Mom on the Run

When was the last time you connected with family or friends just because? Not because it was someone’s birthday, not due to a funeral or a wedding, not school or work related…JUST BECAUSE

Our idea initially began as something for Little C to look forward to when she was in the hospital a couple weeks ago. (So possibly it wasn’t ‘just because’, but we figured why not) It was super cute when B came to visit and she disclosed the ‘plan’ to get some friends together and go to Chuck E Cheese once C was all better.  Then last week Dai mentioned why don’t we invite some families and go bowling on Sunday…it was near the end of the week by the time I finally sent out an invite for some Family Fun at 4pm.  ‘Who is up for a game of bowling, then a 5pm dinner at Boston Pizza’? It was a huge hit – 24 peeps, consisting of kids from school, their siblings, moms, and dads!

It truly worked out great Everyone had so much fun, the kids behaved so well, BP did a really good job with our mixed large party, and it wrapped up in time for a good nights sleep. Our monkey’s were catching flies before we pulled into our garage – Love it!

We were able to connect with folks we don’t often get to spend time with, and Dai was stoked for the dad’s to finally be included and be able to meet up. Us moms are pretty good at connecting on a fairly regular basis, whether it be at school or during our mommies/girls nights, but the dads don’t have or create the same opportunities. So today was a complete success!

I highly recommend connecting with people in your life ‘JUST BECAUSE’…you may be surprised what you learn about them, you may be pleased to just be social, whatever the benefit, knowing we all enjoyed each others company, shared some good laughs and are looking forward to our next outing – I am extremely happy!

WT?

Apologies for beginning this entry this way, but I am not sure what else to say…

Since this is MY online journal, bear with me while I rant, question the universe and feel better for doing so. Possibly you will get something from this, hopefully if you work in a office that makes appointments for a specific time you will be enlightened in some way or another. Otherwise I have no doubt all of us can relate to my experience.

I found myself questioning not only customer service yesterday, but common courtesy in itself. I will do my best in as little words as possible to paint a picture of my morning. C had an eye specialist appointment scheduled at 945am. We arrive in the waiting room at 942 (yes, a few minutes to spare – OMg! I know). We have visited this place a handful of times, so I have come to accept the general wait to see the doctor (15-45 minutes in our past). As per usual, we get called in to see the general eye gal about 10am, approx. 10 minutes later we are back in the waiting room to see the specialist.

Now envision this waiting room…this is a pediatric doctor’s office, there are 12 chairs placed in an ‘L’ shape along the wall and there is a small enclosed nook for kids to play. There are two gals working the front desk, and 3 rooms to tend to patients. From the moment we arrived the waiting room was packed! Most patients waiting had 2 adults with them, they were between the age of 1-4 yrs, a few 6-10 yrs, and a couple teenagers. Standing room only (or floor sitting for some of the little ones) for the entire visit.

Like I mentioned before, I have come to expect to wait at this office. I have learned to park in the parkade, not the meter parking, as you never know the length of your visit. I feel for the parents sweating it out, wondering is their child next, should they risk the meter, rummaging for change, do they dare interrupt the receptionist to ask the wait time until their child is seen??? I find myself piping in to give them the ‘totally do it, make a break, I am sure you have time’. They usually bolt and return will plenty of time to spare.

So get this, Cs name is called again – yeah, it’s now 1030′ish! Only 25/30 minutes wait for round 2. Low and behold, one of the receptionists take a picture of her eyes and asks us to return to the waiting room, we will be called again shortly. Of course we have now given up our seats and the only wall space is directly across from the reception desk, directly across from the pile of pink patient folders waiting their turn to see the doctor. C is on top of the pile, we have now been at this doctor’s office for one hour. I am not yet heated, more so feeling sorry for the mom trying her best to keep her squirmmy 14 month old entertained, the dad who has run to plug his meter 2 times already, and the ‘less than impressed’ energy filling the room.

Jump ahead another 30 minutes (1115am, we have now been at this PEDIATRIC doctors office for 1.5hrs), which entailed me seeing other patients pink folders pulled from beneath Cs folder, patients who arrived after us placed into the rooms before us. I am a fairly patient and understanding person. I had had enough…

COMMON COURTESY would have gone a VERY long way in this waiting room. Every person in there would have greatly appreciated a heads up that the doc is ‘blank minutes’ behind, if you want to go get some fresh air, let your child run off some steam, grab a coffee, plug your meter, OUR APOLOGIES. BuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuT, Noooooooooooooooooo, you approach the desk and you receive somewhat of a stink eye. I proceed to question ‘Hi there. When booking appointments, I am curious what time you alot for each patient?’ She chooses to ‘answer’ with something along the lines of ’yes, I know we are a little behind today.’ ‘A LITTLE? I have seen people who arrived less than 20 minutes ago, just go into the room. We have currently been here for an hour and a half. This is a pediatric office, children can not be expected to wait this long. I know every person in this room feels the same way, we are all extremely frustrated with the lack of communication, this is unacceptable.’ ‘I will be sure to speak with Dr. blank.’ ’I too will be sure to speak with Dr.blank.’ ’well, C’s file should be right up, it’s on the top of the pile’. ‘I have been watching it on the top of the pile for a few patients now. I EXPECT to be next’. (I had already taken inventory prior to approaching the desk, that we were not budging)

