Merry Wishes!

Well...I couldn't not write anything for Christmas. I've been a bit preoccupied and also left my computer charger in Victoria so no pix as I'm using G's work computer. (at the time we thought we'd be back there within a coupla days so it wasn't a biggie) But...We're pretty much snowed in here on Walden Street. It sure is beautiful. I believe this is a record snowfall - most snow E.V.E.R.!!! The day has been filled with shoveling, pushing cars out of the snow, visiting neighbours, packing up the kitchen of all non-essentials and now - waiting for the roasting chicken and sweet potatoes to be ready so we can eat.
I feel very blessed in my life - good food, good friends, warm home, a life filled with love! I wish all good things for you and yours as we end this year and begin a new one. Merry Christmas, warmest wishes, my friends!

Countdown to Christmas and our Big Move...

I'm sorry I haven't been updating. It's been a bit of a crazy time full of reflection, memories, boxes, hours of phone calls coordinating phones/tv/hydro/movers, dreaming of our new space, facing fears of this huge change, early family holiday celebrations and tomorrow, a funeral service for our friend, Sanjay. I'm sure there's never a good time of year for this kind of event but doesn't it just put all else into perspective, right now?

I wish you all a love-filled holiday season.

In Memory...

We had a call from G's mom two nights ago to tell us that our old friend, Sanjay Ablak, had been killed in Victoria. He was 42 years old and the father of two. About 19 years ago, George and Sanjay went off to India with several of their Indian friends. Some of them had gone to get married and George attended several weddings during his 6 month stay. Sanjay did not marry during that trip but did spend much of his time hosting George in his home country. I've heard so many great stories about that trip that I feel like I was there. Sanjay eventually married my very good friend and had a son - who is now 15. Unfortunately, that relationship did not last. He has since remarried and has a young daughter. We hadn't seen Sanjay in several years (it was harder to keep in touch after moving to Vancouver) but his presence was always felt and now the memories are flooding in.
Sanjay was an integral part of G & I's courtship. He was there on the night we officially decided to become a couple. He danced with us (Indian style) in my living room late into the night and taught me the moves. He helped decorate my Christmas tree - while sitting on George's shoulders - in my studio apartment on Moss Street. He covered his ears when he bowled which made us all laugh hysterically!
There seems to be a lot of questions surrounding his death and I'm sure that will get settled in time. The overwhelming factor tho', is that Sanjay was well loved - and isn't that the most important thing? We all struggle in this life and some have more demons to conquer than others but - hopefully - we leave behind some goodness. Whether that's through our children, our relationships or the people we've affected along the way. Rest in Peace, Sanjay Ablak. You will be missed!

Yay to the Vancouver Sun!

We so love it when the local media supports local business! Check out this article that will run in tomorrow's paper - and remember to support your local, independent businesses:)

Fa la la la la...Come Join Us...

If you live anywhere nearby, we'd love to have you join us for our 3rd Annual Walden Street Caroling Evening! If you don't live close, maybe you could join us in spirit and hum a few bars. If you'd like to start a caroling evening in your area, I'd be happy to email you my songsheets.
Deets...
Come join us for our 3rd annual caroling evening on and around the 4500 block of Walden Street. We'll provide hot cider and song sheets. Please bring your good cheer, a mug for drinks, a candle or flashlight and a friend, if you like.
Thursday, December 18th
Meet @ 7pm (our house)
We'll probably go 'til around 9ish.

See my facebook page to rsvp...

Making TV and Making Merry

Georges' Barb and her hubby Al We spent about 3 hours yesterday morning filming at the store for a CBC program called Living Vancouver (I tried to post their link but it's not working at the moment). It will be a 3 1/2 minute segment to run in the second week of January. Barb, Bonnie and I modeled our clothes, and we got to talk a lot about our philosphy, loving your body, celebrating your curves, etc. I think it went extremely well. Funny how exhausting that can be. The "being on" and trying to say the right thing in the right way. At least they have plenty of material to work with. It's always nice when the reporters or media people 'get' our concept and help us get it across in the right way. Fun!
Last night was G's annual staff Christmas party at the Sequoia Grill in Stanley Park. Beautiful setting, fun night - too much wine! Will I ever learn? I think G. and I were feeling particularly celebratory with the new house and all!
Today was an all day pj day - movies, blog surfing, hanging out with my G. Also nice. Hope you're all having a great weekend! More pix here...

G. in his utilikilt!

It's a done deal -

cheers to you all!

The Season Begins...

