January 10th

I have been working my little tushie off!  January 10th is the beginning of something great!!
Oh yeah, and I quit my job.

:P

Come on 2011!!

The Santa 'issue'.

The holiday season is in full swing.  There are cranky people everywhere just waiting to push past you on the street, jump in front of you in line at the mall and sneer in utter unhappiness at the slightest...well, ANYTHING.  I don't know why this season seems to bring out the worst in people.  Seriously.  If buying gifts makes you THAT unhappy - STOP. BUYING. GIFTS.  It's not that hard!  Your kids are taught what to think of the holidays, they don't need that expensive toy or a room full of crap.  It is the parent's job to show them why.

In the spirit of the season, I do give a couple of gifts.  Our parents, my nephew, Mr. Penguin and the girls (as well as a few Secret Santas).   Which brings us to our new predicament...Santa.  With Monkey's speech delay, we never brought up the story of Santa and how he supposedly comes to the house, as she didn't have the vocabulary and we didn't want to scare her.  So until school, where she is now learning about Santa, she just knew that we bought each other gifts and opened them on Xmas day.  And that Santa could be found at the mall.  However, Baby Penguin will be coming up next year on when kids are normally taught about Santa.  But we're not sure we WANT to start Santa at our house.  I don't want to lie to my kids, I don't want to give gifts from someone else, and I definitely don't want Xmas to become about GIFTS.

At the Penguin household during the Xmas season, we bake: cookies, muffins, cakes, bread - anything we feel like.  We cook: spaghetti, chili, casseroles and pasta dishes.  We donate: our time, our money, our toys, our clothes.  We cherish: each other, our friends, our family,and what we have.  But most of all, we create: drawings, paintings, things out of play doh, blanket forts, play picnics, whatever we feel like!  We choose to use the holiday season to spend time with our girls and experience the joy that can be had during this holiday season. 

On Xmas Day, I like to give my girls colouring books, art supplies, books and usually one toy each.  This year the baby is getting a soft chair for the toy room, a colouring book and a stuffed puppy - with crate and accessories to take care of it - to prep her for the puppy we may be getting next year.  Monkey is getting 4 books, Play Doh, some toy cars (she's obsessed) and a storage case to store them in - to help her learn to organize her smaller toys.  That is it.  There will be The Grinch movie, a wonderful breakfast by Mr. Penguin and tons of snuggles on December 26th this year (Monkey has Xmas with her father, so we'll be celebrating late).  It all sounds wonderful to me.  Even if the girls had no gifts under the tree, I know for a fact that it would still be an amazing day at our house.  <3

So, did you pass the tradition of Santa and gift giving on to your kids (or will you)?  How do you celebrate the holidays?  What is your favorite thing about December that just makes your heart soar?

Happy Holidays!
*hugs*

Mission accomplished!

My car -Bunny - died a horrible death Saturday night. She needs a new engine to start the repair process.

That's beside the point though. The good news is that we're without a car, so my parents lent me their SUV. Mr. Penguin picked it up last night. And in doing so, unknowingly brought home his birthday gift hidden in the trunk.

I hid it while he was occupied. Mission accomplished! Now to wrap it without him seeing...

*hugs*

December

I purchased Mr. Penguin's 30th birthday gift.  He is one lucky man - well obviously as he has moi, but now he's REALLY lucky.  I cannot wait.

It's also my Mom's birthday, my best friend's birthday, Xmas and the holidays.  Decembers are always crazy, but I love them!  I love the family moments and searching for personal gifts for everyone.  I love that people think about one another during this time of year too. 

We have a tradition in the Penguin household of taking the girls food shopping for donations to the Food Bank.  They get to help out and pick some of the food and also learn about charity and helping those in need.  As Monkey is 5 this year, I am also choosing a child's name off of the Xmas tree at the mall who is in need of clothing.  It will be a good thing for her to understand and also pick out some cute clothes for someone else.

Happy Holidays folks!  Remember to hug someone close, call someone you haven't heard from in a while and donate - whether food, clothes, time, money or whatever.  'Tis the season for love!!

*hugs*
 

It's unfolding...

Guess what?!  My ex went for my idea.  Yeah, who knew I had that kind of power of negotiation?!  I should be a lawyer in my next lifetime.

I don't have much I can share.  As this is a public blog I have to keep it to myself until all affected parties have been notified personally.  But it is good stuff!  And it is definitely lining up with my happiness project.  I feel happier and more relaxed already.  Considering how much I've been doing recently, 'relaxed' is an interesting term.  But I'm more focused and I truly feel this is a great change.

YAY!!

Thoughts

There are so many things going on in my head/life right now. 

Monkey is in school and dealing with all the ups and downs of her first year in kindergarten - I never realized how much of a relaxed mother I am until she started...some mothers need to uncork it a bit!  Baby is now walking and into everything - especially things she's not supposed to be in or things that will annoy her sister.  Mr. Penguin is back in university and trying to maintain his A+ average (I am SO proud of him!!) and working long hours into the night on his contract jobs on top of it all.  And me?  I am dealing with issues at work and making plans on the side.

