Day 30

Was this little adventure what I expected it to be? Not at all. That’s the thing about life, it isn’t what you expect it to be. What fun would that be though? In truth, the unexpected things are some of the best things. 

I’ve had a chance to reflect on the past decade. The best decisions. The worst decisions. The moments of sheer happiness where I’ve felt like I was on top of the world or those moments of fear, failure and feeling complete defeat. It’s been a real journey and I’ve found a self-awareness, an understanding, of myself. It’s a great gift. I know I have a lot more to learn and experience but I know myself. The best thing that has happened for me during my 20’s is an acceptance of who I am. I am not a perfect person but I think I’m good one. I’m cool with that. 

I spent the last 30 days feeling grateful for what I have. We get so caught up in what we are yet to achieve and the things we want that we make ourselves miserable. It’s such an easy fix. It’s just a little attitude adjustment. That’s it. That’s all it takes. I still have goals and ambitions but I’m savouring the steps – the hike up the mountain of life. Won’t that make the view at the top that much sweeter?  

Exercise is essential not only for health of your body but for your mental health as well. It feels good to be active. Turning off that television ensured that I was. That being said, I can’t wait to sit down and just watch a movie. I’ve kind of missed that. Especially during those rainy days. 

I do enjoy cooking and it was nice to get creative with the items in my cupboard. There were some nights that I was eating cereal or microwaved some tacos but there were also some feasts…and I have to say it’s nice to know how to cook with a delicious gruyère instead of you know…cheese whiz. 

I know what you’re all really wondering about…did I end up with a six-pack after all of those crunches?

The answer is?

Yes. Yes I did. 

 

Day 28 & 29

What a great weekend. Just perfect. I can’t talk about it because what happens in Montreal stays in Montreal.

My family time was just lovely, I was surprised with a delicious cheese cake by my folks on Sunday before they headed out.

I feel really blessed. Truly.

Day 27

My folks arrived last night and what welcome company. My sister, mom and I stayed up drinking wine and girl chatting while they helped me prep games for the bachelorette. My dad respectfully stayed away and read in the other room. #noboysallowed I completed all of my tasks if I count the leftovers I ate from a previous 30-minute meal…

This morning we’re having an impromptu “birthday breakfast” before my sister and I head out of town. I’m going to predict that my daily tasks will be neglected over the next two days but that’s ok. I’m almost there!

I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without watching television, I mean, the internet has made it relatively easier but it has opened my eyes.

I’m super grateful for so many reasons. I’m going to bask in that today.

Time for crunches.

Day 26

Wow, at the one week mark. Less than a week! Well I definitely finished all of my tasks. I’m so sleepy.  I think I’ll go off to dreamland thinking about all the wonderful things I’m grateful for. Like beer and a bath. #lifeisgood

Am I going to go to bed at 9 PM? maybe. 

Day 24 and 25

I have been slacking on this blog. Yikes! Ok, yesterday was fun. It was insanely busy and I didn’t go for a walk but I did make dinner and today I walked a lot, including a night stroll but didn’t make dinner so I think it kind of evens out…kind of. #notreally

Just finished answering some emails and now I’m unwinding a bit before bed. #busybusy

I’m really looking forward to this weekend. My parents are coming up with my kid sister on Friday and then I leave on Saturday for a bachelorette party in Montreal! #paintthetownred Grandma and Grandpa are going to watch the fur babies while I go off on an adventure with my ladies and sister friend. I’m super pumped!   Montreal is another city that I just adore. The architecture of the buildings is really neat and the cobblestone roads in old Montreal have such a charming feel.

The night life is also pretty good….

I’ve been there many times over the years but these have got to be my top two memories (excluding other bachelorettes but you’re not supposed to show pictures from those ;p)

Montreal in 2009 with my Dad. My grandparents, godparents & great aunt were visiting from Mexico and we went to the Jazz Festival together. Wonderful weekend with family. Good times.

My “champagne”  and friend’s (in the blue dress and I’ve blurred her face because it’s the internet…) birthday in Montreal 2011… so much fun! Just a couple of virgos drinking a shot out of our birthday cake.  We ate! We shopped! We danced! #birthdaybliss

Day 23

What a busy day. So good. I love days like this. Today was a good day. Ok, so I definitely accomplished all my tasks but on steroids. I made this yummy BBQ meal…

And ate every last bite…

Then I went for a two hour walk with one of my favourite couples. They showed me a new dog park and Triton got in a swim. It was fun!

#lifeisgood #nightynight

Day 22

It was pouring rain yet again but I thought, screw it, and loaded Triton into the car anyway to head to the local off-leash dog park. It was beautiful. Sunny and blue skies. Goes to show that sometimes life rewards you for braving the rain. #doublerainbowacrossthesky

 

Tasks completed.

Day 21

This blog, the purpose of this challenge, is to be mindful. I’m not panicking about getting older (that happened when I was 27, ha!) This has made me more reflective and attentive with my daily decisions. It has given me little goals to achieve and so every day is a day of accomplishment. I am celebrating the days leading up to this ‘landmark.’ I’ve experienced so much so far. I have countless wonderful memories, I’ve learned painful lessons, experienced moments of bliss and I can’t wait to see what the next decade has in store for me. I’m creating good habits leading up to what I am sure is more fantastic memories and experiences in the years ahead.  I’m pleased as punch.

 

Tonight I get to spend the evening with an awesome lady. I’ve been fortunate enough to have made some quality friendships in my 20’s. I might not get to see each of them on the daily but when I do see them, it’s like no time has passed.

Challenges/tasks have been completed save the 30-minute walk but maybe when I get home, if it isn’t raining, I’ll go on a midnight stroll.

 

Day 20

I need to go grocery shopping. My cupboards are bare. I ate three burnt hot dogs at a community BBQ and called it a day. Haha. #hotdoggitydog

Triton is loving this whole walk thing. Rain or shine. I am enjoying it. I leave my phone at home. Those 30 minutes are mine. I take that time to reflect. A little more time for gratitude. It’s good. #mindfulness

I thought I would be going on more adventures since I was no longer watching TV but have instead fallen into a routine. A pretty good one. I am at least reading more.

Maybe I will pick up yoga again…the fur babies will love it. Haha.

Day 19

I got a bit distracted playing Dominion last night and failed to post yesterday.

I completed everything. Woohoo! The gratitude attitude I think is paying off. I would recommend it to anyone.