2014... a year to forget

2014 was shit.
2015....well...who knows.
I know what I want...
Now its about figuring out how to get it.....

Lifes fork

Fuck you fork.

Cheers to... Life

Merry Christmas

From a lonely Christmas
Now a crowed house

Merry Christmas world

:)

Nature takes its course

There has been a lot of changes in the past year.

My life has took a complete 180 turn though. For the better!

There have been many things that Ive had to let go. I have walked away from a few norms in my life because well- I realized that my existance in these certain situations is no longer profitable or healthy.

I moved to Iceland to almost escape my life in Edmonton.

You know what though... I wasn't escaping. I was simply finding my place in life at that moment that needed  change. I wasn't running. I was reconnecting. My goals and vision for the future was blury. I couldn't see 5 paces ahead of myself.

The moment the plane touched down in Keflavík the fog started lifting.

And happiness came flooding back.

And I knew at that moment... thing were going to get better.

Recently- a cloud found me but with every cloud comes a wind ...

I could sit here and contemplate why life is the way it is or was... instead...I throw my head down and walk  towards the horizon cause, well, looking backwards simply makes it difficult to proceed ahead. I may get lost along the way (who am I kidding- that is inevitable----it's a reason why I've learned to simply stop and ask for directions). I may be going completely in the wrong direction but its better than staying put and watching the world fly by now isn't it....

LightBulbs

The thing about light bulbs.

You can turn them on and off. 

BUT SOMETIMES

They burn out. 

Luckily you can replace the light bulb with a new one. 

Or better yet. A candle. 

Regardless- this little metaphor now has so many meanings backed up behind it  my brain is starting to hurt. I wish to sit here in complete darkness if only for a moment.

Harsh Reality- Life lesson #394474738

The world of expectations as Ive seen it... a time warp of sorts...a kick in the ass. Shall we go back?

In my teens- I was ruler of my own world. I was afraid of little and I was indestructible.  I knew EVERYTHING (or so I thought). My parents - apparently they were complete idiots and they knew nothing about life because I had it all figured out 🤦‍♀️. From what I wanted to be when 'I grew up' (which of course was only a few years away;) to the perfect life I would live with the giant house and have a successful husband who would make all the money while I dove into my dream of becoming an Olympic Coach and galavanted around the planet chasing my dream. Rrrrrrrriiight.

The 20s- I was living in a race against conformity. I was going to end up on the top of the pyramid. I would have the best of 'everything' -at that period that defined success.  I drowned myself in work. I eventually settled into that huge house and had 3 cars and 3 amazing children. From a consumers point of view- I was successfully rich…. in debt. I bought into the greatest scam of all- the 'American Dream'....I….Was….Miserable. My saving grace- My 3 incredible children who kept my sanity at bay. 

The tipping point- the 30s. I hear this is the challenging decade. And thus far it has proven itself correct. Life’s had many ups and downs and when your down sometimes you get a slap you in the face with a bucket of cold water saying 'hey.. wake up asshole- this is how it is...'

So how is it exactly?

You realize your values and morals have been heavily influenced by.... bull shit.
That’s right.
It seems to be that the older you become you realize you knew NOTHING-so-you start to listen and learn. I will be the first to admit I was in complete denial in my earlier stages of growth. I was in a delusional puzzle that would never be solved because the life I was chasing was all unrealistic and truly unfulfiling. 

The constant expectation of a perfect life. The life everyone feels they thould be entitled to. The life that you see on the big screen. Hollywood.... thanks for that. In a way we are still all diving into a 1950's print of Goodhouse Keeping magazine with our ice teas and aprons glancing through our 30 different boards on pinterest (I mean- really- it’s no different than when our grandmothers cut out the recipe from the discard pile at the local coffee shops and shived them into the cardstock holder). We all want to get married, have kids and fall in love and live a life where there is only peace and harmony.  But hell- Reality is- it's fucking work and it doesn’t stop there after you get all that. People are not perfect. We screw up. Lots. So the harsh real view of this is- how can we expect this perfect life when we ourselves fail at... perfection.

I know one thing we can all be better at though and perhaps could aid in this adopted perception that been developed within our lives…. forgiveness.

When two individuals come together and share a mutual love and respect for each other the ability to forgive each others differences and hiccups along the way is a far easier task. You also lose the self- entitlement you think you deserve. Instead- you focus on the relationship. Fill your partners love tank and do not expect a damn thing in return. Remember- the right person for you will share the responsibilities in a relationship. You have to have the desire to ensure that your partners needs are met as well as your own. It’s a harmonious dance where in which both partners are listening, feeling and are aware of the steps they themselves are taking but also listening to the steps of their partners so when they take a dip, they both can rise up together again and continue forward….

