I'm Grateful!

Today's post over at The Sisterhood of Crafters is all about being grateful - and finding gratefulness. And after returning from a week in the beautiful Dominican Republic with my mom, I'm grateful to have gone on such a wonderfully sunny vacation with her - and the fact that we're both still talking to one another after a week together. LOL!

I created this card as a thank you to her for our vacation and also had a chance to ink up some previously unopened new Verve stamps (plus, my even NEWER ones arrived today, so hopefully that'll get me crafting some of the upcoming birthday cards I'll need!) I used colors that I know she likes - and I hope she has a little idea of how much I appreciated our time at the lovely Moon Palace in Punta Cana!

I'm still not loving taking pictures with the new travel camera that MrP is forcing me to learn to use, but I'm getting there. At least I know it takes great tropical pictures. Now let's hope the disposable that I used for my parasailing pics takes the same - I'll know tonight!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I tried a technique I saw on Maureen's blog a while back and combined it with a cool technique that Kim used on the Sisterhood's second challenge. I hope this qualifies for the fabulous Tips, Techniques & Tricks challenge she's lined up...c'mon & join in! Find some hidden potential.

This is my mom's birthday card, which we're celebrating here in the beautiful Dominican Republic.

This was us in the taxi in Hamilton, ON

And then heading out for supper on our first night (pretty good photography skills considering the amounts of rum & mamajuana I'd consumed =)  )

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Thanks for bringing me along to celebrate!

Enjoying myself?

Yes I am! We arrived safe & sound yesterday at Moon Palace and I think five star might just be the way to go. LOL! Well, I know it's the way to go, but I think I might actually put out the $$ for it in the future - this place is outstanding.

The walk to our room (the resort is still under construction, so it's not jam packed and the place is HUGE!! Plus we're one of the closest resorts to the ocean according to the little map I received) See that blue sky? Yep - follow it to reach blue ocean!)

Which I did....and what an ocean it is!

Then I lounged a little before checking out the next pool over...which was where I discovered the awesomeness of a swim-up bar. And mamajuana. And Pina Coladas with Brugal.

And Spin at 10am!

Oh yeah - and let's not forget this hottie who wasn't complaining too much when we were checking out the warm ocean =) Only two more days until her birthday! And if she ever found out I put this on here...well let's just say I don't think she'd like the Dominican jails, which might be my only saving grace =)

That's right - I enjoyed myself last night, was fairly early to bed, then sweated it out with the hottie instructor and a fairly full class of Spin participants. And we'll all meet up tomorrow at 10 for another session! Met some fellow hockey fans from Michigan in class (the guy cheered "Go Wings" and I said "yeah - I can appreciate that - I love Steve Yzerman" and now we're friends for life. I think. Well, maybe just tomorrow. When we can sweat our little faces off again!)

Hope you're having a great start of the week. I'm just enjoying a little "After Sun Gel". LOL! Already achieved some color in the pool & shade.

On the way back from the pool, I met a little birdie friend. (or should I say....I like him from far away...)

Exam results - just in time for vacation

Turns out I can stop second guessing all of my answers - I didn't do too bad. =) 
91% on my Financial Accounting midterm! Now I can keep on learning & get to the final by the end of June and I'll be doing alright.

I'm soooo not ready for my trip, but I fly out to Hamilton at 11am tomorrow morning, so I better get ready tonight. Went for my last vaccine last night (after the doctor's office moved my appt. from Wednesday because they ran out of Twinrix) and learned that they didn't get it in...still. I'm thinking with two of the three shots, I'll still be alright, but talk about frustrating. Thankfully, I had a pedicure and massage to ease  my mind last night.

Picked up a little pocket book on Spanish from the library so I can at least attempt to learn a little language while I'm in Punta Cana, then some granola bars and snacks for the flights. Tonight, packing and hanging out with MrP. Oh yeah - and whipping up a birthday card for my mom's birthday on Wednesday, which happens to correspond with the next challenge on The Sisterhood of Crafters!

Happy Birthday, Maureen!

