Day 28: A picture of your favorite place in the world

On any road trip....anywhere...for however long it takes or we get! (yes I photograph myself driving when I am bored.  Distraction laws are for people like me)

Near water of some sort, with some seclusion or at least not knowing anyone and sun

Involving some sort of adventure! Yes.  I am taking surfing lessons here.

My favorite places in the world:

• Spain- wandering the streets, eating from street vendors, shopping, checking out museums
• Bahamas-lazy river ride at the Atlantis Paradise Resort followed by an amazing dinner
• Hawaii-walking the beach, Lahaina street, driving the Hana highway and eating banana bread
• Vancouver-checking out cool restaurants and shops on Granville Island
• Las Vegas- In & Out burger in a fun rental car and driving down the strip with the top down at night
• LA-Disneyland.  Beaches.  Driving the Pacific Coast Highway
• Florida-hugging a palm tree
• and pretty much anywhere else where adventure and Husband exist!

Today was a good day! Husband was home again and we did a lot but had a wonderful day.  I got given a sample of Kobe Beef Burgers the other day and we ate them tonight.  Wow.  That is some amazing meat! No wonder people pay so much for it!!! Would never buy it, due to the cost, but can't complain when it is a free item! I am thinking Husband is home for a few days.  This is good and bad.  We love the time together? Hate the lack of a paycheque.  Man.  I wish he had a more set schedule!

Day 27: A picture of my favorite night

cactusclubcafe.com

this restaurant

amazing food (incredible describes it better)

good friends

my amazing Husband

2 hours of laughter and talking

followed with a bubble bath and good book


Best night ever.

Today was good.  Husband was home!!!!!! And we are thinking he is home tomorrow.  Big plans in the works! I was so productive today it shocked me.  I worked in the morning, dropped off truck for a new shock, went to the post office, dropped Husband off for a hair appointment, I went and read magazines at Indigo, picked him up, went grocery shopping, picked up medication, home for lunch, dropped Husband off for infusion, went to Chapter and drank an americano misto and read the rest of the "Four Hour Workweek", got the car washed inside and out, picked up Husband, picked up truck from shop, drove home, went and checked out the amazing rec center at our house, worked at home, and then went for dinner with friends.  It was an insane day! But didn't feel stressful or busy at all.  And I got to fit in 2 hours of reading in the middle of my day!!!!! Can't complain about that! Tomorrow will be a lot quieter.  We have a few things to do but not much.

Hope you had a good day! And if you get a chance? Go eat at a Cactus Club.  The one here is amazing.

Day 25 & 26: But Hubby is home!!!

So, Husband has been gone for three weeks.  He stopped here for one night in the middle and one night to rescue me but it has been a heck of a long time since he has had more than a few hours here.  And he is home.  He has to leave again on Tuesday but I will enjoy every minute with him until then!!!!!!

I also had out of town company which would be the reason why I was ignoring my blog last night.  Sorry!


On to the post of the day and a movie review:

Day 25: A picture of you from last year

Such short hair!!!

Husband and I in Hawaii

Red Sand Beach in Maui

These are a few shots of me almost exactly a year ago.  I have changed a little! Lost some weight, grew out my hair and have some cuter clothes!!! That was a fun trip though.  I love travelling.  I love travelling with Husband even more! I can't wait for our next trip....... dreaming daily now......

Day 26: A picture of something that means a lot to you

This is a book that I had my grandma do for me.  It is a Grandparents Legacy.  You can get it

here:

Grandparents-Legacy-Your-Story-Words

I realized when my mom died how much I didn't know about her.  It hurt.  A lot.  I realized that I wanted to know more about my parents and grandparents.  I asked them all (grandpa and Dad as well) to fill one of these out.  They refused.  Grandma did it.  And I am in awe.  I have plans to photocopy it all to give to my cousins as I am sure it would mean something to them as well.  I sure hope so! It was an amazing read and I challenge you to try to get your parents to fill them out!

MOVIE REVIEW

collider.com

I went to see "The Vow" the other day.  I was impressed and saddened all at the same time.  The premise of the movie is a married couple, get in an accident, she has amnesia after and doesn't remember anything from the last five years.  All the years of "them".  It goes through the process of what do you do when you are supposed to go home from the hospital with a stranger? What do you do when your wife whom you love and adore has no idea who you are? It was based on a true story and a Nicholas Sparks book.

