A Balanced Lifestyle

Patience and a QUEST

2011-09-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

I can tell by our nifty statcounter software that many of you are faithfully checking back with us for any news or comments to our blog and for that we thank you tremendously.

Jenn has been busy with school and studying hard and putting ALOT of effort into her assignments and learning so much about homeopathic medicine, that she truly deserves a cyber round of applause.

After a calculated job search for something that would strike a better balance for my family and I and settling nicely into a great part time job. A job of a lifetime fell into my lap. After more soul searching and planning and making contacts. I accepted and the ensuing chaos of settling in to a more demanding job has been my life for the past few months, and just when I thought I had it under control in August...school started and that has demanded my attention for the last few weeks.

However, having said that I think things are coming together and I will have more time to devote to this blog and to the QUEST at hand. A Balanced Lifestyle.

Just because I feel like I have more time in no way means I have A Balanced Lifestyle so I look forward to pushing forward with the rest of you on this quest. I need solutions for laundry, cleaning, cooking, writer's block since I blog here, here and here now.

What topics, concerns, issues are you experiencing on your quest?

Update

2011-08-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

time to update, wouldn't you say. It's been a while and to say we have been busy is an understatement.

I have a new job and am again trying to find that balance of all my interests.

jenn is back in school, and working so hard!

For today, let's just try to work on ONE thing that will be a positive change in our life. For me, today I am going to drink an extra glass of water, it's going to be warm, I'm going to be busy and I know i will need it and benefit from it.

Cheers,

Whose having an extra glass of water today?

One Thing to Create Balance

2011-01-17T17:44:00.000-08:00

What would you do if you received a surprise bill for $5,000? Would you crap a load, like me?
How about $4,000, $3,000, $2,000, $1,000, $750, $500, $250???

What is your pinch point? Which one of these numbers made you uncomfortable?

I believe one of the most effective ways to reduce stress is to have an "Emergency Account".

For alot of people that is a line of credit. Which works when you have nothing else to go on.

HOWEVER, imagine for a moment if you had an account that had $5,000. No transaction fee, no interest to pay for borrowing the money. Heck if your lucky you might even be making 1-2% on the money. As much as it would be painful to write that cheque. You could do it knowing you are in no way effecting your daily living expenses.

It was one thing that my hubby and I took a serious look at. We looked for a No Fee Savings account and then decided on an High interest Investment Account and started an automatic transfer to that account. We were surprised how quickly the amount adds up. You will be surprised how much burden and worry is lifted off your shoulders. Every month as the amount was deducted I felt a pinch. But the day we unexpectedly had to replace two tires on our vehicle and could pay for it out of that account...I heard the choir singing Hallelujah!

Never before in our life had we been able to handle an emergency expense by just writing a cheque and being done with it. Let me tell you....it felt so good...I felt happy. No credit card, no line of credit, no paying interest for a few months till we could pay it off. Just write a cheque and its done. Pure awesomeness!

For us it was one step that brought us closer to balance.

What would you do if you got a surprise bill for $5,000?

Long time....oh the balancing act

2011-01-15T18:15:00.001-08:00

Its been a long time since I've posted too!

Life has been good, sometimes crazy, sometimes not good, but you know me... I always bounce back!

School is busy but fantastic! I love Homeopathy! I

'm still growing my business still too! Yes I'm still loving reflexology! I'm also still at the gym! About 4 to 5 days a week I'm getting there and yes I am seeing some results!

We talk about balance all the time. Lately things have been out of balance, but I'm back on track. Life is good.

New, New, New

2011-01-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

So how is everyone doing.

It's been interesting here. On top of recovering from this baby. We had to make some pretty big decisions. Should I go back to my job or not?

Now like most families we are not in a position for me NOT to work...but do I really need to work full time??

As soon as I was on Mat Leave we sat down and had a close look at our finances and make a plan to make our spending and saving work on my Mat Leave income. If we could do this and found it sustainable for 6 months I would start looking for another job that did not require as many hours or that allowed me more flexibility in my hours.

Now finding this kind of job was not going to be easy and was going to take some time...right?

I would have the year to finish up my Life Coaching Certification and to pass a course towards my Financial Planning Certification. It wouldn't be easy but once the two older kids were in school full time I would get an hour here and there while the baby napped right?

6 weeks after the baby was born a classified ad JUMPED out at me! 9-3 a 1/2 day on Friday. Are you kidding me? I would be crazy if I didn't go for it? Could I do this? pull my act together to interview and get the job.

Thankfully they hired someone else, even though I was really, really disappointed, I took it as a sign that fate new I needed time to recover. blah blah blah.

So I was very surprised, shocked when months later I received an email, asking if I would come back in to talk to them. I had settled into a nice routine of baby time, study time and was starting to enjoy getting my household back in order. Maternity Leave budget was working smoothly and everyone was settling nicely into routines. Hell I was even starting to prepare for Christmas before Thanksgiving.

I almost didn't want to go. But the voice inside my head (oh so practical) said "what have you got to lose" "your crazy if you don't go check it out"

Long story short.

I am in the middle of a week 2 of training, 2 weeks that I offered to work for free as incentive for them to hire me.

I have given notice to my previous employer (of 15 YEARS) that I am not coming back and that I am starting a new job next week. I am leaving the security of a larger paycheck, full benefits and pension for a job that will suit my family needs for the next few years. I am hoping our transition to individual health benefits goes smoothly and fairly inexpensively. I hope we can afford this change. I think so...we crunched the numbers every which way. This position just has so much future potential to it. Sometimes you have to go with your gut and your head and not worry about the attack your heart is having.

I will miss my co-workers dearly. This was a tough, tough decision due to various factors.

I am looking forward to New routines, New challenges, a New future!

What's new for you in 2011.

shann

WHOA!

2011-01-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

Alrighty then...

Well we all know I had a baby, and to tell you the truth this was a really hard one for me. maybe because I was so psyched to bounce back right away and keep on moving. I had plans, I had lots of things to do. But having this baby kicked me in the ass and told me to just take a breather and sit. (because that is basically all have been able to do for the past 6 months.

It was only in the month of December that I felt like I could take on more, do more, push myself a little. I knew the second I had taken on too much and had to back down right away or risk having to go back to square one.

It's funny how our bodies and minds can pull us up short when they need too.

I had no time or energy for anything extra. I wasn't even reading other blogs (gasp!). I wasn't even turning the computer on!! (double gasp). I didn't do any scrapbooking except to fill in the baby book I had pre-made before the baby was born. (thank goodness I did that)

It was a struggle just to get through the day not to mention the night (which I was up for most of the time) due to the fact that the baby did not like to sleep through the night. He is still not sleeping through the night consistently.

I am thankful that my body and my mind demanded that I slow down and focus on only the necessities. I really needed that time to be with my baby and to process and let my body and mind recover. I now feel strong in both my mind and my body and feel ready and willing to take on the challenges that my plans for the future will bring. But that is another blog post.....

Here's to beginning again.

I'm back Y'all!

Cheers to 2011!

Thanksgiving

2010-10-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today is the Canadian Thanksgiving and it is all about gratitude.

I have so much in my life to be grateful for I don't even know where to start. I am going to list some of things I'm grateful for into my gratitude note book. I challenge you to grab a sheet of paper (if you don't do the gratitude notebook) and write down 20 things your grateful for today. It will make you feel awesome! I promise!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our attitude

2010-08-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

I always talk about gratitude, because it so important, but so is our attitude. Sounds simple right? If we can choose our attitude it will adjust our mood, our out look, our life!

Our thoughts really do shape our lives. People scoff at that notion, but is so true.

Think about it.

If you obsess over fear, you only find more fear.

If you dwell on lack of money, you find more financial woes.

If you worry about things, your bring more worry and anxiety to your life.

If you believe that your life will be miserable and bleak that is how you will feel.

If you are thinking that life is unfair all the time, you will see more things around you to prove that thought right!

If you are angry you find more to be angry about!

I'm not saying that we have to be happy 100% of the time because the past few days in my life have been a definite roller-coaster of emotions, but I will come out on top!

Why?

Because ultimately I can choose my attitude and realize that what I pay attention to will grow stronger in my life!

So tonight is the "new moon" and one of my friends said Jenn thats a time for new beginnings. Sounds good to me! Every day is a new beginning, but why not start it tonight :)

Week 3

2010-08-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

Well Oh my gosh... this is not going well, i think the hardest part right now is that i have no routine. Let me rephrase that. The baby has no routine so therefore I have no routine. Although I have been pretty good about preparing healthy snacks and meals, it goes well for a few days and then the wheels totally fall off and i go into complete carb survival moded. A bagel here, bowl of cereal there.

A lot tougher then I thought to get exercise as well, by the time hubby gets home and we have dinner and do the evenings with the kids and get them off to bed I certainly don't feel like going for a walk. Add that to baby's cranky time from 8-10pm and i feel guilty leaving him to deal with that.

So I am taking it a day at a time trying to make good choices but the odd day I just totally give in and it is a cookie and/or beer kinda day.

I think I have lost a couple of pounds, I have noticed it a little in my face.

The worst part is that it is SUMMER people, I only have 2 pairs of shorts that fit me right now and I refuse to buy anymore, all my t-shirts are a little tight. AND THAT SUCKS. and we won't even talk about a bathing suit.

you would think that alone would be enough motivation to help me stick to eating properly, but i have to tell you the cravings for carbs and junkie foods is crazy.

What do you do when you are craving things you know you shouldn't have???

shann

Week 2

2010-07-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Last week was an attempt to clean up my eating habits and get some more exercise. The exercise went pretty good, getting in atleast 30 mins a day and a long walk on thursday for over an hour.

The clean eating went well till Thursday and then I lost my mind! A case of poor planning put me in the position of being hungry and craving sugar and carbs. It wasn't a horrible cheat, a few chocolates and some kind of processed fruit snacks I keep for the kids.

However, then came friday and all the rain and the water in our basement and cleaning and going through wet boxes and cleaning out part of the basement and sweating my patooty off and then... I popped the button of my shorts. Well that was it I cracked a cold one! which led to another one. Only two which isn't too bad but then my MIL made homemade pizza for dinner, oye! the smart option 2 pieces and a big salad. My choice 4 pieces of pizza and a few cookies for dessert.

Saturday was not much better and Sunday more of the same poor meal planning and not eating at regular intervals left me starving and shovelling anything and everything in my mouth.

I still lost 2.5 lbs and I think that was due to the 5 days of clean eating before the 3 days of disaster, plus the exercise.

I do see a bit of a difference in my face which is the last place I gain so the first place to lose it.

So it is Monday and we are back on the wagon so to speak. Planning meals and snacks and grocery shopping this afternoon. Portion size and reading labels will be an additional focus this week on top of the clean eating, and exercise. Maybe a few toning exercises.

In the spirit of full disclosure I also decided to purchase and follow the 7 day Jillian Michaels Detox and Cleanse program which I two more days left and I think it has held true to the claim of reducing belly bloat, we'll see when I post a photo on Wednesday.

Here's a great 100 calorie snack 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and 1/2 of blueberries. Yumm

BEFORE

2010-07-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is one of those uncomfortable moments in a persons life when you just have to grite your teeth and do it, because you know it can only get better from here. Here is my BEFORE photo. I had a baby 8 weeks ago, the swelling and water retention have gone down and this is what I am left with, About 20lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight and if I want to be honest about 30lbs over a comfortable fit weight I can maintain without dieting.

I gained the most weight with this pregnancy almost 40lbs, which is not a huge gain compared to other people, so I have heard, but it was alot of weight for me. Especially since I knew exactly where it came from. this pregnancy I craved sweets and lots of them. To tell you the truth I ate so many sweets I am surprised my pancreas didn't just give up jump out of my body and head for the hills.

It is 4 weeks before my birthday and Friday the 13th in Port Dover. If I had a magic wand I would be back at my pre-pregnancy weight and fitting into my skinny jeans. However, this is the planet earth and my goal is a little more realistic. I am hoping to lose about 10 pounds, tone up my legs and butt and fit into my regular jeans for my birthday. Here's how:

*Toning exercises everyday
*atleast 20-30mins of walking or cardio of somekind everyday
*once a week a long one hour walk in my target heartrate zone
*eating 4-6 servings of fruits and veggies
*paying attention to my servings sizes of protein and carbs
*no alcohol during the week
*more water
*no candy, cookies, desserts (ie pie, cake, etc)
*larger breakfasts, smaller dinners
*reading labels and doing the math to make better choices

I will be posting my thoughts, progress and if I am brave a few more photos.

Please let me know if you have any tips, ideas or comments.

Should be an interesting few weeks

dealing with ignorant people

2010-07-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

They are out there and no matter how positive you are to them they are still INCREDIBLY rude towards you. Sometimes for a reason in the past and other times because they just deem you not "good enough" or such. (that attitude just makes me howl, by the way)

This morning I was walking when two women I know came towards me. I said "hello ladies" with a smile. The one smiled and said hello and asked me how I was, the other one looked at the ground and kept in her conversation, not once making eye contact or looking up to acknowledge anything as we walked past each other. In fact I'm sure she tilted her head the other way so she didn't have to look at me! (not kidding)

Now I know most of you are thinking, so what. Well it is a small town and I know both of them well. One through school and other through hockey. The one that didn't acknowledge me well she would fall under this ignorant people category. She often doesn't acknowledge me and trust me I'm no fool. I know not everyone likes me, but most people acknowledge me if I have said hello. (like me or not!)

The reason I'm sharing this here is because as I giggled while walking I thought to myself that behaviour could have ruined someone else day! I remember walking with a friend and something similar happened to us and my friend was pissed off for the rest of the walk!!! Her good mood turned sour all because of one rude person!

So how do we deal with it?

I always make a point of saying hello and making eye contact to everyone, even those like that. Kill them with kindness I suppose, but really why should I not. It takes more energy to be nasty then it does to be nice!
I send them light after they move on. To me sending pink light or love to them will help them not be so "hard".
I smile and keep on going.
I'm thankful for a handful of really good friends in my life.
I then put that rude person out of my mind.

Does it work?

It does for me.

We run into people every day in our lives that are rude to us for one reason or another.

Next time you are dealing with someone who is rude to you, try it! You never know your mood might lift and you will walk on happy! ;)

Move it or lose it??? part two

2010-07-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hop on over to A Balanced Lifestyle Health and Wellness to read the rest .... here

:)

2010-07-08T19:20:00.001-07:00

Move it or Lose it??

2010-07-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

A while back you will remember I started the X-weighted challenge with my husband. Well times up! How did we do?

We both lost about 10lbs, which isn't bad, but we both gained a new appreciation for move it or your going to lose it. What are you going to lose?? Your body, your health.... your well being.

My dh ended up joining a gym that he works out at about three days a week during lunch. I'm back playing field hockey and this year I was able to run and not completely suck wind! (No seriously last year I thought I might die.)

Today I put back on my pedometer to see how many steps I'll take. I think I'll track it all week because today isn't a typical day. My kids are gone and I was able to go for an early a.m. walk and then I'm golfing 9 holes tonight at supper time. It will be interesting to see how many steps are taken. About 6 years ago the entire family wore these for an article/study for the Kitchener Waterloo Record. Was pretty cool. They claim that you need to take 10,000 steps a day to maintain your current weight. In order to drop you need to up your steps and squish your calories!

Oh yes calories. We'll tackle that subject (and I hate that subject... I do love my wine) another time!

