In a Day Dream and Laughing

Today ended up being much cloudier than expected, with a bit of drizzle all day long. The one thing I did do was take a long walk down to the short pier for some people watching and camera shots. But I didn't end up with anything that spectacular.

What I did end up doing was sitting on my rear end while P went swimming. Yes I guess I'm lazy, but washing my hair twice in one day just isn't my cup of team anymore. Good thing I did get some FREE reading time because I stumbled upon a great article on Sking and Snowboarding in Europe. And I think I've already got ski fever!!!

Actually the article speaks about the differences between the US and Europe when it comes to hitting the slopes. It immediately got me thinking that I still can't even compare California to BC yet because I haven't gone skiing in 2 plus years! Maybe I will this season, if my immigration application ever finishes.

Here are a few of the highlights which made me laugh:

1. ""Holy Cow!" (or some variation of that remark): This is one of the first exclamations from an American skier or rider when first looking up at the mountains in Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland or even Spain. The first exclamation is quickly followed by, "We're going to ski down that?""

I had to laugh at this one because I could just imagine my cousin saying that!

2. "Next four!: American lift lines are the essence of order. There are smoothly functioning singles lines and rarely is a ski stepped on. Lift lines in Europe are a free-for-all — until the point where barriers have been set up to funnel skiers into the lift, there are no controls."

I so started laughing because I really didn't experience too many lines while I was living in Switzerland until I went to Klosters/Davos. There was one point where I was asking my friend how do we line up. It was just completechaoss and everyone really does step all over your skis!

If you are interested in reading their list, find the entire article here.

Feeling Comfy

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Mr. Twist suntaning after a day of getting his hair cut.
What a hard life! And Beautiful weather!

Retirement

Gotta love this one!

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their
Days interesting. Well, for example, the other day I went down town and
Entered a shop. I was only in there for about 5 minutes and when I came
Out there was a cop writing out a parking ticket. I went up to him and
Said, "Come on, man, how about giving a retired person a break"?

He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. I called him a "Nazi." He
Glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires. So
I called him a "doughnut eating Gestapo." He finished the second ticket
And put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started
Writing a third ticket. This went on for about 20 minutes. The more I
Abused him, the more tickets he wrote.

Personally, I didn't care. I came down town on the bus.
I try to have a little fun each day now that I'm retired.
It's important to my health.

Friday's Feast 113

Ok - so I'm back for another feast.

Appetizer
What is your favorite herb or spice?
probably cinnamon.

Soup
Name a song you like but haven't heard in a long time.
LOL - most anything that I used to listen to on the radio on France.
I really loved their diversity in their choices.

Salad
If you were to take just one minute to write down as many things as you can think of that you need (not want) to do, approximately how many things would there be?
Need - it wouldn't take long. The only thing I need is to get PR approval!!!

Main Course
Tell something interesting about one of your family members (nothing scandalous, please, just something unique).

Interesting - Hmm... Well my brother and I attended the same university. He was a swimmer as well. He went on to swim just 3 years like me and still was national champion all 3 years. He's got three big football sized superbowl rings to show for it.


Dessert
What's the latest you've ever stayed awake?

At least 36 hours. Oh that would either be last year when we took our trip to Switzerland. We were up fairly early pacific time and by the time we landed it was already 2pm the next day. We didn't go to sleep until about 11pm that night. Long ago, I also didn't go to bed until about 2pm the next day after staying up all night partying...

Look what happened to me, I made it on the front page :0) Thanks to Sean for this...

Photography News And More

Last night was my first photography class. We had 9 people in all show up, all were incredibly interesting. We really didn't do more than get to know each other and watch the teacher get organized and pass out a few forms.

The teacher who is also a professional photographer is pretty darn entertaining. He has a lot of jobs going on at a regular basis, many with some popular stars (even Bill Cosby). I was getting a bit scared when he said he really didn't know much about digital photography, but it's more a matter of camera specifics than how he shoots with is own equipment. He's been in business for over 20 years now and even did 5 posters with the Canucks!

Next week we are doing a lecture on tripods and supposedly I'm going to be their portrait model. Gee thanks!

The highlight of the evening was when I walked into the class and my eagle eyes spied the teacher checking out the dating site "Plenty of Fish". I just about fell to the floor in laughter!!

