Weekend Wrap Up

Another weekend under our belts; in the books. What can I say? :)

Our wknd was actually VERY low key, but very nice...and let me tell you why.

Friday; I met up with a friend for coffee, and we ended up running some errands together, and we also went swimsuit shopping...in which I found one...:) You can read about that (along with some other things that I touched on over the wknd here. After my friend and I went our separate ways, I went to the library, then I met my aunt for coffee at of course, Starbucks, then off to the store to grab a few things for supper. THEN, I had to head back out...which normally wouldn't be such a big deal, buuuut there was a Food Truck Festival right across the street from us...sooo, it was a biiiit of a traffic jam :) We ended up having pork stir fry, which was really good. I am not normally a stir fry fan, but every once in awhile, I will get a hankering for it, and it was really good. As I mentioned, there was Food Truck Festival next door to us, and since our city doesn't really allow them, save for special events, this was kind of a big deal. I think they were expecting a few hundred to show. There was about 2K. Seriously. When you come combine that (this town loves its events), on a Friday night...a SUNNY Friday night at that, and it being (almost) summer...well, you do the math. K and A were planning on going, but I was at least going to go and check it out. I found out that they had Mini Donuts, so I had to and get a few. The line for most of the trucks was almost 2 hours long. I only waited for 15 minutes. H wasn't feeling well, so he came back to rest, and A and K came back once K got their tacos. They left, and I watched a movie, I think. I had found a movie at the Dollar Store; a Lifetime one, which was actually really interesting. So, I watched that. Or, that might have been Saturday night. I don't remember.

         The food truck festival. Those two guys on the left are on my bloooog...hahhaha :)

Saturday: I just hung out in the morning; we watched The Reveanant, which was...interesting.. or whatever was on our PVR, and I relaxed. We met our friends for coffee at 2:30. Then came back home for a bit. I read magazines, and we went out and grabbed a bite to eat, then came back home. I watched movies, etc and hung out. I think I got caught up on Y&R. I know...exciting stuff. We live for the thrill-seeking experiences!! I also had a nice bubble bath, cause I was cold. Then I was hot. Then cold again. I hate being pre-menopausal.

                                                    I had a mocha, and hubby had a cap :)  

Sunday: Anker was feeling a bit sad about Father's Day, so we chatted about that. He wasn't feeling up to going, as thought it would be about dads (it wasn't...I was shocked). Since we had skipped church last week (there was a VBS work bee, so we went to that after church), I thought I had better go. I went, but was late. I went out with a friend for a quick lunch, and then I dropped her off, and I grabbed a coffee at SB, and journalled, etc. I came home, and hung out for a bit....then I went for a walk, and then called my dad, and we talked for a bit...then I went to my friends house, where we had iced tea, popcorn, and watched Hallmark Movies. Cheesy, yes...love them...yes. I got home stupid late...and hubby was up, and I tried to go to bed, which didn't end with great results. I was

It was actually a nice wknd, which was, well, nice :)

Friday Five (Plus Maybe a Few More)

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a great wknd. I got some news (that I was sort of expecting) that my grandpa, who has been in the hospital for the past week, is coming home today, but he is not doing well. I know that he is fading, but I know that he is more than ready to go and be with Jesus. But, it still makes us all sad....we love him so much!!!

So...here are some of my faves from the last week...

1) Family and Friends.

 Family who loves me unconditionally...and of course, and amazing dad!!! Friends who gave me yet ANOTHER party, filled my Starbucks card with a ton of money...friends who took hubs and I out to/for coffee on Saturday....another set of friends who took us to/for lunch a couple of Sundays ago...friends and family who do life with us. Friends who go to/for coffee with me...go shopping with me...friends who watch girly movies with me..the list is endless.

2) Bathing Suit.

I was given TWO GC's to/for a local store in town, and my SIL said that she thought I had mentioned that I needed a Bathing suit (she was right), so when I got another GC to the same group of stores, I knew that I was going to grab one..or at least go and take a look...I found one similar to this at Penningtons.

Please note, that this is actual Michael Kors brand.. Please also note that I don't make enough money to buy brand names. Ok, I just checked, and they are at the Bay, so I might be able to afford it. But actual type I got was Seea Swimwear, but I couldn't find this type on their website, and I wasn't going to post a picture of me in it...so this what you got to look at! I love it!!! And, it can double as a party dress (kidding. Kind of. Maybe).! Seriously, though, I do love it. And, even though it was $85 CDN, after the mark down of 30%, and my two GC's, I only paid $11. Ya, baby!!! But can I go on a rant for just a moment? In the entire store, they had 4 one piece suits. 4! Dude! Do they not know that I don't do 2 pieces? I can see why people do do 2 pcs...they are different sizes on the top and bottom, but it is twice as much for the same thing. Dude! Anyway...I found my new BFF!! This was the first time that I have gone Swimsuit shopping in 9 years. Yup...it was high-time that I got and get a new one, too. I don't have like 4 or five just laying around, either. So, a new one was definitely needed.

