My day at work was.....lets say busy (major understatement), and this little getaway to San Francsisco was what kept me going through the day. I finally got through it, got home and did a record breaking 10 minute house clean and ran out the door to catch a bus. After the bus ride (which was shared with some "interesting" people), we then took the sytrain to the airport. The flight was quick and pleasant however, still leaving me slightly exhausted. We figured out the BART system, which is the San Francsico local train system, and ended up surprisingly at the correct stop. I must add, it definitly is much more fun and cost effective taking local transportation in comparison to a taxi.

We walked up Market street, took a couple more turns up to our hotel, The Grand Hyatt San Francisco, and proceeded to check in. The friendly man at the counter informed us that for our complimentary stay (from winning the gingerbread competition), we were booked in the Penthouse suite!! I really couldn't believe it!

Anyways, our room is spectactular and beautiful. It is decorated with georgeous historic chinese decor, and I have fell in love with this antique armoire painted delicatly with golden chinese pictures. I will try my best to create an image of this room...You walk in and in front of you is a couple antique couches, a chaise, a gigantic TV on a weathered wooden shelving unit. The curtains are hung proudly around the dazzling views of the city, and along the wall there is a large marble counter with a golden sink to freshen up. Further into the room, there is an impressive marble dining room table with a golden chandalier above. The room feels majestic and so elegant; I feel out of place with my track pants and headband. In this first room there are two things that have caught my attention, the first being a massage chair tucked neatly in the corner and second is this coffee machine looking gadget that comes with little coffee shots alongside in a black velvet case. I look forward to tomorrow mornings coffee.

The bedroom is spacious as well, and the fluffy white bed is calling me as I type. There is a touchscreen computer, a printer, some chairs, a gigantic window and the beautiful armoire i was talking about earlier. The bathroom is spectacular. There is a bathroom area with little "gates" for doors, and there are of course sinks, flowers, a gigantic tub, a shower, and get this... a sauna! Hmmmm..... Dear Hyatt, Have fun trying to remove me on Monday! I am in awe over this room, feeling like I just can't take it all in fast enough.

Along with this room, we get private access to a VIP lounge/club where we were invited for complimentary breakfasts, hor' devours and an evening dessert selection from the chef! Could this get any better? I don't think so, but I haven't even stepped out into the city yet! I promise I will talk more about san Francisco soon, but this discussion about this room had to happen. Oh, I have to sign off now, our room service is here.... I am about to have the BEST midnight snack, Ribs, some green beans, and apple juice. Mmmmmmmmm.

All This For a Backpack???

For the past few months I have been looking at different backpacks at different stores, catelogues and online, finally finding my match. A blue Gregor 50 Litre pack designed especially for women. The first day I walked into Hillsound, a local outdoor supply store, I was shocked. There were walls and walls of backpacks ranging in sizes, colours, brands and of course price. With some help, I came across the Gregor pack and fell in love with it. The buckles and bands fit comfortably and I then realized how different these bags actually were in comparison to your average $10.99 school backpacks. I had no idea that there were so many factors to consider when choosing a bag, like the waist strap thickness, back ventalation and security features. The backpack was cluttered with a dozen or more dangling straps that I later was explained to, were all very important and very much needed. I was then told the price and given a card, promising I would be in to buy the bag within the next few months.

About a week ago, my travel companion Breanna and myself decided to order the bags from Hillsound, in hopes of having them by the weekend. The pleasant Australian man on the phone informed me that the Gregor Bags were no longer in supply as they were last years model and that we would now have to purchase the newer, more expensive model. Even after explaining that I had a card with the quoted old price, I was informed that the salesman no longer worked there and there was nothing they could do. I hung up the phone unsatisfied and upset, but I wanted my bag.

Today, I decided to walk to Hillsound ,on Broadway Avenue, to order these new and improved bags despite the price increase. I was greeted by a bored looking saleswoman who showed me to the Gregor bags, that turned out to be a couple old models in an extra small and an extra large. I asked to order some new models, but she then proceeded to tell me that they could not do that unless I wanted to pay an additional shipping cost on each bag. You've got to be kidding me! They want me to pay for the product to come to the store so I can buy it? It would be different if it was a special order, but it was not! At this point I was beyound frusturated with the disorganization and poor customer service, that I muttered, "Im going to M.E.C" and left.

I walked down the street to MEC, another sporting good store, and headed to the packs. I spotted the Gregor Blue Backpack on the wall and wandered over. I couldn't believe it! There on the hook were two medium, blue, Gregor 50 litre backpacks on clearance! Not only were they what we were looking for, but they were $50 cheaper! I smiled, grabbed both and proceeded to the checkout in a quick and orderly manner.

So, basically it goes to show you that everything works out in the end. Breanna and I got our bags, Hillsounds' poor customer service lost $400 in sales, and MEC's efficient help and stocked shelves got some new customers. So as I write this, I am looking at the bags perched on my bed thinking, all this for a backpack??