Monday 31 December 2012

2012

As I sit here trying to reflect on 2012, my mind keeps jumping to 2013.
I'm excited for what the next year will hold. I hope for health,
happiness, travel, and hobbies.
2012 kept us very busy.
The year started with Rhys' parents having a car accident.
It has been a long year of recovery for Edie. She has 
continued to be such a trooper, with the 
threat of infection still there she works on her
physio and continues to gain strength and 
mobility. With the car accident also came the reality of our
wedding which was cancelled. Although I still am happy
with the way things turned out, I often wonder what
our Fernie wedding would have been like. 
Cancelling the wedding was a very expensive decision but
ultimately it was the right thing to do and things
always work out the way they are meant to.
We could not have been more happy with the way
the wedding came together. We had 7 days to throw it
together and while there are details I would go back 
and change, the overall feel for the day was spot on.
 
2012 was also the year of weekend getaways.
We realized how nice it was to throw the dogs 
{we added Eddie to the mix in May}
 in the kennel
and off we would go for some good quality time. 
 
As the summer came about we failed to make it to the lake 
as much as we would have wanted but it was
time to tackle the backyard.
The backyard burned a big hole in our pockets but 
with a deck and trees and some landscaping
our box on a mud pit turned into our little home.
It was rewarding to see something take shape with
our sweat and tears {learning to work together was 
a lesson learned in 2012}.
 
The fall came and I started a new job at the South Hospital
and while working close to home is nice, it
really isn't everything. I realized that I really like
my job at Foothills, the people, the pace...
Another lesson learned was to not always
be eager to move forward, to stop and realize what
you have in front of you.
As the year started to round out we were excited to 
get away for Christmas, buy some gifts for eachother, 
and enjoy some sunshine. 
We had an amazing time getting away and I think
it made us realize that now is the time to do
a bit of travelling with eachother
before our family grows.
With the ones we love most we began our life as
husband and wife and for that
2012 was a great year.

Thursday 27 December 2012

Exhausted

All this playing with not enough sleep has finally caught up with me.
I officially have Edie's cold and feel so wiped out.
It was a busy day running around. I really wanted to hit up
a Harley Davidson shop in AZ. It seems like it
would be the best place to ride a bike. I don't know why desert
screams biker but it just does... That and old
western, both of which keep me thinking of my Dad.
Anyways, the Harley we went to today was by far
the biggest I have ever seen. My dad would DIE!!!!
He better appreciate that because we almost
did die getting to it {not really}
It was in the sketchiest area of any city anywhere. We're
talking windows up, doors locked, waiting for stray
dogs {yes there was a Chihuahua} to cross the street, numerous 
abandoned couches on the road... WOWZERS
Anyways, after that we made a trip out to Apache Junction.
It was incredible. There was tons of poverty that reminded me of
shanty towns you see in magazines, but what an 
experience. We made our way up this windy road {it's like 
logan's pass but for the desert} and ended at this desert lake.
It was breathtaking. 
We stopped at this amazing little cupcake place
to buy some cake for Earl {it's his birthday today}
and then onward home. 
We were wiped out by the time we got home, but after some
grub we were off again to visit the desert botanical gardens in
Scottsdale. We went to the "Luminarias" which is a little lantern 
festival in the gardens. Again, Phoenix did not disappoint.
Now we are home, cupcakes eaten, and laying in bed. 
Hopefully my throat heals up by tomorrow and we will
be off for more adventures. 
Life could not be better right now {besides if Eddie was here}.







 

Desert Day

Today was one of our days to go exploring the desert. We 
tried to do a quick shopping trip in the morning but that was a 
major bust. We decided not to do gifts for our family back in Canada
but I thought if there was UGGS down here for cheap, my mom would
get a pair for Christmas. No dice.
After that we decided to head out to an Ostrich ranch called
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich ranch. Edie and Earl had already been
but said it was awesome so away the four of us went.
They did not disappoint. Between the tour bus, some cool desert
history and info, feeding some teeny deer, and getting 
bombarded with Lorikeets it was a trip for the books. 
We were all quite hungry and Rhys had a matching growly 
attitude by the time we made it back to the city so TexMex was
on the agenda. It was unreal. The food was incredible. And it 
didn't hurt that we got to see the most ginormous 
TUMBLEWEED Christmas tree.





















