This is a difficult post to publish..
During the course of the week I THOUGHT about posting something to reflect the traumatic incident that occured, but wasn't sure a) where to start b) how I really felt..
For anyone who follows Canadian news - I am sure you have heard/read about the young mother who (possibly) drowned her 3 month old baby son and 2 year old daughter before going missing.. (and for anyone curious - her body was possibly pulled from the river today)..
Well, I worked with this mother.
I didn't work DIRECTLY with her, per say, as our departments don't work side by side in the hospital.. BUT, I knew who she was and have most likely said hello in passing.
For anyone who doesn't know the story, the possible reasoning for this horror having occurred? Severe post-partum depression.
While it is not possible for me to comment on PPD as I have never experienced it, I have suffered a mild depression so I can relate to how draining it can be.. Combine that with a toddler and a newborn? I can imagine it to be hard.
The reactions to the news has been mixed: More than half of the commenter's were HOPING that this "monster" went off to "kill herself" (or disgusting comments like that) while the other half were more sympathetic towards her recognizing PPD can lead to a psychosis and wishing for her safe return/not believing she murdered her children.
I am not sure if I didn't 'know' her if I would feel like the first half of people who think her to be a 'monster' or if I would still feel sympathy for a woman who obviously did not get the help she needed for a mental health issue.
One of the most heartfelt responses I have read to the news articles was from a mother who had suffered PPD. In a nutshell she said that it is HARD to talk about it - you are surrounded by people congratulating you on the arrival of your child, and you are made to feel like you HAVE the entire world in your grasp.. To be put on that pedestal but to feel like you can't handle it/don't love your child must be horrific.. *I* couldn't imagine speaking those words to anyone. She also went on to say (and it echoed a co-worker who was talking about her history of PPD) that she was AFRAID to tell anyone how she was feeling as she was afraid that she would either be labelled as a bad mother or have her child taken away from her... fortunately, her story had a happy ending and her husband recognized she needed more help than he could provide.
PPD has such a negative stigma attached to it - it's horrible that so many people also dismiss it as not being 'real'.. I am sure that deters some moms from speaking about it as well....
I am not sure where I am going with this post... I am grieving, along with my city, for the two innocent children who lost their lives, their father & grandparents, and especially for their mother who maybe could have been helped...
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
There is a first time for everything!
What is almost as exciting as planning a vacation for yourself?
Planning your parents FIRST hot winter holiday!
My parents worked hard for their entire lives, and both retired in the past two years. When they retired, they spoke of travelling.
While they have done some minor travel back in the day with my sis and I in tow, the only large holiday they have ever taken was a trip to Europe about 6 years ago..
Other than that? Nada.
Last year my mom had both of her knees replaced, so a vacation with lots of walking was not really feasible for awhile as she needed time to rehab.. Well.. she has recouped!
That brings us to their renewed desire to travel.
After friends of theirs and my two trips to Las Vegas, that became a location they thought may be interesting to see... BUT, the draw of a winter holiday also appealed. After each of my trips down to Mazatlan (and seeing how it has become a home to me, as it is a place where my heart lays) that draw became stronger...
Last week, I stopped by their house after I had the sutures taken out of my shoulder, and ended up staying for dinner. The talk over dinner turned to holidays and by the end of the meal I had convinced them they should go to Mazatlan.... and they 100% are sold on the idea!
As I am a self proclaimed Google expert and pro at finding vacation deals, once I was back to my apartment, I was able to locate a great vacation package for them at a 4 star hotel for UNDER the cap they had wanted to spend! Yes, I am THAT good!
Like myself, it is far too early to book a trip (they are looking into the end of February or beginning of March) but if I can find a great deal NOW - I will find an EVEN better deal closer to the date..
My job, after my sisters wedding this September, will be to watch prices and set them up with something!
I have to say - I am just as excited to book a trip for them for their FIRST winter get away as I am to book my 4th year to Mazatlan.. I remember how awe struck I was on my first trip at seeing the ocean and emerging myself into the culture!
