Living by Design

2010-08-09T11:30:00.000-04:00

My sister gave me this great fish recipe - thought I'd share it with the world. It's light and delish!

Ingredients:
- 3 leeks
- 3 spring onions
- oil/butter
- 2 tsp flour
- 4 oz of white wine or stock
- 2 tbsp milk
- Cod Fillets
- fennel seed
- cracked pepper

1. Preheat oven 375.
2. Take three leeks (white parts) and three spring onions and sauté in 1tbsp of oil or butter and garlic in an oven proof pan until soft.
3. Sprinkle 2tsp of flour and cook 1 minute
4. Add 4oz of liquid (white wine/stock) and 2tbsp of milk.
5. Bring to a boil and take off the stove.
6. Add some salt if using.

It’s not really saucy.

In the meantime, take COD fillets (or other firm white fish), put fennel seed (finely crushed) and freshly cracked pepper on both sides and then place on the leek mixture. Put in the oven at 375 for 10 minutes or until cooked.

Serve! My sister served it with zucchini and summer squash also sautéed/simmered in oil and garlic and stock and then sprinkled with roasted walnuts and parm cheese. YUM!

Let me know if you like this recipe!

Status Update on Chloe's Spine

2010-05-08T08:45:00.000-04:00

This week, I finally managed to get the x-rays of my daughter’s spine that were taken by two different hospitals. Since 4 months have passed between those two x-rays, I’m keen to know if any progression in the curve is visible. Yesterday I sent the x-rays to three different orthopedic surgeons and now I need to wait to find out their diagnosis.

If there has been no progression (or worsening) of the curve, then this may be spinal asymmetry which needs to be watched – but no treatment is necessary.

If there has been a progression (or worsening) of the curve, then we need to measure the speed at which it is progressing and we’ll need to talk about treatment.

X-Ray From December 2009
X-Ray From April 2010

Fortunately, since April, Chloe hasn’t complained one bit about any pain in her back. She seems to be sleeping well and isn’t sore in the morning.

I’m crossing my fingers.

Tuxes, Photographer and Vows

2010-04-30T21:04:00.003-04:00

Last weekend Scott and I reserved Tuxes for the boys. So, now all that’s left for the wardrobe is my jewelry and shoes. Recently, a few friends of mine have held Silpada Jewelry parties and I really like their jewelry – but I think it might be a little bit too casual for my wedding dress. What do you think? (http://www.silpada.ca) I think I may borrow my friends pearls…I’m not quite decided yet. I haven’t seen them…and I don’t know what they look like. I prefer not to wear a traditional strand of pearls. I want something interesting. I’ll let you know what I decide.

Yesterday, we met with the photographer and we think she’ll be able to capture the essence of our wedding. Her photography is artistic – and she has a knack for capturing natural, intimate moments at an event. She tends to take candid pictures over posed ones. And, those are the moments I want to capture on the day of our wedding. So I think I’ve found the right person. Just in case you’re curious, you can get a sense of her photography at her site (http://www.m-contemporaryphotography.com)

We have also started working on the actual ceremony. Here it is so far:

Introduction: Welcome, to all of you who have gathered today to share in this ceremony with Scott and Suzan

The words that will be spoken here today are significant, though they are not what join these two. Nor is it this ceremony. For we are not here to mark the start of a relationship but to recognize a bond that already exists. Scott and Suzan have already committed themselves to each other, and we have gathered so they might bear witness before us of the love that has grown between them.

We are here to witness their statement of love and commitment. This is an act as ancient as the human race and, at the same time, as new as each morning. For it speaks of the past and hopes for the future, of the life of the individual and the existence of the community. Marriage is a going forth; a giving up of one way in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone, risking what they are for what they might be.

Declaration of Intentions:
Scott and Suzan, do you come with joy and anticipation to this moment when you will be legally joined in marriage? Do you pledge to treat each other with kindness, respect and compassion, to listen to each other and to speak to each other with honesty, today and always?

We do.

Recognition of the Gathered Company:
Each of you has been invited here because you are a special person in the lives of Scott and Suzan. You have come to celebrate with them and to witness their commitment to one another. Will you, their friends and family, do all in your power to support this couple now, and in the years ahead?

Reply: We will.

Words to the Couple:
You have come to love each other deeply and sincerely. That love has given you the desire to unite in marriage and to establish a home together. In this ceremony you are dedicating yourselves to give happiness and well being, each to the other. Your marriage is an act of trust. It must not be based on the vain hope of what the other will do or will not do, might become or might not become. It must be based on the firm belief in your own individual worth and that of the other. Your pledge today is an expression of your devotion. The words spoken in this ceremony will validate your marriage only if your love and commitment to one another are strong enough to sustain it. Today you announce your love for each other in the presence of families and friends. We rejoice with you and we wish you well.

In marriage a family comes into being. Be joyful in your family. Bring to your family an appreciation of the beauty of each other. Bring to your family a sense of comfort and strength. Bring to your family a joy and thankfulness for being together. Today we not only celebrate this marriage, but we also celebrate the affirmation of family with Put the names of your children

Betrothal:
Scott and Suzan, as you have come here freely to give yourselves in marriage do you now promise that you will love and honour each other as husband and wife? Reply: We do

Exchange of vows:

*Scott's for Suzan*

Today Suzan, before our family, friends and children I take you as my wife. I join my life to yours, not merely as your husband, but as your best friend, I promise to love you without reservation, encourage you in all your efforts and be your faithful companion in good times and in bad. I commit to grow with you in mind and spirit, to always be open and honest with you and hold you above all others.

