Last Written ROAK 2010

Merry Christmas Eve !!!  I can't believe it's almost here....Christmas in 1 hour.  I hope everyone reading this is happy and has visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads....or PS3's...or cameras...jewelry...or maybe just peace and love to their fellow man.

Today I took my daughter down to the mall.  Yes, on Christmas Eve I shopped with her!  She got a gift certificate and some money for Christmas and since we are away next week, I though it would be nice to let her wander around the mall and think about something she'd like.  She did come home with a coat that was 50 percent off and another little top that she can take with us on our holiday.

Actually my real RAOK for the day was to let my husband win at the game of crib.  When he loses too much he cries about it ; )

I will be away until next Sunday and will keep a great journal.  I'm not sure if the place I am going has internet, so I maybe not be able to post for a week.                          

Computer Training

My uncle is in town for Christmas : )  It's always great to see him when he comes.  All of our relatives except moms, dads, one sister and brother in law live scattered across Canada and the United States, so it's a treat to have someone come visit.

Yesterday morning my uncle came over and I trained him on using his new computer for about 3 hours.  He's never used one before so I hope I taught him something.  My teaching skills aren't the best lol.  Afterward we went downtown for a bit and I bought him lunch at a place called Pad Thai Express.  I told him in a previous life he must have been from Asia because he loves Thai food and has a fascination with South Korea and different countries there.

Christmas Eve has always been my favourite day of the holidays so today I'll get some last minute things done with my girls and tonight we can settle in and relax!  Wooohooooo!!!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Adopt a Family

Yesterday was an early Christmas for some of my family so I was running from the minute my feet hit the floor.  It was really a great day and by the time supper was on the table, I could relax and soak in all the love and laughter my family brings.  After supper the women did the dishes as the men and kids called from the living room to hurry so they could open gifts.  I think they did that last year and were in great danger of getting their ears pinched off lol   Lately we've been drawing names and doing a "fun" gift exchange that we find is really funny.  There's a $15 limit and it's neat to see who got who's name and what they got.  Usually by the end of the exchange, our cheeks hurt from laughing.  So last night was filled with giving and kindness from everyone.  Every gift was unique and it was evident that everyone put a lot of time and thought in to each gift.

Today my husband and I took some toys and food gift cards to a family in our city that needed a little help this Christmas.  We've done this before through a program in the city called the "Brent and Penny Adopt a Family."  It helps families that may not have the means to buy gifts for their children and provides a few extra dollars for food over the holidays.  The program is very successful and I think Christmas really does bring out the best in most people.  I think people generally love to give to others and it's wonderful to see when they give to others who aren't as fortunate.

All the best to everyone tonight : )

Wally Mart

Most of the day was spent on errands.  With Christmas very close, I have a very long To-Do list.  I was getting some photo prints made up in Walmart tonight and there was a line up for the machines to select your photos and have them printed.  I have to say I am impressed by the one hour service AND immediate prints if you want to pay 10 cents extra a print.

So my RAOK for today was to let someone behind me in ahead of me in line.  She had a baby with her and I remember always wanting to "get in, get out" quickly when it came to shopping.  It's a small gesture but one that I know is always appreciated.

Night : )

Waterpark

Well...I tried to find a contact address for Ingrid Betancourt and eventually found her facebook page.  I wrote to her to tell her how inspired I felt while reading her book.  I hope she is able to read it.

Today the sister and son of my friend from the Philippines who passed away came over for a visit.  It was great to visit with them and find out more about their lives and what they think of Canada.  The sister was telling me that she skyped her daughter the other day and the daughter told her mom to take her outside so she could see the snow and was asking how it felt.  I thought that was pretty neat.  It's hard to imagine not ever having seen or felt snow.

While they are here, they might make it to Edmonton to see a friend there and maybe go to the big mall.  In their Xmas cards I put enough money for a pass to the waterpark in case they happen to get there.  That would be something to see!

