My Wish

To my future niece or nephew (who I will be meeting any day now)
~ This is my wish to you..lyrics by my fav Rascal Flatts (one must sing the song while reading):

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
and if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' 'til you find the window,
if it's cold outside,
show the world the warmth of your smile,
but more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and always give more then you take.

But more than anything, Yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

xo auntie erin
ps. Stunning & gorgeous pictures of the mom to be! See you on Christmas!

Eat Pray Love

At this moment I am reading "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. (One woman's search for everything across Italy, India and Indonesia). The book is divided into three parts, each representing 4 months of Liz's experience in one of three countries. I have just finished "eat" where Liz fully immersed herself in Italy and what the culture as to offer...it was interesting to see Italy through the eyes of someone else and what they remembered about their moments. Just before putting the book down to take a break from reading and the sun, I thought I would read a couple pages of her first few days in India...and I can tell already this may be my favourite part of the book (I think its because I have already been to Italy and Indonesia...so to learn about India, a place I have always wanted to go to, is very intriguing...also because India seems to be the place where Yoga was born) Here is how a yoga instructor from India defines Yoga to Liz as (it totally hit home for me). Yoga is the effort to experience one's divinity personally and then to hold on to that experience forever. Yoga is about self mastery and the dedicated effort to haul your attention away from your endless brooding over the past and your nonstop worrying about the future so that you can seek, instead, a place of eternal presence from which you may regard yourself and your surroundings with poise. Only from that point of even-mindedness will the true nature of the world (and yourself) be revealed to you. (page 122....also goes into more detail). While reading that section I knew I had to share it with my friends..those who do practice yoga and those who don't but may be intrigued. Namaste ;)

Brookdale

So today was my last day of my placement at Brookdale P.S. For the past semester I have been observing and helping out with a grade 1/2 split class...and let me tell you they are the cutest bunch of kids! It seems so long ago when I first walked into the classroom and introduced myself. I wasn't really sure what to expect but as my first day went on and I felt genuinely welcomed, I knew that it was going to be a great experience. Of course there were some ups and downs and the kids definitely could challenge me...but once they knew I could get them all 'out' in dodgeball and was able to help them create all their art projects that I was 'ok' to stick around! Today they all presented me with hand made cards and told me how much I was going to be missed! Some even said that I had to come back when I was done school to be their teacher next year. So cute! At times like today (& actually most days) I am over joyed with the decision I made to become a teacher!

Dear: Mrs Burlein, Edward, Quinn, Abby, Emma, Koby, Brandon, Ryne, Jinisha, Katherine, Sarah, Spencer, Dyvia, Rachel, Bethany, Cleo, Kelson, & Jessica,

Thank you for the memories!

xo Miss Bryce

ps. Yesterday was my dad's birthday! happy birthday dad! xo

Kris Kringle

Peace.

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

(quote from part of my pressie!)

Thanks for dinner girls! As always so amazing!

Table Topics

I am always fascinated by unique questions, questions that aren't necessarily asked in our every day life...questions that we don't really ask each other, but when they come up in surveys or games we tend to have a laugh. So when I opened my Christmas gift from Steph this evening I was pleasantly surprised and very excited (as I have been eyeing it) to get the coffee table game "Questions: Girls night out"!
Here is the scoop: GIRLS NIGHT OUT TOPICS
You already know how easy it is to have fun with the girls on a girls night out. Now make the experience even more memorable using these conversation starters for women. Girls night out questions range from hilarious to thought-provoking, guaranteeing an entertaining evening for everyone. You never know what you’ll find out about your closest friends!
If you had to gain 10 pounds what would you eat to gain the weight?
What would the "perfect" man be like?
What was the worst hairstyle you ever had?
What's your favorite chick flick?
What's your most meaningful family heirloom?
What's your most favourite pair of shoes you've ever owned?
How has your life turned out differently than you thought it would?
and so on...It also comes in different themes such as: family, spirit, books, couples and more. I highly recommend it to anyone who is intrigued by finding out more about your friends and family! Thank you Steph!!

Let Yourself Be Who You Are

It's difficult to be around people who are trying to be perfect - perfectly healthy, perfectly polite, perfectly poised, perfectly controlled.
Remember that being human means being imperfect, being flawed. Let yourself be. Let others be. Slouch in your chair. Eat with the wrong fork. Laugh out loud. Stand up and reveal who you are and know that you're good enough.
Stop worrying that people will find out who you really are. Instead, hope they do. Help them by openly sharing yourself and being not who you think you should be, but who you really are.

Freedom is just a small step away - a step into self love and acceptance. When you take it, others will follow. And they'll be grateful you led the way.
~Journey to the Heart

procrastinating...

