Today's Blog Post is dedicated to my dog Aura, who passed away from a Brain Disease today at the young age of 3 years old. Those who have pets can understand the impact on ones life a pet makes. They become part of your family, your best friend.

From the moment I got Aura, she held a special place in my heart. Originally I had got her for my dad to help him deal with the loss of my grandmother. I drove over 2 hours each way to get Aura from a small town north of Kitchener. As soon as I put her in my arms, I knew I found my best friend. I brought her home and my dad fell in love with her as well. We decided to call her Aura because of her good "Aura" about her and energy. Unfortunately my dad passed away 2 weeks later. So here it was, just Aura and I...all we had was each other.


Through all the rough times she was always there for me, and I for her. Times when I would come home upset, or crying she would always comfort me and help me get through it. We also shared so many good memories, going to Woofstock, play dates with other dogs, movie nights, cottage getaways together, car rides, play times... anywhere I could bring her I would. When she started to get sick end of September, it just broke my heart. I slowly saw this wonderful spirit deteriorate but despite it all still kept her good spirit and had a smile on her face. Here I was in the position that she needed me and knew without a doubt I would do everything I could to help her, through MRIs, extensive testing and everything I wanted to be there for her just like she was there for me. And while I sat at home crying about how much she had to go through and how heartbreaking it was, she still managed to get up and try to lick the tears off my face.

When she had a seizure at home a couple days ago was horrible seeing her go through that especially since she was doing so well. I rushed her to the hospital where she could get the care she needed. One of the last memories I have with her was seeing her in emergency on IV. Once she saw me she managed to get up enough strength to lift her head and give me a kiss on the face, I gave her a kiss too and she passed out again. I will always remember that moment with her forever. Then comes today... when I was told she could come home this morning but needed a bit of TLC I was so happy. Couldn’t wait to bring her home. However just when I got to the hospital she had another seizure, one she was unable to recover from. Unfortunately the brain disease she was suffering from had taken its toll. So many emotions surround me as I think about the wonderful dog and friend she will always be to me and hoping that wherever she is in heaven that shes no longer in pain, running around playing frisbee and enjoying herself, knowing I will always be thinking of her and how she touched my life.

I also want to send a special thank you to those that have supported both Aura and I through this illness: Toronto Emergency Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Huska, Dr. Cutler, My work and all our friends (both 2 legged and 4 legged). Your support and prayers got us though this very difficult time.

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Port Douglas is a beautiful place. A place one would absolutely fall in love with. Beaches, boutiques, great people. What more can you ask for?

When my friend and I visited, it took a couple hours to get our surroundings in check. Then again weren't in any rush. The beach and the scenery was absolutely beautiful. White sands, beautiful hills... was surreal. 

Because we were there in January (stinger season) they had signs saying to watch for stingers and crocodiles...what?? Ok this wasn't in the tour guide. caution signs everywhere and even vinegar stations just in case. With that in mind, decided to obey by the rules on this one.

Our accomodations were a short walk to the beach and about a 10 min walk to the strip. One thing we found is that most of the accomodations were close to everything and fairly nice. There were also a lot of apartments to rent and groceries in town which was great for saving money on eating out all the time. 

If you like boutique shopping, you would love the shops. Tons of great places to pick up clothes or souvenirs to bring home, and not too expensive. 

There are also a few bars and restaurants worth checking out, they close a bit early during the week but should still give you time to go out and grab a bite and a drink.

On Saturdays there was a bar having toad races. If someone who of mentioned it to me I would of thought they were joking, but we went to check it out and it was actually quite entertaining and after a few drinks everyone gets right into it. 

Sunday's they have a market, would highly recommend checking it out. Was huge! And tons of cool stuff from local vendors. The only thing I would caution is if you a travelling from another country make sure what you get you can bring back. There's tos of plantlife and food but some of that stuff you can't bring home.

Had a wonderful time in Port Douglas and if you are in Queensland, Australia you should definitely add it to the itinary.  

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So I have to admit, this was my first Caribana...ever! and please excuse me for saying Caribana as opposed to Scotia Bank Caribbean Carnival as that is all I have ever known.

My friend asked me to play Mas this year. For those who don't know, thats where you dance for a Mas Camp in the actual parade and get the chance to dress up in these elaborate, beautiful costumes. We were part of the Louis Saldenah Mas Camp... What an AMAZING time!!