I can't believe we are only 6 more sleeps away from Christmas.  I hope everyone has their shopping done : )

Even Silence Has an End

Can you imagine living in a jungle for 6 and 1/12 years, sometimes on the ground on a plastic sheet, often with chains around your neck while all sorts of stinging insects and other bugs shared your bed? Can you imagine being caged like an animal and humiliated and abused while being separated from your children for such a length of time?  This is exactly what Ingrid Batencourt survived while being kidnapped by a group of geurrillas known as the FARC in Columbia.   Batencourt has written a book about her life from the moment of her kidnapping to the point in which she becomes free.  The story is one of fear, survival, courage and inspiration...a few among many themes.  What amazed me the most is how this woman refused to crumble under the worst of circumstances.  It's inspiring how people can survive the most horrible of circumstances while I am sometimes afraid to walk down the street on days when my anxiety is at it's peak.  She is truly an inspiration and I feel lucky to have come across her story.  Her words and insights will stay with me for a long time.

I wanted to write this review last night after reading the final chapters but I fell sound asleep.  I wanted to find an address for Ms. Batencourt and tell her what I think of her, but that will have to happen today.  Her book is called "Even Silence Has an End."

A Wonderful Life

Two more batches of candied nuts and two batches of nuts and bolts later.....I think I am done my Christmas gift baking!  Tonight I am taking some to one of my daughter's friends and then tomorrow off to my Father-In-Laws and my dads.  My dad loves poppycock so I think he'll love the buttered toffee nuts.  I don't normally bake but found some recipes this Christmas that even I could handle lol

I'm sitting and watching "A Wonderful Life" tonight.  I love this Christmas movie.  There's a line at the end of the show that sums up the movie:  "Dear George...Remember no man is a failure who has friends" and no matter how bad life seems some days, it's better because we are here and because of the lives we've touched along the way.   Sometimes we just don't realize the difference we make.  Maybe it's the time of year to look back and think about all the good things you've done for everyone in your life this year.  I bet it's more than you ever thought : )

Baking

Yesterday, I spent the morning baking some Christmas gift.  I wanted to take them to neighbours that I haven't talked to in months,  but wasn't feeling all that great in the afternoon, so I didn't make it out of the house.  I'll package them up this morning and deliver them today.  In an Oprah magazine I found an incredible recipe for buttery toffee nuts that were simple and delicious.  I made them and they turned out!!!  Woooohohooo1  High five for that!

Will post more later.  Happy Friday everyone!

Change

Tonight I was going through a drive through I've been through many many times....MacDonalds.  When I reached the first window to pay, I noticed the slot where you can put money to donate to the Ronald MacDonald's houses.  I slipped some change in....not a lot, but some.  It made me think, again, about how many opportunities we come across everyday to give.  Even though I've passed the MacDonald drive-thru window several times in my life, I can't remember every putting change in it.  It's just something I'm not used to doing. It might have to do with thinking that my little bit wouldn't make a difference.  But if everyone gave just a little, even a quarter, just imagine how much money could be raised for children.  How many people go through those drive thrus every day?  Maybe now that I've done it, it will become a habit.

For me, the lesson tonight was about being aware of little ways to give.  I have to remind myself that when I bring my awareness and attention to giving, the opportunities become endless.  There is an opportunity around every corner.

Thanks again to everyone who is reading and writing comments : )

A Warm Meal

This morning I took my daughter for an orthodontist appointment downtown.  Since parking is so bad down there, I usually just drive and listen to music in my truck while I wait for her. I dropped her off but as I pulled away, someone was pulling out in front of me and I got a great spot.  This section of downtown is very busy, so I was not surprised when I saw an older man sitting on the freezing ground outside one of the shops with his hat on the ground.  He wasn't bothering anyone, he just sat watching people scurrying by in the cold to get to their next destination.  Other vagrants would stop to talk to him and I wondered what kind of life he must have to sit there on the freezing ground in hopes that someone would drop money in his hat.

I looked in my rear view window and spotted a Vietnamese diner that I sometimes go to when I'm downtown shopping.  I sat there debating whether to give him some money or to scoot over and get him a meal.

Sitting in the diner after having ordered, I watched him through the window from where I sat.  It's hard to see people like that without thinking about the circumstances of their life that led up to this moment.  Many people have told me that there's no excuse for not "getting a job" or "begging" for money.  Well...having advocated for people on social assistance in the past and knowing a little about people on the streets, this is simply not true.  An array of circumstances brings people to this situation and no, there isn't a job out there for everyone.  

