Tuesday, July 19, 2011

A Conversation Worth Sharing

I was enlightened today on the ways of the world  from an 8 year old's perspective.   A very special little girl who is wise beyond her years.  She's kind, caring, sensitive, compassionate, and beautiful.  She's my god daughter - Jaden.

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On Being the Oldest Child

Jaden - "You know Steph, I've always wanted an older brother or sister"

Me - "Me too Jaden, it's hard being the oldest, isn't it?"

Jaden - "Yep, I just want to have someone to look up to as a role model.  Ethan has me and I need someone so I can teach him what's right"

Me - "Lot's of responsibility being the oldest aren't there?"

Jaden "Yep, I like it though"

Me - "Me too..."

Jaden "I tell Ethan to not listen to people when he hears bad words"

Me "Well that's good"

Jaden "I'm trying to be the best big sister I can"

Me "You're doing a great job"
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On What it Means to be Rich

Me - "Do you like school Jade?"

Jaden - "Yes but it's kind of boring"

Me - "What makes it boring?"

Jaden "We just do the same thing over and over..."

Me - "Sounds boring.."

Jaden "One girl in my class tells me that she has an email account and a DS but she doesn't, she must be lying, she's just saying that cause I have them"

Me - "She probably is envious and wants to be like you"

Jaden "Doesn't she know that everyone has different things and so I would like to have what she has, but I don't lie"

Me - "It's good to tell the truth"

Jaden "Some kids even say "I'm soooo rich, I have this and that but rich isn't just about money, is it?" "Being rich means you have people you love, and love you back and you have things you love, doesn't matter what they are, as long as you love them".  "I tell them I'm rich too"

Me - "Sounds like you are rich, I feel rich too Jade"

Jaden "Do you have lots of money?"

Me - "No but I have lots of people and things I love"

Jaden "Well then you're rich"

Me - "I am"

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On Friendships

Jaden "Some people are meant to be together and that's why they're friends"  "If you're not friends with someone it's because you're not meant to be together - you and mom are meant to be together and me and Grace are too" 

Me "I think you're right, good point"

Jaden "If someone is mean to you"

Me "Then you don't have to be friends"

Jaden "No, you should say "I think we should spend some time apart and then try to be friends again another time"

Me "Or you could do that I guess"

Jaden "You should give it a shot"

Me "I think so, if it makes you feel good"

Jaden "It makes me feel good to be nice to people"

Me "Then that's what you should do"

                                                                                                                              

On Being Cool

Jaden "Some girls at my school think it's cool to be mean to other girls, you know, like not include them"

Me "I don't think that's cool at all Jade"

Jaden "Me neither - If they exclude someone then I'll play with that person.  I think that's cooler"

Me "Me too... How do they know what's cool"

Jaden "Yeah, who makes the cool rules anyways?"

Me "I don't think there is cool rules"

Jaden "Well then I guess we all have different thoughts on what's cool"

Me "Guess so.."
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Sunday, July 10, 2011

On the Road Again




It was a great day to be on the road again.   Since the 2010 PEI Marathon, the farthest I've ran has been 400m during my Crossfit workouts.  Today, Becs and I did a 7km run together.  Gosh it felt good to have my running partner back.  AND now she's gone again:(

Running has always been a mental challenge for me.  I hate feeling uncomfortable and like I can't breathe.  Today was no exception to this but what I noticed has changed is my reaction to the uncomfortableness...  I stayed calm and positive - knowing that in a mere 10-15mins the torture would end and I'd still be alive.  I guess I'm used to feeling uncomfortable at Crossfit, so this run was no big deal.

The run today was a testament to how awesome Crossfit is.  I have not trained my running and today I could run at a faster pace AND push through.  It was not pretty (red faced, sucking wind like no other) but I did it.  That's all that matters.  I'm in much better shape as last season it took me approx 2 months to work up to that distance.  Did I mention how much I love Crossfit?..

I definitely need to run more often now - just to get the body used to the impact again but I am confident that this year's marathon will be better than the last.  My goal is to shave off some time in the 1/2 and judging by today - this will be possible..

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

A Moment of Reflection

This post is dedicated to everyone who is fighting or has battled cancer.  

The world has lost two great men and heaven has gained two angels.  Barry Doucette and Barry Dawson - both who passed away this week from cancer.  As much as I can understand that there is a circle of life - I'm saddened that in the last 2 days it was their time.