*Suzan's for Scott*

Today Scott, before our family, friends and children I take you as my husband. I join my life to yours, not merely as your wife, but as your best friend, I promise to love you without reservation, encourage you in all your efforts and be your faithful companion in good times and in bad. I commit to grow with you in mind and spirit, to always be open and honest with you and hold you above all others.

*Exchange of Rings:*

The ring is the symbol of the unbroken gift of love. Like time, love freely given has no beginning and no end. May these rings be an outward and visible sign of the bond which unites these two loyal hearts in endless love. May your rings always call to mind the freedom and power of this love.

* please repeat after me:*

Suzan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder that I will always be there for you, and will forever remain loving, honest, kind, patient and forgiving. Take this ring and be my wife.

* please repeat after me:*

Scott, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder that I will always be there for you, and will forever remain loving, honest, kind, patient and forgiving. Take this ring and be my husband.

*Sand Ceremony *

Suzan and Scott are joined in their vows by their children, for the love and commitment involves everyone in this blended family of six. This relationship is symbolized through the blending of these individual containers of sand. Each person brings their own special light and gift onto this union. What is created here today is a unique symbol of the union to which all of you form a part of.

Scott, you are the foundation of the family, the protector, the keeper and the defender. Neither folly nor harm may come to your family least it passes first through you. A man draws his strength from the love of his wife and children. And by all rights there be not a man nor circumstance that can hope to stand against you.

Suzan, you are the family’s heart built of love, nurturing and wellbeing for the family. Gently, guiding, inspiring, soothing and comforting. You guard and tend the hearts and emotions of your beloved family. You are ever present and steadfast in subtle yet dynamic ways, offering great and enduring strength and loving wisdom that will carry on for a life time.

Preston, you are the eldest. As the eldest, you will be seen as the leader, providing a watchful eye and examples for the others to follow. Your gifts to this family are the qualities of justice, independence, determination and self reliance.

Amelie, you are strong, witty and playful. You understand the importance of friendship. You understand that to inspire others, you must have confidence in yourself. And your playfulness is a gift to our family.

Chloe, you show by example what kind of heart it takes to make a difference in this world. You are capable of so many great things …not just for yourself, but for the benefit and wellbeing of all. You remind us the greatest gift is love.

Cole, you have a unique and creative mind. You’re ability to get lost in your imagination is incredible. We appreciate your ‘suspishical’ spirit.

Scott and Suzan you now seal the family vessel with your sand, symbolizing the families’ blending and unity, with love, joy, wisdom, pride, protection and blessings for each of you and for all the days of your lives. From this moment forward you are now and always will be a family. May all of you keep your individuality as represented by your individual vases, and in time, as the sands in your family vase combine so will the strength and bounds of your new relationships. Nurture and respect each other always. Honor the gifts that each of you posses and share your gifts with each other freely and with sincerity. By doing so, each of you will become greater, wiser, kinder and stronger.

Support, and protect each other, listen to each other and teach each other through love, understanding and consideration.

Pronouncement:
Scott and Suzan, inasmuch as you have pledged yourselves, each to the other, and inasmuch as you have declared the same in the presence of this company by exchanging vows and by giving and receiving rings, I do now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may seal your vows with a kiss.
With abiding confidence and deep affection,
We send you forth on life's journey together.
May love and peace be yours always.
A peace which the world can neither give nor take away,
A love which the world cannot destroy.
May you have courage, wisdom and peace in your future years together.
And may the happiness you share today be with you always.

Go now to walk the ways of the world together. You, Preston, Cole Amelie and Chloe, too, have entered this circle of love, where you will be sheltered and warmed until you are grown and go to find your own world. May the days of all of you be good and long upon the earth.

Ladies and Gentlemen: I present to you Scott and Suzan, as husband and wife

2010-04-27T22:19:00.001-04:00

As a Christmas present last year Scott signed us up to take Salsa dancing lessons and it's turned out to be such a wonderful gift. We showed up for our first lesson, feeling a little bit nervous about meeting all kinds of new people and

Every Sunday evening we go dancing together. It's great exercise and great fun!

Spinach and Asparagus Soup

2010-04-19T16:01:00.001-04:00

Recently I made a very easy and healthy spinach and asparagus soup that a friend really enjoyed. She suggested that I post it to my blog…so here it is.

4 cups of low sodium chicken broth
4 large celery stalks, chopped
1 large container of fresh baby spinach
1 bunch of fresh asparagus
Salt and pepper

Add 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth to a pot and add the chopped celery. Bring the broth and celery to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Add the spinach to the broth and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and scoop out ½ the asparagus onto a cutting board. Chop the asparagus into ½ inch segments and set it aside. Place all of the baby spinach into the pot containing the hot broth and cover for 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt. Blend the soup with a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the soup to a pot and add the remaining asparagus segments. Add pepper and salt to taste.

Serve hot with delicious crusty bread and extra old cheese.

Bonne Appetite.

Wedding and flower girl dresses found!

2010-04-17T23:37:00.000-04:00

Amelie, Chloe and I spent the day with my step mom shopping for wedding and flower girl dresses on St. Hubert street in Montreal. Its incredible how many stores are located on that two block segment of St. Hubert. If you can't find a dress there...I doubt you'd be able to find one anywhere.

My dress is a very simple, cream coloured, strapless dress. Amelie's dress is cream as well with some beading on the torso and bottom. Chloe's dress is very similar but in gold with beading on just the torso. We also found beautiful matching shoes and tiaras for the girls.

It's hilarious because now that we've bought the dresses for the girls, they are going to have to wait over two months to wear them. That's just going to be torture for them. They just can't wait!

So, the next step will be to put together Scott, Preston and Cole's outfits for the big day. I think they could pretty much choose any colour that matches this cream and gold palette. If they want to choose a bright colour like orange or blue, we could potentially make our bouquets that colour.

