TBB Asks: Relationships

Valentine's day is quickly approaching so the TBB Asks for February is focused on relationships.

1.  Deena and I met the first day of Kindergarten at the rype 'ol age of 5.  Almost 35 years ago.  Wow.  She walked up to me and another girl and asked us to play.  We've been besties every since.    Well almost... we all know how mean pre teen girls can be.

To this day Deena will still try to lift me up!

2.  I am very lucky to have a great support network.  Outside of my family, I have my high school friends that stood up for me in my wedding 13 years ago and are all still my people all these years later.  I have my accounting friends that I met and have known since I moved to Calgary 15 years ago.  We were all away from our friends and family and developed a fast bond in a new city.  Then there are my Mom friends.  The ones that have kids the same age as yours and are your go to people when you need to know that it is normal to hide in the bathroom to get away from your kids.  My newest friends are my hockey mom friends.  The ones that get your busy schedule and bring you a coffee to early morning practice.  I love that I have a big circle to turn to when I am looking for advice, a listening ear, or a glass of wine.  I never take this for granted.

I'm pretty sure Deena just grabbed my butt....

3.  How did James and I meet?  This is a story I don't know that I have ever told on my blog.  I was a summer student in Calgary about to go back to Saskatoon for my last semester and we met through one of the other summer students.  Her boyfriend was James' friend, they didn't last, but we did.  We emailed a few times from the computer lab (wow, that ages me!) and he sent me a hard copy Xmas card which i still have all these years later.  When I moved back in January we started dating immediately.

Our very first picture together, circa 2002

Oh, another funny story is that the first time he asked me out was for lunch.  I told him i couldn't take lunch at my job.  Which was true.  He thought I was sloughing him off and was done with me.  Then I called him later and asked if we could do dinner instead.  So if I hadn't called him back we never would have gone on that first date.  Does that mean i asked him out??

4.  I can't say we really celebrate Valentines day anymore.  I always get the kids a little something and I usually have a glass of wine to celebrate.  Other than that, no big celebration happening in our house. 

5.  I don't know my love language.  I've even read the book and I just can't pin it down.  It is possible to be a little of each.  I am not gifts for sure, if I had to guess I would say words of affirmation or acts of service.

6. I prefer chocolate.  Obviously.  It goes better with wine!

7. Most meaningful gift....is it bad that I can't think of one?

TBB Asks: Keep me Entertained

It's like this month questionnaire was made for me!  I love love love all things entertainment so let the fun begin! PLEASE join in and tell me what your fave's are!

Most read book.  There is only on book I've ever read more than once and that is Memoir or a Geisha by Arthur Golden.  The first time I read it was in University, the second on my honey moon, and the last time was about 2 years ago.  It is also the only book I don't ever give away. I want my very own copy so when I forget what happened in the book I can read it again!

Favorite Book.  See above.

Fave TV show binged.  Parenthood.  I love and still miss seeing the Braverman family on my TV.  Right from the first episode i was hooked and fell in love with each of them.  I think Crosby was my favorite.  One day I will binge it again, I know I will!

Favorite new-ish TV show.  I know tons are going to say This is Us.  While I like that show, I have fallen in love with A Million Little Things.  I PVR'ed the first 6 episodes to binge later in the season.  When I had the flu in November it was the perfect time to catch up and I couldn't stop watching.  Can't wait for it to return this month!

Favorite Movie.  Dirty Dancing.  I know the thing practically by heart.  A close second is Pretty Woman. Since I saw it on Broadway I've been craving the movie something fierce.  I remember seeing this one in the theater.  It was released in 1990 when I was 11 years old.  Somehow that seems wrong..... Ha!  Thanks for taking me Mom!

Movie I want to watch.  See above.

First Concert.  My very first concert was Reba McIntyre wit 3 of my friends and her aunt that had access to FONT ROW TICKETS through work.  It was so memorable and Reba still holds a piece of my heart.  Epic first concert.

