Leaping Forward into 2012

I love starting new projects and trying out new toys but I'm not the best at following things through to the end. This year is going to be dedicated to "Following Through." It's a mouthful for my one little word but it resonates with me so I think that is all that counts. My word for the past 2 years has been ACTION  and now I have a lot of unfinished projects and lists.

To help me follow through this year I am going to make sure that the things I commit to are ones that I truly want to do. It is important that I set my goals appropriately, in more manageable bites that I can complete before moving on to the next step or figuring out I don't want to move in that direction any longer.

Starting tomorrow I am commiting to taking a picture a day for all of 2012. I'll be using my new camera that my husband bought me for Christmas. It will be a good way for me to learn different functions on my Canon while documenting the year. I have signed up for the daily inspiration e-mails from CaptureYour365 and will be encouraged (and nudged) by my good friend Gabi to get my pictures up on my blog.

Happy New Year!

September in Review

I'm not sure where September has gone but it is definitely done.

A little recap of some the craziness that occurred:

Darien started kindergarten! It was a rocky start (he escaped the first day), but we survived it. We are all adjusting to the back to school routine and things are getting better all around.

Date night at a yummy Mexican restaurant in Port Moody. I ordered a huge platter and the waitress tried to give it to Jeremy - I don't think she believed I could finish that much food (I couldn't).

An Amazing Race style event at work. It was a lot of fun but exhausting at the same time. I'm not sure how the people on the show do it, we only had to run around for 2 hours!

A new to me piano, Jeremy surprised me with it. I've been playing everyday. I remember more than I thought I would but lots of practicing is still in my future.

Fishing on BC Rivers Day. We paid for all 3 boys to fish but Grayden didn't want to have anything do with it. We have some nice rainbow trout in our freezer ready to be cooked up.

And interspersed amongst all of it was a dose of daily silliness.

Fun While You Run

I'm not there yet but I can tell it's coming. My runs are becoming more enjoyable in large part to Gabi. I used to love running on my own but I think that was because I didn't have the right running partner.

I don't skip runs when I know she is waiting for me and I am able to push myself further. On Saturday we did 8km and it was easier than I was expecting. A pit stop for a photo op helped too!

34 Before 35

Here's my list of goals and reminders that I made for myself. It was made on my 34th birthday and I plan to cross everything off before I turn 35.

I'm already working on number 1 with my good friend Gabi. We are training for and running a half marathon together this November. I have put up all of my racing bibs on the wall in my office as a reminder of what I have accomplished and as proof that I can do this.

My goal to blog once a week has gotten a lot easier with a new app I downloaded that let's me write and publish posts on my iPod while I ride the train to work.

Summer 2011 - CHECK

I can't believe it is time to say farewell to another summer! We started practicing our back to school morning routine today. It didn't go exactly as planned but all 3 boys were dressed when we left the house this morning.

The summer weather hasn't been ideal but I'm not too sad, fall is my favorite season.

I have many plans, goals and projects ready for the fall. I'll be sharing them more here in this space, to keep me accountable to the promises I make to myself and as gentle reminders of my true prioritites

Very Pinteresting!

I have been on the computer but not blogging obviously - I've been on Pinterest. I may need an intervention. Not only am I spending way too much time looking for items to add to my boards I may start spending way too much money on those same things too.

If you are on Pinterest, let me know your ID and I'll follow you. If you want to check mine out go here.

Taking a Few Minutes

I had some mommy time this morning with Gabi and she reminded me that even taking 20 minutes to post a blog is worth it. I enjoy posting, it is for me and me alone and taking time for me is important!

Going through some work turmoil, evaluating my next career move and stressing about money makes taking a few minutes here and there for me all the more important.

Thanks Gabi!

Drool Worthy

A few items I have been drooling over:

Hunter Boots in Aubergine
(source: targetwholesale)



a new iPod nano for my runs:

(source: futureshop.ca)

Prismacolor Colored Pencil - 132 piece set

(source: michaels.com)

A new BBQ of ANY kind (we don't have a working one right now!)

Long hair - I've enjoyed my bob but want my long hair back now (it is growing way too slowly)

A Bump in the Road

I've been coasting through my days, not living up to the expectations I have for myself and inevitably reached the "That's Enough!" point. Getting back to action these past few weeks feels good. At first you think you are going to feel better by taking it easy but things start piling up, you let your creative juices run dry and your laundry pile turns into a mountain.

When you add up all the wasted minutes in your day you realize how many minutes you have to put towards something that is going to make you happy. My blog makes me happy, getting together with old and new friends makes me happy, playing Mouse Trap with my boys makes me happy, watching a movie with Jeremy makes me happy - taking care of ME makes me happy.

Sometimes that bump in the road can send you soaring if you let it.

Sneak Peek

I mentioned in my last post that I am working on an online magazine with my good friend Sandra. Visit the place holder page to read the mission statement - it embodies everything you are going to find in the pages we are creating.
My pocket stones (pictured above) are going to be featured in one of the articles plus some other goodies from me (vintage love, accessible fashion and some illustrations).
The premier issue of Floze will be available for your reading pleasure June 2011!

Breaking the Silence

I'm breaking out of my blogging rut by typing whatever comes to mind. Trying to come up with the perfect post after a 7 month hiatus is too much pressure.

This is to say I'm back, I'm here and I'm blogging again!

A few things I have on the go and want to share are:

• contributing to a new online mag that my good friend is putting together (she has bestowed the title of Creative Editor upon me) Look for the first issue this June
• Training for the Sun Run and 2 half marathons
• lots of crafty and creative goodness