curiousintrospectiveKARENPADGETTdreamersparkly

Whistler... steady snow falling... sweet!

2009-10-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Snow is falling in Whistler. That's the web cam this morning. Ooooo nice..

Mountain opens November 26th!!

Mt. Seymour soon to follow...

I'm waiting... impatiently!...

For more fabulously snowy Whis pics... SNOW

TONIGHT BEGINS!!!

2009-10-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ok.. i'm repeating myself.. but.. this is a big deal for me!

I am so sparkly... less than two hours... Cavs/Celtics play... !

Yesterday I worked from 9am-2am!! wow. bad karen bad karen! (i did take a 2 hr break, so i could chat with jesse xx of course! everyday!); and ordered take in...wearing the cozyyyyyy hotel bathrobe. heh heh.

15 hour work day. lordy lordy...

But!!.. it was well worth it.. wanted to get all my work done so I could leave early today.

Relax and know that everything is completed.

Tonight I reward myself!

I just checked a sports pub to make sure they'll have the game on!!

And yes, game will be on. Yipeeeee.

I asked for a little booth to myself with my own tv and a sound box. haha.

Hey, never hurts to ask.. and they said yes.

Sweet!

I'm away from home.. so I have no one who shares in my NBA obsession.

Boohoo.

Ya that means lucky you... you get to read about it on my blog.

Did I say yipee yet? uhh yes... ok i see it up there... yes i did say yipee.

And now I've said it three times if you count those......

Sparkly karen.

happy night tonight for me.

Now if only the mountain would open with epic powder, my world would be filled with all good things...

H1N1 (swine flu)

2009-10-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

yes indeed... pulled another kp moment..

i got hit with the famous swine flu....

wow... rough...

monday....started getting this small dry cough. no biggie. felt totally fine.

and then around 9pm... wham!... chills, aches, pains, fever, throat, coughing, congestion, etc etc... a bomb dropped.

fever stayed at 102.5 until friday!.. ugg..

i couldn't get out of bed.

had zero energy.

and when i say zero energy... i mean zippo. none. notta. nothing.

felt so so weak.

today i'm way better.

my strength is coming back.

and my symptoms have lessened quite a bit.

phewf.

just in time for Canadian thanksgiving tomorrow.

glad that's over. blah.

i had to wear one of those medical masks when i went to get tests done.

ya... felt like a total dork.

you might find this hard to believe... people like to stare when you go out in public with a virus mask on your face. yes... i know... shocking.....

hey, now you can say you know someone who got the swine flu... nifty.

Queen of Hearts - 7 Years

2009-09-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

It's my Queen of Hearts day today.

September 30th.

7 years ago I received this card. (pic above)

Random.

A card trick.

We were all sitting in a public place. (lobby of a hotel)

This individual did a card trick with me.

The card trick lasted a few minutes; with me repeatedly picking up the Queen of Hearts. And the grande finale... in my hand I was holding the Queen of Hearts.

And then... the individual said...

"Karen. You're the queen of hearts."

Pause.

I'm taken by surprise.

"Live from your heart."

It was like a lightning bolt.

I immediately start crying...??

Why does this have so much power?

Why has it affected me so much?

Because it was permission.

It was a phrase that resonated deep within me.

The truth is, I was afraid to really live.

Sept 30th, 2002 is one of the MOST impacting moments in my life.

The individual didn't know that in my wallet was the Joker card that I'd carried around for almost three years prior. I found it on a street in Hong Kong. I pull out the Joker and the immediate response is "No! You're not a joke. You're the queen of hearts". The Joker was taken from my hands and I never saw it again.

Why do I celebrate today?

Because it was life-changing.

If you know me, you'll know the Queen of Hearts is my icon. I carry it with me 24/7/365. And if I were to lose the card, no worries, I ink'd it!

My commitment is to live from my heart anywhere, anytime with anyone. To never lose my carefree-ness; my sparkliness; my joie-de-vivre.

