2008 Year In Review

It's a quiet afternoon, Boone is sleeping on the floor, Kristen is playing our new PS3 downstairs, I'm enjoying a cup of coffee and thinking....

Thinking about 2008 and my year in review post.

I love my year in review post, I love taking the time to reflect and acknowledge the highs and lows of the past 12 months. I'm a thinker, it's what I do :)

I started January off with my new years resolution to Be Quiet. Overall I succeeded, there's so much I finally accepted and learned about myself.

I've acknowledged that I LOVE photography.

 I always new this but I really took it to a whole new level this year. And it's only the beginning, no I'm not going into business even though in the back of my head there for a while I thought I would. But no....not yet. In time, right now I have a LOT to learn and experience to gain before taking on something like that. Maybe I can make that a 5 year goal :) We'll see....

I've learned I'm not the person I thought I was. I'll get back to this section when I tell you 2009's New Years resolution.

I love and miss Newfoundland more than I thought I really do. More because of my family and friends that are there, but also because of the scenery and lifestyle. I miss waking up and looking at majestic mountains and smelling the salty water. With Mom & Dad being here for Christmas it's more real than ever, I'm dreading saying goodbye to them at the airport tomorrow.

In 2008 there have also been milestones

It's been a year since my Grandfather Ball passed away.

I went to the Dominican Republic

We bought our first new car.

We had an addition to our family....Boone. Who has went from this to....

this....he, he, he  :)

And has filled our home with more laughter and fun,....and some frustration too. Kristen & I were even saying one day we can't imagine life going forward without him. It's been a huge adjustment for me, never having had a dog before, but I'm so grateful for him. Yes there are days I want to pull out my hair, but no regrets he's worth it. I almost understand how parents feel about their children...I know not exactly the same but close enough :)

I got a promotion at work, I'm now in a National position (yes for all of Canada) rather than regional. It's nice to be acknowledged and rewarded for doing a good job.

I took on Algonquin

Watched a best friend get married (and in 2009 watch her have her baby)

And shared so many wonderful moments with friends & family

And celebrated my 1 year wedding anniversary and 10 great years with Kristen

There have been up's and down's for sure, but overall I have no complaints. I'm truly blessed.

Now on to 2009's resolution...

I mentioned that I realized I'm not the person I thought was. There are things about me that I'm just not proud of, so this years goal is simple. To Be a Good Person.....

I haven't narrowed down the details of how I'm going to do this exactly but that's it. That's my goal. I just want to be a good person. Live by the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

Also for 2009 I've decided that Friday's on this blog it will be Food Fridays. I fear I may have bitten off more than I can chew so the focus will be on food, from nutritional information, to new recipes, and to of course meal plans! Hope that's okay.

My photography blog will continue on....whatever happens there, happens. Just going with the flow.

And I think that's it for today....hoping to have a food post up on Friday and then next week will get back on track with regular posts and all the Christmas & New Year's photos and updates.

Today's Quote:

"A man's fortune must first be changed from within"  ~Chinese Proverb

From My Family to Yours.....

Weekend In Review

Happy Monday my friends. How was your weekend?

My weekend was good, interesting, fun.

Friday I was allowed to leave work early because of the CRAZY snowstorm that hit us. Which also meant Friday night was spent inside, at home. A blessing in disguise cause I was able to get some overdue cleaning done.

Saturday I went shopping with Kristen, Mom, Dad and the bro. Then went to some friends house for an early "Tip's Eve" party. It was nice except for the white out conditions we had while driving home.

Sunday did MORE cleaning, will it ever be done?!?!?! Then headed out to the arena to watch Kristen's hockey game.

Only 3 more sleeps and it's Christmas!!

Are you ready for it? I'm not....honest I don't even have a tree yet :(

It'll all work out though....always does :)

Today's Quote:

I must begin again, and again I / must begin. Every time I lose, / I win and must begin again. ~Joyce Sutpen

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

I LOVE snow and a white Christmas. And today we are getting bombarded with a snow storm. Then another one on Sunday and possibly another one on Christmas Eve. A white Christmas this year fo' sho!!! he he he.

I don't like driving in the snow and I don't like being cold, and yet I LOVE snow! I really do. Storms are awesome when you're snuggled up at home watching it from your living room window :) Today I'll have to drive in it but that's okay, I have snow tires and I'll just take my time.

Remember: Snow means Slow!!   lol :)

Anyway have a wonderful weekend! And if you're in the GTA drive safely.

