Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Blizzard 2014

We have been experiencing a Canadian blizzard!  Today every road in our county and all of the neighbouring counties are closed.  ALL schools in several boards are closed, and we have been stuck inside for two days.  Temperatures are -21 C, but feels like -34 C.  Baby it's cold outside!  Even the factories and other businesses are closed because of the weather....good because no one can get there to work.  Rick was as excited as a little kid to get a snow day today :)





Chase is making very quick trips outside, and demonstrates that yes, she can pee while standing on only two opposing feet!  Can't say I would want to have to go outside!  You can't tell from the pictures, but you can't even see into the field behind the house, and by times when there are gusts the houses across the street are obscured by a wall of snow.

So grateful for a snug house, having my family safe at home and NOT having to keep a wood stove going!  

Sadly, my daughter just found out that a well known elderly gentleman from our town has passed away today.  Literally everyone knew him, and our small town won't be quite the same without him.  

Stay warm and stay inside, off the roads.  Can I just say that I am looking forward to summer and beach weather!?

Friday, January 3, 2014

we all have our issues....

As I've been reading blog posts of bloggers I follow, or blogs I peruse from time to time, I'm struck by the number of people who have all written about being glad to see the end of 2013.  When you notice it on all social media platforms, it becomes a disturbing trend.  What was with 2013?  So many people all over the continent, all experiencing some degree of angst/despair/misfortune over the past year.  I wonder why.  I wonder why we only find out at the end of the old year/beginning of the new year?  

I know the answer--because we all keep our issues to ourselves.  Some things we can't hide, like the death of a family member or a significant illness.  But those aren't the only things that add up to feelings of relief to see the passing of a year.  There are many hidden causes for those feelings.  Unseen health issues, mental health issues, work stress, family stress, unseen health issues of family and friends, financial woes, trauma of any description, death of someone we love...the list is really endless.

So as a part of my balanced year, I am wishing for good health for myself, family and friends.  No more financial issues, health problems, grief, unmanageable work stress, relationship problems.  I wish everyone peace and well-being.  I wish for people to feel supported through everything they are experiencing, and remind myself to remain aware that what may seem a trifling to outsiders, may just be the proverbial straw on the camel's back for someone else.  

Before anyone thinks I've lost my mind and turned into Pollyanna, I want to say that I know that life issues are unavoidable.  Most of all my greatest wish is for people to have the resilience and fortitude to withstand any of the crap life throws in the path for them.  Because life will.  Please keep in mind (self...I'm talking to you....) that it's not some karmic trick designed to make you miserable.  It's life.  

I'm trying really hard to give myself and others the gift of compassion and empathy.  And to not be so wrapped up in my own stuff that I'm blind to the troubles of others.  If we could all just get a little better at that, we would all be able to get over those hurdles (self...this one is for you again...).

If you are one of those that had a crappy 2013, I'm cheering you on for a fantastic 2014.  If you had a great 2013, I'm still cheering you on.  Life is too short and too precious to not enjoy it....at least most of the time (self.....are you listening?).

I'm taking the weekend to wallow before going back to work on Monday.  My head is NOT back in the game yet, and it's not going to be before Monday morning.  Because that's one of the gifts I am giving myself in 2014.  Permission to really rest my brain.  To take down time and thoroughly enjoy it, so that I'm able to be in the game at my best.  I'm working on it.  It will continue to be  a work in progress.  (Did you pay attention to that, self?)

Happy weekend.  And happy 2014.