Our Adorable House

When I last left this blog there were a lot of big things happening. I got a new job, we moved, someone rear ended me (and thus caused me to have to write off my car and buy a new one. Frick.), lovely Leah decided to return to BC. Big things.

I had great intentions and took a bunch of pictures of our new abode and then did nothing with them. Well, I put together a crappy slideshow so those of you who do not live near us can see where we hang our hats.

I have to say, I am in love with this place. I will be incredibly sad when we leave it. It's quirky, unusual, spacious and is just 'home'. We haven't lived here for very long but it was meant to be, as cliche and cheesy as that might sound. Our landlady is so precious, the price is right, the location is fabulous. It just makes me all warm fuzzy thinking about it. This house feels like happy. There is an issue that the downstairs tenants smoke inside but they seem to have stopped that since we moved in and asked them to stop. The real test is coming though, since it's getting colder outside. I am really, really crossing my fingers and pleading to the Universe that they continue to smoke outside because I don't want to move and the smoke (besides being gross and ruining our furniture, clothing and other belongings) really affects Matt's health.

We welcome visitors and like I mentioned, have a spare room. I haven't invited over scads of people but if I like you you can come over. My home is my sanctuary. I hadn't pictured my sanctuary to have such hideous curtains, but I guess it is my fault since I have been too lazy to replace them. I seriously can't wait until I can put up our Christmas tree in front of that bay window. Nesting much? Haha...

A Special Gift

Look at this cool present our friend Donna brought Matt and I back from Iceland. It's a stone egg! If I can't be traveling then the next best thing is getting presents from people who are. It was made by a really famous Icelandic artist. Here's their website.

The story behind it is that Icelandic people believe that there are little "trolls" lurking behind the scenes. This egg has a couple of those trolls on them. I guess the trolls could be compared to fairies or angels. Since Matt and I are definitely angels (or trolls, if you prefer) this egg reminded her of us. Isn't that just the coolest?!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Up here in Canada it is Thanksgiving weekend. I was browsing through my massive list of channels (having TV is so weird sometimes) and I found this little gem. I know they have them (with just the fireplace) around Christmas but I didn't realize they did it for other holidays too. Isn't that turkey dangerously close to the fireplace?!

Anyway, I have taken a couple days off work (which means I have 4 days off in total with my regular days off) and I am headed to see my family for the weekend. I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Take the time to reflect on all the fabulous things in your life. Oh, and eat a lot of pie!

What Inspires You?

Maybe you've noticed I've been trying to write more. Since returning from Asia I'm really making an effort to set goals (even if they are small), learn, search for happiness and stand up for myself and the things I believe in.

I've already mentioned my love for stationary and so I'm showing you my new Inspiration Journal. I'm writing quotes, blog ideas, funny anecdotes and interesting information down in it. I bought it when I was traveling in Thailand and decided I should use it instead of save it (like the other 10 journals I have in boxes). I'm not really a "dear diary" type so this seems like a useful application for it.

So this is where I'm at. I am trying to figure out what I want to do with my life long term and keep doing what makes me happiest. I'm not sure where this blog is heading but it will probably continue to be a record of things I'm doing and stuff I'm thinking about. I like things to be interactive so if you're reading and have hesitated on commenting in the past I would like to encourage you to comment. It really makes my day and I do write back!

What about you- do you set specific goals for yourself? Do you journal? What do you think of my new blogging direction?

Speaking of goals, to give an update on my reading goal, it's slowed down a lot since I've been working full time but I'm going to keep going and see where I get. The important thing is that I'm reading, right? I'm in the middle of three books (Wicked, Look Me in the Eye and The Year of the Flood) so hopefully I'll finish them all up soon. I figure reading should be about relaxation and enjoyment rather than numbers. Saying that, I still covet the reading numbers of some of my friends. I just don't know how they find the time to read that much though!

Your Tipping Point?

Since returning from Asia I have thought a lot about our mandatory tipping policies in North America. Everywhere I go I am being accosted by tip jars, tips being added into my check and being outright asked for a tip. Asia has a pretty strict "no tip" policy (although it's definitely catching on, especially in tourist frequented areas) and in fact they will chase after you to return the money if you do leave a tip! Needless to say, it's been difficult to adjust to adding on that extra 10, 15 or 20 percent again. Frankly, I'm getting a little annoyed.

Before I sound too much like a miser, I don't mind tipping if there is something to tip for. If someone has really done an exceptional job or if they have done a good job and are clearly very busy (I am talking about waiters/waitresses here). What I object to is the attitude that tipping is mandatory and expected. Isn't tipping a bonus or a reward? If so, why do so many people feel entitled to receiving one? It's getting worse too. In the past I was only expected to tip my server, my bartender, my pizza deliverer. Now everyone has a jar sitting in front of their cash register! I feel bad for the fast food workers but really, should I be tipping you? How about the people at the cupcake shop- sure you served me my cupcake in a timely fashion but does it really merit a tip? Should I be monetarily thankful to you too? I was under the impression that you were already getting paid to do your job and that it was coming out of the money I paid for the product.

The argument here is that these sorts of jobs have poor salaries and that these workers are depending on their tips in order to make up the difference and survive. Why are consumers picking up the slack for employers who refuse to pay a decent wage? I think that's the real issue here. With inflation rising and wages staying the same, especially for unskilled work, it is getting harder to make ends meet. I can see the appeal of trying to get a few extra bucks but it feels a bit like begging. Also, what about the jobs that deserve tipping and don't get it? When was the last time you tipped the poor furniture delivery person? These guys just carried your new couch up 4 flights of stairs and maneuvered it into your labyrinth of an apartment and all they get is a smile and thank you? How is that fair when you just handed the pizza guy an extra $5? It just doesn't make much sense to me (which is why I often don't tip the pizza guy and I do tip the furniture delivery guy).

I think that we should question tipping. What is it's purpose and is it really helping anything? Maybe if we only tipped when it was really deserved then there would be more pressure on some employers to increase their crappy wages. Possibly I am just really out of touch and cheap and should go back to Asia? What do you think?

New Couch and Chair!

We got our new couch and chair this week. Sharron and Dad bought it for us as a present. I'm so excited because it's lovely, perfect and new. I don't think I've ever had a piece of quality furniture that wasn't a) left behind by a previous tenant, b) found next to a dumpster, or c) given to me as a hand-me-down. Matt struggled a bit with the unwrapping but now things are all set up and look amazing! Thanks guys! Now I just have to work on getting new stuff for my kitchen and bedroom. Baby steps though!

Moving Day!

The next morning was a little bit rough- Steph didn't get home until 7 am! But we all managed to get up and going. We picked my stepbrother, Jules, up in Vegreville and I yelled at my other brother who was clearly doing nothing and was just being a selfish ass and refusing to help. Karma's a bitch and he will get his. We got everything from the trailer into the apartment (which is on the 3rd floor! Groan.) in about an hour and we were both so grateful to those that helped us out. Honestly if Jules hadn't come we would have died. Matt and Jules carried so many large, heavy items (often working as a team) and it would have been a nightmare if he hadn't come out. Thank you so much Jules! You really came through when we needed you. Everything was pretty dusty since it had been sitting idly for 3 years. You can see the dust all over my face and boobs in the really unflattering picture of me and Steph.

We've been in the apartment for a week now and most things are unpacked. It was interesting seeing what we decided to keep. So far we've thrown away or donated almost as much as we've kept. I feel like I'm starting fresh. I think things should be settled by the time Leah comes around.

After we finished unloading everything we took all our helpers to Boston Pizza for a thank you lunch. Thanks again Steph, Jules, Mom and Tom! We couldn't have done it without you!