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?

Five on Friday/Randoms

Here are some Friday Faves from the last while. I will try to keep them short and brief :)

1) Shoes
I bought some shoes from Value Village a couple of weeks ago, and I really like them. Well, I love one pair. The other pair? Not so much! I wore them to my work Christmas party, and it did not go well! At least they were pretty! I might sell them, or I might keep them for when I need a fun pair of shoes. I really love the other pair, though!

               I love these boots! These shoes below? Not so much! But don't they look pretty?

2) Christmas (plans, movies, parties, decorating, baking, etc)
I actually decorated our tree a couple of weeks ago! We also bought some more ornaments today, so we put some of those on the tree. I went to another party that we girls had. 3 of us were missing, but we four had fun. I had fun at our work Christmas party last wknd. There was fun, food, laughter, and spitting crickets (dude, it's a thing!). The party was over by 8:30. #christianspartyhard I also started (finally!) doing some baking this weekend! I of course, have watched a million Christmas movies!! Our plans this year involve going to Victoria to see Anker's sister and her family. She found us an awesome deal (well, an awesome deal would be for 10$, but it is close enough!), as we don't want to drive, and the bus service since Greyhound closed down is a bit dicey. We are going for 4 days, and we are looking forward to it! There have been a few girls' parties, as well. I think I have blogged about them, but 4 of us girls got together this last Thursday. We had appies, and we watched a movie, called Book Club. It was hilarious!

3) New Owners of our Complex
We have new owners of our apartment complex! We were a bit worried as who would buy it, but we found out WHO bought it, well, we were pretty happy! The owners are actually semi-related to me! The want to keep the place as is, and not demolish it...nor raise the rent..Yay!

4) Hypoxy Rear Defrost thing working
Late last winter (or early spring), the connector to our rear defroster on our car went. Anker found something online that would work. It never came. Well, it took about 4,000 phone calls to PayPal and to Canada Post, and lo and behold, it came! He put it on the next morning, and it worked!!! We said a few prayers that day, y'all!

5) Not getting sick
While everyone at work has been sick with some sort of plague, I thankfully haven't gotten it! I know I still could, so I will not be smug, but to be honest, I am really surprised that I haven't gotten it yet!

6) Dates with Anker
Anker and I went out on American Thanksgiving evening. We were only going to go for coffee (which we also did!), but then went to Denny's for dinner. I had to the Turkey Dinner, and it was actually pretty good!!! It was nice to spend some time together. Then, yesterday, we ran an errand, and then grabbed coffee on our way home. Last weekend, we decorated the tree, and then we had brunch in front of the tree, while we watched Christmas Chronicles. It was cute!

7)) Grant Mullen Wknd
One weekend in October, I went to my parents'. The churches in town were co-hosting a speaker named Dr. Grant Mullen. He is a doctor from Ontario, who now specializes in mental health. I went all day Saturday, and I really enjoyed it. I also got his book, and Mom bought me a dvd.

8) Socials /Snack/Secret Santa(work)
We have socials (coffee/snack/drinks out) once a month. I didn't go to the last one, but I will probably go to the one this week. It is fun to go and hang out with my colleagues, have some laughs, and just relax at the end of the day. We also have snack day one a month (they sometimes happen on the same day!), which is kind of fun! We have lots of fun goodies, and it makes packing my lunch a bit easier (less food to take!). We also had our 2nd annual secret santa at work. It is completely optional to be involved, but I would say about half of us do. I know it's a bit more $ (not super expensive gifts, but it does add up), but it is fun, and it helps to get to know our co-workers a bit more.

 The gifts started coming in on Monday, and I wasn't sad about it. Below is a teacher gift from one of the students.

                           I think this was Day 2 of our Secret Santa. I got chocolates. Yum!!!

9) Senior (and our own) light tours
I went out with a friend to our city's light show last Thursday. It was good, but I could have covered more ground if I had driven myself. It was nice not to have to worry about (not) driving off the road while looking at the lights. After the tour, we went downtown, where we had coffee/hot chocolate and goodies, and listened to a Rube Band play. I was home SUPER late, so was a tad annoyed..oh well. At least I could say that I have gone, now. A week or so prior, my friend and I drove around (after getting coffee from McD's) looking at the Christmas lights. I had fun driving around looking at everyone's lights!

10) Two Party Weekend
The Remembrance Day Long Wknd, I went to TWO parties on ONE night! Can you believe it? You would think I was 35, or something! Our friend's bday was on the 10th, so we went to a Chinese place, and it was so good! After we were done, I went over to my other friend's place for a couple of hours, as she was having her bday party, and she had invited me. I wasn't sure if I was going to go, but I ended going for a bit, and I had a fun time!