Today's Quote:

"You can only work on yourself. Start there"  ~Alice O. Howell

Sober

So I'm a big fan of Pink's new song called Sober. I even received her new CD as my gift for the Kris Kringle ....there's a line in the song that I love!

"I don't wanna be the girl that has to fill the silence..
The quiet scares me 'cause it screams the truth"

 

I love that part sooooooo much. Mainly because that was my goal this year, to listen to myself and not drown myself out when something tugs at me. Something that I might not necessarily like but it's reality and its MY truth.

Overall my year to be quiet was a successful one, I've learned an enormous amount of information about myself, all of which I'm working on (maybe a new goal for 2009? I haven't decided yet). That being said a lot of 'talking' was done this year as well, lots of noise interfered in that goal for SURE! But I've acknowledge it and I have taken steps to distance myself from those triggers, influences and so on.

Cause the one thing I've found is the "noise" has done nothing but cause negative for me. It distracted me, kept me from going down the path I was trying to follow.

The song Sober and acknowledging my own flaws (trust me there's lots and some I'm pretty sure I'm still in denial about.....lol) made me think of people in general. It made me think of those people who refuse themselves ANY quiet time because they already know what they'll hear.

You know them, the people who ALWAYS have to have the tv on, or music playing or have to gossip/talk about other people, or people who want to drink maybe a little more than others. All in an effort to take any thoughts off of themselves. Cause if they don't they have to acknowledge their own flaws or things that might not be what they wanted for their lives.

Then they might actually have to DO something about it!

Now I realize a lot of my friends read this blog and I will say right now "no" I'm not talking about anyone in particular, I'm talking about people in general and in general we all know people who fall into that category of refusing to listen to their TRUE HEARTS DESIRE. That's all I'm saying...whatever their distraction might be, it's still a distraction from the truth.

Take a quiet moment today, what's MOST important to you. If you could do anything you wanted today and only today, what would it be? Now that you've decided what that is, are you living your life that way? If you are, awesome! If not, why not? What's your excuse? What do you have to lose to be happy? Not trying to depress you, I'm really not, especially this close to Christmas....but maybe now's the time to know what you want so when 2009 arrives (not that far away) you'll be pumped to take it head on and make it the most amazing year ever! Don't worry, I'm right here with you :)

 

 

 

Today's Quote

"Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life"  ~Herbert Otto

Travel Deals

I've signed up to Travel Alerts.ca and Travel Zoo.com

And every Wednesday I receive emails listing the top deals for the week. Travel Alerts you pick your "area" so for me all the notifications are for out of Toronto. Travel Zoo I think is out of Canada in general (if I remember correctly)

The deals vary from flights, to all inclusive vacations, car rentals, shows, and so on. You get the idea.

No harm in signing up, you never know what deal you might get :)

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

Today's Quote

“Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.”  ~Boris Pasternak

Recipe Review: Fresh Corn with Wild Rice

This past weekend I made THIS RECIPE

Overall I would say it was okay.

Cons of this recipe:

It's kind of plain, next time I would add either more chili powder or "something" to give it a wee bit more flavour

Goes well with another dish that might have more overpowering tastes, it would compliment or tone it down.

Wouldn't recommend pairing with another plain dish.

Takes a while to bake

Pros of this recipe:

It's plain so PERFECT for picky eaters

Easy to make, mix it up pop it in the oven

Excellent as an additional sidedish

Would I make it again? Absolutely!!! I love that it's something different and combines rice and corn, both of which I love. I made this with very strong bbq sauce (smokey whisky flavour) covered chicken and I think it went well together, like I said would probably just add more chili powder. Give it a try and let me know what you think?

Today's Quote:

"Everything in life has meaning. The bigger the fall, the greater the lesson."  ~Oprah

Girls Annual Cookie Bake 2008

This past weekend I headed Vicki's house for the annual girls cookie bake, this is quite a few years running now and I LOVE it. Not only do I have awesome girl time, I get all of my Christmas cookies made :) How great is that??
First we started out with these cranberry juice, raspberry sour puss concoctions....yum

Then down to the dirty work....