So, I have two months left to plan and here's my to-do list:

• Design and send out the invitations. We’ve already got a rough idea what they will look like.
• Reserve the tuxedo rental for Scott and the boys.
• Buy shoes for myself.
• Design and make my jewellery.
• Hire a photographer (I've already got a photographer in mind but am trying to solidify a meeting with her on April 27 to confirm her availability and costs.
• Plan where Scott and I will go the night of our wedding.
• Buy gift for the kids. Ideally necklaces for each of them.
• Plan the ceremony with the officiate.

Spinal asymmetry or juvenile scoliosis?

2010-04-16T06:31:00.000-04:00

These past few months have been a roller-coaster ride. For about two years my daughter has been periodically complaining about having a sore back. At first I ignored her complaints. After-all, I have pain in my back on-and-off too, so do most people I know. I figured that minor back pain just a part of being in the 'vertebrate' family of species. But as she continued to complain it occurred to me that it may not be normal for a 5-6 year old to complain so frequently about back pain. So we (her father and I) decided to take Chloe to the doctor just incase this is something more serious.

Our family doctor did the standard forward bend test (Adam's test) to check for a curve in her spine. He checked her shoulders, to see if they were even. He also checked her hips to see if they were level. And when she bent forward, he checked her back to see if there was any visible asymmetry. He didn't see any substantial unbalance in her shoulders or hips, but we all could see a slight curve in her back toward the right. And, when we looked more closely, we could see an slight elevation of the right side of her back caused by the rotation of her trunk-what some call a rib hump. (Note: Angle of trunk rotation is also referred to as ATR)

We were given a requisition to go to the Children's Hospital in Eastern Ontario (CHEO) for x-rays. In December 2010 Chloe's x-rays were taken and a week later we received the results. The report on Chloe's x-ray claimed that she had an 18 degree curve in her back and referred us to the orthopedic surgeon.

In an effort to get the best information possible about Chloe, we decided to make an appointment with a second orthopedic surgeon who was referred to us through a friend's physiotherapist. The appointment took place last week on April 9, 2010. The hospital took two x-rays with their EOS III machine, which is a low-dose 3D imaging device. In case you didn't know, x-ray exposure increases the risk of developing cancer--so if you can avoid taking x-rays you should. We are trying to keep Chloe's x-ray exposure down to a minimum. The EOS III machine decreases radiation exposure by 100-500 times (compared to typical scanners).

Once the x-rays were ready we met with the orthopedic surgeon. He analyzed the x-rays and examined Chloe using the forward bend test and a scoliometer. His reading of the x-rays determined that she had a 16 degree curve in her spine and the scoliometer reading showed a significant enough ATR to warrant concern. In his opinion Chloe has juvenile scoliosis and needs to be fitted with a brace immediately. If she does not receive treatment the curve will worsen and there will be 100% chance that she'll need surgery. And, surgery is something to be avoided if at all possible because there are several possible complications and negative long-term effects.

What a shock to hear all of this! I was expecting to hear that Chloe's curve was small and not anything to be concerned about. I was expecting to hear that her curve would either stay as it is or straighten itself out with time. Not in a million years did I expect to receive such alarming information. Trying to come to terms with the fact that Chloe had juvenile scoliosis. That, without treatment there would probably be 100% chance that down the road she would have to have spinal surgery (which could have devastating results). She would have to be fitted with a brace immediately and wear it 20 hours per day for the next 8 years of her life--only to decrease the chances of her requiring surgery down the road to 30%. Imagine going through all of that and still requiring surgery down the road!

Yesterday, we met with the second orthopedic surgeon and received a completely different diagnosis. He examined the original x-rays taken at CHEO and did not agree with the report (where they found the angle to be 18 degrees). He measured the angles several times and determined that there was a less then 10 degree curve. He even tried to exaggerate the results and was only able to get 13% curve. He also examined Chloe using a number of physical exams, including the forward bend test with a scoliometer where he reported only mild asymmetry with a 4 degree ATR. His diagnosis was that Chloe did not have juvenile scoliosis, but rather spinal asymmetry. And, spinal asymmetry does not require a brace and could potentially remain the same or even correct itself. Wow - what a different opinion! I was thoroughly confused.

He went on to say that there is a chance that Chloe does actually have juvenile scoliosis, so we should watch her very closely for any signs of progression in the curve. If the curve in her back does progress, we will need to reexamine her back and take it from there.

It amazes me how drastically different these two prognosis' are. And now, I feel like I need a third unbiased opinion. Fortunately I have a friend who's brother is an orthopedic surgeon so maybe he'll be able to shed some light into the situation. Right now, I'm leaning toward the watch-and-wait recommendation. It's less invasive for my six year old daughter. Four months down the road, if there is any change in the curve of her spine we'll evaluate once again whether it could be juvenile scoliosis.

I'd love to hear anyone's stories about spinal abnormalities, asymmetry, scoliosis, etc.

Started Training for the 10K Marathon on May 29

2010-03-20T08:18:00.001-04:00

On March 1st I decided that I wanted to challenge my self physically, so I've decided to run the 10K marathon in Ottawa on May 29th. I've been running regularly since the beginning of March, but I haven't been following a training program. I have found many programs online and I just can't seem to decided which one suits me. They all seem to have a couple common guidelines:

1) Include a variety of different speeds and distances to ensure that your muscles build the strength they need for a long distance run. Running hills or stairs can also help build those muscles.

2) Both rest and nutrition is important.

One thing I decided to do at the start of my training program was to share my goal (10k in May) with all of my friends and family using Facebook and in person. Also, I found a terrific application called "Runkeeper" for the iPhone that helps track my pace, distance, calories, inclines, etc and it automatically posts my results to Facebook and Twitter. And, by doing this, my circle of friends have been instrumental in helping to keep me motivated and positive. It's been wonderful!

