The beginning of the year can be filled with pressure for some people as they resolve to change and change can be hard. In past years I have had some lofty resolutions none of which I ever followed through on, but for the last three years I have had more success. Part of the success has to do with making sure that I have the right tools to easily follow through on my resolutions.
Three years ago I resolved to listen to more music because it makes me happy. It was a pretty simple resolution, and to be successful I got myself setup with wireless speakers, and a Spotify account. Three years later, I am still listening to music.
Two years ago I resolved to spend more weekend time with my family, to do that I addressed the issues that were hindering my ability to have free time of the weekend. The main culprit was cleaning, so I resolved to pay someone to clean my house. Best resolution ever.
Last year I resolved to run because I have 2 feet and a heartbeat. This was by far the toughest resolution that I have kept up for an entire year. I have completed 3-5K races, 2-10K races and one half marathon. I have run 584 kilometers during 103 running outings in the last 365 days. It wasn’t easy, but I did it, even Saturday mornings at 8am when I would much rather be in bed. There were many many days that I did not feel like running, but once I did I was glad I stuck with it. I joined a running group in January, downloaded the app Runtracker, and bought new shoes.
This year I am going to opt for an easier resolution. I need to sleep more. I am a night owl. My favourite time of day is when everyone else is asleep. I knit in bed before I go to sleep and sometimes get wrapped up in just finishing the row, or piece, or section…. But I also appreciate a good night sleep, which I can’t get if I’m not turning off the lights until after midnight. I have my fitbit to track my sleep, and I might use this as an excuse to get new sheets, pillows and maybe even a new bed.
What are you resolving to change in 2020?
We are so fortunate to live surrounded by so much natural beauty. Thetis Lake is one such place just outside of Victoria. We made it to Thetis twice this summer, once for a hike and the second time for a paddle. The trails around upper and lower lakes are classified as moderate, and I was so proud of our youngest hiker who walked the entire trail without complaint.
On August 7th 2015 I went into the hospital to have a meningioma tumour removed from my brain. The experience was no picnic, but I survived and a year later I am thriving. I blogged all about my brainy experiences pre and post surgery, and if you are interested in the gory details they are all there in the BRAIN TUMOUR tab at the top of every page.
I am a big fan of eating local in season food. Fresh local fruit just tastes better, especially when I grow it myself. Before you get the wrong idea and imagine me as a farmer tending to my acreage let me explain that we have a few fruit trees on our small postage stamp size yard in the downtown core. In our yard we grow peaches, plums and apples all of which were mature trees when we bought the house 5 years ago. When we made an offer on the house the peach and plum trees looked just like any other tree to me, I honestly had no idea that they were fruit bearing. Imagine my surprise when 4 months later we took possession and found both a 
When I was young, single and childless I would escape to the cottage frequently stopping along the way to pick up a rental kayak for the weekend. To get my money’s worth I would go for a couple of paddles a day. It has been at least 6 years since I have kayaked. Life got busy with kids, marriage, work, school and a brain tumour. So when a friend suggested that we get a group of people together and go on a kayak tour I was in. I even managed to talk my husband into trying it out, as he had never kayaked before. He has a good sense of adventure and is usually up for trying new things with the exception of sharing a kayak with me.
We caught the Vibe this past weekend when my 7-year-old and I participated in a Color Vibe 5K run. Color Vibe or for those of us that are Canadian Colour Vibe is a 5K run with a splash of colour. We started the day by throwing handfuls of coloured powder at each other which was a fun experience to share with my son. At the start line you run through a cloud of coloured powder that is blasted at you by a leaf blower, we wore bandanas over our mouths and sunglasses to keep the power out of our eyes. The start line was the only place that we really needed the bandanas, but only because we were on the outside edges. If you were in the middle of the pack, then it probably wasn’t necessary at all.
Thank you to all of the people that donated to our walk for the Brain Tumour Foundation. My husband, son who requested donations in lieu of gifts for his 7th birthday and I raised a combined total of $
urvivor. Although I am still reminded every time I look at myself in the mirror, and the area of hair that was shaved for surgery is about 3 inches long and sticking straight out. I have started a brain tumour hair trend, I hope it never catches on, I don’t mind being the only one with crazy hair.
When I turned 37 I wished for health for my birthday which in hind-site was like hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket. My health wish was followed a few months later with a brain tumour, which isn’t all that healthy. Fast forward a year and a bit and the tumour is gone but my health is still a little dodgy. I love sugar, alcohol and carbs, and I am not a big fan of exercise.
Wish me luck on this 90 day (78 days left but who is counting) fitness challenge. If you want a good laugh come by any day around 4 I will be attempting my exercises with my trainers aged 3 and 6. One rolls on the ground by my feet and the other constantly yells “look at me mommy” while attempting to follow along. It’s a full on shit show and I am the star (at least most days).
Making A Life 