MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night...

V. xo

09 is all Mine

Every year for the last 2 years I have written out a long list of resolutions for the new year. This year I refuse to put that pressure on myself. Instead I am going to write out my wishes for myself and hope that with incredible drive of spirit I will accomplish these tasks.
What I want for myself is to keep true to myself and all of those wonderous individuals in my life. What I hope to become true with much training and hard work is to run Mississauga Marathon injury free and qualify for the Boston Marathon in 2010. I hope to be continously challenged in my daily life and surrounded by amazing individuals. I hope to never lose my enthusiasm for the small but exciting things. I hope to never lose my passion and emotion. Though privately I will make a list of the things I need to take control and care of but what is important is I am going to make 09 all mine! I am going to embrace it just like I embraced everything that came with the summer of 08--summer of sarah! 09 is all mine! You'll see...
V.

2008 is going going...

Well my friends here we are in the middle of December. Can you believe it--in just over 2 weeks this year will be finito. What a year 08 has been? There have been so many ups and downs; twists and turns--but ya know at the end of the day I would not trade these for anything. If you had asked me a year ago today where my life would be--I would have thought very very very different then what my reality actually is today. Life is a strange thing and as a new wonderous friend said to me today: "Enjoy the Rollercoaster. It means you are ALIVE!" This quote could not be more true. If I had not had to endure the emotional and physical pain I would not be even half the person I am today or have half of the amazing people I am lucky to have in my life. My friends have really come through--new and old. They have brought new meaning to the words loyalty, love, truth and in all actuality, friendship. Though the past year has been tough-- and that is putting it lightly--I have had numerous heartbreaks and heartaches. I have been beaten and bruised emotionally and physically. People have let me down and tried to break my spirit. Instead I embraced those things because of the support I was offered, I am: 30 and actually happy about it. I am single. I am so far from content—I am excited! I am finally recovered from a fractured pelvis and running better and stronger then ever. I am confident and stronger then I ever even imagined I could be. I have made myself vulnerable and allowed people in. I have let the most amazing people in. I have made mistakes—stupid and silly ones. I have learned so much not only about myself but those around me. I have learned that life is too short to live in the past or to worry crazily about the future. I have found the most amazing friends. If my life did not go the way it did, I would not have so much happiness and love in my life.

All that has gone down in 08 I shall embrace. I shall move forward with my head up high, a smile on my lips and so much love in my heart because 2009 is going to be my year--I can feel it!!
The past few weeks have been filled with so much decking the halls and tis the seasoning I do not even know what to do with myself! There have been parties, christmas dinners, cocktails and wine, pot lucks, full on raging, too many laughs and way toooo much fun! With a week to go and not more then one present purchased I better on it and get into it! Yay December and yay to a new year just around the corner!


V. xo

Let it Go!

I was sent this in a forward sometime ago--These are words worth reading and always remembering...

Someone will always be prettier.
Someone will always be smarter.
Someone's house will be bigger.
They will drive a better car.
Their children will do better in school.
Their husband will fix more things around the house.
So?
LET IT GO!!!!!!
Love you and your circumstances.
Think about it.
The prettiest woman in the world can have turmoil in her heart.
The most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children.
The richest woman you know may have the car, the house, the clothes...
but she might be lonely.
Love you. Love who you are.
Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say:
'I am too blessed to be stressed and
too anointed to be disappointed!'
'Winners make things happen.
Losers let things happen.'
'To the world you might be one person,
but to one person you just might be the world'.

V. xo

BANGER'S FO LIFE YO!!

Thanks my little bang-bangs for being you!! Love you with every ounce of my heart.
Banger's fo life yo!

V. xo

December 8th, 2008

It has been 11 years since we lost him. 11 years since he was taken away. The pain will always be real and sharp. It has become something you can just swallow and live with. He had so much to offer and so much love to give. We never got to say goodbye. I know he is up there somewhere watching over me, protecting me. He will remain in my heart always and merely a single breath away. He is in my thoughts today and always.
With Love, V xo.

Hell ya--I am baaaack--better and stronger!

Sunday I awoke at an godly hour for a Sunday...I had to get to Mississauga to run the 10K Chilly Willy. I was not only running the race but was the coach! So I gots in the car and we made our way to Port Credit. It was a brisk morn but at least there was some sunshine. The race started at 9:30am sharp--off we went! It was chilly but I felt gooood and took advantage of this! Off I went! Anyway low and behold I was the second female across the line and ran a Personal Best of 46:40! I was pumped and thought of it still gets me pretty excited! I am baaaack--better and stronger!!

V.

Liv & Che gots Married!

Costa Rica could not have come at a more appropriate time! I needed clarity but gained perspective. I needed to be reminded of who I actually was and luckily it came flying back. Costa Rica was an exceptionally beautious place. The people kind hearted and generous. The landscape gorge--luscious and serene. Costa Rica made my heart smile the entire time I was there. The monkeys would swing by and the iguanas crawl millimeters from my toes. It was unbelievably amazing. The best part of CR was being there for Liv and Che's wedding! Livvy had an amazing crew of friends and family come down to share in her special day. I left with a handful of new friends. Truly amazing. Liv was stunning and Che was handsome. There were kind words and much love shared. Costa Rica will always have a special spot in my heart. If I am lucky I will hopefully get to go back and be surrounded by the amazingness that is there.

CONGRATS LIV & CHE! I feel so honored and lucky that I was able to be there.
V. xo

Wow

Could not resist sharing my killer Horoscope for today...

Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)

When we worry about getting things all wrong, it is often a case of underestimating our power and potential. Try not to be insecure. Given the excellent overall cosmic climate you face, it would be hard not to succeed.

Promise to update you on my amazing trip to CR soon!

V.

CR Bound!

Tmo morning I will be mini vacay/mini adventure bound...And I can hardly wait. I will be boarding a flight with my lovely friend Dirts to Costa Rica where I get to attend Lady Liv and J's gorgeousity of a wedding. I cannot wait to take in all of the sun, the fun, the laughter but most importantly the love. I feel so honored to be invited and lucky to be able to attend.
I am CR bound...
Promise to tell you all about it upon my return!

V. xo

exactly what I needed...

Well, hello there November!?

