Embrace Life

Wellness Wednesday: My Happiness Project

I think it is my need for structure and order that appeals to me most about Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project. I had been reading her blog for quite some time but didn't "get it" until I read her brilliant book. I took my time reading it for two reasons: I wanted to absorb the content between each chapter; and, I was invited to join a lovely group of insightful and honest women on a virtual book club. It became my parking lot book - that book you bring with you while you wait for your kids.

I shall endeavour to embark on a similar journey, my time line will be a bit different, but I think it is a worthwhile project to embrace and complete. Not only worth while, it will be economical and a bit of a personal improvement stay-cation. I appreciate the structured approach. My premise is very similar to that of Gretchen Rubin, I am, in general, a very content person. I'd say on a scale of 10 that I would be firmly at an 8 with a "glass is half full" attitude as well as a general need to always look at the bright side. Like her, I can make my surroundings far more pleasant by making some subtle and not-so-subtle changes in my attitude and approach to people and events. In fact, I took the Authentic Happiness Inventory Test and here are my results: 

I have to admit, when I left the crazy corporate world of grocery domination to became a full-time mama and *choke* suburban soccer mom (with nary a soccer player in the house) I made a conscious effort to do many of the projects outlined in the book, though in nowhere near as organized a fashion. My rules were very simple:

1. Smile
2. Say only nice things or remain silent
3. Do one thing out of my comfort zone each week
4. Engage with others in similar situation and learn from them
5. Get involved

For the most part I have continued to follow those rules, with varying degrees of success, over the last 12 years. I got off the plane from Calgary with a new attitude and a determination to accept whatever our new life had to offer.

It is time to re-evaluate my successes and failures and to do that I'd like to use The Happiness Project as my guideline. So, bear with me as I use my Wellness Wednesday posts to outline my plan. At least here on the blog I'm guaranteed to be able to locate it again! My laptop is currently exploding with projects, plans and ideas in many stages of incomplete.

By using the book, as well as the notes I made in the book, the Reading Guide I received a few weeks ago, conversations with the ladies in the virtual book club, I plan to rediscover my happy :)

I am not a tremendous believer in Resolutions that have to be made On January 1st or the first day of school; nor do I believe you have to start an endeavour at the beginning of a month or even the beginning of the week. I will follow a monthly outline as that is how the book is structured, but Gretchen Rubin's January will be my May.

Are you thinking: Lee, look at the calendar, why wait? Why not start in April?

Well, April, for me, is silly season, it is stressful and I don't know that I can focus on anything as big and potentially rewarding as the Energy & Vitality portion of my own personal Happiness Project while I'm nervously pacing and downing glasses of wine! What in the world is going on here, you may wonder? Hockey tryouts, aka the mean season. When bold faced lies are told and people forget that they are parents and their children are not pawns.

What I will do in April is pay attention. I will be more aware of myself, my actions and more, my reactions. I will use this month to focus on GETTING STARTED.

GETTING STARTED

The first 14 pages of the book are dedicated to the structure of getting started. Gretchen Rubin's journey started by a question asked, on a rainy day while sitting in a city bus:

"What do I want from my life, anyway?"

Her answer was "Well ... I want to be happy."

As I read along I realized how similar, yet different, our situations were.

DIFFERENT: I do not live in New York City, I do not have a law degree, I am not a published author, I do not have two adorable little girls, I do not have family close by (well not in the same city let alone the next block).

SIMILAR: Our likes and dislikes are very similar, her "be Gretchen" is very much like my "be Lee"; we are both hitting a midlife malaise; we both have a feeling that something is missing and a desire to be grateful for the ordinary.

Her comment: "I needed to find a way to do it here and now. I needed to change the lens through which I viewed everything familiar", spoke to me. Screamed from the page. Not only am I a visual person and amateur photographer, it was exactly it. Exactly what I had been feeling for months. She then continued with "I wasn't as happy as I could be, and my life wasn't going to change unless I made it change". Wow. I'm in that exact same space.

But I don't want to change so much that I'm no longer me, I just want to improve the good and put less focus on the bad. How could I change, be more observant, be more mindful, be more aware and remain myself?

I was relieved to read that in her effort to "find happiness" we had read many similar books, magazines and articles. Plato, Boethius, Thoreau, Tolstoy ... Oprah, Julie Morgenstern, Malcolm Gladwell, Dalai Lama, Flylady (Marla Cilley). And there were plenty of books listed which I had never considered!

Though GR's use of charts and score systems is a bit more regimented and compulsive than I'm comfortable doing ... scorekeeping is not something I do well in the literal or figurative sense! I'm far more comfortable in the knowledge of improvement than the need for empirical proof of that improvement. That being said, we are similar in that I do love lists!

LISTS

One of her lists is her TWELVE COMMANDMENTS. I have to admit, after reading the book through, she and I have very similar interests and temperament. I am no where near as regimented as she is, but then again, I am not a lawyer or published author. Perhaps there is more here for me to learn, eh?

Anyway, from her commandments, I was able to extract these to add to mine:

• Be me
• Let it go
• Act the way I want to feel
• Do it now
• Enjoy the process
• Lighten Up
• Do what ought to be done
• There is only love
  

I still have to work on my additional commandments. I rejected these:

#5: Be polite and be fair which I'm sure is admirable, but it has been my experience that "be polite" translates into evade at best and lie at worst; and, "be fair" generally means let the other guy win. I would probably replace this with: be honest, not confrontational or judgmental

#7: Spend out may be a valid commandment, but if I can't understand what it means immediately upon reading, it doesn't help me.

#8: Identify the problem should just be a way of life, not a commandment. With four active kids there is plenty of problem identification and it has become second-nature to identify and deal.

#11: No calculation is how I live my life so this commandment has no meaning.

Of course, to me, the commandment by which I live my life is "do unto others as you would have others do unto you" which, surprisingly, can get you into a lot of trouble when those around you do not follow or even understand that concept. Somehow I'll figure out how to shorten that and add it to my list - way at the top! Oh, and Carpe Diem has to be there as well :)

I hope that by the end of my adventure I will be able to produce for you a well considered list of personal commandments. Do you have any for yourself? A motto or creed you live by?

In addition to her commandments, she wrote down a list she calls SECRETS OF ADULTHOOD which you can find on her blog: here. Her one secret I love, and tell my kids over and over again: If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough. I must be trying very hard, every day! I wouldn't have it any other way! This is one project I'm happy to compile as I have a ton of little 'truisms' I've collected over the years.

Like Gretchen Rubin, I'm not interested in extraordinary change. I am equally not interested in rejecting my life. I am looking to tweak what I already have. What I have is wonderful. I suppose I want to appreciate what I have more, and like Gretchen Rubin, I think if I "felt happier, I"d behave better." This, MY Happiness Project is not about wholesale changes, but more about minor improvements and simple awareness.

One aspect where she and I diverge is at the very end of Getting Started; on page 14, the last paragraph she writes: "One of my goals for the happiness project was to prepare for adversity ... I didn't want to wait for a crisis to remake my life". Good for her to prepare.

I was not. prepared. at. all.

Three major crisis have happened to our little family in the 12 years since I made my simple rules: Louis had Cancer (malignant, surgically removed in 1998); Caden was in a coma for almost 3 weeks, during SARS, as he almost drown (2003); and, I had a near-death heart infection the week after Caden was born (2000). Maybe one of my commandments should be: pick your battles as I know what a real battle is all about.

So that I am better prepared for any future crisis, it is time to get things in order.

Following the formula set out in The Happiness Project, this is my plan:

MAY: Boost Energy Vitality

JUNE: Remember Love Marriage

JULY: Aim Higher Work

AUGUST: Lighten Up Parenthood

SEPTEMBER: Be Serious About Play Leisure

OCTOBER: Make Time for Friends Friendship

NOVEMBER: Buy Some Happiness Money

DECEMBER: Contemplate the Heavens Eternity

JANUARY: Pursue a Passion Books

FEBRUARY: Pay Attention Mindfulness

MARCH: Keep a Contented Heart Attitude

APRIL: Boot Camp Perfect Happiness

What will I be doing between now and May? I'll continue to receive the Happiness Project blog posts into my reader, I'll use the Happiness Project Toolbox, I'll re-read the book, maybe read one of the countless books recommended in the book, put some plans in motion and who knows, maybe I'll get a head start on Boost Energy by purchasing a pair of sneakers and get a pedometer that actually works!

Are you participating in the Happiness Project? Do you do something similar all by yourself? Who inspires you?

Will, Sam or Mike?

Cole came back from his first football practice and announced that Coach has decided that he is a linebacker. Now, admittedly, I'm happy that Cole is playing football for two reasons: I love the game and I can practice action shots outside this Spring. Then I realized, I love the game more when it's other people's children being crunched!

I have been watching football for what seems like forever. It is a great game with plenty of great stories, really great stories. Great motivational quotes, I love Vince Lombardi, he's helping me raise my kids! I lived in Buffalo through the Marv Levy/Jim Kelly years of making it to the Super Bowl but never winning. Plenty of larger than life personalities and I've met some wonderful men who played the game (Bruce Smith, Dan Marino, Don Meredith) I've also met some crazies (Conrad Dobler, O.J. Simpson, Thurman Thomas) and every personality in between.

Most of my memories of football are of sitting with my dad watching college and NFL games while growing up. He is a huge sports fan and loved the game, the flash and personality of it all, as well as knowing every rule and how each game was played. It wasn't until I went to University that I got my first dose of Canadian football with all kinds of new rules, no marching bands, no cheerleaders, and freezing cold temperatures! It was there that I learned to love the Canadian game.

The differences are small, but significant. The Canadian field is bigger, some positions play a bit differently and there are three downs as opposed to the American four-down rule. If  you're interested, go here to read a pretty comprehensive comparison: Wiki.

Now, I love football, but I haven't watched anything but the Grey Cup or SuperBowl in years. So, as I do, I didn't want to rely on my vague recollection that in my youth, Dick Butkus and Lawrence Taylor were Linebackers and they were tough and mean. I've met Mr. Butkus and he is lovely, though I doubt he was on the field! I wanted to educate myself a bit and found this write-up online:

The Linebackers

Linebackers are a special breed. They like to torture small animals, drink blood and eat children for breakfast. Linebackers are often quite famous: Ray Nitschke, Dick Butkus, Lawrence Taylor, Mike Singletary, Ray Lewis. These guys are the "enforcers" of the defense. Their job is to make sure that nothing good happens for the offense in the middle of the field, and that the running back has trouble sleeping tonight due to his many bruises and pains.

