I can't think of a better message to open my inbox to. Brilliant.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
An evening at the spa...
You didn't expect that title coming from me did ya? And why would you. I'm not the type. I'd never been to a spa before last week. I'd never really been crazy about my perception of the typical spa experience (sitting around, being pampered, having cucumbers placed over your eyes and mud smeared on your face). I've always been more interested in being active. If you know me, you know I can't sit still for very long without getting bored. I rarely finish what I start. I'm slightly ADD. A year ago, if you asked me to go to a spa - I'd probably laugh... a lot. Then, when I was physically able to stand up after my ab muscles recovered, I might go with you... if you paid for it.
However, Whistler offers a much busier lifestyle than I was accustomed to back home. Working in a restaurant is a demanding job. It's physically challenging and dealing with the lovely and always respectful people on a daily basis is mentally tough as well. It takes a lot out of you. Combine that with the social aspect after work and you eventually get an exhausted Tash. In the winter I had snowboarding as my release to de-stress and get back on an even keel. Come summertime the gym has been great for helping me stay on track physically and emotionally. Lately though, it hasn't been enough. I've been feeling exhausted. I needed something a little bit extra to get me feeling good again. Back in March, I purchased a discounted day pass for the Scandinave Spa. It was a really good price so I figured what the hell. It was set to expire at the end of June so I had to use it or it would have been wasted money... and in Whistler, the only acceptable way of wasting money is on alcohol.
I did a bit of research beforehand and basically, the idea is this: get really hot, get really cold, relax, repeat. It's called hydrotherapy. The location itself is gorgeous and tucked away from the hustle and bustle (can't believe I just wrote that) of the Whistler village.
The most interesting "hot station" I tried was the steam room. As soon as you open the door, you get a massive wave of listerine scented vapour all over you. It's like the entire population of Whistler chewed a couple packs of dentyne each and blew all of their minty breath into one small room. Once you get over the stinging of your eyes from the minty freshness as well as the inability to breathe, it's actually pretty relaxing. This whole dealio is supposed to start the detoxifying process.
After you hang out in the minty room for a while, you then proceed to the "get really cold" part. Basically that means plunging into some super chill water. This is supposed to boost your immune system and it freakin' better because it was freezing cold, dammit.
After you get out of the ice cold pool, you get to my favourite part - the relaxation bit. They have a couple of options but the best by far is the hammock. I never used to understand the appeal of a hammock. Probably because I was a hyper-active child who never liked to sit still. However, at the ripe old age of 23 I have come to completely appreciate every aspect of the hammock. Pure comfort. Every part of your body is supported and rested while you swing gently in the air. Perfect bliss.
In between my hydrotherapy cycles, I stopped at the in-house health bistro to grab a snack. I devoured a yummy plate of grapes, almonds and a variety of cheeses and then washed it down with some mango juice. The cheese was by far the best part. It had been so long since I'd eaten good cheese. I also got a free double chocolate cookie. Things just kept getting more awesome.
The whole experience is pretty cool. But by far, the absolute best thing about this place is the code of silence. No talking to others. No cell phones. No ipods. Just you and the spa. No creepy old perverts hitting on you like they do in the hot-tub at the gym. No annoying chatty kathys who feel the need to constantly have a phone attached to their hand. No young punks putting their terrible taste in music on display by blaring it through their headphones. The Scandinave Spa is a place of peace and tranquility. Just the sounds of waterfalls splashing and birds chirping while you soak up the sun and breathe the fresh mountain air.
This is my new paradise. I was only there for 2 hours but it felt like 10. It seemed like time just came to a standstill. I left feeling rested, relaxed and re-energized. If it wasn't so expensive I would have bought the 3 month passport for unlimited bath access. But since I'm poor, I'll have to settle for the spa being a treat for when I'm on the verge of a mental breakdown.
Tash.