I only have one life to live.

I will only live today... once.

I will die someday. Today? Tomorrow? I don't know.

But this I know... I choose to live from my heart.

My heart is the kindest part of me.

It carries the most joy. peace. goodness. gentleness.

My heart carries my commitment to love.

To love all people.

I choose to remain curious and to truly see the ones around me.

Against such things there is no law.

And I choose to love life.

To appreciate life.

To value life.

To celebrate life.

My life.

Your life.

The Queen of Hearts.

This morning I pause my world.

And remember.

"Karen, live from your heart."

MAGIC CASTLE with Los Angeles FLUEVOG Team

2009-09-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

I'm in Los Angeles visiting the Fluevog LA staff.

Bree planned a really fun evening for us last night!!

We went to the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

It's a private club; by invite only; dress code; etc.

Bree knows one of the magicians; we were his guests last night.

Loved it. Thanks Fluevogers!

This place is huge. Magic shows throughout the castle.

Here's the picture of my fabulous LA team!!

Shawn, Bree, Anthony and Keith (manager)

We had a blast!!

Go Madi Go!! NORTH SHORE FILM FESTIVAL 2009

2009-09-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

22 Films entered the North Shore Film Festival.....

BELIZE: holidays and teaching

2009-09-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

HOLIDAYS:

Just got home from Central America.

Was in San Pedro, Belize.

Had a great time!!!

GORGEOUS!!

I had an opportunity to take some holidays and teach on personal development all at the same time! Nice..

It was hurricane season... supposedly... umm... and if by 'hurricane season' you mean clear blue skies and tropical breeze and sandy beaches and warm ocean water... uhh... ok.. right-o... yes indeed, hurricane season...

So fun! I rested lots. Soaked up the sun.... oh the hardships of tanning!!

TEACHING:

It's been two years since I taught... yes, felt good.

Loved the team!! Thank you... xx

Below is the feedback. Very kind words. Thank you again and again... xx

"You had just so much energy and spirit. You really brought a lot to our group. Thank you! You were a lot of fun to be around and your insighfulness and inquisitiveness made things very interesting. I didn't know what expectations to have, but i do know that I wish you could stay much longer!"

"I didn't know what to expect. I kind of was skeptical. Was wondering if the exercises were going to be the kind that label you instead of bring more freedom. Thank you for investing in us as individuals. Thank you for genuinely loving who we are as individuals and empowering us. It was a great week."

"I have never had someone read the story of my soul to me in such few days. The speaking and teaching was inspirational. The teaching style was like nothing I have ever heard. I will always remember your teaching and our one-on-one."

"Blew me away. Your caring personality. You taking the time to stop everything and help me in my need. I wanted to grow. I wanted something radical in me. Although so different than what I expected. So so good. So needed. I appreciate the time you gave us, and your heart. Your honesty and being a real person meant so much to me."

"Very practical tools. Great to see ways to improve our interaction with others. Loved hearing the stories and would welcome more! Thanks!"

"Learning new things about myself. Loved you! Please come back again soon!"

"All the information was so dead on. It was almost like surgery. I really like how honest and freeing your teaching style is. I was not sure what to think. I almost just expect it to be just like any other teaching. Way surpassed it by a mile and changed my life. Thank you so much."

"I am not wanting to be anyone but myself; and it made me be able to partly understand the way others think. I loved the hands on portion. The fact that a simple act of love could do so much for someone was revolutionary. I was expecting the same old that I've heard a thousand times, but it was far surpassed. You are awesome. Thank you so much."

"I learned so much. More was met than I thought. Thank you for showing me who I am."

DISTRICT 9

2009-08-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

Peter Jackson's DISTRICT 9.

Saw it.

Loved it.

From beginning to end.

Classic Sci-Fi ... and some parts a bit corny... PERFECT!!!

Never seen a script like that for a Sci-Fi.

