weekend recap | Sackville adventure

Want to come with me to get a tattoo tomorrow? Not usually the first thing a friend says to you when you arrive to stay the weekend. 

Last weekend, I went to stay with my good friend L in Sackville, New Brunswick, our former university town. In a moment of bravery, or maybe impulsivity, she booked a tattoo appointment for Saturday morning. After hitting up the Sackville market for some Indian comfort food, we headed to Moncton.

She decided on a simple black anchor on her wrist. And before she could change her mind, we found ourselves in a small room at the back of the shop.

The tattoo took all of 3 minutes to complete and before we knew it we were back on the road. We did a little store-hopping to find some storage baskets for her new place. By the time we finally made it back to town, we were starving and had to just sit for a bit. An episode of Orange is the New Black and stir-fried noodles is the perfect wind-down activity. Oh, and cheesecake.

Do you like our creative laptop stand?

On my last day we decided to head down to the waterfowl park. On our way there we spotted a really pretty courtyard with old doors by the mealhall. There are big round metal tables with fixed chairs and lots of greenery.

The least awkward of all the photos. Trust me.

It wouldn't be Sackville without the wind. Oh, the wind. Don't be deceived. My hair is not in a ponytail in the photo below.

The waterfowl park is such a peaceful place. It's set back from the university and the main roads, so most days it's calm and quiet. 

We walked along the boardwalk through the marsh and sat on a small bench and watched the ducks dive. We played a little sketching game and talked about the different definitions people hold of a successful work life. We talked about getting our shit together and about what that really means. We talked about settling down and how comforting it can be to have a homebase from which to explore the world on mini-vacations and trips.

L has a great perspective on building adventure into everyday. Travel is non-negotiable for her and I love that. 

All in all, we both had a soul filling weekend.

I hope all of you have a great day.
xx Janelle

weekend recap | getting stuff done at home

 

veggies from D's dad | abby waiting patiently for her treat | hedgehog closeup | blurry selfie, since i rarely post my face on here.

This weekend was just what I needed. I think D and I were both craving some time at home to do some cleaning, watch movies and relax.

On Friday night we watched FIBA Americas (basketball). Then on Saturday, I had a laughing fit with the seniors at our dance fitness class. The theme was ABBA and we came up with some pretty creative choreography. "Jump with my baby", turned into us miming being pregnant while hopping up and down. Almost everyone was in stitches. Maybe you had to be there?

Saturday night we watched The Beach - I know. I can't believe it took me this long to watch it. Apparently, it's a classic Leo movie. I liked it, but I feel like it started going downhill about halfway through. The whole gameboy scene was a bit wacky.

Today we got a few things done around the house that we've been procrastinating on. Hung a curtain in the living room (pics soon!), cleaned 3 windows, and hung up this painting I did a while ago.

I try not to see the mistakes when I look at it. I do like the hair though and it's the first of my artwork I've ever framed and hung. Plus I think it coordinates well with the wall colour.

What did you do this weekend? Fill me in.

Thanks for stopping in,
xx Janelle

that weekend feeling

I find myself living for the weekend and I know I'm not the only one.

Monday mornings seem to creep up unannounced and it's back to the weekly routine. Work, eat, sleep, repeat.

"How many days until Friday?" we all joke.

Isn't this a little bit sad? 

I don't want to live 2 out of 7 days. I want to live all of them. I really don't care how cheesy that sounds.

For the past couple weeks I've been reflecting on how I can capture the "weekend feeling" during the work week. 

A few Mondays ago I went out for dinner with my sister. I rarely do this because I'm usually too tired to stay downtown after work. We were having a great time catching up, laughing and sharing our excitement that our brother would be moving to Halifax, but at first I kept feeling like I had to get home. It was a work night.

For some reason, I felt like I was obligated to get going, even though I knew the dog was cared for and I had nothing else planned that evening. 

I wasn't quite ready to leave yet, and we had lots to catch up on, so I forced that nagging thought out of my mind and we walked down to the waterfront. We got slushies like when we were little, sat on the dock and hashed out what our future lives might look like. 

For an hour, I forgot it was Monday. And for a moment, it felt like the weekend. A time to relax, enjoy time with friends and family and eat slowly. A time when the dishes can wait, I can play one more round or stay out just a little bit later.

I think I'm going to start allowing myself more opportunities for times like these. The weekend moments. Everyday.

Wishing you a happy day,
xx Janelle