Gettin' Shit Done

I have officially declared January as my  month to GET SHIT DONE. 

While I have no biological link to my parents I have inherited my dad's fantastic ability to procrastinate.  And its every bit as awesome as it sounds.  I also inherited his sarcasm.  Can ya tell?

So, in January I have a month to get my shiznat done.  On the list:

FINALLY organize my room.

not my closet.  I wish.  But no.

FINALLY find a doctor.  Make appointment.  GO to appointment.

 Find a dentist.  Because my mom said I had to.

I have a few days left to be a lazy ass but as of Jan 1 shit is gettin DONE. 

The end. 

It is not a toomah

Which is a good thing.  A very good thing.

On Saturday of last weekend a few hours before my shift ended I got clobbered with a piercing headache.  Par for the course with me.  I have a headache on a daily basis.  Seriously.  Daily.   My plan was to go home, walk the dog, then lay low for the evening.  Well, it turns out my bff's wedding venue burned to the ground so spent the night dealing with her and her meltdown of epic proportions.  All the while doing so with a wicked headache.  Fun times right there.

The headache carried through Sunday, but not quite as badly as it was on Saturday.  It hurt, it sucked, but I dealt, as I always do.  And then came Monday.

As soon as my eyes opened 7:00 Monday morning I knew this wasn't a normal (for me) headache.  It hurt.  I've had migraines many times before, they're not fun. And to wake up with that kind of pain sucks big hairy monkey balls.   I went through my usual headache routine: get up, half a cup of coffee (sometimes the caffeine will settle the headache, but too much will make it worse), have a glass of water, pop a couple pills then hit the couch with an ice pack).  After doing this usually within a couple of hours I feel better.

Not this time.

It got worse.  Exponentially worse.  It rapidly progressed to me being nauseous, dizzy, blurry vision, I can't move, laying down hurts but standing hurts more.  I spent much of the day in the basement on the couch (where it was darker and cooler) in tears it hurt so bad.  I have never in my life experienced such physical pain.  By 9:00 that morning I was doubled over in pain.

I immediately realized I wasn't going to be able to make it through work.  I still had 7hrs until my shift started but there was just no way I was going to be able to do it.  Thankfully the supervisor was willing to take my shift for me.  I now no longer had to worry about that.

I spent the day on the couch with ice on my head and back of my neck, literally writhing in pain.  By the time 7pm rolled around I had been in searing pain for 12hours, and just couldn't do it anymore.  I called my mother to see what I should do and she, without hesitation (she's a nurse) said to go to the ER.  I waited until my roommate got home and thankfully she came along with me.

The cab ride to the ER was tough.  The lights and the motion of being in the car did not help at all.  I got to the ER and was greeted by a waiting room pretty full of people.  The triage nurse gets my details and registers me.  We go to sit and brace ourselves for a looooong wait.  Our butts are in the seats not 30secs when I'm called in.  I could feel the stares of those still waiting piercing me in the back.  I even questioned the nurse as to why I got in so quickly ahead of everyone else.  He explained that with persistent head pain like that they tend to take it seriously.  (it is important to note Mr. Nurse was not...and will now be referred to as Nurse McHotpants)

McHotpants gets more details from me, draws blood and gets me set up with an IV in case the Dr gives me meds later.  IV = no fun.  I forgot how much they can hurt...probably because the last time I had one I was 9.  I'm still bruised from the damn thing.

The doctor came to evaluate me after a short wait.  We did some tests and discovered I have a slightly lazy right eye.  The far right of  my peripheral vision is blurred.  When I was following his finger by the time he got to the far right I was seeing 2 or 3 of his finger.  This is a new development and something he advised I keep an eye on (no pun intended) as it was hard to tell if it was related to the headache I was having or something else.

At this point I'm still thinking there are probably other people out there who want to see a doctor too, and here I am with a headache taking up time. However, that through process quickly changed when the doctor said these words: "I am mildly concerned this could possibly be a brain bleed."

Um, wha?

A CT scan was ordered, and I was now nervous.  I had, in the matter of seconds, gone from just wanting something to make the pain stop for a few hours, to something potentially more serious.  I gave my roommate my mother's contact info just in case it was needed.   After about an hour wait I was taken down for the CT scan.  The nurse transporting me = creepy.

Once the scan was done and I was back in my room it was a matter of waiting for the results to come back.  So roommate and I people watched.  We saw a chick in an orange jumpsuit in cuffs come in.  A drunk old guy was brought in for the second time within a week claiming to have been mugged for the 3rd time in 3 days.  Another guy came in and spent his entire time (all of 30mins) moaning and groaning apparently in life-ending pain.  He was given drugs to take but couldn't take them immediately as he had to drive himself home.  The doctor even questioned him:  um...you're in THAT much pain but you drove yourself here?  Yeah. Another old guy came in, a diabetic, because he just wanted to get some sleep.  And we watched McHotpants and these two hot doctors roam about.  Even  my doctor was attractive for an older gentleman.

Eventually the results came back and were thankfully clear.  This just in: my brain is normal!  I now have proof of such!

I was then, finally, given some meds as I was not only still in pain but now exhausted as it was, at this point, 11:30 at night.  I'm given a bag of a drug I do not recall the name of, and some fluids.   I was warned this particular med can cause "weebie jeebies".  When I asked what that meant all he said was "you'll know it if it happens and if it happens you let me know, I have something that can make it stop".  Though I did get light headed for a few minutes thankfully I didn't get the weebie jeebies.

Finally around 1am the pain was subsiding and I was discharged. 

By the time I got home I was starving as I hadn't eaten all day, and really hadn't had the desire to.  Roommate and I made bacon, eggs and toast and were in bed by 2am.

I talked to mom the next morning as she wanted to know how I made out.  I told her all went as well as it could.  When I asked her about the meds they gave me she told me it was a muscle relaxant and an anti-nauseant.

The next three days, however, I spent feeling like my head was in the clouds.  I'm not sure if it was the meds or what it was but i was definitely woozie. 

And today I am headachey again.  Fml.  Its not as bad as Monday (thankfully) but is more than an everyday headache.  This week has sucked.  I'm exhasuted after Monday's ordeal.  I haven't slept well, I'm not feeling well, its just been a long week.  I am off work for 3 days next week and am heading home to my parents so will hopefully be able to zone out and just veg for a few days.  I also plan to see my doctor while I'm home to see if I can get a Rx to hopefully prevent any future visits to the ER.  Nice as they were, I can think of better ways to spend an evening.

It's not a Toomah!

Hickstead

Hickstead: a bay, dutch warmblood stallion, ridden by Canadian Eric Lamaze.   Sadly, Hickstead died suddenly in competition Sunday in Italy.   He and Eric finished their round, and the mighty Hickstead collapsed.  Veterinarians tried to revive him but sadly to no avail.  The other competitors asked to have the competition stopped.  They filed into the arena for a moment of silence in honor of a horse like no other.

I've had people ask me why I'm upset over the death of a horse.  A horse I never personally knew.

