True North Strong and Free

As I sit here sipping my chai (my new love since Kenya), listening to Imagine Dragons (my new love in music) I am caused to remember what today is...Nov.11...I can never begin to imagine the life of the soldiers and their families from past and present. All I know is I am SOO thankful to be in a country that knows peace and freedom. We have SOO much to be grateful for.

Being the Canadian girl I am, I love to adventure around my country to unadventured places. This last weekend I ventured for the first time up to Yellowknife. Part of adventure to me is seeing and experiencing things for the first time. 

N.W.T Firsts:

1. Stepping foot into North West Territories: I don't know if it was because I grew up in the North, or because I had to teach about it, but I have wanted to see that country for a long time! Unlike anything really I have ventured to before! The closest thing I can compare it too is a rural Newfoundland village, but in a colder climate. 

2. Seeing wild bison: Wow, they really are a massive majestic creature! I wouldn't want one charging me!

3. Seeing a wolf: Mr. Wolf was not scared of us! First thought...hmm..it's not like we're in Banff National Park where they see millions of tourists in a year..Why is he not running from us?...WAIT...he's a wolf and is scared of NOTHING! 

4. A ferry that breaks ice: I felt like I was on a new and improved Titanic breaking through icebergs! 

5. Being in the middle of nowhere: I always felt like I grew up in the middle of no where, but I had a new found understanding of what the middle of no where is.

My other impressions of N.W.T.

All the people in N.W.T. were so nice and friendly! The homes are unique as ever. They build above ground because of the rock. Lots of colour and rectangle boxy 2 stories. You freeze instantly no  matter what you where with that arctic wind..no wonder it isn't all about style up there!

You know you are in the north when....

- you drive on completely snow covered roads for over 2 hrs.

- you wear 4 layers of clothes and are still cold instantly.

- you can talk to people who have hunt polar bears on a yearly basis.

Here are just a few pics! 

Love your Gypsy Canadian Girl xxx

Back to life

And....3 1/2 months later! Oh how so much changes! I am now in a new city, with a new job and a new life. Thinking back to summer, it seems a lifetime ago and I am already on the countdown for next summer! A few highlights from my summer were definitely time with my cousin, time at the lake and my first trip to Vegas with some amazing ladies!

Now on to the present things: I have been having a hard time balancing work and life. Since the beginning of October I have started back at the gym. Every time I go I up my game and seem to rise to the challenge! I do need more ideas though for ab workouts. Any ideas?

A little fitness tip to pass on from my bro. After workout snacks: Wait a half hour and have something light like a banana, yogurt, egg. 

Finally a recipe I must share. I haven't made this in awhile but I do love it! Sesame chicken stir fry thanks to Pinterest! 

Ingredients: 

- Canola oil for frying

- 2 egg whites

- 1/4 cup cornstarch

- 1 1/2 lb chkn breasts, cut crosswise into 1/4 inch strips

- salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 lb snow peas , strings removed. 

- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2in strips, then halved crosswise

- 3/4 sesame stir fry sauce

- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

What to do: 

 In an electric wok (med-high) pour oil to a depth of 1 inch and heat till simmering. Line baking sheet with paper towels. In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites and cornstarch. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the bowl and stir completely to coat the chicken in the egg mixture.

In 4 batches, add chicken to oil. Fry, turning the pieces occasionally and making sure they don't stick together. About 4 mins per batch or until light golden. Transfer to baking sheet. 

Transfer oil to heat-safe bowl. Increase wok to high and put back in a Tbsp of oil to wok. Add snow peas and bell peppers and stir-fry to crisp tender (4 mins). Return chicken to wok and add stir-fry sauce. Mix and heat for 1 minute. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. 

Rice is the perfect match!!

Well this is all for today...next time I'll try to share some of my Freezer recipes that have been lifesavers for the crazy month of September. If you have delish recipes you'd like to share with me..please pass them along!

Luvs you all!!

Precious moments

Well, I'm sure you all thought I had died by now...I thought I was...but here I have made it to the end of a hard year of teaching. This past month has felt like I have been handed one curve ball after another. I am very glad it is over and most definitely looking forward to future days.Tomorrow marks my last day in Edmonton teaching Grade 6. Next month, I move on to bigger and better (...not really :s!) ...Lloydminster. I am very thrilled to be teaching the little tikes in Grade 1! I love adventures and I can't wait to embark on this new journey in my life.

This past week I have learned a very hard/tearful/painful lesson...How valuable life is and how we need to be thankful for each moment and each of our relationships. I also learned that no...exam results of my students are not the end of the world. So to all of my friends out there..I truly thank you all for all you do!

As promised last time, this blow will have a few pics from my half marathon back in May and also I am planning to thrill all you shoe divas out there!



Figgie shoes- My friend Kimberley was showing me this website last month. This lady is truly a brilliant shoe artist! By what I understand, you send her your shoes and she will paint them how you'd like. I am attaching the link to the website as well as a few pics, as I have never seen anything quite so amazing! As her website will show, she not only does wedding footwear, but junior shoes and anything else you request!!


http://www.figgieshoes.com/the-artist.php

This is truly a lasting memory! So thankful I shared it with my sister!

