Time is such an interesting concept, isn't it? I looked up 'time' to find a simple explanation through www.dictionary.com ... needless to say, it wasn't as easy as one would think! Can you believe that the website has 64 definitions for the word?
Whether it's a verb, adjective, noun or idiom, time can refer to many different things.
Today I am most drawn to definition #27 (of, pertaining to, or showing the passage of time) ... to tell you the truth, I stopped reading about half way through, but I think that #27 is mostly what applies to me today!
Tomorrow marks the day that enough time has passed (ie. I'm getting old), that I am going to register little E for kindergarten! Hard to believe that it's been such a short time between his birth and now. 4 1/2 years just doesn't seem like enough time to enjoy such a fun, smart kid before sending them off into the world.
Now, don't get me wrong, I think that school is going to be an AMAZING adventure! It just means that the times of our adventures together are coming to a close, and he will move on to have adventures of his own!
He will have the time of his life (#64 in case anyone cares!)!! And of course, I hope that he will share his good times with me.
Who knew that a time as short as under five years could bring such great happiness and memories?
I can only imagine the amazing times the next five years will bring ....
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Dreams
Remember when we were kids? Remember when our entire lives were ahead of us? Remember when every dream was a possibility?
I'm sitting here tonight, listening to Easton play with his drum set. His dream? Becoming a drumming mailman. Now, I'm not quite sure how this is going to work .... is he going to tap a snare drum as he marches on his delivery route? Is he going to wear a mailman costume when he's the drummer for some hot rock band?
I'm really not sure, but there are certainly possibilities ...
Do I think that in 20 years, he'll be either drumming or delivering mail? I have no idea ... do I think that the two of them together are a recipe for success?
The answer is, that it doesn't really matter! It's his dream today, so it's my job to encourage him to follow that dream, and give him the tools to succeed in it. Which means he will have to go to school to learn how to read addresses, and it means that I have put him in drumming lessons to let him explore that part of his dream.
Am I crazy? Probably partially (but in this day and age, I can always buy him an electric drum kit that has headphones ... thank goodness!!!!), but how could I not let him explore this dream?
So, I challenge all of you to not only foster the dreams of those around you, but encourage you to follow your own forgotten dreams!
Maybe you always wanted to learn an instrument, or take up a hobby. Maybe you always wanted to try skydiving or to sing karaoke.
Whatever you dreams are, you owe it to yourself to try to achieve them, no matter how large or small they may be.
Your life is a story ... don't leave it to chance to see where it goes ... write it yourself!
I'm sitting here tonight, listening to Easton play with his drum set. His dream? Becoming a drumming mailman. Now, I'm not quite sure how this is going to work .... is he going to tap a snare drum as he marches on his delivery route? Is he going to wear a mailman costume when he's the drummer for some hot rock band?
I'm really not sure, but there are certainly possibilities ...
Do I think that in 20 years, he'll be either drumming or delivering mail? I have no idea ... do I think that the two of them together are a recipe for success?
The answer is, that it doesn't really matter! It's his dream today, so it's my job to encourage him to follow that dream, and give him the tools to succeed in it. Which means he will have to go to school to learn how to read addresses, and it means that I have put him in drumming lessons to let him explore that part of his dream.
Am I crazy? Probably partially (but in this day and age, I can always buy him an electric drum kit that has headphones ... thank goodness!!!!), but how could I not let him explore this dream?
So, I challenge all of you to not only foster the dreams of those around you, but encourage you to follow your own forgotten dreams!
Maybe you always wanted to learn an instrument, or take up a hobby. Maybe you always wanted to try skydiving or to sing karaoke.
Whatever you dreams are, you owe it to yourself to try to achieve them, no matter how large or small they may be.
Your life is a story ... don't leave it to chance to see where it goes ... write it yourself!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Ride
Someone I have come to respect very much in a short period of time (my boss), told me yesterday that it's not about getting to where you're going so much as it's enjoying the ride along the way.
It was an interesting moment. After a VERY long day at work. After a long last few months relocating our family across the country. Searching for a home to live in. Packing, moving and unpacking all of our worldly possessions. Starting a new job.... It's been a stressful few months!
In that moment she actually told me to give myself permission to think about the last few months. Permission to let my guard down, not be focused on determination to get to the end, and permission to acknowledge what we've been through to get where we are now. They haven't been easy ones, but they sure have been good!
Looking back at the past five months, it's sure amazing what has happened:
- I found a new job
- We packed up ourselves and our things and moved across the country
- We found a place to live
- I have found success in my job. Within the first couple of months, I was within 10% of meeting my budgets.
Some pretty awesome things have happened. But those things are just where we have managed to find ourselves. The magic that happened within these events is even more fun to look back at:
- I sent my resume one business day before a job opening came up. Incredible timing!
- The rental home we are living in is perfect for us, and is in a great neighbourhood. It's perfect!
- I work with an awesome group of people, both coworkers and clients. I've been so blessed to be able to interact with such awesome people on a daily basis!
The ride is half the fun. It hasn't been easy, but it's been awfully amazing. And don't forget that the bumps along the way are there to remind you to pay attention and enjoy the ride.
It was an interesting moment. After a VERY long day at work. After a long last few months relocating our family across the country. Searching for a home to live in. Packing, moving and unpacking all of our worldly possessions. Starting a new job.... It's been a stressful few months!
In that moment she actually told me to give myself permission to think about the last few months. Permission to let my guard down, not be focused on determination to get to the end, and permission to acknowledge what we've been through to get where we are now. They haven't been easy ones, but they sure have been good!
Looking back at the past five months, it's sure amazing what has happened:
- I found a new job
- We packed up ourselves and our things and moved across the country
- We found a place to live
- I have found success in my job. Within the first couple of months, I was within 10% of meeting my budgets.
Some pretty awesome things have happened. But those things are just where we have managed to find ourselves. The magic that happened within these events is even more fun to look back at:
- I sent my resume one business day before a job opening came up. Incredible timing!
- The rental home we are living in is perfect for us, and is in a great neighbourhood. It's perfect!
- I work with an awesome group of people, both coworkers and clients. I've been so blessed to be able to interact with such awesome people on a daily basis!
The ride is half the fun. It hasn't been easy, but it's been awfully amazing. And don't forget that the bumps along the way are there to remind you to pay attention and enjoy the ride.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
For The Zombie Moms Out There!!!
This post is dedicated to all of the 'Zombie Moms' in my life. My sister Melissa and my college friend Teresa especially.
Teresa and Melissa both have babies. They both happen to have babies that don't particularly feel that their mommies need to sleep through the night!
Several facebook statuses of mixed frustration, exhaustion and discouragement have been posted lately, and my heart aches with sympathy. My Audrey was one of these babies. I'm sure that her determination will make her a strong woman one day, but it was NOT a character trait I appreciated for the first 365 days of her life!
That's right! My darling baby girl refused to sleep through the night until she turned a year old. Not only that, she wouldn't just wake up once or twice a night, but sometimes 12 or 14 times! In less than 12 hours! She was horrible.
I tried sleep training. I tried letting her cry. She couldn't do it. I couldn't do it. I did it with Easton, and it worked for both of us. But there was something about Audrey's cry that I just couldn't put either of us through it!
Not only did Audrey not sleep (even during the day, her naps were irratic and unpredictable), but she would NOT take a bottle. A drop of formula on her tongue would result in a reaction that you would think it was poison to her.