Loved the documentary vibe.

Here's the link to site: DISTRICT 9

Go see it. Enjoy.

Great entertainment.

Two thumbs up for Peter Jackson.

He gets my vote.

And new to the screen scene, Shalto Copley.. fab!!

Cantle Outdoor Adventure THIS WEEKEND!

2009-08-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend is another Cantle Outdoor Adventure programme.

I went in April.

Amazing....

The hospitality, the rooms, the feasting, the generosity.... you're treated royally.

The big open space, the lochs, the highlands, the bon fires.... you instantly relax.

The adventure, the fun, the camaraderie, the learning.... you won't want to leave.

To my UK/EUROPE friends... GO! The price is great! A perfect long weekend getaway. You will not regret it...

Here's the link: CANTLE ADVENTURE Aug 13-16, 2009

(and to ALL my friends... if you can't go to this one, sign up for the next one!!)

hanging with my sister's family

2009-08-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

My sister Nancy sent me these pics; I had dinner with her and the fam while on a recent business trip in Toronto. Loved hanging with them! A great time. A fab repose from work. Thank you.. xx

Marv, Nancy, Julie, Me, Kim (Derek's girlfriend), and Derek.

Me and Julie xx

Nancy and Julie

Derek and Kim

Pssst... they stopped in at the Toronto Fluevog store... Marv bought a pair of Beats McClure. Check it out! Nice...

every august.... same thing...

2009-08-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

uh oh... it happened to me... again!!...

getting stoked to SNOWBOARD!!... well... not now!.. there's definitely zero sign of snow!!

hopefully mid November; if it dumps like last season.

annnnd... getting stoked for NBA!! ... umm.. also in November...

ugg.. this happens to me EVERY August!!...

oh November November... pining for you! haha!!

PS1. getting Mt Seymour pass in a few weeks!! woot woot woohooo!

PS2. btw, not happy Shaq moving over to Cavs. i have strong opinions about this!.. yes, love the dude... i just hope it won't be a deterrent to Lebron's spotlight.. i'm not referring to performance (although Shaq's glory years are amazing!)... i mean in media/publicity; this needs to stay focused on King James... the "sixth man" influences the game...

my mom & dad's 50th

2009-07-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

At the end of June the Thrall tribe got together for my mom/dad's 50th wedding anniversary; along with my parents' closest friends.

And we celebrated.

We celebrated my mom and dad.

Amazing... xx

Lots of family entertainment; laughs; storytelling. Felt great to connect with everyone. I love it that we laugh a lot; hanging out together; easy; effortless; fun.

to my entire family... love you so so much!!!

Here's a few pics.. wanted to share it with yaz.

I just chose 4... out of 600!! umm.. thank me.... :-)

THRALL GRANDKIDS

THRALL TRIBE

MOM AND DAD

xx 50 YEARS xx

BELMONT GOLF COURSE and RED VELVET

2009-07-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

BELMONT GOLF COURSE

pic#1: Marc, Scott and me

pic#2: Scott & me throwing the horns... golf rockstars..

pic#3: Scotty about to T off.

pic#4: Belmont Golf Course (& Marc!)

Had fun playing golf last wk with Scott and Marc.

Belmont Golf Course in Langley, BC.

Good times. Good laughs. Chilled.

My favourite way to golf ... chillllled..

And as usual... we managed somehow to talk business, aspirations and philosophy in between holes!! Love it..

KP TRIVIA: WHO IS SCOTT?

ANSWER:

Scotty is one of my very solid amazingest friends. He's also one of my favourite people to snowboard and golf with. He's married to my other very solid amazingest friend, Heidi. They have two adorable children. Scott and Heidi are magical. And I love them both so much. Very very thankful for their friendship. My love for them runs deep; and my heart is incredibly loyal to them. We have gone through a lot together...

Scott is CEO of two companies. RedVelvet and Rook Interactive. If you're a musician or in the entertainment industry, you might like to know that....

