2018: The Year in Review

Twenty-eighteen was a hard year for me. Due to workplace stress and not being in a good place physically, mentally and emotionally, 2018 was the most difficult winter of my life. Things actually began to become better when the bottom fell out of my job and I came to the realization that work was something to do and not the thing to do! Thus began my change in outlook.

In the meantime, I had booked the first two weeks of July as vacation. The first week would be spent with my sister in the Regina area, and the second week would be spent with my friend Melinda and her two eldest nieces - ages 14 and 15 - at Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba.

Week 1 highlights involved Canada Day celebrations, a football game in the new stadium, learning to play disc golf, and visits to Regina Beach and Condie Nature Reserve. We ate well, rested, played games and completed puzzles, watched favourite old TV shows (now on DVD), window-shopped in malls, and generally hung out. It was just what the doctor ordered.

Week 2 began with driving through new territory as we took the north route into the national park. We stayed right in the park and had easy access to all sorts of fun including a swimming pool, shopping and restaurants. We searched for Parks Canada red chairs, did a kayak tour, tested multiple flavours of ice cream, explored the area on foot and by bike and vehicle, and enjoyed the sunsets.

The first night's sunset was the best!

In the summer and throughout the fall I began group tutoring (teaching English) with the Regina Public Library. It was a great opportunity to get some practice under my belt and see if this is what I might want to do overseas at some point. We'll see...

In August, I began a job search in earnest. A month later I accepted a new position that was a promotion and included a raise. I have been busy wrapping my head around another new position in a different ministry with the government ever since.

Also in August was The Drop Zone. It was an amazing experience, and I honestly feel I can do anything now! Talk about redemption - with my job and my life!

It's 12/12/18 - the 6th anniversary of my blog!

Six years already! Where has the time gone and how on earth am I up to 90 things??? Wow! So much accomplished and so much more to do! I wonder what the next year will hold?

The '40 Things & More' List!

1. Go snowshoeing.
2. Serve a meal in a soup kitchen.
3. Eat something I've never tried before.
4. Visit a town in Saskatchewan that I've never been to before.
5. Plan my dream 40th birthday trip.
6. Start running again.
7. Visit a US state I haven't been to before.
8. Read a classic novel.
9. Create and complete a scrapbook for one of the trips I've taken in my 30s.
10. Do up a will.
11. Complete one of my cross-stitch projects.
12. Go kayaking.
13. Get my website business off the ground.
14. Take a self-defense class/course.
15. Go horseback riding.
16. Visit a museum or historic site in Saskatchewan that I haven't been to before.
17. Give blood regularly.
18. Attend a Victorian Tea.
19. Ride my bike in the city.
20. Stop and smell the flowers at a garden I haven't been to before.
21. Try an activity that's new to me.
22. Walk a portion of the Trans Canada Trail that I haven't been on before.
23. Learn more about my family history.
24. Visit a park in Regina I haven't been to before.
25. Participate in a fundraiser that involves a physical activity.
26. Simplify some area of my life that needs simplifying.
27. Learn how to change a tire on a vehicle.
28. Explore Regina's backyard - see what's just outside the city limits.
29. Learn more about Canadian history.
30. Visit a natural site in Saskatchewan I haven't been to before.
31. Learn to play the guitar.
32. Visit a Canadian National Park I haven't been to before.
33. Climb Wascana Hill in Douglas Park and watch a sunset.
34. Visit the observatory at the Science Centre.
35. Attend Mosaic - a multicultural festival held annually.
36. Play my first solo concert on the bells.
37. Attend an outdoor movie event.
38. Go fly a kite!
39. Play a mini golf course I haven't been on before.
40. Go on dream 40th birthday trip!
41. Attend a Regina Red Sox baseball game.
42. Visit Saskatchewan's only lighthouse.
43. Run a 5K.
44. Visit the Great Sandhills in Saskatchewan.
45. Visit a Canadian province or territory I haven't been to before.
46. Attend the annual kite festival in Swift Current.
47. Visit a major US city I haven't been to before.
48. Watch a sunrise.
49. Try another activity that's new to me.
50. It's a surprise (even to me!) - I'll know it when the opportunity presents itself.
51. Take a ballroom dancing class.
52. Watch an old black & white movie I haven't seen before.
53. Experience a WARM birthday!
54. Experience a WARM Christmas! (not necessarily in the same year as the previous item)
55. Attend the annual Dickens' Village Festival in Carlyle.
56. See the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba.
57. Visit the east coast of Canada.
58. Jump out of an airplane! (in tandem, of course!)
59. Experience a 4th of July in the United States.
60. Visit a US National Park I haven't been to before.
61. Write a book.
62. Watch the Rose Bowl Parade in person.
63. Attend a spring training baseball game.
64. Buy something at an auction.
65. Drive part of Route 66.
66. Attend the tulip festival in Ottawa.
67. See the Great Wall of China.
68. Visit Disneyland or Disney World.
69. See a lavender field in bloom.
70. Attend a ballet.
71. Live overseas!
72. Visit Laycock, England.
73. Get published (e.g. magazine article).
74. Attend a Remembrance Day service/ceremony.
75. Visit the Grand Canyon.
76. Learn Spanish.
77. Take a river cruise on the Rhine River and see castles along the way.
78. Learn Latin.
79. Visit an orphanage.
80. Learn to play handbells/play in a handbell choir.
81. Go curling!
82. Go ice fishing.
83. Attend a NHL game.
84. Play crokicurl.
85. Go dog sledding!
86. Get out of debt.
87. Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey!
88. Take a flying lesson!
89. Visit the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan.
90. Visit a continent I haven't been to before.

