Inspire Me- Right Thing

Not only is today the last Monday of October but it is election day in Ontario. Today is the day that residents of Ontario will be heading to the polls to elect our mayors and councillors; the people that will lead our municipal and regional governments for the next four years. 

I don't want to make this a political post; and as a daughter of a politician, I could do it no problem.

 

Elections are like my Superbowl or Oscars; I analyze, research, predict and am glued to the TV and internet, tracking polls as they come in.

My dad is a politician, so I thought it would be fitting to use a quote from him as this weeks inspiration:

"Always do the right thing, not the popular thing. The two are rarely the same thing."

~Dad

Hey, It's Ok

To be sad to hear Oscar de la Renta died. His designs were beautiful, functional and classic. He truly made fashion art. 

That unexpected visits can be just what the soul needs. I had someone stop by my office last night, we had a great talk, a couple of laughs, and she really raised my spirits.

To be lucky to have supportive people in my life. I was in a minor car accident last week. My family, especially my sister, went above and beyond in taking care of me. My co-workers were quick to jump on board and pick up some outstanding tasks for an event this week. My friends have made visits, sent texts, called and repeatedly offered to help out. I am truly blessed.

That I'm feeling a lot of pressure lately. I know that changes need to be made, and I'm taking small steps to make them. Fingers crossed that changes happen soon. I'm not sure I can last otherwise.

To be feeling like I didn't do much this campaign. Less than a week until the election, so time is running out. I really want to step up my game and help him, but I know that work is going to hold me back.

Inspire Me- Smile & Move On

I don't know about you, but I could definitely use another day or two attached to my weekend! The days and weeks- and weekends- are going by too quickly for my liking. I need time to slow down a bit, I feel like everything is passing me by, that's how quickly time is moving. 

Despite the weekend ending too quickly, I had a pretty good one. The Battle of Cooks Mills, which was part of the War of 1812, took place 200 years ago. In honour of this anniversary, they had a re0enactment of the battle. It was interesting too see and learn about the way of life in 1812. There were over 400 actors involved and a number of people in the crowd also got into the reenactment and dressed up. I was also invited to a Hungarian Church lunch. One of the ladies at the table started to speak to me in Hungarian and I had no idea what she was saying to me, but the food was pretty good. 

This week is going to be a busy one. I have an event for work on Thursday and tomorrow is our off-site prep day. I'm also going to attempt to go to the movies with friends- the last movie I saw in the theatre was The Great and Powerful Oz, so it's been awhile- and I'm meeting a friend for dinner, whom I haven't seen since August! Lots going on and lots to look forward too. 

Recently, I have really been struggling. There have been a lot of changes over the past year, but not improvements. There has been a lot of negativity and unhappiness and I thought this quote would be the perfect inspiration for this week:

 

I don't feel that I am in a situation where I need "revenge", but then again I am not a vengeful person. I feel like there is someone in my life who is trying to "break" me. Normally, I would just cut this "toxic" person from my life and move on. Unfortunately, that is not an option at the present moment. 

This quote is what I need to do- smile and move on. Every time this person is negative towards, I need to bite my tongue (which I have been doing), but just smile and move on with my day. This is easier said then done, but it is inspiration, right? I just need to remember this quote, smile and move on. I need to show this person, they don't get to me and have little influence and effect on my life.

Hey, It's OK

To really dislike doing other people's work. I don't mind helping out, I really don't. But when someone is assigned a task, by our boss, to help me out and they don't do the job and I have to spend time outside of work hours finishing their work...I really don't like that.

That I am starting this work week off in bad mood (yesterday was a holiday). Maybe that's because I had to work on my long weekend and I have a week full of meetings, which means I will be working late every night this week.

To have had a great long weekend spent with family. Our Thanksgiving meal was delicious and it was great to see cousins.

That I have plans every night this week. At least I have a great social life. 

To have a peanutbutter cookie for breakfast. Sometimes it`s the best you can do.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!! It was a weekend full of family and food. All of my siblings were home and I got to see some of my cousins. Thanksgiving weekend is also my parents wedding anniversary and when we celebrate my cousin's birthday...so lots of celebrating this weekend.