R

Ticking Clock Is Getting Louder

To be frank- this is probably one of the most intimate and bone baring posts Ive made in a while.... so bare with me on this. 

Where to begin??? 

My ex and I - we are on the verge of finalizing "THE DIVORCE".... only 3.5 years later... 

We both seemed to sit on the paperwork forever simply because it was.... paperwork. An inconvenience really and something that required time and effort and really- something that we just were completely lazy about.

I am not sad in the least about this progression- it's just emptying out "recycling bin" really because we've been apart for so long and we both have moved on to better lives. 

The circumstance however pushing the legal divorce forward really got me thinking. 

My soon-to-be official Ex husband is expecting with his girlfriend. A baby. A sibling for my children. WOW. This I believe is what is the motivating factor to bury our "relationship status" according to Canadian Law. 

This was a wake up call for me. 

I sent my congratulations and then.... memories came back. 

Lets go back in time:

It's almost been 3 years. My ex and I were failing miserably at working things out and the relationship was on its last legs and I found out I was pregnant. I was shocked (yes, I realize how a pregnancy comes about)... the thing was- I had no plans on having any more children. I was finished. After the complications with the twins and almost losing both babies I counted my blessings and never thought of it again. I thought ok- this is it. 

My initial reaction-I panicked. Here I was in a crumbling relationship and there was now a baby on the way. I remember calling my mother in tears and she said

'Rebecca- things happen for a reason...'

After I got over my panicked state I realized I was incredibly lucky (after all- many are unable to conceive and have babies) and obviously this was something that was meant to be.  Regardless of where the relationship was heading.

Well, 8 weeks later- the day before the ultrasound- I miscarried. I was very silent about the whole situation- I talked very little about it and when the few people that knew asked- I shrugged and said- 'things happen for a reason'. Inside my heart completely broke. I was encompassed in anguish and misery. I faked a smile yet my core ached. I never missed a day of work through the whole ordeal and I threw myself into "busy". I dealt with the situation the best I could. I moved forward and put the loss to memory. 

Now-this feeling of ... wanting... has lingered since. I know I cannot nor am I looking to replace the loss.. I just know that the sound of this ticking clock is growing louder and getting harder to ignore.

When Mustard Orange Tights Take the Stage

The thing about Iceland... the shopping is ... it fucking sucks.

I am in dire need of some retails therapy truth be told. My closet is being recycled over and over and I'm coming close to burning every sock I own (I love fun socks and the ones I own are quickly losing their appeal). Anyhow, I have done a lot of searching for online shops that ship from China (we have some free-trade agreement here that only requires us to pay a VLT tax)... still .. tax is tax.

I need a good 4 days home to just shop at winners and drink Starbucks. And buy razors. And pain killers and antacids cause those just are not available over the counter.

Christ- I sound like an old woman.

Gone... but never Forgotten

Jeff.

I never knew you. Never met you. I know a little about you though. You were a fantastic writer. You made two beautiful children. You have a gorgeous wife. A family who loves you and a brother who misses you something fierce. You left this earth far too soon. The people who knew and loved you wish for only a split second more. But... your time was up. Your expiration stamp was due and it was far too soon then anyone ever expected.

I often think you Jeff when Im reflecting on life and the direction it's taking. I think of your children who will remember you and turn to their family for more memories as their own become slightly cloudy. I then hope and pray that I've made memories to last a lifetime with my own children and I hope that my family and friends would do the same for me if I were in your wings. I then stop myself because I become terribly teary eyed as I think...time... it's never enough.

I then become reflective on my path in life.... in 10 years from now will I be happy being in the place I am now? In a year from now? In 4 hours from now. The answer is.... one can never know as one is forever evolving. BUT... I have a strong hunch it will be even better.

Jeff- thank you for motivating me to chose to live my moments with zest and fire. To love fiercely and to the fullest capacity. When I say I will do something- I mean it. When I want something I go after it. People always ask ' what's the hurry- there's time'.... I then whisper to myself...'perhaps not' as I recall your story. 

Thank you Jeff for teaching me to see the value in life and allowing me to not take advantage of the time I have. Thank you for opening my eyes to my OWN world and letting me see just how amazing it is.

Frustration

Im never usually one to complain nor am I one to voice concerns over my problems. Perhaps, that being said, is the problem.

