Un Anniversaire Incroyable!

This year, for our 4th anniversary, it was AJ's turn to plan our activity. AJ decided that he was going to do something big because his next "big" anniversary to plan isn't until our 10th. He told me to take Friday and Monday off work and we would go away.

Usually, I am very hard to surprise. Not because I sneak around looking for clues (despite what AJ believes), I'm just a really good guesser. But, impressively, AJ managed to keep our destination, and method of travel, a secret the whole time.

The actual day of our anniversary, I woke up to a gift. A fancy outfit I was told to include in my bag and a packing list. Point AJ. Loved it.

It wasn't until we reached Toronto City Airport and got our tickets that I found out we were jet setting to Quebec City!

We had an amazing 4 days - lots and LOTS of walking, enjoying the sights and the French food. It was like being transported across the ocean and we only had to take an hour and a half flight. And I got to practice my French which was a lot of fun!

The lounge at the Porter Airport - all Macs!

Free food while you wait for your flight.

Comfortable chairs and hip people.

Our amazing hotel room

A beautiful church and mural near our hotel

Walking fun our first night

One entrance into Vieux Quebec

The church and mural in daylight

The fountain in front of Parliament

Quebec even has an impressive train station

AJ guarding the wall of the old town

A cool view down the cobblestone street with
the Funicular (elevator) in the background

We went for a stroll through the Old Port Market.
So much delicious looking fresh food!

We took a Ghost Tour one of the nights - here's our guide

A beautiful view of the Chateau Frontenac from the top of the hill

The inside of just one of the gorgeous churches we walked through

A view of old town from the hill near the Citadel

30 by 30 #6 - Play Ice Hockey

AJ plays a lot of hockey in the winter. He says to make up for his parents not putting him into hockey as a kid, but that's a long, sappy story I don't need to repeat.

But the hockey is really good for him. Physically because it's a great work out, and mentally because it lets him connect with friends and feel good about what otherwise might be lousy winter months.

I have a friend whose dad owns an arena so she is able to book free ice time every couple of weeks and invites a whole bunch of us to come and play. AJ played a number of times last year and I just watch. There are two other girls who play and they kept inviting me to join them as it's just for fun and apparently no one would care that I have no idea what I'm doing.

Finally, I decided I should.

I borrowed AJ's back-up equipment, chose matching colours as best I could and suited up by copying exactly what my friend put on, in the same order. I warned everyone how awful I would be, but they said it was fine.

And it was. For my first time on skates in 2 years and hockey knowledge derived from watching AJ play and a few games on TV, I think I did fairly well. I didn't fall over or freak out when the puck came near me. I didn't make many plays, but everyone was very kind to me and passed it my way when they could. The other team even backed off a little so I'd have a chance to pass it to my teammate.

Trying something new is a whole lot easier with friends who don't judge and are encouraging.

The verdict? I think I'll try again a few times this winter. Maybe buy some skates that aren't 20 years old. I think I could get better. Maybe even score a goal one day.