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)

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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...

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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...

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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!

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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!

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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!".

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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