40 Somethings out on the town

Had the most wonderful time out with some girlfriends last night.  I am not generally a "let loose" kinda gal so a night on the town warrants a blog post.  Really.  While we occupied a booth at one of our old haunts, we vented (a lot), ate (even more), drank a few too many perhaps (definitely), and relived a few old memories (new years 1988 to be exact).  I know it seems corny but today I feel so refreshed.  And settled.  And peaceful.  Amazing what a little time with some good friends can do.  I need to make more time for nights like that; for just dropping everything and relaxing.  Well, maybe minus the shots...honestly, if you are too old to remember what sort of shot you might like, you are likely to old to be doing one.

New Year's Evolution

Here I am again.  Not exactly a new year's resolution because, frankly, I am not a fan of those.  But perhaps a new year's evolution.  In the past few days there have I have seen many Facebook posts describing "life plans", "goal lists", or their "word of the year".  While I think these are all good things, if pressed I would have no idea what framework to give my upcoming year.  Sure, there are things I want out of life.  But to quantify and measure? I am not sure I can even begin to do this.
This morning I began the day as I usually do, with strong coffee and a flip through social media.  For the past few months now, I have been following a 15 year old girl and her recovery post lung transplant.  I was drawn to the page by a friend, who knows the family, and have been mesmerized by this young woman's strength, determination, and willingness to embrace life as it is.  Today I was stunned to read that she had died late last night, in the blink of an eye, from an aggressive strep infection.  As the news slammed into me, my instinct was to run upstairs and hug my children but since it isn't yet 9am we all know how that would end.  So instead, I have been brought me back to this blog.  And to reflecting on how to dedicate the next year of my life.  My thoughts are simple; I am going to love more.  Really love.  The kind that involves stopping my craziness and just listening, truly listening to those I love.  And maybe those I don't care for as much, too.  I am going to invest less in the everyday drama and focus more on the goodness.  And try as hard as I can to remain calm and sane in the face of chaos.  I won't give it a word, incorporate it into a plan, or add it to a list.  I am just going to do. 

James Taylor - Sweet Baby James (Live: BBC - 1970)

A Cold, Really?

I have just emerged from being laid up for 7 days.  What could possibly keep one down for 7 days, you might ask.  Pneumonia? The Flu? Bronchitis? Nope.  Just a cold.  Seriously.  An every day, run-o-the-mill cold virus.  Except it wasn't.  But it really does sound pathetic when you are off work for a week with nothing more to say for it than, "I had a cold". 
So today I begin the process of digging myself out.  Not from snow, although we did have some of that on the ground yesterday (Seriously.  This winter just will. not. end.).  Today I begin to give some thought to the week's worth of work I now have to re-schedule (dread does not even begin to cover how I feel about listening to my voicemail) and to the week's worth of cleaning that my **thoughtful** family left for me (clearly they are not well-trained and more work is required to boost their independent cleaning skills). 

Perhaps a little music will help....(see if I can remember how to post a link)

New Tricks

I decided to try something new this past weekend.  I should preface this by saying that I have historically, and in present days, not been known for my willingness to try something that I know I am not going to be good at.  I am not a "give it my best try" kinda gal.  I know, I know.  In my job, and in my life too, I should know better.  It's just not in my nature to go out on a limb and risk looking like an idiot.  Not to say that I never look like an idiot.  That's a daily event really.  But I certainly don't set myself up for it (although with a 14 year old daughter in the house, just speaking is a set up to be "the village idiot"). 
Now those who know me well would certainly agree that my dance moves are not so hot.  I don't have much natural rhythm and/or I can't just relax enough to go with the beat.  The jury is still out on that one.  In fact, my moves are so sad that one dear friend once peed her pants watching me attempt an exercise video.  No word of a lie. 
So....this past weekend I tried a Zumba class. You got it.  The rhythmically challenged girl meets Latin music and swingy hips.  Luckily, I was not alone (or, conversely, there was a witness).  Surprisingly, I had a wonderful time.  I am 100% sure I looked hysterical, but you know what?  It didn't even cross my mind to care.  Maybe at 42 I am finally growing into my skin.  And I think it's a bit thicker. 
This old dog is going to spend her 42nd year learning new tricks.
Bring it on.   

Happiness in the Sunny South

I have just returned from a family vacation in southern Florida.  And I have come to realize a few things:

I have a love-hate relationship with Canada.  While I love our way of life, our healthcare, our people, and our unique (and sometimes odd) customs, I really do hate winter.  All things winter in fact.  Don't try and sell me on outdoor sports when the thermometer is below 0C because I just don't buy it.  I feel like it's some big conspiracy where everyone is trying to pretend they are having fun so we can endure (there, I said it.  endure not enjoy) the winter with a brave face.  I say enough already.  Snow--no thanks.  Sleet--seriously?  be a real weather event.  and don't be so wishy-washy.  are you snow or are you rain?  Ice--we've now banned bouncy castles because they are dangerous but we are good with games played on slippery, frozen surfaces?
I love the sun.  It's bad for me.  I get it.  I've had skin cancer cut out of my neck and should be smarter (and I now use sunscreen and not baby oil so there is some learning happening).  But truly, there is nothing I enjoy more then the feel of hot sun on my skin.  In fact, I need this feeling at least once in the six months that we are experiencing pre-winter, winter, and never-ending winter.

With this in mind, my goal is to own a piece of the sunny south.  This is my retirement, no, pre-retirement plan and it feels good to have a goal to escape winter once and for all.  Just don't call me a snow bird.  Sun seeker is more my style.   

Joy Found in the Junk Drawer

I love to organize.  Simply love it.  Not that I am consistently on top of the game, mind you.  But there is something so satisfying in finding places for the clutter and making things easier to enjoy.  Today, on my prized day off, I have decided to reorganize the kitchen and clear some things that did not get weeded out prior to the move.  You know, the "junk" drawer (make that plural in my case).  Our assortment consisted of a hearty collection of pencil crayons of various sizes and colours (all left for dead because the kids have some notion that each school year must be started with new pencil crayons), colouring books (and it's been years since my kids sat and coloured), more three ring binder paper than one home should ever have, an electric brake control box (wires and all....seriously), and school work from three years ago.  And that was just the first drawer.  It was a purging stroll down memory lane and really, aren't those the best kind?  Aww....how sweet.  recycled.  I remember this... so cute.  trash. 
 It felt happy and productive at the same time.  To me, that's the best kind of day.