Oprah Life Class

I'm so behind on Oprah's Life Class!!  Thank goodness for PVRs.

Finally watched the latest one about Difficult Conversations.  I was surprised to see a family in my area on the show.  But issues between families happen in every neighbourhood.  

When the steps were listed out, I was open to the idea of it all.  Initially, I thought the answers would be easy for this family.  But once we got to the intention of the conversation, that wasn't so easy!  I think I would have answered similarly as those daughters did.  

So the difficulty isn't even in just starting the conversation with the other person, it's really about understanding the purpose.  That was an A-Ha moment for me! 

As much as I believe in the power of having a difficult conversation, the other person needs to be in a headspace to hear me say those words.  I have to be present in hearing what they have to say.  

And sometimes, two people are not in the same place to hear each other out.  That's just the way it is.  I've had difficult conversations with people and maybe I did unconsciously follow these steps and those conversations were fulfilling and created a new space between me and the other person.  And there were those conversations where I felt like I was the only one talking and the other person was in the blame mode or just in a negative space where my energy wasn't even making a dent into their negative bubble.  

Happily...no difficult conversations coming up any time soon. 

Make Up

I don't usually wear make up and the major reason why is because of how I was brought up.  My dad always said to me that I shouldn't wear any unless it's a special ocassion.  That way people really see the difference.  

Guess I just saved myself a ton in money!   I like make up but I'm not entirely interested in it.  I leave it to the experts.  Though, I must admit, I like the idea of air brush make up.  Seems fun to do.  

But knowing me, I'd end up doing too much and I'd look like a clown.  Maybe for the world, it's just safer that I keep to my natural look!

Funeral Friday

As mentioned, my husband's co-worker recently passed away after her tremendous and extremely courageous battle with cancer.  As hubby was away for business and a conference, he wasn't able to attend the funeral.  So I attended for him.  It was an opportunity for me to say goodbye too.  Such a beautiful and wonderful person.

I've been to a number of funerals before.  They're just not something I like going to.  But it's something that you have to do.  And really, it's not about me.  It's about supporting the family and friends, to honour the person that passed and depending on how close you are to the person, an opportunity for closure.  

This one was at a fairly large church.  Probably could fit 500 people.  And as we got closer to the start time of the funeral, I could see the church getting filled up.   By the time we got started, the church was packed completely and there folks standing.  

There was a lot of song and prayer through this.  Though I didn't know the prayers...I have to admit I knew quite a few songs.  See, those Christian concerts totally helped me out!!   Some of the singers were absolutely amazing.   

There were so many wonderful things said about this person.  Her life was full!   Though there was sadness in the day due to this passing, there was also so much "joy" as this person was no longer suffering.  And the faith of those there that day, they knew they would see her once again.  

As I said, I really dislike funerals because of what it means.  But by far, this was probably the most "positive" funeral I've ever been to.  And more importantly, we celebrated a person who lived a good life, who made differences to those around her and the world, and I know for sure that she was truly loved.  

Backpack

Tonight, I took my kids to go do some back to school shopping.  They needed some new jeans,  couple of shirts, a new backpack and new lunchbox.   Good times. 

My youngest picked out items that were perfect for her.  Things with glittery hearts, cute butterflies, pinks and purples.  It's so innocent and cute.  

My oldest...well, she's been chomping at the bit to get a new backpack.  She wasn't pleased that I had gotten her a pink Hello Kitty lunch kit last year.  To be honest, I didn't realize how much she hated it.  As for her backpack, at least there was a cool monkey on it.  But it was pink.  How dare I get her a pink one!!

So this year, to be on the safe side, I let them both pick these "big ticket" items.  And tonight, I thought I was going to cry at the store when my eldest picked up this one back pack that I would have ever expected she would want.   It's not that it was ugly.  It was actually quite cool!  Beige fabric, a bit of patterned fabric at the edge of some of the pockets, very ruggish looking.  

