Rewards, Awards and Moving Onward

"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential...

these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence."

                                             --Eddie Robinson, College Football Coach

This week both of my children came home with medals.  It's the end of the school year and the students who achieved average marks over 90% were awarded with these medals.  The larger one is called, "Honours with Excellence", and the silver-tone one is called "Honours with Distinction".  I was very proud of my kids when they came home with these medals.  I told them how important it is to do your very best when you are in school, as this prepares you well when you advance to higher education.  Both of my kids want to achieve their very best.  Rewards such as these deserve celebration.  

Congratulations to all students, everywhere, for doing your very best.  The younger generation should be rewarded and awarded for their efforts, and encouraged to move onward and upward. 

Have a great day!

~Angela

Find Your Song

I read a book called, "Throw Out Fifty Things:  Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life", by Gail Blanke (2009).  It was inspirational in the fact that it encouraged me to look at the way that clutter fills our lives - not only in the physical sense, but also in the "mental mess" sense.  This book encouraged me to get rid of that old blue cardigan that was hanging on my coathook at the office, as well as other things.

Near the end of the book, Chapter 24 really spoke to me.  This chapter was called, "Find Your Song - and Sing It!".  The other day I was feeling kind of down, and I remembered what the author said about "a future of your own design" and "we all need a song".  She states she believes so strongly in the power of song that she asks all her clients to find theirs.  She proclaims that "it's a lot easier to be brave when you've got a song".

I have found my song - it's called Holiday by Madonna.  It's from 1983.  I guess it has something to do with the fact that back then, I was feeling pretty good - feeling like a million bucks.  Click here to hear Holiday on YouTube.  It immediately lifts me and makes me feel happy to sing and dance to this song. 

Have you found your song yet? 

Have a great day!

~ Angela

Say Cheese!

In our society it is expected that we "smile" when we have our picture taken.  When I look back at antique photographs I notice that the people are not smiling.  They all look very serious.  Is it because it was war time and people really didn't have anything to smile about?  Was it because they didn't like to show their teeth?  Or was it because taking photographs back then was a big ordeal, and a serious matter.  Sometimes the photograph that was being taken was the only picture they would ever have.  Getting your picture taken back then took a very long time, so not only were the subjects very tired, sometimes they were uncomfortable and exhausted.  Maybe they were just genuinely unhappy at the moment.

Nowadays, from the very first moment we crack our first smile as a baby, we are given positive reinforcement.  Parents encourage their babies to smile and laugh.  When the school photographer gathers the class for a group picture, you often here, "Say Cheese!".  Some of group pictures are hilarious. Sometimes the photographer tells the students to say something like, "Pickles!" and all the kids' faces look so funny and they need to do a re-take. 

I found a website called, "World's Smile", and they defined smile like this:

"A smile is one of the most beautiful things on earth. It is an international sign and symbol for fun and friendship but also for peace, freedom, tolerance and all the other positive things you can think of.
With a smile you make friends and - maybe that's the most important point! - you make other people smile too."

Hopefully in this day and age, people in general have a lot more to smile about.  I now understand why the older generation or maybe different cultures don't necessarily smile in their photographs.  Some people may feel better not "faking" a smile and I totally get that.  Pictures of kids and people without a smile can be just as beautiful.  Real emotion and real moments are just as important.  I know someone who makes funny faces in most of the pictures I take.  It's hard to get a plain old smile out of him.

Next time you're asked to smile for a picture, try to put on a happy face.  If you're not sure you like your smile, practice in front of a mirror.  Do you like to show your teeth?  How much of your gums do you want to show?  The best pictures are when it's a genuine smile.  If the photographer can get you to give a real smile, all the better.  If you're not in the mood for a smile, then just hold a neutral pose.  If your in the mood to be goofy, feel free to and go ahead.  I'm sure there will be lots of opportunities for more pictures.

Have a happy day!  ☺

~Angela

You Are Loved

“Singing brings out in me what I can't normally bring out in everyday life. It's an incredible feeling to be able to bare your soul to people you've never met in a way that can make them understand so clearly what you mean. That's what I love most about singing ... it becomes my truest form of communication.”

