A birthday video for Kelly. Strange, yet entertaining. Enjoy! lol
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Weddings and Wine
Heading back to Ontario was a strange experience for Kel and I. As we crossed the border into Windsor and made our way home to Leamington it had felt like we never left. Not exactly the reaction I had thought I was going to have, me either, but I guess when nothing has changed there's nothing new to see. I don't know why I thought it would all look different to me...?
Well I think part of it was that we came back with a new set of eyes, or so we thought. Physically things have changed in some ways, but in the grand scheme of things we just re-inserted ourselves back into that world...hesitantly. We weren't quite ready to really take a break and found ourselves embarking on adventures of our own with friends from old places!
I headed to St. Catharines for a weekend of grape and wine action! A festival they have every year...And I must say it didn't disappoint. As usual, it was filled with live music, good times and great friends. And of course we went to The Chilli Pepper and Rockfords...where we partied most of the 4 years I attended Brock University. All in all a fabulous weekend!
And while I did partake in one evening of Grape and Wine -it would have been a sin not to :) - and shared my love for the band at the Chilli Pepper, I was off to the Kawartha Lakes region north of Toronto to watch one of my beautiful girlfriends tie the knot.
It's a long story to explain how I know both the bride and groom. Tim I've known since my first year in university and Kristi (T), I lived with my last two years of university. Somewhere in between, they met and the rest is history.
The wedding was absolutely beautiful and it was great to see everyone...and I mean everyone. It was like a Brock University reunion. Well actually maybe not Brock, maybe Ajax....or maybe those are synonymous terms, as at times, it felt like Ajax was taking over Brock and vice versa. On either side of the fence it didn't matter because the group of people there to support T and Tim were all amazing and many hold a little spot in my heart...and lots of crazy memories!
Much love to all of you, I love you heaps and heaps and can't wait until next time!
Well I think part of it was that we came back with a new set of eyes, or so we thought. Physically things have changed in some ways, but in the grand scheme of things we just re-inserted ourselves back into that world...hesitantly. We weren't quite ready to really take a break and found ourselves embarking on adventures of our own with friends from old places!
I headed to St. Catharines for a weekend of grape and wine action! A festival they have every year...And I must say it didn't disappoint. As usual, it was filled with live music, good times and great friends. And of course we went to The Chilli Pepper and Rockfords...where we partied most of the 4 years I attended Brock University. All in all a fabulous weekend!
And while I did partake in one evening of Grape and Wine -it would have been a sin not to :) - and shared my love for the band at the Chilli Pepper, I was off to the Kawartha Lakes region north of Toronto to watch one of my beautiful girlfriends tie the knot.
It's a long story to explain how I know both the bride and groom. Tim I've known since my first year in university and Kristi (T), I lived with my last two years of university. Somewhere in between, they met and the rest is history.
The wedding was absolutely beautiful and it was great to see everyone...and I mean everyone. It was like a Brock University reunion. Well actually maybe not Brock, maybe Ajax....or maybe those are synonymous terms, as at times, it felt like Ajax was taking over Brock and vice versa. On either side of the fence it didn't matter because the group of people there to support T and Tim were all amazing and many hold a little spot in my heart...and lots of crazy memories!
Much love to all of you, I love you heaps and heaps and can't wait until next time!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Made it to Michigan
After World's Greatest Marketing Seminar in L.A., it was time to head home. After dropping Dad off at the airport in Las Vegas, Kel and I were off! We basically drove for 3 days straight...sleeping in the car both nights we were on the road. Although it wasn't our ideal place of rest we were pretty used to it considering it wasn't the first time the car became our bed! lol. The night sky was brilliant and the mountains of Utah and Colorado were a nice place to be again. It'll be the last time we see those mountains for a while. *sigh* Venturing along the border of Colorado and Kansas revealed some eclectic people. I think we saw our first REAL rednecks, mullets and all.
The next couple days we just relaxed...and creeped facebook of course, and replied to emails and such. It was nice to actually do nothing. lol. We also helped our Dad put his boat in the water and we went for a boat ride and swim in Lake St. Clair. I'm pretty sure it was the last nice day of the year so I'm glad we took advantage of that!
Finally we arrived in Michigan at our Dad's place and all we could do was crash! Obviously! lol
The next couple days we just relaxed...and creeped facebook of course, and replied to emails and such. It was nice to actually do nothing. lol. We also helped our Dad put his boat in the water and we went for a boat ride and swim in Lake St. Clair. I'm pretty sure it was the last nice day of the year so I'm glad we took advantage of that!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
World's Greatest Marketing Seminar
Well, I don't have too much to say about this one. World's Greatest Marketing Seminar was basically the end of our trip on the West. Although the course was educational and I had a lot of insights about what I want to do and directions for a prospective business, I knew we were heading home right after the course was finished and I must say I wasn't thrilled about it. But it was where we were supposed to be going, and it became quite obvious when the course started to seem dull and I was uninterested in half the stuff that was being taught.
At first I thought it was the difference between the high energy at camps, which we've been experiencing all summer, compared to the mediocre energy of a course. And then I thought it was just my own boredom and weak attention span when it comes to talking about business. BUT I soon discovered that it was perfect. It was perfect that the course wasn't fulfilling to me
because the universe wanted to show me that it was time for me to leave. There was nothing left for me here now and I was meant to be somewhere else.
I was sad to be leaving...not just to be leaving the West which I fell in love with, but all my friends and strong connections I made over the past 8 months. Although Leamington has been our home all our lives, Kel and I now have multiple homes and families all over the continent.
Nothing like throwing it all on the line there Kate. lol. I had a major energy shift coming from the high energy of camps into the lower energy of a seminar. It was a serious adjustment for me to make. Coming back into the real world isn't always the wake up call you want, but it's usually what you need. The course was full of valuable information and we did get some kick ass ideas about what to do with our blog, but for me it was the end of a cycle, not neccessarily of learning, but just the end of a cycle in my life. Of that go go go, learn, gather, network. I feel like it's time to start applying what I've learned and really commit to something to make it work.
Leaving the west sucks. But we do have plenty of homes to come back to when we decide to go back. On to whatever is next!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Even and Burbo!
Our amazingly, fabulous (yes, he is fabulous) friend Even was kind enough to let us stay at his house after our fun-filled two weeks of camp in Sanger.
But before we went to Even's, Kel, Chris, Veronica, Ben, Irma, Lea, and I all went out for dinner in Santa Monica followed by a walk on the beach under the full moonlight. I guess you could say it was a night to show our love to the moon and to release whatever was on our minds. We definitely did that! lol. Levitate anyone?
It was a magical creation and is currently with Lea I believe, aka Medusa. Oh la la! :) I love these ladies and can't wait to find out what adventures are to come for each of us! What she said!
But before we went to Even's, Kel, Chris, Veronica, Ben, Irma, Lea, and I all went out for dinner in Santa Monica followed by a walk on the beach under the full moonlight. I guess you could say it was a night to show our love to the moon and to release whatever was on our minds. We definitely did that! lol. Levitate anyone? Kel and I, and Veronica tagged along as well, then headed to L.A. for some much needed R&R. Kel and I had actually been going non-stop since July. Two months of continuous fun is fun...but still tiring.
Even has an amazing house and its filled with amazing art by none other than Even himself. He also shares his pad with his slobbering handsome dog BURBO! lol. I love him! His spit is everywhere and he is like a miniature wrecking ball sometimes, but he is a sweetheart and very entertaining. haha.
We didn't see Even much when we were there. He had lots of fabulous parties to go to..lol..But we did go to a cabaret show with him to watch his friend Bernie. It was great! I had an awesome time, and they even made a shout out to us Warriors! Congrats to Bernie on the show and on being a new Warrior! A-HO!
Mostly Kel, V and I just hung out. Watched TV! The one night we had a goddess party with Lea and Irma. Ben came along as well, even though he's technically not a goddess. V came up with the idea of a traveling journal and so the 5 of us spent the night decorating it and putting all our love and radiant energy into it.
It was a magical creation and is currently with Lea I believe, aka Medusa. Oh la la! :) I love these ladies and can't wait to find out what adventures are to come for each of us! What she said!Thursday, October 15, 2009
August? When was that?
Oh my, August went by so fast it was as if it didn't even happen...but it's impossible to forget all the adventures we had that month! It was an amazing experience, filled with amazing people! Couldn't have asked for a better experience and a better August! Thanks to all, old friends and new!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Return to Sanger...Birthplace of our Enlightened Warriors!
It wasn't quite a full year since our last visit to Sanger when we returned to volunteer for Warrior and Wizard in August, but it was a full circle moment (for me at least).
We had only been at Diane's for like 2 days and Katie and I were committed to being at Warrior and Wizard to volunteer in CA if that's where we were meant to be. Well, that's sure where we were meant to be because we were confirmed and leaving in two days within 5 mins of me sending that email! Talk about getting answers quick! And talk about going with the flow. :)
Back to the grounds where we first became Warriors last September. Something in the air, the energy, the heat...I was at home, every part of my being felt it. Writing it right now brings it all back. I guess it's that easy to go back to the places you want to go! Being in Sanger was like returning to the place I was born. It's a place that will always reinforce me of my power and remind me of my contribution to this world. Playing small is no longer an option, and everything I do is in line with my purpose. And well, the next two weeks at camp sure did want to test that!! lol. I'm not surprised considering it's the place where it all began...
We worked, we played, we laughed, and I know we cried. Two very different activities within two very different weeks. It was different than our camps up in Squamish, but a great experience in awareness, love and service. YES! We are so grateful for all our new friends, for the deeper connections with old ones and for being able to do and witness some of the most amazing shit ever!!!
A-HO and So Be It!
Thanks to Irma for some of the awesome photos!
We had only been at Diane's for like 2 days and Katie and I were committed to being at Warrior and Wizard to volunteer in CA if that's where we were meant to be. Well, that's sure where we were meant to be because we were confirmed and leaving in two days within 5 mins of me sending that email! Talk about getting answers quick! And talk about going with the flow. :)
Back to the grounds where we first became Warriors last September. Something in the air, the energy, the heat...I was at home, every part of my being felt it. Writing it right now brings it all back. I guess it's that easy to go back to the places you want to go! Being in Sanger was like returning to the place I was born. It's a place that will always reinforce me of my power and remind me of my contribution to this world. Playing small is no longer an option, and everything I do is in line with my purpose. And well, the next two weeks at camp sure did want to test that!! lol. I'm not surprised considering it's the place where it all began...
