I love a good deal!

I have been buying a lot of things from Groupon and Daily deals lately. It's not like I am buying them just because they are there, I buy the things that I know I will use or I needed anyway. Like a massage. I still have to book that one. I just bought a Boot Camp deal with World Health fitness from Groupon. I know, what the heck was I thinking? But I made myself a deal, anything that came up on Groupon or daily deals that had to do with fitness of any kind, or new active things that I'd like to try, I buy them.

This boot camp deal ended up costing me $40, it was $50 down from the over $200 it normally is. Somewhere along the way, someone bought a deal because I suggested it and that gave me $10 off my next Groupon deal. What a steal! I start boot camp on Monday - and I am actually looking forward to it. It will be something new, and someone else will tell me what to do. I have already been gearing up for outdoor soccer, but this might just give me another kick in the pants that I need. And really, for $40, it's a wicked deal. It's twice a week for 6 weeks, and it's something I have never tried before. I'm still waiting for a yoga deal, I missed the last one.

I have just been informed of onespout.com, it's a site, that when you sign up, it takes all the daily deals and sends them to you in one email. I haven't looked at it yet, but once I do, I'm sure I will have something to say about that.

I just think that these "daily deals" are a great idea. They get you to try new things, new places and you get a discount doing it. How could you go wrong? On the other hand, some people might go too far and buy everything and spend all their money, so I guess it's just one more thing you have to be responsible about. So far I have bought a massage, which I haven't gotten yet due to my stupid schedule, eye glasses, again which I haven't gotten to yet. Piano lessons for the kids, they both went, and the one that I thought would love them didn't, and the one that I thought would be indifferent loved them! That was an awesome deal because now I know my daughter would really do well at piano lessons. I've also bought discounts for a bookstore and of course, the boot camp. I will keep buying things that make sense to try and I look forward to these deals to see what new things I can do. If you don't already do these deals, check them out!

Mother's day

I have just read an article on Mother's day in Real Simple (a magazine) by author Jacquelyn Mitchard. She had the best idea for Mother's day. She had a book, well at this point, many books, and she had her children write or draw in them every Mother's day. I thought this was just the best idea! The kids always do stuff like that in school and they just seem to end up in a box for keeping. I can't get rid of stuff like that.

So the simple solution is to put what they feel about me, or what they want to say or draw into a nice book. I've given my kids the book and their instructions, now I just have to wait patiently for Mother's day to see what they had to say. I hope that they can continue this for a few years so I can have it forever. I hate the fact that they are growing up so quickly and at least this way I can keep a little bit of them little in this book.

I have kept a journal for each of my kids since the day that I found out I was pregnant. I used to write about what they did, what they learned, new things they did as they grew. I still write in them, mostly about funny things they say, creative things they have done, achievements and just sweet things about them. They are kept in the coffee table, but the kids don't read them. I have told them they are not allowed, but also, they can't read my handwriting! They aren't a secret by any means, but I have told them that they will get these journals when they are older. That way they can always see the cool things they did, and just how much I love them. I read them from time to time, I just flip to a page and read what I have written. It makes me so happy to hear about when they were littler, and sometimes it makes me cry to read the sweet things they have done.

I don't really need anything for Mother's day, but the kids always feel like they have to give me something. Now they can give me exactly what I want. My husband can get me stuff that comes from a store. Specifically an e reader....hint..honey..if you're reading this!

How do I spell relief? Spaaaahhhhh!

If you ever need any spa treatments done, I highly recommend the Still Water spa at the Hyatt downtown Calgary. Believe me, sometimes I just NEED things done. I had a 90 minute deep tissue massage yesterday, it was amazing. My body was so relaxed, I could feel where the masseuse hadn't gotten to yet, but the ones he had were like jello! I've been there a few times now and they never disappoint. I have had a body scrub, a few massages and my first facial. I haven't been to many other spa's but this one is just so nice, I can't imagine going anywhere else....unless I had a coupon of course. My massage appointment was at 11am so I was there for 10am. I used the hot tub, took off my makeup and went into the steam room. Gave myself a bit of a facial before the steam, finished it off with a cold cloth to my face and then put on a nice night cream on my face to lounge around in. My skin looks very pretty right now. I had my massage, they brought me lunch and then I did the hot tub and steam room again. Then I took a lovely hot shower with a rainfall shower head and multiple jets. Took my time lotioning my body, dried my hair and went to pick up the kids. It was the loveliest day. I know I've already reviewed this spa, but believe me, it's worth mentioning over and over again!