Ultimate Concert.  Micheal Jacskson.  I would have loved to have seen him live in concert.  The Michael Jackson One show in Vegas was the closest I will ever come to seeing him live.  It was amazing, if you love MJ you need to see it.  That is all.

Favorite artist. I'm not sure I have a favorite artist, but rather a genre.  I love late 90s music, the music of my prime.  The songs I danced to in high school at dances and later in University at the bars.  The songs my friends and I played while we ate pizza or cried over boys.  These songs bring back so many memories and are on repeat on my running list.

Music Method.  I am a Spotify girl. I have a running list, Christmas lists, 80s lists, 90s lists.... and the list goes on.  I remember when I used to tape songs of the radio..... Our kids have it so easy.

That was so so fun.  Do you agree with me or not? 

TBB Asks: Fall 2.0

The Blended Blog is back at it talking fall. And I realized I don't do fall like most people.

1.  Fall color....  I'm not sure.  This year probably navy. It seems to be my new favorite color

2.  I am not an apple cider person. Not sure I've ever really had it.  Is that a thing?

3.  Carmel apple?  No.  Only if it is covered is smarties or chocolate. Then I would still only eat the toppings.

4.  I don't like donuts that much.  And if I do have a donut I like chocolate glazed.

5.  I love long cardis. I'm actually contemplating getting rid of my short ones because I never wear them.

6. Fave party food?  7 layer dip.   Not just for fall though, it is the best every season!

7.  I've only ever bought orange pumpkins but I saw some white ones this weekend that I think would be great for decor.  We are huge pumpkin carvers at our house.

8.  Bonfire!  With beer and smores.

9.  My fave fall baked good always used to be the pumpkin muffin from Starbucks but now I don't love it as much.  I do love the pumpkin pie served with turkey.  Yummy.

10.  My favorite fall activity is carving pumpkins.  I also love as the kids get older that they also enjoy it.  Well, they at least enjoy picking the pattern that I generally end up finishing....

Personally, I feel like we skipped fall and went straight to winter.   Mother nature is a bit of a b*tch this year.

Tbb Asks: Party Edition

Linking up with TBB today to talk all about parties!

1.  I can't name specific favorite party as a child but I always loved having all my friends over for a sleepover.  We stayed up late and put on makeup and talked about boys.  My mom would eventually come down with her glasses on and tell us to go to bed.  We always knew she was mad when she had her glasses on....

2.  I love to entertain.  We rarely spend a weekend evening home alone.  While I am the first to admit I am not the greatest cook, serve your guests some wine and no one cares about the food.  Ha!

3.  I'm not even sure you can call it a party... but I love the gatherings were a few families get together with all the kids and the kids play nicely and the adults are able to visit while thy consume some adult bevvies.  I love that we have met so many great families we can get together with and keep our calendar full!

4.  I'd have to say small parties.  It is a more intimate setting where you get to talk to everyone.  With that being said we have a big birthday coming up in our house and we are about to throw a big party!

5.  At parties I like to have a few glasses of wine and visit with my friends.  I'm not big on board games or cards but I certainly like to talk!

6. My favorite party food is nachos.  Nachos and cheese, nachos and salsa, nachos and guac. Essentially any nachos with dip.  Yum!

7.  Birthday has to be chocolate on chocolate.  Is there any other way?

8.  I'm not big on decor.  I assume people come to my place for the excellent company.  Ha!

9.  Party song..... anything I know the words to so probably something from the 90s.

10.  I do not dance.  If you see me dancing it is probably because I've consumed too many cocktails.

TBB Asks: All things summer!

I am so excited that summer is just around the corner.  The deck is done, the sun is out, and school is almost out.  Not that it really makes a difference to me but it is a sure sign of summer!  We have so many fun things planned in the next couple months that i just can't wait for it to get here!  Now let's talk all things summer!

1.  All of the above. I like to walk with my friends for exercise and visit, bike with my kids for slurpees and mostly I like to run for myself.

2.  Hot dogs are my fave picnic food.  I like them burnt over a fire.  Yum!  Top it off with a smore and it is the perfect camping meal!

