Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Cupcake Conspiracy

Sadly, my friend from the Philippines passed away on Tuesday morning with her sister by her side.  Her and her son had made it in time and got five days with her.  I am humbled still by her strength to hang on and the courage she had to fight to make it until they got here, when the doctors didn't think she would.  The human spirit is capable of so much and fights against all sort of odds to survive.

The nurses that she knew took the news hard and another young girl they treat at the cancer clinic had lost her battle the same day.  When I went up to the hospital, the grief on their faces was evident.  I don't know how they find the strength to treat children with cancer every day and then lose some of them on occasion.  They are angels.

Today I sent them some cupcakes from a great place in town call the Cupcake Conspiracy.  I'm not sure what those cupcakes are conspiring about....I guess to make us all fat lol....or maybe it's to brighten the day of someone who's having a particularly bad one.

Thanks to everyone who has been thinking about my friend and asking about her.  You are all wonderful, caring souls.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Earth Song

Acts of kindness aren't always toward other people but also include animals, yourself or even the earth. Today I was reminded of a song by Michael Jackson called "Earth Song."  I looked it up on Youtube and I hope that you watch it.  It's very visual and can be disturbing.  But the message is clear.  We are destroying the earth.  Tonight I am starting to recycle all of my paper and cardboard.  It's a small step but that's where many good things begin.

Please click on the link below, turn up your volume, watch and share your thoughts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAi3VTSdTxU

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Tim Horton's

My MOM made the best lasagna ever tonight!  She brought it over to my house, as some family members were all going to meet to eat and watch the Grey Cup.  (As I'm writing the score is 11 - 8 for us!)  Anyway...as it turned out, no one could make it except my mom, me and one of my daughters.  Other family members ended up out of town, stuck on the icy Prairie roads, at home sick or just at someone else's house.  So the three of us dined on lasagna and caesar salad.  It was so nice of her to bring it over and I know she spent a lot of time on it.  A week or so ago I got a free Tim Horton's gift card when I made a purchase and I know my mom loves Tim's coffee, so I gave her the gift card as she was leaving.  Coffee's on you next time ok ma? lol

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Enchanted Forest

Every year the Forestry Farm in our city puts on a Christmas Light Display called the Enchanted Forest.  It's a nice 2.5 kilometer drive featuring tens of thousands of LED lights made into animated light displays.  Over 60,000 visits are made to the park annually.  Money from this event is divided between two wonderful charitable foundations.  It's a pretty neat thing to see and gets you in the Christmas spirit.

This year my 15 year old wanted to go see it with her friends.  One of the moms kindly offered to drive them.  I happened to be in a store that supported the Enchanted Forest and was offering a discount admission pass.  So I bought one and gave it to my daughter to pay for everyone.

In case anyone is unaware, the Saskatchewan Rough Riders are in the GREY CUP and play tomorrow against the Montreal Alouettes.  Go RIDERS!!!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Orange Juice

A month or so ago, I was shopping and bought two cases of juice that were on sale, one apple and one orange.  Both of my children stay for lunch every day and I like to pack them each a bottle.  After a few days of picking the apple juice to take, they both told me that they don't really like orange juice as they find it too acidic.

In 2007 when I was doing my practicum for a degree in Social Work,  I had a client who lived in Capri Place, which is a place that provides assisted living for disadvantaged people.  It is also "an employment training centre for slow learners and other marginalized people."  The people that live in the Capri live in poverty and life can be very challenging for them.

I was driving by the Capri today with my case of orange juice in the back seat and realized that it might be just the right place to give the case to.  I went in and walked up to the front desk.  A woman met me with a smile and I asked if they could use the orange juice.  Without a moments hesitation she said "yes we can."  I explained that I had bought two cases but my girls said they didn't like orange juice.  She said "ohhhh, picky huh?"  Indeed.

