Don’t Take Your Parents for Granted: A Reminder for Anyone Lucky Enough to Have Family Support

Family is one of those things we often don’t fully understand until we’re missing pieces of it. When you grow up dreaming of building a beautiful life for yourself—a life filled with love, stability, traditions, memories, and a future for your kids—you don’t always realize how much harder that journey can feel when you’re doing it without the support most people take for granted.

I’m a strong, independent person. I always have been. I built an amazing life from the ground up. I created a family I love, a home I’m proud of, and a life that reflects everything I fought for. I don’t get jealous easily, and I don’t spend much time feeling down about what I don’t have. But around certain times of the year—holidays, birthdays, school events, stressful seasons—I can’t help but feel that ache. That small tug of envy. Not for material things, not for money, not for vacations. But for something much harder to name.

I get jealous of people who have parents in their lives. I know Chris and I both envy people with a more stable family dynamic.

Not the Instagram version of parents. Not the perfect fairy-tale grandparents who show up with cookies and crafts. Just… parents. The ones who show up late but show up. The ones who drive you crazy with their advice. The ones who complain, meddle, spoil the kids, and give you headaches—but also give you breaks, guidance, love, and support.

Why am I sharing this?

Because someone needs to hear it:

If you have parents who are alive, present, and involved in your life—even imperfectly—stop taking that for granted. I would have loved mine at my wedding and births of all my kids but I can’t change that.

You might roll your eyes at them. You might get frustrated when they overstep or comment on your parenting. You might feel annoyed when they tell the same story for the tenth time or buy your kid something you said no to.

But trust me—so many people out there would give anything, absolutely anything, to have that kind of chaos and love in their life. To have someone who wants to be there. Someone who shows up. Someone who loves your kids simply because they’re their grandchildren.

Not having parents to lean on, to call, to ask questions, to celebrate with, or simply to exist in your world—it sucks. It leaves a hole you learn to build around, but it never fully disappears. And when you have kids, that ache doubles. Because suddenly it’s not just you missing something… it’s them too.

You can’t buy family.

You can’t hire a grandparent.

You can’t replace that bond no matter how hard you try.

If I could, I would have years ago.

So if you’re lucky enough to have parents in your life—imperfect, annoying, loud, loving, messy, supportive parents—embrace it. Cherish it. Let them drive you crazy and let them spoil your kids. Let them show up. Let them love you.

Because family is a gift.

And being able to give your kids the gift of grandparents?

That’s something truly amazing.

Some of us would give anything to have what you already have.

So hold them close. Appreciate the moments. And never, ever take that blessing for granted.

The Fires We Don’t Talk About: Growing Up in a Home That Wasn’t Safe

There are some memories that stay with you not because you want them to, but because they shaped who you became. One of the most vivid from my childhood is something I’ve rarely talked about openly: my mom used to accidentally light herself on fire on a regular basis.

She was deep into drugs at the time—so far in that she would fall asleep with cigarettes in her hand. My brother and I were only about 9 and 11, far too young to understand addiction, but old enough to constantly scan the house for danger. Burn marks on her clothes weren’t unusual. Sometimes the burns were on her skin. And more than once, we had to throw water on her to put the flames out.

We learned to sleep with one ear open. We learned the smell of burning fabric. We learned fear long before we learned safety.

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Looking back, what stands out most isn’t the chaos—it’s the responsibility children should never have to carry. And sadly, my story isn’t unique. There are so many kids today living in homes where addiction, neglect, or instability have created dangerous environments. Kids who are scared to fall asleep. Kids trying to stay alert for problems that aren’t theirs to solve.

That’s why I share this.

Not for sympathy.

Not for shock value.

But because someone needs to say it out loud:

If you suspect a family member is struggling—check in.

It doesn’t take much to knock on a door, make a phone call, or ask a simple “Are you okay?” Sometimes that tiny bit of concern is all a person—or a child—needs to feel seen. And if something does feel wrong, there are countless resources ready to help. You don’t have to fix the problem alone, but your awareness might be the first step in getting someone to safety.

Addiction steals mothers. It steals childhoods. It steals whole families if no one steps in. I have been sharing my tragic upbringing in the hopes that others in the same position are able to rise up and take control of their lives and help others. You can read about my life here:

Why I’m Finally Writing My Story: From Chaos to Strength

https://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/2025/10/why-im-finally-writing-my-story-from.html?m=1

Coming Out Of The Sobriety Closet

https://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/2025/10/coming-out-of-sobriety-closet.html?m=1

Why Didn’t You Say Anything

https://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/2025/10/why-didnt-you-say-anything.html?m=1

So please—trust your instincts.

