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And just like that, our summer is over. It really is too short in Alberta. We had some GREAT weather. Especially the last little while. And now the leaves are painting a picturesque landscape. I don’t mind it. Especially if it’s a “slow” process!

BUT… now I just read the forecast from Environment Canada… Saturday says Cloudy with 60 percent chance of rain showers or flurries. Low plus 3. High 8. YIKES (use YIKES as your bonus code)! Here we go. Dig out the long sleeves and long johns. Okay maybe not time for the long johns… but it’s on its way!

Bundle up and keep warm! Keeping warm isn’t something I have to worry about… Now that I’ll have a new addition to my family in 9 days… I have a little extra insulation! Ha ha! My husband laughs at me as I’m a sauna every night! Normally I wear a snowsuit to bed. Ha!

By the way, this will be my last blog entry for a while, as I wait for baby to arrive. I will fill you in as I get more time. Take care, and I’ll be back online in no time!!

(VIP’s bonus code will only work after 10am Monday Sept.29th)

Tuesday I took my 2 year old son to see the Backyardigans at the Jubilee. Sure the show was great, but what I loved was watching my son in awe. The first 15 minutes of the show I was in tears watching my son with his bright eyes and clapping as the characters took to the stage. He looked at me and with a smile on his face he yelled, “See Mama, see!!” Thank you Backyardigans for giving me this moment I’ll cherish forever.

Seeing my son like that made me think about how fast he’s growing. It was just 2 short years ago he came into my life, yet I feel like he’s been with me a lifetime. It’s like I’ve never not known him. I believe children are the true definition of “soul mate”. This is the time to re-live the marvels of the world through the eyes of our children. (Use Children as your bonus code) If you have older children, take a moment to look back at those times your child felt the wind on their faces. The time they were startled at the movement of their fingers and toes. The way they looked at you when you sang Itsy Bitsy Spider or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Reminisce the delight in seeing their first lady bug, or watched their first show (like the Backyardigans).

This really is the time of our lives, when time flies. They grow up so fast. How lucky are we to have such wonderful people to bless our lives – children.

(VIP’s – Bonus code will only work after 10am Wed. Sept.23rd)

Last Friday I had the opportunity to go to the Power of Women with the Power Within at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary.
I invited my very good friend Janet to join me. Janet is someone I admire and look up to. She is one of those friends that is an infectious, beautiful and inspiring woman. (inspiring is your bonus code) When I hang out with Janet, I wonder why we don’t hang out more. (Thanks for being my date!)
Of the speakers with the Power of Women, there were 4 of them that stood out. Here’s what I took home from the all day event.

Attitude is a choice. And… Happiness = Success.

First off, Loretta LaRoche – who was celebrating her 70th birthday with us, is a woman with wit, wisdom, and humour. Most of all humour. Thank you for making me laugh. She said “make life easy by beginning to laugh”. So true! I need to do more of that! She has authored 7 books, The Joy Journal, Happy Talk, Relax: You May Only Have a Few Minutes Left, Life is Not a Stress Rehearsal and, Life Is Short- Wear Your Party Pants, Squeeze the Day, Kick Up Heels Before You’re Too Short to Wear and her newest book, Lighten Up. I’ll be picking up a copy for myself and a few other’s for sure!!!

On a more serious side was Jean Chatzky. Jean is a featured money coach on Oprah’s “Debt Diet” series. She says “Wake up happy, go to bed fulfilled.” Jean says you have to
1.) Make a decent living
2.) Spend LESS than you make (that’s the tough one…)
3.) Invest what you don’t spend
4.) Protect your financial life with insurance and have an estate plan.
Easier said than done. Financially, remember this… “You have to want it.” But not only want it, believe it!

Erin Brockovich. You remember her. Played by Julie Roberts in the Movie Erin Brockovich. Erin says she was just a woman who wanted to right a wrong. And a series of events turned her story into a Hollywood Movie. Winning Julia Brockovich an Oscar. Erin’s message was to believe in yourself and never listen to the Nay sayers. She says to keep this in the back of your head, “Oh yes I CAN! Just watch me.” Erin also told us that in High School she was voted the “Most Least Likely to Succeed”. She showed them.

And the lovely Barbara Walters. I couldn’t believe I was in the same audience as Barbara Walters. She is as lovely as she seems. She’s VERY well spoken. Of course she is, she’s Barbara Walters. When I saw her, I was taken back to the year 2000. That was when I had the guts to apply to The View! Yes. I applied. No I didn’t get an interview… but I did get a lovely rejection letter that I have in a memorabilia box somewhere! I’ll try to dig it up and scan it! Ha! Barbara’s words of wisdom were;
1.) Have and do something you love!
2.) Have someone to love, and to love you!
3.) Have a form of spirituality, something that is your guiding light.
4.) Grow and flourish like “an Old Oak Tree”.

It was a great day with a great friend and great company! The Power of Women is what we, (as women) all need to get us through our day! Give your girlfriend a shout today and tell her how much you appreciate her!

http://www.powerwithin.com/
http://www.powerofwomen.com/

(VIP’s - you bonus code will only work after 10am Sept.21)

It’s no wonder we can catch H1N1… with places that don’t give you the opportunity to wash your hands properly! Time for me to get on the soap box!

I was at a well known establishment the other day and used the restroom. First off, the bathroom was MESS! Secondly they didn’t have the proper tools to wash my hands properly. The soap dispenser didn’t work, but the top was opened so I scooped some soap out. After washing my hands for 20 seconds, there was no paper towel anywhere! But there was an air blower. I used my elbow to turn it on. But the air coming out had hardly any pressure. Meanwhile the water is still running, because I didn’t have paper towel to turn it off. After 10 min of drying my hands, I pulled my sleeve down to turn off the tap. And of course used my sleeve to open the door to leave.

