Lookin' good!

Hi Everyone!

So, Jerry's roommate got married and the ceremony was on Saturday. It was very small - no reception that day as they had difficulties finding a hall. They're going to put it off for a month or so, which I think is a great idea - it will be a lot more relaxing and memorable for them without that pressure. It was held at Deane's House, a historical house that doubles as a restaurant (with gorgeous gardens). Short ceremony, no decorations (the flowers and natural setting was all they needed). Just family and a couple friends.

So, Steve wore a suit jacket and Jerry wore a vest. They got a 1 1/2 weeks before the wedding and they looked great. I hadn't seen Jerry's outfit but my dress (summer dress, hem just below the knee) worked perfectly with it. It was warm and sunny for the ceremony but it rained that evening for the bbq. Oh well - the food was good and everyone made the best of it. And, they had ice-cream cake!

I think more people should have weddings like this. Low key, low budget, lots of enthusiasm and an overflow of love. They are such a cute couple and you could tell how much this wedding meant to them.

Jerry'll be in transition now - this is the first time since he was a teenager that he'll live by himself. I think it'll drive him crazy since he's a social persom but I think it's important for every person to live on his/her own just to see what it's like. I've offered him Whiskers and he's thinking about it ;-D She can be quite rude to him - scratching at carpet, trying to chew on his pants, giving him the evil eye, knocking his bag over... She takes a while to warm up to people. I think some quality bonding time would do the both some good. Either that or Jerry will have holes in all his clothes and she'll be in a pot! And who said I wasn't an understanding girlfriend hee! hee!

Have a great day!

I can see again!

Hello Everyone!

I just picked my new glasses and wow, what a difference! I was using my really old glasses from almost 5 years ago because my cute pink glasses broke during the winter. Everything is so much clearer and sharper - I didn't realize just how far my eyes had changed.

They ended up just over $600 since I have to get the special lenses because my eyesight is so bad. They're a dark green, with a turquoise hint plastic frame, rectangular with a circle pattern on the arms. Very cute and fashionable. I'll be able to show you pictures next week.

Karen

Rafting down the Bow

Hi Everyone!

I've had a great weekend. On Friday, it was rainy/overcast in the afternoon and I was thinking, "What a crappy day." I wasn't expecting to see Jerry all weekend as he had a bunch of plans.

Then I got a phone call from him to go see the new Batman movie. It's been years since I've been to opening day for a movie that big and the whole experience was a lot of fun. We ended up sitting in the front seats (but it actually wasn't too bad for viewing) and it was great to have the audience get involved in the movies (with the "Wows" and gasps and collective laughs). Later that night he gave me a present (we went on our first date a year ago Saturday). It was a Chinese butcher's knife. I had mentioned several times that I wanted one and we hadn't gotten around to visiting Chinatown for me to buy one. And, neither of us believe the gift of a knife will cut a relationship. My view is he was thoughtful enough to buy me a great present that he knew I would like.

I was planning on using the weekend to work on his present but he then invited me to go rafting on the Bow on Sunday. So, Saturday I was busy making his present. I'm always short money in the last third part of the month so I decided to make it. Since our first date started with Ben & Jerry's ice-cream, I bought a tub at the grocery store, emptied out the ice-cream (will share it with him the next time he's up at my place) and used it as my present container. I then took blank business card paper, wrote mushy-cute notes on them and folded them into what looks like envelopes. So, his container of ice-cream contained (hee-hee) reasons why he's such a wonderful guy. I then finished up by covering the "Ben" part of the labels and putting "Karen" over top. Corny, yes, but he's quite a romantic and sweet guy (although he tries to hide it and does a terrible job). I'm also going to make him a fancy picnic on Thursday after work. Here's my tentative menu:

fresh veggies with hummus
potato omelet (well, frittata - it's yummy and is eaten at room temperature)
fresh salad with ingredients from my home garden and oil/vinegar dressing
oatmeal/dried fruit/chocolate chip cookies
caramel chocolate bars
fresh fruit cups
pink lemonade

We both like picnics and this one will have food that's a bit fancier than I normally would make. I was going to get a picnic basket from the fancy restaurant on Prince's Island (our picnic spot) but they were too expensive. Yes, it's super high end stuff but Jerry seems to really appreciate my cooking attempts.

