In our new home

Hey everyone! Sorry its been so long, lots of stuff has been happening.

4 1/2 weeks ago, I married my best friend in Chetwynd. It was a fabulous day, one I will never forget. We went to Edmonton and Grande Prairie for a few days for a honeymoon, just to relax a bit.

We spent three weeks after our honey moon in Chetwynd, working on our house and organizing for the move. On August 18, we moved to Hay River in the Northwest Territories. Tyler has been here for four months already, I've been here a total of a week. Its not bad, little so its not too hard to get used to. I've even found a job! I'm hoping that will help me get to know some more people. I have met quite a few already, due to my husband, so that has helped. I hope everyone is doing good! I think my current contact information made it to the contact sheet, so if anyone is up in this area, give me a call!

Before and After photos of my new house! As per your request!

Okay, okay... so it took me a while but I have loaded most of the "before and after" shots on facebook, and I still have a few coming. So, check out my facebook page and let me know what you think!

Looking forward to seeing you guys in Vancouver this weekend... if you live there, that is!

Bye for now,

Nat

Wow - Life is Busy!

Well, I thought it only fair I submit an update about what has been happening in my life, Suzy keeps telling me I have to get photos out there.

Lets see, this last year - not even - has been insane. In September Chris and I moved home to my parents to save a few dollars for our wedding. This was a brave move but in the end was the best thing we could have done. While I may have lost my sanity multiple times we were able to organize and pay for our wedding without incurring any debt - that was such a relief. But living at home had some other wonderful benefits as well. In October, I started to realize how little control I had emotionally when it came to work. There was always too much to do and such high expectations as the senior team member to be able to pick it all up and do it myself. After a short 5 week leave from work I returned feeling refreshed in control and no headaches, neck or backaches. Within a couple of days the physical pains returned and within weeks I was fighting to control my emotions again. It finally hit me in January when one of my best friends gave birth to her first baby and I couldn't stop crying because of work when I went to visit this angel that something had to change. I gave my notice - without another job lined up (Scary) and applied to start a nursing program in July. I wouldn't have done this without the support of my parents, knowing we had a secure home without my paycheck.


Honestly, this was the best thing I could have done - I felt physically, mentally and emotionally better within days of giving my notice as the stress started to evaporate.

***Big piece of advice, no matter how strong you feel or how much money you are making if you are not happy at the end of the day it is not worth it.***


So I finished my business management diploma just to say I did even though it wouldn't really work with my nursing (maybe management one day). I lucked into a job with Canadian Blood Services where I work at the donor clinics and I love my job. I love the people I work with, the donors and the fact that it is a great cause and when I come home I feel good about myself. I feel tired and exhausted but good.


So having gotten rid of the stressful job I thought 'oh, I can focus on the wedding plans," apparently my body thought the reduced stress meant this was a hospitable environment and low and behold days after leaving my old job I was en route to being a MOMMY! Ah, my wedding plans, my honeymoon in Tuscany, the nursing program in July, everything just changed.


So I am due October 26th, three days before my birthday and I am hoping the baby actually does come in October because it is my favorite month and this will just make it that much sweeter when I think of that month. We do not know what we are having - Chris does intend on finding out but he won't tell me - he'll torment me with it. Sorry, no ultrasound pictures as they are in a heap of boxes at this very moment.


With regards to the wedding, everything went as planned it was the most amazing day, we had beautiful sunshine on May 24th. I was unbelievably calm and grinning ear to ear the entire day.
The only thing I have to say about being pregnant during your wedding is the bachelorette party is so much more humiliating because you are sober and realize exactly how you look when your friends dress you up. Sober with large inflated penis around your waist all day - in broad daylight.

So all in all everything was amazing, our honeymoon to Italy is being postponed for a year and a half. It just wouldn't have been the same if we couldn't do the wine tours in Tuscany that originally made us decide on Italy. We did however have an amazing honeymoon along the Oregon Coast, we blew glass, went to the zoo and aquarium (my favorites), walked along the beach.

Finally the last few days have been insane, between us both working full-time (my work is considered full tie after 45 hours) we moved the Monday of the August long-weekend. I am so excited and so tired as I try to plow through unpacking and organizing so that I can start on the baby's room. Yeaaaah, a baby. Did I mention how excited I am about this unexpected surprise? Every movement is amazing and let me tell you he (again, don't know the sex but that is what keeps popping out of my mouth) is moving all the time and I get a good boot when I am about to fall asleep that says "mom, quit sitting and rock me back to sleep".

