Amanda and I spent a few hours at the mall today -- we had some other stuff to do, but we were there to buy gifts for her niece's birthday. We wandered and browsed for a while, and finally ended up in the right store to find something for her! I pointed something out to Amanda, she agreed that it was a good idea, and we ended up buying gifts that complemented each other's. I'm sure these gifts will be a huge hit!
Unfortunately, I can't share what those gifts were -- at least, not yet.
I don't think Amanda's niece is a reader of our blog (she's just turning four in a few weeks), but I do believe that her mother is. I know she'd never spoil her daughter's birthday surprises, but for all I know, she might be such a big fan of our blog that she feels compelled to read our blog entries aloud.
I wouldn't want the surprise spoiled, but I also wouldn't want to deprive Amanda's sister of the enjoyment of reading the blog for the few weeks remaining until her daughter's birthday. As a result, not naming the gifts seems like the safest course.
Anyway, we'll be off to the fireworks in a few hours, so if you see us there please feel free to say hi!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Windy Evening
I was off for the weekend at noon, and was able to make it to Grande Prairie before Amanda got off from work as a result. Now we've got all of Saturday and Sunday, and most of Monday to be together. Yay!
We just got back about 20 minutes ago from Mr. Mike's. I took Amanda out for supper there, and we decided to walk over to enjoy the weather. The walk was great, supper was really good, and I'm thoroughly enjoying my time with Amanda this weekend already.
We'll be out and about at the Canada Day events this weekend (fireworks and parade). If you're there as well, keep your eyes open -- you might see the Kissing Couple of Grande Prairie nearby!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
My Not-So-Secret Addiction
My name is Jake, and I'm addicted to buying yarn.
<<sound of crickets chirping>>
Um, yeah.
I think I need to take a page from Amanda's book and start plugging away at the project I have underway, finish it, and then start working on the some of the other things I have planned.
Maybe -- just maybe -- I will. ...But not tonight. I'm busy chatting with Amanda and getting my stuff ready for my trip out to Grande Prairie for the weekend. We'll be celebrating Canada Day there, and hopefully the weather will cooperate for it. Regardless, we'll try to take a bunch of photos over the course of the weekend!
<<sound of crickets chirping>>
Um, yeah.
I think I need to take a page from Amanda's book and start plugging away at the project I have underway, finish it, and then start working on the some of the other things I have planned.
Maybe -- just maybe -- I will. ...But not tonight. I'm busy chatting with Amanda and getting my stuff ready for my trip out to Grande Prairie for the weekend. We'll be celebrating Canada Day there, and hopefully the weather will cooperate for it. Regardless, we'll try to take a bunch of photos over the course of the weekend!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Sunset on the Silver Screen
Amanda and I took this photo outside of the movie theatre on Sunday night after Brave finished. The sun was setting, Amanda's hair was glowing, and she was wearing two sets of glasses -- her normal glasses, the the 3D glasses we used for the movie.
I should've had Amanda wear the 3D glasses for the photo -- it might've given it more depth. :-)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Buzz Off
Amanda and I took this photo together in a garden center somewhere in Grande Prairie on Sunday. We were looking for a few things like pots and a tomato cage for Amanda, and we paused near the insecticides for a photo together.
Sunday was sort of an odd day. Amanda and I knew we needed to make the most of our time together, as it was my short weekend and we only had the one day to do stuff. ...We didn't do much. We stayed at her apartment for a while after breakfast hanging out on her couch, then finally got out and about to do some running around. We'd just gotten back and sat down on the couch for less than a half hour when she received a text, and we were off again.
We returned to her place after running a brief errand to her parents' house, and then were off yet again to find supper (Boston Pizza) and to go see Brave at the movie theatre.
We didn't go swimming as we had planned, or for a walk as I had hoped, and didn't have any luck finding me a reasonably-priced pair of sandals. I did find a new pair of shoelaces though, and Amanda found the screen kit she was looking for.
Written down like this it seems like it wasn't much of a day. To be fair, it wasn't. But it was incredibly fun, and I was incredibly glad to be with Amanda for all of it anyway.
Sunday was sort of an odd day. Amanda and I knew we needed to make the most of our time together, as it was my short weekend and we only had the one day to do stuff. ...We didn't do much. We stayed at her apartment for a while after breakfast hanging out on her couch, then finally got out and about to do some running around. We'd just gotten back and sat down on the couch for less than a half hour when she received a text, and we were off again.