As I prepare for the week ahead, I can't help but to procrastinate and find everything and anything else to do besides open a book or write my essays. I have 3 exams this week and several assignments due Friday but yet seeing as I am a stress-free person when it comes to work (life is what I seem to stress over) I can't seem to bring myself to start! Seriously!! I cant bring myself to start the process...yesterday I went and got my hair done, had a loong work out, went and got some Thai food...then started to finish the baby hoodie i am knitting and then started to watch re-runs of friends and sex and the city...i think at one point I was even just staring off into space! ahhh! and today as continued into the same sort of mind set...I woke up early went to Yoga, did some grocery shopping at wholefoods (only went there because of all the samples they have on the weekend), to then come home to make a shake, have a long shower making sure to deep condition my hair, and give myself a facial...and now here I am and I still cannot put pen to paper! (fingers to keys). Hmm maybe I should go for a walk into town to get a tazo chai..maybe that will get me going? Maybe a little later!
Hmm what else? ...if I stop writing then i have to study ;) ! ha ha! I should get going, but will probably be posting later, ya never know!
ps. Heather also got me hooked on http://www.freerice.com/ (posted on 'My Two Pennies'). It is not helping my situation much, but it is very addicting! Everyone should give it a try. Heather got to 40 pts, I have only made it to 36 (only once too). K later skaters!

My '411' from the weekend

Have you ever been so tired that your thoughts start to blurr and you aren't able to even see straight?!? Well yesterday I showed all the signs and symptoms of a person being 'burnt' out...and it has carried over to today as well. This weekend was a power packed weekend of activities! Friday night Steph and I went to Yoga and then to see Enchanted at the theatres (totally recommend it...uber cute!) Saturday was started off with some yoga (challenging class) and then sandwich making all day in preparation for Sunday. In the evening I headed into Toronto to attend Tate and Cindy's wedding (first picking up Kim& Rich followed by Christina - she was my fab date for the night) Wedding was very special, and of course there were a couple tears...I am a sapper for speeches! Cindy's twin sister said the most memorable and relatable speech (at least to me)...Tate's dad also had a great speech! The wedding was held in the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery - very unique! At 1:30 I decided that it was time to head out, but with lack of windows we all were unaware of the blizzard that was happening outside and the lack or should I say "no taxi situation" we were all stranded there...and seeing as all the furniture, lighting, tables etc were rented, at 2am the couches we were all sitting on as we were waiting for taxi's were being taken out from right under us....some even resorted to lying on the carpets...until those were also taken from under us. Kim then called her mom in Mississauga to come and save us and take us home. So at 4:30 I strolled into the house, after a long drive! Nightmare of a night! My alarm (my mother) then woke me up at 8:30am where we continued to make sandwiches and prepare for Jodie's Baby shower. I am getting tired writing all of this down...but it was a great shower, amazing gifts, lots of friends, great nibblies (especially the sandwiches!) and Jodie looked great! So crazy to think I will be an Aunt in less than a month, and Jodie will be a mom! Super happy for her (and for the 1/3 of the guest who to0 are also pregnant!) "Pink or Blue, we welcome you!"
Ps. The picture of the lil one is Bailey O'Regan (Sarah and Jake's little girl)

Enough procrastinating I need to get working on my essay! Did I mention things are nutso busy with school....ahhh! 2 more weeks!

She's back...

Celine Dion is back from her time in vegas...and she is definitely doing the rounds in full force to let us all know she is here. Of course she started on Oprah, did a lil' bit on Dancing with the Stars (Yay for the results!! Love that show!), and last night she was on the Christmas Special in Rockefeller centre for the tree lighting...and I am sure she has many more appearances to go! And though I admit to love her songs...yes I know you may call me an old lady or a cougar as some would like to call it...but I don't really care, I just can't help but love all the songs she sings, they are very peaceful and calming! Two of my all time fav's are when she sings "Immortality" with the Bee Gees and "Tell Him" with Barbara Streisand (both can be seen on Youtube...however some may think I am aging myself when listening to them! ha!)

Anywho hope everyone is having a great week...mine has been a little crazy, and will only get more crazy as the days go on, but I can see the finish line in the distance (end of Semester 1 that is) I also have a wedding to go to on Saturday and Sarah and I are throwing a baby shower for Jodie on Sunday! Sigh! I am also 'teen'sitting Steph this week at her house, I think she is shocked by my undomesticated ways, but I am getting there and I did cook for her on Tuesday night ;) OK ciao for now!

Ps. Happy Birthday to Josie on the weekend and Erin TODAY!! Hope you girls having an amazing 28th year (your weddings will definitely help with that! Cant wait!)

xo

Black Friday

When all were getting ready to go to bed last night....my mom and I were driving to the Miromar Outlets at 12am last night (this morning). We were all prepared on getting up early this morning at 5am to hit the shops, but when reading the newspaper yesterday and finding out our fav outlet mall was open at 12, we thought hey why not go after dinner for an hour or two. When approaching the shops we were shocked and amazed by the number of people who had the same idea. The place was rammed with people!! Even though today I feel as if I either ran a marathon or was out partying last night, I managed to get some great deals and almost complete my Christmas shopping list for my friends and family. My mom and I kept laughing at ourselves last night....well our dreams came true, we have been able to shop all night...and even grab a Starbucks at 4am. When a lady at Saks commented that we were up pretty early for the sales I knew it was time to leave.

