What I'm Loving Wednesday

- we dressed up last night for Girl Guides (yes, Tanner came too) - my costume was originally just a comfy bunny rabbit BUT, I printed off a TY brand heart and wrote Bloom (my bunny name) and my birth date just like a real Beanie Boo (the reason I did this was because our Sparks always bring in Beanie Boo's for show and tell, so they all LOVED my last minute creation).

- it's supposed to stop raining on time for trick or treating


- that I didn't see one costumed person on the way into work this morning...I find downtown on Halloween is scary, seeing random scary people and clowns on the elevators with you


- I'm ahead of the game and already picked the Sunday school pageant and have all the members assigned


- the apple crisp I got from a hockey fundraiser...I love apple crisp but no one else in my house does...I just finished it this morning, yummy breakfast!


- I FOUND THE MISSING USB...remember I went crazy searching my house looking for my home and school USB, well it was a Halloween miracle this morning - there it was in my Sparks bag!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Devil's Night

Tonight is Devil's Night aka Mat Night where I come from.

I remember when I was younger it being a big thing in our community.  I remember seeing the aftermath of it the next morning.  Burnt tires, graffiti, thrown garbage etc.  I like to think that it was just the group of kids around at the time because in years past, it is just another day that I don't even think twice about...

Then this morning they were talking about it on the radio.  People calling in with stories of things that they did when they were younger on "Devils Night".  One lady called in and said that they would egg people as they drove by on bikes and it reminded me of a time that this happened to myself and Jill.  It wasn't Mat night or even close to Halloween I don't think.  It was cold out.  We were at a hockey game and were meeting friends at the local bar.  Apparently, the bar doesn't have people until really late...so when we showed up at 9, we were way too early.  We circled around the parking lot, walking and shivering watching for our friends.  I remember actually getting really scared at one point because a car kept following us and showing up near us...well eventually that car whipped by us and threw an egg out.  I was not in the line of fire, but Jill was.  So there we were, stranded at a bar with no people, in the cold and dark and no friends.  We eventually called Jill's dad to pick us up.  I couldn't imagine doing that to someone.

Does Mat Night still exist??

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday morning Maddy and I went for breakfast and then went for her 18 month consultation with the orthodontist.  We had some good news and not so good news.  Good news: the procedure of removing her two eye teeth 18 months ago to allow room worked, yay!  Not so good news: she still needs braces for 12 months.  We are waiting until April though because one of those said eye teeth hasn't come in yet, so we will wait.  The price tag: $6,317 eek!

Friday evening was Movie Night at the school.  Ricky took Tanner to hockey where he had his pictures done and Maddy and I headed to the school where over 50 kids came to watch Hotel Transylvania 3.  It was definetly not quite as quiet as the last one.  Kids can't just stay still and watch a movie.  Regardless, they come with money and have to spend it all.  We had treats and popcorn available for $0.25 - $0.50 and we managed to make almost $175 alone on the canteen.  Sorry parents for the tummy aches that they went home with, not!

Saturday morning after a fight to leave for hockey, we eventually made it to the arena.  After hockey, we ran to get some groceries then I ran back home to drop Tanner off then Maddy and I were on route again for dance.  Thank God there are only two classes left.  After dance, I tried to nap but that didn't work and then we were all dressed and heading to the city to celebrate our niece's 19th birthday at Boston Pizza.  After supper, Brooke watched the kids while we headed to the casino for an hour...and it was by far a bit more productive then past visits.  I spent $40 and won $120 and Ricky won $110.  We left after an hour and headed home...in the snow, blech!

Sunday morning we slept in from a later than normal night then Tanner and I got ready to head to Church while Ricky headed to the bush and Maddy headed to Kaylee and Jessica's for some hottubbin'.  After Church, we spent the day just watching TV, napping and laundry.  We had chipstand for supper because it will be closed soon and then we carved our pumpkins and roasted some seeds.

How was your weekend?

TGIF

This week I was hit with a cold...started out of the blue on Tuesday, thought about staying home on Wednesday but went to work to only come home at like 10 am because I was weak...Thursday I was back to normal, almost!

I received a nice card from the staff at school saying thank you for the hard work my girls (my committee) and I put in to get the new playground at the school.



