Weekend Wrap Up

Well I guess I had sort of a long weekend since I had Saturday, Sunday and Monday off. Saturday my niece came over and hung out in the afternoon and had dinner with us. BF dropped us off that night to meet up with sister and have a slumber party at her spa. We had such a great time. After all the boys cleared out we ran across the street to pick up some nail polish and treats before the stores all closed. Then I took the girls to my favorite secret spot for a deep fried Mars bar. Mmmm so good and so bad at the same time.
We painted nails, toes and ate junk food all night. We went to bed at like 5am. My nine year old niece was in heaven. We had a photo shoot with her and pampered her and gave her lots of special attention. Sadly we overslept and missed pancake breakfast with my mom. We hung out for most of the day relaxing and then went for lunch.
Sunday night BF and I took it easy just eating snack type food and snuggling on the couch watching TV. It was nice to have some quiet time and we had some pretty yummyoda stuff to nibble on like brie cheese and tuscany ham. Yum
Today I slept in and then spent the afternoon shopping with my mom. I got a really good deal on a TFal frying pan that we really needed and picked up a big Pyrex bowl for BF. Then we just did some grocery shopping. Mom has a costco card so we went in there and found some stuff to go halfers on since both of us only have two people in our households.
We also went by the hospice 2nd hand store where I found a few books I think I'm really going to like for $1.50 each and mom got BF a nice cookbook for $2.
To pay my mom back for hauling me around today I bought a big tray of sushi that we shared with BF along with some of my favorite seaweed salad. Have I mentioned how much I love food?
So I'd call my time off a big sucess. Sadly though starting tomorrow I have to work 7 days in a row. Boourns!

Ditch Pigs All Around Me

Last night as I was getting off work I called my mom to see if she had seen BF cuz our phone is not hooked up yet and he was late picking me up. She told me she wasn't feeling very good but that we would still do Festivus as the turkey would have already been thawed by my sister. So we planned out what I was to bring and that was that.
When BF finally showed up he found me at the dollar store and then we went for butter chicken. It was heavenly. Well I had butter chicken but BF chose a more spicy curry dish. Afterwards we waited for friends to meet up with us. We waited... waited.. and waited. Finally I lost my cool and said "screw these guys, lets go buy our groceries for festivus."
We went grocery shopping and picked up everything we needed plus a little extra and headed back to the food court to check once more if they were there. Nope! And it was two hours since I been off work. Holy I was irritated. BF blamed me for the mix up saying I obviously planned things out wrong. I couldnt believe it as these are his friends more than mine and they had contacted me to do something.
When I got home I found one of the guys online. I reemed into him and thanked him for wasting my time just to no show to something he had planned. He apologized and said he had had a last minute schedule change and had told other buddy (that had not showed) to tell us we could all meet up Saturday instead. Ugh
Later on other buddy comes online. I reemed him out hard and he apologized over and over agreeing that he was a douchebag and had had a mind gap or something because he totally forgot the whole thing. WTF?!?!
So basically I've told them both that next time we meet at my place. BF isnt a taxi and if they want to go out with us then they find their own way or meet us at our house. I find it so rude to no show for plans that you made yourself. Buddy number one has no excuse. He made plans with me and he should have cancelled with me directly. So annoying!
Also when I got home my sister sent me a msg on Facebook saying that Mom had called and Festivus was cancelled. WTF?!?! I just talked to her like two hours ago. My sister hadn't even taken the turkey out of the freezer yet. I guess she doesnt realize the turkey needs to thaw more than just overnight. Yeesh.
So Festivus is yet again rescheduled :( I'm so disappointed. The good thing though is that the spa sleepover is still going to happen. My sister is going to bring movies to watch on the big TV and I'm getting BF to hook up my old school nintendo player. We're going to eat snacks and be all girly for my 9 yr old niece. Fun!
*special note* When I was at Save On turkeys were super cheap. Big ones under $20. I dont remember what they are pound/kilo pricewise but it was a super good deal. Now may be the time to stock up. If they are still on sale tomorrow I think I might buy two. One for my housewarming and one for a family dinner night. Mmm bird :)

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?