Anyhow- today was a shit day. A toss up. My best friends brothers died a year ago and I wanted to be there for him... and I couldn't.  I fell completely ill at work causing me to run home to visit the WC for an extended time, I had a meeting from hell, my workout was shit and I never saw the boyfriend. Oh- and to top it all off... I think I was the crankiest woman on the island. I will blame that on my PMS.

Regardless- despite my shitty day I know one thing went well....
I got a kiss from my sweet little girls and she told me how much she loved me.

Emma- my love- you melt my heart.
......

An update... shortly after writing this the was a knock at my door. Turns out there were two best parts....

Cleaning Out the Emotional Rubbish

 I was once told that I was dragging quite a large suitcase full of.... emotional baggage. He said that I don't cut the strings of communication to people who no longer hold value in my life or care for me in the way they should. You know- this person was right. 

A close friend just ended a relationship because her significant other couldn't move on from his past and now she is deeply hurt and trying to move on. She felt second best. Inferior. Second-Rate. 

That got me thinking... who is still at the back of the burner... lingering. Sending random facebook messages or texts? People who I shut the door on but still allow to knock? 

 I never want to be in the position where I would hurt someone because I couldn't "let go" of the past. So- I took action and cleaned house. Got rid of all the baggage that lay on my doorstep.  

Good god what a liberating feeling.

Beautiful Silence

There is a couple in the corner at the coffee shop.

 They are obviously in love. 

The way she looks at him. The way he touches her cheek- The curve of her mouth turns up and her eyes grow brighter. He takes her hand and they are lost in each other. There are almost no words exchanged between the two. They are simply soaking in each others presence. He reaches over, caresses her cheek and kisses her deeply. Their eyes are locked and her hand touches his thigh and gives a slight squeeze. She gives him a devilish grin. He raises his eyebrows. She giggles a little. They are remembering the previous night. They are like this for about 20 min. The communication between the two of them is far more powerful than any verbal exchange. It is incredibly alluring and I find myself immersed in their world for a brief period. 

Incredible how powerful a connection can be based purely on acts of encoding and decoding wordless cues. 

"Run" - Matt Nathanson ft. Sugarland (Cover by Ja…: http://youtu.be/wgS2Ga4o1Bw

Cause Hes got passion in his WHAT!?!

What Every Woman Wants

Checking in on the List.....

....revised. ... again...

1. Quadruple Syked Photography regarding production and amount of photos on site- Get Noticed- Grow the Business. Be recognized in the photo world.
2. Gymnastics- Gym Ops. Gym Momentum Canada. MAKE IT HAPPEN.
3. Waterton-  trek Crypt lake and Red Rock canyon....***revised**** hot spring
4. GM Camp- Bring a team- increase enrollment and make a change in some inter city kids lives
5. Sell my condo and relocate.
7. Shoot with Grace Chiu again
8. Buy a new lens- fisheye. And maybe just maybe a camera bag. SIGH
9. Road trip to the coast (doesn't matter which one)
10. An Iceland fishing trip!
11. Fall in love
12. Paint more!
13. Do another cover on guitar and piano. Not simultaneously though
14. Attend 1 hockey game, one opera and one concert15. Touch the ocean- again
16. Teach the kids to ski.17. Spend some quality time with the big G-Ma. 
18. Remember to let those close to me know how much I love and appreciate them more often
19. DANCE LESSONS!!!!
20. Watch a LIVE football game
21. To jump off a bridge into the sea ...:)
22. Create an art piece for the home that doesn't resemble something my 6 year olds made
23. Pull an all nighter and feel good the next day (ie. Spectate and observe)
24. Give up banana chips
25. Make waves in IG.
26. design something that doesnt cause concern.
27. Become the main supplier for a equipment company in Iceland.
28. See europe. If only just a little bit.
29. Cycle 20 km in under 25 min.
30. Hiking trek that doesnt include lava underfoot... 

Dating: Action Speak Loudly. So Do Words

Here we go again. At this point I could start writing a book on the topic. I had a thought that recently hit me square in the face. A logical explanation why people perhaps are so frustrated with the 'process'.

Plain and simple- we have stopped listening to our hearts. 

I believe in a way we have become so confused of what we think we should require that we have muted the basic primal instinct on laws of attraction. Gone is the simplicity of it all. We now question what our hearts truly desire.

See the law of attraction goes like this:

Man likes WOMAN
Woman like MAN
They communicate.