Anyways, back to the reason for the title of this entry...

I went up to Jerry's this morning and we headed down to Kensington Sun & Salsa festival. Basically, you buy a bag of chips for $2, money goes to charity, and you go around sampling free salsa. You then vote for your favourite salsa. There's also music, dancing, shopping, performers etc. After that, we headed to Bowness Park, met up with friends, and spent the next three hours floating down the river on rafts. The sun was hot, the water was cold and it was very relaxing. I'm a bit sunburnt where I missed with sun screen. As much as I love the convenience and feel of spray-on sun screen, I find it's harder to make sure you're completely covered. Maybe I need the kid's stuff that's purple when comes out but dries clear. I'll put some aloe on tonight to help minimize the skin damage.

I've got a busy week ahead of me - there's a gardening seminar on Monday, I'm having coffee with a friend on Tuesday, dinner after work on Wednesday with another friend, the picnic on Thursday a wedding to attend on Saturday and a meal and/or coffee with yet another friend on Sunday. So, the furry family may not be impressed with me (they get upset when there's not enough Karen time) but I'm looking forward to everything.

Have a great day!

I just sent my first text message!

Hi everyone!

I've received messages on my phone but I've never actually sent one until today. It was rather difficult as my phone wanted to put in different letter than I was trying to use. Afterward, I explained my problem to a co-worker and was told my phone was set to "predictive". I've now switched to alphabet.

Hmm...I may need to look into what my plan has for text messaging.

point form 2

Hi Everyone!

Tues
-did a whole bunch of driving
-rain
-Fort Macleod: opening Canada Day ceremonies, part of musical ride (rained out), museum
-Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: wet, great interpretive centre, will return for outdoor hike
-Waterton: deer everywhere, very pretty

Wed
-hike to Bertha Falls, partway to Bertha Lake
-climbed Bear's Hump
-rented 4 wheel bike (seated 2 people on a bench across). Let Christine steer/brake. Think I got my first grey hairs
-lots of ground squirrels
-will return for more hikes

Thurs
-Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
-sunny, hot
-climbed on hoodoos
-heard a rattle snake
-Japanese garden in Lethbridge
-very pretty

Fri
-Stampede parade
-rodeo
-Stampede grounds
-lots of fun, not as crowded as in the past (less American tourists because of high dollar and economy)

Now: very tired

Saturday: laundry, relax, Stampede chuck wagon races & evening show
Sunday: Banff
Monday: Lake Louise
Tuesday: zoo, Calgary Tower
Wednesday: back to work, family leaves

point form

Hi Everyone!

-cleaned house
-Mom, Dad & Christine arrived on Saturday evening
- ate my fish recipe on Sunday, didn't get food poisoning. Fish Creek provincial park. Prince's Island. Met Jerry. Ate at Vietanmese restaurant - family agreed it was tasty
- Monday passed Payroll midterm. Family - Science Centre, Devonian Garden, Glenbow Museum. Got Western attire
- printed off driving directions for Fort Macleod, Head-Smashed-In, Waterton, Writing-On-Stone, back Thursday night. Stampede Friday
- very tired. On vacation!

Baa Baa Sheep

Mary had a little lamb,
little lamb,
little lamb.
Mary had a little lamb
That was so very yummy!

Yep, Nigella's good. The recipe turned out like in the picture. It was very moist and flavourful. I put it in the oven like she said and pulled it out when the timer went off. No basting, turning, checking. The only problem I had was with all the juice. Jerry thickened it a bit for me (to make it part jus since it wasn't quite a gravy although he had some fancy name for it). I was so-so on the beans that she said to serve with it but they're still something I'm getting used to as a potato substitute.

