First off-it's HOT and sticky and muggy and there's no a/c anywhere in this town, apparently. If I'm this gross feeling in 30C, I have no idea how I'm going to survive back in +47C, with humidity. UGh. I mean, I lived there most of my life, and most people go from a/c to a/c but still. I'm not a girl that loves the heat. In fact, I was "due" Aug. 15th and decided not to be born until September. So, ya. I knew even then I wasn't coming out to the hottest summer on record. My Mom says it was the first cool night, and there I arrived. I'm all about Fall, clearly.
Next, house hunting. UGH. Isn't this supposed to be FUN? Every day, as I sip coffee and eat my breakfast, I surf MLS and Grapevine and Property Guys. There are plenty of townhomes for sale at the lower to mid end of our budget. None I really love, but I guess one I could "settle" for if it came to that. There are single homes in the mid to top end of our budget, but again, none that scream, "this is your HOME!" I'm sort of (understatement of the century) a cautious girl, so I'd like to stay lower end and have money for other things like trips and classes and gym memberships and wiggle room, as opposed to higher end with all extra going to the house. The conundrum? I don't want to drop a ton of cash on a house I only "kind of" like, and a big wad of cash at that, for one with a basement that needs finishing and things that need replacing. That seems to be the standard for what's out there right now. Guess people can afford the house, but not to do the basement? Sigh. Anyways, I'm not feeling the house buying love.
Lastly, for some reason, I can't comment back on all the great comments you guys are leaving. It logs me out repeatedly and while I can physically WRITE the comment, I can't POST it. Frustrating. Just so you know, I AM getting them and loving the feedback. Keep it coming!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Blurry Days
Life seems to somehow be moving at an incredibly fast, and yet impossibly slow, pace. How so?
Our days here are widdling down to a few short weeks. We expect to be packing it up and heading out by mid-August. Each day is planned out as we try to pack in as much sight seeing and breathing in all that we love about this end of the country. I won't lie to you, there's been many, many tears.
We have a weekend trip planned to PEI and a house hunting trip. Then, I have to somehow pack in a birthday party for my youngest (which I haven't even started to plan!) and my eldest is having one last big blow out sleepover. There's also one last hourrah for me with the fab friends I've made. All in a matter of.......oh, 3 weeks or so.
On the one hand, it seems to be zooming by and the time to leave feels like it's pressing upon me and breathing heavily down my back. On the other, I don't do well without a plan and currently, a new home and a date to move are up in the air. The pieces of that puzzle haven't yet found their place and that drives an OCD Virgo like me a tad nutso. Each day I search MLS for that "perfect" home, ranging from the bottom of our budget to the top and each day-I'm less than thrilled.
As I've done this two times already, I know things will fall into place and we'll be settled and happy come this time a few months to a year from now, but right now? It's a little stressful and teary and exciting all at once.
I apologize in advance for spotty blogging, but I promise to drag you along with me every step of this long, tedious process.
Our days here are widdling down to a few short weeks. We expect to be packing it up and heading out by mid-August. Each day is planned out as we try to pack in as much sight seeing and breathing in all that we love about this end of the country. I won't lie to you, there's been many, many tears.
We have a weekend trip planned to PEI and a house hunting trip. Then, I have to somehow pack in a birthday party for my youngest (which I haven't even started to plan!) and my eldest is having one last big blow out sleepover. There's also one last hourrah for me with the fab friends I've made. All in a matter of.......oh, 3 weeks or so.
On the one hand, it seems to be zooming by and the time to leave feels like it's pressing upon me and breathing heavily down my back. On the other, I don't do well without a plan and currently, a new home and a date to move are up in the air. The pieces of that puzzle haven't yet found their place and that drives an OCD Virgo like me a tad nutso. Each day I search MLS for that "perfect" home, ranging from the bottom of our budget to the top and each day-I'm less than thrilled.
As I've done this two times already, I know things will fall into place and we'll be settled and happy come this time a few months to a year from now, but right now? It's a little stressful and teary and exciting all at once.
I apologize in advance for spotty blogging, but I promise to drag you along with me every step of this long, tedious process.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Ode To Jessica
Dear Jessica,
As I cleaned and sorted today, sweat pouring down my face and hair, my thoughts turned to you and what you might be doing at that very same moment.
Oh, I know you are off having fun with your family. You're probably spending the day swimming in the lake and making sand castles on the beach. In the evening, you're likely making S'mores by a campfire and watching lightning bugs. I know you also mentioned something about riding a Stallion and I bet you do it bareback. You're probably all about the wild buckin' broncos right about now. For all of the above, I'm more than happy for you. You needed days, evenings and nights just. like. that.
