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.
The life of a late-20-something woman, aspiring to be something amazing.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Livestrong
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?
Monday, July 5, 2010
A Little Girl Time
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
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
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Writer's Block
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!
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!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Dear Dad
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
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
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Live Your Life to the Max!
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
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?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Realizations
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:
...wait don't leave me...I needshopping partners friends!
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
interventionnew pair of shoes
...wait don't leave me...I need
Friday, May 21, 2010
A Hard Decision
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
A Mother Is..
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
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
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
My "Homecoming" Day
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
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
Thursday, April 22, 2010
10 Years Ago
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sad.
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.
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.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Cost of Eating Healthy
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
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
Monday, March 22, 2010
Quincy
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
Monday, March 15, 2010
5 Things
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
Monday, March 8, 2010
Proud
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!
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!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Walking for a Purpose
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
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
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Non-Stop-Pop
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
27 Years - 27 Thoughts
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.
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.
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