Had a baby radish leave salad - from the garden. When the leaves are very small, they aren't prickly yet. We tried it with poppyseed dressing and it was quite delicious.

So, for anyone looking for a great recipe book, pick up Nigella's Express cookbook.

A nice weekend

Hi Everyone,

The weather was warm and mostly sunny. I built a couple planter boxes to set my flower boxes in. It went pretty well but I gave myself a large blood blister on my middle left finger. I was holding 2 pieces of wood together and as I was bringing down the hammer I though, "This wood will likely shift and pinch my finger between the pieces." Thud. Ouch. (Actually, it hurt more when I iced it an hour later).

I went on a proper date with Jerry on Saturday night. Usually we get together at one of our places for dinner and tv but this was a proper date. We went and saw Indiana Jones and then went out for dinner. It was rather nice! The movie itself was a bit odd - 3/4 classic Indiana Jones, 1/4 what the ****? It was a plot twist that didn't fit in with the movie or the other movies. We figure George Lucas had too much script influence. Despite that, I'm glad I saw it. It's the type of movie best suited for a summer drive-in double feature.

On Sunday I had 2 picnics, the second was a garden party at the garden plot. Our little garden is coming along. We lost our accorn squash and we didn't see any peanuts come up. I thinned out some raddish so we're having a raddish leaf salad tonight.

I'm making lamb - specifically lamb shank. It has a simple marinade - white wine, worchestershire sauce, onion, garlic oil, rosemary and red currant jelly. I've had bad luck in the past with lamb but Nigella's recipe was easy to follow and has more details than past recipies. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Have a great day!

Pretty Charlotte

Hi Everyone,

I spent last night giving Charlotte some tlc and making her pretty. I picked up a bright pink chain and put it on. I wanted to get purple but the bike shop wasn't expecting to get any in for the next while. I said, "But I don't think pink would go with my red bike." They then said, "Well, your helmet is red and pink." So they got me. My bike and helmet are becoming co-ordinated. All I need is an orange water bottle and I'll be set!

So, after an ice-cream date with Jerry, I went home and got myself all dirty and greasy. I took the new chain out of the box and cleaned the packing grease off it. You can ride with the original lube but I was told if I have time, to do a proper cleaning/lubing. I then broke my original chain and cleaned it. What a mess! I think I've been over lubing which means dirt sticks to the extra lube and makes it really dirty. It's good for winter since it protects the chain but in summer you want a pretty clean chain. The main problem I had with putting the new chain on was rejoining the chain. Basically, there's a little pin that joins the links and to break the chain, you need to remove the pin but only until it's out of the middle section and still sticking in the outer part. I only had a small chain breaker on my multi tool and although I could remove the pin, there wasn't enough distance between the pin and the crank used to shove the pin in and out. I ended up lining everything up and using a hammer. Not an ideal situation but in the end it worked.

After all this work, I was rather tired and went into my room to get ready for bed. Next thing I know it's morning and I'm late for work. The tv was on, all the lights were on, the furry family was hungry...

So, I opened the window for Mike (he's happy), bribed the other two with strawberries (they're happy) and sent an e-mail to work letting them know I'll be late (they laughed). Had a nice ride in, chain working well, no weird noises or grinding.

So, I've got a very busy week ahead of me. My payroll mid term is next week and I'll be getting the apartment ready for Mom, Dad & Christine's visit. It's suppose to be a nice weekend so I can get a bunch of laundry done.

Had some problems with my kitchen sink pipes. There was/is a clog somewhere and I didn't pick up on that being the strange smell in my kitchen until 11:30 Wednesday night. Since it wasn't standing water (just took a super long time to drain), I used Drano kitchen crystals to help clear it. I think most of the clog is gone - when I was running the water to test it, it took a long time for it to back up and it did drain much faster when it did back up. I'll continue with these crystals over the next few days to make sure everything's fine. Mind you, I did learn how to remove the pipes under the sink to see if there was something caught in the U shaped section (and there wasn't).

Have a great day!

