Recently I was asked to do a video presentation, created from special family photos. It was a special birthday celebration for a woman who was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and best friend to so many people. Everyone in her life took time to gather their special photos and plan an event to celebrate her birthday with her.
We had about 50 photographs and set them to the Nat King Cole song "Unforgettable". It was a beautiful video of a beautiful life and woman. The fabulous part about everything is that her family was celebrating with her, and not after she was gone. This was a birthday party and a time to rejoice. Her family found the time in their busy lives to come together and celebrate in the here and now.
That was a great reminder to me to celebrate my friendships and loved ones in the here and now. Regardless of how corny it sounds, when was the last time you told your own mother that you loved her?
With Mother's Day around the corner most people feel obligated to buy a gift, make a phone call or take Mom out to dinner. But what if you did these things and it WASN'T Mother's Day? What if you took Mom shopping and bought her a new purse, or carried her groceries to the car, or what if you took her down to the jewellery store and had her rings professionally cleaned for her? What if you did something that made her eyes sparkle? What if it wasn't Mother's Day? Would she know for certain that you loved her? You bet she would.
In the same mindset, I remind my best friend as often as I can that she is my BFF and why. We've had some great times together and have more great times to come. It's a relationship, like any other that needs work and maintenance to stay strong.
You can apply the same effort and standards to all your important relationships - with your children, your neighbours, your employer and the people you rely on. Find a way to celebrate in the here and now. If you bake some cookies, share them with your neighbours or your kids' friends. Share a laugh. Celebrate in the here and now.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
September Travel
Kids are back in school. The weather is still gorgeous. Could there be a better time to travel? Is it time for a road trip across the midwest? A cruise to Alaska? A flight to Paris in the fall?
The Caribbean is always on my mind, and though I have been there in July and August, I would hesitate to go in September. September & October and prime hurricane months. If you are on a cruise ship, rest assured that the ever present technology will be able to re-route you safely and quickly out of harms way. However, the same can not be said about being on land. Hurricane prone areas are used to the 'shelter-in-place" model to ride out the storm. However do you really want to be stressing in a hotel room when you would rather be sunning on the beach?
What about Disneyland in September? I think this would be an ideal time to take a pre-schooler.
What will you be doing this September when the school bell rings? Time to start your planning today.
The Caribbean is always on my mind, and though I have been there in July and August, I would hesitate to go in September. September & October and prime hurricane months. If you are on a cruise ship, rest assured that the ever present technology will be able to re-route you safely and quickly out of harms way. However, the same can not be said about being on land. Hurricane prone areas are used to the 'shelter-in-place" model to ride out the storm. However do you really want to be stressing in a hotel room when you would rather be sunning on the beach?
What about Disneyland in September? I think this would be an ideal time to take a pre-schooler.
What will you be doing this September when the school bell rings? Time to start your planning today.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Encouragement
Encouragement costs you nothing but it can mean a whole lot to the recipient. When was the last time you said, "great work today" to your employee, or co-worker, or even your own child? Was it today? Was it yesterday? If you can't pin point the moment, it's been too long.
What if you told the gas jockey that washed your windows that he did a great job and that washing your windows on this slushy, dirty spring day, really helped you out. Do you think he might remember your words? Do you think it might help him get through the next 5 hours of his 8 hour shift pumping gas?
What if you said the same thing to your dentist? "Thanks for doing a great job on that filling. My tooth doesn't hurt anymore and I'm going to enjoy eating a meal once again."
What if we were all openly, expressively grateful for the little things that make our lives easier? Or just thankful for the people in our lives who make a difference. What if...
What if you told the gas jockey that washed your windows that he did a great job and that washing your windows on this slushy, dirty spring day, really helped you out. Do you think he might remember your words? Do you think it might help him get through the next 5 hours of his 8 hour shift pumping gas?
