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.

Wittle People Wednesday: Sewing for boys

Linking up with Ramblings and Photos  for, "Wittle People Wednesday!"

It's starting to get warm here in Montreal and I realized that I had only 1 pair of shorts for Parker! I went to the store and clothing here in Montreal is much more expensive than in the states. On top of costs, most of the shorts have buttons/snaps and zippers and we are working on potty training Parker. I wasn't planning on making shorts, but I came across a cute pattern for cargo shorts. I was able to find the perfect fabric at the local fabric store and 2 yards of this fabric was less than what it cost for ONE pair of shorts at the stores.

 You can find this pattern at this ETSY shop. It was an instant download. Easy to read directions with pictures and quick to sew from start to finish. My favorite thing about these shorts is that they don't LOOK homemade. I don't know why, but I'm kinda picky about that.

 Of course, boys will be boys...they didn't last 5 minutes before Parker decided he needed a sand bath. I was far less concerned because I didn't spend a fortune making them and I loved that he was having so much fun.

The bucket list!! Item #1...AZ State Fair

Most of you heard that we will be moving to Montreal at the beginning of the year. We are all pretty excited, but  it's also a little intimidating. Our move date is officially January 3rd, 2013...eek! That is only 6 weeks away. The move led to a conversation with my older daughter about things we want to do in Arizona before we move. We decided to make a little "Leaving AZ bucket list."



Here are the items we have so far:

1. Go to the AZ state fair...eat funnel cake.
2. Go to McCormick Railroad park.
3. Go to the Phoenix Zoo.
4. Visit  the "Cherry Street" Christmas light displays.
5. Have a Holiday/Moving/Meet Eliana party.
6. Eat at Organ Stop Pizza.
7. Take a family picture in front of a cactus in the middle of nowhere.
8. Visit the Grand Canyon.
9. Trip to Sedona.
10. Visit a couple local museums (Science museum and MIM).
11. Eat at China Village.
12. Eat at China Way.
13. Eat at the NYPD pizza by our house...was suppose to open  months ago :/
14. Take Parker on the light rail.






At the beginning of the month we attended the AZ State Fair and crossed the first item off of our list.  My brother had come into town to meet Eliana and my dad and Aunt Sharon also joined us. I thought it was funny because I have lived in AZ for most of my life and I can only remember going to the State Fair one other time.




Eliana was 3 weeks when we went. She just snuggled in the Beco carrier most if the time.





 



It was a good thing Mark decided to try the fried twinkie as he may never have another chance to eat one, lol.





One of my biggest reasons for going to the fair was to eat a funnel cake. We live only a couple blocks from the fair and the hardest thing was to leave the house and smell nothing but the food at the fair.





I'm glad we were able to kick off our bucket list with such a fun event,  it was a great day with family.