The Life Of Leslie

Aspirations

2010-07-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

There's a need inside me that aspires to be something amazing. Someone who has truly inspired others, made a difference, made a name for myself. When I'm gone from this world (in hopefully many, many MANY years from now), I want to know that people can look fondly upon my life and smile with appreciation for the aspirations I accomplished.

This need is constantly there.

I can't pinpoint what needs to be done to get there. Whether it's one thing, or whether it's a series of life events that I will work my way through in my life, it's not apparent yet.

I realize that aspirations are dreams, and you are the only one who can make your dreams into reality (unless you win the lottery, then hello!) but I continue to search for what my aspirations truly are.

Until then...I lead the Life of Leslie, stillettos and all.

Livestrong

2010-07-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Cancer sucks.

As many of you know, my Dad has been dealing with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer for almost a year now. While he has done Chemo & Radition, surgery, followed by more Chemo, he still has a long road of recovery ahead, starting with his reversal surgery sometime this year.

He's a strong man. And Kevin, Sarah and I have all been angry, sad, depressed, but at the same time hopeful, optimistic, and joyful for all of his accomplishments with his treatments.

We all grouped together and did the June 2010 Relay for Life in Lombardy, which some of you donated your hard-earned dollars to, and our team raised $3200. Amazing.

Ryan & I have taken quite an interest in doing our part to help find a cure for cancer. So when we were beating the 2010 Ottawa heatwave yesterday at the mall, we came across these shirts:

They are being featured at Sport Chek stores all across Canada for $29.99 plus taxes, and a portion of proceeds are going to the Livestrong campaign, helping conquer cancer.

If it's one small thing I can do that will help cure this disease that has taken the lives of too many, I'll do it.

There are also other colors (pink, white, blue) and some great running shorts, and Livestrong shoes!

What have you done to help make cancer history?

A Little Girl Time

2010-07-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm so fortunate to have so many special people in my life. My siblings, my parents, Ryan...but this post is about someone who has touched my life is more ways than I can count.

Ryan's older sister Jennifer.

Jen and I have always been close, since Ryan and I started dating. I remember the first time I met her and her fiance (Mart) on the deck in Hawkesbury, and we had matching bathing suits.

Over the past 5 years, we've laughed till we cried, cried till we laughed, experienced highs & lows, been each other's "Secret Santa's" more than once (trade'sies!), and when something really exciting or great happens to me, I call Ryan - Mom - Jen.

I was the EM'cee at her wedding, was there a few hours after her 1st little miracle was born, she was the first person I spoke to when I was having isssues with someone in my family, she believed in me when I was applying for jobs before finding my niche at Boston Pizza, she was the first person (after Ryan) I called when I learned in the same day that I had H1N1 and that my Dad was diagnosed with Cancer, she sent my Mom flowers when she had a heart attack, and she is always the person I know who will be as excited for me about something as I am.

Jen and I (and Jen's near-10 month old daughter) went to do some girly shopping yesterday in Montreal. Such a fun day with lots of laughter and one of the sweetest comments I've ever received.

"You're already my sister".

And then comes the tears in my eyes, and the feeling in my heart that reminds me that I'm more than Ryan's girlfriend, and Jen is more to me than Ryan's sister. She's my best friend. She knows more about me than most friends I've had for a lifetime. She's inspiring, caring, an amazing mother to her kids, hilariously funny, and I am so fortunate to have her in my life. (which seems to be a tag line on all of our cards to each other).

There's something about a little girl time, even if it's a quick day trip shopping to re-energize, and realize that life isn't always easy, but when you have a friend as wonderful as Jen, that you can get through everything in life.

Love you Jen xoxo

Writer's Block

2010-07-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

I've had writer's block for quite some time now.

I have nothing up there *looks up* that is begging to get out onto a post.

Nothing.

Maybe it will come back to me this weekend.

Shortest blog post ever.

Happy Canada Day!

Dear Dad

2010-06-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's Father's Day, and what better way to tell your Dad all that you have to say, through memories.

Dear Dad:

I got you a card, and a small gift. But both can't even come close to the memories that I have with you.

You adopted me, at 2.5 months old with Mom, excited to have your little girl.

You took me to Burger King when you left the adoption agency for my first meal as a family (I still blame you for my Fast Food addiction...)

You took me to dance classes every week.

You sang "Home on the Range" in a horrible off-key tone just to get a rise out of me.

You wore the ugliest tooque and rubber boots when you picked us up at school.

You would let us play on the printable calculators at the mill and take a huge handful of lollipops home every time.

You made me ham sandwiches with ketchup (sorry Dad, those were naaasty)

You let me work at the rec hall you managed at $4 an hour, teaching me the value of working.

You would make us "surprise snacks" and put so much heart into putting cheese and crackers and apple slices on a plate.

You would say "treat night" only on Saturday nights at the store, but would let us get something every time we were there with you.

You let me play in the firetrucks at the station and showed us how to fill the water truck down at the Nation River.

You taught me how to parallell park down at the public school for hours on end.

You came into the gas station where I worked on my first shift, just to show me how proud you were, even without saying a word.

You put on a brave face when I found out I was pregnant at 17 years old and with keeping Mom calm, you took both of us to my ultrasound, and were there for me when I lost the baby.

You drove me with a packed car off to college in Belleville and made me laugh when No Frills wanted you to pay for grocery bags.

You helped me financially for so many years.

You would come over with groceries from M&M Meat Shops to fill my freezer when I was living alone and was low on funds.

You comforted ME when you were diagnosed with cancer last year. Telling me that you would be fine.

You made ME proud of you, finishing up your Chemo 2 weeks ago.

You make my heart fill up with joy and love for my Dad. I can't express to you what you mean to me and how proud I am of you. You're MY Dad (okay, Kevin & Sarah's too...) but you're also the reason I am who I am today.

Love you Dad. Happy Father's Day!

xoxoxxoxoxoxox Leslie

Live Your Life to the Max!

2010-06-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

So, what would you do if you won $100 million dollars?

Lotto Max Ontario has announced that no one won the $50 million jackpot last night, and now the jackpot has jumped up to an estimated $95 million dollars.

O - M - G

I have yet to check my own ticket from last night's draw as 15 bonus $1 million prizes were awarded, but it really makes one wonder.

What would you buy if you won such a huge prize? I mean, I am not greedy, I'd be thrilled with $10,000! But as I dream about what I would do with such a substantial amount of money, the thought of potentially winning is enticing.

First things first:

A zebra print car...ferrarri preferrably! (there was no photo though...)

Next up, I would book a month long vacation with Ryan to Bora Bora!

Followed by a trip to Rome!

When I come back I would make a huge donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. A society that is making cancer history.

Oh and then I would totally buy a thousand pairs of shoes. Literally.

Then I'd call up my new BFF Sarah Jessica Parker to go shopping with me in NYC...and she'll be all like "OM-geeee Leslie! What took you SOOO long?!"

Then I'd set up all of my family for the rest of their lives so that they wouldn't have to worry about anything finacially ever.

Oh and I'd buy Ryan a 200 inch television to go in our new mansion.

But does money bring happiness? Sure, of materialistic things. If I won - amazing. If I didn't, I'm just as happy. I have my health. My family. Ryan. My life.