I just wish my plans didn't hinge on my ex.

Seriously?!  You'd think after a divorce that someone wouldn't have that kind of power over you anymore.  But when it comes to children involved - and especially MY child - there is always a link.  So now I wait.  Does he want to help ME?  Hell no.  Is it better for Monkey?  I think so.  Will he go for it?  Meh...50/50 at this point.

That's all I have to think about.  How my job is killing me inside, how I want so much for my ex to be reasonable, how I miss my husband as he works his butt off, how I need to finish the laundry and keep decluttering...What?!  Xmas is coming?  Damn...I have things to get!  And cards to mail and, and, and...!!

And I may be getting sick (again) as my glands are a little swollen, most likely due to my work/ex stress.

AWESOME.

It's 9pm here...goodnight!

*ek*

TADA!!

I present to you the new layout!  What do you think?  Do you like it?  Do you have suggestions for future improvements?

I am so thrilled!  Thank you again Jessica for designing it and making all of my changes, it's great!

*hugs*

Changes in the air!

The blog is getting a little bit of a make-over...it's looking so good!  I'll have the new version up shortly.
All design is courtesy of Jessica <--- check her out! she does great, fresh work.  ;)

*hugs*

Sleep

I've come to the conclusion that I need more sleep. During my pregnancy with baby penguin I gained a TOTAL of 4 pounds. Yes, 4. But I slept! Evey night I was in bed at 9pm. Mr. Penguin would rub lotion on my huge belly to help with the itchiness and then he'd read me to sleep.

I was also relaxed. And my sweet cravings went away during that time too. From what I've been reading that is also due to having adequate sleep.

Now that I've been sick and required to rest, I've lost 6 pounds. I think I'm on to something.

Go on a diet? Hell no!! I just need a nap. ;)

*hugs*

Health points please?

I'm sick again. 

This time my glands were swollen out past my neck.  The doctor gave me giant pills for 10 days and told me to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.  Yeah sure, a full time job, 2 kids and a household to run...no problem!  But I took it seriously - pneumonia isn't on the list of things I want.  So I went into work, delegated what I could, brought a little bit home and started sleeping.  I'm feeling better and the glands are less swollen today than they were on Monday.

Hopefully I feel normal again soon.

We head off back home tomorrow with the baby.  We have a wedding to attend on Saturday.  I'm glad for the chance to see one of my best friends (who we're actually staying with) and get to eat a DONAIR.  That is why we go home people - donairs.

Tomorrow at lunch!!  NOM NOM
What foods make you think of home?

*hugs*

Our love story

I'm creating our love story.  Actually, I've been "creating" it for almost a year now on Blurb.  It's 42 pages so far of copied love letters, emails, notes, cards and photos...it's the perfect thing to be working on the week leading up to our anniversary.  <3

It should be done and here for his 30th birthday.

I love my handsome man.  And to be honest, while compiling all of these things in one location, and considering we've been together for 3 years...we have got quite the love story!! 

*hugs*

Do you ever relive YOUR love story?

Raw(e) - Fall

Next week's photo challenge is FALL!  I have just the shot I want to share too:

 It was taken during one of the first 'dates' with Mr. Penguin.  I love fall.  LOVE IT!!  And this is one of the few shots I've loved straight out of the camera -  as in the photo is exactly what I hoped to capture.

(I'll see what else I can capture this weekend.)

Head on over to Sailor & Company to link up!

Fall is here

17 reasons why fall is my favorite season:

1) The pretty, pretty leaves changing colours
2) The brisk air
3) Getting a chance to wear all of my beautiful scarves
4) Frost on the grass in the morning sun
5) It's the season of our wedding anniversary
6) Hot pockets of warm air in the bed covers! 
7) Wearing slippers in the house
8) Warm meals on chilly nights
9) Tea (not really just a fall thing, but it still counts)
10) Time off with family for Thanksgiving
11) Preparing for Xmas!!
12) Comfy sweaters
13) Walks in nature
14) The smell of bonfires
15) PUMPKINS!
16) Apple picking
17) Baking

*hugs*

Pssssst!

Hey!  Guess what?
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My husband is so handsome.  <3

Thought I'd share.
*hugs*

Photo Roulette Friday - __(9)

This week for photo roulette we get to pick the folder!  Then it is the th photo in that folder that gets submitted.  I couldn't pick just one.  LOL  The 9th photo in some of my folders were just too great, and so very random from one another, not to share (but the first one will be my entry).  So here we go:

This is the hot air balloon that Mr. Penguin and I rode in for our 1st anniversary back in 2008 - before it was inflated.  It was about 5am in this shot and the team was about to turn on the burners for the hot air.  This ranks as one of the best experiences of my life to date.

I hate winter.  I hate snow.  This is the amount of snow we received in March 2008.  The trucks started filling the mall parking lots with snow as there was no where else to put it.  I was SO ready for spring/summer that year!

This is my wonderful man walking his step-daughter to the Peggy's Cove lighthouse for the first time.  She's so little here!

