Figured that title would get peoples attention.
Yesterday was our first day enjoying the coast in Tofino. The weather hasn't really been cooperating (it was rainy, cloudy and overcast all day) - but the food is fabulous!!!!
On Sunday, we went to The Schooner for lunch and it was delicious. I had the Goat's Nuts Salad - fresh Chevre cheese rolled in hazelnuts, roasted until warm and then placed on an assortment of winter greens, topped with cabernet poached pears, and drizzled with roasted red pepper vinaigrette. DELICIOUS!!!! Jeff decided to go for the huge bowl of Clam Chowder.
To end off the day we headed to the Shelter for supper. It is probably one of the more quaint, quiet, and rustic restaurants I have been to. It was a dimly lit small eating area with roaring fire - very relaxing.
I decided to have the Pan Seared Wild Sockeye Salmon. It was covered in a light honey dijon sauce, and was accompanied by fresh cooked beets & asparagus, and gnocchi. Again, fabulous!!
Jeff was adventurous and tried the Cowichan Valley Farms Duck Sausage Linguine in a parmesan garlic cream sauce. It was quite tasty!!
The weather today was warm and sunny until about lunch time - so I was able to enjoy it from the window of the board room I was teaching in - hoping all day it would stay until 4 when my class concluded. IT DIDN'T!! However, it will still be nice to go walking on the beach - great way to unwind after a long day of teaching. I love the coast. Work probably couldn't get any better than this. There are some perks to this job. :)
The Tin Wis Resort that we are staying at in Tofino has a wonderful restaurant, and we are looking forward to sampling the dinner menu this evening.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Goodbye to Amy & Randy
Last night was a special night - two really good friends are leaving for California in pursuit of new jobs. There was a going away party in their honour, and everyone was there. Everyone had a good time visiting, drinking, eating, and playing pool.
It is so nice when we can all get together like that, as people tend to get really busy with "life", and you tend not to see everybody as much as you would like. All in all, it is good to be around the people that you enjoy spending time with.
Randy is starting his new job with Cryptic Studios on Monday down in California, and we are going to really miss him & Amy. Saying goodbye to friends really sucks. :( This is a great opportunity for Randy & I know that he will really enjoy his new job. We will definitely try and get down for a visit - losing touch with friends sucks!
It was a pretty sober night for me - gingerale was the drink of choice for me. I have noticed over the last few months (drinking very little) that I can have just as much fun if not more by not drinking - I just look a little less stupid (I think) :)
There was some pretty serious pool playing going on - teams, and one on one. The night started off with Tomas & Brennan kicking Jeff & me at pool. It wasn't a pretty sight, and I decided to go with Tomas as my partner for next time. Not that Jeff was bad, just felt it was time to switch it up. Tomas and I did pretty good....it also helps when Brennan scratchs on the 8 ball a few times.
Later on in the evening with a new partner, Rob & I attempted to beat Tomas & Brennan. It went fairly well as Brennan was consistent in his scratching with the 8, and Rob & I won 3/4. Rob & I attempted to play a few games by ourselves, however it eventually turned into a betting ring - trying to see if Rob could make a number of impossible shots. No shots were made, and the games ended with Rob walking away with his head between his legs. All in all it was good times in the pool room.
Mike & Jill came up for the festivies with the kids and crashed at our place. We haven't see Eamon yet, so I can't wait til he wakes up. I am sure he is the cutest little thing.
Sounds like the entire house is up, and I should check out what is going on!
It is so nice when we can all get together like that, as people tend to get really busy with "life", and you tend not to see everybody as much as you would like. All in all, it is good to be around the people that you enjoy spending time with.
Randy is starting his new job with Cryptic Studios on Monday down in California, and we are going to really miss him & Amy. Saying goodbye to friends really sucks. :( This is a great opportunity for Randy & I know that he will really enjoy his new job. We will definitely try and get down for a visit - losing touch with friends sucks!
It was a pretty sober night for me - gingerale was the drink of choice for me. I have noticed over the last few months (drinking very little) that I can have just as much fun if not more by not drinking - I just look a little less stupid (I think) :)
There was some pretty serious pool playing going on - teams, and one on one. The night started off with Tomas & Brennan kicking Jeff & me at pool. It wasn't a pretty sight, and I decided to go with Tomas as my partner for next time. Not that Jeff was bad, just felt it was time to switch it up. Tomas and I did pretty good....it also helps when Brennan scratchs on the 8 ball a few times.