Needless to say, I was a Zombie Mom. Completely Zombie. I'm not even sure that my heart was beating by that point -- it was just simply too tired!
Through that time, I've come to realize that yes, every baby is different. Yes, we're all just trying to cope. Yes, we're all just trying to do what's best for our baby, and try not to kill ourselves off in the meantime. Yes, it's frustrating. It's exhausting. It's discouraging.
BUT ........
IT'S TEMPORARY!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK GOD we don't have 25 year old kids who still wake up at night, crying until they get a drink of milk. Just as kids will eventually be ready to potty train, eventually be ready to walk, talk, jump and smile ... eventually they will sleep.
AND NOT ONLY THAT .........
You're not the only one who has gone through this! Learn to rely on those who have gone on before you. Ask them to remind you that it's okay to cry. Rant. Rave. Ask them to remind you that it DOES all come to an end.
So, my Zombie Moms, don't despair! The end of these sleepless nights WILL come to you.
It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a good friend to raise a zombie from the dead!!
XOXO and Sweet Dreams to you, my Zombie Moms!! Call or e-mail me anytime you need a pep talk. I've been there, done that, and am willing to talk you off the ledge I was on.
Teresa and Melissa both have babies. They both happen to have babies that don't particularly feel that their mommies need to sleep through the night!
Several facebook statuses of mixed frustration, exhaustion and discouragement have been posted lately, and my heart aches with sympathy. My Audrey was one of these babies. I'm sure that her determination will make her a strong woman one day, but it was NOT a character trait I appreciated for the first 365 days of her life!
That's right! My darling baby girl refused to sleep through the night until she turned a year old. Not only that, she wouldn't just wake up once or twice a night, but sometimes 12 or 14 times! In less than 12 hours! She was horrible.
I tried sleep training. I tried letting her cry. She couldn't do it. I couldn't do it. I did it with Easton, and it worked for both of us. But there was something about Audrey's cry that I just couldn't put either of us through it!
Not only did Audrey not sleep (even during the day, her naps were irratic and unpredictable), but she would NOT take a bottle. A drop of formula on her tongue would result in a reaction that you would think it was poison to her.
Needless to say, I was a Zombie Mom. Completely Zombie. I'm not even sure that my heart was beating by that point -- it was just simply too tired!
Through that time, I've come to realize that yes, every baby is different. Yes, we're all just trying to cope. Yes, we're all just trying to do what's best for our baby, and try not to kill ourselves off in the meantime. Yes, it's frustrating. It's exhausting. It's discouraging.
BUT ........
IT'S TEMPORARY!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK GOD we don't have 25 year old kids who still wake up at night, crying until they get a drink of milk. Just as kids will eventually be ready to potty train, eventually be ready to walk, talk, jump and smile ... eventually they will sleep.
AND NOT ONLY THAT .........
You're not the only one who has gone through this! Learn to rely on those who have gone on before you. Ask them to remind you that it's okay to cry. Rant. Rave. Ask them to remind you that it DOES all come to an end.
So, my Zombie Moms, don't despair! The end of these sleepless nights WILL come to you.
It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a good friend to raise a zombie from the dead!!
XOXO and Sweet Dreams to you, my Zombie Moms!! Call or e-mail me anytime you need a pep talk. I've been there, done that, and am willing to talk you off the ledge I was on.
Monday, January 10, 2011
A Good Start to the Day
Breakfast. It's delicious! It's one of my favourite meals of the day. And yet, it's probably the most commonly skipped meal for most people.
Breakfast is so important (in case you hadn't heard already ...). Skipping breakfast has been tied to being overweight. Eating breakfast can promote healthy weight loss. If you eat breakfast, you'll have more energy, and you're less likely to cheat on your diet.
Think about it, it's important to parents everywhere that their kids get a healthy breakfast to set up their day and help them have a productive day of learning at school.
Why do we skip breakfast ourselves so often? We need to set up our days for success ... starting with breakfast!
One easy breakfast that I've been making a few times the last week is a simple omelette. Here's my recipe!
Chive & Goat Cheese Egg-White Omelette:
4 egg whites (buy the cartons of egg whites - it's easier. 1/2 cup = 4 egg whites)
A handful of chives, chopped as finely as you need
1 chunk of goat cheese (I buy the log of it at Costco, and use about a centimetre thick slice)
Salt & Pepper to taste
1. 'PAM' a frying pan, and put on med-high heat. Pour in the egg whites. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. While the egg whites cook slightly, chop the chives. Sprinkle them over the eggs.
3. Slice your goat cheese and crumble it on one half of the eggs. Once the egg base starts to bubble away from the pan, fold it in half over the cheese.
4. Flip your omelette as needed until it's cooked as much as you like.
Serve this with one slice of multigrain toast (with 1 tsp. of butter!). Including toast and butter, this breakfast meal is filling and only 315 calories!
AND it's fast!! NO EXCUSES!!!
Stay tuned tomorrow for a easy make-ahead breakfast bar recipe!
Breakfast is so important (in case you hadn't heard already ...). Skipping breakfast has been tied to being overweight. Eating breakfast can promote healthy weight loss. If you eat breakfast, you'll have more energy, and you're less likely to cheat on your diet.
Think about it, it's important to parents everywhere that their kids get a healthy breakfast to set up their day and help them have a productive day of learning at school.
Why do we skip breakfast ourselves so often? We need to set up our days for success ... starting with breakfast!
One easy breakfast that I've been making a few times the last week is a simple omelette. Here's my recipe!
Chive & Goat Cheese Egg-White Omelette:
4 egg whites (buy the cartons of egg whites - it's easier. 1/2 cup = 4 egg whites)
A handful of chives, chopped as finely as you need
1 chunk of goat cheese (I buy the log of it at Costco, and use about a centimetre thick slice)
Salt & Pepper to taste
1. 'PAM' a frying pan, and put on med-high heat. Pour in the egg whites. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. While the egg whites cook slightly, chop the chives. Sprinkle them over the eggs.
3. Slice your goat cheese and crumble it on one half of the eggs. Once the egg base starts to bubble away from the pan, fold it in half over the cheese.
4. Flip your omelette as needed until it's cooked as much as you like.
Serve this with one slice of multigrain toast (with 1 tsp. of butter!). Including toast and butter, this breakfast meal is filling and only 315 calories!
AND it's fast!! NO EXCUSES!!!
Stay tuned tomorrow for a easy make-ahead breakfast bar recipe!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
For Sara!!!
Okay, this one is for my friend Sara. Who is a friend through our moms who were friends several years ago when they were both single-digit-aged!
Sara is also working on getting healthy (and one of my friends who is also using the www.myfitnesspal.com website and iPhone/iPod app!), and requested a recipe with some serious restrictions, so here's one for you! Keep up the great work!
Cabbage Roll Casserole:
1.5 lbs. ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/2 cup long grain rice
1 small cabbage (4 cups shredded)
1. Cook beef until cooked. Stir in onions, garlic, salt, pepper, tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil and stir in rice. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is nearly tender.
2. In a greased casserole dish, layer as follows: 2 cups of cabbage, half of meat mixture, remainder of cabbage, remainer of meat mixture.
RECIPE MAY BE FROZEN AT THIS POINT (One of my favourite things!!)