But oh, the shoes I could buy!....

What would YOU buy with $100 million?

Love.

2010-06-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

My blog needs not any words today, except one: love

Realizations

2010-06-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

I love sitting back and taking a look at myself, and who I am, what my quirks are. It sometimes makes me laugh, it sometimes makes me realize if I'm doing something harmful, and sometimes, it's very self-rewarding.

A few realizations I've had in the past little while:

When I don't want to forget something, I write it on my hand in pen.
I will do all the laundry, fold it, and then leave it in piles on the spare bed for days.
I've grown into someone who likes pretty dresses for work instead of pants.
I always feel the need to be doing something with my hands (idle hands are the devil's..something...)
I hate having a messy apartment.
I feel so much more self-confident now than I ever have in my life.
I hate the color olive-green.
I want a baby, but I'm terrified of how to entertain it.
I like sexy nighties from La Senza, but because they are comfortable ;)
Ryan can crack me up, even when I'm upset or really angry at something
I really am a shopoholic...I think I need an ~~intervention~~ new pair of shoes

Coming to realize these things have made me laugh, cringe, and sometimes stress me out. But I am who I am. And that's Leslie :) Love me or leave me.

...wait don't leave me...I need ~~shopping partners~~ friends!

A Hard Decision

2010-05-21T15:11:00.000-07:00

Remember when you bought your first home? How excited you were? How anxious you were to find out that everything was great with the home inspection?

Cue Leslie & Ryan last week.

Imagine that house had a couple cracks in the foundation. Minor ones. You'd do some investigating right?

Cue our realtor, the seller's realtor and the condo corporation.

"Has the house had any water damage?" "Nope"

Cue a random chat with the next door neighbours.

"Oh yah they had a flood a couple years ago"
"Oh REALLY?"

A couple phone calls & emails later...sure enough, they had water damage. Supposedly "preventative measures" have been taken thus since, however, we found ourselves posing the question "how much more damage can happen?"

Cue an extensive conversation between Ryan & myself.

Some reasoning. Some arguing. Some laughing. Some crying. Lots of frustration.

Last but not least, cue the phone call to our realtor.

"We've decided that we're not comfortable knowing there have been issues with the foundation and previous flooding, so we're going to walk."

Cue the sad music.

Goodbye pretty house that we loved. You were so close to being what we wanted.

And our search begins again.

A Mother Is..

2010-05-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

My friend Loukia from LouLou's Views is having a faaabulous giveaway on her site. Enter by writing your own "A Mother Is..." post! She always has amazing reads, you should get her site out!

A Mother is...

A Librarian, teaching her children not only to read, but to love literature.

An Outdoor Enthusiast, introducing her children to butterflies, trees, flowers, and nature.

A Store Cashier, handing out 50 cents to her children for a small treat, that seems like a mountain of candy.

A Cheerleader, leading the audience and spectators in cheering on her children's teams.

A Referee, calling out fouls, penalties, and fair plays between her children.

A Guidence Counsellor, helping her children find their paths in life.

A Musician, tapping away on pots & pans to make fabulous music that only a Mother could love.

A Dreamcatcher, trapping the bad dreams in her children's bedrooms.

A Nurse, pressing her lips to her children's foreheads to feel for a fever.

A Gourmet Chef, creating amazing and healthy meals for her children, to provide proper nutrients.

A Bodyguard, standing in the way of danger, taking a bullet for her children.

An Angel, watching over her children, with the light of life shining through her heart.

I may not be a Mother yet, but someday, I hope that I can live up to everything my Mom is. Fabulous. Wonderful. Passionate.

Happy Mother's Day, to my Mom. You truly are an inspiration.

xox Leslie

My "Homecoming" Day

2010-04-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Some parents aren't able to have children.

Some turn to fertility treatments, some turn to deciding against having children.

And some, like my parents, turn to adoption :)

My parents were told for years that they would not conceive naturally. So, they adoped my older brother Kevin. A handsome baby boy that was 4 1/2 months old, and who needed a Mom & Dad to love him. A perfect match.

3 1/2 years later, my parents wanted a sibling for Kevin. The CAS (Children's Aid Society) called my parents to tell them that they had a little sister, 2 1/2 months old, for Kevin, and that we actually looked alike, even though we had different parents.

27 years ago today, my parents came to bring me home, naming me Leslie Scott.

My parents always tease me saying my junk/fast food addiction comes from them stopping at Burger King after getting me for lunch.

Have you considered adoption?

My birth mother gave me up for adoption, as I was born out of wedlock, and she had 2 children of her own from a previous marriage.

Would my life have been different if I wasn't adopted? Yes.

I would not have the unconditional love my Mom & Dad have given me in the past 27 years. Thick, thin, up, down, good, bad, ugly. My parents are my parents. I have my Mom's sense of humor, and my Dad's caring nature. I would not be Leslie Scott, but Jessica Armstrong (name at birth), and would not be close who I am today. My morals and values would not be the same. My heart would not be the same.

My parents were eventually blessed (and very surprised) to find out they were pregnant with our little sister Sarah, who was born with blonde blonde hair and fair skin.

It's funny when you look at our family. We all fit together. Kevin & I have dark hair, olive skin, dark eyes, just like Dad. Sarah is fair, with light hair, and is a spitting image of Mom. We all just piece together like a puzzle that was waiting to be put together.

I am grateful every day for the decision of my parents to adopt, and I'm so blessed that someone Up There ^ chose my parents for me to belong to. I couldn't have lived my life without them.

xo Leslie

10 Years Ago

2010-04-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

10 years ago, I was a happy, care-free 17 year old, dating a guy I had grown up with my whole life.

10 years ago, I found out I was pregnant.

I've blogged about my teenage pregnancy before, and how I suffered a miscarriage. Not only was it hard physically, because a miscarriage results in painful contractions, and mimics an actual live birth, but the emotional pain has stayed with me for years.

10 years ago, I was nowhere near ready to have a baby. I was not prepared, I was young. I was only in the 11th grade. I was in shock. Someone up There (points above) knew that I wasn't ready either, and my unborn baby, with no heartbeat (as I was told at an ultrasound) went to Heaven.

Now, at 27 years old, I battle with PCOS - Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. A disorder in which cysts are produced on my ovaries, preventing ovulation & menstruation...making it hell on wheels for my hormones.

I want a baby...or two. PCOS is extremely common in women, and lots turn to Clomid, fertility drugs or IVF to get pregnant. I however, do not want to have to turn to medication if I can help it.

I've altered my diet (no dairy, and now, no wheat), upped my fruits and veggies intake. I've done about 12 acupuncture treatments for infertility. I've tried to lighten my stress load (some days are easier than others!)

I'm doing all of this now, so that when Ryan & I say "Okay, let's try" my body will be in tip-top shape.

I will never in my life, forget 10 years ago today, losing my first baby. I just pray that someday, I'll be blessed with a healthy child, that I will love from the moment I find out I'm pregnant.

To all of those fighting infertility, PCOS, unexplained issues - my heart is with you.

Sad.

2010-04-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

I'm sad.

My heart is heavy.

There's only so much one person can handle, and I've hit my limit.