Later on in the evening with a new partner, Rob & I attempted to beat Tomas & Brennan. It went fairly well as Brennan was consistent in his scratching with the 8, and Rob & I won 3/4. Rob & I attempted to play a few games by ourselves, however it eventually turned into a betting ring - trying to see if Rob could make a number of impossible shots. No shots were made, and the games ended with Rob walking away with his head between his legs. All in all it was good times in the pool room.
Mike & Jill came up for the festivies with the kids and crashed at our place. We haven't see Eamon yet, so I can't wait til he wakes up. I am sure he is the cutest little thing.
Sounds like the entire house is up, and I should check out what is going on!
Thursday, January 27, 2005
What's Cookin
I love to cook. It is one of my favorite pastimes, just wish I had more time, and all the right ingredients.
Debating what to cook myself for supper. Don't really have much to work with, and I am feeling a little lazy.
I am killing time by reading recipes off the internet. Yah, I know - that probably sounds real lame, but that is about how much I like to cook. I could read recipe websites, or cookbooks all day long and be completely entertained. However, I am sure that I would eventually get hungry and start craving the food I was reading about.
I am sure that I will decide on something eventually, but for now the recipe reading is much more exciting. Check out one of my fave recipe sites - you can find just about anything here.
All Recipes
Debating what to cook myself for supper. Don't really have much to work with, and I am feeling a little lazy.
I am killing time by reading recipes off the internet. Yah, I know - that probably sounds real lame, but that is about how much I like to cook. I could read recipe websites, or cookbooks all day long and be completely entertained. However, I am sure that I would eventually get hungry and start craving the food I was reading about.
I am sure that I will decide on something eventually, but for now the recipe reading is much more exciting. Check out one of my fave recipe sites - you can find just about anything here.
Some Good Humour
Needed to refresh my brain at work today, and figured reading some good comic strips was the way to go. I get such a kick out of office humour. Check out Dilbert's Official Website.
While you are there take a look at some other comics I found quite amusing. Look for the comics.com Comic List at the top right of the page. I was quite entertained by "Committed", and "Moderately Confused".
Enjoy!!
While you are there take a look at some other comics I found quite amusing. Look for the comics.com Comic List at the top right of the page. I was quite entertained by "Committed", and "Moderately Confused".
Enjoy!!
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Take a Look
PICTURE TIME!
It has been sometime since I developed any pictures - and I had some film that need taking in. I found one roll while cleaning before Christmas, and the second roll had been in my camera for several months, and I just finished it off at New Years.
So take a look at my pics. There are some really nice pictures of my lake - Lower Fishing Lake. Brennan & Laura joined us this past July for a few days, and we had a blast.
Of course there are party pictures - our first summer hot tub party, Halloween, and New Years Eve.
Enjoy!
Marcia's Photo Album
It has been sometime since I developed any pictures - and I had some film that need taking in. I found one roll while cleaning before Christmas, and the second roll had been in my camera for several months, and I just finished it off at New Years.
So take a look at my pics. There are some really nice pictures of my lake - Lower Fishing Lake. Brennan & Laura joined us this past July for a few days, and we had a blast.
Of course there are party pictures - our first summer hot tub party, Halloween, and New Years Eve.
Enjoy!
Monday, January 24, 2005
Hockey Night in Saskatoon
It is just wonderful when I actually get to be in Saskatoon for a week. Being able to participate is something other than TV, knitting, & eating in hotel room, is a real treat for me.
I got to enjoy an evening out with the guys for their Monday Night Hockey. It was absolutely invigorating. It has probably been a couple of years since I participated in an "Geeks in Motion" activites, and I didn't realize how much I miss it. It was a lot of fun to just hangout, and play some high intensity hockey. I look forward to going a few more times when I manage to be in the city and not on the road. Hopefully they will get some other activities up and running in the summer - that would be aweseome.
We ended off the night with a beer at Boston Pizza. The beer was just as good as the hockey itself. Haven't had a beer in a long, long time.
By the time I left the restuarant, I could already feel my muscles tensing up. It was a good thing Sky suggested a little dip in the hot tub - for some reason I wouldn't have even thought of it.
All that hockey, beer, and hot tub has made me very tired. I hope I have a good nights rest - it has been along time.
I got to enjoy an evening out with the guys for their Monday Night Hockey. It was absolutely invigorating. It has probably been a couple of years since I participated in an "Geeks in Motion" activites, and I didn't realize how much I miss it. It was a lot of fun to just hangout, and play some high intensity hockey. I look forward to going a few more times when I manage to be in the city and not on the road. Hopefully they will get some other activities up and running in the summer - that would be aweseome.
We ended off the night with a beer at Boston Pizza. The beer was just as good as the hockey itself. Haven't had a beer in a long, long time.
