Marvellous Monday, August 31, 2015

New and funny:

1. While playing her Piano kids book, I commented that she was playing the song Mister Bach.

"Oh, Mom! It's Batch not Bock!"

What a funny kid :)

2. I have forgotten the second thing - often I tell her that I need to write down these funny things she says, but by the time I go to tell someone else or write it down I have forgotten what was so funny.

3. http://youtu.be/G1J9WfMQxi8 - this is a video of her having fun trying on clothes and deciding on selling certain articles for a deal! You've got to watch this enthusiastic little girl in front of camera.

Let me know how you like the video. 

Thanks! 

Now, what is new and funny for you today?

Kim

Mighty Monday, August 24, 2015: family vacation

Places we went to:

1. We took the métro to Champs de Mars thinking it would be close to the Old Port. It had an elevator going up from the trains but we were met by stairs afterward. Not sure of the effectiveness of that set up.

2. We walked to Old Port, Notre Dame cathedral (where Celine Dion had gotten married) and then had lunch at the Jardin Jade on de la Gauchetiere between St Urbain and St Laurent.

3. We took the metro to Cote des Neiges, the neighbour where I used to live, then actually Walked up to the shrine, St. Joseph's oratory!

4.  We were quite tired, hot and sticky - believe or not, we had smoothies at a McDonald's! Absolutely not the norm, but grateful for the air conditioned rest before heading back to NDG.

Zzzzz

Kim :)

Super Sunday, August 23, 2015: going back to Montreal

Glad about:

1. Seeing my friend Holly and her two kids (when I had last seen with her, she was pregnant with we youngest and me with mine - that had been over three years ago!) in St. Lazare

2. Little S did the monkey bars all by herself! AND so did Kim! That's me :) my hands were burning, but I did them.

3. Seeing my husband's family and being able to stay with his aunt and uncle in a very historic building with a playground and park for the kids right across the street.

 

Super Saturday, August 22, 2015: on the road

New and different:

1. Travelling in beautiful not too hot, but sunny weather to see family. 

I packed all our need-to-be-eaten foods and managed to eat them at an Onroute... Pleasantly, we met up with my brother-in-law and his wife without planning it.

2. I ate "on the road" food from St Hubert's chicken meal. My husband was thoughtful and got me some rice with it :) since coleslaw was the only veggie option, I ate two and a half of them.

3. Little R had a great time at the stag dancing with my brother-in-law's wife.

4. Although I don't actually recall sleeping during our stay, I actually got up and left the hotel room to get some exercise early Sunday morning.

5. Little S actually was excited and looking forward to taking a shower! Note to self: must create a bath shower like the hotel's when constructing or buying my next house.

Thankful Thursday, August 20, 2015: accomplishments

As I am reading Rosemarie Francis' The Better Life Book: Lessons Learned on the Road from Rags to Riches, on page 23 she explains that "being proud and appreciative is being part of believing in yourself, and will give you more strength to deal with whatever comes your way."

She suggests and exercise where you write down what you feel are your best qualities. It's a great exercise. As you may have noticed, I love creating lists ;)

So, I have chosen a few to list for today's post.  Here we go...

A few of My Accomplishments:

1. I learned to juggle three balls despite my mom's laughter and disbelief me actually being able to do it.

2. I immersed myself in learning French and Spanish opening my world to countless number of wonderful opportunities.

3. I learned to ride a bicycle as an adult well enough to ride on a mountain in Austria... albeit a painful dismount. 

4. I got my full driver's licence after the age of thirty.

5. I have birth to three beautiful babies without any medications naturally.

6. I personally dug up over a ton (literally) of lawn (grass and soil) to start the garden plot that we reap from today :) thank you precious soil, sun and water!

7. I passionately taught myself how to read music and play piano without any formal lessons. 

Now it's your turn! Get out a writing utensil and a writing surface. What accomplishments are you proud of? Just do it fast without negating any thoughts.

Ready?

Go!

Feel free I comment here or send me a private message. I want to know how you feel soon this exercise.

Have fun!

Kim

Wishes fulfilled Wednesday, August 19, 2015: synchronicities

Synchronicities:

1. Just before going for lunch, calling a certain colleague to follow up on something was on my mind. I quickly looked for the email I had received with his contact information, reached to make the phone before I my phone would ring (I answer a queue)...

But it was too late the phone sounded so I picked up, "Kim Speaking."

