Summer is Here!

The end of July is upon us.  It has been a warm and lovely summer with some wild and crazy weather thrown in!!

We’ve only had 1 hail storm so far that didn’t do too much damage to my yard, but boy has the wind ever blown some days.  I have picked up tree branches all over the lawn - from a tree that I don’t have and neither do my next door neighbours.  Flown in from somewhere.

The yard is lovely.  My oasis and my escape.  Made a new flowerbed and added some shrubs and flowers.  Also bought some furniture.  It’s a bistro set that doesn’t have any cushions.  I got real tired of running outside and rescuing the cushions from potential rain all of the time.  Then the forecast would be wrong and I would get home to sopping wet pillows that would drip for 2 days and you couldn’t sit on them.  I sat my but in a lot of different chairs to find ones that were comfy.  It’s an iron set, and so far it has been one of my best ever purchases for the yard! Kid 3 and I eat out there all of the time and I have my coffee outside daily (weather permitting).

 I have a lot of daylillies.  I like their shape and how they look like long blades of grass.

I had no idea that this vine bloomed!  It was bought as filler!

My Hen and chicks that thrive in the hot dry south exposure.  My Aunt that passed away a few years ago used to grow them.  They remind me of her. 

This is my jungle planter.  Vines and blooms and toughness that survives hail!

Kid 2 did not get the job he was counting on.  But, has already been accepted into school this fall.  Into something that I think is a good fit, unlike the last time that I correctly predicted disaster... but I keep that to myself and here on the blog.

Kid 1 and GF are both full time for next year.  He is still temporary, but soon I think he will get permanent.

Kid 3 is big, not a baby anymore.  Becoming very independent and quite a reliable kid.  So many friends and a good leader.

I continue to wait for my elusive job.  I am going to have a meeting with my manager in the next couple of weeks to propose something that I could do outside of my current job.  She’s the one I had to report to the higher ups... I don’t expect any favours, but it’s worth a shot. The woman that I work with is a certifiable loon some days.  Her behaviour has been grinding me down.  Being in a tiny office with her is too much some days.  So I am trying to find a position to utilize my skills outside of that tiny room.  Maybe even part-time or less than that and do both jobs.  Just to get a breather some days.

In June and July I worked an extra 8 shifts while she was away.  Those were nice paydays!
I have been skimming off the top of my  checking account after the bills are paid.  I keep the balance high enough so that I don’t ever pay fees, and anything over that goes into savings.
I’ve maxed my RRSP’s and have set my sights to max out my TFSA in the next couple of years.
My TFSA sits about 68k right now.  I have quite a bit of contribution room left as my investments have been doing very well.

What I do need to do is work on my health.  I feel like crap all of the time.  Other than gaining 20lbs in the last year, my doc says I’m fine.  “Just lose some weight”

No problem - thats easy when you feel like shit and are exhausted all of the time.  Any exercise leaves me stiff and sore for days.  I mean a 20 minute walk and I have to lay down and wait for all of my leg muscles to quit twitching when I get back. That is if I can even do that, usually too dizzy.

Likely all in my head I guess.

Well off to read a good book, as I’m not too tired to focus my eyes today.

On to Summer

I guess that is that for our spring.  I blinked and missed it.

I have done the usual yard work this year.  Maintaining my perennial flower beds with a bit of weeding and watering.  The work that we did last year looks great.  I planted 4 big planters and bought 3 baskets.  Most was bought with a birthday gift card - so free beauty!

I received my yearly retirement estimate and I am on track to retire at 55.  I would like to start X ing off the days, but it might be a bit soon!  We have talked more about moving this year, and it doesn’t seem practical right now.  Kid 3 will be at home for at least 5 more years and our location is perfect for school.

My work has increased in hours, I do 3-5 days a week.  I am forever looking for another position.  I have my eye on something that may open up this fall.  Not holding my breath.  I’ve had to report situations about my manager above her head, her choices did not make her look good.  I like her as a person, and it was not easy to do.  Ethically I had to.  So needless to say her recommending me for a new position likely won’t happen!

