Cheers to the Freakin' Weekend

This was a busy weekend for me. As most are.

Friday night David and I went to Moxie's for dinner and then he had to go to an evening twilight shoot later on, so I stayed home and drank wine and watched a movie by myself. It was a wonderful evening!

Saturday started off with a walk with Sherlock to the park to play fetch. It ended up being too hot for him and he just kept laying down to rest up and re-hydrate. We find he does not do well in the heat AT ALL! On our way to the car, he crawled in behind a shrub. I figured he was just going to pee on it, but then he just crouched under there in the patch of shade he found. Poor guy! Haha.

After the park, I headed out to my parents house for church band practice as I play the bass for church sometimes. Yes.... I play the bass.... 

Saturday afternoon we went to my parents house to celebrate my dad's 48th birthday and a late Father's day!

The birthday boy in his natural habitat

We watched Canada lose the FIFA game, and beat the heat with DELICIOUS smokies and margaritas. We spent the rest of the evening sitting on Mom and Dad's patio catching up, drinking wine, and playing Hearts. 

Sunday morning I was up early to go to church to play bass. I couldn't believe how hot and stuffy it was already at that time!
After church, David's car wouldn't start so we had to jump it. It turns out a cell in the battery was dead, and he had to get a new one. (Boo). 

We went home for lunch and then headed out with mom and Shadow to Noel Booth Community Park for a swim with the dogs! Sherlock and Shadow both love to play fetch especially when it involves swimming. 

Happy wet Sherlock and happy dry husband

After the swim, we headed back to my parents house and then straight out to celebrate David's sister Allana's 20th birthday! We weren't able to make it to Blarneystone for the real party on Saturday night, but it was nice to get together with the family for dinner and a visit yesterday evening as well. 

I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend!

Sherlock Growing Up!

Sherlock is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. I've loved these dogs for as long as I remember. When I was little, maybe 7 or 8 years old, we took our dog to the vet, and while we were there a Toller walked through the door, and I loudly and proudly announced to my mother, "LOOK! A NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER!" I used to study my dog books like they were the bible. I loved learning about the breeds, and the Tollers always stuck out to me. 

We met our breeder, Shel and her dog Ruby at a dog agility trial back in November 2013. We kept close contact with her, and were lucky enough to be chosen to get one of Ruby's puppies! 

Birthdate: August 26, 2014

Parents: Ruby X Loki

Ruby

Loki

Siblings: Charlotte, Poppy and Gunnar

I know this is going to sound corny and dorky, but that's okay. Sherlock has been such a blessing in our lives, especially mine. I don't even know anymore what we did before we had Sherlock. How did we occupy our time? How did we used to spend our money? Having a dog is a lot of responsibility, and it forces you to get out for a walk every day and constantly seek out training opportunities, but it is SO worth the work and energy. 

Here is a little timeline of Sherlock growing up

3 Weeks old: This was the "house-hippo" stage. The pups could barely walk, but Sherlock (at that time called Rupert) was out and about attempting to run and play while the other puppies slept. This rambunctious, adventurous attitude never went away. 

Sherlock with his mommy, Ruby

4 weeks old:

4.5 weeks old: We didn't know yet which puppy we were going to get to take home, but we were always drawn to Rupert. 

5 weeks old:

6 weeks old: I'm so grateful that David is a photographer and that we got to visit the puppies every week so we can have awesome pictures like this!

7 weeks old: I think this was the week we found out which pup would be our Sherlock. We were SO excited to bring him home next week.

8 weeks old: This was his first trip to the beach the day after he came home

(Left to Right) Gunnar, Sherlock, Poppy, Charlotte

9 weeks old:

10 weeks old:

11 weeks old: Seriously though. How did we get any work done with this guy roaming the house! I can't believe how cute he was/is.

12 weeks old:

13 weeks old:

14 weeks old:

15 weeks old:

4 months old:

5 months old:

Sherlock's graduation day from his first obedience class at TNT Kennels

6 months old:

7 months old:

8 months old:

9 months old:

How has he affected me?

