In my Corner

For several weeks I've been humming and hawing over how to post about my dear friend Alaina. Today- her 30th birthday- I shall put off the procrastinating & settle on something.

Alaina is that friend. The one who loves me unconditionally and never hesitates to say so. I realized it the first time when she introduced me to her boyfriend. I was excited to meet Marc on one visit home from Zambia. "This is my perfect friend Sarah". I laughed it off- remarking on how perfectly average I am.

In the past year, now living on the same Continent we've seen a little more of each other than in the past several years, Alaina has complimented me in various ways. The overall feeling she gives me is that I'm perfect just the way I am. Sometimes I want to throw my head back and laugh. Over the years we've had so many 'non-perfect' moments; sharing swears to shame truckers, falling off horses, moaning of financial woes, hangovers, health concerns or heart breaks. Through all the growing pains and now those worrisome thoughts about hitting the big 3-0 I can honestly say that I'm a better person just knowing she's in my corner. It's a special feeling to have someone who is not family or husband support me so unconditionally (& fiercely). I felt the best birthday gift for such a dear friend would involve trying to express my gratitude- I'm not sure how I did but in any case- happy birthday Lain!

And just because I know this will make her cringe- check out my first ever completed knitting project -weeeeeeeee!

The Canada Goose

I know the average Canadian hates these beasts...but as I've started my road runs I keep seeing a couple of them in the strangest places. The following geese were viewed in a ditch outside my condo, enjoying the shoots in the shallow puddle. I've also spotted them squawking out on the soccer pitches. Always two. And each time I see them (or hear them) I smile. I can't help it. Must be springtime in Alberta or something.

Blink & you could miss it

So goes life back in Alberta.
This is the view from my balcony this afternoon:














This was how Alvin & I spent the previous weekend:












































We even enjoyed the year's first slurpees...














Today my post-work jog has been aborted due to the slushy conditions. I can only hope that when I wake up tomorrow it'll be back to sun, blue skies, & dry(ish) roads...

The Big 3-0

The landmark birthday has passed. So much talk about hitting this year and already, it feels well behind me. I would lie if said I didn't enjoy the thoughtful gifts, cards, emails, phone calls or the fun of spending my 30th with 4 old girlfriends at our first zumba class. But I'm happy all the attention is over (until 40)*ha ha ha*

Before heading out to work the morning of my 30th (knowing that my cubicle would be fully decorated & that I would have to sport a tiara for the day) I took a deep breath & thought- what does this really mean? I took a moment to reflect on my 20's & realized that they were amazing. Many people say that the 30s are the best decade so I thought- if they're going to be better than my 20s I better let my hair down, buckle up, & enjoy the ride.

With Spring here in all it's glory it's pretty hard not to be optimistic at the start of my 30's.

Spring Fever

Above zero temperatures & melting snowbanks have encouraged me to get out on the road for some running- it feels incredible to be running sans toque, mitts, long johns...*grin*. I even wore shorts for my trot yesterday. Granted, they were super long basketball shorts that are closer to Capri's than shorts...but my calves saw light after how many months of being wrapped up? Ah...wonderful.