We worked, we played, we laughed, and I know we cried. Two very different activities within two very different weeks. It was different than our camps up in Squamish, but a great experience in awareness, love and service. YES! We are so grateful for all our new friends, for the deeper connections with old ones and for being able to do and witness some of the most amazing shit ever!!!
A-HO and So Be It!
Thanks to Irma for some of the awesome photos!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Soft Rock in White Rock
After Mind of Steel Heart of Gold (MSHG) we decided to move on from Burnaby and hauled all our stuff to Diane's place in White Rock, BC. It was absolutely beautiful.
Diane, don't forget your declarations! And thanks for the pics that we used in the MSHG vid!
The first night after camp Dad put Katie and I up in a B&B on the waterfront pretty much. It was absolutely beautiful. We spent most of the night chilling on the balcony overlooking the ocean or strait...I'm not sure...I think it was a strait, while munching on pizza and nachos. Although all the great food at camp was to be missed (especially the crumble), we 'preferred' something a little more on the less disciplined side of things for a change. Every day at camp I told Diane I was manifesting pizza in the lunch line, buuuut nothing. I wasn't surprised. Lol, so ya I was pretty determined to get some.
Diane was in our group for MSHG and was kind enough to extend an invitation for us to stay with her as long as we needed knowing that we really didn't have any plans made for our next move. Well after a FULL day of laundry and drying out wet belongings, we had our answer. We were off to California.
I love staying with new people and getting a glimpse into their lives. Diane certainly knows how to have fun. From our walk down the peer and gelato to awesome dinners, we had a blast in the company of her high energy and happiness! Birds of a feather flock together I guess :)Diane, don't forget your declarations! And thanks for the pics that we used in the MSHG vid!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Mind of Steel Heart of Gold
Ummmm..... There are absolutely no words to describe this week. It's a month passed as I'm writing this and I'm still saying "Really??? Did that ACTUALLY happen???"
Hahaha, ya it's hard to really put into words or even cohesive thoughts what Mind of Steel, Heart of Gold was for me. Possibly a culmination of everything I've learned starting a year ago! All I can say is that it was one of THE most amazing experiences of my life, and I am so proud of myself, my Dad, and my sister at how far we've come and how much we've changed..for the better of course! lol. I am so grateful...and to echo Kel, "I can't believe I actually did that!?!?!" ah! Great way to end our camp adventures in Squamish!Much love to Soft Rock! Enjoy the video xo
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Mamma Mullen in the Hiz-ouse!!!
Mom arrived in Vancouver on the beautiful Civic Holiday Weekend! The night she arrived we headed out to Jessica's place in Coquitlam for a BBQ with her family. Mmmmm.... The Voo's are such amazing people and let us into their home without even giving us a chance to say YES! lol They and made us feel like we were home. Vancouver now holds a special place in our hearts. Not just for the Voo's, but for everyone who welcomed us with open arms...and open hearts. :)
The next day we started our week long adventure with Mama Mullen! We did a beautiful drive along the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver up to Whistler with a little stop in Squamish...as if we weren't already spending enough time there. It was nice to show Mom where we were spending the majority of our summer! And although it's not the same experience as being at camp, the view on the drive up in unbelievable and worth the trip!
We headed out to Vancouver Island and stayed with some family, Mike and Marlene, in Courtenay, BC. We didn't have the best weather or highest and best energy possible, but we had a good time anyways! Took a little drive up to Telegraph Cove and Port McNeil. Well it wasn't really little, but it created lots of space for us to chat and bond again. Being away from each other for 7 months can create some distance...nothing we couldn't gap though!
After a few days of just chilling we headed down to Parksville for the sand scultpure competition before heading back to the mainland. Artists from all over the world came to build and had some amazing sculptures! I think the theme was 'the olympics'.
One thing I know to be true is that my week spent with Mom was not about what we saw, where we went or what we did, it was about just being in the moment with an open heart and very much going with the flow of whatever was thrown at me.
Hmmmm,...the week was interesting. Although us three Mullen women had some grunts at the beginning of our trip, we worked through the knots. Three VERY different energies coming together as one after months apart....it's bound to happen! But that was normal. I knew that would happen. The interesting part was when the universe dropped a challenge into our lap. A challenge that tested us right to our core but did not defeat. The point of this banter...The lesson learned: The perfect house in the the perfect neighborhood with the perfect family and the perfect cars and the perfect friends...is a lie. It's a lie if you're not really LIVING. And once you actually start LIVING the life you've always wanted,....the 'perfect life' doesn't really matter anymore.
End note: I love my life! And my family!
The next day we started our week long adventure with Mama Mullen! We did a beautiful drive along the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver up to Whistler with a little stop in Squamish...as if we weren't already spending enough time there. It was nice to show Mom where we were spending the majority of our summer! And although it's not the same experience as being at camp, the view on the drive up in unbelievable and worth the trip!
We headed out to Vancouver Island and stayed with some family, Mike and Marlene, in Courtenay, BC. We didn't have the best weather or highest and best energy possible, but we had a good time anyways! Took a little drive up to Telegraph Cove and Port McNeil. Well it wasn't really little, but it created lots of space for us to chat and bond again. Being away from each other for 7 months can create some distance...nothing we couldn't gap though!
After a few days of just chilling we headed down to Parksville for the sand scultpure competition before heading back to the mainland. Artists from all over the world came to build and had some amazing sculptures! I think the theme was 'the olympics'.
One thing I know to be true is that my week spent with Mom was not about what we saw, where we went or what we did, it was about just being in the moment with an open heart and very much going with the flow of whatever was thrown at me.
Hmmmm,...the week was interesting. Although us three Mullen women had some grunts at the beginning of our trip, we worked through the knots. Three VERY different energies coming together as one after months apart....it's bound to happen! But that was normal. I knew that would happen. The interesting part was when the universe dropped a challenge into our lap. A challenge that tested us right to our core but did not defeat. The point of this banter...The lesson learned: The perfect house in the the perfect neighborhood with the perfect family and the perfect cars and the perfect friends...is a lie. It's a lie if you're not really LIVING. And once you actually start LIVING the life you've always wanted,....the 'perfect life' doesn't really matter anymore.
End note: I love my life! And my family!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
July Flew By!
From Canada Day to Stampede to weeks at camp and surfing on the beach. July came and went super duper fast. So damn fast we could hardly keep up with the blog!
Thank you to everyone who made the start of our summer A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!
Thank you to everyone who made the start of our summer A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!Peace out!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Enlightened Warrior Traning Camp
I swear we spend more time at the airport than any other place in Vancouver. After dropping Deeds off in the AM it wasn't long before we were back picking up Eben. It was then that we became "4Krew". Me, Katie, Jessica and Eben, in search for 'Cupcakes' the cupcake shop toured the streets of downtown Vancouver before trekking up to Squamish. It was a mission and a damn tasty one at that!
We arrived at camp much later than we had anticipated, but it was amazing all the same. Katie, Jess and I staked claim on the giant tent I had used the week before. Even though there were only 3 of us in there for the week, it looked like there might have been 6 the way it looked! Hey, we're Warriors, we do whatever it takes to get shit done...that meant having a messy tent!
We had an awesome crew to work with at Warrior camp. Lots of great, energetic people that all brought different elements of wonderful to the table! Like Gerry and his 'ad lib' drumming, Lori and her random a$$ injuries, Jenny and her Kundalini Harley Davidson ... As I'm writing I'm struggling to put into words what it was like to be on the krew for this event...there just aren't words, only intense feelings of gratitude, love and joy. Amazing, awesome, crazy, FUN, empowering, frickin fabulous, irreplacable.....to name a FEW.
Volunteering for Warrior was an awesome experience and I can't wait to do it again! Just like Kelly said it's hard to put into words...It's just one of those things that leaves you feeling all happy and gooshy inside. And it's so frickin cool to be a part of something that's so much bigger than you, and to know that you served well and changed peoples lives!
As a volunteer, we're processing and learning just as much as the participants. I was pushed slightly that week, but was ready and excited to take on whatever I had to do. I was put into a leadership role and although I was a little scared, I rocked it! It was so cool to know that I could lead and that people actually listened to me! haha. I tapped into a part of me that I never really used before and I had sooooooo much fun doing it!! Great to be back in the Warrior energy! A-HO!! (You were a rockstar at camp! You walked into camp one person and walked out a hot, powerful, confident woman...YEEEEOOWWW! haha I luv ya!)
We arrived at camp much later than we had anticipated, but it was amazing all the same. Katie, Jess and I staked claim on the giant tent I had used the week before. Even though there were only 3 of us in there for the week, it looked like there might have been 6 the way it looked! Hey, we're Warriors, we do whatever it takes to get shit done...that meant having a messy tent!
We had an awesome crew to work with at Warrior camp. Lots of great, energetic people that all brought different elements of wonderful to the table! Like Gerry and his 'ad lib' drumming, Lori and her random a$$ injuries, Jenny and her Kundalini Harley Davidson ... As I'm writing I'm struggling to put into words what it was like to be on the krew for this event...there just aren't words, only intense feelings of gratitude, love and joy. Amazing, awesome, crazy, FUN, empowering, frickin fabulous, irreplacable.....to name a FEW.
Volunteering for Warrior was an awesome experience and I can't wait to do it again! Just like Kelly said it's hard to put into words...It's just one of those things that leaves you feeling all happy and gooshy inside. And it's so frickin cool to be a part of something that's so much bigger than you, and to know that you served well and changed peoples lives!