I thank God my Mom is okay. I'm so happy it hurts.

I thank God my Dad is doing so well. I couldn't deal if he wasn't.

I miss my dog.

I want everyone to be okay, happy, healthy.

I want to wake up happy.

I don't want to fool myself into thinking I'm okay.

I don't want to dwell on being down either.

I don't want to have a yucky feeling in my tummy.

I'm taking measures into my own hands, and going to see someone...and that's okay. I'm old enough to realize I need help, and someone unbiased to talk to.

Because, right now, I'm sad.

And I want to be happy.

The Cost of Eating Healthy

2010-04-10T06:02:00.001-07:00

Recently, a Twitter friend @LiteMochaMom posed the question, wondering how much other people spent on groceries a month, which sparked quite the chat!

Some people said $600 a month, others were up in the $1500 a month, depending on the family size.

Ryan & I spend maximum $600 a month, and if I can help it, I don't even want to spend THAT. For the most part, Ryan & I try to eat as healthy as possible. I try very hard to stay away from pre-packaged foods, although sometimes it is just an easy dinner to open up that package of chicken fingers and sit on the couch, and just indulge.

I search the sale items. Because really, I don't want to pay $15 for toilet paper! I sometimes don't understand why necessary items are just as expensive as confectionary items. When toilet paper goes on sale, I usually buy 2 packages.

I shop around too. I'm fortunate to live within 1 kms of 3 grocery stores - Loblaws, Independant, Farm Boy. I buy most of my produce between Loblaws & Farm Boy because they have the best variety and freshness, along with organics. I buy my basic staples at Independant because the sales are usually great for that. And, I buy our chicken breasts at M&M Meat Shops because I can usually get them on sale at $13.99 for about 12-15 pieces, which is great.

Of course the cost of eating healthy, organic, non-packaged can add up. A recent trip to the grocery store to buy Almond Milk & Rice Milk (since I'm not allowed dairy anymore) along with some pineapple and sauce for @bitofmomsense's recipe for Meatballs & Pineapple, along with a couple other items cost me a quick $30. Each of my milks were close to $3...ouch. That's like $1 less than buying 3 bags of milk.

My Advice for Grocery Shopping

1) Never go in hungry, you'll end up with items in your cart that you don't really want/need
2) Shop for the sales! Flyers are printed for a reason!
3) Buy staple items like toilet paper in bulk when they go on sale for a really good price
4) End aisles usually have the sale items saving you searching for them in the actual aisle
5) Shop the produce FIRST, so you fill up your cart with healthy, fresh fruits & veggies - YUM!

Happy Eating :)

Leslie xo

Quincy

2010-03-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

It's like losing a member of your family.

Today, our family dog, Quincy, was put to sleep.

She was one week short of turning 16 years old...seriously. We got her when I was 11 years old, because I was suddenly in charge of taking care of our little sister, Sarah, after school, since my brother was now in high school and getting home later than we were. I was scared to be alone in the house, and so my parents decided to get us a puppy, Quincy.

I remember Sarah & I dressing the dog up like she was a baby. We had doll's clothes we'd put on the dog, dance with her in the living room on her hind legs. Quincy let us do it all, without a growl or a snarl.

We also used to take her Cockapoo (Cockerspanial/Poodle) ears and put them in a scrunchie on top of her head. It was the early 90's, she pulled it off flawlessly ;)

My Dad trained her to "Put Sarah to bed". Sarah would come to the top of the stairs to get my Dad to come tuck her in, and the dog would chase her up the stairs and into the bedroom, where it was a race to see who would make it to the bed first - Sarah or Quincy.

I used to teach Quincy so many tricks. She could sit, lay down, stay-come-here, speak. I also taught her to sing - really. She would whine so softly, it sounded like singing. I also taught her to wave bye-bye. No, seriously, I did. I would pick her up like a baby, and say "Wave bye-bye!" and she would wave her paw out in front of her like she was seeing off the Queen.

Quincy protected us, loved us, played with us, was there when tears fell, met us after school, took walks with us, kept us in line, and was really just a party of our family. This dog's personality was stronger than some people I've met in my life.

Quincy-Dog, I love you, and I hope that you will watch over us from Doggy-Heaven, where I'm sure there are infinite slices of cheese, and lots of popcorn for you to eat.

As my tears fall for our loss of you, I will always remember how amazing of a dog you were.

I will miss you. xoxox

5 Things

2010-03-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

I've had writer's block for a few days now, under my friend Rebecca @bitofmomsense suggested my 5 Fave Things I Own, so I took her idea and decided to go with The 5 Things I Can't Live Without (Minus Kids & Technology)

I took to my Twitter friends to ask them what their 5 things were...some made me laugh, some made me "awww.." and some were very repetitive! (including chocolate)

Here's what some answered (remember, no kids & no technology!)

@decorateddesign chapstick, comfy shoes, a book to read, earrings and coffee

@WhiteHaute coffee, smashbox lip gloss, concealer, cereal and jeans

@mommy2jl Do running shoes (or my entire shoe collection), my comfy jogging pants, heavenly hash, library card & a comfy sundress count?

@ottawamom hubby, dishwasher, chocolate, wine and magazines

@Bonnie_Rymel My hubby, my BFF, my car, my hair flat iron & hummus (Following tweet was: Oops need to add tea in that list. If necessary replace hummus with tea. It's my lifeline)

@AnnBac9 Family, ice caps, chocolate, friends...this is really tough!

@LaurieStJ 5 things...intellect, sense of humour, sense of adventure, enthusiasm, compassion :)

@bitofmomsense coffee, chocolate, pjs, lipgloss/chapstick

@KikiThornton 1. Mascara, 2. Lip Gloss, 3. Books, 4. Friends & family, 5. Writing mechanisms ... (pen/paper/anything!)

@designbyblend My pocket knife, my boo bear (What? I'm a sensitive guy!), eggs, my pantone swatch book & my glasses. How's that for variety?

Some of my Facebook friends have said "hugs, dog, music, coffee, clean undies (haha) books, and of course, sex". (I have some funny Facebook friends)

My turn, my turn!

(you better still be reading...)

Ryan.

(There are no real words I can use to describe Ryan. You just have to know his loving nature, his crooked smile, his eyes that can melt you with a glance, his heart...his love would get me through anything)

Ice Cream.

(Those of who you have read previous blogs, tweets, facebook status updates, you'll know that my one food I couldn't live without, is ice cream. Sooooo tasty!)

My pictures.

(Pictures are worth 1000 words, full of memories I won't remember without them, love, laughter, tears, good times & bad, they have captured moments of my life

Music.

(In Cozumel last year, there was one CD that played 3 songs on shuffle, and although I had to hear "Everlasting Love, and "Total Eclipse of the Heart" for a week straight, I was still happy to have some music playing!)

My Bed.

(I love sleep, I love curling up with a book, music, Ryan or just Hodge (he's my bear...) and have that moment of serenity that is just the bed holding me, and releasing my tension from the day, it's a comfort thing)

_________________________________

Best comment ever though goes to Jen Butson (@jenbutson)

JenButson @leslielscott I'll also say Gerard Butler in case we go to an island we need to repopulate.

