Five on Friday: BTS Edition

Ok, so I am going to do these fast and furious, without much explanation. I just want to get this linked up, and then go to bed, not that I have been sleeping much, anyway. First, though, this last wk was our first week back to school. It was a pretty good week, but I was very tired, and to add to that, I got a cold. Awesome. I am in Grade 2 again this year, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Our school went through lots of renovations over/during the summer, and although they aren't fully complete yet, they look awesome, and we can't wait to see the finished product :) So, here are my (sort of) BTS-related Five Faves!

1) A Three-peat of the same Grade! Yes, I am in Grade 2 again this year, with the same teacher. I couldn't be happier! The teacher and I work well together, and we have a lot of fun! We will buy each other coffees, and/or do fun things for each other. I am really happy about it, what can I say?

2) A new Max Lucado Book. I am reading another one of Max's books called "God's Story, Your Story". In all honesty, it started out great, and I had high hopes for it, but then it kind of waned, so although I will finish it, I don't know on if it will be one of my faves from him. We shall see!

3) 24 hours alone. I got to spend 24 hours at our friends house, while I did laundry (they were away). It was perfect! I watched movies, ate popcorn, and relaxed.

4) A Cat Named Benny. The last time I was there, Benny thought my ankles and feet were tasty treats. I had to actually quarantine myself in a room. True story. This time, not only was he outside a good part of the time (including at night!), he has calmed down A LOT! He let me pet him for ages (He did this last time, too, but he also was super playful) at a time, and he slept a couple of hours.

5) PSL and PSL Frap. I have had one PSL, and one PSL Frap. I am not huge fan of the PSL Frap, but it was good for a change.

5.1) Because a couple of them are kind of similar, I am including an extra one....tomatoes! We have had like 1000000 tomatoes! Anker has made salsa, and I have eaten the rest. Yum!

Weekend Wrap Up-BTS Edition (Sept 7-9)

This last wknd was the first weekend since school started :) I can tell you that was I ready for Friday! Let me tell you that working is hard, yo! Haha! Actually, it was pretty good! The class is great, and so  hilarious! They make me laugh all the time! Nonetheless, I was very happy when Friday rolled around! After school, I don't really remember what I did. Ha! I probably went to the library, or something exciting! I came home, and we had tuna with mushroom soup on toast. I watched TV, I think Corner Gas, and I played my FB game, and I blogged :)

Saturday: I woke up at 6 (hello? Why?), and I laid in bed until 8, when I finally woke up and played on FB for a bit. I hung out, and I ran some errands. I also grabbed a few groceries on the way home. I came home, and did a load of laundry, and hung out for a bit (yes, I should have cleaned, but I didn't...lol). I left at around 3:30, and I went to the library, and then I grabbed McD's for dinner. I went to our friends house, as I wanted to do some more laundry (I had a huge pile and no loonies to do it..you do the math), and they like it when there is someone there to feed their kitties. I did my laundry, and hung out. I watched two movies, and went to sleep at around 1:00 am :)

Sunday: I woke up at 8. Oh yes, did I mention that I got a cold on Thursday? Awesome. I don't even know if I can blame the kiddos for this one. I think I got it from my family. So, I woke up not feeling too hot on Sunday morning. I did go to church, though. I picked up a friend for church, and we went to lunch afterwards. I dropped her off, and I went back to my friends, and I did one more tiny load of laundry. I read my Max Lucado book "God's Story, Your Story".  After the laundry was done, I packed everything, and headed to my friend's son's Jack and Jill wedding shower. It was actually really fun, though I probably shouldn't have gone with my cold, as I woke up feeling so, so bad the next morning. Oops!

I had a good First Weekend after Back To School. How about you?

Weekend Wrap Up-The Final Wknd of Summer Edition (LD Wknd)

I am going to start the "weekend" from Wednesday night, since It pertains to school, and well, cause I can!

Wednesday Night: The Education Assistants had our BBQ at our Principal's house. We had a wonderful time, despite the rain that we had (and that was much needed!). We all partied so hard, that we were done by 7:30.

Thursday: It was the first day back for staff. I had to get up early, and make lunch :) It was a great day, of seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I helped my teacher get the classroom ready, and we had meetings. At around 4, I left to go to the library. Then, I went and got groceries for supper. We had tacos! They were really good! I spent Thursday evening relaxing, I think. I ended up going for  walk, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset!!! I went through our receipts, and watched Y&R. I came home and I had a shower, and went to bed.