Ok again I am slow on the welcoming of a new month. what are my excuses!!?? Well, its been a busy few weeks in more ways then one. October ended with a bang! The last 2 weeks of October caught me by surprise. There were Birthday parties filled with unexpected guests, there were wrap up parties filled with too many glasses of wine and too much fun, there were goodbyes, there was a stagerring stagette, there were new friends catching up and old ones getting reacquainted, there was fun, there were costume parties...all in all October ended quickly and promptly just as it has began. And now we are 10 days into November. Honestly where does the time go? I already love this month for so many reasons. I love it because my heart has smiled more then a handful of times--this year has not been easy on many and I have had the honor of watching and feel things turn around for so many of those around me. There has already been two engagements and one pregnancy. I am looking forward to so many more wonderfulness aswell. In two days time I will be boarding a plane bound for Costa Rica for an old and amazing friends wedding..I can hardly contain my excitement! There are things that must be celebrated and moments to be cherished. I am almost certain November will leave as fast as it arrived!
V.

The City Moves Me

Life can be hectic at the best of times especially in the city. There is always something to do, somewhere to be, someone to meet up with, life is always moving and always happening. The city is the most marvelous place because though you are surrounded by a million people you are just another somebody making their way here or there. On Friday afternoons I enjoy taking the city all in. Instead of rushing home on public transport, I throw on the ole ipod, toss my bag over my shoulder and heel toe it the 4 clicks home. I don't do it to prove anything to anyone I do it to allow the stress and annoyances slide off my shoulders, slowly but surely these stresses are left in my dust, along my way across Queen and up Bay.
Last week while making my way through Nathan Phillips square, I felt moved. I felt chills down my spine, I felt love pulse through my veins and I felt pure unadulterated energy in my heart. Maybe it was a match of perfection--the perfect song at the perfect moment while taking the perfect step, I don't know but at that particular moment, I looked up to the sky and the city of Toronto actually moved me. One tear slipped down my cheek, while a smile gleamed from my lips. At that particular moment in Toronto I was indeed the happiest girl in the entire world-Thanks T.O.!

V.

October is here!--Better late then never, Right?

Seriously where is this year going??? Wow time certainly does fly. So here we are in October 08 already. And what a month September was. Very Busy and Very Fun.
There were dinners and drinks with old and new friends. There were weddings, traditional and non traditional. There were hang overs that were soooo worth it. There were parties to celebrate engagements and feature films. There was Tiff. There was the Boobyball and its 7th year. Another successful party with another committee of amazing individuals. There was REAL life, love, laughter and fun happening!! It truly does not get any better then that does it?
And yes welcoming October on the 23rd of the month seems a wee bit ridiculous doesn't it?
So why not cover the greatness I have endured this fine October thus far. There was FINALLY real running again, there were crazy nights, hilarious dinners, group dance parties and solo ones, there were very satisfying days, there were revelations on life and love, there were good times but a few bad, there were heartbreaking moments and goodbyes that left me in tears, there were happy tears of love and friendship. Life is happening and October is allowing me to take it all in. I sat back at the end of September thinking-TG for October as life can slow down well not the case. October has been insanely busy thus far. I have a week left of October 08 and I am looking forward to a stagette, some parties, some dinners with an old lost friend whom I have found, there is planning for events to come, there are wrap ups and bottles of wine to be drank, there are runs to lead, and definitely some more living to be done! I cannot wait to end this awesome month of October on an especially high note! So welcome October but Thank you October!
V.

Reason, Season or Lifetime

You have all heard me say it over and over and over again the last while. It has been a tumultuous few months with many twists and turns and ups and downs. But I would not change any of it for the world. Because I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason and more importantly because my life has become much more rich and real because of the true friends I can finally feel and see. They say relationships of any kind are a two way street and I am a believer! Sometimes by giving a little--you get SO much more back. By opening your mind and heart and wearing your vulnerability on your sleeve, it creates comfort for others. It creates a line of communication that never existed before.
Over the past few months I have strengthened bonds, renewed bonds and created bonds. The people in my life are true and real. There is a love that exists that I never knew or could know without opening my heart. People have surprised me in so many ways. I count my lucky stars in each and everyday for the incredible people in my life that I am fortunate enough to call friends. Friends whom have dropped their own lives and situations to be at my beck and call when I needed them more then they could have even realized. Friends whom warmed my heart by making me explode with laughter or allowed me to weep dramatically at the most inappropriate times. At the end of the day they have shown me that there are many different types of friends in our lives.
I cannot help but think of the thought--Reasons, Seasons or a Lifetime.
I thought it only appropriate to share...

People always come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.


When someone is in your life for a REASON,

it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty,

or to provide you with guidance and support,

to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend to you, and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.


Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.


Sometimes they die. Sometimes they just walk away.

Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.


When people come into your life for a SEASON,

it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.

They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall,

the season eventually ends.


LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;

those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway);

and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Friends are definitely the family we get to choose. And I am so very lucky to have been chosen by so many wonderous incredibly inspiring and loving people whom I am sooo advantageous to call my friends. Thank you to all of you!

V. xo

Happiness is a Journey, NOT a destination!

“For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”
~Souza

Pre-living is for suckas

The last little while I have learned many many things about myself, about others and about life. One of those things is to not pre-live. I am not sure where this term came from or from what but it is a term in which I lead and live each day these days. Not Pre-living is the art of living in the right now. Pre-living is getting too far ahead of yourself and not enjoying what you have, what you are and where you are this particular moment. If we plan and get ahead of ourselves we put unneeded pressure on our hearts, our souls and our minds. To often we spend unnecessary time worrying about tmo evening or that meeting two weeks from now. It can go as far as worrying about what we will be doing next year, instead of enjoying what is right in front of us right now-like the people, the places, the conversations this particular moment. It takes so much energy to worry about where we will be or what we will be doing in the future and I believe we miss out on the moment we are in. Don't get me wrong, I am an organizer-a planner and I am not saying forgo being on the ball and planning for the future but I do believe that we need to savor and enjoy the moments we are in. Life is short. Things change and situations change that are out of control. So stop pre-living!! Pre-living is definitely for suckas.

V.

Happy 60th Daddyo!

Well this past weekend was a big deal. A big deal to my dad--he turned the big SIX ZERO.
It was lovely, my brother and I drove home and spent an evening with him, my mom, some neighbours and some old friends. There were lots of laughs, tons of drinkies and delish eats (would not and could not expect anything less when my mom is involved!!)
Though my Dad has dreaded this day I keep reminding him he is only as old as he thinks he is and that age is a matter of the mind. As long as you keep your heart open to living and learning you can remain young at heart. I believe my good old Daddyo is pretty young at heart. He still likes to have fun and laugh lots. I love my Dad so much and was so happy I could be there to help him ring in this momentous Birthday!
HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY DAD!!

