After work, on Aug 17th I officially began my weeklong vacation. I had booked a flight to Vegas from Bellingham leaving @ 8:30 am, Sat. Aug 18th and I was going to the Spencer's on Friday night so they can take me to the airport in the morning. Shawn & Mark picked me up and we loaded my luggage in the car and headed to the border. The ride was nice and the wait at the border was a bit longer than I wanted because Jenn wanted me there early so we can have maximum shopping time at the mall before it closed. She wants me to buy a whole new wardrobe in order to get a man, I think that's her aim at least. haha. Okay, so Shawn is set on leaving the Spencer's as soon as he drops me off but his first mistake was shutting off the engine, the second was getting out of the car, and then the third...was waiting until I called Jenn to come down and say goodbye to them. All Jenn had to do was entice them with Mexican food and they decided to stay longer...basically they didn't leave until suppertime the next day. Sheesh. Jenn, Klif, The Henry boys and I went out to dinner at Paso Del Norte restaurant that was soo delicious! What a great meal to have to start me vacation off. The conversation was a constant joke, mostly from what I have innocently said and them misconstruing it to their evil purposes. haha. There was a bar attached to the restaurant with a live band playing and I ended up knowing most of the songs due to just knowing a lot of music and Mark remarked on my ability of being able to recognise so many songs when just a few bars were played in the beginning. It's a bit of a gift I have, don't mean to brag...well maybe a little. Afterwards we went to the Spencer's new boat and just sat in it at the dock. It's a comfy boat and I tried to take a nap while the Boys and Jenn talked. Occasionally I would put my two cents in, much to Jenn's chagrin because my two cents usually involved grammar or sentence correction. It was late night sarcasm at its finest I felt. As per usual, we got back to the house late and I went to sleep at 4am and woke up for 6am. Klif then took me to the airport at 7am. It was a beautiful day and the little Bellingham airport was packed. Some people in front of me were afraid that they might not be able to make their flight because the security line-up was huge but huge being only relative to the tiny airport we were in. There was plenty of time and everyone made the flight.
Now usually when I begin a flight I pray pray pray beforehand because I get a little nervous that the lift-off will not go as planned but this time, I was completely calm and knew that everything would go well. I said a prayer of thanks and gratitude that it was a great day and I had prayed for safety first thing in the morning that I felt fine. The lift off was smooth and I was three rows from the front of the plane. I had requested a window seat but did not specify so the lift off and landing was felt a bit more but looking out the window always makes me feel better for some reason. I am afraid of heights but not while I am in a plane. I love looking down and watching the topography. The Juan de Fuca strait and the surrounding Islands are so pretty. The gentleman beside me was commenting on his trip up here and how him and his wife had been able to go to one of the island and fish. They are from Atlanta, GA but originally from Germany I am guessing or the Ukraine. I tried to sleep on the plane because two hours sleep just wasn't enough especially since I still had a three hour drive ahead of me when I got to Vegas, but it eluded me. I was doing a road trip by myself from Vegas to Kanab, Utah and spend a day or two there, then on to American Fork where I would be staying the rest of the week while I attended Campus Education Week @ BYU in Provo. The plane ride was smooth until we got to Crater Lake, Oregon and the winds there were very strong that we had a bit of turbulence to which I prayed would end soon and soon after it did. Heavenly Father was with me the whole trip and I knew that I could rely on Him for my safety. I felt safe and although I look back on some of my adventures as a little unsafe and unwise, I knew that I was safe from harm and so I did things accordingly but knew when to draw the line. I made sure I kept close to the Spirit and followed those feelings.
So, after we landed in Vegas, I waited in line for my luggage and texted Jenn to let her know I was safe, then it was time to find out where the shuttle was that would take me to my rental car. I have been blessed by getting a free upgrade that enabled me to rent the car that I truly wanted to drive, which was a Hyundai Elantra. It is great on gas and is my "perfect fit" car. I was a little anxious that they wouldn't have the car available but they did and as I am getting my car and having to sign the paperwork the guy asked if I had any car insurance to which I said that I had my visa card that took care of the liability but then he said, well you don't need insurance but they would prefer it. Well, thanks for making me paranoid now that I am not fully covered. So, I got into my blessed vehicle and said a quick prayer, I was soo tired and hungry but I had to drive. I decided to not stop in Vegas for my water, that I promised Jenn I would buy, but I just wanted to get out of the city and knew that i could stop in a nearby city as soon as I could. My first stop was Glendale, Nevada a Moapi Indian reservation with a gas station, little store and a restaurant attached. It was there that I bought a map of Nevada & Utah, my wonderful 12 case of water, sunflower seeds, red licorice (I learned that licorice can bake if left in a hot car for over a day...not tasty at all) and a yummy BLT sandwich with crinkle fries. I wolfed down the sandwich and the fries and kept thinking that my car was going to get broken into. So untrusting. Okay, the temperature was uber hot well over a 100 degrees fahrenheit and getting back into the car was horrible. Thank goodness for air conditioning. I was on the road again and about a half hour into my drive I saw a dust tornado travel across the road, the car ahead of me drove through it and there was debris that travelled across my path and then right in front of me rolled a tumbleweed and the only thing I could do was drive right over it. It seemed like no damage occurred as I was still driving smoothly but decided to stop in Mesquite, Nevada which is on the Nevada, Arizona Border and see if there was any damage. I looked under the car and there was a whole lot of water pouring out the bottom and since I had no idea if that was normal or not, I decided to drive to the nearest mechanic and have it checked. Thankfully there was a Minit-Lube express down the road and I was in and out within a half-hour. The water was just the air conditioning water pouring out which happens but they told me that the transmission wasn't very good and that the windshield wiper was torn. Since I was too far from Vegas, I didn't bother with it and got on the road again. When I get behind the wheel, it doesn't matter if I am tired I get into automatic mode, and drive. "Just do it" becomes my motto and I do it. As long as I have some good music, I am good to go (Muse & Dixie Chicks, were my faves). One thing I need to master is the changing of the CD. There has to be a better way then how I am doing it. Driving through the Virgin River Pass was so pretty and a little scary because I was keeping up with traffic for the most part which is doing 70-75 miles/hour on windy, curvy roads when all the signs say 55 miles/hour. I really tried to do that but I was a snail basically compared to everyone else. I was careful when I took the turns and there were some sharp curves which made looking at the scenery a little difficult but the drive is so pretty. The desert is a pretty magnificent place and awe inspiring. The earth is so raw there, I loved it. I eventually made it to St. George and the first thing you see is the St. George Temple set against a red rock background. The contrast is breathtaking but I didn't want to stop driving to take a picture. I was tempted to stop at a Best Buy or Walmart to check out the CD's and camera but since Utah was on mountain Standard time and an hour ahead I just wanted to get to Kanab before dark. So I didn't stop and kept on driving and exited on to Hwy 9. Through Hurricane and onto the 59/389 through Colorado City, Fredonia then eventually Kanab. Now, through these areas I was in Red Rock heaven and I was now driving on a two lane highway the rest of the way. The speed was 65miles and I was warned that the cops are around so I shouldn't overdo it on my speed so I stuck close to 65. I was a little concerned about driving on a two lane highway but as I started it was fine. I passed about five cars and there were about four cars heading the same way as me. Not all at the same time but I had a buddy for most of the way. In this area, there was absolutely no cell phone reception and the desert was quiet. It was hot and about five in the evening. This is what I learned about myself, I can look at the views to the right or left of me and my arms will keep the wheel steady. Thank goodness or I would have ended up on the side of the road lots. I couldn't help looking at the gorgeous scenery. As I neared Fredonia, I felt better because I was in familiar territory. I was so excited to be heading into Kanab. As soon as I entered into the town, everything was familiar, well there was some new shops but I knew where to go. My first stop was to the photo shop where Dan used to work because I needed film but it was closed. I went into the shop beside it and confirmed whether it was closed or not and the lady behind the counter said, Oh "So & So" (forgot the name) closed it earlier but he should still be in town, I can call him and he'll open up the shop for you." I said thank you but that's okay and then they told me to go to the Grocery store and I should be able to find film there. I called the Hollands and let them know I was in town and will be at their place soon. I was only going to spend the night at their place, attend church and then leave right afterwards so I decided to fill up the car and buy film then headed out to the Hollands. The turnoff was 10 miles outside of Kanab but there was no sign saying Jackson Canyon Road which I was expecting so I kept driving and watching how many miles I was driving and when I hit over ten miles I turned around and drove back. On the way back there was