“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

-Maya Angelou

Less than a month

 I was watching this video this afternoon when it suddenly hit me. In a month we will be in our house. 

 Our first home. 

 Then it occurred to me that in the summer time we will be able to sit on the deck in the evening with some wine of course and just relax.

 Then I started to get really really excited. 

 Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it currently feels like -45 with the wind chill and all I can think about is the summer time. 

 Either way less than one month until we move. 

 Can't wait to make it ours.

Wedding Wednesday

Woops! So much for stay on track. Wednesday's were going to be my wedding wednesdays so I best come up with something. Soooo, last week we talked hair let's do dresses today. Dresses for bridesmaids because let's be serious...my wedding dress is slightly over whelming me. There's so many styles and things I want. I want teal or blue of some sort. Thinking dark teal. I'm not totally sure about length.

Wow are we seeing a trend here? I like strapless and long. I like teal and different shades of the same color. Now I just have to find the one I love in stores. And then I have to hope all the girls like it and hope that it looks amazing on all of them.

My Firsts

I stole this from Janna at Perception is Everything.  I'm really trying to get back into blogging regularly so sometimes stealing ideas while giving proper credit is ok.

1.  First thing you do when you wake up in the morning.

Make sure Bud's cuddled up beside me and try and get a few more minutes of sleep.  Then get up, get dressed and take him for a quick walk.  (Can't wait to be in the house so that isn't the first thing I do in the morning!)

2.  First thing you do when you get home from work.

Put my stuff down and sit down on the floor to play with Buddy for a bit.  Then get up and take him for a walk.  Wow this answer is pretty similar to the first one.   Do I sense a routine here!

3. First Kiss

Chris Dyck in Kindergarten underneath the big wooden play structure at school.

4. First Home

We just bought it!!  Moving in a month.  Can't wait.

5.  First Car

Nissan Versa...still driving it.  I was a little bit late on the game.  Public transit worked fine for me.  Then travelling was more important than a car.  Then I bought something that made sense for my single then self.  Now we talk about how we can't wait to upgrade.

6. First thing you wanted to be when you grew up

Probably a singer/dancer.  Dariane and I constantly threw "concerts" in our basement and forced Mom to come watch us.  I remember being down there singing along to any CD I could find...which I believe happened to be Mariah Carey most of the time.

7. First choice beverage

Most days water.  When I'm out for drinks a mojito.

8. First choice dessert

Mom's skor trifle that she only makes when someone requests it for their birthday cake.  Last year I requested it for Matt's.  Then he couldn't make it for dinner so I got to eat it and he didn't get any.  You win some, you lose some.  In that case...I only won.

9.  First choice restaurant

Matt and I are doing this thing where every month we try and go to a new restaurant in the city.  Currently anything that has to do with sushi would be my first choice.

10.  First song that comes to mind

Same Love by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.  Mainly because that just happens to be what is playing right now.  And their new album "The Heist" is on replay at home all the time.

11.  First major purchase

Does my flight to Australia count?  8 months of heat, seeing new things and meeting new people everyday.

12. First job

Cleaning golf carts and putting them away/plugging them in at Clear Lake golf course.  I was 14 I think...and have been working ever since.

13.  First time you flew on a plane

Our grade 11 physics glass went to Orlando!  Waiting a long time to fly somewhere!

14. First real "big girl" job

Worked at the U of M in the university 1 office doing admin work and student orientation.  I loved this job!!

Wedding Wednesday!

So, I guess seeing as I'm officially getting married now I can start doing real wedding posts right?  I don't actually know where to start when it comes to planning a wedding especially because we're having a destination wedding so there isn't a whole lot that I have to do.  One thing I do get to worry about is doing my hair.  Anyone who knows me in real life knows I'm a brush it and leave straight out of the shower kind of girl.  I don't use product in it, I don't blow dry it, I don't straighten it.   I work in a basement and see pretty much no one all day.  Why go to the hassle.  However, on my wedding day I'm going to want something pretty.  And not something I'm used to every day.

These are four that I've found via pinterest recently that I love. I think I'll wind up having to splurge and getting the hair stylist here to do my hair. Unless one of my bridesmaids practices on me for months before the wedding and can do something like this. Anyone up for that? My other dilemma. Obviously I dye my hair and really have no recollection of the original color. So! what do I do for that week!

Do I go with my usual winter dark color?

Do I go with this nice blonde color I was rockin' this summer?

Do I go with something really awesome that I've always wanted to try? Help!

The Impossible

I watched this movie this weekend.  It was hard.  It was really really good.