Well, was it not exactly the colleague wanted to call!? Yes, it was. Amazing synchronicity!

2.  In the afternoon, after taking my lunchtime walk, I was feeling hungry. And I thought of having something substantial to eat instead of the lettuce and cucumbers I had brought from my garden.

"Anyone want a slice of pizza?" The voice was right behind me. I turned around. A co-worker was standing there with a slice of pizza (whole wheat and vegetarian too!). I graciously accepted.

Again, how fast was that request fulfilled? Literally within seconds of me having thy thought!

AWEsome!

3.  I had been texting my friend Heather the last few days. I hadn't seen her in over a year since we both started taking the GO train.  

So after getting off the train, as I got onto the underground level below the tracks, there she was just coming off the opposite end.

Amazing :) again!

4. Bonus:

Myvsin's respite worker came back with him this evening just in time for bed time. I asked where they had gone for a walk. She told me down by the lake.

"You want to know something?" She asked. "We were down by the lake, and we had just sat down on a bench, and I said out loud to Little R that my skin had peeled off and I needed Polysporin. Then a lady and her husband sat down where we were and said 'I have Polysporin.' Isn't that bizarre? Apparently they were giving out samples of Polysporin patch."

She kept satin it was bizarre, but that it was God as she pointed upward.

If you look for the small amazing synchronicities in life, you will see them. It's fun!

Take a look and tell me what you find.

In love an light,

Kim 

CHOOSEday, August 18, 2015: release

New and good:

1. I started reading The Better Life Book: Lessons Learned on the Road from Rags to Riches by Rosemary Francis.

2. I listened to ideas about raising responsible children from Denis Waitly. These ideas are the same ideas I have held for a long time since I was very young but had not formulated into words.

He says that dependent children inevitably become dependent parents.  The more parents do for their children, the less children will so for themselves.

Growing up, I felt that I was inferior to my parents and extended family who had grown up with fewer comforts as I experienced in Canada.  I often faced complaints about me (and my sister) that life was hard back in China but we had it really good in Canada.

How was I supposed to respond to such comments? Well, the way I took it was that I didn't deserve such comforts. That I did not earn the right to enjoy TV or eat the food that I did.

I am only able to put these thoughts into words now, and it feels very liberating! I no longer need to carry around these invisible burdens of thought.

Anyway, the ideas that Denis Waitly shared resonated deeply with how I want my children to be raised. I want to empower them with taking personal responsibility for their own happiness, their own financial success and their contribution to the world.

3.  I released a pebble from my sandal as I was walking to the train station this morning. I saw it as a message from the Universe to release the things that are uncomfortable in your path, then continue walking in comfort.

So, I am more aware in all areas of my life where I may have a pebble lodged in my shoe. What can I halt for a whole, release the pebble, then continue walking toward my destination? 

Interesting and ridiculous:

On Saturday after my daughter's swim lesson, I brought her to Almost perfect giving her permission to purchase something for up to a dollar. 

Prior to getting into the store as well as during our browse between the aisles, I said to her that she can choose to keep her one dollar and bak it or she can spend it right away. She chose the latter.

She still had some difficulty understanding the concept of money. So I am glad I have the opportunity to go with her to the different products that she was interested in and telling her how much they were.

There was one snack for 15 cents a pack, so I told her that she could get 6 for her dollar. Anything under one dollar I pointed out to her. She eventually chose a candy necklace.

Well, there were also Mackies from Scotland chips 150 grams for 79 cents. So, I had identified myself as "I don't eat chips," yet the marketing win over - some part of me allowed it.

The sign said it was originally $4.99 a bag. The bag said it was GMO free, no additives, etc. so I was curious even despite my self generalization that I did not eat chips.

I grabbed a bag and purchased it.

Well, I still have some. It was not delicious by any means. Actually, I was quite disappointed with the taste.

What is very interesting is even though the chips taste kinda yuck, I still ate them!

Why???

It was as if I didn't believe my senses... I had to find the area of the bag where waited the tasty chips. At be if I continued eating I would taste the good ones.

I then out them away. It was ridiculous.

Want to know what isomer ridiculous? I ate some yesterday as well as today!

They still don't taste good, but I think I will finish them so not to "waste" them.

Alas, I am looking forward to blogging about my decision making strategy for spending money, time and energy.

Thanks for reading. Happy CHOOSEday! 