Because I’m almost at full time hours, we aren’t getting away for the summer.  I have all that I can handle with house and yard work.  I have had no improvement in the way I feel.  Constant tired and stiff aching body.  It doesn’t matter how much I sleep, exercise actually makes it way worse.  I’m depressed.  I have done most of my yearly body maintenance - Eye exam - new prescription needed for my left eye, dental exam - all good, mammogram next week and then I’m going to need an ultrasound like I always do... I see my GP in a couple of weeks.  She will say I have classic fibromyalgia and that I need to exercise more.  I will tell her I’m exhausted and it feels like rigormortis sets in for days and gets only worse when I “push through the pain”.  Then there will be talk of new medication, all with nasty side effects....

I continue to meditate daily.  That helps me sleep.  My kids are doing great.  Kid 2 still has no concrete plans, but that’s ok.  I’m so proud of all 3 of them.

My maternal unit called me yesterday for no apparent reason except to smugly tell me that they were in the city last week to see my siblings kids.  Of course they didn’t call, or stop in because why would you want to see all of your grandchildren when you only have the important ones?? I don’t bite when she throws out tidbits.  I’ve perfected a “grey rock” method with her.  I don’t forget the selfishness and favouritism, neither will my kids.  Demonstrates how I NEVER want to be with my kids and family.

I need to do my laundry for the week.  I’m out of pants that fit.  Because when the side effect of your medication is weight gain, and it hurts to move, your pants get too small.  I have 3 pair in rotation.  Out of stubbornness I don’t want to buy more.  I have many nice pair that are too tight!  I need to stop eating for a few weeks.  I don’t know if that is feasible?!

Kid 3 found a tick crawling on his arm yesterday.  So now I have the itches.  We took a flashlight and went all over the chair, the blanket and the dog (who we think was the tick taxi) .  Haven’t found another...yet.  Blagh!!

The good things...
Great kids
Beautiful Yard
Good Friends

Things that suck...
The parental units.
Decrepit body

Spring??

We’ve been thrown a few curveballs this last while and thankfully have been able to field them all.

My oldest got a partial refund for dental work that paid me back $1200.  That was more than I thought.  Our hot water heater quit, we were able to get a replacement installed the next day, plus another plumbing issue fixed.  My youngest broke a piece of sporting equipment.  Luckily the replacement was completely covered by gift cards we had at home.

Then there is just the regular things like the house insurance that is due this month.  It is $1450 for a year.  The dog needed his yearly check-up and vaccinations.  That came to $200 by the time I bought his glucosomine treats, dental treats, another bag of food... We went to a new vet that is only a 5 minute drive away and I really like their new facility.  Clean, comfortable and friendly.  He’s apparently still a bit overweight.  I say he’s just fluffy!  The groomer that he goes to says that his body is just right. We are trying to be more vigilant with feeding him smaller amounts and less table treats.  He has a bit of a knee issue and I don’t want it to bother him because he is too heavy.

Our hot holiday has been pushed back to Xmas maybe. Timing isn’t working right for our vacation days/work requirements/school. I don’t know if it ever will.

Kid 2 is one step closer to getting the job he interviewed for prior to Christmas.  It will be a very big adjustment if successful. Not for him, he just rolls with it, but for me.  He’s always up for adventure.  He should know by the end of April.  I will take vacation to travel with him and get him settled. Of course this is all still a big maybe.

I finished my and dh’s taxes and my return is in the bank.  I did kid 2’s and the return is deposited. Tonight I will do kid 1 and his gf asked me to do hers too.  It’s not like I’m an expert. I use Simple Tax and plug in the numbers.  So far so good.

I haven’t been feeling well for the last few weeks. I’m exhausted, but haven’t done anything. At least I sleep at night now. Insomnia used to be my best friend, we’ve parted ways for now.

The weather has finally turned the corner for spring. I went for a short walk this evening with the fluffy dog.  It was nice to not have ice and wind.

My Easter Bunny. 

My dh has been going to a lot of conferences this year. Many days away, lots of planning to keep the schedule running for kid 3. Good thing I am only part time. He’s also taking on 2 volunteer positions outside of work. He would love for one to be a permanent position, they are both sports organizations and there will be some spin off perks for the family. So that is good. 

I’m not doing well with my further downsizing and simplifying plans because of feeling so tired. Hopefully with warmer weather and sunshine I can throw open the windows and do some cleaning and purging, I might be solar powered. I know I’m not snow powered!

Happy April!!