This is baby at the sugar bush this year.  I love the colours.

This is one of my shots from our first trip to Kingston.  The reflections are from the building across the water.

Want to link up?  Head on over to Mischief and Laughs.

Ramblings

Work has been hell this week.  That is all on that.

I have continued to read "The Happiness Project" and I am now into her month of August.  As I get further into the book, I have grown and tweaked my own project.  I am modifying my goals and challenges and making it unique to me.  I am also stealing some of the challenges from the book!  I have many of the same issues as the author.  We both have 2 young girls, work, run a household, aren't very religious, have a spouse and find it hard to make friends.  I am taking some of her ideas to push me further, but also trying a different spin on others that may not have worked for her.  I am very excited.

In 17 days it will be my and Mr. Penguin's 1st wedding anniversary!  Yes, we did things all backwards...what can I say?  We're those kind of people!!  But I wouldn't have it any other way.  I was thinking of going to the local nature spa for dips in the hot/cold pools and maybe a treatment or a steam train ride with dinner.  But we'll see what Mr. Penguin has in mind.  Whatever it is, I have baby Penguin at my parent's place for the night and Monkey is at her father's place.  It is just me and my Penguin.  Sounds perfect already.

*hugs*

Raw(e) - Girly

This week's theme is GIRLY.

The quality is crap (taken on my BB phone) but I thought it fit the theme perfectly...

This is baby in her 1st birthday get-up.  She loved all the attention it got her!

Head on over to Sailor &Company to link up.

Photo Roulette Friday - 10(7)

Mr. Penguin and Monkey playing in the snow at the condo. March 2008.

Photo Roulette Friday @ Mischief and Laughs!

3 month mark!

It has been 3 months since I started my 365 photo challenge!  90 days!  I find it so interesting to go back and look over what me and my little family have accomplished in such a short time.  It definitely was a busy summer.

275 days to go!

*hugs*

Raw(e) - Smiles and laughter

I have two for this weeks Raw(e) challenge!

This is Monkey - taken last year at the Tulip Festival.

and....

This is Baby Penguin - taken last month at home.

Click here to link up!

Who am I? Part I

You'd think after 'living' with myself for 28 years I'd have no problem answering that question.  But I do.  As a child who moved around a lot, I never got attached to the things around me - as they would inevitably change.  I was always the new girl, which made me shy and I was very conscious of that fact.  It prevented me from trying new things.  It prevented me from having a solid friend base - people who have known me my entire life.  It made me concentrate on not getting attached.  My constant was change.

This past year has been hard, wonderful and the beginning of something great.  With the start of the 101/1001 list and also this blog, I have attempted to push myself to find what I like, what I love and most importantly, what I want.

A lot of people I grew up with knew what they wanted to be from a young age.  They pursued the education for it and are now working in a field that they've always been interested in.  Me?  I had/have no clue.  I eventually starting saying I wanted to be a teacher, just so that I had an answer and didn't sound like a complete idiot.  But I liked the planning aspect of teaching...not the being around students all day aspect.  Not really a good match.

Thoughts to be continued...
*hugs*

How to be alone.

Beautiful...



And worth practicing.
*hugs*

The Happiness Project

I got my book from Amazon.ca today!  The Happiness Project is something I will be starting on January 1st, 2011.  I had purchased it last Saturday at Chapters, but having found it for HALF the cost on Amazon, I returned it and ordered a new one.  I also bought 2 more copies of it and shipped them to my BFF and Mom (and Dad - but they'll share a copy) as they want to start it with me!  I am so excited!! 


If you haven't heard about it, check out the website here.  I am slowly starting my lists and prep work involved.  Just getting half way through the book has made me realize that I do a lot of things not because *I* like them, but because they are supposed to be things I'm supposed to like.

No more.

2011 is going to be a very hard year for me.  I am about to challenge my comfort zones and push myself to take the leaps I've been avoiding (such as going to university or college, choosing a career I WANT, not just something I'm good at, and clearing my home of crap to make room for my family's memories and adventures).  I will be continuing with my health goals from previous posts as well as adding more.


Want to join us on January 1st, 2011?  We're located on Facebook here.

Jealousy?

I'm jealous.

It's an odd feeling.  Mr. Penguin and I have always had friends of the opposite sex and been fine with that fact...but this is different some how. 

This friend is NEW.  

He met her at school.  

University.  

Where he's back for his second degree.

She's a first year student.

Blonde.

In most - if not all - of his courses.

I know that I have nothing to worry about.  I think I may be one of the few lucky ones that their husbands have been in love with them since their first encounter (in our case - at age 16 and 17). 

But I'm still jealous that she gets to see him during the day.  

That she's the one that gets to experience this educational journey with him.

That she understands his courses in ways that I never will.

That she gets to see him experience something he loves.

It sounds silly...
But I'm still jealous.

*hugs*

New Book

I started reading "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin today. Such an interesting read. It goes right along with my 101/1001 list, but on a grander scale.

