Here I am in Cuba

Well here I am on vacation in Cuba, and I am finding it relaxing BUT very expensive. My daughter fell down and sprained her leg.... visit to DR. 75.00, there are no collect calls out of country, there are no cell phone services, there is dial up only for internet, no 1 800 numbers allowed, and no bank machines. A letter to Canada or US takes 2 months.

The weather has been nice past 3 days, went horsebackriding, and into town of Varadero, swimming in Ocean and on the CoCo Loco Taxi.

I am quickly learning what being in a communist country is really like. It is not easy at all. I have some news to tell my friend Erin when I get home, how lucky we are to be what she considers slaves in Canada. These people work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, for ONE PESO a day!

WEll back to the ocean, will post lots of fun pictures when I return, but at .50 a minute I am lucky I can afford one hello blog LOL.


Adios

JOanne

Reflexology and a new skill

Not sure if anyone remembers, but I made it a personal goal that I would start to learn to use a digital camera and blog more. I am still stuck in the days of pen to paper, and Polaroid pictures.

Well, today I started that journey. This week I received 3 hours of Reflexology, which I am finding amazing. Angelica is a relexologist, and also does cupping and massage. She learned in the Philippines, but has also worked in France, Africa , Canada and on cruise ships for 7 years. She did hot stones on my lungs, and was very accurate at knowing where my pain was, what I needed to do to get better. When I entered the clinic I could barely breathe, and after two hours with her, I felt my sinuses clear, my breathing less difficult, and much more relaxed. I can honestly say I felt like a new person.







So I decided to take my boyfriend with me, and see how he likes reflexology. Plus, I needed him to help me figure out a camera. He did both of course. I am not sure if he is as taken by Reflexology, but it certainly has many healing qualities.









I have added some of the pictures, and will continue to add more, hopefully improving my photography skills as time passes.

Volunteering and Travel Itch

Seems every fall I get the itch to travel, and the itch to be out doing mission work somewhere. I watched the movie Darfur Now, and Emmanuels Story, and keep thinking to myself I should be doing something like that. That is where my heart is.

I did get some wonderful news from my Boss yesterday. He said that he has looked at my leave of absence for next year (3 months in San Pedro volunteering at Holy Cross School) and he said it looks positive. He stated that he would like to help me, and that he will have a definite answer by next week. So Please do send positive thoughts on this.

I ordered a few books from the library today:

Three Cups of Tea




Vagabonding An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel


How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas



I feel like I am getting ready for take off - no pun intended. I went yesterday and bought a whole bunch of stuff to bring to children in Cuba. I am also collecting clothes for the women and men.

I will rest for the most part today. I have been very sick, and am trying to get myself better as naturally as possible. I am taking a lot of Chinese herbs, greens, honey, lemon, and ginger.

It seems to be working. Bye for now! Off to read

Time to go to Cuba!

I booked a trip to Cuba with my children last week. We are leaving on November 30, 2008. I have never been to Cuba and I am looking forward to learning all about a new country and seeing another part of the world.

We are staying in Varadero, which of course,will be relaxing, but I am also taking the kids to Havana. WE are looking forward to a week to ourselves, to do some bonding that gets left behind in all the hustle and bustle of our everyday world.





I am looking forward to swimming in the Caribbean Ocean with them, riding on horses, and taking a bus trip to Havana. Those are on my list of things to do. Also going down the water slide a few times in our hotel and taking a double decker to the town of Varadero. My youngest daughter asked if she could sit on the top level. Of course we can!

I will make sure that this trip gives me experience to finally using a digital camera :) I am also accepting donations of clothing to take down there. That is quickly becoming my favourite part of travel, giving things away to those that need them.




I hope my children will have the opportunity to meet some children and give away some personal belongings, and find out what is really important. Until then
VIVA CUBA!

A big hello to the readers in Canada, United States, Belize, Fiji, India
Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Australia, Sweden, Bulgaria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic

History is made

Even although I am Canadian, I can not help celebrating the victory of Barack Obama, who was elected the 44th President of the United States. It is a wonderful night to see a black man, become the President of one of the most powerful countries in the world. I am moved by the hope that he has instilled in the younger generation and united a country, and brought together people of all religions, races and ages. Perhaps there is a ligh at the end of this tunnel and that he can influence others to be more accepting of others.

It does appear that this is truly a change that was needed. I am hoping that he will lead the Super Power US and set an example for the rest of the world.





I believe that this man is now in a place to bring about global change for civil rights and human rights, and that is what is needed to help this world move forward in a positive light.

Congrats.......... We are counting on you President Obama, to bring not only American change but global change.

Not Feeling So Well

I have been a little under the weather. I went to the doctor yesterday, and he gave me a prescription and told me lots of rest, and fluids. I really don't like the feeling of having a high temperature, and the shivers. I will take the time to rest for the next few days.

I decided to get my divorce finalized. I have been seperated now for 14 years, and decided it might be good feng shui to get old clutter cleared in my personal life.

Been planning my family vacation for next month which is exciting. We are thinking that it will be nice to grab some sunshine in Cuba or Dominican Republic. I have not been to either of those places, and so I will make sure I have a good time relaxing there.

Still vegan! I have learned to make Vegan Chocolate cake, and a Great Lentil Soup. If I feel up to it I will attempt to make Leek Potatoe Soup.

Well back to bed and more rest.