a sign and I turned off and then had to drive 7 more miles. As I was driving, I again was struck by how pretty the landscape is. It is so untouched, red and raw. I was looking for the sign that said "The hollands" and as I was driving and driving, and not seeing one, I was beginning to think that I drove too far until I saw it. Off in the distance I saw the rock that is behind the house and remembered instantly that that is where they live. Not all rock looks the same. It turned out I was right and pulled in and got out of the car. The Hollands were outside on their porch just relaxing and listening to the buzz of the hummingbirds as they flew and fed from the feeders. I was unable to call them when I got a little lost because there was no cellphone reception at all. I was completely cut off in that sense and I loved it. Sister & Brother Holland are wonderful. Dan was right and his father and I picked up right where we left off and his mother and I got along great. She drove me back into town when I mentioned that I forgot to buy contact lens solution and while we were in town she bought me a milkshake from 'The Junction' Drive-in. They have the best milkshakes anywhere. I was completely exhausted and we sat around for a bit but at about 10:30pm we headed to bed. I had a bathroom to myself and my bedroom was on the other side of the house. They had wireless so I was able to check my email and there was one from Shawn. He tried to call me but there because I had no cell phone reception, nothing. So we kept in contact by email. The next morning, Bro. Holland and I were going to go for a walk but he didn't feel that well and so we sat on the porch and just chatted, listened to the hummingbirds and took in the view (i'll upload pictures later). As we were talking he asked me if I had classes at education week on Monday and I said, no. Then I just had the desire to stay another night so I asked if that would be okay and he said fine, so I also asked Sis. Holland, to which she said, okay and then I called the Holley's and left a message letting them know that I will come on Monday instead of that night. Then I got ready for church and Sis. Holland and I went. The drive was great, the talks and all the lessons were inspiring to me. I even participated in RS regarding keeping the Sabbath Day Holy and how I achieved that. I belong in Utah basically, I truly feel like I belong when I go there. Sis. Holland and I had a great time chatting and when we got back to the house we had some lunch and then we all went out on the 4 wheelers and took an "educational" ride of their property. I was able to get plenty of rocks, iron, and some native artifacts, such as pottery pieces and "scraper' that they made from the hitting and breaking the rock into sharp wedges. They have 600 acres and it includes red rock. Later that evening Bro. Holland and I drove out along Jackson Road and then off roaded to the top of a sandy hill and then got out and explored. I found some more great pieces to bring back...well more like he did and then we took some pictures of the rock formations. He is a geologist and into collecting rocks and photography. We get along great. He tells me so much about the geology of the area and also the surrounding desert vegetation and wildlife. I have a lot of fun hanging out with him. He also told me how to more effectively use my camera and I experimented with some settings. It was starting to get dark so we headed back home. On the way out there we saw Wild turkeys! Crazy! That night we had some ice cream and just hung out. We were on our computers, looking at photos, I was telling them about my love life...not a lot to talk about but we talked anyway. I told them of my plan for this year and they are supportive. Bro. Holland told me that I need to "Fish in a different pond". That's my plan and I am also getting told to use "different bait" by some of my friends, not in those words but that's the gist. So that is my goal. Being in Kanab fills me such inner peace that I seriously did not want to leave but I had to. I also received a message from my Calgary friend on facebook and we ended up chatting through that for a bit. Overall, the first part of my vacation was very relaxing and worth every minute. The last time I was in Kanab was 9 years ago, so I promised that I would visit sooner than that. Bro. Holland said good. Well, this is quite a long post right now, so I'll do my second part of my adventure later.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Oop..I forgot about kayaking:)
Sorry Laura. I completely forgot to add in our kayaking adventure. It was an adventure of true patience and faith when it came to kayaking this time. Shawn wanted to go kayaking and so when Laura & I made plans to go, I invited him and Jenn & Klif to go as well. Heather and Elicia wanted to come as well but had other plans, too bad. Well, Klif & Jenn were late due to the border and traffic, I was a little unimpressed but what can you do, right? Then all the way to the Kayaking place, we got all the red lights and on Dollarton Hwy, which should be a quick route, turned into the slowest due to honda guy who was going below the speed limit and there were no passing lanes for a long time. Everytime I called Laura to give her an update, she sounded less impressed with how this night was turning out but it wasn't any less fun on our end as well. We had until 7pm or they wouldn't let us go out and we arrived at 7:01 but they still let us go out, thankfully. Sad part, I was in a hurried, and irritated state by that time that I wasn't much of a kayaking partner for Shawn. Shawn & I were in a double, Klif & Jenn, a double and Laura, in her Pinta. I knew that Shawn would splash me the paddles when we were in the water and although I should have been good natured about it, I wasn't at all. Poor guy, at one point, I said to him, if you splash me with those paddles, we are done, friendship over! The thing about Shawn is that he gets concerned about offending or hurting other's feelings, so his reaction was sincere and he got all serious, "really? you would never speak to me again if I splashed you?" I felt bad for my initial reaction, so I just explained that I was being a stick in the mud and just was not in the mood to get wet. He still splashed me though, just to let you know. I was in the back steering because he had never kayaked before. I would see Laura, kayaking off in the distance, ahead of us, and just reflecting and enjoying her time on the water. Kayaking is so peaceful to me and it was fun kayaking with Shawn but I really love kayaking on my own, the double is too time consuming and exhausting. Klif & Jenn brought their camera along so we got a lot photos of us kayaking, resting, posing, etc. At the end of the night, I was concerned that we have to be back by 9pm but everyone was into staying out till the last possible moment. Laura, had left about a half hour before and so I was alone in my concern and we just stopped kayaking, brought our kayaks together and visited. It was fun, then we were taking turns of taking paddling shots. When it was 9 we raced into the harbor and Shawn & I won. Good times! As I got out the kayak I suddenly saw all these other kayakers come out the of woodwork. They paddled around the other side and we were the only ones to paddle up Indian Arm, apparently. Afterwards, we went out for supper to Bella Candela, this place is on Lonsdale, a block up from Lonsdale Quay and it has the best atmospehere, food, service, etc. We had a great time! Then we went to Shawn & Mark's for a bit and then came home. It was great hanging out with Jenn & Klif in Canada for a change. Next time Laura and I will have to kayaking by ourselves at W.O.W and just enjoy being on the water.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Quick Update...sorry
Hi all you faithful blog checkers. I am giving you a quick update on me adventures, which I seem to be having every weekend and plenty more to come...apparently. I have a really late blog in the works regarding my California adventure but when I stop procrastinating, you'll get all my details.
Okay so here it is:
April - Huntington Beach, CA - Mid-Singles Conference - made two new girl friends and they both live in Utah.
May - 1st weekend - Kurt & I went to Klif & Jenn's and he invited Shawn & Mark H. (brothers). The long and short of it, Shawn and I have been hanging out ever since. No dating but we are pretty good friends.
2nd weekend - Tri-Stake Cultural event, saw it twice. Once on Friday night, Shawn had an extra ticket and once on Saturday, I had an extra ticket for my co-worker and Shawn came again with us because we were hiking earlier that day, then after the play we went to Klif & Jenn's. We love it there!
Easter weekend - Sarah B. & I head to Portland and went to the Temple and attended a MSA activity there. I met some of her friends there and we had a great time. I like Portland, I love the fact that they do not have any sales tax. I bought the best looking Nike shoes.
Memorial Day weekend - Shawn & I went down to Klif & Jenn's on Saturday and I invited my co-worker, Helen, to come along. It was a lot of fun, we played badminton (aka Badmi'ten), had a BBQ and just hung out. We did errands with the Spencer's during the day to get ready for Monday - Memorial Day & Venna's b-day party, to which Shawn & I were going to.
- Sunday, gave a talk in my ward - Burnaby - on Endure to the End. It was alright.
- Memorial Day Monday, I had taken today off because it was Venna's b-day and so Shawn & I went down, it's his holiday (he's American from California) and so he took the day off of school. I went out on Jenn's brother boat, it is beautiful on the water. Later, Shelley & her friend Susan, Shawn & I tossed the football around. Then we ate food, relaxed, I learned a new card game, can't remember the name, but it's fun. Then Jacob (Meaker Nephew), Shawn & I tossed the baseball around (I love playing catch). We left the picnic area at 8:30ish, we were there since 1:30 and we headed to Jenn's. We were only going to stay for an hour more but then Gab showed up with Bobby and so Shawn & I stuck around and we were then going to leave at 10:30pm ( I did have to work the next day and Shawn has school at 1pm) but then Jenn & Shawn started talking, well basically, at 12:30am I suggested that we just stay over and leave at 6am so that I can get more sleep then if he drove me home. I was so tired the next day. But it was a great weekend.
