Martini Momma

All in a day's work...

I tend to laugh when I look at this blog photo of me.  I feel like I am so young looking, almost a depiction of nativity and innocence.  Ironically I had a conversation with a very old soul this week who happens to be one of my new clients.

Over coffee her and I were talking about her daughter's upcoming nuptuals.  She was telling me about her reservations about her 'baby' moving on to become a wife yet with confidence, she said, "She is a woman and so she needs to make her nest.  She is my daughter and I believe that she will always come home to roost but she herself needs to carve her own path."

I found her wisdom very interesting and actually quite insightful on life in general.  I naturally thought of my MIL.  I recall many conversations with her where she tried so desperately to be helpful, to guide me and yet I was strong willed, stubborn and determined to set out on my own.

Truthfully, I am not sure as an early 20 something that anyone could have told me what to do or how to live.  Looking back today, I guess that is the beauty of life.  I had no reservation and no fear about what I would be become even though a wiser person would have seen through my confidence and recognized ignorance.

"Nancy" spoke to me about intentions and genuine love.  At 35, I believe that I can truly say how grateful I am for advice in my life, yes - even from my MIL, but even more important, I recognize love and education.  I am grateful for the women in my life who have walked before me.

Th evolution of self through life is fascinating.  This evening I spent the night out with the winos.  It is our Y Moms group who have now for 4 years been making each other a priority.  I value so much their love, acceptance and advice.  I know that I could not have possibly been that wise at 20, but I look forward with grace to the wisdom that awaits me at 40!

Is book club really about books?

Well, the 5 ladies that visited tonight have returned to their homes and I would say that another book club, another roaring success.  My hubby asked me, as I ventured into our bedroom where he took refuge from the estrogen in the kitchen, "did you even read the book?"  I didn't have to.  Book club is not just about books, it's about woman.  Woman coming together as strangers and finding friendships.  It's about c-section shelves and spanx, blogs and water bras, stalkers and excercise.  I like book club, I like the wine that flows too easily, and I love the fact that woman can find common ground no matter from where they stem and they can learn and laugh together.  Thank you, ladies for another great "book".

My Little Speedster

How many times have you looked at your child and wondered what he or she will become in life?  Naturally I know that we all choose happy, loved, successful (which I acknowledge is relative) but do you ponder their career choice or maybe even interests and hobbies. 

My little Gage, like Hud, fascinates me daily.  He is completely nuts about cars.  Many times a day I have to bring his collection which includes: cars, motorcycles, trucks, trailers and trains to various locations in our house.  When he wakes up, he beams happily from his bed, "Gagey - wake!"  As soon as we step foot in his room, he begins ordering us around as it pertains to his fleet of vehicles.

'Rally car, bring."

"Hummer Truck, bring."

"Trailer, bring."

So, dad or I will help him carry all of his favorites downstairs.  We get him a snack and milk and he begins placing them in the right spot for whatever it is they have to do today.  Sometimes, it's a race, "Mark, set , go!" and giggles to himself as he watched the winner cross the finish line.  Some days it is a Monster Jam where cars, trucks and even motorcycles collide and crash into everything from each other to his brother.

Whatever the event, once he has had his fun, he arranges each one in its proper place.  If one should fall off the table, he shouts, "Aura no!!!"  Poor doggie.  If I try and anticipate where it should go and place it there, he barks, "No mama.  Car, car here."

And as he gently moves them back and forth, drinking in every detail of their chrome and rubber, I marvel at his fascination, he absolutely loves and is passionate for cars.  I wonder because of the time and attention he pays to detail if that will carry with him through life.  Or, if his love of cars will be a career path or even a hobby.

Just as I finish cleaning breakfast and start to think of jumping in the shower, his wee fingers are pinching my thighs, demanding I get a move on it and start carrying our caravan upstairs once more where they will stay until we return home at the end of the day

and do it all over again...

Good morning mommas.  It's so nice to have a morning cup of coffee with the sun shining.  I am still moving slowly after a wild Friday.  I would have to say that I elevated to a new status of coolness.  Here's the breakdown...

On Friday, knowing that Emerson Drive was in town, I called up Club Regent Casino and asked for the Entertainment Director, Kelly.  When I got him on the phone, he told me he was just getting the band coffees.

Perfect segway right?  Yep, I said what goes better in the morning, (afternoon or night too for that matter) with breakfast than... a Vitamin Water.  I am smooth.  Going for the jugular, I asked if I could drop off some free product for the band to have in their dressing room.  He agreed.  So, I grabbed a cooler, filled it with ice and chilled. 

When I got to to the Casino, I strutted in with my cold drinks in hand and asked for Kelly.  Sadly, I was treated like every other groupie and was told that I could leave my product at the front desk and they would ensure that the band got it.

