We survived….

After over 90 hours without electricity, you quickly find out what you’re made of…  turns out we’re pretty resilient.  We toughed it out at home for a couple of days with no power. As stated in my last post, it was cold enough to see my breath in my house.

Day 3, the power was back on at our cottage so we packed everyone up, except the cat(he’s too miserable) and headed on out. The cottage was warm and we had lights, but no internet or TV.

It was refreshing to be able to sit around and play board games, and to chat without distractions.

It turns out that we actually like each other.

Our middle child missed all the fun, as she was in Newfoundland for a synchronized skating competition.  It was at this event that they qualified for Nationals, which take place in Calgary next month. Their routine was a tribute to a teammate that passed away earlier last year, so it was a very emotional victory for the team.

Our son(the youngest) had a great weekend of hockey. They never made it to the semi finals, but he had felt unfairly treated by his coaches the last couple of games and it appeared to be affecting him. I was very proud of him for sitting and talking to his coaches about it, and clearing the air. There was a noticeable difference in his game play after that chat. The things they learn playing a team sport that goes far beyond the game.

Our Oldest is preparing for exams this week, and seeing her focus through this amazes me. I see a girl that has struggled with mental health issues learn to rise above them. I have no doubt she’s going to be successful.

This past week I was invited to a spiritual formation class at Kingswood University by a good friend of mine, who teaches the class. The class was on change and transformation, and knowing my story he asked me to come and share with the class.

This was the first time that I shared my story with such a large group. After that class on Thursday, the amount of people who have heard it was quadrupled.

I realized during that class that perhaps it’s time to tell my story of my change to a broader audience. Maybe someday you’ll see that story here.

How was your week?  Were you affected by the ice storm?

Till next time

Jason

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I can see my breath

Two days ago our area was hit with an ice storm that knocked power out. We’ve now been 36 hours without power and our house is freezing. It could be much, much worse. Yesterday was 4 degrees and today the forecast is the same. So for having to be without heat, this is tolerable.

I’m sitting on the couch wrapped in a blanket, longing for my hot morning coffee. I am, however, extremely thankful for many things through this ordeal. The many offers from those with heat for others to come and warm up.  Several of the local area gyms have offered a place for people to come and shower. We have malls and libraries where we can go to get warm, find something to eat, charge our mobile devices and access the internet.

I love seeing people come together in times like theses. The times are tough, but it gives you such a warm feeling inside when someone shows kindness. The times you can sit together as a family with the forced attention. No cellphones, tablets or TVs to distract from one another. Last night our oldest daughter went to a friends house to play board games. We were at home with the two youngest and played a card game. It was fun. Even if I didn’t win.

As much as I can see the blessings through this challenge, I’ll be very happy to have the power back on. According to NB Power there are only ~88,000 customers affected and 80% of our area is expected back on by tonight. Sure hope we’re part of the 80%

Until the lights are back on, stay warm my friends, and try to see the good through the bad…

Jason

Congratulations Mr. Trump…

Please do not consider this as any sort of endorsement, but simply as what it states.  Congratulations on this great achievement.  Despite a landslide of opposition, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the President of the United States today.

For many today is a sad day in the history of the United States, and for just as many more, it’s a huge victory and an apparent step in the right direction.

I won’t pretend to know enough about the political landscape of our neighbors to the south, but it does bring up a very interesting discussion.  How should we react when we don’t get the outcome we had hoped?

I have seen a barrage of satirical videos, memes and cartoons lashing out at the very soon to be President of the United States.  Seeing the amount of negative media attention, and the protests, and the fact that #notmypresident is trending, I can only describe it as temper tantrums.  A large group of people upset that the democratic process they are so proud of, failed to produce the results that they wanted.

What happened to people taking the high road and learning to make the best of a terrible situation?  With every President that I can remember, the people gathered and stood behind the office.  They may have disagreed with the person in the office, but they respected the office, and their fellow countrymen in the outcome of the election.

I agree that protests and people should stand up for what they believe in, but shouldn’t it be done respectfully?