Maddy is a real mother hen and I feel sad that she is leaving elementary school next year.  Wednesday night she came home and said that a little boy in daycare (who is in Pre-K) was having a bad day...the kids were all in the gym and it was too noisy for him (I don't blame ya dude)...he was crying so Maddy took him out to the hallway and just talked with him.  Every day she is coming home telling me that she pulls kids aside that are upset and tries to make them feel better. 

This week Tanner must have grew a couple of inches because about a month ago when I tried his snowsuit on, it fit.  I put the coat on him this week and it's too short in the sleeves...thankfully I found a used one and scooped it up in the next size up for only $45!

Did you hear about all those packages that were being sent to big, important political people in the States this week?  Well, my company's containment systems Frag Bag was used by the NYPD in response to the package that was addressed to the former CIA Director John Brennan...cool stuff, huh?

Looking forward to this weekend:

- hockey on Friday night and Tanner gets his pictures done...Ricky will have to take him because I am hosting a Movie Night at the school and watching Hotel Transylvania 3

- hockey and dance on Saturday

- heading to Boston Pizza with friends and family for our niece's 19th birthday then going to the casino (wish me luck)

- Sunday I am teaching Sunday School

Have a great weekend!

What I'm Loving / Disliking Wednesday

LOVING that the news reporter yesterday morning wouldn't say the S word but NOT LOVING that there is SNOW in the forecast this weekend.

LOVING that after talking it over with friends and family everyone backed my decision to decline the job at the Mental Health Commission because it sounded like a lot of work for the same money but NOT LOVING that I actually took the interview and may have lead them on.

LOVING that I have created a gift idea for Maddy this year...a year of experiences rather than gifts, NOT LOVING that I have zero ideas for Tanner (I have some experiences for him too but he still believes in Santa obviously and will need some toys).

If you want to see all the dates, just let me know, I'll send it!

LOVING that after next week it will be just me and the girls travelling to work, NOT LOVING that we could possibly have snowy weather by then, ugh.


LOVING that I am looking at cruise options, NOT LOVING that it's for 2020 (decided to skip this year).

LOVING that I got my new vertical mouse for my carpal tunnel, NOT LOVING that it takes a separate USB so now all my outlets are used by wireless devices.

LOVING Buckley's Gel Caps, NOT LOVING that I have to take them because I have a stupid cold.

Happy Hump Day!

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday the kids came to work with and then we had dentist appointments.  All went well.  Our dentist office has been taken over by new management and it has all this new technology which made Maddy's x-rays a lot easier and Tanner got a filling filled while watching TV.  Maddy had no cavities and Tanner has to see the doctor to see if he has a mineral deficiency due to the fact that he has lost most of his teeth, including his molars.  After the appointments, we grabbed a bite to eat then we headed to the Museum of Nature with the library free pass.
When we got home, we decided to go out for Chinese before hockey then headed to hockey where Tanner had a little run in with the boards.

Saturday was car rally day.  We slept in for a bit since Tanner didn't want to do hockey (his head hurt a little from his slide into the boards), so instead we all got ready for the day and dropped the kids off at my parents before heading to Jill's to meet up with our team.  The day was fun.  The route was harder than we expected but still managed to come in 5th place.  The kids went to the dance with my parents then met up with some family visiting from the Toronto area.  We were all back home by 8 pm, warmed back up and ready for bed.

Sunday morning was an early morning for Ricky and Maddy as they were heading to go Paintballing with friends.  Mom, Dad, Shannon and Rylie stopped in for a visit before Church then Tanner and I headed to church.  We got to watch Rae and Finn be baptized and then we had a potluck downstairs because we had a past minister visiting us.  After Church, I dropped Tanner off at Harlow's birthday party and had the house to myself for 3 hours.  I finished laundry and napped.  Ricky and Maddy got home around 5 and we just all had baths and watched shows.

How was your weekend?

Rally Weekend

This popped up in my memories this morning on FB - 5 YEARS AGO...when we won first place in the Car Rally and had to do the route the next year.

If you don't know, if you place 1st in this rally, you have to plan the route out the next year.  I am still happy to say that we got to experience it but I am not signing up to win first place anytime soon...even last year a close first was very stressful, I thought I was going to throw up!!

The weather forecast has been iffy all week for Saturday, as it is every year I suppose at the time of year, but it's not showing some sun so I hope it will be a good day.  I will have my tuque and mitts packed.  The snacks are packed, tonight after hockey I will pick up stuff to make sandwiches and tomorrow morning we will join our group to hit the road all day answering questions, having the odd fight, making Graham and Ricky do the clue hunting and the odd view of butt crack (hey, we're out for hours and need to pee sometime).

