I'm thinking I'm just going to delete my Twitter account again. It's such a vicious place filled with personal attacks and constant negative energy.y Facebook isn't like that and neither is my Instagram. On those 2 platforms I have more control of the content and complete control over who can resond to my shit.
Twitter? Nope, not like that at all. Twitter is like this vast abis of everyones opinions that are then left wide open like emotional fodder for anyone and everyone's massive ego trip. I tried to "engage in the conversation", because now that I'm trying blogging again I thouht it might be fun to go back to Twitter too. Nope...not fun. I hate to constant jabbing and way people are treating each other. It's awful! Like, honestly what the actual fuck is the point of that? It seems like it's a breading ground for anxiety and online addiction. Not cool!
Through writing this, I've decided I'm deleting my Twitter and sticking with the platforms where I can control my content to Brooke Hampton and Brene Brown.
If any of my readers feel like following me you can find my blog page on Facebook. I share my posts there and sometimes share inspiring quotes that I find on other Facebook pages where proper credit to the author's given. I just want a happy life where I can share some of that happiness with others. I'm thankful that this writing process has shown me that Twitter doesn't cut the mustard.
Thursday 29 August 2019
Monday 12 August 2019
Craving Fruits and Veggies
A few months ago I got a lot more serious about filling my body with real food and less processed stuff. It's always hard to make the switch at first, because it's like my body gets angry when I do nice things for it. My body rebels against me taking away apple turnovers and replacing them with fresh fruit, but that rebellion doesn't last long once the new, healthy habits take root.
Well, I'd say they're taking root, because last week, instead of craving carbs and sweets I began craving fruit and vegetables instead. I stuck with healthy choices and I beat out my body's natural rebellions! Yes! Now, all she wants and craves is healthy choices like my homemade salads with many leafy greens, veg, & meat and my homemade sugar free vinaigrette. All she craves for desserts is fruit and berries exactly as God made them with nothing added. Its wonderful!!!
Change isn't easy, but sticking it out has been completely worth the mood swings and the feeling of being deprived. I'm not feeling deprived or anything negative anymore, in fact, quite the opposite. I'm feeling stronger and fulfilled from fresh food.
I always thought healthier choices were important, I mean who doesn't, right?! But I never thought I'd actually be able to enjoy the choice of healthy eating. Does this mean that I'll never ever have a slice of cake...ummm...hells no! But it does mean that I'm making positive choices which is all part of my living wellness journey and there's nothing but good in that, even when there's cake mixed in.
Well, I'd say they're taking root, because last week, instead of craving carbs and sweets I began craving fruit and vegetables instead. I stuck with healthy choices and I beat out my body's natural rebellions! Yes! Now, all she wants and craves is healthy choices like my homemade salads with many leafy greens, veg, & meat and my homemade sugar free vinaigrette. All she craves for desserts is fruit and berries exactly as God made them with nothing added. Its wonderful!!!
Beef burgers made from scratch with homemade burger sauce, greens, homemade pickles and fresh summer fruit for dessert
A shit ton o'greens with shredded carrots, cucumbers, wild harvested venison w/Greek marinade and my homemade vinaigrette. I eat variations of this almost every single day and it's so so delicious and nutritious.
Change isn't easy, but sticking it out has been completely worth the mood swings and the feeling of being deprived. I'm not feeling deprived or anything negative anymore, in fact, quite the opposite. I'm feeling stronger and fulfilled from fresh food.
I always thought healthier choices were important, I mean who doesn't, right?! But I never thought I'd actually be able to enjoy the choice of healthy eating. Does this mean that I'll never ever have a slice of cake...ummm...hells no! But it does mean that I'm making positive choices which is all part of my living wellness journey and there's nothing but good in that, even when there's cake mixed in.
Thursday 8 August 2019
More Comfortable in My Skin
The last year or so has been a supercharged journey of beginning to be me again. I'm approaching 40 and my body has started showing me that the very early stages of perimenopause are making their appearance. I decided to take it head on and get a shit ton more comfortable with me, because I've got a big journey of change ahead of me and I want to be as present and alive through it all as I possibly can.