Shop Shop Shop on a budget

Yesterday Mom and I went out shopping for the wedding. I bought a $12 necklace, three pairs of cheap hoop earrings for $3.50 and two pairs of cheap flip flops for $1 each (incase one breaks). So I'm all set for bridesmaid dress accessories.

Next we had to focus on the bridal shower gift. Since I usually avoid weddings like the plague I struggled with this one. I googled it and most sites called it a tacky gift grab that was started by a tradition to welcome the new bride into the circle of wifedom but is now nothing more but a way to score more presents. Hmm. It recommended either bedroom gifts or kitchen. I felt way more comfortable with the kitchen stuff as she and I have always loved to get together and cook.

I felt lost out there. Then my mom and I stubbled across the softest blanket in the world. When my friend and I were younger we used to have endless slumber parties. She (lets call her RBBF) would always search out these soft plush blankets my mom had and claim them as her own. It became a running joke and finally my mom gifted each of us one of the blankets. It was a little pricey so I was unsure of it but then my mom insisted on pitching in as RBBF has been one of my besties for ever and she might come to the shower anyway. Yay!

From there we were set. We decided to go for a basket themed "intimate night in for two". We got a deal on a big wicker basket for $5 at Michaels. At Home Sense we got an adorable smores making kit on sale for $4. Then we hit the dollar store. We got a card, beautiful celophane wrap and ribbon for $4. Then we loaded up.

The basket includes the blanket, smores kit and :

2 oversized mugs, coffee, hot chocolate, two chocolate hearts, rose shaped lollipops, 2 coffee scented candles, a bath bomb, milk bath powder, a dvd (Better Sex Through Yoga - my mom picked it out, lol) and two bags of popcorn.

It turned out really well. I didnt want to give a raunchy gift and my budget was limited so I'm very happy with the results. It was fun shopping with my mom and I really hope she gets to come with me today.


On another note - I went to the work party last night and had a blast. All week at work I've wanted to catch up with people and this was a great opportunity. I had an amazing time. It was so much fun. I really love my coworkers.

I hope you all have an amazing Sunday!

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 .

Monday Blues

The weekend is over and the new work week is here. Booo! I am not a big fan of Mondays at all.

This weekend was great.

Friday night BF insisted we go over to my sisters to see her new place. My sister seemed really happy to have us over and I always love seeing the kids. Their new house is really awesome and they got a great deal on it. I'm very happy for her.

Saturday we helped my Grandpa move into the new house. It was an all day task. There was my grandpa, my uncle, my mom, BF and me. I was disappointed nobody else showed up to help seeing as I have so many cousins and family. It really pissed me off a lot. My uncle told me that insurance would pay for two movers and so BF would be paid for the day but BF refused to take any money and told my Grandpa to use the money to buy lunch for everyone that helped. Aww. He and my uncle had to do all the heavy lifting on their own but they managed.

Sunday I laid in bed all day. I mean ALL day. BF surprised me by going out in the evening to get groceries. He bought me all my favorite fruits and even brought home dinner. He came upstairs to bed and served the food right to me. Then he secretly put a movie into the DVD player and turned it on. It was Pineapple Express! I've been dying to see this movie since it came out in theaters and I finally got to see it.

Things have been going really good lately. We've been watching our spending big time. Every little purchase is weighed against saving for the trip. Today though I'm going to spend a bit of money because a coworker is coming back from eloping and I want to buy her some flowers to mark the occasion. I'm so excited for her!

Well... I must make breakfast and get ready for work now. I hope everyone enjoys the first day back at work this week! :)

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.

Long Weekend Has Started!!/ New Family Member?

Since I worked on the holiday I get today off with pay instead which gives me a long weekend. Hmm... I'll take it!

