Back to working out! #project365

It was tough. Definitely lost some fitness from being sick, but it's good to back on the workout path!

Now that's customer service! #project365 #PIOCanvas

Since we moved into our house last year, our entrance has had screws in the wall where our bench is located. I have been wanting to either use them for some photos or take them out and cover the holes. Truthfully, the latter seemed like way more work.

Over the last year, my interest in photography has increased and I've started to put a couple of my pieces onto canvas and hang them in our house. I discovered a company called "Picture It On Canvas" through Groupon. Other than canvases, they also put images on slate and metal. I've really wanted to try metal, and recently, they had a buy one, get two free on a size I thought would be perfect for out entrance way.

They arrived today and for the most part, I couldn't be happier. The images look amazing and the size is perfect. Unfortunately, one of them was damaged. I emailed the company after we had dinner and within 20 minutes, I received a response. They are reprinting the piece and it should arrive in the next couple of days, free of charge.

It's not often that you get that fast of customer service now a days! I would definitely recommend them for anyone looking to put their photos onto an cool and unique medium.

I have a few spots left on the wall. I'd definitely go back to Picture It On Canvas once I have some photos I want to turn into art!

Sweet Success! #project365

Today was a pretty good day. I travelled to Calgary with one of the managers from work to give a final presentation for a marketing course my company was involved in. We had to present our strategic plan for one of our products to a panel of software entrepreneurs and businessmen for feedback.

Earlier in the semester, the preliminary presentation went a little rough, so we were a little nervous about this one. We left Edmonton at about 8 am, arrived in Calgary on time to hear a couple of the other presentations and have lunch before we were up.

Today's photo is before it was our turn to present. I was excited and nervous...and pretty happy about what I saw in the mirror. It's been a long time. I haven't been able to wear these black pants and pink shirt for over a year. It feels really good.

The presentation went awesome. The material looked great and my coworker did an awesome job executing our plan. We didn't get a grilling at all this time around and they were really excited about the product and our company. The next steps will be selling the strategy to our management.

Success does feel sweet!

All Checked Out, #project365

Well, I missed a couple of days of posting photos. I have been too worn out trying to get rid of this nasty flu bug going around.

Even if I'm still not healthy, it was that time of year to make sure our Mags is doing well. Here she is, anxiously waiting the vet. She charmed everyone in the vet clinic, and did very well at getting poked and prodded. We may have some dental work needed but that's another time.

She was extremely well behaved and did awesome.

With Gusto! #project365

It's funny where you find encouragement and inspiration.

It's been a bit of a rough week. I've been home sick, except for the 6.5 hours I managed to drag my sorry butt into work. I ad to back out of worship because i feel so bad.

As of this writing, I've had three hours sleep but can't seem to get rest. I've been feeling bad that I haven't been able to work out and I actually miss it. I'm behind on my weekly goals.

So I was feeling pretty sorry for myself.

Basically, first world problems.

Yesterday, I'm at the doctor and while I was waiting, the following phrase on the wall calendar in the examination room caught my eye. It was just the words of encouragement I needed. And bonus: this morning, I found out I am on track with my weight loss goals. I'm almost a third of the way there.

It was the kick in the rear end I needed. Once I'm well, I'm ready to pursue my dreams with gusto!

Second Canvas, #project365

Several months ago, I had bought a couple of groupon coupons for putting photos on canvas. One arrived on my doorstep this week while I was home sick.

I'm pretty happy how it turned out but now I have the challenge of finding the right place to hang it!

Sick and Tired, #project365

My hubby is getting ready for a Magic the Gathering weekend with the guys. He found this card and gave it to me.

Very poetic. And says it all.

Valentine's Day, #project365

Even though we are both still sick, my hubby made his nummy shrimp salad for dinner. Despite feeling terrible, it was yummy and incredibly sweet. I have the best hubby ever!

