So, I looked at the calendar today and realized that it's the 30th of November. Insane! Tomorrow it will be December. With December comes the season of celebration. A season of hope.
But, for alot of people December also brings along with it difficult memories. Not to mention the extra stress and scheduling conflicts. For me, it brings all of the above. All of you know that the past couple of years have not been easy for my family. There has been alot of change and alot of ups and downs. Christmas over the past couple of years has changed a little bit for each one of us.
This year, again, my Christmas will be changing. This year I will be celebrating my very first Christmas with my husband. I've never had a husband before! Not only will it be a new experience with him, but we are also travelling over the holidays which I have also never done before.
With all this change, I become a little hesitant. I LOVE Christmas. Those who are close to me know that I am a Christmas nut. I love the lights, the music, the movies, the snow...etc. Problem is, I don't always love change.
However, despite all the changes in the past couple of years my love for this season has not diminished, but it has changed slightly. Christmas is now more about spending time with the people I love. It's about cherishing what the season is really about. This is a season of hope. A reminder that the world was given the greatest gift...in a little baby. That right there is plenty a reason to celebrate!
Christmas bring many of memories, good and bad. I am trying not to look back on those memories and wish I could re-live them again. I cherish those times as they helped mold me into the person I am today. What I look forward to this Christmas season, is creating new memories. I intend to cherish every moment I have with my family and friends. And I hope to start new traditions for Rob and I. As this is our first year together we're going to be trying to figure out what works for us. I can't wait for us to establish those together!
So friends, as you prepare to engage in your Christmas traditions...cherish them. Cherish the people you are celebrating with. Don't be afraid to try something new too!
Remember the Christmas season is a time of hope and a time of celebration.
Enjoy!
P.S. For those of you who were worried that since we're going away for Christmas, I won't get to decorate - don't panic! I still put up a Christmas tree and lights around the house!! I wouldn't let my new house go undecorated!!!! :)
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Weeks 2 & 3 Results
Hi Friends!
Sorry I haven't updated you on the status of my project. Without internet at my house it's difficult to find time to write.
Unfortunately I cannot give you the most accurate count on what I've been doing simply because I haven't been as faithful of writing it down as I was hoping. I can re-assure you though that I am doing pretty well. I have kept on track mostly by taking walks on my lunch hour, walking after work, and I've taken to dancing to Christmas music....since it's pretty much time for that!
I don't know that I have been as loyal in doing it every single day, but I have been quite proud of myself for the accomplishment I have made.
I think that I haven't seen much improvement in say, my weight, but I am feeling more energized and putting that into getting some other things done around the house. Such as cooking and organizing.
The only problem with that is that I am a TERRIBLE cook. I try but I am just so bad. Nothing I ever make tastes good. Even if I follow a recipe. I'm THAT bad!! If anyone has tips on how to become a better cook - I NEED THEM! I have a million cook books but I just seem unable to make food that tastes good! I need help! Like seriously.
Anyways, one more week of the project left and hopefully I will be able to report that things go just as well as they have to this point!
Talk soon!
Peace.
Sorry I haven't updated you on the status of my project. Without internet at my house it's difficult to find time to write.
Unfortunately I cannot give you the most accurate count on what I've been doing simply because I haven't been as faithful of writing it down as I was hoping. I can re-assure you though that I am doing pretty well. I have kept on track mostly by taking walks on my lunch hour, walking after work, and I've taken to dancing to Christmas music....since it's pretty much time for that!
I don't know that I have been as loyal in doing it every single day, but I have been quite proud of myself for the accomplishment I have made.
I think that I haven't seen much improvement in say, my weight, but I am feeling more energized and putting that into getting some other things done around the house. Such as cooking and organizing.
The only problem with that is that I am a TERRIBLE cook. I try but I am just so bad. Nothing I ever make tastes good. Even if I follow a recipe. I'm THAT bad!! If anyone has tips on how to become a better cook - I NEED THEM! I have a million cook books but I just seem unable to make food that tastes good! I need help! Like seriously.
Anyways, one more week of the project left and hopefully I will be able to report that things go just as well as they have to this point!
Talk soon!
Peace.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Week One - Results
Well, they're in. The results from my first week of the "Get moving" project. And I did pretty darn well!
I believe that I told you all about it on Wednesday last week. That night, I took a 20-25 minute walk. I wanted to see what kind of route I could take that would last the right amount of time. Mission accomplished.
