Life is change!

Change after 53 Years.........

Imagine living in the same house for 53 years. For an 82 year old thats more than half his life. In today’s world most people will move approximately 10 times in their lives. For my dad move number 2 is the last move he’ll do....according to him!

After 53 years of the coffee pot being in the same spot, your shirts in the same closet and the ticking noise of the old kitchen clock are gone.

Would the change be hard? Would you be totally lost? Would you find everything you needed?

The answer for my dad was YES to all above. The move was hard for the first few days.  Why? Because patterns become so engrained it is hard to slowly dig new paths in your brain for the new patterns to flourish. It takes time, but learning new routines, hearing new noises and changing the closet arrangement is refreshing, renewing and as my dad put it, I feel alive again!

Change can be difficult or easy. It depends on how you approach it. We fear the unknown of change, whats on the other side but until we walk there, we don’t know how great it can feel.

So even though my dad has had a lot of changes in the past year, he has embraced them. Things are so different for him, yet you walk into his apartment and look around, so much has remained the same!

Summer fun...

The beginning of summer, temperatures weren’t great but by the time Neil and I were on summer holidays the temperatures were into the high 20’s and 30’s for 3 weeks  straight.

Couldn’t have asked for warmer temperatures at the end of August and beginning of September. We tried to take advantage of the heat with lazy days on the beach at Gimli, relaxing on our deck with a good book, lots of morning bike rides and afternoon naps, 

Packed up dad and moved him to his apartment, lunches at new restaurants, mini high school reunion and dinner parties. Summer vacation was a welcome and perfect break from the yearly routine we got ourself into.

Yesterday was a Johnston family picnic in the park, a beautiful sunny day and best way to end off the summer!

xo

FOURE

A few weeks ago, my husband and I decided to trek over to the golf dome and hit some balls, take in a mini golf game and hang out watching the hackers and smackers and some really good golfers.

I asked my dad if he wanted to go with us and let him know we were bringing a few clubs too as I was dying to see if my back would take the twisting motion. He thought it would be a good idea if he tried too. He enjoyed the drive to the golf dome, noticing the new buildings and amount of traffic. It was a Saturday afternoon, but to him it was just another day.

We pulled up and decided to leave our clubs in the car while we scouted out the place and practiced our putting. My dad was nervous, so I pointed out the washrooms upon entering just to be on the safe side (hey he is 81 and nervous). We entered, payed for our game, picked our color of ball and started playing. 

My dad did pretty well. Of course there is no real talent needed on the putting course as my husband found out, scoring not one but two hole in ones! The putting eased my dad back into a place he used to frequent often and enjoyed the challenge and chatter of the old guys afterwards.

My husband ran back to the car and grabbed our clubs as dad and I made our way to the hitting area. We all stretched and twisted with our clubs and took a few practice swings. My husband and I hit a few balls first then my dad stepped up placed a ball on the tee and proceeded to tell us he was going to take it easy.

After the first swing connected on a 200yd straight hit, there was no stopping my dad. I didn’t see his face as I was still staring at his hit, jaw dropped as this guy just hit his first tee shot in 4 years with ease. My husband said the smile on my dads face, holding back tears of joy were priceless. 

Just like riding a bike, says dad. Sometimes you have to just keep remembering how fun the ride was and take that risk to get back on! One more experience that was so good for my body, mind and soul!

All Sides of Spring

The upside, downside, right side and wrong side, all sides are showing, it only depends on how you see it.

Spring is in the area, temperatures still cool, snow almost gone. Babies being born, lots of new bunnies too, new relationships forming, springtime is love, tree buds are starting to show their side.

My husband said he feels a transition, an awakening, feels in limbo until his next move. Spring of energy and its hard to harness. Running more to keep it in check.

My dad is cleaning and packing and can’t wait to move. His defiance of old, one more spring to show.

