Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday's quote:
Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong. ~Peter T. Mcintyre
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Finding Inspiration ...
I recently came to know about this site called Tiny Buddha - one of my friends had "liked" it on facebook and I took a look and quickly became a fan myself. It's really full of down to earth stories and inspiration ~ that apply to everyday life ~ the joys and the struggles.
I have had a struggle of late myself - of sorts ~ and I really really enjoyed this article today:
http://tinybuddha.com/blog/finding-joy-in-the-ruins-of-a-crushed-dream
I love when you are searching for "something" whether it be inspiration, motivation or even just a pair of nail clippers ~ and you find it when you need it haha. I love that "aaaahhhhhh ... nice" feeling it gives you. This article today did exactly that.
Good for the soul reading. :)
And today I am going to meet my friend Kelly Falardeau and get a copy of her newly published book "No Risks No Rewards - a burn survivor's journey from near death to success". So proud of my dear friend for opening up her life and story knowing that she can be a good inspiration to people ~ I say "wow".
I have had a struggle of late myself - of sorts ~ and I really really enjoyed this article today:
http://tinybuddha.com/blog/finding-joy-in-the-ruins-of-a-crushed-dream
I love when you are searching for "something" whether it be inspiration, motivation or even just a pair of nail clippers ~ and you find it when you need it haha. I love that "aaaahhhhhh ... nice" feeling it gives you. This article today did exactly that.
Good for the soul reading. :)
And today I am going to meet my friend Kelly Falardeau and get a copy of her newly published book "No Risks No Rewards - a burn survivor's journey from near death to success". So proud of my dear friend for opening up her life and story knowing that she can be a good inspiration to people ~ I say "wow".
Thursday, January 20, 2011
My heart overflows ...
Today on fb my scrapping and fb friend Darlene posted this on her status:
If you have a wonderful man, who helps balance your whole world, who isn't perfect, but is perfect for you, who works hard and would do anything for you. Who makes you laugh and drives you crazy, who is your best friend, who you want to grow old with, and who you are thankful for everyday. Who you could not live without... then post this as your status.
So I grabbed it and did just that ~ as every word rings true about Kevin and I was so touched when he grabbed this off of MY status and then reposted on his own profile but changed it to "wonderful woman" ... aaaaaawwwwwww so touched my heart and soul ~ a simple act really but means so much. I think that is something I really appreciate about this relationship and about Kevin. Is that we constantly do simple things to show that we care about each other, don't take for granted that we do ~ and that we are not shy or hesitant about letting others know we have that special person in our life. I think that has been the biggest blessing of this relationship - the fact I can share it with the world. :)
It's good to be this much in love ...
If you have a wonderful man, who helps balance your whole world, who isn't perfect, but is perfect for you, who works hard and would do anything for you. Who makes you laugh and drives you crazy, who is your best friend, who you want to grow old with, and who you are thankful for everyday. Who you could not live without... then post this as your status.
So I grabbed it and did just that ~ as every word rings true about Kevin and I was so touched when he grabbed this off of MY status and then reposted on his own profile but changed it to "wonderful woman" ... aaaaaawwwwwww so touched my heart and soul ~ a simple act really but means so much. I think that is something I really appreciate about this relationship and about Kevin. Is that we constantly do simple things to show that we care about each other, don't take for granted that we do ~ and that we are not shy or hesitant about letting others know we have that special person in our life. I think that has been the biggest blessing of this relationship - the fact I can share it with the world. :)
It's good to be this much in love ...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Creperie
Kevin and I went for supper on Friday night and we happily chose The Creperie to dine at that evening ~ this dining establishment (for it is surely more than a "restaurant") continues to be my favorite place to have supper at ~ and has fit a number of occasions. I have gone there with girlfriends, just having a friendly supper with two, for group dining - either work collegues or sister and her friends, and my favorite way to go is of course with my man Kevin ~ for a romantic and lovely meal out on the town. :)
For someone who has high standards being a Celiac - I think the service at the Creperie is an established bar set for other restaurants to look at. From the moment you walk in you are not only struck by the pleasing and cosy ambiance of the place, but the fact that they serve patrons with Celiac/Gluten Intolerance right from the "get go". Not only do they place a menu in front of you that looks the same as the other menus with gluten on them, bound and leather (not a binder or sheet of paper) but it is a full menu - they give you plenty of options. Appetizers, salads, full list on entrees and deserts! And the food is seasoned and sauced just like you would do in your own home, not a plain hunk of meat on your plate devoid of taste.
