Date night

Steve and I hit the town last night for dinner and drinks. We went for dinner at a Mexican restaurant, where the margaritas come in glasses the size of fish bowls and the salsa is spicy! It was really good and really packed! It's just a small little room, filled with people, with a line up out the door and down the stairs to get in. They even pass out funky Mexican hats for you to wear if you want one!

Here's a few of the pics we snapped during the evening...

I really liked that bus in the background! They might not have cute yellow school buses here, like at home but they do have cute red double decker buses!

"Steve! Up here!"

Bed sheets, paint and creativity!

The other day I brought an old bed sheet to work and the kids and I painted this house to cozy up our home corner, or as we call it, our "Imagination Station", where all the magic happens! The kids were so proud of it and I thought it was just so cute, I couldn't resist taking a photo! It's amazing how much fun painting a bed sheet can be! The children thought it was the best thing EVER! If you have old sheets kickin' around the house, mix up some paint, stick in some brushes and let the kids go crazy! They'll seriously think you're the coolest person on earth!:)

Determination!

Steve ordered me this cute running watch online and I got it in the mail yesterday. I'm really excited about it! It will help me keep track of my heart rate and how many calories I am burning. I'm really motivated this time around with running. I tried it in Brisbane but gave up pretty quickly because of the constant headaches I was getting after a run. This time around I worked up to running a full 4 km loop very slowly, in order to get my body used to the impact. I think it's also helped that the loop I run is gravel and not pavement. It's actually amazing how much of a difference it makes on my back and neck! I'm determined to be in the best shape of my life for when I turn 30, so that helps me to stay focused! Won't be long and the dreaded 3-0 will be here! That and the fact that my hubby looks hotter than ever and well, I can't have him looking better than me;)

Feeling grateful...

See this face? I went running with this guy last night. My best run yet. I've been slowly building up my running endurance and last night, running with Steve, I just felt really motivated and strong. He does that to me this guy. Having him around just makes me feel like I can do anything. He's that kind of guy.

And see this face? My day just isn't the same if for some reason I don't wake up to this guy snoring beside me. I love the way he wags his tail when I first wake up, roll over and say good morning with a sleepy voice. Having him around just makes me feel happy. He's that kind of dog.

All this to say...I'm one lucky girl to have such special boys in my life.

Cold weather and cookies!

It's been really chilly here. Last night it was 8 degrees, with high winds and heavy rain. We even got a bit of hail around 5 pm. There was a storm warning posted and lots of businesses let their employees off work early to make it home safely. The storm didn't hit as bad as they thought (does it ever?) but the temps have stayed low and my poor hands are very wind burnt from walking in the weather. I decided our best defense against the cold was a good cup of tea and some homemade cookies. I wanted to make a batch using my butterscotch chips from Canada and found this recipe online. They are so yummy! Sorry Aussies, butterscotch chips don't live in Oz, but to all the Canucks reading this post, give them a try! :)

It's no wonder I have crazy dreams!

Seriously, I don't know what kinds of things go through my head when I'm sleeping but I woke up with an overwhelming urge to make "Rainbow Stew" for the kids in my class today. It's calling for an absolute dreadful day in Melbourne and I think I must have been planning in my sleep how to best fill an "inside day" with fun. I used to make this all the time in Halifax but couldn't remember the exact measurements. A quick google search was all it took and I was mixing away at 8 am! What did we ever do before internet?? I thought I'd post this for all you Moms, Dads and teachers looking for something different to do with the kiddies. Even toddlers can enjoy this one, just make sure the bag is well taped! It's a really cool sensory activity and the children love watching the colors mix. I've been talking to them about rainbows, so this should fit in perfectly!

PS. Steve thought about having it for breakfast but decided he could hold out for toast:)

Around our house...

I had the most relaxing day. I did...nothing. Well, that's not true, I did have a nap. I also started thinking about finally doing a little something around the house. I like it but I feel like it needs a little...something. I'm not sure what though. I am however determined to figure it out!

Here's what it looks like so far...

Bedroom.

Kitchen.

Part of the living room.

Kitchen looking towards the living room space.

Bathroom.

I need a little inspiration and maybe I need to get my sewing machine out. Curtains? Art work? Definitely need to hit the op shops! I'll keep you posted on the progress!

Cruisy Sunday Morning...

One of my most favorite parts of the weekend is always Sunday morning breakfast. I usually make pancakes because they're my most favorite thing ever but to keep it fun, I mix and match! Today I added bacon...Canadian style bacon. I was hard to find in Brisbane but seems to be everywhere in Melbourne!

Is there anything better than the smell of bacon frying?

Jesse loves Sunday breakfast too because it's the only time when he gets his own human brekky in his bowl! He "woves" pancakes!:)

The best thing about Sunday morning breakfast (other than eating it) is throwing everything in the dishwasher, making a cup of tea and putting your feet up to do a little blog reading. Bliss.

Steve just left with his friend Nathan on a bike ride. I have no plans for today. None! I can't remember the last time I had no plans. It's awesome! I think I might go back to bed for a little Nana nap!

Hope everyone is having a blissful weekend too!

Friday Night Drinks...

Steve and I went out for dinner Friday night, followed by a little Costco outing. Prices were really good AND they had orange cheddar cheese (can't usually get that here) AND 2 Bite Brownies (Steve's favorite!) that actually said product of Canada! I think we'll become members!

