Ali C Adventures

2007-06-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

GIRLS PENTICTON WEEKEND 2007
The weekend looked something like this:
Wake up
Wine tour
Nap
Blender Drinks
BBQ
Beach Party
SLEEP

REPEAT PROCESS.

This was such a wonderful weekend. I can't even repeat (or remember) all the giggles and good times. Every year we are going to do this trip. I love these girls. Hilarious.

And no matter what anyone says, I look great in a one piece biking suit - with a cowboy hat - dancing to Michael Jackson.

2007-06-03T16:57:00.001-07:00

HIGH SOCKS AND SHORT SHORTS !!!
Today we all pulled ourselves out of bed for the 5km Children's Hospital Run. The run was hot, fun and for a GREAT cause. We were part of Team Logan's Run and today was all about supporting the Davidson's. We went out and bought outfits and headbands to make the day a special event. Logan especiallly loved Chris's mullet !
Today was not about ourselves. It was not about the run or the costumes or the exercise, it was about being there for people who need it. I am so glad I was there and I am so proud of all of my friends!

2007-05-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

SUPPORT BEADLE !!! What a great cause. Good luck running 10km, Colin! You can do it!

http://va07.uncoverthecure.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1040&px=1188954

2007-05-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

There has been a lack of postings on my blog. It is not because my life has had a lack of baby showers, weddings, birthdays (if anyone knows me they will laugh)...
But the real reason is because I have picked up a new addiction which has taken over my blogging time...FACEBOOK.

I know you guys understand this addiction.
I promise to update my blog soon.

:)

2007-03-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

I love my dog Bear.
Enough said.

2007-02-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

From the look of this picture you would think my birthday on Saturday night was filled with giggles and celebrations. The reality was it was filled with more shots and drink mixes than a teenager's house party. The night started out promising...hot sake, red wine....but then took a nose-dive (thanks friends!) to a night of tequila, jagger bombs (my new enemy) & shots of vodka (smart choice Krista!). Thanks to Brooke, who guided me to the bathroom...I managed to pull it together for round two and I think I came back STRONG & SOLID.

Thanks to everyone who came out. I am so appreciative.

This is one of those emails where I feel like I should apologize, but I am not sure..ha ha...

I love you all....

The 30's are FUN !!!

2007-02-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

SUPER BOWL ACTION

Half were cheering for the Bears and half for the Colts.

But really, what was the deal with Prince on the half-time show? We were praying for a Britney come back!
COME ON BRITNEY.....put the panties on and do your thang....

2007-01-29T11:28:00.000-08:00

DO YOU STAND UP OR IGNORE?

This past weekend I went to Seattle with my mom and sister. The weekend was great until I witnessed something that shocked and stunned me. In the middle of the food court, right in front of me, a woman PUNCHED her son. Yes, punched. Closed fist...right in the face. Her son was not more than 6-7 years old.
NOT COOL.
The upsetting this was that NO ONE did anything. There must have been 10 people standing around and no one said or did anything.
That is not acceptable.
We live in a society where child abuse is rampid and people seem to turn a blind eye to it. Who stands up for the child?

So....I moved right up beside her. My thought was that if she was going to punch her son again, I was going to stop it.
She obviously noticed that I was right next to her and she stared at me...which I returned.

Then she said, "I can see you hovering next to me, you got a problem with me?"
I said, "Nope, just looking at the sushi."
She said, "It seems like you have a problem with me...do we need to figure that out or what?"

By this time she is IN my face.

I had two options:
1. get into a fight in the food court (which it was escalating to)
2. walk away

I walked.

I said to her, "If you have to ask me if I have a problem makes me think you know what my problem is...you can figure it out."
And I walked away.

She then yelled, "BITCH"
I kept walking.

I was so angry that out of 10 people NO ONE stood up for that little boy. Do you ignore a problem or say something? On one hand, she has every right to hit her child. Her family, her choices...not mine.....On the other hand, she hit him in a public place, therefore, I am involved.
I made a choice not to be someone who "looks away". To me, that is not acceptable. Luckily, the fight ended there. But for that poor little boy, the fight will continue.
No one deserves that.

