Living – Page 2 – The Ginger Genie

8 “FUN” Things

April 5, 2015July 2, 2018 Vicki2 Comments

Continuing with “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin, she talks about “Finding Fun”. It got me thinking about what I find fun. I know how I feel when I am HAVING fun but I can’t say as I have ever consciously thought about what it is that I seek out when I go in pursuit of “HAVING FUN”. With intentional thought, I created this list of 8 things I find fun (as of March 2015 – it is ever-changing and evolving):

8. Crafting – I don’t like to make all crafts but I do particularly like to make cards or creative ways to give simple gifts. My mom is a crafter too and so it’s even better when the 2 of us can get together and share resources, ideas and time. A pot of tea is often a must-have for a good crafting session.

7. Travel Adventures – I love to visit new places near and far. Experiencing something for the first time is exhilarating. Sometimes you find something so wonderful that you put it on a list to come back to in order to experience it more thoroughly or differently another time.

6. Girls Night/Day – As a wife and mom, I’ve discovered the awesomeness of time spent with the girls. I live with all boys so sometimes it’s the estrogen factor. Just being in the company of other women is enough to just feel fun because it’s different. Sometimes, it’s just nice to have a conversation with another adult who is not my husband. I feel with my girlfriends I don’t even have to speak and they just get me without any explanation. I find it fun just to not have to work to be understood.

5. Board Games – Great memories of times spent with family revolve around board games. I love games. I thought at first it was the competition but when I thought about all the solitary games I loved to play I decided it was the challenge. Even better to work through challenges with teammates. Not only is the challenge good for the brain but there are usually lots of laughs which exercises the soul.

4. Social media – Social media blows my mind. I can’t believe how many connections you can make, relationships you can start and things you can learn by tapping into the vastness of social media. I am taking a Social Media Marketing program and the more I learn about it the more enthralled I become. I find the philosophies, possibilities and the speed of it, fascinating. Sometimes, I get caught between embracing it and fearing it for I think it can be powerful whether used for good or bad. Of course, I strive to use its power for good.

3. Genealogy – I compare it to treasure hunting. There is always a map in the form of your family tree and you never know what information or artifacts it will lead to. I have been known to spend a nice quiet day on a weekend, travelling to cemeteries to look for resting places of my ancestors. I’m sure if you are not interested in genealogy, that might sound boring or creepy but I know there are other genealogists out there that will agree that this is a super fun way to spend a day.

2. Outdoors – Spending time with Mother Nature is a wonderful “fun” thing. It can take on so many different shapes for me. Sometimes, it’s a hike through a conservation area with my boys, a boat ride on the lake in the summer or quietly resting on a river bank reading a book. I can’t forget camping, canoeing, fishing, swimming or bird watching. Just about anything that I can do that requires me being a part of the outdoors is what I would call “fun”. Although, I must admit, add rain to any of those and the “fun” factor is gone for me. I’d have to shift to sitting on the covered deck, especially during a brilliant thunder storm, with a glass of red wine.

Oscars, The Movies — Let’s Go to The Movies

1. Watching Movies – What can I say? I LOVE movies. I love going to the theatre to watch movies, or staying at home. I find it extra fun to stream a movie on the laptop and use a DVP to project the movie on to the wall so it’s like a theatre at home. The ULTIMATE in movie watching, is project the movie on to the side of the house on a beautiful summer’s eve and have a home version of a drive-in. No movie is complete without popcorn and a coke (in my opinion). I find movies fun to watch by myself and even more fun to watch with friends and family. One of my favourite events throughout the year is the Oscars. I try to watch as many of the Oscar-nominated films as I can each year to see how well I predict the winners.

What is it that you find fun? Actually, thinking about what you find fun can be fun. 🙂

Playoff Time for the Norwich Merchants – A Special Team

February 27, 2015July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

It’s hockey play-off time in Canada and it’s Friday night. You know what that means … (or maybe you don’t if you’re not from around these parts) there will be a hockey game somewhere to watch either live or on television. My family can be a stereotypical Southwestern Ontario family in that we love our hockey. And in our Oxford County community, our Merchants are in a “do-or-die” playoff situation tonight against New Hamburg.

The Merchants and I have a special relationship. At several points in my life’s journey, I have been connected to this Junior “C” hockey team. Here’s how:

1. As one of the few female ice resurfacing machine operators (The Olympia) in the Township of Norwich, I used to clean the ice for the Merchant games. This was one of my favourite jobs of all time. I loved waving at the kids in the crowd, being a part of the hockey experience and having the community all together in one place showing their community spirit. And just driving the machine itself felt very empowering. That’s a lot of machinery to be trusted to one small person. It was fantastic. Not-to-mention, it makes for some great interview ice breakers since this fact is on my resume.