3.  I like to sit by the lake but swim in a pool.   The lake is a touch cold for me but I love being near water.

4.  Currently my fave ice cream flavor is salted caramel from Village Ice Cream.  Growing up it was always one scoop cookies and cream and one scoop of cookie dough.

5. Cones all the way! The best part of an ice cream cone is the cone filled with ice cream.  I love that the kids often give that part to me.

6.  Slides?  Is that another word for flip flops?  We called them thongs growing up.  Now thongs refer to underwear.

7.  Jean shorts!  I don't own any capris, only ankle jeans.  Oddly enough, the older i get the shorter my shorts have gotten. Ha!

8.  My fave summer fruit is cherries.  I LOVE cherries.  Followed closely by freshly picked strawberries.

9.  Corn on the cob!  

10.  Summer time song..... anything from the 90s.  Well that is always, not just in the summer!

11.  My favorite summer activity is running outside.  I love taking the time to myself to exercise, listen to my music and get my sweat on.

12. I love berries, except the blackberry.  I'll eat them in a salad but that is it.

13.  I don't really like how tankinis feel and look when they are wet so I prefer to wear a one piece if I am after coverage.  If we are on vacation I'll, not so confidently,  rock a bikini.

14.  Good question.  I'm more of a shorts gal, but if I have to dress up I'll reach for a dress and a wedge.

15.  One word for summer..... F-U-N!!

TBB Asks: Entertainment

This month TBB is asking all about entertainment.  Now that is something I know a little something about!  Answer the questions and link up with us in the comments or add your link below.

1.  I prefer Dramas.  For interests sake, Parenthood was my favorite TV show of all time and if you haven't already seen it you should hurry onto Prime Video and binge watch it.

2.  Fiction all the way.  I rarely read with non-fiction, but with the being said, my top book of 2017 was probably House in the Sky which is non-fiction.  Loved that book.

3.  Movies. What are those?  The last movie I watched was Wonder with Grady and before that I can't remember the last movie I saw at the theater or at home.  Oh I take that back, my Mom and I watched a movie when she was here.  I learned that she doesn't like to re watch old movies and that is what I prefer to watch so I don't have to pay attention.  I'm not even sure I answered the question... the short answer is I don't watch movies.

4. Musical or Play?  Both or neither?  I consider them one and the same.  My fave Broadway show was Avenue Q in New York.  So offside but so so funny. I'd see it again in a heartbeat.

5.  If I am going to eat out I like to eat out dinner.  First, because wine and second, because if when i overeat I can go straight to bed and sleep it off.  #truth

6. My favorite book of all time is Memoirs of a Geisha.  It is also the only book I've ever read more than once.  I read it for the first time when I was in university, then again on our honeymoon, and the latest time was just a few years ago.  I am patiently waiting to forget what it is about so I can read it again.

7.  I'm not really a games person.  I will play one but it has to be easy with not to many rules.  I am easily distracted.  I played countless games of Cranium in my younger years and the Easter Bunny brought the kids version, Cadoo, for the kids this year.  I love playing it with the boys.

8.  Last summer we bought ladder ball and the kids loved it and so do I!  So easy for all ages and easy to chat and drink beer at the same time.

9.  I got ahead of myself and answered this question above.  So for a bonus my next favorite series would probably be Friends.  I was so sad when that show ended.  I haven't binged it again yet and I'm thinking I probably should.

10.  Sitcoms growing up all the way.  I remember being so excited for TGIFs!  Full House, Growing Pains, Family Matters and more!  So so good!

11.  I prefer mini golf because you can play outside.  I don't do adult golf though.

12.  I don't go to the movies but when I do I usually sneak in my own healthy snack and pop.  Likes grapes and diet pop.  Lame... I know.

13.  I'm not a popcorn gal, never have been.  My friends are disowning me right now.

14. I like 3D movies, especially kids ones.  They are so well done these days.

15.  I'm a thriller kind of girl.  My guilty reads when I know I will always love are Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson.  I like books with a mystery to solve and throw in a side love story and I'm happy.

That's it, that's all.  Off to find out how YOU answered!

