Taco Twerk for the Labour Day Long Weekend

This weekend seems like ages ago, and really it's been a while. While O'Hara was busy training for another Mine Rescue competition, I decided to take a mini-break to LA for a long weekend. I only just discovered that I can fly directly from Kelowna (a 2hr drive away) for the same as it costs from Vancouver or even Seattle! Huge fail taking so long to work that out. It also means we can go during winter and not need to brave the Coq.

This was a last minute decision trip, as Rachel had just told me her family was having a Taco Party for Labour Day. It doesn't take much to convince me to take a trip to visit Rachel, so the promise of a beach weekend with a taco party meant I only needed to briefly check flights to work out it would be a good time.

LA put on some awesome weather for us while I was there, I tried once again to use a standup paddle board but failed even worse than in the lake. I can't quite work out my centre of balance, which should really be surprising considering the giant nature of my body. On the Sunday morning in preparation from the taco party, Rachel's dad hosted a cross fit class for the 10 people who were keen to work out. It ended up being a competition between 2 teams of 5, where each person had to get to 250 points by doing various exercises. I thrive under competition (shock!), so didn't really feel like I was working out super hard. That turned out to be a huge understatement as I struggled to walk, and lift things for the next 5 days. As they say, it's the gift that keeps on giving.

One of my favourite things about living in Canada, is being able to see American friends more than once every 3 years. I love that I can visit Rachel and her family for a weekend, you don't know what being hosted is like until you've spent time with this family! I now recognise US Customs workers at Vancouver airport, so I think that's a sign I am utilising my living arrangements perfectly (except that we STILL haven't been to GA!).

Yuma and LA is Work and Fun

I got lucky and got to go on a work trip to Yuma, Arizona last week. We had an Environmental Managers Meeting with all the different mines and I did an ISO14001 presentation. It was really fun times, and a great experience for me. It was also incredible to catch up with my old boss from Cobar, and another friend from there who moved to Yuma.

In Yuma we went for dinner at this place called Burgers and Beer. It was about as delicious as you would expect. I had a burger with mushrooms and beer battered chips. WOW. Apparently it's a locally owned "chain" with only a few restaurants around Arizona. The guy has been approached multiple times with offers to franchise but he's kept it local. Respect to that man! I also managed to embarrass myself by crying in front of EVERYONE. The Director of Environment is retiring, and Dennis made a small speech and got everyone around the table to do the same.... I opened my mouth, and that somehow opened the flood gates. I have no control! I owe that man A LOT. He's someone that is super personal, even as a Director. I first met him as a grad, and even though I was a minion he was always willing to listen to my ideas. He also was a major player in getting me to Canada so I'm forever grateful!

Having a cheeky rest by the pool and late night In 'n' Out

Tears aside (4 times on a work trip, too much??), Yuma "The Sunniest Place in the World", Arizona was a pretty cool place to visit. We got to swim in the pool between meetings and in the afternoon and it was awesome to be able to site outside at night for the first time in about 7 months!

After Yuma, Higgo (one of my Australian friends) and I went to LA where I got to catch up with Rachel and Andy. Times like these I am so thankful to be living in North America. I love that I get to see my American friends more regularly!

Santa Monica

Higgo and I did a bike ride along the beach from Santa Monica to just after Venice. I'd never made it that far along as we'd previously left from Manhattan Beach. I miss beachside living when I'm in California. A lot! After the bike we stopped for sparkling and oysters at a rooftop wine bar. It couldn't have been nicer.

Such a good day and night!

After sufficient morning sun, I had a nap on the beach before Rachel and Andy's BBQ. I got to catch up with some of their friends who we've gotten to know over the last few years which was lovely. Also Rachel makes delicious cocktails! They were deadly but amazing and I'm inspired for summer drinks. I'm looking forward to our next visit!!

LA Weekend and Wedding!

I've been meaning to write about this weekend for a while, but have been too lazy to transfer photos across computers. Terrible excuse! In early August, we were lucky enough to be able to travel back to LA for Andy and Rachel's wedding.

Rachel and Andy had an absolutely beautiful wedding! We busted some serious moves on the d-floor, Sweaty Girl obviously made an appearance. I may have avoided getting my face so pink it matched my dress... but I can't confirm it.

We were staying right near the beach which was perfect as we've been lacking sand and salt water in our lives! One morning we borrowed some bikes from our hotel and rode along the Strand to what I thought was Venice Beach. Turns out we didn't really get close... but my butt was sore and we were getting sunburnt so turned around too early. Next time!

On the Friday night we managed to see a baseball game in Anaheim!! Something we can finally cross off our bucket list. Melissa (ours and Rachel's wedding photographer) and her hubby Ryan took us to an Angels game against the Seattle Mariners which is conveniently the closest team from Kamloops.

It was awesome and I caught a baseball!! During warm ups (still cool!) a foul ball bounced over a bunch of peoples heads right to me. So excited. It ended up being a really good game with 3 (I think) home runs and it finished with a walk off. I'm still not 100% sure what a walk off is, but it' was obviously an exciting thing in baseball!

I'm impressed by how big Anaheim is. I always assume it's only got Disney Land, but there's actually loads of people who live there. They manage to support a baseball and an ice hockey team, and there was a decent crowd at the Angels game! Blows. My. Mind.

Lady and the Tramp ;)

I always love visiting LA and the Fragners. It makes me happy that we're living so "close" while in Canada! Mel and Ryan we still owe you guys a visit. One day we will make it further east than Nevada!