Also happening this weekend:

My parents will have the kids and will do the hockey and dance thing then they are joining some cousins visiting from the Toronto area for a potluck.  It will be nice for them to see everyone.

Ricky and Maddy are going paintballing on Sunday.

Tanner and I will head to church where my friends twin's will be baptized and we have a special guest visiting the Church followed by a potluck downstairs.

Tanner also got invited to Harlow's birthday party on Sunday so while he is there, I may pop over to another friend's place for an Usborne Book Open House.

What are your plans this weekend?

Making Decisions SUCK

Yesterday I had a job interview and I felt so good when I left there...I actually had someone say "too bad we have others to interview" which to me means, I got it.  But when I left there, I started to think things through and started to worry, do I really want this?  For the verdict, I always get like this.  I want a new job, I look, I apply, then when it goes well and I am offered the job, I freak!

I know my reasonings are more personal than they are professional, but they still matter to me, I'll let you be the judge?

CURRENT JOBPROS

- hours are 7:30 - 3:30

- I can basically do what I want, when I want
- I work with only three men and they work from home a lot
- I have the flexibility to work from home
- When my kids have appointments in the city, they come with me
- Company pays for my parking (downtown which saves me $265/month)
- I am allowed to watch Netflix when not busy

CONS

- I don't have enough work to keep me busy
- The days are long
- I do more than what I am paid for
- Even though I surpassed my objectives this year, I got no bonus
- In the last 4 months, 3 people have been laid off

POTENTIAL JOB
PROS

- It's not the defence and security world, I will be making a difference in mental health
- I would always be busy
- I would be the President's assistant
- Working with women (its been years since I worked with women)
- They have awesome wellness plans (yoga and meditation)
- Potential to travel
- Could lead to advancing and other job opportunities

CONS

- being the assistant to the President means I may be always on call with a cell in my hand at all time (I picture the movie Devil Wears Prada)
- the hours are 8 - 4 and I need to be flexible on overtime
- I won't have spare time for my other things that I currently do (printing for Sparks, setting up H&S meetings etc)

At the end of the day I think of a few things:

- our kids are now older and I could possibly do the overtime and on call thing, but do I want to be tied down all the time?  We carpool, I don't want to change our routine.
- if the pay scale is the same, is it worth leaving my boring job for something that may cause me stress even though I would be busy and enjoy it more?

I hate being an adult sometimes.  Ugh!

Thoughts?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Yesterday we had a big power outage...happened around 10 pm Monday night and finally came back on around 9 am Tuesday morning.  School, of course was cancelled so Ricky stayed home with the kids and some extras!

And this is what happens when Ricky is in charge

That dress that Tanner is wearing is like 31 years old

That it was Fall and cooler weather cuz I was beginning to get scared of the contents in my fridge and freezers.

Had a catch up call with Nanny Earl the other day...she was missing everyone but sounded good.

Friday is basically a day off for me...kids have dentist appointments and will come in with me, we'll go to the appointments and then maybe we will do something.

Looking forward to fun times at the car rally this weekend.

I made extra rice last night, boiled some cabbage and spinach and made some rice bowls for the week with kimchi...just looking for some sort of sauce now.

Had a massage yesterday on my neck and my arm for the carpal tunnel...it's not feeling the best today but that means something is working...

I finished another round of surveys and cashed in another $50 Amazon gift certificate and I spent it yesterday: Coat of Many Colors Christmas for Maddy, a vertical mouse for me and a Pittsburgh Penguin licence plate cover for Ricky.

Happy Hump Day!

{Weekend Rewind}

Oh Monday morning...

Friday when we got home from work, Ricky was home from moose hunting - YAY!  I still had to do the hockey run but I was looking forward to a break on Saturday (more to come below).  After hockey, we stopped in at Nanny and Papa's and Rylie was visiting with Momma and Grandpa so we got to visit everyone!

