Marathon at 32 Weeks

Who knew the day would come where I would no longer be able to touch my toes, lace up shoes or I’d struggle to put on pants. The day has come my friends and I am struggling with everyday tasks due to this lovely belly. It’s quite comical how difficult putting socks on has become and Thank god for flats and flip-flops or I would be without shoes most of the time. Speaking of shoes…I will address this further in a few minutes. I always heard pregnant women talking about the difficulty associated with bending down in the third trimester, I even recall watching the odd prego bend over noticing just how awkward it looked and yet I never thought this would happen to me. Oh how the mighty have fallen! Recently I have become a proud member of the following clubs for prego’s; “I can’t bend over very well”, “yes I am a side bender”,  “I can hardly put on my own socks”, “I waddle in heals” and “hun a little help with the right pant leg please”. This realization became vividly apparent in the last 24-48 hours…  

On Sunday, I attended a beautiful baby shower for a friend who is due only a couple weeks before me. The soirée was held at the River Café and was absolutely fabulous! If there is an award for best shower of the year, my friend just won it hands down! Anyway, I felt like dressing up a touch as yoga clothing has been my staple for the last few months, so I pulled out the stiletto knee boots, leggings and tunic and began my get ready ritual. Even though I had some issue with the leggings the real concern came with the boots…I sat quietly for a moment eyeing them up while reminiscing how comfortable I had always thought they were. I visualized stepping in to them and made a plan of attack about the best way of getting them on without falling over. Turns out I was successful getting my feet in and I must say this in itself was quite the achievement but the hurdle of zipping them up had yet to come. I sat for another moment while my feet molded to the soft leather and then I awkwardly hunched forward in what I like to call the side bend and reached down for the kill. While holding my breath I grabbed the zipper and like a size 10 woman sucks in her belly while lying down on the bed to zip up her favourite skinny jeans (which are no bigger than a size 8), I too struggled while zipping the sexy black boot over my swollen foot, ankle and calf. To my amazement it closed and needless to say I was elated with excitement from this accomplishment. Left foot was in and I was ready to tackle the right…several minutes later operation stiletto boots was a success! After all this, I sat a moment longer to catch my breath.  One more challenge stood in my way of getting to the party; walking! I slowly stood up with a wobble here and there and after a few baby steps I was feeling pretty stable. The outfit looked great and I was impressed with how well I pulled it all off. I knew this lust would soon pass and quickly turn in to an ocean of regret after sitting around with my legs dangling down, pooling violently with fluid.  It was a risk I was willing to take, plus the thought of changing footwear at this point was the greater of two evils and more importantly I didn’t have the time. My taxi arrived and I was on my way to the restaurant. 

The River Café is gorgeous but as many of you know there isn’t a drop off zone right outside the restaurant, instead you have to walk a fair distance across the river before arriving. So, while in transit I prepped myself mentally for the walk from Prince’s Island Sheraton, across the bridge to the restaurant and I even had a conversation with my baby that went a little like this “ok angel please don’t kick or do any acrobatics while I walk across this bridge or you and I are both going down”. I laughed to myself as I slowly waddled along, catching stares from passerby’s who clearly thought I was crazy for rocking the footwear I was while 8 months pregnant. Finally the entrance was in sight and I had made it! I felt like a marathon runner waiting to get my high fives and Gatorade at the finish line but sadly no one was that impressed so in the spirit of accomplishment I applauded my unborn son for being so good on the walk over.

