Enjoying the final hours of my long weekend

My little apartment is gleaming after a thorough cleaning today. The Raptors are on the TV losing again*giggle*. I'm reading a lovely book recommended by my Pop that has encouraged me to stay inside & enjoy endless cups of tea in these cold temperatures (despite how inviting it looked to be outside today- clear Alberta blue skies & lots of sun). The book is Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea. I've had about three pots of tea today.

My knitting needles are retired not too far away. Dev suggested that I could learn to knit by watching videos on YouTube (she's a very clever sister-in-law). I borrowed the knitting needles & some yarn from Dev a couple of weeks ago & finally took the time to try to figure it out today. What fun! And I wished for a slow-mo function on YouTube...but rewound the video numerous times. I've only learned one basic stitch...& will probably need some assistance to actually create a scarf (or something that basic) but at least I've started!

Running has taken the backseat over the weekend as the temperatures are down to the minus 30's- yipe. I'm hoping that temperatures above zero predicted for later in the week will let me get out again to enjoy the roads.

I guess it's back to work tomorrow morning...I better enjoy the last few hours with my feet up & a - guess what- cup of tea*grin*

More Snow-filled adventures

Can't get enough of the outdoor activities with warm temperatures & heaps of snow...
Jennifer, Krysta & I had a stellar hour on the skis out at Poundmaker on a gorgeous day. I'm already looking forward to the next outing...we convinced Alvin to come*grin*!






























Alvin & I also celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. Thanks to all for the cards, emails, phone calls etc. We had a lovely weekend together & I'm still smiling in appreciation.

One for Francis (Rumi) Mwelwa

My former running partner sent me an email this week (former because he's still in Lusaka & I'm here). It was a lovely email; reminiscing about our time on the road- the stairs, the Olympic 10 km fun runs, and our epic half-marathon...

With the warm temperatures (hovering around zero degrees) I could wait no longer. I did something I thought I would never do- I ran in the snow. (Right about now my Pop is shaking his head in disbelief- I have been known to call people crazy who choose to run in these conditions). However, with the email from Rumi (best running partner ever) & after speaking to a couple of friends about the best ways to keep warm- I set off. I was so excited about this event that I carried my camera with me to show Rumi my new running conditions.
Here I am all geared up to hit the road



















I stayed on cleared sidewalks for most of my run- but check how high the snow is- it's just crazy.














My homestretch was pretty rough though...















I have to say my first ever "snow" run felt incredible. My ankles felt liberated outside of their warm winter boots, I felt my leg muscles welcoming me back. My heart & lungs protested a bit on the steepest part of my incline homeward- but I kept it short & light. Today I'm less enamoured as I set out in temperatures a bit colder & one wrong turn took me into thigh deep snow*sigh*. But I trudged through with Rumi's words ringing in my ears: "Mwana, you're strong". And I do feel strong taking the time to be that little bit healthier. (I'm sure the longer days & significantly warmer temperatures have a little something to do with raising the spirits too)*grin*

Enjoying the thaw

Dear friend Carly humoured me & Alvin this weekend. What? Go to the ice sculptures show when the temperatures are near minus 30 degrees Celsius? Talk about embracing life in the Great White North.

The event was quite beautiful despite the biting cold. Please forgive the photos tinged blue- a new camera is on the 2011 'must-buy' list. (I still believe something got melted with the colour balance...now it's freezing & not getting any better)*sigh*.




























































In true Sarah fashion- the slides were the highlight- you can really pick up a lot of speed on that ice! (Car got suckered in to doing that slide with both me & Alvin...like I said, she's a dear friend)*grin*

Annual update- good reads

I've been putting this post off because I've only been reading smut recently*grin*. I didn't read quite as many books as last year (last year I was at about 1 book/ week- this year grand total 44). Being competitive at heart I was disappointed at first...I even went to the "quick reads" section at the library- but nothing doing. I'll probably top 52 reads this year (at least at the rate I've started)*smile*.