This magical word. COMMUNICATE. Perhaps I blame social media (yes-you read that right - means of communication that perhaps kills communication!?!?!?). I blame the social standards set by the media. The articles and books on how to 'land' your potential signifigant other.The GAMES that are to be played. The many options in which we can meet people (now there is online dating, speed dating, hook ups, match makers, facebook, chat rooms (this I WILL blog about later), etc, etc) are ever evolving and we decide to engage in many of these methods at once. OH the CONFUSION!!!! We have many choices available yet half the time we don't know ourselves what we want anymore because it has been engrained in our heads that we should always be looking for the next best thing. We fail to listen to our basic instincts and what are bodies are telling us we truly want.  We question the 'process' and enter into this rat race of always looking for better. We are constantly being told to not be satisfied. To keep shopping. Yes. SHOPPING.

There is a flip side to this....a positive however.

I have also learned  a very valuable lesson which is when someone is ready to settle into a relationship and they have been through this experience (like i have) or are just one of those lucky few who have ignored all the aboved stated bullshit and are just going purely based on the experience placed in front of them they will generally be very forward and persue what they want with maximum effort. Hopefully- they will meet someone who is willing to do the same thus avoiding the game playing. No question or doubting.  I have read so many articles about how to win a guy over or how to capture his heart.... but after 'practicing' all these various suggestions I realized one thing: I learned that if the other person is not putting in the effort to capture your heart like you are..... move on.

When you want something bad enough- you chase it. Just like your life goals or dreams. If the conncection is strong enough both parties will persue it with maximum effort. There won't be doubt. 

I also don't wait around any longer. I simply wish to have my efforts reciprocated. I am very open with my feelings and forward with what I want (look how many times have I wrote about it!). If a man is failing to display interest then I WON'T wait for a text or for him to ask me out again. Out of sight is simply out of mind at this point.It's difficult to aquire adult time so when someone doesn't exercise effort I simply refuse to waste anymore of my energy on them. When I meet someone, tell them how I feel and then there is little given back I simply assume they are not interested, shrug my shoulders, say good luck and move on.

I am just not playing the 'Game' anymore. I truly know what I want and if that other person doesn't or isn't returning the desire....well....I know they simply are not right for me...

Love this.

Sam Smith - Stay With Me (Alex G Acoustic Cover): http://youtu.be/BZ0fJhNcB40

BPOMD

A roof top coffee and people watching.

Life is getting grander each day.

Insert good feeling here

Sometimes a simple brush on the arm or smile with the eyes can make your heart skip into next week.

:)

Just saying.

puzzles

Your life is a winding road. You just don't know where you will end up or where the road leads around each bend.

I do know one thing. It's the people along the way that make the difference-the relationships which you engage in that make this little journey we embark on have meaning and give it substance.

'Happiness only exists when shared'...so choose with whom you share your journey with wisely for it is a rather short expidition.

Life Altering Move- An update

Its been quite sometime since I've posted. Much has happened!

The Tape Measure has relocated. To a different continent!

I made the decision just 3 weeks ago to move to Iceland. It was a rather quick decision- but believe me not an easy one. I went through a very hard time at my old job- was unemployed for a few weeks then this amazing opportunity was placed in my lap.

My best friend was in Iceland helping out until they found someone to take over. He called me one day and said "Rebecca- You must come here- You will not regret it"

It was not an easy move because it involves not only me but an entire family. It was a heart wrenching decision but in the end we decided what would be best for our family as a whole.

I have been here for four weeks. And I don't think I'll ever go back.

It's hard to describe. I think to do the description justice ... Reykjavik is poetically a paradise. It is not overly hot here but a perfect temperature. The rain here is like a warm shower at times. The sunlight is constant in the summer (of course the winters are dark- and all Icelanders have warned me- OHHHHH.... just wait until winter... ). You are surrounded by water. It is so clean here. The air. The streets. Pollution is minimal.

Icelanders at first seem very distant. I am often labeled a tourist due to the lack of language and of course my Canadian accent however once I let them in on the fact I am their latest import- they light up. A greeting always involves a kiss on the cheek and a hug if you have met someone already. And they can party- Oy! Can they party. They start early and end... well... early- the next day.

The people- they appreciate the little things in life. From a strong cup of coffee to a fantastically baked Banani Bread (as I just heard the woman at the next table exclaim :). Like most- I think they forget what beauty surrounds them. I have spoken to many tourists in the area who have branched out of Reykjavik and I am eager to see more parts of the country (I have not seen much at all due to lack of transportation and time- like I mentioned- Im busy planning and setting forth a schedule).

