Bunbury? More like FUNbury!

We were sad to leave Margaret River. It's just so serene and lovely, especially in a great place like Willy Bay Resort. But at least the holidays weren't over!

The drive to Bunners was short but pretty stormy, which wasn't the most fun for Dave. But before we knew it we were there with a nice cup of tea and a movie. Maureen made delicious soup and we ate it with garlic bread and afterwards she put a tasty cheese plate together with strawberries and cherries. We watched "Bottle Shock", a better movie than I thought it would be, and appropriate with our Margaret River wine! We had some Cointreau as well. When Maureen and Allen turned in Caroline, Dave and I sat around and chatted and Caroline took a whole bunch of notes about wedding plannning!

The next day looked a little rainy but we braved the outdoors and went for a walk along the beach and up Bunbury's lookout tower. After our walk we decided to head to Mash Brewery to have some cider and beer, then back to Haig Crescent for steak, potatoes, salad and wine. We also played some Movie-title themes charades, yay! Weirdly though, while watching "40-Year-Old Virgin", I started to feel really hot, and when Dave and Caroline looked concerned (and maybe a bit weirded out!) when they looked at me, I ran for the mirror and discovered that I was covered in a weird, blotchy, scarlet rash. It started on my chest and spread across my entire body! Thankfully, it was gone within a couple of hours, but I still don't know what caused it. Maureen said it was probably something I ate, and that seems likely because I was pretty sick that night.

Because of my stomach I was up a lot at night so I slept in a lot. Dave, Caroline and Maureen had a big breakfast, I sipped on some soup and felt a bit better. We chatted and soon enough it was time to drive back to Perth. Dave said he'd drive (again!) and I was thankful for that. It was a relaxing time in Bunbury - I didn't want to leave!

Even though being back in Perth meant the holidays were coming to an end, it was still nice to arrive home. I told Dave I'd run to the front of the house and unlock the back door from the inside, but I was in for an unpleasant surprise...I tried my key, but found that the lock we didn't have keys to had been bolted. We couldn't get in. Because we'd been away, our phones were dead. It was Friday evening, after 6 PM. Such bad timing. Luckily, our next door neighbor Claudia was home and she let us use her computer and phone. We reached our real estate agent, who reluctantly met us and gave us the keys. Finally, at almost 8:00 we were in.

That night we went out to Lido and then out for a couple of drinks and Clarences and Defectors. Ran into Marc Nesbitt and hung out with him a bit. Good night!

Margaret River: Sights, Food and Wine

Margaret River is one of my favourite places. Only a few hours from Perth city, it's a lovely place to relax and get away. As usual, the three of us, Caroline, Dave and I, were running a little late leaving, but we made good time on the drive, stopping in Bunbury to get DVDs and at a litte place on the road to get Caroline an Emu pie (not really wanting to eat an Emu myself, I opted for a Harvey orange).

At last we pulled up to Willy Bay Resort, where we were staying in a Lakeside View self-contained chalet. Dave and I stayed there for our 2-year anniversary and it was nice to be back, and as lovely as we remembered: 2 bedrooms with big comfy beds, a bathroom with a spa bath, a full kitchen, dining room and a lounge room with a flat screen TV and a fire. The first night we went to the market and cheese factory and got a variety of Margaret River cheeses and foods. We went for a drink at the Settlers Tavern, a cozy lodge that reminded us of Canadian pubs, before returning to our chalet and settling in for the night. I had a luxurious shower and then we all sat down to enjoy a feast of Margaret River food and wine. When we were ready to burst we sat in the lounge room and enjoyed "The Cutting Edge" and "Cadillac Records". "The Cutting Edge" was one of my childhood favourites and I was happy to find that I still really enjoyed it. I thought "Cadillac Records" was really good as well, but Beyonce playing Etta James was a real stretch. Great music and fashion, it captured a time.

Our first full day down south we woke up to see the most astoundingly beautiful weather. The sun shone, the day was calm and warm. We saw Yallingup, Meelup Beach, took some walks and soaked up some sun and great views. We went to Wise Winery to have some tastings and then to the brewery to grab some beer and a bite. In Margaret River town we topped up our food and then headed back to Willy Bay for some more food, wine and as always great company! We watched a very silly, action packed movie called "Crank", it was fun, had lots of great chats and watched some fluffy TV before getting into our fluffy beds.

Day 2 = Wineries! Dave was the best ever because he said he would be our designated driver. We visited 5 wineries: Sandalford, Evans & Tate, Pierrot, Cullen and Vasse Felix. Great times! We also went to the chocolate factory, yummmmm. After our adventures we went to the Settlers again and ran into Taryn, Dave's old fried from Perth and her friend who was from Quebec! We had a drink with them and then, again, visited the supermarket to top up our supplies for our last night in Margs.

Caroline's in Perth!