As a volunteer, we're processing and learning just as much as the participants. I was pushed slightly that week, but was ready and excited to take on whatever I had to do. I was put into a leadership role and although I was a little scared, I rocked it! It was so cool to know that I could lead and that people actually listened to me! haha. I tapped into a part of me that I never really used before and I had sooooooo much fun doing it!! Great to be back in the Warrior energy! A-HO!! (You were a rockstar at camp! You walked into camp one person and walked out a hot, powerful, confident woman...YEEEEOOWWW! haha I luv ya!)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
I got a feeling, that Tofino will be a good time!
Surfs, sun, and relaxation! Oh, Tofino you treated us well. A week in Tofino was just what we needed after a week at Wizard. It fit perfectly and the randomness of Wizard continued through our week. And we were joined by my friend Deeds, which made it that much better!
We arrived in Tofino with no idea of where we were gonna sleep and what exactly we were going to do while there. All we knew was that surfing was a must and chilling at the beach was a priority. With limited money and free spirit we decided to ninja camp! lol. We set up camp on a logging road that our awesome friend Alex told us about. We didn't really know if he was for real or not so we had to ask at one of the shops and they were like, "Ya totally go to this logging road and there'll be tonnes of spots for you guys to crash at!" It was sweet! There were only about 3 other groups of campers with the same idea....and they were no where near us! Even though we were in the bush in the middle of nowhere, we were happy. I think Deeds was a little worried at first but she had faith that Kel and I had it under control. And we did!
When Kel and I were in Calgary and met up with Dave and Brad we planned to meet up again in Tofino, along with another Brock alum Kenora. The rest of the week we basically all hung out together and went surfing! The ocean was FREEZING! But it was worth it! Kel and I couldn't wait to go surfing again, but Deeds on the other hand was a little nervous. For her first time she did awesome! Getting the wetsuit on and off was a bigger challenge than anything. lol. Thank God for the wetsuits though! I'd have been an icicle without one!
It felt so good to be in the water and crash against the waves. It was the first time Kel and I had been in water and been swimming all summer. We needed it! And we missed it! And if we weren't surfing we were at least on the beach! It was the most beautiful week ever. Perfect weather and an amazing place. Definitely a slice of heaven.
We arrived in Tofino with no idea of where we were gonna sleep and what exactly we were going to do while there. All we knew was that surfing was a must and chilling at the beach was a priority. With limited money and free spirit we decided to ninja camp! lol. We set up camp on a logging road that our awesome friend Alex told us about. We didn't really know if he was for real or not so we had to ask at one of the shops and they were like, "Ya totally go to this logging road and there'll be tonnes of spots for you guys to crash at!" It was sweet! There were only about 3 other groups of campers with the same idea....and they were no where near us! Even though we were in the bush in the middle of nowhere, we were happy. I think Deeds was a little worried at first but she had faith that Kel and I had it under control. And we did!
When Kel and I were in Calgary and met up with Dave and Brad we planned to meet up again in Tofino, along with another Brock alum Kenora. The rest of the week we basically all hung out together and went surfing! The ocean was FREEZING! But it was worth it! Kel and I couldn't wait to go surfing again, but Deeds on the other hand was a little nervous. For her first time she did awesome! Getting the wetsuit on and off was a bigger challenge than anything. lol. Thank God for the wetsuits though! I'd have been an icicle without one!
It felt so good to be in the water and crash against the waves. It was the first time Kel and I had been in water and been swimming all summer. We needed it! And we missed it! And if we weren't surfing we were at least on the beach! It was the most beautiful week ever. Perfect weather and an amazing place. Definitely a slice of heaven.
There's something to be said about being in quiet beach towns where everyone is a friend and it doesn't matter what you're doing as long as it's making you happy. I really don't know the last time I felt that rested and ready to go!
I give major props to Deeds...Katie and my randomness can be a bit unnerving to some because it literally is chaos; no plans, no ideas, just going with the flow; and she was absolutely up for anything and ready to play! She didn't even mind when we picked up the two young guys trying to get a ride back to the airport:) They were cute...couldn't just let them keep running down the road...
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wizard Training Camp
Oh baby, oh baby! Finally! Time for camps! WOO HOO!
I've got to be honest. I've been waiting for camps pretty much since I took them last summer. I set an intention to volunteer at at least 2 this summer, had no idea how or where it was going to work out and when I got those confirmation emails I was estatic!
I had been to both of the other camp locations in Ellenville, NY and Sanger, CA, but had never experienced the 'highly recommended' Squamish, BC site. WOW! It's everything everyone talks about and then some. Set in the valley between glaciered mountains....what's not to be amazed by. The trees talk, the wind whispers....well maybe I'm giving a bit too much of the Wizard experience away here... :)
Although Kel had been to Wizard, I on the other hand had not. And I was ready to go right after I did Warrior last September! My intention for the camp was to have fun....and well let's just say I had a frickin riot! I loved every minute of Wizard! And I had the BEST band ever! Full of love and light...and crazy too! I heart them all. Connected Creators = CHAMPIONS! hehe
And there definitely was no better place to do it than Squamish. One word, Magical! It's amazing and beautiful. And it feels like home.
Needless to say, it was an amazing week!!!
Great energy, great people, great transformations...new friends, new family and new perceptions. And of course a whole lotta love!
Words are little in comparison to how I felt so read this post for a deeper look at my Wizard experience from the 'other' side. :)
I've got to be honest. I've been waiting for camps pretty much since I took them last summer. I set an intention to volunteer at at least 2 this summer, had no idea how or where it was going to work out and when I got those confirmation emails I was estatic!
I had been to both of the other camp locations in Ellenville, NY and Sanger, CA, but had never experienced the 'highly recommended' Squamish, BC site. WOW! It's everything everyone talks about and then some. Set in the valley between glaciered mountains....what's not to be amazed by. The trees talk, the wind whispers....well maybe I'm giving a bit too much of the Wizard experience away here... :)
Although Kel had been to Wizard, I on the other hand had not. And I was ready to go right after I did Warrior last September! My intention for the camp was to have fun....and well let's just say I had a frickin riot! I loved every minute of Wizard! And I had the BEST band ever! Full of love and light...and crazy too! I heart them all. Connected Creators = CHAMPIONS! hehe
And there definitely was no better place to do it than Squamish. One word, Magical! It's amazing and beautiful. And it feels like home.
Needless to say, it was an amazing week!!!
Great energy, great people, great transformations...new friends, new family and new perceptions. And of course a whole lotta love!
Words are little in comparison to how I felt so read this post for a deeper look at my Wizard experience from the 'other' side. :)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Old Friends in New Places...
There is so much to do while in Alberta. And Kel and I FINALLY went to one of their most popular tourist locations of all, Banff National Park. We originally weren't going to go to Banff until the next day, but when we got to Canmore (our hosting for the night), the people we were staying with weren't actually at their house. lol. So we decided we might as well go.
We basically flew right through Banff and headed to Lake Louise. While we were walking up to the lake I looked over to my left and saw 2 people I haven't seen in months. My uni friends Dave and Brad were there! I was planning to meet up with them at some point but the universe thought then and there was as good a place as any. lol. HOW COOL! So we ended up spending the day with them. We sat by the lake for awhile catching up and enjoying the view. The guys seemed very appreciative of the beauty of it and the park itself. After tree planting for 2 months I guess you start seeing things in a new light.
Along with Lake Louise we headed to Lake Morraine, which I thought was even more beautiful, as if it's possible! Lake Morraine had a lot more character...it was rugged and secluded. It' also called the Valley of ten Peaks because there are ten huge mountains along it's base. It's gorgeous!!
After that we all headed to Johnson Canyon to the waterfall. It was, again, beautiful! Everything there is pretty wonderful. lol. The best part was the cave that we went through that took us right in front of the waterfall. It was cold and wet but awesome! Fresh glacier water! That's the other thing, all the lakes are very blue...it's really pretty.
Our afternoon in wilderness gave us growling stomach's which led to a quick grocery shop at Safeway. Being with other travellers on a budget is awesome! You start to appreciate grocery stores and coolers a hell of a lot more! And minivans apparently.....We had dinner in Brad's van in the Safeway parking lot. It was quite a set-up with lawn chairs and everything. We were quite cozy and the company was the best part! :)
We eventually made our way back to Canmore where we stayed with our cousin's inlaws, Moe and Garth. We hadn't seen them in a realllllly long time so I had forgotten what they looked like. lol. But they were very welcoming and had a beautiful home that Kel and I were very appreciaticve to have stayed in. We visited with them the next morning and they told us all about their travels to Europe. Can't wait to go there!
Another rainy day in Alberta didn't stop us from going to Jasper and seeing the icefields on our way. Now we saw the Athabasca Glacier and I must say I wasn't impressed. I thought it was going to be alot bigger and more like a glacier....but it really just looked like ice on a mountain. I guess that's what it is, but I just wasn't expecting that. lol. It was neat though, and something to see. We headed to the Athabasca Falls as well. Beautiful, but probably would have been gorgeous to see on a sunny day!
Finally we made it to Jasper. I like Jasper. It's alot quieter than Banff and more low-key. When we got there my friend Whitney, whom we were going to stay with, was at work. So to pass the time we headed to the local brewery, where else? lol. We eventually made it to her place and got to see where she lived now. In a lodge basically. She works for the lodge and lives there as well. It reminded me of residence life in uni, prolly not something I would like to repeat. lol. We just chilled all night and caught up with one another. It was awesome to be around old friends again. I'm getting excited to head back home in Septmeber and see everyone again!
We basically flew right through Banff and headed to Lake Louise. While we were walking up to the lake I looked over to my left and saw 2 people I haven't seen in months. My uni friends Dave and Brad were there! I was planning to meet up with them at some point but the universe thought then and there was as good a place as any. lol. HOW COOL! So we ended up spending the day with them. We sat by the lake for awhile catching up and enjoying the view. The guys seemed very appreciative of the beauty of it and the park itself. After tree planting for 2 months I guess you start seeing things in a new light.
Along with Lake Louise we headed to Lake Morraine, which I thought was even more beautiful, as if it's possible! Lake Morraine had a lot more character...it was rugged and secluded. It' also called the Valley of ten Peaks because there are ten huge mountains along it's base. It's gorgeous!!