2007-01-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

It has taken me a while to write down my thoughts. It has taken a while for the reality to set in. It has taken a while for me to cry, but on Saturday I finally cried. A dear friend of mine is going through something I would not wish upon anyone. They are dealing with leukemia.
This is the point that my chest gets tight and my breath shallows. They are dealing with needles, hospitals, vomit, tears - and all of this is happening to their little boy.
But above all of this, what makes me cry is their strength, their class, and their courage.
Each time I have been with my girlfriend, I have seen the tears...but I have also seem the strength. Their selflessness leaves me speechless.

If you need to "check" your life...do so now. That is what I am learning and seeing. Why live a half life? Why live a life you are not proud of?
Cancer does not discriminate. Sickness does not discriminate. Hurt, pain and sadness do not either. So many people I know are "cheating" life. They are with people they don't really love, are in jobs they don't really like, walking through life ignoring it's beauty.

I felt helpless on Saturday. I was angry at the situation, angry at the cancer, frustrated with the lack of cures, saddened by the stories. I am questioning my own personal strength, my own life and the IMPORTANCE on living a full life.

My girlfriend and her husband are warriors.

They have taught me more in these last 2 weeks than they will ever know.

2007-01-11T00:06:00.000-08:00

MAUI BABY. What a way to spend the end of 2006 and bring in 2007. Todd and I had an amazing time. How could you not??? Early morning surf sessions, warm sun, sea turtles, snorkeling adventures, kiteboarding, tequila shots, good friends....enough said.
We travelled to Maui with Jeremy and Lynn. I can't say enough great things about this couple. The four of us laughed non-stop and travelled extremely well together.
We stayed in a place called Haiku on the North side of Maui, at my dear friends Ben & Jill's comfy house. They live in Maui and were nice enough to open their home to us. They just got engaged and are such a great couple.
We give Maui two thumbs WAY up. And we give it a "hang loose" (or Shaka - as the locals call it). Another Todd & Ali adventure comes to a close....we loved every minute of it.

Just so everyone knows...we are ALL going somewhere HOT next New Years. Start saving your pennies. WHO IS WITH ME????

2006-12-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 4th Annual Girlzz Weekend of Chaos, Snowboarding, Fireball, Stage Dancing & bringing "Sexy Back".

Janine, Brooke, Cat, Krista & I hit Whistler. We hit it hard. I love these girls. They are such special friends to me. I honestly laughed from Friday at 6pm until Sunday evening.

1 huge air by Brooke
10 shots of Jagger by Krista (aka "The Rookie)
2 hours of stage dancing by Janine
1 disasterous 3oz. straight vodka martini by Cat
8 "I love the wood here" comments by Ali

Equals = 4 girls I love.

I wanted to include a progression of pictures to show the slow downfall of us on Saturday night but I need to sensore some of them! Needless to say, it went down as an unbelievable rippin party and an epic day of snowboarding.

2006-12-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend I got a BIG SURPRISE !!! SHONA !!!! I went to Guu for a casual dinner with Jason and Saisha and who was sitting at our table??? SHONA !!!! All the way from Montreal! (mike was there too :) ) I yelped...screamed...Shrieked....I think you get the picture. The night progressed (or digressed) into many drinks and good times.

2 very special friends of mine have been gone for way too long. Sarah and Shona. I got to enjoy some precious moments with Shona this weekend. It makes me appreciate the amazing people I have in my life and how much I miss them when they are gone. Shona is one of a kind. If you are lucky enough to have met her, you would understand why I miss her magic so much. She has so much spirit and creativity...And then there is Sarah....I think if you look at any of my blog entries, you would know where she sits with me in my heart...

MISS YOU GIRLZZZZZ......xo

2006-11-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

Last night it started....today more fell...SNOWSNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW..

