Embrace Life

anticipation | autumn (the original post)

So, last week when I was writing my anticipation | autumn post, I had a niggling feeling that I had written one already. For the life of me I couldn't find it in my drafts folder! Until now. So here it is, part 2, which is really the original:

Daily breathing and meditation.

Daily walks and stretching.

Daily mindful eating and compassionate self talk.

Daily reading and writing.

Daily creating and imagining.

Daily practices of only those things that are good for me and therefore good for everyone around me.

* * * * *

Autumn is filled with all those things that make me feel much more alive than any other time of year. Odd given that it is the time of year when everything is harvested and dying.

• I'm enjoying the crunch of leaves beneath my Merrills on my walks through the forest at the school and through the cemetery in my back yard. I've also taken a trip or ten to walk the Labrynth in Burlington.
• Claire does not call often enough but when she does it is so wonderful to hear from her and catch up on the happenings in her life!
• University applications are on the agenda for Cole and all of the Senior Two students at school. He's pretty focused and determined to get into his top choice - Kings College in Halifax.
• Volleyball tryouts are over and the sport is keeping Caden busy. He's playing on the varsity team at school and has hopes of the U15 town team with practices and training through the week.
• Chloé is happy with her choice to stay home. I'm proud of her for deciding to stick to it. It's a brutal lesson, but she is fully acquainted with the idea that "people show you who they are, believe them the first time". It's not rude to believe them.
• Thanksgiving is coming up quickly! We're looking forward to spending time with family.
• First term is super important - it is where the kids lay down the foundation for the year. The marks can't be made up later without unnecessary hurculean effort. (I'm fond of saying that a ball team can lose the pennant in April - a student can lose their year in first term.)
• I'm sad to be missing reformer Pilates due to injury. I'll be back! Baby steps!
• I'm hoping to learn something at the Your Possible Life presentation at the Art Gallery in Burlington. I love Beth, Lisa and Shelley!
• I'm looking forward to the Ryder Cup - in Scotland this year!
• Writing workshops and classes are keeping me on track. That elusive book of my imagination is now becoming more real.
• Sunday morning yoga is lovely. Any morning yoga is lovely!
• We're looking forward to watching Scandal, Elementary, The Blacklist, The Good Wife and Once Upon A Time this season. I wonder what other new shows will be put on our "must watch" list?
• Mercury will enter it's final retrograde of the year in early October. Good! I need to re-visit some things - and this will be a perfect time to edit, too!
• Cole is enjoying his time in boarding. We're happy to see him and I encourage more spontaneous drop-ins. (He is not enjoying the cold he caught! Boarding = Germ Soup)
• We're off to see Wicked! I can't wait. I love the music and the story but have never seen it on stage.
• My annual Ali Edwards-inspired Week in the Life project is expected to start on October 27th. I am very fond of this project and can't wait to see what memorable treasures are discovered through the week.
• Speaking of Ali Edwards, there's a rumour she is coming to Crop & Create and I'm hoping to get a spot!
• Chloé loves percussion and is spending plenty of time practicing and participating with the concert band at school.
• Hallowe'en promises to be different this year. We are in a real neighbourhood loaded with little kids. We had no door bell rings last year or the one before, I'm sure we'll have more than a few this year! Hmm. I might even dress up! I wonder where I put that broom and caudron?
• Should Caden make the team, there is lots of local-ish travel from volleyball venue to volleyball venue. I'm hoping to get some really good photos this season. I'll have the time as I'm not the manager this year!
• After a brutally cold winter, then a cool wet spring and summer, we're hoping for some cool but sunny days. At least a few!
• Our home, our routines, our fridge, our life is all geared toward study and preparing for success.
• Exams will be here before we know it - early December!
• Just as fall turns to winter, on that last day, Claire turns 19. I wonder if I should send out warnings to the all the bars in downtown Toronto!

I'm looking forward to getting in to the cool swing of autumn. Fireplaces on. Chunky sweaters. Lazy afternoons on the couch reading stories. Bright blue skies. Perfect!

anticipation | autumn

We are just rolling into autumn like summer never happened. The leaves started to change before the kids headed back to school, so I anticipate things will be pretty cold pretty quickly around here. They've already had measurable snow out west. At my age and stage, I'm happy for the cooler weather no matter the season!

We are adjusting to some big changes around here: Claire is back in Kingston, Cole is in his boarding year, Chloé elected to stay and is finding her footing and Caden has started high school! We almost totally settled in a new house, with new spaces, new chores, new routines. Lots of lessons being learned.

With the arrival of autumn we are looking forward to:

• Volleyball training for Caden. He's made it onto the school team and hopefully he will make it onto a town team, but he's all signed up for training through the year.
• Cole and Chloé are back at vocal lessons with Greg. They are not going to perform in the festivals this year, but they do plan on attending the Conservatory Exams.
• Even I got in on things and am all signed up for My Pop Choir. Our first song is Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
• Caden is leaving for the Upper One trip to Temagami - it still fills me with dread. I will hold my breath the whole time he is away.
• Homecoming is coming up and I'm looking forward to it, especially since Claire is expected to come home for it! It'll be nice to have all four in the house even if it is for just one day.
• I've put together a meal plan and look forward to more stews and hearty fare in keeping with the season.
• I've even put together a whole "let's create" plan and look forward to new projects to complete.
• The new television season: The Good Wife, Elementary, The Blacklist, Scandal and Once Upon A Time will watched for sure, as well as the new Tea Leone show, Madame Secretary and Viola Davis in How to Get Away with Murder.
• Derek Jeter retires from baseball on September 28th in Boston for his last game in a Yankees uniform. We'll all be watching.
• Fingers crossed the townhouse is sold and we can finally move all of the furniture and be completely settled in our new space.
• Cole will be sending out his University applications! Blink. It all goes by so fast.
• The Ryder Cup is much anticipated - by me, anyway!
• More plumbers, electricians, heat & air, landscapers and now to find a carpenter.
• I'm taking a virtual Desire Map Workshop and am greatly looking forward to it.
• Thanksgiving should be lovely. Not sure what the plans are, but I know it will include good food, good wine and lots of family.
• Thunderstorms, a roaring fireplace, a cup of tea, a good book and a big blanket set the stage for me to get comfortable atop the new Crate & Barrel couch. I hope to have a chance to do this - a lot!
• Kundalini yoga continues on Friday mornings.
• I'm changing up my coaching to include some more energy and metaphysical aspects. I anticipate it will be fascinating.
• The Worldwide Photo Walk is being held on October 11. I'll probably make a trek somewhere, just not sure where, yet.
• We're looking forward to going into Toronto for a matinée of Wicked. I've read the book, know the soundtrack, but have never seen the musical. I can't wait!
• Writing classes start again in Burlington. Lots of my life happens in Burlington.
• Hallowe'en will be much different in this neighbourhood as it is LOADED with kids. I may just have to carve some pumpkins and put out some decorations. It'll be a nice change after enjoying a couple of years hiatus.
• Mercury will be in retrograde again. Time for me to get lots done!
• Judging from the multitude of signs around town, it looks like we have an election coming up. Since I recognize almost all of the names and most of the signs say "re-elect" I suppose it's just more of the same-old-same-old.
• I'm heading out to The Possible Life event in Burlington which is being headed by a couple of friends of mine. I'm looking forward to it!
• Late in October is Week In The Life time again. I looked at my calendar and put it in. I realized how much of my memory keeping projects revolve around autumn. I think I'm going to have to shuffle a few things in the future!
• Daylight savings - how depressing.
• The TreadClimber will be getting a workout - and so will the new studio!
• In a couple of short months the kids will be writing exams! (Shh. I won't tell them. There's enough pressure!)
• I will continue with my crazy meds and supplement schedule - and IV treatments every Wednesday until they tell me I'm healthy again. Gotta tell you, it better be before Christmas :)