AND they bring you gluten free bread to the table as a courtesy starter ~ like any other patron that receives this courtesy. That from the first sitting at this establishment impressed me beyond any other experience I have had in a restaurant. MY OWN bread!!! Safe, warm, and yummy. :)
We started our meal with a delicious appetizer of Crab, Artichoke and parmesan cheese dip with tortilla chips and gluten free bread. It's delicious! For my entree I chose one of the dishes that has become my favorites - the Lamb shank, I remember the first time I ordered this dish how it was explained to me the slow process they have for preparing this dish, it's amazing the meat is so tender and tasty, literally falls off the bone ~ and served with a healthy portion of mixed seasonal vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. Heaven.
The ambiance of The Creperie is so inviting - the front entrance really is nothing to look at and as you come down the stairs you wonder at first what kind of dive you are entering, and then you are swallowed up by old world charm, the cozy and woodsey feel of wine cellar, very private and romantic, or just cozy and intriguing ~ like I said whatever the reason I go to dine there, the atmosphere has always fit the bill. And I should not forget the staff!! From the host/ess, to the waiters and servers I have always found them to be pleasant, accomodating, and professional. And I have to tip my hat to those I don't see, the men/women in the kitchen who bring such talent in making the fabulous food that is set in front of me, bravo and thank you from the bottom of my heart and my stomach haha. :) The Creperie is a top notch experience and the best service in dining that I have found to this date in the city. :)
Definite thumbs up for us ~ and I can see myself dining there again and again for many years to come!
For someone who has high standards being a Celiac - I think the service at the Creperie is an established bar set for other restaurants to look at. From the moment you walk in you are not only struck by the pleasing and cosy ambiance of the place, but the fact that they serve patrons with Celiac/Gluten Intolerance right from the "get go". Not only do they place a menu in front of you that looks the same as the other menus with gluten on them, bound and leather (not a binder or sheet of paper) but it is a full menu - they give you plenty of options. Appetizers, salads, full list on entrees and deserts! And the food is seasoned and sauced just like you would do in your own home, not a plain hunk of meat on your plate devoid of taste.
AND they bring you gluten free bread to the table as a courtesy starter ~ like any other patron that receives this courtesy. That from the first sitting at this establishment impressed me beyond any other experience I have had in a restaurant. MY OWN bread!!! Safe, warm, and yummy. :)
We started our meal with a delicious appetizer of Crab, Artichoke and parmesan cheese dip with tortilla chips and gluten free bread. It's delicious! For my entree I chose one of the dishes that has become my favorites - the Lamb shank, I remember the first time I ordered this dish how it was explained to me the slow process they have for preparing this dish, it's amazing the meat is so tender and tasty, literally falls off the bone ~ and served with a healthy portion of mixed seasonal vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. Heaven.
The ambiance of The Creperie is so inviting - the front entrance really is nothing to look at and as you come down the stairs you wonder at first what kind of dive you are entering, and then you are swallowed up by old world charm, the cozy and woodsey feel of wine cellar, very private and romantic, or just cozy and intriguing ~ like I said whatever the reason I go to dine there, the atmosphere has always fit the bill. And I should not forget the staff!! From the host/ess, to the waiters and servers I have always found them to be pleasant, accomodating, and professional. And I have to tip my hat to those I don't see, the men/women in the kitchen who bring such talent in making the fabulous food that is set in front of me, bravo and thank you from the bottom of my heart and my stomach haha. :) The Creperie is a top notch experience and the best service in dining that I have found to this date in the city. :)
Definite thumbs up for us ~ and I can see myself dining there again and again for many years to come!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Shall we jump?!