 - Josh Groban

One of my favourite musicians is Josh Groban.  His last album, called Awake, was just beautiful.  I was privileged enough to be able to see him in concert in 2008.  I went with my best friend and my husband.  The opening song was, You Are Loved (Don't Give Up).  To this day, this song makes me feel good whenever I hear it.  I think Josh's voice is perfect, and his singing makes my soul feel good.  One of the most popular songs he has done is You Raise Me Up.  It is a very inspirational song as well.

Do you have a favourite artist that speaks to your soul?  I hope so.  If you'd like to hear my favourite song by Josh, click on this link to bring you to a YouTube video:  Josh Groban - You are Loved (Don't Give up).

Have a great day, and remember, You Are Loved!

~ Angela

High as a Kite

“The optimist pleasantly ponders how high his kite will fly; the pessimist woefully wonders how soon his kite will fall.”

-- William Arthur Ward

I have always been intrigued by kites.  As a kid, it was amazing to see that with the right kind of conditions, you could make this small triangular-shaped object fly really high in the sky.  It made me feel in control and I was amazed with the mystery of flight.  I remember going out with my grandfather, into the school yard, and we got that kite so high that I could hardly see it anymore.  I was thrilled.  Little skill is needed to fly a kite, it's getting it up in the air that's the challenge.  Just the right amount of resistance is needed. 

I was watching America's Got Talent the other day, and I watched an episode that included 17-year-old student, Connor Doran, and his very supportive mother.  He has had epilepsy since he was 4 years old, and he has found an activity that has brought him self-confidence and has helped bring a calming presence to his life.  He flies 4-line kites, and he competed on the television show.  He looked so happy, and his mother's support was very touching.  The judges also commented that it was a "spiritual" experience.  Please take a few minutes to watch this video clip, you will be moved, I am sure.  What I learned from Connor is that it is important to be present in what you are doing, and that mindfulness can bring about peace and contentment.  The music, Angel by Sarah McLachlan, was also a very good choice for this performance.  Good job, Connor!




I witnessed his graciousness at the end, when he bowed down.  He appears to be thankful for all he has, illness and all. 

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela

Funny Pictures for You

For Friday Lite today, I found a few funny pictures that made me laugh. 

Hope you find them amusing, too!

Have a fun Friday!

~ Angela

Life's Greatest Gift

"The only way to get what you really want, is to know what you really want.

And the only way to know what you really want, is to know yourself.

And the only way to know yourself, is to be yourself.

And the only way to be yourself is to listen to your heart."

-- Mike Dooley

I have been enjoying the work of Mike Dooley.  He is an author who has written many books, and he is very inspiring and funny.  I found this video and I really enjoyed it.  He talks about Life's Greatest Gift, and puts a positive spin on problems we face in life.  It's almost 7 minutes long, and worth the time.



Mike believes that thoughts become things, so whatever you focus your attention on, whether it's positive or negative, you will get more of the same.  What you focus on, expands. This is also known as the Law of Attraction. I saw a movie called, The Secret, and it was really good at explaining this theory. I use this way of thinking when I find myself focussing on negative things, or the "problems" in my life.  I always try to look at the brighter side of things, and this helps me get through those days.  This latest video from Mike was very entertaining and helps me look at things differently. 

Happy day!

~ Angela

The Roller Coaster of Life

" Life can be like a roller coaster...And just when you think you've had enough, and you're ready to get off the ride and take the calm, easy merry-go-round...You change your mind, throw your hands in the air and ride the roller coaster all over again.  That's exhilaration...that's living a bit on the edge...that's being ALIVE."

--- Copyright © 1999 Stacey Charter

Life has it's ups and downs, that's for sure.  Sometimes it feels like a roller coaster.  The climb to the top can be slow and hard, and sitting on the peak can be exhilarating.  That bird's eye view is spectacular.  You can see very clearly. Then, the quick, fast pace, going down, going around, up and down.  Life can feel crazy and hectic at times, and sometimes it is necessary for us to experience this so that we really appreciate those down times.  The merry-go-round is much more predictable, slow and methodical.  It's an easy ride and it's pleasant.  That's when our life is more routine and we are content. 

