Small World

So, we're finding that Fort Nelson is a small town. Very small. Yesterday, John met someone who remembers me from years ago when Acklands in Fort St John was dealing with Fort Nelson. It took me a bit to remember who he was, but he knew exactly who I was. Then today, John had his first day of hockey, and he's playing with a guy who is from Golden, that knows my grandpa and used to work with him. I'm pretty sure I remember who he is, and I'm sure I'll know who he is as soon as I meet him. I definitely know his brother through hockey.

Just brings it back that it's such a small place, and that there is always going to be connections.

Food Of the Week

This is my food of the week - banana bread with cauliflower puree! Yes, that's correct. Cauliflower. It's from Jessica Seinfield's book, Deceptively Delicious. It's fantastic. Totally fantastic. I had my dad taste it, and he didn't know there was anything different in it. I had it with peanut butter on it, and it was amazing...I can't wait to try more things! I have a bunch of cauliflower puree and carrot puree in the freezer so that I can try new things throughout the week!

Random Thoughts...

I think, today, I'm just going to post random thoughts throughout the day. Should be interesting to see what I think up during my work day!

• I'm thinking about declaring next week (Mon-Fri) a carb free week. I need to kick my own ass, and get back into working out and eating right. I think the first step will be eating right. So, no carbs (other than fruit before 2pm) for 5 days. I did it for 17 when I did the 17 Day Diet so I think I can do it for 5. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to do it once a month, cut out carbs for 5 days, just to keep my metabolism up. And when you don't eat carbs, you lose weight. Perfect!
• Along with that same thought, I'm thinking about making another 5 day week a meat free week. Just stuff to keep my body guessing, and to help me try out new foods!
• And, in addition, I'm going to try out a few other things, even when I'm not on my 5 day carb free, or meat free times. No carbs after 2 pm. It worked before, so I'll try it again. It makes sense. Carbs are hard to burn, so why have them an hour before you go to bed, when it's just going to add fat to my ass?
• As you know, I sprained my ankle back on October 9. I feel as though after 12 days, I shouldn't be in pain anymore. But I can't even jog across the street without being in pain. It's been a very long time since I've sprained anything, and I'm impatient to know how long I'm going to have to deal with this! Should I wear an ankle brace? Should I just do nothing? When can I do a real workout without pain? Can I even go on my tread climber? So many questions. I guess it's time to Google.
• Great. Google didn't tell me anything good. It could take weeks or months to heal. Dammit. I don't have time for this!
• I really am tired of this job. Thank goodness we're moving. Since this job is only a temporary assignment, I was hoping that I would be able to find something else within the company after that two months, and that I would be able to continue. Man, I'm glad I don't have to do that. I'm in HR, so I see all of the competitions that have been open since I started, and nothing is appealing to me. The amount of entitlement most of these employees feel makes me so mad that I can't even talk to them. Honestly. Government employees are the worst. I can't wait to be out of the Union. Some people like the protection of the union, I hate it. There are so many incompetent people here that are going to be here forever because they can't get fired. Ugh.
• I am freezing! Usually everyone in HR is freezing, and I think they're crazy, but now it's me! Usually, over in IT (yes, I work with HR and sit in IT) it's so warm because of all of the computers going up here, but today I'm frozen! It was -3 this morning, but I've been in the office for over an hour and I'm still cold. I need a heater!
• So, yes, I sit in IT. When I first started, there was an empty desk in HR, so I used it. Then they had another permanent employee start, so I got booted. There wasn't any room for me, so they stuck me in a corner in IT. It's not all bad. They boys are quiet, and I get a lot of freedom because there is no one breathing down my neck all day and making sure I'm not screwing everything up, which I'm sure our director thinks. When I was in HR, I got to look out a window at an awesome view, and now I'm stuck in a corner looking at walls. Not as cool.
• I'm currently very irritated with my husband, and I am trying so hard not to be. Last night, he didn't call me until 9:40pm. He was just getting home, which is fine, but I was trying to sleep. I was pissy already because he didn't call, and then he called and disturbed me. And he didn't even apologize for it! Then I was up until after midnight. I am trying so hard to not let it bug me, because it'll be a Chetwynd situation again where all I am is mad at him, but man, I'm pissy. It's so bad that I don't even want to talk to him. I'm glad that I have plans tonight with Lisa so that I don't have to deal with him until late. I'll call him tonight super late and see how he freaking likes it.
• Speaking of that, Lisa and I are going on a movie date tonight to see "The Good Year." I think it looks great! I'll tell ya about it tomorrow!
• Now my husband is sucking up to me and making me feel bad for being mad at him. Argh!
• I've decided that I want to travel more outside of the country. I'm back to talking to my husband because I want to know his opinion, but I'm still mad at him! He thinks Vegas, which would be ok, but I was thinking more like China.
• Maybe a cruise around the Caribbean. That would be fantastic. Spend a few days in Miami, then get on a boat, go to the Bahamas, Turks and Cacaos, and back. Yes, I think that sounds fantastic.
• It's snowing. Yes, snowing. I don't think it's going to stick around, but it is snowing. Mark your calendar friends; today winter begins!
• Ugh. It's still snowing. Harder now though.