There is so much snow I am amazed. I can't remember the last time Vancouver had THIS much snow in November. There are somethings that you seem to forget over the year when you don't have snow:

1. Snow packed in my ear from my boyfriend throwing it at me, still pisses me off.

2.Waiting to look for your snowboots after you have put 5 layers of clothing on is a bad idea.

3.Emptying a packet of hot chocolate into your coffee makes something near the Nectar of the Gods.

4. I have significant rage for people who FORGET to scrape the snow off the roofs of their cars and it hits my car going 70miles per hour on the highway!

But I digress.....IT IS SNOWING!!!! BRING IT ON.

2006-11-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

To big events this weekend:
Brooke's Birthday (Western Mystery Party)
Todd and moi's 3 year anniversary

Brooke's party was one of those mystery parties. Everyone was given a character ahead of time and as the night progressed more clues were given out, until eventually, we found out which one of us was the killer! Everyone came dressed in costume and ready to party. I was impressed with how "in role" everyone was all night. After a pot of chili, Fireball shots and many bottles of wine...TODD WAS THE MURDER!!!!

(if you are wondering what I am...I was "Lowerwatha", a Native American Woman...classic)

Todd and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary on Saturday. He treated me to an afternoon at the spa. We hit the pool, steam room and had massages. We went out for dinner and walked around in the rain...relaxing and romantic.

2006-10-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

GIRLZZZ NIGHT 2006....The ladies made a mark!
The night began with an innocent game of "high/low" and Ali's famous shots.
Limo arrives.
Bums are shown.
Music is pumped up.
Then we hit the club. Dance dance dance...fun fun fun....
Need I say more.
You ladies rock. xoxoxo

We missed a few girls (Sarah, Georgia, Cat, Janine, Jaimie, MC) but there will be more nights, I PROMISE.

2006-10-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

I also tossed in a pic of Todd, Bear and I ....the main men in my life. Bear is almost 6 months old!! What a big puppy!

This was a weekend of good food and great friends. We had a fab night with our good friends Paul and Marjorie. The te-kill-yah (tequila) came out and so did the chaos.
I had a killer day of mountain biking with Brooke, Cat, Eran, Darren and Victor.
And the BIG NEWS of the weekend....I LOST MY DIM SUM VIRGINITY. I ate some serious pork buns, prawn dumplings and sticky rice! Georgia took control with the ordering, Gio coached me through some "interesting" dishes, and I LOVED it.

2006-10-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

What would happen if George Lucas directed The Lord of the Rings?
(sarah - you will love this)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv4Potdpjhw

I laughed so hard at the opening...BRILLIANT....
Boys & Girls- you will love this.

Happy Turkey-Eating-gravy lickin-mashed potato muchin-DAYYYYY......
We are off to Vernon to hang out with Todd's family.

2006-10-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

Bottom of the seniority ladder....
I wanted to post pictures of my weekend. The birthday parties (Larissa & Hopkins!! ), a family brunch, a brutal mountain bike crash. But what has been happening in my professional life needs a voice. On Friday I was told by my principal that I was one of the 70 teachers in Vancouver to loose my job because of the lack of enrollement and a miscalcuation for funding by the Vancouver School Board.
How does a school board MIS-CALCULATE 1,167 students. What happened? Because of this mistake, I lost my job. I lost my classroom. Now I have to wait.....I have to wait to see where they can place me. Does the VSB not have a "rainy day" fund? An emergency bank account? Because this is a time when they should use it!
Funding will also be cut from ESL, Aborginal programs, and special education because of the decrease in numbers.
So...where now?
Where does that leave me?

I feel like I am fighting an uphill battle. I am always SO CLOSE to getting my contract or securing a position and then something happens. Is this a message? Am I suppose to teach? Why is it so hard?
This is the only profession that even if you do a fabulous job, you loose your job. Shouldn't I get a promotion? Or at least keep my job !!!!!!

Now I wait.....

