It takes time to prepare for a diet

The weather was delightful again today - so I couldn't resist stopping at Leavitts Ice Cream Store (Lics) on the way home from work...I manage to convince myself that the frozen yoghurt is low in calories, which, essentially it is - however, it's not so low when you have it in a huge waffle cone!

I told Jess (it's very sad that I know the Lics employees by name) to keep it quiet if I came in again today with my Father in law and Brother in law - so when I had her commitment I figured I had the perfect excuse for a 2nd frozen yoghurt.  So I went home, made dinner, then went straight back to Lics...WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME !!!

Diet starts in 2 days...and I'm actually looking forward to it!  Apparently I wasn't the only one to enjoy the ice cream.   I think this photo just lends itself to a caption contest....maybe I'll do that on Facebook!

Wicked!!

Day 3 in Kananaskis - and I was SO looking forward to the meeting coming to an end.  At 5pm on the dot I left the hotel and raced back home...I quickly got dinner on the table for Dad and Boyce and then raced out again to pick up Jan and Elizabeth to go see WICKED at the Jubilee.

I just love that musical - it is definitely my current favourite.

Bambi

Day two in Kananaskis.  This is only an hour from home, but it still seems a long way to come to sit in the hotel all day and all evening.  However, I had a few minutes between meetings and dinner to wander outside and find some local wildlife....

So close and yet so far

I went to Kananaskis for meetings this week.  I headed out straight from work on Monday and we stayed at the Lodge at Kananaskis - it's a lovely resort hotel in an incredible location nestled in the mountains...however, it really wasn't suited to business meetings. There was no wireless access and even the ethernet connection was spotty....hence no blog uploads for 3 days; I took photo's every day, and with the magic of internet and my terrible memory, it will seem as though I didn't miss a beat

So much talent

It's unlike me to go to dance recitals on Sundays, but one of my Primary girls (Hannah) was in this one, so I went.  It was well worth the time - she was very good and the whole recital was very slick and enjoyable.  Here she is doing an incredible hip-hop number, you kinda miss the point when it's a still photo; but trust me - she had some pretty nifty footwork

As an added bonus, Cealy was also performing - here she is doing "I feel pretty" from West Side Story, again - very talented:

Maybe I should have taken up dancing as a kid :)

Not enough hours in the day

Today was the Ward campout close to Cardston, so Arlan, Dad and Boyce went down for that; I had previously arranged to help with the 13th Ward "walk to the temple" activity.  They walked all the way from Tipton Road to Royal Oak - I think it was about 16km, so that was quite the achievement.  I didn't do much, but it was good to be a little involved.  They seemed like great kids, and it looked as though it was an awesome experience.  The weather was perfect, cool and dry with a gentle breeze.

Meanwhile - at the ward campout, Bishop got locked into their rental RV - it apparently took them 2 hours to get out, how annoying would that be....but that's just the beginning....they drove home this  afternoon, and on the way home the RV caught fire...they managed to get everyone out, but lost everything inside - they didn't even have time to put their shoes on.  How traumatic is that, and imagine if the door had got stuck again....very worrying.  They were lucky to survive.   Nasty

Anyway...a long day - I still had work to do and stayed up till 3.30am doing it - I need longer days!

Merry Christmas

I could be on the national procrastination team - it's 9.15pm and I realized that I hadn't taken the daily photo - so - what to do? Shall I go for a drive and look for something nice at sunset?  That would be nice, but too much like hard work, so I opted for a photo of my bedside cabinet...it makes me sleepy just looking at it.  Do you notice the Christmas card?  This was the Christmas card my mum made for me just before she died;  Arlan said I should frame it and put it on the wall, but I like to open it and read it every now and then...I'm very sentimental and I miss my mum.

I've also procrastinated a ton of work I need to do before Monday, so should I do it now or go to bed.  Tough choice.  Goodnight :)

Calgary temple - coming along nicely!

I sometimes don't notice the progress until I compare the photo's - it's only been a couple of weeks since the last temple posting and you can see they are progressing very nicely.  the interior brick work is moving quickly and the exterior  walls are going up.  Apparently the stone has already been delivered (from China) - so hopefully it will start looking like a real temple soon :)

This may be the last time you can see the mountains THROUGH the temple!

Don't try this at home

Summer has started well, day two of official summer was gorgeous - mid 20's and sunny; on the way home I found my car diverting itself to LIC's ice cream store - they sell a frozen yogurt line made with frozen fresh fruit....I couldn't help myself.