June - 1st weekend - Finished hiking the Baden-Powell trail with Christel, Sarah B. Chris & Amy and a couple of Sarah B.'s co-workers. The rest of it wasn't bad at all and the hill we hiked up was not that big. I am a little disappointed we didn't finish it last year, at the time but I sure am glad that I finished it now. It was a fun hike and Amy & I set the pace. Sarah B. & Chris F. drove a car to Deep Cove so that we have one vehicle to drive back to the start of the trail to retrieve the other car and they told us to go on ahead, that they would catch up but when they came back they ended up retracing their steps because they thought they took a wrong turn, but they didn't. Needless to say, it took a while for them to catch up...suckers! Anyway, hiked from Hyannis Drive to Deep Cove. Very fun! After the hike, I called Kurt and I met up with him, Shawn & Mark and we hung out at English Bay beach. Tossed the frisbee and football around and then we picked up Christel later and went to the Richmond Night Market. I am still not a fan of that place but Shawn & Mark have never been. We didn't know where Kurt was but it turned out that he was eating lots and lots of food. We were doing the same but not as much. Afterwards, Shawn, Mark & Kurt came over and hung out for a couple hours...okay Kurt slept the instant he hit the couch but that is to be expected.
2nd weekend - Calgary Mid-Singles conference. This was a fun weekend which was surprising because the itinerary looked so lame compared to Huntington's but I had a blast. I met up with Vicki & Karey and we went to the Olive Garden which is always good food. I started off my trip by renting a car and because it was midnight I got a Mitsubishi Lancer, which looks like a Volvo wagon. My sister had me drive all weekend because I had air-conditioning. She said the car was perfect for me because I look like a soccer mom. Anyway, on Friday night, us girls arrived at the activity @ 11pm and some people were leaving because they were all told to leave now but whatever, who leaves right after an activity if it's not FHE? So, we walked in and it was like a Vancouver YSA conference, we had so many come from Vancouver it was awesome. I looked for Keith right away and when I found him he told me to look for Lee because Keith was occupied getting digits. So I found Lee and he had us go to where a bench was, away from the crowd and we caught up. It was great! He was Lee, I know what that means, the long and short of it, he will always be Lee. Gotta love him for it. On Saturday night after the speed dating, a guy came up to me, who I met while speed dating and we continued our conversation then he asked if we could exchange emails & #'s to keep in touch. He is cute too and athletic. Of course I said yes! So we have been emailing a bit, and just keeping in touch.
3rd week - one of the days Shawn & I went to Klif & Jenn's, I have no idea why but it was another long night and I got home at 2am. No work nights for me again. wishful thinking.
4th weekend - Seattle YSA conference, I went down with Mike L., Christel & Erich S. It was good times. We were only there for the Saturday and one of the classes was really enlightening. Mike L. Tyson, Erich and I went out for a group dinner to Las Margaritas in Issaquah, WA with 3 other people from the conference, it was fun. That night the dance was fun and shawn, Mark & his girlfriend arrived later and Shawn did some breakdancing at the end of the night. This is a guy with many talents.
5th weekend - Friday night, we stayed at the Spencer's. Shelley, Klif, Jenn, Shawn I played pool in Bellingham. So fun!!
- Saturday, Shawn & I went to Seattle, he met up with a friend and I went to the Temple. Then we went to the outlets and Costco. Shawn is now going to do all his grocery shopping the US Costco's because it is way cheaper than Canada's Costco's, this is very true. So, fun!
- Sunday - Happy Canada Day - Christel has a shindig at her place and a group of us went over and had a Jam session (I used an empty Sobe bottle to make noise), then we played Psychiatrist for a long time and also telephone charades. It was a great night.
- Monday - a group of us met up @ 2ish to either walk/rollerblade around Stanley park. I finally got to see the damage that was done last winter. Crazy! I was one of the walkers w/ Christel, Candace and Mike McC. (from Surrey). Near the end of our walk I got a call from Mike L. asking if I could put some change into his parking meter so that he won't get towed becuase the rollerbladers were all the way out by Science World, so I said no problem, I had 15 min. to get some cash and get change and run to mike's car which was 1 KM away. It was far, I was about 2 yards from the Rowing club when I started jogging and I only stopped a couple of times and not because I was out of breath but because of people or lights. I wasn't tired the whole time I was jogging, yet I was ready to fall down when I was walking. I was so proud of myself and had plenty of time to spare by the time I got to Mike's car. I think I can only jog for long distances when something important is on the line. I have jogged for friends before but when it comes to jogging for me...nothing, I get soo tired.
Okay, so my last adventure so far was July 4th. I went to Blaine with Shawn & Mark to celebrate with the Spencer's and the rest of the family. It was so fun, good food and we got lots of great photos. The water was glassy and the sunset cast this beautiful color in the sky and the water, everything was silhouetted. Made for some great photos. The fireworks were good, as always.
So, here's the update and yes, Shawn & I are just friends but we do hang out a lot together, Can you tell?
Love ya
Okay so here it is:
April - Huntington Beach, CA - Mid-Singles Conference - made two new girl friends and they both live in Utah.
May - 1st weekend - Kurt & I went to Klif & Jenn's and he invited Shawn & Mark H. (brothers). The long and short of it, Shawn and I have been hanging out ever since. No dating but we are pretty good friends.
2nd weekend - Tri-Stake Cultural event, saw it twice. Once on Friday night, Shawn had an extra ticket and once on Saturday, I had an extra ticket for my co-worker and Shawn came again with us because we were hiking earlier that day, then after the play we went to Klif & Jenn's. We love it there!
Easter weekend - Sarah B. & I head to Portland and went to the Temple and attended a MSA activity there. I met some of her friends there and we had a great time. I like Portland, I love the fact that they do not have any sales tax. I bought the best looking Nike shoes.
Memorial Day weekend - Shawn & I went down to Klif & Jenn's on Saturday and I invited my co-worker, Helen, to come along. It was a lot of fun, we played badminton (aka Badmi'ten), had a BBQ and just hung out. We did errands with the Spencer's during the day to get ready for Monday - Memorial Day & Venna's b-day party, to which Shawn & I were going to.
- Sunday, gave a talk in my ward - Burnaby - on Endure to the End. It was alright.
- Memorial Day Monday, I had taken today off because it was Venna's b-day and so Shawn & I went down, it's his holiday (he's American from California) and so he took the day off of school. I went out on Jenn's brother boat, it is beautiful on the water. Later, Shelley & her friend Susan, Shawn & I tossed the football around. Then we ate food, relaxed, I learned a new card game, can't remember the name, but it's fun. Then Jacob (Meaker Nephew), Shawn & I tossed the baseball around (I love playing catch). We left the picnic area at 8:30ish, we were there since 1:30 and we headed to Jenn's. We were only going to stay for an hour more but then Gab showed up with Bobby and so Shawn & I stuck around and we were then going to leave at 10:30pm ( I did have to work the next day and Shawn has school at 1pm) but then Jenn & Shawn started talking, well basically, at 12:30am I suggested that we just stay over and leave at 6am so that I can get more sleep then if he drove me home. I was so tired the next day. But it was a great weekend.
June - 1st weekend - Finished hiking the Baden-Powell trail with Christel, Sarah B. Chris & Amy and a couple of Sarah B.'s co-workers. The rest of it wasn't bad at all and the hill we hiked up was not that big. I am a little disappointed we didn't finish it last year, at the time but I sure am glad that I finished it now. It was a fun hike and Amy & I set the pace. Sarah B. & Chris F. drove a car to Deep Cove so that we have one vehicle to drive back to the start of the trail to retrieve the other car and they told us to go on ahead, that they would catch up but when they came back they ended up retracing their steps because they thought they took a wrong turn, but they didn't. Needless to say, it took a while for them to catch up...suckers! Anyway, hiked from Hyannis Drive to Deep Cove. Very fun! After the hike, I called Kurt and I met up with him, Shawn & Mark and we hung out at English Bay beach. Tossed the frisbee and football around and then we picked up Christel later and went to the Richmond Night Market. I am still not a fan of that place but Shawn & Mark have never been. We didn't know where Kurt was but it turned out that he was eating lots and lots of food. We were doing the same but not as much. Afterwards, Shawn, Mark & Kurt came over and hung out for a couple hours...okay Kurt slept the instant he hit the couch but that is to be expected.
2nd weekend - Calgary Mid-Singles conference. This was a fun weekend which was surprising because the itinerary looked so lame compared to Huntington's but I had a blast. I met up with Vicki & Karey and we went to the Olive Garden which is always good food. I started off my trip by renting a car and because it was midnight I got a Mitsubishi Lancer, which looks like a Volvo wagon. My sister had me drive all weekend because I had air-conditioning. She said the car was perfect for me because I look like a soccer mom. Anyway, on Friday night, us girls arrived at the activity @ 11pm and some people were leaving because they were all told to leave now but whatever, who leaves right after an activity if it's not FHE? So, we walked in and it was like a Vancouver YSA conference, we had so many come from Vancouver it was awesome. I looked for Keith right away and when I found him he told me to look for Lee because Keith was occupied getting digits. So I found Lee and he had us go to where a bench was, away from the crowd and we caught up. It was great! He was Lee, I know what that means, the long and short of it, he will always be Lee. Gotta love him for it. On Saturday night after the speed dating, a guy came up to me, who I met while speed dating and we continued our conversation then he asked if we could exchange emails & #'s to keep in touch. He is cute too and athletic. Of course I said yes! So we have been emailing a bit, and just keeping in touch.
