Christmas? Where's the snow, the cool winter air nipping at your nose? Although the retail world switched to Christmas 3 months ago, there is little evidence elsewhere that the day is approaching.
It is a confusing time to be a human in the "civilized" world. Turn on the news today and you will be inundated with gun violence, fiscal cliffs,thefts from charities,end of the world prophecies, labour disputes and civil war. It can become difficult to find sunlight in dark times.
Sometimes the wisest words come from the mouth of babes. This morning my daughter looked up at me and said, "Mummy. Christmas is my favourite day ever!" So I asked her why, waiting for the inevitable answer concerning gifts, toys, treats and more.
"Christmas is the one day that all we have to do is love one another"
Well then. What can we do, to change the bleakest news stories? Individually, not a whole lot. But as a collective, we can take this Christmas to love one another, as Amy says. Be a positive force for hope, human kindness and love in your home, community, workplace and beyond. Show love to those whose lives you touch each day. After all, if a seven year old can embrace the fact that love changes lives, why can't we as adults?
Deck the halls. Trim the trees. Enjoy some holiday treats, (in moderation!) guilt-free. Stuff the bird. Hug your family. Call your friends. Pray for a better world for our children. Think of those less fortunate. Praise those who serve and protect us, here and abroad. Avoid your mother in law. Love in abundance.
May your days be filled with love - both given and received. Merry Christmas!!!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
"Silver Threads Among the Gold"
I am getting old. Yes, I know - you can pooh-pooh the idea as much as you wish, and say I'm a youngster, still youthful and all that, but the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. I have noticed some new "crinkles", as my lovely daughter calls them, around my eyes. At the doctor, I had to ask about a small lump on my arm (that in my head, I had expanded to the size of a watermelon and was sure it was at the very least radioactive). His verdict? It's just something that comes with getting older. He didn't think it was so funny when I asked him for a prescription for this aging disease. He told me to ask a pharmacist. They can write their own scrips now. Nice.
I wander up and down the aisles at Shopper's Drug Mart like a hungry orphan in a bakery. My mouth waters at the descriptions: "anti-aging", "age defying", "youthful look" - all subtle euphemisms for: "If you are looking at me you're getting old".
Anti-aging? Does this mean that it stops the aging process, or is merely against aging in general? Hmmmm.....
Spas and salons (of which Brooklin consists, along with fish and chips store, but I digress, although - I do often see lots of older people in the fish and chips stores quite often, so maybe there IS a connection) do not help to demystify the aging conundrum either. Facials, collagen fillers, botox treatments, masks....it sounds painful, and expensive.
I admit that my go-to response to my own aging process is deny,deny,deny. I dye my hair at the first sign of a peeping grey. I pluck unwanted facial hair like a sniper on a secret mission. I buy bras that help me defy gravity, and pants that cover up the dreaded muffin top. I tuck, cover, slather, change, deny, deny, deny.
But really, what's the point? Am I better off because I try to look like I did when I was twenty? Because I know for a fact that I do NOT want to feel, or be the same person I was when I was twenty. So why do I want to look like her?
Fact is, time marches on. I'm happy, crinkles and all. And I know that one day I'll have more wrinkles than not, my hair with give up the fight with the grey revolution and my boobs will resist being stuffed into a tata tamer from Lululemon in favour of a Playtex comfort bra (hey - at least they'll be somewhere north of the equator!), but I am guessing that I'll still be happy. God willing, I'll have my family and friends by my side, most likely pointing out all my new flaws, and I'll love every second of it.
In the meantime? Deny,deny, DENY!!!
Find your CORE!
I wander up and down the aisles at Shopper's Drug Mart like a hungry orphan in a bakery. My mouth waters at the descriptions: "anti-aging", "age defying", "youthful look" - all subtle euphemisms for: "If you are looking at me you're getting old".
Anti-aging? Does this mean that it stops the aging process, or is merely against aging in general? Hmmmm.....
Spas and salons (of which Brooklin consists, along with fish and chips store, but I digress, although - I do often see lots of older people in the fish and chips stores quite often, so maybe there IS a connection) do not help to demystify the aging conundrum either. Facials, collagen fillers, botox treatments, masks....it sounds painful, and expensive.
I admit that my go-to response to my own aging process is deny,deny,deny. I dye my hair at the first sign of a peeping grey. I pluck unwanted facial hair like a sniper on a secret mission. I buy bras that help me defy gravity, and pants that cover up the dreaded muffin top. I tuck, cover, slather, change, deny, deny, deny.
But really, what's the point? Am I better off because I try to look like I did when I was twenty? Because I know for a fact that I do NOT want to feel, or be the same person I was when I was twenty. So why do I want to look like her?
Fact is, time marches on. I'm happy, crinkles and all. And I know that one day I'll have more wrinkles than not, my hair with give up the fight with the grey revolution and my boobs will resist being stuffed into a tata tamer from Lululemon in favour of a Playtex comfort bra (hey - at least they'll be somewhere north of the equator!), but I am guessing that I'll still be happy. God willing, I'll have my family and friends by my side, most likely pointing out all my new flaws, and I'll love every second of it.
In the meantime? Deny,deny, DENY!!!
Find your CORE!
Friday, October 19, 2012
You don't know you're beautiful. That's what makes you beautiful.
Warning: This blog expresses a bit (alot) of ranting about a subject that may be controversial or upsetting. I write my blog as a forum to inspire people, make them laugh and hopefully help them learn something about the world or themselves. This one's a far cry from my normal lighthearted fare, so read on at your own risk. I'm feeling passionate.
We have failed our young people. Today's "millenium" generation as it is called is easily the most entitled and spoiled group of young adults in the history of man. We have created them a world where all they need to do is think something for it to become a reality. A click of the mouse, a swipe of a credit card..everything is at their fingertips. For the first 10 years of a child's life we teach them to read, write and do arithmetic. The stricter parents among us teach them how to set the table, make their bed and fold their laundry. If we're lucky they learn a few rudimentary social skills, how to make friends, to be kind and not to talk to strangers.
So if we can call the first 10 years the learning years, we can call the second decade of life the decision years. In the pre-teen and teenage years we expect these children to do all of the following and more:
-choose high school classes that will impact the course their university/college/trade
-choose healthy coping mechanisms to deal with difficulties
-choose NOT to bow to pressure to take drugs, drink, have sex, and all other social ills
-choose a career trajectory, college, university etc..
-make positive choices, friends, jobs, social activities.