JO

Full Moon

I went outside tonight and looked up into the sky and noticed it was a full moon. I immediately wished that I was at home so I would be able to make a prosperity box, then I decided that I could do the writing right now, at work.

SO first I would like to make a list of gratitude.

1. Grateful for my new found health, my new way of looking at food and the positive changes I am noticing in my body.

2. I am grateful for my two children who indirectly push me to be the best I can.

3. I am grateful for my job which provides my family with everything that we need.

4. I am grateful for my happiness, and that I do not suffer.

5. I am grateful for my friends, who are always supportive, encouraging and love me unconditionally.

6. I am grateful that I have finally learned the lesson about honouring myself.

7. I am grateful that I met a man that has altered my view, "that all men are dogs" and treats me with respect.






Here is my list of my new wants and needs and I am praying for GOD to take a look at it and see which ones are coming to me next:

1. Continued good health, positive attitude and happiness.

2. To continue to do well at work.

3. to take kids on a fun vacation to a destination that we have never travelled to before.

4. To have continual growth in finances, and to be able to keep work in balance.

5. To give me strength over cigarettes.

6. To continue to grow and learn in this new relationship I have entered.

7. To keep kids and friends happy, safe and healthy.

8. For the TTC to give me approval to go to Belize and volunteer at the Holy Cross School.

I sure love the prosperity box. Writing all this down and posting it is also sending a strong vibrational message. Now to bed, to rest under the light of the moon.

A big hello to those Canadians that are reading my blog in Etobicoke, Toronto, North York, Vancouver, Oshawa, Brandon, Richmond Hill, Brampton, Airdrie, Edmonton, Squamish, Vaughan, Alliston, Newmarket, North Battleford, thanks for taking the time to read !

What I Learned Today

As readers of my blog already know I have started a new veginning, I mean beginning. It has been 6 weeks since I became Vegan, and I went to the doctor today and I am down another 4 pounds When I began this journey I was doing it purely for health reasons, but have been educating myself about the other reasons to become Vegan. Today I learned about some of the reasons to be a VEGAN.

1. For every person who switches to a vegan diet, 1 acre of trees are spared every year.

2. Run off from animal waste is linked to 7000 square mile "deadzone" in the Gulf of Mexico that no longer can support aquatic life.

3. The average American eats 2600 animals in their lifetime ( I have`likely ate that already)

4. Food animals are not protected bu the Animal Welfare Act therefore cruelty is unchecked.

5. Animals are often skinned, boiled and butchered alive.

6. Sick and crippled animals are not protected from cruelty and are bulldozed and dragged by chains and left to starve or freeze to death

When I think of all that it kind of makes me sick, makes filetmignon and veal much less desirable. I am truly learning to like this health living much more everyday.

Yesterday I made a new recipe which was red lentil and sweet potatoe soup with curry and coconut milk. It was delicious. Even the kids liked it.

I am not really too pre-occupied with my weight anymore. It is going down regularly and I feel like am feeding my body good fuel, and that is all that matters really.

Well off to pt the rice in the new rice maker I bought and if any of you have any good recipes for a vegan diet, I am always looking for them.

A day with Uncle Don

Yesterday I went to Perth, Ontario to take a drive to see my Uncle Don. He has been diagnosed with Cancer and asked if I would come for a visit before he leaves this earth.

I was dreading the drive there, which is 250 miles each way. My daughter and friend Martina offered to come along for the journey. That made the trip much more enjoyable, and I was able to stay awake.







Surprisingly I had a great time. Uncle Don has a twisted sense of humor and kept us amused with his stories of chasing after young girls. He told me funny family stories of people that have passed on. The funniest one was about my father and his friend George Schluman, who hitchhiked from Toronto to California without a penny in their pockets. Another funny story was my father's advice to "spend all your money, because I am going to be a millionaire."

It appears that my father has the same care-free adventurous spirit that I have and that the apple really does not fall far from the tree.

I knew we made Uncle Don very happy with out visit. He was smiling and laughing, and death seemed years away.




When we left, we decided to go downtown and see what this town had to offer. It is gorgeous. It looks like a little English Hamlet with it's canals and pubs lining the main street.



The long dreaded drive was really beautiful and enjoyable. It made me appreciate the truly beautiful country I live in, the friends and family I have and recognize how grateful I am to be alive.

Everything is Managable

Yesterday was a hard day for me. I have to be honest and get right to the juice. The man I thought was for me was not for me. I kind of knew it all along, but I was NOT trusting my intuition, which is really The Universe's way of saying ........ LISTEN TO ME. We tend to second guess that voice, but sometimes LOVE STINKS, as the song goes. The good news is that by NOT lowering my standards, I am surely attracting into my life a better partner, and not settling for something I don't really want to begin with. It is a hard lesson, but one well worth mastering.

The good news was that during my heartache there were people there to make me laugh. I talked on the phone with someone who cheered me up, and then late at night a friend of mine Emmanuel, from Black to Eden, came by my work and sat with me for a good hour or so, and told me the funniest stories tha made me laugh til I nearly cried.



LAUGHTER IS CERTAINLY THE BEST MEDICINE. Whether it is for, physical ailments, or heartache, good friends and laughter help alot.



The other great thing is that I went to the Doctor again, I am down another 4 pounds in last 11 days.

I have lost nearly 34 pounds since I changed diet. My pants are falling off, and OH BOY is that a good thing!





