Categories
Reflections & Lifestyle

Parental Loss

Father’s Day will be June 20th this year. Traditionally on these days children celebrate and thank their mothers and fathers for all that they have done for them. Sometimes surprising the revered parent with breakfast in bed or a family dinner out at a nice restaurant. The day is complete with gifts, a nice handmade card or perhaps a bouquet of flowers and a box of their favourite chocolates. For me; these days are bittersweet. These days, in addition to my father’s birthdays, death day and really every special occasion in my life. Instead of thanking him, I am remembering him, and wishing he was still here. I know I am not alone in feeling so. Feeling nostalgic, I wanted to share my experience of parental loss with you.

My dad and I shared a very close bond; the memories I have of him are too numerous to even begin to start sharing. I was the typical ‘Daddy’s Girl.’ His death on June 13 2002 hit me HARD. He had been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, three years earlier when I was in seventh grade. Like many children, I figured he would simply live forever. I didn’t really understand how this illness could take him from me; he had survived so much already in his short 48 years on this Earth. From a horrible industrial accident that required over 15 surgeries, then of course complications from those surgeries, thyroid issues and in general immense pain on a daily basis. He endured all that while running his own business and looking after my mother, myself and his own mother who suffered a massive stroke and was paralyzed on the left side. He endured without complaint.

I spent a lot of time with him at the Cancer Clinic; sitting with him while he had chemotherapy. Again my junior high self didn’t really understand; we had spent lots of time at the hospital over the years even prior to ‘The Big C’ and he always came home… I will never forget the night he died; the phone rang… CODE BLUE, the nurse told my mother. She came into my room and suggested I get dressed because there was a chance that “Dad may pass away.” By the time we arrive at the hospital he was gone. I was sick to my stomach. 

As a teenager, just freshly 16 years of age I felt isolated in my grief. I didn’t feel comfortable asking for help or talking to anyone; even my own grieving family. It is safe to say that I wanted to suffer in silence; swallow my grief. It wasn’t healthy and that’s definitely why I became angry. I slammed a few doors, became self-destructive and lashed out at people who were simply trying to help. Basically I spiralled. This huge traumatic event in my life brought a lot of unwanted attention to me and my family. Don’t get me wrong; I can’t even begin to thank those who stepped up to show us kindness and compassion at that difficult time, but as a typical teenager it was overwhelming. I just wanted to be normal, I wanted everyone to think that I was okay, that I was a strong mother-fucker (excuse the language) because I was 16 and all 16 year old think they are invincible (and that we know better, when clearly we don’t). It irked me incredibly to be known as the “girl whose dad just died,” that label made me burn with embarrassment. My dad died around the time that MSN Messenger was super popular; so I spent hours locked away downstairs in the office ‘talking’ to my friends completing ignoring my own suffering family.

As I was reading up about grief during adolescence, recently, I found my aforementioned behaviour was extremely common. While I clacked away on the keyboard; chatting, I thought about my life. I thought a lot; I thought a lot about a lot of things. I thought about all the activities I used to do with my dad and that I would NEVER be able to do them with him again. I thought about all the things in my life that he would never be apart of. I had never been a religious person, but this grievous, life shattering event even made me think that there couldn’t possibly be a God –since he had let this happen to me and my family. And of course I thought: “What the fuck am I going to do now?” But, the memorial service happened, the ashes were scattered, life went on: high school graduation, university, teaching, marriage…

We all survived the grief. It did get easier as the years went on, however I have shed quite a few tears composing this post but I didn’t fall to pieces like I did back then. I am thankful that I had a dad like him and that I was able to cultivate 16 years of awesome memories with him. I miss my dad and I wish he was still here. But I think the life I have led up to this point would have made him proud and that makes my heart happy. 

Categories
Writing Prompt Wednesdays

Writing Prompt Wednesday

I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas this year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I thought it would be fun to spend a few moments each Wednesday working through this journal and then sharing them with you.

What about you?