3rd week - one of the days Shawn & I went to Klif & Jenn's, I have no idea why but it was another long night and I got home at 2am. No work nights for me again. wishful thinking.
4th weekend - Seattle YSA conference, I went down with Mike L., Christel & Erich S. It was good times. We were only there for the Saturday and one of the classes was really enlightening. Mike L. Tyson, Erich and I went out for a group dinner to Las Margaritas in Issaquah, WA with 3 other people from the conference, it was fun. That night the dance was fun and shawn, Mark & his girlfriend arrived later and Shawn did some breakdancing at the end of the night. This is a guy with many talents.
5th weekend - Friday night, we stayed at the Spencer's. Shelley, Klif, Jenn, Shawn I played pool in Bellingham. So fun!!
- Saturday, Shawn & I went to Seattle, he met up with a friend and I went to the Temple. Then we went to the outlets and Costco. Shawn is now going to do all his grocery shopping the US Costco's because it is way cheaper than Canada's Costco's, this is very true. So, fun!
- Sunday - Happy Canada Day - Christel has a shindig at her place and a group of us went over and had a Jam session (I used an empty Sobe bottle to make noise), then we played Psychiatrist for a long time and also telephone charades. It was a great night.
- Monday - a group of us met up @ 2ish to either walk/rollerblade around Stanley park. I finally got to see the damage that was done last winter. Crazy! I was one of the walkers w/ Christel, Candace and Mike McC. (from Surrey). Near the end of our walk I got a call from Mike L. asking if I could put some change into his parking meter so that he won't get towed becuase the rollerbladers were all the way out by Science World, so I said no problem, I had 15 min. to get some cash and get change and run to mike's car which was 1 KM away. It was far, I was about 2 yards from the Rowing club when I started jogging and I only stopped a couple of times and not because I was out of breath but because of people or lights. I wasn't tired the whole time I was jogging, yet I was ready to fall down when I was walking. I was so proud of myself and had plenty of time to spare by the time I got to Mike's car. I think I can only jog for long distances when something important is on the line. I have jogged for friends before but when it comes to jogging for me...nothing, I get soo tired.
Okay, so my last adventure so far was July 4th. I went to Blaine with Shawn & Mark to celebrate with the Spencer's and the rest of the family. It was so fun, good food and we got lots of great photos. The water was glassy and the sunset cast this beautiful color in the sky and the water, everything was silhouetted. Made for some great photos. The fireworks were good, as always.
So, here's the update and yes, Shawn & I are just friends but we do hang out a lot together, Can you tell?
Love ya
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
What a Fun-Filled Life!
What a fun filled life I have been leading. This month has been jam packed with good times! April ended off wonderfully by going on a whirlwind (to say the least) trip to California for the Huntington Beach Mid-Singles Conference. I arrived in LA @ 10pm, a 1/2 hr late and that is also the time when Enterprise Rent-a-car closes, and I had a car on reserve. I got a cellpone specifically for my travelling and was able to call them but was on hold...hold...hold...and then voila, when I finally got outside there was the Enterprise Shuttle! So I flagged him down which was unnecessary because he was looking for a place to pull over and this was his last run of the day. Whew! So, at 11pm, I was ready to leave Enterprise with the Chevy Cobalt I was renting (not a great car) and gave Karey a call to let her know I was on me way and called my uncle as well. That is when the true adventure began. I got easy directions to the 405 but on the road I was on, the sign to let you know when turn to the 405 was not a good easy one to see, so I drove along Manchester for a long time, then called my uncle. I became that person on the cellphone, which I dislike. My uncle suggested that I turn around but I saw a gas station that I pulled into and there was a drunk homeless guy just outside but thankfully there was a lot of other people outside too because they had to pay at the window. I gave the guy a stink eye so he wouldn't come near me and asked someone if the I-10 south (that was right beside this station) linked up to the 405 and yes, it did!! My sense of direction comes in handy...when I have something to go by. So I was finally on my way and drove the i-10 south to the 405 south that would take me all the way to Huntington Beach. What I learned while driving to Huntington Beach: my right hand controls the car better when I have to drive one handed while on the phone, every second station on the radio is spanish and I can read signs and drive at the same time. I can navigate myself pretty well. That is an awesome skill.
So, I ended up taking Beach Avenue exit but turned right at the light instead of left and thought, no problem, I'll just turn here and here and get back to where I was. Nope, not in Huntington. I guess, the road I was on must have been going diagonal or something because the road was not linking up to Beach avenue again, so I turned again where I saw cars going and can you believe that at 11:30 at night there, nothing is open so that i could ask directions. I ended up in a very rich, gated estates part of town and was sure that anyone following me thought I was a drunk driver because I would slow down for green lights, do last minutes right turns and stop then go again. I called Karey again to say, I am lost, I have no idea where I am and she put some guy on the phone who wasn't too familiar with the area but was able to guide me along until I found Beach Ave. and then I was on my way to the church!! I wish that i looked at a full map of Huntington beach instead of just the streets I want. But that is for next time. I arrived at the church at midnight, chatted up the people registering everyone and then found karey, Laura, heather & Vicki in the games room, with the guy that helped me on the phone. I then had to find Sarah B. who was in the dance, because she was staying with me at me aunt & uncle's in San Clemente...another 40 min drive. I saw her right away chatting up a guy, that's Sarah! So, Friday night for me was wasted and we left soon after I got there and I drove us there and parts of the drive were uber scary with thick fog. She had to rent a car as well because we had arrived and are departing at different times....lame but at least I didn't have to drive the whole weekend because of that.
Saturday, was so fun! We met up with the girls on the beach for our service project to which we spent about an hour doing what we had to do and then we went for lunch at Crabby's. That was delicious and it was off of main street which is a surfer/beach shopping paradise with cute little tourist shops. Heather and I explored, I love little shops and streets like that in a city.
We split up for the activities because I signed up for surfing and they signed up for kayaking. When I went to my activity they grouped us up with other people and I made a new friend! Then we made another new friend...wowsa, these conferences work. haha. We went to the beach together and shared a surf board. Now, I thought that since my surf lesson was less than a year ago that I would be okay on a board by myself. Nope! Cali waves are a little more fierce and i learned on a longboard and what I had in the water now, was a short board. I would get on the board and lie on it and once a wave came, I was instantly in the water getting a good ol' washing. After three times of that, I decided to just play in the waves without the board. Haha. Afterwards, we went for Mexican and then back to the Church for that night's activities: Speed Dating! During speed dating I actually talked to a guy who knew one of my good friend's in New York. Small world! I didn't end up meeting the man of my dreams but I made a couple new friends.
Sarah & I headed back to my Aunt & Uncle's place in San Clemente and I looooove the sound of waves crashing on the beach. On Sunday, I learned that My Aunt loves to use her binoculors to check out the surfers, the distant sandbar that has dolphins frolicking around it and getting irritated at the ocean litterers. We went for a walk down the beach and saw a local surf competition. It was nice hanging out with them. That day, there was a late Sacrament and then a late lunch but I had to head out early return the car and to catch my 5pm flight out of LAX. It truly was a whirlwind trip but so worth it. Being a Mid-Single Adult is pretty fun!
We split up for the activities because I signed up for surfing and they signed up for kayaking. When I went to my activity they grouped us up with other people and I made a new friend! Then we made another new friend...wowsa, these conferences work. haha. We went to the beach together and shared a surf board. Now, I thought that since my surf lesson was less than a year ago that I would be okay on a board by myself. Nope! Cali waves are a little more fierce and i learned on a longboard and what I had in the water now, was a short board. I would get on the board and lie on it and once a wave came, I was instantly in the water getting a good ol' washing. After three times of that, I decided to just play in the waves without the board. Haha. Afterwards, we went for Mexican and then back to the Church for that night's activities: Speed Dating! During speed dating I actually talked to a guy who knew one of my good friend's in New York. Small world! I didn't end up meeting the man of my dreams but I made a couple new friends.
Sarah & I headed back to my Aunt & Uncle's place in San Clemente and I looooove the sound of waves crashing on the beach. On Sunday, I learned that My Aunt loves to use her binoculors to check out the surfers, the distant sandbar that has dolphins frolicking around it and getting irritated at the ocean litterers. We went for a walk down the beach and saw a local surf competition. It was nice hanging out with them. That day, there was a late Sacrament and then a late lunch but I had to head out early return the car and to catch my 5pm flight out of LAX. It truly was a whirlwind trip but so worth it. Being a Mid-Single Adult is pretty fun!