The tsunami really hits home for me.  I remember very clearly being at my family christmas get together and having the TV on the news channel the whole time.  I remember talking about my cousin..not even knowing where to start, who to call, how to find him.   I remember hearing 3 months later they found him.  I remember his memorial..all the stories everyone shared, the photos of the people spreading his ashes into the sea. Anyways, watch this movie. It's worth the time. 

It's good and it's hard.

Saturday Rambles

Early Saturday morning Matt sent me a text saying that there was a bulldog pug cross that someone wanted to get rid of and I should look at it. We're toying with the idea of getting a second dog after we move. I looked at the dog...sent an email asking a couple questions. And all of the sudden I texted Matt and was like..I don't think I can love another dog as much as Bud. Is this going to be what I'm like once I have a kid??

Our second week of weight watchers. Successful I think. I believe we weight in on Tuesday so we'll see how successful but we're following it and it's becoming relatively easy to do it. We've been taking Bud to the dog park every night as well so that's good for us and good for him. He's sleeping all night and not coming up on my side over and over so I feel like I've gotten more sleep this past week then I have in a very very long time.

 I haven't had my ring for two weeks right now and it's driving me crazy. Funny...I only had it for a couple weeks but I already feel weird without it. I'm more than ready to start getting some concrete plans for the wedding together. We're just waiting on our travel agent to get back to us with some pricing. I promise this won't turn into a wedding blog entirely....maybe just one day a week kind of thing.

I realize this was a bit of a ramble but I'm making an effort so that's got to count for something.  I mean I even have "Blog" on my to do list for this weekend.  A to do list that's not really being crossed off or anything...woops.

Need to blog more so I can do a better recap.

If I did New Years resolutions I think my main one would be to blog more.  But I don't so I guess I will just say that I tried.  2012 was one amazing year and I have a sneaky feeling that 2013 will be the best year yet. (woah sentimental much)  Matt and I are getting married this year!!  We are also moving into a new house.

I was thinking about maybe doing a 2012 recap...but then I realized I don't remember half of the things that happened.  I saw this idea for a mason jar.  You take a jar and then everytime something good happens over the year you write it down and put it inside.  Then at the end of 2012 you take out all the little things and focus on all the positive.  So I'm going to do that.  Maybe then I can do a recap. For now I'll try my best.

New Years Eve last year was the first time Matt told me he loved me.  He rolled over half asleep and said "You know I love you right".  Romance at its finest folks.  Then January 5 he said "Hey, if you were to get a job in the city you know you could move in here right?"  Maybe you should do that at some point this year.  1 week later I had an interview with a realtor and 2 days later I found out I got the job!!  Gave my notice at Integra and started working as a realtor's assistant.  I love my job.

In March we got a dog!  His name is Buddy so this way he thinks everyone knows his name.  Most of the time he's pretty great.  Some of the time he's a little money pit.

Hmm, nothing really sticks out from the rest of the year.  I went to visit my sister with my mom for a weekend.  I should work on doing that a whole lot more often.

Other awesome things.  I found out I was going to be an auntie!  So of course I turned to pinterest so I could plan the most amazing baby shower.  Summer 2013.  Going to be a good time.  I'll post about it.

I put some differences aside and made up with some people I thought I never would.  In return I'm a whole lot happier. Grudges can really get a person down.

I got engaged on December 22.  This will probably get many more posts dedicated solely to the wedding because I may just blog about it all.  Like the fact that it's going to be in Jamaica!!  And all the other fun DIY things I can do.

This has been a post.  Let's hope I can say that a whole lot more than I did in 2012.
xoxo

Wish List Number 2

This fabulous makeup bag

High up there on my list of things I want. 

I would also really like to start a perfume collection.  But have no idea what kinds I like.  

The other day I went into Sephora and asked her to show me things similar to Vera Wang's Princess and smelt some really good ones.  I think they might have all started running together.  Either way, whoever is reading this and claiming some ideas off of it, I trust your judgement.

http://www.sephora.com/flowerbomb-P255506?skuId=1233147

This on is pretty great.

I'd also like a teapot.  And some loose leaf tea. 

I would like a queen size down duvet and some charcoal sheets.

I'd like some charcoal or slate colored towels.

I'm out of ideas.

Wish List Part 1

I told D that I would make a christmas wish list post.  And then I forgot all about it. Surprising?  Not at all.

This lovely scarf comes from here http://www.etsy.com/listing/104708284/charcoal-gray-nomad-cowlinfinity. It's lovely. Really I just want an infinity scarf of any sort. In grey please. Also black. Definitely don't want to bust out a color because that just wouldn't be like me.