V. xo

Music is what feelings sound like

Someone once said...Music is what feelings sound like...And I would have to agree.
As of late to bring up my energy at the office--I plug in. I launch my itunes, plug in my ear buds and rock out while firing off emails and getting work done. It has been an amazing new habit. Though my colleagues say that when I take the ear buds I tend to shout for the first 10 minutes...hahaha...I have found I am much more relaxed and much more light hearted. So let the music play...
Today my fave albums are:
COLDPLAY VIVA LA VIDA

As well as THE REPUBLIC TIGERS KEEP COLOR

Both albums are worth purchasing...Get listening friends I promise you will be feeling grrreat!!

V.

HAPPY 7th B-DAY BOOBYBALL...Let's Rally Around 7!!

To honour The Boobyball's 7th B-Day we are calling on all of our friends and supporters to take it a step further!!
Go to boobyballbday.org and see how you can help!!

Now that the Boobyball is a blur of excitement from the weekend passed, we’re calling on you and all of your friends to help us bring a little bit of luck and a whole lot of support to help in the fight against breast cancer.

And it’s as easy as 1,2,3...7 (wait, let us explain).

Seeing as it’s the 7th birthday of the Boobyball, we’ve conceived a simple plan.
We’re rallying around lucky number 7 to help bring some good fortune to women across Canada.

Just imagine if all the 850 people who attended this year's Boobyball donated seven dollars...and if each one of them got one friend to give seven dollars...that would be enough money to fund a critical breast cancer support program for an entire year.

And what if you approached your employer to match your $7, or better yet, the cumulative donation from all the friends of the Boobyball?

In recognition of our 7 years of fun and success, we’re asking you to forgo that Starbucks latte or scotch on the rocks for just one day and donate $7. Sound simple? It is.

Why not take it one step further and invite seven of your closest friends to join you on the mission to put a stop to breast cancer. Seven is a powerful number. Your $7 combined with another $7, combined with your best friend’s-sister’s-fiance’s $7 can quickly be used to help educate young women about breast cancer prevention and help pay for much needed screening equipment in remote areas that suffer from a lack of up-to-date technology.

For the next 7 days we will be driving this fight against breast cancer and pushing to reach a goal of raising over $7,777 for Rethink Breast Cancer’s unique programs. Each time you donate, you will be eligible to win one of 4 prizes valued at over $700 each!

Click and make this the easiest and most rewarding 7 dollars you’ve ever parted with...and thank you for your incredible support in our goal of making a difference in young breast cancer patients and survivors lives.

While we’ve come a long way and impacted countless lives thanks to all of your support but there’s still much to be done.

V.

V. is Baaaack!

There is nothing quite as special as the crisp air in your hair, feeling your cheeks go rosy and your warm but chilled legs in the fall air. The air at this time of year is so fresh and clean...That is right my friends V. is back out there hitting the pavement. Last night was my longest run since just about 4 months ago when I ran 42.2 K. Though last night was only a measly 6.5 K, still an accomplishment in my mind-actually a huge one. This summer has been an emotional obstacle course of ups, downs and in betweens. In times of instability I have ALWAYS turned to my runners and ipod for support and focus. This summer that was not an option with two hairline fractures on the right side of my pelvis. Though somehow I made it through, I cannot even begin to explain how thrilled I am to be back out there. Running is my true and undeniable passion. The first time I actually ran on the treadmill a month back I actually cried. Big wet, hot tears rolled down my cheeks. The feeling was like reuniting with an old friend or reliving the happiest moment in your life thus far. They were the tears of happiness and significance. As I stared in the mirror at my tear stained face and huge smile on my face I remembered why I loved to run so damn much. Not only am I good at it but it makes me feel so strong, so fierce, so indepandant and so confident. Emotions and Sentiments that are crucial to anyone and everyone.
I have signed myself up for the CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE on Sunday, October 5th. Though it may not be my fastest 5K to date, it is my first race back and for such a great cause!
V. is baaaack!! Cannot wait for that first 20K...I guarantee I will cry tears of joy at the finish!

V.

Coopers Rocked the Festival!

So TIFF has come and gone and what a TIFF it was...
Buck/Darius/Boutiques little darling COOPERS CAMERA Rocked the Toronto International Film Festival. There were three public screenings which sold out in 3 hours flat. The film created a ton of buzz and was in fact hilarious. What an exciting time for all involved. Congrats to the cast, the crew and everyone in between!

V.

See YOU in SEPTEMBER!

Alright it's Aurevoir August! And its See you Summer...Ok ok ok...not see you summer quite yet. Since the last days of August real, live, sweltering, beautious summer has FINALLY arrived. Labour day weekend was filled with weather we have all been wishing for the entire summer. It was abs. splendid. Though it was my first long weekend in the city in some time...I enjoyed it at my own special piece of paradise. This piece of paradise is alive and well and only a hop a skip and a jump from my new apartment...actually it is only an elevator ride away...yes that is right my friends, my new apartment has a piece of paradise which is also known as the outdoor pool and delish loungers. It is quite resort like without the all inclusive bar-DAMN, I know! But still amazingly relaxing and so much fun (well you all know how I love my fun in the sun!). So my days were spent lounging, swimming, reading by this lovely piece of paradise right downtown. The novelty (like you cannot tell) has not worn off (and I am wondering if it ever will- to be honest!!)

