Changes to A Year of Change

So, I'm thinking that I might have to change my blog. I love my blog, and I will not be changing the location, just a few things about it. I want more out of my blog, so it will be getting changed in the near future - maybe this weekend!

I think that this blog is more about my whole life these days, not just my weight loss. I want it to be more.

So, what can you look forward to?

More crafty things - more than just crochet! Maybe not initially, but I have some other crafty things going that might not come to fruition until camping season is over.

More photos of the things that we do - it's time to get out and enjoy the summer, and take photos! No more sitting in the house every night!

And, more life. Just life.

I will still keep you updated on my weight loss. It's still a constant in my life, but right now it has been sidelined by the Achilles tendonitis. It's still present though!

The blog is "A Year of Change" and it's time for another change! Stay tuned!

Hmm...

I honestly am drawing a blank here. I'm at a loss for what to write about. Maybe I'll have an interesting story for tomorrow. Hopefully.

Paying It Forward

A while back, I took part in a "pay it forward" giveaway from a wonderful blog, Apples and Pears (read my post here), and it's time to do my own!

The postal strike is finally over, so I can finally offer this to you!

And what am I giving away?

Yup, just some simple dishcloths - but each one was made with love! Knitting is so hard for me, so these took a lot of time!

All you have to do is be one of the first 5 people who follow my blog (so that I can contact you) and leave a comment on this post. I will contact you after that and get your address to send it out!

But, you have to promise to also pay it forward on your own blog! Let your creative side show, and give back to the crafting community! It's not that hard, believe me!

Postal Strike

Yes! Canada Post is back to work! Finally! Mail should be rolling in starting on Tuesday. Now, hopefully, we can get our Canada Savings Bonds checks for our vacation!

Right now I'm watching a show on TLC about mothers who have babies past menopause. A woman in India had a baby at over 70 with the help of IVF. In India, there is no age limit on women having IVf, where in the US and most of Europe, it's usually only available to women up to their 40s. Where is the line? I'm not sure that a woman of 70 should be able to have a baby, but who am I to judge? Personally, I don't want to be over 35, let alone double that age!

Anyway. Should get ready for work. Another day of the grind! I'm actually happy about going to work, which is so weird. I'm excited to be getting a paycheck again. It's been so long. And I feel like I'm doing something, which is great.

Now. Get ready for work. I have some good crochet projects to share in the next few days also! And a giveaway!

Flooding Part 2

I've found a way to share photos! It took me a bit to figure out how to download them from Facebook pages.

The golf course in Dawson Creek

The Fisher Creek bridge in the Pine Pass south of Chetwynd

By the North Peace Arena in FSJ

The dangerous goods route near Dawson Creek

Kal Tire in Chetwynd

The Braden Road - It links Fort St John and Chetwynd and is a popular shortcut when heading to Prince George - notice the culvert in the air

I'm sure that there are many, many other photos out there, and more damage than imaginable. It's crazy. Two hard days of rain, and we have some major flooding. Apparently it's all over Alberta as well.

Mother Nature is definitely reminding us that SHE is in charge right now.

Flooding

Holy rain, Batman! Places all over the Peace Region are flooding! I wish I had some photos to share, but check out www.energeticcity.ca for photos. It's ridiculous. Tomorrow is supposed to be dry, but it's going to take more than one dry day to evaporate this mess. We're in for a wet couple of weeks!

Fridays

I forgot how nice Friday afternoons are! Today was a typical Friday up here - slow slow slow. But, it was good.

And what could be more fun than driving around in a new Silverado on a Friday eve? Not much.

Canadian Postal Strike

Ok, so usually I'm not very opinionated when it comes to politics, but I'm going to get this one point out.

Unions. Unfortunately now I work for a union, though I am NOT union minded.

Canada Post workers are on strike right now, and were locked out after rotating strikes. And the NDP is backing them up (of course, because NDP is pro-union), but honestly, wouldn't it be better for them to go back to work, rather than be locked out? Isn't a contract, even an unfavourable one, better than no paycheck because you're locked out?

So, honestly, I don't care too much about Canada Post, except when I'm waiting for important stuff in the mail. But when unions go on strike, it really pisses me off. Who else, other than a union member, can say no to a contract, go on strike, and still have a job afterwards? If I were working anywhere else, and I decided my conditions were crappy and decided to walk out, I wouldn't have a job anymore.

This isn't like during the industrial revolution where unions started. The are laws in place to protect workers from hazards, from too low of pay, and all of that stuff. I think unions are a way of the past. I know that they're never going to go away, but man oh man, would it be nice. What does that teach the young generation of the world? Get mad about something and quit. Basically that's what a strike is to me. A sign of quitting. Plain and simple.

Now that that's off my chest, I can go and get ready for work! Have a good day all!

**I realize a lot of people out there are pro-union, and I don't mean to be telling you how to think. This is totally just my opinion, and maybe I'm just cranky because I want my mail.

