Revelstoke visit

Revelstoke, Dec 2013, a set on Flickr.

We spent a few days in Revelstoke with our friends, the Blommesteins. We had a wonderful time and it was such a treat to put my skis back on again after four years, even though I didn't make it off the bunny hill. I love to go skiing and I am glad to be sharing it with Ed and Sophia. Thank you to JME&M, Oma, and Opa for the amazing hospitality!

My 3 words for 2014

1) SELF-DISCIPLINE

Definition: Self-discipline can be defined as the ability to motivate oneself in spite of a negative emotional state. Qualities associated with self-discipline include willpower, hard work, and persistence.

2) BALANCE

Definition:  a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

3) SERENITY

Definition: The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

I read this blog post a couple of years ago and I liked the idea of coming up with 3 words that will help me define my goals and experiences, words that I can use as guideposts as I navigate life this year.

Goals for 2014

1) Keep journaling

I think for the first time since starting a journal in 2005, I have missed writing in it for two full months (Nov, Dec 2013).  That is pretty sad and not a habit I wish to continue.  Writing is good for me.  It helps  quiet my self-talk, which is usually negative or work-related (i.e., stressful).  Getting stuff out of my head and into my journal helps me relax, as I unload my brain.  It also captures moments that I end up forgetting.  Journaling is healthy and necessary.   No matter how busy my life gets, I must make time for capturing and unloading my thoughts to my journal.  This is a must.

2) Keep CrossFitting

It took me almost three years after having a baby to get back to the gym regularly.  I started going to a CrossFit gym last May and I’ve managed to keep at it.  I attend the 6am class, which a few years ago, I would have thought completely impossible for me to do.  But having a baby trains parents to wake up early, and so getting up and going to a 6am class has become achievable for me.

3) Keep my cool

Sophia is a capricious, mercurial 3-year old.  Spread the jam on the toast in a way she dislikes, and boom, an emotional outburst ensues.  In a snap, she goes from being jovial to throwing a tantrum.  And I sometimes lose my patience with her and we end up fighting.  So, my goal is to keep calm, cool and neutral when these outbursts occur and when we’re butting heads about one thing or another.  This, at times, is such a huge challenge but I have to keep trying and trying.  I don’t know any other human being who can make me so angry!  But she is my child, she is precious, and our relationship is precious.  I can’t afford to not keep trying.

Christmas Day

Sophia put two things on her Santa list this year - pony and make-up.  I am not sure where the pony request came from.  The make-up, well, she's been using her markers to colour her nails, hands, feet, and face for a few months now.  I do not know where the fascination with make-up and nail polish comes from because I don't wear make-up nor do I paint my nails.  Anyway, for her presents, Santa brought  her a pink My Little Pony toy and face paint (Santa agreed that Sophia is way too young to wear make-up!).  When she unwrapped the face paint, she wanted me to put some colour on her eyes.  I obliged and let her choose a colour.  She chose brown and kept the colour on the entire day.  So all her photos from Christmas day look pretty silly.

She does look like she has eye shadow on.

Her silly eyes

Enjoying all the toys she received.

A Purdy's ribbon turned head band.

Playing hair stylist with Mommy.

Our Christmas morning and early afternoon were lazy and relaxing.  We opened presents and played with Sophia's new toys.  Then at 3pm, we started to prepare for our family Christmas dinner and things got pretty busy.  After our guests left, we finished cleaning up, then we had to pack for our trip to Revelstoke.  It made for a long day but it was still a good day.  We still had a happy Christmas.

Merry Christmas

Santa's presents have been delivered and are waiting for Princess Sophia under the tree.  Ingredients for our Christmas breakfast and the Lorico family Christmas dinner are ready.  I'm looking forward to a joyous, lazy and relaxing Christmas day.

Merry Christmas!