Ok, so this blog wasn't resurrected like I thought it might be. I think it's time to put it to sleep.
I'll be starting a fancy new blog featuring my art in the near future. I have recently been inspired to start working on my drawing skills with intensity. And I have some goals in my head that I'm excited about. This is going to be a bit of a process and I have to be patient but stay tuned!
Also, I should mention our wedding. Some people have been asking about where/when it is and all that. It'll be in Paros, Greece on July 30. It's going to be a Greek Orthodox wedding; in other words, there will be no English. It's a beautiful ceremony though and it'll be fun. You'll get to chuck rice at us too! Anyways, when the invites go out (hopefully soon) I'll put up a website where I'll put more info about the island.
Have a great weekend!
-M
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday, April 30, 2010
Blog Resurrection?
I kind of feel like blogging again. This blog died a while ago but maybe I'll resurrect it. Not sure what I'll write about, maybe just random stuff on my mind or activities I get up to. It's always fun to look back on posts that were written years before even though, at the time, it may not be as interesting.
Since the last post, I'm still living and working at the same places. Tony and I are together going on 4.5 years now. We've actually just booked a trip back to Greece for a month and leave at the end of August; excitement! We haven't been back since the big trip a few years ago. SO looking forward to it. I'm also looking forward to the actual flights - British Airways, my fave airline and the plane food - I'm weird like that. And we'll stop in London for a day of shopping on the way back, squee!
For the past few months I've been doing a lot of freelance graphic/web design work so it's been busy and a little stressful. I'm learning new ways of creating sites though (using CSS and certain CMS's). Once I fully learn these new techniques, I may focus more on web design since that seems to be most of the freelance work that I get. My personal website needs to be updated badly but I'll do that once I get a few more CSS sites under my belt.
Running is my new passion. This time last year, I started to run to and from work (to save on bus money and get some exercise). I could barely run 1k without stopping; but slowly I progressed. In Oct 2009 I did a Run for the Cure 5k race with some of my gal cousins; so much fun! The whole racing atmosphere kinda sucked me in and I started to get motivated to do more races and to run further. I ended up signing up for a 10km race on Jan1, 2010 and trained on my own through the winter. I ran it in 1hr 8mins.
Next, I decided to join a 3 month 10k clinic. The clinic just ended last week and we all did our goal race which was the Times Colonist 10k. What fun it was to run with over 13,000 people! Tony and I ran the whole thing together and our time was 58min 39sec (I beat my Jan 1 time by almost 10 mins!). I also signed up for a half marathon clinic starting in June which Tony is also signing up for - I got him addicted to running too! The goal race for that is the Royal Victoria Marathon (but the half) on Oct 10. Can't wait! We'll have to continue to train while we're in Greece since the race happens less than 2 weeks after we get back 0.0 I find I've been eating a lot more since I started running. You have to make sure you eat a lot of carbs for energy and protein for your muscles. Even though I pig out now, I guess the running keeps the metabolism going so it's all good.
Also, a couple of my good friends are having babies. My friend Cherry just had a boy and my best friend is preggers. This is interesting for me. I've never really been a kid person and not sure if I see myself having a kid at all. But I'm curious if seeing my friends with babies will change my point of view? I think Tony would like me to have more of an open mind when it comes to this, we'll see.
I'm heading to the salon tomorrow and may come out with a lighter shade; I feel like a change from my dark brown hair but I'm too scared to do it myself (I actually want to keep my hair on my head and not fry it off with some over-the-counter bleaching product).
Since the last post, I'm still living and working at the same places. Tony and I are together going on 4.5 years now. We've actually just booked a trip back to Greece for a month and leave at the end of August; excitement! We haven't been back since the big trip a few years ago. SO looking forward to it. I'm also looking forward to the actual flights - British Airways, my fave airline and the plane food - I'm weird like that. And we'll stop in London for a day of shopping on the way back, squee!
For the past few months I've been doing a lot of freelance graphic/web design work so it's been busy and a little stressful. I'm learning new ways of creating sites though (using CSS and certain CMS's). Once I fully learn these new techniques, I may focus more on web design since that seems to be most of the freelance work that I get. My personal website needs to be updated badly but I'll do that once I get a few more CSS sites under my belt.