Look out for the kids in your life.

Look out for the adults who might be quietly drowning.

You never know when your concern might prevent a tragedy… or brighten a child’s entire world.

Keeping Your Basement Dry: The Ultimate Guide to Floor Drain Cleaning

Imagine the scenario: It is a typical drizzly spring day in London, Ontario, the type where the Thames River overflows slightly and the skies burst open without much notice. When you are in the basement, putting away the holiday decorations , you hear a faint gurgle coming out of the floor drain. At first, it is simple to put aside--perhaps only the diastole of the eaves troughs. Evening, however, that gurgle is a slow seep of murky water about your feet. 

You need low-lying fixtures that are meant to trap the overflow water, yet when they get blocked by grease, debris, or tree roots, they provide entry points to sewer back up and floods. As the reports of the wastewater management of the city of London show, keeping pipes clear is one of the key elements to preventing such incidents since the city's equipment receives overflows that can overwhelm residential drains during storms. Indeed, in 2024 alone, the city spent on lining more than 6,450 meters of sewer lines to treat cracks, sewer leakages, and backups, which directly connect to curbing the type of basement misfortunes that befall hundreds of Londoners annually. 

When you need fast, professional, and guaranteed floor drain cleaning London Ontario, call the trusted local experts at Super Drain London — they arrive in 30–60 minutes across the entire city, fix it mess-free with the latest hydro-jetting and camera tech, and back every job with a rock-solid warranty.

Spotting Trouble: 5 Subtle Signs Your Floor Drain Needs Attention

Slow or stagnant water following a downpour: When the water that has just come down does not disappear, but instead sticks near the drain grate, it is possible that an object is preventing the water from draining. This is aggravated by the frequent pipe replacements in London due to the clay soil. 

• Stale air coming out of the cellar: That damp, terrestrial smell? It is usually stale water held up in the P-trap (the U-shaped curve underneath the drain), which is cultivating bacteria. And in wet summers, this might resemble the smell of the local Forks of the Thames.  
• Abnormal sounds when using laundry or showers: A low rumble or bubbling when using the appliances located upstairs is an indication of air pockets caused by a partial clogging of the system, when the pressure in the system is not steady. 
• Observable debris or discolouration near the grate: Slice of grease or hair? These are warning bells, particularly where you have a sump pump connected to the system. 
• Unexpected humidity bursts or small puddles around the place: When water oozes out of walls or floors after a storm, it is a symptom of drains being overwhelmed, which is a common issue in low-lying districts.

Once two or more of these rings are true, then it is time to do something--before the next Nor'easter turns your man cave into a wading pool.

How to Clean Your Floor Drain: Proven Methods for London Homes

Cleaning a floor drain isn't rocket science, but in London, where pipes contend with hard water minerals and root intrusions from mature oaks along the riverbanks, the right approach matters. Start with DIY for minor issues, but call pros for anything stubborn. Here's a step-by-step toolkit:

• Basic flush and scrub: Pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water mixed with 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then scrub the grate with an old toothbrush. This dissolves soap scum without harsh chemicals that could corrode older galvanized pipes.
• Enzyme treatments for organic gunk: For grease or hair, use bio-enzyme cleaners (like those with bacteria that "eat" buildup). Apply monthly during wet seasons—effective and eco-friendly for our wastewater-sensitive system.
• Mechanical snaking: Rent a drain auger from Home Depot on Wonderland Road. Feed it 5–10 feet into the drain to hook roots or debris. Pro tip: London's CCTV inspection programs reveal that 70% of backups involve laterals, so snake gently to avoid damage.
• Hydro-jetting for deep cleans: High-pressure water blasts (3,000–4,000 PSI) clear even fatberg remnants without chemicals. Local plumbers recommend this annually for homes over 30 years old, costing $200–$400 but preventing $10,000+ floods.
• Professional camera inspection: If DIY fails, a $150–$250 scope check (like the city's own program) pinpoints issues without digging. In 2024, such proactive measures helped line thousands of meters citywide, averting widespread issues.

Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they're tough on septic systems and can worsen cracks in our freeze-thaw prone pipes.