Damn it.  I reapplied make in the middle of the afternoon for nothing!  So, I collected my pride and made the trek back across the city.  I had just pulled in to my driveway when my phone ran. 

"Hello."

On the other end of the line was a man with a Los Angeles Southern Drawl - go figure.  It was the band's Road Manager!   He was calling to thank me and let me know that the band loves vitamin water and was wondering if I was interested in meet and greet passes and tickets to the show!  Hell ya.

I was so excited, truthfully I couldn't believe what was happening.  I was about to be hob knobbing with a fantastic band and yet, Kath was on a road trip and Mollie (who should be banned from the country circuit after this one) ignored my calls because she was garage sailing!  So, I called my sister Jen and told her to dust off her boots, we were going wild! 

It was a star struck night.  We met the band, got photos (sorry I can't post because it was an in house camera - seriously!), LOVED the show and best of all - hung out together until the wee hours.  I think there are still stars in my eyes.

That's how she rolls... 

Not older, Wiser!

Happy long weekend Mommas.  I cannot believe this frosty weather.  Today will mark our frist soccer game so long as it doesn't snow or rain!  Just kidding, I know we will make it tonight.  I guess that will mean I will officially become a soccer mom!

Our long weekend was fantastic.  It included a gamut of fun, activities and of course - yard work.  What would a long weekend be without a little elbow grease!  Here's a peak...

1.  Brent and I had a night out with the Parnell siblings.  We went to Ichiban for dinner and saw thisat MTC.  It was a great evening.  I loved the company and enjoyed the musical.  In my opinion it was meant to be a drama but I enjoyed it none the less.

2.  I celebrated all weekend long.  I had a birthday this past weekend which meant that I got to go on a uncensored shopping trip with my boys.  I ate breakfast at Fresh Cafe - my fav.  I had a glass of wine with The Coach and a vodka & vitamin water with Reg (small plug).  I opened presents.  I had a family bbq.  I drank more wine and I even indulged in cake - ice cream for the Celiac.  It was fantastic - maybe my best birthday yet!

3.  Brent and I got in a 4 k run with the boys.  They were snug in the Chariot, wrapped in blankets and surrounded by breakfast snacks.  I think I am addicted to getting physical with Brent.  It's Tuesday morning mommas - get your minds out of the gutter!  We are running the Manitoba Marathon with Kirb, Kath and our friend Brent.  I am getting pumped.

4.  I went on a few rides at The Blue Bombers Carnival with my boys.  I was the biggest chicken of the 3 - go figure.  Bravado starts early.

5.  I thought lots about my baby sis who is meeting with Jason, today.  This will mark the beginning of a tough road as it pertains to custody.  I feel her pain and only hope that they can come to an agreement.  Our little Gracie absolutely lights up our world.  Crys - I am sending you as much love as I have in my heart.  Good luck.  Stay strong.

6.  Lastly, I watched the season finale of Survivor.  I am so pumped that - close your eyes if you PVR'd - JT won!  I adore him and they way in which he smiles at his mom.  I veered few centimenters away from center this weekend.  I am focusing on staying true to my heart and my values.  That means that I need to be more thoughtful and less reactionary with my behavior.  Truth be told, I had one lapse yesterday but am back today, more focused.  Today will be all about perspective and mental focus.  Damn, being my best is a work out in itself.

Enjoy the sunshine mommas.  I am off to work and a lunch date with Mol Cats.

PS - Thanks to all of my Facebook friends for the great wishes.

Too busy to blog

Back before I had kids, I thought those people that said, "I wish there were hours in the day" were crazy.  I mean we can't create time so be more efficient, prioritize, right??  Well, post 3 babes, "I wish there were hours in the day".  My kids are doing away with quiet time right before my eyes.   To force Mags to nap so that I can have one hour uninterrupted in the afternoon only makes bedtime more challenging and later, so I power through and by their bedtime I am beat. 

It's not just the dwindling quiet time.  We are landscpaing our front yard, I love the process, I love shopping for just the right trees and shrubs and I love that hubby takes so much pride and enjoyment in the job.  It just eats more of our time, time that I could spend jogging, reading, ok, cooking and cleaning, too.  I haven't even found time to go buy the book for bookclub this month.  I am a soccer mom on M and W and really, the night is eaten up by that activity, especially if we bring all the kidlets.  Even my diet has been a bust as of late, when tired I snack in the evening, which in turn makes me have a lousy sleep and on and on and on.  In my dreams and on the vision board that is still in my head but not yet on paper, I envision my "me" time taking to the trails at Birds Hill park or the pits and running my buns off.  I imagine cooking helathy, sassy food with a pulse, not the same boring ones my kids will eat.  I even imagine myself having a shower each day and maybe even putting on something besides sweats.  Can you imagine I just admitted to the masses that I do not shower every day, oh, my, my respect for myself has just gone right down the tubes.  How do you make it all happen?  Perhaps the sun will come out tomorrow, literally I hope the sun will come out tomorrow!!!!  The sunshine always boosts energy and maybe then my 2 older ones will be busy playing outside instead of having my referee their brawls indoors.  Or maybe, when outside in a bigger space I will be able to better ignore their choking and pushing and screaming at each other.  I wish you all loads of energy and sunshine and I hope you cross your fingers for me as I slink in the direction of...a shower??