A Spot of Tea for my Birthday!

I try to do something different for my birthday each year, and this year was no exception. This afternoon, I and three of my friends went to Government House for their Christmas Tea!

This is a bit of a special event. First, there is only one was to get tickets. You fill out an application form that is entered into a draw. Second, this is done in September when almost no one is thinking about Christmas at all. I'd say this also explains why I've missed getting my application form in each of the last dozen years or so. Third, you have to be one of the lucky ones chosen. And, guess what? I was!

The tea was a lovely affair, and Government House was decorated to the hilt for Christmas. It was beautiful to see and lovely to experience - finally!

I'm glad I got the opportunity to attend a Christmas Tea. We had a wonderful time! Happily and surprisingly though, I prefer the regular monthly teas that aren't near as hard to get tickets for.

My 45th Birthday is Coming Soon!

The last couple of months I've been sensing that a change is coming. You know how it feels when a chapter of your life is closing or a season is ending? Well, it's like that - but more! I feel like a whole book - a large bound volume with brass buckles - is closing.

I can best describe it as the first 45 years of my life were Volume 1, and now Volume 2 is beginning. Look out world, here comes Jill 2.0! Exciting, hey?

Just like drawing a line in the sand and stepping from one side of the line to the other to signify a new beginning, I believe the second half of my life is just beginning and it will be even better than the first half!

What's somewhat surprising is that I've really enjoyed being 44. It was a fun age to be. It was an easy number to remember (this gets more important the older I get). I didn't miss being 43 and neither did I rush forward to 45. Age 44 felt like me. But, onward and upward we go! Bring on chapter 1 of Volume 2...

#50 - The Drop Zone!

I woke up excited! Today was the day...

Today I would be rappelling down Hill Tower II as part of The Prairie Chickens team. The rappel would be the culmination of months of fundraising for Camp Easter Seal.

As I got ready and donned my prairie chicken ensemble, I realized I wasn't fearful at all. I was full of anticipation for the adventure of a lifetime the day would bring!

We had chosen to do our rappels in the morning. There was no need to have all day to rehearse the event over and over in our minds or to watch others as they got geared up, completed one final practice run and then rappelled. I hadn't come to be an observer; I wanted to get up on the roof, do my rappel and then enjoy the rest of the day.