I will be subscribing to the blog and modifying some of my 101/1001 list to reflect the tasks she completed that I want to complete in my own life.

I recommend.
*hugs*

ETA: I will be starting my own Happiness Project to be tied into my 101/1001 list.  Some things I will change on my list, others I will incorporate into my life on top of my list.  I am so excited for this journey!  I will have more to share once I sort my thoughts.

Lot# 170

We survived our first family trip camping!  I can't wait to go again next year.  I think we'll even stay on the same lot we had.  It was close to the washrooms/showers, had a water pump on site and was somewhat private from the road.  And the park wasn't far from home either - about 2 hours.

Relaxing.

We went with friends and our little ones.  The babies seemed to have fun.  Baby was interested in getting into everything and wanted to explore more of the site, but until she can walk she couldn't really do so.

Waving at her friend.

It drizzled a bit and we had some winds, but overall it was good weather.  A little cooler, but that just made for better snuggling time!

Hammock snuggles.

The mornings were so peaceful...

Our tents.

There were interesting things to be seen...

MUSHROOM! MUSHROOM! (no snakes...)

And baby napped REALLY well!  Her sleeping bag was great and she actually slept in it with it zipped all the way up the second night.  It was adorable - but unfortunately too dark for a photo. She napped so soundly for her last nap, that us taking down the tent around her didn't even wake her up!

Sound sleeper.

Overall a great family experience.  I cannot wait to take Monkey next year for a few days!  I love creating memories for my babies.  And for me and Mr. Penguin too.

<3

*hugs*

Raw(e) - Back to school

...or STARTING school, as it is for my big girl.

This shot was taken last Tuesday on her very first day of kindergarten.  My baby, all grown up!

Head on over to Sailor & Company to link up!

stalled

What am I waiting for?
What would I do if I weren’t scared?
What steps would make things easier?
What would I do if I had all the time and money in the world?
What is the worst, and the best, that could happen?

Raw(e) - Yellow

This week:

YELLOW

 

Head on over to Sailor & Company to link up to Raw(e)

Have FUN!

Remember:

Straight out of the camera shots ONLY.

Link up to your ONE photo so that people

can find it easily and you can win!

 

 

#86

I ended up crossing something off my list tonight!  Kind of funny actually.  My brother and his girlfriend just moved into their new apartment yesterday and we happened to go there for a visit tonight.  They served up hotdogs, my parents brought chips and pop and I brought the kids.  We all sat on a blanket and had a picnic in the middle of the living room.

It counts!

#86 - Go on a picnic

Preparations

We're going camping!  It's my second time out and will be baby's first.  Mr. Penguin is fully trained in search and rescue tactics and survival - so we don't count him.  Today me and the girls went out to pick up some things for the trip.  Monkey won't be able to join us as she will be at her father's place, but she was excited to get things ready and plan for our future family trips.

I bought the CUTEST little sleeping bag today for baby!  It's so small!  But should last her until about age 3.  Then I picked up some pants, a long sleeved shirt and hat at Mountain Equipment Coop.  She's all ready to go!

*hugs*

Shocked

I recently started receiving regular magazine subscriptions.  I LOVE them and devour each and every one of them within days of them arriving.  Until my last issue.  For a magazine that claims to be about health and fitness and well rounded lifestyles, the model chosen for one of their features was so very, very wrong.  I literally gasped out loud when I saw her.  

I am not in the dark - I know models are thin.  I know that they do not represent 97% of the population.  I know that their bodies are mainly there to be the 'hangers' for the clothes they wear.  But where does one draw the line?  The woman used in the article had a pretty face, sure, but she did not need to be modeling clothes.  She needed to be on an IV in the hospital to make sure she didn't collapse from starvation.  It made me sick.  I didn't even notice the clothes!

It also made me sad for all of those out there that see models as something to aspire to become.  Those that view a model's body as feminine or healthy or sexy.  Don't get me wrong, some models ARE healthy, but sadly, those few aren't used enough in fashion spreads.  This woman was not something ANYONE should attempt body-wise.  It was horrible.

I wrote my first letter to a magazine over this.  Will it change anything?  Probably not, but I voiced my opinion.  And I called the magazine out for contradicting the values and beliefs about women they claim so hard to have and encourage.  A step forward in helping women accept themselves was undone x1000 with just a few photographs.

I hope to pass on common sense to my girls.  That models are 'hangers', that eating is a healthy part of life, that almost no body fat on a woman comes with severe trade-offs and that you get one body - don't abuse it.  

*hugs*

Frustration

There is something I've always loved about Mr. Penguin - he makes me feel very feminine.  Growing up I was always the jeans and tshirt girl who hung out with the guys and playing pool.  I didn't do skirts, purses (I carried a wallet in my back pocket) or heels (sneakers all the way).

All of that changed when Mr. Penguin came into my life (again...but that's a whole other story for another day).  I find with him being so tall and having big shoulders, he makes me feel petite in comparison (and I use that word very lightly!).  I feel like the gentler sex.  I feel cared for and that he is there to protect me.  I don't always have to be the strong one.  It's a wonderful change.