There are three linebackers, each with a slightly different job. The middle linebacker,  is the quarterback of the defense. It's his job to make sure all the other defensive players are lined up correctly and know what scheme they're going to use on the next play to try to stymie the offence. The middle linebacker will also be responsible to see that the running back has no success running between the tackles. In the passing game, if the running back or full back comes into the middle of the field to be an outlet receiver, the middle linebacker's job is to disrupt the pass and make the back regret every coming into his territory. Middle linebackers rarely have all of their teeth. To a middle linebacker, this is a point of pride. The middle linebacker is often called "Mike," where M is for middle. A middle linebacker will typically weigh 245 to 255 pounds. He has to be a very good runner, as his responsibility on a running play is to be where ever the ball is, either making the tackle or helping. (Famous middle linebackers include Mike Singletary, Dan Morgan, Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert, Zach Thomas, Tedy Bruschi, and Ray Nitschke.)

The strong side linebacker, is to help contain the running back on the strong side of the field. To do this, he must take on the tight end on nearly every play. The strong side linebacker is also responsible to see that the tight end never catches a pass, or if he happens to he winds up regretting it. The strong side linebacker will typically be about as big as the middle linebacker, about 245 to 255 pounds. The strong side linebacker is often called "Sam," where S is for strong side. (Famous strongside linebackers include Jack Ham, Shawne Merriman, Bill Romanowski, Willie McGinest, and LaVar Arrington.)

The weak side linebacker, is normally a bit lighter and faster than the other two linebackers. He does not wrestle with 265 pound tight ends, or 250 pound straight-ahead running backs like the Sam and Mike linebackers do. His job is to contain cut back running backs who come over to the weak side. He will also help out with coverage in the passing game. Frequently a running back or fullback will come out of the backfield as an outlet receiver. In this case, it will often be the weak side linebacker's responsibility to cover this guy and prevent a pass, or at least tackle the guy immediately. The weak side linebacker is often called "Will," where W is for weak side. (Famous weakside linebackers include Lawrence Taylor, Junior Seau, Takeo Spikes, Julian Peterson, Derrick Brooks, Lavar Arrington, DeMarcus Ware and Joey Porter.)

Holy smokes!

Torture small animals?

Drink blood?

Eat children for breakfast?

Ah well, I guess someone has to do it! Cole quite enjoyed his first practice and is looking forward to the next one. He's never played the game before and joined so he could spend some time with one of his buddies, so I'm pretty sure we'll be making a trip to Blockbuster to rent some football movies, or even old games, I'm sure we can find some on line! LT in his prime, maybe? He's already asking about how to go about sacking the quarterback. Hmm. Maybe this is a good sport for him!

Photo of Lawrence Taylor found here.

My Best Shot Monday: Droplets

We've had a couple of rainy and cold days here. Ah, Spring.

What is your best shot this Monday? Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

Who knew? Whoopi did!

As my friends know, I'm an avid watcher of The View. No matter what is going on, the television gets flicked on every weekday morning at 11AM. If I could be one person, I would want to be Whoopi when I grow up except that would require far more talent than I have, so I will have to be content to just watch and learn and be forever thankful for the privilege every week day.

She offers a measured amount of sanity and common sense on a show that can sometimes become pretty out of control. Somehow I don't think she ever envisioned herself as the moderate member of anything; but, she has proven to be insightful, kind-hearted and tolerant.

Now, there are many wonderful things she has discussed, defended and represented on the show since I tuned back in three years ago - on my birthday, September 4th, 2007. What a gift!

Okay, so less gush and more to my point.

A while ago she had been quite sick. A big cough had settled into her chest and she was having a difficult time getting rid of it. She had heard of an urban legend which she tried. I'm here to tell you, and thank Whoopi, because the lady got it right!!

Vicks Vaporub

Yep, that little blue jar with the powerful smell has come to my rescue. Take a generous amount and rub (about a tablespoon worth) of the greasy, minty goo onto the bottom of your feet and cover them with socks. Take yourself to bed. When you wake up, voila, cough is G.O.N.E.

I've had a terrible cough deep in my chest (shut up) and have had a terrible weekend. My whole body rattled. I hate this kind of cough as it often triggers my finally-under-control-asthma. I've had asthma since I was a 14-year-old competitive swimmer and tennis player and though I've always taken care of it, once a cold hits, fear strikes. I've never been able to find a way to catch it before I have an asthma attack or end up at the doctor receiving a prescription for a huge amount of drugs for bronchitis, or worse, pneumonia.

Though, I have a lovely doctor, John, I am not a fan of prescriptions though I take some to keep me alive, every day.

I'm far more a fan of homoeopathic remedies. Give me the chiropractor, the acupuncturist, the juice, the balanced diet before you give me the pill or the scalpel!

I whined about my condition on Facebook and one of my friends suggested Buckley's and it was next on my list. I remembered the off-hand Whoopie comment from months ago and got myself some Vicks Vaporub to try first. When I woke this morning, I realized I'm breathing fine with no sign of a cough. No need for the Buckley's!

So Vicks rocks.

Whoopi rocks.

Being able to stay home in the middle of the day to watch television rocks.

Cape Cod: Documented

Louis and I have been going to Cape Cod every year since before we had kids and I've been going a couple of years more than that. It has had such an enormous impact on our lives, Caden has only just stopped asking, "when are we going to my Cape Cod?" When our kids were scared at night and couldn't go to sleep we soothed them with dreams of the beach and our summers on the Cape. It is more than a two- or three-week place we visit once a year, it is a whole year experience.

I wanted to make a photo book, not a scrapbook but a real dust-jacket wrapped, bound and published keepsake, for my family. While going through my digital and analog files over the winter I realized that I have oodles of photos of my children, as well as sea, sand and gorgeous gardens, but I do not have many of the places we go or all the things we do!

I've lost all of the context.

How could this be possible? I have been scrapbooking for almost a decade and taking photos forever. How did I miss taking photos of:

The Cape Playhouse
Captain Frosty's
The Ice Cream Smuggler
Gina's By The Sea
The Brewster General Store
Monomoy Sea Camp
Dennis Pines and Dennis Highlands
Cape Cod Mall
The Posh Shopping at Osterville
The drug store we bought all those Beanie Babies we couldn't get in Canada
The liquor store we bought all that Ten Cane Rum we can't get in Canada
The worlds best scrapbook store ever in Hyannis
The whale watching boat in Provincetown
The baseball diamond in Chatham or Dennis
The Dennis Market
The little clam shack at Sesuit Harbour
The fascinating decor at the Blue Moon restaurant
The Armchair Bookstore
The library where I used to go to get online
The Mercantile where my dad goes to buy morning muffins
The place Louis goes to get our cappuccino
The candy store in Chatham
The Impudent Oyster
Cuffy's Warehouse Store!

I realized I missed taking all of those photos because I took it for granted that we would always take our kids to Cape Cod for their summer holidays. I also missed much because for years the priority was the diaper bag, not the camera bag.

Things have changed so much over the years, there is no way to go back and recapture those old spots, but maybe I can go to all of those places and document what they are now. Maybe we will continue to go to Cape Cod forever, and who knows, maybe my memory will fade and I will remember these places as they are represented in the photos I take now.

As winter fades, I'm really looking forward to our drive to the sea.

Typing these thoughts out has also brought to my attention that I don't have a photo of things, everyday things, places we go and people we see, here, right at home. Hmm. Must fix that. Maybe in my upcoming Week In The Life project?

Do you, like me, take for granted those places around you, the routine day-to-day places you go? Are they important to capture? Or is it enough to capture the faces of your children without the context? Without the who, what, when, where and how of it all?

Earth Hour: Do you recognize it?

My kids have been very keen on recognizing Earth Hour the last couple of years. Generally this means all the lights are off, the computers shut down, television screens shut off and candles and old wood matches are at the ready. The first time we honoured the hour I watched the kids play Monopoly for a while then promptly fell asleep and last year they were less enthusiastic than I expected. They've already started talking about it, so this must be an "on" year, eh?

Again, this year the hour happens in the middle of the can't miss Hockey Night in Canada. I know at least one television will be on and all the boys will be watching their beloved Habs play the New Jersey Devils.

We continue to live a reasonably energy-conscientious existence and one hour one way or the other really won't make a marked difference in our lives. I enjoy Earth Hour as an awareness exercise. As a child of the energy crisis, in the mid-1970s, I get a bit nutty about shutting off lights and washing things in cold water, as well as numerous other quirks. Poor Louis (and the children) thinks I'm a bit of a fanatic. Wait until I spring on him the idea of solar panels to be installed this summer!

What about you? Do you have plans for Earth Hour?

Is this an event emphasized in your schools? 

What are your favourite energy saving tips and ideas? Something you've incorporated into your everyday life, something you practice every day? Who knows, it might be something you do so casually, it is so ingrained, you might not recognize it as energy efficient, but share!

Easter Eggs with a Twist!

Each year my kids look forward to colouring Easter eggs.

Each year I get nervous that I will:

• Forget and buy our regular brown eggs rather than white
• Crack all the eggs while boiling them
• Not have white vinegar in the house to set the colour

This usually turns into a bit of a panic since the eggs are generally done on Good Friday since everyone is home - but all of the stores are closed!

Chloe and Caden are still anxious to colour eggs this year. Claire and Cole are less enthusiastic, after all, there are so many other things to do while not in school, like sleep!

This year, I got smart, I think.

The formula:

• Styrofoam Eggs
• Jute and Hemp Twine
• Glue Dots
• Scissors
• Patience

The lessons:

• Glue Gun + Lee = Incompatible
• Jute is easier to work with than hemp
• Chloe prefers messy creative projects
• Caden enjoyed himself, but the process wasn't fast enough
• I will end up making the remaining styrofoam eggs alone

 

The materials.

The mama sample.

 

The kids working out their sillies before starting!

Chloe chose to use the hemp and she did a lovely job with her egg!

Caden used the jute and did a job on his egg :)

 

The big reveal, the egg masterpieces!

I think once I get all of the eggs wrapped in hemp and jute, I'll add some purple ribbon and maybe some buttons to cover some of the "homemade" charm of them all! I'm glad we got an early start, it may take all of next week to get all the rest of the eggs done.

I have promised Little Miss Family Tradition that I will indeed remember to buy white eggs and white vinegar this week, I will hover and make sure they don't crack and then she will dye her eggs on Good Friday just as she has always done. She has even asked me to make a scrapbook page - which I will, of course. I think Caden is just focused on jelly beans, chocolate bunnies and a DVD, his favourite Easter tradition.

*8 Things: On My Creative To-Do List

At the beginning of February I posted about the things I would like to learn to create. Since then I've found a number of projects, on line and in person, I find very appealing and finally organized them in a manner which just might get them done. I am feeling very productive.