Barry Doucette, 59 years
A gentle man who I respected for his courage, strength and love he had for his family.  Being a "Doucette" is an honor, in my opinion, a tight knit crew who you know will be there through thick and thin and 'have each other's backs'.  Barry had a quiet strength and a contagious giggle.  I would always want to 'do good' for him when I was in his house because of the respect I have for him.  I remember being a teenager (and a challenging one I was) and attempting to do the dishes after a meal at his house.  He quickly reminded me that I was a guest and to stop being crazy...  It's funny that at that age and period in my life I felt a need to do something nice for him.  What a lasting impression he's had on me.
 He was a hard worker who took pride in the job he did.  He always wanted to have peace in his life and home and worked hard to get it.  I believe he achieved that goal.  He raised 2 wonderful daughters, both who I love dearly.  He was their biggest fans and I know he'll be cheering them on from above.

Barry Dawson, 71 years
A man's man - strong, dignified, committed and a family man.  I remember him to be his daughters biggest fans poolside.  He understood our sport and knew what it took to succeed.  I remember him to be faithful at attending church services at Cornwall United.  I always envied his loyalty to the Church - every week he would tow his kids to the services and it actually appeared as if they wanted to be there.  Maybe they just loved being with their Dad.  I think that's probably it.  He had a strong, authoritative voice and you listened when he spoke.  I automatically respected him because of 'the voice'.  He believed in hard work and had many business endeavors going all at once.  This has rubbed off on his kids.  What a gift he gave them.

Cancer - it's an ugly word and is an illness I wouldn't wish on anyone.  It does however, bring out the fighters and survivors in people.  It can, in some cases, be a God send.  It can be painful and exhausting. I don't know what it feels like to be battling a disease so powerful and I hope I don't have to experience it.  I respect every person who is battling an illness now.  You are my heros.  I want to do better for the people who can't.  I want to respect my life and love it.  It's a gift.

Until the other day, I was scared of death.  Joline, one of Barry Dawson's daughters said to me that she had a beautiful last couple of days with him.  Peaceful and reflective.  A real celebration of what was.  Family surrounding both Barry's in their last moments.  That doesn't feel so scary.  In times of loss or sadness, I believe in honoring those who lived and fought.   I will not take life for granted.  I will get up in the morning happy to be alive and healthy.  That's the least I can do.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Pinch Me!

Pinch me, I must be dreaming....

The start of my married life has been amazing and overwhelming.  It just seems that things have finally come together and I have passed GO on the Monopoly Board and am collecting my dues.

Our wedding was unreal and more importantly FUN.  We danced all night long and I came to learn that my new hubby has moves even I haven't seen before.  A little split action, foot jump through (ask him to demo this one) and hours of sober (for some..hehe) fun.  I didn't think it could be that good.  By the end of the night me and one of my BFF's were 'moshing' on the dance floor to Pink's "Raise Your Glass" while I was in my wedding dress, I thought "This is the life".  Truly celebrating a new beginning.

After our amazing honeymoon to Mexico, Mike and I returned home to a couple of weeks later start looking for our 1st home.  After looking at a few homes - we found 'our' home.  The home buying process is exciting and all new to us.  Contacting this person and that person, getting financing, home insurance, home inspection and the list goes on.  In a mere 3 weeks we will be in our new home.  What a whirlwind!

Mike and I were overwhelmed with our family and friend's generosity - we received some great gifts and financial contributions to our new house and honeymoon.  I can't thank everyone enough!  I hope you all enjoy your Thank You cards that will get to you sometime soon (hopefully - damn postal strike).  One of the gifts we received from a family friend was a time share anywhere we'd like to go.  As going on trips is a hobby now for Mike and I, it seems, we were thrilled!  We chose Orlando, FL and are spending 6 days at the Bonnett Creek resort in FL.  We purchased our plane tickets on points and so we're heading to Florida for $200.00!  We're going down for Mike's birthday in September and hitting up the theme parks and attractions.  Can't wait.

After all of this - I recently found out that I will be heading to the UANA Pan American Championships in Montreal August 17-21st where one of the Naiads Senior Duets (Katie and Bridget Carter) will be representing Canada in the Senior Free Duet category.  This is a huge accomplishment for the Naiads to be selected to compete at an event of this calibre.  We have all worked so hard over the last 10 years to achieve this goal and it's here.  To say it's a 'dream come true' for me is an understatement.  I couldn't be happier!

I've decided to not focus on when this period of awesomeness will end and just savor every minute.  Be grateful for these gifts and not take anything for granted.