I’m Frozen this Winter

We are on schedule to be the 2nd coldest February on record.  Hooray!!  NOT!
As I get older I notice how much I am affected by the cold.  I don’t like it.  I don’t want to go out.  I like to sit in the sun in my living room and bask.  Today I am typing away with my orchid blooms dangling above my iPad and the sun shining on me.  I’m dreaming of the ocean and the lush tropics.  This Canadian winter is not meeting my needs.

Kid 3 is still in hockey and apparently it would be life crushing to miss playoffs to go to Mexico.  My birthday trip to Scotland this spring is on hold.  Kid 2 that was to be my travel companion is currently out of a job and if the interviews go the right way he will be moving away in the next 4-6 months.

There was a ridiculous conversation with my mother who said that she would go with me.  Good Lord.  I would rather chew off my own leg than travel alone with her for 2 weeks.  This is the person that thinks “The only reason people go to Boston Pizza is to get drunk”. Uhm what??  No mom, it’s a family pizza and pasta place that has a separate bar area.  “I KNOW why people go there” she tells me.  No mom, you don’t.  She really believes that she knows things that the rest of the world doesn’t.  She also knows what people are thinking apparently.  Mom, you don’t know what people think - “Oh YES I DO”. When I asked her if she thought she was psychic she glared at me.  I told her to use her special powers to win the lottery and walked away.  She’s bananas and so is my dad who doesn’t disagree with a single piece of crap that comes out of her mouth.  Taking pills is a sign of weakness to her, so my hypothyroidism that has to be treated with a pill is something that makes her roll her eyes.  My neck and shoulder injury that were confirmed years ago with MRI happened because I don’t walk enough.   It’s endless.  I’m almost 50 and this has been going on since I have memory of anything.  I’m so glad that I don’t live any closer than they do!!  My dad has actually said to me that he doesn’t know why they don’t have any friends!  I wanted to say to ask mom why - as she is the psychic, but also  racist, homophobic, misogynistic, narcissistic people have trouble in that area I guess.
I’m grateful for my little family and I try to steer clear of all their foolishness.

Back to my own business and real life...
I did a preliminary run through of our taxes.  This year with the Carbon Tax rebate the dh doesn’t have to pay anything.  I will be getting $1150 back and don’t have to buy any RRSP’s.  That is great! I will put more money into my TFSA’s as I have quite a bit of room yet.  I will do $15k for this year.  Keeping some savings ready for travel.  Hopefully to give us a quick get away for a week so that spring will come sooner.


I have bought a couple of things that I didn’t need, but wanted.  Only some jeans and boots.  Both of which I wear to work all of the time.  Thankfully I have a scaled back dress code.  Mostly because a lady that is part time in our office only wears jeans and t-shirts.  So my dark jeans and blouses and sweaters look just fine.

I’m off to do a school pick-up as it is -30 with the windchill and understandable how  kid 3 isn’t enthusiastic about walking!!

Things that suck:
Numerous cold temperature records

Things that are great:
Sunshine
Yoga
Meditating
Simple Tax to do my tax returns!

The Bank of Mom

I always thought that infants and kids would be the hardest part of raising a child.  LOL!!

It is physically demanding and they have 1000’s of books to resource on sleeping, eating, behaviour, learning... not so much with kids in their 20’s.

This week my oldest encountered dental issues that had to be taken care of.  $1900 of surgery issues and $50 of medications.  This office doesn’t bill insurance, you have to send it in after the fact.  But when you don’t have $1900 available on your credit card (because your limit is $1800) and you don’t have that much cash...Mom to the rescue.

There will be reimbursement of likely $800-900 by the insurance, but that is it.  The importance of having some extra money around is very clear.  While I was getting medications I thought that the fridge was pretty low on fluids for someone that can’t eat solids, so I added smoothies, ginger ale, sports drinks, broth soups.  I’m so happy that I could do that.  30 years ago I needed a huge surgery to have my wisdom teeth out.  I was hospitalized.  My parental units wouldn’t help with a penny of the cost.  It was $800.  They also felt no need to be with me.  My sibling had all of her dental work through high school and college including COSMETIC paid out of pocket by my parents.  I didn’t even see a dentist between the ages of 12-20.  I couldn’t imagine treating my kids so differently.
I guess that is how they saved money.  Pretend that you only have one child.

