Ashton's life of art and creativity

the love of art

2012-02-12T17:24:00.001-09:00

I want to take a little shop soon in the city to buy some art supplies. I want to get a really large canvas to paint for the bedroom and one for the living room. That would really spice things up a bit in here. I love art and I hate looking at a blank wall. They disgust me! Some shops are great and have everything from paints and canvas’ to necklace display stands. Lots of different neat things. Troy’s in the city everyday so I should really just get him to pick up a few things for me. We’ll see!
I'll post photos of the paintings when they are complete!

The office

2012-02-12T17:17:00.001-09:00

Feeling pretty crappy today, getting a major cold, headache ( i think migrane really ) the works. Troy and I lounged all day long and finished off the UK Office. He'd never seen if before so it was all new to him. I might get into a little obsession now again with the USA version. We'll see. :)

My favourite bit, last episode:

V Day

2012-02-12T17:13:00.002-09:00

Valentines Day is coming up. Tuesday

Troy and I don't usually do anything, but this year we may be going out with my brother-in-law and his wife. They are really great people so it will be nice to sit somewhere and chat with them away from 'everything' I like this time of year that everything is 'rainbow and sunshine and butterflies' (love terminology) but it's the opposite of sunshine and meadows. Lots of free online dating sites and yummy chocolates in the stores start to consume you but it's all in fun whether you are with someone or not. As long as people who 'are attached' don't take it too far.

downsizing

2012-02-12T17:03:00.002-09:00

My dresser looks pretty amazing. I went through and got rid of another whole garbage bag of clothing. Oh it feels good! I kept a few funny shirts but ones that I know I will wear. I've downsized big time. I don't even have that many clothes in my closet at the moment. I am invited to a little 'girls night out' and I don't even know if i have anything to wear since i always just borrow from other people aka. my sister. :) We'll see!

i work out

2012-02-11T05:24:00.002-09:00

I've been a machine lately!

I've been working out almost every day for the past few weeks (just taking a few days off in between here and there). I don't really feel a difference. I know when I had the good habit before I felt more awake during the day and more rested at night time. I don't feel that, or not yet at least. I've been doing the bike and what they call an AMT machine. I really want to get into biking in the spring time with Troy - doing some trails some I'm trying to build up my leg muscle so that I'll be able to do long distances.

Wish me luck!

tv dreams

2012-02-09T16:36:00.002-09:00

I can't give up a good deal! Even though I'm trying to be a minimalist, when I see a good deal like Black Friday deals, I get an itch. Troy really wants a nice TV. I can't blame him, it's something that he'll use a lot, or kinda a lot, maybe a little since we don't have cable, but he hooks his computer into it. We just have our little tv sitting on his amp right now, not even on a little shelf or anything. It would save some space though, maybe we'll get one next Christmas, that's a good idea!

my thing

2012-02-09T16:30:00.002-09:00

A girl at work has horses.

Horses. Aren't really my thing. They look nice, their pretty but I don't have any desire to pet one, ride one, or anything. I think they are super intelligent and the girls who ride them look beautiful with their horse riding helmets, jackets, etc. but they aren't my thing. Other farm animals, sheep, I like. I'm hoping to get some sheep and other animals in the spring which is really exciting! Also looking forward to doing some major cultivation of fruit plants and vegetables. Can't wait to turn this blog into writing more about that very soon!

Kenya love

2012-02-09T16:27:00.002-09:00

Things are coming together for the Kenya farm project and I'm really antsy to go back hopefully this summer and try and do some more work. I'm waiting for more updates from Drew who's visiting there now and who's been a huge part in making this whole thing possible. I've put fundraising on the back burner at the moment, but next week I'm going to start looking into getting some things off the ground. This is a nice photo of Brian, Gaspe, Susan and Rose at the site where the farm will be! updates at www.kenyafarm.org

Valentine's Day

2012-02-09T16:20:00.002-09:00

Hey! The one holiday a year I never give any thought too. Valentine's Day. It's not that I'm not romantic, that's not it. I just never really have been 'into it', maybe when I was a kid when you would pass out little cards and notes with candy to your friends. Cinnamon hearts, wowszers, I almost forgot about those. Funny, when you are a kid it's about cards and little candies, when you become an adult it's about hotel rooms, womens lingerie, wine, etc. Now I like the wine part haha! Maybe that's how I'll celebrate this year, a nice bottle of local wine. Sounds like a good idea to me!

2012 list

2012-02-05T17:15:00.002-09:00

So. I've been trying to think of different things that I was to accomplish so far this year. The list is getting quite long. Let's rhyme off a few things:

Start organic farm in Kenya
Pay off car
Meditate on a daily basis
Learn Swahili
Give blood
Take infant mental health course
volunteer in my community (more)
start a recipe box
learn to play the accordian

It's a pretty good list so far. I should add some mad skill ones like learning to stand on my head, spoon or tube bending like at tube bending at DFTCorp.com. You know something totally random like that. Welding? I could pick up welding? or become a carpenter? haha!

Mother Mother

2012-02-05T17:01:00.002-09:00

New favourite band. Mother Mother. They are awesome. Their videos are pretty swanky. They are Canadian too which is even better! Check out this video of one of their songs. Hayloft this is one of my favourite songs by them at the moment.

I'm sad tomorrow is Monday. Today was a nice relaxing day. I was a tad bit productive but not too much. Not really looking forward to tomorrow. Work all day then a staff meeting, boo! I'm planning on working out at the gym in between though so that should be fun. I'm trying to get points for my olympic team!

did you know?

2012-02-04T05:04:00.001-09:00

Sometimes when you find a nice video online you want to preserve it, keep it for yourself on your computer to watch over and over again without having to watch it online over and over again. download youtube is a pretty cool thing where you can download videos from youtube onto your computer. Sometimes you can even extract a song so you don't have the video but you have the song to listen to which is pretty cool. Give it a try and see how you make out!

add it all up

2012-02-04T04:48:00.002-09:00

I don't really enjoy shopping. Of course for fun things I do, but I don't like when you get to that point where you run out of things like duracell procell batteries, shampoo, cooking oil, etc. Those things can really add up! I have been doing well trying to save on things through and not overusing items. Since I've chopped my hair I obviously don't use as much shampoo which is nice. I've been trying to limit lots of things really to try and make things last longer.