I feel Mazatlan will be a great location for them to head to as it is NOT a party town like Cancun, isn't as North American-ized as Puerto Vallarta (where Mexican friends went and could not pay with pesos - only US money - and could not find a taco amongst the KFC, Starbucks, McDonalds everywhere), or as costly as Cabo.. There are so many snowbirds and ex-pats out in Mazatlan that are more than happy to invite a stranger to join them for a drink/their meal at the Golden Zone restaurants (I experienced this first hand) if they are wanting to socialize a little.. My friends out there are happy to take them on a tour/help them out if need be...
Most importantly, it is safe. As I mentioned in my posts about Mazatlan, I never ONCE felt unsafe at any point. I did a lot of exploring in the tourist areas AND downtown by myself and felt safe.. In fact, I felt safer then I do on occasion downtown in my own crime riddled city. Even though my parents are responsible/not naive about safety while travelling, I still want a place I will not worry about their well-being.. which again is nice that I have connections out there in case they need someone to assist them.
Though I don't want to wish the summer away, I am getting excited to start booking these trips so they become a reality and not a far off dream! :-)
Monday, June 17, 2013
I'll need a vacation after I PLAN the vacation!
Oh, Lord have I opened up a big messy can of worms.
On my trip a few months back to Mazatlan, a friend of my friend David inquired why I would only take a one week vacation to Mazatlan as it was simply too short.. and why wouldn't I look into 10 days, because 7 days is not too short (true) and 14 days is a little too long.
10 days is perfection, apparently.
So, with that, my head was filled with 10 day trip possibilities.
Seeing as my work requires us to book our holidays (at least summer ones) by the end of the fiscal year (April 1) I started looking into if I would have enough holiday time to pull off a 10 day holiday - and I did! I was able to book some great summer holidays, but had enough time left over to basically be off from Mar 17 - April 1, so I booked it off already.
This is the joy of not working Mon-Friday - you end up being able to get huge chunks of time off with only taking a week of work off. Crazy, I know.
I knew I wouldn't BOOK a holiday 9 months before I would actually leave, as too much could happen in that time - BUT I was also curious to see what the prices were like.. Could I afford a 10 day trip? What would it hurt to just LOOK at prices?
So, with that, I bring you to the giant ? that has formed over my head and the new wrinkle on my forehead.
I CANNOT book a 10 day trip. I could go for 7 days, or 14 days... or 8. Not 9. Not 10.
I plugged in EVERY day combination from Mar 17-April 1 to find something - nada. WestJet - why advertise 10 day trips when you make it impossible to take one?
Correction - I could take a 10 day holiday if I wanted to have an overnight layover in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver OR Minneapolis... but WHY book a 10 day holiday if you are not THERE for 10 days.. I fail to see how having to pay for a taxi to go to a hotel overnight is worthwhile? The prices for these 9 night trips - No thank you!
Part of the problem is that is waaay too early to look for some travel sites. WestJet does not even list the majority of their partner hotels to book a flight/hotel package with.. So with that I said, let's look at 8 days!
Aye dios mio.
I ventured off WestJet vacation packages and onto Expedia. 8 days I could do! (And WHY is Expedia so much cheaper?? I feel like I'm missing something. How can the same package through WJ be more expensive on there (minus transportation) compared to Expedia???)
I plugged in a Friday - Saturday 8 day trip and found some great prices. So, why not watch prices for a bit in the am AND pm to see how they differ, I told myself. Did you know the prices of the SAME trip varied between $200 during the SAME week depending on the day (weekends are pricier then weekdays to book ON) and TIME of day (After noon the prices appear to jump). I became obsessed watching!
So yesterday I decide to plug in 8 day trips for every combination in my holiday time to see how THOSE prices differed and if I would HAVE to do an over night. If I wanted travel for any day other than Friday or Saturday, my 8 days turned into 7 nights because of the wonderful world of layovers. Grumble grumble... and prices? $200 difference for SAME hotel SAME days if I flew Monday compared to Tuesday.
THEN, I discovered Sat-Sun. $400 cheaper?? Whaaaaaaat?! Where did you come from??
