the virus...

It is May 1st and we are still all in isolation mode due to the Coronavirus.  Covid-19 is upon us and everyone is starting to get a little stir crazy being cooped up.  The weather in beautiful here and people are tired of staying home.  Things changed here I would say on March 13th.  Dreaded Friday the 13th.  I was laid off my job that day with my other 2 jobs following over the weekend.  My husband is still working until June 1st and my daughter is an essential service worker and will continue.  My son has been off work since the end of March.  We are all doing fine but I am not going to say we haven't had our moments.  We just have to remember we're all in this together and everyone feels the same.  It isn't easy.  I spoke with my husband and said "we can't say or do the little things we know would set off the other person or irritate them".  This isn't the time.  

How are you all doing?  How is your mental health?  What are you doing to cope?

lots can happen...

Wow, it has been a while since I posted here last.  Many things have happened since that time.  One of the biggest things has been that I switched jobs.  It might not sound like anything big but for me it was a major change.  I was in my 12th year in my old job and I loved the job and loved my co-workers and all the students I worked with and saw daily.  In all the years I had been at school I had really grown to love being around teenagers.  I was around 11-14 year old everyday.  I made great friends with many of the students who passed through those doors over the years.  Many of those people are still in contact with me today.   Kids at that age go through so much mentally and physically whether it is struggles with their self image, issues with friends or lack of, problems with school or even issues at home.  I have heard it all.  So many kids confided in me.  I wasn't a teacher.  I wasn't the Councillor.  I was a neutral person at school who lent an ear and cared enough to listen.  I had an open door policy and anyone could talk to me.  So many students "deemed" problem kids would come to school bright and early in the mornings when I used to do breakfast so they could come and chat with me before anyone else showed up and they got in trouble.  We used to have a plan in place with old Admin that we would lend an ear and try to get to know each student in the school so no one was left out.  As long as each student had one adult that they could deal with, we were on track.  As Admin changes, so do the rules.  That plan seemed to go out the window.  I was told a few different times that I was not allowed to talk with the students because I was not covered by the ATA.  What that means is, they were worried that if a parent came forth and complained or a student accused me of something, we could be sued.  Honestly, that was the last thing I thought of when dealing with kids.  I didn't let it stop me.  If kids feel comfortable enough to talk to me and I am the person they confided in, so be it.  The last 2-3 years of my employment were absolutely horrible.  I came home crying on a regular basis.  I wanted to quit but I knew what I would also give up if I did.  I had great benefits, wonderful pay, lots of holidays, summers off (collecting employment insurance) but most of all I enjoyed the kids. 

I had decided last year, that 2019 I was going to put myself first.  My kids are older and don't need me as much.  I was going to get my head on straight and finally start doing things for me.  I had never done that before. 

October 25th, 2019 was my last day at the school.  It was a very difficult day.  I had a bunch of kids crying asking me not to leave.  I had heard from so many co-workers that I had made a positive and meaningful impact at the school.  That was so good to hear.  For many years I felt like I was not heard.  That all of my ideas (which were always productive and to better things) were not welcomed.  I was not in the classroom so nothing I ever brought forth was education related.  I wanted to try and bring fun back into the school.  Nothing about school was fun anymore.  The last year that anything fun had been done was the year my daughter was in grade 9 which was 4 years prior. 

Anyways, I was finally done at the school.  I started working for a land agent a week later.  I have not looked back.  Everything I didn't get from my old job I get from the new one.  I do miss the kids though. 

I just wanted to let any of you know that taking chances and risks like a new job or career are scary.  You never know if the grass is going to be greener.  How will you know though if you don't take that chance.  I am so glad I did.  My stress is completely gone.  I see everything differently now and I am so much happier. 

8 Toxic Canadian Garden Plants - DON'T TOUCH!

These 8 plants found in some Canadian gardens should be kept away from.

1.  BLOODROOT...

This seemingly innocent flower produces a toxic, red sap that can kill animals when ingested. When the sap is applied to skin, it can cause severe tissue damage.
Native from Nova Scotia to Manitoba, this flower is a member of the poppy family.
It blooms in the spring and prefers moist soil and partial shade.


2.  AMERICAN POKEWEED...

This perennial plant can climb three metres in height. Found in parts of the U.S. and native to Ontario and Quebec, this plant has berries that serve as a tasty treat for local few bird species. Humans can eat the berries when cooked, but eating the roots, leaves and stems can cause convulsions, seizures and vomiting.
According to cancer.org, this plant contains a protein that may be able to reduce tumors in mice.


