Or something like that the saying goes! However cliche, I know it's true - if the time between my blog posts is any indication...
The last few months have been an adjustment for all of us - but one that I am so very happy we've had to get used to. While working on growing Inspire with Brent has been at times - stressful - it has also got to be the best feeling ever. I am very fortunate to have as a partner someone that I share the same values and ideas, but also my best friend.
Tomorrow is Father's Day -and like my Mother's Day post, as good a reason as any to get together with those I love the most: My Parents and Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Ronnie -who are every bit as important to us! I've been thinking about what I wanted to say about my Dad, and about Brent, my babies daddy... wanting to make sure that what I said would do them justice.
My Dad can do anything - just ask Brent because he's certainly heard it enough times when (anything) needs to be done: 'oh, I will just call my Dad...' and it's true - I don't think there isn't anything he wouldn't do for me... hasn't done for me. He is my hero... he is the man that I based all the other men in my life on. Fortunately I was lucky enough to right some wrongs I made in that department - and met Brent. My Dad set the example for how I wanted my life to be, the kind of Marriage I wanted to have, the kind of father I wanted when I had children... and I am so very blessed that he is such a huge part of our lives... I thank you, Dad, for always being there for me... I cannot bear the thought... well I'm not even going to think those thoughts.
My babies Daddy... My Best Friend... Yes, My Soulmate. I am not afraid to say how pretty freakn' wonderful Brent is! 3 kids under 5 - that is enough to make anyone tired, add in that two of them are twins, and one was pretty sick for a long time - he was my rock... Even though I know it was killing him inside, he was strong for me. And now - well now my rock goes to the LCBO - probably about as often as we go to get milk - for me! and I wouldn't want it any other way: I am so very grateful it's him. I thank you Brent - for all that is yet to be...
So while life happens when you're busy making other plans - take the time to remember and cherish - those that mean the most. Happy Father's Day!
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
"We never know the love of the parent; until we become parents ourselves" ~ Henry Ward Beecher
I've read and heard a lot of things that are really down on Mothers Day - and wanted to add my 25 cents to this...
I'm in the same camp that thinks dedicating ONE day to us Mom's - or special women in our lives - is really kind of funny... kind of like Valentines Day - Brent doesn't need ONE day to tell me he loves me - he does it all the time (no, I'm not trying to score Starbucks points... then again, the Credit Card bill hasn't come in from my girls scrapbook weekend away!...) BUT what I do think about dedicating ONE day to us Moms, Dads - groundhogs and turkey's - is that it's as good a reason as any to get together with those we love and respect - and tell them so. It's the gesture that counts... you know, the 'little things' that matter most.
There was a time in my life that I didn't think I would have the opportunity to celebrate Mothers Day - as a Mom - and now I have 3 beautiful little faces that think I am the bees' knees - something that I wouldn't change for anything. I think I'm a pretty good Mom - and I am because of My better than pretty good Mom. Unconditional love - this is what she has given to me... for that I will be eternally grateful. xo
So while we don't necessarily need the card companies to tell us that this coming Sunday is THE day to celebrate the wonderful women in our lives - look beyond that and appreciate that we are 'given' this day for another get together! I know that I am looking forward to MY day - which includes dinner with my Mom, Aunt and Sister - and the boys in our lives too!
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
I'm in the same camp that thinks dedicating ONE day to us Mom's - or special women in our lives - is really kind of funny... kind of like Valentines Day - Brent doesn't need ONE day to tell me he loves me - he does it all the time (no, I'm not trying to score Starbucks points... then again, the Credit Card bill hasn't come in from my girls scrapbook weekend away!...) BUT what I do think about dedicating ONE day to us Moms, Dads - groundhogs and turkey's - is that it's as good a reason as any to get together with those we love and respect - and tell them so. It's the gesture that counts... you know, the 'little things' that matter most.
