Voted early at a shopping mall

We've got a federal election coming up this month. Yesterday, after work, I voted early.

In the past, my advance poll was either at a community centre or school. I feel that the pandemic has changed things. The former tends to be used as a vaccination centre these days. School just started for many here and it's in-person, so having the auditorium as a poll with students, teachers, and voters was probably not the best idea, either.

My advance poll, which is also my poll on election day, was at a shopping mall. It was different and deadly. There's nothing like shopping and eating after voting!

I'm glad that I voted. Happy weekend, everyone!

Sodastream machine and my beverage centre

On Saturday, I picked up my new Sodastream Fizzi One Touch machine that I had already paid for online.

I love it. I have made root beer and raspberry mint beverages so far.

The instructions that you get from Sodastream on using your machine are like those from IKEA. They are all diagrams. One reason for pictures is that companies save on translation.

Well, I still needed to go online to watch a Sodastream video on how to use it. I'm good now!

I have decided to create a beverage centre on the top floor of my home. It occupied a small corner of my den. I spend a lot of time working from home on this floor. It makes sense that I house my Keurig (I need to dust it off, as I can't remember when I last used it!) and Sodastream machines. I also bought a stand for my K-cups years ago that can come out of its box.

I have a small kitchen, so having these machines on the counter takes up way too much space. I typically bring my iced tea and beverages upstairs anyway, so having these machines up there makes sense to me.

My long weekend is coming to a close. It was nice taking it easy and relaxing.

My childhood friend has COVID-19

Two days ago, I found out that a friend whom I've known since we were both four years old, has COVID-19. Ugh!

She works as a manager at a liquor store, which remains open through this pandemic. She lost her sense of taste and smell last Monday. She got a test done and it came back positive.

She describes having it as if I truck had run over her. She is at home, resting and self-isolating. Her daughter is a newly minted nurse. It must be highly stressful for both of them.

My friend is upbeat under the circumstances. She is achy and tired, though. She also doesn't wish this virus on her worst enemy.

It's scary that certain provinces here want to relax certain policies. On Saturday, Ontario was allowed to have nurseries and garden centres open. All I saw were lineups of folks. As much as I am all for having a distraction and a gardening hobby, I simply hope that there are measures in place at these centres as there are at grocery stores. The last thing we want is another spike in the number of Canadians with COVID-19.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone. This virus is scary.

Surviving shopping at a liquidation centre and talking about long items

My guy and I visited our favourite liquidation centre. We both like this place for various reasons. It's nice that you can get quality items at highly discounted prices.

What I don't like is being trampled on by aggressive shoppers. We went when the store decided to do a 50% off clothing sale.

My guy was a happy camper. He lucked out, as there weren't as many aggressive guys shopping in the men's clothing section. He got some nice exercise t-shirts and pants.

I frankly gave up looking at the women's clothing. It was an ugly sight seeing women fight over clothes that they have yet to pay for.

On a good note, I did well in the food aisles. I got a ton of almond beverage and a box of healthy snack bars. I also got a 10-foot USB C cable in the technology aisle. My guy was impressed.

"That's pretty long," he said to me when I tried the cable back at the hotel room.
"Hey, I say that about your hard member. That's my line!" I joked.

We went back the following day and the savage shoppers were long gone. I managed to get two pairs of corduroy pants and a pair of capri lounge pants. Each one was $5. I also got another USB C cable.

I love how happy my guy is at this place. He had this permanent smile on his face on both days in this store. It's sweet seeing him so happy getting discounts on items, which makes me happy.