3) Sunset Refresher

...and Double Star Days...and just Starbucks in general. I found this new drink that was going around on the interwebs that you can order off their Secret Menu. Order this next time your in/at Starbucks, and you will love it!!

4) Tidy Cat

We started using this particular brand of cat litter the other day, and it is amazing! It has almost NO odor Love it!!!

5) Hearing Aids
Hubby got approved for and got his hearing aids today!!! He has had ringing in his ears for YEARS, and he finally went to a hearing centre here in town, and was told that HA would make a bit of difference. We didn't think think that the Ministry would approve him..buut they did! He got them today, and he is already noticing a difference. Thank you, Jesus!!

Bonuses....Answered prayer, CFL Season starting up, new Journals, Kamloops' First Annual Food Truck Festival :)

40 Things I Know For Sure/That I Have Learnt/Bday Reflections

As I have stated, in my previous posts here and here, I just celebrated a birthday. But not just any birthday, the big 4-0. I really had a hard time leading up to it. I know that part of it has to do with our not having kids, and our life not being what we really want right now. I also am not spiritually where I want and need to be. A part of me cannot believe that I am 40. That just seems...old. I know that I am not old...I don't feel old (at least not most of the time!!), and I don't think I look old. Other than being overweight, and not super healthy (PCOS, diabetes, heart/lung issues), I actually look fairly good. My skin and hair are my best features, I think. I don't do thing to/with my skin, and I just wash and wear my hair, and I usually wear it up (due to being super thick, and it makes me hot). I rarely wear make up (I will go for weeks without wearing so much as lip gloss...I know...bad), and I still think I look pretty good. So, that part, I am (sort of) ok with. I know I need to get healthier, and lose weight, but that will come in time.

Am I where I want to be? Not really, but in a way, that's ok. I don't know where God wants me / us, or what He has in store for me/us. I know that God isn't finished with me/us yet. I am thankful that God is a God of second (and third, and fourth!!) chances. I am thankful that, even when I fall, He is there to help me up. I am thankful that He has been with me for the past 40 years.

My life hasn't been easy. I had a hard start to life....I was born with no skin over my stomach, and was in the hospital for nearly 2 years....most of which was because I had so many breathing problems, some of what was the reason that I got sick 6 years ago. My mom was pregnant with my brother when she brought me home. It took me awhile to eat and talk (which, clearly, I don't have a problem with now!!), and walk. I had my major surgery when I was 4, and still remember it to this day. From all that, I have anxiety and separation issues; I tend to go into my own world....I hate groups, I love being alone...always have...and yet, I love people. Odd, hey?

I loved my elementary and high school years. I HATED school, and my mom took my brother and I out at the end of gr 4 and 2 respectively to homeschool us, and neither of us looked back since. I lived on a farm, and had the time of my life. I would play for HOURS on my own. I made my own friends (yes, imaginary!). It was harder for me to make real friends (still is, really), and I always been drawn to older people. I loved babies, and I couldn't wait until Mom and Dad would have one (preferably a girl) for me to play with. I was very disappointed when Adam was a boy...lol. Anyway....I won't go into a yearly play by play...but suffice it to say, I have had a very interesting life..moved to Calgary to attend Bible College, moved back home....I went to Europe, started a course, got sick, got better, finished said course,  moved to Calgary, then Regina, moved back home for a  year, travelled around BC to try to find a job, moved to Calgary (yes, a third time), had a series of very interesting jobs, friends, adventures, and living arrangements, moved back to BC, where I had a few more VERY interesting living arrangements, met my husband (online), moved again, tried a a few different churches, had a few more jobs, took a course, had a couple of more jobs, and then had the last job where I have been for the last 2 years.

Essentially, I have moved, 18 times, had almost as many jobs, took two courses (including a mini courses), gained 1 husband, three cats (plus 5 kitties), 1 fish, 3 cars, lived in three provinces, 1 major trip, gained 3 nieces, 1 nephew (I also know that I have a few nieces, nephews and even a great niece in the States), 5 brothers, 1 sister, two parents, 6 sisters in law, 2 brother in law, and countless relatives. I have seen three (including when I was born) MAJOR illnesses, several health issues, including infertility, and his also includes hubby's illnesses), I have I have seen deaths of two grandparents, several great aunts and uncles, and one good friend. Wheww!!! And my life is only half over!!!

All my life, things have been harder for me than for others....even just trying to live was tough...school, getting my drivers license, Post-secondary education, work, meeting someone/getting married have all taken me longer than most of my friends my age. I sometimes wish that things would be (and still would be) easy. But guess what? I am glad that things have been hard (well, most of the time!!), I think that it has made me who I am. Yes, I can appear weak, and tired, but I am also strong, and can put up a fight if need be. I fight for myself, for my hubby, for family, etc. It sometimes looks like I am being lazy, and and times, maybe I am....but there is a fight in me...deep down, trust me!!!

