21 Things for 2021

One of my new found passions in the last few years has been podcasts.  I regularly listen to about 5 or 6 different ones a week.  One of the ones I enjoy is Happier by Gretchen Rubin, where she and her sister give different ideas to help to improve your life.  I really appreciate the honesty and practicality in this podcast though because between the two of them they talk about what works for them and how they implement it - but also that lots of the things are hard to implement.  One of the things they recommended for this year was to create a 21 Things for 2021 list.  I'm a lover of setting goals and New Years always seems like a great time to refocus and change things around.  Plus this can be lots of fun things - you'll see in my list there are some great things:

Jenn's 21 for 2021

1. Read 12 books - I'm almost done with The Vanishing Half (an excellent read) and next is Green Lights
2. Donate blood 4 times this year - this was a regular practice for me in the past, but it's has fallen off in the last few years - I would like to get back to it. 
3. Decorate bedroom: Last year we got rid of this big TV that was unwatchable in our room and the year before that a shelf that was above our bed.  We really need some new art and other decorations in the room to make it look and feel like we do - grown up.  =)
4. Buy original art - This goes with #3, but also would like to invest in more local artists.  Starting at Lineham house Gallery
5. Find 3 new podcasts
6. Learn to make 3 new cocktails - this is a continuation of Christmas where we learned to make Old Fashioned's and Moscow Mules
7. Have less debt
8. Donate more to charity
9. Take up one new activity
10. Use a journal to follow through with goals, use a planner to create bigger goals at work as well, don't get caught up in the things that do not matter as much. 
11. Listen more - ask more questions.  Work to be more of a coach. 
12. Hike 21 times
13. Paddle 12 times
14. Plan 12 date nights
15. Make 21 new recipes
16. For one month drink 1L of water a day and start each morning with water and lemon - record how the water makes me feel. 
17. Take two courses
18. Plan 21 family games nights
19. Go to the spa for a day
20. Less time on social media- this is also a continuation of this year, I have put the limit for 1 hour a day this year and that is a helpful reminder when I end up scrolling and scrolling. 
21. Leaving open for something else to come to me....

Like Gretchen recommends I do a check in with these either monthly or a list every few months to see how I'm doing.  That's a great part of the blog is it is quite easy to find and refer back to.  

Jenn

2020 A reflection

 Well, the one thing I seem to be consistent with on this blog is reflecting on the year past and making plans for the year future.  I only did half of that last year and reminiscing about what a good year 2019 was, but not setting goals for 2020.  In some ways, I knew 2020 was not going to be a great year and that 2019 was such a good year that there was nowhere to go but down.  While this sounds much more negative than I normally am - it turned out it was very true.  And really way more stressful of a year than I could have predicted. 

I can see how the stress of 2020 is making us more resilient, but I can also see how tthe struggle affects people.  Whether it's my kids and the switching from in-person to online learning or my coworkers who have had to navigate working in such a different working environment.  I hope it, in the end, it brings more grit and determination to the people in my life, but 2020 is the year I've seen myself and others struggle through those times. In 2021 I hope to see the struggles decrease and everyone have time to reflect on what they have overcome.  I often found comfort this year in talking with my Oma and Opa - who also had significant health struggles and them reminding us that they live through a 4-year war - spent very little time in school, had no food or freedom, and they are the strongest people I know.   

Of course, there are many really really great things that happened in 2020, the biggest is that we added Sully to our family.  The second is that before the pandemic we went to some faraway places and after the pandemic, we did some great exploring of our own backyard.  

Before the pandemic we went to Mexico with the big family

 

Adjustments to working or doing school from home! Missing people but having other company...

July 1st was Ptagarmin Cirque - although we were not prepared for the wet and cold of the hike. 

My first visit to the Dominican Republic - where the sand was amazing and the beach didn't bother me!

Hiking in Panoraman

Pickle Jar Lakes Hike

Hiking at Big White

Ptargarmin Cirque again for my birthday!

Paddleboarding in Golden

So much yoga at home!  I did get to go back to the studio for a bit and cried with joy to be back there.  I'm sure the same will happen again when I get to go back to 2021.  Not quite the same doing yoga at home but still glad I could continue my practice.  