3. Cover and bake in 350F oven for about 1 hour.
Divide into six portions -- each portion is only 270 calories!
For anyone that loves cabbage rolls, this is simple and delicious! ENJOY!
Sara is also working on getting healthy (and one of my friends who is also using the www.myfitnesspal.com website and iPhone/iPod app!), and requested a recipe with some serious restrictions, so here's one for you! Keep up the great work!
Cabbage Roll Casserole:
1.5 lbs. ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/2 cup long grain rice
1 small cabbage (4 cups shredded)
1. Cook beef until cooked. Stir in onions, garlic, salt, pepper, tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil and stir in rice. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is nearly tender.
2. In a greased casserole dish, layer as follows: 2 cups of cabbage, half of meat mixture, remainder of cabbage, remainer of meat mixture.
RECIPE MAY BE FROZEN AT THIS POINT (One of my favourite things!!)
3. Cover and bake in 350F oven for about 1 hour.
Divide into six portions -- each portion is only 270 calories!
For anyone that loves cabbage rolls, this is simple and delicious! ENJOY!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Hawkins Cheezies ... I Love You!!!
There are few things that I will break my healthy-eating January for.
But, there are Hawkins Cheezies.
Those crunchy, delicious, cheezy, artificially bright orange pieces of heaven.
If you've ever had a Hawkins Cheezie, you understand my love for them. If you haven't, I suggest you go out right now, and hunt for some until you find them.
Yum!
I've decided that a little bit of cheating on the weekends will be okay, and will help me stay on track without being too strict. So last night, I undulged with a couple handfuls of cheezies and a book.
Heaven!!!
I'm also rediscovering some of my favourite foods that are healthy AND delicious! Over the next little while, I'll share some of them.
Here's the first. It's one that mom made every once in awhile growing up, and I made it this past week for the first time ever! It's delicious:
Honey Curried Chicken:
1 1/2 Tbsp. butter
1/3 cup of honey
1/3 cup of dijon mustard
1 tsp. curry powder
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1. Melt first four ingredients together slightly to melt the butter (but don't melt it too much - keep it thick enough that it'll cover the chicken well).
2. Place chicken in a greased pan (I used a loaf pan for 3 chicken breasts), and pour the honey dijon mixture over the chicken.
3. Bake at 350F for approximately 45 minutes, or until cooked through.
Even if you're not a curry lover, this is a delicious recipe. The curry is very mild. It's delicious with some white rice, and even BETTER when you take the leftover sauce and pour it over the rice. YUM!
Calories per serving: approximately 250-300 calories per chicken breast
ENJOY!!!! I'd love feedback, and send me your favourite recipes too!
But, there are Hawkins Cheezies.
Those crunchy, delicious, cheezy, artificially bright orange pieces of heaven.
If you've ever had a Hawkins Cheezie, you understand my love for them. If you haven't, I suggest you go out right now, and hunt for some until you find them.
Yum!
I've decided that a little bit of cheating on the weekends will be okay, and will help me stay on track without being too strict. So last night, I undulged with a couple handfuls of cheezies and a book.
Heaven!!!
I'm also rediscovering some of my favourite foods that are healthy AND delicious! Over the next little while, I'll share some of them.
Here's the first. It's one that mom made every once in awhile growing up, and I made it this past week for the first time ever! It's delicious:
Honey Curried Chicken:
1 1/2 Tbsp. butter
1/3 cup of honey
1/3 cup of dijon mustard
1 tsp. curry powder
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1. Melt first four ingredients together slightly to melt the butter (but don't melt it too much - keep it thick enough that it'll cover the chicken well).
2. Place chicken in a greased pan (I used a loaf pan for 3 chicken breasts), and pour the honey dijon mixture over the chicken.
3. Bake at 350F for approximately 45 minutes, or until cooked through.
Even if you're not a curry lover, this is a delicious recipe. The curry is very mild. It's delicious with some white rice, and even BETTER when you take the leftover sauce and pour it over the rice. YUM!
Calories per serving: approximately 250-300 calories per chicken breast
ENJOY!!!! I'd love feedback, and send me your favourite recipes too!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Accountability!
Well, it's January. With that comes a new year. A sense of beginning. A feeling that you can make your year anything you want it to be.
A slight pinch when you go back to work after the holidays and have to put real clothes on again ....
January is about accountability! It's time to get serious about health, clear out all the junk your body accumulated over Christmas, and get back on track for a great year ahead.
Accountability is a huge motivator in keeping on track when you're working on cleaning up your act!
To keep myself accountable, I downloaded an iPhone app to help me track what I'm eating, and make sure I'm eating good things, and not too much.
I'm also telling people I'm working hard on healthy eating. Again, accountability. If everyone at work knows I'm working on eating healthy, I won't be as likely to hit the snack cupboard for a snack at 3pm!
I'm also hitting the blog. Time to get me accountable again! I'm trying to decide when I'm going to let myself cheat ... I think Saturdays and Sundays should be an extra 200 calories of deliciousness ... enough to tackle a handful of the Hawkins cheezies that are tempting me in the cupboard right now!!
Yum.
For now, I'm off to make some herbal tea, and read to keep my mind off the food I want to be eating, but will not eat!
A slight pinch when you go back to work after the holidays and have to put real clothes on again ....
January is about accountability! It's time to get serious about health, clear out all the junk your body accumulated over Christmas, and get back on track for a great year ahead.
Accountability is a huge motivator in keeping on track when you're working on cleaning up your act!
To keep myself accountable, I downloaded an iPhone app to help me track what I'm eating, and make sure I'm eating good things, and not too much.
I'm also telling people I'm working hard on healthy eating. Again, accountability. If everyone at work knows I'm working on eating healthy, I won't be as likely to hit the snack cupboard for a snack at 3pm!
I'm also hitting the blog. Time to get me accountable again! I'm trying to decide when I'm going to let myself cheat ... I think Saturdays and Sundays should be an extra 200 calories of deliciousness ... enough to tackle a handful of the Hawkins cheezies that are tempting me in the cupboard right now!!
Yum.
For now, I'm off to make some herbal tea, and read to keep my mind off the food I want to be eating, but will not eat!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
What do tires, angels and shovels have in common???
SNOW!!! (winter tires, snow angels and, well, shovels are kind of self explanatory I guess ...)
It's here!!! It's really, finally here!!!!!!
Sure, we've had snow here already in Northern BC, but now it's REALLY here! We woke up this morning to about 6 inches on the ground, and it continued ALL day! There wasn't a time I looked out the window at work that it wasn't snowing.
SO FUN!
I waited anxiously all day to get home, eat supper quickly, and get outside to play! We were hoping the snow was wet enough for a snowman, but it was a bit too dry. Didn't stop us from having a great time! Snow angels, shovelling, and a little sledding hill at the end of the driveway, down the snowbank that the loader left for us.
It's like when I was a kid. Only better, because now I get to appreciate what an amazing place we live in. Prince George is not only green and beautiful, but can be WHITE and GORGEOUS!
A nice blanket of fresh, white snow gives a cover to the brown imperfections of winter. Some may think the driving is horrendous -- I think it's fun! Some may think the shovelling is a pain -- I think it's exercise! Some may think it's time to hunker down and stay inside -- I think it's time to get outside and ENJOY it!
Tires, angels and shovels -- the best fun you can ever imagine!