The Prairie Chickens (L to R): Melinda Lalach, Jill Laycock, Bobbie Sevenster

Fast-forward through the next couple of hours. We signed in, waited our turn, got geared up, did our final practice run, and finally were ushered into an elevator and made our way out onto the rooftop - what a view!

We then waited to be called over one by one closer to the edge of the building where the rappelling equipment was set up and where SWAT team members were ready to guide us through each step of the process.

It was my turn. I walked towards the railing. My harness and knots were double- and triple-checked - good!

Then began the hardest part of the day - climbing over the railing of the roof of the building. Every single cell of my brain seemed to be telling me, "Don't do it! Danger! Danger! Warning! This is completely unnatural!" The two SWAT guys kept me at ease and gave crystal-clear instructions. I was literally on the edge - of a building!

Look at that focus, the concentration!

I really (REALLY!) did not want to let go, but in order to move forward in life (which in this case meant down), you have to let go of what you're holding on to. I did and the fun began!

Surprisingly, it wasn't hard at all. I zipped down about 10 floors before I realized I should slow down a bit, take in the view and enjoy the ride (as this likely was not going to happen again).

Prior to the big day, we were all asked to choose a song that would be played as we rappelled. I chose Mandisa's Overcomer. The lyrics of the chorus are:

You're an overcomer
Stay in the fight 'til the final round
You're not going under
'Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it's hopeless
That's when he reminds you
That you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer

I was enjoying my descent so much I didn't want the rappel to be over, but all good things must come to an end...

Before and after we rappelled, The Prairie Chickens were interviewed by a journalist who then wrote this awesome article: Easter Seals fundraiser a chance to do good and take a leap of faith

It was an amazing experience, and I'm so glad I took this opportunity to rappel down one of Regina's tallest buildings! Talk about a year of redemption... I feel like I can do anything now!

Drop Zone - The Practice Run!

Last night I attended my mandatory practice session for the Drop Zone. I must admit my heart hasn't been into the Drop Zone like it was at first (fundraising can take a toll), but afterwards I was back in the game!

Just how the timing went, I showed up for my allotted spot then waited for about 40 minutes on those scheduled before me - apparently most of us needed the same size harness and there were only two of that size! On the plus side, I got to listen to the instructions and watch other people rappel multiple times before it was my turn. I like to be as prepared as possible, so this was perfect for me.

Finally, it was my turn! "Step up to the edge," they said. "Not looking forward!" said I. Inching my way backward, I got to the edge. "Sit back," they said. "Are you kidding?!?" said my brain.

Turns out getting in position was the hardest part! Look at me go!

Almost there...

And down! Ta-da!

I did a couple more practice rappels after this first one. The goal of the practice was for us to be as comfortable with rappelling as possible. And now they tell me I'm ready. I guess I am. Bring on Drop Zone Day!

#41 Redo

When my sister visited me this summer, we took in a Red Sox ball game. We redeemed #41 on my list!

To see why redemption was necessary, you can view my original blog post here:
#41 - Attend a Regina Red Sox baseball game

It wasn't a warm summer night - it was chilly! In fact, my sister walked back to the car to get a blanket out of the trunk. We needed it! We don't remember who won, and this was our only good picture, but we had a fun time and are glad we went. It's true: Life - and baseball - are better with friends!

The Drop Zone!

Remember #50 on my list: "It's a surprise (even to me!) - I'll know it when the opportunity presents itself"? Well, it presented itself... Enter The Drop Zone!

I have decided to take part in the Easter Seals Drop Zone this year and challenge myself to rappel down all 21 storeys of Hill Tower II in downtown Regina on August 25th in support of Easter Seals.

I need your help though... In order to rappel, I need to raise $1,500 - the average price of sending one child to Camp Easter Seal for a week. Easter Seals allows Saskatchewan children with both physical and mental disabilities to attend and enjoy summer camp without barriers.

If you want to support Easter Seals and see me go down one of Regina's tallest buildings, please sponsor me. You get to stay on the ground, and I get to rappel down all 21 storeys of one of the tallest buildings in Regina!

Thanks in advance for your support!

