dreaming over the ocean

Its been a while since I have posted.  It has also been a great month, with lots on the plate of things to do. I have finally started getting back to exercising on a pretty regular basis and anticipating the next year of training for Challenge Penticton in August.  It has included talking and seeing and loving puppies, in the anticipating of our family growing in the new year with a new little munchkin.  It has included going walking in the woods for a lovely spruce tree in anticipation of our first christmas as a family.  It has included the initiation of a small group in our home every 2 weeks, in anticipation of growing community among the "Gen X's and Y's" at St James Anglican church.  It has included a christmas party or two. It also includes a contest...  Our fabulous wedding photographers have an "I like it the most" contest;  we aren't in first place, but on a good go for second... maybe we can do a last push to first!!!  Please go ...

Well!  it finally seems like life, with all of its ups and downs is going to settle down a bit.  The last couple months have really been on "full go."  I have really realised though, how you think that like might be "slower..."  and it never really gets that way.  Sometimes, we have to make a concerted effort to do that.  but, these past couple months/weeks have NOT been slow, and that. is. okay.  However, I am looking forward to being able to say that I have a realm of routine again. sometimes I feel like having a routine can also be translated to  "boring."  I know that there might be some of my friends out there that ask what is the next big adventure that is planned for me... what am i training for, where am I travelling too?   well, lets just say... marriage and the adventure of growing roots somewhere.  That is the adventure I am on for the next little while.   and, it is official:  here is the pap...

It has obviously been quite quiet in the blog-o-sphere around here recently.  And, I'm ok with that.  But, I do love blogging.  I just think that the blog has become a little different for me in the past 6 months.  I think that in school, my blog tends to be a time that I can get away from the stress, vent a bit, reflect a bit, and keep people updated.  Now that i am not in school, the stress of academia has decreased, and I find that blogging about things like... my triathlon training... can be a bit bland.  so, let's talk about the major amazing lovely love fest that happened a few weeks ago. getting married is awesome. what a week of crazy emotions.   I felt the saddest that I have maybe ever experienced, with the loss of my sister.  I'm still very sad about that, and I know that I will never stop missing her.  here are some photos of her and i together, then some shots of her a few years ago, while working at Pioneer camps. ...

I know that it has been WAY to quiet around this blog for too long.  I have no excuse, other than doing my planning for the wedding.  It's coming up, and in 9 days, I'm going to be a Mrs. Last weekend, two of the folks at St James Anglican Church were kind enough to offer us an "Engagement session."  Chris and Elisha are in the process of "rebranding" and think that it is great to be able to give back to our faith community by taking some photos of some of the people in the church.  It was quick and dirty (about 45 mins) but tons of fun.  Their website  has more of their work, and of course, facebook. We are really thankful that they were able to give us this gift!  and, man oh man... do we look good.

I haven't blogged, like Sean hasn't taken photos. sorry about that.  and, I am not going to write a long blog tonight.  but... what has happened in the last month? the dog days of summer.  It has been HOT HOT HOT, and that has been enjoyable!  though, Im not going to lie.  a few days of rain might not be a bad idea. wellll.... I got a job.  and, I have already been working there for a month.  I love it, it is challenging, and rewarding.  And, I get to work with great people like these ladies, who are other nurses, at the baseball game we went to today, for a teambuilding day (hello, run on sentence.) I also mailed out wedding invites.  On that website, there is a link to this page... our wedding page .  It also shows that the big day will be in 42 short days!!!  I love getting the RSVPs back, and I can't wait to see who is going to make it!  if you already know your answer, please email asap to sean.amelia.birch@gma...

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,...