JoeGirl

Inspiration 365: Day 43

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:40:00 +0000

Sunday.

The whole day relaxing with Marshall…
Lazy sleep in.
Smoked salmon on sour dough toast with capers and sunny-side-up eggs.
Work on respective computers; me for Chinatown, Marshall for upcoming e-book.
Trek to Kanata to discuss Google Places and AdWords with new tech friend.
Back to Merivale Road to Staples, Pier1 Imports, BouClair Home and FitShop.
Home for an early dinner of leftover Prime Rib, Brussels sprouts, yellow peppers and a great bottle of Spanish red.
In bed before the Snowbirds. 6:38pm to be precise.
More bedtime writing for blogs and journals.
Aiming to be asleep by 8pm.
5am comes early.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 42

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:13:00 +0000

One of the many things that excites me about working from home again, is the idea that I can book appointments to train at the gym with Marshall without any expectation or requirement to don my “staff” hat while I work out.

You may think because my boyfriend owns a gym, and because I spend my days working there, that I can train any time and should therefore be in the most amazing physical condition ever.

Not so.

In fact, working there has made it almost impossible for me to isolate quality training time when I don’t feel obligated to answer the phone, respond to questions, watch the front door or be otherwise distracted by business matters.

On weekends the gym closes at 6pm. I knew Marshall had no late afternoon appointments, so I logged into the schedule from home, booked myself in, and surprised him at 5pm for a training session.

I was on fire—so excited to train with no other cares in the world. Simply to give my workout 100% concentration, effort, and enthusiasm.

4 sets of 12 deep squats, 12 deep bench press, 8 frogs, 12 hammers; followed by 3 sets of 12 box jumps and 8 dumbbell swings.

Tonight’s workout reminded me how much I love training. All the more reason to secure regular freelance design contracts on which I can work from home, so I can continue setting regular unencumbered appointments at the gym with my most amazing personal trainer.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 41

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:46:00 +0000

You know what? Tonight I have nothing. I am feeling blah. And that’s okay. I know when my body—and, more importantly, my spirit—says to slow down, I should listen and heed its advice.

So tonight I am doing just that. I laid on the sofabed as the sun set, drifting mindlessly through the local newspaper and this week’s IKEA flyer. Then I haphazardly held the leash over the front porch railing so Marley could go pee, and now I sit, propped as upright in bed as my energy level will allow, to write these few lack-lustre words.

Inspired? Not as you might think.
But yes. Inspired to relax, unwind and simply… let go.

It feels so good.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 40

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:07:00 +0000

Tonight has been a whole new kind of quiet.

Only one body—mine. Well, unless you count Marley (le petit chien), which of course I do, so there were technically two bodies, so by all counts on my post from February 8th, I should have indicated there were five bodies.

I digress.

The boys are with Andrew on Thursday nights, Cierra and her first family have gone to the hockey game, and Marshall is working at the Centre, leaving me (and Marley) with the evening to spend alone.

My focus recently has been to breathe new life into my freelance design career. I have several modest contracts on my plate at the moment, and a plan in place to reconnect with past clients and establish new connections with a bunch of prospects.

This evening was spent flipping though some of my work (I had forgotten about some real gems!), browsing the web for ideas on how to jump back in (resume, portfolio, interview + networking guidance), and tinkering at the jobs I already have.

As much as I am a socialite, and sincerely relish time spent with others, digging deep into what makes them tick, sharing laughs and stories, I am truly an independent. Savouring the silence of home, the comforts of calm, and the fresh ideas that come from uninhibited inspiration.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 39

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:45:00 +0000

We have some pretty, frikkin’ awesome Members at the Centre. This week, Jamie started with us. He has his own domain name, which always begs the question for curious-types like myself, “What do you do?”

He’s a web apps developer.

So, of course I checked out his stuff. Seems he’s done work for this very cool online service, http://manpacks.com/

Some people are so cool.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 38

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:53:00 +0000

4:30pm.
Four bodies in the house—Me, Cierra, Quinn + Jake.
All quiet for at least an hour.