Last Saturday, it did get me to the store. The dangerous part! I took Caden with me to the DeSerres store for some creative goodness. I prefer DeSerres, even though it is a bit of a hike, to Curry's (sparce and expensive) or Michael's (junky even when things are not and WAY too expensive) and DeSerres appeals to my inner artist as opposed to my inner crafter even though everything is a craft in one way, shape or form. I'm feeling more productive!

I even have a time-line since one of the projects has to be done before Easter! I know that gives me ONE thing done, but at least it's a start. And yes, I bought supplies for significantly more than just one thing. It's amazing how a very small basket can become a very expensive purchase.

So, here are the materials and the corresponding projects:

Jute: for jute wrapped Easter Eggs. I'm going to wrap styrofoam eggs in jute. They'll be finished off with a ribbon and placed in a basket. Break out the glue gun!

Glass Paint: I have some goblets here that are more than a little boring. I've always wanted to paint them and finally picked up some paint, so I'll be able to personalize and decorate to look the way I like!

Brayer: I have the ability and the materials, just not the brayer. Fixed that problem, I now have the brayer so there's nothing stopping me from making some dream boards, multimedia canvases or stone coasters, right?

Moleskine Journal: Not just lined but GRIDDED! I now have all of the supplies collected for my upcoming Week in the Life project.

China Ink: I saw some really neat mugs at a specialty shop in our very posh downtown strip and they had stamped messages on them. I bought some ink that is supposed to be "dishwasher resistant". We'll see!

Sharpie Poster Paint: I have heard so much about this stuff and I've been on the look-out for it for over a year. When I saw the display I was overjoyed! I actually have a file of things done with this paint and am looking forward to what I can do to some of my photographs.

Pens, Staedtler: I have always been a great fan of Staedtler products and love their pens. I have never used them on my scrapbook projects as it's a carry-over from my days with Creative Memories. All that "is it archival". Last week I went to write on a layout and EVERY SINGLE American Crafts Precision Pen I owned was DRY. Now, I don't write on my layouts often, but when I do I want them to work! So out came my fine Staedtler pens and I bought some thicker 1.0mm to join them! Pens, Micron: Now, for the black pens which I use more often, I had to buy some more so I picked up the Micron Pens in .01, .03, .05 and .08. Now I might just have to use them :)

Kolo Albums: I died and when to heaven when I found these things! Ever since the brilliant Liz Tamanaha and Aud Neal teamed up to do their Blueprints: Conversations in Album Design (Aud | Liz) I fell in love with the albums in the photograph they use. With Mother's Day coming up, my step sister moving to Oakville in May, my youngest step sister having a baby in June, I have no doubt I'll be getting a lot of use out of these babies. I bought a bright orange one as well as a lovely green one. The whole collection is stunning and I'm sure to be collecting more.

   The DeSerres haul!

No doubt these supplies will lead to more projects, and more, and more. Just what I am hoping for them to do. As I tackle these adventures in crafting, I will definitely post photos - before and after for sure. We'll have to see about the during.

What is on your creative to do list?

Wishcasting Wednesday: Break

What do you wish to take a break from?

Hockey games. Just a little break. The good news? My wish came true last night when Cole's Ranger team won the Tri-County Pee Wee AE Championship. We will still have plenty of time in the rink with practices and 3on3 games, but no high-pressure games for a while!

What is your wish? Each Wednesday morning, I eagerly anticipate the assignment from Jamie at Jamie Ridler Studios (though today I got distracted and headed over late today, like only minutes ago!) If you're looking for a bright spot in your day, head on over to check her out.

Staged Re-entry

I have to say it's not easy to get it together after a couple of weeks out of our regular routine. Not only that, but for some reason adjusting to Daylight Savings Time, even while the kids were on holiday, was difficult. I think I'm only just getting it together.

Caden started back at school yesterday. It was the very first time he's ever started anything without Chloe to help him get organized and ease him into his routine. I suppose he should get used to it since next year he'll be on his own ... every day!

Chloe and Claire returned from their grand Florida adventure with very little drama flying together from Fort Lauderdale to Toronto as "unaccompanied minors". I'm sure we still haven't heard all of stories or seen all of the photos! They had such a great time. They look great! It is so nice to have my chickies home again. They, along with Cole, start back to school today. Cole may have the most adjustment. I don't know what he'll do when he sees salad and healthy food waiting for him when he hits the dining hall at lunch! Not only that but he has a hockey game tonight - fingers crossed it is the last one of the season! - the Tri-County championship may be determined tonight.

Today, for me, is one of those "I'm so embarrassed" days as the cleaning ladies are going to put everything back in order! Well, they will after I do it first :) I think I'll hide in the basement and get all of the laundry done and desk work finished!

Have a wonderful Tuesday. I hope your re-entry has been easy!

My Best Shot Monday: Home Shave

I am still startled by the fact my baby is shaving. This was his first "at home" attempt. I have to admit, he did a pretty good job. It was fun to watch his brother watch him. That'll be the topic of he next shaving photo shoot!

Up By My Bootstraps!

Last week was particularly stressful. I imagine it was just the start of a stressful few weeks.

You know the kind of stress you cannot avoid? Circumstances demand that you endure the situation. Though it is short-term in nature it is incredibly intense and mean-spirited. 

Now, those of you who know me well are wondering what the hell I'm doing as you well know I don't have the patience or constitution for crap and bullshit and extricate myself as quickly as possible from confrontational or negative situations. Oh, how I hate drama. So to you lovelies, I promise you, if I could get away, I would. Truly.

Since it is a situation I cannot change, I will focus on the positive.

Onward, right?

My lovely friend Cheri is reading Simple Abundance and last week made some really lovely, spirit-lifting posts, based on the exercises outlined for those days. (I have the book and am seriously considering reading the daily essays and participating as instructed!)

There were two exercises that piqued my interest which boil down to acceptance of self: body and character. I have to tell you, I balked a bit (as Cheri did) regarding the "body" acceptance part, but the character acceptance part was far easier to celebrate. I suppose the really hard part was coming up with a list of TEN THINGS. Oh my! So, I gave it a shot:

Ten Things I LOVE About My Body:

My hair: It is very fine and very thick, with just enough bend to make it go any way I want it to. I have almost always dyed it some shade of red, and I had that insane blonde period last year. I am now embracing the gray. I wonder what texture and colour it will end up being?

My eyes: It took a long time to accept the fact that I was the only child in my family with brown eyes. Growing up with blonde hair and brown eyes was considered odd and I did get teased. I was happy for the onset of puberty when my hair got darker and I didn't look quite that different. I learned to love my brown eyes which are a chocolate brown shade. The only outward hint that I'm angry? They go from a warm chocolate brown to a dark chocolate brown - like all the sweet has been removed :)

My smile: I am often smiling and have many reasons to do so during the course of any given day. Even when I'm not having a particularly good day, I try to smile in spite of it all :) You know, release all those happy endorphins and all that. The key? Smile so it reaches your eyes. Everyone responds to smiling eyes!

My hands: I have very strong hands. My hands are rarely at rest: if I'm not typing or clicking, I'm cleaning or folding, washing or cooking or creating layouts or taking photos or holding hands with my children or helping them use a knife to cut vegetables or pushing them on a swing.

My skin: with the exception of the psoriasis which has gone crazy this winter - uh, yeah, stress does that to a person - my skin is young. Relatively speaking, of course. You know how with women you can tell their age by their neck or their hands, or even the skin by their ears? Mine is still somewhat taught, wrinkle-free and youthful. Ironically, while I was always considered older when I was a teen/young adult, now that I'm in my mid-forties many people guess me to be in my late-thirties. Perhaps now that I'm going gray I can finally just be my age!

My laugh: though not necessarily a body part, it is an integral part of my body. I can't imagine going through a day, not even a couple of hours, without a raucous belly laugh. I only laugh when something is funny and I'm blessed to be able to find so much fun in my days.

My belly: yes, the one with the laugh. It is also the belly that held itself together long enough for me to give birth to four kids in five years! Not something I'd recommend attempting with a 30+ year old body, but the resulting children is worth all of the residual health and weight issues.

My ass: Over the years, along with my belly it has become HUGE! But boy, in a cold rink it really comes in handy. Not only is it a wonderful cushion but it generates a lot of heat and some lucky person is always happy to sit next to me to stay warm :)

My legs: well, really my legs of 1986, which, when I look in a full length mirror (rarely) I still have :)

My height: I have always been tall and at 5'11" I am substantially taller than most of the women and many of the men I meet. Years ago when I modelled, my height was wonderful. In the '80s it was the thing to wear impossibly high heels and impossibly short skirts and I was able to do it. It took years of too short pants and sleeves, but now I like my height.

For a very long time, a very long time ago, my body defined much of who I was. Why not? It was rocking and I had all the time in the world and no responsibilities! At all. My body got me jobs, my body got me deals, my body got me noticed; now it shields me, it protects my children, it protects my marriage. Same woman. Different packages.

What ten things do you love about your body? Tell me!

I am really starting to feel better. There is much to be said for focusing on the positive with brutal honesty.  Owning it is truly cathartic.

Now, here is the second part of the exercise.

Ten Things I LOVE About My Character:

I'm Nurturing: The only thing I ever wanted to be was a mum. Not just a mum, but a GREAT mum. Reality dawned this year that I no longer had a maternal roadmap. As my daughter reached the age of 14, I realized I never had a mother past that point. But I have had incredible role models. There is nothing more important than to provide kids with confidence, structure, acceptance, opportunity and love. My kids have taught me that I can't just talk the talk I have to walk the talk. And I do. And they're fabulous.

I'm Conservative: This is not a political statement; though, I suppose it could be. At any rate, I'm very reserved, if not formal. There is a proper way to do things and I believe in social norms. I'm not as rigid as "children should be seen and not heard" but I do believe children have their place and that is not as my equal. I believe in lines. Things only get confused when lines are blurred. I believe in respect. I believe in responsibility. My reserve is often seen as rigid, snobby or difficult. It is what it is and I'm happy to err on quiet and reserved than the alternative.

I'm Optimistic: I prefer to believe that the glass is half full. Though I do have a temper, one of those slow to boil simmering tempers that sometimes boils over and I have made the occasional inopportune snarky comment, usually to someone who doesn't know me well, it only happens when the negative energy around me becomes unbearable. I re-adjust by thinking positive thoughts. Doing positive things.

I'm Curious: Never did I ever think THAT would be something I would ever write down about myself. Growing up in my incredibly WASP* world the idea that you would *gasp* ask a question was more than frowned upon, it was discouraged at every opportunity. I remember the day I announced I was going to be a journalist. I thought my mother was not going to recover, she went from pale to green to gray to white to "no". But the fact of the matter is I'm interested. Now I ask.