Tuesday 25 December 2012

Quiet Christmas

Well Christmas was much quieter this year
than it has been for a long time! Rhys and I were 
the first ones up {very unusual around here}. Rhys went for a jog, 
I had a shower. Coffee was made and gifts opened. Both 
of us got very spoiled. I'm hoping that the gifts that we gave were 
loved as much as the ones that were recieved. 
It is always hard to shop for people who
have everything. We have the same problem with
my parents but it is particualarly hard when you 
know that nobody wants to haul things back to 
Canada. I was spoiled to once again have the pleasure of 
opening that little blue box. Rhys and I opened gifts before
we left for Phoenix but decided that we would save 
one special one to take down for Christmas morning.
I thought for sure he would be getting me the bean earrings I was 
coveting. He then let me know that he left his shopping
too late and Tiffany's in Calgary didn't have any left. As much as 
I was still thinking it was possible, the box that was wrapped 
was much too large for earrings so I was very surprised 
when inside a fake box was another, which then opened to
reveal two little jems.They are beautiful. And don't 
hurt my ears which is even better. I also got the most beautiful
coach purse {thank you Rhys the spy}. 
Rhys got a haul once again this year with an Oakley backpack, 
a few books, a calendar, a watch, and a FLIGHT ON A B-17...
I know, I know... Seems silly
but Rhys just about S_ _ T his pants when he realized what that 
gift card was for. He flys out for a good hour on the 28th 
and I could not be happier for him. One
for the memories for sure. 
We then chilled out and headed to the golf course.
Edie and Earl made it through the 4th hole and then headed home
to escape the cold {once again I know, I know}. But in all 
fairness Edie did wake up with a cold! booo!
Anyways, Rhys and I finished up the game and I of course won.
The rest of the day we had a swim, hot tub, nap, ribs, 
and here we are. 
It was not the same without the Vint chaos but overall a 
successful Christmas in the desert. 

Monday 24 December 2012

Christmas Eve

Today was a beautiful day down here in AZ. Sunny, not a cloud in the sky. 
We had some last minute shopping to do as per usual. We
picked up our rental car some time around 10, got Rhys a much needed
haircut... Which is not so fab. We hit up 
a HUGE mall. Def one that you could get lost in! Then we headed out
to an amazing little market. It's much like Sunterra in Calgary but WAY bigger..
and of course has it's own little wine boutique. Very quaint and all
decorated up for the season. Rhys and I decided it was time to get a few 
groceries for the house and to cook Christmas Eve dinner.
We made some steak with jumbo prawn and scallops. Delish.
We also decided while out and about that it just wasn't festive
without a tree so off to Michaels we went and got the most
perfect one of the bunch!
Although it doesn't quite feel like Christmas without the farm but 
this will have to do :)

Sunday 23 December 2012

Sunshine

I could not be more content than I am right now. I'm sitting pool side, 
watching the golfers enjoy their mid-day game and soaking in some sun. 
It's not super hot but just warm enough for shorts and a sweater... 
Perfect GINGER temperature!
We went out last night for a little stroll around the community to check out 
everyone's Christmas lights. Rhys fell in love with one house that
 had every critter under the sun. The little lizard with the Santa 
hat was my fav... Rhys of course loved the T-Rex and couldn't stop 
giggling about the "swimming dolphins"
Another delish dinner was had by all thanks to our personal chef Edie. 
It was fajita's with spanish rice and boy was it GOOD!!!!!
The boys are off to the Cardinals game. Rhys was pretty excited to get 
some alone time in with his dad and us girlies are just glad to 
be hanging out reading and splashing about in pool. 