A nice picnic

Hello Everyone,

The weather is finally nice enough to try out my new picnic backpack. I met Jerry at Prince's Island after work and have a lovely picnic. It was my first one of the year and I enjoyed myself. I picked up some pink lemonade by a company called Efferve and it's imported from France. Not something I would normally splurge on but it had a very nice glass bottle with wire and a stopper for the lid. It was also very delicious - not too tart. I think it will end up being a regular in my fridge.

We then watched "The Golden Compass". I've read the book and after watching the movie, I think people put it way out of context. For those of you not familiar with the contraversy, tje author is athiest and many fundamental Christians believe his children's novels are a direct attack on Christianity and organized religion. The novels are geared toward tweens and young teens. In my opinion, this age group would not get this message from the novels and you would have to stretch to even get this message as an adult.

Basically, in this fantasy world, a person's soul is not inside the body but takes the form of an animal (called a demon). This animal is a part of the person (ie physically hurt the animal and the person feels it) and is constantly near the person. There is a religious order, which seems to be connected with the government who wants to control (brainwash) all people. In this book, a little girl is able to use a magic compass to discern truth and receive answers to any question she has. The magistrates (religious order), want to destroy the compass so people can only rely on "their" truth. They also want to separate the souls/animals from children because once children get older, they start getting "bad thoughts". The girl's father is trying to travel between alternative worlds through the means of "dust". This dust connects worlds from all dimensions and seems to be a life source/universal substence. At the point where the movie/book left off, the girl is on a quest to save her father from evil plots. The magistrates want the father's knowledge so they can control the dust, and therefore control the other alternative worlds.

After watching this movie, I saw the message cautioning against absolute power to any one body - whether religious or government. I didn't see it as a novel deliberately underminding any religious faith. In all honesty, I don't think this age group would see this either and only someone looking from an attacking angle would see this message. I don't think a young person would be affect so much by a fictional novel that he/she would lose trust in organized religion.

Anyways, that's my rant for the day.

Meet Ruby!

She's a 400 series Roomba that I got yesterday from Walmart. Only $128! Mind you, they do have newer models but I didn't need all the extra accessories. I charged her yesterday and gave her a test last night. Was quite surprised.

She's a bit noisy but much quieter than my regular vaccuum. When I turned her on, she went in circles until the pattern got large enough that she ran into something. This changed the pattern into a mixture of straight and diagonal lines. Quite interesting watching her and she was able to get under things better than I could with the regular vaccuum. She also picked up a lot of dirt, handled rugs easily and switched between carpet and linoleum nicely.

Mike & Whiskers reacted quite well. They're terrified of the regular vaccuum cleaner. They were still very hesitant about Ruby but Mike got within 6' of her and brave Whiskers got within 2'.

I'll likely run her a couple times each week for an hour to help keep the pet hair/dander and dust/dirt under control. I hate vaccuuming with a passion so this will help with cleanliness and allergies. The air purifiers are a huge help and I'm excited about Ruby's potentials.

I made it!

What a weekend it was. Wet, windy and cold (8-12 C)

Saturday

Airdrie – Fairview Colony 23 km, rain
Fairview Colony – Crossfield 17 km, rain that was hard enough to ring my bell
Crossfield – Carstairs 17 km, rain
Carstairs – Didsbury 14.5 km, rain stopped
Didsburry – Olds 17.5 km, first time we had a bit of wind in our favour for about 10 km. Had some fun at 60+ km/hr

Total distance = 89 km, total time = 6 hours + rest stops

Sunday

Olds – Airdrie 70km (the challenge loop was cancelled), some light sprinkles around Didsbury; wind on our backs; lots of fun. Total time = 3 ½ hours + rest stops

That wind was terrible! Luckily, Jerry was my wind block the entire way and I took advantage of drafting. The event was a lot of fun, despite the weather and I would recommend this event to anyone. The volunteers and support was excellent, although coffee at every rest stop would have been appreciated. I had my coffee mug with me (you can see my cup holder in the photo) and I got more than a few envious looks on Saturday.