I wish we had kids and/or were able to work or be missionaries in another country. I wish that I could go to an orphanage to hold babies and kids. I wish we could adopt or foster. I wish I were thinner, I wish I approached things differently sometimes, I wish I had more of a drive within me to do things..whether be it working towards being healthier, learning more/new things via reading (hey, magazines count, right?), I wish I wasn't as lackadaisical in some areas of my life. I am trying, and each year, I think I get a bit better (or worse..lol). I also don't seem to care (in a good way) what others think of me. I do what is best for me and our household. I definitely have learnt to say no (I need to say yes more..).  I wish that I were happy, and more content (something that I am working on!!). I wish that I wasn't as moody, or judgemental (I tend to go in waves with this). I wish that I were more of a servant, were more spiritual, and more disciplined in having devotions and prayer time with God.

But there are also things that I love about me...I love that I am ok with who I am, but that I strive to be better. I love that I love people, love Jesus, and my hubby. I love that I am determined to get things done when the mood strikes me. I love that I am fierce when it comes to my family and friends. I love that I am good on FB/texting. I love that I try to make relationship with family. I love that people can come to me when they have a problem, or just want to chat. I love that I am a good friend. I love that I am a good wife, daughter, sister (well, at least most of the time!!!). I love that I know when to say no (see above paragraph). I love that I am a fun person to be around. I love that I (think!) I am an easy person to get along with. I love that I love kids! I love that I love working with people with disabilities. I love that I am not very materialistic. I love that I am not not high maintenance.

I could go on and on with these...but I won't. Instead, I will just say that I am happy that I have been through EVERYTHING that I have been through these past 40 years.  I know that (as I have stated) that God has a plan, and that he continually working in our lives. I am happy that I am 40!!! 40 is fabulous, and it is the new 20 (or at least the new 30!!).


So....here are 40 things that I have learned, and some advice in the last 40 years....

1) Sleep is good for you
2) Never miss a chance to say something nice to someone
3) Having a good cry does wonders for your soul
4) Breakfast for supper is awesome
5) Popcorn for supper is the best
6) You can never go wrong by going to someone's funeral
7) Dollar stores are the best thing ever
8) God Has a Sense of Humour
9) Giving your infertile friend a card, gift, is the best.thing.ever
10) Don't go to something (or do something) if you really don't want to (obvs, I am not talking about things that HAVE to get done..work, etc)
11) Iced tea is the best drink ever; followed by a Shirley Temple
12) Magazines are awesome. Books are pretty great, too. And yes, they are better than e-readers.
13) Starbucks is awesome
14) Use your local library
15) Don't worry about what others think
16) Love yourself and your body (no matter what your size) first.
17) Never pass up an opportunity for a free lunch/coffee/drink (including invites to their house).
18) Don't swear and/nor gossip; it isn't classy, nor is it lady-like
19) Tell your family/friends you love them (never pass up an opportunity)
20) Make birthdays a big deal
21) Make Mother's Day a big deal
22) Make Father's Day a big deal
23) Coffee with flavoured creamer is amazing
24) Explore your city, province/state/ before going anywhere else
25) Get a very good wedding photographer
26) A shower makes everything better
27) Make your anniversary a big deal
28) Make Valentine's Day a big deal (yes, even if you are single)
29) DVD's are better than Netflix, etc (but Shomi and CraveTV are OKAAAY (said slowly).
30) CD's are better than downloading songs
31) God Always Answers Prayers (even when we think it is the "wrong" answer)
32) Nothing tastes as good as lamb chops
33) Ribs come in at a close second, followed by seafood
34) A bubble bath with a magazine on a cold day and/or after a hard day is the best thing ever (maybe include a fun drink, too!!)
35) I am addicted to my cell phone.
36) Don't get addicted to your cell phone
37) God Has a Plan for You.
38) Call your mother
39) Love your spouse
40) God is Good. All.The.Time

There are obviously more...but those are some of the ones that I just thought of this evening, that I thought I would pass on.

Orlando

When I first heard of the shooting in Orlando, I was confused. I thought it was an off shoot of the killing of Christina Grimmie. Then, I soon realize that it wasn't, and that it was a completely different "event". My heart breaks for the families of the people that were killed. I cannot fathom that someone would open fire and kill so many people....all because of his views on the gay lifestyle.This is such a senseless shooting. I won't get into gun control, religion, or lifestyle. I will say that all 50 of those people killed were a child of a family who loved them (ok, I don't know for sure, I am guessing so, and I hope so!!). They were a son, daughter, friend, grandchild. My hope in this is that people would have or find a sense of purpose for this horrible act. I don't know why lets senseless tragedies happen (and no, I do not, for one second, believe that God sent him to kill them. Do.Not.Believe.It. That is not the God I serve). I have been thinking about this since I knew (and saw through Social Media) what it was all about (to be fair, I actually haven't seen much of the "real news" about this since it happened...I get most of my news...most of the time through SM, which is kind of sad..though I do read our local paper sometimes, and also the Province when I am out. I should probably watch TV news once in awhile..lol). Regardless what we all think of the LGBT lifestyle, religion, and guns, we need to put all that aside, and say a prayer for the families that were involved, and again, that they would find peace and purpose.

