When My Hair Got the Chop Suey

I finally chopped my hair off. I also got blonde highlights. I am planning on adding some more highlights as the contrast between my dark hair and the really light highlights is a little much for my personal taste, and I do want to go blonde. I had considered dying my whole head blonde, but the hairdresser thought we should just do highlights and keep adding more later to get more blonde. Less maintenance. Overall, I love it. Perhaps my favourite haircut ever! My only regret is not chopping it off sooner. I am pretty sure my hair will never be this long again. 

Before: K, why did someone not tell me that I was growing 2 horse tails out of my head?? Seriously, that was the first thing I thought when I saw this picture. I didn't even realize my hair had gotten this long...oy.

 After: Haven't had my hair straight in years. Yes, years. I also love this haircut when I leave it in its natural wavy state, too. I had a picture of that, but I accidentally deleted it. It's super low-maintenance. I'm really loving it. This hair feels so much more "me."

On another note, here is my latest favourite running song. I also think it would make a good funeral song. A good running and good funeral song. A definite winner. Sorry to be morbid. I just love the lyrics so much. It is not my story. It is His story.

Menu Plan Monday

First of all, it's RAINING! Praise the Lord! We got a bit of rain today and yesterday, which is very, very good.

I haven't been doing much menu planning lately (and I've still survived! I'm shocked!), but I thought I'd try it again this week.

Monday: Sweet & Tangy BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps

Tuesday: Tuna Macaroni Casserole, Veggies

Wednesday: Grilled Salmon, Roasted Potatoes, Veggies

Thursday: Spaghetti in a Tomato & Pesto Cream Sauce, Salad

Friday: Homemade Pizza, Veggies & Dip, Caesar Salad

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Cheesy Rice & Beans with Guacamole, Salsa, and Tortilla Chips

Alternate Meal: Breakfast for Dinner (pancakes, fruit, eggs, bacon)

Well, finishing this just made my heart smile...I might have to get back into my menu planning groove!

Sweet Summer Days

Summer days may be long, but the season is oh-so-short. We are enjoying taking full advantage of the summer weather these days. Unfortunately, the conditions are extremely dry with major risk of fire. Fire bans are in place nearly everywhere. I think we have only about 5 mm or so of rain since winter left us. It is extraordinarily dry. Thankfully, our parents (who farm) have received a little bit more rain than that on at least some of their fields (but not all). Overall, crops are quite poor in this area. Forest fires are raging up north, and it is a much more serious of a situation this year than usual. 

 Brielle is certainly not a baby anymore. She has turned into a self-determined, strong-willed, and goofy toddler. She keeps us laughing with her, "Where's da puppy go?" sayings all.day.long. Her sleeping has improved a little bit, but she is not sleeping through the night yet, other than a couple of times within the last month or so. Regardless, any improvement at all is a very good thing.

We recently took a kid-free staycation, which was wonderful, I have to admit.  I was burned out, and it was desperately needed.  We played tennis, went for a bike ride went out to eat, took a day trip to shop at Value Village on 50% off day and tried a new restaurant, tidied up, napped, and...best of all...I slept through the night.

I have been making slight improvements in my overall well-being (how that for cheesy psycho-babble).We are trying to make a few changes around here. Mostly, I am trying to be kinder to myself, let go of perfectionism, and also get some time alone once in awhile. This past week, for example, it was 30 minutes outside in the evening most days. Alone. I went for a run a couple times, weeded the garden, and sat on the deck reading a book. Part of me feels guilty about this, but I have come to realize I need to quit worrying about what others think, count my blessings, and just do what works best for our family, and do what I need to do to take care of myself.  The truth is, I can finally feel parts of "me" starting to come back. It may be slow progress, but it is progress.