Week #9 Toy Donation and a trip to Susie's Firehall!

It's week #9 and so close to Christmas. Paige wants everyone to have something special to open on Christmas day so...she opened up her piggy bank and we took a trip to the dollar store to max out the number of gifts she could purchase. Her sister and cousins Baylee, Cooper and Faith joined us. So fun! They scoured the local Dollarama for anything they thought a young boy or girl would love! They filled two huge gift bags full! Yahoo!!! Cooper asked if he could get something and we all discussed how this was not about getting..but about giving today. After that we headed to Susie's Firehall to drop off the donation. They all wanted to carry the bags into the hall and were excited to show what they had brought. Susie took us for a tour and we got to meet some wicked firefighters, check out the HUGE firetruck and Paige tested out the horn too! Yikes. Paige was so excited to see where Susie worked and it was awesome to see how inspired they all were by her and how great it feels to give to others.

Be Phat!

Week #8 Gift Giving & Cookie Baking...

Paige was a busy girl this weekend and tackled 2 awesome efforts to give back to others.

First Paige filled a shoebox full of stuff for an "adult female" for Operation Shoebox--an initiative led by MacSOC (McMaster Student Outreach Collaborative) that delivers gifts in a shoebox this December to those living in poverty and who are experiencing homelessness in our community.

Paige picked up some great personal items including a new toothbrush (it had to be purple!) and candy too. She hopes whomever receives it has a sweet tooth! We'll drop the box off to our good friend Laurel who sent the information on about this AMAZING initiative. Paige knows how lucky she is to have something to open on Christmas morning and is excited that she was able to give someone else something to open up too.

Next up...baking nut-free cookies for the church. The cookies will be served at the Christmas dinner put on for homeless in our community. We invited Paige's cousins Baylee and Faith over to bake with us too. We decided on ginger bread cookies and just happened to have Christmas cutters in the house. Strange..don't remember having them! lol. The girls cut out angels, stars, candles, reindeer, and Christmas stockings and covered them with bright coloured sprinkles. After they were cooked they got to taste one...maybe two! The rest were packed up and delivered to the church. "Giving back can be pretty tasty" said Paige. Hopefully someone will enjoy the cookies as much we enjoyed baking them!

If you have an idea for Paige's 52 week project let us know!

Be Phat!

Week #7 It's a GREEN week..

This week Paige decided to do something good for the planet. Every little thing makes a difference! She collected all the plastic grocery bags we had from under the sink and in the cupboard and we headed to Fortino's. There's a grocery bag donation container at the entrance. Paige read the sign "Used Plastic Bags will be transformed into other usable plastic materials;not sent to landfill." So great! "Together let's reduce the amount of waste on our planet." Yahoo!!! Paige felt good about her contribution and decided that we can only use reusable shopping bags from now on.

Next week...we are baking Cookies for the church..and participating in "Operation Shoebox".

Be Phat!

Helping Out! Week #6

We were finishing up breakfast yesterday morning and I asked Paige what she wanted to do this week. She glanced out the front window and said she'd like to help someone. Awesome idea. "Can I help someone rake their leaves?" Great! Of coarse I love the fitness aspect of it! I asked her who she'd like to help out and she quickly replied "aunt Wendy".

A little about aunt Wendy...she's my aunt so therefore Paige's great aunt and she is an AMAZING woman. I have so many memories growing up with her...camping, learning to drive (another blog one day!), painting our toes and bottom line she was there for me when I needed to talk. Paige thought of her without any coaching from me either! She picked up the phone and called her right away. Luckily she was home and uncle Glyn was too. So we grabbed our rake and headed over.

Wendy and Paige did a great job! And inspired uncle Glyn to start putting up the Christmas lights. It was a fun afternoon! Paige filled 2 large garbage bins with leaves and I was pretty amazed with her determination to do a great job. Not only did she give her time this week...she spent it with someone special to her. A day neither of them will soon forget.

Be Phat!