They say you get the dog you need, not the dog you want. I wanted a sweet, petite little girl who loved to cuddle and would just lay at my feet all day. I got a goofy, happy-go-lucky, stocky boy who dislikes cuddling and would much rather be chasing his ball or making a ruckus. 

I think I wanted a sweet little girl because I wanted something easy, or something to nurture me when I’m upset or having a hard time getting out of bed and out of the house.
Sherlock is not like that. If he notices I’m upset (and I like to think he is pretty intuitive that way), instead of coming over and snuggling up, he pushes me to get off my butt and do something. Whether it’s because he’s decided to rip up the toilet paper again, or that NOW WE MUST PLAY FETCH, or that instead of snuggling he’d rather jump on my head and lick my ears. He always makes me laugh and has really helped me to gain some perspective when I'm going through a hard time. 

Since we got Sherlock, I have tapered off Wellbutrin, the anxiety medication I had been on since April 2014. This was a big step for me, but having a dog around is very therapeutic.  

What do we do to keep Sherlock busy?

We have been taking Obedience classes at TNT Kennels since January, and those run once a week in the evenings.

We also are taking Agility classes which run a different night of the week in Abbotsford. He LOVES agility classes. He is definitely a working dog. He's very smart, but not too neurotic. We describe him as "a Border Collie with an off-switch."

Sherlock's favorite activity?

Fetch. Plain and simple. 

What do we call him?

Sherlock

Sherly (more often than I'd like to admit)

Kins (this derived from "Sherlykins")

Our favorite thing about Sherlock?

I think my absolute favorite thing about Sherlock is his personality. He is SO happy-go-lucky, goofy, dorky, curious, adventurous and confident. 

I never have to worry about him being aggressive towards other dogs or with children pulling his tail or stealing his toys. 

Most embarrassing moment?

Yesterday we were at the park taking a break from our game of fetch. I was sitting in the grass, and a little off-leash dog came over to say hi. I was giving him a pet, and before I know it Sherlock decided this would be a good time to "mark his territory". HE PEED ON ME! I was too shocked to react appropriately. I believe a noise similar to squeaky brakes came out of me. 

At first I was mad, and embarrassed that I had to walk home with what was obviously dog pee on my leg, and then I was insulted that he would think that was okay. I had spent SO much time working with this dog! How could he pee on me?!

After doing some research, it sounds like he was trying to let the other dog know, "this is my person. She won't like you the way she likes me." Great... Thanks Sherlock. Very endearing and all, but that will NOT be happening again. This is much more common with un-neutered males, but that is not an excuse. Some training will be put in to prevent this in the future! Thank goodness he didn't pee on a stranger! Stinker.

Hope you enjoyed this lengthy and photo-filled post!

Thankful Thursday - 1

A few friends of mine who write blogs have been doing this thing called "Thankful Thursday".
I think it's a great exercise and have decided to adopt it. It keeps us thinking positively, and always looking out for things to be grateful for. 

Without further ado...

1. My Own Office. Back in January, I officially was given my own office at work with my new job as Office Supervisor & Staffing Clerk. Prior to that I was sharing an office space with the other staff at Quibble Creek. There are definitely things I miss about being down there, such as: having people to talk to whenever I like; the practical jokes played on each other; and having Janine to work alongside of to name a few. 
Some things I DON'T miss, and some perks to having my own office include: having my pens stay where I left them; having the down-time and quiet time I so frequently need; the interpersonal drama that inevitably occurs having that many people share a space; the significant amount of down time in my old job. 

2. My (not so) Snuggle Buddy. Sherlock is going to get a whole post to himself this week! Not much to say here, other than he is the best dog we could have hoped for. Love him so much!

3. Our First Home. David and I just signed the mortgage paperwork for our first home. More on this to come as well, but we move in August 29! Can't wait!!
It's in such a great area in Cloverdale. I house-sat in this complex (Ovation) YEARS ago, and since then I always told myself I would life here, and here we are!

I think I will leave it at three items for this week. 

Thanks for reading!

The Lion King - Broadway!

Weeks ago, David and I were driving in the car and I heard a commercial on the radio for The Lion King Broadway show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. I mentioned in passing that one day I would love to go see The Lion King live. It was one of my favorite movies growing up once I got over the fact that Mufasa coming back in the clouds was terrifying. 

