vacay

right now I am watching the CMA's and reminiscing about the surreal vacation I just went on - sigh! I had the amazing opportunity to meet Chris in Rome and really get to know what a caring and kind individual he is. We spent 2 nights in Rome, then headed to Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo and up to Paris for 2 nights. It was a trip that I joked with people that would make us or break us...and instead of doing either, it made me appreciate him. Anywho, travelling is something I can't get enough of, it's something that everyone should be fortunate enough to try to do, you really get to know more about who you are, what the world is all about, and of course it opens you up to the people around you. Highlights of the trip: it's nice in nice, bridges, gelato, croissants, princess/prince, walking europe, champagne ontop of the eiffel tower, rose, 'free' pizza, biking paris, naps, amazing race pace, yachts, pharmacy?, aggressive locals, mona, monte carlo - enough said, climbing the vatican, lounging on the beach, fireworks, amazing meals, escargo, smiles, laughs and many more! thanks for the great trip!
ps. why can't vacations last forever...boo hoo! - back to the real world I guess?!

a few things

Yes I know I haven't been sharing some news, but right now there are some things I would like to keep for myself (or at least dish with the gals in my life)...anywho that being said the past couple weeks have been excellent! a wee bit exhausting, but this week is dedicated t0 catching up on lack of sleep and working out until my vacay to Italy and France. Yuppers...this Friday I am heading to meet with cc in Rome, Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo and Paris. ahh the unemployed teacher life. "when in rome"
next tid bit...Katie and Sean are officially married. They clean up well ;) Katie looked stunning (Sean you looked pretty sharp too)! It was such an amazing event....and it's so surreal witnessing one of your best friends start the next chapter in their life (especially in a shmancy bm dress!) There were many highlights of the day/night that are difficult to describe (especially being the iffy writer I am), but Maggie had an amazing speech that definitely hit home...first paragraph was shared with the guests...the rest I want to share and try to live by.
"Honour the Beginning"
Beginnings can be delicate or explosive. They can start almost invisibly or arrive with a big bang. Beginnings hold the promise of new lessons to be learned, new territory to be explored, and old lessons to be recalled, practiced, and appreciated, Beginnings hold ambiguity, promise, fear and hope.
Don't let the lessons, the experiences of the past, dampen your enthusiasm for beginnings. Just because it's been hard doesn't mean it will always be that difficult. Don't let the heartbreaks of the past cause you to become cynical, close you off to life's magic and promise. Open yourself wide to all that the universe has to say.
Let yourself begin anew. Pack your bags. Choose carefully what you bring, because packing is an important ritual. Take along some humility and the lessons of the past. Toss in some curiosity and excitement about what you haven't yet learned. Say your good byes to those you're leaving behind. Don't worry who you will meet or where you will go. The way has been prepared. The people you are to meet will be expecting you. A new journey has begun. Let it be magical. Let it unfold.
All parts of the journey are sacred and holy.
Take time now to honour the beginning.
Will post before I leave! Katie and Sean hope you are having a great honeymoon! miss ya! xo
ps. how is it August 17th already?

K&S

Tomorrow Katie, one of my best friends, is getting married to her perfect match; Sean...and I couldn't be more happier for both of them! I am so honoured to be part of their day and to be standing up with them and their dearest friends to wish them well! Katie and Sean; wishing you every happiness as you begin your life together. Love you guys! xo Can't wait until tomorrow!!
"May your love be modern enough to survive the times, and old fashioned enough to last forever!"

19 months and growing! cutie! xo

entertaining

Concerts: It's looking like it might be a summer of a few concerts...which is always a nice change! Xavier Rudd was awsome on Saturday night...very chill and such a great venue! This Thursday I will be heading to see Coldplay at the Rogers Centre with Heather! Holla! Row 18 on the floor! Thanks for inviting me! yay! This weekend, perhaps Sam Roberts. Tickets are sold out, but I am on the hunt...so if you know anyone selling, I am in! Also another sold out venue that I was late to the punch on: Matt Nathanson is playing August 11th at the Mod Club. He is one guy I would love to see! Might have to go scalp!