I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. And I certainly didn't know how to make such overwhelming decisions when I was a teenager. C'mon - I could barely choose which acne treatment to use.
We ask that, with the above mentioned first decade of learning behind them, they make huge decisions in a time when:
-they are RAGING beasts full of hormones, and overdosing in insecurities
-they really know NOTHING of life, and generally have parents who are just in the process of figuring this shit out themselves.
-they are changeling creatures. They start the decade as children, in children's bodies. In the decision decade they grow physically and emotionally from child to adult.
All this PLUS the fact that this current generation gets handed the whole world...literally...via the internet. Where our teen years had their own horrific angst, ours at least was contained to our community, schools, families. Today - there are no strangers and no boundaries - and no end to the choices a "connected" teenager has to make each day.
In September a 15 year old girl posted a silent video, using flash cards, a black and white chronicle of pain and suffering. A story of abuse, mental illness and pain. Amanda Todd's story is by now known to all Canadians, and we MUST mark this tragedy. A young girl, obviously searching for love and acceptance, her innocence stolen, her self esteem pummeled, her reputation in ruins. I will not spend any time talking about her predators (I refuse to use the word bully, because sexual predator, pedophile, criminal, suits so much more) except to say that they too are suffering from teenagehood, and have chosen, wrongly, to boost themselves up by dragging others down.
Yes, I believe we have failed our teenagers. We look at them with disdain, we cross to the other side of the road when we see a group of them, we fear them. I believe that this is because we still remember the pain of our own torturous years as teenagers. We know the confusion. We still feel the growing pains. We don't want to look them in the eyes, just in case we see something of ourselves mirrored there. We definitely don't want a reminder that part of us may still dwell there.
Teenagers are blank slates, morphing into the adults they will become, searching for confirmation they are on the right path, looking to us to see if they are doing okay. They are looking to be good enough, and we, as a society, look the other way, or sneer back at them, telling them that clearly, they are not.
Amanda Todd has caught public attention like few of the 100's of Canadian teens who commit suicide, and 1000's who attempt, or cut, or suffer from mental/emotional health issues. I believe that this is because she, like few others, actually reached out to us all. We, who can drive YouTube views on videos of a dog sleeping, a dancing parrot or a cuddly kitten to go viral in less than 24 hrs, we missed a plea for help so desperate that words couldn't articulate the pain. Amanda no longer had a voice.
It takes a village to raise a child. From birth to death, we all are still growing up. And those of us with the good fortune to make it to adulthood must behave as we want our next generation to do. With compassion, with humanity and with love. Every child is the collective responsibility of us all, and they deserve to have us all on their side.
So next time you walk past a teenager, or a gaggle of them, catch their eyes, smile, take a chance to engage in conversation if it is appropriate. But most of all, remember that when they look at you they are seeing themselves reflected back in your eyes. Show them that you believe they are worthy, that you see them,and that you know they matter.
Your smile might be the last piece of hope that saves a life.
We have failed our young people. Today's "millenium" generation as it is called is easily the most entitled and spoiled group of young adults in the history of man. We have created them a world where all they need to do is think something for it to become a reality. A click of the mouse, a swipe of a credit card..everything is at their fingertips. For the first 10 years of a child's life we teach them to read, write and do arithmetic. The stricter parents among us teach them how to set the table, make their bed and fold their laundry. If we're lucky they learn a few rudimentary social skills, how to make friends, to be kind and not to talk to strangers.
So if we can call the first 10 years the learning years, we can call the second decade of life the decision years. In the pre-teen and teenage years we expect these children to do all of the following and more:
-choose high school classes that will impact the course their university/college/trade
-choose healthy coping mechanisms to deal with difficulties
-choose NOT to bow to pressure to take drugs, drink, have sex, and all other social ills
-choose a career trajectory, college, university etc..
-make positive choices, friends, jobs, social activities.
I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. And I certainly didn't know how to make such overwhelming decisions when I was a teenager. C'mon - I could barely choose which acne treatment to use.
We ask that, with the above mentioned first decade of learning behind them, they make huge decisions in a time when:
-they are RAGING beasts full of hormones, and overdosing in insecurities
-they really know NOTHING of life, and generally have parents who are just in the process of figuring this shit out themselves.
-they are changeling creatures. They start the decade as children, in children's bodies. In the decision decade they grow physically and emotionally from child to adult.
All this PLUS the fact that this current generation gets handed the whole world...literally...via the internet. Where our teen years had their own horrific angst, ours at least was contained to our community, schools, families. Today - there are no strangers and no boundaries - and no end to the choices a "connected" teenager has to make each day.
In September a 15 year old girl posted a silent video, using flash cards, a black and white chronicle of pain and suffering. A story of abuse, mental illness and pain. Amanda Todd's story is by now known to all Canadians, and we MUST mark this tragedy. A young girl, obviously searching for love and acceptance, her innocence stolen, her self esteem pummeled, her reputation in ruins. I will not spend any time talking about her predators (I refuse to use the word bully, because sexual predator, pedophile, criminal, suits so much more) except to say that they too are suffering from teenagehood, and have chosen, wrongly, to boost themselves up by dragging others down.
Yes, I believe we have failed our teenagers. We look at them with disdain, we cross to the other side of the road when we see a group of them, we fear them. I believe that this is because we still remember the pain of our own torturous years as teenagers. We know the confusion. We still feel the growing pains. We don't want to look them in the eyes, just in case we see something of ourselves mirrored there. We definitely don't want a reminder that part of us may still dwell there.
Teenagers are blank slates, morphing into the adults they will become, searching for confirmation they are on the right path, looking to us to see if they are doing okay. They are looking to be good enough, and we, as a society, look the other way, or sneer back at them, telling them that clearly, they are not.
Amanda Todd has caught public attention like few of the 100's of Canadian teens who commit suicide, and 1000's who attempt, or cut, or suffer from mental/emotional health issues. I believe that this is because she, like few others, actually reached out to us all. We, who can drive YouTube views on videos of a dog sleeping, a dancing parrot or a cuddly kitten to go viral in less than 24 hrs, we missed a plea for help so desperate that words couldn't articulate the pain. Amanda no longer had a voice.
It takes a village to raise a child. From birth to death, we all are still growing up. And those of us with the good fortune to make it to adulthood must behave as we want our next generation to do. With compassion, with humanity and with love. Every child is the collective responsibility of us all, and they deserve to have us all on their side.
