Winter wasn’t long (snow didn’t arrive until mid-January) but it was intense! We went from frigid temperatures through January to ice, freezing rain and snow through much of February and March. I am ready for spring to arrive. Claire is in the middle of an internship which has her working 8AM – 4PM every day, she turned 23 in December and has decided to move to Halifax after she graduates in June; Cole turned 22 in January and is continuing his studies at U of T, he is researching Masters programs in Canada and the US; Chloé is reading and writing essays like mad and just secured summer employment; and, Caden is enjoying his switch from actuarial studies to humanities and by himself secured a condo for his next school year. Winter was kind to Tucker and Finn as there are no environmental allergies, but there were plenty of other issues. I was at the vet with Tucker daily from October through March.
My winter highlights included a wonderful family holiday (possibly our last with the whole crew) in Grenada; I attended the Toronto Gift Show in the hope of finding a way to sell my photography in different product configurations, a bust; I started the V-Shred carb-cycle program; and, attended the final Mastermind meet up with the whole group in Amelia Island, Florida for a final long weekend. I enjoyed the weather as I was happy to be quiet and inside, writing and dreaming as I participated in the University of Toronto Continuing Studies certification in Creative Writing Through Reading and my guided critique class with Brian Henry.
My life is full. Every day. I am trying to be mindful of my word for 2019: SLOW. I was exhausted by the time 2018 came to an end, so I’m trying to pace myself better and shorten my never-ending lists. Here is the plan, so far, for Spring which includes incorporating the practices I enjoyed through winter and add a few new things:
- Sound Reiki®: I don’t know how to adequately express how much I love this practice! I am looking forward to learning more and testing myself, my intuition and my connection. Unless there is a conflict with another commitment I’m going to integrating as many classes as possible and the practice itself into my every day – not just reserved for client or situational use. I do not have an unfair advantage for myself and my children, I have a skill and I should use it as such. The most fun? Muscle testing and guessing things (which elevator door is going to open, what song is next on the radio, who is on the other end of the phone before looking at the caller ID, and the like) and being right.
- YMCA: Jackie puts me through my paces three times each week. It’s more about flexibility and releasing tension than it is about cardio or building muscle. I’m going to join the AquaFit class at the Y. I have a number of friends who have wished me well with the old ladies. All I know is that I can learn a lot from old birds and look forward to what they can teach me. A bonus to moving more!
- Dear Evan Hanson: is the last show of my season ticket package, I’m attending with Caden. The kids and I have enjoyed a number of shows this year and I’ve already re-purchased season tickets for next year. Sunday afternoons in Toronto are always fun – I love a matinée, it makes for a whole day outside of my routine.
- Home Improvement: along with regular home maintenance, by summer I will have my new range installed, new area rugs in the family room and kitchen as well as hardwood floors upstairs. Home ownership is a constant project – wonderful but exhausting and expensive.
- Condo Moves: as Claire prepares to move to Halifax she will be sending the contents of her Toronto condo to Caden who is moving into his new place. It’ll likely be a crazy couple of days, but so much fun, too!
- Canyon Ranch: Year nine! I am looking forward to my return – to the familiar and the changes.
- Online creative challenges: #the100dayproject and #aprillove2019 photo challenge will be offered again this year. I do not feel any obligation to participate. They are simply creative offerings. Will I have the time and drive to join in? I’ll only know when they start.
- Medcan: over the past few years my health has become a priority, not just for me but as the only parent present in the lives of my children it is even more incentive to stay healthy. I have my regular GP and reinforce her care with annual visits to Medcan. I’m a big believer in preventative medicine and the only way I can prevent anything is by knowing exactly what is going on.
- Concerts: Two of my all time favourite artists are coming to Toronto this Spring: Imogen Heap and Dido. I am incredibly excited to see these talented women live! They have been a constant on my iTunes for years. I’m fortunate to have Claire, my personal queen of events and entertainment, on the lookout for not-to-miss events.
- Oraclepalooza: I’m excited to see my friends from Oracle School and Dream Quest. Of course, no complaints about being in San Diego, either. I am always open to learning more though this time around my lens is different. I’ve grown, evolved and changed with far more confidence and now rely on myself, my inner knowing, to guide my choices and ideas. I’m glad that I’ve taken the time to learn all I can and will take that with me going forward.
I’m doing my best to strike a healthy balance between connection and my natural need to be alone.
I take with me all of the incredible lessons learned over the last few months. SLOW is serving me well in more than a simple project. It is having the impact I had hoped it would over the choices of my days.