Me, I feel calm and at peace. Much more right now than in a long time. Spring brings new hope, new dreams, new intentions. Slowly warming to new ways of old. Smiling at coworkers, we’ve uncovered the next, whatever it looks like is still a long spring away.

Whatever your spring feels and looks like, its right for this time. if you want change, know why, be wise, seek thought, focus and act because..................

Summer is just around the corner.

Ask the Expert?

Have you seen the commercials “ask the expert” where someone really messes up a home project? I’m sure the commercial is way more funnier than that of my life but there are times........

So last weekend my husband and I decided to replace the old bifold closest doors in our bedroom with modern, mirrored, sliding glass doors. Now this wasn’t a spur of the moment idea, as we had talked about making this change for years. I think 12 years to be exact. The bifold doors opened up into the room and took up so much space the matching night stands to our bed couldn’t be used and the small closet bifold when opened blocked the entrance door to the room.  Yup so finally we were going to make a change.

With measurements in hand Neil and I trudge down to Rona in the middle of a February snow storm to get our doors. Yes I know its already April! As I was saying with measurements in hand we pick out the doors we both agreed on, well compromised on. But they are nice and sound easy to install, thats the key right. 

So as we hunt for the doors we realize the size we need is not on the floor. We ask the clerk, who checks the computer, goes to a back room then comes back and says they are out of that size, they would order them for us. 

Well why not, we’ve waited 12 years whats 6-8 weeks longer going to do. So the clerk fills out the necessary 45 copies of whatever ordering slip he needs and we pay in full of course and will now wait patiently for our doors.

Two weeks ago we pick up a phone message that our doors were in, Yippee!!! 12 years and 8 weeks later we are getting new closet doors. So last weekend bright and early Saturday morning we rip out the old doors, well it was like unclick them and angle them out and unscrew the old tracks, but RIP them out sounds soooo much more weekend reno warrior like! Besides we had on old clothes, Neil had his tool belt on, my hair tired back, CSA approved shoes on and ready. Maybe the title should have been Nerd and Nerdier?

It took all of ten minutes to RIP out the old doors, sand down the frames and prep them for primer. With the coat of primer on both closet door frames we’re ready to unwrap the new doors.

Neil is standing in the larger closet opening and says, this isn’t going to work. What’s not going to work I ask. The way the sliding doors sit on the track we won’t be able to open the drawers to the old built in closet unit. Oh crap!!! Well we always said one day we’d put a new closet storage system in the large closet. I guess this is the time!

With a few good whacks with a hammer, the original closet organizer is history. Yeah new closet doors and a new organizer! So off to Ikea we go and left Ikea empty handed, yes people actually looked at us because we weren’t buying anything! Try exiting Ikea without paying for anything! Go ahead try!

So back to good old Rona, where we found all the components to a new closet system that looked good, was functional and we weren’t taking out a 2nd mortgage to buy it. Of course by this time its lunch and coffee time so since we’re out.....

Finally back home. Now the old closet system is gone, but the wall behind the system was never painted. So back to the primer on the wall, the first coat of paint on the door frames and both of us sitting on the bed looking at the hole in the flooring where the old unit sat. 

Hmmmm well I guess we’ll just have to cut extra pieces of flooring and place them in the hole. Well if we had extra flooring pieces to fill the hole that would have been a good idea. So Neil cuts mdf to fit the hole and I pull out the primer one more time, wait an hour and paint the wood to sort of match the floor color, if you close one eye and stand more than 3 feet away with the lights off. Yup it kinda matches.

No more work for today, time to shower, eat and head off to a par-tay! There is always Sunday to finish. 

Sunday morning we sleep in, have a nice breakfast, fresh ground coffee and catch up on the news. I do manage to get a second coat of paint on the closet wall and floor before our noon hour yoga class. Boy we could really use a good stretch. Out for lunch then back home to start assembling the new closest system.

