Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Baked goods
A couple weeks ago, I got up bright and early and baked cookies and muffins to take with me on a baby-visiting, brunch excursion. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and cranberry, chocolate chip muffins. I wish I had more time to bake.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Locked & Loaded
It's official. I have booked my flight! On July 31st, I will depart the lovely city of Toronto for another - Hong Kong! A 4 day stop-over will give me enough time to see the major sites and take in some city life before hopping on another plane to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!
The plan is to start in the south of Vietnam, work our way up to the north then cross over to Laos, then Thailand, then Cambodia, and for me, to fly over to Singapore, tour Kuala Lumbur, climb Mount Kinabalu, and then back home to Toronto. Return date October 11. That's 73 days of action-packed adventure!
The plan is to start in the south of Vietnam, work our way up to the north then cross over to Laos, then Thailand, then Cambodia, and for me, to fly over to Singapore, tour Kuala Lumbur, climb Mount Kinabalu, and then back home to Toronto. Return date October 11. That's 73 days of action-packed adventure!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ride for Heart
On June 7th, I'll be riding 25km for the Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart. You can sponsor me!
I made a commitment to do some training before the ride so my co-worker and I will be going to the cycling class at our gym next Tuesday and Thursday. I'm going to be sore!
The trouble is that I don't currently have a functioning bike. We have two at home and one has a broken pedal and the other has a messed up gear.
I made a commitment to do some training before the ride so my co-worker and I will be going to the cycling class at our gym next Tuesday and Thursday. I'm going to be sore!
The trouble is that I don't currently have a functioning bike. We have two at home and one has a broken pedal and the other has a messed up gear.
The view outside my office window
Yes, that's right. A cavalcade of police cars, fire trucks and a BOMB unit. The subway station connected to my building has been evacuated. Apparantely, duffel bags with "unidentifiable liquids" were found in the bus station / parking lot. Yet, I'm still sitting here in the office, with the perfect bird's eye view to all the action.
Edited to add: Soon after this post, the VP of Human Resources decided that all employees should leave the building ASAP, a call that I happily obeyed. It turned out that it was just a knapsack with strange bottles.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Recouperating
After a month of mad sewing, I finally get a small break! The SpeakEasy show was AMAZING (thanks to all for the encouragement and support, especially those who popped in for the show)!
Met tons of wonderful people:
1. Our room mates for the show: two dynamic lads, the brains behind S'up Cuz, who design and print their own funky t-shirts, gave us candy, and helped drive traffic to our table; and, Cheryl Huber, designer and maker of beaded bookmarks and bound notebooks, branded Red Hen Craft (I'm looking forward to getting mine in the mail and using it on my trip this year!)
2. The lady who organizes the WychCraft Market, who approached me and asked if I was interested in getting a table at her market.
3. Sandra Livingstone, registered aromatherapist and beauty product creator, with whom I did a trade - this bag for her calming lotion & peppermint lip balm.
4. Cherie, a jewelery designer living my dream of owning a store and living right behind it! She asked if I was interested in putting some of my creations in her store on consignment.
All in all, a successful experience - made some sales & contacts, had lots of fun & adventure (re: table set up; I've never loved cardboard boxes so much), and would definitely do it again!
And what you've all been waiting for...photos!
Met tons of wonderful people:
1. Our room mates for the show: two dynamic lads, the brains behind S'up Cuz, who design and print their own funky t-shirts, gave us candy, and helped drive traffic to our table; and, Cheryl Huber, designer and maker of beaded bookmarks and bound notebooks, branded Red Hen Craft (I'm looking forward to getting mine in the mail and using it on my trip this year!)
2. The lady who organizes the WychCraft Market, who approached me and asked if I was interested in getting a table at her market.
3. Sandra Livingstone, registered aromatherapist and beauty product creator, with whom I did a trade - this bag for her calming lotion & peppermint lip balm.
4. Cherie, a jewelery designer living my dream of owning a store and living right behind it! She asked if I was interested in putting some of my creations in her store on consignment.