However, Whistler offers a much busier lifestyle than I was accustomed to back home. Working in a restaurant is a demanding job. It's physically challenging and dealing with the lovely and always respectful people on a daily basis is mentally tough as well. It takes a lot out of you. Combine that with the social aspect after work and you eventually get an exhausted Tash. In the winter I had snowboarding as my release to de-stress and get back on an even keel. Come summertime the gym has been great for helping me stay on track physically and emotionally. Lately though, it hasn't been enough. I've been feeling exhausted. I needed something a little bit extra to get me feeling good again. Back in March, I purchased a discounted day pass for the Scandinave Spa. It was a really good price so I figured what the hell. It was set to expire at the end of June so I had to use it or it would have been wasted money... and in Whistler, the only acceptable way of wasting money is on alcohol.
I did a bit of research beforehand and basically, the idea is this: get really hot, get really cold, relax, repeat. It's called hydrotherapy. The location itself is gorgeous and tucked away from the hustle and bustle (can't believe I just wrote that) of the Whistler village.
The most interesting "hot station" I tried was the steam room. As soon as you open the door, you get a massive wave of listerine scented vapour all over you. It's like the entire population of Whistler chewed a couple packs of dentyne each and blew all of their minty breath into one small room. Once you get over the stinging of your eyes from the minty freshness as well as the inability to breathe, it's actually pretty relaxing. This whole dealio is supposed to start the detoxifying process.
After you hang out in the minty room for a while, you then proceed to the "get really cold" part. Basically that means plunging into some super chill water. This is supposed to boost your immune system and it freakin' better because it was freezing cold, dammit.
After you get out of the ice cold pool, you get to my favourite part - the relaxation bit. They have a couple of options but the best by far is the hammock. I never used to understand the appeal of a hammock. Probably because I was a hyper-active child who never liked to sit still. However, at the ripe old age of 23 I have come to completely appreciate every aspect of the hammock. Pure comfort. Every part of your body is supported and rested while you swing gently in the air. Perfect bliss.
In between my hydrotherapy cycles, I stopped at the in-house health bistro to grab a snack. I devoured a yummy plate of grapes, almonds and a variety of cheeses and then washed it down with some mango juice. The cheese was by far the best part. It had been so long since I'd eaten good cheese. I also got a free double chocolate cookie. Things just kept getting more awesome.
The whole experience is pretty cool. But by far, the absolute best thing about this place is the code of silence. No talking to others. No cell phones. No ipods. Just you and the spa. No creepy old perverts hitting on you like they do in the hot-tub at the gym. No annoying chatty kathys who feel the need to constantly have a phone attached to their hand. No young punks putting their terrible taste in music on display by blaring it through their headphones. The Scandinave Spa is a place of peace and tranquility. Just the sounds of waterfalls splashing and birds chirping while you soak up the sun and breathe the fresh mountain air.
This is my new paradise. I was only there for 2 hours but it felt like 10. It seemed like time just came to a standstill. I left feeling rested, relaxed and re-energized. If it wasn't so expensive I would have bought the 3 month passport for unlimited bath access. But since I'm poor, I'll have to settle for the spa being a treat for when I'm on the verge of a mental breakdown.
Tash.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Things.
Things I've learned about biking in the last week:
Pedaling uphill makes a tired Tash.
Riding after a few drinks is much easier.
Riding after a few more drinks allows me to travel at super sonic speeds.
Keeping your mouth open while riding will result in swallowing varying types of insects.
Riding in the dark on unlit trails and without a bike light in a bear inhabited community is frightening and not intelligent.
That is all.
Peace out.
Pedaling uphill makes a tired Tash.
Riding after a few drinks is much easier.
Riding after a few more drinks allows me to travel at super sonic speeds.
Keeping your mouth open while riding will result in swallowing varying types of insects.
Riding in the dark on unlit trails and without a bike light in a bear inhabited community is frightening and not intelligent.
That is all.
Peace out.
Monday, May 30, 2011
What is red and smells like blue paint?
