Mini Blogging Hiatus

I am currently in Saskatoon helping to move my sister home for the summer! I am here until Tuesday afternoon and then Brandon and I plan on leaving for Fargo, ND either Wednesday or Thursday (depending on when/if I get my passport in time). This means that I probably won't be blogging for at least a week, once I get settled in to my summer job and get all my junk stuff unpacked at home. It's a slightly crazy week filled with lots of family time, moving, and adventures... so I would much rather have a little break from blogging than scrambling to upload pictures and write a post. 

I hope you all have a fabulous week and I will answer emails/comments as soon as I possibly can!

Happy Monday! :)

Answering the Tough Questions

I'm aware that I just did a link-up post yesterday but this link-up by Erin is just too good to pass up. So please excuse this major blogger faux pas. I just love link-ups especially when  writer's block hits or when I have nothing exciting to talk about. So keep reading if you want to get personal with me ;)

1. If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would it be?
I wouldn't say that I have many regrets since every experience in my life this far has shaped me in to the person I am today. However, I wish I would have got more involved in the social aspects of university. Don't get me wrong, I ran a student group and participated in it for 3 years and I made friends, I just wish I would have gone to more events and allowed myself to meet as many people as possible. Now that I am done my schooling at UofW, I know that I will miss it so much and I just wish I would of taken more time to really truly soak in every aspect of university life (and allowed myself more crazy, spontaneous, drunken nights).

 2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
This is a tough question to answer. I am only 20, so in 5 years I will be 25 years old. That still seems so young to me. I am not somebody who has my life planned out at all nor do I have expectations of when big life events will happen (ie. marriage, kids, buying a house, etc). I just know that those things will happen when I'm ready for them and that there is no rush. For right now, I will say that I hope to be settled in to a profession I love, I hope to have extra money to travel and explore the world, and most of all, I hope to be happy and satisfied.

 3. Do you honestly want kids?
Yes 100%. I have always known that I wanted kids and adoption has always weighed heavily on my heart as well. Growing up, I always dreamed of having a large family (8 kids to be precise, which is exactly what my mom always wanted to) but now I have calmed down a bit. Brandon says 2 or 3 is a good number, I always try to push that number up closer to 5 or 6. I love the support my huge family provides me and I want my kids to experience the same growing up.

 4. What has been the best moment of your life so far?
Seeing as I'm only 20 and I haven't had made "big moments" this far, but I still have had some pretty amazing experiences. For example, the day Brandon asked me out, graduation day, my first and last day of university, and traveling to Nova Scotia. I also think it's important to find the special moments in every single day too, whether that be a beautiful sunset, having coffee with an old friend, or sweet kitty cuddles.

 5. What is your life theme song?
Hands down "I don't want to be" by Gavin Degraw. Partially because I am a hardcore One Tree Hill fan (and still miss it to this day) but also just because the lyrics have always resonated with me.

" I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately, all I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind. I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I've got to do or who I'm supposed to be. I don't want to be anything other than me".

6. What is one thing you have yet to accomplish that you want to do before you die?

There are SO many things that come to mind. There are fun things such as traveling the world, skydiving, road tripping, bungee jumping, zip lining, etc. Then there are also more serious things such as getting married, having kids, buying a house, living happily, helping others, volunteering my time, and living a happy and meaningful life. Also another big one is learning to love unconditionally.

7. If you could choose one thing to be known for, what would it be?

Ideally, I would like to be known for my thoughtful, giving, and understanding spirit. For having the desire to help others as much as possible, wanting to give more than I ever hope to receive in return, and having a contagiously positive attitude.

8. If you could do anything you wanted right in this very moment (no consequences, no fear, etc), what would it be?

If money or time wasn't a factor, I would buy two plane tickets to somewhere far away (probably in Europe) and Brandon and I would leave tomorrow and travel for months. Just explore and live life.

9. What has been the most challenging moment in your life?

I have mentioned many times before on my blog, that I have experienced quite a bit of loss for my short 20 years of existence. I have lost two grandpas, my great grandma, and two of my wonderful cousins. These were all incredibly hard moments for me but they have made me the strong person I am today.

 10. Summarize yourself in one word.
Passionate. In other words, stubborn. I get told this a lot. I much prefer the term passionate though and this trait can be blamed on both my parents.

 Are you like me and just go with the flow or do you have all your

 big life moments planned out?