Ps. we rolled into the driveway at 6am this morning

Book Review

Last night I read the last few pages of "A Thousand Splendid Suns"...it was an amazing book! I also read the Kite Runner a while back, and thought it was great too...but felt this book was much better! I had this book on my bedside table for awhile and read a couple pages here and there...but when I started on my flight to Florida, I could not put it down! soo good! It's a novel about the lives of two unique women living in Afghanistan...and their journey to happiness. It's a must read!

Well just sipping tea and about to head out to enjoy the sun! I am currently in Florida for American Thanksgiving...I go to an American school so I get American holidays...hey works for me :) I am at my parents gorgeous house in Naples. I had never been here before as I was always flying to other places (I know rough life)....and I love it here...I feel as if I am in a hotel. I don't ever want to leave! Lucky for me I am coming back on the 15th!

just a few things to say...

#1 Last night the gracious Shipps hosted a baby shower / cocktail party in honour of the parents to be; Jodie and Matt. It was a great evening... their house was gorgeous, there were lots of scrumptious nibblies, and we were surrounded by amazing family & friends! What more could J&M have asked for?
#2 Yesterday also marked the count down for a month until andrew and I meet in Atlanta ... to then head to Florida...yay!  #3 This week was the busiest week to date in my teacher college career...and it feels great to be done! So as a little breather...my parents have invited me to Florida next week for American Thanksgiving...A-Mazing! I leave Tuesday evening. The beach is screaming my name!
#4 Girls day out in Toronto tomorrow...here I come!

Pink- Dear Mr President - Live

I love this song! I don't believe in everything Pink has to say...but I love the sound of the song and do think that the chorus is powerful.

Babies 'R' Us

Well today was a day for firsts...after being cooped up all weekend doing a lovely miscue assignment...which has finally been printed...I ventured over to Babies R Us (a first time visitor). I felt like a foreigner..."um excuse me, I need to find out my friend Lauren's registry for her soon to be bundle of joy..." The sales girls looked a me like I wasn't from around here. Once I got into it I felt as if I could have stayed forever...everything was sooooo over the top cute! I then met up with my mom and we headed to Bolton...for my first baby shower (that I can remember). It's an amazing thing seeing a friend who you have known since birth (our moms are best friends...Nana Merlot and Nana Shiraz) grow into an adult and a mom to be...(even crazier seeing your sister!). Any who the moms to be decided to do a little comparison...thought I would share ;)

Lauren and Shane, may the new addition to your family bring you all the happiness in the world. xo

Ps. Happy Birthday Elecia!!

Christmas at Starbucks

Well it's officially the first day of the Christmas (Holiday) season...so says Mrs Starbucks! I couldn't help but feel happy as I walked into Starbucks this morning on my walk to school and saw all the decorations, change in menu...and of course the red Christmas cups! Love it! Grande Non fat Tazo Chai please :) Ahh... all I need now is some Christmas carolers on every street corner, Christmas lights lining the streets, and of course a few tiny snow flakes...well maybe not just yet....but I do love this time of year.
~ Heading out to dinner tonight with Josie, Heather, Angela and Erin...there's a lot to celebrate!! but until someone (not naming any names) talks about their amazing news...I still feel the need to zip my lips...while waiting for the right moment to share with everyone my excitement for the lucky couple :)

Jake Simpson on Oprah! "Isn't She Lovely?"

Ok so I am procrastinating BIG time from doing homework...so I thought why not look for my all time favourite Oprah moment..and I found it! Listen to Jake Simpson sing one of my fav songs! Ok time to get back to work!

Paul Potts

Just finished watching Oprah's show on youtube...and the amazing Paul Potts was a guest. I watched him a couple months ago and was overwhelmed by his story! (turn up your volume when you watch this clip...he's amazing!)

Ginger

One of the world's healthiest foods: Ginger is a good source of potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese and vitamin B6.

I have always been fascinated by healthy remedies...whenever one of us hears about something that is healthy and good for the body, we always share our findings. Here are the benefits of Ginger:
Historically, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (a substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract). Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory
effects.
In addition Ginger also provides:

• Safe and Effective Relief of Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects
• Protection against Colorectal Cancer
• Induces Cell Death in Ovarian Cancer Cells
• Immune Boosting Action

For more in depth information visit: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72
At the moment I am sipping ginger, lemon and honey tea. All I did was boil some water and mix it with some shredded ginger, a squeezed lemon (1/4), and a touch of honey...it is a powerful taste...but you can't help but feel great while drinking it!

October 31st

Journey To the Heart: Something Important is Happening Now

There's never a time when nothing is happening
Something is always taking place. Growth is occurring. We're evolving, transforming, working things out, incorporating our last lesson, preparing for the next. Something is happening. We just don't always see it. And that's how it's meant to be.
When we see, when we know too much too soon, it's easy to let our heads get in the way. We think we have control, have to force, have to make it happen, have to do something.
In a gentle but wise way, the universe takes into account our fears and our natures. It doesn't let us know too much too soon. It doesn't spoil the surprise. It doesn't want us to spoil it either.

Open your heart to the universe.
Trust that something is always
happening. And often, it's much
different and better than you think.

