Good friends & Beautiful Weather

Someone, somewhere, once told me that you should consider yourself lucky if you have a couple of good friends throughout the course of your life. In this respect, I have been truly blessed; I have an amazing group of solid friends to surround myself with from many different corners of the world. Recently I went down to Calgary for work & was able to connect with good friends from my University days. And I couldn't help but think- how amazing to drop an email to people I haven't seen in years- and not miss a beat. (I am not exaggerating- Hol & I deduced that we had not met since 2004. Marty thought we'd seen each other as recently as 2009- which might be right)*smile*. This is what I find most amazing- of course we've grown and changed and gotten more grey hair- but the natural flow to the conversation (fueled by one single glass of wine) reminded me how dear these friends are.

I also wanted to post a couple of shots from my balcony this evening- the days are getting longer & we're getting some beautiful sunsets. We've had a glorious couple of days with knee deep snow (well, not so glorious for Alvin because he has to shovel it)*giggling*. But it is quite a sight- fresh white snow, Alberta blue skies and a brilliant sun all day today. It's important for me to take a couple of moments to be thankful.

Where to Start?

I've had a number of thoughts on how to compose this post- here are some of my starts.

- The only way the weekend could have been any sweeter would have been if the Boston Celtics played better. What a dream to watch our favourite team play live. Kevin Garnett is amazing even on an off day. I was dying to see Rondo at his best- explosive, scoring, making crazy assists and being fired up about playing- I guess it was not to be. Ray Allen's text book quick release jump shot is something to be seen by any basketball fan- live & in person was indescribable. And Paul Pierce...what an athlete. I loved to see Doc Rivers in action (the head coach) even if it was only in frustration last Friday*smile*..

- When I think about how the weekend played out sometimes I want to start with what happened last. So, in reverse chronology - the Zambia National football team (the Chipolopolo) won the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday for the first time ever. If that isn't sweet enough- I was able to watch the match with friends from Zambia...on a Smartphone...in Toronto.

- My dear friend Jen knows that I have never been a Lakers fan and certainly not a Kobe fan...but how can I start to explain my excitement at being able to watch -live- one of the world's best athletes? And did he ever put on a show. The whole fourth quarter was watched on our feet- cheering, hooting, hollering & getting caught up in all the excitement of a buzzer-beater finish between the Lakers & the Raptors.

- All of the yoga instructors I've had over the years mention the importance of living in the 'now'. They always talk about listening to your body, staying focused while you're on your mat, and not worrying about the past or the future. I am so fortunate to have a partner who reminds me of that. I was fresh off a retirement course (yes, 30 & planning for retirement- seems a bit odd) when we first tossed around the idea of an NBA weekend trip. Rather than taking my little bonus & wrapping it up for the future in an RRSP- living in the 'now' took over. And there will be no regrets after such an amazing weekend. All I could think while we were in Toronto- doing what we love to do- i.e. watching basketball- was: "this is living".

When we weren't watching some of the best basketball players in the NBA we wandered all over Toronto and connected with some dear friends. (And I might add here that my family was very understanding that it was a basketball weekend- rest assured we will plan another basketball-filled weekend but take a few more days to make sure we can visit with family too).

The crew from Zambia

Kieran & his beautiful family.

Out & about in T.O.

Pride Gets the Last Laugh

Early in 2012 I've been committed to my goal of learning how to knit a toque (hat/ headsock...depending on where you're from). I've been working from the knitting book that Dev bought me for Christmas. I'm thrilled to be learning how to really knit- reading patterns & learning to change the colours of yarn. I know I know- it's always the small things with me. I began the project with a scarf to build up my confidence before starting in on the matching toque. I have proudly been sporting the scarf assuring all who see me that a beautiful toque is to follow shortly.

The first project of 2012 has been completed- details in attached slide show.

French Baroque

I think it's always nice to keep the company of people who will take you out of your comfort zone. A good friend invited me to an event put on by a group of people who are interested in music of previous centuries- they put on shows with instruments from earlier centuries. My mom & I decided to step out of the old comfort zone & check it out. The concert took place at a beautiful old church in the city. I have to say it wasn't really my thing (the harpsichord is an interesting instrument but not one that makes me want to get up and dance), but it was an interesting night. The musician talked of duelling composers from the 1700s & brawls at the cafes they frequented. It was certainly a far cry from the basketball courts I'm used to- but it was lovely.