Am I crazy for wanting a million kids?

Feel free to share some of your answers with me, I'd love to know your responses.

SO WHAT! Wednesday

Linking up with Shannon today at Life After I "Dew"

This week I am saying "so what" to:

• the fact that I have found millions of other things to do this week rather than packing. I move home this Saturday and need to have my car packed and ready to go on Friday and I am nowhere close to being ready. Also, How the heck does one person accumulate SO MUCH STUFF? I honestly considered selling all my possessions and starting over just so that I wouldn't have to pack.
• the fact that I am addicted to New Girl. My sister told me months ago that I would love it but I just recently started watching it, now I can't get enough!
• being lazy and overly relaxed this week. It's so weird going from the hectic, stressful life of uni to a totally relaxed, carefree week... hey, no complaints here!
• having to call off our trip to Minneapolis with our friends Sarah & Sandra. They are both managers and couldn't take the time off at the same time, so we will post phone our trip with them for now. I'm just happy because Brandon and I are still going to Grand Forks. It'll be nice to get away, just the two of us and explore a new place together :)
• stressing about money. I have spent way too much of my life worrying about spending money or not having enough money and it's time to stop thinking about it so much! It's okay to buy some new clothes (which I haven't since last fall) or to go on trips (Saskatoon & Grand Forks) and to go out and have fun once in awhile. Life is short, it's time to start enjoying it to the fullest!
• the fact that I haven't been consistently working out since I got shingles. For the first few days I was in too much pain and was too sleepy and now it seems that I am too busy enjoying life to stress myself out over it! Brandon and I did go for a run together on Monday and by together I mean he was 10 blocks ahead of me and he waited a few times to make sure I was still alive.
• the damn weather! I am so sick of the snow and cold weather... it's April for crying out loud. I guess Manitoba is just skipping right over spring this year. I won't complain too much as long as summer is hot, sunny & long!

Anyways, I better go and do something productive before my lunch date with a friend. By "productive", I mean go and watch a few episodes of New Girl and then have a bubble bath. Hey, what can I say? I'm living the life.

 Have a splendid Wednesday friends!

Weekend Recap

How did Monday get here so fast? The weekend just always seems to sneak by so quickly!

On Friday, I made a trip to the doctors office to figure out what the heck was wrong. I mentioned in my post on Friday about the rash I had on my back and belly. It turns out that I have shingles! I was amazed at how quick everything went at the doctors office, I was in and out within 15 minutes. I walked out with a prescription in my hand and my plans for a wine date with Sarah that night quickly faded. I then headed to Walmart to fill my prescription and after an hour of waiting (so not impressed), I went to my car and popped a couple pills. Then it was off to Stella's for supper with my bestie Jenna. I had to cut it short because I was in so much pain and I headed home to nap and take some advil. Turns out, my weekend would consist of an intense and burning itch on my back and belly, a lot of pain, and sleepless nights. 

I wasn't going to let it put a damper on my weekend though, since I had some awesome plans! Brandon and I bought tickets for a Jets game back in February and Saturday was the day. We went for lunch first with his sister, brother and dad (who also went to the game) and then it was game time. It was my first NHL game and it didn't disappoint. The atmosphere was crazy, the fans were energetic, the food was amazing, and the game was intense. The game even went in to overtime and then a sudden death shoot out which lead to the Jets losing. Overall though, it was an exciting game though and I loved the experience! Then Brandon and his family left for Minnedosa and I spent my Saturday night on the couch relaxing and watching New Girl :)

 

Then on Sunday, I got a weird wake up call from Cleo (Sarah's cat) who decided that 6 a.m. is an appropriate time to hump a blanket on my bedroom floor. Cleo's favorite past time is humping and he often steals my clothes to hump (eww I know). Usually I find it hilarious but at 6a.m. I was less then impressed! I then went back to bed until 9:30 and my sister and Andy came over at 10 to have pancakes and do taxes! I get a $750 rebate, so I can't complain. I then relaxed all day and headed out to my 10 pin bowling league at 6:15. Brandon and I stayed to visit with our friends Sarah and Sandra after and we had apps. It turns out the 4 of us probably won't get to go to Minneapolis anymore next week but Brandon and I are still going to road trip somewhere, so I'm still excited! :) We got home at 11 and I headed straight to bed and slept until 10 a.m. 

