She's Kickin' Ass & Takin' Names!

For about the last year I have been asking myself how do I start explaining solid "life lessons?” In this particular instance, it came to fruition about a month ago. My daughter is moving an hour South in a minute and a half, and though it’s been a rich topic of discussion, it has also had me worried. Worried until about 9:15am this morning.

Let me back up. She graduated from her chosen career path in the Spring of 2012. She returned home after finishing school because she wasn’t ready to enter the workforce without the comforts of home. After a year of said comfort, she is returning to where she went to school to start her career, partially because she’s sick of home. I couldn't be more proud.

She has a plan. A pretty friggin’ great plan if you ask me. Honestly, I have never watched her be more self-confident in her entire life. She knows what she wants and by golly she’s going out there to get it.

She never misses a ball game.
How nice is it she waited for his season to end?

Taken July 11th, 2013

With her Dad riding shotgun, they ventured out with the thirty two resumes in hand. She hand delivered most, landed two interviews and has three solid leads on positions in the next couple of weeks.

Tonight brings emotion that I have spoken of before but for the first time today I realize is a hard reality. My job here is done. 

Way to go Staci. I knew you’d totally kick ass today.

YUP, my Sweetie kick some, and had them take her name!

GIDDY UP GIRLFRIEND!!

Because Debi Says So

About a month ago I had a meeting with a really nice couple. They have been married for almost 40 years; he has been CEO of several successful publicly traded companies, and she his beacon. Toward the end of the meeting, her husband excused himself to use the washroom, and his wife decided to share. “Six months ago I thought we were building a cottage” she said. “Now I am being completely uprooted and I am totally lost.” She was visibly upset. 

It turns out that her husband had sold their marital home in the city, and in turn had decided exactly how their future was going to unfold. As she shared her story I was in shock. It was all I could do to remain composed and listen. She was devastated.

Meetings number two and three transpired without her in attendance, and finally the three of us met again this week. All I could do was think about what she’d said the first time we'd met and how she must be feeling. Finding ourselves alone, she once again felt reflective. “What am I going to do? I don’t know anyone in Muskoka” she said. My response was instant and heartfelt.

I really do believe in the power of positive energy
TAKEN: July 22nd, 2013

“Relax Debi” I said. "What do you mean you don't know anyone in Muskoka? You know me now don’t you?" 

As she smiled and nodded, I couldn’t resist myself; "It’s all good" I continued. Consider yourself totally hooked up, because let's face it girlfriend, I know EVERYONE!"

She acknowledged my words, excused herself, and went out to their car. She returned with a small silver sticker. She handed it to me and I immediately gave her a hug. 

As soon as they left, I went to my desk and put that puppy on my monitor as a constant reminder of what karma really is.

As silly as it may sound, this was a significant moment I will remember for a very long time. Thanks Debi!

READY - SET - JO!

When you truly know someone. You've been blessed.
GO Thelma & Louise... I mean Rhondi & Jo!
Taken: July 23rd, 2013

For my entire life, my cousin Joanne and I have been as close as sisters and stayed tighter than your best tied knot. 

As kids, living over 100 miles apart we were serious Public School Pen-Pals. Then, while I figure skated off season at Double Rinks, we were 'summer roomies' through high school. 

We definitely did the college commute thing to a tee, and she's lived in Muskoka since 1990 when she married (one of my husband's best buds whom she met at our 1988 wedding). 

Harsh reality is that I see her less than my Maytag repairman. Really harsh reality? ALL of my appliances are made by General Electric!

What can I say? She’s one of the hardest working women I have ever known and connecting sometimes seems impossible. We chat and text every single day but because of our very busy lives we rarely make the effort to connect face to face. Our homes are about a mile apart.

Yesterday, on a spur, she and I did lunch. We were in the zone. That very same zone we have known our entire lives. As I held up my phone, I asked her to throw me up a peace sign, and without hesitation she did. It was like we were fourteen years old again riding our bikes down Marshall Park to the Mini Putt. We were together. We were us. Once again ready to rule the world!

What can I say other that this gal has always made me feel I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. She will ALWAYS be my hero. In two words?

Lucky me!

Vacation Talks Have Officially Started

In mid February 2012 Tony and I ventured to an amazing resort in Negril Jamaica.  It was a well planned trip (that we both really looked forward to) but truth of the matter is it came at kind of an inopportune time.

Heading to meet Heidi & Brian for dinner.
Riu Tropical ~ Negril Jamaica
Taken: February 2012

Another day older and half a dollar wiser we have talked the last couple of weeks about how we would like to see next winter unfold.  I guess the ten million dollar question is, will our vacation time be pet free or pet friendly?