We were going to tent on the campus grounds but they opened some dorm rooms so we had a dry night. I was exhausted Saturday night and my eyes were so bloodshot from wind that it looked like I had been on a bender. I'm proud of myself for making it all the way through. Jerry was also impressed and I think it was good for him to see what my physical limits (and abilities) are and what I'm like when I reach that point. He was amazing through the whole event and I wouldn't have made it without him. Mind you, I wouldn't have been in this event in the first place without him!

Charlotte handled great. I was passing people going up hills and I could hear the grumbles about a single gear as I went by. This was because many people don't know how to shift properly. She's also lighter and I kept her at a high cadence (fast pedal rotation). My bum's not sore, thanks to her wonderful saddle and I only had a twitch of pain above my left knee later in the ride. My leg did cramp up at one of the rest stops but it was caused by an improper cool down in conjunction with cold weather.

I want to thank everyone who supported me with financial contributions, advice and well wishes. My muscles are feeling surprising good today, although I can’t believe how much I’ve been eating! I had 2 suppers last night and lunch and a half so far today.

Have a great day!

Over the hump...

Hello Everyone!

The week has been flying by – only two more sleeps until the ride. Jerry was over last night for dinner. We had salad, chicken cacciatore and lava cakes with ice-cream. I mention the salad as it was an organic kit with the outer packaging made out of corn starch. It looks like clear plastic and was twice the price of salad-in-a-bag but I was curious. Overall, I wasn’t too fussy on the dressing – too runny and although I like the packaging innovation, I’m not sure I would buy it again. The chicken came from one of Nigella’s recipes. It was very delicious. I cheated with the lava cakes, thanks to Dr. Oetker and I thought it was rather clever how they were made. Basically, they’re brownies cooked at a very high temperature so the middle lava part is batter that didn’t have time to bake. Yum!

I got Charlotte inspected for the ride on Tuesday night and I needed to change her brake pads. No problems with that – although the technician gave me a hard time about it and I was given the impression he didn’t believe I knew how to do this. It’s a very easy maintenance task but since I needed him to stamp my inspection, I ignored his attitude.

The cucumbers didn’t survive the transplant so I’m giving up on them at my place. I planted a whole bunch of garlic instead. I figured it would add some greenery to the flowerbed and it’s also practical.

The youth service went excellent! I’m very proud of the group. They were a bit nervous but the service flowed well and they got lots of complements after. The congregation was very positive and they appreciated the hard work that the youth put into the service. Afterward we hung out outside, playing a form of tag on the playground equipment and just generally relaxing. I think they needed it – youth have so much on their plates that sometimes they just need some “no pressure” time.

As much as I enjoyed working with them, I’ll be glad for the end of the month. This way, I can attend church because I want to, not because I have to. Also, if I want to take a weekend off to play in the mountains, I can. It was very restricting and I was working 6 days a week. Yes, I needed the extra money to cover my expenses when I originally got the position but now I make (just) enough to pay my bills working at Akita. Yes, it’ll mean sticking very close to my budget and watching my spending but I think it’ll be good for my overall well-being.

Whiskers got into my room this morning so I was late getting to work. I think she can hear when the door shuts but doesn’t catch. In these cases, she can knock the door enough to open it and hop under/in the bed. She didn’t hop up into the box spring luckily and it only took a few minutes (and bribes) to get her out. Silly bunny,

Have a great day!

Garden Planting!

Hello Everyone,

It's finally dry/warm enough to plant! Last week was terrible - rain every day and low temperature. The rain stopped Monday night so the ground will be dry enough to work. It suppose to stay sunny & warm until Saturday, when there's a small chance of rain for part of the day.

So, what will we be planting?

Acorn Squash, Amaranth (grain with pretty burgundy flower), Pole Beans, Wax Beans, Beets, Carrots, Corn, Pickling Cucumbers, Regular Cucumbers, Garlic, Onion, Peanuts, Peas, Potatoes, Quinoa (ancient grain), Radish, Shallots, Watermelon, Zucchini

There will also be flowers around the edges to help keep bugs out (and for eating) - marigolds, nasturtium, geraniums.

