Prairie Girl

Aloha....From Calgary

The honeymoon is officially over.  We got home on Monday afternoon and have spent the week getting back into our old routines.  It was a good week to return ... having Wednesday off to sleep in (Happy Canada Day) and we also had Friday morning off work for The Calgary Stampede Parade.  Just enough work time to ease back in and not shock the ol' system too much. 

Friday night we went to see "The Hangover"... which was actually quite funny.  Although maybe a little too close to home... after my unexpected run-away with Stace on Tuesday night.  But - it was just what we were in the mood for.  It actually made GC's bachelor party in Banff seem a little tame... which is a feat.  Yesterday and today have been nice and relaxing.  We've been cooking and baking (!) ... which is obviously a side-effect of too much eating out recently.  My house has never smelt so good....I actually used my own rhubarb to make a crumble for dessert tonight.  A gardener and a baker --- who would have known?

I am trying to finish off my book...as the pile on my bedside table is getting quite high and there are some good reads calling out to me. 

Today Heather and I hit the trails for a nice long, slow run .... which was long overdue.  It has been a long time since we've done that.  It's funny how you just fall back into step.  Like a year had not passed since we'd last done it.  I'm back on the training program.  GC and I are going to run the Regina 1/2 Marathon this September.  We are committed.  You should come too!  The more the merrier....

It's going to be a full family affair.  Greg's mom will be walking the 1/2, and GC and I will be running the 1/2 and Greg's dad will be running the FULL.  Inspirational.  These are good people to hang around.... the only thing they like more than exercising is drinking... not bad qualities in in-laws. 

The only missing links will be Kathleen and Cam, Greg's sister and brother-in-law.  They have made the hard decision to return to Ontario, and will be living in Ottawa come the Fall.  We're happy for them... but we will miss having them around.  We definitely did not see as much of them while they lived here as we would have liked.... but life is like that.  We have been dog-sitting for them this weekend... and their "Doc" has captured GC and I.  If I was guaranteed a dog like that I'd be signing up right now. 

We have also been attempting to go through all of our wedding photos to pick out our favorites.  This has been a chore.  There are too many.  We had to take a break.  It will have to get done at some point.  But... it's not for tonight. 

It's odd to me that this Sunday evening is stretching out before me.  Usually it feels like there is not enough hours in my Sundays.  But today is strolling past at a leisurely pace.  Maybe it's because we are off TV.  Seems to be that we are only keen to watch shows that are on during the regular TV season.  Although an exception was this morning when we watched the Wimbledon Final.  What a fantastic game.  GC and I are going to buy ourselves some rackets and start hitting.  We played once in Hawaii and we had so much fun.  I forgot how much I used to like it. 

GC is getting his stuff together for the week and will drop off all his clothes and food tonight at the office.  He is on a new kick where he is running to and from work a couple times a week.  It's about 8-9 km each way --- so it's quite a run for a day.  He just left  and I've glanced up from my work here and realized that his tupperware  of lunches  is sitting on our kitchen counter.  He has the best of intentions... but a memory like a sieve. 

This week is shaping up to be a good one.  Tomorrow night we are getting a home-cooked dinner courtesy of Brian's parents who are visiting from Ontario.  Then Tuesday I will be at the rodeo at a work function.  It should be a Stampeding good time. 

Allrighty.  That might be all I have right now.  I'll be back later.  For more news and stories...

Out. NT.

3 more sleeps....

And then we are on vacation!!!  First it is off to Vancouver for Brun's wedding.  What are the chances that me and my main man, Brun, would get engaged within one day and married within 2 weeks?  At least I know for certain he's going to beat me to the nursery!  We can't wait to go and hang out in Vcr.  Eat sushi, chill out, wonder down Robson St.  I do love Vancouver. 

And then it's 2 weeks in Hawaii.... which is just what this lady needs.  We will post stories and photos ... we promise. 

This past weekend was a gongshow.  It snowed and hailed all weekend long.  It totally sucked.  And I kept thinking, "Thank God I'm not getting married today".... there are small miracles in life.  So... we read some books and cooked some vegan good eats and played games....