We returned to her place after running a brief errand to her parents' house, and then were off yet again to find supper (Boston Pizza) and to go see Brave at the movie theatre.
We didn't go swimming as we had planned, or for a walk as I had hoped, and didn't have any luck finding me a reasonably-priced pair of sandals. I did find a new pair of shoelaces though, and Amanda found the screen kit she was looking for.
Written down like this it seems like it wasn't much of a day. To be fair, it wasn't. But it was incredibly fun, and I was incredibly glad to be with Amanda for all of it anyway.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Everything including the kitchen sink
As we check in with our heroes, they have ventured into the endless corridors of Home Depot in search of a replacement window screen. Lost and alone together among the yet-inanimate plumbing, they share a moment of affirmation of life and love before continuing their quest. :-)
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Brave
Amanda and I just returned from seeing Brave, Pixar's newest movie. It was great! I expected something a little more like a cross between Braveheart and Mulan, but it was something completely different, and we both really enjoyed it.
Highlights:
La Luna, the short before the movie
Amanda putting her arm around me before I could think about it
Highlights:
La Luna, the short before the movie
Amanda putting her arm around me before I could think about it
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Not always Exciting...
So I'm in Grande Prairie again with Amanda, and very happy to be here. So what's on the agenda for tomorrow?
...buying shoelaces. I need shoelaces. Amanda also needs some dirt and pots for the plants on her balcony. So our weekend excitement, well, isn't.
But that's okay. We're together, we're enjoying each other's company, and I'm hoping to take some photos tomorrow in spite of the weather forecast. Until then!
...buying shoelaces. I need shoelaces. Amanda also needs some dirt and pots for the plants on her balcony. So our weekend excitement, well, isn't.
But that's okay. We're together, we're enjoying each other's company, and I'm hoping to take some photos tomorrow in spite of the weather forecast. Until then!
Better Late than Never
This was the final photo Amanda and I took together last weekend. I believe we took it beside Save-On, where I had parked while we went to Michael's and bought a few groceries to make supper with.
I'll be heading out Amanda's way in a few hours (after work) and with any luck we'll have some time tomorrow to take some more photos out and about. That said, I just checked the weather forecast for Grande Prairie tomorrow. The Weather Network is currently predicting a "chance of thunder-showers."
...If Amanda were here, I'd start singing part of the Bohemian Rhapsody. But since she isn't, I won't subject you to my singing. :-)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Yarn Tales
Amanda thought it wasn't long enough, and I countered by saying that everything would be okay if I made the tassels at the end of the scarf long enough. Eventually reason (Amanda) prevailed, and I'm planning on adding at least another foot of length to the scarf.
So when we stepped outside, I grabbed Amanda for this photo. Looking at the photo now, I think it's funny that we were just at the right angle to have the signs for Edo and Opa (cut off somewhat) visible to either side of our heads. Having never eaten at either of them, the photo was not planned that way.
Anyway, I'd better wrap this up for the night. I've still got one more photo Amanda and I took together last weekend, and I'll probably be posting it tomorrow night.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Yarn Winding
Amanda and I talked about knitting for a little bit tonight. She's noticed (and she's right) that I seem to be more interested in picking out and buying yarn than actually knitting it. Sure, I plan to eventually use the yarn that I've purchased, but I'm not getting through it very quickly.
The yarn I bought in Edmonton a few weeks back? Untouched.
Yarn from our stop in Prince George on the way back from Christmas? Played with briefly, but still in skeins and balls.
The yarn I ordered from Knit Picks? Some of it has been tested, but no progress has been made towards the ideas I originally purchased it for.
I've always loved Lego, I really enjoy Minecraft, and I've been borderline obsessed with Warioware D.I.Y. since I bought it this weekend. In short, I like planning and making things. So why is it any different with knitting?
...Tangled thoughts.
The yarn I bought in Edmonton a few weeks back? Untouched.
Yarn from our stop in Prince George on the way back from Christmas? Played with briefly, but still in skeins and balls.
The yarn I ordered from Knit Picks? Some of it has been tested, but no progress has been made towards the ideas I originally purchased it for.
I've always loved Lego, I really enjoy Minecraft, and I've been borderline obsessed with Warioware D.I.Y. since I bought it this weekend. In short, I like planning and making things. So why is it any different with knitting?
...Tangled thoughts.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Shower Time
This weekend, Amanda and I decided to check out the home offered as the grand prize in the Dream Home Lottery. We spent a little longer than planned finding the place -- the directions we were given sent us the wrong way.
