The Year in Review

My word for 2014 has been perseverance, and what a fitting word it has been. It has been a year of continually pressing through to the next step — with my jobs, with searching for a new home and my move, and definitely with starting my own business. It hasn’t been easy but, as the saying goes, nothing worth having is.

This time last year, I had applied on 30+ jobs looking for additional part-time work as I knew my hours would be cut at Wascana for most of this year. Perhaps I was overqualified for the jobs I was applying on, but more than likely God was holding off and preparing the way for a great part-time job for me — the one I got at Hansard.

Even that wasn't easy though. As much as I wanted the job, there was the waiting for applications to be reviewed, then the call for an interview, an interview in three parts (actual interview, grammar/punctuation/spelling test, and a transcription test), the week-long wait for all the other applicants to be interviewed, the call that I was accepted for eight days of training, then the eight days of training during what seemed like the absolute coldest and wind-chilliest days of the year (I really thought they were trying to break us and see what we were made of!), the eight-hour days of learning the Hansard style for all things punctuation, and finally the wait to see if we were chosen to be new Hansardines... What a process! But what a rewarding position it has been.

In late March I began the process of searching for a new place to call home. And again, what an interesting journey it was. It's truly amazing to see some of the offerings available and the price tags attached to them. I had five basic criteria:

1) quiet!
2) top floor
3) balcony
4) off-street parking
5) away from a busy street

God met three of the five criteria when I viewed a 2nd floor apartment at my current building. It was almost all I wanted it to be, but the timing wasn't right. We were up to our ears in work hours at Hansard and I just didn't see when I'd have time to pack, clean and move. So I let the chance go and half-hoped, half-assumed God would hold the apartment for me (it had been available since January!) or provide something even better. When I followed up with the landlord the next month, an apartment was still available, but it wasn't the same one. It was better! I got a top-floor apartment and it was at the back of the building — all five criteria were met!

And up next was leaving my job at Wascana and starting my own business... Again, perseverance was needed. Mostly that was due to the fact that I had originally planned to leave my job at Wascana at the end of the previous year (2013).  When we found out that the renovation work would be going ahead and I wouldn't be doing much in the way of bookings (75 to 95% of my job), I decided to continue a bit longer.

After the cruise this summer, I came back to work planning to give my notice within a few weeks, but SURPRISE! My boss gave her notice first! She left near the end of August and with September being a busy month, I persevered on. I felt that the absolute longest I was supposed to stay working at Wascana was Thanksgiving (mid-October) and it turns out I did stay right up until that time. It was hard to leave, but I needed to leave. It's hard (if not almost impossible) to chase your dreams part-time.

So, onto starting a business! I went into this a bit naively thinking that all I had to do was hang a shingle and my customers would form a line. Awesome, but unrealistic. Thankfully, I became a member of Women Entrepreneurs and learned quite a bit from a 8-week business planning course. It's taken longer than I thought it would to get going, but I am starting off on the right foot and am thankful for that.

These verses are very fitting: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”—Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) Bring on the character and hope!

I wonder what the next year will hold for me...

It's 12/12/14 - the 2nd anniversary of my blog!

Two years already? Wow! I've been looking back through my posts and am SO glad I began this blog to celebrate everyday life and capture the memories made while accomplishing items both big and small.

I've mentioned it before, but it seems like if I don't make a list of fun things to do, then days pass by and more and more things get chalked up to that big imaginary "one day I'll do this and this and this" list while I'm busy doing the things that have to be done. The thing is, what if that "one day" in the future never comes?

While in Italy last year to celebrate my 40th birthday, I heard over and over things like, "Live Life!" and "Enjoy Life!" and of course the infamous, "Carpe diem!" meaning "Seize the day!" Everywhere I looked at the locals, they were not just doing the 'duties' of life, they were enjoying life. Frankly, it was inspiring and life-changing for me to see and hear these things.

I come from a hard-working farming family, and if you grew up on a farm you'll understand that the work - the things to do that must be done - never ends. I have nothing against this upbringing; in fact, I would want do the same thing if I had kids of my own. However, whether I missed the memo on enjoying life in the midst of life, whether it's my my personality (serious) or my birth order (firstborn in a long line of firstborns), whether it's my generation (Gen-X) or something else, I didn't seem to understand or recognize the very real need for balance between work and fun in my life.

I am thankful to have learned this lesson now and will continue to practice this enjoyment of life each day. There are so many things to be thankful for - the basics of food, clothing and shelter of course, but also the general things we often don't think about in any given day. Some of my favourite things to be thankful for (and smile about!) are sunsets, ice cream, all green lights when you're on your way to work, children's laughter, lilacs blooming in the spring, a good night's sleep, hearing "My Girl" by the Temptations on the radio, the first rain in the spring, a bright blue summer sky, and so much more!

God bless you this Christmas and all throughout 2015!

Hooray! It's My Birthday!

Another year has come and gone, and while I haven't accomplished near as much as I wanted to on my list, I know I've accomplished more than I would have without having it. And, I've decided that I'm going to continue adding to the list and keep working on it throughout my 40s. I'm having such a good time, why stop now? So without any further ado, I give you the '40 Things & More' list! Happy Birthday to me!

