tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48596278705373361612024-02-18T21:58:07.644-05:00(r)evolution of a perspectiveNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-62846439682058689402017-08-27T20:35:00.001-04:002017-08-27T20:35:42.783-04:00poor neglected blog....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My poor neglected blog. Life has a way of getting away on a person, and sadly things like personal blogs realize the effects. <br />
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Life is good. RYT-200 has been completed and I am now a full member of the Canadian Yoga Alliance and looking forward to teaching some more classes.<br />
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I have accepted my offer of admission to complete my master's degree, starting in November. Exciting and daunting at the same time.<br />
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My move to my new digs is complete, and I love my new home! Durham is a lovely little town, and Finn, Allistair and I are very happy with the new house. Missing my kiddos, but the boys are off to post-secondary school life, and the girl is starting her adult life anew. We all are happy and well.<br />
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Interpersonal relationships flourish, and I'm in a good place. Life is good. I get frustrated with others, but I'm (still) learning to manage my reactions. I'm also working on not trying to be everything to everybody, or protecting the feelings of others at the detriment of my own. It's a process. And people are a little shocked when they find out Pollyanna has sharp claws from time to time :)<br />
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Not taking the complete asshat-ishness (I claim creative license...writers get to make up words on an as needed basis!) of others personally continues to be a struggle, but everyone has their own stuff. I don't need to take ownership of the issues of others. I have enough of my own to work through. Sorry, you're on your own! <br />
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And ultimately, the past year has taught me that I have great friends, great family and a wonderful support network to lean on when I need them. For that I am eternally grateful. It also makes the odd asshat easier with which to cope.<br />
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I hope if you're in my local area, you get in touch and drop by for a visit and to see the new digs. There's always wine and beer cold in the fridge!<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-67210023474731634992017-01-16T13:12:00.000-05:002017-01-16T13:12:31.869-05:00Another year passes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Unbelievable. A whole year since my last post. Life has seen some big changes in the past year. I won't bore with the details, but let's just say I'm looking forward to fresh starts and new perspectives as I move into 2017. <br />
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The struggle is (still) real. Still struggling with maintaining healthy eating patterns, fitting in enough exercise (although bike trainer is an awesome new addition), letting go of the "shoulds" and staying happy. <br />
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Yoga Teacher Training is almost done--June! So I'm teaching 2-3 times a week. If you're local and interested, drop me a line. Free yoga is just good karma.<br />
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After my epic trip to New Zealand this past summer, I'm looking forward to visiting Sweden on March Break. Both to visit schools and learn about how other countries do education. Cuba and Mexico have been thrown in as vacations. I can't wait for the next adventure! In other news, I will be looking for a paid yoga teaching gig in July to help to pay for these adventures.<br />
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New addition to my life, my golden puppy Finnegan. He makes me smile. And boy, have I needed some help smiling from time to time this past year!<br />
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Working on my Masters degree. Almost half way there. Just another little project in case I find myself with free time.<br />
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Irongirl Triathlon was amazing this past August (although with SEVERE jetlag not exactly an amazing race time). So I've decided to do it again this year. I figure with my personal history, I am Irongirl and it's time to kick some ass again.<br />
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Flying solo is new to me. And although it causes anxiety from time to time, flying solo is the new normal. Although taking applications for a flying partner. :)<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-7743560056520530692016-01-01T11:44:00.001-05:002016-01-01T11:44:32.864-05:00Sugarless and loving it<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have been trying to eliminate sugar from my diet for a long time. A few months ago, I finally succeeded, with the help of my AMAZING nutritionist. Working with Melanie has helped me to figure out the little things that have been impacting my health in a negative way for so very long. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Over the holidays, I have been indulging in sugar, and am feeling its ill effects. Today is the final day of this folly, and it's back to my structured way of eating. When I eat my veggies and keep my blood sugar balanced, I feel like a million bucks. After the past couple of weeks, I feel like a crumpled $5 bill that's been through the wash and has seen better days. Sugar and too much wine are not agreeable beyond the initial buzz.....</div><div><br></div><div>When you give up sugar, it makes it easy to give up alcohol (because it's really just sugar with a kick, right?) and simple carbs. Cut that junk out and you'll feel better too.</div><div><br></div><div>If you're struggling with feeling crappy or want to drop some body fat, I highly suggest getting in touch with a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. If you are in my area, check out Melanie http://www.adamsapplenutrition.com She's awesome and I can't speak highly enough of her!</div><div><br></div><div>An added bonus of getting rid of sugar? Sugar suppresses immune function, so when you eliminate it, you give your immune system the jumpstart it needs to keep you well during cold and flu season! I also suggest homeopathic immune shots (Stonetree Clinic!), but that's a post for another day.</div><div><br></div><div>Today is the final day of ridiculous indulgence, tomorrow fresh start and back to my eating plan for good health. Eating every 3 hours at a minimum, loads of veggies, always pairing fruit with a protein or fat and keeping carbs to the whole variety.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't feel guilty, and I know that indulgence is a healthy part of living well.