I made it

I made it!  Today is November 30 and I made it!   30 posts in 30 days.  Yeah some days were lighter than others.  But I made the effort to come up with ideas and write or post a thought everyday.  And that was my objective.    I hope to continue to blog more regularly, and in particular hope to keep up with  my follow blogger friday posts.

Moms in the media

It was so nice to attend Momcafe last Friday without having to worry how my little guy was settling in with the child care. After two experiences of him having to sit with me through the presentations, I made other child care arrangements (convenient that Grandma was in town that day). So I was able to network with other moms and enjoy the presentations without distractions.

Today’s speakers were Moms behind the Headlines: Andrea Vance, Publisher of WestCoast Families; and Tamara Taggart, CTV Weathercaster.

Andrea talked about her path to becoming an entrepreneur and publisher. Tamara talked more about how she makes it work today.

It was interesting to hear Andrea talk about her late days and nights working at EA. How that lead to a late night life discussion over Rum and Cokes, with her now husband. And how that led to her quitting her high paying job with nothing to go to and no plan.

The biggest transitions for her were:

• Learning to work from home. How to get out of bed and out of your PJs everyday. She realized she had to think about it as ‘work’ and to prepare herself for each day, as she was going to the office. And some days that might mean staying in her sweats for the day.
• Thought she could plan her transition to being a parent. She had 9 months to get organized. She isn’t a big planner, but feels that her work plan went well. The home plan did not go to plan, and the anticipated labour distribution plan had to be adjusted after the baby was born.

For her balance is about dealing with whatever has to get done and that she goes to bed feeling like she (and her child) ate and that things got done that needed to be done.

For her the question should not be what is next? But what is next next? What is the passion or ultimate goal?

It was interesting listening to Tamara and really relating to a number of the things she said about her life. She works in the ‘soul sucking business of TV’ (I used to work in the soul sucking business of advertising). And she waited until she was older to have kids, only because she didn’t meet the right person until she was older (same story for me). She is a worry wart and had challenges realizing that when you have kids you have to give up some of the control (amen sister).

She believes she can have it all. You just have to prioritize differently.

It was interesting listening to her story about her oldest child Beckett who was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome 5 days after he was born. Her pregnancy had been easy, and all the tests had been good. So she and her husband were completely unprepared and knew nothing about downs syndrome.  She had to learn fast. The difference in her situation is that she had to go through it in front of the public.

She addressed why she went back to work after 4 months after both children - “because they needed the money”. It is the most expensive time of your life and you only qualify for EI. So she went back to work. I appreciated that while not everyone in the room would agree with her, she was unapologetic. It was her choice for her family. She doesn’t judge others decisions and she doesn’t expect anyone should judge hers. (note to those who want to express their opinion to her in the grocery store – make sure she isn’t holding a jug of milk).

She talked about the Regis show as a ‘big show with a small town mentality’. They really made her feel comfortable and she was surprised by how laid back they were. And that helped revitalize her idea of what she does. And to her it is very important to love what she does.

How does she manage with her busy schedule?

• She has a team. Her mom, a part time nanny and of course her husband.
• Being home for bedtime is mandatory. Most nights both parents are home for bedtime, but there is always at least one of them there.
• Prioritizing her time – cause frankly she’d rather shop for the kids than herself these days.
• Nothing comes before her family.  And work knows this.  "It is what it is".  Although she does have to remind herself of that every so often.

One of the questions for Tamara was how she handles privacy for her family. She is a pretty open person (says she answer anything but her weight). She doesn’t want to hide her children, nor make Beckett a poster child for downs syndrome. But he is fantastic and wants other people to see that. Of course being in the public she does have to consider safety issues, and has had stalkers. 

Like all parents she doesn’t seem to have a concrete answer to all the questions. She notes that she replaced her Us magazines with mommy blogs and loves to learn from them. On the flip side she doesn’t have the answers, but if someone can learn from her then great.

 Both Tamara and Andrea seem, like most parents, to take it day by day and try to make the best decisions for their families and themselves.   Doing something you are patient about is key no matter what you do.

Blue Rodeo

Hubbie and I had a date night last week. My mom was in town and so was Blue Rodeo, so we took advantage and had a night out. 

I've seen Blue Rodeo about six times in my life, and they never fail to please.  My first time was during University and I don't remember too much about it except that I loved loved loved Greg Keeler's voice (Diamond Mine is still my favourite song).

Then there was the time we saw them in Malkin Bowl at Stanley Park.  We were in the 6th or 7th row and we arrived just as Blue Rodeo was taking stage. I watched Jim and Greg eye my 9 month pregnant belly as I sidled into my seat.  Luckily for everyone there wasn't an unexpected and unticketed guest delivered that night.  He waited another week to arrive. But boy did he ever dance around in my stomach that night. 

And then one year later, we celebrated one of our first night's out without the little man with another Blue Rodeo concert. 

