I Think I’m Fallin’ For You

October 12, 2016October 12, 2016Leave a comment

Well, well, well. Here we are. Two weeks shy of our six month anniversary of our Australian hiatus and we’re packing our backpacks to head back home (only for two and a half weeks!).

Yesterday was Canadian thanksgiving, but also the last official day the bike park was open and therefore the last day of the summer season! It was quite fitting for those two things to fall on the same day (ha, Fall – geddit?). It was quite a day of reflection and to feel thankful for this incredible place. I’m feeling so full of joy looking back on our first Canadian summer.

The last few weeks in particular have been a dream, from conquering my goals in the bike park;

to walking into work everyday with a huge smile on my face;

to having Alistair’s girlfriend Ellen visit, having a ball with her and hitting up the train wreck hike again (it doesn’t get old!);

to watching Fall officially hit Whistler, with trees changing into the most vibrant of colours;

and seeing the first snowfall of the season!!!

We’ve also spent a small fortune on winter gear, snowboards and ALL THE LAYERS. I’m getting so pumped for winter and what this new season will bring for us.
But first, to head home and celebrate the wedding of two very dear friends! Can’t wait to see some familiar faces, eat some fresh food and soak up the last of the sunshine. See you all very soon!!!

Hanbel.
x

P.s. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to wish my love a very, very happy 29th birthday!
I feel like I’ve said a variation of these words a million times since we left, but my goodness I am one lucky duck. To get to explore so many new places, a new way of life and new experiences everyday with your best friend by your side is a dream come true.

We both thought this move might be a bit of a test for us, and I think it’s safe to say we’ve never been happier – individually and together. Bring on the next year and more incredible moments like these! I love you, you crazy kid. x

Music, Sweet Music

September 3, 2016September 3, 20161 Comment

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

I Choo Choo Choose You

June 20, 20161 Comment

Hellooooo friends and family! Still alive over here, kicking life goals and generally enjoying every moment. #sorrynotsorry

I’ve been working for a couple of weeks now, and absolutely loving it. There’s tonnes to learn and so many different processes that I’m not used to (not to mention that Whistler is still unfamiliar to me), but it feels so good to get the brain working again. It’s a great team to work with, our boss is one of the kindest and funniest people I’ve met and I’ve also had the pleasure of training with two other girls around my age.

On on of our days off, one of my co-worker gals, Crina, and I decided to make use of the beautiful weather and head off on a little hike.

We made our way down to Function Junction in search of the train wreck. Following the trails through intense greenery and beautiful trees, we found our way to the train line.

Where we played around, because why not?

Nailed it.

The trail was super easy, and only around 5km long – a nice introduction for us both.

Time for a little back story about the wreck… In 1956 a train came off it’s tracks trying to make up time and speeding along an area in repair. The nearby families and community decided to leave the boxcars there and subsequently set it up as an authorised graffiti zone.

Every boxcar is covered inside and out with artwork, with many incredible faces staring back at you.

You’re also in the middle of a forrest, clamouring over roots and around trees to take it all in. It was pretty spectacular and such a unique set up.

Forgoing the train tracks, we took the trail back to discover Cheakamus River and it’s gorgeous waterfall. Seriously, this place does not get any better!

This is life for me these days; working with some cool cats, finally making money instead of spending it all, and getting out biking or hiking in my spare time.

Andrew updates:
He has started coaching in the park, and can’t wipe the smile off his face. He has started to discover the fun side to tipping, and even got tipped in beer yesterday. I’m super proud of the effort he’s been putting in over the last couple of weeks.

Whistler is the kind of town that doesn’t open until 10am, doesn’t get going until the afternoon and parties late into the night. It’s also the kind of place where nothing happens unless you make it happen. Andrew has been down at the base of the mountain most mornings, organising lessons for other coaches, shadowing their classes and now getting his own gigs. He’s consistent and reliable and I think the senior staff are starting to notice and reward him for it.

Happy happy days over here! Much love,
Hanbel.
x

Lights Will Guide You Home

June 9, 20165 Comments

You guys, doesn’t it feel a million years ago that I wrote this post?

Almost two years later, I’m having déjà vu like crazy. Moving into a home has been the biggest excitement and relief. Being able to actually unpack my backpack after 6 weeks on the road was such a privilege. I blasted some Beyonce, made myself a cuppa and felt right at home almost instantaneously.

Andrew finished up his course yesterday and MOVED IN. I was starting to go a little stir crazy and had definitely had enough of my own company, so yesterday was a really good day.

A couple of you have been asking for snaps of the new crib, and I always deliver. So, without further adieu;

The spot is studio style, all in one big room. I’m assuming it used to be the basement or lower floor of this HUGE house, which the owners have converted into a small home with the addition of a kitchen and bathroom. Above is the bedroom/lounge room with a TV unit and plenty of floor space calling for more furniture.

The sheets and duvet cover provided had seen better days, but luckily Blake and Tash dragged me along to Walmart in Squamish for some necessities!

This be the rest of our place. I love that the kitchen and dining area are a little separate from the bedroom. It’s a decent size and works for us! Our communication skills could do with some work though, we’ve somehow ended up with two packets of paprika and three of cumin. Baby steps…

Scoping the Pique newspaper has turned into my favourite hobby. Reading the upcoming events has turned me onto free yoga at Lululemon, ladies nights in the park and a plant sale in the village. I picked up these babies for cheap and find that they’re helping us make this place a little happier.

The owners of this place actually live in the same house as us (we have a separate entry and hardly ever see them), and are the nicest little family. They’re looking after us really well so far, by installing a new lock on the shed (so all our bikes have a home) and letting us use this table on our front patio.

This is essentially the view from our driveway, and I’m not mad about it all. From certain angles you can see Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb, this place is insane.

I’m even getting used to filter coffee, mainly because I haven’t been paid yet and life is expensive in Whistler. Kicking back with a cup, reading blogs with Spotify on the go is making me one happy gal.

Life in Whistler ain’t so bad, especially when this is the view riding home from an awesome ladies’ night. I’ve started work too, and I promise to give you details soon. For now though, just know that I already love it and am getting goooooood feelings about this place. Hope you’re all well!

Hanbel.
x