Would You Rather...........Volume 1 (My answers are highlighted in blue)

1. Always be 10 minutes late or always be 20 minutes early

2. Lose all of your money & valuables or all of the pictures you have ever taken

3. Be able to see 10 minutes into your own future or 10 minutes into the future of anyone but yourself

4. Be famous when you are alive & forgotten when you die or unknown when you are alive but famous after you die

5. Go to jail for 4 years for something you didn't do or get away with something horrible you did but always live in fear of being caught

6. Accidentally be responsible for the death of a child or accidentally responsible for the deaths of three adults

7. Your shirts be always two sizes too big or one size too small

8. Live in the wilderness far from civilization or live on the streets of a city as a homeless person

9. The general public think you are a horrible person but your family be very proud of you or your family think you are a horrible person but the general public be very proud of you

10. Live your entire life in a virtual reality where all your wishes are granted or in the real world

11. Be alone for the rest of your life or always surrounded by annoying people

12. Never use social media sites/apps again or never watch another movie or TV show

13. Have an easy job working for someone else or work for yourself but work incredibly hard

14. Be the first person to explore a planet or be the inventor of a drug that cures a deadly disease

15. Have a horrible short term memory or a horrible long term memory

16. Be completely invisible for one day or be able to fly for one day

17. Be locked in a room that is constantly dark for a week or a room that is constantly bright for a week

18. Be poor but help people or become incredibly rich by hurting people

19. Live without the internet or live without AC & heating

20. Have a horrible job but be able to retire comfortably in 10 years or have your dream job but have to work until the day you die

21. Find your true love or a suitcase with 5 million dollars inside (spoiler....I already found him)

22. Be able to teleport anywhere or be able to read minds

23. Die in 20 years with no regrets or die in 50 years with many regrets

24. Be feared by all or loved by all

25. Know when you are going to die or how you are going to die (You can't change the time or method of your death)

Election 2016 -- The Morning After

So, it is the morning after the election.  I've thought long and hard about what I wanted to write here. I've written, and rewritten, half a dozen different things, and I hope that what I have to say strikes a chord with you, regardless of which candidate you supported, or which side of the proverbial fence you find yourself standing on.  I am not an American.  But that does not mean that I don't understand how the results of last nights election are going to have not only an impact on America, but a global impact, and that is why I feel that I, too, have a voice in this.

If you followed the election like I did, and saw every debate, every tweet, every ad campaign, all the endless crazy bullshit -- you may feel a sense of satisfaction, or you may feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety and fear.  I have felt many of these things over the last 18 months. I want you to put aside all those things for a minute and focus on what I am about to say.

We're all going to be okay.

We really will.  Because no matter who won or who you voted for (or watched from the sidelines like many of my Canadian friends and family), you will still have the opportunity to fight each day for what you want to see happen in this world.  You can still fight for justice, and love, kindness, and acceptance or equality....whatever you feel is lacking.  You will not fight alone.  You can still make a difference.  In some cases, you can make a bigger difference than the President ever will.  You will be needed every day to promote joy and love and grace.....even if you're tired.  You will be better for it. So will the country, and the world as a whole.

We're all going to be okay.  Even if President Trump ends up being a flaming bag of turd, we will be okay.  We still have our families.  We still have love.  We still have people fighting for what they believe in.  We will have a better understanding of who we are as a people, and how we need to get better.  We will have a better understanding of our capacity for love and for fear.  We will have parties who know that their secrets are never really secret, and that they need to be better.  That benefits all of us.  We have seen disgusting behaviors exposed on both sides, and will be able to teach our children what is, and isn't, okay.  We have seen how easy it is to spread lies.  We have proof for our children that anybody.....and I mean, anybody, can become President (or any great leader for that matter).  We will have hard conversations around the family table where we will change hearts and minds, or have our changed.  We will do it softly or we will do it loudly because, while I myself am not American, I believe that it is the right of ALL people to sometimes be stupid, and sometimes be noble and selfless, and sometimes be a little of both.  We will have a reason to fight harder for what we believe in, and a reason to choose a GOOD fight -- one that makes a difference in positive ways for all of us.  Because that is what America is all about.  That is what humanity is all about.