Without giving all the details of putting the IKEA like furniture together, cutting the new hanger bar to make it fit and wondering what the extra screws were for, it was 9:30pm and a new closet organizer was built and installed, the wall in the closet painted, the hole in the floor fixed and painted and the door frames almost finished.

Okay the closet doors, well they never left the box! Maybe when Neil and I said weekend reno warriors we should have added, “one weekend may not be suitable for the Johnston reno projects”.

The good news as of today, Thursday, all painting is done, the closet doors installed, baskets bought for the closet system, all clothes returned to the closet and the weekend reno warriors learned a lot. We didn’t swear or get mad when we realized all of the faux pas. We laughed and teased each other and shopped and shared food all during the project. When done with love any project can be good for the body, mind and soul. 

Hmmm what to tackle next weekend?

ps--- when you take the wrapping off new doors and there is a little package of screws attached to the wrapping, its not a good idea to throw them out, cause it could take you about 20 minutes to find them................. 

With peace, love and lots of luck of your next reno project;

Cathy and Neil

Moving On....

Last Thursday I took my dad to a seniors assisted living apartment complex to check out what he thought of the place. My dad is still living in the same house that he and my mom bought in 1960.  The house isn’t that big and I still wonder how 7 people managed to live together under one roof. 

My dad has a lot of memories from that house but its time to move on. Of course the decision to move out of the house had to be my dads. We knew when he was ready he would let us know and boy he let us know loud and clear. He is ready to sell and start a new adventure!

Hence the journey begins, helping my dad find a new place. He wanted to stay in the general area of the city that he knows very well. That comfort level of being near “his” bank, grocery store and shopping center is so important. 

So off to Dakota House we went.  From the moment we walked in the door (after I figured out how the intercom system worked doh!) my dad felt a wave of comfort.

The lady we met with and toured us around was informative, friendly and said all the right things! The dining room was huge, menu looked delicious and the special touches around the amenities and taking care of the owners and guests needs were terrific.

The multi purpose room was in use as a local high school drama club practiced their play to a very appreciative audience. The social calendar was filled with trips and events that made me exhausted just looking at it.

The apartments were a perfect size with all the amenities my dad would ever need. The front desk staff offered a few more tidbits, the solariums at the end of the halls filled with exercise equipment or puzzles or books or just a place to sit and reflect were perfect!

I have to admit I’m not used to being around so many seniors at one time, I was having a seniors overload! My dad, well he was in his glory. He said he felt like the place had a hotel atmosphere, loved all the social aspects and couldn’t wait to put his name on the waiting list. So we did!

My dad does want to look at another place he is familiar with so this week we take another trip to check out a second option, but if Dakota House called next week with a vacancy my dad would jump at it! 

When I called my dad last night to chat and ask what he was doing, he told me cleaning up. After all you never know when he might get that call to move. So the sorting, giving away, throwing out, cleaning getting the house ready to sell has begun. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen my dad so excited about something. He is like a kid waiting for Santa. 

One thing is for sure, the anticipation of moving, leaving the past and walking into the unknown future has awakened his body, mind and soul! 

Let the next chapter begin! 

A Long Winter.......

....and it doesn't seem to have an end in sight yet. A winter storm watch is on for Winnipeg as of today.

Everywhere you turn someone is still sick, hospitals closing wards asking visitors to stay home, coughing, sneezing, sore throats and headaches. And then there is the Norwalk type virus’ making there way around the workplaces, or all inclusive resorts as my sister found out recently. These outbreaks seem to be more often and clinging on longer this winter in Winnipeg. With the temperatures still around minus 20 celsius peeps are hanging around indoors longer this year, hence the increase in the spread of germs.

And whats the best way to prevent the spread of bacteria? hand washing, hand washing and more hand washing. Properly washing that is, not the quick under the tap rinse but an A-Z scrubbing of those digits.

A couple of the other things you can do is get enough sleep and reduce stress levels. When your body’s immune system is already compromised, then has to fight off a bug, lookout!