Birthday Shenanigans

Birthdays...what can I say? I always try to drag them out and make them birthday weeks!!!

Anyway....as I said in this post, my family had a surprise birthday party for me while/when we were there a few wks ago, which I documented :) I got a gift card to a group of stores under one name/company to go towards a bathing suit. I also got some china tea cups, and a couple of IOU's. My mom said yesterday, that her gift to me was to take me to a movie of her choice (yup, you read that right..lol..love her!!). At a later date, I was given some money, and lots of cards.

My next birthday celebration was at our church ladies' coffee/devotion morning. I had thought that maybe something was up, when my friend, who doesn't go much anymore kept asking me if I was going. I told her that I wasn't sure (which was true) if I was going or not, due to gas, etc. I also had some sort of an inkling that SOMETHING was going to happen, as I was going to do a birthday party, but I ended up cancelling it a week or so before it was going to happen. Hubby also came up with me, as he was helping with getting things ready for VBS.

It was a lovely celebration, and it was so, so fun!!! I got bday cards, homemade salsa, homemade hand and foot scrub, a homemade pumastone, a Starbucks gift card, money, a shawl, shower/bath puffs, a bracelet, and birthday cards! We had a lovely strawberry short cake-like cake. Yum! We also had our regular devo and prayer time. I ended up reading the devo, which was kind of fun.

I went and visited my friend Jill, who gave me a Starbucks card (we each have a usual gift of SBX cards to/for each other each year), and we had a nice visit. Poor Anker worked for almost 4 hours! He was SO tired by the time he was done. But he had a nice visit with our pastor, which was very nice. He talked about not having the peace that our pastor talked of the Sunday prior, and they had a nice chat for about a half hour. They also had a prayer time. He now prays for peace every morning. So, that was kind of a nice bday gift.

The next day, my birthday (please keep in mind that this was all last wk), he woke up feeling horrible. He didn't go and and get me anything (which I kind of understand, b/c we have no money), but he did bake a cake (from a mix, but still), and he wished me a happy birthday (which was better than last year..lol). I was a bit ticked that he didn't even give me a nice bday message, buuuut what can you do? He has promised to do something with me this wk (It was supposed to be on Sunday, but we had a VBS work bee, and it keeps getting moved back..lol). I guess that is the life of a sick spouse. Anyway...he wasn't well, enough to even come out to the gathering and A and K had for me, so again, I was a bit miffed, but there wasn't much I could do. We had a nice time, anyway. Jill ended up coming (her kids were at another bday party), and H talked non stop. LOL. K gave me a promise of a pedicure, which was fun. Jill's mom also sent a card, and some money :) I think I came home around 10. I know...we party hard. The itself was really nice. I loved that I didn't have to work, and that wasn't super hot. I took myself out for Starbucks, and then to the park. I know...I live on the edge!! I had a few calls, texts, and of course, my favourite...Friends writing on my wall, wishing me a happy birthday on FB :) My mom and my sister each wrote a very nice bday message for all of FB to see..others wished me happy birthday on a Coffee group that I belong to (I attached this pic), and a few ppl wished me HBD on a few other pics that I had.

Here are some pictures of the day:

 Me having my first cup of coffee that day (I think it was my only one, actually!). Yes, I took myself out for my FREE birthday drink at Starbucks on my birthday.


                                       
 Me hanging out at the Bucks. I am not usually a huge fan of their cake pops, but I had their Birthday Cake one, and it wasn't that bad.

                                                     Enjoying some reading in the sun.

                                                               My birthday balloons.

                                                The yummy dinner!!! Burgers and salad!!!

 The birthday cake. I ended up just getting and Angel Food Cake mix. Yum! And yes, there are 40 candles on that cake. Hey, you only turn 40 once, right? And, despite my bad lung function, I actually blew most of them out.

Fresh (from our garden) and frozen strawberries. Yum!!!

                          Even Google (through my accounts) knew it was my birthday!!

I have had this pic on my laptop for awhile, but I always forget to post it on my birthday (hey, everyone else does it!), so I wanted to do this year. This was one of the pics that people wished me HBD on.

AND, this past Monday, my friends from the church threw me a party. I did take pics, but they really didn't turn out well. I didn't even post them to FB. She had made a lovely sign, with balloons. I felt so special. It was out at her house, and my friend drove me out there (it is about a half hour away). We had a treasure hunt, played "Never Have I Ever" (where I may or may not have won), and charades. We had a lovely supper of ribs, corn on the cob, bean salad, chicken and rice. Yum!!! I wanted to back for ribs SO BAD, but I was too full!!! I settled for a second helping of corn instead. I got $50 of Starbucks cards (I think I got about $70 of SBX GC's, including a bit of bday money that I had put towards/on it), a shirt, a Scentsational warmer, money, chocolates, and another GC to the same group of stores (which I will use for a swimsuit, since I threw my horrible one out). I also got two prizes for wining the game, and for participating in the Treasure Hunt. It was a lovely evening, and I got home around 10:30. Again, we party hard!!

