Beloved, I agree with somegal, and also with her opinion of your muffins, tabitha.

I am tired as well today, SomeGal.

Lots of stuff with Dad weighing heavily on me....some really important items for him to resolve and some tough conversations with him and others.  It's important to remember how much we love each other and that is the base of our relationship.  I want him to have a less challenging last couple of years and there is hope that might happen.

Work today, was tough as was blindsided in a meeting on something fairly important by my manager.  shitty and combined with otheritems, means that I probably need to review.

Sometimes when stresses are hitting in multiple areas, my primary focus is to ensure that I am acting rationally and no overracting to either one.

I think that I succeeded today.

Good morning everyone!

I haven't posted in a while but I do read almost daily. I am so sorry to hear about the hard times in so many peoples lives recently. I'm sad to hear of so many deaths, especially of young people, and hard times with families as well. I'm hoping that things are starting to look up for everyone or at least start moving in that direction.

I don't actually remember what I posted last so some of this may be repeated but oh well! I've finished my in class schooling for my Museum Management course and am now on internship. I'm really lucky to have an internship close to home (35min drive) at at place called Castle Kilbride. For those of you who live in the Kitchener/Waterloo/Stratford area it's about 15min from both in Baden, feel free to visit! For the rest of you we have a website but basically the house was built in 1877 by James Livingston who was known as the "Flax and Oil King of Canada". It's been restored to it's Victorian and early 1900s decore and is a national designated site because of some amazing art work inside. I'm absolutely loving working here and putting everything I learned in class to use. The rest of the staff is lovely and so easy to get along with. Things are different everyday and I've done everything from transcribe 1900s hand written letters, give tours, serve tea, create press releases to research, create emergency fire plans and more. I'm already half way through my internship though so I've started the job hunt. Applied to a few places but so far haven't heard back. Keeping fingers crossed!

Other than work, personal life has been great. Moving back home has been interseting, especially since my dad had a hip replacement. He has bad arthritis so he had one done this year and the other next. He's doing really well though, was sent home from the hospital early and both my parents headed up to the cottage for the summer now. Which leaves my brother and I home alone. I'm getting slightly frustrated with my brother who is a bit of a slob but I guess it could be worse. Just need to give him a bit of a kick in the pants to clean!

Being back home has meant being closer to my boyfriend again which has been great. We celebrated our 1year anniversary in June, but our real celebration for it was this weekend. We took a long weekend and went to Ottawa. Neither of us had been for a while and...WE GOT TICKETS TO SEE PAUL MCCARTNEY!! We got there Friday but didn't do too much, walked around, found some music to listen to, went to the War Museum on Saturday, Parliaments on Sunday and then the concert Sunday night. The concert was AMAZING! I've never been to anything like it. The whole stage lighting, entertainment part was something else plus all of McCartney's annecdotes and his playing and singing. I can't believe he's 71! He sounded really good and was a great entertainer. He had a few really sweet few moments throughout the concert, brought out one of the guitars he played in the 60's, sang happy birthday to Ringo (whose birthday was on Sunday), and even brought up an 81 year old woman to give her a hug after he read her grandgaughter's sign from the audience. During the encore he had the Ottawa police pipe band come out and play with him too which was really neat. All in all it was a blast and I am still so excited about it (have had beatles stuck in my head since). I found out yesterday that the concert sold out in 10minutes beating the previously heald record of 21 minutes for a Madona concert. I hadn't realised it sold so quickly so I was even more impressed that I got tickets (and for the price I did! A 3rd party seller was selling tickets in our section for $250 for two seats, I can safely say I didn't pay that much!).
 

Anyway, I'm babbling on now. But that's been what has been going on in a nutshell :)

Welcome back Bethany - it sounds like some amazing things are happening in your life! Is there any chance Castle Kilbride would want to hire you? The concert sounds like it was a total blast!

Today was a good day for me. I led an all-group out trip to a wonderful little park just outside of town. The kids had lots of fun playing games, going for a hike and having free play on the playground (they got to choose what they did).

Tonight I'm off to a church meeting.

