I worked from 3-1030 today and now I'm just sitting here with a crowne and coke watching some tv! As the days go on I'm definitely getting very excited about moving (Wednesday...eeeeppp!) but I also feel stressed when I think about all the stuff we still have to buy. Like once we get our furniture, we have to buy all the decor to go with, namely bedding. I know it'll all work out though. Maybe I'm just nervous and over thinking all the expenses. And also, not to be one of those girls but I haven't been feeling that good about myself lately. I haven't been going to yoga and all I eat is Swiss chalet which is a problem in itself. I really miss cooking my own healthy meals and being encouraged to do so with the help of practicing yoga but I haven't had the ambition lately. I'm hoping that will change once I have my own kitchen. That's all for now, until next time.

Ho-Hum/Life Update

I can't seem to break out of this funk I've been in lately! Please help! Just kidding, but seriously.
I think I'm just having a really hard time getting used to working 6 days a week missing everything that seems to be important in my life usually having to do with family which is what I find to be most important. It's really starting to get me down, but such is life. I just keep thinking about how in a couple years once I can get my hands on a job in my field or even once I'm graduated, I will have a stability in my career again and I can start joining in on social activities. Call me a whiner, but I think when you're working in a part time job that isn't your career, you need to remember to make time for what is most important. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't regret quitting my full time office job AT ALL, I'm really happy I did it so I can work towards my goals, but I just can't help but be anxious for the next few years to zoom by so I can start living normally again. Le sigh.

On a different and happier note, t-minus 2 weeks until John & I are official roomies! I couldn't be more excited! I probably won't have any money for anything, but I seriously can't wait to cook us delicious dinners (or NOT cook us delicious dinners), actually be able to sit in my livingroom without the television being taken over by my parents or sisters, get to do laundry whenever I want without having to worry about getting in trouble, putting up my own decorations, et cetera!!! Wooo!

Also, John & I spent the past few nights out at the lake (even though I kept having to come in to work). It actually sort of worked out though because I never worked late so we'd still have our evenings to have fun swimming and reading (which is basically what we did the whole time). I read Catching Fire in like, 2 days. I still can't believe I didn't like the Hunger Games at this time last year, what was I thinking? I'm obsessed now and am already half way through the last book. I seriously can't get enough. We also enjoyed homemade wine from my dad and basically just enjoyed eachothers company.

Anyway, that's a little update on my life considering I never blog ever anymore... have a great day :)!

The Basics

I've decided this summer sucks.
LAST summer was amazing with so much time outside and having barbecues, but no not this summer! This summer I am working, working, working. But I guess that's the price you pay when you quit your full time job to work shift work in preperation for going back to school. So I guess for now I just have to suck it up!

But here's a little update on my life:

Yesterday, my Mom and I went shopping for some of the basics me and John will need for the new house! I picked up things like mixing bowls, casserole dishes, spatulas, toilet bowl brushes and more! And I got everything on sale from Canadian Tire. That place may just be my new fave! Who knew all the great deals they would have there? I was getting things for 60-70% off! So happy!

We just need things like bowls, plates, silverware and a coffee machine now!

A little less than a few short weeks and we are flyin' solo! So excited.

Random Thoughts

Sorry for my lack of posting lately. I've seriously been in the biggest funk-I never want to stop sleeping. I'm always so tired. Anyway, enough complaining and let's move on to the good stuff!

I just want to share with you some thoughts I've been having today:

1. Even though me and John move in together in the last month of Summer, I'm so excited to get to start our "new lives" together when Autumn begins. Once we get really settled, the leaves will start changing colours, the air will become crisper, and we can put up some Halloween Decorations! I also can't wait to buy pumpkin scented candles to put in our bathroom! It's the little things, isn't it?

2. With that being said, I'm also sad that with all this excitement (and lack of planning) I feel like summer is moving by WAY too fast. That probably has something to do with the fact that I work almost everyday at Swiss Chalet and am finding little time to enjoy the greatest times of summer. However, John and I have been trying to go out to the lake as often as we can but it's almost always interuppted with work the next morning. Sigh.

3. I'm heading to Hot Yoga for the first time in a LONG time today! I'm nervous that the poses will be difficult for me but what I'm most NOT looking forward to, is the fact that its 35 degrees outside and I'm heading into an even hotter room. Hence the reason why I haven't been going. It's just too hot for hot yoga. I read so many blogs from Arizona and some of them enjoy a hot yoga session but I gotta ask, how do you work up the ambition to go in the hot weather? My goodness!