Rating:  3.5/5

Likes: the actors.  They were all amazing.  How much

it reminded me of sections of my own life (post aneurysm when I had no memories).  I loved the 

chemistry between the actors.  They did an incredible job.

Dislikes: Wish they continued the movie longer into the future of their lives.  What happens

next? They could have doubled the length for my liking.

Would I recommend it: Yes

Did it make me think hard after: Yes

Did I like that: Loved it.

Day 24: A picture of someone you miss

I miss my family.

Day 22 & 23

I MISSED AGAIN!!!!

Good reason this time.  Late yesterday afternoon I decided to take a spontaneous road trip to see my husband for some much needed face to face time.  We could talk all day and night but without actually seeing each other, there is something missing for me.  So I went!

Day 21: A picture of something you wish you could forget

Wow.  To get deep or not to get deep.

Deep it is.

sodahead.com

I wish I could forget those 2 days all those years ago and all the crap that followed for the last 18 years.  That is what I would love to forget.  I wish it was gone.  I don't mind most of the other bad things that have happened.  They have made me who I am today.  And I guess this one has too, but man.  The feelings and emotions and damage it has done since is just too much.  It can go now.

Day 22: A picture of my favorite book

I can honestly say I don't have a favorite book.  It totally depends on what I am wanting to read for! So here are a few categories with a book attached.

Faith

carm

Cooking

fitchicks.ca

Need to fall asleep

cbc.ca

Harlequin Romance Novels

I know.  Tacky as hell.  And I am ok with that.  Sometimes I don't want to have to think and reading trash is the best way to ignore the world! It is like watching a cheesy movie except you can imagine what the characters look like instead!

Diet Update!

I started the gorge portion of my diet yesterday.  Yuck.  I hate these two days.  They are way more annoying than you would think.  I started yesterday morning at 189.  Had a hard week and ate too much crap and so I was up a lb from normal.  I think I am also PMSing so that would probably have something to do with it! I am excited to do it this time.  I have been searching out more recipes and am going to make it more fun than not.  And really? I just want to be smaller.  I need a new pair of jeans ( I own one and so they get washed waaaaaay too often and are wearing out) and told myself that I was not allowed to buy another pair until they were at least a size smaller! Last time I did this diet, I noticed that the physical changes in my body were way more noticeable than in the first 70 lbs.  A long time ago, I would have to lose at least 20 lbs for anyone to notice.  Now? it seems that even 5 lbs is making a difference.  Is it just me? Or is that real? I could be imagining this!!! I am doing three weeks of the diet now, then stopping for 2 and then doing 3 more.  At this rate, I will hopefully be down about 30/35 by the end of April.  Can you imagine??? I could actually be in the 150/160's! It feels like a dream at this point.  This is how I am looking right now.

Wow.  Not very nice pictures, but they give you an idea.  I was commenting to Husband last night that I couldn't wait to be skinnier and cute for him and he said "You are looking pretty freakin good right now! I am not complaining!" Which was kinda nice.  I fell asleep smiling! I have come a long ways.  Those last 70 lbs I have lost were huge.  I look like a different person!

So, I have put off everything for the last month because of this stupid mono and then I had to book full days this whole week.  Yeah.  Not smart.  On any front! I am feeling horrible today!!!! I am not sure when this is going to leave.  Darcy, what did your mom take???? HELP!!!! I have so much to do right now and this whole health thing is not helping.  I am doing a whole lot better though than last time I did this diet.  I will be fine this time.  I am only doing three weeks and will be watching myself very close and taking tons of vitamins to make sure that I am ok.  My family can stop freaking out now! I had a goal of 100 lbs in 1 year ( which meant actually only losing 60 in 12 months.  40 was from before) and I am so close! I have to hit 159 and I will officially be down 101 lbs.  And if that happens? I AM THROWING A PARTY!!!!! Or I will just go buy some clothes.  I can see already what I am all going to have to buy in the next few months.  This is a good and a bad thing.  I have a few shirts right now that will fit for awhile.  And a bra that will fit and that is about all! Maybe some underwear??? So, where do you like to shop? What kinds of stores? I need some ideas.  

