Campbell's Bday Weekend Away

Well, happy to report that Captain Campbell and Skipper Hudson managed to catch some dinner on their big fishing trip – too bad neither Georgie nor I eat fish.  Instead they had to eat it alone and air out the house before we returned home from shopping.  Sound familiar Mom?  I remember years ago my mother making guests from Nova Scotia eat their lobster outside in the pouring rain.  Such hospitality in the Seaboyer family!

The shopping trip was a great success and K-Mart has never been so ghetto and price pleasing.  Between an endless supply of rubber waste-band jeans and leopard printed heels, I really didn’t know where to begin.

After taking Macy to the butterfly museum (where my fear of birds and bees subsided and I managed to be aok with little insects flying at me) the five of us enjoyed a meal at the Angus Steakhouse.  With a little over indulging on wine and steak, we all agreed to walk home and put on our fat pants.

Behind the house where we were staying was a large building comprised of University students flats.  In the bottom left hand corner there was a large party going on and we could see everyone around the kitchen table; bottles clanking, 20 year olds hooting and hollering away and singing “Dog Days Are Over” at the top of their lungs.  There I stood on the balcony; to the right of me was our friends and their baby and to the left these loud obnoxious hooligans.  I think it was god’s way of telling me that I’m not ready for what’s waiting on the right and letting go of the life on the left isn’t going to happen just yet.  So don’t expect kids to be popping out anytime soon, we can put those rumours to bed asap.

On Sunday we met up with Toby and Chrissy for breakfast and some last minute shopping.  While in the middle of an outdoor sports store, I found a sleeping bag that honestly was the most amazing and softest feeling EVER.  I couldn’t stop touching it, which in turn made the 3 others want to touch it too.  After carrying on and touching this sleeping bag, the four of us realized that 10 minutes had passed and people had started to stare at us! Before leaving, I ran back to touch it one more time and to check the price tag – just a $1000!  Think I'll have to go back to K-Mart for a sleeping bag now too.

I’m enjoying a quiet week and am hoping it continues into the weekend. We’ll be at the field watching rugby on Saturday, but Campbell won’t be playing for another few weeks as the knee is still a wee bit tender.  My goal is to have a “get shit done weekend” by putting away the summer clothes and moving the fall/winter ones to the front.  Woo woo… I may need to add a bottle of wine in there somewhere to make it a tad exciting.

Hope the snow and your bodies are starting to defrost. You'll be happy to hear that it's getting colder and I've started wearing track pants for my walk to work in the morning. However, I still have my flip flop tan:)

Rugby Days

Usually I'm not the type of person that reads into predictions. In fact, I'm somewhat of a skeptic.  Perhaps it has something to do with a psychic once telling me that I would have "tons of children, even twins".  I guess after that, predictions and fortune telling freaked me out and I started to believe that some things were really not worth knowing ahead of time.

My mother will be happy to hear that last weekend, based on the Moonman's predictions, we took extra precautions in our weekend activities and had plenty of extra water and food on hand. FYI... the only land movement was an aftershock in Christchurch.  So he was kind of wrong. Well, really wrong.  I guess no one will be buying his next book.

I should back step for a second and say that "I" took extra precautions over the weekend, meanwhile Campbell played rugby. Being the second game I've ever seen him play, I was super excited to see him score a touchdown, or a goal... I mean a try. Yes a try. However I was not excited to see him cripple in front of me after attempting to tackle someone on the other team. Our afternoon and evening continued with Campbell's knee on ice and him being the butt of all the old guys jokes. Being one of the younger guys, he's  usually the first to poke fun and the "old" guys who spend the season on the sidelines due to one injury or another.  But, with a 25th birthday sneaking up this week and after spending 3 days in bed unable to move, I'm pretty sure one's cockiness has subsided! haha He's on the mend now, but no work and rugby this week.

As mentioned this weekend is Campbell's 25th birthday so Georgie and I are sending the boys on a deep sea fishing trip.  I'll let you know how that pan's out (and if there's any fish in the pan) next week.

Shake, Rattle & Roll

Walk right in, sit right down….

Can you actually believe that Dr Hook is still alive? Better yet – still performing?

