The End

It has been one full year, plus one day, since I started this blog.  In the last year I have learned many new things about myself.  The biggest thing that I have learned is acceptance.

I have learned to accept who I am and what I am.  I know that I might have a few (okay, so many) more pounds on my frame than I did 10 years ago, but I have also learned that my weight is not what defines me.  I have learned that my friends really don't care what size my clothing is, they like me for me - imagine that!!  I have learned that I am a strong woman with points of view that are not always the same as those around me, but that is okay because they are mine.  I have learned that I play a very important role in the lives of many people and that I am greatly appreciated for those roles.  I have learned that my children do not need to be involved in extra-curricular activities at such young ages to grow and blossom - what they get from school and home is enough.  I have learned to stop and smell the roses.

I look so forward to this next year.  My oldest child is ready to spread her wings and fly (sob, sob) and my youngest child is no where near even stepping foot outside the nest! 

Life is grand, I will embrace this next year and all it has in store for me.

Happy New Year!

SJ

It's my day!

Today I am 35 years old! 

I am not scared to grow old, with the exception of looming death, I am quite excited to grow up and grow old!  I don't feel any older today than I did a month ago, or even a year ago.  The only physical trait that proves I am getting older is the fact that I have a handful of grey hairs - actually the are stark white...I call them my "Vitiligo hairs".  I am not afraid of my hair turning grey/white, I am going to embrace it and not an ounce of hair dye will hit this head! 

Today for my birthday I have asked Greg that we do nothing.  I don't want a party, don't want a cake, don't want to go out for supper.  I simply want to watch a movie and eat some chips tonight!  Those who are close to me and know me best may be shocked by those facts!  Five years ago, for my 30th birthday, I threw myself a grand party!  My mom made me the best ever birthday cake - an Aerosmith cake!!!  I had all my friends and family there and I loved it!  Five years later, I have one more kid and a job and quite frankly, I am tired!! 

I am having a lovely day so far, thankful for all the wonderful birthday wishes from family and friends.  There is nothing like a birthday to make a person feel loved!

For anyone in my life who might think that what I said before about being tired and not wanting to do anything will continue in the future...just a heads up that if five years when I turn 40 I want a HUGE party!!!!!!!!!!!!

SJ

Jump!

Gym class was my least favourite time of the day in school; working out at a gym has never lasted more than about three weeks; exercise videos have made a killing off of me, but have never seen the inside of a DVD player.  Needless to say, I am not big on exercise or sports - perhaps that's why the scale never seems to go down!  I decided just a few minutes ago, after eating yet another handful of yummy walnuts (and some fudge and some butter crackers and, well you get the point) that I would try some form of exercise that could be done while four little children and a golden retriever ran around the room with me in the middle of it...I decided on Jumping Jacks! 

Here is what I learned from doing Jumping Jacks in my living room:

1. I need a sports bra if I want to do any kind of jumping!

2. My stomach actually bounces when I do!

3. I might need to talk to my doctor about my weak bladder soon!!

Good thing they don't require adults to go to gym class, but maybe, just maybe they should!

SJ