Vicki made Five Star & Hey Dollies...see Hey Dollies below

Then Steph who makes Short Bread cookies

and Black Bottom Cupcakes in "mini" version...which to quote Rachael Ray are YUM-O! Its the middle ones in case you're not sure

My Martha Stewart pose...these are my Chocolate Mice

My famous Snowballs (well it's my mom's famous snowballs)

The whole spread

And last but not least, the group photo

Can't wait to eat everything :)

Today's Quote

The only gift is a portion of thyself.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Recipe: Caramel Cheesecake

This recipe comes from my friend Jen (not sure who shared it with her)

It's a yummy cheesecake recipe just in time for the holidays that DOESN'T take 4 packages of cream cheese. Have you ever noticed cheesecake recipes require ridiculous amounts of the stuff?

Anyway this cheesecake is delicious, simple to make and perfect for entertaining. It comes with a warning however, KEEP FROZEN until ready to serve. It melts quickly and can get messy. Now on to the good stuff .....

Caramel Cheesecake


Ingredients:
1 ½ - 2 cups Graham crumbs
½ cup melted butter
1 - 8oz pkg. of cream cheese
2 tbsp of white sugar
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 large container of cool whip
1-2 tbsp coconut
1-2 tbsp slivered almonds
Caramel syrup


Directions:
Base:
Mix together graham crumbs & butter. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, let cool
Filling:
Cream together cream cheese, sugar, condensed milk. Then add cool whip, cream together again.
Topping:
In a heated frying pan lightly toast coconut & slivered almonds. Sprinkle on top of filling and drizzle caramel syrup

Freeze Overnight!

Today's Quote:

"If you have much, give of your wealth. If you have little, give of your heart"  ~Arab proverb

Free Book

I visit the Smart Canucks website very regularly cause there's always great deals, discounts, freebies & coupons.

A while back they had THIS post about getting a free book from Random house through Chatelaine.

Yesterday I got my free book!! Yay......

I'm currently in the middle of another book but this one is next on my list. Check out Smart Canucks, you never know what deal you might get :)

Today's Quote:

"Anything that is of value in life only multiplies when it is given"  ~Deepak Chopra

Coalition Government

****note**** after I did this post today I caught up on the comments on yesterdays post....and wow!!!! Angie thanks for all your comments you've made VERY valid points. See below to have at least a bit of a say.
AND...the truly exciting part, Jasmine Star left a comment on my blog...woo-freakin'-hoo!!!! In my head she's a celebrity so this is huge for me....LOL. Now how to convince her to move me to Orange County and take me under her wing....oh dare to dream.....
K....now you can go ahead and read my regular post for today...he he :)



I received this email today, even though Prime Minister Harper has suspended Parliment and the Coalition has been put on hold, for now. Take time to at least look at the petition and decide if it's something you would like to do. I'm not encouraging you either way, just educate yourself, exercise democracy....that's all.

Petition regarding the newly-formed Coalition


Please take a moment to express your thoughts about our current political situation! PLEASE FORWARD to as many CANADIANS as possible.

No – this isn’t a chain letter. No, you won’t have good luck or win the lottery, but you may just get the opportunity to exercise your right to vote, instead of having your vote erased by those that claim to “know better” than we as the Canadian electorate.

Signing takes only a minute, forwarding just a second – the results can last a lifetime!

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/CANADIAN/petition.html

Today's Quote

"In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery and death." ~ Anne Frank

Thursday Hodge Podge

Hello friends......

How are we today?

I have a few things on my mind today....wanna listen read?

If you're still here, then I guess so eh?   :)

* I like my outfit today,......hubby dearest questioned my outfit today.......It's a pink collared blouse beneath a dark purple sweater with grey pinstripe dress pants. Hubby thinks the colours don't go together. I think it's "colourful" and "fun" and very "me" it's even office appropriate :) I tried taking a self portrait to show you but it didn't work out as I had hoped.

* The Canadian governement....ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!!? I'm so stunned and opposed to what's going on. If voters had voted this year, instead of it being the lowest turn out ever I have a feeling this wouldn't even be going on. If you didn't vote you should be ashamed, this is WHY you vote so there's no minority government and a CLEAR majority. I'm not saying I'm 100% supportive of Prime Minister Harper, but I am saying he is Prime Minister, so let him be one.

* You MUST read Jasmine Star's blog today. She's a photographer that I follow quite loyally and I'm thoroughly inspired by her and her drive to suceed. Her post called Letter to a Professor you MUST read. It's so real and full of raw emotion. Makes you think about life and what you really want.

Today's Quote:

"The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance—and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning"  ~ Oprah

Hair

My hair drives me crazy....seriously. I can't style hair very well so I try to maintain a simple yet somewhat stylish cut. Over the years my hair has been straight, strawberry blonde and plain.