I have a coupon from dealfind for a massage at Spice Wellness. I'll let you know how that goes. It may not be up to Stillwater standards, but I have to check other places out from time to time.

The only thing I have to add is about spa etiquette. If you are going to the spa, be mindful that no one else really wants to hear your conversation (do they ever?), so be respectful and be quiet! If you want to go have a party spa day with the girls, don't go to the Stillwater. If I am there and you do that, I will glare at you! I swear, that is my biggest pet peeve, I just want to relax and these other people are yakking away. And the swearing! Geez ladies, pretend you are civilized for just a little while and don't swear like a trucker at the spa. That's all, I will stop my rant now and go back to being all zen and spa like myself!

Gleek!

I am such a gleek! I just love the show Glee - I have always wanted to sing, I've always loved musicals and singing along with them. My one problem? I'm just not that good! If I went on American idol, they would tell me that I'm not terrible, but I'm just not that great. That has not damped my spirits, I still sing all the time. The kids don't even tell me to shut up, so I must be at least ok! Funnily, when my husband and I sing in harmony together, he always takes the high and I take the low part. I'm not sure who that is worse for.

Watching Glee just makes me want to go out there and find a glee club of my own. I highly doubt I'd ever be able to sing in front of people, I tried once in karaoke and my husband only said that maybe I chose the wrong song. He was probably right, I could have kicked ass with a better song! My one big unattainable dream has always been to be part of a musical number with dancing and singing. Kind of like the Voulez Vous number on Mamma Mia. One must have big dreams. So if you know of any movies or plays that need mediocre singers to be part of their big number, tell them to give me a call!

I cannot be modest

Do you ever run into those people who always downplay their life? They make it sound like they are barely getting by and they make you depressed to just talk to them? Is it wrong to not want to talk to those kind of people? They are such a downer. Find some happiness already people!

I have a hard time restraining myself, and I don't want to make other people feel bad, but my life is awesome, and I just want to tell everyone. It's Monday morning and I feel this way!

After what seemed like a never ending rough patch with my husband, I have the husband that I have always wanted! He's been so wonderful, sweet, kind and generous. He always wants to spend time with me and the kids, we do all sorts of fun stuff and he always makes me laugh. He also makes me cappuccino's all the time - that alone gets him extra points! I have 2 great kids, they are smart and funny. They love me so much and never hesitate to tell me. They think I am the greatest mother that ever lived. How can you not be happy with that around?

I am not sure what is up with me today, but I feel so happy and thankful. I could find things to bitch about - the weather is top of my list - but why bother. Things are great and I am just happy to be a part of it. Is it wrong to answer - how are you doing? - with - " I am awesome!"? Is that taboo? Should I be just ok? Well I'm not. I am freaking awesome and I want everyone to know!

Maybe it's the fact that I leave for summer vacation in 65 days and have something to look forward to. Maybe it's because the kids got to school on time and my son made his own breakfast, got my paper and turned on my computer for me. Maybe it's because my daughter got dressed all by herself and didn't want my input just to wear something other than what I picked. Did I mention she's 11 and very picky about her clothes already? Maybe it's because I went to the gym and ran my ass off and I feel great. I am also halfway through my list of things to do and I don't mind the rest of the stuff on my list. Maybe it's because my doctor acknowledges that I am fat but fit and he's very happy with that. There's nothing worse than a doctor that tells you to change your lifestyle when they know nothing about you! What, should I sit my ass on the couch and eat bon bons? But he recognized that I do work my ass off, I just happen to be voluptuous....and damn proud of it thank you!

Anyway, maybe it's the fact that spring has got to be here soon, the sun is shining and there is nothing too bad in my life right now and that's why I am just so happy. Who cares what the reason is, I am happy and thankful that I am! Happy Monday!

Empowered

I played in a women's over 35 soccer tournament this past weekend and my team won first place! I'd like to post a photo, but I haven't been able to access one just yet. We played 4 games over 3 days, tied one game, won 3 and had 2 shut outs! It was really amazing. I didn't play indoor this year but I thought the tournament would be a great way to see if I liked it and also to see if my foot was ready for soccer in general. It is!