I don't remember being as picky as a child but maybe my memory is just old.  Were we, as kids, less picky 30 or 40 years ago?  Am I turning into my parents?......"Eat those peas!  There are starving kids around the world you know!"  Yes, I've said that, along with "You can't walk?  I used to walk MILES to school every day!"  And I did.  And I ate my peas.  Hmmmm.  I don't think my memory is that bad.  Kids really do have it much easier than we did, so much that it worries me.  But that's a topic for another blog lol

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Mail Man

Today HAD to be the coldest day of Fall so far.  I think it was -27C with the windchill.  For those living in the States, that's -16F !  I think we all deserve a medal....or at least a trip somewhere tropical.

Since doing some renovations to my kitchen a few years back, I haven't replaced my front dining room window shades yet.  Almost every day that I'm home, whether I'm in the kitchen or living room, I can see my mail carrier come up the steps and drop off the mail.  Today he looked very very cold and I thought it might be nice to leave an early Christmas gift in the mail.  Maybe, no matter how cold it gets this year, it will be an incentive to keep delivering my mail lol  On second thought....I think most of our mail is bills.  Maybe I'd better rethink this gift ; )

Stay warm everyone!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Cinnamon Crustos...mmmmm

In the past weeks I've talked about a women I met over a month ago who found out she is terminally ill with a brain tumor.  She was diagnosed over a year ago but had been fighting it with chemotherapy.  Last night she was reunited with her 7 year old son and sister.  She hadn't seen them since coming to Canada from the Philippines 2 years ago.  She beat the odds and hung on while they got approval from the Canadian Embassy to come to Saskatoon.  WHEW!!!  I feel so relieved and happy that she is visiting with her family.  I pray that they have many many days together.

Tonight while I was out doing a bit of Christmas shopping (did i mention that I LOVE Christmas?), I stopped at a mexican drive through and got some very warm and yummy cinnamon crustos to bring home for my daughters and a friend one had over.    That was my small act of kindness for the day.  It's fun to get little surprises, and who doesn't love food surprises?  I had to look up the spelling of "crustos" and unfortunately the calories and fat popped up along with it...geez.  I shouldn't have looked!   Oh well...indulging here and there won't hurt anyone.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the States.  From what I gather, turkey day is almost like our Christmas here in Canada.  I heard it's the biggest travel day of the year!  I was watching an interview Barbara Walter's did with the Obama's and Mrs. Obama urged everyone to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinners and not to worry about the calories for one day.  So there you have it...straight from the White House...EAT! : )

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

One Tough Cookie

On the drive to the pool the other night, we picked up one of my daughter's friends to go to swimming class.  After asking how she was doing she told us about a friend of hers and my daughter's who had a bad nosebleed that wouldn't stop.  She ended up in Emergency and even after having it cauterized, they still had to put gauze into her entire nasal cavity for 24 hours.  She was in a great deal of pain.  Apparently the doctor told her that she was "one tough cookie" to go through all of that.  What was really neat is that she had been out shopping that morning and had come across a sweatshirt that she loved that said "one tough cookie" right on it, but she didn't buy it.

Today I went to the mall and found the sweatshirt she mentioned and took it to her tonight.  She had fallen asleep on the couch very early, being overly tired from the ordeal from the previous days.  I talked to her mom and she was doing better.

When I was a kid and feeling down or sick my mom and dad would always buy me gingerale and an Archie comic book.  To this day I can't go through the supermarket checkout without buying one.  I'm still a "Betty and Veronica" fan!

I was watching an episode of Oprah the other day that I'd recorded.  It was her annual Christmas "Favourite Things" giveaway show.  In an hour she gave the entire audience hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gifts, with the final gift being the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle to every single person!  At the end of the show Oprah made a statement which I loved.  She said "My Favourite Things show is really not about all the stuff.  While the "stuff" is fun, for me it's about hope.  Hope that something magical and joyful and wonderful can happen when you least expect it."

Oprah is one smart woman.  Some of the most magical moments in life really are ones that you don't expect : )

Monday, November 22, 2010

Mini Muffins

Tonight I did some baking for my husband to take to his office.  It's a very busy time of year and I remember very well the days I used to work and someone would bring baking in.  It's a nice treat.  Although, I have mentioned that I'm not that skilled when it comes to baking so it might not be the greatest treat.  It's the thought that counts right? lol  I made a bunch of chocolate mini muffins...so just the right size for a mid morning snack.  I'd love to try making fudge this Christmas season.  Would love a good recipe though....