After that we all headed to Johnson Canyon to the waterfall. It was, again, beautiful! Everything there is pretty wonderful. lol. The best part was the cave that we went through that took us right in front of the waterfall. It was cold and wet but awesome! Fresh glacier water! That's the other thing, all the lakes are very blue...it's really pretty.
Our afternoon in wilderness gave us growling stomach's which led to a quick grocery shop at Safeway. Being with other travellers on a budget is awesome! You start to appreciate grocery stores and coolers a hell of a lot more! And minivans apparently.....We had dinner in Brad's van in the Safeway parking lot. It was quite a set-up with lawn chairs and everything. We were quite cozy and the company was the best part! :)
We eventually made our way back to Canmore where we stayed with our cousin's inlaws, Moe and Garth. We hadn't seen them in a realllllly long time so I had forgotten what they looked like. lol. But they were very welcoming and had a beautiful home that Kel and I were very appreciaticve to have stayed in. We visited with them the next morning and they told us all about their travels to Europe. Can't wait to go there!
Another rainy day in Alberta didn't stop us from going to Jasper and seeing the icefields on our way. Now we saw the Athabasca Glacier and I must say I wasn't impressed. I thought it was going to be alot bigger and more like a glacier....but it really just looked like ice on a mountain. I guess that's what it is, but I just wasn't expecting that. lol. It was neat though, and something to see. We headed to the Athabasca Falls as well. Beautiful, but probably would have been gorgeous to see on a sunny day!
Finally we made it to Jasper. I like Jasper. It's alot quieter than Banff and more low-key. When we got there my friend Whitney, whom we were going to stay with, was at work. So to pass the time we headed to the local brewery, where else? lol. We eventually made it to her place and got to see where she lived now. In a lodge basically. She works for the lodge and lives there as well. It reminded me of residence life in uni, prolly not something I would like to repeat. lol. We just chilled all night and caught up with one another. It was awesome to be around old friends again. I'm getting excited to head back home in Septmeber and see everyone again!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Calgary Stampede...Day 2
After Nashville North we needed a little recovery time. We chilled out all afternoon, worked on the blog a bit, slept and hung out with Lisa. We were contemplating whether to stay another night or head to Canmore and Banff, but Kenny's advice was not to leave until we've seen a Chuckwagon Race and the Grandstand Show. His words were, "If I thought it was awesome and I liked it then you two definitely gotta go."
If Kenny sat through a Grandstand Show, lived to tell and lived to tell others to go to it?! We had to go. Basically if he liked it, the possibility that Kel and I would like it are about 99%. Not because he's our cousin and we like the same things, but because Kel and I are like little kids and get excited about the smallest of things. Kenny on the other hand..not so much. So we did. When we left Lisa's it was sunny, when we got to the park it was rainy. It poured pretty much the entire 3.5 hours we were there. I think maybe for 45mins combined there was no rain....but it was worth it! Good thing I brought my little cover-up. lol.
If Kenny sat through a Grandstand Show, lived to tell and lived to tell others to go to it?! We had to go. Basically if he liked it, the possibility that Kel and I would like it are about 99%. Not because he's our cousin and we like the same things, but because Kel and I are like little kids and get excited about the smallest of things. Kenny on the other hand..not so much. So we did. When we left Lisa's it was sunny, when we got to the park it was rainy. It poured pretty much the entire 3.5 hours we were there. I think maybe for 45mins combined there was no rain....but it was worth it! Good thing I brought my little cover-up. lol.
Now we want to see a motorcross! That stuff is sick! The video doesn't quite do the show justice. It was wayyyyy more than we excpected and the performers were incredible. And they did most of it in the rain. I was impressed.
It was a wicked, what, 3 days? in Calgary. Cowboys and cowboys and horses and cowboys...sorry, I lost my train of thought there... :) I think you're on the right track. Cowboys, cowboys.....cowboys...........
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Calgary Stampede...Day 1
We got up really early with no clue how to get downtown for the parade. We ended up taking the bus right downtown a block from the parade route and parked ourself on a corner where we had a great view of everything! Katie and I decked out in our 'new to us' cowboy boots...hehe...we looked and felt like real cowgirls! Value Village has a great selection of cowboy boots...well in Alberta anyway. But of course you must clean them before wearing. This is important.
Thing about Calgary is that a good chunk of people from home relocated out there so we were expecting to run into a few people we knew, but when we ran into Kara, we were pretty surprised! We grew up figure skating with Kara and her sisters...one of which now plays for Team Canada, Meghan Agosta. That was just the start of our little Leamington reunion...we knew a few of them were out there, but some were entirely unexpected!
Apparently we were so captivated at the rodeo that we didn't take any pictures or video of the bucking horse or bull riding. It was awesome! IT WAS THE BEST PART!! lol. But yes, wayyy to into it to even think about snapping any pics. Our friend Cheyenne's brother was one of the bull riders! He didn't do so well the first day, but the second day I guess he kicked a$$.
Nashville North was also awesome. Met up with Kenny and Jarod again...man...let's just say it was A LOT of fun! Kenny's got moves I've never seen! (I'm sure no one has ever or will ever see those moves again!) Well he's now on youtube so everyone can see them! hah! Luv ya cuz!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The Warm-Up...The Day Before Stampede!
Our purpose for heading back to Calgary was just to experience the Calgary Stampede... "THE GREATEST OUTDOOR SHOW ON EARTH!"
One of the Stampede Traditions is that local businesses have Free, yes free... :) pancake breakfasts every morning of the Stampede. Well CBC Radio, one of the official stampede peoples had their breakfast the day before the festivities even began! It started at 7am so Katie, Alanna and I got ourselves down there before 7 and were still behind almost 100 people! Yes, 7 am in the morning and there was a line all the way down the street. These people are keeners. I thought we were for being there at 7, but I guess not!
We were served by the Mayor of Calgary, Dave Bronconnier, who gave us each an extra pancake when he found out we were all the way from Ontario. I think he said, "You're hungry and weary travellers." I didn't protest, they were goooood pancakes! We moved down the line to get some sausage and then enjoyed the entertainment.
The hoop dancers name was Dallas Arcand and the Asian marching band came all the way from Tapei, Tawain. They were also in the parade the next day. We also met Harry the Horse, the official Stampede mascot. He was prety cool. Although he slightly resembles a giraffe....
That afternoon we were totally geeked about hitting up the Stampede. We went to our friend Lisa's house. Another of our childhood friends. Me and Katie and Lisa and her sister Stacey were inseprable when we were together. It had been a long time since seeing Lisa so it was awesome to catch up. She's quite the hostess! Lots of awesome food and good company. She took good care of us and made sure we didn't go hungry while we were there. lol.
One of the Stampede Traditions is that local businesses have Free, yes free... :) pancake breakfasts every morning of the Stampede. Well CBC Radio, one of the official stampede peoples had their breakfast the day before the festivities even began! It started at 7am so Katie, Alanna and I got ourselves down there before 7 and were still behind almost 100 people! Yes, 7 am in the morning and there was a line all the way down the street. These people are keeners. I thought we were for being there at 7, but I guess not!
We were served by the Mayor of Calgary, Dave Bronconnier, who gave us each an extra pancake when he found out we were all the way from Ontario. I think he said, "You're hungry and weary travellers." I didn't protest, they were goooood pancakes! We moved down the line to get some sausage and then enjoyed the entertainment.
The hoop dancers name was Dallas Arcand and the Asian marching band came all the way from Tapei, Tawain. They were also in the parade the next day. We also met Harry the Horse, the official Stampede mascot. He was prety cool. Although he slightly resembles a giraffe....
That afternoon we were totally geeked about hitting up the Stampede. We went to our friend Lisa's house. Another of our childhood friends. Me and Katie and Lisa and her sister Stacey were inseprable when we were together. It had been a long time since seeing Lisa so it was awesome to catch up. She's quite the hostess! Lots of awesome food and good company. She took good care of us and made sure we didn't go hungry while we were there. lol.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
We be Jammin' in JUNE!
Juuuune! Thanks to all who made it fantastic! Lots of love and appreciation! <3
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Maybe the Most Random Stop Yet?...Edmonton!
When we were in South Dakota we chatted with our mom who informed us that our neighbour from home (who lives in Edmonton) had been in a pretty serious car accident and that the family was out west visiting him. We were headed that way anyway, so why not stop by and do what we can? So we did!
A little back story. Katie and I grew up with Jason's sister Nikki (well him too). They lived across the road and we pretty much spent every moment possible with each other as long as we didn't hate each other or had something else to do. From dirtbikes, farm wagons, house, hide and seek, tree forts to tree climbing... So when we found out Jason wasn't doing so hot we really didn't question it, we just went.
We had no idea what hospital he was at, or how to get ahold of Nikki or their parents. So we just started calling every hospital in Edmonton. We found it, called to see if when we could visit and went. The first day he didn't look amazing, but I know I had expected much worse!
He was riding his bicycle to work and was hit by a truck resulting in something like 9 broken ribs, 2 collapsed lungs, some spine problems (maybe a break or fracture or something) and something with his hip...I didn't get it all, there was a lot to take in!
So when I first saw him I was impressed he was awake and coherent enough to chat and joke around. The second day we went back to pick up Nikki and take her to the airport and he was doing much better. They had given him a shave and he was in even better spirits than the day before. We're still sending our love vibes his way in hopes of the fastest and most awesomely amazing recovery ever!! lol. If you're reading this, please send some love. :) The more the better....couldn't hurt. Thanks!
Apparently the day before his accident he was asking his parents to come out west and they hadn't said yes, but the next day they were on a plane out there...obviously not for the reason they'd like, but the world works in funny ways. Makes you realize how quick things change and how little control you have over anything. I know it made me appreciate life more and the people that have been and still are in it today.
So other than hanging out at the hospital, Katie and I did catch the main attraction...THE West Edmonton Mall!!!! Since neither of us have been there, we weren't sure what to expect. But it was actually pretty cool. And very random. There's a water park, bungee jumping platform, amusement park, and a skating rink just to name a few. Sooo massive and a little overwhelming, but was a good distraction and had lots to see.
