tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26770798245621818092024-02-21T07:32:49.920-08:00This is (fun)employment...because I have nothing else to doLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-46393698496358730772013-01-23T14:41:00.000-08:002013-01-23T14:50:53.825-08:00On an Island in the Sun<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not like I don't have internet where I am, I think I'd just rather be beaching it than writing on my blog! I've been taking full advantage of the FUNemplyment by going down to my mom and dad's place in Barbados W.I. This is the fifth time down here, and every year it feels more like home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year I had planned to work over Christmas and pay my dues, then come in January. After I lost my job, I really had no reason to book a return flight home! I've been here for a while and I think I'm going to stay for a couple more weeks. I mean, who wants to give up sun, beaches, cheap beer and rum, nice skin...and a fridge full of food? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also really wanted to see what it was like to work from a remote location as I grow my business and a freelance graphic designer. 3 years ago when I first landed in Barbados, I was fresh off of the backpacking trail and hungry for more. I decided that I needed a way to combine my passions to be able to work on the road. Now at present day, and with the help of being laid off my full time job, I am realizing my goal and living it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been managing my contracts down here in the Carib and let me tell you, the view from my office is great. The commute isn't going to kill me either! I also have the best clients who will put up with e-mail correspondence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I won't bore you with all the details of daily life down here, but we invented something called the FUNscall cliff, and here's a few images to inspire you!</span><br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-16261221728039823132012-11-27T23:38:00.001-08:002012-11-27T23:38:30.523-08:00New Horizons<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After last nights excitement of landing a new contract, I got really motivated and inspired to take action on my life as a successful career woman...it's not going to be handed to me, and it's not going to happen overnight. When I look back at the last year, although slow going, I can see that all my actions have brought me to a place where I feel that I can branch off to become and entrepreneur and feel comfortable about it. Although the road was rocky and doubtful at a lot of times, I am here and I am beginning a new chapter. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someone that has really inspired me is a woman and self made millionaire, <a href="http://www.marieforleo.com/" target="_blank">Marie Forleo</a>. She has built an empire of fitness DVD's, choreography, publications and life coaching. The best thing is that she has some great advice that's easy to apply to a woman beginning her business that mainly resides on the internet. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not just good business for me, but for every subsequent client that I have. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of those clients is my friend Joharra, a self starter in her own right as a talented and beautiful musician. I've been hired to create her online identity and presence and it's been a fun process. Having the confidence to approach her with my ideas and take control of the project is something that doesn't come naturally, it had to be worked on for a long time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So just when I thought I had this all figured out, I get an e-mail responding to a job that I applied for last week. It's a new startup for a fashion publication/e-commerce website. I feel like this could definitely be right up my alley, as long as it's not a 9-5er! Now that I've chosen my path, I want to be a freelance contractor, no bound to a desk Monday to Friday. Here's hoping they negotiate!</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-74448088157270564422012-11-26T22:31:00.003-08:002012-11-26T22:31:40.072-08:00I Got a Job<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't let the title scare you...I am still technically unemployed! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in my efforts to focus on developing my freelance design career, I have landed a new contract! Over the past few weeks, it's been quite daunting to look over the qualifications a company is requiring of you and realizing you might not posses those skills. I fully believe in myself, my skills, and my knowledge, but convincing someone to believe that too is really hard. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting these freelance gigs have helped my to regain my confidence in my work, and prove to myself that I am worthy of great job...it might just take some time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This new contract I am working on is a logo and website for a freelance bookkeeper. She wants to gain more clients and putting herself on the internet is a great step in that direction. She's very professional and wants to PAY me! Most big companies can't even shell out minimum wage until you can suffer through a 3 month internship, but this woman is putting her faith in me to help her succeed. The job is mutually beneficial, and by helping her, I will be helping myself...and afford another month's rent.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-65022866299240968002012-11-26T12:36:00.003-08:002012-11-26T12:36:44.171-08:00Moustaches & Mimosas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a weekend! I actually felt like a busy person. Friday night was the first annual <a href="http://www.facebook.com/VancouverMoSistas?fref=ts" target="_blank">Vancouver Mo Sistas</a> fundraiser event to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. I've been involved with Movember on and off for a few years now, and it's always a great month to get involved in a growing community of people all working towards a cause. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the hard work of our organizer, Sharelle, and the wonderful team who sold tickets or (bravely) auctioned themselves off, we raised <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">$<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">1,872.10.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday was our "Wear a Mo" day. All the sisters donned a mo to have lunch at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheLamplighterGastown?fref=ts" target="_blank">Lamplighter</a> and bowl a round at the <a href="http://commodorelanes.com/" target="_blank">Commodore Lanes</a>. Albeit the comment from a dude asking if the curtains matched the drapes, all feedback was positive and encouraging for our sexy mo's!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Although Movember is coming to an end, it's a good feeling to be left with that it doesn't take much to lend a hand and volunteer to help out your community...which I'll have more time for now!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNt5Oipto7looUrklJiJP-Y65RKwo800Xw5C7pHlog7oIPdScmraH5VHJ_JwPUGeJx_yzNPc3gQLjEltEKqeM7LpTZ8323gp423Sl1UbON76HOHyAzPv7EROyRUxgouaDqbtBOyRURBs/s1600/IMG_1052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNt5Oipto7looUrklJiJP-Y65RKwo800Xw5C7pHlog7oIPdScmraH5VHJ_JwPUGeJx_yzNPc3gQLjEltEKqeM7LpTZ8323gp423Sl1UbON76HOHyAzPv7EROyRUxgouaDqbtBOyRURBs/s200/IMG_1052.