This feeling of being protected and not having to be the strong one has brought about some feminine changes in our 3 years together.  I love purses!  And I'm quite the collector too.  Although I have severely limited myself before that addiction gets out of control.  I now have to sell one to buy one - it keeps the amounts in check.  I also love cute shoes.  Although my definition of what is cute doesn't necessarily fall into the 'fad' of the week (those gladiator sandals are the UGLIEST things I have ever seen.  Ever.)  I also started wearing skirts this year.  It is now to the point where I find it weird when I put pants on!  I literally wear skirts 7 days a week.  My teenage self would never have believed such a time could come.  LOL

So with my feminine side coming forth more and more, I've found other things to be true.  I thoroughly enjoy cooking and feel it is my responsibility to cook for my man and our family - although he does occasionally cook supper.  I think the housework should be mainly mine as Mr. Penguin works from home 14+ hours a day (he helps with the major sorting and organizing).  I feel that the majority of the work with the kids is mine (see his working hours above).  Is it a lot?  Yes.  Do I do it all?  Hell no.  I work full time and just don't get around to vacuuming as much as I should.  Whatever.  The dust bunnies add character to our home!  ;)

However, by having some jobs that are more "female" in nature, I feel that certain jobs should be held by the man of the house.  Like going on the roof or killing spiders.  Mainly though, I feel like it is the the man's job to mow the freakin' lawn.  And this is an agreed upon point between Mr. Penguin and myself.  I waited 2.5 weeks.  I waited until the grass was so long that any longer and I'd have to rake it too.  I waited until I could no longer stand it.  Then *I* went out and mowed the lawn tonight.

My inner woman is hurt.  She came inside and baked cookies to compensate.  ;)

*hugs*

I love this site!!

Some of you may know from here that I recently purchased 2 pairs of glasses for an awesome price.  Well, last week I received an email from clearlycontacts stating I had earned a FREE pair of glasses and all I had to pay was the shipping!

So, I of course, went shopping!!  I purchased a third pair of glasses - in purple/blue to round out the options for my glasses wearing days - and was thrilled when they arrived.  They are my favorite of them all.

In the end I purchased three pairs of prescription eye glasses for $122 CDN including shipping.  Want to know the best part?  Mr. Penguin's insurance accepted my receipt for the first purchase!!  HAHAHA The final cost to me?

$122 $24

Life is good.  And a whole lot clearer with the new prescription!

*hugs*

Love

I had a date with my handsome man tonight.  A funny movie and coffee and a long drive after it too.  Lots of hand holding and good conversation.

I'm in love.  <3
3 years and counting...

Motivation

On my 101/1001 list I have a goal that I have kept to myself for many years.  #10 - run/jog a 5k marathon.  I have always wanted a fit lifestyle.  The type of lifestyle where fitness isn't something you reward, it's just something you get out and do on a daily basis - it is it's own reward.  I did not grow up with that type of lifestyle AT ALL and most days I find it completely against how I was raised and currently live.  So in wanting to change for the better, I find it extremely difficult to find the motivation to get off my lazy ass and get outside.  Running a 5k is probably the biggest challenge I added to my 101/1001 list.  It is not only testing my motivation, it's testing my determination and some of my fears as well. 

I've always needed a 'buddy'.  Someone to come with me to an event or to join a club at school with me.  I have a hard time putting myself out there and just doing something by myself - for me.  With my parents - who do not lean towards the life I want - and not many friends around, I have to do this on my own as Mr. Penguin is needed to be home with the kids if I'm out.  I have no doubt I can run 5k with enough training - it will be only having myself to push me onward when my muscles hurt that will be my biggest obstacle.  So I am fighting back against myself.

• I have purchased a treadmill at an AMAZING price (under $100!!) that will be delivered in August.  I no longer have the excuse of 'it's raining' or 'too hot' to get outside.  I can walk my ass to the basement and get my training in for the day.
• I went to Walmart yesterday and treated myself to some nice - but cheap (as I'm still broke and working on my debt) - work out clothes.  I got a tank top that is cut for running and some shorts that aren't stolen from Mr. Penguin's drawer.
• I purchased the above in a cut that flatters, but also fits me.  This means that the world can now see where I carry my weight, but not in a way that suggests I stuffed myself into shorts too small for my butt.  If I have a problem with that - I can get moving and lose some weight to make them fit better.  ;)
• I have purchased an app for my iPod to be my trainer - Couch to 5K.  I tested it tonight.  And although I was unable to complete the 'week 1 day 1' session, I know I am going to love this app and it will make all the difference in my progress.  I recommend it for anyone training.
• I have scheduled in AT LEAST every Sunday for training.  I will be adding 2 evenings a week as well - although these will be more flexible based on Mr. Penguin's school schedule and the kid's activities.

I am also putting myself out there for the world to see.

Current weight: 225lbs
Size: 18-20

I am 28 years old - still young and in no way an excuse not to start an exercise program.
I have 2 kids - so what, why should that stop me?  It may take more planning some days, but the results will always be worth it.
I am over weight - well, the weight won't get rid of itself, now will it?
I have a busy schedule - the exercise will help my stress levels, show my babies the importance of doing something for yourself and help me sleep better.

