Moose Jaw Minute #18: Another long stretch...

Tis the season for not being able to blog as much...between work, travel, and the holiday season, I have been incredibly neglectful of my blogging life.  That ends today...on to the update.

I often say that Dave and my first date not only included him and I, but also one of Canada's most beloved artists/storytellers, Stuart McLean.  As I got to know Dave, I also got to know the Vinyl Cafe on CBC Radio, McLean's forum for sharing the stories of the made-up characters Dave and Morley and their life in Canada.  Our first date was a fantastic introduction to one of Canada's most incredible gems and I liken it to NPR listeners affinity for "A Prairie Home Companion."  McLean's voice came lilting over the stereo speakers and I was hooked as he told the story of a mom named Morley, a jock strap, and what "athletic support" really means.  Needless to say, the Vinyl Cafe has become an institution in our relationship and a Sunday morning tradition.  The week isn't complete without it. 

Like PHC, the Vinyl Cafe goes on the road and one of the hardest tickets to get is the one for their Christmas show.  A Christmas show that brings light, laughter, and good cheer to tons of Canadians as the tour bus criss-crosses the country toting stories, singers, a Christmas tree, a piano, a bass, and a partridge in a pear tree (okay, maybe not so much the pear tree part).  The Christmas stories are truly wonderful and they MAKE the holidays here.  Luckily enough, a group of us from Moose Jaw (the gents clad in their traditional and wonderful (read:  awful) Christmas sweaters) were able to snag fantastic seats at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina to see McLean in action, hear the songs of Christmas sung by the incredible Matt Andersen (seriously, check him out), catch up with Dave and Morley, and settle into the holiday spirit.  It was a magical evening..in part because it is something I had built up in my mind for so long and then finally saw it come to life right before my eyes.  It met every expectation and I couldn't have been happier.

That night occurred right before I was off to Chicago -- to settle into my other kind of favorite holiday cheer -- the city!  I landed and was immediately whisked by the Chicago El system to the office on Wacker Drive.  As I walked from the train among the buildings, I caught scent of mulled wine from the Chicago Christkindlmarket (a fabulous holiday tradition put on by the City of Chicago that comes close to the real thing I experienced in Germany).  There were folks walking with packages, a chill was in the air, there were holiday decorations on anything that could stand, and I knew I was back...back in the city I called home for nine years.  I was going to be there for a week, to work, see friends, and reconnect with my beloved Sweet Home Chicago. 

The week was excellent...holiday gatherings, dinner with friends, new restaurants (a winner in Publican), old favorites (Volo Wine Bar and J. Alexander's), and reconnecting with myself as the snow swirled outside the apartment windows.  I visited the Christmas Market and soaked in the sights with a cup of hot chocolate. I sat with friends at Stanley's for a three-hour brunch among their kitchsy decorations laughing and catching up on love, life and our respective pursuits of happiness.  I traveled via bus and El watching the buildings and twinkling lights swoosh past the foggy windows.  I shopped at small corner market groceries, admiring their small selections of food from exotic places and wondering how I could smuggle some goodness back home.  The city welcomed me with open arms and I let myself be wrapped up in a big Chicago bear hug.  It was good to be back.

So, as we near Christmas, it is clear to me that I live in two worlds...both of which I am grateful for and appreciate to no end.  I have Moose Jaw to explore and Canada to live in, offering me new experiences and a chance to re-connect to myself in different ways while making new friends and forging new connections.  I also have Chicago and my love of the city -- full of friends and familiar haunts to remind me of where I have come from and who I am becoming as a result of the foundation I laid there.  I am incredibly lucky to be able to experience and live in these two places, to feel as though I belong in both, and to have people surrounding me to accompany and help me along the journey.

In late breaking news today...

I am officially official as a Canadian permanent resident!  My PR card arrived in the mail as an early present for Dave and I.  This was a fast and furious process and I think we might hold the record for PR speed!  Cheers, everyone!

 STUART!  I screamed like a teenager at a NKOTB concert when he came onstage!

The ugly...erm, FESTIVE sweater trio. 

The Chicago Christkindlmarket 

 Publican's yummy interior and breakfast below.

Home again to a wintry wonderland.

Moose Jaw Minute #17: T-day Recap and into Winter

Philadelphia!

So sorry it has been a bit since my last post...I came down with a nasty post-turkey day cold that would not let go and prevented me from doing pretty much anything other than working, blowing my nose, asking Dave to pass more "tiddudes," and craving the day where I would be able to smell and taste food again.  Mission accomplished and I am now back in near-fighting form.