Sure enough the door opens, Cs pink folder is scooped up and put in front of the other pink folders in the door slot and were we called in. Moments later, the doctor walks in. She is truly wonderful, always cheerful, friendly, and respects the kids like they are adults! She quickly made me forget the the rage I had just had less than 10 minutes ago. She concludes with ‘any questions’ and because I had told the receptionist I would speak with the doc as well, I had to follow thru. ‘Thanks very much. I dont have any pertaining to C, but I am curious how you schedule your patients? the time you alot for each?’ (I was slightly rattled, as I hate being the ‘mean’ person) She was shocked to find out the length we had waited. She was extremely apologetic, and she will speak ‘again’ to the receptionist, as I was not the first to bring this to her attention. We spoke how common courtesy could revamp the vibe for the entire waiting room. Afterwards I thought possibly having the receptionist validate/cover the parking, she may be slightly more attentive to booking achievable appointment slots. LOL

I know this doctors office is not the only place that makes you wait. Unfortunately it way to common. Too many disrespect people’s time, just because the patient/client ‘needs’ to see you, shouldn’t de-value our time. Life is made to be lived, not wondering how much longer past our appointment time we will ACTUALLY be seen…

I want to believe common courtesy is here to stay, respecting time and communicating can go along way!

More than ever I believe you can manifest what you choose…good or bad. So many great changes have been occuring for my family and ones I hold near and dear. On the flip side, I have also been witness to changes not so great. When I actually remove myself and take time to reflect the differences as to why me or why them, I am believing more than ever that you determine and control your situation and future by your attitude and actions.

Today Dai and I finalized the lease for our new place. For the past couple months I have been doing my du-diligence hunting for a new place for our family to call home. We decided on the neighborhood, we chose a school and I kept my eye open for July 1st availability. Last week, I found one place that fit our needs/wants perfectly. We had our ‘must have’ list and our ‘bonus’ list, with a small ‘no way’ list. This place met each one…but in reality, who would choose a family of 4 over professional couples, etc? We were determined and believed, came prepared, and voila ~ Perfect is what you make it and this place is perfect for us!  

I have many examples of manifestation; friends who have survived cancer, tragedy, creating a family, dream home, travel, divorces, losses, and the list goes on. Life is what you make it and as a good gal pal likes to remind me of my words of encouragement during her battle with breast cancer, ’SUCK IT UP YOU SEXY BIYATCH!’…suck it up, believe, do what it takes and make it happen!

mwah! mwah! mwah!

So C and B’s school is trying to raise funds for a new school playground. Both Dai and I are involved with the fundraising committee and our school was approved as one of the finalists for a grant from Pepsi Canada. For the next 2 months we are vying for the top 2 positions to win a $25,000 grant to help build the much needed playground. If you are able to cast a vote via the web, that would be awesome! You can vote once per day until June 30th, 2011.

Thanks in advance, we totally appreciate the support !

Vote to give this idea $25K: build a new playground for RHE and community #pepsirefreshcanada http://pep.si/iNW5hu

I highly doubt there is a single human being out there that hasn’t been touched some way or another by cancer. I am fortunate to report most of the souls in my life have survived! Not all, but with the advancement in medicine and the du-diligence of certain individuals, many are still sharing life with us today. The past couple years I have seen the little yellow daffodil pins at check out counters, I remember acknowledging that they were in support of cancer, popped my few bucks in and pinned it on my jacket – isn’t that what were supposed to do?

Well this year a friend of mine posted a link on his facebook page (thank you GB so much for taking the time to share it). I try my best to click on as many links posted on the recent news feeds when I am checking my facebook or twitter. Aren’t people posting specific things for a purpose? I like to think so. So anyways, I read the ‘daffodil month’ snip-it (thanks for the reminder to switch my flower over to my outfit of choice today). I also see a song link ‘Listen to Megan McNeil’s motivating and powerful song. North Delta girl who succumbed to cancer last year. Her legacy lives on through her song.’ I enjoy music, I support the cure for cancer, and I definitely have a soft spot for local.

I DARE YOU TO WATCH THIS AND NOT BE MOVED…

Am I the only person that had no idea kids cancer has different funding? Adult research barely even helps kids cancer? ‘The majority of research dollars raised are spent on investigating adult forms of cancers. Specific programs designated to studying childhood cancer have been under-funded and are in need of more support. We can learn so much through the genetic aspects of this disease where it begins – in a child. Breakthroughs found in curing childhood cancer can also benefit the search for curing adult cancers.’ (www.childhoodcanceresearch.org)

I know there are numerous causes out there, loads of different ways to support, whatever it is you choose, fantastic…I chose to share this as a refresher and a reminder for myself. Do what you wish – I DARE YOU!

www.willtosurvive.org

Megan McNeil Article

Lately I have been approached with the above question…not just by one person, but a number of people have inquired recently. I don’t feel I have changed my ways as of late, I feel I am the same old me, so I have been a little caught off guard with how to respond. I have come to a few conclusion…

I believe we are not dealt anything we cannot handle and there is a reason for everything. I believe ‘today is the first day of the rest of your life’ and to draw a line, why wait, just start today. And I believe you are or become who you associate with most.

