So it has been 5 weeks since I had a total change of ...well everything.
Seriously - 5 weeks ago...I was a mess. I felt that my life was a mess...but I actually had to have it pointed out to me to really get it.
I guess I've had a major AHA moment!
It's funny how at some point something changes and it creates the snowball effect and EVERYTHING changes.
In my case, for the better.
In 5 five weeks:
My outlook on life is different - better!
My marriage is as strong as it has ever been!
I have not had a Tim Hortons Steeped Tea Double/Double (in 5 weeks!)
I have eaten very little white stuff...meaning white flour & white sugar.
I have lost about 15 pounds.
I feel great.
I walk 5K, 4x a week with my hubby & dogs.
I have not let people run all over me & try and drag me down.
I have purged & decluttered about 20% of our garage.
I have put gymnastics second...for a change!
And in 17 days, my world is not going to be ruled by ungrateful, whiney, bitchy people anymore!!!
Here are some quotes that I have been thinking about lately:
"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before we changed."
~ Earl Nightingale ~
"To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it more fit for its prime function of looking forward."
~ Margaret Fairless Barber ~
“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”
~ John Quincy Adams ~
“Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.”
~ Winston Churchill ~
“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”
~ Mother Teresa ~
"Love is everything it's cracked up to be...It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for."
~ Erica Jong ~
"Love cures people, the ones who receive love and the ones who give it, too."
~ Karl Menninger ~
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”
~ Mignon McLaughlin ~
"Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others."
~ William A. Ward ~
And finally:
"And will you succeed? Yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three quarters percent guaranteed!"
~ Dr. Seuss ~
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ah...I'm dreaming of Mexico!
Yes - so back to Mexico...it was amazing.
There were a few hiccups... like our first flight was behind schedule so we only had 10 minutes between flights and I was worried sick that we would miss it...but we made it....unfortunately, our luggage did not!
Normally - I would not have cared so much...because normally I pack a great carry on...this time, I did not. I was out running errands in the morning and when I got home, Anthony's mom was already there to drive us to the airport...so I just grabbed everything and we went to the airport. So, no, I did not have a change of clothes or my blood pressures meds or a freakin' toothbrush! Ugh - I hate it when that happens. Isn't that Murphy's Law? Pack it, you won't need it...don't pack it and you surely will.
So that was fine - when we arrived we spent almost an hour getting through customs...(and we had it good...others that arrived on Saturday waited about 3 hours!) Once through customs we realized that our bags were nowhere to be found. The guy at Continental was like.."Oh yeah, the bags never make in on the Calgary flight" I'm like...Hello? If you know that...fix it!
So it's my birthday as well....which we all know is not my favorite day of the year....but that's life.
So we grab a cab to the condo and the brides brother & his girlfriend are there waiting for us with keys to our unit...and they were also so kind as to make us some yummy cheese & ham quesadillas. Then we went for a long walk along the beach...it was pitch black...so that was kinda cool.
The next couple days we just hung out, walked along the beach, read books, swam, relaxed and enjoyed each other.
We helped the brides family with some of the wedding preparations and shopping and that was fun as well. Once everyone else started to arrive it became quite festive...I think there was about 80 people that came down for the wedding! That amazing for a destination wedding!
The wedding itself was wonderful and Anthony looked handsome as a groomsman....I'll have to post some pix when I download them. We met so many new people and hung out with some old friends - it was quite fun!
We did some amazing snorkeling trips and some scuba diving...and yes - I scuba dived!!! I know - I am usually such a chicken shit...but for whatever reason...it was important to me to try.
I did the "resort" certification course in which you have to do all the necessary functions in the pool first and go through a quick test of each skill before they will take you out. And even then, you can only dive 40 feet or so. You need the full PADI certification to do anything deeper - which Anthony has.
Before we even get in the pool, the nerves were starting. I had to get Anthony to go get me some Motrin...hoping it would help. It did not.
