Killing bugs

Not a particularly cool moment, but I am extremely  grateful  for modern medicine, accidental discoveries and an opportunity to learn about my body. 

So I've been under the weather for almost a week - stomach aches, back aches and just weird sensation in GI region. I went and bought Pepto - have never done so. 

Oh boy, did I get it wrong Theaches wasn't from doing too many sit-ups or back bending moves. Or too rich of a diet.I had a bacterial infection. 

On these horse pills for a few days. Thank goodness for antibiotics!

Grateful for good health, always!

These two things don't go together

I did a naughty, naughty thing on Wednesday...

She made me!

The gym was out of rails. Really, every bike space was taken. 

The staff was ok with people docking near the 'clear' area, with permission. 

I guess I'm special? Got to be grateful about being given a VIP parking spot!

Walking the Mission: public service announcement!

Now don't freak out. 

I was walking to the climb gym today and came across something you may want to avoid. 

I mean, it is contained so it wouldn't be too bad. But just want to warn you about it. 

By that, I mean...

...

House full of mimes. 

Ohh yeah ;)

Head below my feet

I didn't grow up doing headstands, handstands, cartwheels, any kinds of rolls and gymnastics stuff like that. 

The more my head is below my feet, the more uncomfortable. 

But in Pole, they all play an important part in connecting the spins. After some perseverance, I am grateful that I could now shoulder roll;

And then get into a head hand with heels on!!!

And a handstand too!!!

Woo hoo!!! That is pretty cool :)

feeling young and crazy again

Not that I have been feeling old, but I was quite settled in a homely way last few years. While playing house was nice and comforting - I forgot that going wild is part of my personality. I am a scorpio, for crying out out!

I am grateful for all the new people I met, my wingmen and wingwomen - and my liver for holding up. Correct, I am officially on detox.

So here is a pictorial run down* of events this past weekend

*Pics borrowed from the internet, not my own since I was too busy being in the moment

FRIDAY
   +   



SATURDAY
  + 
(or so I tried to - my splits and shoulder flex are getting much better!)

But wait... there's more...
           +       +     + +   

and then.. 
  +      



SUNDAY

+  






Yep, it was a big weekend!

found the secret work stash of...

Beer and ice cream. 

Evil. Pure evil!

I don't have pics to accompany today so will post with 5 step abridged gratefulness;

1) Joyce was grumpy today from multiple deadlines and PMS

2) Found a secret stash of chocolate ice cream at work. Per earlier post, Joyce loves frozen churned dairy treats

3) Ate ice cream. Felt better to keep going. Grumpy went away

4) Approached 12th hour in the office... ice cream happiness wearing off. Last project is just a few pages from done

5) Walked to kitchen and happened upon the beer stash! Took one and left an IOU note. Promised myself to not drink till the deck is written, edited and sent. Once sent, cracked open beer

Grateful that I have considerate Office Manager and Workmates who leave these treats for the office (or me!). The beer rule is drink and replace... must go pick up something good to replace the Stella I had!

Tomorrow - another challenge, another day!

Food p*rn! Montreal edition

Because a liege waffle w/ banana in red light MUST qualify for food p*rn. 

I took in some great food and drinks in Montreal and as opposed to spreading my gratitude for French Canadian cuisine across a million posts - here is my one and only.  

Stating with food- I love the French Canadian's play on contrasts.

First up: sweet and savory play: baked Brie with Maple Syrup. Paired with a smoky beer

The before-

After-

Next- more waffles! This time brunch at a little local place at Plateau Mt Royale

Sweet and savory again, but textual also with soft, crunch, creamy, firm...

Even the presentation is pretty!

Next the beers- it's the first microbrew tour I've been on where you get 6 almost full size beers in 3 hours;

1) Heffaweizen 

Great summer's day starter

2) Czech Pilsner

Like this even better. Less fruity

3) smoky Brown Ale

With the Brie & Maple. Ok pairing

4) Coffee stout 

as a dark beer lover, I was a bit disappointed with this one. Didn't have a particularly good nose

5) Saison

Love the zing

6) IPA

It ain't Sierra Navada so I didn't photograph. Also it was my 6th beer, coordination was going!

And that is all!

One thing to note- I went to Schwartz. It's ok. But I didn't have a chance to get Poutin. Next time!

Waistline isn't so grateful about this gluttony... But spiritually I am feeling very blessed

Letting go, and getting better at reading the unsaid

I am bad at letting go. 

Call me control freak, if you will. I just like to control outcome of things and unfortunately there are many things in life you just can't. 

One thing you absolutely cannot control are relationships. I met someone a month ago who I thought was going to become something great. He never said anything wrong, or was unkind, but as I learnt front previous doomed relationships- what's unsaid tells you more. In which, I know it's time to let go. 

But when you let go of what's upsetting you, it can be replaced by something else you love. 

For that, I rediscovered my love of pole tonight. I have been feeling a bit stuck lately, lacking challenge. So tonight I went to another instructor to see if I can be refreshed -boy, I did. 

Just look at my face

And because it is Sexy Back month, I did a Statue with extra butt

I even did a pretzel hold tonight!!!

Grateful that my emotions are a bit more grown up, learning to let go and I am rediscovering my love of pole again :)

And yes, grateful my bod is pretty damn good right now!

Public Display of Emotions

"Ohh couple making out on the street!"

"Oh yes, and what is the matter with that?"

Jeremy, my microbreweries tour guide, is one cool guy. Besides being funny, cute and has an awesome job (guide drinking and eating tours in summer, and drop clueless Europeans in the middle of the forest in winter) - he unintentionally reminded me that I live in a country where Public Display of Emotions are frowned upon. 

Something is seriously screwed up with that. 

And so, mid trip, I decided to fully experience and participate in Montreal's Public Display of Emotions. 

By walking all through Old Montreal experiencing the dramatic and expensive architecture

Drinking the craft brew passion around Latin Quarter 

Be appreciative and grateful of street performers 

and last but not least... danced to music I liked but don't fully understand. 

 I am grateful to have been reminded of the joys of emotions and letting go... and be plied with beer while doing so!