Lucky for us, he joined CCR for a concert a few weekends ago in southern New Zealand and put on one hell of a show in the middle of a vineyard.  It might have been all the white wine, but let me tell you - those boys can still rock!

I was so excited to hear the songs of my childhood (thanks to my hippie parents) that I called my mom in Canada on a cell… can’t wait to see that phone bill!

This past weekend was the Wanaka Show; an A&P event (sort of like a community fair) that brings thousands of tourist into town.  The event was amazing - tons of food booths (you know with those steak sandwiches to die for and that will probably kill you), plus tons of agricultural events and activities for the kids.  I did my best to seek out the good deals at the retail stands, but the 30 degree sun got the best of me and the only way to survive was the Pimms tent!! What’s Pimms you ask? An amazing, thirst quenching, alcoholic cocktail that is a must try… recipe at the bottom of the post.

I apparently enjoyed the Pimms a little too much and while leaving the event I saw a sign for “Alpacas”. Forgetting that I have never even been on a horse before, I thought it would be really cool to ride one.  Did I mention there were actually no real animals there? Instead, I throw my leg over a wooden alpaca sign. Having no balance the sign, with me on top of it, fell over onto the ground.  Campbell didn’t know whether to help me up or run off in embarrassment.  Just waiting to see if I’m mentioned in this week’s paper under “citizens of disgust”.

Life is certainly keeping us on our toes these days.  Between the earthquakes in Christchurch and Japan and the “Moon Man’s” predictios for more in the weeks to come - I have been missing Canada strictly for the reason it never moves.  Not since 2000 have I thought about stocking up on canned food in case of emergency.  Probably the only time (other than 3am) I would consider canned spaghetti a necessity!  However, being prepared is all we can really do; worrying doesn’t help in the least.  Taking the “Eh Before Nay” approach to life, we’re just embracing it and whatever will be, will be.  That being said, enjoy the Pimms recipe. I guess it’s my version of the saying “when life hands you lemons…”

PIMMS

Ingredients:

2 1/2 ounces Pimm's liqueur

6 ounces ginger ale

1 slice oranges, and or 1 slice lemon

1 slice cucumber (spear)

mint (to garnish)

 

RECAP: Christmas & New Years

I can’t honestly believe it’s 2011. I feel like it’s going to be an amazing year for all. However, for those who believe the world is going to end in 2012, maybe you should ask your doctor for more crazy pills! Or less.

I’ll begin with my first “summer” Christmas. I don’t know what was weirder; having no snow or living with a woman who insisted on decorating every room with Christmas cheer. I’m not kidding; our house looked like the North Pole had thrown up. After a wild night out on the town (a Wanaka tradition on Christmas Eve), I felt the need to contribute some Canadian heritage. On Christmas morning we played Newfy horseshoes and drank homemade eggnog.  I can’t say it eased the hangover, but it did wonders for dealing with the in-laws.

As a gift, my darling boyfriend bought me a bungee jump. I must remember to make a list of romantic gift ideas for next year as plummeting 14,000ft to the ground will not likely be at the top of it. 

I was lucky enough to ring in the New Year with one of my dearest Canadian friends.  After a few flight delays (due to crappy North American weather) Shawna arrived in time for some champagne celebrations. Well maybe champagne, beer, vodka and shots… regardless I think we had fun!

We didn’t let the bad weather spoil our fun; the next few days in New Zealand included the Wanaka Rodeo, drinks at Edgewater (where I once cleaned toilets), dinner at The Lone Star (best steak in town), a lakeside lunch at The Ale House (complimentary sun burn), a road trip to Dunedin where we learned one of the best drinking games ever and a final stop in Geraldine before we caught our flight to Brisbane.

Unfortunately, we followed bad weather to Australia and on our first day there we were forced to go shopping. As you can imagine this was a real arm twister. We entered the Pacific Fair Mall during one of the most amazing sales I have ever seen.  $5 sales signs were everywhere… even shoes! 

The next day with our hair 3 inches higher and curlier than usual, we braved the muggy weather and headed down to Surfers Paradise.  After chilling at the beach, we agreed on this super cool café for our next liquid lunch at. Then we spent the rest of the day checking out the surfer guys... shops... I mean surfer shops!