I remember a scene in the movie Parenthood (1989), where Grandma talks about the roller coaster and the merry-go-round.  I often think of this metaphor and I'd love to share it with you.  Here's the "brilliant" Grandmother scene, complete with punchline:



Roller coasters can be scary, and exhilarating.  Life can be that way sometimes, too.  It's always important to look on the bright side of life, when we are on the roller coaster of life.  Hang on, before you know it, it's time to get back on the merry-go-round.

"What a ride!"

Cheers,

~Angela

Junk Drawer to the Rescue

The other day my daughter needed some safety pins to put her dance costume together.  The straps on her overalls were falling down when she danced, and we needed some pins.  I usually have a little box full of safety pins in my sewing box, but wouldn't you know it, I couldn't find that little box.  I searched in a few spots, but still couldn't find it.

I then thought of that "junk drawer" we have in the kitchen. I rarely take things out of this drawer, and I have no idea what's in there.  I put those little odds and ends, things that don't have an official home, into that drawer.  These things are useful, so we don't throw them out.

This time I needed something that I hoped our junk drawer would have.  I rummaged around, and low and behold, I found four safety pins!  Junk drawer to the rescue.

Do you have a junk drawer?  Has it saved the day?  If not, maybe some day it will!  Here's a cute little poem I found called "Junk" Drawer.
Cheers!

~ Angela

Saving Our Planet a Little Bit at a Time

"Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find." ~Quoted in Time

Environmentalists all over the world are warning us that we need to be more responsible when it comes to our beautiful planet Earth.  We hear about it all the time.  What kinds of things can we do now, to ensure our kids have a wonderful planet Earth to pass on to their children and grandchildren?  There are lots of little things we can do, and if everyone does a little bit, that will add up to a lot.  I'd like to share with you ways that my household is "going green" in hopes of inspiring you.


- We have a compost bin in the backyard that we put all our "greens" and "browns" in. 
- We use our blue boxes to recycle as much as we can (paper, cardboard, plastics, glass), and we try to reuse whenever possible. 
- I have a little green "enviro bag" that I take with me when I go shopping, and I try to remember to use it, or ask for "no bag please".  We also have three green "bins" for shopping when we go to the grocery store. 
- We've changed most of our bulbs to those squiggly-ones (flourescent), and our son goes around turning off the lights when we are not needing them.
- We collect rain water for our flower pots and our vegetable garden. 
- We sell or give away our unwanted items, ensuring that we aren't the ones that are putting it into the landfills. 
- We try to buy used so that we are not putting more "stuff" into the environment.
- My husband rides his bike to work almost every day, even in the winter. 
- We use refillable water bottles for school, work, sports and shopping. 
- My son is growing a little maple tree.  This will be the second tree he has grown. 
- I have eliminated the delivery of  as much mail to the house as humanly possible.  Most of our statements are online.  I have asked Canada Post to stop putting Admail into my mailbox. 
- We have water-saver shower heads. 
- I pass along my magazines to my friends and coworkers.

Our family is committed to doing our part to help save our planet Earth.  She's a valuable resource that we want around for another few years.

Have a great day!

~Angela

Dad's Day

"If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right." - Bill Cosby


Every year, people all over celebrate Father's Day.  This is a time to honour the men in our lives who are and  have been a parent and who devote their time to raising their children, nurturing and loving them. 

What is a father?  A father is someone who you can count on when you're scared; big strong arms that can hold you when you're anxious or frightened.  Fathers offer encouragement and advice, and always try to help solve any problem you have.  Dads are usually solution-focused, so when you have a problem, Dad is usually there to help. 

When I was growing up, I had a great father, but I also had two grandfathers who were special to me.  My fathers taught me the importance family values and strong work ethics.  I was encouraged by my dad to achieve more and I thank him for that.  Now, I have a father and a father-in-law.  It is wonderful to see how these men have matured, and now have grandchildren to nurture, teach and love.

A very special father in my life is my husband.  He is a wonderful father to our two children.  He is helpful around the house, and he's someone I can count on as part of the parent team.  He himself has a good, strong work ethic, and prides himself on working hard.  He calls it the "labour of love".  Dads all over the world teach us what the true meaning of the phrase "labour of love" is. 

