go climb a...

I finally went hiking! It's about time, eh?? Around noon on Tuesday, my only day off this week, I packed a lunch and headed to Mt Douglas. Mt Douglas is a small mountain that is in the city limits, so not too much of a challenge to get there. I parked my car at the bottom of the hill and hit the paths. Since i am not very good with directions, and without a compass, I did not stray too far off the beaten path. But I did find a sunbeam on the top of a rocky point that was semi-isolated. I stopped for lunch and to read a bit. As I was wandering around, trying to figure the best way down the hill without rolling an ankle. I saw a wonderful sight...the peak I was on overlooked Cordova Bay (I think it's Cordova Bay anyway). The trees, water and sun mingled to form a breath taking sight, and I was soooo thankful to be able to witness it.
I decided to go to the top of the hill. So I wandered up the path, and the cemented trail to the 'summit'. Again, I found a perch in the sun and pulled out my book. There's something about sitting on top of the city. After determing the location on some of the landmarks I know (like the Rockland Towers, Mt Baker, Olympic Mts, Inner Harbour...), I decided it was such a warm sunny day that the beach was definitely in order...off to Cadboro Bay!!
It was so peaceful. I curled up on a blanket on the sand adn read more of my book, listening to the soft lapping of the waves as they hit the beach.
Days like this, I wonder how I lived anywhere else. I truly am fortunate to live in Victoria!

6 Weeks! Already!?

I can't beleive it's been so long since I've jotted down any of my thoughts! Where does the time go?

I took two weeks off work and drove home. The drive was amazing! I had sunny days throughout the mountains and praries. Watched an awesome sunset through my rearview mirror just east of Swift Current, Saskatchewn (I know, this doesn't sound like safe driving, but I didn't watch it constantly, caght glimpses every now and then!). The sunset for what seemed like hours. I stopped to refuel (both my car and body) and rest a bit in Regina. Driving out of town, the gorgeous orange harvest moon started creeping into the perfectly clear sky. Man, I miss that! Then, the darkness set over the world. The million stars of the Milky Way and the full moon shone brightly overhead. Then, just east of Indian Head, I noticed the strange aura of the Northern Lights. How lucky is that!! All of these celestial sights within mere hours of eachother!! Of course, I had to pull over and delight in the Aurora Borealis. Took a nap and awoke at dawn.
Pedalled on!! Stopped for breaky (the much desired caffiene!) in Brandon, and continued on to the 'Peg. Arrived around noon. As I was many hours early (more like a day ahead of schedule!), I was unable to contact anyone to visit that afternoon. So, I went to the Buggy Bath and treated Orbitee to a scrub. Then, swung over for an oil change before meeting with my pops. We went to dinner, my storage unit (needed to clear up some paperwork), and back to his apartment to unpack a tad. Made a few calls and plans with Auds. Drove over to her apartment and we eventually made it to the Zoo. Now, those of you who do not know, The Zoo is ALWAYS an experience! Ya just never know what kinda crowd, or 'entertainment', you are walking into. Usually a bit on the sleezy side, but there is always a place to safely put your beer down. Got carded!! I think that may have been the highlight of my trip...it doesn't happen often. Was also asked to 'coat check' my 'bag'...yeah, I'm ~really~ going to put my purse into coatcheck at The ZOO...thanks, but I think I might want to see my belongings again! Anyways, good times hanging with Auds and Jazz.
Spent the next day with Shannon and baby Braylon and 'the girls'. Shoulda spent more time with them, and Paulo and Hailey, but time disappeared too fast.
Got alot of time with Tash, probably not to the bewst of her liking as I put her to work helping me sort my storage unit (she took much of it away for her first apartment) and then moving her into her new place. Spent the weekend with her and Joc in Morden (Corn and Apple time, don't ya know). Again, good times!
Dinner with friends, a day with Belle, a whole bunch of errands...missed many due to forgetting my address book in Victoria (dumb I know!). On my way out of town, I was stuck in heavy traffic on Kenaston (Winnipeg in summer=construction) when my cellphone rang. It was Karl!! Change of plans, needed to have some Karl time before I left the 'Peg! Off to Stella's it was! We met for a long lunch and caught up on life. Before I knew it, I had to be getting on the highway. Off to Morden to drop the keys off to Joc!
Got to Morden just as Joc and Myrna were heading to the golf course for dinner and a round. So, I joined them for din. They were called to tee off, so off I went.
Drove to Virden and called on Chantal. gave me a break from the long road ahead. Shortly after I got there, my phone started ringing. It was Joc...hey, where did ya put the keys? Ah, Man, they're in my purse!! I forgot to give 'em to her...the whole reason for driving to Morden on my way west in the first place...okay, I'll express post them in the morning...
It's morning, September 1. I'm able to stop at the mall in Medicine Hat (it's just off the highway). Run into Shopper's for the post office...good, I can get these keys out of my way. But wait, it's "Alberta Day" and everything is closed Friday, and since it's Labour Day on Monday, everything is closed on Monday! So even "express" posting the keys, they won't get to Joc til at least Tuesday, more like Wednesday. Great!! Oh well, at least she will get them!
Stopped in Merrit to sleep over night. Drove on to Vancouver in the morning. Called Arlette, she was taking Lil to see an attorney and I could stop by about 4 when they would be back. Great! Off to Ikea it is! Blew a bunch of time there, didn't buy much. Did see a bookshelf that would be perfect in my apartment but wouldn't fit in my car (too many boxes in my trunk!). Still kicking myself that I didn't buy it...must go back soon...
Almost 4, so I drive to Arlette's. She had sent out Sean for 'zza, so kinda had to stay and eat. Pete drove Lil home, and Arlette took this as an opportunity to 'talk'. She also paraded me through the house looking for things 'I need'...okay, I admit I do not have much here in Victoria, but I have everything that I need, but she really wants to help me out, so I did take a lamp from her. It's a late 50's thing in orange and brown...not as ugly as it sounds.
Caught the nine o'clock ferry back to the island, drove home and fell into my own bed. I love my bed! Spent the weekend unpacking and doing all the lovely post-vacation chores that needed to be done before back to work on Monday. Caught up on emails and messages. Made a date for the beach on the Wednesday...~great~ day at the beach with ~great~ company...maybe the last beach going day of the season, the weather has a chill to it now that makes you wanna reach for a thick sweater-not really beach clothes, eh?
A week passed and not able to 'connect' with ~great~company. So, what's a girl to do? I find me a different date for Friday night! Not a good date, an almost-okay-date-if-there's-no-better-option, won't be seeing him again...
Now, I'm back to the grind of work. Early mornings are killing me! And making me overly grouchy...more bitchy than usual...don't like myself feeling tired all the time...taking it out on everyone, undeservingly...gotta get out of this funk I've found myself in...
Going to a group dinner tonight to meet more people. The guest speaker is talking about the First Nations culture of Vanc Isle, should be interesting. I know Cree/Sioux/Ojibway cultures a bit through living in 'Toba, but not much about the West Coast tribes. Should get on my way, I have no idea where the restaurant is!!