I am excited for a relaxing yet productive week this week. I will be packing, cleaning, purging, and get organized to move home on Saturday! I look forward to spending the last few days living with Sarah, for a double date night with Andy & Ash, and for seeing a few friends before we head home for the summer. 

Happy Monday! 

A picture of Milo, just to add a bit of cuteness to your Monday!

I'm linking up with Sami today!

Coffee Date

If we were having coffee together on this sunny and bright Friday morning, I would have so much to share with you but first I would pour a big, fresh cup of vanilla bean coffee. Then I would tell you that everything seems to be falling in to place for me and that I am excited for the next chapter of my life.

First of all, I would share that I am DONE 3 YEARS OF UNIVERSITY! This is so surreal for me to say and think about. I swear it was just yesterday that I was a timid 18 year old walking in to the University of Winnipeg for the first time. These past 3 years have really flown by and I have mixed emotions about being done my schooling at UofW. I have made so many amazing friends and I really did fall in love with the atmosphere and culture surrounding university life. However, the next chapter of my life is equally as exciting! I am thankful that I will only be 2.5 hours away from Winnipeg, so I can come back and visit frequently.

Yesterday was a goooood day. Happy girl, don't mind my smirk!

I would also tell you that I applied for a summer job at the Brandon Research Center with the Agricultural department. I unexpectedly received an email about this job last week and on a whim decided that it was worth a try. Well fast forward to yesterday, halfway through my final exam of the semester (it was done at home online), I got an email saying I GOT THE JOB! I definitely should not have opened my emails during my exam because it was impossible to contain my excitement for the last hour and a half of my exam. It seems like a challenging and exciting job with consistent hours and good pay! I can't really ask for much more right now :)

As well, I would confess my excitement for so many upcoming events in my life over the next couple weeks! This season of my life is just super exciting and I couldn't be much happier right now. Today, I am supposed to meet my friend Jenna for a later lunch at my favorite restaurant Stella's. Tonight, I am having a wine and nail date with Sarah (Brandon's sister). Tomorrow, Brandon and I are going to the Jets game and it turns out it is going to be a big game that determines if they get into the playoffs. Sunday, I am doing taxes with my sister and her boyfriend (seems like something strange to be excited for, but I enjoy all the time I spend with my sister). Next week will consist of a lot of packing since we move home next weekend sometime. Next Saturday I am going in a scrabble tournament with Ashley and then we're heading home to Minnedosa after the tournament. Next Sunday, my mom, Ash and I head to Saskatoon to move my sister Stephanie home. Then on May 2nd to 5th, we're heading to Minneapolis for a mini-vacay before Brandon and I start our summer jobs. Then I start my summer job May 6th. Phew- life is so busy and exciting! Check back for updates about all of these happenings :)

Lastly, I would tell you that Brandon and I went out for drinks with our friends Sarah and Sandra last night to celebrate since I'm done university and Brandon wrote his exam last night too. It was a lot of fun but for some reason I woke up with Brandon at 7 a.m. when he left for work and never got back to sleep! So much for sleeping in on my first day of my vacay. It could have been partially to do with this rash I have that is on my belly and back which is super painful. It has only been getting worse all week, so I think I better go see a doctor today. I have a feeling it could be shingles, but I'm hoping that I'm wrong!

Anyways, enough rambling about myself and my life.

What would you tell me if we had coffee together today?

Are you a lover of coffee like me?

Share all your exciting news, I love hearing from my readers :)

Happy Friday! Here's to a wonderful weekend!

Linking up with Rags to Stitches

If you really knew me...

Hi friends!

Lately I have been thinking about how often nowadays people only show their "best self" to people. With facebook, twitter, instagram, and blogging as a whole it seems people are always showing off their cute, new outfits, amazing recipes, creative DIY projects, etc. People are posting pictures that portray that they have it all together, instead of letting themselves be vulnerable and be themselves. I currently read many, many blogs. Some are thoughtful and deep, others are funny and light-hearted, some are lifestyle blogs, fashion blogs, DIY blogs, or fitness blogs. I find that it's really hard to find your voice in the blogging community. I often find myself thinking negative thoughts like "will I ever measure up?", "will I ever have thousands of followers", and "will I ever really MAKE IT in the blogging world?".