Yes, there's a lot of variety. It's an experiment to see what will grow in this climate.

We're also setting up an irrigation system using a rain barrel. Lee Valley Tools has all sorts of ideas. Basically, the rain barrel will be the predominate water source but we can also fill it up with the hose at the garden if there's not enough rain. We'll run a drip hose system to water the plants so we don't need to be up there so often just to water.

I've got two different layouts of garden plans. One has the rain barrel in the middle and there's a main line that heads west. This connects to a north/south line. From the north/south line, the drip lines will connect to it. I think this format is the simpliest form although we lose a row of food.

The other way has the rain barrel in the corner with the north/south line running down. The drip lines connect to it and on the first line, we loop it back toward the rain barrel to get the last short two rows beside the barrel. The problem I see with this one is the loop row may not get enough water.

The other system also allows more space for flowers. We can plants marigolds along the north/south main line hose that's far enough apart to let you walk, but close enough for me to get more flowers. The flowers should still get enough water from the drip lines but if not, there will be space enough to water them by hand. It would be difficult to plant vegetables there (unless maybe onions & garlic since there's little space to spread out. This watering system is another experiment.

We should get most of it in tonight and the rest in tomorrow. I couldn't find potatoes last night at Walmart so we may need to do some searching. I already have acorn squash, cucumber, watermelon and corn sprouted.

We're going to keep the tomato plans at our respective homes as I don't think they're hardy enough to handle the garden. I transplanted my seedlings last from my 9x13 plastic container (I can store baking again!) into little flower pots to help develop their root system. Mike rather likes the smell of tomato plants but he was on his best behavior last night and didn't attack any. I ended up buying herbs as the seeds I planted aren't doing anything. They're in a container so I can bring them in this fall.

Have a great day!

What a wonderful birthday

Hi Everyone!

What a wonderful weekend I had! I've never celebrated my birthday with anyone before and it felt great to be pampered. Jerry took me out for Indian (my choice) and even got dressed up for it! I've only ever seen him in a dress shirt a couple times and it was rather nice to put on a dress and pretty shoes when going out with him rather than my bike clothes. Mind you, it was pouring rain so I wore my bike clothes over top and pulled them off out front of the restaurant.

He gave me a picnic backpack with the offer of weekly picnics (and him willing to provide the food). We had talked about picnics a few times already but thmye weather hasn't been co-operating. We had even been looking at baskets a couple weeks ago and I was planning to buy one next weekend!

Inside the backpack was a Brooks saddle. For all non-cyclists, it's an English made, all leather, high quality bicycle seat. He's had it soaking in Dubbin for about a month and has been working on it to make it comfortable. Both him and his roommate use this type of saddle and they say it's the most amazing seat to ride. They've also done trial break-ins and this method seems to be the quickest/most effective. Eventually the seat will mold to my bone structure and you'll be able to see where my tail bone sits (a dent) and my hip bone placement. I've ridden Jerry's bike once and found it very uncomfortable since it's already at the molded stage and males and females have different bone structures. I tried out my seat on Saturday and already found it more comfortable than what I've been riding. Over the next couple weeks I'll be making small adjustments so it'll be all set up for the MS ride.

My final present will be latin dance lessons this summer. He's mentioned it a few times and we'll take some classes downtown. His roommate and fiancee are planning to sign up for some also so we'll all do it as a fun couples activity. I've never taken formal dance lessons - just gym class so I'm rather excited. Jerry's quite interesting to watch when he's listening to music. He really gets into things and will be moving around, bobbing his head, tapping his fingers to the rhythm etc. I'm more subdued (we just appreciate music in different ways) and love watching people loose themselves in music.

On Saturday, we spent most of the day just hanging out. It had been months since we've just been together with no commitments for the day. It was so wonderful - no rushing, no list of things to do.

