Edmonton and potentially too much time to think.

So, I'm back safe and sound from Edmonton. I had a great time despite having spent approximately 13 hours on a plane over the duration of 2 days - especially where half of that time was spent with only my mind and my ipod to distract me from the mundane happenings of airline travel. That's right ladies and gents, CD suffered through a flight, practically across country, without the convience of a TV. It felt so retro (minus the whole Ipod aspect). But (sigh)...I survived.

I did get a chance to venture around the West Edmonton Mall for a few hours during the week though. I actually got brave and said to myself, "Live a little Crystal. Brave Edmonton transit. Worst case scenerio...well let's not go there. Just do it." So, I did. Sure I encountered some crazies, but what's life without adventure?

Speaking of adventures. I've decided it's time to start a Crystal adventure. It's a new year and things have taken a huge change for me recently. I need to start figuring some stuff out in my life. For instance, what I want, where I want to be, what I need to make me happy. And of course, coming hand-in-hand with that is, what I need to let go of. Shakespeare wrote in As You Like It, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts..." (Act 2, Scene 7)

I've been playing many parts, as we all do in life. But, how many parts were actually for the betterment of my own personal character? I don't really know. So, I've decided to take a step back and start to examine the things I do and the choices I make and ask myself, am I doing this for me? Like the constant argument for healthy eating is, our body is not a trash can so why do we continue to put garbage in it? Well, I've learned this weekend that that should apply to our heads and our hearts too.

I know, I know...I'm getting all philosophical and you're thinking....what is Crystal on and get this poor kid off this ride. Don't worry, I'll get off....as soon as I figure out which direction this ride needs to be going. Afterall, as the nationally worshiped telvision guru once said, "As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you - the first time around." - Oprah Winfrey

Thanks Oprah, thanks. Let the journey begin.

Happy 2007

Well the holidays have of course come and gone make us wondering, what was all that fuss for? I had a nice relaxing vacation - forced to spend a lot of it on the couch because I got sick. But the forced down time did give me plenty of opportunity to watch Season 2 of Lost...which turned into me watching the aired episodes of Season 3, starting Season 1 of Medium, and being lent Seasons 1 through 3 of Sopranos. Yes, I am a slave to television and I'm not afraid to admit it.

I head to Edmonton next week to sit on a committee to evaluate a certification process. I honestly dreaded the thought of going - because I hate sitting on a plane for hours, I get so bored. But, the more I learn about this experience the more excited I am to go. We will be staying in a beautiful inn...which I absolutely can't wait to see firsthand. (www.unionbankinn.com) I also will be spending an evening touring one of Edmonton's Heritage Parks, which should be fun. And I touched base with Jake tonight and I may get to spend an evening with him. It will be nice to see old friends all the way across the country.

Well....nothing fab, but that's all I got to say right now. QORTNEE BLOG ALREADY, WOULD YOU!