In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving to give thanks for the harvest, which is why we celebrate in October.

I have so much to be thankful for. From the country I live in to the clothes on my back, from my family and friends to my education and opportunities. The things I can give thanks for are numerous. I am thankful each and every day for everything in my life, every aspect of my life.

I am truly blessed.

Not Just October Giveaway

Happy Thursday!! Today is an exciting day for a couple of reasons, but I can only share one reason right now. But it's a good one!!

Not Just October is a campaign to remind people that breast cancer awareness and fundraising should be happening year round- not just in October. 

Raewyn, from Be a Warrior Queen (which is an awesome blog, BTW) is hosting a giveaway! YOU could have the chance to win a $50 Target gift card and a $10 Starbucks gift card. You can enter using the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey, It's Ok!

To be proud of the recent Chamber nominations, 5 in total!  

That I'm glad that Derrick won Big Brother. He played an amazing game and def deserved to win.

 

To, hopefully, be starting something new and exciting in the coming weeks...fingers crossed!!

 

That I can't believe Thanksgivings THIS weekend! I'm looking forward to having the a day off and spending time with my family.

 

To forget about new TV shows. I'll see the commercials and read about new shows, but then I forget to actually watch them. Or I can't remember what time or channel they are on.

 

That hockey starts TOMORROW!!! Pre-season has been going on for a few weeks, but regular season starts tomorrow...can't wait!!

Inspire Me- Original Copy

Happy Monday!! I know that things have been pretty quiet around here...each week, I have the intention to get back to blogging daily. I have the same intention this week and will try to make ti a reality, but no promises.

Things have been much the same, just lots going on. I'm in the middle of one of my dad's campaigns, work is keeping me on my toes- I had two events in September, one this month, one in November, one in December and four in January. I'm working a lot more than my 35 hours a week. My social life has also kept me busy- dinner with friends, nights out dancing and even a day trip to Toronto to see Wicked!

Last week, I found myself in a situation that made me very unhappy. This lead to self reflection and the realization that it might be time to end a specific journey that I am on and start a new one. It's scary for me but something I need to attempt. I made some very small steps this weekend...I have faith that everything will work out the way it's meant to. If I'm supposed to start a new journey, I will be given the opportunity. If my current journey it's over, I have faith that will be made clear to me and I will stick to this path until further notice. But I really do want to start that new journey. I'm ready.

A bit of inspiration for this week:

 

The first time I heard this quote was actually the first time I saw this image. I love this quote!! I pride myself on being an original, on being different and unique- ever since I was a little kid. I had no desire to fit in and be like everyone else. I was happy to be an individual. I still am. 

I am a VERY creative person. Recently, I've been noticing that my creativity has been lacking; no desire, motivation or time. The worst part was, it was ok with this...I felt empty, smothered, tethered...but I couldn't bother to make time, find motivation or desire. I was ok to let this stuff go because I couldn't be bothered. I was just being and I could feel myself becoming a shell. I was loosing who I was.

Change is needed. I need to go back to being creative, being social, getting back to blogging. I need to go back to being an original. I'm too good to be a copy. 

I know that going back to being myself, an original, won't happen over night and that it will take time. But I realize I need to be an original...it's who I am and I LOVE who I am!! I'm going to work at it. I'm going to make changes. Will go back to being one of a kind.

An Open Letter To My Critics

Dear Critics,

 

I want to thank you. But before I do, I want you to know that I can take criticism. I really can. I see criticism as a way to grow and improve. It also helps build character and, at times, can be a different way to look at or approach a situation. I also have thick skin, so thick that I no longer feel the knife being stabbed into my back. More than one of you Critics, have stabbed me in the back. Some on multiple occasions. I didn't flinch, but I was aware.

 

You Critics are an opinionated bunch, lots to say and you have no problem expressing your point of view. I can appreciate your opinions and passion, even if I disagree with you. But they are YOUR opinions and YOU are entitled to them- I can respect that.

 

You might not know this about me, but I am an observer. I observe, process and then move on. I've noticed that you are more than happy to share your thoughts, but no interest in hearing what I have to say. In fact, more than one of you have flat out said "I'm not interested in what you have to say." Message received loud and clear. I've also noticed that you speak at me-that's a nice way of saying attack- without knowing the whole story.

 

For example, you tell me it's my fault something didn't get done even though I wasn't the one who was supposed to do it. You were forthcoming with your words, not interested in what I had to say, and you were unaware of what happened. I agree with you, even though it wasn't my job to send something out, I do have some responsibility. Do you realize I did my part? That I spent two months asking for something to be sent? That I came up with a back up plan and spent a month trying to get that plan in motion? And that I also sent it out to a condensed list, because the full mailing list wasn't made available to me? I did my part, but you're too busy speaking at me to realize that.

 

Critics, a lot of you like to push me around, some have even gone as far as bullying me. While your behaviour is not ok, I have decided not to take it personally- even if you made it personal. Some of you are petty and attack me for dumb things, like not adding you to Facebook. Facebook is for my friends, not business contacts. BTW, I'm more than happy to connect with you on LinkedIn.

 

You have told me that 'busy' is a buzz word and it means nothing. You've told me that it's like pulling teeth to get me started on anything. You've told me that I'm not good at my job, I don't know what I'm doing, I don't know the first thing about fundraising, that I don't understand all the work that goes into making an event great, that I don't...you've had a lot to say.

 

I get it. You don't think I'm good at my job or that maybe I'm in over my head or that I have no clue about what I'm doing.

 

Maybe you're right.

 

But there is someone- multiple someones, I'm told- that disagree with you. Like you, they did go behind my back. But instead of trashing me and saying how horrible I am, they did something nice.

 

You see, sweet Critics, these "someones" felt I deserve to be recognized for my work; they put my name forward for Chamber of Commerce Awards. The Chamber Board agreed with these "someones" and accepted my nomination. Not once, not twice, but five times.

 

Best Marketing Campaign.

Best Fundraiser
Best Corporate/Non Profit Partnership- Community Partner A
Best Corporate/Non Profit Partnership- Community Partner B

 

I was told by the Chamber, that I was nominated by multiple people and received more nominations than anyone else.

 

Submissions were anonymous. Thank you to these "someones" who believe in me and think I do a great job. To the "someones" who recognized my hard work, dedication...my highs and even my lows...and felt the need to go out of their way to make sure others were aware. 

 

I also want to thank you, Critics. You made me a better person, you helped me learn and grow in ways that I wouldn't have had the chance to do without you. And, who knows, maybe "someone" saw the way you treated me and where impressed with the way I handled the situation. You could be responsible for these nominations, for my recognition at being good at something.

 

Oh, and that 5th Award Nomination?

 

Employee of the Year.

 

Thanks,

Monthly Round Up- October

Idea taken from Jen, Our Love and Our Blessing. What's Monthly Round Up? On the first Friday of each month, you recap some (or all) of your posts from the previous month!

In October, I...

...recapped September's post.
...introduced Part 1 of a Baby Shower I co-hosted.
...linked up for Boys Behind the Blog.
...revealed what I got in my Pretty Little Beauty Swap package. 
...took a Left Brain/Right Brain test.
...wrote about my Life recently. 
...ended the month with Halloween Costumes.

Throughout the month, I...
...compiled my Monday-Friday posts for Weekly What? (here, here and here).
...posted weekly Inspiration (here, here, here, here, here and here).
...shared songs that I am currently loving (here, here,  
...talked about my Favourite Things (Thanksgiving Weekend, Candy Corn and Justine/Blogger Meet Ups)
...had a feature on my blog showcasing different Canadian Provinces (Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta)

I participated in two weekly link ups;

Hey! It's Ok (here, here, here, here and here)

Sunday Social (here, here and here)

Lots of different posts...I can't wait to see what November will bring!

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time.

To hate that it's so dark in the mornings. It does make getting up harder. 

That I'm not really into Halloween. It seems that everyone loves to dress up, watch scary movies, play pranks etc. I'm just not into it.

To be nominated for not one, but two Chamber awards! I thought we were only nominated for one (Best Fundraising Campaign), but I got an email last week saying it was two awards; Best Fundraising Campaign and Best Marketing/PR Campaign.

That I exceeded a campaign fundraising goal 35 days into the campaign!!! I had three and a half-ish months to raise the money and I did it in 35 days!!

To be looking forward to the weekend, getting my hair done Friday, hockey game with my university roommate Saturday and a fundraiser on Sunday.
 

Inspire Me

I can't believe that we are heading into the last week of October!! As always, this month has just flown by. While it has been busy, it has also been fun- lots of events, meeting new people and trying new things. 

 

October is actually one of my favourite months and is special to my family. Not only do we celebrate Thanksgiving, but we also celebrate my parents wedding anniversary, my grandparents wedding anniversary and my grandma and grandpa's birthdays. Lots to celebrate and be thankful for. 

I also love October because of Pilgrimage. Pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place. But to my high school, it's so much more. It's Catholic education in action, it's walking in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the third world, it's taking steps to make a difference in the world. Since graduating from high school, I have not walked the Pilgrimage but I have still been a part of it- sponsoring walkers, helping with registration and celebrating mass. Each year, I look forward to going home, to my high school, and being part of Pilgrimage.

Some inspiration for the week:

Favourite Thing- Justine/Blogger Meet Up

Earlier this week, I talked about participating in the Pretty Little Beauty Swap and mentioned how the best part of this swap was actually having the chance to meet my partner. 

I hear all the time about different bloggers meeting up and how much fun they have. Up until this week, I've never had the opportunity to experience this for the simple fact that I had yet to encounter a fellow blogger from Southern Ontario. 

Justine from Sleepy Single Girl, a friend of mine, was the mastermind behind the swap. Due to my busy schedule, I limit the swaps that I participate in, but wanted to participate to support Justine in the first every swap that she hosted. As it turned out, Justine actually need another Canadian (aka me) to sign up to be paired with the only other Canadian participating. This ended up being an amazing thing for me!

By chance, my swap partner, also named Justine, lived about an hour away from and agreed to meet me in person. After a bit of back and forth and trying to figure out our schedules, on Sunday we were able to arrange to meet for the following day.I had re-arranged to potentially take Monday off. 

Meeting up with Justine, was honestly one of the greatest things for me.

Everyone knows how busy I am and how I always have so much going on. I have a stressful job (non profit fundraising...I'm responsible for bringing in money so that we can offer services and programs to our clients...if they money's not there, our organization no longer operates...yup, no pressure there) and I was starting to get a bit burnt out. 

I had the BEST time sitting with Justine, chatting and laughing. Two hours flew by! I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed and comfortable around someone I was meeting for the first time. 

After meeting with Justine, I just felt happy. I was in a good mood, I felt like a weight had been lifted...this is when I realized how stressed and burnt out I had been! 

While it was great to have a blogger meet up and it was great to meet a new friend... I can't put into words what Justine did for my soul and how much I appreciate her taking the time to meet me and spend a couple of hours with me. 

I also appreciate Justine (Sleepy Single Girl) for introducing me to Justine (Tantrums and Tea Parties) and allowing this weeks 'favourite thing' to happen!

Right Brain? Left Brain?

Happy Thursday! I was originally going to post more about the baby shower I hosted two weeks ago, but I don't have the the energy to do so. There are a ton of things that I still need to post about- Brewery Tour, Wizard of Oz, Steam Pod, etc...but again, lack of energy. I worked a 14 hour day (instead of my usual 7), so I am exhausted!

 

In addition to everything I still need to write about, I wanted to share this brain test. 

 

It's a super quick test, less than a minute, and it not only tells you if you are right or left brained, but the percent and why. It was pretty interesting. 

For those of you who are interested, I am 28% left brain and 72% right brain. One of the words associated with the right side of the brain was 'chaotic'...which is how I feel most of the time- just too much going on.

I knew that I was more of a right brain. While I was surprised to see such a huge difference between the two sides and how low my 'left brain' is, I already knew I was a 'right brain'...it was kinda nice to have that confirmed and it was interesting to read the explanations associated with each question. 

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time.