Sunday, April 08, 2007
My First Road Trip Adventure by myself
On Friday morning, Candace and I rented a car so that I could take her to the SEA-TAC airport and then I can go to the Temple. Thank goodness that they don't celebrate the Good Friday as we do, so then I could go on Friday instead of Saturday. She is on her way to Arizona for her last practicum and then she will be back in May for good. So we drove her to the airport and after I dropped her off that is when my adventure began because I have never driven such a long distance by myself nor in so much traffic. I had obstacles such as: construction, airport parking lot (paying to get out), rush hour traffic, semi's loaded with lumber (those are the scariest), and keeping up with traffic without getting a ticket.
So, I parked in the airport parking for Candace because she had to re-pack her luggage and get rid of a suitcase (she was overlimit) and then after that was done we said goodbye. I then backed out of may parking spot and had my foot on the brake, ready to stop the car but as I lightly pressed on it, the car kept moving back. This made me panic a little because it made me think I was pressing on the accelerator instead but it was the brake so I just slammed on it and the car stopped. So, the brake needed a little more cajoling to do it's job. Then the tire was making a weird noise but I knew that it wasn't flat because I checked them before I made my way out of the lot and so I was hoping that it was just the ridged road I was on (I learned later when I got to Jenn & Klif's that there was a little nail in the right back rear tire). To get out of the SEA-TAC airport parking lot there are about ten different tolls you can go through. More of them said "debit & Credit" so I went to that one but as I was up at the booth there was no one there and that it was just for credit/debit cards. So I had to back up and then I almost went into another one and so I had to back up again and cut across three more lanes to get to the "Cashier" labelled one, so I could pay cash. Thankfully that was the only part of my trip that was a gong show. I did get honked at by a lady in a minivan because I was backing up and she was afraid that I wasn't going to notice her. I did...after she honked but she was far enough away that I would have had to back up way more to hit her. There were not a lot of cars and for this I was very thankful. After I was out of there, that is when I took a deep breath and got on my way I then had to drive to the I-5, merge into traffic and make sure that I was in a far right lane so that I wouldn;t have to do it last minute when I got to my exit. This was a good road trip because I was familiar with every exit I had to take but it was still stressful, especially when I had to shift lanes and there were a lot of cars around me. I found that most drivers are generous and will let you merge into their lane with enough notice. My pet peeve are the drivers that for some reason feel that they don't have to signal a lane change...ever! I was able to get to the Temple no problem and went to the 2pm session. It turned out that most of the session members were from the Coquitlam ward, except Marco's parents were there too. Sister Komm was working at the Temple on Friday too. After the session, I went down to the cafeteria to get some food so I wouldn't have to stop on the way back and I was the first one there and was asked if I wanted to join the staff as they blessed the food. It was so wonderful t be part of that. Every shift change they bless the food for their shift. I had a cup of soup, mashed potatoes & gravy, a bun and a drink for 3.75$, it was filling and delicious.
I drove back and was stopping at Jenn's house for a bit but when I got to the truck crossing exit the border traffic was backed up to the on-ramp so I decided to stay a little longer at Jenn's house. When I got to her place, parked the car, shut the engine off and got out of the vehicle...I felt a huge sense of relief and sudden exhaustion wash over me. I didn't want to get back into that car for a while. I had to return the car to the Enterprise rental place in Richmond (the airport branch - only one open on Good Friday) for 7:17am. I woke up in the morning at 6 @ Jenn's left her house a little before 6:30 and then had to fill up the car and that was an ordeal in itself because the cap wasn't coming off, the cashier was nice enough to come out and ask me if I needed help. I got over the border easily enough and then it was just driving to richmond and I had to take the Massey Tunnel. My worst fear is that an earthquake happens and the tunnels starts leaking or collapses as I'm driving through it, either as a passenger or driver. I was uber tense driving through...that tunnel is a km too long, I think. So I finally arrived at my destination and got out of the car...alive!! Yay! That was my first road trip and my next one will be April 27-29th...I am renting a car from LAX Friday night and will have it until Sunday, the day I fly back. Until then I am going to get really familiar with the freeway exits I need. I love Google Maps!
So, I parked in the airport parking for Candace because she had to re-pack her luggage and get rid of a suitcase (she was overlimit) and then after that was done we said goodbye. I then backed out of may parking spot and had my foot on the brake, ready to stop the car but as I lightly pressed on it, the car kept moving back. This made me panic a little because it made me think I was pressing on the accelerator instead but it was the brake so I just slammed on it and the car stopped. So, the brake needed a little more cajoling to do it's job. Then the tire was making a weird noise but I knew that it wasn't flat because I checked them before I made my way out of the lot and so I was hoping that it was just the ridged road I was on (I learned later when I got to Jenn & Klif's that there was a little nail in the right back rear tire). To get out of the SEA-TAC airport parking lot there are about ten different tolls you can go through. More of them said "debit & Credit" so I went to that one but as I was up at the booth there was no one there and that it was just for credit/debit cards. So I had to back up and then I almost went into another one and so I had to back up again and cut across three more lanes to get to the "Cashier" labelled one, so I could pay cash. Thankfully that was the only part of my trip that was a gong show. I did get honked at by a lady in a minivan because I was backing up and she was afraid that I wasn't going to notice her. I did...after she honked but she was far enough away that I would have had to back up way more to hit her. There were not a lot of cars and for this I was very thankful. After I was out of there, that is when I took a deep breath and got on my way I then had to drive to the I-5, merge into traffic and make sure that I was in a far right lane so that I wouldn;t have to do it last minute when I got to my exit. This was a good road trip because I was familiar with every exit I had to take but it was still stressful, especially when I had to shift lanes and there were a lot of cars around me. I found that most drivers are generous and will let you merge into their lane with enough notice. My pet peeve are the drivers that for some reason feel that they don't have to signal a lane change...ever! I was able to get to the Temple no problem and went to the 2pm session. It turned out that most of the session members were from the Coquitlam ward, except Marco's parents were there too. Sister Komm was working at the Temple on Friday too. After the session, I went down to the cafeteria to get some food so I wouldn't have to stop on the way back and I was the first one there and was asked if I wanted to join the staff as they blessed the food. It was so wonderful t be part of that. Every shift change they bless the food for their shift. I had a cup of soup, mashed potatoes & gravy, a bun and a drink for 3.75$, it was filling and delicious.
I drove back and was stopping at Jenn's house for a bit but when I got to the truck crossing exit the border traffic was backed up to the on-ramp so I decided to stay a little longer at Jenn's house. When I got to her place, parked the car, shut the engine off and got out of the vehicle...I felt a huge sense of relief and sudden exhaustion wash over me. I didn't want to get back into that car for a while. I had to return the car to the Enterprise rental place in Richmond (the airport branch - only one open on Good Friday) for 7:17am. I woke up in the morning at 6 @ Jenn's left her house a little before 6:30 and then had to fill up the car and that was an ordeal in itself because the cap wasn't coming off, the cashier was nice enough to come out and ask me if I needed help. I got over the border easily enough and then it was just driving to richmond and I had to take the Massey Tunnel. My worst fear is that an earthquake happens and the tunnels starts leaking or collapses as I'm driving through it, either as a passenger or driver. I was uber tense driving through...that tunnel is a km too long, I think. So I finally arrived at my destination and got out of the car...alive!! Yay! That was my first road trip and my next one will be April 27-29th...I am renting a car from LAX Friday night and will have it until Sunday, the day I fly back. Until then I am going to get really familiar with the freeway exits I need. I love Google Maps!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
My Monthly Blog, all about ME
Bonjour! Well, I had a great birthday week and it all started off with a great weekend filled with Rook, Sevens, & good friends. On March 10th I had invited friends that knew how to play Rook well and we had a good Rook night. I was able to play two great games of Rook and Laura, bless her heart, made playing three-handed Rook fun! Elijah is always welcome to play Rook anytime. We had so many treats and at one point Nikki & Letitia interrupted our 4 handed game with a big hot tray of nachos. It was a great break. When we were playing and the silence seemed too intense for me, I said, "Hey Laura, tell them about your 'almost getting arrested' story." Well this got everyone's attention and both tables stopped playing cards to listen to her tell her tale. It was so funny and afterwards Gary (said with scottish accent) dubbed her "Bridge Jumper"and that is what he called her the rest of the night. There was Gary, Letitia, Nikki, Randy, Chandra & Laura. Ahhh good times! Laura and I make a great Rook team...high five!
Sunday, I had "the girls" over. Now when you say "The Girls" everyone knows that you are referring to Laura, Elicia & Heather...and if they don't well they should. I made Basa Fillets that were on sale at Safeway...they are delicious. I baked them in the oven with some butter and lemon. We had linguine with Four Cheese Alfredo and salad aka "greens" from Elicia, as well as carrots from Heather and Broccoli from Laura. After dinner we had some great relaxing conversation and some catching up a bit. Overall a great continuation of my Birthday week. I love having people over and will try to do it more often.