Kenya Farm

2012-02-04T04:46:00.004-09:00

I got a KENYAN UPDATE!

Since my friend Drew from Alaska is there doing some ground work at the moment I've been getting more and more updates which is really exciting! I am going to be updating my www.kenyafarm.org blog later on this afternoon with some photos and info. It's truely exciting to see the money that I have sent is making a difference to get some things started. Things are racking up to be a lot more expensive than what I thought they would be... but that always happens. Check the blog later for updates!

come together right now

2012-02-04T04:41:00.002-09:00

I'm so glad it's the weekend. Even though I had to work this morning I'm happy. I got off at 1:00pm so that still left me with lots of time. I'm going to try to do some de-cluttering this weekend. I'm going to try and let go some of my clothing... back to the whole 'trying to be a minimalist' thing. Even though I really don't have that much, clothing is something that I'm trying to rid myself. I get attached to some things and I really don't want to be, since I know I will never wear it, or it will be a long time before I do. I'm going to be doing some shopping (after I pay my enormous power bill) for silly things like corner round and ceramic switch plates. But this may not happen for awhile. I'm excited to finally see things coming together.

longing for summer

2012-02-03T18:01:00.000-09:00

So when I think summer I think street artists. I know it’s a weird “first word that comes to your head” kind of thing. When I was 13ish years old I went to the local annual street artist festival in the city. There I was a bit inspired! I bought a set of devil sticks and practised all summer. I recently came across spinabolo and I was like ‘what’s that?’ then I checked out the photos and remembered watching street artists at the festival and see that amazing things they can do with ‘play things’ like these! It’s really incredible. I’m longing for summer…. Only a few more months to go!

Train trip 2011

2012-02-03T17:48:00.003-09:00

Today I was reminising a little bit. Today was the day that Troy and I were returning from our trip last February, the trip that took us on a five week, elopement, across Canada adventure. For Christmas I gave Troy a photo book about our adventure so it's really nice to have that to capture the memories. I do long to be back then though. Freedom, adventure, love, it was amazing. I had a lady today tell me that she didn't even realize that I was married, it was so funny. I get a kick out of that still, the longer time passes really. :)

Baby love

2012-02-03T17:43:00.002-09:00

I can't help myself.

Babies hypnotize me.

We had a little visitor in our room today at work, a little baby less than two weeks old. I miss my old job where I would just hold babies all day. My arms feel so empty. baby items make me all gooey like personalized baby bibs, little socks and sneakers, etc. I know a lot of ladies right now that are pregnant and there are a lot being born in this town, it's a mini baby boom!

in the next little while

2012-02-03T17:39:00.005-09:00

Troy and I have a lot of decisions to make in the next year - well, in the next few months really. We are looking at our options, trying to piece together what we are going to do to the house, especially when the warm weather comes. We have some work to do on the outside that's important as in the inside. We are thinking about our basement flooring options. We are thinking of doing a layer of concrete and using it as a cold storage, especially if we get our garden up and running. This is exciting for me !

Pink Ribbon

2012-02-03T17:39:00.001-09:00

A women I met at my friend’s wedding back in October. We’ll she’s gotten a lot of recognition in the media lately for her blog. Her blog is unique in the fact that it’s account of her path with breast cancer. It has an interesting spin though, it has a raw, humorous outlook on the disease and living with it. I’ve been following it for a few months and it is always interesting to read. Check it out here: Calm Down, It’s Just a Little Bit of Cancer

quality

2012-02-02T16:37:00.002-09:00

I like quality over quantity.

I 'try' to live my life this way. This could be my motto, maybe? I think trying to have something quality (handmade organic clothing for example) is better than having a closet full of clothes that you forget about. plastic business cards I think are a neat idea. You would give them sparingly but when given would be an item of interest to those receiving it. Unique, that's what people strive for isn't it? Something different, something special. Don't know where I'm going with this, but just some thoughts.

Good night

2012-02-02T16:30:00.001-09:00

I'm so glad that I don't have trouble sleeping.... usually. I go through fits every once in awhile where I can't sleep because my mind is racing with too many thoughts, but it's usually pretty good, lately anyways. I got my power bill in the mail today though so I may not sleep tonight! I'm glad that Troy doesn't need white noise machines or anything. He used to sleep with a fan on all the time but that must have been a phase. That used to drive me crazy, so cold! I would hate waking up in the morning because of it!

Transition Bridgewater

2012-02-02T16:28:00.001-09:00

My community. Well... I love it. It's going to a 'Transition' right now which I'm proud to say that I have started to become invovled. The Community Christmas Dinner was a blast and I'm looking forward to becoming more invovled.
Here's a little bit more about what I'm talking about!

Thursday horrary

2012-02-02T16:24:00.003-09:00

Almost the weekend - oh glory! Even though I have to work for a few hours on Sat. that's okay. I don't even usually count that - it's not tough work. I joined a challenge at work - Olympics. I have a team that I'm on and you get points for things like cario workouts, strength, healthy eating challenges, spirtual, etc. It's pretty fun and I've been trying to get lots of points! A girl at work said that 'online shopping' is taking over her life. I more or so dream about beautiful things I want that I can't afford like rustic bedding, handmade organic clothing, that kind of thing. I'm trying to become a minimalist like I mentioned previously so I guess I shouldn't like to window shop so much!

scan away

2012-02-01T17:05:00.002-09:00

To refer to my eariler post, I'm striving to be a minamalist. With that being said, it's handy to have a few things and some things I really enjoy. I'm not a crazy video gamer - but I do have to say I really enjoy my wii. I don't play everyday or anything but I get a good use out of it. My guilty pleasure is dancing games, I can't help myself. I love them. Other things that I can't live without is this laptop obviously, a printer / document scanning software, stuff like that. I'm talking techology stuff. I can live without gps', ipods, ipads, fancy smart phones, that kind of thing, that's no problem! But there are some essentials for sure. It's all about limitations.

Viva las vegas

2012-02-01T17:02:00.002-09:00

I can't help it. I'm obsessed with online shopping (but i'm picky at the same time). I can't get enough of the groupon, teambuy type websites. If you are going to buy something anyways, might as well do it through the website and get it at half off! This one I saw today is a hotel package to Las Vegas for only $59 for a three night/four day stay! how crazy is that. I'm seriously half tempted to go and surprise Troy with a little vacation getaway... really! How crazy good. I read through the fine print and it seems too good to be true!

dance like no one is watching or if they are, ignore them.

