Friday's Top Five: Favourite Old-Country Artists

Hey faithful readers of five,

Let's face it. It's been a shit week. Boston. Texas. I've got nothing to say that hasn't been said a thousand times before. I'm sad. I'm depressed at the state of the world right now. I need hope. I need comfort.

When I was young, when things (or life) was shit, I would go to my room, shut the door, turn on an old country radio station, and listen to the sweet comforts of old-school country music. Country music, the music that speaks of life. The music that speaks to life. 

Although this topic was planned in advance with Joanne (click to see her list), it's timely that this week, when I need an escape, I once again turn to country music for comfort. Here is my list of top five favourite old-country artists...

5) Kenny Rogers
Song attached: Coward of the County

Kenny Rogers was a huge part of my childhood. Fast forward 30+ years, and I meet a man who is a huge fan of the guy. In fact, it was a Kenny Rogers song that made my husband realize he loved & missed me while he was on vacation. (Awww!). 

Funny story: at our wedding, we had put She Believe in Me on our must play list. The DJ entered the wrong code, and Coward of the County came on. We still laugh about it, and thus this song now has a place in my heart. As does Kenny.

4) Willie Nelson
Song attached: The City of New Orleans

I have always like Willie's free-spirt. He is a refreshing voice, and personality, in the country music genre. Joanne put this song on our road-trip CD when we first went to the US on our epic road trip along the eastern seaboard.

3) Conway Twitty
Song attached: Hello Darlin'

"Ladies & gentlement, Mr. Conway Twitty." Fans of Family Guy will get why I chose him. Conway has the second most amount of #1 top-40 hits in country music ever. Impressive.

2) Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Song attached: Face on the Cutting Room Floor

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are probably most famous for songs like Cadillac Ranch and Fishing in The Dark (if you have ever been to a bar or wedding, you have danced to these songs, rest assured).

However, they actually have an impressive body of work and fabulous songs. Back when I was in grade 5, I went to Jasper with my grandparents, aunts and uncles. My aunt had a portable radio and a NGDB cassette tape. We played the tapes over, and over, and over, and over again. We even "bathed" to this music (if you call a sponge-bath in the Pocahontas campground bathrooms "bathing").

They remain to this day one of my favourite bands of all time.

1) Ronnie Milsap
Song attached: Smoky Mountain Rain

I mad-love the music of Ronnie Milsap. He is easily one of my favourite country artists, period. Ronnie Milsap grew up with his grandma after his single-mother left him, not able to deal with a child who is blind.

He went on to be one of the biggest and most influential country star in the 1970s & 1980s, and even enjoyed cross-over success in the pop genre. This surprised me, but he has the third-most amount of #1 top-40 hits. Who knew?

My husband and I both enjoy his music. In fact, we actually have his music DVD of greatest hits currently in our car. 

Bonus: Honourable mention - George Strait
Song selected: Run

George is my absolute favourite if I am honest. He has the most #1 top-40 hits of any country artist. Even though he could technically be considered old-school (given his longevity in the industry), I have chosen not to count him as old-school. Why? Because he's still churning out great #1 hits. Booyah!

Question: which old-school country artists would fall in your top-five list? Leave comments!

Friday's Top Five - Fitness Goals for 2013 & Beyond!

This is my truth!

Hello faithful readers of five,

It's spring-time the late stages of winter up her in the hinterland. Winter has been harsh, both weather-wise, and on my ass. I have improved on creating safe spaces. I have improved on establishing food-related routines. I have started tracking regularly. I am eating better. I am doing all the right things. I am seeing results of those changes. However, when it comes to excercize, I am lazy. Sloths are more active than me. If there is an excuse-train running, I'm hitching a ride.