This was flying Delta instead of WestJet with a brief daytime layover in Minneapolis.
My messy can of WestJet Fri-Sat worms knocked over the can of Delta worms.
I could leave Winnipeg the same time as the WJ flight would be leaving IF I left the day prior, but land 2 1/2 hrs earlier AND save $200?! So I looked further..
I have never flown with Delta - how are they for travel? 2 hours of Googling later, not as many great reviews as WJ, but I also came to realize people are WAY more apt to post a negative review (about silly things like the seat was not comfortable ENOUGH for them) compared to send in a positive review. I threw my questions onto Trip Advisor and got good enough answers to feel it would be worthwhile..
Also a 'worry' - WJ packages INCLUDE your transportation to and from the airport, Expedia bookings do not. While I am perfectly fine to travel by myself (as it appears I will most likely be doing again), I enjoyed having my transportation arranged FOR me. I worry about missing flights in a foreign country. So how much would transportation cost? Is it safe?
I spoke to my friend David as well as 2 other friends - one who lives there as well and another who I met through David from the US. They basically all said it was SAFE, about $25 but would agree to be my transportation... I just like options in case my friends are not able to do me the favor.
Oy.
So now my bit of time just looking turned into 2 weeks of watching prices for ONE set of days and now has morphed into a homemade chart to start watching TWO sets of days.
APPARENTLY, you will get your BEST prices 6-8 weeks prior to travel - so I have time.. Maybe.. It depends on what you read heh
Then I think - what IF I found a great price NOW. Would it be silly to book so far in advance? I believe WJ would reimburse, Delta I have heard not so wonderful things about.. AND seeing as our PST is increasing July 1, would it make sense to book PRIOR to save that 1% increase?
I don't know about you, but I am feeling like this is WAAAAAY more complicated then it needs to be. Last year, I logged onto WJ, found the hotel I was at last year and clicked purchase. Bing bang boom. Aye Aye Aye.
Any experiences from anyone flying with Delta? Expedia experiences?
On my trip a few months back to Mazatlan, a friend of my friend David inquired why I would only take a one week vacation to Mazatlan as it was simply too short.. and why wouldn't I look into 10 days, because 7 days is not too short (true) and 14 days is a little too long.
10 days is perfection, apparently.
So, with that, my head was filled with 10 day trip possibilities.
Seeing as my work requires us to book our holidays (at least summer ones) by the end of the fiscal year (April 1) I started looking into if I would have enough holiday time to pull off a 10 day holiday - and I did! I was able to book some great summer holidays, but had enough time left over to basically be off from Mar 17 - April 1, so I booked it off already.
This is the joy of not working Mon-Friday - you end up being able to get huge chunks of time off with only taking a week of work off. Crazy, I know.
I knew I wouldn't BOOK a holiday 9 months before I would actually leave, as too much could happen in that time - BUT I was also curious to see what the prices were like.. Could I afford a 10 day trip? What would it hurt to just LOOK at prices?
So, with that, I bring you to the giant ? that has formed over my head and the new wrinkle on my forehead.
I CANNOT book a 10 day trip. I could go for 7 days, or 14 days... or 8. Not 9. Not 10.
I plugged in EVERY day combination from Mar 17-April 1 to find something - nada. WestJet - why advertise 10 day trips when you make it impossible to take one?
Correction - I could take a 10 day holiday if I wanted to have an overnight layover in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver OR Minneapolis... but WHY book a 10 day holiday if you are not THERE for 10 days.. I fail to see how having to pay for a taxi to go to a hotel overnight is worthwhile? The prices for these 9 night trips - No thank you!
Part of the problem is that is waaay too early to look for some travel sites. WestJet does not even list the majority of their partner hotels to book a flight/hotel package with.. So with that I said, let's look at 8 days!
Aye dios mio.
I ventured off WestJet vacation packages and onto Expedia. 8 days I could do! (And WHY is Expedia so much cheaper?? I feel like I'm missing something. How can the same package through WJ be more expensive on there (minus transportation) compared to Expedia???)
