The One Where I Think I Was Supposed to Recap My Honeymoon 2 Months Ago...

I believe about two months ago I said I'd come back to write about my honeymoon!  Well, I certainly followed through on that didn't I?  Ah well, teaching Kindergarten is sooo exhausting.  By the time I am home, it is hard to do much other than relax with my feet up in front of mindless television.  However, here I am, so let me tell you about our trip!

We waited to go on our honeymoon until the summer, since we got married during the school year.  We had weighed our options, and we decided that what was most "us", and what would allow us to have the most time together, would be a road trip honeymoon rather than flying to an Island vacation for just a week.  Neither of us had ever been to the East Coast, so we decided to go ahead and see our own beautiful country!

We spent two and a half weeks travelling.  We first went to Quebec City for a couple of nights.  It was nice to see it, and the Old City is so beautiful, however it was SO rainy that it was hard to really enjoy our evenings there.  We did have a great day of sightseeing, but it ended very rainy, wet, and chilly.

After that, we were off to New Brunswick!  It was such a beautiful province to drive through.  We decided it was our favourite in-land drive.  There was NO traffic, AT ALL, anywhere.  It was amazing how fast we could travel place to place in New Brunswick.  We stayed in Fredericton, and then at a small motel near the Hopewell Rocks.  We then met up with Dr. McVet and her husband to visit the Hopewell Rocks for the day.  We walked the ocean floor, and stayed to see the high tide as well.  Here are a couple of our pictures:

The Hopewell Rocks before we went down to walk the floor ourselves.

A few hours later when the tide had come in!

Such an awesome transition to see!  It was really fun.  When walking the ocean floor, it felt prehistoric.  The water was also so brown, it was like chocolate milk.  Very interesting!

After New Brunswick, we met up with the rest of the Sitcom Group of Friends in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the August long weekend.  We had a wedding to attend, on a boat!  On our first day in Nova Scotia, we visited Peggy's Cove.  This was such a beautiful place, and I felt like I could lounge in the sun and watch the tide roll in for hours.  Then, we explored Halifax and had a fantastic time at the Hat family's wedding (pseudonym, obvs).

Peggy's Cove, NS

Following our weekend with our friends, Mr. Lock and I took off on our own again and we spent two nights driving along the Cabot Trail.  This was probably our favourite part of the whole trip.  The Cape Breton Highlands National Park was beautiful, and the drive along the coast was gorgeous!  We decided that while New Brunswick was our favourite in-land drive, Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia generally was our favourite coastal drive.  We both agreed that we would love to go back to the Cabot Trail one day, and spend more time hiking and visiting the beaches there.

A view from a look-out along the Cabot Trail.

Our next stop was Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.  We took the ferry across from Nova Scotia to P.E.I.  It was really awesome because we actually saw a pod of Pilot Whales while we were on the ferry.  We otherwise saw next to no wildlife on the entire trip!!  Which was quite surprising!

Prince Edward Island was very nice, very small, very quaint.  However, we didn't feel blown away by it.  We found that it was difficult to see much without constantly having to pay again.  We had to pay a Provincial Park fee to see Cavendish Beach, but we only had a day of touring so we weren't stopping at the Beach for long... then we had to pay a DIFFERENT Provincial Park fee to visit L.M. Montgomery's homestead/inspiration for Anne of Green Gables.  The red sands were really interesting to see, and we had some of the most delicious food of the whole trip while in P.E.I.  We just found it a bit dull for us compared to the other provinces we had visited.

Cavendish Beach, P.E.I.

We took the huge Confederation Bridge to drive back into New Brunswick as we headed back home.  We spent one night in Moncton at the New Brunswick Casino Hotel.  It was pouring rain, so we never really saw Moncton.  We did drive the Magnetic Hill which was very, very cool to experience.  I know it's an optical illusion, but it REALLY feels like your car is rolling uphill, and quite fast.  I took a video and it is amazing!