If you didn't get a chance to comment, I'd love to know what 5 things you couldn't live without, minus your kids and technology, comment away, and have fun :)

Leslie xo

Proud

2010-03-08T14:56:00.001-08:00

Today, I realized something.

I'm kinda proud of myself. (not because I realized something, but because I'm actually proud of myself....sigh...read on)

If you know my career background, you'll know that I took Radio Broadcasting at Loyalist College in Belleville. I loved it. I was the only female Production Major in my graduating class of 25 students, with a great internship lined up. I was going places.

I rocked my internship, and then landed a job part time that turned into fulltime, and worked there for a couple of years. I then was in the right place at the right time, and the same position came up for a local Ottawa radio station group. I made the move to Ottawa from my parents, and I worked in the big station for a couple of years.

Then I stopped caring. It wasn't what I wanted to do anymore. I was angry at my boss all the time, angry with the big-wigs for not letting me grow within the station, and eventually, I was let go.

I came across my current job - Community Relations Coordinator - at Boston Pizza through a girlfriend of mine. I wasn't sure about the job, but it was something different and I wanted to try it out.

Turns out, I'm pretty darn good at what I do :)

I found that Marketing & Event Planning is exactly where I'm supposed to be. I love being able to use the left side of my brain (ie: the creative side) and coming up with awesome ideas that make people think about our restaurant whenever they think about going out for a meal.

In one year of working at BP, I was nominated, and won, Young Business Person 2009 in the Orleans Chamber of Commerce People's Choice Business Awards. OMG. Never did I imagine that I would have won - there were so many amazing people nominated. When they called my name, I went up on the stage to accept my award, and was in awe.

At the end of 2009, I was nominated by my Franchisees for the CRC of the Year contest for Boston Pizza International. A contest that brings forth the Top 10 biggest and brightest CRC's across the country, and then requires a portfolio submission. Last Friday, I found out that I came in 2nd place!! (Of course a little disappointed about not being first, but Ry & my family and my friends were quick to remind me how amazing 2nd place really is) 2nd place - wow.

In 2010, I have had an amazing quarter so far, fantastic corporate feedback, Franchisees that are very proud to have me on their team, and a brain that has been coming up with great ideas for promotions left, right & centre.

I've been creating stepping stones for my future in the past year & half. I have won amazing awards that I never even would have been nominated for when I was in radio. Awards that I would have probably never even heard of.

I'm not bragging, being proud of yourself is a totally different thing. I sometimes still can't believe what I've accomplished.

Another great thing? Seeing Ryan being proud of my accomplishments. He's never stopped believing in me, and pushes me to go for everything. I know he would be proud of me even if I didn't win.

Since it's International Women's Day, I'd love for you to take the opportunity to remember something that you're proud of. Anything - name it.

Dream big, then make it happen!

Walking for a Purpose

2010-02-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

I never have counted how many steps I've taken in a day, a week, a month. I've never walked with meaning, for a purpose, for someone, until a few years ago. But this year....this year, I'll be walking for a purpose...well actually a couple purposes. One, two, three & four reasons are named Jayda, Karson, Noa & Evaly. My fifth reason, well I call him Dad.

In May, I'll be walking for the 3rd year in a row in the Walk for Kids Help Phone. The first year, I walked, knowing that Noa & Jayda our first niece & nephew would have the opportunity to use the resources that Kids Help Phone provides, if they felt someday that they couldn't talk to their parents or aunts & uncles. I've been there. I've used it. It's helped not only me, but millions of other kids. Last year, I put in a Boston Pizza team, as we are a national sponsor, and once again, walking, and now for another niece & nephew, Karson & Evaly. Our Boston Pizza team raised $2000, which was amazing.

This year, I'll be walking once again, with my new Boston Pizza team. I really feel my fundraising, my 3 hours spent at the walk, and my heart for the children, make a difference.

This next one, will be hard emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.

My Dad has Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer. He was diagnosed last July, and was a complete and utter shock to us all. My Dad has always been a healthy, strong man. A volunteer firefighter, a farmer, a Dad to 3 kids, a foreman at a mill making feed for animals. Has lived in the same town for 61 years, in the country, away from smog, emissions, and harm.

My Dad has undergone 6 weeks of Chemo & Radiation, and a very invasive surgery to remove the tumor. Thankfully, the oncologists did everything perfectly and the Chemo & Radiation shrunk the tumor enough to be removed completely during his surgery. With the best case scenario, he has a temporary colonostomy bag. He is now doing additional Chemo treatments, in which he will finish in late May, recover from, and then have surgery to reverse the bag.

My Dad has never done a thing wrong is his life. Not that anyone deserves to be diagnosed with cancer, but my Dad...wouldn't hurt a fly.

My brother, sister, Ryan & I will be walking in the Relay for Life in Lombardy on June 11th. We start at 7pm on the Friday night, and walk until 7am on Saturday morning. Someone from our team has to be walking at all times, so we have long shifts in 12 hours. It will be hard like I said, on all fronts, and I'm sure that there will be many tears...but we know we're walking for a cure, and for my Dad.

As always, with every event of the above two natures, we have to raise funds. I am letting everyone know that I have aimed to raise $500 for each event - Walk for Kids Help Phone and Relay for Life. I don't expect everyone to donate, but if you are able to donate even $5 to each cause, my heart will grow like the Grinch's when he discovers love on Christmas Day.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for making sure Jayda, Karson, Noa & Evaly all have support beyond their family, and for ensuring that once my Dad is better, that a cure is found for others diagnosed with cancer.

Walk for Kids Help Phone (please pledge me here)

Relay for Life (please pledge me here)

xox Leslie

Non-Stop-Pop

2010-02-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

Mmmmmm...Pepsi...Coca-Cola...Iced Tea....7-Up...

I love Pop.

I work in a restaurant.

We get to drink pop for free.

I eat 4 meals a week at the restaurant.

I usually have one+ pop with my lunch.

Ryan & I sometimes order dinner, which comes with pop.

I love the taste.

I love the bubbles.

I drink a can in no time at all.

I weigh...........................165lbs.

This is silly.

I am not okay with this.

I have given up pop for Lent.

40 days.

No pop.

I'm on Day #2.

(Insert panicky craving here)

I can do this.

No pop for 40 days.

Send help.

27 Years - 27 Thoughts

2010-02-09T15:42:00.001-08:00

Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday dear MEEEEE...Happy birthday to me! (I kinda love my birthday if you couldn't tell)

On February 16th, I'll be turning 27 years old...I know I know, it's not old, and I'm sure some of you are cursing my name right now. Just so you know, I don't think any of you are old, so there.

In celebration of my 27th birthday, I have come up with 27 lovely, interesting, some uninteresting and some very amusing facts about your's truly.

1) I am absolutely, utterly, obessively in love with the Twilight saga, it's sad really.

2) I can eat a double Big Mac, with fries, and have the drink, and not be disgustingly full

3) I looooove ice cream, and it's a MUST when I'm shopping!

4) I am lactose intolerant, which ruins #3 for me

5) I am a self-proclaimed shopaholic - shocked?

6) I am the absolute klutiest person I know - I will find the one wet spot on the floor and slip

7) I fell in love with the ocean the second I stepped onto the beach, and crave it now

8) I have barely travelled and have only been south once!