The shower was excellent and the entire afternoon was full of love for the mother to be and her gorgeous bump! We laughed, played games and ate delicious bites over the next couple hours. I knew we would be wrapping up around 5 and I couldn’t help but clock watch around 4:35pm as my attention was averted to my throbbing lower extremities and how stupid I could have been for wearing these fabulous boots. I actually think I welled up with tears for a moment while thinking about the marathon walk back across the bridge to where George would be picking me up. It seemed a suicide mission! I rubbed my belly while trying not to think about the pain and had another self talk reassuring myself it would be fine. I even thought about faking an injury and asking one of the staff to hail me a golf cart that could chariot me back to the Sheraton. Or was there a secret driveway that only the staff knew about where cars could actually come to the front door and get me? I pondered my options…sadly I felt like I couldn’t stoop this low and after all it was my idiotic decision to wear these boots in the first place. The next 20 minutes went by and it was go time; George would be meeting me in 10 minutes. I said my goodbyes, well wishes and Thank you to the host before I began the trudge back across the bridge. In agony I slowly waddled, feeling as if my ankles may give out at any moment and I would come down like a 6 foot refrigerator box. I kept telling myself this was great practice for child birth as it was hell and I truly thought I wouldn’t make it but here I was slowly approaching the half way point. I could see our car parked in the near distance ready to pick me up and so I did what anyone girl with sore feet does, I chanted calmly “baby steps Talia, you can do this”. Every step seemed to worsen and I could only imagine what it would look like once I removed the boots from my feet; it was going to be a disaster!  I hopped in the car let out a massive sigh and silently thanked god for the seat which supported me, I may have went as far as thanking god for the man or lady who installed the seat in our Infinity; it was heavenly. We got to our condo and I still had a couple stairs, an elevator ride and about 10 steps to the front door to go, needless to say I hardly made it. I unzipped the boots and slowly pulled my feet out, they were frozen in a permanent arch, the seams from my socks and leggings had left dents in my ankles and I am quite sure I could see bruising form in blue and black around my calf. I spent the remainder of the evening with my feet above my heart to drain the fluid mess in my lower legs and feet…luckily it subsided by 8 am Monday morning.

I have made a new vow that comfort takes the cake over style. Because I have about 8 weeks to go before baby boy makes his debut below are some of the more comfy styles I plan on wearing! Thoughts?

An Hour or so With Ashley Barker...

I have known Ashley since high school and her photography is literally out of this world. Her shots are described as insiprational and magnificent...enjoy the interview below along with an album of her awesome work!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?  

For starters, I’m a terrible writer. I like doing things, experiencing life, travelling, meeting people, talking, not texting. I love music, mountain life, surf, food, yoga, dancing, singing, jamming and those kinds of things.

I have two amazing older brothers and my dad worked for airline companies until I was 7 so we moved around a lot and travelled often. When he quit we stayed in Calgary where I was raised. I went to French immersion until I was 16 and hit the ski hill every weekend since I was 2. I tried every sport available to me for at least a year.

I looked up to my brothers my whole life, they molded me whether it was in skiing, boarding, music or photography; they're my roots, my role models.

Did you study photography or are you simply a natural talent?

I studied. I went to a photo school in Victoria for a year. School was awesome, just expensive.

It appears as though you travel a lot for your shoots, where has your favorite place been so far and if you could move anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Yes, it's unreal.  Favorite place I travelled to shoot snow sports would probably be Argentina.  I spent 80 days there one summer working with SASS, a ski and snowboard camp and living with the coaches. They have great snow and terrain with a more 'laid back' vibe. Most of the trips I shoot are a week or two, so you don't really get to soak in the culture but in 80 days I really got to experience Argentinean living.

As for living, I think its Whistler, at least for now.

When did photography really begin for you and how long has it been your profession?

I've been shooting for fun for almost 10 years now and it has been my only job for 3 years.

My favorite work of yours is your sports photography; it is truly out of this world! Is shooting
snowboarders and skateboarders your favorite subject matter or do you prefer other genres like

weddings, portraits and fashion?  

I like shooting snowboarding and skiing because it allows me to be in the middle of nowhere, yet feel so at home.  All the elements make it a real challenge, which is exciting and always new. People that aren't out there doing it have no idea what kind of work can go into a shoot. So, when you get a banger shot, something you’re really proud of, the harder you had to work to get it, the more rewarding it is. That feeling, that effort, makes it all worth the while. 

I like shooting portraits and lifestyle too, it's just different. Anything you can make fun and put your real heart into is fun for me.