A little back story. Katie and I grew up with Jason's sister Nikki (well him too). They lived across the road and we pretty much spent every moment possible with each other as long as we didn't hate each other or had something else to do. From dirtbikes, farm wagons, house, hide and seek, tree forts to tree climbing... So when we found out Jason wasn't doing so hot we really didn't question it, we just went.
We had no idea what hospital he was at, or how to get ahold of Nikki or their parents. So we just started calling every hospital in Edmonton. We found it, called to see if when we could visit and went. The first day he didn't look amazing, but I know I had expected much worse!
He was riding his bicycle to work and was hit by a truck resulting in something like 9 broken ribs, 2 collapsed lungs, some spine problems (maybe a break or fracture or something) and something with his hip...I didn't get it all, there was a lot to take in!
So when I first saw him I was impressed he was awake and coherent enough to chat and joke around. The second day we went back to pick up Nikki and take her to the airport and he was doing much better. They had given him a shave and he was in even better spirits than the day before. We're still sending our love vibes his way in hopes of the fastest and most awesomely amazing recovery ever!! lol. If you're reading this, please send some love. :) The more the better....couldn't hurt. Thanks!
Apparently the day before his accident he was asking his parents to come out west and they hadn't said yes, but the next day they were on a plane out there...obviously not for the reason they'd like, but the world works in funny ways. Makes you realize how quick things change and how little control you have over anything. I know it made me appreciate life more and the people that have been and still are in it today.
So other than hanging out at the hospital, Katie and I did catch the main attraction...THE West Edmonton Mall!!!! Since neither of us have been there, we weren't sure what to expect. But it was actually pretty cool. And very random. There's a water park, bungee jumping platform, amusement park, and a skating rink just to name a few. Sooo massive and a little overwhelming, but was a good distraction and had lots to see.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saskatchewan, naturally.
When we said we were going to Saskatchewan, most people asked, "Why? There's nothing to do there!" And although that may be true, that's part of its beauty!
We pulled up to the Saskatchewan border...er, house...er, customs??? Simple is the best way to describe our border experience in Saskatchewan. Pen and paper and off we go! Our first stop was Bengough, where we decided to camp in a completely empty campground in gail force winds! That didn't fly so we slept in the car....
Our entire purpose for visiting this part of Saskatchewan was because our Grandma was born in a little itty bitty place called Horizon. Although it was actually populated and busy when she lived there it has since been pretty much abandoned, but preserved as a community area. Right along the train tracks, there are grain elevators, church and a few random houses. But oddly enough, my Gram's house is still standing...beat to crap by the years and weather it's seen, but still standing.
We saw where her dad and brother were buried and where she was born. It's a bit surreal, like many other things on our journey, to sit and imagine what it would have been like in the 1930s in the middle of Saskatchewan without anything even remotely close to what we have now in the way of communications and electronics. Now that's another lifetime!
We pulled up to the Saskatchewan border...er, house...er, customs??? Simple is the best way to describe our border experience in Saskatchewan. Pen and paper and off we go! Our first stop was Bengough, where we decided to camp in a completely empty campground in gail force winds! That didn't fly so we slept in the car....
Our entire purpose for visiting this part of Saskatchewan was because our Grandma was born in a little itty bitty place called Horizon. Although it was actually populated and busy when she lived there it has since been pretty much abandoned, but preserved as a community area. Right along the train tracks, there are grain elevators, church and a few random houses. But oddly enough, my Gram's house is still standing...beat to crap by the years and weather it's seen, but still standing.
We saw where her dad and brother were buried and where she was born. It's a bit surreal, like many other things on our journey, to sit and imagine what it would have been like in the 1930s in the middle of Saskatchewan without anything even remotely close to what we have now in the way of communications and electronics. Now that's another lifetime!
That morning we made friends with the owner of TK's at breakfast and were invited back for some home made 'authentic' fettuccine alfredo on the house. We don't ever pass up free food, so we hung out with the owner for a few hours, ate some amazing bread and pasta and watched some stuff in memory of Michael Jackson on the TV...we were a little late in finding out the news.
After that we pretty much headed up to Regina, hoping to get a call from our friends there, but no dice so we just kept going, just like the land in Saskatchewan. (haha) Through Saskatoon and into Alberta. We passed a place called 'Findlater'. We laughed pretty hard. Find-Later. Please tell me you got that :)
After that we pretty much headed up to Regina, hoping to get a call from our friends there, but no dice so we just kept going, just like the land in Saskatchewan. (haha) Through Saskatoon and into Alberta. We passed a place called 'Findlater'. We laughed pretty hard. Find-Later. Please tell me you got that :)
But really, had we not gone to Saskatchewan we would't be able to appreciate the quiet, the openness of the land and sky and the sheer magnificence of solitude that we do now. There have been many places that have been quiet and open, but something about Saskatchewan is a little homier, a little warmer and a little more soft.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Dead Prezzies and a Crazy Horse!
The Black Hills is a beautiful part of the states. Lots of wild west history like Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, Colonel Custard and the Lakotas...I liked the Black Hills A LOT! Good energy.
Our first stop was Crazy Horse. The biggest rock sculpture in the world (no where near finished) in honour of the Native American Crazy Horse. The monument is meant to honour all Native Americans and their culture. The laser show was sick.
Our second stop was, well technically, the Flintsontes parking lot! I had to see it. You could actually go in the park but I think you had to pay and I didn't want to spend any money. lol. Plus the parking lot was entertaining enough. But after that it was Mount Rushmore aka. Dead Prezzies as per Katie. Little did we know that the sculpture isn't even finished, nor will it ever be because the rock under George W will collapse if anything else is blasted from it....Poor Honest Abe's head isn't even totally sculpted...he's still hiding in the rock.
Our first stop was Crazy Horse. The biggest rock sculpture in the world (no where near finished) in honour of the Native American Crazy Horse. The monument is meant to honour all Native Americans and their culture. The laser show was sick.
Our second stop was, well technically, the Flintsontes parking lot! I had to see it. You could actually go in the park but I think you had to pay and I didn't want to spend any money. lol. Plus the parking lot was entertaining enough. But after that it was Mount Rushmore aka. Dead Prezzies as per Katie. Little did we know that the sculpture isn't even finished, nor will it ever be because the rock under George W will collapse if anything else is blasted from it....Poor Honest Abe's head isn't even totally sculpted...he's still hiding in the rock.
We scooted out to the Badlands for a quick tour (so HOT!) and the entire way there we kept seeing these signs for Wall Drugs...well this place had to be a superstore because each sign had something different...well, it was! Ya, it pretty much had evrything. Even fake mounted Jackelope heads.
I wanted to take a quick cruise through Deadwood...I think the Universe wanted otherwise cuz I got pulled over for speeding...woops. I really had no idea I was going as fast as I was, but Officer Ken on the other hand, did. He was really cool. He took me back to the cruiser and did all the paper work...which was only a warning THANK GOD! And I asked him about what the codes were he was calling in. He was checkin' to see if I was wanted in the state or in the country...turns out I'm not. lol. If it weren't for him, we never would have found the cemetary where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane were buried! Divine intervention...ya ok. We got out of Deadwood pretty fast. Maybe I was a cowboy in a past life and that was my karma...hmm.
The next day we hit the road towards Saskatchewan...through North Dakota. It's not the long and winding road out there...it's the long straight, uninhabited road out there! We got goofy after seeing like the 50th herd of cattle....but the fresh air was good and the view was endless.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Father's Day!
To all the father's in the world. Thank you, you make a difference!
Our father...who art (not) in heaven...flew into Colorado from LA after a course for Father's Day. We picked him up at the airport and met his new friends Trina, her husband Larry, and Susan. All very cool people and we went out for breakfast, well more like lunch. I don't remember what the place in Arvada was called, but their Huevos Rancheros was awesome!
Trina and Larry have a cabin on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and were kind enough to let us use it for the night. We drove through the park, saw lots of elk and another moose and fox, and travelled on the highest paved road in the US. We made a wicked pasta dinner and just relaxed!
Of course Dad got up before us and was off having breakfast when I was sort of waking up. He walked in and said the magic words, "Hey, get up we're going horseback riding." SWEET! We had been wanting to go riding since Montana. So we got up, went to the Bear's Den for breakfast and wrote a little blurb in their guestbook/diaries at the tables and then walked around town for a while waiting to go riding.
We finally got to go riding through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a beautiful ride. I got the fattest horse and rode off centre for a long time without realizing it. And I loved when it started to trott to catch up to Katie's horse and I felt like I was going to fall off because my saddle was just a little off and I wasn't prepared... My horse was called Monkey! haha And he was really small. But he rocked. And Dad's was Rhino. And he almost put him to sleep because he wouldn't stop singing to him. But according to Dad he loved it. lol
After our riding, we grabbed lunch and headed back to Denver to get Dad back to the airport. We stopped quickly at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (we missed it the first time we were in CO). It's every bit as amazing as everyone says. I can't wait to go back and watch a concert there under the stars! Amazing!
Dad departed and we headed to Fort Collins for the night. Had amazing wings and pizza with Ben, Mike and Heather. Mike is so curious about Canada...it was like Jeopardy, with Canada as the only topic! Katie got to rekindle her flame with Tony, who has only gone from manly regal cat to playful cuddly cat. Too cute.
Yep, I still love Colorado...wonder when we'll go back again? If it was up to Kelly we'd be there every weekend.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Just as good the second time around...
We headed south from Cody and headed for Colorado. We were actually planning on staying in Cheyenne (which I like to pronounce as chien-like dog in french) a night, but after Kelly talked to RJ and he said we could get to Denver a lot sooner than we thought we figured we might as well giv'er and get down there. No point in paying to spend the night somewhere when we have friends close by. And we were heading there anyways...
Aurora is always a good time. I say that like I've visited there a million times, but I guess the company is what makes the difference. So we arrived a day early. We crashed again. A whole day of driving wipes you out!
Friday was pretty relaxing...well for RJ anyways. After a massage from Kel he got a short one from me, but it soon turned into me doing his hair all pretty. lol. He quite enjoyed it, and it was actually his idea. Later we went to the Movie Tavern and watched 'The Hangover', which by the way is hilarious. So hilarious! Especially since we had just been in Vegas. We didn't just watch the movie, we got to eat too! It's not like a normal theatre, half the seats, big comfy chairs and a menu with good food and drinks!