9) The first time I flew on an airplane was October 2008

10) I love to cook, but ONLY, if I have a full refrigerator and pantry

11) I cry during Grey's Anatomy at least once per episode

12) I snore..or so I've been told by Ryan :)

13) I find the restaurant industry fascinating - there's always something to learn!

14) I have a new found appreciation for hostesses on Friday nights in restaurants - they work soooo hard! (so next time you want to speak all angry like with them, they work SO hard)

15) I see turning 27 as a realization of how fast the years have gone, and that in 3 years I'll be 30

16) I was named Young Business Person of the Year for 2009 (woot! go me!)

17) I love folding warm laundry straight from the dryer, but hanging it up drives me nuts

18) I love to tease everyone else, but I don't take it too well back!

19) I love shoe shopping but hate it for #20

20) My right foot is a size 9 (and a bit) and my left foot is a size 8

21) I was named Top 10 CRC of the Year for BPI, and will find out my status in May

22) I find Two & A Half Men hiliarious...the kid cracks me up

23) I am always early, never late...and I can't stand when someone makes me late

24) I worked in radio for 5 years before landing at Boston Pizza Orleans

25) I never remember to take my vitamins, no matter how many times I try to remember

26) I have owned 5 gym memberships in my life, all rarely used

27) I always, always, always want to know what is going on - I hate being in the dark!

So there you have it. 27 things about The Life of Leslie.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go blow up balloons for my self-thrown-surprise-party....because IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

Please send presents to Leslie Scott C/O Boston Pizza Orleans, 3884 Innes Road, Orleans.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day. I swear, Saint Valentine came up with this day because he was sitting in the middle of winter, and wanted an excuse to get some.

It's been so Hallmark'ed, you start seeing heart-shaped everything (and I do mean everything: notepads, soap, vases, and even sunglasses) by December 20th. I think it starts coming into stores earlier and earlier. But really, it's like every other holiday: commercialized to gain sales in retail outlets.

Here's the catch - I'm a 26 year old woman who's been with her true love for 5 years, and I'm a romantic. I know I'm not supposed to need a special day to tell Ryan how much I love him, how much I appreciate him, and how his love has changed me. However I just can't help myself!

I bought his card 2 weeks ago, because I found the PERFECT card
I've been googling "valentine's for my boyfriend" for about a week to see what's out there
I've been searching for the perfect recipe for supper on the 14th
I'm trying to come up with an original gift just to make his crooked smile I love so much come onto his face
I've considered a balloon-o-gram
I've also considered a gorilla-o-gram...seriously...a guy dressed in costume that delivers a gorilla sized hug and balloons...

When it comes down to it, I know Ryan will be thrilled with the card I got him, me telling him that he means everything to me, and that I have a heart overflowing with love for him. But in case you don't know Ryan Courville...

I LOVE YOU! XOXO

Plus, you may just get lucky... ;)

Family

2010-02-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

I've recently been exposed to comments of hurt and betrayal, and bullying from a member of my birth father's immediate family. (I'm adopted) Years ago, I was fortunate enough to find my birth father, his wife, and two half sisters. I created a relationship with each of them, and was happy to have them in my life.

There have been times where I've been accused of not coming down enough (they live in New York State) and times that I have not been in consistent contact. Many times, I've felt like it was my fault that they were upset with me.

On Sunday morning, I was exposed to hurtful, and cowardly comments on Facebook from one family member to a friend. I retalliated, ending my so-called relationship with them, because I'm just so tired of being bullied and accused.

This led me to think of what family really is. Blood only goes so far.

Take for instance my brother & sister. Kevin & I are both adopted and Sarah is biological. Blood or not, these 2 are my brother & sister, and have been my entire life. (I was adopted at 2.5 months old) I sometimes tease Sarah about her being adopted, as she's fairskinned & blonde and Kevin & I are dark haired, dark skinned.

My parents are my parents. I have my father's caring nature, putting others before myself, and my mother's heart, love, and humor.

My cousins are my cousins. We all grew up together, and we all have a certain trait in the other. My closest cousin, Brady, is 2 months younger than me, and we've been the best of friends since we were little. He is always one of the first people I tell good or bad news to.

Now, take Ryan's family. His 2 sisters, Jennifer & Jessica, are two of the sweetest, most loving & caring women I know. They are part of my family, regardless if Ryan & I are married or not, I think of these ladies as my sisters-in-law.

My niece Jayda? She could be my daughter. Full of energy, love for music and laughter, and looks so much like me for someone who isn't blood related.

Karson, Noa & Evaly - nieces & nephews through & through. I have a special bond with each & every one of them. My life would not be complete without their love.

My best friend Kelly...I miss her so. She lives in Brantford, so I only see her once a year usually. But Kelly, she's my family. She knows me better than I know myself, and just seems to know when I need an email, or a Facebook message that will make me laugh. Kelly will always be a sister to me.

I refuse to let anyone tell me that family is strictly people who are blood related to you. I have more real family than I have blood.

I love my real family, every single member of it, through & through, regardless of how we are related or not.

Who do you count as your family?

Adventures in Leslie-Land

2010-01-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

I've always been a busy person.

Growing up, I took dance classes, horseback riding, church choir, acted in school plays, and played every sport I could possibly play (nearly driving my mother to insanity with afternoon practices). I also babysat as much as I could, was a member prom committee, co-op'ed at the radio station, tutored math, and worked at the local gas station.

I have tried in previous years to not do as much, but hey, I love being busy!

I've been quite busy in the past year and a half with my job as Community Relations Coordinator for Boston Pizza Orleans, but for once in my life, I LOOOOVE what I do! It's such a fantastic job for me, and I've gained so much knowledge, in work, life and gained many skills!

Today, I took a leap into a new world. I will now be blogging for Best Tools for Schools, a company in Ottawa! I will be blogging about healthy menu choices for kids while dining out. I'm so very excited about this! With my BP background, I've gained quite a bit of knowledge on nutrition (not that I always practice what I preach, but hey, I did lose 12lbs working in a restaurant..figure that one out)

My blog starts next Tuesday at www.toolsforschools.ca I look forward to sharing with you!

My life just reached that blissfully busy thing that I love :)

Something Special

2010-01-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

There's something special about his smile. About the way he laughs. About the way he randomly starts to dance in the living room. About the way he says my name. About the way he steals the heart of every woman in the matter of 2 seconds with his way of saying "Hi!".

Yup, that's Noa.

I'm fortunate enough to be "Auntie Laelae" to Ryan's 1st nephew, Noa. He's 2.5 years old, and has been putting a smile on my face since before he was born.

This little guy is so full of light & energy, you cannot help but be captured by his every breath. The day he was born, Ryan & I were so excited for this little miracle, our little nephew to be. We were so fortunate to be the first ones to meet Noa (except for Nana) and we were just speechless. Ryan was told, when meeting Noa for the first time, that he was in fact, Ryan's godson, and was named after him. Noa Ryan. (I knew months before hehe)

Ever since that moment, the little blue-eyed, red-haired, Baby Noa, has been a breath of life into all of us. His heart never stops loving. He is simply Noa. There aren't enough words to describe this little boy.

