Welcome 2023

 It's here, a new year, a new beginning. The chance to start again fresh as we take another trip around the sun. I know you can start fresh whenever you like but there is something about the ideas and passion one has for the start of a new year. 

I am still debating on my one little word and how committed I will be, I know what I want, it's executing and the follow through. Focus is still speaking to me so I think I will go with that. Today is not the day, to begin this though as my mind is elsewhere---see where "focus" will really help me? The irony in the word?

We are off to my parents for a family dinner. It will be loud even though we are a small group, the food will be good, and we will be together. I will sit back and be grateful for what I have, and the people I am with and focus on the good that is to come. 

Here's to celebrating new beginnings, however they may look. ♥ 

Welcome October

October's the month
When the smallest breeze
Gives us a shower
Of autumn leaves.
Bonfires and pumpkins,
Leaves sailing down —
October is red
And golden and brown.
~Author unknown

I think October is my favourite month. I love the colours, smells, food and the weather. It's time for soup, stews and open windows, especially at night. I sleep so well on cool October nights with the cool breeze in my window and snuggled under my blankets. 

To end September I had the privilege of being the opening speaker at our local Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer. I was nervous but proud of the speech I gave, I watched women nodding their heads as I spoke and had a few people tell me I was an inspiration....wow! Having the boy with me made it even more special as we walked the full 5K and he laughed as I stopped to chase a butterfly to get 'the shot'. A great morning doing a good thing.

Got up close to a couple of butterflies, next year I am determined to go to the Point in the evening to see an abundance of them.

Finally, I made poor Harlow miserable for my entertainment again. This time I dressed her up as a witch, lol. She did give me a few good looks as well as the "I will kill you in your sleep" look.

That's it for now!

Bursting with Pride

On Sunday I did another 5K (yes I walked it again) and this was for the Run for Rocky which helps support local high schools GSA's so we can provide a safe and inclusive school for all students. There is also support for the iCANdonate  campaign to bring awareness and support to encourage the Government of Canada to change its legislation on organ donor eligibility through advocacy, education and social media.

We had a lot of students (and staff) who signed up and attended Run for Rocky this weekend.  Our principal offered to pay for a bus to assist students in getting the run and back home (how awesome is she!) and we had about 23 on that bus.  Our school mascot (costume) was also going to make an appearance as long as the weather held out.  I am pleased to say that the weather did in fact hold out and it was hard to miss a giant yellow bulldog roaming the grounds followed by a bunch of students proudly sporting their black and gold wear.  Our group was hard to miss and seemed to be quite popular.  The students were loud, positive and represented our school and community in fantastic fashion.  We had students who once they finished the race were at the finish line cheering others on, congratulating everyone and well just being amazing. Our staff turnout was well represented also, 16 staff members not including their spouses/children.   That's almost half! As we jumped on the bus ready to head home one of the event staff as well as the Director for Windsor Pride came on our bus to express their gratitude to our students for their support and thank them.  The looks of pride on those kids faces were wonderful to see......being thanked for doing good and recognized.  

This run is near and dear to one of our staff member's heart as it is in honour of his wonderful nephew who was tragically lost due to suicide. The pride and emotion you could see on his face at the turnout from his school family will forever be etched in my heart.  

We can create change, it takes time and a lot of support but it can be done.  We can do good things, we can crush stereotypes, we can be supportive of those around us, we can all stand together as people and have each others backs.  You do not necessarily have to walk in another's shoes to stand up and say 'this is not an acceptable way to treat another human being.', we can have each other's backs and be allies.  It is also wonderful to show the world, even if it is our small corner that we have some amazing young people out there who are going to do great things. They need our support and backing to help them achieve the change they want in the world.

As I close out my post for today I just want to say Go Bulldogs!!  I am proud to have been a former student, a present staff member, a member of this community and a parent of a student who attends this school. 

Go Bulldogs!!

*Photo credited to Owen Wolter posted on WindsoriteDOTca

Christmas Past and The Now

Another Christmas is in the books and I would say this one was hard.  While I had the adoption of Dash that really made it special I also had some down moments. 

This was my first Christmas not having my son with me for Christmas dinner, he was with his dad. For six years it has been us and my parents or us and my whole family.  This year it was just me and my family, it hit me harder than I expected.  I contemplated just staying home and putting my jammies on, but after a meltdown and tears I sucked it up and went back out to my brothers.  Glad I did as we had some laughs playing games and such.

Fast forward to the now........

Dash is doing well and we have gone out for a walk every day.  I feel myself being more at peace and calm, animals are amazing creatures aren't they?  The Meow-man is handling a dog in the house very well and is over being angry with me.  Matter of fact I have cat curled up beside me and do is curled up at my feet.....life is good.

Avoidance is in full gear, I have done nothing!!  There is laundry, dusting, vacuuming and sweeping to do as well as a good fridge clean out needed but I am content to sit and watch whatever marathon is playing on the Comedy or Space network as well as catching some World Junior hockey action (still in mourning over Canada's shootout loss yesterday).