I would suspect that you’re using digital cameras, have you always used digital and what camera do you use now?

No I started with film before digital SLR cameras were all the rage; they weren’t very good back then. Now I’m on a digital camera 99% of the time. It's fast, efficient and what my clients want right now. Pairing a digital shot with a film shot makes for two different looks, in other words they don't go well together so it doesn't make sense for me to shoot with film much.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?  

Most memorable trip might be Alaska. I would go there anytime, that place is unreal.

If you could shoot anything in the world with another photographer, what would you shoot, with who and why?

Wow, anything? I guess I'd probably take the opportunity to shoot with David Lachapelle, because his work is so new and conceptual. I feel like I'd learn the most from that right now.

I know that you are an avid snowboarder and skateboarder, so when you are on location for a shoot, specifically for snowboarding, skateboarding skiing etc. do you feel like you get in on the action and ride along with your clients or do you try not to get involved?  

It depends on the day/client. I try to snowboard everyday I'm shooting. I'm mostly out on a snowmobile these days so I clock mad hours on those things which is pretty fun once you get the hang of it, but photos come first. Other times I'll be on a "shoot" where your riding time is greater than your shooting Last year I went to Baldface with DVS Snow Team Riders (Mikey LeBlanc and Marc Frank Montoya) it was a shop giveaway contest and we shared the cat with the public. Because there were paying clients in the cat we couldn't hold up the crew by stopping to shoot for more than a minute every run, so I rode with my camera in my jacket, and snapped a couple quick ones every run. It's hard to get good shoots like that, but that's how it is sometimes and I can't argue with that.

How did you get your first photo in a magazine, which magazine was it and what did you do to celebrate that occasion?

It was a contest photo of Jeff Pepperdine in SBC Snowboard Canada. The photo credit went to Geoff Andruik, so I was pretty disappointed. My next best published shot was the cover of Snowboarder in 2007, which happened to be their 25th Anniversary Issue, so they hosted a party in commemoration of this success.  Everyone else was celebrating the Abdominal Snowjam and Mag party, but I was celebrating for my first US published photo and cover. 

What is the most rewarding part of your career and why?

The people I've meet and places I've been because life is lonely by yourself and there is so much world to experience.

 For more work from Ashley check out http://www.ashleybarker.com/

Inspirations!

Well let’s just say it’s been way too long since my last post. So much has happened from jobs to things at home…as many of you are aware in a few short months George and I will be welcoming a new addition to the family; our little boy!

Needless to say we are totally thrilled and can’t wait to meet this little guy who kicks me all night, made me sick for 12 weeks, helped me gain several kilos and makes my heart flutter every time I think of him! As naïve parents to be, we have been checking out children’s stores on a regular basis and have become experts on cribs, strollers, car seats and more. It is incredibly overwhelming for new parents but a ton of fun no less! I suspect one of the greatest activities is planning the nursery from décor to must have essentials there is a ton of ideas and great DIY inspirations out there. Here are some of our favorite ideas that I have found online…Love the Safari theme!

Comments Welcome

5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Britni Weston

Britni Weston-Marketing Manager, Holt Renfrew

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

I love that everyday is different from the last and even though I apply the same process to many parts of my job, the outcome is always different depending on the brand, product and customer.  I love the brands I work with and it's exciting and rewarding to turn a simple idea into something spectacular.  Something I loathe is that it never seems to end!! The fashion industry is fast paced, always changing and operates 7 days a week so it's difficult to find downtime and separate work from the rest of my life.

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

I'd describe my personal style as modern classic.  I've often felt that I'm living in the wrong era and get my inspiration from style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jackie-O.  I love anything that is feminine, sophisticated, timeless and iconic - Chanel, Prada, Oscar de la Renta and always amongst my favourites!  My wardrobe staples are dresses, coats and blazers, wedges or riding boots (depending on the season), and oversized sunglasses and handbags.  I love shopping and finding that "perfect item", but I try to invest in timeless classics rather than trends or this season's must-haves.  And as anyone at Holt can attest - I'm a sucker for anything with a puff sleeve and a bow!!