2. I met the man I married working for the Township of Norwich at the Community Centre/Arena. In fact, he trained me to operate The Olympia for the prestigious Merchant games. I regret that I never got a picture of myself driving it. I do, however, have this picture with my husband and I on it. We were only dating at the time. #SickeningSweet

Myself and The Boyfriend (currently husband)

3. The Merchants trainer, Mark, was my boss while I worked at the Community Centre/Arena. He could tell you some scary stories about some of the mistakes I made learning to drive the Olympia. He’s part of the reason I’ve been able to move forward in my career. He must have told a few good lies as a reference, to a few of my employers along the way; to which I am very grateful. (front row, second from left)

4. My brother-in-law, Jason, was a former Assistant Coach for the Merchants. (in above: front row 3rd from right) Those were some exciting times to be cheering on the team with a relative on the bench. It became a regular night out for the family since my parents, my sister’s family and me and my family, would have a reason to go out together.

5. My nephew, Sawyer, was selected to be a “Mini-Merchant” for a game. This meant he got to put on the jersey, skate to the centre of the ice and hold the flag for the National Anthem. Another reason for the families to come together.

6. My son’s, Noah, and Sawyer’s rookie minor hockey team, got to play an exhibition game during an intermission for a Merchant game. This meant that they not only played, but, got to hang out with the “Big Boys” in their dressing room before they went out. They each felt very special to be buddied up with a Merchant of their own. My son even made sure he got a hat signed by all the players afterwards. He just took the hat for show-and-tell this week. He is still feeling very proud of those moments. Those guys made some significant impressions that night. I hope they know the magnitude of their influence. #SmallTownHeroes

The Big Bro's and Lil Bro's — The Big Bro’s and Lil Bro’s

As you can see, the Merchants show up in a few key spots of my life’s journey. So here’s a little shout out to this special team! #GoMerchantsGo!!

Being Vicki

February 7, 2015July 2, 2018 Vicki5 Comments

I love to read. One of the books that I have revisited is “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. I’m not that far into it but every word I have read has resonated with me and so I am engaged and inspired. I am currently reading the “March” chapter about aiming higher and on page 72 she mentions her 1st commandment, to “Be Gretchen” and went on to say that Erasmus observed “The chief happiness for a man is to be what he is”.

What am I? I believe it’s important to know what makes me happy, it’s a BIG part of what makes “me” me and what makes you happy makes “you” YOU. As I was pondering my “me”ness, it occurred to me, “That’s what my blog is about” because I had so much difficulty defining what this blog was going to be or be about. I wanted to create a blog as a therapeutic activity but also wanted to reach people. As I continue on my “blog journey” and my “Happiness Project”, I realize this is about “Being Me”, “Being Vicki”. It doesn’t matter if I don’t have a “niche” or that I’m not following “protocol”. It’s time for me to be “me”. To share what makes me happy, to provide inspiration for others who may relate, or may not, but just want to escape. I will share what I want, when I want and if you would like to check in on my journey, please do. If you don’t, that’s okay too. Or maybe you just want to be here one time, or two, and that’s it. Great!!!! Thanks for stopping by. If you like what I say or you don’t; wonderful! If you hate this and it’s not your cup of tea and choose to move along looking for something that brings happiness to you because this DOES NOT, awesome – you are discovering you or pursuing you and that is so amazing. But for me, I need to spell out what makes me happy because at the end of the day, I am the only person who I know completely and totally (or at least that’s what I’m figuring out). I know what I feel, what I like, what I want, what I hate, what makes me cry, what makes me quiver and so on… NO ONE ELSE. I need to BE VICKI!

Being Vicki…

I am…(and this won’t be all one post because as humans, we grow, we change, we have new experiences. For today, this is a start…)

a ginger
born, raised and live in Southwestern Ontario
crazy about my 2 sons!
an advocate for ADHD – someone very close to me is ADHD and he needs a lot of advocacy
married to a great husband who drives me crazy most of the time: either crazy in love or just plain “CRAZY”
one diagnosed with the Mood Disorder of Depression
a believer that life should be full of “memories” not necessarily “things” although sometimes “things” can lead to great “memories”

This is just the beginning. What makes you, You?

