it feels like the first time...

First Time: RWB - The Nutcracker

2012-12-23T08:13:00.004-08:00

Christmas is the best time of the year, always. Now I know what most people think "that is because you get gifts...blah blah blah....materialism" YES that is part of what Christmas has become, BUT it also has the best music. Who does not love a great rocking Christmas tune? (THE GRINCH thats who...nobody wants to be the Grinch).

Well right up there with my Christmas music addiction (honestly, I start listening to it in July ish...it is a problem...) has always been the Nutcracker. Now I have never seen it before, but clearly I had heard about it. My mom recently informed me she always wanted to take me, but it simply never happened. Well six year old me would have loved it, because twenty three year old me went crazy over it.

If you do not know, The Nutcracker is a ballet put on by the RWB every year around the holiday season and it is perfect. It is the greatest way to get you in that holiday spirit when you feel you are missing it.

There are quite a few children in the show, and they are most certainly the most precious group of dancers in the world. I could not imagine being their age and preforming The Nutcracker, I definitely would have been the one standing on stage, looking for my parents, and then probably would have sat down and just chilled (rather than dancing).

I simply do not have the right words to explain how perfect I found this show. It was precious, adorable, funny, beautiful, and the perfect holiday pick me up.

Friends, when the children came out in their mouse costume, or in their horse costumes, I lost my mind.

Beyond the amazing talent, their sets are incredible. In the span of ten seconds they completed a scene change from a bedroom to an entire house, which does not sound impressive here, but if you saw the sets they used, you would be amazed.

The whole experience was lovely and perfect, and a great sisters night overall (my sister was my date....adorable right!).

Don't miss your chance to see this show, it goes until Dec 30th! You can find more information at More Information at : http://www.rwb.org/nutcracker

Steph

Lessons Learned
- Ballet dancers make dance look so easy and simple...then you try it and that idea of becoming a dancer is quickly shattered.

Waiting for the curtain to rise.

The RWB just does everything right! I had the opportunity to see both of these shows this year, and both blew me away!

First Time: Completing 365 NEW FIRSTS

2012-12-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

I think it is an understatement to say that things change in a year. If we look back at our past year it feels entirely different. One year ago today I liked Winnipeg, I always thought it would be a great place to raise my kids, but the allure of leaving the city for new experiences was enticing. When we first launched this blog, we thought it would give us something to do, it would pass the time, and we had a simply “why not” attitude.

While we may have never realized how much work goes into a daily blog, we also never realized how many great things there are to do in Winnipeg, how many amazing people live in Winnipeg, and it helped me fall in love with the city I have always lived in.

In the past year I have learned to knit, French braid my hair, been to the RWB, Opera, Folk Fest, Jazz Fest, Fem Fest, I went shopping at Ikea for the first time, toured the inside and outside of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, met the Canadian Tenors, I have been a tourist in my own city on countless tours, and been a tour guide myself for friends in town (and so many more things). I feel confident quoting stats about Winnipeg, our history, murderers who once walked our streets, and promoting why Winnipeg is the place to be.

This has been a fantastic year, and I want to thank you for doing it with us.

Till Tomorrow,

I’m going to be honest. I did not think we were actually going to make it an entire year. When you think about it, we just did this because we were bored PLUS we both are pretty notorious for making really big, crazy fun plans and then getting bored or distracted two weeks later.

But we actually did it! I, first of all, cannot believe that it’s been an entire year since we started. So much has happened, we have done so many amazing and fun things and most surprisingly, we actually accomplished a goal!

I also really can’t believe that you are currently and have been for an entire year reading us basically ramble away about the stuff we do. I honestly thought that 4 people would read this (our parents… Hi Mom and Dad!)

I’m just so happy that this has actually evolved from a conversation about being bored in our hometown to something that I’m proud of and has brought us so many experiences and memories.

I feel like we were re-introduced to our city and fell in love with it again because of this. I also think that we have changed and learned so much from the things we were able to do and the people we have been privileged to meet.

From waxing my legs, going to festivals and tours of Winnipeg and speaking at events to moving halfway across the country, this has been one amazing, frustrating, exhausting and exciting year and I seriously feel like everyone was there with us. I hope that someone has enjoyed reading, been inspired or at least got a couple of laughs (at our expense) from this, because that was our hope for this crazy adventure!

Enough of the sappiness now. We aren’t even done with this yet aaand that is just not our style.

… I just hope you’re not sick of us yet!!

D

What is next?

The blog does not end here and now my friends! If there is one thing that this blog experience has taught us is while we have done a lot this past year, there is still plenty more firsts out there!

We have some big and exciting new plans for the blog in the New Year so be sure to be checking our Facebook and Twitter for lots of updates!

We would also LOVE to make this more of an interactive experience. So please if you are interested contact us through email at itfeelslikethefirsttime@gmail.com or Facebook us! Send us in stories of your firsts, or your pictures of completing a new first! Anything and Everything!!

Thank You...Thank You...THANK YOU!

We would really like to thank some amazing people and organizations for everything they have helped us with during this unreal experience!!

- Tourism Winnipeg
- Economic Development Winnipeg

- Paula Havixbeck

- Muddy Water Tours
- Fort Whyte Alive
- Royal Winnipeg Ballet

- Dooley Communications

- Ford Canada

- Winnipeg Metro

- Pam Peters Jansen

- Virgin Radio 1031
- Mark Chipman
- O-Tours
- Heartland Tours
- The Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Canadian Museum for Human Rights
- Sammie Halligan
- Our parents
- Many others that have been supportive and helped us out!

Most importantly, all of you that have been reading the blog and giving us really supportive and positive feedback. You have all really motivated us to continue and accomplish our goal! Seriously, we truly appreciate it.

This whole situation makes us want to re-enact the last scene in the Breakfast Club, when he throws is fist in the air walking through the football field!!!!

First Time: Manitoba Opera - Rigoletto

2012-11-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight I attended the opera with my mom (dare I say, the cutest date night ever...I dare).

