Monday, February 28, 2011
Stuck in Winter, Stuck in Snow
When I'm stuck in long winter months and I'm not pretending that I'm Elizabeth Manley, I like to think that I'm another famous Canadian female Olympian who took home the gold for Snowboard Cross last year in Whistler....
Friday, February 25, 2011
Get a Winter High
In my opinion the only way to do this in Alberta is with a Rocky Mountain High. In the second week of February, our family took a trip to the beautiful Columbia Valley. Therefore, let us proceed in the words of John Denver.
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby...
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply...
I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly...
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby...
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply...
I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly...
...Rocky Mountain High.
Thanks for the wonderful week family. I love you.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Winter Wishing
I suppose if I am going to choose to live in a place where winter arrives in October, and sticks around well into April, I might as well spend these months entertaining myself with fantasies of grandeur.
I know, I know.
Last week I spent my time wishing I was the legendary Canadian Olympic figure skater Elizabeth Manley
I know, I know.
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Assembly Line & The Aftermath
Seeing as I have been out of the country from September to January my car has been parked at my parents home waiting for my safe return. Over the winter months my small Toyota Corolla has suffered the steady abuse of snow, and more snow... and more snow. So Saturday was the assigned day for getting my car out. The first task I took on was to dig a trench the size of my shovel scoop all the around my car, and take off the majority of snow on top of my car.
Everything else required quite a bit of maneuvering. The tractor needed to get close enough to car...
...so that we could hook it up...
...but since the ground was icy under the snow, we needed to hook the truck up to the tractor so that it wouldn't spin out...
...the assembly line and the aftermath...
...my engine was a tad bit frozen...
...but with a new battery, it'll be just fine!
Happy Family Day everyone! Don't forget to enjoy the people closest to you on this day, and have fun!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Things We Say: Just in Cases
It might actually be the loveliest scene in Love Actually.
I've seen the film about two dozen times (although "seen" might be an exaggeration since it's one of those comfort-films that I put on in the background for white noise when I'm puttering around the house).
Without fail. No matter how distracted I may be baking in the kitchen, or chatting with company there is this one scene that always makes me pause. And - without fail - I catch myself beaming like an idiot through the entire five minutes.
Jamie & Aurelia are the cutest couple in the whole movie and, another blogger, Lindsey over on Character Flaw describes their best scene like this....
"Because of a language barrier, they never had an actual conversation until he proposed to her, yet they still had wonderful chemistry in every scene. We knew what they both were saying and could see how perfectly matched they were, but they knew in a more instinctual way, which is what I found so beautiful about their love. They didn’t need words. They just knew. They spoke each other’s language on a deeper level."
Watch it here
Jamie: You learned English.
Aurelia: Just in cases.
*photo taken from here
I've seen the film about two dozen times (although "seen" might be an exaggeration since it's one of those comfort-films that I put on in the background for white noise when I'm puttering around the house).
Without fail. No matter how distracted I may be baking in the kitchen, or chatting with company there is this one scene that always makes me pause. And - without fail - I catch myself beaming like an idiot through the entire five minutes.
Jamie & Aurelia are the cutest couple in the whole movie and, another blogger, Lindsey over on Character Flaw describes their best scene like this....
"Because of a language barrier, they never had an actual conversation until he proposed to her, yet they still had wonderful chemistry in every scene. We knew what they both were saying and could see how perfectly matched they were, but they knew in a more instinctual way, which is what I found so beautiful about their love. They didn’t need words. They just knew. They spoke each other’s language on a deeper level."
Watch it here
Jamie: You learned English.
Aurelia: Just in cases.
*photo taken from here
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Things We Say: Whaaaaat???
What do you get when you take a weekend in the mountains,
add eleven family members
and a really good movie quote?
no voice - that's WhaaaaaaaT???
Friday, February 11, 2011
Clothes, Boots, and Concerts
Is there any better way to experience a holiday than topping it off with some shopping? I think not. And as my (our... sorry people I never know what to use here...) mother is the Queen of finding great bargains, and since she is the one who pays, why not have a bit of relaxing vacation fun?