August was an amazing month. So many laughs, so many fun times, so many memories...
The month started off with a bang up on LOB's celebrating lovely Lexer's 30th. We did it up right all in white. The weeks following I moved into a new place-which I adore. It in itself is its own piece of paradise. It is bright, happy and all mine. I spent many a moments this month setting up furniture, painting, drilling, hammering, peeling, washing, hanging hooks and things on the wall...and though I have never been that handy I am actually getting the hang of it. My place is not only all mine but the work I have put in is all mine too. It feels good, walking in the door each and everyday. Which is a really really great thing. I love my new hood too-which is a really really great thing too.
As we moved through the month there were some harder days but ya know what there was some OUTSTANDING days. And these outstanding days totally outweighed the harder days. August was filled with cottaging, bbq's, Fun times at the RCYC-some sailing, a party and some hanging, new AMAZING friends, Showers for friends, a new hair cut, new clothes, too many laughs to even name, tan lines, and milestones-my 30th Birthday being one of them. August 2008 was amazing. And with saying aurevoir August, we (though I do not want to admit it) have to say see ya to summer. This summer has been a different summer then I have had in a long time. It has been filled with so many amazing obstacles and things AND so many emotions. But at the end of the day I am so thankful for every single moment-the good and bad. It has been a journey up mountains and through valleys with the best people I could ever imagine holding my hand tightly and my heart with care. As CN said to me in the middle of June-This is and will be the Summer of Sarah-embrace it and that I have done to the best of my abilities. Though the summer of sarah would have never been possible without a few people, whom I will keep to myself, but they SO know who they are! Thank you friends, new and old.
Summer is most definitely my favorite season-is it because I went to camp? Maybe. Is it because my of my Birthday? Possibly. Is it because of the sunshine? Perhaps. Is it because people become more relaxed, let things go, and live more in the moment-I think so. On that note, I promise you I am already wishing and waiting for the first dog says of summer of 2009. Aurevoir AUGUST! And here we are seeing YOU in September!

V.

I am a superhero on my threezero...

My 30th Birthday celebration was absolutely amazing thanks to 4 very special friends of mine. I cannot even find the words to express how much fun I had or how much I want to thank the most loveliest ladies. LOVE YOU TONS...
V. xo

TOP 10 WAYS TO STAY YOUNG...

1. Throw out non-essential numbers.
This includes age, weight, and height.
Let the doctors worry about them. That is why they get paid.

2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

3. Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain get idle. ?'An idle mind is the
devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things


5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with her/him!


6. The tears happen:
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is our self.
LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you
love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.


8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.


9. Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.


10. Tell the people you love, that you love them - at every opportunity.

30 reasons to live, laugh and love!

With my 30th Birthday quickly approaching I thought it only necessary to outline 30 reasons to live, laugh and love or in better terms what I have learned in all my years.
So here goes nothing...
1. Laughter is the best medecine.
2. The happiest of people do not necessarily have the best of everything except they always find the best in everything.
3. You cannot move forward if you are holding on to regrets.
4. The first place you need to find love is within.
5. Family,old friends, true friends, new friends are all worth it and make the world a better place to be in.
6. One of the hardest thing in life is to admit you need help and that you might not be ok.
7. Listen to your gut and always be true to yourself.
8. Sometimes you have a closet filled with clothes and shoes but you still have nothing at all to wear.
9. Admit when you are wrong.
10. Think before you speak or act.
11. Don't pre live.
12. You can do anything you set your mind to and more.
13. If you can run a marathon with an injury you can withstand just about any pain-emotional or physical. [I have had to be reminded of that many times!]
14. Be gracious.
15. Give if you want to receive.
16. Karma is a bitch and WILL bite back and what goes around ALWAYS comes back around.
17. Everyone has a heart and soul-sometimes you just need to give them a second chance to show it to you.
18. Gossip is poison and will kill.
19. Never be scared to be yourself.
20. Always surround yourself with people you love.
21. That running is my passion and that everyone has one-they just need to find it!
22. The best way out is ALWAYS through.
23. That tough times make you a stronger and better person.
24. Do not give your opinion unless asked.
25. That inspirational people and quotes will always stop me in my tracks.
26. To embrace your emotions at any given time and go with it.
27. Always remember that simple things are usually the best things.
28. Anything can be fun...You just need to make it that way.
29. Your destiny will protect you from the world.
30. That life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away!

As much as I think I know...I know one thing forsure I will never stop learning and I will never take the people I care about for granted.
Tomorrow night is the night where I get to celebrate being me while surrounded by the most amazing people whom I am so lucky to call friends.
I cannot wait for all that is ahead for me...I have this feeling that the best is yet to come!

Love V. xo

As my 30th Birthday approaches...

This quote caught my mind and definitely made me think...

And in the end it's not the years of your life that count, it's the life in your years.
-Abraham Lincoln

STAY TUNED!

V.

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY LEXER!

Yesterday one of my bestest and oldest friends turned 30. I had the pleasure of being present at her intimate birthday party up north (see blog below re her big WHITE OUT!) Because 30 is such a momentous Birthday I decided to write her a toast...These were my wishes for LEXER-

May you be in heaven a full half hour before the devil knows your dead.
May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.
May your heart be light and happy,
May your smile be big and wide,
And may your pockets always have
a coin or two inside!
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint! (or I should say a glass of sauvignon blanc from New Zealand!)
May the face of every good news and the back of every bad news be towards us.
May neighbours respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
May you have the hindsight to know where you've been,
The foresight to know where you are going,
And the insight to know when you have gone too far.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May those that love us, love us.
And those that don’t love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he doesn’t turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we’ll know them by their limping.
May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, and never catch up.
May you have food and raiment, a soft pillow for your head. May you be forty years in heaven before the devil knows you’re dead.
May your mornings bring joy
and your evenings bring peace...
May your troubles grow less
as your blessings increase!
May you get all your wishes but one,
so that you will always have something to strive for!
Happy 30th birthday! Love you tons Lexer!

V.

Summer Happiness is.....

Jumping off the dock in lake of bays with Lexer and being silly!!

V. xo

aloha august!

Friends...August has arrived! and I cannot wait for the fun times ahead this month. I started August off with a Real Bang! For the August long weekend I celebrated one of my very best friends 30th Birthdays. We spent the weekend loving, laughing and living on Lake of Bays and on the eve of her Birthday we had a lovely evening of which was titled the white out! And white it was-white outfits, white decorations, white plates, white cups, white favors...it was sooo white AND sooo fun!

This month has a lot more to offer too...I am moving to a new 'hood which is exciting but also a little sad. I love being steps away from the coolness of Queen west not to mention a hop, skip and a jump from my office BUT a new place and new 'hood will do me some good. There is room for new adventures and exploring to be done. PLUS I get to ride my bike to work every day-how fun is that? I will get to spend much more time on Bloor and in the village that is Yorkville. Oh and did I mention my new place has an outdoor pool!!?? yep. how great will the rest of my summer be??!! ha ha ha. Well it will be great but not just because of the outdoor pool and tanning deck but because in two weeks this coming friday I will be turning 30. That is right-the big Three Zero. Some magnificent friends of mine are willing to make the plans and muster up some peeps to come and help me ring in this momentous birthday. Everything is still in the works however the plans will come together as they should!
I can hardly believe it is August already? Growing up August was always my favorite month-not only because it was the month of my birthday but because it was the month I spent at camp. BUT also...Because the days are hot but the evenings are nice and cool. The bugs are gone. The lake is warm. Summer is half way through so you need to pack in everything you did not fit in to July. As you know August is the month before September and I always have seen September as the second month of new beginnings. I guess because 20 years of my life so far I started school in September and that was a new beginning of sorts.
I am really looking forward to all August has to offer and to bring...
On that note here is the astroly thought of the day on the first of August plus my horoscope on that same day:
Thought for the Day: If there's something you want to protect, today's total solar eclipse will help. And if there's something wrong in your love life, you will feel the impetus to put it right.
Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)
So many people are depending on you. Others ought to be doing more, but that's all the more reason you need to behave in an exemplary fashion.