Right, so the recommends. I have to say I read a lot of trash in 2011. I adore the Harry Potter books which I read all at the same time over last Christmas/ New Year's. A few other recommends include:

- A sad but heart-breaking-ly beautiful book was Stephen Galloway's The Cellist of Sarajevo
- The Highest Tide was a delight to read. Jim Lynch did an amazing job of reminding me that there are so many things we should cherish in everyday life- oh the wonders of nature.
- I loved Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin...but I don't really know how to describe it in a couple of lines because various stories are intertwined into one crazy event.
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett- a lovely tale of what I imagine life would have been like in the Southern USA

Thanks to many of you who wrote me your recommends; now that I have access to a library (& lots of time that used to be spent studying) I hope to check many off my "Never-ending must-read book list"*grin*. Send some ideas my way- I love books.

Canadians are Crazy

I can say that because I'm Canadian.

But how crazy is this: fireworks at 830p.m. on December 31st in St. Albert, AB? Temperature was minus 17 degrees Celsius. The event is scheduled earlier in the evening (as opposed to the Witching Hour) to be 'family friendly': so the little tykes can enjoy. Enjoy. You've got to be kidding me.

But what's that cliche: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em?
I just about fell over when my dear sister-in-law suggested watching the fireworks on New Year's Eve & then tobogganing (all activities would of course be occurring out-of-doors. In very cold weather). And there I go buying the "bright-green-luge-esque" sled for $9.99 at Superstore to prepare for the evening. I had so much fun that I'm beginning to think tobogganing for adults should only ever take place in the evenings. Ha ha ha.

It feels good to be settling back into my roots*grin*













































PS. Christmas was great- this last photo is of Tom & Al on Boxing Day. It was so great to celebrate Christmas with my dear old Gran, folks, bro & Devo, as well as my Uncle & cousins who came up from Seattle (I even got to meet Fitzy's finance- Yay)! Alvin & I really did enjoy our first White Christmas together.

Weekend in Reverse

To heck with chronology...here's my weekend excitement from most to least recent*grin*

1. We hit the slopes this weekend (okay, today)- what fun! I don't remember the last time I went tobogganing...& it was certainly Al's first time. I'm so thrilled that Alvin enjoyed himself because now I'm planning on working off the Christmas turkey sledding any chance we get- weeeeeee.














































2. I didn't take out my camera at my folks place on Sunday- but it was so great visiting with Canj (in town from VanCity), Car (before she hits Mexico), & Belle's parents.

3. Two parties in one night- Anna & Dan hosted a lovely wine & cheese & then off to Tom & Dev's for their get together. At least we've got a couple of "pre-party" photos. (We were actually taking photos in front of the mounded snow to send to Al's family back in Zambia- there's not that much snow but when they cleared the condo parking lot we thought we could exaggerate a bit)*grin*






























4. My light-hearted weekend began Friday afternoon with these words:

Leadership and Human Resource Management Pass

Organizational Change Pass

Life Career Development Pass

Work and Well-being Pass

Which means (unofficially) I'm done school! I've cleared my exams & should be the proud recipient of an MSc in Human Resource Management as soon as the official results arrive. I couldn't be more thrilled & will certainly not boast of this achievement every chance I get- but I do have to mention it as when I saw the four "passes" my heart beat faster & I danced around my little apartment. Three years of work celebrated in so many ways this weekend- I think I'll pour myself a glass of Amarula*grin*. More seriously (Amarula in hand)- there are so many people to thank for their support- maybe once it’s truly sunk in I’ll be more philosophical- for now I’m celebrating!

Solo fun

Alvin has landed himself a part-time job so I find myself with lots of time on my hands in the evenings. So far I'm enjoying it (I'm not sure how long it will last)*grin*
Any of you who know me well can rest assured that I'm still keeping myself busy. I have taken a bit of time for reflection though. I was thinking about what I've been loving about being back for a white Christmas; there are two things I've tried to capture.
1. Every time I step out of doors I smile at the cool air on my cheeks. Knowing that I won't be able to describe the exact feeling I thought I'd take a video & see if the chill paints itself on as I imagine.