This time we saw them at The Centre.  It is a lovely venue, but in my opinion too stiff for Blue Rodeo.  I want to DANCE when I see Blue Rodeo live.  And there is no dancing at the Centre - unless you have tickets in the rafters.  You can dance at Malkin Bowl, but only on the sides.  I want to stand at my seat and dance (well except the time I was 9 months pregnant and then I was happy everyone in front of me was sitting until the encore). 

Jim Cuddy doesn't age.  The only thing that seems to change is that little bit of extra grey at his temples.  And in case you didn't notice how attractive he is, he wears the skinny jeans to ensure you notice.  Then there is Greg Keeler, who has that really charming I don't give a f@*ck attitude.  Funny thing is that given the chance I'd rather pinch Greg's butt.   But this night Greg didn't seem quite himself.  He tripped over an amp in the first song, was chewing gum, and looked grumpier than usual through much of the night. His voice still sounded great, and he seemed to warm up a bit by the end.  Still LOVE LOVE LOVE him though.  We all have nights when we leave our sense of humour at home. 

The surprise was the new harmony guy Wayne Petti (from Cuff the Duke).  He is "all over the new album" to quote Jim.  I really loved how his voice mixed with the rest of them.  And he was a really nice piece of eye candy on stage (and I know I wasn't the only one who noticed).   But he seemed uncomfortable of his place on stage.  He stood on the side until it was time to sing, then he slid into place.  He had a few laughs with Bob Egan, but generally seemed like the
'new' guy who wanted to fit in, but didn't want to disturb the status quo.  Then he put on his guitar and it was like night and day.   

Quick note about the opening act.  The Skydiggers is one of those Canadian bands I used to love, and had completely forgotten about.  What a charming, funny and entertaining opening act.  Still think the lead singer is doing an Austin Power impression when he dances, but that just added to his charm.

Lucky day

IMG_5848
Originally uploaded by tjrossignol

As my hubbie tells it the story is long and involved. I just say he was the right guy, at the right place at the right time. And all that equals Lego windfall.

More photos of how full hubbie stuffed our vehicle with Lego.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/17030737@N06/sets/72157622883243346/

Follow Friday

This week I have three mom focused blogs to recommend.

Raspberrykids.com Run by Sue Sinclair this blog provides helpful tips, news about interesting products and the odd update on Sue's crazy life as Chief Executive Mom of Raspberrykids.com.  Sue is one of the few people I have met who really gets customer service.  She is all about building relationships.  To many it may seem she spends a lot of effort of 'non-sales' oriented relationships. But this is what she gets that other don't. She is building loyal relationships and that always translates into a stronger business in the long run.  Plus, she is just so darn nice.  @raspberrykids

The Yummy Mummy Club.  This blog was founded by Erica Ehmn of Much Music fame.  Erica and her group of real life mommy bloggers provide a wealth of topics and blogs that all mommy's can relate to.  We are all moms, but we are also women, wives, girlfriends, daughters, party goers/givers, runners, dancers, wine appreciators, readers, etc.   Join the club and follow all the ladies on twitter @yummymummyclub,  @ymcbuzz, @sharondv, @earnestgirl , @ymcbookalicious  (the book club) and many more.  If you are a member of the yummy mummy team add a comment with your twitter handle.

Notes from the Cookie Jar.  Another west coast mom.  Scattered mom is a mom to a teenage boy, and I look to her and see my future.   Her stories make me laugh and I see there is hope for those teenage years.  She also posts the best recipes (of course mine never turn out looking like her fantastic pictures).   @Scatteredmom.

Back from Adventures

My girlfriend Amy came back from her 2 month adventure in South America today.  I love my life, but I have to admit I'm rather jealous is her ability to take off for 2 months on some crazy adventure.  She posted FB pictures along the way so I feel I have a bit of insight into her trip.  But hearing her talk about it today made it all real for me - she really was on this adventure and not just in Vernon for a few months.  Her favourite moments were paragliding, hiking the Inca Trail and seeing the Bolivian desert & salt flats (she stayed in a hostel made completely of salt blocks - even the tables the chairs).  

On the other side it was an adventure tour and I'm a girl who likes a shower now and again (even if I have to clear out the toddler toys first).  The tour stayed in hostels, and home stays and camped along the Inca Trail.  So very few of our usual amenities.  When asked what she missed most it was regular hot showers,  vegetarian food options, tap water and sane drivers. 

I'm happy she is home. Can't wait for the long picture slide show to come - really truly because the FB pictures from her phone were so fantastic I can't wait to see what her camera captured.

Wordless Wednesday

Not a pure wordless wednesday, as this links to a video.   All I have to say is I 'heart' lindy hop and So you think you can dance. 

http://vodpod.com/watch/2572597-sytycd-season-6-top-12-ellenore-and-ryan-lindy-hop-by-carla-heiney-ive-got-to-be-a-rg-cutter-by-the-boilermaker-jazz-band

Thanks also to Mary Murphy for giving props to Frankie Manning.