Going into this experience my knowledge of the Opera consisted of the saying "it is not over until the fat lady sings" (which is that offensive? I feel like it is, but it is so commonly said....I am very conflicted) , I have seen Phantom of the Opera....the movie though; and I know someone who sings in an opera so...very uneducated.

Tonight we attended the performance of Rigoletto; the story of a jester a Duke, a curse, lots of women, MURDER (and so much more)....it is the craziest of all stories, and that poor jester, he just had a really crappy few days.

Now of course Rigoletto was not in english, however the smart and wonderful group from Manitoba Opera put up a small screen at the top, above the actors with subtitles. I had heard about the subtitles before attending, and I will admit I was confused about the whole matter, also I was worried they would be too distracting...well to no ones surprise I was very wrong. They were very helpful at understanding the story line, but not too distracting that I could not read a little, and also keep most of my attention on the actors themselves.

I think what I was most excited about when the curtains went up (beyond the singing, because really I am a sucker for anyone who sings) was their sets and their costumes, both amazing. The costumes were every girls Halloween dream (I say Halloween because I am not sure how often you can walk around in royalty gowns, but the moment that becomes acceptable in public...I am in!). There sets were massive, and so detailed. They simply did a wonderful job at creating another world on their stage.

The show was a long one, but an amazing one! With three intermissions it allowed for good stretching time.

The cast were an amazingly talented bunch, and I simply do not understand how the girls hit such high notes...is that really humanly possible? Are you really human? Amazing!

Friends, if you have not gone before, I would say it is a great first! Winnipeg is a city full of amazing talent and it is was quite evident when you watched this show. Now Rigoletto has ended for the season, but fear not they are preforming Aida this April. It is definitely going to be a great show!

Till Tomorrow,
S

Next Show: Aida this April - go see it! For more information go to http://www.manitobaopera.mb.ca/

Even their logo looks epic.

If you can see that screen up top, that is where they display the subtitles. Also there was a woman who was sitting in front of me (who was much older than me) who I called dear at one moment. Classic Steph...I should not be allowed to speak to others. I believe I said something along the lines of "do not worry about it dear"...WHAT?! Why?

First Time: Star Stalking

2012-11-29T08:11:00.000-08:00

So I might have mentioned this before, but A Lot of shows are filmed here aaand I kind of like TV (understatement).

There is one show in particular that is a major guilty pleasure... Like I have seen every episode at least (note the at least) once after watching every week for seven years.

I'm not a creepy fan, like the ones that write fan fiction (I didn't know what that even was until I heard about 50 shades of grey and even then I didn't believe people actually did that. Come on Twihards, that's an issue.) or draw extensive pictures of the stars' faces in pencil and then send it to them without an explanation... I just enjoy the show.

The show is Supernatural. Yes, the one on CW about ghost/demon/monster hunters with the two incredibly good looking men that were on other girly shows like Gilmore Girls.

No, I am not ashamed. And again, not a creepy fan that hangs out in chatrooms to find our where the stars live or whatever.
(end of disclaimer)

I did however, find out from my roommates who work in the Gastown area that they would be filming. And I went there.

I call this 'Star Stalking' but I wasn't actually looking for the actors because I'm not the type that would approach them for a picture or autograph anyway (unless I had been to a bar first) because I'm way too awkward, would probably look really weird in the picture anyway and wouldn't know what to do with someone's signature.

What I really wanted to see was the set! After living here for a while I started to recognize the streets and bars and stuff that they film in and I think that's the coolest thing!! (Not many shows are filmed in Winnipeg, so this is a big deal for me)

It was actually really cool!

They were filming in a back alley and there were tents set up and the police were blocking it. I saw old-timey looking cars and there were the HUGE cranes holding up lights and all these people walking around and moving things. I even saw the camera.

I'm pretty much fascinated by anything that has to do with movies/TV. I always wished I could get a job in the "biz" (do people call it that?) buut I don't think it's realistic... aside from my movie-star good looks obviously....(right?)

I didn't see any famous people even if I had wanted to. BUT my roommate got a photo of one of my favourite characters on the show:

Aaaw yeeeaaah. If you're a Supernatural fan, you would also find this exciting. This is such a sweet car. It's a good thing I wasn't there when she got this photo, I would have tried to touch it.

All in all, I was stoked that I got to see the set from a creepy stalker perspective.
We couldn't get too close though and I think they were onto us when we walked around the block six times. Maybe one day I'll get to go to one for real! I would probably pee my pants. Literally.

Things I learned:
- The amount of money that goes into one scene of a tv show is probably more than I'll see in my entire life.
- They use a lot of lights
- I'm awkward.

Stalker pics:

First time: Museum of Anthropology

2012-11-28T08:12:00.001-08:00

When one of your classmates asks if you want to go to the 'museum down the street from our building on campus' you probably imagine a room with some stuff that you can walk through in a matter of minutes.

Not this:

So when I went to the UBC Anthropology Museum on my break today, I really didn't expect to see an actual huge museum with security guards and tons of artifacts.

There were multiple rooms and so many interesting and pretty things. There was even a school group in uniforms walking around for a field trip.

Favourite part: The amazing room of windows overlooking the wilderness full of totem poles. It's pretty breathtaking.

Least favourite part: Having to actually spend a lot of time in a museum... I was not prepared for that.

Awkardest part: Getting in trouble for taking a joking picture of my friend because I didn't see the sign that says "no photos in this gallery" (whoops!)

Funniest part: Trying to figure out what came first, the ancient masks or emoticons... hahah maybe that was just us. I laughed really hard though.

Don't they look identical?!

I'm still just amazed that there is a Gigantic beautiful museum just on my campus three buildings down from my classes... I wish I was more classy and cultured and didn't just make weird jokes the whole time.

I must say though, it was no Manitoba Railway Museum buuut I understand that's pretty tough to beat.

Things I learned:

- Nothing. That's how little I paid attention to the exhibits.

Special Chairs that are specific to the museum... I was scared to sit on them because I wasn't sure if it was an exhibit or not.