The children- one word- FREE. They go to school- often its a 5 min walk at most (this is considered a long walk). The school system is so supportive. They swim weekly. They are encouraged to participate in after school sports. Finding a musical program is never an issue. Art program- sure... really- anything is available and the support is unreal! Often- a child will go after school and go on an adventure on their bikes and come home at 9pm. You know the quote... "it takes a villiage"- that is the perfect description of how the children are raised here.

So why Iceland?

I have a dream- and that is to be an Olympic Coach. I feel I can make huge waves in Iceland. I believe that this can happen hear. I needed new start. I needed space anf time. I needed a reset.

I got it.

Curve ball

Fucking curve balls.
Careful now.
My grand Daddy loved the red sox.
I have learned over time that curve balls are getting easier to swing at. ...
You just have to watch the pitcher.

Further down she goes
She's now at the bottom
It's dark and cold
Shivering in fear
Everything is lost

A robe dangles down
But she's too weak to climb
Too weak for the struggle
Time heals and goes forward
But she needs to rest for a while

She will lie for a moment
She will gaze at the stars
She will listen to the breeze
She will wish for an outcome

And then when she stands
A hand outstretched
Pulls her out if the 2 foot pit

Decisions. ...

My head I'd spinning in many directions right now. It's been an emotional day (who are we kidding.... week).

There are so many decisions I have to make in the next week and I feel very much alone in this whole process.  Only because...  I am. I want so badly to know the right answers. Check the right boxes.  AND AT THE END OF THE DAY- I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN MAKE THEM.

Decisions that affect where I live. Who is in my life. What my role is and what it will become. Who I make decisions for and vice versa. And what direction my life is headed.

SHIT.  I  want to be 5 again.

....really?

Human Christina Perri - Madilyn Bailey (Acoustic …: http://youtu.be/xtSye1rio40

The light, it's not as bright
The sides are closing in
There is no room to move now
The crescents getting thin

It lays there, barely beating
My weight is pressing down
No matter the direction
The pressures so compound

My arms reach down to lift it
Walls are preventing me
Tears collecting at the bottom
A salted pool forms a sea

Palak Paneer

my most favorite dish....
I have fallen in love with Indian food

Away

You say I'm useless
but I know that's a lie
you say I'm ridiculous
I'm wondering why
You yell and curse
'fuck off' I hear
You say I shut down
I don't want to be near!
I close my eyes
escape the night
I tell you to leave
but where, you can't drive
I wish for an angel
to fly me away
so I may sit on a beach
and tell the best parts of my day
my angel is hear, in spirit you see
so I no longer hear those words
that can cut me so deep
the dust has settled
which direction to go
I see a teal box on the floor
reminding me so...

I speak two languages?!?!?!?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUAfYQ69N9I
http://www.gymrep.com/en/items/rebecca-sykes/

I came across this the other day- how time has flown!!!

I want to dance.... but have no one to dance with......

En Route To Montreal!

... ... ... ... ....

:(

------
sigh.
------
:/
------
sigh again.
------
:(
-------
still not better.

....Good Morning Frank

...Please kick my ass at this today...

109th Location still Has Swagger

Thanks 109th Remedy for keeping your custom bathrooms at this location ...I appreciate it.

Today's Quote

'Disce quasi semper victurus vive quasi cras moriturus'

learn as if you're always going to live; live as if tomorrow you're going to die

SO BEAUTIFUL

Nuff Said...

Use Caution...

 

 



Life is fab

Make a wish

True True

P=K

Idea. or Thought.

Pinecrest is an online resource to ikea hacks.

just saying.

and in other news- I just had the most amazing cup of coffee from there. Seriously.

Mind you- I'm easily pleased when it comes to my Java.

It's a Hoax

Hallmark. Congrats. You've done it. You have managed to fool couples across the world that February 14th is a day of relationship celebration.

Well- here's my take.

If your I'm a relationship that's thriving you probably are going to agree with me on this.
V-day should be celebrated everyday.  The people in your life should feel loved and cherished 365 days a year- not just on February 14th. Whether it be the hug you give your significant other as he or she is standing there scrubbing the pots (best feeling in the world BMW! ) The compliment you give them. Scraping the ice off their windshield and yours. Turning off your favorite show (that's why you have PVR) and LISTENING to your partner. Or the coffee you brought home for them because you know how much they love it. 

EVERYDAY IS AN EFFORT. EVERYDAY SHOULD BE CELEBRATED.

Indeed

I find this hilarious. It's so true however I find a lot of people forget this notion. 