The hard reality is that I have to either book the beach house in South Carolina for Christmas or let it go. The more frustrating part is that if I don’t book personal vacation time now, I will once again end up working straight through. 

My intent tonight isn’t to whine about crappy vacations yet pull from the last three or four experiences and ask myself what I would I do differently? A few things come to mind.

I would suggest we not take a return night flight into YYZ ever again (it was exhausting). I would definitely confirm my daughter has her passport with her before trying to cross the border into the USA. But first and foremost, I would not take my Blackberry; it distracts me, literally alters my mindset, and Tony deserves better.

I am seriously embarrassed to admit my roaming charges in Jamaica were over $300. Last Xmas? Almost $200. And in April about $120 bucks (but that's only because I'd discovered remote WI-FI spots). NOT taking my Blackberry to the islands just upgraded our room or paid for Staci to dog sit for our week away.

WHAT?! Don't tell me you're going to bitch about the number of shoes I usually take? Whatever happened to three outta four ain’t bad? Hey there bucko ~ everyone knows that a girl's gotta accessorize her tan and her toes with really great shoes! It's right up there with thou shall always wear sunscreen... AND... I will not bring my Blackberry on vaycay!

Orange You Going To Ask…?

You probably assessed from my post Friday night that I did NOT have a banner day. Pretty sure it wasn't the heat wave that did it, but rather the wave of heat (meaning my temper) that obliterated a couple of not so innocent bystanders.

What can I say? In the industry I work in, you either function at my pace or get the hell outta dodge. I wasn’t mean, I was assertive. I always try to give solid direction but once or twice a year I need to add a little volume for effect. Friday was ACDC opening for Led Zeppelin kinda loud. 

Bright side is that home is my haven. Knowing my frame of mind, my husband and daughter met me right after work so we could enjoy a nice dinner together. Instead I arrived home to an expensive dog buffet and some serious shock. Shit day at work, crap mess at home. There were tears.

I didn’t yell at the dog, nor say anything to anyone in the house. I just sat on the crapper in the ensuite and quietly wept. Great big tears. The kind that flow from disappointment. Disappointment in myself for yelling. Disappointment in myself for not locking up my fecking shoe cupboard.

Orange has always been my favourite flavour &
it's definitely one of my very favourite colours.
Taken: July 21st, 2013

As I quietly melted down my husband let me do just that and headed to town to run a couple of errands. 

Half an hour later I was in the kitchen with a jumbo straw in a 750ml bottle of Pinot Grigio when Tony walked in with a beautiful bouquet of roses.

Three years ago he would have simply asked “are we still going out for dinner?” 

Friday, he went and picked up dinner, and bought me these wonderful flowers.

What can I say? I started to cry again. “I know you had a really bad week” he said. 

Through my second wave of tears I put my arms around him, my head on his shoulder, and thanked him. I could only muster a handful of words which were…. I love you.

I AM a very lucky lady.

Puddin’ You Got Some Splanin Ta Do!

Puddin' & Me
Cruising in Bessie Canada Day Weekend
Taken: July 1st, 2013

Seriously, how could something so cute be so bad? Hey now, easy there. I was talking about the four legged bitch in the pic, not the two legged one that's typing!

Bad day you ask? Yup, yup, yup! 

Not only was work out of control (making me a really big biotch) but it appears that so's my dog Puddin'. 

I honestly thought her fits of psychosis had past but today she proved me wrong. Three pair of really great dress shoes and $100 iron met their demise. Don't ask about the latter, because you wouldn't believe me if I told you. 

What do you think? Pud's blood just a little low on iron? I know, a very weak groaner at best.

I get the whole 'separation anxiety' she suffers from, I even get the whole 'I wanna be on the dock and not in town' canine frame of mind. But why does it have to happen on a day when it feel like I've been dragged behind a car farther than the dog in National Lampoon's Vacation?

Sad part is when it comes to me and my time, Puddin' isn't the only one plagued with a case of "the more I get the more I want" mindset. I also know that in all instances, I have been the one to set the expectation. I repeat, "I am the one that has set the bar so high". See? Just my luck. Friday night, I've set the bar, and not a bartender in sight! 

Probably a good thing. I have to haul my sorry ass into work tomorrw!! 

As I click my heels together I chant.... "Ya gotta laugh about it... Ya gotta laugh about it....Ya gotta laugh about it!"

Too Early A Tee Time Dear?

Tony on the 14th Tee.
 Taken: June 2013

My husband is one of the most natural athletes I have ever met in my entire life. Me? Not so much but I'll never give up!