It's time for me to set some fitness-related goals. I know from the experience of the last two years of being on Weight Watchers™ (plus a side-stint in the Weight Wise Clinic™) that when it comes to goal-setting, I need to be SMART:

For my fitness objectives, I asked myself these questions:

1. What excuse do I have that would prevent me from acheiving my goal?
2. What specific, measureable, attainable, relevent and time-bound technique will I use to achieve this goal?
3. What potential barrier exists that could potentially derail my efforts?
4. What is the hidden reward (the unintendend postive consequence) that could come out of my efforts?
5. What do I ultimately hope to achieve (long-term) by setting this goal?

Ahem. Truth.

 Here are my fitness goals for 2013 and beyond!

5) Find activities that I enjoy.

Aqua-Zumba

• Excuses: activity is boring; I've hurt myself trying some activities; it's too hard.
• SMART Goal: sign-up/try-out the variety of classes offered at the YMCA/larger community.
• Potential Barrier: cost or conflicts with schedule may limit the kinds of activity I could try; the potential for actual injury by doing something more advanced than my ability.
• Hidden Reward: enjoying my activity makes it effortless; easier to plan my week around activity if I know there is *something* I can do.
• Ultimate Goal: that activity becomes exciting, enjoyable, and a regular routine of my life.

4) Track my activity accurately (& honestly reflect my effort).


Body Fit Media™

• Excuses: activity doesn't make a difference anways in "the big scheme of things"; it's not worth the effort (litte reward); the little bit I do counts (it all adds up).
• SMART goal: to use my BoydFit Media™ armband to count my caloric burn, and track my activity honestly in my Weight Watchers™ tracker.
• Potential barrier: coulda fall into a trap of "eating because I earned it" mentality to justify bad food choices.
• Hidden reward: become a better tracker of what I consume & burn; a greater self-awareness of my choices; accelerate my weight-loss efforts.
• Ultimate goal: that tracking become second nature, like brushing my teeth or riding my bike.

We've all been there. The circle of dishonesty....

3) Plan daily/weekly/monthly/vaction-time/yearly activity...and commit to those plans.

 

• Excuses: I don't have time to write everything; I can't plan for the unexpected (weather/illness..); I have to plan around other people's schedule (husband/family); activity comflicts with family time.
• SMART goal: schedule 3-4 activity times for two-weeks at a time (to coordinate around husband schedule/other events/14-day weather forcasts). Plan vacations to incorporate some activity (walking, swimming, hiking). Sign-up for a charity event that involves activity (walk for the ___).
• Potential barrier: there is never a "good time"; I use external reasons as a crutch for not doing something; I plan but don't follow through; vacations don't provide activity opportunities.
• Hidden reward: feeling of accomplishment by meeting goals; improving goal-setting techniques.
• Ultimate goal: that activity becomes a priority like other events/people.

2) Keep working hard, every day, and don't give up.

• Excuses: I am not seeing results so why am I trying?; this is too much work; success happens to others but never to me; I am not worthy of success.
• SMART goal: create a non-food reward system for recognizing my accomplishments, goals, and milestones.
• Potential barrier: loss of motivation (especially if results don't reflect effort); my mental doesn't match my physical changes; reward system is not meaningful.
• Hidden reward: the growth in self-esteem; success in my athleticism & weightloss efforts; personal growth; new wardrobe!
• Ultimate goal: to feel successful, & have that reflect in my exterior and interior -self.

1) Don't let self-doubt be a barrier to the journey towards my authentic self. Go easy on myself when I fall, and let the process unfold. Don't put-up obstacles out of fear. Stop all-or-nothing thinking.

• Excuses: I can't do this; I am not capable of doing this activity; my fear of _____ prevents me from pushing harder; I fell off the wagon, so I my as well stop being active this week.
• SMART goal: take monthly pictures showing my progress; use other ways of recording progress (such as measuring inches, clothing size, activity progression, etc...). Blog my journey, recording my emotions and progress, so I have something tangible to reflect back about.
• Potential barrier: all-or-nothing thinking.
• Hidden reward: Everything I dreamed of being comes true.
• Ultimate goal:  Living the life I want to live and know I am capable of living. Being an "athlete."