We drove to Montreal the next day, just to spend a night there to break up the drive, and then we ended our honeymoon by spending time with Mark's family at the cottage they rent to the North-East of Toronto back here in Ontario.

It was such a wonderful vacation and honeymoon.  We spent quality time together, experienced the beauty of the Eastern part of our country, and even spent special time with our best friends and Mark's family.  It was a perfect honeymoon, and one day I do hope to go back and visit the East Coast again.

P.S.  The photos in this post were all our own, I'm pretty impressed with how gorgeous they turned out!

My beautiful classroom!

Tomorrow is the first day of school!  I'm so excited for it!  I'm so happy to be back to teaching early primary, I love working with younger kids and teaching early learning skills.  My classroom is adorable if I do say so myself!  My Early Childhood Educator (ECE) was fantastic in helping it to get to this point -- she really contributed, and had plenty of amazing ideas!  I'm looking forward to team teaching with her this year.

Here are some photos of various areas of the classroom!

Classroom library area

Creativity centre for art and literacy

Dramatic play centre

Science/Inquiry centre

Math centre

Cubby area, with adorable alphabet made by the ECE

So, these are just some of the main centres in the classroom.  I have other areas, too, such as grade ones having their own desks so that they get the "full grade one experience" even though they are in a senior kindergarten and grade one combined classroom.  We also have a whole group learning area and a Smart Board in the classroom for interactive lessons.  I'm so excited to meet my kids tomorrow, and get started on this program!

Happy first day of school tomorrow to families who have kids going back, or to teachers who are returning after summer break!

The Sitcom Group of Friends Does Vegas, Baby!

My Sitcom Group of Friends and I just got back from a vacation in Las Vegas, baby!

We stayed at New York, New York Hotel & Casino.  For most of us, it was our first time ever being in Las Vegas.  We had an absolute blast.  It was our first trip together as a group of friends, as well, beyond cottage weekends.  We had such an amazing time travelling as a group and being very touristy in what we will definitely call "Disneyland for Adults".

Everything along the strip is SO HUGE.  It takes forever to walk to the different hotels, and through them.  We made sure to see inside a wide variety of them, and they are just unbelievable.  You absolutely have to see them for yourselves to believe them!

The Garden inside the Bellagio

The Bellagio fountains

The painted sky ceiling inside Caesar's Palace

The ceiling and tops of stores inside The Venetian

The gondola inside The Venetian

We are fairly innocent folk, which I could really feel while in the so-called "City of Sin".  We took Quin out for a Bachelorette night, and while we did go see The Thunder from Down Under (HELLO! YUM!), we weren't really into going to clubs or decking ourselves out in the latest from "Slutz Wear Daily".  Ah well, we had fun OUR way... and we're seriously better off for it!

So, while nothing that happened in Vegas needed to stay in Vegas after our trip, we did have a fantastic time together.  We swam in the hotel pool, walked around and explored the hotels, made our way down to Fremont Street to see Old Vegas (so classic!), and gambled some.  No one came home with any big wins, but we had a lot of fun and that's what counts.  I definitely see why so many people love going back to Vegas year after year... and I have to admit, I'm already looking forward to the next time I'll have the opportunity to go back there, and maybe try staying in a different hotel (though New York, New York was a great hotel and I'd gladly stay there again any time).  Vegas is big, loud, flashy and exciting 24/7!

Have you ever been?!

Another Year

Last year, at exactly this time, I was beginning to drive down to my condo to bring boxes and random items in preparation of a move-in around February 7th.  I had signed my first lease on a place all my own, and because it was empty the landlord gave me the keys on January 26th.  It made for a nice, leisurely move-in.  I really enjoyed setting the place up, decorating, purchasing housewares.  I also really loved how close this place was to work - a four minute drive!