Thanksgiving with my family was awesome.  My dad and I ran the Philadelphia Half-Marathon the Sunday before, maintaining our time of three years before.  The run through Philly was gorgeous with row houses stacked next to tall buildings.  I love the history of the city and the day was perfect for a run -- not too hot, fall leaves on the trees and crunching underfoot, folks out on the streets to cheer us on.  I am proud of my dad and was so excited to be running with him.  We had the best cheer squad out there with my mom and Dave standing with us at the starting line and meeting us at the finish...it was excellent.  After the run, we ventured over to Reading Terminal Market, one of my favorite places to stop in Philly.  Where else can you find chocolates in the shape of lungs next to coolers full of fresh fish, tucked aside fresh veggies and the best baked goods in town?  If you are ever in the city, you MUST go!

We headed back to my parent's place in New Jersey where we spent the days before Thanksgiving working, doing some Christmas shopping, and catching up with the 'rents.  Dave and I were able to tackle a good bit of gift-buying and we are feeling pretty set.  One of the highlights was buying gifts for my nieces and nephew -- did you know that Toys 'R Us actually has a Home Depot AISLE?!?!  That's right!  We walked in and I wouldn't have lasted two minutes without the help of a store clerk that pointed us directly to where we needed to go.  Think IKEA on steroids.  That's Toys 'R Us to me.  Thanksgiving Day feast-time came in the morning, kicked off with my dad's Eggs Benedict.  Dinner came in the form of a crown-roast of pork, my mom's amazing stuffing, cranberry sauce, a salad, rolls, and of course, the apple pie.  Delicious.  We shared what we were thankful for and toasted to all loved ones near and far.

Friday was New York City day!  I love New York City, especially this time of year.  We arrived at Penn Station and walked down to Times Square and then down to Central Park.  The Park was beautiful and serene, especially for  New York on a day called Black Friday!  We ate lunch at a fantastic communal-organic-based restaurant on the edge of the park called La Pain Quotidien.  Fresh bread, yummy salads, excellent coffee...so good!  It was warm and cozy inside and we had a great table where I could just stare out at the city...  Our whole purpose for going to New York was to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular...a lights-music-dance filled extravaganza for the senses all set on the backdrop of the cavernous hall that is decked out of the holidays with lights, wreaths, and trees.  This year's show featured the Rockettes more than ever and I continue to be amazed with their precision and high kicks!  Following the show, we walked through Rockefeller Center to see the tree that was waiting to be lit for the holidays as it stood tall above the ice skaters below and then headed off for our dinner at Alcala -- a tapas restaurant with some of the best food that has ever hit my taste buds.  It was my parents first introduction to tapas and they enjoyed the small plates of shrimp, pasta, and olives that came through the doors of the kitchen.  As the city darkened, the twinkling apartment lights came on all around, the Chrysler Building lit itself up in Christmasy red, we hopped in a taxi to take us back to Penn Station.  I was sad to leave New York City behind...I do love it there so much...

The next day, we traveled to a different kind of tourist attraction in Pennsylvania.  I had blogged about our family winter picnics not too long ago and we ventured back to the spot where they used to happen...Peddler's Village.  It was all decked out in twinkly lights for the holidays with cider and pretzel vendors on the main square and the windows of all the quaint shops lit up and vying for the attention of passers-by.  We wandered from store to store, enjoying the little trinkets of times-gone-by and eating our way through cranberry-orange scones and drinking cups of steaming coffee.  This might be one of the last times I get to see the Village and it was fun to go back, remembering when I made scarecrows in the square with my sister, our picnics by the river, and seeing how much hasn't changed there at all...something timeless that just seems to work.

And, we are back...back in Moose Jaw welcomed by snow and blowing cold wind.  While part of me was sad to say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of New York and the week, another part of me was happy to come home to the sleepy, wintry little town of Moose Jaw.  I guess I belong in both places right now...one foot in Moose Jaw and the other in the rest of the world...that works for me.

Pre-race with Dad!

Finishers!

At the Philly Market -- yup, those ARE chocolates in the shape of lungs!

Dave making Happy Apple Pie

Train to NYC

Times Square

In front of the NY New Year's Eve Wishing Wall.  People would write their New Year's wishes on little scraps of paper and post them here.

The New York Times Square NYE Ball Drop...got in our kiss a bit early!

Central Park...aaaaaahhhhh.

Radio City Music Hall

Rockefeller Center

Peddler's Village

Moose Jaw Minute #16: Happy Thanksgiving...again!

Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a good night!  We have made the trek from a VERY cold and snowy Moose Jaw to a fall-like New Jersey to visit my parents for the all-American version of the Thanksgiving holiday, complete with stuffing, apple pie, football, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

To kick off the week of festivities, my dad and I ran the Philadelphia Half Marathon on Sunday.  This isn't the first time we've run this distance together, having completed the Long Branch Half Marathon about three years ago.  The running was awesome with leaves on the trees, a bite in the air, the sun shining down -- it truly is a beautiful route that takes us through some gorgeous areas of the city.  People were outside their brownstones, cheering the runners on and holding up signs.  One of them even declared that "Chuck Norris can't run like you!"  I agree.  My dad and I had a great time and I realized he has a knack for getting to know folks on the road.  We would be running along and another runner would pull up beside us and start chatting up my dad.  He'd carry on a conversation for 15 or 20 minutes and then, both runners feeling re-energized, would resume the focus on the rhythm of the road.  I loved the time on the road with my dad and it is something I will always remember.  In addition, my mom and Dave made a great cheering squad and, as any runner knows, you don't do this alone.  You have friends and family that sometimes take second seat to your training runs, but my mom and Dave prove time and again to be great support systems.  They met us at the end with big smiles, flowers, and hugs...it was good to see them!

This week is full of Evans family traditions that will include a family dinner and a trek into New York City to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.  I need to confess here that -- well -- I LOVE the holidays.  I love them.  It is my favorite time of year. I love the music, the lights, the weather, the crowds.  I love the food and the company.  The time from American Thanksgiving to Christmas is full of good smells and cozy sweaters, dark nights and cold days.  I am a sucker for all things wintry and holiday.  Anyhow, I am getting to go back to my much-loved New York City, to walk among the tall buildings and people.   To walk up the steps from Penn Station, grabbing a coffee from the corner shop and smelling the chestnuts roasting on the street carts is pure bliss for me.

Thanksgiving (cheesy enough) does give me pause to make me think about what I am thankful for. 

• I am thankful for my husband, who has made this year one full of love, support, laughter, and surprises. 
• For my family who support me whether I am near or far. 
• For my friends who keep me grounded and connected both in Canada and the States. 
• I am grateful for my job and the people I work with and know I am very fortunate to be surrounded by such talent and passion. 
• I am thankful for my health and the health of my loved ones...we are still kicking it. 
• I am thankful for the experiences I've had this year -- everything from surfing in the cold Pacific to driving a U-Haul truck across the Canadian border, this has a been an amazing year.

So Happy Thanksgiving to you...I hope you have a wonderful week full of adventure, love, laughter, and, of course, some apple pie.

Moose Jaw Minute #15: Over the river and across the border...

It IS a town along the road to the border!

This past weekend, Dave and I had the pleasure of finishing up the last bit of permanent residency immigration paperwork.  It has been amazing to us how quickly the PR process has been, compared with those of obtaining a driver's license for me or even getting a cell phone (I still don't have one).  More on that later...

We received the news a while ago that my paperwork had been processed and that a "decision had been made" regarding my permanent residency status.  "Hooray!" we thought.  Then, we looked a little closer at the letter accompanying my passport with the shiny new visa stamped in it.  We would either have to go into Regina to the immigration office there, or have me re-enter the country after having spent time in the States.  In addition to that, it added that I really should not travel until I have my PR card and that getting that could take up to 4-8 weeks following the final process of paperwork.  Erm, well...ahem.  American Thanksgiving with a trip home is right around the corner, as is a trip to Chicago, not to mention Christmas.  This would not do!  What was I supposed to do?  Spend my American Thanksgiving watching grainy football streamed on the internet while eating Moose jerky?!  I think not!  Dave and I vowed that we would find a way to shuttle me back and forth over the next month.

We decided that, due to travel, work schedules, and the fact that the Regina immigration office isn't open on the weekend (pshaw...who needs a weekend?!?!), that we would drive down to North Portal, cross into the U.S. and promptly pull a U-turn to head back into Saskatchewan.  Our six hours on the road would equal a couple of things...more pictures of us on the road, 5 minutes in the U.S., and a signature on my paperwork at the border.  So we drove through a frosty, wintry wonderland.  We had ice fog the evening before and it covered everything in a thick layer of frost making it look like a Winter Wonderland come to life.  It was gorgeous and our road trip was filled with the two of us pulling over every now and then when we drove past something we wanted a picture of.

Eventually, the U.S. border loomed in front of us.  We pulled up to the guard station and the U.S. border patrol in the booth took our passports asking, "Where ya heading to?'

"Canada."

You can imagine there was a split second of confusion.  We then explained that it was for immigration.  He immediately understood and told us where to make the turn back to the border.  We hit the Canadian border and were directed to come inside to the office where, in a mere 20 minutes, my paperwork was processed and we walked out with a stamped passport and assurances that I could travel between the two countries even without my official PR card.  Done, done, and done.

So, as of November 13, I am a permanent resident of Canada...a proud one at that.  Just don't call me to talk about it...I still don't have a cell phone...

Oh, and...as of November 14, Dave and I have been married six months!  Unreal!  We celebrated by taking a drive in Regina and having a phenomenal dinner at La Bodega.  Happy Anniversary, Dave and thank you for being such a wonderful husband and best friend.  I love you!

Yellow Grass...Canada's hot spot...erm, not while we were there!

Happy Anniversary to us!