Love you Nozies xoxox

Auntie Laelae

I Feel Good!

2010-01-21T16:53:00.000-08:00

I'm not a materialistic woman. I openly admit that I shop at Giant Tiger (the clothes are from some of my favorite stores for 50% of the cost!), I love IKEA for the inexpensive furniture, and I'm quite happy with my beautiful knock-off Coach bag from a back room on Canal Street in NYC. What can I say, I like a good deal!

I do feel like a million bucks though when I spend a little bit more and try out different hairdressers in the city. I love getting my hair washed by someone else, and telling them exactly what I want done, and then getting the royal treatment when they do the hair-dryer-hand-flipping-round-brush thing that I can never mimic at home...then seeing the final product. I have to admit, I may not be materialistic, but I'm vain about my hair. I expect that when I pay over $50 for my hair, it better look damn good. No one can ever get my bangs right, and I always end up hating them. There has only even been one hairdresser that cut my bangs the way I want them, and she's in Hawkesbury, and she's always booked.

So after work today, I stopped at Joseph in the Rideau Centre. As soon as I walk in, I'm already happy because good music is playing, and the girls are all dressed like me, and all around my age. The girl cutting my hair understood exactly what I wanted done, and pulled it off flawlessly. As I walked from store to store after, beaming and checking out my hair in every mirror, I felt great about myself...so I spent a little bit more than I usually would on a gorgeous dress that made my smile (and butt) look great!

So thank you to the hairdresser at Joseph's Hair Salon at Rideau Centre - you put a smile on my face - and a big smile on Ryan's face when he saw me. And, I'm sure the store where I bought my dress is smiling too...my bank account is crying a little bit...but hey, I feel good!

What's one little thing that makes you feel good?

Figure it out, and do it, just for you!

xo Leslie

Embracing Winter

2010-01-17T07:01:00.001-08:00

I am not a winter person. I am a 25 degrees, sunny, warm breeze, kinda person. I hate being cold, I cringe everytime a snowflake falls (unless it's Christmas, exception granted), I nearly cry when I hear the temperature will be less than -10 degrees.

Yesterday, Ryan said to me "pack a lunch, we're going outside". Again, cringe. Really? I would very much like to stay in my pyjamas today thanks.

I didn't win that conversation.

So packed a lunch, I did, and we jumped in the car, and drove up to Mont Tremblant. A place that we both love to go to, anytime of the year. Ryan received snowshoes from me for Christmas, and brought them along, so I rented a pair (for only $15 for 8 hours by the way!) and we set off to find the trail.

Once on the trail, my heart stopped. Beautiful mountain forest, amazingly silent with the dead of winter. Not one tree in the vast forest was untouched by snow or ice.

Ryan & I hiked up towards Johannsen Peak, about 6km's from the base. Considering we were snowshoeing uphill, it was suprisingly easy! Every 20 feet it seemed to plateau for about 30 feet. We went up for an hour and a half before we met up with a family who were going down the mountain. They informed us that we would have another 6km to go to the top, and advised us to turn around before it got dark, since the chairlift stopped at 3pm. So, it took us only 20 minutes to snowshoe back down the mountain. That's when we realized, how far we had gone UP.

So we returned our snowshoes, changed, then went for dinner at Casey's (terrible service), and then walked in and out of shops while pretty snow (yes I said pretty snow) fell all around us.

I thanked Ryan a hundred times over for a beautiful day with him. It was truly the best way to embrace winter - with someone you love, a place we both adore, exercise breathing in fresh mountain air, a camera, and a smile on Ryan's face which meant the world to me.

Next on the list of Embracing Winter - I will be attempting to learn how to snowboard. Set your cell phones to 9-1-1 if you see a flare fly up from Mont Cascades!

Murphy's Law

2010-01-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Murphy's Law, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

Who is this Murphy anyway?

Why did Murphy think it would be funny that I left for a meeting at 12:30pm, and then had another unexpected meeting turn up at the same time?

Why did Murphy think it would be funny for someone to trip over my laptop cord, literally severing the cord from the adapter?

Why did Murphy think it would be funny that a replacement cord would be impossible to find, and therefore forcing me to buy one with 10 adapters that cost me $112?

Why did Murphy think it would be funny to send me my Women's Health magazines in copies that I already bought? Including December?

Why did Murphy think it would be funny to make me look all over Orleans for party tickets (the ones with numbers on them) and then have absolutely none anywhere, forcing me to go out again in Ottawa to find some?

Oh Murphy, you must have been one annoying guy in your time. Making people shake their heads and go "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! MURPHY!!!!", while you silently laughed at other people's misfortunes.

Murphy's Law. Sigh.

I'm going to go eat chocolate, nothing bad can come of that right?

Solo for a Week

2010-01-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

It's not often I am alone for a day, let alone a week! My boyfriend Ryan & I have been living together for over 2 years, so we're together before & after work, and on weekends. Of course we both have our time with friends, at the gym, at work, but we're a very close couple, so it's not like we're not together when we're apart.

Ryan is leaving tomorrow morning for a solo ski trip out west. He's really excited about going skiing in Banff, and doing some sight seeing as well. I just couldn't take the time off work right now just after the holidays, so I'll be staying at home.

Which brings me to the point of my post: what am I going to do while Ryan is away?!

Mani/Pedi
My feet will be happy and I'll have pretty nails to look at while I type!!

Massage
I haven't had a massage in over a year!...how sad

Eye Exam
My eyesight has changed drastically in the past year, so time to get them tested, and perhaps get myself a sexy pair of glasses!

Gym

I'm training to run the 10k in the Ottawa Race Weekend in May, so I'll be off to fight the newbies

Ikea

A girlfriend of mine refuses to go to Ikea without me, I can get in & out in 25 minutes! Plus, I have a plan to re-do our bedroom set while Ryan is away...shhhh...secret!

Lunch with my parents
Sometimes a girl just needs to have a little mommy & daddy time!

Rent Chick Flicks
We get 50% off on-demand movies, so I'm going to take advantage!

Finish Portfolio
I'm in the Top 10 Community Relations Coordinator of the Year for Boston Pizza International, and am submitting my portfolio next Tuesday for a hopeful win! I won't find out until March, so you'll have to keep all your fingers and toes crossed for me until then :)

And last but not least, miss my man. Although my heart aches when he is away, and vice-versa, it's good for any relationship to have that feeling of missing your significant other.
Reminds us of all the little things that we love so much in the other.

...I hope he brings me a present...

Leslie xo

Fifteen

2010-01-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

I recently downloaded Taylor Swift's album, I just love her! Her recent single "Fifteen" has been playing everywhere for the past few weeks, and her lyrics inspired me to write this blog.

Her song is all about being 15 years old, thinking you know what you want, that you've got life all figured out, and falling in love for the first time, then later on realizing, that everything you thought you wanted, isn't what you wanted at all.

We've all been there.

I had my first real kiss at 15 years old. I was "going-out" with a boy named Robert, and had red hair and a face full of freckles. He would hold my hand, as we walked around the square block of our high school, about 25 times over the lunch hour. I would blush and giggle, when he looked at me. It was all very new. I remember the first day after school, as we were rushing for our school buses, him hesitiating, and then pecking me very quickly on the lips. I was on Cloud 9 forever it seemed. And of course with high school romances, come the break ups, and then onto the next romance.