Saturday morning we were all up early.  The kids and Ricky were heading to hockey and I was heading to the Nordic Spa in beautiful Chelsea to celebrate Lindsay's birthday with Sara, Jill and Sharon.  It was going to be a cool day so I was a little worried about being cold but it was a good day.
We left early, picked Lindsay up and were on our way.  Unfortunately, this mama was in the way back of the vehicle and started to feel nauseas, so we had to pull over.  Luckily I wasn't sick but I wasn't feeling the greatest.  Thankfully, Lindsay traded seats and I was fine once I was in the front.
Ryan, Lindsay's husband planned this day for us.  He treated us to the Nordic and then Montana's for supper.  He also advised us to get there early because the lines quickly get long and he was right.  We got there about 8:30 and only got registered and to our change rooms at like 10 am...an hour after it opened.  However, before we made it to the change room, Klutzy Lindsay took a trip down the stairs and went over on her ankle.  She was feeling light headed and we opted to leave but she insisted we stay.  She felt better and we proceeded with our day.  We enjoyed sauna's, hot baths, eucalyptus rooms and exfoliation.  We sat in bath robes over lunch and ended the day chatting over a beverage (thanks Sharon) in the infinity pool.  Upon leaving though, Lindsay's bummed ankle was now even worse and she was beginning to feel light headed again so we all decided, no supper and took her to the Wakefield hospital to get it checked.  We sat in the parking lot not wanting to leave her and eventually her husband met her there.  The outcome was they did x-rays but didn't return to her so they left at 11 pm.  I did see her yesterday and even though it was still swollen, she was walking better! 

Sunday we skipped Church and I ran to Shawville to get a few things while Ricky and the kids headed back to the camp for a little partridge hunt. 

I got home, put groceries away and then joined Leslie to finish off our school fundraiser pics.  I got home in time for supper and we all called it an early night.

How was your weekend? 

The End of the Week

- Wednesday morning I hit a raccoon...then on the way home, I hit a squirrel (in my defence, the raccoon was suicidal, he was going towards the bush then ran back out to me)

- Thankfully the little big bugger didn't do damage, I literally ran over him with my tire (a big thump)

- I have finally watched the last season of Nashville

- The clinic where I get my massages was hosting their 2nd Anniversary and were offering free 15 minute massages, of course I signed up right away...I will take a massage ANY TIME

- Looking forward to Ricky being home...I love when he is away but the kids miss him and bed times are usually tough with a certain 11 year old

- I ordered pictures yesterday...the kids school pictures and some other ones from the wedding to include with Christmas cards

- The weather forecast yesterday on the radio said the F word...that's right, FLURRIES!  Back off snow, not ready yet.

This weekend...

- Hockey on Friday and Saturday

- Maddy has dance

- Maddy is signed up for a free 3D printing seminar at the library on Sunday

- It's the last weekend of school fundraiser pictures

- Ricky will be home

- I need groceries

Have a great weekend!!! 

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- I am glad that today is a better day.  Yesterday morning I woke up feeling really crappy - my eye was so sore, itchy and twitching and my allergies were really bad...luckily, I left work early, went to bed early and feel back to tip top shape!

- Ricky surprised us and came home last night for a visit (really for a shower and darts) but the kids were uber excited to see him...we will see him again on Saturday

- that it's Wednesday...I feel that this week will go by fast

- our firewall issue at work is being fixed

- Maddy has sold all her Girl Guide cookies and we still asked for another case because she wants to physically sit somewhere and sell some herself

- the last two days have been like 30 degrees and sunny - my kind of fall!  To be honest though, stepping outside at 6 in the morning and it's already like 19 degrees out feels weird in October

- the school craft sale that we hold every year is FULL

- that it's Pay Day this week AND i actually get three pays this month

- I am almost done The Ranch on Netflix, I have watched basically everything and are caught up with new shows....what will be in store for me next?  HELP!!

- really getting into my current book - it's called Silver Thaw and when I read it, I feel like I am in the story - I love those kind of stories!

Happy Hump Day

{Long Weekend Recap}

Our "solo" weekend!

Friday night Maddy had her friend Olivia over for the night which I thought would distract her from wanting her dad at bedtime, but she was still upset...thankfully she got over it (until the next night).

Saturday morning we were up early and headed to the arena for Tanner's first hockey practice.  This will be our norm now until April.  It was great to see old friends and all the new little Magh players.  After hockey we went home and just relaxed a little before heading to my mom's for Thanksgiving dinner.  I was babysitting Kaylee, Jessica and Thomas for the night so they joined us around 3 and then we all had thanksgiving dinner before heading home and calling it a night.  Everyone slept well.