They made us put the tanks & gear on and carry it to the pool...good Lord...I though I was going to fall over backwards...it was sooooo heavy!
I get in the pool and get the regulator in...I can't seem to get my head under the water. face yes...whole head..no. I almost said FORGET IT! I'm outta here! But I persist and the dive master is patient. It takes some time. Meanwhile Anthony & Lorin are swimming about having a grand time. Ok - so I master getting my whole head under water. Then I am asked to sit on the bottom of the pool - on my bum. Nope...no way. I felt so out of control it was crazy. I just could not do it. I kept jumping up and going above the water line. Again.....thoughts of quitting and running back to the safety of the lounge chair sounded great! But I kept trying.... Anyways...after a while I just kneeled down and that seemed to be ok.
I somehow passed the tests that were asked of me...even though I was scared shitless doing them!
And so off we go...into the boat to take us to the dive site. During the boat ride I am starting to really freak myself out....I was shaking...but trying to maintain some type of composure for my husbands sake at least. The dive master Paul, says to me..."ok Allyson - so you & I are going to be dive buddies - and we'll stick together down there." Whew...did he really think I was going down alone?
We get to the dive site and the boats stop. And Paul is like...Ok lets go...sit on the ledge and fall backwards into the water! It's a good thing that I didn't think too long and hard about that 'cause I would never have done it...but I did it quickly and it was over and I was in. Thank God. Still alive.
The waves were crashing all around us and I kept getting sea water in my mouth but I was freaked out about keeping the regulator in my mouth and going down. We tried once and I panicked and up we went. I tried again and got a little further down and freaked...up we came. Finally Paul just pulled me down by my hand and that was that. I was under.
I tried my best to be brave, be seriously...I was a mess inside. Paul held my hand (the whole time, I might add) and off we swam....Anthony & Lorin and the rest of the group swam off and Paul and I hung out and he pointed out all kinds of great sea life. Very cool indeed.
So inside I am still a nervous wreck...remember here, that I am a crazy claustrophobic control freak with high blood pressure to boot! Probably not the best combination to have 40 feet under the water. I feel sick.
So I make some kind of motions to Paul that I feel sick...well shit - they didn't teach us those hand signals!!! I think he thinks that I am enjoying this!
But the puke is coming...I can feel it and I can't stop it......sure enough I rip the regulator out of my mouth (a HUGE no-no, of course!) and let er' rip....Paul is freaking and trying to shove the regulator back into my mouth...but I am not done puking so I flight him. Meanwhile I could be (should be) asphyxiating...on my way to DEAD! But finally I put the regulator back in and breathe...thank God! Paul looks slightly panic stricken...but I feel better. We are surrounded by my puke floating around us and the fish are coming...so we swim away and let them have their lunch.
We swim around some more and enjoy the sights...I was still freaked out but doing a little better. In hindsight it would have been safer to shit my pants underwater but who can choose?
The dive lasted about 40 minutes. I never once checked my air tank levels...bad me...but Paul did and he said I did amazing...most mothers do as they have been taught good breathing techniques for childbirth.
So it's time to go up...
Pull up the rope...slowly...I try not to panic and rush to the top...knowing that my lungs would explode.
I keep my breathing regulated...Ok - almost there...I can see the light....
I get to the top...pop my head out of the water...waves crashing all around us...and promptly puke again. and again. .
I get on the boat and puke some more.
My poor husband...I know he was proud of me...but I'm sorry he had to endure that.
So that was my very first ever scuba diving experience!
Fun and EXCITING times!!!
You know...even after all that I will do it again. It is a learned thing. And I have to learn to control my fears and my panic..and not just for scuba diving...for life itself!
We also went snorkeling and I was also sick in the water doing that...and on the boat! Weird! I have spent lots of time around boats so I'm not sure if it was just nerves or an upset stomach or seasickness...who knows. But this morning I did read about a bracelet that you wear that gives constant acupressure on your wrist that helps keep the sea sickness at bay. http://www.psibands.com/
I haven't looked at it yet but I will for our next trip around water!