That's what's on my mind for today! Have a great Wednesday!

Looking Up

I'm not really sure what's changed from now since my last post, but I already feel more at ease.

Our landlord contacted us to let us know we're still good to go for our apartment which was something I was stressed out about and now I'm just laying on the couch having a beer with John in my robe. Everything just feels easy right now.

Let's just hope things stay this simple and happy because I'm lovin' the way life feels right now. I just need to find a way to keep up this positive attitude.

And making lots of money tonight at work definitely didn't hurt either!

Have a great evening. :)

Whiny Post

At the risk of sounding like a whiner, but let's face it, I really don't care right now, I'm in a mega bad mood.

My whole family is going camping this weekend and I can't go because I have to work. Part time problems right?

Yet another reminder over the fact that I really need to start booking off time when I know I'm just going to feel like crap when I have to miss out on the things that mean the most to me come summer time.

Among other reasons, I'm just feeling sort of stressed out lately and I really want all the anxiety to just GTFO, if you know what I mean. A couple weeks ago, I felt like I was on top of the world and I really miss that contentement. Where the heck did it go?

Being seriously happy is the best feeling in the world and I really need to take a good long hard look at my emotions and responsibilities in order to feel good again. That is all.

p.s. this post isn't helping.

Garden Chat and a Recipe

The best part about living in the middle of two Italian families as well as having an Italian Step Mother, is that we are constantly being given fresh vegetables from their and their families gardens. :)

We get fresh lettuce, fresh tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, the list goes on and on and it never gets old. The recipes you can make with fresh vegetables always taste so much better then what you buy at a supermarket and something about the look of a nicely grown green onion from your neighbour's yard is a good way of knowing that you are nourishing your body as well with fresh produce. :)

I attempted to make a tuna salad with some of the lettuce and onions we received, but I'm not a huge fish fan so I got really grossed out and fed it to my dogs, ha. If you like tuna though, you'll love the salad.

What You'll Need:

• Sun Dried Tomato Tuna (or if you can't find that, a jar of sundried tomatos in oil and a can of tuna)
• One Tomato, quartered
• A fresh head of lettuce, chopped
• Green Onion, chopped
• 2 tbs of Olive Oil
• 1 Lemon, Freshly Squeezed
• Salt, Pepper to taste
• Garlic Salt

Mix it all together and you have a salad. Easy Peezy

Canada Day Weekend

Canada Day Weekend started off for me being miserable! I didn't have any plans in order like I normally do and basically just thought my weekend was going to suck.

But it actually turned out to be pretty good! Saturday I made some yummy cocktails (recipe below) with my mom and she barbecued for us. Then me and my sister went and saw a movie.

And then Sunday my friend ended up coming into town so we went to the Waterfront to eat some food and watch the fireworks which was nice. All in all, my country's birthday was a pretty good one for me!

Original Recipe from www.thekitchn.com (adapted by me)

What You'll Need:

• Frozen Pink Lemonade from Concentrate
• Strawberries (Slivered)
• 8 Fresh Basil Leaves
• 1 Pony of Dark Tequila
• 2 Cups of Water

What To Do:

Just add everything into a serving jug, mix well, and then pour into pretty glasses. :) Add some ice, enjoy!

On Changes And Other Things...

Yesterday I started talking with my family about how when I move out on August 1st, they aren't going to be calling me everytime they do something together as a family. For example, if they decide to go on a camping trip or a mini trip to the States, I won't be invited unless it "comes up in converesation". Call me a baby, but this absolutely floored me.

I started to cry because let's face it, I found this to be very sad. Just because I'm not living with them anymore doesn't mean I shouldn't be invited on the family trips... Or does it?

All I know, is that when I have kids and they grow up, I'll still invite them to at least SOME places because isn't the saying, "the more the merrier" and aren't family vacations absolutely awesome? Or maybe that's just me.

Is it normal for people who are already moved out to stop attending the family vacations?

It just gives me an uncomfortable feeling. I'm aware I'm starting to build my own life, but that doesn't mean my family isn't apart of it?

I don't know. Maybe I'm just a huge sap.