And one last thing....... I submitted my requested for leave of absense in 2009 and 2010 to the TTC to volunteer at Holy Cross School. I am planning on spending Christmas 2009 there with both my children, and then my eldest will return home and my youngest will stay on with me and hopefully be able to attend the school, and send her work back to Canada.





I am excited, making changes in another part of the world, and paying my rent in deeds by being here. I went to Habitat for Humanity and dropped off my resume, I would like to do some volunteer work with them, and maybe one day move onto Habitat for Humanity International.

100 ways to regain peace

A whole week has passed and I am back to work, busy developing a MYspace page and reading another book , "Inner simplicity - 100 ways to nourish your soul" by Elaine St. James

Some suggestions that I have noted and need to improve on are:

Simplify your life: reduce workload and social obligations
Connct with the sun: amen for that. I took the air-conditioner out of my window and took the wood that was boarding it up out. It felt good to have a room full of light again

Figure out what you need to do to get well

Latch onto synchronicity: reduce pace and look within

Take time to read

Sleep alot: Relish it, luxuriate in it. Grow in it. You need it.

Ask for help from the universe

Today I will really take those to heart. I will reduce my list of things to do, and do what needs to be done only.

Thinking on the Beach

How Life Changes

When we got to the cottage today, we could not find the key, and so we had to make do until we could get in touch with the owners. We were in no rush so Erin and I decided to go down to the lake.

We had a bottle of wine but no glasses, no problem, just take the whole bottle. As we were sitting on the beach enjoying life, my oldest daughter comes running down, to the lake and says that she has to go to the bathroom. We are in the middle of nature for goodness sakes, find a tree and go. At least we have toilet paper and garbage bags. I had spoken the unthinkable to her. These kids today are so spoiled. In an era of fast pace, technology and everything received on Demand they expect you to drop life, get in the car, and drive them to the nearest Tim Horton’s where they can not only use a luxurious toilet, but they can grab an iced cappuccino while they are at it.

When I was a kid, I was lucky if I got a drive to the town store once a week to get candy.

It happened again yesterday, I was walking by a toy store and the kids asked if they could go in. The found some puppets “marionettes” and asked me how to work it. I showed how the legs and arms moved. They were really fascinated by that. That is what I used to get for Christmas. Now it is a world of Laptops, Playstations , Mp3 players, and cell phones. It really is bizarre that the technology of computer does not faze a child, but a marionette does.

Life has changed so much in just 40 years. We were lucky to get 2 stations at the cottage, and that is IF the cottage even had a Television, and if it did you could be sure that it was black and white and had lines or was all fuzzy and you could not see properly.. Now here I am typing blogs on my laptop.

I often wonder what the next 40 years have in store. Can technology continue to advance at this pace? I don’t think so. What new inventions does the next 40 years have in store? Maybe we will be living like the Jetsons, flying over to our neighbours on some kind of propelled jet. All I know is that we sure have moved light-years away from the stone age of the Flintstones.

No One Cares What You Had for Lunch

I went to the library yesterday and got a new book on blogging.. Great title, “No one cares what you had for lunch 100 Ideas for your blog” written by Margaret Mason, of Mighty Goods www.mightygoods.com



Since I will take her advice I am not about to tell you what I had for lunch, but as any reader of my blog knows, it was void of any meat, dairy or caffine. We are at the cottage though, and so it is not void of any alcohol.

It is nice here, by Lake Erie. WE have our own little cottage, with a nice lake and right now I can hear wind through the trees. I thought of what a waste of money it is to go south during the summer. Yes, Canada is my home, and during the summer this is where I should stay.

The kids are at the lake in the rubber boat, and have promised me not to swim past their noses. The two older girls have gone for a walk to the store to get us marshmallows for tonight’s bonfire. Erin is having a little snooze on the futon. And I am here getting my list of things accomplished that need to be taken care of.

Last night I decided to clean out my closet and get rid of clothes that are too big, or that I would never be caught dead in. I was supposed to bring my digital camera and learn how to use it properly, but note to self is:

The first step to learning to use a digital camera is NOT to forget it at home on the kitchen counter, however I have a camera phone so will use some photos from that. I am so glad that I am not in school for a while. I need a mental break, and I like to read and have missed out on it tremendously.

Now I will head to the patio to overlook the lake, listen to the birds chirp and get in some of that reading that I have been missing for so long…….. until later.

JO

Still detoxing

Wow ! Life sure has a funny spin to it. I went to the doctor this morning and he gave me the good news. I have lost 12 pounds since July 30, 2008. Not that I needed him to tellme, my pants are starting to fall down and in total I am down 5 belt notches. I am thrilled really.

I have not had a coffee since July, nor dairy products, nor animal protein and quite honestly I have never felt better. I used to complain that my feet hurt terribly. I have noticed that my nails are shiny, I have more energy, and my bones are not hurting. I looked at a diagram of feet and the different areas and what they represent. The areas where my feet used to ache are kidneys, liver and spine.

I am also thinking of doing ionic foot detox. When you do that the water your feet are soaking in changes colour.

Yellowish Green: kidneys, bladder, urinary tract, gynecological/prostate area.

Orange: joints-arthritis, rheumatism, gout

Brown: liver, tobacco, cellular debris and fat impurities

Black: liver

Black flecks: Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, nickel, and aluminum

Dark green: gall bladder, shows a weak immune system

White foam: Lymphatic system, skin allergies, menses disorders

White cheese-like particles: Most likely yeast, unused enzymes, insomnia, migraines, constipation

Red flecks: Blood clot material, thrombus, hypertension, cold hands/feet, bruising

I have the week off for vacation, and I am so grateful. I think I will go to Centre Island for a bike ride, and I am taking the kids to a cottage for two days with my best friend Erin. I am also going to figre out how to use a digital camera properly. I am very technically challenged and it is my goal to get past that hump.