The kids are in key years at school so around here it's all about focus-focus-focus, with a bit of fun and distraction thrown in to help maintain their sense of humour! I realized there is no travel in our plans for the next few months. I must remedy that. Maybe a quick day trip somewhere?

Happy autumn :)

anticipation | back to school, again

Blink! Summer is over ...

John Bell Chapel bell, Appleby College, 2011

I am a big fan of this time of year as it is a time for renewal for me. I take a look and re-evaluate where I am compared to where I want to be. Back-to-School season, for me, is a time for coloured pencils, glue and renewal of focus and projects. As a fan of beginnings, I love this season!

• Claire has left to return to Kingston. She is was chosen to be a Gael - an orientation leader for the freshmen - and has returned to Queen's to prepare for the new academic (and more) year ahead.
• Cole is preparing to move into residence for Grade 12. This is part of the deal at their school. I believe it is that way to prepare students for university life. I don't know how effective it is - or if the lesson is for the kids or the parents. It is what it is, and we signed up for it.
• Chloé has elected to stay home and not attend prep school in Massachusetts. This was for a few reasons: she did not want to be so very far away from home; and, she didn't want to feel she was "running away" from her problems (aka, bullying) and is prepared to stand up for herself moving forward.
• Caden is entering - wait as I take a deep breath - high school! He's now over 6 feet tall and open to all high school has to offer - and some classes as well :S
• Academic calendars have been purchased and our "new year" is all set to begin.
• The move into our new house continues. As we wait for the closing of the townhouse, we miss beds, tables, cupboards and other furniture. I laugh that we moved the contents but none of the cupboards, but the clutter is starting to get to me!
• Uniforms are in with the dry cleaner and the missing pieces are being purchased. I can't believe how many ties and socks we've collected over the years!
• I'm turning 50 in a few days. Seriously. When did that happen?
• Pre-season camps are being held at the school and both Cole and Caden are at four days of varsity volleyball preparation. I hope they both do well!
• Town tryouts are coming up, too!
• Books, so many books! My kids don't often take the same courses as the child before them - and by the time they do, the text has changed. All of the books have been sorted and all of the new books ordered.
• For the first time in ever I do not have to purchase any new shoes for the start of the school year. What is going on?
• Softball is winding down for Chloé. I love that she still loves this game. I hope she plays it for the rest of her life.
• The weather has been so wonky. In mid-August the breezes were blowing hard at 15C - today they're still blowing but up to 25C!
• I have caught a brutal summer cold. I've been hacking up my lungs for over a week now with no sign of it clearning up.
• I miss my daily walks.
• Cleaning out the garages. They have collected a lot of "extras" of summer and the clutter collected during the move. At least I know one will soon be 100% empty!
• The truck and Claire's car have been fully checked out and all necessary repairs made. We should be good through Thanksgiving when the snow tires go on.
• Rumours of fired teachers - and the stories - abound. I'm looking forward to just starting the year so that the kids, and parents, focus on the work and not the drama.
• Cole is moving into residence and taking two positions of responsibility in Powells House: Deck Captain and Health & Wellness Leader. He's going to have a full year!
• I look out at all the beautiful trees in our new back yard, towering oaks and others, filled with leaves. Leaves that will eventually land on the ground. It's a good thing I never got rid of the rakes! This will add a whole new aspect to my fitness routine. I think I'd better start looking for the snow shovel, too.
• Chloé has a new faculty advisor and we expect DT to be a nice calming influence making sure Chloé feels supported and valued.
• Vocal lessons are scheduled with both Cole and Chloé returning to Gregory Cross for instruction. Chloé is going all-in to OPERA! Such good stuff. Not only that, but I'm starting in My Pop Choir. I'm so looking forward to be sing again.
• The annual Temagami trips are coming up. My heart will be in my throat until Caden returns!
• My routine will get back into full swing: reformer Pilates and Meditation at iGita; yoga and pod at Zenbar; art therapy; writing workshops; and, lunches and catch-up with my cottage-loving friends who have been away all summer.
• I may even get into a regular blog routine?

Hmm ...

What are your plans for back to school?

anticipation | hello summer 2014

It was the last day of school around here yesterday - and Chloé and I are on our road trip! After a very long winter and extended spring, summer feels like it is almost here. We just have exams, ASCENT and POL's (presentation of learning) academic evaluations to complete and then after Closing Ceremonies summer will start!

The other day I saw that someone had visited my Summer Manifesto post from last year and I realized time was ticking and I wanted to do it again this year! I do like the idea of setting forth an intention. A manifesto. For this summer 2014, this is the plan:

HELLO SUMMER

1. Finish unpacking and settling into the new digs - that includes purchasing and arranging everything by the end of summer. 100%
   
2. Attend Chloé's softball games and Caden's baseball games.
3. Meet friends for swimming and fun at the Oakville Club.
4. Watch two or three television series from start to finish: Friday Night Lights, The Blacklist and The Good Wife are at the top of my list!
   
5. Have all of my blood tests done and follow up - again. Maybe get some answers this time around? Fingers crossed!
6. Sign in and check on Cole's trip to Eastern Europe. A trip of a lifetime - and hard work, after all, he's going to get his grade 12 World History credit while he's there! How awesome is that?
7. Dust off my camera and retrain my eye.
8. Enjoy our annual holiday in Cape Cod.
9. Try to keep up with Claire's forever changing baseball and social schedule.
10. With no excuses, plan to take long walks or ride my bike every day - rain or shine or oppressive humidex.
11. Take day trips to Stratford and Niagara Falls.
12. Enjoy stories of Chloé's roughing-it up in Temagami for two weeks!
13. Write morning pages. Every. Single. Day.
14. Share lazy lunches and laughter with friends at JACs or Stoney's or Jonathan's.
15. Take Caden up to leadership camp, and volleyball camp, too.
    
16. Soak up as much vitamin D as possible.
17. Get out to the driving range a few times.
18. Buy Chloé a whole new non-uniform wardrobe to wear at her new school.
    