That musical event set the tone for an amazing weekend. Saturday I met Tom & Devo's new pup- what a cutey. I'm pleased to introduce Edgar!

Sunday I had a skating date with Andrea & it was so lovely- it was wonderful to hit the ice on a warm afternoon.

These 'anniversary' lilies have also kept me smiling- each day a new one opens- how glorious.

The Queen of Cliché

In my line of work- dealing with people all the time- I come across a lot of clichés (and a lot of talk about the weather). The funny thing about clichés for me is that I always get them wrong. For example: "Now we're cooking with gas" came out of my mouth as: "Now we're cooking with oil"- not sure I'll ever live that one down at work.

The other night I was lying in bed trying to think of a way to describe a particular feeling in my heart. I thought of the expression "tugging at the heartstrings" and I reflected that not once had I ever considered my heart as an instrument. Then I chuckled when I read "My heart did a pirouette like one of those dancing hippos in Fantasia" (from: The Curse of the Holy Pail, by Sue Ann Jaffarian - a smutty mystery novel series that I can't resist)*grin*.

But neither of these ways to describe the heart have resonated with why my heart is so happy.

One of the boys I used to coach (you know, your average 17 or 18-year old boy) had sent a message to Alvin on Facebook to say hi to me. And there's this feeling of excitement, happiness, awe, or something- that makes me well up with pride that a young kid across all these miles would remember his old coach- even if only for a few minutes. It means so much to me to hear from them via email or Alvin's FB; taking the time to extend wishes or a hello brings out all the warm fuzzies. I invested so much time at those basketball courts that I'm heartened to know that some of the kids have recognized how much I care for them. If I find the right words to describe the feeling, one day, I will post them up here.

I've also been told (somewhere along the way) to take note or commemorate some of life's small achievements. Yesterday I celebrated my 3rd anniversary with my dear Alvin - yay! Here are some flowers & our anniversary candle that are on the kitchen table reminding us of how fortunate we are, and how our lives have changed over these three years. Thanks to all for thinking of us with emails/ snail mail / flowers.

Cold Snap

We all knew it was coming...our unseasonably warm temperatures of the past months now seem like a distant memory. It is currently -28 degrees Celsius but it feels like -39 with wind chill. Alvin has stepped out to work in this madness for a couple of hours. I could think of nothing worse.

We've only had a couple of days of this but I've had the furnace blowing full blast & it seems that I constantly have a pot of tea on the go. I feel like I have a mild headache- on the verge of becoming full fledged due to all the white noise. Inevitably it made me think of power cuts in Lusaka. All the humming from refrigerators, TVs, radios- shutdown; I remember smiling in the dark of my former apartment. Hearing the neighbours conversations loud & clear from behind the wall- no interference from any electrical hums or buzzes. How easy it is to think the grass is greener. And I have forced myself to remember (when praying that my '98 Rav4 will start in the morning, when I can't breathe from the shock of the cold, when I want the furnace sounds to kick off) the mad scurrying of the cockroaches when the power went out. Aiming the flashlight in the kitchen was like a scene from a horror film with the monster roaches running for the dark corners. I am not saying that I prefer this cold...but I'm reminding myself that the joys of shorts & t-shirt weather everyday, anytime of day or night, come with tropical insects...Here's to staying optimistic in 2012!

I had to include this photo of Tom- I don't envy his job as mailman these days*grin*

(Hope ya don't mind Tommy- such an amazing photo).

Bat Out of...

I felt like such a hypocrite last night. I've always told myself that I'm not a big city girl. During our trip to New York in the Fall I recognized that the pace of life in such big happenin' cities is just too busy for me. I kept telling myself that I would never want to get pulled into such a hectic way of life- always on the go.

I recall recently driving somewhere with my mom; she very gently suggested that I could go a few kilometres over the speed limit (I used to have a heavy foot- but I lost that somewhere along the way). I now putt along in the slow lane like an old lady.

Then there was me last night, getting wound up and hitting the gas pedal very heavily, on my way to yoga. How hilarious is that? Rushing to relax. Sigh. I always have the best intentions to leave on time...instead I end up rushing like a bat out of heck.

Last'11 post

It has been a great year and I've thoroughly enjoyed a few days off during this holiday season. It's always so nice to catch up with family & friends who maybe I hadn't heard from in a while. I love this time of year.