AND two semi birthday parties...my aunt and uncle came on Tuesday the 7th for a visit, as they were passing through town. They gave us money (I gave them both a little something, since he and I share the same day, and she just had her bday a few weeks prior). AND, also, on Monday, our girls home group (different from the groups that I am in..I know...I am in a lot of groups...it seems that I am busy, and cliquey..but I am really not...lol), had a cheese cake for me. (It is a bit of a long story...the girl who comes sometimes was invited to my self imposed bday party that got cnc'd, but before that, she had said that she would bring a cake, but when I told her that it was cancelled, she still wanted to make and bring a cake to our Monday morning group....but she didn't end up coming, but she brought the cake over the day before anyway. Yes, it is a long story!) It was a chocolate cheesecake...it was SO GOOD! When I saw her today, I asked her for the recipe. I may have to find a similar recipe on Pinterest. And yes, I was responsible with some of my bday money, which I put towards bills. #thelifeofagrownup #responsibilities

So, those are my birthday shenanigans! I am so blessed to have lots of friends and family in my life who love and care for me, even tho they all tick me off at times!!!

Family Wknd

Well, this post is a little bit old, and I even thought of not documenting it, but it was such a fun time, how could I not?

A few weeks back, Mom had said that she wanted to do a small party for their anniversary. She had already decided that she wanted to fly my SIL, and their two girls out from the Island, and thought that it would be a great time to have a party. She wanted it outside, complete with lights and a dance, but sadly, it rained, so we had it all inside, which was probably just as well, since it makes things a bit more work when they are held outside.

Anyway, I was originally slated to work that wknd, but since I was (and still am) off on SL, I was more than happy to go out and help them celebrate. She had called me earlier in the day, to see if we could try to make it out by 4, as she said she was quite tired. Unbeknownst to me, it was all a rouse to get me out at certain time, so that they could give me a surprise bday party!!

The funny thing was, was that I had NO IDEA that that was why she had wanted me to come out by/at a certain time. You usually cannot get one over on me, and actually, a few minutes from home, I was wondering if that WAS the reason that they wanted me to out by 4, but when I got there, and there was no party, I got quite sad!! Partly to distract me (and she wanted me to see them anyway), K had taken me to see her family pictures from when they got them done in ON, while they were out there. I had NO MORE had told her that I was down, b/c I thought that there was going to be a party, but when there wasn't one, I was sad (I was also stressed, due to our life's circumstances), then they came in singing "Happy Birthday"! I was SO happy, and SO surprised!!! (Also, a few minutes earlier, I had asked if they wanted me to help in the kitchen, and they..and K...said, very quickly..NO!). Oh...and Aunty June had come down, supposedly to visit with A, and the girls, and I didn't clue in then, either! #notfullywithit A (SIL) made a lovely chocolate cake. Cadence was the one who organized it, since she (correctly) assumed that we all wouldn't be in town/together for my bday. As far as gifts go, I got some cards, a gift card, and some china tea cups from my aunt. She gives me a few every once in awhile for my collection. Love it.

So, after the bday party of cake, and pressies, we just hung out and visited, and had supper. Mom had made spare ribs (yum!!) and stew (not so yum), and salad, I think. It was great to be with A and her girls (my nieces), N and L. They are SO adorable! They are both at such a fun age right now. N LOVES to talk, and we had some fun chats. She and H had a ton of fun together. L even got used to me after awhile. We ended up watching Bridge of Spies, which was ok...I think the last 15 minutes of the move were the best. Anker and I slept downstairs in the twin beds, since the B&B was taken, and A was in the guest room. It was actually quite hilarious!!

Saturday, we late risers had breakfast, and then I started on the dessert that I was supposed to make for the party (which took MUCH longer than was deemed necessary). I also made a list of who was doing what when. H and his mom and dad had to come back into town for something, so N was a little bored without her friend. She helped me make the dessert, which was kind of fun. The dessert took WAY longer than any of us thought, as I had never made it before (will give the recipe in a bit), and it turned out that it was only a variation of what Mom usually makes. I had no clue on if it would turn out. In the end, it turned out ok..though Moms version is way better. A (SIL) made brownies in case the dessert didn't turn out. The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging out...I think I read to N, and I played with L a bit., and Anker helped Mom by fixing their ride on lawn mower (which, by the way, I wonder why they never had one while we were growing up..lol), and also went into town to get a part for it. We sat down to dinner at around 6:30. It was a lovely dinner. We had lamb, ham, and salads.  We had a lovely dinner, and visit afterwards.

Sunday, some of us had a nice chat in the morning over breakfast, then we all went to church. Mom spoke, which was kind of fun, and then we came home almost right afterwards, and packed up to get ready to go, and then we visited when everyone else arrived home. We had lunch of leftover, and left around 4 or so. We brought K home with us, and we also visited a friend who was in the hosp (she is ok, right now), and I was so tired, that I actually fell asleep on the ride home, which almost never happens! We just relaxed in the evening when we got home.