TBB Asks: All about Spring!

I can't believe that we are talking spring today when there is still so much cold and the temperatures are still below zero.  If we talk about it enough spring will eventually arrive... right?

1.  My fave spring colors are aqua, violet, and white jeans!

2.  My first thing to come out of storage in the spring is my jean jacket.  I just love my light jean jacket and this season I've added a dark one as well!  The Mavi Samantha jacket is my fave!

3. The first item I ditch in spring is the winter jacket and boots.  

4.  In my house, mowing the lawn is supposed to be a blue job but my husband outsourced it so we have a lawn service!  In our new house we have turf in the back yard which is perfect for us!

5.  Spring where I live is cold.  It seems we go directly from winter to summer.  Right now we have so much snow it may be July before it all melts.

6.  My favorite thing about spring is spending more time outside.  Running, biking, walking, trips to the park and reading on the deck.  Anything in the fresh air is my favorite.

7.  I am NOT a spring cleaner.

8.  I am NOT a baseball fan or any sport for that matter.  Except Trails West hockey...lol

9.  I am not a flower gal.  But I will pick up Daffodils in the grocery store.  Well, when I didn't use grocery pick up service.

10.  My favorite spring activity is running. I just recently started training for my second 1/2 marathon so I am anxious for the snow to melt so I can ditch the treadmill.

11.  Last year was my first year of doing flowers and I had them in pots.  I just can't seem to keep flowers alive.

13.  I rarely wash my car but when I do I go to the car wash.

14.  I pull out the sandals on the first hot day of the year.  It could be April it could be June.  I am so over winter boots.

I cannot wait for spring to arrive.  This winter is the one that never ended!

TBB asks March: Beauty Edition

1.  No eyelash curler.  I used one fairthfully for years until my friend said that she didn't ever use one.  Her makeup is fantastic and I never used mine again.

2. My fave nail shade is light grey or any other light color in the pastel family.  Right now my nails are painted pink but they are too neutral for me, like they blend into my skin color.  It was a very bad choice that I've had to live with for 4 weeks.

3.  My favorite lipstick color is the Candy K lip kit by Kylie Jenner.  It is the perfect pink and I love the matte look on my lips.  Followed closely by Dolce which is a shade of brown.  They were the very first ones I bought and I am about to re buy them both!  I love me some lipstick!

4. I only wash my hair twice a week before work so it is always blow dry.  If I am at home and have time I will NEVER use the blow dryer. Can I answer both ways?  #ijustdid

5. I got gel nails in June after we moved as a reward.  I started with shellac polish since I think it is better for your nails but mine wouldn't stay on for more than 10 days. I switched to gel nails and never looked back.  I love having pretty nails.

6. I always wear foundation.  I like full coverage for the week and have been using the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour full coverage foundation for years.  I tried something different for a few months when they were sold out and I got huge sores on my nose where my glasses are since the foundation was on the sticky side. I'll never switch again! On the weekend I use a dual foundation from Aveda with great coverage and just faster to put on.  

7.  Hair is still mostly down since I am still in the process of growing it out.  I wear it in a pony to work out and around the house but rarely in public.  

8.  Body wash all the way.  I use one from amway that comes in the biggest bottle with a pump.  My mom used to sell Amway and she still uses all their products so when I go to visit I use them to.  Love the body wash and the stain removal.  Totally unrelated.  I'm a little concerned that I couldn't find the link to my fave body wash.  Better ask my mom about that.....

9.  I've only bathed in our new house twice in 9 months.  So it is safe to say I am a showerer.

10.  I am using Live Clean body lotion right now.  But truthfully, I am bad at putting lotion on.  I rarely do unless I see my legs are super dry and it is probably too late by then....

11.  I wear Yves St Laurent Black Opium perfume.

12.  Umm everyday?  Is that a thing?  I shave my legs once a week, maybe twice if I have to wear a swimsuit. HA!

13.  I love my rosebud salve.

14.  That was too many years ago to remember :)

Tbb Asks: All About Love

1.  Kisses or Hugs?  Hugs, big bear hugs!

2.  Candy or Flowers? Tough choice.  I prefer chocolates but don't like to be tempted with sweets so flowers are nice to.  When I get chocolates I put them in the freezer so I have to eat them slowly by sucking on them .  Am I the only one that does that?

