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Thankful Thursday ~ October 17

Good evening folks!

Wow this week has been an experience! I didn’t realize how much getting laid off would affect me. I don’t me negatively, I simply mean all the thinking and contemplating it has brought about for me. As most if my friends and family know I am very stubborn and I like having control. Sometimes in life you learn the most when you can’t have control of a situation!

This week I am thankful for many things. Some of the things I am thankful for are silly things! Psssttt I’m thankful for the chocolate chip banana muffins from whole-foods!! I’m thankful for being able to shop at Whole-foods! I know right, so petty but honestly sometimes it’s little silly things in life that cause us to reflect the most.

In all honesty this week I am thankful for my husband. Kevin has been extremely supportive and understanding through this journey to the end of my nursing job.

I can’t even verbalize how much easier he has made this time in my life. He had consistently reminded me that things will be fine. He has kept me entertained and has checked up on me when he couldn’t be near me. He has been free with the hugs and has kept me laughing.

I adore my husband and am extremely thankful for the support I find in him.

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival

Oct13

Every year Fort Langley plays host to the annual Cranberry Festival. Yesterday was that time of year again and Kevin and I decided to check it out with some family and friends.

I’ve been to and volunteered at this event many times over the years. It gets a little bigger every year. This year I notice the local cranberry theme was weak and the whole event had a very farmers market feel about it. None the less I enjoyed my day with family and friends.

Fort Langley is a beautiful little village that lays along side the Fraser river with a rich history that affects not only British Columbia but the whole country of Canada! Fort Langley is the location where, a century and a half ago, Hudson’s Bay Company established it’s fur trading post! The post grew to trade with the First Nations of the West Coast. The trading post grew, evolved, and influenced history in many ways, eventually leading to the creation of the colony of British Columbia. A little history lesson for you! You can visit the Fort itself and learn all about our country’s rich heritage, Or you can spend the day browsing the many unique shops the Village has to offer! The area boosts a number of amazing wineries, restaurants, and parks. The Fort to Fort trail is a gorgeous walk!

Back to the Cranberry festival! We saw many interesting offerings from local artists, bakers, crafters, florists, etc.

Emma tried her hand at Sugaring off.. A Canadian tradition of pouring hot maple syrup on fresh snow and rolling it on a stick to form a yummy treat!

We decided to take on the issue of lunch by visiting some of the food trucks and sharing a bucket of donuts. We aren’t proud of it, but it happened 😉

Other then the food we saw some giant pumpkins, a giant beaver and just enjoyed browsing and our afternoon together. We walked away with a few purchases and some fun memories! If you’re ever in the area I highly suggested checking out Fort Langley as it is a beautiful little village!

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and enjoys their time with family and friends.

Thankful Thursday ~ October 10th

Oct10

Hi friends 🙂

While doing the dishes this afternoon I started thinking about the Thankful Thursday post I knew I’d be writing later, all sorts of things ran through my Mind. I thought happily for sometime about all the things I could write about. In fact this past week I found myself being more vocal about what I’m thankful for! Clearly the impact of these blog posts are substantial for me and good for my well-being, and for that I’m thankful.

I could tell you how thankful I am for my fun evening of dinner and shopping with my best friend. Or how thankful I am that Kevin is so supportive. But while I’m very thankful for both these things I am not going to go into detail about them. Instead I’m going to tell you how thankful I am for my body!

That’s right… My body! My thighs touch and my ass is not as firm as I would like! My stomach is not nearly as flat as I wish it was, and my hips hurt me daily!!! I can’t count my abs and sometimes I wish it looked completely different…

BUT

My body is mine and today I realized how thankful I am for all the things I can do with it and how many experiences I am capable of having because of it! While it is far from perfect it is mine, and much like many ladies I don’t appreciate it enough! I will never look like the girls in the magazines and there will never be a gap between my thighs, and that’s just fine!

My body is strong enough to let me enjoy the things I love! It lets me chase my niece and walk my dog. It lets me go to the gym most days. It lets me experience adventure and gaze upon all the things that bring me wonder and joy.

This past summer my legs carried me to the top of a mountain and my eyes let me take in the most stunning views of a gorgeous lake and an amazing forest. My nose let me smell the smokey campfire I cuddled around with my husband and my little bitty love of a dog! My taste buds let me experience melted chocolate and roasted marshmallow on a crisp cookie.

Everyday my arms let me hug those I love. My hands let me touch the things i hold dear. My blue eyes sparkle when I watch the birds and see my Muffin playing happily. My long hair falls softly around my face and comforts me. My legs are insanely strong, long, and beautiful. My hands are small but productive. My feet are perhaps my favorite body part.