I'm Observant: As a result of my crazy WASP* upbringing, I learned to really watch people. I learned to listen to conversations, not necessarily engage in them. I learned to recognize evil comments draped in charm and smiles. Often in uncomfortable situations I feel myself reverting to that younger, less confident observer-self, in sheer fascination at how mean spirited and cruel some people can be, especially to their "friends".

I am Patient: I'm patient when it counts. This is a skill I am still learning. Patience is not something I believe is a part of the natural human condition; like sharing, it is a societal demand, it is something learned. I am patient enough wait and see what my kids will be when they grown up: I'm not patient when my kids have not put their hockey equipment on the "trees" to dry. Patience and Curiosity are natural enemies and they are (currently) warring in my heart!

I am Honest: but, in the words of my son, Cole (who chose this particular character trait ... I got stuck at #6) "you're honest but you're not mean when you're honest, what is the word for that?" My response: it just is. When I say things it is because it is. Sometimes my honesty timing leaves a bit to be desired, but it is never meant with malice. In my former life, when I was a "big shot", one of my clients called me a Mensch. NOTHING in my life, career-life or family-life has ever been that complimentary to me or as descriptive of my character.

I am Resilient: I have learned by cruel experience that I am like a Weeble. Remember those: "weebles wabble but they don't fall down?" That's me. I find that in my dogged pursuit of doing the "right thing" at all costs, in most circumstances there are many obstacles. I stay focused on the end result. Some times, I recognize that the end result isn't worth all the knocks, but more often than not, it is. Especially when it comes to my kids.

I am Creative: and though I often wish I were more creative in more ways, I find when faced with the creative road blocks of my friends, I really pull out the stops and am able to come up with all manner of wonderful things! Right now, personally, I'm fighting with my natural reserve and my entrepreneurial spirit. I'm rooting that creativity wins :)

I am Kind: Given all that, at the end of the day, I am kind. I consider the feelings of others. I treat those who treat me well with respect and kindness. I know my friends and I treat them well, they bring out the very best in me. I give of my time and I give of my expertise. I'm thoughtful and generous. If there is only one trait to have, this would be the best one in the bunch.

All in all, at the end of every day, I am a work in progress, for that I am immensely fortunate. I don't have all the answers and perfect is boring. I am always learning and I am always flawed. I like myself that way. For someone always active in something, it's always nice to know there is something to work on!

*NOTE: There is no actual AS blood running through my veins. The AS in WASP of course, stands for Anglo-Saxon, which I cannot claim to be, not even one drop. I am Celt: Scots and Irish. All of me, oh, with a dollop of German and a titch of French. But, alas, no Anglo Saxon.

Well, that was a very cathartic exercise. Thanks so much for bearing with my "all about me" post. I didn't realize when I started that it would be this long ... or this revealing! I feel much better about myself and my current sorry situation. I can handle it. I always do. Every once in a while you just have to know what you know about yourself and call on your character reserves to bring you through.

Thanks for being along for the ride!

Join in! What are your body and character traits you love about yourself? Share!

And, if you just need a pick-me-up and engage your creativity at the same time, head on over to Kind Over Matter and see what beautiful and positive affirmations they have waiting for you, me, all of us!

And, if you are like me and have been sliding in under the covers a bit too much lately, join us over at Lifehack and wake up early! It's a 5-day challenge he's proposed, starting Monday morning. For me? At 5AM!

SOOC Saturday: Cave Men

The girls have gone on their holiday to Florida and the change around here has been thorough. Much play outside with both boys shooting on the hockey net, and each other; going to the creek and biking to the village. The cupboards have been filled with Lucky Charms and Reeses Puffs. Most meals, as requested, have consisted of meat and ice cream, with a bit of pizza and pasta to round it out. I do not believe we've purchased anything green for a few days, oh, yes we did, some Sprite, the bottle is green, right?

The boys are enjoying their nutritional holiday:

and watching plenty of television when they're not sleeping for many hours on end, watching movies, going to the rink for hockey practice and 3on3 as well as playing plenty of road hockey.

We're all back to reality on Monday, so I'm happy to indulge them, if only for a little while.

A Week in the Life: Album 2

Opening Page: The Story of Today October 20-26, 2008

Back in October 2008, I participated in A Week in the Life album project as outlined by the brilliant Ali Edwards. It was offered in September 2008 which was totally crazy for me, so I held off until my schedule opened up a bit in October, after Thanksgiving. You can find my album here, or just check the right column.

There are a few things that make this album so valuable to me: it was my first "everyday life" album, it is honestly reflective of our family chaos and it is DONE. It is the one album of many that, at least once a week, I have to put away since someone had it off the shelf and was looking at it.

That makes my heart sing!

That album has some delicious photos celebrating my favourite time of year: autumn. This time around, since our schedule really hasn't changed that much, I figured I'd forego an autumn 2009 album and wait until Spring. Change it up a bit. Funny enough, the kids have just started asking if I'll be making another "Story of Today" album.

The original dates chosen were April 12-18, 2010 until two things happened:

1. The hockey tryout dates were published so I have events to document; and,
2. Ali Edwards announced her dates which are just a week later: April 19 - 25, 2010

The beauty of creating along with AE is the creative support I will get both from her as well as all the comments she will receive on her blog posting. I love this little creative community I have carved out for myself in blog-world! Not only that, but some very creative and supportive women have put together a Facebook Group and I've joined, click and join too!

So, as of today, I have one month to organize my colours, my elements, my format, my design, my fonts, my album. Oh, and the big decision: will it be digital or hybrid or traditional? I will do what I can not to purchase anything, but I think I might have to get a couple few things to make it flow well with some colour consistency.

I should also brush up on my photo-taking skills. I have been diligent taking my Project 365 photos, but I can't say that they are the best work I've ever produced. So, any of my friends reading here, be warned, I'll be even more snap-happy than normal!

I also have my fingers crossed that something interesting happens that week! Mind you, something interesting always happens in a house filled with four children :) So far we have hockey, football, choir and a Headley concert keyed into the calendar. I do not want any drama, but a bit of interesting might be fun! Oh, and by interesting I mean good weather and something other than laundry.

So there you have it. I have a month to prepare!

Did you make a Week in the Life album? Did you enjoy the experience? If you haven't, I highly recommend it. Please link if you have so I can admire your project :)

Staying on "Auto"

I am a good photographer.

I have a good eye.

I know what I like.

I know how to convert what I see to what gets captured.

I have taken plenty of courses and read plenty of websites, books and blogs.

I am a member of Flickr, Picassa and Photobucket.

I own a great goof-proof point-and-shoot Canon G10.

I own a great serious-hobbyist DSLR Canon 40D and a collection of lenses, my favourite being my Canon 50mm 1.4

I own and can even use Photoshop Elements.

I admire great photographs.

I admire great snapshots.

All of that being said, I have recently come to a conclusion that has surprised me. I prefer to stay on Auto.

I thought for the longest time that taking photos on auto that I was "cheating". Maybe I was too "lazy" to do the "work" involved. I have finally realized that I take photos because I like taking photos. I take photos of my children, of their activities, of my everyday experiences. I enjoy taking photos of the things around me that make me happy. I enjoy taking photos for other people because they don't take photos and their kids are always commenting on how lucky my kids are to have so many pictures and layouts. Sometimes I take photos for my friends because they think I must be good because I have the right equipment ;) 

So, as a result of many lessons I've learned, and continue to learn, while reading The Happiness Project, part of "Be Lee" is to let go of the expectations I have put on myself to be more, or to do the endless list of "shoulds" in life. Just because I'm a good photographer with good equipment doesn't mean staying in "auto" is cheating. After all, staying in auto lets me capture memories while they are happening, no re-enactment required and time to create even more. There is no right or wrong way to capture a memory but in many ways, emphasis on how to take the photo can become another distraction from getting my stories told.

In the photo above, see that icon, the one with the line through the lightening bolt? That is how I take 99% of all of my photos now. The only time I adjust the camera is when I'm in a low light-high movement situation, like the rink or in a gym.

Because I am no longer thinking about adjusting white balance, aperture, exposure, and all that other mumbo-jumbo, I can experiment with angles, lighting and composition. I'm happy to stick with the fun stuff!! I'm not going to be a professional photographer and I'm so happy to finally give myself permission to stay on "auto".

Tell me, do you have hobbiest photographer's guilt? Do you feel pressure to move off auto? Is there something wrong to simply settle on "auto"?

Bzzz ...

Earlier in the week, Louis went off to the beauty supply place for a professional clipper as my youngest has a preference for brush cuts and was starting to feel a bit ragged - to the point we were calling him a "hippie". It's about $15 for each visit to the barber and he was going about once a month. This did not jibe well with my inner-tightwad so off to buy a $100 clipper that I can use forever!

Before the girls left for Florida they were anxious to have their 2 cents regarding Caden's haircut. There was much talk about designs and styles. We settled for "Puck":

Originally Cole had the clippers in his hand and was going to do the honours but then, so I could breathe again, he handed me the machine:

 

 

This is how it turned out.

I'm going to have to shave it a little closer - we used a #2 rather than a #1 but I think it's pretty good for  a first attempt :) He is, of course, thrilled that he no looks as bedraggled and shaggy!

It seems to be a week focused on hair!

Love found in the closet

It has always been a painful reality to me that my girls do not get along.

Sure they are polite and helpful around the house when told to perform a chore; they engage in polite conversation at the table or during family activities; they share a passing awareness of what is going on in each other's life. As a mama, I don't demand much, but I do demand respect, of everyone.

My concern is that there is no genuine curiosity or interest in the activities of the other. From first hand experience I know that these are not qualities you can force on siblings, you certainly can't tell the eldest to "do the right thing because" as it always takes two to have a relationship. As a parent, I believe, all you can do is step in when necessary and consistently foster an environment for change and acceptance. Oh, and keep your fingers crossed that maybe, just maybe, something will happen that makes them sit up and take notice that they are potentially the best friends they could ever have, ever.

I very hopefully and quietly (shhh, don't jinx it) think this day may have arrived!

It has become a family tradition that whichever grandchild turns 10 that year, and some years there will be multiple members who meet that criteria, they get to go visit Nanna and Grampy at their winter home in Florida for a few days. Claire went a few years ago when she turned 10 and Cole went with his cousin when they turned 10. This year it is Chloé's turn. Not that my parents aren't company enough, but to ensure Chloé is fully engaged and does not suffer a boring moment, Claire has been invited to tag along to keep her company and give Nanna and Grampy a bit of a break now and then - a tennis game, biking, a ride in the golf cart, endless hours in the pool and hot tub - you get the idea.