Even during the darkest times in history, you can look back and see glimmers of brightness shining through, of the light winning over, of unlikely heroes being made -- of the people becoming sharper and stronger, and more clearly defined by who they are and what they stand for because they had no other choice but to choose.  And that, my friends, in necessary.    It is hard.  It is terrible.  It is scary.   It is beautiful.  It is all of those things at once, but magnified a thousand times.  And that is us.  And no matter what has happened with this election, we will be okay.  We will still be us.  We will still be imperfect and flawed, and good and bad, and scared and brave, and we will have so many more opportunities to become better than we are; to maybe even be better than okay.  To maybe, one day, be great.

But until that time comes, we are all going to be okay.

I promise.

FitFabFun Fall Box Review

So, this is something I've decided to do quarterly here on my blog.  I subscribe to an AWESOME website called, of course, FITFABFUN.  I pay a yearly subscription, and 4 times a year (every season), I get an awesome box full of goodies.  So, I've decided for any of you who are interested, that I would post what fun little treats I get each quarter, and maybe inspire some of you to treat yourselves.

So, upon getting my box for this season, I was thrilled to see that this one was a bit interactive.  I love coloring (yes, I'm a grown up), and so this was a fun little treat.  The exterior and interior of the box was full of fun little pictures that you could color.

The box comes with an awesome Exclusive Offers card.  It's a awesome way to save on future purchases of the fun things you find in the box.  There is also a mini magazine that comes with each box, highlighting the items you receive each season.

So, here are the awesome items that I received this season:

1.  ModCloth Loch and Key Blanket Scarf – Value $34.99

This gigantic (55x55'') scarf is perfect for fall.  You can wear it multiple ways, and it will definitely keep you stylish and warm on those chilly days.  The fabric is awesome (acrylic, so not itchy), and calling it a "blanket" scarf it fitting.  It's massive, but lightweight, so it's not too bulky or heavy.

2.  FabFitFun Colouring Book & Coloured Pencils - Value $14

Coloring books for adults have really taken off.  Research has shown that coloring reduces stress and anxiety, and a great break from endless hours in front of the computer screen.  This fun little book comes with a set of colored pencils.

3.  Fun To-Go Coffee (Tea) Mug -- Value $19

This adorable mug holds 16 ounces of your favorite warm beverage, and is a cute and classy touch to any morning pick-me-up.  I love the gloss black, and gold detail.  (Hand wash only)

4.  Mullein & Sparrow Mini French Lavender Body Oil -- Value $18

This body oil is formulated with the healing and meditative scents of lavender.  You can use it as a daily moisturizer, or put a few drops in your evening bath.  It's really light, and smells wonderful.

5.  The BrowGal Clear Resistant Eyebrow Gel -- Value $20

This gel works with powders and pencils to seal and protect your eyebrows with great staying power. It comes in a clear gel, so it should work with any brow color.

6.  Pure Cosmetics Nude Collection Eye Shadow Pallet -- Value $50

This great pallet features 12 different shades of eye shadow that compliments the ever popular nude makeup trend.  It includes a great selection of both glitter and matte colors.

7.  Spongelle Bulgarian Body Wash Infused Buffer -- Value $16

This sponge is awesome.  It's infused with body wash, and the sponge is a bit more durable than your typical pouf, so cleans and exfoliates in one.  It should last up to 14 washes, but once the wash is gone, you can just add your own body wash and continue to use it.  A great deal.

8.  Toesox Toeless Fitness Socks -- Value $17

These socks are great for any shoeless fitness activity: yoga, pilates, dance.  I wasn't sure how it would feel having space for each individual toe, but they are actually really comfy.  They are fantastic and have non-slippy, grippy dots to keep you from sliding all over the floor.