Ps. congrats to Josie and Dave!! amazing and exciting news!
"May your love be modern enough to survive the times, yet old fashion enough to last forever!"

trick or treat

Last night Stu, Malibu Barbie and the Devil met up for a night of festivities at Holly and Marty's gorgeous (haunted) house.
I have always somewhat enjoyed Halloween...as it is a time to dress up and party. Throughout the years I have dressed up as 1 of the 3 little bears, a rock star, witch, a spice girl (sporty spice), a rock star: to name a few...but I think what I like the most is seeing what others wear and how much they put into the season. On Wednesday my school that I am placed in is having a Halloween parade...I can't wait to see what some of the kids are going to be dressed as! I am hoping some will be wearing the super cute costumes I have seen at Old Navy!! I almost bought one just to have for a future child or for Jodie's...but that might have been a bit much. Happy Halloween everyone!

California Wildfires

Every morning while getting ready for school I watch the Today Show. They do such an amazing job of informing the viewers of current events....and currently as everyone must know (or don't...but you do now) that California is suffering severe wildfires. It is just so tragic, I can't even imagine! Yesterday I just felt so guilty that it was pouring rain, while across the country and south, California was and is desperate for water and rain! The world acts in mysterious ways. It's surreal how much power mother nature has over us! My heart goes out to all the community members of California, you're all in my thoughts! This morning Matt Lauer (or it might have been Meredith...it was early i forget) was interviewing a couple who had just arrived back to their home, to find everything in ashes. It was an emotional interview that reached out to me as if I was experiencing it myself. Matt had asked if they had a chance to grab anything before they vacated their home...and there comment was 'each other' and their dog. All day today I was thinking that if that were to happen to me (knock on wood) and I had one or two things to grab what would I bring with me? I still don't really know my answer...because when it comes down to it...there isn't anything in my room that I would desperately need to live with. As long as my friends and families are safe and are with me then that's all I would need to live. Of course if I had time to pack an enormous bag...well then it would be much different; my jewellery, computer, pictures, new dress, my teddy bear made of my Nana's fur coat, my boots, old cards, and it could go on...In all seriousness though I just couldn't imagine! May day 4 (today) of the California Wildfires be the last day!
(ps. This morning the Today Show played a video of the fires that was choreographed to the song......stood beneath an orange sky...well I had a dream last night...it was very well done!)

Before & After

Yesterday I attended my high school's (LPSS) 50th anniversary. The day kicked off with Alumni playing the current field hockey team at LP....drum roll please...the Alumni beat the current team! Oh ya! 3-2! (presently the team is undefeated...so it was quite the win). It was a great game...my team (the cougars as we were called) went all out and didn't stop until the whistle blew. Mind you a ball hit me so hard in the leg I might have a bruise for months and I can presently feel every muscle in my body...but it was all worth it! #16 was back for the day. We then wondered the halls and reminisced...it's just nutso that it's been 8 years since going to highschool, and when on the field and in the halls it seemed like yesterday. Anywho the day was a great day, and it ended at the Crooked Cue in Port Credit...I saw some old friends and we caught up on life. It's sometimes really nice to be with the people who have been there while you were growing up, and though 8 years have gone by some things will never change.
Ps. Picture 1 is the Alumni and the current team. Picture 2 is the year we won OFSAA...I was in grade 10 (somebody should have told me to opt out of the middle part...hideous!!) Picture 3 is us infront of our wall of fame!

Beckham Vs Jonny Wilkinson- Adidas ad

My two favourite athletes! I could watch them anytime!

Dancing with the Stars: My Vote

My vote for tonight is: Julianne and Helio
(I loved their song choice!! Iris, by Goo Goo Dolls...very peaceful and 'dreamy' song! you can't help but to get a little emotional watching them dance to it!...her dress also was fabulous!)
ps. I do like Jenny Garth...but that's probably because of 90210...and I love seeing people make a come back!!

Time to breath...

Ever since arriving home on Wednesday life has been very busy...and I feel as if I haven't had time to close my eyes! So tonight I decided to rent "Factory Girl" and chill out with Josie as my date! While I was away in Dublin I received an email from one of my best friend in high school's older sister sharing the news that Emily was engaged! So exciting! So last night I headed into Toronto to celebrate the news! I haven't seen Em in a long time, so it was great to catch up with her and share in her excitement (on a side note: her ring is massive and gorgeous!!) It's so crazy to be the age I am at now, I can feel the next chapter slowly approaching but it's mostly because the people around me have already started their next chapter. As Emily and I were talking last night, it was funny to say that she is going to be a wife soon...a wife?!?! did we not just graduate from grade nine? we were talking about the upcoming high school reunion and some memories we had at LP...if I go to my reunion it will be so strange to walk the halls again...I only have amazing memories of high school. I just think reunions will never be what you expect them to be, you can never relive a moment and the people you are friends with now are the people who have been there for you...but then again it is nice to see some old faces and remember the good moments that you shared growing up (and maybe even play a game of field hockey).

Ps. Shopping update: While in Dublin and visiting TopShop I purchased a fab winter coat and and a floor length silk dress I might have tried the dress on 100x's already since arriving home already ha!...so some how I need someone to throw a fancy party so I can sport my new digs! ah I'm in love! (The pictures don't really show the true look, but thought I would share anyways!)

