Why Dancing, Makeup, Bikinis, Pageants, and Some Clothes are Dangerous for Kids

What do Wayfair, the Super Bowl, various award shows, Disney, Hollywood, and other sporting events have in common?

These events are HOT BEDS for sex trafficking!!! They live, breathe and drink it! There are many subliminal messages hidden in Disney and "family movies". If not to "lure" and "groom" your kids, at the very least, they send them hidden messages. Messages that kids don't need.

Then, there's the whole Hollywood/performer end of things. There are THOUSANDS of Hollywood actresses' (and actors), and celebrities whose photos on Social Media are chock FULL of sexual and provocatively. Look at the singers at the Super Bowl? JLo in a cage, and Shakira dancing and flailing about? Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande? Our kids see, hear and look up to them. Essentially, they are selling sex, all in the name of "art".

Here are some other scenarios that I see ALL the time on social media and in person;

A young girl, about 6 or 7 sits on the beach in her bikini.

A 10 year old has heavy make up on, and herself throwing her self on stage, all in the name of "dance".

A teen girl wears short shorts and a crop top.

A young girl "cheers" her way around the stadium.

An 8 yr old girl wears heavy make up, and a splashy outfit, while dancing on stage on her way to "win" the next pageant.

 

A young boy begins modelling in not so appropriate poses and outfits.

Two young brothers start a "Tick Tok" account.

These things, in my opinion, are the makings of 1) Immodesty of children (esp girls, and young women), and 2) kids being lured into sex trafficking, or at the very "least"; sexual predators online.

Please don't think that I think should dress like they are in a cult; fully clothed from head to toe. I don't don't even know what the "best" way to clothe your kids is. And, to be fair, sex traffickers/offenders don't really care how your kids dress; if they see your child, and want your child, they will find ways to get your child; however, there ARE ways to LESSEN that opportunity, and have your kids exploited on on "display".

In order to lessen the degree of online (or kidnapping) sexual abuse and predators online, there are ways to protect your kids:

Do not let them have ANY access to ANY Social Media platform; Pinterest (yes, even PT), FB, Snapchat, TickTok, IG, YT, and whatever other platforms there are. Kids under 15 DO NOT need a YT channel, an IG account, or SnapChat. I know that kids think they "need" a phone, and some sort of SM account, b/c all of their friends have one, but in all honesty, they don't. First off, they just don't need it. More screen time, useless time wasters, etc. I actually think that no child under 18 should have one, but I can see where and when a an older teen would want one (SM account/phone).  Now, please don't get me wrong; there are lots of GOOD, WHOLESOME, USEFUL and EDUCATION videos on most platforms. I know that there are parents and kids who have (and view) videos, and there are cases for doing these. But the key thing is that you're with your child while they make and view the videos. A blog mom who I follow  has made a YT account with her girls; they has control on what they do, say, and I am pretty sure she is in them as well. Again, YOU NEED to be with (or at least near) your child at ALL TIMES; this includes while they make (which is hopefully an educational/how-to, etc) and view videos! If your older teen gets a social media account, FOLLOW THEM! It is probably best to have your teen have a private account as well.When your kids who are wanting/needing access to iPad or the Internet for projects, make sure you are very near by; have the device near where you can see it/them. While growing up, my parents always had us be in the dining room or kitchen while working on the laptop or desk top :) Make sure your parental controls are on. I hear there are apps that parents can have, where they can track where and what their child is doing online, if your child has an iPhone or Android. I really only think that kids need a flip phone, anyway. 

I don't even feel that kids should play online games. You don't know what kind of friends your child is making online. Which brings me to another thing (which is similar to above); monitor your kids' online activities. I have already said this, but this is more the "social" aspect of it; watch what your kids are doing online; monitor what friends they make online. Don't assume that they are talking with their friends....this is how predators make their way into kids' lives. Monitor their IRL friendships as well. Who are they spending time with? Where do they go after school? Do they go to sleep overs?

Do not let your kids dance. Obviously, dancing for the Lord (and dance troops) is/are ok, but that should be under and adult's supervision, filled with skills and prevision.  I am less leery of kids being in Ballet, and there are probably less others out there that are less sexual. I would also suggest that you put little to know make up on them. And, for the love of everything, put some clothes on them! If you want your kids to have some make up on during the performance, then put it on right before they go on, and right after they get off. And they don't need the dark makeup on, either.

There are even some sports that I don't think that kids shouldn't be in; figure skating, for one (though I will have to admit, I wanted to be a figure skater when I was a kid!); gymnastics (obviously, I am talking about the upper level platforms, the lower level isn't as competitive, and the kids aren't as "made up") Once they get into major competition in these kinds of sports, that is when things get tough; make up, too little clothes, etc, not to mention what else happens (abuse, unhealthy practices, and poor self esteem). 

I feel that children shouldn't do cheerleading. This breeds so many problems, I don't even know where to begin. Makeup, skimpy outfits, and who knows what else.

Kids shouldn't do pageants. This is probably the worse thing that a child can do. Yah, no...let's just not go there!

Again, I am not saying that kids only need to go to Bible Studies and Youth Group; nor am I saying that kids can't do ANYTHING! There are TONS of things children can do! MOST sports, SOME screen/iPad time, reading real books, learn an instrument, garden, cooking, baking.  am saying that kids can do most anything, as long as it doesn't involve a lot of (unsupervised) screen time, social media, make up, throwing themselves around, and/or skimpy clothing. I just feel that these things can lead to immodesty, and more importantly, abuse, bullying, etc. 

Put a one piece (or, at the very least, a tankini) on your girl, and make sure your boys have decent swim shorts. Yes, allow your girls to try on make up and your fun clothes...but don't let them out of the house with them on.

I am not saying that you are a bad a parent if you allow your kids to do these things; I am not saying that you are a bad Christian/Faith-based parents if you are ok with these things. I just feel that allowing your child to do any or all of these things CAN breed a host of symptoms, and allow for predators to lure their way into your children's lives.

