Things I didn't know...

Five years ago, there are many things I didn't know about myself. Things I could not have predicted. I should work on a big list, but right now I'll just share 3.

1) I didn't know how important my hockey family would be. The kids' teammates, parents and coaches are the people we spend the most time with. And, they are really great. They are so supportive of all the kids. I know if my child needed something.... anything, from $2 for juice or advice, or a kick in the rear, they would do it. And I would definitely do it for them and their kids. After a few years of the same core group growing together, I can really say this has improved my quality of life, sense of community and belonging.

2) A year is a long time. But it is absolutely nothing either. When you are stuck in the day to day, it can feel like nothing is accomplished, but when you reflect back on a year, it can seem like a lifetime ago. I really do think social media, like Facebook and Twitter have screwed with our sense of time. When we can receive updates from around the world, every hour, or even by the minute, it affects our sense of personal time and accomplishment. But so much of the information is white noise.

3) I didn't recognize 5 years ago that I'm a runner. Not in the literal sense. I wouldn't strap on sneakers and run unless someone scary was chasing me. But in the personality sense... I flee. When I stress, I want to flee/run/bolt/escape.  I've read, that it's easier to change your location, than your life and that's why people travel. For me, I think that nails it.  I have learnt that I LOVE travel. It's a passion. But I also don't think it's about the destination, or learning or exploring. I honestly think I can say it's my sanity break or my re-start button. Now, I don't think this is earth shattering, or unique but I'm glad to have recognized it.

Best of 2013

I shudder to think about writing this year in review. I pretty much hated this year and frankly, I can't wait for it to end and get a fresh start with 2014.  This is simply my raw, generalized opinion of the year as a whole. However, when I pause to consider events and activities as individual moments, there were some pretty good times. I'll try to focus on those.

So, in no particular order... my best memories of 2013: 

Best meal:  A crepe in a casino! I was absolutely sober, and it was mid-day, but damn that crepe from the Aria Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas was amazing! The raspberries were so fresh and flavourful you'd think they were photoshopped in your mouth! Karen & I had incredible meals that whole trip.

Where I should have sat to see the concert.  

Where I got to sit instead! 

Rod Stewart 12 feet away & singing my song! 

Best compliment: A concert usher, at Caesar's Palace said to me "you're too pretty to sit in the back row. Here, take these tickets and sit up front."  And that's how we saw the Rod Stewart concert from the good seats! Seriously, an unbelievably lucky moment.

Best song: Well, you see, Rod Stewart kinda sang "Some Guys Have All The Luck" to me, at the above mentioned concert. He was looking at me, winked, and was belting out his signature hit. So, yeah, that ROCKED!

Best bliss: Late January, on a heated patio, in Newport Beach California, I was sipping a raspberry lemon drop martini while the music of Simply Red quietly played in the background. My 7 year old son  was exhausted and completely enthralled with the events of the day. He drifted asleep next to me, telling me how much he loved being my travel buddy and just hanging out with me.

Best scream: I rode a roller coaster. It was California Screamin' at Disneyland, and boy did I scream!  And since I've spent a lifetime avoiding these types of rides and saying "I don't do roller coasters" it was a pretty big deal. I'm glad I did it. It's good to face your fears.

Best "why the hell not" moment:  I let my awesome hair dresser dip dye the ends of my blonde hair bright pink. What a great conversation starter and fun two weeks! It washed out and didn't stain my blonde hair. No harm at all.

Best silver lining. My 3 year old truck was damaged beyond your imagination during a routine oil change. The Titan needed a new transmission and a re-build on its engine. That was absolutely unbelievable and caused WEEKS of grief. During this time every man in my life and those associated with the issue talked down to me and did their best to make me feel like a stupid girl in a man's world. I hated that! Ultimately, the insurance of the dealership that destroyed my truck paid for all repairs, and in the end, I traded in the old truck for a brand new Titan. Of course there was 100% disclosure on the trade in. So, my "silver lining" in this experience was getting my first brand new vehicle ever. And it's silver. And I like it alot. Of course, I have to pay for it, and had to renegotiate my loan during this ordeal, but the dealership that sold me the new Titan was fantastic and really had my back in the process. Friends for life!

Best upgrade: $50 and a little Canadian charm got me upgraded from the basic room (read "cheapest room at the hotel") to the Bellagio Suite at the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas. The suite had 3 bathrooms, a living room, a dining room and just total overall awesomeness.  The robes were so awesome, I had to buy one! That robe makes me feel like a princess every time I put it on.

Best history experience:  Touching the space shuttle Adventure, as it was on display at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston Texas. Everything in that NASA museum was an incredible glimpse into history.... history that has pretty much happened in my parents' lifetime. That was cool. Really cool.

Best kid moment: When my little one took my hand and said "let's do this" and led me on stage to sing karaoke on our Disney cruise. We sang "our" song and did a heck of a job on it! I'd never ever sung karaoke before. That was another fear and check on the bucket list accomplished this year.