Kim

Manifest it! Monday, August 17, 2015: go from where you are

New and good::

1. I listened to a YouTube video by Terri Savelle today with a unique title. It is something along the lines "get up, pick up your bed and walk."

She referred Jesus saying this to a very ill man who had been waiting for 38 years to be put into a body of healing water by an angel.  Jesus said to the man, "do you want to be well?" 

Jesus didn't just pick him up and put him in the water. Instead, in His wisdom, he gave him three commands:

- get up

- pick up his bed (clean up his mess, according to Terri's interpretation)

- and walk

I think this is a story we can all learn from. If you want something done, you must take responsibility. Getting up would be taking action. Pick up your bed is cleaning up your act. And thirdly, walk to go from where you are to where you want to be.

Inspirational! Thank you, Terri, for sharing that story and lesson.

2. My husband and I were talking about work and buying uniforms for work... Little S overheard our moderately loud conversation and came into the room.

"Why do you have to get a unicorn?"

I thought she was talking about a story book or toy.... Then I realised she thought we were talking about unicorns, but actually we were talking about uniforms!

I love funny moments. Kids' comments are priceless!

3. A very special day - grateful to so many to have this home <3

4. I also started journaling in my new non-ruled journal ;) it offers so much more freedom and clarity!

5. Starting a 20 minute Tidy Toss habit tomorrow. Maybe I will start off with 5 minutes to start the momentum.

What have you been wanting but nothing has changed? What do you want? Where are you now? And how will you go toward your goal?

Comment here below to share your thoughts or send me a private message. 

Enjoy your moment!

Kim

Super Sunday, August 16, 2015: ice cream

New and Good:

1. My parents and my sister came with the kids and me to go blueberry picking at Wilmot Orchards in Newcastle today.

It was the first time that my parents came along. Every year we always went early and were lucky to have slightly rainy and cloudy weather with an abundance of juicy big ripe blueberries.

This year, however, we went later in the day resulting in blueberry seeking under a hot sun.

There were already lots of other pickers when we arrived. 

To our disappointment and surprise, it was slim pickings. I was in disbelief, but welcomed the contrast. It made me aware that blueberries can all be picked or can all fall off.

We picked as much as we did and took the kids inside to sit down out of the hot sun. 

Although I have decided to significantly cut down on dairy, I was ready to buy us all an ice cream.

Surprisingly everyone including both my parents wanted an ice cream cone. So I happily paid $26.00 dollars for 2 kiddie cones and 5 single scoops. 

The kiddie cones were in the regular cones while the single scoops were served in waffle cones. I asked for Little R's to be served in a cup so that he would be able to eat it with a spoon.

It was like a childhood dream come true. Never in my life had I had the chance to teat my parents to an ice cream cone. Actually, I did not even know they ate ice cream! 

What a joyous occasion :)

2. I got eat organic lavender ice cream!

3.  My dad mentioned that he liked the food for supper. It was just some greens with rice and another stir-fry. 

It's awesome to hear :)

Weekly weigh-in

Kim - 158.5 lbs

Little S - 58 lbs - she's gained!

Little M - about 42 lbs - he keeps moving on the scale so it's hard to tell exactly

Looking forward to:

1. Using my new journal tomorrow without rules!

2. Writing about The Worth of something, cost vs. price vs. value

Thanks for reading. Now list your highlights of the weekend :)

Carpe Diem,

Kim

Super Saturday, August 15, 2015: just breathe

New and Good:

1.  During Little S and my time at the adult exercise playground, we met another family getting fit.  Today I decided to do only one flip as the bars and other areas were still slippery from the gorgeous thunder lightning storm from last night.

We went to the library, and Little S noticed umbrellas for the metal tables and chairs outside in the Celebration Square.  So, we took a few minutes to read and glance over books on fitness and  sustainable architecture.

2.  Our Respite worker brought Little R back home early because he was crying at McDonald's (this subject is a whole other story that requires a post on its own).  While he was lying down, I rubbed some lemon essential oil on his tummy as well as his feet.  I also rubbed another immune blend on his feet.  Within minutes he stopped crying and became himself again.

In doing so, I introduced our respite worker to the wonders of essential oils.  I gave her a sample of one rub for her to try.  I am always very curious how these oils work for people.