Once there, we probably spent close to an hour touring the house. We liked the house overall, but wondered a few things. First off, how much TV do they expect the future owners to watch? There were TVs absolutely everywhere. Second, why was the stone mat in the kitchen so uncomfortable, even through my shoes?
Anyway, Amanda and I took this photo in front of the shower door in the downstairs bathroom, and I think it turned out pretty good!
Once there, we probably spent close to an hour touring the house. We liked the house overall, but wondered a few things. First off, how much TV do they expect the future owners to watch? There were TVs absolutely everywhere. Second, why was the stone mat in the kitchen so uncomfortable, even through my shoes?
Anyway, Amanda and I took this photo in front of the shower door in the downstairs bathroom, and I think it turned out pretty good!
Monday, June 18, 2012
A Day Late and a Dollar Short
I messed up last night. By the time we returned home to Amanda's apartment from her sister's place it was getting late and I dashed off a very quick blog post, completely forgetting to write one about Father's Day. That said, I *did* remember to call my Dad, however, and that was the more important one anyway.
Even though it's a day late, I'd like to thank all the fathers out there for the thankless tasks they perform. They mold their sons into men, provide an important perspective for daughters as they grow into women, and can be relied on for advice on everything from stuck taps (which my Dad helped me solve over the phone last Father's Day), to careers.
So to all the dads out there, and mine in particular, thank you.
Even though it's a day late, I'd like to thank all the fathers out there for the thankless tasks they perform. They mold their sons into men, provide an important perspective for daughters as they grow into women, and can be relied on for advice on everything from stuck taps (which my Dad helped me solve over the phone last Father's Day), to careers.
So to all the dads out there, and mine in particular, thank you.
Time Zones...
Time zones are sometimes the bane of my dating existence. When Daylight Savings Time is in effect (though not here - my area doesn't change time), Amanda is an hour ahead of me. It comes in handy when either of us is driving from Grande Prairie to Tumbler Ridge, but works less well in other circumstances.
Take tonight for instance. I was at a meeting late and didn't return home until 10:20. That's already well past the normal time Amanda and I stop chatting so that she can get some sleep. I sent her a quick text saying that I survived the meeting with a note that I hoped she was sleeping soundly and didn't wake up to her phone's whistle.
She was still awake, and we talked for a little while. I felt bad though, because even though it's still (relatively) early for me, we've already cut into her sleep.
On a daily basis, we normally start talking around 8:30 my time. We've discussed trying to talk earlier, but when I get off from work at 6, make supper, and go for a walk or do other exercise, 8:30 arrives fairly quickly as it is.
So what's the solution? I think I've come up with it. Abolish time zones. ...That, or Amanda and I could just move so we're living in the same time zone. Yeah. That might be a little bit easier. :-)
Take tonight for instance. I was at a meeting late and didn't return home until 10:20. That's already well past the normal time Amanda and I stop chatting so that she can get some sleep. I sent her a quick text saying that I survived the meeting with a note that I hoped she was sleeping soundly and didn't wake up to her phone's whistle.
She was still awake, and we talked for a little while. I felt bad though, because even though it's still (relatively) early for me, we've already cut into her sleep.
On a daily basis, we normally start talking around 8:30 my time. We've discussed trying to talk earlier, but when I get off from work at 6, make supper, and go for a walk or do other exercise, 8:30 arrives fairly quickly as it is.
So what's the solution? I think I've come up with it. Abolish time zones. ...That, or Amanda and I could just move so we're living in the same time zone. Yeah. That might be a little bit easier. :-)
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Late Night
After Amanda fell asleep last night, I stayed up for a while longer. While we were talking before bed, I had a really funny idea for a micro game made with Warioware D.I.Y. As you may have guessed, Amanda is not incredibly fond of the Nyan Cat, at least not after the thirty second mark of the video.
I tease her about it now and then, but I thought it'd be funny to make a game where she could take out her frustrations on the Nyan Cat. So with just the first tutorial on game creation under my belt, I made a game where Amanda's stand-in (with blue hair) fights against the Nyan Cat. If Amanda wins, the words "NYAN THAT!" appear on the screen.
I was up until 2:30 working on it. I fixed the last major bug and saved it, then went to bed, where I tossed and turned for over a half hour.
This morning when we woke up, I told her that I'd finished my idea the night before and that I thought she'd get a kick out of it. So I grabbed my DS from the living room where it was charging and brought it back to bed. I started the game up and Amanda loved it and thought it was really funny.