Jill Laycock - Drop Zone Regina 2018

It's My Un-birthday!

It's that time of year again... Happy Un-birthday to me!

I don't have that much to report yet, but I can tell you that item #50 is in the works! Stay tuned...

The '40 Things & More' List!

1. Go snowshoeing.
2. Serve a meal in a soup kitchen.
3. Eat something I've never tried before.
4. Visit a town in Saskatchewan that I've never been to before.
5. Plan my dream 40th birthday trip.
6. Start running again.
7. Visit a US state I haven't been to before.
8. Read a classic novel.
9. Create and complete a scrapbook for one of the trips I've taken in my 30s.
10. Do up a will.
11. Complete one of my cross-stitch projects.
12. Go kayaking.
13. Get my website business off the ground.
14. Take a self-defense class/course.
15. Go horseback riding.
16. Visit a museum or historic site in Saskatchewan that I haven't been to before.
17. Give blood regularly.
18. Attend a Victorian Tea.
19. Ride my bike in the city.
20. Stop and smell the flowers at a garden I haven't been to before.
21. Try an activity that's new to me.
22. Walk a portion of the Trans Canada Trail that I haven't been on before.
23. Learn more about my family history.
24. Visit a park in Regina I haven't been to before.
25. Participate in a fundraiser that involves a physical activity.
26. Simplify some area of my life that needs simplifying.
27. Learn how to change a tire on a vehicle.
28. Explore Regina's backyard - see what's just outside the city limits.
29. Learn more about Canadian history.
30. Visit a natural site in Saskatchewan I haven't been to before.
31. Learn to play the guitar.
32. Visit a Canadian National Park I haven't been to before.
33. Climb Wascana Hill in Douglas Park and watch a sunset.
34. Visit the observatory at the Science Centre.
35. Attend Mosaic - a multicultural festival held annually.
36. Play my first solo concert on the bells.
37. Attend an outdoor movie event.
38. Go fly a kite!
39. Play a mini golf course I haven't been on before.
40. Go on dream 40th birthday trip!
41. Attend a Regina Red Sox baseball game.
42. Visit Saskatchewan's only lighthouse.
43. Run a 5K.
44. Visit the Great Sandhills in Saskatchewan.
45. Visit a Canadian province or territory I haven't been to before.
46. Attend the annual kite festival in Swift Current.
47. Visit a major US city I haven't been to before.
48. Watch a sunrise.
49. Try another activity that's new to me.
50. It's a surprise (even to me!) - I'll know it when the opportunity presents itself.
51. Take a ballroom dancing class.
52. Watch an old black & white movie I haven't seen before.
53. Experience a WARM birthday!
54. Experience a WARM Christmas! (not necessarily in the same year as the previous item)
55. Attend the annual Dickens' Village Festival in Carlyle.
56. See the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba.
57. Visit the east coast of Canada.
58. Jump out of an airplane! (in tandem, of course!)
59. Experience a 4th of July in the United States.
60. Visit a US National Park I haven't been to before.
61. Write a book.
62. Watch the Rose Bowl Parade in person.
63. Attend a spring training baseball game.
64. Buy something at an auction.
65. Drive part of Route 66.
66. Attend the tulip festival in Ottawa.
67. See the Great Wall of China.
68. Visit Disneyland or Disney World.
69. See a lavender field in bloom.
70. Attend a ballet.
71. Live overseas!
72. Visit Laycock, England.
73. Get published (e.g. magazine article).
74. Attend a Remembrance Day service/ceremony.
75. Visit the Grand Canyon.
76. Learn Spanish.
77. Take a river cruise on the Rhine River and see castles along the way.
78. Learn Latin.
79. Visit an orphanage.
80. Learn to play handbells/play in a handbell choir.
81. Go curling!
82. Go ice fishing.
83. Attend a NHL game.
84. Play crokicurl.
85. Go dog sledding!

My Debt-free Journey

Hi, my name is Jill and I have two lines of credit to pay off.

