Life is (sorta) returning to normal

It was a busy week and I couldn't wait for the weekend to start. Fortunately, we didn't have any plans besides Sunday brunch, so there was lots of time to recuperate. See, I'm still a bit tired after all that walking and my legs still hurt a bit. I guess it just takes time, but I wish I could get back to my old self. Patience.

Yeah, busy week. Had training at work every morning from 8-11. Was also feeding my neighbour's cats (twice a day, they eat raw meat), which meant getting up early and long days. This week should be a bit more relax, although I have lots of reading to do. I'm taking two accounting courses this Fall (one after the other). These are catch-up business courses I have to take because I don't have an undergrad in business. I was accepted in the MBA program at SFU (Management of Technology), but I won't start until September 2006. This gives me time to complete the catch-up courses and put some money aside for the hefty tuition ;) I was hoping to start in January, but it would have been a bit crazy. I'm still learning about my new job, and I would have had three catch-up courses to complete in one semester... Not a good idea.

When Annie was over, We walked by a garage sale and I found a cool CCM 10-speed bike for $60. Today, I brought the bike to a shop for a tune-up and some splash guards. It should be ready by Tuesday. I also found really cool pannier bags that I can use on short trips around the city. I already have a lock, so I should be ready to take off and explore the city on wheels. Too bad it's Fall and will rain soon, but that's OK. There are always nice days to take the bike out.

Additional pictures from The Weekend

Time for a snack!

Hello! 

Walking away... 

Made it!

I'm back home and can still (barely) walk! The weekend went well, it was a big challenge, but the event was well-organized and the volunteers helping around the route were wonderful. Thanks everyone for supporting this effort. More when I have recovered a little bit more. Some quick numbers in the mean time: 1803 walkers raised 5.3 million dollars for breast cancer research in BC. Isn't that amazing?


Only 5km left and still smiling!

Summer weekend in Vancouver

It's definitely summer in B.C. The days are warm and sunny, the evenings, just a bit cooler, perfect for a dinner out and sleeping well.

On Saturday, Annie, Tucker and I went out for breakfast on Granville Street. Then, Annie and I did a bit of shopping, mainly to check out the summer sales before they vanish from the stores. Found a couple of skirts, but most of what was left were in odd sizes, like 2 and 14...

Then, the two sisters prepared lunch and went for a long walk in Stanley Park. We initially intended to visit the Vancouver Aquarium, then walk around the park, and finally take a commented tour in a buggy pulled by horses. Unfortunately, the aquarium had a long lineup, and when we made it to the buggy, the next ride we could catch was too late in the afternoon. We did however, walk around the park and browsed some of the artist exhibits the park was hosting. One of the artists, Colin Righton, had some really colorful large pieces on display. His paintings were vibrant and bold. Annie bought a limited edition print with jazz musicians.

Then, after our visit to the park, we came back home to get ready for dinner at Habibi, a Lebanese restaurant in the area. Dinner was fantastic, we were able to order many dishes to share and were able to taste lots of very authentic cooking. Even Lara agreed that the food was great, and her mom is a wonderful cook, so she should know.

Today was concert day for two of the productions from Les Jeunesses Musicales at the Vancouver Music Festival. Annie gave me tickets for both All for One... One for All and Rythmo Synchro. Both productions were very popular with the children and parents present. I enjoyed finally having a chance to see what Annie was working on all this time.

We have another busy week coming up: on Monday, Annie has offered me a cooking class at the Cookshop. We're going together, to learn Moroccan cooking. Yum! Then, on Tuesday night, we might try to catch the ride around Stanley Park afterall. Wednesday will fill up, I'm sure, then Thursday is my birthday, and next weekend is The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, when I walk 60km around Vancouver. Busy, busy... Incredible!!

Melissa, Tucker, Charles, Lara, Gerri, Joe, Bruno, Janic, and Annie

Weekend in the Okanagan Valley

Hot weather. Three girls. Three wineries. One Lavender farm. A few good restaurants. Lots of fun. See the pictures here...

Good news

Annie has landed safely in BC and is enjoying the sunny weather in Vancouver. Tonight, we went to the symphony, to hear Mahler's 5th played at the Chan Center. Impressive. Tomorrow, we are driving to Kelowna to spend the weekend in the Okanagan, visiting wineries and eating local fruits. Lara is also coming along!

Today, I received a conditional acceptance e-mail from SFU for the Management of Technology MBA program, starting in January 2006. I would have to complete a couple of accounting and finance courses in the Fall before starting. I think this is the right program for me. It's focused on my area of work and doesn't take forever to complete, even part time. I would be finished by August 2007, just in time for my 33rd birthday. I have to give them my response next week, after checking with my boss to make sure the schedule is OK with him. Some of the classes are held during work hours.

Amazing achievement!

Tucker and I have been sticking to our summer plan of doing the Grouse Grind once a week. Last night was our weekly painful challenge. My progress has been slow, shaving off one minute at the time, but Tucker has been clocking amazing times! During our first run of the season, we both took almost 1h30m, as we were really out of shape. Then, Tucker climbed in 1h15m, 1h04m, and last night, 58 minutes!!! He broke the one-hour mark!!! Good job, hun.