Best instant party: My son's hockey team won the championship and he hollers "free ice cream" in the locker room and invites everyone back to our diner for a celebration. Since it was only 9AM, I suggested we do pancakes instead. So, on about 20 minutes notice (about the time it takes the team to change out of their gear) we whipped up a championship pancake breakfast with bacon, yogurt, fruit and juice. Finally... having a restaurant comes in handy!

Best golf games: I golfed with my boys 3 times this year. That was fun. They are growing up so fast!

Us photo-bombing someone's cheesy
Vegas wedding pic! LOL

Best spontaneous trip: Vegas with Shelby! I think she casually asked over the counter at work, on a Thursday, and that very Monday we were on a plane. I really needed that escape. Gosh we had laughs! Even better than our "great" Grand Forks adventure of 2010.

Best work moment: Hosting a charity milkshake event to raise money for a family whose dad is stricken with cancer. I have never seen a community come together like that day. And the staff were unbelievable! We accomplished more that day than we'd dreamt of. We put $2000 in the hands of a good family, for all the right reasons. That is my most proud teamwork moment for certain, maybe ever.  Thinking about that day brings a tear to my eye.

Reflecting back on a year is a good thing. I'm breathing better now for having reminisced and really thought about the individual events and moments. It's hard to grasp why I say I hated this year so much when it was, indeed, filled with much laughter and the company of friends. My loved ones are healthy and still with us. My children continue to grow and pursue their passions. I continue to travel and surprise myself with courage and strength. I've even had some fun writing about my travels. So... what do I really have to complain about? Not a damn thing.

Cheers! Here's to 2014. May our lives be blessed with good health, good friends and great adventures!

122 & Still Going Strong!

When you get a chance to realize your passion and pursue it, it's very fulfilling.

Such is the case for me in regards to travel and my writing. I can hardly believe, though, that I've been prolific enough to write 122 pieces on my own travel experiences in the last calendar year!

I've been in California, Nevada, Texas and North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado and Georgia this year.

Thanks to the Disney Cruise (November) I can also add a few more exotic locations to the list. Those being Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel (but I don't really think it's fair to count that one as we did not get off the ship in Mexico.)

I work hard and travel is my "carrot." As long as I have a trip planned at some point in the future, I can work as hard as it takes to get there.

I love to experience new places, see new trends, and taste new cuisine.

If you'd like to read about some of my experiences, stop by the travel blog. You'll see some common threads, meet a few characters, and see plenty more palm trees!

www.escapethe204.blogspot.ca

I may have ruined my kids

I took my kids on a fabulous vacation. Not news. This happens all the time, or so it seems.

I pride myself on organizing incredible travel adventures for my family and each one has generally had something pretty magical and memorable happen. (On a bargain budget.)

Like the time we went to the Atlantis Resort (Nassau, Bahamas) and I used my Canadian charm to get an invitation to a private, backstage aquarium tour of one of the largest and most incredible aquatic collections on earth. (5 feet away from a rare Tiger Shark)  And also,  front row tickets to the Katy Perry concert at the same hotel the next day.

Or the time we got bumped from a (Delta) flight and ended up overnight in Atlanta and landed tickets behind home plate to a sold-out playoff baseball game.

Or the time we happened to meet and chat with legendary hockey star Teemu Selanne and the rest of the Anaheim Ducks.

Yeah, looking back at it this way, it does seem that I've set the bar pretty high. But... believe me, it's all been timing. Or timing, a little Canadian charm and dumb luck.  But it's come back to bite me in the ass now anyway.

This year I planned, what I thought was going to be, a family-fun adventure to Disneyland and then a couple relaxing days in Newport Beach, California.  I thought this sounded pretty great. Turns out my kids thought it was "boring and lame" and were not impressed. Insulted, I retorted that they were ungrateful,  demanding, spoiled and had a inappropriate sense of entitlement. I told them that "any child or adult would LOVE to trade places with them and if they can't be happy at the happiest place on earth, then I'm certainly not going to plan any future vacations for them."

Who's really to blame here?  Me, obviously.

It hurt that I didn't see their eyes light up on Main Street Disneyland. Never once did they gasp, "Look mom, it's Pluto or Mickey Mouse!" Instead all I heard, over and over was, "what's next? Why are we doing this ride again? When can I get a lemonade? Why can't you get me a fastpass?"

The kids aren't even teenagers yet. We can't blame hormones, or peers or even the media. (LOL. Aren't these the usual scapegoats?) So, I've ruined what I had hoped were kind, polite, charming, humble, worldly little people.

There's hope yet. I mean, I turned out ok. (Better than OK if you ask my mom.) The only vacations I saw as a kid were "get in the stationwagon/van/car, we're driving to Grandma's house/campground/Mount Rushmore/Grand Forks for a few days.  Cassette tapes to sing along to and an electric frying pan at the campsite were the highlights of my days. And I DO remember them fondly.