All in all, a successful experience - made some sales & contacts, had lots of fun & adventure (re: table set up; I've never loved cardboard boxes so much), and would definitely do it again!
And what you've all been waiting for...photos!
Monday, March 30, 2009
On my way to SpeakEasy
It's almost here! Please come, I'd be happy to see you. Look for "Butter Pecan!"Current Life:
1. Designing logos/graphics for the show (yay! photoshop!), sewing, finishing touches, cataloging items, what am I going to wear?!
2. A break from the gym due to pain in hip area and a sore, hyper-extended knee; doctor results in 1 week
3. Volleyball playoffs! (...though, I'm in the type of league where everyone makes the playoffs)
3. Parlez-vous francais? I think I've forgotten all of mine.
4. Crazy amounts of communication at work given economic situation; webcast at the Sutton Place hotel next week
5. Prepping for a one-on-one meeting with my vp, who scheduled a lunch with me upon hearing about my desire to travel the world for two months
6. Speaking of which, SOUTH EAST ASIA, BABY! To do: continue to compile list of must-see places and activities
7. On season 2 of Weeds (thanks, Geo!)
8. Current word: beleaguer
9. BodyFlow team practice this weekend - my first!
10. Completed four videos for BodyFlow Assessment; currently with my Team Leader for review.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Word of the day
Sometimes, words pop into my head and are stuck there all day. It's like how people hear songs and then sing them all day.
This baby looks discombobulated.
My current word is: discombobulated.
It's a fun word to say. I don't know where it came from. Who uses discombobulated in every day conversation, anyway?
This baby looks discombobulated.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
"It hurts!"
I team taught at two classes yesteday, back to back (one at 430, the other at 645)! Which seemed like a good idea when I set it up but I am now quite sore.
The first one went okay - I messed up on part of the choreography which threw off my timing but luckily I knew the choreography well enough to be able to rearrange the moves rather than make up random stuff! And I'm happy I didn't yell out "Oh crap!" or use my secret emergency code (the instructor and I agreed that I would integrate "bananas and toast" into a sentence if I needed him to step in).
During the second class, there was this lady who was very obviously new to doing physical exercise. Zero awareness of her body. I'm talking flailing limbs, falling, and sporadic calls of "It hurts! It hurts!" I tried to coach her as best I could while keeping the class going but man, it was tough! She came up to us afterwards and started to complain of pain all over (English was not her first language) especially in her foot which has been hurting for 5 days....well lady, you should see be at a doctor's office, not a BodyFlow class!
All in all, first two team teaches went well! Whoo hoo!
The first one went okay - I messed up on part of the choreography which threw off my timing but luckily I knew the choreography well enough to be able to rearrange the moves rather than make up random stuff! And I'm happy I didn't yell out "Oh crap!" or use my secret emergency code (the instructor and I agreed that I would integrate "bananas and toast" into a sentence if I needed him to step in).
During the second class, there was this lady who was very obviously new to doing physical exercise. Zero awareness of her body. I'm talking flailing limbs, falling, and sporadic calls of "It hurts! It hurts!" I tried to coach her as best I could while keeping the class going but man, it was tough! She came up to us afterwards and started to complain of pain all over (English was not her first language) especially in her foot which has been hurting for 5 days....well lady, you should see be at a doctor's office, not a BodyFlow class!
All in all, first two team teaches went well! Whoo hoo!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
There's a sweatshop in my bedroom
One day, I was bored at home and decided to dust off my old sewing machine, a Euro-Pro denim and silk machine acquired at Price Club (so it was called back then). I pulled out some scrap black wool fabric and kasha lining (so soft!) from a high school coat project and in a couple hours, voila, out comes a roomy shoulder sling. I could fit my lunch, a set of gym clothes, wallet, cell phone, and a bunch of other junk found at the bottom of women’s purses into the tote.
My friend, a jewellery maker, was super impressed with my creation and urged me to do something with my skills, which prompted me to slowly get back into the sewing groove. I forget how much I liked to sew and shop for fabrics!