It was lots of fun to make, is reasonably fun to play, and it got to continue a running joke between the two of us about Amanda's (lack of) fondness for the Nyan Cat. It was a winner all around.
I tease her about it now and then, but I thought it'd be funny to make a game where she could take out her frustrations on the Nyan Cat. So with just the first tutorial on game creation under my belt, I made a game where Amanda's stand-in (with blue hair) fights against the Nyan Cat. If Amanda wins, the words "NYAN THAT!" appear on the screen.
I was up until 2:30 working on it. I fixed the last major bug and saved it, then went to bed, where I tossed and turned for over a half hour.
This morning when we woke up, I told her that I'd finished my idea the night before and that I thought she'd get a kick out of it. So I grabbed my DS from the living room where it was charging and brought it back to bed. I started the game up and Amanda loved it and thought it was really funny.
It was lots of fun to make, is reasonably fun to play, and it got to continue a running joke between the two of us about Amanda's (lack of) fondness for the Nyan Cat. It was a winner all around.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Ice Cream Kisses
She agreed, and we went for a wander to find some frozen treats. We took this photo on the way back (as you can tell from my half-eaten ice cream cone in the rear of the photo) It was nearly 10pm, but it was still light out, and warm. I love the summer!
Because Amanda had chosen a peanut buster parfait and was waiting until we got home to eat it, I decided to give her an ice cream kiss. And then I decided to get a photo of it!
Amanda and I took a handful of other photos today, and hopefully there will be more to come tomorrow. Stay tuned!
<<Edit: the original version of this post had a typo -- I spelled cell "cel". But Amanda noticed it and I fixed it! Yay!>>
Friday, June 15, 2012
Yup...
I am happily in Grande Prairie with Amanda right now. After work, Amanda bought Chinese food for us for supper, and then we spent the evening on the couch looking up random stuff online.
Hopefully we'll be out and about taking photos tomorrow and I'll have something new to post. Until then!
Hopefully we'll be out and about taking photos tomorrow and I'll have something new to post. Until then!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Countdown... always the countdown...
I have three countdowns going right now.
1) ~15 1/2 hours until I leave Tumbler Ridge and drive to Grande Prairie to spend the weekend with Amanda.
2) ~19 hours until I see Amanda again.
3) ~24 hours until I can cuddle in bed with Amanda, let the stress of the week ease away, and drift off to the best night's sleep I'll have had since last Sunday.
Amanda's not feeling 100% quite yet, but I'm hoping we'll be able to get out and about somewhat this weekend. And if we do, we'll take some photos!
Anyway, t-minus 55,800 seconds and counting...
1) ~15 1/2 hours until I leave Tumbler Ridge and drive to Grande Prairie to spend the weekend with Amanda.
2) ~19 hours until I see Amanda again.
3) ~24 hours until I can cuddle in bed with Amanda, let the stress of the week ease away, and drift off to the best night's sleep I'll have had since last Sunday.
Amanda's not feeling 100% quite yet, but I'm hoping we'll be able to get out and about somewhat this weekend. And if we do, we'll take some photos!
Anyway, t-minus 55,800 seconds and counting...
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Secret best late forest photo ever
Hi everyone! Surprisingly, I've got a photo for you tonight!
I took this photo a few weeks back when Amanda and I went for a hike while she was in Tumbler Ridge. I didn't post it that week because I had many other photos to post and because we had a very similar looking photo taken elsewhere along the hike.
But now, two weeks after I posted the first forest hiking photo, this one can appear new and different! I'm hoping that Amanda and I will have more chances to go for hikes this summer, and that the weather will cooperate so we can. I haven't made it up to the Bald Spot yet this year, and I'd love to take Amanda to Quality Falls. All we need is good weather, good health, and good shoes!
We've had the first in spurts, but the second isn't cooperating at the moment and the third may require some review. But we'll get there, and when we do, we'll tromp all over the hiking trails of Tumbler Ridge together. :-)
I took this photo a few weeks back when Amanda and I went for a hike while she was in Tumbler Ridge. I didn't post it that week because I had many other photos to post and because we had a very similar looking photo taken elsewhere along the hike.
But now, two weeks after I posted the first forest hiking photo, this one can appear new and different! I'm hoping that Amanda and I will have more chances to go for hikes this summer, and that the weather will cooperate so we can. I haven't made it up to the Bald Spot yet this year, and I'd love to take Amanda to Quality Falls. All we need is good weather, good health, and good shoes!