Then Thursday night, I took another walk. I went to visit some friends of mine. I decided to walk there and they could drive me home. However I got about 20 minutes in and got picked up! So it was cut a little short but I was still able to get out for a bit.
Friday night, I spent several hours cleaning up my house. Dishes, bathroom, laundry, mopping floors etc. And I did it all with a great dance beat! Most fun I've had cleaning my house since we've moved in!
Saturday was my day off, then Sunday night we had a soccer game in which we played 3 minute intervals. Great circut training to run hard for a few minutes then rest for a few. I being able to play that way.
Monday night (last night) I took an hour long walk! I decided I wanted to go to the dollar store. There is one on a major intersection by my house, so I figured I'd walk there. I made it there in about 25 minutes. Took my time in the store then walked back in about 25-30 minutes. I felt great when I got home, except my feet were killing me. I need better walking shoes!
Tonight, if I don't get time for a walk (since I have guests tonight), I have every intention of doing a little dancing or maybe try my "basement bootcamp". I'll let you know how it goes!
Well - week one down! And I have to admit that I am very proud of myself and the fact that I am following through with this. I have even had a little more energy to do some cooking and a little home renovation.
Here's to feeling good!!!
I believe that I told you all about it on Wednesday last week. That night, I took a 20-25 minute walk. I wanted to see what kind of route I could take that would last the right amount of time. Mission accomplished.
Then Thursday night, I took another walk. I went to visit some friends of mine. I decided to walk there and they could drive me home. However I got about 20 minutes in and got picked up! So it was cut a little short but I was still able to get out for a bit.
Friday night, I spent several hours cleaning up my house. Dishes, bathroom, laundry, mopping floors etc. And I did it all with a great dance beat! Most fun I've had cleaning my house since we've moved in!
Saturday was my day off, then Sunday night we had a soccer game in which we played 3 minute intervals. Great circut training to run hard for a few minutes then rest for a few. I being able to play that way.
Monday night (last night) I took an hour long walk! I decided I wanted to go to the dollar store. There is one on a major intersection by my house, so I figured I'd walk there. I made it there in about 25 minutes. Took my time in the store then walked back in about 25-30 minutes. I felt great when I got home, except my feet were killing me. I need better walking shoes!
Tonight, if I don't get time for a walk (since I have guests tonight), I have every intention of doing a little dancing or maybe try my "basement bootcamp". I'll let you know how it goes!
Well - week one down! And I have to admit that I am very proud of myself and the fact that I am following through with this. I have even had a little more energy to do some cooking and a little home renovation.
Here's to feeling good!!!
Friday, November 4, 2011
"Pay it Forward"
Friends!
Today is November 4, 2011. Nothing terribly special about the day, except that today has been designated "Random Act of Kindness Day". It's a little sad that people cannot be nice to each other any other day of the year, however it's also kind of exciting to see how people transform today and do a random act to help somebody else out. Today I was fortunate to be on the receiving end of a random act. Most of you have already read about this event on my Facebook, but I feel as if it needs to be explained again, as well as studied a little deeper.
Occasionally on my lunch break from work, I drive about 15 minutes to visit my sister at the Starbucks store that she works at. I usually get a drink and sometimes we even get to sit for a few minutes and chat. Today I showed up and it was busy in the store. It sucks a little bit because that means more time waiting in line and less time for me to spend there since I have to drive back to work. Regardless, I waited patiently in line keeping my eyes peeled for prime seating. As I get to the register, the gentleman who had ordered in front of me steps up beside me, shakes my hand and says "I'd like to buy your drink for you today. Seeing as it's random acts of kindness day. The only stipulation is that you have to pass it on". I was a little shocked and I think my face went red as I now became the centre of attention at Starbucks. So I said thank you and ordered my drink. He then handed me a business card and said that he was very honored to have been able to do that for me. Turns out the guy is a morning radio host from 91.5 The Beat! How exciting! I thanked him again and walked to the end of the bar to wait for my drink as the entire store was watching. I then stood awkwardly silent for a few minutes beside him as he also waited for his drink. After the initial shocked wore off, I got really excited about it! It was super neat to be the "victim" of that act. Although it wasn't anything enormous, that small gesture was a big deal. It made me smile and excited to go on with the rest of my day.
Isn't that what it is about? Doing things for others to make them smile? Sadly, I have to report I have yet to pay that act of kindness forward. I hope to make good on this by the end of the day. However - doing nice things for people shouldn't just happen on one particular day of the year. In my mind, as humans beings, we should be loving and show gratitude for other people all the time. Not only do I want to do a random act today November the 4th, but it should be done once a day any regular day....if not multiple times a day. A little generosity goes a long way.