Last night we had some friends over for dinner and fun... it's like we're ready for the summer BBQ's... and stuck in winter... and just pretending it's not so bad. 

This Monday is the last Monday I have to wake up and go to work and leave GC sleeping.  This may save our relationship.  I really am happy that he is on such an extended vacation... I just wish I was with him.  It is nice to come home to a clean house though...

So... I'm sifting through wedding photos... trying to pick out some favourites.  I'll post some soon... and thanks to those who have sent me some... send more! 

Ok... I'm going to sign out now... I am trying to get off the computer so I can give the Bachelorette my full attention.  I know - pathetic.  But, I'm sucked in once more.  Terrible.....and yet so good.

See you soon Vancouverites... we can't wait!

NT

I always knew I'd marry a Cameron....

Back in the day I did believe that it would be Kirk Cameron.....but GC is quite close.  God knows I'm a sucker for the curls.

I guess this means I'm back to the blogging world.  I took a little hiatus.  Partially because I lost my credit card and this account got suspended, and partially because I couldn't bear to put anyone else through the day-to-day drone of wedding planning. 

However, the wedding is over and life does go on!  I went back to work today and it's funny how you just fall back into your rhythm.  Yup, my princess days are over.  I cut off my fancy long nails, put away the fake lashes and this is just one plain ol' prairie girl again.  It's amazing how good you can look with 5 + hours of primping. 

I am dying to see some photos!  Hint, hint.... I have NONE.  Otherwise I would post some....

We had a blast.... and wouldn't change a thing.  Loved every minute of it.  Who said weddings were stressful???  Having 105 people over for brunch at 11:00 am the day after.... a little stressful (or stupid).... but otherwise not so much. 

So now we are counting down the sleeps until Vancouver and Hawaii.  GC is up in Canmore this week with his relatives (while I work).... but I am quite enjoying the calm and quiet.  I might even pick up my book tonight... I'm reading Midwives and it's a good one.  Now might be a good time to mention that GC is in permanent holiday mode.  He is currently on week 2 of his 5 WEEK HOLIDAY.  It doesn't matter to me that this is what he has accumulated... it's still not right. 

He's also currently on a holiday from his newfound vegan ways.  Three weeks before the wedding, in a drastic effort to save his body after the trauma induced at his Banff Stag, he became a vegan.  He also cut out gluten, caffeine, alcohol and sugar from his diet (this might give some perspective as to the beating his body had taken).  He read a book called the Quantum Wellness Cleanse and turned over a new leaf.  He lost about10-15 pounds.. in about as many days. and trimmed down to fit into his tux.  I joined him in this pursuit for about a week, and actually felt quite good while on it.  It takes some preparation and patience .... but there might be something to it.  I think we enjoy life too much to give it all up indefinitely ... but maybe it's a good thing to do from time to time.

He only had a few cheats while on the cleanse.   And one was for his 30th Birthday Dinner ... exactly one week before the wedding.  His birthday is also now known around here as the Birthaversary.  To celebrate this milestone we're thinking of going to NYC for a few days this Fall...a first time visit for GC.

What else is new??? Well, I'm starting to book up some summer fun.... including Folk Fest, Houseboating, and other great weekends.  It is hard to believe that Stampede will be starting soon after we get back from Hawaii.

So... now we get to enjoy the summer and just have fun.  We can't wait... and are so glad that we just bit the bullet and got everything in order quickly.   It's time to recycle the wedding magazines, get the old dress cleaned up and put away, and write some thank-you cards.  Onwards and upwards. 

In lieu of wedding photos... here are some pics from a little picture show we put on in our video frame.  We found all these photos of us from the last few years and it was quite fun taking a little ride down memory lane.... man, did we ever look young back then! 

Thanks for tuning back in.... more to come... I really do promise this time.