Okay so who is with me? Going to see how many steps you take? You can get a simple pedometer at Shoppers Drug Mart, Winners, Walmart almost any where. Go get one. Most are under 20dollars and its well worth it to really track your steps. You might surprise yourself!

Let us know if your joining in!

jenn

Positive Quotes

2010-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

As some of you know I email daily positive quotes! Unfortunately I had a hard drive crash and my latest back up was from November of last year. Sooooo if you are not receiving my daily quotes and wish too again, please email me at jenn.metzger@sympatico.ca and tell me :)

thanks

jenn

The oil spill

2010-06-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

A very good friend of mine wrote a blog article on the BP Oil spill. Its excellent.

You can check it out entirely over here on her blog "The Bold Life" (just click the name it will take you to that article).

I never thought about some of the points she brings up, yet it so true. I know not to "blame" to send light and love. I know the power of prayer works and having faith that we will find a solution!!!

She lists a bunch of ideas... go check it out. It makes for some excellent thinking!!!

Happy Monday friends.

New Blog....

2010-06-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

New blog started up! Don't worry we are still blogging here too! We are just branching out! ;)

Check it out here

Happy Father's Day....

2010-06-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

Wishing all the dads out there a very wonderful and happy Father's Day.

For some father's day comes with mixed emotions if they have lost their father or didn't have a great relationship with him. BUT we hope you can find a great memory and hang on to it. :) Think about the good times today!!!

If you get to spend today with your dad! Awesome! Enjoy the day :)

Gratitude...

2010-06-17T08:30:00.001-07:00

Something annoying happened to me this morning and after talking to my dear friend (thanks Shannon) I realized that out of this situation something good came.

What was that???

GRATITUDE.

Gratitude that I love my job and love my life and my school! I can't imagine NOT doing what I do. I love it. I'm passionate about it, I know it helps people and the fact that I get paid to do something I'm totally LOVING is a serious bonus!!!!

I cannot imagine working in a job that I dread. Or there is those that work and feel a total sense of entitlement. You know. The world owes them or their employer owes them. Owe, smoe... If you don't have passion for what your doing, your not going to be truly happy.

So are you passionate about what you do? Do you love it?

If your not, can you work towards change?

Trust me I know change. I've done lots of change in my life (job wise) and now I'm back in school full time while working and have two kids that are very involved in sports. I make it work. Its a balancing act, but it works. What I'm saying is reach for dreams and do what you love. If that means going back to school, look into it.

Life is too short to not do what we are passionate about!

I know, I know I just don't understand your situation. Your right! I don't. BUT I do know that if you don't love your job, don't stay in it. Don't think that it is the "only" job you can get. With that attitude it might be true!!! Remember .... ATTITUDE IS ALWAYS EVERYTHING. You can do it!!!

Find your passion and be happy at what you do every day, all day ;) We spend more hours with our job then we do with loved ones, so why not love it.

Gratitude. Yep ... I love what I do and I'm thankful I get to do something I love!

It's a baby!

2010-06-11T10:40:00.001-07:00

Here is the official announcement! I apologize for the delay, but I have been recovering and enjoying the time with our new little person.

Holiday Monday May 24th at 10:28pm a baby boy was born.

Marcello was 7lbs, 13ozs and 20 inches long

He came out lightening quick and consequently had a little trouble breathing as all the air sacks in his lungs did not properly expel mucus and breath in air. After 20 mins he was wisked away to the NICU for a full assessment and returned a few hours later with instructions for some blood work ever 3 hours for the next 9 hours. Other than that he is perfect and beautiful and a great baby.

Sorry to disappoint but I haven't loaded any photos on the computer yet but I will get to that soon I hope. The doctor and the delivery were a little hard on me so I am still not moving too quick around here. My 4 year old tires me out most days and the baby is eating every 2-3 hours and I am sleeping whenever possible.

I hoping to feel more human next week and should resume regular posting duties shortly.

You can look forward to hearing about my new challenge of balancing the extra 20 lbs that are left behind (on my behind) from eating too many cookies and baking delights from Stemmlers in Heidelberg. (damn those cream buns and long johns)

Here's hoping an active summer with the kids will Kick this body back into shape.

loving life...

2010-06-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

How are you feeling right now? Are you feeling good? Are you loving life? Yes? No?

If no, why not? Stresses? We all have them its the attitude that matters. We all have things that set us off. It is CHOOSING to say you know what my LIFE IS GOOD... I feel GOOD... it is ALL GOOD that keeps us going.

Do something right now that makes you feel good!

Need some ideas?

go for a walk
hug someone
have a glass of wine
read
turn off the tv and play a board game
write/blog
go out and sit outside
hold hands with a loved one
smile
dance
have a cup of tea/coffee (and enjoy it)
enjoy the MOMENT your in
go for a drive
go for a bike ride
go to the library
bake something
try cooking something new
shop
paint your nails
have a tickle fight

the list can on and on.... but the point is you can do to something small to make yourself feel good!

Remember... life is good!

Health tip...

2010-06-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

So most of you know I've been on a health journey. To date I've taken 11 lbs off, still going. I found an interesting tip though the other day. That even though I thought I was drinking more then enough water daily. I really wasn't. I'm now drinking more water, we'll see how that changes my weight loss journey too!

So how much water should one drink?

General (apparently) rule of thumb: take you body weight in lbs/2 (divide by 2) = daily intake of H2O in ounces! No joke!!!!

Drink one to two cups of fluid at least one hour before the start of exercise.
Drink four to eight ounces of fluid every 10 to 15 mins or so during exercise.
Drink an additional eight ounces of fluid within 30 mins after exercising.
Drink two cups of fluid for every pound of body weight lost after exercise. (darn eh)
Both caffeine and alcohol can have a diuretic effect, so be sure to compensate for this additional water loss. (drink at least an equal amount of water)
When travelling on an airplane, it is a good idea to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane.

The winner is.....

2010-06-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'm having issues with Random.org tonight but here it is...

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 15

So congrats to ...

LADYBING!!! aka Tammy!

Ladybing said...

Way to Go!!!!! I love this because some days it speaks to me totally and some days it just provides 'in case' info! I know that sometimes this is your own therapy so I am proud of you for trying to practice what you preach

I will be seeing you soon! You have a book of inspirations coming to you!
Thank you every one for posting your kind comments!!!

love
jenn and shann

Just noticed... (giveaway)

2010-06-02T05:32:00.000-07:00

We just passed our 100th post!

100!!!!!

Pretty sweet!

In honour of that I have a little give away to do! A little hard back book called "Inspirations"

So post a comment here by friday and that evening I will do a draw!!!

jenn and shann

What do you do when your too busy???

2010-05-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

SLOW DOWN... and smell the flowers! ;)

Slow down!!!

Yeah seems obvious, but its true. Do something for 5mins that you love. Slow down. Have a glass of wine on your deck, porch, enjoy the sun, the moonlight! WHATEVER but slow down. Book yourself a massage or some reflexology!!!!

It always amazes me when clients walk in talking about 50miles a min and to see the change in them as the session of reflexology begins. I'm no different. My reflexologist could tell you that (right Kate! lol)

Slow down and smell the flowers!!!

Life is busy, but it is only as busy as you make it. Find those few mins to read something positive, write an email to a friend, have a coffee, tea, glass of wine.

Just do it (as nike would say)

Congrats

2010-05-28T08:14:00.001-07:00

To my blog partner in crime ...Shannon and family. Shannon gave birth to a baby boy. Everyone is home and doing well.

I will let her update with all the fun stats, experience and of course a picture!

Congrats my friend!

jenn

Back to food....

2010-05-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterdays post was rather heavy, so today I thought we'd switch gears and go back to that topic of food. Food that is good for you, slow food!!!!
I think one of the things we lack in most diets is fruits and veggies. Most of us are great at carbs and protein, but not so much on the other two.
Simple breaky.

1/2 cup of yogurt (whatever flavour you want)

then some berries (about a cup to a cup and 1/2 worth)
-raspberries
-strawberries
-blueberries
-blackberries-mandarin orange segments (if I had some left over)
-banana slices
-kiwi
-melon
- what ever fruit you enjoy

- few small pieces of crystallized ginger cut up
- 1/4 cup of granola that you like

Just add your fruit to a bowl and sprinkle with the ginger. Top with the yogurt and granola and enjoy!!!

Letting go...

2010-05-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Inhale ...

exhale...

inhale...

exhale ...

repeat.

Keep repeating.

I mentioned the other day that I had a bit of melt down and my friend help me turn it around. I realized a few things since then.

1) My PMA (positive mental attitude Hill and Stone) was shot. I had been running on NO sleep, poor nutrition since my NYC trip and when this happens, it is easy to loose your PMA.

2) I have to let it go. (again thanks Marissa and Minda for some guidance)

Let go of what you might ask?

Let go of someone ... of the competition with them or always trying to be above them or one up or the same, always trying to be in your face kind of behaviour, you get the picture. Yes not my normal behaviour at all. As I type this it feels good. I have forgiven myself and I am moving forward. I did not even realized I harbor this kind of attitude towards this person.

I have been hurt so many times by their words towards me I think I built this barrier, but in doing so I actually attract their behaviour I detest towards me! Why? Because its the kind I'm putting out. When your wishing someone karma to come get them, it only attracts that to you. Make sense? Maybe not to some, but its clear to me what I have to do.

I am letting go. Letting go of them and changing my attitude. It starts now. I can do this.

After all attitude is everything.

Here's to a new start.

Remember, attitude is everything and that is a life lesson we all need to keep doing, repeating and practicing!

attitude is everything

2010-05-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

We keep saying that on here and we do believe it! AND yesterday during a meltdown moment for me (jenn) I realized it. It took my friend Marrissa to snap me out of it! (thanks girlfriend). Sometimes it is hard to not had down that path of frustration and anger. Things around you are making you upset, lack of sleep and whammo it all adds up.

Crazy, but it is life.

So what happened??? I was mad, very mad. I posted a few choice words on my personal twitter account and my dear friend messaged me right away. We chatted and she was able to help me put things into perspective.

Sometimes that is all we need. I trust her. She is part of my group of a few people that know a lot about me (as in the ups and downs) and I go to her. We've talked about having this close group of friends before. Yesterday I realized how important it is.

So today I'm back with a "yes" attitude (thanks Jeffrey) and I'm looking forward to the long weekend!!!

Ways to achieve simplicity

2010-05-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Below are just "some" ideas to bring simple into your life!!! Not always an easy task, but some of these points listed ARE easy. Try a few, try many! Let us know what you do and how it goes!!!

turn of the tv
read more (and not the newspaper)
be honest
go for a walk
work from home if it is an option
say "no" once in awhile when people ask you to join things
de-clutter your home/car/office
donate
cook at home instead of eating out
follow your passion (it just might lead you to an amazing career)
eat a balanced diet
yoga
dance
walk to work
buy yourself some fresh cut flowers
get a good nights sleep
drink green tea
love more
relax
enjoy the moment

These are just a FEW ideas.

Now its your turn!!!! What do you do to make things simple??

Simplicity

2010-05-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

Simplicity is the ultimate in sophistication.

I bought a mug with that on and on the other side it says "life is good". That is my fav saying!!! I bought the mug because after my weekend in NYC After pondering about that statement of "simplicity is the ultimate in sophistication" I realized it can take on more then the material side of things.

There is no doubt in my mind that a simple life is a good life. Yet do we live simply? No not really. Most of us strive for a balanced life and most days we succeed, but we wouldn't always say it is simplified!We all have responsibilities and obligations, but sometimes we just take on too much. Always saying "yes" every time we are asked to do something or go some where. It doesn't matter if it is just one more sport for your child to play this season (yes I am guilty of that) or saying yes to another council/fun day at your child's school or your church, work, whatever. I would consider myself a juggler of many activities between myself, husband and two children, but in recent years I figured out the key of this "simplicity/balancing act"..... others can live with out my help. It is okay to say no and enjoy a simpler life. We don't have to be involved with everything.

Simplifying can also be done in our every day life. We don't need to buy everything our kids or ourselves want. We don't have to "jonsie" with the neighbours or friend/family. If we can, work from home, certainly can help simplify things! Of course this is not an option for everyone, but if you can do it! Go for it!

What are some ways you can live a simpler life style?

Tomorrow I will back with some other ideas to simplify your life!

Simplicity is the ultimate in sophistication!!!

Life is good....

2010-05-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

But life is busy!!! Sorry for the absence in blogging! I've been busy getting ready to go away (NYC trip) and just got back and Shannon is pretty close to having her baby!!!

I will be back tonight or tomorrow with a blog post!

Till then, chin up and remember.... LIFE IS GOOD!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Just taking a moment to wish all the moms out there a very wonderful and happy Mother's Day!

Especially to my dear blog partner in crime Shannon. She will be a moma to three anytime!!!! :) And to my mother....thanks for teaching me that I can truly do and be anything. I love you for that mom! That attitude got lost for awhile, but its back!!! xo

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

being happy...

2010-05-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Learning to be happy right now where you are can be one of the hardest things. Some people are always looking ahead. Looking back. Looking anywhere but right now in the moment. I always says that it is called the present moment because it is a gift to us! A "present" for us to enjoy!

Are you happy with the "right now" in your life? It isn't always easy to relax and enjoy the moment but it something we can all do. Different ways to help.

1. Gratitude. Find something to be thankful right this second in your life! Focus on it! Those good happy feelings that the gratitude bring make it easier to be in the moment (and happy)

2. Smile. Nothing like a smile that change your in the moment feeling/attitude.

3. Do something for you. Read, shop, exercise. Do something YOU love. Put some music on and dance!!!

4. Spend time with a pet. It has been proven that pets enrich our lives. They make us happy, feel loved.

5. Get outside, even in the rain. It doesn't matter the weather, just go out and enjoy the rain, sun, wind :)

6. Develop your faith. It might seem crazy to some, but when you develop your faith, your happiness increases!

7. Take a bubble bath. Come on how doesn't even reading that make you happy???

8. Keep a journal. Mine is a gratitude journal where every day I write down a few things that I"m grateful for and make me happy!

9. Start a creative hobby. Scrapbooking, sewing, cooking, art. Something that allows you to express your joy and happiness.

10. Just embrace the moment and learn to be happy. Happiness is ultimately a choice.

What is your happiness today?

OPD - is it sucking the life out of you??

2010-04-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

Other People's Drama

So I was reading a weekly E-zine that I subscribe to and this weeks article was about how much time we allow to be taken up by Other People's Drama (OPD). If we were to keep track and if we only spent 1 hour a day on OPD at the end of a year we would have spent a full 3 weeks - 24hrs a day watching, engaged and distracted by OPD.

Now I must admit I almost didn't get my son out the door to school on time today because I was reading the latest on Sandra Bullock. Crazy I know... I love the woman and knew her return to public life would be classy and I have been checking daily to see when that was going to happen.

Imagine almost forgetting to pack lunch for my kid, because I want to find out how someone I have never met is going to handle her public divorce. hmmmmm.

And I consider myself to be a person who has their celebrity watching in check, meaning I don't waste countless hours on the internet or watching TV shows. I tend to check a few websites, read the new articles and click off to more important issues in my life.

Now, let's look at the next level of OPD, people you know... how many people hear about drama in someone's life and each time they visit with someone new. Friend of a friend divorcing, neighbour's sister going into rehab, the business downtown is declaring bankruptcy.

More time...