Long story short, I’ve been sewing totes and bags and we decided to apply to be an exhibitor at the annual SpeakEasy Craft Show, which takes place at the Gladstone Hotel…and we got in!
Seeing that it's only a month away and I've got BodyFlow, volleyball, work, and social events going on, I am struggling to find time to sew! Panic mode hasn't set in yet but I intend on becoming a hermit for the next month. EEP!
My friend, a jewellery maker, was super impressed with my creation and urged me to do something with my skills, which prompted me to slowly get back into the sewing groove. I forget how much I liked to sew and shop for fabrics!
Long story short, I’ve been sewing totes and bags and we decided to apply to be an exhibitor at the annual SpeakEasy Craft Show, which takes place at the Gladstone Hotel…and we got in!
Seeing that it's only a month away and I've got BodyFlow, volleyball, work, and social events going on, I am struggling to find time to sew! Panic mode hasn't set in yet but I intend on becoming a hermit for the next month. EEP!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Love
My colleague is getting married at the end of May. She asked for some feedback / aesthetic input for the wedding program she was creating. There was space at the bottom for some text so we were hunting for a love quote of some sort.
We both came across this one and thought it so appropriate for them:
“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” - Dr. Seuss
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I can't believe I ate wild boar
At an event that I went to this week for the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business, famous Aboriginal chef David Wolfman, inspired by his roots, designed a menu that began with an appetizer of wild boar. It tasted like some sort of smoked meat.
Walking in, I felt sorely out of place for two reasons:
1) I was probably the youngest person in the room full of business executives
2) Filling in for someone last minute, I was not appropriately dressed for a black tie event!
The room was like the Valentine's day aisle at a Walmart, with god-awful shiny red seat covers and white drapes all over the room. The night was rather uneventful, despite it having been a fancy cocktailed soiree. Paula Todd (from CTV's W-FIVE) emceed, the keynote speaker was John Ralston Saul (Adrienne Clarkson's husband), and everyone cheered when the name Ted (Tom?) Nolan was announced, whom I found out later was a hockey player.
I find when attending these type of events, it's best to: have a wing person, arrive early to take advantage of the open bar, and have an exit strategy - none of which I had that night!
Walking in, I felt sorely out of place for two reasons:
1) I was probably the youngest person in the room full of business executives
2) Filling in for someone last minute, I was not appropriately dressed for a black tie event!
The room was like the Valentine's day aisle at a Walmart, with god-awful shiny red seat covers and white drapes all over the room. The night was rather uneventful, despite it having been a fancy cocktailed soiree. Paula Todd (from CTV's W-FIVE) emceed, the keynote speaker was John Ralston Saul (Adrienne Clarkson's husband), and everyone cheered when the name Ted (Tom?) Nolan was announced, whom I found out later was a hockey player.
I find when attending these type of events, it's best to: have a wing person, arrive early to take advantage of the open bar, and have an exit strategy - none of which I had that night!
Stage fright
I start team teaching today! EEP! I hope I don't live out the instructor nightmare - where I forget the choreography or show up late and miss my class or forget the music cues!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Accomplished - BodyFlow Training Module I & II
I'm so happy I actually went to - and completed - training, because it was absolutely amazing! I'm not sure yet that it was a "life changing" experience but it certainly gave me new love for the yoga/pilates/tai chi disciplines and has opened my life to many new paths.
Day 1: Friday, February 13, 2009, 12 pm - 8 pm
There were 20 of us, young and old, from all over Canada, including ladies from Halifax and Calgary. Typical to any training session, the day started with some introductions. We learned about
the exclusive to GoodLife program, LesMills, a company that was founded in New Zealand and draws inspiration from the traditional Maori tribe. Instead of doing the standard handshake, "hi, how are you" pleasantries, we learned to Hongi each other, a greeting where we clasp our opposite hands at the elbow and press our noses together to signify an intermingling and exchange of the breath of life. You can also say "kia ora" (pronounced kee-ora), meaning an informal "hello, g'day!".
Side note, there is a movie called the Whale Rider the is centred around the life of a Maori girl; the film has won many awards and is now on my list of movies to watch.