Wow, bethanyK, great update, thanks

Sounds like a blast, and Castle Kilbride is part way between my house & where BusyMom works..who knows, maybe someday before you are done.

BethanyK - great to hear from you - and to have you catch us up on your world - glad you enjoyed the concert.

To all who frequent the room today - from the east coast to the west coast - and even beyond those borders - good morning!

I wish for you all a day filled with hope, peace, joy, and love . . . may you be reminded of your very special place in this huge world we inhabit, may you be reminded that only you can fulfil what it is you are meant to do and be this day.  A great big smile to all - as I read somewhere that it is good to smile - both for the smiler and the smilees.

It is indeed good to smile, Beloved, so I try to do it a lot!

Today I certainly smiled a lot. It was a windy morning on the west coast - which was perfect since we had planned on taking our kids kite flying today. We went to one of the windiest places in the city this morning and gave the kids the option of flying on the beach or on a grassy area. I went to the beach with my kids where, in addition to flying kites, we saw nature at work as a seagull picked away at a dead seal that had washed up onto the shore. On the way back to the centre for lunch, we stopped for slurpees - as today is free slurpee day at 7-11. It's amazing how hyper a small slurpee can make a group of children! After lunch, I immediately took them outside and made them run/ play a bunch of games. After doing that for awhile, we sat in the shade of a tree for some "Bible Time." I had them acting out the story of the Good Samaritan. They enjoyed it so much that they wanted to do another, longer, story, so I got them to play another game while I picked out another story for them to read - this time we did Noah's Flood. Some of them still wanted to do more, so I've promised them that we'll do it again soon! We then came inside and prepared to make couscous (since this week is international week). It was something that most of them had never tried before, so they were really intrigued by it. We all agreed - it could have used a little less parsley, but otherwise it was pretty good. Another successful day!

Enjoyed seeler and seelerman today! see more on we're going west again!

Morning foks

For breakfast I cooked up some scrambled eggs with zuchini, green onions and red pepper, plus some local bacon and fresh pineapple.    There is some lovely coffee as well.

help yourself, there is plenty to go around.

Hello everyone, I am in a jet lagged state today after a wonderful almost two weeks in Europe. This was a business trip for my husband, and was awesome for those of us who tagged along. We flew to Zurich on June 30th and then drove to Colmar, France for one night. We proceeded to Germany for the rest of the week, and to Switzerland for the second week. We visited companies such as A Vogel, Schoenenberger, BioStrath, Biotta and Salus. We got to see how their products are produced and some farms. We ate very well, and also got to do some touring. We visited Dachau and had a guided tour there. I hope I get a chance to go back there to wander through it more slowly and mindfully. It is a very powerful place. The next day we visited a church that was built in the 1500's and was designed in a Baroque, roccocco (sp?) style. As we entered this ornate church, we heard singing. It was a powerful experience. Later that day we visited King Ludwig II's castles, one where he grew up, and one that he built. Between the castles and the church, we did some summer luge and rode up a mountain in a gondola. We spent some time in Omeramergau (sp?) and Baden Baden. We visited an old French/German city. As I type this, I realize we packed in a lot during those few days. I am left with great memories, some new friends and much to think about. Hubby and I were talking about how cool it would be to take a bike tour in Europe sometime. I suppose we will need to start saving our pennies.

Another day with seeler and hubby.

Swimming at  naramata Centre and a fellow swimmer says she knows M.... I said Seeler that is somegal! So greeting from a friend Somegal!

Good evening everyone!  Perhaps everyone has gone to bed :).

Northwind . . . I take a Salus liquid calcium/magnesium/vitamin D supplement that is made in Germany :).  Sounds like you had a wonderful time . . . so much to see - so little time.  I do hope you get to go back someday.

Tabitha, I hope you are enjoying your time with seeler and Mr. seeler . . . wonderul that Wondercafe friends get to meet and spend time with one another.

Does anyone remember the song the children sang in the movie "Sound of Music" when the children are going to bed at the fancy schmancy party . . . the littlest one schooches up the stairs on her but and sings . . . "the sun has gone to bed and so must I . . ."  Well, although it is still pretty light outside . . . the sun has set . . . gone to bed . . . and . . . so . . . must . . . I .