19. Settle Cole into his dorm room for his last year of high school.
20. Celebrate my 50th birthday!

Our days will be full. I look forward to many teenagers walking in and out of my house on a regular basis through the twelve structure-less weeks ahead. I anticipate much laundry with all of the packing and unpacking that is going to happen - I'm so happy to have a full-on full-sized laundry room again. Along with late nights at the ballpark and concerts, I hope for many lazy mornings with a lot of sleeping in. Me? I will enjoy my mornings with a cup of coffee and quiet time to journal and reflect, followed by a nice long walk or bike ride around the new neighbourhood.

In essence, I will spend my summer grateful and full of appreciation that I am able to live my life on my own terms and spend even a portion of it with my wonderful children!

How about you? Big plans? Small plans? Big changes? No changes? How do you manage your summer?

anticipation | spring

This has been a harsh winter. Usually we have cold spells followed by warmer spells. Warm is a bit of a stretch, but in my world cold equals negative double digits and warm means positive single digits. We've had pretty consistent cold with little chance for melting. The ice has been positively brutal. I know my back deck still has snow that arrived in December. I'm anxious to have every day register on the positive side of the thermometer!

Spring brings with it such a sense of renewal, a chance for a fresh start. I am looking forward to:

• Opening day for major league baseball on March 31st. I love baseball and softball and hope to see some professional games this year. We already have tickets at Fenway for our summer holiday!
• Volleyball championships with Caden and his team. This has been such a great season. So proud of the boys!
• Cleaning and purging of all bedrooms - and closets!
• My becoming-annual trip to Tucson with my sister.
• Finding a new outdoor sectional for the back deck - the one I have is - surprisingly - too small!
• Enjoying activities over at the Oakville Club. Maybe even some tennis and swimming? Certainly plenty of wine and conversation.
• The Masters, what I consider the official start of spring, is being held on April 10 - 13. I will be glued to the CBS coverage - the beautiful cinematography, the hushed voices of commentators, Amen Corner and the playing of spectacular golf. Love it.
• Watching Chloé on the softball diamond and my boys play rugby.
• Opening all of the windows and letting the breeze clean out the stale winter air collected in our home.
• Daily walks.
• Cleaning out the garage. It has simply collected the "extras" of winter.
• Submitting work applications and resumés for Claire and Cole.
• Final exams and moving Claire home from Queen's. Blink and her first year of university is over.
• Detailing the truck. Like the garage, it has born the brunt of the weather with plenty of mud and salt. Even with the promise of rain, it'll be nice to get it all looking and smelling good :)
• The final term of school. It's hard to believe another school year is winding down!
• The Peel and Milton Music Festivals, this year BOTH Cole and Chloé are competing. I am really looking forward to hearing them both perform their pieces.
• Claire and Caden back on the ball diamond with Little League.
• I'm sucking up the fear and will be going out. To one big fundraiser with a bunch of lovely ladies, and then to the Appleby Gala this year. Scary stuff!
• Meetings with the school to deal with a few bumps in the road. Bullying is rampant and so far I have yet to experience any educational institution step up and do right by the victims. You can only tell good kids to "be the better person" so many times. I live in hope.
• Senior Music Night at it's new location. Fingers crossed I'll be able to find it!
• Chloé will turn 15 and Caden will turn 14 - and for three weeks they'll both be 14. It has been a joy and a priviledge to watch them grow up.
• A couple of writing courses for me. So much good stuff!
• Mother's Day brunch with family. As always, we will miss the annual opening day of baseball, but it's worth it.
• The Middle School play, "The Little Mermaid" with Caden playing King Triton.
• Lots of trips with Cole off on a rugby team trip to Quebec, Chloé is going on a music trip to Cleveland to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Caden is heading to Ottawa with his Middle School classmates.
• The prefect selection process for Cole. Hopefully he doesn't get chosen for something other than prefect and then have to do the duties demanded by the position. Live and learn!
• In May, along with the family, we'll be celebrating the graduation of my nephew. A wonderful adventure awaits him!
• I'm off to the seashore with some girlfriends. Ah, ocean time is my favourite.
• Final exams await Cole, Chloé and Caden who will be finishing up grades 11, 9 and 8, respectively. Blink. Closing day will be long and hot - or long and rainy, but this year none of my kids is going to graduate so no pressure!
• I will be graduating from SEVEN CONSECUTIVE YEARS in Middle School. Seriously, I think I deserve a medal :)

This is the biggest season for change around here. As I write this the temperature is still in negative digits, though the sun is shining. By the time Spring gives way to Summer in June we could be well into heat and humidity. The kids are busy with school activities and the pressure of plays, presentations and exams. There's a lot of juggling, accomodating, deep breaths and getting accustomed to change. Lots of growing pains.

anticipation | spring break

Eighteen consecutive days. That is how long my three high- and middle-school kids are out for spring break. That is a lot of time to fill at a time when the weather is being typically, well, March. But they deserve a break as they worked very hard this past term. It might be the shortest term but it is also the most intense with two of them just finishing up their parts in the school play.

Unlike last year we have no grand plans for another big cruise! But, we do have plans ...

. attending a couple of plays in Toronto
. attending a concert or two
. going to the new Ripley's aquarium
. a few days in Florida
. catching up on some reading and assignments
. a trip to Kingston, as Claire's schedule allows
. visits with cousins
. starting B-School
. introducing the kids to yoga and meditation

Hmm, upon further reflection, it looks like we'll have plenty to occupy our time!

Essentially, every year, my life goes on hold while the kids are home on break - spring and otherwise. It's like having toddlers again! Except, this year, I think there will be a lot of sleeping and lazy days. I hope so! All of my kids work so hard at school it's good for them to relax with the same intensity.

What do you do on school break?

anticipation | mercury in retrograde

(source)

Recently I've run across the phrase "Mercury in Retrograde" always said in a hushed tone that implies that only bad things lie ahead. Articles usually reference "how to survive" or "hold on tight" when describing it. Or, as it was put when I googled it "A regularly occurring, astrological event that gives New Agers an excuse for getting fired, wrecking their car, breaking a leg, or having an overall shitty day."

Alrighty then.

And, this happens a few times each year. For 2014, these dates are:

06 February to 28 February
07 June to 02 July
04 October to 25 October

The one thing I've learned on this "New Age" journey of mine is that there is never anything only good or only bad. There is always the other side. Tomorrow we enter into another phase of mercury in retrograde and I'd perfer to know what good it will bring rather than focus on the bad. Full disclosure: I've already experienced a challenge when Cole mistakenly forgot to actually give me my wallet which he was bringing out to the car to me as I dropped him off for the bus to Temagami. Translation: I haven't had a wallet since Sunday and won't have one until the weekend. The good? I now have a reason to be creative and use up the food in the freezer and the pantry! See - there is always a bright side.

The best phrase I've ever read about this time is that Mercury in REtrograde is good for all things that start with RE.