 It seems crazy to think these thoughts considering I only started my blog last July. I know I have made vast improvements from there and I know that blogging takes time and constant energy to keep it up. Some days I do feel like it's pointless. Like nobody reads my blog or connects with what I'm saying. If I'm being honest, I have thought about deleting my blog completely. However, I know that my blog makes me happy and I enjoy writing whats on my heart and quite frankly that's all that matters. I want a place where I can write down my memories or thoughts, a place where I can grow in my own little way. I know that if my blog is meant to be bigger and better, it'll happen. I just need to work at it, keep doing what I love, and hoping that people will relate to me.

I thought it would be interesting to make a list (since I'm a list-a-holic) with some facts you may not know about me. Some fun and quirky, others a bit deeper so you get the gist of not only my best side but also a bigger picture of who I am; good AND bad!

1. I haven't found the courage to tell most people in my life about this little blog of mine. Honestly, not even my best friends know. I'm not sure why I feel so awkward about telling people but I hope I can overcome this hurdle soon. Also, I feel awkward about posting anything blog related on my facebook, probably because I have a LOT of people on there that I don't want reading my deepest, darkest secrets. Strange I know, do you have any suggestions for getting over the awkwardness?

2. I broke my elbow when I was 12-ish. It involves a horse and a pit bull at dusk. Sound interesting? Maybe I should write a post on that sometime. I still can't fully extend my left arm but the only time I notice is when I exercise. But instead of letting it hold me back, I modify moves, for example doing wall pushups or doing all plank moves from my elbows (it's better than not doing anything at all). I hope to have surgery and get this fixed asap though!

Excuse my workout attire. This is as far as my arm extends!

3. I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was around 10 years old. Trust me, I tried but I had horrid balance and always fell off. I eventually stopped trying and just took to running after my sisters and friends who biked everywhere. I eventually learned when I was 10 but I will be the first to admit that I'm still not good at it... When I was 15 or so I successfully popped both tires and got stuck in the railroad tracks (not cool) during a bike ride with my friend Jen. 

4. Growing up, I had a speech impediment where I couldn't say the letter "r" properly. This lead to lots of teasing and embarassment growing up. This is why I used to hate talking to people I didn't know or in front of people when I was a kid, it made me self-conscious. Thankfully I grew out of it but what an awful thing for any kid to go through.

5. Not only did I have a speech impediment growing up but I  was overweight which dramatically increased the bullying. I had an unhealthy relationship with food and since I felt ugly and out of place through my younger years, I would turn to food for solace. I would get home from school and easily devour a whole box or cookies or a huge bag of chips for snack. It made me feel better and more satisfied but I quickly put on a lot of weight. I remember weighing myself in grade 8 and seeing 210 pounds flash on the scale in front of me. I was horrified and disgusted with myself. Eventually I pulled myself out of the depression and loneliness and I worked off 50 pounds going in to my grade 10 year. I have struggled with my weight ever since and had many ups and downs along the way. However, it can be done and there is truly nothing better than losing weight and making all your bullies jaws drop when they see you after the summer holidays. Take that bullies, you're not so powerful after all!

6. I have a bad temper and I get annoyed & frustrated easily. I feel like not many people know this about me, other than those that are closest to me (Brandon, parents, sisters). Don't get me wrong, I am a kind, genuine person and I'm not dangerous... I just don't always have control over how I react to situations. I get angry, I resort to taking out that frustration in awful ways, and soon after I realize I didn't need to react in such a bad way. It's a bad cycle but I have acknowledged it and I am working on it everyday. If you're in the same boat, don't be ashamed... not everyone is what they seem to be from the outside looking in.

7. I played rugby for 4 years in high school. I think I have mentioned it before briefly but rugby is honestly the only sport I have ever identified with. I felt like I was in my element and I was actually really good at it. Sports were never really my forte (refer to #5) but rugby was MY SPORT. I loved playing with my best friends and really watch myself get better and better!

Me, Justine, Shaston. Please ignore the tape on my head.

Warm up run with Justine & Kendra before a game.

I'll leave it at that today. I hope you enjoyed learning more about me today :)

Do you have any quirks that make you interesting?

Do you agree that people so often only show their "best self"?

From now on, I hope to share all of me with you.  

The good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Happy hump day! So close, yet so far from the weekend.

So many reasons to be thankful.