3.  I am feeling quite energetic today (not sleepy), so am working on the look of this blog ;)


FUN:

1.  Playing hide-and-go-seek with Little M and Little S

2.  Using the pull-up bar

3.  Hiding and seeking the soft orange scarf 

Challenges:

1.  The seemingly constant mayhem created and compounded by Little S and Little M.  Little M really loves taking beans and peas out of their shells.  I give him a bowl to contain the beans and peas, but he prefers to throw them on the floor.  I allow it to annoy me.  He also chooses to pour water all over things.  I also allow that to bother me.

So, I keep breathing.  EFT (Emotion Freedom technique) is also useful.  

2.  Miscommunication with my spouse while we're both in the midst of chaos at home.

Lesson and question here is:  what can I do to facilitate better communication.  Being simple and direct is probably best.

Whatever you're going through, remember to breathe deep :)

Freedom Friday, August 14, 2015: momentum

Precious moments this week:

1. During piano practice at Little S's music school having the flashback of a teenage memory of really really wanting to play piano. 

The response from my mom was that we didn't have the money, so no piano and piano lessons.

It didn't matter.

I learned in my own using publicly available pianos and a small electric keyboard.

Being there with Little S inside a room at a piano lesson was such a blessing! It's like a dream coming to fulfillment.

2. A fast delivery of an example of synchronicity (coincidence) when I was eating sprouts on the train and thought of Uncle George's sprouts at the St. Lawrence Market.

Within half an hour, my friend Melanie texted me that she had had Uncle George's sprouts!!! And she had repeated told me that she would not eat sprouts.

It's really in the everyday small things where, if you look for it, are the amazing synchronicities  and fulfillment of dreams.

3. My daughter commented that I looked thinner in the belly area this evening at supper time. She then commented, "but not in the hips. You have to work on that."

She is such a funny seven year old. 

New and good:

This week I refrained from buying prepared foods except for baked goods.

Here is what I spent money on: 

Tuesday - $4.50 - bread and bagel from Future Bakery at St. Lawrence Market

Wednesday - $1.68 - 7 bananas from No Frills

Thursday - $7.98 - 4 butter croissants and 8 Organic Ontario peaches from Metro

Friday - $9 - 2 loaves of whole wheat and 2 loaves of egg bread from Michele's Baguette

 

So this workweek I have spent $23.16.

I still have the bananas, peaches and most of the bread.

It feels GREAT to be consciously spending my hard earned money :) and I am curious how that will also pact my Sunday weigh-in.

Stay tuned to find out with me! 

The momentum is building...

Why momentum do you have working in your life?

Happy Freedom Friday!

Kim

Thankful Thursday, August 13, 2015: blessed

Counting just some blessings on the train:

1. Toilet on the train with an electric hand dryer

2. A seat on the train during a safe pleasurable ride

3. Music on my mobile phone

4. Earbuds my husband gave me

5. The pen and notebook I used to journey with every day

6. An awesome Chinese song titled "Tomorrow will be better"

7. Announcements from the GO guy so that passengers know where we are

8. My ability to recognize several major languages and able to communicate using those languages

9. My parents are alive and well

10. Workplace culture of great colleagues

11. Little M talking

12. Little Sophia bursting quietly into the kitchen this morning while I was getting ready for work

13. HAPPY HEART

14. View of the lake kissed by the bright rising sun out the train window

15. Bears and Samahria. The Option Institute.

16. Imploding stars to create more stars. The way life celebrates itself is through constant change.

Endless blessings to you <3

Kim

Wednesday, August 11, 2015: clarity of purpose

New and good:

1. Right after getting home, I took my daughter to her piano lesson. When we got there, I got to chat a bit with one of the owners of the school. 

When the other owner arrived, he looked in the book and said that Little S's lesson was actually scheduled for 5:30 not 6 pm. He said if we waited until 6:30, she would be able to get a lesson.

So, I used one of the free rooms to practice with her as well as do some of the activities.

Actually, what was funny was when the owner walked back to his desk to sit down. Little S commented ever so innocently "he looks like he's missing a part of his body." She must have been referring to his tiredness and way he carried his body.

He laughed. Then she commented, "it's not even a joke!"

He laughed some more. "I have never heard anyone say that before, but it's so funny!"

Little S says the funniest things, and they're not meant to be jokes. An I keep saying I need to write them down for years... So there, I wrote out one story :)

2. The longer than intended wait allowed me the opportunity to overcome some preprogrammed cravings.

I thought about getting a slice of pizza, a falafel sandwich, a Thai meal, or even a doughnut from the Portuguese bakery. Believe me, those thoughts were tempting.