So next time you walk past a teenager, or a gaggle of them, catch their eyes, smile, take a chance to engage in conversation if it is appropriate. But most of all, remember that when they look at you they are seeing themselves reflected back in your eyes. Show them that you believe they are worthy, that you see them,and that you know they matter.
Your smile might be the last piece of hope that saves a life.
Friday, October 12, 2012
It looks fresh and fruity like tasty Kool-Aid But the bug that are in it were murdered with raid
Let me begin this blog entry with the following disclaimer: It has NOTHING to do with fitness. Beyond the fact that it occurred in a facility in which fitness classes take place. It's all about bugs. Which, if I may say, are creepy and crawly. And it is October. So thematically I'm not that far off the mark. But I digress.
I am avoiding admitting a wrong that I did this morning. While washing my hands, fixing my hair, getting myself pumped for my upcoming class,I heard a rustle. A menacing purr. The tiny patter of millions of little arthropod legs. That's right. A bug. In the sink. Near me.
I don't love bugs. I love all living things and believe in the sanctity of life. All life. In fact - I drive Sean NUTS demanding he gently remove the spiders from our ceilings, rather than his preferred method of bug removal - the squash and scrape. I don't need to explain. But bugs, they kinda, well, bug me.I just live in denial of their existence unless directly confronted.
This bug was aggressive, terrifying, out for world domination, I sensed it. I panicked. I turned on the tap, and watched all 100,000 legs swirl around as he desperately tried to cling to life. R.I.P Mr.Manylegsscarybug.
Safe now, I composed myself and taught my class, leaving the ordeal behind me, my fears washed away.
After class, as I bent to change my shoes, I heard a rustle. A menacing purr. the tiny patter of millions of little arthropod legs. That's right. Mr.Manylegsscarybug has friends. And they are out for revenge.
It's antenna waved accusingly at me. It tapped some of its hairy little legs (did I mention it has 100,00 of them? Who needs that many? A little over kill in the design plan, if you ask me) and reared up, angrily declaring it's opinion of my bug killing ways, vowing that my rampage would stop here. He was a bug on a mission. But before I could raise my shoe in defense, I took a closer look.
"Are those tears in it's eyes? Did I deprive this bug of a close family member? Maybe the bug I killed was the family breadwinner. What have I done??" Fear turned to guilt. Time to re-evaluate.
Yes - folks, this is actually what it's like inside my head. Do up your seat belts, the ride is not done.
So I left the bug. Which is what I should have done with the first one. I'm not judging those of you who repel bugs in any way that works for you. We are at the top of the food chain for a reason. But for me, I'm going back to being a pacifist. I'm not taking any chances - if there is a insect revolt, there's more of them than us. I'm padding my chances, people!
Find your CORE.
I am avoiding admitting a wrong that I did this morning. While washing my hands, fixing my hair, getting myself pumped for my upcoming class,I heard a rustle. A menacing purr. The tiny patter of millions of little arthropod legs. That's right. A bug. In the sink. Near me.
I don't love bugs. I love all living things and believe in the sanctity of life. All life. In fact - I drive Sean NUTS demanding he gently remove the spiders from our ceilings, rather than his preferred method of bug removal - the squash and scrape. I don't need to explain. But bugs, they kinda, well, bug me.I just live in denial of their existence unless directly confronted.
This bug was aggressive, terrifying, out for world domination, I sensed it. I panicked. I turned on the tap, and watched all 100,000 legs swirl around as he desperately tried to cling to life. R.I.P Mr.Manylegsscarybug.
Safe now, I composed myself and taught my class, leaving the ordeal behind me, my fears washed away.
After class, as I bent to change my shoes, I heard a rustle. A menacing purr. the tiny patter of millions of little arthropod legs. That's right. Mr.Manylegsscarybug has friends. And they are out for revenge.
It's antenna waved accusingly at me. It tapped some of its hairy little legs (did I mention it has 100,00 of them? Who needs that many? A little over kill in the design plan, if you ask me) and reared up, angrily declaring it's opinion of my bug killing ways, vowing that my rampage would stop here. He was a bug on a mission. But before I could raise my shoe in defense, I took a closer look.
Yes - folks, this is actually what it's like inside my head. Do up your seat belts, the ride is not done.
So I left the bug. Which is what I should have done with the first one. I'm not judging those of you who repel bugs in any way that works for you. We are at the top of the food chain for a reason. But for me, I'm going back to being a pacifist. I'm not taking any chances - if there is a insect revolt, there's more of them than us. I'm padding my chances, people!
Find your CORE.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing.
Ahhh, Thanksgiving. The time of year we gather together, count our blessings, and eat a ridiculous amount of food. That blessed preview to the Christmas season, a time to be happy for the abundance of the harvest, and to feel grateful for the ridiculous over indulgence that is our lives. We want for nothing, really. So this Thanksgiving I will be making an effort to remember how lucky I am, and to remind myself and my family that millions of other people in the world lack the very base necessities that I take for granted.
I practice gratitude actively, because it makes me a happier person. The more I remind myself of the wonderful things in my life, the more I desire to work hard to appreciate them, and nurture them.
So here is Annie's list of the little things I will be celebrating this weekend and beyond:
(a) the smell of coffee in the morning. Not just because it smells SO good, but because it means my hubby got up 5 minutes early (which is REALLY early) and thought of me.
(b) a hug from my son. My 8 year old boy is a pretty independent little dude, and affection is definitely at a premium. So when he spontaneously wraps his little arms around me? Priceless.
(c) am always thankful for a day when my cats forget to use my basement as a bathroom and actually use their litter box.
(d) it's completely awesome that I have friends that fulfill all of the following roles in my life
- that friend that you call, ask them to bring a shovel, tarp, wheelbarrow and an empty trunk and they don't ask why, but pull into the driveway five minutes later.
- that friend that breaks out into random singing (or rapping) at pretty much exactly the same time as you, and it's a song that no one in the whole civilized world would EVER be caught singing.
- that friend who does everything way better than you could ever hope, but celebrates all your efforts as if they were the most amazing achievements ever.
- that friend who, while often out and about, always on the go, who drops everything if you say you need her.
- those friends who, without them, you would not be the person you are today.
(e)EVERY day, every moment, every second, I am grateful that my daughter is not yet a teenager.
(f) am thankful that no matter how busy I get, God always forgives me when I fail to put Him first, and always welcomes me back, no strings attached.
(g) I am thankful for the amazing health care professionals, nurses, specialists and dr's who care every day for my Dad, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to care for him and give him dignity in an undignified situation.