We've had the first in spurts, but the second isn't cooperating at the moment and the third may require some review. But we'll get there, and when we do, we'll tromp all over the hiking trails of Tumbler Ridge together. :-)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Addictions...
I blame Amanda.
Before I met her, I did not knit. I had tried once, bought yarn and needles at random, got tired of it quickly, and didn't try again until years later.
When I met Amanda, I found out that she enjoyed knitting. Once I started staying over at her apartment on weekends when I drove to Grande Prairie, I got to watch her knit. I was enthralled. There were times I sat and just watched her fingers move with small, precise movements while working on a pair of socks or another project.
Then she taught me to knit. I bought a pair of needles and some neat yarn, and started working on a scarf. She taught me to cast on, how to knit regular stitches, and off I went, gradually working through a skein of yarn, starting a second, and gradually getting the hang of things.
Later on I added a few more skeins and a second pair of needles (mostly purchased at Michael's), but they were just to experiment with. I wanted to be able to continue to work on my scarf while playing around with other ideas.
Then the Christmas season began. I knew all of my grandparents would be at my parent's house for Christmas with us, and I wanted to give them each something that showed I loved them all but wouldn't cause hurt feelings.
In one of Amanda's knitting books, I saw a basic ribbed scarf that I liked. She helped me pick out some yarn, some appropriately sized needles, and I went to work. I started the first around November 20th and finished the third one on the evening of December 23rd. They were very well received.
I also visited Knit Picks for the first time, to order some needles for Amanda for Christmas. But that was all I ordered. I didn't order yarn or anything else for myself.
At that point, I was in fairly decent shape. My yarn stash (such as it was) was limited to about 12 skeins of yarn. There were leftovers from the scarves I made for my grandparents (which, as you've seen, I've been turning into a neat scarf for myself), the yarn for the original scarf I was making, and a few different skeins to play around with.
But then yarn and knitting got their insidious hooks into me courtesy of a yarn store in Prince George and Amanda.
While driving home from Christmas, we stopped in Prince George, and looked up local yarn stores. It turned out there was one above a neat bookstore downtown. So we went up to check out the store. I found a few types of yarn I liked, and was going to get a single skein. Amanda picked up a little more, but then offered to pay for mine, even if I grabbed two more skeins. So I ended up with some neat blue-green silky yarn and a chunky brown-yellow-green-purple yarn.
I think that marked the start of the addiction. Since then, we've visited yarn stores in Grande Prairie and Edmonton and spent a lot of time on Knit Picks and Blue Moon ogling various colourways.
When I was in Toronto, I walked nearly an hour and a half (round trip) to visit a yarn store Amanda had heard about and to bring back some yarn for her, and a skein of sock yarn for myself to try.
In the past few months, I've made two orders from Knit Picks for myself. I ordered yarn from Blue Moon for Amanda's birthday, but also purchased a skein for myself. When we went to Edmonton over the long weekend, I was just as happy to visit yarn stores as Amanda was. I bought a few skeins of yarn, and when I was rummaging through my stash last night (since expanded to fill two big bags plus a bag for the project I'm working on) stumbled across them and thought "Wow these are cool! I have no idea what I'm going to do with them, but boy are they neat!"
I've become addicted. Not to the knitting itself quite yet. I'm still enjoying working on my scarf, but as you've probably noticed, I don't work on it very often or for very long when I do. I think I'm addicted to buying yarn and thinking about the potential it has.
I spent a bunch of time on Knit Picks last night. I already have enough yarn to drown myself in, but I was looking at their sale yarn, and new colours in yarn to make dishclothes from, and yarn I could use to make stuff for people's Christmas gifts with...
...I think I have a problem. :-)
Before I met her, I did not knit. I had tried once, bought yarn and needles at random, got tired of it quickly, and didn't try again until years later.
When I met Amanda, I found out that she enjoyed knitting. Once I started staying over at her apartment on weekends when I drove to Grande Prairie, I got to watch her knit. I was enthralled. There were times I sat and just watched her fingers move with small, precise movements while working on a pair of socks or another project.
Then she taught me to knit. I bought a pair of needles and some neat yarn, and started working on a scarf. She taught me to cast on, how to knit regular stitches, and off I went, gradually working through a skein of yarn, starting a second, and gradually getting the hang of things.
Later on I added a few more skeins and a second pair of needles (mostly purchased at Michael's), but they were just to experiment with. I wanted to be able to continue to work on my scarf while playing around with other ideas.
