Rebounder or Mini Trampoline

Tonight, before going to bed, I bounced on my rebounder for a few minutes. I must say, this is an exercise piece that is used frequently in our home.  About 4 years ago, while reading, I came across the benefits of rebounding/ bouncing. Some of the benefits include: less stress impact on joints; increase in muscular strength; improved posture, balance and coordination; better mental functioning; lower cholesterol; slowing down the aging process; relief of pain; boost in immune and lymphatic systems; elimination of toxins from the body, weight loss and an overall sense of well-being.

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News – Being Aware

You know ladies; I really want to stress how important it is to know something of what is going on in your city, nation and the world.  I recently spoke with a young mom who said she seldom watched or read news. I suggested to her that she have look at the first page of each section of a local newspaper regularly. This will give her an idea of what is happening outside her world. She can then say when in a conversation ‘I know a little about that, please tell me more’. Ladies, please take the time to be aware.  Have a wonderful day.

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Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics – Snow Sculpture

My brother in law, Bob, sent our family this photo of himself with his recent project – a snow sculpture. Bob is a great example of what it looks like to give to ones community. He has been Scouting for 32 years. Last year he was awarded the medal of merit for Outstanding Service to Scouting. He also just completed his 25th year with the local Volunteer Firemen’s Association. To top things off, he is an amazing pumpkin carver. I asked him what prompted him to build this sculpture  – here is what he wrote….

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Girlfriends

Today I was reminded of a very special gift that I have – my girlfriends.  My friend, of 24 years, and I went to aquasize and yoga this morning. Afterwards, we went for coffee and chatted about things on our heart.  Visiting with friends is an important part of keeping my life balanced.  I really want to encourage you, ladies, to create and nurture a few ‘soul mate’ type friendships. Remember that a healthy friendship never takes priority over your marriage or children.  If you do not have a female friendship right now, I urge you to develop one, then two and so on. There was a time when I was lonely for a girlfriend.  My children were young and I was a busy stay at home mom and wife. I met a woman, about my age, in my neighborhood and invited her for coffee.  Our children played while we visited. We made it a habit of getting together regularly to talk ‘girl talk’.  She moved away to another city after about one year. I really missed her at first.  Since that time, 25 years ago, I continue to create, maintain and nurture friendships. Some friendships last longer than others; it depends on the season of our lives. Ladies, I hope you take the time to be a friend and have a friend. Your life will be richer.

(Originally written December 24, 2009)

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‘In Case of Emergency’ document

Hello Ladies, I hope you are having a good week. Recently,  I prepared our ‘ICE – In Case of Emergency’ document – should anything happen to both my husband and me. This document is valuable as it outlines important contact information and the location of significant documents. After I recorded the necessary information, I put the papers in a clearly labeled file folder and told special people where to find it. To compile a document like this, you do not need a specific form, just write down the details on plain  paper and put it where it can be found. Here is a list of items to include:

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Homemade Laundry Soap

Hello Ladies. Since leaving the big city for a simpler life in a small village, my sister has begun making her own cleaners. She found her recipes online and altered them according to her likes. Once she listed her  store bought kitchen and bathroom cleaners and she had 28  in total.  Her all purpose cleaners and laundry soaps are now replaced by 2 homemade products. Recently, she introduced me to homemade laundry soap.  I made my first batch of laundry soap in late January 2010. The day after making it, I used it. I was really surprised how nice my colors came out. My husband said his white t-shirts look whiter and my daughter believes her clothes are softer. I have had no concerns whatsoever with this laundry soap. My laundry looks great.  I am also saving so much money as it costs so little. I recently had a few friends over and we made some together. They are trying it for the first time. I am sure they will be very pleased. If you are not making your own soap, I hope you give it a try. Here are the instructions:

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Makeshift Project – September 2009 – August 2010

I came across this popular blog, Makeshift Project, and thought you might like to follow this art and research project. This Canadian woman is wearing clothing that she makes herself  (including shoes) – for one year.  Click here to go the blog.

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Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics – Bus Drivers

Since moving back to his small Quebec home town a number of years ago, my brother in law has taken up employment as a tour bus operator. He really enjoys this line of work.  We had a great opportunity to visit with him last night – just outside our city. You see, Gaetan is part of a convoy of 15 tour buses heading to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics in B.C.

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Freecycle

A while ago, as I was online looking for moving boxes, I came across the Freecycle website.   Freecycle is a grassroots and nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about reuse, recycle, and keeping good stuff out of landfills. The site is very well organized and monitored. Often, when I sort a clothes closet or declutter a room, I post items on Freecycle.  I have gifted items such as: an office chair; books; a chest of drawers; DVD s; a rain barrel; clothing; hunting gear; moving boxes; and computer hardware. I have kept many things out of the land fill. I have also acquired a few things. This is how it works in a nutshell: you post an “Offer” with a brief description of what you are offering; Freecycle members who are interested reply and you receive an email; you choose who to gift the item to; the person drives to your home and picks the item up (I put the item on my porch with a name on it). If you are looking for something in particular you create a ‘Wanted’ post. To sign up, go to http://www.freecycle.org/ to find your community. Have fun!

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Make Yourself Available

Ladies, please do not fill your life up so much that you are rarely available for a friend or family member.  Pay attention when someone occassionally needs a listening ear, assistance or a visit. Recently my daughter asked me to meet her at a store to shop together. She seemed to be a little lonely that day. Well, I was not looking for anything at that particular store; it was in an area that I am not familiar with; and I was also a little hesitant to drive that day. Regardless, I went to meet her. I really enjoyed the drive into the unfamiliar area. The shopping was great too. Afterward, we had lunch together – what a bonus. My daughter  needed companionship that day. Sometimes as women, we just have to put the wellbeing of others first. We all need someone to call from time to time. You too can be that ‘call’ person. Make yourself available now and then – you will be blessed for it.

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