2. The sound of snow crunching underfoot- there's nothing like that sound. I love it- I'm like a child.

Let me know what you think*wide smile*

My boots

I dug out some hiking boots the other day to walk in the cold-but-not-too-snowy streets. These are the boots that took me to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. (I have been madly searching for a photo of me at Uhuru peak & I can't find any) BOOO

The boots also accompanied me on the girls trip to end all road trips at Mount Robson. I say it ended all road trips because the 5 of us haven't been together since that epic trip in August 2004. I am also failing to locate one of these photos*sigh*

I smiled in my hiking boots on the way down to the library reminiscing about the journeys they have led me through, and the people who supported me on those hikes. I confess that I'm giddy thinking about where else these boots might take me; but I'll also confess how content I am to remove them, fold myself up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate (or a glass of red wine) & a good book. Funny how exotic Uhuru peak sounds compared to tromping through suburban Alberta streets...but that's part of the smile- who would ever guess where these boots have been?

What a December 1st

December First is always a big day for me as I pull out the Christmas decorations & get myself into the Christmas spirit. This December 1st was more exceptional than usual.

1. I got to set up two trees

Tom & Dev were called in alongside me & Al to help Ma put up her tree (I don't know anyone who won't work for pizza)*grin*















I also set up my new tree- Tom & Dev passed down their 'apartment' tree for a full-sized one & this is how she looks at the moment. Yippeee- a beautiful little tree with lights.
















2. Work hosted a hockey game fundraiser & check out who opened the game with the National anthem! Anyone who grew up watching the Edmonton Oilers should recognize this man. (The first video I took was shaky because I was so excited...so it starts from here). Love it.


3. I am so excited about the muffins I've made (I know lame) BUT- they are made with the frozen cherries & Saskatoon berries that I helped harvest in the summer. It doesn't get much more delicious than this*smile*

The first real freeze

Here are a couple photos of the first real cold weather we've dealt with.

This is the little pond behind our condo- it's so cute.















Here's Alvin on a cold day at school














The path en route to the bus stop- so pretty















I had a busy day baking/ cooking with Pop over the long weekend...cinnamon buns & perogies- fun fun.

Shorts, quick-dry t-shirt, shades, & flip flops

I laughed as I prepared myself to leave the house last week.

Shimmy into tights- the thick ones meant for winter wear. Trousers. Undershirt, sweater scarf. Boots, winter coat, mittens, 2nd scarf, toque &/or ear muffs. What did I forget today? I think I've got it covered. Deep breath & a pause before opening the door. The blast of cold air sends tears down my cheeks, nose hairs burning & as I quick step down the stairs- a brief coughing fit because my lungs don't know where the hot hot heat has gone. 2 minutes into my walk I cannot see though my glasses because they are completely fogged over. I hustle to the bus depot blind- tripping on hidden curbs & ice patches that have been covered over by a layer of snow dust.

I settle in for my short bus ride and remember what I've forgotten- Kleenex. Drat. My nose is pouring with the bus heat turned up to full blast. I think for a minute how I would prefer to dash out of the house in my shorts, ball cap & patapatas. Toes sweating & covered in dust rather than numb inside my boots. But today I've bought a pair of proper winter boots & have decided that since I'm here for the long haul & winter doesn't seem to be going anywhere- I might as well make the most of it. I plan to bundle up & get over this cold already. The forecast is also calling for temperatures above freezing by the end of the week- wooty!

I plum forgot

Hard to believe that a few years away can make one completely forget the joys of living in a deep freeze. I remembered- on Tuesday morning- just how awful it is to rip oneself from the warm bed when there's snow on the ground outside. Welcome to winter Sarah & Alvin. Oy oy.

November stories

Hard to believe Guy Fawkes night has passed & we're on to Remembrance Day already...I've been meaning to post a couple of November stories that have had me and Alvin laughing.