Here are some pics from the wknd. I don't put any pics on of my nieces, for privacy reasons, but here are some of the other highlights:

                                             My birthday cake!!! Yes, I am that old!!

                                          We sibs (and in-laws) relaxing Friday or Saturday.

                                                       The dinner...buffet style!!

                                               My plate loaded up with all the goodies!!!

                              The pineapple delight that I made you can find the recipe here.

                                          The table that one of my brothers set up.

Ten Things of Thankful

 I haven't participated in a TToT in/for awhile, so I thought I would this week. Here are a few highlights/thankful things from the last couple of weeks.

1) Our crazy/loud neighbours are GONE!!
Our loud, rude neighoburs are gone. We are happy. I actually want to be at home now. I am PRAYING that we get NICE people next to us.

2) Family Time./Supportive Family
Two weekends ago,  hubby and I went to my parents to hang with da fam!!! My SIL A, and her girls N and L were there, so we had a lovely time. I will probably do a post about this soon. As far as our supportive family goes, I am feeling so blessed that we do have such awesome family, who come together during hard times. We are having a tough go of things, and our family has been SO supportive. I/we heart them.

3) Bday Week/Shenanigans
This is/was bday week/wknd. I had a bunch of things planned, but due to our not having any money, people having previous plans, among other things, I don't think that anything will happen. Now, since this is going to be posted AFTER my birthday, well, maybe things may change. It is now Friday evening, and I had two birthday parties/gatherings this week. I will probably post about them soon. Or not. I haven't decided that yet. I was actually going to entitle this (and/or Friday Things' Post Birthday Edition), but truth be told, I really didn't have 10 things to be thankful about my birthday...lol. All in all, it wasn't too bad. I will probably do some sort of bday post, though. I actually had (or will have had) 4 bday parties (as of next Monday).

4) Our A/C, Fans and Cold Packs
Our A/C is up. We actually put it up last Friday or Saturday. LOVE it. Sadly, our Hydro bill probably won't like it, but we do. I love cold/ice packs. They make evenings/bedtime SO MUCH easier!!!! I know that it kind of "wets" our bed, but it it is worth it, let me tell ya. I also love our fans. My hubby fixed one of our fans that I thought was broken/headed for the dump, but he fixed it. Yay!!!

5) Mrs. (Computer) Fix-It.
I fixed my laptop (sort of) on Sunday. Well, I actually had no clue what I did...but I pressed a button, and it rebooted/fixed files on its own. I think I should open up a computer shop :)

6) Iced Tea
I have been putting off making iced tea since it warmed up, as I know that I will drink it, and I really shouldn't. I finally made some the other day, and it was WONDERFUL!!! Also, we Canadians amke our Iced Tea a little differently...we need lemon juice in it, yo, or else it just tastes like cold tea.

7) Gift Cards And Money

Anker's sister gave him a new computer, and also included a GC to our local grocery store in the package. It was MUCHLY needed. And, my aunt and uncle gave us a few bucks for my birthday. I am going to put a few bucks towards Starbucks, and the rest will probably go towards bills. ***As of Friday, I also got some more bday money...yay!! ***

 8) Warm (then Cool) Weather

A little too warm, but warm, none the less. I think it is supposed to cool off in the next day or so. It was cooling off a TAD this evening, with high clouds, etc. **As of Friday...it has cooled off...with rain..yay!!**

9) Another Follower

I am up to 34 followers now. I know, I am sure I will be on ELLEN soon, as the next coolest blogger. I am waiting for her call!!

10 )Hubby: Hubby has made a small (but great!) step regarding his faith..well, three, actually. He is helping with VBS (doing the props and stage, etc), going back to church, and wanting to make peace with God for/about some things. This made me very happy.

Linking up with:

Friday Things

 I was planning / hoping that I would have linked up this past week, but since it is almost Wednesday, I think I will wait until this Friday :) I haven't done a Friday Link Up in awhile. Anyway...here are a few things....

This is/will be for LAST FRIDAY:

1) Our crazy/loud neighbours are GONE!!
Our loud, rude neighoburs are gone. We are happy. I actually want to be at home now. I am PRAYING that we get NICE people next to us.

2) Family Time.
Last wknd, hubby and I went to my parents to hang with da fam!!! My SIL A, and her girls N and L were there, so we had a lovely time. I will probably do a post about this soon.

3) Bday Week.
This is/was bday week/wknd. I had a bunch of things planned, but due to our not having any money, people having previous plans, people dying, among other things, I don't think that anything will happen. Now, since this is going to be posted AFTER my birthday, well, maybe things may change

4) Our A/C
Our A/C is up. We actually put it up last Friday or Saturday. LOVE it. Sadly, our Hydro bill probably won't like it, but we do. 

5) Mrs. (Computer) Fix-It.
I fixed my laptop (sort of) on Sunday. Well, I actually had no clue what I did...but I pressed a button, and it rebooted/fixed files on its own. I think I should open up a computer shop :)


For THIS FRIDAY (June 10)

1) Iced Tea
I have been putting off making iced tea since it warmed up, as I know that I will drink it, and I really shouldn't. I finally made some the other day, and it was WONDERFUL!!! Also, we Canadians amke our Iced Tea a little differently...we need lemon juice in it, yo, or else it just tastes like cold tea.