By the time I left the restuarant, I could already feel my muscles tensing up. It was a good thing Sky suggested a little dip in the hot tub - for some reason I wouldn't have even thought of it.
All that hockey, beer, and hot tub has made me very tired. I hope I have a good nights rest - it has been along time.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
New Addition
Well there has been a new addition to the household...."neuba" my new laptop. Very excited about my purchase!
Brennan helped me shop today, and we were able to get everything I needed to get me up and running - mostly. We are going to have to put a new version of Windows on, and install Microsoft office, and of course any games, and other cool stuff that will be essential when I am travelling.
Hopefully I won't feel so out of contact with people when I am away. It gets pretty lonely out there on the road. So I am sure that "neuba" will keep me company, and help me stay in touch.
Brennan helped me shop today, and we were able to get everything I needed to get me up and running - mostly. We are going to have to put a new version of Windows on, and install Microsoft office, and of course any games, and other cool stuff that will be essential when I am travelling.
Hopefully I won't feel so out of contact with people when I am away. It gets pretty lonely out there on the road. So I am sure that "neuba" will keep me company, and help me stay in touch.
Mmmmm....Good!
I feel that when the weather is cold and miserable outside - that is the perfect time to get cookin in the kitchen. I guess it just reminds me of those cold winter days when I would walk home from school at lunch and mom would be making buns, bread, and of course cinnamon buns.
So baking it was going to be for me on a cold Saturday morning. The morning started off pretty good until I realized I didn't have any eggs, and if I wanted to do any baking I was going to have to venture out into the cold. So the desire to bake won over, and out I went to pick up some eggs. Good thing the store is only a short distance away.
On the menu - cinnamon buns, and banana bread!! Yummy! Two of my favorite things to eat. Which is why I don't make either of them very often.
I have always loved that fresh smell of baking you get in the house. Just makes you feel warm inside. The banana bread just came out of the oven, and is looking pretty good.
I got a call from my girlfriend(Andrea) in Edmonton this morning, and it was nice talking to her while baking. Hadn't heard from her in a really long time. I miss her lots! I hope her & Kory come to visit soon.
Well the banana bread, coffee, and paper are waiting for me.
So baking it was going to be for me on a cold Saturday morning. The morning started off pretty good until I realized I didn't have any eggs, and if I wanted to do any baking I was going to have to venture out into the cold. So the desire to bake won over, and out I went to pick up some eggs. Good thing the store is only a short distance away.
On the menu - cinnamon buns, and banana bread!! Yummy! Two of my favorite things to eat. Which is why I don't make either of them very often.
I have always loved that fresh smell of baking you get in the house. Just makes you feel warm inside. The banana bread just came out of the oven, and is looking pretty good.
I got a call from my girlfriend(Andrea) in Edmonton this morning, and it was nice talking to her while baking. Hadn't heard from her in a really long time. I miss her lots! I hope her & Kory come to visit soon.
Well the banana bread, coffee, and paper are waiting for me.
Friday, January 21, 2005
not meant to be
As some of you may know, I have been waiting to hear about a job that I applied for at work in another department (Food Dept).
Looks as though they found someone else - from outside the organization. :( Guess I am pretty dissapointed about not getting it. I was looking forward to a change - think that is what I really need right now.
Guess things don't seem to be going the way I would like lately. Hopefully they will turn around.
Looks as though they found someone else - from outside the organization. :( Guess I am pretty dissapointed about not getting it. I was looking forward to a change - think that is what I really need right now.
Guess things don't seem to be going the way I would like lately. Hopefully they will turn around.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Vanderhoof, BC Gateway to the North
It is good to be home, once again. More so today, as I was just about stranded in Prince George for the day. The fog was really bad, and it was touch and go on whether or not the flight was going to go at all. Luckily it did, and I eventually made it home - even the 3 hr layover in Vancouver wasn't that bad.
Work in Vanderhoof was a success. The people up there are awesome - warm, friendly, and just a joy to be around. I love it when I get to teach people like that - doesn't feel like work at all.
The weather was pretty crappy. Didn't see the sun for 3 days, as it rained and was extremely foggy the whole time. Didn't make it very nice for driving. The country is so pretty up there, with lots of evergreen, spruce, and of course the mountains. I took my camera intending to take some pics, however because of the cloud and fog there wasn't really any point. I am going to try and take pics of other cool places I go and attempt to post them on my blog.
It will be nice to be home for awhile. I don't head out again until the 29th, so I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed for more than 2 nights.
Work in Vanderhoof was a success. The people up there are awesome - warm, friendly, and just a joy to be around. I love it when I get to teach people like that - doesn't feel like work at all.