You see horse people are slightly neurotic.  Our horses are more than just horses.  They're our best friends.  Our partners.  They are often our one constant in an ever changing world.  Human friends come and go, but our equine friends are always there.  They're there when we laugh, they're there when we cry.  They see us through the good, the bad and everything in between.  They make the grey days seem brighter.  They know when you just need a hug, and they know when you just need a smile.  It doesn't matter how bad your day was, when your horse nickers at you when you enter the barn suddenly all your worries of the day dissolve.  In short, we love our horses truly and deeply.  And this isn't only true of our own personal horses.  We are fanatical about all horses:  yours and mine.  And those we will never actually ever lay eyes on.  We fall in love with them through our TV screens and computer screens.  We ride rounds with them from our couches.  We triumph when they triumph, and our hearts sink, when they don't.

Yes, the horse world is notoriously fickle.  Its catty and petty.  But, we look out for our own.  We are horse people.  We are an special breed.  When one of ours is down we rally to lift them back up.

Hickstead was, by grand prix standards, a small horse. To put it into some perspective he was the size of the horse I rode, and smaller than my coach's horse who I also rode.  It was said he would never make it to that level of competition.  I suppose you could say he was considered the underdog.  Well, he proved them wrong.  Then he kept proving them wrong.   He quickly proved his weight in gold.

He and Eric won individual gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and helped Team Canada win team silver at the same games.  This was the first individual gold won by a Canadian.   He took first place at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and earned the title of Best Horse in the World.

Just this year he and Eric won the $1million CN International for the second time in their career.  He certainly deserved his title of Best Horse in the World.

He trusted Eric and Eric trusted him.  It was a horse-rider relationship many of us only dream of having.  Though he was a small animal Eric trusted him enough to simply allow him to attack his courses.  Eric knew he was riding a horse of greatness.  He was often seen at the end of rounds pointing down to his great horse as if to say "its all him".  

On the weekend the horse world lost a great athlete, and our collective hearts broke.   He was the best horse in the world, Eric the best rider.  Hickstead was an amazing horse.  With Eric in the tack the pair were unstoppable.  Untouchable.   The sport of showjumping will not be the same without the mighty Hickstead to grace the ring.

I cannot even begin to fathom the heartbreak Eric is feeling.  He lost his best friend and his partner. There is a video floating around, one I will not share, of Hicksteads final moments.  It is gut wrenching to watch.  I can't even begin to imagine how Eric must of felt standing there watching his beloved friend die in front of him. 

Final photo of him in action

Amazingly Eric went on to ride, just 2 days later, at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto on another horse.  Upon entering the ring the crowd was on their feet.  An ovation like no other I've heard.  It was truly moving.  Canada's heart broke that day at the loss of a great athlete.  This was their way of letting Eric know he will not be heart broken alone.

I don't expect many to understand.  And its Ok if you don't.  I don't really know what to liken this loss to to make it easier for you to understand.  All I can tell you is our sport lost an amazing athlete, and Canada's best rider lost his best friend, and for that we all grieve.

Stand Up for the Champions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPNwWwUnJ48&feature=fvst&noredirect=1

Rest peacefully, Hickstead.

At a loss

Well, hopefully I will be.

I'm back on the losing weight wagon.  I was HORRIFIED when I hopped on the scale yesterday.  HORRIFIED.  OMG.  I am officially at my highest weight.  And I'm quite disgusted, to be honest.

So, roomie and I started together.  She wants to lose weight for her wedding, as do I so....we also both joined SparkPeople.  I needed away to track my progress and be surrounded by people in the same boat so hopefully it will help.

Yesterday we did a 5k walk.  Today I did Bob Harper's 20min Butt and Balance cardio workout.  OMG.  Brutal.  But I did it.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are my cardio days. Tuesday and Thursday are strength.  Saturday is a whatever day, and Sunday is my lazy day. 

Major goal #1 - break out of the 200s.
Other goals: ditch drinking pop, walk 10miles per week, walk each day.   SparkPeople has also suggested I collect motivational pictures daily as well. So, here you go...

So tired.

I'm tired of being tired all the time. 
Why can't I ever just have a day or two where I actually feel like I've gotten enough sleep, where I feel refreshed and ready to go.  Instead, on a daily basis, I feel sluggish, and constantly tired.   There never seems to be the right amount of sleep for me.  I sleep too little I feel crappy.  I sleep too much I feel crappy.  What gives?

I'm sure this iron stuff I've got going on isn't helping.  But this being tired stuff isn't new.  Its been for as long as I can remember.  I usually get a minimum of 8hrs of sleep per night.  So I don't think it has anything to do with the quantity of sleep, but rather with the quality.   I don't think I get good sleep.

I'm a light sleeper.  If someone in the house next door sneezes at 2am I'll probably hear it.  Well, ok, its not that bad.  Some noises I've learned to tune out: like traffic.  Living in the city I've gotten used to traffic at all hours.  Its the random, unusual noises that wake me.  I sleep with a fan 365 days a year:  it generates white noise which helps block out some of the background noises.  Ear plugs aren't an option as I don't like the feel of them in my ears, which only leads to me not sleeping.  And I'm not a relaxed sleeper.  Never have been.  Even when I was a kid if dad had to pick me up to move me while I was sleeping I'd instantly wake up.  I don't relax well in my sleep, or when I'm awake.  Which is definitely as fantastic as it sounds.

I just want to not be tired anymore. 

Iron Woman

No, I will not be partaking in the Iron Woman.  My chubbily physique isn't exactly conducive to anything triathlon related. 

I mentioned in a previous post I recently learned I am iron deficient.  Upon learning this I swung into some online searches surrounding this, as I was sure there was more to it than just simply eating more iron-rich foods, or popping an iron supplement.

Symptoms of iron deficiency (among others):
fatigue/feeling rundown
headache
poor concentration
poor immune system function (making your more susceptible to colds and flu)

Check. Check. Check. and Check.  Though the concentration thing is new, the others have been on going.

I've never tested low on iron before.  It has been over a year since I've had any sort of blood anything done, so I was a bit surprised when I came back as low as I did.

I've learned that once iron stores are depleted it can take a few weeks or up to a year for them to be restored, if not longer.  To help absorb iron better I apparently should consume more Vit-C rich foods with the iron rich foods.

I've already begun consuming more iron-rich foods:  oatmeal for breakfast, spinach salad with dinner, beans....tea and coffee apparently decrease iron absorption.  Oh, how I do love my tea and coffee.  Animal sources of iron are more easily absorbed.  When I think back it has been awhile since I've eaten any of the classic iron rich animal sources:  red meat.  I can't even remember the last time I had beef.  While spinach has more iron than a steak, the steak iron is more easily absorbed by the body.

So this iron deficiency of mine explains so much.  The headaches.  The constant fatigue.  My inability lately to focus on anything.  Sure there could be other explanations for these things, but it does seem to make sense.

Anyone else out there had to deal with low iron?  What did you find worked the best for you?

