Image Slider

27.7.13

Writer's Block(head)








It's been a happy and laid back summer.  I grew up thinking that summer was a time of constant movement, a time where I always had to be doing something or going somewhere.  Although I have gone places and done things, this summer has been slow in comparison to others.  Regardless, I have liked it and my blog has definitely reflected it.

Sometimes I get so antsy when my mind isn't coming up with something new to write down and share. I get a high from blogging.  But when I have nothing to write it must mean I need to find my highs elsewhere.  And that I need to look closer for things inspiring to write about.

Perhaps this post is a lesson in itself for me.  Maybe it's okay for life to be mellow, consistent, and calm.

Anyways, I found this nifty little site I'd like to give a try.  Have you ever wanted to ask me an anonymous question?  Just a question about anything, maybe something you've been too scared to even comment or Facebook me.  Well, go here to ask and I'll answer.  You might even inspire me with something to write about.


15.7.13

The Dots Are Connecting

Today is July 15th.  A little over six months ago I was told that today would be my due date.  But it's not anymore.  Today is just another day.  Sadly enough, I had even forgotten this day until Jon reminded me of it over the weekend.

It's almost surreal to think that the arrival of a baby was once in my cards.  There was something inside of me.  It was alive and it was growing.  But it was also horribly misshapen and undeniably unfit for life on earth.

While going through the heartbreak and sadness back in January, I wrote an unofficial conclusion to my experience.  As I began to look forward and move past the trial of miscarriage, the only words of advice I could muster for myself were to have faith and the patience to realize that "the dots will eventually connect."

The dots have connected.  It turns out my Father in Heaven had a different change prepared for me at this time.  I have recently accepted a job offer and will begin a new challenge and path in life.  Although it's not what I initially had in mind for July, I'm grateful for this new opportunity.  Starting July 22, I will be the new Aquatic Team Lead at the Mount Royal University Pool.  It's a grown-up job.  I'll have full-time hours, a salary and benefits.

I'll admit, it's tough to exchange having a baby for a job.  I would much rather have the baby.  However, I'm a firm believer in The Hourglass Theory.  Now just wasn't the right time.  It doesn't mean that it never will be.  I can be patient and have faith.  There will eventually be even more dots and they will connect even better.


6.7.13

Flexibility and Tradition








In the Gibb family, Christmas really does come in July.  Without fail, July 1st is the Gibb family reunion and it really is the most wonderful time of the year.  I've been packing up and heading out to the tiny rural Alberta village of Hillspring for this holiday ever since I can remember.  And honestly, I wouldn't have my Canada Day any other way.  I love watching a parade that is so short it goes up main street, turns around, and then comes back for round two.  I love floating the ice cold river and roasting hot dogs at the river bottom.  I love drinking the yeasty homemade root beer and cheering for the winner of the "brew-off."  The July 1st reunion will forever be a tradition I cherish.

It's crazy to look back and see how much this holiday has changed over the years though.  Grandma and Grandpa Gibb no longer live out on the farm.  We have better things to do than go to the Great Canadian Barn Dance.  I no longer sleep in the teepee/cook car/garden shed/master bedroom at the Lodge with a bunch of my girl cousins, staying up late talking about boys.  Things have changed, but the first still lives.

After all has been said and done this first of July, I can't help but ponder something more.  Flexibility.  Isn't it ironic how we become less flexible physically and more flexible emotionally as we get older?  I'm getting worse at being able to touch my toes, yet after this family reunion I realized I'm more flexible in other ways.  There were small traditions I easily gave up this year without the slightest resistance because I had the emotional flexibility to allow myself not to care.  My 12 year old self would be so disappointed to find out that I skipped the foot races as a 24 year old.  Heck, I skipped the program too.  I almost didn't get ice cream at the infamous Glenwood parlour either.  Small things were different this year and I still had a good time.

Maybe growing up isn't so bad after all.