But aren't we ALL doing this nowadays? Air travel, tropical vacations, specialty sport camps and "life experience" travel? I'm pretty sure that we are! I want to see the world.... it can't just be words and pictures on a computer screen.... I want to see and do what other people write about. Bottom line is that the world is a much SMALLER place then when I was a kid, because of the Internet and our ability to connect and share, and research and pursue.  And comparatively much less expensive to travel by air, and much more expensive (than the 90's) to travel by car.  I want to see the world and it is a thrill for me to show my kids. However, my pursuit of travel and magical memories is likely causing an attitude problem in the youngsters.

This isn't over yet. I'm not about to let my kids get away with demanding more and more without giving and learning MORE themselves. So, I'm going to call in the troops.... literally. Time to call on my retired military dad to back me up and set us all straight (me included). I bet he can show my kids a great day without spending $5 and without ever burning an hour in front of a computer or iPod screen. He can easily remind us where our family values begin and end and how we want to and WILL treat others. I haven't fallen far from the stable "oak" tree that is my dad. And I can't imagine (never, ever, ever) giving up on my kids. Time to tackle this problem as a larger family unit and show these boys that  the world is an amazing and incredible classroom and they are merely humble students, blessed to participate.

Special Childhood Memories

You never really know what you will remember into the future, or what things will be special for your children. But there will come a time when you will fondly reminisce about an event or object or feeling.

As we were packing to go on an upcoming trip I came across my Minnie Mouse watch.  I bought this watch on a Disney Cruise in 2011. I bought it because it reminded me of when I was 5.  For whatever reason I recall learning to tell time on a red strapped, Minnie Mouse watch. I think I must have worn that watch for years and years because when I close my eyes I can still picture it! I know I loved that watch.

If you've ever been on a cruise, you'll know a watch is a necessity. Our modern way of telling time (looking at our cell phones) doesn't work at all when you are in the middle of the ocean. And since you absolutely must get to the Captain's dinner on time, you need to have a watch. So, when it became a necessary purchase for me, I HAD to go with the replica watch from my childhood.

It's the cutest watch and I treasure it like I did when I was a child. (As odd as that sounds.) And though I rarely wear it, it certainly makes me smile when I do! And this trip, we're actually heading to Disneyland and in my opinion, that makes a Minnie Mouse watch a mandatory accessory whether you are 5 or 75 or any age in between!

Disneyland... the place where dreams are made, and everyone is allowed to showcase their inner Goofy!

Last June I was stupid

Last June I bought about $300 worth of bikinis from Victoria Secret without ever trying them on.

I would rather pull a rusty nail out of my foot than try on a bathing suit at a local store. (There aren't any swimsuit stores where I live anyway, but even if there were.) I'm not exactly a model. And I have a huge scar, so I've always avoided mirrors and half nakedness anyway. None of this is new.

The stupid part is that last June, and parts of May and July too, I was skipping meals. Maybe eating 700 or so calories a day, so I could drop  5 or 10 pounds and look my best in those overpriced bikinis.

No, I'm not a kid. I should be a lot smarter than this, but I'm not. Or I wasn't.

Those fabulous bikinis were destined for use in the Turks and Caicos islands. This was a trip I'd dreamt of doing. It's currently rated the 3rd most spectacular beach on earth (and always in the top 10) by travel magazines and web sites. I just wanted to look "Top 10" too. I had wanted to go to the Turks for soooo long, I just wanted everything to be perfect. Somehow, I lost my way. My brain took a leave of absence thinking if I was skinnier things would be happier.

And while I looked about as good as I could, without any sort of surgical enhancements or air brushing or trick lighting, what was the point? No point at all. No one loves me any more. I didn't win the lottery, become President, cure Cancer or anything. All I really did was waste some money on some little chunks of fabric. Some of those bikinis didn't even make the cut... they were left at home and never saw the ocean. Did I enjoy the trip with my family any more than I would have if I was my regular, healthy, life-long weight? No.

Oh, and I did one of those ridiculous spa wraps where they essentially wrap you in saran wrap and steam your water weight out of you so you "lose inches." Embarrassing and dumb. That was evident in the moment.

Am I any smarter now? I'd like to think so. It's a year later. I'm a little more comfortable in my own skin. I'm indulging in tea and ice cream whenever I feel like it rather than depriving myself for vanity sake. I'm even bold enough to write about it and share my stupidity. Learn from my mistake. Enjoy life on your own terms. I think "bikini money" would be better spent on nutritious groceries and family activities. Vanity has a price in our society and that price is too high.

Travelling Solo With Your Child

To travel is a gift. To travel solo with your child is an incredible gift and I treasure it.

I have done it a few times, and I will do it again. While I have two children, I like to take the occasional vacation with them individually.

My older son and I recently returned from a hockey road trip. If this sounds like an old story repeated, it's not. There is hockey constantly! LOL  It was three fantastic days on the road, sharing music, stories, food and adventure.  This time we also had the privilege of staying with our extended family and getting to know them better. Truly a special memory.

Note, I didn't drone on about hockey and our wins/loses? We are a hockey family, but winning isn't everything. Memories and shared experiences outweigh the win category every time.