You can see my training log here.

If anyone knows of a good training program for the 10k marathon, please send me a link. I'd really appreciate it!

A Weekend at the Cottage

2010-01-25T22:58:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we packed up the family and headed for the Jette Cottage in Magog (Eastman), Quebec. We couldn't have asked for a better weekend--the weather was beautiful--about -10 degrees and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

We left the city on Friday night at 6:45 and arrived at the cottage around 10:00. My wonderful father made sure the cottage was ready for us and welcomed us on our arrival. The kids very quickly got ready for bed and fell fast asleep.

In the morning I made eggs and bacon and the kids watched a little bit of the "Charlie and Lola" Saturday morning cartoons.

After breakfast Cole, Amelie and Chloe went sledding and Preston tried out his snowboard. I nick-named Cole "Crasher Cole" because of the way he launches himself off the sled when it hits the snow pile at the end of the path.

Afterward we explored the hills and trees around the cottage. Amelie, Chloe and Preston took turns making believe they needed to be saved...by quick snow-sand or falling from a cliff. It was very exciting!

For lunch we kept it simple...pizza, apples and tangerines.

After lunch we played Junior Monopoly and the kids played their Nintendo DS together. In the afternoon we headed back outside for a couple of hours to snowshoe on the lake and build snow-forts. It was unbelievably beautiful day.

Dad arrived for dinner on Saturday night. We enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and then watched the first 10 minutes of the movie "Juno" before my dad made it clear the movie wasn't really working for him. (For the record--I love that movie!) Once it was decided that Juno wasn't working out...we tried watching Gladiator. I think we were all just a little too tired from our busy day because 20 minutes later we were all heading to bed.

Early the next morning we had to leave for home in Ottawa to begin our standard Sunday marathon of gymnastics for Cole, Amelie and Chloe's ballet, and Salsa dancing for Scott and I.

On the Importance of Listening to your Kids

2010-01-11T14:13:00.001-05:00

Being a child isn't as easy as it seems. The majority of their time is spent playing with their friends and siblings, learning in school and listening to their parents. But once in a while - life can seem overwhelming and exhausting to these little people.

Today, one of my daughter's couldn't get out of bed. Although she was suffering from a mild cold, this wasn't the reason why she refused to get out of bed. Physically, she was quite capable. But, emotionally, she was defeated.

I'm not sure why she was feeling that way. It could have been a result of our very active Sunday. Cole had gymnastics lessons and Amelie and Chloe had Ballet. We played different games together and listened to music. At 5:00, the girls came with Scott and I to our Salsa lessons. They had a great time playing Trouble/Frustration with another little girl who was there. All in all, it felt like a really fun day for all of us. But, it didn't end on a good note.

Last night before bed, something changed. Chloe threw a bit of a tantrum. This doesn't happen very often, so when it does I know somethings up. I managed to calm her down by truly listening to her and giving her some space. She talked about the difficulty that she's having with the "separation" and that she misses her father and me all the time. She also talked about school being too long and difficult and that she wanted more time to do things that she likes--rather then school work. And, she talked about the pain that she has in her neck and her back (a misalignment that we confirmed at CHEO before Christmas). After listening to her and calming her down, I snuggled with her until she fell asleep to make sure she got a full nights rest. But, in the morning she claimed that she didn't get a wink of sleep and that she couldn't possibly go to school. So, I decided to keep her home.

I think one of the most important things a parent can do is to truly listen to their child. And, if possible, do something that will demonstrate to your child that you've heard them...and that they can have some control/responsibility over their life. By keeping Chloe home this morning, I hope that she realizes that her emotions are real and worth feeling. And, she'll understand that she can take some time for herself when she needs it.

All too often kids don't know how to listen to their heart and express themselves. And, as a result of not dealing with their emotions they end up acting-out or misbehaving. When Chloe opens up with me, and tells me what's in her heart, I'm so thankful that she can communicate it to me--rather then keep it inside. And, if I help her resolve those feelings she'll start to see that most things can be tackled straight on. And, in the long run, I hope that these conversations will give her the tools she needs to understand and trust herself...and to shape her own life.

When you are six years old, I'm sure that sometimes it feels like you can't make a difference in your own life. I see it as one of my jobs to make them realize that THEY are the key to their own happiness. So, they need to listen to themselves and try to understand what will make them happy.

And, if I hear any of my kids say they are bored...one...more...time...I'm going to scream! :) Maybe this revelation can be another 2010 resolution.

Sunday Morning Snowshoeing

2010-01-03T13:24:00.001-05:00

For Christmas I bought Scott snowshoes. So, of course, I needed to get some as well to keep him company on his snowshoeing excursions :). I purchased them yesterday afternoon at the SportChek in the St. Laurent Mall.

I have a pair of Tubbs Xplore which is perfect for exercise walking for the newbie snowshoer. Both the Frontier and the Xplore are great economical snowshoes for those of us who are just starting out with the sport.

The Xplore gives me enough traction for moderately packed and gently rolling terrain. It's not great for more advanced, hillier terrain - but that's okay for what I intend to do. It has carbon steel crampons (teeth below the foot) to give me traction for the moderate hills that Scott leads us to :). The binding is pretty easy to use but doesn't have a lot of support - so it's not great for really hilly terrain. And it has a fully rotating or pivoting shoe that sheds snow off the back rather then flicking it up onto the back of your legs while you walk.