Thanks to all the Dads (both living and those who have passed) out there.  Thanks for all you do - it's greatly appreciated.  Today is your day.  Relax, have a rest, watch some sports, or go fishing.  Do what you want to do.  You deserve it!

Here's a little something to remind us just how special Dads really are (1:03).




Have a great day.

~Angela

Angels

Angels are the guardians of hope and wonder, the keepers of magic and dreams. Wherever there is love, an angel is flying by. Your guardian angel knows you inside and out, and loves you just the way you are. Angels keep it simple and always travel light. Remember to leave space in your relationships so the angels have room to play. Your guardian angel helps you find a place when you feel there is no place to go. Whenever you feel lonely, a special angel drops in for tea. Angels are with you every step of the way and help you soar with amazing grace. After all, we are angels in training; all we have to do is spread our wings and fly!



-- Author Unknown

Funny Status Update

For this week's Friday Lite, I found a great website, called The Funny Status Update Website.  Go to  Facebook Status.org to see what it's all about.  This video was on it, and I think it's really cute.  Hope you enjoy.




Have a great day!

~ Angela

Hope

Never let go of hope.

One day you will see that it all has finally come together.

What you have always wished for has finally come to be.

You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself...

How did I get through all of that?

Have a great day!

~ Angela

An Apple a Day

Have you had your apple today?

Studies show that on average, we are eating only 20 lbs. of apples each year, which works out to only one apple per week.  It's a good idea to eat an apple every day.  It's good for us, period.  I remember learning the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" when I was very young.

We try to have the fridge stocked with apples.  My favourite is Gala.  I like to slice the apples as it is easier to eat that way, and I find there is less waste.  We all like apples in our house, so we try to eat them often.  An apple is usually in our lunch bags. Or we may cut one up to have with breakfast.

I found this article on apples, and I thought it was really good,  9 Reasons Why an Apple a Day Really Keeps the Doctor Away.  It's really convinced me that apples are one of the best foods for many reasons.

Have a great day!

~ Angela

Digging in the Dirt

Why do plants have such a positive impact on us?

There are a number of reasons, including:
They have a predictable cycle of life that provides comfort in our time of rapid change.
They are responsive but nonthreatening.
They form no opinions or judgments about their caregivers.
They soften our man-made environment.
They enable us to change or improve our environment.
They promote relaxation and tranquility.
- Gardening - Therapy for Mind, Body and Soul, Proxima Health System, Atlanta

At our home, we have a vegetable garden and we have some flower pots (8 to be exact) and each year in spring we plant seeds and young plants.  My father-in-law, being Italian, starts his tomato plants very early in the year, and often passes a dozen or two to us when they are 6-8" high.  My husband planted these tomatoes a couple weeks back, and he is planning to plant some more vegetables soon.

This weekend my husband and I went out and bought some flowers for our flower pots.  We have 5 pots in front, and 3 in the back.  My son helped me weed the front flower bed and water the pots once I had filled them.  I have a few statues and garden ornaments that I like to put out with the pots.  My son helped get those out of the shed.  As we were working, I asked my son if he liked working in the garden and he replied, "I like watching things grow".  I told him this kind of activity reminded me of what it's like to be a kid, and how kids like to dig in the dirt.  My hands and clothes were covered with black mud.  My body felt like I had just been through a vigorous workout.  Check out the article called Healthy Gardening Habits to prevent any strains or injuries.

As we finished up, I looked at the pots full of colour and felt that I had done something productive.  Some of the plants had colourful blooms already, and it looked really nice.  Digging in the dirt can be fun and rewarding!

Have a great day!

~Angela

Recipe Collector

I have a few hobbies, and one of them is collecting recipes.  I say, '"collecting recipes", because that's pretty much what I do.  If someone I know from work, or at larger gatherings makes a great new dish or dessert, I always ask for the recipe.  Once I get the recipe, I stick it on the fridge for a few days, hoping that it will miraculously make itself (it never does). 

I have a large binder full of recipes.  I have all kinds of wonderful cookbooks, and I have two small recipe file boxes that are full of little white index cards.  I know that when I Google search the word "recipes" I get over a half-a-million hits. I guess I have this notion that some day I am going to have the time and interest to cook.  I wouldn't want to dispose of any of "my" recipes because they are all so good. 