I tried one of their new waffle cone things...not really a cone, more like a delicious cup; but the downside is that it takes 2 hands to eat it - which is a challenge while driving, especially when you have to take a photo of it....

Don't tell Arlan that I'm stopping off at LIC's on the way home from work :)

Just another day at the office

I've been with Nexen for 2 months and today was my SECOND golf tournament - it's a tough life!  Unusually, the weather was perfect - I wore no sunscreen and no insect repellant, so I expect that tomorrow I will be red from sunburn and bites - but it was SO worth it.

I'm clearly no golfer, but who cares - it was nice to just wander around in the sunshine - we should do this every week!

This is everyone getting ready to start

This is Lynn teeing off...she was our secret weapon - she's obviously played a lot before (unlike me!)  The view around the course was lovely - it was just 5 mins from home which was an added bonus

A lovely day!

Laundry day

Boyce is driven by routine, and Monday is laundry day, and so even though this may be a very boring photo - it completely typifies what I see every single Monday evening!  Then - after dinner he gathers up the garbage and takes it outside;  He's quite industrious at times!  He also has this thing about old clothes; it doesn't matter how threadbare they get - he won't get rid of them...consequently he has dozens of tatty socks...I really have to get rid of them somehow :)

Happy Fathers Day!

It was Fathers day today;  and my brothers and sister took Dad out to dinner at the Good Earth in Esher, my favourite Chinese restaurant in the world - unfortunately i couldn't join them so I made a roast chicken dinner for my father in law and brother in law - not quite the same, but good enough I guess!

I was just thinking as I drove by the hospital yesterday that I haven't needed to visit anyone in the hospital yet this year - and with that very thought, we had a call the my father in laws brother has actually been in the hospital for the past 2 weeks and we didn't know.  We got there just in time (in a good way) because Kelvin is about to be released tomorrow - all is well.

As we came into the carpark at the hospital - the STARS air ambulance was just coming in to land - probably not a good day for someone (unless it was a training flight :))

Saturdays are expensive

...especially when I go shopping alone.

I've been meaning to get a new duvet cover since about 2 minutes after we bought the last one, I've just been waiting to find one that I really like.  I saw one last week when I was shopping with Arlan and he talked me out of it; unfortunately (for him) he wasn't with me when I hit the same shop today....so I bought it...and I love it.  It's very hotel-ish; off-white with a subtle pattern,  I haven't bought the accent stuff yet, but I will do on the next trip.  Money well spent :)

This evening, Marcie came over with a couple of dvd's from seminary for the past few years - she had also made me a BEAUTIFUL scrapbook from the same years - it is awesome.  This is one of those gifts that I will always treasure!

Here is a photo of the scrapbook on the new duvet :)

Clean bill of health

It felt like a Saturday today - I got a ton of chores done and I have a whole 'nother Saturday tomorrow.  Life is good!

My doctor called to follow up on some routine tests - I waited for over 30 mins only to hear that he has no concerns with my health...a bit of a waste of time really; but I guess it's worth it for the peace of mind.

Such talent!

Work was pretty ordinary today....the highpoint of the day was going to see a few of my primary girls dancing in a recital - it was very cool; I vaguely remember taking dance when I was a pre-teen; but I'm pretty sure I was never this good - the photo's don't do it justice.  The girls talk about their dance classes every Sunday, it's nice to actually see some of them in action!

L-R Kamila; some other girl; Kathryn; Jayden

the same girls with some other girls!

Maybe next year

Boyce is a little obsessed with hockey (and westerns) - which is part of the reason I got a TV in my room; Well, today was game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final (that's ice hockey for you Brits) - Vancouver Canucks against the Boston Bruins; Boyce is (obviously) supporting Vancouver - and unfortunately they lost 4-0; so he's pretty grumpy.  The best thing to do is stay out of his way for the next day or so :)


This is the "before" photo - just prior to face-off - full of false hope and excitement - I don't have the courage to take an "after" shot!!

I'm just grateful that the Oilers didn't make it to the finals - that would have been really unbearable.

We're safe

I was going to post the photo of the frozen yoghurt that I bought at LIC's (Leavitts Ice Cream Store); but then, just before we went to bed, a sales guy came to the door selling home security systems...and believe it  or not - we signed up.  It's a very cool system from a company I've never heard of (Vivint) based out of Provo, UT. Anyway - long story short - this is Travis (sales guy) and Jay (installer)....and now I can see my house on my i-phone from anywhere in the world.