I like to think most have good intentions and we all strive to be like the said quote. I have learned though that the definition of ass hole can have many different levels applied to it and that some view actions as a simple inconvenience rather than the defined ass hole- For example-taking two parking stalls at the impossibly busy costco on a Saturday is in fact an ass hole move especially when I'm forced to park 1.6 km away from the entrance (1 mile;) and it's 35 below. Now- the parker may think the opposite and it's probable to assume it's due to a previous ass hole move from another  (present incompetent parking is motivated by a large dent that was recieved at one point in time from someone'snegligence when opening their car door).

My point- 'Parker' is avoiding further injury to vehicle but pissing everyone off in the process and has updated their status to being an ass without perhaps even realizing the outcome.

This outcome you see is simple  The human race develops a pay - it - forward attitude.  ONLY not in the positive light.

Well folks- like it or not- ass holes exists and we just have to make our best efforts to let it slide off our shoulders and hope that people have the best intentions and are not deliberate in their actions that piss others off. 

What's the new phrase?

KEEP CALM and ....

My Isle

Life's Current Simple Pleasures

#1. Waking up to a mid morning sunshine
#2. Forehead kisses
#3. Almond milk
#4. Swing dancing
#5. Hand holding with a 7 year old
#6. Biting into a perfect grape
#7. Warm sheets from the dryer
#8. A simple smile

simply obsessed- must learn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHHkw1QIzwA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Let Me Introduce You To....

Andy McKee...

I first heard one of his songs played by a friend. Drifting.  I instantly could not forget it.

This guy is a musical genius.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG0Prs_EqLE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Hot Hot Hot

Today's Horoscope. ..

Not that I ever believe this crap... but fitting for today.

 

Peak down an alley

Its darkness is a fright

Looking beyond the night time

On forward, see the light

Fear not what could be
Head strong down the path
Unsure of the outcome
of what may come to pass




 



. When that plate hits the floor- pieces fly in all directions.... finding all those pieces again- takes time and effort. Glue can help piece it back together but do you have  the patience to reconstruct AND after- can you look at that plate again and not see the scars left from the break?

Butter Castles and Giant Overgrown Buns

I had the pleasure of eating here yesterday. My new friend Clarke suggested it (great idea BTW!)

I had heard of it before but just never got around to actually going. It has been featured on the Food Network and the Lonely Planet Website- again- never saw either so I was getting the full frontal experience.

This fabulous find is situated just off of 109th after you cross the high level bridge (hence the name;). It boasts the best cinnamon buns and brunch. Parking is tight but it's to be expected when you consider where the place is situated. And, its busy! Really busy! There was a line up to the door when I showed up (it was a Sunday but I was informed that its always like this). It's not overly big but quaint. There is local art on the walls that you can purchase. The overall feel is- well- my grandma would have taken me to this place (she totally would love it here).

Well- I cannot say I indulged in a cinnamon bun(although I should have considering I have not stopped thinking of it since yesterday) but man- their omelettes- to die for!

I was especially impressed because not only did they make me a egg white but they also have a Glutten free Menu (for those dieters who have jumped on that particular bandwagon) AND they also serve breakfast ALL DAY LONG! What sent me over the top is the fact that they make their best efforts to  purchase locally grown and manufactured products for their restaurant which supports other mom and pop businesses in the area.

Anyhow- I must make a note- the staff was kick ass- never once did my coffee get below the 1/2 way point (not that it would have made a difference because I really don't mind my coffee room temp) and they were super friendly (I got a smile and giggle when I asked for 5 more butter packages to build my castle).

I have to say- my next visit- I will definitely be indulging in a C-Bun. Only thing- It will have to be shared. ;) 

Nom, Nom, Nom....

There Is Pleasure In The Pathless Woods

by George Gordon Byron

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be, or have been before,
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal.

No Meaning- Just Sounds Beautiful

I was browsing my YouTube account and I came across this... it chilled me. Simply Beautiful.

Sugar is Evil

I was watching a documentary last night from the 5th estate- A CBC production. It was called "the secrets of sugar"....

http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/m/episodes/2013-2014/the-secrets-of-sugar

WOW- is all I can say. I am in process of purging (the impulsive side of me has kicked in and gone to the extreme). I am not really in shock about it. I looked at my salad dressing. Trashed. I looked at my salad- 3 g of sugar per serving... wtf... its salad.. I looked at the back.... ahhhh... the cabbage- gotcha. That can stay. It's truly amazing how sugar is added to EVERYTHING. I mean... Everything. It actually disgusts me- they compared the average amount of sugar you ingest in an entire year. Go have a peak- see how fast you start to think of flushing all refined and processed sugar out of your diet. The addictive qualities in sugar are apparent- hence why we always crave that chocolate bar or ice cream...