</div><div><br></div><div>Best wishes for a healthy and ecstatically happy new year 😀</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-90614052742151438632015-12-31T12:21:00.001-05:002015-12-31T12:21:40.187-05:00Looking back and looking forward2015 was quite a roller coaster of a year. Loss, new additions, more loss, grief, healing, sorrow and joy. Years like 2015 separate the strong from the weak and teach us more than we ever hoped to learn. I was lucky enough to get to spend the tail end of the year on a wonderful family vacation filled with love and healing. <div><br></div><div>One of the biggest lessons of 2015? Life is short and needs to be lived in the present. Mindfully and with intention. Find joy. Seek it out. The negative hard stuff finds us all too easily, but everyone single one of us needs to look for the joy. It's there, peeking from behind the tough stuff and it will definitely take work to get to it, but it's so worth it. Joy sustains us and gets us through the bad times. Without joy, what do we have?</div><div><br></div><div>Looking forward to 2016 is exciting. I will continue my yoga journey, hope to travel and blend work and personal interests in meaningful ways. My feet are itchy and want to move. A million ideas are twirling around in my head and just need to get out. I hope to write more, which means more blog posts as I work things out. </div><div><br></div><div>Big Magic and Rising Strong were two important reads of 2015, and I'm working toward putting all those brilliant thoughts into practice. My friends will know that my mind never stops and "out of the box" is a fairly accurate descriptor. My plan is to spend as much time outside of the box as possible in 2016.</div><div><br></div><div>Perhaps most importantly, I've dismissed the idea of balance as my intention for the year. I have never achieved it, and you know what? I'm fine with that. I can dream about being balanced, but it's not natural for me. I'm all or nothing and in trueness to myself I'm embracing that. My intention in a word? Joy. That's it. Seeking joy, giving joy, all things joyful. Maybe another pipe dream. But won't it be fun along the way?</div><div><br></div><div>I'm seeing lots of bright reds, oranges and pinks in my life in the upcoming year. Can you imagine anything more joyful than those colours? </div><div><br></div><div>I hope this meandering peek into my mind serve every single person who reads this, in some way, no matter how minor. That would bring me joy.</div><div><br></div><div>On to the joy of baking butter tarts while listening to the Strumbellas. Can't think of a better way to end 2015. Listening to a Canadian band that brings me joy and baking my family's most requested treats of the holiday season.</div><div><br></div><div>Much love and New Year's wishes. xxoo</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-38015056220646401522015-10-29T09:10:00.001-04:002015-10-29T09:10:00.629-04:00Pink washing fatigueI have to say, the month of October has brought up some difficult feelings. While I acknowledge the importance of breast cancer awareness, the amount of pink washing makes me feel slightly ill. I think we've lost some perspective. Buying pink anything does not necessarily mean that there will be any money given to support breast cancer research. Or any kind of cancer research.<div><br></div><div>And I think we've lost the perspective that there are many more kinds of cancers that impact women's health and indeed kill them. We all need to have an increased awareness of the symptoms of all kinds of cancer. Early detection of ANY cancer is key to treatment and survival. In the sea of pink washing, I think we've lost sight of that.</div><div><br></div><div>So I'll be over here wearing a burgundy ribbon for multiple myeloma awareness, along with a black one for melanoma awareness. Or maybe yellow for all cancer awareness.</div><div><br></div><div>Don't fall into the trap of forgetting about the other cancers. They could take your life, just as breast cancer could.</div><div><br></div><div>For the haters out there who will disagree with my opinion--I have done my part and raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research. I just think it's time to broaden our horizons.</div><div><br></div><div>#missmymom #cancersucks</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-5213294772204067132015-09-20T15:03:00.002-04:002015-09-20T15:03:38.166-04:00yoga (r)evolution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You may have noticed I have changed the name of the blog again. As time moves on, we all evolve and my previous blog name didn't really fit anymore.<br />
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I have started Yoga Teacher Training, as a therapeutic and necessary next step in the (r)evolution of my life. It's about so much more that the asana, or physical aspect of yoga. So, of course it makes sense to have a yoga (r)evolution!</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-71534694386267654642015-05-18T15:48:00.001-04:002015-05-18T15:48:57.614-04:00Exhaustion, resiliency and keeping the faithI've pondered the issue of resiliency before, and I still wonder how some folks remain resilient even after a seemingly endless run of crises and trauma in their lives. Case in point; a very stressful job, a year long terminal illness of a parent, nearly losing the other parent in health crises twice within 8 months, all while nurturing a grieving family and showing up to previously mentioned stressful job with a smile pasted on and ready to solve every problem that crops up. And yet I keep plugging away, one foot in front of the other. There are lots of days that don't feel good, that tears are close to the surface, but I keep going. How is it that I am able to keep being resilient?<div><br></div><div>I don't think of myself as particularly special, my whole family is dealing with the loss of our mom, and nearly losing our dad (AGAIN). But I wonder, what sets us apart from others who throw in the towel at the slightest provocation? The past week has been brutal, I'm exhausted (as are my siblings), and yet we brush away tears and keep going.</div><div><br></div><div>I wish I could attribute it to faith, but frankly, my faith has been shaken. There is a belief amongst many of my faithful friends that God only gives you what you can handle. I don't buy it. I topped out on that in February, and yet it just keeps coming. My heart has been wrenched into two several times over my life, and I'm done. It's not a lack of knowing the Bible (when I was 4 I memorized more Bible verses than any other kid, even those twice my age in my Sunday school--my parents first clue that I might be a little "different" than the other 4 year olds), I know it. I understand the teachings within, to the extent any regular person does. I'm happy it works for others, but the tests that I've been given are making me question the veracity of the core beliefs with which I was raised.