Well, I got to head out to the gym. Check Joanne's blog for her five fitness goals.

xo.

Friday's Top Five - Baseball Themed ANYTHING

Baseball season is upon us, and there is no better time to blog my love for this beautiful sport than now. And it's Friday, so what better way than in my semi (when-I-have-time) regular feature, the Friday Five!

This isn't the first time I have posted about baseball. If you have time, go read:

• This Used to Be My Playground (June 2009) - how playing baseball reminded me how much it is to go outside and play
• My Field of Dreams and the Discovery of my Love for Baseball (July 2009) - how keeping stats, and local baseball, improved my love of the game
• The Wild Species Survival Guide - The Obnoxious Baseball Fan (July 2009) - a handy-guide on how to spot, avoid, and deal with the obnoxious baseball fan

I present to you my top-five baseball themed anything:

5. Baseball memes
Oh peoples of the interwebz. What would I do without you there to amuse me?  Baseball memes are funny. Especially the one's that poke fun at Steve's beloved Mets.

It's funny 'cuz it's true!

4. Baseball movies

I love sports movies. Baseball movies are great because sometimes, they don't always end with an underdog victory, like with football movies. Sometimes the underdog remains the underdog. I walk away inspired anyways.

While I have yet to watch a baseball movie I didn't like, the two that stand out the most for me are A League of Their Own (which deals with women in professional baseball during World War II), and The Sandlot (a fabulous movie that deals with kids playing baseball, narrated in a similar fashion to The Wonder Years). I will watch these movies over and over again.

My favourite song by Madonna: This Used to Be My Playground

3. Baseball (a documentary by Ken Burns)

Ken Burns, a prominent documentary film maker, made a 10 "innings" Baseball documentary, covering every decade of baseball. He seamlessly weaved the story of baseball in the context of what was going on in America (and the world). He featured prominent (and lesser-known) players, fields and actions that would impact the game forever. This documentary changed the way I view baseball, and it gave me a profound appreciation for just how important baseball is the world.

Truth.

2. Vintage baseball pictures

Baseball is not just men in uniforms playing in the dirt. Baseball is not just an escape from the problems of the world; it is a reflection of the world. Vintage photographs not only conjure up romantic nostalgia. They also, when chronologically placed, reflect real issues in the world.Overcoming adversity in the face of illness, World War II, gender and racial barriers being broken...it's all there. Some issues will always remain (women in professional baseball), but baseball led the way when it came to facing these issues --- whether it wanted to or not.

Lou Gehrig's famous retirement speech after being diagnosed with ALS

Women served in professional baseball during WWII

Jackie Robinson broke racial and colour barriers

Joltin' Joe DiMaggio was just awesome. Plus he served in WW2. But I put this here because he was awesome!

 Center Field by John Fogarty. This song was inducted into the Baseball HOF.

1. Baseball games (MLB, Local, Little League, Beer League, amongst friends)

There is something about attending baseball games, at any level, that is enjoyable. I've attended a New York Yankees game in New York, numerous games at John Ducey Park in Edmonton (Trappers, Edmonton Capitals, whatever the next team, if any, will be). I've watched kids play in little-league with their full hearts. I've watched my dad play in a community beer-league team, just for fun. I've gone to the park simply to play with my friends.

John Ducey Park (a.k.a. Telus Field) in Edmonton

Each time has been nothing but enjoyable. Baseball, even at the MLB level, is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment out there. For less than $20.00 at the semi-professional local level in Edmonton, you can get a ticket, a hot dog, a beer, a pop, and a 50/50 ticket. You sit in the lazy summer sun. You cheer and chat with the people around you. You heckle when heckling is needed. If you really want to get involved, you keep stats. If you don't, you just sit there and watch. It's peaceful and engaging.

This is how I plan on funding my retirement. Baby boo better have a good arm.