When I was a teenager I remember that the women around me I most admired were 40+. All these women were exactly who they were and proud of it. They didn't take anyone's shit while being loving too. They were honest, authentic, and most of all fucking wild and ballsy as hell. I always wanted and hoped to have "it" whatever it was that they had. Now that I'm entering the stage of life that the women I most admired were in, I think I'm actually getting it. Its not about trying to be...its about just being exactly who the good Lord made me to be and no longer comparing myself to what I think others want of me. Its fucking comfortable and wild and crazy. Its speaking up for myself and walking away. It's a knowingness that I am perfectly beautiful and weird and not changing for anyone.
I'm really loving this time! I'm enjoying my confidence in parenting, although adjusting to being the mom of a teenager was a challenging shift, my intuition is strong and Im going with it. I'm really enjoying my marriage and how much more relaxed I am as a wife and lover. I'm more at peace with my health and wellness and its imperfections. I've really settled into my body and what she can do for me and is capable of. The last time I loved this body this much was when I was growing a human. Its remarkable, this life stuff. I'm feeling badass again and I'm actually celebrating that it doesn't matter if I'm a "good girl", it only matters that I'm all of me and that I like who she is. If others don't like me then they can fuck right off & the most amazing part is I actually mean that!
I basically feel like a later season Captain Janeway, strong, in charge of those under my care, loving, willing to do whatever it takes to be true to my principles, and the most awesome badass bitch in the galaxy. I can't wait to see what else this life is bringing me. The good, the bad, and even the mundane...come on over you crazy, beautiful life!
When I was a teenager I remember that the women around me I most admired were 40+. All these women were exactly who they were and proud of it. They didn't take anyone's shit while being loving too. They were honest, authentic, and most of all fucking wild and ballsy as hell. I always wanted and hoped to have "it" whatever it was that they had. Now that I'm entering the stage of life that the women I most admired were in, I think I'm actually getting it. Its not about trying to be...its about just being exactly who the good Lord made me to be and no longer comparing myself to what I think others want of me. Its fucking comfortable and wild and crazy. Its speaking up for myself and walking away. It's a knowingness that I am perfectly beautiful and weird and not changing for anyone.
I'm really loving this time! I'm enjoying my confidence in parenting, although adjusting to being the mom of a teenager was a challenging shift, my intuition is strong and Im going with it. I'm really enjoying my marriage and how much more relaxed I am as a wife and lover. I'm more at peace with my health and wellness and its imperfections. I've really settled into my body and what she can do for me and is capable of. The last time I loved this body this much was when I was growing a human. Its remarkable, this life stuff. I'm feeling badass again and I'm actually celebrating that it doesn't matter if I'm a "good girl", it only matters that I'm all of me and that I like who she is. If others don't like me then they can fuck right off & the most amazing part is I actually mean that!
I basically feel like a later season Captain Janeway, strong, in charge of those under my care, loving, willing to do whatever it takes to be true to my principles, and the most awesome badass bitch in the galaxy. I can't wait to see what else this life is bringing me. The good, the bad, and even the mundane...come on over you crazy, beautiful life!
Exploring New Horizon Mall
After chatting with my son about me blogging again and getting permission to include details of him when we do thing together, I shall now announce that Morgan aka KoasterRider joined me yesterday on our excursion to explore the New Horizon Mall in Balzac. It opened last year and as a different format and style of mall has taken some time to get more vendors and stores.
At first, I truly had zero clue what to expect as I'd heard so many different opinions. KoasterRider and I pulled into the parking lot that was maybe 1/4 full, if that, but I thought hey, that's still an improvement from last year.
When we walked in the front doors we found many of the stores still empty.
At first, I truly had zero clue what to expect as I'd heard so many different opinions. KoasterRider and I pulled into the parking lot that was maybe 1/4 full, if that, but I thought hey, that's still an improvement from last year.
When we walked in the front doors we found many of the stores still empty.
And then...Then we were pulled in by the owner of Honey Vista! A fantastic store that sells many varieties of local raw honey along with skin care products made with honey or bees wax. They also carry a line of herbal products and locally made essential oils. I was in sheer heaven with this place. The proprietor has a gorgeous and inviting set up, samples for everything, and is very knowledgeable about all the products available. I'd say the prices are also reasonable to local products and raw honey. Definitely worth our drive and I'll for sure shop there again. My budget was a little limited this trip so I only picked up a smallish honey for $10, but I have a mental list of the few items I'm definitely going back to buy.
The rest of the mall had a handful of stores under construction and a few that looked ready to go, but weren't open yet. There was also a number of open clothing stores with absolutely gorgeous saris and some with Chinese dresses. I felt so at home there, as I grew up frequenting stores in Toronto's Chinatown and Little India. It was so refreshing to be in a mall that had more options that the typical big chain stores!
