Welcome 2015

Another year slips seductively into oblivion. There is no stopping the passage of time; it is like trying to grasps water with your hands, it simply slips through your fingers.  Each day folds seamlessly into another day, and before you realize it, you find yourself cheering in a New Year! 

The remnants of my year are fragments of memories, impressions, and some unfulfilled hopes and dreams. I am an advocate of blogging because it makes reflecting over the year easier. Reading my past blog posts stirs in me various emotions. Some leave me with faded smiles, and faded echoes of laughter, while others bring to the surface sorrow.  On the whole, it was a decent year and I know that I am truly blessed.

This year, like last year, I’ve resolved not to commit to any New Year’s resolutions. 

Having said that, I am not lacking in ambition or a desire to make positive changes in my life. I have set a few goals that will come to pass by the end of the year, of this I am certain.  However, my objectives for this year will remain on a need to know basis. I do know that it is going to be an incredible year, which will be revealed in my blog as they occur. 

An interesting approach to a New Year's resolution by a blogger I follow , who describe in three words what defines her new year. I like that approach and will steal it here. I'm warning you it is more difficult than it seems.   My three words are breakthrough, celebrations, and impermanence. 

BREAKTHROUGH – I am currently working on several challenging projects, which have huge ramifications and will make a positive difference to many people. The key to its success will be information, involving others, timing, and follow through.

CELEBRATIONS – Everyday is a celebration and a gift.  Unwrapping it carefully and savoring all the moments with gratitude and mindfulness is the only way to live. 

IMPERMANENCE – Nothing remains the same. Knowing this makes the two proceeding words more fluid.  Therefore, being flexible and adjusting to the changing environment is a constant.    Breath in and breath out, I am ready for 2015.

Back to resolutions, after all people still do this, even if they don't admit it. Some people think that setting a New Year resolution is ridiculous.  But if we are honest, I believe that we all genuinely want to reach the goals we set on New Year’s Eve.  Whatever it is, perhaps it is to do more traveling, lose weight, increase business contracts, and or to create a healthier and a better you. Maybe even more thoughtful goals that involve making a difference in the world. These goals are attainable but they have a better chance of success if we follow a specific PLAN of ACTION.

• The operative word here is ACTION. 
• You must have a plan.
• Your plan must have a structure, a roadmap, if you will. 
• The roadmap must include a timeline.  
• Finally, keep your eyes on the goal.  No matter what obstacles materialize; tackle them one at a time. Each action will take you closer to your goals.  It is important to visit this roadmap frequently over the next twelve months.  

Be steadfast in your commitment, take a stand, and don’t give up on yourself.

What will your world look like on December 31, 2015?  

Letter to Me (1)

Sky is the limit

I am changing it up by writing letters to myself in 2014.  This is the first letter.

January 5, 2014

Dear Angelina 2015:

Hi, every year I contemplate a New Year's resolution and I always come up with the same old list. Therefore, I've decided not to write a conventional New Year’s resolution this time around.  Instead, I elect to write you, Angelina 2015, a letter of how I see 2014 unfolding.  And throughout the year, at the end of each month, I will respond to this letter outlining how close I am to my vision and what modifications I have to make to reach these goals. What do you think, good idea, huh?

As you know Angelina 2015, the exercise in writing resolutions is moot because within a few weeks I will have forgotten my goals for the year.  Moreover, you know the goals I set will go largely unachieved and come next January you will be rewriting them knowing they are the same ones set year after year. Why do I do that? but no more, this year is going to be different because I have a plan that will focus on creating a structure to fulfill my vision.

This is how I see 2014 unfolding;

Personal (weight, health, and spirituality)

·      Achieve my optimum weight with 100% raw living food by December 31, 2014

·      I will plant a bigger organic garden

·      I will continue to research and learn

·      I will provide support to people who want to know about juicing and its benefits.

·      I will work with members of ACFN to create a health program for the community. 

·      Become more physically active by walking more and being out in nature

·      Consistent daily meditation straight for 361 days and I got an app for that (insight timer)

Household

·      Continue to envision, research, and create dream home

·      Maintain and repair all things in the house so that it always looks and feels comfortable and not influx waiting for the new house

·      Will unclutter house

·      Will host six dinner parties in 2014

Relationships (family)

·      Will no longer tell hubby what he should be doing to keep healthy.  Willing to let go of control after all it is his body!

·      Will support hubby to complete and publish unfinished books

·      Will ensure that AJJP is prepared to apply to University 2016

·      Will continue to be there for family to listen without judgement

Businesses

·      Will ensure clients see value in our work and pay the firm promptly

·      Will provide information, support, direction, and time to stakeholders of our group of companies to ensure higher profits in 2014

·      Will continue to provide direction and support to The People’s Juicery as we plan to expand by looking for investors

Sadly, last year began with the news of the sudden death of my brother Billy.  The year continued of news on health related issues with my mom, sister and a couple of nieces.  Fortunately, those health issues although not completely illuminated have been controlled.  Last year was about family, I spent the most time back in Alberta than previous years and it felt good to connect and support my brothers and sisters. 

However, this year is about business and ensuring the success of all the ventures I am involved in meet their maximum potential.  So, Angelina 2015 be prepared to see an awesome year unfold. 

Cheers,

Angelina 
[2014]

2011 Year in Review

Words to describe 2011 
Friends. Family. Sorrow. Fear. Contentment. Happiness. Fulfillment. Satisfaction. Resolve. Excitement. 

Bodhi loves the snow!

The first thing I see are big snow flakes cascading down as I wake up. I see this easily because there are no curtains on the windows.  It just takes me a second to know I am home.  The snow flakes are really big.  And as I awake slowly, I watch as the flakes silently float pass. It's a winter wonderland this New Year’s Eve in Dunrobin.  If I had any energy, I would go outside and make snow angels. But after a long, late, flight that's not going to happen. 


Yesterday, we were in Vancouver BC where it is always green, albeit cloudy and rainy, but it is still green.  The sun was teasing us getting brighter the closer we got to the airport.  Opting to come out on our last day in Vancouver after hiding behind clouds for over a week was just not nice.  "We live for these sunny moments" says my sister.  


As I start my day, my guys still in bed, I thought what a perfect time to blog about my year.  

Rose Dec.2011

Although, the year began with devastating news of my sister’s diagnosis of breast cancer, it ended on a positive note as we spent a few days in beautiful British Columbia with each other over Christmas.  Throughout this year I’ve learnt from my sister how to enjoy being in the moment while accepting the past, and at the same time embracing the future all in a single breath.  Indeed, in reading her blog the future looks bright for her. She has strength, courage and more than that she has precisely the right attitude.
 

Having the right attitude is essential in all areas of life. Making the best of a bad situation can release stress and create ways of moving forward in a way that may not have been possible before.

In January of last year, we spent a few weeks in Montreal, and again in August experiencing two seasonal extremes, which gave being in Montreal two totally different perspectives. Both wonderful, I might add. 
 

May and June were difficult months. My good friend Margo died, she was an amazing lady and I miss her. My mom had an accident and had to have surgery for a broken hip. Unfortunately, she could no longer live in her house because she was not able to manage the stairs.   And to top it off  I missed Andrew’s grade eight graduations and Alan’s birthday.  


In June, in addition to my friend's death, and my mom's accident, I also had one of the worst Board meetings I ever experienced.  It was so stressful that I considered rendering my resignation as Vice Chair. What actually saved my sanity was that I received personal coaching which empowered me to create a new relationship with my Board. Yay, for Landmark Education and a personal thank you to Moneca and Vik.  It was a huge transformational shift that I could not have imagined possible.

The summer was hot and hotter but I enjoyed it nonetheless. August was special for the weddings and a second trip to Montreal.  

My vegetable garden was amazing last season, blessing us with huge cucumbers. I feel silly saying this, but I didn't know that cucumbers are prickly when they are first picked and become smooth after they are washed. We also got tons of tomatoes, potatoes, chard, spinach and lettuce growing like they were on steroids. This was especially great for me since I am experimenting with eating whole live foods.  And if you are a regular reader of my blog, you'll know that I can't live without my green smoothies.  I even travel with my blendtec! 


We managed to complete the office koi pond, which welcomed wildlife and served as a sanctuary for the staff to get in touch with nature’s pure energy. 

We had a beautiful fall, which is my favorite time of year.  The weather could not be more perfect and the best part, no bugs.

Andrew began high school in a new school.  So far, he is doing well and is gaining self-confidence as he discovers his academic strengths.  

In November, I challenged a few people to see who would blog the most.  I won! I posted six blogs that month. Look out, I may be doing this again. Let me know if you're interested.

In December, another Board meeting in Edmonton, Alberta, with financial reports indicating that the institution is healthy ended the year on a high note.
 

And being in Edmonton provided me the opportunity to visit with family and friends.  I created an event on facebook inviting people to meet me for breakfast.  I wasn’t sure if anyone would show up early on a Saturday morning, but they did. What a wonderful way to get caught up with people if you only have limited time at a certain place.  “Breakfast with Angelina” will be a continuing event whenever I am in Edmonton in the future.

