Friday's Top Five - Things I love about my BFF

Earlier this year, Divulge with Dani surprised me with the most beautifully written and heartfelt birthday tribute ever. Seriously, she was unbelievably kind, and there's no way I could ever top what she wrote about me. It was just THAT sweet.

As I write this, Dani is celebrating her 29th birthday (for the 7th time) by enjoying a much-deserved break in the mighty Nevada desert city sometimes referred to as as Sin City. 

Yes, she and her husband are poolside in Las Vegas and are being spoiled by a cute cabana boy named Jesus. (As in Hay-zeus, dontcha know.)

So this week's Top Five lays solely on my shoulders, and it's an all-out tribute to my homie.

Friday's Top Five - Things I love about my BFF 

5) Dani will do ANYTHING for her friends, even if it means sleeping on dirt and swatting mosquitoes.

True story - back in our younger days, before boys and babies came along, our group of gal pals routinely went camping each summer and shared many memorable nights stuffing our faces gossiping chatting around the camp fire.

We always, ALWAYS had a ton of fun, despite the fact that Dani is not a fan of camping. In fact, she loathes it.

And, yet, without fail, she always came along and tolerated our whimsical requests of, "Hey, wouldn't it be fun to sleep on the ground and wash our dishes in dirty water while using outhouses all weekend..?"

Ahem. We so totally owe her for the years of torture roughing it that she endured for us.


4) Dani has investigative reporting skills like no other.

Way back when we were in university, Dani had this incredible romance novel written in her head in which she and I and our friends were, of course, the star attractions. 

And, the best part of all, was that at least one of us was to end up married to a hockey player, construction worker, cowboy, or a man in uniform. ("Hark! Is that a fire truck I hear?")

Our personal tastes clearly evolved over the years, but you can't just think up these brilliant plot lines out of no where, right? Nooooooo. You have to go out and do "research" on the subject matter at hand. 

And, by research, I mean stalking your prey.

Because stalking WILL pay off.

(Thank you, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald.)

It's true that we have done some crazy things over the years, most of which I can't admit to online for fear of felony charges. But the reason I hold these escapades so close to my heart is because I shared them with my bestie. I mean, who else would have been willing to pull off those crazy antics with me??

(But if anyone asks, it was all her idea, and I was just a minion along for the ride. Ahem.)

3) Before we had husbands, Dani and I had each other.

Phew! Thank God we found some men to marry us before turning 40.

'Nuff said.

2) Dani and I never fight. Ever.

Okay, so there was this ONE TIME back in the summer of '95. We had just graduated high school and were experiencing  real freedom for the first time. There were boys involved, and one of them almost came between us. ALMOST.

The dialogue went something like this:

Dani:   "Jo, are you trying to get between me and my man?"
Jo:       "No, of course not. Is that why you've been distant with me?"
Dani:   "Yes. I'm sorry about that. And I'm so glad we cleared up this misunderstanding."

LOL. That was it. No fight, just a misunderstanding.

For the record, that boy didn't last past the one summer, and yet Dani and I are still together as BFFs.

BOOM. Take that, summer-time crush.


1) Dani and I will be best friends forever because, frankly, we already know too much.

It's hard to believe, but Dani and I have known each other for 24 years -- nearly a quarter century.

Yes, we is old. I still remember when I made her that first mix-tape of songs back in 1991. Classic.

We've packed a lot of living into these years, and Dani was right there by my side for most of my funniest, happiest memories.

The walks, the road trips, the all-nighters talking about guys and what our future would bring......

Once upon a time, we lived four houses down from each other and would go for walks on a whim. I miss those days. We used to say we'd somehow always be neighbours and would live walking distance from each other, you know, in a Knots Landing "back-to-the-sac" sort of way.

We're no longer neighbours in a geographical sense but, let's face it, the advent of social media has basically ensured that all people everywhere will always stay in touch.

So, in reality, even if we don't see each other for weeks or months at a time, we rarely go more than a few days without sharing an email / status update / chuckle over something that occured online.

The history we share is extensive, and Dani probably knows more about me than I care to remember, which is why we'll always be friends. The things we laughed about when we were 12 are the same things we can still laugh at today. (Because we really are that damn funny.)

She is, and always will be, my SEESTER.

(Never. Gets. Old.)

Happy birthday, Dani! 

Here's to at least another 24 years of friendship.

Friday's Top Five - Pinterest ideas I'd like to try

I've always loved arts and crafts. And though I'm still a bit awkward in that department (read: I have no talent), I try to make up for it with sheer enthusiasm.

As a kid in elementary school, most of the books I took out of the library involved making some sort of craft at home. We weren't the type of household that had pipe cleaners and styrofoam balls on hand, so all my crafts usually consisted of one of two things: popsicle sticks or empty toilet paper rolls.