I cant wait to lay under the stars and chat with her all night long. Sometimes it seems that life is so fast paced, that we just dont have enough time to get things done. That is when I remind myself, that I have exactly the same amount of time as Mother Theresa, Ghandi and Helen Keller.

Kensington Market

Well here I am 7 days into my new eating routine, and I am down 5 pounds........ How ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. Ihave tried every diet in the world, and it seems to me that AU Natural seems to be the most effective.

Tomorrow I am going to Kensington Market. My Friend Laurie used to live there, and I used ot like to go there to buy fresh sausages, and visit the bakery and cheese store. Now I like to go there to buy my vegetables, and fruit, and visit the health food stores.




Kensington Market is a distinctive multicultural neighbourhood in downtown Toronto, Ontario. The Market is one of the city's oldest and most famous neighbourhoods, and in November 2006, it became a National Historic Site. Its approximate borders are College St. on the North, Spadina Ave. on the East, Dundas St. W. to the South, and Bellevue Ave. to the West. Most of the neighbourhood's eclectic shops, cafes, and other attractions are located along Augusta Ave. and neighbouring Nassau St. and Kensington Ave. The market is best travelled on foot or bicycle, as the narrow one-way streets and numerous dead-ends are difficult to navigate by car.


I will also go and visit my frind Moses, who owns the store House of Moses, for all your Rastafarian Needs. He always has good music and an interesting display outside of his store. He also sells lots of shea butter, incense and interesting items from Africa and the Carribean.



I will go and buy my organic sugar. I am enjoying feeling lighter, sleeping longer, and an overall sense of eating healthier. Now if I can jsut break my other vice I will live a long and healthy life ( I hope )

Detoxing the Body

I have taken on a new project. Project ME. My friend is studying Chinese Medicine and thought I might be a good case study. So I agreed. I need to repair my body, and make some healthy changes so I thought this was a great opportunity.

She interviewed me, asking me a bunch of health related questions, and then took pictures of my tongue. She could see from the tongue that there was lots of toxins in my system, and the sides of my tongue were swollen, indicating some kind of intestinal problems. SO we embarked on a strict diet, to get things moving inside, and clear out the poisons.

As I eat my breakfast of Oatbran, rice milk, and berries, I remind myself that the body is a machine and it needs a tune up.

I have been eating "Kale Delight", which is steamed Kale with leeks and mushrooms, add that to my bowl of rice, and my black beans, with a bit of organic salsa and it takes nearly as good as steak and lobster.

When craving sweets, have bowl of rice, teaspoon of organic sugar, and berries.
Today I baked apples with cinnamon on top.

I am excited really to embark on this journey, as I really feel that this is the year, the time to get things in order health wise. I feel very confident in the other areas of my life. But this is the one that holds me back. Eating healthy requires some work, some planning and some preparation. That is what I must ensure that I schedule into my day.

Will update with the diet, the cleanse and how I am feeling. Last night I felt very tired, but I suppose that is to be expected, such a huge and drastic change.

Off to drink my 6 glasses of water and drink some ginger tea!

Happy Canada Day!

Today is July 1/ 2008. Happy Canada Day and day off work. I noticed how much I have changed. I have never been able to relax, and I am now. I am able to not focus on time, and just know that when it is time to go home, I will know that it is by a feeling.





I am at Emerald Lake with the kids, Liam and Erin. A truly Canadian experience. The Great Canadian outdoors, with the woods, the lake formed in a quarry and BBQ’s. Canadians taking advantage of the little warm weather that they have and flocking to the water, a sacred retreat in the months of July and August. The kids are having a great time. I just walked down to the waterfront and watched them jumping off cliffs. I took a 3 k walk around the park.




I am practicing being observant, being in the now.
I saw a beetle crawling,
The buds of the cedar tree beginning to open up
The little bell flowers opening
I heard the birds,
The waves
The rustle of the tree leaves above my head
I saw the big white cloud sin the blue sky
The laughter of the children and the older man to my left.
I saw the seagulls flying
The butterflies flying over the bushes



People must really like coming to the lake, they all sit down, and laugh and eat at the BBQ’s. Life is pleasant. The worries of the working world are a day away and about 50 miles east of this little place.

Having Faith

Sometimes we just have to! There is a little nudge inside pushing me forward. Go on......... Go do it............ Just do it................... What is the worst thing that can happen?
I might end up with a broken heart........




Or I might not.......
If my heart gets broken it will heqal and I will move forward,
If not I might pass up a chance to love fully



I might end up losing money


Or I might not.........
If I do, I will still be okay, and I will move forward
If not I might pass up a chance to live and rest on my piece of Paradise

Sometimes I have to stop thinking and follow my heart.
I might not know the outcome but I know I'll be okay.
There are no 50:50, Phone-a-friend and Ask the Audience.

Sometimes You must let the heart lead and not the head.....
I think I will let God drive this one, and I will take a back seat as a co-pilot.

The only thing to fear is fear itself

I am taking a big plunge ! I am going to buy a place in Belize. I am a little afraid, but I know there is nothing to fear. It is not a lot of money, and it is a good investment, but still.......

