Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Orcas and cosmos

I am still busy as ever, and my ducks definitely aren't in a row. Some things are tough, and some are great. As far as good things, I found an amazing place to live. I have two room mates, guys in their early 30s. They are both really healthy people in general and I feel like I can learn a lot from them. More about that later. I love my job, I am working with great people that have a lot of experience that I can learn from.

This weekend I am committed to finding/trying a yoga studio here. I really want to get my practice in check. It has been hard being in a new city, new job etc but I feel like I will be much happier once I find a yoga studio to build community in and learn from.

This post may seem a bit scattered... that's because it is. This won't be the most eloquently written piece but that's ok.

I went home for my mom's 50th birthday on the long weekend, we went whale watching to celebrate. I have to say, it was pretty sweet all in all. I got to spend some quality time with my bro and mom loved the whales. Nature is pretty amazing if you give it a couple of hours, minutes or even seconds of your attention so it can show off a bit.

On my drive to my parents and back I stopped in Kelowna to see a friend (who graciously lets me stay in his spare bed so I can break up my 12 hour drive). I have to say, that city has the best combo of city lights and star gazing I have ever seen in my life.

Laying by myself and staring into the cosmos at 3:00 AM just because was one of the most humbling experiences I have had in a long time; there is also something comforting about snuggling up in someone else's hoodie and just existing with the world.


Sunday, July 3, 2011

Another wee update

I hate it when logic and what seems good on paper conflicts with what you feel in your head, heart, or wherever it is in you that feels differently than what is logical and practical.

On another note things are going pretty well on the house hunting front, I think I have found where I want to live. I just need to meet the other room mate who will be living there.

Sorry this is another short update, as soon as I have my ducks semi in a row (or at least on the same pond, lets go with that) I will write some more.

Thank you everyone who has helped me to get this far. There are so many amazing people in my life who have helped me to grow and to continue to grow.

xo

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

tiny "update"

Things have been insane and crazy lately, I am exhausted so I am going to bed. I will write a nice long update as soon as my life is no longer fueled by Rockstars (well, that's going to be a while, so maybe before that).


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

hockey and puppies

I spent the better part of this afternoon playing in the back yard with puppies while running through the sprinkler. Tonight my family and one of my best friends and his family are going to watch the hockey game together.

Life is good.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

2 week goals

My goals for the next two weeks are as follows:

  1. Cut a few choice words from my vocabulary
  2. Have a spinach salad every day
  3. Go on a daily walk
I am excited to try these out and see how it goes. Not completing them won't be detrimental in any way, but completing them will give me something to accomplish.


Friday, June 3, 2011

tumblr

You can check out my tumblr at http://lovelifeandengineering.tumblr.com/. I will still be keeping this blog, but I like tumblr for shorter posts like pictures and inspirational words. Also, if you've ever wanted to ask me something anonymously, you can do it there :)

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Lindsay

I am hanging out with Ryan and Allie in Lindsay this week. I have to say, it's phenomenal.

Right now I have the place to myself; Allie is at work and Ryan is at school. Basically I am a bum for the next couple of weeks and I need to square with that. I had an orange and half of a pineapple for breakfast and I am currently rocking out to Foo Fighters and taking some time to jot in my blog between sets. Ryan has weights so I do some lifting in the mornings before my shower. Not bad.

I know that avid readers are probably waiting for me to write about Peru. I will probably do that at some point, but for right now I am really just overwhelmed with adjusting back. We have everything always here.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Left Behind

Things I left in Peru:
  • My alcohol tolerance
  • 4 kg of body mass
  • a sense of entitlement
  • ... to be continued

Friday, May 27, 2011

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Oh, Canada!


As I proudly sewed my Canadian flag patches onto my backpacks I realized that tomorrow I will be in South America, Lima, Peru to be specific. My house is packed and moved to it's temporary housing (thanks Greg! xo) and my Peru packing is done too. Now I am going to hang out with some of my best friends before Ryan takes me to Pearson tomorrow.

I am scared. And excited.

I want to grow and learn. I want to be.

Friday, April 22, 2011

John Mayer?

My Stupid Mouth - John Mayer
"My stupid mouth has got me in trouble, I've said too much again"

Say - John Mayer
"It's better to say too much, then never to say what you need to say again"

So on one hand, you've said too much and screwed everything up. On the other hand say what you need to say because you might not be able to say it again.

Well fuck.

I suppose my reality is that I should think before I speak and make my own decisions about what and how I say things.

