hallmark collection Puppy Love.  We shared an adoration of our family’s dog, Sugar, and thus I loved that she bought me this gift.  From that year on, she purchased each addition to the series as part of my yearly Christmas present.  When she passed away, my mom took over the gift-giving.  And when Shane entered my life, he went on eBay to find the ornament that had started it all in 1991 (sound familiar?).

 

Understandably, the tradition of receiving Puppy Love ornaments (now a complete set!) has come to mean a lot to me.  Though I am not normally a big collector of trinkets like these, I am excited to see what new little dog will be released each year.  So it feels very appropriate (and totally for cute) to incorporate them into this month’s banner. 

 

Happy December, everyone!  (And on behalf of the MN weather: welcome to winter, bitch.)