Caught Red Handed! Right before I got scolded for photo-taking:

First Time: Learning Filipino dancing

2012-11-27T08:11:00.000-08:00

Contrary to popular belief, I do not have the sweetest moves on the dance floor. Dancing to me is similar to walking on fiery rocks or jumping into a volcano...just saying.

Tonight we had a dance group come out to my Girl Guide unit to teach the girlS some Filipino dances, the girls love to dance! Here was my theory, the girls dance the night away, it is hilarious and I take photos; reality, the girls chant until myself along with another guider friend join the dance group and struggle through two hours of sweet moves.

The girls learned two dances (I definitely walked away -without my dignity - after the first dance). The first dance was all about the apron. You shook it, dance under it, played some peek a boo, let me tell you, if you want to challenge a grown adult, attempt to do the peek a boo dance move, we just had some serious issues.

The second dance brought these long bamboo sticks into play; you jump in between them as other people are slamming them together. Remember in Super Mario when you have to quickly run under those big blocks that come crashing to the ground every two seconds, that's what they were doing with these sticks just in a horizontal fashion instead of vertical (oh and there purpose was not to kill a young man dressed in overalls which is nice). All I pictured was rolling my ankle and collapsing to my death so...I am far to dramatic.

It was another great night, with an enforcing message that I will never star on So You Think You Can Dance...ever.

Till Tomorrow,
S

First time: Stephos Greek Restaurant

2012-11-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

What do you think when you look at this restaurant?

Probably not very much. Well, it was the busiest place I've ever eaten at.

Today I went downtown for a community assignment with people from school. We couldn't decide on a place to eat and everyone said, "We should go to Stephos! Everyone says it's amazing".

They literally meant "everyone" because that place was PACKED. Like they could barely fit the people at the tables.

We had to wait outside the restaurant for a long time like at a night club and apparently at night the place is lined down the block.

It's legit - I googled it and there are photos of the line.

When we finally got in the place was crazy! There were so many people and so much food.

It was delicious. I've never had authentic Greek food, but I would imagine that this is pretty close.

Best part: It was SO cheap. It was 8 bucks (plus tax) for 'small' (it was actually large) pita and fries. My friends got Huge souvlaki dinners - full out dinner with sides - for under 10 dollars.

I finally got why people line up around the block. You just don't get cheap food in downtown Van.

Literally crazy. But I'm still full so I guess it was worth it!

Things I learned:

- Everyone loves cheap food

- Greek food is always delicious

- Always get the small order

First Time: Global Issues Conference - Accountable Development Works

2012-11-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

Another day, another conference. I feel as though in these past three months alone I have done more with different organizations than in the past year.

I was invited to attend a global issues conference put on by Accountable Development Works where the main topic of conversation was business in development, how the two correlate and where development is moving towards.

Now my level of coolness is about to be exposed when I say I find these conversations fascinating, the world of business intertwining with development, finding new alternatives to situations where we thought we once had figured out.

I find development is a conversation done best over a bottle of wine (or coffee/tea really insert any liquid here friends), and lots of opinions. One of the greatest aspects of the conversations on development aid is that it varies. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to aid, merely opinions (and lots of them) - also it should be noted I a not talking government table talk here, I am talking chats between friends - .

The evening was a blast, and a success in my books. There were two different organizations that spoke, one of a man who has opened a computer school in Sierra Leone, the other from iDE. The man from Sierra Leone had quite the fascinating life story, he was from Sierra Leone, moved to turkey for university, then to Winnipeg, now he lives here and owns a store, and opened the computer school in Sierra Leone (quite the man).

It was the key note speaker that got me thinking, and I just loved it! He spoke a lot about losing the purpose of our businesses for a profit. When we begin to forget why a business was created, we forget its original purpose and then move to its purpose being profit. That is not how you run a proper business. He spoke quite eloquently about the subject, mixing economics, with investments, and aid.

Any chance that I get to talk about development and the private sector, I am all over it like.....dirt on a sock (or if you prefer, insert you favourite cliché saying here).

Till Tomorrow Friends,
S

Check out Accountable Development Works at: http://www.accountabledev.com/default.aspx

First Time: IKEA!!

2012-11-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

You have heard it once or twice, we have all seen the billboards, read the catalogue (a few times), and seen the tallest light up sign in Winnipeg, IKEA has arrived.

IKEA is a retailer known for its cheap furniture that is simple, functional, pretty and put together by your own two hands. An experience that should be tested by all couples, if you can put together an IKEA kitchen together and remain somewhat stable, then you two are destined for eternity.

While IKEA does not open their doors to the public until Wednesday, I was lucky enough to get through the doors for family and friends day. This was a day where 5,000 Winnipegger's were invited in to take part in shopping, eating and a merry old time.

When we first walked into IKEA my friends and I were greeted by the worlds kindest of employees (seriously, everyone there seemed so happy, which was quite nice). We picked up our measuring tapes, pencils and shopping bags (all very necessary in the IKEA shopping experience), then we headed upstairs to the show rooms.

The show room floor is the greatest floor. When you look at a couch by itself, or you are shopping for a new entertainment unit it is often hard to visualize how everything will look together. IKEA is smart because they help visualize it for you. You walk through different living rooms, kitchens, bed rooms, offices, and all of a sudden you realize how you really need to purchase all of their products, because together they formulate the worlds greatest room.

The main floor is the self serve section, this is where you grab your cups, your cupboards, your dressers, everything and anything you need/want. Let me tell you, it is in this section that I had to keep my hands in my pockets or I would have put everything in a cart. I do not own my own home yet, but I was contemplating new dishes, a new couch, and counter tops ..none of which I need right now, but all of which I considered buying (some more than others).