Toys For Tots - Week #5

Paige was excited to meet Officer Carter today when she donated toys and money to Toys for Tots. She purchased some toys that she thought a boy and girl her age would like and we took them to the Police Station in our community. It's not an easy thing to explain to a six year old who believes that Santa can reach everyone...but after a lengthy discussion she realized that Santa needs help too. We watched Santa fly in on a helicopter and Paige commented "shouldn't he be hard at work at the North Pole getting ready?!". One thing is for sure, she'll be a tough boss one day!

The Toys For Tots is a great program. "The Halton Regional Police Service, in partnership with Canadian Tire, the Salvation Army, Halton Honda and the Mandarin Restaurant, will be launching the annual Toys for Tots holiday fundraising drive. Toys for Tots spreads holiday joy by providing gifts to less fortunate families living in Halton Region." You can donate now at your local police station and Canadian Tire locations.

Its a perfect day..

Its a perfect day to...get outside, go for a run, walk to the coffee shop, read a book, write a letter to a friend, smile, play with your kids, call your parents, laugh with friends, share a quiet moment with someone, dance, buy a new pair of shoes, go spinning, take a long shower, tell someone how much you love them, skip, watch an old movie, do a hot yoga class, paint your toes, listen to music really loud..and sing, share, give something away, do a cartwheel, write in your journal, take a wee nap, stretch, do what makes you happy and enjoy every moment of the day.

Be Phat!

Poppies-Week #4

"The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. Replica poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion to raise money for needy veterans."

Paige was anxious to donate this week and display her poppy proudly on her jacket. She donated money from her piggy bank at her school. Enough for a few but only took one. We researched the history behind Rememberance Day and we both learned a lot! When I asked Paige about what she thought it was all about she replied.."that many people died in the war so that we could have freedom." So Phat!

Here's a few little facts about today...

· Remembrance Day commemorates Canadians who died in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. It is held every November 11.
· The first Remembrance Day was conducted in 1919 throughout the Commonwealth. Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918 at 11 a.m.: the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
· From 1923 to 1931, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11 fell. Thanksgiving was also celebrated on this day.
· In 1931, M.P. Allan Neill introduced a bill to hold Armistice Day on a fixed day - November 11. During the bill's introduction, it was decided the word "Remembrance" would be used instead of "Armistice". The bill passed and Remembrance Day was conducted on November 11, 1931. Thanksgiving Day was moved to October 12 that year.

November 10th

Happy Anniversary Darc. Love u to the sky & back. Moowah! xo

NYC Marathon 2009

Where do I start? NYC is amazing and the whole trip was wicked! Susie, Jenn, Kelly and I headed to the Buffalo airport at the early hour of 4am on Sat Oct 31st. Happy Halloween! Whoa that was early! Grabbed a quick breakfast and hopped on the 8am flight. The flight was quick and before we new it we were speeding along in Edwin's cab towards the Sheridan Times Square. Room was ready and we settled in. Later in the afternoon we headed out for a run. Heading along 7th to Central Park I said hello to Michael Buble coming out for Starbucks. Weird when you see someone that looks familiar so you just say "hello" and then he turns out to be a famous dude. Amazing.
Our run through Central Park was incredible. Such a beautiful space. I'd be there everyday is it were my hometown. We had a great evening..a little bit of rain but we braved it to have a look around. Everyone was sleepy so we headed back to the hotel pretty early and I got to bed! I had to be the bus for 5:20am. That was going to come fast!
Alarm went off and I jumped into my clothes. Jenn and Susie wished me luck (Kelly stayed sleep-smart!) and off I went. I grabbed a cap to the library where I got on the bus to the starting line. I sat beside Lawrence on the bus. It was his first marathon. He was a sprinter and decided he wanted to do a marathon. He had trained hard and I am sure did well! we got off the bus and walked up to the welcome area. I pointed out where the bagels were and off he went. I headed directly to the warming tent to grab a spot. A Phat Dude named Tom gave me his spare track pants to warm up my chilly legs. man it was freezing at 6am! What was I thinking wearing shorts! As the tent filled up I had the chance to meet more and more people and hear their amazing inspiring stories. Runners are such amazing people.