Red paint. This has nothing to do with the following blog... just thought it best to start with a joke/fact.
Apparently if you eat, drink and perform minimal exercise for six months straight - you'll gain weight! I know folks, it's quite shocking. I've never worried about my weight before but it seems I'm getting old. My mother told me the day where I could not eat whatever I pleased would come, but as per usual - I didn't believe her. I don't own a scale in Whistler and one of the first things I did when I arrived home was weigh myself. When I looked down between my feet and saw a number I've never seen before, I thought "Surely that can't be right. This thing is broken." I then ventured upstairs and used a different scale and to my horror I saw the same number! "Dammit! Why are all the scales broken?!!?!"
Seriously though, I know I'd gained a bit of weight. For the first time in my life I actually feel like I should shed some pounds. Not just for aesthetic reasons. For a little while now, I haven't felt healthy. I've been lethargic, seriously lacking energy and super sleepy, After a winter of indulgence, it all finally caught up to me.
After seeing that novel number on the scale, I decided that I would commit to getting healthy and fit. Last week I bought a bike which is going to be my main mode of transport this summer. I've started cooking healthy meals and actually reading nutrition labels when I go shopping rather than looking for the cheapest items. And today... I bought a gym membership. In my previous attempts with these things - I've found I generally go diligently for the first week or two and then my attendance plummets. I make excuses as to why I don't go and forget about the money I've wasted. A couple months later, I go and buy another one and the cycle continues. I am determined not to fall into this pattern again.
Today I biked 5km to the gym, bought my 3 month membership and changed into an old band t-shirt and some Adidas shorts that would be cool if it were still the 90's. Thankfully there weren't any of the lululemon "I MUST LOOK SUPER COOL WHILE EXERCISING" snobs around. I strolled into the cardio room and figured I'd try the Elliptical trainer. I attempted to get on and almost fell off. Good start Natasha, good start. I set the program to "fat burner" as it seemed to fit with my current goals. I started moving and saw that the program was supposed to take 28 minutes. This seemed like quite a daunting task but I figured I'd give it a go. I'll breakdown my thought train during the workout for you:
0:03 - WTF?!?!? 28 minutes? No freakin' way I can do this for a half hour.
1:00 - This isn't so bad. Maybe I can do it.
2:00 - My legs hurt already :( (Yes I think in emoticons sometimes)
3:00 - I think my breathing is louder than the fans.
4:00 - I want to die... or maybe just take a nap.
5:00 - Maybe I'll stop at 10 minutes. That seems reasonable for a first try.
10:00 - I have owies everywhere - but I've gone this far. I'll keep at it a bit longer.
12:00 - "Don't stop believin'" comes on my ipod. Can't let Journey down now can I.
14:00 - My machine friend tells me "50 PERCENT COMPLETE". Screw it, I'm going all the way.
16:00 - I hit this second wind made of magic, rainbows and puppies and become re-energized.
18:00 - I'm in the zone.
24:00 - I look at the television and see highlights of the Jays kicking the crap out of the Indians. Happy days.
27:00 - One minute left! HECK YES!
28:01 - I'm sorry but what the hell is a "cool down"? 5 extra minutes? This machine is no longer my friend - IT TELLS ME CRUEL CRUEL LIES!
30:00 - Just a thought - a better way to cool down would be jumping in the pool - not sweating through my shirt even more than I already have...
33:05 - I can't believe I actually finished that. Yay me!
33:30 - I want to get off this thing but I'm afraid my legs might give out.
34:00 - WIN - I successfully dismounted the machine!
35:00 - Time for a jump in the pool and some much deserved hot tub action.
I won't lie. The bike ride home was challenging but I'm very serious about keeping my commitment to exercise and healthy eating. By the end of the summer I want to be in the best shape of my life. However it seems I need a bit of discipline because as I sit here typing this - I'm devouring a bag of mini eggs... one step at a time I guess.
Tash.
