Jenn's Journey

Another year gone...

2009-01-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favourite songs! Enjoy!

Project Under the Tree

2008-11-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-10-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-09-27T18:20:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

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...

Uppers and Downers

2008-09-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Well folks, it's been a bizarre couple of weeks for me.

I have been extremely excited about the upcoming Atlantic Cooperative Youth Leadership (ACYL) camp that I'm helping to facilitate next week. Last week the team of facilitators met for two days of training and bonding. It was an absolute blast...although after only one night and one and a half days, I'm wondering how I'm going to last for three nights and four days at the actual camp!! I'm getting OLD!!! I'm thrilled that two of my kids, two of their cousins, and two of their friends will all be coming! We hit the road early next Thursday for four days of fun, fun, fun!!!

So, that's the uppers.

The downers...

Last week, I watched a man die on the road. He had been driving a motorcycle and got hit by an on coming car. Even though I didn't know him, it was devastating to me to see him laying still on the road...knowing that he probably didn't make it. I didn't find out until the next day when it was on the front page of the paper that he had died. So that day wasn't much better.

Today, on my way to work, I came across a fire in a small motel. Flames were shooting out of one of the rooms, people were running out of the building and one lady was running toward my car screaming to call 9-1-1. I pulled off the road very quickly (blowing the tire of Harley's car on the curb) and called for help. I had to move my car because I was in the spot that the fire trucks needed to be in order to reach the motel but I had to have someone walk along side the car and direct me because the smoke was so thick that I couldn't see one inch in front of me.

I got out of the car to go back out front and wait for Harley to come and get me (and the car) and saw the firemen pulling a man out of the room. He had been badly burned from head to toe. This all happened this morning at 8:20 a.m. and at 5:10, I found out that he is still alive at this point. I'm not sure what the night is going to hold for him but, if you're a praying person, please pray that he survives and that he won't have any lasting negative effects from this.

They say things happen in threes. Let's pray that's not the case.

Until next time.

My first ink!!

2008-08-31T13:38:00.001-07:00

So, after months of talking about it, I finally went through with it!! I got my first ink. I am so pleased with how it turned out.

This ink is extremely special to me as it is an image of the baby blue cancer ribbon (prostate cancer) and has my husband's name on the ribbon. I asked him once if I was his hero (after I'd named our Relay for Life team Harley's Heroes) and he said I was so that's where the name on the tatt came from! I'm very proud of this and am excited to get it finished with the outlines of purple clouds coming from behind the ribbon.

Many have asked if it hurt to have it done, and I can honestly say it did not hurt at all and hasn't hurt as it's been healing. It was an amazing experience and I'm so glad that I followed my heart, instead of listening to all the nay sayers, and got it done. No regrets!!

T Day Coming Soon!!!

2008-08-18T17:13:00.001-07:00

Next week, I, being of sound body (or is that chubby body) and mind am willingly allowing someone to repeatedly stick needles into my body so that I can get my first (and most likely only) tattoo. Some say it feels like being stung repeatedly. Not sure I'm looking forward to THAT part of it!!

It has only taken me 40 years to get up the courage to do this and decide what I want!! For years I thought I'd want a butterfly or a lady bug but after this past year of Harley battling cancer and me putting together the Harley's Heroes Relay For Life team, I thought it very fitting to do something in honour of him. So, my tattoo will incorporate the light blue cancer ribbon and the words "Harley's Hero." So, just to clarify, I did ask him once if I was his hero and he said yes, so I CAN call myself that! I have his permission!!

Some think I'm crazy to be doing this and that I'll regret it since it is being placed on a visible part of my body...my lower leg...but I honestly believe that I will enjoy it and when I'm 95 years old and sitting in my rocker, some young whipper snapper is going to look at me and think "Hey, she was cool once!" Now just how bad can that be??

So stay tuned. Next week I'll be posting some pictures of the process....(thank you Ali for being willing to come with me and hold my hand while snapping pictures) and the finished product!! I can harldy wait.

Until next time...

We fought the mosquitos and the mosquitos won!