I am so excited because this past week, I signed a lease extension for another year of living in this place.  I'm so happy to know I don't have to move again right now, and that I get to stay in my perfect little first place for awhile longer.  It's just a one-bedroom condo rental, but it sure feels like home after a year of being here.

It's just as IKEA as I always thought my first place would be.  (Take note of that Ektorp couch, y'all, most comfortable couch EVER).

All in all, I'm just happy to say I'll be here for another year.   Especially since my Sitcom Group of Friends and I have only gone to Friday Night Karaoke at the nearest dive of a pub ONCE.  I mean, surely that needs to become more of a "thing" for us.  I will take one for the team and continue to rent here simply for Karaoke Proximity.  You're welcome, guys.

My Sitcom Group of Friends Has A... Tea Party?

Mac Facebooks us: "Hey friends, we had a blast having a wine and cheese night.  I think we should have a tea party."

 Um, Yes Please!

We're 26- and 27-year-olds... Not 6- or 87-year-olds.

 So I made sure to wear my Coffee Pong t-shirt.  To, you know, keep things real. (We just pretended it was Tea Pong).

We drank a lot of tea, played a bunch of board games, and had good clean fun.  Might I recommend a tea party for you and your friends?  No matter your age!  You can always put beer in your teacup if tea isn't your....you know... cup of... well, tea.

Right, Rick?

Let's Make Some Wine!

Mr. Lock enjoys buying Groupons, and awhile back I think he bought a bunch of them and then never used them.  One of the coupons was for a bottle-your-own-wine place, you get about 28 bottles of a wine of your choice for half the usual price (and then the cost of the bottles at $1 a bottle or something).  I'm not really a wine drinker, though there is a Grapefruit Wine that Dr. McVet had for her wedding that I'm loving these days, so Mr. Lock chose a pinot noir to bottle as he prefers red.

I wanted to go with him for the experience, the first night was last night.  We decided to drive there in his sweet new ride, which he's enjoying a lot.

Photo slightly wonky, I took it on a weird angle.  Let's call it.... "artsy".

It was a 7 pm appointment, so it was dark.  When we got to the address of the place it was in one of those industrial blocks of buildings.  Totally shady looking from the outside.

Make Wine - Save Big!  Creepy wine building unit is creepy.

Do you see the fake image of the guy with the grapes?  Looking like he's from "The Old Wine Country"? HA!

It turns out it was a pretty cute place on the inside, though I didn't end up snapping a photo because I wasn't sure if I should.  It turns out this appointment took all of two seconds.  Mr. Lock just had to add a small packet of yeast to the bucket o' juice that will make his pinot noir.

The Bucket 'o Juice, eventually... pinot noir.  Notice the warning label: Do Not Let Small Children Fall Inside This Bucket.

Apparently this two second step is what makes the difference in this being a Make Your Own Wine For A Fraction Of The Cost and Needing to Charge An Arm And A Leg as a Licensed Liquor Selling Place.  Or something.  I don't know, I don't speak wino (I may occasionally speak whine-oh -- boom-boom boom CHING!  I'll be here all week, try the veal!)

So, seven or eight weeks from now we get to go back. I'll be sure to document the bottling process.  I don't think I'll enjoy the wine, as it isn't Grapefruit or a very light white, but I'll give 'er a sip anyway.  I'll also be sure to do that swirly thing in the glass.  As well as sniff it deeply and talk about it's "bouquet". Oh! Oh!  I'll also gargle it mouthwash style.  Fake it 'til you make it, amirite?

Happy New Year, Welcome to 2012!

Two thousand and twelve.  That is insanity.  I mean, it isn't like I didn't think 2012 was on its way some day, but it just sounds so futuristic!  Though, I said the very same thing about 2010 and 2011.  It's blowing my mind, you guys.  Where is time going?!

My Sitcom Group of Friends and I had a fantastic New Years Weekend Extravaganza at Dr. McVet and her husband Rick's place.  We began with a wine and cheese night on Friday.