They left at 3PM today. They don't return until late next Monday. I was fearful of this day and spent many hours just hoping against hope that they'd just get along rather than sit in stony silence, which is more often than not the case. Way better than the alternative, but still not quite right.

Yesterday it happened. After speaking with Nanna about the weather, which using her words was "cold", I decided to take the girls over to the mall to pick up a few things. Primarily a trench coat for Claire (which we found, very cute, black and traditional) but more important was to find more than a few things for Chloé who seems to find fashion in her brother's closet rather than her own. Ugh. Madam Fashionista, Claire, took off with her friend to find some things and I took Chloé with me. To me shopping is a pain worse than childbirth, so this was a big deal. We went to two places: Garage and American Eagle. (I'm trying to deal with the shock I'm no longer shopping for sweetly coordinated duds at Children's Place and Gap for Kids!) Many outfits were tried on, many rejected, many purchased. We regrouped at the food court where we shared our finds.

Then reality dawned: my girls wear the same size.

They're both smart and gorgeous: blonde, blue eyed; but, that is where the similarity ends. Claire is tall, athletic, lanky at 5'9" and Chloé is short, plump and curvy at 5' flat. I have no doubt she will gain some inches and thin out over the next couple of years, but now, in this moment, they are the same.

Tentatively I said: "well, your wardrobes have just doubled." Fingers crossed, breathe held, bracing for the worst. The idea was met with big eyes, big smiles and eventually a couple of squeals. Never in my wildest imaginings did I think clothing would be the environment to foster sisterly change, but hey, you take what you can get!

The minute we got in the door at home, they spent two hours dumping out their closets, drawers and all the clean laundry they could find to mix and match all of their clothes. I enjoyed the squeals and giggles as they ran into the kitchen with their outfits. I have to say, Claire has a very good sense of style. A little traditional mixed with a little edgy and always very modest. It works!

I know the potential pitfalls and drama caused by clothing damage, loss and dirt but that's all been discussed and I think they're both so relieved and happy to have this little bit of serendipity, they want this to work.

We'll see. The combination of a new-found mutual interest and forced quarters may just be the formula. Let's hope it's a successful one!

In the meantime, this was the reaction of my boys to the house becoming almost estrogen-free:

Looks like it's going to be a pretty entertaining - and testosterone filled - six days :)

My Best Shot Monday: This little piggy

Every morning I go into Chloé's room to wake her, be it for school or a weekend activity. Every morning she is completely swaddled in her blankets and covers. Except her toes. They are always peeking out at the end of her bed.

What is your best shot this Monday? Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

Personality Type

Masks found here.

My brilliant friend, Jill, posted about her personality and I am thrilled to be able to share one thing in common with her: my personality type!

According to Meyers Briggs Type Indicator I am:

ISTJ

Introverted | Sensing | Thinking | Judging

What does that mean? According to the test, I am:

• Quiet, serious, earn success by thoroughness and dependability.
• Practical, matter-of-fact, realistic, and responsible.
• Decide logically what should be done and work toward it steadily, regardless of distractions.
• Take pleasure in making everything orderly and organized – work, home, life.
• Value traditions and loyalty.

I have to say, it's pretty accurate. I would hope so since I scored over 70% in each quadrant.

In total there are 16 potential personality types. The whole study is quite fascinating. For a more in-depth view of an ISTJ you can head over to Wikipedia which has a rather thorough description of the personality type. But for a quick run-down:

Main Qualites of ISTJ:

• Logical
• Reserved
• Serious
• Practical
• Responsible
• Loyal
• Traditional

Thank goodness there is no mention of temper :)

Good ISTJ Careers:

• CEO
• CFO
• Engineer
• Pilot
• Military Officer
• Auditor
• Accountant
• Real Estate Agent

Given that I'm a full time mum, which pretty much encompasses all of the roles listed, it works for me!

Famous & Fictional ISTJs

• Anthony Hopkins
• Cathy Rigby
• Condoleeza Rice
• Darth Vader
• Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh)
• Evander Holyfield, Heavyweight boxing champion
• Gary Sinise
• George H. W. Bush
• George Washington
• Gordon Matthew Sumner (”Sting”)
• Gordon Ramsey
• Helen Hunt
• Henry Ford
• Hilary Clinton
• Jack Palance
• Jason Bourne (Played by Matt Damon in Bourne Identity and entire Bourne Series)
• Johnny Carson
• Julia Roberts
• Kirk Douglas
• Kris Kristofferson
• Malcolm McDowell
• Maureen McCormick
• Nick Carraway (Great Gatsby)
• Obi Wan Kenobi
• Puddleglum, the marshwiggle (Chronicles of Narnia)
• Queen Elizabeth II
• Queen Rania of Jordan
• Sparky Anderson (Baseball coach)
• Terrence Stamp
• Thomas (Christ’s disciple)
• Warren Buffett

I'd say that I'm in good company, though I never thought I'd ever find myself on any list with Hilary Clinton or Warren Buffett, ever; though, I'm thrilled to be in the company of my favourite Winnie the Pooh character, Eeyore!

What about you? What is your personality type?

SOOC Saturday: Side Bangs

Claire has been asking me for what feels like forever to have "side bangs" like some of the other girls at school. For the longest time I had no idea what she was talking about so my habitual response was "no". Then my little chickie got smart and showed me a few photos. I was skeptical, she has a bit of uncooperative bend in her hair, but in keeping with my new "say yes" mantra, I said yes.

Now, you have to understand, my girl is always adorable, but I have to say, she looks rockin' with the new do! For the last six months or so I've been dying the under part of her hair a rich chocolate brown, and it's due for a touch up, help her maintain her edgy independence and all that teenage angst and creativity.

What do you do. Are your kids asking for change? Do you let them ... even if a bit reluctantly?

What is your favourite SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) shot today? You can join in: here! 

The photo above is mine taken in the back yard right after the cut. No PSE or other manipulation. Here is Claire's version, her new Facebook avatar:

12 of 12: March

When I woke this morning my immediate thought was "oh no, it's the 12th and raining" how boring will this post be? That was quickly followed up with Caden running into my room, with my camera, insisting that I should wake up immediately as it was the 12th. I've created a monster! So, here is how our day went:

See? Wet and gray. This is the view of my bed to the window. The way our neighbourhood is designed, it's really quite private, and I have a thing for open spaces. This is the view from my pillow.

My sweet girl got in very late from the Marianas Trench concert last night. I'm green with envy! But I'm old and could never have stayed up late enough :)

Not that I needed the reminder. My computer day started pretty early, but also ended early. There were so many other things to do :) The most important was getting the youngers ready for their last day of school before Spring Break at 3PM. Breakfast made, bags packed, papers signed, a bit of silliness!

I almost forgot to sign off on all of the upcoming field trips. The paperwork and funds were due today. Nothing like cutting it close! At least now both Chloe and Caden are assured of seeing the King Tut exhibit at the AGO and and orchestral performance at Roy Thompson Hall.

Doesn't my boy have a thoughtful older sister? He had a hockey game in Hillsburgh last night (Cole's Ranger team won 7-2) and there was no way he'd be able to see one of his favourite bands. The next best thing? A T-shirt.

Oh, surprise, look at that! A load of clothes in the dryer.

What does a boy do on a rainy day during Spring Break? Well, he eats popcorn and watches the Lord of the Rings Trilogy for the 497th time.

While Cole was upstairs watching movies; Claire was stirring, slowly; I was playing in the basement putting together layouts and designing sketches for Sketchapalooza 6 over at Feeling Scrappy. 

When the boy gets home from his workout at BTNL the first place he heads is the fridge. Now that I'm looking at the photos I'm hoping he didn't wear his goofy 3-D glasses to his workout! He got them this weekend at Alice in Wonderland. Between it and Avatar, we'll never need to buy glasses again.

The rain did not let up all day. At one point it was coming at the house sideways. The lake was so loud you could hear it in the house, you can almost never hear the crashing waves in the house! No choice but to collect the youngers from school today.

We had Caden's favourite butter chicken for dinner. I'm doing my best to make sure there is always a vegetable, really a lot of vegetables at each meal. We've even foregone the much loved Friday Night Pizza & Wings for a home cooked meal. I'm actually quite enjoying it, but with our fluctuating schedule it becomes a puzzle to what to make when!

That is Louis taking off with Cole to pick up Aidan. They're going to watch the AA team play the Kingston team. Cole learns better from watching boys his own age rather than the "pros" on television, so it's nice to have so many playoffs, with players he can relate to, coming up in the next couple of weeks.

What did I not capture today?

• A photo of Chloe, I don't know how that is possible, she's such a chatty beast and showed off all of her projects brought home from school today.
• A photo of me taking Claire to her friend Marley's house. They're taking singing lessons and are going to perform at some fair this summer. Hmm. Maybe I should get the details!
• A photo of Caden and Cole's antics while on Skype. Yes, my kids have me on Skype. Are you on Skype? If so, let me know!
• A photo of Cole at BTNL with his trainer Dan. Dan resembles a very ripply wall of muscle. And he's a lovely young man with a wonderful sense of humour. THAT is a photo shoot I could enjoy!
• A photo of me ... folding laundry, or me ... folding laundry.
• A photo of a few very lovely notes received today. My girls must have known I needed a bit of love :)
• A photo of my terror watching Ghost Whisperer. Why do I watch that show?!?
• A photo of my scrapbook projects underway, but that would be giving away too much! They'll all be seen soon enough.

But I did capture an extra photo. Just in case you think my children are in some way junk food deprived:

The largest helping of ice cream and syrup EVER!

Do you participate in 12 of 12? Recently I saw that the blog had been disassembled and re-located to Facebook. I'm not familiar with the new locale, but I have to say that Susan Keuter is lovely and it's been a joy to have her in my life. I've really enjoyed this project, as have my kids. That's the whole point, right?  I'll get on the layout tout suite!

Sweet Notes

I have received three sweet notes from three virtual friends asking if I have fallen off the face of the earth since I had not posted yet today.

Rest assured, all is well, if a little damp and depressing!

Today is the 12th of the month and the one day of the month guaranteed to have a delayed entry, since I can't post until all the photos are taken - generally around 8PM.

So, to those concerned, thank you so much, your virtual hug was welcomed and appreciated :)

I'll be back tonight.

*8 Things: I am worthy

"Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. It means cultivating the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, No matter what gets done and how much is left undone; I am enough.

It’s going to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging."