</div><div><br></div><div>So I question-what does faith have to do with resiliency? Anything? I don't know. I'm inclined to believe that gratitude has a great deal to do with resiliency, as well as some pretty good brain chemicals and positive self-esteem.</div><div><br></div><div>I am incredibly grateful that my dad is still with us, despite the very scary crisis a week ago. I can't even imagine losing him while the grief of losing my mom is so fresh and painful. The thought is quite frankly, paralyzing. Pretty dramatic I know.</div><div><br></div><div>And I question, what makes it possible to keep going to work, dealing with the stuff of everyday life and managing some grace while doing so?</div><div><br></div><div>I am sure that I can't possibly endure anything else for a while, that I need a break. </div><div><br></div><div>In the meantime, I make plans for a return to regular exercise, a diet that will preserve my health and with any luck at all will prevent the diseases that have afflicted my parents, and to look for ways to turn off my brain. I suspect if I master the last, the others will fall into place.</div><div><br></div><div>Or maybe I'll just move to a shack on the beach, and spend my days watching the water and sleeping. That sounds like the best plan of all.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-85917978671538802392015-04-18T20:08:00.001-04:002015-04-18T20:19:31.644-04:00If you can't say something nice.....My blog has remained silent for 3/4 of a year. Mostly because I didn't know what to write. At the end of February 2014, my mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. Mom fought and beat cancer 5 years before that, so a new cancer diagnosis was like a kick in the stomach. Some things are too painful to write about, some things too private. And as I alluded to i previous posts, some things are better left unsaid because although misery loves company, it's kinder to keep negative things to yourself.<div><br></div><div>Sadly, in early February of this year, my mom lost her hard fought battle. It's hard and it causes anger and feelings that are just too difficult to express. Cancer is horrific, and watching someone you love slowly lose the battle that she is fighting because she doesn't want to leave her family--not for herself, but for her family--is painful and not something to write about.</div><div><br></div><div>Soooo....it's been a long, painful, shitty year. And because of all the stress, I've added adrenal fatigue to my cocktail of health misadventures. I'm working on it, and will continue to work on it, but it's a long road. There is no easy, quick fix. The first thing is to get healthy. Lots of rest, healthy foods, stress reduction and yoga. Time being grateful for my family, and the year that we got with mom. I want to wave a magic wand and be magically the picture of health, but that's not how it works. First you put in the work, then you get the results. Healing and dealing grief is the absolute first step, and nothing will change until that has been done. Easy to say, hard to do. But I'm working on it.</div><div><br></div><div>I am thrilled though that I had my annual melanoma check up and am healthy! For that I am incredibly grateful.</div><div><br></div><div>The one thing I've been reminded of this year is that there is so much for which to be grateful. Life is precious and short (and long), and difficult and wonderful all at the same time.</div><div><br></div><div>As I. Heal and have nice things to say, I will blog. If I don't, I will maintain the golden rule--if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-40209436511767684292014-07-22T14:17:00.001-04:002014-07-22T14:17:30.041-04:00summer reading and a big dose of introspectionAs usual for summer, I have been doing a lot of reading. Some fiction, lots of non-fiction--both for personal interest and personal development (as a part of my professional development). Personal development is an area of interest, but is crucial as a part of my professional leadership development (I know, right?! Makes you want to live my life...). One of the quirky side effects of that much personal development reading (and watching TEDtalks) is an incredible amount of introspection. Which has the potential to be a little..."crazy making". I put that in quotation marks because I'm fairly certain that's not the clinical term :)<div><br></div><div>The introspection has led me to be currently rereading "Eat Pray Love". And although I love it, I do think maybe Elizabeth Gilbert is a little nuts. Or was. And I totally mean that in a good way. Next up on the list is to reread "The Happiness Project". Gretchen Rubin is another woman who I think is slightly nuts. In a totally good way. Both books seem very much like very driven women have succumbed to their woo-woo side and embark on a journey to fix what's missing from their lives. Or not missing. Whatever. Either way, both books are a personal journey of looking to improve their lives. Or social-emotional state. </div><div><br></div><div>Because I also love the work of Glennon Doyle Melton, which you can find at www.momastery.com and because she says she has been so influenced by Dr Brene´ Brown, I watched her TEDtalks this morning (give me a break, I'm kicking coffee and am too tender from my chiro appt yesterday to do any exercise, I needed to take my mind off of it). You can find them here:</div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability">http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame">http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame</a></div><div><br></div><div>All I can say is wow. Shame and vulnerability are really at the root of all of the stuff. You know, the stuff that gets in the way. Of everything. Shame prohibits vulnerability. Without vulnerability there is no compassion, empathy or joy. Doesn't that really just sum it all up? Without joy, how do you find happiness, or what I think people (women?!) are really searching for--contentment? </div><div><br></div><div>But, how do you really let go of shame? And I'm not talking about shame that you did something horrible and should be punished or anything, I'm talking about the shame that so many of us feel. Which is maybe more aptly described as "should". You know what I mean--I should exercise more, I should work longer hours, I should spend more time with my children, I should bake cookies and make jam, and grow my own organic veggies and have hens to lay eggs and volunteer and cook everyday and not watch tv and do yoga and not drink so much wine. The shoulds. The ones that I think in some part of her soul, every human with 2 X chromosomes feels every single fricking day of life on earth. It occurs to me that those with XY chromosomes might too, but that's a little outside my area of expertise.