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

My job occupies most of life from Mon-Fri so weekends are filled with friends, family and "me" time.  I enjoy time spent with friends, watching movies, shopping, Sunday family dinners and I think a big glass of red wine with my girlfriends is the perfect finish to the week!  To relax I like painting, hot yoga, listening to music or just reading the Sunday paper with a great cup of coffee - and I'd never turn down a day at the spa! 

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)?  

My university guidance counselor told me to "pick something you love and find a way to get paid to do it".  When asked this question, my passion for fashion and fascination with the luxury goods industry rose to the top of the list and I never looked back.  I've been very fortunate during my career at Harrods, LVMH and Holt Renfrew to work on some incredible events/projects and meet some truly amazing people.  My passion for the industry continues to grow and today, I can truly say that I love what I do.  There are so many designers, authors and mentors that have influenced my career but someone that stands out... (as cliche as it may be) is Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.  Unfortunately, I'll never get a chance to meet her but I've always been fascinated by Coco's personal story, her rise to the top of the fashion industry and with that, her ability to single-handedly change the image and perception of fashion.  Women across the globe owe her a lot for fusing strength, independence and style into what fashion is today. 

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

Always put yourself first and do what makes you happy.  I think it's easy in business today to get caught up in what you "should" be doing, instead of what you "want" to do.  Passion is something that can't be taught and when you truly love what you do, you'll always be more successful in the long run.

5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Julie Bedford

Julie Bedford: Lawyer, Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

My favourite aspect of my work is probably the intellectual challenge… I have always been motivated to engage in difficult mental tasks by the promise of the end result of deeper understanding and knowledge. This is something I love and I’m happy to strive for… I like to know things, and even more so, I like to figure things out. As child, I did logic puzzles all the time, finding them more fun than drawing or colouring books (not to mention much easier for me to succeed at)

I feel the most satisfaction when I’m working in the field of Cleantech (an umbrella term that encompasses renewable energy and fuels as well as a variety of clean/green technologies)… When I do this work I feel that I’m helping improve upon the world, rather than maintain the status quo, and ultimately, I think this is of the utmost importance.

I also love the people I work with, which I think is important always, but especially important at a job that is often twice the time commitment of a regular 9-5…. which segues nicely into my answer to part two of this question… I don’t love the hours, and sometimes I just may loathe them… I find that when I’m really busy at work, the little bit of time I spend not at the office, I feel physically and mentally exhausted and can be pretty irritable with those that I’m closest to as a result.

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

First off, thanks for calling my sense of style “wonderful”… you’re too sweet ;)

I’m a bit of a chameleon and my taste changes constantly along with my environment. The fluidity of my style is easily evidenced when looking through old photos and seeing the entirely different looks I’ve embraced over the years, some of which are incredibly laughable. I was recently reminded of some of my earlier undergrad years, when my makeshift homemade outfits matched my three-foot long dreadlocked hair, and I would cut up, and attempt to refashion, random Value Village purchases, like pillowcases and tablecloths as clothing!! And I remember unpacking my suitcase, just a couple of years ago, the night I arrived home from a few month stay in East Africa, and, to my surprise, finding the African printed Moo Moos and tailored shirt and skirt outfits made much less sense to me in Calgary than they had only two short days earlier in Dar es Salaam…

These days, my style has certainly tamed. I take fashion cues from all around me, largely without my own recognition or knowledge. I note the clothing women are wearing in magazines (strangely perhaps, GQ is my fav), television and movies, and even walking through the +15’s in Calgary. Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, and Zooey Deschanel are the probably celebs that I model looks after the most.

Of course, my various lady friends’ impeccable senses of style influence me greatly, especially that of my sister, with whom I’m very close. Her and I live together and share most everything, which is a brilliant way to double one’s wardrobe.

I love accessories, necklaces especially. Lately, my favorite outfits are simple and flowing, with one stand out piece…. And when I dress myself, I often have in mind the idea of an antique broach… in hopes I end up resembling one in some way. 

