A Little Bit of This and That

And a light bulb went off...

2011-02-10T12:10:00.001-08:00

About two weeks ago I lost my very expensive iPhone4... much to my original dismay I have since realized that it was a blessing. Sure I had to spend $750 to replace it (luckily work helped me out with that one) and it was a nuisance not being able to instantly contact people when the mood hit me. But, for the first time in weeks I did whatever I wanted on the weekend. I paid more attention to the things surrounding me.

The light bulb moments:

- How often am I talking to someone and they pull out a mobile phone to contact someone else? How does that reflect on our conversation, is the person on the other end of the phone more important? Why don’t I value the face to face time that I get with people, in the scheme of things it really isn’t that much time.

- When do I need to know about things? Is it as they happen? Does that actually increase my happiness? I am better served taking a portion of my day to get updated on the on goings of the world and to participate and be present more throughout the day.

- Learn to say “no” more. If I don’t attend everything it is okay... if I decide that I want a night at home, that is okay too! If something is important enough, someone will tell me.

- Do it without a soundtrack.... this one is really hard! I love music, it makes me incredibly happy. It can change my mood, make my day, motivate me to push myself, or distract me from reality. But maybe more reality isn’t such a bad thing. When I don’t have my headphones in I talk to more people and step outside my bubble. I am probably more polite (even though I am a firm believer in talking out headphones when in enclosed environments and when dealing with customer service people).

So what am I going to change? I am not going to listen to my iPod at least one or two days a week when out and about in city. I am going to be more present when hanging out with people in person. I am going to set aside time to “catch up on news/events.” And I am going to lower people’s expectations of electronic communication.

Wish me luck.

Off to a good start...

2011-01-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

It was a pretty perfect start to the new year... good friends, drinks, staying in a house looking out at the ocean... I had a glorious couple of days lounging on Bowen Island. I think it may be one of my favourite places in the world. There is a set of rocks at the bottom of my friend’s property that are out above the ocean and sitting there is one of the most calming feelings. I don’t think I could ever live away from the ocean.

I have no resolutions. I still have my list of 28 things to do in my 28th year... which I will post once the list has made it to 28.

I’m back at work... it feels like I was never on vacation. I start class next week for one of my social media courses, I am taking three in Jan-Feb. I have no excuse to pig out anymore... which is good and bad. It’s time to simmer down so I can continue to fit into my clothes.

It’s currently snowing in Vancouver... I kinda hope I see people using their umbrellas to deal with it... that cracks me up. I will take photos if I can.

Happy New Year!

New found love... snowboarding

2010-12-30T15:37:00.003-08:00

It's been a good Christmas away from home... I think when the holidays come around you always wish you were home. But because that wasn't possible this year I had a great Vancouver Christmas. Many drinks were had, lots of different groups of friends and learning how to snowboard... pretty well rounded.

I don't know if I could pick out one highlight of the holidays so far. One of the options was an orphan Christmas day brunch at April and JWo's. Brunch, eggnog and rum, Newfies and Australians and cranium. Doesn't get much better than that!

Second up is Boxing day drinking at Library Square with nine random Vancouver friends. Watching world Jrs hockey and continuing on until 1am in the morning. It was a totally eclectic group of friends (always a good start) that were up for an adventure for the day. A little bar hopping, cider and dancing. I think it was the group that made it such an awesome day... Boxing day number two at Library Square was a success!

And finally I had my first snowboarding endeavor. It was a beautiful day, fresh snow (so it didn't hurt too much when I fell on my ass). I took a lesson, spent the day up at Cypress and overall had the best time! I can't wait to go again. Sadly it is a super expensive sport, so it will have to be in moderation, but I can see it being one of new my favorite hobbies.

Heading to Bowen Island tomorrow for a pretty low key New Years, but I'm looking forward to it. Post this celebration, it is time to take a break. I start a couple of social media courses in January so that should keep me pretty busy.

Happy New Years everyone!

When did I grow up?!?

2010-11-30T10:10:00.000-08:00

I just signed the contract for my current job to be extended... permanently. Holy scary! All of my commitment issues are coming to the forefront... I freaked out when I bought a couch, this seems bigger. I say this but I know I want to be in Vancouver, I love marketing and I get lots of interesting projects. I just never thought I would be the type to have a permanent job for some reason. Maybe it is the gypsy in me. But I am perfectly happy in Vancouver; there is so much to do, great people, and good long-term job opportunities.

Maybe this all stems from my lack of desire to grow up. Once you grow up you don’t get to go back. Someone out of my friends has to be the lagger, I have decided it will be me.

Tickets, tickets everywhere!

2010-11-24T21:46:00.003-08:00

Tickets tickets everywhere,
tickets tickets by the pair,
tickets tickets on my bill,
tickets tickets get my fill.

Apparently delays in flights aren't good for my blog posting abilities.

This last month has been one of those times that I am super happy to live in Vancouver. A couple of weeks ago I got to go see Dan Mangan and Wintersleep in the same week. It's a hard life, but someone has to live it. I love them both. However Dan Mangan was the highlight of that week. It was my first time seeing him and I have seen Wintersleep several times but he really blew me out of the water. I had high expectations and he lived up to them and more. He would be in my top five concert tickets purchase recommendations.

This Friday I am going to see Jason Collett, someone that I have enjoyed for years. He brings me back to my first job post university traveling around Canada as a recruiter. That was when I first purchased one of his CD's. I love how a band/CD/song can bring you right back to a moment.

Another concert that I recently bought tickets to is Pete Yorn... I figure why not go see him again. However that concert isn't for a while.

And in exciting news the most recent band that announced a date in Vancouver is The Weakerthans. They are playing at my favorite venue, the Biltmore. It is the perfect size, small enough that you can see them from anywhere, red carpet, serves cider and amazing bands that should be playing in much bigger venues. Makes my heart smile.

Oh to have limitlessness money and time...

Kelowna bound again

2010-11-24T21:33:00.004-08:00

It is a little embarrassing to say that while I am about to go to the Okanagan for the fourth or fifth time this year I have experienced very little of it. Maybe one of the 28 things I should do this year should be experience the Okanagan. Go to a winery, find the mini-horse ranch that I heard about from one of our photographers, do something on the lake...

However this trip is just another in and out all work based trip. It was also -20 a couple of days ago and is calling for -11ish while I am out there so I am going to be doing my finest to not lose any fingers.