But here's the thing, getting fast junk food just didn't make sense to me. First if all, dinner was waiting at home. Secondly, I would spend money that I could invest in something of much greater value. And thirdly, in my opinion, food prepared outside of the home is just inferior in nutritional value.

I did, however, purchase $1.68 on bananas.  

Yum!

3. I listened to a teaching from Bears (Barry Neil Kaufman, author of Happiness is a Choice and father of Raun Kaufman) this morning on YouTube. The message I got was to have clarity of purpose.

Why do you go to work? What is your purpose? 

Similarly, I have been also listening to Brian Tracy during my train commutes to work. He says that if someone should wake you up from a deep sleep at 3 am you should be able to state what your purpose is.

So my purpose is to inspire health, wealth and joy! 

Wherever life brings me, I am there. And I am there to inspire health, wealth and joy.

What about you?

CHOOSEday, August 11, 2015: the call

New and amazing:

1. Last night I added a feature on this blog to allow readers to follow via email.

2.  I introduced ground cherries to some friends at work. Nice to share harvest from the garden of love.

3.  Coming home to my toddler wearing a locket saying "wook! Dis eezsh Mommy." He's talking more and more. I love the innocence in his trying. The pronunciation is usually missing the consonants in the front, but so cute.

4. While holding Little M, I was able to make a chance phone call to my friend Catherine and fellow health coach in California. How rare a chance was it for me to make a phone in the evening with kids awake; but even rarer a chance that Catherine would actually pick up!

Amazing! We almost chatted for twenty precious moments each expressing our gratitude for our progress in our paths.

Then the Little S came in... 

Then bedtime ;)

Lots of love

PS

Because I love you so much, just want to send you one more thought provoking message I listened to today from Raun Kaufman regarding anger.

Anger is a request for power.  When you're angry, it's actually the last resort to beg for what you want.

Think of a toddler throwing a temper tantrum for a lollipop. Is that toddler in a position of power? No.

However, because sometimes adults give the lollipop, temper tantrums are effective at getting the toddler what they want.

When do you get angry? Why? Does it ultimately serve you?

Happy CHOOSEday!

Kim

Mighty Monday, August 10, 2015: Much better

New and good:

1.  I woke up this morning feeling much better.  I was grateful to be alive, able to exercise, make lunch for my eldest son and then go to work.

2.  I listened to Raun Kaufman speak in a couple of YouTube videos about breaking patterns.  Actually, here's the link to one of the first part.  Watch it and let me know what you think.  I always get challenged when listening to teachings from the Option Institute.

One thought in particular that stuck out for me was the "self sabotage" idea was fake.  According to Raun, there is no such thing.  We all do what gives us a pay off.  The idea that I don't know what is best for myself is false.

What do you think?  Is there such as thing as self sabotage?  Do you do it?

3.   Singing Humpty Dumpty sat a wall to my very rambunctious toddler to calm him down before bedtime.  Oh, and I managed to wash his thick long hair in the shower.

In general feeling more confident, clearer and affirmative about myself and where I want to go.

Feel AWESOME!

Kim

Sunday, August 9, 2015: migraine

New and good:

1.  Weigh-in for Kim was 158 pounds.  That's down another pound from last week.

2.  Managed to make pesto and hummus with the yummy olive oil I got received as a gift from a co-worker I had written about last week.

3.  A migraine motivated me to just stop and go to bed at 7PM... waking up refreshed and grateful to be alive Monday morning :)

Saturday, August 8, 2015: ridiculous

New and fun:

1. Took Little S to Swim Kids for August, and she was the only one in her group that showed up.

I was SO proud of her accomplishment over the last 7 weeks. When she first started in July, she held tightly to her bed so that I would not be able to pry her away to go to the pool.

After her first two classes, I was full of enthusiasm to go every week!

Today, she wowed her new instructor with her willingness to do everything instructed. I saw the determination, pride and confidence today.

Amazing! Awesome progress.

We're all like this. There may be something that we'd really like to be good at, but in the beginning we may be afraid of trying fearing vein ridiculed or failing.

You first need to show up. She had shown up for every single class. Just show up.

2. Little R had gone blueberry picking with Christian Horizons, and actually brought some home for us. :)

3.  Had a great time with Little S at the adult playground by the lake. I did over 10 flips, and am now feeling a little sore from it. I also assisted Little S in her first two front bar flips. 