I celebrated both my birthday & Mother's Day there and missed our club meet & Noah's competition...but you know what..it was worth every minute of it.
By the way, my darling husband...so thoughtful, brought my birthday gift with him.
Beautiful diamond solitaire earrings..
a book on Love poems/quotes..
the new Van Morrison CD..
some really cute stationary..
and a card that brought tears to my eyes.
Wow...what a lovely bunch of gifts.
I guess I could forgive him for totally ignoring me on Valentines Day?
All in all...this was quite possibly one of the best vacations that Anthony & I have ever been on. It was 11 days of pure heaven. The town is so our style...laid back and low key...great restaurants, friendly people, beautiful beaches, the 2nd largest coral reef in the world....
We loved it so much, we are seriously thinking that we would like to buy one of the condos. And there are three for sale....
Stay tuned!
There were a few hiccups... like our first flight was behind schedule so we only had 10 minutes between flights and I was worried sick that we would miss it...but we made it....unfortunately, our luggage did not!
Normally - I would not have cared so much...because normally I pack a great carry on...this time, I did not. I was out running errands in the morning and when I got home, Anthony's mom was already there to drive us to the airport...so I just grabbed everything and we went to the airport. So, no, I did not have a change of clothes or my blood pressures meds or a freakin' toothbrush! Ugh - I hate it when that happens. Isn't that Murphy's Law? Pack it, you won't need it...don't pack it and you surely will.
So that was fine - when we arrived we spent almost an hour getting through customs...(and we had it good...others that arrived on Saturday waited about 3 hours!) Once through customs we realized that our bags were nowhere to be found. The guy at Continental was like.."Oh yeah, the bags never make in on the Calgary flight" I'm like...Hello? If you know that...fix it!
So it's my birthday as well....which we all know is not my favorite day of the year....but that's life.
So we grab a cab to the condo and the brides brother & his girlfriend are there waiting for us with keys to our unit...and they were also so kind as to make us some yummy cheese & ham quesadillas. Then we went for a long walk along the beach...it was pitch black...so that was kinda cool.
The next couple days we just hung out, walked along the beach, read books, swam, relaxed and enjoyed each other.
We helped the brides family with some of the wedding preparations and shopping and that was fun as well. Once everyone else started to arrive it became quite festive...I think there was about 80 people that came down for the wedding! That amazing for a destination wedding!
The wedding itself was wonderful and Anthony looked handsome as a groomsman....I'll have to post some pix when I download them. We met so many new people and hung out with some old friends - it was quite fun!
We did some amazing snorkeling trips and some scuba diving...and yes - I scuba dived!!! I know - I am usually such a chicken shit...but for whatever reason...it was important to me to try.
I did the "resort" certification course in which you have to do all the necessary functions in the pool first and go through a quick test of each skill before they will take you out. And even then, you can only dive 40 feet or so. You need the full PADI certification to do anything deeper - which Anthony has.
Before we even get in the pool, the nerves were starting. I had to get Anthony to go get me some Motrin...hoping it would help. It did not.
They made us put the tanks & gear on and carry it to the pool...good Lord...I though I was going to fall over backwards...it was sooooo heavy!
I get in the pool and get the regulator in...I can't seem to get my head under the water. face yes...whole head..no. I almost said FORGET IT! I'm outta here! But I persist and the dive master is patient. It takes some time. Meanwhile Anthony & Lorin are swimming about having a grand time. Ok - so I master getting my whole head under water. Then I am asked to sit on the bottom of the pool - on my bum. Nope...no way. I felt so out of control it was crazy. I just could not do it. I kept jumping up and going above the water line. Again.....thoughts of quitting and running back to the safety of the lounge chair sounded great! But I kept trying.... Anyways...after a while I just kneeled down and that seemed to be ok.
I somehow passed the tests that were asked of me...even though I was scared shitless doing them!