Then the Christmas season began. I knew all of my grandparents would be at my parent's house for Christmas with us, and I wanted to give them each something that showed I loved them all but wouldn't cause hurt feelings.
In one of Amanda's knitting books, I saw a basic ribbed scarf that I liked. She helped me pick out some yarn, some appropriately sized needles, and I went to work. I started the first around November 20th and finished the third one on the evening of December 23rd. They were very well received.
I also visited Knit Picks for the first time, to order some needles for Amanda for Christmas. But that was all I ordered. I didn't order yarn or anything else for myself.
At that point, I was in fairly decent shape. My yarn stash (such as it was) was limited to about 12 skeins of yarn. There were leftovers from the scarves I made for my grandparents (which, as you've seen, I've been turning into a neat scarf for myself), the yarn for the original scarf I was making, and a few different skeins to play around with.
But then yarn and knitting got their insidious hooks into me courtesy of a yarn store in Prince George and Amanda.
While driving home from Christmas, we stopped in Prince George, and looked up local yarn stores. It turned out there was one above a neat bookstore downtown. So we went up to check out the store. I found a few types of yarn I liked, and was going to get a single skein. Amanda picked up a little more, but then offered to pay for mine, even if I grabbed two more skeins. So I ended up with some neat blue-green silky yarn and a chunky brown-yellow-green-purple yarn.
I think that marked the start of the addiction. Since then, we've visited yarn stores in Grande Prairie and Edmonton and spent a lot of time on Knit Picks and Blue Moon ogling various colourways.
When I was in Toronto, I walked nearly an hour and a half (round trip) to visit a yarn store Amanda had heard about and to bring back some yarn for her, and a skein of sock yarn for myself to try.
In the past few months, I've made two orders from Knit Picks for myself. I ordered yarn from Blue Moon for Amanda's birthday, but also purchased a skein for myself. When we went to Edmonton over the long weekend, I was just as happy to visit yarn stores as Amanda was. I bought a few skeins of yarn, and when I was rummaging through my stash last night (since expanded to fill two big bags plus a bag for the project I'm working on) stumbled across them and thought "Wow these are cool! I have no idea what I'm going to do with them, but boy are they neat!"
I've become addicted. Not to the knitting itself quite yet. I'm still enjoying working on my scarf, but as you've probably noticed, I don't work on it very often or for very long when I do. I think I'm addicted to buying yarn and thinking about the potential it has.
I spent a bunch of time on Knit Picks last night. I already have enough yarn to drown myself in, but I was looking at their sale yarn, and new colours in yarn to make dishclothes from, and yarn I could use to make stuff for people's Christmas gifts with...
...I think I have a problem. :-)
Monday, June 11, 2012
The Long Drive Home
Monday morning is one of my least favourite times of the week. On weekends when Amanda is in Tumbler Ridge, she's been gone ~18 hours by the time I wake up on Monday morning, and I'm very aware of how long it is until I see her again.
Those Mondays, however, pale in comparison to Monday mornings when I'm in Grande Prairie. Those are lousy, especially considering how good they start! I always sleep good at Amanda's on Sunday night, and waking up next to her always puts a smile on my face. But things go downhill from there. All too soon, we're both outside by our cars saying goodbye for another week.
This morning the sun was shining and the sky was clear. I followed Amanda's car out of her parking lot, down the road, and along the highway until a stoplight where she had to get ready to turn left and I had to continue straight.
Then for the next three hours I had four Eurodance style songs playing over and over again on my iPod through my car's stereo while I drove home to Tumbler Ridge while thinking about the weekend and other stuff. I got home, texted Amanda to let her know I'd made it okay,
...and started thinking about the wait until Friday night when I'll see her again.
Those Mondays, however, pale in comparison to Monday mornings when I'm in Grande Prairie. Those are lousy, especially considering how good they start! I always sleep good at Amanda's on Sunday night, and waking up next to her always puts a smile on my face. But things go downhill from there. All too soon, we're both outside by our cars saying goodbye for another week.
This morning the sun was shining and the sky was clear. I followed Amanda's car out of her parking lot, down the road, and along the highway until a stoplight where she had to get ready to turn left and I had to continue straight.
Then for the next three hours I had four Eurodance style songs playing over and over again on my iPod through my car's stereo while I drove home to Tumbler Ridge while thinking about the weekend and other stuff. I got home, texted Amanda to let her know I'd made it okay,
...and started thinking about the wait until Friday night when I'll see her again.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Quality Pixar Time
Amanda and I are taking the time to watch Wall-E (she's never seen it before!) before we settle in to watch the season finale of Mad Men.