REnew
REflect
REvive
REmind
REsearch
REconcile
REview
REmember
REfresh
REbound
REcall
RElocate
REconsider
REelect
REfinish
REnegotiate
REcycle
REstore
REmove
REmodel
RElinquish
REmit
REliable
REminisce

and on and on ...

Of those words on the list there is nothing particularly negative or scary. So, I will focus on the possibility of RE and focus on the good things the time brings. Apparently this is a very good time to:

Clean out your closet. Be merciless. Really, this is a great time to purge anything - files, books, magazines, whatever needs removal just toss!

Move on. This is a great time to forgive and forget.

Embrace nostalgia. Put those old records on. Read an old journal. Reconnect with an old friend. Go swimming for the first time in years. Remember the things in your life that have brought you joy and then enjoy them again.

Edit and review. For writers and creatives this is a wonderful time to reevaluate past works and polish them up - or toss.

Write a personal manifesto. Apparently this is a wonderful time to reflect on who you are as a person and what you want to represent to the world.

Mix it up. If you don't like the flow of your living room, or bedroom space - or your cutlery drawer, rearrange things to suit you and your flow!

Dare to relax. Though communication at this time can be a challenge, release control and embrace any travel headaches and get away for a holiday. Or simply take a day to do what you love best - read, get a massage,

Reinforce routine. Or focus on developing the habits you want in your life: 8-hours of sleep, drink more water, eat more vegetables, read more biographies.

Finish. This is a perfect time to put a final end to things: projects, relationships. Anything you've been putting off should be finished off. For me this will include completing household files, collecting and returning anything that does not belong in my home, 

* * * * *

Remember that you'll want to be especially chill and relaxed during this time because for a lot of people things go completely bonkers. I'm told that Virgo and Gemini are particularly affected at this time - which means me and half of my children are expected to go a bit nuts! Poor Cole :(

A few things to keep in mind, things for us all to do anyway, but in this time we should be more mindful:

Back up important data.

Double check travel plans. Relax, part of the fun is in the journey!

Avoid signing contracts. A good time to review instead :)

EXPECT DELAYS and challenges and pack a magazine or book. Like everything in life, it's all in your attitude and how you choose to handle a situation. You know that old saying "this too shall pass" - it should be said in good times and bad times as they are both fluid and in constant state of flux.

* * * * *

I don't know about you but I think I'll enjoy this cosmic opportunity to reflect on the choices I'm making and determine what needs some extra care and attention. I liked how Danielle LaPorte described in one of her Desire Map videos that we, like the universe, are always expanding and contracting, but we never contract so much that we end up where we once were. We are always moving forward: expanding and growing.

Mercury in retrograde just gives us all an opportunity, if we are mindful about it, to measure our progress. If we all go with the flow and keep our sense of humour this should be a REwarding and REjuvinating time. We can choose to go through all our days that way. Sounds good to me!

 

anticipation | the next 8 weeks

Unlike past years, the next 8 weeks will be logistically different, if not outright challenging! You see, my kids are now on different schedules at different schools and it may take me a while to get used to it. I expect, this being our first year, there may be a few bumps along the way! Hey, that's the fun part, right? The journey :)

• More snow. And then more again. I anticipate purchasing a stinkload of salt the minute the stores are restocked. They've been out of salt since the blackout! The photo above was taken in mid-February last year.
• The school Semi-Formal is always a big event but will be bigger this year as Cole is bringing a date (Hanne, of course) and they have to match. Yeah. That. (Imagine a sigh and eye roll as I walk out the door to take him to the mall.)
• I'll be out in Kingston a couple of times for my at-least-once-each-month visit with Claire. We have a pretty good routine: I arrive with everything she has forgotten at home and take her out for lunch, then we hit Loblaws for food and bath products. Then I stay for dinner with Claire and her friends. It's always a wonderful experience.
• Rugby training starts and will go into full swing in preparation for spring.
• I will continue my Desire Map Book Club meetings. What an enlightening and interesting group of women! We all have so many similarities - and an equal number of differences. Really fun to enjoy the process. Could it be? Have I found my tribe?
• Volleyball tournaments will occupy many of our Saturdays.
• Rehearsals are in full swing for the All-School musical "Leader of the Pack" which has both Chloé and Cole at the school most evenings until 6PM. I'm looking forward to the performance in February.
• I'm looking forward to watching Chloé in the Upper School Cabaret.
• Caden is joining in a Middle School leadership workshop - I'm not sure who will learn more, Caden or the facilitator.
• The annual "Appleby's Got Talent" show is coming up. I wonder which of my kids, if any, will get up on stage this year?
• I'll be back to Natalie for a cut and colour. Shorter this time, and I'll be keeping the red. I really feel as though I've returned to myself with the colour and it's nice to be back in my own skin!
• Parent teacher interviews are upcoming. Always enlightening.
• I'll be taking Caden and the boys from his team to McMaster to watch a few volleyball games. Amazing that in a few short years some of these boys will be playing on their own university teams!
• Mercury is heading back to retrograde. Hang on tight!
• Claire has a long weekend coming up in February. I'm seriously thinking I should take her away someplace warm. Her eczema is not improving in the cold of Kingston.
• By the end of February is curriculum night at school and I'll have to figure out the direction of all three kids - all in high school next year!
• I'm looking forward to a creative writing seminar. Who knows? I may have a bestseller inside me :)
• Caden has enjoyed steady improvement in his squash game as his sport this term. I'm glad he's trying something outside his comfort zone.

I'm doing my best to leave our plans as open and flexible as possible. While they were all little it was great to have a lot of structure and routine. Now it doesn't work as well with all of them pursuing different interests in all different directions.

 

anticipation | 2014

2013 was full.

It brought with it a tremendous amount of change. We lost people we love, we moved on from people who did not bring out the best in us, serious thought was given to the lives we've lead and the lives laid ahead of us - all of us. It was a year of rebuiding. Some of us from rubble. Some of us simple redirection of our effort. Some of us shaken to the core. It was challenging. It was exhausting. It was invigorating.

2013 will not leave us the same as it found us.

2014 is like looking at a blank page.

Normally that prospect would be somewhat scary and I've often hedged my fear by filling up my lists and calendar with plenty to do and places to be. In contrast, I am entering this new year with relatively little on my plate. I will continue to honour that which brings me joy and honours my highest good.