Weak immune function, including susceptibility to colds and other infections, can  be a  sign of vitamin C deficiency. 

My respiratory therapist husband explained that since the lining of our respiratory tract also depends heavily on vitamin C for protection, respiratory infection and other lung-related conditions can also be symptomatic of vitamin C deficiency.

So even though hand washing is your best defense against virus’s, enhancing your body’s immune system is a good offense.

Thank you to www.healthaliciousness.com Here is a list of foods loaded with vitamin C.

#1: Red and Green Hot Chili Peppers

An excellent way to spice up soups, curries, and sauces, green chillies provide the most vitamin C than any other food with 242.5mg (404% DV) per 100 gram serving, 181.88mg (303% DV) in a half cup chopped, and 109.13mg (182% DV) in a single green chili pepper. Red chillies provide 144mg (240% DV) of vitamin C per 100g serving, 108mg (180% DV) per half cup chopped, and 65mg (108% DV) per pepper. 

#2: Guavas

 Depending on variety, guavas can provide as much as 228mg (381% DV) of vitamin C per 100g serving, 377mg (628% DV) per cup, and 126mg (209% DV) per fruit.

#3: Bell Peppers

 

A staple of pasta sauce and pizza the sweet bell pepper packs a high vitamin C punch. The amount of vitamin C depends on color. Yellow peppers provide the most vitamin C with 184mg (206% DV) per 100 gram serving, 341mg (569% DV) per pepper, and 95mg (159% DV) in 10 sliced strips. Green peppers provide the least vitamin C with 132mg (220% DV) per pepper. 

#4: Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Parsley)

Fresh and dried herbs are packed with vitamins and health benefits, they can be used in almost any soup, stew, or as the main ingredient to a salad like tabouleh. Thyme provides the most vitamin C of any herb with 160mg (267% DV) per 100 gram serving, 1.6mg (3% DV) in a single teaspoon. Parsley provides 133mg (222% DV) per 100 gram serving, 79mg (133% DV) per cup, 5mg (9% DV) per tablespoon, 13.3mg (22% DV) in 10 sprigs. 

#5: Dark Leafy Greens (Kale, Mustard Greens, Garden Cress)

Dark leafy greens are more than just a source of calcium, and are packed with other vitamins including vitamin C. Raw kale provides the most vitamin C with 120mg (200% DV) per 100 gram serving, 80mg (134% DV) per cup chopped. It is followed by mustard greens which provide 70mg (117% DV) per 100 gram serving, and 29mg (65% DV) per cup chopped. Garden cress provides 69mg (115% DV) per 100 gram serving, or 35mg (58% DV) per cup. 

#6: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts

Broccoli provides 89mg (149% DV) of vitamin C in a 100g serving, 81mg (135% DV) per cup chopped, 28mg (46% DV) per piece. Raw cauliflower provides much less with 46mg (77% DV) per cup, raw brussles sprouts provide 75mg (125% DV) per cup, 16mg (27% DV) per sprout.

#7: Kiwi Fruits (Chinese Gooseberries)

Kiwi fruits are tart as well as decorative, they make a great addition to any fruit salad or dessert. A 100g serving will provide 93mg (155% DV) of vitamin C, that is 164 mg (273% DV) per cup, 84mg (141% DV) per fruit.

#8: Papayas (aka: Lechoza, Mamão, Pawpaw)

In addition to vitamin C, papaya is also a great source of vitamin A and folate (vitamin B9). Papaya provides 62mg (103% DV) per 100 gram serving, that is 87mg (144% DV) per cup cubed, and 188mg (313% DV) in a medium sized papaya.

#9: Oranges and Clementines (Tangerines)

Oranges, citrus fruits, and their zest (the shavings of their peel) are all high in vitamin C. Oranges provide 59mg (99% DV) per 100 gram serving, 98mg (163% DV) per cup, and 83mg (138% DV) per orange. Clementines, or tangerines, provide 49mg (81% DV) per 100 gram serving, or 36mg (60% DV) per fruit.