Every year I drive out to Chilliwack early in December to decorate my mom's Christmas tree with her. Tuesday was the day. It's become one of the few traditions that we actually share consistently and it's always a really nice day. We put on all her favourite Christmas songs like "Six White Boomers!", pour ourselves a bailey's and coffee and set to work. Her tree is filled with festivity - more is good - and it always looks so pretty. This year she's added a nodding?, twinkling reindeer to her yard amongst all the other lights. Did I mention that more is good? Sometimes, if I'm lucky, she'll have a pot of borsht cooking and her delicious homemade buns. I was not to be disappointed this year. And there was enough to bring home for my George! Let the festivities begin!!!
Today is the day we put the deposit down for the house which means it will be officially a done deal - OMG! Possession date - December 19th.

Yep, I'm officially addicted to shoes!

I got the red ones...

these ones are for G's Christmas party this Friday night - very comfy - and pretty too! all on sale at aerosoles.

A Weekend Rendezvous...

This past weekend, G. and I snuck away to Seattle for our annual pre-Christmas getaway. Lots of walking, talking, re-connecting, wine sampling and yummy food. It's funny, we choose to go on one of the biggest US shopping weekends of the year and then we avoid the crowds once we're there. In years past, we've watched the lighting of the tree, bands, parades, etc. but it seems, these days, we much prefer to go in the opposite direction of the hoards of people making merry. Here are some pix...

our room (comfy bed & soaker tub!)

wine tasting at The Tasting Room in Post Alley

we didn't ship any wine home but...a display at Anthropologie (I love that store!!!) The skirt is made out of wood

I bought this teacup for our new house!lunch at Maximillians - Pike Place

All in all, a fantastic little getaway. Lots of laughs, lots of dreaming about our future and lots of just walking hand in hand enjoying each other's company!
Oh yeah, we also did a bit of shopping;)
Will show you the other shoes tomorrow!

Say hello to my new boots!

I have lots to catch up on which I promise I'll do tomorrow but in the meantime, I thought I'd show you my new boots:) They're aerosoles and oh so comfy!

and now with the details...

Since our financial offer was accepted on the house, we now have 7 subjects to remove by the end of next week so - as well as doing year end/inventory, etc. for the store, I have to set up appointments in Gibsons for the house inspector, the "pump and dump" and inspection of the septic system (eww!) as well as getting a lawyer, and a few other things. This is not the fun part of buying a house. When we bought our condo, it was brand new and we pretty much just needed to sign some papers - this is waaay more work:) The end result will definitely be worth it tho' so...onwards!
Also this week is the launch party of the new Crave Vancouver Book at The Cross in Yaletown. We have been chosen again as one of the featured stores - yay! It will soon be available for purchase at Bodacious. It features all women owned, independent businesses in Vancouver. Great for any friends coming from out of town. They also do a Seattle version and a few other cities.

Hope your weekend was great - I got to catch up with some friends, play some wii and eat some yummy cassoulet from Granville Island.
George and I have some getaway plans for this weekend - I'll fill you in on those later...

Da Da Da Dum...

And now...for the big announcement...
drumroll please...
George and I just had our offer accepted on a beautiful house in Gibsons!!!!

There are still subjects to be removed but it's looking pretty good. OMG - can you even believe it? What do ya think? Ocean view, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big yard and a soaker tub! Bliss:)

Bootcamp Blues...

Our bootcamp days are winding down. We finish with the group next week until we start up again in the spring. I love our group. We've all become good friends and it will be fun to do other things besides sweating together but I love that too! Everyone is so positive and good at celebrating each others' success. I definitely feel better now than when we started and I'm starting to see some clear results in how my clothes are fitting. There's even a bit of visible muscle in my arms and legs! Woo hoo!
The best part is that our trainer is so enthusiastic - not just when we're working out, but for life in general. It's such an inspiration to hang out with someone who is always seeing the cup as half full. It helps to put things into perspective and encourages me to look more on the positive side.
Still waiting for confirmation on my 'news'. Will hopefully know something by the end of the week! Hope all is going great for you. What an amazing day - what a beautiful city - what a great life!!!

Things are up...

but I can't tell you anything yet for fear of jinxing it. More info to come within the next coupla days - I hope. Please cross your fingers and toes for me:)

Lorna is...

watching Urban Cowboy with my honey after a yummy dinner of take-out Ashiana Indian curry and a fine bottle of Gewurztraminer.

So many fond memories - I SO wanted to be Debra Winger's "Sissy" to John Travolta's "Bud" and drink beer and two step and get a new mobile home and drive a pick-up truck...Oh - what big dreams I had:) And look at me now - I could never have dreamed such a life as this! Happy Friday to you all - and happy weekend adventures. We're off to look at houses in Gibsons tomorrow. Maybe one day we'll have our very own over there.

What I've been up to...

yummy snacks/drinks/wii and handing out candy with Kathleen on Halloween night (we had kids galore)...

friends visiting (eating/drinking/wii-ing) on weekend...
granville island...