Great Canadian Backyard Skating

January 11, 2015July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

Many of you reading this post are Canadian (based on site stats). Skating and many other winter sports are familiar to you. When I mention skating on the backyard rink, the majority of you fellow Canucks will smile and nod as you remember times growing up spending countless hours outside in the bitter cold, skating around a pond or homemade rink, playing hockey or just perfecting your triple salchow.

Some of you though, will explore this post with wonder. “Skating?” you might think, “On your own backyard rink? That’s interesting. I can imagine it though. You put on skates, get dressed in your warm attire and skate”.

Not that easy I’m afraid. Did you know there is a whole, “behind-the-scenes” world that happens before you even think about hitting that ice?

First, you must put on the long underwear. On its own, it’s amazing. It is form-fitting, soft, warm and comfortable. Then, you have to add the outerwear; usually jeans but maybe sweats. With this addition, you may feel a bit stiff but still ready to go. You should have an undershirt, T-shirt and sweatshirt on by this point and feeling very warm. Now you can head for the door because you are ready for the outside gear. Put on the snow pants and winter coat. This is where the feeling of claustrophobia sets in and you might feel like Gingy from Shrek with no hope of bending limbs in order to move with any kind of grace. With the understanding of the Canadian winter, you cannot leave the house without a hat and perhaps facial gear if it’s a particularly cold day with temperatures lower than -10. Gloves or mittens are necessary for the hands or you will most likely lose feeling to the digits within minutes. After all this, you may be inclined to shout “YES” because you have equipped yourself with the paraphernalia necessary for conquering the Canadian winter. You grab the doorknob with both mitten-clad hands and with all your strength you manage to turn and release it so that the door opens to the magnificent, jewel-sparkled, refreshing, white outdoors. “Canadian ice, here I come”, you think. But before you take the first step past the threshold you realize, “Dang it! I haven’t got my skates on”.

This is where the real work begins. Skates typically come with freakishly long laces that criss-cross, then cross and criss-cross again about a thousand times. This means you have to pull each criss-cross loose to release the tongue in order to fit your sock-swollen foot into the boot of the skate. Keep in mind, unless you have skate guards over the blades, you cannot just put your skate-clad foot on to any surface for risk of cutting through the floor if it’s hardwood or laminate, or dulling the blades if it’s concrete or asphalt. You must choose an appropriate surface or have a towel/mat to put down to protect both blades and surface-material.

Don't Forget the Skates — Don’t Forget the Skates

Don’t forget you are bulked up beyond belief to combat the low outdoor temperatures so bending over to do all this lace-up work is next to impossible. Sometimes, you have to bring in reinforcements to help with the job.

Help! I can't get my skates on! — Help! I can’t get my skates on!

When that’s all done though, you are pretty much ready.

Grab your hat, balaclava, scarf, mitts and anything else you need to ensure defence against the elements. Again, if you don’t have skate guards you’ll need a path of mats, towels, cardboard or other “safe” material to get to the rink but you’re ready for the fun. The only thing to worry about once you hit the ice is staying upright. ENJOY!

2014 in review

January 1, 2015July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 990 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 17 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

5 New Years Resolutions to Look Forward to

December 31, 2014July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

With 2015 so close, I have, again, made a list of things that I want to achieve in the upcoming year. I have a list of bucket-list items that keeps growing because I haven’t checked off many items. It is seriously time to start doing stuff instead of thinking about it.

1. Become more spiritual. As I get older I have found that connecting with The Bigger Picture (whatever that may be for you) has become very important. I’ve found Yoga and Meditating to be helpful in making this connection and creating a more meaningful life.

2. Make healthier choices. Eating healthier and exercising always makes it to the New Year’s resolution list each year. I do well with it in spits and spurts but can’t seem to maintain consistency. With Pinterest and Blogs available at my finger tips that offer helpful ideas instantaneously, I am hopeful to make the most of this resolution this year.

3. Blog. Since I began blogging seriously only a few short months ago, I have found it to be supremely therapeutic and rewarding. Stories, thoughts and ideas that were once trapped in my mind and lost daily, now have a venue to get out into formed thoughts and shared with the universe. Amazingly, many have commented and reached out to let me know my thoughts have resonated with them. Incredible for the mental wellness. More blogging is on the roster for 2015.

4. Save for travels. I have places I want to go and people I want to see. And I want to show the world to my kids and my husband. I’m tired of talking and dreaming about it. It is time to put funds away to start doing this. And I’m not talking about the all-inclusive Caribbean vacations. I want to take my kids to various locations throughout Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. I want to explore our past and our present and set sites for our future.