The last couple of years and 2008 more specifically things have gone overboard. With the exception of a BAD perm in 1992 where everyone called me poodle my hair has been pretty much the same.

I always had bangs, then in my early 20's I grew them out, I've come to accept that I prefer myself with bangs.

I've always had strawberry blonde hair, in my early 20's I'm experimented with blonde hi-lights and that's it.

Then last summer when Kristen and I got married I went super blonde, not intentionally I had a bit of a blonde in a box mishap where I was as white as Gwen Stefani, true story. So we fixed what we could, then in the Fall I decided I needed to add some brown. Which gave me this....

And I loved this style when I had it. But then I decided let's go "dark" beneath the top layer since it was in style and gimme s'more bangs! Yeah! I ended up with this.....

Again, loved it at the time. Then I decided no let's go way darker and go back to my side bangs, I love my stylist by the way....and ended up with this....

I know call the above my "skunk" hair-do cause after I found it a bit "too" extreme.

Then a friend of mine recommended a stylist closer to home so I thought sure, I'll give her a try. The first week I really liked my hair, now I don't. The dye didn't take or has faded and my bangs are a mess. I won't be going back to say the least (see photo with Reed, you can see my roots!....honest you can, my bangs look two-toned....look closely). So now I'm left with going back to my regular stylist but not until the new year cause I just paid a fortune in Oct on the new girl and can't afford to go back until at least after Christmas. I've been managing in the meantime, I guess.

All of that being said, one of my favourite styles ever, was when my hair was just left it's natural colour (it might have had some blonde hi-lights but I honestly don't think very many. And I had side bangs, which as said before I really do like on myself. Here's a sample of it:

I thinking I need to go back to my strawberry blonde colour in the new year (or colour matched as best as possible and forget all this dye, hi-lights, low lights, etc. Causes too much stress :(

What do you think?

Today's Quote:

"The words from your heart mean more to people than anything you can buy" ~ Oprah

Weekend in Review

I had a productive weekend, ticked quite a few things off of my to-do list.

On Saturday we even included taking some time off to attend Reed's 1st Birthday party.

These photos are courtesy of my friend Marianne

Happy Birthday Reed!! You're so cute :)

Here we are later in the evening, just chillin, after most of the guests had left.

Sunday I ticked more stuff off of my to-do list, cooked dinner, and was actually able to have a bath and read my book for a bit before bedtime. I'm trying to maintain a balance between work and play :) I think I succeeded.

Head on over to my photo blog to enter the Christmas contest!

Today's Quote:

"Have you still got your space? Your soul, your own and necessary place where your own voices may speak to you, you alone, where you may dream. Oh, hold onto it, don't let it go" ~Doris Lessing

Happy Monday

Tomorrow I'll try to have some photos for my weekend in reveiw post.

Today I'm telling you to check out this post on the Zen Habits website. Something to think about for sure. It's about doing less and and thinking more. It's about buying QUALITY rather than quantity, all with an intent to help save the planet.

Check it out!

Today's Quote:

"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude." ~Oprah

Thursday Quote

God doesn't give you the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED.

To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.

Geek

When I was in highschool I was neither popular, nor unpopular. Or I don't think so, unless I was completely oblivious and in denial (which is entirely possible) I was a teacher's pet, I got straight A's, I graduated with honours, I was Student council president for a term, I tutored other kids, I was a spokesperson for the students on some weird council that the teachers made up with the parents. I think I only ever went to one meeting.

But the fact is, I was a geek. Its only recently that I've truly realized and accepted this fact. Quite happily I might add. I was a geek, I wasn't this hip stylish teen girl (even though I wished I was). I was barely in style (I think I might still have that problem....lol) I was as plain jane as it got, straight hair cut, only wore a bit of make up on the weekends and most people couldn't even tell I was wearing it (now I'm addicted to the stuff). Was a bit of a tomboy when it came to sports (that might fall in the jock category more so than geek), and towards the end of my highschool years I was more of a homebody rather than going out with friends on the weekend.

Now-a-days, I get my kicks from photography, photoshop, reading, blogging & a good debate. Seriously....a good debate I'm always game for. If that doesn't make me a geek I don't know what will.