11) The Grinch
I saw the new Grinch movie a couple of weekends ago. I liked it.

12) Baby, It's Cold Outside
I am glad this song is back on the air. Really, people have WAY too much time on their hands and over think, sometimes!

13)No snow
I am happy that it hasn't snowed yet! I really do dislike winter driving!!

14) Winter wear
I finally took out our winter wear the other wknd. It has been fairly cold on and off the last couple of weeks. It had to be done!

15) Kraft Lime Dressing
Y'all, if you haven't tried toe Kraft Lime Dressing yet, you should! It is devine!

16) Christmas Concert
Our school's Christmas concert is this week. I will be going, as moral support :) It should be a fun and crazy time!!

17) Being an Aunty Again
I have been sitting on this news for awhile, but I am going to be an aunty again! My brother Luke, and his wife are going to have baby #3 in the spring!! N is 6, and L is almost 4! We are all so happy for them, as they have had some miscarriages, which has been very heartbreaking for them.

18) Advent Bible Reading
I have been slowly been reading some of the Advent readings. I have about 10, including one that I started last year.

19) Placement Cards
I have also decided to open up an Etsy shop, for clearly, I have missed my calling. I was asked to make placement cards for our work party last wknd, and Y'all, they were epic!

20) No Payment on my SL for a few months
No payment on my SL for the next few months, which makes us very happy! We are going to be really short on funds for the next couple of months, as we found out that Anker won't get his full disability cheque next week, and won't get any in January. Not sure on how we we will manage, but we will somehow.

21) Pinterest ideas for school
I am pretenting that I am a teacher, and going online to find a few ideas to keep the kids occupied for the next week or so. I am happy that I found two Bingo Games, a couple of Booklets (including a memory game), and a few crafts :) If you want to find a relatively easy craft, go here to check it out! It is a Christmas Tree craft. You can decorate it with whatever you want! I found a few things from the dollar store, and they worked really well (small pom-poms, sticky "jewels", sticky "gifts", etc). Go here for some free Bingo printable!

22) Steeped Tea Party
I had/held an online Steeped Tea party last week, and I didn't think that I was going to get the host (or any other) gift, and sure enough, at the last minute, some orders came in, so I was able to get a ton of stuff!!!

TToT (First of these in A While)

EEEK!!! I haven't done a TToT in, well, FOREVER!!! The last one I did was two TToT's in one, back at the end of December.

So, I am linking up with Liz for the weekly Ten Things of Thankful.

As some of you know, we are in a bit of a rough patch right now. Between work (or lack there of), finances, health issues, etc,  I am finding it hard to think of things to be thankful for. Well, not so much hard, as I am really having to find (and be conscious of) things to be thankful for. And now, it looks like our car will need work, too.


Ok, so here we go...

1. New Hair.

I already posted this on Friday, but bear with me, people. Who says duplicate things don't count? I got my hair cut last Tuesday. I love it!!! You can check my other post from Friday for pics.

2. New (to me) Wardrobe.

My friend and neighbour gave me about two garbage bags of clothes. I love them!!! Shirts, sweaters, and even some leggings and bras. I am so stoked!!! I think they look pretty good on me, if I do say so myself.

3, New Job (s).

I am working two (albeit) casual jobs. I love both, but I wish I had more hours. One is in a group home, and one is as a mother's helper.

4. Anker's Good (at least for now) Test Results.

We had no clue what was going on, but Anker has been sick since the new year. There were some markers regarding his liver, and he had another BT and an US, and so far, everything looks good. We are waiting to hear back from a GI specialist (we just can't make them ourselves in Canada), which we hope won't take too long. He also seems to have a bit more energy.

5. Friends.

A friend gave me season 4 of Downton Abbey. Another friend took me to lunch today. Other friends have taken us for supper and lunch, and given us GC's, and cash to help us out. Our Aunt and Uncle have also been lending us some money to help us along (yes, I consider them my friends, too!!!). We are blessed, even if it doesn't feel or look like it at the time.

6. Getting Closer to Spring.

Yah, it's still chilly out, but hey, at least most of the snow on the ground is gone (well, on the cement, anyway). I can't wait until I start seeing grass (actually I have seen a bit..yay).