Our next destination was Byron Bay where we stayed at a.... and I quote "flashpackers".  Supposedly an upscale back packers and an ideal place to realize how old you're getting. Five, even three years ago I would have been keen to stay up all night, sleep anywhere and meet as many new people from around the world as possible. Now at 25, I was tired after a week of straight partying and the idea of a "social courtyard" in the middle of our hotel made me put my ipod on to ensure that I got a decent nights sleep. How uncool am I?

We saved the best for last; our final stop being beautiful Sydney.  Our first day included tours of Darling Harbour, the Taronga Zoo and Circular Quay where both the Syndey Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House are located. The sun was shining and the sites were simply amazing! We took the ferry by Nicole (Kidman) and Keith (Urban's) condo... a real hole... I don't know how someone could live within those conditions.

Our trip concluded with a ferry ride over to Manly and an ocean kayak tour of the surrounding beaches. Shawna's choice, I was mid heart attack watching for sharks!

All in all, it was an amazing adventure and I was lucky to have a partner in crime to do it with!

Embracing My Inner Kiwi

I decided to embrace the Kiwi lifestyle and bought a pair of short shorts. Like the rest of New Zealand, I look like a complete fool.

Last night was my first game of mix touch rugby and I managed to trip over my own two feet twice. All I kept thinking was “I’d like to see you people try and skate”! Campbell believes that with a little bit of catching and running practice that I’ll be ready to go next Monday.  I believe that if someone has been uncoordinated for 25 years, the problem is not likely going to be solved in a week!

A Lesson in Wanaka

Wanaka is a very small, tourist travelled town. Like Canadians, the Kiwi's have been very welcoming and I'm fitting in well. The local pub is quite the place. It has unisex bathrooms - I may be from Toronto, but I nearly died when I saw that!! Aside from that, the beer is good, the music is good and the locals are usually walking around in rugby shorts and jandles (flip flops)!! I'm having "heaps" of fun!

Enjoy a few NZ terms, try not to look like a tourist!

T = Dinner
Heaps = A lot
Spat the dummy - Freaked out
Sweet as = Pretty cool
Scratcher = Bed
Pissed as a parrot = Drunk

RECAP: Family Impressions

The past few weeks have been busy. I woke one night to a rumbling bed - I assumed that Campbell was trying to get fresh with me and pretended to keep sleeping. Of course when it continued and I realized that we were having an earthquake I knew my mother would be freaking when she heard the news the next day!! We were very fortunate in Wanaka, we only felt the initial 7.1 earthquake and suffered no damage. Christchurch (about 5 hours away) wasn't so lucky.  Pretty scary stuff. I hope you have been following the news and keeping updated.

Campbell & I spent the past 2 weeks house sitting for his Aunt & Uncle. It was an opportunity to get away from his parents - so we of course jumped at it. However "house sitting" is a loose term. We actually took on a home, 2 dogs, 2 cats, a hobby farm and a 17 year old boy. I felt so bad for Sean, I could imagine the excitement and party planning that went on in his mind when he heard his parents were going away for 2 weeks. Only to have it all taken away by having us stay there and "Teen sit".

Now on this farm (did you just sing that to Old MacDonald?? haha) they have chickens, numerous pregnant sheep and pigs. YES, the bastard pigs from the previous email!! Now when I say "pregnant sheep" I should also mention that it's lambing time here in New Zealand and they were meant to go into labour on our watch. One night, during a rain storm this stupid sheep decides to give birth in the middle of the field. The weather is freezing and the lambs (twins) aren't strong enough to walk to the barn. If we touch them, we risk the mother not feeding them due to our human smell. So poor Campbell & Sean decide that in order for them to live, they have to bring them in. So me (non farm gal) watching from the house, all I hear are these lambs going nuts (think sounds from the movie ET) and these two guys running across the filed trying to grab them!! I know it was a very serious life or death situation, but honestly I was nearly peeing my pants from laughing so hard. I say it again, I am not meant for farming.