3.  POISON IVY...

The leaves of this plant are coated in an oil that can cause a painful rash or fever to develop anywhere from 12 hours to two days after contact.
Found across southern Canada, it prefers rocky areas and can spread quickly.
Poison Ivy can be identified by its three leaflets, which can have jagged or round edges, and it is most potent in the spring.


4.  WATER HEMLOCK...

Found across Canada and the U.S., the water hemlock is a highly toxic plant that's part of the parsley family.
Arguably one of the most poisonous plants on the continent, it contains the toxin cicutoxin, which acts as a convulsant that can lead to seizures and death.
Only a small amount needs to be ingested to make a human or large animal sick.


5.  GIANT HOGWEED...

Though not native to Canada, the giant hogweed has been introduced and can be found in B.C., Ontario, Quebec and parts of Atlantic Canada.
It can grow up to 2 metres in height and looks like a gigantic version of Queen Anne's lace.
Health officials have called the invasive species a 'public health hazard'.
If you encounter this plant in the wild, it's best to stay away.
The sap can cause burning and blistering. If it makes contact with the eyes it can cause temporary or permanent blindness.


6.  WINTERBERRY...

Found in Ontario, Quebec and parts of Atlantic Canada, the seeds, bark, leaves and berries of this plant can cause nausea and low blood pressure when ingested.


7.  DAFFODIL...

In May, 2008 a group of school children in Suffolk, England fell ill after a daffodil bulb was added to a soup. The bulbs are commonly mistaken for onions, which can lead to cases of accidental poisoning.
Symptoms of daffodil poisoning include nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
The daffodil has been introduced to Canada and can be found growing in parts of B.C., Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.


8.  AMERICAN NIGH SHADE...

This plant was introduced to Canada and can be found growing in B.C. and Manitoba.
The berries this plant produces can cause death if ingested, with the level of toxicity varying depending on the genetic strain of the plant and type of soil it's growing in.


 

Are you a big meat eater?...

You might want to consider this video if you are a big meat eater.

Meat eating is destroying the oceans

Reflect on your life....

A friend shared this blog post and said "read it.  Read it twice if you have to".  I did read it twice.  There is a lot to go over and a lot to take in.  This was such an insightful, amazing message about what is important in life and what isn't.  I highly recommend everyone read this.
 Link to Holly Butcher's post - very well said.

One Little Word for 2018...

Have any of you ever seen the web site One Little Word?  It started out as a scrapbook style site way back in the day when I owend and operated Love 2 Scrap so 10-15 years ago.  Ali Edwards now owns One Little Word.  This is how she describes it 

"In 2006 I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January—a word to focus on, to live with, to investigate, to write about, to craft with, and to reflect upon as I go about my daily life. These words have each become a part of my life in one way or another—a process I document via simple creative monthly prompts from January to December.

My word for 2018 is a word I put a lot of thought into.  I am now 46, been working most of my life, had 2 children that are now 19 and 16 and are in University and high school, work everyday, have a great group of friends, been married for 19.5 years, lived in the same city (for the most part) for the past 40 years (this is my 40th anniversary living here).  So much in my life has changed and many things have stayed the same.  I am middle-aged now and trying to figure out what I am supposed to be doing now.  My kids no longer need me like they used to.  They were my everyday, ever moment concern.  Now that they are older, working and going to school and have their own lives, much of my life had changed.  I focus a lot of my personal time on my 2 dogs and 3 cats.  It is very hard to turn that maternal nature off.  As a wife, I am a sub-par wife most days and I know that.  My husband used to be gone for long stints at a time for work and now that has changed.  I got very used to it just being the kids and I for many, many years.  That is what I know.  I grew up that way as well.  I don't know life any different.  Now that my hubby is home a lot it is hard for me to figure out how to alter our relationship.  My hobbies and who I do them with have changed over the years.  Many of my friends used to scrapbook with me but have quit over the years so that has changed and who I do my hobbies with.  Scrapbooking is a very social aspect of my life as well as a therapeutic and creative avenue for me.  Now at 46 ----- I am saying to my self :  "Who the hell am I?  What makes me, me?  What makes me happy? What would make me happier that is amongst my control? What would I still like to accomplish that is attainable?"  Having said that, I have decided my word is......