Ok peace out..time to relax!

Devils Martini = Bachelorette extravaganza

So after meeting up with Brooke yesterday and hearing her amazing news (mike popped the question!!) Heather and I decided to join up with her, Mike, Yocom, Warren and some others at Devils Martini. (a bar that should never be visited unless completely wasted, with beer (wine) goggles on!!). When entering the bar at 10 we noticed a few bachelorette groupies...some with quirky t-shirts on, funky (tacky) hats, and boas on...then as the night went on Heather and I were mesmerized (completely shocked) as one after another bachelorette parties entered the front doors and filled the bar..there must have been over 30 groups. The later the night got the more gruesome the outfits got....skimpy little tanks (on not so healthy looking broads), bright coloured wigs, pageant sashes, and candy games pasted on shirts to name a few...and the dancing got even worse. I don't mean to be a scrooge about all of this, as I am sure every single one of these groups were having a great time. I just wonder, have we not come to the terms that getting married doesn't mean ending your partying ways...and if it does (for those few who go into hibernation afterwards) do you really want to have your last party at Devils Martini? The guys there are Creeeeepy! I for one, when the day comes, would rather go to a spa, relax while enjoying my best girlfriends company, to then go for dinner and dish on life with a lil' bit of vino, or head up to the cottage and have a great weekend with friends...but I guess that's just me.

Journey to the Heart
January 24: Excerpt

Stay in the present moment. That's where you find life's magic.
How overwhelmed we feel when we anticipate the future, all that needs doing, all the tasks, the work, the potential problems, the responsibilities. How tired we become when we dwell on what we've done already, the energy we've expended, and the imperfect results.
Yes sometimes to stay in the present we need to visit the past, to clear out an old feeling, to heal an old, limiting belief. But that visit can be brief. And sometimes we need to think about the future - to make commitments, to plan, to envision where we want to go. But to linger there can cause unrest. It can spoil the moment we're in now. Stay in the present moment, and the past and the future will fall naturally and easily into place.
Stay in the present moment,
and the magic will return.

(an example from Journey to the Heart....The invitation was not from the book...oops...the Internet gave me the wrong info...good poem though!)

Sex and the City, The MOVIE!

It's official...Sex and the City, the Movie has started the process and will be in theatres next fall. So exciting, I can't wait! Hopefully it will turn into a series...here's wishing! (side note: when searching for pics I came across one of Charlotte...kind of ruined the surprise...but ah well!)
Jodie and Matt are heading to NY, NY at the end of October, hopefully they will see some filming action!
ciao for now

Journey to the Heart

ok so i know i can get pretty into quotes and finding the meaning for things...but hey that's just the way I am... Any who as everyone knows yoga is a huge part of my life and lately i am finding myself going several times a week...and to my joy a new instructor has started instructing at moksha: Kinndli (she is awesome! and has been taught by Baron Baptiste - the reason for my love of yoga)...any who at the end of her INTENSE classes she reads an excerpt from "Journey to the Heart" - it might just be that my mind is super clear after yoga and i appreciate it more...but none the less I find it very inspirational and true to life. I am heading to chapters tomorrow to pick up a copy!! I cant find the excerpt that she has read online but did find the following and enjoyed reading it, so of course i thought i would share.

The Invitation

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true.
I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day.
And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes!”

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

© Mountaindreaming, from the book "The Invitation"
(the author breaks the book into daily readings...which i love the idea of...i love starting or ending each day with something inspirational to read)

fall weekend

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” - Buddha

I am up at the cottage for the weekend. It feels like it's been a couple weeks since I have been here...and it's nice to be back...a little too relaxing though as I have been pacing the cottage a little bit...so instead of pacing I put my runners on and went for my cottage run. What a gorgeous day for running...however it is officially fall...as it was quite chilly out. So now that I am back from my run I decided to make a fire and put my feet up and drink some tea. However, as much as I like to think I could survive out in the forest...and have tried over the years with my many years as a camper...I have never been able to master a log burning fire. The wood just doesn't seem to want to catch for me?!? very strange...one day I will get it done! Any who I found the above quote and thought it was very appropriate and thought I would share!
ps. I felt Jodie's little wonton kick the other day! so surreal and so exciting!

Poor Britney

For some reason I've always been "Team Britney"...I can't pin point why I am always routing for her but for some reason I continue to hope that she will have her big come back...even after she cheated on Justin, married KFed, had 2 kiddies, when she opted for a not so stylish wardrobe (WT), didn't wear shoes in gas station bathrooms, shaved her head and consumed Cheetos as her go to meal....I still believed there was hope...and I continue to believe...it was just so sad seeing her performance last night on MTV (was she on drugs? i don't know...but that couldn't have been real!) Any who poor Britney! JT needs to have a little chat with her! non?
ps. I cannot stand Sarah Silverman! eeeeesh! get off the stage!

Seasons are changing...