And for free, go out and watch a game locally (in your community-league). It's a great sport for kids. It's great for wanna-be kids. It's a great game to play if you just want to go out doors on a lazy summer day.

A great song by Kenny Rogers

I can't wait for the new season, or summer for that matter. Go check out Joanne's awesome list at A Warm Cup of Jo, and I think her husband Steve from Wayward Yankee will contribute as well! 

Play Ball!

Random Wednesday Blog: Squirrel!

Hi faithful readers of five!

Just though I would toss out some random stuff today, as my brain cannot seem to formulate a complete blog post. Such is the way of the squirrel.

Brace yourself for a silly blog post.

1) Pope Benedict XVI gave his last general audience today. If the thought of him leaving makes you sad, then you can drink your sorrows away with Pope Beer!


Warning: consumers of this product may start seeing apparitions of Mary.
 

2) The odds of U2's Bono being elected pope are 1000/1. I'd put my money on squirrel pope personally.

Pope Squirrelus XVIII

3) Week two of my social media Lent fast, and I'm starting to feel like I'm stranded in the desert. The temptation to give up is strong.

Tempt me not Lucifer Squirrel!

 

4) But alas, I will persevere...

 Sigh.

5) To be honest, February has been filled with the meh's. Sigh. I want winter to be over. I am trying to cheer myself up. Just yesterday, I did an epic air-guitar solo to Phil Collin's Something in the Air Tonight.


But were you as good as Phil Squirrlen's?

 

But I swear it was an epic air guitar set!

6) So, wearing a pink t-shirt will stop bullying you say? Hmm. Interesting. While I get why things like these can help spread the message, let's stop and ask:

• Am I, the pink t-shirt wearer, a bully myself? 
• Does wearing a t-shirt make the victim feel better about themselves, knowing that tomorrow, the pink t-shirts will be stained with bullshit brown, as bullies resume their bullying, and sheeple resume their silence?
• Does standing up for a certain group of people to defend them or promote their rights (sexual orientation, race, gender, political ideology, religious (or lack there of) belief) while spreading hatred against others (sexual orientation, race, gender, political ideology, religious (or lack there of) belief) make you a warrior or a bully? 
• Is this just another hashtag campaign? (Click the hyperlink to read my thoughts on those).

 I don't know if a t-shirt will really have a lasting change beyond the hyper-attention to the day. Do we we need to wear a t-shirt to be respectful of others? Can't that just happen in your everyday life, regardless of what t-shirt you wear?

Soldier squirrel knows how to stop bullies.
  

Well that's it for today. Until later...oooh..shiny thing! Squirrel!

How I Inadvertently Gave Up Sloth For Lent.

Curse you chowder head! Tempt me not!

My friend Theresa is telling all about these cute sloth pics she puts on her Facebook wall. And I can't see them. Such a fiend. Who knew I would be giving up (looking at) sloth for Lent? 

Gah! So cute.

Ash Wednesday: Frailties

Source: CNS via saltandlighttv.org

Today was the first day of my giving up Facebook and Twitter for Lent. So far, so good. My morning habit took some adjustment. Salt & Light Catholic TV has a great app that I downloaded, for free, that is filled with many great spiritual reflections and programs. I'll give the full update tomorrow of day one.

"Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return." ~ Genesis 3:19

 

Ash Wednesday (and by extension, Lent) can be a time of great human frailty. It's easy to point out the people in the community who have frailties and vulnerabilities (homeless, elderly, etc...). It's a lot harder for us (the strong, the independent) to admit our vulnerabilities and needs, especially to God. We are reminded that we are built by God's dust...and will return to that state through the will of God alone.

Today I had the opportunity to watch the final Mass of Pope Benedict XVI. I was struck by his frailty ... and of his strength.

In light of what I watched, I pondered my own frailties before God.