Working in health care this year became it's own phenomon.  So much respect for everyone who does this every day.  I continue to do it a few times a month as it is a career that I love and enjoy being reminded of the work and the benefits.  But it was scary at times to go to a place when everyone else was under strict instructions to stay home.  And to care for people when we didn't know all of the information.  

We did some great home improvement things this year as well, built a fire pit, redid the side stairs and more recently put doors on the office as we all try to live and work in the same home.  

One of the fun close to home spaces to explore was Jasper.  The pandemic was a good opportunity to see places close to home where we had never been before.  Here is the angel glacier and the Valley of the 5 lakes and Spirit Island. 

Here is our first picture of Sully.  He has been a real joy during the pandemic.  Gave us something else to focus on, keeps us active and gives the kids something to take care of. 

Many birthdays and celebrations this year - through Zoom!

Nathan finished grade 6 - and although it was a weird year to graduate the school still did a great - socially distanced celebration. 

Hiking Ribbon Creek

Paddleboarding on Lake Louise

Hiking Grassi Lakes

Luckily we still were able to go to Kelowna this summer.  While things were unsure for a while I'm still so glad we got to go and see Oma and Opa and enjoy our traditions. 

Sully's First Hike Fullerton Loop

Sully loved all the swimming this summer. 

Hiking Boom Lake. 

Hiking Elbow Lake

Going to Montreal (pre lockdown....)

A very windy Columbia Fields Glacier

Hiking and paddling around Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls

So as you can see 2020 ended up having lots of hiking and walking with the dog.  It was a great way to enjoy nature and destress from the constant changing of rules.  Plus you can see we had a great time discovering our own backyards.  Felt very lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

Next post will be a look at 2021 and what I'm hoping to achieve and look forward to in the next year.

Jenn

2019 in Review

Well, holy mackelnoly what the year 2019 was!  And really what a decade it was too.  One of the greatest parts about having the blog is the joy of going back reading my thoughts on the present moments.  While we get the same sort of things through facebook memories, it's nice to see its long-form on the blog as well.  

2019 started with yoga January, skiing and the craze of Marie Kondo and trying to organize the house.  Mostly though, it was so busy with school and taking two classes in the winter semester.  I put a lot of time into reading, researching and writing.  In fact, I think I only skied once in the winter because of the work, but also cause it was so darn cold!  

In March things got a little crazy, I took Japanese exchange students to Lake Lousie for a fun day, went to Prince George to do accreditation and two days later we flew to Japan!

It was certainly the trip of a lifetime. We have spent lots of time reflecting now that it's been done for months and remember what an incredible time it was.  We saw so much and walked a lot, but our favourite parts were being immersed in a culture that is so different from our own.  Reflecting on the things we love about that, but also remember what we love about our own culture.  I'm sure we'll never forget the ramen, that was so delicious.  But we've also come to appreciate the multiculturalism of Canada and all the different types of food it brings.  We loved the safety and that everyone grew up with the same values.  We loved the digital art museum and the baseball game. The speedy trains and using our google maps to get us everywhere.  I think all 4 of us would go back in a heartbeat and that is saying something for a place that was sort of chosen for its cheap flights. 

Spring came and I finished my last course to complete my masters of education.  It was a really incredible journey that changed the way I think and opened my eyes to so many possibilities.  While I'm glad to be done the intensity of learning in a masters education,  I am so grateful for the experience and to go through it with some really great people.  The intentional learning that happens and discussions with a group is the best part of it.  You learn so much from differing perspectives.  

Another big opportunity happened for me just as I was finishing my masters in that a job I had been hoping for for a couple of years became available.  The timing was perfect and I was able to move into the position.  I am so grateful to be able to lead people in my field to train the next generation.  Here is a picture of me standing on stage at the graduation congratulating the new graduates.  I was so happy to be there, as it's been something I've wanted to do for years.  

Like all the summers of the decade, we spent some wonderful weeks in Kelowna.  This year the adventure was that the first night we were there Oma broke her hip.  This caused lots of time at the hospital while she was recovering from pneumonia that caused her to fall out of bed and then for the surgery to repair her hip.  Luckily we still had lots of lovely time at the beach, reading and drinking wine in between. 

This fall had more work and trying to figure out the balance of the new job with the rest of our lives.  It had my graduation and a work trip to Chicago.  The boys are both the oldest in their school and growing confidence that comes along with being the unofficial leaders on a day to day basis.  They are both excelling at hobbies, Lucas is a mountain biker extraordinaire and Nathan is becoming a really great drummer.