Although, I have to say the weather in Vancouver has not been what I expected. There was a -8 day and snow. Not snow that went away once it hit the ground. Snow that stayed. Not what I signed up for! It is also calling for snow in Vancouver. Please see below:

I love that 5-10cm of snow warrants a storm watch!

That being said, it looks like it should break on Friday and next week we will be back into the positive numbers.

Happy Movember

2010-11-22T20:08:00.003-08:00

I love this month, the month that guys that shouldn't grow mo give it a go and guys that can grow mo's look like creeps. I am deciding at the end of this week who I am donating my mo funds to. It's a hard call... but I think it will be divided for the person that most looks like they would start a bar fight and the person that is doing the worst job of growing one.

If I was a guy I would have a beard, I'm sure of this. I would also wear a lot of plaid.

I'll get there when I get there

2010-11-13T14:19:00.002-08:00

I have been home for five days and have finally unpacked my bags and put away my luggage... it is like I never left...which is sad.

I miss NL already but know that I should be here for the time being. I am not sure I could ever see myself freezing my ass off back in NL but I do love it there. I am certain that it is mainly to do with all of the people that I love in NL. The people that know me the best and remember all of my stupid/hilarious moments are there.

It was a hectic to say the least. Fitting people into hour and a half time slots, trying to catch up with everyone and really only doing an adequate job. I did have a delightful time at the party that Ivany hosted... even though she had to babysit me at the end of the night, out at Moo's curled up on the couch in Terranceville and chilling with Turpin in Placentia in a house I am shocked she hasn't set fire to. Jill's wedding was also lovely... somehow it was 16 degrees and sunny in November! Never saw that coming, it was a perfect ceremony and totally them.

I love the Newfoundland accent, it is delightful. After a week home I sounded like I was from the bay (or so I think). It was excellent, sadly I have lost it already. I love that when walking into the liquor store I overheard a lady on the phone... the conversation went like this "Missus....misses... you called me, right?!? Wah...wah?" It made me delighted to be home.

In one drive on the highway it snowed, rained and was sunny enough to need my sun glasses.

I did feel like the kid of the group as all of my friends are starting to grow up and I am no further forward, still unable to claim where I will live long term. I am happy for them all but I feel like I am on another page. For now I think that is a good thing... I'll get there when I get there.

All and all it was a great trip. Makes my heart hurt that I am missing out on big events and babies growing up but I am where I should be, at least for now.

On my way to the Rock

2010-10-28T19:25:00.003-07:00

In three hours I will board my flight back to the Rock, couldn't possibly be more excited. I home all of the excitement wears off by the time I get on the plane, otherwise I am going to be pretty exhausted tomorrow. My arrival in NL is going to be hectic at best... the weekend schedule is action packed.

Here is a run down:
Friday
Arrive -11:15 am
Lunch with Dad
Nap!
Party at the Ivesters for my return - get dolled up in Halloween costume... possibly freeze to death

Saturday
Day - decorate for Jill's party
Dinner - cook a three course meal for Mom and Sherry (It's almost Sherry's b-day)
Evening - Party at Jill's

Sunday
11-1 - Frisbee with NL women's team
2-4 Nan's 80th B-day at Dads
Evening - see Shelley and Julie... hopefully if all plans pan out

Monday
Pass out!

10 Days really doesn't seem like enough time, but I am sure that I will fit it in along with a little 'around da' bay' time.

I am not sure if I am going to entirely miss NL or if it will be great to go home but happy to be back in Vancouver too... it's a hard call. I guess I will know in 10 days. Really the main thing is that I miss the people incredibly... if only I could transplant them all... but I do love a lot of things about Sin City too...

Three hours!!

What's my password?

2010-10-26T16:13:00.001-07:00

I forgot the password to my blog.... what a smack in the face! Clearly I need to update more frequently. The other day Davena sent me a piece of mail mentioning that she read my blog... I forgot I have readers. So... I will do better!

This is the brief update:
•I am working on a list of 28 things to do in my 28th year... the list grows daily. I think it will be hard to do it all but I am going to try. One task is 100 blog posts... so I didn’t forget about you
•I completed this project with work... I’m pretty proud of it http://connectionsforlife.ubc.ca/#okanaganlive
•I just got back from an international recruitment trip in Seattle, loved it! I forgot how much I love recruiting
•I gained 5 lbs on my trip and now the dress that I am wearing at Jill’s wedding (Nov 6th) is kinda tight... I probably shouldn’t think it is so funny, but it kinda is. I love how I look after myself the bulk of the year and a week and a half of laziness and it shows, oops
•I go home to NL in 2 days!! I am so ridiculously excited!
•I am on a big local produce kick... I think it will be a forever thing... but I am currently taking pre and post pictures. I will post a couple! I only get geekier with age
•My nickname on this coast is Foxy...

That is the general idea of my state of life. Things are good. It has turned rainy in Van and I am more than a little sad about it... however I plan on learning to knit so maybe that will keep me occupied.

Coles notes of the summer

2010-08-31T10:29:00.001-07:00

Dear Blog,

Sorry I have forgotten about you. It isn’t that you don’t matter; there was just so much going on that it was hard to get around to posting. I’ll make effort to be better in the future. I blame it on the arrival of sun in Vancouver. I see how everyone forgives the city for all of the rain once it is sunny. With all of the beach volleyball, ultimate, swimming at kits pool, hanging out at the beach and in general being outside it really affects my blog time.

After a couple of months it is hard to evaluate if anything interesting has actually happened in my life. I have attended several frisbee tournaments including, Potlatch (the highlight), Big Thirst, and Babes’N’Hats. Two out of three of my frisbee teams won their divisions. Beach volleyball is just one of the most fun sports ever!
I also headed to Calgary to visit bro and Maggie came from NL, it was such an awesome five days! I was like a kid in a candy store seeing Mags and Gav. It was pretty action packed between shopping, Banff, Lake Louise, zip lining and eating steak. While I had a blast, not so sure that I could ever live in Calgary, I think I would miss the ocean too much. I much prefer Vancouver.

I think I could solidly say I will be here for a year or two more at the least. However, might all come down to what job I get next... time to start looking. I am lucky and got to do some really cool projects with UBC. I just hope my next job is a bit more long term, I don’t need a permanent job but it would be nice to have someone that I could really get into long term. Time will tell...