Scott has a pair of Tubbs Frontier which is a slightly more advanced snowshoe then my Xplore. I wanted to get him a more sturdy snowshoe that will allow him to go into the more hilly terrain that his Geocaching hobbie demands. He'll be doing those excursions without me...I think. The two big differences that I've noticed between the Frontier and the Xplore are the binding and the crampons. The binding for the Frontier has what they call ControlWings™ which make them easier to put on your boot then the Xplore. And the crampons on the Frontier has an alignment on the heel that gives you more stability on hillier terrain. It basically lines your boot up with the heel on the snowshoe so that if you do end up on an off-kilter slope, your feet will stay stabilized on the snowshoe.

We started trail blazing...or bushwhacking, through the snow behind our house near the river. I wasn't that keen on the "whacking" part of the walk...and quickly made that point clear with Scott. We turned around and followed a friendlier trail. The weather was just fine at -13 degrees and a slight breeze.

On our walk I fell twice, I think because we were on a hillier terrain than what my snowshoes were made for. But Scott had no trouble at all...so I think the Frontier will work well for him.

Close to the end of our outdoor walk we came upon what looked exactly like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. I had to take a picture of it. Doesn't it look the same? Just sitting out there in the middle of the snow...all by itself decorated with a few little ornaments. Cute.

Tell me about your holiday activities!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2009-12-14T23:59:00.005-05:00

Yesterday afternoon we put on the Christmas music, broke out the egg-nog and nutmeg and decorated our Christmas tree. Our four kids, their best friend next door, my Dad and stepmother, and Scott and I worked together to trim our tree, hang the stockings and position the nativity scene.

It was both a fun and overwhelming experience. My living room really isn't very big. And, have you noticed how much smaller your house feels when an 8 foot real Christmas tree occupies the corner and all the furniture has been shifted around? Now imagine four adults standing among five excited children, with smiles from ear to ear, swarming around the tree until every last ornament is placed. And in the background, to make things just a little bit more nostalgic, we played the Chipmunks Christmas Album. It was an absolute frenzy for about 15 minutes...and then it was quite again as they scampered off to play hide and seek with one another. It was a Christmas tsunami that left my living room looking both disastrous and beautiful. Once we put away the empty ornament boxes and swept up the pine needles that had been knocked off the tree, I couldn't believe how warm and festive my home felt from corner to corner.

I'm not a fan of winter, but it's really nice to have such a wonderful holiday to look forward to right when the weather turns cold and days become so short.

My Health Journal
Tonight I had half a steak, steamed green beans, potatoes for dinner (+ a raspberry turnover for dessert :$). After dinner I helped my girls with their homework, watched a little bit of "The Flintstones" with them and then put them to bed. After working for about 1 hour on a communication brief I completed a weight routine focused on my hamstrings, quadriceps and calves. I also completed a series of sit ups to work my abdomen.

How is everyone else doing with Christmas preparations and personal health and fitness?

Grade One Evaluations and Parent Teacher Interviews

2009-12-09T22:49:00.001-05:00

Last week I received my girls school evaluations and tomorrow I'll be going to the school to meet with their teacher to discuss the results. For today's blog I would like to give my opinion on the subject of school grades, parenting and children.

I have to admit, when I reviewed the results for each of my children I was surprised. I have 6 year-old twin girls who are in the same grade one class. I spend about 15-30 minutes a day with each of them reviewing their homework, spelling words, reading and math. I have a very good idea about how my children are doing in each subject area in school. But, when I reviewed their evaluations I have to admit, I was confused.

Before I continue I need explain that I don't believe that parents should be pressuring young children to aim for straight As. Around this time of year you do hear parents talking about how important it is to them that their child achieve perfection. I don't agree with this approach. I believe learning is important, but getting the highest mark isn't the goal. I strongly believe that children should have as much time as possible playing with each other, moving around physically and discovering the world around them. Yes - school is important, but having a balanced life between school and play is essential for the healthy development of children (in my opinion).

Okay-back to my daughters' evaluations and my confusion over the results. On paper, one of my daughters was achieving higher results than the other in every single topic. What surprised me about this is that I know with absolute certainty that my daughter who was achieving lower results is actually working at a much higher level in some topics then the other daughter. How could their evaluations be so "off"? After contemplating this for a few days it occurred to me that the "results" on paper must be influenced by other factors. And then, in a moment of clarity, I realized that my daughter's behaviour must have influenced the results. My daughter (who received lower results) absolutely likes to set her own rules, is a social butterfly, and has a tendency to do what she wants. I can imagine that when compared to her sister most teachers would find her more difficult to manage. She isn't a tyrant by any means but she does have a streak of stubborness. And I can imagine that her sister is like an angle in class. As a result, I'm almost certain that her behaviour probably influenced the teacher to give her a lower grade in a subject that she excels at.

So, what will happen at the parent teacher interview tomorrow? I can tell you that for my kids the focus won't be on their grades. I won't argue about whether my daughter's grades were accurate or not. I won't discuss how I think her evaluations weren't purely based on skill level. My discussion with the teacher will focus on my daughters' overall personalities, attitudes and classroom behaviour. I believe that evaluations provide us with insights that go beyond the "grade"and I suggest parents use them to both gain a general gist of their skill level as well as understand how their children are doing emotionally and behaviourally.

I'd love to hear your perspectives on this topic. Please feel free to leave comments.

Junk Drawer Confessions

2009-12-06T11:40:00.005-05:00

How many of you out there have a junk drawer that keeps collecting more and more junk until one day you can't even open it to throw more junk in? And, how many of you carry the stress of being discovered...wondering if one day one of your guests will stumble upon your crazy junk drawer. The fear you have...knowing that every day that junk drawer exists, is another day that your reputation for being such a well put together and organized individual is put at risk.