On that note...yay to August and all that is about to bring! And so long July-Thanks for the GT's! (wow July was truly quite the month, wouldn't you agree!!??)

V.

Omy! What about July...

HIIIII JULY!!! I forgot to welcome in the month that is July...Oh my but why...Well I know why and though it is a very good excuse I will not bother you with such excuses. Instead I will tell you all about my July thus far. I am not going to lie, July has been a wee bit packed. Ving has been one busy bee this past month. On the first official long weekend of Summer in Canada, ironically I was living it up in Paris, France. As per my blog below, I spent one hell of a week in Paris. It was definitely a week I will never ever forget. After a week of parading around Paris I arrived home where I visited with friends, shared with them my many adventures, oh ya did some work! After 2 days being home on Canadian soil I un packed and then re packed my bag and headed north. I lived, laughed and loved on lake of bays for 7 glorious days at the frac and then cottaged hopped for the weekend. Then my friends, it was back to the dog days of summer city styles and in the office styles. But office life has not stopped the fun. Last week I was out every night. The preparation for the Booby Ball has begun and I am excited to say I am sitting on the executive committee. We had a meeting for that, I have met up with friends for drinks and fun and dins and laughs. Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited up to a friend of a friends cottage on Georgian Bay. It was glorious. I almost decided not to go but am so glad I jumped on the go bandwagon at the last minute. We had lots of laughs and lots and lots of fun!
The preparation for the Testicle Festival has also begun so I had a meeting pertaining to that. And now well we are into our last 9 days of July where in which I have many celebrations to attend and fun happenings to attend to. As you are probably aware many of my friends are at the momentus birthday time-the big 3-0. So this week I have a 30th party to attend, I have friends to catch up with and I actually think I may stick around the city this weekend and truly enjoy the dog days of summer outside of the office and not up north. Might actually be nice...
So Omy What about July? Well good think I did not blink because I may have missed it...

V.

Coopers Camera in TIFF!

Guess What? A feature Buck worked on has been added to the TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL LINE UP!! Hells yeah!!
Check out the Press Release below:

Christmas comes early this year with film, Coopers’ Camera, added to
Toronto International Film Festival® line up
Coopers’ Camera stars famed “Daily Show” correspondents and husband-wife duo
Jason Jones and Samantha Bee

Toronto, July 15, 2008 – Canadian comedians and real-life husband and wife duo,
Jason Jones (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Ham and Cheese) and Samantha Bee
(The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Love Guru, Ham and Cheese), star as Gord and
Nancy Cooper in Coopers’ Camera—a holiday farce, directed by Warren P. Sonoda (Ham
and Cheese, 5ive Girls), set to keep audiences in stitches as part of the Toronto
International Film Festival® (TIFF) Canada First! programme this year. The
confirmation was made today in Toronto, with Jones in from New York for the official
announcement.

Well-known for their Emmy award-winning correspondent work on The Daily Show
with Jon Stewart, Jones and Bee lead the hilarious cast of Coopers’ Camera, portraying
the befuddled parents of one the most dysfunctional families ever to be captured on film.
The film, written by Jason Jones and fellow cast-mate Mike Beaver (Phil the Alien,
Billable Hours, Ham and Cheese), also stars Peter Keleghan, Dylan Everett, Nick
McKinlay and Dave Foley.

Coopers’ Camera takes the audience back to December 25, 1985, before the time of
iPhones and the internet, when Gord Cooper gives his family a Christmas present that
was then, the state of the art in technology: a VHS video camera. The youngest son,
Teddy Cooper (Everett), uses this all-seeing eye to tape every painfully hilarious moment
the Cooper family goes through as Gord’s estranged brother Tim (Keleghan) visits for the
holidays after a seventeen-year absence.
“I think we captured something really universal with Coopers’ – I mean, who hasn’t had
a holiday from hell? It shows a seemingly normal family come spiraling apart and I’m
hoping we all can watch it and see a little dark, twisted, part of ourselves and laugh,” said
Coopers’ Camera Director Sonoda from the edit suite as he completes final post
production on the film.
Sonoda—labeled by Playback magazine as ‘one to watch’ and echoed by The National
Post’s Shinan Govani as a ‘Canadian talent to watch’—is one of the most anticipated up-
and-coming directors at this year’s Festival. Known for his prolific work in the music
industry, having directed over 100 music videos, as well as for his recent film work
including the cult comedy Ham and Cheese (2004), Sonoda has recently shot another
feature this year, a hockey comedy called Puck Hogs.

Fittingly, given the film’s subject matter, it was at a holiday party that Sonoda discussed
the script with producers Sean Buckley and Nicholas Tabarrok—their respective
companies, Buck Productions (Film, Hank and Mike; Documentary, The Road: The
Journey of Syd Vanderpool; TV shows, Rich Bride, Poor Bride and Keys to the VIP) and
Darius Films (Weirdsville, The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico) inevitably
partnered, along with Executive Producer John Kozman, to move production of the film
forward at an industry-record-setting pace to accommodate Jones and Bee’s winter
hiatus from the Daily Show. Production began in mid-February 2008 and was
completed over just 11 days, moving quickly into post-production to create a finished
product for consideration by TIFF this year.
“Coopers' Camera represents true independent filmmaking,” said Buckley, executive
producer/owner of Buck Productions. “All members of the team have pulled together to
accomplish something quite remarkable: a film that showcases tremendous
performances, and outstanding execution.”
As well as a triumph for the filmmakers, Coopers’ Camera represents a victory for the
upstart film distribution company Boutique Films, which is only a few months old, yet is
already featuring a film in TIFF. Tabarrok has partnered with Kozman to create the
company, and Coopers’ Camera is the first movie it will distribute in Canada, while
working to land sales in the United States and international markets.

