Thoughts on ‘Julie and Julia’

I watched the movie ‘Julie and Julia’ Saturday night and found it inspirational. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s about a woman who blogs about Julia Childs who was a huge impact on not just bringing French cooking to America but one of the first woman chefs.

I found it inspirational because of the similarities of the lives of the two women and myself. Julie blogs, they both do something they’re passionate about even through difficulty, and they are both married and have very loving, successful relationships.

Inspirational because they both started from scratch and became very successful. I won’t tell you what each of the woman’s success was but it made me ask myself (again) what the desired result would be from my blog.

I want people to get to know me from my blog to feel more comfortable to take my classes if they are in my area and if they aren’t....? I am in the process of writing a book about Prenatal Yoga for those who don’t have something like that in their area. Eventually, writing books on each of the other classes that I teach as well, such as Mom & Baby Yoga.

And then there’s the sense of peace that everyone deserves. I would love to write a book to help people, especially women, find that peace in their daily life. You can’t possibly have peace 100% of the time, if you are a living human being, but you can live there most of the time.

“Julie and Julia”. If you blog, if you are a women with goals, if you are passionate about something in your life... this is the movie for you. If you would like to check out the REAL blog about Julia Child, find it HERE.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

I’ve recently found out that US Congress voted to not say “Merry Christmas” on radio and television. Being Pagan I was, at first, pleased by this decision as I am pretty tired of people trying to force their beliefs on me and as you read on in today’s blog you’ll see why.

Someone I know and love made a comment on her Facebook page about the US Congress decision and the fire was lit! Non-Christians were called “bigots and fools”! People from larger, multi-cultural areas will LOVE this beauty......“The ones that have taken this upon themselves to complain about this holiday, HAVE NO PROBLEM GETTING THE DAY OFF PAID FROM THE PLACE THEY ARE EMPLOYED!!! Talk about being a hypocrite! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL .. enjoy your paid day”

Ok, my husband and I are NOT paid for ANY holidays but we aren’t Atheists, we do have holidays of our own as do other religions who aren’t paid for those. Here’s another beauty, “I personally enjoy saying merry Christmas to all... you don’t like what ya see here get the ------ out”. So, who’s calling WHO the hypocrite here? ?

Thankfully, I have open-minded, loving, Christian friends who are considerate enough to take note of the fact that my family is Pagan and wish me a happy Solstice, congratulate me when we have a nice celebration and not only do they NOT wish me a Merry Christmas but they don’t EVER say “get the ____out”! For those loving friends I am truly grateful and it is because of those loving friends that I changed my mind about celebrating Congress’ decision on putting the stopper in ‘Merry Christmas’ and instead will be hopeful for Canada to someday include MORE religious beliefs to their plate. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could hear about other loving religious celebrations when they come up? That would be the most loving response I can think of regarding religion right now. And that’s really what it’s all about, right? Not about who's beliefs are right or wrong but loving each other!

Here’s what Stats Canada has to say about religion in Canada...

• Overview: Canada still predominantly Roman Catholic and Protestant
  
• Roman Catholics: the largest religious group in Canada
  
• Growth in Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism
  
• Increase in those reporting “No religion”

Stat Can link found here: http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/Products/Analytic/companion/rel/contents.cfm

Research on Paganism in Canada said this, “Paganism is Canada's fastest-growing religion, according to Statistics Canada. There are 21080 declared pagans in Canada.”

Saying no to ‘Merry Christmas’ is (in my opinion) not about ‘poo poo-ing’ someone’s religious beliefs but being fair to those who believe differently. YES, it IS possible for others to believe differently from you. It’s called ‘individuality’. Maybe take the time to find out about your friends and neighbours before saying it! Wouldn’t THAT be the LOVING thing to do? If I had a Hindu friend I would surely not say “Happy Winter Solstice”, instead I would find out more about what he/she celebrates.... I would maybe ASK! Now that would be intelligent, meaningful conversation that (hopefully) your friend would appreciate.

Here are some more links of interest....

• http://www.ca.paganfederation.org/
• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51738700148&ref=search&sid=714020577.1380945087..1&v=info
  
• http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/2009/12/christmas-or-winter-holiday-let-our-leaders-vote/

I am not about to give a religion or history lesson here on my blog, but as I said, my little family is Pagan and if anyone is interested... for us that means a 10 day celebration of Winter Solstice or Yule where we try to celebrate by doing something small each day to welcome back the light as the daylight grows longer and be grateful for this season and loved ones.

Wishing each and every-body peace, love and blessings in this and every life celebration.