Yeah, there are 9 bottles of wine there.  Whee! (I... don't drink much wine, but the others do).

Dr. McVet and Rick got married in September, and went on a mini honeymoon to Niagara Falls following their wedding.  They went on a wine tour, and came back with the grand plan to do a wine and cheese night.  How married couple of them, amirite? ;-)  It was a delicious and fun time, though.

On Saturday, Mr. Lock got to go pick up his brand new car, which he actually picked out and ordered back in October.  It was a nice New Years surprise that it FINALLY came in to the dealership!  Look how adorbs this car is:

Super fun orange car!  YAY!

It's a Hyundai Veloster, and it is really cool, haha.  It's a 3-door car, and he got the tech package... so fun to drive.  It's got a sporty look, but is actually very fuel-efficient and all that.  It's so exciting, after his months of waiting, to finally have his car!

We then returned to Dr. McVet's place for our Annual Fancy Dress House Party.  The venue changes most years, but the rules are the same:  a house party, with house party type decorations ... with all guests dressed to the nines.  The girls wear dresses, the guys wear suits (or at least dress pants and dress shirts, we allow ties to be optional, haha).  It all began years ago when we wished we had money for a dinner and dance party somewhere fancy, we just decided that we can get fancy at least once a year and then save our money and have a house party instead.  It's become such a huge tradition for us that when Mr. Lock and I revealed our feelings for one another, one of the first things we literally said was "we'll already have a date for New Years!".  Our dating-from-within-the-group really worked out well for this tradition.  So, while I'm not posting a picture of myself (anonymous and all, hahaha), here are some photos of the pets who rang in 2012 with us.  Best wishes for the year ahead, everyone!  I know I'm looking forward to it, after such a great 2011.

Piper

Desi (she's a hipster)

Dr. McVet's friend's dog, Indy.

My First Condo Christmas

Ohmigod you guys.... Christmas is MY FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR.  No joke.

I was so excited about having my own place to decorate this year, that I bought my first fake Christmas tree in mid-November... and then couldn't wait a second more to set it up.  I've received a few ornaments as gifts from my mom and grandma, so I've added those to the tree as well.

Mr. Lock and I were really productive on Saturday, and got a ton of Christmas shopping done.  I went out tonight for a few more items.  Other than a few add-ons for people we've already shopped a bit for, and another gift each for my brothers, I am essentially DONE Christmas shopping already.  I got excited, so on Sunday Mr. Lock and I wrapped some of the gifts and stuck them under my tree. 

These are a mix of gifts for friends, my family, and Mr. Lock's families -- all waiting to be delivered to where they'll actually be opened on Christmas Day.  I plan on keeping them here until Christmas Eve.  You know, so I can PRETEND those are all for me!

I've had fun finding small decorations to add to my place, and when I head home to visit my parents this weekend my mom is going to give me a few of our family ornaments that have been classified as "mine" to add to my tree here at my condo.  It's really exciting to get a space of my own ready for the holidays.  On December 10th we're having our best friends over for a Christmas Party, so I want the place to look festive!

Mr. Lock and I are going to have a mini Christmas of our own on Christmas Eve morning, I'll be glad to sit around my little condo Christmas tree and make the most of it before I head home to my parents house for the rest of the holiday.

It's not even December yet, but I am so excited for this Christmas.  There will be MANY Christmas-related posts to come, I can guarantee that! 

Have you started your decorating yet?  How about your shopping?  Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper?

From Vacay to Sick Days, Part Three

I left off at our three hour drive last Wednesday.  We headed up to the cottage that Mr. Lock's parents have rented for years -- his whole childhood he can remember summer vacations for two weeks up at this cottage.  It was lovely!  We stayed there from Wednesday night until last Saturday morning.  It was so relaxing and peaceful after the busy, busy, busy few days we spent in New York.  A perfect holiday balance -- sightseeing and walking all over a new place, followed by laying low and relaxing on a dock at a cottage.

