Hanbel.
x
Good Morning Lovelies!
Though it be raining today and the forecast shows much of the same for another week, I am a happy little vegemite. My morning workout is complete, I’ve got a jar of overnight oats and peanut butter in my hand and coffee brewing.
This is quickly becoming my morning routine on days where I have a late start at the bakery. Once my breakfast is ready and I’ve started the coffee, I sit down and catch up on the blogs I follow (Brooke and Sean’s is a highlight at the moment!). The first I started with today though, is Cup of Jo, and this article took my fancy.
Isn’t music incredible? The power it has to soothe, enhance, excite, evoke emotions and transport you in time will never cease to amaze me. Reading over Jo’s list this morning, got me thinking of my own. These are the few that first come to mind…
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 – Bob Dylan
As my Dad’s absolute favourite artist, Bob Dylan echoed through our halls throughout my childhood. My parent’s favourite story to tell is me, as a toddler, blasting out the lyrics “Everybody must get stoned”.
Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
When I was 7 or 8, my Mum took me to see The Parent Trap at the movies. I fell in love with the film and it’s soundtrack. Since then, I have watched this movie too many times to count and can still quote it back and forth with Mum. This heavenly Beatles song reminds me of so many things, but mainly of my dear Mumma.
Teenage Crime – Adrian Lux
For three years in a row, the girls and I would pack up a couple of cars full of snacks and camping gear. We’d drive for seven hours to Bremer Bay and spend the week frolicking in the sun, swimming in the salty ocean and giggling non-stop around the campsite. When this song played one year and my dearest Courtney mistakenly sung out “all my friends, sin da loo!” she burnt a memory into my brain so deep that I can’t stop laughing while I type this.
Skinny Love – Bon Iver
Within the first few seconds of this song, my body freezes. I wait for my mind to catch up and decide if we’re going to start crying or if we’re going to smile with fond memories. This was played at my step-sister’s funeral and will always be her song, no matter how much time passes.
Hey Ho – The Lumineers
Last year, Andrew was asked to MC our good friend’s wedding and the biggest announcement he was to make was introducing the bridal party as they made their first entrance to the reception. He felt a huge responsibility that day and wanted to make sure he got it perfect for them. As I listen to this song I can hear his voice calling out “and finally… Mr and Mrs Lyons!”. Such heavy emotions on that perfect day, and I love reliving it through this song.
(Lover) You Don’t Treat Me No Good – Chet Faker
We have listened to this cover around a million times, and can probably quote the intro conversations. We are obsessed with this song and anytime it’s played will break out into song and dance. It takes me back to our little home in Perth, sharing a drink or two and absolutely loving each other’s company.
I hope you think of your own little list, take a trip down memory lane and smile for me, remembering some killer moments in life. Ain’t it great?
Hanbel.
x
Oh man, I’ve been a bit of a mess this week. It’s been a couple of emotional days; struggling at work, missing home, falling out of love with the bike park. BUT things are happening, and it’s changing around for me (I promise to give more details very soon).
In light of the last couple of days, I woke up today ready to change my mindset. I’ve started the day the best way I know how: went for a run, did some yoga, had a big coffee and, of course, peanut butter.
I also wanted to shed some light on some of the amazing things about this town that we have been loving over the last two months. There’s always a silver lining, and whistler has plenty!
One lazy Sunday morning, we took ourselves up on the Peak 2 Peak and it was phenomenal!
I’m not even sure what path we went on, but we were attempting to find the snow walls. After half an hour or more of walking up hill in high altitude (safe to say our lungs were in struggle town!), we made it to the summit. Next time, we’ll go the right way and have a proper look and play around.
Harley, you can pay me for advertising any time 😉
This was a good day.
2. Splitz Grill, beeeeeessssttttt burgers!
3. Callaghan Valley
This was part of the Jeep tour I got to do last week, I felt like a very lucky gal to be taken out here and shown some more views of this incredible slice’o’heaven – at sunset no less!
4. Cheap drinks 🙂
While the food can be stupidly expensive, it is teaching us how to shop economically and not to waste anything. We had a very lucky life in Perth, but I do think we were a little greedy and spoilt.
Having said that – alcohol is much cheaper. With all of the happy hours in town, drink specials and cheap liquor stores, we are never short of a good drop 😉
5. The cuddly bears
Jokes, do not cuddle a bear. They will kill you. But they are super cute, and I’m still not sick of seeing them around the mountain!