2006-09-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIO....
It was horse races and Indian food on the menu for Gio's 34th birthday bash. We were told to all "dress up like Gio"...so...OF COURSE I pulled out a costume (I love any chance to dress up!). Todd and I rolled up to the Budwieser tent at the races only to find out that NO ONE (but Cam & Kim - ROCK ON YOU GUYS) were dressed up!!!
Todd won a total of $48 at the races, with a little gambling help from Tim & Mike.
I had my palm read, tarrot cards read and my back massaged (beaten!).
What a great day at the track!
Then we hit the dinner & drinks section of the night. I am proud to say that I ate, consummed and tried INDIAN food. Spicey central! I am still battling a bit of an angry belly, but I really enjoyed the pekoras & the butter chicken...bring on the spice!
Happy Birthday Gio - what a day. xo.

2006-09-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

A little Sarah Wall...
There is nothing like a visit from Sarah "san fran" Wall. I miss her a lot.

2006-09-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

I had one of those EPIC weekends with some WONDERFUL girls.
It was our annual (or monthly) girls weekend. We have surfed in Tofino, snowboarded in Whistler and this weekend we wakeboarded in Sakinaw. It is so great to have girls in my life who want to rip it up. Everyone hit the water, strapped on the board and ripped across the wake. Even though we had some serious bails ( 2 folds, 1 rag doll, and one nose touching knees) - the 4 of us, kicked some ass. There was sun, bikinis, fast boats, sincro routines, bora bora drinks, deep Dali Lama discussions & nakedness (of course) - all in all....what a great weekend.
Thanks Brooke for having us up to the cabin.
You girls rock....

2006-09-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

The Calder Girlzz Take on Seattle. 3 days, 5 malls, 4 margaritas, 10 cups of coffee, 15 onion rings, 2 sweater sets, & a million laughs...that is what I did this weekend.
There are no words to describe my mom and my sister. They are two of the most fun, energetic, caring, beautiful women I know. I am so lucky to be so close to both of them. As I get older I have been thinking more and more about the importance of family. What is means, how it influences us, how is changes and how it grows. One thing stays constant with the three of us...unconditional love & support. Cheesey, but true. There was honestly no other place I would have rather been these past few days than with my mom and sister shopping our hearts out, and giggling like three best friends...

2006-09-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

NITINAT LONG WEEKEND
Todd has been injured for almost 2 weeks now. The thought of staying in the apartment for the long weekend was NOT an option. So, we went to one of our favorite places on this planet, Nitinat. There was quite the crew of us...Jeremy & Lynn, Fuzz, my girlfriend Cat, Grey (who we call "Blue"), Tasha from Squamish, and Brice & Nicole.
Needless to say, it was an epic weekend. I had the BEST kiteboarding session of my entire life (3 hours on the water!), Cat & I discovered the "crab-ider" (a crab-crossed with a spider), Bear got into his first dog brawl (he is ok), Jeremy sang "Father Figure" by George Michael by the fire, and Todd had his first accupuncture treatment.....EPIC.
I am now rested and ready for school to begin in 8 hours from now!!!!
WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO?
Back to school.
Back to the kids.
Back to a job I love.
Life is still grand.

2006-08-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

COOL ANIME ARTIST...

Local Anime Artist...WOW ...

I was at Tinseltown tonight and stumbled across some amazing art. (Beadle is still #1 - but this is cool!)
Her name is Camilla d'Errico and she resides in North Van.
Check out her website and her art...

http://www.camilladerrico.com/

Also - if you aren't doing anything Sept.15th 7-11pm come check out some really original art at the Ayden Gallery (Beadle check this place out!!!) for a free art show. It's called, "A Bone, A Dream and the Skin In Between".

What do you guys think?

2006-08-27T23:09:00.000-07:00

VACATION GONE WRONG....