The trainer explained a bunch of stuff about the program, choreography, principles, music, and took us through a masterclass of the current BodyFlow release (#43) to loosen us up. Later, she showed us proper technique by breaking down each move and having us stand there for minutes while holding the pose. Needless to say, I was extremely sore that night.
I'll add in here that I love the music of BodyFlow. It's a musically driven routine, whereby the choreographers start by selecting music and then putting moves to it. Here's the tracklist with the type of choreography that is set to the song:
1. Coldplay - Lost! / Tai Chi Warm up
2. Conjure One - Manic Star / Sun Salutation
3. Mary J. Blige - Come to Me (Peace) / Standing Strength
4. Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Your Guardian Angel / Balance
5. Bliss - Kissing / Hip Openers
6. Moby - I Love to Move in Here / Core Abs
7. Chris Brown - Forever / Core Back
8. Sheryl Crow - Always on Your Side / Twists
9. Sarah McLachlin - Don't Let Go / Foward Bends
10. Hans Zimmer - A Way of Life / Meditation
11. Enya - Isobella / Meditation
Day 2: Saturday, February 14, 2009, 9 am - 6 pm
Before we left on Friday, were were assigned tracks that we had to teach today. Mine was Number 5 - for Hip Openers (we had course notes)
Having a mix of different age groups and teaching experience in the room was great because we could share information and the room was so positive and uplifting! Very encouraging especially for newbies like me who have zero instructing experience. To add to the nerves, our trainer filmed us so we could see firsthand our technique and get feedback.
During lunch, I went with a lady (who happens to teach BodyPump at my gym) to Tim Horton's for a tea/coffee run and lo and behold, what do I see across the street? A MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY! (Oh, this is in Milton, by the way, so I guess it's still further than going to Vaughan but I'm just happy to see Marble Slabs popping up everywhere!)
In the afternoon, we went through the entire release again, to practice our tracks, followed by a lesson on how to conduct a meditation session. When I tried yoga/BodyFlow classes awhile ago, sometime last year, I was a non-believer of the meditation portion. I would usually leave a little bit early so I could hit the showers or get some cardio in. But having a great BodyFlow instructor at my gym and working full-time, I began to appreciate the mediation more. At times, I could even feel myself slipping out of consciousness yet still beings aware of my body I've been converted!
Before we left, we were assigned a second track to teach on the final day of training (number 8 for me).
Day 3: Sunday, February 15, 2009, 8 am - 5 pm
I can't believe the weekend flew by so quickly. I was still sore but it was a nice feeling, sort of. This morning, the trainer took us through a 90- minute Fitness Challenge which was an advance yoga class where we could reinforce our technique, improve flexibility, and just get comfortable with the capabilities and limits of our bodies. I loved this part because getting the technique right makes the pose feel so much better. I always knew that I tend to hyper-extend my elbows and knees so I learned how to control that to not damage my joints. Rene also showed us some stretched that would challenge our flexibility, like the standing splits! That's one I'll have to practice!
Following this, we had a quick break and went right into a run of the release...again! We had to teach our new tracks and you could see the improvements & increasing confidence in everyone.
After lunch, we went through the release for the final time during the training. By this time, everyone was exhausted and just wanted to get it over with - which helped with our instructing and coaching because we appeared more natural.
Finally, the weekend was coming to a close and I was a little sad to see this experience end. It was physically demanding but extremely rewarding. To thank our bodies and each other for their energy, we formed a meditative circle with the inner circle facing out, and the outer circle facing in. I was on the inside and we were told to close our eyes to receive energy from those on the outside. They shifted positions and faced someone on the inside - I coudn't tell who was infront of me. That person took my hands into theirs and she gave me her thanks and energy. I could feel myself get warm and the pull between her and I. Then, instead of dropping me hand, she passed it along to the person next to her, and so on, so that the circle of energy was continuous. Soon, I could feel tears in my eyes and other girls sniffling, too. Then, the tears just started to flow down my cheeks, a reaction I was not expecting. When we all had the chance to pass energy with those on the outer side, we opened our eyes and couldn't believe that just happened and how powerful it was!
