More Visitors

A day and half after returning from our cruise, our dear friends Erica & Jim came out to visit us. They did a combo Seattle/Vancouver trip, so I picked them up from the train station on Thursday and they stayed until Sunday morning. It's been quite a whirlwind of making sure there are clean sheets, clean towels and Aerobeds with enough air the past few weeks, but it has been fun.

We had a great weekend, as we welcomed Vancouver's first official summery days and it was hot. We checked out Granville Island's Children's Festival, Capilano Suspension Bridge (again) and Grouse Mountain, whose resident Grizzly Bears are out and about. Melvin overcame the Grouse Grind with Jim, while still officially closed (twice this season), so he's becoming an expert. We were also lucky enough to take an awesome boat ride out of Horseshoe Bay on Saturday. We closed the weekend with dinner at Hapa Izakaya (pleasantly surprised by the food). I discovered Hapa Izakaya makes their own chocolate banana crepe mille feuille, so of course I was in heaven and will surely be returning specifically for that!

As with every restaurant/bar in Vancouver Saturday night, the 2nd Stanley Cup playoff game was being shown. Crazy Canucks fans everywhere, probably wondering why we weren't as excited as they were each time someone scored....

So Jim & Erica left early this morning and we attended a 1st birthday party for Julian and Amelie's friend, Gavin. He spent some time in BC Children's Hospital's NICU after his birth, so in place of a traditional birthday party, we did the Kids Fun Run to help raise money for the hospital. Team Gavin raised over $6,000 CAD.

Needless to say, we are exhausted! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I welcome the daily grind and routine...and the diet starts tomorrow! The Aerobeds will take a break until end of July when our next set of visitors arrive :)

Cruisin'

We returned from our Alaskan cruise yesterday...much heavier in weight, but fully enjoyed vacation mode. It's always hard coming back to the daily grind, no matter what it is...It was wonderful seeing our family and showing them Vancouver, before we embarked the Disney Wonder for Alaska.

What did I think of Disney Cruise Line? Well, I am generally not a fan of Disney and my kids will not be going to Disney World until they are both over 4, can remember the trip, and are not napping. However, I highly recommend the cruise experience for parents! You can drop the kids off at the kids club all day, any day, while you go off to the gym, spa, a wine tasting, game of family feud or to simply stand on the deck and look for whales as the Alaskan coastline passes by. The food is not marvelous, but it's better than good and there's always a lot of it. Plus, Disney is the only cruise line that is BYOB. Cruising is definitely not for everyone though, so always something to bear in mind. My sister and her fiance, while childless, had a good time with their excursions and port of calls, so all were happy. Conclusion: we would cruise with Disney again.

Another interesting fact is that Alaska is really popular for their wholesale jewelry, just like in the Caribbean. Many of the vendors spend 5 months in Alaska and the rest in St. Thomas, St. Maarten or wherever else in the Caribbean...Who would've known?  So what did we do in Ketchikan, you ask? My sister scored a beautiful wedding band and I got Amelie some bling - her first pair of diamond earrings...of course, my daughter's birthstone is diamond.

Countdown

We've been eagerly awaiting my family's arrival on Friday and Julian's counting down the days his auntie brings him his first pair of skates (that's what he's been asking for).  As much as I try to clean our apartment, it  just gets messed up again pretty quickly, so Melvin told me to give it up and just clean Friday. Ugh. Good news is that the sun is out and it was actually hot today, well, at least warm enough for me to spend 2 hours at the playground with the kids.

We're also counting down the days 'til our Alaskan Cruise on the Disney Wonder, which leaves from Vancouver. A week from today, we should be making our way towards Tracy Arm Fjord, as I sit on the deck, enjoying some grilled salmon and halibut... It is SO wrong that my sister is going to make me try on Matron of Honor dresses the DAY that we disembark.

QE Park & Deep Cove

Almost a year here and we got to visit two new places this weekend.