I'm supposed to do my L test today but I'm not feeling very confident about it. A few years ago I passed it without even reading the book. Failing this year scared me off a bit. Plus, I have not been filling my obligation to myself to read a little each day and do the online practice test. It's just so boring. I've attempted to read it a few times but either doze off or stare into space instead. That's how exhilarating I find it, lol.

BF and I may have inherited a pet. As long time readers know, earlier in the year we lost our beloved pet. I still cry about it and miss her a lot. We want a pet so badly but don't think its fair because we would have to leave it in one years time. We could never do that to the animal or to ourselves.

A lot of animals hang around our house. Some even come inside. There was a grey cat our friends and us named Apple that came around. (I like food names. Our last pet was Cherri). Unfortunately Apple's family moved away. You can read about Apple or see pics of her here.

Now we have an orange cat who has visited once or twice in the past. The last two nights in a row she's come over and waited for us to get home so she could come in. She was desperate for cuddles and food. At first we weren't sure if she was hungry or just begging but after watching her eat we fed her a little more because she looked like she was very desperate. She has no collar but really nice fur. After watching her clean herself it may just be her own doing. One thing we did notice is that her nails are a little long on one foot and seems to bother her. BF said he's not going to do anything yet cuz he's not sure if it has an owner.

We let her sleep for awhile and then BF decided she must go outside because we have no litter box and he was worried there may be an owner wondering where their cat was. This morning when we left the cat was sitting outside again with another cat just outside our house watching BF leave. As soon as he came on MSN at work we talked about it. I heard the cats get into a fight and then the other one took off running. The orange cat however sat down and stared at our house. Aww! I watched the cat for awhile but it didn't go anywhere. I

So I took some pictures of her last night (we think its a her). Here are two of them!

I know my parents have a big orange cat that visits them at night when they sit out on their back deck. They nicknamed the cat "Morris" and I wonder its the same big cat. BF wants to buy a litter box and food now. We are thinking of using the bottom of our old cage for Cherri for a litter box because we don't want to spend too much because we're unsure of what's going to happen.

The best part is its the first cat I've been able to pet without having an allergic reaction too. Amazing! Oh... what are we going to do?

Extra Extra! Read All About It.

Things have been pretty busy for me this week.I've also been feeling under the weather and so I decided to write a quick post of all these news from the last few days.

Sunday - Major yard work, laundry and cleaning was going on. We spent the day in the yard raking, dumping and cleaning out the plant pots, and turning the garden and compost bins. It's been raining a lot here lately so we had to take the opportunity to get it done when we had it. It felt good to get out and work in the crisp air with my favorite pink toque.

I also took my first ride on BF's motorbike. I'm still undecided. We just went places within our own neighbourhood which was perfect. I used to ride on the back of my friends scooter all the time in Penticton which prepared me a little bit but still... this is a lot bigger. I'm not ready to go across town yet but soon.

Monday - Christmas music at work has begun. WTF!>!> I object! Don't even get me started on this one! For now it rotates with other music but in a few weeks it will be full on. They'll need to put me on suicide watch at the pharmacy. I could go mad!

My favorite pharmacist and the person I mentioned creating a great relationship with at work announced her resignation. :(

Tuesday - I had to work today but I get Friday off instead which gives me a long weekend! It was really slow for most of the day which was great. I also got to spend some one on one with both my boss and his wife because I worked with them both alone today as I was the only technician. My boss gave me a lot of great compliments and encouragement today which meant a lot to me. :)

I stood in the rain for 25 minutes before calling BF at work for an emergency ride to work. I called the bus to bawl them out for not showing. The good thing was that I asked if there was a problem with that particular bus run before yelling because he politely informed me that it was a holiday. Crap! On holidays if the bus runs at all it runs on Sunday schedule which is... practically never. Once an hour if u are lucky. BF was happy to run me to work and saved the day. I need an umbrella.

What will tomorrow bring?.......