I have high Hope's for New Horizon Mall! I can't hardly wait for it to get filled up with more shop owners and vendors who offer a wide range of products and items. I'm definitely going to be a regular shopper! I think the more of us who go there will show new shop owners that it's totally worth putting the time and effort in to make a go of this great mall!
My only disappointment, that truly sucked, was that the Prairie Horizon Fresh Market doesn't look even remotely close to opening yet and it was scheduled to open this summer to early fall. I'm waiting with anticipation for this....stay tuned
Wednesday 7 August 2019
How I'm Falling In-Love With Essential Oils
I absolutely love have different scents in my home. The problem is that they don't always love me, because artificial scents trigger my migraines fierce, man. So, I got to wondering if it would be different if the scents were natural and so the research and pursuit of finding something beautiful smelling began.
In my Googling I came across essential oils and how on top of them smelling pretty they also have therapeutic properties. I know, I know...how did I not already know this? I'm a skeptical individual who's also curious...that's how. Anyways, I decided to give it a go. Best case would be that I love it and I don't get a migraine. Worst case would be that its migraine city around here.
I found an essential oils box set with diffuser on Amazon and asked for it for my Birthday. When it showed up I was sooooo very excited. I tested it out with different smells and combination smells to much success and was so encouraged that I bought myself stand alone scents and an essential oils diffuser bracelet made out of lava beads (Its a thing).
Now, every morning I fill my diffuser with water and the essential oil I'm dreaming of that day and fill my house with beauty! Its wonderful and empowering to be able to do something I love without compromising on anything for migrainey-ness.
I'm not a sales rep with any company and, for now atleast, I don't plan to become one. All I want is therapeutic grade essential oils at a fair price. Some I've bought online and others I've bought from local shops that sell locally made organic oils. Its whatever feels and smells right in the moment and I just go with it.
I love putting my beautiful oils in the air and then doing my morning yoga. It's something almost majestic feeling. I feel fully in the moment of self-care when I combine the two. Its glorious! I've also started using lavender essential oils to help reduce the symptoms of migraine and it's been helping some, while getting me to relax through it.
I'm still extremely new to the wisdom of essential oils and I'm learning lots. If it's something you'd like to try by all means just go for it! Do some research, especially if you have pets. Some oils can be toxic to animals. Leap into it and figure out what works for you and your home and body. I'm not personally into consuming essential oils as I do not have the knowledge to do that safely and it makes me uncomfortable to even think about at this point. When it comes to putting oils on your skin, research again, as most oils must be mixed with a carrier oils before putting on your skin. Oils are highly concentrated and can cause damage if not diluted in a carrier oil. Some oils are also reactive to sunlight, so again, do your research, ask women who have the experience and the wisdom. That's what I'm doing and it's been a really holistic, old feeling, journey that I'm still in the midst of.
My next desire in essential oils is to get a diffuser for my truck to replace the artificial crap that I've been using. It'll be awesome!
In my Googling I came across essential oils and how on top of them smelling pretty they also have therapeutic properties. I know, I know...how did I not already know this? I'm a skeptical individual who's also curious...that's how. Anyways, I decided to give it a go. Best case would be that I love it and I don't get a migraine. Worst case would be that its migraine city around here.
I found an essential oils box set with diffuser on Amazon and asked for it for my Birthday. When it showed up I was sooooo very excited. I tested it out with different smells and combination smells to much success and was so encouraged that I bought myself stand alone scents and an essential oils diffuser bracelet made out of lava beads (Its a thing).
Now, every morning I fill my diffuser with water and the essential oil I'm dreaming of that day and fill my house with beauty! Its wonderful and empowering to be able to do something I love without compromising on anything for migrainey-ness.
I'm not a sales rep with any company and, for now atleast, I don't plan to become one. All I want is therapeutic grade essential oils at a fair price. Some I've bought online and others I've bought from local shops that sell locally made organic oils. Its whatever feels and smells right in the moment and I just go with it.
I love putting my beautiful oils in the air and then doing my morning yoga. It's something almost majestic feeling. I feel fully in the moment of self-care when I combine the two. Its glorious! I've also started using lavender essential oils to help reduce the symptoms of migraine and it's been helping some, while getting me to relax through it.