Now even if you do not need new counter tops or a new bed there is still the restaurant. What is special about it? Clearly its prices. Friends my sister and friends ordered 10 meatballs + mashed potatoes and gravy for five dollars...I almost ordered the meatballs too because I thought it was a steal (alas the whole vegetarian aspect of my life did not allow it). There is however two dollar pasta (I am hoping that shocked you, because that is one heck of a deal I feel). However let us put prices to the side, they have carts for your trays. I kid you, they provide trolley contraptions for you to use to make it easier to bring your food to your table (what a fantastic world we live in)

I will say, a highlight of the whole experience was talking to an employee in line at the end. We were all in line to pay for our purchases and this man was filling us in on the need to know. He told us about the As Is Section (where products are up to 50% off...I think this will be now and forever my favourite section), and of course the chocolate Skor like bites that everyone needs to buy (also a man was passing out free samples of these chocolates...they are delicious).

Friends I may not own my own home (yet), but I have designed it in my head already. I have also created a new life goal and that would be: become an IKEA ambassador... what would my role as ambassador be? Why that would be to decorate my entire life in IKEA products (challenge accepted).

Best of luck to everyone going to IKEA on Wednesday :)

Till Tomorrow,
S

Lessons Learned:
- Everyone needs an island in their kitchen (these are just so functional and fantastic)
- I now want a house simply to decorate it...this may be a problem
- Time disappears in IKEA, somehow we spent four hours in it...and that friends was not an exaggeration.

The map is an important thing to grab on your IKEA travels (trust me), it helps you find short cuts!

The IKEA restaurant, damn I should have snapped a picture of the tray trolley. None the less there is plenty of seating for everyone here.

This is the most brilliant invention for everyone with a laptop, it is on wheels so during the day you can leave it at the end of bed, but you can also roll it up to you while you are sitting in bed, and use it as a table!!!

This contraption is testing how many times the chair can rock back, proving the quality of it with every rock.

We sat on and tested every couch...

seriously.

First Time: Black Friday Shopping

2012-11-23T08:09:00.001-08:00

I am not the most traditional of girls, I love spending money, but I am not a fan of shopping; it consists of far to much aimless walking around, and time.

For whatever reason this year my sister and I decided to experience Black Friday Shopping (probably because we did not need to leave the country for it...way to one up America, Canada).

Now we did not do any crazy morning shopping (there is no price good enough to make me wake up early...there is no greater love than my love of sleep). We decided in the afternoon to rough the crowds and check out what all the craziness was about.

First stop, Michaels. Can we please start with the Michaels (the one by Polo Park) parking lot...awful. It is almost as though when drivers get close to that parking lot they all lose any driving skills they once possessed (including myself certainly). When we finally reached Michaels (which was a moment nearly as grand as when Frodo reaches Mordor...I am now realizing that I make quite a few Lord of the Rings references in this blog) we have no choice but to spend all my sisters money (I say that because who are we kidding, my bank account has not seen spare money since I started school...or ever).

Our second stop was Polo Park, where (shockingly) parking was horrid, but alas we found a spot so the world can continue to spin; and for once we did not use our stalking method to find a spot (who does not watch for people walking to their car, and race to follow them). It was not until we parked the car and went inside that we realized there was no special deals we needed, the sole purpose we went was because it was deemed Black Friday the best shopping day of the year (damn you media for always winning, and dragging me to the mall).

All that being said, we did not fight for our parking spot to leave right away (also what is a trip to Polo Park without the food court, and a bit of aimless walking). We ended up spending a good ten to twenty minutes looking over the banister (by the escalators) simply people watching, for the sole purpose that we went there for no reason, so we may as well stay there for a bit. Luckily for us, a lady from Global TV was filming, and we were able to watch her go up and down the escalator numerous times and more excitingly we were able to watch random peoples reactions who were standing behind her on the escalator. As I write this, I do hear the stalkerish side of this blog, please note I did not follow the Global lady to her car, or anything creepy. Damn it, I should just wait by the door for my restraining order to be hand delivered by the police.

I would have to say the high light of the day was not any special deals, it was the worlds cutest girl rocking out to Christmas carols while standing beside me. I am going to say she was giving on hell of a performance of Up on the Rooftop, move over Maria Aragon and Sean Quigley here comes Winnipeg's newest star.

Friends, when I pictured Black Friday I think I pictured Monica in the episode of Friends when she goes to buy her wedding dress with Phoebe and Rachel (whistles and all). The day was lovely, but no crazy purchases to report back about. Next time I'm bring the whistles, and dressing in a group costume so that I can distinguish my friends from the crowds...yup next year I am committed to doing it bigger and better.

Till Tomorrow,
S

Lessons Learned
- I still dislike shopping, I forget that every time I plan to go
- The line for Santa is far too long
- As far as I have heard there were no reported deaths from trampling way to go Winnipeg, we have proven yet again why our city is the greatest (we don't kill for a deal).
- I wish pizza pizza had a black friday deal...everyday...

First Time: Madden

2012-11-22T15:11:00.001-08:00

Friends I think I have a problem, or it is about to become a problem very soon. Today, I (against my better judgement) sat down and played Madden NFL 13 against my lovely friend Kathryn. I had experienced her phone version recently (which I rocked by the way) and thought I needed the full experience on the Play Station.

Why was this a bad idea? Well, although I hate confrontation, the moment competitive games (such as football) happen, I turn into this crazy person. Now I will say (thankfully) that my friend was in the same boat. If you had walked into the room while we were playing you would have heard an ear full of quite rude insults, but friends, its a tough game out there. (I may have yelled "go die" a few times...or a few dozen times. I was under immense stress).

I should begin by saying that my knowledge of football begins (and ends) with Remember the Titans and The League (two of Hollywood's greatest creations). Now The League has taught me a few lessons (you do not need too many kickers, they often joke about that...apparently it is funny, I am often lost); and Remember the Titans taught me football is magical.

Now I spent the beginning portion of the game just hitting as many buttons as I could (classic Steph approach to video games, pretty sure that is how I rocked my way through Tony Hawk's game), until I was informed that if you actually look at the plays before choosing them, you have a higher chance of doing well. Turns out Kathryn is quite the smart player.

Friends I was SO CLOSE to winning (granted I am not sure how much of that was my playing abilities or the computers, thank goodness for being a "rookie" level player), but I must be honest with you and say I lost (38-31 for Miami Dolphins....damn you Dolphins).