Am I strong enough to withstand a social-media fast? Am I strong enough to be a mother? Am I the best wife I can be? Am I healthy enough? Will my Sarcoid ever come back? My memory is getting shaky - should I be worried? Have I been the kind of friend that my friends deserve? Am I good enough at what I do in my job? Will I be able to take care of my mother? Am I truly taking care of myself? Am I a good enough Catholic? Have I been faithful in word and deed to my faith? Am I worthy enough to untie the sandals of Jesus, or enter the Kingdom of God? Am I good enough?

Pope Benedict XVI reminded me of three basic and simple things:

1. Believe in God
2. Pray to God
3. Trust in God

Like him, I am simply a humble worker in vineyard of the Lord. If I live my life as authentically as I can, God will nourish me through the Eucharist. The defeat of spiritual frailty is in the Eucharist. The defeat of the Eucharist is sin. The choice of how I want to live in my earthly body is mine alone. I can choose to accept that I will simply turn into dust. Or I can boldy accept that my soul, if nurtured, has a better place to go upon death.

 

 The clouds say I am nothing, but my humility says I am nothing without you.

 

Litanty of the Saints (in Latin).

 

 

 



 

 



Lent and the social media experiment.

Hello faithful readers of six!

Lent has always been something I have struggled with when I started my journey to become a Catholic in 2008.  For a number of reasons, the idea of giving something up to be closer to God has never really...well...resonated with me. 

One reason, as I blogged about in 2010, I have to a certain extent felt like every year was Lent; my whole life the last few years has felt like sacrifice. Between lay offs, poverty (in money and spirit), unfulfilled dreams, or major illness, I have always felt like I have had to make sacrifices. Things improved a lot more when I did become a Catholic, and when I did meet (and eventually marry) my husband. But the feelings of resentment about Lent lingers. Why do I have to give up the few good vices I have just to be closer to God?

My other major complaint was that I never really understood how giving up coffee or sweets made me closer to God. Other than a few extra pounds on my belly, it's not like having a morning java or a piece of chocolate changes my connection to Him, or other people, in any major way. 

This year though, I realised that I've been doing Lent wrong. Three things led me to this conclusion:

1. I wasn't being honest with what is disconnecting me from God or others
2. I wasn't giving up anything meaningful, nor was I replacing the sacrifice with an action to lead me closer to God
3. I wasn't recognizing the opportunity to learn, grow, and be a better, authentic, Catholic by breaking out of my comfort-level

 Lent in many ways is like how some people approach confession - confess/give up the minor stuff...but let's just shush now about the major things shall we...after all, we wouldn't want the priest/world to know just how sinful/selfish we are.

If we are not entirely honest with ourselves and our failings,

then how can we live an authentic life made for greatness?

To prepare for Lent this year, I took a look at my life and examined what what good, and what was not good, and what had yet to be achieved.

The recurring theme was that I am way too connected to social media, but I am not connecting in a meaningful way. My addiction to social media, made worse by my IPhone purchase, has impacted my life in many negative ways:

1. It takes away important time from my husband, my friends, and my family
2. It is so time-consuming that my gym and outdoor activity time has decreased, dramatically, which impacts my efforts to lose weight, which in turns impacts my goals (baby, fitness, clothing etc...)
3. I have no idea what is going on in my friends life unless I read about it on Facebook. That's not good.
4. It cuts into my other enjoyable hobbies (such as reading a book)
5. There is too much negativity that just riles me up (especially about my faith). In turn, it's made me snarky too
6. I am not sure if my connections are meaningful (especially on Twitter). With some, I feel like I always have to engage in battle to defend a view, but most of the time, the other person isn't interested in hearing your view as much as promoting their own bullsh*t
7. I have dramatically changed my views on some issues (for the better or worse), but I haven't had a chance to really reflect on those changes and what that means
8. My hatred of people has grown - there is way too much stupid
9. My own engagement is quantity-filled, not quality-filled
10. I am missing balance in my life

The most telling reason though?