Regardless of the changes that are happening and my having trouble accepting them, I'm getting really excited for the big move! Only one month minus 2 days!!! It's going to be here before we know it! Which reminds me, we need to buy some furniture..

Currently

I'm feeling super bummed today and was gonna just rant about all my "woes", but when I read Danielle's currently post, I decided to just talk about my feelings constructively. Even though I'm probably just being a whiner.

Loving: Being out on the lake. My favorite thing in the world is to go out to John's camp and just drink some beverages while having a delicious meal. All while sitting out by the lake! That's my idea of a perfect day. :)


Reading: A Song of Ice and Fire Series: A Feast for Crows (4th book). Seriously guys, these books are phenomenal. I'm sure you've heard of the epic show "Game of Thrones". If you like the show, please do me a favor, and read the books. You won't regret it. I never thought I'd like such a heavy novel based on kings, queens, fantasy, royal politics, etc.. but the writing just draws you right in, the characters are practically real, and the storylines are shocking.

Watching: The last season of Friday Night Lights. I'm stretching it out though because I don't want it to end, ha. I'll probably finish it this weekend because I'm a loner on Canada Day Weekend. Sigh.


Anticipating: Monday! Here's where I start to whine. John is out camping with all his friends and I was supposed to go but now that I have a part time job and not Monday to Friday hours, I have to work so I can't go. I'm super bummed out about this. There's nothing I love more than being by the lake and on such a special weekend, it's even more exciting. But instead, I'm working and none of my friends are able to do anything on my off hours, so I'm literally going to be laying in bed all weekend watching TV. Such an exciting life I lead. Ugh.

Listening to: If I Die Young-The Band Perry. This song is so, so beautiful. I love how the format of the song is different from most and the message is just so enticing.

Planning: Our big move on August 1st. We have so much to do so July is going to be our month for that. We have a lot of things to pay for and not a whole lot of money right now so should be interesting. But I'm so ready for this.

Working on: Not being so whiny about everything and controlling my temper. Sometimes I can act like a 5 year old when handling situations and if something doesn't go the way I want it to, I get really angry. That needs to really stop. That's what Tiny Buddha is for! :)


Wishing: That I was camping with everyone or that I at least had plans for Canada Day. I'm seriously expecting this weekend to be horrible because I feel miserable about it.

Any ways to turn my mood around and have fun on my own? I was thinking of getting creative with some baking maybe. 

Jill's Grad

My little sister graduated Grade 8 this week. Can you believe that?
My parents actually managed to be friendly with eachother at the dinner as well. I don't think I've heard them speak nicely to eachother since they separated when I was in grade 6. Geez.
I can't believe she's going to be entering high school.
And Jill-if you're reading this, be smart and be good and if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation, please, feel free to call me and I'll try and save you :)

Where I Am Happiest

I actually took this pic myself, can you believe it? I got a really nice camera for Christmas but I gave up on learning how to use it because I found it too difficult. So last night when me and John went out to the lake, I practiced using my camera while he was cooking dinner and I actually managed to learn a few things!
I know it's such a small accomplishment, but I'm really proud of this photo. I think it's so pretty and I even edited it a bit.

So last night while John and I were out at his camp, I couldn't stop saying how happy I was to be there. I mean, I ALWAYS say that but this time I really meant it.

Things are so peaceful out there and it's as if all your worries just go away. Last weekend was a little crappy and things have felt sort of off ever since, but last night it was like I got to hit a refresh button and now things feel normal again and I couldn't be happier. We went swimming in the lake, hopped in the sauna, ate a delicious dinner and had lots of delicious drinks and oh my gosh, we are so happy while out there.

I told John when it comes the time for us to buy a house together, we should seriously considering getting one on the lake that's close to town. I honestly think that getting to see the beautiful image of the lake every night and every morning could ever get old. I really don't.

Where are you happiest?

Blog Awards

I was so pleased when I received a comment from Maude saying that she nominated me for some blog awards that are going around.
I didn't even know something like this existed? So it was definitely really nice to hear.
I was nominated by Maude for the following awards:

So I suppose now I have to pay it forward?

Once a blogger is fortunate enough to be recognized, here are the rules of passing on this encouragement to others:

1) Thank your nominator (and link back!).
2) Nominate 5 other blogs, with less than 200 followers and post a comment on each blog letting them know they have been given the award.
3) Copy and paste the award onto your blog.

