Archive for October, 2008
NOTHING BUT DELICIOUSNESS
When Becky asked me last week if I’d be interested in spending Sunday afternoon at a spa, I wasted no time in saying “yes!” Surprisingly enough, I don’t often visit spas, and this was the first time I was ever to have a facial and massage combo. The two of us made the trek to Lynn Valley in North Vancouver on what was a sunny afternoon, and after a quick tea with DaveO, Becky and I pushed open the doors of Zazou Salon + Spa. Not knowing at all what to expect, any notions of what I thought Zazou might be were left outside. It’s a simplistic yet elegant space, complete with aromatic scents and tranquil music you might come to expect from a specialized spa.
Becky and I were professionally greeted by our treatment technicians, Scott and Mara, before being given the luxurious plush robes we were to wear prior to a warm tea tree oil foot soak. The next two hours passed by in a zen-like blur, between an intensely cleansing facial with various Comfort Zone products and an invigorating massage with the finest Aveda oils. While a day at the spa isn’t something I plan on doing on a regular basis, it’s one of those simple indulgences that every girl deserves once in a while. And next time that I do, I’m quite confident that a little escape to the North Shore will be my destination of choice.
Zazou Salon + Spa
3033 Mountain Highway
North Vancouver, British Columbia
604-980-7223
Website
While we’re gabbing about all things girlie, let me introduce you to the greatest product Clinique has ever created. While I’ve run the gamut of skincare products from Aveeno to Ren to Noxema to Neutrogena and Stella McCartney and back again, I now know with certainty that nothing works like Clinique. That is to say, however, as long as you stick with it consistently and don’t cheat.
It’s the unbelievable Turnaround™ Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer, a lovely “cocktail of exfoliants prompts a renewal process that is multilevel, time-released. Speeds fresh, vibrant cells to the surface. Continually unveils brighter, more radiant skin. Leaves skin with a velvety feel, perfected look…” And simply put, that’s precisely what it does. Since I started to use this product last week, my skin has changed in a way that can only be described as phenomenal. As an added bonus, I paired it with the Turnaround™ 15-Minute Facial for a bit of extra weekly radiance.
MOUNT WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 20, 2008 – 6:55 P.M.
SAY HI TO YOUR MOTHER FOR ME, OKAY?
It’s Monday and for whatever reason, I’m feeling a little meh. Don’t say it’s the rain because I love the rain. Perhaps it’s just the Mondays Mehs. Either way, I’m probably the last person to see this, but it’s entirely funny. Andy Samberg’s impersonation is nearly flawless.
After the episode aired, Mark Wahlberg was said to be upset with Samberg. His appearance on SNL this past Saturday seems to dispell that rumour.
On a gratuitious side note, I’m crushin’ once again. While Javier Bardem will always be number one in my loins, he needs to move over and make a bit of room. When I first started watching Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, many people asked me if I was crushing on Chris Meloni. “Absolutely not” was my standard response. I was too hung up on viewing him only as the bisexual, homicidial rapist on HBO’s Oz to find him sexy.
That notion has gone out the window. I got over it.
JUST CALL ME MARTHA
I don’t feel much like blogging today. I just finished my second glass of Firesteed pinot noir from Oregon. For dinner, I spent the afternoon simmering some Australian lamb shanks in red wine, broth and fresh organic herbs. I paired it with red-skinned mashed potatoes and chives and a side of brussels sprouts with some fresh-baked ciabatta bread.
Now if you’ll excuse me…I have some tiramisu to attend to.
49 DAYS AND COUNTING
If I had a dollar for every time over the last six months that Becky asked me “can we go snowboarding now?” then, well, I’d have about five dollars. My point is that she is just as excited as I am for the upcoming snowboard season. Mt. Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island is set to kick off the 2008/2009 ride on December 5, 2008 – just a sprinkle of days after yours truly’s birthday.
Becky and I will, without a doubt, be on the slopes for opening day, boards waxed and ready to go. Keep your eyes locked on my blog over the next 7 weeks as I’ll be posting updates on the snowfall and getting you excited with snowcam shots!
And a little link love to kick off the first really rainy weekend of Fall…
P.S. A girlfriend of mine is trying to get her mitts on a vintage stove from the 40s or 50s, so if you know of one for sale, leave a comment or pop me an e-mail.
THIS IS ALL I KNOW
Those that have been long-time readers of my blog may recall posts I wrote in May of 2007 with regard to a personality disorder I uncovered in my life. When I was a teenager, I lost two men of ultimate import within just a few years of each other. My Opa was my best friend and passed away when I was 15; two years later I lost my father. For any young girl, strong male role models are key figures in their growth and development.
The loss of these two men so early in my life had a profound effect, one that I would not come to realize until many years later. More recently, professionals in the psychology field have coined the term abandoholism to describe individuals who become gripped by fear, insecurity and panic at the idea of losing loved ones. Over time, these symptoms only worsen and manifest deeper, rather than dissipate. This can overwhelmingly affect relationships with friends, family and loved ones, and (as in my case) ultimately leads to distrust and a tendency to push people away rather than risk losing them.
Original Photo: Berlotti on Flickr
There was a definite catch-22 in discovering something such as this about myself. On one hand, it felt incredibly defeating because it’s easy to lay blame and judgment on myself. On the other, the freedom and drive it gave me was unreal. When I was younger, I was a die-hard optimist, but so much so that I became more of an idealist. Now I consider myself a realist. I’ll take my truth and certainty over fantastical notions.