RED VELVET™, is a software service created to make the websites of independent music labels and distributors the most profitable source or revenue in their business.

To sum it up:

Heidi is inspiring. www.heidicave.com

Scott is inspiring. www.redvelvet.com

Click and read... you'll see what I mean...

UFC

2009-07-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I had an all day date yesterday; and I ordered On Demand for him so we could watch UFC on our big screen last night.

pic: See the door on the right. We have a rear screen projector.. fills up entire wall... sweeet.

Jes was one very happy camper!!

ps1. i like georges st pierre. humble dude...

ps2. umm.. yes i was cringing with the lesnar/mir fight... wowza.. eek.. yikes.. gulp..

"SHUT THE CUP UP" by TIN CAN MAN PRODUCTIONS

2009-07-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

my son Dylan and his friends have a production company.

this is their most recent video..

so so funny!! I was laughing so hard!!

click here: Shut The Cup Up

listener discretion advisory: if you're uncomfortable with 'bad' language (the f word, etc)... maybe this isn't the video for your listening ears..... :-) xx

Psssst... FLUEVOG SUMMER SALE STARTS TOMORROW!!!

2009-07-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Ok... hear me on this one!

NOW is the time to buy Fluevogs!!

Big sale!!!

Starts tomorrow (Friday).

Go to our website. www.fluevog.com

Click here: JOHN FLUEVOG SHOES and read up on the details; find the store closest to you; and/or order on line.

ENJOY your beautiful new Fluevogs!!

Let me know if you have any questions.

I want to hear what shoes you bought!

Yipeeeeee!

NO MORE FACEBOOK FOR LITTLE OL' ME

2009-07-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

Been thinking about getting off Facebook for the past couple of months.

And two weeks ago I decided, yes indeed.

So I gave my FB peeps a ten day countdown and yesterday I pulled the plug.

Wondered if I'd have withdrawals or change my mind at the last minute... nope, not at all.

Neato burrito.

Cool beans.

It feels right.

I like it.

"why karen?"

I don't know. Just felt like it. The urge kept growing in me.

And besides, I'm kinda that way by nature.

I get all addicted to something and then when I'm done, I'm done.

Ya... kinda like Forrest Gump... running!!

He ran and ran... and then decided he was done.

Yep.. that's me!! heh heh..

So I will try better to keep this blog current with random life.

If you have a blog, send it my way.

If you want to stay in touch you can reach me at:

karenpadgett [at] hotmail [dot] com

Forrest Gump (narrating): I had run for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours.
(he stops and turns around)
Young Man Running: Quiet, quiet! He's gonna say something!
Forrest Gump: (pause) I'm pretty tired... I think I'll go home now.

Forrest Gump (narrating): And just like that, my runnin' days was over. So, I went home to Alabama.

my family 2009

2009-06-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

here's a recent picture of jesse, madison, dylan and me...
i love my family so much xx ...

HIghlights of my trip to Scotland

2009-04-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

[1] SCOTLAND:

Was in Scotland for a week.

Had a great time!

I so love that country!!!

It was hot and sunny ALL WEEK!!

Can you believe it??

Fantastic!!

Played golf.. 3 times... yahooo!

Got off the plane on Monday & played a round at Braids Hill in Edinburgh with my buddy Colin Hewitt (IfLooksCouldKill) & Craig Forsythe (Cantle)... and umm.. I totally sucked!! haha

But.. who's complaining... I was playing golf in Scotland!!

[2] CANTLE

Drove up to the highlands.

So so fun to hang with Jim and his team at Cantle.

Great laughs.

Great conversations.

Had a blast on the outdoor adventure programme.

Loads of fun with the group.

Always good meeting new people when there's a carefree vibe & easy connection.

I'm not sure who's heard of Jim McNeish??

He runs a leadership training centre for businesses.

He's taught me lots over the years.