Social media has become a bigger priority then it is worth. Jennifer at Conversion Diary, after reflecting on her own computer fast, posted this reflection:

Your priorities are the things you plan for. This was actually what sparked it all. My husband made this comment week before last, noting that you can tell what people’s actual priorities are by looking at what they plan for. I looked at my life to see that I had intricate plans for when I was going to spend time on my computer, but was always winging it when it came to the more boring/humble tasks related to my primary vocation.
 

That my friends is truth. I wake up and the first thing I do, before I even eat breakfast, is reach for my IPad and check out Twitter and Facebook. I think about what things I will post, and who I will read,and what I will blog about before I think of any other aspect of my day.

Most importantly, I don't connect to God when I worship Facebook and Twitter above Him.

I truly hope that this becomes a lasting change and that somehow, someway, I can find that happy medium. I might check-in on Sundays (the one allowable day) just to see how everyone is doing. But then again, I might not. I will spend this time to reflect, pray, be, and build meaningful connections.
I will continue to blog.

Note: Yesterday, Pope Benedict announced his retirement. This is the only Pope that I have ever known as a Catholic (I was baptized under his papacy). I will pray for him and his health. Thank you Papa for all that you have done to guide me under your wisdom. You are a brilliant, wise, humble man. You were good for the Church and your teachings will always be valued.

 

Friday's Top Five: Books I Want to Read This Year

Hello faithful readers of five!

I love to read. I was the kid in school whose nose was always in a book. I was the kid growing up who spent every free moment of her time reading. But with deep shame, I admit that I haven't read many books these last few years. In fact, I read a whole total of two books in all of 2012. (I know...I hang my head in shame). You would think that having read the best book of the last decade, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, would have sparked a new reading fever. Alas....

In keeping with this rah-rah resolution theme I've got going this month, I resolve to end this literary dry spell. In 2013, I commit to reading at least 5 books this year. I renewed my library card yesterday, and purchased one book with my Chapters gift card. To add some extra public accountability, I will blog my review of each book here.

I will post the cover photo and the reasons why I am interested in reading the book. I will then link to the write up by Chapters Indigo Bookstore so you can read a synopsis yourself (hyper linked in the title).  In no particular order:

5) Sutton - J.R. Moehringer

This book has three big things going for it:

1. It is set in New York City, which is a fabulous backdrop for most stories I find.
2. It takes place in an era-span (early 20th century) that I love.
3. It is a Heather's Pick at Chapters. 

Why is #3 important? She recommended Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. I am eternally grateful to Heather for that reason as it was one of the best books I have read this decade in my lifetime. I trust her judgement now, so Sutton should be fabulous.

4) New York - Edward Rutherford

Edward Rutherfurd is such a story-teller. I read his novel, London, and that was fabulous. Long, but fabulous. He weaves the story of various families through generations, connecting these families to important moment and people in our real-life time. Thankfully, he provides maps, family trees and historical time lines in the beginning, in case you get lost (as I do).  A big investment of time, but well worth the read. A story about New York? Sold. 

3) Let's Pretend This Never Happened  - Jenny Lawson

This is a book I saw on the best-seller shelves, but didn't know anything about. Well apparently, Jenny Lawson is a well-known blogger. She is author of the popular blog, The Bloggess. Who knew? Well in the short time I had to skim the blog (for research for my blog), I laughed. She certainly has a gift for story telling her life! I appreciate how hard it is to come up with a blog, so I appreciate those who put the effort to tell their life story. Plus it would be nice to read a non-fiction book, even if the subject matter is one that would raise my eyebrow in disbelief. 

2.5) One Thousand Gifts - Ann Voskamp

I put this as a 2.5 because this is a carry over must-read from last year. It technically does not count for this year, so it will be a bonus read! LOL. Every dog and their bone seems to have read this book...and they love it. In efforts to be more grateful this year, I will use this book to inspire me. Hopefully. I tend to dislike these types of hippy novels. This does look promising though. So I will give it a shot. We shall see. In any event, I did email Joanne and tell her that we had to read this. So help me God, I will!