I wanted to cry because of a number of reasons.  She didn't care what others thought about her bag (I don't see other kids her age carrying a bag like that).  Really happy she didn't succumb to peer pressure on that stuff.   She wore that backpack like a big kid and I find it hard to believe she's that big.  But the biggest reason was when I said she looked like a traveller, a world traveller.  And she said, "yes, this would be perfect for travelling and for future adventures." 

 The fact that she's ready for big adventures and dreams of them...that makes me so happy.  To know that she's growing so fast makes me realize that time is indeed passing by quickly.  And more importantly, the fact that she's confident in the person that she's becoming.  

I know, I know.  Probably totally analyzed the backpack to bits.  But I'm a mom.  I get to cry at these types of moments.  

Technology

My kids have never known a camera that wasn't digital.  Even their cheapo cameras have been digital.  

They snap pictures, look at it, then decide if they want to keep it or not.  I think it's great.  And really, digital cameras rock ...especially with all the advancements in camera technology.

So tonight, my girls were looking at a waterproof camera that I had got them.  I said that they could take it to a local pool/water slide park so they can take pictures underwater or with their friends...just some shots to remember the day.  

My youngest looked at me and said, "but after I take the picture, where do I see it?"

"You don't.  See that little hole?  You look through there and you'll see what you'll be taking a picture of and then you click here to snap the picture."

"Ok, but where do I see the picture after I take it?"

"You don't.   Remember what I just told you?"

The idea that my kid did not understand that digital cameras are not the only cameras around and that you can take pictures without seeing them the instant after to her is just a foreign idea. 

Gosh.  Is this how my parents felt when the CDs were just coming out?

First World Problems

I have first world problems.   I know that I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and many essentials that only others in other parts of the world can only dream of.  And because of my first world problems, I tend not to get too wound up about things.

Don't get me wrong.  Of course I lose it about many things.  But I always regain perspective about what is in my life and let things go or figure out solutions.  

And today, just a reminder that many things are first world problems.  Today, my husband lost a co-worker to cancer.  This woman is a woman that I had spent some time with.  Every time I was with her, I was surrounded by grace, genuineness, beauty and love.  And she had a laugh that was extremely contagious!  

Though I didn't know her well, I'm saddened by this loss.  The world is a dimmer place today without her laughter and spirit.   She fought so courageously for so many years through a number of devastating diagnoses and pain.  Her pain is something that we can only imagine and wish that we never had.  Yet, she went through this for half of her life.  And each day, despite the pain and frustration, she could still laugh and enjoy life in the best way possible.  

So, for those today having a "bad day," for those feeling that the world is against them, for those that feel that no one understands them, for those that feel that they've given so much only to receive so little, for those that cannot look to themselves to see responsibility, for those that spilled their coffee or couldn't find a parking spot....please, just give yourself a small shake.  You have the luxury of thinking of these things today and have the chance to live and change it or at least your perspective of it.  Be grateful you have first world problems.  

To Sandy...may your body and soul finally find the rest that it deserves.  May you be free from the shackles and pain of cancer.  And may you look down upon your family and friends and know that you are loved.  xoxo.....

London 2012

And just like that, the Summer Olympics of 2012 is over!   I really enjoyed the Closing Ceremonies.  Reminded me of the ceremonies for Vancouver 2010 where I got to enjoy the crowds, the show and the amazing event that it was.   Wish I could have gone to this show as it would have been a great one to remember. 

So giddy with all these pop groups that I love!!!  Of course, it wasn't all about the pop groups...it was about the athletes, the volunteers, the country and the amazing games.  Yes, I'll even miss all the Olympic commercials...especially the tear jerker ones.  

As much as I will miss all the sports, commentary, commercials and amazing moments, it will be nice to get back to regular life.  Do other things than be glued to the tv.  

Sochi is up next!  That will be another 2 weeks of my life lost again.  

August

Apparently I blinked.  It's August already.  And pretty much mid-August.   I'm really unsure where this summer has gone!!!

But I have to admit, it's been a great summer.  Pretty laid back.  Lots of activities and events to go to.  Finally got the propane tank filled up so we've been having a number of barbeques.  