I am packing my things for Peru and Calgary and it's overwhelming.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Fin

I hurt everywhere. There is a 1/2 bowl of KD and a full glass of water beside my bed.

Yesterday I made some of the best memories I will ever have. I also wrote the the last university exam of my undergrad. I could not ask for better people have spent this part of my life with. I have made amazing forever friends.

I don't think it has really hit me that after 4 months of work I will not be coming back to school as I have with all of my co-op terms. It also hasn't really set in that I am going to Peru on Monday.


Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Doubt

Unless you are some kind of dictator, extreme left wing, extreme right wing, or some kind of fundamentalist or fanatic you are always going to be living in a state of doubt. It is how you manage that doubt that will determine whether you have a happy life or not.

- Maurice B. Dusseault

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Calgary


Hello Calgary. Let's be friends.

Road Trip





Bring on The Beatles, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chris Rea and so much more. My dad and I are going on a road trip.

Mom 'n' Dad


I love my parents. Over the Christmas break we all celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Sometimes, things have been rough. Really rough, and that's no secret. But you know what? Sometimes things are great. They raised to beautiful children (if I do say so myself), especially Derek, he's the BOMB.

My parents have sacrificed a lot. My dad sold his prized car when the kids rolled around and my parents together sacrificed any beach vacations for family camping in Salmon Arm. I could list of lots of things that my parents gave up (their living space, their sanity, hours of sleep...). I am so fortunate to have the parents I do.

Mom and Dad, I love you.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Stay Classy

That Ain't Classy - Classified



I am not a rapper. I am not going to be making millions. However, I have accepted an EIT job in Calgary. It's easy to start wanting things. Nice things. It's easy to not be humble.

I need to check my ego at the door and make sure I stay classy.




Thursday, April 14, 2011

Puppies

Yesterday I went to a TFC game with Ryan and it was really good. I am going to miss him a lot when I move. A cool highlight was that they were playing LA so I got to see David Beckham which was pretty cool. The best part for me was when they do the coin toss a local team gets to come out with the players and participate. It was really endearing. I also got to have some quality time to catch up with Ryan. Again, going to miss him a lot when I peace out of Ontario.

On another note, Ryan's mom has two 5 and 1/2 month old puppies. Starting at 8:45ish in a vain attempt to tire them I took them both for a walk and when I got back I took the more wired of the two (Affectionately named Wylee Cyotee, or Wylee for short) for a run. Then we played in the back yard.


I think they are finally exhausted (time - 10:34)

As far as getting my own dog, I am committed to at least 30 minutes of walking or running outside every day for 6/7 days a week for three months before I even think about getting a dog. I also want to get settled in my job, my house and a new city before I introduce any K9s to my life.



Ok, now they are settled a bit. I don't know what I was thinking when I brought my Water Quality Engineering course notes with me here, thinking to myself that I would totally be able to study and not cuddle, play with and walk the pups all day.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Geotech Exam Tomorrow




This is how I feel.^




This is how I want to be feeling ^









I am feeling a severe disconnect.







Wednesday, April 6, 2011

let it go

The more I see,
The less I know,
The more I like to let it go
-Red Hot Chili Peppers

For me sometimes I feel like it should be like this:

The more I see,
The less I know,
The more I learn to let it go.
-----------------------------------

The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I knew, I'm learning again
I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
-Don Henley

What can I take from these two lyrics? The more you know the more you realize that you know nothing. Forgive people, forgive yourself, and let things go.

Just let things go.

Let it go.




Breathe.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Cats and Good Books

I spent most of my day yesterday doing geotech assignments, studying and getting ready for exams.

However, after that, I went book shopping with a lovely friend. We got Starbucks (green tea latte - mmmmmmm), then had a peruse around Chapters. I treated myself to three books:

Animal Farm - George Orwell
Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
The Giver - Lowis Lowry

When I got home, I made myself a stir fry with awesome veggies and fresh pineapple. After I ate I curled up and read Animal Farm while I listened to my neighbours purring cat asleep on the top of my couch.

I hope that after the insanity of school I can have more evenings like this.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Love, Cereal and Calgary

I learned something interesting in March. After a brew or two there are two things that I text to people that I care about.

1. I tell people that I care about that I love them. This probably isn't shocking to anyone - I am affectionate towards my best friends.

2. I tell people I care about that I love Cheerios. Usually it's spelled verrioossssss or cheerrixxooosssss, but the main message is there. I don't know what it is, but if I really care about you, I have probably told you about my love for that certain brand/kind of cereal. In fact, I am much more exclusive with telling people about Cheerios then I am about saying "I love you".