2) The Art of Fielding - Chad Harbach

A baseball book? Something that maybe my husband would read? Sold! That said, I have heard nothing but good things about this novel, so I am looking forward to reading this!

1) Two Solitudes - Hugh MacLennan

There are a number of reasons why I want to read this giant in Canadian literary canon. First off, it's an important novel in Canadian History. Secondly, I sincerely want perspective on the issues of English Canadian/French Canadian, and nationalist/separatist issues, that continually affect this country I love. Beyond that, I have heard it is a fantastic novel and something I have always wanted to read. The fact that it is part of CBC's Canada Reads 2012 battle makes it a timely choice too. 

__________________

Well there is my list. What's on your list? Share with me in the comments, then mosey on over to A Warm Cup of Jo to see what Joanne wants to read!

Happy Birthday Joanne.

Source: Creations Photo (Edmonton)

Dear Joanne,

Happy birthday friend!

Truth be told, we should celebrate your existence every single day. But since social norms pooh-pooh such extravagance and adoration, then my birthday blog will have to do. Feel free to read it every day, especially when you are feeling sad or low.

Here are some truths about you (some that you probably don't see in yourself):

1) You are stunningly beautiful as you are! Yes, you. I know you don't often think that, but take a good look at the picture above. That wasn't just a random-happens-to-be-great photo of you. That is how you look to us (well at least Steve, Marina, Mark and I) every day.

2) You are a fabulous mother! I know that lately, maybe, you haven't felt that way. Trying to juggle work with motherhood is hard on the best of them. But understand that if children are a reflection of their parents, then you are doing a damn good job. Marina is smart, loving, caring and at her worst, is still better then some kids at their best. Mark and I witness the love you have for your daughter when we visit. It is why we will strive to role-model ourselves after you and Steve with our own children. Don't feel like a failure if things don't work out as you plan. You offer Marina more than a roof over the head and food on the table. You offer her love, courage to grow, and wisdom to know what is right and wrong. Doesn't get much better than that.

3) You are a wonderful wife! I can't speak for Steve, but I can speak for what Mark and I observe when we visit your house. We see a relationship of love and respect. We see a relationship of humour and trust. We see a relationship that is perfect it its imperfections. We see that no matter what, your relationship with Steve (as both wife and co-parent) is the most important thing to you above all else.

4) You are a wonderful daughter! You take care of your elderly mom. There is not one part of you that doesn't show love and respect the wisdom and tradition your mom has given you.

5) You are a true patriot! You love Canada. You are a strong patriot. You speak out on issues, not to complain, but to make the country better. You are patriot, but not in a smug in-your-face way (which I know you detest). You are confident enough in your own identity to be respectful of other countries. You care enough to want to leave a better country for your daughter.

5) You are a wonderful friend! Joanne, you are truly the best friend one could ask for. You know me - not just a dimension of me. Because you know me, you let me be me. That is all one can honestly ask from a friend. If that were all you offered, that would be enough for anybody. But you offer so much more! We share the same humour, and the same style of scathing bitchiness. You got my back and I've got yours. You have enriched my vocabulary with such gems as bonerous erectus. We have travelled, journeyed through life, and experienced amazing things together. You inspire me to be better in many ways (least of which, a better blogger).

Still my favourite pic of us dorks.

This list barely skims the surface of all you are. You are smart, loyal, funny, witty, etc..

So here's the deal Joanne. When you are feeling not good enough (too fat, a bad mom, a bad wife, a bad friend, a bad person, just plain bad), come back to this post.  Recognize that those who love you (least of all me) see the best of you.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself, and I will be right there with you, trying to improve myself. However, appreciate the here-and-now, and all that you have to offer. Because you offer a hell of a lot to the world baby! And nobody puts baby in the corner (yep...I am a dork!).