The boys went to a wedding that night and Katie and I hung out at the house, put together some videos, hung out with their roomate Cassara and drank some wine. We only remembered RJ's warning about drinking in altitude the morning after...if you're not used to it, it'll kick you in the ass A LOT quicker than you think!
Saturday night was just as fun. After a day of movie after movie after movie, 'Fired Up' is a great flick by the way. 'Fired Up' is actually really funny. I thought it was gonna be another stupid movie, but it was another stupid movie that was actually funny. We decided to try our hand out at our own gymnastics! RJ and I had handstand contests, although I'm not sure we were really competing, but that quickly turned into skating...singles then pairs! YES! I finally got to be a pairs skater. That was my dream my whole skating career but I was too tall! RJ and I had the most amazing lift and I am so proud! Thank god RJ is big enough and strong enough to lift me so smoothly! :D
Aurora is always a good time. I say that like I've visited there a million times, but I guess the company is what makes the difference. So we arrived a day early. We crashed again. A whole day of driving wipes you out!
Friday was pretty relaxing...well for RJ anyways. After a massage from Kel he got a short one from me, but it soon turned into me doing his hair all pretty. lol. He quite enjoyed it, and it was actually his idea. Later we went to the Movie Tavern and watched 'The Hangover', which by the way is hilarious. So hilarious! Especially since we had just been in Vegas. We didn't just watch the movie, we got to eat too! It's not like a normal theatre, half the seats, big comfy chairs and a menu with good food and drinks!
The boys went to a wedding that night and Katie and I hung out at the house, put together some videos, hung out with their roomate Cassara and drank some wine. We only remembered RJ's warning about drinking in altitude the morning after...if you're not used to it, it'll kick you in the ass A LOT quicker than you think!
Saturday night was just as fun. After a day of movie after movie after movie, 'Fired Up' is a great flick by the way. 'Fired Up' is actually really funny. I thought it was gonna be another stupid movie, but it was another stupid movie that was actually funny. We decided to try our hand out at our own gymnastics! RJ and I had handstand contests, although I'm not sure we were really competing, but that quickly turned into skating...singles then pairs! YES! I finally got to be a pairs skater. That was my dream my whole skating career but I was too tall! RJ and I had the most amazing lift and I am so proud! Thank god RJ is big enough and strong enough to lift me so smoothly! :D
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Rodeo in the Rain
Cody, Wyoming. We arrived in the rain, we played in the rain, and we slept in the rain. I guess that whole theory of 'we bring the sun with us wherever we go' isn't so true anymore. lol. Well we are the sunshine...just sometimes mother nature has to do it's thang, yes?
It rained and rained and rained, but that didn't stop Kel and I from having a good time. When we were in Billings we picked up a brochure for the Cody Rodeo. Said there was a rodeo every night in the summer. I think that's the only reason we choose Cody to stay the night over alllll the other cities in Wyoming. lol. But it was a good choice! The rodeo was a lot of fun and got us pumped for the Calgary Stampede!
We camped at a place called Ponderosa something or other. The man who checked us in reminded me a bit of David Koechner, the sportscaster in the movie Anchorman with Will Ferrell. He was bald, very animated and loved to talk. He was pretty excited that we were all the way from Ontario, as most people are, and that we were so gung ho about the rodeo and Cody!
In the morning we had breakfast at The Irma, which is a really old hotel downtown Cody. It's very western and very cool! And had a lot of character. If ever there I suggest checking it out. A lot of the stuff downtown is still original, but with obvious maintenance and upgrades. Lots of log/wood cabins and stores and faded signs on the tops of buildings. Irma's or 'The Irma' as they call it is the original hotel/saloon of Buffalo Bill (one of them western peoples I need to learn about someday).
We then headed south and made a stop in Douglas for an oil change. Ok, so we get there and there are these rabbits with antlers...everywhere! Not real ones, but there are statues and 
posters and even designs of them on the bridges and benches. I had no idea what the hell they were or better yet WHY they were plastered all over this town. I later found out that they are jackalopes. And they are supposedly mythical creatures. You should read up about it on Wikipedia because it's actually quite interesting and funny. Anyways, long story short, today they are mostly used to play tricks on tourists (haha, it worked!) President Reagan apprently started the joke when he mounted a jackalope on his wall and claimed he killed it. Obviously a fake. Douglas, Wyoming just so happens to be the 'Home of the Jackalope' and they even give out hunting licences to tourists. Hunting season is only one day of the year. haha. And get this, in Rock Springs there have been sightings of real jackelopes. Not sure about that, but who knows!!
posters and even designs of them on the bridges and benches. I had no idea what the hell they were or better yet WHY they were plastered all over this town. I later found out that they are jackalopes. And they are supposedly mythical creatures. You should read up about it on Wikipedia because it's actually quite interesting and funny. Anyways, long story short, today they are mostly used to play tricks on tourists (haha, it worked!) President Reagan apprently started the joke when he mounted a jackalope on his wall and claimed he killed it. Obviously a fake. Douglas, Wyoming just so happens to be the 'Home of the Jackalope' and they even give out hunting licences to tourists. Hunting season is only one day of the year. haha. And get this, in Rock Springs there have been sightings of real jackelopes. Not sure about that, but who knows!!
Funny, I had a dream about a jackalope last night...haha.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
WILD HORSES!!
From Montana we headed to Wyoming. More specifically Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. W-O-W! It is quite small compared to the usual large National Parks we're in, but it is beautiful and totally worth it!!
And the best part....WILD HORSES! It doesn't sound like much, but it is unbelievable. They are such beautiful creatures and watching them run was amazing. I swear it's almost like your watching them in slow motion because your brain can't register how beautiful they really are in real time. And then before you know it they disappear over a hill or something and you wish you could watch them all day. It's so incredible!! I love horses by the way, if you didn't get that already. :)
When we arrived at the park we didn't see any, and we were thinking maybe it wasn't gonna happen for us. Then as we turned a corner we saw a mama horse and a babay. As we turned the next corner there was the most gorgeous blonde male horse waiting for them at the top of the hill. So cool! So we hung out with them for awhile and then cruised looking for more. We were blessed near the end of the day when we got the chance to see two horses running together in the hills in the distance. Awesome!
Along with the horses the landscape was amazing. It was actually really rough and harsh but still amazing. And it's clear Mother Nature rules the show here. Kel and I were thinking about camping but it was a little intimidating. I think the land belongs to the horses anyways...there are about 250 of them. I would love to see them all!! lol.
Bighorn was amazing. Katie pretty much hit it on the head. It was absolutely magic.
And the best part....WILD HORSES! It doesn't sound like much, but it is unbelievable. They are such beautiful creatures and watching them run was amazing. I swear it's almost like your watching them in slow motion because your brain can't register how beautiful they really are in real time. And then before you know it they disappear over a hill or something and you wish you could watch them all day. It's so incredible!! I love horses by the way, if you didn't get that already. :)
When we arrived at the park we didn't see any, and we were thinking maybe it wasn't gonna happen for us. Then as we turned a corner we saw a mama horse and a babay. As we turned the next corner there was the most gorgeous blonde male horse waiting for them at the top of the hill. So cool! So we hung out with them for awhile and then cruised looking for more. We were blessed near the end of the day when we got the chance to see two horses running together in the hills in the distance. Awesome!
Along with the horses the landscape was amazing. It was actually really rough and harsh but still amazing. And it's clear Mother Nature rules the show here. Kel and I were thinking about camping but it was a little intimidating. I think the land belongs to the horses anyways...there are about 250 of them. I would love to see them all!! lol.
Bighorn was amazing. Katie pretty much hit it on the head. It was absolutely magic.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Montana...Big Sky Country
After being in Yellowstone for a couple days I was ready for a long hot shower and a nice comfy bed. So thats's basically all we did in Montana.
We drove straight to Billings (not sure why) and stopped at the visitor's centre. Not much was going on. Well we stopped in Livingston, which was a beautiful little town, for information. They didn't have much, but we took in the original architecture and the mountain backdrop for a little before hitting the higway. Plus I got a travel book with a Bingo game in it! Kept me occupied the entire way to Billings! We did however meet a very nice lady who worked there, (at the visitors centre in Billings, her name was Shirley) and although she was helping us figure out what to do in Billings, nothing really appealled to us as much as that bed and that shower. lol. (And it was the best shower ever! I must say...I could have stayed in there for hours.)
After eating dinner at Denny's we got a hotel room and crashed! Watched Las Vegas, which cured our desire for more Vegas energy..and we repacked out bags again, always trying to figure out what's the best way to organize all our stuff. But it's usually put back relatively in the same way. Oh well. We have come to the conclusion that when we get back home we are leaving ALOT of our belongings behind. Living simple has a whole new meaning. Even all the stuff we left in Vancouver to pick up when we go back is just too much stuff. You can always pick up what you need wherever you are and really...for the number of shoes I packed in February and the number of times I've worn my runners and flipflops, there's just no need for all the other ones!
Aside from that, Montana is a beautiful state. The mountains in the West and the rolling hills in the East. That big blue sky is forever reaching to the next bend and new heights. One of many pieces of paradise.
We drove straight to Billings (not sure why) and stopped at the visitor's centre. Not much was going on. Well we stopped in Livingston, which was a beautiful little town, for information. They didn't have much, but we took in the original architecture and the mountain backdrop for a little before hitting the higway. Plus I got a travel book with a Bingo game in it! Kept me occupied the entire way to Billings! We did however meet a very nice lady who worked there, (at the visitors centre in Billings, her name was Shirley) and although she was helping us figure out what to do in Billings, nothing really appealled to us as much as that bed and that shower. lol. (And it was the best shower ever! I must say...I could have stayed in there for hours.)