Somegal tiptoes in and tucks in blankets around all who are resting.

Tabitha and Seeler - what a small world! How wonderful that you met my friend!

Northwind - it sounds like you had an exciting trip!

Today was spent outside - first on a beach celebrating a friend's daughter's birthday (she turned 2) and then going for a hike through a beautiful forest. There really is nothing quite like a west coast forest - even in the midst of summer, all I could see was greenery.

I am officially done with young people dying in this community! I have known of three young people who have passed away prematurely in the past week - the 17 year old I wrote about a few days ago, a 2 year old girl who also died of cancer and yesterday an actor from one of my favourite TV shows (who also happens to be from Victoria). Each of these people were well known in this community, so it feels like the whole community is in mourning right now.

I'm trying to live life to the fullest right now. Today was spent in the company of some good friends, laughing and playing video games - but mostly laughing!

Somegal, so many people are saddened and shocked by Cory's death, so you're not alone there.  It seems like Canada has had quite a few tragedies close together.  We need some things to celebrate!

Im glad my son has a paer route. I'm not glad he decided to do laundry at 630 am -the washing machine is outside my room.

Off for a morning of paddling. Wishing all a good week.

Sounds dirty ;)  Have fun!

Another good day with the kids today. The morning was spent splashing at a water park and the afternoon was spent touring a radio station. The guy that gave the tour was great - he really had the kids eating out of the palm of hand. He obviously did his job well because several kids came away saying they wanted to work at a radio station when they grow up. 

Hi folks.  Had some rough news for my dad today.  The reason his "kinda" good eye had lost vision was due to a raging inflammation. Now on meds, requiring drops every hour.  Hoping we can get this under control.  Tomorrow is a new day.

Then I think of all the folks who have lost their parents at a young age, or who they themselves have passed so young, and recognize how lucky we are.

Still working out, which heps.  Also, my husband put in two window air conditioners today, so I am hoping for a good nights sleep. I am guessing that will help.

Oh Pinga-glad they foound out why your dad was losing vision, glad you are working out and hope the airconditioners help.

I had the pleasant suprise of meeting my 1st cousin and wife and 2/3 kids for dinner last night with my 2 boys. Last time we saw each other was a funeral-and neither of us brought kids (distant cousin that time). Nice to gather and chat at a happy time.

Nice for my kids to know family In AB I had no extended family.

I lived with this cousin, his sister and parents for my grade 12 year.

Pinga - fingers crossed that those drops worked. 

Tabitha - how wonderful that you got to spend time with family!

I had a challenging series of conversations at work today. Basically, a mixed-race couple approached me this morning and told me that their son had told them something quite disturbing last night - that two children in the program refused to play with him because he "wasn't white." You can imagine how shocked I was! He had been too embarrassed to tell a leader when it happened. I immediately assured the parents that this would not be tolerated! My co-workers agreed as soon as I told them, and we all had conversations with the kids in our groups. I also spoke with the family of the one child he was able to identify - who were also shocked. I have known them for a couple of years and know them to be a very accepting family, so I feel like they will let their son know that what he said and did was not acceptable. I know the kids in my group were quite surprised and upset to hear what had happened. As I said to the boys' parents, if you look around at the children in our program, you'll see that this boy is certainly not the only non-white child in the program. Thankfully, the parents of the boy were visibly relieved when I told them about my action plan and that racism is something that we will not tolerate. They were so relieved that they didn't even bother to speak to my boss about it - he was quite surprised when I finally got a chance to talk to him about it a couple of hours later. 

Otherwise the day went smoothly. Since this is Hollywood week, we did a group talent show in the morning. The kids got to choose what they wanted to do and who they wanted to do it with. We had a wide variety of talents - from balancing books on someone's head to skits making fun of the leaders to breakdancing! In the afternoon we walked to a local park for some musical games and some free play.

Family time again! My cousin had his power boat out and took my youngest, his wife, me and his 2 youngest out for the afternoon. Tried wake surfing, had fun tubing and nice for the kids to get to know their cousins.

That sounds like fun, Tabitha.