It's time for our first challenge over at the Sisterhood and what better than to start out than a good ol' Irish challenge on St. Patrick's Day?! It also happens to be my friend Maureen's birthday, so I made this Irish card for her. I don't know if it made it to her for today, but if not, it should be there by the end of the week =)

I used the My Graphico Sketch 39 that my friend Karin so clearly rocked and I was inspired to give it a try.

The white on my wonderful sister Teri's beautiful shamrock is actually glimmer mist that didn't spritz as lovely as I'd have liked, but whatever - it was the best of the ones I had printed, so you'll have to deal with it, M!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Sweet Sunday-Tuesday?!

It's Sweet Sunday Sketch 60! Or at least my interpretation of it. Pretty simple and speedy card to make - and just a touch of sparkle with some Dazzling Diamonds on the embossing.

Paper: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, DSP

Accessories: Gold Brads, SU! Five Petal Flower Punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Glue

My last jumping lesson before a three week break was a good one and to make it over the top, MrP came out & watched. He could barely breath by the time I was encouraging him to head home, but I was so happy he came. Talk about feeling loved & supported - especially after a relatively crappy day otherwise - really made my night! I don't know what I'm going to do without him for a week. Probably relax, I suppose =)

Have a great Tuesday! I've got a library study date night tonight...and I must remember to borrow a spanish book so I might be able to say a few things at the resort. The countdown is ON!

I did it...

I survived! LOL! Actually, I did more than survive. I finished strong in a hilly race that didn't get any easier than the last time I ran it, but I was happy with my finish and I'm looking forward to signing up for some more activities. Next up is the UofA Faculty Club Run on April 17th with Ellis and it's one of our faves - probably because it's also known by our group of friends as "The Beer Run". Yep - Big Rock is a sponsor, so they offer free beer and champagne/OJ after the run, along with the most spectacular breakfast Coincidentally, it's usually around the time of my birthday and since it's not my turn to drive this year, we're heading out to Julio's again for Bulldogs afterwards. I'm also still collecting pledges for the 2-day, 185 km bike tour in June, so if you're a Canadian looking to support the MS Society, please consider donating through my link on the right.


I did up a birthday card last night for a friend's birthday tomorrow, but I didn't get it uploaded in time to show you today. That's on my to do list for tonight. It's a fairly simple card using Karen's Sweet Sunday  Sketch 60.

Into the countdown for my vacation days now...yahooo! So much to do and so little time. But sunscreen is definitely on the list - and I hope I get to use it. With the hopeful participation of Mother Nature while I'm in Punta Cana, I'd also appreciate decent weather to come back to Edmonton with. However, since March came in like a lamb, I'm fully expecting the whole 'out like a lion' business. If that's the case, I'll suck it up...we've had an amazing month of great weather. When I ran the St. Patrick's Day race two years ago, it was -20 and snowing. Yeah - I'm not complaining =)

I made a card last night!

HAHA - you thought I was going to show it to you....

First time in my craft area in ages - even MrP was surprised when he got home and I was down there! But don't get too excited...it's not like you get to see it - for a week. Anyways, it got some crafty juices flowing, so my hope is that I'll find some time this weekend to do a little more playing in preparation for the Sisterhood's upcoming challenges (especially since I will be sunning myself the week of the second challenge). I'm really hoping Punta Cana is toasty warm while I'm there. Because this looks too awesome.

I have MrP calling two other places today about garages. I'm having no part in this madness. I'll sign the cheque for it...and hide in my cool basement with a blanket and the 50" plasma that MrP 'conned' me into because he so needed it. Or something like that. *insert eye roll* Sadly, for as much as I complain about the gadgetry he's fought for, there's a lot of it that I would never in a million years return. Like the remote that I choked on when I found out what he spent 'our' Christmas money from his Dad on. I told everyone about this ridiculous remote and how silly he was and yet, who's the one who insisted we get another for the other main tv when we replaced it with the new one? That'd be me. I don't even know how to function with a regular universal remote anymore. It's pathetic and I really should hang my head in shame, but I have a cool, nerdy remote, so whatevs!