The weather was pretty crappy. Didn't see the sun for 3 days, as it rained and was extremely foggy the whole time. Didn't make it very nice for driving. The country is so pretty up there, with lots of evergreen, spruce, and of course the mountains. I took my camera intending to take some pics, however because of the cloud and fog there wasn't really any point. I am going to try and take pics of other cool places I go and attempt to post them on my blog.
It will be nice to be home for awhile. I don't head out again until the 29th, so I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed for more than 2 nights.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Contemplation...thoughts of an insomniac
Just wanted to put down some random thoughts I have collected from many sleepless nights.
I have been contemplating life a lot these past few months and have come up with some astonishing conclusions (at least they are astonishing to me).
Life is hard! It wasn't that I ever thought that it was easy - you just don't realize how hard it can get when faced with a crisis, situation, or life changing experience - whether it be at work, with your partner, your friends, or even family. I think that generally, life really sucks sometimes.
There is always so much going on around us in crisis times that we sometimes forget to think about ourselves - we put on a happy face, and get on with life...no one around you really wants to see that you are miserable or unhappy. Which brings me to my first real conclusion about life - how often do we simply do as is expected of us in order to maintain harmony among those around us? I think we do it more often than we would like to think. No one wants to disrupt peoples lives, unknowingly hurt others, or even just change the routine/habit/comfort we have established. Change is difficult...and getting to the point of understanding that change isn't that horrible (it may in fact be better for yourself), is a hard place to get to.
Sacrificing seems to be the ideal choice on the surface...however sacrificing your happiness and enjoyment for others - FOREVER - is generally not a good idea (at least I think so). Sometimes we need to be selfish. Sometimes we need to take a hard look at ourselves and determine what is really going to make us happy in life, and then try to get there no matter how difficult. Because, at the end of the day, week, month, year, life, YOU are the one that has to look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself "Was I truly happy?"
Some interesting life lessons:
1. Be careful who you trust
2. Always be true to yourself no matter what
3. Never regret. What's done is done. Grow & learn
4. Lying hurts others and yourself
5. Life sucks! Sometimes.
I have been contemplating life a lot these past few months and have come up with some astonishing conclusions (at least they are astonishing to me).
Life is hard! It wasn't that I ever thought that it was easy - you just don't realize how hard it can get when faced with a crisis, situation, or life changing experience - whether it be at work, with your partner, your friends, or even family. I think that generally, life really sucks sometimes.
There is always so much going on around us in crisis times that we sometimes forget to think about ourselves - we put on a happy face, and get on with life...no one around you really wants to see that you are miserable or unhappy. Which brings me to my first real conclusion about life - how often do we simply do as is expected of us in order to maintain harmony among those around us? I think we do it more often than we would like to think. No one wants to disrupt peoples lives, unknowingly hurt others, or even just change the routine/habit/comfort we have established. Change is difficult...and getting to the point of understanding that change isn't that horrible (it may in fact be better for yourself), is a hard place to get to.
Sacrificing seems to be the ideal choice on the surface...however sacrificing your happiness and enjoyment for others - FOREVER - is generally not a good idea (at least I think so). Sometimes we need to be selfish. Sometimes we need to take a hard look at ourselves and determine what is really going to make us happy in life, and then try to get there no matter how difficult. Because, at the end of the day, week, month, year, life, YOU are the one that has to look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself "Was I truly happy?"
Some interesting life lessons:
1. Be careful who you trust
2. Always be true to yourself no matter what
3. Never regret. What's done is done. Grow & learn
4. Lying hurts others and yourself
5. Life sucks! Sometimes.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Be Pooh
"Everything has its own place and function. That applies to people, although many don't seem to realize it, stuck as they are in the wrong job, the wrong marriage, or the wrong house. When you know and respect your Inner Nature, you know where you belong. You also know where you don't belong. " - Benjamin Hoff -
To know the Way,
We go the Way;
We do the Way
The way we do
The things we do.
It's all there in front of you,
But if you try too hard to see it,
You'll only become Confused.
I am me,
And you are you, As you can see;
But when you do
The things that you can do,
You will find the Way,
And the Way will follow you.
Benjamin Hoff-
To know the Way,
We go the Way;
We do the Way
The way we do
The things we do.
It's all there in front of you,
But if you try too hard to see it,
You'll only become Confused.
I am me,
And you are you, As you can see;
But when you do
The things that you can do,
You will find the Way,
And the Way will follow you.
Benjamin Hoff-
Try something different
Got the pleasure today of being taken out for lunch by my Gramma. She is always talking about going out for lunch for my birthday for a couple of years now, and it has just never worked out.