At 16 years old, I was dating a boy I had grown up with since diapers. We worked together, lived only a couple blocks away from each other in a VERY small town, and we were inseparable. I got my G1, and was on top of the world, having fun with friends, working at my first job, and living like a 16 year old girl does!

At 17 years old, I faced something that most teenage girls think will never happen to them. Teenage pregnancy. I gave my all to the boyfriend, and found out I was pregnant 2 months later. My family cried for days, heartbroken, scared, confused. I went to my ultrasound, to find out how far along I was, and at 8 weeks, there was no heartbeat. I woke the next morning to then experience what was the most emotional, physical, mental pain & agony any woman, let alone 17 year old girl, could imagine - a miscarriage. My life seemed to be over, as I dealt with everything, and then the boy who had gotten me pregnant, broke up with me. 17 was a very hard year for me. I carry this year around with me, as it had completely changed my life.

At 18 years old, I wondered how to move on with my life. I was dating a new boy, but no sex. I couldn't deal with the emotional, let alone physical aspect. I turned to media, and communications in my 12th Grade year. We were fortunate to have a local radio station broadcasting out of our college, and I fell in love. I did 2 co-op terms, scored high 90%'s in all my media/communications classes, and was accepted on early acceptance to Loyalist College's Radio Broadcasting Program. This was my future, and I was ready to embrace the new change in my life.

At 19 years old, I went away to Belleville for school, having the best experience of my life. It's also where I met the love of my life, Ryan. We were best friends for 4 years before we finally admitted to having a crush on each other for those 4 years...and we've now been together close to 5 years! I graduated Loyalist College, and worked in radio for 5 years, before finding my other true love, that was just hidden beneath it all - Marketing.

Now, on the edge of 27 years old, I look back at my teen years, and can relate to the Taylor Swift song. If she had been singing that song when I was in my teens, I probably would have loved the song, but wouldn't have really listened to the lyrics.

If you have a teenage daughter, feel free to share my post with her. As Taylor's song says "When you're fifteen, don't forget to look before you fall". Let her know that she doesn't have to have everything figured out at 15 years old. I am 26 years old, and am still learning new things about myself daily.

Watch Taylor's video for "Fifteen" here.

xo Leslie

New Year

2010-01-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010!

I've already posted on what 2009 was all about, and I rang in the New Year with my boyfriend of nearly 5 years last night, with some family & friends as well. Time to talk about what's going on this year!

I've always made the "I'm going to work out more" "I'm going to diet" resolutions. This year - no resolutions, just goals. My "sister-in-law" Jessica & I are going to be making a box of goals for 2010 over chocolate fondue, and a girls night. I wanted to start thinking about my goals, and these are a few that I will be reaching out towards this year!

Gather up courage to do something I've always wanted to do, and Bungee Jump here

Put my fears aside and get on the back of Ryan's motorcycle

Learn more about my personal health and how to strengthen from within

Be recognized as the Top Community Relations Coordinator of the Year for Boston Pizza International (I'm currently in the Top 10!!!!!)

Walk the streets of a European country, perferrably Italy or France!

Create an amazing resume, something I lack skills in, ironically

Run the 10k in the Ottawa Race Weekend, whether I crawl across the finish line or not!

So, these are just a few goals that I will be adding to mine & Jessica's "Goal Box" for 2010...as we have a drink or two, we may come up with a crazy few extras to work towards! Resolutions are great, but goals I can work towards and cross them off my list as this year goes by!

What are your goals for 2010?

Leslie xo

2009 - What A Year!

2009-12-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

I looked at the date today, as I was putting out the new bar calendars for the restaurant, and shook my head. Where did 2009 go?

January
All I seemed to do this month was work! Events, events, events! Ryan & I started to look at vacations for February, as I wanted to spend my birthday on a beach. Winter babies don't get the warm sunshine, outdoor activity filled birthdays like you Summer kids!

February
This month I experienced a new form of love. Cozumel. Ryan & I took our very first destination vacation to Mexico. I fell absolutely in love with the turquoise ocean, snorkeling the Palancar Reef, and spending from 8am-5pm in the sunshine, watching amazing sunsets. Upon our return back to Ottawa, we welcomed our new nephew Karson James Scott into the world. Such a sweetheart!

March-May
I actually had to go back into my agenda to figure out what happened during these 3 months...and all I can tell you is work! Ryan & I were both quite busy during these months for work, I with planning our 2nd Annual Golf Tournament and school fundraisers in the restaurant, and Ryan with his daily cameraman duties! I'm sure we had some fun in there somewhere! :)

June
Ryan & I celebated our 4 year anniverary together this month with a trip to La Ronde in Montreal. It's been a few years since we've been on rollercoasters, and the park was empty! After 4 straight rides, we had to call it quits due to motion sickness! Guess we're getting old!

July
Oh boy. This month was a doozy. Ryan fell ill at the beginning of the month with what we were told a couple of times was the regular flu. Poor guy had a fever for 10 days straight, upwards of 103.9 (his highest) Finally, he was diagnosed with H1N1, and so severe of a case, resulted in pneumonia. We tried to disinfect everything in the house as well as we could, but alas I ended up with H1N1 at the end of July.

During this time, we also found out that my Dad had been diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer. A young man, only 60 years old, always healthy. It was a shock to everyone, and because we were both sick, we were unable to be with my family during this time, in fear of my Dad catching H1N1, when he needed his strength the most.

August
A continuation of July, and H1N1. I was given Tamiflu, which caused a severe ear infection and a loss of 85% of my hearing for 2 weeks. We were away from our families & work from July 8th-August 18th, which was very difficult for both of us. My Dad had more appointments to find out more about treatments, and everything that he would be going through in the upcoming months..so scary. Our bright side was celebrating Ryan's sister's 2nd pregnancy with a baby shower at the end of the month for her soon-to-be baby girl.

September
"These lights will inspire you" NYC! Ryan & I took a week off, and drove to NYC for a vacation. Wow. We did so much...saw Letterman, Times Square, Kleinfelds (love!!), bought me a fake Coach in a back room on Canal Street, ate amazing cupcakes at Magnolias, and window shopped at all of my dream stores!

October
Found out that I was nominated in a few award catagories for the Orleans People's Choice Business Awards, which was amazing to be recognized. Spent time with my Dad at a couple of his Radiation treatment appointments, and tried to keep everyone's spirits up with positive thinking. Oh and my car died. Lovely.

November
I was named the Orleans Young Business Person of the Year at the Orleans People's Choice Business Awards. As much cavassing for votes as I had done, I still wasn't expecting to win, as I was up against two amazing entrepreneurs both in event planning way beyond what I do for Boston Pizza. Such an honor, and a beautiful trophy!

December
My Dad's surgery was an absolute success. Best possible case scenario. Chemo & Radiation did exactly what they were supposed to, shrinking the tumor small enough to be removed. He is also only with a temporary bag for 12 weeks. We then celebrated 2 amazing family Christmases with my family and Ryan's family! I was also named a Top 10 finalist for CRC of the Year for Boston Pizza International. I now am to submit my portfolio for 2009, in hopes of being named CRC of the Year. All fingers crossed!