Ok, I think that's it for today folks! Almost time to go home! Yay!

Abortions

Yes, I'm going there. Just stay with me.

A few days ago, I read this article about how in Mississippi they are trying to put a constitutional ban on abortions. Even just reading the title made me so angry - instantly angry. Then I read it. Apparently they have some of the most strict laws on abortion in the US, and there is only one clinic in the whole state that will perform abortions.

So, I posted on Facebook this status:

Isn't the US taking a step backwards in seeking to put abortion bans into state constitutions? All that work of women's rights activists, making it a woman's choice, going down the drain. Makes me sad.

Honestly, I didn't think anyone would disagree with me. Might have been naive of me, but I figured, that after all of the work of women's rights activists in the 60s and 70s, that this would be a general consensus. Apparently not. Half a dozen of my friends "liked" the comment, and posted that they agree. But then there was another friend.

She is a young mother of one boy, and has a girl on the way. I'm not 100% sure, but I think she had her son when she was either in high school, or just out of it. She is totally against abortion with these arguments:

• If women used their rights in a mature manner, this wouldn't be an issue
• Women (and girls) are walking into these clinics every time they mess up and aborting left and right
• People are dying to adopt and if these women (and girls) are heartless enough to murder their babies, then giving them to good, loving, caring families shouldn't hurt them

And basically stated that if you're stupid enough to get yourself into that mess, you should have to deal with it, unless it's justified. She had more to say, but it was all along this line of thought.

And honestly, though I completely disagree, I respect her opinion. I think it's an immature opinion from someone who is basing her opinion solely on her experience and stories she has heard instead of fact. Maybe not just fact, but maybe on hearing different opinions.

Then, I got an email from another friend about the flip side of this issue, the side I take opinion with. She speaks from the experience of having to get an abortion, and it being the best decision for her and the baby at the time. I think that we can all agree that there should be a better system for abortions, and that you shouldn't be able to just get one, that you should have to go through a course of some kind before you do it, so that you are prepared to deal with it afterwards. She said that it took her a couple of years to deal with it, and that she wasn't super young when it happened. She also told me something that totally surprised me. Apparently, at our local junior high school, counsellors are taking girls as young as grade 9 to get abortions without telling their parents. Can you believe that? You can get an abortion if you are under age without parental consent! OMG.

Don't you think that if the make abortions illegal, there will be more back-alley abortionists, and that women who want to get an abortion will end up very sick or dead? Shouldn't it be a personal choice, not a governmental one? Isn't that what everyone fought for?

I completely agree that there are women out there that are making a bad name for abortions. The women who have 3 or 4 or more abortions as a form of birth control, or because they are just too dumb to close their legs make a very bad name for the women who actually make the decision responsibly and don't abuse the system.

I can say, for myself, that even now, as a happily married woman, who is financially sound, I would consider an abortion if I found myself pregnant at this moment. I know that might sound harsh, but it's the truth. I don't know if I want to be a mother, and I think I'd rather be sure than end up a bitter woman who hates her kids.

I just am so glad that I live in Canada, where we believe (for the most part) in freedom of choice. It's obviously still a work in progress, but damn, at least we're not taking steps backwards like the US.

