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Published: February 25th 2015
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Surfs up
Sweet as Tuesday I caught up with my SAETL buddy Denise as she organized a dinner with the two of us and Heather. She cooked a delicious vegetarian meal, we had some great laughs and Heather decided she wanted to accompany me to WA in April. Awesome, the planning will now begin for our great WA camping, sight-seeing, and hiking adventure. An awesome evening!
Wednesday was a freaking terrifying, frightening, and exhilarating experience. That’s right people not only did I get into the ocean above my waist, I had a surf board in my hand. After observing the mayhem, in my opinion, of the large waves I was more than happy not to be in the water the week prior. I decided to be brave this week and pray that the waves weren’t as big. It was a struggle to stuff myself into a wetsuit-I think I used up most of my stored up energy in doing that. Then it was off to join Teresa as well as the other teachers and kids, in surf school. Holy shiza! Panic is setting in and there is no turning back. We get the boards, head to the beach and instructions begin as does the
terror. Holy you know what. I think going to school counts at this point as doing something that scares you every day; this was a whole other level. In the water we go and the instructor was great. She held the board and told you when to paddle, and paddle harder, Oh my god, here we go, no turning back and I am riding the wave, on my stomach of course. Ok, I did it I have the feel for the wave. I must admit there were times while battling the wave, panic sets in as the wave builds and I can’t hardly find the courage to use the board to jump it. I also had to ignore the snicker and yelling of missing a great wave lol.
Here we go again and another one, o yes I forgot, I am actually supposed to stand up. Let’s try this again. I managed to get on my feet, crouching tiger, and holy shiza I am going fast and toward the shore and wow I am on my feet and oh my gosh now what? Bail!!! I am not sure how I feel about surfing. I went through many emotions, never once
considering the fear of sharks as trying not to drown was my priority-duh, but will try again! Very proud of Teresa too as she got up fully on her last go. Woot woot!
Another Fabulous Freaking Friday, making it two Blockbuster nights, two experiences at the beach, a chat with Jana finally, very little sleep, headed to the Hills again for a Sunday with V&G and Teresa for another wine tour. I have embraced this part of my lifestyle that is for sure. First stop, Anderson at the top of many winding roads that Teresa didn’t fair very well with, but nothing that a little wine can’t fix. I must admit that I wouldn’t normally drink on a Sunday, I wouldn’t normally pack my social life like this, I would normally say, "Yes" to everything, maybe it is about time I change my normal! My new normal is quite enjoyable and in the moment to be completely honest. On a side note people have asked me do I miss home? Well yes, certain things like my actual home at times, family yes, but I am used to being away from them however find it frustrating to try and call
my mom and dad. I am thrilled that they have joined the 21
st century finally and got texting on their phones. Oh happy day! Friends, definitely, because I wish they could be experiencing this with me. However, I am fortunate enough to have great friends and family at home and I know they will be there upon my return and I am also fortunate enough to be expanding my friends and family here! Love the connections being made and wouldn’t trade it in for anything, not even a better work experience.
We had wine, cheese, and pizza at this winery and then off we go again to Mt. Lofty wineries for another spectacular view, and a smell that was off and it wasn’t the cheese. Some tastings and purchases here and then we decided to squeeze in one last one. We headed to Pike and Joyce and it had stunning views. We may have stayed well past our welcome and enjoyed it. We then headed back to the suburbs for another first. I headed into the ocean yet again, without a wetsuit and it was warm and refreshing at the same time, particularly after two days of scorching hot
and lovely weather. We then headed back to V & G’s for a swim and a lovely dinner they threw together was delicious! A perfect ending to a relaxing, but not so restful weekend, only to have the power short out while I was gone and discover Monday morning that the fridge has been off, disturbing Simon at 7 am, flipping the switch, pitching food, and trying not to flip out! Did I mention I sometimes miss my home? Not that it doesn’t have its own problems, don’t get me wrong.
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Rob Van Winkle
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Great experiences!
It seems like you have some great friends to hang with! They have some beautiful wineries. You have inspired April and I to visit some of the Okanagan wineries this summer...Or at least drink drink more wine! I love the surfing play by play. You are becoming quite the writer! Your post made it sound like it was a school planned surfing trip. That's great! At Colonel Irvine, we are ramping up for our 4 day/3 night. Outdoor School trip! Remember when you took the private room and Chris and I had to sleep on the hallway floor in the kids dorm- right beside the creaky door of the washroom?!! This camp has much better accommodations for teachers though.