Martini Moments

Double No-Brainer

Matt and Leonardo are sharing the screen together in the thrilling new movie "The Departed."  Scorsese ... what took you so long?  The acting is brilliant and the dialog witty; however, I'd expect nothing less from these two talented Hollywood hotties.  It is a far cry from a chick flick, but sharing a few hours with my two all time favorite celebrity heartthrobs was worth every second of hectic deception and strategic violence. In the refined words of my dear friend Cameron ... “I won't kick either one of them outta my bed.” (A special thanks to Darrin for tolerating the lingering effects of my schoolgirl crushes.  I could have never made it through the movie without squeezing your hand.)

PowerfulPoints - Part Two

Download Powerful_Points_2.pdf

Officially "PENDING"

Application to Sponsor a Member of the Family Class (Common-law partner)

Sponsorship Questionnaire - Development of relationship and documentary evidence (Form: IMM5540E)
“Additional details regarding my current relationship.”

Darrin and I have been dating since April of 2003.  During this time we have shared a very loving and devoted life together.

We are both extremely social and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Over the years, Darrin and I have hosted a myriad of social gatherings … ranging from small dinner parties to large elaborate holiday themed events.

We have learned how to foxtrot at ballroom dancing lessons and how to make wine by attending “Wine Camp” at a viticulture dude ranch in the Willamette Valley. We’ve driven all-terrain vehicles through muddy fields in Idaho and mountain bikes through the rugged terrain of Sunriver, Oregon. 

We have attempted to sing a Karaoke duet and experienced numerous live performances ranging from Shakespeare in the Park and Cirque du Soleil … to rock’ n’ roll concerts featuring bands such as Rod Stewart, Pink Martini, and Carlos Santana.

From world-class skiing in Whistler to the healing hot springs in New Zealand, I feel fortunate to have enjoyed several extended vacations together.  We've eaten chocolate in Switzerland, crepes in France, and fresh pasta in Italy.  One Christmas we escaped to a small bed and breakfast in Victoria, BC … and another one we spent fighting crowds at the "happiest place on earth" in Orlando, Florida with five year-old triplets.

This past May, we purchased a charity auction package that afforded us the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly in a private leer jet to cheer for the Seattle Mariners at a sold-out game at Safeco Field. We’ve also volunteered for a community Earth Day celebration and even offered a room in our home to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

I love, admire, and respect Darrin with all my heart. Quite honestly, I can’t imagine my life without him. I look forward to creating many more lasting memories together in Canada.

(A sample of one of the 40+ pages we have submitted to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario ... along with $1,040 ... as Travis would say, "they're paying us to be here.")

Paradise Lost (and found!)

I know it has been several months, but we've finally posted a few photos from our trip to New Zealand.  Adam and Teresa, thank you for everything!  This was truly the most amazing vacation I have ever taken.  If you have NZ on your "list" move it up a notch or two.  This is truly the best place on the planet to share a few weeks with sheep and lush, green countryside. 

Check out our photos!

Below are a few places I'd recommend building into the itinerary:

Antria Botique Lodge
276 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim, Marlborough, NZ
Hands down, this is the best bed and breakfast I have ever stayed at.  (Kathryne and Phil, you are welcome into our home anytime.)
www.antria.co.nz

Winemaker's Loft
Waiheke Island
www.winemakersloft.co.nz
duh.

Grove Mill Winery
www.grovemill.co.nz
Sanctuary ... and more.  You can taste wine grapes right on the vine.  Amazing!

Seresin.
Our absolute favorite wine label ... and our favorite first hand fall harvest.  They are organic and amazing.  www.seresin.co.nz

Self-contained accommodations under the mountains, on the beach, with artistic handcrafted pottery.
www.kaikouranet.co.nz/seaward.htm

Got wine?  www.nobilo.co.nz

A private have, tucked away in the midst of a vineyard ... modern cottage and more.  cellardoor@saintclair.co.nz

What a view!  What amazing wine.  Daniel Schuster Wines, Waipara, New Zealand. 

Wanna take a tour?  www.soundsconnection.co.nz

Pinot?  www.canterburyhouse.com

Cave tour?  www.kaikourawines.co.nz

A great place to stay in Auckland ... www.esapts.co.nz.  You can't go wrong.

Sorry I can't write more.  JUST GO.  You will not regret it.

XOXO

New perspective

Sometimes... it takes change to see things differently.

(a cool art piece located along the seawall near Coal Harborur)
 

VANOC 2010 World Headquarters

Wow.  I got to see it.  Experience it.  IT is amazing.
I got an official volunteer pin!!!
Below is a photo taken during my volunteer orientation at the 2010 Winter Olympics' operations center.  (This is the reception desk's waiting room where a live interview is happening in the background.  Those glass cubes contain models of what various Olympic venue will look like.)

There is truly a reason I am here.  Brace yourselves ladies and gentlemen ... it is going to be a wild four years.  Personally, I can't wait.

Our first visitor...

Thanks so much for coming to visit Stephanie!  It was great to see you.

Who's next?  Your guest bed awaits.