Do you ask yourself almost on a daily basis...What will it take to get me motivated to empty out this ridiculous drawer and get organized? Oh - I know you have one. Everyone's got a deep dark secret...drawer. You know it.

Okay...this blog post was inspired by a Twitter friend (@mlanger) who recently cleaned out her junk drawer and shared ever last detail of it in her blog post. I can relate completely.

Last week, while cooking one of my healthy recipes, I had such a hard time finding the right spices. Why? Because my spice drawer was scary scary place to visit. Anyway, I'm very proud to say that I took the time to clean out that spice drawer that day and it felt good. Sometimes I just open those drawers to look at how beautifully organized they are--finally. It's a very small thing...but also very rewarding.
Here are some pictures of newly organized spice drawers :).

Unfortunately, the spice drawers aren't the only drawer in my house. And, if you were to inspect every drawer in my house...you'd find that 75% of them probably could use a major re haul.

With four kids running around the house, I find it impossible to keep my drawers organized. Can you moms out there relate to this---or am I completely alone? I'm constantly picking up toys, folding clothes and trying desperately to keep the house looking clean and organized. One of my most employed techniques is what I call the "grab and stash". This is the practice of grabbing any object that shouldn't be in sight...and stashing it inside any drawer that's within reach. The unfortunate side effect of this technique is the guilt associated with knowing that although your house may appear pretty organized...deep down inside you're a mess.

I'd love to hear your Junk Drawer confessions. Am I alone here?

Seven Strategies to Keep You Motivated to WorkOut

2009-12-03T22:44:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago I asked the question - "What keeps you motivated to work out and eat right?" Thank you Teri and TRB for sharing your tips with me in my earlier blog post. Well, I've been thinking about that question too and have put together the following list. If you have a hard time keeping motivated, try implementing some of these tips:

Entertain Yourself. Find an interesting show on t.v. and commit to working out while you watch it. Sometimes, working out can be a bit boring. So, when I do weights, I watch a show on t.v. to make it more fun.
Keep Your Gym Bag in the Car. If you've got a membership at a gym, make sure that you keep your gym bag packed and ready to go. If you plan to workout after work, aim to head to the gym directly rather then going home first. Once you arrive at home it can be very tempting to stay and kick your feet up. So, don't go home first! Go straight to the gym and get your exercise in before heading home!
Join a Class. At first it may be difficult to fit a class into your schedule, but once things settle down and the class becomes part of your routine, getting motivated to go will be easier and easier. The more you go, the more likely you'll make friends and the more fun you'll have. You'll also feel accountable for attending if you have friends in the class who look forward to meeting up with you. If your workout is tied to a social activity, it not only makes it more fun, but will also motivate you to get up and go on those days when you are super exhausted.
Write a Journal. Writing this blog helps me keep my eye on the ball. When I write my exercise and food plans down, I feel accountable to it.
Measure Yourself. If your goal is to lose weight, then weigh yourself everyday. If your aim is to build muscle, measure your self. Make sure you know what your starting point is and witness your daily or weekly progression towards your goal. It feels great to see numeric proof of your hard work.
Talk About It. Share your workout plans with your friends. If your friends know about your workout goals they may help keep you motivated by asking your how its going. The more poeple you have on your side, the better.
Partner-Up. Finding a partner to workout with can help you get through those days that you feel really unmotivated. If you don't know someone who is willing to actually workout with you, try finding someone who will call you or follow up with you about your workout plan.

My Health Journal

Every day I take one tablet of echinacea and one tablet of vitamin C. For breakfast I had two slices of toast with tomatoes, a glass of orange juice and a glass of coffee. For lunch I had a green salad and a tomato, basil and cheese sandwich. And for supper I had a chicken casadias. My weight this morning was 159.1 lbs.

A Glowing Review - Putting Edge Fun Center

2009-12-01T22:18:00.002-05:00

I’m always trying to find interesting things to do with my kids on the weekend. This week, a friend of mine was absolutely beside herself about her latest discovery and she couldn't wait to tell me about the “Putting Edge Fun Center” glow in the dark mini-golf. When she told me about it, I absolutely could not believe that I had never heard of this place before, because it sounds amazing.

Apparently, the experience for her whole family was just incredible. She raved about the cleanliness and design of the facilities. Both her almost 2-1/2 year-old boy and her 6-1/2 year-old girl enjoyed every second.

I checked out their website at www.puttingedge.com. They are located at 5 Roydon Place, Unit 1 Nepean, Ontario K2E 1A3. Children under the age of 4 can enter for free. Admission fees range between $7.89-9.89 depending on age.

If you want to get the most out of the experience, it’s best to wear some white so that you glow at maximum capacity.

I haven’t yet had the chance yet to go with my family…but you bet your bottom dollar that I’ll be taking my family at the very next opportunity.

What other fun family activities are there in Ottawa? I'd love to hear from you!

Planning for the Week

2009-11-29T16:47:00.018-05:00

On Sunday's I try to get some cooking done so that I'm free during the week to help my girls with their homework, etc. Today, I'm making 2 maple pumpkin pies (because Amelie just loves them), a beef stew (for the kids hot thermos lunches and for a supper), and Steak with Roasted Potatoes and Arugula for dinner tonight. Holy red-meat week!

I just finished making the maple pumpkin pies (from www.realsimple.com)...here is the recipe.

Ingredients

1 store-bought piecrust, fitted into a 9-inch pie plate
2 large eggs
1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

Set an oven rack in the lowest position and heat oven to 350º F. Place the pie plate on a foil-lined baking sheet.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cloves.
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the crust and bake until the center is set, 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

Now I'm going to make the beef stew from www.realsimple.com. Here is the recipe.