Next Level of OPD our own family and friends, how often do we get unneccesarily caught up in the drama of our family and friends. In a recent situation in our family I had to take a step back and make a specific offer of support - what I was willing and able to do vs. daily, weekly hour or hours long phone calls rehashing information with no clear solutions being worked on. At this point in my life as much as I want to be supportive I just don't have the time and energy to talk endlessly on the phone and go no where but in cirlcles. I'm all for talking...but you can't be the only person to support someone.

Back to time being spent... the article focused mainly on celebrity watching, which I'm sure I spend at least 30 mins doing, but now if you add in the other 2 levels I talked about, do you see how much of YOUR time is being consumed?

Again, I believe support of family and friends is a responsibility, but take care to guard HOW that support is given and taken. Very rarely does a situation require carte blanche to take over all your time and energy.

The article continued to talk about the things you could be focusing on instead....YOU. If you dedicated 30 mins to an hour a day focussing on something that would be good for you or moving yourself forward, what results would that produce.

if you could spend 3 weeks, 24hours a day working on a business plan or idea or marketing plan, what kind of wonderful, creative and solid plans would come of it?????

hhmmmmm

A big one for alot of people...If you spent 30-60 mins a day walking, what would you feel like, look like and think like at the end of the year.

hmmmmmmm

If you spent 30-60 mins a day sorting, tossing and putting away the clutter in your basement, living room, bedroom. What would your house look like, feel like???

hmmmmmm

If you spent 30-60 mins a day dealing with bills, banking, budgeting, menu planning, grocery lists and investing information. What would your financial situaton look like, feel like.????

hmmmmmmm

If you spent 30-60 mins a day thinking, being, doing and showing your spouse how much you value them and your marriage. What would your marriage look like, feel like.

hmmmmmmm

Lots to think about. What do you think? What could you be spending 30 mins a day doing??

shannon

easy rice and chicken

2010-04-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Back to food!!! This recipe is so simple and I made extra rice use another day too!

Brown rice ( I did up enough for four servings to have lots of extra)

chicken strips - cooked

apple

few almonds

table spoon of shredded cheese ( just enough to taste with the apples)

chopped chives (or green onions)

balsamic vinegar (couple of splashes)

I cooked the rice earlier in the day when I had time so at supper time it was just put together and enjoy. There is no reason you couldn't cook the rice a day or two ahead and store in the fridge!

Cook the chicken. (I used quick strips from our local polutry place, so they have been pre cooked, just had to heat in the microwave)

Cut apple into thin slices

Combine all the ingredients!

(I had mine with cold rice)

Enjoy!

Quick, simple and tastes good!

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

April 22nd is Earth Day!!!

What are you doing today???

Do you have two mins? Pop on over to HeartMath and check out this amazing video! Just click here!

Do something good for yourself and the earth today!

Happy Earth Day friends!jenn and shannsource

slow food part one

2010-04-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

When I say slow food what comes to your mind? Lazy weekend bbq's? Roast beef dinners? The truth is the slow movements are so much more then that. It is about cooking from scratch in a simple way, using real ingredients and sitting around the table!

These days we are so "busy" on the run, no time to spend with family that we seem to eat in the fast lane. Processed foods or fast food that are easy and convenient! We are guilty of that in this house hold as well! I am not saying we are perfect!!! Just the other day we ran out of time so we grabbed a ready made frozen meal.

I always hear oh we don't have time, I don't like to cook, it is cheaper to eat this stuff rather then fresh.

Well might be true, but after studying nutrition and anatomy in my school course (and I've just start the tip of the ice burg so to speak in those courses) I have realized how important it is to have real food. Wholesome food. Part of what makes it healthy for us is the love that is put in it to prepare it for you and your family. (Yes that is my holistic nutrient course speaking there!)

Lets face the facts. We are all busy. Life is choices. You can make the effort to eat a bit better and more times around the table or not bother and cruise through the fast lane and take the consequences that will eventually come with that.

What are they?

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Cholesterol

Diabetes type II

Obesity

Slow Digestive systems (which lead to another entire set of issues)

Those are just a few of the things that our food intake effects.

Jamie Oliver is trying to lead a charge on this in the United States. You can here and check and sign (yes Canucks can now sign) on Jamie's Food Revolution! He is trying to get people to cook simple foods to keep them away from the processed food and fast food!

You can also check out some "Slow food movements" such as:

Toronto

Canada

International

check out those sites. They have some great ideas!

Over the next few days Shann and I will be back with some simple recipes that are fast and easy to make!

Happy Saturday and hope you take the time to cook this weekend!

jenn

Searching...

2010-04-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

While searching for a blog topic I tweeted to a friend and say hey what should we chat about on here? Her tweet back, "do what you like because that makes you happy. When you are happy you are in balance"! Sound advice that umm I'm sure I've heard before! ;) Thanks friend!

So lets talk about happiness! Are you happy right now. Are you loving the moments, living in the moment. Learning to just enjoy?

Really happiness is so easy to find, funny thing is I had a friend tag me on my personal blog of what 10 things are making me happy right now!

10 things that make me happy...

1. my morning coffee
2. the sound of my kids getting along!
3. hockey. Yeah you guys know it!
4. traveling!!! NYC is less then a month a way for me!
5. Scrapbooking
6. reading... I love reading
7. date night
8. flowers (yes I still get friday flowers most weeks... you rock Tim.. love u)
9. my business and school
10. just spending time with Tim and the kids!

When you are happy or able to find a weee bit of happiness your life starts to go back in balance.

What are you happy about? Small things, big things, anything?

Tell us, what is making you happy right now!

Happy Thursday!
j

quote

2010-04-13T09:57:00.001-07:00

Gratitude itself is a form of abundance!

- Jack Canfield

Opinions

2010-04-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

Why do we let other people's opinions of us effect us so much?

I was faced with this question just the other night from some people I barely know. I know them through the great wide web and I tweeted (as in twitter) something on my personal page. I actually uploaded a picture and they had a RUDE comment that they sent and you know I let it get to me. Then one of them went on to attack me via tweeting on his own page that everyone seems to be a "self-hep" guru these days.

It hurt.

Crazy.

1) I know better then to let that get to me

2) I don't know these people in REAL LIFE

3) Why associate with people who obviously do not respect me?

4) They are really energy vampires, sucking me dry... move on.

After talking to a few friends about it I decided to shift my focus and read. It always helps shift my attitude, because it is all attitude!!! BUT it is hard when you feel someone is taking a personal punch at you. Learning to let go, walk away is really what we need to do.

That said yeah I'm still a little bit annoyed, but for the most part I am over it. These things happen, but when it did this time it really made me sit back and think.

Why do we get worked up when people do this? What is the right way to handle it? I decided that walking away, not commenting back and just "un-following them" on the twitter was enough. I do not need people like that in my life. I have fantastic friends both in real life and on the web. Including the readers of this blog!

Happy Monday and remember when someone has an opinion about you that you do not care for, just ignore them because I guarantee they are the minority!

Crunch Time

2010-04-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

WOW! I can't believe how long it has been since I did a blog post. Thanks Jenn for picking ALL the slack around here.

We are getting down to it around here. My Maternity Leave replacement starts on MONDAY! can you believe it!....No me neither. I am very lucky to be able to work 2 full time weeks to train and 2 part time weeks to finish up a project involving moving files and setting up a new system. Then I will hopefully have a moment or two to myself around here to relax before this new family member arrives.

I have been madly washing and preparing baby clothes, baby blankets, baby diapers, baby's dresser, baby carseat, baby, baby, baby. I am so thankful to all my friends who have pitched in to track down gently used baby gear for me. (since I had already given all my stuff away)

I have my hospital bag packed and actually in the car. Possibly too much, but I am prepared.

Everyone is excited, I'm just getting anxious. you know...the whole birth process, it's not like i forgot or anything, but i'm trying to keep perspective.

Well it's a beautiful day and I am hanging laundry on the washline today...I just love the smell of laundry from the line.

Have a great day!
shann

dentist

2010-04-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have this thing about the dentist. I dislike going there in a big way. However, today I decided to go with a different attitude and you know what? It wasn't that bad.

I've had a love/hate relationship with the dentist for years. You name it, I've had it done to my teeth. I remember getting braces in grade 4 and the rest of my friends would get them on and off all through my senior public days and I had them on till the END of grade 8. Then entered the world of retainers, both types, removable and permanent. FINALLY in 2007 I got the last retainer removed. Why? Because I switched to a new dentist! :)

Today when I went in I decided to do some affirmation work on the way in. I kept repeating to myself.

I am calm and this is easy.
I have perfect teeth.

You know what??? It wasn't that bad. She told me I had perfect teeth. Which I giggled at because I really don't floss and I could brush longer then I do!

Repeating to myself that it was okay and I am calm was the best thing I could do! Made the hour fly by and everything was fine.

blog changes

2010-04-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Just switching up the blog!

Affirmations

2010-04-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

Those of you that know me fairly well know that I'm a big fan of affirmations. Some people think they are lame, but I think any time you can concentrate on good/positive especially on yourself it is never a bad thing.

I remember when I first heard of the following affirmation.

I love and approve of myself.

That one is from Louise Hay. She is truly an inspirational woman.

I could say I love, but could not remember the rest of it to save my life. Why? Probably because at the time I really did not approve of myself. It is funny how we spend so much time working on things yet working on ourselves is something we feel guilty about. I know as a Christian, I felt bad, it seem "selfish" to work on saying I love and approve of myself. BUT its not. We need to do these things.

A few other of my fav affirmations are:

I love and approve of myself.

I have plenty of time.

I am calm and safe.

Life is good. Life is good.

I actually have lots of different ones and I give some out to my clients when they need them, my children, my friends, who ever! So what do you do with the affirmation??? You repeat it. You just simply keep saying it. Eventually you will believe it! Strange things happen once we do love ourselves. Don't believe me? Try it.

In front of the mirror I want you to stand there and say "I love and approve of myself" start there. Do it at least 5 times to start. How do you feel? Awkward? Happy? Sad? Thinking about all your faults??? That is pretty typical when you first start. Keep going at it. Every day, add a few more reps. You will be surprised to see what happens!!!

If you like the idea of affirmations check out Louise's site. She posts a daily affirmation here.
My theory is one can never have too much positivity coming at them ;) Another spot to check for affirmations is on twitter. Especially on The Bold Life's page. This is my friend Tess. You can also check out her blog here.

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter weekend!

balancing

2010-03-31T06:52:00.001-07:00

I think I'm finally finding some balance in my new life. By new I mean my newly added school life. I think going back to school is awesome! I recommend it to anyone, but beware that if you do it and still work, your a mom, wife, sports nut, whatever it requires some what of a balancing act!

I have to say that my husband (thanks tim) and kids have been great. I find my oldest child is starting to help more around the house. Now that could just be because he is money task oriented, but I don't care, I'll take it. Everyone has been allowing me my study time. Thanks. :)

"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once."

-Albert Einstein

I wrote that quote out and posted it near my study desk. It is a gentle reminder to me that it is okay that I am taking time at the course or to slow down. Enjoy life.

How are you balancing lately? Are you enjoying life?

dancing in the rain.

2010-03-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

Click over HERE to watch a short movie by the Motivation in a Minute. It is called Dancing in the Rain and it is all about having GRATITUDE. It really echos what we say on here!

Its short, turn up your speakers and relax and enjoy.

Happy Friday friends!

Checking in your Word for 2010

2010-03-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

Way back in January we challenged you to choose a word to represent this year for you. My word for 2010 is success!

Now the second part of that challenge was to constantly remind yourself of your word. Such as scrapbook it, print it on a sticky note and put it by your computer. I found a little metal key with the word "success" engraved on it. It sits near my computer. I also wrote my word on a few sticky notes and placed them around my work space and my study space and I am reading a few books on success.

My current one is by the greats Napoleon Hill and W. Clemment Stone! It is called, 'Success through a Positive Mental Attitude'. You can find it on line here.

Their theory is you either have PMA as in Positive Mental Attitude working for you or NMA which is Negative Mental Attitude. We have both all the time, it just depends which one you choose to use!

It all goes back to the theory that attitude is everything. The same thing we preach here too. I am only on chapter three so far but I'm loving the book. After I'm finished reading I will give a brief over view of it!

What have you been doing to remind yourself of your 2010 word?

Re-energize

2010-03-18T08:09:00.001-07:00

Life has been going at an insane pace the past month. Since I got into school my life has been crazy trying to get back into that habit of studying, working, being a mom that helps at school, drives to hockey and clean a house. Yes I hit a wall.

We decided to go away over night. We got a hotel with a pool and water slide and its been awesome. Well the service here is much to be desired, but I wouldn't let that ruin our mini vacation. The picture above is from the place we stayed. It was at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, but honestly if I didn't have the kids I would never stay here again. HOWEVER they loved this pool and water slide and it was worth dealing with the brutal service for their enjoyment!

We are recharged and ready to go! It was a good mid week break!!!

Fabulous Fridays...

2010-03-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

Today I have decided is a fabulous friday! Why? Why not. I feel more zen like today then I have all week. Maybe because I'm taking care of myself today which translates into a little more balance into my life. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Some things that are fabulous in my life right now....

my job (I really do love it)
my friends
my family
my school (LOVE it)
the fact that field hockey starts in less then a month
its the weekend!

What is fabulous in your life today?

Happy Friday!

Ch-ch-ch-changes....

2010-03-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I have not been blogging lately. Life got unbalanced and out of control again! Hey this blog is about getting back in balance ;) good thing!

I started a new adventure. Back to school. I'm attending the Toronto School of Homeopathic Medicine to become a doctor of Homeopathic medicine! Yes, life is changing for me over the next four years. Yes, I'm nuts. Yes I'm still working as a reflexology practitioner too!

Life just needs to be rebalanced. Getting into the groove of studying again and reading along with working, hockey, volunteering, blogging and everything else! :) It is all good! It will be all good! I'm starting to get into that groove!

I'm really excited about what is to come in my life! For those of you that don't know what homeopathy is I have included a description below from the website from the Society of Homeopathics

About homeopathy:
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which triggers the body’s natural system of healing. Based on their experience of their symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to the patient.

It works on the principle of “like cures like” - that is, a substance that would cause symptoms in a healthy person is used to cure those same symptoms in illness. For example, one remedy which might be used in a person suffering from insomnia is coffea, a remedy made from coffee.
Scientifically it can not yet be explained precisely how homeopathy works, but new theories in quantum physics are going some way towards shedding light on the process. What we do know is that a carefully selected homeopathic remedy acts as a trigger to the body’s healing processes.

Homeopathy has been widely used throughout the world for more than 200 years. In 2000, the House of Lords’ Select Committee on Science & Technology cited homeopathy as one of the five Group One therapies, having “an individual diagnostic approach” along with osteopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine and acupuncture.(1)

Homeopathy can be safely used alongside conventional medicines and will not interfere with the action of medicines prescribed by your doctor. Because homeopathic medicines (often referred to as remedies) are non-toxic, there are no side effects(2) and they are safe even for pregnant women and babies.

What do you believe?

2010-03-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

It's so nice out this weekend, it finally feels like spring is one its way. I know we still have a few more weeks of snow and cold weather but it is a few days like this that keep us going, knowing that spring will come.

Feeling the sun on my face and going for a walk around the neighbourhood let my mind wonder of the possibilities this year brings. Maybe its the hormones, maybe its the course I have been taking "Design the Best 10 Years" of your life. But it has got me to thinking about how I got here and where I am going.