After Costco, we met up with some of Steve's co-workers for drinks. Good times as always!

Lucy is moving back to Britain, so this was our last night out with her. She's the only other girl other than me who ever goes out...now I really need to make friends!!!

Look at my face in this photo! I wonder what we were talking about!

I worked on Saturday morning, so we didn't stay out late. My work hosted an Open Day to show off our centre. It went really well and I was pretty happy with how my classroom came together. I've been working hard at it for the last couple of months and it's finally where I want it. I might try to post some pics soon!

Brisbane Visit!

This past weekend I headed off to BrisVegas for a little catch up with my pals. Surprisingly, I didn't take very many pictures that I can post because I mostly used my Polaroid for fun instant pics. I had a great time! Here's a little of what I did, with the few photos I did manage to take with my normal camera...

This is actually a picture of a Polaroid snapshot. I had to put it in because we just all looked so snazzy! We went out Saturday night for dinner and drinks. Not great food and service but great company, so all was good!

Kate and I hit the market on Saturday and I scored 2 totally me skirts and a long shirt for super cheap! We had an awesome time poking around and buying goodies for a picnic that followed in the park with the Purdys...

Shamus and Breagha were as cute as ever! It was really nice to get to spend some time with them again!

Sunday, we hit the lagoon in Southbank. It was such a hot day! Actually the whole weekend I was dying of heat!!! Clearly, I'm just not used to it anymore! I have to say, I was really happy to come back to the real spring like temperatures of Melbourne! Today was just perfect...sunshine and a high of 19 degrees. Maybe moving back to Canada won't be as hard as I thought!

Thanks to everyone for helping to make my visit so fantastic! I have to confess, it's pretty much taken me to today to not feel completely pooped! I'm getting too old for these busy weekends!;)

I went for a run today and then came home and made a chocolate cake. Ha! It was meant for Steve...I wanted to surprise him...but I did enjoy a pretty good size piece too!:)

Guess what that is on the top? Oreo cookie! I discovered that you can buy them now in the grocery store...a whole pack for only $1.69! Sure beats the 4 cookies for $4 that we bought once before in the specialty shop!

In other news, Costco has opened here in Melbourne for the first time ever in Australia. I saw on the news that Canadians and Americans who live here were waiting to get their fix of home, right at the doors when it opened. I thought that was cute! Apparently, it's quite cheap...I wasn't sure if the prices would be as good here as at home, since everything is just more expensive here, but they say it is! They even carry the 'Kirkland' brand, so I'm hoping they'll sell some of the stuff I love that I haven't been able to get here (marshmallows, butterscotch chips, etc...) We weren't huge Costco shoppers in Canada but I think it's definitely worth checking out here, even if it is just to get a familiar taste of home!:)

Exciting day... First, the wife is gone, Cari decided she needed a weekend of girl time, so she flew off to Brisbane to hang with her girlie friends. I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or not, but since she's been gone, everything that I put down (keys, wallet, shoes, coat etc...) are EXACTLY where I left them when I go back looking for them. How awesome is that.

Secondly, I registered for the Shepparton Half Iron Man. (A half Iron Man is basically an endurance triathlon which consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and ending in a 21km run. )
I'm on the 5th week of my 19 week training plan. It works off a 4 week cycle, 3 weeks of build and then one week of recovery. Each week consist of running, cycling, swimming (right now I'm rowing instead of swimming, but that will change next week) and weights.
No turning back now!

Steve (Get down low and go go go) Dickinson

Randoms

I've been doing a pretty poor job of blogging these days! There just hasn't seemed to be time! We've been keeping very busy between work and Steve's half Iron Man training, the days just fly by! We've also been putting some time into organizing our home. We kind of just moved in and then I started work and well, the house got pretty neglected! We cleaned out our sun room and outdoor shed. Check out the crap we got rid of! It wasn't all ours (the last tenants left the shed full of junk) but it still amazes me how easy it is to gather junk! It felt really good to have it all organized. I'll post some pics of home soon!

I also finally organized all our papers. Man, we get a lot of papers! Jesse was needing a little love while I was working and decided to make his point clear!!!

I hung fairy lights in our kitchen. Aussies call them fairy lights. I love it! Actually I really love fairies! Especially since my friend, Kristy gave me my fairy necklace!

We went to Anara's first birthday party. Her very first taste of anything sweet was this Rice Krispie square that I brought! She really liked it! I mean, who wouldn't with Canadian marshmallows?! This was followed by a very yummy penguin shaped cake!

Steve and I have been really enjoying the city. We go out for drinks, or food, or shopping...a lot. I really like just bumming around Melbourne. It's a good bumming around kind of city! This past weekend, the weather was much warmer than it's been. I think spring is definitely in the air! We took a break from our shopping and stopped at a pub, ate outside and relaxed. Have you had sweet potato fries? Holy YUM! The whole thing made me very excited for summer in Melbourne! I think it's going to be really awesome!

And guess what? I'm heading to Brisbane this weekend for some much needed girl time with my bestest pals! Can't wait...I'm sure there will be lots of pics, so stay tuned!

What have you been up to?

Congratulations Corey and Heather!!!

My nephew and his long time girlfriend tied the knot over the weekend. I'm so happy for them! Congrats guys!:)