With spring about to head out and summer slowly starting to show itself, I really feel good! I mean, I did take that time off and enjoy being by myself, but it’s such a good feeling that things aren’t as overwhelming as they were over the last little while. I’m totally looking forward to venturing out this summer and don't yet have an idea of what that will look like, as I'm still a bit hesitant. But we’ll see. I’m open to suggestions that are safe with not a lot of people, so feel free to throw in whatever suggestions you might have. I haven't planned out anything at the moment.

I’m super excited to share that I’ve partnered with the Canadian Blood Services. I’m so glad that I have the opportunity to do so because as much as I would love to donate blood, I can’t at the moment as I have to be in remission for 5 years before I can donate. And I'm type-O too! That part bugs me because I know just how much type-O goes a long way in helping so many people in need of it. The last time I participated in a blood drive was in 2018, which seems so long ago! But with this partnership, I’m hoping that at least 100 people can register across Canada and hopefully donate blood, plasma and platelets or whatever they choose to donate. There is currently a need for blood and the donation levels have decreased, in part due to COVID, but also because not everyone is eligible to donate either. If you'd like to sign up to be a donor, click here for more details. You’ll truly be making a difference in the lives of many!

So I clearly love supporting causes that are dear to my heart! This past week, I participated in the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women. It was technically a run but we all know that wasn’t the case for me. I took my sweet time with that 10K walk and no one could tell me nothing LOL! Funny enough, prior to the “run”, I hadn’t even walked 5K yet and I had no idea how I was going to make it out alive, but hey, your girl came out panting but in high spirits. I was really looking forward to the walk as it was my first outing, plus it was a great cause to raise money for women's mental health. So initially, I had a time goal of 1.5 hours with the motto “I don't rest until I get to the finish line”. Listen, my plan was to hit 8 min per kilometer. Like 9 min wasn’t even going to cut it, not with the level of dedication I had going in. I had all these plans, I tell you! But alas, 2 hours and 15 min later, feet on fire and flip flops fighting for their dear lives, I finished strong-ish. Were there times I contemplated the option of sitting under a tree and sipping on a nice glass of wine? Probably! But I told myself that there was no time to stop and rest and so despite the amount of time it took to complete the walk, I’m super proud of myself! If you’d like to participate in the run in your city or one close by, click here to register. It's for a great cause.

I know this was earlier in the month, but you know me and food. I can’t seem to pass up the opportunity to talk about it any time I get a chance LOL. And since I love to participate in food festivals, I threw it down for Cinco de Mayo. Y’all can't play with me. I made hand crafted (don’t mind me) grilled chicken tacos, fish tacos, yellow rice, pickled onions and jalapenos, with a nice little margarita on the side. The way all that melted in my mouth as I just sat back and indulged the highly crafted work of my hands? Listen, I’m now taking any and all chef requests. And before you thank me, you’re welcome!
 
Have you subscribed to our Youtube channel yet? There we answer all sorts of questions you might have about your small business, but we also keep things light and fun! Feel free to check out our latest episode of Off the Clock: Episode 6 featuring Christen N. James. It was a good one! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to submit your most pressing questions here.