</div><div><br></div><div>Glennon talks about the capes she would wear--addiction, bulimia, drug use. BB (because we're so tight I have nicknamed her BB) talks about other "capes" (cloaks? whatever) of perfectionism, judgement, overeating--whatever it is that you use to prevent you from being vulnerable, because of shame. Any of this sounding familiar to anyone? It all hits a little too close to home for comfort. </div><div><br></div><div>The unease, the discomfort. The discontent. It's all there. The cloak of keeping the game face on so that it looks like I have my s*** together. </div><div><br></div><div>It's raw, and it's uncomfortable. But there it is.</div><div><br></div><div>And in that vein, I have added the words evolution and perspective to the name of my blog. Because that's really what it is. And it's really not about fitness or lack thereof anymore. Because I'm not so sure that anyone really gives a rat's a** about whether I'm running or kickboxing or doing yoga. But when I write about other stuff, people comment. Which is really good for my dopamine and seratonin levels :) More about that in Simon Sinek's book, "Start With Why". There's a TEDtalk for that too.</div><div><br></div><div>And to link all of this back to professional development?! Start with why (that's easy, the kids), think about what their biology dictates for success, help them move past the shame (yeah, we do it to them--report cards?!) and move into vulnerability so that they can learn. I truly believe that without acceptance and an absence of shame, they won't learn. Same with teachers (and admin!). </div><div><br></div><div>And there you have it. Full circle. What BB calls a "spiritual awakening". I'm not sure about that, but it's certainly fodder to ruminate upon.</div><div><br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-54612088808215408482014-07-16T10:54:00.001-04:002014-07-16T10:54:19.548-04:00SummerAhhhhh, summer! The long awaited, much needed break. Week one as always catching up on a multitude of appointments. Week two some more appointments and really trying to unwind. The downside of having time to think, is that all the detritus of the mind that normally is shoved aside comes bubbling to the surface and insists on being tended to.....summer is a process :)<div><br></div><div>A colleague/friend invited me to do a gratitude challenge on Facebook. 3 things, 3 days, nominate 3 people everyday of the challenge. It's inspiring to think of all the things for which I am grateful. Some are Facebook worthy, and some are better tucked away for personal contemplation only. Not everyone needs to have the full experience of the recesses of my mind. In that vein, the challenge has inspired me to actually write down 3 things a day for which I am grateful. And since it's for my own benefit only, I won't need to hide the crazy!</div><div><br></div><div>Operation kick coffee is progressing. Not always well, but it's progressing. I'm almost ready for the next step--one cup in the morning. *gulp*. It doesn't sound like much, but I am a coffee lover. Through and through. I'm working on convincing myself that I am actually a green tea lover. As long as I can kick the habit before the return to school, I will be happy. Baby steps.</div><div><br></div><div>Today is another rainy day, with some intermittent sunshine day. Which is having a negative impact on my walking everyday with or without the dog. I don't mind walking in a light rain (not so the dog), but the downpour we got caught in yesterday doesn't do much for me. We sought refuge under a big leafy tree and waited for the rain to ease so we could return home. But as we were standing under the tree, it occurred to me that if there was thunder, lightning follows. And standing under a tree is something akin to standing on top of a hill with a metal rod extended above your head. Maybe we'll just wait for a nicer day. Luckily my lightning rod theory wasn't tested. And my theory that someone would notice it was pouring and would come looking for us to rescue us from the weather was thoroughly disproven. Honestly, what good is having kids with driver's licenses?!</div><div><br></div><div>So, looking for some sunshiny hot weather, so I can enjoy the beach and really get my mind and body in better shape for the upcoming school year. Rain is good, but I'm ready for some sun. Fingers crossed for beautiful weather the week we are renting the cottage, and for the rest of our vacation time.</div><div><br></div><div>The positive about rainy days, is that there is time for organizing and cleaning the clutter. Clutter in my space causes anxiety, and I get nothing done. Except temper tantrums. Not exactly productive. It maybe says something about me, the amount of satisfaction gained from organizing? On today's list? Kid's coat closet. God help me.</div><div><br></div><div>How are you spending your rainy days?</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-34301095139856118762014-04-21T09:11:00.001-04:002014-04-21T09:11:19.230-04:00Be courageous!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFCv0y32Z-j-wTM0L81swTwn2h2auvSOvMoJgNtRXQo78mVUHPRBaWdiyU-wB_pKAmZU76vYS7jYjYjxUn63N62H3Z34PkJ5XRIYj8sRyiqDK2jXR-LsSXbyCoQG-UcVV9Zecmc_VGXs/s640/blogger-image-1229335286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFCv0y32Z-j-wTM0L81swTwn2h2auvSOvMoJgNtRXQo78mVUHPRBaWdiyU-wB_pKAmZU76vYS7jYjYjxUn63N62H3Z34PkJ5XRIYj8sRyiqDK2jXR-LsSXbyCoQG-UcVV9Zecmc_VGXs/s640/blogger-image-1229335286.jpg"></a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-16496352894239112862014-04-20T09:30:00.000-04:002014-04-20T09:30:31.367-04:00Happy Easter!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have to say, this is a strange Easter chez Bolyea. Seamus is in Scotland for a high school rugby trip. It's weird when your chicks aren't all home for at least part of a holiday weekend. And I'm sick, to boot. Just a bad cold, but irritating for someone who NEVER gets colds (thank you Dr Tara!). I'm chalking it up to a combination of spring allergies, walking with cold wind on my face (sinus pain!) and a year's worth of stress making the perfect conditions for a spring cold.<br />
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I feel like I haven't written in sooooo long. But I did, I just didn't press the publish button. I mean really, who wants to read a mess of stress and woes?! It has been an extremely challenging year personally and professionally. It's a school year I will be glad to see the back of--not because of the people, just because of circumstances. I am tired. A week in beautiful Cuba did a world of good, but alas a week's worth of holiday bliss is easily undone once reality sets in again. I'm just incredibly grateful to have had a holiday.<br />
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I know it's just the situation, but I feel stuck. In many ways. There aren't enough hours in a day or week, and when I find the hours I'm so done I can't get motivated to accomplish anything. It will pass, I know it will, but it's not a great feeling, that huge wall I feel like I'm looking up at. How depressing is that?! If this is what I write when I'm feeling in a better place mentally....ugh!!<br />