The craziest part of the game is how real it looks and seems (the players LOOK real). We played the Super bowl (if you are going to play, go big or go home), so these announcers had no problem piling on the stress. You think they are on your team until all of a sudden they start bashing you QB or defence line (they have no problem stabbing you in the back).

However beyond recovering from the comments from the announcers I found myself coming home and immediately starting to play Madden Social on Facebook (key note: it is not nearly as fun as it is on Play Station, thus why I lasted all of five minutes), I then found myself on the NFL website attempting to read up on my team (Seattle Seahawks obvs). I DONT EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM READING, yet I feel so invested in this game that I should at the very least learn my players name - yup, this is definitely a problem -.

Goodbye grades, and life, hello hours spent in front of a screen pretending I understand the world of football. I hate you football...I hate you.

Till Tomorrow,
S

Lessons Learned
- Intercepting the football is the worlds greatest feeling
- How do players handle the stress? I could not handle it, and it wasn't even real life

The game began so promising, look how excited they were...

Poor guy (I believe this is Matt Flynn, but I only say that because he is the only players name I can remember)

While I understand it is just a game, I still find this moment to be one of my lowest in my life....damn you Dolphins for stealing the Super Bowl Cup/Trophy/Award (how can you tell that I am quite versed in this sport).

First Time: Gastown

2012-11-21T15:10:00.000-08:00

Gastown is an area of downtown Vancouver that I have heard about a lot, mostly because I know a bunch of people that work there but also because it's really nice.

It's a really interesting area. While I was walking there, I saw people in five hundred dollar suits and people who I'm pretty sure didn't have a home which was kind of weird to see.

More importantly, there are a lot of pubs and restaurants. The only issue I had was being able to choose just one. They all looked good and had interesting names.

Most importantly, this is where a lot of shows are filmed like Fringe, Once Upon a Time, Psych and Supernatural. So I spent a lot of time trying to find areas that I recognized from tv.

I couldn't.

Highlights:
- The steam clock... it's a clock that steam comes out of AND it makes a little song every 15 minutes. Sounds annoying...but I love it.
- seeing filming going on
- Feeling like a local because I bussed there all by myself (that's an accomplishment for me)

It's also really beautiful, especially at night with all the lights and stuff.

I should probably go back, even though I walked all around I was hungry and was more so just looking for a restaurant.

Things I learned:
- Gastown was named after a man named Gassey (poor guy)
- Nickelback used the steam clock and surrounding area for their CD cover (I know, I know no one likes them, still cool!)
- I need to go around there to stalk up some famous people because they evidently film there all the time!

D

The Steam Clock!

Gassey...

Pretty lights!

First time: Useless Website

2012-11-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

Damn the internet, and damn my lack of attention span for anything productive. Recently my friend (whom I blame for hours wasted) posted a link to The Useless Web on his Facebook page. Granted he did not post this on my wall, I was just creeping my way through Facebook and found it....and I regretted that moment when I lacked proper judgement, and clicked on it.

All this website does is link you to the worlds dumbest websites. There was a page of a dog licking the screen, a weird snake that you throw around, a naked cartoon grandpa (surprisingly this one was simply hilarious in my eyes). The worst of them all was probably the site where you paint a woman's nails.....THAT'S IT! My brain told me if I spend enough time repainting the nails in different colours SOMETHING would happen...nope...good by ten minutes of my life, and probably a lot of brain cells (you want to try it don't you? here is the link to her nails http://www.lacquerlacquer.com/ ) Or this one http://iamawesome.com/ ; its great for the ol ego. See here is exactly the issue. You find one great dumb site and then you find yourself clicking and searching for another great site for hours...WHY! It is not that I lack of things that need to be done, but why not spend time clicking away.

Friends, the internet is a funny place, full of awesome, intelligent and some stupid; but hey, it really does work as a great pick me up if your day is in the dumps.

Till Tomorrow,
S

Lessons Learned
- It really does not take much to grab my attention
- This is going to help me through the exam period of my life...

Damn you , worlds greatest website...damn you. http://www.theuselessweb.com/

First Time: Seeing an entire 007 movie

2012-11-19T11:15:00.001-08:00

Bond, James Bond... I had heard that before. And "shaken, not stirred". Other than that, I can only remember seeing random parts of 007 movies.

I seem to recall a lot of gun shots and sex scenes in showers.. but that could also be a mix of a lot of movies.

I finally went to see an entire James Bond movie because:

a) I heard she it amah-zing (that was meant to be read in the voice of Penny from Happy Endings - good show)

b) The song Adele wrote for it is lovely

c) I now live with British people and they love it

It was actually really good. Bond is badass. I get why he gets so much action. I also really enjoy the fight scene stuff. So many gunshots and explosions (I'm pretty sure I have the maturity of a 13 year-old boy)

The story-line was good too, which was much ore than I expected... I thought it was just going to be bombs and humping all day. But no, I actually got into the plot.

I'm worried that if I talk more about it, I will give away some of the movie and people will leave angry comments so I won't continue.

Do you think people would get annoyed if I start saying everything in a weird James Bond impression?

Things I learned:

- People do in fact find my James Bond impression annoying.

- I need to watch all of the 007 movies. I love Sean Connery

S, D S

First Time: Mountain Bean

2012-11-18T11:32:00.000-08:00

Friends, I am a sucker for a great coffee shop. To me the most important part of a coffee shop is the vibe. When you walk in do you feel like you can sit there and chat freely for hours? Can you do homework (is there FREE wifi...that one is huge my friend)? Does it have a hippy vibe? I am a lover for all things hippy-ish.

Now at the end of the day you could say that if a place sells coffee and tea that is all that matters (in fact I am sure that as long as Dana sees a store that will sell her caffeine by the truck load she will be all over it) but Mountain Bean does that and so much more!

If you live in the Kildonan area I am sure you have been there, done that, at this coffee shop. However the amount of times I find myself in that area is...never (unless... I believe I drive to the cabin in that direction...I am really not sure, also I am awful at directions).