What will you do to make someone smile for a little while? It doesn't take a lot. Make it a goal for this weekend to do something nice for someone. Whether it be buying a coffee for a total stranger or cooking breakfast for a loved one. It doesn't take much. Just pay it forward.
Today is November 4, 2011. Nothing terribly special about the day, except that today has been designated "Random Act of Kindness Day". It's a little sad that people cannot be nice to each other any other day of the year, however it's also kind of exciting to see how people transform today and do a random act to help somebody else out. Today I was fortunate to be on the receiving end of a random act. Most of you have already read about this event on my Facebook, but I feel as if it needs to be explained again, as well as studied a little deeper.
Occasionally on my lunch break from work, I drive about 15 minutes to visit my sister at the Starbucks store that she works at. I usually get a drink and sometimes we even get to sit for a few minutes and chat. Today I showed up and it was busy in the store. It sucks a little bit because that means more time waiting in line and less time for me to spend there since I have to drive back to work. Regardless, I waited patiently in line keeping my eyes peeled for prime seating. As I get to the register, the gentleman who had ordered in front of me steps up beside me, shakes my hand and says "I'd like to buy your drink for you today. Seeing as it's random acts of kindness day. The only stipulation is that you have to pass it on". I was a little shocked and I think my face went red as I now became the centre of attention at Starbucks. So I said thank you and ordered my drink. He then handed me a business card and said that he was very honored to have been able to do that for me. Turns out the guy is a morning radio host from 91.5 The Beat! How exciting! I thanked him again and walked to the end of the bar to wait for my drink as the entire store was watching. I then stood awkwardly silent for a few minutes beside him as he also waited for his drink. After the initial shocked wore off, I got really excited about it! It was super neat to be the "victim" of that act. Although it wasn't anything enormous, that small gesture was a big deal. It made me smile and excited to go on with the rest of my day.
Isn't that what it is about? Doing things for others to make them smile? Sadly, I have to report I have yet to pay that act of kindness forward. I hope to make good on this by the end of the day. However - doing nice things for people shouldn't just happen on one particular day of the year. In my mind, as humans beings, we should be loving and show gratitude for other people all the time. Not only do I want to do a random act today November the 4th, but it should be done once a day any regular day....if not multiple times a day. A little generosity goes a long way.
What will you do to make someone smile for a little while? It doesn't take a lot. Make it a goal for this weekend to do something nice for someone. Whether it be buying a coffee for a total stranger or cooking breakfast for a loved one. It doesn't take much. Just pay it forward.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The "Get Moving" project
Friends!
In a post I wrote the other day I mentioned how I was lacking of motivation and therefore feeling a little down and discouraged. Well, I'm happy to report that I've been doing some research on how to get out of this little slump and get moving again.
I was reading online that in order to succeed at getting going again there are a couple things I need to put into place. One of them is creating a goal for myself. I was warned not to make it anything huge because if it is unatainable I will become discouraged and once again fall into the laziness slump. Second, put a plan in place. Physically type up my goal and action plan and tape it to the fridge, display it at work, etc. Not so that the whole world can see, but so I can be reminded each day of my goal and how to get there. Next step, get support. Step after that goes hand in hand with the last step, put people in place to hold you accountable. Hopefully with the encouragement from them when I'm doing well will be enough to help me keep moving forward. Also, when they come to me saying I'm slacking I will hopefully get enough of a push from them that I will keep going.
So here it is, my plan. I have to admit that my only real goal is to get out of this lazy slump. Also, I want to be able to feel good about myself. So, in order to feel good I figured I should (in the most vain sense of feeling good) feel good about how I look. Therefore, part of my goal is to get more physical activity. Instead of sitting inside my house like a lump on a log, I need to get out, get up and get moving. Since gym memberships are ridiculously expensive I have searched the internet and come up with several ideas of things I can do at home and that don't cost any money! Becuase I get bored easily, I have a different option to do each day to keep it exciting and different. I plan on doing this 4 days a week (Not Wednesdays because Rob's home, Saturday's becuase they are usually WAY to busy and Sunday's because I already play soccer that day).