I know this is strange, me voicing my opinions like this, but I just can't get it out of my mind. I needed to type it out. If you have opinions, please comment below!

Vlog?

So, I didn't get a chance to make a vlog, since my Epicure/Tupperware party went longer than I thought, and I didn't get home until after 10. Maybe I'll be able to do it next week!

Anyways, off to bed!

Works In Progress

I don't have much "in progress" but here's what I have done as of right now!

Squares for knit-a-square

Toque for knit-a-square

Knitted sweater for knit-a-square

**23 days until John comes back down to move me up to Fort Nelson...

Weekend Wrap Up!

Well, if you read below, you'll see what went on this weekend! I do have photos to share though, so I'll add them on here.

Today has been a super long day. I worked on filing all day today. Yes, that does make for an EXTREMELY long day. I'm not looking forward to tonight. Long day today followed by a long night tonight. I'm going to try to create my first vlog tonight, or, at least play with the program on my computer so that I can have something for you all on Wednesday.

My body is definitley telling me that it's time to get with it and start eating better. Absolutely everything I eat or drink (including water) is making me sick. Time to have a salads week! Anyone got any good recipes for me?? I think if I can make it through a few days eating more simple wholesome meals, my stomach will thank me!

Tonight I'm going to get a workout in too. Workout 1 of 40 in the next 24 days. Do you think I can meet my goal? I sure hope I can! Salads and working out - maybe I'll have a GREAT weigh in the first week I'm in Fort Nelson!!

Anyways, check out my photos from the road! Yes, I was being unsafe and taking them while driving. Deal with it.

**24 days until John comes back down to move me up to Fort Nelson...

Home from The Fort

So, I've made it home, safe and sound. And boy, is it ever quiet in my house! I don't like it. Not one bit.

This was a long but short weekend. Friday night I went off to Convention, and had a great time, but I knew in the back of my mind that the next day I was heading up to Fort Nelson to leave my husband and kitties for almost a month. The drive up was ok - long but ok. Me and Zeus rocked out to music on full blast. I don't think he enjoyed it nearly as much as I did! Lots of poor moose that got hit on the road on the way up - 4 to be exact. Not all recent, but they were there. So sad. I hope no one got injured, because when you hit a moose, it could kill you easily.

Anyways, so we got everything moved into the new house on Saturday. When we looked at the house, we entertained the idea that once we sell our house, it might be a nice place to buy. Then we moved in. There is clearly something wrong with the foundation because there are large cracks in the drywall, and John's pretty sure that it might just be a wooden foundation with no cement in the basement. And the basement. It would be a total gut job. So, no thanks. I guess we'll be on the house search again in the fall!

But, John is all moved in. He still has lots of unpacking to do, but he has somewhere to watch TV and to sleep, so he's good. I really think that we're going to like living in Fort Nelson. I really do. I might be just convincing myself of it, but I really do think that it will be great.

It just sucked leaving all of them behind. Zeus is scared of the basement, and unfortunately that's where his litter box is. He'll get over it. He basically hid under things for the most part while I was there. He did sleep on the bed, and not under it, so I guess that's something. Zahara could care less. Just more places for her to run around and cry at.

Anyways. Off to bed. On the couch, because that's all there is left. Sigh.

**25 days until John comes back down to move me up to Fort Nelson...

Food Of The Week

This week's Food Of The Week comes courtesy of our health and wellness coordinator. I tried it this week (didn't take a picture of it though!) and it was pretty good!

Spanish Chicken & Rice

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 tsp salt & pepper

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 small yellow onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, diced

1-1/3 cup uncooked instant brown rice

28 oz canned tomatoes with juice

2 tsp chili powder

2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)

1. Heat oil on med-high in skillet. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper and saute until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
2. Add garlic and onion to skillet and saute for 1 minute. Add bell pepper and saute for 2 more minutes. Add rice and stir until lightly toasted.
3. Add tomatoes with juice, chili powder and cumin. Bring to a boil and immediately turn down to a simmer.
4. Place chicken on top of the tomato-rice mixture. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes covered.
5. Sprinkle with cheese (optional).

Try it out and let me know what you think!



Knit-A-Square

I don't know if I've blogged about this before, but this year I am devoting some of my crochet and knitting time to a charity - Knit-A-Square. Each year, going from September to June (I don't crochet or knit much in the summer, so these months seem to work best) I'm going to choose a different charity, and make things for them!