6. Beavertails
I really wanted to dislike these. I was hoping they would be far too sweet and gross. I was right, but if you go halves with a mate it’s a fun little treat! Once every six months will do though…
There’s plenty more to love about Whistler, like when the sun finally comes out and you grab a six pack and picnic, ride down to a lake (there are many options), bask in the sunshine and stare at the mountains. Or when you and a mate from home go on a hike through the most luscious green forests, talking non-stop for two hours straight. Or when you come home from a long day at work and your loft is toasty warm, you’ve discovered another season of Archer on Netflix and you settle in with a glass of wine or cup of tea.
I also love that I get to share it all with this amazing dude, one of the most patient and positive people I know. He’s constantly trying to see the best in any situation and motivates me to do the same. Love ya kiddo!
Hanbel.
x
There are endless positives to travelling, and I have blogged about so many of them already. The beauty of a blog, or any social media account, is that you get to choose what part of your life you show the world. Usually, it’s the highlights, the best days. Particularly with blogging, I don’t feel like uploading any of my downsides. My writing is motivated by my mood, and when I’m feeling down I’m far more likely to reach for Netflix than WordPress.
This doesn’t exactly give you a clear picture of everything that is happening in my life though, and for a little reality check I’d like to share with you one of the downsides to travelling. It is short lived and relatively easy to overcome, but the first couple of months are the most affected by this factor.
It’s quite simple to adjust to a new currency, a different climate, small differences in culture and everyday life. These adjustments happen quickly and without much stress. What takes some time though, is making friends. I’m definitely getting there, everyone in Whistler is so chilled out and up for anything. My work crew are awesome, and ladies’ nights are giving me opportunities to meet so many gals with similar interests. It will improve over time and I am in no way worried about being alone here. I just have moments where I miss my gals.
I miss calling someone up on a quiet afternoon to grab a drink, go for a long walk or stay in with popcorn and a movie. I miss the easy banter and the support system. I miss the hugs!
I miss Konga with Brooke, life analysis with Brianna, mild abuse with Rach, a sneaky wine with Kendra. I miss laughing with Courtney, finding the best new restaurant with Anh, marathon chats with Luce, and I even miss Laura talking through movies.
Life is good, I promise. It’s just that these girls, and the friendships we have are unparalleled. I’m thinking of you all today, and want to share some snaps where we are at our happiest!
The best gals 🙂
Hanbel.
x
Do you ever get in a funk? Like this little cloud is just chilling above your head, giving you all kinds of stormy moods and cloudy thoughts.
This has been happening to me lately, particularly with riding. No matter what I was trying, I hadn’t had a good run for so long. Even when we went road tripping down south and got to check out some beautiful new tracks, I just couldn’t get in the right head space. To be honest, with the impending Canada move at the back of my mind, I was getting a little stressed out.
I can’t handle being bad at something. If I’m not nailing it, I usually give up and move onto something within my reach… Until Andrew and mountain biking came along. His persistant encouragement and gentle coaching have pushed me out of my comfort zone and into this crazy, adrenalin fuelled sport.
Margaret River, such a beauty
I learn at my own pace, and will never move onto the next step unless I am confident and have learned every aspect. It must be so frustrating to watch, and even worse to ride after me, but Andrew does it all without complaining. Actually, I lie, he complains when I don’t have a good time and am too hard on myself. What a guy, right?
Even with this support behind me, I’d just not enjoyed it lately. I’ve been getting scared and frustrated with my thoughts taking over. It’s been super dry in Perth lately, which definitely doesn’t help. So I decided to take a week off and get back to me.
My handsome coach
Today, I woke up itching to ride. I wanted to get back out there and give it another go. My head was in the right place and I was feeling pretty relaxed. Which was a godsend, my ride was so much fun! The uphills weren’t killing me, the downhills didn’t shake me too much and I managed to get some PBs knocked out. More importantly though, I was smiling.
Riding in Pemberton, probably before a hill because I’m still smiling!
I don’t know if every ride will be like this, or if I’ll ever make it past this stage of riding. But, I think I’m okay with that. As long as I get some really good days in, I’m prepared to try and overcome the bad ones.
Life’s a little better today, endorphins do not suck at all. Little victories make me pretty happy too, so I’ll keep at it.
Kalamunda, on this glorious Perth day
Happy Thursday,
Hanbel.
x
P.S. If anyone was interested, this is where we ride:
Mercury Street is my comfort zone, but lately I’m trying Goldilocks, Judderbars and Alchemy.
The World of Hanbel 