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

I exercise pretty regularly, switching it up among jogging, cycling, weights, yoga, and occasionally a game of squash with my boyfriend… I love being active outdoors, hiking especially, but admittedly, I don’t do much of this these days.

Socially, I have two favourite pastimes, dinner parties and dance parties. I live in a vegan household with my sister, her husband, and my 10-year-old nephew, and we love to entertain guests and feed people. If I weren’t a lawyer, I think my family and I would own and operate a delicious little vegan restaurant.

When I can steal away from work early on a Friday afternoon, I also try to volunteer at the Rescue and Sanctuary for Threatened Animals (R.A.S.T.A), spending a few hours outside, cleaning stalls, feeding and doing chores around this wonderful volunteer run farm. I also volunteer extensively with Fig Tree Foundation, which is an umbrella organization that services a number of international development agencies. I coordinate various initiatives for Fig Tree, within its mandate of fostering cooperation and collaboration between non-profits with a view to supporting sustainable development initiatives.

When I want to turn off my brain, I turn to Internet television and have a pretty serious love/hate relationship with America’s Next Top Model (as well as Canada’s, Britain’s, New Zealand’s, AND Australia’s… it’s a little embarrassing). I also love love love to watch nature shows, especially those narrated by David Attenborough.

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)?  

I’m not 100% convinced that I chose to be a lawyer; rather, I feel that a series of significant coincidences, accidentally developed skills and the aforementioned strange affiliation for logic chose my career for me. Although, when I was a child, I was often told, whilst incessantly arguing some senseless point as though it mattered, that I should be a lawyer when I “grow up” as at least then I would be paid to be so argumentative.

I’m really struggling to decide on an answer for a person that I would love to meet one day, and at first, I was assuming that I’m allowed to choose someone from any time in history. This was overwhelming. I’ve decided to limit myself to currently living people to narrow the choices and help me decide. With this, I’m going to go with Christopher Hitchens and Malcolm Gladwell, likely because these are the two thinkers I’ve been the most impressed with recently. I’m in awe of both of these men and their ability to articulate ideas in both writing and speech. Reasoning their way through complexities and presenting them clearly, concisely, and convincingly. And literally, I think Malcolm Gladwell could make ANY topic fascinating. Any one.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

Cliché though it is, I think some of the best career advice I’ve ever received went something like this: Find what it is that you love to do then figure out how to get people to pay you to do that thing. I recognize both of these things can be pretty hard to do… but it’s certainly worth a shot. Life is so very short, and the more time we spend watching the clock, waiting for time to pass, wishing it would hurry by, the less we get of this gift we were given.

Finally, it’s important to me that at least some of the things I do are focused on making the world a better place… I consider this both a joy and a responsibility, having been born in arguably the best time and place in history. Our opportunities are endless, and with this comes a responsibility to do more than just soak in all the good around us… we need to be present and aware and devote some of our skills to giving back to our wonderful world.

5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Noor Mubarak Al-Sabah

Noor Mubarak Al-Sabah: AlOthman Fashion Director

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

I absolutely love the fast pace and constant change and surprises that happen in fashion. Every few months there are new collections to view, new trends to work, and new designers to discover. It makes day to day work always interesting without being predictable.

I loathe the brash competition between clients over dresses. I’m sure it happens all over the world, but in Kuwait, it gets extremely competitive as to who wears which piece first, sometimes I just want to tell them- “Hey, its just a dress.”

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

My style is a true result of my mood and state of mind. When I am feeling sexy, I’ll wear a femme fatale silhouette, when I’m feeling troubled I’ll layer several pieces over each other to distract from my mind, and if I’m feeling playful I’ll be a little daring with my clothes and try something new.

Having said that, I still do have some style icons such as Anna Dello Russo, Bianca Jagger, and Sophia Loren.

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

I love to workout; it really relieves my stress. Trying anything from biking, running, kayaking, or boxing. I love being on the sea, on boats just cruising. But I will admit, nothing beats lazing with a fantastic film, sushi, and ice cream.