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On a much more positive note, when in Cuba (my new favourite place on the planet), we went on a catamaran trip and got to interact with a dolphin. Beautiful memory. Pepe's skin was so smooth, such an amazing creature. I've decided that I'd like to become a dolphin trainer (maybe in my next life...). Bucket list item. So in that vein, I've decided to finally take riding lessons this summer and indulge in another bucket list item. I started asking my parents for a horse when I was four years old. I never did get that horse, but I did make sure my kids all know how to ride. Now it's my turn. Life is short, and it's important to do things you've always wanted to do--sooner rather than later. I don't think I can keep a horse in my backyard, but you never know ;)<br />
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Also on the list: more running, more yoga and more time in nature. That includes ocean, sun and sand.<br />
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Spring is the time for new beginnings. I'm taking it to heart. It's time to let the "stuff" go and fix what's wrong in my world.<br />
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Namaste and Happy Easter xxoo<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-26512578791846493702014-02-17T12:57:00.000-05:002014-02-17T12:57:12.059-05:00February blahs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Anyone else sick of snow? Here in my part of Southwestern Ontario we have had the biggest wallop of a winter in recent memory. Utter craziness. I cannot wait for spring. Today is a relatively mild day for this winter....only -13 Celsius. Yep, that is mild for this year. But it is sunny, definitely a plus. So..flipping..tired..of..cold..and..snow..<br />
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So, we have decided that we are going to head to somewhere hot for a week to recharge. We think Cuba. Hot sunny beach. It's calling my name. I need to recharge my batteries. Winter, school and life are seriously kicking my butt.<br />
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I've been reading a Susan Sly book, which is giving me many bright moments of thought, but also giving me cause to ponder aspects of my personality and life. I know in my heart of hearts that there are changes I need to make for my own wellbeing, but it's really hard to change part of who you are. She speaks a lot of developing an awareness of what you attract in your life. And how to change it. There are some things that I attract (pattern of behaviour?!) that I'd really like to leave behind. Because in truth, if you don't leave it behind you don't create room to attract the really good stuff. BUT, that can cause pain. I'm working through coming to terms with what is sure to be a sharp pain, but hopefully not that long-lasting. Sort of like ripping off a bandage. Fast and immediate as opposed to long, drawn out heartache. <br />
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Growth is an interesting thing. I know there's going to be some pain, but then I look at some of the new things and friends change is bringing into my life. It's a process.<br />
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In the meantime of being sick of snow and pondering the changes that I think are necessary, I express my gratitude for all that I have. Especially family, friends and health.</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-68487878858674229912014-01-07T16:20:00.001-05:002014-01-07T16:20:26.173-05:00Blizzard 2014We 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 :)<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQT8vBTRBje3MAMhyphenhyphenI5MgTyayXBm0aQFMIPSdEmiYel_uigfjERtTLDOeMxTHUKRf1dlOODnZwSsjyUIZQsqtiPTBD_39ljz7V4WPafMBQJskKwzSzbxcXGO_nt473NilehXbAy8OD_U/s640/blogger-image--1551545453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQT8vBTRBje3MAMhyphenhyphenI5MgTyayXBm0aQFMIPSdEmiYel_uigfjERtTLDOeMxTHUKRf1dlOODnZwSsjyUIZQsqtiPTBD_39ljz7V4WPafMBQJskKwzSzbxcXGO_nt473NilehXbAy8OD_U/s640/blogger-image--1551545453.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyM8yiba1YxrmDG599vPLMAnM23z764wWYMgODyHK2iz2SCTolGeNcfPJ7BTdfhUL0HsTCNBdXMdEWr5eQWOHCTWl-l20_9W_ATlxhslFmJQGhgLdtwVi53euXzeNcxTgF4tu9PmmRjQ/s640/blogger-image--1029344006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyM8yiba1YxrmDG599vPLMAnM23z764wWYMgODyHK2iz2SCTolGeNcfPJ7BTdfhUL0HsTCNBdXMdEWr5eQWOHCTWl-l20_9W_ATlxhslFmJQGhgLdtwVi53euXzeNcxTgF4tu9PmmRjQ/s640/blogger-image--1029344006.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIw2W_ryq6BFLc7q57LmJYJkRF9wZTkAbs5RA6P5ZDc6UbO5WB01ztioDHWqW0aPKE9k4C0_9eWjzhvIWQRHw_XIGttNh35hpmZuZgoA6We0e54PBQA_vtqpg2yEPOz0V16ytVmO7OJY/s640/blogger-image-865093731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIw2W_ryq6BFLc7q57LmJYJkRF9wZTkAbs5RA6P5ZDc6UbO5WB01ztioDHWqW0aPKE9k4C0_9eWjzhvIWQRHw_XIGttNh35hpmZuZgoA6We0e54PBQA_vtqpg2yEPOz0V16ytVmO7OJY/s640/blogger-image-865093731.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So grateful for a snug house, having my family safe at home and NOT having to keep a wood stove going! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stay warm and stay inside, off the roads. Can I just say that I am looking forward to summer and beach weather!?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-65664716491808082962014-01-03T18:25:00.001-05:002014-01-04T09:00:37.179-05:00we 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? <div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>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...).</div><div><br></div><div>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?).</div><div><br></div><div>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?)</div><div><br></div><div>Happy weekend. And happy 2014.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-1615597361702818662013-12-27T10:44:00.001-05:002013-12-27T10:44:53.587-05:00Looking forwardAnother Christmas has come and gone. Filled with joy and excitement, love and giving. I love the traditions that my family has, and the creation of new ones. Like the questionable Christmas sweater that I received from my sister-in-law...we'll see who gets it next year. Whenever there's a joke gift involved, I seem to be in some way connected, either as the giver or receiver. <div><br></div><div>The days between Christmas and New Year's always prompts me to look inwards. Did I accomplish my goals of the past year? What intentions will I set for the year to come? As always I don't feel that I've accomplished the resolutions for the past year. I never feel that I do. So I am going to just set one intention for 2014. Balance. I talk about it a lot, but never achieve it. I can't expect to feel well and whole if I don't find balance though. And with every passing year, I feel more need to be balanced. Work and play. There needs to be a balance. I find myself perpetually feeling like I'm on a never ending treadmill that is just going way too fast. That harried feeling isn't healthy. For anyone. So I'm looking to achieve balance.