We have been trapped inside with very cold temperatures here for the last week.  I would really like to get away on vacation.  It hasn’t been booked yet.  Waiting for some dates we have to be at home added to the calendar.  The dh has been on his yearly diet/fitness try for all of January.  He’s not happy with the scale, but his digestive issues are so much better without a pail of Diet Pepsi and a bag of chips every day. (Go figure).  Kid 3 is enjoying the fitness equipment that we’ve bought.  Very dedicated to exercising daily.  So that is nice. It gives dh a workout partner too!  The rap music pumping through the house is a bit much for me and the dog but we will survive!  LOL.

Kid 1 has been texting me and looks to be recovering really well.  I’m relieved.  That is the part that I worry about, not the money.

I had a huge find in my “Clean and Purge” last week.  In a drawer were 5 gift cards (to the same place) and I didn’t know if they had money on them.  I took them into the store yesterday - $100!!  Wowza!  Happy day for me! I already know that I will use this for a xmas present for one of the kids for next year.

Have a good week!

The good things:
Having money in the bank  of Mom
Having appreciative kids
Finding $$

Things that suck:
Painful dental work
Having to pay for painful dental work
-40 windchill

2019 Simple and Splurges

This is my personal splurge year.

I bought a new iPad and a keyboard to attach.  The keyboard takes a bit of adjustment compared to my one at work, but I like being able to type normally.  I’m also able to add pictures now, and comment easier on others blogs.  I bought a lamp for my livingroom so that I can see to read in the evenings.  I bought a printer so that kid#3 can do homework easier, we bought a home gym so that kid#3 and dh can do workouts at home instead of the $50 a month gym.

Our Christmas was small.  Just us and and kids.  I prefer that now instead of trying to make uncomfortable chit chat with jerk family. I took a week off work to relax and catch up on sleep.  I averaged 2 hours of extra sleep a day!!
I did a shwack of baking.  (That means a ton). Cookies and squares mostly.  And 2/3 of it was gifts for the neighbours.

I got lovely gifts that I appreciate and enjoy from DH and the kids.  My parents gave $$ which is good and my MIL gave me a gift card.  She also gave me a horrid smelly candle.  Somehow it made its way into a donation pile 😉. I actually got 5 candles for xmas, plus a wax melting pot. (Maybe my house stinks??)

Dh and I talked about taking the 3 of us on a hot holiday.  It will be to Mexico.  Not visiting the US until there is a change in government.  Like almost all of my co-workers as well.  Canadian politics is bad, but hoo boy, what a circus going on (not a fun one to watch either) I am sick to death of that con man on our t.v.

It is soon 7 years that I have been mortgage free!!  I am planning my retirement date already.  Freedom 55 here I come!!  Because I am only working part time it does take quite a bit of planning to reach the numbers that I need to make that a reality.  The markets are doing very poor these days, so this year I am doing my TFSA (Tax Free Savings Account) in a GIC.  Super low interest rate, but safe and will be short term and hopefully reinvest in a year or 2 when the markets are doing better.

2019 will be the year that I free myself from many things.  I am cleaning and purging many aspects.  Both physical and emotional.  I have too much stuff, too much baggage.  Too many things in the way, too many things holding me down, too much that I keep- just in case.
Simple makes me happy.  I don’t like things complicated and intense anymore.  I get exhausted from almost nothing.  I have to pace myself all of the time.  It is my new normal.

Right now I am enjoying the flock of birds in my backyard chirping away as they jostle for space at my bird feeder.  My $2 feeder and $6 of birdseed have given hours of enjoyment!  Sparrows, chickadees and blue jays seem to be my most frequent visitors.

They aren’t the most beautiful birds, but they sing happily.  

I also have enjoyed this morning’s snow.  Soft and fluffy, making everything look clean.  I had to run a quick trip to get some laundry fabric softener as I was out.  I don’t dry my clothes in the dryer and they get a bit “crispy” without it.  Sometimes I will throw the air dried clothes into the dryer with a fabric softener sheet, but that is just an extra step that I don’t wan’t to do.  

Well, no reason to procrastinate doing the laundry now... so off I go!

Happy 2019 to everyone!! 

The Good Things:

My little family

My grown kids that thank me for what I did for them when they were little.

Costco Sweet Potato Crackers (Man I LOVE these)

Things that Suck:

My parental units

Aches, pains and exhaustion.