Our homework - to read part of the manual. If you know me well, I'm a visual learner. I'm not so sure how well this will be going for me!

We will be having a photo contest of which the theme is people. We can present up to 3 printed 5x7's. There are also 2 field trips, 1 at night (during class) and another day field trip.


** More news on the immigration front **
I sent off for my FOSS notes yesterday. So it's a hurry up and wait forever now process.

I did find out from this immigration forum some extra information which is sort of useful to me.

"The exception to this - when a file leaves CPC-V before being decided - is if they need an interview to determine if the relationship is genuine, in which case the file is transferred to the local CIC office before AIP. "

I guess this is what has happened to my application! Okay so annoying but they will feel so stupid once they interview us... So hurry up and wait more!

Needing a Laugh

Yesterday Charles had a great video up. I sent it to a few of my girl friends who absolutely loved it. Since I've got knots in my stomache, I figured this was the best remedy, even for myself...

In case you want to see it in another window.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ3DJlNfUC8
Hope it's a good laugh! :)

** All intentions are only for laughs **

And I'm so excited Ginnie is getting ready for her visit here soon!

Not The News I Wanted

Last night, I went online to see what a phone call from Immigration Canada last Friday meant. I hadn't yet found anything in my Online file, but knew Sunday was the day they update the ECAS, the online system where my case number is shown. Sure enough, my hunch was correct but the update wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear!

Heart Sinks to the ground....

It said my immigration case was transferred to the local CIC office last Friday. This could be good, but only AFTER your AIP (Approval in Principle) is granted. So now, I'm not sure what I should do, if I should worry etc... My work permit expires in two months and I was hoping to get AIP so that I didn't have to worry about getting a renewal.

So where am I at right now: I don't even know what questions I should know ask for more information...

But what I do know is that I am a bit dissappointed. My case could now take longer. AKK, longer than my already 8 plus months. Here's to some higher hopes that the transfer is really nothing all too big.

In the mean time, I'll have a bit of uneasiness feeling in my stomach until I know more. It's all a guessing game! I'll keep you updated as I struggle to figure out my next move.

But tomorrow I start my first photo class. Yeah! Finally!

Shopping in Canada

Well the media has finally caught on to the concept which I have been noticing for over a year now. Here in Canada, the USD conversion is worth 1.1 Canadian. That's not all too much of a difference when you look at it. But there is a big difference when you look at how much something costs in Canada compared to the same item in the US.

(As a side note: Just for all those Swiss and Euro users, the current conversion is .78 Euro to the USD, and 1.23 CHF for the USD. If we are looking at Canada - it's 1.43 EU for $1 CAD, and 1CHF is .90CAD. )

Now most people know the store GAP. A pair of Gap jeans in CAD is $79.95. In the US, that same pair of Gap jeans are just $59.95. I'm no mathematician but if we take that conversion factor, $80 CAD should be about $71 for a pair Gap Jeans in the US. In fact, they are something like 25% higher in price. It just doesn't work out.

Other items which carry this same awful conversion are magazines, books and CARS!!! The conversions just don't correlate anymore. So I do hope many Canadian shoppers head down to the US to do their shopping until this conversion nightmare gets adjusted. It's enough paying full price on an item, but 25% more for the same thing???

I just hope change is in the near future. And change for my immigration papers too...

Smiling Back Blue Eyes

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Since my favorite color is blue, I just couldn't pass this one up.

This little green darner has a sad story behind this shot. I seriously think he's praying. Why?

Smiling Back
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Well it started on a Saturday in August when this beautiful dragonfly flew up into our sky lights. It appeared he would finally fly out, but insisted on staying until the next morning. He was spinning his wings and overly exhausted. You could hear him scared to death and frantically trying to escape, about 20 feet above us.

By the morning time, he was so tired that he fell to the ground seeking air from outside. I scooped him up and put him in a planter bowl outside on our balcony. And this is how I saw him. A few hours later he died...

He's so beautiful.. I'm sure he was smiling and praying for his life.
I just love his eyes...

Playing Low Key And Survivor

I got sick again! Yeah I couldn't believe it myself. I think I figured out who gave it to me and when. Considering the story I got from the person who was sick, I've had half as much pain and fever as they have had. When I went to the store today, all of the cold medicines were out! Well either everyone has a cold/fever/cough right now or they were really under stocked. I had to ask to get what I wanted...