The great thing about KAS is that I can use up lots of my scrap wool! I've been making 8 inch squares, sweaters and toques - all out of scraps! I haven't had to buy any wool yet, though I'm close. I'm using Red Heart Super Saver because it's very easy to work with, and it's very warm, which is the whole point. Here is a photo (not a great one) of the sweater that I knitted - first non-dishcloth kitting project!

I realize that not everyone out there has the time to devote to something like this, but I'd like to put a call out to all of those who might. I'm looking for crocheted or knitted 8 inch squares, toques or sweaters. They also accept things like teddy bears, so if you know how to make those, I would gladly send them along too. I can't make them, so I plan on trying to find some at a decent price, and send them along.

You can also go onto their website and donate via PayPal. I would also take donations in the form of wool!!!

Please contact me if you want to learn more, or if you want to help. I think this is a great cause, and something so simple to do. By June, I hope to have made enough squares for 2 blankets (70 squares total), and half a dozen toques and sweaters, and I hope to have more donations sent in from others!

Think about it. It's a fantastic cause.

Wonderful Quote from a Wonderful Blog

I hope that Coco Rose Diaries won't mind that I am sharing her photo, but I really enjoyed this photo, and the quote. She also posted a couple of other great photos in her blog, so go over and check it out!

I think that there is a lot of truth in this quote. And I hope that I can live up to it.

Wednesday Weigh In

I have a slight issue with Wednesday Weigh In this week - my scale has gone missing!

To be more precise, John has packed my scale. I haven't decided if I want to buy a new one (which I could probably use) or just go by my measurements. We'll see what I decide.

Measurements (as of 8/31/11 in black, today's measurements in blue):

Neck - 15" 15"

Arm (left) - 15.5" 15.5"

Arm (right) - 16" 15"

Bust - 42" 41"

Chest - 39.5" 39.5"

Waist - 40.5" 41"

Hips - 45" 45"

Thigh (left) - 26" 26"

Thigh (right) - 26.5" 26.5"

That's a total change of -1.5 inches. 

I'd say that's not too bad. I hope that during this week, I can find time to work out - I know I'll be able to on Monday and Tuesday before Wednesday weigh in, but I might not be able to get in a traditional workout before then. We're going to be packing up the truck (moving truck that is) and getting ready to go to Fort Nelson. It's coming up soon!

My ankle is feeling better. Still tender, obviously, but it's not too bad. I can walk normally, I just have to be aware of stairs and getting in and out of my truck. Other than that, I'm almost back in business. Slowly but surely.

Well, I have some last minute cleaning to do, and have to get ready for work. We're having some realtors walk around our house today to see if they have any clients who might be looking for a place like ours. I really hope so!

Anyways, have a great day all!

**Updated @ 1:19PM

So ok, during lunch I went to buy a pair of jeans because, let's face it, winter is coming, and I only have 2 pairs of pants right now. I was down to wearing size 31, and I couldn't face buying anything bigger than a 32. So, I tried on the 32s, and they were all right, so I bought them. Then I started thinking. I know that my DREAM is to get back into 29s, which I know can be accomplished, but right now, I'm at a stage where it's unrealistic to be wearing size 29s, or even 32s. I'm going to take them back after work, or tomorrow morning. I need to remember that sizes aren't everything. It's how I feel that matters. Yes, I feel bad because I've had to go back up in jean sizes, but they could be loose in a matter of weeks and then I'll have to cinch them on with a belt! Who cares?! The size is just a number, just like the scale. You can't take stock value in everything. Yes, I want to lose sizes; yes, I want to lose pounds. But mostly, I want to feel good so that my self confidence comes back! Right now, it's MIA. I hope that the 25 days without John around will work out to be around 40 workouts, and damn, if that doesn't make me lose a few pounds, maybe a size (or just have the jeans fit a little loose), and bring back some self confidence, I don't know what will!

Works In Progress

I had planned on taking photos, and detailing more what I have on the go - craft-wise. But I have a meeting tonight and I have to hurry!

Right now, I have several things on the go.