There was a time in my life that I didn't think I would have the opportunity to celebrate Mothers Day - as a Mom - and now I have 3 beautiful little faces that think I am the bees' knees - something that I wouldn't change for anything. I think I'm a pretty good Mom - and I am because of My better than pretty good Mom. Unconditional love - this is what she has given to me... for that I will be eternally grateful. xo
So while we don't necessarily need the card companies to tell us that this coming Sunday is THE day to celebrate the wonderful women in our lives - look beyond that and appreciate that we are 'given' this day for another get together! I know that I am looking forward to MY day - which includes dinner with my Mom, Aunt and Sister - and the boys in our lives too!
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Changes...
Yes, changes - there are a lot of them happening right now!
BIG NEWS for Inspire Marketing - After working for over 15 years full time (23 all together) with the Hamilton Port Authority, Brent has (dare I say it... jumped ship?!... ha) and is now focusing his attention on growing our Company... something the two of us have been dreaming about for a long time!
From Brent:
Hello Everyone,
Fifteen years is a long time. Still, in retrospect it has flown by. Never did I imagine as a 16 year old kid beginning a summer job at our former sailing school that I would build the career I have and remain with the HPA for so long. The winding path that has been my time here is filled with memories I will take with me as I move forward; stories and experiences I will share, and look fondly at, as this new phase of my career and life take flight. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the port, travel to wonderful places, meet great people, and build my knowledge along the way. 8 years at our sailing school. 15 years as a full time employee. I have spent much of my life at the port, yet I’m excited to begin a new chapter.
It is with a heavy heart that I say ‘goodbye’ to my 9-5 life, as I’ve been so fortunate to build relationships with some great people that are a part of Team HPA. The nice part is I’ll still be creating some new products and providing my expertise in the months to come.
I have dreams and aspirations to build something, and now have the forum to do exactly that. Thank you for all the support along the way.
My best wishes for the port and for each of you.
Brent
Change is scary - there is no denying that - but it's also downright exciting... To Celebrate, we are heading to the beautiful Grand Palladium White Sands Resort and Spa (sans kids... ) for a week of R&R - something the two of us desperately need, and no doubt will come back with a notebook filled with more ideas!
We are updating our website with the focus being strategic marketing programs, communications, community and media relations and event management, and will be sharing more details over the next couple weeks.
So as the first line suggests "I don't know what I was waiting for..." - well pull up your socks and hang on - this ride is just beginning and the wait is now over!
I know you don't want to hear me sing... unless it's a Fri or Sat night at Ray's Place on Dundurn St. for Karaoke (and you've had A LOT to drink...) I need to figure out how to add music on here ... but for the purpose of this post, here you go:
Changes/ David Bowie
I still don't know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time...
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
amanda@inspiremarketing.ca
brent@inspiremarketing.ca
BIG NEWS for Inspire Marketing - After working for over 15 years full time (23 all together) with the Hamilton Port Authority, Brent has (dare I say it... jumped ship?!... ha) and is now focusing his attention on growing our Company... something the two of us have been dreaming about for a long time!
From Brent:
Hello Everyone,
Fifteen years is a long time. Still, in retrospect it has flown by. Never did I imagine as a 16 year old kid beginning a summer job at our former sailing school that I would build the career I have and remain with the HPA for so long. The winding path that has been my time here is filled with memories I will take with me as I move forward; stories and experiences I will share, and look fondly at, as this new phase of my career and life take flight. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the port, travel to wonderful places, meet great people, and build my knowledge along the way. 8 years at our sailing school. 15 years as a full time employee. I have spent much of my life at the port, yet I’m excited to begin a new chapter.
It is with a heavy heart that I say ‘goodbye’ to my 9-5 life, as I’ve been so fortunate to build relationships with some great people that are a part of Team HPA. The nice part is I’ll still be creating some new products and providing my expertise in the months to come.
I have dreams and aspirations to build something, and now have the forum to do exactly that. Thank you for all the support along the way.
My best wishes for the port and for each of you.
Brent
Change is scary - there is no denying that - but it's also downright exciting... To Celebrate, we are heading to the beautiful Grand Palladium White Sands Resort and Spa (sans kids... ) for a week of R&R - something the two of us desperately need, and no doubt will come back with a notebook filled with more ideas!