Last Saturday my body carried me through 5km of fun. I laughed, I smiled, I winced in pain but I experienced every inch of that race and every breath because of the body I am blessed with. Sometimes my body surprises me. Sometimes I am shocked at my own strength or how pretty certain parts of me are.

I’ve seen the lights of Vegas, I’ve dipped my toes in both oceans in this gorgeous country because of my body. I’ve held the hand of a dying man and brought a little comfort to his final hours. I’ve stolen kisses with these lips that I will never forget or regret. Ive dug my toes into the sand and I’ve ran my hands over my favorite spot on a man I loved with every fiber of my being. I’m certain I’ve felt my heart break in two then slowly heal itself with time and experiences. I’ve wiped away tears, mine and those of others.

My hands have saved lives and my eyes have watched as my words and actions have broken hearts.

I am who I am and my life is mine to experience and this body is my vessel to live this life in. I am thankful for all the things it can do and while it works I’m going to keep using it as much as I can.

Coconut Chicken Strips

Oct9

So tonight I decided to make myself some chicken strips for dinner. I realized it was a good chance to
try out my new recipe I’ve been thinking about for some time!!

Coconut chicken strips!! This recipe makes enough to cover 2 large chicken breasts. If you want to make 4 breasts worth of strips just double the dry ingredients.

Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1 can of coconut milk

Dry
1/2 cup crushed corn flakes
1/2 cup sweetened coconut
1/4 cup spelt flour (any type of flour will work
1 tablespoon ground flax
1/4 teaspoon garlic
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground pepper
Pam or spray coconut oil

Method
Mix all dry ingredients in a flat dish.

Slice chicken into strips or coat whole. Dip chicken pieces in coconut milk and toss in dry mixture until coated.

Arrange on sprayed baking pan or on a wire rack on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 for about 35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F , flipping once while cooking.

I served these healthy, slightly sweet, very moist chicken strips with spicy mango sauce! Ummm yum!

Color Me Rad Vancouver 2013

Oct5

Life isn’t about what you can’t do it’s about what you can but you can’t do anything unless you try!

Today despite my health issues I conquered another 5km race! My over all time was 42 minutes and 5 seconds which is slower then past times but I’m still proud for crossing that finish line.

I’m sure most of you have heard about races like Color Me Rad, where participants get bombarded with a multitude of colors over the duration of the course! Well let me be the girl to tell you it’s everything your rainbow dreams are made of and them some!!!

Look at all those clean white shirts!!! Don’t worry that doesn’t last long!!

Along with the color bombs comes a whole whack of fun! If you’re looking for a timed serious race then this my uptight reader is not your cup of tea! If you’re looking for a no pressure, fun filled party course look no further! The course is 5 km and has four different color stations. I can tell you a few things from experience!!!

1) Wear the sunglasses that come in your race packet! If you have sensitive eyes or contacts I’d consider safety goggles!

2) Don’t wear anything you aren’t willing to destroy! Including shoes! I don’t even need to explain why! I took a change of clothes and an old fitted bed sheet to protect my car seat.

3) If you want lots of color experience stay on the edges of the pack as you run through the color zones. Color bombers line the sides and the closer you are to a bomber the more color you wear!

4) Roll with the punches! There are lots of people walking, running, chasing each other, and partying on the course. Things didn’t seem to stick to time guidelines and if you want to know your time track yourself. There will be areas that you have to walk in as the color zones get congested! It’s a party not hardcore “real” race!

5) Keep your mouth shut! No seriously that color may only be corn starch but it doesn’t taste too great!! If you have breathing issues, sensitive lungs, or concerns, consider wearing a bandana over your face or a painters mask. You won’t look crazy I saw many!

6) Don’t be afraid to look crazy! For a while I ran behind a 2 legged zebra! Dress up and you will fit right in! Tutu’s are a popular choice but I saw everything from clown costumes to zebras… For serious!

7) Run with friends! This isn’t a run you’re gonna wanna tackle alone! It’s way more fun to chuck handfuls of color on your friends then on your self!

8) Don’t bring your expensive camera!! As tempting as it is because there are some awesome photo opportunities that color powder travels and finds its way into every crack and crevice.

9) Bring your phone because you will want photos and its really easy to lose running buddy’s in the crowd. BUT… Put your phone in a ziplock bag to keep it safe!

10) Just have fun! These runs are more for the experience then the actual run factor.

I had on three layers of shirts and somehow my boobs still ended up a very Easter festive shade of pink!! I took a 25 minute shower, I exfoliated like a bad ass… Boobs still pink!! It’s a risk you run my friends!

Today was awesome and I’m thankful my body allowed me to take part in such a fun event with awesome friends!