We switched positions. Now, I was the giver of energy and the others got to experience the energy flow. All I can say is WOW.
So, 3 days later, after 6 BodyFlow sessions, 1 intense Yoga class, sore muscles, bruised knees, coaching lessons, and a better appreciation for lots of energy exchange, it's safe to say I think I'll really enjoy being a BodyFlow instructor!
Now I just have to pass the video assessment!
Day 1: Friday, February 13, 2009, 12 pm - 8 pm
There were 20 of us, young and old, from all over Canada, including ladies from Halifax and Calgary. Typical to any training session, the day started with some introductions. We learned about
the exclusive to GoodLife program, LesMills, a company that was founded in New Zealand and draws inspiration from the traditional Maori tribe. Instead of doing the standard handshake, "hi, how are you" pleasantries, we learned to Hongi each other, a greeting where we clasp our opposite hands at the elbow and press our noses together to signify an intermingling and exchange of the breath of life. You can also say "kia ora" (pronounced kee-ora), meaning an informal "hello, g'day!".Side note, there is a movie called the Whale Rider the is centred around the life of a Maori girl; the film has won many awards and is now on my list of movies to watch.
The trainer explained a bunch of stuff about the program, choreography, principles, music, and took us through a masterclass of the current BodyFlow release (#43) to loosen us up. Later, she showed us proper technique by breaking down each move and having us stand there for minutes while holding the pose. Needless to say, I was extremely sore that night.
I'll add in here that I love the music of BodyFlow. It's a musically driven routine, whereby the choreographers start by selecting music and then putting moves to it. Here's the tracklist with the type of choreography that is set to the song:
1. Coldplay - Lost! / Tai Chi Warm up
2. Conjure One - Manic Star / Sun Salutation
3. Mary J. Blige - Come to Me (Peace) / Standing Strength
4. Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Your Guardian Angel / Balance
5. Bliss - Kissing / Hip Openers
6. Moby - I Love to Move in Here / Core Abs
7. Chris Brown - Forever / Core Back
8. Sheryl Crow - Always on Your Side / Twists
9. Sarah McLachlin - Don't Let Go / Foward Bends
10. Hans Zimmer - A Way of Life / Meditation
11. Enya - Isobella / Meditation
Day 2: Saturday, February 14, 2009, 9 am - 6 pm
Before we left on Friday, were were assigned tracks that we had to teach today. Mine was Number 5 - for Hip Openers (we had course notes)
Having a mix of different age groups and teaching experience in the room was great because we could share information and the room was so positive and uplifting! Very encouraging especially for newbies like me who have zero instructing experience. To add to the nerves, our trainer filmed us so we could see firsthand our technique and get feedback.During lunch, I went with a lady (who happens to teach BodyPump at my gym) to Tim Horton's for a tea/coffee run and lo and behold, what do I see across the street? A MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY! (Oh, this is in Milton, by the way, so I guess it's still further than going to Vaughan but I'm just happy to see Marble Slabs popping up everywhere!)
In the afternoon, we went through the entire release again, to practice our tracks, followed by a lesson on how to conduct a meditation session. When I tried yoga/BodyFlow classes awhile ago, sometime last year, I was a non-believer of the meditation portion. I would usually leave a little bit early so I could hit the showers or get some cardio in. But having a great BodyFlow instructor at my gym and working full-time, I began to appreciate the mediation more. At times, I could even feel myself slipping out of consciousness yet still beings aware of my body I've been converted!
Before we left, we were assigned a second track to teach on the final day of training (number 8 for me).
Day 3: Sunday, February 15, 2009, 8 am - 5 pm
I can't believe the weekend flew by so quickly. I was still sore but it was a nice feeling, sort of. This morning, the trainer took us through a 90- minute Fitness Challenge which was an advance yoga class where we could reinforce our technique, improve flexibility, and just get comfortable with the capabilities and limits of our bodies. I loved this part because getting the technique right makes the pose feel so much better. I always knew that I tend to hyper-extend my elbows and knees so I learned how to control that to not damage my joints. Rene also showed us some stretched that would challenge our flexibility, like the standing splits! That's one I'll have to practice!