What if you said the same thing to your dentist? "Thanks for doing a great job on that filling. My tooth doesn't hurt anymore and I'm going to enjoy eating a meal once again."
What if we were all openly, expressively grateful for the little things that make our lives easier? Or just thankful for the people in our lives who make a difference. What if...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
March Maui 1 Day Sale
I happen to love Maui. You likely will too. Conde Nast magazines consistently rate it in the top 5 destinations for families.
Today, Westjet.com is offering seat sale prices to Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii. Most prices are under $200 each way, from Canada. For example, Edmonton (YEG) to Maui (OGG) has great flight times. If you go on June 15th and return on the 23rd, including all taxes is $590 per person. Heck of a deal! That's flight only, so you would need to secure a hotel separately, but that's easy to do.
This is a limited time offer. Very limited. Westjet calls it their Blue Tag Thursday specials. The sale is 4 hours only and just started. Flights are in May and June.
If it's in the budget, and you have your credit card and calendar handy you should definitely check it out!
Westjet sale
Today, Westjet.com is offering seat sale prices to Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii. Most prices are under $200 each way, from Canada. For example, Edmonton (YEG) to Maui (OGG) has great flight times. If you go on June 15th and return on the 23rd, including all taxes is $590 per person. Heck of a deal! That's flight only, so you would need to secure a hotel separately, but that's easy to do.
This is a limited time offer. Very limited. Westjet calls it their Blue Tag Thursday specials. The sale is 4 hours only and just started. Flights are in May and June.
If it's in the budget, and you have your credit card and calendar handy you should definitely check it out!
Westjet sale
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Evacuation kit
Ok lets's do this. Yes, this weekend. Flooding is imminent in many areas. It's not a question of "if," it's a question of when and how bad. Stop procrastinating! It's time to make this happen.
First off, where will you go? Do you have a relative or friend that can accomodate your family for a week, or perhaps longer? Or, would your homeowner's insurance pay for a hotel if you were displaced? Perhaps it's time to call a hotel and book a tentative stay. You don't want to be scrambling at the last minute.
Next, literally, buy a big Rubbermaid tub, or perhaps two. The first would be for food and supplies, the other for clothes and personal effects. However, in the even of extreme emergency and for example, a helicopter or boat rescue, the only thing you might be able to take is a backpack... so include that in tub #2.
In the first tub store water and non perishable food to last 72 hours, for your family and pets. Include a can opener, plates, matches, a candle, plastic garbage bags, a flashlight, empty coffee can and toilet paper. The empty coffee can and garbage bags are often overlooked but are two of the most important and most multi-purpose items. A tarp, gloves, a pocket knife, a battery or crank operated radio, bandages and a first aid kit are also recommended.
In your second tub, the most important items are your personal identification, a phone, cash (ATM, debit etc may not be available) insurance info (phone/contact number/file number) clothing including hats and footwear, medication.
Lastly, know your physical evacuation route. What highway will you take? Who is your point of contact? Pick one friend or family member to communicate with. They can update the others. At what point should they start looking for you?
It sounds very scary. But all you need to do is to think like a Boy Scout. Plan ahead and prepare, then hope for the best. Start "tuning in" to local authorities. Most areas have web sites or hotlines to call for the latest flood forecasts and information. And while I have mentioned flooding here, these emergency prepared kits/evacuation kits would be the same in response to fire evacuation, earthquake or other natural disaster.
As I asked in another blog posting... can you do 72?
First off, where will you go? Do you have a relative or friend that can accomodate your family for a week, or perhaps longer? Or, would your homeowner's insurance pay for a hotel if you were displaced? Perhaps it's time to call a hotel and book a tentative stay. You don't want to be scrambling at the last minute.
Next, literally, buy a big Rubbermaid tub, or perhaps two. The first would be for food and supplies, the other for clothes and personal effects. However, in the even of extreme emergency and for example, a helicopter or boat rescue, the only thing you might be able to take is a backpack... so include that in tub #2.