Good work for you, SomeGal.  I'm sure the parents appreciated the intention you had especially given recent elevated sensitivities.

I went and had some fun with AquaFit last night on top of my CrossFit in the morning.

It was a lot of fun, and felt good to be able to do.

Life continues along, each day is a enw surprise and sometimes challenge..but, overall things are good

It sounds like you had a good afternoon Tabitha! 

Pinga - I'm glad you enjoyed AquaFit!

Today was definitely the most stressful day of the summer thus far. A co-worker phoned in sick less than hour before his shift started - but after mine had started, so my boss asked me to deal with it (because he had not yet started his shift). The problem was, there was never a small enough number of kids that I could leave the room and try to call someone in. Eventually I had one of my inclusion leaders do it - and when my boss came in, I explained to him what the problem was. Fortunately, he was open to hearing that and doesn't expect me to be some sort of super-human - LOL! We took all of the kids to a park in the morning, where we took over the playground - imagine the chaos of 53 kids on one medium-sized playground! I felt sorry for the other people there (about 10 had chosen to play soccer). We were only there for about 15 minutes before we had lunch. After lunch, we took the kids to see Despicable Me 2 - which was quite an enjoyable movie! Getting the kids to actually remain in their seats after the movie was quite the challenge. Several small kids started climbing on their seats - I had to rescue 2 who got their legs stuck in their chairs! I was responsible for driving the oldest kids to and from the theatre - and driving the oldest kids is its' own special kind of chaos. These kids are 10-12 years old, and many of them think they are too cool to be there. They like to come up with unique (and unsafe) ways to wear their seat belts, and get upset when you call them on it. They think its' okay to swear, lie and hit each other - and again get upset when you call them on it. I'll be glad to get back to my small group tomorrow!

Thankfully today was a MUCH better day! We spent the morning at one park and the afternoon at another one. We played lots of games and enjoyed the sunny weather.

Sadly I came home to discover that a lovely older woman from our church has passed away. She was a real pillar of our church - someone whom everyone loved and who would do anything for anyone. When I first started attending this church, she made me feel so welcome. She would often take university and college students out for a meal so that she could get to know them a little better. She had a beautiful home and thought nothing of hosting a day-long retreat for a committee. She will be missed.

Somegal - sorry to hear of the death of your friend - sounds like she had a real gift of hospitality.  I love that idea of inviting some of the younger folk out for lunch. 

We are sweltering here in southern Ontario!  Even just sitting outside in the shade is sweaty business!   Thunderstorms in the forecast - ah ... July!    In this heat I worry about some of my Muslim friends who are in the midst of Ramadan - long hours of daylight with no food or water - hard to not become dehydrated - especially for those who must be outside.  

Pinga & Tabitha - you two are inspirational with all your activities!  I haven't been anything much more strenuous than reading this week!  But I did start an interesting new book titled "Wild" about a young woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail - alone! 

I'm off work next week, so hoping to get to the AGO, maybe the ROM before we shuffle off to Buffalo for its annual Garden Walk which should be fun. 

carolla - as I sit here with blue jeans and a sweater on, on a 11 C morning, I can't imagine the sweltering heat.  It is so cold here today and is supposed to be like this for a few days yet.

I never thought of those who are fasting at this time of Ramadan . . .

Sorry about the loss of your church friend somegal . . . sounds like she was a blessing to you and many others.

It is hard to say good-bye.  At church on Sunday (although I was absent) our congregation said good-bye to a woman from our congregation who was relocating to another city.  She was very active in our church family, and a friend to all.  She will be missed.  I saw her uptown and said good-bye - we both shed tears :(.

I am going to tackle the "junk" area underneath my stairs today . . . one of those good indoor jobs to do on a cold day . .  . but I'm not very motivated LOL.

How is everyone today?

wow, 11 degrees beloved?

the humidity is wicked here, but, I will say, I am thankful for all the pounds and inches shed as it is much easier to live in the humidity when you aren't morbidly obese.

Yes, the last few days have been cool . . . but not as cool as today . . . it is supposed to go down to 9 tonight . . . this is definite not July weather - even for us northerners LOL!