But it's okay....I'm happy with who I am. And though geek is such a stereotype and general term, I'm sure I don't fit the profile exactly...just a lot of it :)

And because of this, it's lead me to come up with some ideas....one I'm going to share today. I've decided that in the new year I'm going to help my blog readers with Meal Plans. Yep I do meal plans (do you agree now that I'm a geek?) and I'm going to share it with you! So the idea is every Friday in 2009 will be Food Fridays where I'll do a basic meal plan for the following week (Mon thru Fri - weekends excluded since they're basically a free for all) with the intention of possibly having a theme in mind, for example a certain spice or vegetable. I might not always list specific recipes but just a vegetable and meat to cook and so on. I haven't thought out and tweaked all the details yet. What do you think? Will you participate and try some of the ideas?

Today's Quote:

"I am a bank geek, I just never joined the band"  ~ Jim (Jason Biggs) - American Pie 2

Pastry Pudding

Pastry pudding, heard of it before? Probably not unless you're from Newfoundland or have dined with Newfoundlanders. It's basically a bread pudding that's baked traditionally right on top of a beef roast in the oven.

A few Christmas's ago my parents came to visit and I decided I wanted to make pastry pudding to accompany our jiggs dinner. So my mom called her mom (my grandmother) to get her recipe. My grandmother is one of the best bakers I know. Seriously, she makes the best pastry (in my opinion, and I don't even really like pastry) which results in the BEST lemon pie....I'm not kidding.

Grandmother Bishops Pastry Pudding:

2 cups flour (white or whole wheat)
3-4 tbsp butter
2-3 tbsp sugar
2-3 tsp baking powder

Mix with approx 1/2 cup of COLD water. You should have a nice pastry now, not too wet and not too dry.

Now the step that is my take on it, I grease a muffin pan, yep a muffin pan with butter. Instead of the casserole dish or directly on the meat. I think it looks nicer and it's more of a serving size.

Bake in oven at 300 degrees for approx 15 minutes. If you like it crispier, just leave it a bit longer.

Remove from muffin pan and serve hot or at least warm. ENJOY!!

Today's Quote:

"If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another" ~Tenzin Gyatso

Weekend in Review

It was a nice weekend. Didn't do a lot which is terrible because you wouldn't believe the "to-do" list I've given myself to be completed before Christmas. Saturday I went to a local craft sale and finished up the "Newfoundland" gifts, hopefully that'll be in the mail by tomorrow. The rest of Sat & Sunday was spent wrapping for the most part and figuring out some photoshop stuff for my photography blog (see post there tomorrow)

However, I did have some time Saturday morning to get these cute shots of Boone. He's growing so quickly but still lots of fun.

He's so funny when he's excited and "leaping" through the air.

Here something caught his attention, its so cool just watching him being so attentive and processing what he's hearing/seeing

And here he's sniffing sniffing...which usually leads to digging or grabbing something he's not supposed to have and running away from us really really quickly. He's so bad but so funny at the same time. I know...so much for discipline...I'm going to be such a wonderful mother someday...he, he.

Today's Quote:

"All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out"  ~ Albert Camus

Be Yourself!!!

Read this quote the other day on the blog of a photographer that I follow....it might be one of my new favourites.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs

Also check out this post on the Lyved website.

It's Snowing....

I love snow...yeah I do. I hate cold, I hate driving in the snow, but in general I love snow.

Here's our front yard this morning, it makes everything feel SO Christmas-y...which by the way is another thing that I love. I think I might have mentioned that before...have I not?

Now for some techincal talk about these photos....I took them in manual mode with no flash. How did I do that and still get the awesome morning light with no blur? It's because I adjusted the ISO setting on my camera. If you looked at these photos on a bigger scale you'd see ALL kinds of grain but I didn't care about grain in these photos, I wanted to show the quiet morning abiance.

How can you not love snow when it looks like that?

Sidenote: Those who comment on the night gown post, I too LOVE pj's but for some variety I'm totally diggin' it :)

Today's Quote:

“Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” - Lao Tzu

Night Gowns

Do you remember those night gowns that you received from Grandma for Christmas when you were little, and even not so little and trying to be a really cool teenager? You know the ones, the night shirt (as they called it) that came down to your knees and always had a picture of a kitten on the front?? Yes, now you know which ones I'm talking about.

Well this past weekend I was at La Senza and saw this:

It's called a "sleepshirt" and I'm in LOVE! I absolutely love it. It's a night gown, but long sleeve so I don't freeze to death and guess what NO KITTENS! Oh yeah baby....totally crushin' on it :) Very reasonbly priced too, this one is on sale for $12.50 CDN.