When Caroline booked her flights to Perth over four months ago I was so glad, but wow, it seemed like a long time to wait for her visit. Time always passes more quickly than expected though and before I knew it Dave and I were at the airport, guessing when she'd come out, making up little games about how many people would be out before her.

Even though you wait and wait at the airport it is still always such a surprise to see your friend in person. There are always a few seconds of awkwardness when you haven't seen someone in so long, but it's amazing how quickly that evaporates. It was so great catching up on the drive back to our place in Mount Lawley.

Let me just say that Caroline is an absolute champ - after travelling over 35 hours she stayed up and even went out for a couple of drinks with us for Cutter's birthday at Clarences! After her 2nd warm cider the fatigue started to hit her - she and I went home where we had noodles from Goreng and a little girl talk before she went to sleep.

Dave and I had spent a very lovely but quiet weekend together before Caroline's arrival and the next morning was the first day I officially felt like we were really and truly on holidays. After a sleep in we started the day with birthday cake and bubbles, then it was off to the Swan Valley for a brewery lunch with Josh and Amy; Caroline tried kangaroo! We went for a lovely walk through the woods and bush over the rapids, then out for a drink at the Rose & Crown. A great day! On the next day we took a drive through Fremantle and stopped at Cottesloe beach, where Caroline dipped her toes in the Indian Ocean at sunset. Dave went home and then Caroline and I did a bit of late night shopping in Mount Lawley. She got the cutest dress and shoes at Elroy! We celebrated with a drink at the Queens and some nibbles at Bliss Nooodle Bar before coming home and watching "The Blind Side" with Dave.

Friday was a day to rock out! The three of us went to the AC/DC exhibit at the gallery, it was really fun! Afterwards it was time to get ready for a night out - dinner with Lou, Kok, Dan, Mel, Busta, Liz and Sian at Utopia, then off to Devilles Pad! They had a Beach Boys tribute band playing in addition to the usual fun, kitch vibe, cool cocktails and great music! Dave, Caroline and I met up with Cutter and Mark and had a blast. To continue the great time we were off to Amplifier for more music and dancing! Turns out Caroline was quite popular with the Aussie boys, who lined up to dance with her and tell her that they loved her.

Saturday was a beautiful, warm sunny day, a perfect day to enjoy Caversham Wildlife Park. We saw lots of cool birds and marsupials, fed kangaroos and met koalas, lizards and a wombat, although the emus didn't seem to want to cooperate and come close to us - I think they suspected that Caroline intended to eat them; her goal is to try as many Aussie animals as she can! I loved visiting the bunnies at Molly's Farm. The sun was setting as we drove home and for dinner we got Stones pizza. Next stop tomorrow: Margaret River!

It's Such a Perfect Day

I'M ENGAGED!

Dave proposed on Sunday, it was so lovely!

Here's how it went: Dave suggested we go for a picnic in Hyde Park on Sunday afternoon because it was so beautiful out, it was really nice, sunny, warm and on the verge of hot. We had lovely picnic food and talking in the sun. He then said he had a late birthday present for me, he had ordered it online and it only came on Friday (I thought it was a little strange that he wouldn't let me have it when it arrived, but didn't think much of it). I opened it and it was a beautiful hardcover book that he had Apple make for him, it was called "Five Years" and it was filled with pictures of us and family and friends from the last five years, our time together. On the back inside cover was a message that said "Will you marry me?". That's when he took out the ring and asked! It was so sweet and perfect.

the ring is simple, classic, beautiful and dainty. It is white gold with a very gorgeous sparkly single diamond.

This has been on of the most special and beautiful days in my life, I'm so very happy.

Montreal!

So I have arrived in Montreal for a visit. Well, actually I have been here for a little over a week now! It's pretty amazing how fast the time goes, but also how easy it is to settle into a place you used to live in.

It's been a perfect blend of busy and relaxing. Got in at 4:30 to find that my luggage had been lost. The guy at the counter was super rude and wouldn't even answer my questions! Welcome to Quebec! Oh well. I wasn't going to let it bring me down. It was great getting to 2 BG and seeing my family. I was feeling kind of tired since I don't really sleep much during flight, even long ones, but somehow I ended up staying up until about 2:30 - Caroline came over and so did Moe and Ryan, and everyone was having a great time. Had Mom's home made spaghetti sauce, wine...Yum!

The next few days I went shopping with Mom. Sunday night the fam went to La Porte Greque and had some delicious lamb chops. Monday night because of Logan's insistence we went to see "Scott Pilgrim vs The World", which was great. Tuesday night Tasha and Sanjay came over for dinner and then we headed off to Candi Bar on Mont Royale because my old friend Cheryl was in town. It was really great to see her. If anyone is reading this and is considering going to Candi bar, it's a great place. The bar is made of mega blocks! But beware of their sugary drinks!!! The one I had contained cherry slush, vodka, midori and pop rocks. Wow, did I feel below average the next day, and apparently I was babbling about nonsense in Sanjay's car on the way home. Yikes.