Saturday 22 December 2012

Hello AZ

Well we have officially settled into vacation mode. After all the hype at the airport we were expecting the worst and it actually wasn't too bad. Our flight was delayed an hour due to our plane coming in an hour behind. Not bad I would say! The drive to the airport was another story. I booked a car to come get us at 3pm... Well we were already anxiously waiting when the car showed up and then we hit traffic, at 3pm. The roads were backed up from McKenzie towne all the way to 64th. Well I have always been one to get car sick... And boy was I ever car sick. By the time we got to 16th ave I had a bag open, mouth watering... So close. But I made it, without making a complete fool of myself and quickly started feeling better once the car stopped and we were walking around. The flight was a bit squishy and I'm sure the guy next to Rhys was ready to strangle him {Rhys was a major antsy pants} but we arrived to PLUS 14 degrees. Good bye Calgary. By the time we landed we were both famished and luckily at 10:45pm a restaurant said no prob and we feasted on some good old pasta. We both had a quick rinse and off to bed we went. 
I was rudely awoken this morning with horrible chest pains. At first I thought it would go away but nope. Chest pain has been handed to me today and it isn't budging. I'm thinking it's possibly sore muscles from being cramped in the plane and a different {double size} bed, but who knows. If it doesn't let up by tomorrow, we might be heading to the doctors. Advil and not moving seems to help... here's to hoping a day of hanging out makes it go away. On the plus side, I woke up to a beautiful sunny day with palm trees and mountains peeking over the horizon. Rhys the fish has already been out to explore and even had a dip in the pool. I thought I would be sad to have a warm Christmas but this is delightful.


Saturday 15 December 2012

Countdown

Life has been VERY busy the last week. I {of course}
 procrastinated to do my Christmas shopping so I finally HAD 
to get some of it done. Well I bought just as many gifts
 for myself, as I did for others.... Hmmmm Better to give than receive....
 Oops. Anywho, MOST of it is done, just
 a few last minute things here and there... Mostly just stuff 
to go away with. I have had a serious Lulu addiction this week. 
That place just makes me happy... Even with the crazy Christmas crowds.
 I was able to do a little catching up with my girlies from 
South Health. It is always so nice to get together with them. As much as I'm glad
 to be back at FMC, I really do miss them dearly. After morning coffee Rhys
 and I were off to Southcenter because we thought it would be better than Chinook. 
We were soooooo wrong. Terrible traffic control, no parking spots, and line up to 
get in and out of the parking lot. The wandering around part was actually
 kinda nice though. It has been a long time since Rhys and I did a mall 
adventure together. The Christmas tunes were playing, all the cute little kiddies 
getting Santa photos, and for the most part people were very smiley and
 seemed to be in good spirits. Very excited for a home day with
 the husband tomorrow. And I'm actually finding some fun activities
 to do while in Phoenix. Maybe I won't be soooo homesick after all {fingers crossed}

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Day OFF

The last few days at work have been absolutely dreadful. I came back to FMC with a new outlook on work and was so happy to be back, but slowly the negative vibes and interactions have been tainting my mood again. I am maintaining my "family and patient centered care" attitude from the south but that also means it feels like I'm arguing more with our radiology residents. So frustrating when you don't feel people are on board!!!! Anyways, something has got to give because it's my day off and I'm bitter and twisted because I had dreams of fighting with our residents last night. Talk about inner turmoil! I'm sure they didn't stay up dreaming of fighting with me so it's definitely time to let it go and not be so invested. Hopefully a jog by the river will help put me back in the positive spirit of the season.

Monday 10 December 2012

27th Year

Yesterday turned out to be a really chill lazy day which wasn't expected but turned out to be quite nice. We were supposed to have brunch with the Williams' but Edie hurt her back, so home we stayed. I made myself a healthy egg wrap for bfast, had my cup of jo, puttered around and headed to work a bit early. Rhys bought the watch that I have had my eye on for a few weeks. The Nike Sportwatch with GPS. I haven't used it yet but i'm itching to get out and take it for a spin. He also got me some flowers and some running compression socks that apparently help with ankle support and shin splints. Very excited to see how those feel as well. My mission was to get out today and use them but sleep didn't find me until 4am last night so today i'm wiped. I so wish I didn't trade into this shift today but, luckily I have tomorrow off so I'm looking forward to that already and hopefully I can get some decent shut eye tonight.
My goal is that I find better health in my 27th year.





Sunday 9 December 2012

Wish List {Rhys}

Finally. The wish list is ready. Here it is folks

Burton custom "Animal" snowboard size 158 {$650- Source Snowboard}

 
Red Dawn Collectors Ed. {$16- Amazon}



The Kitchen sink backpack {$200- Oakley}



Studio Pant size XL {$108- Lululemon}



 Madden for Xbox 360 {$60- Amazon}




Airhole shark mask {$35- Source Snowboards}




Leatherman "Freestyle" multitool {40- BassPro}
 


Chapters Gift cards {any amount}



iTunes Gift Cards {Any amount}