Today's Quote:

"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.” ~ Angela Monet

The Bonne Bay Girls

This past weekend I went to Niagara on the Lake for an Ice Wine tasting tour. It was so interesting, I've never tried ice wine before and was really liked how "sweet" the wine was. Very good!!! Now before you jump to conclusions you don't get large amounts of wine to taste at this sort of things so no ill effects, if you know what I mean.

Along with tasting the wine they had paired the 4 different types of ice wine with 4 different types of fancy appetizers that would compliment each of the flavours. Boy was I impressed....to the point that I wanted to go home and attempt to make all the wonderful food I had just tasted (leave it up to me to leave an wine tasing and want to cook food instead). The most surprising was the blue cheese & poached pear wrapped in proscuitto...because I don't like pear or blue cheese and loved the appetizer. Such a unique blend of flavours. And the whole experience which lasts about an hour only costs $20 (highly recommend if you're going to be in that area)

But the high-light of the evening was the drive....yep the dark & rainy drive. It was with two of my girlfriends from back home, good 'ol Bonne Bay. None of us live in Bonne Bay anymore so occassions to hang out are rare. I can't even express how AWESOME it was to be myself, have girl talk, no trying to impress strangers because these girls have known me since I was little, no pullin' the wool over their eyes....it was refreshing and exactly what I needed. I swear if you ever think you need therapy, try having a girls night before going and paying some Dr. They're the best therapists you'll ever need (to clarify a girls night where you're actually able to hold an intellectual conversation, not going to a bar to get sloshed) And because they're fellow women, chances are they can relate to exactly what you're going through...good & bad. Thanks girls, I had a great time & hopefully the time apart isn't as long next time.

Today's Quote:

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit"  ~Albert Schweitzer

A Great Recipe for Life

I have a confession to make.....

I've been really down lately. It might not have been quite so obvious here on my blog but those closest to me know I've been down. There are few things stressing me out (nothing serious) but enough that I've been in a funk that I've found it hard to get out of.

A couple of days ago a friend actually called me out on it, she said "are you down lately?" well funny you shoud ask, yes, yes I have.

But then I received an email called "A Recipe for Life" and I thought, I really don't have it that bad. And since reading that email I feel so much better. Like someone slapped me and said stopped wallowing in self pity and whining. So I have :)

Here's the email (the ones that I particularly liked I've high-lighted in red):

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is  the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to _________ today. I am thankful for_________

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument, agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what theirjourney is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________.

Today I accomplished _________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings, you'll be smiling before you know it.

Today's Quote:

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” - Albert Einstein

My Loyal Readers.....

Thank you for your oh so kind & funny words yesterday. You made my day and almost made me cry. I'm an emotional basket case on a good day and yesterday I was in a foul mood and you all being so nice made me feel like a complete bum but it made me feel so good too. Sincerely....thank you.

Some more hodge podge today....

First, welcome back Stephanie. I didn't realize you were back to the blogging world....I've missed you :(

Check out her blog here PS: she has a really cute little boy!

Secondly.....if you're close to an Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic, you must go the Smart Canucks website and print off the 30% off coupon valid from today til Sunday. Hint hint if you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet.

Also, speaking of Christmas, I have to agree with Tara that I'm already in the Christmas mood. To the point that I half of my shopping done! Yay....did I mention I LOVE Christmas??

AND.....last but not least....to help with some more of your Christmas shopping, my friend Myrna has become a Creative Memories consultant. For you scrapbooking illerate readers, it means she sells the "tupperware version" of scrapbook supplies. It's GREAT quality and a lot easier to look through a catalogue to place an order rather than take on the crowds at the malls. So if you're in the market, check out her blog for details.

Today's Quote:

"Be more splendid, more extraordinary. Use every moment to fill yourself up." ~Oprah

Writers Block

I've had it a lot lately....just that lack of creativity. Not to mention it's not like I get a lot of feeback on here,...you STALKERS that don't leave comments. You know who you are! **hugs** I love you all.

What keeps you coming back? The recipes...oh wait haven't posted any of those lately, the photos....meh...they've been lacking lately too, the awesome story telling?...nope, if that's what you're looking for, head over to Myrna's blog, ....it has to be me?? it's my oh so awesome insights, witty humour and intellectual conversation. No no, that's not it at all, I know what it is...it's that you love listening to the ramblings of a crazy lady cause it makes you feel better about yourself. I knew it!!   :)  Just kidding....

But with that being said, seriously, why do you come back? Today I'm asking for a favour, a small favour....leave a comment? Humour this crazy lady....just for a day? It can be anonymous...that's fine too.