Todd and I were supose to start our week long Todd 'n' Ali Adventure Week. We were going to bike, kite, surf and swim all over the island last week. We decided to start our adventure off at the Whistler Mountain Bike park. So, at the beginning of the week Chris, Brooke, Cat and Todd joined us up at Whistler. For Brooke and Chris, it was their FIRST time ever on their bikes.
On the last ride of the day (surprise!) Todd decided to challenge Cat's boyfriend to a friendly race down the last part of the mountain...Todd hit a nasty drop, got sick air, looked good in the air, then crashed HARD.
Needless to say, the next morning as we were heading to the ferry his injuries were worse than we had thought. His knee had swelled to the size of a small child.
Off to the hospital we go.
3 needles of freezing
1 GIANT needle for fluid extraction

We were told to stay in town for at least 48hours while they check the fluid for infection....

So, Todd and I did something we have never done. Relaxed, rented movies, slept in, walked on the seawall, drank wine with Jason & Saisha (6 bottles and 13 wine glasses to be exact), ate crepes (thanks Jason!!!), went to Whistler with Georgia, Tim, Linda & Kylan, be the support crew for my girlfriend Cat during a running race & played with our puppy...

It was the best vacation ever.

2006-08-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

This is a post with no pictures or fancy stuff. It is a post to let some girls in my life know that they are loved, missed, appreciated, looked up too and so incredibly important to me. It has seemed to me in the last couple of months that girlfriends of mine have been going through some tough times or crossroads in their lives. To be able to watch these women live their lives and figure out new paths has been inspiring. I am truly lucky to have these women in my life and I wanted to use this forum to thank them.
Thank you for being brave, bold, daring, and courageous.
Thank you for listening.
Thank you for making me laugh.
Thank you for being open-minded.
Thank you for challenging me and my opinions or thoughts.
Thank you for "having my back"
Thank you for ALWAYS putting a smile.

I raise my glass to you ladies....you know who you are....I am so proud of your journeys and who you are.

2006-08-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

The weekends this summer have been flying by. And now having a new puppy, time goes by even faster...
Last weekend Bear hit the water for the first time...He was not impressed.

2006-08-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

We would like to introduce "Bear". He is brilliant, soft, snugglie and so wonderful.
He is an Australian Shepard and is 3 months old. Todd and I drove to Princeton to
get him today. We are both so happy! And he has only peed on the carpet twice...oops...make that three times !!! Fun times.

WELCOME BEAR !!!!

2006-07-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

EVERYONE WATCH THIS....if you love robots, shoes and wierd things...
Big thanks & love to Jason & Andrea for sending this to me.

The shoes are mine, BETCH...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XvwaiOtups

2006-07-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

IS ANYONE ELSE PUMPED ABOUT THIS MOVIE?
A friend of ours , Bruce (he play the airline stuart), is in this movie and he says it will deliver! The buzz about his movie is huge and I can't stop listening to the theme song for this movie, "Snakes on a plane (Bring it!)" by Cobra Starship.
The group is a mix of some serious music talent. Singers from "Midtown", "Gym Class Heroes", "The Sounds" and "The Academy Is.." have all come together for this project.
Check out the music video & the song.....

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5237400519961625788

2006-07-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

What did you do this weekend in the heat?

My weekend consisted of weddings, lake swimming near Squamish & a date night with Todd. Not a bad weekend.....

Mer & Stef got married at Hollyburn Country Club and the 36degree weather only added to the "hotness" of this bride. She was beautiful. Thank god for an open bar to quench our thirsts!

Today we hit a lake just past Squamish with our good friends, Phillippe, Eran, baby Miya and Rosie. A few cold ones, some "side dives" and bikinis made the heat enjoyable! Next weekend we have to come back to this lake, it is awesome. Clear water, a rope swing, cliff jumping and warm rock faces to relax on!!! WHO IS WITH ME ????

2006-07-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

SAKINAW LAKE ADVENTURE!!!!!
Tubing, more tubing, wakeboarding, swimming, water tram-m-m-m-poline, boat cruises and fun times...that is what Brooke, Chris, Todd and I did this weekend.
Brooke was nice enough to invite us up to her cabin on the Sunshine Coast. I love it up there. The things I noticed:
1. How quiet it was up there....you could hear the crickets!!!
2. How many stars are in the sky when the pollution doesn't cover it all up
3. How yummy bbq hot dogs on the dock taste!