7. The Friends I have made through Blogging, my FG groups and Games.

Ok, this is similar to #5, but please, give me a break:) I am LOVING all the new friends I have made through Fluff Friends (well, that game is gone, now, but I have kept a lot of friends), and Trainstation, and of course, from Blogging and my FB groups. I am almost thinking that they are my true friends as of late. They are the ones I often go to if I am having a bad day, or whatever. Love you all!

8. Family.

I am really missing my family lately! Esp the little people. I need some serious Skyping time!!

9. Canada Kicked Butt at Sochi.

I am SOOO proud to be Canadian today!!  We did well! 25 medals, baby!!! Not mention we took Gold in mens/womens curling and mens/womens hockey!!

10. Favourite Returning Shows.

Amazing Race and The Little Couple are back!!

Sunday Social Wk 2

It is Sunday Social time!! Oh, what a fun Blog link up!!! I am linking up with Ashley for

                                              1. What is your favorite breakfast food?
                I love peanut butter on toast. I also like waffles/pancakes/French Toast

2. What is the best way to spend a free day?

Sleep in, relax, maybe go out for coffee, then come back and do more relaxing. Spending a lot of time on FB.

3. If you had an airline ticket to anywhere in bathe world, where would you go and why?

It changes all time. Right now, I would settle just to go somewhere in any part of Canada and spend some time quality time with hubby (neither of us have current passports).

4. You can only leave the house with one thing...what is it?

My purse, which would hopefully have my phone, car keys, meds, etc it in. Also our kitty cat :)

5. How do you take your coffee?

I don't usually take straight coffee, but when I do, it is with cream and Splenda. But I usually have a Mocha.

 Next wks questions.

1. What was your biggest middle school fashion mistake?

2. Who were your best friends in high school? Pics?

3. What was a typical weekend like for you in high school?

4. Did you have any boyfriends/girlfriends? Tell us about that.

5. Did you have any secret codes with your friends? Spill your secrets!

6. If you could relive one day/moment/experience from middle school or high school, what would it be?

Five on Friday/SUYL/Random 5

Well, I am FINALLY "caught up" on posts, as of today :)

Yes, it is the little things, people!

I am linking up with the girls for this wks FoF. Yes, I could do a hyper link with all four, but since it has their blog names on here, well, you can find them. I link up with April, Liz, Darci and Christina.

1. New (to me) Wardrobe
My friend and neighbour gave me a bunch of clothes the other night. I love them!!! Tops, pants, and some tank tops. I don't need to go shopping for, well, at least awhile!!! I will post a few pics sometime.

2. New Hair
I got my hair cut the other day. It hasn't been this short in forever. I happened upon some pics of when I got my hair cut last summer, but it wasn't that short...
Here is a little comparison:
June 2013

 Feb 2014

                                                        See? Shorter!! I really like it.

3. Roll up the Rim is back!!!
What Dunkin' Donuts are to Americans, Tim Hortons is to Canadians. As much as I love my 'Bucks, I love me some TH's FV. SOOOO good!! Plus each cup has TWO chances of winning this year.

4.  Canadians winning GOLD in Women's Hockey.
Yes, we won, but the Americans made us work VERY hard!!! It was a great game for both teams, ladies. But you gotta learn to be good/gracious losers!!! You all looked mighty ticked at the medal ceremony.

5. The Rest of our VDay Wknd
Our wknd ended up being ok. Saturday evening, hubby and I watched a couple of movies while cuddling, which was really nice. Hubby also bought me a few things on Sunday for Vday. I think we watched a movie on Sunday night, too.

                                          Yes, they are red and white candles for Canada.

                                              Linking up with Kelly for this wks SUYL.
This week it is on infertility. This SUYL was originally slated to be done last summer, but she completely forgot about it, and she decided to do it another time. Well, the time is finally here!!!

Here is the original post from June 2013 intended for that wks SUYL:

I am blessed to be linking up with www.kellyskornerblog.com this week to talk about infertility.
This has become a very real and sad reality for Anker and I. And this has a special place in my heart. I haven't really talked too much about our infertile journey, but there are a few posts in which I have highlighted/touched on it.
As some of you are aware, I have PCOS (if you don't know what it is, look it up), which basically causes me not to ovulate on my own. Since finding this out (for sure) in Jan 2009 (approx.), I have been on Metformin. It has eased my cycles immensely, for which I am grateful. After trying for awhile, we (or I) started wondering why I wasn't getting pregnant. We were going to get some tests going, when I got sick in March 2010. Fast forward to August 2010; we went to the BCWCH for me to get checked out and to see if whether my body could indeed carry a baby. I was thought that I was told that we could cautiously go ahead with getting pregnant. I was going to start on Clomid, but I didn't want to spend $$ we didn't have on meds, when hubs hadn't gotten some tests done yet. Fast forward to February of last year. Hubs got tests done...and sadly, we aren't able to have them on our own. I also found out that I have the CF gene (as does some of my other family members), and I am also diabetic, have high cholesterol, among other things. Doesn't quite make me candidate for mommy-to-be of the year, does it?
This past winter/spring, we started asking hubby about using a donor sperm.  Anker said that it would be ok, as long as I was healthy enough to carry/deliver a baby, and it is what I wanted. Adoption is not an option for us, and hubby doesn't really want to adopt or foster kids, which makes me sad. I don't know if I could foster kids, either. Anyway...I went to my OB/GYN, who was all for my going the SD route.  A couple of weeks later, I got a call from her, asking me to come back to discuss some things. I wasn't exactly ready for what she had to say..although I should have. She said that the doctors at BCWCH said that it would be a health risk for me to carry and deliver a baby, and my doctor said that in her good conscious and good health, she wouldn't be able to recommend me to a Fertility clinic, and for me to have a baby. This was disheartening, to say the least. I didn't cry, but I was upset. Another dream. Gone. Dead.
To be honest, I am done with even trying anymore. Life hasn't been the kindest to us (see the other days post), and we don't have the money for things a baby and child needs. I don't eve know if I would make a good mom. Anker is over 50, and has decided that he is too old be a dad, and I am too tired to try to convince him otherwise.
Everything in life (well, most things) have been a struggle. Not everything has come easy. I didn't get married at 19; I got married at 31. I am not super skinny, or even fit; I am over weight. I haven't (until now) had the best training; I went back to school at 36. I haven't really had a job where I have enjoyed going to; until now, where I am working. I love it. I have had some mean bosses (and I mean, MEAN); I would cry all the time, because I didn't want to go to work. So honestly? I am done with trying anymore...just done.
To be honest, infertility sucks. NO ONE understands what it means to have (what I call) TRUE INFERTILTIY; when you can't have kids, and aren't able to adopt. EVER. I love how some people THINK they understand; "it took us a year to get pregnant", "We stopped trying and BANG! we got pregnant"..."it was hard to get pregnant with my first, then BAM, we have 4 more with out even trying!!" People try to understand, but they can't. Some people are really good in trying to say something nice, and I really appreciate it. They try to encourage, and say they are praying for God's will for us, etc...which is very sweet.
In a world where Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are places where people put on their pregnancy announcements, (not to mention celebs getting pregnant every 5 minutes...yes, I am looking at you K&K!!),it is hard to keep from becoming bitter. I have had to hide my PG friends' FB posts from my news feed. I don't go to baby showers, unless I absolutely have to. There are days that I am ok, and other days where it just plain sucks.
Take yesterday, for example. I got into a bit of a bad mood. I have two wonderful FB/Blogging friends...One is a BLM, and one who is an adoptive momma. One who is still missing her girl she lost nearly 3 years ago (who has 54 others, and one on the way), and one who was talking about taking her babies on an outing. And I was sad:( I wish I could have the "problem" of taking out my 2 or three small babies, or missing my girl, while pregnant with another...I haven't even had a positive PG test! I have taken many...you know..just in case:) It is always negative. I hate how I get upset and bitter at these wonderful people who are just going along on their journey.
I don't know what God has in store for us. I would love to go to Africa, or Asia, or somewhere, and work in an orphanage, and love on those babies and littles. I am praying that God shows me (us) where to go. I would love to work with kids in some capacity here as well. Which is probably partially why I turned down the job last week.
So, infertility is something that you deal with every day. Maybe not ALL the time, but yes, at some point in the day (at least for me), I think about it. There is some talk of our Health care system covering infertile treatments. You know what? I agree! Why? Because it is a disease of our Reproductive organs. Smokers who smoke for years, and get cancer get free health care. Why shouldn't infertile couples? Just my opinion. Anorexia is a disease; there is help. There is (AA)  help for alcoholics...anyway...that is a post for another day..:)
So, that is my post on infertility:) I would love to hear from any of you, especially if you are a Canadian Childless Momma!!
PS...in totally unrelated news, my Alberta (and some of BC) friends in a flood, please pray for them today. The City and a lot of AB is underwater. Hashtag # yycflood, and you will get TONS of pics:)


I also did another post inspired from one of my infertility groups on FB. You can read it here.

I just saw that Nancy is doing R5F this week, so I thought I would join in.