One of the exercises I have done is to think about childhood experiences and what I learned from them. Did I learn I can do anything? Did I learn because I was a girl I was only suitable to do certain things? Did some of my parents beliefs transfer to me? Some of my grandparents beliefs? Have I let those beliefs guide my decisions? Have I let some of those beliefs hold me back? It has been a very interesting process.

By all accounts I had a great childhood, nothing overly traumatic, lots of love, plenty of fun experiences, lots of lessons. But I was still surprised by some of the beliefs that popped up, some of the thoughts and realizations that became crystal clear "just like that".

Some of the beliefs that are probably responsible for decisions I have made and looked back on and said WHY did I take that path, it will not get me to where I want to go? Why is it taking me sooooo long to get to my destination?

When i took the time to really look at some of these memories and what beleifs they represent, it gave me the opportunity as an adult to look at them and decide if I still believe them.

Deciding that I DO NOT believe some of them anymore has really freed up my way of thinking, allowed me to explore more possibilities with an open mind, without limiting myself.

Here is an example I think alot of people can relate to.

One of my childhood memories involved the age old question, What do you want to be when you grow up? I wanted to work on cars just like my Dad. Almost each adult in my life would respond, "That 's not a job for you , you need to find a nice office job. Working on cars is dirty, not for girls"

Where am I now, working in a nice stable office job, never followed my passion of rebuilding and painting cars, sure I still appreciate a rebuilt car, and going to a car show, but my love for cars and working on them has been lost in years and years of a belief that cars are not for me. That I could not be successful or a "good girl" if I chose this path.

Even at 19 when I got an office job at a car shop, many of those same adults would ask me when I was getting out of that dirty shop and getting a real job?

See what I mean? We don't know any better to reject these beliefs when we are younger, but as we get older, having the opportunity to re-examine these beliefs and what place they have in my life or not has been an empowering experience.

What do you believe? about your life about yourself and where did it come from?

Shannon
:)

Support networks...

2010-02-28T14:05:00.001-08:00

Do you have one?

I've been talking to a few friends lately that told me I should write about this. How everyone needs a support network. I don't mean just friends either. I mean a solid group of four to five people you can depend on, talk to, know they won't say a word about ANYTHING you tell them, won't judge you and will give you solid advice.

Gossip spreads fast when you think you're confiding in someone who really truly isn't part of your support network. Trust me I can speak from experience on that one and I have learned my lesson. The hard way.

I'm talking about that small team/friends that you trust everything with. It is the team of people who are truly there for you. My group is five people. My husband being one, my mom and three girlfriends. All of them I can turn to when I feel negative and they don't judge they just help me through it. I can vent to them, again no judgment just help. I completely appreciate having people who support me in every avenue of my life. My work, my studies, my personal life.

I know I can count on this group to help keep my attitude positive and see the big picture, when I'm struggling. I learn from them and I adore them. It is a two way street though. They give and I give back. It is not just me taking. I know that I am part of their support network too! I listen to them, help them just as they do for me!

That said, I know I am in others network of support and I'm fine with that. I love being able to make them feel better and help them.

Think about that group you have around you that does this for you. When you think of them some of the values that should come to mind are acceptance, trust, loyal, open minded, gratitude and giving.

The bottom line is these people ALWAYS make you feel good. Lift your spirits and listen to you and care about your success and happiness.

j

What's for LUNCH?

2010-02-25T09:19:00.001-08:00

I'm hungry.....(no surprise there)

I forgot to pack my lunch (sitting in the fridge...again no surprise there)

Pita
Sub
Hamburger

What would you choose if you were 7 months pregnant???

Tough choices

2010-02-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

It started last Thursday, just a tickle, I went to bed early only to be woken twice by my oldest who was "not feeling too good" after a couple of toilet breaks and some dry heaves on his part, a cold cloth and some fresh air. We tucked ourselves back into bed. In the light of day he was clamy and pale. I was stuffed up and coughing.

Is it possible we are sick again??? I just don't get it. On top of that we had the craziest weekend ever on the go.

I was supposed to be attending a Scrapbooking retreat 2 nights, 3 days of food, friends and crafting. Sleeping and eating whenever I want. I love this weekend since it is in the dead of winter and it is always just what I need to get through till spring. However, I knew this year would be cut short. My Gramma is turning 85 and this weekend was also her birthday. Top that with my in-laws anniversaries 19 for BIL and SIL and 47 ??for my hubby's parents. All very important occassions not to be missed.

Cut to Friday night, I have 2 large tables which I committed for use at this retreat. I had the afternoon off and decided around 2 that I was going to stay home that night but head out to the retreat in morning. Hubby and I dropped of the tables and I headed home for more soup and rest. Saturday morning came and went and I still did not feel great.

Tough choice time. I decided that going would cost me more energy then the benefit I would get from going away for my favorite event of the year. It was very disappointing, but I had to important events that required my presence and something had to give.

Sunday morning I did not feel much better, and sadly had to send my hubby and the girl to the party without me and my son, both of us curled up on the couch with our soup and extra vitamin c, coughing and with a box of kleenex.

I hate making tough choices like that because usually I can medicate and make it through, I am always the one you can count on to be there. However, this pregnancy and the colds and virus' that are going around are spanking my butt.

The boy is always more suseptable as his daily activities require more energy and leave him worn out on a regular basis. He is so good about taking his vitamins, eating well and I mean really well, the kid can't eat anymore vegetables or fruits in a day, he is so good about getting to bed on time and doing his exercises. He should be the healthiest kid ever, but his is also very active which wears him down over the course of the week.

We managed to eek our way off the couch for dinner on Sunday night, only because my in-laws live next door and my MIL made soup especially for us and the soup is MAGICAL , I swear!

The boy and I only stayed for an hour or so and headed back home for hot baths, new pjs and off to bed again.

If you are still with me, the point I need to make is that sometimes as much as these tough choices are hard and totally ruin your expectations, if you are willing to make them, they usually work out for the best.

Happily, the boy woke up with sparkling eyes and a skip in his step and me I'm still a little stuffed up but I definately feel better. Thankfully I had the forsight to take today off as a day of rest, little did I know it would be for a totally different reason.

If you have a story about a tough choice that really worked out for the best, please share!

Have a great day!
shann:)

Sunday quote

2010-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

"The Land of Opportunity is an attitude."

~BJ Gallagher and Warren H. Schmidt

Again and again, what is the common thread to success? ATTITUDE!!!!!

If you have a crappy attitude, it is unlikely you will achieve your success you desire. This quote is so true. With the right attitude anything is possible. You can change your life around with the a good attitude.

How is your attitude today?

What is one thing you are doing right now to change it and/or improve it?

Do you have Gratitude?

2010-02-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

Okay so after the other post I had some interesting emails from a few people that know me well. They were telling me that writing things down that they were grateful for was just not possible because they had NOTHING.

What? actually that is a more WTF??

Your kidding me right?

I emailed them back and the one started a conversation. This is the short of it.

me: You have a roof over your head?

them: Yes but I might loose it because I lost my job.

me: You still have one for now, you can get the job soon.

me: You woke up today. Fresh start.

them: Yes but I hated today

me: You have a loving family

them: yes but their disappointed in me

me: Have you asked them that? Do they say they love you.

them: Yes they do love me. Okay I have one thing.

me: You currently have the ability to apply to jobs, walk there, drive there or surf the internet.

them: Yes

me: The sun is out ;-) (yeah sneaky but heck I'm grateful for sun in the winter)

them: yes

This person then went on to list about 6 more things that was good in their life and before you knew it.... bingo... that person had found GRATITUDE.

You know what. I got an email shortly later saying that their mood had drastically improved and when it did they went only line and found 6 jobs to apply too!!

Seriously, how fantastic is that??? You change your view, change your ATTITUDE and change happens.

Sometimes it is really hard to find gratitude. The easy way is just to be negative and say forget about and the world is out to get me. If you can just find a few simple things, you will be amazed at how fast that snowballs into LOTS of reasons to be thankful!!!

Remember, life is good. It is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it!

jenn

Self doubt talk!

2010-02-15T06:39:00.001-08:00

Ever hear that nagging voice in your head??? You know which one I'm talking about! We all have it, we've all heard it. Some of us listen too it too much! It goes like this...

I can't do that.

I won't be able to.

I'm not smart enough.

I'm not active enough.

I don't have enough money.

I'm not good enough.

Murphy's Law will get me

It's cancer, I know it, its my family.

They don't like me.

I have no courage.

I'm not pretty enough.

I'm doomed

You know that voice? We've all had it. We all get it. You can squish it out. It really is the only way to truly become a positive thinker/believer/doer.
When you hear that voice come into your head. Stop, think and say the opposite!

I will/can do it!

I will be able to...

I am smart.

I am active

I have an ever increasing income

I am good enough.

I create my own luck and I am lucky.

I have a healthy body, soul and mind.

I am happy and have lots of friends.

I am full of love and courage.

I approve of myself.

I am beautiful.

I have a good life.

We bombarded our inner thoughts with so much negative self talk, we don't realize we are doing it. I always thought of myself as happy and positive, but when I stepped back and realized how much negative talk happened in my head, I could not believe it! Every time I caught myself talking negative I moved my bracelet I was wearing to the other wrist. You know the first time I did this I moved it 20 times. YES TWENTY!!! These days I don't wear one. If I catch myself verbalizing a negative thought or saying it in my head, I just stop and say "I approve of myself" and then repeat the negative statement I just said, but with the positive twist.
It seems like a lot of work, but in no time you will have less and less negative thoughts going through your mind.

Replace that negative thought with a positive affirmation!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

Another easy way to replace the self doubt talk is to keep a gratitude journal. It doesn't have to be anything huge, but when your feeling full of self doubt. Write down 20 things your grateful for in your life and don't tell me you don't have 20 things. We all do. Even in our lowest moments we can still find things to be grateful for.

Remember ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!!!!!! We really are what we believe we are.

From the Planning Ahead File.

2010-02-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

As you know I will be on maternity leave from my full time job, beginning in May. In December I decided that I needed a week to decompress after Christmas take stock and do some planning to prepare for my Maternity Leave. Can you believe that when I asked for this week off in January my work asked me if I could tell them how I was planning on using the rest of my vacation time before my Maternity leave. How was I planning on using 5 weeks vacation in less then 5 months????

My reply, good question that's kinda why I am taking the week off in January.

My point being that planning ahead is never wasted time.

I just thought I would share with you a few of the things you may want to consider thinking about and planning ahead for during these cold days of February. I find it really helps me get through this time of year when I can look ahead at the things we want to do and make a plan to have the money available for us to do them!

1. If you have a garden or would like to start one, have a look at the plants you would like to grow and the supplies you will need. I have already purchased my starting trays, soil and seeds, they are tucked away for a snowday or the beginning of March when the kids and I will decide and start planting our seeds for our garden this year.

2. Kids activities for the summer, vacation bible school, summer camp, day camp, summer sports. Yes? No? Cost? Schedule?

3. Summer Vacation - staying home? going away?? where??

4. Special Activities or Festivals

5. Budget - Starting putting $$ away in a separate account or cash in an envelope, so that the $$ is already there when the time comes

6. Work around the house or yard that you want to do this year, prune trees, re-plant flower beds, build a walkway or deck? It really helps to put weekends on the calendar for large projects, this way you have a target for having all the tools, supplies and possibly extra people available to help. (maybe even a BBQ to thank all those who helped)

These are just some of the things that I start to think about and plan for during the month of February.

What do you want to get done this summer??

shann
:)

Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life - Shannon

2010-02-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

Back at the beginning of January, Jenn and I both did a post reflecting on the past 10 years of our life. Jenn also mentioned that we were on board with something going on with @Darrenhardy over at Success Magazine . We are both participating in the Design the Best 10 Years of Your Life course.
I was of course a little behind in getting started due to being sick most of January. However, I signed up, printed off the worksheets and have since gotten started.

The first set of Worksheets are titled Review and you go through the last 10 years and the last year and list things that you are proud of, contributions you have made, etc. This was fairly easy because I had already given this some thought for my New Year's post. Although they do ask you to list 10 victories of the past 10 years and I found 10 difficult I had to sit with it and think about what I considered a victory.

Next we move on to Gratitude which again was fairly easy as I keep a gratitude journal and was able to list things beside the various questions. The one that gave me pause was list 3 times I have experienced LUCK in my life. That is a great question! I loved it.

Next on to Contemplation interesting 24 hours to live and answer a series of questions. End result for me. Hubby and I need to update our WILL!

Next was a tricky exercise that I have done before, Write your own obituary. Morbid I know!. But once I got started it was not as complicated as I thought it would be, it came to me as I started writing, how I hoped to be remembered.

So this is how far I am, at the beginning, next we are moving on to Core Values so I am interested to get started on that.

This series is an investment in time probably a good 30 -60 minutes per set of worksheets, maybe more for some people, but it feels good already to get this information down on paper.

Also by registering for this program (which is FREE) you receive extra messages from Darren Hardy as well as excerpt of interviews or seminars from world famous speakers.

Again you can sign up for this program here. If your at all interested in Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life I strongly recommend you get started now. I don't think this will ever be offered as a FREE course again.

What is the one thing you for sure want to accomplish in the next 10 years?

Shannon:)

quote

2010-02-03T09:49:00.001-08:00

...always forgive your enemies..nothing annoys them so much.

--- Oscar Wilde

So much can be said about that quote. How true is it though? Really, why bother to hold anger, resentment against someone else. They don't care. You are only hurting yourself. Easier said then done sometimes, but it really is the best way. Let it go. Besides when you can let it go and they do notice that (and they will notice) they will be annoyed! ;)

Who are you mad at?
Who do you dislike right now?

Breathe deeply...

Let it all out...

Move on.

Happy Wednesday.

Sweet Day Off

2010-02-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

So as part of my New Year's resolution. I took a week off in January to make some decisions and plan out my time until this new person arrives sometime in May.

I decided that I was going to use my full 4weeks vacation before my maternity leave to give me time to do all those things that need to be done before a baby arrives. I also took off the days that I have doctors appointments so that I didn't have to feel rushed to get back to work or pissed off at my doctor because he was late and that would make me late for work.

So today is one of those days that I am off for the day. I have had most of the morning to myself to catch up on things around the house and on my computer (cleaning out email !!). I have completed the boys scholastic book order (ordering ahead for the spring birthdays), I have been able to do some reasearch on a few courses that I would like to take. AND just for fun I was home and was able to take a call from our insurance agent who let me know that my insurance was actually going down (by $18.00 a year) but I take the reduction at this point.

I was able to touch base with a few friends (which is one of my goals for 2010) to say hello and ask how they are doing.

This afternoon I am off for my pre-registration appointment at the Hospital or as I like to call it the Social Services Interogation. I willingly let my hubby bow out of this appointment as I find it a total waste of time and really really annoying. I understand they are trying to identify people who may require services so they can get them on caseloads before the need is at a crisis point. I just get annoying with the constant questions about my drug use, marital status, and support systems within the community. I still remember our first visit when I was pregnant with our first child. Our appointment was the day before we were getting married (a civil ceremony in our backyard) the social worker asked if we were married, I shot my husband a look that said now is not the time for the truth, and I turned smiled politely and said yes! I'll be damned if I was going to get into a new series of questions over one measly day. To this day my husband likes to bring up the time I lied to the "government". Whatever!