That includes:

• Returning to red. I was red-head for years and then had kids. I'm generally inclined to embrace the gray, but it's simply not coming in fast enough and I've found frustration in the wait. So, while the gray decides to come and stay, I'm back to red. It's fun!
• Danielle LaPorte and her Desire Map is becoming a huge part of my thought process. It flows nicely with my values and beliefs. I'm one of her book club leaders and look forward to encourage people to work toward how they want to feel. It seems to be such a simple concept, but wow. Totally amazing shift in perspective.
• I will participate with Ali Edwards in her One Little Word project. I will enjoy the challenge of incorporating my guiding word into my life.
• I've finally found and joined a book club - very excited about it.
• I plan on spending plenty more time, down the street, at iGita. My friend Lisa introduced me to Kundalini meditation (guided meditation for A-types) on Friday mornings and I join my friend Jill for reformer Pilates class - as well as a private one for just me, once a week. It has been fantastic and become an integral ritual as part of my self care.
• I've enjoyed my once-a-month drives to Kingston to visit Claire at Queen's. I do not enjoy the traffic coming and going, but I do enjoy the in-person check-in with my girl. She is thriving and I'm so very pleased. I miss her not being at home and know when she heads back after the break it will be another big adjustment, for all of us.
• Project Life is exactly what it is - representative of my life. In fits and starts. Better than nothing and far from perfect. Sounds about right!
• I can't wait to see both Cole and Chloé perform in Leader of the Pack the all-school play. They have been rehearsing a ton and it's going to be great to see them. The big performance is at the end of February.
• Watching Caden improve as "middle" at volleyball has been a delight. I enjoy being manager of his team and look forward to how the season unfolds.
• While my dad is home, I've been enjoying our "Dads & Daughters" lunches where the four of us are able to share and ask and learn. It has been a wonderful experience. Kudos, once again, to my sister Beth for suggesting it - and then making it happen. I hope for many more over the next year, and beyond.
• Karla Dudley is one of my favourite digital artists and she is teaching her first course. It didn't take me long to decide to sign up! I also re-upped for Karen Russell's Snapshots course. No doubt there will be more courses through the year.
• I'm not going to settle ever again, but the idea of a relationship is not as ridiculous as it once was. It'll happen when it happens, I'm not looking but I'm also no longer completely closed off to the idea.
• I turn 50 in September. I hope to go somewhere wonderful and exotic. Bora Bora? Hawai'i? New Zealand? South Africa? Morocco? Australia?
• The return of my sister Beth to the area has been welcome and fun. It's been wonderful getting to know her family in a less "special occasion" way. Really lovely. After years of isolation, family is a huge focus. With four sisters, how can it not be? All of our kids keep us hopping. They now range between 18 years of age and 4 months! There is always something to do and some place to be.
• Cole will go into boarding in September and plans for University will have to be finalized by October. So far Kings in Halifax is winning, with UofT a close second. Wow. Blink! And then there were two children left at home.
• The Next Chapter has become a real possibility. I'm enjoying the planning. I can only hope I enjoy the execution and maintenance, too!
• I'm looking forward to continue the tradition of the Canyon Ranch experience in April. The annual summer trip to Cape Cod with the kids over the course of the summer is integral to our family DNA. Of course, Mother's Day with Nanna & Grampy as well as the big family dinner at Christmas is not to be missed.

A pretty full blank page :)

Full but focused on the simple things. Nothing complicated. Just family and friends and learning and staying open to all life has in store.

anticipation | autumn

Bring it!

Cooler weather - low temperature and humidity. Rain is welcome!
Knit and structured fabrics in the heavier clothes.
Comfort food and the constant use of my crock pot.

I am NOT a warm weather girl. Not by any stretch. I never have been. Born in the waning days of summer, I'd love it if I could live there - in the comfort of jeans and a sweater - all year long! Even better when I add boots, a scarf and some gloves.

* * * * *

My favourite go-to recipe for autumn and winter is chili! Now that I've found out my food allergies do not (as suspected) include cheddar cheese, I'm excited to bring out the crock pot and make some soon!

CROCK POT CHILI

2 pounds (1Kg) lean ground beef (sometimes replaced or split with turkey)

1 large or 2 medium yellow cooking onions, diced

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 packages McCormick® Chili Seasoning Mix, Original (I actually use a little less because we're not big fans of too much heat in our food - except Caden and he uses hot sauce to heat his up!)

2 cans (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (16 oz/454g) kidney beans, undrained

3 cups frozen corn

Brown meat in large skillet, with diced onions and garlic, on medium-high heat. With slotted spoon to drain fat, transfer into crock pot. Add in Seasoning Mix, tomatoes, beans and corn. Set crock pot to low and cook, covered, for 6-7 hours.

Serve with sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheddar and/or tortilla chips.

* * * * *

Now that our days are filled with lots of study, volleyball and voice lessons, I have no doubt this recipe will be in regular rotation in our house with our many evening obligations. The best part is that since it tastes so good the next day, it'll be a great just-home-from-school snack on those days our timing is really tight!

Autumn is my favourite season made even better with plenty of comfort food. What is your favourite go-to meal?

anticipation | hello summer

The last day of school arrives today with exams soon to follow. We are entering big-time study mode around here. By the 18th we'll be done with this school year and looking forward to Closing Ceremonies and Claire's prom at the Boulevard Club.

After that?

Summer holidays! Whoot :D

Last year, I had hoped to participate in Ali Edwards' Summer Manifesto album and even bought the templates. I never got around to making that leap from intention to album, though all of the things planned to do last year were thoroughly enjoyed. Sometimes it has to be enough to simply enjoy the every day. Right?

[ETA: Coincidentally, Ali Edwards has a post up today with an updated 2013 cover for the album!]

I recently read my friend Katrina's summer manifesto and it jolted my memory. I do like the idea of setting forth an intention. A manifesto. For this summer 2013, this is the plan:

HELLO SUMMER

1. Make as many meals as possible outside on the barbeque.
2. Take a quick walk and use our new membership and meet friends for swimming and fun at the Oakville Club.
3. Watch at least one television series I've missed.
4. Enjoy plenty of baseball and softball games - and practices, too.
5. Send Cole off to British Columbia on a service trip for a few weeks.
6. Read many novels, immerse myself in purely fiction and fantasy.
7. Visits with the cousins and the welcoming of a new one.
8. Write morning pages. Every. Day.
9. Take Chloé to leadership camp - twice!
10. Make and eat s'mores with the outside firepit!
11. Ride my bike as often as the weather allows.
12. Clean out and organize the garage.
13. Help my sister - and family - move into their new house.
14. Enjoy our annual holiday in Cape Cod.
15. Play a few rounds of golf, at the very least head to the driving range a few times - or practice chipping and putting
    
16. Enjoy lazy lunches with friends at Jonathan's.
17. Take day trips to Stratford, Canada's Wonderland, Niagara Falls, Muskoka (cottage & camp country) and Marineland.
18. Take Caden to the Nintendo Wii U Tour.
19. Settle Claire into her dorm at Queen's.
20. Celebrate my 49th birthday!

There will be a lot going on. I expect many concerts, parties and sports events to be attended with many teenagers (mine and others) walking in and out of my house on a regular basis for the next ten weeks. No doubt I will be busy keeping the fridge stocked full and asking (er, yelling) for the screens to be shut tight. No doubt there will be a few arguments about who gets the keys to the truck. Along with late nights will be lazy mornings with a lot of sleeping in - the kids, not me. I will enjoy the mornings with a cup of coffee and quiet time to journal and reflect, followed by a nice long walk.