That will be all for tonight. Now that summer is almost here, I am hoping to add to my blog some great summer recipes...and if I'm diligent, more of my fitness journey!

Much love,

Your Canadian Girl

Trifecta of knowledge

First of all friends, I don't know if I used trifecta in its proper sense, but I like the word so I gave it a shot! Basically it means I have 3 types of awesomeness to share with you!

1) Music awesomeness- I need to make this very clear to start. I am not a big fan of American Idol and I do not follow it. However, my ladies at work do and they made me listen to one of the contestants. In the first 5 seconds of hearing his voice I knew I was in love. He has a rough, raspy tone which I relate to as a Mumford and Sons or Ray Lamontagne sound. Amazingly, this guy ended up winning the show! I look forward to hearing more music from him!

Folks I present to you... Phillip Phillips!

Volcano- Phillip Phillips

His first official original- Home

2) Food awesomeness- Now that cool fruit is back in our stores you must try a smoothie! This week I tried making this with Strawberry flavored greek yoghurt, blackberries, strawberries and bananas. I wanted to add some protein in the shake, so I added a Tbsp of peanut butter. Sonya says it tasted like peanut butter and jelly! A delicious concoction!

3) Book worm awesomeness- I was challenged to read the Hunger Game series and was warned it was addicting. I had gotten through a few chapters this past week, but hibernated last night and a good part of today reading the book. It was FANTASTIC! I look forward to reading the 2nd book in the series!

My next blog will be shoe-licious!! xxx

Thing 30- Things to be Remembered by

Wow! I have made it! We are now at thing 30! It has not been perfect (1 post a day), but I must say it was almost perfect for this busy lady!

List 10 things you would hope to be remembered by:


1) My smile
2) My kindness
3) My goofiness
4) My love for children
5) My voice
6) My love for Zumba (possibly tying into the goofiness)
7) My style
8) My love of bright colours
9) My love of chai lattes
10) My lovableness (and my ability to create a new vocabulary!)

Sneak peak into my future: As of last night....there is a very probable possibility that I will be running the Spartan Race in Calgary this August! Check out the link! I think it looks like a great challenge but lots of fun!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9ftAgxDRjbQ#!

The future of my blogging: More fitness...I want to get more music into this blog as well because I love music so much! As well I'm finding many great food/meal/recipes on Pinterest that I would love to try and then share! See you around!

Your Canadian Girl   xxx

Thing 29- Misunderstandings

Let's start off with today's question and then I will fill you in with my lack of presence on my blog this past week!

Today's question: What do you think people misunderstand most about you? I can't think of a serious one...but people think I have the best job because I have 2 months off. As well people think because I am a teacher that I have all the money a girl needs. I wish what they thought was true, but it's far from that..I won't go into detail and complain...but it's just not as easy as it sounds.

My lack of presence on my blog? Well for one, work has been insane with corrections. As well I was doing some last training for the half marathon and then the LONG WEEKEND!!

Top 5 of my May Long Weekend!


1) My man- He is great for so many reasons and I was so lucky to get to spend part of my long weekend with him! He's funny, kind, loving, great with kids! Here's a few pics to show you why I love him!

                    

2) I ran a half marathon with my sister! It felt AMAZING to do such a challenge and to share the experience with my sister! The training payed off and I think I am going to have to try another one sometime in my future! My sister was a real trooper! Like I said I love adventures and let me say that this journey has been a real adventure. I have developed a love for running that I never knew I had in me! Pics to come :)

3) Two great friends got married on my birthday!! Mitch couldn't wipe that smile off his face through the whole ceremony. Feel lucky to be considered their friend! Mitch has been SUCH a great support and friend throughout the last few years in Edmonton. It has been great to get to know Kelsey more and to see them as a couple. I can't wait to see what is ahead for them. Love you both!!

4) My family- Was great to spend time with my parents, brother, sister and nephews. My family spoiled me with my favorite meals and birthday cake! My little 5 year old nephew today came and gave me a giant hug after breakfast telling me that he loved me and misses me! Melted my heart! I got to watch my little nephew come out of the bathroom with sheer excitement because he took his first ever poop in the big toilet!! Was soo cute to watch how proud he was over this BIG accomplishment!

5) An extra long weekend! Because I have tomorrow off, I got to truly enjoy today by sticking my nose in a great book! I'm on the last book of the Millenium series and quite enjoying it! I encourage you to read them if you have never picked that series up!

Tomorrow although I have off will be spent working...always a nice feeling with you have a day that you get LOTS accomplished with minimal distractions!

Tomorrow's post will be the last of the 30 things challenge!!

Until then!! xxx

Thing 28- Love Language

Today's question: What is your love language?


Words of affirmation: 


Actions don't always speak louder than words. If this is  your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words 'I love you," are important- hearing the reason behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave shattered and are not easily forgotten. - This is what the website said after I took the quiz!


This makes so much sense in many ways. In a relationship I need to hear that things are great and that I am loved. Work wise, I need to hear that I am doing a good job for me to believe that I am. 


5 sleeps until race day!!! This last week I am just running little 5 Kms to keep me in shape, but not to tire my legs out too much. 


A great snack? Try a grapefruit! I love it! I used to eat it ALL the time and now I never do, so it was a great treat!


Until tomorrow! xxx