We're both still active in midlife, and this time of year my personal focus is golf. I should probably mention that though my husband “likes” golf... it's solely because his wife "likes" golf. He's a brilliant golfer, yet baseball remains his true passion.

Mid June my husband and I went away for our first romantic golf getaway in forever. We'd only golfed together once in a couple of years, and in all fairness I had purchased new clubs, and seen far more play than he had.

We were playing 18; we wanted to swim & sun in the afternoon and enjoy a fine dining experience that evening so I booked our tee time for 8:45 in the morning.

I played an exceptional front nine and we were neck and neck at the turn. Then, on twelve, my man got a case of the tee block shanks. By the 16th, he was inconsolable. And by the end of the round the score told the inevitable. We cleaned our cart, loaded our clubs, and headed back to the resort.

Great round and a really great weekend ♥
June: 2013

We spent the rest of the day by the pool playing Yahtzee, enjoyed our late dinner reservation, as a result staying up well past our normal bedtime. 

When we woke in the morning, he rolled over and gave me a hug and a kiss and said “... I am so sorry that I fell asleep on you last night...” 

“It’s okay” I said. “but was that because I beat you at golf yesterday?” As we roared with laughter, our day began and we packed for home. 

Hey, lemee tell ya something. I love a really great night of passion as much as the next gal, but winning at golf - fair and square - for the first time in almost three decades? 

A BAZILLION TIME BETTER!

Well, maybe not a BAZILLION... But really, really, really LOTS!

3 Bills & A Bilge Pump To Boot!

Bessie Bowrider arriving at her new home...
Taken: June 21,2013

I am kinda proud that I’ve never been a "stuff" person. I have never been in the habit of buying “stuff” I don’t need. However, in this instance, I am totally guilty of doing just that. What can I say? When it comes to my pups I spare no expense!

I should start by sharing that we have a boat. A waterski boat with 135hp Merc on the back. It’s far too much boat and motor for our lake and the Muskoka river infrastructure that accompanies it; but it too was a great deal, and purchased for my two legged children, not my furry four legged ones. 

Dottie & Bessie getting acquainted.
Taken: July 29th, 2013

This past winter, one of my blog mentors posted on Facebook that they had a small bowrider boat for sale: boat, motor, trailer and all fixings for three hundred bucks! She posted pics of her and her family enjoying old Bessie and I immediately bought her sight unseen.

Last weekend Tony and I took Bessie Bowrider to the Spa. Scrubbed her down and gave her a head to toe makeover. Pressure washed the covers, and placed her in the water for all to see.

She looks great for a mature woman and she runs like a well-oiled machine. Bottom line is we’re really lucky to have her.

I love our cottage. We have several kilometres of boating we enjoy. We have the ability to boat really fast around the lake, as well as putt along the river peacefully enjoying it's natural beauty. We have it all ten minutes from our home without a gigantic tax bill. Over the years people have had distinct opinions when they hear where our cottage is located, but their opinions are exactly that - theirs!

Bessie putting Puddin' to sleep!
Taken: July 1,2013

Honestly? Nine times out of ten I look at their legal site address and I bite my tongue. Not out of envy, but because I am dying to ask the multi million dollar question.

Is it paid for?

Just like Bessie Bowrider... The Peacock's Nest has three golden words in common with her.

PAID IN FULL! 

A Great Canadian Weekend

From the time I was a kid, Canada Day has always been something I've looked forward to and truly embrace celebrating.  Topping my personal leader board as my favourite statutory holiday, I am pleased to announce that this past weekend did not disappoint!

Nater, Staccs & Big D.
Missing? Gavin B.
Fireworks are over. Flip Cup Sing Along on deck!
Taken: LATE June 30th, 2013

Staci and her entourage arrived just in time for all the food that was waiting. A dozen strong, all were hungry and on a mission. We was ready!

I love being a Mom...

I know my role has changed a lot but I love the duty and cherish the title just the same. It never gets old.

Gavin B & with R
Taken: June 30th, 2013

With last weekend front of mind, I find it interesting how we have raised our children to embrace what we personally love most. In this instance/post, you may dismiss it as a National 'party at the cottage' excuse, but I can assure you that it's much bigger than that.

My children have been raised to know that this is our day. It celebrates the freedom we know as a country and the hope we have as a nation. It reinforces our desire for peace, and a respect for our natural resources and their amazing value. It celebrates our right to vote and gives us the ability to embrace our unconditional PRIDE. Canada Day reinforces to our children that they have a voice.

We, as Canadians, are known around the globe to be really great people. Our respect is earned because we are giving and gracious. On this specific holiday, every single one of us unconditionally stand a little taller, smile a little wider, and sing a little louder.... At least I know we do at The Peacock's Nest!