Homemade Meatballs

Oct5

So in true Erica fashion I forgot to take meat out of the freezer for dinner today! Luckily I realized this while Kevin and I were in Vancouver picking up my race packet for tomorrow’s Color me rad run! We made a quick stop at Whole foods on Cambie! I was a happy girl!! We picked up lots of yummy stuff and decided to make meatballs!

These meatballs are moist and flavorful. They can be used in a variety of ways such as meatball subs or appetizers. Tonight I served them on pasta with veggie loaded sauce and a warm fresh baked parmesan herb muffin for a filling, healthy pre race dinner!

Ingredients

1 Pound of extra lean ground beef
1/2 pound of ground pork
1 small pepper chopped
1/2 a medium onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 egg beaten
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
5 splashes worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup oats
4 crushed stone wheat crackers
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt

Optional ingredients but suggested for yum factor!

1/2 cup crispy onions
1/4 cup tortilla strips

Method

Mix ground beef and ground pork

Add all ingredients with meat in a large bowl and mix well with hands until combine.

Did you notice my giant garlic?!? We got elephant garlic in Seattle! I love it! It is sweeter then normal garlic. The below photo is one clove in my hand!

Once the mixture is well combine form well packed meatballs in your choice of size…I made giant meatballs a little larger then golf balls.

Cooking will depend on the size you made. Just be sure the internal temperatures reaches 165 degrees. I did this by baking them in the oven for 40 minutes at 375 degrees. I cooked uncovered for the first 20 minutes then loosely covered with foil for the last 20 minutes. Feel free to pan fry these if you choose! I cooked mine in our new specialty meatball pan. The pan is designed to let the fat run out and works fanatically!

Thankful Thursday ~ October 3

Oct3

Hope everyone had a great Thursday! Mine was productively busy.

My friend Angie has been doing “Thankful Thursday” posts now for a few weeks and thought I’d jump on board! You can check out her Thankful post Here!! PS she’s kinda awesome!!

So tonight after I got home from the gym I spent some time thinking about all the things I’m thankful and let me tell you the list is vast and varied! So I’ve picked a few random ones to share with you!

1) I am thankful for Emma. She is turning into such a little grown up! This week we have been having tea together and trying all the different David’s teas we picked up on our shopping trip last Sunday. Our favorite is currently Birthday cake.

2) I am thankful to live in a country and have coverage through Kev’s work that offers me access to medical and dental. Today I put on my big girl pants and went to my dentist appointment without any stress or fear! I met Matt my new hygienist and he’s great, I’m very comfortable with him.

3) I am thankful for having a husband who takes me to do simple things I’m sure he could live without. Today he took me to get my toe nails painted, my eye brows waxed, to subway for lunch, and we wandered around Value Village! It is nice to have company on my little adventures!

4) I am thankful for having the ability to have a well stocked fridge and pantry! I am often insanely indecisive about food and having many options is nice.

5) I am thankful for the smells and sights of autumn! The leaves are so gorgeous and the sunshine today was amazing!! The air has a fresh crisp scent and I love the cozy feeling this time of year brings!!

I could keep going but it’s time for some Muffin snuggles!!!

What are you Thankful for today friends?

“Surrender”

Oct1

Surrendering and quitting are not the same thing. Surrendering is not always a sign of giving up. Sometimes surrendering is a sign of intelligence and strength. A sign that you’ve accepted when enough is enough.

I’ve been absent on the blog front lately and I am sorry for that. I’ve been wrapping my head around some major life changes that are in my very near future! For starters I only have about eight more shifts at work before I’m laid off. It is a very surreal feeling, I’ve worked here for almost 5 years and my job is a huge part of my life. On some levels being a nurse defines who I am. But I’ve realized recently I’m more then a nurse and sometimes in life you have to step back and not only accept change but embrace it.

I see this lay off as blessing in disguise. A chance for me to slow down and catch my breath so to speak. A little me time, a little life exploration.

You really never know what’s around the next corner in life but all any of us can do is face it!

I have lots of Fall inspired recipes to post this month and a quick recap of our amazing trip to Seattle!

I look forward to having more time soon and sharing more of my life with you and catching up on yours!!

In Response To My Best Friend…

Aug28

And to all those looking marriage in the face!

Marriage

Scary topic right?? Yes and no! It is scary because you think it something new, unchartered waters, it isn’t all that new … Trust me.

I’ve learned a few things in the past three years of marriage. Trust me I’m not claiming to have all the answers and God knows I was a really bad wife for a while there BUT what I do have is some experience and some rambling to share with you!!

There Is No Such Thing As The Perfect Soulmate Or Perfect Marriage

Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble but nothing is ever perfect, you’re going to have hard times, disagreements, tears, fights, blowouts and there will be times you think about leaving. However there will also be love, quiet times, parties, happiness, and occasionally you will wonder how you ever lived without the other person.