I'm finishing up a knit sweater for KAS charity in South Africa. It's the first thing I've knitted other than dishcloths! So cute. I plan on making a few more to send also.

I have 15 out of 70 squares for the KAS charity done, and I'm continually making more. KAS's project is called "Knit-A-Square" or crochet in my case. It takes 35 8 inch squares to make a blanket, and I'd like to send enough to make 2 blankets. My mom is making squares too, and I know someone who has made about 20 so far. Hopefully we'll have enough to make 4 blankets, and we can send them off with sweaters, toques, and teddy bears!

I also have a baby blanket that is 50% done, but I have to get more wool. I'm waiting until John leaves to buy more. Not that he really cares, but I'd rather he didn't know.

I also made a few star-like hexigons to start a blanket eventually. I have more to make, but I'll do those when I have more time, and I have to buy more wool for those too.

And as always, I have knitted dishcloths on the go.

As you can see, I have a lot on the go! I'm never bored, that's for sure!! I promise, photos next week! I should have a few things done by then, so I'll for sure have some photos.

For more info on what I've been up to in the crochet/knitting world, look me up on Ravelry - username ladybugk.

Weekend Wrap Up!

What a weekend - a long weekend! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.

Personally, I didn't feel like I got a lot accomplished, but maybe I did. Saturday was a bit of a write off, I felt like crap, and pretty much did nothing.

Then on Sunday I sprained my ankle, and I couldn't do a lot, but I did bake pies for Thanksgiving. John worked his ass off to get the deck done, and he did a pretty good job. It's not perfect, but it's good enough to be sold.

Monday was a lot of the same for me. We had Thanksgiving here, so we had to clean up, which I hobbled around and helped. John and I have the house as spotless as it's going to be because either tomorrow or Wednesday we're having realtors come in and take a look. I think tomorrow.

Anyways, it was a pretty good weekend. I didn't get any exercise in at all and I ate like crap, so that part sucked, but it is what it is.

John's off to Fort Nelson this weekend, then it's 4 weeks until I go. Prepare yourself for a lot of whining on my part.

Sprained

Yup, I have sprained my ankle. Fairly badly, I think.

John and I were trying to put up the back stairs, and they were super heavy. John was holding them up, and I was on the deck, going to screw them in from the top, just enough so that he could get them in properly. Well, I almost had the first screw in, and it slipped, so John asked me to come to the bottom and pivot them just a bit so he could hold them better. I took off running, because the stairs were damn heavy, and I wanted them to be off of his shoulders ASAP. Well, there was a lot of scrap wood around, and lots of leaves, and I stepped onto a leaf covered 2x4, and went down. I can't remember the last time I sprained my ankle, but DAMN. It hurts!

So, I spent most of the day on the couch. Not the way I intended to spend my day, but oh well.

I still managed to make pies for Thanksgiving tomorrow! Now I just wonder how long the pain is going to last...

Food Of the Week

Ok, this week's food of the week (and the very first!) is a protein snack bar that I found this week.

I wanted something under 200 calories, something sweet, and something that actually tastes good. This one hits all the buttons. At 190 calories, 3 grams of fibre, 4 grams of sugar and 14 grams of protein, it's a hit! And, bonus, it's yummy!

I'm talking about the Oh Yeah! Almond Fudge Brownie bar.

So good! I picked it up at Walmart for $2.47 which makes it pretty pricey, but it's worth it for once in a while. I don't think I'd buy it for daily consumption. It would be great for a day where I worked out lots, or had a small breakfast or lunch as an in between meal snack, or for throwing in my backpack for when I'm hiking. Might not be the best for hiking in hot weather because it would melt REALLY badly.

My next search for a protein bar of some kind will be to find one that has all of the great qualities this one has (low calorie, high fibre, low sugar, high protein, tasty, etc.) that will be a good hiking snack. I realize that hiking season is pretty much over here, but next spring will be here before we know it (hopefully!) and hiking season will be starting once again!

Stay tuned for next week's food of the week!

Annoyed

I can't help it, but I'm annoyed at everything lately. So annoyed. Almost every person I talk to or have to deal with, or inanimate objects, everything is annoying me.

Tomorrow I plan on working out a couple of times, hoping that some of the stress will lift and I will be less annoyed.

We'll see though.

