Just NB

Lately, among other things, I've been frustrated with the memories that pop into my head at the oddest times. Yesterday, I was mowing the lawn, a task that I truly enjoy because I'm outside and I'm getting a real workout, without the gym, and I like the smells and enjoy the peacefulness of it. I had a flashback to January 2016...where I met John (not his real name but it's easier to just come up with a fake name). I had just started an exciting new job and at that job.  My director handed me a project to review, mainly to familiarize myself with the industry and business. She had deemed the project impossible due to the volume of testing required. But with a slight scope modification, I could reduce the testing size by 98% and would only require two to three weeks of testing. The end result was a direct cost savings of $520,000 CAD, which resulted in a lot of attention from Senior Management. I know the attention was simply due to cost savings, not because I was any...

Let this be a reminder to me that no matter how down I get, there's always going to be a break in the clouds...and I'll be able to pick myself up no matter what. Yesterday, I had the most perfect day. Even though it was far from "perfect" (my back injury acted up big time because I've been sitting doing two 2.5 hour practice exams every day with poor posture....so I had to take a Robaxacet which is essentially a horse tranquilizer for me...), it was a day that I needed. Naps, dog cuddles, trying to rest my back, and then supper al fresco with the boyfriend. We have been subscribing to GoodFoods and love that we get these amazing restaurant quality meals but that we make ourselves. We went for a quick walk and sat on the bench in front of the lake...and just chat and laughed. No photo because I was probably still high on Robaxacet and forgot my phone. Then I whipped out a quick workout at home while Mr. A cooked supper. I have to say that I've always be...

Life is attempting to swallow me up. I differed my exam that I was supposed to take this week, simply because I wasn't ready. If I fail the exam, I'm not able to take it for another three months...so I'm all in a panic. This last week has been the most difficult...I have daily (or multiple) breakdowns and panic attacks...trying to study and get take practice tests...while I adapt to my "new normal" of being off work, in a new house in a new city with a new love... Basically....everything seems too good to be true...and it's making me freak out. Anyway...enough exam talk. I know that I'll pass it eventually, and I am beyond grateful for the boyfriend...who has been a resource of support, love, and encouragement, and GREAT ideas and helps me try new things when I hit a wall. This guy is freaking smart. In other news, here's some pics to show you what doesn't suck in my life: THE DOGS It wasn't so long ago that Napoléon couldn't be ne...

I'm studying for an international professional exam - that is three parts. I tried to write the first exam last year but failed miserably. Mainly because: I didn't put in enough study time I don't really know how to study I was super stressed with a weird work travel schedule I didn't realize that I would have to be under such strict conditions, such as NO WATER, no watch, no scarf, have to have my finger prints taken, a retina scan (YES A RETINA SCAN!!!) followed by a pat-down before I could write. If for some reason I left the room (like to pee or DRINK WATER), I would have to go through the finger printing, retina scanning, pat-down again. This stressed me out big time For my birthday this year, my mom generously paid for a $500 USD prep course that I've been following until TODAY (I started in June). TODAY I finished the course and now starts the intense study days, where I write a minimum of 1 practice exam per day (they are 2.5 hours long), in exam co...