Can I just say? I like that I have curves in those pictures.  I like that I have a little booty look happening and that my arms are almost against my sides.  Now, if I could just get rid of some boob!!!

Day 21: A picture of something you never leave the house without

My first Vlog!!!!!

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.....please???

So, the picture for today is at the end of the video.  I never leave the house without my wallet, keys, cell phone, and some basic makeup for meetings.

List of products from the video that I love:

Mascara: Smashbox Hyperlash blackout
Eyeshadow: Covergirl shimmering sands
                    Revlon Gems and Jewels
Lipgloss/stain: Lancome Tumultuous
Breakout Buster from Rocky Mountain Soap Company
Nailpolish: OPI any color!!!
Concealer: Loreal Tru Match
Foundation: Revlon New Complexion One-step compact makeup
Deoderant: Lady Speed Stick
Face cream: Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying lotion
Hairspray: Tresemme extra hold #4
Mousse: Catwalk curl collection
Heat Cream: Loreal Professional liss control #2 tec ni art
Perfume: Dawn by Sarah Jessica Parker
Shaving lotion: Bath & Body Works triple moisture shower cream

Day 20: A picture of somewhere you would love to travel

Paris

wikipedia

I want to go to Paris! I want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower again, walk along the Seine, and eat pastries at outdoor cafes.  I want to shop, look at museums and have myself drawn by a street artist.

I think I am going this fall!!!!!!!

We are planning for it and are determined to make it happen.

I'll let you know once I book something!

Day 19: A picture of something you love to do

I love

Travelling.

A true passion.

Anywhere is an adventure.

These pictures are of when I was in Laguna Beach a year and a half ago.  I was walking on the beach and praying and looked up to see these two guys just standing there.  The "ditch" was maybe a few inches wide at that point.  A few more came and joined them and we stopped to watch.  They grabbed their boards and started scraping away the sand to increase the flow.

In under ten minutes, it turned into this! It was incredible to watch.  Have never seen anything like it! And probably never will again.  They then stood on the sides and jumped into the middle and surfed or body boarded.  It was absolutely amazing! We watched them for probably an hour before we had to leave.

An old man watching said that the home owners right there get them in trouble and hate it but that by the next morning the sand would all be filled in again like it never happened.

And it was.

MEDICAL UPDATE:

Went to the doctor and the doctor said.....

• sugar levels at 6.6 for a fasting test.  This is higher than he wants. 
• other level that goes with this one to say that you are diabetic is normal.  The high level is just from the PCOS that has plagued me.
• blood pressure low.  Very low.  Wants me to start exercising.  Starting the diet on Wednesday.  Once I am down 30, I am starting exercise.
• still have mono.  Still in my system.  Which means I still have to take it easy or I will be sick for life.  This sucks.
• my B12 level is insanely low.  Doctor cannot figure out how I am functioning right now.
• everything else is great!

What does this mean? 

• I am officially now taking a daily small dosage of metformin to keep my sugar levels good so I don't become diabetic.  My grandpa and all ten of his kids are.  That would include my dad.  I am screwed if I don't take care of this now.
• I have to eat more small meals a day.  This is a tough one.
• I don't have a choice.  I have to use exercise to lose my last 20 lbs.
• I am now on a list for  quarterly blood work.
• I am now having to pop a lot of vitamins per day which is not lovely.  They make me gag.
• I am not dying and I don't have cancer.  That is a good thing.

Overall? Today was a good day.  Tried out a new church.  That was ok.  Kinda big and loud, but I liked it.  I think I will try it again next week.  Then I went and bought a few groceries.  Spent the afternoon resting my weary head and made Dad take me for dinner tonight! Such a lovely thing.  I kinda informed him he was taking me when he got here.  Poor guy! We then sat on the couch, watched a little tv and went to bed.  Lazy but good day.  How was your day? Anything interesting happen???

Day 17 & 18

Oops! I had company last night and didn't feel like blogging.