Anyhow, this is my post of my life I swear it never slows down but I am pretty sure we all feel that way at times. I can't wait to have the baby and while life won't slow down I can relax and enjoy the time together.

I miss you all, Trish.

Big News

I'm so excited to share this news with all of you...

I swear you girls are good luck or something because I must have conceived right around our retreat weekend. I think hanging out with so many women and mothers must have rubbed off!

Nathan and I found out on June 12th but waited until my brother's wedding was over before telling our families. I'm 12 weeks along as of today and everything is going well. I go in for my first prenatal appointment next week and am looking forward to getting my first ultrasound in the next few weeks. We want the sex to be a suprise so we are not going to find out if it's a boy or a girl but will instead be picking out names for either. I've got plans for rearranging our house to start planning a nursery.

The birthdate will be confirmed at my appointment next week but I entered my information into a baby website and it came up with February 11, 2009 as the big day.

I'm a little nervous and a lot excited about this big change and will be looking to the wonderful moms in the group with questions and concerns as we go along. Miss you girls tonnes and hope everyone is having a good summer!

Amanda :)

Gamma Chapter Walks Against Cancer

In June the APB Gamma Chapter participated in the Relay walk against Cancer. Sarah Watts was our Team Leader and organized the events. We all walked for friends and family who have been affected by cancer. Our Team name was "Going for Gail" in honor of Sarah's mother. It was a wonderful event and we had a great time visiting, walking, chatting and just spending time together while particiapting in a great cause. We raised several thousand dollars and had a great time doing it.

I want to send a special Thank You to Sarah for planning this, and to all the girls who gave up thier time to be involved, raise money and attend this event. It was also wonderful to have some of the island girls come over and join us for the day. It was so nice to have Jamie and Sam make the trip over to participate with us Vancouver girls. Also thank you to all the APB Sisters who sponsored us finacially for this event, your support was really appreciated.

Hopefully this will not be the last year we participate in this event, and hopefully our team grows in size each year.

Natalie's New Car!!!

Hi Girls,

I am so excited! I did something totally frivolous and bought myself a "toy" car!! I have been working so hard and I have had a pretty good year and I am a super-duper money saver... so this was really out there for me! I also knew that if I didn;t do it now, I would surely chicken out!!

It will be my second car, so driven mostly on weekends, with clients and during the summer. I will pick it up in 2 weeks when Corey and I fly to Texas. I bought it from a dealer in the states and we will road trip it back home to Calgary. I hope to go joyriding with you guys in the future!! Come visit me in Calgary!

Love, Nat

Susan's Bachelorette Party & Wedding Shower.

I just wanted to touch base with all of you and share a little about what has been going on in my life that is helping lead up to the big day when I get married.
As we all know the two major events that usually occur before a wedding is the Bachelorette Party and the Shower.

I had my Bachelorette Party on June 28 & 29th. I didn’t want to do the normal go out on the town drinking thing (can’t handle the hang over, and I wanted to remember the party. LOL). So I decided that I wanted to go Whitewater Rafting instead, and I am so glad we did. It was a great weekend all around. The weather was fatalistic, the guides were amazing, the rapids where crazy, and everyone who came had a great time. We went on at two day trip and slept on a little private island. We rafted the Elaho River and the Squamish River where the rapids go up to a class 5, we had a near death experience (I can tell you more when I see you), ate great food (all cooked over a campfire by men for us) and just enjoyed the beauty that BC has to offer. I could not have asked for a better Bachelorette weekend (minus being throw for the raft and landing face first in the rapids…LOL), I am so thankful to Shannon Jones (ABP Sister and bridesmaid) who went above and beyond what a Bride could expect from a friend to make this weekend fun and very memorable. I even got the change to sleep out under the star with Mel, another amazing APB sister who was just as excited about this trip as I was. I will never forget that weekend.

The wedding shower was last weekend on July 26th and once again we were lucky, the weather did cooperate so we were able to have the shower outside in my parent’s backyard. It was such a fatalistic feeling to have so many women from so many different stages in my life all in one place at one time. Family members, high school friends, travelling friends, Scott’s family and girlfriends & of course some APB Sisters were in attendance. It was great to have so many sisters join me for the day… I know all of you have busy lives and some of you even had to travel to attend the shower. But I am so glad you did, and it was very special to have you be a part of that day. I wish I could have had more time to spend with everyone individually, but the afternoon just flew by so fast. I received many wonderful gifts and lots of great cards with very sweet wishes. The support and love I felt was almost overwhelming.