I know that I am not a parent, nor am I an expert, but I read, I watch, I listen. I talk with parents about these issues. There are kids being trafficked, bullied, and abused IN THEIR OWN HOME; right under their parents' noses! I am asking you to open your eyes; don't bury you head in the sand. Human trafficking is a very real thing! Observe your kids; talk to them; ask them questions. Get to know your kids, have conversations with them. Together, we can ALL end human trafficking, (online) bullying, and abuse. This starts at home.

                                 The opposite side/end of the sunset from the other night, looking East.

  I think this was taken in an Alberta Provincial park from when my sister and I took a trip 2 years ago.

Just to be Clear....

Regarding my post from the other day; I wanted to clarify a few things. First off, I am not saying that we should have ho-hum dum-drum lives. I think that in whatever circumstance we are in; in whatever stage of life that we are in, we are to "live our best lives", and (if we are Christian), spread the Gospel, live for Jesus, and if we haven't chosen that life; well, we are to be kind, and to look for reasons and opportunities to do good deeds, love, be kind, etc (as Christians, we should most definitely do that!!). 

All that I am trying to say is that we are not all called to foster, adopt (either domestically, or internationally); we're not all called to start an organization, be a missionary, ride around the world for a cause, go on marches and protests, or volunteer for Samartian's Purse, World Vision, or Compassion (you get the idea). We ARE, however, called to SEEK HIS WILL in ALL things; maybe He DOES want us to go to Africa; start up an new organization for social issues, or do "big things"! I am not saying that we have to live our regal 9-5 lives in our office; going to the same routines day in and day out; we need to find little things here and there that we can add beauty, light and grace to. We need to find things that we can do for others. 

We are also called to fight for injustice, the unborn, and speak up for what is right and wrong. We are not called to be lazy, have our head in the sand, and be ignorant or arrogant! We are not called to have "an ordinary life", but to embrace the extraordinary with the every day (does that make sense?? Probably not!). 

What I am trying to say is....we might not be called to go to Africa to be a missionary, but we are called to serve the Lord in whatever we do, and wherever we go!

Yes, (Sometimes) This Is All There Is

World Traveller. Singer. Artist. Missionary. Working in orphanages. Changing lives. Building an empire. Doing "big things". We want (and should!) to strive to do great and big things! And that's ok! We SHOULD have dreams, and want to do big, and glorious things! We can have and do wonderful things right in our neighbourhood, church, work, school, and clubs. We don't HAVE to go all over the world to volunteer, bring Jesus, or help others. We can do it right where we are; where we live; and where we live. 

Although God didn't call us to live "ordinary lives"; He did call us to live "extraordinary lives" where He wants us. Sometimes we (including myself) think that we are only living extraordinary lives when we are in Africa, or in Asia; helping kids; doing missions, or even working (such as in a school, or at company), and well that is certainly true, that isn't necessarily the only thing. Life isn't all about going all over the world; moving across (or up North!) country. It is about the day in and day out of every normal (and not so normal!) day! My life isn't more or less boring that a mom with 5 young kids. My mom's life on the ranch with her garden, ministry work, and her Coaching Business isn't less or more important than my sister's, who is in Asia, helping women and children who have been trafficked. 

Social media doesn't help matters. We see the people doing "all the things"; whether they are across the world, or in some "big" and "important' job. We tend to lose focus on what we "should" (or "shouldn't) be doing. We see people living out their "important" lives, and wonder, "what I am doing with my life", and "is this all there is?". I am here to tell you that, yes, sometimes, this is all there is. And that's ok! We can live out our best life right where we are. We can do big and important things right where we are. We don't have to go anywhere, or be anyone. God can use YOU TODAY! Come as you are; leave better!

It is ok that you are "just" a mom; you can minister just where you are. It is ok that you are "just" a teacher in an ordinary run of the mill school. You can minister just where you are! Change the world you live in (around you), don't try to the change the world (I am not sure if I just made that up, or if I saw that somewhere....but man, that sounds good!)! It doesn't matter whether you are a nurse, doctor, janitor, a pastor; you can serve your community and God no matter how "ordinary" your  life is. You don't need to move to Africa or across your country to have an "adventure"; you can have one in your own backyard; no travel or passport required!

Girls' Night Out

Happy Sunday Funday!!! I have about 11 posts that I may or may not end up writing about and publishing,  but I know I wanted to write about my mom's and my Girls' Night Out that happened on the last day of school!

Mom was going to give a bday dinner the wknd before my bday, but when I got sick, they didn't want me to come out; therefore, putting off my bday dinner. Mom said that I could have her and Dad take Anker and I out for dinner, or she and I could have a girls' night; complete with a hotel stay :) I naturally, decided that we would do GNO! 

We planned on the night on the last day of school (which was a Friday), as that was worked best for her. After my CEA End of the Year Party (you can read about that here), I went straight up to where we were staying (I packed when I got home, so I could leave right after said party). Mom and I called around town, and we ended up staying at the Fairfield Marriott, as it had the best deal, and it had a breakfast in the morning! Sadly, all of the pools in BC were closed at the time (I think most of them have reopened now), due to COVID, but I don't know if we would have gone in, as we were so tired when we got back from dinner. 

Mom did my hair, and my makeup, and then we went to Red Robin, after being a disappointed that we couldn't get in to the restaurant that I wanted to go to. I actually kind of like having restaurants at half-capacity; it is quieter, and it is less busy! We started off with the tower of onion rings, and deep fried shrimp, which were both really good!!! I got the salmon burger with fries, and my mom had a Caesar salad with salmon. A very interesting thing happened with Mom's salmon. You can read about that as she talked about it on her blog. We ended off sharing dessert, called Chocolate Fruffles (yes, that is the real name of the dessert!), which was delicious!!!