And so off we go...into the boat to take us to the dive site. During the boat ride I am starting to really freak myself out....I was shaking...but trying to maintain some type of composure for my husbands sake at least. The dive master Paul, says to me..."ok Allyson - so you & I are going to be dive buddies - and we'll stick together down there." Whew...did he really think I was going down alone?
We get to the dive site and the boats stop. And Paul is like...Ok lets go...sit on the ledge and fall backwards into the water! It's a good thing that I didn't think too long and hard about that 'cause I would never have done it...but I did it quickly and it was over and I was in. Thank God. Still alive.
The waves were crashing all around us and I kept getting sea water in my mouth but I was freaked out about keeping the regulator in my mouth and going down. We tried once and I panicked and up we went. I tried again and got a little further down and freaked...up we came. Finally Paul just pulled me down by my hand and that was that. I was under.
I tried my best to be brave, be seriously...I was a mess inside. Paul held my hand (the whole time, I might add) and off we swam....Anthony & Lorin and the rest of the group swam off and Paul and I hung out and he pointed out all kinds of great sea life. Very cool indeed.
So inside I am still a nervous wreck...remember here, that I am a crazy claustrophobic control freak with high blood pressure to boot! Probably not the best combination to have 40 feet under the water. I feel sick.
So I make some kind of motions to Paul that I feel sick...well shit - they didn't teach us those hand signals!!! I think he thinks that I am enjoying this!
But the puke is coming...I can feel it and I can't stop it......sure enough I rip the regulator out of my mouth (a HUGE no-no, of course!) and let er' rip....Paul is freaking and trying to shove the regulator back into my mouth...but I am not done puking so I flight him. Meanwhile I could be (should be) asphyxiating...on my way to DEAD! But finally I put the regulator back in and breathe...thank God! Paul looks slightly panic stricken...but I feel better. We are surrounded by my puke floating around us and the fish are coming...so we swim away and let them have their lunch.
We swim around some more and enjoy the sights...I was still freaked out but doing a little better. In hindsight it would have been safer to shit my pants underwater but who can choose?
The dive lasted about 40 minutes. I never once checked my air tank levels...bad me...but Paul did and he said I did amazing...most mothers do as they have been taught good breathing techniques for childbirth.
So it's time to go up...
Pull up the rope...slowly...I try not to panic and rush to the top...knowing that my lungs would explode.
I keep my breathing regulated...Ok - almost there...I can see the light....
I get to the top...pop my head out of the water...waves crashing all around us...and promptly puke again. and again. .
I get on the boat and puke some more.
My poor husband...I know he was proud of me...but I'm sorry he had to endure that.
So that was my very first ever scuba diving experience!
Fun and EXCITING times!!!
You know...even after all that I will do it again. It is a learned thing. And I have to learn to control my fears and my panic..and not just for scuba diving...for life itself!
We also went snorkeling and I was also sick in the water doing that...and on the boat! Weird! I have spent lots of time around boats so I'm not sure if it was just nerves or an upset stomach or seasickness...who knows. But this morning I did read about a bracelet that you wear that gives constant acupressure on your wrist that helps keep the sea sickness at bay. http://www.psibands.com/
I haven't looked at it yet but I will for our next trip around water!
I celebrated both my birthday & Mother's Day there and missed our club meet & Noah's competition...but you know what..it was worth every minute of it.
By the way, my darling husband...so thoughtful, brought my birthday gift with him.
Beautiful diamond solitaire earrings..
a book on Love poems/quotes..
the new Van Morrison CD..
some really cute stationary..
and a card that brought tears to my eyes.
Wow...what a lovely bunch of gifts.
I guess I could forgive him for totally ignoring me on Valentines Day?
All in all...this was quite possibly one of the best vacations that Anthony & I have ever been on. It was 11 days of pure heaven. The town is so our style...laid back and low key...great restaurants, friendly people, beautiful beaches, the 2nd largest coral reef in the world....