5. Start a Family History book. My family history is rich with amazing stories and tales that I’ve discovered since I began researching it several years ago. I have a lot of branches and a lot of knowledge that needs to be compiled into something concrete that I can start to pass on to others who may be interested.

Only a few ideas but some things that I want to take seriously and spend some intentional effort on this year. I’ll be exploring others ideas also. Please leave some comments on thoughts or ideas that you might have for 2015. Happy New Year!

DIY “Rum and Coke” Co-Worker Gifts

December 19, 2014July 2, 2018 Vicki2 Comments

As a busy, full-time working mom, quick, easy and inexpensive are standards for me. I had to come up with something for my team of 13 at work and I didn’t have time to whip up the beautiful DIY body sugar rub that I had planned to make since last Christmas. Instead, I went to the liquor store and cleaned them out of mini rum bottles, picked up a case of coke, some festive gift bags and headed home. (Keep in mind, I also had teacher gifts, 2 class card sets for each of my boys and lunch items to pick up that night too – did I mention that “quick” and “easy” were “MUST HAVES” for my co-worker Christmas project)

kraken and coke

I had planned to beautifully tie each little liquor bottle to the pop can but I’m just not that crafty and I didn’t have that kind of time to invest. Instead, I tied a little ribbon on each bottle. Then, I stuffed them each into one of the festive bags with a tuft of tissue paper and Voila:

Rum and Coke for Christmas! (For the non-alcohol consumers, I doubled up on the Cokes)

christmas gifts

My 7 Mental Wellness Practices

December 5, 2014July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

Living life to the fullest is my challenge everyday. As I mentioned in a previous post, I refuse to use the term “suffering with depression” or “battling depression” or just plain using the word “depression”. Just the term in itself plants a dark seed within my soul and I feel it start to fester and fight to spread its roots. But flipping it around and challenging myself to live an amazing, satisfying and meaningful life is the way I choose to view it. I am not a psychologist, psychiatrist, doctor or anyone affiliated with medicine so I do not propose anything research-based or proven effectiveness but I do say these are ideas that have worked for me. I am always tweaking, detouring and searching for new things that help me to live a fulfilling life. This will not be the last post on this subject, I promise, as it is an everyday reality for me. But for now… these are some things that contribute to my love for life:

1. Meet with friends. I make myself do it. It’s not that I don’t want to meet with friends, I just find I get caught up in the everyday stuff like laundry and cleaning the toilet. Then, before I know it, the day is gone and I have nothing memory-worthy to show for it. I always feel better when I spend time with friends. They offer me support, love and some good laughs. Great for the mood!

2. Attitude of Gratitude. Every morning or night, I think of 5 things I’m grateful for and I thank God, or the universe, for bringing those things, people or experiences into my life. Sometimes, if it’s been a particularly rough day, I will remember that water flows freely from my tap or that I travel to work in my own car. Regardless, every day, I can find at least 5 things to be thankful for.

3. Yoga. Love, love, love yoga. It’s exercise, relaxation and spirituality all rolled into one; great for the soul. I have tried to get into the gym routine because I know how important exercise is to my mental health and well-being. The truth is, I HATE IT! I feel like I’m torturing myself. Yoga makes me feel like I’m rewarding myself. As my instructor says, it’s a gentle coaxing of the body as opposed to assertive pushing. And the best part, at the end, there is at least 10 minutes of lying still and quiet. You don’t have to feel guilty for stealing a few minutes to yourself because it is a requirement of the practice. It’s wonderful and the benefits are plenty.

4. Blog. This has been hugely therapeutic for me. I’m a big journaller – it helps me get my thoughts out – good or bad. Blogging allows me to get the good thoughts out in an organized manner. It keeps me focused and it gives me the added benefit of maybe helping others.

5. Read. I have acquired a collection of different books over the years that I keep by my bed for when I’m settling down for the night. I will pick up different ones depending on my mood. Some nights, I will read from my fiction novels (right now I’m working on Outlander by Diana Gabaldon), other nights I might read from “The Happiness Project” by Gretchin Rubin and still others I might tackle some spiritual reads. Reading lets me escape or become inspired. A fabulous book that I’ve had by my bed for years is “Simple Abundance” by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It has an affirmation for everyday of the year to help keep your mental wellness in check.

6. Cry. Sounds counter-productive right? Sometimes, I just want a good cry … alone. I don’t want sympathy, or an audience or drama. I just want to lock the bathroom door, have a warm bubble bath and just cry in the tub. I find it cathartic and I usually feel better after. Sometimes, I’m not even sad, I might be touched or just feeling overwhelmed and I just want to feel those emotions wholeheartedly without being judged.