I am not a good cook, and I don't bake much either.  I have a wonderful husband who does most of the cooking at home.  I can say that I have a great collection of recipes and cookbooks, and you know what they say, "it's the thought that counts".  Excuse me now, I have to go eat.

Buon Appetito!

~Angela

What a Wonderful Site

I happened upon a great website that I just had to share with you.  It's called, "theBERRY".   I found this website when I was looking for something funny to look at.   I saw pictures from all over the world, and it entertained me for quite a while.  I have bookmarked it as a "favourite".  I saw cute and amazing pictures of kids and animals and so much more.  The photoshop pages are really creative.

From theBERRY "about" page:

"theBERRY displays the best original and viral photos floating around the internet within witty galleries. Images range from adorable and sweet to hilarious and unexpected. Started in November 2009 by sisters Emily (Chicago, IL) and Megan (Bloomington, IN), theBERRY has grown to entertain an average of 100,000 visitors per day and produces over 5 million monthly pageviews.

Where do the photos come from? Emily and Megan wake up every day and mine the internet for the funniest, most bizarre images from around the world. They visit websites in Russia, Japan, China, Hungary, Spain and Germany, to discover the best of the best and bring it to the U.S. Quite a few of theBERRY’s photos are submitted by loyal followers too. Providing entertainment via thousands of photo galleries -theBERRY.com is the ultimate escape from your daily grind."

Check it out if you want to be entertained.  You may be pleasantly surprised.

Have a great day!

~Angela

Teenagers and Electronics = Connecting with Friends

As my children get older, seems like they spend more time on electronics.  Is this concerning?  I don't think so.  I'll tell you why.

My son enjoys PS3 (PlayStation 3) and he can spend a lot of time playing games, with his friends. They are able to connect on-line.  I believe this is an important area of socialization for kids nowadays. There are also other on-line gaming systems, like Xbox Live and Wii. These have become new ways for kids (boys especially) to "play" together. The positive side of this kind of socialization is that you know they are at home, safe. I hear my son talking with, strategizing and laughing with his friends. It's a great way for them to bond. Electronics have come along way since Pong.

My daughter on the other hand, enjoys texting on her cellphone (it has a little keyboard that flips out), and also communicates with her friends via Facebook and MSN Messenger on the computer (or iPod). I aso hear her laughing out loud at times.  Rarely is she on the telephone.

We encourage our children to get out with their friends and be active as well.  Both kids have ways of communicating with their friends in this electronic age. Things are quite different from when I was growing up. I only had a telephone! The telephone is the least used electronic device in our home nowadays.  I think with adequate supervision, and rules, these types of electronics can be helpful in our kids' development.  Responsibility, maturity and safety is key, and you as the parent can decide if these items or social media should be brought into your home.  As they grow up, they will want to spend more time with their peers, and this is a way to keep them safe and happy.

Have a good one.

~Angela

Heart In the Clouds

For Friday Lite, here's a picture I took the other day. 

The heart-shape in the sky was gone in an instant. 

Just enough time to grab my camera, point, and "click".

A gift from Mother Nature

"Nature is painting for us,

day after day,

 pictures of infinite beauty,

 if only we have the eyes to see them."

 ~ John Ruskin

Have a wonderful day!

~Angela ♥

Christian the Lion

I found this video clip (from the 70's) on YouTube, and just had to share. It's so touching, and reminds us how special animals are and how they grow attached to us, too.

Enjoy!



Excuse me a moment, I have to go hug my dog now.

The Born Free Foundation is a website you can visit for more information.

Have a great day!

~Angela

Planning Summer Vacation

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

I live in a part of our country where we get to enjoy four seasons.  We look forward to warmer weather and planning a family vacation in the summer.  It's always nice to have something to look forward to.  Some people plan to go to their summer homes, or their timeshares.  Others plan road trips to places that aren't too far from home or fly to places that are far away.

When we plan trips, we like to keep our two kids involved in the planning and decision-making as that makes it a true "family vacation".  We try to include activities that will please everyone.  Sight-seeing and visiting attractions is always high up on the list, but it is also important for some of us to go shopping for new clothes or things we need. 