Go forth and watch. Be informed and then trash that ice cream bucket and replace with a carrot. Or something.

Bliss Point

We all have one- the opportune position in life where everything has aligned and life is .... Grand.
 I believe we all have this certain groove we can get into that creates this internal Bliss Point. A balance and happiness within where we feel... complete. But- what contributes to this bliss point?

1. Your Home. It's just that- a Home. This includes your spouse, maybe kids (or a dog, or ... your computer?), The place where you can retreat, be quiet and be in solitude if need be. A place to rest. Relax. A place to enjoy the family. Or simply enjoy the silence depending on what you find appealing.

2. Your Career.  You are no longer working that 7 till 7 position at the local grocery store. You have a real job. You can afford a house. A car. Insurance. AND food!!! You actually LIKE your job. No, You LOVE it. You don't dread walking into work everyday. You ACTUALLY look forward to perhaps an evening out with your colleagues.

3.You're social network. I am making reference to Oldenburgs "third place" or "rendezvous". It's the place to go to unwind (when home just doesn't do it) or that place you look forward to after a hard days work. Your friends are often here. You crave this place- its a place to kick back and relax. A place to see your friends, discuss the hockey game (or WHY on earth Amber Riley won dancing with the stars is far beyond my comprehension- clearly Jack was the better selection!).

Regardless- this social network is often what we lack. The missing fulcrum to our teeter totter. When we don't have this place- we find ourselves engrossed in a tangled web of work and home and no "out" to just be "you"- Not mom or dad. Or Boss. Or the coveted employee you became. Or the lonely person rearranging the closet for the 13th time in 2 days... (not that I ever did that.... (insert shifty eyes here)). Just. Fabulous. You.

Of course-there are more things that contribute to that bliss point-
Self worth?
Emotional stability (no, that doesn't count if you are seeing your therapist 5 times a week and taking 3 different sedatives to calm your nerves and put a mute on those other 4 personalities you have been trying to shut up for the past decade).
Security
Etc. Etc.

In the end- its about what makes you feel balanced... Perhaps something worth noting.

Do I Need To Explain?

For so long- I placed myself in an Ikea Cart when it comes to my dating life.  I watched as men wheeled their carts down my aisle and ever so carelessly I jumped in their buggies just to realize perhaps I didn't belong or didn't fit quite right. Or I would hop aboard and then realize the driver didn't  know where the hey he was going. If you've been to Ikea (who hasn't?) you know what I'm talking about- wheels going in all 4 directions. Not knowing which way to turn. You can't control it- it wants to go left when your wanting to go right. It has a turning radius of a 12 ton truck- making the shopping process long and painful and often causing crashes into other carts or objects. You have to pull the damn thing to get it to follow. OR better yet- you'll luck out and pick that special cart that will be missing a working wheel or two making it impossible to steer. It requires patience and often the trip to the damn store takes 3 times longer than anyone has patience for on a weekend when everyone else is there...

 

While I'm at it- Why not bust out the Product Selection- Yet Another Comparison

 

Some of the products are pretty damn cool. But wait. Get it home and next thing you know you're in Swedish Hell drinking a bottle of Zen Zen by yourself cursing at an assembly manual that's in some language none of your friends speak-its  missing 3/4 of the pieces required to put the damn thing together and you're debating on picking up a drill and some screws to solve the problem (DO NOT TRY DOING THIS- ITS NOT A SOLUTION). You then have to go back to the damn store and go through the above process all over again. Fast forward 6-12 months later- you're back yet again shopping for a replacement to the item you bought because it's either broken or you are realizing that its not functioning in a way it was promised.  

 

Sigh

 

 Now Tiffany's- automatically my heart comes back to its resting 53 beats per minute. You shop there because you never have any intention on returning the product. You know the product is well made. You give it a lot of thought prior to purchasing. There is no assembly required so drinking the bottle of Zen Zen is because you are celebrating your purchase- not agonizing over it. You know you are getting quality and you know what you purchase will be nothing short of spectacular. Usually- it's the product that picks you- not the other way around.

 

The Best Part---- You Don't need a cart to shop at Tiffany's.

 

 

 

 

...THIS....

 

 

 

 

.......NOT THIS........

 

 

 

 

2014- The Bucket List

....revised. ... again...