2012-02-01T16:50:00.002-09:00

So. I went out last Friday night with some ladies from work. It was a fun evening. I'm glad I didn't stay out too late, since I had to work in the morning. I realized my level of maturity, which is really quite high! I watched people smoke Rocky Patel cigars which is not a big deal at all, it was the fighting with knives and police being called that accomodated the smoking and drinking. It's all so juvenille and surprises me really once you just stand back and look at it how silly it all is. I had a nice time with the ladies. You just have to out and not pay attention to anyone else. We danced up a storm :)

Spring time wishing

2012-01-31T16:22:00.002-09:00

Now this may sound funny because of my last post but I've been thinking of spring and the things that I hope to accomplish and do (and have!) I'm hoping to start a blueberry patch, raspberries and a large garden. I've been also inspired lately by 'roundhouses' (i'll find some websites later and post the links) These are little woodland houses that people (especially in England) build. They are quite quaint. I want something like this in the woods or a gazebos of some sort... a place to hide away. A place to go and play music. A play to meditate. A place to relax. I need a little bit of all three lately.

I don't usually post like this

2012-01-31T16:18:00.003-09:00

I don't usually post about other people's blogs, but I found this one eariler this evening and started to read and read. I love how much I connect with this blog and how much I am even more inspired. I want to go through all my stuff now before I go to bed!
www.mnmlist.com is the blog

a blog on in the 'ins' and 'outs' of being a minimalist and this is something that I really strive for. I won't consider myself one yet, but something I desire. There are some things that I find hard to part with. But it's a practice, right?

Music to my ears

2012-01-31T16:10:00.002-09:00

I've been playing a lot more. This makes me happy. I've been teaching Troy some chords on guitar. He's been teaching me drum patterns. I think I will soon call myself a 'drummer' or add it to the list of instruments that I play. I'm in dire need of new d'addario strings strings though. I have a set on my blue guitar the moment that sound amazing. They were suggested to me awhile back and I bought them but I can't remeber what they were called. I guess I'll have to go searching! I've been inspired lately by a few things, which I won't get into too much details right now. I'm going to go to bed early. Do some yoga and snooze. Tuesday has taken all my energy!

onward to 2012

2012-01-24T15:16:00.002-09:00

I can't believe I haven't written since christmas. It's been an interested last few weeks. I start a new full time job and I've been busy wrapping up the community christmas and starting some new projects. I've been working on my life list to decide what kinds of things i want to accomplish in the next year. I find it easier that way to list out my goals. I'd love to do some more travelling. Hopefully I can get to Kenya again. I want to visit the Magadeline Islands, maybe even rent an rv, get some rv insurance, load up on food and hit the road. We'll see. I'd love to have some friends to go with too... have to get me somet of them first! haha

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T18:29:00.002-09:00

Merry Christmas ! Troy and I woke up this morning in our house! Our first Christmas at the house! We opened a few presents, ate breakfast then headed to Troy's parents house to watch them open their presents. Lots of socks and underwear this year! I then went to the community christmas to help. I organized the children's area. Lots of people there! There were about 400 people there to volunteer and enjoy in the meal. It was a great event and I know that people enjoyed themselves :) I then headed to parents house to visit and eat supper with my family. My papa and his wife came from the valley to enjoy the meal too, it was nice to see them. I'm exhausted though! Off to bed

tempted by alas!

2011-12-21T16:47:00.003-09:00

I did okay this year. Most of my gifts were homemade or handmade... but not 100%. I did the best that I could due to the fact that I just wasn't 'with it' this year when it came to Christmas. My free time has been very minimal, but I'm not complaining. Sometimes it's hard when you are tempted to by cheap best eyelash enhancer instead of something more expensive but handmade. I avoided Walmart this whole holiday season which made me really happy! I'm happy with my purchases epecially something special for Troy, I can't wait for him to open it!
:)

a time for that

2011-12-21T16:44:00.002-09:00

Christmas. A time to make small talk! A time to see people you haven't seen in forever. A time to explain 'no, i'm not in college, i graduated over four years ago'. A time for that. I'm cynical, but I really like visiting and talking with people who really care about me all year round, not just around Christmas because that's the thing to do. To talk about up coming Dental Assistant Jobs for people, school, work, pets, how everyone is just 'so busy'... it gets to me... keeps my cynical I guess. I'll enjoy my Christmas even though I won't have a tidy house for people to visit and my cooking to perfection. They'll just have to deal with it!

a fence - yay!

2011-12-21T16:37:00.002-09:00

This week is almost over - crazy! Only a few more days till Christmas and I feel like I'm going crazy. I'm finally sending some money off to Kenya tomorrow. I hope it works! I have to send it in US funds - it's a bit complicated! I'm so excited and Brian and Susan are going to work through everything and make sure that everything gets done appropriately which is very comforting. I'll post in my other blog all the updates! Yay!

uniformity?

2011-12-19T16:58:00.003-09:00

When I took my ECE back going on five years ago we were encouraged to wear scrubs. It helped us look professional and like a unified team. I liked it because you didn't have to worry a whole lot about your 'nice' clothes even though I really don't have 'nice' clothes. This Cherokee uniforms website has a lot of variety on scrubs and other uniforms. I know a lot of people don't like uniforms but I don't mind them. Kenyan schools are pretty hardcore about their uniforms. The children wear them. I don't know how they really feel about it, but I like it because then noone can noticed an socio-economic difference between children.

week before christmas

2011-12-19T16:53:00.001-09:00

Working at the YMCA most days over the Christmas holiday! I still have my other little bits and pieces of jobs here and there but it's keeping me busy for sure. When I was working at the front dkes at the YMCA on Saturday I got lots done but my receipt printer wasn't working which was really frustrating! I won't be working on the front desk until the new year though which is too bad because I enjoy doing it. I only work on it on Saturday mornings but it's not bad, I'm off and 1:00pm and still have the whole day to do stuff! I'm pretty busy this week getting stuff together. I'm almost done my shopping which is nice. I'm not going too crazy this year - just don't have the funds for it.

