Friday Favourite Moments #19

This week has been really tiring but in the best of ways -- there's been so much good stuff going on so I have a long list of favourite moments to share today.

1) Yard Work Saturday

Saturday was a gorgeous day and Dave and I did a ton of yard work all day. When I woke up that morning our grass was ankle height in both our front and back yard and you couldn't see any of our flower beds -- they all needed edging and weeding. We didn't get everything done but there was a vast improvement and I feel so much better about our yard!

Before and after of our back yard. See how the stump is clearly edged and defined, as opposed to hidden like in the first picture? Just one small improvement.

 

I was able to edge our whole front yard, including the front flower bed. It's been blooming with daffodils and yellow mini tulips all week and I just love how springy it looks!

2) Getting Inside Stuff Done on Sunday

I've talked before about how annoyed I am with how dirty our house is. Well, on Sunday Dave and I deep cleaned our room. It took over four hours and an entire laundry load of rags but wow, is our room so much better now! We moved furniture and cleaned baseboards and washed lamps and got rid of things. I smile so big every time I walk into our room now!

 

And as a bonus, I also tried a bread recipe and the bread turned out really well! I like that it only made two loaves which is about as much as my family can eat in a week.

3) My coworker is back!!!

I can't say too much about this but one of my co-workers was off for two months and she finally returned on Monday!!! Whoooo hooooo!!! It's been so great to have her back!!! She had a sub while she was away but I still ended up doing parts of her job which just added to my workload in March and April (and which was partly why work was so crazy those two months.) I'm just so happy she's back!!!

4) Fake Birthday

I didn't celebrate my birthday on the actual day as I was still recovering from Covid so we picked this past Tuesday to be my birthday celebration. Dave wrote a fun birthday blog post (you can read it here if you missed it) and we had a great day celebrating!

 

Rachel gave me a hilarious shirt for my birthday (it has a Simpsons' quote on it: You don't win friends with salad!), we went for ice cream after supper, and I ended the evening with Blog Friends Book Club!

 5) Dance, dance, and yes, more dance

It's dance performance week so I've spent two evenings at the theatre with another two to go. I've enjoyed catching up with a friend whose child is in their last year of dance and volunteering and seeing Rachel's classes rehearse! The show this year is "Beauty and the Beast" and a Rock 'N Roll theme.

Rachel, and her dance bestie, S, in their modern constumes (Mirrors in Beauty & the Beast) and Rachel in her Lyrical costume (Tears in Beauty & the Beast).

 

Jesters for ballet in Beauty & the Beast and Rock Around The Clock for Jazz in Rock 'N Roll. Rachel loves that her Jazz costume has an actual poodle on it! I can't wait to see the whole show tomorrow night!!! Tonight I'll be selling carnations and reading in between so that should be fun.

So those are my favourite moments from this past week. I think this weekend will hold some relaxation in between all the dance. I'm going to need it -- performance weeks are exhausting!

Natasha's 52nd Birthday - One More Trip Around The Bases

As is the tradition around here (see also here, and here, and... you get the idea), I am taking over the blog — momentarily, I assure you! — to wish Natasha a very happy birthday.

This year, Natasha suggested a baseball theme, as that is something she's particularly excited about this summer. Unfortunately, all of our birthday plans for last week got sidelined by illness. Much like a mid-game rain delay, we had to wait a little while before continuing with our plans.

So, without further ado, let's dive into this year's edition of Natasha's birthday blog takeover, presented in the form of a baseball game!

First inning: Favourite team
Seeing as there is only one Major League team in Canada, this one isn't too hard to figure out. Go Jays go! 

Although Natasha rooted for the Blue Jays from afar growing up in Saskatchewan, being able to go to games in person (since we live just down the highway from Toronto) has certainly increased her overall level of enthusiasm... more on that later!

Some particularly enthusiastic cheering

Second inning: Favourite player
There have been many memorable Blue Jays over the years, such as George Bell and Lloyd Moseby (in the mid-80's), Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, Roy Halladay, José Bautista, and Marcus Stroman.

On the current team, outfielder George Springer is Natasha's favourite. He can hit for power, makes sensational catches in right field, and has a generally charming personality.

Natasha meeting Jesse Barfield at a fan event in 2019.

Third inning: Most family and friends gathered for a game
We've had a few occasions where we've been able to combine a family reunion (or small group gathering from church) with a chance to catch a ballgame.

