Mongolie's Grill

What an awesome restaurant!!!!

My fiance and I went there for the first time Friday night. I had never been to that type of restaurant before and I thought it was just fantastic.

Essentially you make your own meal, you in the end determine the price by how big your eyes are, and the timing on everything was great. From the way the food was cooked, the waitressing, and the comfortable setting; it was perfect.

You are given a stainless steel bowl to fill up with whatever you want. Everything is raw right down to the meat. I didn't think it was very healthy when it was described to me but when I saw how everything is done. I thought it was a great idea. It's set up buffet style and when you get everything you want they weigh your bowl which tells you your cost. The average is usually between $9 and $15. Lol. My fiance's cost for $15, mine was $18. It's not a bad price and despite the fact that his had more meat, mine had lots of vegetables which took up more room. We had edamame for appetizers, which I think are my favorite now and they go awesome with beer due to the taste of salt, and dessert. You are taken a container of white rice and mouchoo wraps. (I''m not sure if I spelled that right). They are just a thin doughy wrap to put your food into if you choose to do so. There is no flavor to them and they do soak up your sauce in a hurry.

Dessert wasn't really needed. We definitely had our share of food but because we were more or less tasting everything...yeah, we endulged ourselves. My fiance had a cookies and cream chocolate fudge cake filled with mousse. I had cheesecake drizzled with chocolate and caramel and whipped cream ........yum. We sampled each other's and each was equally as good.

Based on prices of other restaurants and considering the amount of food (again, up to you how much) I think it was well worth it. The fact that it was a three course meal as opposed to only two, and two glasses of beer rather than one and a glass of water at other restaurants; the price worked out to be cheaper for us. Mind you next time we go it won't cost as much as this time.($82.00 including tip and taxes) Now we know how it works and there will definitely be a next time.

I'd definitely refer this restaurant to anyone. It is a setting that anyone can enjoy. Go dressed up or in jeans. Either way it is definitely my favorite spot to go.

For anyone reading this you should check out the site or google "Mongolie's." There are alternate locations.

http://www.themongoliegrillhalifax.com/

Bella

Do you remember the games and excuses we as kids and teenagers played with our parents? The excuses that ran on and on and on and on until you got your way. The hiding behind a tree or vehicle because you think they won't see you. It's too bad we have to grow up to deal with the seriousness of adulthood. Just think, how much more fun and easier it would be to grow up in the eyes of a child?

I was always told what you did as a kid came back 3-fold as you yourself became a parent. I always keep that in mind while parenting my kids because the last thing I want is to have what I did as a kid to come back to haunt me. Really, when you think back you don't know whether to think your parents didn't have a clue in knowing what they were doing by believing your every word and putting so much faith in you. Or did they? You turned out ok so why not follow their lead? The problem is, although I believe the basic parental rules still apply, even the ones dated way back when, it is a different era and we've been spoiled. Kids now are fortunate to be blessed with both parents working and with more income comes more technology and with all the major distractions by whats new and exciting inside who needs all the information we used to learn at school and the fresh air it gave us (I say this sarcastically). That's what all of the "good times" have taught us. Today it is much easier for kids to skip school, do drugs, drink, just go home and play video games or whatever because no one is at home. I have a 12-year-old I'm anticipating this from within the next year or so. But for now I think I'm fortunate enough to be able to stay at home. I also have a 9 year old who just tried to play hide and seek with me. LOL. They don't realize these games are older than I am and I played them too. I dropped them off at school which I don't normally do but it was raining and I felt like being nice. Anyway, I let them out and started to pull away to notice he was taking his sweet time getting in the school. He kept watching to see if I was gone and waited for me to be out of site. I noticed, and I did move out of his sight but I came back. Very easy to see guilt all over him. Needless to say, he turned and headed for inside the school but not before I had a few words for him.

I sit here and shake my head. I can't even be mad. I'm just amazed and in this case I'm looking at the influence of other kids and the fact that I have to make sure my 9 year old gets into school as opposed to going behind the school with 2 other boys to get into who knows how much trouble. We'll definitely be speaking again. He is capable of making right and wrong decisions regardless. Gee, wasn't it highschool before we pulled those stunts?

I can honestly say I don't have as much faith in my kids as my parents did in me. I really really wish I did but with what is going on out there today, I 'm terrified to give them the same freedom I had. It's like every corner I turn with them I've got society telling me I'm wrong and the kids are right. I don't believe they should have as much as I did.