Last Night

...I was going to catch up on Oil Wives shit

...I was going to work out

...I was going to clean up my house

...but instead I celebrated Alexander Keith's birthday with my hubby, my bestie and my momma.

Weekly Weigh In...Vlog?!

Yup, that's right. I have decided to start vlogging my weekly weigh ins, as well as blogging about them. Don't worry, I will be posting my vlog on this blog. Blog-vlog. Whatever. I watched my friend Monika's vlog this morning, and it inspired me to want to do one too. She's been doing them for months, but I finally made the decision to try!

And I think I'm going to go back to doing more weekly things. I need to get more excited about my blog, and as of right now, I'm not. So, here's what I'm thinking:

Monday - Weekend Catch-up!
Tuesday - WIPs (Works in Progress)
Wendesday - Weekly Weigh In Vlog!
Saturday - Healthy Meal Recipes

And that will leave me with 3 days for random blogging. What do you think? I'm also going to try to do monthly things too, but I'll have to figure that out as I go along. I think that maybe making this blog a bit more functional will be best for me - I love having a reason to blog, especially when my life is going to be a little boring in the next little while.

Also, I want to start getting back into working out and eating well. It's time. Time to get back on track. And it STARTS TODAY.

Tuesday, October 4

Well, at least something happened Tuesday. Well, nothing too interesting, but at least it's something.

Once again, I was feeling sick. What's new these days. I skipped an Oil Wives meeting, but it's not a big deal anyways. But, the most exciting thing is that we listed our house for sale! Yay! We listed it a little bit low, just so we can do our best to get it sold ASAP. Right now, I honestly don't care what we make off of it, as long as we don't lose. I just want it to be OVER. But, it's listed, and that's really the first step. Thank goodness!

Monday, October 3

Nothing much to report for Monday. I can't even remember what happened, so it must have been very anti-climatic.

Sunday, October 2

The second trip to Fort Nelson! This time to look at a place to rent, and my momma came! Here's what we got to drive in:

It's not a great picture (shot with my Blackberry in a moving vehicle) but you can see that there is snow on the side of the road, correct? Yes, snow. On October 2. Luckily, it was not snowing in Fort Nelson, because mom and I just wore sandals (because we're crazy).

We did find a place to rent, I was going to take photos, but the people who were moving out hadn't fully moved out, and it was a bit of a mess. I will take lots of photos when I get in there and get cosy.



I also met with the manager of Acklands-Grainger. The branch needs a lot of help, and I will be the one to help them out! Should be interesting.

It was a good, quick trip up there, but we were all exhausted by the time we made it home. We drove over 800 kilometers in under 12 hours, including looking at a place, having lunch (I finally got to go to Dan's Pub) and meeting with my new boss. What a long day!

Saturday, October 1

October! Feels like just yesterday we celebrated the New Year, not that I can even remember what we did! I think we went skiing...

Saturday brought aggrivation for me. John and his step-dad were supposed to get the railing put on the deck and have the stairs finished. They got 2 out of about 10 sections of railing done, and one set of stairs. Oh man, I was mad. I have no idea what took them so freaking long. I was pissed, to say the least.

Basically, John's mom and I just hung out the whole time, watched tv and crocheted. I was still feeling sick, and to make it worse I was aggrivated. Argh.

Friday, September 30

Another day with Van gone, but I was feeling much more sick. Something was definitely off, and no, I did not go to the doctor.

I pretty much took it easy, which is weird for me. I'm not used to being able to take it easy at work. Literally, I stared at the wall for most of the day.

Then when I made it home, I crashed. BUT, I couldn't crash to hard, because I still had to pick John up from work. It was painfully to drag my butt around. Then at around 9, John's mom and step-dad showed up. They wanted to come and see us before we move (not sure why, since we see them about twice a year anyways). I can tell you that I was not excited to see them, but just because I was feeling so crappy.

Anyways...

Thursday, September 29

Another crap week - I'm behind again!

Van was gone Thursday, so I had the day pretty much to myself. Just working on things nice and slowly. It was pretty good.

Except that it was Thursday that I started to feel sick. Something was weird, nothing like a cold, or a flu, just off.

Bleh. Started off not wanting to blog. Which I should. Anyways.