Happy Birthday Canada... 

"May our children teach their children to both embrace you and handle you with care. 

Let us pray that all others love you as you deserve to be loved forever and always."

~Rhondi St.Onge Peacock

Canada Day ~ Orillia Lake
Photo Credit: Jamie Peacock
Taken: July 1st, 2007

She Loves Me… She Loves Me Not.

She most definitely loved me.
I miss my Daisy Marie every single day...
Taken: June 23rd, 2013

I am sure it's purely a coincidence but You’ve Got Mail ranks right up there as one of my most watched movies of all time.

One of the most memorable scenes for me is when Tom Hanks goes to her apartment to bring her flowers and try to start anew. He brings her a bouquet of daisies. 

“Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flower” she asks? For a number of very personal reasons, I couldn’t agree more.

I was about to tackle the lawn at the cottage (for the first time this season) last Sunday when I stood in amazement at my beautiful sea of daisies. I was in awe as I watched Dot wade through the white and yellow and green foliage. If there's one word I would use to describe our moment it would be peaceful. As I do in 99% of my ah-ha moments, I reached for my camera.

I've taken a bazillion pictures over the years but this one is truly very special. As I bent down I uttered the words "I love you Daisy Marie..." The bizarre thing is that Dot moved in to smell the flowers and literally held her pose. Once again, it was like the three of us were reunited. It's hard to believe that she left me over a year ago this month. It's even harder to believe is that she still preoccupies my thoughts.

June is a roller coaster month for me emotionally. So many highs to acknowledge and so many lows to revisit. As I snapped the pic, I was quickly reminded that June 23rd was the very last day I laughed with my father before he passed. Yet taking the photo, I wasn't even remotely sad.

With my glass half full, I instantly told myself that my beloved Daisy Marie didn't want me to spend the day alone. How silly is it that as I snapped the photo I could feel my father's hand touch my shoulder.

Truth be known? There were really four of us present in this very special moment...

June 24th, 2012? A Biggie For Me…

GOOB & Me at Actinolite
Taken: June 23th, 2012.

It was exactly a year ago yesterday that I sat outside the King Eddie Hotel in downtown Toronto sobbing as I prepared for my journey back to Muskoka. 

If I close my eyes I can see the bench I sat on that morning; I was outside a Starbucks, my eyes were damp, and I began to lean on a friend via BBM.

My memory of that very moment's vivid; it was a Sunday morning, and I felt totally lost and alone in my dark thoughts. 

My biggest problem? There wasn't a GPS nor flashlight anywhere in sight to help me find my way!

A year later I feel sorry for my poor David; in hindsight I was leaning on him far more than I should have. In retrospect, he valiantly carried me. I hadn’t been diagnosed as depressed, but 365 days after the fact, I am convinced that bothersome stray cat was scratching really hard at the screen door.

The only thing I didn’t do was fold like a lawn chair and let him in. You have no idea how easy it would have been to open the door and welcome the company. I wanted to. I just never did. I worked really hard every single day (for the next several months) so I wouldn't have to clean the litter box.

I am reflective for a couple of reasons tonight. Today is the first anniversary of one of my lowest points personally during a very trying time. I didn’t go to work yesterday. It wasn’t a vacation day, I called in sick. Not because I was feeling blue but the exact opposite. My driving need for a sense of accomplishment had me rendered completely exhausted.

I'm in a great place. Matter a fact, this summer I am going to hold myself accountable rather than look to those around me to blame for my being a bitch. Blame is nothing other than a lame excuse. That said, there are a very small handful of people in my life that need to just go away.

Departure isn't needed because I am mad or upset, but rather it's time to let go of the outside influence that breed self doubt. As bizarre as it sounds, I don’t want them to go away mad, I just want them to go away. As I resign myself to the reality at hand, I only have one other thing to say.

You know who you are...

Smartie Is Coming Home!

EVERYONE SAY HELLO TO BRIAN ♥
Taken: 2007

For a girl that's lucky to get one surprise a year, this past week officially delivered my 2013 ditty.

I can’t describe the excitement I felt yesterday when my very bestest friend in the whole wide world confirmed that he was making an unexpected trip from the Yukon (home to Ontario) in less than a month.

As I have said before, the 5,675 kilometres that separates us is insignificant; at the end of the day unconditional is exactly that, which is how I would describe our friendship. It works because we make it. We care. It's as simple as that. That said, this is the first summer visit since he's moved, that I am going to him instead of him coming to me in Muskoka.