Into the new year?? I am starting to feel the tell tale itch of restlessness and the need to be inspired and motivated ... to do ... not to watch ... to be ... not to be still. :) Now it's just a juggle to figure out how to get the projects started that I want to ... how to look into researching the projects I want to get started ... find the time I need to dedicate to things I have put aside ... and learn to get the most "life" out of each day that I can.
I got a bit of a "crazy" idea the other day ... and the project is growing on me as well as the people I have pitched it to are all for it and want me to go forward ha ha (that's what happens when you let people in on your nutty ideas - they actually support it haha and then you are hooped to start being serious about it). It started with me diligently searching up recipes for Ukrainian Christmas, lead to searching recipes of Ukrainian dishes that I grew up on and so on ~ the difference is I want to re-create these fave dishes so that they are not only gluten free but that they are dairy free, as I am a celiac with lactose/casien intolerance. So here I am looking up recipes and then pulling other recipes together - 2-3 recipes here and there to make one that I want to try thinking man I wish there was a reference for a Ukrainian girl that wants to cook Ukrainian GLUTEN free ~ hhhhhhmmmmmm well maybe I should just thinking of writing a cookbook! Or I think Kevin and I should write one ~ well I mentioned it to a couple people and have received such strong feedback that now it has become a line on the list ~ there are certain ways I would like to go about it, and alot more reading and research will be involved, plus the big part we need to start cooking what I want to write about! ha ha I have been impressed with the resources that there is out there if you want to look ~ and the lack thereof on some counts ~ like I said maybe a crazy idea but starting to take shape nonetheless. :)
I have a feeling this year is going to be a busy and full one, and I am ready for this kind of busy and full - mostly the good, fabulous, amazing kind of year ...
My amazing friend Kelly is publishing her book and speaking about it ~
So proud of what she has accomplished in the last couple years towards her goal of becoming a public speaker ~ she has inspired so many people and with her truthful down to earth real story I am sure she will continue to do so.
:)
I got a bit of a "crazy" idea the other day ... and the project is growing on me as well as the people I have pitched it to are all for it and want me to go forward ha ha (that's what happens when you let people in on your nutty ideas - they actually support it haha and then you are hooped to start being serious about it). It started with me diligently searching up recipes for Ukrainian Christmas, lead to searching recipes of Ukrainian dishes that I grew up on and so on ~ the difference is I want to re-create these fave dishes so that they are not only gluten free but that they are dairy free, as I am a celiac with lactose/casien intolerance. So here I am looking up recipes and then pulling other recipes together - 2-3 recipes here and there to make one that I want to try thinking man I wish there was a reference for a Ukrainian girl that wants to cook Ukrainian GLUTEN free ~ hhhhhhmmmmmm well maybe I should just thinking of writing a cookbook! Or I think Kevin and I should write one ~ well I mentioned it to a couple people and have received such strong feedback that now it has become a line on the list ~ there are certain ways I would like to go about it, and alot more reading and research will be involved, plus the big part we need to start cooking what I want to write about! ha ha I have been impressed with the resources that there is out there if you want to look ~ and the lack thereof on some counts ~ like I said maybe a crazy idea but starting to take shape nonetheless. :)
I have a feeling this year is going to be a busy and full one, and I am ready for this kind of busy and full - mostly the good, fabulous, amazing kind of year ...
My amazing friend Kelly is publishing her book and speaking about it ~
So proud of what she has accomplished in the last couple years towards her goal of becoming a public speaker ~ she has inspired so many people and with her truthful down to earth real story I am sure she will continue to do so.
:)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Reflection of 2010 ...