In essence, I will spend my summer ...

1. making every effort to keep up with my kids

2. remembering to say yes as often as possible - summer is about them

3. making an effort to keep a routine for myself so I don't go wiggy!

Wish me luck!

How about you? Big plans? Small plans? Big changes? No changes? How do you manage your summer?

anticipation | baseball & softball season

Claire loves all things baseball and though she manages to suffer thorough the school softball season, she's excited to head back to Little League and play her preferred sport again this summer. Even after some hitting lessons at Field House Athletics, she has decided against trying out for the "Big League" Whitecaps Team with her friends. With her busy schedule she was afraid she could not commit - and she's probably right. There'll still be lots of "spare time" spent at one diamond or another volunteering at tournaments and events throughout the season - she really enjoys announcing, expecially the t-ball games.

Caden is going back to baseball, too. He's content to play house league and has little ambition or desire to play any more than his regular weekly practice, game and a few exhibition games. He's happy to have new cleats and a "magic" new bat that helps him hit to the fences! My boy is getting huge! I know he'll have fun over the summer expecially when he gets that bat working. He has played in an "evaluation game" and the season opened over the weekend with picture day and a win!

Chloé is always up to try new things and joined the local softball league - so anxious she had me sign her up during early registration in January. She's still interested and I'm happy for her to pick up a sport she can play her whole life :) There have been a couple of practices and she has enjoyed meeting the girls on her team. I am happy she'll be able to walk out our front door and across the street for a vast number of her games and practices. Even the extra hitting practices are held steps away from our home.Keep it simple ... I think she's going to love her summer!

Cole has opted out. At the end of last season he was willing to play baseball again, but as spring drew near he had second thoughts. Instead of a refund, we've elected to donate the registration fee to another player who might not otherwise have a chance to play - certainly one who wants to play more than mine! He won't be free completely since he'll be joining me on the sideline cheering on one sibling or another.

As for me, I have purchased a new lawn chair and cooler. I plan on being far better prepared this year than last - with mitts, blankets, sunscreen, icepacks, umbrellas and water in the truck at all times! I'm looking forward to cheering loudly and stay open to enjoy all of the experiences that present themselves.

Play Ball!

anticipation | spring

Taken May 2012

I don't know about you, but I found this winter to be long. Maybe it was the endless months of snow, or the constant wind, ice and grey skies - not a normal happening here in the bubble. Even with two tropical trips - another outside-our-normal happening - the months seemed to slog on in the dark and cold. In spite of it all, a lot got done and many lessons were learned!

With the arrival of spring, we are looking forward to:

• Blue skies and sunshine.
• Baseball games and practices. Softball games and practices.  I'm sure both leagues will be getting in touch with us soon. I'm anxious to get the schedules plugged into the calendar and address all of the conflicts. Then I'll pack up the cooler and folding chair and put them in their permanent position in the truck.
• Concert excitement. Claire and Cole both enjoy going to see bands as they stop in Toronto and other local areas. Though the events are in the summer, the tickets will be purchased though spring and the anticipation will be a joy to experience with them.
• A finished master bath. I am so disappointed in Pottery Barn. Renovation Hardware will, again, come to my rescue!
• My two Gemini babies turn 14 and 13 - and my home will be, officially, filled with teenagers! Give me strength :)
• Embracing silence. The practice of meditation is being tried for the first time, after years of curiosity. I know for sure if it is not continued, the practice of silence will be. And maybe that will be enough.
• After MUCH begging, pleading, negotiation and hesitation, my boys will be playing rugby for their school teams through May. I love rugby as a sport, though I don't know how anxious I am to send them back onto the pitch. Sigh.
• I love living in a home full of music. Chloé got the part of Genie in Aladdin and I can't wait to see her perform in the Middle School Play! She's gonna kill it :)
• Many container plants filled with succulents for on the back deck. I just have to be patient enough to wait until after the May long weekend to plant them!
• Many hanging plants filled with trailing ivy and flowers for on the back deck. I have to be patient with this too.
• More container plants for the front of the house. This year I'll be planting my own. NOT impressed with the expense or poor performance of the plantings last spring done by "the professional".
• A new entry mat and I'd love to get a big brass door knocker for the front door.
• A fresh coat of paint on everything that needs a fresh coat - bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways, doorways. This may be a big job!
• Cole is back to NYC with the Appleby Cantus Choir. They're performing at Carnegie Hall! And then he's back again with Grampy since his earlier trip was cancelled. The weather should be way better in April!
• A final decision regarding Claire's university selection. I've already offered my opinion and will now maintain my silence and let her do the choosing. After all, it's her future and time for her to take charge.
• Purge! The annual Spring Clean has started. What is on your list?
• Fire up the BBQ!
• Our annual Mother's Day brunch with my family in Toronto. I love these "command performance" events. Watching all of the kids - mine along with those of my four sisters - grow up into amazing young adults.
• Stepping completely out of my comfort zone and meeting another group of parents at upcoming games.
• Cole is performing in the Peel Music Festival. His songs include "C'est Moi!" from Camelot, "Love Who You Love" from A Man of No Importance and "All That's Known" from Spring Awakening.
• Lunches on the patio at Jonathan's. Every time I go, I miss my friend Bill. I toast to him every visit.
• Maybe another driver? Claire has completed the course but has yet to take the driving test. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the fact that the family vehicle is a Suburban. Maybe she can borrow her uncle's Jetta? We'll see!
• A big bright umbrella for our patio table. Tomato Red? Bright Orange? Lime Green? Cyan Blue? Turqoise or Teal?
• Back to Canyon Ranch in Tucson with my sister! I'll be taking bunch of medical tests to get to the bottom of some unsolved questions and move every day on my favourite under-water treadmill. Oh, and get back to better eating and portion control reminders!
• Journal Your Life with Susannah Conway should give me some inspiration to start journaling for me again. I'm also looking forward to seeing what Cathy Zielske has in store in her Clean & Simple Workshop. 
• Continuing with theme of pushing my comfort zone and embracing vulnerability, I've purchased a ticket for the school Spring Fling with plans to attend. Alone. Not that I won't know anyone, I just don't normally do this kind of thing.
• Final exams! It's time to bear down and end the school year with the best marks ever!
• Graduation for my girl, Claire. Big plans for the big day. I am so excited for her! I keep thinking of all the time she has to learn: to make mistakes, correct her course, learn some more. It's been great so far, and only gets better from here.

There is so much going on and so much to look forward to with days getting longer and warmer. It will be hard to stay focused on finishing up the school year, but we're all determined to get the best marks possible - it's a team effort!

anticipation | spring break

Taken March 30, 2012. There is hope!

Most of us here in Oakville are happy to live in our bubble - a place where the weather is ranked #1 in Canada. Because of our proximity to Lake Ontario we rarely get snow in the winter and it is quite cool in the summer - well, in comparison with many other places. This winter? It's been a winter, a real, honest-to-goodness snow- and wind-filled miserable few months. We've had snow. A lot of it. We've had wind. Huge winds have come to make my morning walks icy or wet followed by gobs of heavy snow to make everything pretty but treacherous.

