Go Figure

I just looked at my Skiergirl blog for the first time in a long time and realized that the last post was on the day I found out I was pregnant! I believe I actually went directly from posting that to the nearest pharmacy. I guess it wasn't the jet lag and the long day at the Louvre that were tiring me out afterall, it was the little one growing in my belly!
Isn't it funny how life takes unexpected detours? I found myself thinking yesterday as I was riding my bike to school, in California, while pregnant that I would never have expected any of these things for myself just a couple of years ago, but now here I am. It feels almost surreal at times, like I'm living someone else's life. But you know, it's really mine and I'm just one lucky lady.

Bonjour from Paris!

I arrived in Paris early Friday morning, eventually found my hotel and then had a much needed nap. I managed to get ou and explore my neighbourhood a bit and go out for dinner before crashing for the night.

On Saturday I got up early and spent the entire day at the Louvre. This is the third time I've been to Paris but the first time at the Louvre for me. It was absolutely incredible. Some of the highlights for me included the "Victory of Samathrace," the "Venus de Milo," and all the large format paintings. The building itself is incredible, with most of the rooms maintaining their palatial style. By the end of the day I was incredibly tired and sore, and very glad I brough back-up shoes!

Sunday was a lazy day as the Louvre and jet lag had taken a lot out of me. I stayed in bed until about noon and then headed to Bercy Village. This is an old village which used to be wine warehouses from long ago. It now houses stores, cafes and restaurants. Next to the village is Parc Bercy, which is an absolutely beautiful park just teeming with people. I alternated between reading and sleeping (mostly the latter) between rows of hollyhocks beneath an overhead grape vine. I then went to see "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", which was in English with French subtitles... convenient for me! I had a lovely dinner and then crashed in my bed by 9:30.

All the museums and sights are closed on Mondays so today is another low-stress, hang-out day for me. I'm going to grab some lunch and then perhaps head up to Montmartre. I met a Canadian girl who is also staying in my hotel so we're going to have dinner together tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to head to Giverny and then on Wednesday I'll visit the Musee d'Orsay. My friends arrive on Thursday for the beginning of the Great French Wine Tour, yay!

I'll post photos when I get a chance.

What I've Been Up To Lately

You can tell I am supposed to be studying by the fact that I'm doing the things I normally put off, like cleaning and updating my blog. Here are a few of the highlights from the last couple of months.

My Birthday:

Keegan and James bought and decorated a cake for me, I almost cried it was so nice.

It coincided with a beer-tasting party, which was tasty! I brought Maudite and Fin du Monde.

School:

Marc and I looking like a vine's worst nightmare.

The lab for my "Viticultural Practices" class is usually out in the campus vineyard pruning and training vines. It's my favorite class, I love being out there.

Keg Parties:

It wouldn't be college without the occasional keg-stand

Sightseeing:

I had a great day exploring San Fran. This is the Palace of Fine Arts

Coit Tower, just one of many sights I can show people when the come visit (that's a not-so-subliminal message)

Devo:

I've been busy with our student organization, helping make fundraising t-shirts and stuff. I volunteered to help plan our student trip to France this summer, which is very exciting. I'm having memories of the Hale trip to Spain!

Multi-tasking at the Craft Center on campus.

Immersion Trips:

Twice a year DEVO plans long-weekend trips to wine regions. We visit 2-3 wineries/vineyards each day and usually get to meet the winemakers. This picture is from Navarro, which is pretty much my favorite place ever.

Bonterra Vineyards

Fun Weekend

I actually got out of Davis this weekend! I've been pretty lazy and have been sticking around town on my weekends, which wasn't the plan when I moved here. I just haven't been that adventurous lately. But I now have a friend here who mountain bikes so I finally got out for a ride on Saturday in the Rockville Hills. I was completely out of shape, but the riding was fun and technical so I enjoyed it.

Yesterday I went to Berkley with Beth and James to do some thrift store shopping. We first went to this cool grocery store called the Berkley Bowl which has every kind of fruit and vegetable you could imagine, and some that you couldn't. Then we had with the homeless people in People's Park, which was interesting. From there we hit a couple of thrift stores where I got to splurge. I bought a pair of jeans, three shirts and a bitchin' pair of sneakers, all for $86! I have successfully satiated my shopping appetite for a little while. From there we went to A Donkey and Goat Winery where Beth used to work and got a mini-tour and got to taste some of their problem wines. Then we hung out with her old roommate for a bit and drove back to Davis.

It was really nice to get out of town, and has certainly inspired me to do so more often. I still don't have my camera so there are no pictures. Boo!

Trudy

I bought a new commuter bike yesterday. My back was getting really sore from riding my mountain bike to and from school with my books, and it is not the smoothest ride in the world. And I was tired of waiting for Pete to build me the bike he kept promising, so I made the plunge. She is an Electra Townie, which is part hybrid, part cruiser, part recumbent, and all lady! She is very pretty and very cozy to ride, and she has a basket and rack on the back and a big, comfy white seat! The picture quality isn't very good, but I don't have my camera.