On Sunday, I worked with the youth group to prepare them for the service next week. They're running everything and they're getting quite excited. I'm very proud of the work they've done and I think it will be a great service. I also let them know I won't be continuing as a youth leader. Their main reaction was one of abandonment (which I understand) but we talked about it and I've let them know I will still be there when they need someone to talk to. They really liked their last leader and I know they were hurt when she didn't keep in touch with them. Mind you, she wasn't a member of our congregation and she started a teaching job last year so I can understand her busy year. They seemed more upset that she ignored all their attempts of contacting her. It's difficult for them. It took several months before they warmed up to me (although they were always polite) and then to have someone who was an important part of their life suddenly cut them out is a huge rejection. For me, although I will be church shopping, I will still stay a part of St. Matthew's over the next year and will make an effort to stay in their lives. Youth are the future of the church and it's important for everyone (congregation and youth) to give them a sense of community. So, I'm glad I was the one to tell them (I've already given the Board my resignation) and although they don't like it, I think they understand my reasons.

I've got a busy week ahead. With the rain we've had, we haven't been able to put in the garden yet. It should taper off tomorrow so we'll put in the garden likely around the middle/end of the week. I'll be happy to get my window sills back and I think the plants will be happy to have more space for deeper roots. My little garden out front has some seedlings coming up. Only one of two cucumber plants survived the transplant (although I'm not surprised - they can be fussy) and I have 3 ripe strawberries I'll eat tomorrow.

Have a great day!

PS - I got Boston cream pie at work for my birthday. Yum!

Happy Birthday to me!

Hello Everyone!

So, I turn thirty tomorrow – 3 decades old! I’m o’kay with this – I’ve said my goodbyes to my twenties and ready to start on something new. It’s been a year of changes but here are a few highlights:

- moved departments so now I’m in payroll. Now with Akita for just
- picking up some business courses, stopped schooling at Alberta Bible College
- took a position at my church as a youth leader. Decided against pursuing formal ministry at this time.
- got the apartment to myself again – no more roommate!
- in a stable and serious relationship for the first time
- built a bicycle, rode a bike with road tires, commuted by bike in winter
- got more adventurous in cooking
- learned how to fish
- tried the following food for the first time: peanut butter and jam sandwich, pear, antipasto, oysters, capers, buttercup/acorn squash, crème brûlée
- went snowboarding

It’s been a whirl-wind year but I feel more calm and confident with myself than I did on my last birthday. I’m not sure what my thirties will bring but I see a trend of settling down and establishing roots. One of my goals this year is to complete my payroll compliance practitioner certification. I will continue my spiritual journey and will start exploring other expressions of Christianity and worship variances. I’m also looking toward my future and will start putting money aside for maybe some property or other assets.

So, life is good and I’m quite happy with how things are at this moment. It’s not what I expected when I think back to my ideas of turning 30 when I was a teenager but I’m life doesn’t always turn out the way you plan.

Jerry is taking me out for dinner tomorrow night to celebrate. I still prefer a small celebration rather than a huge party although I still love birthdays.

Have a great day!

Long Weekend

Hello Everyone!

I hope you had a fabulous weekend. Mine was great – the relaxation I needed.

On Friday night, I picked up a few annuals and planted them in the little flowerbed by my steps. I also had a couple friends drop by so it was nice to catch up with them.

On Saturday, I did my long bike ride. I mapped out a 30 km loop that had a majority highway style road. I did three laps, with a stop at my place to simulate the rest stops for the tour. My first loop was the hardest. I was out in the hottest part of the day and they were new roads to me so I wasn’t sure how things would go. The 2nd and 3rd loops were easier and faster.

When I first signed up for the tour, I was worried about the physical aspect. I’ve discovered that the long distance was mostly mental work. There were a few hills that I first thought, “There’s no way in he$% I’m making it up that!” But, I kept my head down (so I couldn’t see the incline) and worked on my cadence (the speed that you pedal). The timing trouble I had was when should I stand to give my legs that extra push and what speed should I be at. I have since worked it out and when I was biking last night, I noticed a huge difference.

