Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

Yay! Happy Turkey Lurkey Weekend Everyone!!!!

I work all this weekend so we'll be having our turkey dinner next weekend. I cannot wait to make turkey stew and sandwiches. Yumscrumpdiddly!

So what am I thankful for?

1. Working the stat day and making double time and a half. Heck yeah!


2. Having two amazing men in my life - BF and Chipotle


3. A family that I love


4. Having a job, place to live, food in my cupboards and all my needs taken care of


5. Having the support from all of you amazing readers that makes me push so hard to meet my goals

Now how about you. Will you be eating a big yummy bird? What are you thankful for?

Wow, One Full Week With No Posts

How did that happen? Ooops. I've still been lurking around reading your awesome blogs but have neglected my own. This week has been a good one. Let me think back.

Well Festivus finally happened! I will do a seperate post on this so that I can include pictures and stories.

My friend Nathaniel came and stayed at my place for two days while I was off work. It was filled with laughter and lots of reminiscing and story telling. We ate delicious food and about 40 pounds of freshly popped popcorn. Mmm

I worked a lot but not 7 days in a row. My schedule coming up has lots few days on and then a few days off pattern that suites me quite well. I also finally got my access codes for online training. I'm almost finished the first leg of three and after I complete them all I'll get a raise. Yay!

I've been scouring the used online sites for a cheap but gorgeous sectional or fold out couch but have lost out 5 times now. I've been trying to stay on top of it now but its getting a little depressing. I think next weekend I'll hit up some shops with my mom. I am really sick of this old ratty set that was supposed to take a dump hit when we left for traveling. Plus, now that we dont have a guest bed anymore I need a place for people to sleep when they are visiting.

I have rediscovered my love for frolf (disc golf). BF and I played yesterday and it was so refreshing. I love being out at the park. It definitely gets my blood pumping. BF and I are competitive and so it becomes almost like a work out. I can't wait to get out and play it again. The best part is its free after you invest in the discs since the course is in a city park.

So that about wraps up how the week flew by. I hope to write some more fun and picture filled posts this weekend after my work shifts ( I work every 2nd weekend now ). Have a great weekend everyone!

Friday/Payday

I am so relieved its Friday and its payday. Thankfully I'm heading into three days off after todays shift. I'm meeting BF after work for some delicious butter chicken from the food court beside my work (its freaking amazing). Then we are picking up a few things for Festivus on Saturday.
We are meeting friends at the same food court at 630. We'll probably grab a few snacks and then head back to our place to hang out, watch some movies and of course the boys will end it in a poker game as always.
Saturday we are headed to my sister for Festivus. I still have to wrap up all my gifts so I better make sure I have some tape. My contribution will be brussel sprouts, yorkshire pudding, cranberry sauce and soda pop. Afterwards my sister, niece and I are going to have a sleepover at her spa downtown. I'm pretty excited to spend time with niece. I try to shower her with as much positive attention as I can. She's so important to me.
I can't wait for Festivus dinner. I've been told there will be turkey, ham and slowcooked ribs. Holy Moly. I'm going to chow down and sneak in some tupperware for all those juicy leftovers. Its good timing to as I have a big stretch of working 7 days in a row coming up. (*sigh)
What are your weekend plans?

Happy St Patricks Day

I love this holiday. While I'm not Irish I do enjoy the "kiss me I'm Irish" t'shirts. The lucky four leaf clovers everywhere. The floppy green hats (of which I have many). I don't enjoy the green beer but I'm sure somebody does.

Whats your favorite part of this festive holiday?

P.S Anyone not wearing a spot of green today better watch out cuz I'm on pinch patrol :0)

Festivus For The Rest Of Us

On Saturday my family is having a Festivus celebration. We're going to hang out all afternoon and have a big turkey lurkey dinner. We are going to celebrate all the holidays I missed while I was away. So sweet, I know.

One of my brothers wont be there as he is now living in Waterloo. That sucks but at least we will be able to talk to him on Skype during the festivities. That way he can still be a part of what is going on.