I think that was the first time ever we have had such silence during waking hours.

How did it happen?
Me in the kitchen preparing tonight’s supper and tomorrow’s lunches.
Cierra crashed on the sofa.
Quinn + Jake playing together, but independently, with LEGO.

Silence. Apparently not as elusive as I thought.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 37

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Tara came in to train today. I haven’t worked with her for a while simply because our schedules haven’t lined up. She did however have the opportunity to work with Marshall, who was mightily impressed by her intensity and hard work attitude.

Today, I was showing her the core and legs component of her new program. It begins with a non-stop circuit of three core exercises: 15 reverse power crunches, 16 weighted torso twists and 15 low cable good mornings. Three rounds, non-stop, max weight.

I decided to do the core set with her… just for fun.

I’m still feeling it. Thanks, Tara, for letting me piggy-back on your workout.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Days 33–36

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:33:00 +0000

[ Thursday, February 2 though Sunday, February 5, 2012 ]

Thursday
New hair.
Blonde layers, with flare.

Friday
Frustration, tears.
Brought forth friends, open ears.

Saturday
Glorious sun.
With my boys, skiing fun.

Sunday
Clean, shine.
Then Winterlude time.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 32

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:55:00 +0000

Margaritas at Agave Grill with Nat.
Enough said.

Inspiration 365: Day 31

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:36:00 +0000

It’s the last day of the first month of the New Year. I wished somebody I hadn’t seen since early December a Happy New Year today, and she was taken aback. Is it too late to wish somebody a Happy New Year? She seemed to indicate today was the last possible day to wish it, as January is all but over.

I think it’s never too late to wish anybody a Happy anything. You are wishing them prosperity, good health, wellness and love.

Funny. When I began writing, I had no intention of going in that direction. I had planned to show you the papier maché masks Cierra and the boys made last night. Tonight’s contribution to the project was another layer of paper strips, left to dry overnight so they can be painted tomorrow—assuming tomorrow is a “snow day” as anticipated, based on weather forecasts of freezing rain.

Can you tell which mask belongs to which face?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 30

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:33:00 +0000

Some days there are too many highlights to choose only one to feature here. Today was one of those days. Here’s my list of inspirations since I woke at 6am…

6:00am… Céline’s email. {Thank You}

6:50am… The first moments of sunrise as I arrived back home after driving Marshall to work.

7:00am… Rocking out to the Burlesque soundtrack as I drove. Damn, that is feel-good music.

7:30am… The way Quinn leaped up from his chair to approach me for a good morning hug when I arrived at Andrew’s this morning.

11:30am… Tara’s first chest + back workout on her next program. She pushed though some ego moments and won the “I can’t do this” war. You ought to feel it tomorrow, Babe. See you Wednesday for core + legs!

2:30pm… My girl EmVee walked in the door, whom I haven’t seen in a few weeks as she has been admirably putting in loads of overtime to put away for her RRSP contribution. She was all glammed up with a leopard-print scarf, looking so fine. So great to see you, Melissa!

2:50pm… Kelly + Craig arrived to deliver some goodies from home for Cierra. Kelly, your eyes always melt my heart a little. You are so extraordinarily beautiful. Thank you for our first 16 years of honest answers and sage advice.

3:50pm… The strong possibility of an Interior Design/Decorating contract for an exciting client. Stay tuned…

4:00pm… My boys as they hopped off the school bus. Never a moment more beautiful then when I lay eyes on them after even a minute apart.

All evening… Cierra’s magical engagement with the boys as I frantically worked to meet a graphic design deadline. She had them making papier maché masks of their own faces, washing up, and playing Go Fish while she prepared supper. Thank you, Sweet Girl.

6:30pm… Oh yes, the Fondue Soup was amazing!

9:47pm… Finding a quarter on the ground outside as Marshall and I took Marley out for her last pee of the day. Thank you, Universe!

Now… Bed. Looking forward to spectacular dreams tonight.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 29

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:26:00 +0000

Fondue. Love.