Within 48 hours of returning the one son, I took off with the other. The younger boy and I then headed south to California. Head over to my travel blog to read my hotel reviews and see how much I loved California. (I'll make regular entries there, but it will take me a few days to get all my stories out.)

My younger son, toils constantly to keep up with his brother. There is on-going rivalry and posturing. A solo trip is a break from that. The younger one can be himself. He can cuddle if he wants to cuddle, express his thoughts and do things at his own pace without ridicule. Never once on our trip did I have to yell "get your hands off your brother! You two separate! Stop it!!" It was a break for me, since I always feel like I'm refereeing with those two.

There are a few key points to note when traveling solo with your child.

1. Make sure to have a consent letter for travel from your spouse (very important whether you are married or not.) In this letter, specify your dates, flights and destination. Include your hotel address and any tickets or plans you have. Contact phone numbers for your spouse that you can reach promptly if you are held up at airport security with questions.  If you can have a lawyer notarize your letter, it's preferable.

2. A thorough and detailed plan if you get separated accidentally in a restaurant or airport etc. Practice it.

3. Bright clothing easily recognized by each of you. It sounds trivial, but if you are separated in a store even by a few feet, you want to be INSTANTLY recognizable.

4. Thoroughly researched destination, with safety measures considered. For example, I was taking C to an NHL hockey game in a big city. We knew there would be a sold out crowd. I chose to pay a few extra dollars to buy club seats for us - knowing that the club level had restricted access, lots of security, fewer patrons and a far better washroom ratio. Why is this important?  At this age we go into separate gender washrooms. I could not allow him in good conscience to stand in a line of strangers for 20 minutes unattended to use the washroom. Club seats and facilities meant a 2 minute or less line and a far greater level of comfort and limited separation anxiety for both of us.

5. Do something special of the child's choosing. C wanted to go walking in the rain with an umbrella. He also wanted the waitress to bring him a fancy kid's cocktail on the patio. Easy, peasy!  I also try to arrange something indulgent that will be a special memory specific to that child. I can assure you my hockey-loving boy will never forget meeting Teemu Selanne pre-game and then watching the game from the padded club seats.

When I find myself on these one-on-one vacations, there is far more opportunity for me to relax. I feel like a better parent, and a human being again rather than a referee. Of course I enjoy family vacations with everyone together, and it is great to have another adult present to share the responsibility and security duties, but I often find myself needing a rest after those vacations.  This California adventure, though short, did the trick. I feel recharged and like I'm ready to get back in the game.

Fast Five Travel Tips: How to get more from your hotel

Most vacations include a hotel stay or some sort of rental. Ask any hospitality employee, there are better rooms, perks, and services you may or may not be aware of. Here are 5 tips to improve your odds of seeing the best possible stay.

1. Smile and be patient when you check in. You, and every other traveller is tired and cranky after a long day. How would you like to be the clerk on the receiving end of this every single hour of every shift? So, smile, be patient and engage them in conversation like you would a friend.

2. Identify your priority. Choose one thing you would appreciate in a room, and mention it. Don't ask for the world. Want to be close to the pool? The lounge or the shuttle stop? Be realistic though. If you Hotwired a room, don't expect the Regal Suite without a serious upgrade charge.

3. Ask.  Just because they note a resort fee, doesn't mean it's mandatory. Ask if it can be waived or reduced. If you don't use the tennis court and daily newspaper you might not have to pay for it.

4. Loyalty club. Clubs are free to join. It's a way for the hotel to track your stays. The more you stay, the more important you become to them.

5. Money talks. Don't forget to tip your servers, your valet and even the front desk. Flash the cash when you walk in to enjoy a better stay. Don't save it for your exit. Gratuities are a form of appreciation and respect. The hospitality industry is hard work for generally little pay. Your gratuities make a difference.

Fast Five Travel Tips: Airports

Five great things about airports:

1. People watching. You see expert travellers, bag ladies (carrying big purses etc - too much stuff, lol), athletes, celebrities, and wonderful family reunions.

2. Candy stores.  Where else do you see such great and colourful treats in one place? Pick up a treat for your hosts, and one for yourself.

3. They are safe.  Consider the security and the lack of random people hanging around... very safe.

4. Time. Time to spend sitting quietly, sipping a coffee and watching movies or reading. It's refreshing to have a "forced" time to sit peacefully. It's a nice break from the ordinary.

5. Wine and magazines. You can have a drink, or two.... heck, you're not driving. Go for it! And where, other than an airport, do you ever see such a vast selection of magazines anymore?  Wine and a magazine... the perfect combo.

Trip Trinkets

What do you buy when you take a trip? Do you pack your suitcase full of new found treasures, or do you buy t-shirts, postcards, or salt shakers? What's your thing?

I limit myself to one personal souvenir. I travel light and almost never check a bag. Not only does this save on airline baggage fees, it naturally limits what I buy and bring back. Typically, I go for something crafty and definitely locally made. I purposefully try to avoid anything made-in-china. For me, it absolutely defies representation of the region and wrecks the memory.