Then I have scheduled a massage for myself which I so desperately need since I feel like my hip joints just want to fall apart on me.

Then I still want to plot some budget numbers down for me and hubby to look at so we can make some decisions about what to do with our mortgage, debt repayment schedule and living expenses while we still have a few more months of full income left and before we do our taxes.

If you had a day off, what are the top three things you would do???

shann
:)

Sunday Preparation

2010-01-31T17:52:00.000-08:00

Last week was a little hectic and boy did I feel it. I was tired every day and every night I fell into bed exhausted.

This week I decided to prepare a little better in hopes that this week won't be quite so taxing.

I made a menu plan and grocery list on Saturday and then went shopping today and spent two hours cooking to prepare tonights meal and two meals for this week and two meals for the freezer.
I made Hamburgers, fries and veggies
I made two sets of meatballs (to go with spagehtti)
I made two Lasagnas

So here is how my week should go:

Mondays - pick up the girl from the farm Family dinner night at the In-laws (god bless nonna)
Tuesday - Day off for appointments - Ham and Mashed Potatoes and veggies
Wednesday - Crazy Activity Night - Spagehtti and Meatballs, Garlic Bread and Spinach salad
Thursday - Frittata with leftovers from above
Friday - Lasagna, Garlic Bread and spinach salad
Saturday - We have a party to go to so we will order Pizza in for the kids and the babysitter

Saturday start planning all over again. whew!

Although I have been doing better at making a list and sticking to it I have been spending over $200.00 a week for the past three weeks. Now this is not too bad considering I have started buying diapers again, wanting to stock up a bit before the baby comes, however for our famly of 4.5 I really feel I should be able to do better.
I had a really small grocery list this week but somehow still managed to spend $222.00.

Goal for next week:
Menu plan
reduce grocery bill (I'm not even going to put a $$ amount to it just less than this week)
Meal Preparation on Sunday again

I'll let you know how I make out.

Shann
:)

Tips from Success Magazine

2010-01-29T17:02:00.000-08:00

Shann and I both enjoy and read Success Magazine! It is a business magazine, but it is chalked full of positive attitude and living articles! One of the latest posts on their blog was the 12 Top Tips for 2009 and I thought I'd share a few!

You can check the full article here.

My favs are .....

8. Live in the moment. In the spring of 1994, Michael J. Fox began to accept Parkinson’s disease and live in and enjoy the moment. “Yesterday’s losses and tomorrow’s trials were no longer the only poles of my existence,” he writes in Lucky Man.

9. Make each day the very best. “There is no dress rehearsal. You can either lay in bed all day and feel sorry for yourself or you can get up every morning at 6 and try to make the best of the day.” —David Foster

11. Trust things will turn in your favor. “You may be going through great difficulties, and you’re tempted to think, I’m never going to get out of this. This is never going to change. I’m never going to win this situation. Stand strong. When negative thoughts come, reject them.” —Joel Osteen

Those are just three I like. Honestly LOVE the entire list. Its a good list to go look at!!! Remember attitude is everything! :) Living in the moment is not always easy to do but it is so essential for enjoying life! Too many people live life always looking forward or back. You need to look at the now and enjoy it! Making each day the best goes hand in hand with enjoying the moments! If you make every day the best day, you can't go wrong! The last one deals with attitude! If you think your doomed... you will be! If you think things will be okay and take the positive road, it likely will be that!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

jenn

Had to giggle today....

2010-01-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

I was going to blog about health, but I had an email that made me laugh out loud, so i've decide to switch gears and talk about it!!! What was it about. Well it was customer service (or lack of) oriented!

A NUMBER of months ago I had emailed my mortgage broker to look into some different options. I stressed that we really wanted to check some things outs and as soon as possible. Well that was September. Actually that was September 23rd and TODAY (as in January 27th) I finally received an email back. Not even a real answer, just a lets get together email. That was my first contact with this person since my initial email.

SERIOUSLY????

I don't think they really wanted our business much!!!

In the words of Shannon EPIC FAIL on customer service.

If I didn't answer one of my customers back until four months later, it would be safe to say that I would not have that person anymore.

I guess that brings to me customer service. If your interested in reading up on it, check out Jeffrey Gitomer! He is a guru on customer service and sales! He's written books and seminars on it! You can check out some of his books here! I've read most of them and never been disappointed.

Maybe I should send my mortgage broker (or shall I say my ex-mortgage broker) a copy of some of these books ;)

Certainly provided me with my eye roll and chuckle for the day. We moved into action and found someone to help us by the beginning of October. She missed out by three months. Big deal?? Maybe not, but to us we know who we will never recommend or use again. Word of mouth can travel fast and make or destroy a business. It is wise words to treat your customers well. They are a BIG part of your business after all.

Gratitude

2010-01-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

Finally, I am feeling a little better. Still stuffed up but not wincing in pain every time I swallow. That's an improvement I am thankful for.

I can't believe that January is almost over, that's just crazy, but I suppose that is what happens when all you can do is lay low and hope the illness goes away soon.

I feel like my body and mind has been on "life support only" for the past 30 days, just doing what I can do to maintain daily necessary functions. Lunches, Laundry, basic cleaning, minimal cooking.

I'm going to give it a few more days of laying low, but then I am itching to get going!

For anyone interested our canine companion is still with us, he is slowing down some days, however there has been no change to the size of his tumor or his personality so we are taking things day by day with him. One day he will sleep a lot and the next day he will jump around the house like a puppy. He can't jump into the car or on the bed anymore and needs help for that. When he gets up from a long nap he weebles and wobbles a little to get his "land legs" again. Having been through this before, I realize these are signs of what is to come. But for now his eyes are still sparkling and his temperment is good so we are greatful for each and every day he is still with us.

I'm starting to get itchy (not in a bad way).

I feel the need to stretch my wings and my creativity this year!
I have to prepare for this new family member.
I have boxes of clothes to sort.
I have a child to move into a new room.
I have supplies like diapers and wipes to buy now while I can afford them vs. after when I am poor and on EI. I use cloth diapers and cloths for wiping when I am at home, but for night time and travel I use disposable. I figure half way is better than nothing at all.
I have almost everything I need as far as Equipment goes a carseat, a bouncy chair, a crib, a highchair. But we are going to need a new stroller as our last one was old to begin with and we got rid of it when the girl was done with it.
I have a batch of birthday cards to make for April, May, June and July because I'm sure the last thing I will want to do in the few weeks before and after the baby is make cards.

A few more days of laying low and healing and then I need to "kick-it" if I am going to be ready for the rest of 2010.

Anyone have any suggestions for baby products that I need to know about. It's been 4 years you know I am kinda out of the loop!

Sunny Day

2010-01-23T11:11:00.001-08:00

It is so nice out today.

I still am fighting a sore throat and headcold. I'm sure being up since 5:45...AM (that's THE MORNING) is not helping the way I feel. But I am determined to get the kids out while the sun is shining, even if I can only stand it for 30 mins, better than nothing. they won't dare get up so early tomorrow if I tire them out today.

Got a good jump on the laundry this morning and perused all the flyers and made a list for the grocery store so I guess I can be thankful for that!

But I really need a nap. Here's hoping Daddy will be home soon and the kids will settle in this afternoon for their Diego movie they rented from the library this week and I can get a little nap in.

Well, off to boil the kettle for some tea and suit up the kids for some play time outside and maybe a few photos.

Have a great day!

shannon:)

Things to be Happy about!

2010-01-21T06:23:00.000-08:00

I received a calendar - 3650 things to be happy about.

Just thought I would share a few with you:

The spirit of reflection
using chopsticks
Scrabble (woo hoo)
deep-dish pizza
A warm cocoon of blankets
A Terrific Hair Day
A warmed up car
Time in the sunshine
Tomato soup in mugs
A spam FREE email day (does that happen anymore?)
Sunlight streaming through the trees
toasted cheese sandwiches (to go with the tomato soup)
bread fresh from the oven (mmmm with butter of course)
A love you can count on
The smell of popcorn
Pumpkin Spice Candles
the smell of baking apples
a deserted island (with a good book)
the courage to make art
baskets of flowers
moleskin notebooks
neatly made beds (in my dreams)
Four Cheese Lasagna

Do you see a slight food theme here?? I just ate 2 hours ago, I don't even feel hungry, but apparently I should think about a snack because my subconscious is already there.

What are you happy about today?

Shannon
:)

There is NO SUCH WORD AS THE WORD CAN'T

2010-01-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

There is NO SUCH WORD AS THE WORD CAN'T.

I can remember my mother firmly telling me this as a child. So many times that I really believed her that the word "can't" did not exist in the English dictionary! It was not until about grade two or three that I realized that the word 'can't' did indeed really truly exist in the English language!

My mother would say, "Jennifer, there is no such word as the word can't there is only the word can". Little did I know she was instilling a belief in me that would help carry me through my life.

That I CAN do anything I that I put my mind too. I am very grateful for all her tirades on it. She never let up on it. I find myself doing it with my children these days as well.

Do you ever catch yourself saying; I can't; you can't; they can't, we can't. It really is a negative word. Why you say? Well think about it. When you say 'I can't' you are giving up, defeated, admitting weakness. My mother taught me that. If I truly could not do something, she'd say try again. Keep trying till you understand it or figure out WHERE to ask for help. Never giving up. The word "can't" allows you to give up. We should all take it out of vocabulary it would do us a world of good.

Thanks Mom for teaching me one of my most valuable lessons in life. That I can do anything. ANYTHING if I put my mind to it. Who knew that my mother was a pioneer in my life for positive thinking. She really was and for that I have a tremendous amount of respect and gratitude for!

Thank you Mom!
Love you!!!

quotes...

2010-01-13T09:43:00.000-08:00

Those of you that read this often and know me, know I love love LOVE quotes. I send out a daily positive quote almost every day. If you would like to be added to that list you can email us at abalancedlifestyle@gmail.com or leave a message in the comments section!

I'll leave you with a few of my favs for this week!

How really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.
~ Earl Nightingale

Each of us makes his own weather, determines the colour of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits.
~Fulton J. Sheen

You change your life by changing your heart.
~ Max Lucado

Man is born to live, not to prepare for life.
~Boris Pasternak

:)
jenn

Lets talk health....

2010-01-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

Okay switching gears on here, lets talk our HEALTH.

My husband and I are registering for a six month (yes o.m.g. you read that right 6 month) challenge on the X-weighted site.

You can head over here to check the challenge and sign up yourself! You do not need to get to one of the gym locations. They are setting it up that you can follow on line too. You have to be able to give in your measurements, weight and do their fitness test.

In six months time we will retake our measurements, weight and re do the fitness test to see if we met our goals.

OY is all I can say on this. However, the fact that he said yes and committed to doing this challenge with me was huge! I know have a partner to keep me honest, cheer me on and I can do the same for him.

If you live me near me and see me cranky over the next month, don't be surprised!!!! Hopefully it won't be that bad, but you never know!

Why are we doing this? We both have some weight to loose. Although I'm sure I have more then him! We want to be good examples to our children. I would like to keep up with my kids! My field hockey season is just around the corner and as much as I enjoyed getting into again last year after a 20 year hitatus, man I sucked a lot of wind! I need to get in shape. We see health issues going on around us all the time, between my clients and our family. Its just time. Then I saw this picture on the net.

Its an xray of a larger person vs a healthy weight person. Yep that was the final straw for me. I have a natural health background. I know my extra weight is bad for me. I know what it is doing to my insides.

So today is day one and honestly I'm not sure how we will do on this challenge. Our goals are different, but hey we are in this together!

Once in a while I will blog on how we are doing! If anyone wants to join the challenge (and I think its open to Canadians only???) you can still register today! Just go here. Let me know if your doing the challenge too!

Wish us luck!
jenn

Writer's Block

2010-01-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

So many ideas swimming around in my head for 2010. Or it could just be that this cold from hell has blocked my brain with mucus so badly that nothing can get through.

What are your blocks? What would you like to hear about?

What topics inspire you?

What goals are you focusing on that you could usesome more information on?

Can't wait to hear from you!
Shann
:)

Happiness challenge

2010-01-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

Its 2010 everyone is pumped up for a new start. Loosing weight, organizing, trying their best, well I thought I'd issue a challenge. A Happiness challenge.

TRUE happiness has no reason.

It's a CHOICE.

Today, find one reason for joy.

Focus on that for the day

We focus on what we want. Life is about choices.... choose happiness!!!

What is your joy for today???

Getting Organized

2010-01-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

Since the holidays, I have put on a few pounds which only seems to have AMPLIFIED my already growing belly. Since I'm 1/2 way now, I suppose I should be more agreeable that "the belly" has popped and I now LOOK pregnant.

A few days ago I took advantage of the boxing week sales and bought some clothes for my preggo butt. Since I gave most of my other stuff away or lent it out. Silly me.

So now I had to clear out the stuff that I didn't want to stretch all out of shape and set up my closet to work for me for the next 10 months or so.

I could kick myself for not taking the BEFORE of my own armoir, but my daughter has the same one as me and it looks pretty much how mine looked so I used hers for the before shot.

I pulled everything out shelf by self and sorted what was a small or a medium (definately not for the next 10 months). Then I sorted out what was a large and decided if I would be heartbroken if it got stretched all to crap . Some of my long sleeved shirts are older and so some of them got to stay because they were on their way to the donation bin anyway and I may as well wear them instead of buying "maternity" shirts at $39 a pop. (don't get me started on THAT hiway robbery). Ususally I scour the consignment stores for Maternity clothes but this time around I find myself a little short on time and I have a maternity store very close to where I work.

Next I tucked all my small and medium clothes into a couple of bags and stored them in the bottom of my hanging side (left) for safe keeping, nothing worse than Medium sized underwear on a x-large pregnant butt. Nothing can withstand that stress!

I also sorted out t-shirts and started a donation box for the items that I will likely never where again due to style, size or color.

Then I started putting everything back in. Regular sized items at the back of the shelf and pregger stuff at the front of the shelf to get used first.

Now my armoir looks like this.

A little more space, all my suits and jackets on the left, notice my running shoes on the bottom shelf right at the front as a reminder to USE them as soon as I feel ready. Also on the bottom shelf are all my plus one or two size clothes that I will fit into right after the baby is born, hopefully I won't have to wear them for too long. Hence the positioning right beside my running shoes!

This took a good 2-3 hours today, but will be well worth it over the next year. It will also save my wardrobe which I just spent mega $$$ on this fall before I found out I was preggers. DANG! Cause if your like me, I always think I can fit into something one more time and I stretch it all to heck. Not good!

2010 is starting out well. I've had a bit of a rest and now it's time to start thinking about dinner tonight and dinner on Sunday for my SIL and DAD's birthday!

mmmmm what will I cook???

Shann

1999 to 2009

2009-12-31T05:43:00.000-08:00

A decade!!!! Another New Years Eve is upon us!! I can remember clearly sitting on my couch in my first home with Tim with Alex (he was a baby) and wondering what my life would be like in 10 years. You know what I though??? I thought O.M.G. I will have a 10 year old. With that I shut down most of my thoughts! I mean come on he was 6months old, hard to imagine him being 10!!! I remember the entire hype about the Y2K bug for the computers and the general fear as we rolled into a new millennium.

Our lives have changed so much in the past decade. I didn't give much thought back then to who I would be, or what my daily life would be like???

