Kim Kalyn Photography

Darren and I are hard workers.  We both have big dreams, big goals, and some of these goals and dreams require a fair chunk of change.  So we work …. A LOT.  It is one of the qualities in Darren I admire the most.  These days it seems like a strong work ethic is not as common of a trait as it has been in the past.

Since leaving my job at the government and becoming a full-time photographer I have become way better at my work / life balance.  For the first time in a long time I have had time just for me.  It’s weird, but I like it.  At first when I had any ‘free-time’ I just felt guilty and didn’t know what to do with myself.  I kept saying to myself, “stop being lazy, you should be doing something.”  So I would find ways to be busy and productive.  Now I have realized that these moments are few and far between and that I should just enjoy them.  Do something for myself.  Visit with friends I don’t see often enough.  Go have tea with my mom, just because.  Bake cookies.  Read in the bath.  Why not ?!  I am learning that this time is not only valuable for my well-being (and those around me!), but essential.  It is essential for my business that I continue loving what I do, and stay fresh with ideas and creativity.  Working my ass off was not fostering that state of mind.  Me being burnt out, was not helping anyone.  Now that I have gained this ‘perspective’ I try to encourage Darren to stop once in awhile and take some time just for him, or just for us.  To have fun and enjoy life.  He LOVES playing the drums and bass guitar and working on his car – a gorgeous 1971 Datusn 510 that he has fully restored himself.   He also happens to love spending time relaxing with me.  Who wouldn’t ?!  I am pretty awesome 😉

We both decided the other day that we should have a relaxing long weekend.  One that involved sleeping in, sipping coffee (vanilla hazlenut is our current fave), going for walks, and not spending time glued to the computer or T.V.  We knew that if we stayed home that this would be a challenge.  We always end up doing something.  So we decided to get away.  Not far, but to one of our favourite places, Brentwood Bay Lodge.  Darren and I had ate in the pub numerous times, but stayed here for the first time on our wedding night.  We became instant fans!  This is a luxury resort and spa.  This venue has it all.  Stunning ocean views, gorgeous west coast architecture, fabulous fine dining and pub fare, and a spa that I didn’t want to leave.  Darren and I had a couples massage the morning after our wedding and it was one of the most amazing things we have ever done together.  I honestly did not want it to end !!  I can’t even describe how incredible it was, but we will be going back for our anniversary and years to come I am sure.

This place pays attention to the details and is all about customer service.   We were walked to our room by the front desk attendant, who made sure we had everything we needed to make our stay comfortable.  In our room there was a personal letter welcoming us and wishing us a wonderful stay with two yummy oatmeal raisin cookies.  There was aromatherapy pillow mist by our bed, along with ear plugs.  There was a cute bottle of wine to apologize for the construction that was possibly going to be happening while we were there, although we never heard it.  Candles, bath salts … I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.  I am a fanatic for this place!  I think I place so much value on establishments that go above and beyond client expectations as it is the way I want to run my business as well.

Here are some fun photos of our little get away.  I can’t wait to go back !!

Darren’s “blue steel”  Zoolander expression …