Needless to say, Wednesday was a quiet one. But it was really nice to be in my old house with my family. I talked to Dave that morning too, which was good. Mom, Logan, Tara and I walked around the Pointe Claire Village and made Rice Krispies Squares when we got home. Mom made meat loaf - it was kind of cool for everyone to be having a cooked meal together at the house.

Thursday got a slow start, but after a disaster involving Mom's washing machine Mom and I went out for Gigi's Pizza. I still think it's the best pizza I've ever had! Moe arrived late in the afternoon, because she took Friday off to hang out - so nice! We went out to La Porte Greque and had a great chat. I think we both needed girl time. When we got back, my whole family as well as Moe and Sanjay listened to my band's album so far. I was so excited because everyone really liked it and had heaps of positive things to say about it. Moe, Sanjay, Logan and I went to Clydes afterwards for a bit and had a pitcher of Molson Ex!

The weekend was a fun one. Friday we actually had a lot of fun grocery shopping before our girls' night. I made fajitas, and we all had a cocktail or two, chatted and played board games - Yay! Moe slept over again and left the next day when Ryan came to pick her up. That night I went with Caroline, Sanjay and Tasha to Typhoon where Mike works. I saw Mike, Craig and a few others I hadn't seen in ages. Had a great time with Caroline, and ended the night pretty sober, which is apparently an accomplishment after being there. On Sunday afternoon Nana and Ann-Marie came over and I made them dinner. It was really lovely to see them as well.

Here we are - it's already Monday. After a delicious and filling lunch at the Burgundy Lion Mom, Dad and I spent some time together and looked at old photos. I had a good long chat with Mom and also talked to Dave on the phone. Nerdy playing of my old Mac SE followed. Still can't beat Quest For T-Rex. Haha.

Year 11 Retreat

From Wednesday to Friday last week I went on Year 11 Retreat for my Co-Curricular hours. I'm going to be really honest here and say that I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Sure, I like the kids and the other staff, but 3 days and two nights...It could seem like forever. I like my own bed, and I like being with Dave every day. But I was going, and that was that! The only option was to be in a good mood about it!

The retreat ended up being really, really great. Accommodation was rough and very cold at night, but that was hardly noticeable. The kids were there to focus on their relationships with family, friends and others and to reflect on their lives. There were activities about communication and active listening (I ran one of those), making a road that signified their journey in life, reflecting on what each member of their family means to them and more.

On the first day the kids were read the story of the Warm Fuzzies. They then each got a bag that they put their name on and decorated. Over the course of the retreat everyone wrote "warm fuzzies" to one another, and everyone got to read the contents of their bad at the end. What a great idea!

I ran a workshop on day 2 called "Music is my Life", where the kids are meant to compile 10-12 songs that make them think about people and places in their lives. To model the task I shared some of my life experiences and played some songs. Even though I get up in front of a class 5 days a week, many times a day, I still felt quite nervous about getting up and sharing. But I'm glad I did, and I'm glad I was honest with them about some of the things that happened at different parts in my life. I think it encouraged the kids to dig deeper when they did the activity.

By the second day the mood at the retreat was already different. Kids were coming out of their shells, being more honest with one another and branching out, talking and interacting with other students who weren't necessarily friends before. That night we had a liturgy. Every student brought a candle, and we lit them all. Towards the end, the kids had to think about something they wanted to get rid of, a feeling, an experience, anger, guilt, etc. and they wrote it down on a piece of paper. One by one each kid quietly stood up in the candlelit room and ripped up their paper, throwing it away. After this, a girl named Emma got up to sing a song. She's had some tough times in her life and when she started to sing her voice broke and she began to cry. Immediately, friends were by her side, holding her hand, encouraging her. She sang the whole song, even though her voice was breaking now and then. It was really beautiful. Because of the overwhelming emotional reflection over the days, most of the kids were in tears when Emma sang her song. After the song finished everyone hugged someone, or many people. I had some students I didn't even know giving me a hug. In school it might feel weird, but it was nice on retreat.

The next day was also quite emotional - each student received a letter from their parents, or a parent. This part of the retreat reduced even the toughest, jockiest guys to tears. The great thing was the letters would say how proud parents were and how much they loved their kids. That reinforcement and expression of love and pride just made the kids cry, because they were overwhelmed with reassuring, happy feelings.

I think it was really a great experience for all the kids, and I feel so glad that I got to be a part of it. I wish we had done something like this at my school.

July Holidays

The year's middle holiday is coming to a close. Compared to our Vietnam adventure in April, these two weeks have been incredibly relaxing. The World Cup was fun to get into, checked out some Jazz at The Bird, went to the 6s & 7s album launch at the Rosie, welcomed Maureen back from the UK with a lovely dinner at Clarence's, Went for walks into the city and to the library, had some dinners out, partied at Cutter's big birthday and Dave & I celebrated our 5-year anniversary with a few nights in Margaret River filled with relaxation: food, wine, the country and each other.

It was really a good couple of weeks.