In the Bahamas I have purchased handmade wicker baskets that I have actually witnessed the artisan make. Those are treasures! Last time there I bought a pretty little bracelet. It has such amazing detail in the beading I couldn't resist.

The craziest thing I ever brought home was a garden gnome. I was on a sports trip to Florida and fell in love with the goofy little statue in the window. I had to have him. After all, that trip was booked with Travelocity.ca And like they say, you should "never gnome alone."  After I bought it, I took the little statue out of his box and shoved him into my backpack. It was the only item I carried on that trip. So, when I got to security, my gnome got the attention of the security screeners. It looked like a little person stuffed inside my backpack. Ok, not at all like a real person, but he did garner enough attention to get re-run through the scanner and pointed out for other security guards. They pointed and snickered, as did I.

When I got home, my son named him Gibbly. Gibbly has since travelled with us on scavenger hunts, bowling nights and any other goofy family event that requires a mascot.

I think we're done

If you've been crazy enough to be a regular reader of this blog, you'll know I love Vegas and the Tropicana Hotel.  Well, things are a changing in sin city. The Tropicana has been sold to the Doubletree - Hilton chain.

It had been previously owned by a Canadian private equity firm Onex Corporation. They led the path out of bankruptcy protection in 2009.  With a failed night club attempt, a poker room closure and the lack of a marquee performance act the future did not look that bright. Thus, I am not that surprised that they sold.

However, 2010-2012 the Tropicana was awesome. Millions in renovations, fresh attitudes and fantastic food kept me going back. I did indeed love the TropLV. We had good times.

Hilton took over today. My favourite restaurant Bacio, and their chef Carla have parted ways.

I have no reason to return to the Trop. Good news for me though... next time in Vegas I'll get to try a new hotel. And chef Carla Pellegrino has opened up her own restaurant The Meatball Spot and the reviews I have read are outstanding.

I've also decided to separate travel from this blog and have moved it over to Escapethe204. I think I will get a little more specific over there.  Short and sweet travel blogs. Yes, Jenn, I'll still ramble on about how I love Delta Airlines and why it's cool to fly from Minot. ;)

Here, who knows... more Assorted Cathie. Hard to believe it has been over 2 years already. I continue to do it, just to write. It satisfies the part of me that needs to write. I don't do it for money. I don't do it for any commercial purposes. I simply do it to relax and empty my brain. Helps me sleep better. Keeps me out of trouble.

Cheers!

Departure Gate GFK

Grand Forks, North Dakota has a great little airport. GFK in your airport codes and search engines. Very recently, United Airlines has decided to offer connecting flights from GFK to DEN. From Denver you can go anywhere in the world.

This is a good thing.

More choices means better prices. I have noticed that Delta airlines is consistently offering below market price fares out of GFK. Why? Because they don't want to lose existing business. They want to keep their plane loads at viable levels.

What does this mean to you?  You can now fly Delta, United or Allegiant out of Grand Forks. You can save yourself $200 or more on a return trip if you fly out of GFK. It can mean a difference of $1000 to a family of 5. Is that worth it? Yes.

What if it means an overnight stay in Grand Forks? Great news there too. There are tons of great hotels within 15 minutes of the airport. An average night's stay will run you about $70.

More options means more travel. More travel means more life experience.

Of course, prices vary on your travel dates and destination.

Visit their local tourist blog to learn more about Grand Forks.

Best of 2012

Glass of wine in hand. Reflection goggles on! So, here goes! In no particular order. With no particular thought to the categories.

Best Vacation:  Atlantis hotel, Bahamas  October 2012.  Because... I feel at home there. I breathe deeply, rest thoroughly and am happy. And it's super fun and awesome and amazing! (Photo at left. That's my favourite pool.)

Best Day at Work:  The day my Uncle Baldur walked in to say hello. (September ?) Because... I was exhausted, it was about 8PM, I was sitting in a corner and finally eating my dinner. I was in a zombie state, reading the newspaper... then I heard a familiar voice at the counter. I jumped up and squealed like a cheerleader at the championships. So happy!!! He's one of my favourite people on this earth and I hadn't seen him in years. What a great surprise!

Best Meal:  (August) Dinner at Bacio. It's an italian restaurant at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. Twice I've eaten there. Two of the best meals of my entire life. It's not very expensive. The food is beyond delicious. The setting is intimate. The staff is fantastic. The celebrity chef, Carla Pellegrino has been in the kitchen (her restaurant) both visits. She's amazing. Seriously, I would go to Vegas just to eat there again! (@chefcarlapelleg) She has recently opened another restaurant @meatballspot which is also in Vegas. I think I better try it out in 2013!

Best Kiss:  (November 18th, 2012) We were looking at puppies. We were there to see a pup named Rookie and this other little black and white scamp flew past me and slurped my hand. She got my attention. Then she sat and captivated with her "pick me" eyes. I lifted her up and she kissed my cheek. My girl.... Bella. I've been getting puppy kisses 6 weeks now. I'm pleased to report that Rookie also found her right people and also has a forever home.