We decided to go to Prairie Ink, which is a nice cafe located in the McNally Robinson bookstore. Her and I have been their before, and quite liked their food.
We decided to have something different, so we both ordered the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich. It had eggplant, zucchini, red pepper roasted in a balsamic vinaigrette, then toasted on multigrain foccacia...as a side we both had a garden salad with cranberries, toasted almonds in a light dressing. It was very delicious, and something that I would not normally order. However, trying new things seems like the way to go these days. Guess you never know unless you try! For dessert(of course) we had gingerbread cake with caramalized apples. Gramma was feeling a little guilty for not baking me a cake, so she insisted that we have a slice of cake. Didn't take much to twist my arm.
All in all, it was a nice way to spend the afternoon. There is something about Grammas, they always make you feel special, and #1.
We decided to go to Prairie Ink, which is a nice cafe located in the McNally Robinson bookstore. Her and I have been their before, and quite liked their food.
We decided to have something different, so we both ordered the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich. It had eggplant, zucchini, red pepper roasted in a balsamic vinaigrette, then toasted on multigrain foccacia...as a side we both had a garden salad with cranberries, toasted almonds in a light dressing. It was very delicious, and something that I would not normally order. However, trying new things seems like the way to go these days. Guess you never know unless you try! For dessert(of course) we had gingerbread cake with caramalized apples. Gramma was feeling a little guilty for not baking me a cake, so she insisted that we have a slice of cake. Didn't take much to twist my arm.
All in all, it was a nice way to spend the afternoon. There is something about Grammas, they always make you feel special, and #1.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
A day of surprises...well kind of
Today I woke up looking forward to the surprises that Jeff had in store for me in celebration of my birthday. Due to the fact that I will be out of town on Monday, today seemed like a good day to celebrate.
Got the morning off to a good start with some cleaning and rearranging of the basement. Got a great idea the other night on how to rearrange the basement, so that Jeff can talk all he wants on teamspeak while playing World of Warcraft, and I can try to watch a movie in silence. I guess we will see if the new arrangement works.
Around noon Jeff finally revealed his first surprise....a day at Manitou Springs, and a relaxation massage..WOW!!! I couldn't wait. However, the spa had no openings for today, so we had to postpone that idea. Boo hoo!
We eventually decided to see a movie, and took in Meet the Fockers. It was a good laugh. I think I was more entertained with the laughter coming from the middle aged couples in the back of the theatre.
The day however was yet to be over...more surprises to come. Dinner out - Carvers! Yummy! We had wine, steak, dessert (the pecan torte was delicious)...it was a absolutely fabulous way to end my birthday day of surprises.
Got the morning off to a good start with some cleaning and rearranging of the basement. Got a great idea the other night on how to rearrange the basement, so that Jeff can talk all he wants on teamspeak while playing World of Warcraft, and I can try to watch a movie in silence. I guess we will see if the new arrangement works.
Around noon Jeff finally revealed his first surprise....a day at Manitou Springs, and a relaxation massage..WOW!!! I couldn't wait. However, the spa had no openings for today, so we had to postpone that idea. Boo hoo!
We eventually decided to see a movie, and took in Meet the Fockers. It was a good laugh. I think I was more entertained with the laughter coming from the middle aged couples in the back of the theatre.
The day however was yet to be over...more surprises to come. Dinner out - Carvers! Yummy! We had wine, steak, dessert (the pecan torte was delicious)...it was a absolutely fabulous way to end my birthday day of surprises.
Pulp Fiction
Hung out with a couple of friends last night in celebration to my upcoming birthday on the 17th. We did a little drinking while playing a good old fashion game of the "Game of Life" - it was quite fun. Brennan and I didn't do so well with our general fine arts degree, however Tomas seemed to be doing just fine as a hardworking (well, maybe not) Doctor, and wound up being the millionaire in the end.
We finished off the night with Pulp Fiction, which I saw for the first time last night. I generally do not like Quentin Tarentino movies, however this one, I would have to say was pretty good. I tried my best not to ask too many questions, however there was a lot going on and I did need some clarification at certain times. :) Hopefully I didn't annoy Brennan or Tomas too much.
All in all, good times! Friends are great!
We finished off the night with Pulp Fiction, which I saw for the first time last night. I generally do not like Quentin Tarentino movies, however this one, I would have to say was pretty good. I tried my best not to ask too many questions, however there was a lot going on and I did need some clarification at certain times. :) Hopefully I didn't annoy Brennan or Tomas too much.
All in all, good times! Friends are great!
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