3.  Baking or Cooking?  Cooking.  I am the first to admit I'm not great at either but I am far worse at baking.  I used to just skip the salt in baking because it seemed silly then my step mom told me that salt was important for heating or something or other.  Now I always add the salt.

4. First kiss?  Is it weird to say that I think I remember it?  I'm like 75% sure. I'll have to consult my besties.....

5.  Roses?  They must be red.  Enough said.

7.  Love notes?  No, maybe I should?  I'd love to get them.  James, are you reading this?

8?  Decorate for VDay?  No, never have and probably never will.  But I will wear red on valentines day.

9.  Red or Pink?  Probably Pink.

10.  Chocolate?  White is my first choice but I don't discriminate... I eat them all!

11.  Love at first sight?  I don't believe.  Maybe lust at first sight.... How can you fall in love with someone you don't know?

13.  Chick Flick?  Dirty Dancing.  I love that show and always will.  I get my love of dancing shows from my Mom.

14.  Stay in or eat out?  We used to go out in our early years... now I would never set foot in a restaurant on valentines day.

I realized through writing this post that I don't really 'do' Valentines' Day.  With that being said I did buy the boys a small valentine gift this year, a poop coffee mug filled with candy.  #boymom

TBB Asks: January

1.  No Resolutions!  Stay tuned for my post next week all about why I don't make resolutions.

2.  Love snow, hate cold.  I can't imagine living somewhere that doesn't get snow.  I appreciate the warm weather so much after having suffered through winter.  I feel very fortuante to have 4 distinct seasons here even if I often wish that Winter didn't exist.

3. Montreal.  Or Nashville.  These are my next must go places.  No plans to head there this year but anything can happen... right?

4.  I love getting a new cut.  It is amazing what snipping just a tiny bit of hair off can do for your hair.  It looks and feels better.  But, I'd take a new color as well.

5. I want to do another half marathon.  It takes a lot of time and motivation to stick with the training program but I am worth it!

6.  Work stinks in January.  I have to work 5 days a week and meet tight deadlines.  Working hard right after the holidays is hard when everyone is still off work and school.

7.  January is cold and cold means I drink lots of hot chocolate and baileys.  That is my favorite.

8.  I take my tree down on January 1st at the absolutely latest.  I like to start the new year with clean house.  If we stay home for NYE I leave only the tree up and everything else is gone earlier.

9.  I do not diet.  I try to eat healthy all year round.

10. Right now my garage needs the most organization.  This is a blue job in our house which is why it isn't done.  When we moved we got a 3 car garage and somehow don't have any extra space.....

11.  Pizza is my comfort food all year round.

12.  My January guilty pleasure is the Bachelor.  Trashy TV and wine is the perfect way to start the week.

TBB Asks: December

Obviously it only makes sense that the first Monday in December of The Blended Blog Asks series is Holiday themed.  Not that we've turned the calendar over to the last page Christmas is in full swing around here!

1.  Real or Fake Tree?  I have never had a real tree.  Ever.  I love my fake trees except for how large they are to store.  I love that they are the perfect shape and come pre-lit.  Especially our new tree this year that has 8 different light settings!  It's amazing how much the trees have improved since our last one 15 years ago.

2.  My favorite Christmas cookie is not a cookie at all, it is a bar.  It's called a Millionaire Bar.  It is like a Nanaimo Bar but a trillion times better.  It starts with a layer of shortbread, followed by caramel and topped with chocolate.  I attempted to make them once and it was an utter disaster so I appreciate every time that my MIL makes them.  I've been told they are on the menu for this weekend!

3.  Home or away for Christmas?  We travel back to visit my family every other year.  So when we are home, we are home the whole time and vice versa.