When you first walk in you are quickly transformed into a ski lodge themed room. The high wooden beams, the rustic look, it quickly removes you from the cold Winnipeg winter and into the feeling of ski pants, warmth, and ski's. Now I say this even though I have never been skiing or to a ski lodge (the idea of propelling myself down a hill at fast speeds has never been a calling for me...), but I have seen enough winter holiday movies to know a ski lodge when I see one.

I typically order one of three things when I go to coffee shops (earl grey tea, black tea, earl grey tea latte), I am really crazy like that. However I figured if I wanted to really experience the coffee shop I would go a new route. I ordered Canadian Maple Black Tea - yes, that is a real thing -. The only thing that could have made it that much more Canadian would have been putting my drink in a polar bear mug (Canadian stereotypes for the win).

The drink was delicious, the food looked delicious, and the experience was just splendid.

If you ever feel the need for an escape, get away from work or life and simply sit with friends, I would say this is one heck of a great place to do that (also wearing ski pants or ski goggles would be helpful in really putting yourself in the zone that you are away).

Till Tomorrow,
S

I am thankful for the lovely Lindsay for introducing me to the Mountain Bean. If only it was closer to my house...

It may be no polar bear mug, but it was delicious.

First Time: Solly's Bagels

2012-11-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

I had never gone into, or even paid attention, to Solly's Bagels until I was unable to find a place to study and really needed coffee (I realize that is almost all of the time).

Since Vancouver has an intense love affair with Starbucks, I decided to try another kind of coffee that isn't the strongest thing in the entire world and doesn't cost five dollars (no offence if you're into that) my friends and I decided to go into a small place on West Broadway.

We walked in and there was TONS of bread and by that I mean A LOT.

Since it's close to the Holidays it was kind of festive but then I realized the cookies were all shaped like Stars of David.

It's a Jewish Family Bakery! I was so excited when I realized because I had never been to one before!

The bagels were really good!.. I didn't have one but my friends said they were really good.

I did however have some sugar cookies and they were delicious!

...Good Coffee too.

I'm going to get my bread from there now. So delicious.

Things I learned:

- The bakery is called Solly's... I called it Sally's for the longest time

- Bread is the best food... Just kidding, I obviously already knew that!

First Time: Going in the Ocean in November

2012-11-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if it's because I grew up absolutely nowhere near it, or that I've just watched too many movies but I find the ocean extremely beautiful/intriguing yet completely terrifying.

Since I've recently moved to live ten blocks away from it, I still hadn't even actually touched the water... But I have looked at it from a safe and dry distance away.

I don't know if it was because I watched Jaws too young, the idea of the colossal squid or crabs (the crustacean, not the STD - though that is also scary) but I just don't have much desire to trespass on sea animals' turf... They have the upper hand and I'm a slow swimmer.

Aaaanyway, since I just went to Wreck Beach and realized that going to the beach in November is a thing here (it's cold, but not a winter wonderland - I seriously don't think I have even thought about the 'beach' in November before) that I would go into the water - at least a little bit - because it's the ocean and I just needed to.

Everyone I told about this thought I was literally crazy. It's apparently too cold to put your feet in and everyone would think that I'm a "mad woman that doesn't know what time of year it is".

That just made me want to do it even more. I'm pretty much a pro. I've done the polar bear swim and jumped in Canadian lakes in May... I've been in really cold water loads of times.

Soooo... I only got about as far as my feet. (You know when you have to take off your boots that it's probably going to be slightly chilly when you go in the water).

At first I was all, This is nothing. Everyone is over-exaggerating. It's not much colder than Lake of the Woods in Spring.

... Then I could no longer feel my toes.

I didn't get used to the temperature at all. You know when the water is really cold but then you start getting numb and eventually your body adjusts? There was no adjusting... just pain and the fear of hypothermia.

I made about 3 minutes and then ran out (I didn't actually time it, it was probably like 30 seconds).

But I did it and I stayed long enough to take a photo, so... yes. That happened.

It's funny that the picture makes it look like my feet are blue... because they were so cold... right?

Things I learned:

- The ocean is cold

- I should have done this in summer

- I need to tan my legs more. I look like Casper, except more pale.

First Time: Sending Holiday Cards to YOUR Friends/Family

2012-11-15T14:55:00.001-08:00

About an year ago, when Dana and I first started this blog we had the idea of sending holiday cards to strangers. We thought, why not, it could be really nice, plus if movies have taught us anything, maybe someone who is lonely will end up getting the card and make their day a little brighter (and that I will eventually bump into the love of my life in public, so if I happen to basically jump on you in public...you know why).

This year we want to do things a little differently.

This year has been one hell of an experience for us, doing 365 new things is not the easiest thing in the world (lesson learned), but it makes for lots of fun stories, and finding new hobbies or skills that we did not know we had.

Taking the first step in trying something new is the scariest part.

This holiday season if there is someone in your life who is in a slump, or you want to encourage to get out there a little, or maybe you simply want to wish them a happy holidays, email us their name and address and we will be sending them one of our holiday cards! (itfeelslikethefirsttime@gmail.com)

The holiday season is upon us (thank you TV commercials for reminding us of that every 3 seconds), so help us spread some holiday cheer to the wonderful citizens of Winnipeg (the world, if you are not from Winnipeg).

Till Tomorrow,
S

First time: Robson Street

2012-11-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

So here's the story about Robson Street.

I was told that there were "magical" (Yes, they used the word magical) lights on this street and in Robson square and that I 'had' to go see them.

I was also told that for Christmas, people roast chestnuts on street corners.

Obviously I was extremely excited for this. I love twinkle lights. I've never had a roasted chestnut but they sound delightful PLUS they're mentioned in a Christmas song, so... I don't know it sounded festive.