We loved it so much, we are seriously thinking that we would like to buy one of the condos. And there are three for sale....
Stay tuned!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Home from Mexico....
and it was FABULOUS!!!
Wow...what an amazing trip. I cannot say enough about the place - Puerto Moralis - we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
But most of all I loved the company....Anthony and I had the most incredible time together....even better than our honeymoon! ha ha
I have so much to say - but I need to call my girlfriend for a chat before it gets too late. Will have to update later I guess!
Wow...what an amazing trip. I cannot say enough about the place - Puerto Moralis - we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
But most of all I loved the company....Anthony and I had the most incredible time together....even better than our honeymoon! ha ha
I have so much to say - but I need to call my girlfriend for a chat before it gets too late. Will have to update later I guess!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
12 hours to go....
Until we leave for Mexico that is. I'm still doing laundry....very, very typical of me.
I am very excited and so is Anthony - he is almost giddy!
I so happy that we are going early to spend a few days alone before the rest of the wedding party/guests arrive. Anthony & I don't go away on too many trips alone so this will be a goody! 11 days of paradise!
The BIG event of the week.........
My SIL Laura gave birth to her first baby - Ben. Dad Greg is so proud and they are all doing so well. He is sooooooooo cute! And Anthony is totally in love with him - it's so sweet!
We have been going crazy on the North Haven house as well as the Dalhousie house just trying to try up loose ends. The work will go on while we are away but Anthony is feeling some stress at letting go - God only knows what'll happen while we are away...and something always does!
A big thanks to all of my friends that are stepping in to help take care of Noah while we are away. You are all so awesome - And I am so grateful that you are in our lives.
"It takes a village to raise a child." ~ African Proverb ~
I am very excited and so is Anthony - he is almost giddy!
I so happy that we are going early to spend a few days alone before the rest of the wedding party/guests arrive. Anthony & I don't go away on too many trips alone so this will be a goody! 11 days of paradise!
The BIG event of the week.........
My SIL Laura gave birth to her first baby - Ben. Dad Greg is so proud and they are all doing so well. He is sooooooooo cute! And Anthony is totally in love with him - it's so sweet!
We have been going crazy on the North Haven house as well as the Dalhousie house just trying to try up loose ends. The work will go on while we are away but Anthony is feeling some stress at letting go - God only knows what'll happen while we are away...and something always does!
A big thanks to all of my friends that are stepping in to help take care of Noah while we are away. You are all so awesome - And I am so grateful that you are in our lives.
"It takes a village to raise a child." ~ African Proverb ~
Friday, May 02, 2008
Quote of the day...
I emailed this to my hubby.
Love is everything it's cracked up to be...It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for.
~ Erica Jong ~
Love is everything it's cracked up to be...It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for.
~ Erica Jong ~
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Friday May 1st
To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it more fit for its prime function of looking forward.
~ Margaret Fairless Barber ~
*****************************************
Ahhhhh...isn't is always easy to look back and say: what if? or why? Yes, hindsight is 20/20.
We make mistakes in life - everyone does. What we learn from them is the lesson, isn't it?
I have made mistakes...many. And there are no guarantees that there will not be more. But I am so much more aware...
I bought two new books at Chapters tonight...One on the recommendation of my good friend Melissa. Maybe I won't put the title here because those of you that know me...know me well...may think I have lost my mind. But I am open to learning and growing as a person so I will read it and hopefully gain the knowledge that I am after.
The other book is about men - your husband...and really knowing them. It should be an interesting read. Again - I'm open to it.
I like this quote from the book:
"The best relationship is the union of two very different people, who are good appreciators"
~ Margaret Fairless Barber ~
*****************************************
Ahhhhh...isn't is always easy to look back and say: what if? or why? Yes, hindsight is 20/20.
We make mistakes in life - everyone does. What we learn from them is the lesson, isn't it?
I have made mistakes...many. And there are no guarantees that there will not be more. But I am so much more aware...