Mom and I came back to our hotel. We were SO tired by the time we got back. We visited for a bit, and then we watched the last bit of Dateline, and fell asleep. 

We woke up at around 8 or so the next morning, and we quickly got ready for breakfast. It was really good!!!! Tiny waffles, yogurt, strawberries, sausage patties, and cereal! After breakfast, we packed up and left at around 10 or so. 

Sadly, I was in a REALLY weird place on Saturday; I was tired, and anxious, and just all around in a weird mood. I felt better after some shopping therapy, but I was still really tired.

All in all, it was a great evening, night and morning with Mom, and MUCH needed!!!! We even were able to pick up the food that we had left from the night before, as they hadn't cleaned our room yet!

Hacks of Life-Randoms Pt 2 (Aka: Things No One Will Care About)

So, I have a few more things I just HAVE to say :) Feel free to skip this post :)

We have found a way to keep cool at night (along with our fan); we put ice packs in our bed, and it works great!

We have been having this weird smell coming from our car for a few weeks, and we have no clue what it is, but the car is working, so we will carry on with driving it. It smells like vinegar. And it isn't even all the time.

We continue to have free laundry. We aren't sad about it.

I continue to have my movie afternoons/evenings with Emily. We usually have yummy snacks and drinks. It is also a way for to me to watch my old movies (I also need some movies that were made in this decade!). I also watch movies (and my favourite tv series') on my laptop at night; which is another way for me to go through my movies. I find that I don't watch movies over again like I used to. I have Netflix, cable, VOD, and movies from the library to watch.

I am horrible at checking my blood sugar. I need to do better at it.

I also need to find a doctor, as we haven't had one for a year.

I am loving the nectarines (well, the two that I bought), berries and frozen fruit that I have been getting. I use the frozen fruit for smoothies :)

A week or so ago, I went for a walk with the boys. I took them to Starbucks, and J stayed in his stroller until we got to a place where it was a bit safer for him to walk on his (he RUNS!!!). We had a fun little walk together. I think I stayed there for a while, and we had Wendy's for supper (Speaking of which, our local Wendy's burnt down in March or April; I hope they will rebuild it, as it was a pretty popular place, and it is nice to have one on this side of town).

I also found out that they might built a Starbucks close to my house. I don't know how that would work, since I heard that they are going to close 200 SB stores. I can almost guarantee that a few of our stores here in town will close.

I have been having coconut milk in some of my SB cold drinks, and it is really good, so I decided to buy some, and I really am enjoying it! Yum!

I still can't get to starting up my resume, and look for work, I have been feeling really unmotivated and discouraged about it. That being said, though, I did just today signed up with Job Bank to get alerts, etc. I have never actually have gotten an account with them before. I only have just searched for jobs.

I have been trying to grow my bangs out for years, and they have been driving me crazy! I also need to get a hair cut.

I also need to get new runners.

I am house/cat/garden sitting this weekend. It is glorious, y'all!! I don't seem to be doing well sleeping on her couch, however.

I went to the dentist the other day; I didn't need to pay for the cleaning :) Yay!

I got Downton Abbey and "Harriet" from the library, and I watched "Harriet", and it was amazing! I want to buy that movie.

I have also been getting the People Magazine free from my friend. She works at the student house at our local university, and 5 students who are no longer there are still getting their People Magazine, which she gives over to me.

With all this rain we have been getting (yes, it rained today....AGAIN!!), the river is still very high. I think it is slowly going down, so that's good.

Cilantro is gross. The end.

I had coffee with my aunt on Friday. I can't wait until we are allowed to sit in ALL restaurants and coffee shops again.

The weekly magazines that used to come on Friday, are now coming the following Wednesdays. Not sure if it is be/c of Covid or not. It is kind of annoying; I liked having the magazines come on Friday.

Anker got me a dash and reverse cam for our car, but I don't think we will use them. We are going to have to get someone to put in the reverse cam, and we don't really have that kind of money right now.

I am having an online Sipology Party on Monday. I also got some stuff from my other friend's party. I love the Canadian Maple Latte! I also got some Magical Mango Tea. I got Mom a couple of teas for her to try.

I also got some fun things the other day; I found some Maple Latte Creamer, and it is SO GOOD! I also got a pencil sharpener for my eye liners. It works pretty well! I bought some nuts that were a good deal. I like to have something like nuts for some protein and when I want a snack. I got some sour candy/mints, They are delicious!

My girls group from when we all went to the same church got together for a bday/summer party on Friday. We had a lovely dinner, with lots of laughs, a game, and we even got a gift :)

I had a CT scan a few weeks ago to check to see if had any more fluid. I wish they could just invent a pill that one could swallow that was filled with dye. They couldn't get the dye in me AGAIN this time. I don't have any fluid, but I do have some cysts. The specialist is ordering me an ultrasound, but I am sure it is fine.

I hate peri/pre-menopause. The end.

I love rainbows :) I saw a double one the other day, and I guess there was a double one tonight, but I only caught the last bit of it.

Technology is weird. Last night, my phone was plugged into my computer and it didn't charge like it should have. Tonight, guess what? It works!

Anyone else find that they get obsessive about their blog posts; what to post; pictures, etc, and have to post ALL THE THINGS????r

Friday Favourites/Randoms

Ummm...I hadn't done an FF in AGES! I had a Covid FF post that I was going to post, but I never did..anyway...I have a few things...probably more than 5...that I am loving right now!

I had NO IDEA that the adaptive screen brightness was a thing until the other day. Y'all, I am LOVING it!!!! And yes, I think it officially makes me a nerd.

I am having my fair share of coolers and ciders lately. I love my Growers Cider, and I also love Okanagan Cider. I am also looking forward to when they put out the Saskatoon Berry flavour! Oh Canada, indeed! Yum!!!! Because it is so sweet, and it doesn't take like alcohol, I have to be careful to only drink it when I know that I won't be driving, and not to have one every day (but ONLY ONE when I do!).