Thanks, Pinga, I will check out the paleo and the site you linked to.

It's windy and cloudy - and SO HOT!!  I wish I could send some your way Beloved!  We're waiting for the forecasted thunderstorms to arrive .... we do need rain actually!   My poor garden is suffering heatstroke ... I just noticed the sky is quite dark to the west - so I better shut down my computer and batten down the hatches outside!! 

Ah pinga - great observation about body size & response to heat ... and how's that new air conditionner working?  

I'll just leave a nice basket of gluten free muffins here for you Beloved!  With some nice GogiPop herbal tea to warm you up!

The weather's been just about perfect here - sunny and highs in the mid-20s. Basically its' been warm, but not too hot. As far as I'm concerned, this is perfect beach weather - and that's exactly where we went today.

We went to this really fun park today:

In addition to what you can see in the picture, there is a boat that the kids can play on as well as a beach. I spent the day working with a little guy who has a wheelchair and we had fun playing on the boat (which is accessible) and going for a walk with a couple of the other kids who have special needs.

The air conditioner gave a welcome break for sleeping.  Didn't have it on all day but it just took the edge off and gave relief.

Hail and rain. A couple of blocks over ( my daughter and my friend) were shovelling it. Gardens and flowers destroyed. Came so quickly.Yuck.

Thanks carolla . . . sounds yummy!

somegal . . . glad you had fun . . . I so admire your talents and abilities - not everyone could do the wonderful work you do with the children.

Pinga - is it noisy - the air conditioner?  My friend's neighbours have one that sits outside their house . . . and when it is running it is really loud.

awww Crazyheart . . . I always feel so bad when gardens and flowers are damaged in an instant from hail or strong winds.  Hope not a lot of damage to vehicles etc.

Awww... thanks Beloved! 

Greetings gangnful of roomies!

Today is Saturday . . . on this day I have 24 hours (well I guess waking hours would be more like 16 as I got up at 7 a.m. and will probably be in bed by 11) - the same as what each one of us is given.  What will I do with them?

Will I be loving and kind and helpful to all those who cross my path?  Will I be mindful of the environment around me - rejoicing and being thankful for nature and creation?  Will I celebrate wonderful exciting things and not dwell on the impossible and things I cannot change?  Will I enjoy and live in each moment of the 16 waking hours?

I probably cannot attain all these things 100% - cause I am not perfect.  But, on this new day, I am going to try.  I am going to try and live in the moment . . . and enjoy each moment.  It reminds of the words something like "I will not pass this way again" . . . I cannot reclaim these minutes and hours of this day . . . may I be given grace and strength to make the most of each precious one.

Have a good day doing whatever your hours hold on this fine Saturday.  Rejoice in what you can . . . and may you be given an abundance of grace and help to carry you through the moments that are challenging and difficult.

Hope, peace, joy, love . . .

I am having a lovely lazy Saturday so far. I slept in so I am taking that as a sign that I am now in this time zone. It is dreary, dark and rainy, so a perfect day for laziness. I am though going to go out to the Farmers Market and do some errands. We will be driving down to Prince George and Burns Lake tomorrow to visit my husband's godmother. He has some work in PG on Tuesday, so we are taking the opportunity to do a bit of camping and visiting. We have had some pretty warm (for here) weather, so the break is nice. We've had some thunder today and the dog is definitely not happy about that! The forecast is promising good weather for the next few days in the GP area. I'm not missing southern Ontario these days, and hope you guys get some relief.

Love the playground creatures somegal!   Play spaces are so interesting to me ... I love to see all the different designs ... some are so creative and inviting of exploration, others don't look like much at all but kids with imagination have a blast either way!  About 15 years ago I was involved in a project in my community (through my Zonta service club) to build an accessible playground - first in our city, and several have been modelled on it since then.  So playgrounds always catch my eye :-) 

Great day here today.  We got several major thunderstorms last evening & through the night - high winds, but it was too hot for hail, thankfully.  I went out between storms near sunset and marvelled at the clouds - such incredible formations and colours - nature is quite extraordinary. Lots of heavy rain to resupply to fields and gardens and wells and lakes and streams. 