BOR - ING

Hey.  Sorry.  I've been ignoring you.  Not totally on purpose.  But consciously.  Man - I've fallen off the blogging bandwagon.  I've been struck by how little I have to offer these days.  Pathetic.  However, here I am , trying to get back on the horse even though I don't have much to say.  I don't want to bore you with my little details... because I've been living in details lately.  Doing some furniture shopping, wedding planning, and trying to stay warm.  I don't mean to be a wuss, or harp on the weather, but today might have been -33.  And GC is in Houston.  Like he always is when it is FREEZING here. 

Tonight my worlds are colliding... Melissa from the BACHELOR is on DWTS.   How perfect.   I do love the cheese.  It's one of those great combinations.  Dancing and Bachelorettes.  Is it just me --- or is it surprising how old Belinda Carlisle looks?  She used to be cool....  Heavon on Earth....was such a highlight of grade six.  Can you believe that we used to lip sync that?  I can't believe how seriously I used  to take lip sync's.  Do girls still do that?  Have contests at birthday parties and the moms would be the judges.  Now that is good, cheap, homemade entertainment.  I doubt it is still cool.

Maybe if I was running more I would have more good thoughts.  That is where I do most of my best thinking.  But --- I'm holding out for warmer weather.  I told you... wuss.  Maybe this week I'll get back out there.  When I'm running on the treadmill, I just don't get inspired. The music pounding in my ears is too loud to allow for thoughts.  I have been trying to hit the gym over these last few weeks.  That's what will happen if you order a dress that is one size too small.  No pressure.  I've got 82 days ... or something like that.

So... GC and I are thinking about maybe Hawaii for our honeymoon.  He has never been before, and (sadly) I don't remember much about my past trips.  I've recently found that I have a problem with some long-term memory.  I can remember who sat behind me in my grade six classroom (room 6-04), but I don't remember being in MAUI.  It's a weird phenomenon.  Not GOOD.  Must get over. 

So, this is a nice week ahead.  It's going to thaw (apparently).  We are having Stace and Darren for dinner on Friday --- and I haven't seen them in AGES.  I'm going to keep at 'er and try to spin, step and run my way into that dress. 

I promise I'll try to get some more material running through this old noggan.  I do miss the free-flowing words and thoughts.  This stunted 'to do' laundry list of my life is getting old.  Less work and more play is coming to fruition over these next few weeks.... we are turning a corner. 

NT

Long Time No Talk

Wow.  Is it really March today?  How crazy is this?  I know life moves fast... but this seems like warp zone.  GC and I are getting married in 90 days.  Spring is on it's way.  GC and I were in Houston last week - both for work.  And we did work a lot.  But I did get a few days of shopping in.  It's not such a great deal with the dollar ---- but it's still fun to check out new shops.

Houston is an odd place.  Wasteful.  With every meal it seems like there are only disposable utensils and containers.  People just throw out pop cans.  Man, it really gets to me. 

GC and I got in late on Friday night and we were so happy to re-connect with people last night.  It was just nice to be home.  We went to the K Pub and had some drinks and got caught up with some good friends.  We have missed being at home.  This week it will be all about getting back into routine.  Going to the gym.  We are both craving healthy foods. 

I am reading a really good book right now ---- it's called "Through Black Spruce" by Joseph Boyden.   I'm not quite done yet... but it's really good so far. 

Tonight I am looking forward to watching Amazing Race and Brothers and Sisters.  I can't believe how many TV shows I'm watching right now... I'm pretty tuned in to The Bachelor (embarassing.... but I really did want Jillian to get picked - I really do like her), The Biggest Loser, and Lost.  This PVR deal has changed my life.  Watching TV seems to be so much easier and so much faster.  Good or bad - I'm not quite sure yet. 

So - everything else is good.  I'm looking forward to the week ahead.  I feel like I'm going to get back to myself.  I've been a little off these days. 

GC and I have some fun planning to do...like honeymoon destinations!  It's fun to get all the mail these days!  Here we are March .... ready for you! 

NT

Fathers and Daughters....

It's Valentine's Day.  And my Valentine is shopping in Texas.  Without me.  I feel as though he may have hit his head recently as his recent shopaholic behaviour is rather uncharacteristic.

