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.

Incongruous

I had some music blasting Friday as I cleaned up the flat. P Diddy's (aka Dirty $...aka etc) latest hit rang through the doorway & the tears started flowing. My dear little prairie Mennonite Granny would certainly not have anything in common with this famous rap star...but the words had me thinking of my Gran who was then in hospital. I was reminded of how over the past few hospital visits there was talk of Gran's sister & daughters "singing her home". I don't know the intentions of the lyrics (I would assume hardly biblical), but that is the tune that will remind me of my Gran's passing.
It was only a few hours later I received the call that Gran had in fact passed away; and my Gran's sister was there earlier in the day signing & praying Gran's way up to the heaven she so fiercely believed in.

I'm thankful that Alvin & I had one year (today) to spend with her- it's crazy to reflect on all the changes over the past year we've spent back in my Motherland.

Neither Here nor There

I'm typically an absent-minded person, but tonight- it's something else all together. I meant to fold the dry laundry & throw in another load that didn't get done over the weekend, but instead I got sidetracked by the dirty dishes in the sink. While I filled the sink with soapy hot water something led me into the bedroom. I would like to eat my supper but what to prepare? I'd love to finish knitting the scarf I've started, read a chapter in the book that I am thoroughly enjoying, perhaps I could sit down & watch a bit of the Raptors game...I am getting nowhere. And now I've found the dirty dishes soaking in cold water*sigh*.

I could chalk it up to my piecemeal day. I was downtown for a half day of training and back to the regular office for the afternoon. But I know that's not really it.

Things for me have been going so well; I've been excited about:

- the first day of Spring
- Pop's birthday today
- the graduation party friends hosted for me last weekend
- the promise of a nice tax return
- the promotion I was offered & accepted (today I started a full-time permanent position in my new-ish field of human resources)*weeee*

But to make sure that I don't float away to the clouds with happiness there have been a couple happenstances that have kept my feet planted firmly on the ground.

My dear old Gran took a fall & things are not looking good (she's been so up & down in the past few months- it's been awful to watch her suffer...then see her spirit come back with a vengeance & she's home cooking up a storm; but only to receive a phone call a couple days later that she's back in hospital). I'm heartened that my mom is together with her 2 siblings, her hubby & her nephew in Saskatoon to try to figure out what happens next.

We also received heart-breaking news from Zambia. We were informed on Sunday that our dear Uncle Watson has passed away. There is so much to say but nothing feels quite right yet.

March's lion

It looks like the lion of March is retreating at last. The sun is glorious out my balcony window & it was almost warm enough for my midday jog- oh how incredible it feels to be back running on the road. (I will continue to ride the stationary bike/ run on the treadmill in the gym at work for the rest of the week- but today it was so exciting to hit the road & enjoy the fresh outdoor air)...

I told myself I would take photos this weekend of my "graduation party". But Alvin only took one photo on his phone so if we can get it off I'll post it here. A sincere thanks to Ry & Krysta for co-hosting a party for me. I usually wouldn't flaunt my achievements so loudly but someone once told me that it is worth marking some of the accomplishments that you've been committed to...so seeing that I couldn't afford to be at my real convocation in London, England- Ry & Krysta got a few good friends together & I've been able to feel good about the completion of my Masters- & now on to other challenges*smile*

Of other interest I have acquired a hammock. I happened to mention how I would love to have a hammock one day- honestly, how luxurious is it to be able to recline in the sun with a good book? Gin & tonic within reach... Funny enough the sweet bus driver who takes me & a couple Jamaican ladies to work every morning decided that she would give hers to me. Apparently she never uses it- how hilarious is that? I may not be able to hang it off my balcony (condo rules)- so I may have to ask Tom & Dev for some yard space*giggling*. I love random incidents like that. These are the small things that remind me to be thankful for being just where I am right now. (It's easy to be nostalgic for Zambia with all this snow...)

Thanks for the photo Pop.

Gangsta rap meets red-neck Albertan hillbilly

I realize that I haven't posted my day-to-day stories like I used to in Lusaka. I'm hoping that this post will inspire me to take the time to reflect & write a little more regularly. A few thoughts that have been on my mind while walking these suburban streets:

1. I was grinning from ear-to-ear the other morning listening to all the birds chattering to each other on my morning walk to catch the bus. Now that the sun is up when I head out I can't help but smile at the busy chirping & fluttering- I think I even heard a woodpecker this morning.