~ Brené Brown

* * * * *

This week the inspirational Brené Brown is challenging all of us to participate in the celebration of her new DVD release: The Hustle for Worthiness.

Like she states in her blog post this week we are riddled with worthy "prerequisites". We will be worthy when ...

Forget that! I've moved beyond all of those prerequisites. Those self-sabotaging thoughts of "when" and "if" that keep you from being your authentic self.

I am worthy NOW.

How am I worthy? 

1. I live my truth

2. I have come to terms with my past, onward

3. I own my own story and live it fully

4. I have love to give and love to receive

5. I embrace all that life has to give: the good and the bad, there are lessons in all of it

6. I am open and accepting

7. I am authentic, flawed, vulnerable and kind

8. I am enough

YOU are worthy, too.

What is keeping you from feeling worthy? How do you know you are worthy? Head over to Ordinary Courage and post a link to your entry. You could win a copy of Dr. Brown's DVD, but better yet, you can give voice to your wholehearted living! It may be a first step, or simply your way of letting us all know just how wonderful and worthy you are, every day.

* * * * *

I don't often combine a meme with a challenge, or something that has inspired me to participate as I'm a genuine uni-tasker :) but today the opportunity presented itself and it just seemed to work!

Rachelle, aka Magpie Girl, started *8 Things to quiet her "monkey mind" and I embrace it for much the same reason: therapy! If you're looking for a place to keep your lists, you might want to consider *8 Things.

Feeling a bit scattered ...

I have to say this has been a pretty wild week with my routine turned on it's head! The Olders are home on Spring Break and will be until the end of the month; The Youngers are still in school, doing nothing, for the rest of the week.

Claire and Cole received their report cards on Monday and I have to say I'm very impressed with both of them with all marks improved over their first term report. Then yesterday both Chloe and Caden rushed home with their report cards and the good news continued with both of them receiving great marks and steady improvement. I have to say, I'm relieved since our winter was logistically crazy and I was afraid they weren't dedicating enough time to their studies. Clearly they were! Whew :)

I've been busy trying to keep things interesting around here, the blog here, maybe three posts on Sunday was a bit much? (So scattered I scheduled everything to post on the same day!) And I've been busy over at Feeling Scrappy adding content to the blog over there. If you haven't had a chance, head on over and check out what we've been posting. My entries are:

Looking for Warmth | I Spy | Mmmmm, Stew

as we gear up for Sketchapalooza 6! Are you signed up, yet? Both Jayne and Becky have added some GREAT content and I'm doing Becky's photography challenge :)

I have been trying to finish up The Happiness Project and I've decided that I'm the slowest reader ... ever. Or maybe my problem is that I'm savouring every single syllable! You know, with the exception of the law degree, published works, residence in downtown glorious NYC and two adorable daughters under the age of 7, Gretchen Rubin and I are very similar! I am thrilled with my on-line book group, what a tremendous group of women. So thrilled to get a chance to know them and so glad The Happiness Project brought us together! I'm even more thankful for the uninterrupted hour spent in the parking lot last night reading while Cole learned how to be a football player (because it's not enough to participate in one crazy sport!).

Tonight has us off to the rink for the Rangers to play in the Tri-County finals vs Erin-Hillsborough. It's been so long since the two teams have played, I can't even remember what they're like. I'm sure it will be a fun game. While I take Cole to his game, Louis (poor Louis, since I now have to use the word "poor" whenever I think of my husband going to a rink - the parents and coaches are getting positively squirrely during playoffs and it has become completely contentious and unpleasant for him) will have to forego another of Cole's games to be with a bunch of squirrely adults. Ick. There have been three incidents in the last week that would make all of your mouths drop in disbelief if I were able to relay the stories. Truly amazing - and not in a good way!

I'm just hoping for another golden day where I can drive around running errands with the top down and the tunes playing!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

I was thrilled to participate over at A Beautiful Ripple Effect last Friday. The question Carolyn Rubenstein poses: What are the 10 Things That Make You Happy? I have so enjoyed this series and I'm thrilled to have been included.

In case you missed it (and because we're on Spring Break and my creative time has been cut to ... um ... zero) this fits into my quick-and-done formula for the next couple of weeks!

1. My view
Every morning I am greeted by an incredible view of Lake Ontario. Some days are dreary, some are spectacular, but every day greets me with a huge expanse of water and sky. I know anything is possible. 

2. My children
They are really remarkable. To have four individuals so completely different from each other, but to have such strong character traits, is exhausting and stimulating. Watching them grow, guiding them through their choices, laughing with them every day, is more than I ever dreamed possible. It is a privilege to be their mama.

3. My morning routine
I wake around 5AM to a steaming cup of coffee and all the goodness to be found on my google reader. I sit in the silence, the room illuminated by the computer screen and absorb all kinds of wonderful words and images from all kinds of creative and thoughtful people from all over the world.

4. Hockey
It never occurred to me that I would spend so much time in a hockey rink. I spend hours upon hours in rinks watching practices and games. It is one example of being pleasantly surprised by the unexpected joy we find in hockey.

5. Order
Inasmuch as I can appreciate the unexpected, order makes me happy! When the stars align and everything has been picked up and put in its place, order restored. It is a rare thing, but it fills me with joy when it happens.

6. Silence
My life is generally chaotic with the comings and goings of the kids and friends, music playing, cellular phones ringing and beeping, the laughter, the fighting, the crazy. I really enjoy the rare moments of silence.

7. White Peonies in my garden
This is the year that I’m going to get my act together and plant an impossible number of white peonies in my garden. Right now I have a few, but not enough. I’m going to make sure that the view out every window includes white peonies.

8. Summers at the beach
For two weeks each summer we head to Cape Cod where our kids enjoy the familiarity of the same location and the wonder of changes from year to year. I can measure their growth by how their interests change and their explorations become more and more independent.

9. Words
I love words; I use them as décor, as tools, as a method for communicating simple and complex thoughts. I love watching them form on paper, on the screen, carved in stone, in conversation.

10. Photography
I have always had a camera in my hand. I used to think I took pretty good photos, but over the last year I’ve put more of an effort into learning the art of light and angles and can really see that my shots are not just lucky, but consistently good.

So there you have it. My top 10 Happy Things. What makes you happy? Blog about it and leave me a link so I can see!

(I have to say how delighted I was to receive THREE e-mails regarding this post, two from ladies I have never met. It takes a lot to send a note to a complete stranger and I was thrilled to hear their thoughts and welcome them here to my blog. I hope to live up to their expectations!)

My Best Shot Monday: First Park Visit

The first visit to the park since last November. The brilliant weekend weather lured Caden and a buddy to Shell Park where they watched the older kids on their skateboards and BMX bikes then off to the park.

Though I heard from the weather man over the weekend "Don't pack a thread until April is dead" I'm hoping for more sunshine and brilliant days in the very near future. I don't want to have to wait until the end of April! Maybe this is the one year, ever, we don't get snow after Easter!

(I just realized my "best shot" for last week was Caden in Canadiens gear. I'll try to switch it up a bit next time!)

Have a wonderful week :)

What is your best shot this Monday? Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

It's Oscar Night

I think I may actually be "engaged" in the whole Oscar hype tonight. Not so much because I've seen the movies (I haven't, I'll see them while on holiday in Cape Cod this summer, as is our family tradition) but I'm anxious to see the red carpet interviews, the gorgeous gowns and splendour on the carpet. I'm also very interested in seeing Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as hosts.

I am a fan

Of both.

Steve Martin is an icon. Wow. Over the years, from Saturday Night Live through Parenthood and Father of the Bride I have become a huge fan. Years ago I was overwhelmed by sitting in the same restaurant with him. He was in a booth and I was in a huge bankette of tables with my family. It was an incredible place called Bathazar in New York City. Every fibre of my being wanted to rush over and tell him how wonderful he was, but sense prevailed (I know, it's amazing) and I did not. No matter. He is really lovely. I love my dad, but if I could choose another I would choose the men Steve Martin portrays as he, the actor, has none of his own. Wow, no doubt that man can act!

Alec Baldwin was the hottest thing since hot when he started years ago (and I'm old enough to have seen it first hand) when he was on Knots Landing. I was not a fan. I thought he was not particularly attractive, and the character he played was less so. Then he was in some movie a few years later with the less-than-stellar Nicole Kidman. Ugh. Who is this guy and why won't he go away? Well, you know, some times you don't know what you don't know and you have to love a man with a sense of humour and the ability to laugh at himself. Oh, and he is loaded with talent. Over they years I have been reluctantly converted.

I am a fan.

Of both.

For totally different reasons, but they are tremendously similar in humour, intelligence and conviction.

Ahhh.

So, tonight is Oscar night.

Will you be watching? What do you love ... the fashions, the speeches, the bloopers, the opening, the honouring those who had passed, the entertainment in between awards? For us, in this house, it is an event. Everyone who can stay up late enough to watch is anxious to see and hear everything!

 

Crappy Housewife Confession #1: Leftovers

While I was reading, ironically, The Happiness Project in order to improve my character, I glanced over to right of where I was sitting and what did I see?

Oh, you can't see that?

Clearly I had been avoiding it too! Let's bring that shot into focus:

Eek! Nutcrackers! From CHRISTMAS!

Now, admittedly I am rarely in the living room. I spend the majority of my time in the more casual (read: chaotic) areas of my house like my studio, family room and kitchen. But I do live in a house with SIX OCCUPANTS. Has no one noticed? Not even "boo" from the weekly cleaning ladies! 

I have clearly failed at any attempt to emulate Martha Stewart. The good news is I've never tried :) You can't really fail what you've never attempted, right? But maybe it's time to check in with her website, or figure out a Flylady refresher course! Do they have Housewife Rehab?

For those wondering, I finished reading what I could and cleaned up before going to bed. Didn't want to waste prime brain function hours with cleaning and organizing ;)

Living in the Age of Distraction

I am a HUGE fan of Leo Babauta over at Zen Habits. Very clearly he lives his talk and I greatly appreciate his dedication to his life, understanding and improving it regularly. What I appreciate more is that he shares his philosophy. One of my greatest wishes would be to adhere to his guidelines far more closely.

In his entry on Friday, he wrote How to Reclaim Your Attention which got me thinking. Yes, warning, I'm thinking again! I was amazed at how many of his points rang true, and that my children hear, but I don't practice, regularly or at all.

According to Leo's formula, here is how to reclaim your attention:

1. Limit your friends. Not real-life friends, but social network and blogging and forum friends. Not that these can’t be good relationships, but having too many makes them meaningless. And each friend will take up a little bit of your attention — when you read their updates, click on their links, reply to their messages, look at their photos, and so on. The more you have, the more attention they’ll require. Limit them to just the essential.