I can't believe that I was able to play all four games, I wasn't sure that I had it in me. I am so glad I did it. Doing stuff like that reminds me that I am capable of even more than I think, and I have to remember to push myself and just do things. I love to try new things, and this last year seems to be all about trying things that challenge my body. Soccer, rock climbing, running, obstacle courses up in the trees - see the pattern? Every time I do something that challenges my physical ability, I surprise myself, and find myself wanting to do more.


I cannot believe that I never did these things before, like when I was younger and more able bodied. I can't believe that I took my body for granted and let it laze about. All I can think of is the time I wasted not doing anything. Like this weekend, I had a goal scoring opportunity in one game and I didn't take it. All I could think about that night was why didn't I just shoot? So the very next game, I took the shot. I missed, I also got ran over and fell down, but at least I took the shot and didn't have that nagging at me. The worst thing that could have happened, did happen, but I was still glad that I tried.


I keep looking for new things to do and I can't wait to try everything. I still want to rock climb more, and I haven't done the rope at the pool in ages - I have to do that just to make sure that I still can! I am capable of so much and it feels great to realize it! It makes me feel strong, in control and so very powerful!

Everything happens for a reason

Do you ever feel like there is no hope, no happiness? I know, I have been there, and I can see the people out there who feel that way. I feel for them so much it hurts. I am so thankful that I am in a position where I feel like things are going to be ok, there is always something to look forward to and there is so much joy out there.


So many years I was in an anger fueled depression and I felt there was nothing to look forward to, nothing to be happy about. I have no idea why I was so angry, but I was, just so very angry. Ask my Mom, she could tell you. Even now, looking back, what was I so angry about? I was smart enough, pretty enough, I had two parents that loved me. They didn't always know what to do with me, but they did the best they could, and they did love me. I had friends, I wasn't lacking in food, or clothing. Where did all that anger come from?


A few years ago I had a very difficult experience and for whatever reason, that was the moment in my life that a change happened inside of me. All of that anger just melted away. All the hurt, the injustice that I felt, was just - quite suddenly - gone. By suddenly, it went away over the course of a few months, but because I had lived with that anger for so many years, that felt very sudden to me. I just started to let little things go. It was gradual, it wasn't gone in a day, but it really felt like it had melted, much like snow would melt over a few weeks. It trickled away and I was left with a feeling of hope and happiness. I'm not saying that anti depressants didn't help, because they did! I had gone through something awful, and I thought it would make me angry and bitter, but it had the opposite affect. I could see that my life could be better, it could be happy and fun. It was like feeling the sun on my face again after a long cold winter. Hope - it was there. I felt better every day and I am now a completely different person. I see the joy in little things, I look forward to things. My life feels so wonderful and it feels like it will just continue to get better.


I feel strong and powerful for overcoming my issues within and I have emerged a better, more hopeful person. I even dress differently - that's how much I have changed. In saying that, I am going to go shower, put on my cute new skirt and enjoy my "day off". I am going to do some errands and take myself out for lunch with a good book.


I hope that one day, everyone can get to the point where I am, if they aren't already. Good stuff is out there. Everything happens for a reason, take that bad crap that has happened and turn it into something positive. Make a life change - that change has just offered itself to you! I feel like a preacher, but it is so true. See the bad and look past it to what good can come out of it.


I will leave you with some wise words from wise girl - Accept the joy that can be yours. (Thanks Tricia, I will!)

Honesty - the best policy?

For those of you who know me, I like to be honest. I try not to lie about anything, but sometimes it's really hard to know when people want me to be nice, or if they want me to be honest. So many times I am asked for my opinion, I have to ask if they want me to be honest. They always say yes. Then I ask them again, and remind them that they might not like what they hear. Again, they say yes. Then I give my honest opinion and they look at me like I am evil. I gave them fair warning didn't I?