2008-08-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

Carly & Drew

My brother, Andrew (Drew) and his finacee, Carly were home to the Maritimes for a couple of weeks. I haven't seen them for a very long time so it was truly special to be able to spend time with them. Yesterday, after church, we came back to our house and had a BBQ, sat around and chatted, sang karaoke, and had a photo shoot. Normally I love taking pictures in my backyard but yesterday, after weeks of rain, while it was extremely nice to have sunshine, it was not extremely nice to have mosquitos. On almost all of the pictures, I had to Photoshop out the pesky bugs!! In the end, the darned things chased us back inside so I only got a few good pictures. I've attached a couple of them here! Looking good guys!

Change...

2008-08-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been a little slack on the blog lately but for good reason. I decided that it was in my best interest to take a second (part-time) job so that I'd have spending money for things I need (...ok, WANT) and for Christmas which is just around the corner. Speaking of Christmas, have you started decorating yet?? I just leave some of mine up all year so I'm always a bit ahead, or behind depending on how you look at it!

So, back to the subject at hand....tonight I had my first shift at Reitmans. It made for a long day since I worked a full day at the credit union but it was cool. I think I'll enjoy it there. The money isn't great, but the 50% discount on clothes is sweet! I'm tired, but I look good....puffy eyes, new clothes and all!

Taking on this new responsibility has made me have to give up or say no to other things though. But the truth is, I'm ok with that for now. I'm enjoying the change. I'm meeting new people and learning new skills. Who knew I could do sales??

I say embrace it and that's exactly what I'm doing!

Last day of vacation

2008-08-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

So, today is the last day of my vacation. It's kind of sad, really. A lot of the things I had hoped to do on this vacation didn't happen for various reasons or didn't happen the way I'd hoped. So, while I need to go back to work since I'm out of vacation time, I don't feel like I really had my true vacation yet.

Today, Harley and I went to Fundy Park; each toting our own cameras. The weather was weird...it was sunny for a few minutes, then it would rain. On one side of the road there were blue skies, on the other there were black clouds. Kind of cool, but still weird.

We indulged in fried clams, smoked salmon and sticky buns. I expect that none of my work clothes are going to fit me tomorrow!! Time to get back to work on THAT issue!

After lunch, Harley and I ran around with our cameras, dodging rain drops. Here are a few of my favourite pictures from the day!

A few weight loss tips

2008-07-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

As so many of us do, I struggle with keeping my weight down. In my searching for gadgets for my blog, I found one that gives weight loss tips. So, for all my fellow weight strugglers...this is for you!

Let's Get This Party Started...

2008-07-23T13:16:00.001-07:00

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Design Tips

2008-07-17T09:22:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this isn't technically a "post" but it made me laugh so I wanted to share it with you!!

Edge Designs is an all-women run company that designs interior office space. They had a recent opportunity to do an office project in NYC. The client allowed the women of this company a free hand in all design aspects. This client was a company that was also run by all women execs.............

The result.........well.....We all know that men never talk, never look at each other.... and never laugh much in the restroom.... The men's room is a serious and quiet place...but now...with the addition of one mural on the wall......lets just say the men's restroom is a place of laughter and smiles.

Even made ME smile!!

On turning 40...

2008-07-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

Well, the secret is out! I am turning the big Four-Oh this summer and we’re planning a PARTY to celebrate! I would love it if you would join us!

We’ll be gathering at our place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1 for a BBQ.

You can RSVP for the party here! http://mobaganda.com/jenns40thbirthdayparty

But, here’s the catch...yes, with me, there’s ALWAYS a catch!

As you probably know, I have a passion for seeing people do random acts of kindness (RAKs) for others. So, instead of buying me a card or gift for my birthday, why not take whatever you intended to spend on me and use it to do something nice for someone else.

So, if you planned on buying me a card for $1.25, maybe you could take that money and buy someone a coffee. Or, if you were going to spend $20 on a gift, maybe you can buy a homeless person supper or give that amount to a charity that is near and dear to your heart (Maybe a donation to Harley's Heroes for next years Relay For Life!). Keep in mind…not all RAKs cost money. Maybe you could spend an afternoon with an elderly person who seldom has visitors. Or how about stopping by the hospital and spending a few minutes with some of the sick children? Or mowing the neighbour's lawn? The list is endless! So be creative! There are lots of random acts of kindness ideas out there and, in case you’re not sure where to start, here’s a website you can visit for ideas! http://www.actsofkindness.org/

On the evening of the party, we will have a basket with cards where you can write down what random act of kindness you did. During the evening, I'll read what’s on all the cards and you will have the opportunity to tell your story and how it impacted you!