Also, I have not felt very well the last few days but I'm trying to not miss any work. I've got a big goal to meet before the end of the year.

Sex and The City Marathons Ahead

Who's a lucky dolly? I am! I am! BF gave me both the Sex and the City the movie and the entire series for my birthday. I'm so excited. I've been too tired lately to watch TV after work but I see many future hours spent in front of the TV with a bowl of popcorn (air popped - healthier and cheaper).

I'm future dating this post. So as you are reading this I'm hoping I'll be having a great time with BF on the mainland.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Weekend Hurry Up and Get Here

I am soooo looking forward to this weekend. BF and I are finally going to get to go away for a few days. I've got most of the weekend planned out and I can't wait to get it started. BF is also very stoked to be getting away for a bit. He's been mentioning the need for a vacation for awhile. 3 days isn't really a holiday but its a nice break from the ordinary.

I'm also looking forward to spending time with Nathaniel. He's a good friend of mine that I've known since the days of high school. We've always kept in touch over the years but the last few years we've been closer. He wrote a very touching post about me that brightened up my morning before heading to work today.

Week 2 of work is almost over. This Friday will be a payday and I'm so happy to be expecting 32 hours on my first cheque. This job will definitely help me reach my goal of being debt free before the year is over and that is my number one goal. Once that monkey is off my back I'll feel so proud of myself. I've been in debt for so long it will be a nice feeling (or strange) to not have to pay off debt somewhere and actually put that money to good use for the future.

Once the debt is paid off I'm going to set up some more financial goals for myself. Australia and the EFund will be priority for me but I'm thinking there are a few other things I need to address as well.

Nathaniel has told me that on Sunday we can do whatever I want and he would foot the bill. I suggested maybe we could go set up an EFund for him. That would be a great gift for both of us. I want to see him set up for the future too!

Family Weekend

This weekend BF is on the mainland looking for a motorcycle to buy. Scratch that... he called me last night and said he found one. I was shocked he found one so quickly and purchased it like that but he seemed so excited I tried not to burst his bubble asking 1001 questions. He's very responsible with money and I trust he knows what he wants. Plus, he's the best bargain hunter I've ever seen. Supposedly he talked the guy down quite a bit so ... yay to the power of negotiation!

I gravitated to my family to keep me company and out of the house for the weekend. Yesterday my parents and I spent some time shopping ( I only spent $5-6 the whole time). Then we went for lunch at a great restaurant up island and my share with tip was $18. After that we stopped in at Coombs were temptation was high for me. I LOVE COOMBS!! I managed to get through the market unscathed but then I found my lover pecan caramel corn and I spent another $6.

On the way home we stopped in at my grandfathers. We drove by his new home being built and gave him some updates. The home burned down in February. We are hoping it will be done by xmas but there are no guarantees. Then we went back to my parents and everyone pitched in some food to make a delicious dinner.

Now I'm off to drop off some resumes and spend some time with my youngest brother. BF should be back later tonight around 7pm I'm hoping. I really miss him a lot and it was kind of creepy coming home to an empty house last night.

Hello Friday, I think I love you!

Oh thank heavens the work week is finally over. Who's with me on that one?

This weekend I plan to take it pretty easy. I'm going out with my mom today to do some shopping for her BF's 50th birthday party on Saturday night. We're doing a big potluck dinner to celebrate with his family and friends.

Saturday I'll probably bum around and do a whole lot of nothing until I have to help prepare for the dinner. I'm so exhausted from this week that I really need the time to rest.

Sunday I think I'm going to catch up on some cleaning. I've been a serious slacker this week!!

In other news I finally got to spend some time with my sister last night which was great. I plan to go up there more often now. I've been really wanting to see her but visiting hours are limited and I don't want to interfere when the kids are up there. I had a nice time with her and she asked me to start coming more regularly which made me feel good. :)

Lazy Day Ahead

I don't think I'm going to do too much today. I woke up at ten and don't have any big plans except stopping by the pharmacy and maybe my new work to look at clothes. I know I have to do laundry and clean up a bit but thats really it. Maybe I'll mow the lawn if I feel up to it.