A casual white button up/ green scarf/ black knitted floppy toque- consigned, and a long black button-up and ruffled tunic- local purchase
Hippie patterned orange dress, and pink rose-bud top- both consigned.
I was quite happy with all of these purchases, and with the great consignment store we found them in. Yet it wasn't until I went to go put on my old winter boots, that I discovered a purchase that I NEEDED to make, and soon!
First bought at the Salvation Army in Leduc five years ago, these boots have served me well. But when they got a little too warm over top of the heat register the soles became disconnected with rest of the boot!!! This left me with not but my heels...
Now I love these boots, but they are not the most ideal footwear for walking around the frozen landscape of the Columbia Valley! This made finding new winter boots a necessity. After searching every shop imaginable, I finally settled on insulated rubbers from BOGS.
The last significant purchase made was of this simple t-shirt.
Jill is an extraordinary woman, and a great family friend. She is the Artist in Residence for Venture Teams International, has released two albums and shares her ministry and passion for Christ through her music and tours. When my parents and I arrived in Fairmont at the beginning of last week we had no idea that Jill and the band were going to be playing in the same area Thursday night. Thankfully there was a article in the local paper annoucing the concert.
Check out her music, ministry and website!
A casual white button up/ green scarf/ black knitted floppy toque- consigned, and a long black button-up and ruffled tunic- local purchase
Hippie patterned orange dress, and pink rose-bud top- both consigned.
I was quite happy with all of these purchases, and with the great consignment store we found them in. Yet it wasn't until I went to go put on my old winter boots, that I discovered a purchase that I NEEDED to make, and soon!
The last significant purchase made was of this simple t-shirt.
"Jill Hagen Band, ruined for the ordinary."
Jill is an extraordinary woman, and a great family friend. She is the Artist in Residence for Venture Teams International, has released two albums and shares her ministry and passion for Christ through her music and tours. When my parents and I arrived in Fairmont at the beginning of last week we had no idea that Jill and the band were going to be playing in the same area Thursday night. Thankfully there was a article in the local paper annoucing the concert.
Mom, Jill, and Kelsey after the concert.
Check out her music, ministry and website!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
So it Begins...
...a Friday night well spent in the company of men.
"Gandalf? Yes... that was what they used to call me. Gandalf the Gray. That was my name.
I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now - at the turn of the tide."
"Their armor is weak at their neck and under their arms."
-Legolas winks
"I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends, and break all bonds of fellowship; but it is not this day! This day we fight!"
"You fool. No man can kill me. Die now."
- the Witch King to Eowyn
.... and then Eoywn says
Yep!
Just keeping the nerd-quotient up on this blog.
"Gandalf? Yes... that was what they used to call me. Gandalf the Gray. That was my name.
I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now - at the turn of the tide."
"Their armor is weak at their neck and under their arms."
-Legolas winks
"I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends, and break all bonds of fellowship; but it is not this day! This day we fight!"
"You fool. No man can kill me. Die now."
- the Witch King to Eowyn
.... and then Eoywn says
Yep!
Just keeping the nerd-quotient up on this blog.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
New Meetings
So I have these really great little people in my life and their laughter and smiles make everything in the world a whole lot brighter. They are really squirmy and it is difficult to take pictures with them and so sometimes you just have to make do with what you get, and tickle the culprits for their punishment.
Theo, and Zaeli being as cute and as lovable as ever.
But there is this other little person who doesn't mind when I want to take a picture with her, even if she is napping. Her name is Kaiah. And I got to hold her for the first time this weekend.
Golden.
A big shout out to Karen for being the amazing person that she is, and making supper Friday night. This is significant because it was the first meal I've had since being in Canada where I could taste the spice!!! It was very mild, but I could taste it!
Theo, and Zaeli being as cute and as lovable as ever.
But there is this other little person who doesn't mind when I want to take a picture with her, even if she is napping. Her name is Kaiah. And I got to hold her for the first time this weekend.
Golden.
A big shout out to Karen for being the amazing person that she is, and making supper Friday night. This is significant because it was the first meal I've had since being in Canada where I could taste the spice!!! It was very mild, but I could taste it!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Things We Say: I Know, Right?
Here's the context.