Little did I know, David took that to heart and bought me tickets to surprise me! (Who says he doesn't listen...?)

On Friday, June 19, David and I dropped Sherlock off at my mom and dad's for a play date with Shadow and we took off with plans to go to the Flying Pig Yaletown for dinner and then head to the show. 

If you know me, you know I like when things go according to plan, and I have a STRONG dislike when they do not. Naturally, things could not be perfect, as traffic was horrifying and it took us 45 minutes to get from Willingdon exit on Highway 1 to Downtown. As it crept closer and closer to showtime, and we seemingly crept farther and farther from our destination, we realized we may have to change our dinner plans, much to my chagrin. 

I grabbed my phone to do some googling, popped an Ativan to keep me "level" (I will post more on struggles with anxiety another time), and made our decision. 

Chambar it is! We will park close to QE and head down there for a quick bite. 

After a few loops around the block as we missed the parkade entrance, we didn't arrive at Chambar until 45 minutes before show-time. Not a lot of time for a fancy dinner! When we got there, we told them we were going to the show starting in 45 minutes and were informed it would be a 20 minute wait... UGH! That really leaves us no time to enjoy our meal! 

*Good thing I took my chill pill*

We waited...and waited... and had our whole orders pre-planned before we sat down (because I like planning, remember?). Lucky for us, Chambar waiters are used to us rushed Vancouverites, and our service was impeccable; as was our meal. 

What did we eat?

- Pain du jour - Fresh baked bread, whipped butter

- Scampi - Harissa prawns, preserved lemon, herb salad (we got 2 orders of this)

- Fromages - Selection of cheese, condiments

What did we drink?

- Chardonnay/Viognier/Riesling; Poplar Grove 'Companion; 2013 Okanagan Valley

- Cabernet Franc; Catena 'San Carlos'; 2012 Mendoza Argentina

Our mostly eaten cheese plate. I panicked realizing I didn't take a picture of it before we demolished most of it.

Our favorite part of dinner was the cheese plate. All the cheeses were purchased at Benton Bros on Granville Island. With the crackers/chips, the plate included:

- 3 year Aged Gouda paired with candied almonds, walnuts and pecans

- Triple Creamed Brie paired with some thinly sliced cucumbers

- Double Truffle Brie paired with syrupy strawberries

- Double Creamed Brie paired with fig jam

- **Blue Cheese paired with caramelized onion jam**

**this one was my favorite even though I typically don't like blue cheese! It must have been the blend of the earthy, pungent cheese, the full-bodied wine, and the sweet onion jam.** 

DELICIOUS! If you read my first post, you know that wine and cheese is my love language. I was in heaven. 

After we paid our bill it was off to the show! I was giddy with excitement. Last year Janine took me to see Wicked at the QE, and we enjoyed it so much and had such a great time that I took my dad to see it again for Father's day/his birthday! Janine and I went again to the QE in December to see the Nutcracker. Live theatre has always impressed me, and I would love to continue to go to shows like this when I can. 

The Lion King is rated a 5 star show, and is considered a must-see classic by many theatre critics. I can't blame them! I loved every minute of it. 

Highlights:

- The costume design and set decoration was very impressive. I wasn't sure how they would have humans come across as safari creatures, but they did an amazing job, complete with life sized elephants and frolicking antelope

- They stayed very true to the movie, with quotes and general tone, which made it extra enjoyable for those who have seem the movie dozens of times

- Timon, Pumbaa and Zazoo were wonderful and welcome comedic relief, as expected

- Rafiki was as brilliant, crazy and unpredictable as one could dream

- I LOVE the Lion King soundtrack, so hearing all the songs again accompanied with the spectacle was very exciting for me

Lowlight (if you can call it that):

- I, personally, felt Scar could have been more evil. I've seen the movie and listened to the soundtrack so many times, I know every inflection and speech pattern of the Disney Scar, so I had a certain image in my brain. The Broadway Scar was excellent, but had a more sarcastic, sociopathic(is that a word?)/flat evil tone. 

No pictures or video allowed during the show, but this gives you an idea of our view of the stage, and the Safari- feel at the QE before the show. 

