how we survived Nemo

So, we did end up getting that storm I told you about on Friday. We got about 10cm less than expected, but the snow did result in huge snowdrifts and a foot and a half of snow on the sidewalks where people hadn't shoveled yet. While most people stayed in during the "snowpacolypse", we decided it would be the perfect time to bring Abby to a nearby green space to release some energy.

We are still training her to be off-leash and she occasionally steps out of her boundaries, so the fact that there were barely any cars on the road made me much less nervous. We do always make sure to bring lots of treats to lure her back to us, so that always helps! 

Just look at that happy tail...

My handsome boyfriend with his snowy gloves.

We can bring any of Abby's favorite balls and tug toys to the park, but she generally wants nothing to do with them. In the house, she goes crazy for them, but once we get outside she has one thing on her mind. Eating sticks. She will nearly tackle a small child for one. She's such a beaver. 

EXHIBIT A

 EXHIBIT B.

It seems like we spent the whole weekend in this little park, having been out for at least a couple of hours each day. I guess our plan to tire her out worked, because this tired dog napped for most of the day. Even my legs felt a little "jello-ey" from trudging through snow both days. We went to run some errands downtown today and sneak in a little coffee date and the sidewalks still weren't plowed! That just makes it more of an adventure, I think. It made for a very memorable weekend.

We're being lazy right now and watching our Raptors take it home... for a change. Winnnnnners.

 

And loser.  

With my Raptor-ish arm.

Hope you all had a great weekend. Were you out in the snow or soaking up the sun?

xx Janelle

PS - For whatever reason, the news outlets called the Nor'Easter storm Nemo, which explains this post's title.

weekend plans : hibernate

© Sanchez & Lope for WWF

I was going to start off by saying I was preparing for the big storm on it's way, but stopped because that's not true. Unless you call making an ATM detour and buying almond milk "storm preparations". I guess I'm mentally preparing myself? In any case, we won't actually be hibernating all weekend. Tonight we might have dinner with a friend, tomorrow I have volunteering (details in this post) and Abby will still need to go out. We plan to bring her out to romp in the snow during the blizzard tomorrow. We may be crazy.

"You're brave for being out in this weather!" a lady called out to me last week from her front porch. It was -28C with the windchill. A dog has to use the bathroom... I mean.. grass/snow pile?  It's not really possible for me to just not bring Abby out because it's cold. That would be cruel. For all 3 of us.

I do plan on doing lots of snow day stuff tomorrow though, like cleaning up my enormous clothing pile in the bedroom, napping, making soup and cozying up while watching Netflix. Side note: I burst out laughing when on last week's Mindy Project made reference to couples watching Netflix in sweats because that is us most Friday nights. Guilty!

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I also want to share some links I enjoyed this week. Maybe you'll like them too?

1. Jenni's post on "marital blish" | it's so comforting to read posts from people who share their feelings freely & honestly. this post will hit home to a lot of couples (married or otherwise, I'm sure!)

2. A Winter Survival Guide | I can't live without my lipbalm & my winter bandeau (headband) from H&M. What's on your must-have list for making winter more bearable?

3. This board & this one | I have such immense baby fever and this photos make it so. much. worse. My heart is literally bursting at the tenderness & love in these photos. Oh, but this shot made me laugh.

4. Struggles of a perfectionist creative | This post is so relateable. I'm working on just letting go & creating. The more i make stuff, the better it gets. I finished that collage I was telling you about & I can't wait to share it with you soon.

I hope you all have a great weekend. Stay warm & stay safe if you're expecting erratic weather.
xx Janelle

Thankful

I try to remember, not just this weekend but every day, how lucky I am. Given the theme of this weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving) I figured I would show you what I'm grateful for. In no particular order.

This guy.

 This family.

This puppy-dog.

These friends & others.

And this beautiful country.

But in this moment? I'm thankful for this.

My burrito from El Gallo @ the Farmer's Market.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all get to spend time with loved ones. Enjoy.

**Pssssst: Check out my friend Val's blog for some recipes/shopping fun!