I don't go downtown that often. So I literally begged my roommates to go with me. They all told me that they 'weren't that exciting' but I dragged them. They basically treated it like I was a 6-year old wanting to go to the zoo.
"Yes, I know it's pretty cold out but Dana REAlly wants to see the lights, so we're going" *eye roll. (That didn't affect me... that happens pretty often)

Turns out, they really weren't that exciting.

Just lights on the trees (which I had seen weeks ago) and there were no chestnuts when I went. I was also told though that they have been doing that all autumn.

I have now been made fun of and I didn't even get to have or smell a roasted chestnut.

It was still pretty though! Plus, downtown Van is really nice/cool so, I'm glad I went...

Things I learned:
- I am usually wrong
- People use the term magical much more loosely than I do.
- If one person says something and then 7 people tell you that's wrong, maaaybe you should listen to the 7 people.
- I basically am always like a 6-year old.
- Winnipeg has prettier lights... no offence... just saying.

D

First Time: Making Traditional Masala Chai

2012-11-13T21:24:00.001-08:00

Friends if there is one drink that can change the world it is tea. ALL TEAS (Except fruit teas, that is simply wrong and weird to have warm tasting fruit liquids..yup hell no to those).

Recently a lovely friend (and co Guider) of mine has taken the trip of a lifetime to India, where she experienced a culture quite different to hers here in Canada.

One of the many things she brought back with her is the ability to make Masala Chai (which stands for spiced tea...BAM I sincerely hope I just blew your mind with knowledge). Here are your local Starbucks we may call these Chai Lattes, but in the real world they are Masala Chai.

Because she is a Girl Guide Leader (and an amazing one at that), she decided to take her experiences, and what she learnt about the culture in India and bring it to our girls. The girls spent the night learning about sari's, bindis, masala chai, and so many other things.

My job of the night, make the masala chai, and don't fail (I would like to note I took this role probably too seriously...). The special trick to this beverage is half hot water, half milk, and all the sugar you can find in the cupboard (oh yes, and the tea of course).

Now in my circumstance I was making tea for 35 ish people, so it made the most sense to make it Crock Pot Style. So really the tea was India meets Canadian culture...I like it.

Overall the night was a huge success, and I accomplished making the masala chai.

Till Tomorrow Friends,
S

Lessons Learned
- When people ask for chai tea, what they are really saying is "tea tea" because chai means tea.
- Crock Pots are superb for keep liquids warm, such as tea (this is great for parties where warm beverages are a hit)
- this was the worlds most delicious beverage

20 Chai tea bags, just under 1 liter of milk, lots of hot water, and half a baggy of sugar later this creation was complete!

Now I understand that may not look the most appetizing but I would like to say that it was quite the hit amongst girls and Guiders.

Shanel also brought back sari's and other clothing attire that the girls could dress in, and see. Obviously as the Guiders we may have been a tad more excited to dress up....no shame.

First time: Calhouns

2012-11-12T12:59:00.001-08:00

Ever since I started going to UBC, I have heard about Calhouns.

This is an all-night cafe on West Broadway that is always full of students studying. I'm told that they let you sit there all night and you only have to buy one coffee (or whatever you like).

As a student who lives with a lot of roommates, this sounds amazing! It's also only a few blocks away from where I live, so basically perfect.

Turns out, a lot of other students think it's pretty great too because so far, I have never actually been able to study there.

Once, my friends went first and said there were no tables and then today I went for the first time and yet again, it was completely full.

I guess people grab those seats and don't move for hours and hours... They took my idea.

One day, I will be able to study there! Even if I have to go at 2 am to do it!

They have pretty good coffee though!! And I really like the name.

Things I learned:

- Don't attempt to go to a place like this in the middle of the afternoon.

- It is really awkward standing waiting for a table while people are studying and clearly not planning to move for a very long time.

- Who am I kidding, I probably wouldn't have got much work done there anyway.

First Time: Playing Pass the Pig

2012-11-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

I want to start that Pass the Pigs is nothing like tipping cows, because when I first hear of the title that is what I pictured, people throwing pigs around a room. Now I have no idea why that is where my imagination goes first but it happens.

Pass the Pigs is a came from 1912 (I made up that date, but it looks old as hell, and is the most odd yet addictive game, I put it up there with buying a pet rock).

The premise you roll the little pigs like dice and based on how they fall on the double you get points. Here is the tricky part, you can role as many times in one turn as you would like BUT if you "Pig Out" (check the photo below, it is when both pigs land on their side and one has a dot showing) then you lose ALL the points for that round. It is a mix of my pet rock, deal or no deal, Yahtzee, and crack cocaine (I say this due to its high level of addiction).

The first person to 100 points WINS! I would like to comment at this moment, my friend and I were playing, I was at 66 points, he was at 95 points, and I went from 66 - 100+ in one round and won the game. Sadly this is a very high moment of my life, the pride I felt is outstanding, I won...Pass the Pigs!

The great part of this game? A game can be quite fast or slow, so really you can play a game probably in 5 minutes, or it may take 15, these kinds of games are great at keeping my attention!

Friends,can we all agree the game sounds dumb? Absolutely. Would I say it is slightly life changing, and way cooler than all the high tech, battery powered games they make for kids now...hell yes.

If you can find a copy of the game I suggest it.

Till Tomorrow,
S

Lessons Learned

- I become quite the competitive player when playing Pass the Pigs

- I wonder if they have a collection, that all together you could play Pass the Farm. You could have Pass the Pig, Pass the Chicken, Pass the Cow ....it ideas here are endless. I need to speak to the creators of this game!

Who thought of this game? This is the question I ask myself every day! Also why pigs??

This card seems like instructions for weird things...

This is 15 points of perfection friends....this I would say is a pretty stellar role!

First Time: Listening to a Podcast

2012-11-10T18:14:00.003-08:00

Now I have clearly heard of a pod cast before, but I have never paid much attention to them...until now. Recently my brother informed me of the apparently well know How Stuff Works pod casts. He was quite amazed when I had neither listened to it before, nor heard of it. I like to believe that I am on the up and up with most things in technology, but pod casts have never been my thing (if I am listening to anything my top choice is ALWAYS Christmas music, no matter what time of year it is).