I would always encourage folks to go see a live theatre show, but I would DEFINITELY recommend seeing The Lion King if you can. Worth every penny, and it's a wonderful date night. It also makes you (or maybe just me) feel cultured and fancy. 

Thanks for reading!

A Little Bit About Me

Well everyone, it has finally happened. I have been pressured into joining the Blogging world. I didn't know where to begin, so let's start with a post about who I am, and where I'm at right now!
Eventually I hope to delve further into my life including the adventures I've been on, struggles I've faced, and possibly some tips and tricks I've picked up throughout the years!
For now, let's keep it light and let you get to know me a little bit!

I am a simple girl from a wonderful, loving family. I grew up with 3 brothers and no sisters. I was never much into Barbies, but preferred the Ninja Turtles and playing "Lost Kids" in the backyard.

I did very well in school, and graduated in 2009. From there, I went to SFU and completed the Science One and Life Sciences Year Two programs. I decided to take some time off from school as I didn't (and still don't) know what I wanted to be when I grew up.

I am currently working as a Staffing Clerk for Fraser Health, and while it's not my forever job, I'm enjoying the journey so far!

I married my high-school sweetheart, David, on November 10, 2012. We have been together since September 28, 2007. We met through my friend, Jen Spier, and David's friend Mitch Merriott, who were dating at the time. When I was having a sleepover with Jen, I texted Mitch and said, "Hey, find me a man!" He responded, "Well... I can only think of one guy who I would feel comfortable setting you up with, and he is my neighbor... but he has long hair." (David had the sense to cut his hair before we met. Thank Goodness). Jen and I went to Mitch's one day after school to have our first double date. We watched "The Longest Yard", during which David and I held hands for the first time. The rest is history!

A few things I like:

My Family - I have grown up with a very tight family. The day I got married, I gained another large family! Lucky for me, both these families seem to love/appreciate me as much as I do them. 

Animals - I have loved animals (especially dogs) my whole life. On the top is our dog Sherlock. There will be many future posts dedicated to him, so I will keep his intro minimal here. Next, we have my parent's dogs Jewel & Shadow. Jewel was 10 years old when we had to put her down in 2009. Shadow is currently 8.5 years old. They both have their own personalities. Jewel was the stubborn, I do what I want when I want type. Shadow is a people pleaser; all she wants is to be around people and keep them happy. 

My Husband - David and I have been married for over two and a half years now (seems so much longer and shorter at the same time), and although we argue like any other married couple does, I can't imagine a better person to spend my life with. We really do complete each other. I appreciate the ways he's different than me. David is: spontaneous, calm, patient, caring, easy-going, and much much more. He is currently running his own business, "Kimber Images", which is a Real Estate Photography company. This all started as he was working for Moen Media for since April, 2011, but the company folded when his boss, Dan Moen, suddenly passed away in January 2013. David took it upon himself to try pick up the business where Dan left off, and make it his own. It was a stressful start to our marriage, but it's teaching us a lot of very valuable lessons very quickly.

Friends - I am very grateful to have these wonderful ladies in my life. Elissa was my maid of honor for my wedding, and Katrina was a bridesmaid. I have tried very hard to maintain a relationship with these two in particular. All three of us got married within 6 months of each other, and Katrina and Brayden just had their first baby a few weeks ago! It's important to keep people like this that you can relate to and talk to around.

Janine, Monica, Michelle and I make up "The Dream Team". We're all at different places in our lives, but we try to tackle the every day together. We met through work and maintain close contact where we can, even though Janine has now moved to the corn fields in Indiana. 

Wine - I will almost never turn down a glass of wine. Wine and cheese has become my love language. I will eventually post a list of some of my favorites. It has become a delicious and expensive hobby of mine!

The Cabin - We've been coming to this property in Oroville, WA for my whole life. Opa and Oma bought this property, and over many years the cabin was built on it. It is my favorite place on earth. It is one of the only places I can truly relax. It's just so beautiful, and I have so many great memories with friends and family from the cabin. 

ANYWAYS!

That is all I have time for today, but hopefully I can create a habit out of this blogging thing as it seems like a wonderful way to document my life.