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXvTGw4cuK7cVl3GNcAJ23-kKss1ekSFu3yKSwDVdrPAIIUgL4qNijiWYpPo3NyXvmVZwer8SE55t0rJuYMHvIXjwxhzTdY92Dt42VcDOR12YgWFjv5PrFYEEUnBdUNZaUNEpy_ry_k/s1600/2012-11-12+17.00.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXvTGw4cuK7cVl3GNcAJ23-kKss1ekSFu3yKSwDVdrPAIIUgL4qNijiWYpPo3NyXvmVZwer8SE55t0rJuYMHvIXjwxhzTdY92Dt42VcDOR12YgWFjv5PrFYEEUnBdUNZaUNEpy_ry_k/s200/2012-11-12+17.00.30.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRJS2prN0_t-X-zwgfRpfkg2gnw76Zf47XRYcPmNihiJ8mIgY1QSNfUe392OrLcvxsgqNoExlbZKfmZhYdI8PMFdV-QUQffqIsp8oCE75vKyRkdW5354s3ZL2QJXcZ8QEFviZ7wwTayw/s1600/2012-11-02+00.39.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRJS2prN0_t-X-zwgfRpfkg2gnw76Zf47XRYcPmNihiJ8mIgY1QSNfUe392OrLcvxsgqNoExlbZKfmZhYdI8PMFdV-QUQffqIsp8oCE75vKyRkdW5354s3ZL2QJXcZ8QEFviZ7wwTayw/s200/2012-11-02+00.39.56.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-65848534321549901282012-11-22T18:55:00.004-08:002012-11-22T18:55:43.879-08:00One week<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been unemployed for 1 week now, and I've done nothing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's a bit of an exaggeration and I'm sure I could do a lot less, but I'm still unemployed with no prospects. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent more time redesigning the blog than looking for job...I swear that's coming next. I'm applying for freelance design projects so I actually have something to fill my time with, but if I actually made a list, there are plenty of things to keep me occupied, I just refuse to acknowledge them. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But instead of being negative, I'll focus on the positive. I've rearranged my room, finished a contract, created 2 websites, fixed my own website, have applied to some jobs, and started going to the gym. Go me!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I will admit that it's the feeling of isolation that's really gotten to me. I'm used to hanging out with my buds for 8 hours a day, and there's no filling that void with another homemade casserole.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvc9-asTaN-5HvQHWsPclxQif-7MKnoBjHufWzBYFr1PKW68XKzgQ3UiCm1INZf2AbljqOeq5yyoGe1OgfjkzuAuC4-J9VHiXoYEsWhSZlcdd1N-NXPNcVUE0S-N0gWITCLoVXOE56vY/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvc9-asTaN-5HvQHWsPclxQif-7MKnoBjHufWzBYFr1PKW68XKzgQ3UiCm1INZf2AbljqOeq5yyoGe1OgfjkzuAuC4-J9VHiXoYEsWhSZlcdd1N-NXPNcVUE0S-N0gWITCLoVXOE56vY/s320/IMG_0267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-47676774681882016702012-03-28T22:59:00.002-07:002012-03-28T22:59:58.900-07:00I'm gonna be somebody<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've recently begun working on some websites for a few friends of mine as a way to help them, help me! Although I do these for free or creative trades, it's a good opportunity to learn and build my portfolio until someone thinks I'm good enough to pay me. So, check 'em out!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thelongroadhomemovie.ca/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCirBxgmIsCjqXtSUUYkix-qIOeNJoX_Kh8BMPxbv0vYruc-1yFQU75FsXbL49r45RS7T9maqg66lyxD-rz9pNhl9czXdDY414ZiQP3uNbI8NwVOa-3baaFCtEHLFYlvBIVUTt2lKw20/s320/Screen+shot+2012-03-28+at+10.52.39+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Long Road Home Movie Website</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kuhno.moonfruit.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kOfFQr6aBPvSY5AvkNViBfGQN9rFtyUCftxrzKN5ErLAQUAeMQeCbGs0GF9TCkXH-1zu2mygJhzuSQx3JOlE3RUpWL0bq5ELtf0lpslWpfT7ja5bVF_SWAMg3X4wlW8ybbVsJQpP0-E/s320/Screen+shot+2012-03-28+at+10.53.02+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuhno Music Website</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Design Notes*</span> The platform I'm using is called <a href="http://www.moonfruit.com/" target="_blank">Moonfruit</a>. This site has many templates that are fully customizable or options to create your own. The beauty is that you can be a total beginner or you can have knowledge of coding and be able to manipulate you site as much as you want. They also offer hosting and domain names.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been designing from an initial template, and then modifying to suit my design. I always think it's a better idea however to conceptualize on your site before you begin. Choose fonts, colours and a general layout so you don't spend too much time poking around at the options....trust me, you'll be there for a long time!</span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-86227169543806868302012-03-28T00:33:00.002-07:002012-03-28T00:35:26.361-07:00False ImpressionsAs a followup to the last post, I went in to the bar to talk to the managers today, and it went better than I thought.<br />
I was pretty fired up over the last week or so and put a lot of assumptions on why I haven't worked in a while. I still hold my theory as the truth about the Vancouver Bar industry, but it may have not been the case with my situation. My boss just told me that it wasn't busy enough and I'm pretty much the one that doesn't need shifts.<br />
Although I feel relieved that I didn't have to go on a rant and quit in a dramatic way (it's really just not my style) I still feel like their approach to managing their employees is very unprofessional and inconsistent... and another reason why this may be a blessing in disguise.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-73101140472738749162012-03-26T21:58:00.000-07:002012-03-26T21:58:02.465-07:00Fake Boobs & False Intentions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started working at a bar in downtown Vancouver about 6 weeks ago. I took it as a way to make some extra cash and pay off my credit card faster. Seemed like a good idea at the time, and even though everyone said it was a really competitive industry, I was excited to get a job relatively quickly. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first night on the job went off without a hitch and without training. I made some mad cheese (as in money) and was blissfully pleased. For the next three weekends, I had similar nights- my sales were high, my service; excellent, nonetheless; and my cash out always perfect. So why have I not worked in two weeks? Why are my bosses avoiding my calls? Boobs.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vancouver's reputation lives up to itself when every bar and restaurant you walk into is host to an army of cookie cutter girls- big boobs, short skirt, long jacket...you get the idea. I even heard from a credible source that girls get hired based on the interviewer's response you whether she is "fuckable" or not.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't apply to work at Hooter's, nor was I hired on the premise that I would dress or act in such a manner; but I guess I was a fool to think otherwise.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I quit.</span><br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-18871688199425784462012-03-22T23:36:00.000-07:002012-03-22T23:36:19.088-07:00Caught in the Web of Design<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a recent graduate with a pretty certificate and all, I'm trying my hands at designing like a professional. Things have been going well, and there always real life lessons to learn. This weeks (and past year's to be honest) learning curve is WEBSITE DESIGN!</span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, it's not so much the designing part that I'm having trouble with, it's more of the "<a href="http://www.angelfire.com/super/badwebs/" target="_blank">coding it with working links and proper sized photos, and getting it to work on the hosting site that you already paid for to find out that they don't support your format of template....