Crossing the street, my heart was racing out of my chest as I tried to think of a way to approach him.  I get so nervous meeting new people and offering help.  But this is what I signed up for.  To help others and in turn help myself with my own insecurities.

Finally I walked up and asked "Are you hungry?  I have a meal from that diner across the street and wondered if you'd like it?"  He smiled and reached up with his blackened hands and said "yes, thank you."

I can only hope he has a warm place to sleep tonight.  It's getting very very cold in this City.

True Hero

I feel asleep before I could write about my RAOK for yesterday.  I've been doing my 30 Day Shred workout video almost every day but yesterday decided to go crazy and kick it up a notch to level 2.  It was exhilarating and felt great, but by 10 pm I hit the wall.  Writing is usually a way of winding down, gathering my thoughts from the day and putting them down.

Last night I went for dinner with a friend.  We haven't gone out in years, so we had a lot of catching up.  She's a very upbeat person and it really is contagious when you're around people like that.  It just felt good.  When the waitress brought the bill, I picked it up and paid for it.  It was my way of saying "thank you for being here with me and listening and sharing your thoughts and laughter."  To me, I think it is one of greatest gift you can give another person...being genuine and sharing your life from your heart.

Another gift is one I found on facebook.  Someone had posted this link and it's given me some ideas on what I want to do in the New Year.

Please watch.  This man is a true hero.

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

Build A Bear

Today I wanted to do a little bit more Christmas shopping.  Who doesn't love to go to the biggest mall in the City on one of the last weekends  before Christmas? lol  Well...to my surprise the mall didn't seem as busy as I thought it would be.  I'm not sure where everyone was...maybe hibernating at home or maybe they were all at Costco!  That's usually my favourite spot on the weekend, but I just couldn't find a good enough reason to go there today.  Not a valid reason anyway.

The mall we were at has a build-a-bear workshop.  My kids used to loved going there, picking out an animal, stuffing it and finding clothes.  It really is a neat place to spend an hour.  Being that my girls aren't into it anymore, today I bought a gift card, instead, to give a child that still finds the excitement in building a bear!

Instead of me finding someone to give it to, I asked my daughter to find a little person who might enjoy it.  She gladly accepted and went off with her friend to find someone.  I asked her about it when she got home and she said that she did find a little girl about 8 to give the card to.  They asked her mom first and her mom asked a few times if she was serious about giving away the gift card.  She seemed very happy and grateful.

The best part is when I asked my daughter how it felt to give something like that to someone, she replied "it felt good."  That's what it's all about.

And today I was on the receiving end of kindness from my dad, otherwise known as The Cookie Man!  Him and my mom made a huge assortment of Christmas baking and brought it over.  Every year they do up a bunch of baking and put it in beautiful containers for friends, family and co-workers.  It was a wonderful treat tonight : )

Taxi !!!

I know that many parents out there that might be reading do and have done this on a regular basis but I'll talk a bit about it tonight.  Today I was the taxi driver to my children and their friends.  From point A to B and then B to C and C all the way to Z, I drove everywhere today.  And while sometimes I gripe about it, the bottom line is that my kids are going out and having fun with friends and activities and I get to know that they got to those places safely.  In a few months one of my girls will be driving and a whole new set of worries begin.  I won't go into that because you all know what those worries will be.

So....for all the parents that wear your taxi hat still....enjoy it.  They are only young once.  Then they grow up and give you something to really complain about lol

Movie Time!

Tonight I went to a movie called the Social Network which was based on how Facebook got started.  I thought it was a really interesting movie about human nature, greed, revenge and consequence.  I didn't expect much for some reason, but there were some valuable lessons to be learned from it.  There are few movies I'd watch twice, but this one I may have to watch again.

On the way into the show, while paying, we left a few extra dollars to pay for a few tickets for people coming in behind us.  The girl at the till was especially happy and her smile and thanks for doing that felt really nice.  It's great to see people smiling and happy this time of year.  It's contagious.

After the movie Zellers was still open, so I went in to buy some things for a little Christmas tree I put up just inside my front door.  I call it my "Giving Tree."  I fill it with wrapped Christmas candies of all kinds for people who come to the house.  Anyone who comes in gets to pick something from the tree to take.  I started the tradition last year and had a lot of fun with it.