Categories
Design & Decor

Design Challenge: Guest Bathroom

Today on the blog I will be continuing our home renovation challenge by moving on to the guest bathroom. I were inspired to redecorate and to do this post after reading a blog post courtesy of mydomaine.com about, “The 22 Guest Bathroom Essentials You Never Knew You Needed”.

To redecorate in the most cost effective way possible; I wanted to work within the confines of my light oak cabinetry, brown slate-effect flooring, light warm taupe counter top, white sink, tub and toilet. I am a firm believer in a fresh coat of paint and little tweaks and additions here and there to freshen up a space.

Paint: Muslin (Benjamin Moore)
Hardware: Dakota Cup Pull in Chestnut (Restoration Hardware)
Faucet (sink): Moen Caldwell Mediterranean Bronze 2-Handle Centerset WaterSense Faucet (Lowes)
Faucet (shower): Moen Caldwell Spot Resist WaterSense Tub and Shower Valve in Mediterranean Bronze (Lowes)
Backsplash: Smart Tiles -Subway (Lowes)
Lighting: Feiss Barrington 37″ Wide Bronze Four Light Bath Bar (Lamps Plus)
Towel Rack: Banbury 24 in. Double Towel Bar in Mediterranean Bronze (Home Depot)
Toilet Paper Holder: Design House Recessed Toilet Paper Holder (Amazon)
Wastebasket: Farmhouse Torched Wood Waste Basket (Amazon)
Countertop Accessories/Decoration: Mason Jars (Etsy)
Kleenex Box Cover: Rustic Wood Box (Amazon)
Linens: Salviken Bath Sheet, Bath Towel & Hand Towels (Ikea)
Bathmat: Toftbo (Ikea)
Wall Art: Deer Silhouette (Black Forest Decor)

Categories
Food & Drink

What’s in my grocery cart? Costco Edition

Costco is awesome; what’s not to like?!?! As, Good Cheap Eats points out…

1. Lowest prices on household staples
2. Ability and ease to buy in bulk
3. Discounts on health care items, tires, appliances, homewares, tools, clothes and much more
4. Selection of healthy items
5. Cash back
6. Food court
7. Funky food items you can’t always find elsewhere
8. Excellent return policy

Our favourite…free samples of course!!

I was in heaven when a Costco opened up 35 minutes away; prior to that the Costco runs were limited.

aluminum black and white business cart
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

So what are our staples? What can you find in our Costco carts on a regular basis?

-Babybel cheese
-Mini hummus packs
-Mini guacamole packs
-Skotidakis Skyr Greek yogurt
-Mini cucumbers
-Mini bell peppers
-Nectarines
-Blueberries
-Golden Kiwis
-Everything bagels
-Van Houtte house blend (medium roast) Keurig cups
-Chicken breasts
-Pepsi
-Cat litter
-Robax
-Advil
-Reactine

Latest Best Buy(s):
Soda Stream
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Sharp TV

Categories
Health & Beauty

Long Hair, Don’t Care: Long Hair Guide

Long hair has always been my thing. However, it can be a pain to style and maintain. I have never been super adventurous with my hair, except for that time when I dyed it blonde or had purple tips. I have never been great at styling my hair: more often than not it has ended up in a bun because it just gets in the way while I’m at work or it is just so darn hot out. Over the years I think I have tried every product known to woman to tame my mane. In this blog post I’ll be sharing my favorite and most effective products and tips.

Find a GOOD hairdresser
This doesn’t mean the most expensive one either! Find a hairdresser who is honest and who listens to what you want and who isn’t overly wrapped up in trying to sell you tons of expensive products (usually different ones each time you go). Find a salon who invests in continuing education and training for their employees.

Regular Maintenance & Layering
Now that you have found your hairdresser, make sure you make the effort to regularly get it trimmed and indulge in a conditioning treatment every once in a while. I used to go years, yes I said YEARS without getting my haircut. My hair is very thick, so I need layers to thin it out and give it some much needed volume.