Thank you, I appreciate your participation :)

Today's Quote:

“Remember in the end, nobody wins, unless everybody wins.” – Bruce Springsteen

Remember....

Today my thoughts will be somber. I'll reflect on those soldiers who have died for us. Those who fought and still remain with the horrid memories.

Please at 11am today take time to have a moment of silence in their honour.

Also my thoughts are with the Caines family. My friend and classmate has lossed his father in the battle with cancer. My prayers go out to you and your family that you might find peace during this difficult time.

Today's Quote:

"A smile is the beginning of peace"  ~Mother Teresa

Weekend in Review

I had a great weekend. It was the perfect blend of cleaning, checking things off my to do list, hanging out with friends and relaxing. It was just what I needed.

Saturday I spent some time with my friend Vicky & her son Reed, here's Kristen on the couch with his Godson and our puppy Boone. I apologize that these pictures aren't "nice" poses, but that's what happens when you're husband thinks he's funny!

Isn't it cute how Reed keeps smiling for the camera? Uncle Kristen probably thinks Reed is lauging at his "oh so funny" Godfather....not!

Just kidding hun'   :)

And maybe next time you'll smile nice for me!!

Yesterday I had a photo shoot, check out my photo blog. Last night I did some processing, watched a movie & relaxed! Told ya, it was a perfect weekend :)

Today's Quote:

"Every moment is enormous, and it is all we have... Our life is a path of learning to wake up..." ~Natalie Goldberg

Friday Thoughts

I have a bunch of stuff going through my head today....

First my thoughts & prayers are going out the Crisp Family. I do not know them, nor do they know me but I feel terrible for them. I can't even imagine how the parents feel. If you're not familiar with the story of Brandon Crisp, click here.

Secondly, I was watching Breakfast Television this morning and was listening to one of the ladies that won the lotto 6/49 last week....over 40 million I think the winnings were split between 4 co-workers. When asked how she felt she went on to say happy and terrified. Happy because you always hope you'd win the lottery but terrified because of all the changes that come with winning the lottery that she doesn't lose what makes her happy now. This lady will do just fine with her winnings, she seems so grounded :) Congrats!

Third, It is wrong for me to be excited about stores having all their Christmas stock out and actually playing Christmas music? I love Christmas....and this year is going to be a special one. Can't wait!

No big plans for the weekend, hoping to get a few things done around the house and another Christmas card shoot on Sunday. Other than that, just relax :) Hope you all have a great weekend & Happy Friday!

Today's Quote:

"The ideals that have lighted my way time after time and have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth" ~Albert Einstein

2008 National Poppy Campaign

Did you purchase a Poppy yet this year? I have and I'm wearing it proudly (when I don't forget to put it on the jacket that I'm wearing that day) Remember, people gave their lives for our Canadian Freedom.

Here's some interesting facts from CTV about the poppy:

Poppy protocol:

-The poppy should be worn as close to the heart as possible or on the left lapel of the outermost garment.
-The poppy should only be worn during the Remembrance period, starting the on last Friday of October and -ending at midnight on Nov. 11, or at other veteran-related special events.
-The poppy should never be defaced in any way including replacing its pin.
-An old poppy should never be reused. Appropriate disposal of the poppy is left to the discretion of each individual.
-Any poppies found lying on the ground would be best placed lying at the foot of a war monument or in a local cemetery.

Little known facts:

Until 1996, poppies were handmade by veterans in Vetcraft workshops in Montreal and Toronto. The work provided a small source of income for disabled ex-service persons.

While the traditional lapel poppy is the most popular, car models, large table varieties and metal pins are also available at most Legion branches.

The centre of the poppy was originally black but was changed to green more than twenty years ago to represent the green fields of France. In 2002, it was changed back to black to reflect the actual colours of the poppies that grew in Flanders, Belgium.

The poppy is an international "symbol of collective reminiscence."

Poppies have been associated with those killed in combat since the Napoleonic Wars of the 19th century, more than 110 years before being adopted in Canada.

Prior to the First World War, few poppies grew in Flanders. Trench warfare enriched the soil with lime from rubble, allowing "popaver rhoes" to thrive. When the war ended, the lime was quickly absorbed and poppies began to disappear again.

In 1915, Guelph, Ont. native John McCrae, a doctor serving with the Canadian Forces Artillery, wrote about the poppy explosion in his famous poem In Flanders Fields.