Running is my new passion. This time last year, I started to run to and from work (to save on bus money and get some exercise). I could barely run 1k without stopping; but slowly I progressed. In Oct 2009 I did a Run for the Cure 5k race with some of my gal cousins; so much fun! The whole racing atmosphere kinda sucked me in and I started to get motivated to do more races and to run further. I ended up signing up for a 10km race on Jan1, 2010 and trained on my own through the winter. I ran it in 1hr 8mins.
Next, I decided to join a 3 month 10k clinic. The clinic just ended last week and we all did our goal race which was the Times Colonist 10k. What fun it was to run with over 13,000 people! Tony and I ran the whole thing together and our time was 58min 39sec (I beat my Jan 1 time by almost 10 mins!). I also signed up for a half marathon clinic starting in June which Tony is also signing up for - I got him addicted to running too! The goal race for that is the Royal Victoria Marathon (but the half) on Oct 10. Can't wait! We'll have to continue to train while we're in Greece since the race happens less than 2 weeks after we get back 0.0 I find I've been eating a lot more since I started running. You have to make sure you eat a lot of carbs for energy and protein for your muscles. Even though I pig out now, I guess the running keeps the metabolism going so it's all good.
Also, a couple of my good friends are having babies. My friend Cherry just had a boy and my best friend is preggers. This is interesting for me. I've never really been a kid person and not sure if I see myself having a kid at all. But I'm curious if seeing my friends with babies will change my point of view? I think Tony would like me to have more of an open mind when it comes to this, we'll see.
I'm heading to the salon tomorrow and may come out with a lighter shade; I feel like a change from my dark brown hair but I'm too scared to do it myself (I actually want to keep my hair on my head and not fry it off with some over-the-counter bleaching product).
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
It's Snow Time!
Well, the snow is gone now but I thought I'd put up a couple pics that I took from my window at night. They turned out kinda neat!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Fall
In Sept, I moved into a little attic suite. It's great having my own place and being able to decorate however I want. The walls were a depressing gray/blue when I moved in so I painted it white and caramel. I can't really have people over though because it's a bachelor and I don't have room or even a table! But it's perfect for me plus my big kitty; he likes to go out onto the patio or look out the window to see the pigeons in the trees. Here's a couple pics: The office section and the kitchen with door out onto a little patio.
The nice thing about living there is the location; just a couple blocks away from Dallas Rd. A few weeks ago, the SnowBirds were doing an air show so I walked to the water and took some pics of all the people gathering around to watch.
Tony and I went to a Home Show and saw Colin and Justin from "Home Heist." They were entertaining and hilarious! Aren't they cute?
My parents and I went to see Rick Steves do a talk about his travels and tips; now I want to go to Europe even more! I can hardly wait to go again! Probably not till summer 2010 though :(. Next trip on my list is Hawaii - hopefully this Spring?
That's it for now!
M
The nice thing about living there is the location; just a couple blocks away from Dallas Rd. A few weeks ago, the SnowBirds were doing an air show so I walked to the water and took some pics of all the people gathering around to watch.
Tony and I went to a Home Show and saw Colin and Justin from "Home Heist." They were entertaining and hilarious! Aren't they cute?
My parents and I went to see Rick Steves do a talk about his travels and tips; now I want to go to Europe even more! I can hardly wait to go again! Probably not till summer 2010 though :(. Next trip on my list is Hawaii - hopefully this Spring?
That's it for now!
M
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
New Art Blog
I started a new blog specifically to post some of my drawings and graphic art. So if you're interested, take a look! http://artofmichelle.blogspot.com/
So far there isn't much but hopefully I'll be posting more regularly, we'll see how that goes!
M
So far there isn't much but hopefully I'll be posting more regularly, we'll see how that goes!
M
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Summer Already!?
Oops! Haven't posted in a while. Life just isn't as exciting as it was the last couple years.
In the last post, I mentioned about buying a condo - ya, no. I did my research and found that Victoria and many other Canadian cities are in a real estate bubble and I believe the prices will come down in the next couple years, so that's on the back burner. I've been looking for a place to rent instead. I was browsing Craigslist about a month ago and saw a place for rent in a great location which was very affordable so I went for a viewing and ended up getting it! It's a cute little attic suite in a big character house; perfect for one person and it's just a block away from Gonzales Beach. I move there Sept 1. I'm sooooo looking forward to it! I ordered a bike too (a beach cruiser) ; I'll bike to work on good days and bus it in the bad weather (I'm sick of driving to and from work everyday).
