My tick story

Sometimes people tell kids ridiculous stories and think nothing of it, but then that kid grows up without that story ever being corrected. Someone told my dad when he was a kid that ticks don't only burrow into your skin, they go into your blood stream, travel to your brain and eat it. He grew up, got married, bought a house, had kids, got a dog...and no one ever corrected it. 

So when we found a tick on our family dog in the middle of the night, off we went to the emergency vet clinic. You know the ones, that charge you $100 just for being open in the middle of the night? I'd love to see a recording when the vetrinarian had to re-explain ticks to my petrified family. We thought Sydney was a goner! We asked him if we'd made it in time. In retrospect, that tick likely could have eaten most of that dogs brain and we wouldn't have noticed, bless his wee heart. 

Anyways, I'm sure he paid an arm and a leg at the vet to have the tick removed, dad's tick story was finally corrected before he passed it onto us. Years later my dad took me on a date with him and this lady he's been seeing from online dating, and before we left she had to help me remove a tick out of dad's back. 

Turns out you don't want to pull on them because they'll leave their heads behind and get infected, but if you heat up a spoon and touch it to their butt, they back that ass up.

Contentious bread

When people talk about living with a significant other, they'll usually get to a phrase similar to "pick your battles" and grocery shopping seems to be full of them. But Jon went into the bread isle like a ring at the UFC. He was bound and determined we'd get the healthiest bread there, and he was not willing to compromise. 

He's so funny when he dives into all the logic, and I make my decisions based on feelings. We made compromises in other isles to compensate. I will say after a while it starts to taste less like they were making bread all day, and then just swept the factory and dumped it in to make ours. 

Eventually you don't even notice its just healthy stuff bonded together to fit in the toaster! 

The footrest that *almost* left

So my male roommate (ok - boyfriend Jon) had this old computer tower under his desk. When I finally asked him what the deal was, he admitted  it just made a really great foot rest. I’m serious, I can’t make this shit up. 

So weeks later I finally convinced him to junker the old thing, and we loaded it into my car. (To take to recycling of course!) Coincidently enough, that weekend I had all day trainings online, and guess what? I was uncomfortable without that stupid tower. I drove around with it for a couple more days before I could bring myself to admit to Jon I missed it being upstairs. 

We joked that the tower somehow earned the immunity totem from Survivor, and the smile on his face when he carried it back up to out apartment, I tell ya! 

Jerk off my horn

One of my favourite things to do (when it was allowed) is play Dodgeball. Seen the movie with the same name? It’s shockingly accurate. I usually play in a beer league (there’s now 5 in the BC Lower Mainland) mostly full of the “athletic types” you remember from high school. At one point I started my own team called “Amazeballs” with the t-shirts having a unicorn drinking wine on them. To fit the theme, I’d wear a unicorn headband to most nights. 

One such night, a friend of mine came up, and started jerking off my horn. I turned to her and said, “You’re actually the second person to jerk off my horn tonight..!” At which point some guy standing near us, who I’d never met, burst out laughing. I said, “Well that’s a heck of a first impression, Hi - I’m Jenn... and you know what? I’m not even going to correct that, it’s actually pretty accurate...” 

I got grief in the bag

Sometimes the strangest things remind me of my late father, and this weekend was no different. Jon and I finally decided to upgrade our THREE FLAME duvet for something we could actually sleep under. 

When we finally got around to switching them out, I mentioned we should put the old one in the bag it came in and he said, “not a single chance that’s going to fit!” 

And it reminded me of one time when I was still in high school, I said the same thing to dad about the tent fitting back into its original bag, and he saw it as a teaching moment. He was spouting life advice while he was sweating, grunting tying to fit the tent back in the bag. “When people tell you something can’t be done, that when you have to prove to me wrong...” All of sudden how stubborn I can be makes sense eh? So when he finished I held up the tent poles and said, “Yea - what about these then dad?” He says, “and sometimes you have to admit defeat, and not take on battles you know you can’t win” 

Well spoiler alert, Jon would have lost this bet..

Meandering Markham

After reading an email wrong, and showing up to work for a 6am shift I didn't have, I was thrilled to be able to do brunch with my two sisters in the morning on Sunday. Our original plan was to do a hike in the early afternoon, but we didn't manage to get on the road until almost 3pm. (Someone decided they needed a nap, I won't mention names) 

So we headed for Golden Ears Provincial Park, in two cars to accommodate all the dogs and people. Even the drive into the park was beautiful, with tall green trees towering on either side of the road. 

We knew were were going to be rushed to get to the lake, and back before sunset, but we didn't want to miss the opportunity to go all together. The parking lot was packed when we got there, but most people on the trail were heading in the opposite direction to us. 