I still have a couple of items on my to do list to tick off before I am officially willing to let go of summer, including hiking the chief and going to the PNE. It is hard to think that I am about to head into consistent daily downpours... but I guess I will get used to it.

I will be home (NL) in less than two months and I am so very excited. Pumped about Jill’s wedding and I can’t wait to get my dress in. Looking forward to catching up with everyone I just hope that it isn’t too cold now that I am a super weenie.
I think that is the bulk of the news to report...

Xo
Me

Lil' bit delayed

2010-06-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

On the flight returning from a great week in Florida with my Mom and Sherry. I have to say one of the more mellow vacations I have taken, but that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes I think I need someone to tell me to stop before I ever do. I am more a go go go type that eventually burns out, sleeps a day away and then goes again.

The week was beach, beach and more beach. Toss in shopping (maybe too much, my budgets hurting a little) and a trip to Busch Gardens and that pretty much wraps it up. I have never heard Sherry scream like she did on one of the roller coasters, she claims that I have reduced her lifespan by 5 years… that’s just how I vacation. Always have to put a little something in there. It’s better than when than when the white water raft flipped… that was the time I thought I took them too far on vacation.

I think my idea vacation would be a vacation that I need a vacation from after. I love my activity, trying something new, playing a sport, meeting new people or just getting into trouble. However with the insanity of work lately, this was pretty much perfect.

In other news, I’m just about to head into firsbee tournament season. I have Flowerbowl with the Women’s team June 5-6th, possibly Eugene Oregon a couple of weeks later, a somewhat mellow July, Babe’N’Hats beginning of August and Kamloops at the end of August. With playing four days a week and all of the tournaments should be a pretty steady summer. Also a trip to Calgary in July/Aug and a couple of concerts, seems like a pretty solid summer ahead.

Sunday I go see Mumford and Sons! I couldn’t be more excited. I missed the ticket sales and had to buy it off of eBay but totally worth it. Sadly I will have to miss half of the last week of beach volleyball but totally worth it. With all my summer plans sadly I couldn’t sign up for the summer league but will still probably sub on occasion. It’s been a lot of fun and I think I will want to play all summer next year, mellow out on the Frisbee (I say that now, not sure if I will follow through on that one).

So life is good. I’m one lucky chick.

It's all about me!

2010-05-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

I like myself... a fair amount, no idea why I don’t spend more time with myself, well I guess I spend all my time with me, but I mean just me. No frisbee, sports, co-workers, friends, attending concerts or any of the random activities I get involved with. Australia made me learn how much I need ‘me time’ in order to feel well balanced. I think I have been getting pretty far away from that lately, with all my activity. This weekend with my work photo shoot getting cancelled at the last minute and because I had to drop out of the frisbee tournament I got a weekend (bulk of Sat/Sun) to myself... so delightful!

I slept in for the first time in months (I think I made it to just after 10am), went to Granville Island to do my shopping, had a coffee by the water, went home watched hockey (I have somehow started to follow the Canucks...I think it’s contagious), had a glass of wine while I baked a ricotta and feta spinach dish and then watched a movie. For the amount of rent I pay you would think I would spend more time actually in my apartment. It was such a nice weekend. I love all of the activity I do but this is the first time I felt like I actually rested on the weekend. Perfect timing as the firsbee summer league starts this week... go go go!

This is a week late...oops

2010-05-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Whenever I think I have thought things through... I clearly haven’t! Saturday mornings endeavour was to pilates class... decided because I currently am the owner of a cankle (fat ankle). In the idea of being good before being bad (exercise pre brunch) we headed into pilates where we proceeded to be encouraged to stand on foam blocks for over half of the class. Apparently our instructor comes from a bit of a martial arts background and learning to balance on a foam block while holding onto a foam roller is an excellent idea. I don’t even know that my balance is that wonderful without a cankle, forget adding in standing on one foot on a foam block. In an impressive act of self preservation and wanting to not get removed from the facility I managed to pull through, not take any of my neighbours out and almost feel like I accomplished something.

At this point, I feel like I am in the clear... really what could be worse? I am now lying on the ground doing abs exercise, the potential of getting myself in a ridiculous predicament significantly reduced. Little do I know that the foam roller isn’t done with us yet. Picture this - a foam roller about the length of my hip to head. We are encouraged to lie on the foam roller, put your legs up into the air and slowly work your way up to only having your elbows on the ground... as you can imagine the sound throughout the room is thud... thud... thud...giggles... thud... my stress levels are high as I wonder if I will crash to the ground possibly kneeing one of petite women to either sides of me. I am not even sure if I was breathing during this endeavour... through some act of God I managed to pull it off without injuring myself or anyone else... a lot more stress than expected when I signed up for pilates class.

It’s only when I feel like I have made a super smart and rational choice does my life turn silly... maybe I should wait until post events before patting myself on the back.

My denial in argyle

2010-04-23T12:08:00.001-07:00

The title has nothing to do with this post... just a great lyric I heard recently. Life has been pretty good on this end, finally feeling like life is coming together here in Vancouver. Been playing heaps of frisbee, meeting more people, went on a tournament and I have exciting things coming up.

Recently I made my first trip to the island... Nanaimo to be exact. It was a last minute decision to attend Udderbowl a frisbee tournament. Such a fun tournament, I played on a totally thrown together team that played amazing well considering we never played together before. Only totally random team to make the A pool out of 18 teams! Unfortunately there was a re-tweek of the cankle... so I have been making an active effort to rest it and let the swelling go down.

For the summer, playing on a women’s team, 3 league teams (part time for one) and beach volleyball... going to be a lot of exercise happening but that’s what makes me happy so sounds excellent to me.

Last weekend had a slightly random but really fun weekend. Friday I had a couple of ladies I know over for wine and a really nice meal, Saturday I went to a lobster boil held by a bunch of East Coasters, then onto a rugby ‘fight night’ (basically watching rugby player box eachother bloody), Sunday followed up with brunch, shopping and beach volleyball. Lots to do and lots of people to hang out with, just how I like it!

In recent news, purchased a ticket to Calgary! Maggie is going to meet me there, will hang out with Tiona and the brother. I’m pretty excited. Was a sweet deal that I couldn’t turn down, especially since I’ve never been. I’m pretty sure it will just be a big Newfie party, but I could definitely use some of that in my life. A little home away from home is definitely in order.

March Madness ruled my life!