No more excuses.

*hugs*

101 things I've accomplished to date

I figured since I'm attempting to create 101 new goals and memories, it would be fun to look back on some of the things I've accomplished to date as well.

So here goes...#99!!
101 things I've accomplished to date.

1. I have sung in a choir. 
2. I've been tidal bore rafting in the Bay of Fundy. 
3. I speak two languages (English and French).
4. I did not have any sons - I only wanted daughters - and I got my 2 girls. 
5. I learned to drive a standard car and all vehicles I've owned - except the van - have been standard. 
6. I am good at the work I do - and was hired based on my reputation. 
7. I have been up in a hot air balloon. 
8. I planned (with Mr. Penguin) every single detail of our wedding. 
9. I designed and created our wedding invites from scratch. 
10. I've lived in England for 2 years. 
11. I'm a little rusty, but I can french braid someone else's hair. 
12. I can cook and usually make up recipes as I go. 
13. I've seen Jann Arden in concert (twice) and almost cried at both shows. 
14. I've ridden a motorcycle. 
15. I have silk-screened an art project. 
16. I've been skinny dipping. 
17. I can sew a button on by hand. 
18. I can bake (even though I tend not to follow recipes exactly). 
19. I am an experienced cake decorator. 
20. I have been stung by a jelly fish. 
21. I can cross-stitch. 
22. I've ridden the largest roller coaster in the South-East part of North America. 
23. I have successfully lead a cheer leading squad in a routine and created a pyramid (and I didn't drop the top player on her dismount!) 
24. I was head treasurer of my high school's student council. 
25. I have created my own clock out of wood. 
26. I've participated in the 5k walk for MS. 
27. I've taught both my girls the song of "itsy bitsy spider" complete with hand signs. 
28. I changed the sink and plumbing in my second home from a pedestal sink to a full cabinet by myself. 
29. I completed a modeling course (way back when) which included stepping out of my element and working with make-up and public performance. 
30. I can balance a check book or company financial statements (and actually enjoy doing it). 
31. I have completed a French trip that involved only speaking my second language at all times. 
32. I've streaked my hair. 
33. I have sewn my own beach bag. 
34. I've experienced a dinner theatre show. 
35. I have implemented work strategies to improve paperwork, work flow and productivity - and seen results. 
36. I have successfully grown green peppers. 
37. I have bottled wine. 
38. I've been on a ferry. 
39. I have taken a plane trip on my own. 
40. I've created artwork that hangs in both my and my parent's homes. 
41. I have never tried any form of (illegal) drug. 
42. I've started a blog/journal to help me through my emotions and thoughts and help attain my goals. 
43. I've seen the ocean at sunset. 
44. I was the top scoring female in my Lacrosse league (as well as the female with the most penalties). 
45. I have petted a dear. 
46. I'm a pretty decent pool player. 
47. I've been best friends with my BFF for 13 years. 
48. I was a master double-dutch skipper in elementary school. 
49. I've seen Beauty & the Beast on stage and loved every single moment of it. 
50. I've seen a movie in the theatre by myself. 
51. I saw Bon Jovi in concert. 
52. I married my Penguin. 
53. I've created my own cards to give to others. 
54. I own my own tools. 
55. I've made my own bread. 
56. I've canned my own tomatoes. 
57. I've made my own jams (pineapple blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, cherry). 
58. I can beat Warpath (against 3 enemies!) in under 15 minutes. 
59. I have volunteered my time. 
60. I have performed on stage. 
61. I've been camping. 
62. I've waxed my legs.  <---- NEVER to be done again! 
63. I bought (and then later sold) my dream home. 
64. I've tried bison meat. 
65. I've completed "History of Design I" - even though I HATE history. 
66. I have seen a moose in the wild. 
67. I moved half way across the country from my parents at the age of 18 to live on my own. 
68. I have appeared on television. 
69. I successfully beat Mr. Penguin every time we go bowling. 
70. I have owned my own cat. 
71. I've painted each of my houses to suit my tastes. 
72. I lost 60 pounds - but gained it back (hence why it's back on the 101/1001 list!) 
73. I've designed company logos, letterhead and websites. 
74. I've held an owl perched on my arm. 
75. I have taught friends how to drive a standard car. 
76. I've been tubing and water skiing (although the water skiing part wasn't very successful). 
77. I've written my own resume - and even helped others tweak theirs. 
78. I've interviewed and got all of my jobs on my own. 
79. I've been to Disney World. 
80. I've been to Busch Gardens. 
81. I can do a hand stand. 
82. I've driven a speed boat. 
83. I know my 9x table on my fingers.  ;) 
84. I've survived child birth (twice!) 
85. I've been to the Toronto Zoo. 
86. I have a good relationship with my Mom.  We talk almost everyday. 
87. I have successfully assembled my own IKEA furniture. 
88. I've accomplished one of my only original life goals of owning my first house before the age of 22 - by 13 days.  (I am now on house #3.) 
89. I have held a bird in the palm of my hands and made it comfortable as it passed away. 
90. I've never smoked a single cigarette in my life. 
91. I have sewn my own curtains. 
92. I have stood up for myself and what I needed when it was extremely hard - this includes divorcing my ex. 
93. I have ridden an up-side-down roller coaster. 
94. I've taken myself out to dinner and dined alone. 
95. I was the replacement secretary at my high school and was occasionally called out of class to help with the phones. 
96. I've written poetry that still is as true about me today as the day in junior high that I wrote it. 
97. I've fired a rifle. 
98. I've gone fishing - and caught a fish. 
99. I've been up in a helicopter. 
100. I only had my first alcoholic drink at the age of 19. 
101. I've made my own ice cream from scratch.