Every Wednesday night is 'Spectacular Movie Night in New West" @ Dan or Loren's house. On Facebook, Dan created a group so that more people will know to come and we can also choose the movie we want to watch during the week leading up to it. I am VP of Facility Improvement and Baking. Exciting hey?
Thursday, Gab & I rented the car that will take us on our adventure to Portland on Friday-Saturday. That night we went to Walmart and picked up some road trip items and since we were staying at her friend's house we bought some Ketchup & Dill pickle chips because you can't buy them in the States.
Friday, March 16th, the day of the trip. I was able to get off work @ 3:45 and Gab met me there so we were able to leave for the border right away. We were waiting to cross for about 45 min and started on our wa @ 5pm. Now, the drive is supposed to be 5 hours but we were able to get to Seattle in an hour & a half so we thought, great, we will get to Portland way sooner than we hoped. After passing the SEA-TAC airport driving into Tacoma, we caught up with all the traffic. So for an hour we were driving the speed limit or lower...too bad. We stopped for 15 min. for a bite to eat and then we were on our way and I was driving this time. Again, we hit a bunch of traffic and were slow for a while and at one time Gab noticed that I was doing the speed limit and said "You know Barb, if the traffic is doing 80 miles per hour and you are just keeping up with them, you won't get a ticket because its safer to keep up with traffic." So after that, instead of doing 70mph or 65mph when you hit Oregon, I kept up with traffic which was doing 80mph the whole time and if it slowed down, then I got behind the fastest car. Fun! We finally arrived in Portland and with Gab's good directions and ability to give me advance notice of when to turn, we found the place we were to stay o/night at no problem. I told her that we could do Amazing race and do very well. Too bad only Americans can compete:(
So, Saturday, we left for the Temple about 9am and arrived in time for the 10am session. We ended up getting a bit off track from where we wanted to be because of mapquest directions. Gab, said this has happened to her before, where it misses out on one piece of information. In this case, it said for us to turn right at a certain street but that street didn't exist. Thank goodness that we both have a good sense of direction so we were able to get on the right road and we also asked someone, then we were on our way! The Portland Temple is magnificent. When we arrived we saw a cute guy but he was leaving, and he was packing his stuff up on his motorcycle...if only i had a little more courage. I told Gab to go for it but she didn't. The Temple is a bigger version of the Las Vegas Temple and the outside is marble, as well as inside. The celestial room has two levels...paradise. Now I understand why so many people rave about this Temple. There was another cute single - no ring - in our session. Portland Temple is the place to meet guys, except I was too chicken to say hi or try to give the dazzling smile.
After the Temple, Gab & I drove to downtown Portland and walked around..well actually parked the car and walked a couple blocks down to where there was a St. Patrick's day performance outside of an Irish shop. I had no film to document the performers, they had bagpipes, drums, there was a big crowd and so I ventured into the store hoping they would have film...no such luck but they had lots of Irish touristy items to sell. I bought Jenn S. an Irish Wishing Stone from Ireland (she said she wanted a rock), and then I bought Gab & I these green Irish bracelets with four leaf clover charms around it. She didn't want me to pay for it but I insisted and she let me. I was a little surprised and pleased, it's not often she lets that happen. I had to check out one more place before we left Portland and that was Powell Bookstore. A huge bookstore with a lot of new and used books. I bought "Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find them" a little book to go along with the Harry Potter books. Its silly but I like it. I also bought a hard cover children's book "Peter Pan" but I fear that somw of the original text has been rewritten and re-worded to make it more readable for children. This will not do! I need to find the original story in hardcover. My book purchases came to 5.93US. Not bad, if I do say so myself.
After the bookstore we were on our way, our next stop was Jenn & Klif's place in Blaine. I almost forgot to mention that the weather was beautiful in Portland for my birthday. It was truly spring outside, wearing shorts and a t-shirt kind of weather but I was in a skirt and a long sleeved blouse...sigh. The sky was clear and the blue was very blue. After we drove into Washington state (ten minutes away), soon after it started to rain and then it didn't stop until we reached Jenn's. We made a little bit of a detour and stopped at the Outlets in Tulalip and I bought a pair of pants from Eddie Bauer. We were making great time, until we stopped for the shopping trip. I am getting really good at driving in a torrential rain downpour it seems that that is usually the weather for me when I travel from Seattle.
At Jenn & Klif's we had a traditional Irish dinner, consisting of boiled cabbage, corned beef and hash (potatoes). It was very good and they tricked me into believing that dessert was Pistachio pudding because it's green and I said, "that's great." but my face was saying, "gross but I can live with it." Jenn made me try some of the pudding and was so enthusiastic about me eating it but I couldn;t hide my distaste for it. I felt so bad until I was told later that she knew all along that I hated Pistachio pudding and that my real dessert was Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream. I love Jenn. It was a really great birthday and all the events that lead up to it. I have some really good friends here and its such a comfort and a blessing.
Sunday, I had "the girls" over. Now when you say "The Girls" everyone knows that you are referring to Laura, Elicia & Heather...and if they don't well they should. I made Basa Fillets that were on sale at Safeway...they are delicious. I baked them in the oven with some butter and lemon. We had linguine with Four Cheese Alfredo and salad aka "greens" from Elicia, as well as carrots from Heather and Broccoli from Laura. After dinner we had some great relaxing conversation and some catching up a bit. Overall a great continuation of my Birthday week. I love having people over and will try to do it more often.
Every Wednesday night is 'Spectacular Movie Night in New West" @ Dan or Loren's house. On Facebook, Dan created a group so that more people will know to come and we can also choose the movie we want to watch during the week leading up to it. I am VP of Facility Improvement and Baking. Exciting hey?
Thursday, Gab & I rented the car that will take us on our adventure to Portland on Friday-Saturday. That night we went to Walmart and picked up some road trip items and since we were staying at her friend's house we bought some Ketchup & Dill pickle chips because you can't buy them in the States.
Friday, March 16th, the day of the trip. I was able to get off work @ 3:45 and Gab met me there so we were able to leave for the border right away. We were waiting to cross for about 45 min and started on our wa @ 5pm. Now, the drive is supposed to be 5 hours but we were able to get to Seattle in an hour & a half so we thought, great, we will get to Portland way sooner than we hoped. After passing the SEA-TAC airport driving into Tacoma, we caught up with all the traffic. So for an hour we were driving the speed limit or lower...too bad. We stopped for 15 min. for a bite to eat and then we were on our way and I was driving this time. Again, we hit a bunch of traffic and were slow for a while and at one time Gab noticed that I was doing the speed limit and said "You know Barb, if the traffic is doing 80 miles per hour and you are just keeping up with them, you won't get a ticket because its safer to keep up with traffic." So after that, instead of doing 70mph or 65mph when you hit Oregon, I kept up with traffic which was doing 80mph the whole time and if it slowed down, then I got behind the fastest car. Fun! We finally arrived in Portland and with Gab's good directions and ability to give me advance notice of when to turn, we found the place we were to stay o/night at no problem. I told her that we could do Amazing race and do very well. Too bad only Americans can compete:(
So, Saturday, we left for the Temple about 9am and arrived in time for the 10am session. We ended up getting a bit off track from where we wanted to be because of mapquest directions. Gab, said this has happened to her before, where it misses out on one piece of information. In this case, it said for us to turn right at a certain street but that street didn't exist. Thank goodness that we both have a good sense of direction so we were able to get on the right road and we also asked someone, then we were on our way! The Portland Temple is magnificent. When we arrived we saw a cute guy but he was leaving, and he was packing his stuff up on his motorcycle...if only i had a little more courage. I told Gab to go for it but she didn't. The Temple is a bigger version of the Las Vegas Temple and the outside is marble, as well as inside. The celestial room has two levels...paradise. Now I understand why so many people rave about this Temple. There was another cute single - no ring - in our session. Portland Temple is the place to meet guys, except I was too chicken to say hi or try to give the dazzling smile.
After the Temple, Gab & I drove to downtown Portland and walked around..well actually parked the car and walked a couple blocks down to where there was a St. Patrick's day performance outside of an Irish shop. I had no film to document the performers, they had bagpipes, drums, there was a big crowd and so I ventured into the store hoping they would have film...no such luck but they had lots of Irish touristy items to sell. I bought Jenn S. an Irish Wishing Stone from Ireland (she said she wanted a rock), and then I bought Gab & I these green Irish bracelets with four leaf clover charms around it. She didn't want me to pay for it but I insisted and she let me. I was a little surprised and pleased, it's not often she lets that happen. I had to check out one more place before we left Portland and that was Powell Bookstore. A huge bookstore with a lot of new and used books. I bought "Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find them" a little book to go along with the Harry Potter books. Its silly but I like it. I also bought a hard cover children's book "Peter Pan" but I fear that somw of the original text has been rewritten and re-worded to make it more readable for children. This will not do! I need to find the original story in hardcover. My book purchases came to 5.93US. Not bad, if I do say so myself.