I'm fairing well consider. Just lots of juice, rest and the sun outside is making me happy.

Did anyone watch Survivor last night?

It all started with this scene:
"As Hiki answers the final question on their board correctly, they too secure a victory, leaving Aitu in last place. Before leaving the challenge, Aitu sends Yul from Puka to Exile Island. As Yul gathers his things, Billy from the defeated Aitu tribe turns to Candice from Raro and whispers, "I'm next." In an effort to console him, Candice says, "Well, we love you," to which Billy replies, "I love you."

The ending was hilarious!!!
You should have seen Jeff P's face when one of the members, Billy to be exact, admitted to have experienced "love at first sight"!!! Billy is out in never land for sure...

The Reaction was Priceless...

But my day is now complete because I know what I will do for my photo hunt photo!

Yippiieee...

Stay tuned for this one...

Reifel Bird Sanctuary

On a rainy Sunday, I set off with other photography members for the Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta, BC. It's not all that far from Tsawwassen and Vancouver, BC.

There is so much to see at the sanctuary, especially on a sunny day. Many migratory birds stop here before they move onto their next chosen destination. The rain was more of a drizzle, but annoying enough to get our cameras very wet. Here's a look at some of the photos I turned out.


The mallards seem to have it made here. My guess is that we saw at least 100 of these guys around, some very young and others just as beautiful as could be. See more birds.

A break of wind. You can see out as far as the eye can see.
Possibly off towards Vancouver Island.

A bit of the rainy day. But time for these flowers to shine.

Happy Birthday Bro

Flashback Monday. Today is my brother's 26th Bday. He thinks he's an old fart. LOL.. Okay maybe compared to some of the friends he hangs out with maybe he is, but I'm not sure where he gets that idea. He's certainly younger than me.

My Brother and I

About this time 5 years ago, I was on the brink of changing my life. I was only dreaming about living in Europe and scheming how I must just do that. It's sort of crazy that my brother and I have done almost exactly the same things, had some of the same interests at the exact same age. He's just a few years behind me. I'm interested in seeing what happens next for him.

Flashback photo. This photo was taken in August 1999 in Seattle, Washington before I got my first digital camera. My brother and I were visiting my ex boyfriend on a vacation to the San Juan Islands. It was my brothers first time getting up that way and on vacation. This was the month that I ended my swimming career. Yes my hair was REALLY long. And I was tan with a full goggle tan. My brother was just getting seriously into swimming at this point.

Lookin Up

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What do you see when you look up? I see so many things.
I couldn't decide on 1 photo, so here are 3!

Bloedel Gardens

China Town Vancouver

Summer Sunset...

Now if things were really looking up,
I'd get a notice that I'm finally getting my landing papers for
immigrating to Canada.

Evening Blue

Evening Blue
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

August turned out to be the most incredible photo month for me.
Many of the photos I've posted lately all came in from the month of August and I've still got many more to go.

So we ended up having rain again last night but it is dry right now. Since I'm outdoors this weekend, let's hope the rain hits just at the right times!

I've become a flickr addict since July some time. I love this community because I can figure out how to get better and what constitutes a great shot. I still have a lot to learn, especially in photoshop. But at least I can recognize a good photo when I see one.

This is just another attempt at tempting Ginnie for her visit. ;-)

Good News!

Purple Beauty
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

We've got rain! This is probably the first storm which has actually brought more than a trickle of rain for more than 2 months. I hadn't mentioned it before, but some areas of BC are really hurting for the rain.

In fact, there are 2 really bad forest fires in south east BC, which hopefully now can be contained as a result of this wet stuff. As well, there's someone coming here in a few weeks and she's going to be staying in a declared "drought crisis" area. We can only hope more water comes into that area on Vancouver Island because their water supplies are virtually empty.

The rain doesn't exactly make for great photos, except for flowers. But this weekend, I have a bird photo trip planned with the photo club. Let's hope it's decent weather for that at least!

In other good news, I haven't missed a day of swimming. I actually feel more heart healthy and I'm thinking I've lots a few lbs. For me that's exciting. Isn't it for any woman!

Anyhow, I guess I've been told that I'm that fast person in the pool. It feels good but I'll take them up on that once I actually feel really good about myself and can dive off the blocks in a more graceful manner. (well at least that is what I felt like as I dove into the water yesterday.)