It also started taking a bit at the playground, but we continued playing. Now that's having fun :)

4. Saw a friend Monica at Today's Natural Solutions. Great chatting with her and catching up.

5. I took out a movie from the library called Little Fockers, and I showed my husband. He responded that it was funny.

"I have have seen it before?" I asked.  Before he could respond, my 7 year old daughter chimed in:

"Of course! Daddy's old. He knows lots of movies and songs!"

She's so funny, but she's also right :)

6. Little M discovered Romano beans today, and he went to work at taking them out of the pod.

One Ridiculous thing I realised today:

I have said to myself to sleep early, eat well - yet on weekends, especially, I get overwhelmed by fatigue and sensory (kid hyperactivity and emotional swings) overload so I revert to the default : mindless eating and overeating.

It's pretty ridiculous, especially for someone who claims to be a wellness advocate and health coach.

Have compassion. Especially for yourself. Figure it out. You can and will figure it out.

In the meantime, I will continue my daily blog entries updating you and challenging you to see what's new and good.

Blissful blessings,

Kim

Freedom Friday, August 7, 2015: wisdom or dumb?

New and good:

1. There were signal problems this morning so my train was delayed over half an hour getting me to work almost and hour than later than usual.

The good thing about it was I got to meet a nice fellow passenger named Katherine who saved my spot in line while I went to the toilet.

It also prompted me to text others whom I hadn't connected with in a while. It's always great to reconnect with people, and the delayed train provided that opportunity.

2. Got to spend time with my toddler while his sister was at a friend's house for a play date. He's talking more and more each day.

His pronunciation is so cute and mispronounced! What I LOVE is that he is not afraid to just keep trying. He told me yesterday while looking at an M and M's flier, "icken uggets yummy!" 

He's getting better and better at speech production, and I continue to have so much fun just witnessing his progress.

3. First corn from Ontario for supper tonight! Thank you, farmers, sun, wind, soul, rain and all who made it available for my eat to chew and stomach to digest.

Thoughtful Thursday, August 6, 2015

New and good:

1. Wore dress pants today since it was so crisp in the morning. Glad to feel the comfort and needed warmth.

2.  Watch of the political debate with my husband. Interesting to know who what our future Prime Minister represents.

3.  I continue to wear the purple bracelet reminding me of no outward complaints. I caught myself almost letting out a sigh of disgust when I walked into the train washroom that was clogged. I reminded myself to be grateful that there were actually toilets in the train to use, there is usually water/wet wipes, toilet paper as well as paper towels.

A learning opportunity:

I walked to Chinatown today and bought a set of five coconut buns. I bought them because they were 1.80 for 5 of them. I could give some out to people am eat one myself. 

Well, while at the bakery, I decided I would also buy two spring rolls (two for a dollar). Then at the cash, the lady said hot sweet potato cakes were for one dollar. Since I had never seen them there before, I bought one in impulse. 

So, originally, I just wanted one coconut bun (two for a dollar), but got 5 because it worked out to be .36 each. Then I rationalized I would get two spring rolls since I wasn't getting a double today (I have been getting a double each Thursday for 2.83)... Then at the cash I ended buying something I totally didn't plan for.

So, in total I spent 3.80 instead of one dollar. Not only that, I ended up giving away only one bun. This means I ended up eating 4 buns, one sweet potato cake as well as two spring rolls ... Ending up with a bloated tummy.

Lesson here:  next time get only what you want. Or if you get more, give it away or freeze it so you don't eat more than what you can save.

Also another curious thing:  what else could I have out that 3.80 toward?

I am really curious about this. I don't buy coffee, tea or other beverages in general; however, I have noticed I that I pay a visit to the Chinese bakery once a week.

What if I spent about one two dollars each week there? In reality, I spend more than that. Let's say 2.50 to 3 dollars per week. 

In four weeks, that would be 10 to 12 dollars.

In 12 weeks, that would work out to 30 to 36 dollars.

What could I do with that money if I did not spend it on fresh refined baked goods?

What would you do?

Kim

Wealthy Wednesday, August 5, 2015: gifts for the heart

New and wonderful:

1. When I got in to work this morning, a co-worker had a beautiful present for me:  a glass bottle filled with precious olive oil from a farm in Greece. his mother in law knows the people in this farm. It's a traceable bottle of cold pressed olive oil.

For anyone who knows me well, I don't drink wine, but I do love really good high quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Thank you!