Capoeira is no more. We took lessons for about 3 months and found that we just couldn't commit the time. Most of the Capoeiristas went AT LEAST 3 days a week for lessons and it was a way of life for them. We just weren't into it enough.
Tony just finished his Network Technician program and applied to a few Co-op jobs for the summer to gain experience. He ended up getting a real job (ei: not Co-op) with a small growing IT company. They set up computer networks and digital telephony systems for various companies. This is great because they'll be training him all summer and then when he goes back to school, he'll be working there part-time. He has about 2 or so more years of school left. Below is my dad and Tony working on his final project. My dad created the casing for it and helped drill holes and things and Tony put all the circuitry, wires, bits and bobs, and programming altogether to create a ridiculously powerful amp. It even has neon lights in and it looks sooo good. The teacher kept wanting to buy it from him so he could show it to future classes.
I'm still animating and creating art for various video games at work and I love it. It's been extra busy the last month and will be all summer. There are a few titles on the go. There's one game for the Nintendo DS that came out in May called Teenage Zombies (below) that our studio did. It was kind of exciting when it came out because every aspect of the game was thought up and created in our studio (Usually we get outsourced work from other companies). Anywho, check it out if you have a DS it's pretty fun (a puzzle type game).
This weekend has been sooooo hot! I love it!! FINALLY!!!! What horrible weather it had been in June (or "Juneuary"). Tones and I had to get some much needed rays so we had a picnic on the rocks near Gonzales Beach. I am now sunburnt and sore but it was great and worth the redness! I have been missing Greece soooo much lately and this weather slightly makes up for not being there.
M
In the last post, I mentioned about buying a condo - ya, no. I did my research and found that Victoria and many other Canadian cities are in a real estate bubble and I believe the prices will come down in the next couple years, so that's on the back burner. I've been looking for a place to rent instead. I was browsing Craigslist about a month ago and saw a place for rent in a great location which was very affordable so I went for a viewing and ended up getting it! It's a cute little attic suite in a big character house; perfect for one person and it's just a block away from Gonzales Beach. I move there Sept 1. I'm sooooo looking forward to it! I ordered a bike too (a beach cruiser) ; I'll bike to work on good days and bus it in the bad weather (I'm sick of driving to and from work everyday).
Capoeira is no more. We took lessons for about 3 months and found that we just couldn't commit the time. Most of the Capoeiristas went AT LEAST 3 days a week for lessons and it was a way of life for them. We just weren't into it enough.
Tony just finished his Network Technician program and applied to a few Co-op jobs for the summer to gain experience. He ended up getting a real job (ei: not Co-op) with a small growing IT company. They set up computer networks and digital telephony systems for various companies. This is great because they'll be training him all summer and then when he goes back to school, he'll be working there part-time. He has about 2 or so more years of school left. Below is my dad and Tony working on his final project. My dad created the casing for it and helped drill holes and things and Tony put all the circuitry, wires, bits and bobs, and programming altogether to create a ridiculously powerful amp. It even has neon lights in and it looks sooo good. The teacher kept wanting to buy it from him so he could show it to future classes.
I'm still animating and creating art for various video games at work and I love it. It's been extra busy the last month and will be all summer. There are a few titles on the go. There's one game for the Nintendo DS that came out in May called Teenage Zombies (below) that our studio did. It was kind of exciting when it came out because every aspect of the game was thought up and created in our studio (Usually we get outsourced work from other companies). Anywho, check it out if you have a DS it's pretty fun (a puzzle type game).
This weekend has been sooooo hot! I love it!! FINALLY!!!! What horrible weather it had been in June (or "Juneuary"). Tones and I had to get some much needed rays so we had a picnic on the rocks near Gonzales Beach. I am now sunburnt and sore but it was great and worth the redness! I have been missing Greece soooo much lately and this weather slightly makes up for not being there.
M
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Poor Neglected Blog
I haven't been updating my poor blog at all lately. I look at it once in a while to see what I was up to last year but that's about it. Well here's an update on how life is now:
I'm still with Tony of course and he is in full-on study/homework mode for a Networking Technician program this year and then he'll go into Computer Engineering for about 4 more years, that's the plan anywho.
I'm still at the animation studio and recently got hired permanently! I'm happy because I've been freelancing since I graduated, so now, having a permanent job takes away the stress of always having to find the next contract. (Well, I guess in Greece, it was permanent but I had to come home eventually!)