(h) mostly I am thankful for the perspective that being 35 has given me, and for finally feeling like a grown up (well, a little anyway). I cherish the ability to be in the moment and love each second of it, and for all the people who make up all the moments of my life.
My love to all people in this wonderful world, to all who have nothing, who fight for peace and equality, who protect and serve, who teach, who comfort, who love. I wish everyone a weekend, in fact a life, full of gratitude (and turkey too!)
Find your CORE.
I practice gratitude actively, because it makes me a happier person. The more I remind myself of the wonderful things in my life, the more I desire to work hard to appreciate them, and nurture them.
So here is Annie's list of the little things I will be celebrating this weekend and beyond:
(a) the smell of coffee in the morning. Not just because it smells SO good, but because it means my hubby got up 5 minutes early (which is REALLY early) and thought of me.
(b) a hug from my son. My 8 year old boy is a pretty independent little dude, and affection is definitely at a premium. So when he spontaneously wraps his little arms around me? Priceless.
(c) am always thankful for a day when my cats forget to use my basement as a bathroom and actually use their litter box.
(d) it's completely awesome that I have friends that fulfill all of the following roles in my life
- that friend that you call, ask them to bring a shovel, tarp, wheelbarrow and an empty trunk and they don't ask why, but pull into the driveway five minutes later.
- that friend that breaks out into random singing (or rapping) at pretty much exactly the same time as you, and it's a song that no one in the whole civilized world would EVER be caught singing.
- that friend who does everything way better than you could ever hope, but celebrates all your efforts as if they were the most amazing achievements ever.
- that friend who, while often out and about, always on the go, who drops everything if you say you need her.
- those friends who, without them, you would not be the person you are today.
(e)EVERY day, every moment, every second, I am grateful that my daughter is not yet a teenager.
(f) am thankful that no matter how busy I get, God always forgives me when I fail to put Him first, and always welcomes me back, no strings attached.
(g) I am thankful for the amazing health care professionals, nurses, specialists and dr's who care every day for my Dad, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to care for him and give him dignity in an undignified situation.
(h) mostly I am thankful for the perspective that being 35 has given me, and for finally feeling like a grown up (well, a little anyway). I cherish the ability to be in the moment and love each second of it, and for all the people who make up all the moments of my life.
My love to all people in this wonderful world, to all who have nothing, who fight for peace and equality, who protect and serve, who teach, who comfort, who love. I wish everyone a weekend, in fact a life, full of gratitude (and turkey too!)
Find your CORE.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
What's New Pussycat?
I know that this is a blog with a health theme, so just let me precis the following writings by saying that my cats are good for my health.
I am a dog person, through and through. I LOVE dogs. I love their panting, slightly sardonic faces. I love that every time you leave the house, even if it is only to take out the garbage, a dog treats your return as if you have away for a year. I love doggy breath, doggy snoring, doggy snorting, well pretty much anything doggy. But I don't have a dog, so I digress.
I do, however, have two cats. Cats generally aren't my thing, although hubby Sean is a cat person.Cats are indifferent, independent, self serving and highbrow. Cats have expectations of their humans. Cats are evil.
Some cats have aspirations for world domination, but my cats have less lofty goals. Our cats have already performed hostile takeovers of every part of our homes, and our hearts.
Our two Humane Society adoptees had us from hello. We brought them home over a year ago, and ever since they have ruled our roost with iron paws. Just think of it. If a friend or relative was staying with you and regularly pooped on your floor, wouldn't you have called the authorities by now? But somehow we manage to come up with excuses for this socially unacceptable behavior. "Aww, he missed the box" ( by a whole room????)- not something you'd let Grandma away with!
And then at 3am, when cat feet step over my face, then sit down (are you exhausted from the jump to the bed? Really you can't stand??) on our near my face before drinking from my water glass on the bedside table. And if no water is there - meowing loudly in protest. After all, walking down one flight of stairs to the cat bowl is NOT an option.
Also, our cats do not appreciate Sean and I sharing a marital bed. They like to watch, disapprovingly, any..well..you know.It's like an American Idol audition with Paula and Simon watching, ready to comment after. "Yawn.BOORRRIIINGG!" or "Good effort- now pet me!".
One cat sleeps at my feet, one on a pillow above my head. I have a hard time falling asleep now without hearing the rythmic purr of my cat engine. My nightly reminders (a careful claw, well placed) to not move too much, any disturbance marked by a low meow. Kitty snoring, Sean snoring, Amy snoring....these are the sounds of our home.
So while we stop short of consulting our cats for our investment portfolio, it is clear who are the V I P's (very important pussies) at the Tiffin homestead. And since a snuggle from them can change my entire perspective of the day I'm not going to complain. My cats are good for my well-being. They tell me so - and I dare you to argue with a cat.
Find your CORE!
Monday, September 10, 2012
I Believe the Children are our Future!
Our family went to Walt Disney World this summer (that's a WHOLE other blog!) and the experience forced me to face a stark reality.....the statistics are correct. America is obese. 1 of 3 people were morbidly obese. 1 of 5 drove themselves from attraction to attraction on a motorized scooter. Now this is NOT a judgement post - I am not the person who cares about what is on the outside, it's the inside of people that is important. That said though, as someone who loves the human race, it is SO upsetting, because we all know that being an unhealthy weight DOES affect what is on the inside, physically,emotionally and mentally. Unfortunately it does seem that Canada continues to be on trend to catch up with what is going on down South. We too are expanding rapidly.
How do we effect change? How do we make a change to this alarming and extremely dangerous issue? I don't know, truly, but I do know that I see people unwilling to let this become an issue for the young people in their lives. Because as parents and communities we have a responsibility to the children in our lives to show them that living active and healthy lives is the best choice for body, mind and soul.
On Saturday our run club went on it's first 5K run. Before the run there was a 1K kids fun run where the young stars of tomorrow made their athletic debut. The kids enthusiasm was contagious, despite the pouring rain, and the spectators, parents and strangers alike, cheered heartily for both the fastest and the slowest runner. They were applauding not the achievement, but the effort. The bravery of someone starting, continuing and finishing. Later on, many of those applauding took the starting line, with their children watching. It poured rain, the wind was blowing little rainy needles into runner's eyes. Sticky wet shirts clung to sweaty backs and shoes squelched along from puddle to puddle. But you know what? The little girl waiting at the starting line to clap for her Mommy? She will one day turn to movement for enjoyment, strength and fun. She'll remember that accomplishment, and seeing Mom go out to move, and to make the effort to be a whole person in every way. The tweenage boy who has decided to start training for his own run after watching his parents cross the line together for the first time after making healthy choices that have changed their lives. And the fully grown woman who cheered for her Mom from the second she turned the corner to sprint from home? She'll keep moving too, and one day will be a similar inspiration for her children.