Lest We Forget...

Victory Square Remembrance Day Ceremony

and quite a few other things that I'll try to update on soooon - now that I have a beautiful new computer:)

In Flanders Fields...

I know, I have a lot of catching up to do but for now...don't forget to remember and honour those who fought for these freedoms -

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
- John McCrae

It's a slow blogging week...

sorry folks! My computer died and I'm now borrowing G's from work temporarily so no pix and not much time on here. Lots going on including a great one night getaway with our bootcamp group up at Whistler this past weekend! So much fun. We even squeezed (or is it squoze) in a workout before the craziness started. Big event at Bodacious this week so I'm trying to fight off this feeling that I might be catching something and focusing on having a successful event. Hope you can come:) and hope you had a fantastic weekend! My George was off again first thing this morning to Toronto so I'm missing him quite a bit. It certainly is making for lovely moments of reconnection tho';)

Warm and Fuzzy Weekend!

How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful province?

Well...my George is on his way home to me - Yay!
To cure my missing him...This weekend I spent time with some rellies over in Powell River that I hadn't seen in much too long. It was one of those perfect visits - we laughed (a LOT! - thanks Robyn;), cried a little (there was a lot of sharing going on:), hiked, sang, danced, ate yummy food, had a few drinks, toured around, enjoyed the sun and really enjoyed each others' company. Someone told me this past summer that I was "easy company" and that's what the whole weekend felt like for me. Such an ease and comfort being with these lovely people that seem to 'get' me.
Loved the positivity - loved the hospitality - loved the LOVE!
Thanks you guys! More pix on my flickr page How was your weekend?

Happy Love Thursday!

My love is in Paris, the city of love - tourist-ing around with some girl from the US of A that he met at his training session there and I'm trying hard not to be jealous. Good thing I trust him with all my heart. Maybe my jealousy is more about wishing it was me walking there beside him, holding hands, looking up at the Eiffel Tower from so many points in the city - Yes!...that's what it is, all right!
It's good sometimes, tho', to have these 'apart' experiences. We get to reconnect at the end with fresh eyes, new stories, appreciation for what we've created together and the wisdom gained from spending time on our own. I can't wait for that part:) I'm sure I'll have some of my own stories to share with him.
Happy Love Thursday to you all. I wish for you many special moments of love!

Swap till you Drop!

This is how I feel sometimes - despite having a clothing store. Some days, it just feels like nothing in my closet suits my mood/need/desires! Perfect time for a clothing swap with the girls. If you've never done it, I highly recommend it. Especially if you have any friends who buy great clothes and end up not wearing them and they're around your size:):) Also great incentive to clear out your closet to make room for those new items. Anything that isn't chosen through the evening was handily donated to the local charity bin. Win-Win-Win!

Leftovers, clothing swap, giggles with the girls...

That's my plan for this evening. Tea and cookies too. Hope I score something good in the swap!

The Day Ahead...

http://letmeaxeyousomthin.blogspot.com/

Sunday, Sunday...

Well...I have some fun things happening today. Lunch with a friend. My nephew's hockey game - he's a superstar!
George has apparently landed safe and sound in Paris - whew. How did we ever survive in a world without cell phones/internet?
I have to send a big thanks to Cynthia for hosting my 2nd BeautiControl party yesterday. I think she may post some fun pix but you'll have to check out her blog to see:) It was great to meet her new puppy (sooooo cute!) (I stole this pic from Cynthia's site)

and hang out with some great women! It was quite a trek out to Mission but quite a beautiful drive once you know which way you're going (my navigation skills were put to the test - not my best feature:).
Hope you all enjoy this beautiful day! Will catch up with you later...

Reprieve!!!

Well...we worked out - but not in the rain - since our good friend Bear (who only lives across the street:) cleared her living room for us. Don't think we wimped out tho'. We still got our asses kicked! yay us...
And the reward? Coffee afterwards and then chicken noodle soup at the Vietnamese place on the corner - perfect start to the rainy day.

Tonight - date night with my George as he'll be leaving me for Paris tomorrow for 10 days!!! Lucky him - sad me:(

And on another note - I just found this website which I think is very entertaining - let me know what you think. The US election is definitely holding my interest this time 'round!

It's raining, it's pouring...

and we have boot camp this morning!!! I'm half tempted to crawl back into my warm cozy bed and half exhilirated about challenging myself to do this. Ok maybe it's more 3/4 to 1/4 but who's keeping score here??? Wish me luck!