Sick...and not in a good way. #project365

So I finally gave in. I'm sick. Sunday, I was sneezing and could feel it coming but I thought I could talk myself out of it. This morning, I woke up and had to admit I was sick.

I think the only ones thrilled about me being home sick is Maggie and Leo. They have both snuggled in and have kept me company all day. Leo is pretty content just hanging out on the couch.

Party Kitty in the House! #project365

Once again, I'm paying catch up with my project 365. Yesterday was so full, I was exhausted when we got home.

We spent a great evening with friends on Friday night. After a nap to recover from the long day, we went to meet friends we've been trying to see for about eight months. After an awesome dinner at Cactus Club, we headed over to the Red Piano in West Edmonton Mall. Our friend Matt is friends with one of the musicians and he got us piano side seats.

What a great time! These guys inspire me to be working on my piano chops! The are terrific and I would go again in a second. It was a great evening of music and catching up with friends.

Thanks Matt and Heather for a great time! We need to get together sooner than eight months from now!

Road Travelled Well, #project365

This is the highway between Edmonton and Calgary. It's hard to believe that it was February 10, 2012 when it was taken. It looks like it should be October, not the middle of a Canadian winter.

It was a long day yesterday. My sisters and I took the day off work to make a journey to Calgary for my Great-Uncle George's funeral. I'll be honest; I originally wasn't going to go. I have never been that close to my extended family. But on Thursday, I read the obituary and a small voice whispered in my ear that it's family and I need to go. No one from my side of the family was going to be there and it just seemed wrong.

So, for once I actually listened to that voice. At the last minute, I pushed to get some advertising for work wrapped up, arranged for my sisters to come with me, and the next morning we were heading down the highway at 7 am.

It was a long day, driving that highway twice in one day. We made it to Calgary in time for then service and headed back right after. I got to spend some time in the car with my sisters, but that was just a bonus for me.

The moment I walked in, I knew it was right to listen to that little voice. The welcome from cousins I hadn't seen in years, even though we literally live about 15 minutes away from each other touched my heart. The look on my Aunt and Uncle's face when we walked in broke my heart.

And then there was the tribute to my Uncle George. I heard what a loving and giving soul he was. He was thoughtful and kind. I remembered his laugh. He truly lived a life that was well traveled. His little sayings likes "too much is too much" has been now passed on to me. In those moments, I saw and knew a wonderful man. Even though he was gone, he touched my life in those brief moments.

That day, we drove for seven hours to be there for one. But it really was a road traveled well.

Picture of Progress! #project365

First off, terrible photo I know, but I really wanted to capture this moment.

It's been just over six weeks since I made the commitment to make exercise a part of my lifestyle. I've extremely happy with my progress. Before taking this picture, I had just put on my "Miss Me" jeans and they are loose. This week, I've been able to wear two pairs of pants that I haven't been able to fit into for a year or so.

And even better, tonight I fit in a mini workout between having supper and having guests over. I probably most happy about that; it would have been easy to blow off working out. If I hadn't, I think I would have missed to workout!

Success is feeling pretty sweet.

The Life of a Dog, #project365

Our dogs have it pretty good. Barely a care in the world other than when are we coming back home to them, and how quickly they can snuggle up to us, especially if there is a blanket involved.

What are you looking at? Vogue! #project365

Madonna!

Concerts have always been a big thing for me. My first concert was Bryan Adams's "Reckless" tour. I had stayed up until midnight every night for a week, trying to win tickets.

To no avail.

The night of the concert, my Dad comes home with two tickets in hand. They were in a crappy location, but to me, they were the best seats in the house. My passion for concerts was born.

My husband isn't like me; concerts aren't his "thing." But Madonna is an exception. Attending her concert is on his bucket list. My husband surprised me with my bucket list concert in 2008; George Michael in Vancouver. Seems only fitting we are returning to Vancouver to see Madonna for his bucket list concert.

It's going to be legend....wait for it...dary!