I'm told your freedom frames you as a person as well as all the other billion things. If you don't have it how do you prepare for certain situations. I understand that and my kids do get some degree of freedom as I see fit. Otherwise its' a test. Who's going to be the first one pregnant or in jail for stealing. With so many kids going missing, if you don't know where your kid is, there's a good possibility your setting them up to be one. Drugs: we don't have just cigarettes and weed to worry about any more. So many other things and starting at such young ages. I did. I started smoking at 11 and ate choke cherries and blueberries to get the smell off me. I don't know how I didn't get caught. I ended up confessing at 18 that I smoked and had done drugs. That doesn't mean every other kid did but there were certainly influences from the older kids. I lied, I drank before the legal age. I was definitely irresponsible in that way but responsible in other ways. I did manage to avoid the really big troubles. The only time the cops were at my parents door was for boyfriend issues and my parents called them on me. LOL. I soooooo don't want to do that to any of my kids.

So needless to say, I do have my own reasons for wanting to keep them at arms length for awhile. I'm experiencing with my oldest now that it is very tiring and very easy to just say "go ahead" to what she's asking. I keep telling her she should be a lawyer instead of veternarian. It's so hard raising kids. It's also one of many things everyone has there own way of doing. Right now I've got my eyes in the back of my head wide open and watching for any signs of what I did as a kid. I had to laugh today because my son today couldn't understand how I knew to come back. I also do something my parents didn't do. I talk to my kids about everything under the sun. I try my hardest to let them know it's ok to come to me with stuff and if all else fails hopefully the lines of communication will remain open. We do things as a family too which I think is necessary. It's not done as much as I'd like but it is done to teach them the value of having family even though you don't like it. There are times we can have fun and have a laugh, especially with the innocence of a 2 year-old around. In that manner we are very lucky to be able to still get at that level to play with her; all of us. Hopefully she doesn't learn the tricks to soon.

I don't believe I' m a perfect parent by far but I do pray they don't try to do drugs, or have sex early, or try to steal anything. I pray for nothing but the best for them and I think I need to watch for these signals and anything else that doesnt' seem right very closely. I also think that by having experienced these things and more to some degree or another ,whether it be myself or by a friend ,does make me take a closer look. They are at a very critical, influential age. Hopefully I don't traumatize them to badly.

Bella

Family Matters

My family; meaning my kids, my fiance, and myself always go to visit the parent in-laws at Easter. This is not always a trip I've enjoyed in the past but times have changed and things are good. We had just gotten a new vehicle and I was actually looking forward to this one. The kids always enjoy going there and with a new house to explore for eggs and chocolate bunnies, all was good.

We made it there in good time and on alot less gas than usual. A normal trip was easily $200-240.00. Crazy. The kids are pretty good to travel. You hear alot of horror stories from parents and how they can't stand to drive for long periods with their kids. That's not the case with us. We didn't always have a vehicle so I guess they look forward to the roadtrips. We might see the grandparents 3 or 4 times a year at most too so it's a good visit typically.

This year we got there early on Good Friday and Saturday I went window shopping with my daughter, future mother-in-law, and sister-in-law ( I always think of the movie "Monster-in-Law" lol). It felt like it was that bad in the beginning but things have worked out. We went looking for a wedding dress. It was such a good time. I got to try some gowns on and get a general feel for what I like. We went out for supper. It was a really fun afternoon and if I could stop here and freeze time I would. Caos arose and has yet to settle.

In a nutshell, my father literally broke his neck and was considered quadripelegic. Nobody new if he took a stroke/heartattack, whatever, so of course every thought was going through all of our heads. He had been having a few too many and couldn't tell anyone what happened so it was a few days before we had somewhat of a picture. Regardless, he was put in for major surgery. He's got at least 10 screws holding his neck together at this point and is learning to use his limbs all over again. He's since been in rehab for almost 6 weeks. Now, with all this time factored in for a total of 8 weeks, my brothers have seen him maybe 3 times, 1 out of 4 of my aunts has seen him twice, and 1 sent a care package for him because she is long distance. Doesn't sound like many care does it? That was my thought.

Since then my brother and I have had words (I did not initiate) and all but 1 aunt is ticked off at me because I ever so politely stated that visiting hours were not until 3:30 in the morning. HELLO!!!! Anyone with a half a brain wouldn't stay that long. There are waiting rooms. He didn't even have a room to himself and the nurses didn't think much of it either. They had to tell them to leave.