The wedding is just around the corner and I still have a million things I need to get done. But I will make sure I do a post that shows some pictures from the wedding and the honeymoon when I get back for our trip. I am still not sure where we are going on the honeymoon as Scott is surprising me with the location for the trip on the day of the wedding. So who knows where we will end up!

I hope all is going great for all of you.
Lots of love ~Suzy~

Thankyou so much!!

Thankyou so much everyone for the advice and thoughts! it is really appreciated.

Aaron starts work on Aug 5, and at the moment the plan is i will be joining him in october. As well I will be going there to visit at some point.

I am still unsure about what I want to do, and this plan seems to keep all options open. I will keep everyone posted.

Thankyou again for everything!!!!!!!
xoxoxo

Making a move!!

Hi Everyone,

It's been a while since I posted and much has happened since then. I was on track to become a partner in the firm here in Fort St. John in January 2009; however, back in January I realized how unhappy I was and decided to make a few changes in life. I turned down the partnership and broke up with my boyfriend of a year and a half. I told the firm that I would likely be leaving around September as I didn't want to stay in Fort St. John.

My family is moving to Parksville, so I was debating moving to the Island. I have always dreamed of living in a tropical climate and thought this is my opportunity to make it happen. I registered with an offshore recruiting firm and recently was offered a position in Bermuda with a multinational corporation. I accepted the position and providing work permits go through I will be moving to Bermuda to start work October 15, 2008!!! I'm pretty excited to say the least, although I have lots of planning to do, I will never have to audit again!

I'm currently packing up and moving home end of August. My last day at work is early September and I am taking a trip to Peru end of September for two weeks. I'm going to do a four day hike through the mountains to Macchu Picchu and see the Amazon Jungle.


My winter was pretty quiet with no major trips; however, in November 2007 I won a trip to the Dominican Republic. I entered a local radio station contest and qualified for a draw for the trip. It was a reverse draw where the last name picked was the winner, and mine was the last name picked, it was a plesant suprise to say the least! I took my mom and we had so much fun. Went snorkelling with nurse sharks and manta rays, relaxed in the sun and drank mai tai's and went on a few boat trips.

My summer has been excellent. I went to San Francisco for a long weekend with a good friend. We did tonnes of shopping, exploring and wine drinking, my three favorite things! I also went skydiving North of Calgary in a little town called Ditsburry and camping in Jasper for the July long weekend. Skydiving was an amazing experience; I am hoping I can go a few more times before I leave. I also got my motorbike license and bought a bike. I bought a Vulcan 500 cruiser; it's been a blast to ride!

Hope all is well with all of you, I'll keep my moving information posted and if anyone is in Bermuda you will have to look me up.

Cheers,

Anne

OMG!!!!!!!

hey everyone!!!!
I thought I should take a few minutes and update everyone on my life status: crazy

Aaron has been unable to find work here in PG, and so we have been thinking about moving. So what does he do!?! He goes to Saskatoon!!! And gets a job!!! The idea (thanks to his step dad) come up on Saturday night, then he leaves Monday morning, and as of this afternoon he's been offered a job. he has 2 more interviews still, so more offers may be coming. I'm not sure what to think. Saskatchewan is booming, so there are opportunities there for both of us, which is awesome, but it is such a big move to consider. With the dogs and my horse, moving that far is quite a chore. And I possibly have a good job here, but that might not be for a few months, and as it is we're borrowing money from fmaily to pay bills. As it stands he's going to stay and work, and I'll possibly follow in a few months. Our relationship has been kind of rocky, so I'm leery about following him around the country. There are so many other factors, but those are the major points.

I could use some hugs and sisterly advice!!!

Sorry for ranting on our blog, but I am at such a loss, this as come up so quickly, and it seems like i have to make up my mind fairly quickly.
thx for listening!

I'll keep you all posted!!
xoxox
Chiara

So much is happening!

Heya all! It's been so long since I last posted... such a forgetful girl sometimes! So much has been happening in the last little while and I thought I should share it with you. The retreat was amazing and I was so happy to see all the girls, relax and catch up! Remind me not to record Karaoke again anytime soon! So funny! Once I get an adapter chip I will post some pics (and send them to you Nat!)