Those were the good old days.

For many years now, though, I've just stopped being creative. Having little free time to spare has meant that I only purchase things I need for the house (boooorrrring!), and I only cook when it's required of me.

But, since Pinterest became a regular part of my life a few months ago, I've found that my creative spark is slowly returning.

Naturally, my feelings of "I WANT TO DO THAT" are far greater than my skill level will allow in most cases, but I'm happy to report that I've already begun decorating our home with some simple projects I've seen on Pinterest.

I set up a variation of this art wall down our main hallway......

...... and a notice like this one at our back door.

(Sigh. George.)

I've also tried a handful of new recipes that I found on Pinterest, but there's still so much more I want to attempt. Which brings us to this Friday's topic......

Friday's Top Five - Pinterest ideas I'd like to try:

(Jo's Note: It was REALLY HARD to limit this to just five things. Don't be surprised if you see follow up posts such as "The OTHER top five things I want to try.....")

5) Painted popsicle sticks with velcro

It's true, I just can't stay away from using popsicle sticks with my crafts. But this one caught my attention for another reason -- the byline under this project stated that it was a great way of keeping kids busy and occupied in restaurants.

Ummmm.... SOLD!

The idea behind this is that you paint the sticks with your child, then attach some velcro dots, and VOILA! Instant toy that can be brought anywhere to help keep your kid out of trouble.

And, as an added bonus, it's educational, too, in that you can prompt your child to create letters or shapes with their reusable new toy.

I totally see a hexagon and a parallelogram in my daughter's future.

4) Corner library shelves

We have, like, a million childrens books in our house. And I'm only mildly exagerating on that one.

So far they're all fairly well contained in one or two locations in our home, but I just love the look of this corner shelf, and I want to make this regardless of whether or not we have the need for it.

The rooms (and the wall space) in our home are pretty tiny, and I've already filled near every nook and cranny we have with SOMETHING....... so I'm not entirely sure we have the space at all for this project. 

But, by God, I will keep envisioning this in our home until I can find a spot for it. Even if it happens to be in the laundry room.

3) Melted bead sun catchers

How beautiful are these?? The comments beneath this Pinterest project all state that it was really easy to make, and most of the people just used really inexpensive beads, too.

Easy AND cheap? This project has my name written all over it. 

(*insert your inappropriate thoughts here*)

My only concern with this one is that the sun catcher wouldn't survive our climate. You see, if I'm going to put in the effort to make something like this and adorn it outside by the front window, then I want it to stay out there all year long. 

Including during major wind storms (stupid prairie wind!) and our seemingling neverending winter.

Does anyone have experience with these in the frozen north? Anyone? Bueller?

2) Garden signs

 

I don't exactly have a green thumb -- or the patience to weed, water, and wait for plants to grow -- but I am all about sticking knick-knacks all over our yard.

And I just love the idea behind these signs!

Right now I'm more partial to the set-up on the bottom, which lists all the places this particular family has travelled together. And the great thing about it is that you can continually add to this sign post over the years.

Like I mentioned above, though, my concern is on how weather-resistant something like this would be. A responsible home owner would winterize their yards and place this item into storage for the 9 months 6 months of snow we get pummelled with each year, but I HATE having to do that.

If we set up this sign, though, then I probably won't have a choice. 

1) US flag made from baseball bats

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but my husband is American. And he likes baseball. A lot.

This flag idea is just so cool and so original and so AMERICAN that he totally wants it in our home. The only problem is that neither one of us is very handy when it comes to power tools. Or paint. Or hammers and nails.

I'm pretty sure that, if I actually attempted this, it would surely end up on that Pinterest Fail website.

So, ummm, anyone want to come over and just make this for me?

I promise I'll make you dinner in return! (And, yes, it will be from a Pinterest-inspired recipe, of course....)

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Okay, there you have it..... this is my list of Pinterest projects that I would like to attempt (or have someone else attempt for me.) Time to head over to Divulge with Dani to see what she's got cooking as well.

Friday's Top Five - Favourite Old-Country Artists

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know that I'm a super-fan of 790 CFCW country radio..... and it's not just for all the free bison meat we get through them.

It all started about five years ago when I'd grown tired of listening to the other country station in town. There was just too much immaturity pop-like music and chatter that no longer held my attention. So one day I up and switched stations and never looked back.

What I did was go back to my roots, to the station I listened to as a kid late at night on my walk-man when I was supposed to be sleeping.

Yes, 790 CFCW plays a mix of today's country hits as well as some long-gone classics by artists that passed on before I was born.... and I love it.

Sure, some of the songs must sound just plain silly to today's modern listeners, but they take me back to a simpler time..... and, frankly, I need that most days.