We are updating our website with the focus being strategic marketing programs, communications, community and media relations and event management, and will be sharing more details over the next couple weeks.
So as the first line suggests "I don't know what I was waiting for..." - well pull up your socks and hang on - this ride is just beginning and the wait is now over!
I know you don't want to hear me sing... unless it's a Fri or Sat night at Ray's Place on Dundurn St. for Karaoke (and you've had A LOT to drink...) I need to figure out how to add music on here ... but for the purpose of this post, here you go:
Changes/ David Bowie
I still don't know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time...
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
amanda@inspiremarketing.ca
brent@inspiremarketing.ca
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Frickanannies...
Feel better now?! Yes, when I first heard that (phrase?) it was smack in the middle of a really rotten day and I couldn't not laugh... Seriously - you try saying 'FRICKANANNIES' with a straight face! I can't take credit for this brilliant-ness though (hey, today is all about making up new words!) that goes to @MulderFlorals (on Twitter of course) or Melissa Mulder for those of you who haven't caught on to this gigantic time wasting fad...err fantastic social networking medium! (see @Kitestring for more fantastic information on this!!)
So despite my rotten day, the sun is shining and the temps are starting to show some promise that spring is here - although I refuse to get my hopes up that it is in fact here to stay, I can't shake it - I am in a funk... perhaps it's the catchy travelocity roaming gnome song... doodoodoodlootootoooo...I need to get out of here... but what I do know is something has gotta give!
With this new season rapidly approaching (power of positive thinking right...) I've begun to try and figure out what really it is I am supposed to be doing... not so much the purpose of life - but the purpose of MY life... and after a bubba (yes, my term for the new size I think Starbucks should introduce into their lineup) Vanilla Latte, I started to list all the things I am great at...
...there are so many that I would take up too much of your precious time listing them all here! but the one (well 3) things that I couldn't ignore: my greatest accomplishments, thus far, Abby, Ashlan and Reid. No I'm not saying that my entire purpose in life is to have kids - but for me, during these short years before they grow up and move away - teaching them and loving them, and being their Mom really is my purpose right now. I love it... and I'm great at it (well almost all of the time...) which is a good thing, because (they have no choice!) I've got a ton of cute little projects that would really embarrass Brent if I sent them into work with him - and not school/playdates with the kids...
So with Spring around the corner - I encourage you to think about your purpose. What are your goals? What is it that you've always wanted to do? And if you are having trouble snapping out of your funk, remember Frickanannies! it'll make you laugh at least!
"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
~ Judy Garland
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Mabel's Label's Super Cool "Blogher '10 Contest"
An electrical storm is going to wipe out the Internet – and because as my husband puts it, I am on twitter 27 out of 24 hours a day – I saw this update!! Wipe.out.the.internet! Yes I had to ‘shush’ the kids and focus intently on this…
My Dear God.. Action Plan – Call my Starbucks on Locke St. to verify they are still in business (check!) I mean really – this could quite possibly signal the return of coffee shops that require me to use their drive through for a pretend cappuccino (shudder), not allowing me to lounge in their lovely, comfy chairs, sipping my beloved Grande, non-fat, Vanilla Latte with caramel drizzle, laptop open to some very important websites, while blissfully ignoring Abby and the twins…
After assuring me my latte will be waiting, as always, the next equally frightening revelation came to the fore. I will actually have to make friends face to face in the school yard when dropping off and picking up the kids…not just through my computer screen…and you know what this means? Yes, I will now have to put on some makeup and fix my hair!
I am however sitting comfortably with the knowledge that my other passion; Scrapbooking will not be affected.. and what a huge relief that is. Yes, I can cut and paste very comfortably without my laptop…besides, I really hate having to clean my keyboard when glitter gets on it…
After having some time to digest this news, I think I’m going to be ‘alright’…knowing that I will still have my Starbucks, being left with no alternative but to spend more time with my husband and children, and that there will also be more time for friends, I say this: Bring on the storm!