Speaking of nerd, I have had a MAC laptop for a few years, and I only JUST NOW (well, a few days ago) got an Apple ID. I doubt that I will ever use it, but hey...I feel like an adult now!

I took the boys for a few hours on Wednesday. We had a picnic in the park, and we went to a local petting zoo. Even though I am from a ranch, and I grew up around animals, I still kind of enjoy seeing other animals. The boys had a blast!

My laptop was giving grief; we think it was b/c of the track pad. Our Brother-in-Law helped me out the other day. He disabled the track pad while I am using the mouse. Anker had one that he wasn't using, and since we disabled the pad, the problem seems to have gone away. He also helped me adding a program to help with bad Malware, and he also encouraged me to use DuckDuckGo vs Google! We also discovered that I was using a bad search engine.

I got a new screen protector on my phone today! It looks so shiny and new! I love it!

Popeye's ChickenY'all, I might have had it three times in less than 2 weeks. It is SO GOOD!!! 

I am going to house/cat/garden sit for a friend for a few days. Yay for alone time!

I got a GC to/for a few places (it is one of those Combo GCs....they are 6 stores on it), and I bought some mags a special Royal Family book from People. I still have a few more dollars left on it, and I nearly went back there today, but I decided to go again another time.

I have been enjoying sitting outside in my chair and reading. I always have a lawn/camping chair with me, so I sit in it in the sun; by the water, or in the park and read. I love it!

My mom and I went on/for a Girls' Night a few weeks ago. I will pos about that soon! We had a fun time.

We love our new floor :) I will post about that, too! It makes the house so much brighter!

I am sort of liking matcha. My tea lady gave me a few TO GO Matcha sticks, and I have to say, that they aren't that bad!

I bought some tops and some bras from Penningtons few weeks ago. Sadly, one of the bras has ran off, and I am MAD, b/c I really liked it. I hope and prays that it turns up soon. I also bought a top from the local thrift store.

I also have been building my DVD movie collection. I gave all my VHS tapes away (yes, I still had some left!), and now I want to add most of those movies back in DVDs. It may take years. But I hope to get more.

It is "Christmas in July" on W Network. I have seen most of the movies, but it is fun to have them on, when I am just hanging around.

Things have opened up again. I am mostly super pumped. Church is also back, and I am enjoying that. Our library will be opening up soon, but it will only be to pick up your holds, browse and there will be a time limit. Boo, but at least it's something (I am loving the Take Out Service they have!).

I bought some make up from Sephora; both the day after my bday (along with my free bday gift!), and I bought some eye palette's a few days ago. I love them all! The eye shadows are so light and summery! I think they go really well with my complexion.

Succulents are my new favourite plant. I have 3 now, and so far, they are alive!

We are starting to get things from our garden. Anker made 3 jars of jam from our strawberries, and I have eaten a bunch as well; and we have peas on their way. We already have had spinach. I am not sure what else he planted.

I am trying to eat healthier, and walk a bit more. Yah, we will see how long that goes for!

Our oven has been dead for a few weeks, and we are waiting for them to get us another one. I hope it's soon! We have been using our Toaster Oven, stove and microwave.

I forgot to skip a week on Chef's Plate, so we got sent one week. Tonight's was fish tacos. Other than that bad avocado, and cilantro, it was really good! 

I got some retro pay that my work owed me. Yay! We also got our GST $!

I know there was something that I was going to post about on a Friday Fave, but I don't remember what it was. I know that I was going to say something like..."I am probably the last person in the world to..eat/drink/watch this...", but of course, I can't remember what it was/is now!

I am trying to get my mom into loose leaf tea. Poor muffin. She is still doing bagged tea. My friend and I have been trying to expand her tea-izons....:) I am having an online tea party this Monday, and I am "making" my mom attend. Ha! I love Sipology, and I might have bought my mom some tea for her to try. 

I have had coffee with a few friends this week, which has been nice :) I love that we are relaxing things a bit more, but on the other hand, I think we need to be careful not to be too relaxed. However, I am so over everything!! 

I got to chat with my sister today! She lives in Asia, you know :) She is adulting so hard, and like a boss, too!! I am so proud of her!

I bought some sheets  and a duvet cover from Jysks the other week. I love them! The cover was $8, and the sheets were $15. The sheets are so soft...I think they call it "brush style".

I tried some nail wraps a few weeks ago. They didn't go well. I am sad.

There is a new sushi place opening up in our area of town soon! I cannot believe how many sushi places this town has! My friend and I are going to go and try it as soon as possible!

We tried the new Tasty Fully Cooked Burgers from M&M Food Market, and they are really good! They do have a different texture, but they still taste good! Their fish sticks are also really good!

It is so weird to not have the normal festivals and gatherings that normally happen around here. At least the Farmers' Market is still happening!! At first, I didn't think it was wise for them to continue with it this year, but now I am kind of glad they are. I might go down and take a look on Saturday.

I need to get my eyes checked. I hate that I have to pay for it. I know, I am spoiled here in Canada.

I still don't have a primary care physician, so I might have to go to my parents' doctor 2 hours away. We have both been on the wait list for a year. Fun times. 

Anker and I went on a walk the other night. We also had a picnic with A and K in their living room a few weeks ago :) I will sometimes sit outside and read while Anker tends the garden :) Man, do I sound like an old lady or what?

When Things No Longer Give you Joy

Instagram, blogging, journalling, and yes, even reading used to give me so much joy. I would get so much enjoyment from posting IG, blogging, etc. However, in the last few months, those things no longer give me as much joy as they used to.

 So, I ask the question. What do you do when things you used to enjoy no longer bring you as much fun, joy, or relaxation? Do you quit doing them? Do you do them differently? Do you stop doing them for awhile, and then pick them up a few weeks or months? 

What does it mean when these things no longer give you (or spark!) joy? Does it mean that it is the end of a season/era for you? Does it bother you when this happens? What do you do? Do you start another hobby/business?