Don’t Overwash
I used to wash (and dry) my hair EVERY morning even if it wasn’t ‘dirty’ (or greasy). I love showering in the morning because it wakes me up. But I found that all this washing just stripped my hair of moisture and made me burn through product like crazy. Now, I have a hair routine…

Day 1: Shampoo & Condition (Wintertime: hairdryer. Summertime: air dry)
            Wear down and embrace my natural waves!

Day 2: Ponytail

Day 3: Bun

Then repeat…

Brushing
Confession: I used to go to bed without brushing my hair; which seems weird since I brush my teeth every night before bed. Why wouldn’t I brush my hair?!?! Laziness plain and simple! I don’t brush it 100 times or anything, but I have noticed a difference in my hair since making the effort. It prevents knots and prevents oil build up on the scalp.

Minimize Products

a) Shampoo: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo. Best part is that this is a product that is inexpensive, works and can be found in almost every hair care aisle at the grocery/drugstore.

b) Conditioner: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner. This is by far the best conditioner I have used in a long time. I am a fan of in-shower conditioners rather than leave in ones.

c) Treatment: Moisture Healing Mask by Nelson Beverly Hills. It is a go to hair product for me during the harsh Alberta winters; which I use once a week.

d) Dry Shampoo: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. This is a go to hair product for me during camping and fishing trips when normal, full, long showers aren’t always a possibility.

As you can see I don’t overload my hair with excessive products. I rarely use things like hair spray, mousse or pomade. I also only dye my hair once a year. Back in the day I would use box dyes from the drugstore but now I leave it up to the professionals. Make sure you read the labels!!

Categories
Food & Drink

Popcorn Recipes

Earlier this month I watched an episode of Top Chef, and chef Dawn made popcorn for a “Drive-In Movie Elimination Challenge,” and it made me CRAVE popcorn. And, let’s face it a lot people have been (and will be) scarfing down popcorn while they binge-watch their favourite shows during the latest lock-down. thought that we would share with you some tasty recipes to jazz up your viewing and popcorn eating experiences. I offer an adult version, a sweet treat and a kid friendly version. Enjoy!

Cheese & Chipotle Popcorn

1 bag (regular) microwave popcorn
1/4 Cup grated parmesan cheese
1 Tsp chipotle powder
1.5 Tsp sea salt
4 Tbsp butter (or margarine)

After popping your ‘corn, melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds; then drizzle all over the popcorn. Sprinkle with the cheese, chipotle powder and salt immediately. Toss lightly to ensure the spices coat the popcorn

Maple Snickerdoodle Popcorn

1 bag (regular) microwave popcorn
1 Tbsp butter (or margarine)
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1.5 Tsp cinnamon
0.5 Tsp salt

After popping your ‘corn, melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Whisk the maple syrup and cinnamon into the butter.  Drizzle over the popcorn, sprinkle with salt and toss lightly.

Ranch Popcorn

1 bag (regular) microwave popcorn
3 Tbsp milk powder
1.5 Tsp parsley
1 Tsp onion powder
1 Tsp garlic salt
0.5 Tsp dill
4 Tbsp butter (or margarine)

After popping your ‘corn, melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Stir in the spices. Drizzle mixture over the popcorn and toss lightly.

Categories
Reflections & Lifestyle

36 Before 36

Since today is my 35th birthday, I wanted to challenge myself to accomplish 36 things before my 36th birthday because getting older should be fun and something you shouldn’t be dreading. So here’s to a year of new experiences!