I am sitting here thinking back to this time last year ... where I was at ... what life was like ... how content or happy or sad or confused I was then ... it has been a very full year ~ 2010. I lost my scrapbooking mojo almost a couple years ago now ~ it's amazing to me actually all that has happened in life in the last 5 years not even just the last one ~ but I am lately really getting the itch to get creative again. I am looking to be inspired - to be motivated ... I think parts of my life are full of that now and to keep the flow going I need to get creative and start back into a craft/art/form of expression that has always meant a great deal to keep me that way ... Inspired. So if I was to pick a word or words to sum up the majority of last year's events or happenings - I guess it would be "Adventure" maybe even "New Adventures" - some were not the best but a majority of these events/happenings that would fall under these words have been positive and life changing. A fellow friend and blogger Laura did her looking back in a couple ways that I really loved: one she did this in point form, and two she started with the positive - not the order of of things. I am going to blog-lift that from her hee hee: So some of the highlights of 2010 (in no certain order) :)
* I sat myself down and really took a look at what I needed to have in a relationship and a man that would make me or keep me committed to someone.
* I put my trust in a close friend ~ a male friend ~ and we proved to ourselves and others that two people of the opposite sex can have a close and trusting relationship without getting messy and akward.
* I MET AN AMAZING MAN - who we had an instant bond and connection from our first date - and for one of the first times - I went with it and trusted my instincts AND FELL IN LOVE and it has only grown deeper as time passes. Trully have found my soulmate. :)
* My son finished his first year of University.
* My son went to work at a labour full time job for the summer - matured for the experience, and changed his course in his schooling.
* He started back into his new school year with a renewed determination and dedication that I haven't seen in a long time ~ gave me confidence in his new career path.
* My niece had a precious little baby girl - and I became a Great Auntie! Wow!
* I got my passport!!! Finally!!!
* My amazing friend Kelly working on her book about her life story - she is amazing and I am so proud that she is on the path she is ~ she is inspiring.
* Kevin and I have gone on a few get aways - started with a trip to Calgary to visit friends,camping, then a trip to BC to visit family, Jasper for my birthday, and then in December our big trip - our get away to VEGAS!!! Amazing times, amazing memories. I have done more travelling with Kevin in the last nine months than I likely have done in the last 8 years :) and more are planned for the future!
* Had an amazing visit with my grandparents in September - short but so heart felt.
* Have been introduced to another whole new set of wonderful people that now are family - especially Mom Sylvia - she is dear to my heart and I am thankful she is the amazing woman she is and blessed that as Kevin's mom we have such a great relationship.
Dull or not so high moments:
* Lost another friend to their battle with cancer.
* Passed the first anniversary of losing dear Dave - missing him.
* My dear cousin Robbie's cancer coming back strong ~ his tiring battle to try to survive - he is three years older than me with boys close to my son's age.
* Grandparent's health taking a downward turn - both in mid 80's now, both have had cancer, and dealing with all the side effects that toll has taken on their bodies.
* Beginning of last year - had my heartbroken ~ and though it turned out for the best and changed my direction ~ still was achingly hard to go through.
I have a future ahead where there are some amazing things in the works ~ from buying a new home with my man to doing more traveling, to having family visit, to my son graduating from his University course, looking forward to my friend Kelly publishing her book about her life as a burn survivor, and my sister having her first show as a bead work jewelry designer, and myself maybe going back to school to take some courses in photography and photoshop. :) On the whole life is looking good ...
I am looking forward to getting my home organized, getting back into scrapbooking, spending more time re-connecting and connecting with friends and family, old and new ~ and enjoying life to the fullest. Turning obstacles that may seem like mountains into molehills and mere bumps in the road ... and sharing my life with a man I am extremely proud of, admire and love with all my heart.
To us all ... may the word for 2011 be "CHANGE" and may the changes in our lives be good, the heartaches few, and our blessings many.
Hugs to you all ~ Cheers
* I sat myself down and really took a look at what I needed to have in a relationship and a man that would make me or keep me committed to someone.
* I put my trust in a close friend ~ a male friend ~ and we proved to ourselves and others that two people of the opposite sex can have a close and trusting relationship without getting messy and akward.
* I MET AN AMAZING MAN - who we had an instant bond and connection from our first date - and for one of the first times - I went with it and trusted my instincts AND FELL IN LOVE and it has only grown deeper as time passes. Trully have found my soulmate. :)
* My son finished his first year of University.