Bachelorette: What was up with last night? Talk about all over the show! I was happy to see Reid back, yet he needed to step up his game. Running shoes? Also if this was the one chance for him to win over Jillian, why was he not overly confessing his love. I know...I'm sure he was paid to come back...all about the ratings..but still! Loved Kiptons attire. He had my vote. But of course, though Ed is a little dorky, I'm always in for a happily ever after!

I ran up the door, opened the stairs, said my pajamas and put on my prayers - turned off my bed, tumbled into my light, and all because he kissed me good-night! ~Author Unknown

Forever 21

Count down is officially on! Forever 21 is coming to Mapleview Shopping Centre in Burlington. Soo for those of you who don't know me...I am a HUGE forever 21 fan. I go above and beyond the call of duty to make bi-weekly to mostly monthly stops in Newmarket to hit up the best Forever 21 out there. There is one in Dundas Square but is terrible that I dont even consider it to be a legit store. Anywho, I make frequent stops there on the way up or home from the cottage and always walk away with items. Though you have to sort through a lot, you will always find something and the price point is between: $17.00 - $35.00. I would say my clothes are becoming 50% from there. Long ago are the days of Holts. Anywho, I was randomly in Mapleview Shopping Centre the other day and came across the best news I have received in awhile....Forever 21 is coming soon! October! Yay!! Thought I would share. Holla!
ps. I am well aware I am not 21 anymore :( sad but true...but there are some killer stuff in there for all ages. fyi

One martini...

two martini...three martini...Floor :)

Saturday afternoon and into the early morning we hit the town and celebrated Katie and the next chapter in her life...by throwing her a Bachelorette party! It was definitely one for the books! We started off with some mani's and pedi's...made our way to Aradia Fitness where we strutted our stuff and learnt how to do a lil pole dancing (actually was a serious workout! hmm?) We then made our way to Water Side Inn where we stepped it up a notch and had some din, drinks, games, serious laughs, drinks, music, drinks games, and then made our way to the Bar. Of all the girls I know Katie definitely knows how to party...or at least can keep up with me ;) ha! "hey black betty rambalam..." Cheers to a great night! Looking forward to August 8th!

ps. Saw Bruno on Sunday eve...OFF SIDE...but hilarious!

pps. Happy 30th Birthday Heather! Love ya! xo

Calling all Muskokians - Tickets are purchased - see you there!

Go for the ride of your life

The roller coaster crawled slowly upward, inching toward the first and biggest hill. And suddenly we were screaming downhill at ninety seven miles an hour. It is, they claim, the fastest roller coaster in the world. I laughed and yelled and clutched the handlebar. When the ride ended, the attendant turned to us as we were about to leave. "Would you like to go again?" he asked "It's the last ride of the night." We all shouted yes and rode the course again, the wind whipping through our hair. When the ride ended, as all rides do, we sat in our seats and cheered.
Sometimes things happen. Things we didn't expect. Things we didn't plan on. An event occurs that changes our life dramatically. The event may be good or bad, desirable or undesirable, fortunate or unfortunate. No matter how we describe it, its impact is the same. We step off our usual path and go for a roller coaster ride.
You may have begun a time of deep transformation, a journey chosen by your soul. Feel all you need to feel. Allow your thoughts to flow. Let your body shift as you go through the curves. Let yourself be transformed. Enjoy the ride, the entire experience, with all its twists and curves. Scream in fear. Cry out in joy. Laugh aloud with glee.
If you find yourself on a roller coaster,
turn it into the ride of your life.
-Journey to the Heart

It's the end of an era

There are people in this lifetime that you feel are eternal...what would the world be like with out the king of pop... without Michael Jackson? Though I have mixed feelings about the choices he made in his life...one thing is forsure he was a music icon and will always be remembered - especially by the children of the 80's.