This is one I practice, regularly. I found this to be an interesting comment, especially since it is the one that opens Leo's list, surely by design. I have limited my friends (both in "real life" and on line) so that I can focus more on the meaningful relationships around me. I've limited my message board participation as it's true, the more people you know, the less meaningful the relationships. In "real life" I have no doubt that I can be considered rude by some since I do not engage, but the reality is that I am simply being silent, listening and discerning whether or not I'm interested in further engagement. In certain situations I've been silent for months! Oh, and I can be very blunt. Always honest. But sometimes blunt and honest is not the best way to win over people :) This point is one of the constant battles with my children. It came easily to me to limit myself, my kids want to participate in the "more friends" contest on social networking sites. Claire and Cole are super social, so I've limited them to 150 friends and 200 in total (the other 50 are relatives of which we have oodles!). I'm at 300 in total and I have many more years of life and knowing people, though, I do feel a purge coming on! For a wonderful commentary on being on-line and judgment of choices read: here.

2. Limit your feeds. Blog subscriptions, newsletters, other updates and news subscriptions and so on. Limit them to a handful of essentials, and let the rest go. The more you have, the more attention they require.

Ooh, I struggle with this one! Another one "limited" to 300. I quickly scan through all of them every day. Usually I wake to 80+ feeds to read and at the end of the day there are about 60+ feeds. That's a lot of reading, but since I'm just scanning, I only stop and read those that really capture my attention. I struggle with deciding which is essential since some are essential just at different times.

3. Limit your communication time. Going into your email inbox? Just give yourself 10 minutes to read, reply, delete, and get out. Going to do Twitter? Give yourself 5 minutes. Seriously, set up a timer. Don’t let these things take up all your attention.

There are many different philosophies about this, but I've limited it so much that the only one that demands my immediate attention is our family e-mail which is the one that comes to my blackberry and only a handful of people have. I give myself 15 minutes to reply to the comments here on the blog. I really do not use Twitter and am considering closing my account. I've just discovered Tumblr and Formspring.me which take almost none of my time.

4. Give up on news. It’s a never-ending cycle. And if you’ve paid attention to the news as long as I have (I’m a former journalist), you know it’s all the same, year after year. Unless your job depends on it, the news is usually a waste of your attention. Let go of the need to stay updated. Even if your job does depend on it, keep it limited.

I'm a news junkie! This will be hard, but he's right.

5. Be brief. Write brief emails, tweets, updates, blog posts. With some exceptions, of course. But make brief your de facto. Read more.

I do try to do this but I can be a bit ... verbose. At least I do make an effort to be entertaining!

6. Give your attention to the important. This is the crucial part: choose what you give your attention to, and do this choosing carefully. What is important to you? Writing? Photography? Design? Coding? Creating a new business that helps others? Your kids? Figure this out, and give this the majority of your attention.

This is something I really have to embrace. Sometimes I'm paralysed by a combination of things: too many choices and abject fear of failure. I know in my head that the only failure is doing nothing. Now I just have to grab on and go.

7. Become conscious of your distractions. Once you’ve decided to focus your attention on the important, become more aware of distractions as they come up. Make note of them, and as you get the urge to be distracted, learn to pause, breathe, and return to the important.

Epic FAIL. So bad at this I can't even tell you what the distractions are. Oh yes, I can. They even have names: Claire, Cole, Chloe and Caden. I just have to learn to be more focused on the important things when they are not around to demand my time! Oh, and I suppose I could turn off the TV, just do the laundry and *gasp* shut down the computer, eh?

8. Surround yourself with the positive. If you want your life to be positive, let the positive have your attention. This applies to blogs, people, projects, and more.

This I have done. I don't read the angry mom blogs no matter how popular they are; but, I love the I am woman hear me roar blogs and those who walk their talk and bring me joy. Unfortunately the majority of my time is spent going from one kid activity to the next and often my friends are not the parents of my children's teammates, schoolmates or other participants. Though, I have to say, when you are able to connect with one or two it is pure bliss! My projects, with the exception of housework, all bring me joy at most and at very least a sense of accomplishment. I'm doing my utter best to fill my life with positivity. To that end, I shall plug the Happiness Project, again. Wow. Both by book and by blog, I'm now Gretchen Rubin's biggest fan ... ever!

So, it looks like I've managed to reclaim three out of these eight distractions. Still plenty to work on! I appreciate my flaws because it makes me human, I just wish there weren't so many of them!

SOOC Saturday: Abundance

The fridge and freezer could be overflowing, but unless we have an abundance of fresh fruit available, I feel like we have nothing to eat. Yes, file this under yet another of my personality quirks!

What is your favourite SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) shot today? You can join in: here! 

Success is in the journey

Grandma Moses, famous late bloomer :)

I am a great believer that I am meant to do great things.

I have no idea what that great thing might be.

I am a work in progress and enjoying every step of this journey. Perhaps I am simply meant to be a good mother, a writer, an artist, an advice giver, a photographer, a people observer, cheerleader. list maker.

There is an incredible pressure to be a success, early.

There are many examples in my little corner of the world. The one that springs immediately to mind is hockey.  As early as six years of age there is always a group of parents desperate to have their boys in the "rep" hockey system because their little guy is the best skater, best passer, best hockey-sense, best whatever. Push. Push. Push. With rare exception those boys are not in the rep system or sometimes, sadly, give up hockey all together by the time they are in their early teens. Not only can they as a player not keep up the pace but their parents lose their drive when they realize that their little Gretzky or Howe are not actually going to "the show".

Can you imagine being a hero at six years of age and a failure by sixteen?

Maybe there is a certain perspective to be gained by not reaching success before the ripe old age of 45. Wait, I have to ask the kids. Yup, it's been confirmed. I am old.

That doesn't mean that I have not had successes, indeed I have.

Who knows? Maybe the real success is in the journey?

* * * * *

Go check out the 10 Things That Make Me Happy over at A Beautiful Ripple Effect. What 10 things make you happy? Post it and send me a link!

* * * * * 

Be sure to visit over at Feeling Scrappy and check out the goings-on. I'm going to play with Becky's photography challenge today. Have you joined our Facebook Group yet? See you over there!

March Forth on March 4th

Photo found here.

The very inspiring Amy Krause Rosenthal, she of Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life and The Beckoning of Lovely fame, has come up with March Forth on March 4th.

It's kind of a New Year's Resolution: Redux.

I have been quite good about my word. FOCUS has been front and centre since in my life since it's selection in January and has remained on my mind every day. Every single day. It has impacted every aspect of my life and I've accomplished a ton since being more aware and mindful of my surroundings.

In that long week between Christmas and New Year's, I posted three entries focused on what I was planning to do:

Creative Endeavours

Most of which I've managed to attempt or maintain, though, sadly the two I was most interested in I have not figured out how to put in my creative diet! I would dearly love to figure out how to add more Creative Everyday and Creative Therapy into my life. I'll get there, really I will. Though, some of my creative endeavours have exceeded my outline and that makes me very happy!

Resolutions, Plans, Intentions and Goals

Never did I expect Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project to be such a part of my February, now March. I have been reading her blog since forever and didn't "get it" until I picked up her book. The book is PHENOMENAL. I am a book person, clearly: it is a tangible source of inspiration, something I can see, read and reference, quickly and it's portable! I had no idea when I wrote my entry in December that this would be so relevant in March, this project resonates, completely! I had planned to implement the Happiness Project and with the addition of the book I can implement it more, if that makes any sense. The old adage "never say never" is old for a reason!

Word 2010: Focus

My list of things to focus on, as posted at the end of December was:

 

FOCUS: Lose 10 pounds each month
RESULT: Um, no. I have been good about eating better, way better. It has not lead to any weight loss. Clearly my body requires a one-two punch of diet AND exercise. I have lost 25 pounds since September, but I can still afford to lose a lot more!

 

FOCUS: Walk 10,000 steps each day

RESULT: So not doing this and think about it every.single.day. I'm such a loser. Thinking is NOT doing. Excuse: Cole has MY shoes at school in his locker and though I have asked for their return every day for over a month, they are not home. Solution: Buy a new pair. But really, come on. He does have to give me my shoes, doesn't he? (Since he reads my blog, maybe it will serve as a reminder. What do you think?)

 

FOCUS: Read 2 novels each month
RESULT: Okay, I've read only one (A Wrinkle in Time - YA, but reading for Chloe now that Cole is done and LOVED it!) I re-attempted The Shack, no go, again - after almost losing one child it's a difficult read and takes me back to places I don't want to be. So one book is better than none, but still not good! I have to stop with the "other" books that entice me so: What The Dog Saw and The Happiness Project are my parking lot reading choices currently.

 

FOCUS: Complete 365 layouts by September 30, 2010

RESULT: I'm a binge-scrapper. I think I'll make it!

 

FOCUS: Continue to say "yes" as often as possible

RESULT: Due to circumstances - um, my life - parenting often takes priority to what I'd like to accomplish. I have to say that I have implemented the "yes" strategy with great results! There is far more humour in our house, everyone is less tense, far more kind to each other. When I say "no" it is done nicely, but they really listen and respect my response. Love it!

 

FOCUS: Organize all photographs - digital and physical

RESULT: Whoot! This has been done on the computer - for the last two years. Now I really have to focus on the physical prints I have littered all over my studio. I'm very pleased with my liberal use of the delete button! The only time I can use the word liberal :)

 

FOCUS: Monthly Field Trip to ROM, AGO or a play, in Toronto

RESULT: This may have been a bit ambitious during hockey season, but there are plans in the works!

 

FOCUS: Take kids to swim with dolphins

RESULT: Research has been done. I think I know where we're going but hockey plans for next year are getting in the way of confirming any plans. I'm thinking we're going to go the first long weekend in September or October. We'll see.

 

FOCUS: Clean out and synchronize Macs regularly

RESULT: This has been done once, and it turns out my blackberry is involved. So good to have everything organized and in sync!

 

FOCUS: Blog every day to exercise writing skills

RESULT: I have not missed a single day since starting this blog (actually, I haven't missed a day in almost two years). Some days are harder than others. I've learned a lot: time management and scheduling posts!

 

FOCUS: Complete all incomplete creative projects

RESULT: Due to the LOAD push, I did manage to write and complete my Me: The Abridged Version project taught by Cathy Zielske, inspired by Amy Krause Rosenthal. Right now I'm in the thick of organizing, scanning and writing my Yesterday and Today project. Wow. Even more wow: there are more projects to do!

 

FOCUS: Send real letters and birthday cards, not electronic

RESULT: As my kids say "epic fail". Do not be waiting by your mailbox. It didn't help when I synchronized the first time I lost a TON of data!