I think I should point the camera at the pantry so I can see what Dad and Boyce eat while we're away!

Oldies and goldies

Do you ever have one of those days when you're on a diet and you feel like you have totally mastered the feeling of taking control over bad eating habits?  Well today was NOT one of those days :)

That said, I feel like I'm turning the corner at work...for the first time in 2 months I feel like I'm beginning to get on top of stuff.  It's a good feeling - and it's taken too long.

I left work a little early this afternoon so that I could get home in time for "Empty Nesters" - we were hosting this evening, and we had the middle-agers around for a pot luck (pot lucks are never good for diets - there was some lovely food but I guess tomorrow is another day!)

I've kind of resisted joining the empty nesters group - but I must confess I really enjoy hanging out with this group!  Here they are..

From the top and L-R..Susi Basi; Sis Walsh; Nick Basi; Barb and Randy Anderson; Sandy and Bryce Walton; Heather; Dale Nelson; Bonnie Williams; Arlan; Dad; Cheryl Cody; Sandy Nelson; ME; Elaine and Ash Whitehead.

This was a camera first - the first time I've used the delayed shot thing, so I set the camera up and ran into the group before it took.  Boyce was at home but downstairs watching Vancouver get trounced by the Boston Bruins 5-2 in game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Finally - I was getting ready for bed when Helen came over to let me know there was a lovely sunset behind the temple....it was gorgeous - this doesn't do it justice:

I love Sundays

I made a decision a long time a go that I won't work on Sundays - and no matter how busy work gets I don't do anything to catch up on Sunday...it works really well; I get totally recharged and energized for the following week and it helps me to keep work in perspective.  Consequently, I find Sundays very relaxing and enjoyable; especially because I thoroughly enjoy teaching my primary class, and I thoroughly enjoy conducting the music at Church - and then I relax for the rest of the day.  Nice

I bribed the girls with English chocolate today - and consequently they were very engaged and well behaved!  I had them act out the story of the Good Samaritan and this is an action shot of the guy being put upon by thieves....followed by another class photo..

Hannah is being beaten up by Kamila and Dana is waiting to carry victim to the inn :)

L-R Devin, Janesa, Karen, Dana, Hannah, Victoria, Kathryn, Maddy, Kamila

Seminary Graduation

Tonight was seminary graduation - I was thrilled that Roy asked us to help in the kitchen because I got to see the Grade 12 kids graduate.  I have worked with these kids on and off for 6 years, the girls were in my Beehive class when they were 12 (that was an awesome time!) - and then I taught them in Seminary for 3 years, but I haven't been involved in seminary this past year, so I missed their last year.

I am actually in awe of these kids - they have always been a little extra special, talented, smart, spiritual, kind - all of them...and they have grown into awesome young adults; I guess they will all be going their separate ways - I'll miss them.  Not all of them were there tonight, but here are photo's of the ones that were (in alphabetical order):

Sam Ciavardini

Jocelyn Leavitt

Kelsea Morrison

Cassidy Nielsen

Parker Steele

Kati-Anne Zemp

The other significant thing that happened today was that we had a call (last night) from Elizabeth - letting us know that one of our dream homes had just gone up for sale - I was so excited last night I could hardly sleep!  I called the realtor this morning and we went to see the house this afternoon.  The view was (of course) spectacular - but the house was not great; and there were things about it that we really didn't like and were not easily fixable.  Bottom line; it's not going to work - I guess we'll have to wait for another one on  temple view row to go on the market - very disappointing :(

Somewhere over the rainbow

We got caught in a downpour while out grocery shopping this evening...there was a beautiful double rainbow, and I was caught without a camera - I took some pretty poor photo's with my i-phone but fortunately the rainbow lasted until I got home....if I was really dedicated to the pursuit of good photo's I would have driven around finding a good background for the rainbow; but I guess I'm not that dedicated because I just took it from my bedroom - it was still very pretty!

Two in a row

I know I just posted a photo of the temple yesterday, but Helen invited us over to see what they had done to the deck.  The deck was lovely, but the view of the temple was spectacular - now do you see why I want to move across the street?! I invited myself back at sunset to capture this shot - Helen and Greg mentioned that the sun was a gorgeous red last night, so hopefully they'll give me a heads up when it looks like that again - I'm sure there will be more photo's like this as the year goes on - thanks to good neighbours!