Since I have some job security now, I've been toying with the idea of buying my first condo this summer! I'm saving up big time and hope I'll have enough for something, although Victoria is a freakin expensive city to get started in. I may do halfers with my bro too, that's another idea. We'll see!
Tony and I have been taking Capoeira classes 2 or 3 times a week and they are deadly! It's a crazy workout but it can be frustrating at times. We are still some of the newest members so we have to really work our butts off to get the moves down.
I take Greek lessons on Wednesdays and it's coming along well. I've learned so much from the class and Tony helps me with my homework. I try to get him to talk to me more in Greek but I seem to do more Greek talking than he does (he always has to repeat or slow his speech down so I can understand - which must get annoying!)
That's about it for now!
M
I'm still with Tony of course and he is in full-on study/homework mode for a Networking Technician program this year and then he'll go into Computer Engineering for about 4 more years, that's the plan anywho.
I'm still at the animation studio and recently got hired permanently! I'm happy because I've been freelancing since I graduated, so now, having a permanent job takes away the stress of always having to find the next contract. (Well, I guess in Greece, it was permanent but I had to come home eventually!)
Since I have some job security now, I've been toying with the idea of buying my first condo this summer! I'm saving up big time and hope I'll have enough for something, although Victoria is a freakin expensive city to get started in. I may do halfers with my bro too, that's another idea. We'll see!
Tony and I have been taking Capoeira classes 2 or 3 times a week and they are deadly! It's a crazy workout but it can be frustrating at times. We are still some of the newest members so we have to really work our butts off to get the moves down.
I take Greek lessons on Wednesdays and it's coming along well. I've learned so much from the class and Tony helps me with my homework. I try to get him to talk to me more in Greek but I seem to do more Greek talking than he does (he always has to repeat or slow his speech down so I can understand - which must get annoying!)
That's about it for now!
M
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Victoria, BC
Here are a few random pic's of good ol' Victoria (for those readers who don't live here):
Below is the "heart" of Victoria - the Inner Harbour with the vine covered Empress Hotel on the left and the Legislature Building in the center.
Bastion Square
Below are some pics of one of my favorite areas to go for a walk, along Dallas Road.
There was an amazing sunrise one morning. I stepped out the door and everything was pink! My bro came home around that time from a long night shift.
Tony and I had our 2 year anniversary last week and went to one of my fave restaurants called Rathskellers. It's a German schnitzel house and I LOVE the food! There was a long wait though because we didn't make reservations and it's Oktoberfest time.
We started our Capoeira lessons and we really like it so far! It's such great exercise, so great in fact that after the first lesson I couldn't walk properly for days afterwards because my leg and butt were so sore!! We are pretty pathetic at it though compared to the others in our class because we are the newest members. We're hoping for some other people to start so we aren't the only newbies!
Tomorrow, I'm going to a rehearsal for a fashion show for the Watoto Ladies Gala next weekend. My friend Sarah asked me to be in it after a model cancelled. It should be fun! I did this kinda thing before I moved away but haven't had time to get back into it yet. The fittings were during the week so it was quite busy running to the shops either during my lunch break or after work.
Tonight we are heading to 2 birthday celebrations for friends; not sure if we'll be able to make it to both!
M
Below is the "heart" of Victoria - the Inner Harbour with the vine covered Empress Hotel on the left and the Legislature Building in the center.
Bastion SquareBelow are some pics of one of my favorite areas to go for a walk, along Dallas Road.
There was an amazing sunrise one morning. I stepped out the door and everything was pink! My bro came home around that time from a long night shift.
Tony and I had our 2 year anniversary last week and went to one of my fave restaurants called Rathskellers. It's a German schnitzel house and I LOVE the food! There was a long wait though because we didn't make reservations and it's Oktoberfest time.
We started our Capoeira lessons and we really like it so far! It's such great exercise, so great in fact that after the first lesson I couldn't walk properly for days afterwards because my leg and butt were so sore!! We are pretty pathetic at it though compared to the others in our class because we are the newest members. We're hoping for some other people to start so we aren't the only newbies!
Tomorrow, I'm going to a rehearsal for a fashion show for the Watoto Ladies Gala next weekend. My friend Sarah asked me to be in it after a model cancelled. It should be fun! I did this kinda thing before I moved away but haven't had time to get back into it yet. The fittings were during the week so it was quite busy running to the shops either during my lunch break or after work.