So nothing pleases me more today than to present you with this........


Friday's Top Five - Favourite Old-Country Artists


5) Merle Haggard

Every now and then on CFCW they have these little vignettes about a legendary star's rise to fame, and my favourite story is that of Merle Haggard.

After finally hitting it big, he mentioned to his friend Johnny Cash about how much he enjoyed hearing Cash play at San Quentin Prison years before, to which he replied, "Merle, I don't remember you being on that bill there."

And Haggard of course said, "I wasn't on the play bill, I was in the audience!"

Yes, Merle Haggard comes by his bad-boy tunes and reputation honestly. He really did spend time in prison, and when he sings lyrics like, "Mama tried to raise me better," you know he's speaking about his actual mother.

And THAT is was country music is all about. Good or bad, Merle Haggard's music is REAL, and he apologizes to no one.

4) Loretta Lynn

I've always liked Loretta Lynn, but it wasn't until I met my husband that I really gained appreciation for her music and talents.

Apparently my father-in-law is a huge fan of hers and was always singing along to her music when my husband was a kid growing up in northern New York.

And, because history of course repeats itself, my daughter now has the priviledge of growing up listening to her dad sing along to Loretta's music. Which is pretty hilarious when you think about one of Loretta Lynn's greatest hits, You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man.

Yes, my husband and father-in-law proudly sing this out loud.

My personal favourite Loretta Lynn tune is the one she's best known for: Coal Miner's Daughter. Just like with Merle Haggard's song above, this one is autobiographical, and that's what makes it so powerful to me. She's LIVED exactly what she's singing about, and she rose from poverty to become the living legend she is today.

And who doesn't love a good rags-to-riches story like this one?

3) Ian Tyson

You know when you listen to artists on the radio these days, and then you go see them live but they sound nothing like they did on their recording? Yeah, I hate that, too.

Which is why I love Ian Tyson.

The man is solid country gold. And Canadian to boot.

You can listen to him live and, much like Merle and Loretta, he sounds just like he did 30 years ago. No gimicks. No pyrotechnics. No fancy dance moves.

Because he doesn't need them! He's just smooth and calm and wholesome and good, and I want nothing more than to bring him home with me and call him Grandpa. (Sorry, is that weird?)

My two favourite songs of his are Four Strong Winds and Springtime in Alberta because -- why else? -- they feature the greatest province in all of Canada, and I feel an ache in my gut each time I listen to him sing these tunes.

2) Kenny Rogers

Oh, Kenny. How I wish you'd stayed away from all that botox.

It's really unfortunate that Kenny Rogers has become the butt of many plastic surgery jokes these days. He -- like all of us -- is about so much more than just the way he looks, and it was so nice to see him inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame last week. (So, at least for one day anyway, no one made any comments about his appearance.)

My personal favourite song of his is She Believes In Me, which is a karaoke staple of my husband's whenever we vacation on cruise ships.

And, yes, I tear up a little each time I hear this played on radio, too.

Kenny Rogers' most popular song, though, is probably The Gambler. During his HOF ceremony last week, he mentioned how thrilled he is to be known for this song. As he put it, this isn't a song about drinking or cheating or abuse or whatever. It's a song about life and making the right decisions.

And it's so much better to be remembered for something like that than just about the way you look.


1) Dolly Parton

My love for this woman borders on the unhealthy.

Even though my concert-going days are pretty much over, this is one artist I'd give anything to see live. And I'd totally bring my mom along, too.

Growing up, I wanted to be just like Dolly Parton. I wanted everything from her big curly wig hair to her southern drawl and even (especially?) her 20-inch waist.

In my mind, she just had it all.

Not only can she sing, but my childhood is flush with memories of her acting on television, as well. At one point in the 80s she even had a weekly variety show that often featured Kenny Rogers and Hulk Hogan, too.

Now how cool is that?

In terms of TV, my favourite film of hers was a Christmas special that aired when I was a kid, titled Smokey Mountain Christmas. At the time, I recorded it off the TV onto a VHS tape and, yes, I still make an effort to revisit it each holiday season. (Yeah, I totally just outed myself for still using a VCR, but whatevs. That's how I roll.)

When it comes to music, though, my favourite SOLO song of hers is Coat of Many Colors because - like I've mentioned with others - it's autobiographical and it makes me tear up whenever I hear it.

But, for personal reasons, my all-time favourite Dolly song is actually a duet she did with Kenny Rogers, called Islands in the Stream.

If there is one song that takes me back to my childhood, it's this one. And I'm not even ashamed to admit that out loud on the Internet.

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There you have it. The artists of yesterday that I love still today.

Now it's time to head over to Divulge with Dani's blog to see what she's got cooking on this topic.