These games tend to take on a party atmosphere for us, and it's a fun way to share the game with a bunch of friends and family... as well as 40,000 other people!

A small mob of Natasha's family; her parents are in the lower right at their first ever Blue Jays game!

 

At a game with our (not so) small group from church

Fourth inning: Favourite food and drink
As a vegetarian, Natasha's ballpark food options are a bit limited. However, give her a veggie dog topped with ketchup and a bit of relish, and she's a happy camper!

Natasha has been enjoying trying the various mixed drinks that have been introduced at the Rogers Centre SkyDome (booo, corporate sponsorship!) over the past few years, such as the "Rookie of the Year" and the "Long fly ball".

A fun drink, a ballgame, and a great view... what's not to like?

Fifth inning: Cutest fans (from the archives)
Okay, so I may be a bit biased, but in gathering material for this post it struck me that we've been taking our kids to games for quite a few years now, and surely this photo (from April 2017) deserves a prize of some kind!

Sam brought his glove, just in case a foul ball reached us in the cheap seats!

Sixth inning: Favourite baseball road trip
We have taken a number of baseball-related trips over the years, visiting Cooperstown (home of the Baseball Hall of Fame), and going to games in New York, Chicago, Detroit, and even a pre-season game in Montreal.

The winner so far, in terms of level of anticipation (several years!), miles traveled, and overall fun, was our trip to Dunedin, FL last March to see a Blue Jays spring training game. The atmosphere was relaxed, the journey there was epic, and we even got to meet Hazel Mae (part of the TV broadcast team) as we were leaving the ballpark. All in all, it was a fantastic experience!

Natasha and Rachel, eagerly awaiting the start of the Jays' spring training game

Before wrapping up this inning, a nod to a strong honourable mention: our spontaneous road trip to Pittsburgh on Labour Day weekend 2022 to see the Jays play the Pirates. It involved an absolute lack of planning, some strange noises from our car heading south on the interstate, lots of fellow Jays fans at PNC Park, and a wonderfully memorable weekend.

Natasha and Rachel getting ready to cheer on the visitors.

Seventh inning stretch: O-K! Blue Jays!
If you've been to a Blue Jays home game before, you know what to do!
If not, follow along with this handy YouTube video (the guy singing along is... quite something :), and be sure to follow along with the actions; it is a seventh inning stretch, after all!

Eighth inning: Most memorable fan giveaway item
From bobblehead figurines and place mats to sweaters, T-shirts, and towels, we've received a fair bit of free Blue Jays swag over the years.

Natasha was excited when this photo was posted to the team's Instagram feed!

Due to the tough competition, this one is a tie between the "slanket" (it's a full-size blanket, but with built-in sleeves so you can wear it!) and the rally towels that Natasha turned into pillow cases, and still hold a place of pride on our couch.

Ninth inning: Greatest total amount of fun
Saving the best for last, I wanted to emphasize just how much fun Natasha has at baseball games; between the atmosphere, on-field excitement, random contests, and danceable songs, she is here for all of it, and her enjoyment really is a sight to behold!

Clearly, picking a single "most fun" occasion is a near-impossible task, but here are a few highlights

During the Winterfest fan event in 2019 (where Natasha met Jesse Barfield),
we got to sit in the dugout, pitch in the bullpen, and lots more!

Last year we were fortunate to be at the game where the Jays clinched a playoff spot.
Natasha is doing some post-game celebrating along with the team!

Quite a few years ago, Sam and Rachel took part in the Junior Jays kids' program.

Specifically, they got to run the bases (with some parental help) after the game,
and yes, that is Natasha and Rachel crossing home plate!

Happy birthday, Natasha!
Here's to many more ball games with you!

Friday Favourite Moments #18

This has been such a weird week. In case you missed my post yesterday, I had a mild case of Covid this week and that threw everything into disarray around here. But I do have a few favourite moments to share with you. If you didn't read my post yesterday, please go and check out where I talk about my new art under "loving" and where I talk about the Jays' game under "looking forward to" because those were among some of my favourite moments this week. In other favourite moments though...

1) Medicine Ball

Am I the last person to have the Medicine Ball at Starbucks??? Because I randomly asked for one when Rachel and I went a couple of weeks ago and now I am obsessed!!! I've had three this week and they've been so appealing when not much else has tasted good. If you haven't had one yet, you are definitely missing out.