I think about writing from my laptop on the balcony, overlooking the water, and seeing smiling faces walking down the beach. I think about the water. I spent a lot of time in a lawn chair under a palapa, looking at the water, and wondering if I could really have it all......... and now I realize that I can.

I can watch the sun come up in the morning, and in the evening watch the beautiful sunset into the ocean. My bones have been so sore. This week I have gone to the specialist, and the physiotherapist, and against my better judgement, I even had to take a tylenol to make it to work. In Belize I will walk into the warm salt water and let it heal my bones.

I will be able to do lots of volunteer work. When I am bored I can take a walk, look at nature, go to the ocean and look at the ocean creatures. I can visit with friends and dance on the beach.

That is my most memorable moment :) Dancing on the beach ............. oh how I could live my life dancing on the beach and my bare toes in the sand.

Just as I am writing this, I got a letter from Tim, the owner of Banana Beach, where I am thinking of moving. I loved it there.

Here I was in March envisioning buying it............. maybe now it is a reality

New Things

So last night I am in the middle of my homework, and my computer freezes up. I try repeatedly to reboot it, and it is not working. I keep getting all blue screen and it says CORRUPT on it. I have no time to dilly dally. It is time to retire the old Pentium 3 and buy a lap top. I have been putting it off for a long time, and coincidentally my new Credit card came in the mail today. So I contemplate for a few minutes and set a limit on what I will spend . The limit is 500.00 for a refurbished one, from my friends at Rama Computers. I rush out the door, no time to brush hair, and run into the store. One laptop! 275.00 SCORES!

A new lap top is exactly what I have been needing, especially with my school work, and Directabundance, and plans on extended three month sabbaticals from work.

What!?!?

Three months. Yes another wonderful opportunity has presented itself to me. On my birthday I received a letter from the Holy Cross School http://holycrossbelize.blogspot.com/2008/06/storm-from-albert.html. They have invited me to assist with the opening of The Abused Children's Counselling Centre in Novemebr 2009. I am elated. Just praying work will co-operate. There are so many wonderful things going on with the school right now, The Recycling Program, The Computer Lab, The Gardening Centre, I wish I was there for it. However there is a time for all things and I think mine is soon coming.

I would like to get down there and help with an Abused Woman's Program and support centre, maybe some kind of job training. Life is very exciting with an array of possibilities.

So here I am mobile :) Laurie says getting my lap top makes me one step closer to travelling. I think she is right.

My daughter had some exciting news today too! She is going to Circle Square Ranch. Ironically ( well not really, synchronistic) she has been offered a placement in that camp and she was jsut researching it online the other day.

School went well. I managed to pull off an A- in Social Inequality and a B+ in Accounting. That is ok, never wanted to be an accountant anyways, but it is nice to know some new accounting things. Now I am taking Critical Reasoning and Sociology of Work. I will be finished this year, and have found a Master of Arts Program that I want to take at Florida State University.

I am loving my new job, and see old faces pass by daily. The other day I ran into my placement Supervisor from 1992. WOW! SHe looks marvelous and we will be meeting for lunch. I meet some nice people that are travelling. This job enables me to do nice things and smile. When people are short money, or need to get on the transit I can decide whether to allow them or not. I am pretty compassionate, so it would be rare that I say no, and people are generally Grateful, regardless of what we might think.

Yep......... Life is GOOD! LIFE IS DAMN GOOD!

JO

IN NEED OF A SHIPPING COMPANY

Today friend Laurie in Belize sent me a message on MSN. It was a post about how there is PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT and MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES that need to be shipped to the good children of San Pedro Belize that attend the Holy Cross School.

It made me cry, thinking that all these wonderful things are locked in a trailer somewhere not being used and appreciated. I remember talking with Vernon about how he wanted to get that shipment down to the children. That was over 2 months ago.

Today I sent out a letter, both to people named Adam. One is my personal close friend, and he has ties to large companies. The other is the Chair of the TTC, the company for which I work. I asked for their help in finding a shipping company or company sponsorship to pay for the cost. I wish I would win the lottery tonight. It would be the first thing I paid.

While I was writing the letters, I thought a good place to post it might be on Oprah's Angel Network. Maybe one of the people on the message board is connected to a shipping company.
Tomorrow I will begin mass mailing to shipping companies. I hope that FED EX OR UPS or something will happen and the winds of generosity will blow the playground towards San Pedro.

The most reasonable quote they have received is $6,500.00 for the transport from Houston through Mexico and into San Pedro


PLEASE LOOK AT THE EQUIPMENT THAT IS WAITING TO BE SHIPPED AND HELP THINK OF A WAY TO GET IT THERE.

http://holycrossbelize.blogspot.com/2008/05/discovery-zone.html

PEACE

Joanne

Good News !!!

I just got off the phone with the principal at my daughter's school. There is good news!
The school here in Mississauga is willing to do a pen pal program with The Holy Cross School in Belize. We won't be able to start until September, but I do have approval from the school, which is very motivating. I am trying to get some copies burnt of the slide show, so I can go and present it to groups of churches and schools that are interested in helping.

I am finished my winter university courses, and I did quite well. My Professor has encouraged me to carry on for a Masters Degree, and so I will likely be continuing after this year.

Today I made the decision to take 3 weeks off next year and go to Belize and volunteer with the school. I have written the school and asked that they send me a letter to present to my employer. I was so excited while I was planning it!