Although it's been a rather uneventful day overall, I do feel like I've managed to get quite a bit accomplished.  And tonight Heather and I are going to see "He's just not that into you"... in true Valentine's Day style. 

I heard some bad news this afternoon, which has stayed with me for the last few hours.  My dear friend, Amy, lost her Dad on Friday night.  She is now en-route back to Ottawa to be with her family. 
Amy is one of the strongest people I know and is usually quite a private person.  She sent an email out to her good friends this afternoon to tell of the sad news, and I was imagining the slight shaking of her hands as she was typing her words.  Raw.  Her dad had had some bad health over the last few years... but his death was unexpected.  Hearing Amy talk of both her mom and her dad, they seem like people you would want to meet.  And as Amy felt helpless sitting in Calgary waiting to go home, I feel equally as helpless knowing what she is going through.....and realizing that some words just do not come.   Amy - we are all with you right now. 

My friend, Stace, has also recently had a health scare with her dad and has just returned from Halifax where she was visiting with him in hospital. 

It is just too close to home.  There is something between a girl and her dad.  Or at least I know there is with mine.  Some would think that my dad and I would not have a lot in common... he is calm, rational, patient, and somewhat reserved.  All good traits... and things I have not been known for.  But I still think he 'gets' me.  I'm sure he'd rather that I not drive on Empty .... or make impulsive decisions... but I've always known that no matter what decisions I've made (that he may not agree with) he's got my back. 

I don't in anyway mean to discount relationships with mothers.  But today I'm thinking about dads.  And just how unimaginable it would be to lose one.  It's almost like it's somewhat out of the realm that anything should happen to these people that have taken such good care of us. 

I know... kinda heavy for V.Day.  Lighter thoughts tomorrow hopefully... I am off to watch a fluffy movie with one of my favourite people.  And I think it might be a Junior Mints kind of day. 

Oh... and just one more thing. GC - "Will you be my Valentine?"

xoxo.  NT.

Are you READY?

This weekend was a LOT about life.  GC and I had our marriage preparation course .... which means we've been spending a lot of quality time together.  I did say we were hoping to spend more time together.  Now he's getting ready for another jaunt to Houston...  coincidence? 

All in all the course was good -- hardly religious in nature -- and really just meant to make sure you and your PIC (partner in crime) are on the same page.  It also was a lot about communication, conflict resolution and money management.  Let's face it.... probably not a bad idea to spend time on those topics once in awhile.  Says the hawk to the dove (we also learned what kind of birds we are in life.....)

We also celebrated Brian's 30th b-day on Saturday... which was fairly low key ... but fun just the same.  Poor Brian had his car stolen the night before his birthday and then had to go to a funeral on his actual birthday.  Welcome to your 30's Bri Guy.  Let's hope the rest of your year gets better and better. 

Today was a beautiful sun-shiney day.  And Dale and I went for a good run this morning --- which felt great.  And then we hosted Dale and Heather for Sunday brunch.  I made some new recipes... the Southwest Breakfast Bake and Jalapeno Corn Muffins from 'The Best of Bridge' cookbook.   I have to say.... they were both good... but I felt like they could both be a little bit better.....  GC said they tasted a little too healthy.  NOT GOOD considering they weren't really.... 

But ... brunch is a nice time to catch up with people... and GC did a good job getting everything organized and ready this morning so I could go for my run.  We are a good team. 

This week should be good... GC leaves for Houston on Wed., and then I will follow on Friday.  We were both meant to be down there for a couple weeks, but I think I need to come back one week early.  Which is really too bad --- because we were meant to go to San Antonio the second weekend to visit a friend of GC's.  Oh well .... c'est la vie.  With the doom and gloom of life around here, it's just one of those things.  With the dollar as weak as it is, I'll have to try and contain my Tarjay binging. 

Yes, I know that these are troubled times in most parts of the world... but Calgary is definitely in the midst of it.  There were layoffs at GC's office this past week and it seems like no one is immune.  It is pretty scary out there....