 

additionally ...

 

FOCUS: Participate in Weekly Gratitude Project each week

RESULT: I have participated, though I have not posted each week. Monthly. Still not good enough! But better than not doing anything.

 

Clearly my “eyes were bigger than my stomach” and I chose far too many new things to incorporate into my life. Too much to do all at one time. I’m hoping by the end of the year to have added those things I’ve failed at … so far!

So today, MARCH 4th I will MARCH FORTH and continue on my journey to maintaining and fulfilling the promised made for the New Year :) What about you? Have you maintained your commitment or abandoned your intentions. Can you get back on?

Olympic Favourites

In our house you would think there was nothing going on in the world between February 12 and February 28, 2010. Of course, there was, but our television was always dialed into CTV, TSN or SportsNet for Olympic coverage. If news didn't break in to be covered, we were oblivious and will no doubt have to spend the next few weeks playing catch up.

(I didn't even seen my ladies on the View! Now that's dedication!)

My kids were enthralled with the events. I asked them what their favourite sports were and I was pleasantly surprised by their answers:

Claire is completely in love with the Half Pipe:

 

She was completely inspired by Sean White who went out and killed it by giving 110% in his final run when he had already won the competition. I am thrilled that she is inspired and more thrilled that he showed such character - and my kid recognized it.

Cole was really taken by the downhill ski events:

I am thrilled Cole is interested in sports other than hockey. Not that he didn't love the hockey, he did. But he was energized and engaged with the speed, the skill and determination of the ski athletes. As well as the long track speed skaters.

Chloe is just a wee thing and I am not surprised at the appeal of the Short Track Speed Skating:

Fast and furious, these athletes deke in and out on razor blades attached to their feet! Crazy. But fantastic to watch.

Caden was glued, positively glued to the the television whenever he had an opportunity to watch:

Ski-cross! It is fast and insane! Very much like moto-cross on snow, it is wild. I had never seen it before. Caden was completely captivated: moreso by the ski version than the snowboard. Interesting kid. Already asking me where he can find a ski-cross course somewhere close by. Give me strength!

They continue to chatter on about the entire Olympics (not just the gold medal hockey game - which was awesome). We are going through some kind of wild cold sport withdrawal! Now they're looking forward to watching the sledge hockey through the Paralympics next week.

Were you as captivated by the Olympics as we were? What was your favourite sport?

Blog + Business Workshop

I'm sure you all know I'm a huge fan of Marta over at The Dear Diary Stories: Marta Writes, and have been since, well, since I started blogging. She is so creative and energetic. Not just that, she is GENEROUS with her ideas and her time. THIS WEEK she is offering:

So, I headed over there yesterday and was BLOWN AWAY. I headed back over today and again, WOW.

If you are looking for oodles of blogging goodness covering all manner of topics

click here for agenda

you will find yourself in a wonderful place filled with inspiration, knowledge, understanding, expertise, and ideas, brought to you by Marta and her expert panel of expert bloggers and online business people.

Aren't those topics compelling? This is a do-not-miss course opportunity. I think she's delightfully crazy to offer it for free, but hey, crazy is not a bad thing, right? Currently I am lurking over there, just absorbing all of the wonderful posts, comments, ideas, all of it. I'm sure by Saturday I'll gather the confidence to participate!

Chloé, Cadence and the Choir

Chloé is very active in the Oakville Children's Choir. It is her first year and she has learned a lot since starting in September. She has a beautiful, rich and low, alto voice which we hear, around the house, constantly. It is because of that consistency we know how much it has improved in the past few short months. I hope she sticks with the choir as it is a wonderful outlet for her - even though she finds it "slow". (Reminder: Chloe is my life-is-a-Disney-sitcom and immediate-gratification-or-whine child.)

This weekend the choir performed with Cadence, a four-man a cappella group. It was an all day affair. The first morning rehearsal was for an hour starting (after two hockey practices) at the Oakville Centre. We came home for lunch and then the real fun began: another rehearsal, Cadence gave the choir kids and volunteers a mini-performance and took questions, the performance started and I stayed in the dressing room area trying to maintain some order while the big performance was conducted on stage. It was a fun, if crazy, afternoon. 

The kids are really fabulous, with wonderful musical direction and plenty of active volunteers. What a wonderful experience, for everyone. I'm so glad the music was piped in; so even though I couldn't enjoy the performance upstairs, I could hear it from start to finish.

My Best Shot Monday: Back to Normal?

Canada won the Olympic Gold Medal in hockey last night: a heart-stopping triumph over Team USA in overtime! We've barely had a chance to catch our breath and Caden has already abandoned his patriotic Canada wear for his much loved Habs (Montreal Canadiens) touque and shirt. He quickly ate his breakfast this morning and his first question was, when is the next hockey game? I looked it up: Habs vs Bruins play Tuesday at 7PM. Guess what we're watching on Tuesday night? :)

February Lessons

Caden is so graceful ... not! He went down a few times while skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa with Louis mid-month. Obviously my suburban boy has been spoiled only skating on rink ice his whole life! Lesson: when you fall, you get up. Photo credit: Louis.

February was a short month, but it was jam-packed with activities, sickness, drama ... and HOCKEY! Filled with plenty of lessons, stories and experiences. The month started with a P.A. Day and it seems to have determined the pace all month.

• Chloe spent most of the month fighting a cold which spent plenty of time in her throat making vocal practice almost impossible. Valiantly she muddled through and performed on stage at the Oakville Centre with the rest of the intermediate choir.
• I was chosen to be on the Feeling Scrappy Design Team for Sketchapalooza 6 in May. LOTS of time is being spent preparing: designing sketches, perfecting techniques, exploring ideas.
• Without complaint (so far), Claire gets up at 5:30 on Sunday mornings to join her father at Kinoak Arena where she time keeps all of the Minor Atom Red games. She's learning a lot about hockey! Only a few more weeks and she'll get to sleep.
• I wish I could say I "participated" in LOAD, but really, I didn't. Not in any meaningful way. I did spend some time over on Flickr commenting on layouts and participating on the message board, offering encouragement, but only managed a few layouts. But, I did finish my Me: The Abridged Version project and that was HUGE! It would not have been done without LOAD.
• Cole and his Ranger team prevailed in the first round of playoffs moving on to play the Stoney Creek team. That series was not my first experience with poorly behaved parents but it is one that will stay with me, and Cole, forever. That being said, congratulations to the Stoney Creek team who moved on.
• Olympic fever and Canadian Patriotism is wild! I hope it sticks around ... well, the patriotism anyway. The Olympic stories are so inspiring and uplifting. I'm starting to learn, first hand, the lengths to which these athletes have to overcome obstacles.
• I finally got a haircut, I couldn't stand the weight of it any more. Seven inches cut off the back. I also made the decision to "embrace the gray" so, that's one more thing off my to-do list!
• I was a fill-in convener for Louis at a couple of Minor Atom and Bantam games, with Claire's help. I don't know how he does it game after game; week after week.
• Friends joined us for chili and pulled pork while we watched the New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl. The kids and parents had a great time!
• Cole and Caden had to choose their summer activity out of: rugby, lacrosse, 3on3 hockey, football, kayaking, baseball and soccer. Their choice? Tackle football. Save me.
• I managed to accomplish a lot, but at the same time seemed to be playing catch up! I must use March to get back on track: Weekly Gratitude, Develop on Fridays and Ella and W.C.S. challenges!
• Caden continues to fill-in with George over at Ice Sports as Cole has been busy with his team. I don't know that these lessons are helping Caden at all - or maybe he's just taking his time "getting it".
• Family Day was wonderful. An extra day to hang out with my kids is always appreciated! Even with Claire sleeping the day away, it was just nice to have her here, resting.
• My baby took another step toward growing up.
• Claire is enjoying the music appreciation aspect of her vocal lessons at school. She tells me she's really liking "historical" music. They're studying music from the '80s. I'm feeling very old.
• The Oakville Children's Choir is, like most organizations, held together with volunteers. I really enjoyed my turn as attendant this month. Meeting the kids, mingling with the parents, listening to the singing.
• Cole left with a group of Appleby teammates to a tournament at Lower Canada College in Montreal. He had his very first experience billeting and really enjoyed himself. Another first? Pond hockey! He loved it and I think there is a backyard rink in our future.
• Louis took Caden to Ottawa where they skated on the Rideau Canal (Caden fell 3x and Louis 5x) and they were less excited about "natural" ice than Cole. They picked up Grandpapa and went to watch Cole in his tournament in Montreal.
• I met with my girlfriends for a much enjoyed lunch. We picked our names for Survivor and we've decided to form a book club. My very first one!
• By the end of the month, I was asked to join a second book club. Yay! This one is based on The Happiness Project and I'm thrilled to be included. I'm loving every single page.
• I made a painfully hard decision.
• Caden continues to provide me with amusement and his coach (and his father) with frustration being "the snowman" on his minor atom hockey team. He's always covered in snow at the end of each shift. Funny kid.
• I'm getting more than a little tired of Cole being the target of verbal venom. Have to shake my head and not engage, a test of patience to be sure. Still, disappointed in some so-called "adults".
• Months of preparation culminated in the Middle School Science Fair where Cole enjoyed presenting his Carbon Dioxide competition experiments.
• I purged over 5,000 photos from my iPhoto files; organized all of my digital elements; purged and organized bookmarks and my google reader. Housekeeping was primarily inside my computer, but magically it makes everything seem lighter and tidier!
• I continue to maintain my no-spend resolution: no clothes, no scrapbook supplies. I never promised not to buy books!
• Cole and his Appleby team participated in the CISAA finals at Upper Canada College and fared very well. Better than well. They WON!! A wonderful month of hockey accomplishment :)
• I know I mentioned the Olympics before, but they really have been all-encompassing with the games being "local" - even though Vancouver is 4412k (2742 miles) away - they were held here, in my country, Canada. They were tense, reflective, heart breaking, breathtaking and now, sadly, over. I am so proud of our Olympians, what an incredible accomplishment: exceeding the record and accomplishing 14 gold medals, the most ever by a host country - I think the most ever, ever! We heard our anthem 14 times - officially. Many more times in spontaneous outbreak of song. Weird. Fantastic! With glowing hearts, indeed.

Even with all of the good, and there was plenty, I'm immensely saddened that this will be remembered as the month of mean. I am tired of mean. Maybe this was just the month I reached my fill. Let's hope March is an improvement.

To that end, read THE BEST ARTICLE I found all of February. Laundry rocks. As does Karen Maezen Miller. Through daily practice of our shared beliefs and resolve, I hope to be like her when I grow up!