2 weeks until Christmas!

Letter

Today I wrote to an old friend that I met when I was about 17 years old.  She's a friend on facebook now, but we've rarely had a chance to connect.  It's funny how so many years can go by and even if your lives have gone in completely different directions, you still see in them what you saw so many years ago.  This week I've been thinking a great deal about a quote I posted last week.  The one that says that you won't remember what someone did or said but you will remember how they made you feel.  I remember how this friend made me feel.  She made me feel important when we were together and always always always made me laugh.

I heard that she was pursuing a new career endeavor in the near future and wrote and told her what I admired in her and wished her luck.  There are so many missed opportunities in life to tell people how we really feel.  Even the smallest of gestures can let people know you're thinking of them and can make them feel good and special....a note, a phone call or a kind deed.

People will remember how you made them feel.  I hope everyone can do something today to make someone feel great : )

Christmas Tags

While doing some Christmas shopping tonight I was asked if I would like to purchase some gift tags that had been illustrated by children for children affected by HIV/AIDS.   100% of the money would directly benefit pediatric and youth services.  I needed gift tags and the money goes to a very good cause.  It's a win win.

I love to see big businesses getting involved in humanitarian efforts.  They have the ability to reach a greater audience through their advertising and promotion.   It seems there is a trend in many larger businesses pursuing philanthropic or socially responsible work and, no matter what the reason, what they can accomplish is significant and can make a real change in people's lives.

Tonight I wish everyone health, happiness and peace as we head into a busy month : )

30 Day Shred

More than anything, feeling less depressed lately has been because of the exercise I've been doing.  I've known for a long time the benefits of regular exercise from a lot of reading on the topic and just talking to people that do.  But there's a big disconnect when it comes to knowing something and then doing something.  I think that's where many of us fall down.  We know what's good for us, but we have a hard time putting it into action.  But once you've had a taste of the reward from being diligent with something, it's easier to keep going with it.  On the days I don't exercise, I really just don't feel as good as the days I do.  And the days that I do exercise, I feel stronger physically and more balanced mentally.  A huge part of me is asking myself "Why didn't you do this YEARS ago???" Well...I am a believer in things happening for a reason and certain things entering your life when you're ready for them.  So maybe it was just time.

Today I shared my workout video, called the 30 Day Shred, with a friend down the street.  She's someone I met many years ago and even though we just live a few houses from each other, we've lost touch.  I caught up with her recently and discovered that she enjoys working out at home.  I thought she would love the video, so I took her down a copy and put it in her mailbox.

By the way....how does one start exercising and actually GAIN weight? lol  

Be Your Own Best Friend : )

I can't remember what I was googling today but I came across someone's blog.  They said they've had trouble making friends their entire life and couldn't understand why.  They'd been bullied and teased as a child and even now, today, they felt ostracized by others.  At the end of the blog they wrote "please help!"   Along with that blog there were many other people who wrote that they were in a similar situation and could relate to the trouble of making friends as an adult and not having any close friends.

We all look for acceptance.  Some people go through life and they seem to have plenty of friends and have no trouble meeting them and keeping them.  With others it's a constant struggle to feel a part of the group.  I think most of us have been in a situation where we felt alone, but can you imagine not having one friend to call?  To have absolutely no one in your life to connect?

My guess is that somewhere along the way from the bullying and teasing this person maybe lost a bit of their self esteem and worth.  Maybe they listened too much to what those bullies had to say and it stayed with them as they grew up.  My RAOK was to simply write on this person's blog and tell them that weren't alone and to not give up. That one day they would meet someone with similar interests.  I also said to keep loving themselves even when it didn't feel like anyone else did.

The power to be your own best friend is one of the most valuable assets you can have.  This includes being good to yourself, not putting yourself down and forgiving your own mistakes.

Are you a good friend to you?

Candles

It's been a crazy weekend and I've been going nonstop.  I'm sorry my posts have been late as I haven't been getting enough sleep.  Now that the weekend is over, life should return to normal (well...my own version of normal lol).