* My son went to work at a labour full time job for the summer - matured for the experience, and changed his course in his schooling.
* He started back into his new school year with a renewed determination and dedication that I haven't seen in a long time ~ gave me confidence in his new career path.
* My niece had a precious little baby girl - and I became a Great Auntie! Wow!
* I got my passport!!! Finally!!!
* My amazing friend Kelly working on her book about her life story - she is amazing and I am so proud that she is on the path she is ~ she is inspiring.
* Kevin and I have gone on a few get aways - started with a trip to Calgary to visit friends,camping, then a trip to BC to visit family, Jasper for my birthday, and then in December our big trip - our get away to VEGAS!!! Amazing times, amazing memories. I have done more travelling with Kevin in the last nine months than I likely have done in the last 8 years :) and more are planned for the future!
* Had an amazing visit with my grandparents in September - short but so heart felt.
* Have been introduced to another whole new set of wonderful people that now are family - especially Mom Sylvia - she is dear to my heart and I am thankful she is the amazing woman she is and blessed that as Kevin's mom we have such a great relationship.
Dull or not so high moments:
* Lost another friend to their battle with cancer.
* Passed the first anniversary of losing dear Dave - missing him.
* My dear cousin Robbie's cancer coming back strong ~ his tiring battle to try to survive - he is three years older than me with boys close to my son's age.
* Grandparent's health taking a downward turn - both in mid 80's now, both have had cancer, and dealing with all the side effects that toll has taken on their bodies.
* Beginning of last year - had my heartbroken ~ and though it turned out for the best and changed my direction ~ still was achingly hard to go through.
I have a future ahead where there are some amazing things in the works ~ from buying a new home with my man to doing more traveling, to having family visit, to my son graduating from his University course, looking forward to my friend Kelly publishing her book about her life as a burn survivor, and my sister having her first show as a bead work jewelry designer, and myself maybe going back to school to take some courses in photography and photoshop. :) On the whole life is looking good ...
I am looking forward to getting my home organized, getting back into scrapbooking, spending more time re-connecting and connecting with friends and family, old and new ~ and enjoying life to the fullest. Turning obstacles that may seem like mountains into molehills and mere bumps in the road ... and sharing my life with a man I am extremely proud of, admire and love with all my heart.
To us all ... may the word for 2011 be "CHANGE" and may the changes in our lives be good, the heartaches few, and our blessings many.
Hugs to you all ~ Cheers
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Off to see a little bit more of the world soon :)
Need to take a mental break from work today so thought I would come in here and jote a note in my blog about my most exciting upcoming adventure! I am so nutsy busy at work this week because I am getting ready to take a break ~ and on part of this break time we are going to Las Vegas!!! I am so excited ~ I just finally got my passport this summer and now I will get to use it! Neither my guy or myself are gamblers but as I have been told and read profusely there is alot to do in Vegas and I am so ready to go and give it a look see.
So I am so very blessed and fortunate that I have a man in my life that wants to get out and spend a little more time traveling and is very happy that he too has someone in life to share the experiences with. He has been to Vegas a few times and one of the things he said we must to is go to a show of somekind ~ so he booked us tickets to go and see The Lion King production ~ I am so so looking forward to that theatrical production in the Mandalay Theatre. :) Going to do some shopping, some dining, and a whole lot of sight seeing ~ off to a new adventure. :)
I have in the recent years really come to realize we have all got to get out there and live the best life we can ~ now this isn't saying their won't be lows and highs in life and that we just push through with a smile on our face all the time, I don't think that is realistic, but we need to keep getting up when getting knocked down and move forward.
Okay need to get back at all this so I can go away with a clean head and know that everything at work will run fairly smoothly ...