Friday: I slept in a bit, and I did a load of laundry, did dishes, and organized some paperwork. I went to the school at around 1:30. I had a few things to do, drop off, pick up, etc. I got my desk all ready with the essentials that I will need....makeup had sanitizer, hand wipes, etc :) My friend brought me lunch, which was sweet. I did a project for my teacher, and I left at around 4:30. I went to the library, and then I dropped off some bottles. I went to the park for a few minutes. I got a GC to/for Earl's, and so I went up to grab our dinner. We had fish and chips, and we shared a S'Mores cheesecake. I watched a movie (or started one), and I got really tired, so I had a shower, and went to bed.

Saturday: I slept in super late....and I had hoped for a nice morning/early afternoon of playing my game, and relaxing. Instead, I got stressed with bills, etc. So, fun times! I went and did a few errands, and I visited want our next door neighbour. I did a load or two of laundry, and I hung out for a bit at home. I went to our other neighbour's, and watched a movie, and then I came back and got ready for bed.

Sunday: I went to church, and then I grab a dollar drink from McD's, and then went to the school for the WiFi, and to read and enjoy the sun. I came home and I went outside to enjoy our yard, but the smoke of MJ was so strong, so I didn't stay out for long. I spent the rest of the afternoon/evening hanging out. I think I watched some movies.

Monday: I woke up at 6:30, and then I laid there, and went on my laptop. At 11:30, I cleaned up our kitchen, did some more laundry, and did some organizing. I went out at around 3:30.  I grabbed a drink and fries, and then parked at the school for a bit, and then went to the park. I read magazines, and talked with my teacher. I came home and hung out for the evening.

How was your Long Weekend?

TBBT Asks-How do you Cosy?

Happy Friday! I am linking up with The Blended Blog for this month's TBBT Asks. This month, it is all about getting cozy.

1) Slippers: yes or No?
If it is really cold, I like some slippers....otherwise, no.

2) What is your Favourite Blanket?
I don't really have one.

3) Thin or Thick Pillow?
Thick and fluffy.

4) Favourite Warm Beverage?
Mocha, cranberry/apple cider

5) Robe: Yes or No?
Generally, no. But I do own one, and I do wear it about twice a year.

6) Favourite Comfort Snack Food(s)?
Popcorn

7) Movies or TV Series Binge?
Friends, ER, Big Bang, Grey's, Call the Midwife

8) Actual PJ's or Leggings?
PJ's at night, and Leggings during the day (if possible)

9) Do you Cozy on the Couch or Chair?
Chair or our bed.

10) Hoodies, T-shirt or Sweater?
Hoodie, but I don't have one right now, so probably a sweater o sweatshirt.

Self Care

Self Care has been a bit of buzz word (or two buzz words??) in the last few years. I have never been one to be super busy. I mean, I can, and I have been busy, but I don't like to be constantly busy. It isn't good for my health, brain, or sanity. There are a lot of things that people do for/as their self care. I think pretty much everything people do is for their self care. Even work (to some extent). Here are a few of the things that I love (and NEED) to do for myself, and my sanity for/as my self care.

1) Sleep

Oh, how I love sleep. And I NEED it! I wish I could only survive on an hour of sleep a night, but alas, I am a normal human who needs at least 8 or 10 a night. Even though I would love a baby, I think the hardest part would be lack of sleep. I NEED it! So, I try to sleep in as much as I can. I have been having issues with not sleeping well later, and this makes me sad. But, at least I can have naps :)

2) Being Alone (Reading/TV/Movies)

I need this so, so much. This can be time alone in our room, or out and about. I love to go to the park yard, or beach, read, or grab a coffee, and sit and journal (more on that later), or blog. Or read. Ha! I love going to the library. I think I like that more than going for coffee, as I don't have to buy anything! This restores my soul enough that I can like people again. This can also include driving. Sometimes, I will just go for a short drive, and I will end up in/at a park, and sit in the car for bit. I love reading (magazines, and I am trying a new thing called books!), watching TV/movies is another thing. I love having the tv on in the background and either reading magazines, or being on my laptop. I love reading celebrity magazines, b/c it is something so relaxing (I know, it is weird) about it. I think I like reading magazines b/c it feels like I have accomplished something. But, I also love reading books. Speaking of which, I am still need to finish one that I started weeks ago. Sigh. This can also include wandering around the mall, or stores like Shopper's Drug Mart (makeup, magazines), or even the grocery store!

3) Girl Time/Family Time

Although I love being on my own, I love me some girl time. I love going for coffee with friends, going to my friends' houses for tea/coffee, or going for meals. Sister and Mom times are the best times, though! I love times with my family and friends. They know and love me so much....even with my quirks. There is something about spending time with family....you can truly be yourself (well, most of the time!). There is nothing quite like going for drinks and meals with your sisters, friends, or mom/aunts/grandma's. I love that I can bare my soul to them, and I hope that they can bare they soul (s) to me! Also, along the same subject, spending time with ANY of my family (esp siblings) is pretty awesome for self care!

4 Bible/Prayer 

Ok, I will be honest, and I just now thought of this. Ha! I will also be super honest, and say that I don't do this nearly enough! One of things I want to improve on this year is getting my Spiritual life in order. I love me a Max Lucado book, so I want to try to read as many of his books as I can (or that the library has!), more as a devotional than anything else. I have a Bible App, and do you think I use it every day? No. I need to implement it more. I need to read more of the Bible, pray, and really soak in His word. I do feel relaxed when I am reading the Bible, and praying, and of course, worshipping Him, so shouldn't that be high on my (or anyone's) list? That, my friends, is true self care!!!

5) Exercise

Ok, this is also another thing that I am going to start working on. AGAIN! I really don't like working out, but I do love walking. I really enjoyed the sunset the other night while I was out for my walk. I want to try to get back into doing at least some exercise, at least every other day.

What do you do for your self care?

Weekend Wrap-Up-Our Last Hurrah Edition (August 24-28)

 I know that some of these posts are going to be similar in content, so I am sorry, but trust me, the are not all entirely the same. Ha! In order to get through these posts, I probably won't post a ton of pictures..at least at first...I might come back and add some pictures.

So.....We haven't done a ton of stuff together this summer (or much lately), and I wanted to go the ranch (where my parents live), and I was hoping that he would come along. I really didn't think he would, but he did. Part of the reason is that my sister, Vienna is going away (sob!) for a few years or so, to the Philippines, and last Sunday was her last Sunday in Canada (ok, so she is leaving tomorrow, but close enough). She ended up speaking and then we had a potluck (which, I had no idea about until after we got there..haha). It was kind of a weird weekend, actually. It was FREEZING, which made me kind of mad. I know that we needed the rain, and that was awesome, but it rained the entire weekend....which in itself wasn't a bad thing, except that it is ALWAYS cold when I/we go! Like Every.Single.Time. Plus, my parents' house is freezing. Anyway...it was still a good wknd. I will break it down.

Thursday: Due to my dog/house sitting for my friend, I couldn't leave until 4 or so. I ran errands, then picked up Anker, then let the dog out one more time, then we were on the road. We got there at around 6:30. The party hadn't started yet. Yay! Only Cadence, Vienna and I could make it. I wish all of we sisters could make it, but it was a bit last minute. We ate junk food, did our nails, read magazines, talked trash (we explained to my sister about the Kardashians...lol), and Cadence cut my hair. We talked until 2 am. Anker watched a movie with my family, and ate muffins, apparently.

Friday: I woke up around 10. Vienna had already left, and Cadence and I visited and read magazines for a bit...oh and ate breakfast. I hung out with her for a bit, and Anker picked me up. We got to the house around noon, and it was COLD, and there was no one there. We kind of got set up, and then decided to head to Clearwater. We went to Field's, where I got my new shoes. Anker decided to take the car in the mechanic to see what the clunking (that the car has had for ages) was. It turns out that it was the coil spring. Anyway...he was able to order the parts in (a set of two), and set to come back on Monday. Awesome. It was going to cost us nearly $500. Goody. We got back, and hung out with everyone. I was on and off my computer (much to Mom's chagrin), and I think we watched an episode of Call the Midwife. I visited our friend who lives on our property, and I got home around 10:30.