2. Seriously, what's wrong with pet-owners in this city? I have two beefs. The first being that nearly everyday I walk down a trail I meet a dog owner with a dog off-leash. Nine times out of ten the loose dog runs right up to me. Sometimes sniffing, sometimes barking or growling, but always followed up by some awkward owner stating how friendly their snarling dog happens to be. I sigh, thank my lucky stars that the dog is friendly & bite my tongue, tighten my hands into fists so I don't point rudely to the sign that says "Trails are on-leash areas". Secondly, it seems that dog owners have become a bit lazy when it comes to picking up after their dog poops- maybe we need to get some more by-law officers out patrolling during this cold spring. One also can't help but notice how nasty all the yellow stains are on the gorgeous white snow...but cleaning up after pet pee is not a battle I'm likely to win*grin*

3. One day out walking it was all I could do to not burst out laughing. A young man was walking towards me- perhaps 16 or 17 years old...you know that age. It was a cold day & he was sporting his skinny jeans with huge sneakers, a ball-cap with the straight brim (very gangsta), a bandanna tied stylishly around his neck, and a partially zipped red plaid lumberjack coat. The overall impression: a confused white suburban boy in the middle of winter trying to look a little Cali...while clearly having strong Albertan roots*smile*

4. I am officially a graduate! My convocation took place on March 8th; and since I whined one evening that I would miss attending the event in the UK my dear friend Ry offered to host me a party. I shall take photos this weekend- weeeeeeeeeeeee.

"Australia suits me...

I'm planning a beach work out to prepare for soccer season". That's my friend Clara in a letter she recently sent me from her home in Sydney. It's always wonderful to receive snail mail...but her timing could have been a little more sensitive. This past week, every morning except yesterday was -30 something ridiculous with windchill. I really didn't want to hear about beach workouts.

Being one never to dwell on the negative my grumpy days are behind me & I shall head to the gym to go for a run today...& hope that the temperatures become more reasonable for my outdoor pursuits.

From Saskatoon to Uhuru Peak

I was going to post about our Family Day weekend trip to Saskatoon to visit my dear old not-so-well Gran. The highlight of the drive was spotting moose on the side of the highway (Alvin's first glimpse of Canada's beautiful- ok absurd-looking - creatures). I've never bothered to ask Dev to send me the photos (they actually had white legs which made them look even stranger).

I was going to develop another post to explain how hilarious my most recent date with Carly was. We decided we enjoyed watching old British crime shows...last week it was Miss Marple. We made it through two episodes & the mystery remained unsolved so we may switch back to the faster paced Inspector Lynley or Inspector Lewis series'. (Yes, we know this is incredibly nerdy).

















Since I'm feeling like such an old lady (even my Gran was teasing me), check out my progress on the scarf I'm knitting. Do keep in mind this is my first attempt at knitting- so far, I enjoy it.















And since I know some people are embarrassed for my street cred (Lain) I will close this post with a far less nerdy escapade...My beautiful friend Naomi sent me a CD with photos from when we hiked Kilimanjaro together (in 2004) because I somehow misplaced all my Kili photos. So though these 3 stories do not flow well into a coherent posting...these are the latest ramblings of a snowed in Sarah.

What's more Canadian than...

A trip to the local curling rink?
Hahahah. That's right. I signed Alvin up for his first taste of curling.
















We agreed that we didn't love curling (I think I only had one good shot in 1.5 hours). But Coach Ryan had a lot of patience & Krysta was a good sport- so we did have fun. But if I'm ever to get Alvin to a curling rink again I'm sure it'll be for beer!

Mother Nature's Last Laugh

Oh Sarah, such a disaster. The forecast was calling for snow Friday evening and temperatures back below zero for the weekend. So what do I think?- perfect time to squeeze in one more road run before it's back to walking. Boy was I wrong.
I officially partook in the most treacherous walk of my life (oh the trials of suburban living)*grin*. I trotted down Grandin road thinking that I'd do a nice loop to stretch my legs & clear my head. About half way down the slope my slow trot turned into a slow walk. I decided sidewalk conditions would get better round the corner as going straight back up would be too treacherous. Boy was I ever wrong again.
I'm giggling at one point nearly at the corner of Levasseur because my feet are spinning like the road runner & there's no forward motion...I couldn't help but laugh because I thought the motorists must be having a laugh at my expense. I tell myself "Surely once I reach Levasseur I'll be fine because I ran it Wednesday & it was pretty much clear".
Let's just say I should have worn skates to tackle Levasseur. The waist-high snowdrifts are no longer waist-high, they've melted onto the sidewalk & then frozen over. Seriously, skates would've been the best way out.
Could it get any worse? At my final final home stretch (by this point I'm a little annoyed because I've nearly fallen a thousand times & progress was so slow my little 30 minute work out turned into over an hour's worth of slow-going trek)...and what am I faced with? Giant puddles that had not frozen over. Sigh. As I climbed up the steps to the apartment (running shoes soaked & toes frozen) I had a good-hearted chuckle with that mother nature- she pulled a fast one on me.

Note to self: contact that mailman brother of yours before setting out for a 'quick jog'.

Wednesday's "Thought for the day"

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY


I don't want to brag or make anyone jealous or anything,
but I can still fit into the earrings I wore in high school.


I had meant to post this on Wednesday as the one thing that made my day. I was glowing after another afternoon road run too...

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*