Queen Elizabeth Park - who would've know that such a gorgeous place was so close to our apartment. We had no idea that about 10 minutes drive away is a park with beautiful gardens, a plant/bird conservatory and the most amazing view of the city skyline and mountains in the backdrop. We'll be sure to take our visitors here.

Deep Cove, B.C. - About 25 minutes north of us lies Deep Cove, B.C. The view is outstanding and this appears to be THE place to go kayaking. In fact, the rental place there offers Full Moon Tours during the summer, where you go out at midnight and they discuss how the full moon effects the water and wildlife there. There are also a ton of hiking trails going up to the cliffs overlooking Indian Arm. Good stuff and Honey Doughnuts & Goodies alone is well worth the "long" drive.

Yes, I noticed that after having lived here, I think that a 20-minute drive is long. We used to think Vancouverites were totally weird for thinking a 15-minute drive was "far". I really hate that I feel this way because when I go back to NY for a visit, I feel like I'm going to go nuts in the car. Oh well, will deal with that next year...

Under the Weather

It's been a long-ish week, which is why I haven't really blogged.  The kids (and now Melvin and I) are fighting a bit of a cold. We also got an insane amount of rain this week, talk about April showers in May. Also, my family's highly anticipated visit is coming up on Friday (my sis, her fiance, cousin, her husband & baby, aunt & uncle). What does that mean?

8 adults + 3 kids in one apartment

Needless to say, it should be interesting...but FUN! I'm trying to stock up the freezer and fridge, as always, and we've been dreading the cleaning that needs to happen before they arrive. Time to whip out the Aerobeds! I also got called to substitute for a 90-minute Yin Yoga class this afternoon. I've only ever just taught a 60 minute class, so I'm really nervous. Luckily, postures are held for 3-7 minutes and will be making sure I put a cheat sheet under my mat!

We checked out an amazing veggie restaurant last night called The Naam.  It's a Vancouver institution and it was awesome...even Melvin (veggie hater until he met me) really liked it. The line was out the door, surprisingly, and we quickly learned why it was open 24/7.  Good stuff.

Rainy Day

In our (almost) year here, I think I've seen the most umbrellas open today. Today was a complete wash....not to mention that our elevator was being repaired for 5 hours, which forced us to not go outside today. Also, the first day we haven't taken at least a short walk outside all year. Needless to say, the kids were bouncing off the walls.  A little glimpse of my day?

* 1 broken baseboard heater

* a little push here, a big push there

* both kids standing on top of the train table, with kids chair, with baby stroller, tape streamed across all items (according to Julian, they were setting up for a party)

* lots of Sesame Street, Curious George, and Thomas

* kids unfolding laundry I just folded

There was only one thing that could make me feel better today....Indian food for dinner. Nothing a little Dal Turka and Aloo Gobi couldn't fix...

Tea Party

A couple of weeks ago, I received an invitation in the mail to attend a Mother's Day Tea Party at Julian's school.  What a treat I had today! I think Julian's Nana would've really loved it if she were around, as well.

In addition to the tea sandwiches, pound cake and black tea, served on fine china....the kids took turns saying what they love about their moms.  Apparently, Julian likes singing with his tone-deaf mom (who would've thought). We also had the pleasure of watching a video of all the kids in class AND best of all, they sang "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars.

Um, yeah I was crying...

Bin Laden dead means...

...MASSIVE headaches at the airport!

I definitely do not miss doing this almost every week. I just want to get home!!


On another note, I'm really proud of Melvin for spending his first full weekend and 2 nights alone with the children! He was quite the overachiever, I must say...The kids and him went to check out the Vancouver Marathon festivities, went to a playgroup and even went to supermarket together, which I know is a huge task!  The apartment better be clean when I get home!! (j/k)

Florida

I'm in Fort Lauderdale right now for work (9 hour journey from Vancouver-ugh)...It's amazing how you don't know how to spend your time, after you've had children. I mean, I read a book, 2 magazines, had a nice dinner, took a walk and I still HAD time! So...I decided to get a massage last night after dinner....

While the masseuse was walking on my back (good stuff), we got to chatting. I was lamenting about missing my children and found out later she has not seen her 11-year old twins for THREE years!  Needless to say, I felt terrible.