1. Try water therapy
2. Visit the Royal Alberta Museum
3. Attend a conference led by one of my teacher/educational idols
4. Go to Fort MacLeod
5. Successfully make one of my Grandma’s Hungarian dessert recipes (Walnut Roll)
6. Go to a movie by myself
7. Go on a fishing trip 
8. Find the perfect pair of jeans
9. Take a course 
10. Host a cookie exchange
11. Go to the Art Gallery of Alberta
12. Have my makeup professionally done
13. Complete a fitness challenge
14. Make my own signature drink
15. Attend (another) Cirque Du Soleil show
16. Get a manicure
17. Start seriously saving for retirement
18. Do a charity walk
19. Watch the sunrise and sunset in one day
20. Name a star
21. Lose 10 pounds
22. Go bowling
23. Have High Tea at the Hotel Macdonald
24. Take a cooking class
25. Get a new hairstyle and colour
26. Go to Fort Edmonton Park
27. Observe Lent
28. Find a new author that I love as much as Agatha Christie
29. Sleep under the stars
30. Go on a girl’s trip with Megan
31. Send my husband on an epic hunting trip
32. Update my kitchen cabinets
33. Eat at Calcutta Cricket Club in Calgary
34. Get a tattoo
35. Improve my home office
36. Cut out swearing

Categories
Reflections & Lifestyle

School’s (Almost) Out for the Summer: How to Survive

May and June are always hectic; and literally every teacher meme about ‘getting to the finish line’ is true. However, at least for me, it is a sad time. We say goodbye to our students, some for the summer and some forever as they embark on their post-secondary adventures. At the same time as we are wrapping up we are also gearing up for the next school year. There are a few things us educators can do that can make this time of the year better.

Teacher Wellness/Self-Care
This is increasingly becoming a popular topic. Compassion fatigue is real. Teacher fatigue is real. We can’t possibly be effective and look after others if we don’t look after ourselves. We may think to ourselves that we can just burn the candle at both ends and then ‘recover over the summer.’ But let’s face it…we never actually do…we just keep going. Attending PD sessions, planning lessons, buying supplies, adapting curriculum, preparing materials, decorating our classrooms, etc. Never underestimate the importance of sleep; make it a priority, not something you do for a few hours each night after working. Set a timer; once it rings put away what you were doing whether you finished it or not and “go the fuck to sleep!” We always stress how important it is for our kiddos to sleep but we don’t always practice what we preach. You can avoid the June burnout and pre-summer cold simply by getting a good night’s sleep on a CONSISTENT basis.

Have Fun With Your Colleagues
Some people subscribe to the belief that the people at your place of employment are co-workers and nothing more; but I strongly disagree. You walk into any school or staffroom and you find a family; a number of adults (from custodians, to educational assistants to secretaries to administration staff to teachers) who are all heavily invested in “their kids.” We are all riding the same emotional rollercoaster together, we are the ones in the trenches fighting tooth and nail to make sure the kids get the best possible education, feel safe, are supported and set up for success. There are elements of confidentiality associated with working with young people so technically we only have our colleagues to talk to about what goes on. Our colleagues are special! As much as we need to take care of ourselves we also need to make sure our “work family” is taking care of themselves. Leave the comfort of the staffroom behind and have some fun; take advantage of the nice weather. This will help you all re-charge and finish the year off on a strong note.

Find the Joy/Celebrate Success
There are lots of stakeholders in education and they all have differing opinions on what is being done, what should be done, and how you and the students have been doing. It is very easy to internalize and take things personally; a low test score, an interaction with a stakeholder than didn’t go as planned, a lesson that flopped, a new initiative launched by central office or the Minister of Education. We let those define our days, months and school years as a whole; we let them pile up over the school year. Let’s stop with the negativity. Re-frame your mindset: if something didn’t go what, come up with at least one way in which you can plausibly work toward fixing it for the next school year. Find joy every day; no matter how small it may seem. And do this overtly; reflect with the kiddos, your colleagues and your loved ones. 

When the school year does end…

Don’t Let Work Take Over Your Summer
Don’t ever feel bad for taking a break; I know I struggled with teacher guilt for a while. I am getting better and making sure I have some ME time. I force myself to take the first week of July off with ZERO school work. Then I only do maybe an hour (or maybe 2) Monday-Friday. I have been scheduling more and more mini-trips or activities throughout the summer to make sure I actually get out, get moving and have fun.

Categories
Reflections & Lifestyle

Healing Through Hunting

I spent May long weekend 2018 turkey hunting with my husband, since he had finally been drawn for his Merriam’s Turkey after an 11 year wait. It was a welcome mini vacation to southern Alberta after the traumatic experience our community suffered earlier in the month. 