After eating dinner at Denny's we got a hotel room and crashed! Watched Las Vegas, which cured our desire for more Vegas energy..and we repacked out bags again, always trying to figure out what's the best way to organize all our stuff. But it's usually put back relatively in the same way. Oh well. We have come to the conclusion that when we get back home we are leaving ALOT of our belongings behind. Living simple has a whole new meaning. Even all the stuff we left in Vancouver to pick up when we go back is just too much stuff. You can always pick up what you need wherever you are and really...for the number of shoes I packed in February and the number of times I've worn my runners and flipflops, there's just no need for all the other ones!
Aside from that, Montana is a beautiful state. The mountains in the West and the rolling hills in the East. That big blue sky is forever reaching to the next bend and new heights. One of many pieces of paradise.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Knock knock...Park Ranger
As we made our way across Idaho and into Wyoming we made a quick stop in Jackson Hole to pick up some groceries for our 3 day adventure in the parks. Jackson Hole is quite the happening place. In the winter it's a ski resort and in the summer...well it's pretty much just a party. We headed out to Grand Teton National Park for the night. Not without seeing like 4 moose though. By the time we made it to camp it was pretty darn dark so we decided to sleep in the car...at the campsite. We prepared all our veggies and stuff so that we didn't have to worry about it later and basically just hung out.
It was raining in the morning when we left the campsite so we stopped to take a few pictures in case we didn't have a chance to get anymore, but a few hours later it cleared up enough for us to do a little trail and have a picnic. Katie was a little scared of all the bear warnings and scarfed down her lunch and packed up for fear that bears were going to find us :). In all fairness there were A LOT of bear warnings and maybe I can be a little non-chalant at times...I think that serves me; and my sanity.
Grand Teton was a beautiful place to see, but we soon head up to Yellowstone National Park for some more adventures.
Yellowstone is like the Disney of geothermal activity. I saw geothermal activity in New Zealand when I was there, but this was WAY more impressive! We made it through the geyser section of the east side of the park and then looked for a place to camp. Well the entire park was full so when we decided it was time to go to sleep we found a parking lot in the park and parked. Then 1am rolls around and:
"knock knock...park ranger. Are you aware it is illegal to camp in a parking lot ma'am?"
To which I replied no, while Katie is still sleeping in the back. As he took my license and reg over to his vehicle I pretty bluntly asked, "So are you going to be giving me a ticket or no?" Thankfully the answer was no, well it was 'we'll discuss that later', but I knew it was a no just by the uncertainty in his voice when he answered that.
So we got to spend the rest of the night in the visitors centre parking lot where the park rangers could keep a 'close eye' on us. I mean, we weren't worried about crazed maniacs running through the forrest to attack us, but I guess maybe in our sleepiness we failed to recall the information we had read about the strength of grizzlies and the potential danger wildlife and nature would pose. Lesson...Have a plan before you get too tired!
We headed out of Yellowstone at a good pace the next day...they had our information in the park system incase we'd be camping illegally again! We saw tonnes of wildlife...everything in the paper except for a wolf. Yes, a wolf. That was the only thing I wanted to see, and didn't. But that's ok. I'll be sure to find one next time. I'd go back for a longer time anyday.
It was raining in the morning when we left the campsite so we stopped to take a few pictures in case we didn't have a chance to get anymore, but a few hours later it cleared up enough for us to do a little trail and have a picnic. Katie was a little scared of all the bear warnings and scarfed down her lunch and packed up for fear that bears were going to find us :). In all fairness there were A LOT of bear warnings and maybe I can be a little non-chalant at times...I think that serves me; and my sanity.
Grand Teton was a beautiful place to see, but we soon head up to Yellowstone National Park for some more adventures.
Yellowstone is like the Disney of geothermal activity. I saw geothermal activity in New Zealand when I was there, but this was WAY more impressive! We made it through the geyser section of the east side of the park and then looked for a place to camp. Well the entire park was full so when we decided it was time to go to sleep we found a parking lot in the park and parked. Then 1am rolls around and:
"knock knock...park ranger. Are you aware it is illegal to camp in a parking lot ma'am?"
To which I replied no, while Katie is still sleeping in the back. As he took my license and reg over to his vehicle I pretty bluntly asked, "So are you going to be giving me a ticket or no?" Thankfully the answer was no, well it was 'we'll discuss that later', but I knew it was a no just by the uncertainty in his voice when he answered that.
So we got to spend the rest of the night in the visitors centre parking lot where the park rangers could keep a 'close eye' on us. I mean, we weren't worried about crazed maniacs running through the forrest to attack us, but I guess maybe in our sleepiness we failed to recall the information we had read about the strength of grizzlies and the potential danger wildlife and nature would pose. Lesson...Have a plan before you get too tired!
We headed out of Yellowstone at a good pace the next day...they had our information in the park system incase we'd be camping illegally again! We saw tonnes of wildlife...everything in the paper except for a wolf. Yes, a wolf. That was the only thing I wanted to see, and didn't. But that's ok. I'll be sure to find one next time. I'd go back for a longer time anyday.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Is this what the moon looks like?
So if you've ever wondered what the surface of the moon would look like, I think Craters of the Moon is the closest you're gonna get to seeing it. Not sure if this is what it really looks like, but I wouldn't doubt it. It's a pretty wierd thing to see. On our way into the park there were rolling, green, velvety hills to the left and harsh, jagged, awkward rocks to the right. Strange. Really strange. The craters were actually once volcanoes, and some still are I believe. Well there are volcanoes, but the craters, I think, are like parts of lava flows that shift and stuff with the earth. I dunno...that's my scientific rendition of it. Although there isn't much there, it is interesting to see. The land, for miles, is all rock. And it's not like anything I've ever seen before. We walked up to the top of one of the mounds/volcanoes and we could see for miles. It was pretty surreal really. Middle of nowhere, standing on an active (well sort of) volcano looking out over all kinds of lava rock formations for miles. Like the moon...eerily quiet and amazingly beautiful all the same.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!
To all things Canadian, eh...
..also Canadian,
Dan Akroyd, Martin Short, John Candy, Chevy Chase,
Wheat, wildlife, free healthcare,
Beer is good go grab a case!
Canadian Tire, Shopper's Drug Mart, Zellers and The Bay,
Degrassi, Airfarce, Rick Mercer, all are A-OK!
Peter Mansbridge is the best,
Celine Dion has passed the test.
East Coast, west coast, Saskatchewan,
David Suzuki, you're the bomb!
Oot and aboot or out and about,
Us Canadians know how to work it out...ya eh!?
To anyone who would like to contribute to our list of all things Canadian, please feel free to leave comments below. :)
HAPPY CANADA DAY!!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Boise Boise Boise
I fell asleep in Utah and woke up in Idaho. Strange...
We were driving to Boise in the rain to my friend Kelly's place. I met Kelly at Guerilla Business School in March. It's so easy to meet new people and make amazing friends! Especially when we share the same name. I mean, every Kelly I know is pretty damn cool. We got to Kelly's around dinner time and we were greeted by his dog Cocao...she's a cutie! We filled our bellies with AMAZING Mexican food and we were pretty much done after that! OMG, best Mexican food I've ever had! So delicious!
The next day we chilled most of the day with Emily, his girlfriend's daughter, until he got home. And then the adventure of Idaho began...
The guns weren't really scary, it was how comfortable I felt with them that scared me. I had a pretty good shot too, it felt quite natural! I had a better shot. Beat her everytime..sorry Kel, had to rub it in. I was pretty nervous about holding a gun let alone shooting one, but it was an awesome experience and I had a blast! I felt pretty fierce. I'm hardcore now. haha I'll just tell myself that!
We went for a drive to Warm Springs Mesa where we looked over the 'City of Trees' (Boise). It's wierd to think that you can look out over a city and see more trees than you can skyrises! Then we hit up Olive Garden for dinner. Oh baby...that was damn good!
Thanks again for everything Kelly! We made it to Wyoming no prob!
We were driving to Boise in the rain to my friend Kelly's place. I met Kelly at Guerilla Business School in March. It's so easy to meet new people and make amazing friends! Especially when we share the same name. I mean, every Kelly I know is pretty damn cool. We got to Kelly's around dinner time and we were greeted by his dog Cocao...she's a cutie! We filled our bellies with AMAZING Mexican food and we were pretty much done after that! OMG, best Mexican food I've ever had! So delicious!
The next day we chilled most of the day with Emily, his girlfriend's daughter, until he got home. And then the adventure of Idaho began...
The guns weren't really scary, it was how comfortable I felt with them that scared me. I had a pretty good shot too, it felt quite natural! I had a better shot. Beat her everytime..sorry Kel, had to rub it in. I was pretty nervous about holding a gun let alone shooting one, but it was an awesome experience and I had a blast! I felt pretty fierce. I'm hardcore now. haha I'll just tell myself that!
We went for a drive to Warm Springs Mesa where we looked over the 'City of Trees' (Boise). It's wierd to think that you can look out over a city and see more trees than you can skyrises! Then we hit up Olive Garden for dinner. Oh baby...that was damn good!
Thanks again for everything Kelly! We made it to Wyoming no prob!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Utah Yeehaw!
After leaving Las Vegas, we headed north-east through the Nevada desert towards Utah. That was an absolutely beautiful drive. At one point I'm sure we were driving through a canyon of sorts. It reminded me of the Grand Canyon only looking from the inside out. I didn't know that you had to cross through Arizona to get to Utah, so we were in Arizona again... :P technically.
Utah is a beautiful state. The I-15 runs straight through the state with mountains and large hills on both sides. I'm guessing that the majority of the population of Utah lives in that valley that runs through the ranges. It's beautiful, so beautiful we decided to camp there!
We stopped at Yuba State Park to set up camp. It was a really pretty lake with campsites along the beach. We set up camp and built a wicked fire and pretty much soaked up the stars and nature, including the rain. Yes, the rain didn't stop us. It did inconvenience us slightly when we had to cover all the food and ourselves just after we got everything out and ready. But we managed to beat it out and thank goodness we have rain jackets.
The next morning we packed up and drove up to Salt Lake City. We didn't stay long and I know Stacey and Grant will be disappointed we didn't check out the Temple....woopsy. :) We liked Utah, but we wanted to get to Idaho!
Utah is a beautiful state. The I-15 runs straight through the state with mountains and large hills on both sides. I'm guessing that the majority of the population of Utah lives in that valley that runs through the ranges. It's beautiful, so beautiful we decided to camp there!