2) Planting pansies

I'm so happy I got to plant my pansies in the new window boxes my dad made for me last fall. I did talk about this in my "Currently" post yesterday, but here's a picture of me actually planting them. Every time I walk by them, I just smile!!!

3) Rachel's animal masks

My mother-in-law gave Rachel some animal print face masks for Passover and last night Rachel used the tiger one. I think they are hilarious on her!!! (Rachel said I could post this picture, by they way.)

 

So along with my Covid case being fairly mild, and the items I mentioned yesterday in "Currently", these have been some of my favourite moments this week. What made your week great?

Currently: May 2024

It has been quite the week around here. Phew. While technically today is my birthday, my May has gotten off to a rough start because I'm recovering from Covid. Blah. Thankfully, this has been a "light" case and I'm already feeling much better. Thank goodness. However, we decided to postpone my birthday and celebrate next week so look for Dave's annual birthday post coming then. Instead, today I'm linking up with Jennifer at Overflowing With Thankfulness for her "Currently" post. You can find Jennifer here.

[loving]

The first thing I'm "loving" is my art!!! A teacher at work is a part-time artist and, to celebrate getting a permanent Head Secretary position, I asked her if she could make me a piece of art in our school colours. She gave it to me last week and and I so happy with it!!! She paints the canvas and then sews it as well. The black is all thread.

On Saturday, when we had an unexpectedly free day, I was "loving" that we deep cleaned a few rooms in our house. It was nice to have time to get to some of the spaces that we have neglected for a little too long.

[looking forward to]

The other thing we did with our unexpectedly free Saturday is that Dave and I finally nailed down a bunch of details for our family summer trip and now I am really "looking forward to" going on it!!! We're going to see some friends, some family, do some of our favourite things, and explore some new places. I already know it's going to be great!!!

More imminently, I'm "looking forward to" a week of dance -- next week Rachel has dance rehearsals all week followed by her big spring performance. I'm "looking forward to" many nights of watching rehearsals at the theatre, followed by actually watching the performance itself. I don't know if I'm "looking forward to" the many hours of volunteering but it will probably be okay.

Rachel in her modern costume for the performance. More photos to come in a couple of weeks, I'm sure!

We went to our first Jays game of the season on Sunday and it was so much fun!!! I'm already "looking forward to" our next one, even though it won't be happening for awhile.

Being at a Jays game in person is really one of my favourite things!!!

[seeing]

I'm so excited to be "seeing" my lilies popping up!!! I planted them last fall and I was getting nervous when they didn't sprout with all the other flowers this spring. My mom told me to be patient because sometimes they take a year or two to establish. However, I was outside yesterday and look what I saw:

I'm also very excited to be "seeing" pansies in my window boxes!!! We've had window boxes on our house since we bought it and last spring I noticed they were falling apart. When my dad was here in the fall, he assigned himself the project of building me new ones! I love them so much and was so happy to plant the inaugural pansies in them last week.

In less exciting things, I'm also "seeing" many baskets of laundry to fold. That is often what I'm seeing around here.

[reading]

Last year I had my "spring performance book" which I read during all the dance rehearsals at the theatre, as well as during the down times when I was volunteering. I think this year I will be "reading" The Running Grave or The Frozen River. Have you read either of these books? Should I choose one over the other? I need something long to keep me entertained during hours at the theatre.

[wanting]

I'm "wanting" a weekend with no plans, and nice weather, to work on our yard -- it's needing some time and attention again. There's weeding to do, garden beds to edge, and the lawn needs mowing. I may get some time (and nice weather) this weekend so we shall see...

So that's what's up with us "currently" -- a little spring, a little sickness, and a lot of dance! Oh, and a little birthday thrown in there too, with more to come next week :)

My Weekend Was All Booked

This is partly a book review and partly a recap of the 24 Hour Readathon I participated in a few weeks ago. I didn't read for the full 24 hours but my goal was "to read as much as possible" and I definitely accomplished that! Also, I only found out this readathon was happening about four days before it took place so I felt a little rushed in my preparations!

My hopeful TBR. This was mostly books which were due at the library soon and had a lot of holds on them.

We told the kids they could only have snacks if they read a good portion of the day, if possible. Since Rachel had a full day of dance and religious school, she came downstairs and read for about forty-five minutes before she started her day.