As tragic or exhilarating any situation can be, there is a reason it has been put in your path of life. The reason may never make itself clear or you may be able to justify multiple reasons. Believing you will recover, you will be stronger, you were meant to experience such a thing, and there is some purpose behind them helps me move forward or ‘look on the brighter side’ as some may say. Shite happens, so does life…choose to make the best of it! No point in dwelling or allowing yourself to stay in a rut for too long, as life is too short.

One of my pet peeves and something I am guilty of at times is…’when (this), I’ll (that)’, ‘starting Monday I’ll…’, ‘the 1st of next month I will..’, WHY WAIT??? I require a constant reminder, so on our main wall of our place is the quote ‘Today is the first day of the rest of your life’. So NO matter what happened yesterday, last week, what have you, today is what matters, make today count and F’N do something! Drink more water, workout, read, connect with others, quality time with kids or spouse, me time, no junk, no booze, no swearing, no biting nails, learn to do the splitz, blog, clean the fish tank, cards, make amends, travel, plan meals, auto payments, taxes, bake, meet new people, scrapbook, dress up, date night, donations ~ whatever it is you want to start, finish, explore, plan, create, change, do…WHY WAIT? Alright, I realize most have a rather large list to accomplish in one day. I have learned over the years to no longer set UNATTAINABLE expectations ~ to allow myself wins along the way. Just begin with something, make a game plan and implement with action, feel better for making progress, rather than allowing it to weigh on your shoulders or take space up in your head. Today matters, make it count, and award yourself little victories along the way. Be pleased you accomplished a step toward the end result. Resting your head at the end of a day that consisted of productivity or change feels pretty darn great!

And who you choose to spend your time with, who you allow your family to associate with plays an incredibly huge part in who you all are personally. Ever noticed the effect Negative Nancy’s or Darren Downers have on you or other’s around them? What about where the conversation is steered when chatting with unhappy people? Not saying don’t be friends with unhappy people, we all have our moments, just be extremely guarded with how much time you spend with people not choosing the mood or life you are pursuing. Going thru something is okay, as long as it is ‘thru’, not ‘stuck’. I find great value in diversity within my association. I think each person brings something special to the relationship, we all have strengths and weakness, we all have highs and lows, but for the majority we believe in empowerment, we believe in smiling, having fun, finding the positive side in each situation, we share similar morals and values and we desire to add value and enhance each others lives. We vent to each other, trusting the person listening responds with what we NEED to hear, not what we WANT to hear. Suck it up sweetheart, get off the pot, shoulder to cry on or to punch, knowing you are not alone. Taking your eyes off yourself, focussing on how to make someone smile tends to make my worries none existent or not as tragic. I love my friends, I appreciate all who have crossed my path at some point, and I embrace ones I have yet to meet! You may think you are not as fortunate to have such a solid group of people in your association, it takes a decision to make changes and be aware of your surroundings…you attract what you are.

So there’s a little enlightenment on my HOW or some may touch on my why, pretty much it comes down to CHOICE. I am no positivity guru, I would so enjoy hearing what helps you live a positive life or changes you are choosing to make to ensure your life moves forward starting today!

Hope you are having a most wonderful day/week/month, etc and it continues from here on!!! Thanks for taking the time to inquire, read and/or respond…very much appreciated!

Alrighty then…

It’s just about 9 pm and I find myself finally sitting down to write ya. Kids are in bed and I am enjoying a few juicy red full of flavour organic strawberries, 2 Lindt dark chocolate balls and a small amount of coconut greek yogurt – yuuuummmmyyyy!

I must say today was a splendid spring day. I know most are pleased to wake up to a bright sun shiny day, as was I, especially because I had a date weather permitting! After dropping
the munchkins at school, I joined a couple gal pals for a Starbucks and the stairs by the beach. It was AWESOME! Breath-taking views
we have here on the west coast. Though crisp, it wasn’t long before
my layers were peeled off.

There was a gentleman doing the stairs at the same time and at one
point our paths crossed at the top, he paused to chat briefly and he
mentioned 2 months ago he could only accomplish 4 steps due
to a back injury. Today he was up and down them a number
of times!!! I was reminded once again not to take my body’s ability to perform every day tasks for granted. (side note: Dai wrote a really great article for Fresh Vancouver magazine on that very topic – functional movements)

So anyways, after a lovely morning connecting with some top quality friends and a workout to boot, an afternoon of computer catch-up, some time with my amazing daughters, an attempt at an uber healthy apple crisp, I think some time with my man is in order.

Adious amigos, sweet dreams, & chat soon!

My goodness…

I knew I was neglecting my journal/blog/site, but after logging on for the first time in awhile, I only just realized it has almost been 2 months – CRAZINESS!!!

Craziness how time flies, craziness I have not logged all the things I have experienced or the memories made the past several weeks. Time to make a come back – I will be back online very soon!

Muchos Gracious for your continued check in xo