Day 17: A picture of something that has made a huge impact in your life lately

nobeatenpath.com

This book has been an interesting read.  I have always thought different than a lot of people.  Thankfully Husband and I think a lot alike on a few major things! I have always hated the idea of retiring at 65 and only living then.  I was quite young when I told my grandpa that my goal was to be retired at 45.  He laughed at me! I have to admit, that is still my goal! When we found out we would never be parents, we started thinking differently about a few things.  Due to health reasons, we also have a hard time believing that we will make it to 50 never mind older! We always say that if Husband makes it to 40? We are throwing a huge ass party!!! How sad is that.  Truth though in our lives.  This book is making us re-evaluate how we are doing some things.  Why we are doing some things.  And changes we can make in order to have the life that we actually want, not the one that we are living.  One of the huge changes we are thinking of doing is moving.  Again.  Not to a different city, but a different home.

Reasons we are wanting to move:

• save a ton of money on rent every month.  With this money, put half against debt and half in a travel fund.  If we were responsible? All against debt, but we are only healthy now and young once and want to travel more
• travel more often more easily
• get rid of yard work
• get rid of house work ( I would love less than 4 toilets!)
• get rid of stuff! To rid ourselves of a lot of material possessions that we have that we don't need.
• Simplify.  To make life more simple.

What is scaring me:

• not actually saving the money we are saving.  Just spending it.
• having to get rid of all the yard tools and things we have.  We have a huge collection never mind a storage shed! I can't imagine trying to sell it all.
• less room for company.  We have this weird idea that we need room for tons of company! For the two times a year that there are more than 2 extra people here and the once a year that there are more.
• I like my stuff! I will admit it! 
• what people will think.  I will be honest here.  I am scared of what people will think.  Was there something wrong? Can they not pay their bills for the big house? They live where? Wow.  How sad is that.
• what if we downsize and then change our minds! Decide that we were kidding ourselves and that we really do need all those toilets! We cannot afford to keep moving! This would be three times in two years.  It is expensive and hard to do with running a business out of my home and having Husband who works out of town

Reasons I think we need to do this:

• to save money.  If something happens to Husband again and he can't work, it would be a lot easier for me to pay less rent and less utilities
• HELLO TRAVELLING!!!!!! I want to travel so bad and this would make that possible.
• other people don't make sure that they have spare rooms, so why are we so concerned? We will fit people in and really? For the amount we would save? We could pay for their hotel while they are here!
• less house work.  I hate cleaning.  I love tidying.  I would have to clean WAY less which would make me happier.
• the fact that I am scared of what people think.  Really Dawn? Really? If people only love you or like you for your house, you have problems.  I am a firm believer in facing fears so this is a big reason to move.
• stuff is just stuff.  You have read the books.  Give them away.  You have copied the movies to your hard drive.  You don't need the originals.  You don't need all that Christmas stuff.  Really? The white dishes collection? What of that do you actually use! The boxes in the garage? Go through them (for the first time in a year and you have not missed anything) and choose a few things and get rid of the rest.  Scan the pictures and throw out the originals.  Cleanse your stuff like you are your body this year.  It is healthy! YOU DO NOT NEED STUFF!!!!!!

Why this came about?

• wanting to travel bad.  Have not gone on a trip with just Husband and I in over 4 years. Sad but true.
• want more freedom.  Not house poor.
• want to live a semi retired lifestyle before I die
• looked at a few townhouses today and had a heart attack.  Man I wish Husband was home today!  I went to two different ones.  The one was a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath.  Had an unfinished basement and a one car garage.  Had room to park on the driveway so could use the garage for storage.  The kitchen/dining/living room? The size of my office now.  Ouch.  A 5 ft x 8 ft concret slab for a yard.  Not to good for having a dog that likes to be outside.  The other one was a 3 bedroom, 2 bath place.  Much bigger.  Had a two car garage but no room to park outside of that.  No storage room at all.  Tiny basement.  About the size of my bedroom now!  Would have to use for storage.  Had a cute little fenced front yard.  Quite a bit more money than the first.  Scared me that for the money we want to pay, we will have to give up so much. 
• on that note, how far am I supposed to be stretched doing this? Should we do it? Should we just stay in this house? Am I being a whiny baby in not wanting to have to give up so much? What about our dog? We love her so much, but there is no room in either for her. 