Friday's Top Five - Fitness goals for 2013 (and beyond!)

So do you remember a few months ago when I boldly stated that I was actually feeling really good and was optimistic about my health this year? Well, umm, as could be expected, I've hit the proverbial wall. And it's only spring.

Yes, I'm back in my usual rut and am doing what I can to claw my way out and get back on track.

Story of my life. Ahem.

To paraphrase one of my favourite lines from Life of Pi, one of my biggest mistakes is to always hope too much but do too little. So I need to stop just 'talking the talk' and begin doing some walking as well. Both literally and figuratively.

And how better to do that than to set some definite goals for this year and to put them in writing for all to see and harass me about later......

Friday's Top Five - Fitness goals for 2013 (and beyond!)

5) Walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week

Once upon a time, I used to walk everywhere I went...... but now I rarely even walk to the bus stop anymore. (It's true, lately I've been getting a ride to the bus stop each morning. Convenient? Hell yes. But oh so bad for my already sedentary lifestyle.)

It's simply not realistic for me to get up any earlier in the morning to exercise (my alarm already goes off at 5 am, yo.) And since I'm usually in bed by 9:30 pm, there isn't much time in the evening for working out either. (Not if I actually want to spend time with my family anyway.)

So all that's really left is for me to workout during my lunch hour at work. And, lucky for me, there's a private gym not even 30 seconds down the hall from my office. And they have a beautifully clean shower room as well.

Seriously. It's ridiculous just how spoiled I am at work.

So, on days where I'm not working through my lunch hour, I've been spending it at the gym. Sadly, I am my own worst enemy and often talk myself out of going on most days. (What's wrong with me??)

Thus, my goal for this year is to up the frequency of my treadmill workouts. At the moment I'm speed walking for 30 minutes just 3 times a week, and my goal is to up the frequency to 5 days a week. 

Totally achievable, right?

  

4) Reintroduce myself to my abs, via Pilates

"Hey, babe, remember when we first met and you had some rockin' abs? I miss those."  - said my husband to me several years ago after having given birth to our daughter.

I could have slugged him.

In all seriousness, though, I've NEVER had rockin' abs..... but I've definitely been much slimmer around the mid-section. Pregnancy ruined me, and I still haven't gotten back to my pre-pregnant body, but at least it's something for me to aim for.

Pilates used to be a staple in my lifestyle and, though I took it for granted at the time, it really did help strengthen my core muscles and improve my overall health. So remind me again why I have yet to do a single Pilates session since becoming a mom?

No more excuses. I just need to do it. My goal for this year is to incorporate Pilates into my fitness regime at least 3 times a week.

 

3) Improve my posture, via a balance ball

I'd been debating this for years, but I finally just went and did it this week. Yes, I ditched the cushy chair-on-wheels I had at my desk and just started sitting on one of those giant bouncy exercise balls instead.

What I wanted was this:

But what I just ended up getting is a regular run-of-the-mill ball that I purchased at Wal-mart.

I've read some reviews on these balls, and so far I can't find any conclusive evidence that they actually work in improving posture or strengthening your core if you're just sitting there at a desk, but I'm giving it a try anyway. 

Does anyone out there have any experience in substituting desk chairs for a ball? Feedback, please!

2) Start running again

I used to run 2-3 times a week, but then I just stopped after my daughter was born because I had difficulty keeping up with my running partner. And that was my fatal mistake.

It was understandable at the time that it would take a while for me to get back to where I was pre-pregnancy, but, instead of pacing myself and taking small baby steps, I just stopped running altogether. And that only served to compound my problems now.

So, even though my pace is painfully slow, I need to incorporate some running intervals into my daily walks. I did start doing this again earlier this week, and it was incredibly hard. More so than the first time I took up running but, then again, my body has changed drastically since then, so this should come as no surprise.

Unlike before, though, this time I can't quit.

I'm not going to kid myself into thinking I'll one day be able to run a half-marathon, but I would like to think that one day I'll just be able to run again, period.

1) Lose fat

I know it sounds silly -- redundant, even -- but my number one fitness goal this year is to lose fat.

I've mentioned this before, but, back in my 20s, it was all about vanity. These days it's just about getting healthy, and for me that means decreasing the percentage of fat on my body.

I don't care so much about the number on the scale; I just want to be healthy and relatively fit so that I can enjoy life again and actually look forward to all of the activities I listed above. 

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Okay, so these are the things I'm striving for this year (and every year thereafter). For more fitness motivation, go check out Divulge with Dani's blog next to see what she has in store for this year as well.

Friday's Top Five - Baseball Themed ANYTHING

A year ago this month we were in Arizona taking in some spring training baseball, which of course meant that my husband was in absolute heaven.