Though he did live in Muskoka for almost 20 years, outside of me living here it really is no longer a focal point for him. His family vacations on an island in the Kawartha’s (which is where he’ll land after his meetings in Ottawa). As a result, I am going on a road trip.

I know our time together will pass crazy fast. We communicate in one form or another almost every single day, but there’s nothing like spending time together face to face. I enjoy hearing him laugh but seeing him laugh is the absolute best. The second best thing? Seeing his entire family. Close third? Fishing at dawn and not saying a single word to each other, just enjoying the one thing we rarely get to enjoy.

Each other’s company!...I can hardly wait!!!

Congratulations Auntie Cai!

My Auntie Cai is at the tippy top of the heap in my books. You know the type? She defines "the kind of person I want to be when I grow up!" Though I know she'll smile at my humour, she knows that I've always had an absolute respect for her from a very young age. 

My Auntie Cai at her 80th Birthday Party
Taken: November 2012

She’s 80 now, which makes no matter when it comes to her (because 80 is her new 60). I am proud to announce that she was just named the Lucile C. Jolette Volunteer of The Year, in the town where she has lived almost her entire life.

After reading the article that was written for her in the local newspaper I was moved. I can envision her accepting her award. She'd be humble for sure,  but I would hope she would have accepted her award with bells on.

She has the most amazing bells: dressed to the nine’s, she'd be wearing a smile that would score low as a twelve on a scale of one to ten. What can I say? She has a great spirit and this indescribable energy! 

She's smart, honest, fair, but most of all (growing up with a mother that was stringent) she's always been bat shit crazy fun. Don't get me wrong;  she'd  listen to your plight, hold you accountable for your crap, but always help you find the way. She'd help you understand the really hard journeys, and make you will yourself strong enough to take them. At least I know she did that for me.

I wish I could share the article written in her honour. It wraps up with “Cai is tenacious and faithful to causes to which she invests her time…” I am so very proud to be one of those causes. I am proud to admit that I've raised my kids the way she helped raise me; hands on, with honesty, support, and great lines of open communication. She showed me the way, and for that I am forever grateful.

Congratulations on being named Volunteer of the Year Auntie Cai. Just like your own, I love you very much.

Just Always Find A Way...

Make me laugh and we're golden.

Yesterday my very favourite client called to pick my brain; “I know it’ll only take me 45 seconds” he said, “but I value your opinion just the same”.  Laughing, I asked what he needed.

He’s a very successful downtown Toronto lawyer with a great place in Beaumaris. My other important notable? He could very well be Canada's Worst Handyman. 

Seriously, if I had a dime for every time he said "I could do the work myself but..." I would single handedly be able to pay his very expensive land tax bill!

Anyway, for the third summer in a row we’re doing work at his place. Low and behold, he called because he wants to do a renovation to his pool area. After talking about his options, we both agreed on what would look and work best.

So, after ten minutes of sarcastic banter, he finally confessed that he doesn’t really need the name of a contractor per say, he needs a favour. Kind of a “who can you have at my place to meet me this Saturday?” I agreed to call in a marker on one condition. I would make the call but stipulated  "he's my friend... so whatever you do... DON'T cheap him down!" I did use an ethic reference but you catch my drift.

All joking aside, I am so glad that I could help Dave by just picking up the phone. Glass half full? That Grant unconditionally offered to help me help Dave no questions asked.

Could it be that my energy feeds the brightness the others offer me?

I most certainly hope so... I really do most certainly hope so!

Happy 85th Birthday Hervé…

Morning coffee on the very last birthday he was alive to celebrate.
Taken: June 2005

Today is June the 9th and it's the day my father was born.

Hard to believe if he were alive he would be 85 years old today. 

What I find even harder to believe is that he left me eight years ago this June 23rd. 

Makes no matter the lapse of time, as I think of him every single day.

I remember absolutely everything about my dad; the sound of his voice, the look in his eyes when he smiled, most importantly the love that he had for life. His work ethic was one thing but his loyalty to his family and his friends was so unconditional it bordered indescribable.

To this very day he remains the voice inside my children`s head, my husband`s closest confidant, and the spirit inside me to never give up and never stop trying. I use to think that my personal success came from my mother pushing me at the rink all those years. It may have been part of the foundation, but as a mother and wife I know that all the finishing touches were a tag team effort.

I couldn`t have done it without my husbands support, and he couldn`t have carried the kids and I without my father`s love and support. A cold beer in the carport is sometimes all you need when you've got three screaming kids and a wife/daughter that's a total bitch. That right there is the God honest truth.

Happy 85th Birthday Dad.

We love and miss you very much. xoxox