Aquafit Baby!!

So last night I went to an aquafit class at the recreational complex near my house and guess what - I LOVED it! I was a little apprehensive at first. I mean…generally these classes are comprised of somewhat older people and I wasn’t sure if we’d be working out to the groove sounds of Barry Manilow, etc. – but as it turns out – it was a killer workout and the music and people were great!

I have done aquafit classes before – but only the “fun” kind at Caribbean resorts. But this class was really well structured and laid out to work every part of your body. You’re provided with 2 “paddles” that you hold in your hands to provide more resistance under the water for a great arm workout – you also get a ball that I later learned you hold btwn your knees and/or ankles for great ab work – and then finally a rubber belt that you strap around your waist so you can bob around in the deep end without submerging and wow!! scissor kicks never looked so good! And aside from a few flying balls here and there (d'oh!) I was thoroughly impressed and actually am looking forward to the next class. I had no idea aquafit could get your heart rate up as much as it does….and hey – it’s a great excuse to go bathing suit shopping!!

My friend at work did a class in her neighbourhood as well – so we were comparing notes today. She loved it too so we’ve decided to order matching bathing caps…what do you think?

Family, Friends, & Fun

Rich’s dad and stepmom have been visiting from Calgary the past couple of weeks – they couldn’t get enough of us so they came here! I jest…but it’s nice to be able to spend this much time with them as it’s tough with them being so far away. We’ve had family dinners at Rich’s sister’s place, and we took them to my parents place up north so they could officially “meet” before the big day. It was amazing – they got along famously and really have a lot in common with each other. I love that. Saturday Rich and I are hosting a family dinner, and on Sunday we’re back at his sister’s for another family get-together/housewarming party – so it’ll be a full, but fun weekend.

I went to a bridal show this past weekend – just a small one in town. Two of my bridesmaids came with me and we went out for lunch first. It was a nice afternoon and we had some laughs – mostly making fun of people (mean, I know) but there are some strange folk out there. There was a fashion show and none of the dresses fit the girls – they were all clipped and pinned and the girls looked terrified – it wasn’t very well organized. That’s what you get for small town bridal shows I suppose – but they tried and we had fun anyway. There’s a big bridal show coming up in Toronto that I’ll be going to, although there’s not a whole lot that I need to scout out. I’m pretty well organized (duh…). Rich's mom has graciously offered to do all my flowers for the wedding so that's another big thing taken care of, and it'll be nice to have them 'made with love' - although, she may not love me so much after the 11th boutonniere! But the bridal shows are fun to go and see other brides-to-be, and look at the fashion trends and get some other ideas I may not have thought of. It’s all part of the process, you know? I’m looking forward to it. I have to admit, when I was at the one last weekend and they said “who’s the bride?” – it felt amazing to say “it’s me!!” Then they looked at my ring and stuck a sticker on my shirt that simply said “BRIDE”. That way the vultures – I mean vendors - knew who to focus on.

The weekend following this one, a bunch of us are doing the CIBC Run for the Cure to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. We’re running in support of Rich’s Auntie Marie. We have a National team with runners in Calgary as well as Toronto. Then after the run we’re having the Toronto team members back to our place for a BBQ. So, September is proving to be a busy month, but a rewarding one too. Hoping the same for all of you!

Killbear, Thanks for the Memories…

Wow – what a way to cap off my summer. Our camping trip to Killbear Provincial Park was so much more than I expected it to be. I mean – I love to camp – but it’s usually the same old thing - setting up the tent – sitting on the beach - cooking on the fire and getting in a swim or a hike or two. And we did all of those things – but there’s just something about Killbear that makes those simple things come alive.

I’ve been going to this park every summer since I was a baby – however, I hadn’t been back for the past 7 or so years. I had forgotten how beautiful it was there. The red rocks of the Canadian Shield run through the park and the blue waters of Georgian Bay were crystal clear. The islands strewn all about were full of greenery and lush vegetation. It was just magical sitting on the rocks in the morning – they’d been warmed up naturally by the sun and Rich and I would watch the sun come up with our cup of tea on those rocks each morning. I loved loved loved it. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

We were blessed with glorious weather and we spent our days on the beach or on the rocks reading and swimming and my brothers and parents were there too, so we had lots of laughs and many old memories and stories were shared amongst us all. I had a premium site right on the beach so our view was fantastic. We were in a quieter part of the park and since it was Labour Day weekend, the campground wasn’t as busy as it would be mid-summer, so it was very peaceful.

When it came time to leave on Monday afternoon, both Rich and I had a hard time saying good-bye to the park! It was actually a bit emotional for me. It was like I was leaving a family member behind. I know that sounds strange – but like I said – Killbear holds very special memories for me and the beauty of the park just holds you there. You really don’t want to leave! I felt so good being there. It was good for the mind, good for the body, good for the soul. So thanks Killbear. I’ll be sure to see you again next summer!