The rules of the award are as follows:

1. Thank the Blogger who nominated you.
2. Include a link to their site.
3. Include the award image to your post.
4. Include the award image on your blog.
5. Give 7 random facts about yourself.
6. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award.
7. When nominating other bloggers, include links to their sites.
8. Let those bloggers know they have been nominated.

7 Random facts about myself:

• I'm deathly afraid of mice to the point where if I see one, my entire body freezes and I can barely move.
• Sometimes if I think a bad thought, I have to say "Don't Jix It" 3 times in order for the bad thought to not come true. Weird, I know.
• My favorite place to be in the world is by the lake. That's where I'm happiest.
• I have a huge addiction to my cell phone to the point where my hand cramps up from using it too often.
• I really like fantasy novels, movies and TV Shows. Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, The Hobbit.. I also really like RPG Video Games like Dragon Age and Fable.
• I'm an overthinker and a worrier by nature.
• Ever since I quit my full time job, I feel at ease and I'm not as tired as I used to be.

Okay so now I have to nominate some other bloggers. So I nominate:

• The Pretzel Thief
• Living Deliberately
• My Polished Thoughts
• Thirteen Four
• Little Sweet Pea

Have fun!

Weekend Recap

Right now in my city, our water levels are SUPER high because of all the rain we've been getting (hence the flooding) so I thought it'd be a good idea if yesterday John & I went to Kakabeka Falls (about 30 minutes away from where we live) to see the rapid falls and the high water levels! It was seriously a wonder how beautiful the falls looked. We even saw a rainbow within the water!
Also, the water was rushing so fast and high up that when you'd stand at a certain viewing point, you'd get soaking wet. Also, they had one of the viewing areas blocked off because the water was touching the walkway... yeah. Crazy!

We finished off the day by barbecuing some steaks (and when I say I, I mean John), and having way too many drinks for a Sunday. My weekend wasn't the greatest to be honest but I won't get into that here, but let's just say yesterday was a refreshing and fun way to end off the weekend.
I hope you had a great one too! What did you do?

New Job

Yesterday was my very first day working at Swiss Chalet and I have ONE thing to say.

Holy crap.

What a work out! I'm not even joking. I probably sound like such a wimp but after 2 years of sitting in an office at a desk job, running around for 7.5 hours are gonna make me fit as hell. My legs were so sore after work!

The hours for the job are sort of whacky, like yesterday I worked from 12-3 and then 

I had to go back from 4-8. And today I work 12-4 and have to go back from 5-930. But man, I need these hours! They are going to help pay for mine and John's kitty...oh, and furniture, I guess. 

I can tell it'll be really fun though and will keep me happy until something happens with my new industry. I'm so excited for the future! 

On another note, I still love being at home at different hours of the day, like right now for example. It's 9:41 in the morning and I'm enjoying an iced coffee (made with chocolate milk!) and a delicious bagel and it's soo worth it! The only thing I can't stand is when the girls are getting ready for school, it's like they've never woken up before. Everything is so chaotic. I'm in the basement so I just hear EVERYTHING and it drives me insane. Some mornings I want to cry from the noise. However, they are getting me up and ready for the day instead of sleeping until the last possible second before work... so I guess it's okay. Anyway, I feel genuinely happy about life right now even if some people, like my family, don't understand how I could give up a full time job for this. I think it's really exciting! 

Until next time. :)

Best Sandwhich Of All Time!

Because everything tastes better with Avocado right?
Well in this case, it wasn't the avocodo that made the sandwhich burst with flavour in my mouth.. it was the steak! The leftover steak from like 3 days ago. I don't even know if that's healthy lol.

Anyway, yesterday on my first official day off during the week, I was hungry and wanted to eat something super tasty! I don't feel like cooking these days though so that's when I discovered the leftovers in the fridge from the weekend!

There was red peppers, zucchini, eggplant (gross), and a big hunk of delicious steak!

I had an avocodo in the fridge, so decided to use my new found ingredients for the ultimate sandwhich! And it ultimate it was. I'm telling you, the flavours were amazing.

I'm going to keep this sammy in mind for when Johnny & I BBQ and we have a crap ton of leftovers!

If you want to make the sandwhich on purpose though, here's the recipe!