Friday's dress- I was thinking of a former colleague who shared a love for "Friday's dresses" with me. For those of you unfamiliar with the term it is the dress that one slips on when all other clothes are dirty, un-ironed, or missing a matching piece (this can take place any day of the week...not just Friday's). It's the article of clothing that takes no forethought- there's no worrying about matching shoes or accessories because it's a standard slip-on outfit...and how I miss those summer dresses. Each day I wake up & think "trousers again-bah". I laugh as I realize I'm mourning the simpleness of dress in Lusaka- open toed heels, flowy fabrics & scarves on days with a breeze. hmmmm. It's currenly -6 degrees Celsius *Muhahaha*

Stinky feet- A confession- I'm having a problem with terribly stinky feet. I suspect it's a combination of having to wear closed shoes all the time and nylons. Any recommendations- no amount of baby powder has helped thus far? I long for pata-patas/ flip flops*pouty face*

Of all things to miss in Zambia...I'm missing NASDEC- Alvin & I trotted off for a Friday night day to catch the UofA basketball teams home-openers. En route Al mentioned how he hoped the fans would be more supportive of the home team than his experience at NAIT (where apparently there is not too much 'hurrah-ing' for the Ooks- could it be the name?) He said he wanted to head into a gym where we'd get that 'NASDEC' feel. I laughed. For those of you who visited us in Lusaka you undoubtedly were forced to visit the home of the Zambia basketball association. I spent many an hour playing, coaching & watching basketball there. The facility is basic (we're talking no air-con, ancient wooden bleachers, floorboards that have holes here & there, chalk scoreboards to back up the electric system which inevitably will not work during the rainy season- you get the picture)- but the experience. There's nothing really like it. Friends all around - sober or drinking- stand up & celebrate any basketball play that they enjoyed (in a women's or men's game- neck-in-neck or blow-out- it doesn't matter), or heckle the ref for a bad call, or if a hot club tune plays s/he'll get up dancing. As I sat huddled near to my hubby for warmth in the UofA stands we couldn't help but notice the glaring differences between our cultures. We also recognize how fortunate we are to be able to experience both worlds.

Visions of cockroaches: I've been giggling to myself the days when I come into the main condo entrance and see a brown crusty item that instinct tells me must be a cockroach. Then I realize where I am and that the cockroach is actually dried leaves, a clump of dirt or some other form of discarded brown-ish item. In every instance it's always a sigh of relief for me

Fairweather Jogger

I decided after a delicious brunch at the folks that it would be warm enough for a jog. Looked like we were sitting around 9 degrees on a beautiful Halloween day. Earlier in the week as I was wrapped up in jackets, scarves, a toque & sporting long johns I saw a slender young couple out running. First I was thinking "maybe we could do that"...and then there was a gust of wind & I realized that in all my layers I hadn't started sweating. Then I started thinking about how the cold air burns my nose & chest & tears stream down my face with a cold gust of win- running is definitely out. Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed my trot this afternoon. It felt glorious to stretch the legs, clear my head & think of my Mom as I noted the signature Alberta blue skies.

This is the first time in a very long time that I haven't had exercise plans plotted out weeks in advance, athletic goals set to achieve & a commitment to a team or exercise program; and I'm loving it! It felt wonderful to head out today but part of why it was so wonderful was because it was unplanned. I've decided to keep this up for a while. Alvin and I are still easing into our new routines & I have no desire to sign up for something that will start blocking my time. I can't help but think it's very unlike me but I'm savouring the change so I'll keep spontaneous exercise on my radar for now. There are a few things planned in the coming months: walking with friends, curling, yoga & trying out exercise DVDs from the library (the one I've currently got is hilarious). I am now looking forward to a soak in the tub with the latest Diana Gabaldon book*grin*.

