Love the "back to school" shopping!

It's only July 31st and I already want to head to the stores to buy all of my kids school supplies. I think part of it is because my daughter is starting kindergarten and I know she has been excited ever since her big brother started school, 2 years ago.

Buying school supplies also represents a new beginning to me. I was moved around, almost every year, growing up, but one thing never changed-the need for the big "back to school" shop. A new outfit, pens, pencils and a new backpack. I always loved that time with my Mom and now I get to experience it with my kids.

The only unfortunate part is the expense. You go around to the various stores, purchasing all of the necessary supplies and then on the first day of school, you have to send each child with even more money for things the teacher will be buying the class. Last year it cost me $35 for my son, but this year it will be $70 for both my son and daughter. I know it's not a lot spread out over the year, but it's a bitter pill after having just spent that much or more on everything else. You can't tell me that everyone can afford that expense...So, who pays for them?

On a happy note, my daughter picked a pink and orange jacket from Costco and a perfectly matched, and on sale, backpack from The Gap for school. She's the cutest little fashionista I've ever seen! She's nothing like me. Actually, I could stand to learn a thing or two from her.

Happy school supply shopping, everyone!

East to West

Yet another friend is considering moving out West!

It simply isn't realistic for a young family with 3 children to make a go of it in New Brunswick. We are ultimately being forced to leave our friends and extended family members behind and move across the country. Why aren't more people fighting to change this trend? Just last week, a friend drove out West for work. Another flew out just yesterday. We may be next and our friends may be close behind us.

Yes, the cost of living out West is higher, but the pay is double and the opportunities are plentiful.

Someday, New Brunswick will wake up and see that all of the under 40 population has moved out. Then what?

Why would new business want to come here if everyone's leaving? Unless some major changes take place, you will see a quickly diminished population. It is a shame that such a beautiful province is run so poorly.

Back on the Nutrition Bandwagon

Recently I have fallen off the nutrition bandwagon.

For months now, my husband and I have been talking about making a major move and along with these talks has come a tremendous amount of stress, So, what did I do? I turned to food. Whatever was easiest to make and also night snacking. I am a terrible boredom and night snacker. Then, last night, at girls' night, I got talking to my friend's husband about working in Yellowknife. Something about the idea made me snap out of my funk and get back on track! So, for dinner we had poached salmon, basmati rice, green beans and carrots.

It's funny how this one little conversation has gotten me out of my funk AND my husband has already applied for a teaching position there that he is completely qualified for. EEK! Who knows what will become of all of this, but for now, I'm happy to say that I've turned the corner back into healthy eating and I'm excited about what may be coming our way!

What are you grateful for?

Over the years, I have spent far too much time thinking about how my life would be different if I had done things differently. What if I had chosen a career over having kids in my twenties? What if I never left Halifax? What if I went to law school?

Have you ever felt jealous of those people who have known since they were 10 years old just exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up? Not only did they know, but they actually followed through and became whatever it is they wanted.

My husband knew, in grade 7, that he wanted to be a teacher. So, as an adult, he went to university and is now a French teacher. I, on the other hand, thought I would be a lawyer, or someone famous, when I was younger. I thought I'd have everything by age 27. Why do we do that to ourselves?

Half of our life's troubles are because we constantly dwell on the unfulfilled expectations we have created for ourselves. I know that I am guilty of this. Why can't we just be in the moment and be grateful for all of the good in our lives? 

Although many of the choices that I have made have caused life to be harder at times, I wouldn't change having 3 kids. I wouldn't change the varied education I have. I wouldn't change the moves that I have made. I wouldn't change the friends I've had, the relationships I've had or the man I married. So, throughout all the struggles, I have so much to be grateful for.

What are you grateful for?

Good things come to those who...

Runaways

In recent months, there have been many teens in New Brunswick who have run away from home. Luckily, to the best of my knowledge, they have all been found safe and returned home. The question I have to ask is: will they always be that lucky?

Teenagers run away when there is a conflict they can't resolve, fear resolving  or have something to hide. They see leaving as easier than coping. In some cases, it's not only an escape from a situation, but a punishment to their caregiver. Sometimes it's plain and simply a cry for help, but what if that cry goes horribly wrong?

A child who runs away puts themselves at great risk, terrifies their family and friends and also wastes the RCMP resources. Police and search and rescue teams often spend countless hours searching for these kids, when often they're just hiding out in a friend's basement.

It's the kids who don't have a "safe" place to hide that concern me most. Where are they sleeping each night and how long before their resources run out? Kids in these situations make themselves extremely vulnerable and are easily manipulated. What started off as the "easy way out" may go horribly wrong.

My heart is broken for every family that has to deal with a runaway situation. The constant worry for your child until they are returned home safely is something that no parent should ever have to deal with. Until these kids are parents themselves, they won't fully understand what they have put their loved ones through.

If your child ever runs away or goes missing, get his or her photo out into the social media world immediately. Facebook, Twitter, email-use them all. You can also visit Missing Kids Canada or The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in the USA .

Have you taught overseas? I need your advice...please.

Dear fellow bloggers;

I need some advice.

My husband is a teacher, but there aren't any teaching positions where we live. So, we're considering making a really big move. I have talked to many friends who have taught overseas, but I would really like less biased advice from people who don't know me personally. We want to go somewhere considered "safe", somewhere that will provide airfare and accommodation, and somewhere with a decent school system, because our kids will be in kindergarten and grade 2. Ideally the pay grade would be high enough that we could also save some money while there.

We have considered Nunavut, Korea and the UK.

Any personal accounts of an experience you've had would be greatly appreciated. Places you would recommend, or not, and why?

Thank you in advance! Every comment shared is a big help!

Jackie