This year we skipped out on attending any pre-season games, but by no means does that mean my husband is any less excited for the start of the season.

(As for me, I'm mainly just excited by the prospect of some spring-like weather, but I digress.)

So with the start of the 2013 baseball regular season occurring in the next few days, I present to you.....


Friday's Top Five- Baseball Themed ANYTHING:

5. Weddings

O. M. G.

It's a good thing Pinterest wasn't around when I got married, otherwise I would have gone nuts trying to incorporate all these crazy baseball-themed ideas into our reception for my husband. 

Seriously, just take a look at some of the things other couples have included in their nuptials:

Pinterest has a sometimes-deceiving way of making everything look so simple and affordable, especially when it comes to planning weddings. But how can you NOT want to have a baseball-themed celebration?

I mean, those cuff links? COME ON.

4. Song Lyrics

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?

Sure, Simon & Garfunkel's famous line in their song Mrs. Robinson is iconic for me because the Yankee's great DiMaggio was used to represent heroes of the past, but my top pick for baseball lyrics actually goes to Bruce Springsteen's Glory Days.

Sample lyrics:

I had a friend, was a big baseball player back in high school
He could throw that speed ball by you
Make you look like a fool, boy
Saw him the other night at this roadside bar
I was walking in, he was walking out
We went back inside, sat down, had a few drinks
But all he kept talking about was....

Glory days
Well they'll pass you by
Glory days
In the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days.


(Because, really, who doesn't love reminiscing about the good old days??)


3. Movies

Last month we were on a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Toronto, and my husband and I got to enjoy one of the in-flight movies, Trouble With The Curve.

My husband will watch anything to do with baseball, and I'll watch anything with Clint Eastwood, so it was win-win.

We both enjoyed this movie -- and many others that are baseball-themed -- but I'd have to say my all-time favourite is The Sandlot.

Loyal followers of my blog will know that I've made no secret of my love for this movie, as proven by this previous blog post as well as this one here.

Yes, The Sandlot has made multiple appearances in my writing over the years. And don't be surprised if I find a way to mention it again in future posts, too.

2. Names

Okay, okay, I give in. My husband has been harassing me to include some of the all-time great baseball names of yesterday and today. This is against my better judgement, but here goes.

Coco Crisp

Oil Can Boyd

Razor Shines

Mookie Wilson

R.A. Dickey

Cannonball Titcomb

Sparky Anderson

Pete Lacock

Tim Spooneybarger

Rusty Kuntz

Boof Bonser

Dickie Thon

Goose Gossage

Shooty Babitt

Dusty Baker

Dick Pole

Milton Bradley

Babe Ruth

Pickles Dilhoeffer

Yes, these are all legitimate names and, yes, Pickles Dilhoeffer is my favourite.

'Nuff said.

1. Stadiums

I've been lucky enough to attend a major league game in Atlanta's impressive Turner Field -- yes, as in Ted Turner's field -- but my favourite place to watch baseball is and always will be Telus Field in Edmonton.

(Deep down it pains me to associate it with those corporate thieves at Telus, so in my heart it will always be known as John Ducey Park, but I digress.)

The song Cheap Seats by Alabama was released 20 years ago this spring (dang, I'm old), and it's always epitomized the greatness that is small-town baseball for me.

* Sigh * Now if only we really were able to enjoy watching baseball at the 'Duce again this summer.....

Happy Spring,everyone! Be sure to check out Divulge with Dani's coinciding baseball entry as well!

Roots and wings

While out for lunch with some coworkers (and stuffing my face with some mouth-watering Japanese food), I casually mentioned the fact that it's been almost a year since I saw a movie in theatres. No biggie, really. There are far worse things in life, and I didn't really think much about what I'd said.

The next week it was my birthday*, and one of my aforementioned coworkers surprised me with a card and two movie passes that, she noted, also came along with her free babysitting services anytime we wanted.

Schwa? Free babysitting services? Yes, please!

The days that followed at work were particularly stressful and hellish, so by Friday last week, I was just DONE. As in, I needed a mindless release and wanted nothing more than to unwind in front of the big screen.

The friend who'd gotten me the passes was leaving for Boston the next day, so I didn't dare call her to come over and hang out while my daughter slept. Instead, my husband and I resorted to the one person who has essentially helped raise our daughter with us: my Mom.

I chose the movie that night: Life of Pi. My husband and I each went in completely blind without any preconceived notions of what this film was about. All we knew is what we saw in the newspaper ad -- it appeared to feature an East Indian man on a boat with a tiger. That's it. That's all we knew.

I won't spend my time here giving away any spoilers from the film, but just know that it was magnificent. Spiritual, thought-provoking, and overwhelmingly brilliant; I can't stop thinking about it, and I just want to see it again to watch for all the hidden symbols I missed the first time around.