2) Gift Cards And Money

Anker's sister gave him a new computer, and also included a GC to our local grocery store in the package. It was MUCHLY needed. And, my aunt and uncle gave us a few bucks for my birthday. I am going to put a few bucks towards Starbucks, and the rest will probably go towards bills. ***As of Friday, I also got some more bday money...yay!! ***

3) Warm Weather

A little too warm, but warm, none the less. I think it is supposed to cool off in the next day or so. It was cooling off a TAD this evening, with high clouds, etc. **As of Friday...it has cooled off...with rain..yay!!**

4) Cold/Ice Packs And Fans

I love cold/ice packs. They make evenings/bedtime SO MUCH easier!!!! I know that it kind of "wets" our bed, but it it is worth it, let me tell ya. I also love our fans. My hubby fixed one of our fans that I thought was broken/headed for the dump, but he fixed it. Yay!!!

5) Another Follower

I am up to 34 followers now. I know, I am sure I will be on ELLEN soon :)

BONUS:

4 (including one on Monday) Birthday Shenanigans!!!! (I will probably do a post about all these parties soon!!!)

Supportive Family: My family has been so supportive to/of us during these last few months.  I love that our family always comes together during times of hardships.

Hubby: Hubby has made a small (but great!) step regarding his faith..well, three, actually. He is helping with VBS (doing the props and stage, etc), going back to church, and wanting to make peace with God for/about some things. This made me very happy.

Linking up with:

Stranded: Netflix Edition

Linking up with Shay for a new (to me!!) link up! Stranded is a new (again, new to me) series that she and Erika do once a month, where we all share what we would love to be stranded with if were on a desert(ed) island (or, in my case...on a deserted ice berg!!)

So....here are my favourite shows that I would love to take with me:

First off, I don't have NF, we actually have Crave TV, but same diff. Anyhoo...


1) Friends
I actually have all the seasons. So, maybe this doesn't count, since I already have the seasons? No? Well, too bad :) LOL. I love FRIENDS!!! There will never be another show like it :) 'Nuff said!

2) Frasier
This series I am sort of watching on CT right now...I actually a couple of seasons from the library, but I didn't end up finishing Season 3, and I kind of dropped the ball on watching it, and I need to get back to watching it. Anyway, I love the series. All the characters crack me up!!

3) Downton Abbey.
It IS on NF :) I actually had a few seasons, but we really needed the cash, and I didn't think that I was going to be getting the rest of the series, so I sold them. I do love DA, and I would love to be stranded on a deserted island with this series.

4) Gilmore Girls/Full House
 K, techincally, this is 4, but since I have the entire seasons of Friends, then I thought I should add another one... I am combining these last two b/c I don't LOVE GG, but I do like watching it, and I have always loved me some FH! My brother and sister-in-law have NF, I have started watching the first few eps.

I am sure there are more shows on NF (like Big Bang, etc), that I would watch, but these are some of my faves.

What are yours?

Grab the button and link up/join below!

Show and Tell Tuesday: What's in Your Bag?

Linking up with Andrea for this Tuesday's Show and Tell Tuesday! I actually have missed the last couple of SATT's, and truth be told, I actually forgot about them! Anyhoo....this week is focusing on what is in our bags (purses). I love US Weekly's weekly column in their mag about what is in celebs' bags. It always cracks me up.

 The purse itself is nothing to exciting. I bought it from Target before they went out of business last year. I love it; I love the colour, the pockets, the style. I don't spend a t on of money on purses (or on a lot of other things). I usually only spend about $40 or so. This purse is very functional.

 My purse filled with stuff. I may have taken a few things out before I took the picture!!!

I was going to take a bunch of pictures of my contents, as I that is what I saw others do, but I didn't feel like taking a bunch of pics, so I just took one picture of all my stuff/junk.

So...what do I have my purse? I am SO GLAD you asked!!!

I have:
My wallet (duh!)
2 pens
2 pocket calendars
2 Devo booklets
3 hand lotions
2 sunglasses (only one is showing)
1 mirror
1 key chain/LED light
1 small knife
2 bobby pins
1 elastic hair band
1 key (with many key rings/)
1 lipstick
2 lip glosses
1 pack of gum
4 chapsticks
1 scredriver-thing
1 tube of skin perfector
1 local coupon book
4 anti-bacterial hand sanitizers
1 to-go stain remover
Several point cards that I never use (more of those are in my wallet...those ones i use more)
3 pieces of paper with info/devos on them
1 note book that I use for our twice-monthly girls devo group.

....wasn't that exiting?? :) Aren't you glad you asked/checked out this post? :)

CIAW 2016 (If only a Couple of Weeks Late)

So, I wanted to blog about infertility during CIAW a couple of weeks ago, but, I just never got around to it. Then Kelly did a SUYL on Infertility last Friday, and I never got to that, either. Ugh! Anyway....most of my blog is about infertility anyway, so I wasn't too sad about not writing about it during either of those times....buuuut, I still want to talk about it while it is still SORT of close to CIAW, and to the link up (I can't officially link up, but, I will post the link in her comments).

