Sunrises and Icebergs

I posted these on my facebook page, but for those of you not on my fb, I'm posting them here too.

A recent sunrise Click on pictures to enlarge...



A couple of icebergs that have stopped by for a visit. There are a lot off shore, but at present too far out for a picture. Hopefully, there will be a lot more in the days and weeks to come.

This one is a bit blurry and the iceberg appears small, but comparing it to the boat behind it, puts the size into perspective.

Interesting Insight

from Brittney today. She posted the following on her Facebook page:

"For those who are in piano lessons....even if it is sooo boring and hard... don't give it up! I absolutely love sitting down and playing now! So relaxing! Thanks mom(Linda) for making me stay with it :) "


So much for the thinking that says we shouldn't make our kids do anything they don't want to do! There have been some very intense moments over the years...let me tell you ;) However....she stuck with it (wasn't always her choice ;) ) and is obviously glad today that she did. Me too --- I just love to hear her play!

Jake and His Magazine Interview

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Jake was recently interviewed by the Homeschooling Magazine Homeschool Horizons about his cookie business

The story starts with...


"Young Entrepreneurs – Pouch Cove Cookie Company
by SHANNON RATCLIFFE on FEBRUARY 16, 2012

Here at Homeschool Horizons, we recognize that the Entrepreneurial Spirit is alive and well in the homeschool community. With parents who encourage children to develop their passions, and budding business people who are not trapped all day in a classroom, we believe that the future of creative business is in these vibrant youngsters.

We’d like to introduce you to Jake, the future Cookie King of Newfoundland:"
For the rest of the interview...click here


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Next Steps for Brittney

Seems like yesterday she was like this .....




and now.....




It's hard for me to believe, but we now have two children in post secondary education.

Brittney has been busy for some time mapping out a route for her future. She took into consideration many things...such as...

~ Her deep interest in Science (Biology). Many times she's gotten way off track from her other studies because she couldn't put the Biology book down.

~ Her life-long interest in food *grin*

~ My health issues and improvement through alternative treatments (homeopath, naturopath, holistic nutrition)

~ Her own health improvement and overall well being through the same naturopath and holistic nutrition


A Holistic Nutritional Consultant.

From there she researched schools and courses until she found one that met her needs. It was a long route tweaking here and there but now that she's decided, it is a perfect fit for her. Once done this course, she wants to also pursue massage therapy but will concentrate on one area at a time.

She's registered, the books have arrived and she's now on her way. She's also started her own blog found here in case you want to follow along her journey.

Way to go, Brittney!

When you really matter

Saw this on facebook and it really caught my eye....




When you really matter to someone....they *will always* make time and you won't be last on their list.....

Improvement

Improvement!

I'm noticing some improvements on the M.E./Fibromyalgia front. I don't want to speak to soon as relapses with these illnesses are quite common...but....any kind of improvement is good news!

I've been battling M.E. and Fibromyalgia for going on five years now and it's been a long and often lonely road to travel. Improvements at times are so minimal (and often a 'two-step-forward-one-back' type of scenario), that it's easy to get discouraged and think nothing is working and it never will. I find it's most productive to focus only on improvements and to refrain from comparing my present abilities to how much I used to be able to do before I got ill. It's also not helpful to concern myself with what others think I should be able to do.

Comparing points in time, from year to year, shows the largest amount of improvements. For example, this past November, we took part in an a Food and Craft Fair. We took part in the same show the previous November too.......but what a difference a year has made!!

November 2010, I was only able to stay until noon....and even that was pushing it. I shouldn't have went in the first place -- I was too weak. I had a major headache, could hardly stand up/felt like I was going to faint, weak, dizzy, swollen and very short of breath, pounding heart, felt "fluish" and all that goes along with that (only much worse than a regular case of the flu). I felt bad about leaving Larry and Jake there...but what could I do? Home to bed I had to go...and in bed I stayed for the rest of that day. The post-exertional malaise the days following were rough too.

Fast forward a few months to March when the next fair was held. Although I was able to stay for the whole thing, I did need to leave half way though for a rest. I retreated to the van, had a bite to eat, put my head back and napped for awhile. Eventually, I went back in where I stayed for the rest of the show. Even though I was majorly crashed the next few days ....I had managed to stay out for the duration of the day! Improvement!!

November, 2011, the show happened again and this time, I was able to stay for the whole show!! No nap needed, no rest in the van needed! Definite improvement since last year at this time.

I've learned to accept and carry out the pacing rules. Resting and "saving up" energy is important before an event as well as after. In keeping with this, Saturday before the show I did nothing but rest as well as Monday.

The Monday after the show, I felt somewhat achy and tired, but not majorly crashed as I have been in the past after shows. The Tuesday and Wednesday were good too --- no Post Exertional Malaise -- Improvement!!!

I've learned a lot from having these illnesses too.

Things like...Don't sweat the small stuff! I know that sounds trite, but when you don't have enough energy to even tackle the really important stuff, you soon learn to let the small stuff go.

I've learned who my true friends are. The ones who have stood by me throughout this ordeal without passing judgements.

Lots of surprises along the way too. Like, the first Sunday I returned to our previous church after a very long month of being pretty much bedridden, a woman lambasted me at the back of the church (with teeth clenched and very loudly for all to hear I might add). It seems she thought my parenting skills needed some of her 'expert' advice. Hmmm... I was so sick --- everything...and I mean everything --- fell back on to Larry and the kids --- they had done well just to get there each week. No interaction while I was so sick for that month but more than ready to pounce on me upon my return. Talk about kicking one when they're already down... What's that old saying? If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem....

And.....I 'get' the stares and the whispers of people who think I just can't be bothered. If they only knew the reality of it all....

Oh well -- if I want to continue to improve (and I do), I need to focus on the positive and put the negatives out of my mind. Don't sweat the small stuff ;)

Hopefully, more improvement to follow.

Home again

Well...the first semester of college is over for Tyler and he made his way home for the Christmas break.

He was up at 4 a.m. in anticipation of his long day ahead. 6 a.m. saw him calling for a taxi, which took him to the train station. He took the train into Union Station (Toronto). From there, he caught a shuttle bus which took him to the Ferry. The Ferry took him to the Toronto Island Airport where he caught his plane home to St. John's (after stopping in Ottawa and Halifax).

It was a long day for all of us. The last day of the Farmers' Market for the season, meant it was a busy one. That was good as it distracted me from a day of total worry. I must admit though, I became one of those people who are constantly watching/using their Blackberry. He'd text me after he successfully made each connection. Not until he reached the Toronto Island Airport did he request I call him. Nothing major...just unsure what to do next.

Lots of brand new experiences for him as he's never flown before or had to maneuver around in Toronto on his own.

After the market was finished, we returned home for supper and to make his requested meal of macaroni and cheese. Brittney had spent some of her day making brownies for him.

After a quick on-line check of the flight status, it was finally time to head to the airport. As we waited we waited in the observation deck, we were able to see his plane land.

Jake eagerly (and I mean dancing around with great enthusiasm eagerly!!! ;)) awaited for his brother to appear. At around 7:00 a tired but relieved looking Tyler appeared at the gate. Jake ran and jumped into his brother's arms...almost knocking him to the ground.

Great to have you back, Ty!