people.com: "The sudden death of Michael Jackson jolted his friends and family, a second blow to the entertainment world after the loss of another pop icon, Farrah Fawcett, only hours earlier on Thursday. "We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music but of all music," Justin Timberlake, who was clearly influenced by Jackson, wrote on his Web site. "He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones." "I can't stop crying over the sad news," Madonna says. "I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

nike

This weekend I decided to make my way up north to detox, tan, ride, relax and finish my AQ course! Other than relaxing I haven't been able to check off my list! Last time I was up the weather wasn't in my favour, and again as I sit here trying to work on my course I am finding everything and anything to do...including watching the U.S open! ha! It's pouring rain! Anywho, a couple weeks ago I was going through boxes - boxes from our Birchview house and I came across my Nothing Books. In '94 when I went to camp I started a "Nothing Book"...a book full of quotes, pictures, sayings and the odd thoughts. Not really a diary, just a creative outlet to write down some cool poems (sounds familiar). The 2 books I created stayed with me until the year 2000. It is so interesting to go through your past; especially to reminisce about the people who were such a big part of your life back then. Too funny! Anywho thought I would share one of my fav poem that made it into both nothing books.

"After awhile you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and possessing a soul. And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security, and you learn that kisses aren't contracts and parents aren't promises, and you learn to accept your defeats with your head held high and your eyes open. With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child. You learn to build your roads on today because tomorrows grounds are too uncertain for plans and future have away of falling down in mid flight and after awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you have too much. So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. And you learn that you really can endure and you really have worth. An you learn and learn, with every good-bye you learn." - NIKE

...and I'm back

so this month has been a long month away from running...I have definitely stepped up my yoga sessions and have been going as much as I can, but as much as I work out and do different activities it's running that keeps me sane (or insane!). So this morning at 6 I woke up at Hotel Rice-Swing and met up with Sam to run a difficult 6.5 k run...as if I ran a marathon a month ago ?!? Sam has clearly been running in secrecy, as I kept telling her to slow down! ha! We ran our normal pace of 5/k but I felt like I was going to die. Sooo that being said, Sam and I are officially signing up for a 1/2 marathon for the end of summer, and we will be back training for Boston in the fall. Any joiners for a 1/2? (please note: I am choosing social gatherings over running - but a 1/2 will keep me focused!)
ps. stayed at the best boutique hotel last night...it came with little treats, quotes, friends and a styling room! Thanks Heather! xo

that 'n this

So last night I had Auntie duty and went to keep my sister company till midnight at Sick Kids Hospital....little Mitchell had fractured his leg. Sniff sniff. He is a champ though and definitely controlled the hallways last night and kept the doctors on their toes! He has to have his cast on for 2 weeks ... sad ... but what a cutie! (cell phone pic) ps. his doctor was a girl I went to school with at Western...small world!

Next little bit I wanted to talk about....The Bachlorette. So as Heather and I sat down on Monday to watch and dish about the new season with our Canadian girl Jillian...we couldn't help but notice the fab Olympic hoodie she was wearing! Heather tried to google it on the spot, but no such luck...until randomly I got a fashion update email the other day from Aritzia sharing their new fab Vancouver Olympic hoodie - same one - I'll be..! (I believe the sweater will be in stores soon)There seemed to be too many Olympic plugs, but am all for a little Canadian press! ps. I took a couple years hiatus from the Bachelor series, however some how last season got me hooked, and I'm back at it...and of course I am a fan fav of Jillian, not just because she is Canadian but because she has killer style! I always look forward to see the new duds she pulls off. My vote is on Jake (though he's a little overboard) and Kiptyn. Several to get rid of, but glad Dave has hit the road last week and I think Tanner "foot" P needs to be next, while taking slimy Wes with him!
Okee doke - looking forward to the weekend! ciao for now xo