36 Candles Today

Today I am celebrating my 36th birthday. I don't feel 36, yet my birth certificate says that I am. Interesting :)
I thought I would have a look to see what it was like on the day I was born.

Here are some tidbits:

My date of conception was on or about 9 May 1973 which was a Wednesday. I'm guessing that was a birthday gift to my Dad or a Mothers Day poke for my Mom! HAHAHA

I was born on a Wednesday under the astrological sign Aquarius.
My opposition sign is Leo - HA! That is Sean!

As of 1/30/2010 8:40:43 PM EST
I am 36 years old.
I am 432 months old.
I am 1,878 weeks old.
I am 13,149 days old.
I am 315,596 hours old.
I am 18,935,800 minutes old.
I am 1,136,148,043 seconds old.

The 36 candles on my cake produce 37 BTUs,or 9,324 calories of heat. You can boil 4.23 ounces of water with that many candles.

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 5.14637964774951 years old.

My fortune cookie for life reads: Anger begins with folly, and ends with regret.
I was born in the Chinese year of the Tiger.

My birth flower is CARNATION
My birthstone is Garnet --> Garnet is used as a power stone.
My birth tree is Cypress Tree--> The Faithfulness

Top songs of 1974:
The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand
Seasons In the Sun by Terry Jacks
The Streak by Ray Stevens
Having My Baby by Paul Anka
Kung Fu Fighting by Carl DouglasBilly,
Don't Be a Hero by Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods
Annie's Song by John Denver
The Loco-Motion by Grand Funk
TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) by MFSB with the Three Degrees
I Can Help by Billy Swan

Celebrities who share my birthday:
Khleo Thomas (1989)
Christian Bale (1974)
Brett Butler (1958)
Phil Collins (1951)
Steve Marriott (1947)
Marty Balin (1942)
Dick Cheney (1941)
Vanessa Redgrave (1937)
Boris Spassky (1937)
Tammy Grimes (1934)
Louis Rukeyser (1933)
Gene Hackman (1930)
Dorothy Malone (1925)
Dick Martin (1922)
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882)

There you go.....some random facts!

Giveaway Winner!

I am taking a cake break to announce the giveaway winner! Yes, I did put the cake down ;)

And the winner is....................

CHEMGRL

Comment: My best birthday was the first one my husband and I had spent together as a couple(first year of our relationship). He bought me a film camera and lens because he knew I had an interest in photography. Poor guy opened a can of worms with that gift! LOL. I got into scrapbooking and digital photography a few years after that and haven't looked back.

Congratulations!
Please email me at ohara.c at rogers dot com and I will give you your code!

One Year Ago

I can't believe it has been one year since my beloved Uncle Ken left us. While time continues to pass, the memories live on.

I'll always remember that special smile and laugh,that caring heart and that warm embrace. I'll remember you being there Aunt Shirley and your family through good and bad times, no matter what. I'll always remember you Uncle Ken because there will never be another one to replace you in my heart.

I have always wondered about the stars in the sky. Maybe they are not just stars in the sky,but rather openings where loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.

I love you Uncle Ken.

Don't forget.....

....to enter my giveaway!
Check it out, deadline is tomorrow!
http://mom2jwo.blogspot.com/2010/01/giveaway.html

8 Things plus 92 :)

Saw this on my faboosh friend Lee's Blog and I had to join in on the fun!

1. How old will you be in five years? I will be 2 days away from my 41st birthday.

2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? My Jonah
3. How tall are you? 5’6”

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six months? Being well, being lighter on the scale :)

5. What's the last movie you saw? Brothers - watched with Tricia. It was a good movie until the very end. A huge let down.

6. Who was the last person you called? Sean

7. Who was the last person to call you? Mom

8. What was the last text message you received? Jayne commenting on my facebook status :)

9. Who was the last person to leave you a voice mail? Not sure, I havent checked. But the light is blinking!

10. Do you prefer to call or text? Text/e-mail if it is a quick thing, but call if there is more to talk about!

11. What were you doing at 12 am last night? Reading blogs and trying to clear out my reader.

12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? Married

13. When is the last time you saw your mom? Last week when she stayed with me after my surgery.

14. What colour are your eyes? Blue

15. What time did you wake up today? 5:45AM only because I heard Seans alarm.

16. What are you wearing right now? Jammies

17. What is your favourite Christmas song? O Holy Night

18. Where is your favourite place to be? Home with family.

19. Where is your least favourite place to be? Gynecologists stirrups!

20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Ireland

21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Living in a different house with my husband and teenage son!