Grew up on oil fondues in the 70s, graduated to cheese fondues in the 80s and was most recently introduced to {healthy} broth fondues in the 90s {Thanks, Jan!}.

Fondue has been a New Year’s Eve tradition for most of my adult life. A perfect meal to inspire recollection and thought to the future. A time to contemplate the past, and consider the days ahead.

Marshall, Cierra and I enjoyed a simple broth fondue tonight. We simmered beef, cauliflower, red and yellow peppers, mushrooms and pearl onions over many varied matters of conversation.

When all was said and done, the remaining broth—having housed those delicious meats and vegetables for the past hour or so—beckoned to be transformed into a hearty soup. There was a handful of veggies left, about a dozen cubes of beef, a few baby carrots and an onion all wanting to hop in the pot to join the party. Cierra had the idea to add our newly purchased, yet-to-be-tried Quinoa noodles, to great success.

Here’s to supper tomorrow night… Can hardly wait.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 28

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 02:46:00 +0000

There is nothing quite like when a child who is not yours snuggles in beside you to watch a movie.

Reveals to me that children express emotions freely—love, fear, anger, pride.

Why do adults hold back? Where did that inhibition come from? At what point in our development do we begin to retract our expression and turn inward, or express false emotion?

To what gain? Or more importantly, to what loss?

Thank you, Sweet N, for the genuine, unabashed demonstration of admiration tonight. You taught me a lesson I won’t soon forget.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 27

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:22:00 +0000

After a morning of freezing rain, treacherous driving conditions and sloppy sidewalks, the neighbourhood appeared to be an icky, slushy, brown mess.

As I drove home in the sunset, I noticed the twinkling ice-coated trees, lightly dusted with fresh snow which had begun to fall late this afternoon.

It struck me how, despite the seemingly ugly weather from earlier in the day, the calm of evening settled the city down into a glorious nighttime display of shimmer and brilliance.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 26

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:45:00 +0000

This morning’s sunrise as I headed West.
Silly voices with Jake.
Guilt-free chocolate additive for smoothies.
Working though some ego-based blueprints with Jackie.
Tara’s completion of the Foundation Program.
The prompt for GNOv3.
Editing JoeGirl.com to feature Design, Illustration + Live Your Spirit!™.
Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
Tea with Tara.
Tara’s new skirt.
Marley’s meek curiosity.
The imminent return of my girl Cierra tomorrow.
Sleep…

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 25

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:47:00 +0000

Growing up, I had one really, really good girl friend, and at any given time, two or three other girl friends I could occasionally call or hang out with. I tended to have more guy friends, and often felt more comfortable around them, as I was much of a Tomboy myself (for example, spelling my Jo, with an ‘e’ since the age of 8).

It wasn’t until launching JoeGirl that I really became focused on women, thereby attracting more women into my life. In the last 18 months since opening Marshall’s, I have become very good friends with over a dozen women—any of whom I could call at a moment’s notice to join me for a drink, a meal, a shopping spree, or a good cry.

One of those women is Chantal. Gorgeous, real, humble, sweet, spirited, tender Chantal. {I do believe she is the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Seriously. People Magazine has yet to feature anybody more stunning than this girl.}

After being unable to attend each other’s fortieth birthday party, Chantal and I agreed to set a lunch date. Today was the day. Given recent events and a rough start to my day, I walked the 100 paces from the Centre to Back Lane Café, wondering how my mood was going to pick up enough to be anything more than mediocre company.

As soon as I saw her face, my lugubrious mood lifted immediately. We caught each other up on our recent goings-on for no less than thirty minutes before even placing our order. Seems we have been leading similar lives, struggling with similar issues, battling the same ego wars. It was refreshing and uplifting to share our wins and losses with somebody who has really been there. And yes, we cried.

I practically skipped back to the gym, beaming with an optimism for my future—the okay to feel what I have been feeling, and the confidence to surge ahead with my dreams.