</a>"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fell in love with website design and blogging when I was 15 years old, even going to lengths of learning HTML. But technology has taken the train into the future while I continue to walk, and to say the least, I am a little behind.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've tried to use <a href="http://www.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">WordPress</a>, <a href="http://www.joomla.ca/" target="_blank">Joomla</a>, Dreamweaver, <a href="http://www.virb.com/" target="_blank">VIRB</a>, and now the newest site called <a href="http://www.moonfruit.com/" target="_blank">Moonfruit</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of these are very different than one another, but I have found that for a person with little development and coding knowledge, Moonfruit has worked the best.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately it's not compatible with <a href="http://www.hostpapa.com/" target="_blank">Hostpapa</a> who my client has signed up with, which leaves me with my hands tied again. Do I try to recreate this website on my own and risk it looking bad and not being useable, hire a developer, or try to convince my client to switch over?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The comment box is open to all of my designer friends!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-49616544730580151522012-03-22T00:10:00.002-07:002012-03-22T00:10:25.241-07:00Sunshine & Snow<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-21410339826539241262012-03-19T22:08:00.000-07:002012-03-19T22:08:27.407-07:00Tacos<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there's this guy...and he's on my radar. He seems nice enough, even though he ignored and mocked me upon our initial meeting. It wasn't very nice. But when I ignored him back and played Indiana Jones pinball, he was suddenly interested.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So why does he intrigue me?</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rides bikes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Takes photographs</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is not a hipster</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very tall and manly</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A chef</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quiet</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cute</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides that, I don't know much about him. I would like to know more, but I am a little scared. I may not be cool enough. The sad fact that I looked at his Facebook, which always appears somewhat cooler than your real life has spun me into insecurity.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've thought of a breakfast meet up.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tacos.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bike ride.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I texted him- this is what he had in mind.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygqRbzkIP7DG7MxYier6scYDm8YM-cAFqrItSeScwnA_EVJh-0-0pWpcmYQgTvGnXOkSxFehJgsK1QFhWgbMtXI0i_lznhptOQdficOIx9jBqqpWQB3la1SxH8KDwPAJahAz6-Nbb3tA/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygqRbzkIP7DG7MxYier6scYDm8YM-cAFqrItSeScwnA_EVJh-0-0pWpcmYQgTvGnXOkSxFehJgsK1QFhWgbMtXI0i_lznhptOQdficOIx9jBqqpWQB3la1SxH8KDwPAJahAz6-Nbb3tA/s320/photo.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
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</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do I turn that into tacos?</span><br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-54211463031115337112012-02-08T21:40:00.000-08:002012-02-08T21:40:30.373-08:00My Ivory Tower<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I set out with specific goals..not necessarily resolutions, but short term and long term life aspirations that I wanted to acheive. I've only been back 3 weeks from a hiatus in Barbados (there's a rhyme in there some where) and I'm right on track.</span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my career year; where I take 12 months to give it my all to develop myself as a successful woman. It's been my only focus, and things that I usually waste time worrying about have been on the back burners. I feel invigorated and powerful this week after landing a new job and have prospects for another. However, as a certain someone came up from that back burner, I found myself indulging in a thought of possibility. This is a guy I met a year ago who I feel stalkingly in lust with. We never had much going on between us, but as I scoured the internet for some updated information and where I can accidentally bump into him this weekend, I discovered that he has just moved back to Toronto. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodbye career, hello misery. I can't believe how sad I instantly was. Was I hoping for an admission of utter adoration upon our this reunion I was planning? Do I think that I ever cross his mind at all anymore? Should I have tried harder and called more?</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here I am with a playlist of Adele and Damien Rice, stuck momentarily in my ivory tower, forgetting about my new found success all in the name of some dude. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He certainly made an impression. </span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-15259207129644852352011-08-20T22:28:00.001-07:002011-08-20T22:28:52.005-07:00Day 6- No one should have to work out on Saturday<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>I worked out. I sweated. It hurt...but felt so good. </p> <p>Now going to work out at the club. See you on the flip side.</p> <p> </p></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-37646824908286227512011-08-20T00:23:00.001-07:002011-08-20T00:23:41.532-07:00Day 4- So. Much. Jumping.<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>Funny thing how the more time you have, the less gets done. I had the day off today and so it seemed that I had all the time in the world to get my school work done, drop downtown, rest a little, do my workout. But the day still only has about 15 waking hours and they go by so fast without any structure. So alas, it's midnight and I've JUST finished my workout. I did get some biking and walking in between the assignments, but this was the last thing to do!</p> <p>So day 4 is Pure Cardio which mean endless jumping and thinking I'm going to throw up for half an hour then cry. I was afraid that both of my boobs (Mary-Kate and Ashley- not because they are small, because each weighs as much as one of those twins) were just going to fly off and hit the ceiling. It did not feel pleasant. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-20/BvnrFknuuEllIhmcnrFFqcxJuJeGolcuIlEGwrbkwBrxDbiDsyrscByqBAmG/mka_boobs.tif.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Mka_boobs" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-20/BvnrFknuuEllIhmcnrFFqcxJuJeGolcuIlEGwrbkwBrxDbiDsyrscByqBAmG/mka_boobs.tif.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I wasn't able to do the whole routine through, and I opted for a lot of low intensity alternatives which they DON'T offer in the video! I've taken my share of jazzercise and box aerobics to know that you can always do a slightly easier variation of the exercise instead of just quitting. But that doesn't cut it for Shaun T. Only INSANITY! Kind of discouraging to not keep up with the video, but I know it's my first week and I've just got to stick to it. </p> <p>Noe to only resist the temptation of Wendy'd frosty's on a hot summer afternoon. That's another battle.