Life ¤ Love ¤ Laughter ¤ Linds

I am a firm believer in routines, schedules, to-do lists, plans, and organization.  It keeps me sane and helps me manage my natural chaos.  I feel like those who have creative bents tend to need structure to be productive in tasks that might otherwise seem mundane.  Who wants to fold laundry when there's a book of beautiful words to get lost in?  Who wants to make a grocery list when there's paint to apply to a canvas?  I haven't given this much thoughtful study, so perhaps it's just me - but I know in my own personal experience, I stress less when I have a system in place. Those lists and routines keep me going.  I tend to have so much running in and out and through my mind at any given moment that a pen to paper approach (or finger to keyboard) help me stay on track.   I've discussed my need for meal plans ad nauseam  (or to the point that it may make you wish to vomit - that's not dramatic at all.)  However, there are times when ...

When it comes to cooking, I have a love/hate thing happening.  You've probably already figured that out If you've read previous posts. If you asked me if I enjoy it, tonight's answer would be that I absolutely love it.  If you ask me tomorrow, my answer might be a vehement no. As I've said over and over, meal planning (or at least a basic framework) is extremely helpful for me, but that doesn't necessarily translate to enjoyable.  What I have recognized the last few days is that when I know the food will be appreciated, truly savoured and even critiqued with care, that the preparation process is a bit happier.  Having fresh and versatile ingredients on hand is key.  I've determined that I enjoy spending time in the kitchen when I don't see the chaos of the rest of the house and dishes aren't piled up in the sink.  I also seem to enjoy it more when I allow myself time to just create. Quick meals are handy and wonderful, but give me a day when I have en...

The weeks I write out a meal plan and grocery list are the weeks I actually stay in a budget of sorts and don't go mad when the dinner hour strikes.  I do meal plan most weeks, but the secret to this being successful for me is having an emergency meal or two on hand (something quick like grilled cheese or something frozen.) I've also started to include the boys in the decision making (and occasionally the prep depending on my mood.) I've also learned through trial and error that including classic, no-think meals is better than looking at my Pinterest boards and thinking I'm Martha Stewart. Looking at the events of my week is also a big plus for being successful. There is a time for experimenting with something new, but if I'm having a week when I'd rather grab takeout than cook, all the meal planning in the world isn't going to help me.  I need easy, peasy, no fuss ideas... and I need to remember to thaw my meat. I know it's only Wednesday, bu...

We are embarking on the next phase in our parenting journey... our oldest son is thirteen years old tomorrow!  At 6:09 a.m. on October 13, 2005, we welcomed our ridiculously large child into our arms - we could almost say his enormous size was indicative of how much our hearts expanded in love.  At 38 weeks, measuring 11lbs, 7oz weight, 24.8 inches in length, and a head circumference of 14.9 inches, we were grateful for a c-section (post delivery.)  Kaleb's delivery story began with an unexpected visit to the Labour & Delivery ward after a sudden drop in blood sugar and extreme nausea in Mom the day before his birth.  This was one of the warning signs we were asked to watch for in our high risk pregnancy towards the end of term.   Tests were ordered, I was examined, and we proceeded with our scheduled BPP.  Fortunately, our actual Ob-Gyn was on call that day and he stuck around for much longer than most doctors would to ensure he was on hand...

Today I was part of a group that directs fundraising dollars towards different community projects.  Three organizations are nominated, presented to the group, and then we vote and the majority vote receives the fund.  Three times a year we gather to make a difference.  This is community. It's laughter. It's tears. It's support in so many ways. Our local youth drop in program (a program I also happen to have been a part of since its inception) was the fortunate recipient of tonight's generosity. I am part of a community that understands the next generation is our future.  That understands the generation needs a reason to hope.  The next generation needs to know they are worth the investment.  So we give our time.  We give our money.  We give our attention.  We feed the body.  We encourage the soul. We build the future. One life at a time. So many times we forget about the untapped potential and amazing gift that has been given to u...

"Last 90 days..."  "Final quarter" "How will you end the year?" Anyone else finding little reminders that 2018 is very quickly coming to a close?  I'm seeing social media challenges, blog posts, videos and more about the last few months of the year with an emphasis on finishing up strong before jumping in new. I'm climbing up on the bandwagon. This month, this quarter, I'd like to continue with my self-care, self-development, family-strengthening goals.  I want to live intentionally, carving out time for certain things like rest, creativity, and evaluating paths & purpose. For October, with Canadian Thanksgiving approaching, a child about to celebrate his 13th birthday (how did that happen????), and multiple family occasions upon us, I will focus on being thankful. I will spend time each day with a pen & journal to jot down the small things I can appreciate, rather than focusing on my exasperation as life seems to be tumbling ...

I don't think I have discoursed much using this platform in regards to my health.  When I was 6 or 7 years old, (I honestly don't remember how long ago it was!)  I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.  It is a disease that has gotten the best of me at times and there are times when I have willfully pretended that it has not affected me at all.   (Ahem... I'm looking at those teenage years - I survived by the grace of God!) In the last 30ish years, myths and management around the disease have changed. There are a few *things* that drive me (and any other number of individuals with Type 1) crazy!  Most of them are actually recapped really well in this post on Everyday Health >  9 Things People With Type 1 Diabetes Wish You Knew There are a lot of factors involved in management and we've come a long way since the 80s, baby.  Banting & Best are two names that will forever hold a place of gratitude in my heart... and despite my frequent compl...