In ten years time sooooo much has changed.

we had another child
both kids are crazy into sports (good thing though)
I've switched careers which included going back to school
Tim switched careers
We moved.
I managed to get back into my own sport I love (field hockey)
We had a few trips to the hospital for broken bones
We lost loved ones
We traveled more in the past few years
Our relationships have changed (always for the better)

That is a small list of what has changed over the past 10 years.

Now what?? In 2020 I will have a 20 year old and a 17 year old. Our lives will be at a complete different point. Careers? Relationships? Housing?? I don't know what is in store, but I do know this time I want to think about it so the intention is out there for positivity!!!

Stop for a min and think about it. Where do you want to be in 10 years? Are you on the right path? What do you need to change to achieve that?

Pop over to Success Magazine's blog where editor Darren Hardy will be running a free online course about desinging the best 10 years of your life!!! Shann and I are totally on board to do this!

If you haven't checked in our blog for a few days, don't forget to read the post below as Shannon reflects how her life changed over the past decade!!!

Wishing you a wonderful New Years!!! May 2010 be the best year of your life so far!!!

jenn and shann!

Reflections of a Decade

2009-12-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Jenn had this great idea for a post. Writing about where you were in your life 10 years ago at the turn of the millennium and where you are now. I thought this was a great idea and was so excited to do it. Then as a reflected...we...for me...in a word...WOW!

1999 - I was working in a small -midsized company that had embraced the new computer technology a few years back and was now facing the Y2K scare that was such the hype. I loved my job, I was well respected and at 27 years old felt like the world was my oyster I could go anywhere from here.

The song "Party like is 1999" by Prince was in over play on the radio all week long.

Personally I was struggling in a 7 year old marriage that wasn't "unhappy" per se, but it wasn't going or growing, well, anywhere.

I spent the New Year's Eve of 1999 in a small rural farm with my then husband and our closest and dearest friends out in the middle of a horse field, roasting marshmellows and drinking beer around a fire in our snowsuits. One cooler held the drinks, another held the hot food like meatballs, hot dip, hot chocolate, crab cakes. It was a wonderful, peaceful way to spend new year's eve after all the hype in the media about power outages, the apocolypse and whatnot.

In the days that followed, as I reflected on the new decade, the new millennium something was settling into my heart, into my bones, into my soul.

My dear friend was expecting her second child, my sister was planning her wedding, there were big changes happening at work. At home things were the same, not overly happy, not overly sad, the same as always. There were lots of issues but starting a family was a big one and we did not seem to be moving anywhere on the topic for the past 5 years.

I sat down one day at my kitchen table and made myself a list of what I wanted my life to be like in the next 5-10 years. I wish I still had it to share with you, but I know it included, a husband who is my partner in every sense of the word, a family, opportunities in my work to grow and learn. I wanted to smile more, laugh more, give and feel love more. I just wanted more.

I moved forward with determination, survival instincts. We were on a course for an epic fail, I was busy planning for my sister's wedding and feeling like he was withdrawing and not giving a crap about my family. I will never forget the day I was running around the house trying to pull everything together for a party for my sister when he asked me the question.

"We're going to be okay, aren't we?"

There they were... hanging in the air in our kitchen, the words that had been whispering, haunting, growing silently. He stood at the doorway and I sat on the kitchen table, took a deep breath and responded.

"I don't know?"

That week went from bad to worse as we tried to figure it out. It culminated in a whirl of hurtful words and feelings and me packing up the last 7 years of my life and moving most of it to a storage unit and the necessities to my parents.

I struggled to keep it together. This was a difficult decision. I loved him and I loved being married. But what I settled on... in my heart and soul was that I did not like the person I was, when I was with him.

I knew I was a good person, I knew I was capable of great things, I knew I was capable of giving more love and support than I was. I knew I deserved more love and support and encouragement than I was feeling. None of those things were coming into play in our relationship much less my life and I could no longer accept that.

Something had to change. We both knew it. I was the one who had the fortitude to say, own it, and be it.

It sucked! He moved on fairly quickly and I dated with no intention to develop a relationship. I dated for a distraction but I was focusing on what was next for me. Within 6 months an agreement was in place, he was in a relationship and the birth of a child was expected (ouch!) within the year we were divorced.

At 27 years old I had invested 10 years of my life, I was scared, broken, vulnerable but hanging on by a thread to what I knew was my truth. Again, I sat down and made myself a list of what I was looking for in a man, a partner, a husband. I would share this with you, but I had it framed and gave it to my current husband on our first anniversary. I had this little list tucked away in a journal that sat on my night table, I would review it now and then.

Carrying on I met a guy through relatives, in passing really, we crossed paths several times, but neither of us was ready to pursue a relationship. The more I got to know him, the more items I was able to check off the crazy list I had scribbled in my journal. Eventually we were crossing paths frequently enough that it was time to give it a try.

Flash forward to today as I prepare to bring in 2010. I am happily, ecstatically in love and married to the partner I was seeking. I have a beautiful happy and healthy growing family. I have good and great relationships with my family and friends.

When my teenage nieces asked me "how will I know when I am with the one?" I tell them with confidence that being in a relationship should make you more of who you are already, better, shinier. (that's how I feel, like I shine)

Life is an ever evolving dream, are their things I am still working towards, you bet!

If you would have asked me on that peaceful, dark winter night 10 years ago if I would be married to a wonderful man with 2kids +1 on the way and living the life of Riley. I would have said yes of course! I knew that was where I wanted to be. I just didn't know that it would be such a journey with so much change and growth.

So this year while I sit with my orange juice and sparkling mineral water waiting for the ball to drop, I'm going to plug in my iPod (so I don't wake the kids) and shake my booty to a little Prince and be so thankful that I am where I am today.

I love being me !

Where were you in 1999? and where are you today! Have a look. You've come a long way baby! Give yourself some credit!

Goal Setting

2009-12-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

As 2010 approaches us quickly I thought it would be good to talk about goal setting. What do you really want to accomplish this year? Is it little things, BIG things, or just getting rid of some bad habits??? Everyone has at one point in their lives with the best intentions to keep their New Year’s resolutions. Every year in January millions say they have a resolution that they are going to keep for a year. We ALL do or have done this. Have you noticed how long they last? Most will last a few days, a week, or a month at the tops. Why do they fail? High expectations, too hard or they seem overwhelming.

Ever felt this way?

Rather than setting New Year’s resolutions that we seem to break, just set small goals. Start now too. Do not wait for the “new year” put your plan into action now! Once you have some short term goals in place it will allow you to put long term goals in action too.

Short Term Goals

These are generally goals attainable in a month to three months time.

These are important to me because:

I will accomplish them by:

Long Term Goals

These are generally goals that are attainable in a year or longer

These are important to me because:

I will accomplish them by:

I always find when I put a date to when I want to accomplish the goal it helps me meet my target. The above is an example of what I use. I have business goals and personal goals on separate sheets that allow me be organized and stay on track. I review the short term goals monthly to see if I’m achieving them and if I’m not what I need to do to achieve them. It is motivational to keep me going. I do not get upset when I have not achieved my short term goals I just refocused figure out if they need to be adjusted or how I can meet them. No goal is unattainable. If you set your mind to it you can do it.

In the wise wisdom of Henry Ford “if you think you can or think you cannot, both are right”.

Put your mind to it. Anything is possible!

Merry Christmas from A balanced lifestyle!!!

2009-12-23T05:24:00.000-08:00

We are wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!!!!

Love Jenn and Shann

FOCUS

2009-12-22T14:42:00.001-08:00

Alright People pay attention here. This post is going to be all over the place, and probably a little on the long side, but hopefully I will be able to bring it into perspective and focus at the end.

I have been in the wings lately, Jenn has been so gracious and generous with her time in covering more than her share of work on this blog.

We had the idea growing for this blog for over a year. We talked, we thought, we discussed, we mulled. Then we got in to serious discussing and thinking. Then we said this is ridiculous let's just get going. We were both comfortable with the relative chaos of our lives, yes it was busy but we knew what to expect.

So armed with a basic schedule for posting and an outline of what we wanted this to be, we dove in and registered our names, email addresses, facebook pages and twitter account.

Then the curve balls came, we both had nasty colds and then the flu run through our households, we prepared and lived through thanksgiving and then started preparations for Christmas...well Jenn did anyway. Jenn had to deal with hockey tryouts and then hectic team schedules x2. I was segued by a few more challenges.

In my department of 6 people we had 2 people leave and one leaving in November for a month long vacation which left us severely short-handed. Work has be overwhelming, overbearing and just plain not a fun place to be at the moment, we are working through it the best we can, but the stress fractures in our team are there.

Our physiotherapist made the difficult decision to move back home to Newfoundland at the end of the summer and later in the fall we found out that funding for our Childrens treatment centre was cut severely enough that services and frequency of services would be drastically effected. This meant a huge blow to our rehabilitation schedule and treatment plan after T's surgery last April. This required some serious revamp of our homelife schedule to incorporate more therapy time at home as well as with a private provider.

I was asked to be part of a panel at the treatment centre to work through how to deal with this new funding reality. This has required some of my creativity and brain power to wrap my head around alternative programming and funding.

We discovered that our 13 year old dog has an aggressive tumor growing and that my husband will very soon have to say good-bye to his steadfast companion through a divorce, a period of self discovery, our meeting, dating, marriage, and babies. This will be a huge loss for our family, but I'm afraid devestating to my husband for a period of time. I have had to sign the papers before to have an animal euthanized. I have watched, held and cried at a pets last breath. Unfortunately for my husband this will be his first and there is just nothing I can do to ease this painful experience, it is what it is and we will all live through and survive this pain as a family.

But probably the most underlying and overwhelming part of my existence for the past several months, the biggest draw on my energy and resources was the little surprise I received back in September one day.

I peed on a stick and saw this +

Can you imagine??? I'm sure some of you are praying for this symbol, I'm sure some of you are thinking about this symbol, I'm sure some of you are thanking your lucky stars you have not seen this symbol.

That one little symbol has totally thrown me for a loop these days. Although we had not closed the door on the discussion of adding to our family, I thought we would be persuing adoption or perhaps foster parenting. Not because I thought we couldn't have more kids but I didn't think, no I knew I did not want to be pregnant and give birth again. I wasn't sure my body could take it.

You see I am not one of "those" pregnant people. You know, you might even be one. The type of person who loves being pregnant, feels great, looks great, lives for the miracle of life growing inside her.

No, I am a oh my god when will this be over, my back hurts, my side hurts, i feel like barfing ALL.THE.TIME. the poking, the kicking, the no sleep, the lack of coffee, the tired exhaustion EVER.SINGLE.DAY.

And since we are being honest here. I'm not a big fan of the first six weeks after birth either of the no sleep, boobs the size of a small country, and squishy insides, that you shove into whatever clothes you have that are not maternity because you hate them so much you burnt them the day you got home from the hospital. You'll note most of this is self-centred and so not even measurable against the joy of a brand new human being. But I am being honest and not a good pregnant, post birth person I'm just not.

Don't get me wrong. I love little babies, I love MY little babies and I love THIS little baby. It wanted to be born to this family so badly it had to SNEAK its way in and that is just pur miracle that I have accepted and cherish and am so very thankful for.

But anyone who knows me knows that I have to be prepared for the unexpected or have planned things to every detail. This situation has been the supreme test of my ability to "go with the flow" and it has been a rough ride. This pregnancy just brings so many things into play. Can I continue to work full time? Can I continue to commute to work?? Can I continue to provide the home therpay program that the boy needs??? Can I spend time with and focus on the girl as she enters JK and begins her education???? So many questions. I feel stretched so thin already.

I have to say that my husband was over the moon ecstatic and deliriously happy about this development and that is also my blessing to count.

So to bring things in to perspective and to piggyback on Jenn's recent post about What will be your word for 2010. I hope that this will help explain my choice for 2010.

FOCUS

Focus on the special blessing that has been bestowed upon me
Focus on one thing at a time and do my best with that focus
Focus on myself
Focus on our future
Focus on making a plan the next few years
Focus on how full of love and fun this adventure will be
Focus on the soltions and answers to my many questions
FOCUS on believing that all will reveal itself when the time is right

FOCUS

Stay tuned as A Balanced Lifestyle takes on a whole new meaning for me and I will be able to share with you this process of discovering a new balance, a new way of life. I wish I had a great quote to end with but that is Jenn's department.

I guess I can just end with what I know.

I know that saying good-by to 2009 will be sad and challenging and that 2010 holds many opportnities and excitement and wonder and thoughtful choice and abundance.

Are you ready to kick it in 2010? I am!

Shannon
:)

Stop rushing...

2009-12-21T05:18:00.000-08:00

The simple truth is that rushing has become a habit for many of us and it is not particularly a good habit! It has a negative effect on our mental, spiritual and physical health. When you are rushing the body literally is in panic mode. The physical systems feel as if they are constantly being stressed to meet imaginary deadlines. An occasional shot of adrenaline might be good for you but a continuous stream of it will wear down the body and its immune system. You will tend to get sick more often, feel more fatigued, enervated and listless.

Slow down. Find five minutes to sit and breathe deeply and grab a tennis or golf ball and roll it on the bottom of your feet, especially in the arch. This is where your adrenal reflexes are located.

In the next few days rushing is going to be the state for most people. Take time to stop, slow down and just breathe deeply and know that tomorrow is another day. Otherwise, we see people sick over the holiday season or just after it. Why, because as soon as they do slow down, their immune system catches up to them. Instead they needed to slow down over all before that big day on the 25^th. We make time for what we want in our lives. Make a few minutes to slow down every day this week!!! Life is only 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it!!!

What word are you going to focus on for 2010

2009-12-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

As Christmas draws near (and yes I'm pretty much ready for it) I start to think about my new word for 2010. Every year I pick a word and try to focus on that word through out the year. My first year I started this in 2007 I picked "Believe" then in 2008 I choose "Gratitude" and last year was in 2009 I choose, "Simplify". Why? Hey it would help me focus throughout the year. When I'd feel out of balance I would refocus on my word. I blogged about it every year so people would often ask me how I was doing with my intents on my word. Good way to keep me in check!

BELIEVE - was important to me that year because I was really focusing on getting my business up and running. I started in 2006, but the following year it really took off. I needed to believe in myself and those around me. I still go back to this word even this year. It has so many different meanings to me from believing in God to believing in myself and others... just BELIEVE.

GRATITUDE - I picked this because I realized I had so much to be thankful for in my life. Its filled with really great things/people/feelings. I still use that word. Every day I'm trying to write out at least 30 things I'm grateful for, from the little things to the big things!!!

SIMPLIFY - That is my word for 2009. Why? Because there is so much in my life I just need to simplify from work, house, diet... you name it.

In past years believe and gratitude where great words for me and really helped me focus and balance myself. This past year my word wasn't as strong for me. I will go into that more later, but I still okay with it.

That brings me to this year. 2010 to me feels like it is going to be a fantastic year. I can feel the success, opportunities, love, happiness when I think of the year ahead. I have not picked my new word yet, I'm still working on that one!!!

I have a challenge for you! Pick a word! Write it down somewhere that you will see it often in 2010 and focus on it! Make it part of your life!!! Its not January, you have time to think of this challenge! But if your going to play along leave a comment! Saying that, I'm leaving you with a list of words from Ali Edwards site last year. Pick from there or come up with your own!!