Night everyone : )

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Strength and Courage

The friend I have in the hospital isn't doing well at all.  The flight from the Philippines, of her son and sister that was supposed to happen Friday, unfortunately didn't happen due to a delay at the Embassy.  She has hung on longer than anyone expected, awaiting the arriving of her son, so she can see him before she passes.  I am amazed and humbled by her strength and courage.

She has a friend who has been at her bedside day and night over the weekend, helping her through episodes where she was close to passing.  I emailed him today, because I knew he'd have to go back to work tomorrow, and asked if I could go be with her tomorrow for the day.  He said that it would be good to have someone with her, as the nurses are very busy and can't be there all the time.  So tomorrow I am heading up there with my mom, who has generously offered to be my support.  It will be a very emotional day and I need to muster all the strength I can.

Thanks to everyone who is reading or left comments.  Your encouragement means a great deal to me.  Thank you : )

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Lion Plushy

One of my favourite places to go on a weekend is Costco.  I wonder what that actually says about my social life lol  But there is always some new kind of food or item you didn't know you needed every week.  Today I came across this neat plush toy/pillow for a very very good price.  Since I would be going up to the hospital tonight to see my friend, I thought it would be cool to take one to give to a child in the Pediatric ward.

As I walked through the skywalk, the elevator and 3rd floor of the hospital, everyone who saw me coming with this great big oversized Lion plushy couldn't help but smile.  I wonder if anyone, no matter how old, gets tired of goofy looking stuffed animals.  I don't.  I got to the Pediatric ward and unfortunately found that they don't accept donations of stuffed animals because of the germs they might bring in.  At this point I had no idea who to give it to and even though I asked various nurses and interns in the hospital for ideas, I was met with shrugs and "I have no clue."

I was about to walk over the skywalk to the parking lot to leave but came across a woman with a little girl near the cafeteria.  I walked over and quietly told the mom what I had tried to do with the Lion and asked if I could give it to her daughter.  She was very happy and said "yes of course, if she wants it."  I knelt down and asked "would you like this stuffed Lion?"  She replied "No."  I laughed and tried to convince her how great it was by telling her it converted to a big pillow to lay on.  She was so adorable.  Her mom quickly said to her daughter that maybe her brother would want it.  The little girls eyes lit up and she said "Yes!  Andrew would like it.  He's 2 and I'm 4!"  I spoke with her a little more and gave her the Lion.  She commented on how heavy it was.  The animal really was about the size of her!  Her mom thanked me and we left.

Many times I don't get to see the recipients of the gifts I give and their reactions and it really doesn't matter to me, but when I do it gives the warmest feeling.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Secret Santa

Denny Carr was a broadcaster with a dream.  A dream that every child in our city would receive at least one new toy at Christmas.  Sadly, Denny passed away in 1999 but by then he had become the driving force behind the "Secret Santa" campaign.  His legacy continues today with the continued support of a local radio station and grocery store. Not only do thousands of children get a new toy every year at Christmas, but approximately 600 less fortunate families receive a bounty of food and gifts of toys for their children.

Today while I was shopping, I was asked if I would like to add a dollar to my total in support of Denny Carr's Secret Santa.  I said a very emphatic YES!  Some pretty amazing things start with a dream and a goal in mind.  We're all capable of dreaming...so let's dream big!

I hope you are able to see what you started Denny and where it's gone.  I hope you see the smiles of the thousands of children and families you've helped over the years : )

Thursday, November 18, 2010

No Price Is Too High For Love...

Finally, it looks like my friends son and sister may get on a plane from the Philippines.  Tomorrow night at this time she may be reunited with her son, who she hasn't seen in a few years.  And not a moment too soon.

Because the flights had to be booked last minute, they ended up being about twice the cost.  We did raise a lot of money through the generosity of friends and family for this but due to the timing, it ended up costing more than anticipated.

Tonight I phoned the travel agent and told her to charge the additional charges to my visa.  No price is too high for love and for family.  My friend needs her family with her right now and they need her.

Please God, let them board that plane tonight.....