But, as I said, this post isn't really about the movie.

When my husband and I got home just after midnight, we found my Mom sitting up on the couch watching over our daughter, who was now asleep in the living room instead of her crib where we left her.

My Mom informed us that she woke up around 10:30 pm and was vomiting in her room. It was all over her crib, blankets, toys, bedroom floor, and in her hair. Total grossness.

I know from previous episodes such as this that it can be virtually impossible to clean up vomit AND tend to a hysterical toddler at the same time when you're on your own, so my Mom just did what was absolutely necessary at the time. She left my daughter's room more or less the way it was and instead cleaned up my daughter and changed her pajamas before bringing her downstairs to be comforted.

It was now quite late, so we thanked my Mom for her help, and my husband then quickly drove her home while I tended to our daughter. As I was moving the hair off her face, she awoke and began speaking to me.


"I was screaming for you and Daddy to come to my room."

"I know, honey. I'm sorry we weren't here, but I'm glad Nonna was here to take care of you."

"Yeah, Nonna came to my room and changed my clothes. Nonna bringed me downstairs and was rocking me on the couch."

"Wow, that's so nice that Nonna was here and kept you safe."

"Yeah, I love Nonna...... Hey, where did Nonna go??"


As my daughter grows, I don't know what memories will stay will her vs. what will vanish from her cognitive mind. For me, personally, I can't really recall any definite memories prior to age three, so I doubt this one particular night will stand out for my daughter either.

And that kind of makes me sad.

So, you see, the purpose behind this post wasn't about my birthday or movies or the stress that can sometimes be my job, but rather it was about my daughter and her Nonna.

Even if my daughter will soon forget about this evening, I always want this post to remind her about the time that her Nonna was here to take care of her..... picking her up out of her crib, cleaning her off, and rocking her back to sleep.

* Completely unrelated, but my BFF Dani wrote the most beautiful, touching, flattering post for me on my recent birthday. You can read about it here.

Friday's Top Five - Books I want to read this year

I hate admitting this out loud -- because it almost sounds like a bad thing when I say it -- but we have too many books in our house. So many that, frankly, I feel we need a larger home just to house our collection. I know many of my readers understand and can appreciate this situation.

The thing is, we LOVE reading. Sometimes the same book twice. And it's because of this that the pile of new-and-yet-to-be-cracked-open books on my nightstand is vastly larger than the pile of books I've already devoured.

But as my husband recently said to me, you can never have too many books. And so I present.....


Friday's Top Five - Books I want to read this year:

5) One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Over the Christmas break, Divulge with Dani recommended we each read this book in an attempt to revive our long-forgotten Book Club. So I took it out of the library and have already read the first few pages......... but that was three weeks ago.

It's time for me to renew this book from the library for another three weeks, so here's hoping I can finish it before it comes up due again.



4) Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James

My husband flew to Alabama last summer and purchased this book while he waited in an airport. From what I know, he didn't finish it. And it's been collecting dust in our basement ever since.

From what I've heard of this book so far, most people have been a little disappointed in that it didn't live up to all it's hype.

And, yet, I remain intrigued. 

Here's hoping this makes for a nice light summer read...... and that I'm not disappointed.

3) The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I really wanted to read this book before seeing the movie, but it didn't happen. Even though I was given this book by my nephew and his girlfriend for my birthday last year, I was also given a free movie-rental voucher.

So, naturally, I rented the movie for free before getting a change to read the book. And I freakin' loved it.

I do kind of wish I had taken the time to first read the novel, though, but I guess it's never too late. The good news is that I know I won't be disappointed with the plot.

2) The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

I admit I have no clue as to the plot of this tale. But my husband purchased this book for me with the intent of having me read it before we could see the movie together.

That was three-and-a-half years ago, and I have yet to read the book or see the movie.

Could 2013 be the year I finally achieve both those tasks??

1) Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul by various authors

Since we're on the topic of procrastination... ahem..... here goes:

Prior to becoming parents, my husband and I used to read to each other.... (you know, kind of like Joey and Pacey on Dawson's Creek). This usually happened in bed or on long road trips, and it was bliss.

We've read a few of the Chicken Soup books to each other, and they're all wonderful, but we began reading this one during my pregnancy in 2009/2010.... and, well, we still haven't been able to finish it.

Don't get me wrong - this book is terrific. But by the time we get into bed after a long day of work and then parenting, we're just DONE.

Okay, well, it's me who's just done. As in, I have difficulty keeping my eyes open during my daughter's book time and am usually in bed by 9pm.

So here's to hoping I finally develop the stamina required to read in bed again without falling asleep..... otherwise all these books will end up on my to-read list for 2014.....