New Truck!

We got the truck today! Took her for a spin already..and of course, found something that needs fixing. Just a tire balance, I think!

But, isn't she a beauty???

I only have this one quick shot of her for right now, more to come!

Books of 2011 - #22

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson


Another great novel. It's much too bad that Stieg Larsson died shortly after delivering the 3 novels in this series - I think he could have been a fantastic writer!


This was the second book in the series, and it was just as good as the first. It kept you guessing until the end, I thought. 


Read it, you'll like it.

Surprise!!

Here it is!  

2011 Chevrolet Silverado

And it's all ours!!

Blanche Avalanche just wasn't enough to haul our trailer, and it was just something that we've been wanting to do for a while, so we're trading her off!

Ok, so, this one isn't ours.

But, it looks just like ours!

We're just getting running boards and mudflaps and window visors put on.

We should have it later this week!

And I'll take more photos then!

So bloody excited!

Birthdays

I really think birthdays are much more fun when you're 5. Not so much when you're 25.

Cam's birthday was a hit. Too bad we couldn't stay until the presents were opened, but I should be getting a phone call from him tomorrow to see if he liked his present!

And stay tuned for tomorrow's big announcement! Keep your fingers crossed that I'll have good news!

And no, it's not a baby.

Lazy Saturday

I've had my first lazy Saturday in a while. It seemed like nothing got done. John and I looked at each other at 3 and went "holy crap, it's 3?" He worked until 1, which is unusual for a Saturday these days, and honestly, I'm not even sure what I did today.

I have a little boy's birthday to go to tomorrow - little Cam is turing 5! I met him when he was 18 months old, and I'm in total disbelief that he's going to be 5 tomorrow. But, since he's 5, I got him a really great present - a Tow Mater remote control car! So cool! I want to play with it! But, anyways, it's going to be a fun birthday!

And, we have something fun on the DL...I will let you in on it Monday night!

Home Sweet Home

Yup, I'm back home. After 2 days of training, I'm home.

And, got to say, I'm glad to be home. I didn't  mind being away, but I'm so much more comfortable at home with John and the kitties.

But I'm wiped. Early to bed for me, I think!

Job Day 1

I had a pretty good first day today. Kind of slow and boring, but I know that it will get better.

I wanted to post some photos for the riots from last night, but the internet in my hotel is ridiculously slow, which is why this post is coming to you via BB.

Off to bath and read now! Might as well relax!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

I GOT THE JOB!!!

I finally got a job! I'm off to Grande Prairie for training tomorrow and Friday!

I am so freaking excited I can't stand it!

And now the Canucks just have to win. My luck is up today! Perfect day to win a Stanley Cup & get a new job!

Surprise Mail

Yesterday, I received a wonderful surprise in the mail:

A bookmark I won from Apples & Pears in a giveaway she had a while back. I had totally forgotten about it, and was quite curious about what was coming to me from overseas! I'm very excited to have received it! Believe me, this bookmark will be put to good use! Love it!

So, having gotten this, I will be paying it forward. More to come in another post!

5-2

Another disappointing hockey night. The Canucks pulled it together close to the end, but there just wasn't time.

Good on Henrik on getting his first point of the series though!

Now on to game 7. I'm honestly thinking about not watching it. Game 6 tonight was bad enough, and we were one game ahead! I was shaky and my heart raced the whole time. Not cool.

Who knew hockey could affect me like this? I sure didn't.

Anyways. I'm tired. Off to bed!

Back To Relaity

So, Sunday night. I don't know about you, but I think Sundays are the worst. Yes, they are relaxing. But, that means that John has to go back to work tomorrow and I still don't have a job. So sad.

But, I know this week I need to start working my ass off and getting into shape. My achilles tendon is killing me, so it's not going to be easy, but I know I need to get my ass in gear.

Anyways. Time to spend whatever is left of Sunday night with John! Toodles.

Another Blown Birthday Party

Yup, it's another birthday party done. Want to know how awesome it was? No one showed up. Well, wait. John's friends that I had never met showed up. None of my friends showed up. This is why I hate birthdays. Just another reminder that I have no close friends here - friends who would show up to someone's birthday.

Gotta love how birthdays remind you of how shitty parts of your life are.

Sigh. Another year over. Hopefully I can make the 25th better!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Books of 2011 - #17-21

Rapture In Death by JD Robb

Yet another classic JD Robb. If you haven't read her books, pick them up and read them! I'm sure I've read this one before, but I loved it all over again. Only took me a day and a half to read!

Silent Night by various authors:

A Berry Merry Christmas by Claire Cross,

The Unexpected Gift by Dee Holmes,

Christmas Promises by Susan Plunkett &

Midnight In Death by JD Robb

A great collection of books. Probably not the best time of year to be reading Christmas books, but whatever. My mom always saves a Christmas series for December, but I like Christmas all year long. Good books!