</div><div><br></div><div>Balance means incorporating yoga, exercise, as well an outlet for my creative side. I'm thinking about finding some art classes, or cardmaking, or something like that. I love to knit and crochet, but my shoulder and wrist don't like it (ouch!). I need to find something to work on that will allow me to empty my mind of the other things. I also need to spend time in nature. Not a fan of winter, but I need to find something to do that will allow me to get outside and drink it in. I function better when I spend time enjoying the glory of nature. </div><div><br></div><div>As I write this, I feel like I'm just rewriting a previous post or ten. Definitely a sign that I'm not doing what my soul craves. Listening to my soul would be a good start....</div><div><br></div><div>Whatever your intention or resolution for 2014, I wish you a happy and prosperous year. Prosperity in the things beyond material prosperity. For those are what are what is really important. </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-15113772261915237062013-12-24T15:12:00.001-05:002013-12-24T15:12:15.795-05:00Waiting for Santa.....Days of imposed rest (dr's orders), hours of Pinterest, Facebook and blogs. Two Game of Thrones novels completed and nothing left to read but some professional reading. One completed crocheted headband. I am just waiting for Santa! Who comes tonight, my nephew Kai says it's so. I am looking forward to all the excitement of Christmas Day brings.<div><br></div><div>Tomorrow will bring stockings and gifts and special Christmas morning yummies. We will be packing up to head to Grandma and Grandpa's house, where the larger family will be converging. Six boys, two girls and lots of adults. The excitement and confusion will be palpable. I can't wait.</div><div><br></div><div>Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas. May Santa be good to you!</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-8089705797020878112013-11-28T10:23:00.001-05:002013-11-28T18:32:19.042-05:00The awesome Vitamin C IV<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Exhausted, sinus headache and achy, achy joints and muscles? Sounds like the flu. Feels like the flu. In addition to my handfuls of vitamins, homeopathic nasal spray and LOTS of extra sleep, I highly recommend going to a naturopath for a VitaminC IV with extra immune booster shot added in. I dragged my sorry self out of bed yesterday, headed to the ND and had my IV. Back home, Advil for the aching and back to bed. This morning woke up feeling much more like myself. Much less aching, no more Advil and just more resting. Hopefully back to school tomorrow. The trick is catching it in time--don't wait until you're already really sick, be proactive. I can't say enough about the magic IV!<br />
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Update: while the IV helped, I have succumbed to the aches again. So more Advil, more napping and no work again tomorrow. :( but my hubs tells me I have more colour in my face and I'm not quite as pale. Always a good sign. But without the IV I would be a mess, so I'm still grateful!</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-87243517998252281132013-11-09T17:26:00.000-05:002013-11-09T17:26:34.573-05:00It's been awhile......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know it's been quite a while. But life is crazy and all fell apart the first week of school, so here we are. I don't want to fill blog land with whiny posts that are oozing with self-pity. Not my style. Let's just say fall has kicked my ass, and I'm looking forward to things looking up from here on in. <br />
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I am grateful for a supportive husband and family, good friends and colleagues. The past few weeks especially have made me think about resiliency. What makes some resilient and others not so much? Maybe outlook on life? I'm not sure, but is know that when I'm feeling stressed and ready to meltdown, I take a look around and remind myself that it could be worse. Yes, work is stressful, I'm worried about my parents and other family members and friends, but I'm ok. I have a good job, a beautiful home and a great family. I'm healthy (except for that pesky anemia....) and life is pretty good. Maybe that's the difference. I'm not sure. I do know that I want to shake a few people and tell them to wake up and take a look at their lives--enough with the drama. I question how our society is devolving into a society of self-pity and lack of resilient individuals. Put on your big girl panties (or boy gotchies), a pair of boots and get on with it. Kick life in the butt. Got lemons? Make lemonade. <br />
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So there you have it. Working on getting back to serenity. Reminding my self daily, "it is what it is". I even bought a Mantraband that I wear daily to remind of that simple yet effective mantra. If you can't change it, get over it and move on. <br />
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And pin Christmas stuff. It will make you feel good, if you are a Christmas lover like I am. I can't wait. It's the best time of year. What's not to love in December? My birthday, anniversary and Christmas all in one month. Absolutely fantastic. <br />
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And if all else fails? Utter your favourite curse words, pour a glass of your favourite adult beverage and have a hot bath laced with Epsom salts and lavender oil. Tomorrow is a new day.</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-37872683002823157382013-09-02T16:17:00.001-04:002013-09-02T16:17:29.855-04:00I think I hear the fat lady singing....That's it folks. It's pretty much over. We have reached Labour Day.....and as I sit on my deck wearing the hubs cuddly Lulu sweater, my toes and fingers are cold. It feels like fall. Kiddos will be arriving bright and fresh faced at schools all over tomorrow morning, full of eager anticipation for the year ahead. I remind parents to at least attempt to look a little bit sad as they put the kids on buses or drop them at school. Try. :)<div><br></div><div>School beginning always signals new beginnings for me. I'm starting a cleanse tomorrow. I decided to use Isagenix, based on the positive results that others are experiencing with it. Reports of balanced hormones, reduced inflammation and reduction in autoimmune symptoms are enough to convince me. What I'm doing isn't working, and you know the definition of insanity, right?! Between my buddy Hashimoto's (confirmed diagnosis by my internist.....tell me something I didn't already know!) and babying my hip and knee as they heal, pounds have crept on. Time to fix that. Lots of walking, cleansing and yoga.