After my discovery and subsequent journey into abandoholism, I started seeing a counsellor. It was expensive and therefore short-lived. In recent months I decided to re-visit the idea of talking to someone because it is absolutely crucial. In truth, finding a good counsellor to talk to is, I think, something that should be an essential part of everyone’s life. And so I have now had four sessions over the last two months, and am incredibly excited at what’s ahead.
In yesterday’s session I explored that which is at the heart of me – my sense of self, my acceptance of who I am (the good, the bad and the hideously ugly) and a true understanding of where I am at. The freedom and drive that came from discovering my abandoholic tendencies has subsequently allowed me to shed some skin. I have lost more than a few friends since that time last year and I’m okay with that. It is more important to hold on to the ones that are nourishing to my liveliness.
I have a long, long, long way to go. But then again, we all do. Part of accepting myself is accepting the fact that I will never reach a final pinnacle in my development – there will always be growth, change, progress and flow. I may not be leaving the city, but there is definite movement in this girl’s life.
DON’T HATE ME BECAUSE I’M HONEST
I feel that, in light of last night’s post, I should provide a little clarification – not a retraction. I am not anti-child or anti-baby in any way, shape or form. I am, however, pro-dog. And while it is technically not fair to compare apples to oranges, as a dog lover, I feel I have the right to speak my voice on what I feel is not fair.
I won’t delete my post – to do so would be ridiculous. I can admit that it was completely biased and opinionated, and that’s okay. In part, it was meant in humour. And the way in which the post was stylized and written was to provide the view from my perspective. On that token, each and every subsequent comment was equally valid.
One example:
While travelling on BC Ferries, those travelling with a dog but without a car are restricted and confined to a 10′x6′ metal-walled room on a lower car deck, in a direct breeze (with the exception of the newest vessels, the rooms are not sealed), containing a handful of hard, plastic chairs. And that’s it. That is the only option. Children are rightfully allowed on all passenger decks, but there is nothing preventing an unruly child from screaming and kicking the back of my chair while I read my magazine save for that child’s parents’ discipline. Otherwise, I either have to move seats or be okay with the behavior.
While the illustrations I provided in last night’s post were quite obviously exagerrated, as someone who has a preference for her dogs over children, I would like to see more options being granted to those with pets. I am by no means saying that dogs should be given carte blanche, but there is a time and place for everything – and everyone. For many dog owners, their dogs are their children and an indisposable part of the family unit.
In response to last night’s post, a friend of mine (who is also a parent of two) stated: “Personally, I think kids – unless they’re well behaved – belong in certain places and not others.” The truth of the matter is that each side of the argument has valid points. Both opinions deserve respect and tolerance because the opinions are all rooted in feelings that are real to the person feeling them. That is what is beautiful about blogging: I’ve stated my viewpoint and my opinion and I encourage you to now do the same…
DOGS RULE, KIDS DROOL
“I’ll wait here in the car while you ride the ferry. I’m not allowed upstairs, but this metal room with plastic chairs is lovely.”
Photo: *MarS on Flickr
“Sorry…I can’t come in the grocery store with you.”
“Enjoy the restaurant. I know I fit in your handbag, but I have to stay at home.”
Photo: Lex in the City on Flickr
“You’re going shopping without me? Now I’m sad…”
“Go enjoy your coffee – I’ll stay here tied to this metal pole.”
Photo: Eve D. on Flickr
“We’re going on a trip? Yay! Oh wait…I have to stay in a tiny crate in the plane’s cargo area? Oh.”
“Let’s play! But it has to be outside because that’s the only place I’m welcome (even though lots of moms don’t like me).”
Photo: Simon Davison on Flickr
“I’m tired. Just tired of getting no respect…”
I find it completely and constantly amazing at how many places confine dogs to certain areas – or ban them entirely. One could make the argument that dogs can be a health and cleanliness hazard at establishments such as restaurants and grocery stores, but tell me which small child that spends each day with 30 other kids in daycare or a classroom isn’t equally as hazardous to health standards.
While you may not appreciate canine companions accompanying their owners in public, I don’t appreciate your crying, bratty, snotty, Kool-Aid stained, germy, dirty, pajama-clad, Croc-wearing, spoiled, loud urchin of an offspring infringing on my personal space.
The use of this photo is illustrative; I am making no inference to this particular child.
Photo: Clappstar on Flickr.
TENACIOUS K
There isn’t much I’m thankful for. Hold on, though – I’m talking about quality over quantity. While the gracious things in my life are few, they are rich beyond any imaginable wealth.
I spent the entirety of yesterday, from 9:30 a.m., in the kitchen. I started by channeling my inner Charlotte York-Goldenblatt and baked a Khahlah loaf before preparing and stuffing a turkey, chopping a rainbow of vegetables and setting a table that would make Martha Stewart proud. Around 4 p.m. our guests arrived: our family’s oldest friends, Jim, Dianne and their daughter Kortney (whom I have blogged about many times before).
Though the meal took us about 16 minutes to consume, the conversation lasted close to six hours. After all was said and done, what was most clear to us all is that there is not much in life that ultimately matters. At least not much more than what is in your immediate circle.
That which is in my life that does matter and for which I am thankful…
While the list is short, it is solid and tenacious.
To all of you in Canada who are practicing the art of thankfulness today, I wish you all a very blessed day of reflection and peace.
HAGGARD!
Amy and I took the ferry to Nanaimo yesterday and we had fun. Somehow, we always manage to make it fun. I love to travel in the Fall, and by the time we got to Departure Bay, the sun had set and crispness invaded the air.
How delightful…
After 12 hours since my last shower and no blow dryer, I was feeling rather haggard. We took pictures anyways.