Sadly, she's still not feeling 100%, so we weren't out and about today. As a result I won't be posting new photos this week. I *am*, however, planning a few blog posts that will hopefully be a little longer and more thought-provoking than my usual fare.
With that, it's off to hum along with the opening song in the movie from Hello Dolly!
Sadly, she's still not feeling 100%, so we weren't out and about today. As a result I won't be posting new photos this week. I *am*, however, planning a few blog posts that will hopefully be a little longer and more thought-provoking than my usual fare.
With that, it's off to hum along with the opening song in the movie from Hello Dolly!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Cough Drops
I dropped in, and Amanda is coughing.
I know she's been sick all week, and I've been wishing I could be here with her. Amanda is feeling a fair bit better, but at the moment I'm still planning on making a pot of chicken soup for supper tomorrow night. My patented chicken noodle soup recipe consists of water, chicken boullion, boneless chicken breasts, egg noodles, carrots, an onion, celery, and sage.
The last time I made it, it was here in Grande Prairie, and it turned out so good that I felt compelled to make chicken stew for myself in Tumbler Ridge the next day. Unfortunately, the chicken stew didn't turn out nearly as good. Maybe it was the exact mix of spices, or maybe it was the lack of good company while eating it.
Anyway, Amanda and I are re-watching the penultimate episode of this season of Mad Men in preparation for the season finale tomorrow night, and maybe, just maybe, I'll make some real progress on my scarf in the process.
I know she's been sick all week, and I've been wishing I could be here with her. Amanda is feeling a fair bit better, but at the moment I'm still planning on making a pot of chicken soup for supper tomorrow night. My patented chicken noodle soup recipe consists of water, chicken boullion, boneless chicken breasts, egg noodles, carrots, an onion, celery, and sage.
The last time I made it, it was here in Grande Prairie, and it turned out so good that I felt compelled to make chicken stew for myself in Tumbler Ridge the next day. Unfortunately, the chicken stew didn't turn out nearly as good. Maybe it was the exact mix of spices, or maybe it was the lack of good company while eating it.
Anyway, Amanda and I are re-watching the penultimate episode of this season of Mad Men in preparation for the season finale tomorrow night, and maybe, just maybe, I'll make some real progress on my scarf in the process.
Friday, June 8, 2012
The Nyan Cat
Nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan
I love you Amanda, but I still enjoy teasing you ;-)
I love you Amanda, but I still enjoy teasing you ;-)
Music to my Ears
A while back I started putting together a playlist in iTunes that I ended up naming "Jake Loves Amanda." I tinker with it now and then, but it's got a core of songs that I like that make me think of Amanda in one way or another.
I know this isn't original, and that it's fairly cliched. Tough cookies -- it makes me smile and gives me something to listen to during the last stretch of driving to Grande Prairie.
Walking on Sunshine
Happy Together
The Waiting
Holding out for a Hero
Look at Us
Show Me the Way
Everytime we Touch
I Don't Want to Miss a Thing
I Love You Always Forever
All Life Long
All My Life
One Boy, One Girl
Fantasies Come True
Livin' on a Prayer
Hapi Hapy Sunday!
Be My Yoko Ono
If I had $1,000,000
Flower of Happiness
Serah's Theme
Night of Summer Side
Summer Mirage
There are a few other songs I'd like to add to this list, and I will as I purchase them from iTunes. In the meantime, I have a ninety minute playlist that makes me think of Amanda. That's music to my ears!
I know this isn't original, and that it's fairly cliched. Tough cookies -- it makes me smile and gives me something to listen to during the last stretch of driving to Grande Prairie.
Walking on Sunshine
Happy Together
The Waiting
Holding out for a Hero
Look at Us
Show Me the Way
Everytime we Touch
I Don't Want to Miss a Thing
I Love You Always Forever
All Life Long
All My Life
One Boy, One Girl
Fantasies Come True
Livin' on a Prayer
Hapi Hapy Sunday!