Bridgewater Community Christmas

2011-12-17T04:28:00.000-09:00

I'm helping out this year with the Bridgewater Community Christmas. I helped out the first year playing background guitar music which was fun. Last year I was going to help again but I didn't since my grandfather was in the hospital. This year they asked me to be on the 'core team' which was thoughtful. I'm helping out with facilities and atmosphere as well as organizing the children's area. It's going to be a lot of fun and I'm really looking forward to seeing how we are going to pull it all together. There are so many little bits and pieces that fit together to make this a huge success! This afternoon is the volunteer orientation... should be fun!

only a few more days left

2011-12-17T04:16:00.001-09:00

Troy keeps bugging me what I want for Christmas! With only a few shopping days left - I don't know! I always want practical things and with the new house pretty much everything I want is practical. I need curtain rods and curtains in a big way! It would be nice to get something extra special like jewelry, these scott kay rings are nice but I just can't see myself getting anything like that right now, I need practical! The house is finally starting to come together. This week I have to finish my Christmas shopping. I'm stuck on my Dad but I have pretty much everyone else good to go. I even got Troy a few things!

come together, right now

2011-12-14T17:32:00.002-09:00

Things are coming together with the Kenya farm project. A little slower than anticipated but I finally have my first amount to send away next week. I'm gathing my last bits and pieces and then will send it off! I'm very excited about doing this to start the work on the farm! The amount I'll be sending is $2000 and they were all donations! This will help start the fencing of the land as well as clearing the land to get some work started. The next amount will be for the well which will be a way bigger chunk and a bit more difficult to get, but we can do it for sure! I'll post photos soon.

2011-12-06T14:42:00.002-09:00

I never knew buying a house would make me have to buy a lot of STUFF! I had an apartment so I thought I had plenty of things, but boy was a wrong, just things that you don't really think about. I have to get a new showerhead for example, new curtins, curtain rods, etc. I need a new hose for when we have a garden and berry bushes next year (that's the plan anyways). I don't need a heavy duty hydraulic hose or anything like that, but everything certainly does add up that's for sure! Christmas won't be too exciting this year just because I've been spending so much money of nesseary things. All my money this month is going towards a new countertop. Boo!

hiking and backpacking and africa?

2011-12-06T14:35:00.002-09:00

I can't help it. I love searching out new hiking equipment or stuff that would be great to take to Kenya with me. One thing I regretted not taking with me last time was a mini day pack that I could take around me when I go out into the community. I checked out kelty backpacks and they are pretty sweet. I think next time I go to Kenya I won't really have to buy anything except for a daypack since I have everything and I didn't even use some of the things I took with me (buy spray). So with that being said, looks like I may go back again in August. I may even have a little group going with me which is really exciting! :)

The list

2011-12-06T14:33:00.002-09:00

I can't believe it's Christmas! So much has happened in 2011. Shall I make a list of the highlights:

1. Got married!
2. Took a train across the country on a five week vacation
3. Bought a house and started renovations
4. Quit a job and got a new one
5. Visited Kenya
6. Started the beginnings on a charity
7. Made new friends and kept the old :)

I think that's a pretty good list. Who knows whats going to happen until the end of the month, lots more maybe? :)

Christmas shopping

2011-11-25T17:01:00.002-09:00

Tomorrow I'm going to start my Christmas shopping. I'm usually pretty much done by now so it's a bit stressful just starting now. I don't have too much to buy which is nice but I'm stuck on what to get for gifts. My mother has mentioned in the past that she likes mothers rings, so thaty may be a nice gift for her. I like handmade of course so I'll check out the craft shows first and see what I can find. The last two years I bought Ma and Pa a nice photo/picture in a frame, so I can't do that again! I'm stuck on my sister as well. I won't have to worry too much about Troy I don't think since we have spent so much on our house we aren't expecting anything. We'll see!

Kenya Farm

2011-11-20T16:41:00.002-09:00

Alright. I've been writing a lot about the Kenya Farm project that I'm working on at the moment and I've started a separate blog just for the farm and everything that's going on with that. Check it out here: Kenya Farm.org It looks like some pieces are coming together and I'm excited about what this is all going to look like very soon. I have some cards available for those who want to donate to the project in someone's name for the holiday season. I should be receiving them in the mail soon and will post a photo of them when I receive them, I'm very excited about that! More soon!

gift shopping

2011-11-12T18:34:00.003-09:00

I've been starting to think about Christmas. Usually this time by now I'm done my shopping but I haven't even starte this year, been so busy with lots of stuff... new jobs, house, charity stuff :) I like shopping online and found some great retirement gifts for the foodie. Perfect gifts for people who love food! It's nice to get and give treats like these sometimes! I don't know how creative my gifts will be this year, but I'll try to do something unqiue for people! I'm going to try and hit up a craft show or two but it's tricky now that I work on Saturday's. I'll post an update on that soon.

getting the house ready

2011-10-21T17:00:00.002-09:00

Things are coming together and we should be in the house within the next few weeks I'm happy to announce! I've been searching for some things, like furniture, I have zero furniture really. I'm trying to collect up some old used pieces. Wicker Emporium has some very beautiful furniture on sale, I hope to get a piece or two! I checked out this website that has the best prices for refrigerators. I have one like one from the page which is nice. My kitchen is pretty much set I just need a countertop for my new cupboards (which is expensive) and a nice set of knives. :) Other than that I'm okay for that I think. Leah's wedding tomorrow :)

Come For a Party...

2011-10-21T16:57:00.001-09:00

I'm so happy that I have the support of the Petite Rivere Winery. They are helping me host a benefit event party to raise money for the well for the women's farm. I'm so happy to annouce that this poster has been made and I'm distributing it within the next few days. There will be some great music with local and Canadian talent from B.C, food, and lots of great company! I hope everyone who reads this who is from the South Shore tries to attend!

and a wedding we will go :)

2011-10-20T15:58:00.002-09:00

I'm going to a wedding on Saturday about a 4 - 5 hour drive away from where I live. I'm looking forward to this little road trip, not the cost of driving there but getting away for the night will be nice! I'm not sure exactly where I'm going but I think it will be okay. I don't have a gps, I never really needed one, but one would come in handy sometimes. I saw this garmin gps for golfing in particular. Looked interested. Not for the golf part, but GPS's all together are pretty rad. I'm excited about wearing a dress! haha. Funny I know. I'm not too concern about looking crazy amazing but it will be nice to play dress up. I don't know how it will all work out driving there and getting ready but we will manage!