I always think that being honest is such a good thing, but so many people have such a hard time with it. They don't want to be honest, and they don't want people to be honest with them. They just want people to tell them exactly what they want to hear. Some days I just want to shout at people - yes! Your kid IS too loud, yes, your hair looks stupid, no you didn't get that thing that was hanging out of your nose. It's been there for weeks! I could go on for hours! My Mom once tried on an outfit and I told her she looked like a pear in it. Sure she was hurt, but now she knows that I mean it when I tell her she looks good!

I've been so brutal about making sure my kids know how important honesty is that my son cries if I tell him that I think he is lying. After an incident of lying in grade one, that kid will never lie again.

I find that if you are honest, everyone knows where they stand with you. I'm not saying that I won't be nice to someone that I don't like, but I call that basic civility. Trust me, you'll know if I don't like you! I also will just keep my mouth shut if I don't agree with something - but only if it's none of my business.

With honesty, you always know what is real. Even if that something is really bad, at least you can deal with it. You know what's really happened and you get to make the decision based on that. You get to decide if you are mad, if you can deal with it, if it requires counselling, a hit to the head with a frying pan or just forgiveness. Lying will get you nowhere, no one will ever trust you and it just makes life so much harder.

As a side note, this is not about anything in particular - no one has pissed me off (too much) lately. This subject was just nagging at the back of my brain. If you ever need an honest opinion though- just ask me, but be warned that while you may not like what you hear, at least you know I was being honest!

Fun in Calgary

We have been on a fun extravaganza the last 2 days!

Yesterday I took the kids to Shakers just outside the city at the end of Glenmore Trail. It was a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be, but we ended up having such a great time there! We got the indoor value pass for $15.95 a person which included unlimited laser tag, climbing wall and the indoor playground. They also have an everything pass - for all that stuff plus mini golf and go-carts. It's $29.95 I think, but the weather was kind of crappy so we just played indoors. My son did the playground once, it was a bit small and he was the only one small enough to be allowed on it. We did play the video games, air hockey, basketball nets and driving games. I bought each kid a $10 video game card, ours lasted all day. We played laser tag 4 times, it was a blast! I got right into it and shot a bunch of kids and ran around like a maniac. My kind of stress release! We also went on the climbing wall a bunch of times. I, unfortunately, did not make it to the top, I was close, but not quite there. My son didn't either, but my daughter made it to the top 7 times! I was very proud.

Today we had my son's birthday party at Lloyd's Roller Rink. We had 10 kids there, and because of the storm, the place was fairly quiet. Just a few other birthday parties and that was it. It was better than the times that they are really busy. We had hot dogs, pop, and chips included with our package - as well as the skate rentals. I brought my own cake and they supplied the plates, forks, and knife. For $15 a kid, it's a great deal! I bring my kid and a cake, they skate and play, eat and then I get to just leave! I don't have to clean up or wipe up spills. I love it! Normally I like to skate too, but I had to be the responsible one watching all the kids. Boo for me.

Then the kids had piano lessons, we got some groceries and I am now done for the day. I am in my pj's as I write this, about to make an appetizer supper and relax for the rest of the day. My whole body hurts from that climbing wall, but it was so worth it!

They won't stop growing up!

My son turns eight today. Eight doesn't seem so bad, it's the odd numbers that get me, you know 9, 11 and especially 13! But eight is ok, he's still a little boy that lets me snuggle and kiss him. He still thinks that Mommy is the best girl in the whole world, and he still thinks I'm pretty smart!

He's quite upset that he doesn't get his present until supper time, but my husband would be so mad if I let my son have it before he got home from work.

I try to make the kids birthday's as special as I can. I always felt a little depressed at my birthday, never getting the attention that I wanted. Who knows what it is that I wanted, but still, there it is. I took the kids to Shakers, we climbed the wall a bunch of times, played laser tag a lot, and I even let them play the games. I don't usually allow the games, but it's all for my son. I always want them to grow up and look back on "their special day" as just that, special. I think that every kid deserves at least one day that is all about them.

He doesn't even know it yet, but we got him an ipod for his birthday - he is going to be so happy. He gets to break a plate at the Greek place he chose for supper and then we get to see the new Wimpy kid movie. I hope he always knows, and feels just how special he is to me, to us as a family. This time 8 years ago, we got the shock of our life. What we thought was a little girl, turned out to be our little boy and changed our whole life.

Happy Birthday my little April fool's baby - I love you more than you can ever imagine!