After the events that happened yesterday, I find myself pondering my life and every thing that I am grateful to have. The events from yesterday felt eerily familiar to what happened after my Physiology exam in December. I remember hearing about the shooting at Sandy Hook school before walking in to write my exam and let me tell you it was hard to focus after that. My heart ached for all those precious lives that were robbed from them, very similiar to the way I feel right now for the runners in the Boston Marathon. I got out of my Religion exam yesterday around 4 p.m. and got a call from Brandon. He asked "have you heard about what happened in Boston yet?" and of course I hadn't since I was in my exam. When he told me, my heart just dropped and it hasn't stopped aching since then. I'm aware that there is more going on in the world than just simply what happened in Boston and my heart aches for all those lives lost too. It seems there is always devastating and heart wrenching news! There are awful things happening in our world everyday but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow. Today I am choosing to recognize all the things in my life that make it amazing. I am so fortunate in so many diverse ways.

Today and everyday, I am thankful for...

 

Food. Homemade warm, fresh bread (made by Brandon) and Chinese food which were consumed yesterday. 

Time spent with Sarah (Brandon's sister) before we move out at the end of April. Whether it be long walks, nail dates, or working out together. I will truly miss spending time with her once we move back home.

Brandon who is so loving and thoughtful. He truly has a huge heart and is constantly thinking of how to make others happy before himself! He is one of a kind. I am also thankful for our goofy memories and all the time we get to spend together. He makes me so happy!

In the fall road trippin' it home for Sarah's birthday!

For each and every chapter in my life. This Thursday, I will be done 3 years of University and Brandon and I will be moving home at the end of April. It's exciting and sad all at the same time. I'm not too sure whats going to happen in the future but I am beyond excited to find out. The future is so exciting!

Richard and I first year of University. I will miss UofW beyond belief!

My friends and the time we get to spend together. I find that it gets more difficult to find time to see friends as we grow up and get busier but I truly cherish the time I do get with my friends! Coffee or lunch dates have become a staple in most of my friendships. It is the perfect way to catch up and visit :)

My sweet little Maggie muffin. I know I talk about my cat probably more than you care to read about but I can't help it. She holds a special place in my heart. She is becoming more and more loving every  day and nothing warms my heart quite like when she cuddles up with me. I also probably have close to 300 pictures of her alone on my phone, call it obsessive, I just call it love. She's my sweet little princess!

Maggie cuddling me this morning. Her favourite spot= on our pillows :)

For new adventures each and every day. I can't wait for the Jets game this Saturday, a double date with Ash & Andy for thai food and bowling next week, a trip to Saskatoon with Ash & mom to move Steph home, finding a summer job, potentially going to the States at the beginning of May, and training for my first 5k once the snow melts. Basically, I have a feeling that amazing things are going to happen over the next few months and I CANNOT WAIT!

Finally, for my family. I know, I know I say that a lot but my family is truly the best. I am thankful for days spent crafting or catching up with my sister (which I will miss when I move home) or long phone calls with Steph in Saskatoon. I am so lucky to be good friends with both my sisters, to have amazingly supportive and understanding parents, and to have a huge, hilarious, and wonderful extended family.

Last week when Ash & I made beeswax candles! Post to come soon :)

So in other words, my heart aches for the tragedies that so rip precious lives from innocent people and their families. It's not fair and it's not okay. But instead of letting it bring me down and losing faith in humanity, I am going to take a minute and look at my own life and realize just how truly lucky I am. Today, I hope the good outweighs the bad. I urge you to hug your loved ones a little tighter and take the time once in awhile to really absorb how wonderful your life is.

Today I am linking up with Northern Belle Diaries for the Just Because link-up!

Spring & Summer Bucket List

Happy Saturday everyone! I'm so glad it's the weekend.

So some of you may not be aware, but in Manitoba (and Canada generally) we are skipping right over spring this year. Temperatures are still below zero most days, there is still lots of snow on the ground, AND there is 5cm of snow in the forecast for tomorrow. I think it's safe to say that I have never hated winter more at this point. I just want sunshine, nice temperatures and no snow for at least a few months!

Anyways, I am going to ignore mother nature and pretend that it's beautiful outside right now.

 I am so excited to finally be done 3 years of university this upcoming Thursday. I just have a feeling that many exciting opportunities are in my future. Since I am so excited about summer finally coming, I thought I would make a bucket list of things I want to do, see and experience this spring and summer!