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Hospital Visit

I went back to the hospital today to see my friend and was hoping to give her a nice hand or foot massage.  She's been in bed at the hospital for over a month and I thought it might feel nice to be pampered a little.  Things don't always go according to ours plans.  She'd had a bad night and was on a great deal of medication and sleeping most of the time.  She woke up periodically but I told her to please sleep and that I'd be there with her.

Sitting and watching the comings and goings of the nurses, interns and even a Roman Catholic volunteer who came in and said a prayer for her, I got goosebumps.  One nurse in particular was very special and she told me a few stories of patients who have reported seeing loved ones by their besides and even a personal experience she had recently with her own father.  She expressed that she was certainly a "believer" after all she has seen while working as a nurse.   The Roman Catholic volunteer and I talked about some of his experiences with people that he prayed over and the changes within them as he prayed.  Today, even in a very stressful situation, I found myself feeling comforted in a way I hadn't expected.

I certainly got more than I gave this afternoon at the hospital and, while it was an emotional day, I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.

Prayers are most welcome for my friend for her peace and comfort tonight and the days ahead.

Luv B

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

T.V.

My friend from the Philippines is still in the hospital fighting a very courageous battle with a rare form of cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma.  She is on a lot of pain killers now and sleeping a great deal of the time.  When I entered her room today, she lay breathing quietly. I could tell by the way her arms and legs would twitch now and then that she might be dreaming and I couldn't help but wonder where her dreams were taking her.  Was she with family and friends? Did she feel loved, safe and warm?  She looked so fragile and I wanted to curl up beside her, hug her and let her know someone was there and that she wasn't alone.  Shortly after she woke up, she had another friend come to visit.  I had brought with me some supplies to give her a hand and foot massage/manicure but decided that I would go back tomorrow.

On the way out I talked to the nurses and filled out a form to donate cable hook up for a week to someone that would like t.v., but doesn't have the means to get it.  It didn't take long for the nurse to find someone on the ward that would benefit from having t.v. to watch.  The days must be very long when you're in a hospital bed, especially if you don't have a lot of visitors.

I hope everyone is having a great week : )

Monday, November 15, 2010

Door Woman

Today's idea came from the internet.  I'm always looking for more ideas for RAOK and found the perfect one there today.  I had to take my daughter downtown for an Orthodontist appointment. Her Orthodontist is in a very busy mall and parking is difficult downtown so usually I drop her off and wait somewhere until she's done.  Today I got lucky.  Someone was pulling out right across from the mall.  My daughter left and I plugged the meter and then walked to the mall entrance.  For 15 minutes I stood and opened the door for people entering the mall.  Let me tell you, I felt very awkward lol  Some people looked at me oddly, some said thank you and many just smiled.  It did feel good but I think I was worrying too much about what those people thought.  How do you get to a point in your life where other's opinions just don't matter anymore?  I guess it comes with confidence in yourself.  We're all works in progress : )

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Spare Change

Today was one of the best days I've had with my girls.  We had some shopping to do and while I took one of the girls out to get a few things, I joined up with my other daughter later on.  I'm not sure what exactly made today so great with them, but I just know that we all came home in a good mood and smiling.  As we were leaving the underground parking lot, I prepaid for my ticket.  If you prepay you save some money and have 20 minutes to leave the parkade.  I put a five dollar bill in the machine and could hear a few dollars drop down - my change.  I went to grab it but decided it would be great to leave it for the person who might stumble upon it after me.  Even though it's just a few dollars, it's always fun to find money like that.  Maybe it even helped to pay their ticket, as it's sometimes a pain to find the right change to put in those machines.  I hope I made someone smile : )

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  GO RIDERS!!!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Carmel Frappa Lappa Jappa Latte

White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Mocha, Chai Tea Lattes, Carmel Frappuccino....mmmmmmmm.  There I was, waiting in line in my car at starbucks for my cup of calorie loaded, fat filled decadence, and I noticed that the girl at the window looked a little harried.   There was a long line up behind my truck and some people were even honking.  While I waited for my drink, I decided that the guy behind me, honking, just might need a little holiday cheer.  So I asked the cashier to add on a Starbucks gift card to my order.  After she handed me my drink, I told her to please give the card to the guy behind me.  She seemed a little surprised but said a very heartfelt thank you.