Wednesday Wash

Hi Mommas.

I dragged my ass to bootcamp this morning and the rain held off just long enough to get in our 1 mile run - boo.  I love to run slow and steady NOT fast!  We have a busy day ahead:) so I am off but check out my post here if you are up for a challenge:)

www.inspiredbykath.com

Hope you all can stay in your jammies and relax today:)

On your mark...

Good morning Mommas.  The Coach had me out fora run at Assiniboine Park at 6:00 am.  It was a beautiful morning - nothing better for the soul than a prairie sunrise (or set).  I laced up my new Sauchony sneaks and caught up with my dear friend - in between my gaps for air.  Kath is getting faster as she climbs towards her next marathon and kicking my ass as she goes. 

As for me, I have been whirling through life.  I was away in Toronto for business last week.  It was exhilarating.  It was busy and exhausting and super fun.  One area of my life that Ihave been focusing on lately is staying true to my center.  By that Imean never going too far from what is important to me.  That being said, Toronto was a time where I tried hard not to ignore my sleep and health and yet still live it up.

Mother's Day was great.  We spent the whole day with our moms.  Today however is my chance to relax.  I am booked in with the amazing Tracy at City Looks for a facial.  Ahhhh.  I am so excited.  It is very challenging for me to take time for things like this when you are living life at full speed.  But, I am remembering my center and I am in need of a little downtown.

Yesterday I had our bikes tuned up for the season.  The lawn is cut and raked and ready for flowers.  Hudson plays his first soccer game on Thursday and we are going to see Boys in The Photograph with  the Parnell brothers and sister-in-laws on Friday.  This long weekend is going to be focused on family with an emphasis on outdoor fun.  So Mother Nature - listen up and please send us continued warmth.

That's an update from this kid.  I heeded the advice of our in-house life coach and indulged for 5 minutes - I blogged.  Have a great day.

Tweet, Tweet...

Tweet, tweet is not just for the arrival of all the birds.  Yup, I am officially on twitter - you can follow me on my other blog (www.inpsiredbykath.com) 

I hope everyone had a great weekend and was spoiled if you are a mom!  The garage sale was insane - snow and sleet could not keep the bargain hunters away.  I was happy to report that my garage was cleared out by noon and I went to The Headingly Grand Trunk Trail opening to which G'Dude has been heading the committee.  It was a huge success!  We spent Saturday night having dinner with friends and it was so fun.

I was spoiled for Mother's Day - it started early with breakfast in bed, a run with Foxy, a hot uninterrupted long shower and a trip to the snake dens - complete with anawesome picnic.  The snake dens are cool:)  even if you are not really a fan of snakes.  The day ended with a BBQ at our place with both sets of parents, prepared by the boys:)  A perfect day!

 

Today, I am working a bit and trying to get the yard somewhat cleaned up.  We had an overnight stray dog stay with us who was rather stinky but sweet ( a huge, super friendly, rottie boy) - great with the kids and Foxy (who could walk right under his belly).  I hope the owner's call for him - he is at animal services.

I ate way too many brownies this weekend and drank too much wine so I am going to attempt to eat very healthy but burger and beer season seems like it is looming just around the corner.

Happy Monday Mommas. 

Friday Flurry!

It is busy around here - I am now officially employed with this company.  It was fun and I am looking forward to getting out and about a bit (and out of my Lulu's). I am coaching so many cool, inspiring people and getting to know so many great things about leading a life that you LOVE.

I miss my co-Anticipation pilot who is living it up in Toronto this week with work!

My GiGaNtiC GARAGE SALE is this Saturday and we are selling all of our baby and toddler stuff - clothes, high chair, exersaucer, bathtub, toys, you name it AND other cool stuff like my bookclub books and steel toe sorels (from my old life to which I am now 100% sure I will never return)

Tell anyone who is pregnant or has young children - there are 3 of us for sure having the same kinds of stuff on my street - THURSTON BAY in LINDENWOODS...the sale starts at 9am.

I am getting back on the bootcamp wagon tommorrow - we have switched over to outdoors (WTF?) and to 3 mornings/week at 5:45am.  I need help? 

What else?  We have great friends coming over for dinner on Saturday night, a trail grand opening, and a Mother's Day road trip to see some snakes:)

Bring it on - kicking off the weekend with pizza and beer.......

Here is a GREAT way to start the weekend - Watch this video and take 5 minutes today to dance with someone you love. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UE3CNu_rtY&feature=player_embedded