</p> <p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nUP0RNW8jFU" frameborder="0" height="345" width="420"></iframe> <iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eihcy6RwHos" frameborder="0" height="345" width="420"></iframe></p></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-82075910392828015152011-08-18T23:42:00.001-07:002011-08-18T23:42:13.268-07:00Day 3- 100% Kick Ass<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>Well, looks like a second wind came from the North East to get me to complete day three of Shaun T's INSANITY workout. But let me explain how I didn't succumb to a 10pm hangover and pass out when I got home.</p> <p>Upon biking back to the homestead I was thinking about food, as I usually do, and realized that I had none in the cupboards or crisper. So living in the grand city I do, I stopped in at the Price Smart open till Midnight (sweet) and mingled witht he other 20 somethings whom only seem to shop after dark. (Side thought- Do you think if I can get Price Smart to dim the unflattering fluorescent lights in the store, I can meet some dudes there?) </p> <p>Anyways, while perusing the aisles, a couple things aided in my avoidance of the the candy and ice cream to help me to pick the generic bran flakes and 79 cent tuna. This week is gonna be exciting!</p> <p>First was my mistaken turn down the magazine aisle. I don't normally buy magazines because I think it's stupid to spend $7 on ads, and you can usually rent them from the library. But there are a couple that usually catch my attention, and my main man on the cover of <a href="http://www.surfermag.com/" title="Surfer" target="_blank">SURFER</a> did just that.</p> <p>[[posterous-content:pid___1]]</p> <p><span style="color: #993366;">The K. Slates. Always delivers. </span></p> <p>Secondly was this little dinger whilst flipping through that was hard to miss. That perfectly round, tight ass. An ass that I will never have, but is a good motivation to maybe look one 16th like that one day.</p> <p>[[posterous-content:pid___0]]<span style="color: #993366;">Betzaida Herrera who won the Reef Girl contest. </span></p> <p>So this brings me to my reason WHY I chose to put down the chocolate covered almonds and go to the bananas, and WHY I came home and did my workout. </p> <p>Luckily it was Cardio Recovery and was mostly stretching and balance work. But It was still HARD! Either this program really is insane, or I am insanely out of shape that I can't stop sweating buckets just doing a lunge!</p> <p>All in all, I'm proud that I didn't quit and with a promise of sleeping in and a day off tomorrow, I'll guarantee that there will be a Day 4 success too!</p></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-57218870104830873512011-08-18T23:37:00.001-07:002011-08-18T23:37:10.596-07:00Day 3- 100% Kick Ass<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>Well, looks like a second wind came from the North East to get me to complete day three of Shaun T's INSANITY workout. But let me explain how I didn't succumb to a 10pm hangover and pass out when I got home.</p> <p>Upon biking back to the homestead I was thinking about food, as I usually do, and realized that I have none in the cupbords and crisper. So living in the grand city I do, I stopped in at the Price Smart open till Midnight (sweet) and mingled witht he other 20 somethings whom only seem to shop after dark. (Do you think if I can get P.S. to dim the unflattering fluorescent lights in the store, I can meet some dudes there?) </p> <p>Anyways, while perusing the aisles, a couple things aided in my avoidance of the the candy and icecream and help me to pick the generic bran flakes and 79 cent tuna. This week is gonna be exciting!</p> <p>First was my mistaken turn down the magazine aisle. I don't normally buy magazines because I think it's stupid to spend $7 on ads, and you can usually rent them from the library. But there are a couple that usually catch my attention, and my main man on the cover of <a href="http://www.surfermag.com/" title="Surfer" target="_blank">SURFER</a> did just that.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-18/lbjawdbsJldqDamhfIprkFcgJsilpCnfBrxAIqjtyIkGybGmbDgjcHppgxhh/September-2011-web.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="September-2011-web" height="604" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-18/lbjawdbsJldqDamhfIprkFcgJsilpCnfBrxAIqjtyIkGybGmbDgjcHppgxhh/September-2011-web.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><span style="color: #993366;">The K. Slates. Always delivers. </span></p> <p>Secondly was this little dinger whilst flipping through that was hard to miss. That perfectly round, tight ass. An ass that I will never have, but is a good motivation to maybe look one 16th like that one day.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-18/mpJcmlwwsiatslgsdzexlBxhpHmEHCiosGjCgstAioviFExkmtjGbItpwfED/miss-reef-2011-Betzaida-Isla-Galeta.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Miss-reef-2011-betzaida-isla-galeta" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-18/mpJcmlwwsiatslgsdzexlBxhpHmEHCiosGjCgstAioviFExkmtjGbItpwfED/miss-reef-2011-Betzaida-Isla-Galeta.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <span style="color: #993366;">Betzaida Herrera who won the Reef Girl contest. </span></p> <p>So this brings me to my reason WHY I chose to put down the chocolate covered almonds and go to the bananas, any WHY I came home and did my workout. </p> <p>Luckily it was Cardio Recovery and was mostly stretching and balance work. But It was still HARD! Either this program really is insane, or I am insanely out of shape that I can't stop sweating buckets just doing a lunge!</p> <p>All in all, I'm proud that I didn't quit and with a promise of sleeping in and a day off tomorrow, I'll guarantee that there will be a Day 4 success too!</p></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-40159418936129811962011-08-18T19:16:00.001-07:002011-08-18T19:16:22.762-07:00The probability that I will work out tonight<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>I went for $1.75 beers tonight at the bar near school. I was so tired today, and worked my ass off, so that means I deserved them. The only problem is now I'm drunk in class, and biking home won't be a treat.</p> <p>Probablity= 10% success of working out tonight.</p></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-67473899732457147602011-03-31T00:31:00.001-07:002011-03-31T00:33:39.317-07:00What do you call a guy who breaks both of his legs skiing?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me tell you about my best buddy Dan. Every time we hang, I know it's a guaranteed good time. Like me, he likes to drink good beer, eat good food, and have a good laugh. As the days get longer and the air gets warmer, I found myself day dreaming of all the trouble we could get into this summer; camping, patios, bbq's, wheelchairs...wait. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylB8ut5xcuMzyS-3R_cejAUORfz2zjbY4XhDYtZTTQLt4GTUoTbXT7JSS6bbyCgv_WofPtAShggDeNBExIba3xpv-tL4Y9n_m2iJ7YFG1q1ZiCDB8ih7z2-I7PQt2BFmxjqHUv6bAFKY/s1600/P6300213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylB8ut5xcuMzyS-3R_cejAUORfz2zjbY4XhDYtZTTQLt4GTUoTbXT7JSS6bbyCgv_WofPtAShggDeNBExIba3xpv-tL4Y9n_m2iJ7YFG1q1ZiCDB8ih7z2-I7PQt2BFmxjqHUv6bAFKY/s320/P6300213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan and I last summer</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't see that last one coming; I don't think Dan did either as he went over that jump on the most perfect ski day... just a little to fast. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we are, making plans for summer with two broken legs. Both tibia's and fibula's and another break just below the right knee.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colour me shocked not only when I got the phone call, but when I visited Dan at the hospital with all colour and life sucked out of him like he'd been wrapped in a ShamWow. This wasn't the same guy and I knew it was serious, really serious. It was one of those moments when you have to ask yourself </span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Is this real life? I thought my friends and I were <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">invincible</span>" </i></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the week went by and I came back to the hospital everyday, I saw Dan's spirit lifting and the colour come back to his eyes. Such a recovery only meant one thing- a present!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Disclaimer: The following item is only appropriate to wear in dire situations such as the one listed above where the receiver is unable to phyically get up. If you don't have two broken legs and you own one, there is no hope for you anyways.</b></span> Introducing the.....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>SNUGGIE!</b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6Ar41NKykRG7oVga1AH78e2RYda0yi0ZJtGwRVLbQn4WDUsWV9Sk5PL1VkUUkQISgYeHuv8aKWr8iqNWobCS2PfVwxeUYSoc1V2q0pp1vq9WrcKRW8Qobuf11V3mNr10gWsugcS7VOI/s1600/IMG_0655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6Ar41NKykRG7oVga1AH78e2RYda0yi0ZJtGwRVLbQn4WDUsWV9Sk5PL1VkUUkQISgYeHuv8aKWr8iqNWobCS2PfVwxeUYSoc1V2q0pp1vq9WrcKRW8Qobuf11V3mNr10gWsugcS7VOI/s320/IMG_0655.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not just any Snuggie. I opted for the luxurious one. The original feels like it's made out of a ShamWow and I wasn't going to lose Dan again. Look at him, such a trooper. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's hoping to a speed recovery, Boss. I'll visit as much as I can!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj7YPFLsTelMsg1k7nfsoy8nuK7OJXWV_fBste8K75LAsIpHkcO78NyJsrWY1AJ8AI_J5M7RAGSi5uOnNaIWpgt0QabsnAcIFZi-OkZ2wzV6QsMQBNEQ3ivshqYhxGEfK18ZR6-FQ-SE/s1600/IMG_0653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj7YPFLsTelMsg1k7nfsoy8nuK7OJXWV_fBste8K75LAsIpHkcO78NyJsrWY1AJ8AI_J5M7RAGSi5uOnNaIWpgt0QabsnAcIFZi-OkZ2wzV6QsMQBNEQ3ivshqYhxGEfK18ZR6-FQ-SE/s320/IMG_0653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-26264614612675563922011-01-09T23:33:00.000-08:002011-01-09T23:33:01.805-08:00Get Local<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I watch <a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/">Food Inc</a> on CBC for the second time, I only get more encouraged to fight back against the big food corporations and support our local farmers. If you have not seen this documentary, I advise you to invest some time in it.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only does buying local drive the economy and keep small farms in business, it lightens our ecological footprint. When your orange comes from Florida, your avacado from California, and your banana from Mexico, the carbon emissions expelled into the atmosphere are enough to make you need that umbrella in January rather than your skis. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My amazing roomate Kaleen is currently defending her thesis on global warming's effect on local farmers, teaching me along the way some valuable lessons on eating local. Trips to the farmer's markets were easy in the summer, but most markets shut down for the winter months. Luckily, a tip to a great website and others have given less excuses to outsource, and more reasons to think local.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPA4slKkj9f2lwk62wNULah1J9srTmMF4kW-0WW7G32XN8qS11Eq3nm48vzaIEwl2l3QdMHtcRVUhaqv4jlNV4JIopn8C41avNTaDJHpwr006E0Y4SOnBBFEamQ-KaniW7Eyzxxg1LOg/s1600/local2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPA4slKkj9f2lwk62wNULah1J9srTmMF4kW-0WW7G32XN8qS11Eq3nm48vzaIEwl2l3QdMHtcRVUhaqv4jlNV4JIopn8C41avNTaDJHpwr006E0Y4SOnBBFEamQ-KaniW7Eyzxxg1LOg/s320/local2.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TKR9HgVhOtMmID6YpYXX7nWiHqCLGqDRKsKdOeZYgmG05QY8txTolsy4BJ6iRkywTabk2GKQRu4PHHYqtToz44n3DCMNvNNb8_yyw2kkIlnz2YUx8vsOXAGVhs8mekg3A2ZTYchV5X0/s1600/local.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TKR9HgVhOtMmID6YpYXX7nWiHqCLGqDRKsKdOeZYgmG05QY8txTolsy4BJ6iRkywTabk2GKQRu4PHHYqtToz44n3DCMNvNNb8_yyw2kkIlnz2YUx8vsOXAGVhs8mekg3A2ZTYchV5X0/s320/local.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even buy local in Barbados</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://www.nowbc.ca/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now BC</span></a><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now BC is an online farmer's market that allows customers to place an order of local, organic, fair trade products and pick up at a neighborhood location.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="http://www.getlocalbc.org/en/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get Local</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get Local is an informational website about buying local. Where to get it, how to get it, and what is offered.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="http://www.eatdrinkbelocal.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eat Drink Be Local</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think being local is for the hemp wearing, seed eating hippies? This site offers fun, popular, and up to date information on the happenings around Vancouver for the average Jane. It's not about drastic changes, it's about doing something simple to lend a hand!</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdx8lg-B9AhUNjpSjf_SffPDfmnp18PO50ponOYYok_mmt3-AmCJGDeTA0HyaCYTigi1lWS1m8JdBvgOFe1jTt2ryDsxrKWed7-PYp3vqnB66XLO4okXT6nHQHzASOd67si42Xi8IIcA/s1600/local3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdx8lg-B9AhUNjpSjf_SffPDfmnp18PO50ponOYYok_mmt3-AmCJGDeTA0HyaCYTigi1lWS1m8JdBvgOFe1jTt2ryDsxrKWed7-PYp3vqnB66XLO4okXT6nHQHzASOd67si42Xi8IIcA/s320/local3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free range eggs that were sold locally in WA Australia<br />
hand collected, cleaned, and boxed by me</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether it's eating a delicious Pink Lady Apple, sipping a Granville Island ale, or riding your bike around the park, it all counts and it all helps. </span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-47523656384172796462010-12-22T15:46:00.000-08:002011-03-30T23:46:48.743-07:00Devotin' full time to Floatin'<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>"Darling it's better down where it's wetter, take it from me"</b></span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who knew a small red crustacean could give such good advice. Under the sea, is where I spent day two of my family Bajan holiday away from rainy Vancouver and will spend tomorrow as well. It was my third time scuba diving, and to my excitement, it's everything I remembered and better. Even more motivation to get my PADI done so I can dive on my own. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been going to <a href="http://www.westsidescuba.com/">West Side Scuba Cente</a>r, run by an older European couple who escaped the cold winters to spend a life under the sea. They run an awesome business with the best instructors who make you feel very comfortable diving, and make the whole expedition a blast. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've done a reef and 5 ship wrecks now, venturing about 50ft deep. The sea life and diversity is like candy for your eyes. The brightest colours of coral and fish, eels and shells. There's never enough time to see it all. Which is why I'm so excited to get back down tomorrow.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year in Barbados, the weather is noticeably cooler and it rains a lot more than I was used to. But under the ocean, while the biggest tropical storm I'd seen here was happening, we had a peaceful, clear and relaxing dive. Rather upsetting to surface with pouring rain, cold wind and lightening. Adding to the number of reasons of why I love diving; it's the perfect rainy day activity!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to get informed and try a Discover Scuba Diving Course and be a part of a world you've never dreamed of. If only Ariel knew how good she had it, I'd trade these, what do you call them...feet, for fins any day!</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-56471327978988669872010-11-16T00:52:00.000-08:002011-03-30T23:46:48.748-07:00Gypsy Who?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFt3mqAWj0GW0OdZYw7kbkHJTJ9YNIksy6Zx1IwNiXWZ2XaEVerIqDR_BvVAyQaqYvFie7GzxegsZL07QRuIyKe7jebVrMWJN84MUWOqBL51Pkhkq6kngZW4FC-O5w_5c7-YDnw5XXsqw/s1600/P5310069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFt3mqAWj0GW0OdZYw7kbkHJTJ9YNIksy6Zx1IwNiXWZ2XaEVerIqDR_BvVAyQaqYvFie7GzxegsZL07QRuIyKe7jebVrMWJN84MUWOqBL51Pkhkq6kngZW4FC-O5w_5c7-YDnw5XXsqw/s320/P5310069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Where has the fever gone? Who have I become? If not a gypsy anymore, what adjectives can I use to describe myself now? Student, designer, Vancouverite, home-body, Quiksivler lifer...wait a moment, I was always these things, even when I was a Gypsy (except Vancouverite!). I was a student of the world, a designer of my density (and blog), a home-body in several homes, and a <a href="http://www.gypsyfever.com/2009/03/i-quiksilver.html">Quik Enthusiast</a> forever! If the math is correct, that means that if I'm all these other things now, I am still a gypsy, just a different kind. True, the backpack has been filled with books rather than all life's possessions, and I get my kicks from weekly neighbourhood chili cook-offs rather than weekly neighbourhoods, but the fever is still present.<br />So what's this traveller been doing now that she's been in one city for 10 months? So much has changed, but all generally on track with the life plan I've always had set out. I spent a great summer getting connected to the lush lands of greater Vancouver suburbs as a landscaper. Braving the rainy spring days was well worth the nearly two months we went without a drop of precipitation, and the blazing sun for beach days. I made some great friends and had a pretty good few months. The middle of the summer saw a few bumps in the road. No wait, that wasn't a bump. That was me on my bike that you hit on your way to work. Yep, after a triumphant return to cycling and mastering 26k per day, I was rapidly sent back to public transit after getting hit by a car on my way to work one morning. With a mangled bike, and a few injuries (noting serious!) my summer took a bit of a turn. It was mentally hard to get back to the high that biking had given me. Luckily I had good friends to keep my entertained for a while. September saw a Seattle pin added to the travellers map for a weekend to Bumbershoot music festival and PAX, the biggest gaming convention in the world! And I had more fun at PAX than Bumbershoot, imagine that! Taylor was the driving force behind that trip, and it was amazing to have him out in Vancouver. The quest to get him to actually move out here still lives on. We get closer all the time. As well, an impromptu trip to Forks WA with my old roommate from Brisbane who was visiting the States. We were completely Twilighted out.<br />Eco Fashion Week- 3 little words that took over my life for two months. In August, my lovely roommate Kaleen propositioned my to assist her as a volunteer coordinator for the event to be happening at the end of September. What we both thought would be a pretty easy job ended up taking up all of our free time and sending us both into stress overload. But come the time of the event, we had met some amazing people in the industry that were making tracks toward a more sustainable and Eco friendly way of conducting business. The week was a great opportunity and I look forward to more in the future.<br />Just before the cold weather set in here, I quit my job as a landscaper and took on role of STUDENT! Indeed I am back at school taking a one year intensive course called Design Essentials. It's meant to set me up for the big bad, cut throat world that is graphic designing. It's something that I've been saying I want to do since I finished college at Fanshawe. I bit the bullet and luckily squeaked in the last minute. The course is at BCIT and Emily Carr University of Art and Design. I'm only 6 weeks into the program, and it is intense like they said. It's a lot of work crammed into the 12 week terms. I'm also still a Quik lifer and have been promoted to supervisor (again!) where I'm trying to earn some green to live and study. This week, not going so well. But all a balancing act I need to get used to. <br />Last sort of update, Devin Henderson is coming to visit tomorrow! YAY!! She'll be here for a week, where I will be working and going to school almost every one of those days she's here, but I've lined up some things so she'll never be bored.<br />And lastly, lastly...I've deleted Facebook. It's only temporary, but it was seriously interfering with my school work. What a waste of time it is look at someones photos of their dog 3 times. It was getting a bit ridiculous, so it needed to go, for the time being. But not even 4 hours later, and look what new distraction I've found. I think this is a better way to procrastinate, don't you think?!<br />I hope this catches you all up a bit better than my lame status updates. But you can still follow me on Twitter for that. Just come back here to read the real juice, I promise, I'll get some juice!<br />Gypsy- maybe not moving, but always shaking things up.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-66005362574370116662010-10-28T00:21:00.000-07:002011-03-30T23:37:31.012-07:00Back-to-Basics<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This piece was written in the front of the cookbook and it highlights some of my ideas I'd like to explore with the Lowville Recipes; betting back to basics, cutting down on meat, not taking food for granted, making food a priority, and using food to bring people together. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Burnt Offerings and Cooking in Bible Times</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rev. Wayne Irwin</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In bible times the simple gathering and preparing of good was one of the major occupations in life- the alternative being starvation. Nevertheless, food was not considered solely a means of sustaining life; it had great social and economic significance as well. Any pact or covenant was always sealed by participation in a common meal- to refuse was to express contempt for the other party to the agreement and to rupture the fellowship. And foodstuffs, therefore, were among the most important items of foreign trade- very useful in exerting pressure on international relations.