1. I have way too many TV shows that I am watching. Just when one show is ending, another show is starting. Amazing Race, The Little Couple...Call the Midwife...geez. Thank heaven's for our PVR.

2. I need to clean my house. Like really clean it. Then I watch Hoarders, and realize that it isn't that bad. Then, I sit down and watch more TV.

3. I have had to start on my nerve pain meds as of tonight. I have had DNP for a year, and I have been kind of ignoring it, and hoping that it would go away. Then, I got the meds in November, and it seemed to clear up. The last couple of days it has been really bad. I have it in my feet. I need to get healthier. Sigh.

4. Wednesday, I had a day of nothingness, and I loved it. I did do a bit of clutter cleaning, but other than that, I FB'd and hung out. I only went out to get the mail. True story.

5.  I actually made a healthy meal last night. We had lamb meat balls/loaves. They were really good! Every once in awhile, I get the urge to make a healthy dinner. Tonight wasn't one of them.

5.1. I haven't been called to work at Job #1 since last Thursday. Thankfully, I have been working at job #2, which helps.

5.2. My computer is sick. It keeps taking me to Asian Beauties. Jeez, aren't I pretty enough?? Hubby needs to spend time fixing it.

Above all..I am thankful for that somehow we get by. God is in control, even though we don't always see it. I don't know how we manage like we have (well, I do, but I am still in awe). I am thankful

SO MANY Blog Link Ups, SO little time....! Sunday Social #1 (for me)

There are SO MANY Blog link ups that I have come across lately! There are a few that are no longer going on, so I am going to try to link up with a few new ones. So, I guess that I means I have to add more blogs to my reading list, and add the blog link up buttons :)

So, I am linking up with Ashley for Sunday Social

1. What are your favorite things to do on a lazy day?

Sleep in, stay in my jammies until at least noon, and then maybe head out for a Starbucks. I would love to do with my hubby, but it doesn't always work out. I love going out alone, though.

2. What is your tv guilty pleasure?

I got into the Bachelor this season. I FastForward through half of it, though. I also like 90 Day Fiance, and I started on Scandal but I stopped half way through the first season. I also am into My 600 lb Life.

3. What is your favorite road trip music?

Celine Dion, Country Music, pretty much anything with a beat.

4. What are your favorite magazines or books to read by the pool or laying around?

People is my absolute favorite! I also love US Weekly, and Woman's World. I also like Glamour, and well, pretty much any other magazine. I love Danielle Steel books, and Francine Rivers.

5. What is your favorite snack?

Popcorn. And Chocolate. I love M&M's

Your turn! Answer the questions, grab our button, and link up with Neely and me!

Next week's questions

1. What is your favorite breakfast food?

2. What is the best way to spend a free day?

3. If you had an airline ticket to anywhere in the world....where would you go and why?

4. You can only leave the house with one thing...what is it?

5. How do you take your coffee?

The Boys Behind the Blog

  I am joining in again with Mal for her monthly BBTB post!

  The Boys Behind the Blog #9 QUESTIONS: 1. If you could live anywhere, where would you live?    Hawaii/Polynesian islands, etc (warm!)   2. Sand or snow?   Sand   3. What Winter Olympic sport would you rock at?   Curling or Luge     4. You're cooking a romantic dinner- what is your go-to dish?   Spaghetti with special sauce.   5. Fill in the blank: This year, I gave (your wife/girlfriend/fiance's name) a ____________________ for Valentine's Day?   Nothing (he is in the dog house a little bit about that)    EDITED: Feb 20/21..we did go out on Sunday, where he grabbed me a few things :)

Five on Friday/Random 5

Hello Friday!!!

I was going to add pictures to this wks post, but I just don't feel like uploading them to FB, then saving them, etc.

To be honest, I am a bit in a bad mood. Just really stressed....hubby is stressed....that being said, here are a few things that I enjoyed this wk.

1. Downton Abbey SSN 4.

A friend from our Bible Study who is a fellow DA fan felt that she needed to get me season 4. That's right, I can now FINISH the season at my leisure..love it.

2. Club Soda.

I love it with juice. It tastes good and b/c it has no sugar, you only have to put in a little bit of juice to make it drinkable. Love it.

3. Extra money and 2 more GC's.

We got taken to lunch today by the treasurure and his wife, and our mentors. They fave Anker a Thank you gift, two GC's and some money to help us out. It was muchly appreciated. We also went to visit our pastor, and he gave us a bit more money to help us. We were able to get our car insurance paid this month, and we divided the rest.