I quickly learned yet again the world is really pushing me towards the I Phone for the sole reason of apps available. Is there an app for this? YES. is there one for the cool kids in the Blackberry world? Nope...damn them! Luckily I Tunes does not discriminate against phone users, so I downloaded five pod casts / episodes ( I need to learn the proper terminology).

Each episode downloaded is full of information that I cannot believed I lived without knowing...example How Lion Taming Works...yes please, or how about really, how does tickling work? They have 21 minutes worth of answers to that question. Friends what I am quickly learning is that Google is not the only source to answers for the worlds weirdest questions.

Now I am not sure what I expected, lots of spice in their tone, fireworks, magic tricks, who knows? Really all it sounds like is two men, who are probably wearing Christmas sweaters, sitting in a basement with a microphone. Simply two wise men (well I am sure they have done research and they do not magically know all the answers) telling the world facts they need to know.

Needless to say I have fallen in love with the men who have answers to the worlds most serious questions (How Commercial Jingles Work - damn you pizza hotline jingle for ALWAYS being in my head!)

I have become an addict, and I have come to terms with it; and I am launching a new campaign called - pod casts save lives - (catchy am I right). At the very least I feel a tad more productive when I spend hours on Tumblr / Pinterest / Playing Bubble Witch Saga on Facebook (that is probably something I should be both ashamed and embarrassed about, but alas secretly I am proud...I am on level 35).

It is definitely worth checking out friends!

Till Tomorrow,
S

Lessons Learned
- You can now now watch video of the two men creating these podcasts
- Did you know some people think the Simpsons predict world events. In the episode where Homer finds a crayon in his brain, a few years later a woman found a pencil in hers....the things I am learning.
- There are so many questions I did not know I had until finding answers to them on How Stuff Works
- Dare I say I am becoming the human Google? Yes...I dare!

First Time: True Confections

2012-11-10T18:14:00.001-08:00

There are certain stores that everyone will slow down for, stare longingly in the window and imagine themselves getting whatever is inside.

For some people it's car dealerships, others shoe stores or sporting goods or pet stores (like the puppies and stuff), whatever people are into. For me, it's cake (I definitely blew people's minds with that one).

There is a store close to my house that I pass on my way to practicum every time that has a bunch of cakes. The purpose is to go there to eat a disturbing amount of sugar as well as alcoholic beverages (I know, perfect combo).

No, it isn't heaven. It's an actual restaurant (would that be considered a restaurant or a bakery?...).

I have been passing that place and staring through the window like it was my job for the last two or so months just coveting the crap out the all the cakes.

It's really their fault for putting them all on display like that. In fact, it's actually mean to do that. They know that people with no will power like me will walk by and want to eat all of them.

Today, my roommate texted me asking if I wanted to grab lunch. I said no, until she told me where. Then obviously I changed my mind... I basically ran there (no, I didn't but it sounds better).

The cakes were HUGE and all looked so good. This is the size of the devil's food cake:

That fork is normal size and that is a large plate not a little one. It was

insane... insanely DELICIOUS! (oooh, see what I did there?)

I just realized I talk about dessert much more than anyone ever should.

Do they have a cake-eaters support group or is that just Over-eaters anonymous?... not that I'm wondering for any particular reason.

I might have some issues.

Things I learned:

- Cake is still delicious

- I really need to stop eating cake all together

- I will never be able to give up cake.

First Time: iDE Gala

2012-11-08T07:07:00.000-08:00

One great aspect of attending a small university is the opportunities that are given to its students, this being the perfect example. iDE is a great organization tackling poverty through business opportunities. What they do is they make products (example a treadle pump) that they then sell to farmers in lower income nations at a low price, thus engaging them in the market, creating ownership, and for many farmers it is the lack of water during dry seasons that hurts their crops (ie increasing their annual income).

Long story short, they are taking on a different approach to your typically NGO framework, which I personally find quite interesting!

However I did not go to iDE, I attended their annual fundraising gala. A very fantastic company had purchased two tables for this event, and donated a table to our school for the opportunity for students to attend (such as myself).

The evening was a chance for conversation, for great dining, and to learn about the work in which iDE does. Recently we had the former CEO Al Doerksen come to our school to discuss iDE, his role, and how they are taking on this unique approach to tackling the issues of poverty. So obviously when it came to the gala that evening, I clearly acted as though we were long time friends (classic Steph), but none the less, seems like a nice man!

I do need a moment to talk about the worlds most delicious food, the salad. Friends normally I am not one to preach a salad (let's be real, there are many things that surpass its deliciousness...hello nachos! ) But this salad (the first course) was unreal. A large reason was it was in an edible bowl (the creators of the edible bowl really need a prize of some sort, I am not saying the Nobel prize, but they sure deserve something) - this bowl also had baked cheese in it….. Yup you all want that bowl now don't you -. Then they got super fancy with an eggplant chip, some buffalo cheese (I did not know that existed) and more. Friends I need to experience this salad again.

The evening consisted of lots of speeches, the ever so popular power point presentations, and a lot of recognition of what I will refer to ask organizational all-stars. I really love this portion of the evening. Al Doerksen gave his last presentation as resigning CEO so there were speeches about him, and about a few others who have contributed a lot of time, money and effort to the organization. How often do we hear of NGO burnout? We hear that people work to hard, for too long, and often with a lack of recognition. Thus I found the presentations to be great, also they were some of the cutest most perfect elderly couples that have devote a large portion of their life to this organization, which is the most beautiful thing in my eyes.

Overall the evening was a fantastic experience, I always love the chance to hear about different organizations, and their approach to tackling poverty and developmental issues.

Till Tomorrow,
S

Lessons Learned

- You can get cheese from buffalo ( I seriously hope I am not the only one surprised by this)
- Suit jackets may up your level of class and business cred but they sure restrain your arm movements, the fact that I am restricted from doing a cartwheel in my jacket is a problem....grant I cannot do a cartwheel, but if for whatever reason I wanted to try..