Just yesterday Jen, and Kim were up at the cottage celebrating the beginning of summer....and now all of them have left (Jen to Ireland and Kim to Montreal). I guess from now on that's the way life goes...as we all can't be next door neighbours and live in a perfect world...or can we?...love and life decisions takes you to all sorts of places. Any who Jen just left for Italy with Chris to meet up with Fraser....I am itching to hop on a plane! Just a couple more weeks and I will be re-visiting Dublin...sigh!
So as you can tell in my previous entry I was all set to participate in a 100km race this morning...but the weather took control and we had to opt out of the race due to the safety of riding in the rain. I was super pumped about riding, but it just wasn't meant to be I guess. So instead I went for a run (fav time of year to run!) and will look out for the next chance to race! peace out!

Tour De Force

(Sunday: DID NOT ATTEND DUE TO RAIN...sniff sniff...Next race - end of September)
Tomorrow at 8:00am I am crossing the start line with Andrew's mom and racing in a 100km bike race in Carlisle. Ahh! Not sure if I am ready to do 100km's, as I only ever do 50k rides...but we will see. Completing a bike race was one of my goals for the summer (and a life time goal) so after a 4 hour bike ride or so I will have achieved a personal goal! There's no better feeling than that! So tonight will be a peaceful night... after yoga today i went with jen to best buy and I bought "breakfast at Tiffany's" (yes it's true i have never seen it)...so I will be putting my feet up, drinking a million litres of water or so and hoping to god I do well tomorrow! Will let you know how it goes. Namaste!

Product endorsement

When working for L'Oreal I was able to try almost all products under the sun. Now, no longer working there I still venture over to the Maybelline wall when I make a little visit to Shoppers. A few weeks ago I picked up the new"Instant Age Rewind® Double Face Perfector", that was on a floor stand in the aisle (curious to try something new)....and since then I have never left home without it. So I thought I would share my find...it's a concealer and under eye highlighter all in one...fab product! (It leaks a wee bit...but it's worth it, and maybe over time when MNY receives customer feedback they will fix this?!). Just an FYI for anyone who is looking for a great new beauty product :) Night night! (anyone want to share their beauty secrets...by all means please let me know)
Ps. As if Labour day weekend has come and gone!

According to Dr. Oz

OK so...I was watching Oprah yesterday (yes I am a student!) and Dr. Oz was on the show. For all of those who were able to watch the show I am sure you have started your health kick starting yesterday at 5pm (when the show finished...of course downing a bunch of water while watching). This is what Dr. Oz had to share with Oprah and us viewers. Please pay close attention because seeing as I have never read a food label, I am definitely going to start!

Ingredients that should NOT be listed in the top 5 ingredients of a product:

1. Sugar

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup

3. Enriched Flour

4. Saturated Fat / Animal Fat

5. Partially Hydrogenated Oil (Trans Fat)

If the item you are eating or drinking has these ingredients in their top 5 throw it out...these items tell your brain that you are starving and you should eat and eat and eat! (For all you soda and diet soda drinkers out there...put down your drinks and pick up some of the clear stuff,!)

List of Foods with a Health punch:

1. Garlic (helps eliminate bacteria in your intestines)

2. Tomatoes - sauce (Very high antioxidant) - Oxidants are what age you and slow your body down

3. Olive Oil - Good fat! (Make sure to store Olive Oil in a dark bottle or in the fridge - heat damages the oil)

4. Nuts - Almonds (Healthy oils - roasted nuts are not good, as the healthy oils are damaged)

5. Pomegranates - Dr. Oz says that you can not get enough of these....very high antioxidants!

Well for any of you who would like to see the Oprah show from yesterday I do have it PVR'd!

Ps. I have decided to say good-bye to my "Non-Fat Tazo Chai's"....seeing as they are sugar and high fructose corn syrup (I am only guessing). It's a sad day. I have decided though that I am allowed 1 a week, don't want to get too crazy! All in moderation right? (Zarine gives me a month...ha! At least she knows I have will power for at least 30 days!)

2nd Day of Classes

Well it's official, I am in teacher's college, this new chapter in my life has started...had my 2nd day of classes today...so far so good! I just have to figure out my transportation to and from. Anyone know of someone who lives at Ossington & Queen that I could use their place to park my wheels? As of right now I am parking outside the Drake hotel but it's going to get a little pricey doing that everyday. Well for some reason as I sat down to write an entry I thought I had a lot to say...and now I am searching for words...I guess it's because I am not use to waking up in the 6's! Morning person here I come. Well just about to head out for a bike ride - perfect day...and it's only 1:45...lovely!

Ps. Picture: I didn't receive the memo on the weekend...red/orange shirts only!

Dove - Evolution Commercial

When watching the Hills last night I saw this commercial on Dove and the evolution of beauty. I have seen it several times before but I thought Dove chose the most appropriate show to advertise on. Fair play to them!

4 nights with the girls...