It's here!!! It's really, finally here!!!!!!
Sure, we've had snow here already in Northern BC, but now it's REALLY here! We woke up this morning to about 6 inches on the ground, and it continued ALL day! There wasn't a time I looked out the window at work that it wasn't snowing.
SO FUN!
I waited anxiously all day to get home, eat supper quickly, and get outside to play! We were hoping the snow was wet enough for a snowman, but it was a bit too dry. Didn't stop us from having a great time! Snow angels, shovelling, and a little sledding hill at the end of the driveway, down the snowbank that the loader left for us.
It's like when I was a kid. Only better, because now I get to appreciate what an amazing place we live in. Prince George is not only green and beautiful, but can be WHITE and GORGEOUS!
A nice blanket of fresh, white snow gives a cover to the brown imperfections of winter. Some may think the driving is horrendous -- I think it's fun! Some may think the shovelling is a pain -- I think it's exercise! Some may think it's time to hunker down and stay inside -- I think it's time to get outside and ENJOY it!
Tires, angels and shovels -- the best fun you can ever imagine!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Gratitude
Christmas is quickly approaching, and I'm finding that this year I'm less focused on the event, and more focused on gratitude for what I have, and realizing how lucky we all are.
First of all, if you're reading this, you have internet access. You have a computer. You have electricity. In short, you're pretty darn lucky.
I'm trying to make a point to realize how much I have, and be grateful for every small thing. Running water. I not only have running water, but I have hot water. I have hot water that has it's very own room, that comes out of a shower head. That I can use to wash my hair. I wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner ... almost every day.
HOW LUCKY AM I!?
I have a house to live in. Everyone in my house has their own bed. Everyone has enough clothes to last several weeks without having to wash them. We have enough food that we wouldn't starve for a long time. The kids have more toys than they play with, and we have more books and movies than we could ever need.
I have a job. I have a car. I have money to buy food and clothes. I have money to go out for coffee. To have ice cream for dessert. To go bowling with the family.
I'm so very lucky. I've started with Easton to ask him to tell me 'the good things about his day' to give him a heart filled with gratitude as well. When I took him to our doctor's office a couple weeks ago, I pointed out that it's good we have a doctor to go to. It's good that she knows what to do. It's good that we have a car to get there. It's good that he has a mom. A dad. A sister. A house. A bed. Clothes. Toys.
Gratitude. It's amazing what focusing on gratitude will do for your state of mind and your outlook on life.
What are you grateful for?
First of all, if you're reading this, you have internet access. You have a computer. You have electricity. In short, you're pretty darn lucky.
I'm trying to make a point to realize how much I have, and be grateful for every small thing. Running water. I not only have running water, but I have hot water. I have hot water that has it's very own room, that comes out of a shower head. That I can use to wash my hair. I wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner ... almost every day.
HOW LUCKY AM I!?
I have a house to live in. Everyone in my house has their own bed. Everyone has enough clothes to last several weeks without having to wash them. We have enough food that we wouldn't starve for a long time. The kids have more toys than they play with, and we have more books and movies than we could ever need.
I have a job. I have a car. I have money to buy food and clothes. I have money to go out for coffee. To have ice cream for dessert. To go bowling with the family.
I'm so very lucky. I've started with Easton to ask him to tell me 'the good things about his day' to give him a heart filled with gratitude as well. When I took him to our doctor's office a couple weeks ago, I pointed out that it's good we have a doctor to go to. It's good that she knows what to do. It's good that we have a car to get there. It's good that he has a mom. A dad. A sister. A house. A bed. Clothes. Toys.
Gratitude. It's amazing what focusing on gratitude will do for your state of mind and your outlook on life.
What are you grateful for?
Monday, October 25, 2010
I'm a Little Bit Country .... I'm a Little Bit Rock 'n Roll!
Alright. Time for a confession.
Anyone who knows me very well knows that I'm not a country-music-loving girl! Ask me what my favourite type of music is and I'll answer 'everything but country'. I'd prefer a little AC/DC over Shania any day!
Well ....
Times are a-changing!
My new job is at a rock radio station, and a country radio station. Part of my job is to obviously know what I'm selling, so I have to listen to both stations.
Well ....
I now find myself switching over to the country station with more regularity than I do to the rock station! WOW! Either my horizons are broadening, or I'm becoming older. I am, after all, well into the 25-54 demographic as opposed to 18-34. For all my media/advertising friends, you know how shocking of a revelation this can be!
So ... for now, I'm a little bit country. A little big rock 'n roll. And a bit of everything in between!
PS - SNOW IN THE FORECAST FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW!!!! I'LL BE PEEKING OUTSIDE ALL NIGHT TO SEE IF WE'RE GETTING ANY OF THE WHITE STUFF. I CAN'T WAIT!!! :)
Anyone who knows me very well knows that I'm not a country-music-loving girl! Ask me what my favourite type of music is and I'll answer 'everything but country'. I'd prefer a little AC/DC over Shania any day!
Well ....
Times are a-changing!
My new job is at a rock radio station, and a country radio station. Part of my job is to obviously know what I'm selling, so I have to listen to both stations.
Well ....
I now find myself switching over to the country station with more regularity than I do to the rock station! WOW! Either my horizons are broadening, or I'm becoming older. I am, after all, well into the 25-54 demographic as opposed to 18-34. For all my media/advertising friends, you know how shocking of a revelation this can be!
So ... for now, I'm a little bit country. A little big rock 'n roll. And a bit of everything in between!
PS - SNOW IN THE FORECAST FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW!!!! I'LL BE PEEKING OUTSIDE ALL NIGHT TO SEE IF WE'RE GETTING ANY OF THE WHITE STUFF. I CAN'T WAIT!!! :)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
A Dull Roar
Phew. It's been a busy month!!
Ryan and his dad arrived safe and sound with all of our stuff on October 6th. My boss VERY nicely gave me the rest of the afternoon off so I could head home and help get things organized. We were fortunate to have one of my cousins come to help unload the truck (thanks Ben!)
Mom brought Easton and Audrey and the rest of her crew down to see Ryan and check the place out (there was MUCH excitement). We were also VERY thankful that she saved us from an otherwise inevitable pizza dinner, and brought a crockpot with chili AND homemade buns and cookies!!
The next few days were full of work, and unpacking as quickly as we could! By Saturday, things were somewhat where they needed to be. Ryan's dad flew out on Saturday (also Miss Audrey's 1st birthday!), and that night Audrey became a big girl ... no more breast feeding, and no more being rescued at night!! We sleep with a fan on in our room, so I didn't really even hear her if/when she was up!
One week after Ryan arrived, I left him and the kids for a sales conference at a GORGEOUS resort just outside of Vernon, BC. I left the Thursday morning and came home the Sunday evening, and am happy to report that everyone lived. It was great to get away and meet other people in the company, and SO nice to live in luxury (and I DO mean luxury!!) for a few nights. The resort is Sparkling Hill ... check it out (http://www.sparklinghill.com/). AH-MAY-ZING!!!
This weekend has been more relaxing ... unpacked a couple more boxes and organized things a little bit better. Slowly, but surely, we're settling into HOME!
The leaves are mostly gone from the trees now, and soon we will be having our first snow fall - I know it! And I can't wait!!!
Away I go ... settling deeper into a dull roar ....
