Highlights

{Well well well.. what do we have here?
in this past month I have been keeping occupied. Here's just a taste-}


My family came into town for over a week which was glorious. I'm a little loner baby of the family so having siblings around 24/7 was a real treat.
Highlights included:
Stampede and the accompanying festivities
Matt's birthday celebration
All of us reading World War Z at the same time
Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 and a bit of The Sims
Despicable Me 2
Watching the Tour (de France)
Momma cookin'
Beading bracelets
bubbles and bike rides
and snuggling (especially my little nuggets).

I miss them!

Now my days consist of cashiering (and returns) and the Depot which turns out is quite the adjustment. I am beyond grateful to have a job but sometimes fatigue gets the best of me and I complain about it. I'm learning quite a bit about myself in the process, especially that I know I want to work to have a job in the future that I'm really passionate about. This is a great little summer job for me though, for now.

The rest of the time is spent thinking about London, and most currently clothes and make-up. Over the past few days I've become obsessed with UK beauty bloggers/YouTubers (I dislike the word vlog. It's one of those words to me.)

My top three:
Zoella
Essie Button
Tanya Burr
and the list continues

Should I use my time for something else? Probably, but I am quite enjoying myself thank you very much. I am thoroughly researching my Primark, High Street stores, and TopShop expertise and expanding my English slang.


And this weekend I've made some good purchases for my trip including a suitcase, purse, and new shirts and the best pair of sweatpants.

I'll be back with more!

-MM

Look for the Helpers

After this made the rounds back in April after Boston, I find new meaning in it. There are so many caring people that it buoys up everyone here affected.

I just want to give everyone in this whole area a hug right now. The amount of devastation is well, devastating. Did you hear about the Zoo? A zookeeper risked his life by guarding a window with a rifle in hand so a hippo (the most dangerous animal) wouldn't escape. The poor giraffes might not make it either since they were so exposed to the cold! 

In the way of heartwarming, kindness is everyone. I am seriously so proud of this city.

Today went like this; first day of work which including the first part of training. I'm happy to be working at a place where I'll be able to help people rebuild and be involved!

 I'm orange aproned! 

I came home, took Jack on a walk with my cute neighbor girl, and hitched a ride with some friends down to a different flood devastated area. We went by a few addresses we were given and upon finding the people there had things under control, we went exploring for more people. We ended up in a one bedroom apartment with some other volunteers. The homeowners were nowhere to be found. After that, we came across a cool guy with two 120 year old homes right on the Elbow River. We had a good chat with him and helped him prep for the 10 firemen that are coming in the morning. All the while people came up to us with bug spray, cookies, pizza, beer and coffee for those who like it, donuts, and fresh fruit and trail mix. 

Even though we're surrounded by the ugliest piles of rubble and sludge, I have been finding the brightest and beautiful people. Truly diamonds in the rough. I just happy to be a part of it. 

 Parking within the neighborhoods is a huge issue because there has to be room for the homeowners, the dumpsters, and the volunteers.

 This area was caked with more wet piles of mud that made parking difficult.

 So this is me in the apartment looking semi normal compared to the full shot-

I'm so knock-kneed it is even funny. I seriously thought I was standing like a normal person. Oh what can you do.   on another note...Go Flames Go?

Another day, another amazing humbling day. Keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers, especially those in High River. They haven't even been back to their homes yet and I'm sure nothing is left. For those of you reading this outside of this area, you can help by making a donation to the Red Cross. For those of you who do live close, make sure you just go find something to do and someone to help!

I found this via Pinterest:

Are you dying? I am. This is the cutest. 

Until next time!

Love,

MM

This Bulging River

To help lighten the mood.. I tried and failed to find the clip of "the Bulging River" from Waiting for Guffman. If you happen to have the old relic on DVD I'd watch the quality deleted scene. It really sets the mood here.

I surely have experienced a bulging river with bountiful banks. With the flooding in my city of Calgary starting on Thursday, I had no idea what kind of damage would be done. Keep in mind many parts of the city and area are still under water and there is no estimate on the damage. I've been so fortunate to be far enough away from the flood plain; my life (If I stayed in my neighborhood and didn't watch the news) would be definitely business as usual.

On Friday I woke up, got ready for my second interview at The Home Depot and lo and behold..

I am now employed! I'm so grateful. I've applied to at least 20 places since I got home at the beginning of May and this job is perfect timing. Just a few nights ago I had a real hard time sleeping since I was worrying about not having a job yet! Plus I know the store will be really busy since so many homes have been flooded. Even though people have to buy their own supplies and it is a business, I still feel like I can be of service to those that are struggling.

Friday continued with my dad coming home from work early since nothing was happening, being glued to the screen(s) watching the news, getting steel toed boots, getting pizza, and a bike ride down to see the crazy crazy river, along with the rest of the neighborhood.

{On another note, Saturday brought my extra zeal to get in shape. I bought a pass to the local yoga studio and went to a hot yoga class. I love it and it shall continue. }

Tonight my dad and I took a drive around to see some of the damage. Apparently the river has receded quite a bit so that is better news!

 I have seriously been so impressed by the spirit of everyone in this city. It is honestly a little celestial. Even though destruction is everywhere, there is optimism and there is plenty of helping hands. I am honestly so proud to live here, and I'm going to do my part since I have been so blessed. I could say so much more about this but I gotta get to sleep so I can wake up and clean up!



So here's this cute weirdo

 and how nice is this? This is just one of many kindly deeds.

So check out CNN-

That's our Stampede grounds! Seriously I hope The Big Show can and will go on.

and The Calgary Herald-

Those are just a few I've been frequenting. And honestly I only visit CNN to confirm that this normally under the radar city has made front page American news. Dis is real man.

It's late, I've managed to post on a Sunday night with a now unusual post. I should be back next Sunday night (and before that) with my Short Sunday Sampling because those lists are fun.

Keep it up Calgary, I sure do love you!

-MM

S.S.S. Vol. 3

Well, I said I would blog before Sunday came around, and here we are! But at least I'm consistant with one thing so far.

Today is quite the day, it's father's day and my mom's birthday! I love you both, so much.

On to today's festivities- 

Favorites from Pinterest this week:

This outfit 

This room.

I'm pretty sure I would like to dress like this everyday. 

written on my face

A video to change your life for the better:

Current (well, constant) wannabe love of my life:

What's not to love? His album has been on repeat in my car which brings me to the next catagory:

Favorite song:

Oh this song just melts my heart and turns me into butter. Plus when I sing it I feel like I have some soul and flava in me!

Tried and true recipe that you should try too:

Avalanche bars! They are so easy, so delicious, and quick. Here's a link to the recipe. It says no bake, but I put in the oven for a minute or two to melt the marshmallows and chocolate chips. They taste even more amazing the next day and if they are put in the fridge.

A new week is here, my summer break is what, nearly half over? Good thing there is a lot more to look forward to!

Love,
MM

Hello Easter!

My whole family was able to be together this weekend. My whole family! It was the greatest blessing. First on Saturday we decorated eggs, and then we met Matt and Kate and new baby Mia at the park to launch them. Oh my oh my Mia is perfect! We also went to Scheel's and rode the ferris wheel and played around. That night we got pizza and headed our separate ways (we are all spread out to five locations). Family is the greatest, and I'll be back with the Easter pictures!