22. Do you tan or burn? I FRY!

23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Boogieman under the bed.

24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? Something taboo that Sean said at the perfect moment.

25. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2

26. How big is your bed? Queen

27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Both

28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? Buck. I love jammies but can't sleep in them. I feel pinned down.

29. What colour are your sheets? Multi-colour

30. How many pillows do you sleep with? 4!

31. What is your favourite season? Autumn

32. What do you like about fall? The changing colours, the feel of the crisp breeze, the sunsets and sunshine. Love it.

33. What do you like about winter? Christmas, snow angels and building snowmen!

34. What do you like about the summer? The ourdoor play, the sunshine, longer days :)

35. What do you like about spring? New beginnings :)

36. How many states/provinces have you lived in? 1

37. What cities/towns have you lived in? Scarborough, Peterborough, Pickering, Ajax.

38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? Bare feet or socks if I need the comfort

39. Are you a social person? Yes!

40. What was the last thing you ate? Porridge!

41. What is your favourite restaurant? Keg

42. What is your favourite ice cream? Chocolate, Cookie dough, tiger tail.

43. What is your favourite dessert? Cheesecake

44. What is your favourite kind of soup? Homestyle Noodle

45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? Strawberry Rhubarb.

46. Do you like Chinese food? Yes!

47. Do you like coffee? Good Lord NO!!!!

48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average? I'm lucky if I get one in. Isn't that terrible??

49. What do you drink in the morning? TEA!!!

51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? While lying down, looking at the ceiling, I'm on the right side.
52. Do you know how to play poker? I know how, but I suck at it.

53. Do you like to cuddle? Absolutely!!!

54. Have you ever been to Australia? No, but I hope to some day.

55. Do you have an addictive personality? I don't know.

56. Do you eat out or at home more often? At home.

58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Phil Collins from Genesis.

59. Do you want kids? I have my blessing Jonah.

60. Do you speak any other languages? Not fluently, but I can understand and speak a little french to Jonah.

61. Have you ever gotten stitches? Yes, many times.

62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Yes, a few times.

63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? Pool to swim, Ocean for the sound.

64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? Depends on what I am on.

65. Do you know how to drive stick? Not very good but if I had to in an emergency I would be ok.

66. What is your favourite thing to spend money on? Scrapbook supplies, gifts for others.

67. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7? Diamond earrings that Sean gave me.

68. What is your favourite TV show? Greys Anatomy.

69. Can you roll your tongue? No

70. Who is the funniest person you know? Michelle

71. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? No

72. What is the main ring tone on your phone? The one that came with the phone.

73. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? Yes

74. What red object is closest to you right now? Bean bag chair

75. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth? No but I should.

76. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? Closed because otherwise I would get freaked out.

77. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? Bear because the buzz of the bees would bother me. LOL.

78. Do you flirt a lot? Not a lot, but I do a little.

79. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Plum sauce.

80. What is your favourite food? Roast Beef or steak.

81. Can you change the oil on a car? Nope, not even a clue.

82. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Yes :)

83. Have you ever run out of gas? I have! Not fun.

84. What is your usual bedtime? Usually 11ish, but lately it has been much later.

85. What was the last book you read? Letter to my Daughter by Maya Angelou. It was a nice book.

86. Do you read the newspaper? when i can, yes.

87. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Todays Parent and Scrapbooks Etc.

89. Do you watch soap operas? Not anymore

90. Do you dance in the car? Yes

91. What radio station did you last listen to? Virgin 99.9

92. Who is in the picture frame closest to you? My parents.

93. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper? A quote I read on Sherry's Facebook status.

94. What is your favourite candle scent? Mulberry

95. What is your favourite board game? Monopoly

97. When was the last time you attended church? Sunday before my surgery.

98. Who was your favourite teacher in high school? No one in high school. Mr. Sweny in Grade 8.

99. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent? 5 days. Loved it.

100. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you? Colleen and Michelle made meals on the weekend to help us out. :)

Join in on the fun, won't you? Be sure to leave me a link!

And....EXHALE!

My shoulders are no longer up around my ears, I can relax now.

I had my follow-up appointment with the surgeon and I was happy to find out that she had all the results from my surgery. I didn't have to wait any longer.

My biopsy was clear!

There is no sign of cancer!

She did tell me that I tested positive for the hemmorrage disorder and that it was a smart move that we did the hysterectomy. As upsetting as it is, it was the right thing to do.