Spring break will bring with it a much welcome escape! I believe I've mentioned a bagillion times over the last few months that I'm so happy my boys are no longer playing hockey and this year is the first one where we are able to enjoy time away as we have no coach-voiced edicts to stay over the break. This year we have plans to head toward the sun. Yay!

Well, that will take up one week of our break - a crazy long break. For reasons I have yet to understand, our school will be closed from March 8 - 24 and then again March 28 - April 1 for Easter. Essentially that means the kids get a whopping eight school days in the whole month of March. Most of the parents I know are even taking the days between leaving only four school days in March for their kids. GREAT for the overseas boaders, but really? I have no idea what we're going to do with the extra time except SLEEP.

Relax. Refresh. Renew. That's the plan.

Hopefully by the time April rolls around we'll have some buds on the trees, some sun in the sky and a brighter outlook on things.

This has been a very long and very dreary winter.

anticipation | winter

Photo taken 30 January 2012 on the campus of Appleby College at drop off.

We had a whirlwind start to the school year. Autumn often caught me by surprise with many unanticipated changes in direction and perspective. Right now I'm feeling confident about our future and the decisions made, but also a bit exposed - not my natural, or preferred, condition! I am very sure I'm not the only one in our home who feels this way. I am happy that winter officially arrives while we are on holiday, a little break from the routine and pressure of school to relax and recharge.

With the arrival of winter, we are looking forward to:

• The absense of hockey. I think I've mentioned that before :)
• With that absense comes the opportunity to feel sand and sea between our toes, at least for a few days over the Christmas break.
• Incorporating my guiding word for 2013 into my life.
• Swimming: for me it is lengths at our local YMCA - for Caden it's the swim team at Appleby. Go Dogs! LOVE that he wants to participate in the optional extra swims, too.
• Online Projects: Move More, Eat Well 2.0; The Art of Composition; One Little Word; and, Snapshots of a Good Life. Yes, again, I'm hoping to incorporate these projects into my every day. Fingers crossed it works!
• Still not sure what to do about Project Life. Do I continue? Do I stop? Argh! There is no good answer!
• Lower braces will be put on to balance the upper braces already installed. Chloé is managing really well and brushing a lot. The only thing she misses, so far, is popcorn :)
• Claire is the captain of the varsity volleyball team. Though some tournaments have been cancelled due to the teacher issues in the public sector, she is optimistic while leading her team through this "building" year.
• Dropping Cole off for his Jazz Classes really does provide me with a giggle every Wednesday.
• There is not much I don't want to learn. Lately, thanks to Elaine, I've renewed an interest in the tradition of hocus pocus in the form of tarot cards and readings. I'm looking forward to having some girlfriends over and welcome the new year with a new card-inspired perspective.
• Rehearsals for Fiddler on the Roof will become more intense in preparation for the big show at the end of February.
• Middle School drama will continue its conspiracy to drive me mad. I really don't know if I can make it through this year without losing it on a few nasty 13 year old girls. Save me from the mean girls!
• So disappointed in this season of Glee :( On the bright side: my Thursday evenings will be free! I really must find another must-see show for me and the kids to share.
• Science Fair! I am so happy it's been moved to only the Middle Two classes. I don't know what I'd do if I had to help with two projects at once.
• Acting Mechanics classes start for both Chloé and Cole at Armstrong Acting Studios in Toronto. I cannot wait to see what they learn in this program. If they survive this and want to continue then I'll know they're serious.
• Caden was so disappointed not making the U14 boys volleyball team at school. To remedy this he's taking lessons with Pakmen Volleyball in Mississauga. LOVE that he's in a sport that requires incredible coordination and it's at room temperature!
• Concerts, concerts and more concerts will keep Claire busy. Well, busy asking if she can go. Still not sure if she will, but I love her enthusiasm. I also love (more) that I actually know the music performed by these bands when she asks!
• There is a ton of singing in our home. A ton. To me, singing is a sign of happiness and abandon. I love that there is singing. Even I have started!
• We're looking forward to more university acceptances and plenty of discussion. Decisions will have to be made. Big - and fun - decisions. New adventures to anticipate.
• Watching more movies. Good movies. Teaching the kids to be more discerning in their choices. Time is precious: spend time watching, not wasting.
• I'm actually considering attending a movie. In a theatre. The last time I was in a theatre was to see Eight Below - in 2006 - I took Cole and a group of boys to celebrate Cole's birthday. (Before that it was Schindlers List in 1993!) So many amazing movies released lately and upcoming that are "big screen" worthy!
• I am really hoping for a huge storm that will leave the town blanketed in snow so I can take "winter wonderland" photos - in downtown Oakville and over at the school. And then it can melt - quickly.

While I wait for that hoped-for storm to arrive, I will continue to do what I do: make lemon chicken thighs by the dozens; drive kids to activities and wait in endless parking lots; help them with their studies; encourage them when they're upset; find fixes for their problems or just hug them when they need it. Right now, my life is as it should be: almost always about the kids. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I anticipate that this winter will be cozy and calm. Fingers crossed!

anticipation | autumn

After a long and hot summer I welcome autumn with open arms!

The cooler weather has me wearing long sleeves and I even replaced my ratty old sweatpants, though, I haven't found a replacement for my equally (or more) ratty old black duster sweater so it will be worn for another season!

Back to school heralded some incredible changes in our world. Claire is in boarding and really learning wonderful lessons. Cole feels safe and he is fully engaged in the arts world. Chloé is coming into her own which is incredible since I always thought she was there already. Caden takes my breath away with his commitment to making an effort - he puts his hand up in class, he's made some buddies and he looks adorable in his uniform! We are only just settling into a routine.

With the arrival of autumn we are looking forward to:

• Football games for Caden. He is enjoying the cooler weather. He is a great football player, often in for the whole game - offence and defence.
• The absense of hockey!
• Chloé is starting back at her vocal lessons. This year she is also taking up piano. I can hear her practicing so I think this is a brilliant new skill for her to master.
• Cole is busy with vocal coaching, the start of dance classes, and his agent planning modeling and acting gigs. It's deja vu all over again :) Though the business has changed a ton since the mid-80s that's for sure!
• Homecoming at the kids' school which includes Claire singing with the band. She tells me she has a couple of solos, so that should be fun! I love her fearless sense of adventure and fun.
• Lots of home cooking and maybe even some adventures in baking are in the planning stages. So, so happy CZ has come up with these recipe templates!
• New television shows. We're looking forward to Elemenary, Nashville, Go On and Revolution.
• Old television shows. We can't wait to see what's been happening over on Glee, Once Upon A Time, Blue Bloods, Grimm, Revenge, Castle and The Good Wife. Hmm. I think we watch too much television!
• And some "can't find" television shows. Hart of Dixie, Homeland, Arrow and Boss.
• Still miss the ladies of GCB :( Bless their hearts!
• It looks like we'll be changing our Thanksgiving plans - we were going to go to the Maritimes - since the SATs have to be written that weekend.
• I'm hoping to meet up with a girlfriend for a photo walk of the Badlands up in Caledon (about an hour away) to see the changing of the leaves.
• The greatly anticipated Daring Greatly read along. What a fantastic book - I'm really enjoying this read through, with tons of underlines and notes in the margins. I'm really looking forward to this author-lead experience.
• I'm taking Claire to Minneapolis to see the incomparable Maya Angelou. We'll be joined by friends and I can't wait to share this evening with all of them.
• This will be my first time participating in BlissdomCanada. Scared. Excited. Mostly feeling like a fraudulent fish-out-of-water.
• Thunderstorms, a roaring fireplace, music on the stereo, a cup of tea, a good book and a big blanket set the stage for me to get comfortable atop the new leather couch. I hope to have a chance to do this - a lot!
• A trip for Claire's (20-12-2012) birthday is in the works and we're all really looking forward to something new and different.
• Project REAL Life might just be too much to handle, but it should be good :) Any chance to learn something new is never a waste.
• Regular "move more" has been introduced and with the cooler weather coming I'll be spending a lot of time at the YMCA - in and out of the pool.
• Sunday is movie day around here with my focus being on Cole recognizing good acting, directing and writing. As a result LOTS of classics are going to be watched and critiqued. Where in the world is Elwy Yost of Saturday Night at the Movies when I need him!?! Maybe I could find re-runs on line?

This autumn is very different from years past. No hockey. At all. I'll miss the excitement of the games, cheering in the stands, sharing coffee and conversation with friends and the rosey cheeks of my boys giving it hard all game. I will not miss the ridiculous and pointless politics, mean parents or my youngest being targeted on the ice every. single. game. Happily all of my kids - players and cheerers - are equally relieved not to be back at the rink for many of the same reasons, though it is far more personal for the boys.

The kids finally recognize that you can lose the pennant early in the season so they've all taken their studies very seriously. I anticipate only a few bumps in our routine through to the Christmas break in order to keep continuity and focus through the exam period. I think they're enjoying quiet evenings and the regular early bedtime routines. I know I do!

Happy autumn :)

anticipation | back to school

Though my kids may not think they actually left school with their July was spent either in math class or at camp where they actually go to school, this is in fact the "most wonderful time of the year". Back to school is here!

Growing up, I loved everything the start of school brought with it: new school clothes (even a fresh uniform is a nice thing!), new markers and pencil crayons, binders and fresh, blank, refill paper waiting to be filled and all the hubub that accompanied the last week of summer holidays. Now my kids are happy for fresh uniforms - at least new shirts, pants and socks - as markers and paper have been replaced with a laptop and fancy software. Well, there is always new shoes!

This year, we're looking forward to:

• Adventures in boarding for Claire (the final year of high school is mandatory boarding for all students in their school). She has her fridge, fuzzy robe and slippers; and, plenty of ramen noodles and KD.
• All four of the kids being in one school. For one year. It's better than nothing!
• University applications and the process of finding the right school for next year and trips to those institutions of higher learning to confirm the right fit.
• Through the summer there was a roll-out of new laptops. Still not Mac's, but hopefully better than what they've been using.
• Cole continues to suffer from concussion symptoms and we're hoping he can participate in alternative non-sport co-curriculars. The requests have been made of the right people.
• Less drama. Um, well, it is high school. I can hope.
• New courses. New teachers. New curriculum. New administrative team.
• Embracing change. A far better approach than the alternative!
• Opportunities to rise to challenges: learning from mistakes made last year and making better choices this year and beyond.
• Remembering that we teach people how to treat us and we are our own best advocate.
• Standing up to the bullies, as we know they are cowards. Even in numbers.

School is not just about books and learning their contents, but maneuvering around people and pushing ourselves to learn more things about: service, arts, academics and athletics. I love that our school, though flawed like anything human-conceived and -run, gives all four of my kids four unique experiences, tailored to their interests, strengths and weaknesses.

And what, you may wonder, will I do with my days between 8AM drop off and 5PM pick up? No doubt I'll find something to occupy my time. Well, in fact, that is exactly what has been going on. Caden has just completed his prep courses for e-school, French and Math; Claire is readying herself to move into boarding; Cole and Chloé have poured all over the calendar and have a game plan for the school year ahead that includes great marks and I've spent the last few weeks putting the College Shop together with all kinds of new and exciting products lining our shelves and playing "parent buddy" to a half-dozen new students starting next week!

We still have a few days to prepare. Most of our world went back to school yesterday, my kids and their classmates don't head back until next Monday.

I am hoping, with some free time, I'll catch up on my sleep, improve my health and read a couple of books!

What do you anticipate this new school year?

anticipation | the next 10 weeks

With the longest day of the year comes dreams of hazy and hot days ahead.

Generally, this is not my preferred season. If the heat could come without sweat - or bugs - I'd be all for it, but alas, summer in Southern Ontario doesn't happen that way. I tend to spend my time in a nice shady spot - or inside with the air conditioning wearing (ironically) a sweater.

We have a few plans for our time away from school. Ten weeks of bliss. Aside from my weather woes, I really enjoy this time to get to know my kids, though with them getting older, I feel - keenly - the lack of structure and pushing of limits.

We're looking forward to:

Enjoying Baseball Games & Tournaments, Football Games and Stage Performances
Riding bikes, blowing bubbles and swinging on park swings
Engineering Camps at a local university
Theatre Camps - two weeks each at two different camps
Summer School for Math (Credit) Courses
Enjoying lazy lunches on the Jonathan's patio
Our annual holiday in Cape Cod
A Theatre Trip to Stratford
Days rowing & paddling on local rivers
Computer Camps
French & Math headstart programs
Days at Canada's Wonderland, Niagara Falls and Marineland
Barbeques and fun with friends
Rounds of golf with new clubs
Visits with the cousins - and not just because they have a pool!
The spitting of watermelon seeds, licking of ice cream cones and sipping icy drinks
Watching Downton Abbey to find out what the fuss is all about

I anticipate a lot of time will be spent in the truck and a lot of late nights will be spent waiting for children to return home.

I am hoping there will also be plenty of time for me to lounge around and read, rest up and prepare for the next school year. In ten weeks I'll have all four of my children at one school - for one year.

In the meantime, here's to a full and fun ten weeks ahead!

What are your plans? If you want to know what others are up to, head on over to Ali Edwards' blog and check out the links in her Summer Manifesto article. Truly inspiring!

* * * * *

I just remembered, through the winter, I was so looking toward summer that I made a "Subway Poster" on a particularly cold day, in a winter with very few! This is what I came up with:

It's a 5x7 print. Go ahead, download it!

What are your favourite things to do in the summer? Any plans?