Quarter Of A Century

I wonder if I'm the only person out there who actually doesn't care about birthdays, but holds up the appearance that she does just so that she doesn't have to deal with the whys.

Today I turned 25. A quarter of a century. Big freaking deal.

Want to know how I've celebrated so far?

By cleaning the house, doing dishes and laundry, going to a job interview, grocery shopping and having the mother of all headaches.

Sound like a fun birthday? Nah, I didn't think so.

I know I'm just being a pessimist, but I am who I am. I'm sick of this birthday shit and it isn't even over. I can't say anything though, because John has actually attempted at planning something, and I don't want to hurt his feelings. Oh well.

Now to pack the trailer. Like I said, awesome birthday.

4-0

Another night of crappy hockey. I actually got up and left in the third period - it got to be too much to handle.

Oh well. We can still do it. Fingers crossed.

Books of 2011 - #15 & #16

Blood Sins & Blood Ties by Kay Hooper


Both of these books are really good! More in the Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series, and they are good. And addicting! I read both of these books in a week, which isn't typical for me these days. Basically, the Bishop series is about a group of FBI agents who have supernatural powers that help them solve crimes. Very good! I've read quite a few of these books, and I would keep reading more of them!

8-1

Ok. No other words are needed. If you don't know what I'm talking about, sorry! I'm sad and don't wanna talk about it!

Random Conversation

{A bit of bacground on this. You might see a lot of random conversations like this one. I just had to share it. I laughed so much. So so much. My friend Lisa and I always have the weirdest conversations. Lisa bats for the other team, and she's one of those "TMI" people. It never fails to make me laugh. Anyway, here's a convo from Saturday night.}


Lisa: What should I do w my hair?

Kara: Can you curl it?

Lisa: I don't have any spray or mouse :( or a curling iron for that matter. Basically up or straight

Kara: Then go straight.
Kara: I mean, haha.
Kara: Do it straight.

Lisa: Bahahahahahahahha omfg I love you

Kara: Hahahahahahahah

--------

Lisa: I'll text you after my hair goes hetero

Just thought I would share some of the hilarity. I literally laughed out loud for 5 minutes. Maybe I'm simple. Maybe it was really that funny. Who knows.

Anyway, happy Sunday!

Quick Post

Just home quickly to check on the cats. One good thing about camping close to town, I guess!

Last night was horrible. So cold! I'm being optimistic that today is going to be warmer and I put shorts on. We'll see if I'm right! Supposed to get up to 17 I think, so it might be ok.

IF ONLY THE SUN WOULD COME OUT FROM BEHIND THE CLOUDS!

Anyway. Off to the Farmer's Market and then to the campsite! TTYL!

Snow? In June? In CANADA?!?

This is what we woke up to this morning.

How absolutely disgusting.

It is June, isn't it? In Canada, none-the-less.

Doesn't that usually mean that winter is over?

Not in this case.

And apparently it's happening all over the Rockies.

Boo!

And on another lame note, boy-oh-boy was I sick last night. I woke up around 11:30 with sharp shooting pain in my back and the urge to throw up. I actually woke John up because I was moaning so loud. Finally, after a while of not being able to get even remotely comfortable, I got up and tried to walk it off. Tried to throw up. Anything to make the pain stop. I could NOT throw up for the life of me, though I'm 95% sure it would have made me feel better. Eventually I just grabbed a couple pillows and a blanket and tried to sleep on the floor in our guest bathroom.

But, you know what I think it was? Massive stomach gas. I burped a few times, and I felt a bit better. How strange! I now know what it's like for a baby when they don't get burped! I honestly thought I was going to have to wake John up again to take me to the hospital!

So, after a while of sleeping on the floor in the bathroom, I got up and slept on the couch. I stayed there until John went to work at 6, then got back into bed and managed to sleep until 9. Then I woke up to that damn snow.

What a crappy past 24 hours.

Anyways, better go shower so that I'm ready for camping. Yup, we're still going, even in this horrendous weather. At least it's supposed to be nice tomorrow! Farmer's Market tomorrow too!

Hikes

So, I think it's finally nice enough here that we can start hiking! Yay!

There are so many places that we want to check out, but so little time, and so many of them are classified as "difficult" which we are not ready for.

But, I think I found a couple for Sunday that look excellent. Nice, easy, beginner hikes. Considering the last time we really went hiking was last June for my birthday when we did that 27K hike in one day.

Anyways, that's it for tonight. I'm at a loss of words for some reason! I'm just getting tired maybe.

17DD C1D1

Ok. I call a do-over!

Today might not have been the best day to start a diet. And it did not end well.

It started off really well! Eggs, cheese, orange, apple.

Then Costco pepperoni pizza, meat & cheese, a couple of chicken fingers, a spring roll, Wendy's hamburger and Frosty.

And I didn't walk at all.

I guess tomorrow I watch what I eat and walk for an hour! What a day!