Earlier on in this classic film, three girls go shopping for prom dresses. One of the three, Jessica, tries on a host of options, but settles on the one that "makes [her chest] look good."
Fast forward to the end of the film and we get to see Jessica rocking this bold fuchsia gown with accessories that draw attention to a certain .... ahem..... area.
The moment is only a couple of seconds long, but from across the room her friend, Bella, gestures a compliment along the lines of "If that's what's so important to you, then I'll concede: that dress makes your chest look fantastic."
Thankful that someone noticed the best quality of this dress, Jessica gestures back
"I know, right???"
Between sisters, we use this phrase exactly how Jessica did, accepting of a compliment, but with a little cheeky edge of knowing that the compliment was on it's way.
For example, while we're side-by-side in the bathroom getting ready for the day, Kelsey will be plucking her eyebrows and in that moment, I will say "Sister, you have really great eyebrows."
She'll pause from her plucking and admire her handiwork in the mirror and say
"I know. Right?"
Then we both smile and silently remember Jessica in her fierce fuchsia.
I couldn't find a shorter clip - but here it is.
Just watch between 3:oo and 3:30...
... or you can watch the whole thing.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Celebrate Culture
On the first leg of my journey home I was on a flight traveling from Hyderabad to Mumbai. Sitting in my TVless seat I found myself flipping through the pages of the most recent edition of Jet Airways' in flight magazine "JetWings". It was in these pages where I discovered their version of the perfect 2011 Almanac. As I skimmed though it I found myself compelled by each heading for the next month.
January- Celebrate Culture
Febuary- Get a Winter High
March- Cup Overflows
April- Care For the Planet
May- One For the kids
June- Head For the Himalayas
July- Let it Rain
August- Explore Heritage
September- Hit the Road
October- Shop Smart
November- Into the Wild
December- Follow the Music
The article was directed to the standard young East Indian family, the parents and 2.5 kids, and their adventures around Incredible India! Yet I have decided to follow this in 2011. No, I probably won't be back to India this year, and I don't necessarily remember what was said under each heading, but I am going to take each heading for the month and incorporate it somehow into my life (you're welcome to join). Starting with January of course! ;)
Celebrate Culture
What an appropriate topic for the month that just went by! Being back home is great. I didn't expect that. I had expected to be frustrated, and anxious, mad at the world for all of the inequality in it and furious with myself for not being able to do anything about it. But I'm not. I love India, the people, the noise, the dust and traffic, the many different landscapes, and all the different cultures mixed into one country... I also love Canada. The wide open space and the way I can see all the way to the horizon without being interrupted by smog. The bitting cold outside, and the piles of snow, the way the people are courteous to one another, and the warmth of being close to old friends, and loving family. Aside from being a bit guilty when eating onions, being back in Canada feels completely normal, as if I never left. And that seems strange to me. I suppose that is the best outcome in this scenario. It allows me to celebrate both cultures of India and Canada at the same time.
For more on the Indian onion crisis take a look at this article from the Globe and Mail.
January- Celebrate Culture
Febuary- Get a Winter High
March- Cup Overflows
April- Care For the Planet
May- One For the kids
June- Head For the Himalayas
July- Let it Rain
August- Explore Heritage
September- Hit the Road
October- Shop Smart
November- Into the Wild
December- Follow the Music
Celebrate Culture
What an appropriate topic for the month that just went by! Being back home is great. I didn't expect that. I had expected to be frustrated, and anxious, mad at the world for all of the inequality in it and furious with myself for not being able to do anything about it. But I'm not. I love India, the people, the noise, the dust and traffic, the many different landscapes, and all the different cultures mixed into one country... I also love Canada. The wide open space and the way I can see all the way to the horizon without being interrupted by smog. The bitting cold outside, and the piles of snow, the way the people are courteous to one another, and the warmth of being close to old friends, and loving family. Aside from being a bit guilty when eating onions, being back in Canada feels completely normal, as if I never left. And that seems strange to me. I suppose that is the best outcome in this scenario. It allows me to celebrate both cultures of India and Canada at the same time.
For more on the Indian onion crisis take a look at this article from the Globe and Mail.
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