Apparently if you eat, drink and perform minimal exercise for six months straight - you'll gain weight! I know folks, it's quite shocking. I've never worried about my weight before but it seems I'm getting old. My mother told me the day where I could not eat whatever I pleased would come, but as per usual - I didn't believe her. I don't own a scale in Whistler and one of the first things I did when I arrived home was weigh myself. When I looked down between my feet and saw a number I've never seen before, I thought "Surely that can't be right. This thing is broken." I then ventured upstairs and used a different scale and to my horror I saw the same number! "Dammit! Why are all the scales broken?!!?!"
Seriously though, I know I'd gained a bit of weight. For the first time in my life I actually feel like I should shed some pounds. Not just for aesthetic reasons. For a little while now, I haven't felt healthy. I've been lethargic, seriously lacking energy and super sleepy, After a winter of indulgence, it all finally caught up to me.
After seeing that novel number on the scale, I decided that I would commit to getting healthy and fit. Last week I bought a bike which is going to be my main mode of transport this summer. I've started cooking healthy meals and actually reading nutrition labels when I go shopping rather than looking for the cheapest items. And today... I bought a gym membership. In my previous attempts with these things - I've found I generally go diligently for the first week or two and then my attendance plummets. I make excuses as to why I don't go and forget about the money I've wasted. A couple months later, I go and buy another one and the cycle continues. I am determined not to fall into this pattern again.
Today I biked 5km to the gym, bought my 3 month membership and changed into an old band t-shirt and some Adidas shorts that would be cool if it were still the 90's. Thankfully there weren't any of the lululemon "I MUST LOOK SUPER COOL WHILE EXERCISING" snobs around. I strolled into the cardio room and figured I'd try the Elliptical trainer. I attempted to get on and almost fell off. Good start Natasha, good start. I set the program to "fat burner" as it seemed to fit with my current goals. I started moving and saw that the program was supposed to take 28 minutes. This seemed like quite a daunting task but I figured I'd give it a go. I'll breakdown my thought train during the workout for you:
0:03 - WTF?!?!? 28 minutes? No freakin' way I can do this for a half hour.
1:00 - This isn't so bad. Maybe I can do it.
2:00 - My legs hurt already :( (Yes I think in emoticons sometimes)
3:00 - I think my breathing is louder than the fans.
4:00 - I want to die... or maybe just take a nap.
5:00 - Maybe I'll stop at 10 minutes. That seems reasonable for a first try.
10:00 - I have owies everywhere - but I've gone this far. I'll keep at it a bit longer.
12:00 - "Don't stop believin'" comes on my ipod. Can't let Journey down now can I.
14:00 - My machine friend tells me "50 PERCENT COMPLETE". Screw it, I'm going all the way.
16:00 - I hit this second wind made of magic, rainbows and puppies and become re-energized.
18:00 - I'm in the zone.
24:00 - I look at the television and see highlights of the Jays kicking the crap out of the Indians. Happy days.
27:00 - One minute left! HECK YES!
28:01 - I'm sorry but what the hell is a "cool down"? 5 extra minutes? This machine is no longer my friend - IT TELLS ME CRUEL CRUEL LIES!
30:00 - Just a thought - a better way to cool down would be jumping in the pool - not sweating through my shirt even more than I already have...
33:05 - I can't believe I actually finished that. Yay me!
33:30 - I want to get off this thing but I'm afraid my legs might give out.
34:00 - WIN - I successfully dismounted the machine!
35:00 - Time for a jump in the pool and some much deserved hot tub action.
I won't lie. The bike ride home was challenging but I'm very serious about keeping my commitment to exercise and healthy eating. By the end of the summer I want to be in the best shape of my life. However it seems I need a bit of discipline because as I sit here typing this - I'm devouring a bag of mini eggs... one step at a time I guess.