Oh these coasters. I found them when searching for some gifts for someone else. Then Matt said...they're probably driftwood from Antarctica because you can't find anything that's normal when you're looking for gifts for other people. Oh Matt, you know me so well. You got the wrong end of the earth though. They're from icelandic driftwood. You can find them here. http://www.etsy.com/listing/95865577/driftwood-coaster-icelandic-driftwood. I'm fairly certain if I don't get them I'll buy them. Because we need coasters and they're just lovely.

It's no secret I need a new purse. I've had mine for at least 2 years. Right after I got home from Australia so we're going on 3 and it's great and lovely but ripping and old. So, you can find this one here. http://www.sparepartslife.com/product.php?productid=22110&cat=301&page=1. I don't like the blue one. I'd much prefer the stone one. It's pretty and I've seen it in person and know I'm in love.

Well, well, well. It's no secret after D got me my first MK watch I would become obsessed. The other day Matt was going on and on about how watches were an investment and I argued and laughed. Now I'm thinking I probably should have agreed....opps! I also found this one at Spareparts.

Week 1, Days 4 & 5

Oh...hello.  I missed a day.  Blogger Challenge Fail.  So, I'm making up for it with two days in a row.

On the diet front.  We totally cheated yesterday.  I followed all day long and at dinner time could not be motivated to make a crappy dinner so we went for sushi.  It was delicious.  So so amazing.  (I think it made a difference the mood from the week has been less than spectacular)  Today we're back on it...well I am, not sure about Matt.  I had turkey meatballs and pineapple for breakfast.  I know what a combination...i'm so sick of microwaved egg whites.  Then strawberries and a spoonful of peanut butter at mid morning snack time.  I'm not too sure if that's on the plan.  I'm just sick of eating meat 4 times a day.  For lunch I have more turkey meatballs! and rice and a red pepper and a mini cucumber. And then...afternoon snack is pineapple and peanut butter.  Again not totally right but I'm sick of meat and didn't want to come up with a carb so I'm eating fruit instead.  I'm solo for dinner tonight because Matt's going out.  That means I could in all reality cheat but I don't think I will.  I might bbq up some chicken and have a salad with it.  I don't think that I can follow this diet 100% .  You can't really use any sauces or any salt which takes away a lot of flavor.  I like my food to be flavorful.  I also like saucy foods.  But I think if that's the only way that I cheat that's pretty damn good.

Workout wise, I took yesterday off.  I had to be at work early and I couldn't wake up an extra hour early to give myself enough time for a buddy walk and a work out.  So I got back at it this morning and it went good.  I'm really looking forward to starting week 2 on Monday.

Oh also...my sister comes out this weekend. As in tonight.  To say I'm excited is an understatement.  CAN'T WAIT!!

Truth.

This is one of the greatest, most real, completely accurate videos I have seen in a very long time.

 My sister and I have had many conversations about religion in the past. Growing up within a family and a community where it was so important and then moving around the time when we began to form our own opinions and own beliefs to a place where religion really wasn't spoken about or practiced very often had a big effect on both of us I think. I know for myself, it definitely had a big effect. Obviously you can't let go of everything that you were taught at a young age completely and stop believing but it's amazing at how polluted your mind can become when you're not surrounded by people who believe.

 There was never a time where I did not believe in God, but there was definitely a time when I struggled with it. So many people live their life for God on Sunday morning and that's it. This was never something I understood or wanted to be a part of. As I've gotten older I've realized a lot of things and I don't want to be a part of a religious group but I do intend on living my life for God forever.

Week 1, Day 3

Yesterday was hard.  I came really close to giving up on the diet.  Then I weighed myself in the morning and was down another pound so yeah, not quite ready to give up yet.  I may have cheated a bit though today.  J made some really delicious south african milk tart that although doesn't sound that appealing..is fricken amazing.  So...yeah, wasn't about to turn that down.
Other than the cheat, today's been great.  Although I find that when I'm really busy it's really hard to eat at all the different intervals.  So I've kind of been snacking on things here and there whenever I have a free second and am thinking about it.
I'm still impressed that I haven't once felt hungry.  Tonight for dinner I'm going to do this mexican rice that we found as well as chicken enchiladas.  Although I might break out the bbq instead because it's absolutely gorgeous out right now.
The working out is good.  I'm still a bit sore but it doesn't seem as bad today as it has been.  I can walk up a couple of stairs and not feel like I'm going to hyper extend my knee.
I took before photos this morning so maybe...just maybe...I'll put them up here sometime.