Tonight we are heading to 2 birthday celebrations for friends; not sure if we'll be able to make it to both!
M
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Settled
I knew I’d get horrible at posting as soon as I got back. Since the last post, I’ve jumped right back into work as a Flash animator/artist at a studio and I’ve been there for about two week now. There are some new faces and some people that aren’t there anymore but it’s still very familiar (I worked there before I moved away). That keeps me busy. I get up at 6:30, I drive into town in the rush hour traffic, and then have a 20 min walk to work. By the time I get home at the end of the day, it’s 6ish and then I hang out with Tony or friends so I’m barely ever home.
I’m going to try out a Capoeira class on Wednesday. I’m excited! Tony and I definitely wanted to take some kind of martial arts class and looked for this particular kind. It’s a Brazilian fight-dance. It’s a lot different from karate; there are more gymnastic moves involved. We wanted something fun that’ll get us into shape so we’ll see what this will be like. It’s a little pricey though! Here's a cool example below:
What else is new? I want to get more into creating art. I never seem to have the time to do it outside of work but I want to try to make it more of a priority. The job that I’m at right now is a contract position, which means in a few months I’ll be looking for another job and I want to be ready with an updated portfolio. Sometimes I wish I could just find a permanent job at a studio so I don’t have to keep job hunting. But doing contract work forces me to brush up on my art, stay motivated, and learn new skills all the time, so it’s a good thing. My dad is making me a light table right now; I’ve wanted one of those for a while but for the size that I want, they cost hundreds of dollars. He’ll be able to make it for less than that.
I may start a new art blog where I post up some of the art I’ve been working on. A lot of my friends in the industry have one and I think it’s a good idea, not just to show off art but to network and stay motivated which is sooooooo important when you’re a contractor! I’ll make sure to post my new art blog address if I start it up.
I’m pretty used to everything now. The “wow” factor of seeing everything as new again has pretty much worn off. I’m hoping to move out with my brother after Christmas sometime; so I want to save, save, save for that. He’s a paramedic and works A LOT of weird hours so what a great roommate he’ll be! He’ll never be home, lol! I also want to take Greek lessons and I think they start up next month, so that’ll be fun. It was frustrating not being able to take lessons when I was actually living in Greece, now I can.
Tony is back at school doing Computer Engineering stuff. He’s so glad that his year of being in the army is over. Now we can hang out when ever we want and he’s only a 10 min drive away! It’ll be our 2-year anniversary on Oct 11 so that’s a biggy!
I wanted to take some pics of Victoria for those of you readers who don’t live here. I never bring my camera to work though. I’ll try to post a few up in the near future. I may take some this weekend since it’s the (Canadian) Thanksgiving long weekend. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
M
I’m going to try out a Capoeira class on Wednesday. I’m excited! Tony and I definitely wanted to take some kind of martial arts class and looked for this particular kind. It’s a Brazilian fight-dance. It’s a lot different from karate; there are more gymnastic moves involved. We wanted something fun that’ll get us into shape so we’ll see what this will be like. It’s a little pricey though! Here's a cool example below:
What else is new? I want to get more into creating art. I never seem to have the time to do it outside of work but I want to try to make it more of a priority. The job that I’m at right now is a contract position, which means in a few months I’ll be looking for another job and I want to be ready with an updated portfolio. Sometimes I wish I could just find a permanent job at a studio so I don’t have to keep job hunting. But doing contract work forces me to brush up on my art, stay motivated, and learn new skills all the time, so it’s a good thing. My dad is making me a light table right now; I’ve wanted one of those for a while but for the size that I want, they cost hundreds of dollars. He’ll be able to make it for less than that.
I may start a new art blog where I post up some of the art I’ve been working on. A lot of my friends in the industry have one and I think it’s a good idea, not just to show off art but to network and stay motivated which is sooooooo important when you’re a contractor! I’ll make sure to post my new art blog address if I start it up.
I’m pretty used to everything now. The “wow” factor of seeing everything as new again has pretty much worn off. I’m hoping to move out with my brother after Christmas sometime; so I want to save, save, save for that. He’s a paramedic and works A LOT of weird hours so what a great roommate he’ll be! He’ll never be home, lol! I also want to take Greek lessons and I think they start up next month, so that’ll be fun. It was frustrating not being able to take lessons when I was actually living in Greece, now I can.