On a family note, I have met the fancy pancy Aunt & Uncle from New Zealand. Last weekend we had dinner at their "summer home" on the lake in Wanaka. This house was ridiculous, the type of home you see in celebrity magazines. I didn't dare touch anything. Well aside from the expensive wine. I felt like an idiot when I came strolling in with my $12 no name special. Oh well, it could have been worse - I could have brought Baby Duck!! Anyway, I realized just how fancy pancy they were when his Aunt was chatting about having dinner last week with "John". I soon realized she was talking about John Travolta. Maybe in my next life!!

As for my in-laws, I have officially made my mark on the Grant family. Last Sunday while looking for an atlas we found his parents wedding album. Sitting at the kitchen table, I opened the album for Sue & I to look through. About a minute into turning pages, we smelt smoke. Apparently when I opened the wedding album, I opened it onto a candle!!!! So regardless if Campbell keeps me around or not, I will always be the bitch that burnt her wedding album!! No pictures were harmed, only the 30 year old very off white wedding cover!!

RECAP: The First Month

So it's offically been a month and I'm finally getting settled. I was warned that within the first few weeks I would reach a point and wonder what the heck I was thinking by moving away for a year. I am happy to report that time has come and gone and I have not changed my flight. However, it definitly happened. Between my "crappy" job and limited mobility (we don't have a car), I was a very irritable person to be around. You don't realize how important little things are until you don't have them at your finger tips. Usually I conquer my stress by going shopping, however Wanaka is a ritzy town and you can't find a pair of jeans under $300. So I was at a loss. My under attracive house keeping uniform (think hideous golf shirt, borderline butch) would have to do for the time being.

Luckily my time at Edgewater was short lived and I started my new job as a receptionist for Central Property this week. Althought my house keeping job may have been brief, it was not complete until some tourist blessed me with the most dissgusting hotel room in holiday history. I could tell by the scent of their room that they had been cooking the night before. You guessed it - fish. Not just any ol' fish - fish heads that they were kind enough to leave in the pots for little ol' Jenna to clean out. Probably the only time I almost puked in a hotel room - sober.

Few things that I learned while house cleaning;
1) Women are messier than men
2) Many people keep their pj's under their pillows - weird.
3) People don't steal the soaps, shampoos and vanity kits from hotels anymore - my Nana would be rolling over in her grave if she knew this.

So back to my travels. Wanaka is a huge tourists destination and therefore everything is expensive. How expensive you ask? When I went to buy peppers that cost $4 EACH - I nearly died. My normally veggie filled chilli quickly become spiced mints meat with several cans of tomatoes!!

Campbell and I decided to take a road trip last weekend to Dunedin. It's roughly 3 hours away, but a beautiful scenic adventure versus my normal 3 hour route of concrete on the 401 in Toronto.  The best was getting into Dunedin and heading to the beach. It was beautiful, but very brisk. We spent Saturday afternoon with Chrissy and Tobey - throwing the rugby ball around on the beach and then hitting a very cool cafe on the way home.

However the best part of the trip was the shopping. Shopping in a place where peppers did not costs $4 and therefore my inner bargain girl could shine!! And she did. I found some fabulous new shops and bought myself something at each one. Yes it may be selfish, but when dating Campbell Grant you can't predict the next time your shopaholic soul will be let loose in a big city.  One thing funny to note, they have K-Mart. Couldn't believe it, I got an undershirt for $12. Guess that I can finally agree with my mom that K-Mart is kind of cool (somewhere the 13 year old girl inside of me is screaming and telling me to shut up)!!

I have had one injury to date. Totally sober and not even 1% my fault. You're never going to believe this; while feeding pigs at Campbell's aunt and uncles, Campbell was hitting the slop bucket with a giant metal rod. I must also note that he had just used this giant rod to smack the pigs from attacking each other. While hitting the bucket, Campbell forgot that I am NOT a farm girl or boy and therefore I do not have farmer like instants. While standing innocently to the side (but likely in the way) I got hit directly in the mouth with the dirty pig stick. Within minutes my lip was swollen and all I could think about was that the dirty stick had just been touching a pig. A pig. Yuck! The incident ended up being a blessing in disguise; 1) My thin little lips were sexy and full for three whole days and 2) Campbell will likely not take me to the farm again. Win/win.