I'm now in California as I write this. I got into Comox Valley on the 13th of May, so nearly two weeks ago now (can't believe how fast the time is going!). The flight was LOOONG, but I survived, not sure how, but I did. It wasn't really exciting or anything, and can be a bit longer/more boring when you're doing it on your own, but it was ok. Arrived in the Comox 5.5hrs after I left Australia...how does that work?! haha, seems the flight was almost 20hrs give or take!! Gotta love those time zones.
Was SO nice to see my Mum, Nana and brother Grant :) Not much seemed to of changed in the Valley, a few new stores, most of the same people are there, some new events in their lives ie: children, getting married, new jobs etc. but all in all it felt like I had never left, nothing wrong with that I suppose. Had a nice week with the family, went down to Coombs (a really neat market area and they have live goats on the roof!! It's also a place we used to go to a lot when we were growing up), was fun to wander around. Took some strolls around town in the Valley, met up with some friends to catch up, had a fun photo shoot with Grant (he's used the photos on his Ocean facebook page with all of his music on there, you should check it out if you get the chance), lunches out, etc. Checked out the beach, Filberg Lodge (a gorgeous garden area with a little tea house down on the water), chilled out, caught up, all the fun stuff :) Then on the 19th I headed down here to California, more flying. I got stuck next to some guy who stunk and took up half my chair! :( He slept the entire way with is face in mine breathing down my neck and snoring away with his stinky breath, yuk! But I survived. Got into Cali just after midnight, straight home and to bed pretty much.
The weeks been fun so far, but 'Sunny California' ain't so sunny, false advertising. Forecast was supposed to be gorgeous all week, but we've had a mix of overcast and sunshine. Can't complain too much, it's still pretty warm and I've still managed to get a bit of a tan :D We've basically just been hanging out, did a bit of shopping/wandering around, hit up the beach a few times, surfing (I've only surfed once, but still had fun even though my arms gave out pretty quick, wanted to do more but couldn't, didn't have any fuel left to paddle). Off for a hike somewhere tomorrow and then we're heading back to Canada to Bowen Island on the Sunday to visit more family. Somehow everyone's managing to keep me busy with something :) But it's been super nice to catch up with everyone, have some face time and managing to chill out and enjoy each other's company as well.
We'll be spending a few days on Bowen Island visiting my Uncle, his family and my Grandma, then I'm off to Victoria on Vancouver Island to meet up with my Mum, Nana, and two bridesmaids Kim and Britt to look for a wedding dress for me (exciting!! :D). We'll be in Victoria for three days, then back to the Valley for the last week. Sounds like my Grandma, Aunty Dayna and her kids are coming out to the Valley when we get back from Victoria, so I'll be able to see them again which will be nice, plus Kim's putting together a bridal shower for me then, that'll be fun and nice to see all my girlfriends. Then just chill out and enjoy my last week with everyone! :)
So as you can tell, busy busy, keep up if you can :) I figured out in total I will have boarded 10 planes in the past 4 weeks by the time I get back home in Melbourne. But I'm so happy to be able to see everyone, it's been a long time since I have! Will miss them all when I do go home.
Dan's pretty much been doing the same while I've been away: work, walk Junior, gym and the usual everyday life stuff. Missing each other as always, not the same when we're not together, but it has been nice to have the face time with my family, but also to step back from my own life, have a breather, think, recharge. Next trip he will definitely have to come with me especially if we're going back to Cali. Well, I should end this one now, time to shut my eyes. I've attached some photos, enjoy :) Chow for now xx
This one was taken by a stranger when I was doing the photo shoot with Grant, I love it! :)
My bootiful Mum and I :) Typical Canadian beach, nothen' but rocks :P
Comox Valley Glacier, I've missed your views.
Two of my favorite people in the world, my Mum and Nana :)
Gorgeous as ever xx
Found this cool looking plant down at one of the beaches in California, love it!
Well I think Grant's pushing the boat and I'm supposed to eat it?!
Love the way the sun's shining through the clouds in this one! This was a sunset surf, but I sat on the beach taking photos, waves weren't quite 'soft' enough for me, fun watching everyone else though! :P
Getting read to head out, this day I did go, was good fun!
Suiting up for the sunset surf...brrr.
Yup, he looks like a pro! :) That's my Dad :D
My families version of 'model' posing. Bahaha! Love it! :) x