I find number two very interesting. In fact, all three people I have texted to about Cheerios I have apologized to afterwards. Mainly because it's not really a message that seems to them to have particular meaning and probably gets annoying. However, if you happen to be reading this, know that it's because I think you're awesome that you get those messages. Also, if I haven't texted you about Cheerios please don't be offended, it isn't that I don't love you. If I have, know that you hold some kind of special place in my intoxicated heart.

Now onto the Calgary bit. I interviewed for a job in Calgary on Friday. This has spurred on a rush of things, such as fear of the "real world". I am soon going to be thrust into the adult world. In some ways I am really excited and in other ways I am completely terrified.

Life choices. Sweet.

p.s. Seriously Cheerios are amazing. Honey Nut style.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

miles to go before I sleep

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
and miles to go before I sleep,
and miles to go before I sleep."

-Robert Frost, from stopping by woods on a snowy evening

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Goals



School is tough right now. Really really tough. Sometimes when I need to stick it out I think about my future and my goals. One of my goals is to have a beautiful chocolate lab.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Japan Earthquake

"Positive thoughts to Japan and those fearing for their daily well-being across the earth. Gratitude for all of us privileged enough to worry about things like career aspirations and love instead of where the next bullet is coming from or when the next meal will be." - George Watsky

'The headline you won't read today: "Millions saved by good engineering."' – Jeff C. Ho

As someone aspiring to be an engineer the idea of a massive natural disaster such as the recent 8.9 on the Richter Scale earthquake to hit Japan makes me consider so many different thoughts and emotions.

Today I looked outside and it was snowing - after the rain yesterday I thought that maybe winter was over. I checked the news to see the massive earthquake that happened just offshore of Japan this morning and thought to myself "You know what, maybe the snow really isn't that bad". I have never lived or been in any kind of natural disaster.

On the engineering side of things Jeff's quote really got me thinking. People are always fast to focus on building failures and everything that went wrong. Very little emphasis will be put on all of the great engineering that saved people's lives.

Engineering, specifically civil and geological engineers carry a lot of responsibility during disasters like this. One day that could be me.


Tuesday, March 8, 2011

All over the place

I had my fourth year design project presentation last Friday and I think that went really well. We haven't heard back grades wise yet but I had a meeting with my supervisor and he seemed pleased overall. Afterwards we all went out as a class and the usual class bonding took place.

I have the best classmates anyone could ever ask for.

My class Peru trip is coming up and the idea of being there and having absolutely no school work to do (during the after trip, for the school field trip we have reports and presentation) is exciting, but I am also apprehensive. For the past five years I have always had something to do. Something due soon, something to study, work term reports to write.

I went to the barn for a few hours today to clear my head a bit. I find it interesting how some alone time, fresh air and hard work can really make me exhausted. I think I am going to call it an early night.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Less Asshole

"...you're going to go through life thinking that girls don't like you because you're a nerd. And I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that that won't be true. It'll be because you're an asshole" - Erica Albright in The Social Network

A good friend and I were talking the other day, and this quote came up. It gave me a stark reminder to not be an asshole to people. It is easy to blame others not liking you on this or that, but when it comes down it it, there's no excuse to be rude to people.

Right now, my life is pretty hectic. I am finishing school and my fourth year design project is taking a lot out of me. I am stressed. I am looking for work and haven't been very successful so far. This has caused me to say and do things that really have been out of the ordinary for me. I have been more rude to people and in my own mind justifying it because I am stressed out.

Not cool.

So, I am going to make a greater effort to be nice, especially to those close to me. My friends, peers and family have been really supportive of me and I need to show them how much I appreciate that. Being rude and hostile does not convey this message.

So basically I am going to try to be less of an asshole.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Fresh Prince re-runs



I wanna lay you down by the fire with a bowl of popcorn and watch Fresh Prince re-runs. Or Robot Chicken. I could go for some Robot Chicken.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

She's got issues

Sometimes I look back at my blog and I am think to myself wow... baggage... sometimes I need a reality check to make sure I don't become like the woman being sung about in The Offspring's She's Got Issues.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Paradise






You may not believe in Paradise, but I call it home.

Monday, February 14, 2011

100 Ways to Uncomplicate your life

The original post can be found here http://livethecharmedlife.com/2010/08/100-ways-to-uncomplicate-your-life/comment-page-1/ I give full credit to Deanne for this list.

1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds

2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so that you don’t rush/get a ticket while driving too fast/have to explain why you’re late/get fired

3. Get 8 hours of sleep per night so that you think more clearly

4. Stick to your budget

5. Start saving and investing every week, no matter how little you can spare

6. Balance your checkbook

7. Don’t try to be friends with everyone. Cultivate closer relationships with fewer people.

8. Don’t try to do business with everyone. Identify your target client and take very good care of them.

9. Before getting angry, ask yourself if it will really matter in 20 years

10. Focus on being a good person, not on pleasing others

11. Stay home this Saturday, and finish off that nagging chore that you need to finish

12. Kiss and make up

13. Make a weekly menu, and shop for only those items at the market

14. Ask your grandparents the best way to uncomplicate life, and try it for a month

15. Fill up your gas tank when it’s half full

16. Don’t drink alcohol when you’re tired, sad or mad

17. Pay your bills on time

18. Get an annual physical examination

19. Say “I love you” to your significant other and to your children. Studies show that more marriages last, and fewer kids use drugs, when these words are spoken every day.

20. For just one day, imagine everyone’s intentions are good because most people’s are

21. Give away clothes that haven’t been worn in two years

22. Throw out clothes that are in disrepair, and can’t be mended

23. When you have a conflict with someone, talk it out. Don’t let it turn into more than it is.

24. Know what your priorities are in life, and act as if they are your priorities

25. Tell the truth

26. Don’t cheat

27. Don’t steal

28. If you’re holding a ridiculous grudge, let it go

29. Clean your house weekly, so that it doesn’t become too large a chore

30. Do your best at work, or at school

31. Don’t eat when you aren’t humgry

32. Eat when you are hungry

33. Be yourself

34. Say no unapologetically

35. Cook simple meals

36. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses

37. Pay off your car before buying a new one

38. Organise your desk at the office

39. Change your smoke alarm batteries when the clock springs forward, and when it falls back

40. Organise your important paperwork

41. Take only half the clothes that you planned to take with you on holiday

42. Help your children with their homework every night, and have an open dialogue with their teachers

43. Have white sheets and white towels in children’s rooms, because they’re easily bleached

44. Spend your time with nice people

45. Avoid drama

46. Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving

47. Turn off the television/video games/computer; they’re time consumers

48. Don’t engage in office politics

49. Refuse to gossip, or talk behind other people’s backs

50. Do the dishes right after dinner

51. Never go to sleep angry

52. Ask nicely for what you need and want

53. Walk 10,000 steps per day to help your heart

54. Do 20 push-ups before speaking in anger

55. Leave work at work

56. Don’t befriend anyone that isn’t trustworthy

57. Don’t envy others

58. Have your oil changed

59. Take vitamin C before you catch a cold

60. Don’t work more than 8 hours per day

61. Weed your garden weekly

62. Wash your car weekly

63. Have a spring cleaning month every year, and do one room at a time

64. You don’t need to be best friends with work colleagues, but build respectful partnerships

65. Don’t drink and drive

66. Don’t look for reasons to be angry or sad, look for reasons to be happy. You’ll always be able to find plenty of each.

67. Be friendly with your neighbours

68. Return emails and phone messages promptly

69. Schedule in free time

70. Don’t procrastinate

71. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it

72. Be more flexible when you’re able to be

73. Forgive and forget. End of story.

74. Break the consumerism habit…put a three month moratorium in place on buying anything not deemed a necessity

75. Start your diet on September 1, rather than January 1, so that you won’t also have holiday pounds to lose

76. Take care of any health issues or concerns

77. Have your tires rotated

78. Have your brakes checked

79. Have your eyes checked

80. Don’t let your imagination run away with you

81. Let go of perfection in others

82. Let go of perfection in yourself

83. Don’t try to help those that refuse to help themselves

84. Find a way to reduce your commute to work

85. Have an alloted amount of worry time per day/week, that you strictly abide by

86. Drink more water

87. Eat more salmon

88. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill

89. Wear your hair in a classic, easy to care for style

90. Finish what you start

91. Wear classic clothes and shoes that never go out of style

92. Create a daily routine

93. Have a 1, 5, 10 and 20 year plan for your financial and life goals

94. Slow down

95. Eat out less often

96. When you ask your husband which outfit looks best, thank him for his answer and wear the one he liked

97. Allow your children to grow up

98. Clean out your garage, and donate anything that hasn’t been used in the past year

99. Stretch every day

100. If a relationship is over, let it go