This year, we are planning a trip to the Black Hills, South Dakota.  We have been told by many people that it is a great place to visit, and have been promised that we will really enjoy our vacation.  There are Crystal Caves, Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Old West attractions and so much more.  The Badlands in South Dakota was the setting of the 1990 movie, Dances with Wolves.   This was a beautiful movie directed by Kevin Costner.  I will have to watch that movie again before we go on our trip this summer.

We are looking forward to our little get-away, and I hope you have something you are looking forward to this coming vacation season.  Even if it's visiting your local parks and attractions or hanging out with family and friends. 

Cheers!

~Angela

Looking Good in the Neighborhood

Charla Krupp has written "How Not to Look Old" and "How to Never Look Fat".  There was an article that featured her in the January 2008 edition of  The Oprah Magazine and it caught my eye.  The article was about Krupp's new book at the time, called, "How Not to Look Old".  I did a bit of research, and I found an article written by Linda Grant called, Charla Krupp's How Not to Look Old: The Ageing Debate Gets Ugly (2008). There were some points made about the anti-aging messages that Krupp was giving, but it also discussed how the book does give some good advice to women that are happy with their age, but that they don't necessarily want to look their age.

Some of the sensible advice that Krupp gives are:  know your body type and wear clothes that flatter; avoid out-of-date styles, such as 'mom jeans'; wear lighter shades of lipstick;  and avoid calf-length skirts. Krupp advises that you should keep up with the trends, within reason, and avoid those that are meant for those a lot younger than your age. There's information on shape-wear (the new corsetry) and the surprising information that a spritz of pink grapefruit will make you seem six years younger to men.

Old Fashion Rules :

Always match your handbag to your shoes
Don’t wear black and navy together
Don’t wear different shades of black together
Never mix two different prints or patterns in the same outfit
Metallic pieces are for evening only
Stockings should be flesh-toned
Don’t wear costume jewellery
Jeans are for daytime only

New Fashion Rules:

Matchy-matchy will make you look oldie-oldie
Mix black with navy – and brown
Mix black with black whatever the tones
Mixed patterns look fresh when matched according to colour tones
Metallics are for day, too They’re the new neutral
Shoes should be flesh-toned, legs bare
Faux can be fabulous (just don’t blab about it)
Jeans with heels are hot for evening

By the way, florals are in this season. I bought myself a cute little top for this spring/summer.

For you guys out there, GQ's The Style Guy, has lots of fashion questions and answers. And yes, you can wear black and blue, too!

Let's get out there and look good people!  Have a great day.

~Angela

Gotta Love Those Crazy Teenagers - Part 2

This is Part 2 in my "Crazy Teenagers" post. 
In the book, Yes, Your Teen is Crazy!, by Michael J. Bradley, he speaks to you, the parent.  He states,

"Your goal is not to create perfect adolescent behaviour.  This is not possible, anyway.  Your goal is to build unprecendented parenting skills so you can respond with discipline, strength, and love to your kid's imperfect behaviors in order to inoculate her against the greater insanities awaiting her in the world". 

Wow!  What great advice.  One thing Bradley talks about is letting the kids color their hair, and wear crazy clothes, because it's a phase, and they need to go through this to find their self-identity.  They have to try things to see if they feel right or not.  He talks about the importance of apologizing and what can be taught and learned from saying, "I'm sorry".  Apologizing to your teen teaches lessons about respect, humility, honesty, courage, and self-discovery.  Model, teach and heal by saying "Sorry" when you screw-up.  His lessons about trust hit home.  Foundations of trust need to be fostered, and the author points out that you, as the parent, has to walk the talk.

Welcome to the wonderful world of grown-up looking, grown-up sounding, brain-dysfunctioned children on their way to adulthood.  Like the author says, like diapers, this smelly phase will end and what you'll have in the end is a well-adjusted young adult who looks at you and wonders why you aged so much in the last five years.

Check out the website noted in the link above for the first two chapters of Bradley's book.  You'll be amazed.

Have a wonderful, crazy day!

~Angela

Gotta Love Those Crazy Teenagers - Part 1

I have two adolescent children.  My son is 14, and my daughter is 12.  I have been forewarned over the last 10 years or so of the dangers of teenage-hood.  I have been quite oblivious as to what that means, until now.  I have noticed some changes in their attitudes, and the fact that they spend a lot of time with their friends and it's not so cool to hang out with Mom and Dad anymore.  Where did my babies go?

