10...

Wow! Only 10 more days!

It still isn't hitting me just yet...I've started packing toiletries etc in my backpack and have realized that once again, I have far too much crap! Surprise, Surprise eh?

If anyone can help convince me that 1 shower gel and one tiny soap should be more than acceptable for 2 weeks away, I'd really appreciate it! I'm guessing 1 razor will be ok as well, but I'm debating taking a second one with me too...and how many blister pads is too many?

I've been checking up on the news in NZ for the past few weeks. They had some interesting articles about Harper after the election. It's nice to get an outside view of your own country once in a while!

In case you're interested as well, please feel free to visit the New Zealand Herald.
For weather updates, please visit: http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php.
To figure out what time it is: http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_NZ.aspx

I hope you're all doing well! Keep in touch and keep checking back frequently! :)

C.R.

This made me giggle...

Dilbert is great - this one made me laugh this morning...

23 Degrees

Even though we've had a mild winter here in Southern Ontario, I still can't wait to hit the 23 Degree weather of New Zealand. 17 days to go until I depart the cool-ish temperatures of Canada...

After making a few purchases on the weekend, I think I'm pretty much ready for my trip - I really need to do inventory to ensure that I haven't forgotten anything and hopefully my VISA will be able to handle any last minute purchases that I will require. If anyone has any tips that they would like to share with me, please feel free to do so - I know at this point, I'm probably over-prepared, but does such a thing really exist? I picked up a pair of sunglasses this weekend so I don't burn my eyes under the non-existent ozone in NZ. My major concern right now is how to endure the boredom that I'm sure will set in on the flights to and from my destination. With any luck I'll be really tired and able to sleep for a significant amount of time in the air.

In the next few days or so, I'll post my itinerary so you can follow my path around the country.

Keep it real!

C.R.

One more month...

The countdown is in it's final stage now. One more month until I depart on my long awaited vacation!

To all my close friends, that means only 1 more month of having to hear my countdown and talk about the trip. On the flip side, it also means only 7 weeks until you get to hear all of the stories about what took place while I was away and to be bombarded with the pictures that I took while away. Either way you look at it, I know you are all considering yourselves very lucky!

Since I know how much everyone loves my countdowns, I have another one to start. The countdown to the Mississaugua marathon! Thanks to Shaundra, I don't need to put much effort into figuring it out - her countdown began yesterday I believe. 124 days until the half marathon! I had better get my butt in gear and start my walking! I believe based on my training schedule, I will head out for about 1/2 an hour this evening. Thankfully the weather isn't too bad and will hopefully be pleasant this evening for a nice stroll down by the water. 21km seems so long right now...I could actually walk to work with 5 km to spare! I think this is going to start something good for me - I could start walking to the movie theatre instead of driving! We'll see how well that will work out on the first extreme heat alert this summer with the air quality down the crapper - I think my air conditioned car might start calling my name. But I am going to try and be better about that sort of thing. And if the walking works out for me and I come to find myself in better shape, maybe I'll start jogging or running...it's a far stretch to think of that right now, but keep checking back and I'll inform you of my progress!

Take care peeps! Talk to y'all soon!
C.R.

Eating an apple...

Mmmm....this is a good apple!

Happy New Year everyone!

For those of you who live in the city of Toronto and are homeowners, the city will plant a tree on your front lawn for free - just thought you might be interested if you don't already know about this. (Free Trees)

So today marks the first anniversary of my first date with Aaron. Happy Anniversary! Doesn't really feel like a year - not sure if it feels longer or shorter, but it doesn't feel like a year right on. (Ya, we all know I'm weird!)

Today also marks 35 days until my trip - that's right kids! 5 more weeks! And the panic starts to set in...do I have everything I need? How much money should I bring with me? Do I need to buy any more clothes? Will I be able to fit everything into one backpack???? **Note to self** Don't forget to photocopy all important documents! If any of you have any words of wisdom or advice, please feel free to let me know. I don't think I'd be so panicky if I were going with someone else, but heading abroad by myself is making me a bit more anxious than usual - hard to believe eh?

Anyone interested in doing a 5K walk in May? or maybe a 1/2 Marathon? Let me know...Shaundra and I are talking about participating and the more the merrier right?

I will get back to work now...the org charts are calling my name...

Peace!
C.R.