I've been taking classes since September to prepare myself for acceptance into the PTEM (Paraprofessional Teacher Education Module), and I've recently received notice that I have been accepted into the January 2009 Module! I'm super stoked (much more than I thought I would be!) and am now on my way to my long term goal of being a counsellor in the education system. Sometimes I want to kick myself cuz man it sure isn't easy this time around! The good thing about this program is that it is 16 months instead of 12 and I can work 80%, so still pay my bills! I'll do my full time practicum in January 2010, so should be a certified teacher with my B.Ed by May of 2010!

On another note... LOL. I joined an Urban Rec League in the spring and have been playing volleyball Monday nights! It's such a blast. The summer season just started and its a super great way to burn some energy on a Monday night! (Except when it monsoons!) I'm in a league with Nikki (Tilley... Gardiner!) so that makes it even better! Also with Nikki, her husband and our girlfriend Lori, I'm training to run a half marathon! Yup, it's true... 21.1K on October 12th in Kelowna! Not sure if I'm crazy but I figure I'll be in the best shape of my life after this one! Training started tonight... I'm alive! lol.

So schools out for the summer on the 27th! Woop Woop~ I'm super excited to have some down time, working two jobs and going to school full time has been somewhat of a social life killer! I don't imagine training for this half marathon will help much! I'm excited to do some fun things before life becomes nothing but school for the next two years! I was just over to see Jamie and Sam a few weeks ago in Victoria, Jamie and I went to see a Cirque show, was pretty great! They also took me to this great restaurant... Nothing but meat! LOL. I'm going down to Seattle in July for the NIN concert and also going to four others this summer! The most exciting in October tho... MADONNA! Jamie's coming over for that one! I'm going to head to Ottawa at the end of July beginning of August for my Grandma's 80th birthday, will be nice to see everyone!

Boy oh boy! I think that's it...

I hope everyone is well, much love and happiness to you all!

Mellie

I bought my preschool!!!

Hello All!

I wanted to share my exciting news with all of you, the day that I signed the contract! Today I officially bought the rights to the preschool (although I don't officially take possession until Aug). We still need to work out the lease issue but I don't think that will be a problem. So Shane and I are proud - and very busy - new business owners. The search is on for a staff person, the time crunch is on to get the child care license and I'm having a meeting with future parents this Monday. I know some of you are thinking "well this was unexpected." Yes, yes it was. The day I got back from the retreat my boss offered to sell me the school. After the initial "I don't think so" Shane and I got thinking, running some numbers, and dreaming. We decided to make the plunge and do it. It's going to be VERY tight financially - and a little scary to say the least for my accountant hubby - but we decided to do it. Thanks ladies for your support last weekend at the relay for life, I really needed it (and the break from Shane for the day). So this past week we've been involved in contract negotiations and we signed it off today. So now you all must move to South Surrey, have babies, and enroll them in Morgan Creek Montessori. =)

And it's been a long time since I did a blog so I'll update you on what's been going on with me. This school year has gone really well. My co-teacher has just been great and not doing the after school program has given me so much more time. Mostly for my puppy, Quito, who just had her first birthday. She's great! Once she got used to being penned up for the day, it's been so much better! No destruction of my home anymore which makes everybody happy. And recently we've been doing our own little learn to run program - that's right me running! A huge change in my life has been seeing a new naturopathic doctor. He's awesome! He started me doing vitamin B IVs and shots and then he did a food allergy test. So I had to stop eating eggs, dairy, pineapple, sugar, and limiting wheat, beef, and citrus. It's been tough but I feel great! Way more energy, less mood swings, and I've lost 15 lbs. My new naturopath is just fantastic! I feel like the person I want to be.

So where am I traveling to next? As always I have something going on! In 2.5 weeks Shane and I are off to Europe! Amsterdam, Belgium, Paris, Normandy, Loire. We'll be there for 2.5 weeks. I guess I'll have to do another blog post after that trip. Take care everybody and have a safe summer!

So when is the next retreat?

After seeing Suzy's blog post, and all of the great pictures, I just can't wait until the next retreat. I haven't been to one yet and I know I'm really missing out. It's so great that we can read the blog and see what fun it is to have a sisters weekend. I've never actually had a holiday without my kids since they've been born so I'm really looking forward to the time when I too can join in the fun!