2. On my way to a Chinese bookstore in Chinatown in search for a non-ruled journal/notebook, I came across a Marshall's store on John St. And Richmond. I decided to go in.

It was a nice quiet place with lots of nice clothes and merchandise. An associate showed me where the journals were.

It was an awesome selection.

There was ONE waiting for me for 5.99 which had no rules.

Awesome! Now I know where to go fort next one... And also for some decently priced new clothes.

3. My nine year old made words that I could clearly make out! When I went down stairs to hug him, he nudged me away a bit and said "go" in a high pitched tone.

Awesome! So I let him alone with his iPad and stuffed giraffe an dog.

Then when he went for a BM, I entered the toilet room, and he said in a high pitched voice "all done". 

Amazing!

He also seemed to repeat after me on words such as "bear" and "airplane".

4.  On the walk toward home from the train station, a friend beeped, pulled over so I could hop on for her to give me a lift home.

What a beautiful day! How has your day day been beautiful?

Cheers,

Kim

CHOOSEday, August 4, 2015: sleep

New and good:

1. Had lunch with a cousin for the first time at BCE Place. We both ate and chatted about how blessed we both were.

2. Got caught under the rain shower in the way between the train station and home. Somehow saw a gap in the traffic and managed to make it over to a friend's house to ask for an umbrella. Thanks to the rain, it created an opportunity to see my friend and her two girls :)

3. The pain in my right eyeball motivates me to go to bed early tonight :)

Goodnight and sweet dreams!

Kim

Must be Monday, August 3, 2015: a wake-up call

New lessons:

1. I had little sleep totally less than 5 hours last night which resulted in being less than sharp today.

This is a lesson still to be learned after so many years of sleep deprivation or what my husband calls, sleep debt.

So I was less than sharp at work, and I was just struggling to get words out. 

Finally when I got on the crowded and very noisy train, I was able to close my eyes. When I looked out the window at our first stop I gasped at the sight of "Exhibition"; I was on the WRONG train!!!

Immediately, all the cells of my body were wide awake mustering up the adrenaline necessary to get me back in the direction of home.

Luckily, once I crossed to the other side of the tracks via the tunnel, I was able to hop on the correct train and was only delayed by half and hour.

2. Too much ice cream, dairy and sugar makes an upset stomach and raw hurty bowels.

3.  My daughter's pear tree is bearing fruit that looks edible this season! Reminder to self to fertilize it and find out how to help it grow better!

Wonderful weekend, August 1-2, 2015: paying it forward:

New and good:

1. On Saturday, a lady gave me her shopping cart with the loonie inside it since I kept searching to no avail for my wallet. I did find it afterward, but was very thankful for her thoughtfulness and kindness.

After shopping, I put the cart back in but did not lock it, keeping the loonie inside it still so that the next person would be able use it without inserting their money. 

Love paying it forward in this simple way.

Also got to show my two young ones about sharing and caring. Pasta was on sale, so my daughter chose what we bought to share with the Food donation bin. Toy surprise and delight, she donated more than she kept for herself.

2. I found a doorframe pull-up bar just waiting for me at Value Village! 

Seek and you shall find, right :)

3. My daughter and my husband stared volunteering together today (Sunday) at a seniors' residence. 

4. I found a dime while out with the two boys. I was so excited to just finding lying there in my path :) my older son carried it in his pocket all the way home. Then the little brother put it into his sister's pear bank.

5. Got to speak with a dear friend of mine today who has been far away.

6. Got to spend a good portion do the day outside in the garden picking raspberries, ground cherries, tomatoes, etc. had a neighbour over, and shared some zucchini with him.

7. I managed to engage my daughter in completing her piano practice by expressing my interest in doing the homework for her! It's amazing how much more desirable tasks are when others want to do it. It's so much fun!

WEIGH-IN: 

Kim - 159.5 - woohoo! Under 160 :) keep up the self discipline!

Mani - 40.5 - he keeps moving so is hard to get an accurate read

Synchronicity of the week:

On Friday, July 31, at lunch time people were raising funds for epilepsy. One person asked if I wanted to support them. I brought out my wallet and happily dropped some money into their basket. 

They gave me a smile and purple bracelet in return. I was going to just tell to them to keep it, but accepted it graciously.

I later realised that I had been wanting a purple bracelet since listening to A Complaint Free World! 

So today I started using it.

Blessings to you,

Kim