7. Listen To Classical music. Some of you may be thinking “ugh – that makes it worse”. I found switching the radio from my usual “hit” music to something slower, clearer and subtler, helps to calm my mind (maybe not something like the William Tell Overture). It makes me feel smarter too. That’s probably psychological but if it aids in self esteem boosting, I say, do it.

Outlander Obsession

November 3, 2014July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

When the series, Outlander, which aired on Showcase earlier this fall, ended for the “mid-season” a couple of weeks ago, I was sad. Each week, I would escape through my own “Craigh Na Dun” (the stairway down to my television) into 1743 and became a part of the world Diana Gabaldon created for Clair. I felt such a connection to the story. As an avid genealogical enthusiast who just uncovered a significant Scottish branch on my family tree, I became instantly involved in the story. I chuckled to myself when Clair revealed Frank’s interest in his own family history for I could completely relate. Clair, Frank, Dougal and (of course) Jamie, became a part of my life for an hour and a half each week. As their adventure unfolded, I was with them, questioning, exploring, experiencing and trying to make sense of it all. It was a grand escape to the Highlands; one that I soon came to anticipate with great longing each week until … IT ENDED! Placed on hiatus for 6 MONTHS!

What was I going to do? I couldn’t leave the thought of Clair’s demise alone. Panic set in. Separation anxiety. And then it came to me, so clear. A sign. In bold red letters in the bookstore I was browsing through. “Any two books from the Outlander Series – Limited Time – $15”. Of course – that was the answer. Read the books. I wouldn’t have to wait. In fact, I could become completely immersed in detail that I wouldn’t have seen on the small screen. I could read as much as I wanted, when I wanted for as long as I wanted. It was the perfect solution. I purchased the first 2 books, went to Starbucks for my favourite bistro box, grande blonde roast coffee and put the first crease in my very own Outlander. It felt so good to go back.

My Husband’s Beer-of-the-Month

November 2, 2014July 2, 2018 Vicki4 Comments

I was so excited. I got my husband a membership to a beer-of-the-month club with AmazingClubs.ca, for his birthday. The first delivery arrived this week. I think I was more excited than him. For the next 6 months, a package of 12 specially selected craft beers from across Canada will arrive on our doorstep.

When I brought the box inside it was just a box. Nothing exciting or identifying about it.

Open it up though …

and SURPRISE!!! A box full of beer.

For this month we received (look at me saying “we” as though I should include myself in this gift of my husband’s – you’d think I got the gift for me …) 4 Pissed Off Pete’s Pumpkin Porter by Nickel Brook Brewery out of Burlington, ON, 4 Farmhouse Blonde Ales by MacLean’s Ales of Hanover, ON and 4 Pumpkin 3.14 (get it … 3.14 is pi … Pumpkin “Pi” – pretty witty if you ask me) by Taps Brewery in Niagara Falls. My husband was worried about the percentage of “pumpkin” branded items in his first installment. He is not a fan of the pumpkin. I, on the other hand, was very pleased. I love pumpkin and I love beer and I thought this first month’s collection was going to serve me just fine since I figured the hubby would abandon the pumpkin beers.

The First Month's Collection of our Amazing Clubs Beer-of-the-Month — The First Month’s Collection of our Amazing Clubs Beer-of-the-Month

He was up for trying his pumpkin samples and thank goodness he’s a generous type, he was happy to share too. My first sample was the Taps Pumpkin 3.14. It was smooth and crisp with a hint of pumpkin. I must say, I was a bit concerned that the pumpkin might overpower the beer but I thought it was a perfect complement. I was pleased.

Up next, I went for Nickel Brook’s Pumpkin Porter. I LOVED it! I am a fan of the thick and hearty stouts and porters and this did not disappoint. I could taste chocolate through the thick brew and assured my husband that the pumpkin brews would not go to waste should he not wish to consume them.

Finally, the next night, we both tried the final beer, the Blonde Maclean’s Ale. Refreshing and familiar I would say. It was a lighter taste and one I think my husband found more enjoyable. I would say it reminded me more of the standard brew taste of something like Coors Light. A great beer to offer the more traditional beer drinker.

For me, the thrill of being surprised by different brands of beer each month, was worth the membership in itself … and I wasn’t even the recipient. And I was definitely not disappointed in the brands that were provided. I can’t wait to see what next month brings.

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