We joke sometimes, Ryan & I, saying that 2009 was a writeoff, and that it was a terrible year. After writing out the amazing things we did and the positive outcomes of my Dad's treatments, I have changed my mind. 2009 was a great a year, if not better, than most years past. I experienced so many new things, and accomplished so much with my career, and my personal life.

Here's to 2010, health, prosperity, love, happiness, to each and every one of you.

All my heart,

Leslie xo

Champlain Look Out

2009-09-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you - if you're looking for an absolutely gorgeous view, and a beautiful drive to get there, you should head into Gatineau Park, and head up to Champlain Look Out.

Ryan & I went there today after he told me about it last week. He had gone up with a buddy on their motorcycles, and he was excited to show me. So we packed a lunch and went up. Beautiful drive up - I'm sure it will be even more gorgeous in a couple of weeks when the leaves start changing colors!

Anyway, very picturesque for all your photo needs, and if you need a photographer, my friend Amanda is the best one I know! www.amandahaydenphotography.com

Want a cheap way to spend an afternoon before the snow falls - Gatineau Park baby!

C25K!

2009-09-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am a self-proclaimed junk food aholic, couch potato, who really, when gets tired, does NOT want to do anything.

I try to eat healthy...I really do. But I am a 26 year old woman, who works 40+ hours a week in Canada's #1 Casual Dining Restaurant, otherwise known at Boston Pizza....and I eat for free everyday. Every single day, I say, I am going to have grilled chicken with spinach salad or just a bowl of soup with 1 piece of toast....and I NEVER end up eating that.

I also have a Goodlife Fitness membership...I pay every month...do I go? No. I did...for about a week.

Okay, so here's my problem. I'm lazy. And I know it.

A girlfriend of mine started this C25K program - Couch to 5km run. Interval training by podcasts where this awesome girl @suzdawg (twitter!) puts some fun music together, and tells you when to walk and when to run. Seems easy right? Holy moly. After my 5th x 60 second run I was dripping with sweat. And in 9 weeks, I'm supposed to be able to run 5km in 30 minutes? Oh boy...time for some protein! Follow @MyoPrecision for personal training and nutrition advice as well!

So my plan is to do this C25K training, and run at least the 5km in the National Capital Race Weekend in Ottawa. Over the winter I will be training at the gym - I've taken some "Before" pictures, and was shocked - YUCK. Pinning them up on the fridge and putting it on my Blackberry will hopefully motivate me a little bit more!

As a short-term goal (the race weekend is my long term goal) I hope to be down a dress size for my boyfriend Ryan's National Press Gallery dinner in the middle of October. He's paying for dinner, so I get to go by a swanky new dress at my favorite place to buy dresses - Le Chateau!!

Overall goal - look good, feel great, be healthier!!!

Wish me luck!
Leslie

2009-02-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

I am adopted.

I love my parents with all of my heart. They have provided me with love, support, a home, food, clothing, and basically anything I've ever asked them for. They are my parents as far as I am concerned - there's no if's, and's or but's about it. I also have an older brother, who was also adopted, and a younger sister who is biological to my parents.

I have always known that I was adopted. I can't picture what my life would be if I hadn't been, however, there has always been a part of me that is scarred from the trauma of being adopted.
For people who are not adopted, this is a very hard emotion to explain, so I shall do my best.

Babies, during childbirth, go through a traumatizing experience. Passing through the birth canal from a place where they've grown and lived for 9 months is an experience in itself. There can be difficult labors, problems during pushing, and there can be emergency c-sections, due to a baby's heart rate being too high, umbilicol cord around the neck...and a million other possibilities.

Babies bond with their mothers in the first 15 minutes of their lives. Newborns out of the womb, when placed on their mother's stomach have been known to actually inch up their mother's bodies towards their breasts & hearts to get to that comfort level that they have been used to for 9 months.

For a hundred different reasons, babies are given up for adoption every single day. Usually, it is in the best intent for the child. However, when the baby is given up for adoption, there is the lack of bonding with the mother that has been caring for them for 9 months. The child, although, usually going to somwhere where he/she will be loved unconditionally, cannot find that bond, that instant where there is that connection. This, is trauma #2.

Trauma #3 in adoption stories comes from the relinquishment of the child. The birth mother has signed the rights over the child over to the CAS, and then in the blink of an eye, is gone. The baby, for a day, for a week, a month, year, years, has no one. There is no love, no connection, no bond, nothing. There is the lack of the mother's milk. There is the lack of the mother's voice that the baby has been hearing for 9 months. There is the lack of someone holding that baby throughout the day, throughout the night.

These traumas, although no one quite remembers them, are always with adoptees. They are a subconcious memory wayyy back in the mind.

I, being an individual who is emotional, loving, caring, thoughtful, sometimes suffers from these traumatic experiences. Throughout my life thus far, I have encountered events that trigger these memories that sit in my 26 year old mind.

My most recent experience is with the birth of my older brother's son - my nephew. I, being excited for my brother, announced the arrival of my nephew Karson, on my Facebook status. I was proud of my brother and sister in law for doing so well with the birth of their 2nd child, and was estatic that I was going to be able to go and see them at the hospital, as I was unable to get to the birth of their daughter, my niece, Jayda. My brother and I exchanged some words that unfortunately triggered some of my old emotions.

After 3 hours of crying so hard I could barely see, talking to my mom, my dad, my little sister, my boyfriend Ryan, I fell asleep wondering why the exchanged words hurt so deep, when if I were a stronger emotional person, they would have rolled off my back.

Upon going to the hospital today to meet my new nephew, I couldn't help but wonder if these past traumatic experiences were why I was so upset.

My brother, took his newborn son, not even 2 days old yet, and swaddled him in 2 blankets to keep him from being cold in the room that was perfect temperature. I stared down at this tiny little baby boy, my heart melting from his gorgeous little face, perfect fingers, abundant dark hair, and watching him "look around" at his new surroundings. As I stared at Baby Karson, I thought to myself two things. 1: How in the world, could anyone, anyone give up something so beautiful, amazing, sweet, innocent? and 2: Thank GOD that I have parents who love me unconditionally. I am their daughter through & through. From my mom's sense of humor and full hearted love, to my Dad's caring & thoughtfulness with putting other's first.

Of course, I am grateful daily for the choice my birth mother made 26 years ago. I was adopted by 2 of the most loving parents this world will ever know. I have a brother & sister who are remarkable in each of their own ways, and whom I look up to in many ways. I have a beautiful neice, and an adorable nephew to whom I will strive to be the absolute best aunt in the world to.

All of my experiences have made me into the woman that I am today. My boyfriend Ryan has stuck by me through & through...encouraging me in every way possible. He's amazingly supportive, and I would not be the Leslie I am, without him. Ryan, I love you, whole heartedly, unconditionally, and to quote the song "I'll love you till the end".

For all that I am today, I know that I will experience these feelings my whole life, until that one day when I stare down at my own son or daughter and know that I will ensure that they too, will have the life that my parents have given me. That my love will get them through any hard times...just like my parents, brother, sister, Ryan have done for me.