Chantal, you are extraordinary. Thank you for walking into my life, and welcoming me into yours.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 24

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:49:00 +0000

Some Thank You’s are in order today…

Thank You, Wayne. For saving my ass {again}.
Thank You, Scott. For playing so sweetly with Jake this afternoon. I had not before seen that side of you. You will be a remarkable father some day.
Thank You, Matt. For listening as I moaned about the state of affairs. You have become a great friend, and I look forward to spending more time with you in the future.
Thank You, Cierra. For being strong. You are a bright light, surrounded by love.
Thank You, Tara. For your text message smile this morning. You have no idea how much I needed it.
Thank You, Kelly. For your trust. It speaks volumes.
Thank You, Mom. For your encouragement. You always put it all out on the table. Raw and painful sometimes, but always offering tremendous growth.
Thank You, Marshall. For giving and receiving so much love.
Thank You, Quinn. For taking so much initiative this morning to help out. You are amazing.
Thank You, Jake. For being the best junior receptionist Marshall’s has ever seen. I am so happy you are feeling better tonight. Sweet dreams, Little Bear.
Thank YOU. For your regular readership and continual support. Now, if only I could encourage more feedback and comments. Are you really out there?

So… what inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 23

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:33:00 +0000

I didn’t write yesterday.

For all the wonderful things, people and experiences in my life, yesterday was a dark day. I went to sleep with tear-stained eyes and a heavy heart, my mind struggling with anxiety and fear. Not feelings I typically harbour, especially at the intensity at which they came on yesterday. So many rotten situations compounding at once. Of course, all opportunities for growth, though hard to see the light at the moment.

In hindsight, there were many inspirations yesterday:

Jake’s sweet dialogue about the phrase Sunday Night… “Mom, the words Sunday Night don’t make sense. Sun. Day. Night. It frustrates me, Mama.”
Quinn’s Kung Fu Panda 2 movie review for school, and A grades on two geometry assignments.
Rave reviews to my latest batch of JoeGirl Cookies.
Tara’s sweet thought for the day, about the gift of love.
Hot bath + red wine.
Nat’s offer of a contract project for the Westboro BIA.
The quirky employment application questionnaire from a local design agency. Forcing me to think about myself in a completely different way. Not such a bad thing.

For the record, I am currently looking for flexible full-time, regular part-time, or freelance design contracts. As you know, my best work comes in the form of publication design, colour and type selection, organization and time management.

So… what inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 22

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:36:00 +0000

You want to hear something crazy?

I am friends with my ex-husband’s girlfriend on Facebook.

Yep. Wacko. I know.

The three of us went to lunch last November 11, 2011. As nervous as a teenaged girl on her first date, I wanted her to like me. I didn’t want her to be uncomfortable or uneasy. I simply wanted everybody to get along as adults should. We met under the guise of a colour consult, so I came equipped with 30lbs of paint fandecks, and she brought samples of her bedroom linens. It was the perfect—albeit unnecessary—ice-breaker.

I think Andrew was the most uncomfortable of all of us. He was fidgety and quiet. Likely thinking, “Oh my God, my worlds are colliding.”

Within 24 hours, she and I had connected via private message on Facebook. Within another six, we were “Friends” with Andrew’s blessing, of course. Ever since, we have ‘liked’ and commented on each other’s status updates, photos, links and shares.

What a wonderful situation—to not begrudge the person who now occupies Andrew’s heart, simply because society expects me to. I am thrilled for both of them… so deserving of happiness.

Thank you, Caroline. You inspire me.

So… What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 21

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:51:00 +0000

Quinn + Jake are buddies most of the time. There are five years between them, so it is commonplace for them to disagree on things like what movie to watch (Pixar versus Harry Potter), what to eat (pizza versus Brie and Paté) or what crafts to make (those melting iron bead things or fine bead jewelry).

While it is obvious Jake adores his big brother Quinn, for the most part Jake seems to be a thorn in Quinn’s side (based purely on Quinn’s perspective, that is).

