There is a SANTA after all!

Friday, December 19, 2008

For the first time in years I truly feel the "Christmas Spirit" and not for the sake of the commercial end of it but the SPIRIT of it. Material things mean something (got my first pay check so yes that helps and especially just before xmas)... but it's the whole meaning of coming together in the spirit of community and friendship. I've seen so much of that lately and I'm ever so grateful.

To all my wonderful SP Friends, and family... I wish you all a happy holiday season!! I wish for ALL OF US to have a superb New Year and sense that 2009 will be spectacular!

Enjoy your gatherings, with friends, with family, indulge (just a bit) and have FUN. We'll get back to serious business of tracking and goal setting with our new RESOLVE come the New Year!

Only 3 more days of work for me after today then I'm off until January 5th - so going to take advantage and visit with my cousin, enjoy the company of a friend from Sudbury (where I just moved from) and visit some places in our new home town! Kids are off school as of today!

Keep shining my great friends! I can feel your energy from here and it's wonderful!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LISASJOURNEY2 12/23/2008 12:54PM

Hey!! Thanks for stopping by my page. I totally agree with your blog:) This will be my first Christmas thinking a little more clearly and I also feel sooo good about the Spirit of Christmas this year. Yep, you've been feeling my shine!! Big ((((hugs))) ~Lisa Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMACATHY 12/21/2008 8:04PM

Merry Christmas! Your hard work and positive outlook have certainly paid off. You are such a great role model for all your girls. Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMUSH23 12/19/2008 3:15PM

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours! I am so glad that it is all working out wonderfully for you! SPARKENDOUSLY Your SPARKPEOPLE Friend Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

BRENDA_2010 12/19/2008 2:26PM

Merry Christmas to you. I hope you enjoy your time off and this is to a Great New Year!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Work is WONDERFUL!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

I just passed my first 2 weeks at my new workplace and must say I'm LOVING it! The people and the environment are all fantastic: positive, energetic, caring, respectful. I was fortunate enough to begin at a time where there were socials for the season so I've attended their dinner/dance, had a team luncheon and pot-luck luncheon. It's allowed me to see even more how wonderfully perfect this workplace is for me!

It's everything I was looking for and as I spoke to a friend... she said - when you're very clear on what you want that is what you get. So now I must apply this principle to other principles in my life.

1. I met a guy in the area, however, see that he does NOT line up with my new life and my vision for what I want. He more matches the old things I left behind. I believe this experience is a 'test' of my commitment to keep moving forward in a positive manner. He's very nice - as a friend, but simply not what I seek in a relationship. So I've been pulling back as I'm not quite sure how to tell him (although I did verbalize exactly what I was looking for in a partner and it doesn't match him - I still don't think he got the message). So I've distanced myself this week from him. If he contacts me, I will explain that I truly believe we can be friends, but that we can not be anything more and I need to distance myself as I think he was more attached than I was and probably hoping for more. I found myself doing things with him/for him that I promised I would NOT do again... so again - as I said I believe it's a test and I plan on winning (and keep moving forward).

2. Getting clear on my goals to get back to routine and in shape. 2009 promises to be a year with many events and I want to be in the best SHAPE of my life (mind, body and spirit)! I am going to go through the holidays and will look at getting back to routine after they pass. Mind you, I have been maintaining throughout these past few weeks so proud of that accomplishment.

I've been so exhausted with the new routine of working again, and the days are extra long as we have had to do some commuting/car pooling as the city's bus services are on strike causing a lot of headaches... However, in all of the challenges, I maintain my positive attitude. I recognize negative states when they enter my mind and shift them back to positive.

In window shopping... saw a book titled "Change your Mind, Change your Thoughts - Change YOUR LIFE!!" and I truly believe this philosophy as it's working for me.

Sorry I've been a bit out of touch ... looking forward to some holidays already (one of the great benefits of this workplace - off from Dec 25 returning only on January 5th). Will take some time to enjoy sight seeing with the girls in our new 'city' and quality time with friends and family.

I am blessed and very grateful for all that I have!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KIMUSH23 12/18/2008 3:38PM

I am so happy that all your wishes and dreams are coming true! Kinda like Cinderella! SPARKENDOUSLY Your SPARKPEOPLE Friend Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

MOLLIEMAC 12/18/2008 9:04AM

I'm so pleased for you- have a wonderful holiday season!...MJ Report Inappropriate Comment

JUSTAGIRL1983 12/18/2008 7:33AM

Hi I just wanted to say well done on your fantastic outlook! It is nice to read about people who love their work places (I love love love my job and work mates). So many people are unhappy at the place they spend a good chunk of their lives. So it is lovely to see someone who obviously made a change for the better, and is happy in their work environment. I find being happy a really good helper in a healthy lifestyle so you are definitely on the right track! Report Inappropriate Comment

December - BELIEVING AND RECEIVING!

Monday, December 01, 2008

So the call came today just after 12pm from my new 'boss'... yes you heard me!! I was offerred the job and asked to start TOMORROW!!! So wow - here is to my last day off - first day of December and what a way to start!

So the routine is starting to come back - starting firstly with the job!! I am of course ELATED!! Figuring out all I have to do to get ready for the first day at work!

My cousin wrote this note about the agency I'll be working for:

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure.

This is probably the BEST company created by the Gov't that you could have worked for. They are a separate agency. YOU HAVE AN ANGEL watching over you!

Everything is for a reason and I believe that everything didn't go as fast as you wanted it to b/c of this opportunity!!! CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN !

My favourite saying is:
NOT getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck~ Dalai Lama

There are a few ANGELS looking out for me I think... Thank you to all of you who have been such a great source of support!!

Oh!... and on the whole weight loss getting back to business part - motivation coming up ... my first 'nephew' is getting married on Sept 12, 2009 and I want to look fabulous. He's asked me to be Master of Ceremonies and I want to look fabulous for the videos and picture taking - how is that for MOTIVATION?!?

On this last month of 2008... I look forward to the new year and my renewed energy and resolution to continue to move ahead towards reaching my goals/dreams!!

We even got our Christmas Tree up yesterday... I am truly believing in the Spirit of the Seaon with this GIFT being given to me! How amazing! I am so very blessed and grateful! Thank you again!
In the photo - me, my youngest and Amy - the step-daughter I've told you so much about...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KIMUSH23 12/1/2008 8:10PM

I am so happy to hear this terrific news! Wow what good news! SPARKENDOUSLY Your SPARKPEOPLE Friend Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

BRENDA_2010 12/1/2008 7:13PM

I am so happy for you. Such beautiful girls, all three of you!!! Good luck tomorrow!!! I know you'll do a fabulous job!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Appreciating LIFE!!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Well - what a week it's been (seems it's been that way for a bit now)... learned just yesterday - a primary school friend of mine - who offered her condolences to me just last week when my sister passed away - passed away this week. She had a blood clot that reached her lung, brain damage, life support - life ended!! She was 42 years young - like me! Just goes to show you - you just NEVER know... so PLEASE everyone - hug those you love, never pass up a moment to say good things and to appreciate the smallest things in life!! This person (Rachelle) had young children in her life - 2 younger girls like me ... I hugged mine so tightly last night...

And TODAY... well a new light of hope shined on me. I attended an interview on Tuesday ... and despite the fact that I wasn't totally prepared, due to the fact that I had to attend my own sister's funeral on the weekend in my home town... I did great. I felt great when I left the interview - having met with 3 of the team members I'd be working for/with. My feelings were confirmed when I heard they were checking references and TODAY - well I received a phone call from the organization's HR manager to offer me the job!! I couldn't believe it - and well - then I got a 2nd call later in the afternoon from the placement agency that got me the interview to say it was a done deal - FOR SURE! So on Monday I'll be receiving an offer of employment, at the salary I asked for and awesome benefits that this organization provides... the agency www.innovation.ca and I'll be Administrative Assistant to the Outcome and Evaluation Assessment team. I am soooo thrilled - only question is when do I start?! I got the feeling from my interview they wanted someone 'yesterday' but the HR person thought Jan 5 as a starting date - so I'll hear on Monday if I start Jan 5 or Dec 8... either way ... it's all GOOD!

I am so appreciative for the good news... amidst all the not so good news the past few weeks... and I thank everyone who's thoughts/prayers helped! Thank you so much for all your support.

Life is starting to get back to normal - still getting settled in - still not back into my workout routines and all but I will get there. Tomorrow - having my step-daughter over and we'll do our xmas decorating.

Happy Belated thanksgiving to all my American Friends... SP friends ROCK! I have sooo much to be thankful for... this all with as I said in the midst of adversity... I will continue to rise above and do well in life!

Check this picture out - of my sister and her kids - the light shining above - camera shift OR as I saw it ... 3 streaks - perhaps my sister, mom and dad's spirite shining above and watching over them... I truly believe in these amazing things!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BRENDA_2010 11/30/2008 11:01PM

You have been through so much lately!! Hang in there. Stay positive!! Life sure gives us some difficult journeys to get through. I'm hoping to get through mine!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMACATHY 11/30/2008 1:04AM

You have had so much going on. I am so glad you found strength and purpose to help you cope with all the changes, both good and sad. The photo is wonderful. Having faith is a good thing. It helps to bring peace. Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMUSH23 11/29/2008 1:16AM

I am so sorry for the sadness and pain you have felt at the loss of you sister. And I equally glad-elated that job front has opened up for you! I think that 2009 will be your year! Take Care Sparkmail me if you need something! Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

Cycle of life continues...

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Boy what a 'stressful' week... My oldest sister who has been ill for sometime was admitted to hospital and well... tonight I learned that she will not make the night.... so I await the 'call'. My other sister - had an argument with her boyfriend's son and ended up coming to see me (5 hour drive) and spent the night and left again this am. It was weird as it was like we were brought 'together' for the one night... prior to our other sister's departure from this world. We've been expecting this ... but nonetheless emotions are stirred as it's the time of year... my mother passed away Dec 20th. It also means that of my immediate family - this will leave me and my other sister. The one who is passing is my oldest's godmother so she is upset...

I have survived and lived/watched so many close people pass that it's like I'm numb to it all. This amidst trying to settle into a new life, amidst trying to attend interviews, continue testing as I am still seeking work...

I had debated about attending the service ... but now know I must do this - if for nothing else but to be there for my only living sister.

I pray for better times, and in a way I am relieved that my eldest sister will be done with her suffering and that hopefully she will pass away peacefully. We have not been on great speaking terms... given her illness is something that she brought on herself in some respects, but it's still difficult.

Tonight... I will look for pictures and prepare for the impending inevitable events to come... I am yet again sidetracked from my goal of 'getting back on track' ... but pray for it to come as my sister will pass on to a peaceful after-life.

UPDATE - My sister, Leona, 50 years of age, passed away peacefully at 11:43pm November 19th, 2008. May she rest in peace and be happy with my parents who are both pre-deceased (Dad 1994 and Mom 2002).

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GRAMMACATHY 11/30/2008 12:59AM

You are a very wise young woman. I think I have said that before. I am also one of two remaining sisters from a set of three sisters. It is good that you and your sister have each other. Report Inappropriate Comment

MOLLIEMAC 11/20/2008 9:23AM

Take care Helen...MJ Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMUSH23 11/20/2008 12:02AM

I was brought to tears by your blog and everything that you are facing right now. My heart aches for you and your family right now and I am so incredibly sorry and wish that there was more that I could do to lessen your load and shoulder some of your pain... But all I can do is offer you my support and be here should you need support or help, please do not hesitate to msg/email me. You, your Family and all your loved ones are in my thought and prayers. Take Care Kim If you need anything please msg me...and post every once in a while so I know that you are okay! Report Inappropriate Comment