Best News: (March) My mom was strong enough to leave the hospital and head home. Home is always the best place to be.

Best Wine:  This year I found that I really like Apothic Red. Full bodied and holds its own with any meal. I like it with lasagna. It's good with dark chocolate and sea salt Ghiradelli chocolates too. Mmmm.

Best Photo: (November) I like this one. My friend Karen and I were being tourists in her home town. I loved our days together. This photo reminds me of her. I like to think the future holds Blue Skies for both of us.

Best Kid Time: (May) I took my older son on a hockey road trip of nearly 700 miles. We laughed and got to really know each other. It was just the two of us and I'll never forget it. I believe the Under Armour outlet at the shopping centre will remember us too!! We nearly bought the place out! (February) My younger boy and I played hours of shinny together on our ice rink. We took iphone videos of our antics. He says I play like a first year novice (that's not exactly a compliment!) Boy did we laugh hard that day! It was one of his favourite days too.

Best Sleep: (October) Sheraton Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.  We were on a layover, sponsored by Delta Airlines. They comp'd us 2 rooms adjoining. Each of us had our own queen-sized, sweet sleeper bed. We had had the greatest adventure that day, were well fed and were completely exhausted from the day. All four of us slept like kings!

Best Chance Meeting:  (November) I was shopping at a market in North Vancouver, in a little boutique. I was admiring the purses for sale when the "clerk" let me know that she was indeed the purse designer and just minding the store that day for a friend. We got to talking and she was one of the most lovely people I've ever met. She makes the purses by hand, using reclaimed leather. She is an immigrant to Canada and just loves life. Each creation has so much thought to the design and clever craftmanship it was impossible not to fall in love with her work. (Yes! That's my purse!)  Of course I bought two purses for myself as my un-birthday, birthday gift! Jola and I have kept in touch and I expect she will be a huge designer once the magazines discover her.

Best Prayer Answered: (April) The lump that I was so scared of, was nothing. It was months of ignoring it. Then weeks of waiting for tests and results. I kept it pretty much to myself. Finally, the test results came in and I sunk to the floor and bawled. I texted the ones who worried along side me, and hugged the girls at work. That was a relief, big time.

Best Advice Received:  You need to make your own happiness. Live life without regrets.

Best Advice to Give: Eat ice cream. Forgive yourself. Tomorrow is a new day. Be open to new adventures!

With that, I toast 2012! Thanks for the memories! Here's hoping 2013 has blue skies, good health and much happiness ahead for all of us!

Fishing for a great hotel deal

So, if you're planning a trip, it's best to do it at least 6 weeks in advance. Between 6-8 weeks out is when you will find your best flight prices.

In getting a hotel deal, I think it's great to go fishing. Fishing? Visit the web sites and test the waters. For example, if you are thinking about a Disney vacation, visit their web site and sign up to receive their emails. Make a few searches for the dates and resorts you are looking for and then "walk away". Don't visit the web site for a couple days. Typically... an offer.... a sweeter deal will arrive in your e-mail inbox in just a few days.

This happened recently for me, on hotwire.com.  Same has happened with Delta Vacations and Air Canada at other times. The cookies your ip address leaves behind with your search, and your e-mail that you voluntarily give them to contact you with offers is all you need to nab a better bargain.

And while I'm not actually going to Newport Beach, Ca those dates, it is certainly helpful to get a baseline of prices so I CAN budget for it and plan for the future should the stars align.

Then again, they might send an offer so sweet I can't say no.

I'm a MART

We were talking about travel styles today and I am a self-described MART. That's Mother Against Road Trips.

It's true I don't enjoy road trips with my whole family. There's a couple good reasons.

First of all, we fight on who's going to drive. I have a big, spacious, gas guzzling quad cab truck. It's awsome. Like super awesome and I love it. But... I don't let anyone else drive it. So, gas mileage and the fact that I would have to do all the driving makes me reluctant to take it. But it sure would be comfortable and safe.

Then, if we took my husband's wagon, he would do all the driving. Ugh. He never stops. "Get in and shut up. We'll stop when we get there" best describes his driving style.  And since we live in the middle of nowhere road trips take at least 15 hours to get anywhere good.

My kids don't do well in confined spaces. They argue and fight and in general cause a ruckus.

I've tried road trip games, including custom bingo games. I've tried music, dvds and ipods. They work for a bit, but not long enough. They're active boys and need to run. I prefer to run them through airports on vacation, not gas stations and highway rest stops. I think it's great exercise to run from Terminal A to Terminal E in order to catch a connector flight. Keeps the heart racing and strong.

And with fly away vacations you can't just yell at everybody, toss them back in the car and drive home in a huff, cutting the trip short. Plane reservations and fees for changing flights help you resist the temptation to just throw your hands up and end the vacation.

I love my family and I love exploring new destinations. I just don't have the time, energy or interest in doing it Griswold-style like in the classic movie, "Vacation."