First Day of School

It's kinda like being in Grade 1 all over again. I had my first three classes today: Intro to Viticulture (Grape Growing), Intro to Enology (Wine Making) and Biochemistry (Hell). I loved my two VEN classes, but Biochem scares the crap out of me. I am worried that I won't be able to understand it, as it builds on things I learned 6 years ago (and have only vague memories now). But, I'm going to try things I didn't do last time, like going to class, talking to the professor and TA's, and doing the assignments. We'll see how it goes.

Not Much New

Some of my welcome week events have started! I went to the V&E department this morning for a session to get my computer account started. I got a chance to meet some of the other new V&E students, one of which is a Canadian! I signed up for the department BBQ on Friday and also offered to help set up for it, hoping that it'll be a good way to meet people. I have a transfer student reception in about 15 minutes and a reentry student orientation tomorrow. Things are going on all week, and classes start Thursday so I finally have stuff to do! It's nice having a purpose in my days now.

Remainder of Cruise America Part Deux

My intention was to post every day of the trip like Part Une, but slow or non-existent internet connections prevented that from happening. So, here it is in one shot, which I will keep brief as I know people don't like reading long posts.

On day 2 we crossed the border and I officially got my F-1 Student Visa. From there we drove through Washington during a rainy day with not much to see. The highlight of the day was the inadvertent detour into downtown Seattle, and subsequent tour of Pike Place Market. I took a wrong turn and ended up right there, so I figured we could have lunch there as Mom had never been. After the delay we made it as far as Cannon Beach, Oregon and decided to hotel it since the weather was yucky.

Goodbye Canada
Hello America

The famous Pike Place Fish Co.

Since our hotel was right on the beach, Mom and I took a stroll down to Haystack rock in the morning. It was cloudy and yucky but luckily the skies soon cleared up and we had a great day for sight-seeing on the Oregon Coast. We stopped at Tillamook, Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, the Oregon Dunes, and Yaquina Head. We called it a day and camped at Bullard's Beach State Park near Bandon, Oregon.

Mom at Haystack Rock, Oregon

Mom at Cape Meares Lighthouse

Oregon Coast

Seastacks at Cape Meares

Dunes

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

While Mom was showering the next morning I discovered that we had a flat tire. So, as I am an expert now, I changed the tire before mom even got back to the campsite. Since I only had a donut on I had to go inland to a tire shop to get it fixed. Rather than double back to the coast, we decided to check out the Umpqua National Forest and Crater Lake instead. Good choice! Crater Lake was stunning! I highly recommend it for anyone traveling this way. From there we crossed into California. As we were driving, we came over a rise and suddenly saw Mt. Shasta looming before us. Another incredible sight. It was mostly shrouded in clouds but what we could see was gorgeous. We camped at the base of the mountain for our last night on the road.Umpqua River

The Pumice Desert near Crater Lake

Crater Lake

Mom and I at Crater Lake

Wizard Island, in Crater Lake

My new home away from home

Mount Shasta

We arrived in Davis the next afternoon and have been getting stuff done since then. Yesterday we took a trip to the Napa Valley to do some wine tasting. We only stopped at a couple of places and then took the scenic route back.

Our picnic lunch in Yountville, Napa County

Tasting at Sequoia Grove Winery

Grapes in Rutherford (Soon I'll be able to tell you what kind of grapes)

Mom at Luna Winery

Mom left early this morning and now I am alone in a new city. I have a lot of school stuff next week, and classes start next Thursday, so if I can stay busy over the next couple of days it's bound to get better.

Calgary, AB to Hope, BC

Going to California with an aching, in my heart (Zepplin)

Mom and I hit the road at about 8:15 this morning after a tearful goodbye and a last look at my first condo. With the morning light shining the city looked beautiful as I drove down Memorial Dr for the last time as a Calgarian.

Our first stop was at the Spiral Tunnels on the Kicking Horse Pass, something I had never actually seen before. As we came up to the pass I saw a train was on its way so we pulled in to the viewpoint/interpretive center and watched it descend through the tunnels. It was really something to see, a great Canadian engineering feat.

Next we took a drive up to Takkakaw Falls. I always get a kick out of the road that goes up there, with the switchbacks basically going up a cliff. I was hoping to see a bus pull it off but no such luck today. Once at Takkakaw Falls we did the short walk to the best viewpoint and took some pictures.

From there it was pretty much straight driving until we got to Hope, BC where we grabbed some groceries before finding a campsite for the night. We are now at Wild Rose Campground, wasting time before an early turn-in. I’ll keep you updated as to how Mom handled camping for the first time in over 20 years. My next post may be from a hotel.

(I'll add photos later, my connection is slow)

I Just Kept On Running (In a Forest Gump voice)

There is something about the cool, crisp, fall feeling in the air that inspired me to get back out there and start running again. It seems I have lost any evidence of fitness that I once had, so I started at the full-on couch portion of the "Couch to 5K" training program. I know it's a slow start, but from past experience the program is great for easing you back into fitness. And to be honest, it was probably the prospect of going back to school with California girls who are 10 years younger than me, and not that something in the air, that motivated me.