I still have all the gifts I bought for everyone while I was traveling so this week I'm going to wrap them all up and distribute them on Saturday. I am pretty excited to finally give out the gifts. Especially to my niece who is a big piece of my heart. I bought her some pretty nice stuff.

After dinner my niece is coming home with me to spend the night so we can spend all of Sunday together. I can't wait to spend some one on one time with her. It's been so long since we've had a girls night. We used to do it once every month or so before I left. Now that I have a place again I am happy to have her over as much as possible.

Kick Ass Weekend Turned Long Weekend - Part One

You may have noticed that I am BIG into the holidays. Not so much Christmas or New Years. Maybe that will change when I have kids. I prefer the more fun holidays. Halloween is by far my favorite. 2009 saw a big turnout for St.Patricks though.

It started Friday night when BF's friend arrived to stay with us from Quebec. They had a little boys night out eating chicken wings and then off to play pool. I stayed at home to give them some space and to get some prep work done for the party. I made the most delicious chocolate cupcakes paired with the perfect green cream cheese icing.
Saturday was the night of the party I mentioned earlier this month. I decided to do a BYOB potluck. The night started slow as almost everyone was very late which is difficult when its a potluck. Once everyone was there it things started to go really well. BF and friend had made a ton of jello shooters which seemed to turn things up notch. Everyone was required to wear a supplied hat that was also the party favor of the night. Here is a picture of it being sported by none other than famous Vancouver journalist Nathaniel Christopher! Then is a blocked picture of BF hiding from the camera.
Estimated Party Costs
Food - $50
Party Favors - $11 (hats)
Decorations - $6
Liquor - Paid by BF

We also won in the time department. By choosing the items we did for the potluck we freed up a lot of time to be with out guests. Our contributions included 2 beer can chickens, cupcakes, jello shooters, chips and pop. All super easy and fast.



I'll post part two a little later on. I'm still cleaning up the joint and haven't been feeling well lately .

Happy New Year

To all my readers and fellow bloggers,

May 2009 be the year to make all your PF goals a reality. Thank you for all your support over the last year. I look forward to another year of blogging and reading yours as well. Happy New Year!

Love Dolly

Holidays Recap

I wish I could say the holidays have been great for me but... not so much.

I worked both Xmas and Boxing day which would have been fine except we were the only pharmacy open mid island with only myself and one pharmacist working. Most people were great and appreciative that we were open. I had to set up new profiles constantly as people were coming from all the surrounding towns. One man in particular thought he could get his rx filled faster by screaming at me and belittling my job. He decided to take his rx elsewhere. Hmm.. good luck buddy, we're the only ones open. :)

In other pharmacy news there was a ton of chocolates and cookies for us to munch on but we were too busy to even pee. One very generous customer gave each pharmacy staff member a beautiful card and a $25 gift card to the Keg.

I had Xmas dinner with my family which was ok except for some whining and jerkiness about gifts. I am so never doing secret Santa draws with my siblings EVER again. The kids however loved their gifts and were super happy. For me its more about the giving than the getting so I was happy.

I'm not sure if I mentioned that last weekend our pipes were frozen solid for two days. Not fun! This last weekend on Saturday I was awoken to a huge crash out back. The gutters filled with run off and froze into one long super sized brick of ice. It caused some major damage when it tore off the back. It crushed our BBQ, lawn chairs, tore off one of the sensor lights and knocked down my clothesline. I called the landlord tonight who told me to buy a new BBQ and chairs and save the receipt. I told him I'd let BF deal with that when he returns, but that I took pictures for him and wanted to let him know ASAP.

Today I checked my mail to find out I'm being audited by EI for a claim I had up until last March. I guess some of the amounts I submitted didn't match the 3 companies I worked for part time during my claim. I added up the amount I declared and the amount they stated they paid me and if I'm right EI actually owes me $428.26. It's weird because they don't say anywhere an amount that I owe them but there is a big bold note saying that if they overpaid me they will make me pay them back and then they will penalize me and possibly charge me for falsifying records. It also says it may affect future benefits. YIKES! Well, I was very careful and I have a calendar somewhere with my hours.