After the bookstore we were on our way, our next stop was Jenn & Klif's place in Blaine. I almost forgot to mention that the weather was beautiful in Portland for my birthday. It was truly spring outside, wearing shorts and a t-shirt kind of weather but I was in a skirt and a long sleeved blouse...sigh. The sky was clear and the blue was very blue. After we drove into Washington state (ten minutes away), soon after it started to rain and then it didn't stop until we reached Jenn's. We made a little bit of a detour and stopped at the Outlets in Tulalip and I bought a pair of pants from Eddie Bauer. We were making great time, until we stopped for the shopping trip. I am getting really good at driving in a torrential rain downpour it seems that that is usually the weather for me when I travel from Seattle.
At Jenn & Klif's we had a traditional Irish dinner, consisting of boiled cabbage, corned beef and hash (potatoes). It was very good and they tricked me into believing that dessert was Pistachio pudding because it's green and I said, "that's great." but my face was saying, "gross but I can live with it." Jenn made me try some of the pudding and was so enthusiastic about me eating it but I couldn;t hide my distaste for it. I felt so bad until I was told later that she knew all along that I hated Pistachio pudding and that my real dessert was Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream. I love Jenn. It was a really great birthday and all the events that lead up to it. I have some really good friends here and its such a comfort and a blessing.
Monday, February 19, 2007
MySpace ADDiction
I am addicted to adding people to my MySpace page. Once I realized that celebrities are on myspace I have become an adding machine. I searched Alec Baldwin and cha-ching...he has a page with a lot of celebrities as his friends, so I have added a lot of them too. I have Matt Damon, a Luke Wilson fanspace, Benji (from so you think you can dance), Patrick Dempsey, Alec Baldwin and am waiting on lots more. Pathetic hey...but its soo fun! Now when I post a comment for Alec Baldwin should I let him know that I would love to go on date with him? I have always found him good looking and he just gets better with age. He is probably the only guy over 40 that I would consider going on a date with...plus he's a non-member but its Alec Baldwin...you neva know! hahaha.
MySpace is an addictive, time-wasting invention and I love it!!! Okay, that is my random rant. I am listening to an all 80's radio station from iTunes that played a german version of "Major Tom". The world is so open to me now. Where was I before? Okay, I think I need some human interaction before I go completely mad.
MySpace is an addictive, time-wasting invention and I love it!!! Okay, that is my random rant. I am listening to an all 80's radio station from iTunes that played a german version of "Major Tom". The world is so open to me now. Where was I before? Okay, I think I need some human interaction before I go completely mad.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Sweet Georgia!
I am using Georgia as my font today thus the inspired title to this wonderful prose you are about to enjoy.
Friday night was a good night for laughs, Nikki, Mehgan, Christine (girl from Burnaby) and myself went to the movie and learned to never see an early show on a Friday night...it is pure madness!!
We watched Music & Lyrics and it was pretty good except I didn't feel the chemistry between Drew & Hugh (funny how their name rhymes hey?). Nonetheless, enjoyable movie and it kind of inspired me to write a little more. I need to get over my laziness aka procrastination, vice-versa and finish what I start.
Afterwards, we all went to Applebees and we had this waiter, he wasn't handsome but okay looking and all night he was giving us special attention...mostly to me. I wasn't attracted to him but i'll take attention in a restaurant. Anyway, he starts by making a flirty comment about my order of lemon water and when he comes back with the drink orders he gives me two straws. Awww...actually I was afraid he was going to take a drink from my cup, wouldn't put it past him. Christine had ordered a blueberry milkshake and I noticed that she was taking her whipped cream off and I said, "What are you doing? That's the best part!" Now, I just met her that night but she was nice enough to not be wierded out by my strange outburst and told me to eat all her whipped cream off the top of the milkshake, which I did. Yumm. After Mehgan saw how much I loved whipped cream she then said, "well Barb, I now know what to get you as a wedding present." This was basically a "let's see how much we can make Barb blush" evening at Applebees. So, comments went like that from then on and the waiter came back with our other orders and gave me two spoons for the dessert I ordered. Hmm, subtle hints? As we were eating, he came again and did a magic trick for us, using two sponge balls and then he did a magic trick where he made a tiny fake flower appear and gave it to me, in honor of my birthday in a month (I asked what happens on your birthday at Applebees - I have to know my options). Karey you will love this part, I then asked him about something he referred to as 'Scooby-Doo style" and when I asked what he meant, then he started speaking like Scooby-Doo...we were laughing so hard. I was embarrassed for asking about it as well. This guy, what a character. After we had finished our meal/dessert, he came back asking if we need anything else and Mehgan said, "Yes, Barb would love some Whipped Cream". He said, oh ya? and walked off. I looked at Mehgan and said, "I am afraid of what he is going to come back with." And she said, "what? the cheque?" and all the girls laughed but I knew what he was doing, I knew he was going to come back with whipped cream et voila! He came back with a can of whipped cream. He then said, "so, are you going to open up or am I pouring this on your nose?" I was mortified! The girls loved it, Mehgan got her camera out and Nikki proceeded to hold my hands down so I couldn't push the can of whipped cream out of my face, which I was doing. So I relented and opened my mouth, to have some whipped cream. He did it twice plus gave himself some too. Am I the only one that feels that I was in the twilight zone here? It was fun and embarassing all at the same time. Mehgan then put on the receipt, great service and great times. Barb had a blast. 604-call- Barb. I really thought she was going to put my real # for a second, wouldn't put it past her. So that was the craziness of Friday night!
Saturday, I went to the Kits beach dog park with Mehgan and her dog, Mavi. It was soo fun, well beautiful. There was a guy there (no ring) who I thought had two labs because he was throwing a stick out for both of them in the water, and when I said to him, you have beautiful dogs, he said, "Thanks but only one of them is mine." then Mehgan says to him, she really loves chocolate labs (she is ever the matchmaker and believes that you always need that extra something. Haha) His dog, was the chocolate Lab of course and so I said that I love labs and his dog is beautiful. he said, ya they are great, expecially if you are really active. So I told him that I used to have a doberman/lab cross and that was basically our conversation. He left and I watched him go. Beautiful dog, Beautiful man. I think I will go with Mehgan to that dog park all the time. Fun!!
Then we went to Mark's house for some Mocktails and good eatin'! Mark makes the best Pina Colada mocktail, it was the perfect amount of ice and flavor so that it didn't make me not want to drink another virgin pina colada again...like in Vegas. That was way too creamy and sweet but very yummy too.
So far, this weekend, very good times.
Friday night was a good night for laughs, Nikki, Mehgan, Christine (girl from Burnaby) and myself went to the movie and learned to never see an early show on a Friday night...it is pure madness!!
We watched Music & Lyrics and it was pretty good except I didn't feel the chemistry between Drew & Hugh (funny how their name rhymes hey?). Nonetheless, enjoyable movie and it kind of inspired me to write a little more. I need to get over my laziness aka procrastination, vice-versa and finish what I start.
Afterwards, we all went to Applebees and we had this waiter, he wasn't handsome but okay looking and all night he was giving us special attention...mostly to me. I wasn't attracted to him but i'll take attention in a restaurant. Anyway, he starts by making a flirty comment about my order of lemon water and when he comes back with the drink orders he gives me two straws. Awww...actually I was afraid he was going to take a drink from my cup, wouldn't put it past him. Christine had ordered a blueberry milkshake and I noticed that she was taking her whipped cream off and I said, "What are you doing? That's the best part!" Now, I just met her that night but she was nice enough to not be wierded out by my strange outburst and told me to eat all her whipped cream off the top of the milkshake, which I did. Yumm. After Mehgan saw how much I loved whipped cream she then said, "well Barb, I now know what to get you as a wedding present." This was basically a "let's see how much we can make Barb blush" evening at Applebees. So, comments went like that from then on and the waiter came back with our other orders and gave me two spoons for the dessert I ordered. Hmm, subtle hints? As we were eating, he came again and did a magic trick for us, using two sponge balls and then he did a magic trick where he made a tiny fake flower appear and gave it to me, in honor of my birthday in a month (I asked what happens on your birthday at Applebees - I have to know my options). Karey you will love this part, I then asked him about something he referred to as 'Scooby-Doo style" and when I asked what he meant, then he started speaking like Scooby-Doo...we were laughing so hard. I was embarrassed for asking about it as well. This guy, what a character. After we had finished our meal/dessert, he came back asking if we need anything else and Mehgan said, "Yes, Barb would love some Whipped Cream". He said, oh ya? and walked off. I looked at Mehgan and said, "I am afraid of what he is going to come back with." And she said, "what? the cheque?" and all the girls laughed but I knew what he was doing, I knew he was going to come back with whipped cream et voila! He came back with a can of whipped cream. He then said, "so, are you going to open up or am I pouring this on your nose?" I was mortified! The girls loved it, Mehgan got her camera out and Nikki proceeded to hold my hands down so I couldn't push the can of whipped cream out of my face, which I was doing. So I relented and opened my mouth, to have some whipped cream. He did it twice plus gave himself some too. Am I the only one that feels that I was in the twilight zone here? It was fun and embarassing all at the same time. Mehgan then put on the receipt, great service and great times. Barb had a blast. 604-call- Barb. I really thought she was going to put my real # for a second, wouldn't put it past her. So that was the craziness of Friday night!