With alot of unknown history to you the reader, I haven't seen my father in approximately 3 years. I don't know why. He always got word when I was coming to visit he just never showed. I honestly don't know where he lives, I got lost the last time I tried to find him. Based on my brothers' comments I dont' want to be there anyway for the state it's in. I'm told it stays standing for the beer bottles. He doesn't have running water, his power bill is like $50 when everyone else has like $150. That tells me he's using the bare necessities. That being said........ I was quite upset about this and why they weren't coming to visit. Apparently, he 's been "not bothering" with anyone and treating everyone with a "to hell with you" attitude. I don't understand it. When I lived there it wasn't like that. He was having hygiene issues and still living in the same spot but he didn't shut everyone out. I'm having a difficult time trying to make sense out of why someone would not want to be a part of their kids lives as well as their grandchildren. He's made a hermit out of himself. Just him, his dog, and the booze and cigarettes. I was hoping he would come out of it with all the attention and having to maintain his personal hygiene but I was wrong. He's already started smoking again and he's made it quite clear that he does not intend to stop drinking and he is going back to what he calls a home.

Twice he's blown up at me at the mere mentioning of not drinking so much and of finding a more suitable area to live in. I let the first time slide given the circumstances but the last time I hadn't even gotten to those issues. I was discussing his therapy and he talked to me like I was 10 years old in front of my fiance and one of my kids. That pretty much told me that the respect does not flow both ways. I've done nothing but be there for him in every way I can. I've spent every two days going to visit him. My fiance and my kids more or less took the back burner until he went into rehab. (I hadn't planned it that way but that's what happened) I do his laundry for him, I've baked and cooked meals for him (he didn't even eat them), encouraged him all of the time that things would continue to improve. I take him for walks outside. I've taken him to my house for visiting, fresh air, show him the area, and he met my fiance's parents, had a good BBQ, and tomorrow my fiance is taking him to a car show with my son. What else can one person do within limits? Then ever so frankly, in a condescending tone he didn't like what I was saying and shuts me up in the presence of my fiance and my toddler by raising his voice and saying in his stern manner "enough". I was more taken back by the tone with instant replay back to my childhood then at anything. My daughter didn't even want to give him a hug before we left which was like 5 minutes later. I couldn't wait to get out of there my blood was boiling and it's not exactly the right time and place for family arguements.

I don't know if I've described my anger and the reasons why clearly but I do know my BP was up. It makes me so angry to think I had a migraine for 3 days worrying about where he was going to go when he got out and what he was going to do for help when no one seemed to want to do it. Not from where I was sitting anyway and then he treats me like that. Now I'm pissed off. Tomorrow I am telling him that that tone will not be used towards me in any mannor while I have my kids around me and if he doesn't like what I have to say that's too bad. He's a grown man and he can suck it up like everyone else.

I love my father. I don't remember many good things and I'm very upset at him but he is my dad and I probably won't see him much after this is all over. My father is not going to like me much after I say what I have to say, but in spite of that, I do have pride and I will not let my kids think that it is ok for anyone to talk to them like that or to treat them disrespectfully, family or not. We don't get to pick and choose our family. We get what we're dealt and we deal. I'm not sure if my coping technique is the one required but it's all I know. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, I defended him, helped to look after him, and I got let down. My efforts were not in vain but they were not appreciated either. My time, I will not say was wasted, but the effort was needed and now I'm done and I won't put my fiance and kids second any longer.

I try so hard not be like my parents. My kids do know a different life and will continue to know a different life then I had growing up. They will always know that I am there for them
regardless of the situation. There will never be this kind of hurt and disappointment especially as a result of alcohol.

Family does matter but so does your emotional and physical well being.



Bella

The Natural Effect

I've never really been the type of person growing up to fantasize about what my wedding would be like, or about the type of person who would be my knight in shining armor. In fact, the traits I thought they would be even for a moment while growing up are your typical tall, blond, and blue eyes scenario. It doesn't happen like that in the real world. Completely the wrong type to go for in my case. Like anything, it never really quite plays out like it does in your head. Sometimes it's much better.

What I do have is a tall, brown haired, green eyes, teddy-bear kind of guy who loves me and the kids to death as do we him. I can't picture my world without him in it. It required a risk to meet him which is another story but I'm so glad I took it.

We are having an outdoor wedding that is set for September of 2010. We are going to have horse and wagon for the entire guest list to be taken to the wedding ceremony and a horse and carriage for myself and two others. A rubber rodeo for fun (this is for the adults). There is a separate park for the kids to play in. There are lodges and camp sites for overnight accommodations. We will have campfires, singing and dancing, a meal in a saloon with your traditional apple pie and vanilla ice-cream for dessert.