2010-04-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

It is sad how every March I fall off of the social radar... and then don’t understand how it happens. It is probably one of my few addictions, well NCAA March Madness (American College Basketball) and Frisbee. Coming right off the Olympics I have watched more TV in the last two months than I did the entire year before (no March Madness in Australia). As much as I love the games, the last minute points, getting my butt kicked in my bracket, the trash talk and the allegiances with schools that I have nothing to do with... I am really looking forward to reclaiming my social life.

The weather is starting to clear up, frisbee season is around the corner and I start beach volleyball in a couple of weeks. I’m getting excited. Surprisingly I didn’t even have to look for summer teams for frisbee, I have had 5 requests... deciding if I want to play 3 or 4 times a week. Most teams don’t practice here so it would be pretty similar to the amount I played at home. I’m excited about getting back out into the world for other reasons than to exercise. This coming weekend there are a couple of parties and book club, gonna hit the ground running.

In another month and a couple of weeks I’m heading to Florida with my mom and aunt. Super excited, I can’t wait to see them and for the beach! I know I live near beach now but it is too mild to enjoy it here yet.

When did I become do dependant?!?

2010-03-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

I recall a time when 80% of my friends had cell phones and I was making a decision to stay “off the grid” for as long as I could. I also made a similar stand on facebook, joining far after my peers. I now am a member of pretty much all of these social media outlets (although I claim some of it is for work, you can’t be in marketing and not know about social media), would be lost without my cell phone, need to check my email if I have been away from a computer for more than a couple of hours and don’t go anywhere without my iPod. How did this happen?

I am debating a bit of a hiatus from a couple of electronic “necessities” for a while... more to see if I can do it. I did it in Australia, more because I was travelling too much to stay on top of it and once my laptop was stolen it was pretty inconvenient to keep up my apparent addiction. The longest I have gone without checking my email would probably be a couple of years ago when I was on a cruise... Why am I so addicted? Do I feel like I will be out of the loop? Worried I won’t know important information? Do I have too much time on my hands? The thing is the longer I am away from home or the people I have met in my travels the more I depend on facebook... it’s an uncomfortable cycle.

This train of thought started from reading an article on University professors assigning for students to give up social networking sites and electronics that didn’t exist in 1984 (not sure why this year was selected). Needless to say... I would fail ...

Ready for some down time

2010-03-08T12:23:00.001-08:00

I am extremely overdue for an update… I think I am still in shock that the Olympics are over… it went by ridiculously quick and felt like there was always something happening. I have spent very little time at home, even last week (had a friend visiting from NL) and still feel like I am in recovery. The entire city is dying of colds because of the increased physical contact due to high-fiving everyone on the street post hockey winning. I was out for the count one day last week and still feel it lingering… maybe a night or two staying in will help.

I went to see Chris Kirby and the Marquee play at Atlantic Canada House and got to catch up with the guys, that was pretty cool. The band has come so far since I saw them last, it’s really great to see. The band after was Wintersleep, which was pretty darn awesome, I love that band. They totally lived up to my expectations. Later in the week I went to see Matt Mayes at Live city which was pretty cool and the week was filled with hockey, hockey and more hockey. Maybe toss a little curling watching in there as well.

On a whole I was really impressed with how the Vancouverites came out of their shells and really participated in everything… they tend to not be known as one of the most fun places… I wonder how much of it will linger in the city. Where people were normally a bit standoffish they were super chatty, nothing like the Vancouver I have experienced in the lead up months. It was a fun difference, more East Coastish.
I think the only letdown of the whole Olympics in my mind was the despicable display of Canadian “talent” that was displayed during the Closing Ceremony. I think I am going to be recovering from that one for a while. Really VANOC, Nickelback? Avril? Sum 41? Headly? I think they were just sick of tourist and trying to get everyone out of the country… great way to do it. Could they not have found anyone better? Most of the free shows were better!! Were Metric not available? Arcade Fire? Feist? Poor Neil Yong… must be the worst line up he has ever played with. But I digress.

Looking forward to the Paralympics, hopefully will get to see a sledge hockey game. I love that they have picks on their sticks, are very near the blades they skate on and still check! Pretty full on if you ask me!

Go Canada Go!

2010-02-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

It’s incredible to live in the city right now. It’s hard to tell what will be around ever corner, except you are pretty much guaranteed to see hundreds of people. There are fireworks, free concerts, excessive numbers of Canadian flags that would make anyone feel patriotic and an excitement that is unexplainable. I love being here right now.

This week I have checked out Atlantic Canada house a couple of times, got to see Ashley MacIsaac with one of the girls from home that was here for the Olympics. Went to see Two Hours Traffic with a couple of friends from here (sadly was let down by their stage performance and the overall seemed pretty unhappy to be playing here… could be the jet lag… but they pretty much didn’t talk during the entire show or smile. The music was good though…) Met up with a friend that his here from Australia for the Olympics, hung out at Robson Square… watched lots of random games… a lot has been going on.

At work there are the Office Olympics that are really fun. I have participated in a street hockey shootout competition, while I didn’t do very good in the actually competition I showed some hope in the warm up, scoring the first two points I went for. Bobsleigh Wii and Air Hockey have also been very entertaining. However, the best event would have to be Office Chair Curling… they have created a huge house for the chairs to get thrown into. It’s just such an awesome thing to do during the Olympics. Loads of people in the building are getting to meet each other and I think in the long run will make a big difference working in the building.

Today I’m headed back out into the madness… we’ll see what I get myself into next . Happy Olympics!

Olympic Day!!!

2010-02-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

Today is the big day!! The helicopters are out, people are pumped, everyone is wearing red, Vancouver is totally the place to be! I am exceptionally excited, the nearer the Olympics get the more my total buy-in to the madness surprises me. In seven hours the opening ceremonies will commence. Speaking of which, I got a last minute ticket to the openings dress rehearsal, pretty cool. Got to see the performers and take it all in. Unfortunately I can’t make any comment on what I saw but I am really looking forward to seeing it on TV with all of the athletes.

Tonight I’m heading to one of the outdoor venues to take it all in. I’m meeting up with one of my friends from Newfoundland that is here for a couple of days. The excitement in the city is palpable, such a cool place to be!

