Wednesday, August 19, 2009
simmer down summer…
I recently started on a new project with work… back to site life, oOoH how I love it! Jeans, jeans, jeans everyday of the week! The only sucky part is when this project is in full swing and we get transfer to the wonderful trailers on the actual site… the commute will be the only down side. Right now we’re out at the satellite offices by the U of A. It’s all gravy right now, so I’m trying to take it all in, come November it will be a sweet 45 min commute to and from work! Oh heavens!!! I got a few months… so let’s try and not think about it, plus I’m really enjoying the area that we’re in right now. So many things with in the vicinity! Yesterday had me some Booster Juice and today went down the street to Leva Café, I’m not really one to try something new; I like sticking with what I know… you know, to avoid bad experiences, bad food or bad service. But lately taking the leap and trying a new/different establishment has been quite rewarding!
Leva Café – is a quaint little space in the university area, very modern and has some very tasty food! The price was reasonable as it complimented the food portions; I had ordered a grilled Panini and Greek Salad w/ a Large Chai Latte.
As you may or may not know, my parents are WORLD TRAVELERS; they recently got back from a Mediterranean Cruise which passed through Istanbul, Turkey. It just so happened that it was my pop’s birthday last month on the 30th and they wanted to try out a new restaurant… and just by chance the restaurant is called “Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine“. I passed by this restaurant everyday while going to and coming from work. I must say that I was a little leery about going there… I’m not sure why, I think it was more of uncertainty of what the food was like as I have never eaten at a Turkish restaurant before nor have I had Turkish food… well that’s a lie, kinda, my mom had brought back some Turkish Delight from her trip… it wasn’t that good, so I expected the food to be somewhat the same.
Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine – blew my mind away!!! Another quaint little space in the Delton area. Their decorating needs some work, in that it could give the space a little bit more of an authentic feel. The food makes up for the pricing… because it was absolutely amazing!!! I have forgotten what I have ordered as it’s been quite some time since we’ve been there… but I do know that I ordered something similar to my brother but he got the spicy version… so get that!!! Check out this article written about the joint here.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Summer sign off…
I can’t believe that it’s already August! Seriously I have no idea what happened to my summer… it’s quite sad, really. I’ve been so busy with work, part time instructing at the gym and starting my own business… the summer has flown by! But don’t you worry all our hard work will not go unnoticed! Derek and I will be treating ourselves to “couple” travel time in September --- We’re booked!
September long weekend we’re out to Vancity to go see my seeestor, Kelly Ann. She’s been out there since April; when we were hanging around the beach and pool in Mexico… she was moving to BC. She’ll show us the sights and sounds of her new home and just by luck… our good friends Matt and Celeste will also be around town too! YAY!!! I love how that randomly came together… I heart randoms.A week or so later, we head out to Toronto… our dear friends that will be in Vancouver the same we are, used to live there and they showed us a wicked time when we visited them 3 years ago. So we’re sad that they won’t be there this time around to do us another solid… but we’ll definitely make the best of the city and our trip!
We scored some sweet tickets to watch one of my favorite bands --- U2! I haven’t seen them live since the 90’s so I’m super stoked!
Next trip --- Mexico, for Claire and Danny's Wedding! We leave in 156 days... I know it doesn't sound that exciting right now, but it gives me something to look forward to!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Just a Girl
I got my results back for my video assessment - - I PASSED!!! Yipppeeee for meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Went to see No Doubt in concert… Gwen Stefani, how I love thee! I can only wish I too could look as stunning as you after having my two kids… my planned two kids in the future, don't get it twisted people.
Friday, July 3, 2009
eeeeek!
As previously discussed in my last post; I’ve been working at becoming a Group Step Instructor at my gym. After taking the 2-day training course you are required to attend 5 rehearsals and then submit a tape of you leading a class of at least 5 people through the whole routine for grading, to see if you PASS or FAIL.