I better get back to the books. Today is pretty much all the time I have. I am doing a fund-raiser tomorrow for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. I hope I will be able to raise a lot of money. I need to get to 2000.0 before September and I am at 610.00.

MY FAVOURITE QUOTE ~~

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, People may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, They may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.
Mother Teresa

Making space and getting rid of junk

I am getting excited. Life is changing once again. My best friend and I have decided that we will live together, and in doing so, we will reduce both of our overhead debt in half, freeing us up to live our lives.

I am cleaning out a lot of JUNK. It is interesting to see the things that I have held onto and acquired over the years, and it is a relief to let them go...... cleaning out the clutter.

I am hopeful that once she is here permanently, that I will be able to spend more time in Belize. I really am drawn to the Holy Cross School and plan to set up a pen pal program hopefully with my daughter's school. I will do that tomorrow, approach the principal and see if we can get it going.

I also want to look at buying some property in Belize. I am not quite sure how I am going to do it, but I am sure I am going to do it. Everyday I find myself being drawn there more and more. There is lots of work I can help with, and my feet don't hurt there. It must be the warm weather or the sea salt or the sand. Not sure exactly, but know it feels good to me. I had the opportunity to look over some photos today and they reminded me of how enjoyable life is down there.......

I finished my final exam, and it went well. A few more courses and I am finished my BA, hopefully onto a teaching career.

Well I best return to the cleaning of the clutter.

JO

Back to the RED ROCKET

I thought I better write a post, since I am returning to my full-time employment tomorrow, after 20 months of modified duties, and breaking my foot, and being off completely....... YES, it is truly back to the grind.

I could think of a million things to complain about working for the TTC, but tonight I will think of what I have to be grateful for in terms of my employment:

1. Grateful that this job has afforded me the opportunity to buy my home, travel and provide properly for my kids.

2. Grateful that my employer has found a new position for me that will be better for me physically and mentally.

3. Grateful that I can travel for free and save on gas.

4. Grateful for the great people that I know there.

5. Grateful that I will have the means to save money and pay my house off quickly.

6. Grateful that I have lots of vacation time.

7. Grateful that my daughter will have her braces.

8. Grateful that I will be able to continue my education.

9. Grateful that I will be able to learn a new job.

10. LASTLY Grateful that I have a crock pot and have the Internet so I can find crockpot recipes.

Well ~~~ off to bed I go........ Up at 4: 45 will take some getting used to! I have decided to take this opportunity to construct some routine into my life. No more laying in bed til 11 " planning my day"

At least not until I am 45............ YA~ Freedom 45 is just around the corner :)

Until next time....

Joanne

In Training

It is March 28, 2008 and I am getting ready for final exams and to start my fundraising for THE WEEKEND TO END BREAST CANCER 60 KM walk. Today was awesome. I was given two tag days by Loblaws and two tag days by the LCBO. A tag day is where I go sell pink breast cancer items to raise money towards the $2000.00 I have to raise. This year I am walking with a friend and our team is called the BOOBSIE TWINS. That will be fun. And hopefully this year it won't be so hard on my feet as I am walking 6 km everyday now, and hope to have that up to 10K by mid April. By September I will be in good shape for the walk. I am hopeful that I will surpass my fundraising goals, and in the meantime I am losing weight daily by walking. I ordered some cool pink items to sell.

If anyone would like to contribute to my fundraising efforts please click on the link below

http://www.endcancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Toronto2008?px=1973880&pg=personal&fr_id=1254

I best head to bed now, so I can rest and get ready for my walking routine tomorrow. In the meantime I will leave you with this thought..............

Prosperity Box

Tonight I created my new Prosperity Box.

I make one or two a year. My friend Laurie taught me how to do it a few years ago

HOW TO MAKE A PROSPERITY BOX

Make yourself a prosperity box - prepare stuff that symbolizes prosperity TO YOU. It can be a coin (in gold colour), a banknote, a piece (or pieces) of items in green (as green means $), items in diamond shape, or items in goldcolor a red heart or rose petals to symbolize love.

Again, you cannot go wrong so long as you're sincere and the items you put into the box mean prosperity to you. As to the size of the box, it doesn't matter, it can be as small as a matchbox if you wish, or it can be as big as you need. Have your box in hand or close by and you can simply say a prayer by the window facing the moon, but if you cannot see the moon where you live, it's also fine just to say a prayer facing the sky. It is more so your intent that counts and the full moon energy in the air.You can say your own tailormade prayer -

Try to do it before midnight - say around 11pm, but if you can't, it's still fine - as long as u do it at night time.What's more you can do is to light a little green candle (beware of the burning time of the candle especially if you're doing it at 11ish) as you make your box (putting the items in).Make sure you're done (close the box) before midnight.

Place it in a drawer or wherever that's convenient to you, and do NOT open it. Just leave it there.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I opened it up to put the new items in it, it was funny to see how many of the things have already come true.

I found a letter that said I wanted to learn Reiki and Mindfulness Meditation,

and I found another letter that said I wanted to take the kids to Disney and go to Belize!

So I carefully selected the items to put in that box and focus on making them happen.

Funny, how often our prayers are answered and we don't even notice. With something tangible like this is it very clear.

I will say my prayer at 11 tonight, and hope that GOD has open ears and eyes.

Peace,

Joanne

Back to the Grind

Time is flying by, and there are so many things to do. I am never bored. Been spending time writing my book, doing workshops, university studies and meditating.