Today was a day of reflecting, or should I say relaxing and detoxing? It seems the summer is coming to an end. For the entire month of August I promised myself not to think about labour day weekend and the months ahead....but now it's a little too close for comfort and I can't believe I start school tomorrow and Jen, and Kim leaving me by week end (Jen's here a wee bit longer!). Jen, Kim and I decided to enjoy each others company and attached ourselves to each others hips for 4 nights! Starting Wednesday night going to Friday...our little 3'some headed to Ashleigh's cottage where we met up with some old high school friends and played charades, uker, 3 man, and 20 questions, while also swimming, chatting, chillin' and enjoying cocktails! It's as if we all haven't missed a beat. We then headed to Bryce retreat (still raining the entire time of course) and managed to avoid any porcupines that may have crossed our path and continued with our many life discussions (while swimming, eating, yoga, pong, and sauna's in between). On Saturday we headed back to the city where we met up at Christina's and joined her at a party and a roof top patio at Pur. Sigh! I couldn't have asked for a better time with Jen and Kim...it's also nice to know that before they head back to Dublin and Kim to Montreal that we got to spend an amazing time with each other, no matter how tired we are at this moment. (A million and more pictures were taken over the last few days...but they are on other peoples cameras...will share later).

This morning Jen, Chris and I went for a walk through Chris' neighbourhood and walked to where I will be going to school for the next year or so (Ossington & Queen) 

Tid Bits

Tid Bit #1: Sorry to all those who are working right now...but now that I have some mornings off (well at least until next week) I have been tuning into Regis & Kelly. I have always been a fan of their show, but as I write they are on in the back ground and they are showing clips from previous Halloween shows...and let me tell you they are hilarious! Especially love how they dressed up as Brad and Angelina. Ha! They are a perfect morning show pair and both compliment each other. I also love that Kelly puts her self right out there, and how Regis just watches her and laughs...and of course puts his funny 2 sense in. Love.

Tid Bit #2: My bible has arrived! A few weeks before the month end I get a nice little surprise in the mail (received last week); the newest InStyle magazine! I love love love this mag! And seeing as fall is just around the corner, the size of this months (September) issue is enormous! I have already done a once over, but I need a couple hours to do a thorough read through. Pick up yours today, you won't be disappointed!

Tid Bit #3: Movie Review: Because of the not so sweet weather over the weekend I watched 1.5 movies. 1. "Fracture" (w Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling) Great movie! A couple twists and turns. I kind of predicted what would happen, but I love the way the movie played out. "Willy, you old sport" 2. Watched the 2nd half of "We are Marshall". This is football movie, based on a true story with Matthew McConaughey and Mathew Fox. Such a tragic story, and every so often I couldn't help to think how tragic it would have been to go through what the community in the movie had to endure. Won't give away the story line....but I would recommend it as a rental (as well as Fracture). "....We are....Marshall!!"

Tid Bit #4: Teddy & Moo: New celeb website. Lindsay hooked me up with this site...and seeing as I only really like looking at the pics of celebs (gotta see what they are wearing)...this is the perfect site for me. It is only pictures...and it is constantly uploading new pics throughout the day. (see side bar if you want to check it out)

ps. what's with this weather?

pps. I start school on Monday...oh my gosh!

The Hills

Well just in the midst of watching Regis and Kelly, and Lauren Conrad was on the show. Season 3 of the Hills is on tonight. Yes I am a fan...it happened very suddenly; one day I was flicking through the channels and saw "This Hills" on MTV. I had heard it was a show that was entertaining (in a no brainer sense), so since nothing else was on I decided to tune in....and of course it was a day MTV was playing several episodes in a row...and that's how it all started.Even though I don't recommend the show to anyone under 20, I do find with my values and morals in place that I can kick up my feet, sit back and enjoy the drama of 20 somethings living in LA (the hills)...and of course my fav part see what they are all wearing! (hopefully this season we won't see too much of Spencer...oh man he is a dork...too cool for school) (Lauren use to be my fav, but she is getting a little to dramatic for me...so Whitney has taken over top spot)
Tune in tonight for Season 3 of The Hills on MTV!
(will post later)

12 Things You Owe Your Body

I am currently reading the September issue of Glamour...lots of tid bits about this n' that...what I enjoy the most about Glamour are their simple one pagers. Here are 12 things you owe your body (according to Glamour):
1. A bra that gives you fantasy boobs - through what ever means necessary
2. A long back float on a hot day.
3. A friend who'll stick close by when you've had a third martini
4. Annual physicals, monthly self breast exams and daily seat belts.
5. A little more sleep than you probably got last night.
6. A lover who makes you forget everything but your body.
7. Using SPF 30 - if not 70!
8. Occasional Saturday afternoons with total disregard for to-do lists.
9. The best jeans for your genes (even if they cost $$$)
10. A go-to snack that's more than carrots but less than nachos.
11. Enough workouts so you can hike your way up to that Kodak-moment without feeling like you might die.
12. Love for it. Exactly the way it is!

Life is Coffee

This morning I received a lovely email from Angela....and thought it was so true to life. Please read below:

Life Is Coffee
A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor. The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life in general...Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, some quite exquisite.Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee... When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the small gathering..."You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones. While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems...Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups... Then you began eyeing each other's cups....Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the Life we live...The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything...So please remember: Live simply. Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly."

Ps. I would have been the first to grab the prettiest mug! Things to put into perspective!