I can breathe now.

Wellness 2010 is in full effect!

A Wrong Assumption?

I have always assumed that when you told someone you've had a hysterectomy, that they would know what that means. I have assumed this because we learned it in Health Class in high school. It was the same for Cesaerean Section, Appendectomy and Colonoscopy. They were common procedures......in my mind at least.

I have discovered that Hysterectomy is not necessarily understood by many people I have spoken with lately. At first, I had found it amusing when people were surprised that I would no longer have a monthly visitor. Or that I could not have a baby! But as the comments kept coming - and they did A LOT! - I was starting to get annoyed. This of course can turn an already emotional situation worse for the person who has had the surgery.

I even had NURSES make insensitive comments to me. I am saying they are insensitive, because I would assume that they would know what a hysterectomy is. I am not a trained nurse so I can only assume.

Take scenario #1 - I had a pre-admit appointment and the nurse had to draw some blood, review the procedure being done and ask me some questions. "Are you currently pregnant?" this is a perfectly fine question because obviously they cannot do the surgery if I am pregnant. I answered "no". The next question baffled me......"Do you plan to be pregnant in the next 6 months?" Well gosh, let me think about that......ummmmm, how is that possible and where would I carry the baby??

Scenario #2 - after my surgery I was upset at the thought that I would never carry a baby inside me ever again. I was told by the nurse that I was lucky enough to still have my ovaries and that I could always have my eggs and Seans sperm implanted.........ummmmm, again, where the heck would I carry the baby??

Scenario #3 - I had to return to emergency after my surgery because of some complications. When we checked in, we gave the history of the surgery and the first question asked was "How old is your fetus?" Sean was ready to knock someone out.

Now I do want to say, this is not a slam to nurses. I think nurses do a fantastic job. I just unfortunately encountered a few that were probably having a bad day, possibly tired or quite frankly does not enjoy their job and couldn't give a crap what I was going thru.

I guess the point of my ramble is this......when someone has had a hysterectomy, the LAST thing you should talk to them about is babies and periods. Just don't. It won't end well.

Thats my ramble for today. Clearly needed to get this off my chest.

Thanks for listening ;)

For Today....January 25th

Outside My Window... It is rainy, grey and dreary. Weather like this really makes the elbow ache! Definately does not feel like winter, could spring be around the corner?

I am thinking... that there are so many things that we take for granted and it is not until we lose the ability or someone close to us that we realize it. Unfortunate.

I am thankful for... my husband and son, who have helped me out so much the past two weeks while I recover from my surgery. They have both shown such dedication, support and selflessness that I will always appreciate it. They have made the past weeks easier.

From the kitchen... Tonight is leftovers. I have some pretty amazing friends who have been bringing over meals to help us out. My fridge is full! Tonight is Italian Casserole.

I am wearing... My new black and white yoga suit my mom and dad bought me to be comfortable in. It really does feel comfortable!!

I am creating... a lot of things in my head, now to just get them to my scrap table! I have an idea that I have been toying with to make for a friend who has just lost her Mama to cancer. I think it will be healing for her. I also need to get caught up on some classes I have enrolled in.

I am going... to continue to get well, in all aspects - body, mind and spirit. It has proven to be more challenging than I thought it would be. But I am going to stick to my plan and not falter.

I am reading... more these days. I have been clearing out my blog reader and I just finished Letter to my Daughter. It was ok. Starting a new book tonight.

I am hoping... that I can find the right words to comfort my friend and that I can get creating on a gift for her.

I am hearing... The rain hit the windows. I love that sound, but it makes me sleepy!

Around the house... I am surrounded by cards and beautiful flower arrangements that have been sent to me. They make me smile each and everytime I look at them.

One of my favourite things... lately it has been Fresca. I just can't get enough of it! Which is bad, I know but just tastes refreshing!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Tricia is joining me to watch a movie today. Tomorrow and wednesday I will be supporting my friend Sandra as she says her final goodbye to her mama at the funeral. Wednesday I also have my appt with the surgeon to check how everything is going. Fingers crossed for good results. Saturday is my birthday, I will be 36 and the family is coming over for dinner and birthday cake! Other than that, it will be continuing to take it easy and heal.

Here is a picture I thought I would share... this was taken at Great Wolf Lodge at the beginning of the month. I love his smile!