Whew!  I had to think for a few days on this task.  I tend to think of 'accomplishments' as these grand things...but every little thing counts.  It doesn't have to make the local paper or have people talking about it for months to mean something to me.  Or to who I am.  This exercise helped me see how far I've come.

*hugs*

Raw(e) - 2(6)

This week's challenge for Raw(e) is 2(6)...what we had to do is go into

our 2nd folder of photos and post the 6th photo there. Didn't matter what it was.
How silly, how beautiful, how awful, how embarrassing-didn't MATTER!!!

So here's mine:

This is my eldest at a friend's princess party 2 years ago.  All the girls dressed in their nice dresses and came together to play, have some cake and socialize.

Opposites

My babies are the exact opposite of one another.  One hates being dirty, the other loves to make a mess.  One loves quiet, the other loves yelling.  One listens and does as she's told, the other looks around to see if you're watching her as she dives into anything and everything she's not allowed to be touching.  Amazing how two little girls can be so opposite from one another.

They both love each other madly though - and that's all that matters.

*hugs*

iPhone or BlackBerry?

I have borrowed Mr. Penguin's old iPhone (now loaded with the iPhone 4 features) to test if I like it.  If I do, I can keep it as my own.  Mr. Penguin no longer uses it and has moved on to the Google android phone instead.  YAY free stuff!

I'm not sure how much I'm liking it though.  :(  As much as I curse my BlackBerry and it's crappy features, it is a phone - not a computer.  My BlackBerry is a flip phone, which is why I got it.  I love flip phones because the screen isn't exposed and they have a proper keypad.  I also love the click it makes when I close it.  LOL The iPhone has better apps, a bigger screen and is more user friendly...but it's not a very good phone.  Isn't a cell phone supposed to be a phone first?

What do you love about your cell phone?

*hugs*

It works!

You may remember that back here, Mr. Penguin and I had decided enough is enough with our finances.  We want more in life and it really shouldn't be that hard to balance a budget.  You may also remember that *I* am the bad one for spending in our relationship.  I know it, he knows it...I couldn't seem to change it.

We may have solved the problem!

In a weird and backwards move, Mr. Penguin and I divided our finances beginning July 1st.  Most couples have separate finances when they start dating and need to join everything together later on - not us.  We've had a joint account since 2 days after dating!  Yeah, we're special.  ;) 

We kept the joint account where the house bills currently pull from, we just opened our own accounts too.  I am now responsible for my car payment, my personal credit cards, my loan, my cell phone bill and anything else I choose for myself that isn't a "house expense".  Mr. Penguin has the same things on his end - plus his school expenses coming this fall and his past student loans.  So now if I spend too much - *I'm* broke, not him.  We also calculated that I make 40% of the income and him 60%.  So we determined that I would put 40% of the money required into the house account and him the other 60%.  This way we're both contributing equally based on our salaries and neither of us is beyond poor.

I'm liking this.

I feel like I'm contributing to the bills now and not just dumping my entire paycheck into our account and him paying for everything else.  I also don't have to account for every penny I spend from *my* money and I can purchase things I want without thinking about the house bills.  It's a new freedom.  It is also helping me with Mr. Penguin's spending money.  With him bringing in a larger salary, he can be free to go back to school - which he is doing - or take a trip home for a week and I will not be wondering which part of the "house" budget is paying for it...as it will come from *his* money. 

I feel this will help with our issue of "well you got to do/have X, when do I get to do/have X?"  When it all came from the same pot it was like it all had to be equal to justify the expense.  It was exhausting.  He makes more = he gets more.  Simple.  It is also motivation to clear my debt and start saving for what I want for me.  And that's exactly the point of this - I need to retrain myself financially. 

We're open as a couple to changing things - no matter how weird they may seem - to get to our goals and live in harmony.  If it doesn't work, change it.  So we did.

*hugs*

Raw(e) - Mirrors

This week's theme for Raw(e) is mirrors.  Quite the theme to jump in on!  Well, my first thought was of a picture I took of my eldest when she was learning to brush her teeth.  It was taken with a film camera and I'd have to scan it, so it didn't really qualify.  Bummer.  BUT!  I recently made that picture into a scrapbook page for an album and took a picture of that (to send to a friend) which was taken with my digital camera and untouched.  So I'm using it.  :P

Fitness goals

I got out and walked today.  A really long walk with hills and spurts of jogging and stairs and stretching.  It felt good.  I can't remember the last time I jogged.  I'm taking it slow and planning on adding a little bit more every time I go.