Review

Environmental

• take reusable bags shopping with me 100% of the time - haven't really done much shopping as of late, but have managed to remember to take my bags with me when I did go
• do not drive to the corner store.  Walk. - so far this one is n/a
• coordinate grocery shopping trips with the roommate, to kill two birds with one stone - doing well on this one
• be more conscious of how many lights are on in the house.  I'm pretty good at this already but could pay a bit more attention - well, I'm doing better with this, I spend half my time following roomie around shutting off lights
• take travel mug with me when going out for coffee - no so well on this one.  I remember to take it to work with me just about all the time, but when I'm out and about I tend to forget

Personal/Health

• drink more water (from a reusable container - good for me and the environment) - getting better
• eliminate pop - also getting better
• research and try natural methods to reduce/eliminate headaches (so I can quit popping Advil like its candy) - have yet to attempt this one
• walk with the dog 3 times a week for min 30mins (pup will have to wait a few weeks until she puts some chub on her) - ha.
• research and begin a cleanse/detox - haven't even thought of it yet.
• get back on track with saving money (I had to drain my savings account awhile back....gotta get back on track) - nope, I'm still poor.
• learn to drink my coffee without sweetener and/or buckets of flavored creamer (though delicious as it is) - this is a work in progress

In other news....

The niece's birthday party was on Sunday.  Miss M is 1 already.  ONE!  She's walking on her own, has 6 teeth, is eating big people food like a champ. She's getting too big too quickly.

Miss A is 5 and started school this year.  My goodness!  They're both growing up too quickly.  They should come with pause buttons.

Got my hair did yesterday.  Had several inches chopped off and some highlights put in.  I quite like it.  Though now that it is shorter it is much curlier since its not so weighed down.

Though sitting there in the chair getting my hair done I couldn't help but feel slightly disgusted by what I saw in the mirror.  The mirrors at this place gave you a view of yourself from your lap up, where other places I've been have just been the chest up.  Ugh.  Gross.  I felt/feel like a heifer.

Attempted to donate blood today.  Fail.  My iron was way low.  WAY low.  I wasn't even close to the minimum number you need to be able to donate.  I left armed with instructions to eat tons of raisins and drink OJ.  I hate raisins. Ick.

Goooooaaaaalllllll!!!!

Ok, pluralize that to goals.

Over the next few months....

Environmental

• take reusable bags shopping with me 100% of the time
• do not drive to the corner store.  Walk. 
• coordinate grocery shopping trips with the roommate, to kill two birds with one stone
• be more conscious of how many lights are on in the house.  I'm pretty good at this already but could pay a bit more attention
• take travel mug with me when going out for coffee

Personal/Health

• drink more water (from a reusable container - good for me and the environment)
• eliminate pop
• research and try natural methods to reduce/eliminate headaches (so I can quit popping Advil like its candy)
• walk with the dog 3 times a week for min 30mins (pup will have to wait a few weeks until she puts some chub on her)
• research and begin a cleanse/detox
• get back on track with saving money (I had to drain my savings account awhile back....gotta get back on track)
• learn to drink my coffee without sweetener and/or buckets of flavored creamer (though delicious as it is)

The Perfect Coffee Mug

I love coffee.  Light roasts and dark roasts alike.  Every morning starts with a cuppa java.  I don't need it to get going (caffeine at this point does little to jazz me up) but I do enjoy having a cup of good coffee.

Because of this love of coffee I am forever on a mission for the perfect coffee mug.  In fact I have a few pretty close to perfect mugs.  These little gems have been found in a variety of places and have as such found a home in my cupboard.  I've stumbled upon them in the Dollar Store, Walmart, and have had some of them given to me.  You see, to me a prefect coffee mug is less about where it came from and more about how it feels in my hands.  It gets bonus points if its pretty too!

I'm always eying up mugs where ever I go. Most times my friend has to pull me away scolding me.  Its not like I'm in need of them, I just have a thing for fun coffee mugs.  I  also highly enjoy travel mugs.  Again, its a thing.  

One of my favorite mugs was given to me after a conference at work.  Its an Imperial Oil mug. Pretty, no, but it is heavy, and big and feels great in my hands (yup, I realize how that just sounded....minds out of gutter people...).

I found one a few years ago at the dollar store.  Again its heavy and I like the shape:  its narrower at the bottom and gets bigger at the top.  It gets minor marks for cuteness, but its not my perfect mug. 

I found one at Walmart about a month ago:  its white with multicolored polka dots all over it.  Not as big as I would like though.  It hits on the cute factor but it is only a small mug.

I have two tea cups that are super adorable (at least I think they are) but let's be honest here, a tea cup is meant for tea, not for the heavy, industrial strength coffee I enjoy.


What would my perfect mug be?  Well, it would be big, and heavy, and a nice shape, durable (because I'm a putz), dishwasher safe (because I'm lazy) and super bonus points if its pretty.

I enjoy these mugs

Pretty, no but they hit just about everything else.  Well, the shape is a bit of a miss.  I prefer something I can cradle in my hands. 

Now this one is closer:  its 14oz so it is plenty big, it looks sturdy, and it hits on the pretty factor!   Yes, I think this one would do just fine.

And before you all go thinking I'm crazy and wondering what difference it makes, trust me it does make a difference.  It could be a great coffee but if its in a mediocre mug, it just isn't the same.  Its all part of the experience.  Trust me.  (its OK, I know you already think I'm a little nutty)  I challenge you to go brew a cup of your favorite coffee and put it in a not-so-fun mug and tell me its not the same as if it were in your favorite mug. 


And just a disclaimer:  I'm really tired right now so this seems like a worthy topic to blog about!  Tomorrow, I may change my  mind about that! 

You wanna know what else makes my morning jo that much better?  White Chocolate Mocha coffee creamer from International Delight.  This stuff is heaven in a bottle.  I have Nancy to thank for bringing this gold into my life!  I'm well aware its not the best stuff for me, but I care not...its tasty and I like it, so there!

Things I Like

After my post the other day about things I dislike I figured I'd do one about the things I do like...ya know, in effort of keeping things positive!

And in just about this quantity too!

I heart cozy kitted mittens!

Grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte with soy, no whip please!

I have a major weakness for fun, pretty stationary.

 

 I likewise also have a weakness for fun, pretty, perfect coffee mugs.  I also have a soft spot for travel mugs.  Don't ask.  Its a thing.

So. Tired.

I'm just exhausted this week for some reason.   I couldn't figure it out, but then I realized its the dog.  There have been a few night she wouldn't settle, or needed a 1am pee break, or wanted 4am play time.  And because she sleeps with me when all this takes  place I get woken up.  I'm this tired keeping up with a dog, I should probably never have kids.

Here's a recap of the last couple of days:

-Sunday: spent a few hours at the emergency vet clinic with the dog.  She presented with a ridiculous amount of swelling on one side of her face.  Vet diagnoses an infection of some sort.  We're given antibiotics and an antinflmatory and sent home. She's doing much better.
-Monday: said goodbye to a friend who was moving back out west as job opportunities here for her are limited.  She was pretty great (I only met her a year ago) and I'll miss her.
-Tuesday: don't think anything terribly exciting or noteworthy happened
-Wednesday: took the dog for her first walk since we went to the vet.  Exciting stuff, I know.
-Thursday: I had a chiropractor appointment and I went on the hunt for a good food for the dog so she can beef up a bit.  Found a good food for her which she likes, and I had an OK appointment at the chiro.
-Friday: worked and got yelled at all day by guests.  Everyone, do me a favor:  if you're ever unhappy about something with a hotel stay please, by all means, go talk to the desk staff about it, but raving like a lunatic isn't going to get you anywhere.  If you play nicely so will we.
-Saturday: another busy day at work.  Less yelling than yesterday though.  Came home from work, exhausted, and had a 2hr nap.