</div><div><br></div><div>My sons and borrowed kid will start school on Wednesday, and my daughter heads back to university this week. I will miss her and her crazy kitty when they go, but it's good for everyone to get back into routines. My other kids need to get back to school too, to reconnect with friends and fill their lives with learning.</div><div><br></div><div>My husband has had a rough weekend. His mom has gone to a nursing home. She has dementia and is becoming more and more confused. While it's a relief to know that she will be well cared for and safe, it's always difficult when huge life transitions happen. Dementia is a terrible thing, and it's so difficult to see a parent struggling. </div><div><br></div><div>So that's it. The fat lady is singing. It's over for another year. Time to enjoy the splendour of autumn, leaves will soon be changing, the bounty of the harvest. Ontario corn, tomatoes, potatoes and peaches are now in season. And apples. Fresh crunchy apples, also harvested locally. </div><div><br></div><div>Maybe it's not so bad after all.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-20030973007837829032013-08-09T17:56:00.001-04:002013-08-11T08:50:16.237-04:00The dog days of summer.....<div>This is it, the final week of summer before I head back to work. It's been a fabulous summer! Montreal with my hubs, my parents' trailer, some time with my nephews and heading to a cottage for this last beautiful week. Beautiful weather, LOTS of rest, very little exercise and some great books have made for a blissful holiday. I'm looking forward to lots of beach time this week, the cottage is only a short walk to Sauble Beach. Sauble is one of the nicest beaches in Canada. I hope the lake is warm, and the days are sunny!</div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://theperiodstore.com/post?id=186">http://theperiodstore.com/post?id=186</a> this popped up on my Twitter feed. Brilliant. A store that delivers "feminine" products to your home. Someone is reaping the benefits of female biology! In a somewhat related vein, if your doctor wants to do an impromptu endometrial biopsy, don't believe him when he says most women don't feel anything. That sh** hurts. A lot. Go for the knocked out version Never believe anyone who doesn't have a uterus when they tell you something won't hurt. Lesson learned.</div><div><br></div><div>If you need to laugh until tears come, read this www.thebloggess.com Jenny Lawson is one funny, if bizarre lady. I picked up her book to read at the cottage, it's supposed to be equally as funny. I'll let you know.</div><div><br></div><div>I found a couple yoga studios near my school, I'm looking forward to getting back to a regular practice. Dancing Turtle offers kripalu yoga, and The Yoga Barn offers several different classes, including Moksha (hot) and Vinyasa Flow. I'm thinking vinyasa is what I need. See you on the mat :)</div><div><br></div><div>Enjoy these last few of weeks of summer. If I catch any great sunsets there will be pictures to come.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-72695624242888516982013-07-23T07:47:00.001-04:002013-07-23T07:47:48.079-04:00Why I love my naturopath...and some other stuffI went for a visit to my naturopath yesterday. And walked away feeling great about myself, my summer choices and more than that, filled with hope and self-acceptance. She listens. Listens fully. That is the single most important difference between her and my conventional medicine doctors. She takes the time to listen, treats me like I'm intelligent and cares about all of me. So in a nutshell, she agrees with me that whatever is going on in my body, it's not fibromyalgia. Which relieves me. She agrees that anti-depressants and sleeping pills are not a good solution for me (I can't emphasize for me enough....they are the right thing for some people). She applauds my decision to give myself permission to sleep and do nothing in order to heal my body. And agrees that running is not in the cards for me at this time. My gut feeling is that yoga is what I really need, maybe a little walking and swimming, lots of sleep and time doing nothing are the best medicine. She agrees with me. We talked about how the forties are very freeing in many ways. And letting go of guilt and living life, not always hurtling toward the next goal. Eating beautiful food, lots of veggies and fruit, cutting out grains, drinking lots of water (and some wine....let's not kid ourselves) are all part of what is going to make me feel well. It's amazing what those things and getting rid of stress will do for a body. <div><br></div><div>I think it's important to emphasize that I'm not implying in any way that it's my job that causes me issues. It's only one stressor out of many. What's important is recognizing that in order to do the job I LOVE, I need to take care of myself and use my vacation to heal and rest. My biggest stressor is me. I make myself crazy. My brain never flippin' turns off, and that causes stress. So I'm trying to learn to turnout off. And since realistically I can't totally change my personality and turn my mile a minute mind off, I need to practice working with it. Not letting things turn me into a pretzel of stress and cortisol and crankiness. I'm working on it. It's a process.</div><div><br></div><div>Last night was a weird night. I spent hours alone, just me, the cats, my dog and my daughter's boyfriend's dog. We hung out, we cuddled, I read a bit and we watched a movie. PS I Love You. Normally romantic movies make my skin crawl, I much prefer sidesplitting inappropriate comedy or action type movies, but that one I love. There's nothing quite as nice as snuggling in a warm bed with a cool breeze blowing in the window, pets all around, watching a movie that makes you cry. Only a little bit. It's a tear jerker, but so heart warming at the same time. It makes me very grateful for what I have.</div><div><br></div><div>This week I'm looking forward to maybe more beach time, more reading, more movies and getting ready to head to Montreal next week. I can't wait to go to Montreal, I haven't been in years, and it's just not like Toronto. It's so.....French I guess. Whatever it is, I love it and I'm excited to be going for a few days. When we return a couple of days at my parents trailer, more beach time and then a week at a cottage in Sauble Beach. More beach time. By then I should be good and ready to head back to work.</div><div><br></div><div>Isn't life grand?