</i><i>To prepare special food and to present it as an offering to honour a guest was among the more common and more respected of the social graces of the day. And the offering of one's best animal be burning it upon an alter, it's sweet smoke rising to the heavens was a gesture of homage for God- a gesture understood to place God under obligation to be peaceful and forgiving. Perhaps from this emerged the precept that "the best way to the heart is through the stomach."</i><i>Meat was not a regular part of the diet in those days. The chief reason was the scarcity of domestic cattle, particularly when any such animals were the family's providers of cheese and curds and milk. Meat then, was generally obtained through hunting, and then mainly pigeons and turtle doves and sometimes locusts, with lamb and goats being used at festival times. The wealthy lived on veal.</i><i>Meat was most commonly boiled in water, or otherwise roasted in an oven, barbecued on a spit or fried in oil. It was always almost overcooked so it could be easily pulled from the bone. Chicken was unknown in Old Testament times; and fish was rare; although by the time of Jesus, fish was increasing in popularity, being mainly prepared by broiling over coals.</i><i>Vegetables were scarce because of the climate. Beans and lentils were most common, either being eaten in their natural state or boiled into pottage. Sometimes they were mixed with flour to increase the yield of bread. The husks of the carob tree, generally regarded as the animal fodder, served as emergency food. And the most important fruits were olives, grapes and figs with the occasional inclusion of apples, pomegranates and dates.</i><i>Honey was the sugar of antiquity and the main herbs were thyme, mint, but the one item eaten at every meal was bread. No matter what else was being prepared, bread was made ready as well, often being dipped in olive oil and then swished through some ground spice and herbs to provide variety of flavouring in what otherwise could be very monotonous meals. The bread was made from barley and emmer (a primitive form of wheat), occasionally from millet, and once in a while from spelt (the plant often serving as a border for the field). The grain itself was sometimes consumed uncooked, sometimes roasted in a pan, sometimes simply parched in a fire. It was also made into a porridge, to be seasoned with salt or onions or leeks and garlic and to be sprinkled with seeds such as anise or coriander or cumin or dill.</i><i>Food itself was considered a gift from God, a gift not to be presumed upon, a gift not to be taken for granted- a symbol of God's providential love. In out present day we share an abundance of foodstuffs undreamed of even by the ancient royalty, for their land of milk and honey was a wasteland in comparison to ours.</i><i>And so it is that Lowville United Church publishes a collection of favorite recipes- tested instructions for the preparation and presentation of special food in our day. May the enjoyment of the tastes and textures of these offerings being enhancement to your times with others, and may their sweet and savoury smells rise up in contemporary gesture of profound gratitude to God.</i><i><br />
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</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-46534658913503431692010-10-27T23:27:00.000-07:002011-03-30T23:38:14.530-07:00Tastes Like Home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to start this off with a bit of a bang, so I called the buddies and staged a good old home cooking and <s>games</s> drinking night. I found a decently priced pork roast at the market down the street, and with BC Apples being in season, I thought it would be a great dish to enjoy on a rainy Saturday night. I'm also preparing BREAD! I seem to bike by bakeries no matter where I'm cycling to in the city, and I wanted that smell to fill my house. So let's get down to business.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWOO9ARJuJRWkSkLfTQw2ATzg1DbcXisTs6kBnAHesy2icO3DwJZjzz0gM6X09LqR0ifevnQblTePo7UDy6xWE608-GPrL3PhfZz3z1RNtULw1J2h6yJa6ZY9Slg05eu0OLcam0bW-JU/s1600/P9220002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWOO9ARJuJRWkSkLfTQw2ATzg1DbcXisTs6kBnAHesy2icO3DwJZjzz0gM6X09LqR0ifevnQblTePo7UDy6xWE608-GPrL3PhfZz3z1RNtULw1J2h6yJa6ZY9Slg05eu0OLcam0bW-JU/s320/P9220002.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Trip to Donald's Market</i></span></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">APPLE GLAZED PORK ROAST</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes 8-10 servings WW Points= Appr. 7pts/serving</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pork Roast- appr. 4lb</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2cups applesauce</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4cup red current or cranberry jelly</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I chose to grate the apples I had bought from the market and use cranberry jelly instead of red current. )</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4tbsp beef broth</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4tsp allspice</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place roast in shallow pan uncovered in 325F oven for 2.5 to 3 hours.</span></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Combine all other ingredients in saucepan to heat. Add half of the mixture to roast half an hour before it's done. Save the rest to be added when served.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZob04RAEqzQ4laFzTfQM_MS7R_k_J7udDuOYJ7zHMjVTF2HcpoH2kilerXfcis44VbE8xibiXaBxxgyqig5GsR9oG5UVROBxUK9NtN8LNrEptOBZAvcMvkoUwTADurGKgilZYVfvnqa4/s1600/P9220003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZob04RAEqzQ4laFzTfQM_MS7R_k_J7udDuOYJ7zHMjVTF2HcpoH2kilerXfcis44VbE8xibiXaBxxgyqig5GsR9oG5UVROBxUK9NtN8LNrEptOBZAvcMvkoUwTADurGKgilZYVfvnqa4/s320/P9220003.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BREAD</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes 3 loaves, or 3 dozen rolls WW Points= 35pt/loaf 3pt/roll</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1cup lukewarm water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1tsp sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2tbsp yeast (2 packets)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let mixture stand for approximately 10 minutes or until yeast has risen to surface.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Into yeast mixture stir:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2cups lukewarm water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 heaping tsp salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2cup shortening</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beat or stir together, then stir in 1 cup at a time of 8 cups of flour.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once mixed, knead for several minutes on a well floured surface. Put back in bowl and let rise, covered, for 1-2 hours. Dough should be double in size. Knead again and divide into three equal parts, or 36 rolls. Place dough in well greased and floured loaf pans, and let rise in a warm spot until the dough is over the top of pans. Bake at 400 F for 20 minutes.</span></i><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">REVIEW </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG-HMvQ_gLRTkX0-1p7g9jc7OkZ_ExjWBuKXaG8b6q8unDbqVMC7soSt6ew7R2jXxBh_vOxtMfpGy2xJRDcKijL45syB4q3_0sGrOcRb5L9-z1ciRsurMX4WwjuWsHbk6LiftO6IQnHw/s1600/P9220006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG-HMvQ_gLRTkX0-1p7g9jc7OkZ_ExjWBuKXaG8b6q8unDbqVMC7soSt6ew7R2jXxBh_vOxtMfpGy2xJRDcKijL45syB4q3_0sGrOcRb5L9-z1ciRsurMX4WwjuWsHbk6LiftO6IQnHw/s400/P9220006.