Genetically Modified Rice

It has hit Switzerland and came from the US.

What's that? Well according to a report by SwissInfo, the US ships a lot of genetically modified rice. This type of rice is not aloud to be sold in Switzerland either. The shipment was discovered at a port in Rotterdam during a routine inspection. I'm not really sure what the whole strain, a biotech LL 601 rice, is about or what health issues it could cause. According to this report, the LL 601 rice is engineered to resist a herbicide. There is one thing for certain, Tighter Rules are ahead.

What really got me were these few excerps from the article:

In August, the EC tightened requirements on US long-grain rice imports to prove the absence of biotech rice strain LL 601, which it said was marketed by the Bayer company of Germany and produced in the US.

On Monday, environmental group Greenpeace International said a strain of LL 601 rice had been found in branches of discount supermarket Aldi Nord in Germany.

The US Food and Drug Administration says that LL 601 rice poses no risk to human health and does not raise any food, safety or environmental concerns.

And how do they know there isn't a health risk? I certainly wouldn't trust the FDA. They've been wrong before...

Swiss Decaf Coffee

As I was doing a bit of research last night, I stumbled upon a local Vancouver company that has some Swiss ties. I'm a big fan of eating foods which are as pure and chemical free as possible, especially in coffee. That's exactly what the Canadian company SWISS WATER is about.

SWISS WATER is a company which uses a 100% chemical free decaffeination process to make decaffeinated coffee. The process was first discovered in Switzerland, but later patented and refined in Vancouver, Canada, which is the only facility of its kind in the world. The only secret ingredient to this process is using something we can't live without, water!

The company has been around since 1989. High entry costs have prevented anyone else from using the same process, and certainly not something you can just start up right away. You can learn about this Swiss Water process via the flash video.

Decaf coffee customers can account for as much as 15% of company sales. Think women or other heath conscious people who do not want to have caffeine to be these main consumers.

Why buy this way? Most other decaffeination processes use chemicals like Methylene Chloride, something the public should be more aware of.

Here is a link to the most popular brands selling their coffee. Think Sams Club, Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Tim Hortons, and Van Houtte to name a few.

Vancouver and Lake Geneva

You might be interested in checking out a great review of how similar Vancouver and the Lake Geneva region just are. I know a few of you are set to check out this great city of Vancouver. It's a wonderful read, especially from a visitor who was here for a few short days. They often see the things we just take for granted from day to day.

I guess I'm a little biased since I'm in part of the article interview.

"To a first-time Vancouver visitor from Geneva, the city is an easy, comfortable fit. Labels are in French and English. The Canadian dollar and Swiss franc are nearly at parity. Swiss trains they may not have, but the sea bus between West and North Vancouver and the city centre, as well as city buses, make for a good transportation system. Some prices seem a bit better, but many are virtually the same. The weather is similar to Lausanne's but with more rain."...

Interested in reading more? Read Geneva Lunch.

Expat Interviews

Flowers in the Rain
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Since many of you who read my blog are also expats, I wanted to show you something I found. I'm not exactly sure how I stumbled upon the website, but I know a few other people here have done an interview as well. I won't name specifics, but I'm sure by browsing you'll find out.

My interview as an expat is now up with a few others who comment regularly on this blog.

The site is called Expat Interviews and can be helpful in many ways. I'm finding it helpful just for ideas and other experiences people have had compared to what I have gone through.

Many new interviews are up daily so it's actually interesting to check back in to the site. Have a look and possibly send in your request for an interview too.

I'm sure these flowers are certainly fitting to remember today.

Amazing Butcher Stories

As we were visiting our favorite north vancouver butcher yesterday, we had a laugh that must happen more than just once every so often.

A lady walks in rummaging through her change purse and orders a half pd of ground beef.
Ok nothing really so out of the ordinary, well except that's she paying in change only.

But the lady helping her from the store, thought she said a pd of ground beef. Usually that's more like the amount one might get. Well the lady insisted she would have the half pd of meat......

She then proceeded to ask how many hamburgers would that make?

The lady working there answer enough for 2 quarter pounders....

We almost started rolling on the floor right there laughing!

