Saturday, October 01, 2011

Generations


First of all I have to say that General Conference was wonderful today! It seemed that the two-hour sessions just flew by. I can remember watching it even just a few years ago and each session felt like it was an eternity!!! I’ve come to love the messages the prophet and apostles share and no longer look at my watch continually. After the second session today, Generations bookstore had a “Women’s night out” where all the ladies go to the bookstore while the men are at the priesthood session. Apparently they do this every year but this was the first I’d heard of it. They have sales, book signings and refreshments along with many other fun things. I just ADORE Generations! It feels like every time I go shopping there I leave with a huge bill, lots of reading material and the desire to become better. Tonight was no different and I found some great deals. I ended up getting a few cookbooks and a book that tells how the scriptures can conquer many problems we face in life. I could use a few lessons in the kitchen and these cookbooks seem like a good ease into the complex world of culinary art. Anyways I just LOVE Generations and each time I walk inside I want to buy the whole place. My bookshelf has become overloaded but I just can’t help myself!   

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Forget-me-not


I have grown to LOVE the gospel of Jesus Christ soo much more than I ever could have imagined. I often find myself gaining many insights and thoughts as I attend sacrament, institute and other meetings the church offers. Can I just say that todays General Relief Society meeting was sooo uplifting and inspiring?!! I felt the spirit strongly bear witness to me of these eternal principles, especially in President Dieter F Uchtdorf’s talk entitled “Forget-me-not.” His words were very powerful, helping me to remember things I so often misplace in my memory. As he spoke I realized how common it is to forget these five simple truths. If you haven’t heard it yet, you need to find it on www.lds.org or check out the link I’ve posted. I think it’s safe to say that his talk resounds deeply with each woman, no matter what circumstance she may be in. Here are his five “forget-me-nots” 




Thursday, September 22, 2011

One Hundred Alligators And A Purse


 I had just gotten off of work at Costco last Thursday and had to kill some time in Sherwood Park before an interview at a dental clinic. I decided the best use of my time was to go to Michael’s Craft Store and browse the aisles. Lately I have been feeling like I need a challenge but I wasn’t sure what kind of task I wanted to take on. I started down the third aisle and then there it was - the puzzle section of this lovely craft store! I don’t think I have done one of these since I was a kid and I instantly knew this was what I was searching for. I’ve just graduated from NAIT and have been job searching but I can’t help but feel a void where Studying and working on school course packs used to occupy my time. I needed to find something to take care of the gap but still use my thought process, cause we all know what they say “if you don’t use it you lose it.” I carefully examined all my options and finally settled on this cute little puzzle titled “one hundred alligators and a purse.” 

To be honest the little guy brushing his teeth in the left hand corner was what sold me. While I was comparing and thinking of the challenge level I wanted (550, 750 or 2000 pieces) a girl who worked there came up and we started talking. We chatted about school, work, hobbies and interests. She was so sweet and very helpful! I love when you can go anywhere and have a great conversation with a complete stranger but leave feeling like friends. She even gave me a 50% off coupon so my puzzle purchase was even more justifiable. Some may find this silly but I’m so excited to get started. I am also still working on a quilt that I started three years ago so between these two projects, work and other life demands – I think I’m set!
                                                        750 is really A LOT of pieces!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Conquered the fear and cleaned my car



I have had this long standing fear of the spray nozzles people use to clean their cars at a car wash. My fear has two categories:
#1-The power and pressure that the sprayer has
                                    and
#2-The issue of running out of time and/or coins before your car is really, truly clean

It sounds silly but seriously those sprayers hold soo much power.  I had a neighbor that went to the wash one day and the water blasted the paint right off her vehicle! Ever since then I have been determined to avoid the high pressure soakers and instead find other methods to clean my car.