Saturday: Slept in a bit, and I just did this and that. I think I played on my laptop for a bit. I went over to visit with Aunty Valerie, but she was on the phone....then I came back, and had some lunch. Mom and I went to Vavenby. I didn't realize that we were supposed to have coffee with another friend (oops), so I went to my brother and Sister-in-laws to see them and of course their baby, K :) Oh.my.word. She is SO CUTE! We hung out there for awhile. We had buttered chicken, and Vienna and Mom came over as well. Vienna and I left around 4. I think Mom and I had a visit in the living room when I got back. Then, we had supper. I think we had chops. They were tough, but good!!! We were just hanging out, when Anker suggested we try the BlueTooth. Our Uncle had given us a BT to use, which is nice, but I think it is a bit of a pain. It doesn't like my voice..haha. Anyway...we were trying to figure that out, which turned into a bit of a shamozz. Yes, that is a word. I ended up messing up my phone (I thought it was b/c I didn't have the Google Voice working, but we found out later that it was just b/c it didn't like my voice). I ended up turning on Voice Assist/ant. So, that was fun. I was already stressed out (another post for another time and day), so I started crying. Ugh! Like, for real! The BT wouldn't' turn off, then my phone didn't turn off. We found out that it is for people who are blind...so it takes FOREVER to do what you want (commands, press buttons, etc). We went to my uncle, and it took him awhile, but we all figured it out. We came back, and we watched CTM, and went to bed.

Sunday: Slept in, played on the laptop, had breakfast, and got ready to go. I really enjoyed worship, and I had fun seeing all the babies and kids. Vienna spoke and shared her heart. She is so brave, that sister of mine! We had a potluck lunch, then we came home around 3. We spent Sunday afternoon and early evening relaxing. I probably played on my laptop again. A few people visited (including Anker!), and I hung out in the bedroom. Then I came back out, and the sun came out for awhile. We had a light supper and watched Chappaquiddick. It was a good movie. We watched another episode of CTM. Then, we went to bed.

Monday: I woke up early to get the car to the mechanic on time. Vienna had an appointment, so she picked me up, and we ran errands. I went to Tim Horton's where I had a coffee and read for a bit while she was at her appointment. Then, we ran more errands, I picked up the car, and we came back, packed up the car, and headed home. I got home, and I went to the school for a few minutes. Then I went to the library, and I met up with my friends for supper.

So, that was our wknd! I think I got everything in the right order! I love that we have our parents just close enough that we can go for a visit (for free!), but far enough that it feels like a bit of a getaway! Did anyone else have a Last Hurrah this year?

                                          Of course, the last day we were there was nicest :)

Not the best picture, but here is the new top I bought from VV a few weeks ago. I am not sure that I would wear it to school, as it moves around on me a lot, but I will wear it other places.

And these are on/in here just for fun. I actually got these from my friend the next day. She bought them when they were on their trip. Aren't they a riot?

Five on Friday-Final Week of Summer Edition

Happy Saturday! I have 10 or 11 blog posts that I hope to post in the next while. We'll see. Right now, Anker is doing a project in the living, and I (as usual) am in our bedroom (where I spend a lot of free time) watching a movie and relaxing :)

Some of the these posts might be kind of similar in content, as some things kind of spilled over, but oh well.

On Wednesday, our Education Assistants had a BBQ at our Principal's house. It was very good, despite the pouring rain. I also had my first day back to school (staff) on Thursday. It was a great day of seeing everyone, and getting ready. I am looking forward to this year.

1) Girls' Night!/Girls' Supper

Last Thursday, some of we sisters go together for a night, and we had such fun! I got my hair cut, we had adult beverages, and we talked until 2 am :) We had it at our family's Air B&B. Then, on Tuesday night, Vienna, Cadence, Krystle and I all met for dinner at White Spot. We talked for 3 hours, and we closed the place down. Plus, our dinners were delicious. I was anxious about some stuff (still am), but I was still able to (sort of) enjoy it.

                                              Fish Tacos and Blueberry Cheesecake.

2) Weekend at the Ranch

I will talk about this in another post, but Anker and I had a nice long wknd last wknd, and we had a nice time.

3) Car Issues Resolved (AKA Husband takes the lead)

I will talk about this again in another post, but we ended having to take the car in while we were there, and we are thankful that he was able to fix it, and that we had the money to do it. I am very thankful that Anker took the lead on this one, and that made me happy.

4) Girls' Day

My GF Jill and I had our Second Annual April and Jill's Day of Fun at Sun Peaks:) I will post about about this in another post, but we had a great time together!

5) Hair Cut, New Shoes, and a Bag of Clothes

Like I said above, I got a new hair cut, and I bought new shoes while we had our day in Clearwater. I actually might sell the shoes, as they hurt my feet, but I will give them another few tries. Also, Cadence gave me some shirts and a couple of purses :) I love them!!!

7) Girls' Supper

I also ended up going to supper with my girls' group. We went to Dorian's, and it was so good. I tried their ribs, and they were delicious!


Ok, so that was 7 things!!! I hope your "last week of summer" was a good one!