In the first tub store water and non perishable food to last 72 hours, for your family and pets. Include a can opener, plates, matches, a candle, plastic garbage bags, a flashlight, empty coffee can and toilet paper. The empty coffee can and garbage bags are often overlooked but are two of the most important and most multi-purpose items. A tarp, gloves, a pocket knife, a battery or crank operated radio, bandages and a first aid kit are also recommended.
In your second tub, the most important items are your personal identification, a phone, cash (ATM, debit etc may not be available) insurance info (phone/contact number/file number) clothing including hats and footwear, medication.
Lastly, know your physical evacuation route. What highway will you take? Who is your point of contact? Pick one friend or family member to communicate with. They can update the others. At what point should they start looking for you?
It sounds very scary. But all you need to do is to think like a Boy Scout. Plan ahead and prepare, then hope for the best. Start "tuning in" to local authorities. Most areas have web sites or hotlines to call for the latest flood forecasts and information. And while I have mentioned flooding here, these emergency prepared kits/evacuation kits would be the same in response to fire evacuation, earthquake or other natural disaster.
As I asked in another blog posting... can you do 72?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Five dollars of happiness
I bet you're thinking that $5 of happiness is $5 spent on ice cream! Or at least you may have guessed that's what I would say. But in this case, no. Ok, and yes. Because $5 spent on a medium Oreo Arctic Whip, or one in Rolo is indeed happiness and money well spent. But what I intended to write about is the lottery.
Whether you are in Canada, or the USA, there are big lotto draws this weekend! I generally don't buy or advocate for lotteries, but I DO like to dream a bit. So tonight when I pick up a ticket I'm going to think about it as $5 worth of happiness regardless of the outcomes.
I absolutely know that the odds are against winning the lotto. And this will be the only $5 I put into Lotto Max this month, but here's why I think of it as five dollars of happiness.... When I buy a ticket I don't check it right after the draw. I wait at least one whole day. I don't look up the winning numbers or even consider validating the ticket until I have thought about what I would do IF I was rich. I almost "pretend" I have the winning ticket and think about all the trips and things I would do IF I won the lotto. It's a great day of "what would I do." It gives me a chance to dream and think about all the people whose lives I could enrich if I had that ability. I think about which island I would charter a plane to and take all my friends. It's a fun, cheap escape from reality.
I know it's just postponing the disappointment of a losing ticket, but I still do get a kick out of it. $5 of "happiness." It's great for the end of hard week. A little "what if" reward. Then again, you might choose ice cream. That's a sure bet!!
Whether you are in Canada, or the USA, there are big lotto draws this weekend! I generally don't buy or advocate for lotteries, but I DO like to dream a bit. So tonight when I pick up a ticket I'm going to think about it as $5 worth of happiness regardless of the outcomes.
I absolutely know that the odds are against winning the lotto. And this will be the only $5 I put into Lotto Max this month, but here's why I think of it as five dollars of happiness.... When I buy a ticket I don't check it right after the draw. I wait at least one whole day. I don't look up the winning numbers or even consider validating the ticket until I have thought about what I would do IF I was rich. I almost "pretend" I have the winning ticket and think about all the trips and things I would do IF I won the lotto. It's a great day of "what would I do." It gives me a chance to dream and think about all the people whose lives I could enrich if I had that ability. I think about which island I would charter a plane to and take all my friends. It's a fun, cheap escape from reality.
I know it's just postponing the disappointment of a losing ticket, but I still do get a kick out of it. $5 of "happiness." It's great for the end of hard week. A little "what if" reward. Then again, you might choose ice cream. That's a sure bet!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Organizing your next travel adventure
If you can google it, you can research it. If you can research it, you can live it. Anything is possible. You just have to figure out what you want.
If you want fabulous travel stories and money is no object, pick up a magazine and choose something from the glossy pages. Phone, or click and start your vacation. IF you're more like me, and money is always an issue, then you need to put in the time and do the research.