Again, this year I was pleased to participate in another of my favorite Christmas tradition, a gathering at my niece’s home in Stony Plain. With enough food to feed an army and her house always so beautifully decorated is the embodiment of Christmas.   I’ll always treasure with fondness this Christmas tradition.  I almost didn’t make it because of the fresh snowfall earlier that morning.  But thankfully my brother-in-law was able to drive my rental car up the steep snowy driveway, thank you Ron.

But the surprise of the year was actually seeing my nephew who arrived from Australia. This was his first international trip on his own.  Chris you give the best hugs ever!
   

From the plane on iphone

We spent the last couple of weeks of December in Vancouver, BC with our our beautiful island girls. Their house  is perched on the side of a hill and offers the most spectacular views of the ocean and the Vancouver city lights.  We opened gifts, watched a movie, had a fabulous turkey dinner with all the trimmings and just hung out.  Priceless!

While in Vancouver we called a real-estate agent friend to view a few houses that we were interested in seeing. Our future plan is buy our dream home on the west coast sometime in the next two years.
  

All things considered this was a great year.  What will 2012 bring, I can’t wait to see...  Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a Prosperous 2012! 

     

It Went like This...

The eve of 2009 gives me pause to reflect on the previous year’s accomplishments and look forward to the possibilities coming up. I see this time of the year as a magical period where anything is possible as I renew and create new intentions.

I reviewed my blog and was able to recreate some memorable moments of the past year.

The only New Year’s resolution I made in 2009 was to take Fridays off work, and I was more or less was able to do that, making this year the best year for reading books.

I read tons of great books this year, but I really, really, really, enjoyed Stieg Larsson’s trilogy. As luck would have it, I received from my hubby the last book of the trilogy for my birthday in December. Because it is not yet released in Canada he had to order it from Amazon UK and I am so glad he did. Yay!!! I am therefore blissfully ending the year reading “The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets’ Nest”. I highly recommend you read all three books because in my humble opinion they are the BEST books ever.

The concert highlight of the year was seeing Leonard Cohen in concert at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Wow!!! Double wow!!!

In 2009 I had my first vegetable garden! It was not very big but I harvested green onions, carrots, zucchini, two types of lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and various herbs. In 2010 I am going to be adding even more vegetables. But will have less lettuce because I had too many lettuce plants last season. I didn’t realize that with lettuce one could just trim the tops of the plant and it would keep growing all summer. My whole family loved the garden and helped with the harvesting. Absolutely nothing compares to vegetables fresh from the garden.

I blogged a lot about tea, here, here, and here. I must enjoy it immensely!

Sadly, the 2009 summer was a dry one. In that we didn’t have use of our swimming pool because when the old liner was removed we noticed some serious damage to the concrete putting into question the integrity of the pool. Since we plan to rebuild our house we thought it best to not invest into the pool until we have a design of the new layout.

On the bright side, a new experience for me was staying at a B&B not too far from Ottawa, which opened my mind to the possibility of staying at B&Bs in our plan trip to Scotland in 2010. Staying at this B&B coincided with another new experience, sending our son off with his schoolmates for nine days of camping in Quebec. It was the longest we have been apart!!! Fortunately, I was being pampered at Hummingbird Hill B&B Spa, creating a wonderful distraction while hubby went to meetings during the day.

I was lucky to have been able to visit briefly with my mom, some family and friends while on business trips out west. In the fall, I had a surprise visit when my cousin from Fort Chipewyan showed up in Ottawa. I had not seen him in about 20 years, and what’s up with the fact that he didn’t gain an ounce? He and his girlfriend joined me for a lovely lunch at Sweetgrass Bistro in the Market. Later, they sent me a surprise package with homemade jams and dried fish. I’m never losing contact with them again.

What do you do when there are no cookies in the house... my son baked his first batch of cookies all my himself, skyped me at work and showed me.

On the whole, I experienced a magnificent 2009 where I renewed contact with old friends and family, made new friends, wrote more, and laughed more. My very favorite pastime is spent at home, drinking tea, and enjoying the company of my family,dog, and fish.

A 2010 intention:
Inspired by the foodie blogs I read (check the blogs to the right)…to cook more healthy and creative meals! Now all I need is a sharp knife and willing taste testers. Awww, where are my hubby and son? Ok, I’ll bake some sweets too, guys, come back!

Cheers! Wishing 2010 brings you health, happiness, and peace!!!