Last night I took some really neat candles to a very special person.  She is always smiling and welcoming whenever I see her and one of the sweetest people I know. We were invited there for dinner so I took them along.  There's something about the glow from a candle that's so warming.  It's the same with Christmas lights....they're soothing just to look at.

Happy Monday everyone!

Christmas Every Day

Tonight I was at my husband's office Christmas party.  I knew that almost everyone who generously contributed to my friend's family being able to come from the Philippines would be there.  On the way to the party I thought it would be nice to buy them each a drink as a token of appreciation.  Over the course of the evening my husband helped by taking them each one for my RAOK.  It was nice to see all the people who helped make something special for someone happen and to everyone else who gave me warm wishes on my adventure.

On the way to the Christmas party I was talking with someone about how Christmas doesn't have the same feeling it used to have when we were kids or when our kids were young.  That feeling of anticipation and excitement that comes all of the days leading up to Christmas Eve and Day.  I was mentioning that sometimes I get that same feeling when I do something for someone else.  When I can see the excitement or appreciation in their eyes it brings on that Christmasy feeling.  Maybe I should change the name of the blog to "365 days of Christmas!"

Anyway...have a wonderful Sunday everyone.  Smile and be kind to each other : )

Save the Children

Tonight I ran across a charity that I've heard of briefly before but didn't know much about.  I went for a few groceries and there was a table set up with a woman selling the cutest pins and all sorts of hand made knitted items.  The pins were of little children. The charity was "Save the Children" which is all about children's rights all over the world.  I purchased some pins in support of this charity.  Here is the link if you would like to look at what they do:

http://www.savethechildren.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=778&Itemid=274&lang=en

Have a great weekend everyone : )

Red Kettle

My apologies...I fell asleep last night with my computer on my lap and barely got the first paragraph finished.  I can't believe I do that! lol  So here is my story for yesterday : )

If you've ever been shopping around Christmas time, there's little doubt that you haven't heard the bells of the Salvation Army's Red Kettle fundraiser.  Every year they set up in high traffic areas, mostly at the entrance to buildings, a "kettle" for donations with a bell ringer to attract passersby.  This custom actually begin as far back as 1891 when Captain Joseph McFee saw the need to raise money to help feed the poor.  Today the money is used to help the needy, sick and other less fortunate individuals around Christmas time.

While leaving Walmart I stopped to put a few dollars in the kettle.  There was a very kind elderly man sitting and ringing a bell.  We had a nice long chat about the cold weather, his health, recent vacations and where he's off to for Christmas.  I came away feeling really good from talking to him.  I think I needed that chat today more than he did.  It always puts a smile on my face when complete strangers will take the time to talk and share a bit of their lives with you, just making that human connection.

It's ironic.  I came home and opened my mail and read a very interesting story sent to me about a man who does something kind for an elderly woman.  At the end of the story was a message I will never forget:

"People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."

Mailboxes

I found the neatest thing in Zellers tonight.  We were there looking at a few things and I came across the isle with Christmas tins with all sorts of colourful Christmas imagery on them.  Every year I see more and more of them.  Maybe they're more in demand as people are giving baking as a gift more?  Anyway, I came across these tins that were shaped like a miniature mailboxes.  The old style kind that had a flag that was put up when there was mail in it.  (Remember the movie the Lake House with Keaunu Reeves and Sandra Bullock?  They had a mailbox like that in the movie.) So I picked up a couple of tins, having already formulated a use for them that, fortunately for everyone, will not involve baking!  When the kids were little they used to ask me to send them mail, as they loved having a letter come that was addressed to just them.  I did that a half dozen times or so and they really did love it.  It's funny...I admit that I get a little excited too when a letter comes addressed to me with handwriting on it.  Then I know it's not a bill lol

What I imagined was giving each of my girls a minature mailbox for their room. I thought I could surprise them with little love notes or goodies or whatever I felt like on any day.  They'd know there was something inside if the flag was up.  When I showed them they sort of scoffed at the idea, but I was pretty excited about it and I think the idea finally rubbed of.  I heard my one daughter explaining to her dad later tonight what I'd gotten and how it works with the flag.

I'm grinning thinking about what I'm going to put in there.

25 days till Christmas!!!