Soooo....infertility..I have an entire blog (or at least blog name) dedicated to it. No one wants to talk about it. Very few people truly understand it. A club that very few people belong to, despite not wanting to. Infertility is a dark and lonely place. There isn't a lot of info on it; no one does walks, or fundraises for it. No one brings you dinners, or a card, no one knows what to say. It is a very long, and isolated road; one that I wouldn't want to wish on anyone.

Each time you hear a pregnancy announcement, see a gender reveal picture (or go to a GR party), go to a baby shower, or see belly pictures, your heart hurts, and you die a little inside. Holding a baby can also be hard; some people don't even want to. Thankfully, I have never been that sad, and depressed to not want to hold a baby, and I am grateful for that. I know, that there are women who won't hold babies, nor will they go to a place where there are babies/young kids. Of course, there are still times where I am a little sad when people start talking about kids and babies, and/or when I am at a gathering, and there are a lot of babies/young kids in one place, but that only happens once an odd while, and again, I am thankful. I love working with/in the nursery, and teaching Sunday School. I would love to work with kids some day; some people feel/find that working with kids make it hard, and I don't. I think it makes it easier; it helps fill the void. I also love spending time with my nieces and nephew. Of course, I do get sad, wishing that Mom would have the privilege of loving on any kids that we would have, but for the most part, I am happy to play the aunty.

Well, it is now a few days later, and I still haven't published this post yet :)

Hubby and are at a very odd place in our infertility journey. We won't be trying for kids ever, nor will be adopt/foster. It isn't an option for us. Mainly b/c of our health issues. People have said that we don't want kids bad enough, if we don't want to go that road. We both need to be at that point, and hubby doesn't want to pursue it, in part bc of his age, and health concerns. I wish we are able to go that road, but we aren't able to. I think a part of me has "dealt" with it, but there is a part of me that definitely still feels sad about, and perhaps, I probably always will. It is just the way it is. There isn't much else to say about it...no reason to dwell on it :) It is what it is.

I think what gets me about the most about infertility, is on how people don't believe that a person can grieve over this. They truly don't get it. They understand that it is a disappointment, but they don't understand the grieving process. I also find it hard that people can be so ignorant towards it. They ask the dumbest questions, and say the most ignorant comments. I get that they probably don't fully understand...but sometimes, saying nothing at all is ok :) Just a simple touch, or a smile is ok, too!!!

This post is getting a bit convoluted, so I think I will end it here.

The theme this year was "Because it's Time." And I agree..it is time. It is way past time.

Weird Space

Yup...still alive :) Never fear, yo!!!

I feel like I am in a bit of a weird space. I have felt that way for awhile, even before going off on sick leave from work. I think it has to do in part with a certain milestone birthday coming up. But, it is also just me, and where I/we am/are in life.

We are super strapped for money, which leaves us both pretty stretched and stressed. We are both down a fair amount (but at least I happen to get out a lot, which is good), which doesn't help. And yes, I do struggle with contentment, and that is something I know I need to work on. I can't even fully describe on what or how I am feeling. I feel like there is something more that I want to/should do with my life.

As far as how I am feeling, I just feel...displaced. I am at an odd place in my life...I have a career, but I still feel blah. We don't have kids; we have cats. We are almost 16 years apart; hubby is on disability, so he doesn't have a job to talk about/go to, etc. At least he is going back to church..yay!!! It makes it had to have good "couple friends". It makes it hard to connect, and, at times, make myself feel heard. I know I suffer from depression and anxiety, and I am aware of when I get too down and depressed, etc. I DO try to get out each day, which I know is important.

Since being off work, I haven't felt like doing much....I haven't walked as much as I should...I haven't tackled any major cleaning projects. I haven't read any books..only magazines. I haven't felt even much like blogging lately.  I even have a bad habit, where I will shut myself in our room, and read, Facebook, and watch tv, etc. We ate our supper "together" (ie: in front of the news) for the first time awhile this evening, and that was in front of the tv. Of course, we do do things together; we may go and run some errands, or watch a movie or two in the evening (to be fair, some of the movies that I get from the library, I know he won't like, so I do tend to watch them alone). We spent some time outside in the yard a couple of weeks ago....and we went to the ranch last wknd.

I do get out (as I have said above), and I see someone nearly every day, which is good. I am still pretty social, which I know is important. The one thing that I haven't done a ton is call people. I DID spend a few hours outside the other day, and called some of my family, which was great. I know I have retreated a bit, and I am aware of that, but I think my friends and family are aware of it, too, which is good. I think they are good at checking up on me; texting, messaging, etc. That is something I appreciate so much.

So, that is kind of where I am/we are at the moment. I know I am in/at a weird head (blank?) space right now, but I know that it will get better. Life is tough right now, but God is tougher :)