We would not move right away and I think we would wait to find the perfect place before we did. Not needing to move makes it easier to look around and be picky.  So there is some insight into my brain right now! This is taking up a lot of my energy and my thoughts.  Again, wishing Husband was home so we could talk about this and go looking together.

Day 18: A picture of the sexiest woman alive

beautiful-pics.org

I have to vote for Charlize Theron.  I think she is just amazing looking.  And she had a natural beauty about her.  I was going to put a picture of myself but not feeling too cute today! So no go.

Day 16: A picture of someone who inspires you and a big project

So, he said yes!!!!! I told Husband about my insane road trip idea and he said "sure.  Why not! You know I love driving and we both love road trips.  When?"  I was so excited!

OK.  Shout out to Husband time.  Yesterday, I decided to go and join him for dinner.  Keep in mind he is far away at work.  I was talking to him on the phone and getting my stuff together, grabbed my over night bag, grabbed the dog and walked out of the house.  Locking the door behind me.  Notice something? Yup.  NO PURSE! Which means no keys.  Which means I am locked out.  And it is winter.  And I forgot a coat as I was just running from car to hotel later that night and thought I would be fine.  So, as I realized this, I quickly hung up on Husband because I was getting cold and trying to figure out how to get in my house.  Being the safety person I am, everything was locked.  EVERYTHING.  So, I embarrassingly walked to my neighbours house next door and asked if I could stand in the heat of their house, with my dog to make some phone calls.  I could not get ahold of anyone.  My landlord, the friend with keys, anyone.  So I phoned husband.  He at this point decided to drive home and rescue me.  He did.  He drove 2 1/2 hours to rescue me and my lovely 65 year old neighbors let me sit on their couch the entire time! They were so kind, but seriously...... HE DROVE HOME! Which also meant he had to leave at 5 this morning to go back to work.  He is amazing!

HUSBAND.... YOU ARE THE BEST HUSBAND IN THE WORLD!!!!!!

And no.  You guys can't have him.  He is mine.


Day 16: A picture of someone who inspires me.

This little girl inspires me.  This is my niece.  Isn't she beautiful? And yes.  I bought her that super cute outfit :) This little girl is adopted.  She has had things happen to her that would make you vomit.  She is an innocent little girl with hurts bigger than you or I could ever imagine.  And yet she is taking them on! She is dealing with her past and living life and getting healing and is incredible.  I am incredibly inspired by her and her life so far and can't wait to see her grow up.

We also get the honor of taking her on an amazing trip for her birthday in a year and a half.

I am already planning and hope that it makes her smile so big and dream HUGE and

makes her see all that she means to us and what is all out there for her.

I love you miss baljit (nickname)

So, now that I am all done being sappy and wiping away my tears, here is what I did for 5 hours today~ One of my projects this week was to clean and organize my office.  It was in dire need and was driving me crazy.  Here are some before and after pictures!

Yes.  I need to do some filing!

Don't you have boxes of crap in the middle of your floor?

Best part of this office and yet a disaster! Stuff stacked and piled and literally thrown into this closet.

The most unorganized shelf ever! Those orange magazine holders? EMPTY! Underneath them? Magazines,

The infamous boxes and baskets of crap I had Husband pack upstairs for me.  Was all in the old office closet downstairs!

Another waste of space.  So unorganized! And yes.  They are dirty.  That is a film left on them from the plastic the movers wrapped them in and we can't get it off!

Binders of contracts, middle two? Not sure, and rows and rows of uniforms for stores.

This is all filing that needed to be done.  I hate filing.  And some cds, and a ring, and some random keys :)

No, Husband has not finished painting yet.  And I had no idea what was in the blue bag!

And finally some afters!!!!!

All clutter be gone! Some organized display space!!!

Check it out! Left side: binders still with contracts, a row of the remains of the picture project waiting for Dad to pick it up, and the middle row? Note pads.  Yes.  I am an addict.  I love notebooks in all shapes and sizes.  They are just almost all in one place now!  The middle: personal books and magazines on top, office decor stuff and cds in the middle.  Other open door: work binders that I access on a regular basis, middle shelf is watches, custom hole punches and logo golf balls for clients.  The last door stayed the same so I left it closed!