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.

Making the leap!

So far 2014 has been a year of change, so what's one more?

As of Thanksgiving I am done working at Wascana Centre Authority. It has been a good and challenging three years. I have grown immensely through this job and done things I know I couldn't have handled even five years ago, which is quite amazing when you think about it. I have been stretched to capacity; I have had some great opportunities, and now it's time to make the leap and jump into the unknown.

Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” With this in mind, I am beginning my own business - Prairie Girl Websites & More - creating and maintaining information-based websites and administering social media platforms for small to medium-sized businesses and organizations.

Although I have done this type of work occasionally for years, this will be quite a leap of faith to do it full-time and to run my own business. I know I can do it, but it will certainly be a challenge. God is in this change and I'm certain He will use it to continue to grow and stretch and teach me. It's just like Him to take me completely out of my element and then show me His faithfulness!

It's 2 months 'til my birthday and time for an update!

So far this year I've been able to cross off seven items, and I hope to get a few more done before I turn 41 in just two months time. I wonder which item is next???

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.

#48 - Watch a sunrise

Thanks to a move earlier this year, I now face east and have the opportunity to watch the sunrises from my balcony each day. If not for this fact, good old #48 would have been a much harder task for me to do, especially in the summer!

For some reason, I was up much earlier than I planned to be today, but I was rewarded with the chance to view a very lovely sunrise. What a beautiful way to start the day. :)

#16 - Visit a museum or historic site in Saskatchewan that I haven't been to before

In late August I decided to take a little road trip. Indian Head is located just an hour east of Regina on Highway 1 and it is the home of the historic Bell Barn.

The Bell Barn had fallen into a state of disrepair over the years and it had gotten to the point where the historic building would need to be torn down. Fortunately, a group of concerned citizens came together to form the Bell Barn Society and began raising funds for the barn's restoration.

The needed funds were raised, and in 2008 the barn was taken apart one stone at a time and rebuilt one stone at a time. The project was completed - the barn was restored in 2010 and a grand opening was held.

Since that time people from all over the world have come to see this unique barn. It hosts its fair share of school groups and the upper level is often used for barn dances.

The Historic Bell Barn is really quite a sight to see, and I'm glad I took the time to stop by and check it out. You should too!

#41 - Attend a Regina Red Sox baseball game

Attending a Regina Red Sox game had been in my original '40 Things' list last year, but the season ended before I realized it had and the home team didn't make it into the playoffs. I then struck this item from the list because I still naively thought I could do all '40 Things' in one year. Yes, ha-ha-ha.

Anyway, when I decided to continue my list for the upcoming year and add a few bonus items to the list, this item made it back on. But would you believe I just about missed my opportunity to see a game again this year? If the Red Sox hadn't made it to the post-season this year, I would have been out of luck once again!

Fast forward to a very warm summer evening in August and I finally made it to a game! I had hoped to be joined by a baseball-loving female friend, but it wasn't to be.

Although I was glad I had finally made it to a game, I was disappointed that I didn't enjoy the experience more. Why? I'm not sure... probably a number of reasons, but none of them matters very much now. What did I learn? Most things are more fun to experience with a friend or a loved one.

#45 - Visit a Canadian province or territory I haven't been to before

Now this was a hard one as I've been as far west as I can go in Canada and have been as far east as Ottawa, Ontario. That only leaves the northern territories and eastern Canada (Quebec and the Maritime provinces) left to visit - and they are not close by! Fortunately, a dream of a plan (and trip!) came together last minute this summer.

My friend Melinda and I had talked of driving up to Alaska in the summer, but when I began researching it and truly learned how far away Alaska was and how long it would take us to drive there by car, we put it off.

Then in the spring the notion of an Alaskan cruise came to mind. It was an odd thought mostly because Melinda had told me in the past she would never consider a cruise. I filed the thought away with a quick prayer that went something like this, "God, if you want us to see Alaska this summer and a cruise is the method, you're going to have to win Melinda over on the cruise idea." Just a couple of weeks later, Melinda came over to my place for a visit - and she pulled out a brochure for an Alaskan cruise! I'm pretty sure I whooped with joy and said, "Really?" Real it was!

To make a long story short, we tried to find and book something that would work within our small window of opportunity, but weren't having much success. Then we found Audra - an amazing travel consultant - who searched and searched and finally found us the perfect cruise within our time frame.

One of the most exciting opportunities for me was the option to take a day trip into the Yukon from our stop in Skagway at the northern part of the Inside Passage. Sign me up!

We had a beautiful day for our bus ride from Skagway, Alaska through a bit of northern British Columbia (BC) and into the Yukon territory. Here was our first stop - the customary get-a-picture-with-the-sign-to-prove-you-were-really-there stop!

Our visit to the Yukon included stops at a tourist-type village for lunch, at the town of Carcross, and at the very beautiful Emerald Lake.

The return trip was by bus to Fraser, BC and then by train through the mountains from Fraser back to Skagway - something else I've always wanted to do: take a train ride through the mountains!