Random Facts About Me

I was tagged by Barb and Cynthia so I guess I'd better do this:)
Here are the rules:
Link to the person who tagged you. Post the rules on your blog. Write six random things about yourself. Tag six people at the end of your post. Let each person know he or she has been tagged. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

**Random Facts About Me**

1. I started smoking in elementary school - ew! I then quit for good about 20 years ago.
2. I always wanted to be a schoolteacher when I was a young girl - I even made my own workbooks.
3. I want to own a dog but I'm too scared to commit!
4. I'm hyper-sensitive to caffeine. A cup of coffee first thing in the morning could very well mean no sleeping that night - unless I'm on holidays which for some reason seems to exempt me.
5. I was "Farrah" in our Charlie's Angel trio in high school. I never did get that flip quite right tho'.
6. I met Whoopi Goldberg. I know I put this in my last meme but couldn't find the pic so here ya go...I'm tagging Tamara , Denise and Carol. I also still owe K8 the Gr8 a meme which I'd totally forgotten about. Oops, I'll get right on that:)

Thanks!

After a weekend filled with delicious meals, I have to give thanks for the abundance of food in my life. How blessed are we that we can celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, romantic evenings, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and so many more occasions with a bounty of food choices at our disposal. When the big decision becomes whether you're going to have turkey or ham on your platter over the holidays, it's certainly a time to take note and give thanks when so much of the rest of the world has to be satisfied with the bare basics just to survive.
We received a note and photo from one of our sponsored children in Sudan at the end of last week. I couldn't help but think of him and his hardworking mother over the weekend and wonder what they might be having for their dinner. I'm trying hard to appreciate my full life without going to that other place of guilt or not being deserving. There is definitely enough to go around...but...Do we do enough to help those who are not as fortunate? Do I? This year and next, I intend to try harder. There are so many ways to give back. What are your thoughts? I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

The Milnes (G's folks and uncle) enjoying our ham, mashed potatoes, baked yams, corn and beets dinner

It's a Dog's Life!

Well, we had our quick and crazy little getaway to Sechelt/Gibsons. Stayed at the most beautiful B&B called Hot Tamales Bay. You should definitely check it out if you get a chance! Did some shmoozing/networking/chatting/eating/drinking and then yesterday, stopped in at Barb's friends' place for a drink on the way to the ferry.
They have a doggie hotel called Happy Tails Ranch in Gibsons and when we arrived, we were loudly and lovingly greeted by 16 dogs of all shapes and sizes!!! Not being used to dogs so much, this freaked me out a bit - but in a good way. It was so funny to have all of these lovely creatures so excited and happy to see me - and lick my face, and sniff me and stuff...
Here are some pix of them in their happy place!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
I know I feel blessed every day and have so many things to feel greatful for. Don't forget to take a moment to reflect on all of the wonderful things, beings, moments in your life.
Homeward bound...

Going on a Roadtrip...

Barb and I are heading off to Sechelt after bootcamp this morning to meet some ladies about doing some biz together. Our hosts have promised us dinner, drinks, hot tub and a comfy b&b stay. I'm so glad that it's going to be another beautiful day!
I'm so looking forward to this mini getaway. Happy Wednesday to you...

Fall Harvest and Running for the Cure!

Another jam-packed weekend!

Friday night I picked up our tees and numbers at the Running Room on Broadway for the Sunday run and since we were already in the 'hood, we decided to revisit one of our favourite restaurants, The Red Door on Granville Street. Seven Flavour Beef, Red Door Sweet Chili Chicken, Sichuan Beans=delicious.

Saturday morning the sun gods prevailed and let us enjoy a great game of golf at Musqueum with our friends, Lorraine and Greg. I GOT A BIRDY!!! The downpour came as soon as we got to the sponsoring Cheshire Cheese Inn/bar. These guys put on a great tournament with fantastic goody bags, lunch and prizes for everyone. So much fun!

Sunday morning came early and once again we were blessed with another dry day. George drove Sandy and I down to Concord Pacific Place to join about 13,000 others who were going to run/walk/roll/raise cash for the cure. I have to say, 5 km is so much easier than 10. That sounds obvious but...I really like the 5k. Not that it was easy by any means, but we met our goal of running 4/walking 1 for the whole time and came in just under 40 minutes. Considering that this was the longest I've run this year, not too bad! What an amazing event to be a part of. So many stories of survival, so many others honoring ones who didn't make it. My favourite moments? Getting hugs from the "free hugs" sign holders, the amazing choir at the start/finish line, seeing my friends cheering me on from the side line, the bands along the way, the male sprinter wearing the fushia prom dress (a great distraction at the 3 km mark!), crossing the finish line strong, and getting to know a new friend! Our hearty brunch was well-earned. Thanks to all of you who supported me with good wishes, donations and cheers at the start line! So much appreciated:)
Now...off to bootcamp. OMG - my legs are tired!