feeling ugh

2011-10-08T17:47:00.003-09:00

I'm feeling really frustrated right about now. I feel completely... okay... not completely but really unsupported by the people who I would thought support me with my Kenya project. I know that people are busy, but I really feel what I'm asking is not unreasonable. If my friends were really my true friends... wouldn't they want to help me? It's not even helping me... it's helping those women to help themselves! It makes me feel really sad and lonely. It's funny because it's people who I wouldn't have ever thought to support me, are, which makes me almost want to cry and feel love to those new kindred spirits in my life but I feel sad for everyone else.

eloping is fun

2011-10-05T17:31:00.002-09:00

I do not regret eloping. I look back and think about and it was fun, adventurous, cheaper than a traditional wedding, exciting, I could go on and on. I love my wedding ring and wear it everyday. I found these sweet stainless steel rings and I love the simplisity of them. If something ever happens to my wedding ring and can't get it replaced (since it's handmade and the people could stop making them) I would probably get a stainless steel one. I was talking with a coworker today about eloping and she said she would consider doing that since she doesn't like to be the centre of attention, and I agreed that's one reason why I eloped. :)

time will come

2011-10-05T17:27:00.002-09:00

Last night was fun, I went to the city and spent time with friends, new and old at my friend's stagette party. The best part was the Korean grill. They changed their menu all around which isn't cool but it was still a fun experience. This weekend we are going to PEI to visit my family, grandmother, aunt, 15 month old cousin, I'm very excited!~ I haven't seen them for many months so I'm stoked to see them! I've got some plans up my sleeve about fundraising for my Kenya farm project which will all be revealed soon!

insurance

2011-09-21T17:10:00.002-09:00

My home insurance is doing this really awesome contest where you could win money (and LOTS of it) for a community project. Too bad my project is global and not local or I would apply. I would love to do something for it but I just don't have enough hours in the day. I didn't even know you could get wholesale life insurance until I came across that site. Isn't that interesting, I guess maybe it cuts out the middle man? Not sure. Having a good week so far can't believe the weekend is almost here :) I'll be busy working on the housie

So far so good!

2011-09-21T17:07:00.003-09:00

Things are going well. I'm working at the YMCA which is very interesting. I never knew so much about the YMCA until now! I didn't realize they were a charity and they have assistance for those who want to join the gym but have a low income. Pretty awesome. I really enjoy the children so far. I'm suppose to start on the fron desk next week as well. Everyone is all really nice :)

take heart

2011-09-20T16:15:00.001-09:00

The campaign is lauched and now it's the waiting game to see how people are going to respond... how many donations we are going to get, etc. It's all I think about! I'm thinking about doing some information at farmers markets, either booths or flyers. We'll see. Lunenburg market is next week so I'll have to wait and see about that one. I was checking out firstgear and they had a Kenya jacket. I thought that was really cute. It would be way too warm for their climate in summer though I'm sure! Their winter is warm enough. I only found one evening chilly but that was because it was so windy. I miss my family in Kenya so much. :(

Makindu Friends Project

2011-09-17T06:25:00.003-09:00

I have officially launched my online fundraising campaign to help raise money to build a sustainable farm for a group of 37 women and their families in rural Kenya. I'm really excited about this project and am really excited about the potential something like this can bring to the families in Kenya. If we focus on these types of projects instead of relief food, sponsoring children, etc. the citizens will be able to support themselves and not have to rely on us westerners! Please check out Kenyafarm.org for more information about how you can support the project! There is a video with footage from my latest trip there as well as donation incentives! Thanks!

oh what a summer

2011-09-13T15:47:00.002-09:00

What a summer we have had. Things have been breaking left and right. Someone decided they wanted to back into my car 2 weekends ago now $2500ish later it is waiting to be fixed. The man who did the damage is going to pay for it though which is good. Troy's truck broke down last week and had a fix the break lines and his mower broke down today! Craziness!
The house is coming along.... I'll post new photos soon. Troy is thinking about making the garage into a little workshop. He's thinking about getting some nice tools for working on his ever breaking machines, aIngersoll rand compressor, better wrenchs and tools in general.
It's going to be an interesting autumn. I don't know what it's going to have in store for us!

hello weekend :)

2011-09-03T04:06:00.002-09:00

It's the weekend. I start my second part time job next week. It's kinda strange how I have numerous part time jobs, it's going to be tricky to keep them all in order but I think it will keep me busy with all the running around and not doing the same thing every day. Ma and Pa are gone to Montreal to buy a smart car this weekend but they should be back this evening. I'm house sitting (cats) and going to do some cleaning this morning. Troy had to go and give a quote for something. I was going to go to a firemans breakfast but I didn't get myself in gear early enough. :)

Halloween

2011-08-30T15:11:00.004-09:00

To raise some money for a few different projects in Makindu I'm thinking about having a halloween party at a loca fire hall. I haven't decided full yet since I don't know if I would have enough interest or not. I would haev to start shopping for indoor halloween décor now since things get picked over very quickly at the different stores. It's crazy to start thinking about Halloween at this time but you really do have to give yourself some time to start thinking or you'll run out of time!

400 books delivered!

2011-08-30T14:57:00.002-09:00

I'm back from Kenya. It feels like it was a dream, like it didn't actually happen, but! I had such a wonderful time. I have made some amazing friendships, met some amazing women and children and had an all around good time. The photo here is from Syengoni Primary School where I delivered 400 donated books. We organized a library for the school as well since they didn't have one since they had no books or a reason to have a system. It was great and I think they will love reading!

a purse or not to purse

2011-08-29T06:36:00.002-09:00

I haven't heard about this until recently but people I swipe your identity just by scanning your purse or wallet and the cards inside with a machine. They have these rfid blocking wallets that you can protect yourself from people scanning your purse/wallet. It's crazy what this world is coming to that you have to protect yourself from this kind of electronic theft, it's insane! I know I was careful when I was on my trip that I had all of my personal cards and passport close to me at all times (especially in the city - not so much in the rural). You do have to be very aware especially when you are in an African country and being white... you stick out like a sore thumb.

