Another year has past and I am always blown away with how much living can be done in a year. 2010 was a very challenging year for me on a personal level. My professional life is strong and growing and this year excites me when it come to my little boutique in K Country. My personal life was filled with ups and downs, however it is no different from anyone esles year. Everyone goes through the same shit expecially as we age. My fathers wife has been through more medical crap that I believe should be allowed for one person and to ring in 2011 she broke her hip a few days ago. Come on, give her a break. So my shit might be different from yours but when it comes down to it, shit is shit. So as it stands right now my retail life is grand and growing and the personal life is always a work in progress.

Frustrated

Today I am frustrated. I am frustrated with my store, my cream line, my oldest son and my husband. As I look at the list of my frustrations I need to prioritize what problem to tackle first. What is the most important issue here. As a women what would you pick? My son. I need to figure out how to parent him better. I'm a great parent I am confident in that however I am not a great parent to him. He's a tough kid. Extremely bright and talented an old soul and we expect a lot from him, too much I have decided. So I have pulled out my parenting books and today at the store I will read in between customers. Muliti tasking as always. Now which issue should a tackle? My husband and my relationship...ugghh

Seniors

During the week I have a large amount of senior visitors. They come in and wander around the store commenting on the antiques and making references to their earlier years. 90% of them don't purchased and that does not bother me at all. I completely understand. They are out enjoying the day, socializing with their friends and window shopping. I will usually start a conversation with them. Whether it is a simple dialogue about the weather or a complex conversation about the current election. This population makes me smile and laugh. What I learn from this population is lessons on life. Ask a senior a question and most of them will love to tell you what their opinion is. They are always gracious, kind and polite. The younger generations could learn a lot if they lifted their eyes up from their mobile vices and turned their ears on and REALLY listened.

As I sat down for the Thanksgiving feast that I hosted this year, I looked at the 14 friends sitting down laughing and talking in front of me as well as watching the 7 children running around the house playing and I allowed myself a "be there" moment. Something I have been doing for awhile. Just truly being in the moment and breathing. I am incredibly blessed to be living this life and thankful for my family and friends. Just 1 day prior to my dinner party a dear old friend informed me that his mother had suddenly died. Poof! her life was gone. Wow. I am attending the funeral next Monday, haven't been to one since my mother passed away. Yes I will say it again, over and over...I am blessed.

So the store just turned 2 years old. Where is the time going? When I take time to reflect I am truly surprised on what I have accomplished. I am proud to announce that my cream and body line can now be found at the hot Vancouver boutique Fine Finds in Yale town. It is amazing what you can do when you have a clear vision and concrete goals and a realistic time frame. Being a wife and mother I have to make sure that I set realistic goals because work is second to them, but I wouldn't have been able to make it to my second year without some amazing people. I really want to thank my personal board of directors for helping, guiding, mentoring, and unconditionally loving me. My family, Janet, Dana, Tammy, Katherine the BCWG women, Virgina. Cheers to all of you and thank you for your love and support.

Today my sons went back to school, and I was so happy that I almost felt guilty. Knowing that they are safe in their classrooms and busy all day while I am a work eases my heart. I love summer and the freedom it brings but when you are a working mom it's a different ballgame. Trying to balance children, home life and work is extremely difficult. Something suffers when you are a working mom and this summer it was the time I spent with them. Because the weather sucked so bad, sales were down and I had to work most of July. So the boys went to camps. Week after week I sent them to our community camp which they enjoyed but I still felt bad. So having them back at school eases my heart.

So my husband is going back to work. Don't get me wrong he has worked since we've been back in Canada, mainly for himself. He is going back to work for someone or I should say some company and this is a big change for him and even a bigger change for us. For the last 13 years we have rarely been apart and I know this would destroy some marriages and it almost destroyed ours. So you could say I am so excited for him and this change. I am always promoting change. Change is exciting and terrifying at the same time. It's healthy and it promotes growth. I am excited for him to feel apart of something besides this family, excited for him to have a sense of purpose again. But I am mainly excited for the change I hope it brings to my marriage. Let's be honest here distance drives my hormones more than he is aware of. Bring it on baby!!!!!