Amanda
My Dear God.. Action Plan – Call my Starbucks on Locke St. to verify they are still in business (check!) I mean really – this could quite possibly signal the return of coffee shops that require me to use their drive through for a pretend cappuccino (shudder), not allowing me to lounge in their lovely, comfy chairs, sipping my beloved Grande, non-fat, Vanilla Latte with caramel drizzle, laptop open to some very important websites, while blissfully ignoring Abby and the twins…
After assuring me my latte will be waiting, as always, the next equally frightening revelation came to the fore. I will actually have to make friends face to face in the school yard when dropping off and picking up the kids…not just through my computer screen…and you know what this means? Yes, I will now have to put on some makeup and fix my hair!
I am however sitting comfortably with the knowledge that my other passion; Scrapbooking will not be affected.. and what a huge relief that is. Yes, I can cut and paste very comfortably without my laptop…besides, I really hate having to clean my keyboard when glitter gets on it…
After having some time to digest this news, I think I’m going to be ‘alright’…knowing that I will still have my Starbucks, being left with no alternative but to spend more time with my husband and children, and that there will also be more time for friends, I say this: Bring on the storm!
Amanda
Submitted for the Super Cool "Mabel’s Labels BlogHer ‘10 Contest"
I love Mabel's Label's - not just the labels, but their people ...
let's hope I get the chance to represent!!
I love Mabel's Label's - not just the labels, but their people ...
let's hope I get the chance to represent!!
Monday, February 22, 2010
On "Anyways Friends" and others in our lives...
Thursday night means TV time for me (okay...Wed night too!!) but there are few shows that I do eagerly anticipate watching - yes I will admit that Greys and Private Practice are two of them. I'm not sure why I watch them though - as I end up reaching for the Kleenex box every single time.. but I suppose this is a good thing - because they are making me think by triggering these all-over emotions!
On last week's show there was a Wedding .. okay a pretty significant one: a teenage pregnancy prompted Wedding, but I won't recap the show here .. www.ABC.com does a pretty good job of that already - but I do want to share my thoughts on the father- daughter speech: where he referred to a memory he had of his daughter as a little girl, saying to him that he was her 'Anyways Friend' ..
An 'Anyways Friend' - by Sam:
On last week's show there was a Wedding .. okay a pretty significant one: a teenage pregnancy prompted Wedding, but I won't recap the show here .. www.ABC.com does a pretty good job of that already - but I do want to share my thoughts on the father- daughter speech: where he referred to a memory he had of his daughter as a little girl, saying to him that he was her 'Anyways Friend' ..
An 'Anyways Friend' - by Sam:
Is the one person in your life whom,
no matter what you say or do,
no matter what they've been through with you,
will Love you anyways ...
Kinda like those commericals when they tell you some obscure fact about a person and you go 'huh' afterwards right?! Yeah, that's what I did too ...
So it got me thinking about my 'Anyways Friend' .. all the other friends - and people I thought were friends... in my life. How timely too, as yesterday (Sunday February 21st, 2010) in the Guiding world was 'Thinking Day" - because in the last few weeks I've been shown some true colours and real motives of some people I did consider a friend.
Yeah I'm upset and disappointed - but this is all part of the big picture right?!
As I sit here an think about all that is going on and all that is yet to be (hey isn't there some poem about that?!!) I am so grateful for My Anyways Friend, and all my other real and true - old and new - friends that are a part of my life.
I watch Abby making her new little friends and it takes me back to a time when all it took to be a friend was to want to play in the dress up / play kitchen with them .. how simple and easy it was! My hope for her, Ashlan and Reid is that they too are blessed with an 'Anyways Friend' and a few other true friends that make all the other disappointments seem as insignificant as they should be....
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
no matter what you say or do,
no matter what they've been through with you,
will Love you anyways ...
Kinda like those commericals when they tell you some obscure fact about a person and you go 'huh' afterwards right?! Yeah, that's what I did too ...