Able
Abundance
Accept
Acceptance
Accomplish
Accountability
Achieve
Act
Action
Actualize
Adapt
Adjust
Adore
Adventure
Affirmative
Allow
Appreciate
Aspire
Attack
Attitude
Authentic
Authenticity
Aware
Baby
Balance
Be
Beautiful
Become
Begin
Beginnings
Belief
Believe
Beloved
Better
Blessed
Bliss
Blossom
Bottom
Bounce
Boundaries
Brave
Breathe
Brevity
Brighten
Calm
Can
Capture
Care
Carpe Diem
Celebrate
Centered
Challenge
Change
Cheerfulness
Cherish
Chill
Choice
Choices
Choose
Clarity
Clean
Commit
Commitment
Communicate
Complete
Confidence
Connect
Conquer
Conscious
Consistency
Content
Continue
Courage
Cozy
Create
Cultivate
Cure
Dance
Dare
Dash (It's All About The Dash)
Declutter
Dedicated
Deeper
Define
Deliberate
Delight
Determination
Determined
Devote
Devotion
Dignity
Diligence
Discipline
Discover
Disentangle
Do
Dolce
Downsize
Dream
Dynamic
Edit
Effort
Elevate
Embark
Embrace
Endeavor
Endless
Endurance
Energy
Enjoy
Enlighten
Enough
Enrich
Enrichment
Enthusiasm
Evolve
Example
Excellence
Execute
Explore
Facilitate
Faith
Family
Fearless
Fierce
Find
Finish
Fitness
Flexibility
Flourish
Flow
Fly
Focus
Follow-Through
Footprints
Forgive
Forward
Fresh
Frugal
Gentle
Gentleness
Give
Go
Good Enough
Goodness
Grace
Grateful
Gratitude
Grow
Growth
Happiness
Happy
Harmony
Heal
Healing
Health
Heart
Hold onto Love
Home
Honor
Hope
Humility
I’m Okay
Idle
Imagine
Imminence
Independence
Initiate
Inner-Strength
Innovate
Inspire
Integrity
Intend
Intention
Intentional
Involve
Journey
Joy
Kindness
Laugh
Learn
Less
Let
Let Go
Life
Light
Lightness
Listen
Live
Love
Loving
Lucky
Marathon
Material
Matter
Maturity
Me
Memory
Mercy
Mettle
Mindful
Miracle
Moderation
Moments
Momentum
More
Motivate
Motivation
Move
Mute
Nascent
Nature
New
No New, Make Do
Non-Reactivity
Notice
Now
Nourish
Nurture
Observe
Open
Opportunity
Optimistic
Optimism
Order
Organize
Organized
Others
Overcome
Pace
Passion
Patience
Pause
Peace
Perseverance
Persevere
Perspective
Plan
Play
Positive
Positivity
Possibility
Potential
Pray
Prayer
Precious
Prepare
Presence
Present
Preserve
Prevail
Print
Prioritize
Progress
Promise
Prosperity
Pumped
Pure
Purge
Purpose
Purposeful
Pursue
Push
Quiet
Reach
Read
Ready
Realize
Reconnect
Reduce
Reflect
Regenerate
Reinvent
Rejoice
Relationships
Relax
Release
Remain
Renaissance
Renew
Resilience
Resolve
Respect
Restore
Results
Revitalize
Revive
Rhythm
Rise
Roll
Run
Save
Savor
Search
Seasons
Seek
Seize
Self
Self-Assured
Self-Discipline
Sensitive
Serendipity
Serene
Serenity
Seriously
Serve
Shalom
Share
Shine
Simple
Simplicity
Simplify
Smile
Soft
Sparkle
Start
Stay
Steadfast
Step
Still
Stillness
Strength
Strive
Structure
Success
Surprise
Surrender
Surround
Sustain
Sweeten
Tackle
Ten
Tenacity
Tenderness
Thankful
This is my year.
Threshold
Thrive
Time
Today
Together
Tolerance
Transformation
Treasure
True
Trust
Truthful
Try
Turn
Uncomplicated
Understanding
Unite
Unload
Unplug
Unwritten
Valor
Value
Vision
Vitality
Voice
Wait
Walk
Warmth
Welcome
Why
Wisdom
Worth
Yes
Zeal

My Holiday Stress and Cheers

2009-12-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

This is shaping up to be some kind of holiday here at the homestead.

I was pretty proud of myself this year. I have my kids totally looked after for Christmas and most of my other gifts. My shopping list for the week before Christmas is made so I know what I have to pick up so we can eat for two weeks without having to go out for anything. I still have a few gifts to pick up for the neices and nephews but I'm not stressed about it. I have 6 lunch hours left to pick everything up.

My hubby was a HUGE help this year as we split up the list and he picked up a bunch of things to make my life easier.

We have been able to do all this on budget and for cash, no credit cards this year! AMAZING!

But we all know there are checks and balances in the universe and the piper needs to be paid, usually NOW not later.

We discovered and had confirmed that our 13 year old boxer has a cancerous tumor and it is growing rapidly. We will likely get through Christmas but will have to say good bye to our steady companion shortly after Christmas. He has had a wonderful life and has been an excellent family pet and a beautiful spirit. He will be missed dearly. This will be an adjustment for our kids 6 and 3, but also for us adults.

On the day of the vet visit to have this sad news confirmed the check engine light came on in my car. Since I commute more than a few miles back and forth to work I thought it was best to have it checked out. $300 and a bit, later... then while my car is in the shop, I get a call from my hubby who is out trying to finish up some Christmas shopping for me. His Truck has died, it will not start.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Who knows what that will cost but needless to say the credit card will be coming out.

However today was the Primary Christmas concert at my sons school, a wonderful magical event that warms your heart.

We are always so proud of our son and this year was no different. It is the things like that will be remembered about this Christmas.

I can't wait to see the kids faces light up with each gift that their grandparents, aunts and uncles have decided to spoil them with.

Our children will be cleaning out their toy room this weekend to donate toys they don't play with for others who may not be getting any toys this year.

We generally only have one gift for our kids "from Santa" and one small gift from mom and dad plus their stockings filled with neccesities, ie, socks, underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.

This has been a tough tough year for many people in our community, so far we have had a few knocks but we will be okay.

I continue to believe that we have the tools to deal with whatever is given to us. We just have to believe it is possible to deal with it.

That is the key, Believe!

shann

:)

Holiday stresses???

2009-12-15T11:15:00.001-08:00

Yeah come on, you feel it?? Don't you?

I know both Shannon and I are feeling it! The running around of normal kid events such as scouting, swimming, hockey, hockey and oh more hockey. Then you can add in festive parties, church events, friend get togethers, extended family outings and its a recipe for over load. Oh and lets not forget to add that rush to the mall because you need to buy more. Then there is the search for the perfect gift, oh and fitting in some holiday baking somewhere in your chaotic schedule too!!!

Sound familiar?

I know its that way in this household lately.

What can we do to have less stress and more balance.

1. slow down. You don't have to say "yes" to every event. I know its hard, but sometimes its just impossible.

2. everything in moderation. You don't have to over do the food or alcohol. Although we all want to at certain events (especially if we have energy vampires there) but really everything in moderation. Including food. Don't go and not enjoy, but don't over do it. You'll thank yourself later!

3. forget perfection. It is not the time of year to worry about every last little detail if your entertaining. Just go with the flow. Remember people aren't there to visit your house, they are there to visit YOU.

4. remain positive. If you have to deal with family/friends that you know are going to upset you, don't go thinking this is going to be horrible. It will be whatever you think it to be. The key to dealing with that kind of issues is having a positive attitude.

5. take time. Make sure you take time this holiday season to enjoy something you like doing. Relax, go for a walk, go shopping (only if it doesn't stress you lol) but do something for you! Massage, reflexology, hair/nail appointment. Something fun that you will enjoy!!!

6. keep the meaning. What does Christmastime mean to you? Keep that spirit of Christmas alive! To me its the magic of Christmas, the joy, and the birth of Jesus. This is what we keep alive in our house. Whatever the meaning is for you, keep it!

7. keep it simple. Commercialism has taken over a lot of Christmas, but it doesn't have too. You don't have to spend till your broke! Remember that sometimes the best Christmastime memories are events/people not the gifts!

8. ENJOY. Remember to live in the moment, stop worrying about tomorrow. Just enjoy the season and all its magic.

Smile ....and have a wonderful few weeks leading up to Christmas!

New look coming...

2009-12-14T17:35:00.000-08:00

We had Holly Lesson do up a new look for us! Thanks Holly! You will see some changes to the blog again in the next week! If your a member of facebook we now have a page on there too! Just follow the link here or go to your facebook and type in the search area "a balanced lifestyle" and our fan page will come up!!!

We are also on twitter! On there we are called Ourbalancedlife you can find it here!!! Be sure to join up and follow us if your on facebook and twitter. We'll be running some fun draws and of course we'll have lots of info!

Below is a peak of our new look!!! We're pretty excited! We are about balance... everything we do as parents, friends, moms, sisters, workers ... it all involves balance!!!

Its been a week.

2009-12-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

I think I spent most of the week grumpy. No matter what I was doing I couldn't pull myself out of that funk. That and it felt like national stupid week happening around me. Every time I turned around I literally thought "what the heck". The snow storm came, that meant my work schedule gets changed, which isn't any of my clients fault, but adds to my grumpiness.

How did I get out of it. Lots of reading on positive thinking and some treadmill running, a few glasses of wine, ;) sleep and trying to focus on the big picture. Easier said then done.

Did it work... yes it did, but it took me all week!

Again its all in the attitude! Although its not always easy to get the attitude right!!!

I've had a great day today and to cap it off, my oldest son just got his first shut out (he's a goalie) of the season!! Nice way to cap off a crappy week!

Something cool happened to me last weekend though. I found out that one of my tweets (my personal twitter account is jennmet) made it into Success Magazine! If you haven't heard of this magazine you really should check it out! Click here!! Both Shannon and I love, love, love this magazine! So it was awesome to see my tweet in print! 140characters but it was my words right there! How cool eh?

Sorry we haven't been posting this week, but gearing into the Christmas season we've both been crazy busy! We'll do better ... promise ;)

Some cool things to come in the next few weeks!

Hope you are having a great weekend!!!

jenn

A great man....

2009-12-08T04:56:00.000-08:00

A few days ago a great man passed. Jim Rohn. Now I know most of you might be who was he? He was one of the godfathers of positive thinking, the master of self improvement. His life touched many and will continue to do so.
God speed Jim.
You will be missed.

Jim has so many great quotes!! (you know I love quotes) I decided to share a few of my favs here!

Success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.

You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.

Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.

You don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.

--Jim Rohn

Why oh Why?

2009-12-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

This is a fun little thing I like to do when bizarre things cross my path all in one day.

Why oh Why... do I have to run into an old boss at Chapters?
Why oh Why... did he have to leave the company on less then stellar terms?
Why oh Why...does he find it necessary to actually talk to me?
Why oh Why... is the last piece of "news" I heard about him bad and so I have nothing good to say?
Why oh Why... is this 10 minute conversation so brutal
Why oh Why... am I wearing a sweater and a long winter coat?
Why oh Why...do I have to SWEAT so much!
Why oh Why... is my deodorant not working?
Why oh Why... can't I find the book I want?
Why oh Why... is the "PRECIOUS" line soooooooo long and slooooow
Why oh Why... do I not have magical powers?
Thank you Jesus...The sound track for GLEE is on sale at the checkout IMPULSE BUY!

Why oh Why... does the chick at the drive-thru sound like she is on crystal meth?
Why oh Why...does Wendy's drive thru think I can drink my Coke without a straw?
Why oh Why...does Wendy's drive thru think I want my salad upside down and spilt open in the bag?
Why oh Why...does Wendy's drive thru think I can eat my salad without croutons?

Thank you Jesus...Sound track from GLEE is most awesome highlight of my day playing in my car!

Why oh Why...does my wonderful husband call me to tell me he feels like crap and does not want to go to my company Christmas party?

Thank you Jesus...he suggests movie rental and popcorn for me and neo citran for him. I think that makes up for my day don't you?

It was the worst of times and the best of times.

Just the downs and ups of my day! What were the downs and ups of your day?
Shannon

:)

Some natural things to do for cold/flu..

2009-11-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

With cold and flu season underway I have had lots of questions on what you can do to naturally fight of these things. I am a registered reflexology practitioner, not a naturopath or homeopathic, so please note these are my personal opinions and not the gospel. You can always check in with your local Homeopathic or Naturopath doctor. Minda Ahaju, ND is a fantastic Naturopath in West Mountrose and the one I go see! You can find a link to her information here.

So, first off the basics is lots of rest (sleep is key), plenty of water, exercise and take a good multivitamin! In this busy season make sure you keep going to your regular massages, reflexology, chiropractic or whatever alternative things you do! It is so easy in this busy season to just drop them and not do anything. Its your health, so take care of yourself! Some of the other things you can do is take extra Vitamin D and C to aid in preventing colds and flues. There has been lots of studies recently showing that vitamin D is aiding in preventing some flues. Vitamin D is also great to take in the winter due to the lack of sunshine we get.

If you feel a virus or cold coming on you can take a drop from Echinamide called Anti-cold or Anti-virus. There is a wild cherry flavour for kids too! Boiron makes Oscillococcinum which can be taken if you feel flu symptoms coming on and of course lots of people use Cold f/x too. Oil of Oregano is another great thing for sore throats and colds. This is sold in liquid form and is very strong. Just a drop or two is needed. I use it with a bowl of hot water and create a steam bath to inhale. Just add one or two drops and put a towel over your head tent it over the bowl. Close your eyes because it will sting if you have them open. Just sit there for 10 or 15mins and breathe it in deep!

These are just some tips that can guide you through some natural ideas! Contact a Naturopath or Homeopathic to find out more.

Remember flues/colds attack us when we are worn out and just plain tired. Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and water and eat well! It really does help!

Stay healthy this season!

saturday quote

2009-11-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.

Francesca Reigler

Same amount of work and less energy spent on happiness then being mad, sad or holding a grudge. This is advice that I particularly need to heed today. That said today's quote is as much for you as for me! My reminder to let go of anger today. Move forward. Choose to be happy. If not for me .... for my family, especially my kids. They react and feed off how I behave. Important to remember that. What I make a big deal of they do. What I blow off they do. They see me happy... they are happy. Funny how kids mimic us eh?

I'm sitting here typing as the kids are laughing their heads off watching cartoons. Life is good. These are the moments I love!

Life is good!!!!

My experience with Yoga.

2009-11-24T18:09:00.000-08:00

I remember my first yoga experience. I'm pretty sure it was about 10 years ago. It was in the basement of a local church

. I completely remember feeling terrified as I had NO clue what I was getting into. I must admit that I did not fully enjoy my first term of yoga. My instructor was amazing, but I was impatient. I didn’t want to be slow learning the moves and what helps with what. I just wanted to do it DARN IT! Although I didn’t learn as much as I should have from that first session, the breathing techniques certainly helped with the birth of my second son.

A few years later after taking a year of reflexology I had a new appreciation for a lot of things. One of them was the breathing in yoga and the slow pace of learning moves properly. I went back and tried it again with the same instructor. This time was a different experience all together. I was patient. I learned. I stretched and breathed. I learned what moves helped with digestion and what aided sore backs. I loved every moment of it. What was different this time?

My ATTITUDE and I had GRATITUDE.

Again, attitude is everything. EVERYTHING. I shifted my attitude and slowed down and took the time to hear my instructor and her here words of wisdom. I did not brush her off this time. I listened, absorbed, and enjoyed the moments. When you learn to slow down and appreciate things change.