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Okay peeps, you know the routine. Leave a comment and then check out Divulge with Dani's blog next.

Friday's Top Five - Things I'm Looking Forward to This Year

In keeping with our motivational / staying positive / being grateful theme this year, Divulge with Dani and I are trying to remain positive and upbeat in this week's post......

Friday's Top Five - Things I'm Looking Forward to This Year:


5. Improved health

For the first time in a long time, I'm actually feeling really good and am looking forward to improving my health and just being in a better place overall.

I've set some goals for myself this year, and I'll try not to freak out if I don't reach them as scheduled. But at least I have hope, and that's what keeps me going.

By this time tomorrow, I'll be in an even better place in my life. The same can be said for the day after that, and the day after that......

Here's hoping that, by this time next year, I'll be able to look back on this as an enjoyable and memorable journey.

4. Potential baseball season

Speaking of having hope.... here's hoping we actually have a baseball season this year in E-town!

I won't bore you with the details, but last year we had a greedy billionaire cancel our local team's season in an effort to save some money. Which of course made for a very long and deprived summer for those of us who enjoy nothing more than a night out at the ballpark.

I haven't heard any news about the baseball season yet, but I'm definitely looking forward to being able to root, root, root for the home team this year.

And here's to also hoping that they bring back Wiener Wednesdays.....!

Just sayin.



3. Vacations

Yeah, I'm one of those people who immediately begins searching for the next bargain vacation the minute I return from a current vacation.

And, yeah, I went ahead and booked another cruise for next month even though it feels like we just barely returned from our last one.

And, yeah, I'm totally looking forward to it.

In addition to our annual jaunts to the Caribbean, we're also planning a trip to Ottawa and my husband's hometown in Upstate New York for my sister-in-law's wedding.

I don't know that I'd classify that trip as a vacation so much, simply because it's going to be a crazy and rushed time out east, but I can't complain.

It's still time off from work and from my real life, so bring it on, I say!

2. Garage sales

Isn't it funny that I would rank garage sales ahead of going on vacation?? (I know, I should probably be committed....)

The beauty of garage sales for me is two-fold:

First, despite the fact that my house is plenty cluttered and I should probably have a sale of my own, I love the idea that I can casually find a new-to-me item for relatively cheap and use it to reinvent our house.

Oh, you're selling that vintage seaside painting for 98% less than what you originally paid for it? 

SOLD!  

The other thing I love about garage sales is that they're synonymous with the start of spring and summer. And let's face it, when you live in the frozen tundra, you'll go out of your way looking for signs of a reprieve.

In our house, we don't ask a Groundhog about how much longer winter will last. Instead, we turn to the first garage sale advertisement as an error-proof indicator that winter is officially over and garage-sale season has begun.

Now who WOULDN'T look forward to that?

1. The melting of the snow

Yes, the thing I'm looking forward to most this year is the melting of all this snow we've accumulated.

Sure, it certainly looks beautiful outside right now -- even my cold and hardened heart can concede to that -- but I do long to see the grass again.

When all the snow is gone, so many more opportunities are opened up for us; in addition to baseball season and garage sales, we can also do other even simpler things.

Things like going to the park. Or to the beach for a day. Or walking though the neighbourhood without having to be bundled up like Nanook of the North.

There's also the ability to sit outside around the fire late at night.

And the endless hours of daylight that allow us to pack as much (or as little) into the day as we wish.

So, yeah, even though we're deep in the heart of winter right now, at least I know there's still something more wonderful to look forward to this year.

Aww, poor snowmen. 

Don't worry, winter will be back before you know it!

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All right, peeps. My list is really simple, as per usual, but that's how I roll.

Mosey over to Divulge with Dani to see what she's got cooking for this year!

Friday's Top Five - Motivational Songs

Here we are, 18 days into 2013, and I'm already slacking in terms of the goals I set for myself. Yes, I am eating healthier (thank you, daily power-smoothie!), but I'm still not active enough.

One thing is for certain, I'm one of those people who simply cannot get a decent treadmill workout in unless I'm tuned in to my iPod or some other source of music. We all have our favourites, but here's what keeps me going and lifts my spirits when I need a not-so-subtle pick-me-up....



Friday's Top Five - Motivational Songs

5. Wasted - Carrie Underwood

The term "wasted" has a couple different meanings here, but for me it just has to do with wasting my life in general. The following lyrics say it all:

Cause I don't wanna spend my life jaded

Waiting to wake up one day and find

That I've let all these years go by

Wasted

4. Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band

This song is just fun, fun, FUN. Plus, it helps me be grateful for the little things in life (ie, the things that really matter.)

Whether you're a country fan or not, I dare you not to tap your toes to this song. It's guaranteed to get you up and moving.

