Hey friends! Just me over here having the best summer EVER as I continue to check off some experiences from my 50 Things to Do list! The absolute BEST part of this whole ‘list’ experience has been how many friends have reached out with either ideas of things for me to do or to say “Hey, let me help you with #….”! This has been the most gratifying part of this whole idea! I am just over half way through my 50th year and it could not be going better!

One of the bucket list items that I added to my list was one that I have wanted to do for so long—visit the Nordic Spa in Kananaskis. This is #28 on my list! It did not disappoint! We decided to do the Twilight Soak and it was such a perfect evening after our hike at Lake Louise. As no phones are allowed you will have to search for images online of what things are like on the inside. It was such a calm evening, just a smidge of a breeze and it was so peaceful being in the water surrounded by trees. We did 2 full rounds which included a COLD PLUNGE —yay! #24 is officially checked off!

What to say about the cold plunge? Surprisingly, it wasn’t my nipples or lady bits that I thought would freeze off, it was the inside of my upper arms. I started counting to get to 120 seconds (2 minutes is recommended) and honestly, my brain could not do it! hahaha! I got to about 60 seconds and then my brain could simply not count anymore! hahaha! But I can now say I did a cold plunge—2x!

A couple years ago in May I took the kids to Lake Louise and we started to hike the Tea House Trail—we were unable to make it more than half way because there was still too much snow (we saw an avalanche across the lake) and it is something I have wanted to do again. However, this time the trail was closed because of the amount of water/flooding we have been getting in Alberta. So we settled for hiking around the lake but I am going to count this as an attempt as we still did a beautiful hike around the lake.

If you have never been to Lake Louise—add it to your bucket list. I think it really is one of the most beautiful places in the world and I am so privileged to only live a few hours away.

Isn’t this a gorgeous view?

The water is an amazing color and the way the mountains come together is spectacular! In the winter you can skate on the water which is something I have also been lucky enough to do a couple of times.

It’s a pretty easy hike to go around the side of the lake and I was surprised to find there was a huge sand bar at the end. There was still water trickling down from the mountains to fill the lake, it was so pretty.

There was a bit of an incline to get up to this point but nothing to challenging—seriously, I have not done nearly as much activity as I would like this year, so coming from me—you could do it to! hahaha!

We decided we needed to climb up the mountain side for a view and a drink!

I mean how often can you say you enjoyed a beverage on the side of a mountain with some of the world’s best views with your friends?

We found someone also walking by that offered to take a picture of us which was so kind. I love this picture of Sarah, myself and Kelsy!

Cheers!

Day 1 was the start of our adventure and while I was preparing to write these post I was reflecting a lot on being able to have the experience. The mobility to do it, the time and money and the blessing of friendship.

For the first time in several years, I am starting to feel like myself again. The person who enjoys trying new things, is happy and alive, has confidence and is proud of herself.

Thank you to every person who has contributed to helping me get here along the way.

Stay tuned for Day 2’s experiences as I checked something else off my list!

I can officially say that Jan 2026 was probably one of the BEST months of my entire life. This whole month was a celebration of embracing turning 50 and focusing on my relationships, being grateful for all the gifts in my life and all the fun and adventure I have in my future. I am so grateful for the amazing friends I have in my life. They truly made this month special in so many ways.

And I am so unbelievably happy for everyone who has contributed to my list, reached out to make plans with me to partner with me on things—it was an unexpected ripple effect of my 50 Things List!

Today I checked another item off my list—I went skating! It has been YEARS since I have laced up my skates and while my ankles feel like they were beaten with a baseball bat, I had literally the BEST time!

My amazing friend Amanda came up to spend the day with me and skating at the Victoria Oval was on my list of things to do. It has been so long since I went skating. Today was the perfect day, warm with the sun shining on our faces as we skated a ton of laps, enjoyed the path and caught up on life.

The best part is that neither of us wiped out, hahaha! And I can say that skating falls into the same category as riding a bike. I am hoping to be able to go out at least once more this winter—so if anyone wants a skating date—hit me up!

I am so excited for February and to keep working on fulfilling items on my list—some are year long projects that will update you on from time to time and some are one and done! Thanks for following along on my journey :)