I really can't explain just how excited I am to do all of these things this summer! Depending on if I get a job I'm applying for, Brandon and a couple of our friends may be going on a road trip at the beginning of May to Minneapolis. I hope it happens cause I have never been to the states (crazy I know!). Otherwise, I am just excited to have spare time to be creative, spend time outdoors, and be around the ones I love :) Spring & summer time is my favorite time of the year by far!

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Do you have any trips planned?

Any cool crafting projects I should consider doing?

Have a great weekend everyone! :)

Stranded, cold & angry.

*Begin rant*

So yesterday, I spent all day studying & preparing for my final so I could go out last night. I had plans to go our for drinks & food with my friend Megan. Side note: Megan lives in England but lived in Manitoba for a couple years in high school. She's a year younger than me but easily one of my best friends :). She was only in Winnipeg for one day & I was SUPER excited to see her since it's been 2 years.

Megan & me in high school.

Well in true fashion, I was late leaving my house to go pick up Richard (my other good friend) before heading to Earl's. My gas indicator was telling me that I was almost at empty though, so I had to stop and get gas. I was rushing & stressing over being late. After that, I had to wait at the longest stop light ever & as I was waiting, a lady walked by and looked at my car strangely. I had no idea what she was looking at and once the light turned green I attempted to accelerate. My engine revved really high, I started to panic but I finally got through the intersection at turtle speed, and had just enough juice to get myself into a parking lot. 

I get out and look under my car and sure enough there is fluid everywhere. At this point, I was panicking & tears instantly sprang to my eyes. I urgently called my parents, my mom was all calm & rational like usual and my dad told me that it was probably a broken transmission line. Say what? MY hunk of crap car broken down AGAIN on the only night this week that I needed it. I was infuriated. Next I called Brandon, bawling my eyes out and screaming. He calmed me down & said he would come get me (he ended up not coming because he had bowling). Finally, I called CAA (road assistance) and they told me that the wait would be anywhere up to 90 minutes... at this point, I was felt like yelling "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!". 90 minutes and it isn't even winter (apparently they are understaffed). So instead of seeing Megan, I spent my Wednesday night waiting for CAA to arrive in a freezing cold car. I got bored and each minute that went by, I got angrier and angrier.

I'm not sure I have mentioned all my car problems on here before, however there have been many. Ever since I got my Focus last January, we (as in my parents, Brandon & I) have replaced my transmission ($1000), fixed the air conditioning ($140), replaced an engine valve ($130), replaced the rear struts & tire mounts ($450), and now whatever expense comes from this break down. This means that we have paid half as much for repairs compared to what the cars worth ($3000). To say I'm frustrated is an understatement. I barely drive my car (maybe once a week and when I go home) and I simply wanted a reliable & cheap car to maintain while I'm in university. This hunk of crap, was not a worthy investment. I want a new car. So done with fixing & repairing this garbage car.

My grumpy face. I was not impressed by the time I got home. Not even tea helped.

*End of rant*

Life lately

 Sunday night bowling league/ Maggie encouraging me to finish my final paper/

Tutti frutti/ kettlebell hell

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

So I haven't been blogging as much as I'd like to because it's finals time. I have 4 exams in the next 8 days, so it's crunch time. I am hoping to be back with more regular updates after exams are done though :) Otherwise, lately life has actually been fairly busy. I have been trying to be more consistent with my working out. I did this 500 rep kettlebell workout yesterday and I am super SORE today but I loved the burn! Also, I am improving at 10 pin bowling and actually find myself enjoying the league now. When I sucked, I would pout & complain (Brandon was NOT impressed). But now it' super fun! We also had to stop at tutti frutti on Sunday after bowling & it was so delicious. Can't wait for the weather to warm up (stupid -20 weather in April!) & then I'm sure fro-yo will be a regular occurrence :)

Also, my sister & I got together yesterday and made beeswax candles. So be sure to check back for a post on that experience... complete with the story of my sister gluing her fingers together with krazy glue ha!

Finally, Are you loving my new blog design as much as I am?

It's super cute, fits my personality perfectly & incorporates owls. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE owls? I am obsessed. I must share my crazy owl collection with you sometime.

The design is all thanks to Hubby Jack  and his awesome design skills! I would never be able to make such an adorable design, I am super happy with how it turned out! I am so excited that I finally have page tabs at the top ( I will be updating content on those pages shortly) and that I have social media buttons. Be sure to keep up with me via Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook :)

Now I need to get off my computer & get back to the books. 