I have read a book, called Yes, Your Teen is Crazy! by Michael J. Bradley.  It has been eye-opening, and yes, it really is true.  For a short period of time, your young, innocent little child is going to venture out into the world and become one of those "crazy" teenagers.  Scientists have actually proven that although most of the brain has developed by age five, there is also a substantial growth spurt that occurs during the onset of adolescence.  Emotional control, impulse restraint, and rational decision-making are those areas affected at this time.  Positive things like sports, music, school achievement and social consciousness are all things that the teen brain thrives on.  Unfortunately, this is also a time where your teen will start to experiment with things like self-identity (colour their hair) or experiment with piercings and tattoos.  They may want to try drugs, or experiment with their sexuality.  Music is often a large part of a teen's years, and sometimes it's not the kind of music you want to listen to.  They also say that teens can be more aggressive during these years. 

The good thing is that with a lot of love and patience, a good strong parent-team, and keeping the lines of communication open, you and your teen will get through this time alive.  Bradley uses the following analgy, that I particularly like a lot:

"Remember diapers?  Adolescence is very similar.  It's a rough time.  It can be very messy and often smells bad, but it's temporary.  It will end.  Try to find the exciting, wonderful parts of this new child.  Fall in love again with your son or daughter, but understand this must be a new, more mature kind of love."

We're in for a fun time, aren't we?

See tomorrow's post for Part 2.

Have a crazy day!

~Angela

Recharge Your Batteries

“There is only one thing people like that is good for them;

a good night's sleep” - Edgar Watson Howe

I love to sleep.  I especially love it when I get eight hours of sleep.  I love my pillows, my soft blankets, and my mattress.  Have you noticed that when you come back from being away on a trip, your bed is one of the things that you missed the most?

I hope you are one of the lucky ones that feels well-rested and gets enough sleep.  I am feeling pretty fortunate these days.  It's not always been easy though.  I have been sleep deprived twice in my life.  Both times were right after I had my babies.  It's funny how mother nature makes you numb so you can survive those first few days and weeks (months) of motherhood.  It's all a blur really.  Now that the kids are older, they don't cry for me at night, and they don't come to my bed because they "can't sleep" or "had a bad dream" I am finally getting some rest.

Sleep is a precious resource that we all need to get on a regular and frequent basis.  I know it's quite a treat (at my age) to get to bed early, or when I actually feel tired.  Sleeping in (past 8:00 am) is also something that I hope for on the weekends.  Most of us have routines of what we like to do right before going to sleep.  I like to read (the only problem with that is, I can't read for very long, because then I get too tired.).  I feel most refreshed when my batteries have had a full-charge, and that's a full eight-hours overnight! 

Sweet dreams!

~Angela

It Pays to be Old (Joke)

Humour is important in our busy, stressful lives.  It helps us lighten-up.  I found this joke for "Friday Lite" and I thought you may find it amusing.  Enjoy!



No one believes seniors . . . everyone thinks they are senile.


An elderly couple was celebrating their sixtieth anniversary.
The couple had married as childhood sweethearts and had
moved back to their old neighbourhood after they retired.

Holding hands they walked back to their old school. It was not locked, so they entered, and found the old desk they'd shared where Andy had carved, "I love you, Sally."

On their way back home, a bag of money fell out of an armored car, practically landing at their feet.
Sally quickly picked it up, but not sure what to do with it, they took it home.

There, she counted the money: Fifty-thousand dollars!  Andy said, "We've got to give it back."
Sally said, "Finders keepers." She put the money back in the bag and hid it in their attic.

The next day, two FBI men were canvassing the neighborhood looking for the money and knocked on the door.

"Pardon me, but did either of you find a bag that fell out of an armored car yesterday?"

Sally said, "No." 

Andy said, "She's lying. She hid it up in the attic."

Sally said, "Don't believe him, he's getting senile."

The agents turned to Andy and began to question him.  One says, "Tell us the story from the beginning."

Andy said, "Well, when Sally and I were walking home from school yesterday . . ."