I plugged in a Friday - Saturday 8 day trip and found some great prices. So, why not watch prices for a bit in the am AND pm to see how they differ, I told myself. Did you know the prices of the SAME trip varied between $200 during the SAME week depending on the day (weekends are pricier then weekdays to book ON) and TIME of day (After noon the prices appear to jump). I became obsessed watching!
So yesterday I decide to plug in 8 day trips for every combination in my holiday time to see how THOSE prices differed and if I would HAVE to do an over night. If I wanted travel for any day other than Friday or Saturday, my 8 days turned into 7 nights because of the wonderful world of layovers. Grumble grumble... and prices? $200 difference for SAME hotel SAME days if I flew Monday compared to Tuesday.
THEN, I discovered Sat-Sun. $400 cheaper?? Whaaaaaaat?! Where did you come from??
This was flying Delta instead of WestJet with a brief daytime layover in Minneapolis.
My messy can of WestJet Fri-Sat worms knocked over the can of Delta worms.
I could leave Winnipeg the same time as the WJ flight would be leaving IF I left the day prior, but land 2 1/2 hrs earlier AND save $200?! So I looked further..
I have never flown with Delta - how are they for travel? 2 hours of Googling later, not as many great reviews as WJ, but I also came to realize people are WAY more apt to post a negative review (about silly things like the seat was not comfortable ENOUGH for them) compared to send in a positive review. I threw my questions onto Trip Advisor and got good enough answers to feel it would be worthwhile..
Also a 'worry' - WJ packages INCLUDE your transportation to and from the airport, Expedia bookings do not. While I am perfectly fine to travel by myself (as it appears I will most likely be doing again), I enjoyed having my transportation arranged FOR me. I worry about missing flights in a foreign country. So how much would transportation cost? Is it safe?
I spoke to my friend David as well as 2 other friends - one who lives there as well and another who I met through David from the US. They basically all said it was SAFE, about $25 but would agree to be my transportation... I just like options in case my friends are not able to do me the favor.
Oy.
So now my bit of time just looking turned into 2 weeks of watching prices for ONE set of days and now has morphed into a homemade chart to start watching TWO sets of days.
APPARENTLY, you will get your BEST prices 6-8 weeks prior to travel - so I have time.. Maybe.. It depends on what you read heh
Then I think - what IF I found a great price NOW. Would it be silly to book so far in advance? I believe WJ would reimburse, Delta I have heard not so wonderful things about.. AND seeing as our PST is increasing July 1, would it make sense to book PRIOR to save that 1% increase?
I don't know about you, but I am feeling like this is WAAAAAY more complicated then it needs to be. Last year, I logged onto WJ, found the hotel I was at last year and clicked purchase. Bing bang boom. Aye Aye Aye.
Any experiences from anyone flying with Delta? Expedia experiences?
Monday, June 10, 2013
A little bit about me..
A little bit about me..
I'm the type of girl who takes great pleasure out of driving barefoot. Don't ask me WHY, but I find it so freeing to drive down the highway barefoot.. possibly singing as loudly as I can to whatever is playing on my stereo... and rather badly at that.
I'm the type of girl who goes to the gym daily. Why do I go? It's not that I am THAT health conscience.. I eat well, I exercise.. but I also go to the gym so I can justify chowing down on some Reese Peanut Butter cups. If my abs are never going to be defined because I refuse to give up carbs and sugar? So be it! I'm happier for the indulgence!
I'm the type of girl who isn't high maintenance. I can't curl my hair for the life of me. I have never mastered the art of eyeshadow trios... and really could care less to do so. I'm a complete girly girl as I love wearing dresses - but I will also hop on a quad in the same dress.
I'm the type of girl who doesn't quite GET fashion. I take pride in my appearance, don't get me wrong.. but I am also the type of girl who doesn't get cramming my feet into $600 shoes that are uncomfortable.. bring on the flip flips and sneakers! I have NOTHING against 'popping tags' as they say - if I can score a cute used dress
I'm the type of girl who cannot keep perfectly manicured nails... and trust me, I am FINE with that. I have no qualms about getting my hands dirty. I'd rather get 'in there' then stand back and let someone else 'do' it for me..