Are We Hungry Yet

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I guess blogging in the morning isn't so good if you are thinking about Food!
Then again it can be inspiring enough to go cook something tasty.
Something I don't think I ever posted before.
From Interlaken August, 2005.

When we arrived in Interlaken last summer, we walked in to the sweet smelling aromas of the most incredible tasting half apple, half apricot pie. This is a simple yet famously tasty dish many Swiss enjoy making during the summer months. It includes eggs, sugar, a simple pie crust and whatever filing you might want.

We found these wonderful chocolates in our room, not to mention the all so Swiss Edelweiss. What a welcomed gift for us! Truly it was such an amazing experience for P and I. We still talk about the incredible hospitality from our Interlaken friends.

**Receipe** As requested by Carol - Here's the basic receipe.
I think I actually just got this from a magazine. Off top of my head
from previous times.

Cook at 400F for 35 mins.

gather enough fruit to fill the pie
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
1/2 cup sugar
3 T. flour
3 eggs beaten
dash of cream
3 to 3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca quick cook
(thickens pie) - optional.

You can also add sprinkles of
-almond extract
-cinnamon
-nutmeg
-lemon juice for flavors

Bloggers Meet

Going Sailing
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting another blogger in Vancouver. This time it was just a quick meet for coffee before she was on her way back to Switzerland.

(I'm sure I don't need to make things clear that you must take a plane to get there.)

Her personal blog is called Whistlestop Caboose in which her latest entry talks about her positive airport experience at Schiphol, as well as her journey to Vancouver.

Ellen has lived quite an interesting life. Her heart and sole are being poured into all things Switzerland, which if you know me caught my interest immediately. I'm sure we could have stayed talking for many more hours.

The website is called Geneva Lunch which ironically is how we got to meeting. The website is a very hands on website, with useful information to people of cantons Vaud and Geneva. Ellen has some incredible insights about living in Switzerland along with many people she has met in her lifetime of travels. She's a world traveler and has been to many more places that I could ever imagine.

It was certainly a pleasurable meet up. And can't wait until my next visitors shows up in town!

Holding onto Summer

Savoring The Summer Beauty
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

On August 30th, I was able to get out to Queen Elizabeth Park. One reason why I did this was because I knew all of the flowers and plants would be out.

They were vivid as ever and the sky was just breath taking. There's another reason also why I did this. It's because I know Ginnie wants to visit this place, time permitting. By the time she arrives, I'm sure Autumn will be in full bloom. Can you imagine how beautiful this place will look.

I love seeing the phases this park goes through. The most depressing time is when the snow hits in December and January. But there is one great pleasure to turn your eyes to. It's that sphere seen in the right side of this photo. That sphere is called Bloedel Gardens and it's also where P and I were married.

On one other note, I'm going to make the effort to take off for a noon masters swim as much as my schedule permits. Today will be my first day as it only goes on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. I'll be needing another swim suit in due time too... Imagine that, I'm swimming again...

Montreux Architecture

Montreux Architecture
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Yesterday we took a small trip out to White Rock, which is situated right at the border of Washington State and Canada. You can literally see the US border from many points along the beach in fact.

Both P and I aren't too much into soaking up the sun as we would rather walk around, talk and people watch much more. One thing we noticed was that Which Rock is a pretty resort town. We often consider moving here because of the prices of houses are much cheaper than in our beloved North Vancouver.

We both agreed that even with my first love being Montreux, the North Shore comes in at a close second. Our incredible weather here this summer certainly makes us see this.

1. We have everything here within reach as does Montreux.
2. We have scenic views and sunsets to die for as does Montreux.
3. We have great summer weather as does Montreux.
4. We are close to water and close to Mountains, as does Montreux.
5. Both areas are very family oriented.
6. Both areas are clean and like to preserve the landscape and surroundings.

Here is one sample of a building I fell in love with while living in Montreux. This is actually situated right next to the hospital and only 4 levels up from the water. I took the photo from the park near the house. If you'd like to learn more on the photos history, just click on it.

On the Interlaken Road

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On the Road - Look I'm standing on the road while I was taking this
scenic photo near Interlaken. It's actually on the other side of Harder Kulm. Many people start right here and hike up to Harder Kulm. At the top, there are spectacular views and a bunch of wildlife which you can see with good binoculars.

I'm still trying to keep it low key but have been all week.