Alvin & I are especially stoked after booking a weekend Toronto trip- we're planning our first NBA live experience. And of course we've bought tickets to see our favourite team (I feel like a little kid I'm so excited) the Boston Celtics. It's going to be a quick trip & I'm hoping that my family will forgive me because we're planning on having a very selfish weekend- hopefully 2 NBA games before returning home- with little (or no) time for visiting & gallivanting. We'll see as the date draws nearer.

But I do get ahead of myself. Christmas was lovely- and I'm thrilled that my Gran-style verenike (cottage cheese perogies) turned out great. Mom taught me how to make the cream gravy- who knew it had to be whipping cream?!*grin* Tom very graciously took a photo because I was so proud of how beautiful my perogies turned out (the rest of the meal was divine- I'm just the one who insisted on the photo)*grin*.

I could post a whole bunch more reflections on an amazing year...but I'd rather show this video that Tom shared with me- hilarious. I do love yoga but don't always like the trendiness surrounding it...hope you enjoy this video, I know I did. Happy New Year all.

My Worst Reads of the Year

Most of you know that I'm an avid reader...most of you also know that I'm an optimist. That's why I want to try something a little different as we near the end of 2011. This year I would like to highlight my 2 worst reads of the year. I know- I usually stick to my faves (& some optimism might still trickle in...) but I really feel like sharing the most disappointing reads my greedy little eyes consumed.

#1- The Good Mayor - a love story that could not get any worse. I held on through the disappointments hoping it would improve. A secretary for the town mayor who has been unlucky in love has a crush on her boss- one that is strongly encouraged. The setting is some Eastern European country I was trying to dive into. Just as I'm beginning to see that this will not follow the fairy tale ending the heroine (?) turns into a dog to escape the prying eyes of the townsfolk and steals away in the night with the mayor. When the dog and mayor are safely away to start a new life she resumes her human shape.

Really?

Disaster.

#2- I do try to read Canadian literature...but this author I found particularly discouraging because she used lots of long complex sentences to say nothing. Nothing! I know you've all tried to read those books- but I kept getting distracted by these perfectly manufactured (sometimes beautiful phrases) that did not tell a story. Call me old-fashioned but the stories I enjoy have a beginning, a middle, and an end*grin*. I wouldn't say this lady is a terrible author but Charlotte Gill is not my preferred type of story-teller (& I would not recommend her short stories)*grin*.

Apart from those two it was another great year of reading. I shamelessly fall back on British murder mysteries when I've finished a book that leaves me feeling 'meh'. If any of you have some good recommends please send my way. I could recommend a couple good ones but don't want to change this post from the negative to the positive*grin*.

The Only Thing Worse...

The only thing worse than finding that someone has left a tissue in their pocket & thrown the load in the washing machine is knowing that you're the one who left the tissue in her pocket.

Drat.

1st Snow Run of the Season

That's right, I hit the road tonight & it feels great. I would lie if I didn't say that about half-way through I thought perhaps I should've shortened the first run after quite some time...but the home stretch felt great & I feel motivated to keep it up with the mild weather.

I was also the lucky beneficiary of an extra wreath that Dev accumulated- how cute! I suggested that perhaps I should hang it on the inside of my door so I could enjoy it more often...I don't think Alvin's up for that*grin*. Thanks Tom & Dev for passing this on to me.

A Romantic View of my Canadian Heritage

A couple of weeks ago, during our short cold snap and snowy weather, I had stepped outside to go for a walk. I was well prepared for the cold in multiple layers, my homemade scarf, and a new puffy winter jacket. I smiled and thought how lovely it was to be so warm all wrapped up outside in the cold but refreshing air. And that got me thinking about how I survived so many years in Lusaka's hot (& sometimes steamy) temperatures. What a lovely little revelation- I enjoy both the cold and the hot. I let my mind wander down a fairly romantic ideal of why this might be...

"Ha" I thought to myself: I enjoy this cold climate from my Swiss German mother's side & love the heat from my Pop's Croatian side (you will understand this association if you've ever seen photos of the Dalmatian coast)*grin*.

The truth of the matter is that my mom's from Saskatoon, SK & my Pop is from Timmins, ON; I come by a love of hot summers & cold winters from good solid Canadian stock.