Have a great Wednesday everyone :)

currently

Both pictures from last fall out of the window of my farm house. Breathtakingly beautiful!

I don't usually write posts on the weekends but today it's gloomy outside and I am procrastinating writing my English Lit paper, so here I am. I honestly had a rough week, very emotional and eye opening and I realized I need change and I find that writing always helps me feel better.

I am currently...

loving: the fact that I am done year 3 classes & only have 1 paper and 4 exams standing between summer break and me!

looking forward to: candle making with my sister, being done this English Lit paper, Jets game on April 20th, taking my cousins bowling, being done exams, summer time (since we're skipping spring in Canada, silly snow!), moving home at the end of April, and going to Saskatoon to move my sister home at the end of April too! I have so much to look forward to :)

watching: Lately, I feel like there isn't a lot I look forward to watching however I have been loving The Voice! I feel like it's the only singing competition that interests me anymore. It also helps that I love all the coaches! Otherwise, I am watching New Girl online and I always keep up with Hart of Dixie and Heartland too.

reading: The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews. I loved her book A Complicated Kindess and so far this book has been great too. I also love that she's a fellow Manitoban :)

eating: I just ate hashbrowns, poached eggs & fruit for lunch. So yummy!

listening to: Imagine Dragons, Mumford & Sons, Florence + The Machine, Phillip Phillips, etc. Basically any mellow music to help me stay focused on writing my papers.

thinking about: how I have no desire to write my English Lit paper and also about how much I am craving change, adventure, and spontaneity. I have a feeling that over the next year or so, I will be getting a good dose of adventure... so excited for what the future holds for me!

Fit Friday

TGIF!

I feel that it's important to be honest with myself and sometimes it just helps to get things off your chest. I have to admit that lately, I have been less than pleasant to be around (just ask Brandon). We have been fighting constantly this week and I have been letting my temper & anger get the best of me (clearly violating my 2013 goals). I think it's because I am so dissatisfied with myself and so annoyed that I can never stick with my goals. In other words, I have fallen off the healthy eating/exercise bandwagon. With school being beyond stressful (so many papers & now exams) and then heading home last weekend, I have just kind of lost my rhythm. I ate way too much Easter candy, stopped making time to work out everyday, and I just generally feel annoyed with myself. I know that I need to stop being so hard on myself (which is harder said then done). I honestly feel like I just need time to reflect and think about my actions and how they affect other people. It's not fair that I take out my anger on Brandon, when all he does is love me and care about me. I need to breathe, to remember that life is too short to be angry and resentful, and to keep in mind that summer (a slower season) is just around the corner. I need to be more thankful, life is good.

Anyways, I thought I would share an arm workout that I made up with you today. I am really hoping to tone up my arms before summer hits for tank top/dress season. Do this workout every 2 to 3 days (to allow recovery) and I promise after you're done your arms will be burning! I have already seen results :)

Like it says, the weights you use depends on your fitness level and if you're just beginning use lighter 3 or 5 lb weights and then up the weight once those become too light. It is good to lift heavier for less reps since this will help you tone up much quicker! I promise you won't get bulky either ladies (we don't have enough testosterone for that). I'm not a fitness expert however I am getting my kinesiology degree and have taken many fitness courses. You also may need to use lighter weights for certain moves, such as the lateral raises (they are my least favourite move, but so effective).

I recommend doing this workout 2-3 times weekly and add in plenty of cardio as well as moves for other areas of your body. Sometimes it's nice to focus on a specific part of your body one day, ie. legs, butt, abs, arms, chest, back, etc. or you can incorporate fully body exercises as well. Just make sure to make whatever you're doing fun!

If you wish to see more workouts I love take a look at my Pinterest fitness board!

Here's to a happier & healthier weekend!

Wishing time away

There has been something on my mind for awhile now and I feel like I need to write it down and get it off my chest. It seems to me that our world is so busy fretting over the future and what is to come and wishing for time to speed up, instead of soaking up each and every moment.

I will admit that I do the same thing. Ever since I got accepted to university and started my first year, I have been counting down the days, months, years until I'm done. I can honestly say that the last 3 years did fly by and the memories are already hazy to me. I can't really recall what courses I took when or what I did outside of school. I know that I loved my 3 years at UofW but I don't remember very many specifics. That is quite a sad thought for me. University is a huge part of my life and it was something I looked forward to since I was a kid and now that it's almost over... its already fading into the back of my mind. I want to be able to look back on certain parts of my life and be able to recall memories and stories and tell those stories to my children and grandchildren. I want to stop wishing for the next step in my life to come quicker and instead really enjoy and savour every step along the way. 