4.  Clear or colored lights?  I prefer the soft white lights though I grew up with a colored tree.  With that being said, our outdoor lights are multi colored.  So I guess I appreciate both.

5  Christmas Cards?  Yes!  Our first one was the year Grady was born and we've sent one every year since.  I save one and keep it in an envelope so I will have a collection of cards that span the years.  I also save every since card we receive.  Well the ones that come with pictures.  I group them by year and keep them in a baggie.  I have each and every one.

8.  Stockings?  Yes!  We wrap all the gifts in our stockings which is tedious but worth it.

9.  Christmas PJs?  No.  Never have really.  I'd like to eventually get matching family PJs.  

10. Fave Christmas carol? I love All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey, see 13 below.  For a more traditional choice I like The Christmas Song sung by Celine Dion.

11. Fave Christmas tradition? By far, my current fave tradition is setting up the tree. My fave tradition from the past is having Santa visit our Christmas Eve celebrations every single year.  Such good memories!

12.  Early or late shopper?  Early.  My goal is to be done shopping by December 1 so i can enjoy the month of December in front of my tree instead of in the mall.

  

13.  Fave Christmas movie?  With out a doubt, Love Actually.  James and I watch it every Christmas.

14.  Fave holiday beverage?  Bailey's and hot chocolate.  I drink it all winter but love it in front of the tree with a book.  

15.  Cookies for Santa?  No.  I don't bake so it would be store bought cookies and I don't think Santa likes those.

Back to School: Favorite Memories

I love that this month TBB is talking about back to school.  There is something nostalgic about letting your mind wonder back 30+ years... yikes!  I have so many fond memories of my school days from the first day of kindergarten where I met my true blue Dee to the day that I graduated from grade 12.  Three out of four of my friends in grade 12 were bridesmaids in my wedding and are my besties to this day.  Here are just a few memories that stand out in my head when I think back to my school years.

First Day of School

The first day of school for me was so different than it was for my kids.  I went to the only catholic french school in the city and had to be bussed.  My mom was a working parent and I went on the bus for the first day of school every year as did all the other kids from my school.  We assembled in the rotunda (a big open assembly area) and the teachers would call out the names in their class and we would file up one by one with all our properly labelled school supplies in our new back packs. I do not remember there being any parents.  A very different experience from the posted lists that my kids see on arrival at the first day of school.

Mean Girls

Can we all admit that junior high girls are mean.  It seemed that at any given time there was one girl that was 'ousted' and that no one liked.  That person rotated and everyone got there turn, myself included.  I remember coming to my locker one day in grade 7 and my magnetic mirror (I know you had one!) was covered in mean post it stickers that my previous 'friends' had written.  I was so sad that I called home crying.  There used to be a communal phone hanging outside the office for students to use.  Weird.  When I think back to those days I am happy to only have boys!

Favorite Teacher

One of my favorite teachers was in grade 4 and ironically my first male teacher.  I remember him reading the book I Want to Go Home by Gordon Korman out loud to the class and I loved it.  Keeping in mind that he was a very large man, one day when he was reading out loud to the class room the chair he was sitting on broke.  The whole class broke out in laughter.  I remember this like it was yesterday.  Sadly, this same teacher whom I loved when I was in grade 4 was arrested for possession of child pornography 10 years ago.  I remember being so sad when I heard that.

Lines

In Grade 5 I had what was known as the meanest teacher, again male.  He was known for making his students write lines if they misbehaved.  I remember being so stressed the first (and only) time I got lines.  I don't remember what I did, but I did remember that I went home and practiced because over the course of the 15 minute recess you had to write the line 37 times, the length of a full scap piece of paper.  My mom will vouch for me, and maybe she remembers what I did.  Probably talking in class.  Surprise, surprise!

Biking to School

During the long winter in SK I took that bus, but as soon as it was nice enough we switched it up to biking as it was about a 45 min walk to school.  On a bike it was less than 15 minutes.  I always stopped a designated corner so Deena could meet up with me and we could finish the bike ride together.  While the bike ride to school was uphill and tiring, the way home was a breeze and great way to end a day.