Work has been good too.  It's been busy, but not insanely busy. And I love that I'm pretty much left on my own.  I know what needs to get done. 

So I'm going to continue savouring the summer with my family.  The chaos will start soon enough.  

Garage Sale

I'm getting ready for a garage sale.  It's time.  It's really unbelievable how much stuff we have in the house.  But it really is time to make some cash and clear out the junkyard we call the basement. 

There are odds and ends such as a foam pad, parts of toys, parts of machines, kitchen utensils, etc.  Just STUFF.  

I'm ready to have a "free" section and my ultra cheap section.  I am going to have a make an offer section.  And really, take it for all I care.  Yes, I'm that dedicated to getting rid of stuff this time.  

Let's hope for good weather on the day I finally decide to do it!!!

Instruments

I was doing a little internet searching the other day.  My kids are getting to an age where they are thinking about musical instruments.  They are interested in making noise on the piano, but I'm not sure they're actually interested.  I don't want to force them into it.  

I did some searches with name brands and instruments such as buffet clarinet woodwind brasswind, came up with a lot of clarinets.  Hmmmm.  Not sure if that's going to be my kid's cup of tea.  But it would be a fairly quieter instrument. 

I used to play the trumpet and I don't want my kids to start that.  It's loud!!!  So I didn't bother searching that.

Strings and quiet...yeah, cello.  I'd be into that.  Violin is probably too screechy if they can't play properly. 

I'll just see how it goes.  But hopefully they pick something up.  It would be nice to have some music in the house again.  

Space

Space.  The Final Frontier. 

Today, I'm not talking about the Star Trek series...I'm just talking about space!  Just finished watching Curiousity land on Mars.  ULTRA cool.   It is absolute amazing that they hatched this plan 8 years ago,  had to wait 8.5 months for the rover to get to Mars and how that rover had to land just perfectly based on velocity, altitude, dealing with the atmosphere and everything else...seriously, it's absolutely short of amazing that the rover landed on Mars. 

Seeing the first images was unbelievable.  That's fricken MARS.  Think about it....2.5 million years ago, humans' ancestors were making stone tools.   Today, we landed on another planet...again.  

As new discoveries bring up more questions, in the words of the crew at mission control, "let the science begin."  

Go Curiousity!

Music Videos

I really enjoy music from all over the world.  I still remember songs from the different countries I travelled in.    And everytime I hear those songs, makes me think back to all those beautiful memories.  


Even without the travelling, I still enjoy music from whatever country/land.  Recently found 2 songs I really enjoyed!  The first video is from Korea and it's just whacked.  But if you close your eyes, the tune is catchy.  Then I was very interested in the words because I wanted to know what the heck this video is about.  The guy is talking about how he basically likes simple women, who don't wear skimpy clothing and would like to coffee and do other activities.  Ummmm.  Really?  The video does not match the words at all! 


And the song title is Gangnam Style...from what I understand Gangnam refers to a district in Seoul.  In this song, it means a man whose style is rich and wealthy.  I guess rich in this context of this video means they dance like they're riding a horse.  WHACKED.  But I love the song.  

Another video I happened to find is from Romania.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this song!  It's from Directia 5 and the song is called Iti multumesc.  It's Thank You in Romanian.  Simple, cute video with a great tune. It's so happy and catchy!!!  

The lyrics rock too.  Basically, they are thankful for so many things.  How wonderful is that?!  

Hope it brings you some joy because it sure does for me.  

Supports

I was looking for my wrist supports.  I'm worried that I'm getting repetitive stress syndrome in my hands and wrists.  Eeek!  I have a pair already, but thought maybe of getting a stronger pair.  
Did a search and found bauerfeind supports. 


 Though it's not what I was looking for, I still checked out the site. Wow. There are a lot of different supports out there! I feel fortunate that I haven't had to get one due to injury. And I hope I never. But these look good if I ever have to get one. 


 I like future thinking, but I'll think I'll stop thinking about this now.