Simply by being the active and healthy person that you dream for your children to be you are paving the road for them. Showing them that choosing healthy ways to live, eat, move and cope with life's pressures are helping you to be the best Mom/Dad/Auntie/Friend/Neighbour you can be.
Keep on being superheroes to your family and community and we'll make an impact...inside and out!!!
Find your CORE!
How do we effect change? How do we make a change to this alarming and extremely dangerous issue? I don't know, truly, but I do know that I see people unwilling to let this become an issue for the young people in their lives. Because as parents and communities we have a responsibility to the children in our lives to show them that living active and healthy lives is the best choice for body, mind and soul.
On Saturday our run club went on it's first 5K run. Before the run there was a 1K kids fun run where the young stars of tomorrow made their athletic debut. The kids enthusiasm was contagious, despite the pouring rain, and the spectators, parents and strangers alike, cheered heartily for both the fastest and the slowest runner. They were applauding not the achievement, but the effort. The bravery of someone starting, continuing and finishing. Later on, many of those applauding took the starting line, with their children watching. It poured rain, the wind was blowing little rainy needles into runner's eyes. Sticky wet shirts clung to sweaty backs and shoes squelched along from puddle to puddle. But you know what? The little girl waiting at the starting line to clap for her Mommy? She will one day turn to movement for enjoyment, strength and fun. She'll remember that accomplishment, and seeing Mom go out to move, and to make the effort to be a whole person in every way. The tweenage boy who has decided to start training for his own run after watching his parents cross the line together for the first time after making healthy choices that have changed their lives. And the fully grown woman who cheered for her Mom from the second she turned the corner to sprint from home? She'll keep moving too, and one day will be a similar inspiration for her children.
Simply by being the active and healthy person that you dream for your children to be you are paving the road for them. Showing them that choosing healthy ways to live, eat, move and cope with life's pressures are helping you to be the best Mom/Dad/Auntie/Friend/Neighbour you can be.
Keep on being superheroes to your family and community and we'll make an impact...inside and out!!!
Find your CORE!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
ch,ch,ch,ch..changes!!!
change/CHānj/
| Verb: |
|
Friday, August 3, 2012
Fear Not!
"There is nothing to fear but fear itself"
"To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom." Bertrand Russell
"The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear." Gandhi
Google "fear" and you'll find a load of quotes similar to those above. There are pages of advice, inspiration and wisdom about fear, rivalled only in volume by similar sentiments about "love". Which isn't actually that disimilar, really.
What do you fear? Accidents? Spiders? Lots of people fear snakes, full moons, scary movies. We are a species that thrives on the adrenalin of fear, originally ingrained in us from our neandrethal roots by things that actually were really terrifying...wild animals, lack of food, square wheels, the first pyromaniac...but today we don't really have a tonne of direct reasons to fear in our daily lives. I am not discounting the stress that world issues, war, the environment and watching the news can cause us, these things and more make me worry too. But in our day to day lives we have little reason to feel fear like our forefathers did. We live in a time of luxury and relative safety here in our wonderful country. But that does not stop the emotion from crowding our lives, and often.
Fear sucks. It tricks you into missing out on opportunities that will enrich your life. It holds you back and gives us an excuse not to live life to it's fullest.
I have tonnes of fear: roller coasters make me shudder, heights make me tremble, watching my kids grow up is kind of terrifying in itself. These fears and others I can conquer. I refuse to let these types of fears get in my way of enjoying each day. I have had a more difficult time vanquishing my fear of my mortal enemy: failure.
Yep - I have always feared failure more than any venomous creature, bungee jump or impending danger. And lately is has started to creep in to my running routine. I realize now that I have been running with feaar as my constant training partner, hearing it's voice telling me not to attempt more because I am bound to fail. That if I run faster/longer/stronger.. I will hurt, I will suffer and I will fail. I have been running safe for about two months, not sure what started this off, but I am now determined to to finish it.
So last night I tackled my monster head on. I ran like I used to, lungs pumping, sweat pouring and intense. Every time my fear spoke up, telling me to stop, I used it's negative voice to push on harder. I didn't play it safe, I hurt, my heart pounded and I felt great. Back came the adrenaline, back came the excitement, and most importantly, away went the fear. I CAN do this, on my own terms, at my own pace, pacing easy when I want to, and pushing to the limit when want to as well. I finished yesterdays run with a smile on my face, and a spring in my step that had been lacking, made heavy by fear.
There are times to push ahead, there are times to accept failure. There is never time to remain frozen by fear.
"To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom." Bertrand Russell
"The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear." Gandhi
Google "fear" and you'll find a load of quotes similar to those above. There are pages of advice, inspiration and wisdom about fear, rivalled only in volume by similar sentiments about "love". Which isn't actually that disimilar, really.
What do you fear? Accidents? Spiders? Lots of people fear snakes, full moons, scary movies. We are a species that thrives on the adrenalin of fear, originally ingrained in us from our neandrethal roots by things that actually were really terrifying...wild animals, lack of food, square wheels, the first pyromaniac...but today we don't really have a tonne of direct reasons to fear in our daily lives. I am not discounting the stress that world issues, war, the environment and watching the news can cause us, these things and more make me worry too. But in our day to day lives we have little reason to feel fear like our forefathers did. We live in a time of luxury and relative safety here in our wonderful country. But that does not stop the emotion from crowding our lives, and often.
Fear sucks. It tricks you into missing out on opportunities that will enrich your life. It holds you back and gives us an excuse not to live life to it's fullest.
I have tonnes of fear: roller coasters make me shudder, heights make me tremble, watching my kids grow up is kind of terrifying in itself. These fears and others I can conquer. I refuse to let these types of fears get in my way of enjoying each day. I have had a more difficult time vanquishing my fear of my mortal enemy: failure.
Yep - I have always feared failure more than any venomous creature, bungee jump or impending danger. And lately is has started to creep in to my running routine. I realize now that I have been running with feaar as my constant training partner, hearing it's voice telling me not to attempt more because I am bound to fail. That if I run faster/longer/stronger.. I will hurt, I will suffer and I will fail. I have been running safe for about two months, not sure what started this off, but I am now determined to to finish it.