Have a great night....I am buzzing from my caffeine : )

Friday, November 12, 2010

Life is Fragile

Today I was reminded how fragile life is.  I was playing a card game online and was talking briefly with a women from Ohio.  She apologized that she had to leave the game early because her 9 year old boy was just home from the hospital after a surgery and is terminally ill.  I never had time to say much and not sure what her son is dying from.   It's unimaginable to think of my own kids being that sick and I am grateful for their health.

So tonight I wrote her a note on the game site I was playing on and told her that I was thinking about her and her son and sending good thoughts her way and asked if there was anything I could do.  Then,  I went and hugged both of my girls and told them I loved them.

Hug the people you love tonight.

Boots

There's always a danger when I don't post my blog early that I risk falling asleep early or being up too late with company and not posting at all. The first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning is that I'd missed writing.  So, here it is.  Late.  If I were in elementary school, I wouldn't get a sticker.  Or if I were in Mrs. King's 4th grade class, I'd get a ruler over my hand.  Boy she was nasty!

I went shopping with my 15 year old daughter and my husband yesterday.  We rarely go out, just the three of us.  I had to buy a few things and so I offered to buy her some new jeans, which actually turned into jeans, a sweater, a hat and boots.  How does that happen? lol

My act of kindness was small but it did make someone smile.  I was in the shoe store and it was really busy.  Everyone must have had the same idea for yesterday.  There must have been at least 50 people in that tiny store in the mall.  Anyway, I was on my way out when a lady bumped a few sample boots that fell from the table.  I bent down and picked them up for her and put them back.  She just looked at me,  smiled and said thank you.

I'm reminded that even the smallest gesture of kindness can be very rewarding.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Gold Coins

There's an arcade I used to take the kids to when they were younger to play all sorts of games.  We probably went there at least once a week.  You  pre-purchased tokens and then each game would cost between 1 and 4 to play depending on the complexity.  Afterwards, you could redeem the tickets you won from the games in for prizes.  Or you could save them and wait to buy a bigger prize when you had more.  Gosh we loved that place.

I drove by there tonight after taking one of my girls for ice cream.  At the last minute, I swerved and parked in front.  It was busy inside because there's no school for the kids tomorrow.  I went in and went straight to the automatic coin dispenser, and put in some money.  Within seconds I had a handful of coins.  To me they were sort of like dirty golden quarters, but a little smaller.  To a child they were like wonderful pieces of gold.  They not only guaranteed at least 20 seconds or more of playtime, but at the very least worth a piece of dubble bubble or a tootsie roll!

I quickly scouted the place and found a girl about 8 or 9 years old playing my favourite game.  The one where you roll the ball in front of you, sort of like bowling only a much shorter distance, and instead of pins to knock down, you try to get the ball into a hole worth 50, 100 or 1000 points.  It's not really like bowling at all lol

I turned to the girl and said "Hey....I have some coins I'm not going to use, do you want them?"  She was hesitant at first but her eyes lit up and she said "Sure!  Thank you!"  I gave them to her, told her to have fun and drove home.  I smiled all the way.  That was the best 5 dollars I've spent all week.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Sound of Sunshine

The last couple days have been tough.  Depression hit me hard and fast yesterday morning and I just didn't know how to get out of it.  My sister called me this morning and I was doing okay talking to her until she asked how I was.  Then the tears began and she just listened, as she always does.  It's rare that I will ever reach out to anyone for help.  It's hard to be vulnerable and weak even with family many times.  As we talked, she told me about a video she posted to her son's facebook account.  She said it was a great song to listen to on a down day.  As I hung up the phone, I opened the video and started to smile a little.  It's a song called "The Sound of Sunshine" by Michael Franti.   Part of the chorus says "here I am, just waiting for the storm to pass me by, and that's the sound of sunshine comin' down."