So I'm a MART. So what!

Cross Border Healthy

Canadians have, for decades, travelled to the United States in search of bargains and a little escape from the every day. To make a border-run for a quick weekend of shopping is pretty normal. If you go with your family, it's an inexpensive change from the ordinary. Kids love to swim in the hotel pool. The self -serve waffles at the continental breakfast station are a fun treat. It's a good chance for families to re-connect. 

There is, of course, a considerable argument for shopping at home. "Buy local." "Buy Canadian." Buying your goods at home contributes to the local economy. Whether it's a mom and pop shop, or a US Big Box retailer, if its in your community, it supports the local community by providing jobs, taxes and charitable support. 

However, there are benefits to travelling as well. And I feel this applies to wherever you travel, near or far, and regardless of purpose. When you leave your own community (for a vacations/business trip) you  AND your community benefits for these reasons: 

1. Perspective. When you see how other people live you appreciate what you have yourself. For example, in the flood of 2011 cities and towns in 2 provinces and 2 states were significantly affected, though none greater than Minot, North Dakota. The city was flooded. Many homes and businesses completely destroyed by 15 feet of water that submerged everything. This community is like ours. It could have been us. Minot is rebuilding. They want visitors. An injection of "outside money" is how they are going to bounce back. Visiting is how we can show friendly support. 

2. New ideas. It's a reality, franchises are born in the United States, and later enjoyed by Canadians. For entrepreneurs, it's a treasure chest of ideas. When new businesses/franchises set up at home, your community benefits through employment, commercial real estate use and more. 

3. You can't live in a bubble. To stay in your own 10 mile zone is not healthy. Live. Explore.

4. Respect. Travelling across borders requires stops at Customs. This is a formal process, not to be taken lightly. This process can show children another aspect of law enforcement, show them how honesty, integrity and respect for laws helps us live in a civil society. 

5. Work your brain. To travel means to learn. To learn means to create new paths in your brain. To only travel in the familiar literally stimulates your mind less. You use less brain function. For example, if you drive by the same billboard every day and it says "Stay at Super8 for Less" you begin to ignore it. It's part of the landscape. Your brain assumes it will be there and pays no attention. However, if one day it says, "Buy milk at Barneys" your brain receives new stimulus. Now, imagine going someplace new where every sign is new. Brain stimulus slows aging and preserves brain function.  Never stop learning!

Fast 5 Travel Tips: How to roll with the punches

Not everything is going to go smoothly in life, or on vacation. There will be delays, detours and unplanned events. It doesn't have to derail the good times. Here's how to roll with it, and keep smiling.

1. Bring your confirmation numbers and receipts. Especially if you booked with a 3rd party like Expedia or Hotwire etc. Having proof at your fingertips will make for a more smooth check-in even when the hotel has no record of your booking.

2. Plane delay.... these things happen. Yelling at the desk agent will not help. If there's a chance to re-route, you can often do it yourself quickly and without charge at the self-help kiosk.  Get the seats on the next plane out before someone else does.

3. Rain or inclement weather ruining your planned hike or day at the amusement park? Don't disappoint the kids.... have an indoor backup plan ready to go. A quick call to the concierge will work if you hadn't pre-planned something.

4. Sick child? If it's not serious, and they just need to rest at the hotel, this is a great time to divide & conquer. Have one parent take the other kid(s) out for some personal time. The parent left on nurse duty will get to go out on their own later when it's time to switch off. Don't forget to bring back a treat for the ailing child.

5. Keep smiling. See the bright side of things! Remember you're on vacation. You could be at home doing laundry!

Vacation Bargains Abound

I've been looking around at all my favourite discount travel sites lately. Not for myself, but for any friend who asks. I'm happy to do this. I'm certainly not a travel agent, but I have had a pretty wide variety of travel experiences and adventures in the last 10 years.

We have managed to tote our kids to Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, North Dakota, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, The Turks & Caicos,  The Bahamas and Hawaii. We've travelled by passenger train, car, plane and cruise ship.

We've gone hiking, skiing, swimming, surfing, shopping, to amusement parks and more. It's felt a little crazy at times, but it's been good. I have no regrets at all.

My hubby and I also do the classic couples' getaway to Vegas every now and again. Personally, I love Vegas. I'd go anytime. I think one of the things I like so much about Vegas is the nightlife. It's the opposite of my hometown. My hometown exists, Monday to Friday, from 9AM -9PM. After that, the place shuts down and seems like a sleepy hollow.  So, to have concerts and plays and people out enjoying life after dark seems exciting. I like the change of pace.

But I'm not ready or able to plan another family vacation. Not yet anyway. As I stated last week, I seem to have lost my spark. Though, I am genuinely ok with researching on behalf of friends.

There are lots of amazing bargains out there right now. 5* golf vacations to california for about $700 including taxes, hotel and airfare.  Cheap jaunts to Cuba at under $1000.  Luxury caribbean cruises around $800 (Airfare extra).  Lots of bargains to Florida & Arizona.  Vegas is always cheap in the first part of December & the last part of January.

