Featured Layout on SBCH Blog (sketch challenge)

One Good Thing that happened today was that my layout was posted on the Scrapbooker's Clubhouse blog.

They have regular sketch challenges on their blog, and I was invited to do a sample layout to go with this week's sketch. Try out the sketch, post it in their gallery, an you have a chance to win a prize from Scrapbooker's Clubhouse!

Guest Designer at Paws On!

One Really Cool Thing that happened recently was that I was chosen as the Guest Designer (February) for Paws On Scrapbooking. I'm really stoked about this, because Paws On is one of my favorite sites. And somehow, that makes it 10 times cooler to be chosen!

Paws On is located in Quispamsis, New Brunswick. They have a thriving message board with a lot of active, encouraging, and friendly members.

The store owner, Janique, has found a winning formula for her store, and will often special order items if she doesn't have what you need. The customer service is top notch.

Kristine (the DT co-ordinator, and Paws On right hand woman) and her team provide lots of inspiration and challenges, with lots of opportunities for scrapbookers (of any level) to get involved and have some fun.

I encourage you to stop by Paws On Scrapbooking and check it out. I believe you will be glad you did.

Perfect Fit

One Good Thing that happened today is the blouse that I've been eyeing was finally on sale, and they still had my size! Yay!

A Few Good Laughs

One Good Thing that happened today was that I got to enjoy the company of a fun bunch of ladies at the crop tonight. My 'scrapping mojo' was low, but I didn't mind, because a few good laughs do me a world of good.

3rd Time's the Charm

One Good Thing that happened this week is that I managed to hit the gym three times, which is my goal. So I'm feeling pretty good about that!

Well, at least I still have a job.

One Good Thing today was that I managed to keep my temper in check long enough to stop myself from quitting my job.

Because I really, really wanted to. Really.

Returning Friends

One Good Thing that happened this week is my Mom's dear friend has come back to the Maritimes (she was in Alberta for several months, work related). My Mom is so happy, because she thought her friend would be staying out west.

This makes me happy, because my Mom has had a lot of tough stuff to deal with over the past year, and I'm so glad that another of her friends will be in her town, instead of so far away.

My name is JJ, and I am an Addict

One Good Thing that happened this week is that I have decided to take control of my Starbucks addition. This addiction has been a contributor to my recent weight gain, so if I want to be more healthy, I need to drink fewer and smaller Peppermint Mocha's!

I have cut back a size, down to a Mezzo (Tall) from a Grande. And I have asked them to hold the whip cream. This has effectively cut the caffeine in half, the calories in half, and taken an 80% cut out of the fat content.

I feel good about this change because I feel it is do-able. I don't feel deprived, and that will make it so much easier to continue, and to work towards the next step.

I am happy about this.

Gym

One Good Thing that happened this week is that I've joined a gym.

I knew I needed to take charge of my health, and that I've been slacking lately, but the weigh-in at the gym was a bit of a wake-up call. I needed that I guess.

The staff at this new gym are very encouraging and friendly. I love that - that's 180 degrees different from the last gym I tried.

I went to the gym today. I don't think I've ever done that on a Saturday before! I felt tired but also energized - if that makes any sense? It was definitely a mood boost, and that's always a Good Thing.

Good to be home.

Well, I know I haven't posted for a couple of weeks. That's because we went to visit my family in Nova Scotia for the holidays.

Several good things happened: We had excellent driving conditions both on the way there and the way back. They finished twinning the TransCanada highway in New Brunswick, so that knocked another 1/2 hour off our travel time. We got to spend lots of time with family and friends. And even though this was the first Christmas without my dad, we were still able to celebrate Christmas, and be happy. We missed Dad, but we were able to share memories without shedding tears, and that's definately a good thing.

Happy New Year, Everyone!