So, my apologies for my lack of posts lately and the boring content.  I have been in a bit of a rut on my creative side lately.  HOWEVER, it's Sunday and that means a NEW START to the week.  I have been making inroads on some of my other NY resolutions... so I'm sure it will all come in good time. 

Allrighty...it's an early night for me on this end.  I might even go start a new book.  Hope February is going well so far as it quickly flies by...

NT.  Out

I love my life

Especially this weekend.  While GC was off at the Banff Springs on his 5-day "man-date" (more to come on that)....I was living in this great beautiful world.  Despite the cold.  And it was amazing. 

To celebrate Marissa's 30th birthday we had planned this backcountry hut weekend many months ago.  GC couldn't go as his friend from Fredericton happened to be in town at the same time.  There were ten of us and we had booked this little hut that is nestled in a little spot called Elk Lake - just on the other side of the BC border.  The only way into the hut is to ski, snowshoe, or hike.  We elected to ski.  Although it was only 9 km in and out from the hut - it is a hilly course and the conditions were totally unknown to us.  

Last week was chilly.  And it kept getting colder and colder as the weekend approached.  By Friday afternoon I did not want to go on this trip at all.  When people asked what I was doing for the weekend I told them that I didn't want to talk about it.  In my dreams, I was picturing a nice weekend inside - finishing my book - sleeping in - catching up on life.  All in the warmth of my own home.  If only I could find a REAL reason to bail.  However, without one, I was up early on Saturday --- packed and ready for my 7:45 am pick up.  We all travelled up and met at the start of the trail.  Having never been to this hut - or done any ski-in trips, I had no idea what to expect. 

Skiing with a backpack that I took for a one year trip to Australia was just an extra little bit of challenge.  Especially on some grueling hills.  The ski in was awesome --- a little colder than we would have chosen - but the sky was a brilliant blue and the sun was so bright.  A little piece of heaven.

It took us a few hours to get there and by the time we arrived at this little log hut, we were giddy.  This little hut is SO cute.  Picture old log A-frame.  And once we got in there we hunkered down.  Made a fire, cooked some good meals, drank wine and played taboo.  The wood fireplace kept us moderately warm and made us reek of smoke ... but it was so quaint.  And we all felt a little fantastic about seizing this cold-ass winter day.  And kicking it. 

It was a great way to spend a weekend.  And I kept thinking that I really wished GC was there.  Because he would have LOVED every minute of it.  Especially the big bright sky lit up with stars last night.  And the blueberry pancakes that Brian cooked this morning.  Although we had to bring all of our supplies in with us.... we were not roughin it.  We ate well - and packed a lot of treats in with us.

 When I woke up this morning and ran outside to use the 'facilities'... ie - the biffy ..... and saw this amazing backdrop of mountains... I really felt lucky.  It can take my breath away.  The ski out today was a bit bittersweet.  It was still cold, and we had some LONG stretches of uphill terrain... but it was so stunning.  And I was a little sad to be leaving the wilderness.  Leaving the awesomeness. 

GC, in a parallel universe, has been staying at the Banff Springs with a high-school friend since WEDNESDAY.  A friend of mine had been kind enough to set him up with a Friends and Family rate and when they arrived they were told that they had been upgraded to the GOLD level.  GC thought he had died and gone to heaven... in a different way.  In opulence.  He had a pretty good weekend, too.  We live in a world of such extremes.  From posh to minimal - there is so much to take in. 

This past week I didn't get all of my posts in that I had wanted to.  But it was a weird week.  We had another houseguest , and GC was away, and we had a celebration on Tuesday.  Every year on January 20th we share a little time, GC and I, and we are thankful for TIME.  This year marked the 12th year that I have lived (and loved life) since my infamous bungy jump.  And although I rarely think about it otherwise, that day will never pass without having some special meaning. 

This past January 20th I went to the gym after work and put in some extra effort.... because I can.  And when I got home dear GC had dinner cooked and candles lit and a very sweet card written out for the occasion.  Because he's like that.  Sweetness.   Unplanned sweetness.  I love my life. 

So - this week.  Good stuff.  Ayns and I are starting to make our invitations.  I'm hopefully getting my hair died.  Nothing drastic, just need to hide some ugly little white friends that keep dropping in uninvited.  I'm going to be very productive at work (because I have a lot to do), and GC and I are going to spend some time.  Because we've been missing eachother lately.  It's going to be a pretty great week.  And it's even going to WARM up... which is such a nice bonus. 

Allrighty.  It's Sunday night and this house is winding down.  And I love it.  I am going to sleep well tonight ON A BED WITH A PILLOW.  

I'm a fresh-air girl and I have almost had my fill.  Hope you have too. NT.  OUT.

Beautiful Days

It's been a beautiful weekend.  Friday night we drove up to Canmore to meet up with some old friends from Wpg.  It was a good catch up session.  We had a good sleep in on Saturday and had a lazy morning at the Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.  The afternoon was spent at the Nordic Centre.  It was awesome.  Beautiful Brilliant Blue Sky - the mountains jagged in the sunshine.  It was hovering around 0 degrees - and the tracks were fast.  We had a good afternoon in the fresh air.  These are the best days. 

Saturday night we went to a house party at our old condo.  It felt weird going back and having to buzz in.  But nice to come home to our 'still new home'. 

Today it was 15 degrees out.  In January.  What a treat.  We are counting our lucky stars.  Everyone in this city is happy.  It's been a fantastic weekend.  Lots of walking, running, skiing.  And now it's relax and chill out mode.  We've made a great Moroccan stew for dinner and are now settling into our quiet Sunday routine. 

This week will be a whirlwind.  GC has a friend in town from Fredericton - and they are going skiing to Lake Louise and Sunshine and spending some time in Banff.  My To-Do list is long and is ready for a big dent.  Bor-ing. 

I hope everyone is geared up for a great week.  It's all GOOD.  I'm out.  NT

resolutions schmesolutions

.. just kidding.  It's not been a total write-off.  But Shannon has been one to notice that the blogging has been lacking these days.  What can I say?  We've had houseguests this week.  And I've been on a mission to plan this wedding.  I could be reading a DJ contract right now... but after being called out.... I am prioritizing.  Who needs music anyways? 

Things are starting to come together.  I have learned that GC knows more about fleurs than I thought. Little surprises.  However, I won't bore you with any more wedding details.  Let's just say our themes are low key and natural.  My goal is to get stuff finalized by the end of the month so we can take a hiatus for a little while. 

As for the rest of my resolutions, I'm not doing so bad.  I've been taking my lunch to work.  I've been back in the pool (only once - but it still counts).  I have been running and not working so hard.  Baby steps.  Life is feeling good these days. 

This past weekend I went to Sylvan Lake to celebrate my friend, Dale's 30th birthday.  In two weeks I am going to Elk Lakes (a backcountry ski-in hut) to celebrate Marisa's 30th.  This is a big year for 30th birthdays.  GC will turn the big 3-0 in May (exactly one week before he ties the big knot).  That is one BIG year.  He doesn't think it's funny when I tell him that now we can celebrate his birthaversary every year.  Sensitive. 

So...that's life in a nutshell.  This weekend we are heading out to Canmore to visit with some old family friends from Wpg.  You don't need to twist this rubber arm.  It is always good to know we'll be out of the city soon.  That's probably why we need to explain to our houseguests why our house does not totally look lived in....

Tomorrow it is supposed to be 10 degrees!  It snowed most of the day today - so that means tomorrow is going to be M--E-S-S-Y.  On Monday GC's dad asked me if my car was black.  Dig.  I get it.  My excuse is that I don't know where the car wash is in my new neighborhood. 

It is fun to realize that tomorrow is already Thursday... this week is going fast.... and I'm pretty excited about that.  Hope you're all keeping your resolutions.  We're moving through January at a wicked pace. 

I'm going to do better at this blogging thing.  Keep on keeping me honest.  I am OUT.  NT