1. Quadruple Syked Photography regarding production and amount of photos on site- Get Noticed- Grow the Business. Be recognized in the photo world.
2. Gymnastics- Gym Ops. Gym Momentum Canada. MAKE IT HAPPEN.
3. Waterton-  trek Crypt lake and Red Rock canyon....***revised**** hot spring
4. GM Camp- Bring a team- increase enrollment and make a change in some inter city kids lives
5. Sell my condo and relocate.
7. Shoot with Grace Chiu again
8. Buy a new lens- fisheye. And maybe just maybe a camera bag. SIGH
9. Road trip to the coast (doesn't matter which one)
10. An Iceland fishing trip!
11. Fall in love
12. Paint more!
13. Do another cover on guitar and piano. Not simultaneously though
14. Attend 1 hockey game, one opera and one concert
15. Touch the ocean- again
16. Teach the kids to ski.
17. Spend some quality time with the big G-Ma.
18. Remember to let those close to me know how much I love and appreciate them more often
19. DANCE LESSONS!!!!
20. Watch a live football game
21. To jump off a bridge into the sea ...:)
22. Create an art piece for the home that doesn't resemble something my 6 year olds made
23. Pull an all nighter and feel good the next day (ie. Spectate and observe)
24. Give up banana chips
25. Make waves in IG.
26. Design something that doesnt cause concern.
27. Become the main supplier for a equipment company in Iceland.
28. See europe. If only just a little bit.
29. Cycle 20 km in under 25 min
30. Iceland trek

Time to Get Going...

Because I Value So Much in This

My best friend posted this article in his blog- I had to repost because it speaks so true to my frame of mind right now..

You can either click on the link of read it below.


http://vacilandoblog.wordpress.com/

 

New Years Thoughts 1.

Posted on December 31, 2013 by tretrosi2013

‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”— Henry David Thoreau
Each New Year we resolve to improve ourselves. We reflect on what went well during the past year and what we could have done better.
Many people resolve to improve their health by losing weight, exercising more, and eating healthier.
Others think about how they might improve relations with the people in their lives. To recognize past faults. Perhaps they’ll vow to be a little more patient, listen more and speak less, take the time to understand another’s viewpoint rather than rushing to judgment. Some will push themselves to perform better at their job, on the playing field or in the arts, so that their truest and best self shines through.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken,” Oscar Wilde wrote.
If you are pushing to be your best self, life will not be easy. You can’t get any better simply by doing what you always have done, living comfortably and safe. You’ve got to take chances and when you take chances inevitably you fall down. Progress happens when you stand up, brush yourself off and try again.
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure … than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat,” President Theodore Roosevelt said.
This is a good time to take an honest look in the mirror and ask whether you are living the life you have chosen for yourself or simply being swept along on a sea of other people’s needs and expectations and the crisis of the day.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment,” Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote.
In the coming year, I want to encourage you to embrace the struggle, to fight to be your best self.
“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself,” William Faulkner wrote.
Believe in yourself. Because I believe in you.
“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I shall have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it, even if I may not have it at the beginning,” Mohandas Gandhi wrote.
We only have so many new years in our lives, only so many opportunities to start fresh. Make this your year. As I have said before- DREAMS HAVE EXPIRATION DATES.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough,” Mae West said.
As we seek to improve ourselves, let us also strive to lift up those around us. Let’s remember the simplest and best advice ever given to create a happy and successful life: “Treat others as you wish to be treated.”
Please have a  truly happy and fulfilling 2014.
Happy New Year.
Peace to All

Say it aint so?!

...Pertaining to my goals for this year...

 

....tis true... should probably take that and roll with it...

...in time...

... my new take on things...

... for you My BFF- Cannot wait till the end of the month!...

.... To everyone .... cause we always need to remember this small detail....

 

Wake up- It's a New Year!!!

I woke up into next year. This time around it was a solo party at Rebecca's house. I have to say- I started reading my new book and narcolepsy took over and I was out by the SECOND PARAGRAPH. I'm thinking I was tired- or too warm (my E-blanket was on full force). Anyhow, Im sitting in my living room on my couch contemplating on what to do today and wishing my tassimo machine was next to me as I'm incredibly lazy right now.

I will for sure hit Remedy and say hello to my fantastic peeps over there (maybe bring them cookies?). I need to get groceries. I ran out of lettuce. Hit the gym- that's a must.

Today- its the first of January- and also the last first day of 2014. I shall enjoy it. As with any other day. :)

Happy New Years My Friends!