Personally, I feel that the election results have indicated that the majority of people are sick and tired of career politicians.  Who else did they have to choose from that has real world experience in the business world.

With Kevin O’Leary’s announcement of running for leadership of the Conservative Party in Canada, I can see the same trend starting to happen here.  Our current Prime Minister was born to a Prime Minister, so his only experience in real life is in Politics.  How can one really understand the impacts our law makers decisions have, if you’ve never had to live with the actual impacts?

Every political system in the world should be attentively watching what’s happening in the US.  People are finally tired of our options for leaders.

What are your thoughts?  Keep in mind, I am not a political scientist…  I’m just a humble, over taxed Canadian providing my perspective.

Till next time.

I’m on a roll…

I’m still sticking with it…

It’s hard to believe, but almost 2 weeks into this ‘diet’, and I’ve not cheated once.  Admittedly, it’s hard to cheat when bacon is on the menu…

This Keto diet thing really isn’t much of a diet, but more so a different way of eating.  I’ve basically just eliminated refined sugar and wheat from my diet.  Typically any changes in diet for my have been difficult, the mood swings, cravings and bottoming out sugars would make me feel nauseous almost throughout the entire plan.

There have been days lately, where I’ve been too busy to take a break and have a snack, or I forget to take a snack.  It would surprise me to be able to go 4 or 5 hours without eating anything for two reasons.  One, I rarely make it that long without feeling hungry.  Two, there was no sudden drop in sugar levels and no noticable decrease in energy.

Other than the first couple of days, I’ve been feeling great, plus I’ve 10 lbs.  I know that could be a big contributor to my improved energy.

So resolution one is going great, and as is evident with this post, the second,so far is on track too.

Couple other resolutions I started with this year are progressing well too.   I’m on track with my daily devotional.  I’m going through the Bible in One year, written by Nicky and Pippa Gumble.  It’s not a short quick devotional, but I find it is so necessary to set the tone of my day.

I’ve also intended to be more intentional and present when with others.  At home, in meetings, walking down the street, standing in line at the coffee shop.  Spending less time on a mobile device and being present in the moment, observing my surroundings.

It’s a tough habit to break, but I think so necessary.  I was inspired when I watched a video circulating on Facebook.  It was an interview with Simon Sinek about Millenials in the Workplace.  It’s about 15 mins long, but so worth the time to watch.

How are you making out with your resolutions?  I’d love to hear.  Feel free to leave a comment below.

Till next time

Jason

January Update – Another New Years Resolution

As with many people, I joined the ranks of those starting their new year off with new resolutions.

I struggle with these for many reasons.  One, I often lack consistency when it comes to following up on my progress.  Perhaps my goals are too high level, with not enough meat to measure.

The last couple of years, I’ve had a goal to Blog more.  I’ve questioned a lot over the last few months of whether or not I should just shut this down or pick it back up.

For me, I don’t have a problem writing, but I have a problem with feeling that it’s ever good enough to publish.  I strive for perfection, and fear the ridicule and rejection from writing something that offends or is just terrible.

So, here I am, stepping out on a limb, and just posting…   Something… Anything… Just to say I’ve posted.

If anyone is reading this, please hold me accountable and ensure I post more frequently.  I’m planning to publish something each month this year.  Let’s see how things go…

I also started a new diet this year.  My wife was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2016, and has been reading a lot about Ketogenic diets.  There seems to be many documented cases of type 2 diabetes being reversed, so we decided to tackle it together.

Any new diet is tough, but one that drastically reduces carb intake for me, is almost certain disaster.  First day in, and I just wanted to punch everyone I saw and eat a loaf of bread.  Not some multi-grain, full of seeds and nuts bread either.  Plain old, unhealthy enriched white bread. Straight from the bag.  Smothered in peanut butter and jam…

But I resisted.  Yay me!  Now a week into this thing and I’m actually ok.  My head seems much clearer, I have more energy(no more afternoon wall), and I’ve lost 8lbs.

The cravings for sweets and bread seem to have diminished too, so all in all, not too bad.

When I post next month, hopefully I’m still on track, and can report more pounds lost and better health.

Till next time.

Jason