I had a balance on one of my lines of credit before I began my business, but when things didn't go as planned and I lost two key clients early on, I started relying on my other line of credit. Interest rates were low and everything was going to turn around, right? Wrong. I decided to go back to work full-time to get back on my feet, financially speaking.

But you know what happens when you haven't made much and then start making a lot of money? That's right, you spend it - like crazy! I look back on some of my decisions and just shake my head. There was absolutely no reason I couldn't have gotten out of debt while I was at the Court. My position was even extended, giving me yet another chance to make a dent. However, I bought what I wanted when I wanted and also took three trips in 20 months! Money in; money out. Oops.

Last fall, I got frustrated with my finances. I have always tracked my expenses, but when I really looked at my income and what I was spending, I couldn't believe that I was barely making it each and every month! I only had about $100-$200 of wiggle room per month, and more often than not, I was spending more than I made!

I started making cuts where I could. Here are some of the things I've changed:

• I reduced my internet package.
• I removed extra cable channels and packages.
• I started growing my hair longer and stopped buying salon hair products.
• I drained my other bank accounts.
• I transferred as much as I could from the higher interest rate line of credit to the lower one.
• I removed additional health coverage from my personal health insurance that I wasn't using.

None of these changes made a massive dent on its own, but when you add them all up and look at the savings over the last six months, I saved approximately $500! Another blessing was a friend of a friend who was a former mechanic that did some much-needed work on my car and saved me at least half the cost I would have paid at a shop. God helps those who help themselves, doesn't He?

Over the winter I took a finance class through my church that used Dave Ramsey's teaching called Life, Money, Legacy. It was a very eye-opening and incredibly challenging five-week series. Here's the first message:

Others in the class talked about larger items they could sell, but I had nothing like that. I've downsized multiple times over the last few years and really didn't have anything to get rid of that I hadn't already sold or given away. It was time to make a budget, revise the budget, stick to the budget and live within my means.

The first major idea I had to let go of was my plan to go on a 45th birthday trip in the spring of 2019. I really wanted to go to northern England for a couple of weeks. I even looked into volunteer options for room and board, but I just couldn't justify spending money I didn't have (and couldn't afford). I had to let go of that dream. There will be another time - when I can pay for it!

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." - Proverbs 22:7

Stay tuned to follow along with my #debtfreejourney.

Winter '40 Things & More' Additions!

I've lived in Saskatchewan all my life and there are so many winter activities I've never tried. Like what, you may ask? Well, curling for one. Am I the only Saskatchewan gal who's never tried curling before? Quite possibly.

Another winter activity I've never attempted is ice fishing. My desire to try this isn't huge - I don't like to be cold and fish is nowhere near a favourite food of mine. However, I can think of several friends who regularly go ice fishing. It wouldn't be too terribly difficult to find someone to go with. And you know what? I should!

While I have been to a Saskatchewan junior hockey league game (and it was kind of fun), I have never been to a professional hockey league game. And you call yourself a Canadian??? Yes, just not a hockey-loving Canadian. It can happen. Anyway, this is something I should do at some point in my life, so onto the list it goes.

What else? Well, have you heard of the relatively new phenomenon of crokicurl? It seems to be taking western Canada by storm! I first heard of it in Winnipeg and this winter I now know that Saskatoon is also set up for it. Basically, it's a combination of the fingernail-jarring game called crokinole and curling! It looks like fun and I must give it a try!

And my last item? Dog sledding! Let's go mushing!

2018: The Year of Redemption!

Can you believe another year is here already? Wow! Where does the time go?

In past years it's been pretty clear what my word for the year is or would be. This year I don't have the clarity that I've had in past years; it's more like a sense of a word. So, I guess I have to trust that my word will make sense as the year unfolds.

My word of the year for 2018 is...

Years ago, I read a book called Redemption by Karen Kingsbury. I remember the concept of redemption really struck me. It's not something I had given a lot of thought to before, and maybe I thought it was something I didn't even need. The truth is we all need redemption and there are parts of each of our lives that need redeeming. Maybe that's what this year will be about. We'll see...