Beef Stew

4 pounds bottom round, well trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup olive oil (plus more if needed)
2 large onions, diced (2 cups)
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
1 pound potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
1/2 pound baby carrots (about 2 cups)
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Directions

Coat the beef in the flour. Heat a few tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meat, a few pieces at a time, adding more oil as necessary. Transfer to a heavy casserole or a heavy, covered saucepan or Dutch oven.
Add the onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and coat the onions; transfer to the casserole. Pour the wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits; add to the casserole. Stir in the broth, salt, thyme, and bay leaf.
Cook the casserole in a 325° F oven for 4 hours, or in the saucepan or Dutch oven on the stovetop over low heat for about 2 1/2 hours. In either case, stir occasionally and add up to 1 cup of additional beef broth if necessary. Add the potatoes and carrots during the last hour of cooking, and the peas just before serving.

And for supper tonight I'm making steak with arugula. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

Steak
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp brown sugar
pinch salt and pepper
1 tsp soya sauce
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 bunch arugula, thick stems removed (about 4 cups)
carrots
green peppers
parmesan cheese

Mix arugula, carrots and green peppers
Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper and soya sauce together to make dressing for the arugula.
Toss arugula and salad dressing.
Season the steak with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper and BBQ to medium rare.
Slice steak into strips and serve over top of the arugula.
Grate some Parmesan cheese over the top of the steak salad.

I took a few days off "Working-Out" this week...for a couple of reasons. 1) I have a cold that I'm trying to fight off and 2) I got the flu shot on Wednesday and it really packed a punch - felt like I had a bruised arm for two days. Although my cold started over the weekend, I still worked out Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues. and I think I over did it. But I'm happy to report that I'm starting to feel much better now.

Tonight I'll be doing the Abdominal, quadriceps, hamstrings and calf exercises from Body for Life - A Woman's Plan for Physical and Mental Transformation by Pamela Peeke.

What Makes a Brand Successful?

2009-11-27T22:34:00.002-05:00

A colleague of mine quoted Maya Angelou today in a marketing meeting and I thought it was worthwhile sharing with everyone.

"...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel"

Think about it. Think about the last time you got into a really bad argument with a loved one. Do you remember what was said or done? I don't. But I do remember how frustrated I was. And, when I think about the last time I laughed hysterically with Scott...I remember exactly where we were, and how I was feeling but for the life of me, I can't remember what he said that was so funny.

This concept is very relevant in the field of marketing. Think about a brand that you are loyal to. The first one that come to mind in our house hold is the iPhone. My partner, Scott, has an iPhone. But, he doesn't treat it like a phone...he treats it like his best friend. He absolutely loves his iPhone and has spent hours introducing his iPhone to everyone he meets. What is it about the iPhone? Well, I can tell you without hesitation...that iPhone makes Scott feel happy...consistently. The iPhone brand is not successful because it has a superior logo or a better tagline then the rest. It's not even about the actual product (although the product, in this case, really rocks!). It truly is about how the iPhone makes Scott feel.

It's about the experience. It's about what the brand promises and delivers consistently. And, to be memorable, a brand needs to connect with its customers on an emotional level.

What do you think makes a brand successful?

Day 5 - RVR High School Reunion - Class of 1990

2009-11-26T23:23:00.001-05:00

This week someone from my high school graduating class reached out to a group of us to start planning our 20th High School Reunion. I have to admit, my first reaction was shock...at the fact that 20 years have already passed by in the wink of an eye. And, I bet a number of things are probably crossing everyone's minds...from genuine curiosity about what has everyone been doing with their life...to worrying about whether you'll even recognize your friends after so much time has pasted.

I for one, am looking forward to reconnecting with old friends.
These are a few of the things that I remember about my high school experience.

Listening to music...U2, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, and New Order.
Mrs. Hemmings Chemistry class...especially the time Natalie Sanchez sneaked to the front of class to write "I heart molecules" on the chalk board.
Painting a mural of 'The Mission' with Bianca Artizone's--who always had me laughing.
Aerobics class with Mrs. Graham's..."Squeeze!"
Geography class with Mr. Ewert and his 10 Commandments.

What do you remember most about your high school experience?

Day 4 - Family Matters

2009-11-25T21:49:00.001-05:00

Today, I managed to get myself and both my girls vaccinated for H1N1 through our family doctor. I thought my doctor's office handled the process extremely well. They were organized and prepared. I lined up at 12:00 and by 12:15 we had all received our shots. Isn't that unheard-of?

Chloe, one of my twin girls, was extremely brave. She sat down, prepared herself for the needle and accepted it without hesitation. She paid attention to the sensation but didn't complain or shed any tears. She was very pleased with herself when it was over. For a six year old, sometimes she seems so adult to me.

The experience for Amelie was completely different. She seemed brave up until she witnessed me receiving the shot. I payed really close attention to the sensation of the needle because I wanted to feel exactly what my daughters were going to feel. And, truthfully, it didn't hurt one little bit. It was completely painless for me. I just smiled at Amelie as it was happening and I told her that it really didn't hurt. So, when Amelie started to panic, I was surprised. She struggled and fought the nurse and me - absolutely determined not to get the needle. It was a horrible feeling to have to hold her tightly in my arms to force her to receive the shot. And, in a moment it was over and Amelie admitted that it didn't really hurt very much..."Just a tiny pinch". Thank goodness. I'm glad that's over.

Scott's boys, Preston and Cole, very bravely accepted their vaccinations last Friday. Their mother works at a clinic so she was able to get them vaccinated without too much trouble either. Both boys were very brave and didn't shed any tears.