Be My Yoko Ono
If I had $1,000,000
Flower of Happiness
Serah's Theme
Night of Summer Side
Summer Mirage
There are a few other songs I'd like to add to this list, and I will as I purchase them from iTunes. In the meantime, I have a ninety minute playlist that makes me think of Amanda. That's music to my ears!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Moonlight
The night before, as we were walking back from the washrooms, we stopped to look at the moon. The sky was clear and the moon was bright and (nearly?) full. I was incredibly happy to be sharing that moment with Amanda, and commented that I never thought I'd have such a romantic moment happen on a walk away from an outhouse.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Uncertainty
...I'm not sure what's going to happen this weekend. I've got to work Saturday, and it sounds as if Amanda may have to as well. The original plan was for her to come to Tumbler Ridge this weekend, but it's really not worth it for her to drive out here on Saturday after work, just to return home less than 24 hours later.
I could drive out to Grande Prairie after work on Saturday, but Amanda has been sick this week. I'd really like to see her, but if she's still feeling rough, I don't want her worrying about cleaning her place up for me to visit (to which she'd probably joke "I don't worry about that anyway!")
The other option, sadly, is to have a visit-free week. I tend to be at a bit of a loss on those weekends though. It's like I don't quite remember how I used to occupy all my time on my weekends in Tumbler Ridge without Amanda here. I could certainly spend some time with my hobbies, or go for a long hike or two, but I know come Sunday morning when I wake up alone, I'll be thinking "What am I going to do today?"
I could drive out to Grande Prairie after work on Saturday, but Amanda has been sick this week. I'd really like to see her, but if she's still feeling rough, I don't want her worrying about cleaning her place up for me to visit (to which she'd probably joke "I don't worry about that anyway!")
The other option, sadly, is to have a visit-free week. I tend to be at a bit of a loss on those weekends though. It's like I don't quite remember how I used to occupy all my time on my weekends in Tumbler Ridge without Amanda here. I could certainly spend some time with my hobbies, or go for a long hike or two, but I know come Sunday morning when I wake up alone, I'll be thinking "What am I going to do today?"
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Pre-Camping Preparations
At any rate, I bought some shorts, then Amanda and I stopped by the Safeway nearby for three purposes: gas, air (Amanda had a low tire) and caffeine. We hadn't had coffee while getting our stuff together, and there was a very real possibility that Jakezilla and Amandazilla might make an appearance.
While Amanda gassed up her car, I ran inside Safeway to the Starbucks to pick up some caffeine for us (caramel macchiato for Amanda, a vanilla latte for me). So gassed up, inflated, and heavily caffeinated, we drove off to the campsite, all ready for the weekend!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
A Camping we will go....
It's official! Amanda and I survived our first camping trip together! We drove out on Saturday morning after some last-minute shopping (I'd forgotten to pack a pair of shorts to wear if the weather was nice), and went camping with friends and family.
We did most of the usual camping stuff -- cooked over a campfire, played some games (Quiddler, in our case), and made smores (I discovered that if you flatten out a not-super-fresh marshmallow, it serves as a good surface on your cooking fork to melt a square of chocolate on top of).
We rounded out the trip by spending a few hours near the lake's edge, playing with Amanda's niece and her friends, and playing frisbee with each other.
Amanda and I took this photo together when we were taking a break from all of that. Amanda's hat is a Winter Olympics 2010 cap, while mine is an Unshelved Library hat I received for participating in a library simulation at a conference last year. My role? Acting as a person with a technical issue. As loud and as horrified as I could, I yelled "FACEBOOK IS DOWN!" and started sobbing. ...everyone loved it!
Recollections of conferences aside, Amanda and I had lots of fun with each other and everyone else this weekend, and we took a handful of photos I'll be uploading over the course of the week.
Stay tuned!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Very Welcome Hello
Evening folks!
I made it to Amanda's about an hour and a half ago. I just pulled into her parking lot, tossed my A&W cup into the garbage can, and started to text her when...
*poof*
There she appeared, out of the doorway to her building, looking incredibly cute, and looking happy to see me. We kissed, then compared notes about what camping supplies we'd accumulated, and came inside. We've been talking about anything else we need to get ready to go camping tomorrow, and it sounds like we're pretty much set.
Because we'll be off camping, I probably won't be posting anything tomorrow night. But hopefully I'll be back with photos of Amanda and me camping!
I made it to Amanda's about an hour and a half ago. I just pulled into her parking lot, tossed my A&W cup into the garbage can, and started to text her when...
*poof*
There she appeared, out of the doorway to her building, looking incredibly cute, and looking happy to see me. We kissed, then compared notes about what camping supplies we'd accumulated, and came inside. We've been talking about anything else we need to get ready to go camping tomorrow, and it sounds like we're pretty much set.
Because we'll be off camping, I probably won't be posting anything tomorrow night. But hopefully I'll be back with photos of Amanda and me camping!
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