If you read my blog, This Time It’s Personal and your still here, it is just one more positive thing in my life. I have plenty of things to be grateful for and I thought today I would share a more positive side of me.

When I wake up in the morning the curtains have to be wide open to let the sun shine in. Nothing like a ray of sunshine to energize your day. I open my window for a cool breeze and enjoy the sounds of nature just waking up. The sound of wind ripping through the trees,, little creatures and birds chirping reminds me that the world is waiting to start another day and I’m still here. I came close to meeting the Big Guy in the Sky but thanks to my family they weren’t ready to pull the plug on me yet.

When I hear birds singing, I’m like a dog wagging it’s tail, with binoculars in my hand ready to catch a glimpse of a Blue Jay or Cardinal . I’ll run right out the door if it’s a Cardinal. Your not going to get much attention from me until I am satisfied with my view.

I love the cottage life but live in the busy City of Ottawa. There’s nothing better than sitting on my lawn chair with a coffee in one hand and binoculars in the other. I’ll sit for hours waiting for the sun to pop out of the horizon over looking a clear white water lake. I love the breeze on my face. Not the kind that drags your umbrella away, just a gentle reminder wind can be delightful. I once enjoyed canoe ride on a small pond with an old friend. It was a perfect sunny day and we had a great conversation replaying our favorite memories growing up in the projects. Maybe this will be the summer to travel the outskirts of Ottawa and rent a cute little Cottage by Ontario Lake.

My mother always told me I was like a fish in water. That still holds true to this day. I love everything from the ripples on the lake, water fights and a good swim in a kiddy pool. If you challenge me to a water fight, my balloons are ready to give you a whooping. Invite me to your place for a back yard swim and I’m there, just not with a bikini. Nope not a Birthday suit, so minds out of the gutter, a lovely T-shirt and jeans. Don’t worry it has to be a dark blue or black. I’m not about wet T-Shirt day.

That brings me to the sizzling sound of a BBQ. The memories of my mother laughing at the chickens stuffed with beer cans. Her rosy little cheeks appear and tears roll down her face . “I’m waiting for the chickens to start dancing”. It’s a must try if you haven’t yet. My mother made a mean bowl of potato salad and I still make it to this day. Give her a drink and it’s free entertainment. She had the most positive vibe that everyone loved especially when she drank. Rest in peace mama!

The kitchen has to be by far my favorite place to be. I can cook up some mean cabbage rolls or a dreamy cherry cheesecake at your request. Baking takes me to a new level of comfort and excitement. The best part about baking is sharing it with your neighbors over a cup of coffee. Especially cute little three year old Kailany, she calls me Cappy, Love that!!!. Yes!!! I’m like a Betty Crocker Mom”. Sometimes I even enjoy experimenting, making appetizers for invites to dinner party’s or football night. #Go Pittsburg Steelers. The best of times is baking with my grandsons.

My oldest grandson is not into baking as much but we sure shared some crazy kitchen memories. Dylan is 15 now and will do anything for a good laugh. I guess there’s a little spark of me in that boy. He’s kind, soft hearted, polite and can tell a story that will will leave a room smiling from ear to ear. Love him to the moon and back and now the teenage years begin. Jaxon is 7 and complete opposite of Dylan, a little aggressive but not with the intent to hurt someone, he too loves to make you laugh but would much rather sit with you in a quiet room will playing on the phone. Don’t get me wrong when that boy has no phone is his hand he quickly turns into The Flash and you will never keep up with him. He loves to be in charge until his mother puts him in his place. A bit spoiled but appreciates what he gets. When he gives you any kind of attention it means he approves of you. Truly even I won’t get a hug goodbye if I not intentionally peeved him off. He’s a happy boy with a little attitude that I could never get enough of, most days. Love that little boy version of Punky Brewster. I am hopeful that he will start playing football this summer. He’ll make a great running back and burn all that extra energy.

Which brings me to my favorite all time sport, NFL football. Nothing better than watching a bunch of men with their little tushies left so vulnerable on the field. How those Cheer Leaders hold back from a tap or two on their butt is beyond me. That would be an excellent April Fools Day to witness. Of course betting is not going so well. Sundays I would grab my coffee, Mr. Feenie resting on my arm and study all the statistics and predictions. Never won a dime this year. Still, I love the excitement and rush when my teams losing, last minute of the game “Hail Mary” OMG, they won’” How does that not sound like loads of fun.

I love an occasional casino night and Brittany’s dad always offers me a night out for free. He’s my best friend and father of my 4 beautiful children, always thinking of ways to keep me smiling. I always feel safest when I’m with him, it’s like a trained sniper waiting to strike at any sign of danger. Sometimes it’s a bit too much but I know he cares and that’s what really matters. He can also piss me off with his annoying pranks, he takes pranks to a whole new level. He’s full of surprises and loves to spoil me occasionally but I spoil him too. Were a great team and he will always have a special place in my heart. We won over a hundred last month so I am anxiously awaiting another invite.

If I do win a little, I’m usually out shopping with my one and only little sis. She has been my angel on so many occasions. It’s so comforting to know that I have a sister that is so compassionate to those around her. She understands life changes and recognizes ways to help others get on their feet or just feels the need to spoil you, so you can feel good for the day. We laugh and sing, wine about our life sometimes but most of all we just enjoy the ride, music, company and riminess about old times.

I’m also fortunate to have a brother who is always watching over Brittany and myself. He knows if my sister calls I may just call on him to stay with Brittany. He already takes her up to his place every day for Yahtzee or a game of trouble. Spoils her daily with scratch tickets, ice caps and chocolate bars. He understands my level of stress and helps me manage the little things that keep a happy home. Blessed to have him live so close.

I can’t forget about Mr. Feenie, my big orange and white feline that demands all the attention. He must go for a walk in the hallway of our apartment at least once a day. Summer time we put him on a leash so he can enjoy the outdoors. The only time he drinks water is if it’s on the dining room table. Feenie has his favorite little monkey he tosses around the house like a rag doll. He also has his special cat stews and treat ball. He sleeps a lot but when he’s up every one is awake. The constant meowing is enough to wake the neighborhood. Never forget to change the kitty litter, he’ll let you know. When we leave the room Feenie follows, not sure if he’s afraid to be alone or just nosey. So much more I can say about our friendly cat but that’s it for now.

Friends are important in my life and I have one who is very dear to me. We laugh and giggle continuously over a cup of coffee. Occasionally we will walk to the store and enjoy some fresh air or take her grand daughter Kailany to the park. So many pictures, she’s so photogenic. We made egg rolls together a few times and next on the list is my Focaccia Bread. Exciting! That’s the best part about my friend, she’s fun and willing to do new things. So supportive and compassionate. She’s the best kind of vibe to take with you on any adventure. I’ll share some photo’s of her one day but not a fan of sharing pics without permission.

That brings me home, a place where everything and anything can happen. I’m always ready for a calm day of blogging or a chaos day of mental break downs via my daughter. No matter what my day brings I am happy to be home where nothing is normal about my life. A place with no expectations but appreciation. A place of security but most of all clarity. A day of laughter or days of tears. Sometimes bitter moments but many more sweet ones. A place my kids come to enjoy conversation, release stress or just for the enjoyment of spending time with me, laughing, giggling and pulling pranks on me like their darn dad. In the end my family is everything to me and their smiles are my happiest moments ever. When their happy, mama is very happy!

I’ll share more about my four beautiful children soon!

Thank you for supporting me on my Journey to a healthier lifestyle. I thrive to be the me I want to be but take comfort in who I am in this moment.