13 Hours of Rain

Our poor daughter has the stomach flu. Here is a visual tribute to the objects and people that got me through yesterday: Pediatric electrolyte to replenish the fluids that she lost. Safety First medicine dropper to get the fluids down when she refused bottle, cup, and spoon. Moments of prayer and petition during times of fear and anxiety. Family support through prayer and practical deeds. White tulips from my husband to encourage me to keep going. And right now, the music from her infant glider is calming her exhausted mind as she sleeps in her crib. Lastly, my beautiful princess - may God grant you health and rest today. I love you.

The marketing industry fascinates and infuriates me. It has an insidious way of targeting our fears and values. 1. Environmentally Friendly Products. Accompanying the fear of a global climate catastrophe is our need to purchase products and services that are perceived to be kinder to our environment. I am not against being cognisant of our earth's deplorable status and taking action to repair our world. However, it bothers me when products or services are labelled as being environmentally friendly on one hand but cause equally challenging problems on the other hand. For example, many institutions are becoming fans of e-billing and e-pay stubs. The service is labelled as being kinder to the environment. And the institution saves a whole wade of cash in paper and printing. But, in order to received your e-bill or e-pay stub, you need a computer. And these computers are replaced often to keep up with the technological times. The result? E-junk! Many cities are overwhelmed with that a...

Aragorn: "What do you fear my lady?" Éowyn: "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them and all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire." I woke up one morning and realized for the first time in my life that I am ashamed to quote my age. I have joined the rank of women who look back at their yesteryears with a hint of nostalgia. Youth and vitality seem like a lost dream. And it doesn't really help when my doctor has advised me to add vitamin supplements to my diet. Aging. Why does it scare me so? Éowyn, a shield maiden of Rohan in the Lord of the Rings novels provides me the answer. I fear a cage. I fear feeling trapped. I fear being without inspiration. I fear accepting the status quo. I fear being barred from my dreams by my age. Yet, sometimes my dreams seem uncertain. The trumpets sounded. The horses reared and neighed. Spear clashed on shield. Then the king raised his hand, and with a rush like the sudden onset of a great wind t...

I wanted to surprise my husband with a framed picture of my daughter and me in Leaf gear for Valentine's Day . That was the plan. I phoned a couple of cheap studios to cash in on their "under $10" deals. Appointments were available for the later part of the week. Unfortunately, the packages were only giving fixed sizes for one pose. One studio was offering two 8 x 10's, two 5 x 7's, and 16 mini-wallets. I wanted one 3 x 5! The other studio was offering two 3 x 5's as part of their package but the pictures would only be available in two weeks. So, I scrapped the studio idea and decided to somehow take the picture myself. In the meanwhile, I booked a hair appointment and got some snazzy copper-red highlights in my hair (I've been saving my pennies for the luxury). Plus, I asked the stylist to straighten my hair (my husband loves it when I occasionally straighten my hair). I also tried to find a Leafs jersey for my daughter. But alas, I started too late in m...

Tuesdays mark the day when I share a phone conversation with my sister . We enjoy exchanging baby stories. We encourage each other in our relationship with God. We share our burdens and celebrate our joys. Today, we talked about friends of ours who truly live out their passions. Some may label them as radical. Others may view them as extreme. We see them as inspirational. I realized that my life is quite normal and comfortable. I am married. I am a stay-at-home mom. I interact with friends and family. I attend church. I indulge in a few hobbies. And in terms of material possessions, I am blessed. I am not saying that being "normal" is bad. Neither is it wrong to feel comfortable. But when does our normal existence and our comfortable lifestyle interfere with our passion to make a difference in this world? I just know that I do not want to become complacent in my life. I desire to set an example for my daughter of being all that God designed me to be. At the end of my life, I ...

Nine more days until Valentine's Day ! I have a confession. After Christmas, Valentine's Day is my favorite celebration. I am a bit of a hopeless romantic despite the fact that I would rather watch a Sci-Fi flick than any cheesy, romantic comedy. That being said, I cherish the timeless love stories, such as Anne of Green Gables , Pride and Prejudice , and Ever After . And I don't know how many times I have viewed While You Were Sleeping ! I have spent more Valentine's Days single than in a romantic relationship. There were times I bemoaned my situation. Yet, on many occasions I refused to throw a pity party. Instead, I created memories. Here are a few of my romantic adventures: Buying chocolates and cards for friends and family. Purchasing a rose for my single colleagues at work. Surprising students with chocolate hearts at school. Eating at an exotic restaurant with a bunch of my single girlfriends while we were surrounded by couples. And my personal favorite: watching...

I've joined a step aerobics class at one of our local Leisure Centers. The last time I was enrolled in a step class was ten years ago! I have noticed a few subtle differences in the last decade. First, in the beginner class category, there is a 5:2 ratio of yoga classes to step classes. Second, the step class includes several strengthening exercises that are yoga inspired. Third, the relaxation music utilized during the final stretch session is reminiscent of sounds that gently drift out of a Hindu or Buddhist temple. Lastly, phrases such as "inhale the positive, exhale the negative" are used. I do not have a problem with my step class. It invigorates me, especially since winter temperatures and icy streets have dampened my joy of walking outdoors. However, I am fascinated how yoga has gained momentum in Western society. Yoga inspired clothing chains, such as lululemon athletica , are a testament to this fact. Also, I am wondering, is yoga a fitness activity, a spiritual ...