Prevention: Simple Habits to Outsmart London's Wetter Side

The microclimate of London implies the lack of snow and an abundance of rain during certain years, and therefore, prevention is of the essence. Fit a drain screen to stop leaves and hair; check your sump pump every quarter (the city recommends this to deal with overflows). Add a gallon of water into the floor drain every month to ensure the trap is closed to sewer gas. 

For added peace, consider the city's backwater valve rebate program—it retrofits homes against backups. To further ensure peace, look into the backwater valve rebate program of the city- it makes homes resistant to backups. 

Wrapping Up: Dry Basements, Brighter Days

Your floor drain in a city like this, as alive and waterlogged as London, Ontario, is more than a grate-- it is the first line of defense against wet shocks. Those initial whispers can be heard by listening to them, adopting intelligent cleaning habits, and utilizing the local resources to avoid becoming one of the statistics in the cellar. You will hear it next time the rain falls on your roof as music, and not a warning. 

 

Is It Time to Leave Canada? Why I’m Seriously Considering a New Life Abroad

I never thought I’d say this out loud—let alone write it in a blog post—but here it is:

I’m seriously considering leaving Canada.

Not because I don’t love this country. I do. I grew up loving the quiet beauty, the safety, the endless seasons, and the idea that Canada was the land where anyone could build a good life with enough hard work. I had recently shared a post about the government telling us to live a lower quality of life, when I work as much as I do you have got to be kidding me. I will not expect less for the amount of work I put in. We are all working day and night to be successful in our home country. 

But lately? It feels like I’m working harder than ever only to hand over half of what I make to taxes and government fees. Groceries are becoming a luxury item. A simple grocery trip costs what a weekend getaway used to. And with inflation, carbon taxes, insurance hikes, endless fees on everything, and price gouging that nobody seems ready to stop… I’m tired.

Tired of paying more for less.

Tired of feeling sick and stressed.

Tired of the traffic, the hustle, and the draining anxiety that comes from being surrounded by people who are also exhausted and stretched thin.

Canada used to feel like freedom. Now it feels like survival.

And the truth is:

If you make a decent living here, you’re probably paying way too much in taxes. The harder you work, the more they take. The more you try to get ahead, the more the system pushes you back down. It’s exhausting, financially and emotionally.

So lately, the idea of living somewhere warm, calm, affordable, and genuinely free has become a lot more appealing.

Two places keep calling my name:

🌴 Dominican Republic

Imagine waking up to fresh fruit, ocean air, and sunshine instead of slush, stress, and grocery bills that make you want to cry. The cost of living is dramatically lower, lifestyle is slower, and people smile at you—not because they want something, but because they’re genuinely happy.

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🌄 Ecuador

A peaceful, breathtaking country where a modest income stretches farther than you can imagine. Clean air, friendly communities, vibrant markets, and no need to spend half your life working overtime to stay afloat.

I’m starting to wonder…

Why am I killing myself to “make it” in a country that no longer feels livable?

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Cheapest Places in the World to Live

(General list based on overall affordability, cost of food, rent, transportation, and daily life)

• Nepal
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Laos
• India
• Bolivia
• Ecuador
• Dominican Republic
• Philippines
• Thailand
• Indonesia (especially Bali off-tourist zones)
• Colombia
• Mexico (outside tourist hotspots)

These are places where your money stretches, your stress decreases, and your time becomes yours again.

Happiest Places in the World to Live

(Based on lifestyle satisfaction, community, environment, mental health factors, and general wellbeing)

• Finland
• Denmark
• Iceland
• Sweden
• Netherlands
• Costa Rica
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• Canada… used to be higher on the list, but slipping
• Austria
• Australia
• Luxembourg
• Ireland

What do most of these places have in common?

Community, nature, balance, and governments that don’t financially crush their citizens.

So… Who’s Coming With Me?

I’m not saying everyone should pack up and move tomorrow. But I am saying it’s time to be honest:

Canada doesn’t feel like the land of the free anymore.

It feels like the land of the taxed, the squeezed, and the burned-out.

The dream of a comfortable, simple, financially stable life here is disappearing—and fast.

Maybe the answer is staying and fighting for change.

Maybe the answer is finding freedom somewhere else entirely.

But as for me?

I’m looking at the Dominican Republic. I’m looking at Ecuador.

I’m looking at sunshine, slow living, lower costs, more peace, and the chance to actually breathe again.

Life is too short to work yourself into the ground for a country that doesn’t feel like home anymore.

So tell me—who’s coming with me?