Brilliant mind that dude.

They are having another outdoor weekend in August. YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY GO!!! My vote is yes yes, two thumbs up, pinky pinky two finger, horns...... !

WHAT NOT TO SAY TO A BORDER OFFICIAL??

2009-03-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I went to Bellingham last night to watch North Carolina play Gonzaga with our buddies Matt, Carla and Anna.

Gonzaga is a Washington team.

It's important for you to know this... because....

Normally Jesse drives... I tend to have 'foot IN mouth' disease at borders!! But this time I drive. So we drive up to the border.

The Washington border...

OFFICER: Where are you going?

KAREN: Bellingham

OFFICER: How long will you be there?

KAREN: Til about 11.

OFFICER: What will you be doing?

KAREN: Hanging with friends.

(pause)

KAREN: Umm... we're gonna watch Tarheels... beat Gonzaga!!...

(I am now biting my finger, wide-eyed, with a look of "Yes.. yes I did just say that to a WASHINGTON border official.")

(I then get all smug...)

KAREN: Ya. That's right. There... I said it. We're gonna beat Gonzaga!...

(And now I try to act all cute...)

OFFICER: Is that so?

(he leans back and shouts into the office)

OFFICER: Refuse! REFUSE ENTRY! I repeat..REFUSE ENTRY!

Eek!

(He grins..)

OFFICER: Go Bulldogs!

Jesse and I were laughing... I love it when the border guards are playful. So fun!!

jesse and karen's big holiday

2009-03-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

this is us in Greece.

we were there for three weeks. just got back!

(as you can see by our sweet tans!)

we had so much fun!!

site seeing.

beaches.

dinners.

dancing.

unforgettable.

so romantic.

sigh... wait.

this is wrong.

so wrong.

i can't keep playing these games of lies.

ok ok.. you caught me.

we're in our living room.

it's raining outside.

and we're bored.

note to self... never say pet peeve again..

2009-03-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

so.. jesse puts a plate of spaghetti in the microwave... without seran wrap! ...spaghetti sauce splattering... grr.

dylan put a bowl of ranch dressing in the sink, without rinsing it out... over-night... grr.

so i say..

karen: "you guys! seriously...that is my pete peeve. cover your food in the microwave and rinse out your bowls in the sink... grr... that is such a pet peeve of mine. seriously. stop it."

uhh.. definitely the wrong thing to say!

let's see now... it's been 24 hours since i said that...

and...

guess how many times i've heard them say "seriously. that is such a pet peeve of mine. seriously." .........????!!! a bajillion trillion million..!

and now supposedly... they have all these so-called pet peeves.

when i drop a spoon

when i hum

when i cough

when i laugh at their stupid jokes

when i eat my food

when i drink water

when i...

etc

ask me if i wish i never said 'pet peeve'....

note to self... "karen never ever never say pet peeve never ever again"

my theme and commitment for 2009

2009-02-19T02:54:00.001-08:00

long hair bad habit...

2009-02-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

ok...

so...

umm..

I'm not used to having long hair.

Well... it's long for me.

It's a bit below my ears now.

I've had very short platinum for 4 years.

My hair stylist is changing things up.

Melanie said it's time to move on.

She's already turned it from platinum to golden blonde.

I've been going to Melanie since i started at Fluevog.

Burke & Hair. Water Street. Vancouver.

Check out her salon.

Love it!

http://www.burkeandhair.com

It's pretty tough to get there... I walk down a hallway. Go up an elevator to 5th floor. Can life get any harder....?

And then poor me... Have to enjoy the ocean/mountain view while she pampers me....

Life is rough...

She said by April my hair will have the coiff that she sees. Takes awhile to grow it out. I'm in that awkward style stage. A bit annoying.

I was just in San Francisco and my peeps didn't like it.

No more annie lennox.

They said i look too normal. haha

My friend Abbie said I look like i've gone midwest america!! LOL

Ask me if i want to chop it all off? yes yes yes!