Ryan and his dad arrived safe and sound with all of our stuff on October 6th. My boss VERY nicely gave me the rest of the afternoon off so I could head home and help get things organized. We were fortunate to have one of my cousins come to help unload the truck (thanks Ben!)
Mom brought Easton and Audrey and the rest of her crew down to see Ryan and check the place out (there was MUCH excitement). We were also VERY thankful that she saved us from an otherwise inevitable pizza dinner, and brought a crockpot with chili AND homemade buns and cookies!!
The next few days were full of work, and unpacking as quickly as we could! By Saturday, things were somewhat where they needed to be. Ryan's dad flew out on Saturday (also Miss Audrey's 1st birthday!), and that night Audrey became a big girl ... no more breast feeding, and no more being rescued at night!! We sleep with a fan on in our room, so I didn't really even hear her if/when she was up!
One week after Ryan arrived, I left him and the kids for a sales conference at a GORGEOUS resort just outside of Vernon, BC. I left the Thursday morning and came home the Sunday evening, and am happy to report that everyone lived. It was great to get away and meet other people in the company, and SO nice to live in luxury (and I DO mean luxury!!) for a few nights. The resort is Sparkling Hill ... check it out (http://www.sparklinghill.com/). AH-MAY-ZING!!!
This weekend has been more relaxing ... unpacked a couple more boxes and organized things a little bit better. Slowly, but surely, we're settling into HOME!
The leaves are mostly gone from the trees now, and soon we will be having our first snow fall - I know it! And I can't wait!!!
Away I go ... settling deeper into a dull roar ....
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Pretty In Pink ... Or Not .....
Week One at work is now under my belt ... kind of. I have an event to attend tonight, so although I'm officially done work for the week, my work is never done.
Should be a good opportunity to meet a ton of people ... that I'll never remember their names and what they do. But, I suppose the more I get out there, the more people I'll remember who the heck they are ... and maybe they'll even remember me at some point!
Tonight's event is a Breast Cancer event. Which means pink. Pink, pink, pink. Do I own pink? Not really (and Audrey's just not big enough to share clothes with her mama yet ...). Do I own pink that's semi-formal? Definitely not.
So off to shopping I go. Last night. 24 hours before the event. Nothing like last-minute shopping in a town of 80,000 people, and less than perfect shopping selection.
Pink. Semi-formal. Pink. In the fall.
Oh. Did I mention that it's even harder when you're trying to fit a body into a pink, semi-formal outfit after you've had two babies and are still nursing?
Yup. Recipe for failure.
So, 30 minutes before mall closing, I decided tonight will be a black dress, accessorized with pink. Pink wrap. Pink bracelet. Pink ring. Pink clutch. Couldn't manage to find pink shoes, but this will all have to do.
Is it wrong that at one point I thought that they should've made the breast cancer 'colour' black? Then I thought about it ... maybe not the message they're trying to portray.
But still ... couldn't they have decided to make it plum? Green?
Bets that all I'll see in the stores from now until next fall is pink?
And then the event will come up again, and finally, I'll be pretty in pink.
Or not.
Should be a good opportunity to meet a ton of people ... that I'll never remember their names and what they do. But, I suppose the more I get out there, the more people I'll remember who the heck they are ... and maybe they'll even remember me at some point!
Tonight's event is a Breast Cancer event. Which means pink. Pink, pink, pink. Do I own pink? Not really (and Audrey's just not big enough to share clothes with her mama yet ...). Do I own pink that's semi-formal? Definitely not.
So off to shopping I go. Last night. 24 hours before the event. Nothing like last-minute shopping in a town of 80,000 people, and less than perfect shopping selection.
Pink. Semi-formal. Pink. In the fall.
Oh. Did I mention that it's even harder when you're trying to fit a body into a pink, semi-formal outfit after you've had two babies and are still nursing?
Yup. Recipe for failure.
So, 30 minutes before mall closing, I decided tonight will be a black dress, accessorized with pink. Pink wrap. Pink bracelet. Pink ring. Pink clutch. Couldn't manage to find pink shoes, but this will all have to do.
Is it wrong that at one point I thought that they should've made the breast cancer 'colour' black? Then I thought about it ... maybe not the message they're trying to portray.
But still ... couldn't they have decided to make it plum? Green?
Bets that all I'll see in the stores from now until next fall is pink?
And then the event will come up again, and finally, I'll be pretty in pink.
Or not.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are!!
I've very much enjoyed putting thoughts to 'paper' (screen) the last week or so. My numbers brain is also liking the fact that blogspot provides some simple metrics. Here are a few:
442 total views
349 views from Canada
69 views from the US
14 views from the UK
7 from Ireland (hi Aunt Lynette!)
1 from South Africa (VERY random)
69% view using Internet Explorer
85% view using a Windows operated machine
38 people viewed using smartphones
25 people viewed using Mac computers
So I have all of this information at my fingertips. But I wish I knew who all of you are!!
Would love to have you comment and let me know who you are!!!!
442 total views
349 views from Canada
69 views from the US
14 views from the UK
7 from Ireland (hi Aunt Lynette!)
1 from South Africa (VERY random)
69% view using Internet Explorer
85% view using a Windows operated machine
38 people viewed using smartphones
25 people viewed using Mac computers
So I have all of this information at my fingertips. But I wish I knew who all of you are!!
Would love to have you comment and let me know who you are!!!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Back To The Grind
I.
Am.
Tired.
That about sums up my day!
Audrey woke up at 6 this morning with no intention of going back to sleep. Managed to get us all up and out the door on time this morning! Dropped the kids at the babysitter's (thank you Tara from highschool who is watching the kids a couple days a week!!!), and got to work on time!
So far so good at work - got the tour of the station, and met everyone. I think I remember everyone's name that sits close to me, so I'm considering that a success for now!
Got through the day, got most of the paperwork filled out, although there is confusion with BC medical as Ryan is arriving at a later date. (Not a good idea. Causes paperwork drama. No fun. Oh well. Don't plan on doing it again, so I guess this will be the only time we have this paperwork drama.)
Got the kids picked up ... Easton didn't want to leave Tara's. Audrey was apparently good. Yay!
Fast forward to bedtime. Audrey had a good freak out. Normally I can put her in bed and walk out and she puts herself to sleep. Tonight took me laying on the bed with one arm tight around her for her to go to sleep. I think we're dealing with some separation anxiety.
Should be a fun week!
Tomorrow is our sales meeting and I think I'm getting the green light to visit clients tomorrow as well. Should be another tiring day, I'm sure!!!!
Am.
Tired.
That about sums up my day!
Audrey woke up at 6 this morning with no intention of going back to sleep. Managed to get us all up and out the door on time this morning! Dropped the kids at the babysitter's (thank you Tara from highschool who is watching the kids a couple days a week!!!), and got to work on time!
So far so good at work - got the tour of the station, and met everyone. I think I remember everyone's name that sits close to me, so I'm considering that a success for now!
Got through the day, got most of the paperwork filled out, although there is confusion with BC medical as Ryan is arriving at a later date. (Not a good idea. Causes paperwork drama. No fun. Oh well. Don't plan on doing it again, so I guess this will be the only time we have this paperwork drama.)
Got the kids picked up ... Easton didn't want to leave Tara's. Audrey was apparently good. Yay!