For me, depression is a lot like a storm that comes and passes.  Sometimes it lasts longer and sometimes it's more severe, but it does pass. Today, exercise was my umbrella in this storm.  Yesterday I didn't have the energy to look for the umbrella.  I sat in the storm, letting it beat down on me.  I want to say that it was a choice, but it didn't feel like that yesterday.  It felt like I needed the storm to beat me up a little, so that today I could start to enjoy the sun again.

So my RAOK was to share The Sound Of Sunshine video with some friends on facebook, as my sister did with me.  Maybe there were others out there today that needed a reminder that the storm will pass and that the sun will come out again.

Here's the link you can cut and paste to watch:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqgHosrqJ8o&feature=share

Monday, November 8, 2010

Onion Soup for the Soul

My husband really loves French Onion soup.  We've boughten it from Costco a few times and it's actually quite good from there, but given a choice, he'd prefer home made.  While I was doing an errand today at London Drugs, I found a set of onion soup bowls...the kind with the handles that look like stoneware....on sale.  A reallllly good sale.  So I bought them to give to him.  He's a really good cook so I'm hoping one day soon he'll make some.  I think he liked them....but then again, it's hard to get excited over bowls lol

So a lot of my blogs lately have been about giving things to family members, which I love, but during times when I'm struggling with anxiety and depression, I find it harder to venture out or to have the motivation to be creative in what I'm doing.  I think with the Fall and less daylight and now Winter approaching quickly, I need to really be careful.  It's always a catch 22 with depression and anxiety.  When I'm feeling particularly anxious, I don't feel like working out.  And when I don't work out, I'm much more prone to depression.  But if I keep up the exercise, it beats the depression and the anxiety many times too.  It's so complicated...argh!

Christmas is next month!  Does anyone love it as much as I do?  Can't wait!

Have a great day everyone : )

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Alzheimers

Today, a half a million people in Canada have Alzheimer's or a related dementia.  71,000 of these people are under the age of 65.  Alzheimer's is a terrible disease for individuals and families.  I know many people who have been affected in some way by Alzheimer's and adjectives like "fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, sadness and disabling" are common terms used to describe it.

I went canvassing for the Alzheimer's society on our block today.  Out of the 30 houses I visited and of the 10 people that were actually home and I talked to, at least 4 of them talked about parents who were suffering with the disease or parents they'd lost to it.  That's a very high number.

A hug to everyone out there who has or is experiencing Alzheimer's in any way.  Let's keep donating and praying for a cure for this terrible disease.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Itunes

One of my daughters is in a new school this year.  It's a different kind of school where there is an emphasis on Science and outdoor activities.  She had to step completely out of her comfort zone and leave what was familiar behind to attend this school.  She's working so hard and sometimes biking up to 50 km a week!  I think she knows how proud I am of her for doing what she is doing and for being so courageous, but tonight I wanted to remind her and do something special.  She loves listening to music, so I slipped into her room tonight and put an Itunes card on her pillow without her knowing.

(If you ever read this, my girl, I hope you do know how special you are and how much I love you : )

Friday, November 5, 2010

3D Imaging

Tonight I went to a fundraiser in our City to buy a very expensive 3D Imaging Device for diagnosing and treating people with cancer.  It was a beautiful evening filled with many heartwarming stories of hope from people going through cancer, those who have lost loved ones to cancer and those who have beaten cancer.  It was a reminder of how fragile our lives are and how we can be touched at any moment with the disease.

I think one of my favourite moments was when a women got up and spoke about how she's lived with cancer for more than a few years and what it's brought to her life.  It wasn't a story of sadness but one of gratitude for all the love she has received during her battle and the inner strength she has found to keep going.  She's learned to appreciate life more, live life more fully and continues to "kick cancer in the butt," as she put it : )  This beautiful woman reminded me and I think everyone in the room tonight that we don't need to get cancer to learn the lessons she has.  We need to live life fully every minute, to love deeply and be grateful for everything we have.