All signs point to Coopers’ Camera being a real winner for all those involved, not the
least of which are TIFF audiences that will get to see the film first. After an on-set visit
during production earlier this year, Govani reported that this film was, “a modern spin
on Christmas Vacation – though it is set in the 80’s.” As hilarious disasters unfold for
Christmas at the Coopers, movie-goers will surely be laughing, while thankful it’s not
their own families this time.

About Coopers’ Camera
Coopers’ Camera is a hilarious comedy set in 1985 middle class suburbia, told through
the eyes of Teddy, the youngest Cooper son, via the family’s new Christmas present: a
second-hand VHS video camera. The film follows a dysfunctional family’s Christmas
descent into mayhem when an estranged and obnoxious brother shows up for the
Holiday. Visit www.cooperscamerathemovie.com

About Buck Productions
Buck Productions was founded in 1997 by Producer/Director Sean Buckley and has been
something of an insider’s secret ever since. The company has evolved into an innovative
and diverse production house, producing an array of film and television content in a
variety of genres.
Today, Buck is one of Toronto’s foremost production companies, small enough to
support independent producers and productions, but large enough to produce feature
length films, documentaries, episodic television, and a wide variety of commercials. To
learn more about Buck, please visit www.buckproductions.com.

About Darius Films
Darius Films is a leading film and production company with offices in Los Angeles and
Toronto. Founded by Nicholas Tabarrok in 1996, Darius Films has produced over a
dozen films which have played at some of the most prestigious film festivals and been
released in theatres, television and home video around the world. For more on Darius,
visit www.dariusfilms.com.

About Boutique Films
Boutique Films is a film distribution company with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto.
Founded in Spring 2008 by John Kozman and Nicholas Tabarrok, Boutique Films works
on behalf of its producers in domestic and international markets. The company can
already count its first film feature, Coopers’ Camera, as a selection in the 2008 Toronto
International Film Festival ®.


Cannot wait!

V.

Living, Loving and Laughing on LOB!

Ok...Again I apologize for not writing sooner. I have had a very *BUSY* 9 days OF lounging, living, laying around up north surrounded by the beauty of the beach and Lake of Bays and Muskokes. My family bought into a fractional cottage and it is truly heaven on earth. My days were spent on the beach, basking in the sunshine, accompanied by my book. Cocktails and yummy meals were enjoyed. Games of Euchre and Gin Rummy were played. Most importantly Family time was had and some serious RE bonding occurred. There was some downtime which I believe was necessary in this journey I am on. I have come back with the most glorious tan ;) but more importantly relaxed, feeling loved, and with a weird new strength and attitude.
After a week at the Frac., I did a little cottage hopping. I started out on Lake Muskoka at my Aunt and Uncles, then hit up a friends, then the next day was back up at LOB's at the Currer's. It was a super fun weekend and I ended my celebrated cottage vacay back in the city at Tortilla Flats with the Gallagher Sisters. We drank Margaritta's and ate tex mex dishes and took pleasure in those last hours of our weekend. As I sit here back to reality, I cannot help but wish I was still Living, Loving and Laughing with fam and or friends on Lake of Bays or in Muskokes...

V.

You deserve happiness in every possible way!

My Horoscope today....

Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)

Don't let the unhappiness of others spoil your enjoyment of life. Be certain of one thing: You deserve to experience happiness in every possible way.

V.

Something to believe in

V.

Je T'aime Paris et mes Amis!

So for days I have been trying to sit down and write about my trip to Paris in all of its glory. It was amazing! Vraiment Formidable! So much in fact I don't think my explanation through words will do it justice. However, I it is so important I share some its glory with you hence that is what you do on a blog!
For the first 5 days I was with the Knight Sisters-Liv and Di. It was a reunion which in fact was way long overdue. We missed no time in laughing and catching up and within hours I felt as though no time had been lost. Those two sisters have hearts of gold and so much love for me. I was truly fortunate and lucky that they allowed me to come along and bask in their sisterly fun and not to mention sleep in their bed. I owe them the biggest Thank you in the world. Together we gallavanted around Paris by foot. Taking it all in but laughing and photographing along the way. We hoofed it up thousands of stairs through Montmartre, saw the Basalique de Sacre Ceour in all of its glory. We sat on the grassy hill in front of the Basalique and enjoyed the view of Paris with use of plastic cups and a plastic knife, some delish wine, some heavenly baguette and some stinky cheese.
We cruised and perused Champs D'Elysee. We played touristo and took in the eiffel tour, L'Arm de Triomphe, Versaille while clicking photos a mile a minute along the way. One night we packed some vino and headed to the Park below the Eiffel tour to watch it sparkle. Another evening we took on the town at Barrio Latino...where Live and Di salsa'ed their little hearts out. We also maxed and relaxed at Cafes along our walks and peruses. Thinking of the cafes puts a smile on my face. I don't know what it is...The service is terrible, the menu at each one is exactly the same, Ok I know what it is...It is the fact that all of the chairs face outwards and you can people watch to your hearts content and not feel weird about it. That is what the Parisienne do. They sit drink vino, eat baguettes, smoke ciggies and people watch. I loved loved loved. Another thing I loved about Parisiennes is their style and taste. They dress understated but with such style and perfection. The women never look over the top but always beautious. It has changed my views of how you leave the house while living in the city.
After 5 days with Liv and Di, we said Aurevoir on the Metro as I headed on my way to get on a Train, to Fonty to meet up with Melly and Johnny. As I parted ways with the Knight Sisters, hot,heavy tears streamed my face. People have always said the French are rude-I tend to differ in opinion. As I sat their in tears, I looked to my right where an older couple sat and the womans eyes were in fact welling up as she stared at me. As I took my bag to depart the train the man of the couple rose and held the door and helped me get my luggage down. This touched my heart somewhere that had been temporarily closed for sometime.
After a short train ride I arrived in Fonty where Melly met me at the station in her and Johnny's humble little car which they call the Tank. She drove me back to their little coach house. The place was a stunner-their home and the huge home next to them on the property.
It was all very...French!!?? I loved. We caught up and then we gots back into the Tank and headed to Chablis for some lunch and a little wine tasting action. It was super fun. The town was adorable, the wine delectible with truly fun and amazing friends. That evening we headed to downtown fonty where we went to a pub to take in some Euro Cup. I met some of their friends and we had a great time.
The next morning Melly biked off to work while johnny and I got in the Tank and headed to my hotel in Paris. After getting settled John and I hopped on une bateaux mouches for a tour sur la seine. C'etait formidable! The sun, the tour by water...fantastique! After the tour Johnny and I hit up a cafe for a glass of wine or two. In Paris, they have a public Bicycle program, where the residents can purchase passes to ride these bikes. They are on every corner just about. Truly a remarkable and environmentally friendly way to get from point a to point b. For a city which costs so much, these bikes were dirt cheap. It was about 1 euro a day! Because John has a french bank card he was able to make it happen. So we hopped on some Velibs and bike acrossed the city, by the louv to meet up with Mel for dinner. It was awesome.
That evening we enjoyed an authentic french bistro meal at a bistro called the TAMBOUR. The tambour and its ownere were written about in the Lonely Planet Paris Guide so we had the kind gentleman sign my book and have a photo taken. It was funny.
After dins John and Mel walked me back to my hotel and we said goodbye. It was soooo wonderful seeing them and catching up with them.
The next day was all mine. I got on the Velib and biked to the Louv. That bike ride in particular was eye opening. It was the first time in a week or so that I smiled to myself and could feel my heart smile too. It was sunny. I was on a Velib in PARIS. I was truly happy and I was smiling inside and out. After arriving at the Louv I found out that it was closed on Tuesdays...I guess Mona Lisa and I were just not meant to meet YET...next time. So I grabbed a table at Cafe Marly and sat and took it all in. It was awesome. I had a lovely omelette and some delicious juice d'orange presse.
That afternoon I spent walking and thinking and thinking and walking. It was truly what I needed. For dinner I had Italian. Some wine and pizza...Delish.
As my cabbie took me to the airport, I realized the beauty of Paris and its ppl and somehow this beauty seems to rub off on those whom come for a visit. Paris made my heart and soul feel so beautiful. It was the most amazing trip with many small adventures. It was exactly what I needed. I loved Paris and it will always hold a special spot in my heart.