Cheers :)
So I am so very blessed and fortunate that I have a man in my life that wants to get out and spend a little more time traveling and is very happy that he too has someone in life to share the experiences with. He has been to Vegas a few times and one of the things he said we must to is go to a show of somekind ~ so he booked us tickets to go and see The Lion King production ~ I am so so looking forward to that theatrical production in the Mandalay Theatre. :) Going to do some shopping, some dining, and a whole lot of sight seeing ~ off to a new adventure. :)
I have in the recent years really come to realize we have all got to get out there and live the best life we can ~ now this isn't saying their won't be lows and highs in life and that we just push through with a smile on our face all the time, I don't think that is realistic, but we need to keep getting up when getting knocked down and move forward.
Okay need to get back at all this so I can go away with a clean head and know that everything at work will run fairly smoothly ...
Cheers :)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Sometimes .....
and somedays it's really hard to keep up with all that is going on around me in life, all the things we are doing, experiencing, planning. And as hard as I find it to keep my life and schedule straight then I have others around me ~ I think life these days just flies by at such a hectic pace, it's funny and probably ages me ~ but I do remember a simplier time (long ago like when my son was born and before that) where life seemed to tick by at a more simple and slow pace. I really do miss that kind of life, can't say technology has done us a favor that way ~ everything is a "wham, bam, thank ya mam" experience these days ~ fast, quick, everyone on the run ~ having a hard time connecting. I just want to close my eyes and scream "SLOW DOWN!!!" somedays ...
Our trip to Jasper was lovely - too short ~ but lovely to get completely away, the mountains are always a good for my soul experience, for I find them so majestic, awe inspiring ~ I am a nature lover anyway, nothing pleases me more than to go for a walk down by the river valley or on some forest (or mountain) path and just take in all that is around me. The weather in Jasper was not that great - actually blizzarding on our way in on Friday night, cold and wet for the most part ~ but when we went for our jaunt to Athabasca Falls on Saturday the weather cleared for a few hours and it was so beautiful. Really humbles a person and trully makes you thankful for the simple beauties we have around us, we are very blessed to live in a place where there is so much natural beauty and breathtaking views a few hours away. Eating in Jasper - or I should say eating out was a 50/50 crap shoot this trip - the first lunch we had at a restaurant called Papa George's (it was on the internet as a gluten free choice) unfortunately the staff on that day were not as careful (?) or knowledgable (?) to gluten free eating ~ and both Kevin and I were a bit unwell after our meal. Surprisingly Kevin even more than I. So we were a bit skittish when it came to choosing a supper place, we were tired and cold from our few hours out in the beautiful fresh air, so we took a chance ~ went and talked to the front desk at our Hotel (The Amethyst) and they said the restaurant in the hotel (Anthony's) was very aware of gluten free eating and would be accomodating. So we went to our room and made the choice to stay in the hotel and eat ~ and it was lovely. They were more than accomodating, felt very safe in the knowledge of the staff and the chef ~ our meals were delicious and we felt no ill effects at all afterwards - I would go back and eat there anytime - no matter where we would be staying. So the get away was lovely ~ did have a few ups and downs but then doesn't everything? Nice thing is that Kevin and I are able to talk about it and usually smooth out anything that comes up quickly ~ we both understand the word compromise haha. ;)
It's been a bit of a dip for both of us lately ~ so the trip was nice just to refresh our spirits a bit ~ unfortunately the beginning of the week brought us back into the day to day stresses of late, but approaching each day and tackling whatever comes our way. Received some very upsetting news from my mother on Wednesday ~ my dear cousin Robbie's throat cancer has come back with a vengence, and he is heading into some very serious and hopefully life saving treatment. Unfortunately the treatment is so hard on his body that they have to hospitalize him while he is under the intensive chemo as it tends to shut down the lungs if they are not strong enough. My heart is aching for all his family ~ and my prayers and thoughts are with him during his next stage of battling this very cruel disease.
It is definitely another wake up call that we really need to pull happiness from life when we can, and really be blessed with our own little spot in the world ~ be happy for those we love, love dearly those we care about ~ and be thankful for each day we are given in fair health and roofs over our heads, hold our children closer and tell those we love that we love them ... right now.
I am so blessed for those in my life ...
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