The other form of stress in this whole silly process is that there is clearly a time limit to the cleaning you do. However they never tell you how much time you have left so you gotta be prepared with all your loonies, toonies or car wash tokens. I feel like it’s a ticking time bomb or a game or perfection- you never know when your time will be up. If that’s your last coin and your still spraying those soapy bubbles, well I guess that’s too bad for you.


I’ve had my ’91 dynasty since October 2009 and I’ve only washed it once. How horrible- I know! The one time I washed it I went to one of those drive through, no touch machines. This was nice because I didn’t get wet or have to hang onto that powerful water- blasting nozzle. But yesterday I did it!!! I washed my car with the pressure hose and it wasn’t soo bad, still powerful but not as terrifying as I thought. The force did startle me at first, causing me to scream but I got a grip (of the situation and the sprayer) and got it done!What a good day!
                                               Always gotta read the instructions first!


Sunday, September 18, 2011

Biking The Trestles


Mountain biking was another huge highlight! We loaded up two cars with bikes and headed out to a beautiful mountain area. The air was so cool and crisp you couldn’t help but breathe deeper. We rode along a well-used path and crossed some pretty amazing tressels along the way. If you’ve never seen or been on a trestle you have to go! Pretty much they are these long wooden bike or walking bridges that connect mountains or passes. The structure is so intricate and it almost looks like art the way the wood is arranged. 


The paths are narrow which can feel awkward as you try and pass someone but they are an experience that’s for sure. The bike ride was really great. Near the end of our journey we stopped to have a snack so we sat down on a bench just off the trail. As we were eating I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. I was surprised when I saw this little guy.

 I guess he wanted a snack too. He got a little too close for Paddy and she almost fell off the bench because she wasn’t expecting this little visitor. I’m so grateful that we have these magnificent mountains (and wildlife) not too far from us! 
            How pretty is this?! Seriously we are sooo lucky to live in such a beautiful country!
                                                  Sadie and Paddy on the trestle
                                                                           Lauren
                                                               Stopped for a break

Float


Have you ever floated down a lazy river? It’s something I think everyone should do at least once. You gotta pick the hottest day to go so you get the whole experience! Sadie, Lauren and I went to one in Pentiction and it was soo much fun!!! It was good we went when we did because the last day of the season was the next day. We rented our little floaties and then headed down to the start point. This place had a pick up service at the halfway mark, which was nice so we decided to take full advantage of this. I had been to this lazy river years before and remembered there was an Elvis Presley impersonator at the pick up point. My expectation for a lovely rendition of “you ain’t nothing but a hound dog” was met as “Relvis” belted out the tunes on a small stage. It was a nice warm day and just chillin in the floaties was so great. Floating along the water gave us a great opportunity to chat as friends and many laughs were shared. It was oh so nice of Lauren to get out of her tube and push us to deeper depths when the water got too shallow. The water was kind of chilly that day, so way to go girl for takin one for the team! Over all it was great fun- I wish they had a lazy river in Edmonton…

I didn't take any photos while I was there but this is one off the internet. This is such a great way to spend a summer afternoon!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Books, Books and more Books!


We also go to go to The Book Shop in Penticton while we were in BC. This is a HUGE used bookstore; I think it holds some kind of a record in Canada for its size. You walk in and the shelves go from the floor to the roof. We’re talkin nine plus feet here! Any genre, any author – I’m sure you’d find it there. The smell of old pages hits you as soon as you come in the front doors and at first it can be quite overwhelming (the size not the smell :) ), where the heck should you even begin to look? We spent a few hours walking around and I came across some great finds. Seriously this place was amazing!!! The owners have a few pug dogs and one of them talks! Strangest thing ever but on command she will say "I love you" and you can actually tell that's what was said. So if you only ever go there for Clementine the pug, I assure you, you will not leave disappointed.

                                                                 Sadie reading

                                                                Jo loves this place

                                           I'm not kidding- from the floor to the roof!!!!
                                                The ladder isn't even tall enough

                                                                       Front entrance

                                                                   Lauren :)

                                        I could only reach the bottom quarter of the shelf