The Biggest Event in the World comes to the “The Best Place on Earth”

2010-02-10T13:40:00.001-08:00

“The Best Place on Earth” – British Columbia’s slogan… blog article on this to come…

With all of the madness known as the Olympics right around the corner it is hard to figure out what is new with me. I had a hilarious day with Heather and Matt putting together all of my IKEA furniture. I finally have the basics, a bed, dresser, night stand, chair, stool, side table and TV stand!! Woot! It’s nice to have some stuff around me, nothing is really fancy but it is all functional, simple and will eventually look really good once I have a couch and coffee table… really the only two main pieces that are missing. Decorating will probably take an entire year doing it bit by bit, but that’s okay. I think my favourite room may actually be the outside enclosed patio, nice to look out at the city lights.

So, OLYMPICS!!! Tomorrow the torch goes through UBC!! And Friday night is the opening ceremonies. I know a couple of people that have gone to dress rehearsals and the word on the street is that it is going to be pretty good. Unfortunately everyone is sworn to secrecy, but the buzz is all good. On Monday at Frisbee we got to see practice fireworks!

I am volunteering at one Olympic Hockey game, the semi-finals but I won’t know for a while who I will get to see play. There are also heaps of concerts around town. I will make a trip over to the Atlantic Canada house and see Chris Kirby and the Marquee and Wintersleep. I would also love to check out Two Hours Traffic. Wilco is playing at one of the outdoor fields and there is just too much going on to list. It is going to be a really exciting time. I know a couple of people from Newfoundland here for a visit so that will be fun. Other bands I would like to see… Said the Whale, Hey Rosetta! (clearly I have a thing with East coast music), Stars and Ron Sexmith… time to start planning out the next couple of weeks!!
Other random bits of information:

- I have been playing a fair amount of guitar the last couple of months; I’ll post a song or two that I wrote if I get a chance. Warning guitar skills are limited, however some of the songs came together pretty well.
- I am on a weight loss kick. Goal to get toned again, I feel like I have been lagging. Back to frisbee twice a week, spin, yoga and other random activity. I did a great 25k bike ride the other day!!
- I think Jerry Stamp is one of my favourite singers of all time.

Home sweet home

2010-01-25T09:33:00.003-08:00

I have finally moved everything over and am slowly unpacking boxes, taking trips down memory lane (with all of the random things I received in my NL boxes) and wondering how I have collected so much stuff. I also currently don’t own any furniture so I am essentially taking things out of boxes and putting them in piles. It only seems to be getting messier in my apartment...
I have purchased a ridiculous quantity of things, none of them exciting. It gets a little old when everything you purchase is because you have to and not because you are excited about it. I spent $300 at Canadian Tire the other day on pots and pans, a toaster, a kettle, cleaning supplies... please tell me how anyone could get excited about this?!?

I was however, excited about finally having some furniture. As delightful as my air mattress is, it will be nice to have a real bed that is mine! Sadly the trip to IKEA was in vain, because they can only ship within three days of a purchase, and I need to confirm the elevator key with the building manager in order to move... so I have to return to IKEA (super out of the way as all IKEA’s are) and purchase my things on Thursday or Friday so they can deliver on Saturday.

I am just getting basics from there, bedroom furniture, end tables and a TV stand/bookshelf. I don’t want the room to be too IKEA. The plan for the living room is red/black/gray. I attached the original storyboard for colours; however the brown shelving unit is out. It’ll be a work in progress over the next couple of months. I think the most challenging part will be finding a couch that I am happy with and within my price range. I am willing to sit on pillows until I find something I’m happy with. I also attached a couple of photos of the new place so you can see the before. It’s small but I’m excited about it!

Christmas in January

2010-01-25T09:27:00.001-08:00

Just returned from a weekend in Toronto with the fam. It was really cool that we got to have a fake Christmas half way across the country for all of us. Since it wasn’t in Newfoundland there were less distractions and more quality time. I did still end up going out for pints with a couple of my friends form university. My aunt even made us a turkey! Yeah turkey!

I feel like I had a surprisingly cultural weekend in Toronto... normally my trips there are a bit more pints and shopping focused. We went to the King Tut exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario and saw Jersey Boys the musical. Not overly cultural, but what do you expect for four days.

My parents and I did the most in-depth IKEA visit ever, much to the annoyance of my brothers. However I now have an exceptionally detailed list of the items I would like to purchase. I have things categorized into basics and eventually purchases. I am getting pretty excited, in my very geeky way.
Tonight I move into the new place... fortunately I have Krista to help me move things over. I think it will only take a car load or so...but I have collected a ridiculous quantity of things for only two and a half months. Might be time to purge my belongings again...

(forgot to post this last week)

Found a place!

2010-01-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

Heritage just means old at least from what I have experienced. I have huge issues with getting beyond all of the junk people collect and seeing myself living somewhere. It doesnt help when the place is a dump to begin with. I love heritage, classic architecture, but that totally isnt what I viewed. Ideally I would want to live in kits, for the cute cafe culture, beach and overall feel. But I dont really want to live in an older place and I wanted to have a place by the 15th so I decided on the West End. I am also just across the bridge from Kits so its a livable compromise.

I am exceptionally happy with the apartment I did get. It is on the 12th floor, view into the city, two blocks from the beach, giant hot tub and sauna in the building, bike storage and a new fridge and stove. The place is really clean and I could possibly see myself there for a while, so it has all of the things I am looking for! Woot! I move in on the 18th/19th when I get home from Toronto weird I think that is the first time I called Vancouver home.

Having a place that is going to be mine makes me think a little differently about stuff. I feel a little more settled, even though the next couple of weeks are going to be total madness. My mind is running crazy with ways I could decoratewhen really I should focus on basic need. Going to be a fun couple of months.

It also looks like all things are a go for volunteering at the Olympic hockey games I will know in a week or so what my schedule is like and how many games Ill get to work.

The hunt begins...

2010-01-08T11:28:00.001-08:00

I am anxiously entering the apartment hunt... nervous because it means that I settle down and start to own things again, worried because I have no idea what half of these places will look like, overwhelmed by the ridiculous cost of things and excited because I will actually have a place of my own!

I have narrowed down that I am interested in living in Kits (Kitsalano) or West End (downtown). I want a place that has a good amount of light, somewhere to store a bike, near public transportation and has one bedroom. It might be a lot to ask. However, from what I hear, Vancouver is a renters market. With a fairly high vacancy rate it is a good place to be in search of a place. Ideally I would like to find a place that I would consider staying in for a couple of years.