We stopped at Yuba State Park to set up camp. It was a really pretty lake with campsites along the beach. We set up camp and built a wicked fire and pretty much soaked up the stars and nature, including the rain. Yes, the rain didn't stop us. It did inconvenience us slightly when we had to cover all the food and ourselves just after we got everything out and ready. But we managed to beat it out and thank goodness we have rain jackets.
The next morning we packed up and drove up to Salt Lake City. We didn't stay long and I know Stacey and Grant will be disappointed we didn't check out the Temple....woopsy. :) We liked Utah, but we wanted to get to Idaho!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
VIVA LAS VEGAS!
This was my first time in Vegas and I must say it is Disney World for adults. There is sooo much to see! You can't fit it all into 2 days. And that's all we had. And of course I wanted to see every hotel, inside and outside, on the strip. So that took up most of our time. I LOVED the Paris casino. It was my favourite! Old downtown was also a must. Freemont Street is very cool. The digital roof show thing is amazing and there's lots of interesting people. Like chipanddale guys who hit on Kelly. haha. Anyways, I can't wait to go back. We didn't get much nightlife in due to time, exhaustion, and money, but that's ok. Next time!
Ooooo Vegas was fun... not really sure there's much else to say about that! Sweet room, sweet deal, sweet weather. It was damn sweet!
Once we left Vegas we headed to the Hoover Dam which was only about an hour drive. It was quite cool. We didn't take a tour because it cost money and we 
thought it wouldn't be anything special, but apparently, we were told a day later, that it's the best thing there. So if ever at Hoover Dam take the tour!! lol. I just thought it was cool that on one side of the bridge I was in Nevada, and when I crossed to the other side I was in Arizona. The Dam is right on the state line.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Goin Goin Back Back to Cali Cali
After our relaxing few days in Oregon we pretty much booked it South to get to L.A...Back to California....ahh, how I love thee. I absolutely love California. And the week was none other than pure relaxation...again! lol. While Kelly was off at Extreme Wealth, I was hanging out with Christiana's mother Lois. We stayed with Chris, Lois and Jack and Lucy (the dogs) in Universal City.
The majority of my week was filled with reading....5 books in 4 days. The books were by Nora Roberts...a four book series, Captivated, Entranced, Charmed, and the last one Enchanted. So good!! And yes, I read that many books > to anyone who is reading this right now and thinking to themselves, 'Katie was reading? 5 books?'...lol. Anyways, it was lovely, and Lois couldn't have been better company. We had mini-reading parties, as I would like to call them, we also walked the dogs in the park, made our way to Universal City and made mushroom chowder together. And our Saturday night was filled with excitement! lol. We watched all 3 Cheetah Girls movies thanks to Disney Channel while enjoying a roaring fire. Yes, we had a fire. It was actually fairly chilly in L.A. while we were there. Ok, so not an extremely exciting night, but I enjoyed it none the less. Along with my new friend Lois, was Jack the dog. lol. He was adorable and I loved him. And he was more than willing to let me give him my love in the form of belly rubs and back scratches.
And I learned all about investing and played with my friends...that sounds like a 10 year old, but I really do have a tonne of fun every time I'm at an event! Learning about investing made fun? If they can keep my attention for 4 days on that topic, they must be doing something right.
But of course I had to create a little fun of my own...
The majority of my week was filled with reading....5 books in 4 days. The books were by Nora Roberts...a four book series, Captivated, Entranced, Charmed, and the last one Enchanted. So good!! And yes, I read that many books > to anyone who is reading this right now and thinking to themselves, 'Katie was reading? 5 books?'...lol. Anyways, it was lovely, and Lois couldn't have been better company. We had mini-reading parties, as I would like to call them, we also walked the dogs in the park, made our way to Universal City and made mushroom chowder together. And our Saturday night was filled with excitement! lol. We watched all 3 Cheetah Girls movies thanks to Disney Channel while enjoying a roaring fire. Yes, we had a fire. It was actually fairly chilly in L.A. while we were there. Ok, so not an extremely exciting night, but I enjoyed it none the less. Along with my new friend Lois, was Jack the dog. lol. He was adorable and I loved him. And he was more than willing to let me give him my love in the form of belly rubs and back scratches.
And I learned all about investing and played with my friends...that sounds like a 10 year old, but I really do have a tonne of fun every time I'm at an event! Learning about investing made fun? If they can keep my attention for 4 days on that topic, they must be doing something right.
But of course I had to create a little fun of my own...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Crater Lake
On our way out of Oregon we took a detour to Crater Lake. It was formed from a volcanic eruption a long time ago and Wizard Island (which you can see in the pictures) has been formed over the years by lava. It is actually a mini-volcano...The lake itself is fed only by snow and rain and it has no river run-offs. It's sooooo blue and eerily quiet when you're up there. It's at or a bit higher than the cloud line, at least this day, and there were thunder storms going on around us. Very cool to watch from a higher perspective. A must see when in Oregon.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Multnomah Falls and Remnants of Twilight!
Because we had such beautiful weather while we were in Oregon we decided to hit up Multnomah Falls for the afternoon. It was amazingly beautiful and wonderful. We then decided to have a picnic overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. After our lunch Kathy showed us the spot where the final prom scene from Twilight was filmed. It was gorgeous and had an amazing view! And it was really cool being just being there. It wrapped up our 'Twilight tour' quite nicely. Hopefully the next step will be to actually meet some famous celebrities! lol.
Friday, June 19, 2009
A Saturday in Portland
We went downtown Portland on Saturday to see some of the city and to check out the Saturday market. We came across a very cool man-made ski hill in an outdoor plaza, and it was definitely a great surprise! It was very hot so was least expected, but got to see a good show, and a good competition.
The actual market was pretty big and had lots of cool vendors and entertainment. There were also a lot of different artists, which I think a large portion of the people of Portland actually are. Portland definitely has a different vibe to it though. Can't quite put my finger on it yet. It's actually a little strange. There's a lot of punk-pop youth there. Sounds odd but there's no other way to describe it. lol...Anyways, I bought a hat, and we browsed all day, there were some amazing booths! And of course, we ended the afternoon with a beer at a local pub.
The actual market was pretty big and had lots of cool vendors and entertainment. There were also a lot of different artists, which I think a large portion of the people of Portland actually are. Portland definitely has a different vibe to it though. Can't quite put my finger on it yet. It's actually a little strange. There's a lot of punk-pop youth there. Sounds odd but there's no other way to describe it. lol...Anyways, I bought a hat, and we browsed all day, there were some amazing booths! And of course, we ended the afternoon with a beer at a local pub.
That night we hung out at Kathy's and had a delicious dinner which consisted of taco ingredients in the form of a lasagna. So good! And then hung out all night and talked. It was a good girl's night in!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Just Do It!
Our morning on the Nike Campus was a sweet part of our stay in Portland. Well that and being able to shop at the employee store! Danger, Danger! That place had so many good deals and there's no tax in Oregon so you're actually just paying what the tag says. The campus is huge and you really do feel like you're on a campus rather than at work. There's like 3 soccer fields, a running track, beach volleyball courts, 2 gyms, a pool, spa, yoga studios...you name it, it's there; pubs and all! They even have a hair and nail salon.
I have 2 favourite parts. The walkway at the main entrance where you have to walk over little gaps in the cement that signify that the path to success always entails overcoming some obstacles, and the museum thing with Prefontaine's quote. "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. "
My favourite part was all the beautiful people. Everyone there is so gorgeous! haha. I also loved the huge basketball court, and of course all the free Canadian gear Kathy got us! :) Watch the second half of the video for a fashion show/weird picture montage/crazy outfits from Kel and I. Enjoy!
I have 2 favourite parts. The walkway at the main entrance where you have to walk over little gaps in the cement that signify that the path to success always entails overcoming some obstacles, and the museum thing with Prefontaine's quote. "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. "
My favourite part was all the beautiful people. Everyone there is so gorgeous! haha. I also loved the huge basketball court, and of course all the free Canadian gear Kathy got us! :) Watch the second half of the video for a fashion show/weird picture montage/crazy outfits from Kel and I. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
We Have Family In Portland?
After we passed through Oregon on our way up to Vancouver a few months ago, we found out that we have family in Portland. Of course, she knew way more about us than we did about her, but we finally got to meet her at the end of May.
Kathy is cool beans! She's a total Mullen; strong willed, stubborn, loud and adventurous. I know that not everyone in our family fits that bill, but it's a pretty strong trait! Kathy's dad and our Grandpa Mullen (who died before we were born) were brothers. As Kathy tells the story, our families were really tight! I must say it's interesting listening to what our family is/was like from a different perspective. We've got some dirt to play with now! hehehe
Another thing about us Mullen's is that we're too modest and tend to downplay some of the greatest successes of our lives. Kathy, in my books, is a pretty big success. She's lived in a handful of different states doing stuff from restaurant work to youth minister to now being a part of one of the biggest sporting companies in the world; Nike. She's beaten cancer 4 times (correct me if I'm wrong) and has got great experience to share!
Now those are all amazing things, but being the young, media driven generation we are, these are some other things that really tipped the scale. When she was younger, she went on a few dates with Troy Aikmen of the Dallas Cowboys. This was after they won the SuperBowl!
Sorry Kathy! I couldn't resist!! She's kind of a celebrity magnet. When she was at the US Open in NY with her Aunt, Tom Cruise was sitting in front of them. This was way back when he was still dating Minnie Driver. But my favourite story comes from the Nike World Head Quarters. A lot of sports stars actually have offices at the HQ, such as Michael Jordan, Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods to name a few. When those guys are on 'campus' as they call it, you can't ask for pictures or autographs or ask questions or anything. So one day Kathy was working out in the gym next to a big black guy. It took her a while to put the pieces together until he asked if she was OK. Her reply was, "I can't believe I'm working out with next to Michael Jordan." And his reply was, "I can't believe I'm working out next to Kathy Mullen."
We're all just people doing our thing...we're all put here to do exactly what we do best, whatever that may be. Yes or yes!
Love ya girl! 
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