Kim
PS feel free to leave a loving comment. Thanks! XX

Gym Membership

So, I constantly write about the importance of ‘Time for YOU’ but when you have a busy life, kids, and little support to do just that, it can seem overwhelming of just where to start.

I’ve been thinking of re-joining a gym for the past year but child care is an issue for me and my husband, not wanting to leave our daughter with just anyone. Today I took the plunge. It seems like a lot of money but when you break it down it really isn't.

I decided on the local YMCA which is only $17 per month for unlimited child care. Right there, it’s a good deal!! Then, take into consideration that she’ll be enrolled into a weekly program that’s included in her membership... well, it makes me wonder why I hadn’t looked into this sooner. Then, there’s the classes I’ll be taking. Normally, one class is about $120 for two months but I’ll be taking two classes plus using their treadmills, ellipticals, and whatever else I can fit in. Another big bonus is that my husband and I can have some child-free time. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know that it’s a rare occurrence for us.

It all starts tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted as to how it is going but I’m really nervous. Willow has only been left with one of my friends and nobody else, besides mommy and daddy. I am trying to look at it another way... Willow is an only child and only goes to my friend’s house once a week. I want her to grow and have stimulation and joy in her life. Wish us luck!

Blessings,

Kim

Princess for an evening

It was my uncle's 50th suprise birthday party on Saturday night and although my daughter had a fever since the previous night we went anyway. I hadn't been to a family event in about 15 months or even visited a famiy member in nearly as long. Of course, I missed them!

I always felt like the black sheep of the family... living in Germany and then Alberta until I was nine because my father was in the Air Force. Then later, I avoided family events because they always seemed to involve alchohol and my parents didn't get along when they drank. Now, it's me who almost never drinks and then my mom passing away in 2006 certainly didn't help.

So, off we go... a 45 minute drive to get there... I wasn't disappointed. Abundance of hugs and kisses. Countless times I heard, "it's great to see you"; "wish we could see you more often"; "I can't believe you're actually here"; "your daughter is so precious"; "your daughter is so sweet"; "you've got yourself a great guy there". I almost felt like it was MY event! Willow must have been feelin' the love, too... that fever she had broke while at the party even though she was up way past her bedtime and didn't have a nap!

If you have a family like this consider yourself lucky... and if not, just imagine what it would be like to be treated like a princess for an evening. Maybe you have friends who make you feel really special. Focus on them instead. That's really what it's all about isn't it? How people make you FEEL!

Blessings,
Kim

A night out!

Something very rare happened this weekend... my husband and I got to go out child-free. This is the 2nd time in over two years!! Why, you might ask...? There is only one person that she is comfortable staying with, and us leaving her with for that matter. But, at least we have one, and for that we are very grateful!

My husband's workplace was having their Christmas dinner on Saturday night and we had a pretty good time. We stayed until our maximum time and really enjoyed only being the two of us in practically forever. The next day felt different, too. More relaxed, more happy.

If you are one of the lucky ones who has multiple people to sit for you take advantage of it. You will be a better wife/husband, parent, and friend. And then, there's always your sanity (hehe).

Blessings,
Kim

My 3rd Race...

On Sunday, November 15th, 2009 I ran my first trail race. It was the Fat Ass Trail Run in Batawa. So, this makes my 3rd race... 2 road and 1 trail. Trail is much more fun but let me tell you... this run, which was 7.5 k for me, was just as challenging as the 1/2 marathon I did last month!

The 'Fat Ass' is mostly up hill... up a ski hill that is and there's lots of rocks and tree roots. And speaking of trees... there's lots of those, too. Fallen trees that is, to go over and under. Oh, and those rocks and tree roots I mentioned, hidden by wet, slippery leaves. Speaking of slippery... there was a giant puddle in the middle of it all.

I wore a brand new pair of trail runners and glad I did. I wore a brand new pair of gloves and didn't need them. With all those hills a body heated up pretty darn fast.

I ran it in just under an hour, which is darn good for a person who doesn't train. Had no injuries, thankfully, and only got one foot wet in previously described 'puddle'.

Would I do it again next year? Oooooh YES!!

'The family that plays together, stays together"

I don't know who said it but it's been quoted twice to me within a week. My husband and I love the outdoors and that is one of the biggest reasons I wanted to have a child... to share that passion. We hike, bike, roller blade and more... and hope our daughter will love all that, too.

This past weekend my husband finished fencing in our back yard. What an awesome feeling! We are finally free from the fear of our daughter sneeking away, our dogs getting out, or an unfriendly dog coming on to our property.

So much fun was had on Sunday running, chasing and playing, by both 2 and 4-legged family!

What do you do as a family to 'play together'?

Blessings,
Kim