School Dances

Who doesnt' have memories of attending school dances in the middle years.  Starting in grade 6 we got to attend the school dances where the final slow song would always be everything I do, I do it for you by Bryan Adams.  Every time.  There may have been a dance for our grade 9 graduation where we snuck booze in and then it got confiscated by the teachers.  Thankfully, they only found half of it....

These were followed by the dances in high school where our biggest problem was sneaking past the teachers without them realizing that we had been drinking before arriving.  Now I realize that there was no way we were fooling any of them!

Fries in the Caf

In high school I met 2 of my best friends over fries in the cafeteria.  You see none of us could drive and there were no fast food joints in walking distance.  So... we ate fries every singe day.  Thank God for teenaged high metabolism!

Social Life

I am thankful that I grew up in the time before cell phones and facebook.  We took so many pictures and I am happy that they are tucked away in a photo album somewhere and not displayed on social media for all to see.  We passed paper notes.  Paper.  My brother once found them all and read them.  I had to throw them all out.  We had to actually talk on the phone to make plans....  Oy.

May Long Weekend

Some of the best times of my high school years were camping over May long weekend.  None of my friends had cabins so we mostly tented in yard, field, or even baseball diamond.  Surprisingly we never got kicked out.  We drank lots of beer, ate horribly, and made the best memories a gal could ask for.  I realize from this post that I did a substantial amount of under age drinking, I hope my kids don't read this until they are adults.  Ha!

Graduation Day

Most memorable day of all my schooling years.  The end of an era really.  Starting with a pre-grad breakfast, a cap and gown ceremony, a dinner with friends and family, and finally a grand march.  I think grand march is a local term as James doesn't know it.  In my hometown there was not a supper put on my the school.  Everyone ate separately.  We chose to rent a banquet room at a hotel with our group of 5 friends.  Then at 7ish you headed to the chosen facility and the grads would March with their escort in their gowns through the crowd.  Like a parade of sorts.  Then we ditched the gown for shorts and tees and headed to an all night dry graduation party and dance.  I'm sure by the time our kids

I loved this walk down memory lane.  While I loved my highschool years, I certainly don't want to go back to them!  Ha!

An InLinkz Link-up

TBB Asks: September

I am so excited to be participating in the second TBB asks with the Blended Blog.   With many kids (including Cooper!) going back to school it seems fitting that this month is all about back to school!

1.  School - love or hate?  I didn't love school but I was always good at it. Plus I got to see my friends at school so it wasn't that bad.

2.  Start before or after the long weekend?  I don't remember for myself, but with my kids I have one that starts before and one that starts after.  Most kids around here start after since our summers are so short!

3.  Snooze or not?  I am not a snoozer, my kids on the other hand.... I have a song I sing to wake them up that my mom used to sing to me and they hate it.  Win for me!

'Wake up wake up its such a beautiful morning!
Wake up wake up its time to start your day'

4. Fave breakfast?  We always had ice cream and Neapolitan ice cream melted on top on the weekend

5.  Fave Cereal? Rice Krispies with so much sugar in it you could scoop it off the bottom. Ironically Grady's favorite is also Rice Krispies minus the sugar!

6.  Uniform?  NO!

7.  Back to school outfit?  Always.  We don't do this with our kids though.  They have so much clothes they don't need it.  Maybe it isn't a think anymore.

8.  Walk or Bus?  Both. I bused in the winter and road my bike in the summer.

9. Bag?  Back pack in elementary, no bag in high school (so uncool!), and messenger bag in University.

10. Lunch?  Cafeteria fries in grade 10 when we couldn't drive, then we started going to the friends house where the parents had just grocery shopped.  Fridays were always for eating out.

11. Milk Cartoons?  I have no idea what that means.

12.  Bag or Box? Always a lunch box with a fancy character on it.

15.  Chalkboard or dry erase?  I am quite certain there were no dry erase boards back in the day.  We also had to write our notes out, they were never printed for us!  Our kids are spoiled!