Said my goodbyes and good lucks and was off to the starting area for Orange Wave #1. "What do you mean I am too late? and OMG there's Edward Norton!" Yep, that pretty much summed up why my heart was racing and I deeked into the fenced off area and made it into Wave #1! Woohoo! " Where did Edward go?" I had to tell him that Susie loves him! lol. No seriously we both love him! His acting that is. Yeah right! Anywho...as I strapped on the helmet cam it became very clear that people wondered what was up? Did I need it for safety reasons? lol. There's definitely history that could support that need..but no it was the best way to cover the race experience. Check out www.youtube.com/racedayrush to see the footage! Finishing time of 3:49. Pretty incredible for a chick with a helmet cam I must say! lol. I am constantly in awe of the drive and determination that people have to cross the finish line. I made some new friends along that way and was amazed at all their stories...like the man who was running his 12th marathon since his heart transplant. Wow! and Joel who had weighed 400 pounds 2.5 years before the race and had done it surgery free with finishing the marathon in 2009 was his BIG goal. Incredible! This marathon experience was so memorable and it's all on video. A little bit of a sore neck..but it was so worth it!

A HUGE thanks to Susie, Jenn and Kelly for making it a wicked time and for all your support. You are truely Phat Chicks and great friends. xo

Be Phat!

Art Can Fight Hunger (Week #3!)

A unique charitable campaign is located at Mapleview Mall in Burlington. Paige wanted to participate and make a big donation! Four artists from Burlington, Hamilton and Toronto we comissioned to create artwork inspired by Andy Warhol's soup can paintings while reflecting the message that "Art Can Fight Hunger". Paige picked out healthy non-perishable foods from Longos and donated them in the can situated in front of the painting she liked the best. Her pick was created by David Rademaker..a local Burlington artist. His design was black and white and revealed shapes and elements from nature. Great pick Paige!

Get Outside..

We headed up to Rattlesnake Point on the Thanksgiving weekend. What a beautiful spot! We enjoyed spending time hiking the trails with some close friends. I plan to head up there more often. You should check it out!

http://www.hrca.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1091

Week #2 Paige wanted to donate her clothes!

With the change in weather..Paige decided she wanted to donate her clothes this week. "Everyone needs them!" she simply said when I asked her why this week that's what she chose to do. "And it it's not warm outside anymore". I agree! We managed to get her dad in on this one too. Amazing what you have in your closet that someone else could put some good use too. Paige is starting to understand what giving and helping others really means. I was pretty amazed when she decided to give up her Barbie suitcase to pack some of the clothing into!

Excited to see what's up for next week!

Be Phat!

Learning about GIVING to others..

My daughter Paige is a very emotional, caring little person. Yet, like all children she wants the latest and greatest this and that. As her mom I want to give her those things..and at the same time instill the value of being thankful. Simply expressing that she's lucky to have special gizmos and gadgets is not enough. So together we have started a 52 week long giving adventure. Each week we'll donate personal belongings, food, money or simply our time to help others.

Today we got started! Paige turned 6 last week and we thought it was a perfect timing. She went through her toys and filled a bag and large box full of her favorite possession...stuffies (stuffed animals!). These have been her favorite collectible since she was a baby. She kept a few of her favorites. She would be lost without teddy! She was excited that she would be sharing her stuffies with kids who would hopefully love them too.

When we were driving away from the Community Donation Centre Paige asked if there are also people who needed food. I replied with a big "YES" and she decided then that's what we would do next week. So proud of her..and excited for what she'll learn beyond the next 51 weeks to come.

Picture: Paige with with the two representatives from the Community Donation Centre in Burlington, Ontario (October 19, 2009)

Be Phat!

Leaving on a jet plane...

Woohoo...the Phat Chicks are heading to NYC! I am running the marathon on November 1st. So pumped! I've ran it once before and it's AMAZING! The energy of the city combined with 40,000 runners and a sea of spectators is electric! Hard to express what it means to run this race without getting a wee bit emotional..and so excited that Susie and my sister are going to share it with me. My sister has never been away with her girlfriends before..uh oh it might get messy! Just kidding...ok maybe a little messy!