A couple home options are: Walk. How simple is that!? Walk somewhere for 10 minutes. Then walk home. At the end of it, I will have walked 20 minutes. Genius!! Next, I have read in multiple places that dancing is a great work out. I plan on going home tonight and creating myself a upbeat, fast paced playlist that runs for 25-30 minutes long. Then dancing days I will put on the playlist and let loose! Another option that I found online is called "basement bootcamp" it's 5 really simple exersizes that I can do right at home. It's a circut and because I change positions so much it'll hopefully be enough to encourage me to keep going.
Now comes your part. I need YOU to be my encouragment/accountibility buddies. For one month, I want to try and do this "get moving" project. I plan to do some activity 4 nights a week. At the end of each week I will blog and tell you how I did that week. If I start making excuses I need you to call me out on them. I look forward to your words of encouragement and words of motivation throughout this project.
On a side note, If any of you would like to join me, I'd be happy to have a walking or dancing buddy!
I'm hoping that in a month, I won't feel as lazy. I'll feel happier because I've stuck with something and who knows, I might even get into shape!
Let the project begin!!!
In a post I wrote the other day I mentioned how I was lacking of motivation and therefore feeling a little down and discouraged. Well, I'm happy to report that I've been doing some research on how to get out of this little slump and get moving again.
I was reading online that in order to succeed at getting going again there are a couple things I need to put into place. One of them is creating a goal for myself. I was warned not to make it anything huge because if it is unatainable I will become discouraged and once again fall into the laziness slump. Second, put a plan in place. Physically type up my goal and action plan and tape it to the fridge, display it at work, etc. Not so that the whole world can see, but so I can be reminded each day of my goal and how to get there. Next step, get support. Step after that goes hand in hand with the last step, put people in place to hold you accountable. Hopefully with the encouragement from them when I'm doing well will be enough to help me keep moving forward. Also, when they come to me saying I'm slacking I will hopefully get enough of a push from them that I will keep going.
So here it is, my plan. I have to admit that my only real goal is to get out of this lazy slump. Also, I want to be able to feel good about myself. So, in order to feel good I figured I should (in the most vain sense of feeling good) feel good about how I look. Therefore, part of my goal is to get more physical activity. Instead of sitting inside my house like a lump on a log, I need to get out, get up and get moving. Since gym memberships are ridiculously expensive I have searched the internet and come up with several ideas of things I can do at home and that don't cost any money! Becuase I get bored easily, I have a different option to do each day to keep it exciting and different. I plan on doing this 4 days a week (Not Wednesdays because Rob's home, Saturday's becuase they are usually WAY to busy and Sunday's because I already play soccer that day).
A couple home options are: Walk. How simple is that!? Walk somewhere for 10 minutes. Then walk home. At the end of it, I will have walked 20 minutes. Genius!! Next, I have read in multiple places that dancing is a great work out. I plan on going home tonight and creating myself a upbeat, fast paced playlist that runs for 25-30 minutes long. Then dancing days I will put on the playlist and let loose! Another option that I found online is called "basement bootcamp" it's 5 really simple exersizes that I can do right at home. It's a circut and because I change positions so much it'll hopefully be enough to encourage me to keep going.
Now comes your part. I need YOU to be my encouragment/accountibility buddies. For one month, I want to try and do this "get moving" project. I plan to do some activity 4 nights a week. At the end of each week I will blog and tell you how I did that week. If I start making excuses I need you to call me out on them. I look forward to your words of encouragement and words of motivation throughout this project.
On a side note, If any of you would like to join me, I'd be happy to have a walking or dancing buddy!
I'm hoping that in a month, I won't feel as lazy. I'll feel happier because I've stuck with something and who knows, I might even get into shape!
Let the project begin!!!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Winning Photo
Well friends, this is the photo that did it! This is our winning picture. Not the most amazing photo since not everyone is really looking but it was unique and different from all the other entries!Thanks for your votes friends!!! It's because of all of you that we won!!!
Apology Blog
Friends,
I must apologize for my last blog. I was ranting and it was inappropriate.
My attitude and behaviour should not have been poured out on each of you through the post and I extend my deepest apologies.
I know that sounds cheesy, but after looking over the blog again, I realized that I was ranting and said some things I probably should not have said.
Friends, I am writing this simply to ask your forgiveness.
I must apologize for my last blog. I was ranting and it was inappropriate.
My attitude and behaviour should not have been poured out on each of you through the post and I extend my deepest apologies.
I know that sounds cheesy, but after looking over the blog again, I realized that I was ranting and said some things I probably should not have said.
Friends, I am writing this simply to ask your forgiveness.
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