To be honest, I am kind of bothered that these don't bring me joy. I have been journalling since I was 12 or 12. I have gone through A LOT of journals! And yes, I keep them! I used to journal about once a week. The last time I journaled was 2 months ago. I used to LOVE journaling. It gave me peace, calm, and clarity (that sounds so New Agey!). There is something fulfilling about writing down your thoughts, desires, dreams and your day to day things. Now? I wouldn't say that I couldn't be bothered, but there always seems that there are things I want to do MORE. Like today, I went to Starbucks to get grab a mocha, and I had every intention of journalling. But, what did I do? I picked up a magazine! 

I used to love blogging! I just have felt "bleh" in that department. The words and subjects don't seem to come as easy as they used to. No one wants to read; I rarely get comments; and NO ONE wants to give me free stuff! Ha!!!! I don't feel that I have found that niche in the blogging world. It was infertility, but who wants to hear about that all the time? I have a general reading blog, and I think it is OKAY, but not great. I only have 38 followers. and only a few read each of my posts. So, I kind of am bummed about it, and I am stumped as to where I should "go" with this blog. or if I should even just throw in the towel, and forget it. I DO like writing, which is why I have kept up this blog for so long. I like "meeting" new people through blogiverse, and IG world. I also want to encourage others who may not have things "perfect", and who maybe don't have life all figured out. 

Like most things (cleaning, exercise), once I get into doing it, I generally enjoy it, and I often end up doing more (reading, cleaning, journalling, exercising) than I initially planned on doing. And once I start doing those things, I am thinking, "why don't I do this (whatever it might be) more often?". There is something relaxing about journalling, blogging, and reading. 

IG is another area where I used to really like it (and I still do, I guess), but I am feeling a bit discouraged by it. Yes, it is ONLY Social Media, and probably the least "important" of all the things that like to do, but I really had hoped to have a few more people following (only 1500, but I guess it's better than 38 blog followers!!!), and I had hoped to have had a few collaborations and sponsors by now (I guess that is the same with my blog as well). I tend to post ANYTHING (well, mostly) and EVERYTHING, and I also tag a lot of businesses, in hopes of getting some "sponsored" posts.  Yah, no..nothing yet! As with blogging, I don't really have a niche in the IG world. I don't have kids; I am not into fitness; I am not young and hip; I don't really even do makeup lives anymore (But I think I will start doing that again). I don't have a business or a "brand". I just am an ordinary person living an/her ordinary life. I do try to be real and honest in my posts; I can't stand prefect-perfect people! I actually blogged a bit about it here). So, maybe that can be my thing? Being honest, open, and real? :) Hmmm.....:)

I have, however, given myself grace when it comes to these things. I have tried to not let it worry me too much. Other than the journalling (which actually does kind of bother me, as that I sort of part of who I am), I haven't really given myself a TOO hard a time when it comes to (not) doing these things. I think it is just the time and season that I am not feeling into doing these things. The time where maybe God is saying to let go, and not worry about it, or to focus on other things. Or just to let them be; let myself go, and not be bothered or pressured into do these things. Like most things in life...they disappear for awhile, then you bring them out/up again (or you don't like/like something again)....life keeps changing, WE keep changing. I guess I have to roll with it :)

I think the top pic is from Valentine's Day, and the bottom is from who knows when. I saved it to my laptop May 11, 2020, so I guess it isn't that old! I DO LOVE and enjoy bubble baths and chocolate and champagne!

A Day in the Life: Birthday Edition

Well, it is now a month to the DAY from my bday, so I guess I had "better" do this, or delete it :) I thought instead of doing a day in the life like a usually do a few times a year, and a normal "birthday" post, I would combine the two :)

So...here ya go (hopefully, I remember everything that I did!) I am doing going to do an hour by hour post, b/c I didn't get any photos from the moment that I woke up..but I think I will start from when I left for work.

7:30 am (approx): Happy birthday to MMMEEEE! I wake up and get ready for the day. I put on makeup :)

8:15: I leave for the day...but first, a birthday selfie :)

8:30: Arrive at school to gifts.

8:40: Open gifts.

8:30-10:00 Work. I think it was a good day, from what I can remember :) Ha!

10:30: Go and pick up my friend and her cat to take to the vet. I know...fun times. I am a nice friend..what can I say?

11:30: I drop her off, and I go up the hill to get my driver's licence renewed. I am in an out in 15 minutes.

12:00: Pick up my friend, and we head home. I come home to some cards to open, and I hang out with Calico for a bit.

12:45: I don't remember when it was, if it was on my birthday, or the day before, but I bought some mags, and put them on Anker's account, b/c he didn't get me any bday gifts :) He did, however, make me a cake :)

1:00: Open cards. One is from my mom, and the other from my aunt (or my gramma).

Hang out for a bit, and I scroll on FB; looking at and responding to my HBD messages :)

2:00 (approx): We head on over to A and Ks for cake and tea. They give me a card and a GC to/for Starbucks.

The cake is good!!! It was a berry angel cake.

4:00: We head back home. My friend texts me to say that she has left something at our front porch. 

Isn't that cute?? I love it!!! It is a mug, and inside, there is a succulent plant. They are my new favourite thing. "Eh" is something that we Canadians say a lot...and it is a play on "A" team (as both our names start with the letter "A").

4:15: My other friend texts me to say that she has something for me, and she is on her way to drop it off. I try to have a nap. 

4:30: She arrives at around 4:30, and we chat for a bit. 

She gives me another plant (hilarious!), and also another GC to/for Starbucks. My friends and family know me so well!

4:45: After she leaves, I try to have another nap. It doesn't go well :) But I enjoy my birthday nap/laydown just the same.

5:45: I decide to head over to Starbucks to get my free bday drink :)

        I got Strawberry Acai Refresher with Coconut milk. Yum!