I'll be by your side every step of the way my friend because I love you and you are my siiiissssteeeerrrr! (Aside: will this ever stop being funny? Nope!).

To quote the Golden Girls: "Thank you for being a friend, traveled down the road and back again, the heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant."

Happy Birthday Joanne!

Love,

Your dorky BFF Danielle.

Friday's Top Five: Thing's I'm Looking Forward to This Year

Hello faithful readers of five,

Joanne and I decided to blog about the five things we look forward to this year, in parts to keep up with the desire to stay motivated, positive, and grateful. So this week (by this week, I mean last Friday, but it's Monday, because I actually had to work Friday, because sometimes work interferes with my life), we will blog about the five things we are looking forward to this year. And once again, I could pretty much copy and paste Joanne's Top Five list. Just sayin'.



#5) A Specialist-Free Year
I am so very done with going to specialists. The last two years have been nothing but near-monthly specialists appointments. Unless I have some sort of remission, or say I get pregnant and have a complicated pregnancy because of my condition, the appointments might not be over. But it doesn't hurt to be optimistic about such things. I'm done with all things Sarcoidosis. As an aside, I am glad we have the health-care system in Canada that we have. I will be forever grateful for the care I received during my health-care journey.

#4) Better Overall Health & A Healthier Weight
All that being said in point #5, I do need to get on top of things regarding my health. My Sarcoid is in complete remission. My organs seem to be healthy (most especially my lungs and kidney). My asthma is under control with Symbicourt. My severe Vitamin D deficiency is back to the semi-normal with continued supplementation. My hormone imbalance (caused by said vitamin deficiency) is back to normal. 

That all said, I still have major room for improvement. My vision needs to be checked. My fitness levels are appalling. I'm fat. Not preciously plump. Full on fat. And I am trying to conceive, which surely my weight contribute to the difficulty of conception. More work needs to be done to make a healthier me in 2013!  This will involve some amount of discipline on my part, but I can succeed!

 #3) Baseball Season
This year, more than any other year, I am EXCITED about baseball. There is a lot to be excited about! The Toronto Blue Jays look like they might actually have a team in contention this year, with some pretty major off-season signings (including 2012 Cy Young winner R.A.Dickey).  In Edmonton, there has been a major drought because they suspended the 2013 season of the Edmonton Capitals (because of the weak NABL system). However there is a strong possibility of baseball returning by way of either (maybe) American Association of Professional Ball League or a (slim) chance of getting a single-A farm team. Now, with the schedule already posted for 2013 in the AAPBL, I am trying not to get too optimistic. But it would be nice to have something. Baseball is easily the cheapest and most enjoyable entertainment in town (ticket, beer, hot dog for less than $20).

In addition, a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame might be in the works...

Source: sportscasualties.com

#2) Vacation to Ottawa and Upstate New York
Nothing is set in stone yet, but husband and I plan to visit Ottawa. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I am excited at the prospect of visiting our nations capital. Being the dorky über-patriotic Canadian (and history majour), I am super excited. What adds to the excitement is the possibility of meeting up with Joanne and her family for a side-trip to upstate New York, where her husband is from. This may include a day trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I hope to see the Niagara Falls and Toronto, as well as the Gatineau area of Quebec. But for me, Ottawa is what I am most looking forward to visiting. To be able to be in the Parliament Buildings, the same buildings that Pierre Trudeau and other leaders have walked, overwhelms me.

#1) Having a Baby...(hopefully).
Husband and I want a baby. The TTC process is a bit frustrating. But at least I am enjoying the trying part, even if the conceiving part isn't quite happening! ;)

You totally know I will do this to my kid, right?

So there's my list. What's on your top-five look foward list?

P.S. Today would have been my friend Wendy's 37th birthday. I miss her so much. In times of sadness, reflecting on hopes and dreams seems apt. She would want me to have these, achieve these, and be a better version of myself. I miss you dear friend. I love you. And I will always strive to be happy for you.