I'm sure you're even entertaining the kids every now and then with BOOBIES and thinking about paying psychotherapy bills. I hope beyond hope that you're taking some fantastic planking pictures out there in the crazy woods so that we can somehow share in your adventure. I only want to see the planking and S'more eating pics though, let's be clear.
However, Jess, my days are just not the same without you to talk to by text, on Twitter, on MFP. I don't hear about the yucky bus ride or your work shenanigans or about how you are doing with running. It's not good for me Jessica. Not good at all.
So I'm dedicating this blog post to you today. I've never done this before, so you should feel very, very special. I'm super glad you are off with your family enjoying your time together, as it should be. But I'll also be super glad when you're home to entertain me and make my day that much more fun, silly and happy.
Until then, Ride 'Em Cowgirl......and Welcome Home Soon! :)
As I cleaned and sorted today, sweat pouring down my face and hair, my thoughts turned to you and what you might be doing at that very same moment.
Oh, I know you are off having fun with your family. You're probably spending the day swimming in the lake and making sand castles on the beach. In the evening, you're likely making S'mores by a campfire and watching lightning bugs. I know you also mentioned something about riding a Stallion and I bet you do it bareback. You're probably all about the wild buckin' broncos right about now. For all of the above, I'm more than happy for you. You needed days, evenings and nights just. like. that.
I'm sure you're even entertaining the kids every now and then with BOOBIES and thinking about paying psychotherapy bills. I hope beyond hope that you're taking some fantastic planking pictures out there in the crazy woods so that we can somehow share in your adventure. I only want to see the planking and S'more eating pics though, let's be clear.
However, Jess, my days are just not the same without you to talk to by text, on Twitter, on MFP. I don't hear about the yucky bus ride or your work shenanigans or about how you are doing with running. It's not good for me Jessica. Not good at all.
So I'm dedicating this blog post to you today. I've never done this before, so you should feel very, very special. I'm super glad you are off with your family enjoying your time together, as it should be. But I'll also be super glad when you're home to entertain me and make my day that much more fun, silly and happy.
Until then, Ride 'Em Cowgirl......and Welcome Home Soon! :)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Time Keeps On Ticking...
My Mom is here, my Mom is here! She had a good flight in, and once my girls saw her, the tears (on both sides) were a flowin! She brought me some eggrolls from my fav Chinese food and since being here has made her ever popular squares. Winning!
On the move front, not too much news to share. We've had some breakdowns (okay, mostly me) and emotions have been a rollercoaster of happiness, tears, anxiety, stress. It's a little crazy and I kind of feel sorry for any friends or family who have had the bad task of even talking to me in the last few weeks in my state of crazayzy.
We'll get the ball rolling on this end around first week of July and from the second week on we should know a little more in terms of what we'll be doing or looking for once we move. Even though I may be frothing at the mouth and a little hysterical, I'l keep you all updated about the insanity that is my life.
Diet wise and exercise wise, umm. Ya. I walked and ran on Tuesday before my Mom got here, and we've walked every day since. I'd love to do some Zumba though and really get my sweat on! I also need to stop eating eggrolls like they are candy. I'm definitely still tracking but the last two days haven't been pretty. I'm sure it'll even out soon as I figure out a new schedule that will work for my Mom being here and my kids too soon enough!
On the move front, not too much news to share. We've had some breakdowns (okay, mostly me) and emotions have been a rollercoaster of happiness, tears, anxiety, stress. It's a little crazy and I kind of feel sorry for any friends or family who have had the bad task of even talking to me in the last few weeks in my state of crazayzy.
We'll get the ball rolling on this end around first week of July and from the second week on we should know a little more in terms of what we'll be doing or looking for once we move. Even though I may be frothing at the mouth and a little hysterical, I'l keep you all updated about the insanity that is my life.
Diet wise and exercise wise, umm. Ya. I walked and ran on Tuesday before my Mom got here, and we've walked every day since. I'd love to do some Zumba though and really get my sweat on! I also need to stop eating eggrolls like they are candy. I'm definitely still tracking but the last two days haven't been pretty. I'm sure it'll even out soon as I figure out a new schedule that will work for my Mom being here and my kids too soon enough!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Change? I'm Just Not That Into You
I don't even really know where to start this blog post, and I know that once I wrap it up my eyes will be blurry and red.
You'd think I'd be ecstatic. Heck, everyone thinks I should be over the moon, and yet inexplicably, I am not.
My husband received news last week that he was the number 1 candidate for a promotion and raise. That's great, right? Well, the promotion has us moving, AGAIN, but this time to our home town.
So, again, awesome right?
Then why am I fighting emotions brimming so close to the surface I find it hard to contain tears?
Of course there are so many positives about moving home. There are friends, and family, and traditions and holidays to spend together. There is our old home and friends a few hours away. There is the new salary and family friendly schedule.
Yet, I feel resistant to go.
The only way I can explain it is, I feel like going home is in some way going "backwards" and not "forwards." I think I've really grown and changed, re-examined myself, in our new province. I don't want to go back and fall into same 'ol, same 'ol. Also, my heart feels like it belongs here, by the ocean. I really truly love it here. It feels like it's essence seeped into my pores with the rolling fog and I don't feel ready to let that go.
Of course, there is also the fact that my eldest daughter spends every day since getting the news in tears. She's made such fantastic connections here, with such wonderful kids. Her teacher told us it was like she has always been here, she was that embraced and enmeshed with her friendships. She's heartbroken, and my heart aches for her.
It's a new start, at a new school, again. I can't guarantee my kids the friendships they've experienced, here. But I hope, fingers crossed and double crossed. I pray for peace and contentment and joy for them, eased with family visits and time with loved ones.
Then, there's me. I've met some truly wonderful women here, women I had many plans with for the future. How can you make such terrific friends, and then say goodbye so shortly afterwards?
I've promised my daughters that we will come back here next summer. We will rent a cottage and spend the whole summer if we want. I have pledged to myself that if going "home" doesn't feel right, if my soul isn't peaceful, a year from now......I will move back. Money and finances are one thing in life, but true happiness is another.
I know this seems overly dramatic. I try to focus on the positives that I know will make me happy. I keep my mind on the faces of my best gals at home. I envision times laughing and hanging out with them, because I've missed them so for almost 4 years now. I picture my Mom spending time with my girls, and date nights with my husband since we'll have family close by to give us that break. I look forward to holidays with my family, something I haven't had in years. I'm happy for a great family doctor again and what that means for our health.
One thing I know from moving 3x now in 4 years is that we will be fine. We will make friends and find our niche. We'll have laughs and fun no matter where we are, as long as we're together.
I know these things.
As I sat in yoga today, trying to "let go of my thoughts and concentrate on my breath" I felt myself welling up and my mind scurrying and wandering.
One day, I will be oceanside again. Until then, my heart will beat with the rolling tides.
You'd think I'd be ecstatic. Heck, everyone thinks I should be over the moon, and yet inexplicably, I am not.
My husband received news last week that he was the number 1 candidate for a promotion and raise. That's great, right? Well, the promotion has us moving, AGAIN, but this time to our home town.
So, again, awesome right?
Then why am I fighting emotions brimming so close to the surface I find it hard to contain tears?
Of course there are so many positives about moving home. There are friends, and family, and traditions and holidays to spend together. There is our old home and friends a few hours away. There is the new salary and family friendly schedule.
Yet, I feel resistant to go.
The only way I can explain it is, I feel like going home is in some way going "backwards" and not "forwards." I think I've really grown and changed, re-examined myself, in our new province. I don't want to go back and fall into same 'ol, same 'ol. Also, my heart feels like it belongs here, by the ocean. I really truly love it here. It feels like it's essence seeped into my pores with the rolling fog and I don't feel ready to let that go.
Of course, there is also the fact that my eldest daughter spends every day since getting the news in tears. She's made such fantastic connections here, with such wonderful kids. Her teacher told us it was like she has always been here, she was that embraced and enmeshed with her friendships. She's heartbroken, and my heart aches for her.
It's a new start, at a new school, again. I can't guarantee my kids the friendships they've experienced, here. But I hope, fingers crossed and double crossed. I pray for peace and contentment and joy for them, eased with family visits and time with loved ones.
Then, there's me. I've met some truly wonderful women here, women I had many plans with for the future. How can you make such terrific friends, and then say goodbye so shortly afterwards?
I've promised my daughters that we will come back here next summer. We will rent a cottage and spend the whole summer if we want. I have pledged to myself that if going "home" doesn't feel right, if my soul isn't peaceful, a year from now......I will move back. Money and finances are one thing in life, but true happiness is another.
I know this seems overly dramatic. I try to focus on the positives that I know will make me happy. I keep my mind on the faces of my best gals at home. I envision times laughing and hanging out with them, because I've missed them so for almost 4 years now. I picture my Mom spending time with my girls, and date nights with my husband since we'll have family close by to give us that break. I look forward to holidays with my family, something I haven't had in years. I'm happy for a great family doctor again and what that means for our health.
One thing I know from moving 3x now in 4 years is that we will be fine. We will make friends and find our niche. We'll have laughs and fun no matter where we are, as long as we're together.