I had a headache so I crawled into bed with a freshly baked croissant, my coffee-hot chocolate in a themed mug, and a book. I felt better and read this book in one sitting. Mini review: I really enjoyed it. Yes, parts of it were silly and cheesy but it had my favourite thing in a book -- where a character builds a really great community around themselves. Plus, it was just a really fun book! It was a perfect, quick, light read for a readathon which started with a headache.

I forget what I did for lunch but I ate some chips and dip in the afternoon and read Expiration Dates. This book was also pretty good. It surprised me in a few ways, which I enjoyed. And yes, it's a romcom but there's also a bit more to it than that.

We had charcuterie which Dave and Sam put together for supper. It was sooooo good!!! This is a readathon tradition which I got from an Instagram friend whom I met through readathons. I've also met her twice in real life which is really fun!

Another readathon tradition is the walking and reading picture with the kids, this time featuring pajamas! Hahaha! I didn't get dressed all day which was amazing! I really needed a whole day to just read and not worry about anything else. It was a cold day so we didn't walk long.

 

Just for fun, here's the first "reading and walking" picture I have from October 2018:

 

This book took me from late afternoon until late evening to read. It was so good but also surprising to me. I didn't realize Hannah focused so much on the PTSD that Frankie experienced and how it affected her life after Vietnam. I thought it would be more about the war, so it was a refreshing change that the majority of the book was about "after the war." As someone who worked in a war zone, and experienced PTSD (although not to the extent that Frankie did), this was really unexpected but welcomed.

That night I fell asleep starting a reread of A Court Of Thorns and Roses. I was inspired to read it again as my principal is currently reading this series so I've been talking about it recently! We had to get Sam off to his field trip early the next morning so when I got home at 7:15am, I crawled back into bed and read for an hour or so until I dozed off.

I finished this book after the readathon but my mini review is that this is a really fun series and the first book really is so good. Until you get to the later books, that is! If you like fantasy and world building, then I would highly recommend this series.

This was the final stack of books I read, and completed, during the readathon. It felt good to finish a stack of books and they were all really good books. I would recommend any of them!

It will probably be awhile until I can do a readathon again so I was happy that I was able to make this one work. Now, I'm off to another week of work but really, all I want to do is crawl into bed with a good book and read all day! Ha!

Friday Favourite Moments #17

It's time for another round up of my Friday Favourite Moments. Most of these were featured on my What's Up Wednesday post a few days ago but I still wanted to document my favourite moments from this past week.

1) Permanent Head Secretary

In case you missed it, after two years, my job position went permanent and I got hired!!! I wasn't surprised that my principal hired me as she was very clear that she wanted me to have the job but there was a teeny tiny part of me that worried HR might block her somehow. So I am very excited to be in this position permanently. And honestly, one of the best parts of getting the position was how excited my co-workers were with me! I felt so loved :) And best of all, I don't have to leave this school which I have fallen in love with -- I didn't picture myself as a middle school secretary (I honestly thought I'd end up as an elementary school librarian) but it is the best place for me.

I really do try to focus on the good in these posts but I should mention, that unfortunately, in the one day gap between my temp position ending and my permanent position starting (which happened to be on the weekend), HR got locked for the week for some reason, and I got kicked back to my old school. So this week, I haven't actually had access to many of the things I need at my work (finances, IT, student accident reports, bus delays, etc). Grrrrrr. So it's been a frustrating week of finally being permanent but not being able to do my job well, through no fault of my own. I have a huge pile of tasks waiting for Monday when HR should be unlocked and I should get my access back. Wish me luck!

2) Celebrating my aunt's 80th birthday

My cousins threw a party for my aunt in Toronto and Dave, Sam, and I went. I loved catching up with some other aunts and seeing my cousins. And it was so fun to celebrate my aunt.

3) Flowers from my cousin

My two cousins put so much work into the party, including arranging the flowers. I commented on how fun the flower arrangements were and they sent me home with three. So the party decor lived on at our house all week!  

4) Rachel's dance ice cream party

Rachel had her RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) exam this past weekend and then, for Tuesday's RAD class, they had parent viewing, followed by an ice cream party! It was so fun to see how excited the dancers were for each other and how much fun they all had celebrating with ice cream.

Honestly, this week was kind of crazy and I was hardly home, which I don't love. But I am glad that I decided to focus on favourite moments every Friday because it helps me find the good, even in weeks where I feel somewhat frustrated and stressed for a lot of it.

Thankfully, next week should be a little calmer and some of my frustrations from this week should have eased, plus we have a really fun weekend ahead, but it also includes some relaxation, so that's all good!