6:00: I head on over to the park to read some magazines for a bit. It is a bit chilly (despite the sun), so I enjoy reading in the car.

7:30: I end up going to look after the boys, b/c it is also A and Ks anniversary. They didn't ask; I offered. I just hang out and relax...the boys are are in bed. I play on my phone, and I watch something on NF (I think...I can't remember).

11:00: I INSIST on ending the day drinking something fun and fruity from my Happy Birthday Glass :) I don't know what I drank exactly; probably wine, or some of a cooler....but it was good. I end the day catching up on my HBD messages. 

All in all, I think it was a pretty good bday!!! So, there you have it! I didn't

t do anything fun or exciting, but it was ok!!! I think as an adult, I put less stress on myself and others to  do something "big" on/for my birthday (or other special days, like Valentine's Day, or our Anniversary). I find if I don't put too much stock in the day, then I am less disappointed. I think I am growing up!

Randoms

I hate my computer today. It doesn't like me. It is giving me ALL KINDS of problems! The screen is having an anxiety attack :)

So...here are some randoms...

5 years ago, we went to Victoria, and I never blogged about it. We both had a wonderful time, and I really want to move there...for realz. We spent a few days there; I went to the mall, and to the Christian book store (that may have been more than once), and I saw my SIL Amanda and the girls. I think Luke joined A and I for lunch in a square al fresco, then Amanda and I went wandering around.

Christmas 2018, Anker and I went to Victoria. We flew there on Christmas Day, which was a first for both of us. We had a wonderful time. Anker and his sister went off on a field trip and I saw L and his family. We had a wonderful time! We went on a walk on the beach by the Ocean, and I again I started dreaming about moving there! We came home on the 30th (?), to SNOW and ICE! That part was NOT FUN! If you want to see pictures from both trips, you can check on my IG. You will have to go a LOOOONG way back, b/c I post way too much!

I think I posted about Christmas 2019, but I didn't post about NYE. I think we came back on the 27th or 28th, and I ended up house/animal sitting for some friends. The plan was for them to come on the 31st, but the roads were so bad, that the came home the next day. I stayed in alone, drank fun drinks, ate fun foods, and I watched TV. I am not sure what we did after the 1st until I went back to school. I think we just stayed home and relaxed.

The first week of summer holidays were pretty good. I house/dog sat for my friend. I had a great time; ereading on her deck, and hanging with her dog. I went to Starbucks, got some clothes, and I got magazines (I didn't get clothes from Starbucks!). I got a $50 combination GC, and one of the places was to Indigo/Chapters (another great Canadian store!), where I bought some magazines, including a special PEOPLE Royalty book. 

I took the boys out to the ranch for 3 days last Thursday - Saturday. Their kitchen is still be Reno'd, due to a leak two months ago, and K wanted to be around while they were working on it. I had a nice (albeit busy!) time, and Mom and I tag-teamed to look after J. It rained A LOT while were were there! Like, A LOT!!!! We came back into town on Saturday, and I grabbed Anker, and we had a picnic at A and Ks house with them. We had A&W, and they had food from another local place. We had a lovely visit, and Anker seemed to enjoy being out (Yes, I had to twist his rubber arm!).

I have had a couple of movie nights with Emily, which has been fun. I took out my friend, P on a couple of occasions, and we have had some fun times out on the town, and we played a few card games at her house.

Things are starting to open up around here. Some places (like some Starbucks) are open to half capacity, and most places have reopened, if only for take out. McDonald's is open (half), and my friends and I met up for coffee, on Sunday, which was nice. The library is starting their reopening process, and that makes me very happy!

I have started on my resume. I hate doing them, but at least I found my old resume, so I can work from that. I don't have my old one on my computer, because I have had two or three computers since I wrote my last resume. I also now have a MAC, which wouldn't have been able to save anyway.

Speaking of new clothes (see above), I bought two tops from a local store, and I also got two bras, and a shirt that I found out later was actually a PJ top. 

I have been "bad" at two things lately, buying magazines and buying coolers/ciders (what IS the difference btwn the two, anyway??). YUM!!! I like having them with my Sipology/Steeped Tea, and/or sparking water. Yum!

Canada Day was weird. It rained, and with nothing happening (which we probably wouldn't have gone to, anyway), it just felt like an ordinary day. I did dress in red and white, which was fun :) I was also fairly productive, as I got a few things done, so that is good. There weren't even any fireworks, which I thought might have happened, but nothing did. I think if A and Ks house wasn't under construction, I think we probably would have gone over there. She and I love our holidays! Anker and I ran out to get a few Canada-only snacks, and we just hung out. I spent a lot of the day doing what is new the first part of the Canada Day post. We had poutine for supper, and I had a bubble bath. 

I have decided not to apply to/for CERB, so I am a bit stressed about $, but I have a TINY bit of $ put away, so we should be ok. I spent 4 hours on hold with CRA (IRS), wanting to ask a question, and I FINALLY got the answer. Yay! We have been able to have some relief with not paying some things; my Student Loan, and our car insurance. I am pretty sure the car insurance will start up again. We got a bit of extra GST $ in April, and another small (but larger than normal) one coming up.

I tried some nail wraps that my friend gave me. She gave them to me in the spring in a gift (Wine Fairy) basket. I tried, and oh my...it did not turn out well. I was sad b/c I was really excited about trying them, too.

I was reading a lot of books, but lately, I have been reading more magazines. I still have a few books that I am toting, so I hope to get to them soon.

Anker and I might go on a hike this summer. But first, we need to go for walks to build up on our endurance. 

I took the boys to Starbucks and on a walk today. It was nice to get a small walk in :) I love my nephews. They have my heart.

The W Network is having a "Christmas in July" event next week, and you can bet that I will be all over that!!

I thought I had skipped every week this summer for Chef's Plate, but I got a nice email (on my phone!!),  and I checked it in the middle of the night last night, and they said that they were sending us a box. All but one meal looks good.