I'm the type of girl who has a hard time asking FOR help. I'm strong to a fault. It's not that I feel like I can do it all on my own, because I know I can't.. It's that I'm often afraid to ASK for fear of looking weak.
I'm the type of girl who thinks more than she speaks. Sometimes it may come across as I'm snobby because I don't say much - but I'm just a nervous person. When I'm nervous, I don't know what to say.. and will often say something completely inappropriate or random.
I'm the type of girl who loves fully. If I love you, I love you. I often struggle with listening to my head when my heart is telling me something else. I try to lead with my head, but my silly heart ALWAYS gets in the way.. and that's okay. I'd rather be someone who loves hard and falls harder then someone who doesn't give love a chance.
I'm the type of girl who doesn't fall in love easily, but I fall in love fooly. When I feel it, I feel it immediately and blindly. I don't settle for less than what I want, but I will 'put up with' a lot less then I deserve.
I'm the type of girl who doesn't QUITE fit in all the time.. Surrounded by married friends with children - I'm a minority.. and that's okay. I know I get strange looks when I am excited to slap on some fake blood and makeup to participate in the yearly Zombie walk.. but that's what makes me happy. I will probably never be the type of girl who thinks discussing cracked nipples from breast feeding is stimulating conversation and fun..
I'm the type of girl who cries often - the recent video of the elderly lady who found her pup on live TV after the massive tornadoes tore through the US? Sobbing. Thinking of people who are no longer in my life? I'll break down in private.. and more often than people know. I'm okay with it - because I am okay with FEELING so strongly. Tears aren't weakness in my eyes.
I'm the type of girl who just wants to be me. I want people to love me for me. I don't want to change myself to suit anyone else's idea of who the think I should be... I think I'm pretty perfect in my imperfections!
I'm the type of girl who takes great pleasure out of driving barefoot. Don't ask me WHY, but I find it so freeing to drive down the highway barefoot.. possibly singing as loudly as I can to whatever is playing on my stereo... and rather badly at that.
I'm the type of girl who goes to the gym daily. Why do I go? It's not that I am THAT health conscience.. I eat well, I exercise.. but I also go to the gym so I can justify chowing down on some Reese Peanut Butter cups. If my abs are never going to be defined because I refuse to give up carbs and sugar? So be it! I'm happier for the indulgence!
I'm the type of girl who isn't high maintenance. I can't curl my hair for the life of me. I have never mastered the art of eyeshadow trios... and really could care less to do so. I'm a complete girly girl as I love wearing dresses - but I will also hop on a quad in the same dress.
I'm the type of girl who doesn't quite GET fashion. I take pride in my appearance, don't get me wrong.. but I am also the type of girl who doesn't get cramming my feet into $600 shoes that are uncomfortable.. bring on the flip flips and sneakers! I have NOTHING against 'popping tags' as they say - if I can score a cute used dress
I'm the type of girl who cannot keep perfectly manicured nails... and trust me, I am FINE with that. I have no qualms about getting my hands dirty. I'd rather get 'in there' then stand back and let someone else 'do' it for me..
I'm the type of girl who has a hard time asking FOR help. I'm strong to a fault. It's not that I feel like I can do it all on my own, because I know I can't.. It's that I'm often afraid to ASK for fear of looking weak.
I'm the type of girl who thinks more than she speaks. Sometimes it may come across as I'm snobby because I don't say much - but I'm just a nervous person. When I'm nervous, I don't know what to say.. and will often say something completely inappropriate or random.
I'm the type of girl who loves fully. If I love you, I love you. I often struggle with listening to my head when my heart is telling me something else. I try to lead with my head, but my silly heart ALWAYS gets in the way.. and that's okay. I'd rather be someone who loves hard and falls harder then someone who doesn't give love a chance.
I'm the type of girl who doesn't fall in love easily, but I fall in love fooly. When I feel it, I feel it immediately and blindly. I don't settle for less than what I want, but I will 'put up with' a lot less then I deserve.