(and yeah, I took the photo with my iPhone, so it counts!) :)

Amazing Talent, #project365

During the photo walk a few weeks ago, we spent some time at the Farmer's Market. I love art in most of its forms. When we travel, we usually bring home some art piece from the country we visited. But at the market that day, I was reminded of the talent in my own back yard.

This booth had the most amazing wood sculptures. I particularly loved the piece in the photograph. It was so pretty and delicate. Someday, I would love to own one of his works.

Strawberry! #project365

Fight Night! #project365

UFC Fight Night! I always love having friends over for fight night. My friends agreed to be guinea pigs for using my orbis ring flash. I still think it's cool, but consistently, my photos are over exposed. I need to do some research on how to compensate. I do have a tweet out to the folks at Orbis to see if they ave any suggestions.

Let's hope I get some good ideas!

Oh, and Mike's photo is disgusting. LOL

Awesome Saturday. #project365

Saturday has been pretty good. Woke up, had breakfast, cleaned the house, worked out and ran to the store before my niece and her kids came over for lunch. I made yummy quesadillas. I love visiting with them.

Afterwards, I hung some artwork we purchased while in Italy. I'm now relaxing watching a total girly flick. Later, we are watching UFC fight night with friends.

This picture is a happy accident. The orbis tilted and created the resulting archway. I have gorgeous family!

Falling behind. #project365

I ran out of time to post a photo for Thursday, so I'm posting it now. I have a rehearsal tonight and I would say I've never played the majority of the songs.

The shot below is the binder I put together of charts for the songs under consideration. I made it so I can walk in a little more prepared, and not such a newb. There are over 45 charts. After coming home, eating dinner, working out, and printing and sorting all these charts, I was too tired to post anything.

Well, I also wanted to see if I could hook up my new keyboard to Garage Band on my iPad. I've been looking at some fancy (read expensive) toys to accomplish the task. One of my husband's coworkers suggested using a USB and my camera connection kit, both of which I already had. Wouldn't you know it, the cheap solution worked. Budget saved!

I'm pretty excited about music again. I'm anticipating a lot of growth and more importantly, a lot of fun.

And tonight, I get to use my new keyboard. Whoot! Whoot!

Joy is in the Music! #project365

Well, who would have thought it! I have the small makings of a little music studio happening. It's kind of exciting and pretty cool. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with my "gigging" keyboard but a little rearranging and everything fits.

And bonus! I can actually open the closet door now.

Seriously, it's been a huge learning curve playing with a bunch of seasoned players that I look up to. There are times I want to quit, times I'm so lost and have no idea what I'm doing, and times I want to cry because I'm even more lost then I ever thought possible.

But recently, I've been able to soak up certain moments. Moments when you realize you are doing something that you could never do before. Moments when all the worry falls away and nothing is left but the pure joy of each note. Moment when the need to be perfect gives way to perfect love of music. It doesn't matter if I'm playing or singing; the feeling is the same.

I am truly blessed.

Never Say Never, #project365

I've had the opportunity to do some gigging with some amazing guys. Most of the gigs have been at the Hope Mission. My digital piano is a behemoth. I can't lift it myself and it's huge. I'm either borrowing a keyboard from one of the guys or using the little keyboard at Hope.

So I've been on the lookout for a "cheap" keyboard. I don't gig enough to justify spending huge amounts of money. I did have some must haves though. It had to be light enough that I could lug it around. It had to be midi capable so I could hook up my iPad or connect it to my other piano. It couldn't cost a fortune.

And the music snob in me said I will absolutely never buy a Casio.

Well, I learnt that you should never say never. I'd been eyeing a really cool Akai keyboard that actually had an iPad dock right in it, However, it's not approved by apple and probably not available in Edmonton for six months. I could order it from B&H when it is released but at a premium.

So this keyboard caught my eye. It's super light weight and got really good reviews for its tones and sounds. The price was right and it is midi capable. And I could get it now in time for a rehearsal this weekend.

And it's a Casio. :)