4. Scandal.

I have watched the first half of the first season. The jury (i mean me) is still out on whether or not I will continue after this season is finished, but I must say, I do quite like it.

5. Coffee Date.

Hubby and I had a date afternoon at Starbucks the other day. We each got a drink (cap for him, HC for me), and we shared a cookie. I know. we live a wild and crazy life. We had a nice time together; we talked about his appointment (which I will blog about later), and read the paper, and just people watched. We had a nice time.

Random 5 Friday

1. We have a new neigbour. She stole our parking spot. I already don't like her. I slept on the couch last night, to see if she is a partyer. She went home last night, and so far, seems to be quite. We shall see.

2. I am going to have to re-vamp my resume. I guess I am back to job searching. I may even have to do some volunteer work, just to get some experience.

3. I am totally into Y&R right now. Even Anker is into it. We are watching it every day. I don't like on how they are re-casting and getting rid of main (and old) characters, but it is good.

4. I have way too many magazines out from the library, but hey, I am not paying for them, so who cares, right? I currently probably have about 50 mags. Yup, I am a bit of a mag-junky.

5. We (or rather I) re-arranged some pictures in our house, and put some up on our entertainment unit, and on our wall. I am trying to make our little house a home.

Wknd Shenangigans; over 10K Views, and 24 followers ( SO close to a draw!!! )- GIVE AWAY!

 Linking up with Sami for this past wknds Shenanigans!

Well, I had quite the wknd, and not in a good way (well, it didn't seem that way).

Friday: The day started out ok. I watched movies and was in my jammies when I got a call from the place that I was planning on working for/at; hopefully in the next wk or so. I got a call from them saying that they couldn't offer me employment. I was not happy. I asked them why, and one of the reasons was that they felt that I was too "aggressive" in pursuing the job in the last couple of weeks since my interview. Well, I was very upset. I don't know if I have never been that upset re: a job in my life!

I got dressed, threw stuff in my purse, slammed the door, and left. I also had a good cry in Anker's arms. I left and went to the church, to talk to my friend who works there, and I also had a chat with one of our pastors. If you have been following me on FB, you will know how the rest of the wknd went...but if you didn't, here is the rest of it...

I went to the mall and had some New York Fries:) They were VERY GOOD! It was Black Friday (yes, Canada has some sales this wknd, too), and the mall was NUTS! I didn't stay too long at all. I came home and just hung out. I watched some Grey's Anatomy, and called mom/dad. My aunt called, which was really sweet:) My dad was nearly crying, he was so upset.  I spent the rest of the afternoon/evening being upset and eating:) I did go to my friends place on Friday night. We went to Walmart (it will only be open 24 hours for the three days before Xmas); it is currently open til midnight:) We had fun wandering around. I didn't spend a dime:) Came back her house and hung out and vented.

Saturday. I slept in and relaxed in the morning, and then my friend called and asked if I could take her to the bank. Mom also called and asked if I could go to the store and get a few things for her for the seminar that afternoon. Dropped my friend off and met up with mom and Val at Sw!ss Cha1et. I went to the mall for a second, as I thought that I had lost something (I ended up finding it in our couch), and then off to the seminar. I had no idea that there were going to be that many ladies. There were about 10 paying ladies for the SOF seminar. It went well. As we were all leaving, my aunt gave us some money to watch Catching Fire. I think we will go this week to watch it. I just came home and watched some movies. I hung out with my friend for a bit in the late evening.

Sunday. I went to church alone (after talking with hubs for a few minutes), and then went to the mall to grab something to eat. I did wander the mall a bit this time. It was still pretty busy, but not as bad as on Friday. I came home and relaxed all afternoon. I did fold some laundry, and organize our room a bit. I hung up some pictures on our wall, and watched way more TV than what is good for me. Hubby and I watched some DVDs from the library; The Company Men, and Guilt Trip. Hubby went to bed, and I watched a movie (well, I finished a movie), then ran up to my friends for an hour.

Please note that the entire weekend I did not succumb to Starbucks ONCE! I did go and grab a snack, but NO Starbucks!!

This morning, we woke up to SNOW! I think I will be staying at home today:) It is after 1, so I should probably get a few things done.

 I also should say that I have had now over 10K views on my blog!! I am very happy!! That was a long time coming, and I am very proud!!!

 I also have 24 followers. Once I get to 25, I will do a random draw for a small Avon product.

Happy Monday!

The Sunshine Award!

I was nominated for the Sunshine Award! I feel so special. This is my second award for which I have nominated.