Above all, that made the trail super peaceful. The trees broke away to give us a sneak peek of the river that ran beside us to the lake, and beautiful view ahead. It was hard not to run down to the riverbank at every opportunity, as all the gaps in the trees offered their own unique perspective on the scenery. 

The trail has some out houses at the beginning and just before the lake, which was helpful. But when we walked out on that beach, it took my breath away. It was dusk, and the water was so calm it was like glass. The river that fed into the lake was a beautiful emerald green colour, and save a couple groups, we had the place to ourselves. 

The beach was mostly rocky, save a sandy part that jutted out farther into the middle of the lake. It was begging for a yoga pose shot in my sisters words. How could I disappoint her? 

The dogs had so much fun running and playing around, but the water was even too cold for them, being glacier fed. 

We frolicked as long as we could, but we knew we had to beat the clock to get back before it was too dark to navigate the trail, and the gate at the entrance to the park was due to close. The hike itself was mostly flat and obstacle free, more like a sunday stroll, and just my style. I'd do this one again in a heartbeat! 

Hair Masked

My sister Aleisha sells Monat, and as the supportive sibling I am, I bought some. Well then I fell in love with my hair again. I get excited about styling it! When I found out they had hair masks, I was excited to try them, as I do love a good face mask.

I chose this one, and I can't say enough good things about it. I'm a pretty impatient person, so hanging out in the shower for the suggested time almost had me going bonkers. But then I realized how little time I dedicate to myself in a day, and self care. And then I felt my hair 

Softness like this didn't used to exist in my world, I can't stop playing with it! It just feels so healthy! I feel like a chick from a shampoo commercial. Love love love it. 

Friendly moms

On Mother's Day today, I wanted to write about something unexpectedly beautiful that's happened in my life in the last few years. Growing up, I loved all my friends moms. My mom worked long hours so I clung to the ones who could make it for school trips, who baked, who drove us around to the malls. 

I always imagined becoming a mom one day, even when I graduated at 18, I wanted to start having a family no later than 26. That was the plan! But my life has taken its own path, and I'm honoring the journey. Jon and I do talk about building a family one day, and having Winnie, I've seen how much his heart can grow. But something beautifully magical has happened in the meantime. 

I feel so blessed to have the amazing friends that I do, and some of them in the last few years have become mothers. I've seen them grow, struggle, and thrive. I've been there for the good, happy times, and I've listened when they told me how hard it is. I've grown to respect them even more, as they've found meaning and purpose in motherhood. 

And something else happened, I fell in love with their kids. This little mini humans are extensions of the beautiful people I'm so lucky to call my friends. They're respectful, they have manners, they're going to grow up to change the world, and I get to be there to watch them. I have lots of women in my life I'm thankful for today, who've helped me in a motherly way, and I'm forever grateful. One day, I look forward to growing my own gremlin, but until then, I'm very much enjoying my friends becoming moms. 

On a side note: I've noticed mothers give the BEST hugs. I challenge you to find out for yourself and hug as many moms as you can today. 

Face the

I have this strange theory that when they said "face the music" in the adulting world, what they meant was, "face the dishes":

And "face the filing":

Music sounds much more pleasant.

Candy Fairy

This is one of those silly quizzes on SnapChat, and I got the same outcome at least three times: 

It hit so close to home because I've been trying to eat healthier lately (who isn't), and in the process, I had to withstand sugar withdrawals. It was an eye opening experience for me into how many treats I consume on the regular. It finally hit home that the winner isn't the one who eats all of the things and all of the stuff. Winning might actually be feeding your body the proper fuel it needs to function properly, with occasional treats. Craziness. *mind blown* *eats cookie* 

Wine & Sushi

Here's a picture of Jon from last weekend, when I got the bright idea to WALK to and from our sushi dinner. Not any of the dozen sushi places around our house, the one at the bottom of the hill by SilverCity Cinemas. I needed to get my steps in for the day, and I'd already dragged him out for a walk anyhow. "Lets be crazy, lets just walk there!" I was definitely regretting my decisions on the way back, most of the way up Marmont hill...

Anyways, it was actually out for this dinner that I told Jon the story of when dad made it his mission in life to get me to like wine and sushi. I'd have been in my early twenties, still living at home with them. I'd go to the wineries with them in Salmon Arm, and try them, but never liked them. When he'd drag me out for sushi, I'd get beef teriyaki. To be fair, I still don't eat the raw fish, but I could live on wine and vegetarian sushi.  

It also occurred to me that dad was always hoping I'd meet a guy like Jon, I just wish they could have met. He'd have had a HAY day with Jon, and visa versa. And yet, I'd not be the same person I am today, without the experiences I've had, and maybe it's some of those things that make us so compatible. Either way, wherever dad is, I hope he knows he succeeded, and I imagine him smiling down on us when I took this picture. 