I bought two new books at Chapters tonight...One on the recommendation of my good friend Melissa. Maybe I won't put the title here because those of you that know me...know me well...may think I have lost my mind. But I am open to learning and growing as a person so I will read it and hopefully gain the knowledge that I am after.
The other book is about men - your husband...and really knowing them. It should be an interesting read. Again - I'm open to it.
I like this quote from the book:
"The best relationship is the union of two very different people, who are good appreciators"
My thoughts...
Todays Quote of the Day:
Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others.
~ William A. Ward ~
Three of the hardest things for a human to do, I believe. Care. Dare. Share.
I am trying…and starting with my husband, kids, family, friends....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterdays quote:
"Tough Times Don’t Last...Tough People Do"
What does this mean?
For me personally, it means the last three years of my life have been tough. I hadn't REALLY realized it until pointed out by another. We have gone through so much in our house – Anthony & I in particular and all of the dealings with business and the gym have taken my focus away from what is most important in my life - Anthony & the kids.
I think have found a renewed sense of desire to make all that is not good – great.
Of course this all started with an argument – one that lasted a while but has been brewing for quite some time. It’s so easy to just let things slide away from you. Being unhappy and not saying anything about it. I am an expert at keeping things bottled up and then exploding. Not very productive or friendly. But it is me and I really am trying to change that aspect of me.
It’s funny how an argument can change everything. For the worse sometimes – but also for the better sometimes. For me I guess I woke up and realized what is important.
I started by getting Anthony away for a night in Banff – who doesn't love Banff? It has always been our little getaway. I made the suggestion and he made the arrangements. We had dinner at the Grizzly House (our favorite) and enjoyed 4 hours of conversation and a wonderful meal to boot. We stayed at the Ptarmigan Inn – (where we once had gotten engaged.) It was wonderful and romantic and we definitly need a few more nights or weekends like that in our lives.
It amazing how easy it is to forget what life is about - Love & Family.
Next week we we are off to Cancun - sans kids. We are going for a wedding so there will be lots of other people to socialize with, but hopefully we can spend more time re-connecting.
So my quote today means that I am tough and I can stick it out even when things are not all sunshine & roses. But I know that with time and effort all will be so.
Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others.
~ William A. Ward ~
Three of the hardest things for a human to do, I believe. Care. Dare. Share.
I am trying…and starting with my husband, kids, family, friends....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterdays quote:
"Tough Times Don’t Last...Tough People Do"
What does this mean?
For me personally, it means the last three years of my life have been tough. I hadn't REALLY realized it until pointed out by another. We have gone through so much in our house – Anthony & I in particular and all of the dealings with business and the gym have taken my focus away from what is most important in my life - Anthony & the kids.
I think have found a renewed sense of desire to make all that is not good – great.
Of course this all started with an argument – one that lasted a while but has been brewing for quite some time. It’s so easy to just let things slide away from you. Being unhappy and not saying anything about it. I am an expert at keeping things bottled up and then exploding. Not very productive or friendly. But it is me and I really am trying to change that aspect of me.
It’s funny how an argument can change everything. For the worse sometimes – but also for the better sometimes. For me I guess I woke up and realized what is important.
I started by getting Anthony away for a night in Banff – who doesn't love Banff? It has always been our little getaway. I made the suggestion and he made the arrangements. We had dinner at the Grizzly House (our favorite) and enjoyed 4 hours of conversation and a wonderful meal to boot. We stayed at the Ptarmigan Inn – (where we once had gotten engaged.) It was wonderful and romantic and we definitly need a few more nights or weekends like that in our lives.
It amazing how easy it is to forget what life is about - Love & Family.
Next week we we are off to Cancun - sans kids. We are going for a wedding so there will be lots of other people to socialize with, but hopefully we can spend more time re-connecting.
So my quote today means that I am tough and I can stick it out even when things are not all sunshine & roses. But I know that with time and effort all will be so.
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