Living & raising kids in Victoria

Hana and I ran the Metchosin 5K race recently. I was her first official race.

She ran it in under 35 minutes and we came in 79th and 80th respectively. Not bad for an 8-year old.

79 8/12 F0112 34:36 735 Hana B.

80 1/3 M3039 34:36 732 Chris B.

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This is the most brilliant sign I have seen in a long time. I only wish it wasn’t necessary, and that is was in Victoria where too many people only look out for #1.

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Victoria Concierge announced the launch of their latest set of innovative services that are good for you and good for the environment.

Seven staycation strategies worth staying home for:

A staycation, according to The New York Times, is “a neologism used by [those] who prefer to unravel the mysteries of the world from the comfort of their living room couches.”

Whether you choose a staycation vs. a vacation in order to save money, avoid airports, or because it’s the … du jour, Victoria Concierge can help you plan a staycation that’s worth writing home about.

1. Set a date
Choose a start and end date for your staycation — otherwise, it could turn into another string of nights in from of the TV. So mark your calendar, and set on specific days when you (and your family) can officially start your staycation.

2. Stock up on games for couples or the family to play
Add a sense of play to your staycation with a stash of enjoyable games. Victoria Concierge brings them in and then brings them back when your staycation is complete.

3. Movie night in Katmandu
There’s nothing like curling up together on a the sofa to watch great movies. We’ll bring in whatever you have on your list along with the Haagendaz or popcorn.

Find out more >>

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Have you ever thought, “Why did the store do it that way? It would be so much better if…” Would you like to express your opinions & experiences about shopping? Suburbia is looking for shoppers like you for its new Shopper Panel!

As a member, you will help shape the shopping experience at malls and retail outlets across Canada.

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The team at Suburbia recently created a ‘fuel savings widget‘ to help calculate how much money you save by riding to work instead of driving. I’m saving $15 bucks a week. Sweet!

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Maki’s new website for Victoria Concierge went live today.

Please feel free to provide your constructive feedback. Thanks

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Crossing the finish line at my first 10K last Sunday with Maki (that’s her arm just coming into the left of the picture - in case you didn’t recognize her). What an amazing experience running through Beacon Hill park and along Dallas road with more than 10,000 people.

The weather was cloudy and about 10 degrees - perfect. The ocean was like glass and the Olympic mountains stood majestically, as they always do, on the other side of the straight. How beautiful can you get.

We turned in times of 1:04:12 and 1:04:13. Yes Maki beat me by a second. My legs were hard as rock, and sore for 3 days, just starting to loosen up today. I can’t wait to start training for next year.

Actually we entered the Royal Roads 8K next month so I won’t have to wait long.

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This is one of my favourite pictures of Hana down in Sarasota, FL. We had some good times down there.

Hana on the rocks.

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Maki recently launched her concierge business, Victoria Concierge. Without any advertising the clients seem to be finding her already. The most popular service seems to be the Errand Services and Property Management. Senior Services are also on the menu and should be a hit given the demographics here in Victoria.

We could have used the relocation services she’s providing when we moved here.

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Ready to roll - Backside - Sniffy Puppy - No Flash Photos Pleez

Man’s best friend just got better. Saku prep’s for the short jaunt over to Thetis Lake where she’ll get some exercise. Here she is now sniffin around as usual.

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