Kenya bound

2011-08-03T02:34:00.002-09:00

I'm off to Kenya tonight! Boy that came really fast. I can't believe it! No more work at DFC (which makes me sad) and no more city life. I'm currently homeless right now just because we have been working on the house but things are starting to come together very nicely. The electricians and carpenders are there today working away. I'm sure everything will be piecing together very nicely for when I get back. Here's hoping at least. Wish me luck on my trip!! Can't wait to come back and write all about it.

First Aid Kit - Our Own Pretty Ways

2011-07-13T17:26:00.000-09:00

My new favourite band. Two girls from Sweden I believe. They sound so beautiful together, they are sisters and very young! So talented. I learned some of their songs on guitar, pretty easy chord progressions which is nice. I sat around home this evening learning songs by "The Tallest Man on Earth" as well, it was pleasant ;)

cha-nged.

2011-07-13T17:20:00.002-09:00

It's summertime so that means, getting out! Enjoying the sun! Playing! Swimming! It's nice, but sometimes it's too hot, these last few days and last week it was TOO hot. I shouldn't complain but I like a 'happy medium' when it comes to weather that's why I like spring and autumn so much. You don't appreciate those two seasons since they seem to go by so quickly. Lots of people around are trying to loose weight. I'm not trying to loose weight but I need to start getting more active, I've been pretty lazy. It is hard when the sun sucks all your energy. I'm not one of women who would try and find diet pill that works. It's not really my thing. I do get really happy and proud of people and friends who accomplish their health goals, it makes me happy :)

July july ju-l-yyyy

2011-07-10T15:52:00.002-09:00

Every time I hear the word "July" I think of The Decemberist's song and it makes me happy. Boy, was it warm today. I made sure I wore sunscreen! I was sore all day though because when I was at the house last night doing just a smidgen of work I must have pulled a muscle in my shoulder and now it hurts to move it and it's just so sore to turn my head. ugh! I was very sore this morning when I woke up so I'm not looking forward to sleeping this evening.

I've been trying my hardest to save up some moola since I only have two weeks of work left which is pretty insane! I'm excited about my new and up-coming projects but nervous about everything at the same time. I really don't want to get myself into using my credit card a lot or using cash advances, so here's hoping (and praying) things turn out the way I hope!

to stress or not to stress?

2011-07-07T09:47:00.000-09:00

I have a lot of changes coming up! I feel like I should be stressed but I’m not really. The only thing I’m really stressed about is my trip to Kenya. The house, job, everything around moving… not that stressful! I HATE moving, and am not looking forward to that at all but I’m not really stressed about. It’s great that Troy has a truck or maybe I wouldn’t be as calm. I would hate to hire a mover and have to deal with all of that. It would be awful. I have 2 weeks of work left which is crazy after being there for four years! It’s been great and I’m going to miss everyone but having my own house, space, land, is going to be so nice and relaxing! I’m looking forward to that for sure!

Kenya Book Project

2011-07-06T17:14:00.001-09:00

I'm still fundraising for my Kenya Book Project! I'm looking for more donations and will put up a link soon on how you can help!

2011-07-01T11:58:00.001-09:00

Happy Canada Day everyone!!

Troy and I sold cotton candy in Kentville to raise money for my trip to Kenya!!! We were very busy and sold lots to some (now very hyper I'm sure) children! Tonight we are going to see the free "The Trews" concert. They are a pretty good band and should be very good to see. The last two years Joel Plaskett played and he was awesome so lets hope they are just as good! The fireworks aren't always that great, but lets hope!

oh Canada...

2011-06-28T15:59:00.002-09:00

It's almost Canada Day! I know it's officially summer when Canada Day arrives! I will be selling cotton candy in Kentville as a fundraiser to help take my many books and school supplies to Kenya with me in August so wish me luck that I have a lot of sugar fiends at the event and I sell lots and lots to help offset my costs! (That rhymes!) I'm also doing some other fundraising efforts a book sale on July 9th at the Bridgewater Baptist church and a comedy show that I'm selling tickets for so horrah!

Kenya!

2011-06-22T17:45:00.001-09:00

It's official! I'm going to Kenya! Our Thailand trip fell through is was sad but worked out in the in because my friend Brian will be available to take me to a community for donate supplies and volunteer there at the school which is very exciting! I would love to take something like a portables with me to be able to keep in contact with my friends and family (TROY!) but I don't see that happening. I have a few fundraising efforts in place to try and raise some $$$ to pay to bring lots (700 plus) with me which is a bit tricky to do since they are so heavy! We'll see!

hard at work!

2011-06-22T17:43:00.003-09:00

Troy and I have been very busy on the weekends working on the house! In this picture Troy is yes, taking down a wall. We've taken down a few walls so far, taken out the chimney, scrapped glue off floors... very busy. Once we get the electrical redone we are going to be set to start painting and moving things in which is really exciting! I hope within a few weeks!

Good night

2011-06-01T16:36:00.001-09:00

Wednesdays are always long days at work... that's when I come home... soak my feet in bath sea salt, pop in a documentry and 'try' to relax. It's hard when there is some much I've been thinking about lately. I'm taking Friday off to go down and work on the house! So excited but there is just so much to do so it's a bit overwhelming at the same time. I have a lot of stuff going on in my personal and work life lately. Fun, but not at the same time. I was nervous about my day today but it went a lot better than I thought. Now I'm going to go to bed soon and pass out! Busy day again tomorrow.

very excited

2011-05-26T16:58:00.002-09:00

I can't believe everything with the house is coming together! I have been searching out things for renovation like pergo floors and paints, anything I can think of. To start with we are upgrading the electrical. I can't wait to get a sledgehammer and start smashing stuff! We aren't going to go too too crazy in the beginning. There are just a few things that we are going to do to start off with which won't cost a lot of money like taking out the chimney, taking up the carpets, paintings, etc. You could spend a pretty penny on fixing a place up so we are really going to have to pace ourselves.

My house!

2011-05-26T16:53:00.001-09:00

Here's a photo of the house I'm going to own as of June 1st, which isn't even a week away, which is insane. I thought when we started to do this whole process that June 1st seemed like forever away and how it's just around the corner!

just my opinion

2011-05-26T16:45:00.003-09:00

When I went to my friends house last night for the fondue party they were watching some trashy television. I don't really get shows about alcohol treatment centers for adults and teenagers. I guess it makes for interesting television but who really wants to sit around watching that... ok I guess a lot of people, but why? What do we get out of watching people suffering from an addiction of all things. It's really a personal problem that doesn't have a place in television in my humble opinion. I really don't like those shows about young mom's. It just enhances the stereotype of a 'young mom'. Teenage pregnancy has been declining steadily since the 1960s.

moving on!