Unicorn Onesie

Sorry Canada Sevens, been there, done that! 

Chipy

A friend online shared this recipe with me. I was a part of a group of hers, trying to make healthier food choices, so I decided to give it a go. 

But this is how I feel about the "4 chocolate chips each" instruction: 

So this is what I ended up with: 

Still healthy? Questionable...but delicious!

VDay

Here's to hoping everyone had an enjoyable Valentine's Day, whatever that looked like for you. I'm here to say though, I'm living proof you can create whatever level of corny you'd like to entertain, all you need is a willing co-pilot. 

We kept up with our traditions of the heart shaped pizza from Me-N-Eds, because they donate partial proceeds to help Alzheimers. (I'd just like to add, I got the spelling on that FIRST TRY NINA!) 

Just in case you were curious, my level of happiness can be summed up in one photo: 

Monat Dry Shampoo

I'm about to tell you all about the Monat Dry Shampoo I bought off my sister Aleisha, who sells Monat. If that's not your jam, by all means, click the sidebar for something else.

I was always going to buy off my sister, to support her, but I've actually found I love Monat, and it works excellently on my hair. It's made me feel differently towards my hair, and like I want to style it, and put more effort into it. Recently I tried the Dry Shampoo in the line, and I also fell in love with this product. I've tried other dry shampoos before, but I love how this one smells. It leaves my hair feeling fresh, like it's just been washed, without the powdery white effect. 

In the above picture I've curled it with an curling iron, but as another update on my curls, check out this picture. 

Those are my NATURAL curls people!!! This didn't used to happen in my life!! Can't say enough good things about it. I've tagged her in this post if you're interested, drop her a line. 

Snow car

Who remembers where they park? And they're being honest with themselves? I absolutely do not. So when it snowed, I came out and almost wiped off this car...

Before I checked the license plate...not mine. This little hump of snow was:

I was almost the guy from the GIF on Twitter. You know the guy...

#spoileralert when he hits the button to unlock it, the car in front, still all covered in snow lights up. Gets me everytime. Doubt I'd have found it as funny if it happened to me though.  

Turkish Crack

So I accepted an invite from some random player on Trivia Crack, not even noticing that the little wee flag in the corner wasn't a British Flag, signaling "English". 

I'll be honest, before I decided to fact check for this blog, I just assumed it was German. Turns out it's Turkish. But here's the thing guys, I'm not losing that badly. 

Since it's multiple choice, I just pick one at random. It's actually the game I look the most forward to playing if I'm honest. "Lets see how lucky I am today..." 

As an aside, by the title of this blog post, you may have clicked through hoping I might tell you about my adventures with the food item, Turkish Delight. 

Those fruity gelatinous squares from the Chronicles of Narnia Series, you know the ones. We used to have to pack it at Purdy's Chocolates where I worked. That white powder would get EVERYWHERE! It was literally the worst. They had one of these we would wear. 

Btw, while I was googling that above image, I found this: 

 What a party! It is picture week at dodgeball in two weeks...

Status update

When Jon and I first started dating (two years ago now) we decided together to change update our Facebook status' as "in a relationship" on the Saturday. So this is what popped up, with our current Facebook profile pictures:

As it turns out, I dragged him to a trade show that evening. Based on how I'm dressed, I'm sure many of you can guess which trade show it was, but for those who can't, I'm not telling... So when I updated my profile picture, I assumed it wouldn't update the status change, but I was wrong:

Doesn't help that Jon was raised super religious, so his parents and some of his friends on Facebook still are. Can you imagine what went through their minds? "Who's this TART Jon's started with? It probably won't last..." 

Trivia crack addict

I'm well aware that I should not be proud of this, but something huge happened this week.

After all the years of intermittent playing of this ridiculous game...

...I finally purchased what should have been my last little figurine card in the game!!

BAM!! Who's your daddy?!?!? Jon admitted he should be disgusted, but the gamer in him was very proud. Problem is, they just launched a Valentines day card deck...and on I play. 

Lipstick problem

The other day, I decided to reevaluate the lipsticks I was keeping in my purse, literally ON MY PERSON on a daily basis. I decided to check because the middle section of my purse where I keep them was starting to bulge into the other two sections on either side and make it hard to fit anything else in my purse.

I know I should be shocked, but I started to JUSTIFY every single one of those. I'm ashamed to admit, I had a whole collection at home as well...

Coincedently, the same week I saw this meme, which spoke to my heart. 

The first step to overcoming something extreme is to first admit that it's a problem. Good thing it hasn't hit that point for me...lol