I taped mine yesterday and whoa man! Was it ever nerve racking, I was a mess the whole day… I know I did little mistakes here and there. But like the 2 senior instructors told me, “You did fine!” and that “they don’t expect perfection… so just submit it, AND DO NOT watch it… just submit it! If you’re a perfectionist then you’ll want to re-tape it”. It was like they were peering into my soul… because I am a perfectionist. It took a lot for me to talk myself into not watching it, I’m glad I did because now I can move on learn the new release that coming out and get to tandem teaching so that I can get better at being in front of class. Everyone says I have the personality to do it. I’m not sure when I should be expecting my grade, I’m praying it’s a pass so I don’t have to do the whole taping bit all over again! Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers!!!
oOoOo and the cutest thing ever… Derek knows how to make me smile after a long and stressful day… actually I laughed out loud for this one.
So, NO, Derek didn’t leave me. We were watching some sort of TV programming and I jokingly said, “babe, if you ever lose a leg or I have to tend to you 24 hrs a day because you cannot tend to yourself… I gotta leave you. sorry. I’ll put you in a live-in 24 hr care center… but I gotta…”.
So, yesterday I got a call from Derek, after his doctor’s appointment. Apparently Derek coming off his crutches was a bad idea, he was only on them for a few days and then we rented him a cane… and then after a few days on that he started just hoping around with no support. Yup… again BAD IDEA he just made it worse. He messed up his MCL and ACL, he now was to wear a full leg brace and can’t play any sports that calls for rotational movements for a year and a half! Crazy right!!! And we play on a Recreational Soccer League! Any ways so when I got home after my taping I found that, picture above, I laughed… found my husband… and planted a big kiss on him.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
it's been so long...
It’s been kinda slow at work and my New York vacation fell through so I’ve jumped on a few committees to help plan and execute a few functions.
July 11th we are holding a Hockey Tournament, August 8th is my Districts Family Picnic, and August 12th is our United Way Pancake breakfast.
On a personal level, I’ve been working on my Step Class Instructor program, starting my own business and planning our friends camping trip.
As you can see I’ve got my hands full and to top it all off… I’ve got a handicap husband! Bahahahahaha I know it’s not suppose to be funny, but I always laugh when Derek gets hurt, it’s just what I do :)
He got injured last week during our first soccer game, causing us to lose our first and our second game… just kidding! But on a serious note, he was on crutches up until this weekend when we rented him a cane, and had gotten his knee drained as there was blood pooling behind his knee causing it to swell. He is scheduled to see the doctor again on July the 2nd when they will inform him if he needs surgery. Eeeek! On the lighter side Derek will be attending our games this evening to yell profanities from the sidelines.
With that said I’ll try and keep you posted throughout the summer with the happenings in and around Edmonton… OoOoOoO I almost forgot! My Godsister Celeste just started doing standup, she’ll be performing tomorrow (June 24th) at the Laugh Shop at Londonderry Mall. I’ll try and secretly tape it and post something on here… She’s really good!!
Till next time, keep fit and have fun!
-Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Dream Job
Recently, I’ve been looking at obtaining a part time job, as everyone cannot complain to a ‘lil extra cash here and there. While in my search I considered various points that would help decipher whether or not I would apply such as; hours - part-time/casual, minimal weekend hours, I have somewhat of a life… and I would like to continue working on my health being able to work out, location - it’s all about convenience, pay - anything over minimum wage would be perfect, and finally attire - being able to wear whatever I like and not having to wear a uniform is ideal.
* My first ever RUN - we did GREAT!!! I’m super proud of my girlfriends considering we only had one practice run the Monday prior to. Amanda and I teamed up and Sarah and Theresa were buddies… it took Amanda and I 30 mins to complete… unfortunately I didn’t check my watch when Sarah and Theresa crossed the line… oops! My bad… but they did wonderfully! So proud and I can’t wait to do it all over again… when’s the next one?!?!