2011-05-25T17:58:00.001-09:00

Tomorrow is my sister's graduation which is very excited. This is her third university one so it's not novel. My parents, sister and I are going out for dinner after her ceremony so that will be nice. Last year we didn't get a chance to do anything I remember because my dad wasn't feeling well. I always like an excuse for a new special occasion dresses, but I think it's a bit too late for that. I try not to buy anything unless I get rid of something else in my closet. Oh well!

Fondue Party!

2011-05-25T17:54:00.002-09:00

This evening I had a very lovely evening with some friends. Caleigh had some of us over for a 'fondue party!' we had a meat fondue and then chocolate with fruits, it was super tasty. We then sat around and watched silly youtube videos and chatted about different things. two of the ladies there I don't really know very well, but it was nice to get to know them!

insurance

2011-05-24T17:43:00.002-09:00

Since I'm going to be out of a job with benefits I'm going to have to start looking for insurance. I wonder how wholesale insurance works I found this http://www.wholesaleinsurance.net/ website, but I guess I'm going to have to look into it more and see. That's the crappy part about being self employed, pay your own insurance and all that jazz. I'm not going to look forward to that. We'll see what kind of work I'll be able to find in the fall. I'm nervous and excited to see what's going to happen. I'm glad I'll have some money saved up for bills though once I'm done DFC.

the forest

2011-05-24T17:39:00.001-09:00

Not sure if I mentioned this or not but we went and walked the perimeter of our 44 acres of land that we are buying alongside the house. The owners, sons, who are looking after the place to sell it were kind enough to walk it with us. My dad kept up with us and it was very murky and swampy with hills. I didn't get wet though, I borrowed my mom's rubber boots. Troy was thinking about getting an atv or something to pull out some of the wood to use in the wood stove. It's softwood which isn't all that great but better than nothing. His parents have an atv now but he's been on the hunt now for ATV Parts and they are hard to come by for older machines. I'm excited to have the land and it's going to make a great hobby farm too which I'm very excited about. I can't wait to grow my own veggies!

2 grey jays

2011-05-22T16:41:00.002-09:00

I took this photo from a video that Troy took when we hiked up the mountain in Vancouver, BC. At the top oft he mountain they had these great grey jays that could come and eat out of your hand, off your head (as you can see both in this picture) and anywhere. It was a great day that ended of with great company.

house house house

2011-05-22T16:37:00.003-09:00

My mind can't keep still. I've been thinking so much about how I'm going to make my house "my house" if that makes any sense. I want to try and make it 'homey' as much as I can as soon as I can but that may get a bit tricky since we have a lot of work to do before hand. We have to redo all the electrical, take out and put in a new stove and chimney, take up the carpet, paint, etc. We've been thinking about WeGotPumps water pumps too and other things for the basement.

fun jewelry

2011-05-22T16:30:00.002-09:00

I bought my mom a really cute pair of purple shell earrings for mothers day a few weeks ago but I found these really cute mday necklaces here that are perfect for women. They have a really cute family necklace that has parents and children holding hands, super cute.
It's been a pretty quiet weekend for me. I have a meeting tomorrow but other than that it's been pretty chill. I even have a three day weekend because of Victoria Day which is nice, so this week I'll only have a 4 day week which is great.

Kitty cat love

2011-05-22T16:26:00.002-09:00

This little mouse that Elliot is playing with here is Esme's favourite mouse which I found funny so I took a picture of it. They (Elliot and Esme) are visiting their grandparents this weekend. :) Today Troy, Dad, Evan and I walked the lines of the property today. It was a long 44 acres, but it was great.

hair care

2011-05-18T17:19:00.001-09:00

I feel really sad for those people who are looking for a hair loss product. I definitely don't have that problem... if anything I have way too much hair I don't know what to do with it all. I'm tempted to chop it all off again but I'm not sure. I probably shouldn't for awhile. I would like to grow it, but that's NOT going to happen. I always think it's a good idea but then I just freak out and chop more it off that I would have if I just got it cut eariler. Complicated? I do hate spending time on my hair. I hate everything about trying to look pretty :P

wrinkly sparkly eyes

2011-05-18T17:14:00.002-09:00

I like crinkly eyes. One of my wishes is to have 'sparkly' eyes. You know when you look and someone and say to yourself "WOW" because there eyes pop and sparkly and you can't help but admire them. Yes that's one of my secret desires that all of you who read this blog can read and say... ohhhh? I see....? :)
There are many products that claim to help wrinkles, dark cirles like this eyelastin reviews. Ok yes, I'm not a fan of dark circles. I would prefer not to look like I was just double punched by an angry mob on the way to the supermarket... but I like 'laugh lines', wrinkly cute eyes. I think they are beautiful. It shows how people age with beauty and happiness... or maybe I'm just too sappy!

life list plus family tree equals happy and accomplished me

2011-05-18T17:07:00.001-09:00

I've been working on My Life List lately trying to get all of my goals, hopes and dreams in order so I can actually accomplish them. Since I've created my lifelist it's made me really gung-ho to really go and complete things! I've started working on a "family tree" which is something that I put on my life list. I've put quite a bit of time into it so far and I just started it not even a week ago! Woo!

moola!

2011-05-17T18:00:00.001-09:00

I see so many businesses around lately Selling Gold Jewelry. I found a gold wedding band about two years ago, I put up and ad but heard nothing back so I went to one of those places that buy gold and I got $60 for it! I thought that was pretty sweet for something that I had just found! I do have one ring that maybe I'll take somewhere and see what someone will give me for it. I'm never going to wear it and it's hard to sell it second hand. Might as well if it's just laying around collecting dust. I can't imagine all those people who have lots of jewelry and never wear it. They might as well sell it and get some moola! :)

rolling in the deep.