We had gorgeous weather all last week in both locations.  The only rainy day was our Wednesday travel day, which worked out perfectly.  At the cottage, I lounged around in the sun reading my book, and we swam in the lake, and went for a boat ride and fishing.  We also roasted marshmallows, and played a lengthy game of Trivial Pursuit.  Oh, and Mr. Lock and I totally beat his parents at Euchre!  Go team us!

It was a perfect holiday week, and it was sad heading home on Saturday knowing it was over.  Though, Saturday was busy enough in itself.  That night we had Dr. McVet and her Fiance's Stag and Doe, so we had to get ready to run events there.  It was a success, and I really enjoyed myself.

Until it was just about time to leave, when I suddenly had an INTENSELY sore throat!  I was confused -- I felt fine, and then all of the sudden, it was hugely painful whenever I swallowed.  By the time we got home, I had aches and pains and ended up falling into bed shaking, with Advil in my system to help me sleep.  Sunday, I had to come to my parents place to stay here for two weeks with my puppy while the family is on holiday.  I had to take Advil every four hours to get through Sunday, and Sunday night I barely slept because of running a high fever and having difficulty controlling my body temperature.

So, vacay turned to sick days.  I had to take Monday through Wednesday off from nannying, the days that were supposed to be my first days back after my holiday week.  My 22-year-old brother (who is also here with me, but who words shift work so is here at odd times) took me to the clinic on Monday because I couldn't drive myself, and the doctor said it looked like a throat infection so he wrote me up a prescription.  It took until Wednesday to start to feel a bit more like myself, though with a sore ear and some congestion remaining.  Finally, I returned to work yesterday and today I finished my antibiotics.  I feel a lot better, with just a bit of congestion and a stuffy nose.

Just in time for City Chase tomorrow... good thing I feel better!  Last year, City Chase was a pretty intense physical challenge!  I'm excited to do it again, but I'm worried about how tired I'm going to be afterwards.  I think Quin and I will take it just a bit less competitively this time around.  I'll update next week about City Chase, and how it all went down after this week of being sick!

From Vacay to Sick Days, Part Two

New York City: Day Three!  This was our last day exploring the city, as Wednesday was going to be Major Crazy Travel Day.  First things first, we had to head over to NBC Studios for our pre-booked Studio Tour!

You couldn't take any pictures inside the tour (booo), but we got to see where Brian Williams does the Nightly News, inside the NBC Football studio, and the set of Saturday Night Live.  It was very exciting to see it all, and as a huge TV fan (and big SNL fan, at that), I absolutely loved this experience.  I'm sure the studio lot tours in California are much more elaborate, but this was a great experience regardless.

After our NBC tour, we wandered around to a few other tourist sights we hadn't seen yet.  We went into FAO Schwarz, Bloomingdales, and Dylan's Candy Bar.  Oh, and we had lunch at the Carnegie Deli -- such ridiculously large sandwiches!  We headed back to the hotel in the late afternoon to rest up and get ready for our big evening plans.

My first ever Broadway show!

I had quite the experience trying to see Wicked when it was in Toronto last time, in fact Mr. Lock nearly got us tickets that day (this was before we started dating, but kept hanging out just the two of us -- non-date dates, as I refer to them now).  He bought us these tickets to finally get to see it, and it was SUCH an amazing production!  What a perfect way to end our time in New York City.

Wednesday was spent in the Newark Liberty International Airport for HOURS before our noon flight home... then we took the following transportation to get back to my condo: airplane from NJ to Toronto, ferry from the Island airport to mainland, free Porter shuttle, subway, city bus, our own feet.  Oh, and then, after I completed the final assignments for my two online courses (yay!), and did a load of laundry and ate a yummy dinner prepared by Mr. Lock... it was into a car, for the three hour drive to vacation destination number two!

More to come soon!