I'm still extremely new to the wisdom of essential oils and I'm learning lots. If it's something you'd like to try by all means just go for it! Do some research, especially if you have pets. Some oils can be toxic to animals. Leap into it and figure out what works for you and your home and body. I'm not personally into consuming essential oils as I do not have the knowledge to do that safely and it makes me uncomfortable to even think about at this point. When it comes to putting oils on your skin, research again, as most oils must be mixed with a carrier oils before putting on your skin. Oils are highly concentrated and can cause damage if not diluted in a carrier oil. Some oils are also reactive to sunlight, so again, do your research, ask women who have the experience and the wisdom. That's what I'm doing and it's been a really holistic, old feeling, journey that I'm still in the midst of.
My next desire in essential oils is to get a diffuser for my truck to replace the artificial crap that I've been using. It'll be awesome!
Monday 5 August 2019
A Very Long Time Ago....
....I used to have a blog on Blogger called Adventures of a Happy Life and I wrote about my then very young son and husband and our new life in Alberta, Canada. A long time ago, it feels like, I also closed that blog as I felt that chapter of my writing journey was closing for various reasons that are now long gone and thank God they are.
Well...It wasn't closed so I'm back! Beth Metcalf aka AlbertaMama is back to write, share, laugh, cry, & just be as authentically me as possible.
I'm a little greyer, a lot healthier in some ways and I think a smidge wiser than I once was. There's also less bullshit and more confidence!
A little bit about me...I'm an almost 40 year old mom of an amazing teenage boy who is my life's best achievement and gift. I'm a committed wife, friend, & lover of a husband who's uncouth, funny, kind, & rough around all those wonderful edges. I'm a sister, daughter, an outside the mainstream box christian, yoga enthusiast, hiker, fisher, knitter, baker, hemiplegic migraine warrior, homemaker, prepper, animal whisperer, badass goddess lady, sort of gardener, essential oils novice, and so so much more that I'm still discovering.
In this blog you'll read swear words and words of faith, sometimes together and sometimes not. You'll read and see things about hunting, firearms, politics, religion, alternative medicine, and anything and everything possibly considered controversial. You'll be offended by my complexity or not offended at all. Basically, you are welcome to join me on my adventure of living this happy life I'm still creating, but if you are negative, toxic, or otherwise snowflakey then feel free to stop reading right now. I'm happy to answer questions and have discussions, but I'm also sporadically a touch perimenopausal so I won't hesitate to tell you to fuck off if you piss me off. I no longer waste my time on trying to be nice or prove myself to others... also won't hesitate to wish you God Bless too. That's me...like me or leave me...no seriously...if you don't like it, leave. I'm too busy choosing happiness to coddle anyone's sensibilities.
So, with that...thanks for joining me as I re-begin chronicling my Adventures Of A Happy Life!
Well...It wasn't closed so I'm back! Beth Metcalf aka AlbertaMama is back to write, share, laugh, cry, & just be as authentically me as possible.
I'm a little greyer, a lot healthier in some ways and I think a smidge wiser than I once was. There's also less bullshit and more confidence!
A little bit about me...I'm an almost 40 year old mom of an amazing teenage boy who is my life's best achievement and gift. I'm a committed wife, friend, & lover of a husband who's uncouth, funny, kind, & rough around all those wonderful edges. I'm a sister, daughter, an outside the mainstream box christian, yoga enthusiast, hiker, fisher, knitter, baker, hemiplegic migraine warrior, homemaker, prepper, animal whisperer, badass goddess lady, sort of gardener, essential oils novice, and so so much more that I'm still discovering.
In this blog you'll read swear words and words of faith, sometimes together and sometimes not. You'll read and see things about hunting, firearms, politics, religion, alternative medicine, and anything and everything possibly considered controversial. You'll be offended by my complexity or not offended at all. Basically, you are welcome to join me on my adventure of living this happy life I'm still creating, but if you are negative, toxic, or otherwise snowflakey then feel free to stop reading right now. I'm happy to answer questions and have discussions, but I'm also sporadically a touch perimenopausal so I won't hesitate to tell you to fuck off if you piss me off. I no longer waste my time on trying to be nice or prove myself to others... also won't hesitate to wish you God Bless too. That's me...like me or leave me...no seriously...if you don't like it, leave. I'm too busy choosing happiness to coddle anyone's sensibilities.
So, with that...thanks for joining me as I re-begin chronicling my Adventures Of A Happy Life!
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