2011-05-17T17:57:00.002-09:00

I keep thinking about the things I am going to (hopefully) buy for the new house. I'm thinking I'll wait on a few things like tv mounts and buy those kinds of things for Christmas time. I'm just getting antsy now and time is slowing since I'm waiting for June 1st to arrive. I'm hoping everything goes through okay, it is just a waiting game right now trying to hear back from the mortgage broker who is being kind of weird right now. It's hard to guess everything when we've never done this kind of thing before and of course people who do it for a living understand and think that we should know how things work and we just don't. Oh well.

from the weekend

2011-05-16T16:41:00.002-09:00

Here's a super cute photo from the weekend of my cousin Elisha! He is so freakin' adorable and a VERY busy 14 month old. He's not walking...he's running, and he has A LOT to say. I can't wait to see him again. It was fun getting a chance to visit with the family. I just wish it could have been longer!

new things

2011-05-15T16:18:00.001-09:00

I'm going to be learning a lot of new things in the next few months. What's is like to own a home and everything that goes along with that. Travelling and learning abot new cultures and my business that I'm going to (try) start in September. I finally have some classes organized and will post the website soon. I'm going to have to get some sort of document management so that I can organize all of my files, registration of classes and the like. I'm very excited and I'm really hoping for the best! Wish me luck! If you know of any parents have a baby in the next few months let them know! Spread the word!

Rain

2011-05-15T16:15:00.002-09:00

It's been raining here pretty much 3 weeks straight and we are expecting more this week. It definitely doesn't help people like Troy who depend on clear nice weather to work and make moola! It doesn't bother me too much. When it's raining so much it do get tired and lazy. Today was a nice lazy day. We went to the market, had chinese food i worked on my infant massage doll (not finished yet) and listened to music. It was nice. Back to work tomorrow!

House update

2011-05-13T17:18:00.004-09:00

So things are of course a wee bit complicated as any big decision is but things are looking up for the house situation. If everything goes well we will have everything finalized for June 1. Things are coming together and starting to get very exciting! I fall asleep at night thinking about all the things that I’m going to do when I move in, what colours the walls are going to be, floors, furniture, all that jazz. We do have a small amount of ‘new’ stuff that we are going to have to buy. I’m really excited about getting a deep freeze and start a garden next year. We are going to probably looking to some sort of home automation, because you just never know even though we are in the ‘boonies’. *smile!*

PEI Love

2011-05-13T17:18:00.003-09:00

I’m in PEI right now visiting my family. It’s wonderful. My aunt, uncle and cousin (14 months old!) left today to go back to their home in Illinois, US. It’s sad that I only get to see them maybe twice a year (but at least once!) but it was a wonderful visit. I came over by myself, good thing I have roadside assistance. My grandparents are gone to the hospital now for a procedure and I expect them back anytime now. I am heading back at some point tomorrow. I don’t know if I’ll see Troy this weekend or not because it’s been raining nonstop for two weeks now and it’s suppose to be nice tomorrow and Sunday so he may end up working this weekend… that’s my guess anyways.

fundraiser and Thailand

2011-05-13T17:18:00.001-09:00

Plans for Thailand are coming together. My fundraiser isn’t going so well, I’m not getting the amount of people that I really hoped for to sign up for my photo scavenger hunt but that’s okay I’m just going to probably take all the wonderful prizes that I got and raffle them off as a Halifax summer fun basket since there are tickets and passes to do some really fun things in and around Halifax! I’ll post after I have that organized just in case anyone is interested :)

i love warmth

2011-05-05T17:31:00.002-09:00

I love summer. I love fire pits. I just love the smell of wood burning outside. I don't like the smoke, but I love collecting sticks, roasting marshmallows. I don't like the flies. The black flies were really bad last weekend already, and I got a lot of nasty bites already that are still bothering me! I can't wait till we are settled in our house and can have campfires then go into a cosy warm house, especially in the autumn. I'm a little sad about leaving the city, I'm going to miss working with the ladies at work (most of them anyways) and seeing people/friends that I made up here, but I hope to visit often.
There is so much going on these next few months I'm not sure how I'm going to keep up! :)

smell the flowers...

2011-05-05T17:28:00.002-09:00

It's Mothers Day this weekend. I didn't know where I would be and what I would be doing so I gave my Mom her present last weekend. I bought some very pretty purple shell earrings - handmade of course. I never really send flowers to anyone but I was thinking about for Troy's mom to send flowers cheap to her maybe sometime next week - I think she would really like that. She never really wants anything so flowers are nice, maybe even ones that she can plant outside would be lovely.

planning!

2011-05-05T17:24:00.002-09:00

I had a meeting with the ladies about our Thailand missions trip in August. I do feel much better about it now that I've met with them and we were able to hash out and talk about everyting for a few hours. I met the other member of our team and she seems very sweet! I just have to now allow things to unfold as they may! I'm really excited about how everything is coming together though. We have some great fundraisers planned!

a simple wednesday night...

2011-05-04T17:04:00.004-09:00

I know so many people who went down south this past winter. A lot people I know went to the Dominican. I always hear about cohiba cigars dominican... why do people go down south and buy cigars? Are they more authentic? Is the tobacco grown there so they are a bit more fresh, natural? I have really no idea so someone has to give me some 'cigar education' lessons.

Glad the weekend is coming (of course). I don't really have any plans, which is probably a good thing. I spent last weekend doing a lot of running around and errands, very busy so hopefully this weekend will be pretty chill. :)

the sorrows away...

2011-05-04T16:43:00.002-09:00

I was cleaning up all of my 'stuff' in my parents garage over the weekend. I didn't get rid of a lot of stuff because this was my third or fourth time going through things but I did a lot of compiling of stuff. I found a store that I wrote... I'm not sure how old I was but it was the story I wrote when I got hit by a truck. I must have been about 7 I would guess when I wrote it... and when i was reading it was more funny than sorrowful. I drew a picture of myself laying in the ditch and the caption was "I was really sad when I was laying in the ditch." I'm now like... OF COURSE YOU WERE!
I don't remember anything being at the hospital and I don't think I have any hospital fears because of this. I am mostly scared of all the weird instruments, electrosurgery, devices... all that crazy stuff when invovled with surgery. The thought of cutting someone open freaks me out and makes me shudder.
I found some very neat things to say the least when i was cleaning. Troy was laughing at my many journals.

VOTE

2011-05-02T16:52:00.002-09:00

I was pretty passionate about politics this time 'round. I painted this sign on my windows to help remind people to vote today! I'm glad to say that the person I wanted to win in my area did, but I'm hoping with some good outcomes this evening. I'm working on my infant massage website while I watch the results so it's a waiting game for sure.