Mama Memoirs: Public Transportation

When Nolan received the news that his company was closing their Phoenix location, and they wanted to relocate Nolan to Montreal, we both just knew it was something we wanted to do. We then had to make choices on what we could live with and without when we moved, due to the increased cost of living in Montreal. One of the decisions we made was to sell both our vehicles. It was weird to think about not driving a car, as I have driven and owned a vehicle since I was 16 years old and there were very few times periods that I went without driving. We now, however, rely 100% on public transportation, our legs...and on RARE occasions, a taxi, LOL!

We moved to Montreal in January. Luckily, at first, we were right downtown and next to where Nolan was working. That was nice...sort of "eased" us into getting around the city. I had a little bit of anxiety, and all the worst-case-scenarios went through my head about getting on the metro the first time. A fire, an accident, a thug would come behind me and push me...the world would come to an end and I would be stuck in there. No joke, lol. I stood quite a ways back from the edge of the platform for a while. It's different now, I love riding the metro and using the buses to get around.

  There has only been one or two extremely frustrating times while using public transport here, but that is it...a couple of times! I can't tell you how many times I would get stressed while driving a car. Add to that the fact that our cars seemed to always break down and in the back seat sat a hormonal teenager, an upset two year old and a screaming baby. Oh, and a husband that was "directionally challenged." Needless to say, I was...well, I loathed driving near the end. 

There is something about using public transport, or just plain walking, that makes me feel accomplished. All the walking is making me a healthier person. Eliana is usually sitting in the carrier on my chest or back, so I'm getting a dang good work out. Parker LOVES riding on the buses and the metro. Vanessa is learning to navigate the transit to get to school and back and I think it gives her a little independence.


We save by not paying for gas, car insurance or car maintenance. We figured that to be at least $200-300 a month. Plus, at the time we were still paying off one car so that is an additional $250 per month. We also save money on groceries, as most of the time we have to carry home what we buy...

edit: Okay, I have a confession...we don't save on groceries because we are a milk loving family. In Montreal milk is very expensive, comes in tiny bags that seem to get drunk in one sitting and never goes on sale, EVER!!

I know this isn't the deepest of topics, but I'm so happy about all the changes we've made for our family. It has been so exciting for us out here. We are learning a new culture and a new way of life, with regards to transportation. It's nice to have a fresh start.

Mama Memoirs: Sick Day?!?

I feel like I start ALL my blog posts with, "I'm a little late getting this posted, but..." Well, this post is no different. I pulled a muscle in my neck on Saturday afternoon and I've basically been in a lot of pain and unable to sleep, due to a stiff neck, for the past few days. Because of my injury this post will also be on the short side. 

Which brings me to my topic, where are my sick days?!?

 

No one ever warns you, before motherhood, that no matter how sick or how hurt you are, you don't get to "call in sick" as a mom. To me, being sick and still being able to function as a mother, has been one of the toughest and more challenging things to face as a mom. My day doesn't change just because I'm sick. I still deal with dirty diapers, feeding kids, interacting with them and making sure my two year old isn't getting into trouble.

Oh, and as my doctor writes the prescription for my neck, she says with a smile, "You will get the best sleep you have had in months with this!" Though she neglected to mention that when I do wake up, it will feel like I was hit by a ton of bricks and that I smashed my head through a wall.

So, off I go to lay on the bed, cuddle with my 6 month old and let my two year old eat cookies and watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for the 100th time.

Mama Memoirs: My oldest

I'm linking up with, A Sorta Fairytale for "Mama Memoirs." I love reading other mom's experiences of motherhood. I think it helps to know that your not alone going through some of the stresses, joys, frustrations and feelings that comes with being a mom.

I'm a stay-at-home mom of 3 kids. Today, I want to share about my oldest daughter. I was 19 when I had my daughter. Since her birth we have been through a lot together. Maybe another day I can go through some of that. I sometimes wonder what I did to be blessed with such an amazing daughter. When I say she is 13 going on 30, I don't mean that in a negative way. She is mature, responsible, dependable and such a great sister to her younger siblings.

I sometimes feel guilty because she does so many things to help me with her siblings. I can honestly say that I don't know what I would do with out her. She comes home from school, and sits for maybe 30 seconds before her brother is tugging on her to do this or that. I'm asking about her homework and reminding her of chores. I'm sure she has thought about what her life would be without siblings. What it would be without a 2 year old brother ripping her homework, messing up her room and waking her up at 5:30 on a Saturday morning. Or what it would be to once again have her mom to herself.

For awhile, I worried that she still wanted to be a single child, but then she told me the most touching thing. She had said that when her brother, Parker, was born that he was so beautiful and she was so happy, she cried.