Adjusted to Canadian Life

I laughed this morning after my 'good morning' conversation with Al.
"Babe- good news- it's zero degrees out there"
Oy yoy yoy it's going to be a LONG first winter back*giggling*

A few stolen moments

Alvin's at the library studying away & I'm taking a few moments between the cleaning & the laundry. Today is Zambia's Independence Day so I'm jammin' to some Zed Beats care of YouTube & thought I should really try to get back into the habit of weekly posts.
Last weekend (that's how far behind I am) Alaina & Marc came over & I prepared a Zambian meal just for fun. I must shamefully admit that it was the first time Alvin & I have had nshima since we moved into our little apartment. Alaina & Marc were such good sports about eating with their hands, & I'm happy to report that Lain thought better of starting a food fight*grin*. I have to say (for those of you who've eaten nshima this will be shocking)- that Marc ate 3 lumps of nshima...it's his first time ever eating it! Most of us start at 1 lump & work our way up to 2 after months of eating it daily*giggling*














The week before I'd busied myself with my dear old Gran who was tuckered out after making pies- I don't even remember the final count...over ten anyway. It was great to learn a few of her baking tricks this harvest season.




























And today I decided to ride the bike down to my folks for storage throughout the winter:-( I felt so bad for the bike out on the balcony this morning...they are calling for the "s" word this week so I guess I better figure out the bus route. And a new plan for daily exercise- poop. Apart from hanging up the bike because of cold weather all is well*grin*

Ethel (my good-sister) posted a photo on Facebook of my niece- I made Alvin steal it so I could show her off- she's so cute! We miss her:-( We spoke to her grandmother today & she's probably not looking so cute at the minute because she's got chicken pox*ha ha ha* (I'm laughing because she's fine...)

In betweener

I did mention that despite my lack of communication during my study craze- life did carry on. I wanted to post a few photos that we took on a beautiful walk out at Poundmaker/ River Lot 56. I dragged my parents out for a breath of fresh air & it sure was worth it- simply glorious.


























































We also received some very sad news from Zambia before I wrote my exams; we lost my good brother Kim. (I think good-brother sounds nicer than brother-in-law). Kim was sick for the last year, but it seemed like things were turning around for him & his family before we were leaving. We were so sad to hear that he passed away, and so sad that we couldn't grieve with the family. I have been reflecting on all my favourite "Kim" memories & am fortunate that both my folks & my brother & his wife met Kim so that we can remember him fondly. He was an important part of our lives- he was the MC at our wedding and a good friend to me before I ever really got to know the rest of Alvin's family. I have written about Kim on here before so I won't say too much; only that we'll miss him dearly and that I hope we'll still be a part of his wife & daughter's lives.
Here's Kim with his daughter Chisanga.
















A not so flattering shot of these three brothers- Dale, Kim & Alvin- in March.

Resurfacing. Slowly

My exams are a memory (some better than others) and I will not worry about the results until they arrive. I had thought that I would be cartwheeling-back-flipping-happy to have it all over with but I guess I forgot how physically exhausting expending mental energy can be. When my head parts from my pillow I do feel fabulous though. My folks hosted the big Thanksgiving dinner on Friday night & Alvin & I are enjoying turkey sandwich leftovers- mmmm. Gran will be in town for the week so I'm looking forward to spending some time with her; we've got a date to make apple pies later today*grin*. Gloria (a dear old friend from Uni) & her hubby arrived from Vernon for a quick visit yesterday and it sure was lovely re-connecting with her.

For all my single friends- kindly note that my Pop has been appointed a commissioner of marriages...so if you think you may have met that special someone- my Pop can marry you! He actually performed his first marriage earlier this month & thoroughly enjoyed the experience- let's see if we can drum up some more business for him, eh?!

I'm looking forward to posting up here more regularly again...now that I'll have a lot more time on my hands to socialize, play, and re-acquaint myself will all things Canadian*grin*. Thanks again to all for your support these past weeks- & for welcoming me back into your social lives- Weeeee!

2 down 2 to go

Exams I mean. Wooty. Countdown's on.
Despite the fact that I've been very focused on exams for the past weeks life has carried on; I am looking forward to updating this blog when I resurface.
Thanks to all for the well-wishes & patience...looking forward to re-connecting with all soon soon.