It was a most delightful trip from beginning to end - I only wish it would have been a bit longer. I'll just have to go back someday...

#4 - Visit a town in Saskatchewan that I've never been to before

On my way back home from Edmonton, I decided to take the scenic route so I could see some new territory.

On Highway 16 between Lloydminster and the Battlefords, I turned south on Highway 21 and headed to Unity. This was a little place I knew nothing about except that my aunt had worked in the bank there for a time. I was surprised that it was such a picturesque drive - there were lush green, rolling hills and beautiful views as I made my way to this small town.

On the outskirts of Unity was a heritage museum. I ended up stopping here for a lunch break and then strolled around the grounds before getting back on the road again. I was impressed by the number of buildings on the museum grounds and know I need to return one day to give it a much more thorough tour.

On my way out of Unity I was very surprised to pass by the Sifto Salt Plant. I had no idea this even existed in Saskatchewan and here it was pretty much in the middle of nowhere!

From Unity I headed east to on Highway 14 to Wilkie and then southeast to Biggar, Saskatchewan.

Wilkie was a pretty little town and again one I'd like to stop in and see a bit more of sometime. I was impressed that it's history was well preserved in old buildings and a museum right in the middle of town. It was also very tidy/well kept town and had a very interesting-looking church I'd like to explore.

 

Next up was Biggar. This was what I really wanted to see! Having been involved in the swimming club as a child, Biggar was one of the towns we competed with at swim meets. We always heard their slogan, "New York is big, but this is Biggar!" and I wanted to see it and the town myself.

After traveling through two very small places I was surprised at how big a town Biggar was. This is another place I need to spend more time in. I drove around the town a bit and found what I was looking for... tada!

I also found the Biggar museum which just happened to have a small gift shop, and I bought myself a postcard with the infamous saying on it. Task complete. Now I'll just have to plan an entire trip around these three Saskatchewan towns so I can investigate them further...

This scenic detour on an otherwise typical drive was enjoyable, interesting and surprising. You just never know what you may find or learn about a place. My goal is to do a bit more of this - take the detours and enjoy the surprises!

#49 - Try another activity that's new to me!

At the end of June I drove to Edmonton, Alberta to visit my sister who lives nearby. One of things we wanted to do while we were together was attend some sort of Canada Day festivities on July 1st.

We looked up all the possibilities in the Edmonton area and decided upon the fun that was planned for Sherwood Park. They had everything from pony rides to zip-lining to a baby stroller car wash (too cute!) to planting red and white flowers in a special Canada Day-themed flower bed.

The activity that caught our attention the most though was riding a segway. This was one of the few adult-only activities offered and where the lines were the shortest - awesome!

We were given a short lesson and then coached around the course by those who were more experienced. It was an odd sensation powering a vehicle simply based on your movements: lean back a bit and off you go, move to the left or right to make turns, and lean forward to stop. We both tried the course twice and quickly became convinced this was not the last time we would be on segways. Who knew they could be so fun?

#46 - Attend the annual kite festival in Swift Current

If you can believe it, this festival is in its 10th year and I've wanted to attend since the very first year it began! I don't know why I continue to put off things I'd like to try and see and do. The busyness of life seems to get in the way of enjoying life, doesn't it? It's a constant struggle for me to set aside the to-do lists and the cares of this world to actually take a day (or even an hour) off real life just to enjoy life.

Well, this year I made the annual kite festival a priority and took a guest with me - my mom! We both enjoyed the event even if it was extremely windy -- really! It was so windy that many of the people in attendance didn't even try to fly their kites!

The festival was a fun sight to see and I would highly recommend it to all kids of all ages. It really will bring a smile to your face to enjoy such a simple delight that we as adults often don't set aside time for. Next summer when this festival rolls around again... Go! Live! Enjoy!

I'm 40 and 1/2 today!

Greetings! Well, this is a long-overdue post, isn't it?

So far 2014 has been a busy year of change for me, and I haven't gotten to anything remaining on my '40 Things' list yet this year. Here's to making some time to try a few more new things this year and to continue living life to the fullest!

And, to recap, here is my list of '40 Things' plus the 10 bonus items I added in December:

The '40 Things' List... has grown!

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.

2014: The Year of Perseverance!

With the changing of calendars comes a change in focus for me in this new year - from joy in 2013 to perseverance in 2014.

Perseverance can be described as 'steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.' Synonyms of perseverance include persistence, tenacity, determination, staying power, steadfastness, purposefulness; patience, endurance, application, diligence, dedication, commitment, doggedness, tirelessness, stamina.

There are several verses in the Bible that mention perseverance, but the one that stands out to me the most is Romans 5:3-5:

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."~ New King James Version (NKJV)

I'm mostly focusing on the fact that perseverance produces character and character produces hope, but here are a couple of other versions to compare with. I find it interesting that joy is a necessary ingredient on the path to perseverance. I think I may just need it!

"There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" ~ The Message (MSG)

"Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us." ~ Amplified Bible (AMP)

It will be interesting to see what lessons I'll learn and how this year of perseverance will affect me and my future. Stay tuned...