Tonight I am viewing my first place; it is a heritage apartment building... my expectations are not that high. I like the idea of heritage buildings, they are a bit more cozy (hopefully not freezing) and if done right tend to have a homey/eclectic feeling to them. I also like modern/clean looks. The place I get will dictate what furniture, colors and look I go for. It’s an exciting and expensive time!

The couple I am subletting from gets back on the 22nd, so ideally I would find somewhere before then. Most likely I will find somewhere that starts Feb 1st. It means a week of sleeping on a pull out, but I am sure that won’t be so bad, however not ideal. The race is on!! This weekend will be dedicated to the hunt... I’ll keep you posted.

In totally unrelated, but super exciting news, I am going to stand for Jill and Colin’s wedding in November at home. I am super excited for both of them and love that they are doing as sustainable a wedding as Newfoundland will allow. I feel like my trips home over the next couple of years will revolve around weddings, what an exciting reason to go home!

Food obsession!!

2010-01-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

Since I am mildly obsessed with food I have decided that on occasion, if I have found something that I enjoy I will post the recipe. I am trying to make more of an effort to make proper meals and pack them up for a couple of days. Chances are things that I make are pretty easy, quick and if they made this blog hopefully delicious!

Today I made Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes

Enough Spaghetti for 2 (I obviously did not feel the need to make a family portion)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 clove garlic, crushed but not minced
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
4 ounces small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) cut in half
salt

Cook spaghetti in pot of salted water until cooked (10 min? I used gluten free pasta). Mix oil, chili, oregano and garlic together and fry for a couple of min, until garlic appears cooked. Add tomatoes for about 3 min.

Drain pasta, mix in oil/tomato mixture. Season with salt. Add mozzarella balls, mix. Serve! Serves 2.

Pretty much a 20 minute meal. The mozzarella balls are pretty substantial and protein packed so I am pretty stuffed right now. I’m saving the left over’s for lunch and I have a feeling that with the chili it might taste even better tomorrow.

Clearly I am becoming an old person.

Year in Review…

2010-01-04T14:32:00.002-08:00

I feel like I should take a moment to capture my year in one set of bullet points for when I get old and senile and reread my blog to remind myself that I had a life. Alternatively, I can reread it if this year gets particularly boring to kick my butt into gear to make this one interesting.

Run down of last year:
• Went to New Zealand with Mom and Sherry, saw most of the country…went bundgy jumping
• Move to Melbourne, played heaps of Frisbee, lived with some awesome people, had an international job in marketing, went to see a bunch of concerts and re-sprained my ankle walking to a washroom (toilets in Australia)
• Learned about how Australians don’t date
• Was a Honey!! (Frisbee team I played with in Melbourne)
• Went to Perth, Tasmania, Brisbane, LA and visited Vancouver pre deciding to move here
• Went home to Newfoundland for a month, was depressed, then got used to it, then didn’t want to leave, but left anyway (good decision overall, I can always go back). Saw my family and friends!!
• Moved to Vancouver, found an excellent job, met some people, reconnected with old friends and ate chicken feet with Annie’s family in Richmond

Overall I am pretty happy with how last year went. I think it’ll be a hard year to compete with. There are a couple of things I would like to do this year:
• Learn how to snowboard
• Go camping, preferably not get attacked by a bear or cougar
• Enjoy living in the city where the Olympic games are being held
• Get back into good shape…
• Start to bike to work

Clearly I will need to come up with some additional exciting endeavors in order to compare with last year, but I do expect this year to be a pretty chilled out.

No Mummers this year

2010-01-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

I have been fortunate to have few homesick feelings over the past year, one would guess that I have been so busy there isn’t really enough time to feel homesick. I love Newfoundland, I think it is amazingly beautiful, the people are extraordinary, the culture is continuously intriguing and well my friends and family are there. If the population wasn’t so small and the snow wasn’t so heavy I would consider moving back. Sadly I don’t think either of these will change that much, even with global warming.
This Christmas season truly made me miss all that Newfoundland has to offer. I thought summer was my favourite time to be home, but now that I think of all of the parties, birthdays, activities that fall around the holiday season at home I am really starting to miss the place. I don’t know if anywhere celebrates like Newfoundland does, it is basically a week full of events. It saddens me greatly that in Vancouver no one knows what “Tibbs eve” is.

When I asked what some typical Vancouver things to do for Christmas are no one really had an answer. It is one of those places that has so many people from elsewhere that there doesn’t appear to be much that is distinctively ‘Vancouver.’ It’s a good and a bad thing, because of all the different groups there are plenty of great multi-cultural events and activities. Year round this is really amazing, Christmas I think I prefer Newfoundland.

On a whole I would say it was my weirdest Christmas to date. Last year was so totally different that I can’t compare but here just felt like a random week off. Stores only really close on Christmas day here and the only thing that you hear much about are the Boxing Day sales. I thought it would feel more Christmassy in Canada…
The saving grace of Christmas and New Years were two delicious meals. I was lucky to go over to Matt and Heathers for an amazing turkey dinner on Christmas day… mmm makes me hungry again just thinking about it (as well, they even had savory in the stuffing, hard stuff to come by in BC). And New Years I got to hang out with a couple of people I know from Newfoundland and some friends from Australia.

I have no big ideas or expectations for the New Year. My first priority is to find a place to live, after that who knows.

The Great Canadian Debate

2009-12-24T09:21:00.001-08:00

Okay, so maybe it isn’t a debate but it is a classic Canadian conversation. Zambonis. I feel like growing up Canadian it is an essential part of childhood. To anyone that hasn’t actually attended a hockey game, gone skating or experienced an ice rink you are truly missing out. As a brief explanation, it is a small vehicle that smoothes the ice surface between skates.

Firstly it is a fabulous word, secondly it is truly exciting to see a zamboni when you are a small child (I still greatly enjoy seeing them) and finally there are so many unanswered questions. Really annoying, you have too much time on your hands type questions, but questions none the less. What does the zamboni driver do when they aren’t zamboniing (pretty sure that isn’t a word but I like it anyway)? Does every rink have a zamboni or do near by rinks share one (this started a great debate in university)? How do you get to be the kid that rides the zamboni at the hockey games (a most coveted experience)? How do you become a zamboni driver? Do you just need a drivers licence? How do they master the pattern on the ice? What do they do if they miss a spot?

