dreaming over the ocean

It seems as if this is a little "out of date" now, since SO MANY things have happened in the past few weeks.  That being so, the trip was so epic, and I loved it so much, and haven't talked about about it yet.  And, I tend to suspect that there are a few people who would appreciate a post on it! --------------------- A couple months ago, when my friend Kevin Shon brought forward the idea of climbing Mt. Rainier, I was a little skeptical, and VERY excited.  Would there possibly be the chance that "fate" would work out that a number of my friends from West Virginia would have the same period of time off, that we could engage in an epic adventure?  I knew that there was a small chance.  but, small is better than no-chance.  And, to increase the chances, it would be for me to say "yes." I knew for sure it would be something I would love to do. and, it came together.  5 Friends: myself from vancouver, Sam and Gretchen from Alaska, Kevin from.... every...

It's been a while since posting~  as I would say, because there is nothing going on.  But, truely, there have been great things happening.  Shortly after arriving back in Canada, from New Orleans,  I went right out to Tofino , for a short 3-day holiday with the Birch's.  The Birch Parent's were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, so everyone came together for a beautiful weekend! Staying at Middle Beach Lodge , we had plenty of time to sit and relax, walk on beaches, and eat nice west coast food!  I've been to Tofino once before , with my beautiful niece.  This was definitely a different trip, but, it is really nice to just be able to get out and relax.  I do think, however, that the next time that I am out there, I want to engage in a bit more "water sports."  Either do some surfing, or some kayaking, or something... one of the great things about being on the coast, is that there is so much ocean to take advantage of! As always,...

So, with my new membership to the YMCA, I have discovered that they offer Wednesday evening african dance classes. Now, if you know me, you know that I am NOT a dancer. I am 6ft tall. and, i am certainly not light on my feet. But, if there is one kind of dance that i like to do... it is african dance. My close friend Kevin Shon introduced me to it, at West Virginia. I only did it for one semester there, but, I. loved. it. But, I will tell you it is some fricken hard work. You sweat so good. Some photos from that semester. I then did both african drum and dance while in vancouver, off and on for the 3 years that I was there. And, it is amazing~ i have found, that it is only in small african dance classes, that i have come close to meeting people who understand what makes a heart beat with the sounds of africa. The "talking drum." I took my lessons as Masabo, which is now Ammara , and taught drums by Fana Soro (the Ivorian in the following video). i am happy, to be a...

so, in anticipation of my return to Vancouver, i was ridiculously excited to get on my bike, run on the seawall, get back to my regular exercise routine. The month of december was a little ridiculous in some aspects. mostly food. i felt like i went backwards from all the gains i made in nutrition in the fall. and, my holiday in Florida lead to a lot of lying on the beach, and walking around bare feet, and not doing much working out. and, im not beating myself up about it, but i was ready to get back to normal eating and training. upon my return to vancouver, i realized that "normal" is not going to be quite normal. far be it for me to be pessimistic about snow, 'cause i love snow, i am quite dismayed about the amount of it currently in Vancouver. I am not sure it has stopped snowing since I left, back on the 20th. we are talking, like, 2 feet of snow lying on peoples front yard. the streets? well, the side roads have grooves where a few brave cars can get through, and hav...

so, yesterday was an interesting day. a couple of things happened and got me thinking of the things that i do, and i dont like. i, on the occasion, come up with "a list of things i love." today, i will do a abbreviated version of that. but, as for yesterday. the biggest thing, was that i went to the doctor; this is my "5 month post-op" appt, to check up on how things are going. my wrist is going fairly well. my elbow, on the other hand is not going so well, but i think we knew that already. making a long story short, I am going to be having surgery again; this time on my elbow. Most likely will be having that at the beginning of January. (which, on one hand is great, b/c i will still be able to go snowboarding, but on the other hand, not so good, b/c it will certainly interfere with school and work. if i had it in december, I not be able to go snowboarding, but i wouldnt have as much time of school and work... breaking news: as of 12:30, the doc phoned, and...

so, the last few days has been great. kevin shon came up to visit me for 3 days, and i havent seen him since 2005; more on that later! it snow about 10 cm today, and it is staying on the ground. and, i rode a bike in it (not my own), and felt like i was toying with death, but also the adrenaline was so much fun! :) went to a med school visit this afternoon. met great people, asked good questions, and was impressed by the answers. gets my insides ticking about wanting to be in med school asap... Staff christmas party tonight for body and soul. i like the people i work with... there is a good handful of them who are pretty great to hang out with, and whatnot. but, anything with free food and drinks is good with me!!!!