So last night I tackled my monster head on. I ran like I used to, lungs pumping, sweat pouring and intense. Every time my fear spoke up, telling me to stop, I used it's negative voice to push on harder. I didn't play it safe, I hurt, my heart pounded and I felt great. Back came the adrenaline, back came the excitement, and most importantly, away went the fear. I CAN do this, on my own terms, at my own pace, pacing easy when I want to, and pushing to the limit when want to as well. I finished yesterdays run with a smile on my face, and a spring in my step that had been lacking, made heavy by fear.
There are times to push ahead, there are times to accept failure. There is never time to remain frozen by fear.
Find your CORE!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Reaching my Olympic potential!
I look back and wonder what drew me to the Olympics, what made me continue my drive to join the Olympic movement despite my obvious shortcoming and realize that it wasn't the sport necessarily, but the athletes themselves that had me glued to the television and practising my fencing skills with my poor teddy bears. It was the EFFORT of Olympic competition. The drive, the passion and desire to be the absolute best at something you love so much that you put aside almost everything in order to pursue it. That is what got my heart rate soaring, my pulse racing and made me feel so alive. It was something that I innately understood and admired.
I know effort. It courses through my veins. Nothing comes physically easily or naturally to me, so if I want to attain any goal I have to bust a gut to get there. It's how I live my life too. If there's a problem, test, event etc... my way of dealing is to work non-stop until it's solved or finished. Not much is easy for me, but the effort is truly satisfying.
So, as an adult, I still yearn for Olympic greatness. What I lack in physical prowess, I make up for in heart, right? There has got to be one sport I can excel in at a world level, right? Right???
Table Tennis: I was sure this was my in, however upon further research I realize that this is a highly competitive Olympic sport. With my complete lack of hand/eye co-ordination, this makes it unlikely that I could compete.
Fencing: has some possibility...if I didn't suffer from the aforementioned complete lack of hand/eye co-ordination. When the coaches come up with a training system that makes it possible to hit the right spot while aiming somewhere completely random, I'll be your girl. Plus, every time I struck my opponent I woul have to fight the urge to pull up my mask and offer an apology, "well sorry, old chap, well done, carry on". And yes, I absolutely imagine myself saying that with an English accent.
Equestrian: finally something I can actually do! I rode horses my entire life and for a while this actually was my Olympic dream. I can ride, I can jump, I can fly, I can.....not afford a horse of that caliber, nor the immense cost of boarding, veterinarian, blacksmith, travel ......well, you get it. Although if I sold a child or two....
Volleyball: the only sport I showed even a glimpse of natural talent at in school. I do enjoy playing volleyball. Major sticking point? I am a TERRIBLE, I mean absolutely abominable team player. I just do not play well with others. I am hard enough on myself, can you imagine me turning my ire on a poor unfortunate teammate? If we lost, heads would roll. Chances are we would lose. I turn away from team sports in a effort to spare innocent lives.
Soccer: see volleyball
Javelin: Sean's suggestion. Not sure why he thinks I would excel at javelin, but whatever. I'm practising with wooden skewere right now. Poor kids look like they've been visiting a deranged acupuncurist.
I will continue my quest to find a sport that I can qualify for the next Olympics. The quest begins anew after these Olympics extinguish the flame and pass it on to the next host. Please share your suggestions as to which sports I can try, or sports you'd like to try yourself!
And in the meantime, continue treating each moment in life like it's your Olympic dream - live it, love it and give it everything you possibly have!
(running off into the distance, ponytail bouncing, Chariots of Fire music playing, sun is setting)
Find Your CORE!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Anatomy of a ZUMBA(R) Fitness Event!
Any Saturday afternoon lately you only have to look into our basement to make you smile. In there you will see three sweaty, laughing, tired and excited girls, often collapsed on to the floor in a pile, giggling, giddy and in need of coffee stimulus. This is a familiar scene that first took place leading up to our "Off The Red Carpet" Event held last December. We lunch together, discussing plans and stretegies, then practise for the rest of the day, perfecting our choreography, choosing effeective fitness strategies for each song, then making each song the best it can be for you come event night. Very similar to what happens for each ZUMBA(R) fitness class you attend, but this has three people to co-ordinate, three personalities to placate, and one short time to pull all this together! So we thought we would share some of this journey with you a couple of times a week leading up to the event - so you can share the fun with us.
We LOVE to put together these special events for you. The amazing part of ZUMBA(R) Fitness is that it works in a format unlike ANY other fitness class. A party atmosphere, themed music, lights, laughter - not usually your typical fitness experience. The ZUMBA(R) class is a party in itself, and when we add in fun new songs, some sparkly lights it takes your fitness experience to the next level!
The first steps take place months prior to the event:
-finding and securing a venue/date
-making sponsorship packages/securing sponsors: we do this for two reasons- first to ensure that all of your ticket cost goes towards your experience, not advertising and marketing costs. Promoting can be expensive! Plus it offers us an amazing opportunity to work together to get our event and some amazing local businesses the exposure they deserve! We work hard to promote the people that sponsor our events and are pleased to work with local businesses.
-choosing music: one of the toughest parts of the whole process, believe it or not - can you imagine choosing 10-15 songs from the eighties?!?! And agreeing on those songs with your two partners. And retaining friendships afterwards? It was an exhausting afternoon, and some of the songs are still in flux. Some don't choreograph well with the ZUMBA formula, some are difficult to add fitness variation to, some songs lend themselves to movements that won't work in a crowded environment, and some simply don't feel right.
Printing and Selling Tickets: the waiting game! Will our event attract our people, new people, bring people back? Only time tells with events like these!
So these are a few of the early steps to making a fitness event happen!! Hard work, laughter, sore knees, sweat, tears and ultimately love. For each other, our jobs, ZUMBA fitness, and the people we reach each and every week.
Join us each week to find out the foibles and funnies of the ZTops as we count down to the event of the year!
We LOVE to put together these special events for you. The amazing part of ZUMBA(R) Fitness is that it works in a format unlike ANY other fitness class. A party atmosphere, themed music, lights, laughter - not usually your typical fitness experience. The ZUMBA(R) class is a party in itself, and when we add in fun new songs, some sparkly lights it takes your fitness experience to the next level!
The first steps take place months prior to the event:
-finding and securing a venue/date
-making sponsorship packages/securing sponsors: we do this for two reasons- first to ensure that all of your ticket cost goes towards your experience, not advertising and marketing costs. Promoting can be expensive! Plus it offers us an amazing opportunity to work together to get our event and some amazing local businesses the exposure they deserve! We work hard to promote the people that sponsor our events and are pleased to work with local businesses.