Yesterday my brother, BF and I took my niece mini golfing and then to a farm up island. It was fun but trying. That child's parents really need to work on discipline and listening skills I tell ya. After all the fun was over we needed a nap (we are so not ready for kids, lol). Then we went off to my parents to play games and eat some delicious pizza.

I'm pretty nervous about my first day tomorrow. I hope things go well.

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

Baking was Fun

We made three batches of banana bread yesterday. Yes, I wrote banana bread. My mom had not received her zucchini yet so she thawed out a huge bunch of bananas. Once I made the first double batch I flew through the next two.

Then we were supposed to come home and get ready to go but we ended up drinking and playing Dr.Mario and Family Feud against each other on the NES. Then I remember BF saying he wanted to watch a movie in bed with me but I guess I didn't make it that far because he did watch one but I have no idea which one because I was out like a light!

It sounds like I'll be baking zucchini bread some time later in the week or next weekend.

Friday I love You

Yay! I can't believe Friday finally made its way here. I'm so grateful for the long weekend. BF and I have plans to go camping in Cumberland. I don't remember visiting there before, maybe just driving through so I'm up for an adventure.

BF set up a campsite reservation for Saturday night. We are only going one night as we are helping my mom bake tonight (she has a broken hand and a lot of zucchini) and we want Monday to relax and catch up on some things around the home.

This is something I've been waiting all month for so I'm pretty stoked! Let's just hope the weather holds up! ;-)

Weekend Plans

Yay for weekends! Oh Friday, I thought you would never come. Ahhh I can't wait to relax.

This weekend I am planning to go to the lake for some overdue camping time. I LOVE camping. I've lived in tents before because I liked it so much. No lie! This year I have not had a chance to go even once so I'm really eager.

We are going with two of my best friends (sisters) and their parents. I love their parents. They are the most fun people in the whole world. I promised my friends mom I would bring some booze for her since they bought us dinner a few weeks ago. Her only response was "gin and don't forget the limes". Alrighty then! Gin, tonic and lime all weekend!

I've done up some posts that will automatically post for Saturday and Sunday since its one of my goals to post at least once a week this month!

Everyone enjoy your weekend, I will! :D

It feels good to be ready to go

Ahhh. Sunday is here and I have everything done. We cleaned the whole house yesterday and by cleaned I mean scrubbed. It's so nice when all the house chores are done.

I already have the sauce started in the crock pot. Yesterday we picked up all the snacks and things while we were out and today we just need to pick up a few extra things for the cake I'm making.

We're ready for the birthday except for a gift for my sister. Yes, I took one of her kids the whole weekend and I'm throwing a big dinner today for all of our family but BF and I agreed it would be nice to get a card and maybe a little something to wrap up. I have no idea what to get for her though.. something small and sweet. Hmm....

My niece already made a card for her. It's really cute!

Happy 08/08/08 Day!!

So today is 08/08/08!! Did it prove to be lucky for you?

So my weekend plans will leave me exhausted I'm sure. First of all its my sisters birthday so as a present to her I'm taking her daughter for the entire weekend, so she will have the weekend all to herself with her BF and baby.

I love my niecy. We share the same birthday and we are buddies. I try to take her for a sleepover once a month. This gives both my sister and niece a break from each other. She is only 6 but a handful.

Tonight we are taking her to McDonalds for a golden treat and then off to see Wall-E. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get in some other fun activities and then maybe camp in the yard. Either that or have a movie in bed night with popcorn. She always like that.

Sunday she'll be helping me in the kitchen and to tidy up before the whole family comes over for a big spaghetti dinner with all the fixings for my sisters bday dinner. She picked the spaghetti.. I tell you... I make killer sauce!

So it will be exhausting but fun at the same time. I'm tired just thinking about it. I have some major housecleaning to do before Sunday. Eek!