Another year gone...

Wow, the older I get, the faster the years seem to slip by! I can hardly believe all that has happened this past year and that we're already heading into a new year filled with hopes and dreams!

The end of 2008 brought sad news that one of my dear friends has breast cancer in both breasts and has to start treatment immediately. My heart breaks for her, but I rejoice in the fact that she has medical options and that she has great hope for a full recovery!

I'm happy to say that Harley is doing extremely well. At this time last year, the doctors told us that he would not make it to Christmas this year. Well, despite all the nay sayers, we were able to celebrate another wonderful Christmas together.

He told me a story once about a ring that says "This too shall pass" and how it gave him hope and inspiration during the difficult days he faced this past year, and so I contacted a jeweller friend of mine and asked her if she would make me a similar ring for me to give him for Christmas. And she did! On Christmas morning, surrounded by our family, and amist lots of joyful tears, I gave him his ring to be worn as a constant reminder that no matter how bad things get in life, all those things WILL pass. Now, I did have to put one condition on him wearing this ring...he could NOT wear it as a wedding band. Just what would THAT say to people? This too shall pass....Ha!!

The Christmas tears didn't stop there. I found out on Christmas morning that my great aunt passed away the morning before. I'm thankful that her painful days were short and that her suffering is over but she will be missed by all of us.

Looking ahead, I anticipate a very busy winter and spring with both work related projects and as I work hard to develop the Harley's Heroes Relay For Life team and serve as chairperson for the Greater Moncton Relay For Life. I've never been a chairperson for something like this before and I really have no idea what I'm supposed to do. I'm hoping that it becomes crystal clear very soon as we're about to hit the ground running with our first meeting of the year this coming week and a mini-summit later this month!

I'm very excited to see what's ahead this year. May this be the year of great and wonderful surprises!! Happy New Year everyone!

Just how much does it take to make me give in?

Well, the truth is out. I WILL give in if enough pressure is exerted! No, I'm just kidding. After attending a Relay For Life Leadership Summit, I felt that I was ready to move to the next level in my own Relay journey. So, as of this past Tuesday, I am officially the new chairperson for the Moncton 2009 Relay For Life. For the next two months, I'm working to help build the committee...you know the saying...many hands make light work... I am excited to see what the committee can accomplish this year!

In the meantime, I don't want Harley's Hereoes (my own team) to suffer so I've appointed a few co-captains to help ensure that the team meets the goals I've set (85peeps and $20,000)! Thanks Kathy, Ali and Robyn for taking a leadership role this year. I know you'll do an amazing job and we will meet, and maybe even exceed, the goals!

So, if you're interested in sponsoring me of the Harley's Heroes team, or even better....joining the team, visit http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_NB_Moncton_/2009551133?pg=team&fr_id=3755&team_id=58470

This is one of my favourite songs! Enjoy!

Project Under the Tree

Wow, I haven't been on here for ages! But I felt the latest project I've been invloved in was worth a bit of air space so, here goes!! It's called Project Under the Tree and it's launching on Monday, November 10 right here in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Christmas time can be very challenging for people in the Moncton area, especially for single parents, the homeless and the ‘working poor’. Poverty is a real issue as many are struggling to meet basic needs. The Christmas season can add further stress to an already difficult life situation.

A local group of volunteers discovered a need that was not being met in the Moncton area. In Moncton local organizations offer support and assistance to children at Christmas time, but adults are often forgotten and Christmas morning comes and goes without a gift.

We want to change that...we want to make a difference but we can’t do it without YOU! Together let’s provide a Christmas gift to adults in the Moncton community who would not otherwise receive a gift. Our goal is to fill 4,500 boxes this Christmas!!

Beginning Monday, November 10th YOU can...

Grab a Box...Fill a Box...Drop a Box

1. Pick up a Christmas Box at:
* Damascus Coffee - 710 Coverdale Rd, Riverview
* Moncton Wesleyan Church - 945 St George Blvd

2. Fill your Christmas Box with smaller gifts for either a man or a woman (see list below for suggestions).

3. Return your Christmas Box filled with gifts no later than December 10th at the pick up locations.

The Christmas gifts will be delivered to these local Moncton agencies:
Moncton Headstart...Harvest House...Crossroads for Women...Nazareth House

Suggested Items
• loofah sponges
• perfume
• candles
• nail polish
• makeup
• deck of cards
• chocolate/candy/gum
• nuts
• hand towel
• toothbrush/toothpaste
• brush/comb
• toiletries
• socks
• Hat/mitts/scarf
• Shaving Cream/Razors
• gift certificates
• book/magazine – suitable material

Please put soap and liquids in sealed baggies. Please avoid homemade or baked goods.
Please only include new items.

So, there you have it. Let's BE the difference we want to see in this city!

My Rock Star!

My daughter Ali has a passion for writing and singing music. She's written several songs, all of which come from the heart. She's written one for her dad while he battled cancer...she's written one for me to express the hurt I felt as a child, but this one she wrote after a friend of hers recently died in a car accident. It's a beautiful and powerful song. I'm very proud of her and know that she'll go places!! I hope you enjoy it.

Here are the lyrics...

Breathe In

Life comes and goes like the wind rushing through the air,
Rain falls on this parade and it doesn't even care.
When I fall down I get back up, but there's no getting back up for you,
Why did you fall down? What did you do wrong? Or what didn't you do?

All the people you left behind,
All the memories we'll never find

Breathe in,
Let it out
Hold tight to fears
But let go of your doubt,
Take my hand,
It'll be okay
It's harder than it seems
To wish tomorrow away

Be happy; it's not that easy, with things like this,
You were so young, didn't even know all the things in life you'll miss.
Where is hope in times like these, when all seems to fall a part,
But I know you'll always have a special place in my heart.

Friends are weeping, I hope you know
No ones happy watching you go

Wordle...

I found this kewl website called Wordle that allows you to put in a bunch of words that are important to you and with the click of a button, it generates neat artwork using your words. You can change the font and colours...or you can click randomize and it generates new looks for you! Check it out!! http://wordle.net/

Here's mine!

ACYL 2008 - Camp Shiktehawk

Me and my son, Joel at ACYL

The Atlantic Co-operative Youth Leadership (ACYL) camp was AWESOME!!! It was so special for me to have my whole family with me. Ali and Joel attended as participants and Harley came as an honourary guest (aka chauffer). We all had an incredible time and made some wonderful BFFs! The kids both made me very proud over the course of the 3.5 day camp. We all received awards:

Ali - Most Adventurous
Harley - Best Trooper
Joel - Cutest Boy
Me - Most Spirited

I have been asked to come back and facilitate again. I am honoured to be asked and hope that Advance Savings will allow me to do it again!!

I recommend this camp to any youth between the ages of 14-18! It's nothing short of life-changing!

Until next time...