Sunday morning after dropping Thomas off at home (I need a bigger vehicle to bring them all to Church), the rest of us headed to Church for communion/Thanksgiving service.  I love seeing the Church all decorated for Fall.  We had a full class for Sunday School and got to participate in the communion as well.  The rest of the day was just relaxing, making a last minute apple pie for lunch at Butch's, and then the neighbours invited us over for a bonfire!  First and possibly the last one of the year.

Monday we were supposed to be up early to do pictures for a fundraiser, but Leslie's daughter caught the flu and we postponed and rescheduled.  We just cleaned the house, took the winter stuff out and then headed to my sister in law's for lunch.  When we came home, we watched Benji, made lunches for school, finished laundry and another early night!

How was your long weekend?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- Tanner starting hockey this weekend

- Thanksgiving also this weekend

- Ricky leaving for a week to go moose hunting

- Tanner starting to read and trying to make him enjoy it

- got a steal of a deal on a photo printer for an event...was looking on Amazon and for the exact one it was $125 + and I scored one brand new for $20 on Kijjiji

- my friend Tom and his wife Rosie welcomed a baby girl into their life - Aurelia and I can't wait to meet her in person (I knew it was going to be a girl)

- no dance this weekend but no worries, still jam packed with other stuff

- Saturday night I have the girls and Thomas overnight

- Ricky's poison ivy is finally gone (or healing)

- Tomorrow is going to be 27 out - YAY!   Hope the rain holds off for Maddy's soccer tournament

Happy Hump Day All

October To Do List

Now that October is here, I want to do things...

- fix the outdoor shed (with or without Ricky's help at his speed)

- put the snowblower up for sale (since we used it once)

- using my back porch and some large tarp, make a storage area for bikes and stuff for the winter

- watch Hocus Pocus with Maddy

- not win the Car Rally on October 20th

- go into a tattoo place and get a quote

- buy a pumpkin and everyday write what we are thankful for

- hollow out a pumpkin and toast the seeds

- do some baking to put in the freezer for upcoming Craft Show

- take the kids for eye exams

- bring out the winter boots and put the summer stuff away

- start making a Christmas list of gifts needed

- go to the casino

- would love to go to Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada's village

- make something with pumpkin (even though I don't eat it)

What are your plans?

{Weekend Rewind}

I think this was the first REAL weekend of Fall...it just felt like Fall, damp and cool!


Friday after work we had my sister and Rylie with us.  We ended up ordering pizza and chipstand and Leslie and Kenz joined us at our place for supper.  Soon after, Vicky, Hollie and the kids all landed in for a visit and before you know it, Ricky was passing out Khalua and Milks to the ladies!


Saturday morning I woke up feeling a little off but we had a lot planned.  We headed across the ferry to the Carp Havest Market once again.  I wanted to get some more soap from a past co-worker and I also got some melts for my warmers, some perogies, some dill and taffy on snow!  After about an hour of touring there, we made a quick pit stop to pick up some clothes for Tanner I bought off Kijjiji then we headed to Renfrew.  We were a bit early so we hit up some second hand stores.  I scored Tanner three pairs of shoes, more pants and a book for me all for $5.  The second store, I didn't score as well but still came out with some pants for Maddy.  Once that was done, we rushed over to dance and hung there for an hour.  On our way home, we stopped at Walmart to pick up some things and then headed home.  I  was so tired and dizzy, just feeling really off that day.  I unpacked things and then headed back to my mom's for her homemade slush and snacks.  Thomas was dropped off while his mom and sisters enjoyed a fundraiser supper and then after a little visit with them, we were heading home around 9.

Sunday morning I had intentions to go to Church then when I got up, I started doing things in the kitchen and time passed by.  I made cookies for Maddy's soccer tournament this week, made two dozen chocolate cream cheese muffins for Ricky to take to the camp, 12 jars of dill carrots, and then we decided friends Barclay and Trina were coming for supper so we made a butterscotch pie.  I threw chicken breasts in the crockpot and then got ready to head to a public town meeting.  Thank goodness we showed up because there wasn't that big of a crowd.  This meeting was a public consultation to vision our new park area.  It was a great talk and information session and the kids were helpful since it's for them too!  After the meeting, I headed home and got the rest of supper ready.  After supper with the Wickens, it was bath time and bed. 

How was your weekend?