I know I submitted the right hours but all of these employers were losers. They never paid me on time or correctly so who knows. I tried to get some help today by calling EI but they were very mean and unhelpful. ;( Jerks! At least I was trying to work during that time. The letter also said my evidence is due back Dec 23rd. LOL. They extended it until Jan 15th which is good. I want BF to help look everything over before I do anything and he gets back on the 6th. So... if EI underpaid me ... do they owe me? I'm going to ask tomorrow.

I also have to write letters stating why I was dismissed. Ok

Employer A - Didn't like that I didn't want to be sexually harassed or work for free. We got to deal with labour relations on that one.

Employer B- Fired me before I could become part of the union. This man has since been released from that company for doing this to about 30 women.

Employer C - Hired me and promised hours. Then he hired my friend and gave him my hours. Then he stopped calling us both..... not sure.. but I did get reimbursed union fees from this one. This job is advertised every three weeks.

So... I'm not looking forward to figuring this one out but if it works out in my favor I may as well let it be I guess.

I'm really trying to not be stressed. :)

Merry Christmas to All...

and to all a Good Night!!

Weekend Wrap Up

BF left last Thursday to go back to his home province to spend this xmas with his family this year. Originally he was going to stay here and celebrate with my family but then we realized that next xmas we're hoping to be in Australia. I miss him a lot but I'm glad he's having a good time with his old friends.

Yesterday I was roped into last minute shopping help for my brother. My mom came along and we fought the crowds together. The worst part was the parking lots! Paired with the snow it was a nightmare. Luckily I was done except one small thing for somebody so I didn't feel rushed or stressed. Now I've just got to finish wrapping.

I spent yesterday with no water until 1am. It was horrible. My pipes were frozen so I couldn't shower or get much done without water. It was a mess of phone calls and waiting around just to end up having the problem fix itself eventually.

Today I lounged around and did almost nothing except dig myself a thin passage way up to my street. My back door and upstairs balcony are snowed in. The icicles have torn the gutters into pieces and I'm pretty worried about the balcony. *sigh*

I'm worried about having to miss work due to transportation problems. I am so excited to finally put my money towards my goals instead a of a big black hole. I don't want the weather holding me back. The snow has caused major issues for us on the Island. If I can make it to work tomorrow I'll need to pick up some groceries, extra candles and things just in case I get completely snowed in. I just wish BF was here to snuggle up with.

I've purchased one or two little things for BF but have decided to wait until after xmas to finish shopping for him. He won't be back until the New Year so I have plenty of time to sort that out. I feel ready for the holidays.

I am scheduled to work both xmas and boxing day. I actually volunteered as one tech has kids and the other wanted desperately to go away and see family. Since BF is away I thought it wouldn't be so bad to make a little extra cash working the stat days. I've already arranged with my boss that I'll receive stat pay and then additional paid days off in the future. I've advised him I'd like to take a few days in February for BF and my anniversary/valentines trip. He said that would be fine and so me taking these shifts will allow me to take some special time with BF and still get paid while I'm away. Perfect!!

If anyone is wondering about the kitty situation... I will write an update soon and try to post some more pics for y'all.

Thinking About Xmas

Xmas is not my favorite holiday at all. I enjoy xmas lights and eating lots of food but thats about it. Oh! I like the xmas tree too but thats it! I try to suck it up though because everyone around me loves it. Especially BF, its his favorite.

I've been looking around casually for gifts but haven't bought anything except for one item I picked up last week for BF when he was distracted while we were shopping. Its something I know he really wants. I'm trying to figure out what else to get him. I need him to make a list. There is one gift I am considering giving him but its not something you can wrap up. Stop thinking dirty! It's nothing like that. I'm not going to write about it now though because I'm not sure if he reads my blog or not.

This year everyone buys for my parents and for the kiddies but we are doing a siblings draw. Siblings and significant others draw really. I was in charge of it. It's already a mess so I'm handing the details off to my mom. I handled Thanksgiving. I am suggesting a cap of $30 this year. I am really watching spending. I'm also going to give myself a budget for the other people I'm buying for. I'll work on that and post my list later on.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Happy Halloween!!