I've given up waiting for sunshine....

It's been well over a month since I took a photo of the temple, I've been waiting for the weather to clear up so that you can see the mountains in the background; but I've given up waiting.  However, when you compare this to the photo on April 25, you can see that they have done quite a bit in the past 6 weeks; you can see some brick work on the inside, and if you look closely you can see the stairs...we only have about a year until it's finished - and maybe by then we'll live across the street and have a perfect view :)

LOCKED OUT!!!

I was planning on posting a photo of the temple today - sorry to disappoint, but I promise I'll post one soon.  However, when I got home from work, I made some dinner, did some errands, and finally planned to go to bed at 11ish....when I got to my room I saw this....

...which seems quite normal, except for some strange reason - my bedroom door was LOCKED - and I couldn't find the key!!  I know there is a spare somewhere, but I didn't know where, I sent a text to Arlan, but there was no response - so I had to call a locksmith out at midnight and fork out $100 to get into my bedroom.  There are enough spare rooms in the house that I could have slept somewhere else, but my make-up and clothes are in my room, and I couldn't possibly go to work with no make up on wearing today's clothes!!

So now it's 12.30 and I just heard back from Arlan telling me where the spare key is!!

When dreams go up in flames

On May 12,  I blogged about the houses across the street that I was interested in buying, word on the street was that they were considering selling....well would you believe that while I was away, one of the houses when up in flames...fortunately no-one was hurt, but by looking at the house from the outside, I would guess it will be a very long time before that house will go up for sale - and when it does, I'm guessing it will be a brand new house.   So, now we just have to hope the other one stays in one piece before they put it up for sale :)

Here is the "after" photo....

...and the nominees for best Oscar

A lovely relaxing day; Church was delightful - I met with the YW leaders after Church and we continued with girls camp planning, it will be so fun, I'm almost looking forward to it (except for the no-make-up thing!)  I'm still home alone, so it was a quiet afternoon, and I didn't even have to make Sunday dinner.

I had the girls in Primary act out the story of the Prodigal son, they enjoy role playing, and I enjoy watching them - lots of fun;  next time I think we'll use costumes!

..

Grown up decorations

I have the weekend to myself, Arlan has taken his Dad and Brother to Hawaii for a little holiday, and I must confess, I'm quite enjoying the peace and quiet!

Trina let us take some of the stuff that was used for decorating for the reception yesterday, so I got a couple of black plates - I went to Michaels and picked up some other stuff (sand/stones/candles) and put together some nice little candle features for the living room.   I'm pretty sure none of the men in the house will particularly care for these, but I personally think it looks cute :)

The end of a long week

...and I'm falling asleep at my computer.  It was Kierra's wedding today and Meesh and I were catering. it was a lot of fun - we did some appetizers and a few desserts...as usual, there was lots of food left over, I'm not sure how we can calculate it better, but as I always say, it's better to have too much than not enough.

I made a chocolate dessert, and when I was mixing it, I accidentally turned the mixer faster instead of turning it off - the end result was chocolate all over me, all over the walls, the cupboards and the floor - what a mess!

Left over wedding cake - it looked gorgeous on display, but practically disintegrated when they were cutting it up!

enjoying a well earned Pellegrino at the end of the day - no time to bother with a glass!

no wedding is complete without a cute bridesmaid peering around the door!

Natures fireworks

I had already done my blog for today before I got on the plane home from Ontario - however, I was glad to have my camera handy when we flew past a spectacular storm - I took dozens of photo's but none of them really did the show justice - here is one of my favourites:

This morning the team (under April's direction) decided to start the day with a spin class at 7am - I've never done "spinning" before, and it was quite tough, but I think I could get into it....I will just "spin" slower than others :)

FORE!!!!!

Today I played my first game of golf for over 30 years.  I remember playing 9 holes when I was a teenager and deciding it wasn't worth the effort, because I was no good - and as I seemed to be good at most other sports I figured that there was no point in trying with something I was useless at.

I played 18 holes with two of my colleagues - Alistair  and April - they were both very good coaches, and I decided early on that it would be fun as long as I didn't take anything too seriously...end result was that I had a lovely day; I missed the ball more than I hit it, but it was so awesome when I did hit it that i swear I could play this every day! I totally understand how people get hooked!