What You'll Need (serves 2):

• 2 Small Round Sirloin Steaks (seasoned however you want and barbecued)
• 2 Slices of Havarti Cheese
• 1 Avacodo
• 2 Red Peppers
• 2 Green Peppers
• 2 Slices of Zucchini
• 2 Slices of Marble Rye Bread

What To Do:

1. Make sure all your peppers and your steak are grilled up! Put avocodo to the side (do not grill...obvi). I'm not going to give directions for that because it's straight forward and obvious and I don't have a method for how to season it. Just do it however you want. :) lol aren't I nice?
2. Put your bread in the toaster! Once it pops, put on a slice of Havarti on each slice of bread. Then put in the microwave to melt it a bit.
3. Top the bread/cheese up with all your delicious fixings and you have one delicious tasty sandwhich!

Wasn't that the easiest recipe ever?! AND SO GOOD.
You're welcome.

Chances are I'm definitely NOT the first person to think of this. lol

Camp or "Cottage"

John's camp (or Cottage for 90% of you out there...) is by far my favorite place in the world.
It's nice because we can go out there on weeknights when we have to work in the morning because the lake is incredibly close to town.
Basically our nights are spent sauna-ing, going swimming if it's warm enough, having some drinks (my preference: Corona with Lime! mmm) and John cooking up a DELICIOUS bbq. I'm telling you, he's the BBQ guru! SO good.

I think now with my new job and with him starting at 11 for the next 10 weeks, we'll probably have more ability to go out there because we won't have to wake up so early. I have a feeling this summer is going to be spent mainly by the lake. :)

Not So New Start

I was so excited for today when I woke up and realized it was my first day on the new job! I enjoyed a delicious breakfast of some greek yogurt with blueberries and a piece of toast with peanut butter and was ready for my new adventure!

When I got to Swiss Chalet, the manager looked at me and said she had emailed me saying I don't actually start until Wednesday!!! You can imagine the huge forehead slap I gave myself internally at that moment when I had to give the walk of shame out of there! Oops.

As I was driving home, all I could think of was "What the heck am I gonna do for the next two days without work?!" I thought maybe I could go to yoga today but there are no appropriate classes for me...only tomorrow (so that's a definite plan).

And so here I am, no longer in my little nook at the office, but instead at home, sipping coffee while blogging in my sunroom and it feels really good.

I guess my new start isn't today, but Wednesday... you better believe I'm ready for you!!! :)

New Beginnings

When I took the plunge to quit my full time job as a Creative Writer, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't incredibly nervous. After all, John and I have a new apartment on the way come August...what if I didn't make enough money serving in order to make ends meet?
Did I make a mistake in quitting?
I thought about that on more than one occasion...but as soon as Friday at 5 rolled around, I knew I had no regrets. Walking out felt...good. I felt a genuine relief inside of me knowing that the opportunities that are headed my way are the right ones. Working with children is what I want to do and in the long run it's what is going to make me happiest. So even though money may be tight for a while, I know in the end, it'll be worth it. Plus, I'm not completely out of the building as I'm still anchoring the weather...another source of income, which is good.
Anchoring and Serving is kind of a weird combination, but I'm so excited for all the new beginnings that are headed my way.
I'd love for you all to join me in my journey as I head back to school, work 2 jobs and enjoy living with someone else for the very first time :)

Changes & Stress

Friday is my last day in the Creative Writing Department. The job that gives me a steady pay check every couple of weeks... you know. The job that pays the bills!

I had a minor panic attack today when I thought about how much money I'll need each month in order to make ends meet and it's definitely not going to be an easy task.

I'm going to have to work SO much while I'm in school this fall in order to pay the rent, car payments, insurance, etc... Ugh I'm getting stressed just thinking about it! 

But I mean, I'm on a contract in Creative that comes up in August. Not only that, I would also would LOVE to help out some kids who don't have anyone else to guide them and help them see the light, ya know? And that's where the schooling comes in.

Another thing that's getting me down, is often times when I try to explain to someone (mainly family members) that I quit my job to work in a restaurant, they don't understand why I would do such a thing. They aren't getting my direction. I keep saying, I wouldn't have a job come August anyway and I'll still be Weather Anchoring at the same company.. but it doesn't seem like it's enough of an explanation to them. Sigh. 

I guess I just have to stop caring what other people think and do what I know is best for me right now.

I mean, it'll be hard for a few years but in the end, it'll definitely pay off and be worth it.