This lesson taught me a few things.

1. To slow down and enjoy the moment. Stop rushing.

2. Listen to those who are wise in their profession. We are always students.

3. Gratitude. Be thankful for the teachers and slowing down.

I think of her and the lessons she taught me every time I do yoga. Thank you Shanta, you truly do not know how you changed my life!

MIA, thankfulness and prayer

2009-11-22T05:47:00.000-08:00

Wow I have been missing in action for awhile, and I need to thank Jenn for picking up the slack, she has been super busy and still managed to throw some valuable information our way. thank you Jenn for talking about the value of menu planning, gratitude and dealing with less then ideal people situations.

I have been sick my kids have been sick and now my hubby is fighting off the illness. The kids seem to have kicked it, but I still have a nagging cough, you know the kind, the tickle your throat dry hacking cough that gives you a headache and every once in awhile takes away your breath and makes you almost throw up. Yes. That kind of cough. I am on some puffers that are helping deal with the cough but it has still not gone away. My doctor assures me this is just the way it is. Everyone is having a hard time bouncing back.

Our house is still a disaster, we are digging out from under the piles of laundry that I am just to exhausted to deal with after work. Work which has been difficult because we are experiencing such a stressful time right now and it likely won't get any better until well into the new year. Work that just doesn't seem to go away so the longer I am off sick the more work I have to come back to. Work where everyone is under stress to preform above and beyond. Yes its fun.

Plus trying to get my act together so that I can plan and excute some kind of Christmas this year, since a couple of people I know so "gently" remind me EVERYDAY on their facebook updates HOW MANY DAYS THERE ARE LEFT UNTIL CHRISTMAS! No pressure!

However I do try to stop at some point in the day and say a quick thank you for all I do have and to say a quick prayer for those having a harder time then me.

I am sick, but I am not hospitalized and neither were my children - thank you
I pray for those that are at a loved ones bedside as they watch and wait
I am thankful that I am working and will be able to provide food and a special gift for my family
I pray for those who have been laid off or lost their jobs and don't know what they will do this holiday season
I am thankful that I have friends and family that have been there to support and help me through this
I pray for people who feel alone or who are alone, I pray they will find someone to count on

We are so thankful that we have no "obligations" this weekend, we have been able to relax, recouperate and have alot of family time this weekend and it has been good for us.

Here's hoping that you will be able to take some time this Sunday to be thankful and say a prayer or make a thoughtful gesture to someone in need.

Some tips for keeping this illness at bay.

Hand Washing
drinking warm liquids everyday
gargling with salt water
take a q-tip and dip it in the salt water and gently swab your nostrils

All these tips will help kill bacteria.

If you can, get vaccinated.

Take care all!
Shann

Energy Vampires...

2009-11-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

You know what I'm talking about. The people the SUCK the life right out of you. They drain your positive energy and leave you feeling like CRAP. Yep we all have them in our life.

How they drain you?

they complain not stop about everything around them
make mountains out of molehills
complain about their job, their spouse, their kids or anyone else
don't take no for an answer
they nag at you till you feel yourself becoming as negative as them
oh and remember its never their fault. No ownership in problems. Pass the buck and pass the blame
they are never happy with the weather, the time of day, the season, the day of the week, you, what your wearing ect. ;)
any suggestion of positivity and they just get mad
some lie
gossip non stop
drama queen (or king what the heck equal opportunities)
everyone is out to get them...always

Now I'm sure many of us could add to that last too. Not every energy vampire in your life does all the above, but I'm willing to bets a chunk of them are there.

They need our positive energy, but in the meantime they literally suck us dry. We end up feeling miserable or tired, run down and worse yet, negative!!! I know for myself that after dealing with a few of these people (or even one depending on the day) I just feel exhausted. All I want to do is curl up on the coach and have the world leave me alone. Sad isn't it?

We've all been there. We will more than likely be there again.

What can you do?

Avoid them. Sometimes easier said then done. If you are able to cut them loose, do so. Why spend time with people that make you feel horrible. But in many cases, we are not able do that, so we have to deal with them. How?

limit your time and interaction with them
tell them it is a pleasant day and I'm sorry you feel that way and walk away
have a buffer, someone else with you so you don't get the full hit
avoid as much as you can
pump yourself up in a positive way before you interact
smile .... it normally gets them every time.
schedule some me time to rejuvenate after dealing with them if you have to
do not give away your positive energy, tell them to stop and say something positive right this second ;)
ask them if what they are complaining about is a real problem or just a gripe!
do not accept responsibility for their feelings

The bottom line is we have to deal with these kind of people and as we said in the past.... ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING. How you react to them is key.

Feel free to add to those lists in the comment section.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday and has no Energy Vampires in their life today!

Gratitude...

2009-11-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday evening as I type this. I just finished writing in my gratitude journal and I thought maybe I should share a few things on here! I really do try to write out a few times a week a list of what I'm grateful for! It helps make me happy, loved and appreicate life just a wee bit more! ;)

1. my wonderful husband
2. my kids (and yes even the ways they are changing)
3. my trip to NYC this spring
4. CHRISTMAS is less then 40days away
5. my new treadmill (yes I'm even using it!!!) lol
6. watching the boys play hockey :)
7. Gingerbread lattes from starbucks (little piece of heaven)

Whats on your list???
jenn

Fabulous Friday....

2009-11-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

“Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and griefs which we endure help us in our marching onward.”

—Henry Ford

Love this quote! Life is experiences. The good the bad, the ugly. All of it. How we react to that experience is what matters. Builds character. Again good, bad and ugly, its all there. Life is attitude and how we view it and react to it!

Today hasn't been a balanced day for me, I cannot say it was really a fabulous friday. To tell you the truth it was far from it. I know Shannon is going through some similar experiences too! Hey at least we fall off the balance wagon at the same time! But life handed me a few things and I'm getting back on track. I have some amazing friends that help do that and I got the best email from my aunt today! A link about a new treatment for MS!!!! Very cool! You can check it out here. All in all today is ending well.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Freedom....

2009-11-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

Today we remember those who have given their lives years ago and now so that we may live in freedom. Lest we forget.

I don't ever complain about anything now. Not the weather - I'm just glad we've got some. Not traffic, or too many people in line at the post office. Every morning when I wake up, I count my blessings that I'm healthy and that I was born and lived in this great country where we can make our dreams come true.

-Alan Bean, Astronaut on Apollo 12

My youngest son was excited today. For the first time in a long time our school had a full Remembrance Day Service. Normally they do something small, but today they were all asked to dress up and take part in this service. I asked him this morning why this was so special to him. His answer floored me and made realize how much children REALLY do listen to you. He said because when Papa and I (mom) talk about Great Grandpa we always talk about how he was in the war and because I've(mom) talked about my friends that are currently serving overseas in the war. Now I don't talk about this a lot, so you know it is something that he took hold of and listened too. He said he was proud to dress up to think about Great Grandpa Rhodes. Floored me. Just floored me. I had never met my Grandpa Rhodes and this out of a mouth of a 7 year old.

So today if you haven't already and even if you have. Pause, reflect and remember that there are those who gave their lives so we can have freedom. There are those who are still giving their lives, time and sacrifice so we can be free.

Thank you just does not seem like enough, but from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you.

Menu Planning...

2009-11-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

Why is this process always so daunting ?? Maybe because I have picky eaters? Maybe some days I'm just too lazy to plan?? Ohhh its the shop that goes with it! ??? I do actually LOVE grocery stores.

Weird, yes I know, but I do. When ever we travel its one of the first things I do, is go to a grocery store to check out whats different from fresh food to processed food! Its my thing. Ask my dh. He laughs a lot but he just knows I gotta go check it out!!!!

Back to menu planning. I normally will plan on sunday for the week. Guess tomorrow is the day for me. I need to sit down and look at who is at what rink when and who is eating supper that night at home, on the road. I also factor in my client schedule. I tend to work a few nights a week as well. The slow cooker is my friend. As is McDonalds or Pizza some nights, but I really try hard to not eat out for suppers.

I'm back on track this week with more planning. This was in my list of goals to achieve some sense of balance. ;)

Good sites to check out:

Menu Planning 4 moms (but you have to subscribe)
The Pioneer Woman (has lots of great ideas here)
Eat Right Ontario (its free)
Menu planning for two weeks (has printable charts too)
Hillbilly House Wife (sounds crazy, but great ideas and easy...really good site, free)
Organized Home (easy and free too, printable shopping list too)

There is a good start if you never menu planned before with out over whelming you. The bottom line is to just start. I've listed some pointers below to help you.

Involve All Family Members in Menu Planning. Give each person the chance to talk about their food likes and dislikes, favourite recipes, and what they’d like to see on the family menu. Give family members tasks such as helping out with shopping for food, unpacking groceries, setting the table, or cooking.

Set Aside Some Time. Spend half an hour each week in menu planning. Pick a quiet time so that you can focus.

Get It In Writing. Brainstorm a list of meal ideas. Write down your ideas to help you remember them. Putting your menus in writing means that you can use them again in the future.

Start with the Main Attraction. First, decide on the main course for each meal over the coming week. Think about food your family enjoys, your budget, the time you have to prepare the food, and nutrition.

Mix It up. Try to introduce one new main course each week, so that your family gets to experience new tastes. Adding new main courses also makes it more likely that your family members will get all the nutrients they need.

Use Leftovers. Look for chances to use the leftovers from one meal at another meal later in the week.

Super Sides. Once you’ve come up with a main course for each meal, add on side dishes (e.g., vegetables, fruit and whole-grain side dishes such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta).

Mix It up. As with the main courses, look for chances to sneak in new healthy food choices.

Please share any tips you have on menu planning :)
Happy planning....
j

Paints, the flu and Chaos

2009-11-05T05:26:00.000-08:00

We/Me are still out of balance. Well we have IT. I don't know if it is actually H1N1 (swine flu) but it is something let me tell you. The girl started with it on Friday and me and the boy followed on Saturday. We experienced 2-3 days of fevers and now we are in the 2-3 days of coughing and stuffy or runny noses.

Oh yeah and the best part! We are all REALLY crabby and irritable. And my house is in total CHAOS! I have been doing atleast two loads of laundry but they are still producing more. We have gone through pretty much 1-2 boxes of kleenex a day. My hubby is freaking. There are toys strewn about because the kids are too weak to clean them up and I am too weak to make them. We have been running the dishwasher ever day As I have been trying to use new cups and utensils for each meal and sterilizing everything each day. (vs just had washing them)

I have washed all the extra blankets that we have in the tv room. I have disinfected the doors, railings, surfaces, plastic toys, my house reaks like vinegar.

There have only been two days so far where the kids even feel like doing anything and we did a couple of crafts.

Paints: my kids LOVE to paint! finger paint, sponge paint, paint with brushes - they just LOVE it. I knew that our paint supply was getting low and had started storing the container upside down to get the last bits of paints out of the bottles. This week of illness has drawn us dangerously close to (shhhh) running out! ahhh! there I said it. I believe I have some water color kits kicking around but I have to go looking for them. This could get serious.

I'm hoping that my heathly supply of glitter glue and fluffy pom poms will be enough to keep them entertained. I may have to crack out some of my stamping supplies nothing like a new idea to keep them busy for a few hours.

Yesterday was the first day I did not enforce mandatory nap time in the afternoon and that my friends was NOT a good idea! By 6pm the girl was in full meltdown mode and could not take two steps with our throwing, yelling kicking or crying. So up to bed she went and was fast asleep before 7pm. Poor sweetpea.

So we followed with the boy shortly after at 7:30 cause he usually need the extra sleep when he's sick anyway. Because of the cerebral palsy he has to work so hard to walk and balance and when he's sick it wears him out even faster.

Worse part is I followed and was asleep before 9pm. So tired.

Everyone had a good night sleep except for me because I was up in the middle of the night with a totally stuffed up nose and checking on everyone.

The kids started coughing about 5AM and we started our day shortly after. Needless to say today there WILL BE Mandatory Nap time after an early lunch.

The plan for today is:

lots of fluids
a few extra pieces of fruit
changing pillow cases again
another box of kleenex
Mandatory Nap
Probably a full on bath and washing of the hair for the kids
more disinfecting of toys, surfaces, etc.

I am very thankful that we have escaped anything worse, yes we have been uncomfortable and tired and VERY irritable but other then the incessant coughing the kids and I have not experienced very much pain. So I am very grateful for that.

Be well my friends, take care to wash your hands and not touch your face. And for pete's sake if you have a fever of cough. STAY HOME.

CAUSE I AM TOTALLY TICKED WITH THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT THEIR SICK LITTLE GIRL TO MY SON"S BEAVER MEETING LAST WEEK THAT MY DAUGHTER PLAYED WITH!

to your health -- shann

back on track....

2009-11-03T19:28:00.001-08:00

Today I feel like I'm finally getting back on track to living a balanced life again! I'm organized, I'm taking time for myself (had a massage today... was wonderful!!!) and I'm eating well, relaxed, just in a good spot. How did I do this??? Well just some minor changes in my life and the fact that my dh is away on business, so it forces me to get my act together!!!

menu planned
groceries are in the house!
eating healthier
cleaned up the house
organized school papers
had my mom come over and help (yep sometimes we all need help)
made sure I got 20mins on the treadmill this morning
taken time for myself (massage)
getting up a few mins earlier tomorrow to start my day
off to read for 20mins

Even when we make small changes it enables us to get our life back on track. My list isn't anything fabulous or out of the ordinary, but its all things that allow me to feel that sense of balance back into my life. That is what matters.

The little things really do add up, so I encourage you to change a few little things this week if your feeling out of balanced and see what happens. Does it make it difference? I'm betting it does!!!

light and love!
j

De-railed....

2009-11-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

Well I must admit that Shannon was not the only one derailed recently. My life has been out of balanced for the past few weeks as well. What happened? In my case it was my children getting the flu. I work from home and when they are sick, it puts a HUGE stress on my work and routine, on top of being worried about them!! Since I work for myself I must cancel the clients or work around things. This puts everything out of sorts, including me. Its funny how Shannon and I lead two very different lives yet the same things can happen. We all tend to get out of balanced.

My out of balanced life:

Menu planning.... who menu plans when no one but yourself is eating?
Work schedule .... gone
Hockey... one kid going one day, then the next one gets sick, then the other goes back = just messed up
House... one word " MESSED "
Activity level for mom... gone. Unless you want to count running to doctors, drugstore, naturalpath, ect.
School... running to and from one kid while healthy, homework for the next, then switch up
Homework ... haha just realized oldest has a science test tomorrow. Never told me. Never checked his planner because I got out of that habit too. YIKES.
Kids routines ... gone. You know like bathes?? whats that? lol
Social life (as in mine or time with my husband) ... gone
Blogging ... gone too
Communication with friends... gone. For example notice that both Shannon and I blogged the other days with in minutes of each other! LOL Oh yeah!!!
Groceries... no time with sick kids or energy.

As you can see in a matter of a few short weeks, my entire life got out of balanced too.

NOW WHAT?

Now its time to get back into it.

I need to organize my work life again. Calling clients, rebooking appointments
Menu plan and grocery shop
Get the boys back into normal school and sports routines!
Get moving. Thank goodness for my treadmill!!!!
Catch up with the real world. ie my friends, family
Find time for myself every day to read/blog and relax.

That is my starting list. I'll be back in a day or so to let you know how it is going.

Wishing everyone out there a very happy and balanced week!

jenn