V.

My Horoscope for Today...

Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)

You have coped well with certain challenging developments. Hard as it is to believe now, you will soon be glad things happened exactly as they did. It has all been in aid of the big picture, which looks promising.

If these are the things that get be through and keep me going...SO BE IT!!

V.

Vive La France

In less then 12 hours I will be embarking on an adventure of fun and laughter. I am heading to Paris, France with two old friends. We arrive first thing tmo morning and I cannot wait. I have never been to Europe and with some unplanned time off work and my 30th Birthday around the corner-I am so saying Hell Why Not!
May this adventure heal my heart and reveal what needs to be revealed to me. May every moment be truthful and unfold each relevant emotion as it should.
VIVE LA FRANCE!!


V.

RCYC!

Yesterday at 3pm sharp, myself and some other society members headed over to the Royal Canadian Yacht Club for a day of sailing lessons, a sailing race, a lovely Barbeque on the RCYC lawn and a ton of fun and laughter! It was incredible! I have not had that much fun in a very very long time. New must do: GET MY HANDS ON AN RCYC MEMBERSHIP...
Aaaaamazing! ;)


V.

WOW2

Another appropriate horoscope...

Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)

It is only when you are confronted by a big challenge that you learn what you are capable of. You also, admittedly, get to make a very clear discovery about what you are intimidated by. You've learned much. Success awaits you.

V.

I am Ready...

"the best way out is ALWAYS through".

Ok...so as mentioned earlier this week I have had a rough week. My heart has been crushed and my life turned upside down. I am ready to share with you what has been going on and what has happened.
Sam and I have been interrupted. We as a team are disrupted. We are no longer one. Sam and I are separated. We are not together. Sam and I are no longer we. But now I am just me. Sam needs some time to figure things out. Sam and I are on a break. I am not going to sugar coat it-it hurts and I am hurting BUT I am strong. I am fierce and I will pull it together-just give me a little more time. I will come around. I know I will continue to hurt pretty bad but I know, or at least I am hoping, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I will get through this. I will prevail because that is what I do. That is what I have always done. I know I need to hurt REAL bad before I can start to be ok- so I say bring it. Bring it ON! I am ready to start feeling better. I am ready to stop crying and get on with it. I love Sam and I always will, but he has made a choice that will effect and change me forever.
Life is about ups and downs. It is about lessons and geez have I learned a few the last 3 months! But everything happens for a reason and such lessons will only strengthen my heart and my soul. I can only become a better and stronger person because of this.
So I say, I am Ready...Not really sure for what...But I am ready for the tears to be gone, the pain to dissipate and to move forward with strength and grace, like I know I can.

V.

WOW!

If this is not an awesome horoscope I don't know what is...

Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)

The problem you are dealing with has a purpose. Trust the universe and just do your best with what is confronting you. There is no reason to think that you cannot emerge a winner.

V.

This makes me Happy...

So it has been a rough week. I am not ready to share the ins and outs but I do know I need things that make me happy. My horoscope does just that:

Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)

Mercury's return to forward motion in the next few days will make good things more possible. It will pave the way for something positive to happen. Doors will open and options will begin to appear. Things will be more likely to go well.

V.

Had to share...

“Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future, stop figuring out precisely how we feel, stop deciding exactly what we want, and just see what happens.” -Carrie Bradshaw

I am ME.

I am me and that is all I can be. True to me. Real to me. Strong for me. I must plant my very own garden and decorate my own soul. To love you, I must love me. To be there for you, I must be there for me. To live for you, I must live for me.
For you, I must be ME.

V.

Ali in the Jungle

While running in the marathon, there were a few songs that kept me fierce. One in particular gives me the shivers, even now, when I hear it.
The lyrics are incredible. Definitely worth sharing:

It's, not, how you start, it's how you finish,
And it's, not, where you're from, it's where you're at,

Everybody gets knocked down,
Everybody gets knocked down,
How quick are you gonna' get up?
How quick are you gonna' get up?
Everybody gets knocked down,
Everybody gets knocked down,
How quick are you gonna' get up?
Just how are you gonna' get up?

Like Ali in the jungle,
Like Nelson in jail,
Like Simpson on the mountain,
With odds like that, they were bound to fail
Like Keller in the darkness,
Like Adam's in the dark,
Like Ludwig Van, how I loved that man, well the guy went deaf and didn't give a fuck, no...

No, no, no

It's, not, where you are, It's where you're going,
Where are you going?
And it's, not, about the things you've done, it's what you're doing, now,
What are you doing, now?