Dinner set up is in a bit of a dark lodge so the table linen will be white but the luncheon napkins will be a pumpkin orange with a brown beverage napkin on top. The party favor is a clear box with brown and ivory chocolates. The box itself will have a touch of red ribbon for color. The center piece will have fall leaves and red berries surrounding 5 votive candles in clear holders. The candles themselves will be white to match the linen.

We are counting on the season to provide the color so not too many flowers for outside. I will have an ivory, A-line dress with a beautiful train that I hope and pray will take his breath away. The girls will be in a chocolate brown. My 2 year-old will be the flower girl but instead of petals we're going to supply her with leaves. I'm not sure yet if they will be silk or real. The typical white bouquet is going to be an arrangement of fall colors.

I wanted to stay somewhat on the natural side. I find the colors are bold yet subtle at the same time with a calming effect about them.

Our destination will have a background of trees with beautiful colors and there are a variety of destinations by water and in fields for the rest of the pictures. This is what we've planned and I say planned because the fees still have to be provided.

In the event it does rain.....which I really hope not, there is a back-up plan in which one of the lodges will be decorated to resemble the inside of a church with the lighting effects from a fireplace. In this case we will have flowers that will be more of a white/ivory color with only a hint of color so it wouldn't be so dark. Perhaps a tiger-lilly or two.

I grew up with parents who separated and I looked down on the concept of marriage when I was younger. I told myself I never would marry because it's only a piece of paper that made things more complicated. That was my impression. Needless to say I haven't had good experiences. I was very nervous initially which is a large part of why it's taken us this long to set the date. I thought I would be a basket case about this but the truth is I can't wait for the day I become his wife. There isn't a day that goes by that we can't wait to see each other and it's been almost 6 years we've been together. Holding hands, rubbing noses and all the stuff you think is cute in the beginning....it's still there which blows me away. I love him with all my heart. I feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

Dazed and Kerfuffled

The alarm rings every morning between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. My soon-to-be husband gets ready for work and wakes me with a gentle good morning and a kiss to let me know he's on his way out. Not a bad way to start the day. After my shower I help to get my two older kids ready for school and my toddler her breakfast, once she decides what that is going to be of course. When that's done, I sigh and relax and wonder " what to do now?"

Home life varies from day-to-day and person-to-person. I am a 36 year-old mom who is home everyday with and for her kids, a recent grad student who is searching for work on a regular basis, and a soon-to-be wife who doesnt' like to do housework ...but I do. I have three beautiful kids. My oldest daughter is 12, my son is nine, and my youngest daughter is two. Yes, there is a bit of a gap in the ages I know. My oldest daughter is a regular chatter box going through puberty (yeh for me - where's the rule book, somebody please tell me), and is very independant. My son is very emotional, has the biggest heart of any child I know, and is very into technology. Does the phrase "is there anybody in there" ring a bell? Lastly, my youngest is in her toddler years. That says it all I think as to how busy she can be. She can certainly fill my day.

My kids come home around lunch everyday for approximately one hour and then they're gone again. If the weather permits, I try to get out and go for a walk with my daughter who we've nicknamed "goose" or do some gardening. Something outside with her for the sake of some fresh air. When the weather doesn't agree, well, then I become the "dazed and kerfuffled". I honestly don't know what to do with myself when my days are repeated so often the same.

After school is mid-afternoon. What ever happened to 3:00 or 3:30 p.m? It's 2:05 and 2:35 p.m. now. The kids come home, tell me they have no homework and then, "ooops, I didn't realize I had this", or "I forgot this is due tomorrow".....hello. I've since come to realize it is necessary to check their bags and check in with the teacher even when it's not parent teacher.

Supper. "What would you like me to take out for supper sweetie?" He replies saying "What are you in the mood for, is there something in particular you'd like to have?" I reply saying "no, nothing special just hoping you might have some ideas." This is an almost daily conversation between my fiance and myself. Something so little as supper has become a " tired of the same ole thing". I like to spice things up as does he but it doesn't always work for the kids. Fussy eaters who very much like routine.

After supper things sort of wind down a bit. For the most part each of them have an extra curriclular activity at some point through the week to help keep them busy. They do their teeth, say good-night and don't let the bed bugs bite as we tuck them in. Then we wait two minutes before we hear "mom" or "dad, I forgot my drink." Lol. I can laugh at it now.

My fiance and I try to get some quality time in even to just snuggle and watch tv. With three kids it's not always easy. As I sit here and type this.

A new day is hopefully different.


So......"dazed and kerfuffled" when everyday is the same. Something has to change. I don't think too much routine is healthy.

Goodnight,

Bella