#10: Strawberries

Strawberries are delicious and make a great addition to desserts or drinks. Strawberries provide 59mg (98% DV) per 100 gram serving, 98mg (163 % DV) per cup slices, and 11mg (18% DV) in a single large strawberry.

Read more at http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/vitamin-C.php#BlvutUYSo2rQvPJw.99 

So to help me be stronger in body, mind and soul, I try to have a balanced life that includes  proper nutrition- including a ton of vitamin C! 

Shades of 50

Shades of 50

Feeling good, happy, contented, warm and secure.

47 not so happy, 48 a year of change, 49 ups and downs but back up and healthy, pain free and happy.

50 in two!! No struggle, no fear. Welcome and come on in.

The tea is brewing, books on the table, good friends and family close by.

Moving in the right direction on the journey, goals in mind, forever learning, taking action, no judgement. Aiming high, see the goal, set new goals. Set intentions, make plans.

Bucket list, vision board make me smile. Life is precious, changing fast. Never regret, never get the moment back. Let go, no ropes holding you back. Climb on.

50 this week, exercise always, love, laugh. Lift weights, eat clean, stay healthy. 

Mind, body and spirit. I feel the energy, feel the love, only me sitting quietly. Strong, soft, feel deeply, see brightly. 

Celebrate life, new and old. Be change. Choices only I can make. Celebrate me, celebrate 50.

Don’t know what it means, how to act, what to feel, doesn’t matter. No rules.

Me as I am.  

50

Welcome

Come with me, 

A Caribbean beach

Watching the sunset on 49.

Me

50

Love it.

Full Throttle

When I was young playing on my backyard swing set  or skating on the backyard rink my dad made I never played slowly. The swing set wasn't just a swing set but a jungle gym. My speed was fast or faster. I loved swinging as high as I could , hanging upside down or skating as fast as I could.

Feeling the breeze in my hair or the cold crisp air on skates was fun. I loved being outdoors and I loved movement. As a kid I never thought about hurting myself, about helmets or padding. You just did. 

Even as I get older the adventurous side of me still burns. I’ve just had to learn to recover and heal before the next adventure, and I’ve had to learn to throttle down the activity a bit otherwise too much time is needed for the knees to recoup before the next whatever.

So I’ve had to give up a bit of speed, a bit of intensity for more consistency. I’m good with that, cause I know I will still compete, still push myself to the end goals of a ride, or workout or whatever.

I just read a great book called, The New Rules of Lifting... for middle age. We know physiological changes occur in our bodies as we age, but the key is to not to let the changes turn off the motor. The changes just might make you shift gears a bit thats all.

Movement is medicine, so as I approach 50 I’ll try to throttle down a bit. Cause when I’m 100 I’m still gonna lift the weights, maybe a two pound dumb bell but a weight never the less.

I’ll let you know when I get there how much weight it is. Until then, lets just consistently enjoy the ride!!!!!!!!

Find your Passion

I went to a funeral yesterday, to pay last respects to a brilliant music teach, singer and pianist. A well put together lady in all aspects. She was 81 and I had never met her. 

My husband and I went to the funeral to show our love and support for her daughter and son in law who we adore as our friends. 

Most people don’t like going to funerals but I find them rather cathartic. I love listening to families share stories of the talents, love, accomplishments and so may wonderful memories they have. The celebration of the life, of the soul that filled the body on earth. The end, yet new beginning.

Don’t leave this world with regrets, at any age if there is that one thing, that one thing that aches in your soul to do, that you really want to do before your body or mind can’t, then do it.

Live each day with purpose. It doesn’t matter if that purpose is active or passive, each day has purpose.

I’ve been surrounded by elderly sickness and death lately and by knowing of 3 births to occur shortly. The circle of life. Fill your days on this earth with purpose and when we meet again, tell me your wonderful memories of this life.

Peace