She has been working 7 days a week to save up enough money to buy a house and bring them over from China and away from her evil in-laws, who have been poisoning their minds about her. Her husband had come to FL 5 years before her and when she got here, she found out he had found someone else!  Seriously, I felt horrible about bitchin' about being away from the kids for 3 days. I could see the pain while she was telling me this and my heart just went out to her....

Let's just say, I gave her a $40 tip....for an $80 massage. I hope she wasn't pulling my leg...

Empowerment

the feeling you get after lugging 2 toddlers on a double stroller onto the subway, filling out papers at our new doctor for the entire family, and then heading to Whole Foods. Then, with kids, stroller and groceries in hand (both hands), getting back on the subway, unloading groceries and cooking dinner, while talking on the phone.


What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Growth Spurt?

This is how we found Amelie in the morning....


These PJs fit her when I put her to bed...I SWEAR!!!

Good Friday...

is a bank holiday in Canada, so Melvin has the day off!

I think the weather has rounded its spring/summer corner because the sun has been shining all week, so I'm really looking forward to the summer now.

This morning, we ventured to North Vancouver and checked out Maplewood Farm.  What a super cute place!  They had mini tractors with pedals, so Julian loved those and we were able to visit with goats, rabbits, chickens, horses and all your typical farm animals. They really let you get up close and personal at this place! We brought carrots to feed the rabbits and then fed ourselves in the little gazebo with picnic tables at the farm.  

Julian is not crazy about animals, since we're not usually around them, so it was quite amusing watching him get upset when Amélie was walking around...he kept saying "Carry her! Protect her! The cow is going to eat her"!  

Disadvantage to working from home...

Typical conference call scenario:


Coleen chatting away....


CLICK


Coleen wondering, WTF?  Turns around to see Amélie's finger coming off the hang up button.

Cuba - the end of an era...

It has been my long desire to travel to Cuba...Melvin has not wanted to make the trek with me, as American Citizens...To read more on the US embargo against Cuba, click here.  Americans are banned from travelling to Cuba for the purpose of tourism, but there are ways around this, such as 1) travelling a 2-leg flight or 2) applying for a specific license for one of the following reasons:

Persons visiting immediate family in Cuba

Full-time graduate students conducting academic research to be counted toward a graduate degree

Undergraduate or graduate students participating in a study abroad program of at least 10 weeks in length

Professors/teachers employed at a US institution travelling to Cuba to teach

Persons engaging in religious activities

Freelance journalists

Persons engaging in humanitarian projects

Persons engaging in non-profit cultural exhibitions

 It is even possible for an individual with a credible background in, say, freelance journalism or academics, to craft a "mission" for their visit which successfully gets them a permit.  Anyway, we are clearly not journalists or humanitarians and Melvin was not keen on chancing a 2-leg flight and getting caught, so what do we do?

I was / am quite excited to apply for permanent residency and then citizenship, solely for the purpose of having a Canadian passport. Then, I can finally live out my dream of visiting Cuba!  I have met many Canadians that have been there multiple times and have only heard great things...

Today, I found out that Raul Castro succeeds Fidel as Communist Party Chief and it is in effect today.  I feel that this will bring a lot of change; hopefully all for the good, while retaining the unique things visitors are in awe of when the go there, like the architecture, old cars, paladares (locally owned restaurants in private homes) and safety (because it is Communist, there is low tolerance for violence/crime).

NHL Playoffs

Seriously? Are Canadians not aware of the fact that other sports exist?

The NHL Playoffs are happening now and lucky us, we live down the road from Rogers Arena. Therefore, we're subject the crazies in the Royal Blue Canucks jerseys.  That part doesn't bother me as much as the fact EVERY bar, lounge, restaurant seems to have plasma TVs on each wall showing a hockey game!!....EVERY night (or so it feels).

I went out with a bunch of ladies I met on Saturday night and we went to a lounge that seemed to turn into a strange dance club after a certain hour. How weird was it that a hockey game was showing before the DJ took the stage? 