So, we are six in our family and we've all been vaccinated except for Scott. He'll be going sometime during the day tomorrow...and I'm pretty sure he'll handle the experience without too many tears :). So, even though as I sit here typing this blog, I can feel a dull ache in my left upper arm, I have to admit, the whole experience was really quite painless compared to the horror stories we'd been hearing on the news.

Kudos to the staff at my family's doctor's office for taking on the responsibility to vaccinate their clients. We certainly appreciated it!

Today, my weight is 160.1 lbs and for supper I had a large salad with radishes, avocado, cashews, carrots and left over pork tenderloin. For dessert, I enjoyed Chloe's chocolate chip rice crispy squares.

Day 3 - How Do You Keep Motivated?

2009-11-24T22:20:00.001-05:00

Okay, it's day 3, and almost 10:00 pm and I'm exhausted. I've eaten well today and weighed myself 5 minutes ago--I'm at 161.6 lbs after dinner. I'm not feeling very energetic at all at the moment...and I think I might take the night off from working out. That's okay because I've worked out three days in a row already - it's time for a break.

Note to self: Tomorrow, I promise myself that I'm going to pop the Gillian Michaels "Banish Fat. Boost Metabolism" DVD into the player and complete my first cardio workout in months. I'll let you know how it goes. O_o

For dinner tonight I served "Honey Glazed Pork Tenderloin" from www.realsimple.com, rice and carrots. Here is the recipe for the pork:

Ingredients

3 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder or ground coriander
2 (1-pound) pork tenderloins

Directions

Mix together the juice, honey, olive oil, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder in a large, shallow dish. Pat tenderloins dry and turn to coat in marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes or overnight. While pork is marinating, make the fruit sauce.
Lightly coat clean grids of grill with cooking oil spray. Heat grill to medium heat. Place tenderloins across grids and close lid. Cook 5 minutes, covered, then turn tenderloins on their sides. Cook another 5 minutes, turning again every 5 minutes until all 4 sides of the tenderloins are seared (for a total of 20 minutes).
Transfer tenderloins to a cutting board and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest 5 minutes. Slice tenderloins crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. Arrange on plates.

When your mind and body feels exhausted (but you know it's just in your head), what motivates you to get changed into your workout clothes and start a routine? How do you get past that desire to curl up on the couch with a warm cozy blanket, at box of after-eights and an episode of House, Grey's Anatomy, The Good Wife or Dexter?

Anxiously awaiting any tips, tricks or advice from readers out there who know what I'm talking about.

Day 2 on My Journey to the Better Me

2009-11-23T15:26:00.006-05:00

Today is my second day on this journey to the better me. I woke up this morning and jumped on the scale. It seems that my weight varies between 160-164 lbs during the day. So, my aim will be to bring my weight down to 146-150 lbs.

Last night my work out went well. I started at 9 pm and finished around 9:40. Tonight, at around 9 pm, I plan to do another weight workout--this time focusing on my arms. Because of the variety of exercises in the program I'm following, it's a longer workout. It takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete. So, I'll be done around 10:30 pm.

Tomorrow I have to find the energy to do at least 30 minutes of cardio! I could really use some comments to support my training!!! I'm fighting a cold that has started in my throat - I hope it doesn't effect my new regime.

For supper tonight I plan to make myself and Scott and "Arugula Salad With Chicken and Avocado" from www.realsimple.com. My girls aren't a fan of salad so I thawed the turkey pot pie I made a couple of weeks for them. Here is the recipe for my healthy meal:

Ingredients

4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
2 bunches arugula, thick stems removed (about 6 cups)
1 avocado, sliced
1 bunch small radishes, thinly sliced
Bread (optional)

Preparation

Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water. Bring to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Add the chicken, reduce heat to medium, and gently simmer until cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Divide the arugula among bowls and top with the chicken, avocado, and radishes. Drizzle with the vinaigrette. Serve with the bread (if using).

It would be great to hear from anyone out there whose following some kind of health routine. Tell me what you did today!

Launching My Journey Toward a Healthier Me

2009-11-22T17:09:00.009-05:00

I woke up this morning having no idea that today, I would start this daily journal/blog. And, it's not a particularly good day for me to start this journey toward eating more healthily, working out and having a positive attitude. In fact, I woke up with a sore throat and am feeling pretty frumpy at the moment. But, then again, I don't think any day is better then the next to make a positive life change. So lets not waste anymore time Suzan!

Okay, so here are my 3 goals.

Eat healthy food and reasonable portions. My aim is to weigh 150 lbs! I'm a 36 year old, 5'11" tall woman. I bought a scale today and it's telling me that I weigh exactly 164 lbs. So I have 14 pounds to lose. That doesn't seem so bad.
Workout 5 times each week. And, balance the workouts between weight lifting and cardio! I want leaner legs and stomach.
Write this journal everyday for 1 year!

Let's see how I do. Toward goal 1 - I'm going to have a healthy chicken stir-fry tonight for dinner. And, toward goal 2, I'm going to do the 'legs' workout from the book "Body for Life".

Here is the recipe for the "Sauteed Chicken and Peppers with Coconut Rice" meal I will eat tonight from www.realsimple.com

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
1 14-ounce can coconut milk
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces
Kosher salt and pepper
1 large red bell pepper, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced
1 19-ounce can black beans, drained
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation
Cook the rice according to the package directions, replacing 1 cup of water with the coconut milk.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook for 3 minutes. Turn and move to the sides of the skillet. Add the bell pepper and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until the bell pepper is slightly softened and the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to individual plates and return the skillet to medium heat. Add the beans, cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the remaining oil. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve with the chicken and rice.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for a kid friendly, healthy meals that can be made in 30 minutes or less? One of my biggest challenges is getting supper on the table quickly enough so that I have enough time after supper to help my daughter's with their homework (before bedtime)!