But then a couple days later I was reminded of how we Canadians love to explore our histories when my mom took me to the U of A's "Festival of Ideas". It was a lovely evening with renowned Canadian author Michael Ondaatje (& hosted by Marina Endicott). It has been a long time since I read one of his novels but I was so impressed with his readings & the engaging discussion that followed I'm keen to pick one up again. I'm always surprised when someone who has been so successful Internationally remains grounded, humble and downright enjoyable. I love finding inspiration in unexpected places.

My new earrings

I recently invested in new glasses (people have been hearing about this for years- I know...& I finally bought them). It's been a love-hate experience because the vision is amazing, but the comfort of the glasses has been trying. I think I'm finally satisfied with the below (only I was trying to show how they're blue on the inside & they look cool but you can't tell in this shot). There's a little bling on the arms as well but I didn't want to post the brand name all over the world (I know, lame- I wear them everyday).

Also featured in the photos are my new earrings (the inspiration for this post). I went shopping with my mom to Ten Thousand Villages- one of our favourite shops. She picked out some cards for herself & a pair of earrings for her sister. I picked up my usual tea and a cute pair of earrings. By the time I got home I decided I really loved the earrings that my mom had bought for her sister & told her they would match a recently purchased blouse just perfectly. Of course Mom handed them over & I am proudly wearing them above. (Allan, if you tell you mom I'll be disappointed but I really had to have them)*grin*. I do realize that I'm terribly spoiled but the worst case is that I have to go back to the shop & replace my Aunt's pair- right?

Other:

Here's a photo Alvin recently uploaded from our NY trip- I love it- it's so hokey.

Alvin's sister recently sent a photo of her beautiful baby Jasmine & our niece "baby Mutale" who's looking so grown up (we left Lusaka when she was about 8 months old, now she looks like such a little lady) - I couldn't resist posting because I miss them & think they're just the sweetest.

Snow Fever

Our first snowfall & I can't really explain why I'm so excited. I couldn't resist putting off the housework to take a couple snaps after the first snow. Everything looks so clean & fresh. As soon as I got back to the house I called Tom to talk about how soon we could skate...apparently they don't flood & open the outdoor rinks until December 15th. And there's certainly not enough snow for tobogganing or cross-country skiing...yet. Until then I'll enjoy what we've got - doesn't it look beautiful?

Zambia's Independence Day

I was so excited on Monday (24th October) to celebrate Zambia's Independence holiday. Unfortunately it's been a crazy week & I haven't been able to post anything. When in Zambia I always celebrated Canada Day in one way or another- now that we're here I felt a Zambian meal was the least I could do. Pictured below is the 'chitenge' (aka sarong) I wrapped round my waist to serve as an apron (it was a gift from my good friend so I was able to reminisce and cook in a very happy mood...which also makes the food taste better, no?). Also see below steak, nshima, 'soup', and stewed kale- yum yum. And of course the salt- anyone who's experienced eating in Zambia knows that salt if never far from reach. I even splurged on Amarula- can't go wrong with that.















On an unrelated note, a short blurb about my morning commute yesterday (I'm not sure I can even call it a commute...work is only 5 kms from my home); I noticed a white mini van zoom around me on the corner where we're advised to drive at 30 kilometres per hour. We met at the red light & said mini van was off to the races as soon as the light changed green. I couldn't help but laugh when the van veered off the road to line up at the Tim Horton's. Honestly, that is one Canadian cultural activity that I just can't understand- really, line up every morning for a double double? I'd rather be sleeping. Perhaps you have to be a coffee drinker to get it?

Whirlwind Seattle Trip

At my cousin Caroline's wedding she mentioned that the day was so perfect she felt it was a fairy tale- and I have to agree. As you'll see in the following photos it was a beautiful wedding, and I sincerely wish the bride & groom the classic "happily ever after".

Disarm Them with your Smiles

There has been some negative energy around the office. For the most part I have no problems staying positive and enjoying the challenges that all teams bring. But over coffee I happened to mention to a new colleague that I was struggling to stay positive with all the complaining. His response was something along the lines of 'work is work. Just disarm them with your smiles'; it has become my motto when negativity comes to breathe down my neck. And it seems to be working; I feel like I've been successfully deflecting negativity.

On another note...Thanksgiving.