Fast forward to bedtime. Audrey had a good freak out. Normally I can put her in bed and walk out and she puts herself to sleep. Tonight took me laying on the bed with one arm tight around her for her to go to sleep. I think we're dealing with some separation anxiety.
Should be a fun week!
Tomorrow is our sales meeting and I think I'm getting the green light to visit clients tomorrow as well. Should be another tiring day, I'm sure!!!!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Last Day of Freedom!!
Well, it's official. My last day of the freedom of maternity leave is now over. Tomorrow I return to the working world. No more wearing pajamas until 3pm. No more lazily eating breakfast in the living room. No more wearing flip flops.
My clothes are ironed. The kids clothes are ready to go. The diaper bag is packed. The new carseat is installed (THANK YOU to Miranda for lending your van for this week!!).
I'm tired already, thinking about work. Meeting new people. Learning a new job, and the systems and processes that come with it. Meeting new clients. Wearing heels ...
Today dad, Easton and I also went to look at potential rental houses. Two of them were complete disasters. I won't even get into the particulars, but as I put it tonight at the supper table: "Imagine if Ryan found out that's where we were living!? I guess at least we'd fit in to the neighbourhood when he beat me!"
Erin M -- these places were almost as bad as your apartment in 2nd year college ... and THAT was BAD!!! (I used to make Erin call me to say she got into her apartment without being killed. It was GHETTO).
Yup, it wasn't a good situation. Who knew that rentals were either SO crappy or overpriced?
Not me, that's for sure!
This week's adventure will continue with a call to a mortgage broker to see what we can do about getting into a real house sooner than later, I think!!
I'm sure there will be much more to share tomorrow... when I'm not as tired, I'm sure. (haha)
My clothes are ironed. The kids clothes are ready to go. The diaper bag is packed. The new carseat is installed (THANK YOU to Miranda for lending your van for this week!!).
I'm tired already, thinking about work. Meeting new people. Learning a new job, and the systems and processes that come with it. Meeting new clients. Wearing heels ...
Today dad, Easton and I also went to look at potential rental houses. Two of them were complete disasters. I won't even get into the particulars, but as I put it tonight at the supper table: "Imagine if Ryan found out that's where we were living!? I guess at least we'd fit in to the neighbourhood when he beat me!"
Erin M -- these places were almost as bad as your apartment in 2nd year college ... and THAT was BAD!!! (I used to make Erin call me to say she got into her apartment without being killed. It was GHETTO).
Yup, it wasn't a good situation. Who knew that rentals were either SO crappy or overpriced?
Not me, that's for sure!
This week's adventure will continue with a call to a mortgage broker to see what we can do about getting into a real house sooner than later, I think!!
I'm sure there will be much more to share tomorrow... when I'm not as tired, I'm sure. (haha)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Where Were You When ...
Today is 9-11. One of those events in our lives that we'll always remember where we were at the time the planes hit the towers, Pentagon and the downed plane in Pennsylvania.
I was in my second year of college in Belleville, Ontario. We were between classes and a small group had formed around one of the TV screens in the hallway. It was a strange feeling ... seeing that first plane in the tower and thinking about what a strange accident it was. And then watching the second plane hit and knowing it was no accident and that the world was about to change.
That week was a blur. Our next class didn't last very long and we all returned to huddle around the TV. I remember going to the library to chat on MSN with mom about what was going on. The next couple weeks were ones filled with watching CNN in every spare moment. We also watched many military planes in the coming weeks, as Belleville is right next to Trenton
It was a moment of extreme loneliness. A realization that I lived 'too' far away. If things had really gone south, I couldn't drive home. It wasn't like I lived a province or a town away. I lived half a country away!
Of course, the world has changed since that day. Air travel will never be the same. Politics in several countries will never be the same. Families and children affected by the 9-11 and the wars that followed will never be the same.
It's a moment none of us will ever forget. Where were you and what were you thinking when all this happened? How will you tell your kids as they grow and wonder what the significance of this date is?
At the very least, remember how incredibly lucky we are to live in a country that is relatively free of conflict and terror. What a wonderful country we have!
I was in my second year of college in Belleville, Ontario. We were between classes and a small group had formed around one of the TV screens in the hallway. It was a strange feeling ... seeing that first plane in the tower and thinking about what a strange accident it was. And then watching the second plane hit and knowing it was no accident and that the world was about to change.
That week was a blur. Our next class didn't last very long and we all returned to huddle around the TV. I remember going to the library to chat on MSN with mom about what was going on. The next couple weeks were ones filled with watching CNN in every spare moment. We also watched many military planes in the coming weeks, as Belleville is right next to Trenton
It was a moment of extreme loneliness. A realization that I lived 'too' far away. If things had really gone south, I couldn't drive home. It wasn't like I lived a province or a town away. I lived half a country away!
Of course, the world has changed since that day. Air travel will never be the same. Politics in several countries will never be the same. Families and children affected by the 9-11 and the wars that followed will never be the same.
It's a moment none of us will ever forget. Where were you and what were you thinking when all this happened? How will you tell your kids as they grow and wonder what the significance of this date is?
At the very least, remember how incredibly lucky we are to live in a country that is relatively free of conflict and terror. What a wonderful country we have!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Back To My Roots...
Well, we've been back in BC for two full days now. My suitcases still aren't unpacked, and our sleep schedules are still out of whack, but I'm already settling into the familiarity of everything I love about this part of the world. Some of these things will be obvious, and some may be surprising ... enjoy!
- Family and friends. The most obvious, of course!
- Pick-up trucks. There's something great about a good pick-up truck. (Except when they can't park it straight in a parking lot. Then they are ridiculous).
- Hockey. Yay for hockey. I don't think any seasons have even started yet, but Easton's registered for skating lessons already ... so I think that kinda counts.
- Home province of the Canucks. YAY for no more lame white-and-blue blood of the failing Maple Leafs!!!
- Hockey hair. Yup. It's true. There's something about it that I love. Ryan has threatened the last couple years to grow a head of hockey hair, and so far I've talked him out of it. Now he can grow the best head of hockey hair he can ... and fit right in.
- HILLS. YES, HILLS!!!!! I call them hills ... Easterners would call them mountains. Drove around some of the neighbourhoods with mom today and there are some of the most beautiful views in the world in this town. I hope to be lucky enough to have one of them when we find a house to buy. Rolling green hills filled with lush trees during the winter; beautiful colours as the trees turn in the fall; a white blanket of crisp white snow in the winter, and ... well ... dirty muddy landscape in the spring. (Spring is not the most beautiful time in Northern BC ...)
- Trees. Love trees. Easton asked this afternoon why there's so many trees in BC. I told him it's one of the things I love best about BC. He said his favourite thing about BC is that Grandma lives there. (awww)
- Wood. Driving past sawmills and wood yards is therapeutic to me. That smell does to me what the smell of the ocean does to other people. Weird, but true.
- The smell of truck grease, and a good dirty shop. Brings me back to going on trips with dad when he was driving truck, and playing in the shop on the farm when the uncles or papa or dad were working in it. Again, same response as the smell as wood. Brings my heart home.
Basically, I could've skipped all the bullet points and just told you that deep down, in my heart of hearts, I'm a hick. A pick-up driving, grease-covered, hockey-loving, tree-hugging hick.
And I'm proud of it.
- Family and friends. The most obvious, of course!