3. Something More - Sugarland

There's gotta be something more, right? This is the quintessential song for those of us who feel as though we're stuck in a rut and need a boost to move forward and seek out something better. To summarize: story of my life.

Check it out. And then go and make something more of yourself.

2. I'm Alright - Jo Dee Messina

I truly love this song and have often wanted it to be my theme song of sorts. The gist of it goes like this: I may not be rich, and I may not have made it to the big time, but I've got people here who love me, and I'm doing okay. I'm still smiling, so you've got nuthin' on me.

What more could any of us ask for?

1. Everyday - Dave Matthews Band

When Divulge with Dani and I embarked on our first major vacation together back in the summer of 2002 and traveled up I-95 from Florida to New York, this was our song. It greeted us every morning, and it often made an appearance later in the day as well.

There was no better way to start the day than with this song, and it still to this day makes me want to get up and go achieve greatness.

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Okay, so that's my list. Whether you need some good workout songs or just some music to lift your spirits and get you moving everyday, these are the ones that work for me.

Now it's time to head over to Divulge with Dani to read about what keeps her motivated each day.

My 2013 Bucket List

Divulge with Dani and I are taking a break from our Friday's Top Five so that we can present to you our respective Bucket Lists for 2013.

I really struggled to come up with something interesting to say in this post because, frankly, I could only think of one thing I want to accomplish in 2013. *COUGH*lose weight*COUGH*

I'd be lying if I ever gave anyone the impression that I have other more fascinating ventures I'd like to tackle (like going bungee jumping or something). Truth be known, all my wishes are really simple.... and yet I somehow never manage to achieve them. Why is that? Perhaps it has something to do with the lack of willpower I spoke of in my previous post.....?

Regardless of anything that has or hasn't happened in the past, I present to you my 2013 Bucket List:

1)  Eat clean and lose weight.

(Haha... you were surprised, I can tell.) I'm sure that 99% of women in the free world have this on their list of resolutions for 2013, but for me I truly feel like it's now or never in terms of getting down to a healthier weight.

Like I've said before, this is about my health now, not vanity. And if I want to be around to see my daughter grow up, I need to stay motivated and committed to achieving a healthier body size.

Of the pointers described by Bob Harper below, I think I would struggle most with # 7. Pasta, rice, and bread just get me every time, and I secretly wish I had someone following me around who could slap the food off my fork each time I go to take a bite.

(If only Fettucine Alfredo was GOOD for me.....!!)

2) Be active.

As I age and as my metabolism slows, it's become increasingly important that I include some form of physical activity in my daily life. Sadly, this is where I fail the most these days, simply because I'm always exhausted by the time I get home from work and get my daughter into bed.

Then again, I'm sure my poor diet and lack of regular physical activity are also contributing factors in my exhaustion, but I digress. The bottom line is that I need to get up and move more!

The painful truth.

3) Spend quality time with the family.

Like I said, gone are the days when I aspired to go bungee jumping or sky diving. These days I would be thrilled to just go outside and build a snowman with my daughter before coming in to warm up by the fire.

It's just that type of outing that creates beautiful memories -- and it's also the type of thing that will help nurture my daughter's confidence and self esteem...... not whether or not she's got a mom who has sky dived before.

Luckily, there's no shortage of the simple yet wonderful things I can do with my family this year.....

4) Be grateful and lead by example.

This was briefly touched upon in a recent post, but I really do need to stop taking for granted all the wonderful blessings in my life. Sure, each day can be a struggle sometimes, but when it comes down to it, I'm living the dream. (I'm not sure WHOSE dream, per se, haha.... but still. I have a good life.)

And besides, how can I expect my daughter to grow up to be a positive, contributing member of society when I myself am constantly stuck in a self-inflicted rut? It's time to sink or swim, and I need to show her how it's done.

5) Put myself first.

It's taken me nearly 35 years to figure this out, but I need to stop taking care of everyone else ahead of myself. What good am I to anyone if I'm run down, exhausted, weak, and in a bad mood all the time?

If I can't start taking care of myself FIRST, then I'm not only doing a major disservice to myself, but also to the family I'm attempting to care for.

They need a happy, healthy me..... and I need a happy, healthy me..... otherwise everything just falls apart.

Time to start taking care of myself again -- so not only does that mean pursuing the four points above, but also doing things simply because they make me happy. (ie, read more, write more, go for walks, see a movie, get my hair and eyebrows done more than just twice a year, etc...... You know the drill.)

Since becoming a mom, I've placed myself at the bottom of our household totem pole, and that needs to change.

I need to be ME again.

So here's hoping I can walk the talk.....!

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Okay, it was simple, it was raw... but that's my 2013 Bucket List. Head over to see what Divulge with Dani's got cooking on this subject as well.