Many of us have bounced between the emotions described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and at the same time had to help others who are in different stages to grieve; hoping that you all get to a feeling of catharsis and that you are able to establish a new normal. However, along the journey you not only deal with gut wrenching emotions and thoughts you also have to be cognizant of and deal with the physical manifestations of grief which include: fatigue (constantly feeling exhausted since sleeping seems impossible), tightness in the chest, shortness of breath (which can scare the shit out of you!!), headaches, forgetfulness, being totally and utterly distracted, stomachaches, feeling nauseous or even ravenous. Then to top things off grief makes you super susceptible to getting sick more often.

I sort of felt like I was sinking. While grieving myself I also had to be a bottom hand for vulnerable individuals who were grieving. Which is why I invited myself on my husband’s hunting trip. I needed to get out, to do something fun. Don’t get me wrong (I am always welcome to go hunting with him and I don’t have to twist his arm to let me go); my husband was an incredible support to me during this time .. I am lucky  I have him to hold my hand in this life. 

Hunting has many health benefits; not only for physical but mental health as well, as outlined by, Health Fitness Revolution. I figured a hunting trip would help me get out of my grief funk. And guess what… it did! 

* Connection with friends and family: you can relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends.
* Physical balance: core muscles are engaged and helps with posture; reducing aches and pains in your back and your balance
* Is physically demanding: Lots of work goes in to hunting even in the prep stage; it is a pastime that gets you off the couch…
* Exercise: not just from walking/hiking but using a bow and rifle can lead to the development of  bicep and forearm muscular endurance.
* Enjoying nature:  Science has proven time and again that,  outdoor exercise decreases tension, confusion, anger and depression. Even a short period of time outside can do wonders for mood 
* Nutrition: hunting allows you to harvest lean and organic meat. You also feel lots of pride when you can provide for yourself and your family
* Increases mental discipline: hunting is as much of a mental pursuit and it is a physical one. You have to concentrate and engage in problem solving which requires both critical and creative thinking 
* Mental Relaxation: Nature has the uncanny ability to clear our minds; everyday stresses just melt away. You can’t worry about your schedule when you are marvelling over Mother Nature.
* Gives the body an adrenaline boost: . Increased levels of adrenalin = the break down glycogen = muscles get glucose = a fueled body (in a nutshell at least) 

I also was able to embrace the history of my province; driving the Cowboy Trail and seeing the breathtaking ranches where hardworking Albertans endure. The Burmis tree standing tall after 650-700 years, the monuments honouring the Hillcrest Mine disaster and Frank Slide. And of course eating at the Rum Runner. As a social teacher I never miss an opportunity to nerd out. It is incredible to think about the hard work, determination and sheer grit of the people who lived in this area… who started from nothing in a fairly hostile environment. Think of the women who lost husbands in Frank Slide who dug deep, picked up and soldiered on —the resiliency and ingenuity is mind boggling. 

We saw of course turkeys, moose, elk, deer, Canada geese with their goslings and other smaller birds of prey, skunks and squirrels. In amongst the snow covered trails there were beautiful yellow and purple wildflowers… reminding me that there is hope, there is happiness there are new beginnings after loss and hardship!

Categories
Entertainment

Amazon Prime -Binge Watching

binge watch·ing
noun

  1. the practice of watching multiple episodes of a television program in rapid succession, typically by means of DVDs or digital streaming.

Everyone has been guilty of holing up and binge watching a season or entire series. For me normally it happened during the winters but due to the pandemic it has become a year-round occurrence whether intentional or accidental. I decided to share a list of my favourite shows with you, especially since I am fresh off an accidental binge-watching fest of The Mindy Project.

Amazon Prime is great because there are A LOT of classic TV shows from my youth; its been really cool to re-watch old favourites!

I look forward to hearing your recommendations, please comment below.

  1. Golden Girls
  2. Two Broke Girls
  3. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
  4. New Girl
  5. Yellowstone