19.  Favorite after school show?  I went to daycare so there were no after school shows but I do remember loving TGIF on Friday nights.  Full house, Family Matters, perfect Stranger, and a 4th show I don't remember.  I am also from the era of Whose the Boss and Growing Pains.  Such great family TV.  They really don't have those any more.

22.  BFF in high school?  I am so fortunate to have known all of my current BFFs in high school.  I met my true blue (Dee) in Kindergarten and the rest of my posse in Grade 10 in the school cafeteria. See #10 above.

27.  Attend reunions?  No.  I am still friends with most of the people I'd like to see.  Besides, with FB I know what all of them are up to anyway.  That, and no one plans one even if I wanted to go.

Now go check out what the others are saying about their back to school experiences!

An InLinkz Link-up

TBB Asks: August

I am so excited to be playing along with TBB Asks today where a bunch of us answer the same set of questions on summer.  It so much fun and an easy way to find out quirky things about other people.  I promise you that you'll enjoy reading and participating!

1.  Pool, Lake, or Ocean?  I love all 3 but if I actually have to go in the water I'd say pool.  I'm scared of sharks, seaweed, and leeches.

2.  Camping, cottage or hotel?  5 star hotel all the way, especially if by a lake, pool, or ocean!

3.  Fave ice cream?  Village Ice Cream's salted caramel.  Yummy!

4.  What do I wear to bed?  PJs.  Full pants and top because I'm always cold.  

5. Summer beverage?  Easy peasy, Beer and Clam.

6. Hot or Cold?  That is a tough one.  I hate being sweat but I'm always cold.  If I'm cold I can put a sweater on.  I'd prefer to be neither.

7.  Sandals that are flat or with heels?  Flat.  Summer means lots of walking which means flat shoes are a must.

8. Shorts or skirts?  With kids, shorts are more practical.  I've finally grown my shorts wardrobe to have pairs I actually like.  Pre kids I was all about skirts and dresses.  I guess that was almost a decade now...

9.  Sun or Shade?  Sun, but dare I admit that as I get older I am gravitating towards the shade...?

10.  Water, tea, or soda?  Water. I always always ALWAYS have a water bottle an arms length away.

11.  Fave summer fruit/vegetable.  Cherries and corn on the cobb.

12.  Sunrise or Sunset?  Sunset, I always hope to miss the sunrise!  Ha!

13.  Bike ride or walk?  I like walking better for a workout and for socializing with my friends.  Not to mention biking doesn't help you in fit bit challenges!

14.  Winery or brewery?  Winery!  Dare I admit what happened last time I went to a winery... yikes!

15.  Garden or no garden?  No garden here.  This is the first year I've even attempted flowers.  I have a black thumb.

16.  Big summer concert or music in the park?  Neither, I'd rather listen to music on my deck.  Don't like the crowds.

17.  Fave cook out food?  Burgers.  Burgers.  Burgers.  And lots of mustard.

18.  Dine indoors or patio?  At a restaurant, outside.  At home, inside.  IT is so much work to bring every thing outside that we just never do.  We really should eat outside more.

19.  Fave summer destination?  If I am not found visiting my family back in SK, you'll find me chillin' by a pool in sunny Kelowna.

20.  Big theme park or local carnival?  Neither.  Again, I don't like the crowds.  I'll take all that money I'll save and spend it at the mall.

21.   Blended or on the rocks?  Always blended.  Except margaritas I like on the rocks with lots of salt on the rim.

22.  Popsicle/freezie color?  White freezies for the win!

23.  Hot dog of hamburger?  Hamburger every time.

I hope you learned a little more about me, I hope to learn a little about YOU in the comments below.  First, go check out how the other gals of TBB answered:

Christy @ R Squared

Carrie @ A Stylish Fit

Andrea @ Living On Cloud Nine

Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side

Deena @ Shoes to Shiraz

Sheila @ Making the Most of Everyday

Shaunacey @ Simply Shaunacey

Lisa @ Daily Style Finds

Lana @ My New Happy

Katie @ Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life

Nicole @ Nick & Nicole Plus 4