Last week I had another Dream Rebuilding Presentation at the Shelter. The women really seem to enjoy it. I notice that anytime spent not worry about the crisis they are in is a positive step forward. I enjoyed listening to a woman that always dreamed of driving and having her license. She was able to find a car in a magazine, cut it out and regain that as one of her future goals.
I also met another woman that was inspiring to me. She wants to return to school and become a P.S.W. I sure hope that she will continue on that path. She will do a wonderful job at helping those that are sick and frail. It is interesting to see how a a few magazines, a pair of scissors and some glue can bond a group of women together, and get them thinking in a forward direction.
I am back at the shelter again in April to do another presentation. I really enjoy my 2 hours there, and as nervous as I once was, I seem to be coming more confident in my abilities to facilitate a group of people.

My daughter returned from Italy two days ago, and said it changed her life. She is ready to travel now! Already saving for Spain and France. Like mother like daughter I suppose. My youngest daughter is content with a new skateboard and is anxiously awaiting the big melt and spring. She said she is tired of putting on hat and mitts and will be happy when she just needs her short and some running shoes.

It took me a little while to get back into the groove here in Canada. I was stuck on island time. I am just finishing my research paper on the Working Poor in America. Ironically, a country so wealthy and so rich in knowledge can not figure out that there has to be Employer Consortium to eliminate poverty. The answer really does seem simple. The most important thing I learned this week is that in a country like the US and Canada, nobody that is employed full-time, and works all year, should live below the poverty line. It is sad that so many do, and such a huge portion of those are children.

Well ~ it is back to the books, back to the the grind. I am looking forward to finishing up my final year of university and seeing what is next in line.

So Many Options ~~ So much to do

Well I am back from San Pedro Belize, and must say, I am looking forward to returning. I have found a place that warms my heart and the options are endless. When I was there, I felt more alive than I have in years. San Pedro is my natural clock. I wake with the sunrise, and sleep around midnight. My aching bones went away, my nails grew, and my breathing improved.

I plan on buying a piece of land there this year, and hopefully my best friend, Erin will build with me on it. My little piece of paradise far, far away. A small 14 seater plane will fly me to my destination. Amidst the beauty of the sea and the warm air, there is a small part of San Pedro that could use some help.






I saw that there was ample humanitarian work that could be started there. After talking with the school officials, it became clear, that I could get some pilot projects started on this tiny island. Some of the things I was told were desperately needed are:

Sponsor a grade 8 student to go to high school for 1000.00 US per year, there are 35 students who need to go to high school next year, and for half the yearly salary of a US or Canadian teacher 35 deserving kids can have that.

There needs to be sewage in San Mateo and electricity. The smell of San Mateo will stay with me for a long time. There is nothing so disappointing as the SMELL of poverty.

A safe house for women and children needs to be built. I spoke with a female police officer that informed me she would be interested in working on a domestic abuse program.

A donation needs to come from a shipping company to deliver the playground that is waiting to be shipped from Texas to the school so that the children can play in a nice safe playground, and not be surrounded by broken glass and bottles.


I am planning on trying to connect with some church groups, social groups and organizations to see if we can get donations of money, time, and service. After all we are all one. I am looking forward to a day when I will be able to give my time to those that could use the help.

The options are endless where to help and I just can't wait to get started. I also will enjoy after a hard day of work, going to the beach and watching the sunset. Ya! That warms my heart!

Holy Cross School - San Pedro Belize

Feb 2008 ~ My trip to Belize

I went to the Holy Cross School yesterday.

It was certainly an eye opener for me. The first thing I noticed was that the children were so friendly. They welcomed their foreign visitor and were the most polite children I had ever seen. In the classroom, I could hear scuffling of books, papers and saying shhhhhhh, because, of course I am assuming, they have that much respect for Vernon.

I also noticed that this school is modest in it's appearance, but seems to be teaching things schools in North America could learn a thing or two from. I read the writing on the wall myself. Instead of your everyday graffiti, it said , Love your family and Help the sick.

I chatted with Vernon with length and took a walk through San Mateo. I learned of some of the difficulties these hardworking families deal with. I learned how much the community is benefiting from the school and how they would like to to expand, to increase career opportunities for these children to work towards, and judging from their behaviour, they certainly have the discipline and motivation to financially EXCEL in any part of the world.

I hope that I will be able to return year after and see the school grow. Thank you for a wonderful tour, and I am thankful for all the hard work, effort, and love you put into your school. May you be blessed with tonnes of abundance, and goodwill.

Joanne from Canada

Buying Bananas and Vacation Time

I am so excited! We are booked to head to Belize, that is my best friend Erin and I. We booked our tickets and I am looking forward to joining our other friends in Belize. I am also looking forward to visiting the Holy Cross Anglican School. I want to go down to the school and volunteer for a day and see how things are working in a school in a third world country. It will be good exposure for the life I am planning on living.

http://tacogirlblog.blogspot.com/
http://holycrossbelize.blogspot.com/

University is moving along great. I just can't believe how much there is to learn. I have been learning about the poverty in Jamaica and the Kingston Free Zone.

I am just appalled to really learn how much wealth is in so few countries, and how the rest of the world survives or struggles might be a better word. I thought about that tonight when I was buying my bananas. I recently saw a clip in the movie "Life and Debt," how Dole, Chiquita and Del Monte have slave labourers working on Banana Plantations. It was disgusting to see the workers being beat and forced back to work at gun point when they tried to form a union. All because bananas is a big money business. The more I hear about slavery in the year 2008, the more grateful I am to be privledged to live in a country like Canada. The next time you reach for those bananas when you are in your local grocery store, take time to give thanks, for the people in South America that are getting paid 1.00 per day and living in squalor, to ensure that we can send a snack in our kids lunches.