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pork roast turned out amazingly. It was very moist and flavourful. The apple sauce was a perfect addition to the roast and had a great autumn feel to it. The bread was a hit and there were no rolls left at the end of the night and I was really happy with the way it turned out.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both of these items were pretty time consuming, but the actual preparation was fairly simple. I would definitely make the roast again on any night, and I'm quite excited to make some different variations of the bread. What a success!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-21814968713476048902010-10-20T23:29:00.000-07:002011-03-30T23:39:26.266-07:00Where It Begins<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was a kid, I attended <a href="http://www.nelsonunited.ca/l-lowville-united.html">Lowville Church</a> in Waterdown Ontario. My Grandmother attended the church for many many years, as did members of my extended family. Every few years or so, they put out a collection of recipes in the form of <u>The Original Lowville Country Cook Book.</u> </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB82n5tBA8t_leyI9QtstCS4MDQlN4oy8ZSvL-mcxGGFPMB6mjQRa7Cc-x_v5sfDq0kK2UV-aAhPp1KINBfAN6VT9cQFK7iLsMcM_gY79CXYN-ZXa4F2a_GTFfTnWVLjpR34KXtUFULU/s1600/P9190003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB82n5tBA8t_leyI9QtstCS4MDQlN4oy8ZSvL-mcxGGFPMB6mjQRa7Cc-x_v5sfDq0kK2UV-aAhPp1KINBfAN6VT9cQFK7iLsMcM_gY79CXYN-ZXa4F2a_GTFfTnWVLjpR34KXtUFULU/s320/P9190003.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout my childhood, my mother and I would often reference this book for easy, delicious, and kid friendly recipes. It was my favorite cook book and I'd always planned to nab it from my mom when I moved out. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Well the time did come when I moved out, and as a 19 year old girl, the cook book was last on my list after shoes and matching handbags. A couple years went by and I had still yet to take the cook book, but better so since I made the decision to forgo all of my material possessions and take a trip across the world- a cook book was not going to fit in my backpack. Luckily my dad convinced me not to get rid of everything, but rather store it, just in case there were things I was interested in down the road.</span></span><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Down the road we are now, and upon my return to my hometown, I was able to revisit box after box of these things I thought I may be interested in. The handbags and shoes were maybe not too important now. But in the special box that mom had always kept for me; you know the one- kindergarten drawings, grade 8 diploma, photos of your first cat; there it was, <u>The Original Lowville Country Cook Book</u>. I thought it was the one that we had used all my life, the one with the dirty pages and fingerprints, but it wasn't. It was a clean copy, with all its pages intact, and a simple inscription on the first page.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div><blockquote><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"1991 With Love to Laura on her 5th birthday, From Grandma"</span></b></i></blockquote></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT77h8YtBZd3DpNwFreCd-zEcIhSOiHLpFI7Oa8Djv8hypCx2n2oIdICguBobicHtHc37SwW0bZvxobTmSLjH2sSrXF9UUqEvLvz9w1Idp1Nq-9Re048bHtfR4PAS5eqxFqV4oTYSG7UQ/s1600/P9190012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT77h8YtBZd3DpNwFreCd-zEcIhSOiHLpFI7Oa8Djv8hypCx2n2oIdICguBobicHtHc37SwW0bZvxobTmSLjH2sSrXF9UUqEvLvz9w1Idp1Nq-9Re048bHtfR4PAS5eqxFqV4oTYSG7UQ/s320/P9190012.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT77h8YtBZd3DpNwFreCd-zEcIhSOiHLpFI7Oa8Djv8hypCx2n2oIdICguBobicHtHc37SwW0bZvxobTmSLjH2sSrXF9UUqEvLvz9w1Idp1Nq-9Re048bHtfR4PAS5eqxFqV4oTYSG7UQ/s1600/P9190012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you know me, you know what happened next...I cried...a lot. Grandma passed away in 2008 and seeing this book almost felt like she knew me better at 5 years old than I know myself now. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since moving to Vancouver and settling down a little bit, I've been changing my ideas on food; not just how it nourishes our body, but how it nourishes our soul. In a world of fast food, fad diets, microwave meals, and food that travels 30,000km to get to my kitchen, I wanted to rethink it all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My challenge is to buy locally; take time out of my day to make food that is healthy, homemade, and delicious; and still lose weight on Weight Watchers.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's not a challenge is to make the meals my grandmother made and fed to her children. Get back to basics, and share it with the people I love.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I invite you to follow along as I document my journey through this book and my reconnection to Grandma.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is Laura and Lowville- Lo vs Lo</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2677079824562181809.post-5726507046829360382010-03-31T13:46:00.000-07:002011-03-30T23:46:48.753-07:00"Eat Pray Love" this Book<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXfKNzdweafAZprmWY3VDsiloTnx3-LoaVBYLqbPV9ReA1WI3-KduwOSKe4x-YUPLuXzv5QdQbQTzZ-PQSQ15nhUBY8si9KCmRJvsNQIH4VSJ_DmXJmS7nnov3Fgo7TujyzG6NvKQty0/s1600/eatpraylove2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXfKNzdweafAZprmWY3VDsiloTnx3-LoaVBYLqbPV9ReA1WI3-KduwOSKe4x-YUPLuXzv5QdQbQTzZ-PQSQ15nhUBY8si9KCmRJvsNQIH4VSJ_DmXJmS7nnov3Fgo7TujyzG6NvKQty0/s320/eatpraylove2.jpg" /></a></div>Sometimes a book, a movie, or a radio show can pass through your day without a thought, but others can change the way you think forever. That was <i>Eat Pray Love</i>, for me. I began reading this novel at the start of my travels, but did not finish it. It was not until 6 months later, which was half way through my journey and my falling in love with a life of wandering, did this book have such an impact on me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">"An autobiographical account of Liz Gilbert, a 30-something recent divorcée travelling the world, this narrative takes the reader to Italy, India, and Indonesia; through heartache, healing and happiness. Relatable to almost every woman, it is a heroic account of Liz’s journey to find the balance of faith and pleasure in everyday life, loving yourself before anyone else and taking something from everyone you meet."</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">This particular book was so relevant to me not only because of my travels, but because of the ability to relate to the inner thoughts that I did not know others had, as well as finding that balance in life. One of the hardest parts of travelling is to be happy when you are perpetually lonely or the outcast; finding your ground while up in the air, and staying true to your own beliefs.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">After reading <i>Eat Pray Love</i>, I had the incredible urge to see Indonesia; Bali to be exact. I was ever so fortunate to make it there and share in the same experiences that Liz did. I will not spoil too much of the book or my trip to Bali, but stay tuned for that in another post.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">In the mean time, pick up <a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/eatpraylove.htm"><i>Eat Pray Love</i> by Elizabeth Gilbert</a> if you’re looking for inspiration, support, or just a great read!</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13566279603688256516noreply@blogger.com2