And that is all.

Hi, I'm Nika...

I am an almost 1 year old Valley Bulldog - Husky mix and I came home to live with Erin and her roommates just a few days ago.  Though right now it is just Erin and I - she tells me they will be home soon, and that I will like them too.

Erin tells me she found me after seeing an ad posted for me on something called Kijiji.  What a Kijiji is I'll never know.  She also tells me she got lost trying to find me.  When I first met Erin I knew something was going on.  My old mom was there, but no one else was. I knew they were talking about me because I kept hearing my name.  I knew I liked Erin right from the beginning, she gave me lots of cuddles. 

I had to say goodbye to my old mom.  I didn't really want to go in that strange car with the strange person.  But, like the good girl I am I got comfy on the back seat.  I've been on car rides before but never one as long as this one was.  I think I did pretty well, and slept most of the way.

We made a stop at a place Erin calls work to see some people.  I was quite scared of this place.  But the people I saw were very nice.

I used to live in a place that had lots of trees and it was pretty quiet.  Now I live in a place with not many trees and there are so many things to see and smell, and so much noise all the time.  Erin keeps telling me I'll get used to it eventually, but I'm not so sure.

Erin also tells me I will never have to worry about not being fed ever again.  I'm glad she tells me that, but I don't quite believe it yet.  When she feeds me I gobble it down as fast as I can, just in case there isn't any more later.  She tells me I'm too skinny and that she is soon going to get me some good food to help me gain some weight and to help my coat get healthy again too.  I loved my old family but they didn't feed me very much.  I'm a growing girl, I need to have food in my tummy.

The first day in my new house I was left all by myself.  Well, you see, I was scared and nervous being alone in this strange place.  I couldn't help it but I made a mess all over the floor.  I was worried she would get mad at me, but she didn't.  We just went outside for a walk, then we cleaned up the mess (I'm a good helper, you know).

The next day when she left to go to that work place she put me in a big box.  I don't really like going in there, I'd much rather stay and sleep on her bed all day.  But she tells me I have to learn to like the box.  And it really isn't so bad.  I'd just rather not be in it thats all.

Yesterday when Erin came home I could tell by the look on her face something was wrong.  After a quick walk outside to pee we went in the car to a place called the emergency vet clinic.  I was scared.  There were so many people and other animals and strange smells.  Erin tells me I was a very good girl though. 

You see when  she came home yesterday and took me out of my kennel she saw my face was very swollen. One of my eyes was even almost swollen shut.  But these people at the vet are helping me feel better.

I sat like a good girl while the doctors examined me.  After a few hours we were able to go home.  My doctor gave us some medicine for me to take.  One will help fight the infection, the other will help with the hurting.   I don't mind taking the medicine, it means I get it wrapped up in a piece of cheese!  I do like cheese!  The doctor also said I'm too skinny.   My furmom assured her that we were working on it and hopefully in a couple of months I'll be good and healthy. 

When we got home I could tell she was upset.  She told me she was sad I wasn't feeling well and that she was sad my old people didn't take very good care of me.  She promised me I'll never have to worry about anything ever again.

Today mom tells me I'm looking better already.  I'm glad she isn't so worried any more.  I am feeling better but I still feel pretty icky.  At least my eye isn't almost swollen shut anymore.

Ever since I've been here it has been pretty great.  I don't like all the noise that much, but at least I'm not left tied up outside all day long anymore.  I follow Erin around where ever she goes, though I prefer it downstairs in the house than upstairs.  I also like sleeping on her bed.  I am happy she lets me sleep here, it is so much more comfortable than the floor or the ground.  I have also been getting lots of cuddles, rubs and scratches.  She also talks to me alot and tells me I'm a good girl and that I'm beautiful. 

I do miss my old family, but things here aren't so bad.  I get to eat twice a day instead of just once like before, and I get to spend all kinda of time with her.  She doesn't mind me being close to her all the time and this makes me happy.

I think I'm going to love it here.  She tells me I now have a forever home with people who will love me and play with me, and give me all the things I'll ever need or want.  Ok, I should go back to napping.  A girl needs her beauty rest you know!
xoxo

Erin in....

I want to take anyone who mistreats and animal, give them a pair of cement shoes and send them sailing off the nearest, highest bridge.  Cowards.  I don't care if its physical or not.  How could anyone look at this dog and not tell she's horribly skinny?  You can clearly see ribs and her hip bones!  C'mon! No animal deserves to go hungry or be mistreated in anyway.

She is such a sweet, sweet girl.  She is truly something special.  I've never met a dog quite like her before.  When she looks at me the look on her face just says "all I want is for you to love me".  Well, puppy, you're in the right place.  There will be no shortage of that, or food, around here!

Things I Dislike

Stole this idea from Nancy who stole it from someone else.  A bunch of thieves we are!

Tomatoes = Nasty. 

I. Just. Can't. 

Yes, I am 31 and I will pick tomatoes out of whatever I'm eating.  Tomato sauce I'm good with, ketchup I'm good with. If it can be indentified as a tomato I want nothing to do with it.

 

No good can come from a grown man dressed like this. Evil beings, they are. ::shudder::

Can someone please explain to me why the sound an alarm clock makes must be so....alarming?
What would be wrong with a noise a little less jarring.  You know, ease me out of sleep instead of starting my day off with heart palpitations.

Bitter Melon is the food of the Devil himself. 

Lesson learned:  the next time someone says "Hey, wanna taste something new?" say no.

My quote of the day...

"Life is what we make it.  Always has been, always will be" Grandma Moses

And this week life is going to be about

reading, 

relaxing,

and

beer!

Why? 

Because.....

I'M ON VACATION!

I likely won't have access to technology for most of my time off....I'll be back with you upon my return at the end of next week!

Jewels for the less girly girl

There has got to be something out there, that is simple, tasteful and pretty without being wildly girly and pizzazzy, and without being ridiculously expensive.

A few months ago the big boss at work decided I no longer had to wear my uniform.  Yippee!!  Ever since I've slowly been building my career wardrobe.  I now have 2 suits and several tops.  I'm working on expanding my work shoe collection.  I currently have 2 pairs, with another pair on order which should be here soon.  I got these lovlies.  I hope they fit.

What I need is accessories.  Bracelets are tricky since I do a ton of typing.  I find they get in the way.  Rings are also a little tricky this time of year as my fingers swell in the heat.  Earrings I have to be careful with for a few reasons:  1) if they're cheaply made they'll irritate my ears, 2) if they're the wrong style they'll get hooked in the phone and one of a few things will happen: a) the phone will get caught and not come apart from the earring, b) the phone gets caught and yanks the earring out of my ear never to find the earring again.