I think I was just scammed this morning by my crazy athletic runner/biker friend. Instead of a brisk walk of 15kms for the Canada Day Road Race, we're going to run it. Well, sorta. She's recovering from some serious biking injuries (told you not to be so crazy, S!) that required surgery, so we're going to take it slow and steady with a walk/run combo that we should be able to survive. It's always a great way to start July 1st, but it is early and MrP will be just waking up by the time we finish, I suspect.

For all my Canadian friends, check out this LA Times article. I'm a sad sack and got teary reading it. Sure does make me proud to be Canadian =)

Awesome Article on Olympics

Anyways, I'm really loving rambling lately, so I hope you have a wonderful Mini Friday (it really is my Friday this week since I'm off tomorrow...with ZERO plans...yahoo!) And tonight, my makeup riding lesson. Could the weekend be any more fabulous? Not unless you were here to craft with me, my friends!

Hello friends!

Check out The Sisterhood today to see some dork you may recognize =)

I had the most wonderful jumping lesson last night that I can't wait for my lesson on Thursday. I headed out for a 6.5K jog when I got home and I think it relaxed me for the evening, so I'm going to aim for the same on Thursday before my riding lesson.

Over the weekend, we had a chance to try some Thai food for the first time and I have to say, anyone who can find a way to put coconut milk into pretty much everything might just become my new best friend. Yummmm!

To counteract all that tasty goodness, I signed myself up for the Leduc to Camrose Rona MS Bike Tour on Sunday morning. June 12 & 13th will likely sneak up on me now since I have a bad tendency to slack off until the last minute. Oh well - I'm really looking forward to it and I've had great pledge support from friends & family, which makes it all worthwhile.

After almost four years in our house, we got a quote yesterday for a garage. Pretty much fell in line with our expectations, but I must say, I'm glad MrP's taking the initiative to handle this because he's one picky little bugger! "What's the biggest garage we can get for our lot? What if I want a smaller skirt?" (and that's where I thought he was talking about clothes) He's even asked to have internet & cable run to the garage. WHAT?! It's not likely going to be heated, so PLEASE tell me you're joking, dear husband...because I cannot for the life of me imagine going out to the garage to check out my blogs. Unless you plan on being in the doghouse a lot...which means since we have no dog or doghouse, you'd be relegated to the garage. In that case, order yourself a futon for out there, too because you're well on your way to being relegated to the spare room if this excessive behaviour continues.

I survived my exam!

Now to wait patiently for the results...something I'm sorely lacking in. Oh well! I guess I can wait impatiently, but they'll still take their sweet time. I have started on my next module and sent in my extension request, so I think if I stay the course, I should be good.

I also survived Winefest on Saturday, which was an absolute blast. We decided to save ourselves on the cost of cabfare and opted for a public transport trip (which works well since our house is located along a bus route), which was a fantastic idea and for $11 round trip, a gosh darn bargain for our mildly intoxicated selves. Alright, one of us was mild. Another, well let's just say he enjoyed himself, but did not love the hangover the next day. Silly boy.

We had friends over for the hockey game and I think we all ended the afternoon minus a whole lot of fingernails. What a crazy game...but in the end, we all came away happy! Thanks, boys - you did us proud....as did so many other amazing athletes. We enjoyed checking out the closing ceremonies - way to go BC! Beautiful execution of a world class event - and I loved Ryan Reynolds on the ads...oh boy, did I love that "home", which I kept dubbing over "hot". =)


Down to just over two weeks until I head out to the Dominican for some much needed (and in my mind, deserved) rest. But first, 10kms to get through on the 14th. Let's just say that if my 7.5km run on Tuesday was any indication, MrP may be posting my funeral information on this blog on the 14th. HAHAHA! Nah - it wasn't THAT bad, but it will definitely not be any sort of record breaker. It's all good. I should be registering for the MS Bike Tour (Nisku to Camrose) by the end of the week...and that's one more thing to start training for. YAY!

Tomorrow's the Verve release and I'm SOOOO envious of Maureen, who's getting the entire release...lucky duck! Okay, I'll admit - she totally deserves it. Talent just radiates from her. Plus, it's not like I've been in my crafting area, so I can't really complain...much ;)
I just received my TE Key Ingredients and some new nesties, though, so I'm destined to get in there soon. Until then, I'll just have to check out the amazing creativity of everyone else.