Everybody gets knocked down,
Everybody gets knocked down,
How quick are you gonna' get up?
How quick are you gonna' get up, now?
Everybody gets knocked down,
Everybody gets knocked down,
How quick are you gonna' get up?
Just how are you gonna' get up?

Like Ali in the jungle,
Like Nelson in jail,
Like Simpson on the mountain,
Well with odds like that, they were bound to fail
Like Keller in the darkness,
Like Adam's in the dark,
Like Ludwig Van, how I loved that man, well the guy went deaf and didn't give a fuck, no...

Oooh, ooh, ooh
No, no, no
Oooh, ooh, ooh
No, no, no
Oooh, ooh, ooh

It's the greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback since Lazarus,
It's the greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback since Lazarus,
It's the greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback...
It's the greatest comeback...

(Radio Commentator) This, is the most joyous scene, ever seen in the history of boxing, this is an incredible scene, the place is going wild, Muhammed Ali has won, Muhammed Ali has won, by a knockdown! By a knockdown! The thing they said was impossible, he's done!

Download ALI IN THE JUNGLE By The Hours. You won't regret it!

V.

Summers is Here!

My friends, summer is finally here! Yippee! YAY! It is hot-like FLA in the summer Hot! Like 43 degrees Celcius with the humidity hot. Yessss, my favorite kind!
In typical Canadian fashion complaining is on its high. Everyone with the grunts and groans of Omy too hot or too sticky. I my friends am content. I love the way your skin feels-it is moist and supple. I love the relaxed feeling I feel as soon as stepping outdoors-all I need is a pina coloda, my bikini, a pool, the sun and I would be set for life. :) Unfortunately I do work for a living and at the office I am stuck in a cold aired office with no direct view of outdoors SO I have started living for the weekends and the evenings. I think most of us live for the weekends most of the time unknowingly or subconsciously, I now consciously am counting down the days until Friday. That is okay, non? I'd say so...Because our illustrious summers in Canada are so short but so damn sweet. In my eyes, it is allowed. Completely and totally.
We kicked off this summer heat this past weekend with a lot of fun in the sun. Friday evening we joined Lexer and Case on the Danforth for some cocktails and eats. It was a perfect start to the weekend. On Saturday I woke early, headed for a hair cut-actually more of a trim- then for some laps in the pool. This was followed up with a mini shopping spree on bloor-pourquoi pas?, then it was off to Hemingway's patio for a yummy lunch with Lexer and some beers with SamB. We finished the afternoon off with some cocktails on our roof top. That evening Sam and I dined with Lexi and Mark at Spice Route-DELISH! Though the service was not amazing-the ambiance was QUITE interesting-to say the least. Give it a go-you will know what I mean. Afterwards we headed to Amuse Bouche for a big ole 30th Birthday Party for Can, Roz and Steve. Tons of fun, laughter and too many drinkies.
Sunday we slept in a little then gots in the car and were Lake Buckley bound! (aka as the paradise in the Buckley's backyard known as the pool and gazebo!!) We lounged and swam. It was amazing. All in all a killer weekend of fun times and hot days. PERFECTION in my minds eye...Cannot wait for the coming weekends-believe you me the count down(s) are on!

V.

adios MAY-welcome JUNE!

Ok I have sucked lately. Like really really sucked. I have not posted in almost 2 weeks. A lot has been going on- though I am quite aware that that is not a viable excuse for not posting. So my apologies!

Well May is behind us. May was quite the month for me. I ran an effing MARATHON-injury and all! Enough said! Just Kidding. May was truly a month of soul searching and learning. I met new friends, learned how strong I truly am, how positivity can change EVERYTHING and that life is not always on your side but you make the best of EVERY situation thrown your way. I learned that love can endure and that your friends are truly your extended family. I realized that I love swimming,I love coronas, that sweating the small stuff only makes the big stuff seem bigger and you must always look out for number one! I have learned that I am fierce and that by not taking everything to heart, the heart is not so heavy.
I saw the SEX AND THE CITY MOVIE with Chris and some wonderful friends of hers. I laughed a lot and cried a little-mostly happy tears! I endured and I withstood great pain. I spent a wonderful weekend up north with the Currer's, I did restorative yoga with great friends and reminisced a lot about good times. May, I lived and I learned!
Now for June... Which to me, has always meant the beginning of summer. The days are long, hot and most importantly fun! Weekends are spent with corona's in hand, up north on the dock, poolside or roof top. The sun kisses our bodies and leaves us all looking healthy and feeling refreshed. Everyone is happier then usual and more relaxed then any other time in the year. If you cannot tell, Summer is my fave season. I love the clothing choices, being outside and the happiness in the air! I love summer. Though the first week of June has been a bit of a whirlwind, I am not allowing it to dampen my spirits. On June 4th I was told that I have a fractured pelvic ring in two places. Can you believe it? I could not. My therapist was even a bit shocked. I am crutch free, swimming every other day and staying as positive as I possibly can. It looks like running is out for sometime but it will only make my my next run that much sweeter...I can already see myself out there with tears of joy streaming down my face. lol... My main focus right now is staying fit and in shape. So far so good.
June will be a great month. More sunshiney days and moments. More time with SamB. More time with friends and most importantly more laughter and good times.
I can hardly wait...

V. xo

To my one and only Nojiiiii!

Today is my little bro's BIRTHDAY! And actually he is hardly little! he is just under two years younger then I but is a hell of a lot bigger then I! Today he turned 28! The last month he has accomplished a hell of a lot. He has quit smoking-cold turkey. Decided to become more active-cycling is his acitivity of choise. His GF and him have decided to move into the big smoke by the fall. I have a feeling his 28th year will be his best yet. With all he has accomplished in the month leading up to it, it just has to be a sign! LOVE YOU NOJ! I am so damn proud of you and am so lucky to have you as my bro.
HAPPY EFFING BIRTHDAY!!!!!

V. xo

Done and Done

Well I did it! I ran my first marathon-Injury and all and what an amazing experience.
From 1K to 30K I was on track to qualify for Boston! I was rocking and rolling but unfortunately at around 31-32 my hip said oh no you don't! and totally flared up. I was left with a struggle of a lifetime. At that moment I decided I would push through and make it. It was my race. It was my experience and no one can ever take that away from me. At the end I was in awful pain but after a few insane tears-I smiled and thought, I cannot wait for the next one when I am injury free and I qualify for Boston!

Hell yeah!

V.