An American woman inspired by McCrae's poem wore the flower year round and exported the idea to Madame Guérin of France who sold the handmade poppies to raise money for poor children. Guérin later convinced friends in Canada to adopt the symbol as well.

For more information on the 2008 National Poppy Campaign, check out the Royal Canadian Legion's website.

 

Today's Quote:

"We are not asked ... to believe in a perfect world. We are asked to equip ourselves with courage, hope, readiness for hard work and to cherish large and generous ideals"  ~Emily Balch

Memory Quilt

I received this surprise gift in the mail last week.

I just couldn't believe it, I almost cried and everything.

My friend Daphne made it for Kristen & I....it's a memory quilt of our wedding day.

It's just so special and she did a GREAT job!

 Thank you sooooo much Daphne, you have no idea how much we appreciate the gift.

If you're interested in having a memory quilt made or giving someone a memory quilt definitely get in touch with me and I can pass along her contact information. She's very talented, you won't be disappointed.

Today's Quote:

"I think great people are great dreamers."  ~Tim Mayotte

Love Boone!

I love our puppy, even though he doesn't look like a puppy anymore.

But he sure acts like a puppy!

He loved running, jumping, & frolicking in the leaves on Sunday when we were attemping some family photos.

Kristen was trying to cover him up here in this photo....but Boone would have none of it. He wouldn't stay still long enough. Yes that's one in his mouth, not sure if he was just running with it or actually trying to eat it. He's a handful sometimes for sure.

Did I mention I love my puppy?

Today's Quote:

"...Love stays, where nothing is, and seeks."  ~Sharon Olds

Happy Halloween

It was a busy day on Friday, thus my lack of a post.....I dressed up as Ugly Betty this year, what can I say I'm a fan of the show :) Here's a photo of myself & Steph (the Cheerleader)

And here's Boone, Kristen & I bought him a Moose costume. Let's just say he wasn't too thrilled to have it on and wouldn't stay still long enough to take any sensible photos.

This one, I totally cracked up laughing cause he wasn't moving at all and just slying at me. I can imagine what he was thinking "I'm outta here as soon as I get a chance!"

And this one you can actually see the "moose" part a little better...he he he.

Hope you all had fun!!! I had a great time, despite not many kids showing up at my door, a whole 9 kids :(  Hopefully we'll get more next year.

Today's Quote:

The greatest joy of life is to accomplish. It is the getting, not the having. It is the giving, not the keeping. ~Frederick Banting

Go RED!

I know Halloween isn't even here yet let alone over BUT I know some of you have started Christmas shopping or is at least starting to think about shopping.....

So this year when trying to decide what to buy for that special someone, why not check out THIS website.

It's the RED website...you know the one that Bono from U2 promotes???

Anyway check it out....lots of really good gift ideas...for example a RED ipod shuffle or nano. Super cute :)

Today's Quote:

"If, after all, men cannot always make history have a meaning, they can always act so their own lives have one" ~Albert Camus

Wednesday Whatevers....

I don't have much to chat about today.....just "whatever" comes off the top of my head

First, check out this post on Zen Habits.....thought it was interesting :)

I'm having a hard time finding a Halloween costume, so many are just not "appropriate" even though the idea of them is great. And I'm just not talented enough to take the idea and make my own :( Hopefully I'll find something soon.

Recipe coming soon.....I don't have step by step photos and wondering if I should just post the recipe without them?

It's COLD here today, some areas even had snow, not us...yet. Thank goodness.

I have a lot on my mind lately and feel distracted, I hate feeling distracted. "Do what you're doing while you're doing it"....yeah having a hard time with that one.

Getting a MUCH needed haircut this weekend.....will try to post photos. Just realized that I was going to do the self portrait once a month and it's almost the end of October and I haven't yet...oops. Need to put that on the "to do" list.

Today's Quote:

"Freedom is choosing your responsibility. It's not having no responsibilities; it's choosing the ones you want" ~Toni Morrison

Happy Wednesday Everyone :)

Grateful for Life

“Everyday, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” - Dalai Lama

Girls Annual Pumpkin Carve

It was a nice weekend, Friday night I actually did some scrapbooking. Finally started our wedding album (after a year and some of marriage) I know I'm way behind.

Saturday I had a photo shoot, a peek will be up on the photo blog soon.

And Sunday I had the annual girls pumpkin carve, not sure how many years now but I know it's 5 or more. Here's some photos from the day.

How cute :)

Can't wait to do it all again next year, had a great time girlies :)

Today's Quote:

"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same" ~Nelson Mandela