Ty is now 7 months old, crawling like a bugger and eating anything he can get his hands on. Sarah loves her little brother, but she's into the terrible twos and thinks it's okay to take all of his toys away and drag him around by his clothes. I'm busier than ever these days and can't seem to find a minute for myself. I did manage to put a garden in, but the chickens have dug part of it up as it's almost impossible to keep them out (they do fly!). Clint is due to leave for work next week and then I'm on my own for most of the Summer, it's hard at times to be alone, but I don't mind having a break from cooking big meals.

I think about my sisters lots and always look forward to emails about events and what's going on with everyone.

Here's a picture of the kids, of course I think they're the cutest kids in the world!

Hope everyone is well,

Love Lisa

2008 Alumnae Retreat - "The Big One"

As you all know the 2008 Alumnae Retreat was last weekend at “The Hill’s”. And we had a great time! We had 15 Members attend… Sam, Jamie, Sarah, Carrie, Catherine, Natalie.D, Susan, Laura, Cheryl.A, Danya, Natalie.B, Amanda, Lonnie, Keri and Mel.

Everyone swam, golfed, rode horses, relaxed, had a friendship meeting, got Spa Treatments, drank lots of wine, re-pledged in a candle light ceremony, played games, sang karaoke, went on a Hayride and had a fire in a Teepee.

As usual we had a busy weekend… but it was a lot of fun. And we are all looking forward to next years retreat already.

Attending a Retreat is one of the best things you can do as a member of this group. It gets you to push your personal boundaries, try new things, and open yourself up to new experiences, all while spending time with your APB Sisters.

Every Sister attends Retreats for a different reason, just like everyone joined the Sorority for a different reason and we have all stayed a member for this long for our own reasons. But attending a Retreat reminds us that we are all part of something we care about, and a group of amazing women who all had different talents, opinions, feelings, thoughts and interests. We are all so unique and powerful in our own way, and being part of this group allows up to learn from each other and enjoy these differences we all have.

The Alumnae Retreats really are a great gift… they allow us to spend one weekend a year with our Friends and Sisters. Thank you, to all of the members who attended! Each of you added something to this weekend by just participating. I hope to see you all the next Retreat!

2008 Alumnae Retreat Photos!

Hi Girls,

Just a reminder to please mail or email me your photos so I can compile them all. I will also be posting any photos that I receive on Facebook so those who did not attend can see them too. Let me know if there is a particular photo that you would prefer to keep private!!

Natalie B

Updates all around!

Hey all! Seeing as how it has been awhile since my last post, I figured I was due.

So, I'm now at my fiance's house, and he is in Hay River, NWT. He has been there for three weeks now, but it feels like a lifetime. I will only see him once before he comes home for the wedding, and its driving me nuts. Oh well, at least I know it will end.

Wedding plans are coming along. I can't believe it is only two months away! So much for all the time I thought I had! I'm going to Grande Prairie to get my dress this weekend. I'm so excited! Its all starting to come together. I've had so much help and support it has been fabulous. I wish I could have invited all of you to the wedding, but what with both of our families being so large, the wedding got very big very fast! Anywho, I should be going. Glad to hear everyone is doing well! Have fun at the retreat! Take lots of pictures! Ciao! Chelsea

Some good news and some bad news.....

First of all Happy Mother's Day to Ally, Lisa, Gina, Laura, Pam and Trish!! Hope you guys are having a great day!!


Now I have some good news and bad news...

I'll start with the bad news.


I'm seriously bummed because I was really looking forward to mixing up some martinis...maybe some mimosas for breaky at the retreat and having a grand 'ol time away from the kid and hubs....but I won't be able to get down and party hardy at the retreat.






But the good news is the reason I can't:



Baby "holy cow we weren't expecting you" Watts!!

Gamma Chapter dinner

Gamma Chapter got together to welcome Catherine to the group and also to celebrate Sam's b-day.
We had dinner at Joey Tomatoes and had a lovely time!
Food was delish! Ahi Tuna Tacos sound weird but were awesome, right Michelle? :)


Here are pictures:



Carrie and Susan


Sarah and Laura




Laura, Trish, and Sam


Mel and Catherine




Carrie and Shannon


Carrie, Shann, Catherine, Sarah, Michelle and Suz



Michelle