Necklaces are the bain of my existance.   I want to like necklaces but they frustrate the hell out of me.  I don't like anything that feels tight around my neck.  Most necklaces dont' come long enough to find my, apparently, expansive neck.  Or they just look plain sillly on me.  I can tell with some of them that its going to look silly on me without even having to put it on.  Some of them I like, so I put it on and it looks ridiculous on me.  Like this.  I know this would look silly on me so I wouldn't even bother:

I need simple, understated, but pretty.  And the perfect length would be nice too.

The other day I had a vision for the outfit I had selected for work:
cobalt blue blouse (LOVE this blouse - such a great color)
black trousers

I have a thinnish patent black belt I had thought I'd wear with the shirt, and I have a long strand of (fake) pearls.  I got dressed, ran upstairs to the mirror....

I looked like an idiot.

I took the pearls and belt off.  My only accessory was a simple pair of sterling, dangle earrings.

So, there are a few possible scenarios here:

1) I'm choosing the wrong accessories
2) I'm wearing the accessories incorrectly
3) I really look fine and its all in my head

I'm assuming its 1 or 2.  But if it is 3 I have no way of knowing since I've been home alone for over a month, I have no one to bounce these ideas off of.  My roomie fully embraces her girliness so she's usually pretty good at helping me tap into mine.  But she's not here, and won't be for a few more weeks.

Since accessories spruce up an outfit and can change the look of an outfit (which is helpful when you only have 2 suits) my hunt shall continue.

I've tried Etsy and the results have been hit or miss:  some things have been fine, others not so much. If any of you have any favorite sites or stores with a good selection of accessories please share!

Believe in the beauty of the earth

My roomies have those fridge magnets that are a billion different words that you can mix and match to form your own sayings etc.  While I was waiting for my morning java to brew a few days ago this little gem just happened:

Believe in the beauty of the earth.  

Really, it just happened.  No thought.  No trying.  It just happened.  The each individual word magnet just came to me. Weird?  Yeah, maybe. But honestly that is how it happened.

Take a second to look around you.  No, really look around you. Forget the concrete jungles and SUVs for a second.  Mother Earth is a marvelous creature.  What with her lakes, rivers and oceans, fields and forests, birds, bees and all creatures great and small.  

I have been trying lately to get back to being kinder to the Earth and adjusting my actions accordingly.  I don't think I'll ever be one of those die-hard environmentalists, but I sure can do everything within my power to make a change. So perhaps that is where the saying came from.  The earth is something that has been on my brain lately, so who knows what made those words come to me.

I am fully aware that right now the earth isn't always unicorns and butterflies kind of place, with all the craziness and whatnot taking place in various parts of the world.  I'm not at all saying we should forget those things are happening as they are the stark reality for many many people with whom we share the planet.   What I am saying is to stop for a moment, take a deep breath and reconnect with your surroundings. 

Humans are one of Mother Earth's most brilliant and yet flawed creations.  With all the social networking, cell phones and other electronic methods of communicating we've lost touch with other humans.  When I was a kid if I wanted to see if my neighbour could come out to play I walked over to their house, knocked on the door and asked.  Now, they call, or text to see if the other can come out to play.  Where has all the human contact gone?

I grew up in a small town.  Most people knew just about everyone else.  If you were out for a walk you can be guaranteed just about everyone you met on the street would smile and say hello.  And then I moved to a different province where this is not common practice.  I remember wandering the streets of my new town saying hello to people as I passed and getting not much more than glares back.   Really?  Are people so absorbed in themselves that they can't even smile and nod a hello at someone as they pass on the street? 

I found a quote a few years ago (that I can't find now, of course) that I shared with my team at work.  The jist of it is:

Give someone one of your smiles. It may just be the only one he sees all day.

And while we are one of Her most amazing creations we are also to her detriment.  It is us humans that are slowly destroying Her.

I found this quote recently...(again with the quotes, I know...I dig quotes):

"There is enough in this world for everyone's need but there is not enough in this world for everyone's greed." - Mahatma Gandhi

I, like just about everyone else, like to have things.  I don't need all the latest gizmos and gadgets (says the one who just got a Blackberry....) but I like to have things.  I like books on my shelves, pictures on my walls, and I particularly love kitchen supplies.   But when I stop to think about where those things came from....wow.  That kitchen gadget I just bought was not likely manufactured locally.  It was likely made on an entirely different continent, but someone who was grossly underpaid for their efforts.  That item was then shipped across the miles on planes, trains and ships.  All of which have left one heck of a carbon footprint.  I, like most people, do not think as I am making my purchase about where that item really came from.  Nor do I think: do I REALLY need this thing?

I have also made it a point lately to donate as much of my stuff as I can.  And as I look around me now I can see it is time for another round of  sorting through my stuff.  I have clothes I've never worn or rarely wear.  Time to give them a new home and to someone who could really use a couple almost new pairs of jeans.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is Mother Earth as given us this lovely gem of a planet on which we live.   It is a beautiful place place, and if you've forgotten how beautiful it is I encourage you to take sometime and wander through a local park, or hike a local trail.  Surround yourself with nature for an hour as a reminder of how simple the world really can be.

So, in closing what I want to know is:  what makes YOUR earth beautiful?

Ugh...some people...

Ok, so I've been on the hunt lately for a dog.  This has turned out to be a more challenging task than I had anticipated.  I have also discovered people really drive me bonkers.

1) I've contacted a few people about their dogs.  We've exchanged emails and phone calls and have arranged a time to go meet.  In their ads they all say they *have* to rehome their pooches due to moving, work...etc etc.  Then just before I'm supposed to go meet the critter they call or email saying they've decided to keep their dogs.  Ok, great, but a tad annoying. 

2) I now understand why there are so many dogs in shelters.  I have contacted a ton of sellers only to find the vast majority of them are not spayed or neutered.  Seriously?  I even had one person tell me their intact male isn't interested the girls.  Really?

3) Scammers.  Have I ever run into a pile of them.  I can usually tell pretty quickly that they're not legit.  But I got one email I couldn't really tell for sure, so I rode it out for a few exchanges just to see.  Yup, scammer.  They're located in Dawson City and will send me a pup via a door-to-door puppy delivery service for only $120.  Ummm......DC is located in Yukon, pretty sure its going to cost more than that to get a dog down and across the country to Nova Scotia.   Yeah, nice try.  I'm glad I'm at least savvy enough to know the difference, but those poor people who aren't?  Yikes.

Ugh.  I know I need to just be patient, eventually I'll find something.  But its all so frustrating.  The first dog I found and fell in love with was an AmStaff from the SPCA.  I SOOOOOOO wanted to bring her home.  I really really did.   What eventually stopped me from proceding was her age.  She was an older girl so, though they tell me she is healthy and has lots of zip left in her, who knows how long until her health starts to decline.  If space and money weren't an issue I'd bring her home to have a happy retirement, and I'd bring a younger one home too.  But that isn't the case.  I contacted the SPCA letting them know I was no longer interested due to her age, and received a snarky reply back.  Really?  It took a lot of thinking and it litterally pained my heart to tell them.

Then I found a border collie lab cross that needed to be rehomed.  He was great!  He was about 4, did well with kids, other dogs, on and off leash, comes when called etc etc.   He was apparently a fast learner and enjoyed learning new tricks - so I figured I'd look into agility classes for him.  Everything was going well then they pulled out at the list minute. 