It's the best day of the entire year. I asked the pharmacy manager yesterday and he informed me that our chain does not allow the pharmacy team to wear costumes. Then he told me that he hates that rule and that if somebody showed up with a little bit of something on he wouldn't be upset by it, lol. So I suggested I might wear a tiara from my costume. Yay!

Or I might swing by the dollar store and get some horns. Hehehe.

I'm sad I have to work until 730pm tonight. I hope I don't miss all the trick or treaters. I can't wait to post pics of the gorgeous pumpkins we carved this year. BF surprised me with the biggest pumpkin Ive ever had.

Have a spooktacular day everyone!

Sunday Night Word Vomit

It's been so long since I've posted or been able to catch up with reading everyones blogs. *sigh. I feel so out of touch!

I've completed my first week at the pharmacy. Wow! These technicians really know their stuff. They practically do everything themselves. It's going to be a huge learning curve for me. I'm more adapted to different aspects of pharmacy like running a methadone program or blister packing for senior homes. These girls are process prescriptions, dealing with third party billing and Pharmanet. The good thing is everyone is really nice and they are happy to have me there. I've been making myself useful and trying to be a sponge. Its working so far.

I hosted a very successful thanksgiving dinner. I'll share my new favorite under skin rub with you all later. My grandfather brought me a rose he cut from the garden at the property of where his home burned down but is now in the process of being rebuilt. It was very touching.

This weekend a close friend came over to celebrate my upcoming birthday. It was nice to catch up and spend time together. We pigged out on food and chatted up a storm. Today we took a nice stroll through our teenage stomping grounds and reminisced.

Tonight I took some gifts over to my sisters new place for my niece. We share a birthday together which is actually tomorrow. I bought her the cutest play skirt that is black and lights up with all these fiber optic lights. Very cool.

I feel tired lately and a little overwhelmed. I did find the energy to make a killer turkey soup though a few days ago. Mmm, turkey soup. I wish I had tomorrow off for my birthday as I could really use the rest but I couldn't negotiate tomorrow and next Monday off so I settled for being able to take the three day weekend next week. BF and I are both excited for some time off to relax and have fun on the mainland.

I have to say I'm really not interested in pharmacy at all. After we leave for Australia I don't see myself returning to this line of work at all. I do keep my chin up though. I remind myself every day of how this job will help me realize all of my goals faster and that it offers me a lot of things I want such as friendly staff, benefits, great pay, store discounts and good working conditions.

I realize now more than ever how important this trip is to me and I'm willing to do just about anything to make it happen. That means buckling down and really striving towards my pf goals. It's time to kick this debt in the ass once and for all. I'm confident I can beat this sucker out by the end of the year working at this job and that makes it all worth it in my eyes.

The Amazing $2 Costume

One of my all time favorite bloggers Arual came up with the best idea for a frugal costume this year! I ask you, readers, who can beat a $2 costume? That's what I thought!

I share with you...

The PAPER BAG PRINCESSI hopped on down the dollar store and bought myself some over sized brown bags for garden use. Then I skipped over to the kids section and picked myself up a 4 pack of tiara's. Shimmied up to the registered and handed over my $2 (plus applicable taxes of course).

DONE!

Now I just need to get out some scissors to style and detail my pretty new dress.

Thanks again Arual for a wonderful idea! I love the moral behind the story as well. Amazingly cheap and fun costume.

Dropping Like Flies

So it appears that my sister and family will not be attending our Thanksgiving feast. She is not feeling well and offered to just send my niece but she has also been sick with a cold. Since I don't want to catch anything before starting my new job I didn't think that would be best.

Earlier today my brother announced he too is sick but getting better. He wants to know if he can still come, even with his bad cough. :( I told him he should go to the clinic and find out if its contagious and to get a mask and some hand sanitizer, lol.

So the numbers are dwindling fast. Thats 4 or 5 people out of 12. Darn, should have bought a smaller bird.

My mom decided to pitch in some money towards dinner as now I'm having to pick up some things last minute due to cancellations which helps out. She requested a share of the leftovers in return. Haha! Who doesn't love a turkey sandwich (besides Arual ;)) ?