There is room to breathe!!!!!

Went through all my trays and organized them.  This one is current work on top, personal in the middle and future projects on the bottom.  The other one is banking on top, bills to pay in the middle and work to process on the bottom. Look how clean it is!!!

Made new files, filed old paperwork, filed all the new paperwork in this filing cabinet! Figured out what the keys were for and put them away, am wearing the ring and the CDs found a new home! I even went through the bottom drawer which is personal and threw out everything over a year old!

All orange things are full of magazines now, envelopes down one side, office supplies and paper down the other.  I even found my label maker! Oh, and the floor has nothing on it now! All put away!

Uniforms hung, everything has a home and a spot now and is clean and organized.  

The tray is stuff for the bookkeeper.

Yes.  You get a hundred pictures because I am so proud!!!

I have wanted to do this for months and am glad that it is finally done! I am now exhausted but that is ok.  I am alright with that.  And I even managed to pay some bills, book some lunch meetings and make some phone calls for work in the middle if it all!

YEAH ME!

Quick serious note? Got a call from my doctor this morning regarding yesterdays blood work. Seems a little quick for me and he is requesting that I come in right away.  Even if I just have to walk in.  Hmmm.  I am not going to think about it and just go in on Saturday when he is available and I have time.  Please pray it is all good!

Day 15: A picture of something you want to do before you die

Just one thing? One picture? I don't think so!!!!

I want to:

• Travel the world!



dadomatic.com



• Go skydiving

• Drive across Canada, down through the eastern states, back across, up the western coast and home.  All in one huge trip! According to google maps (Edmonton to New Brunswick to Miami to San Diego to Vancouver to Edmonton) it is 15,265 kms.  That's it! They say it will take me 6 days 21 hours driving non stop, give or take a few hours, but that it would take me 125 days and 13 hours to walk it! How silly is that! I am thinking we will drive.  I think it would be a blast! Take a month or so to do it and just go! The things you would see would be amazing.  I am thinking I would rent a car for that! Mile the sucker out big time!!! This is a dream.  I have not even told Husband about this one.  Wonder what he will say? 

          Have you ever gone on google maps and just punched things in to see how far away places are?

• Become a Red Seal certified chef. (no picture for this one)

So? I did it.  I got my blood work.  And I didn't pass out.  Have felt tired and whiny all day since but I did it.  And did not even cheat on the whole book thing! So get this, Husband and I were talking last night and have decided to do a spontaneous trip.  End of September, beginning of November, we are leaving this country and going somewhere.  I read about this website 1-800-fly-europe and it sells of last minute plane tickets to Europe for super cheap.  How fun is that! The only catch? You have to book in the last 5 days before you go in order to get the really good deals.  Which means? We will have under 5 days to book a hotel/timeshare and everything else that we will need to book before we go! I am pumped.  I have to start saving money right away though if we are going to pull this off.  I want to go for at least 2 weeks.  Would like to do 3 if we can.  It will depend on how much I save and Husbands job and if they let him leave for that long.  They kinda like him and so they might say no.  But we will deal with that when the time comes.  Now to decide where to go.  I am still thinking Paris.  Why not! I want to wander the streets and eat gelato and enjoy myself.  Complete relaxation though.  The only thing? Have to lose another 30 lbs and get in shape before then.  Not really wanting to go there if I can't shop!

Other than the bloodwork? WHAT A BORING DAY!!!!! I have a list of things to do this week and I am not getting them done.  Monday I pushed myself too hard and have suffered for it all week.  Not really fun if you know what I mean.  I am also trying to decide if I am going to go surprise Husband tonight with a visit.  He is out of town and I would like to join him for dinner.  Wonder if he wants company! Or if I should just stay home and rest as he will be back at least on Friday night for the night. He is then gone again but that should be ok, right? Why am I missing him so much this week???

The one project I have to do is my budget.  I promised him I would figure out a budget for us.  What expenses we can lower, what we can cut and what we can change in order to be able to pay off more debt and travel more often. 

So you have a budget?