I'm now looking at a Chihuahua Terrier mix, who again isn't fixed, however the owner has decided to drop the price so I can use the difference to get him fixed. We'll see how this turns out. I have to find out what the cost of neutering is first.

Blah.  So yeah, people suck and try to take advantage of everyone they possibly can.

Dogs with a bad rep

So, I have spent the past couple of weeks keeping an eye on the local Petfinder website as I am on the hunt for a pooch.  I don't know exactly what I want, I just know I don't want a small dog (not my cup of tea).   Though if I could clone the little fluff ball I met last night I would totally go for one of him.

I've noticed the shelters here have mostly larger dog breeds, which is right up my alley.  They've got anything from Labs to German Shepherds to breeds I've never heard off to mixes of all of the above and then some.  I also noticed there are a lot of Am Staffs looking for homes.  Why so many?  Well, it seems, depending on who you ask an Am Staff and a Pit Bull are one and the same.  And I'm sure you're all aware of the bad rep that is, unfortunately, attached to Pit Bulls.

So, I've done some digging.  Are they really the same thing?  According to the UKC (United Kennel Club) they are.  However, research shows that they *used* to be the same breed with different names, however now the bloodlines are so far separated that they are two independant dog breeds who happen to look very much a like and have similar characteristics.

Upon scouring the web looking for pooch possibilities I found myself going back to one dog:  an Am Staff mix.  What was it about her that was pulling me in?  Well, maybe its the fact that she's ADORABLE.    And she's older (10 - yeah, I know) so I can skip the puppy phase.  She is also, because of her age, happy to snooze by your feet.  But don't let that fool you she is also happy to chase balls around for as long as you're willing to throw them for her.  And they tell me she has been nothing but a love bug since she was surrendered to them (due to her previous owner's change in living circumstances).  Which are all qualities I want in a dog. 

After bouncing the idea off my roomies they seem to be on board.  YAY! 

So I was sharing my excitement with some of the girls at work last night.  They sure know how to rain on someone's parade. 

"Thats a pitbull!  Are you crazy?" - No, no I'm not.
"She's 10.  Why would you want an old dog?" - No, i wasn't looking for a dog her age, however there is something about her.  And do you have any idea how hard it is to place a senior dog in a home when everyone out there wants a puppy or a young dog.

Now, I understand they, as any large dog, are strong and can become aggressive.   But wouldn't good pet parenting, socialization, training and love make the odds of an aggressive dog less?   Are the reactions of my coworkers relevant?  Or are they totally unfounded and perpetuated by the media (Michael Vick, anyone?)?

The sad reality is most of the "bully" breeds (Rottweilers, Boxers, Pit Bulls etc) have been painted with the same negative brush because of other bad owners.   Because there are people out there who don't train, don't properly care for, and mistreat their animals the entire breed gets a bad name.  And its unforunate.

Sadly there are many of these bully breeds in shelters and in foster homes needing their forever home who will not likely ever find their special people.   In my city there are many adorable young Am Staffs looking for homes, and may never get the chance to know what its like to be part of a family. 

Sure this is true of any dog or animal in a shelter.  But a lab stands a much better chance at being adopted than a Pit Bull does.

This came from an article I read just a bit ago: "The only thing Pit Bulls fight is a bad stereotype". 

Kinda sums it up nicely, eh?

Also in my reading of various articles have learned:

Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bull Terriers and the Pit Bull Terrier all scored better in temperment testing than most popular household breeds.

One president of an SPCA branch even went so far to say "Usually the best dogs we have are Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.".  Now there is some food for thought.

Unfortunately many of these muscular breeds have the "macho factor" attached to them.  You'd be hard pressed to see a gang member with a Bichon Frise.  Rather you'll see them with a Rotti or a Pit Bull.

And I'm sure you've all heard of cities imposing bans on certain breeds, primarily bans on Pit Bulls.  If you ask me, this is a knee-jerk reaction.  There have been deaths caused by all dog breeds, not just the bully breeds.  Infact, sadly there was a lady who died after her family's Chow mauled her.   Banning breeds won't stop dog attacks.  Having proper training opportunities available, and affordable, will.

And parents need to teach their children how to behave around strange dogs. Teach them not to just run up to any dog they see. 

There are many Rotties and Pit Bulls living in loving family homes and are loyal, loving pets.  You can't single out an entire breed for aggression.  What you can do is look at the owners of any aggressive dog who don't take responsibility for their pet.

We can also thank the media for shining the negative spotlight on these dog breeds.  When was the last time you saw them report a black lab mauling someone? Or about the Lhasa Apso attacking a child? Yeah, thats what I thought.  But it does happen.  We just don't hear about it like we do with these "bad" breeds.  The media, and everyone else, needs to educate themselves before they start spouting off about how awful Pit Bulls, or any other dog, are. 

I'm going to meet the girl I found on Petfinder this week to see if we're a match.  I'm excited and looking forward to it!  And who knows, I may just have a new canine friend before too long!

Hi, I'm Erin

And I am a pack rat.

While I can thank my dad for a lot of great things, this is one of the less great things I got from him.  And he got it from his mother.  We're keepers of things.  Some of it meaningful.  Some of it less so. Either way, stuff can rest assured that it'll have a long and happy life with either of us.

Being a pack rat extraordinaire makes moving an interesting experience.  I have SO. MUCH. STUFF.

I recently moved twice in less than 6 weeks.

Move #1 resulted in several bags of clothes (much of it brand new stuff) being donated.  I hadn't worn it in the years I've owned it so time to send it on to someone who will.  I also got rid of some papers and whatnot that I'd been hanging onto for who knows what reason.   All in all it did lighten my load.

Move #2 didn't result in any purging.  Usually moving is the onl time I manage to get rid of stuff.   Since I didn't really unpack after the first move nothing really happened before the second.

And not much of it is actually clutter.  Well, right now my room looks like a bomb went off in it.  I don't have a closet and only have a small dresser so stuff is kinda strewn everywhere.   But I'm not one for knick knacks.  I do have a few stuffies on the shelf in my room but thats about it. 

Most of my stuff is clothes.  Realistically I only wear the same few outfits.  Why I have the rest of it I'll never know.  And why I can't get rid of the rest of it I'll never know.

There are some things I am not willing to get rid of: 
quilts made for me by my grandmothers or were handed down from them
books
photos
anything handed down from generations past

The rest of it is just stuff.  And why I feel the need to hang onto it I have no idea.

I think it started when I finally branched out on my own.  Growing up  my parents always beat it into my head that money was for saving, not for spending.  Ever.  At all.  So when I was out on my own making my own money I had control (or lack there of) over when it got spent, how much of it, and on what.   Needless to say I went a little hog-wild.  I was finally able to buy stuff when I wanted to and had no one to answer to for it.   We didn't grow up poor or anything so its not like we didn't have things as kids.  We just didn't have those parents that bought you stuff just because.  I grew up gettign handmedowns from cousins.  If clothes could be bought second-hand they were.  We had toys as kids, but weren't up to our eyeballs in them.  So we had things, just enough things to make living comfortable.  I now buy stuff just because. 