But i like Melanie.

And she's got a plan.

She showed me a pic of where she's going with my hair. And.. well... to be honest... if she can get my hair to look like the pic... wow! I will love it!

So i wait patiently for my hair to grow grow grow.

BUT....

umm.. in the meantime...

I have started a very bad habit!! eeek!

Like I said, I'm not used to long-ish hair.

Jesse pointed out to me... in a mocking, smug, "i'm laughing at you" sorta way...

When i start reading something, or if i'm watching a movie... I start playing with my hair.

And I stretch it out as high as it will go.

Or I'll move all my hair to the left side of my head.

Or I'll pull my hair so the bangs and sides are all slicked back.. not in a I just dove into the pool.. more like when you wear a baseball cap and the hair makes that wavey shape.

But i don't know I'm doing it! grr.

So this morning he says with a smirky grin on his face..

J: what you doing?

K: ok.. what? why?... i'm reading. why?

J: love what you're doing to your hair.....

ugg.. i did it again!

lyrically challenged disorder... eek!...

2009-01-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

it's 10pm.

i pick up dylan and his girlfriend jessica.

(who, by the way, is awesome! luv her!)

all of a sudden there's a lull and the car gets quiet.

and i belt out... loudly... "PSEU PSEU PSEUDIO-O-O!!!"

(the radio's NOT on...)

Dylan: mom.

Karen: sorry.

(i think i scared them....)

Dylan: what was that about.

Karen: i can't help it. it was in there and it had to come out.

Dylan: you have issues.

ok yes. yes i do that a lot. eek. honestly, i can't help it. it's unpredictable. and i just belt out these one liners from songs.

*****

here's the problem...

songs forever live in my brain.

all day long there is some tune playing in my head.

Problem #1: When i hear a song i love to sing along.

(that rhymed but i didn't mean for it to)

Problem #2: I am TERRIBLE with lyrics.

No matter how much i love a song, i never remember the lyrics.

Problem #3: I'm the one line wonder.

It seems that... for some reason... i only ever know one line.

Problem #4: I make up the rest as i go.

Because..

i really really really want to sing along.

So the only way i can do that is if i just go for it and whatever comes out of my mouth will just have to do.

The biggest problem of all #5: I'm really ok with this.

You'd think i'd be embarrassed to sing songs knowing i'm probably singing it wrong... but it doesn't stop me! doh!

STORY:

Jesse and I are at our favourite date spot. City Central Microbrewery (as I've said before, they make really yummy IPA. and it's a sports pub so we can chill out at the end of a work day, catch up on life, and watch a game)

We're all chilled watching Celtics. People sitting all around us. And a song comes on the speakers.

And next thing you know. i shout out "I know this song!"

I begin to sing:

"i am the eye in the sky.

maker of fools.

i can read your mind.

i am killing it cool.

feeling it good.

i can be so blind.

i never wanna know anymore to know that

i can read your mind. da da da

i can read your mind. la la la

i can read your mind.

humm humm humm"

(see what I mean??? ugg!!.. as I sit here typing, singing the song in my head, these are the lyrics I hear!! honest!)

Jesse: That's not how it goes!!

The table beside us: That's not how it goes!!

Next thing we're all singing the song!!!!

The table beside me. "I hate that song."

Karen: "ya well... you knew the lyrics. obviously you don't hate it that much."

Table: "why aren't they playing Metallica or Black Sabbath.

Karen: (calling out to the manager) Eugene!! C'mon! Some Black Sabbath!

Mackenzie (another manager): That's enough out of you Karen! Behave yourself!

(I'm laughing. being playful.)

Karen: Eugene! AC/DC! C'mon!

(btw, i only had one beer, with a meal. so.. no everybody, I am not looped.. haha)

I then shout out...

Karen: Meatballs!!

Table: You mean Meatloaf!!!

And we bust out laughing.