I spent a few days before picking up my costume, getting all the accessories... the anticipation for the big day. Once I got there, the rush was unbelievable! Thousands of people dressed up, great vibe. Although it was about 11am by the time we got started, I definitely needed a drink! I probably wasn't the only one. I wasn't use to being dressed up (or underdressed) in front of so many people, but once I got out there my insecurities just disappeared.

The music, the vibe, the people...the craziness when we were at the stage and that nice feeling when your dancing near the trucks playing soca music and your body just wines. Hard to explain your first Caribana mas experience without the words overwhelming and awesome.

Once it was all over and I got home... after 8 hours in the sun dancing (and 36C plus heat) I was tired, sore but ready to do it again next year. Definitely a 9/10 day (1 point off for forgetting to put sunscreen on part of my back and getting burnt...ouch!)

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It's been awhile since I last blogged...but i'm still here! Life has a way of keeping one busy sometimes. It's been a super busy summer and I have LOTS to write about as I sit down and reflect on everything that's been going on here in Toronto...and abroad. Lots of reviews, stories, opinions, the works. However even though I can say that I have done a lot in the last couple months, theres something about August that makes me feel that summer is wrapping up soon... I don't know if its the thought that the next long weekend will be Labour Day or that Dollarama now has Halloween decorations. Either way, only a month left until september and it's time to get "out and about" and enjoy. Have fun everyone!

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The winter blues...its February, it's cold, dark by 6pm and you are in a down mood. If that sounds like you, you're not alone. Lately I have been feeling unmotivated and been trying to think of ways to get out of it. So came up with a couple ways to keep busy and turnaround my mood so as not to fall victim to the winter blues.

Here are a few thought starters, but would like this to be an expanding list so please add your thoughts and ideas on how you try and cope with the winter blues.

1. Expand your mind
Take a course or class in something that interests you. Having a regular commitment keeps you out and about and off the couch.

2. Take a vacation, mini or major.
Whether its a weekend in Niagara or a week in Cuba, get away for a change of scenary.

3. Get up and do something...around the house!
If you have been meaning to paint that room or check something off your reno to do list, get it done. nothing like the sense of accomplishment from completing tasks.

4. Have some friends over.
Have a game or movie at your house. serve some appetizers or do a potluck.

How do you get through the winter? Share your ideas and lets get through this winter in a good mood.

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January 16, 2012
Day 10 

So after taking a break for a few days, I was ready to try Scuba diving again. When I first got to Sydney, I went for my first open water dive and was having a lot of troubles with my ears. I think it must of had something to do with the pressure from the plane and then the pressure underwater. I just got off a plane and then within a couple hours, right into dive training. Although they had said it was ok to have it so close together, my ears felt another way. I still had trouble with my ears the day after. The ears, as well as the long wait and weather conditions made my first experience not the greatest. However rather then give up, I decided to give it another shot...and here I am.

This experience proved to be a lot better. The weather was nice, the water calm and I had the pleasure of one-on-one training with a dive master...very cool and a vast improvement from my first day.

The training went well. The first very smooth, the second ok and then on the third I think I was getting too much water and pressure on my ears and was ready to call it a day. Was a bit unfortunate because I was doing so well at all the skills and everything, was just having trouble with equalization on my ears. However, at the end of it all... I am now a Certified PADI Scuba Diver. Course complete and i'm ready for the Great Barrier Reef...

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January 15, 2012
Day 8  - Longrains in Sydney

After yesterday, today was going to be a chillaxing day. Which consisted of a bit of shopping and a bit of sightseeing. Today the highlight for me would definitely be dinner. We dressed up and went for dinner at this place called Longrains. I have to say the food was incredible.

It was a fancy Thai fusion and since I'm not much of a foodie (I just eat the food not critic it) the only way I can explain it is that it was extremely flavorful and delicious. Our starter was a mint leaf with some veggies and suchin it,which apparently opened up the palette. So good! And then for the food itself... Wow! We ordered a dish that had egg net, beansproats, and shrimp...as well as a curry dish. Was so delicious and flavourful it's hard to explain unless you taste it. A bit pricey, but we would definitely recommend it.

http://longrain.com/

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