And now I can't get rid of it. 

Because I am renting the majority of my stuff is in my room.  And because I have next to no storage space in here its messy which makes me anxious.  Isn't your bedroom supposed to be a calm, peaceful environment?  Yeah, right.

A face lift

So you may notice a few changes around my blog.  I felt like it was time for a change. 

So, I changed the background, and changed the title of my blog.  Nothing too major, but it needed a bit of sprucing up.

What a weekend

So much fun!

A lot of driving and a lot of walking but SO. MUCH. FUN.

I departed Nova Scotia on Friday morning bound for Moncton for a weekend with gracious hosts Nancy and her hubby.  Landed in Moncton (well, Dieppe technically) around 2:30 then made our way to ButterflyWorld.  What an odd and strangely amusing place that was.   Its basically this white dome filled with plants, flowers and butterflies.  Add in some mystical fairy music and it was quite the experience.   We quickly decided the blue butterflies were the prettiest.  We also learned they are quite modest and don't show their colors unless they're in motion.  And when they're in motion they're quick so are pretty hard to photograph.  But, patience perservered and we finally got a photo of one at rest with its wings open.  That would be Nancy, the blue butterfly whisperer's hand.

After Butterfly World we were off for a sushi feast.  So yummy!  We also took in an after dinner movie which turned out to be not so bad, and even kinda funny.  Which is saying something, as I rarely find comedies to actually be funny.

The next day we slept in, rolled out of bed, managed to get ourselves ready and out the door to head for some eats and to make our way to Magnetic Hill for the U2 concert. After standing in a long line for not that much time, we boarded our bus and were on our way.  If you ever wondered what cattle felt like as they were being herded stand in a line with a few thousand other people and you'll get a pretty good idea.

Naturally it rained all day so everything was good and soggy.  Yup, you guessed it, the concert was outdoors in a grass field.  Well, said grass field turned into a slippery muddy mess pretty quickly.  But that wasn't enough to stop us.

We made it in time to see Arcade Fire play.  I've always kinda liked them, but seeing them play live:  wow.  They're not just a band.  They're not just singers.  They're like a musical movement.  Every song is sung with passion, and every song is like an event.  They're pretty fantastic.  If you ever get the chance to see them, definitely go for it.

After about an hour wait, a few rounds of the wave later, and a couple of impressive flyovers from the Canadian Air Force, U2 finally hit the stage.

Speaking of the stage, what a crazy set up!  It was pretty impressive.  Someone (that'd be me) managed to remember to bring her camera but not her memory card.  Ooppss....thankfully someone's cell has a camera so someone managed to get a few OK pictures of the night.

Now let me just say I had never been to a concert before.  Ever.  I have seen bands play in pubs and the like but I've never been to a 75000-strong, full fledged concert.  So I don't have anything to base this on but I'm pretty sure U2 has set the bar awfully high for any subsequent concerts I may be lucky enough to take in. 

They played a lot of the "old" favorites:  Beautiful Day, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Pride (In the Name of Love), Where The Streets Have No Name....

It really was an awesome experience.  Totally worth standing in mud up to my ankles for 5+hours!

When the concert let out so began the trek back to meet the buses.  75000 people trying to leave the same place all at the same time makes for some slow going.   Add in waiting in a line up of a few thousand people trying to board buses back to their cars, it felt like it was never going to end.  We were all tired, and had various body parts that had gone numb from standing and just wanted to go home.  After a run through the McD's drive thru we made it home by 3:30am, I was in bed by 4:00 certain when I woke up I still wasn't going to be able to feel my feet.

The next morning, er, afternoon I woke to find my feet were still in fact attached to my legs.  BONUS!  We were all a little slow moving due to the copious amounts of walking and the late night.  We made it to take in some lunch and another movie before I began my journey back to Hali.

565kms and a lot of walking later I'm home from a fantastic weekend! 

I want to like it, but I don't

Yoga, that is.

I love the idea of it.  I love the idea of the tranquility of it. I love the idea of the mind-body connection - the meditative aspect of it. I like the idea of stretching and strength in one fun little package.  I like the idea of increased flexibility, because honestly I have the flexibility of a hippopotamus.

I love the idea of a few friends heading off to where ever (the beach? a park?) mats in tow and busting out some yoga-doings with Mother Nature herself, then heading off to an eco-friendly, chill vibe, organic coffee shop for lattes (ok, the last part was me day dreaming of my favorite coffee shop.  Really, if you're ever in Hali you have to check them out.)

My problem with yoga?  I can't shut my darn head off to really reap the benefits.  I'm good for about 8.3 seconds then my mind wanders to all the things I could be doing instead:  scrub the floor, alphabetize my book shelf, walk the dog (I don't have a dog), watch paint dry....as "they" say: an idle mind is a dangerous thing.

I don't relax well: either physically or mentally.  Massage therapists hate me because I can't just relax and let go.  My chiropractor loves me for the same reason, I can't/don't just let go and give in to the process.

I want to like yoga.  I really do.  After several attempts I just don't. I want to be one of those yoga people, with the fun outfits and my funky mat and get my yoga on.  My attempts at  yoga, however, go a little something like what is decribed here.

I know a lot of people love yoga, and seem to reap the full realm of benefits from it. And it is those people I am slightly envious of.  Around here it almost seems to be the going trend.  Its like an elite club of yoga doing, red wine sipping, and sushi eating.  Ok, the sushi I'm down with but the rest not so much. I wonder if there is a sushi eating club around?  I should look into that.  Perhaps I could start my own club?!

So there you go, I've said it:  I really don't like yoga.  I really want to like it, but I don't.

And really, I guess its OK that I don't.  In the grand scheme of things I doubt my dying thought is going to be "dammit, I wish I had done more yoga."

I think I may have created a monster

A monster in me that is. 

The Body Shop.  Oh, how I have refound my love for it.  I used to be all over their stuff when I was in my early teens.  Then for whatever reason (likely because the nearest one to me was over 2hrs away) I fell away from it.  Just last week my love was been rekindled. 

I popped in to pick something up to help with a crazy sunburn I had.  Turns out they have a crazy promotion on right now:  buy 1 get one 50%, buy 2 get 1 free, buy 3 get 2 free.  So you see what has happened here right?

Oh, I totally bought 3 got 2 free!  I walked out of there with $80 worth of stuff and only paid $30 for it. Score!  Bonus, if you have one of their loyalty cards you get an additional 10% off. 

Anyway, my real reason for this bringing this up: I have been struggling lately to find skin care products that don't make my face freak out.  So far it seems their Aloe line is just the ticket.  So far so good.

Oh, and their Vitamin E Body Lotion is also fantastic.

Added bonus:  I love that they're against testing on animals.  They are pushing against sex trafficking.  I like that their products have less chemical stuff in them than others.  No, they're not totally chemical free, but they have less of it than other stuff does.  The shampoo I bought has no silicones, no sulphates, no colorants and no parabens. Every little bit helps right? Oh, and they've been handing out samples of their Vitamin E Moisture Cream too!

So yeah, I went in that initial time last week, then again a few days later, and again just yesterday.  Overall I've saved over $100 on all the stuff I bought.  Thankfully I'm off all next week and am therefore out of the city so I can slow down on keeping The Body Shop in business!

Anyway, enough rambling about their stuff that I really am in love with....

I got a promotion at work!  Yay!  I have officially left supervisor land and have joined the ranks of the managers! Yipee!!  And its funny, I had some of the other managers on Facebook (they added me when I first started working there) however somewhere along the way some of them deleted me.  No big.  I don't put too much stock into who I'm friends with and who I'm not on Facebook.  Yesterday after the announcement came out suddenly the friend requests from the deleters came flying in.  So now that I'm officially a manager I'm good enough to appear on your friends list again?  Oh, I see how it works.

What else...??

I'm off all next week.  I'm sure you'll all be rivetted with that news.  Heading home to the parentals for a few days then I'm off to NB on Friday at some point for a weekend with Nancy and to take in the U2 concert! Pretty excited!  Here's hoping the weather cooperates and is nice but not too hot and doesn't pour rain. Fingers crossed!

My favorite color is green...

I've had this post sitting in "draft" for quite awhile now.  Why I never got around to posting it I don't know.

My favorite color is green.  Green grass. Green trees.  Green.

I recently watched "No Impact Man" - a documentary about a family as they live for a year making no net impact on the environment.  No electricity. No driving.  No buying new clothes (purchasing used from thrift shops was OK).  Their daughter switched to cloth diapers. Buying locally grown organic produce and meats.  Hand washing clothes and not using detergents.  No more eating out or getting delivery.  As coffee isn't locally grown they cut their coffee consumption.  And the list goes on.  Yes, it was extreme and its not for everyone, however it did spark some thought, which is sparking some change, which I suppose was the purpose of his documentary.

I am of the personal belief many of us can do more to help protect the environment.  I was on the environment committee in high school - I had a hand in jump starting the school's recycling program.  I stayed after school to sort and wash sticky, smelly pop cans so they could be returned for recycling.  I grew up with my parents being composters and having their own vegetable garden.  So its always beens something that has been part of my life.

I recently moved (again), and my two new roommates are fully on board with recycling and composting.  Our plan for next spring is to put in a vegetable garden and get our own composter.  For now, the municipality takes away our compostables, which is a far cry better than dumping them in the garbage.

Anyway, watching the documentary got me thinking about ways I can go greener in my day to day living.   I've pitched the idea of making my own household cleaners to my roomies and they're both excitedly onboard.  Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are soon to be my best friends.  Not only are they more environmentally friendly they're also kinder to my bank account.  I'm still deciding on making my own shampoos.

Ways to go green(er)....

• choose certified organic:  this means its grown in such a way that preserves the ecosystem.  And if you can get one that is also Fair Trade, even better!
• support local growers.  If you buy locally you reduce your dependance on suppliers that ship food nationwide, reducing the reliance on oil and therefore gas emissions.
• use reusable grocery bags instead of plastic
• use water efficient shower heads and fawcets
• recycle cell phones, digital cameras etc instead of just dumping them in the trash
• use energy saver light bulbs throughout your home. They use less energy and last much longer than regular bulbs.
• when it comes time to replace appliances choose energy efficient
• use homemade cleaners
• once a week eat strictly vegeterian for a day.  Why? Because growing plants is cheaper in terms of energy than animals.
• use a reusable travel mug instead of the paper coffee cups at your favorite coffee shop
• instead of using paper coffee filters switch out for a reusable one.  If you do use paper, remember they're compostable.
• choose bamboo.  Bamboo is a far more sustainable natural resource than wood because it grows quickly.  Look for bamboo bowls and cutting boards.  I have bamboo socks that I love!
• Remove yourself from junk mail lists.
• set your printer to print on both sides of the paper
• turn lights off when you're not in the room
• if you have a dehumidifier use the water to water household plants instead of just dumping it out
• set your computer to "sleep" if there is no activity for 15mins.
• use old towels and sheets as rags around the house
• turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. dont' let the water run.
• choose gas efficient, low emission vehicles. Change air filters often.  Drive the limit.  Driving 10mph over the limit is liking adding fifty cents to the price per gallon of gas.
• Use your dishwasher.  Run a full load whenever possible.  It uses less water than washing the same amount of dishes by hand.
• Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket to lower its running cost as much as 10%
• Set all your bills to come by email instead of on paper
• plant trees around your yard.  Plant them in places where they'll shade your AC unit

Anyway....this is likely starting to sound preachy.  But its my blog and I'll preach if I want to! haha....yeah.  

I just really believe more can be done to take steps to help preserve what is left of our environment.  Will I ever take it as far as No Impact Man?  No. I like to watch TV. And I like to be able to drive to where I need to go.  There are some creature comforts I'm not willing to give up.  And really, if you think about it many of these things are pretty easy to incorporate into our daily lives, and their initial expense is pretty minimal. 

So there you go.  As I am settling into my new place I am also contemplating ways to live just a little bit greener.

~Be kind to the environment, it is where I keep all my stuff.

I Want to Have Fun Too

But I'm not.  I'm sitting here in my room, by myself instead.

It started off OK.  The roomies (my friend S and her fiance L), and his cousin A were listening to music and having some drinks.  I haven't drank in a LONG time so I was looking forward to a chill night of tunes, bevvies, and chit chat.  S and A decide they want to dance.  Great.  They were having a good time.  Me, I wasn't nearly intoxicated enough to even think of dancing with them.  I humoured them.  Laughed along.  Snapped a few photos for them.  They did shots.  I bowed out as I just don't do shots as a rule. 

And now here I am. 

The reason I've retreated to my room?  I'm too damn self conscious to join in.  There isn't enough booze in the house to make my inhibitions go away enough for me to join them.  

I wish I didn't care so much with everyone else thinks of me.

Bucket of Awesomeness

Do you have a Bucket List?

I've had a list (well, a mental one) for a few years now.   We've all got things we want to do throughout our lives, but have you actually put thought into it and put that list on paper?  I've spent the last few days doing just that.  No, its not an extensive list but its my list, and its a start.

While sipping a delicious martini with Nancy the other night the topic of living life, not just spending it in front of the computer or TV in your PJs came up.  Life is short, and it needs to be lived. 

I will be the first to admit doing things wild and crazy is just not in my genetic make up.  Its not how I work.   So its not likely you'll see many things like bunjee jumping on my list.   And because of my lack of the "wild and crazy" gene, I often need a kick in the ass to get going.  My hope (theory?) is that having the list in writing to see will help be that kick in the ass.

Interested in what is on my list? Well, scroll on up and click on the "Bucket of Awesomeness" page!

...and yet another (almost) month has gone by

I suck at keeping up with updating my blog. Like really suck.

the last month:

I moved.
I have former landlord/roommate drama that will likely see us land in mediation and possibly court. I'm majorly stressed over this.
I love my new place. I have so much more space.
Entered my first photo contest. Voting is still ongoing, so you should totally vote for me! VOTE!





the coming month:

moving. again.
my littlest brother graduations high school.
I get to see Nancy a few times. FUN!
hopefully sort out the above mentioned landlord drama and get my stress levels back under control.

Fun times all around.