The first FBI guy turns to his partner and says, "We're outta here."


Adapted from:  http://www.danggoodjokes.com/to-be-old/


Have a great day!

~Angela ☺

Love Makes the World Go 'Round

"To love someone is nothing. To be loved by someone is something.  To love and be loved by someone is everything." - Unknown

Love is a powerful thing.  There are different kinds of love.  You can love your children in the way that you would do anything to protect them and keep them safe from harm.  You can love your parents with the respect and kindness they deserve because they have protected you, encouraged you and did their very best in raising you.  You can love your friends because they accept you as you are and make you feel special and valued. 

The most important loving relationship is the one that brings new life into this world.  When a man and woman fall in love, and decide to live a life together, they often become parents.  This is what makes the world go around.  Romantic love is a wonderful feeling.  Those who have a lot of love in their life are truly blessed.

To get more love in your life, give more love.  I believe that whatever you give out, you will receive ten-fold.  It's great to feel loved.  There is a new song out, called Your Love is My Drug, by Ke$ha.  Watch the video if you have a couple minutes, it's really cute.

I wish you love!

~Angela

Some Thoughts on Happiness

From http://www.typcut.com/

Happiness is something that most of us pursue and desire.  I found a great video on YouTube, How YOU can be Happier!, and I thought you may enjoy it.  Gives us a lot to think about.  Check it out (time 3:45).

I was at the bookstore not too long ago, and I noticed that there are so many books written on "happiness".  There is one book in particular that I have yet to read, called, "The Happiness Project".  It looks really good, and I am intrigued by the fact that this book is also connected to a blog. 

"The Happiness Project is the engaging, relatable and inspiring result of the author's twelve-month adventure in becoming a happier person. Written with a wicked sense of humour and sharp insight, Gretchen Rubin's story will inspire readers to embrace the pleasure in their lives and remind them how to have fun."

I commend the author Gretchen Rubin for a job well done. 

Are you happy, right now?  Doing what you love and enjoy?  Spreading love and joy to others?  Do something today that will make you feel happy.

Have a happy day!

~Angela

The Italian Way

Blame it all on Vinnie Barbarino (Welcome Back Kotter) or Danny Zuko (Grease). 

I have been happily married to an Italian man for the last 20 years.  When I met him, I was quite impressed by his family and their strong cultural beliefs and values.  My familiarity with Italians started when I was younger.  I grew up in an area in Ontario that had a lot of Italians, and I found myself gravitating to their ways of life and I became good friends with some of my Italian classmates and neighbours.  As I grew up, I knew there were things about this Italian Way of life that I really liked (including John Travolta!). There are many things that this Canadian-born female has learned from her Italian friends and relatives over the years.  I want to talk about three areas that are most outstanding in my opinion:  Food, Family and Affection.

I have learned that Food is a very important part of life for Italians.  The passion that goes into planning, purchasing, planting, picking, preparing and putting it on the table is so evident and strong, that you can't help but love the food.  The pastas, sauces, meats and vegetables are mouthwatering.  Don't forget the vino (wine)!   Food is always present at any social gathering - be it a quick visit in the afternoon, or a Sunday afternoon visit for lunch or supper.  Italian food is one of my favourites.  Rarely does my mother-in-law come empty handed to our house for a meal!

Family values are very strong in the Italian culture.  The love that is shown towards children in the family is very evident.  Harmony among family members is always the desirable outcome of any disagreements. Respect for the grandparents is expected and taught to the young.  Birthdays, Anniversaries, and other important holidays and events are always acknowledged and celebrated among caring family members.

Hugs and kisses are given very liberally by most of the Italians I have ever known. Their abundance of affection makes one feel loved and included very early on in the relationship.  I've never been kissed and hugged so much in my life until I met my husband and his family.  What a beautiful way to feel accepted and loved by others.  I have to admit, it did take some getting used to! 

It's true what they say about Italians.  When you marry an Italian, you marry their family.  My mother thinks I have become "more Italian" over the years.  I guess some of those good things have rubbed off on me.  I have been to Italy, and I can truly say that Food, Family and Affection build the very foundation of what Italians stand for.  I like the Italian Way and I have learned a lot of good things from my Italian friends and family.

Ciao!

~Angela