Tonight the four of us snuggled on the sofa bed to watch Daddy Daycare. Usually Jake wants to be beside Mommy. Tonight, he wanted to be beside Quinner. No words were said to indicate this—merely body language. Throughout most of the movie, Jake was pressed right up alongside Quinn, and in several instances, climbed right up on him to lay in Quinn’s arms. Quinn embraced his adoring little brother, rubbed his back and hair, and simply let him snuggle. There were no bitter words like “Get OFF me!”, or “Mawwwwwm, tell Jake to leave me alone!”

Only love.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 20

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:15:00 +0000

You know those times when you see a product in a store that you think looks super cool, but… well, you’re not too sure if it’s really gonna work as well as they say it will? So you go home and look it up online, and… yah, people say it’s cool, but… really?

So the item falls to the back of your mind until you come across it again in another store. Damn. That thing really looks so cool. You add it to your Christmas ‘maybe’ list for the kids. You continue to investigate online—customer reviews, photos, blog references. Yep. Trés cool.

What the heck. It is reasonably priced, available for purchase in your neighbourhood, and again… seems really, really cool. You go for it. You wrap it up all purdy, and eagerly anticipate your children unwrapping it, and reveling in its glory more so than any other gift under the tree.

{Who are we kidding? There was a remote-control helicopter under the tree this year.}

But you know what? I nailed it. ZOKU nailed it. Their Quick Pop maker is everything they said—and I hoped—it would be, and it is without question the gift we have all spent the most time enjoying since its unveiling Christmas Day. Elegant design, simple use, fail-proof instructions, creative recipes and the opportunity to spend time exploring adventurous flavour combinations for—and with—my kids.

Go check it out. You know you want to. ZOKU Quick Pop Maker.
And yah, it can make grown-up pops too.

Chocolate Peanut Butter with Fresh Strawberries

Inspiration 365: Day 19

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:39:00 +0000

At about ten minutes to three this afternoon, a man with a kind face walked into the Centre. No, there is no punchline. He spoke softly, with a broad smile, introducing himself as local Naturopathic doctor, Julek Meissner. He mentioned a mutual friend, Wayne, and I instantly recalled the fondness Wayne expressed for this man standing before me.

Julek’s smile and gentle demeanor immediately lifted my Spirits. It had otherwise been a low-energy/low-vibration day. Marshall arrived just as Julek was leaving. The three of us chatted about our shared beliefs in Spirit, Energy + Frequency. It was a delightful albeit brief conversation, though one which led to the two gentlemen booking a date for tea and further discussion next week.

People are fascinating. Julek reminded me to never feel intimidated to introduce myself to another. You just never know what you’ll learn from the encounter, or how you will feel afterward. Go for it!

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 18

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:03:00 +0000

“Sixty!? How can you possibly be sixty!?”

Those are the words I blurted out when my Dad answered the phone this morning.

“If you’re sixty, that means I’m forty… and that’s just not right.” He agreed.
Then, we BOTH agreed to stay 26 forever.

Happy Birthday, Dad.
I soooo love you.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 17

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:53:00 +0000

Tasty Tuesday…

Inspiration 365: Day 16

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:06:00 +0000

Tonight, I am inspired by the many strong, beautiful women in my life…

Kelly, for working so hard to promote my new business direction;
Tara, for listening and lending a new perspective;
Cierra, for being so passionate about raising awareness to her peers about safe driving;
Elsbeth, for her determination and perseverance;
Melissa, for racking up the overtime so she can contribute enough to her RRSP to avoid paying taxes;
Tali, for inquiring about a power lifting program for women {oh, yah!};
Clarissa, Karla and Jennifer, for joining my 6-Meal Dinner Club within three minutes of receiving their invitation {Don’t be offended if you did not receive an invite. This is a spin-off for the participants of last week’s Nutrition Workshop. I will offer more dinner clubs down the road.};
Céline, for opening the Centre at 6am today after buggering-up her knee last night; and
my Mom, Sharon, for yesterday’s encouraging words which echoed throughout my thoughts all day long.

Thank you, Ladies.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }