Alas, not my weekly posting like I had hoped but that's okay...last weekend we were traveling to beautiful Vancouver, WA - outside Portland, OR - to visit with friends...so that's why I missed you last week!
Weather is cold here - like really cold...I think at noon today, the car said we were at 10 degrees Celsius...that's cold for the Bay Area! They actually called for snow in SF, for the first time since 1976...but no snow. I'm not sure how I would have taught STROLLFIT this morning if there had been snow on the ground, but it would have been worth it to look out the window with the girls and see a dusting of white stuff! Guess we'll have to make a trip to Tahoe instead!
As most of you know, I'm turning the big 3-5 this year and I'm really struggling with it! I haven't had any issues EVER celebrating my birthday...in fact I'm the girl yelling from the rooftops that it's my bday and inviting everyone to come and celebrate with me...but this year I'm having a tough time...I know age is just a number, but for whatever reason 35, is a number I don't like! I was so excited to turn 30....but when I woke up on Jan 1, 2011, I kid you not the first thought was Oh My Goodness, I turn 35 this year...sniffle, sniffle. So what do I decide? I'm going to grab the bull by the horns and get in the best possible shape I can in order to turn 35 looking fabulous! So who wants to join me? You know you've been thinking about doing something good for yourself and setting an amazing example for your children. Sooooooo what are you waiting for?
100 Pushup Challenge...Let's Go!!!!! How could you not want sexy, sculpted shoulders! http://hundredpushups.com/ Oh yeah, I'm going for the full push-ups! NO modified pushups for me...hey, I only have 2 months of being 34 left!
So join me - be sure to comment and let me know you are in! We start Tuesday, March 1!
xoxo
CaliAlly
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Moving On!
It's been a while...I realize that...I've had another baby, I've bought a few more franchises, I've acquired a few more obsessions, I've fallen more in love with my life! But moving on!
Today on our family evening walk, my husband turned to me and said, "Babe, what's the difference between Vision and Strategy...Vision and Mission...Strategy and Goals". Well, since I don't get to use my Bachelor of Commerce too often, I was super excited to give him my er, very-educated responses (See Mum and Dad, I AM using my degree!!!). And then it got me to thinking...I started AKFit in 2009. It was just a fictitious business name so I could run my Baby Boot Camp franchise but when I first registered the name, I believed one day that AKFit would be more than just Baby Boot Camp. So here I am with a few franchises and trying to figure out how they all fit together.
- Baby Boot Camp: stroller-based fitness classes for prenatal and postpartum women (includes: STROLLFIT, STROLLGA, 5K Training Program and Nutrition Solutions).
- Karna Fitness: includes Karna Camp (high-intensity interval training for women), Restore the Core (an incredible mat-based pilates class for women), 1/2 Marathon Training Program and Nutrition Solutions.
- Juice Plus+ : helps bridge the gap between the 7 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended by The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the nutrition you actually get with your busy schedule.
That's incredible...okay this post is just me getting my thoughts out. But I think it's finally time to work on AKFit's Vision, Mission Statement and Strategy...stay tuned.
Until then, did you know that less than 25% of American adults eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables? That's incredible...and also the reason why I chose to get my family on Juice Plus+.
xo CaliAlly
Today on our family evening walk, my husband turned to me and said, "Babe, what's the difference between Vision and Strategy...Vision and Mission...Strategy and Goals". Well, since I don't get to use my Bachelor of Commerce too often, I was super excited to give him my er, very-educated responses (See Mum and Dad, I AM using my degree!!!). And then it got me to thinking...I started AKFit in 2009. It was just a fictitious business name so I could run my Baby Boot Camp franchise but when I first registered the name, I believed one day that AKFit would be more than just Baby Boot Camp. So here I am with a few franchises and trying to figure out how they all fit together.
- Baby Boot Camp: stroller-based fitness classes for prenatal and postpartum women (includes: STROLLFIT, STROLLGA, 5K Training Program and Nutrition Solutions).
- Karna Fitness: includes Karna Camp (high-intensity interval training for women), Restore the Core (an incredible mat-based pilates class for women), 1/2 Marathon Training Program and Nutrition Solutions.
- Juice Plus+ : helps bridge the gap between the 7 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended by The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the nutrition you actually get with your busy schedule.
That's incredible...okay this post is just me getting my thoughts out. But I think it's finally time to work on AKFit's Vision, Mission Statement and Strategy...stay tuned.
Until then, did you know that less than 25% of American adults eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables? That's incredible...and also the reason why I chose to get my family on Juice Plus+.
xo CaliAlly
Monday, November 23, 2009
All I want for Christmas...
...is "I HAVE NO IDEA!"
This could be the biggest stress of the holiday season - Christmas prezzies...what to give and what to "wish" for! I swear it was so much easier when you were a child...new Barbie, Cabbage Patch Kid, cool new puzzle or board game, pretty dress....yes it was a lot easier when I was a child.
And yet I find myself sitting here trying to figure out what to get the Little Miss - and coming up with not a whole lot...I just don't feel she "needs" anything right now nor do we have the space to store any more toys! Hmmm...time to have more playdates and see what toys of her little friends she fights over! I guess it's also time to put away some of those baby-toys that she really doesn't use or want anymore...into the bin for Number 2!
Okay now this blog is about Ally...so back to me :) heh heh What do I want for Christmas?? My dad has asked, my hubby has asked and it's just a matter of time before I receive my "Dear Alison....I need your wishlist. Love your sister" email! And I'm stuck...I thought about this on Saturday for a bit and then finally announced to hubby...."Babe, I know what I want for Christmas"...he immediately stops what he's doing and turns to me, all ears (I think he's finally realized that Christmas prezzie of 2003 really didn't say "Love ya" - granted I was training for some runs, but still!!!!) "What Hun?" my answer? "Time".
Seriously...I don't need clothes, books, toys, spa stuff...I need time to myself to enjoy all of those wonderful things that I received last year! Time to use the gift cards to go shopping, book myself into that spa afternoon that is burning a hole in my wallet, time to read those books...yes I need time. Unfortunately, I do not see my Dad, my Love, my sister or anyone else being able to give me that gift this year...
Perplexed, Hubby says to me "How about a Kindle?" Okay! Cool...a Kindle is a close second! What are you wishing for this Christmas??
xo
CaliAlly
This could be the biggest stress of the holiday season - Christmas prezzies...what to give and what to "wish" for! I swear it was so much easier when you were a child...new Barbie, Cabbage Patch Kid, cool new puzzle or board game, pretty dress....yes it was a lot easier when I was a child.
And yet I find myself sitting here trying to figure out what to get the Little Miss - and coming up with not a whole lot...I just don't feel she "needs" anything right now nor do we have the space to store any more toys! Hmmm...time to have more playdates and see what toys of her little friends she fights over! I guess it's also time to put away some of those baby-toys that she really doesn't use or want anymore...into the bin for Number 2!
Okay now this blog is about Ally...so back to me :) heh heh What do I want for Christmas?? My dad has asked, my hubby has asked and it's just a matter of time before I receive my "Dear Alison....I need your wishlist. Love your sister" email! And I'm stuck...I thought about this on Saturday for a bit and then finally announced to hubby...."Babe, I know what I want for Christmas"...he immediately stops what he's doing and turns to me, all ears (I think he's finally realized that Christmas prezzie of 2003 really didn't say "Love ya" - granted I was training for some runs, but still!!!!) "What Hun?" my answer? "Time".
Seriously...I don't need clothes, books, toys, spa stuff...I need time to myself to enjoy all of those wonderful things that I received last year! Time to use the gift cards to go shopping, book myself into that spa afternoon that is burning a hole in my wallet, time to read those books...yes I need time. Unfortunately, I do not see my Dad, my Love, my sister or anyone else being able to give me that gift this year...
Perplexed, Hubby says to me "How about a Kindle?" Okay! Cool...a Kindle is a close second! What are you wishing for this Christmas??
xo
CaliAlly
Sunday, November 22, 2009
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas?!?!
PLEASE!!!! I wonder what the odds are of a White Christmas in Santa Cruz, CA (where we are spending the holidays this year). I'm guessing my Mum and sister who are leaving the Great White North (Ottawa, Canada!!!) to visit us, probably wouldn't appreciate the white stuff! But I know Family Wortman would.
This will be our first year without snow for Christmas...okay truth be told that there have been some Christmases back home with barely any snow, but still, it's cold and cozy and snow is bound to arrive in a day or two! This year we spend the Holidays in Cali...we decided when we got married, we would rotate...Ottawa, Calgary (hubby's fam), Cali (and whoever wants to visit can!).
But it's tough getting ready for Christmas when it's 18celsius outside and the sun is shining and putting on a jacket means tossing a cardigan over your shoulders! So over the last week, I've found an all-Christmas, all-the-time radio station and it's now programmed in our car, in our house, etc! And then the Little Miss and I hit up the $1 section of Target to find some decorations and start putting a few things up around the house!
So I ask those that have spent many a green Christmas - how do you get into the spirit with no snow??
ps I know that I'm not supposed to get excited about Christmas until this Friday, after Thanksgiving, but what can I say...I celebrated Thanksgiving as a Canadian for 30 years and we celebrate it in October...anytime after mid-November in my mind, is the perfect time to get ready for my FAVE holiday!
"Santa Claus is coming to town..." - ooo I love this version!! Sorry side-tracked by the radio!
xo
CaliAlly
This will be our first year without snow for Christmas...okay truth be told that there have been some Christmases back home with barely any snow, but still, it's cold and cozy and snow is bound to arrive in a day or two! This year we spend the Holidays in Cali...we decided when we got married, we would rotate...Ottawa, Calgary (hubby's fam), Cali (and whoever wants to visit can!).
But it's tough getting ready for Christmas when it's 18celsius outside and the sun is shining and putting on a jacket means tossing a cardigan over your shoulders! So over the last week, I've found an all-Christmas, all-the-time radio station and it's now programmed in our car, in our house, etc! And then the Little Miss and I hit up the $1 section of Target to find some decorations and start putting a few things up around the house!
So I ask those that have spent many a green Christmas - how do you get into the spirit with no snow??
ps I know that I'm not supposed to get excited about Christmas until this Friday, after Thanksgiving, but what can I say...I celebrated Thanksgiving as a Canadian for 30 years and we celebrate it in October...anytime after mid-November in my mind, is the perfect time to get ready for my FAVE holiday!
"Santa Claus is coming to town..." - ooo I love this version!! Sorry side-tracked by the radio!
xo
CaliAlly
Thursday, November 5, 2009
"You Showered!"
For the last couple of months, I'll admit it, I kind of let myself go!! Fitness-wise of course not...but just in my appearances! I've been teaching 5-6 Baby Boot Camp classes per week, attending playdates, etc...really the only days I actually did something with my hair and face was on Saturday - and only if I knew we had something fun happening that weekend!! Sure I'd take showers - p-u, can I remind you I teach Boot Camp classes?!?! But I would basically get out and tie my hair back in a bun and toss on a ball cap...when I'd go to playdates, most cases, I'd still be in the attire I just finished working out in!
But the buck stops here!!!! No more of that...why the sudden change of heart?? A friend of mine has said to me in the last week about three times, you look so pretty - did you shower?!?!!? NO, I just had some free time and a lot of birthday parties, Halloween parties, so I took the time to do something with myself!
Now going forward, I will not be the girl with the blown out hair, the layers of make-up...er, if you know me, you know that is SO NOT ME!!! But I will make a little more effort to look a bit more presentable....workout attire is for working out...tied back hair soaking wet is for bed! Etc...if I have to run errands or head to a playdate right after teaching class, why not bring a different top to change into??
So that's that, I'm off to find a few basic pieces - once I make my way through my closet and see exactly what I own!!
And yes I look pretty today...I showered last night :)
xo
CaliAlly
But the buck stops here!!!! No more of that...why the sudden change of heart?? A friend of mine has said to me in the last week about three times, you look so pretty - did you shower?!?!!? NO, I just had some free time and a lot of birthday parties, Halloween parties, so I took the time to do something with myself!
Now going forward, I will not be the girl with the blown out hair, the layers of make-up...er, if you know me, you know that is SO NOT ME!!! But I will make a little more effort to look a bit more presentable....workout attire is for working out...tied back hair soaking wet is for bed! Etc...if I have to run errands or head to a playdate right after teaching class, why not bring a different top to change into??
So that's that, I'm off to find a few basic pieces - once I make my way through my closet and see exactly what I own!!
And yes I look pretty today...I showered last night :)
xo
CaliAlly
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Early - so early
I love being awake in the mornings...I guess I would be a morning person! Until I started working and have a two year old! Now I need as much sleep as I can get....and oh the frustration of the Time Change! I'm fortunate enough that it hasn't affected the Little Miss really - she's a little more cranky, but still sleeping in until almost 8am and going to bed around 8pm...I however, am DYING!!!!
Last night? In bed by 8:30pm!!! This morning, up at 5:15am?!!!??! This is not good! Especially since I have today off and will need to entertain and be a "Mummy" all day! When will the body adjust??
I have two nights out this week - Mums Night Out and a work meeting that will force me to stay awake until at least 10pm...hoping that will help force some sleep in the morning...hopefully?!?!!?
xo
CaliAlly
Last night? In bed by 8:30pm!!! This morning, up at 5:15am?!!!??! This is not good! Especially since I have today off and will need to entertain and be a "Mummy" all day! When will the body adjust??
I have two nights out this week - Mums Night Out and a work meeting that will force me to stay awake until at least 10pm...hoping that will help force some sleep in the morning...hopefully?!?!!?
xo
CaliAlly
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Got in trouble!
Okay so I know it's been 20+ days since I blogged...I'm not sure what happened, just kind of fell off the blogging train and have had a really hard time getting back on it - but I got called on it yesterday - I was told that twitter updates don't count as a blog - oops!
Alrighty here we go...my life in the last few weeks...
* Baby Boot Camp Conference was amazing*
-in so many ways! It was fantastic to learn so much about where I can take my business and the steps to do so...so wish I had been to a conference sooner (although it is an Annual, so I didn't have the opportunity) - I would have run my last year of biz very differently. But I'm very excited to see what 2010 holds for Baby Boot Camp Santa Clara/Sunnyvale!
-much to my surprise it was very nice to be away from the fam for a few days...I definitely missed them and found myself only able to call before bed...it brought tears to my eyes and really made me sad to hear the Little Miss on the other end of the phone, so I didn't call every couple of hours as I had thought I would be - it was too tough
-it was great being "Ally" for 4 full days...not Mummy, not Wifey...just me! I met some fantastic people, had great conversations and really just enjoyed my time!
* Halloween *
- okay this one isn't really about me! The Little Miss is a "Punkin" for Halloween and couldn't be happier! She seems them everywhere and relates herself to them. She got the Pottery Barn Pumpkin Costume and the little Beret couldn't be any cuter on my little girl...her little curls peeking out! In fact she loves it so much, she wears it A LOT...on it's own...no costume! I have a feeling we may be seeing this costume being worn a lot....yes even after October 31!
- we introduced pumpkin carving to our Guate friends and had a blast doing so! I think for adults, it is seriously the best part...and the Little Miss and her little friend decorated their gourds with stickers and got to stay up way past bedtime - a win-win situation for all.
- annual trip to Useugi Farms pumpkin patch was amazing as always and ensured a good long nap for everyone involved! The big hits? Definitely the Carousel and the Train rides!!
* Visitors *
- Hubby was ecstatic to welcome not only one good guy friend to visit from Canada, but two!! Both their first trip to California, so we were busy playing tour guide and showing them our new stomping ground. It's so much fun to have friends in town...although I do love the quiet of our house now! It's funny before moving to Cali, we never liked to be on our own, huge social butterflies, and after spending our first year in Cali knowing pretty much no one, we have now become homebodies!
Really that's about all that has happened, see Dane, I promised you haven't missed that much! I hope this blog finds everyone well and I promise to be around a bit more!
xo
CaliAlly
Alrighty here we go...my life in the last few weeks...
* Baby Boot Camp Conference was amazing*
-in so many ways! It was fantastic to learn so much about where I can take my business and the steps to do so...so wish I had been to a conference sooner (although it is an Annual, so I didn't have the opportunity) - I would have run my last year of biz very differently. But I'm very excited to see what 2010 holds for Baby Boot Camp Santa Clara/Sunnyvale!
-much to my surprise it was very nice to be away from the fam for a few days...I definitely missed them and found myself only able to call before bed...it brought tears to my eyes and really made me sad to hear the Little Miss on the other end of the phone, so I didn't call every couple of hours as I had thought I would be - it was too tough
-it was great being "Ally" for 4 full days...not Mummy, not Wifey...just me! I met some fantastic people, had great conversations and really just enjoyed my time!
* Halloween *
- okay this one isn't really about me! The Little Miss is a "Punkin" for Halloween and couldn't be happier! She seems them everywhere and relates herself to them. She got the Pottery Barn Pumpkin Costume and the little Beret couldn't be any cuter on my little girl...her little curls peeking out! In fact she loves it so much, she wears it A LOT...on it's own...no costume! I have a feeling we may be seeing this costume being worn a lot....yes even after October 31!
- we introduced pumpkin carving to our Guate friends and had a blast doing so! I think for adults, it is seriously the best part...and the Little Miss and her little friend decorated their gourds with stickers and got to stay up way past bedtime - a win-win situation for all.
- annual trip to Useugi Farms pumpkin patch was amazing as always and ensured a good long nap for everyone involved! The big hits? Definitely the Carousel and the Train rides!!
* Visitors *
- Hubby was ecstatic to welcome not only one good guy friend to visit from Canada, but two!! Both their first trip to California, so we were busy playing tour guide and showing them our new stomping ground. It's so much fun to have friends in town...although I do love the quiet of our house now! It's funny before moving to Cali, we never liked to be on our own, huge social butterflies, and after spending our first year in Cali knowing pretty much no one, we have now become homebodies!
Really that's about all that has happened, see Dane, I promised you haven't missed that much! I hope this blog finds everyone well and I promise to be around a bit more!
xo
CaliAlly
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Another First...
...in 48 hours I will be on a plane on my way to the other side of the country...without the Little Miss...panic is setting in!
I'm off to a conference for work (Baby Boot Camp) in Sarasota FL for three days...but due to the location being on the other side of the country and the time change, it will take a whole day to get there, so I will be away from Family W for 4 days.
I'm very excited but also very anxious...the "What Ifs" that creep through my mind are terrible. I think I need to turn that feature off!! I love that I will be getting some Mum-time...and that Little Miss and Hubby are going to get lots of one-on-one time...but I will still miss my munchkin very much.
Confession time - I've left the Little Miss for no more than 6 hours!!!!!! Yes she just turned two!
What I will miss most:
- cuddles (she asks for them now)
- security of knowing she's a few feet away from me (Oh gosh, I pity her boyfriends already!)
- laughing and dancing in the car
- I hope she doesn't wonder where I am and think I've left...
What I will enjoy most:
- 6.5 hour plane ride with no lap child
- taking care of me and only me (and my biz!)
- adult conversation...and high heels!
xoxo
CaliAlly
I'm off to a conference for work (Baby Boot Camp) in Sarasota FL for three days...but due to the location being on the other side of the country and the time change, it will take a whole day to get there, so I will be away from Family W for 4 days.
I'm very excited but also very anxious...the "What Ifs" that creep through my mind are terrible. I think I need to turn that feature off!! I love that I will be getting some Mum-time...and that Little Miss and Hubby are going to get lots of one-on-one time...but I will still miss my munchkin very much.
Confession time - I've left the Little Miss for no more than 6 hours!!!!!! Yes she just turned two!
What I will miss most:
- cuddles (she asks for them now)
- security of knowing she's a few feet away from me (Oh gosh, I pity her boyfriends already!)
- laughing and dancing in the car
- I hope she doesn't wonder where I am and think I've left...
What I will enjoy most:
- 6.5 hour plane ride with no lap child
- taking care of me and only me (and my biz!)
- adult conversation...and high heels!
xoxo
CaliAlly
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Diapers.com
Okay seriously...got babes?? Use Diapers.com! I'm so excited - too bad we are getting ready to start potty-training the Little Miss!
I noticed last night that we were getting low on our disposable diapers (we use both those and gDiapers) after thinking we had another pack - tucked away! ooops!!! It was 8:15pm and I was in no mood to go out to the store...but with three disposables left (including what is in the diaper bag!), it looked like I may need to get out to Costco, immediately after teaching class this morning...
...instead, I went on diapers.com - ordered my 7th Generation diapers for a comparable price and two sets of Gerber children's cutlery I've been looking at....presto, it will be here tomorrow and oh I spent over $49?? Free shipping! Now that is service...and I don't need to run out to the store on an already busy day.
Here's hoping we can get through the next 30 hours or so on 3 disposables and a ton of gDiapers! I'm feeling good about this one...
...like I said, it's the little things!
xoxo
CaliAlly
I noticed last night that we were getting low on our disposable diapers (we use both those and gDiapers) after thinking we had another pack - tucked away! ooops!!! It was 8:15pm and I was in no mood to go out to the store...but with three disposables left (including what is in the diaper bag!), it looked like I may need to get out to Costco, immediately after teaching class this morning...
...instead, I went on diapers.com - ordered my 7th Generation diapers for a comparable price and two sets of Gerber children's cutlery I've been looking at....presto, it will be here tomorrow and oh I spent over $49?? Free shipping! Now that is service...and I don't need to run out to the store on an already busy day.
Here's hoping we can get through the next 30 hours or so on 3 disposables and a ton of gDiapers! I'm feeling good about this one...
...like I said, it's the little things!
xoxo
CaliAlly
Eating with the Seasons
Inspired by my good friend AN (oh how we miss you lovely), Family W has just signed up for Eating with the Seasons - and I cannot be more excited! It's the little things...especially when you are in a funk...little things make you happy?? You go with it!
Anyhow, with Eating with the Seasons, each week, the Little Miss and I will hop in our car after naptime and drive to our pre-decided pick-up, to pick up our Small Bag of fresh, organic fruits and veggies - locally grown of course! And each Thursday, bing, an email will pop into my email box with the "order form"...of course selection varies as to what is available and what the farmers have in season right now but I'm very excited to try new fruits and veggies.
I often find myself walking through my grocer, picking out the same ol' veg and fruits every week - a red pepper, spinach, a few tomatoes (or cherry ones if the Little Miss is with me), bananas, grapes...how boring! This Fall, we will be trying new squashes (who knew there were so many), cabbage and chard...zucchinis and yes more apples!
This really is the next best thing to growing my own veggie patch, in my mind!
To help me figure out what to do with all of these lovely new vegs (and some fruits), we've also signed up for Eating Well...hey, a girl can always use another magazine subscription, right DK??
Oh and this exercise has also taught me some patience...we were a week late signing up for the September start, so we are now having to wait until Oct 6 for our first pick-up...and let me tell you this CaliAlly is not good at waiting...for holidays, moves, babies, and definitely not Fruit & Veggie CSA!
xoxo
CaliAlly
Anyhow, with Eating with the Seasons, each week, the Little Miss and I will hop in our car after naptime and drive to our pre-decided pick-up, to pick up our Small Bag of fresh, organic fruits and veggies - locally grown of course! And each Thursday, bing, an email will pop into my email box with the "order form"...of course selection varies as to what is available and what the farmers have in season right now but I'm very excited to try new fruits and veggies.
I often find myself walking through my grocer, picking out the same ol' veg and fruits every week - a red pepper, spinach, a few tomatoes (or cherry ones if the Little Miss is with me), bananas, grapes...how boring! This Fall, we will be trying new squashes (who knew there were so many), cabbage and chard...zucchinis and yes more apples!
This really is the next best thing to growing my own veggie patch, in my mind!
To help me figure out what to do with all of these lovely new vegs (and some fruits), we've also signed up for Eating Well...hey, a girl can always use another magazine subscription, right DK??
Oh and this exercise has also taught me some patience...we were a week late signing up for the September start, so we are now having to wait until Oct 6 for our first pick-up...and let me tell you this CaliAlly is not good at waiting...for holidays, moves, babies, and definitely not Fruit & Veggie CSA!
xoxo
CaliAlly
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Feeling Broken!
Okay so I don't have a lot to say right now...evident by the lack of posts!
Work is very busy - teaching a lot and my body is hurting!!!! But in a good way :) Heading out to Sarasota FL (the other side of the country!!!) in October for a conference and it will be the first time that I leave the Little Miss for more than 5 hours...I know terrible...but I've just had no "good reason" to leave her before this. So I will be gone for four lonely nights...and as much as I'm terrified and sad at the idea of being so far away from her, I'm also slightly excited! A 6 hour plane ride with no lapchild?!?! I can actually drink a coffee and get up and pee?!?! Watch a movie, read a book? Perhaps a couple of trashy magazines?! WOW!
Yesterday was the anniversary of my due date! September 15, 2007...and no sign of the little one. So I was induced and we "evicted" her on September 19, 2007 - still to this day, the best day of my life. My birth story is amazing, empowering and although I hated being pregnant, minutes after I delivered the Little Miss I couldn't wait to do it again! So that's right, the big 2 is coming up this Saturday! A party will be had at the park on Saturday that she will share with two other little friends and a whopping 60 guests (adults and children) will be in attendance - controlled chaos is the theme ;) At least that's what me and the other two Mums are hoping for!!!
And yet with all of this amazingness going on around me...I'm in a funk. A funk that I'm seriously having a lot of trouble pulling myself out of. I realize I'm in it, I pretty much know what I need to do (and a lot of that is just an attitude adjustment) and yet I still find myself, well funky! I think the reason I'm having trouble pulling myself out is that I don't know why I'm in a funk...life is good, so good! And I laugh a lot...I sleep enough...I'm as social as I can possibly be...Hubby and I are good - like really good...hmmm...see what I mean about the need for an attitude adjustment??
Or maybe a day at the spa?!?!
xo
CaliAlly
Work is very busy - teaching a lot and my body is hurting!!!! But in a good way :) Heading out to Sarasota FL (the other side of the country!!!) in October for a conference and it will be the first time that I leave the Little Miss for more than 5 hours...I know terrible...but I've just had no "good reason" to leave her before this. So I will be gone for four lonely nights...and as much as I'm terrified and sad at the idea of being so far away from her, I'm also slightly excited! A 6 hour plane ride with no lapchild?!?! I can actually drink a coffee and get up and pee?!?! Watch a movie, read a book? Perhaps a couple of trashy magazines?! WOW!
Yesterday was the anniversary of my due date! September 15, 2007...and no sign of the little one. So I was induced and we "evicted" her on September 19, 2007 - still to this day, the best day of my life. My birth story is amazing, empowering and although I hated being pregnant, minutes after I delivered the Little Miss I couldn't wait to do it again! So that's right, the big 2 is coming up this Saturday! A party will be had at the park on Saturday that she will share with two other little friends and a whopping 60 guests (adults and children) will be in attendance - controlled chaos is the theme ;) At least that's what me and the other two Mums are hoping for!!!
And yet with all of this amazingness going on around me...I'm in a funk. A funk that I'm seriously having a lot of trouble pulling myself out of. I realize I'm in it, I pretty much know what I need to do (and a lot of that is just an attitude adjustment) and yet I still find myself, well funky! I think the reason I'm having trouble pulling myself out is that I don't know why I'm in a funk...life is good, so good! And I laugh a lot...I sleep enough...I'm as social as I can possibly be...Hubby and I are good - like really good...hmmm...see what I mean about the need for an attitude adjustment??
Or maybe a day at the spa?!?!
xo
CaliAlly
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Retail Therapy!
Ugh, this cold is killing me...head is all stuffed up, sore throat and I feel kind of miserable...until about 10minutes ago!
And then I made my first Gilt Groupe purchase and I could not be more excited! I'm the proud owner a new Kate Spade bag retailing at $295...oh but did pay that?! NEVER! I paid $118 - sweet :) And it will be in my hot hands in 3 days - I cannot wait!
When I was back in Ottawa, a few of my friends (you know who you are!!!!!! LOL) teased me for still running around town with my trusty-diaper bag despite having a two year old, who really doesn't need all of that space! I just love having lots of space to fit my "necessities" and the fact that it's canvas versus leather so I can bring it to the park, toss it in the stroller, over my shoulder, in the SUV, etc and not worry about damaging it...well dear friends, I will no longer be that girl! Instead I'll be sporting the Kate Spade Prince Street Tess - a beautiful Nylon bag with Patent Leather accents...perfect for the park...perfect for this Mummy!
What?! You've never heard of Gilt Groupe?? It's Invitation Only Shopping - designer items at ridiculous prices! Need an invite?? Leave a Comment and I'll be sure you get an invite ASAP! And to my Canada friends?? You always have a USA addy...just ship to me and I'll mail it off to you for super-cheap! YEY!
xo
CaliAlly
And then I made my first Gilt Groupe purchase and I could not be more excited! I'm the proud owner a new Kate Spade bag retailing at $295...oh but did pay that?! NEVER! I paid $118 - sweet :) And it will be in my hot hands in 3 days - I cannot wait!
When I was back in Ottawa, a few of my friends (you know who you are!!!!!! LOL) teased me for still running around town with my trusty-diaper bag despite having a two year old, who really doesn't need all of that space! I just love having lots of space to fit my "necessities" and the fact that it's canvas versus leather so I can bring it to the park, toss it in the stroller, over my shoulder, in the SUV, etc and not worry about damaging it...well dear friends, I will no longer be that girl! Instead I'll be sporting the Kate Spade Prince Street Tess - a beautiful Nylon bag with Patent Leather accents...perfect for the park...perfect for this Mummy!
What?! You've never heard of Gilt Groupe?? It's Invitation Only Shopping - designer items at ridiculous prices! Need an invite?? Leave a Comment and I'll be sure you get an invite ASAP! And to my Canada friends?? You always have a USA addy...just ship to me and I'll mail it off to you for super-cheap! YEY!
xo
CaliAlly
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Okay life is back on track thx to Missus
Alrighty forget that negative blog a few minutes ago! I was just catching up on my blogs and oh my squeeeeeeee PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES ARE BACK AT STARBUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wait...that means after that, there are Egg Nog Latte, the Peppermint Hot Chocolate...oh dear, it's almost Christmas...Christmas?!? That's my FAVE season!
And today is September 1 - which if you don't know me...is really my New Year's Day! Time to get out the new pens, de-clutter, get back to what's important!
er, right after I hit a Starbucks after teaching this morning!
Kudos to the Missus...you just made my week ;)
xo
CaliAlly
Wait...that means after that, there are Egg Nog Latte, the Peppermint Hot Chocolate...oh dear, it's almost Christmas...Christmas?!? That's my FAVE season!
And today is September 1 - which if you don't know me...is really my New Year's Day! Time to get out the new pens, de-clutter, get back to what's important!
er, right after I hit a Starbucks after teaching this morning!
Kudos to the Missus...you just made my week ;)
xo
CaliAlly
Back...and trying to get at it!
Wow, jetlag is hitting me hard this time! I think the little sleep I got on the weekend is killing me now as I'm over-tired and just can't get good sleep anymore! I seem to be very tired in the evenings but then lie awake in bed waiting, not-so-patiently for sleep to come!!! And then same in the morning, I'm up early but am exhausted so I can't fall back to sleep!
And to boot, I'm starting a cold! But then again, that's not so bad because it's time for me to start Emergen-C - something I swear by! I seriously love how my body is with this stuff! It's just mega-doses of Ester-C (versus acidic vitamin C you get in OJ, etc) but it gives me energy, makes me feel better within 24 hours....and it's all natural - LOVE IT! So I started that this morning and hoping by tomorrow I'll be back on track!
My holiday in Cali was amazing - lots of quality time with the quality Canadians in my life. I really couldn't have asked for a better holiday - lots of down time, resting, relaxing and lots of time with my Mum - I'm a very lucky girl. Of course, with an amazing holiday, comes the horrible hangover...which is where I'm at right now. Fortunately I also have wonderful friends in Cali who will not let me sit around and mope...because the pitypot really is no fun with an almost-2 year old!!!
It's good to be back to our life though- missed Hubby way too much and Diesel Dog too! And of course since we moved in days before the Little Miss and I got on a plane, I'm discovering this new house!
Lots to look forward to this month...if I could just stop feeling so blue...
xo
CaliAlly
And to boot, I'm starting a cold! But then again, that's not so bad because it's time for me to start Emergen-C - something I swear by! I seriously love how my body is with this stuff! It's just mega-doses of Ester-C (versus acidic vitamin C you get in OJ, etc) but it gives me energy, makes me feel better within 24 hours....and it's all natural - LOVE IT! So I started that this morning and hoping by tomorrow I'll be back on track!
My holiday in Cali was amazing - lots of quality time with the quality Canadians in my life. I really couldn't have asked for a better holiday - lots of down time, resting, relaxing and lots of time with my Mum - I'm a very lucky girl. Of course, with an amazing holiday, comes the horrible hangover...which is where I'm at right now. Fortunately I also have wonderful friends in Cali who will not let me sit around and mope...because the pitypot really is no fun with an almost-2 year old!!!
It's good to be back to our life though- missed Hubby way too much and Diesel Dog too! And of course since we moved in days before the Little Miss and I got on a plane, I'm discovering this new house!
Lots to look forward to this month...if I could just stop feeling so blue...
xo
CaliAlly
Monday, August 24, 2009
I'm loving her! (Book Review)
Anita Shreve that is! Seriously loving her. I bought A Wedding in December when I was getting married (in December of course!!) and couldn't get into it. When a friend suggested I try Body Surfing, I wasn't sure....I really disliked what I had read of A Wedding in December - I'm so glad AlliWilli is my friend and recommended Body Surfing because I LOVED it! Capital letters LOVED it! heh heh
But this review is about another one of her books - Testimony. I found this book a little slow to get into (warning the first chapter is graphic...very graphic - but it's just the first chapter, please don't let it make you put the book down) but wow...oh wow...oh wow...I loved this book and I think I loved it the most after reading the last chapter and this line from Rob: - crow, I already gave the book to my sister to read (yes that's how much I enjoyed it!) - I'll have to ask her to email it to me...it's a quote I believe I will keep in mind over and over again.
Sorry for the suspense - but basically the book is how an action on one person's behalf can cause a chain of events causing huge, possibly devastating circumstances for uncountable people...this is not a happy-book...in fact I would say it's tragic, emotional, fragile - these are words that come to mind.
The characters were set up so well...each chapter is written from the point of view of someone involved and I can tell you what they each look like, what they wear and how they speak...and yet the book did not drag with tons and tons of details (pet peeve!!!).
I read once that a bloggy friend felt that she went into almost a depression when she finished a book. I totally felt this after reading this book. I put it down and said to my Mum...these characters have been a part of my life for the last 6 days or so...how can I just pick up another book and forget about them?
Yes this book was great - Anita Shreve...I can't wait to read another book of yours! I'm thinking Pilot's Wife!
4.5/5 for Testimony by Anita Shreve
CaliAlly
xoxo
But this review is about another one of her books - Testimony. I found this book a little slow to get into (warning the first chapter is graphic...very graphic - but it's just the first chapter, please don't let it make you put the book down) but wow...oh wow...oh wow...I loved this book and I think I loved it the most after reading the last chapter and this line from Rob: - crow, I already gave the book to my sister to read (yes that's how much I enjoyed it!) - I'll have to ask her to email it to me...it's a quote I believe I will keep in mind over and over again.
Sorry for the suspense - but basically the book is how an action on one person's behalf can cause a chain of events causing huge, possibly devastating circumstances for uncountable people...this is not a happy-book...in fact I would say it's tragic, emotional, fragile - these are words that come to mind.
The characters were set up so well...each chapter is written from the point of view of someone involved and I can tell you what they each look like, what they wear and how they speak...and yet the book did not drag with tons and tons of details (pet peeve!!!).
I read once that a bloggy friend felt that she went into almost a depression when she finished a book. I totally felt this after reading this book. I put it down and said to my Mum...these characters have been a part of my life for the last 6 days or so...how can I just pick up another book and forget about them?
Yes this book was great - Anita Shreve...I can't wait to read another book of yours! I'm thinking Pilot's Wife!
4.5/5 for Testimony by Anita Shreve
CaliAlly
xoxo
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Moment - Inside a WAHM's head...
A moment: I am a typical Work-at-Home Mum...only doing work or personal things while the little one is sleeping...all chores, etc (with the exception of making food) is done while Little Miss is napping and while she's awake I'm hers all day, every day (with the exception of when I'm teaching class)....I think that it's done out of guilt because I force her to sit in a stroller while I'm teaching or because during her naptime I'm doing work-stuff versus planning fun activities or events for her. However, I found myself wondering this morning - Does Little Miss know how to independently play?? And is it so bad if she sees me doing a few of my own things while she's awake?! I'm not sure what the answer to that is...yet. But what I did try this morning, after a nice long breakfast together, I grabbed a magazine and went and sat on the floor in the den and sure enough Little Miss went and grabbed a book and came and sat with me....well, I thought to msyelf, she's not asking me to read it which I guess is her being independent but she's still mimicking me...Hmm...I really am her everything!
And then it all changed! I suddenly found myself alone in the den reading an old copy of Self Magazine and the Little Miss was nowhere in sight. I raced into the kitchen and found her sitting on the floor, re-arranging the shelf that my Mum has reserved for her (her snacks, bibs, plastic bowls and plates, spoons, sippy cups, etc)...completely happy - completely independent!
Now don't get me wrong - I'm still an obsessed Work-at-Home-Mummy...but maybe one who will enjoy the occasional magazine article or chore done while (gasp!!!) the Little One is awake!!!!
xo
CaliAlly
And then it all changed! I suddenly found myself alone in the den reading an old copy of Self Magazine and the Little Miss was nowhere in sight. I raced into the kitchen and found her sitting on the floor, re-arranging the shelf that my Mum has reserved for her (her snacks, bibs, plastic bowls and plates, spoons, sippy cups, etc)...completely happy - completely independent!
Now don't get me wrong - I'm still an obsessed Work-at-Home-Mummy...but maybe one who will enjoy the occasional magazine article or chore done while (gasp!!!) the Little One is awake!!!!
xo
CaliAlly
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Things that Make You Go Hmm... (Book Review)
I just finished "Love the One You're With" last night...at midnight! Yes it was one of those race to the finish, can't put down endings!
This book is about a woman who is happily married...or so she thinks until she runs into a former love from years before. It is the story of her emotional journey as she ponders something we all think about...LOVE. I enjoyed this book as much as I disliked it. However, the reason I think I disliked it was that it made me think...it took me back to past boyfriends, reliving a bit of the feelings incured in these relationships.
As far as chick lit go, I would say that this was one of the "heaviest" that I have read. I kept thinking it will get lighter, she'll get pregnant, something frivolous will happen...but no. It stayed on topic for the entire book.
I found myself not wanting to read more for fear of the woman's next actions...but then also found myself wondering if 5pm is too early to put Little Miss down for her nap so I could get back into my book.
The fact that this chick lit evoked so much thought and emotion (whether I liked it or not), in my opinioin, means it is a good book...I will give it a 4/5...and really it only is docked a point by the excessive details (get to the point already!!!!) - something I hate about books! As well as the fact that I'm not running out to my girlfriends saying "you HAVE to read this book" - but maybe it's because I'm protecting them from a few nights of very strange feelings and dreams!
4/5 for Love the One You are With by Emily Giffin
xoxo
CaliAlly
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Thank Goodness for Mums!
I'm still struggling with jetlag and coming down off of a crazy month of July! I find myself going to bed at 10:30 EST but still waking up at 6;30 PST (which is actually 9:30 EST)...I hate not having the mornings to myself...the Little Miss seems to be adjusting better a bit quicker than me and is up at 9:35! That gives me 5min to get myself sorted, wake up and get ready for our day! EEK!
Oh and did I mention there is no caffeine in this house?! KILL ME NOW! I'm down to one or two cups of caff coffee a day but I NEED them in the morning!
Anyhow, fast forward to Noon, I'm exhausted, de-caff, and have a clingy, needy almost-two-year old clung to my leg and I have no Daddy to pass her to, no playdate to attend, or little friends for her to play with...it's almost a recipe for disaster...
...until my Mum walks in, takes one look at me - still in pjs, exhausted and losing patience and says "Why don't I take her for a walk"...I say "It's okay, I'll go for a stroll with her, you have tons to do" and she replies with "I have nothing that needs to get done right now...you need to read your magazine and enjoy a cup of tea."
Thank goodness for Mums - Little Miss, I promise to do the same thing for you in 30 years.
xoxo
CaliAlly
Oh and did I mention there is no caffeine in this house?! KILL ME NOW! I'm down to one or two cups of caff coffee a day but I NEED them in the morning!
Anyhow, fast forward to Noon, I'm exhausted, de-caff, and have a clingy, needy almost-two-year old clung to my leg and I have no Daddy to pass her to, no playdate to attend, or little friends for her to play with...it's almost a recipe for disaster...
...until my Mum walks in, takes one look at me - still in pjs, exhausted and losing patience and says "Why don't I take her for a walk"...I say "It's okay, I'll go for a stroll with her, you have tons to do" and she replies with "I have nothing that needs to get done right now...you need to read your magazine and enjoy a cup of tea."
Thank goodness for Mums - Little Miss, I promise to do the same thing for you in 30 years.
xoxo
CaliAlly
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Hanging in Ottawa, eh?!
Well here we are...hanging out in the Nation's Capital...that is the Little Miss and I! Unfortunately hubby's visa extension never came in and so we find ourselves Daddy-less for 3 1/2 weeks! Yes almost a month. It will be killer on both of us, but oh can I tell you how excited I am to escape the "real world" for a while??
We flew in on Thursday and fortunately for both Little Miss and I, the flights were fairly uneventful. I tried everyone's suggestions - coloring books, DVD player and "shows" (as the Little Miss calls them), snacks, and really nothing pleased her but at least she wasn't crying or screaming. Instead I basically had the entire carry-on unpacked in our tiny space (Little Miss was a lap child)...I have no idea what we left behind - obviously nothing important (other than a little white sock, I think!)
Night 1, Little Miss went down around 1:30am after a midnight snack (literally) and she slept until I woke her at 10:30 am and I've been able to get her on routine! She's a bit cranky and clingy but otherwise all is good!
WAIT! Isn't this blog about Ally?!?! Oh right! Okay so I'm enjoying hanging out with my Mum, sister and aunt from UK (flew out for a few days just to meet Sadie - so fun), sleeping in as much as I can, reading books (will post lots of reviews I'm sure!) and enjoying many cups of decaf coffee and tea! YUM! Hung out with Poppa this morning and enjoyed riding around in a "borrowed" Jetta - what a great car...hmm, hubby, is it time for a new car, yet?
After breakfast out and a trip to Toys R Us, the Little Miss was DONE!
Okay this may be the most boring blog...but for my friends back in San Jose, it will serve as "checking in" and not writing a million emails ;)
Back to my book...stay tuned for a review...this one is flying :)
xo
CaliAlly
We flew in on Thursday and fortunately for both Little Miss and I, the flights were fairly uneventful. I tried everyone's suggestions - coloring books, DVD player and "shows" (as the Little Miss calls them), snacks, and really nothing pleased her but at least she wasn't crying or screaming. Instead I basically had the entire carry-on unpacked in our tiny space (Little Miss was a lap child)...I have no idea what we left behind - obviously nothing important (other than a little white sock, I think!)
Night 1, Little Miss went down around 1:30am after a midnight snack (literally) and she slept until I woke her at 10:30 am and I've been able to get her on routine! She's a bit cranky and clingy but otherwise all is good!
WAIT! Isn't this blog about Ally?!?! Oh right! Okay so I'm enjoying hanging out with my Mum, sister and aunt from UK (flew out for a few days just to meet Sadie - so fun), sleeping in as much as I can, reading books (will post lots of reviews I'm sure!) and enjoying many cups of decaf coffee and tea! YUM! Hung out with Poppa this morning and enjoyed riding around in a "borrowed" Jetta - what a great car...hmm, hubby, is it time for a new car, yet?
After breakfast out and a trip to Toys R Us, the Little Miss was DONE!
Okay this may be the most boring blog...but for my friends back in San Jose, it will serve as "checking in" and not writing a million emails ;)
Back to my book...stay tuned for a review...this one is flying :)
xo
CaliAlly
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Move from Hell!
Back online...but without a couch and tv :( They are both in the garage...why you ask?? Well the couch doesn't fit through the door and our tv is SO old-school it takes 4 bodybuilders to lift it...so the creation of the "Man Room" begins...or so hubby thinks! heh heh
Seriously, other than those two things and now living in chaos and being tired, the move did go well...it was quick and rather painless (says the one who didn't do much heavy lifting!!). I do however understand that when "they" say Moving is one of the biggest traumas a person goes through I believe it...Little Miss is all out of sorts, Diesel dog runs around whimpering because he cannot find a good place to chill out (dude, you and me both...where's our couch?!!?!) but it's building character...right?!?!
Oh and add to the mix, the Little Miss and I leave hubby next week for three weeks as we fly up to Canada...sorry hubs, guess you'll have lots to keep you busy though, right?? Oh and did I mention said flight is about 6 1/2 hours and I'm going to be doing it with an almost-2 year old on my lap?? Don't get me started!!!!!
Sorry for the negativity! But now that I've dumped it, I will get a cup of joe and start my day fresh...right after I trip over this damn drawer in the middle of the room...HUBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xo
CaliAlly
Seriously, other than those two things and now living in chaos and being tired, the move did go well...it was quick and rather painless (says the one who didn't do much heavy lifting!!). I do however understand that when "they" say Moving is one of the biggest traumas a person goes through I believe it...Little Miss is all out of sorts, Diesel dog runs around whimpering because he cannot find a good place to chill out (dude, you and me both...where's our couch?!!?!) but it's building character...right?!?!
Oh and add to the mix, the Little Miss and I leave hubby next week for three weeks as we fly up to Canada...sorry hubs, guess you'll have lots to keep you busy though, right?? Oh and did I mention said flight is about 6 1/2 hours and I'm going to be doing it with an almost-2 year old on my lap?? Don't get me started!!!!!
Sorry for the negativity! But now that I've dumped it, I will get a cup of joe and start my day fresh...right after I trip over this damn drawer in the middle of the room...HUBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xo
CaliAlly
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