Woah...3 days of posting.  This diet/workout challenge is just the same as a blog challenge.

Week 1 Day 2

Alright so I weighed myself this morning even though it's not technically weigh in day and was down a pound from yesterday.  I know it might be water weight or just eating better after the weekend but it was just what I needed to eat the way I did yesterday and work out just the same.

I thought I would be hungrier yesterday but I wasn't...I was never full either but it felt like I was just consistently satisfied.  Even when we measured out my dinner and I saw the smallest piece of fish that's ever been on my plate in my life it was ok, I didn't go to bed feeling hungry at all.  I didn't drink enough water though.  I only had about 75 oz.  But I felt like I constantly had to pee which got annoying by 10 pm.

The workout this morning was good.  It was really hard to drag my ass out of bed at 6:10 but I did it.  Took Buddy for about a 40 minute walk and then did my second day of the ripped in 30 dvd.  Having someone do this with me is so beneficial.  Not sure what I'd do without that constant accountability and support.  It might be bad I'm already looking forward to Sunday off though.

Day 1 was successful.  Let's hope the same for today.

Week 1 Day 1

Alright, I'm not 100% sure I'm going to continue with posting this but I'm going to give it a go.  Matt and I are starting this 6 week diet thing today that leads into a complete lifestyle change.  We'll see how that works.  Amber and I are starting a 30 Day Ripped in 30 challenge.

We'll start with eating.  This diet isn't extreme in any way.  It's completely do able it's just a lot of prep work.  Yesterday we portioned out tons of berries, I made some turkey meatballs and we portioned out chicken breasts and turkey slices as well.  So this is what I'll be eating today.  For breakfast I had 2 eggs whites and 1/2 cup of berries...this morning I had strawberries and blackberries.  Mid morning snack I'll be having 2 oz turkey slices and 1/2 cup of berries again.  Lunch I'm having a salad, 2 oz of chicken and 1/2 cup of rice.  Mid afternoon snack I'm having some more turkey (2oz) and a banana.  And then for dinner I think we'll do some sort of fish with sweet potatoes and some veggies.  Again, I'll only have 2 oz of protein and I'm not sure about the carb of veggie measurements. Then we'll have more berries for a snack before bed.  This seems like a lot of food but we'll see if I get hungry at all throughout the day.  So far at 9:46 am I'm doing pretty good.  Oh, you also gotta drink 100 oz of water.  I'm not sure about how i'll manage this but I'll give it my best shot.

The workout was good.  I had to wake up a bit earlier this morning and take Buddy for his usual 40 minute walk and then have enough time to do the workout before work.  So I did a 40 minute walk with Buddy and then the first day of the ripped in 30 dvd.  I had to take a couple of short 30 second breaks and at the end I did feel like I was going to throw up but I guess that's kind of a good feeling.  This way you know you're working your ass off.

I'm going to take measurements tonight along with some before pictures.  Don't think those will be getting posted on here as well all know what I look like, don't need to know what I look like with minimal clothing on. Anyways, I'm pretty pumped to be doing this and I really hope that I succeed!

Weekend Rundown.

I'd really like to try and make an effort to blog more...plus it's a rainy day so why not write a few off and schedule them.  Although I think because my weekends are generally less than exciting I'll give you a rundown of my last two weekends. So, May Long.  Friday night I did a whole lot of nothing.  Relaxed and went to bed nice and early.  Think I took Buddy to the dog park.  Typical Friday night around these parts.  Saturday i woke up bright and early by a cute little pup and took him out for a little stroll.  Then it started pouring.

But we went anyways.  He didn't seem to mind.  A bit later Amara and Aria showed up.  Armed with their bags and ready to galevant about.  We went to the mall to do some summer shopping.  Let me tell you, I think that A children's place might give Lulu a run for their money in how insane it is there.  Imagine Lulu plus strollers and a bunch of people under 3 feet running around. 

Then we went to see the Lorax at the cheap seats...in 3D.  It fantastic.  Dr. Suess never lets you down.  Also the movie was cheaper than the popcorn.  That's how you know popcorn is overpriced.  Then we came home, Aria fell asleep and Amara and I followed suit shortly after.  That's how you know you're old.  

Sunday they left after some pancakes and Buddy went for another round at the dog park.  Then Amber and Travis came over and we went to a little mexican place that was apparently closed although all their signs said open.  So the next closest patio was Pony Corral so we went there and had some drinks and apps and it was great.  Got a little color which we all know I could use because I really really need a tan.  I think my legs might be nearing transparency.

Monday, Matt came home and I was a happy camper.  It was a really relaxing nice weekend but it was really nice to have him home.

On to this weekend,

Friday night we used a gift card to go see The Avengers! It was so good and the characters sure aren't hard to look at either.

Saturday I did extreme amounts of laundry and then went grocery shopping.  We're starting a 6 week body makeover thing so we got some delicious food.  I'll be sure to explain that to you. Maybe give you some stats...all that jazz.

And now it's Sunday and it's raining which means it's a perfect day for a whole lot of movies and doing absolutely nothing.

See what I mean by last weekend being a whole lot more interesting.  

So, I was scanning through my blog after I changed a few things and realized I have posts on the first page that are pretty dated.  Then I realized I really don't have any good blog material apart from me mostly rambling on about nothing and definitely no photos, so I went on over to my twitter and found a couple to add from recent tweets. 

Alright, I think my desk offically needs to be cleaned off.  This is getting just a little bit excessive over here.  I'll be sure to show you the finished product, whenever I'm lucky enough to have the time to get rid of some of it.

This dog is the greatest.  I get told all the time on calm and great he must be.  However, that purple dinosaur drove me insane for a little while with the excessive squeaking.  So glad that he finally broke a hole through it.  

This was a few days ago at work.  I sent this to Matt saying something along the lines about how amazing work was.  Well...this was before I realized I forgot something at the office and had to drive all the way back...when it was 30 degrees...in a car that had no air conditioning.  I was not so happy by the end of the day.  Just about 2 and 1/2 hours in a car with no air conditioning...no thanks!

It's the long weekend coming up and Matt's out of town for 5 days.  This means I have to take Buddy for all of his walks, I can sleep in the middle of the bed!, eat junk food!  And do whatever else I don't do when he's around which isn't really that much. Although I'm sure I'll miss him! 

Okay, got to get cleaning my desk!  And maybe actually doing some work!

The Good Ole' Days

I read a post on someone else's blog and it got me inspired to write one of my own about some of the old school toys I used to have. For starters, they showed this commercial and I almost instantly flashed back to when D used to have one of these and cut off all of its hair. I think she cut her bangs at the same time. Haircuts all around. We had a ton of barbies, probably way too many. I tried to find a picture but they all freaked me out too much. How did I play with those things? We also had a lots of dolls. I frequently remember putting the dolls in the stroller and walking to the park that was like a million blocks away. Why did our mother let us do this? I think she was a bit crazy...couldn't be that we are the crazy ones. Polly Pockets! These were so great. I think parents back in the day were less concerned about choking hazards and more concerned with fun. Although its unknown how old we were when we played with these.

Walkie Talkies! We would always play cops and robbers outside and used these all the time. I couldn't find any photos though of the ones we had. I remember for some reason I always got shunned and just C & D got to have them. Classic middle child. Always left out of the fun. Anyways, that's all I can think of at the moment. Plus I should really be working not reminiscing about my childhood.

This is unbelievably inspirational.

Everyone Meet Buddy...

We got a dog. A while ago now but I just haven't wanted to share him with the world.

Here's how it went down. Matt and I were lazing around one Saturday afternoon when he looked over my way and said "Mandy, let's get a dog." I responded with something along the lines of 'that's like having a child, a commitment I'm not ready for" So then we logged on to the old interwebz and started looking around at what was available in our area. Then we went to the humane society so matt could guilt me into getting one because they're just so damn adorable. So we searched and there was nothing there that was a) the right size or b) that awesome. Plus I think that by putting them in these little rooms you can hardly interact with the dog and that just doesn't work for me. So we went home, as Matt ranted about something pretty shady that the humane society does. More on that another day. Then we found a little pug puppy (matt loves him a cute little pug) so he called and we were going to go and check it out...well then I was checking out another site and found "The Dog with No Name" at the Gimli Humane society and he was just so damn cute. We agreed we would take a drive up to Gimli and check him out, and so we did. Woke up at 6:30 on a sunday morning (Daylight savings time at that!) and went to the shop for something and then drove to Gimli. Took Buddy for a walk and took him home. And he's been stealing our hearts ever since. That dog is so well behaved. Thank god because we all know I can't train a dog if my life depends on it. And now we have this little creature that joined our family and we're all living happily ever after.

Here he is having a party with Cook, Strath and I/jumping on the bed. Not too sure why this was happening.

This is his most favorite sleeping position I swear. Always ready for a belly rub.

This is my very first picture with the little guy on our way home from Gimli. Oh yeah, he's a dream in the car. So calm it's unreal. Although he isn't particularly fond of the car wash.