I priced out one golf vacation during the 3rd week of January at $800. The identical trip in late February is sitting around $1700. So yeah, that's what I consider a bargain.  5* trip, at 3* price.  But truly, it's about getting the type of vacation that works for your family, at a time that's convenient, at a price you can afford. I would caution to never ever take a vacation that the only thing that interests you is the price. If you go somewhere you hate, it's truly no bargain.

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Travel sites I like:

www.itravel2000.com

www.redtag.ca

www.yqrdeals.ca www.yegdeals.ca www.ywgdeals.ca  (Deals specific to your local airport)

www.aircanadavacations.com  (Check out their last minute specials.)

Both Redtag and Itravel2000 will chart the vacations days before and after your selected date and show you a grid of the varied prices. This is an amazing feature, as sometimes a day can make a $500 difference, and you'd never know unless you see this comparison. Each site also searches all the package providers for you. It will show you if Westjet has a better price than Air Canada on the nearly identical vacation.

The flame is out

I've think I've lost my urge to travel. I'm sure it's only temporary, but still, this is a weird feeling.

I usually have the next trip planned before the first one is even done. What the heck has happened to me? And the oddest part is that I have travel credits in the bank. My Skymiles account has $2400 of free travel just sitting there designated for our family. Free travel. Free travel!!!! And yet, I can't get excited.

It's not that I've had a bad experience or anything recently. It's not that I've been around the world. I haven't seen everything I want to see. I certainly have not done everything either. I just don't know.

Have I lost my sense of adventure? Has my typical winter depression set in early? Am I lost to myself right now?

There are so many places I haven't been. And yet I have no urge to research.

By this time, I'm usually rabid to have something to look forward to. A Christmas vacation helps me get through our dysfunctional family holiday season. This year.... meh.

I think I've lost my spark. The flame is out.

I may as well just get a puppy and stay home.

You can edit the photo, but not the memory

The last time I saw my Happy Place, I wanted to mark the moment with a photograph. Isn't that what we all do? Aren't we all documenting our lives through photos and photo sharing these days?

Well, I was looking for the photo to capture the place and time that I absolutely cherish. And then, there was this guy. This guy and his laundry.

My Happy Place, is a palm tree on a beach, outside the Atlantis Hotel, on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It's just a single palm tree, on a tiny stretch of beach, surrounded on two sides by the ocean, but for me it's Utopia. It represents all that is bliss and perfection in a holiday. I love this palm tree. Seriously. Now, of course, as a traveller I've seen hundreds, maybe thousands of palm trees and sure, I like them all. But this is the ONE. It's my screensaver. It's my wallpaper. It's.... it's..... my HAPPY PLACE.

When I am stressed, or scattered and I need to find my peace and my focus, I take my mind to this tree. I feel the breeze, I hear the ocean and I go back to a time when I was there and I was calm and rested.

So, back to the guy and his laundry.....

My family goes trotting out to this area of beach to see the palm tree, and along comes another tourist with an armload of towels. He unceremoniously tosses them down on the sand, in a heap. Then he proceeds to walk another 12 feet or so, to the palm tree and park himself underneath it. He just lay there. He just lay there....completely ruining my shot. Him and his pile of laundry!

See him and his pile of yellow towels?

"What the Hell? This isn't your laundry room!" I thought. "Not your basement! Not YOUR tree!" But of course, it really isn't my tree either. I shook my head and smiled, "what luck" I thought. So I simply encouraged my family to enjoy the beach. Play in the water, relax and take your time. Do whatever. "We'll wait." I figured at some point he'd get up, gather his laundry and go. Then I could have my postcard photo, and blissful moment to capture.

But no. Laundry guy thinks it's a jolly idea to linger, to "camp", if you will. Dozens of other tourists come and go in the area. They take photos. They're obviously posing. They're taking their photos in spite of his presence. He is, of course, oblivious.

"Get your picture and let's go" says my husband. "Just edit him out like you would a zit."

Now it's sunset & he's still here! Him and his laundry!

Really? Is this a school photo? I'll just blend him into the sand? Is that what my husband thinks? Now, yes, I do have the skills and it's not that hard to do, but how do I edit the memory? I can wipe Laundry Guy off the beach with a swoosh of my mouse, but how do I get him out of my relaxation ritual?Laundry, is not exactly what I would consider peaceful, or happy. Laundry is a chore! I have two sons. They play hockey. Laundry is not my happy time. Ugh.

The birds are a nice distraction, but I still see him in this sepia version.

Obviously, I'm left with no other choice than to call a do-over on this vacation. I simply must return to see my tree again, and make a new postcard memory. Frankly, I don't see any other choice. So, thanks, "Laundry Guy" I'm going to have to go to the Bahamas again. "Darn!" (She says squealing with joy and dancing a jig.) I'm just going to have to go back!

Simply cropped. But "yuck" my tree doesn't grow in the water. I NEED sand in the photo!