Tony is back at school doing Computer Engineering stuff. He’s so glad that his year of being in the army is over. Now we can hang out when ever we want and he’s only a 10 min drive away! It’ll be our 2-year anniversary on Oct 11 so that’s a biggy!
I wanted to take some pics of Victoria for those of you readers who don’t live here. I never bring my camera to work though. I’ll try to post a few up in the near future. I may take some this weekend since it’s the (Canadian) Thanksgiving long weekend. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
M
Monday, September 24, 2007
Adjusting
I’ve been back for a few days now and I really like being home. I’ve had fun seeing Tony, friends, family, and new babies in the last few days. It’s great to see everyone again!
On Friday, my first day back, I got insurance for my car and took it to get tuned up and ready to drive again. I knew it wasn’t good for the car to just sit for a long time but I didn’t think things would deteriorate. I got a bunch of fluid changed (oil and another kind), a new battery, and the brakes needed to be fixed. It was a costly day! At least it’s all taken care of now.
Also on Friday, I had to dye my hair. I was so sick of the bronzy color the sun bleached it and I wanted my natural color back (brunette) so here’s the before and after. Quite a difference!
I’ve noticed a few things that I didn’t think of before. Such as, how friendly and helpful everyone who works in the stores are. I went with Tony to do some grocery shopping and started to bag our food at the till; I just assumed we had to bag it ourselves but the girl at the till said it’s her job and thanked me for the help, lol.
Tomorrow is my first day back at work at an animation studio. I’m looking forward to seeing old co-workers, meeting new ones, and to finding out what project I’ll be working on. Should be interesting!
M
On Friday, my first day back, I got insurance for my car and took it to get tuned up and ready to drive again. I knew it wasn’t good for the car to just sit for a long time but I didn’t think things would deteriorate. I got a bunch of fluid changed (oil and another kind), a new battery, and the brakes needed to be fixed. It was a costly day! At least it’s all taken care of now.
Also on Friday, I had to dye my hair. I was so sick of the bronzy color the sun bleached it and I wanted my natural color back (brunette) so here’s the before and after. Quite a difference!
I’ve noticed a few things that I didn’t think of before. Such as, how friendly and helpful everyone who works in the stores are. I went with Tony to do some grocery shopping and started to bag our food at the till; I just assumed we had to bag it ourselves but the girl at the till said it’s her job and thanked me for the help, lol.
Tomorrow is my first day back at work at an animation studio. I’m looking forward to seeing old co-workers, meeting new ones, and to finding out what project I’ll be working on. Should be interesting!
M
Friday, September 21, 2007
Home Sweet Home!
I just arrived home last night and it’s strange. Everything is familiar yet different. I woke up at 5am this morning and just looked through old photos and set up my desktop computer.
I had a looooong, delayed, 12-hour flight yesterday (it stopped to pick up more people in Manchester). When we were about to land in Vancouver, I could see the Pacific Ocean and some islands out the window and a wave of patriotism hit me and I was proud to be back in Canada, “my home and native land,” lol. The Vancouver Airport was really nice too; It must’ve gotten a facelift in preparation for the Olympics. I had a Tim Horton’s coffee while waiting around; oh how I missed it, it’s so classically Canadian!
I was planning on taking a shuttle bus to the ferry terminal to catch the 9pm ferry but I missed it. I had been waiting for it for over an hour too! I didn’t pay enough attention to the time I guess (I’m going to blame it on the lack of sleep, ya, that’s it, lack of sleep). Anywho, I grabbed a taxi instead and 20mins and $60 later I got to the terminal with plenty of time to spare.
My daddy and brother met me at Swartz Bay (my mom couldn’t, she’s in Seattle and Tony had to get up super early for school). When I got home, it was so fun to see it again and to see my car and cat! He is so huge compared to my Greek kitty. Before the trip, I thought he was big but in a good way, now, I see that he is just plain obese (Tony was right) and I want to put him on a diet!
It kind of feels like luxury having a bunch of TV channels and internet right at my fingertips. I’m also loving my nice, big, warm, comfy bed. I’ll be living at home for a while to save some money and wait for my bro to finish a bunch of Paramedic’s tests; then we’ll move out together.
