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.