The people in our City were very generous and the night was a huge success.  A big warm hug goes out to everyone involved in tonight's event and the amazing piece of equipment that the money raised will help buy.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone : )

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Exercise

One of the things I found that helps depression the most is exercise.  I've never been able to tolerate antidepressants and yet I know how beneficial they would be.  During a conversation with one doctor, I asked what the difference in benefits would be between taking the meds and exercising regularly.  He said, none.  That's for me anyway.  So I know what's good for me and yet do I do it?  No, not all the time.  We're all that way to some degree.  We know that staying away from sugar and eating a healthier diet will help us physically and mentally, but do we do it regularly?  Why don't we do the things that we know are really good for us?  And why can't I stop eating all the leftover Halloween chocolate bars??? lol

Today was a about giving someone the gift of exercise.  Someone who is a very strong and determined woman who can do anything she puts her mind to and shares in my belief about the benefits of keeping fit.  I've been bragging up a workout CD that I bought a few months ago and really loved, so today I gave her a copy.  It's a CD with a trainer from the Biggest Loser, which is one of my favourite shows on t.v.  It's so much more than a show about losing weight.  It's about overcoming obstacles, fighting fears, working through pain when the going gets tough and not giving up.  It's a total transformation of body, mind and spirit.  That's what I want.  Maybe I'll get there if I stick with my exercise routine!  Wish me luck : )

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

An Amazing Feeling

The thing I have trouble with the most in doing random acts of kindness, is giving things directly to strangers.  I'd much rather do it anonymously as I'm afraid of their reaction or even afraid of offending.  Today, for example, I wanted to find someone who looked down on their luck and give them a grocery store gift card donated to me by my wonderful Father-in-law, who is an extremely generous man by nature.  He purchased the cards to help raise money to send a relative to a dance competition and then turned around and gave ME the cards to give to others : )   So I wanted to make sure that the cards went to someone in need of food.  I thought about going to the core neighbourhood in our City and just driving until I saw someone who I thought might need it, but then thought better of that idea.  It could be taken the wrong way and offend that person and I would have felt extremely awkward anyway.

I drove to the closest recycling centre to our house and went up to the women who cashes in your stub after your bottles are counted, and asked if she could help me.  Being familiar with many of her customers, I thought she might know some of the people and their backgrounds.  Handing her the card, I asked if she could give it to someone she knows, that comes in regularly to get money for bottles, that really needs the card.  We talked a bit and I explained further what my intent was.  She nodded in understanding and said a very warm thank you.

The sun just shone a little brighter today as I drove home.  What an amazing feeling it is to give.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Your Opinion of Me Is None of My Business

Tonight I was up at the hospital visiting some friends that just had a beautiful baby boy!  It was hard holding the baby, barely 24 hours old, and not feeling a flood of emotions, as I remember my own children being that tiny.   Those first few days and weeks when you're getting acquainted to the new little person in your life is an incredible time and it immediately changes how you think and your role in the world.

Anyway....we rolled out of the parking lot I had an idea to give the Commissioner in the parking booth some money to cover the cost of the next person's parking.  I gave my husband the money and told him what to do.  Here's what the Commissioner said "That doesn't make ANY sense!"   I thought it was explained clearly what we were doing so I am still a bit confused as to his response.  Did giving someone a gift as a stranger not make any sense?  For some reason it didn't feel quite so good as I left the parking lot and even all the way home, but as I am typing this I am reminded that it's not about me or the Commissioner, but about the person who gets free parking.

It's easy to let a negative person spoil something good....if you let it.  I'm choosing not to let it.  We have a choice every day, in everything we do, of whether we will let other people affect us.  A few years ago someone told me of a saying that makes a lot of sense...."Your opinion of me is none of my business."  Good or bad, it's not other people's opinions that count, it's how we feel about ourselves and our own opinion of ourselves that matters.

Have a great night everyone : )

Monday, November 1, 2010

Food Bank

A few years back I worked with people living in poverty in our City.  I learned more through that job than I ever imagined and would love to one day go back and work in the same area.  Along with housing issues, hunger is one of the main problems affecting our City's low income population.  Tonight while getting a few groceries I grabbed a few items to donate to our local food bank.  It's an easy and quick way to make a contribution to someone who isn't enjoy the same kinds of meals that most of us our today.   I think I'll start doing this on a more regular basis when I shop for groceries.  It's easy to get wrapped up in my own life and forget how easy it is to help someone in need.