Our oven died, and we are looking for a new one. Anker said that element went white hot. I was at my friends, so I didn't get to see or hear this phonomenim. At least we have our toaster oven! It uses less heat, anyway.

I know have my main email on my phone, and it kind of feels weird. Until I started my last job, I never had emails on my phone. It opened up a whole new world for me (along with Google Docs!). I can see why people get stressed with having their email on their phones, though. My work email wasn't so bad, but my personal email gets a lot.

I think that is all the random tidbits for now :) The rest, I will try to do an individual blog post, IF and when my computer gets fixed. The funny thing is, I haven't really been feeling the blogging vibe lately, and now that I have, well, I can't, due to computer problems. Grr!

More Reasons Why I Love Canada

Well, I was OBSESSING about this post all day yesterday, wondering if I should put more in/on this post about I love my country so much. I decided that I would post a part 2 :) 

We have some of the Best produce in the world/

Canada is #1 in growing low bush blueberries.

Indigo/Chapters

Penningtons

Boston Pizza

London Drugs

Shopper's Drug Mart

Michael Buble

Amazing Race Canada

Calgary Stampede, PNE, Winter Carnival, etc.

We have a deep and rich history (however, see also #s 115-119 for some not so cool history).

Rogers, Purdy's and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory!

Serena Ryder

The Canadian Tenors

The Piano Guys

We have some of the best ciders/coolers in the world.

I also thought that A/C was invented by Canadian, but I see different facts debating this.

Heartland

We really should have just bought AK.

We say "grade" before the the year (eg: "grade 2").

Haida Gwaii

Crashing Coasts

Prairies

Chinooks

The Pacemaker (and again, you're welcome!).

We know how to win at sports (Hello, Hockey!!?), but will sometimes let other people/teams win.

Because we are nice like that.

Hudson's Bay (or, commonly called "The Bay").

Toronto Film Festival

Niagra Falls

The Badlands

We have one of the hottest fashion meccas in the world (ok, I might be making that one up!)!

Kraft Dinner; apparently KD is a Canadian Term.

We also eat 55% more KD/Mac N Cheese than Americans

We have the most donut shops per capita in the world.

We refer to ourselves as "Canucks".

We say "eh' a lot, and also.."oh yah, sure", "Yah, no", and "No, yeah".

We have strict(er) gun rules.

We have the strongest current

Loonies and Toonies

Dill Pickle Chips

We have our own Moonshine called Screech.

Caramilk Bar 

Mars Bar

Canada Dry GingerAle

Jos Louis

Crush Cream Soda 

We like to name our towns and monuments strange names.

Bagged Milk

Avril Lavigne

Nickleback

The Hoodos.

We have a town whose name comes from Star Trek.

Superman

The legal drinking age is 19, except in AB, MB, and QU, where it is 18.

Canadian Living, Chatelaine, MacLeans, and Hello Canada Magazine

Anna Olson, Lynne Crawford, Michael Smith, Mary Berg

Various cooking/baking shows

We are home to some amazing Hallmark actors/tresses!!!!

RAF/Canadian Forces

Canadian Tire

Schitt's Creek

Obviously, I could post 37M MORE reasons why I love my country, so please don't email or comment, saying "why did you include this, but not this?"

153 Reasons Why I/We/To Love Canada

On last week's cover of People, the top heading reads "100 Reasons to Love America". Naturally, of course, I decided that I could top that, being a woman of many words, and all :) Our nation is 153 years young on July 1st (Yes, we have a national birthday, too. You're welcome!), and I thought I would write up 153 reasons why I LOVE CANADA!!! (You're welcome again!). Canada has laid claim to many tv shows, celebrities, inventions, records broken of various genres, and of course, we are NICE!

                                                                  Photo Credit: Andrew Strain

So, without further ado...let's begin :)

1) Free Healthcare

2) Colourful Money

3) We can spell correctly (Centre, Favourite, Colour, Saviour)!

4) We are so polite.

5) Freedom!

6) We (usually) have 4 seasons!

7) Poutine

8) Beaver Tails

9) Maple Syrup

10) Our PM is easy on the eyes.

11) The second largest country (in landmass) in the world, with over 9M Sq KM (over 3M Sq M).

12) We share the longest continues undefended land border (with the US) in the world.

13) We are larger than the EU.

14) Alert, NU, is the world's northernmost settlement.

15) Ketchup Chips

16) Viola Desmond

17) Harriet Tubman (not Canadian, but she led people through UR, to Canada)

18) Baby Pablum was invented in Canada.

19) (Ice) Wine (some of the best in the world!) Only country to make ice wine.

20) Beer

21) Tragically Hip/Gord Downie

22) Corner Gas

23) Schitt's Creek

24) Kim's Convenience

25) We use the metric system (ok, though we also use imperial some of the time).

26) 10 provinces, and 3 territories.

27) Coffee Crisp

28) Smarties

29) Cuban Crunch

30) We have the world's longest coastline.

31) NWMP?RCMP/Regional-City/OPP

32) The Ogopogo

33) Tim Horton's, Second Cup, Timothy's Coffee

34) The Maple Leaf is our national emblem.

35) We have the second highest summit in N. America

36) Our National Parks are larger than most countries.

37) We have like, a kajillion lakes; we actually have more lakes than the rest of the world.

38) Blue Rodeo

39) Celine Dion

40) CCMA (that will cover pretty much any Canadian Country Music artist).

41) Sir Frederick Banting/Insulin

42) Margaret Atwood

43) Terry Fox

44) Nellie McClung

45) Clara Hughes

46) Tommy Douglas (see #1)

47) Alexander Graham Bell/Telephone

48) Ryan Reynolds

49) Ryan Gosling

50) Rachel McAdams

51) Brett Kissel

52) Paul Brandt

53) Cirque De Soliel (though I did see that they are filing for bankruptcy).