I'm the type of girl who doesn't QUITE fit in all the time.. Surrounded by married friends with children - I'm a minority.. and that's okay. I know I get strange looks when I am excited to slap on some fake blood and makeup to participate in the yearly Zombie walk.. but that's what makes me happy. I will probably never be the type of girl who thinks discussing cracked nipples from breast feeding is stimulating conversation and fun..
I'm the type of girl who cries often - the recent video of the elderly lady who found her pup on live TV after the massive tornadoes tore through the US? Sobbing. Thinking of people who are no longer in my life? I'll break down in private.. and more often than people know. I'm okay with it - because I am okay with FEELING so strongly. Tears aren't weakness in my eyes.
I'm the type of girl who just wants to be me. I want people to love me for me. I don't want to change myself to suit anyone else's idea of who the think I should be... I think I'm pretty perfect in my imperfections!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
.Life
I finally have a happy post to throw out!
While this victory is not mine personally, it is a huge one in my heart...
While this victory is not mine personally, it is a huge one in my heart...
I am getting a brother-in-law :-)
While the details of the proposal is not my story to tell - I will add the title of the post is what my sister said to me when she called to tell me the news.. :-)
Congratulations to my lovely sister K and her finance T. ♥
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
A drunk man's words..
*sigh*
Every time I start to take a few steps forward, I get kicked a few steps back.
Seriously.
I am waiting for one entire week where SOMETHING does not go wrong or someone doesn't do SOMETHING that is cringe worthy.
In a nutshell - I received some drunken text messages late Friday night from The Ex. As I am sleeping, I don't see them or reply. In the morning, I do - as they consisted mostly of "Why won't you answer?" sort of messages..
I politely reply that I was sleeping.
Later, he replies apologizing for bothering me.
Saturday, I am woken up to several drunken messages from The Ex telling me how much he misses me and wants to see me.
I reply that I am sleeping and need to be up in a few hours for work. He replies he misses me A LOT. I reply telling him to enjoy his celebrations, I'll ttyl and I need to go to sleep..
Sunday, I am informed the Ex is making jokes about his drunken 'shame' of texting me and how he won't delete these messages as a shameful reminder to himself, and how an app should be made to make ex gf's a 'no fly zone', etc...
Seriously.
It was enough to make me break down in tears. Hard.
While I am leaps and bounds from where I was ages ago with his influence, he STILL has the power to hurt me.
He texts me TWO days in a row but turns ME into the punch line...? I loved him for 3 years with all of my heart, so to be made into a joke stings no matter how strong I may be...
I'm sorry for YET another crummy post.. Victories just aren't coming my way lately!
Every time I start to take a few steps forward, I get kicked a few steps back.
Seriously.
I am waiting for one entire week where SOMETHING does not go wrong or someone doesn't do SOMETHING that is cringe worthy.
In a nutshell - I received some drunken text messages late Friday night from The Ex. As I am sleeping, I don't see them or reply. In the morning, I do - as they consisted mostly of "Why won't you answer?" sort of messages..
I politely reply that I was sleeping.
Later, he replies apologizing for bothering me.
Saturday, I am woken up to several drunken messages from The Ex telling me how much he misses me and wants to see me.
I reply that I am sleeping and need to be up in a few hours for work. He replies he misses me A LOT. I reply telling him to enjoy his celebrations, I'll ttyl and I need to go to sleep..
Sunday, I am informed the Ex is making jokes about his drunken 'shame' of texting me and how he won't delete these messages as a shameful reminder to himself, and how an app should be made to make ex gf's a 'no fly zone', etc...
Seriously.
It was enough to make me break down in tears. Hard.
While I am leaps and bounds from where I was ages ago with his influence, he STILL has the power to hurt me.
He texts me TWO days in a row but turns ME into the punch line...? I loved him for 3 years with all of my heart, so to be made into a joke stings no matter how strong I may be...
I'm sorry for YET another crummy post.. Victories just aren't coming my way lately!
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