First... what kind of vacation are you after? Tropical? European? Land or Sea? Backyard adventure? Hands on experience? Something you saw on TV?
Step 2... Google. What did you see in the magazine that you wanted? Now, do you want to be on that exact beach or something similar? Or do you want to eat in a restaurant you saw on the Food Network? Where is it?
Step 3... How do you get there? Car, plane? If it's a plane... research what airlines fly to your potential destination. Is it seasonal service? What does it cost?
Step 4... Research the the country, the climate, the politics, the money, the crime, the tourism industry, the activities available. Can you live with the answers? If yes, keep going. If not, move on to another destination. What do the folks on Trip Advisor have to say about it?
Step 5.... Find out where you want to stay. Then... and this is the most important step.... find a way to start communicating with them. Usually this is as easy as subscribing to their e-mail list. It won't be long before they are sending you special offers. This includes getting on the mailing list of the airline you plan to use so that you get notice of seat sales. Seat sales often only last a day or two. It pays (or saves!) to be on top of this.
Step 6... Price out your potential vacation. Try it in various months or dates. National holidays and school holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, Spring Break etc) will tend to be higher. Can you go at less busy times? Once you have a good grasp on the cost, start planning and saving. Corny as it may sound... I have a big glass pickle that says "My Maui Money" on it. You can bet it's a great visual reminder of where I want to go and that I need to be saving for it.
A little research and some advance planning can save a lot. I believe it's the key to a dream vacation. Last minute bargains can be fabulous... spontaneous and fun... HOWEVER you may be getting the vacation that no body else wanted. You may not get the type of vacation that suits you. You may be getting something that is "good enough" at a good price.
I truly believe that the research and the anticipation and the planning process can be inspirational. Even thinking about a great future vacation can be a stress reliever. Knowing that you have something to look forward to can be a great motivator.
If you want fabulous travel stories and money is no object, pick up a magazine and choose something from the glossy pages. Phone, or click and start your vacation. IF you're more like me, and money is always an issue, then you need to put in the time and do the research.
First... what kind of vacation are you after? Tropical? European? Land or Sea? Backyard adventure? Hands on experience? Something you saw on TV?
Step 2... Google. What did you see in the magazine that you wanted? Now, do you want to be on that exact beach or something similar? Or do you want to eat in a restaurant you saw on the Food Network? Where is it?
Step 3... How do you get there? Car, plane? If it's a plane... research what airlines fly to your potential destination. Is it seasonal service? What does it cost?
Step 4... Research the the country, the climate, the politics, the money, the crime, the tourism industry, the activities available. Can you live with the answers? If yes, keep going. If not, move on to another destination. What do the folks on Trip Advisor have to say about it?
Step 5.... Find out where you want to stay. Then... and this is the most important step.... find a way to start communicating with them. Usually this is as easy as subscribing to their e-mail list. It won't be long before they are sending you special offers. This includes getting on the mailing list of the airline you plan to use so that you get notice of seat sales. Seat sales often only last a day or two. It pays (or saves!) to be on top of this.
Step 6... Price out your potential vacation. Try it in various months or dates. National holidays and school holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, Spring Break etc) will tend to be higher. Can you go at less busy times? Once you have a good grasp on the cost, start planning and saving. Corny as it may sound... I have a big glass pickle that says "My Maui Money" on it. You can bet it's a great visual reminder of where I want to go and that I need to be saving for it.
A little research and some advance planning can save a lot. I believe it's the key to a dream vacation. Last minute bargains can be fabulous... spontaneous and fun... HOWEVER you may be getting the vacation that no body else wanted. You may not get the type of vacation that suits you. You may be getting something that is "good enough" at a good price.
I truly believe that the research and the anticipation and the planning process can be inspirational. Even thinking about a great future vacation can be a stress reliever. Knowing that you have something to look forward to can be a great motivator.
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