</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-77350775277596680832013-07-11T09:45:00.001-04:002013-07-11T09:45:06.162-04:00One reason Canadian summer is too shortMy summer just started. I finished work on Friday, and will have six glorious weeks of summer before returning to school all refreshed and able to cope with other people's children. Believe me, educators need to recharge over summer. Most kids are great, some would try the patience of Mother Teresa (oh wait, that might be my own children I'm speaking of.....message remains the same....). But I digress.....so, while I'm enjoying catching up all of the housework I didn't do for the past, oh let's say 9 months, I check my email. And my inbox is full of emails about back to school sales, uniforms, backpacks and other school accoutrements that parents get suckered into buying. It's the second week of July for crying out loud. What kind of an asshat is thinking about back to school already? (Sorry Pinterest friends who are madly pinning BTS crap....stop planning for a couple of weeks already!). We live in a ridiculously material, consumerist society. It is summer. Time for beaches and decks and hanging out with friends. Camping, cottaging, enjoying nature, hiking, lakes, canoeing. You know Canadian summer things. Not advertisements for crap kids don't actually need for school, that were no doubt manufactured in an Asian sweatshop. First world problem I know. But I live in the first world, and my crazy life makes me sick and I need to recharge without worrying about BTS.<div><br></div><div>So when I summon enough energy to unsubscribe to those retailers (online shopping is wonderful, and yet this is the result), that's what I will do. In the meantime, don't email my sympatico account, I'm not reading those ones. </div><div><br></div><div>In other news, when cleaning my grubby house, I took the chocolate brown curtains down to be washed. And rediscovered the lovely bright airiness of my downstairs. I don't think I'm putting them back up. I did foray to Target a week ago to see if they had any lighter curtains, they didn't have what I was looking for. Although I'm not sure the orange and white chevron I'm envisioning in my head is available anywhere. Maybe I can talk Rick into coming to Ikea with me. I live in a subdivision so no curtains isn't really an option, I need some kind of window coverings. Ikea might be my best bet. Cheap. Or I might need to stoop to actually sewing some. I think it's safe to say that is not really the best option. Sewing raises my blood pressure to near stroke levels. Fingers crossed that somewhere will have just what I'm looking for.</div><div><br></div><div>I've also decided this morning that I need to buy a "vintage" trailer to redo, and then put on a lake somewhere on a seasonal site. Vintage really means old. But made to look adorable with paint and imagination. Look on Pinterest. You'll see what I'm talking about. Has to be a trailer, Rick won't go tent camping anymore. I say Rick, but what I really mean is that we are too old and decrepit to get up off the ground in the morning when we sleep in tents. For real. But the real deal is that I need to be in nature. Near water. Nothing soothes the soul or lowers blood pressure like looking out at the lake in the early morning. </div><div><br></div><div>Lunch with my sister and nephews today, meaning I need to kick my butt into gear so I get there on time. Enjoy summer friends, it's too fleeting to be thinking about fall yet.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-32198072486380750082013-07-08T15:21:00.001-04:002013-07-08T15:21:57.013-04:00Quiet daysSummer vacation has finally arrived, and with it the bliss of quiet days. Time to reflect, meditate, practise yoga and simplify. A new doctor who suggests that fibromyalgia is a part of the puzzle of my health has given me lots to ponder. Apparently it's not normal to ache everyday and to have trouble climbing out of bed because of stiffness and non-restorative sleep. I don't know why I never suspected that in my quest for answers as to why I feel like crap a lot of the time. But I didn't. It's given me a huge kick in the butt. I'm in my early forties, and some days feel 80. I don't have time to feel like that. I have too much to accomplish. So I am actually taking my own advice and working on simplifying and finding balance. It's my hope that it will just be habit by the time I go back to work in six weeks. Six glorious weeks of summer. It will fly by and before I know it I will be making plans to return to my office, and get ready for the onslaught of children after labour day. Until then you can find me taking it easy.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859627870537336161.post-7546080089524694992013-06-19T19:12:00.001-04:002013-06-19T19:12:15.674-04:00Breathe......I can feel it coming. I'm starting to be able to breathe again. Literally. I think I've been breathing shallow, shallow breaths for so long that I didn't realize it had once again become a habit. I wasn't so tired I felt nauseous today. Still tired, but not bone achy nauseous kind of tired. Today was kind of wild, but I could handle it. A few days ago I would have been able to feel the panic rising up into my throat. One more stressor that was going to put me over the edge. <div><br></div><div>Oh, I had my meltdown on Sunday. The kind of dissolving into weeping that is sometimes just what you need to break free of the stress. To be able to get up and move on. You know, the despair that nearly sends husbands into full on panic. If SHE is melting down like this, what the heck am I going to do? The right answer of course is to pour a beverage of choice (tea, wine, diet coke) and offer to punch the creep that tipped her over the edge in the throat. The ridiculousness of that statement usually snaps me out of my state. Even though I could never condone violence.</div><div><br></div><div>Except when it comes to sports. As I said before, my son has started playing rugby. Which ranks only slightly behind lacrosse in my enjoyment as a spectator. As soon as I can figure out all of the ref hand signals, I will enjoy it fully. Huge, hulking men throwing each other on the ground, piling up, shoving? I'm in. We went to see the Canada vs Ireland rugby game on Saturday night. Because said son has the broken ankle, we got seats in the accessible section, because was in a wheelchair to get into the BMO Centre. We sat right behind the Irish bench. We could hear them talking. It was amazing. I am officially a Team Ireland fan, and loved every single minute of it. I am buying tickets for both the Canada vs USA game and the All Blacks vs Canada. Even if I end up going myself. No number 19, Mike McCarthy (lock for Ireland), but it's rugby! I can't wait. Btw, if you PVRed the game Saturday, on TSN, you can see the back of my head in some shots. From far away. I'm going to watch to see if you can actually see our faces at any point. Never something I thought I would ever do. Seriously? TSN? Weird. My only wish is that more lacrosse and rugby would be televised. Because I relieve my aggression vicariously through it.</div><div><br></div><div>A few more days, and then sweet freedom. Lots of time on the deck and at the beach. Studying referee hand signals :)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img src="webkit-fake-url://51BA3E76-64C2-4905-83C5-8DB7DDDA3936/imagejpeg"></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06450443439870553260noreply@blogger.com1