There isn't a word for how behind I am.

What a beginning to the year!  2011 has officially tried to kick my ass from all directions.  I am behind on sleep, house work, goals, projects...you name it, I haven't done/completed it.

I have, however, been taking photos for my 365 challenge as part of my 101/1001.  It's just that I haven't been uploading them every day like I used to with the date stamp on them.  I've also been using my professional camera and emptied the photos off my iPhone last month.  Basically, I have my photos, they're just in many different locations and not necessarily labelled.  ::Sigh::  So, my 365 blog will look a little weird as I try to piece it all back together.  C'est la vie!  The end of June marks the end of this year-long photo challenge!  I cannot believe it!!  A whole year has gone by in the blink of an eye.  Craziness.

With Monkey getting out of the hospital this week and things starting to (hopefully) calm down, I hope to begin what will be a very relaxing summer.  My goal is to fill my home with love, laughter and memories complete with lots of fun in the sun.  <3

*hugs*

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*

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*

#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

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*

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*

#93

On my 101 in 1001 list, I had some hard things to accomplish, some easy things and some things that would challenge what I've been doing with my life recently - which isn't a whole hell of a lot.

Which brings us to #93 - Avoid Facebook for a week

Last night I deactivated my Facebook account.  Don't worry, I can log back in after a week and everything will be the same.  ;)  It was/is weird.  I don't live close to many of my friends, so Facebook is my way to catch up, chat and see pictures of everyone elses's babies I'm missing grow older.  I'm doing pretty good, mainly due to the fact that I removed all temptation (but it's been less than 24 hours so check back in 3 days).  By deactivating the account I no longer get the emails.  I removed the shortcut on my browser and hid the one on my BlackBerry (I told you I was an addict!!).

This way, I'm hoping to have more to show for my time.  I will be working on my blog, starting my other challenges and hopefully finishing the painting in the Monkey's room.  Yay me!!

I may even have to make this a monthly occurrence.  3 weeks on, 1 week off -- that would be cool.  Make me do something with my time.  I may even get to scrapbook!  Woah.

*hugs*

I'll get to it...sometime.

If procrastination were a sport...I'd probably drop out.

No seriously, I have been avoiding the work I brought home for HOURS now.  I've added pictures on Facebook, commented on people's stuff, chatted in my online forums, made a lazy supper...I'm out of stuff.

We all know I'm not going to clean anything.

There's a reason I added to cut Facebook out of my life for a week on my 101/1001 list.  I'm an addict!!

Ok, time to just suck it up and do it...maybe.  :D  It's a good thing I don't have cable to distract me!  Goodness, could you imagine how much sitting on my lazy ass I could do then?!  Wow.  THAT would be a sport.  A lazy one, but a sport.  Maybe I could design little medals for it!  Make an Etsy store...oooh, now we're talking.

Etsy.  Now there's a time waster.  Maybe I don't have to work after all! 

*hugs*

PS - I'll totally update you on the lazy ass medals if they come to be.  Just cause I know you're dying to buy one.  ;)

Take action.

After yesterday's ramblings I'm moving forward.

I've created my 101/1001 list and am creating the life I want bit by bit.  I'll trip, I'll fall...but I will get back up.
What do you want for yourself?

*hugs*