Thursday was no exception.

I had the absolute honour of meeting an amazing family on one of my flights.  David, Jasmina, Sebastien and Genevieve.  They were so kind, and so lovely.  I met them as they boarded – Genevieve is just itty-bitty and I arrived to help them get settled and offer our airline’s Infant Briefing.  As I always try to do, I also chatted a little bit with Big-Brother Sebastien.  Both of these kids are super cute, and super sweet.  Mom and Dad were so obviously proud of them both, and so nice to chat with.  I would have loved to have chatted longer – but work is work…  so off I went.  Throughout the flight, I shared smiles with the kids.  When it came time to offer our service, I found out the reason behind the medical tubing Sebastien sports in a little backpack-type getup.  Oh – didn’t I mention that part?  Well no – because honestly, I didn’t notice it right off.  I was too taken by this little boy with huge eyes and a cute smile.  I was too interested in the casual conversation I was having with his parents.  But yes, Sebastien obviously (if you can see past those cutey-patootey eyes) has some medical stuff going on.  I was stunned tho, when his Mom told me.  Transplants.  Not one, Not two – but THREE.  On three different organs in his tiny little body.

Now, I don’t know about YOU, but I am not sure how I would handle their situation.  I can only hope I would be half as amazing as this family.

When we arrived at our destination, I decided to ask Jasmina if she had a Blog about Sebastien’s journey.  I was so happy to find out that she did.  You can read his story HERE.  I have read through, and looked at the pictures.  I have a new respect for parents who live their lives with an un-well child.  Also?  I have always supported Organ-Donation – but you can bet your next paycheque that this family will proudly see past our own grief and donate should we ever be placed in that situation by this Universe.

I won’t lie to you.  I hugged my boys a little tighter at bedtime tonight.  Every child is a blessing and a miracle.  We each have our paths and lessons to learn from this lifetime, and I know that we would tackle any situation we were presented with.  Still, I am so grateful that my children are healthy.

My thoughts and prayers and positive energy are being sent to this amazing family.

I will be tracking Sebastien’s journey.

“I bought this outfit for BlogHer”

“These shoes are going to be great for BlogHer”

“I just got invited to this party at BlogHer”

Here I sit, coffee in hand, less than 48 hours before it will be time to go.  I have not packed a thing, nor have I really developed a plan as to what I will be wearing.  I have some nice shoes, but will most likely be wearing flats all weekend as my ankle and foot are still in the healing process.  I have an invite to one awesome party, thanks to my amazing Roomie @Toywithme. Also?  I still have no idea what I am getting myself into.

I read through the agenda.  I know there are lots of things going on.  I don’t know if I was supposed to register for things, or if you just go.  Oh well.  I am just going.

Winging It.

Heading to San Diego without a plan.

At least I have two awesome roomies (did I mention I am also rooming with @maniacalmom?), and what seems like it should be a very nice hotel room…  it has a fridge….

I think I’ll bring wine.

I am in no way prepared.

I have no idea what to pack, I have no idea what to bring, I have no idea what I will be doing once I get there.

I am starting to freak out.  I am super excited to go, and see what the fuss is about.  I am excited to meet some amazing women along the way, and to hopefully learn a little bit about this whole Blogging Thing.

But under all that excitement?

TOTAL FREAK OUT.

At least I am going with a friend.  I don’t think she has a clue what to expect either.  We shall wing it together.

Anyone want to send me some advice? Take me under their veteran BlogHer Wing?  At least tell me what to put in my suitcase?!?!??!

Until then…  it’s BlogHer or BUST.

When you say “ten years”, it sounds like such a long time.

Why then, have the last ten years gone by in what feels like a blink of my eyes?

Ten years ago, today, my world changed.

Ten years ago, today, my world turned upside down.

Ten years ago, today, I became a Mother.

Tyson Deane.  Born June 24, 2001.  Born after more hours of labour than I care to remember.  Born to parents who hadn’t planned on him, but were thrilled he chose to join them.

I found out I was pregnant in November.  The same day my own Mother re-married.  That was her wedding gift – I showed her the stick.  We didn’t say anything to anyone else for a few weeks.  We wanted to settle into the idea ourselves.  Like I said, we hadn’t planned on having a baby.  This baby had planned for us.  His plan?  It couldn’t have been more perfect.  We were so happy to welcome him into our lives, it’s hard to believe it wasn’t the plan from the get-go.

I always thought I’d be a pretty good Mom.  I love kids.  I have volunteered with them, taught them, and always wanted to be around them.  I was pretty certain this mothering thing would be a piece of cake.

HA!

As it turned out, other than being pretty good at diapering and cuddling – I had absolutely NO idea what I was doing.  Talk about being thrown into the deep end!  I muddled through, and I think I have succeeded in raising a pretty good kid.

Tyson is…..  funny, smart, cute, loving and talented.  He can paint, sing, and play instruments.  He is good in Karate, and amazing in his new love, Kobudo.  He is one of the most wonderful people I have ever known.  I probably don’t tell him that enough, but I hope that he can feel my amazement whenever I look at him.  It’s amazing to me to realize that Joel and I have created this human being.  We have taught him well, and led by example.

I love him more than my own life.  I love that he looks like me.  I love that he has red hair, and my eyes.  I love that he has such a free and crazy spirit. I love that he is brave enough to be himself.  So many people aren’t.  I love every last bit about him – except the noise he makes while he’s chewing….

I love you Tyson.

I am incredibly proud to be your Mom.

**the first two photos are wonky – I took pictures of framed photos.

I got bussing directions from the front desk, grabbed change and $20 and set off downtown.  Downtown Saskatoon is where the river flows through, so I knew this would be a good place for a walk.  I was able to get there without any difficulties, and started wandering around.

The following are the pictures I snapped on my journeys.  I came across a little Greek Restaurant that I remembered from the course weekend, and popped in for a glass of wine and giant slice of Baklava.  Not a bad ending to my little adventure.  I hope you enjoy these pictures – I certainly enjoyed getting out and about!

Until Next Adventure!!!

I have some pretty amazing friends.

You know who you are.

Some of you are new, some of you are old…  but each one of you brings something unique and amazing to my life.

Some of you are confidants, knowing practically everything about me, and yet still adoring me.

Some of you bring a smile to my face, unexpectedly, day after day.

Some of  you mirror the joy I am meant to bring to the world, and help me to magnify that.

Some of you listen to my fears, and help to wipe the tears away.

Some of you are always there, willing to help me when I need it most.

Some of you are family, by blood.

Some of you are family, because I said so.

Some of you are close enough to hug every day, while others of you are too far to see very often.

Some of you are here to teach me.

Some of you are here to be taught by me.

Some of you fill spaces in my heart left by others.

All of you are appreciated.

All of you are loved.

I am so blessed to have such an amazing group of people in my life.  Whether I’ve known you for years or for weeks, I hope you all know that I am so grateful for each and every one of you!

I’ve been doing ok – yes, just ok – at getting out and finding the new and re-discovering the old. It’s hard to break old habits. I promise tho, it will get more interesting. Here is what I have accomplished.

I have stayed in the following cities:

Kamloops (YKA) I learned that Kamloops isn’t the boring small city on-the-way to your destination I thought it was. There is an amazing history to be learned. The landscape surrounding the city is breathtaking. The people I got a chance to chat with were amazing. I am putting Kamloops on my list of “must visit in real life” destinations. I only had 10 hours there, so didn’t get a chance to get out and explore…

Montreal (YUL) I tried a new restaurant while visiting Montreal. I am saddened that I can not remember what it is called. It is a large “Brasserie” right close to our hotel. The food was great, the wine lovely and the prices could NOT be beat. Where else can one have Escargot, Soup and a 1/2 litre of Wine for $24.00 INCLUDING Tax and Tip?!?!?!? Dear Nameless Brasserie – I will be back!

Edmonton (YEG) I will admit that I didn’t go anywhere or try anything new while in Edmonton. I enjoyed a lovely dinner with my Parents-In-Law instead.

Moncton (YQM) We couldn’t decide where to go for dinner, so we braved the light rain and just started walking. We happened to come across a little Tapas place called “Vie” (see info here) We enjoyed amazing food, great wine, a server who was knowledgable, fun and friendly and all six of us vowed to go back as soon as we could.

Toronto (YYZ) Well, I didn’t end up going anywhere new. I wanted to visit the SteamWhistle Brewery, but my friend and I just didn’t want to brave Transit in the rain. We opted to pretend we were somewhere nice, and went to the Lone Star Texas Grill and enjoyed Margaritas and Coronas all afternoon.  I also got to know a wonderful new friend, and ran into other crew members during the afternoon.  While it wasn’t a new place, it was a different experience there.  Very enjoyable.

All in All, while I haven’t seen many new sights, I am keeping my mind open to new experiences.  I am hopeful that when the weather in Canada finally gets to be Spring or maybe even SUMMER that it will be easier to venture out and see things that are new.  Until then, I will keep my eyes open, and continue to add a new spin to existing locations.

Have you ever stopped to think how your words, no matter how simple, can change the course of someone’s day?

It’s true. It’s true because words are among the most powerful weapons humans have at their disposal. They can inflict more damage than a knife and show more love than a bouquet of roses. Could you imagine a world where people used their words instead of their fists? Spoke instead of hiding behind fancy gifts? Spoke their feelings instead of remaining silent? That world, friends, would be an amazingly different (and just plain amazing!) place.

I had a friend text me today asking how I was doing, and simply stating “… been thinking of ya!”

It was a simple gesture.

That gesture? It pulled me out of a sad place. It reminded me that even tho I was thinking of people I didn’t have anymore, I was surrounded by love and friendship. It reminded me that someone, out there, was thinking about ME. And hoping I was ok.

So to her (Hi Sarah!!!) I say THANK YOU.

To everyone else? Remember how powerful words are. Write your Grandmother a letter. Phone your best friend just because. If you love someone, tell them so! If you are angry, talk it out. If you are scared, reach out to someone and seek comfort. Ask your kids how their day was.

Believe me… it can really make a difference.

It’s time for the break to end.

I have decided to spend my summer Blogging about my overnights.

No, No, NO! not overnights in THAT way…. we’ve covered off that topic in previous posts… Unless one of you wants to keep my Monsters for a night or two so that my husband can join me on my overnights…. but I’m getting off topic.

What I am going to do is find something interesting, fun, new or hidden in each destination I sleep in. It could be a great meal, a landmark, a pretty walk… anything!

I leave today for 4 days. That means 3 overnights. I will be in the following cities:
Kamloops, British Columbia
Montreal, Quebec
Victoria, British Columbia

I’ve driven through Kamloops before, I THINK. I know NOTHING about the city, so my first destination should be fun. Also? I only have 10 hours on the ground there… so I am hopeful there is something awesome right around the corner from my hotel!

Join me this summer as I re-discover my country, my airline’s destinations, and myself!

It’s a simple list of life truths that we all learned when we were small.  I have included it here, in case you haven’t seen it.  I recommend that you read more of his writings as well – he’s a talented and brilliant man.  A link to his site:  Robert Fulghum

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.

These are the things I learned:

• Share everything.
• Play fair.
• Don’t hit people.
• Put things back where you found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
• Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you eat.>
• Flush.
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
• Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
• Take a nap every afternoon.
• When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
• Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
• Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we.
• And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

It’s simple stuff.

I spent yesterday in a state of funk.  I was angry.  I was sad.  I was annoyed.  The attitudes of those around me were making me want to pull my own hair out.  From the co-worker who was selfish and greedy enough to actually complain loudly about a gift from our company to us, to the girl who would rather lie about her health in order to get paid, to the family drama that I don’t want to be involved with yet I feel I should be because I understand.

It was all just too much for me yesterday.

I don’t understand people.

I don’t understand why some people find it so hard to just be happy.  Accept things the way that they are.  Find the joy in what you do have, instead of always being angry at what you don’t.  Love each other.  Do the RIGHT thing, even if it’s not the EASY thing.

I am not perfect. (I know… you are all SHOCKED).

I fall into these trappings just like everyone else.  The only difference is that I have made a conscious decision that I do not want to live my life feeling that way.  I take time to acknowledge those negative feelings, try and find out why I am having them, and MOVE ON from them.

It’s not hard.

I challenge you all to let go of ONE negative thought or feeling you are holding on to today.  It isn’t serving you a purpose, it’s just holding you back.  Acknowledge it, and then LET IT GO.  You will feel as if a weight has been lifted.  You will find it easier to smile.

Most important?

You will be happier.