Anger -- WHAT CAN IT DO FOR ME

If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow. ---- Chinese Proverb



WE are all too familiar with the feeling of anger. It can temporarily paralyze us, cause impairment to our vision, hearing and reflexes.It can have long term affects on the human body's ability to function normally causing psychological, cardio-vascular and digestive disorders. In many cases anger can lead to heart attacks and even death. It is a major contributor to divorce, domestic-assault, murder and finally war. Anger is an attack on our natural sense of equillibreum and balance. In it's purest form it is a "get even mentality" that causes much more destruction than rewards.

Anger itself does more harm than the condition which aroused anger --- David MacKay


Yet, as unhealthy and unnatural as anger is to us we are still able to conjure all kinds of jsutifications for holding onto it. Bitter thoughts flow through our minds like a rapid racing river, "he left me for another woman, I was abused as a child, she got the promotion that I worked hard for" or even things much more trivial like the all to familiar "road rage" and someone jsut interupting a conversation can set us on an angry rampage for the day.

Anger is like a poision brewing in our bodies. It affects us mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally. It is an energy that most people try to avoid. Anger can easily be decribed as cold, hostile and unpredictable. It is therefore essential to our own well-being that we rid our mind body and soul of anger. We must learn the tools for looking beneath the anger, analyse it and never get lost in it.

Generally there are deep underlying factors that erupt in anger and make us see red. Anger is an emotion that does not stem from love, but grows from fear. Some of the many issues that fester into the anger blister are: abandonment, sorrow, injustice, rejection and disappointment. However, if we peel back just one more layer we find beneath all of these feelings is fear.

Anger: an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured. --- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

We may fear failure, success, being alone, not being good enough or worthy but the most crippling of all fears is the fear of change. When some type of fear cripples us we often disguise it with an ugly mask of anger. We can always think of ways to justify anger, and we might be quite right, but the fact still remains that anger only hurts the one that holds onto it.

Taking a step back from the situation and looking at it from a spiritual eye, with understanding and forgiveness allows one to see things from a different perspective, another viewpoint or a fresh clean lense. Anger is a choice.WE can feed it, and baby it, and hold it and pay attention toit, talk about it, and watch it grow into an ugly monster. We have options of letting it go, looking at the underlying fear, being open to change, writing, discussing, accepting and allowing. When disected properly we can make positive change by seperating the emotions from the reactions and heal the heart and cheer the soul. Anger, when looked at deeply can be a valuable tool used to propel us forward into self-growth and discovery, healing and success.
Ultimately anger is a choice, and how you deal with it will be yours.

Don't hold to anger, hurt or pain. They steal your energy and keep you from love. -Leo Buscaglia.

Thoughts on Life Struggles

Wow~ it has been a busy two weeks. I have been helping a friend out of a difficult situation and getting homework done.

I believe that when we are put on this earth we all have some kind of struggle that we are pre-destined to face. Have you ever noticed that some people consistently struggle with money? Others consistently struggle with relationships? communication? career? children? family issues? health? I think we all have life challenges, but sometimes we choose not to acknowledge them. Mine would be health. Food and smokes, they are things that hold me back. I am in the process of acknowledging this. I am doing something to change it. Little efforts all the time at being a better me. Once I complete this life challenge, I will be able to work on something else :)

We all make our own decisions, we all do that in the right time, and we all do the best we can, with what we have available at any given moment. WE must let alot go in this day and age.

So for tonight, I love myself the way I am, but see areas that can be improved upon. I will take the necessary steps to follow through. I will embrace the BUDDAH in me.

Peace
Joanne

You Will Not Mess With MY Peace of MInd

I have worked very hard to achieve this peace of mind. I will defend my peace of mind, and you can not shake me from it's foundation. I have left places that haunted me, I have left behind people that drained me, I have learned to live within myself and attain my serenity there. I have forgiven people that I needed to in order to attain my peace of mind. I look in the mirror and I like who I am today. I will not let anyone mess with my peace of mind. If you are my friend, be my friend. If you show signs of jealousy, of bitterness, if you lie to me or are deceitful, you are not my friend. I don't hold that against you. You have your reasons for doing whatever you do. And I have mine and I wont let you mess with my peace of mind. Peace of Mind is hard to come by these days. It takes a lot of work to empty our thoughts, to release all the voices and the to do lists. You have to look at your faults, measure things up very carefully. You have to learn to love who you are, not who you would like to be, and you need to find your peaceful sanctuary. It can be a car, your home, simply your bathroom, but it is your place of peace. A place to calm the mind. You can also find it simply by closing your eyes, regardless of where you are. I have made a decision to chose and attract positive people into my space. My space, being my life. Life is too short to be with energy vampires that clutter your thoughts and distract you from your essence. I am very happy that I have learned how to protect myself and my peace of mind.

~Meditate regularly, think only positively, aspire to find the consciousness beyond the mind, and peace of mind will be yours.~

~Do you need or enjoy fear, worries and restlessness? If you don't, then why do you keep inviting them into your mind?~

~As the house is cleaned, so the mind can be cleaned. As you enjoy a clean house, you will enjoy a clean and uncluttered mind.When you unclutter your mind, you enjoy peace of mind~.