To have taken yesterday off on an almost whim. Besides drive an hour-ish away to meet Justine and exchange our Pretty Little Beauty Swap packages, I did nothing yesterday. It was really nice...almost relaxing.

That I kinda want to take today off too. I know that I can't...too much to do at the office. Boo.

To not be very happy with the New York Rangers right now, even though I still love them, I am not happy. They need to get their act together and start winning some games, they are currently 2-5.

That I was planning on going into the office early today...I have A LOT of work that needs to be done.

To need a break. I have A LOT going on and I can feel I'm starting to get burned out a bit.

That my organization was nominated for a Chamber of Commerce award for Best Fundraising Campaign! I have no idea who nominated us, but it's such an honour...especially since I do all of the fundraising. 

Inspire Me

Not only is today Monday but it's also the day that I will be meeting up with Justine! Justine and I were partnered together for the Pretty Little Beauty Swap (hosted by Sleepy Single Girl and Southern Beauty Guide). Since Justine and I live so close to each other, we decided we'd met up and exchange our packages instead of mailing them. I'll be doing a reveal post later this week. 

Here is some inspiration for this week:

Sunday Social- Life

Summer is definitely over and Fall is here in full force- it was a CHILLY weekend! I don't think all of the rain helped. Besides it being so cold, I had a great weekend. My dad was at the weekend house when I arrived and he had my new Kindle (yea!) and he took me out for breakfast on Saturday before he left. I spent the weekend doing errands and watching Pitch Perfect multiple times- such a fun movie!!

      

1. What do you value most in life?

3 F's- Family, friends, faith. 

 
2. What do you think is the greatest invention in your life and why?

I don't know if it's the greatest...but it's the first that came to mind- the internet. It brings people together, you can looking things up to learn or be entertained. You can watch tv/movies and listen to music... the internet does so much.

 
3. What do you think is the secret to a good life?

Being thankful for what you have. If you appreciate what you have, what you experience, everything that comes to you- good or bad- you will be able to see the good in situations...be happy with life. 

 
4. What would you most like to be remembered for when you're gone?

For being a nice person. I've already left my legacy...but I want to be remembered for being a nice person. 

 
5. What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?So many to choose from! I'm going to go with raising over $100,000 in a single fiscal year for a non-profit. Side note: I exceeded the fundraising goal two years in a row, which meant  an additional $10,000 per year was sent to research (money raised went to local programs and services with 10% of what was raised going to research... so that's $10,000 on top of the 10%).

Weekly What?

Idea taken from my darling friend Jenn from Party of One for Weekly What?

Basically, you put all of your Monday-Friday posts in one post on Saturday! What a great idea! I love the concept of having all of your posts from the week in one post- it's a great summary of the week on a blog.

MONDAY: I started the week off with some inspiration. 

TUESDAY: I linked up with Amber for Hey! It's Ok.

WEDNESDAY: I posted Jennifer's views on Alberta.

THURSDAY: I shared a boy's answers to Boys Behind the Blog.

FRIDAY: I finished the week with one of my Favourite Things- Candy Corn.

Favourite Thing- Candy Corn

Happy Friday! While this week has gone by super quickly, it has been exhausting. We hosted a conference yesterday- it went really well, but I need a nap. Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up on some sleep this weekend. 

One of my favourite things is Candy Corn. I know most people think it's disgusting, but I love it...soooo good!! They even make different flavours now, like candy apple.

 

Image via Wikipedia

I was talking to another blogger about it this recently, she too is a Candy Corn fan, and she thinks that the reason why she likes it so much is because you can only get Candy Corn during Halloween- it's not available year round. I have to agree with her...I think if I could have Candy Corn year round, I wouldn't like it as much.

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time.

To be sad that my Kindle broke. I had it for over 2.5 years and the screen just died. I had a Kindle 3G Keyboard, which they don't make anymore. I have ordered a new Kindle, so we'll see how that works out. I feel a little lost without it.

That I had a great Thanksgiving and stocked up on leftovers to bring back to my apartment.

To not be too happy with the New York Rangers. Not a great start to the season...thankfully it's still early.

That I my co-worker was completely surprised with her baby shower! She had NO idea!

To want to go back to bed. I didn't sleep well last night.