One

I saw this on my brilliant friend Barb's Blog and loved it. So I cased it ;)

one hour ago: I was having a cuddle with Jonah on the couch.
one day ago: I was comforting my best friend Sandra as best I could as she prepared to say goodbye to her mother.
one week ago: I was 4 days post surgery and having some difficulty getting adjusted.
one month ago: I was cooking up a storm for Christmas dinner with my family! And we were sick!
one year ago: I was reeling from a phone call that Uncle Ken is ready for his trip up to heaven. I was (and still am) broken about it.
one decade ago: I was excited to be turning 26. Felt like it was a new chaper in my life.
--------
one hour from now: I will be attempting to shower on my own. Amazing the abilities you take for granted.
one day from now: I will continue to be the shoulder my friend needs.
one week from now: I will be a lot better and will have the positive results from surgery.
one month from now: I will have a 7 year old. OMG. I could puke right now. Seems like yesterday.
one year from now: I will be stronger, healthier and WELL.
one decade from now: I will have a teenage son, who will be old enough to drive. I think I just felt a grey hair protrude. And I gagged re reading the line.

Brave Fella

This morning Sean and Jonah were playing and a tug of war game ensued. Jonah was laughing wholeheartedly - one of my favourite things :)

I couldn't help laugh out loud when Jonah said to his Daddy:

"Wow Daddy, you're pretty strong for an old guy!"

That's my brave lil fella Jonah.

A giveaway!

Have you met Ella yet? If you haven't, you must GO HERE to check her out!

Ella offers amazing ebooks, challenges and fun! The authors are brilliantly talented and beyond inspiring!

They have just released two more eBooks - Stretch Your Sketches and A Year In Life

As part of my "giveback every month" for this year, I want to give away one of these fantastic eBooks - you choose!

I will randomly draw a winner next Saturday, January 30th - my birthday!

All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me about your most memorable birthday moment! Come on, there should be some doozzies out there!

Get an extra chance to win by posting this on your blog, facebook or Twitter!

Can't wait to read your comments!

8 Things Thursday - My Boy

This will be a very easy list to put together - all about my boy Jonah!

1. He is the most sensitive child I have ever met.
2. He understands that sometimes other peoples needs have to go before his.
3. His heart breaks for others who are experiencing difficulty.
4. He loves unconditionally.
5. He is frickin funny!
6. He wants to be with his Momma for always, even when he moves to England to marry Olivia, he told me he wants me to move with him. *mush*
7. He is generous.
8. He wants to buy his Momma an orange kitty and name her Princess Peach because that is her favourite character on Mario Brothers.

My boy Jonah. So love him.

Enjoy your thursday!

Recovering, slowly but surely

Hello my friends.

I am back home from the hospital recovering. My surgery went very well, better than the doctor expected actually. The lesion was not cancer, it was scar tissue *insert happy dance here*
I will get the results of the masses in 2-3 weeks. Think good thoughts!

The recovery is a lot harder than I thought. Today was actually a hard day. Feels like nothing is "right" with my body. Add that to the regular discomfort and my emotions and you got yourself a sobbing, swearing red head. FanFreakinTastic!

I know I have to be patient. I know I have to rest. I know it will get better.

Slowly but surely I am recovering.

The good news is, the surgery is over, results are VERY positive and I am on my way to wellness.
The flowers, jammies and cooked meals are pretty frickin awesome too ;)

Thank you for all your sweet comments, emails, thoughts and prayers.

MUAH!

What can be done?

I have been watching the news coverage of the destruction in Haiti and it makes me sick to my stomach and pisses me off. I too am devastated with what I am seeing. But this is where my anger falls into play.....

Why did we have to wait for this tragedy to acknowledge the despair??
Will we still be trying to raise the funds in a week, a month? Or only until the next distraction comes along - maybe when Michael Jacksons doctor goes on trial, or when Heidi Montag decides on yet another plastic surgery? Just like many tragedies, this will get bumped from the headlines quicker than NBC dumped Conan for Leno.

I am all for awareness and fundraising. I just wish it didn't have to take a tragedy to bring it forward.

I know you are asking, so Char, what are YOU doing to help out? How are YOU keeping the awareness alive?

I honestly don't know. Writing a cheque just doesn't seem to be enough. We have been teaching Jonah about giving and those less fortunate and I don't want that lesson to be lost.

My mind is turning.

Something has to be done. Something. I just don't know what I can do.

Sigh.......

1. The lesson I learned yesterday was hospital policies do not keep the patients best interest in mind - it's all about the $$$

2. On the road of love, trust and compromise is where friends and family meet.

3. All these years I thought I would be in a different place, I'm not and that is ok! I am happy!

4. I'm not so sure the world was ready for me when I arrived!

5. The truth is when the chips are down, it is up to you to pick them up.

6. When Jonah was born, he was so content, didn't scream, eyes wide open trying to figure out what the frig just happened just looking at us. The feeling was incredible. That is what I remember most from that day.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting and getting better, tomorrow my plans include the same with some visitors and Sunday, I want to hear all about the excitement Jonah had at Monster Jam!

Saying Goodbye....

....is never an easy thing.

I was never a fan of that song. Always turned it off when it came on the radio. Oddly enough, the last couple of days I have been saying that line in my head. Just that one line. Why? Because that it how I am feeling about my upcoming surgery.

My male readers - this may be your time to check out ;)

When I was a young gal, I was told I would not have a baby. I had a lot of "issues" in that area and the doctors prepared me to be childless. Even put it in my head that even if I DID get pregnant, the chance of me having a healthy baby were slim, that I probably wouldn't carry to full term and could possibly hurt myself in the process. I was lucky enough to have a doctor who believed it would happen. And it did. On Tuesday February 11, 2003, I gave birth to the most precious baby boy. My Jonah.

Now, it wasn't a perfect pregnancy and the problems that I had before came back - even worse. I suffered a miscarriage and also had a mass in my uterus. I had surgery to repair and I was cancer-free. Apparently my uterus decided to be a bitch and have an attitude. Here I am again, with 2 more masses and a lesion. Pain that actually makes me pass out. I went to the doctors, specialists and they only had one resolution.

This Wednesday, I am having a hysterectomy.

I would say most, if not all, of my friends responded the exact same way. With a "I am so relieved for you" or "Oh that is so great!" and even a "congratulations!". Meanwhile, I was torn apart.

Now don't get me wrong, I am a logical person. I KNOW that this is the right step for my health, for my WELLNESS. But my emotions tend to overrule logic. Me, emotional? Imagine that!!

The part that I am having a hard time with is saying goodbye to a vital piece of me. I was told for a long time that I would not have a baby. I did and now they want to take out that piece. They are taking out my Jonah home. My Jonah Home. His first home. I am in tears just writing this, this is how much it bothers me. The fact that they are just going to chuck it in the trash when it carried so much meaning to me. I can't bear it.

I received a wonderful email from my friend Sheri, who I have known since we were little girls. She told me that I am not losing Jonah's first home. His first home was my in my heart and soul. I had a good cry. Of course she is right. And I know that. I just have a hard time letting go.

I have awesome family and friends who are supportive and doing what they can to assure me that it will all be ok. Love and support, not just empty words. It is that which will help me say goodbye.

Because saying goodbye is never an easy thing.

8 Things: Crafty Plans

Another week has passed. Time for 8 Things Thursday! Do you participate? Leave me a link to your blog if you do. If you want to join in, go HERE!

This week I chose to list 8 things that I have on my "Crafty/Scrappy To do List" - maybe this will hold me accountable to actually get them D.O.N.E!!

1. Altered Advent Calendar - ok I know it is January, but I figure if I get the ball rolling now it just may be done come Decemeber! I just need to find one in stock without having to pay thru my....well, you know.
2. Altered Clipboard for MYSELF. Last May, I went to Cape Code with a bunch of wonderful gals. Monica helped me complete a clipboard for Jonahs teacher as an end of the year gift. I liked it so much I wanted one for myself. Lee helped me gather the required supplies that would be perfect for me. Now I just have to get it done.
3. Wellness Album - Since my little word for 2010 is Wellness, I thought it would be a great idea to document that journey! I am not sure how yet. Maybe layouts, may just be journalling, maybe some inspiring quotes. The idea came to me when I was cleaning up my scrap area and sorting thru my fabulous box of goodies from my friend Kyla! It has an album in there that I think will be perfect!
4. Me: The Abridged Version - my very first Cathy Z class. I had enrolled in the class but then we had some upset personally. Instead of cancelling, Cathy suggested I complete the class at a later date and that the journalling could be healing for me. She was right! (Of course!). I have started some journalling and it definately comes at the perfect time. Lots of emotion to pour out. I really want to get this one done.
5. Design Your Life - my 2nd Cathy Z class. This is a larger scale class. I wasn't going to join given the timeframe but I had many enablers! (cough...Barb...cough cough...Monica.....cough....Lee). I am SOOOO glad I have these enablers. First week and I can already tell this class is worth it! Again, with my surgery being next week, I will have to put this class off.
6. Altered Chipboard Albums - I have 3 to finish! I am almost done BEACH, kit is ready for FAMILY and Santa brought me the BELIEVE album that I still have to gather supplies for.
7. Digital Scrapping - I have the PSE, now I just need to take a tutorial to LEARN how to do it and give it a try! I have many fabulous templates to help me along the way.
8. Layouts! I have taken some classes and learned some new techniques. Now, its time to get them down on layouts!!

Lots of scrappy plans for me!!

One Little Word

Last year I joined in on selecting a word that would reflect you and your life for that year.
In 2009 I selected the word STRIVE. I chose that for many reasons and really did think that it was a good word!
Little did I know that it would reflect much more than I anticipated.

The meaning of Strive, as indicated in the dictionary means:

- to exert oneself vigorously; try hard; to make strenuous efforts toward any goal:

Perfect! That is what I wanted to do!

My plans for 2009 were:

1. STRIVE to be a better mom each day
2. STRIVE to learn more about my hobby
3. STRIVE to be healthier
4. STRIVE to learn forgiveness

Now that 2009 has ended, I googled the word Strive again to see how it played against my year. I found these additional meanings:

- to contend in opposition, battle, or any conflict; compete.

- to struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance: to strive against fate.

- to rival; vie.

Boy! Is that ever true!!

I battled many things in 2009 - many which had great lessons and many which had great heartache.

• Deaths, unemployment, illness, car accident, kidney stones, broken elbow, intense physio, more deaths, being un-invited to a funeral, generally not being well!

I struggled vigorously - mostly to not lose my mind!

Rival - an on-going battle with Sean's family that continued even after death.

But.....at the end of it all, I survived.

I initially thought my little word for 2010 would be Survival. But I did that last year and I don't want to set a goal that assumes more bad things will come my way. I wanted to select a word that will really reflect my goals for 2010.

Without a doubt in my mind, I have selected the perfect word for myself:

WELLNESS

For my mind, body and spirit, I want WELLNESS. No....I NEED wellness.

I am not going to sit back and hope this happens. I have made a plan for myself and I owe it to my family to make it happen. I am even going to document my wellness journey.

My first step for wellness is accepting that I have to have a hysterectomy. It has been scheduled for January 13th. This will help make my body well but it is up to me to make my mind well about it. I am working on it, I really am.

Wellness in 2010 is my goal and it's a goal that I am confident will be achieved.

Do you have a little word? Please share it with me!

For Today....

Inspired by the Simple Woman's Daybook)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... it is finally looking like winter! Snow that has actually stuck to the ground! Where was it 2 weeks ago??? Sheesh!

I AM THINKING ... I have so much to do before my surgery next week!! YIKES!

WE ARE LEARNING … to be more organized, set goals and move forward!

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... my unbelievably supportive friends who are relieved for me, not sad for me.

FROM THE KITCHEN ... I need to find a bunch of crock pot recipes or casserole dishes to get my boys thru the next few weeks!

I AM WEARING ... my fluffy blue housecoat. It's very comforting.

I AM GOING ... to get a lot done this week. I have to. No choice.

I AM READING ... again FINALLY! I just finished About Alice, today I am starting a new book - name escapes me that my friend Sarah gave me and I always have the wonderful inspiring blogs!

I AM CREATING ... a plan. Yes, I was doing that last week, but I am new to this and want it to be of value!

I AM HOPING ... that this surgery next week will be the fix to my problems and the first step on my WELLNESS journey. I am hoping that I can get my emotions in check within the next 9 days!

I AM HEARING ... Jonah playing Xbox. He is home from school because of a nasty rash.

AROUND THE HOUSE ... there is a sneaky little buggar of a mouse that I am determined to catch. And at this point, I don't care if it is done humanely or not! LOL

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... is tea. But it HAS to be Tetley. MUST BE Tetley. After a weekend at the Great Wolf Lodge, who serves only Red Rose (yuck, puke, gack!), the first thing Sean and I did was make a cup of tea - good tea!!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... run a few errands, trips to the hospital for blood work and pre-op appts, clean the house, scrapbook night at Sandys (YAY!!) and just all round getting ready and back in order.

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

My nephews - James and Ryan. My handsome men. Rarely do I get a photo of them when they are both smiling!