Why you need a mission statement for your life

Do you have a mission statement for your life?

I've always wanted one. When I started being active on social media (which was 11 years ago on Facebook - I didn't have MySpace like the cool kids, because I'm always several years behind the trends), one of the first hurdles I encountered was the "describe yourself" section. Who was I? If you've read my memoir, you will know that figuring out who the hell I am has been a problem I've struggled with for most of my life. I vaguely remember taking the coward's way out and stating some obvious facts (wife, sister, dog-lover), because I simply didn't know.

New adventure ahead!

"I would like to offer you the job. Will you accept it?"
"Of course I will! I take it!"
And just like that, I have a new job!

Remember when I was annoyingly vague last week, talking about taking uncertain steps into the future?

That's what this was all about. I applied for a job 2 weeks ago, had my interview last week, and received the job offer yesterday. 

So far, so easy, right? Well - it comes with a twist.

Meet our foals!

Today I'm so excited to share some photos of our foals! Patrick (on the left) was born on July 12, and Kevin (right) was born on July 9. They both have the same father, and we even have photos of their conception!

For the first few days, they weren't really aware of each other, because newborn foals don't see very well and their protective mothers kept their distance from each other. But now that they're around 2 weeks old, they are discovering that there is a buddy to play with, and they're starting to hang out together, which is the cutest! 

Here are a few snapshots of the two playing together:

Writing about hard things

"Is it weird for you to share so much personal stuff?" 
That's the most common question I get asked these days. And I completely understand: sharing your struggles with not being a mother, with depression, and all the messiness of your past must be like walking down the street naked, for most people. And I'm not gonna lie, it's hard sometimes. Being vulnerable to the world feels - well, vulnerable.
But you know what's worse? Not sharing it.
At least it is for me.

Richard's Lyme Disease Status

It's been 2 months since Rich's last Lyme update, and since it was not a happy one it's high time for some good news! Because as of right now, Rich is doing fantastic. 

His main treatment has been Doxycycline, an antibiotic, and he took it twice a day for 6 months. Almost 3 weeks ago he quit taking them, a step he was worried about, but so far, he's doing great! He hasn't taken pain meds in months, and stopped his anti-inflammatories for the most part (only taking one when he really can't stand the pain, which is less than once a week right now). 

Cheers to being brave!

*This post is dedicated to Susie. You were the highlight of that experience for me. You rock, girl!

I step into the cute little store, heart pounding, my backpack heavy in my hand. I've stuffed all my remaining books in there - 15 in total - not knowing what to expect. Surveying the empty store, I get the sinking feeling that I've over-packed.
A trim, middle-aged woman in a knee-length denim skirt and cowboy boots greets me with a smile and a handshake. "You are the author? Nice to meet you! Here is your desk where you can set up." She gestures to a desk below a colourful picture of an owl before getting me a glass of water.
I pull a handful of books out of my backpack, together with some bookmarks and my business cards, arrange everything as best I can, and then someone approaches me.

Book signing in Calgary!

A few weeks ago, my marketing manager Kaleigh told me excitedly that a bookstore wanted me to do a reading and signing. My initial response was excitement ("omg, they chose me?!"), quickly followed by fear. In all the many months leading up to the release of my book, the thought of doing a public reading is what scared me the most. While I have a recurring fantasy of being a calm, poised and put-together person (and public speaker), the reality is that my hair is usually a bit messy, I trip over my words, and when I'm nervous I laugh too loudly at the wrong moment.

Best (and worst) of June

June was the craziest month of the year so far. It included the full range of emotions from being really down to being utterly, blissfully happy. As always, let's get this party started with a look at my 1-second-a-day video: