13 hours....and I will be packing myself into Brad's already packed-to-the-hilt Vibe and setting off on a 15-hour (potentially longer) drive to North Carolina. That's right....my surfing trip has finally arrived :) Steph, Brad and myself are heading down to catch some waves for a few days next week.
I am:
hoping I don't drown;
hoping I don't get eaten by a shark;
hoping I don't break something;
getting nervous butterflies;
sooooo freakin' excited I can't sit still.
I know:
that this is going to be THE best trip ever, with two of my best friends;
that surfing will be a fun and - something tells me - a humbling experience;
that I can't wait to sit on the beach and soak up some rays;
that I am looking forward to the campfire dinners and toasting marshmallows;
that I really should have started packing last night....
This is the first full-on long distance road trip I am taking with friends and not my family, so I think this ads to the bubbles of excitement in my stomach right now. A little backstory: While I wasn't in on the conversation initially, what I remember is that it occured at the Honest Lawyer here in Ottawa in November over one of our happy hour get togethers. Brad and Steph must have been talking about Australia and surfing (as my flatmate had lived there for a year and had taken it upon herself to learn how to surf, smart girl) and both agreed they wanted to do a surfing trip in the near future. Why not? Locations were discussed and a few options were singled out but nothing concrete was made, other than a promise that they would indeed follow through.
Some of us throw these suggestions out with no follow through but this, this is not characteristic of either of them. I know both of them are the types when if they've set their mind to something, then its going to be done, somehow, someway, eventually. Indeed, this idea would turn out to be more than just happy hour talk, more than just a pipe dream (ba-dum-bum!) :) Surely enough, a few weeks later Steph suggested I should join them as well in planning the trip. That was all I needed :) Planning began - magazines were bought, websites consulted (a favourite being this fun jem: www.riptionary.com), stories with friends who share a passion for surfing were heard (special thanks on my end to Krysia for her lovely words of encouragement and reminder that surfing is about the journey, and about respect, for the people and the ocean) - and Steph came up with a beautiful plan to hit up the east coast, close to home, not gonna break the bank per se. And so we were NC bound as a few months ago.
Which is why I can't believe we are leaving tonight. Its finally here. The email from the surf camp this morning requesting my age, height and weight to ensure they prepare the right equipment for me added just that extra jolt of excitment to my morning. Honey, Zimzala and Brosef (that's right..I picked out our surf names...) are south bound as of midnight tonight. Thanks to everyone who have left me friendly send-of messages for a safe and happy trip. Trust: there will be many many many photos. I will do my best to not disappoint on that front.
Aloha!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My week with Edward Cullen
So... I said that they would make it into the reading list. Eventually. Well that happened much sonner than anticipated! Not only did I pick up Twilight last week, but I also ended up going through it so fast I found myself picking up New Moon, Eclipse and the final book of the saga, Breaking Dawn, by Wednesday afternoon.
This world that Stephenie Meyer has created was just that irresistible.
I had never heard of the books till the movie for the first book of the series, Twilight, started being promoted last summer. From the previews it looked like it might be interesting but as it was I never saw the movie. 2 weeks ago on a quiet night Steph and I decided to watch it. It was cute, fantastic soundtrack!, and overloaded with teen angst, but the love story between Edward and Bella was hard to not fall in love with. The movie intrigued me enough to read the books that I had long avoided because it seemed all a little crazy to me!
I have not read a series like this in a long time that literaly had me reading non-stop. I never put the books down when I was at home. House work be damned, if I was home I was sitting on the couch or in bed reading. My entire week was filled with these characters and their secret worlds. Vampires who attend high school and who don't spontaneously combust in the day light. Werewolves who don't need a full moon to go on the hunt. And enough teen angst to last me a lifetime, thank you very much! There were parts for me that were difficult/painful to read, particularly Bella's self deprecating over and over (gag) and many parts where Jacob was just being the biggest jerk (the kid seriously drove me nuts after the 2nd book). While I won't divulge the ending for those who don't know it and want to read it, what I will say is that I found the ending thoroughly satisfying. Almost so to the point of it being too convenient... but still, satisfying.
I just love a good story and Twilight seriously delivered on that. I'm already looking forward to seeing the adaptation of New Moon onto film which is due out this fall, with the girls who I place full blame on for making me want to pick up the books in first place!! (I love you!)
This world that Stephenie Meyer has created was just that irresistible.
I had never heard of the books till the movie for the first book of the series, Twilight, started being promoted last summer. From the previews it looked like it might be interesting but as it was I never saw the movie. 2 weeks ago on a quiet night Steph and I decided to watch it. It was cute, fantastic soundtrack!, and overloaded with teen angst, but the love story between Edward and Bella was hard to not fall in love with. The movie intrigued me enough to read the books that I had long avoided because it seemed all a little crazy to me!
I have not read a series like this in a long time that literaly had me reading non-stop. I never put the books down when I was at home. House work be damned, if I was home I was sitting on the couch or in bed reading. My entire week was filled with these characters and their secret worlds. Vampires who attend high school and who don't spontaneously combust in the day light. Werewolves who don't need a full moon to go on the hunt. And enough teen angst to last me a lifetime, thank you very much! There were parts for me that were difficult/painful to read, particularly Bella's self deprecating over and over (gag) and many parts where Jacob was just being the biggest jerk (the kid seriously drove me nuts after the 2nd book). While I won't divulge the ending for those who don't know it and want to read it, what I will say is that I found the ending thoroughly satisfying. Almost so to the point of it being too convenient... but still, satisfying.
I just love a good story and Twilight seriously delivered on that. I'm already looking forward to seeing the adaptation of New Moon onto film which is due out this fall, with the girls who I place full blame on for making me want to pick up the books in first place!! (I love you!)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The book list begins...
# 2 is on.
I've almost finished At A Loss for Words, by Canadian author Diane Schoemperlen. I have yet to reach the end but I defnitely recommend this one as I haven't put it down. It's a short read which is perfect for getting me back into reading for pleasure. It's light, fun, beautifully written. At the same time it's also heart wrenching and often depressing. I've been a fan of books written in journal/diary form in the past. The first person narrative draws me in and I am submerged into the story, which must be why I can't put it down.
One day left before a new month, so I will have to curl up with it tonight. For the time being I too am at a loss for words so I invite you to read the review from the Ottawa Citizen. :)
For the rest of my reading I've added a list to the right which I will update as I finish each book. I've got 4 lined up so far, and Pam is working on me to start the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I said I wouldn't cave...but it looks like that series will eventually find it's way onto the list.
I've almost finished At A Loss for Words, by Canadian author Diane Schoemperlen. I have yet to reach the end but I defnitely recommend this one as I haven't put it down. It's a short read which is perfect for getting me back into reading for pleasure. It's light, fun, beautifully written. At the same time it's also heart wrenching and often depressing. I've been a fan of books written in journal/diary form in the past. The first person narrative draws me in and I am submerged into the story, which must be why I can't put it down.
One day left before a new month, so I will have to curl up with it tonight. For the time being I too am at a loss for words so I invite you to read the review from the Ottawa Citizen. :)
For the rest of my reading I've added a list to the right which I will update as I finish each book. I've got 4 lined up so far, and Pam is working on me to start the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I said I wouldn't cave...but it looks like that series will eventually find it's way onto the list.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Just a little thank you...
Tor has been a good friend of mine since we bonded in our grade 9 creative writing class. Something in those hours of poetry, made-up-vocabulary sessions, character studies and whatever else we were forced to conjure up from our most creative recesses of our minds brought us together and we have been tight ever since. Of course we also bonded over the fact that were both young girls who were absolutely boy-crazy (and still are) Hahaha! Tor started her '101 in 1001' journey last spring and it is she who has inspired me to start my own. She is someone I admire for many reasons, one of them being that she has been very determined to go for what she wants. I have every inclination to believe that she will find herself real, honest to goodness true happiness in whatever she does.
She also has the best style and clothes, and that alone is something I can always appreciate :)
As I mentioned earlier, I have often thought of starting a blog which is a relatively new desire of mine that surfaced sometime during my university years studying Communications. I never followed through because I often felt like I didn't really have anything that I really wanted or needed to put "out there". Two years ago I began working in the Marketing and Communications department at the Gallery. One of my new colleagues was Gen, who since then has become a dear friend and whom I can lovingly refer to as a surrogate big sister. Many hours have been spent at the Starbucks up the street over lunch pouring over the latest in each others lives. She has intently (and patiently!) listened to my stories on family and friends, my aspirations, my fears, my dreams, happy and sad times, very sad times, amoung other things. Oh and let's not forget boys! Not only is she willing to lend an ear she is also often the kick in the butt that I need, whether I want it or not. And that is something I am truly grateful for because I know how stubborn I can be. And it only endears me to her more.
Though I am getting off track! Gen is a very talented writer, and it is her very own blog that inspired me to choose this as my first step of 101 things I would like to accomplish over 1001 days. Once I have her permission, you'll find a link to see for yourselves why she has been such an inspiration to me. She's also a very talented up-and-coming wedding photographer. You'll be able to find a link to her site from my blog soon.
Thank you both for being such inspirations :)
She also has the best style and clothes, and that alone is something I can always appreciate :)
As I mentioned earlier, I have often thought of starting a blog which is a relatively new desire of mine that surfaced sometime during my university years studying Communications. I never followed through because I often felt like I didn't really have anything that I really wanted or needed to put "out there". Two years ago I began working in the Marketing and Communications department at the Gallery. One of my new colleagues was Gen, who since then has become a dear friend and whom I can lovingly refer to as a surrogate big sister. Many hours have been spent at the Starbucks up the street over lunch pouring over the latest in each others lives. She has intently (and patiently!) listened to my stories on family and friends, my aspirations, my fears, my dreams, happy and sad times, very sad times, amoung other things. Oh and let's not forget boys! Not only is she willing to lend an ear she is also often the kick in the butt that I need, whether I want it or not. And that is something I am truly grateful for because I know how stubborn I can be. And it only endears me to her more.
Though I am getting off track! Gen is a very talented writer, and it is her very own blog that inspired me to choose this as my first step of 101 things I would like to accomplish over 1001 days. Once I have her permission, you'll find a link to see for yourselves why she has been such an inspiration to me. She's also a very talented up-and-coming wedding photographer. You'll be able to find a link to her site from my blog soon.
Thank you both for being such inspirations :)
By Monday, January 16, 2012...
...I will have succesfully {hopefully} tackled the following..
I have always toyed with the idea of starting my own blog, but as often as I thought about it I would quite quickly come back with the thought of...well what could I possibly have to say? Ask many of my closest friends and even they will tell you I'm more often than not the quiet one. And I often play things safe. I think this among other reasons is why the idea of the Day Zero Project is so attractive to me.
My friends could also probably you that I have a knack for being long winded...so I digress and will get to the point of why I, and you, are here.
My list. Number one as you see is to start a blog. To keep track of my progress for myself and for those who wish to share in my journey over the next 1001 days. The blog will accomplish not only to ensure I stay accountable for the goals I have set out, but it will also give me an outlet to talk about the significance, big or small as they may be, in my life.
101 Things to Do in 1001 Days
1. Start the blog! - April 20, 2009
2. Read 2 books a month ~ in progress, keep your eyes on the book list for updates ~
3. Visit at least 3 of the 5 Great Lakes
4. Learn to surf :: June 1-3 I took surf lessons with Steph and Brad down in North Carolina. What an amazing experience!!!! ::
5. Pick up a new sport. :: I am learning how to play tennis with Jocelyne and Dan :)
6. Go to Maine.
7. Re-Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. (why? because we had to read it for our first year intro to comms' research methods and i never finished it)
8. Visit Laura in Edmonton.
9. Go on a road trip with no predetermined destination.
10. Go a month without junk food.
11. Plan a sisters holiday.
12. Buy my first car.
13. Improve my french. :: in progress
14. Purge my excesses. Do an inventory and cut what I don't need/no longer use/wear; donate the casualties.
15. Put my credit on ice for an extended period until my balance is back at zero.
16. Set a monthly budget, decide on a strategy and stick to it.
17. Document "a day in the life" in pictures (Inspired by Tor)
18. See a favourite band in concert. :: June 17th 2009 - Went to see No Doubt in Montreal with my sister!! Amazing show!!
19. Go camping. :: Camped for the week in North Carolina. Will also be camping for my birthday weekend coming up.
20. Try rollerblading again.
21. Organize my music finally.
22. Host a "family dinner" night with friends.
23. Watch the sunrise.
24. Skinny dip.
25. Read 7 novels in french.
26. Get a membership to the Bytowne theatre.
27. Begin painting again, create a series.
28. Take a writing workshop or class.
29. Go to an outdoor concert.
30. Make a scrapbook of my trips to Bermuda.
31. Send postcards on my travels.
33. Have a girls night in.
34. Stay up all night.
35. Give up Facebook for 2 weeks.
36. Give up my bus pass for a month and bike to work every day.
37. Host a craft night.
38. No more being lazy. I have a gym membership and I hardly use it. I will work out for an hour 3 times a week in addition to me weekly hour sessions with my trainer. Get my money's worth out of this.
39. Start an RRSP.
40. Go canoeing.
41. Go to the Biodome.
42. Ride a rollercoaster.
43. Ride a rollercoaster I have been to scared to ride. TBD.
44. Go to La Ronde for the first time!
45. Renew my passport (this will be coming in the 1001 days)
46. Pick a random topic p/month and learn everything there is to know about it. Started April 21.
- May: it will be Italy.
47. Learn to knit a scarf.
48. Make a list of 100 things that make me happy (also inspired by Tor!) - April 29th - in progress
49. See a ballet.
50. Go to an opera.
51. See a broadway show.
52. Drive a boat.
53. Try Zip-Lining.
54. Go on a hike.
55. Do something once a month that challenges my normally shy nature. (this is going to be tough)
56. Go to the east coast and visit Sam, and my cousin Alli while she's at St F.X.
57. Learn how to drive a manual tranmission.
58. Learn 5 new constellations.
59. Plant a tree.
60. Take a cooking class.
61. Walk for a cause.
62. Leave a book (bookcrossing.com)
63. Sew myself something.
64. Make a time capsule.
65. Win something.
66. Keep a journal.
67. Have a work friends night out.
68. See 5 foreign films.
69. Take an "art break" at least once a month - Take advantage of where I work and see the art I love so much!
70. Have a spa day with someone.
71. Play golf (i.e. find someone patient to take me and teach me how to golf)
72. Do yoga.
73. See a shooting star. :: June 2009 - laying out on Pam's backyard with the gang, caught a glimpse of 2 shooting stars that night :)
74. Buy a lottery ticket.
75. Go on a picnic.
76. Go sailing.
77. Go fishing.
78. Learn how to *actually* throw a football (yes i'm serious)
79. Create a photo-story series.
80. Make artwork from 10 of my favourite photos.
81. Go surfing again!
82. Send christmas cards.
83. Update my resume.
84. Fly somewhere.
85. Donate to a food drive.
86. Use an audioguide and tour the Gallery's collections.
87. Back up my files and photos.
88. Update my design portfolio.
89. Visit a lighthouse.
90. Ride a horse. ::Photoshoot with Gen June 20th 2009 I got to get on a horse. So beautiful!
91. Plan my dream trip to Italy.
92. Learn a new style of dance.
93. Try 2 new recipes a month.
- May: 1) Rolled oats apple cake - and it was a big hit! yay!
94. Organize my bills.
95. Read through the entire Bible.
96. Plan and embark on a random weekend getaway.
97. Go snorkeling.
98. Cook dinner for my parents. - May 10 - My sister and I cooked my parents an amazing 4 course meal for Mother's Day :)
99. Take an art class.
100. Make something to put in the silent auction for our United Way Workplace Charitable Campaign.
101. Make another list at the end of 1001 days! :)
I have always toyed with the idea of starting my own blog, but as often as I thought about it I would quite quickly come back with the thought of...well what could I possibly have to say? Ask many of my closest friends and even they will tell you I'm more often than not the quiet one. And I often play things safe. I think this among other reasons is why the idea of the Day Zero Project is so attractive to me.
My friends could also probably you that I have a knack for being long winded...so I digress and will get to the point of why I, and you, are here.
My list. Number one as you see is to start a blog. To keep track of my progress for myself and for those who wish to share in my journey over the next 1001 days. The blog will accomplish not only to ensure I stay accountable for the goals I have set out, but it will also give me an outlet to talk about the significance, big or small as they may be, in my life.
101 Things to Do in 1001 Days
1. Start the blog! - April 20, 2009
2. Read 2 books a month ~ in progress, keep your eyes on the book list for updates ~
3. Visit at least 3 of the 5 Great Lakes
4. Learn to surf :: June 1-3 I took surf lessons with Steph and Brad down in North Carolina. What an amazing experience!!!! ::
5. Pick up a new sport. :: I am learning how to play tennis with Jocelyne and Dan :)
6. Go to Maine.
7. Re-Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. (why? because we had to read it for our first year intro to comms' research methods and i never finished it)
8. Visit Laura in Edmonton.
9. Go on a road trip with no predetermined destination.
10. Go a month without junk food.
11. Plan a sisters holiday.
12. Buy my first car.
13. Improve my french. :: in progress
14. Purge my excesses. Do an inventory and cut what I don't need/no longer use/wear; donate the casualties.
15. Put my credit on ice for an extended period until my balance is back at zero.
16. Set a monthly budget, decide on a strategy and stick to it.
17. Document "a day in the life" in pictures (Inspired by Tor)
18. See a favourite band in concert. :: June 17th 2009 - Went to see No Doubt in Montreal with my sister!! Amazing show!!
19. Go camping. :: Camped for the week in North Carolina. Will also be camping for my birthday weekend coming up.
20. Try rollerblading again.
21. Organize my music finally.
22. Host a "family dinner" night with friends.
23. Watch the sunrise.
24. Skinny dip.
25. Read 7 novels in french.
26. Get a membership to the Bytowne theatre.
27. Begin painting again, create a series.
28. Take a writing workshop or class.
29. Go to an outdoor concert.
30. Make a scrapbook of my trips to Bermuda.
31. Send postcards on my travels.
33. Have a girls night in.
34. Stay up all night.
35. Give up Facebook for 2 weeks.
36. Give up my bus pass for a month and bike to work every day.
37. Host a craft night.
38. No more being lazy. I have a gym membership and I hardly use it. I will work out for an hour 3 times a week in addition to me weekly hour sessions with my trainer. Get my money's worth out of this.
39. Start an RRSP.
40. Go canoeing.
41. Go to the Biodome.
42. Ride a rollercoaster.
43. Ride a rollercoaster I have been to scared to ride. TBD.
44. Go to La Ronde for the first time!
45. Renew my passport (this will be coming in the 1001 days)
46. Pick a random topic p/month and learn everything there is to know about it. Started April 21.
- May: it will be Italy.
47. Learn to knit a scarf.
48. Make a list of 100 things that make me happy (also inspired by Tor!) - April 29th - in progress
49. See a ballet.
50. Go to an opera.
51. See a broadway show.
52. Drive a boat.
53. Try Zip-Lining.
54. Go on a hike.
55. Do something once a month that challenges my normally shy nature. (this is going to be tough)
56. Go to the east coast and visit Sam, and my cousin Alli while she's at St F.X.
57. Learn how to drive a manual tranmission.
58. Learn 5 new constellations.
59. Plant a tree.
60. Take a cooking class.
61. Walk for a cause.
62. Leave a book (bookcrossing.com)
63. Sew myself something.
64. Make a time capsule.
65. Win something.
66. Keep a journal.
67. Have a work friends night out.
68. See 5 foreign films.
69. Take an "art break" at least once a month - Take advantage of where I work and see the art I love so much!
70. Have a spa day with someone.
71. Play golf (i.e. find someone patient to take me and teach me how to golf)
72. Do yoga.
73. See a shooting star. :: June 2009 - laying out on Pam's backyard with the gang, caught a glimpse of 2 shooting stars that night :)
74. Buy a lottery ticket.
75. Go on a picnic.
76. Go sailing.
77. Go fishing.
78. Learn how to *actually* throw a football (yes i'm serious)
79. Create a photo-story series.
80. Make artwork from 10 of my favourite photos.
81. Go surfing again!
82. Send christmas cards.
83. Update my resume.
84. Fly somewhere.
85. Donate to a food drive.
86. Use an audioguide and tour the Gallery's collections.
87. Back up my files and photos.
88. Update my design portfolio.
89. Visit a lighthouse.
90. Ride a horse. ::Photoshoot with Gen June 20th 2009 I got to get on a horse. So beautiful!
91. Plan my dream trip to Italy.
92. Learn a new style of dance.
93. Try 2 new recipes a month.
- May: 1) Rolled oats apple cake - and it was a big hit! yay!
94. Organize my bills.
95. Read through the entire Bible.
96. Plan and embark on a random weekend getaway.
97. Go snorkeling.
98. Cook dinner for my parents. - May 10 - My sister and I cooked my parents an amazing 4 course meal for Mother's Day :)
99. Take an art class.
100. Make something to put in the silent auction for our United Way Workplace Charitable Campaign.
101. Make another list at the end of 1001 days! :)
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