I know these things.
As I sat in yoga today, trying to "let go of my thoughts and concentrate on my breath" I felt myself welling up and my mind scurrying and wandering.
One day, I will be oceanside again. Until then, my heart will beat with the rolling tides.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Party All The Time....Party Allll The Timmmmme
I told you June was going to be busy but awesome, right?
Well, I hate to say "I told you so" but it's SO TRUE. I'm also lying. There's nothing I like better than saying "I told you so." So, there.
On Saturday I attended my Wino Potluck with my new peeps. There was definitely wine. There was definitely potluck. I'm not sure we put much of a dent in the food at all! The wine was a different matter. There was even some planking and injuries and broken items. Now THAT'S an old skool party! I can thankfully say I didn't get injured or break anything, nor did I plank. I left that to the pro's. I did get home at 340am. I haven't been out that late in a really, really, really long time. It was a GREAT night and my stomach was sore the next day from laughing. Well, and maybe from too much wine.
Last night, I attended an evening hosted by Kathy Buckworth, author extraordinaire and all around cool person. It was presented by Microsoft for hotmail and I learned a whole bunch of hotmail's new features that will make my life as a Mom easier, less scary, more organized and even more photogenic! Woot! If you don't have a hotmail account, or had one a thousand years ago but gave it up for various reasons-you should totally go check hotmail out now!
I ate way too many canapes and sipped on white wine while chatting and laughing with some new and familiar faces. The event was held at The Press Gang and it was my first time there. Let me say-I'll be back. The service and food were A-MA-ZING. It was great to get out and socialize, of course, and I got to interact with some dynamic, witty individuals. I also went to bed too late once again. You know me though, I'll sleep when I'm dead.
Tomorrow night I'm off to my "What's For Supper" meal prep and Starbucks with the ladies. I can guarantee more laughs and sore sides.
I'm loving this life we're carving out in our new city, more and more every day. Halifax-you've been a PARTAY!
Well, I hate to say "I told you so" but it's SO TRUE. I'm also lying. There's nothing I like better than saying "I told you so." So, there.
On Saturday I attended my Wino Potluck with my new peeps. There was definitely wine. There was definitely potluck. I'm not sure we put much of a dent in the food at all! The wine was a different matter. There was even some planking and injuries and broken items. Now THAT'S an old skool party! I can thankfully say I didn't get injured or break anything, nor did I plank. I left that to the pro's. I did get home at 340am. I haven't been out that late in a really, really, really long time. It was a GREAT night and my stomach was sore the next day from laughing. Well, and maybe from too much wine.
Last night, I attended an evening hosted by Kathy Buckworth, author extraordinaire and all around cool person. It was presented by Microsoft for hotmail and I learned a whole bunch of hotmail's new features that will make my life as a Mom easier, less scary, more organized and even more photogenic! Woot! If you don't have a hotmail account, or had one a thousand years ago but gave it up for various reasons-you should totally go check hotmail out now!
I ate way too many canapes and sipped on white wine while chatting and laughing with some new and familiar faces. The event was held at The Press Gang and it was my first time there. Let me say-I'll be back. The service and food were A-MA-ZING. It was great to get out and socialize, of course, and I got to interact with some dynamic, witty individuals. I also went to bed too late once again. You know me though, I'll sleep when I'm dead.
Tomorrow night I'm off to my "What's For Supper" meal prep and Starbucks with the ladies. I can guarantee more laughs and sore sides.
I'm loving this life we're carving out in our new city, more and more every day. Halifax-you've been a PARTAY!
Friday, June 3, 2011
June, I Love You Man!
So. June.
It's a crazy month where everything is wrapping up and there's a hundred (okay, maybe not a HUNDRED but..) concerts, recitals, birthdays and field trips. That means there is a lot of spending as well for parties and gifts and parting gifts. (See what I did there? I know, clever)
In the spirit of needing to put things down in writing and just to make you see how entirely crazy June is in general, I have decided that today's blog will be a rundown of my activities for the month. You can thank me later.
Good news about June? She's a busy one, but girl likes to PARTAY!
Tonight, my eldest daughter is going to a birthday party. I got the invite yesterday, so we have to actually go grab a gift tonight and then drop her off.
Tomorrow, I get to escape my life as a domestic goddess and hit the town with my friends! We are having a potluck at a friend's house with wine tasting, much laughing, and maybe even some planking. If you are out of the loop about the newest fad-go look up planking on google. I'll wait.....
Sunday rehearsal for dance recital. This is for my kids dancing, by the way. In case you were wondering.
Are you still with me here? That was just THIS weekend so hold on to your hats!