Tash.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I've been bitten,,,
... by the cooking bug. After months of settling for leftovers from work or cheap and easy take-out options for dinner - I've decided it's time to cook again, for a number of reasons. First off, I feel a lot better when I cook for myself. I'm in the best physical shape I've been in since high school. I figure it's time to combine that with a healthier diet. On top of that, there's also the money side of things. Aside from taking home extra food from work, cooking for myself is the most financially-friendly option. Eating out in Whistler is delicious but expensive and I want to try and save some money so I can survive the off-season without breaking the bank. Last but not least, it's a creative outlet for me. I don't have my guitar or my painting supplies (which were my go-to options for creative expression pre-Whistler). Even though I'm no whiz in the kitchen, I still love to create. Check out my meals from the last week:
I'm going to do my best to continue the trend of home cooked meals as often as I can. It definitely beats eating leftover pasta from work (which is great when it's fresh but if you've seen what it looks like bundled in a paper take-away container and plastic wrap, you'd understand).
Happy cooking.
Nat.
 |
| Mixed vegetable (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, red pepper, yellow pepper and red onion) and ginger stir-fry with honey-garlic chicken and noodles... and yes I listed all of the vegetables to impress my parents. |
 |
| Linguine covered in creamy tomato sauce with garlic, red pepper, red onion and seasoned ground beef, topped with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Even though my sauce isn't homemade like I get back home, it still tasted damn good... probably due to the Philly cream cheese I added. |
 |
| Ground chorizo sausage fried in olive oil, beer and onion topped with coleslaw and barbecue sauce on a toasted bun. A perfect pairing with Hockey Night in Canada. |
Happy cooking.
Nat.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A letter to all those back home:
Let me get something straight - If you've been keeping up with my posts, you know that I love Whistler for the mountains and the snowboarding. I don't need to reiterate that any further. But know that this town can be cold (both literally and figuratively). People come and go from season to season. Friends I've made this winter will most likely be gone by the time May rolls around; or if I'm lucky they'll stay 'til the end of summer. If you're reading this blog, you know me and you know I don't bond with new people quickly. It takes time for me to find the ones who I want to have in my life for the long run. It took me years to find you all in Ontario, and I left the comfort and security you provided behind when I moved out here. I know that's the price I've got to pay to be doing what I love in Whistler and I've accepted that. But understand this: I miss having people around me who I know I can trust completely who've got my back no matter what (both are hard to find out here). So it may not seem like it but I do miss the world I left behind. I miss you all dearly. Know that and don't forget it.
Nat.
Nat.
Monday, February 14, 2011
A mid-season progress report...
25 days. For the past two and a half months, I've been on my board every day I've had off. Some days were better than others. There were some sweet runs and some epic bails. Some perfect powder days and some days of riding what felt like concrete. Some successful jumps and some killer bruises. All of this and everything in between. That's what I'm here for. And when life gets me down, all I need to do is look at this:
Then I remember why it's all worth it. I fell in love with the mountains on my first day in Whistler and that feeling has only grown during my time here.
Last Wednesday was my best day on the mountain so far. I had so much confidence and it just continued to build throughout the day. The sun was shining. I managed to find powder in 7th Heaven and successfully navigated some tree runs. I landed a few sweet jumps and got some wicked photos. I had a couple peaceful moments just chilling, enjoying my tunes and taking it all in. I felt incredibly free flying down the mountain on my last ride of the day. I didn't want it to end. But, it's always only 5 more days until I can do the same thing all over again.
Then I remember why it's all worth it. I fell in love with the mountains on my first day in Whistler and that feeling has only grown during my time here.
Last Wednesday was my best day on the mountain so far. I had so much confidence and it just continued to build throughout the day. The sun was shining. I managed to find powder in 7th Heaven and successfully navigated some tree runs. I landed a few sweet jumps and got some wicked photos. I had a couple peaceful moments just chilling, enjoying my tunes and taking it all in. I felt incredibly free flying down the mountain on my last ride of the day. I didn't want it to end. But, it's always only 5 more days until I can do the same thing all over again.
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