54) James Cameron

55) Mike Myers

56) Martin Short

57) Eugene Levy

58) Canada has North America's strongest current.

59) Totem Poles and Inuksuks (Inukshuks)

60) Catherine O'Hara

61) Chris Hadfield

62) Kinder Surprise

63) Pluto Living

64) Dr. Bonnie Henry

65) Nanaimo Bars

66) Butter Tarts (with raisins, or with out??)

67) Chapman's Ice Cream

68) Jillian Harris

69) All Dressed Chips

70) Ceaser (Mock) Cocktail (our version the Bloody Mary)

71) Hockey

72) Basketball (yes, it was invented in Canada).

73) Raptors (see above)

74) Lacrosse

75) We are not afraid to be outside ALL year round!

76) Rick Mercer

77) Tourtiere

78) Our Northern Lights are the bomb.

79) MB is host of the Polar Bear Capital of the world.

80) We have a "Royal City".

81) Wells Gray Park/

82) Aveley Heritage Sheep Ranch (yes, that is a shameless plug!)

83) Solitude B&B (yep, another shameless plug!)

84) The best lamb EVA!!!!

85) The best beef EVA!!!

86) We have 3 Indengious people that are the true founders of our Country.

87) There are Metis, Inuit, and the First Nations People

88) No need to go to Europe, when the Okanagan has Europe-Worthy views and vistas.

89) Our anthem turns 40 years old this year.

90) A lot of films are made here; we are called the Hollywood of the North.

91) While we don't have the ONLY Ice Hotel in the world, we do have the COLDEST (QU)!

92) Our National Anthem is actually has Christian lyrics.

93) Our colours are red and white; the red being from Saint George's Cross.

94) Our current flag is "new"; being adopted from the Union Jack in 1964.

95) The Snowbirds

96) A lot of the names of places are named after/for/from the First Nation People

97) We come together and help each other when things happen (fires, floods, pandemics).

98) We have an going "fight" with Denmark about who owns an Arctic Island. Then we trade whiskey.

99) Wayne Gretksy (see what I did there?)

100) There was a fight over maple syrup (isn't this our version of the "Boston Tea Party"?)

101) We produce 80% of the world's maple syrup.

102) Bear/Pepper Spray is illegal to carry here.

103) But Cannabis is legal.

104) We have the longest skating rink in the world.

105) We like to host parties and festival. A lot. Even in the winter. Because we are hearty like that.

106) We have the longest highway in the world (TWCH).

107) 80% of the world's cherries originate in Summerland, BC (see also: Weird place names!)

108)  MB has the most production and exportation of Canola Oil in the world.

109) We have the longest running street in the world.

110) Our country started out as a colony, that was called New France.

111) It was given the name Kanata, which is an Iroquios-Huron name for Village or Settlement.

112) It was given to a settlement called Stadacona, in Quebec.

113) The new name was unofficially given by Jacques Cartier in 1545 (approx).

113) The name grew popular in part due to his calling the St. Lawrence River "The River of Canada"

114) You cannot make this stuff up.

115)We have some history that we would like to forget, and that we are not proud of (see #119).

116) However, we helped win WW2, and free Concentration Camps, so that's cool!

117) We like (and not afraid) to say "sorry".

118) In 2008, our PM, Mr. Stephen Harper issued a public apology regarding Residential Schools.

119) This had to do with sending First Nations Children away to schools (Google for more info).

120) CBC, CTV, and Global (plus their own 24 hour news channels!)

121) Elk, Moose, Geese, Bear (Kodiak Bear!), Deer, among amazing animals.

122) The Beaver is our national Animal.

123) Although our history is long, our country is new; 153 years young; 1867!!

124) There is a city that runs btwn VT and QU. True story.

125) We get both the Canadian and American versons of TLC, HGTV, Food Network, etc.

126) We don't have Hallmark in Canada, so the W Network is our version of it.

127) We actually report on news in other countries, not just our own.

128) We (usually!) protest nicely!

129) We have the largest fresh water fishing lake in the world.

130) We invented the snowblower (and again, you're welcome!)

131) We also boast that we have the longest bridge over the shortest body of water.

132) Saskatoons (berries; there is also a city in SK called Saskatoon; not sure which was named first).

133) Huckleberries

134) We have the only walled city in N.America.

135) There is a town called Lloyminster that spans between two provinces (AB/SK).

136) We seem like we are confused. A lot.

137) There are a few places that are in Canada that officially belong to the States.

138) We have 10% of the world's forests.

139) We have the world's largest Hockey stick.

140) The First Nations Assembly recognizes 630 First Nations Communities.

141) We have the world's largest Easter egg.

142) Canada is home to the two top 10 largest/deepest lakes in the world.

143) Excellent TV programming! (RIP 80s and 90s shows!! See also various #s).

144) We have one of the largest diamond mines in the world.

145) We have amazing talent, athletes, celebrities, artists, photographers, singers, inventions, etc.

146) We also have the deepest lake in North America.

147) We invented the paint roller.

148) Our country touches three oceans.

149) Peanut butter (invented in Canada)

150) The first search engine was invented in Canada.

151) Imax

152)  Java Script Language

153) We have the third narrowest streets in the world.

Some Bonus facts:

As you can see, there are A LOOOOOOT of wonderful (and some, not so wonderful) facts about our great nation! There are also a TON MORE that I am either forgetting, or that it would take a life time to post here. But, I think you get the idea!!! I am not going to link anything up b/c A) It would take too long, B), nobody cares, C), you find these links for yourself, it's called Google, and D) I am not getting paid to share them, so, why bother? :) Also, in order to keep the statements one liners, they might not all make sense, nor they will all say where in Canada they are located, so you might want to go and check our the internet for more information. It is also why one fact might take up a few numbers :) 

                                                            🍩🍒🍓🐃🎉🎇🎆⛄🍁🍺🌿🛶

                                          HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

**This post took me, legit 10 hours to compose. True Story**