 For many people, the thought of the unknown or unpredictable scares them, just like it scares me. I think it's very natural to be scared or apprehensive of the future and whats to come. I am almost done 3 years of university and I can honestly tell you that everything from here on out is up in the air right now. I plan to move home at the end of April and live with my parents for awhile to save money. I am hopefully going to take a couple courses from a university closer to my home town in the Fall to finish my degree and work to make some money. I am applying for physiotherapy this Fall and if I get an interview & get accepted that will begin next August. What I fail to tell people though when they ask about my future is that I am unsure about whether I actually want to do physio. I mean yes it would be a good job, but I'm not positive its the job for me. I really want to have a job that excites and challenges me daily and I am open to trying new things and furthering my education beyond my 3 year degree. I am finally accepting the fact that it's okay not to know who or what you want to be. It's okay to take a year off, move back in with your parents, and "sort out" your life. I am hoping to really be able to grow as a person over the next year and discover who I am (beyond school & careers). In other words, I am excited to live in the moment. To try new things. To push my boundaries. To grow as a person and just live again. I have been putting "living" on the back burner and I find myself craving some spontaneity and adventure.

 It is so easy to get wrapped up in your goals and solely focus on the end product, but what about everything in between now and reaching those goals? Every single moment is important. There is no better time than now to try something new, challenge yourself, laugh a little louder, take more pictures, reconnect with nature, have valuable relationships, volunteer your spare time, go on a spontaneous trip, and just live. Not worry about tomorrow or a year from now, just live in the here and now cause that's all that truly matters.

easter weekend

This past weekend, I headed home to see my family and celebrate Easter! I watched Brandon bowl for a bit on Thursday evening and then picked up Andy (my sister's boyfriend) and we started the 2.5 hour trek to Minnedosa. When I got home, my sister Steph was already home from Saskatoon and we all visited for awhile. My sisters and I ended up staying up until 1 a.m. visiting, gossiping, and catching up!

On Friday, my two younger cousins Sam & Amanda came out to my house (and Scout of course) and we decorated some eggs, had easter egg hunts, and visited!

As you can tell, nobody was interested in looking up for pictures.

 After Sam & Amanda left, we went on a family walk, went to visit the cows, and then got ready for the craziness to ensue. In other words, prepare for my moms crazy family to show up at our place. We decorated more eggs, ate way too much, and hid more eggs for my younger cousins. It is always nice to see my family!

Mr. Jinx!

My momma's 50th birthday flowers!

Missy girl!

Mom & Dad

Still so much snow & it's April!

Roxy. My sisters heifer from her early days in 4-H.

My sisters.

Aunty Kathryn & Jess decorating eggs.

Brittany & Annalyn

Titan! I watched him for a bit Friday night.

Sister love

My crazy family! I look completely dazed.

On Saturday, Ash and I decided to head to the Winter Fair in Brandon. We got to see a ton of cute animals at the petting zoo (even a baby kangaroo), walk through the trade show rooms, eat ridiculous amounts of fattening food, watch the super dogs, and see a contortionist perform. It was a lot of fun & then I head home to chase cows, eat supper, and have a relaxing Saturday night!

As well, Brandon is officially going to Newfoundland at the end of May for Nationals after his team and him won at the Provincial Open Championship! I am so beyond proud of him, he is an amazing bowler and he is always kicking butt. :)

So many adorable animals!

 On Sunday, I woke up and had breakfast with my sister before she headed back to Saskatoon. Then my aunt, uncle and cousins stopped by for a visit. After that we headed over to my auntie Barb's house for lunch with my dad's side of the family. My auntie has a catering business and always makes a crazy amount of delicious food! It was really nice to see family I don't get to see very often. Then I head back home and had a quick visit with one of my best friends from high school, Justine! It was short but so nice to see her :) Finally, I headed in to Brandon's house and had another amazing supper with his family. Overall, I ended up eating way too much food this past weekend but I have no regrets... it was so yummy!

This week is my final week of classes. Now there are only 2 papers and 4 exams standing between summer time and me... I cannot wait! Bring on summer time :)

Have a great week everyone! :)