Puttering here today, and the sun has come out.  To market, some errands, a bit of garden tidy-up (followed by a good scrub in the shower!) and soon I will turn my attention to preparing for friends arrival for a BBQ.  It will be wonderful to spend the evening on the deck, eating, drinking, talking, laughing.  We haven't eaten outside much yet this summer - too darn hot!!

Beloved, thanks for your words of inspiration above.

Beloved, great comment about the choices we make in our day.

Today started early, with some yard work and clean up from the storms last night.  Then a big breakfast and making lunch for oldest son, prior to heading out for the day.

I went shopping for clothes as I have a 2-day wedding in August.  Didn't buy anything but have a couple of items that I am pondering.

Then went & used up some gift certificates by buying new sandals, getting a pedicure and.....getting my ear repierced.  It's part of the returning to self.

Now to relax for a bit, then to do some more house work.

Pinga-shopping for new clothes-and for you new sizes! You will wow them at the wedding

Carolla-I read wild and did not like it-I found her self absorbed-I know many raved about the book

My daughter is visiting for the week and then driving to Ont. with me-she will paddle with the group for 6 days then visit my folks-her grandparents and then we'll drive home together.

well, i am recognizing that I am still obese, probably in the obese II category.  The good news is that I am down from Obese III.  It is part of the thing about having clothes that fit, I need to be aware that I still have a long way to go....Can't let all the "you look good" fool me. I have a whack to go.

Hey Tabitha - are you going to be in the general GTA when here in Ont?  Would be fun to meet you.  I'll have to see what I think about the book - I'm only a couple of chapters in.  

Pinga - it IS a good thing that you're doing re the weight loss - and I think you're doing it really smartly, for what it's worth.  But I get it about going shopping & finding what looks best - know what, that's a challenge for most of us I'd guess!   I have a wedding too in August - at a cottage - so I need to find something suitable for that.  We're going to Buffalo next weekend, so hopefully there will be some good summer sales & I'll get lucky.  

Pinga even if you are still in the obese category, you have come a long way. You are in far better shape, and that alone will make you healthier. Good job on the returning to self.

Wait, Tabitha is coming to ontario? that would be awesome if we could meet in real life once.  Tellus more?

thanks for the support folks.

I received some good news re stuff happening with Dad, and though won't have complete confirmation until next week, I know that it has been stressing me out.....let alone the stress it has put on him.  Hoping by next Wednesday a major hurdle will be done. I know that just getting the news has been a difference.  

I missed the part about Tabitha going to Ontario. You guys need to meet up. You'll have fun!

Yes Edmonton to Haliburton to Kingston-paddle to Ottawa then Haliburton to Edmonton to home. Fairly tight time line. I am visiting Spiritbear and wife-she is a former roomate of mine.

Hmm I wonder if SG and LB Muskaka and I could gather? that might work.

Hi Tabitha.  Posting from my sister's in Elloit Lake - a real computer!   Didn't we have a great time together.  And now you are heading for Ontario.  We enjoyed meeting SG on our way west.  It would be great if you two could arrange a visit.  I missed Muskota - but I do believe she lives near SG.  (I think that she had a great visit with Pilgrim.)

Great to meet the various people we've come to know on this site. 

Pinga, I'm glad to hear that you are doing well with your 'change of life style' - food and exercise plan.  You must feel good about it. 

While visiting Penny we talked about her food plans.  She served us an excellent dinner, and a breakfast the next day - no grains or dairy - but tasty.  She inspired me to try to get back to healthy eating when we get home.  That - and the fruit in the Okanogan valley.   It's been hard while travelling.  Too many stops at Tims and McDonalds (though I have enjoyed their chicken ceasar salad). 

Tomorrow we head further east to Mallorytown (between Kingston and Brockville).  Then home!!!!

seeler, didn't you enjoy our visit?

LOL crazyheart!  That's always the risk of naming names isn't it??  

Oh CH-of course they enjoyed visiting with you! You are Seeler's kindred spirit! She spoke of how good it was to see you!

Too bad I'm on a limited time schedule this time-I'm not even getting to all the family I have! But I will be to central canada another time I'm sure.