REDISCOVER 

 

Merry Christmas to everyone who may have followed this blog this year.  I am going to start journalling and adding more to this blog now that things have settled down.  My husband had surgery but is okay, dog had surgery, been super busy at work, etc.  You know how it is! 
I just wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and persperous new year.

Adopting animals later in life...

It is not uncommon for seniors to feel lonely or depressed when they retire, their children move away or they lose a spouse or close friend.  The American Humane Society states that studies show pets help seniors overcome loneliness and depression by providing affection, company and entertainment.  Pets also provide much needed mental stimulation and many pet owners find their pets help them become more physically active as well. 

Seniors who adopt pets may also feel a sense of purpose when helping animals who may not have anywhere to live.  This is particularly true of older compamiom animals, which many young families are understandably hesitant to adopt.  Mature pets might be an ideal fit for seniors.

Adult pets:

• are already house trained saving seniors the trouble of training them themselves.
• Seniors might find cats fit their lifestyles more than dogs as cats are less active and don't need to be played with or walked like dogs do.  
• Many cats like sleeping on their owners laps for long periods of time

As a pet owner of 2 dogs and 3 cats, I have never looked back from having these wonderful additions to our family.  As a mom of 2 older teen kids who don't need me like they used to, I don't know what I would have done without my fur-babies.

Everything is good. My Mom is home...

I can finally post and get back to a normal life as I know it.  I am back at work and my mom is now home from a long 2 months of being in the hospital.  Life is good.  Thnaks for being patient with me.  Blog posts are back.  Yay!

Colonoscopy... Have you went for one?...

Sorry for the long wait.  It's been just over a month since my last post.  A LOT has happened in the past month or more.  Three (3) days after I posted last, my mom was rushed to the hospital with complications from colon cancer surgery on June 22nd.  Needless to say, I am sure my mom would not like me to get into her whole ordeal but she has been through a lot over the past 6 weeks.  She is now recooperating in a health care facility and is now not in the hospital.  It has been a long and sometime scary road. 

She found out by just requesting a Colonoscopy in mid May that she did have Colon Cancer.  They told her that had she done the Colonoscopy even 2-4 years prior she never would not have had to have surgery.  They could remove the polyps then.  I know many doctors will not allow Colonscopy's until you are 50 years old.  I am only a few years away from that.  As my mother has had colon cancer they might take me earlier.  It can be hereditary.

For those of you wondering what a Colonoscopy is...

Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). He or she uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the colon. A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding.

I recommend you ask your doctor for this routine test.  Better be safe than sorry.  Had my mom done this sooner, the last 6 weeks would not have happened and we would not have almost lost my mom a few times.

Why Ion Cleanse? What is it?...

The IonCleanse is a fast and effective way of detoxifying the body by the neutralization of toxins in the body.

Why Detoxify the Body?

Now, more than ever, we need to become conscious of what we are putting into our bodies. Our food, water and the environment in which we live exposes us to a steady diet of chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants. Detoxification is necessary to rid the body of these toxins and to keep ourselves healthy.
IonCleanse sessions detoxify the body more quickly and effectively than any fasting or herbal protocols, with little or no stress to the patient. However, long-term effectiveness will depend on other life-enhancing changes, such as diet and exercise.

How Does It Work?

The IonCleanse array is placed into water alongside the feet. A low level of direct current travels into the array, which causes the array, in combination with water and salt, to generate positively and negatively charged ions. The ions are created by separating oxygen and hydrogen in the water. The generated ions then travel through the body neutralizing the body’s acid waste, thereby creating a healthier, more alkaline environment.

What can I expect?

During your 30-40 minute session, the water will change colour and objects will appear as a result of the reaction between the toxins and particles in the water. The colour produced by these reactions depends on the water’s toxic and chemical impurities in different geographical areas. The water in the Sherwood Park area turns an orangish colour and develops black flecks. Any changes other than this are a direct result of what is being pulled out of the patient’s body.

Here are the pics of my Ion Cleanses...

The first time I had gone in 6 years...

Looks pretty gross doesn't it?  This is all the goop that came out of the pores in my feet.

 

This is the second time I went (4 days after the first time)...

It starts out with clear tap water with nothing in it.  The bottom picture is the end result after 30 minutes.