9.  Skin Laundry Restoring Night Serum -- Value $50

This serum is designed to "help improve the overall appearance of skin brightness, smoothness, tone, texture, and elasticity".  It is really lightweight, goes on smooth, and has no lasting scent to it, which is really nice.  

10.  Sponsored Products -- Secret Clear Gel and Cottonelle Flushable Wipes.

So there you have it.  All these great products have a value of about $240 and I got them all for $49.95.  Signing up for their yearly subscription is a great idea, and every box I get seems better than the last.  I don't know how they do it.......but I'm so glad that they do.  I can't wait to see what they come up with for the winter box.

*NOTE: This review is my own personal opinion.  I do not speak for FitFabFun, nor am I in any way compensated by the company for this review.

On turning 40

Yesterday I turned 40, and to be honest it doesn't seem real at all.  Forty has always seemed so far away, so grown up......so old!  Yet here I am saying goodbye to my thirties, and while it feels big, I have decided to embrace it and welcome my midlife with open arms.

The big difference between 30 and 40 is the feeling of contentment and being settled.  I'm no longer planning when or if we should have another baby.  I'm no longer stressing over whether I should check out a new career path.  I am settled into my life, my marriage, parenting....and it feels good. it's not that I don't still have dreams about the future; I guess it's just that the urgency is different now.  I feel more comfortable in my own skin now than when I was 30.  Never mind the few grey hairs, or the smile lines that are forming around my eyes.  I know myself better, and I am more aware of and more able to focus on the things that are important to me.  I feel that so much of my 30s were the "planning" years, the adjusting to being a parent years, the becoming a better and more productive wife years -- the figuring out my identity years.

Sometimes I feel like the days are just slipping away unnoticed.  I try to grab hold of all those "little moments", but, at times, the chaos of every day life just pulls them away.  Time can be such a funny thing - it lulls you into feeling like it's moving so slowly, that it will always be there.  And then suddenly it's gone.  I have no idea what the future will hold, but the last 30 years have been so full of growth and SO many lessons learned.  I'm not going to let it get me down.  I'm going to use this as a starting point for the rest of my life. Bring on the 40s.

Here's a few things I have learned for sure:

-  Age is just a number...I still feel 25
-  Having growing children will keep you young (tired, but young)
-  Pursuing your passion every day is good for the soul
-  A good nights sleep and lots of water are better for you than botox
-  Life is too short (and to precious) for drama
-  Toxic people have no place in your life
-  Family is everything
-  It is okay to not fit in
-  Confidence comes from being yourself
-  I am WAY stronger than I ever knew
-  There is nothing wrong with boundaries
-  Comparing yourself to others is a waste of time
-  It is okay to ask for things you need
-  My parents were right about almost everything
-  I know what I want and I won't settle for anything less

Thoughts on Max

Do you ever sometimes just look at your kids and wonder where the Hell the time went.  I do this often.  Maybe it's because I'm soon approaching 40.  Maybe it's because in another year, even my youngest son will probably be an inch taller than me.  I'm not sure, but I've already got one child with a foot out of the nest, and I'm realizing that my middle boy is, in all reality, not far behind.

To my Max;

If your life was a road trip, I would find myself wondering why on earth we ever even thought about once going over the speed limit, why we passed other cars in our race to our destination, why we didn't take a few more pit stops along the way.

Some days it's hard to believe that you are 16.  You wear it well.  This is both a compliment, and not. You are moody and emotional, complicated and complex.  You challenge me in ways I never thought possible.  You have opinions and insight about the world, politics, humanity.  There are things in your life that I don't know, which I like to think is a relatively new phenomenon.

You are also witty and sweet, ethereally handsome, and still boyish is all the right ways, even as your shoulders have broadened, and your feet have outpaced mine in size and stride for a couple of years now.

These teenage years are like a highway under construction - the trip takes on a new element of challenge, even from an experienced driver like me, who traveled down a similar freeway with your older brother.  Your highway has been a different road, with detours, and barricades, and near constant confusion.  I am learning to appreciate the traffic and the opportunity it has given me to remember that this journey won't be forever.....and that is both the best and worst thing.