Sky-Ann nominated me for the Sunshine Award!

Here are the rules:

ONE

Include award logo in a post or on your blog.

TWO

Link to the person who nominated you.

THREE

Answer questions about yourself that the person who nominated you asks.

FOUR

Nominate bloggers to receive the award. (make sure to link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs letting them know you have nominated them)

 My nominees are posted below as well as the questions I created for you lovely bloggers to answer.
Nancy
Jennifer
Brantley
 Jamie
Catherine

Here are the questions that were given to me....

1. Do you have a Christmas tradition? If so what is it?

Every year, our family (my parents, and whoever is there) gets up around 7, and has communion, and promises that they will do either a selfless act for someone (make siblings' bed for a month, help mom in the kitchen, take kids out (mom/dad) once a month) or something that will enhance our life; reading the Bible more, volunteering, etc. We have done it every year for 20 years. Dad reads the Christmas story/then resurrection story, and we have communion, and light a candle.

2. What is your holiday favorite beverage?

Eggnog and Christmas coffee.

3. What is something that you are thankful for?

My family and my health

4. What is one thing you can't leave the house without?

My phone. (yes, sad, I know. I am now "one of them".)

5. What is currently on you ipod or in your cd player?

I don't have an iPod. LOL. In my CD player in the car is Mariah Carey's Hereo CD. In our stereo at home, I have Casting Crown Christmas/Wow 2013/Third Day-Miracle/ Point of Grace, and one other one I can't remember.

6. What is something that we don't already know about you?

 Not sure...LOL. I found out yesterday that I have diabetic (foot) nerve pain.

7. If you are on Pinterest, what is it that you are pinning lately?

Christmas stuff...duh:)

8. If you could go on any reality show, which one would you choose and why?

The Amazing Race. I love to travel, and it looks like it would be fun.

9. What is your favorite social media, facebook, instagram, etc?

Facebook. I love IG and Twitter, too, though. But def FB.

10.What are you current favorite reads? (can be book, magazine, blogs, etc.)

People Magazine, US Weekly, well, pretty much any ladies/young womans/cooking mags. I am looking forward to reading The Christmas Candle as a short Christmas read soon (I already have it out of the library). The Help is one of my favourite reads.I actually may re-read it.

Ok...now my questions for/to my nominees:

1. What is your fav. holiday (christmas/bday/thanksgiving, etc) and Why?

2. Who is your fav. singer/band?

3. Who is your fav. actor/ress?

4. If you have/had a "girl crush", who would it be?

5. What is your fav. food?

6. Where do you live (State, and country only)?

7. What/who is your fav. blogger? (please provide link)

8. Are you a Cat or dog person?

9. What is your LEAST favourite house/yard chore?

10. If you could go somewhere for a month (all expenses paid), but you could only take one person, who would it be? Where would you go? (ok, that's two questions.

Please also join me and go to Sky-Ann's blog to congratulate her on her new baby GIRL!!

Capture Your Grief Project; Days 11, 12, 13 &14

Yes, I am STILL determined to finish this project:)

Day 11 Emotional Triggers: What triggers emotions associated with grief for you? Is it the weather? A scent? Photos? Places? Holidays? Words? Certain people?

There are a lot of emotional triggers that are associated with my grief with our infertility. Holidays, seeing pregnant ladies, and seeing pregnancy announcements, are the worst, I think. What kind of a picture could/should/would I post for this?

 

Day 12  Article: Have you read an article about grief that you would love to share with everyone? Maybe it is something from Still Standing Magazine or a blog post from your favourite blogger or writer. Please feel welcome to share who wrote the article and how the article resonated with you and also the direct link to the article if it is online.

N/A

Day 13 Book: Have you read a book about grief that helped you immensely in your journey of grief? Please feel welcome to share the book and links to where it can be purchased so others can find it.

The one book that we have partially read (we aren't a real "reading as a couple-couple"), is "When the Cradle is Empty. You can find the link to it here. I would love to buy it. It really is one of the best books about infertility that I have ever read.

Day 14 Family: What does you family look like now? Is it just yourself carrying your child’s heart in yours? Do you have other children? A partner? A pet? You may not have what society perceives as a family but we all know that just because you cannot see any children, that does not mean that they are not a part of your family.

We have one cat, KitKat. It is hubby's cat, and altho the cat is a bit of a pain, I really have grown fond of him. And of course, there are the two of us:)

Weekend Shenanigans/Tell Us Tuesday

Hello, Fellow Bloggers!