The race starts on Staten Island...and off we go to tour the the city ending up in Central Park. Beautiful. Thinking back I remember Nike's banners hanging from all the overpasses providing inspiration to keep going..."You've trained. Now it's time to reach your Goal. Be strong." Not sure if those were the exact words, but works for me! Not sure what the banners will say this year..but I plan to kick butt!

I'm going to submerge my lower body in an ice bath after the race. Burrrrr! I'll let you know if it works! Regardless I plan to whoop it up that night and party with my two close friends. Life has definitely been an amazing adventure since last year and I am so excited for what's next! Maybe a PB? Let you know...

Be Phat!

September 8th

Wow, my baby girl started grade one today! The last (almost six) years flew by. I am sooo excited for her and at the same time nervous too. My memories of grade school are a wee bit foggy but I do remember how nasty little girls can be. My hope is that she makes friends with fun and active little girls and boys. No drama please! I am determined to teach her how to live her life in the moment and enjoy all her experiences. I think I have my work cut out for me..but I am up for the challenge.

All we can control is this moment in time. What was the past is gone and the future is to be determined. I LOVE my life and the space I am in. How amazing is that! Just about to have a meeting on Skype with Suz and our web developer. Excited for the launch of phatchicks.ca and the future of our biz. Keep you posted...

Be Phat!

a great day.

I am definitely not a great soccer player. I got to hack around on the field with some pretty amazing kids today though. Soccer was the first of many sports we played. The best part of the day is no one was judging your ability (or your clothes)..they're just having fun. How awesome is that! Such a great day. Thanks to Rob (definitely a Phat dude!) for the opportunity to spend the day and feel like a kid again.

I have a feeling I am going to be sore tomorrow. It was worth it!

Be Phat!

Believe

Why not believe the best in people? A young boy selling chocolate bars outside the beer store this afternoon to support kids sports (not sure the official name of the group) was challenged by some miserable old dude today. I watched as the young boys face grew fearful and he withdrew from the conversation. The man stuck his finger in his face with an expression of warning and stomped off into the store. Wow, his life must really suck!
My question..who gave him the right to make judgement and acuse the child of wrong doing? Very sad if you ask me. Think twice before judging others.

By the way..the chocolate was pretty tasty!

Be Phat!

Sweet Feet

Last night was a reminder why I LOVE to run. The pounding of my feet on pavement seems to shed any negative thoughts and opens my mind to the possibilities. It started out as a just another run..but I switched gears somewhere around 3km and decided to push a little harder. As I was solving all the worlds problems (in my level 1 thinking) I saw a cute young couple enjoying a scoop of ice cream as they strolled along Lakeshore..."can I have some?" they laughed. I guess they didn't realized I was serious. lol..no but honestly..try it..if you need to hash out your thoughts and feel alive I suggest you lace up your go fasters and get out there. As Susie says "get out and move!".

Be Phat!

Inspired

So inspired by the women who have joined Phat Fit. Everyone has a different motivation and goal. Going into this new business there was a big unknown...will I like training others? Luckily..I absolutely LOVE it! Each and every day I am meeting new people and doing what I love. Not only has this changed my profession, but it has changed my life. I am more fulfilled and happier than ever. Why does it take so long to figure out that if you are passionate about what you do..you'll do amazing! My success is not measured in dollars...it's measured by the how I feel at the end of the day. and I am definitely sleeping well!

Be Phat!
xo

Happy Good Friday!

Take time today to be with those you love. Those who fill your heart and soul with happiness. We don't STOP enough to cherish these moments. Embrace it.

xo

Sitting in a coffee shop...

Well here it goes...my first entry! I'm sitting in a packed coffee shop checking my email and loving life! My career path took a drastic turn end of last November. I never would have thought that being fired would make me so happy!

I was one of those people who thought the goal in life was to finish school, get a great paying Monday to Friday 9 to 5 job, get married, have a couple kids and vacation a few times a year. Wow, was I ever wearing blinders! Totally missing out on opportunities that came my way because they didn't fit the plan. Till one day when I was told that funding had been cut and I no longer had a job. What now I thought?

The possibilities are endless! My mind is open and I cannot believe the opportunities that are available to me. My advice to those living day in day out wondering "what if?"...take the blinders off and be open to the possibilities!

Namaste