Random Note: The biggest difference between a baby boy and a baby girl (at least in my case) is that the boy is able to sleep perfectly fine in a poopy diaper, while the girl screams bloody murder to be changed ASAP.

Milestone Moments

It is incredible to believe that my sweet Amélie is turning ONE tomorrow! Her first year definitely went by way quicker than Julian's first year...Why?  I have no idea. Perhaps I savored the moments more with her knowing/thinking it'll be the "last time" I get to enjoy each "first" smile, clap, crawl, step, etc. Or, maybe it was because I was home with her and was able to appreciate each "present moment", rather than always being a frantic state trying to prepare food, clothes, bottles for the next day at daycare or for a trip away. Time works in mysterious ways...

Tomorrow, we'll be celebrating with a birthday party at the Woodwards Building in Gastown.  They have a cool indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge/deck area and it should be fun for the kids, as well as adults. We're expecting about 30 people, which is a good size and nowhere close to the 90 we had at Julian's 1st birthday!  Maybe that's why I haven't started cooking or preparing anything yet!

I should probably get started...

DQ

There is an Orange Julius / Dairy Queen store a block from our apartment building. When we first moved I didn't really blink twice when I saw it. I associate DQ with ghetto urban areas, in a Checkers and White Castle kind of way. Man, did I miss out in the first half of my year here!

Melvin finally twisted my arm and made me try a Blizzard and the creamy goodness just brought me back...back to I don't know where, but just brought me to a good place, I guess!  DQ has really reinvented itself here in Canada. You see a line out the door on a regular basis and it is not even summer yet. We do regular DQ runs, which is SO bad, but here's the best part....

MINI BLIZZARD

JUST ENOUGH TO SATISFY YOUR CRAVING!

It's wonderful...my favorite flavor right now is the Banana Split and Melvin's is the Double Fudge Cookie Dough.  Hmm, Hmm, Good!

TIDBIT: If you join the Blizzard Fan Club (and yes, we did), you get a 2 for 1 (any size, yes even the large) AND you get a free Blizzard on your birthday!!

Love Hate

My sis is engaged and I've been trying to help her figure out dates and venues in the NY region. I love that it is not even 8:00 AM PST and I'm able to correspond via email with 3 various venues and a caterer and am getting responses. This is how we get things done!  (obviously this is a trait that is lacking in Canadian culture)

Since we arrived, I've been venting that the barristas at Starbucks wouldn't survive a second in NYC!

This "sense of urgency" and world of blackberries, however, is one of the reasons I wanted to leave that rat race. I definitely do not miss the hum of my blackberry throughout the night or the post-it notes by my bedside table in case I remembered things for work (hey, I am a meeting planner).  I wonder where in the world we can find that balance?

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

This week flew by...the sun was shining so we were out and about all week. Wednesday, Melvin and I had a date night and took our bikes out on the seawall to enjoy the cherry blossoms blooming. It was also Vancouver's 125th birthday, so not realizing it was happening, we rode by the Olympic torches, which were lit up and the outdoor concert. What a great night to be out on the bike.


I FINALLY found a family we could babysit swap with, so my friend came over and insisted we stay out late so she could watch this movie she brought over.  No problem. They have 2 kids exactly the same age (in fact, their little one has the same birthday as Amelie) and having the same nap and bedtime schedules helped a ton. So, it is now Friday night and I'm sitting for them. 


They have no TV.


UGH


All good, free date nights are well worth this sacrifice.

March Madness

Last night a friend of mine had a March Madness Finals Party...

I haven't watched one game nor have kept track of who was winning, losing and so forth...


Who cares?


I love wine and cheese, home made cookies and adult interaction, so we dialed the babysitter and we were there! It would've been 10 times better if I had a bet riding on the game.


I rooted for UConn...Why?  Well, because Melvin and I had our first kiss at UConn...duh, why else? 


Melvin rooted for UConn too.  Why? Well, the best player was from the Bronx. Humph.


Winner?  UConn!