My first 5K last May

The Countdown Begins

I gave my notice at work yesterday, which was such a weight off my shoulders. I'm down to a little less than a month left until I go now, and I'm starting to get excited. I still have a few kinks to work out, but so far things are going smoothly. I think the fact that most of the really stressful stuff is done is finally allowing me to get excited about the move. The decision is made, the wheels are in motion, all that is left now is to enjoy the ride.

What it's Going to Look Like

I heard from my academic advisor from UCDavis today and she sent me the courses I'm supposed to register in for my first quarter! Yay! I'll be taking:

Structure and Function of Biomolecules
Applied Stats in Agricultural Science
Intro to Viticulture
Intro to Wine Making
Research Conference

So for all of you who think I'm in for fun and games, think again. "Structure and Function of Biomolecules" does not sound fun or gamey... I'm really excited though!

Bummer

The woman who conditionally bought my place backed out of the deal, so it's back on the market. It's only been back on the market for 2 days but haven't had anyone come through yet so I'm starting to get really nervous. My stress level just went through the roof again. Here's the listing.

Going, Going, GONE!

So, I sold my house! I never even got to see it on MLS, I listed last night and the first person to look at it made and offer I couldn't refuse. She takes possession on August 31, whereupon I will drive to California and start my brand new life. Holy crap!

The Times They Are A-Changin'

I signed the papers today and my condo will officially be on the market as of tomorrow. I'll put up the MLS link when I get it. The "just listed" sign is out front now, and I cried a little bit when I saw it. I guess this is really happening! Scary and so exciting all at the same time.

Bedroom Renovation

So I've finally gotten around to taking some pictures of my bedroom after the redecorating Mom and I did. Here are the before, during and after pictures.

Yucky orange before, with black and white photos and brown duvet cover

Mom painting, I can't imagine doing it alone

Me replacing the sockets... I only got one minor shock

After

After, with better shot of the chandelier (which I installed myself!)

Closer picture of the wallpaper, my favorite part

Wider shot of the room

Wider shot from the door

Hot Diggity!!!

I finally got confirmation from UC Davis that my botany course will be accepted!!! They also informed me over the phone that they have switched my status to "accepted." It's really happening! Wow. And now I think I'll go throw up...

Still Alive

Sorry, I haven't been posting much lately. I guess all my creative computer time has recently been dedicated to facebook. I thought about getting rid of my blog since I don't pay enough attention to it lately, but then thought better of it. When I move away this will be the best way for people to stay up to date with what I'm doing (other than calling or visiting of course!) So until then I'll renew a conscious effort to post here.

For now I've got some fun pics from skiing last weekend. I only got a few videos last week so I'm going to save them for the end of the year video. Check the pictures out at the BOS site.

Uhhhh...

I'm officially drug-free now, I took my last anti-depressant on Friday. I'm starting to wonder, though, if all that happiness that I was feeling was mostly drug-induced. I've been incredibly emotional for the last two weeks and it seems to be getting worse. I had a scary time this morning when I was back to sitting in my office crying. I am not sure whether it is just the "rebound" that can occur when you go off the drugs, or if it's that I'll have to re-learn how to deal with my emotions again. Or, worst case scenario, if I'm still depressed and am not ready to be off the drugs.

Catching Up Again

I finally downloaded the pictures off my camera from the last few weeks. Here's what I've been up to:

The Quilt

Katie and Gillian working on the quilt

A few of the girls pitched in to knit a quilt for Ruby, Dino and Becky's baby. We knit a few squares each and then got together at Helen's to sew them all together. We wanted it to be very hand made and patchwork looking and I think we achieved that very well. With so many different people working on it, the results were cool. We hope that Ruby will think of her Aunties every time she curls up in it... when she's old enough to know that there is a world beyond eating, sleeping and crying.

Katie, Gillian, Tamara, me, Helen's mom, Helen, Helen's sister

The Gala

Dessert, complete with edible Pengrowth logo

Pengrowth had their Long Service Awards Gala on March 16th. Katie and I brought Tamara and Anne as our dates and had a ladies night out. The evening was hosted by comedian Jebb Fink, and featured an Irish band and Irish dancers. The free drinks were pretty good too! Tamara made friends with the president of Pengrowth, and by the end of the night was calling him "Jimbo." For a company function it was a really fun night.

Katie, Tamara and Jimbo

The Shower

Becky opening the quilt

I finally got to meet Ruby Petrakos when I attended Becky's baby shower on St. Patty's Day. She is oh so cute! She's got beautiful olive toned skin and perfect little features. And now she's got a boat-load of stuff to pamper her for the next couple of years (including a beautiful quilt!)


The Visit
I finally got to hold Ruby when I went over for a visit on my own. I got some quality Ruby-Kate bonding time in (although she was asleep for pretty much the entire time). It was a lovely visit.


The Picture Night

Tamara had to take some pictures for her photography class so her and I and Katie headed down Highway 22 in search for everything Alberta. Here are the results.