Published by Carolyn August 17th, 2008
in barb.
These last few weeks of August are shaping up to be Barb laden! Since Barb left lulu - we’re all going through a bit of Babs withdrawl, so it’s nice that we can all soak up her presence before she heads off into marriage land.
And so, today marked my very first bridal shower. It was sun and fun filled - and there were ample doses of sexy lingerie and finger food. Isn’t that what showers are supposed to involve? We got her a gift certificate to Agent Provocateur - and after today I’m certain Barb has more than enough undies to last her a lifetime! Carla concocted a sangria fountain, there were towers of cupcakes, and a gaggle of Barb’s closest girls showed up. Good times and far too many carbs were had by all.
This Thursday, 19 of us of head off to Vegas for her stagette! This will also mark my very first bachelorette party. We’re flying down Thursday morning and plan to go, go, go - right until LATE Sunday! I start my new job on Monday morning as well, so this may well be the first Vegas stagette in history that involves some dose of moderation. Carla - hear that?
Post Vegas we’ll all have a week to recover before the big day! Ben & Barb’s wedding is an all day affair, with multiple ceremonies and then a reception at the Marriott! Now that gives me just under two weeks to figure out how I’m going to get my hair blown out … big choices ahead!
Between now and then I’m occupied entirely by work and play. Jake’s back in Alpharetta Georgia for work, meaning after the work and the play ends, I embarrass myself at home alone in my flow y bra doing Turbo Jam until 4am and surviving off of moderately warm veggie dogs.
Published by Carolyn August 14th, 2008
in eating and drinking and vancouver.
A few weeks ago Jenn, Alana, Ron and I hit the streets of East Vancouver in search of a great Ghetto Breakfast joint - and we looked no further than down the street at the good ol’ Truck Stop Cafe. We’d all walked by it many times, but it’s the kind of place that no one dare venture alone. Turns out - it was highly decent. My review for the GBC is below:
Tucked not-so-quietly off the side of Clark Drive in East Vancouver, the Truck Stop Café is a great option for a fast and cheap meal. What the café lacks in feng shui it definitely makes up for in menu selection and no nonsense service.
The menu items spanned the globe – with options ranging from roast beef to chinese noodles to lasagna! The breakfast selections were impressively diverse – and the portions ample. Prices were reasonable. You’re definitely getting trucker diner fare, with prices to match. Coming in under $5 – including tax and tip – is an easy feat.
The bathroom at the TSC left something to be desired – mainly sanitization. We’re assuming that most truckers are accustomed to highway side portapotties. This bathroom was definitely on par. That said, the rest of the restaurant was neat and clean. And there were bursts of decorative flare here and there– including a stuffed big bird doll in the back corner, illuminated trucker themed art, and a dusty old milk shake machine. The neon green menus added a splash of color to the room.
Our service was attentive and our coffees were refilled promptly. Truckers must like to keep to a tight schedule, and most customers seemed to enter, eat, and leave in record speed. There’s no energy wasted here. Forget garnishes, extra smiles, or a good hot sauce selection. The Truck Stop Café keeps to the bare minimum on all counts – but when you’re in the mood for food, fast and simple – this place has got you covered. Sadly, if you are looking to rub shoulders with real live truckers, you’re better off heading to the Husky!
Highlight: Diverse menu selection.
Lowlight: It was too hot and humid!
Published by Carolyn August 14th, 2008
in vancouver, martin and melissa and markler.
Last weekend was the first wedding of my adult life. Martin and Melissa got hitched at a beautiful little church in West Point Grey – and the sun came out just in time! Melissa looked drop dead gorgeous in her dress – and I cried more than during an episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Yeah, seriously.
The whole day was perfect. Markler popped in from Toronto for the event. And we lazed out in the sun between the ceremony and the reception – drinking fine wine and local beer. We ate Portuguese food for breakfast. Vancouver felt much like Albufeira that day.
The reception was held at the Pan Pacific – in the Oceanview Suites. The room had a stunning view of Gastown, the North Shore mountains, and the water. The sun set just as we were having cocktails.
Published by Carolyn August 14th, 2008
in jake and travel.
At the beginning of the month we took a harrowing drive down the I-5 to meet Jake’s parents at their time share in Welches, Oregon. We stopped overnight in Tumwater Washington, at the world famous Tumwater Best Western. While it lacked the vibrating bed I was hoping for, it had ample floral drapery.
The next morning we took off for Portland – for the requisite Anthropologie stop ‘n’ shop, a quick browse at Powell’s books, and a 5 star meal at VooDoo Doughnut. Everyone loves a big doughnut covered in fruit loops or orange tang. As they say, the magic is in the hole.
A weiner dog, all by his lonesome, being pulled in style by a bike rickshaw, passed us on the street. Portland truly has it all. The old buildings in the city have been magically restored - they are colorful, clean, and bright - and the city really feels like it’s full of energy.
Post Portland we hopped back on the freeway and headed to Welches – which is a teeny tiny little hamlet at the base of Mount Hood (where the Shining was filmed). We stayed at the Whispering Woods Resort – and had a big, beautiful two bedroom townhouse – facing a golf course. We bought $5 Oregon state wine, sunbathed and bbq-ed the day away. Late that night Jake’s parents flew in from Toronto. The next morning we hopped back on the I-5 and headed home.
Jake’s parents drove up to Vancouver a few days after us – and it was great having them come to stay. I discovered a new love of Lysol wipes and sanitized our house before their arrival.
Published by Carolyn June 30th, 2008
in jake and vancouver.
For a birthday gift, Jake’s mum got me a day of champagne and tea at the Hotel Vancouver! We started with a tall flute of bubbly, followed by two teas - the Centennial blend and the Ice Wine tea! Next came a giant tray of treats - from smoked salmon and caviar topped brioche - right up to chocolate drenched eclairs. It was hot outside, and crispy cool inside - the perfect way to enjoy tea.
The biggest delight was my companion. I have never, ever, in my life seen Jake so chipper. Not only did he rattle off the entire storyline of the film Alpha Dog (Jake’s never rattled off the storyline of ANYTHING before), but he also described the cheesecake as “delightful vanilla-like cream cakes topped with a heavenly pink goo!” Yes - he used those words. He also suggested that they come up with a “guy version” of high tea - where they serve beer and finger sandwiches and scones. I now know what to get Jake for his birthday.
It was hard to wipe the caffeine and sugar coated smile off his face (and mine as well).
Of course he proceeded to chase his salmon and scones with movie theatre nachos and DC a few hours later.
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