Saturday, I went to the Kits beach dog park with Mehgan and her dog, Mavi. It was soo fun, well beautiful. There was a guy there (no ring) who I thought had two labs because he was throwing a stick out for both of them in the water, and when I said to him, you have beautiful dogs, he said, "Thanks but only one of them is mine." then Mehgan says to him, she really loves chocolate labs (she is ever the matchmaker and believes that you always need that extra something. Haha) His dog, was the chocolate Lab of course and so I said that I love labs and his dog is beautiful. he said, ya they are great, expecially if you are really active. So I told him that I used to have a doberman/lab cross and that was basically our conversation. He left and I watched him go. Beautiful dog, Beautiful man. I think I will go with Mehgan to that dog park all the time. Fun!!
Then we went to Mark's house for some Mocktails and good eatin'! Mark makes the best Pina Colada mocktail, it was the perfect amount of ice and flavor so that it didn't make me not want to drink another virgin pina colada again...like in Vegas. That was way too creamy and sweet but very yummy too.
So far, this weekend, very good times.
Monday, February 12, 2007
I'm Gettin' all Growns'd up!
Well, the time with the boy has been ended for a bit now and we are just friends. He done found himself that speshul someone..haha. I was infatuated with the "idea" of him that he created for me but as I was able to step away and gain the much realistic perspective that I needed...one must accept a person for who they are in order to truly care for that person. I wanted to change a lot of things about him. Haha, I am soo shallow sometimes but there are just some things about him that I was constantly trying to change and the person who he is with, is so completely smitten and cares for him. He needs that in his life. I need that in my life, who am I kidding but I now know more or have a re-commitment to the kind of man I want in my life and I have to get back on track in having those same qualities. I know that spiritually I have those qualities but I kind of went lazy on being a goody two shoes (what the heck does "goody two shoes" mean anyway....seriously break that phrase down and try to understand it). Well not that I am a heathen but anyway, I am lax I think when I am with other people. Hmm...I know what I mean.
I also went out on a limb in another part of my life and I already knew the outcome but I did it more for the experience than the result. The result made the experience which was great & a little heartbreaking.
Every Wednesday night is movie night a Loren B.'s so that's good and I have gone to the Temple twice this month. Lost...sooo good! Survivor....Rocky is my favorite already. Gilmore Girls...Christopher, get over yourself already and I really want a Logan or Luke in my life...they are awesome!! Also, starting this Sunday, so I have to record it, is All-Star Amazing Race and Rob & Amber are on it again!! They are so fun to watch, I am soo excited!
Watched Because I Said So and i recommend it..plus there is an uber-hot guy!
I also went out on a limb in another part of my life and I already knew the outcome but I did it more for the experience than the result. The result made the experience which was great & a little heartbreaking.
Every Wednesday night is movie night a Loren B.'s so that's good and I have gone to the Temple twice this month. Lost...sooo good! Survivor....Rocky is my favorite already. Gilmore Girls...Christopher, get over yourself already and I really want a Logan or Luke in my life...they are awesome!! Also, starting this Sunday, so I have to record it, is All-Star Amazing Race and Rob & Amber are on it again!! They are so fun to watch, I am soo excited!
Watched Because I Said So and i recommend it..plus there is an uber-hot guy!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Never Leave a Woman Alone with Her Thoughts
Alas, the time has come to reveal what has been happening in my life. It is 5:19am and I was able to get 8hrs sleep. This past week has been wonderful and dreadful all at the same time. Wonderful because I feel more secure in my relationship with earlier said boy but not enough so that I know this is going somewhere. On Monday, I got the coughs at work, that night ate supper but it didn't stay down:( Tuesday, went to work but could only stay for an hour, I felt horrible, so I went home, got into my pyjamas, made some chicken soup, laid on the couch and watched a movie. I had the worst sinus pain ever, my head was literally going to explode. The coughing is giving me great ab muscles...at least I hope so, it hurts like it. The fever...ahh the fever, keeps me warm. I wasn't at work for two days and on Thursday I felt better but Friday...I was slowly dying. After work, I came home, made some food...I was finally starving, hadn't eaten much all week. Laid on the couch, watched a movie and was in bed by 8:30pm...blessed sleep. So I woke up at about 3:30am-ish and started thinking about things. Mostly regarding the boy and the conclusion I came up with is...for all men's sake, never leave a woman alone with her thoughts. It will bite them in the keester, basically.
I really like hanging out with him because he appreciates me for me. He listens to me and we have great conversations about everything, a lot about the gospel. It feels great to have that kind of relationship with a guy. When I think about it, he is the male version of my friendship with Jenn S. Except I would only go camping with him if we are married and maybe not to Sol Duc Hot Springs...we wouldn't fit in(long funny story). Yet the thing is, he is still dating other girls!!! Yet he spends a lot of time with me, on the phone, email or face to face. I am falling for him and its driving me crazy because that will end up biting me in the keester if I'm not careful. Or maybe not. But is this the year to be careful? Is this a time to take risks like I said before in my last blog?
This is a challenge and it is forcing me to think about things and look at them as they are, which is wonderful. Now I am just trying to figure out if he is my blessing that will become a trial or my trial which will become a blessing? In relationships, don't trials and blessings become intermingled?
I really like hanging out with him because he appreciates me for me. He listens to me and we have great conversations about everything, a lot about the gospel. It feels great to have that kind of relationship with a guy. When I think about it, he is the male version of my friendship with Jenn S. Except I would only go camping with him if we are married and maybe not to Sol Duc Hot Springs...we wouldn't fit in(long funny story). Yet the thing is, he is still dating other girls!!! Yet he spends a lot of time with me, on the phone, email or face to face. I am falling for him and its driving me crazy because that will end up biting me in the keester if I'm not careful. Or maybe not. But is this the year to be careful? Is this a time to take risks like I said before in my last blog?
This is a challenge and it is forcing me to think about things and look at them as they are, which is wonderful. Now I am just trying to figure out if he is my blessing that will become a trial or my trial which will become a blessing? In relationships, don't trials and blessings become intermingled?
Monday, January 15, 2007
Happy New Year!!
So I started the New Year off with a bang! I already lined up my first date in the New Year on Dec 29th. I needed to make sure my 2007 started off properly. haha! I was asked out on a date @ the YSA dance in Burnaby by a guy who was divorced and I was okay with that. He's pretty cute and we went out on a date two fridays ago and went on a couple more, this would be great except he is also asking other girls out too. I didn't have a problem with that because I wasn't too interested, we have a great time when we are together and can be pretty level with each other. But now, I have a little bit of a crush and he brought me flowers to my work today. I was soo embarrassed but they are soo beautiful. He owns a flower shop by the way:) Anyway, the flowers are daisies, tulips and a Gerber, I think. All I know is that he remembered what I liked and brought me flowers. He is quite the charmer, he tells me i'm pretty (that's what got him the first date), beautiful, thinks my quirkiness aka snobbiness is "cute" and likes me. I just wish that it also meant that he wanted to date me exclusively...:( So far, we are pretty good friends and if it ever leads to anything more than this, then I'll keep you all posted...no pun intended. I was saying to Mehgan over New Years weekend that I miss having a really good guy friend and then look what happens, I get a self-confidence booster and good guy friend in one.
I have a registered to attend the MidSingles Conference in California this spring. I get to visit with my Aunt & Uncle when I am there and have signed up to surf on the saturday activity!! Yes!! This is the "Year of the Grown-Up" for me and so far, it's going great! I attended the Burnaby Ward two Sundays in a row now and this past Sunday I had Doug B. transfer my records. I ripped off the bandaid so to speak! So many changes, all good and it's only the beginning of the 3rd week of January. I am being more bold and getting out there and taking risks. Even with my heart and that's okay...a little scary but okay.
To the Year of the Grown-Up...May it stay as exciting as these first two weeks have been.
I have a registered to attend the MidSingles Conference in California this spring. I get to visit with my Aunt & Uncle when I am there and have signed up to surf on the saturday activity!! Yes!! This is the "Year of the Grown-Up" for me and so far, it's going great! I attended the Burnaby Ward two Sundays in a row now and this past Sunday I had Doug B. transfer my records. I ripped off the bandaid so to speak! So many changes, all good and it's only the beginning of the 3rd week of January. I am being more bold and getting out there and taking risks. Even with my heart and that's okay...a little scary but okay.
To the Year of the Grown-Up...May it stay as exciting as these first two weeks have been.
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