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)?  

I always loved fashion, since I was a little girl I’ve been sketching gowns and shoes. I also grew up in a household with one very fashionable mother and four sisters, so it seemed somewhat inevitable. I never really thought I would find this position in Kuwait, but it turns out that there is so much potential here as it is yet an unsaturated market.

I would love to meet the late Isabella Blow as she was so essential with discovering talents such as Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy. She also seemed to have a dynamic personality with both glamour and terror that took over her fabulous hat wearing head that led her to suicide. When will there be a film about her?

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

I am blessed to be working in the industry that energizes and excites me, but still there are days when I feel overwhelmed. My best advice is to always remind yourself of your goals and dreams; this will keep you going on and on. Also, remember that you are your own best tool, so look fabulous, be driven, be courageous, and take risks. People will admire you for your accomplishments and you will take a lead among others.

5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Beth Abbott

Beth Abbott- Operating Room Registered Nurse

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

I absolutely love working in a profession where I truly feel that I help make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis.  People come into the operating room ‘broken’ and leave with a new hip, reconstructed breasts, or new hope with the removal of a potentially catastrophic tumour.   Every day I am learning new things and taking part in state-of- the- art surgeries which have a profound impact on patient’s lives.

I loathe getting up every day at 5:30am!  Also, I have to admit that as a nurse you get two 30minute breaks during a shift, and I am such a slow eater that I find it hard to ever have a proper meal!

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

Well... I do enjoy watching the red carpet at the Oscars, Grammies etc, and I am known to always have a good magazine (such as Vogue) on hand, but honestly I am very much inspired by everyday people in my life.  I admire those that have their own style and embrace fashion risks.  Gillian, my little sister is never afraid to try a new haircut and can look incredibly young and girly one day, but look like a sexy vixen the next.  Another example is my friend Cheryl who often sports a bohemian style that I believe was highly influenced by her time in Israel.  She is always comfortable in her own skin because she wears what she wants and wears it well- wink!  She is not afraid of bright colors and vintage jewellery.  My hope is that my style is just that... my own!  Lately I have been embracing the laid back casual look that I fell for while travelling in Australia- hence the long hippy hair that I have at the moment!

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

I enjoy working out at the Glencoe Club, but these days I mostly love doing yoga with good friends.  There is something about practicing next to the people you love.  I am also always down for a coffee date with friends or a good movie.  Lately, I have been thinking of new hobbies such as an acting course etc that I can take on as an extra dimension in my life (but I will have to keep you posted on that one).  And finally, I would have to say that I love shopping- but really what girl doesn’t?!

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)? 

 I chose to be a nurse because I love science, especially the human sciences, and I have always had a desire to help others and give back.  I ended up in the operating room specifically because of my passion for anatomy and physiology as well as the appeal of a team environment in the OR (surgeons, anaesthesiologists, RT’s, and nurses).  Within nursing there are many options to work part time/casual which is a factor that I took into consideration as I hope to have a family in the future.  Finally, I think it is exciting that I work in a profession that can be taken essentially anywhere in the world.  I am happy in Calgary right now, however, it thrills me that I will never be “stuck” here and I have many options.

Honestly I do not really have a specific role model in my field; however I enjoy meeting new people and learning new operating techniques.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

My dad, who has had a very successful career and is someone I look up to and respect, he always told my sisters and I “it does not matter what you choose to do with your lives, if you like it, you will be successful.”  He has never pushed us to follow in his footsteps and has accepted us regardless of our somewhat “offbeat” ideas and potential career choices.  My advice would be just that... if you are happy and you like what you do, you will find success.  If not, it is never too late to take a different path and as hard as it may seem do not be afraid to take that risk.  I cannot say that I will be an operating room nurse for the rest of my life, or and RN for that matter, but for now I am fulfilled and I can only wish the same for you!

Love you all, have a fabulous weekend and I cant wait to feature you lovely's on the marriedtogeorge.blog soon!