Today, I have to do a bunch of practical things like getting my car insured and tuned up, unpacking, buying things that I need, getting over jetlag, and just driving around and getting used to everything again. I'm happy to be home!
M
I had a looooong, delayed, 12-hour flight yesterday (it stopped to pick up more people in Manchester). When we were about to land in Vancouver, I could see the Pacific Ocean and some islands out the window and a wave of patriotism hit me and I was proud to be back in Canada, “my home and native land,” lol. The Vancouver Airport was really nice too; It must’ve gotten a facelift in preparation for the Olympics. I had a Tim Horton’s coffee while waiting around; oh how I missed it, it’s so classically Canadian!
I was planning on taking a shuttle bus to the ferry terminal to catch the 9pm ferry but I missed it. I had been waiting for it for over an hour too! I didn’t pay enough attention to the time I guess (I’m going to blame it on the lack of sleep, ya, that’s it, lack of sleep). Anywho, I grabbed a taxi instead and 20mins and $60 later I got to the terminal with plenty of time to spare.
My daddy and brother met me at Swartz Bay (my mom couldn’t, she’s in Seattle and Tony had to get up super early for school). When I got home, it was so fun to see it again and to see my car and cat! He is so huge compared to my Greek kitty. Before the trip, I thought he was big but in a good way, now, I see that he is just plain obese (Tony was right) and I want to put him on a diet!
It kind of feels like luxury having a bunch of TV channels and internet right at my fingertips. I’m also loving my nice, big, warm, comfy bed. I’ll be living at home for a while to save some money and wait for my bro to finish a bunch of Paramedic’s tests; then we’ll move out together.
Today, I have to do a bunch of practical things like getting my car insured and tuned up, unpacking, buying things that I need, getting over jetlag, and just driving around and getting used to everything again. I'm happy to be home!
M
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Going Home
I leave London tomorrow for Victoria and I’m excited! I’ve had such a great time away but I think I’m ready to go home now.
I’m not looking forward to my 11 hour budget flight though. I know they serve a meal (but how good? I don’t know) and I’m not sure if there’ll be a movie on or not. Oh well, I’ll get what I paid for – it was cheap! I’ve stocked up on magazines and I have a book that I’m reading, so that’ll help.
The last few days in London have been good. I’ve been going for long walks and doing a bit of shopping. Yesterday, I went to the National Portrait Gallery; it’s jam packed with such beautiful paintings! Today was pretty uneventful; I went for a long walk through Primrose Hill, Maida Vale, and Little Venice but I forgot my Oyster Card (my pass for the buses and Tube) so I walked alllllll the way back home. By the time I got home in the late afternoon, my legs were soooo tired, I just stayed in the rest of the day and vegged. I might as well relax now since I won’t be doing much of that at home. Below: Trafalgar Square with a photography exhibition and art piece in front and Little Venice.
I start work on Monday (not Friday like I posted previously) and the weekend will be full of unpacking, getting car insurance, getting organized, and over the jet lag.
I didn’t really plan to keep this blog going when I got home. I think I will for a bit though, at least until it’s all back to normal. Once work starts though, I’m not sure how much I’ll be posting.
To all you family and friends in Victoria, we’ll have to meet up! See you all soon!
M
I’m not looking forward to my 11 hour budget flight though. I know they serve a meal (but how good? I don’t know) and I’m not sure if there’ll be a movie on or not. Oh well, I’ll get what I paid for – it was cheap! I’ve stocked up on magazines and I have a book that I’m reading, so that’ll help.
The last few days in London have been good. I’ve been going for long walks and doing a bit of shopping. Yesterday, I went to the National Portrait Gallery; it’s jam packed with such beautiful paintings! Today was pretty uneventful; I went for a long walk through Primrose Hill, Maida Vale, and Little Venice but I forgot my Oyster Card (my pass for the buses and Tube) so I walked alllllll the way back home. By the time I got home in the late afternoon, my legs were soooo tired, I just stayed in the rest of the day and vegged. I might as well relax now since I won’t be doing much of that at home. Below: Trafalgar Square with a photography exhibition and art piece in front and Little Venice.
I start work on Monday (not Friday like I posted previously) and the weekend will be full of unpacking, getting car insurance, getting organized, and over the jet lag.
I didn’t really plan to keep this blog going when I got home. I think I will for a bit though, at least until it’s all back to normal. Once work starts though, I’m not sure how much I’ll be posting.