In other news I've book a new reservation and thing are looking good except the Bday Boy is being a dinkasaurus. I sent him a msg stating he had to take October 27th off for a long weekend surprise and now he says he won't do it until I tell him what's going on. I didn't want to hint to anything this early but wanted to make sure he could get the day off. How can anybody hate surprises this much? Man! He makes this difficult!

I'm about half way through cleaning but I've got some baking to do so I'd better get my arse out of this chair and get to work. It's time to git er done!

October Birthday Shopping is Done!

I really took charge this weekend and managed to purchase all the gifts and cards I needed for October. I'm in the process of getting them all wrapped up and then I'm ready to go. I really watched my dollars this time.

Brother - Dinner out/Disco Bowling (paid by BF) Card -$1
Aunt - Card -$1
Uncle - Card/Scratch and Win Tickets/Candy - $12
Niece - Card/Book/Game/Fiber Optic Lite Up Skirt/Stickers - $32
Grandpa - Planet Earth Puzzle (3 in 1)/Candy/Card - $14

Gift Wrap/Bags - $3
---------------------
Total - $63.00

I went a little over with my niece (budgeted $25) but I'm really happy with everything I got her and she's really special to me. We share a birthday even!

I really lucked out having BF pay for dinner and the disco bowling we did with my brother. I wasn't expecting that at all and made sure to let him know I appreciated it.

Now I have to still have to get the Thanksgiving shopping done. I have a list though!

Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey - better do this right away!!
Stuffing
Cake Mix
Whipping Cream


BF and I will have to get that done asap! I still have to do the big "family is coming over" clean up. That should be fun ;-) So far things seem to be going well with planning for the big event. My sister seems to be wavering on whether she's coming or not. It seems to be based on mood which is really pissing me off. Good thing she's only in charge of carrots and potatoes. Those are things I can easily pick up myself if she doesn't pull through. I hope she does though for the kids sake.

I'm also working on BF's birthday. It's now going to take place on the weekend in between our bdays so we can both enjoy ourselves. I've changed my original plans drastically for the better I think. I've planned a great weekend for both of us. I just have to make some reservations today and we should be all good. Once the reservation is made I have to tell him he has to take one Monday off.

Oh, and I'm also planning my own birthday. Just a few girls and one guy coming over to drink, eat and be silly. I'm keeping things low key this year because there is just so much going on already. Besides, I'm not so much into it anymore. Just a few close friends around is all I need really.

The last weekend of the month is Halloween. I have to decorate big time for that! There maybe a family game night at my house that night. Sigh... I've got my work all cut out for me.

Thanksgiving Dinner/ October Birthday Party

This year since I'm usually the host of big family dinners and birthdays I've had the clever idea of combining all the October festivities into one. I've decided that we can eat our turkey and have a little birthday cake on the side of our pumpkin pie. This is going to save me a lot of money, time and effort over the month. I made a list a few weeks ago assigning food to people to make it a potluck too!

Mom and her BF - Pumpkin Pie and Salad
Dolly and her BF - Turkey, Stuffing and Birthday Cake
Youngest Brother - 4 bags of Chips (easy enough right?)
Other Brother - 4 bottles of Soda (one A&W rootbeer for Grandpa :))
Sister and her BF - bag of carrots and bag of potatoes
Grandpa and Uncle - Buns, Beets and Pickles

I'm considering buying some sweet potatoes as a surprise to my mom. Does it look like anything is missing?

Sorry so slow on the Updates

I would update you guys on all my goals right now but this is a post I wrote Saturday before I left and scheduled for today. I just want to remind everyone to enjoy today and remember.... we get a whole day off tomorrow too!! Yay for long weekends!

I hope everyone is enjoying themselves! I'll update my numbers and goals for the month when I return :D

Happy Birthday BC

Oh how I love BC. There is no place better on earth. I wish I had the day off like most people did to enjoy this beautiful day but daggnabbit I had to work. :( Well, it wasn't all bad. My bosses bought lunch for everyone today that we shared on our lunch break. Later on they surprised us with a big cake as well. They said that even though we had to work because of the contract they are under they wanted us to have some fun and enjoy the holiday. :) So nice!!

HAPPY 150TH BIRTHDAY BRITISH COLUMBIA!!!!