- Pick-up trucks. There's something great about a good pick-up truck. (Except when they can't park it straight in a parking lot. Then they are ridiculous).
- Hockey. Yay for hockey. I don't think any seasons have even started yet, but Easton's registered for skating lessons already ... so I think that kinda counts.
- Home province of the Canucks. YAY for no more lame white-and-blue blood of the failing Maple Leafs!!!
- Hockey hair. Yup. It's true. There's something about it that I love. Ryan has threatened the last couple years to grow a head of hockey hair, and so far I've talked him out of it. Now he can grow the best head of hockey hair he can ... and fit right in.
- HILLS. YES, HILLS!!!!! I call them hills ... Easterners would call them mountains. Drove around some of the neighbourhoods with mom today and there are some of the most beautiful views in the world in this town. I hope to be lucky enough to have one of them when we find a house to buy. Rolling green hills filled with lush trees during the winter; beautiful colours as the trees turn in the fall; a white blanket of crisp white snow in the winter, and ... well ... dirty muddy landscape in the spring. (Spring is not the most beautiful time in Northern BC ...)
- Trees. Love trees. Easton asked this afternoon why there's so many trees in BC. I told him it's one of the things I love best about BC. He said his favourite thing about BC is that Grandma lives there. (awww)
- Wood. Driving past sawmills and wood yards is therapeutic to me. That smell does to me what the smell of the ocean does to other people. Weird, but true.
- The smell of truck grease, and a good dirty shop. Brings me back to going on trips with dad when he was driving truck, and playing in the shop on the farm when the uncles or papa or dad were working in it. Again, same response as the smell as wood. Brings my heart home.
Basically, I could've skipped all the bullet points and just told you that deep down, in my heart of hearts, I'm a hick. A pick-up driving, grease-covered, hockey-loving, tree-hugging hick.
And I'm proud of it.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
We Made It (And We're All Alive ... And Somewhat Sane ... )!!!
Phew. To say I was too tired last night to post, is an understatement! I've been trying to keep my posts short and quick to read so they don't take up much of everyone's precious time, but this'll be a biggie!
First, a few stats:
10 - The number of items packed to make the trip ... 4 checked suitcases, 1 diaper bag, one carry on suitcase, 1 toy suitcase for Easton, 1 carseat, 1 stroller and 1 playpen. Phew!
2 - The number of trips it took to get all 10 items to the airport
2 again - The number of flights we had to take
3 - The number of steps Audrey took in the Toronto airport after I told a lady there that Audrey's not walking yet (Lesson: never tell people that your kids can't do something) ... since then I've been saying she's officially walking, and of course she hasn't taken another step.
3 again - The number of people who said that the kids were so well behaved (they're slightly well practiced)
4 - The number of Westjet employees that helped me get the kids and our 'stuff' on and off the planes. (THANK YOU!!!!)
11 - The number of plane rides Audrey has now been on, and also the number of months old Audrey is today!
1 - The number of naps Audrey took in our 9 hour trip
30 - The number of minutes Audrey slept in that one nap (ARGH)
8 - The size of my parent's family that we're joining for the next four weeks
11 - The new size of my parent's family for the next four weeks (Oy!!!)
85 - The approximate number of decibels at any given time in a household with 11 people ......
And now for lessons to travelling with kids ... some are old lessons and some are new!
1. Forget about germs. Let your kids crawl around the floor and don't worry about who's been there and done what there beforehand. It's just easier that way.
2. Pack a travel suitcase for each kid. I have a suitcase that is Easton's 'travel suitcase'. He gets it ONLY when we travel. It has toys that he ONLY gets when we travel, so it's like they're always new. Melissa and Doug toys are the BEST! The have magnetic toys that are awesome ... magnets are good on airplanes. So are the colour wonder colouring books ... crayons are too tricky because they need a hard backing. Colour wonder has the versatility of a marker, without the worry that they're going to draw all over the airplane!
3. Elastic-waist pants. No jeans... this goes for kids and parents. The only thing more fun than using an airplane bathroom is using it with two kids. Picture this: 4 year old wearing jeans that he doesn't know how to work the snap and zipper. Me holding just-awoken 11 month old on my hip. How does this work? Not very well ... Also picture this: Mom needing to undo jeans to go to bathroom while holding baby, etc. Not easy. Just go elastic. They're comfy and you can pull them up and down with one hand!
4. If you have two parents travelling, have one board the plane first with all the luggage and stuff. The other parent can run the kids silly outside and board at the last minute - that way the kids aren't in a confined place for an additional 30-60 minutes! :)
5. Lollypops/Suckers are the BEST! Give them to your kids for take-off/landing to help with ears popping, and they take so long to eat that you can guarantee yourself a good 20-30+ minutes of kid happiness.
6. When in doubt, portable DVD players are fantastic.
7. Don't be afraid to walk the aisles. Everyone else on the plane is bored too and a happy kid/baby face makes everyone smile. Also don't be afraid to let your kid/baby play in the aisle while there is no service happening. Audrey had a blast crawling up and down yesterday, saying hello to everyone, and for the most part, other passengers enjoy the break and a baby's smiling face too! (Just make sure you keep them out of people's way).
8. Easton once spent half of a flight from Calgary to Toronto 'washing' the inside of the plane with diaper wipes. He was so happy to wipe down the walls, seats, etc. Simple is good. If it works, go for it!
9. When you get on the plane, ask where the bathroom with the change table is AND THEN CHECK! I spent a flight getting peed on while waiting for the WRONG bathroom. It was not a fun flight to Mexico. Don't take the flight attendant's word about the bathroom with change table, check before you need it and find out it's the wrong one! (Also pack a light pair of extra clothes for said accidents).
10. Have a puke bag readily available. fold down the top about an inch so that it will stand easily on it's own. (On the way to Cuba, Easton was sick ... as he was puking with his hand in FRONT of his face - puke spewing everywhere - I was reaching for the puke bag. This is too late.)
11. Take an empty sippy cup if your kids drink from cups. Easton drinks fine from a cup now, but a sippy for a few years is a good idea ... one poor man sitting next to us accidentally had a drink spilled over him one unfortunate flight. Thank goodness it was only water!
12. I recently read that you should take ear plugs with you when travelling with kids ... if your kids cry the whole time, your neighbours will be happy for them, and it might even make them smile that you can have some fun with a horrible situation!
13. When prebooking your seats, I try to book an aisle and a window when it's the three of us. Let's face it ... no one asks for a middle seat. If you book an aisle and middle seat, someone will ask for the window. So far, I've had no one put in that middle seat, which gives you some extra wiggle room. Especially when you have an infant on your lap!
14. Don't stress, people have been there before, and they'll be there again. Hang in there, and hope for the best! At the end of the day, you'll get where you're going.
That's all I have for today! Time to get out and apply for my new driver's license and health card. Yeehaw.
First, a few stats:
10 - The number of items packed to make the trip ... 4 checked suitcases, 1 diaper bag, one carry on suitcase, 1 toy suitcase for Easton, 1 carseat, 1 stroller and 1 playpen. Phew!
2 - The number of trips it took to get all 10 items to the airport
2 again - The number of flights we had to take
3 - The number of steps Audrey took in the Toronto airport after I told a lady there that Audrey's not walking yet (Lesson: never tell people that your kids can't do something) ... since then I've been saying she's officially walking, and of course she hasn't taken another step.