So it got me thinking about my 'Anyways Friend' .. all the other friends - and people I thought were friends... in my life. How timely too, as yesterday (Sunday February 21st, 2010) in the Guiding world was 'Thinking Day" - because in the last few weeks I've been shown some true colours and real motives of some people I did consider a friend.
Yeah I'm upset and disappointed - but this is all part of the big picture right?!
As I sit here an think about all that is going on and all that is yet to be (hey isn't there some poem about that?!!) I am so grateful for My Anyways Friend, and all my other real and true - old and new - friends that are a part of my life.
I watch Abby making her new little friends and it takes me back to a time when all it took to be a friend was to want to play in the dress up / play kitchen with them .. how simple and easy it was! My hope for her, Ashlan and Reid is that they too are blessed with an 'Anyways Friend' and a few other true friends that make all the other disappointments seem as insignificant as they should be....
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
To My 'Anyways Friend':
Here's to the nights that
turned into mornings, the
friends that turned into
family, the dreams that
turned into reality, and the
likes that turned into love ..
Here's to the nights that
turned into mornings, the
friends that turned into
family, the dreams that
turned into reality, and the
likes that turned into love ..
Monday, February 1, 2010
Groundhogs, Tigers and LOVE? OH MY!
Happy February! (yes already...time IS going by fast...) and you know what that means right? GROUNDHOG day!! why am I so happy about this you ask? Well for one, it's a day that everyone can celebrate along with me - you know, where each day is the same?! ... get it?! ha..okay dokay..I guess it does lose some of it's meaning when I have to say 'get it?' .... but regardless, I'm hoping we see the critter - or do I not want to see him?! - all I know is that I DO want Spring!
Maybe the Tiger will chase him out (or keep him from coming out?!) and bring in Spring? February 14th, 2010 marks the start of the Chinese New Year - and it's the year of the Tiger: perfect timing for people born under this sign - for the tiger is a sign of courage, and people with this sign are said to have a lively temperament, are outgoing, truthful and affectionate...they rarely hide their feelings! Great for someone who loves Valentines Day......
I don't know if I was born in a year of the Tiger - I'd like to think I fit that criteria, good or bad, but do I love Valentines Day? no, not really..... well not the part that says we need to spend too much money on flowers, chocolates and anything else you'd like to get for me dear husband (Starbucks gift card)...but I do love the part about it that lets me make heart shaped cookies and cute little treats for Abby's JK class - something we can do together - and use up all my pink card stock!
The timing also allows me to make a Feast for two, at home! So if you're like me and really not that fond of waiting in super long lineups for an over-priced dinner you were rushed through, then I encourage you to create a romantic dinner - that will let you keep your Starbucks budget too!!
Need some inspiration? Join my Facebook page: Inspire Marketing and take a peek in the Discussions area, you will find great recipes, ideas and events that will Inspire that inner groundhog or tiger!
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
Maybe the Tiger will chase him out (or keep him from coming out?!) and bring in Spring? February 14th, 2010 marks the start of the Chinese New Year - and it's the year of the Tiger: perfect timing for people born under this sign - for the tiger is a sign of courage, and people with this sign are said to have a lively temperament, are outgoing, truthful and affectionate...they rarely hide their feelings! Great for someone who loves Valentines Day......
I don't know if I was born in a year of the Tiger - I'd like to think I fit that criteria, good or bad, but do I love Valentines Day? no, not really..... well not the part that says we need to spend too much money on flowers, chocolates and anything else you'd like to get for me dear husband (Starbucks gift card)...but I do love the part about it that lets me make heart shaped cookies and cute little treats for Abby's JK class - something we can do together - and use up all my pink card stock!
The timing also allows me to make a Feast for two, at home! So if you're like me and really not that fond of waiting in super long lineups for an over-priced dinner you were rushed through, then I encourage you to create a romantic dinner - that will let you keep your Starbucks budget too!!
Need some inspiration? Join my Facebook page: Inspire Marketing and take a peek in the Discussions area, you will find great recipes, ideas and events that will Inspire that inner groundhog or tiger!
Amanda
Inspire Marketing
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