Next week is a Parent Info night at the school, I'm attending a cocktail party (not in lieu of the school thing! I got my priorities on right!), the girls have dancing, a dude is coming to clean our furnace and my youngest is going to a birthday party. I'm also meeting up with friends, again, to go and prepare 6 meals at What's For Supper. You pick your meals and they have stations with everything prepped. You throw it all together and bring it home ready to freeze and pull out later. Cool, or what? I'll let ya know! We are then heading to Starbucks to meet another friend to get our coffee on.
Week three now......I go and FINALLY get a haircut and colour. If you could see my hair right now, you'd see the desperate need. I've never been to this salon though, so that makes me kind of nervous. So, I guess this day could go either way, really. The girls then go to their last dance class which means a gift for their teacher. I forgot to mention that I'm also attending an hour Zumba class twice a week, followed by an hour Yoga class. I burn a crazy amount of calories on those days-which I also promptly try to eat back. It's an issue. The weekend brings us to Father's Day, which of course means I also have some shopping to do during the week for his special day. Part of his celebrating will be attending our girls recital. Yay!
The next week is where it gets SUPER exciting. My Mom is flying in!!! Can I get a woot woot!!! She arrives on Tuesday, and I've already informed her that she BEST be bringing me some egg rolls. I'm SO over the mushy centered ones here. Of course, I'm MORE excited about my Mom being here than the egg rolls, don't get me wrong! Ahem. Then, there's field trips and my daughter's birthday party. Oh, and I need to get the kids' teachers gifts. Crap.
Finally, we're at the last week of June. This involves concerts and graduations, more field trips and finally......VACATION for my girls. I can't wait!
This month is one crazy rush of activities and events, of fun and of milestones.
I cannot wait for each and every one of them! (I'll also delight in crossing them off my list with a red pen. I told you! Issues!)
It's a crazy month where everything is wrapping up and there's a hundred (okay, maybe not a HUNDRED but..) concerts, recitals, birthdays and field trips. That means there is a lot of spending as well for parties and gifts and parting gifts. (See what I did there? I know, clever)
In the spirit of needing to put things down in writing and just to make you see how entirely crazy June is in general, I have decided that today's blog will be a rundown of my activities for the month. You can thank me later.
Good news about June? She's a busy one, but girl likes to PARTAY!
Tonight, my eldest daughter is going to a birthday party. I got the invite yesterday, so we have to actually go grab a gift tonight and then drop her off.
Tomorrow, I get to escape my life as a domestic goddess and hit the town with my friends! We are having a potluck at a friend's house with wine tasting, much laughing, and maybe even some planking. If you are out of the loop about the newest fad-go look up planking on google. I'll wait.....
Sunday rehearsal for dance recital. This is for my kids dancing, by the way. In case you were wondering.
Are you still with me here? That was just THIS weekend so hold on to your hats!
Next week is a Parent Info night at the school, I'm attending a cocktail party (not in lieu of the school thing! I got my priorities on right!), the girls have dancing, a dude is coming to clean our furnace and my youngest is going to a birthday party. I'm also meeting up with friends, again, to go and prepare 6 meals at What's For Supper. You pick your meals and they have stations with everything prepped. You throw it all together and bring it home ready to freeze and pull out later. Cool, or what? I'll let ya know! We are then heading to Starbucks to meet another friend to get our coffee on.
Week three now......I go and FINALLY get a haircut and colour. If you could see my hair right now, you'd see the desperate need. I've never been to this salon though, so that makes me kind of nervous. So, I guess this day could go either way, really. The girls then go to their last dance class which means a gift for their teacher. I forgot to mention that I'm also attending an hour Zumba class twice a week, followed by an hour Yoga class. I burn a crazy amount of calories on those days-which I also promptly try to eat back. It's an issue. The weekend brings us to Father's Day, which of course means I also have some shopping to do during the week for his special day. Part of his celebrating will be attending our girls recital. Yay!
The next week is where it gets SUPER exciting. My Mom is flying in!!! Can I get a woot woot!!! She arrives on Tuesday, and I've already informed her that she BEST be bringing me some egg rolls. I'm SO over the mushy centered ones here. Of course, I'm MORE excited about my Mom being here than the egg rolls, don't get me wrong! Ahem. Then, there's field trips and my daughter's birthday party. Oh, and I need to get the kids' teachers gifts. Crap.
Finally, we're at the last week of June. This involves concerts and graduations, more field trips and finally......VACATION for my girls. I can't wait!
This month is one crazy rush of activities and events, of fun and of milestones.
I cannot wait for each and every one of them! (I'll also delight in crossing them off my list with a red pen. I told you! Issues!)
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