Yesterday was a bit of an odd day, so I didn't get time to blog. I hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Friday, I spent the morning relaxing, then went to run a few errands. I went to Starbucks armed with Christmas magazines from the library, and I enjoyed a nice hot drink, whilst reading:)

I came home and started cleaning our fridge. It took a couple of hours. I hate cleaning the fridge, but it looks so much better; both inside AND out! I had to rush out, as I was meeting a friend downtown for a ladies home business/craft fair evening. I had thought that it had started at 7, but I messed up on the time, and it started at 5 (I hate the 24hour clock! Thanks, FB!). In the end, we couldn't have left any earlier, anyway. We parked at her work, and walked a block to the craft fair, which was a bit of a disappointment, as we thought there would be more of a program, but I saw some ppl I knew, and it was fun to browse. We were hungry, and we went to McD's. The food and fellowship were really nice. I came home around 9 or so, and just hung out. I think I watched TV:)

Saturday, I had a nice sleep in, and FB'd, and watched TV (can't remember what I watched), and I made cookies for a friend (and for us, too). I made the gingerbread cookie dough, then I headed out to meet up with a bloggy/FB friend of mine. I forgot to take my camera, and I even forgot to take pictures of us on our phone! Oh well. We had a nice visit, and it was nice to meet her kiddies.

I ran errands, and came home and finished baking the cookies (hubby was sweet and started them), and I found some Diabetic Sugar Cookies on Pinterest. They turned out really well, despite my not having any brown sugar, no cake flour, and my corn syrup was one big lump, and I had to use honey instead. You can find the recipe here I visited my friend/neighbour, and we watched stuff on NF, and visited, and had cookies and eggnog/coffee.

Sunday, we had great plans on going to church, and then going to the SPCA Craft Fair, but hubby wasn't feeling well, and I didn't feel like going alone. So, we stayed home and watched movies:) I did manage to go the library (the downtown library is open on Sundays over the winter..love it), to pick up my holds. I grabbed a snack at McD's on the way home, and I came home and we watched the Grey Cup (CFL). I finished making cookies, made some icing, and iced some of the cookies, and went to visit my friend for a bit, then came home and watched Twilight, Breaking Dawn Pt 2.

I am meeting up with my boss today to give her back the keys for the store. I am also meeting up with mom and dad for a few minutes. Today is another kind of lazy day, but I am not complaining. I hope to have most of this house cleaned up by the wknd. Hubby is doing pretty well in/with his part. I am still waiting for sure to hear back from the job; re: a few things. I hope to know for sure by the end of the week.

Five on Friday!/Random 5/SUYL-Bloggers Connect in your Area

Yes, I am on a blogging roll! I thought I would do it now, because, I am in the mood to blog:)

First off: Five on Friday!

 1. It's candle season! I love candles, but especially at Christmas. It also helps heat up the house. And they look pretty!

 2. I am apparently getting my Canadian Living Magazines Subscription now. I got November's issue yesterday, and December's issue today. I am expecting my December issue of Chatelaine soon.

 3. Starbucks has their 2-4-1 deal going on this weekend. Buy one Christmas drink, and get another one for free. Works for me!

 4. I actually bought this a couple of weeks ago, but I kept forgetting to share this. I have been wanting to get a red throw for our bed for awhile now, and I found one at Jysk`s that was $15. I bought it. I love it. End of story.

5. I don`t have a picture, and I know this sounds silly, but I am loving my new GUM toothbrush. You know how most TB's are really hard when you first start using them? Well, not this one! I actually want to brush my teeth now. And for more than 3 seconds.

I am not sure if Nancy will do this this Friday, but I thought I would do it anyway.

1. Christmas is all around us, and I am happy. I have already spent a few hours at a few stores looking at their Christmas displays. I love going to Michael's this time of year. I haven't played any Christmas music yet (other than at work), but I am sure it will start  up soon:) I love the Christmas commercials, the Christmas movies, both of which have started coming on tv. Our cable carrier has already started playing the Christmas music on a couple of channels.

2. I have already mentioned this, but I am loving Duck Dynasty. What a bunch of funny guys!

3. I have had three interviews this week. Looking forward to seeing what's in store for me (us).

4. I watched Man of Steel last night with hubby. It was ok...nothing spectacular.

5. I am excited to make hot chocolate mix at home; similar this one. I will add artificial sweetner instead of sugar; you know, because I am so healthy like that:)

This wk on SUYL is all about connecting with bloggers from/in my area:) I dont know if I will find anyone who is from Canada, let alone, B.C, but it is fun to check out others' blogs anyway:)