So, I’m rather proud that I was able to bike 90 km. On Sunday & Monday, I was planning to do more biking but when I woke up, I had no muscle pain/strain to work out and no soreness. I decided against the extra riding and did a whole bunch of stuff around the apartment.

I was in an organizing mood for the rest of the weekend so my place looks rather messy with its piles of stuff everywhere. I should have everything back in its place tonight.

Jerry got home last night so I went up to his place for dinner. We’ll be putting in the garden this weekend so we’re going to postpone the Bragg Creek trip.

Yummy product to tell you about – Astro yogurt. They have a type called “Original All Natural Yogurt” and it’s Balkan yogurt sweetened with honey. I bought it because most of the yogurt in the store was low fat with lots of chemicals in it. I was able to pronounce everything in this yogurt and it tasted delicious. It is a bit runnier than regular yogurt but I liked its texture and the sweetness level.

Have a great day!

Feeling sorry for myself

Hi Everyone!

And no, I don't have a legitimate reason for the above title. Jerry's away until next Monday so instead of doing a whole bunch of stuff I've been putting off for a couple months, I vegged in front of the tv last night.

Beautiful day - I put Tammy Faye outside so she can get more light. I'm a bit worried that she's almost 3 ft high and still haven't seen any blossoms on her yet. Tonight I'll be doing some plant tlc and household stuff.

Tomorrow night I'm heading to MEC for an early birthday present to myself. I need some summer bike clothes and a few odds and ends. The clothing may be on the expensive side but it's well worth it. I have clothes that are 8 years old, are in great condition and still have the properties I need (ie moisture wicking, warmth). I've decided this weekend to bike 100 km, 50 km and 100 km. The weather is suppose to be nice - sunny and warm.

Mike and Whiskers were very cute last night. I'm a bit worried about Gilbert. I think there's something wrong with his back left foot. Guinea pigs have 3 nails on their back feet. Although his 1st and 3rd nails look fine, his middle one is twice as thick it should be. As well, the nail itself seems dead and I'm not sure what to do. Guinea pigs do not handle vet visits well because of the stress involved. He doesn't seem to be in pain but I've noticed he laying down more often in his cage than usual. I may be worrying over nothing but he is getting up there in years - he's 4 1/2 years old now. I guess all I can do is monitor the situation and look for any drastic changes in his health.

Have a great day!

Training Day

Hello Everyone!

Did a ride yesterday, exploring the pathways of the city. It was a very nice loop that gave me a rest stop at J's place. The main loop was 30 km and then the ride home was 6 1/2 km. The pathway took me through a wild park, around the Glenmore Resevoir, through some very expensive real estate areas, and then along the Elbow and Bow rivers.

I didn't have good time since I had to drastically reduce my speed to avoid other pathway users. I think I'll use at least portions of this loop again since it was a very pretty ride.

I'm planning on some extra riding on the Victoria Day weekend. Not sure yet what my route will be but I'll likely do a long ride on Saturday, a short ride on Sunday afternoon and a long ride on Monday. This will let me experience the long term impact on my body. Oh, and I'll be staying within city limits.

J and I will do a major training ride on the 24th. We're going to Bragg Creek and back which will be similar to the distance we'll be cycling for the ride.

Total training distance on Sunday = 36.5 km

Have a great day!

Garden

Garden photos

Before any work After adding mushroom compost Our little statue

So, we were at the garden on Saturday. Were going to have it rotor tilled but when I tested the soil, the shovel sliced into it like butter. Spent about an hour adding 5 wheelbarrows of mushroom compost. Don't have anything planted yet - could do potatoes and peanuts next Saturday.

Oh, and it wasn't me who originally chose the statue. We agreed we needed something to watch over the garden and Jerry saw this one. He said, "People will see and say, 'Oh, it's Jerry and Karen - how cute!'" He is incredibly adorable, eh?