My Yoga inspiration

The following is written on Lululemon.ca about Becky my Ashtanga 2 Yoga instructor. She is crazy good! Some of the poses she does I just watch in awe! Anywho I thought I would share a little tid bit about her, as she is my reason I keep going back every Tuesday night at 7pm! Namaste! (I now have Jen hooked too...or I mean Becky has her hooked!)
Rebecca (a.k.a. Becky) dreamt of becoming a dancer when she was in her teens. As a teenager, she danced throughout her high school years. It was also during this time that she was introduced to Hatha Yoga, which was an integral part of her dance classes. Rediscovering Yoga as an adult, Rebecca feels she has finally "come home". It was definitely love at first sight with her first Ashtanga class which to her, felt much like an elegant dance. She was especially captivated by the strength, flexibility and gracefulness of Ashtanga yogis/yoginis. She knew she was hooked. Since then, Rebecca has benefited from yoga both physically and mentally. Physically, Rebecca credits yoga for ending her years of suffering from stomach ulcer. At the same time, she learns to breathe through situations confronted off the mat as if they were another challenging yoga postures. Although Ashtanga yoga has remained Rebecca's main practice; she respects and practices other traditions and encourages her students to do the same. Rebecca has an M.B.A. from York University and is a blessed with a challenging career with a multinational corporation. However, her love for yoga has inspired her to teach. She currently teaches at Moksha Yoga in Oakville and 5 Elements Yoga in Brampton. Her classes are often demanding but they are filled with a sense of lightness and humor. "It's only yoga" as she often says in her class. Whenever she stands in front of her class, she reflects on what one of her teachers said to her "it is the people who come to your class that will be teaching you". With that, her gratitude goes to those who practices with her; to those who have loved her unconditionally (including her 4-leg friends) and to her teachers for their mentorship and for showing her that it's kind of fun to attempt the impossible. "If you are not kind to other living beings and you practice yoga, then you are just someone who are flexible; ok, but not a yogi" – Dharma Mittra on what it means to be a yogi/yogini, 2006 Yoga Conference, Toronto.

holidays around the corner...

These last few weeks have been a wee bit overwhelming for me; a lot of life altering moments seem to be occurring. I usually can handle one or two at a time, but when life takes me by storm I seem to deflate a lil’ bit! It’s good to know I have great friends (and bf) by my side for when I need a little chat and support with as well as a little retail therapy! Last week us Sheridan girls (we need to find a new name), all met (missing Angela of course) at Heather’s to celebrate her birthday (with a little D.Q ice-cream cake). Always the fav place to go for aps, dinner and wine! Then Heather and I last minute decided to head downtown to meet up with friends afterwards at Wayne’s patio…you only live once right? Who needs sleep? It was a fun night out on the town. We then had a H&E weekend and did a little shopping downtown. Let me tell you it was much needed. I am about to enter into the world of the broke (student life at 27) so I thought seeing as I have a pay cheque or 2 to go that I should splurge a little (I have been saving like a mad woman these past few months/year…so please don’t judge!). It wasn’t extravagant, but it was nice to buy some new jeans and venture to ForeverXXI! Welcome to Canada Forever 21!! Now my only reasons for going cross border are to visit J.Crew and Target! Any who it was strange to be home this weekend as I am a cottage jet setter when Friday comes around, but it was a nice change to my life routines if only for one weekend. This weekend cottage time!
Ps. Happy Birthday Zarine (who has now started her starbucks collection!)

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

Revised 31.07.07: Boobyball

This year Heather and I have decided to join the Boobyball 07 committee to help support the cause! To give you some back ground as to what Boobyball is and how it all started please read below: (written on http://www.boobyball.com/)

What began as a quest to raise money to help support our close friend Sarah O’Regan’s battle with breast cancer, has quickly evolved into a yearly event that generates thousands of dollars for breast cancer research. Sarah was diagnosed with stage 4 Breast Cancer at the young age of 23. Through her strong will and relentless determination, along with the support of her family and friends, she can now be counted as a survivor.
The Booby Ball, which was spawned in 2001, continues to be a huge awareness building event as well as a very successful fundraising initiative. Over the last 5 years it has raised over $250 000.00 and attracted over 850 people each year (continually selling out in advance). On Saturday September 29th, 2007, The Booby Ball and its dedicated committee, hope to build on this success and surpass our fundraising goal of $100,000. In order to accomplish this goal we need your help! We, her friends and family, are asking for any donation that you could provide monetary or silent auction items. All proceeds raised from this year’s Booby Ball 6: Glammified, will be donated to Rethink Breast Cancer, a charity who is thinking differently about how to beat breast cancer (www.rethinkbreastcancer.com).

The Booby Ball has come to symbolize how inspired we are by Sarah’s triumph over breast cancer and how determined we are to find a cure for other young women like herself. Incidentally, it has also initiated a chain of other parties and soiree’s, inspired by The Booby Ball, geared towards young philanthropists’ in Canada.

I am on the gift bag committee...so if anyone can help with the cause and help donate some items or know anyone who can please please please let me know!!
Ps. Heather is on a roll...her contacts have donated amazing items!
Pps. Picture: 2006 Boobyball group & The girls from the Society with Sarah.