3 again - The number of people who said that the kids were so well behaved (they're slightly well practiced)
4 - The number of Westjet employees that helped me get the kids and our 'stuff' on and off the planes. (THANK YOU!!!!)
11 - The number of plane rides Audrey has now been on, and also the number of months old Audrey is today!
1 - The number of naps Audrey took in our 9 hour trip
30 - The number of minutes Audrey slept in that one nap (ARGH)
8 - The size of my parent's family that we're joining for the next four weeks
11 - The new size of my parent's family for the next four weeks (Oy!!!)
85 - The approximate number of decibels at any given time in a household with 11 people ......
And now for lessons to travelling with kids ... some are old lessons and some are new!
1. Forget about germs. Let your kids crawl around the floor and don't worry about who's been there and done what there beforehand. It's just easier that way.
2. Pack a travel suitcase for each kid. I have a suitcase that is Easton's 'travel suitcase'. He gets it ONLY when we travel. It has toys that he ONLY gets when we travel, so it's like they're always new. Melissa and Doug toys are the BEST! The have magnetic toys that are awesome ... magnets are good on airplanes. So are the colour wonder colouring books ... crayons are too tricky because they need a hard backing. Colour wonder has the versatility of a marker, without the worry that they're going to draw all over the airplane!
3. Elastic-waist pants. No jeans... this goes for kids and parents. The only thing more fun than using an airplane bathroom is using it with two kids. Picture this: 4 year old wearing jeans that he doesn't know how to work the snap and zipper. Me holding just-awoken 11 month old on my hip. How does this work? Not very well ... Also picture this: Mom needing to undo jeans to go to bathroom while holding baby, etc. Not easy. Just go elastic. They're comfy and you can pull them up and down with one hand!
4. If you have two parents travelling, have one board the plane first with all the luggage and stuff. The other parent can run the kids silly outside and board at the last minute - that way the kids aren't in a confined place for an additional 30-60 minutes! :)
5. Lollypops/Suckers are the BEST! Give them to your kids for take-off/landing to help with ears popping, and they take so long to eat that you can guarantee yourself a good 20-30+ minutes of kid happiness.
6. When in doubt, portable DVD players are fantastic.
7. Don't be afraid to walk the aisles. Everyone else on the plane is bored too and a happy kid/baby face makes everyone smile. Also don't be afraid to let your kid/baby play in the aisle while there is no service happening. Audrey had a blast crawling up and down yesterday, saying hello to everyone, and for the most part, other passengers enjoy the break and a baby's smiling face too! (Just make sure you keep them out of people's way).
8. Easton once spent half of a flight from Calgary to Toronto 'washing' the inside of the plane with diaper wipes. He was so happy to wipe down the walls, seats, etc. Simple is good. If it works, go for it!
9. When you get on the plane, ask where the bathroom with the change table is AND THEN CHECK! I spent a flight getting peed on while waiting for the WRONG bathroom. It was not a fun flight to Mexico. Don't take the flight attendant's word about the bathroom with change table, check before you need it and find out it's the wrong one! (Also pack a light pair of extra clothes for said accidents).
10. Have a puke bag readily available. fold down the top about an inch so that it will stand easily on it's own. (On the way to Cuba, Easton was sick ... as he was puking with his hand in FRONT of his face - puke spewing everywhere - I was reaching for the puke bag. This is too late.)
11. Take an empty sippy cup if your kids drink from cups. Easton drinks fine from a cup now, but a sippy for a few years is a good idea ... one poor man sitting next to us accidentally had a drink spilled over him one unfortunate flight. Thank goodness it was only water!
12. I recently read that you should take ear plugs with you when travelling with kids ... if your kids cry the whole time, your neighbours will be happy for them, and it might even make them smile that you can have some fun with a horrible situation!
13. When prebooking your seats, I try to book an aisle and a window when it's the three of us. Let's face it ... no one asks for a middle seat. If you book an aisle and middle seat, someone will ask for the window. So far, I've had no one put in that middle seat, which gives you some extra wiggle room. Especially when you have an infant on your lap!
14. Don't stress, people have been there before, and they'll be there again. Hang in there, and hope for the best! At the end of the day, you'll get where you're going.
That's all I have for today! Time to get out and apply for my new driver's license and health card. Yeehaw.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Coffee Makes the (my) World Go 'Round
Ahhhhhhhh .... coffee.
I'm having my first of the day.
It's 11am.
Usually I'm pushing the buttons on the coffee maker before my eyes are fully awake, feeling around for the right place to put my mug under the spout of my Keurig coffee maker. (If any of you are coffee lovers, and you don't have a Keurig, it MUST be on the top of this year's Christmas list! They are AMAZING. Fresh brewed coffee in your hand in less than one minute. Yum!)
Days like this are those busy days that you hop out of bed, start getting things done, and finally realize you haven't had coffee! (Oh, the horror...)
Oh, how a coffee makes a day so much better. One of my favourite things is settling at my desk at work with a big cup of coffee. There's something about curling your fingers around that warm cup that somehow makes checking your e-mail and compiling your to-do list that much better ... kind of like the feeling you get working from home in your pajamas!
Today I'm packing.We leave in exactly three hours for the airport to begin our new lives in BC. I'm not a horribly excitable person, so I can't say that I'm necessarily excited, but I'm not particularly nervous either. I guess a better way to say it is that I'm eagerly flying (thanks to Westjet!) into the next chapter of our lives.
Coffee's almost gone now, so I guess that means it's time to get busy again! I have 4 suitcases packed, our lunches made, diaper bag ready and Easton's game-suitcase filled!! Phew! Almost done!
Next step: getting it all to the airport, and managing the cross-country flight with two tired kids.
Hope you'll come back tomorrow morning to find out how the rest of our adventurous day will unfold! And don't forget to have a nice, full cup of strong coffee.
I know I'll have mine!
I'm having my first of the day.
It's 11am.
Usually I'm pushing the buttons on the coffee maker before my eyes are fully awake, feeling around for the right place to put my mug under the spout of my Keurig coffee maker. (If any of you are coffee lovers, and you don't have a Keurig, it MUST be on the top of this year's Christmas list! They are AMAZING. Fresh brewed coffee in your hand in less than one minute. Yum!)
Days like this are those busy days that you hop out of bed, start getting things done, and finally realize you haven't had coffee! (Oh, the horror...)
Oh, how a coffee makes a day so much better. One of my favourite things is settling at my desk at work with a big cup of coffee. There's something about curling your fingers around that warm cup that somehow makes checking your e-mail and compiling your to-do list that much better ... kind of like the feeling you get working from home in your pajamas!
Today I'm packing.We leave in exactly three hours for the airport to begin our new lives in BC. I'm not a horribly excitable person, so I can't say that I'm necessarily excited, but I'm not particularly nervous either. I guess a better way to say it is that I'm eagerly flying (thanks to Westjet!) into the next chapter of our lives.
Coffee's almost gone now, so I guess that means it's time to get busy again! I have 4 suitcases packed, our lunches made, diaper bag ready and Easton's game-suitcase filled!! Phew! Almost done!
Next step: getting it all to the airport, and managing the cross-country flight with two tired kids.
Hope you'll come back tomorrow morning to find out how the rest of our adventurous day will unfold! And don't forget to have a nice, full cup of strong coffee.
I know I'll have mine!
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