One day we will roll up to our destination in the true meaning of the word awe.  The adult version of your will dwarf the wonder of the Grand Canyon.  You are a gift that I have given the world, and I am so confident in my offering.  I will revel in the success of our arrival, and I will mourn the end of our journey at the same time.  I will lament those cheesy road side pitstops that I chose to skip, and the boring hours will take on a rosy glow that only nostalgia can bring.

I hope I've planned enough and not too much.  I hope I've made the hours pass with ease.  I hope you know that I knew the way, even when it seems like I didn't.  Because you and your brothers -- you are my way.

Thanks for accompanying me so closely on this leg of our trip through life, and for being one of the best guides I could get.

I like you, I love you, I will always protect you, and I will be here for you no matter what.

Love, Mom.

Make Up Tips

Can someone please explain to my why every makeup company in the world is still producing blue eye shadow?  Blue eye shadow has ALWAYS been tacky.  It was never popular.  It was typically only used by prostitutes or Halloween costumes (most of which are prostitute costumes).

I wanted to make a type of flow chart or meme.....but that sounded like a lot of work.  So, instead I decided to go with a simple list of people who can actually pull off this bold look, at any time.

People who can pull off blue eye shadow are as follows:

-Tammy Faye Baker (or really, just anyone named Tammy for that matter)
-Tim Currey in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
-Betty Boop
- The clown from Stephen King's "It"
-Everyone's grandmother
-Paula Deen
-Barbie dolls
-Dolly Parton
-Mimi from "The Drew Carey Show"
-People who work at or frequent Shoppers Drug Mart
-The cast of "Steel Magnolias"

If you do not find your name on this very short list, then you should NOT be wearing blue eye shadow.  I hope this has helped.

Parents who Teach Their Children to Steal are Douchebags

Yesterday, I  received an email from a friend, telling me that her 6 year old son's scooter had been stolen while they were at the park.  She was very upset, because the park had been very busy.  She had just taken her eyes off the scooter for a second, and it was gone.

She started looking for the culprit, but couldn't see anyone she would peg as the "usual suspect" type. There weren't any middle or high school kids who would have taken it to show off to their friends or just to be jerks.  It was all young kids who were being supervised by (seemingly mature and law abiding) adults.  Little did she know there was a thief with her at the park.

What sort of parent/guardian/authority figure steals something with their child as an accomplice?  Who does this?  Does mom just tell little Mikey that she is "borrowing" the scooter? ("I'll call his mom in  few days and she if she wants it back").  Does she tell him she "paid" the other mom for the scooter? ("There was a garage sale at the park today.  Lucky us!  It was only $5).  Or does she tell the truth?  (Dad says we can't afford a scooter right now.  But that boy brought a scooter and a bike.  He doesn't need both.  Let's take the scooter....hop on and ride it like you own it).  WTH?!?

My friends email went on to say that after the terrible experience at the park, she headed to Walmart. When she got out of her car, she stepped on a dirty diaper that someone had just left on the ground.

WTH is wrong with people?

Why stop there?  Forget the diaper; why not just teach your child to poop in the parking lot next time and avoid the hassle and expense of diapers all together, you douchebag?

I think what horrifies me the most, is my belief that both of these acts were likely committed by women.

There apparently weren't any dads at the park, so it was a women who stole the scooter.  And, how many dads do you know that change diapers in the middle of the day at Walmart?  (I know that's stereotypical of me, but I'm going to have to go with the odds on this one).

I expect asinine, gross, rude, lazy, disgusting behavior like this from men....you know, the gender that can fart on demand and scratch themselves in public.  Let's face it, men have always cornered the market on being war-mongers, polluters, rapists, and pillagers of this world, and now these women are muscling in on their territory.  Wonderful.

All I can say is I hope someone breaks their arm on that stolen scooter.  Nothing like hours in an ER and a first day of school pictures in a cast to put the $50 they saved stealing a little boys scooter in perspective.