To watch Chris & Todd battle it out on the lake in the tubes was one of the best things I have seen in a long time.

We also got introduced to "Brooke-fast" - Chris's new favorite breakfast...Granola, fruit, & yogurt.

Fun weekend!!!

2006-07-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

THIS IS NITINAT !!!

Nitinat Lake is located in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and is popular among windsurfers and kiteboarding enthusiasts because of it's unique thermal winds. If you don't kite or windsurf, Nitinat is still a beautiful place to camp, hike and watch the madness of this new sport...KITEBOARDING.
Todd and I love it. It is such an amazing sport. You use the power of the wind to rip through the water on a board that is like a wakeboard/surfboard. Todd and I spent the long weekend camping, eating smores and kiting everyday. Aside from a broken muffler, a flat tire and a body drag session that threw Todd almost 20 feet in the air (no exageration!) - the weekend was perfect!
PICTURES ABOVE: I am the one with the Green/Yellow kite and Todd is the one with the red kite (or in the air !!)

2006-06-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

I think Bon Jovi wrote a song in the 80's called, "Livin in Sin"....no wait, it's "Livin on a Prayer"

Nevermind.

It's official. Todd and I have moved in together. We share the towels, the closet space, the washer and dryer and the kitchen...everything. SHARED. It is a big adjustment. Todd hasn't lived with anyone in over 5 years & I have never lived with a guy. But I couldn't be happier. If you haven't met, The Todd, then you will just have to believe me when I say I have met an amazing man.

As soon as we unpack the patio will be open. Fire up the blenders and slap on the sunscreen, the penthouse is almost open for some serious summer fun!

2006-06-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

"School's Out for Summer"
Today was a day that I was not expecting or prepared for. Tears, cards, flowers, words of love and many many many hugs. Today I said good-bye to my wonderfully messed up teenagers who I have spent this school year with. I have broken up fights, dealt with suicides, first periods, hickeys, boy troubles/girl troubles, depression, eating disorders, sex questions, bulling, drug problems, family problems and loneliness.
Problems that young teenagers should not have to face.
But through it all, the magic of education and teaching has shone through. This was apparent today as I said Good-Bye.

I have battled with what my role as a teacher should be. What I mean to kids? What kind of role model I want to be? How do I want to educate? What is my "educational philosophy"?

I am still trying to answer those questions but what I do know is that I LOVE MY JOB. I love being a teacher and what that entails.

If you look closely at the picture with all of my cards and letters that I got today, you can see that a student wrote beside my name:

MS. "notorious" CALDER "big pimpin"...

This is a compliment.
So, here is the education lesson for today....pimpin = good
big pimpin = even better

2006-05-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

Just something fun I was sent...I love watching people dance. And it is a trip down memory lane.

"The Evolution of Dance"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

2006-05-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Jog-Bot
By the AMAZING COLIN BEADLE

Bid on this wonderful painting. All the money goes to Cancer Research. I did.
This guys is so talented.

" target=l>http://va06.uncoverthecure.org/site/TR?px=1003783&pg=personal&fr_id=1030>

2006-05-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

SHOWERS & BIRTHDAYS

...that is what people make fun of me for always attending.

This weekend was no different. My old friend and old roommate, Mer is getting hitched (to a great guy named Stef) and my buddie Tim celebrated his 33rd birthday.

Even though Todd was rockin it up at a stag, I flew solo all weekend and took in all the action myself. I love a good party!

2006-05-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

Blog? A what?
I had never heard of this crazy computer tool that all the hip kids were using.
I am known for many things, none of which include being technologically knowledgeable. I am the girl who can send an email, cut and paste and surf the web for ebay items.

AND LOOK AT ME NOW

I am a blogger.
If you care to watch my life unfold, then read on. If not, find another blog.....but they won't feature, "The Puss" or "The Cock Rocket" or "Countess De Blotto."
Interested?