Run/jog a 5k is on my 101/1001 list.  There's no time like the present.  I really liked the time to myself too.  Mr. Penguin and I have an agreement that Sunday mornings until noon are my own time while Mr. Penguin takes the kids.  I've just never left them and gone to do something.  This will be a habit I want to keep.

Sometimes, in order to be a better mother/wife/person, you need to have time alone.

*hugs*

I'm scared

Actually I'm terrified.  I can handle life changing around me - different job, different house, different city, whatever.  But I have never had so many changes within my personal relationship before.

Things are going to be ok - I do know that.  We're growing as individuals and are just getting our footing - but it's a big change that I'm not quite sure how to deal with at the moment.  I'm learning and growing into who I want to be, Mr. Penguin is doing the same.  For me that means blogging and time alone for reflection and to get back to my hobbies.  For him it means getting more exercise and going back to school.  It is a lot all at once.  We have a ton of responsibilities already with the house, two kids, jobs and still finding time for one another.  I want to be our own people and pursue our own interests outside of our marriage, but I want to make sure that 'US' stays the top priority too.

All of these changes have shaken my 'base', the thing I rely on in my life.  When everything else was going to shit, I could turn to my relationship and feel safe, secure and that I could handle anything.  I know I can handle anything that life throws at me, I do.  Right now I'm just a little more timid in my stance is all.

I am giving into the fear.  I am loving with my entire being and embracing all the changes we are experiencing and loving my penguin with all that I have.   

Our marriage is totally worth it.

It's just going to take some getting used to.  I am very thankful that I have such a wonderful man to hold my hand and make the jump with me.  <3

*hugs*

Have you...?

Do you ever get to a point in a rough patch where you don't know how you got there?  After all the hurt feelings and accusations, through all the silences and harsh words...do you ever wonder why you're fighting in the first place?

Have you ever stood back and wanted to not necessarily take words back (as they were honest and how you feel) but to still be able to hold the other person?  To let them know that you love them and that you're not just saying that to make it all go away?

Have you ever fought with yourself to be a better person and to work on what causes issues in a relationship, only to feel like you're the only one having to accommodate all the time?  What if the other person feels the same way?

What if your feelings don't matter and it's not about you?  What if you're looking at things from a skewed perspective?  Will any of it matter in 10 years?  5 years?  Next month?!  What if your reactions to the situation aren't as important as how your partner feels right now and what they are going through.

How do you truly be there for someone when you yourself need a shoulder to cry on?

*hugs*

Our office

I put up Mr. Penguin's Father's Day gift today...

I love it!  It looks as good as I had hoped.  :D  His side of the office is coming along nicely...mine is still a work in progress.  I have some art projects to complete and some more organizing to do, but it's slowly becoming a wonderful Penguin office.

*hugs*

Focus

As I stated in this post, happiness is a habit.  A habit I've broken recently and am trying to repair.  It's funny, one of the blogs I follow touched on this and explained it better than I ever could.  See here.  Focusing our attention on what we want out of life is what I was trying to say in my post - but I said it in a less direct way. 

Having attention problems running in my family, I find focusing on things difficult at times.  And it's during the times that I lose focus that I tend to slip in my happiness.  Recognizing this makes it easier to correct it.  And gaining a new focus and purpose makes everything a little better.  Life is what you make it.

Just something that's got me pondering on this wonderful Friday as I head into the weekend.

*hugs*

PS - Mr. Penguin arrives back home in FOUR days.  My happiness is about to get a whole lot bigger!!

Changes to 365

I have moved where I keep my photo challenge to here.  I wanted to be able to upload directly from my BlackBerry on the go making one less thing for me to worry about.

Follow me if you like, or just pop in to make sure I'm keeping on track.  Either way, thanks for your support.

*hugs*

Yummy coolness

The heat here is insane.  Not a good insane either.  We're experiencing 35 degree weather for the past 3 days before humidity (which is currently at 75%) and mugginess like no one's business.  Yesterday it was over 42 degrees when it was all combined.  People are irritable and wanting rain or at least a break in heat.  I'm ready to live in my freezer full-time.

As I was searching for local water pads in my area I came across a brilliant recipe that I will be making tonight.  Behold...Coffee popsicles!  (originally found here)

Coffee Popsicles (only for parents!)

These are best served in oppressive heat when spirits and energy are flagging and you can’t get yourself something cold and caffeinated at your local coffee shop.

You will need:

• ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ⅓ cup hot espresso or very strong black coffee

Yummy!! 
Maybe I'll make a batch and bring them to work in a cooler for the boys to have tomorrow morning.  We all need our morning caffeine, but the hot stuff isn't so nice now that our a/c at the shop isn't working properly.  Maybe it'll lift some spirits.

*hugs*