Following this, we had a quick break and went right into a run of the release...again! We had to teach our new tracks and you could see the improvements & increasing confidence in everyone.
After lunch, we went through the release for the final time during the training. By this time, everyone was exhausted and just wanted to get it over with - which helped with our instructing and coaching because we appeared more natural.
Finally, the weekend was coming to a close and I was a little sad to see this experience end. It was physically demanding but extremely rewarding. To thank our bodies and each other for their energy, we formed a meditative circle with the inner circle facing out, and the outer circle facing in. I was on the inside and we were told to close our eyes to receive energy from those on the outside. They shifted positions and faced someone on the inside - I coudn't tell who was infront of me. That person took my hands into theirs and she gave me her thanks and energy. I could feel myself get warm and the pull between her and I. Then, instead of dropping me hand, she passed it along to the person next to her, and so on, so that the circle of energy was continuous. Soon, I could feel tears in my eyes and other girls sniffling, too. Then, the tears just started to flow down my cheeks, a reaction I was not expecting. When we all had the chance to pass energy with those on the outer side, we opened our eyes and couldn't believe that just happened and how powerful it was!
We switched positions. Now, I was the giver of energy and the others got to experience the energy flow. All I can say is WOW.
So, 3 days later, after 6 BodyFlow sessions, 1 intense Yoga class, sore muscles, bruised knees, coaching lessons, and a better appreciation for lots of energy exchange, it's safe to say I think I'll really enjoy being a BodyFlow instructor!Now I just have to pass the video assessment!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
BodyFlow Training!
I always need to be doing something. I hate sitting still and not being active. This is why my friends slap my jittery limbs, why I am more productive and content when I am over-capacity, why I'm always in search of ways to occupy my time. The meaning of "rest" escapes me.
Between work, friends, family, gymming, sewing (more on that later), my newest endeavour is to become a GoodLife Fitness instructor!
I was in a BodyFlow class (a mix of tai chi, yoga, and pilates) and the instructor asked if I had ever thought about teaching. Sure!
Tomorrow is the first of a three-day training session - my first steps into the 'tribe' as my mentor (I'm going to call him 'P') says. According to P, this is a life changing experience and I should be prepared to jump in head first for an amazing journey. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited - and very curious to see what will happen in the coming months.
My only concern at this point is that as an instructor, I'll have to be able to coach a class while doing exercise. Breathing erratically into the mic isn't a good sound to hear during a class that is supposed to be relaxing & meditative! Sadly, walking up the stairs makes me pant.
Between work, friends, family, gymming, sewing (more on that later), my newest endeavour is to become a GoodLife Fitness instructor!
I was in a BodyFlow class (a mix of tai chi, yoga, and pilates) and the instructor asked if I had ever thought about teaching. Sure!
Tomorrow is the first of a three-day training session - my first steps into the 'tribe' as my mentor (I'm going to call him 'P') says. According to P, this is a life changing experience and I should be prepared to jump in head first for an amazing journey. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited - and very curious to see what will happen in the coming months.
My only concern at this point is that as an instructor, I'll have to be able to coach a class while doing exercise. Breathing erratically into the mic isn't a good sound to hear during a class that is supposed to be relaxing & meditative! Sadly, walking up the stairs makes me pant.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama-vision
Rather than taking one of my sparse vacation days to witness the historical Obama inauguration (through, of course, my television proxy), a lady at work had the ingenious idea of setting up a boardroom with a tv. And so, I’ve set up shop here and am diligently ignoring my work to intently watch the pre-inauguration festivities and preparations on a dusty old school JVC TV atop of which rests an even older VCR that’s the size of 5 stacked laptops.
I have to say that I’m very envious and regretful that I didn’t make the effort to attend this momentous occasion. Seeing and hearing the throes of friendly crowds, regailing spontaneous bursts of songs, and celebratory ambiance, I’m wishing I were there!
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