-choosing music: one of the toughest parts of the whole process, believe it or not - can you imagine choosing 10-15 songs from the eighties?!?! And agreeing on those songs with your two partners. And retaining friendships afterwards? It was an exhausting afternoon, and some of the songs are still in flux. Some don't choreograph well with the ZUMBA formula, some are difficult to add fitness variation to, some songs lend themselves to movements that won't work in a crowded environment, and some simply don't feel right.
Printing and Selling Tickets: the waiting game! Will our event attract our people, new people, bring people back? Only time tells with events like these!
So these are a few of the early steps to making a fitness event happen!! Hard work, laughter, sore knees, sweat, tears and ultimately love. For each other, our jobs, ZUMBA fitness, and the people we reach each and every week.
Join us each week to find out the foibles and funnies of the ZTops as we count down to the event of the year!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Spring Playlist - Saturday morning
With artists and genre listed where available:
Hola My Friend - Pacific Rhythm
Turn Around, Pt. 2 - Flo Rida & Pitbull -Hip-Hop/Rap
Its Like This And Like That - Merengue - Soundchek
Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez - Salsa
Yerbatero - Cumbia Rock
La Luz Del Flow - Merengue/Hip-Hop
Papi - samba- Jennifer Lopez
Plane To PR - Reggaeton
Zumba Cumbia - Cumbia 4:31
Somos De Calle - Salsa / Reggaeton - K.L.C. Clave Cubana
De River- Blue Ventures Soca
Baila - Merengue
Zan Mayola - African
Historia - Wyclef Jean
Let It Be - American Idol
Hola My Friend - Pacific Rhythm
Turn Around, Pt. 2 - Flo Rida & Pitbull -Hip-Hop/Rap
Its Like This And Like That - Merengue - Soundchek
Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez - Salsa
Yerbatero - Cumbia Rock
La Luz Del Flow - Merengue/Hip-Hop
Papi - samba- Jennifer Lopez
Plane To PR - Reggaeton
Zumba Cumbia - Cumbia 4:31
Somos De Calle - Salsa / Reggaeton - K.L.C. Clave Cubana
De River- Blue Ventures Soca
Baila - Merengue
Zan Mayola - African
Historia - Wyclef Jean
Let It Be - American Idol
Hey CORE family! Here is the Monday playlist with original artist where available - enjoy!
4 Minutes (feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland)
Bounce - Merengue
Descarga en Do - Salsa
Cumbia Del Caribe -Cumbia/swing
In A Search -Reggaeton- Obie-P
Rebolaxa -Axe- Ceceu Muniz
Una Aventura - Rumba / Flamenca - Los Bandoleros
Het Is Tijd - K-Liber4life - Soca
Mi Vecina - Cumbia / Bachata / Reggaeton
Pass At Me - Timbaland Pass At Me (feat. Pitbull)
La Patilla - Merengue
Feel Like Dancing - Ragga / Pop
Zeina - Belly Dance/Reggaeton
Por Ti - Tropical Pop - Kema
Let It Be
4 Minutes (feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland)
Bounce - Merengue
Descarga en Do - Salsa
Cumbia Del Caribe -Cumbia/swing
In A Search -Reggaeton- Obie-P
Rebolaxa -Axe- Ceceu Muniz
Una Aventura - Rumba / Flamenca - Los Bandoleros
Het Is Tijd - K-Liber4life - Soca
Mi Vecina - Cumbia / Bachata / Reggaeton
Pass At Me - Timbaland Pass At Me (feat. Pitbull)
La Patilla - Merengue
Feel Like Dancing - Ragga / Pop
Zeina - Belly Dance/Reggaeton
Por Ti - Tropical Pop - Kema
Let It Be
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Year in Review
With the kids out of school, and few classes this week, I have been watching the "best of" "year in review" type programs that run aplenty at this time of year, concurrent with the "resolution" or "start your year right" and "no fail diet exercise plans" shows, but more on those later.
The review shows got me thinking. What would my timeline look like for 2011? Did I complete my goals for the year? Did I make a difference in the world? Am I happy with the year, and what can I do to make 2012 a happy, healthy year for myself, my family and all that I care about. So here goes (please read the following in a CNN Anchor type voice, with a running flow of pictures feature behind):
-CORE business picks up!
-CORE studio is finished - classes start
-in a fit of insanity, I start running again and enter a Sprint Duathlon for July 2012
-we go to the humane society to adopt a kitten, and come home with two adult cats, Imogen and Darwin
-ZUMBA for Gillie Beans - made video to raise funds and awareness of the Gillie Beans FUNd
-run 5K Run For The Diamond trail run in Uxbridge. David and Amy compete fantastically well in the 1K kids run. Sean freezes to the spot in the drizzling cold rain, with a pasted smile and hoarse cheer at the ready.
-stopped drinking Diet Soda.
-hosted Rainbow ZUMBA party, raising funds & awareness for the Gillie Beans FUNd.
-stopped drinking diet soda. Stopped... I know, but I miss it :(
-finished 8K run for Camp Oochigeas.
-took kids to Canada's Wonderland as a reward for great report cards - then proceeded to fail as a parent by putting David (then 7 yrs) on the Bat.
-finished our 1 year experiment July1st - no unnecessary purchases, any purchases must be home or locally made, or eco-friendly for one whole year. Entire family gorges on McDonalds same evening.
-finished Sprint Duathlon at Ironman Peterborough - 7K run, 25K cycle.
-celebrated 10yr anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony and party with all the people we love!
-went to Cuba for 2nd honeymoon - ran on the beach barefoot - a lifelong dream!
-CanFit Pro conference - met Tanya Beardsley, my ZUMBA idol! and learned a TONNE about how to be better educator
-Participated in 160K Ride 4 United Way with Sean.
-my Dad was found unconscious, remains in a vegetative state today.
-Holly the pitbull comes into our lives and stays with us for three months in the hopes of finding her a wonderful home.
-went to "Broadway Lights" Zumba party with some CORE girlies - saw Tamara and Amanda, CDN ZES in action - wicked~
-Lisa Tiessen gets her ZUMBA Instructor license (not me, but a highlight!)
-CORE classes are added and programs become registered!
-Sean and I attend "red and white" ZUMBA party - Sean goes viral in the "Booty Shaking Competition"
- new CORE website goes live!