As I look through the last decade of blog posts I am so grateful for this incredible life I have been leading.  To watch the boys grow over the last 10 years is the most precious gift I have been so privileged to enjoy.  Summers spent in Kelowna and hiking, winters spent on the ski hills, these last 10 years have been so rich with experiences of life.  Days of singing and laughter.  Times of coaching and setting boundaries and other times of letting them grow and learn, it has been an amazing decade.

The numerous vacation with so many people whether its summer trips to Kelowna with Darryl or Tammy.  New York with Mackenzie, Mexico or Florida with the family or Best friend concert trips with Tammy by life is so blessed.  We have also had some incredible family trips and learned the value of life in Canada, each other, being adaptable and our different strengths though the Europe trip, extended California vacation and Japan. 

Yoga became a big part of my life over the last 10 years as well and helped to shape my outlook and attitudes about day to day life and the people I'm privileged to have learned from.

Of course, there have been some challenges.  I laughed when I read the summary from 2010. We lost family members and pets.  But it's incredible to look back and see how those hard things produced some really wonderful things in the end.




2019 was really an incredible year, thank you to the many people who made it possible.



Jenn

Looking forward to 2019

Well after talking about how much fun 2018 was it's time to look forward to 2019 and what is coming and what I'd like to manifest more of in 2019...

2019 will shape up to be a pretty big year for me!  We are going to Japan in March which I have never been to Asia before so I'm very excited for that and so excited to experience it with the kids.  I'll also graduate with a Masters degree which is so important to me and a big check off my life list.  I'll also turn 40 this year... which I know is only a number, but still probably half my life.  Although it's amazing to think about all of the things I have done and it's only half over!!

Now to think about some specific things for this year.

1. Less meat.  Two-three meatless meals a week, at least and in lunches less meat too.  More lentils, avocados, eggs etc.  Going out, eat less meat, choose meals without meat. The reason behind this is for both our health and the environment. 

2. Less buying stuff.  100$ a month of 'fun spending' and the rest towards savings.  Especially in these first couple months of the year, but overall as well.  More money towards travel.  We have our big Japan trip in March and accommodations there are expensive, so more money towards those experiences that I remember forever rather then sweatshirts that I don't need.  =)

3. Hug my family at least once a day.  Especially Lucas.  Nathan and Darryl are both huggers, so I probably hug them everyday already, but a conscious effort to hug all three of them everyday this year. 

4. Cultivate more of the things you love and don't worry about other stuff.  I think sometimes things I see in social media make me think I should do them...but a goal for this year don't run, don't take baths and don't feel like you should.  Instead do more yoga, eat more chips, go on more vacations, stay home and smile, laugh and relax.

Okay 2019, bring it on!!

Jenn

Reflections on 2018

Well it's the end of 2018 and moving into 2019...  It's the time of year I often reflect on the year that was and look forward to the year that will be. When I look back at 2018 I see lots of travel, school and fun.   January 2018 we went skiing at Lake Louise for Jodie's birthday where Nathan enjoy the best chocolate pudding ever at the Chateau Lake Louise and we had very expensive drinks.  I had the chance to go for a week to Ottawa to help choose questions for the CAMRT exam and ate lots of good food!  I was also able to check off a bucket list item and go skating on the Rideau Canal, which was really much bumpier than I thought, but enjoyed a beaver tail and skated on one leg while I pushed with the other.  =)

February we went to Florida with a big family vacation and to use up the last of the Disney tickets we had bought.  We were able to enjoy Harry Potter World with mom and dad, pool time with the champion cannonballer and Auntie Karen.  Also was excited when Alexis and Bob announced their engagement.

In the springtime, we stayed home and enjoyed a staycation for March break, spent time doing school work and catching our breathe.April I got my hair cut to include bangs, which didn't really work out (again..), went back to Ottawa and Lucas had a blast at outdoor school.  Nathan turned 10 (double digits)

May we had a wonderful weekend for Oma and Opa's anniversary in Invermere.  It was wonderful to celebrate their lives and be with our family.  What an incredible feeling for Oma and Opa to have us all together and be with the whole family they have curated. Darryl and I had a really fun anniversary weekend in Chicago.  It's been a while since we have been away, so it was fun to have a bunch of new experiences together.

The summer included more school, hiking, trips to Kelowna, biking and relaxing.  School was a big busy two weeks where Darryl took the kids to Ontario and Lucas took his first flight all by himself as he went out early.  Nathan did lots of camping with his best friends family while Lucas did lots of biking at COP.  School wasn't as stressful as the first year, but maybe cause I knew what to expect. 

The fall had a trip with Tammy to see the Avett Brothers in Vancouver, a work trip to Ontario where I had an amazing day with my inlaws. Then we had another family filled fun weekend in Invermere for Alexis and Bob's wedding.  Off to Mexico in November for Mom's 60th birthday and some sun and relaxation.

Really when I look at it all it was an incredible year.  Work wise, which I now do full time (and have done for a few years now..) was a roller coaster.  Lots of change in leadership at the school, a big disappointment not getting a job I really wanted, coming to terms with that and helping to mentor the person who did get the job.  But at the end of the year putting on a big event that was successful despite many obstacles and learning to embrace the job I have and being grateful for all that it offers in my career and life. 

We are certainly in the glory days with the boys.  Travelling with them have been such a pleasure.  They can both carry their own stuff, they don't complain when we modify their sleep schedules and they really enjoy all of their experiences.  Sometimes I wonder about not putting them in a lot of organized sports and spending our money on vacations, but I do think they are getting a lot from those experiences... although I know they would also get a lot from organized sports too, I guess it's a trade off of what we value. Lucas really embraced mountain biking this year, he loves his bike and would go out biking for hours each day.  Nathan is still playing drums and enjoys learning new rhythms.  We have been working with both kids on their school work and being involved in their learning.

School has been a big part of the year for me as I did it full time for the year.  Lots of learning and the school has inspired my love of learning.  I've listened to so many podcasts, reading non fiction books and thinking about where the world will be in the future.  It's been a wonderful experience, although I'm writing this on vacation from school, don't ask me how I feel about school the week before a big paper is due.  But here I am still writing and have gotten so much better at it. 

2018 was a wonderful year in a lot of ways.  While there were some challenges, there were so many more fun and fulfilling events. 

Till next time and looking forward to 2019

Jenn

To Nathan on His 9th Birthday

Dear Awesome Nathan,

Today you turn 9 years old and you have been excited about it for a while now.  Mostly since getting home from Europe, but even a bit in the few months before.  Birthdays are quite fun at this age and we don't have any of your parties until next weekend, but it's a good week of celebrating.



I usually write you and Lucas letters on your birthday although while reviewing I don't think I did it last year.  But back on the saddle again this year.  This year was a pretty good one for both you and the family.  We did our big Europe trip which you did really awesome with and then there has been swimming lessons and camps and summer time fun.   You are at an age where you are really easy to get along with and also really enjoy the company of your family.  I'm lucky that you are such a great kid.



In all of our different activities you are a pretty easy going kid.  You'll have an opinion on something, but rarely is it a sticking point for you if we don't follow your opinion.  "Sure, I'll do that' is a Nathan phrase we hear a lot.  You are quite easy to get a long with.  This means you usually have lots of friends too.



You are quite a loving, trusting and affectionate person too.  You love to give hugs and snuggle.  You are trusting that if we ask you to do something you know it's usually not beyond your capabilities. You may balk at it for a moment, but if we encourage we usually get a 'Sure I'll do that".  You are willing to try different food and be more daring that way.  It'll be interesting to see if as you continue to grow how you feel about more challenging tasks.  

 

Matthew continues to be your best friend, but you play with lots of other kids too.  Sometimes even by yourself, which I may be momentarily concerned about, but you are 'totally fine' with it.   The kid who probably bothers you the most is your brother, which I'm sure all little brothers would say about their big brothers.  You love him, but he can drive you crazy like no one else can.



In school you enjoy your teacher.  You like math and gym and music.  You don't love reading in French, but will do it for me most nights we read together.  You prefer to read in english, so we work on that sometimes too.


You love you tube and videogames.  Soccer is your sport of choice, but you also enjoy skiing, swimming and basketball.

 

 Happy 9th Birthday my love.  I'm so so glad that you are part of our lives and you make me happy and smile every. single. day.

Love Mom.