Marriage is a balancing act and it’s a lot of work but the pay off can be amazing if you open your eyes and see the little things. Life is an amazing adventure if you allow it to be!

Marriage is not as scary as you think. Marriage isn’t a piece of paper Marriage is everyday, working together to get things done, marriage is grocery shopping, paying bills, going out for dinner, going on vacation, fights, compromise. Marriage is really no different then the things the two of you are doing day in and day out together right now! Don’t let those vows intimidate you. They are just words and your marriage license is just paper. Your words and that paper can’t force you to stay together. Your actions and feelings for each are what your marriage is made of. The way you work as a team and treat each other are what will keep you together.

Marriage is falling out of love and back in love with the same person hundreds of times because just when you think you’ve reached a breaking point something happens that makes you remember why you fell in love in the first place!!

Marriage is letting the other person have the last cupcake! Giving and taking but also being patient and thankful. Marriage is as much about learning who you are as it is learning who the other person is. Make yourself a promise right now to never give up on learning who either is!

Marriage is like the seasons, always changing, renewing, living, dying. Marriage is a promise to let your two worlds collide and to hold on for dear life to each other. To help each other be better. To help each other get through the tough times and embrace the good times.

Never let your marriage destroy your individuality and never think you have the right to destroy your partners individuality. Getting married doesn’t mean you lose you to become a “We”. Marriage means you promise to hold on to who you are, respect who your partner is and work together to both be the best you can. In the process the support will create an amazingly strong bond. Together you will be better because you have nurtured each others strong points.

Marriage is counting to ten and remembering that no matter how mad you are in this moment that person you’re livid with is someone you love deeply. Marriage is being careful with the words you choose because once those words are out there you can’t take them back.

Marriage is falling but helping each other back up. Sometimes one person may fall hard, fast, and deep. It’s going to hurt! You can embrace the hurt and walk away or you can except that much like cleaning a wound with iodine it’s gonna sting like a bitch but eventually the sting will subside and the scar will fade. People make mistakes and marriage is accepting the mistakes others make and the hurt they cause but deciding to heal through the hurt and be stronger on the other side.

Marriage and a wedding are not the same thing! In fact in today’s world either one can happen without the other! A wedding is a public celebration of the love between two people! Don’t let planing that celebration harm the love you’ve already built. Remember you can’t please everyone and your choices may step on a few toes but no one is going to die if YOUR wedding isn’t the way they envisioned it. Enjoy your special day, embrace the excitement and experience and remember its just one day. Marriage is the rest of your life if you choose for it to be.

Life ain’t always beautiful and neither is marriage. Both will knock you down but its easier to get back up when you have a hand from someone you love.

Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park

Aug20

On our way home from our last Camping adventure Kevin and I discovered an interesting attraction on one of my many requested pee breaks!!

I never paid much attention to Bridges to be honest with you until I married into the McGavin clan. Kevin’s dad is a bridge builder you see, So I’ve had my eyes opened to the design and building process and find it quite intriguing. I definitely see the beauty in bridges I was oblivious to before. I knew when we saw the sign for Alexandra Bridge we needed to check it out.

Alexandra bridge is nestled on the outskirt of Alexandra provincial park, located about 40 kilometers North of Hope BC and 2 kilometers North of Spuzzum BC on the Trans Canada hwy.

Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park is a small park dedicated to the site of the original Cariboo Wagon Road bridge over the Fraser River. The park was opened in 1984. This site has been home to a number of crossing over the Fraser River but the current bridge was built in 1926. It is no longer utilized by traffic but remains as an amazing step back in time.

The suspension bridge itself can be accessed on foot by following a path from the parks parking lot. The path itself is in fact a portion of the old highway. It is about a 10 minute easy walk to the bridge. The bridge and portion of the old highway that make up the path have not been used by vehicle traffic since 1964, when the new bridge and road were completed slightly up stream.

The bridge is an amazing sight. An instant step back in time. The presence of the bridge over the mighty river and surrounded by mountains felt home to an almost surreal feeling of powerful yet deserted and creepy. Almost a lost in plain sight sort of experience.

The bridge deck is interesting because it is grate style and you can see through it down to the river. As noted in the first photo of the lady waiting for her family to cross, many people can’t seem to bring themselves to cross the span. Muffin didn’t seem to be phased but then again I carried her across! The views are spectacular and experiencing a part of our local heritage is always an enlightening experience.

I highly suggest a quick stop at this beautiful bridge and park if you ever travel through the Fraser Canyon. It’s truly breathtaking.

Life With The McGavins

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