- "Off The Red Carpet" ZumbAthon - almost 100 people participated to raise funds for the Gillie Beans FUNd - bring year total donations from the CORE family to just over $1000 dollars
-Westminster United Church Christmas Eve Play - led service, assistant directed and wrote, "What Child Is This" performed by the wonderful youth of the church
The things I'm most proud of?
My husband - who quietly runs the fort when I'm out working every night. He truly is a wonderful man, partner, father and is a great sport. For a guy who doesn't love excitement and change, he sure hangs on tight and enjoys the ride:) It was my utmost thrill this year to re-affirm my love for him in front of our children, family and friends who are family. Together we have raised two fantastic children, and I am proud that I am learning better (though not perfectly) to balance their needs and owning a young, small business.
I am proud of the human connections that I have made. Who knew that I would make real friends and meet such wonderful people, and recieve their love in my heart each day. It is these relationships that help me keep the rest of my jumbled life in some kind of order!
I am also proud that I actually kept most of my goals for 2011- soda is gone, family is balanced (ish), athletic events complete, just not too many massages (but I can work on that, gladly!).
So with that in mind - my goals laid out for 2012 (please note that all goals are subject to change, LOL!!) **Please read the following with booming, epic, echoey James Earl Jones voice****
- to be more patient
- run the Toronto Waterfont 1/2 Marathon in October (Oh crap - that's 10 months away :O )
- get my youth group back in order and running strong
-to educate myself on how to manage and save money effectively (that's the big one) This is the year we change the money rut that so many young families fall into - and start to see a return for our hard work by planning and managing our finances properly. Kind of like a "bank account wellness program" or a "cash diet". Not gonna be rich, but organized would be fantastic!
In 2011, my family and I shared good health, relative economic safety and loads of happiness. We felt the love of our family and friends (both personal and CORE friends!). We laughed, we cried (well, everybody but me, that is). We loved, we hugged, we played and danced. And if nothing else happens in 2012 for us, then, well, that's good enough for me.
Happy New Year!!!
The review shows got me thinking. What would my timeline look like for 2011? Did I complete my goals for the year? Did I make a difference in the world? Am I happy with the year, and what can I do to make 2012 a happy, healthy year for myself, my family and all that I care about. So here goes (please read the following in a CNN Anchor type voice, with a running flow of pictures feature behind):
-CORE business picks up!
-CORE studio is finished - classes start
-in a fit of insanity, I start running again and enter a Sprint Duathlon for July 2012
-we go to the humane society to adopt a kitten, and come home with two adult cats, Imogen and Darwin
-ZUMBA for Gillie Beans - made video to raise funds and awareness of the Gillie Beans FUNd
-run 5K Run For The Diamond trail run in Uxbridge. David and Amy compete fantastically well in the 1K kids run. Sean freezes to the spot in the drizzling cold rain, with a pasted smile and hoarse cheer at the ready.
-stopped drinking Diet Soda.
-hosted Rainbow ZUMBA party, raising funds & awareness for the Gillie Beans FUNd.
-stopped drinking diet soda. Stopped... I know, but I miss it :(
-finished 8K run for Camp Oochigeas.
-took kids to Canada's Wonderland as a reward for great report cards - then proceeded to fail as a parent by putting David (then 7 yrs) on the Bat.
-finished our 1 year experiment July1st - no unnecessary purchases, any purchases must be home or locally made, or eco-friendly for one whole year. Entire family gorges on McDonalds same evening.
-finished Sprint Duathlon at Ironman Peterborough - 7K run, 25K cycle.
-celebrated 10yr anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony and party with all the people we love!
-went to Cuba for 2nd honeymoon - ran on the beach barefoot - a lifelong dream!
-CanFit Pro conference - met Tanya Beardsley, my ZUMBA idol! and learned a TONNE about how to be better educator
-Participated in 160K Ride 4 United Way with Sean.
-my Dad was found unconscious, remains in a vegetative state today.
-Holly the pitbull comes into our lives and stays with us for three months in the hopes of finding her a wonderful home.
-went to "Broadway Lights" Zumba party with some CORE girlies - saw Tamara and Amanda, CDN ZES in action - wicked~
-Lisa Tiessen gets her ZUMBA Instructor license (not me, but a highlight!)
-CORE classes are added and programs become registered!
-Sean and I attend "red and white" ZUMBA party - Sean goes viral in the "Booty Shaking Competition"
- new CORE website goes live!
- "Off The Red Carpet" ZumbAthon - almost 100 people participated to raise funds for the Gillie Beans FUNd - bring year total donations from the CORE family to just over $1000 dollars
-Westminster United Church Christmas Eve Play - led service, assistant directed and wrote, "What Child Is This" performed by the wonderful youth of the church
The things I'm most proud of?
My husband - who quietly runs the fort when I'm out working every night. He truly is a wonderful man, partner, father and is a great sport. For a guy who doesn't love excitement and change, he sure hangs on tight and enjoys the ride:) It was my utmost thrill this year to re-affirm my love for him in front of our children, family and friends who are family. Together we have raised two fantastic children, and I am proud that I am learning better (though not perfectly) to balance their needs and owning a young, small business.
I am proud of the human connections that I have made. Who knew that I would make real friends and meet such wonderful people, and recieve their love in my heart each day. It is these relationships that help me keep the rest of my jumbled life in some kind of order!
I am also proud that I actually kept most of my goals for 2011- soda is gone, family is balanced (ish), athletic events complete, just not too many massages (but I can work on that, gladly!).
So with that in mind - my goals laid out for 2012 (please note that all goals are subject to change, LOL!!) **Please read the following with booming, epic, echoey James Earl Jones voice****
- to be more patient
- run the Toronto Waterfont 1/2 Marathon in October (Oh crap - that's 10 months away :O )
- get my youth group back in order and running strong
 |
| the Wedding of the year! |
 |
| Tanya Beardsley! |
 |
| CUBA chillaxin' |
 |
| The CORE studio |
 |
| The Ironman Duathlon |
-to educate myself on how to manage and save money effectively (that's the big one) This is the year we change the money rut that so many young families fall into - and start to see a return for our hard work by planning and managing our finances properly. Kind of like a "bank account wellness program" or a "cash diet". Not gonna be rich, but organized would be fantastic!
In 2011, my family and I shared good health, relative economic safety and loads of happiness. We felt the love of our family and friends (both personal and CORE friends!). We laughed, we cried (well, everybody but me, that is). We loved, we hugged, we played and danced. And if nothing else happens in 2012 for us, then, well, that's good enough for me.
Happy New Year!!!
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