Now, if you happen to live too far away to attend the party, don't despair!! You too can still do a RAK and e-mail what you did to me and I'll make sure it is included in the basket! That's a neat way that you can still be present in spirit!!

My goal is to have 40 random acts of kindness done over the month of July…one for every year I've been alive! So, think about what you can do to make a difference in someone’s life and then do it!!

I hope you can come to the party!

A photo shoot to remember

2008-06-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

Sally

Champ

Champ and Sally

Today I had the opportunity to photography two beautiful English bulldogs, Sally and Champ. One would think that it would be an easy task...just pose the dogs and snap the camera. Well, was I ever in for a surprise! And so was Heather, the dogs' owner! Every time she put one of the dogs into position, the other would wander off to investigate what exciting things I had in my back yard and vice versa! After awhile, it became apparent that the dogs really didn't want to sit beside each other! In fact, it was almost as though they were saying "What? I have to sit beside YOU? I DON'T THINK SO!" Of all the pictures, I think this one was my favourite. It's like they are saying, "Yeah, ok, I guess I'll sit beside you but I'm not gonna like it and I'm NOT going to look at you!"

Overall, it was a fun photo shoot...I just hope Heather's arms survived! She lifted the dogs so many times I'm sure she's going to be sore tomorrow!

Something's on my mind...

2008-06-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I've really been thinking about lately is how to make a difference in this world. Every day I read in the paper about crimes, war, hatred. I know that there are people out there who are already making a difference by doing little things close to home. These things have a kind of ripple effect. I do something nice for you, you do something nice for someone else. The "Pay it Forward" kind of thing. So, the last couple of days, I've been researching random acts of kindness. And did you know that there is a Random Acts of Kindness Foundation? http://www.actsofkindness.org/

How cool is THAT? I've been reading it over and there's lots of great information on the site.

But my question to you is this...what are you doing to help make a difference in this world? How do you show love to someone who is unlovable? How do you encourage someone who is having a bad day? What are YOU doing to help make this world a better place? How do you "Pay it Forward?"

New York, New York

2008-06-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Ali (my daughter) is leaving for New York this weekend on a nine day mission trip. This will be a life-changing experience for her and I'm so excited that she has this opportunity. It was a bit touch and go for her... You see, she didn't do all that well in Grade 10 math so she actually has to do summer school. The administrators were pretty adamant that she could not miss more than two days from the program, which meant NO TRIP FOR HER! But, thanks to our youth pastor and his willingness to spend time each day teaching the three students in question, AND his willingness to go to the school and present the proposal to teach each day, all three students have been granted permission to go!! So, please pray for a great trip and safey for all the youth going on the trip!!!

Planning for next year already

2008-06-24T18:00:00.001-07:00

Hi again.

Today I updated my Facebook page and asked for recommendations for fun, cool fundraisers that our team can do next year to help us reach our goal of $20,000! I'm hoping you can help me out with this as well! We have a large goal, which means we need to have some pretty significant fundraisers! If you have some ideas and want to share them, please feel free to post them here!

Or search for the Harley's Heroes group on Facebook and post them there!!

Thanks!

Check it out!!

2008-06-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Welcome to my blog spot. I've never done this before so bear with me as I try to figure it all out and try to come up with some interesting things to talk about!

I think I'll start off with a couple of accomplishments...

After my husband's diagnosis with terminal cancer, I decided I wanted to get involved with cancer fundraisers. The first one that came along was the CIBC Run for the Cure. In three weeks, I raised $2000. It was a huge sense of accomplishment for me!

Then along came the Relay For Life! What an amazing experience that turned out to be!! I put together a team of 57 people plus four cancer survivors and together, we raised over $15,700! It was so rewarding and I'm looking forward to putting a team in again next year. I've set the team goal to $20,000 so I expect we'll be fundraising soon...so look out!!