In my youth it was a habit to make up inaccurate answers to all of these questions t and then debate them with friends. Some of the discussions became quite heated in my university days. I recall one time having over a 30 minute conversation about zambonis that I am sure said nothing of relevance. Still it is a fond memory whenever I attend a game and see a zamboni come out onto the ice.

In conclusion, it’s the little winter things that make me happy to be back in Canada, even if I am adjusting poorly to the cold. Other things I am enjoying: festive coffee drinks, the smell of winter and that wearing a scarf with everything is appropriate.

Personal vs. Professional

2009-12-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

As an employee in the marketing field I always question this line, should I have separate facebook accounts, twitter accounts and possibly make my blog private? As an employee I don’t feel that I speak for the groups that I work for, unless representing myself in that capacity, so how to divide my personal life from my professional, or do I even need to?

Fortunately I like to think that nothing too questionable is on my facebook, so with a limited profile I stop most of the damage that could be done to my good name. By limiting my profile I have only really blocked tagged pictures (the most dangerous of all pictures). Not all friends respect that some events don’t need to make it to public view. Now that I think of it, maybe no one needs to see my tagged pictures, not even me. Hypothetically employers are starting to consider the social media available about you to reflect who you are and if you are employable by any given organization. Well, what is appropriate? Can I hold a glass of wine? What about my dance moves, that may be mistaken for drunkenness , I assure you they are purely my lack of dance skills. What about the people I associate with or my political views?

Personally I feel it may all come down to what field you work in, what you are comfortable with the world knowing and what you would be okay with your mother reading. Hi mom. These are the ways that I base most decisions of what I post, what I allow others to see and when I call a friend on questionable facebook/blog/twitter posts. Some things should be kept to in person or email. But more frequently than not, maybe they just don’t need to be said. However, were would the entertainment be in that... Regardless, if you were to have a conversation with me, you would probably hear many of the things I would post in a blog… just cuts out the other person. Maybe social media is just a way to talk to yourself and convince yourself that someone might pay attention.

Really, I don’t think I answered any of the big questions, but I will continue to question my status until one day, maybe if I have children, I will try to wipe out my thoroughly entertaining and not so perfect (but not too dodgy) past.

Go Canucks!

2009-12-16T14:46:00.001-08:00

As a new Vancouverite it is only right that I cheer on the Cancuks or shake my head in disappointment at appropriate moments. While I greatly enjoy watching hockey, particularly in person, I am uncertain if I would spend the big bucks to attend a Canucks game. Fortunately for my cultural education my friend Krista got free tickets and invited me to go. Favorite part? The fans! The aggressive grandma’s, overweight cursing ‘sports junky’ and the dolled up tarts are by far my favorite of the fans. If there was ever a time to people watch, sports is it! However maybe the correct term would be people listen, because clearly I want to watch the game as the Canucks just pulled it together in order to win.

Nothing beats the smell of off cheese, hot dogs, ice and perfume (from the ladies there to get a man), the cheer of the crowd as a fight breaks out (on or off the ice) and a mascot getting a little aggressive. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, one I am sure that I will want to experience again. In my mind I still prefer NBA games, but sadly there is no team in Van. Favorite sports to watch are currently basketball (preferably NCAA) and a tie between hockey and Australian footy.

“On the road I dream of home and when at home I dream of action” –The Zolas

2009-12-16T14:11:00.002-08:00

I seem to have hit a brick wall… what some would consider ‘back to reality’, ‘real life’ and maybe some would even consider it ‘growing up’ (however I fully disagree with this last one, I have MANY years before this will be required). It isn’t such a bad thing, just more of a transition. My adventure is over, I am employed, have responsibilities, expectations and will soon commit to long term bills i.e. A lease. I don’t feel I prepared myself for this step in life (we’ll ignore that it is my second time around).

I think I am so used to there being something exciting just around the corner that I have become dependent on this feeling. I like the instability that the last year and a half has provided, not knowing what will happen next, not thinking about things too much, letting go of the expectations I had set up for myself. I am sure in this phase of life I will carry many of these things with me, but it will be an interesting balance.

Luckily my new job at UBC appears as though I will have a good work/life balance. Come the New Year, I will go back to playing Frisbee a couple of days a week. I am greatly looking forward to the purchase of a bike (bicycle, not motorcycle) as a form of transportation. But the big ‘adventure’ is settling in… less exciting. I look forward to all of the people I will meet, things I will get involved with but it is too intangible to grasp. I guess I have to adjust to ‘reality’…sigh.

YOGA UPDATE

I have no idea how I neglected to update my blog post challenge, well I completed it! Then I weighed myself, after not weighing myself for the entire month, I gained 6 lbs…. go me. While maybe this should be upsetting, I thought it was kinda funny. I will lose it again, I am more flexible and overall I am happy that I completed the challenge. Were there any life changing experiences, no. Will I continue with the yoga? On occasion. There was a point where I decided that I hated yoga and thought it might actually break me. Once I know where I am going to live I will reevaluate if I will get a membership, for now it is swimming, Frisbee and whatever other activities come up will do. I am avoiding commitments for the moment until I have a better idea of my work life, social life and determining if I have already peaked with my Frisbee skill (which would be entirely sad but quite possible).

12 yoga classes, 4 frisbee games and a game of Frisbee… I’m happy last week is over!

2009-11-30T00:34:00.000-08:00

I am now at the final stages of the yoga challenge! Two more classes to go tomorrow and I will have accomplished my goal. Overall I am not feeling much of a change… the major thing is when I laid out a couple of times in Frisbee I didn’t pull any muscles and my posture has improved. I am no skinner, my skinny jeans fit pretty much the same and I could still stand to lose a couple of lbs. Ah well, at least I have the sense of achievement.

In other exciting news I am now employed by UBC. I begin work on December 7th as the Marketing Communications Specialist for the International Student Initiative. I am really excited, the job sounds amazing, it is a year maternity contract and really I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. Never would have guessed things would have worked out THIS well!

Now that I am employed the next goals will be to learn how to snowboard, learn to not hate running… 10km is the goal (I am only good at running after things or away from things) and to get a decent apartment once my sublet is up. I feel like these may be ambitious but I feel more motivated to do things when I post them on my blog. Not sure I would have attempted to complete the yoga challenge if I didn’t post it.

On an interesting note, the singing yoga teacher made a reappearance today… he sang an original this time. While quite beautiful, it was a small class, so I am guessing he saw me unable to hold back my near giggles… must avoid this instructor! Sad part is he is a great teacher and has a great voice, but I am a small child.

Halfway mark

2009-11-15T19:52:00.000-08:00

So keeping on top of attending yoga is hard enough, blogging about it is nearly impossible. Days 6-15, were a mix of flow, cycling and power yoga. I have reached the half way mark for the 30 dyas but I’m 3 classes behind. This MUST be rectified this week if I am going to enter the final stretch with any sanity.

I really wonder why I get involved with such challenges. Yes my posture is better and it gives me things to do in my unemployed state but I really don’t know what kind of fulfillment I will get from this. After talking with several other people today they all seem to feel that this was a good commitment and they can feel the difference… really I find it minimal. My body is still in some pain each day from some random move the previous day but I do have to admit I am getting better each class. I no longer worry that I might knock over my fellow yogi.

Today’s class was by far the hardest one to date. If I had taken this class a little earlier on I would have given up, but fortunately it was just a really good workout today.

In other news in life, I am due to give in and start temping. Enough faffing about and looking for employment that would be long-term, I need an income and I can look for a job on the side. I think I will properly settle into Vancouver upon employment… or that’s the hope. There have been a couple of longer-term options but I am waiting those out.

Random adventures as of late have been a night of clubbing with Krista, checking out the Aquarium with Ash and getting to know the volleyball crowd better. And in possibly the most exciting news I have purchased a guitar! Time to put some lyrics to songs and work on getting better. All is well in the land of rain and clouds.

Focus on the skinny jeans

2009-11-06T00:37:00.000-08:00

Day 5: YHot
Definition: The room is heated to approximately 40ºC to facilitate safe, deep stretching, a detoxifying sweat and healthy glow. Sequencing is unique to each studio. All levels.

At the beginning of class the instructor tells you to find some kind of inspiration, to set a goal, find something that you will think of whenever you need to push yourself to continue. I would like to say that I have some really intriguing depth and I think of becoming an more enlightened being or finding my place in the world, or some other rather epic and totally unobtainable image but that simply isn’t the case. During today’s class (and I feel may become my reoccurring inspiration) my goal/image/ideal was thinking of my new skinny jeans and how much better I would look in them if I dropped a couple of lbs. In my defense I did purchase them to wear with long shirts and boots but it would be rather fun to be someone that was proportioned just a little differently.

While I enjoy hot yoga I don’t think it is one of my favorites. I don’t particularly enjoy the smell of the classroom, the squeaky noise my feet made today on the mat (they ran out of mat towels), the overwhelming warmth and generally the instructors are a little more out there. Today’s instructor was actually one of my favorite so far, she appeared to be totally balanced and normal. I think one of the reasons I notice this so much is because several people have informed me that hot yoga makes people go crazy… and really I would like to not do that.

Yoga, Frisbe, Yoga, Volleyball, Yoga

2009-11-06T00:35:00.000-08:00

Day 2: YRide
Definition: Conscious Cardio! An innovative cardiovascular workout that strengthens, lengthens and tones the body by integrating indoor cycling with yoga. All levels.

Quite possibly my favorite class, however I feel like it is somewhat cheating because the amount of yoga is fairly low. I like the idea of getting cardio in if I am going to commit to something for 30 days. However for a Monday this may not have been my idea choice of class. I basically did a pretty intense spin class, had to walk 40 minutes (quite quickly) to Frisbee, play for two hours of turf (so Frisbee with almost no breaks) and then walk home. I think next Monday will involve better planning.

Day 3: Missed class…oops (now I have to double up another day, apparently that still fits in the rules of the 30 day challenge)

In my defense I made an attempt to go but the class was full and I had volleyball to go to.

Day 4: Flow
Definition: An invigorating practice with a focus on core strength, breath awareness and key alignment principles. All levels.

This is what I picture when I think of yoga, it is a bit more mellow than the hot classes. There were about 40 or more people in the class and the bulk of people appear to know what they are doing. I still have to sneak looks around to find out what I should be doing next. I really hope no one looks at me to figure out if they are doing things properly. My movements are getting slightly more fluid but there is still a long way to go. So far the only results, not that I expect any this quickly, are constant pain… but at least that makes me feel like I’m doing something positive for my body.

30 Day Challenge!!!

2009-11-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

With every new move I like to take the first little while to try out big things in my new city of residence. Current location is Vancouver, BC (my third move this year and hopefully the last for a while) and the newest endeavor is yoga. I just finished a two-week trial pass where I tried hot, regular and cycling yoga. I was surprised by how challenging I found it, possibly because of my inability to relax, my kankle (fat ankle) and the somewhat ridiculous music at times.

The highlight… that might not be the right thing to call it… how about most memorable moment so far was ending a hot yoga class with the instructor singing us Lenard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” While the instructor had quite a lovely voice it was such a strange experience for me that needless to say there was no relaxing during that five minutes, just trying to stop myself from a fit of giggles. My maturity level astounds me at times.

So the yoga place I go to has started a 30 day challenge for the month of November, basically you do some form of yoga every day. As I am currently unemployed and it isn’t a big Frisbee season so I have decided to attempt it. I’ll do my best to keep a record of my yoga experience every couple of days, this will also help my friends monitor if I have actually gone crazy or if I start to head in that direction.

Day 1: Power Yoga
Definition: An energetic and challenging ﬂow class heated to 32ºC Power that integrates the breath with movement to build flexibility, strength and core stability. Beginners will be challenged; all levels.

Please note that I am definitely a beginner and it lived up to the definition. The instructor was clearly very advanced (as they should be) and was doing handstands, weird jumpy things and a lot of very cool looking things that at this point I feel no need to attempt. I am not the most graceful of people, despite the fact that I play sports I can be quite clumsy in ‘real life.’ I have yet to fall over or knock someone over, but I am sure it is only a matter of time.

Workout wise I thought it was pretty good, I broke a sweat and totally felt it in my legs. However, this could be the repercussions of a night out last night in Everett, WA, USA where I carried one of the girls half way through the city on my back and then somehow ended up rolling around in a heap of grass, leaving our hotel in quite a state. Sorry… tangent. The best part so far is that it is really helpful for strengthen my ankles. Since recently rolling one of them and having a reoccurring injury the hope is this will help sort it out.