We Make Everyone Win

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Smelly Danielly

Though we’ve been to two BC Lions games at Empire Field, we had never been to a Whitecaps game. The only Whitecaps game we’ve been to actually was years ago at Swangard Stadium for Ryans Birthday. We definitely wanted to experience some Vancouver soccer at Empire before it was too late.

We started off the days events at Oscars pub on Boundary & Hastings. I haven’t been there in like 8 year but it is the meeting place for all Whitecaps fans so we knew we had to start it off right. Dario & Gina met us down there along with my cousin Steven who has moved here from Italy. We were just finishing off our beers, getting ready to walk down to the stadium when Steven showed up with a pitcher of beer! I haven’t had that much beer in a very long time, but it was a challenge we were all up to.

After the beers we joined the hoards of Whitecaps fans and walked down to the stadium to meet up with Ryan and Elise.

We ‘splurged’ and got tickets on the West side of the stadium as to ensure we would be in the shade. It was the perfect day, hot and sunny, with amazing views and excited fans. The funny thing about our seats was that during the first half of the game there was a lot of empty seats in our section while the section across from us was packed, but during half time all of a sudden all the seats filled up and there were tons of empty seats on the other side of the stadium. I guess people were getting a little too toasty in the sun!

We wanted to get to our seats so we could see all the pre-game festivities, but buying more beer was more important to the boys so only Elise and I got to take it all in.

There was some great chances through out the whole game. We were all really into it.

Spike came to visit. He bit Elises head and Ryan tapped his drum (that kind of sounds dirty haha). He is so fuzzy and soft I just want to take him home with me.

Ryan got a little photo happy when I gave him my camera. He was acting like a crazy paparazzo.

Oh hey look, we scored!

Yes, we are officially good luck. Last time the Lions won, and this time the Whitecaps won!

It was such a great game and I’m really glad we paid a little extra for seats in the shade. I don’t even want to think about how gross Chad would have been if we sat in the sun.

Now I can’t wait to see what the new BC Place looks like!

On a Boat with a Warning

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Smelly Danielly

We were invited back to Neil’s family cabin at Nicola Lake, which was surprising given the fact that I spilled Red Wine on their white couch the last time and Chad, well, is Chad.

I had last Friday off, so I baked some muffins, packed our bags, and off we went to Merritt.

Nori & Jeremy joined us this time around, and so did the ever adorable Lady.

Gummi, the neighbours dog, came along as well.

Neil, Nori, & Jeremy climb up to the flag but I’m blind as a bat and couldn’t see them. I assume the tiny specs on the top of the hill are them.

Neil and Gummi had to cool off in the water.

Chad is very sensitive when it comes to cold water.

Neil took us back out on the boat, but this time it involved a lot more adventure.

I had two thoughts while out on the boat, 1) I hope Neil has his operators card with him in case we get checked and 2) It would really suck if we broke down on this here lake.

Well, talk about self fulfilling prophecy.

Transport Canada pulled us over and did a full safety inspection, which we did not pass. An out dated fire extinguisher + old life jackets + Neils lack of an operators card landed us a warning, which we were more then thankful for, considering the fine would have cost Mr. Patterson $960. Yea, you heard that right. Nine Hundred and Sixty DOLL HAIRS.

Sweet Jesus.

No sooner did they send us off, Neil realized he couldn’t start the motor. He tired every trick in the book but it just would not go. So Mr. & Mr. Transport Canada came back over to see if they could help. There was no hope, the engine was DEAD, however they were nice enough to take Neil back to shore so he could get his fishing boat and then come back and tow is in.

Nori, Chad, and I were officially stranded.

We were roasting out on the open lake, but the water was ice cold so we were kind of stuck in the middle.

A billion hours later Neil came to the rescue!

Back on land Jeremy and the dogs greeted us. Our hour long journey turned into a 3 hour adventure.

Wild Horses

Ending the weekend with a game of scrabble, which I did not play, because clearly, I can not spell. Ha!

It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend. I love Neil’s cabin. It is so cozy and situated so perfectly on the lake. Plus the addition of dogs is always delightful. It was awesome to end a busy and stressful week with good friends, good food, and good views. Chad and I really need to invest in one of these Cabin things ;)

And in Other News…

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Smelly Danielly

We are moving again. Yes, you heard me.

I got my office pretty well set up yesterday, along with the Design Room, and some of Claudias office. Then there was some discussion about how the actual layout of all the offices didn’t really make any sense, but I didn’t think they would actually do anything about it. Well, I was wrong.

I got the call this morning to prepare myself because the entire Design Department is moving to the second floor. Humm…so much for setting things up yesterday!

At first I was super bummed by it because I love the office that they gave me. I have a window and a long desk and it’s my little nook. Yes, I have only been working in it for 3 days and I’m already this attached. But then I realized that the way things are going to be set up now makes so much more sense and we are moving to a blank slate, so guess who gets to design their own space, ME. You can’t be bummed for too long when you get to set things up exactly the way you want them, right?

So it looks like my work here isn’t done yet. I get to come up with a floor plan for the 2nd floor and present my ideas, which I think its pretty cool. It allows me to tap into my love of Interior Design. Tomorrow we go shopping for desks and shelves and all that fun stuff.

I guess the nook was never really meant to be, and while I will be sad to say Good-Bye to the window I grew to love in the matter of minutes, I’m sure my new space won’t be too shabby ;)

Family Picnic with the Rossis

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Smelly Danielly

A couple Sundays ago we had our Family Picnic.

A game of wiffle ball is always in order.

Zia Maria showed us her Frisbee skills.

We ate lots of good food.

Ma and Pa Ehman provided the best photo op to date.

Uncles were in the garden gathering veggies.

I had garden envy.

Elise started a game of Ultimate Frisbee because she can never sit still.

Chad did a good job of running like a dinosaur.

This use to be us, but now we are all grown up.

Today is Almost Over. Thank God.

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Smelly Danielly

We ended up spending the weekend in Merritt again, up at Neils cabin. We only had one full day this time around, but it was still nice to get away, especially with the insanity that is work right now.

I had today planned out nicely. I was scheduled to work from home, and while I plugged away at the computer I was going to get all my laundry done, upload some pictures, and try a new recipe. Well, I never got the log in information to connect to my computer at work, and then I got a frantic phone call that sounded like the whole world was imploding on itself and the only way to fix it was for me to come into work. Well, as soon as I got to work, there was nothing wrong at all. Worst start to a Monday morning ever.

I ended up taking control of the situation and got the Design Department unpacked and ready to go, as much as I could with what I had. My office is in the works. I got the computer and phone hooked up today, but I’m in major need of shelves and drawers and I don’t know when those will show up. I feel so comfortable in my new space, and I can’t wait to fully organize it and make it pretty.

I felt pretty good, despite the amount of physical labour I put upon my body today, that was until I got home and it felt like my legs had done the Grouse Grind 10 times. I need to stop pushing myself so much, but I just can’t help myself. I am crazy.

Anyways, we’ve basically moved, though its going to take a month to sort everything out. The photoshoot is tomorrow, so all the rushing and panicking for that will be over shortly, and then people will be taking vacations and all will be calm again.

I’m really hoping this week will run smoothly.