To all you family and friends in Victoria, we’ll have to meet up! See you all soon!
M
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
London
Oh, how I love London! Shopping in countless great stores, seeing fashionable people everywhere, going for a walk through the beautiful areas, staying in my cute ex-flat, and to top it off, the weather is quite nice and warmer than Prague. I’m glad I got to stay here for the last part of my time away!
I got caught up with Gareth and met his new flatmate, Andy. They are both so easy to get along with. It’s been nice to watch TV in English too. I almost forgot about those home decorating shows; It was fun watching the House Doctor!
Yesterday and today have been mainly shopping days. Yes, it’s sad, I haven’t done any sight seeing, except if you count Oxford Street and the inside of Top Shop, H&M, Selfridges, and many other great stores... I wanted to buy a few last things before I head home since it’s a more fun to shop over here than back home in Victoria.
Yesterday, I browsed along Oxford Street and went to a 5:30 Hillsong Church service. It was nice to be back there again; Hillsong is a lot of fun!
Today, I bought a few things: a cute and unique aqua-blue peacoat, nice black leather boots, a belt, and little black sweater. I had my favorite tomato and motza breadless sandwich at Pret for lunch. And, after a long day of running around the shops, I had a latte and walked through Primrose Hill on the way home right as the sun was going down; So beautiful! I love walking through Primrose Hill and Belsize Park; such a nice area.
I haven’t taken many photos so far of London, just of Primrose Hill above. Below, are some photos from Prague of some of the cool architecture. I love how whimsical and different the buildings are.
I got caught up with Gareth and met his new flatmate, Andy. They are both so easy to get along with. It’s been nice to watch TV in English too. I almost forgot about those home decorating shows; It was fun watching the House Doctor!
Yesterday and today have been mainly shopping days. Yes, it’s sad, I haven’t done any sight seeing, except if you count Oxford Street and the inside of Top Shop, H&M, Selfridges, and many other great stores... I wanted to buy a few last things before I head home since it’s a more fun to shop over here than back home in Victoria.
Yesterday, I browsed along Oxford Street and went to a 5:30 Hillsong Church service. It was nice to be back there again; Hillsong is a lot of fun!
Today, I bought a few things: a cute and unique aqua-blue peacoat, nice black leather boots, a belt, and little black sweater. I had my favorite tomato and motza breadless sandwich at Pret for lunch. And, after a long day of running around the shops, I had a latte and walked through Primrose Hill on the way home right as the sun was going down; So beautiful! I love walking through Primrose Hill and Belsize Park; such a nice area.
I haven’t taken many photos so far of London, just of Primrose Hill above. Below, are some photos from Prague of some of the cool architecture. I love how whimsical and different the buildings are.
Only a few days till I go home; I’m looking forward to many things: seeing family and friends, starting up work, not being in a long distance relationship, seeing Victoria again, driving my car (I hope I remember how to, lol!)…
MThursday, September 13, 2007
Pretty Prague 2 - Kutna Hora
On Wednesday night, I walked around the old town and the Old Town Square was packed with a ton of Irish all dressed up in green, orange, and white. They were drinking up a storm and chanting on their way to see the football game. The aftermath was not so pretty!
On the way back to the hostel, I walked by the scene below; I think it was a Cartier store opening and it was so over the top. There was a red carpet, butlers on either side, bouncers, and models, freezing, in little black dresses at computers to sign-in the guests. I think it was mainly executives that went in; I didn’t stay very long but it looked like a big film premiere.
Yesterday, I hopped on a train for a 2 hour ride to Kutna Hora (to a suburb called Sedlec) where there was an ossuary in the Chapel of All Saints. It was full of human bones which were arranged into art in 1870 to decorate the church. The chandelier was made from every single bone in the human body. It was strangely, very beautiful. Below: the church and train stop.
In the evening, I went to the Krizik Fountain show. It was incredible!!! It’s a very old, huge fountain where they put on water shows in the evening. The show I saw incorporated live balet, and light/water show and music. It was sooooo well done and I didn’t want it to stop! I have a bunch of video footage which I’ll put up when I have time to edit it. I highly recommend it!!
Today is my last full-day here. I looked around Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto and I think I’ll just relax today and go for one last walk around the cobbled streets.
Here are a few more photos: a sunset from Charles Bridge and a helicopter I saw dropping something off onto that building.
M
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