With the folks out of town & Tom hosting the in-laws Alvin & I were on our own for Thanksgiving. I spontaneously decided that I should do a turkey dinner that would've made Gran proud. What better time to roast your 1st turkey than when you're not hosting anyone? Unfortunately, things didn't turn out quite like I'd hoped. My gravy was not a rich deep brown- boo. My bubbat (Mennonite-style raisin bread) did not raise nicely - I believe I had too little batter for the pan. I chopped up the turkey like Gran used to do & at least that turned out lovely. I tried my first ever stove top stuffing & I'll confess that I enjoyed every bite! I rounded out the not-so-colourful meal with a scrumptious glass of Amarula. I really do have so much to be thankful for...especially as we're packing our bags for a weekend in Seattle. We're looking forward to being together with the whole family for cousin Fitzy's wedding! More from Seattle.

Harvest 2011

Thursday morning I found an email from a group that had received funding from the offices I worked in (in another life) about three years ago. Attached was a report indicating the successes and failures they had seen over the three years as well as recommendations for moving forward. I was so excited to read the email, to reminisce about the small towns I had visited in Zambia's Eastern province to see how the funding dollars were being managed. I got a little caught up & realized that if I didn't get a move on I'd miss my bus. I still felt it a beautiful way to start my morning- despite setting off for work with the usual primping & fussing (OK, I didn't have time to straighten or blow dry my hair so up it went into a ponytail- minor, right?)

Reflecting on a life I loved very much in Zambia has not let me forget just how much I am enjoying this harvest season. On Monday Mom, Pop & I had our first foray into pie-making (from the folks' homegrown apples) without our matriarch. Of course we missed my dear old Gran, but it was wonderful to be remembering her advice from last year. Here we are hard at work. We're all looking forward to comparing the pastry...we certainly don't have hopes that it will be just like Gran's- but maybe close?!*fingers crossed*














Looks pretty good to me





























Last weekend Tom, Dev, Jason & I spent the day out at Alaina & Marc's farm; I've been meaning to call her all week to tell her how much fun I had. I'm sure the photos will highlight my excitement about being out there chopping wood*grin*.

The Waiting is Over

...and it's official- Zambia has a new President. Alvin & I have been closely watching news stations & chatting with friends back in Lusaka to find out how things were progressing after elections held on Tuesday. Today it was announced that Michael Sata will takeover. Being away from 'home' I have no opinion on whether or not this is a good thing; but there is a part of me that is so proud that the current President is standing down. Many African nations have been criticized for being democratic only in theory- I'm smiling that Zambian voters have been heard in the announcement of a new President. I will certainly be keeping a close eye on developments and security as change is not always smooth; but for now I'll imagine the energy that we are hearing about- thousands of Zambians celebrating in the streets. I'm smiling to see the familiar streets in my mind; hope-filled people along Chilimbulu road & Independence avenue.

Other news:
I've been savouring a gorgeous Fall. Here are some shots of me & Al out for an afternoon stroll.










































Tom turned another year older...














And I can't believe I got my first canna lily flower in September. Now there are three blooms on this one plant. It's a remarkable Fall!

Travel by Air

Here are some thoughts I jotted down on September 1st. Odd that I should be posting on Sept.11 of all days...perhaps the cause of the many restrictions we now face when readying ourselves for air travel.

As I was packing for the NYC trip (squish one pair heels, 2 x sundresses, jeans, shawl for cool evening) into one small carry-on bag. Ensure all fluids do not exceed 100mL - pack in clear plastic bag that's easily accessible for all the security gates, easy to slip-on/slip-off shoes. Dump out purse to double check that nothing sharp (like nail clippers) got stuck into a compartment, or that I do not have a tube of hand lotion that may be a little too large- all I could think was: rules rules rules.

I began to miss traveling in Southern Africa. I miss how packing didn't have to involve minimizing. Giant purses, big ol' suitcase, minimum one plastic carrier bag full of food and drinks. Any bus or train would have at least one chicken, if not- there would be a goat. The worst though, would be the giant feed bags shoved under seats- but stacked so deep your feet end up on them as footrests; naturally your knees would come up to your ears while digging into the vinyl seat in front of you (think sweat).

And of course the bus/train schedules are merely suggestions- when the bus is full it starts rolling. The train will break down at some point, so even if it did leave on time chances are it would not reach it's destination on time.

But, the clothes are rolled tight. Snacks on hand. Mini soaps packaged in clear plastic. A long sweaty dusty ride to an exotic-sounding African town isn't in the cards right now (Harare, Maputo, Dar es Salaam). A stuffy red-eye to an iconic city is exhilarating in a different way. NYC here we come!