Communication Much?

So you would think before I blog - I would even check the blog - to see if Dana had already blogged about Centreville. How did I not check? I wasn't sure when she could of even done that, probably in the wee hours.

Well now you can see if our experiences were the same...

-J

Busy Kids

The Balkwill family was here for a visit - we had a great time with everyone. We ventured to Centreville - it may be the last time for some of the kids - but really I think they could do it another year - it's a perfect place for kids - and you can't beat the setting anywhere - it's shady, breeze off the lake, and the ferry ride is enjoyed by all.

The St Louis' and Balkwill's did another kid swap this summer - Jack went to Chatham and Kate stayed here in Markham. It was only for a few days - but it was nice to spend time with Kate and Jack sure enjoyed his time. We took Kate to the Toronto Zoo - to a special exhibit where you can pet the Stingrays!

A good time had by all... and Yes. I'm still alive and kicking - 2 more weeks of my bootcamp - then what? I'm not sure - but right now I am loving it, it's addictive - I don't think I have ever had this much energy - I really believe what you put out in exercise comes back tenfold in your energy levels.

What's Up?

Every year I make a New Year's resolution to be a better friend and acknowledge my friends' birthdays with a phone call or a card...come June/July, I've usually fallen back into old bad habits.

Happy Birthday, Sharon (June) and Jennifer (July). Miss you guys! Maybe one day I'll actually cross the ocean again!

There hasn't been a lot of blogging activity lately and I must say that having Jason on holiday has completely thrown off my schedule! You would think I would have more time on my hands having him around, but I don't seem to be able to accomplish half of what I do when he's not home!

So what have we been up to? Jason's sister was here with her family and we made the annual trip to Centreville with them...I still love that place! The trees and water make it a peaceful amusement park if that's not an oxymoron. We also rocked out with them when the kids went to bed. Jason brought home Rock Band for wii after seeing it at our friends' house! Maybe that's what's really keeping me from getting anything done! Then we swapped our niece for Jack for a few days and took her sight seeing. There's also been t-ball and soccer games and Hannah's in a "dance & drama" camp this week.

I'm headed to Montreal Thursday with my Mom to visit my grandparents but back again Friday so I'll just miss my brother arriving Sunday...rats! Maybe I shouldn't say "rats"...see his blog to find out why!

Camping (finally) next week with me & the kids...by then Jason will be back at work!

Lots of weddings and some other fun shoots in between as well. My new website has been getting me a fair bit of work on my own which is a nice surprise! With Henry starting school this fall, I'll have to start thinking of more money making schemes in my spare time!

1 Week Done!

and 3 weeks to go...Looking forward to sleeping in a little tomorrow!!

All workouts are named, today's - Pukie Brewster...

75 Burpee's to Time..

I am home having bacon now....it's friday, I don't care what you think.

A Stomach Less Pained...

Today's workout was much better, I think it may have been due to the fact that I remembered to bring a big bottle of water this time - yesterday I left it at home. The workout was hard and fast, now I am home just having breakfast with Hannah before I take her to gymnastics camp.

The people are super nice - everyone is in it together type of deal - there is one girl there that wears these white socks with the big stripes - you know the type - pulled way past her knee - anyway she's a bit of a strange bird - but other than that all is good.

I read Jen's comment in my last post - yes Jen - actually the program is called BootCamp - you think that would have clued me in, but no - I probably thought it said BoozeCamp.

A very long break of blogging

I'm not even sure when the last time I have blogged!

I'll tell you why, it's been busy that's why. Geez. I started this post an hour ago and got through the first sentence - then I looked out my front window and saw Henry about to hit a baseball my way through the window.

What's new? A lot, I won't bore you with what I have done in the past month or so. Currently I am on vacation, and am in my 2nd week of 3 weeks off from work! They have only called me twice - which is great. We aren't really doing a lot on this vacation, the kids are really busy with sports and camps etc. and generally just staying close to home and enjoying relaxing by the pool, or having an occasional nap.

I have joined this fitness club - it's called CrossFit and I won't go on about it's philosophy, if you are having trouble sleeping you can read about it here. I just started this morning. The class is actually in Toronto, starts at 6am for an hour - so I get up at 5:10 am - leave by 5:30 be there a few minutes before 6 - home by 7:30 (in Toronto if there is no traffic - driving is fast and easy!!)

Anyway, little did I know today would be an excruciatingly painful experience beyond anything I have ever put my body through - that includes jogging and swimming 2000m a night. The warm up was painful even - the warm up was worse than a previous workout I might have done in the past. When I started the main workout - which consisted of squats and burpee's (don't ask) - I started strong and ended weak - near the end of the workout I began to feel nauseous. I have heard or pushing your body so much that you begin to feel sick - and I was almost there - I finished the workout and yelled "TIME" as loud as I could - oh...they time your workout against everyone else's and post the time up for all to see. After that I collapsed on the rubber mats, and sat in my little sweat puddle until I could get enough energy to pull myself up to leave.

In the car, going North on the DVP - somewhere between Eglinton and the 401 I started feeling nauseous again - grabbed my towel and held it close to my mouth - trying to stop whatever wanted to make an appearance. Nothing did - and made it home before anyone woke up, had some breakfast and felt much better.

Why am I doing this? Not really sure. I really wanted to try something that would be really challenging. So far, it may be a touch too challenging - but I'll stick it out - well I'll see... Oh did I say it's 5 days a week for the next 4 weeks?

Anyway - that is what's new with me!

HaPpy BiRtHdaY!!!!

Happy Birthday Connor!

Happy Birthday Michael!

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Yes I am late posting this....Sorry - Hope you had a great birthday!

Here's My Hair

Hannah took this picture with my new, new camera.

My first "new" camera didn't actually work so I had to bring it back!

I think I have this one under control now for my weekend shoot.