Yes, I may go overboard when it comes to washing my hands… but being pregnant, and worrying about H1N1, I have to! I don’t want to take the risk (Use risk as your bonus code). And restaurants, out of all places, should get it! Get your act together and help us help you in staying healthy and clean!!!!

(Bonus Code will not work until after 10am Wednesday Sept.16th)

So the clock is ticking, less than a month now and there will be another little one to fill our home. This past weekend my husband had the opportunity to go to Chicago for his cousin’s wedding. It’s a little too late for me to fly… so I took advantage of the weekend and spent it with my 2 year old son.

We took the drive into the Rockies to Lake Louise (use Louise as your bonus code). Wow and wow. No matter how many times I’ve been there, it still blows me away. I even worked at the Chateau Lake Louise in 1993, and to come back as a guest is an amazing feeling.

My son was spoiled with a lake side suite. (Mommy was too, as I had a hide-a-bed in the OTHER room so my two year old could sleep in there… instead of with Mommy). The room was breath taking and the view – oh the view – Lake Louise is the definition of “majestic”. No matter what time of day or what time of year you overlook the lake, it always looks like the perfect picture or painting. Even though every second word out of my mouth was “No” to my son, I really did feel relaxed. This was a weekend to get away with my son and bond with just him before he has to share everything with his new sibling.

The dinner was another experience. Thank goodness for good people who understand 2 year olds. Taking your 2 year old out to a nice dinner is not something a parent can do very often… so when you have people who “get it” around you, it makes life that much easier. I met a lovely couple from Ohio, and she used to be a kindergarten teacher! Thanks!!

The best part about the whole weekend, besides the amazing staff at the Chateau Lake Louise, was the time I spent with my son. (And watching him jump on the bed! Hee hee). I hope to be able to get away with my children for a bonding weekend EVERY YEAR!

(VIP’s Note: The bonus code word will only work after 10am Monday Sept.14)

On Thursday Sept.10th, watch for Natasha as she rappels down the Sun Life Plaza! What on Earth for??? To help raise money and awareness for Easter Seals.

The Superheroes raise a minimum of $1500 to rappel down the Sun Life Plaza. Money goes to Easter Seals, which runs programs like Camp Horizon. Camp Horizon, near Bragg Creek, is a camp for kids with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, diabetes and cancer. This year it has been tough for people to come up with the money, so participation is down. You can sponsor a specific person, or just donate money directly to the cause, at thedropzone.ca

Good luck Natasha! Don’t fall!!!

Its funny how we often remember those times our children embarrass us. Like the time your child threw a temper tantrum in the middle of the store throwing their bodies into the shelves and chairs… and all you can do is look at them and say “who are you and what have you done with my child!” And you JUST know other people are looking at you thinking… there’s SOMETHING going on in that child’s home. What a horrible parent you are.

BUT what about remembering the times your child makes you proud! I had that moment this week shopping at the grocery store with my 2 year old son. We were going through the check out stand and he saw a magazine. Jennifer Aniston (use Jennifer as your bonus code) was on the cover. And my son said, “Mama?” I said “Yes honey, that’s mommy. I look JUST like Jennifer Aniston.” Ha! The lady behind me laughed. It MADE MY DAY. Especially with one month to go before baby number 2 comes, feeling the size of a house, I NEEDED that compliment! Man I love my kid!!

(VIP’s NOTE: the bonus code will not work until after 10am Wednesday Sept.9.)

So I’m on my Maternity leave, and I know I’m leaving you in VERY capable hands with Natasha Gibson. When I first met Natasha, she was just starting her broadcasting career. And in the last few years she’s really “blossomed” into a strong personality and broadcaster. I asked her to send me some interesting stuff about her, so I could introduce you to her properly… and wow. Natasha is a born and raised Calgaryian with character, wit, wisdom, smarts and beauty. She’s an active member in our community with a wide range of interests. Her life experience will make her interesting and intriguing. I find that she’s has a contagious personality… you know when you hang out with someone and you just want to hang out with them more…

And most of all, she’s just like you and me. A normal person. Someone you can connect to. She’ll keep you company through your work day.

My pleasure to introduce to you Natasha Gibson midday’s on Lite 96.

Here’s Natasha’s life before radio:

MY LIFE BEFORE RADIO

I was born in Calgary 34 years ago and I’m very proud of the giving spirit this city is known for. I have been an active volunteer for several charities here, including the Easter Seals Ability Council, the Suicide Services Education Program, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

My parents were the car-pool champions when we were kids. They drove my sister and me all over the city for extra-curricular activities like dancing, gymnastics, diving, swimming, synchronized swimming and violin lessons.

I played violin with the Mount Royal College kids’ orchestra, and swam competitively with the Calgary Aquabelles and Killarney Synchro throughout my school years. That’s how I learned that hard work in practice makes for a great performance on the big day.

I graduated from Western Canada High School with an Advanced Bilingual Diploma in 1993. Then I went to the University of Calgary, where I picked up Science Degree, with a major in Psychology (1999). I paid for school by working as a Lifeguard, Swimming Instructor and Fitness Instructor with the City of Calgary.

I continued with the City part-time during my first “real job” at the Canadian Mental Health Association. I spent two years at CMHA, working with kids who have parents with mental illnesses, and teaching stress management to students and corporate clients.

Part of my work at CMHA involved media appearances on TV and radio, raising awareness and battling the stigma that surrounds mental illness. That’s where I first got the bug for broadcasting. I decided it was much more interesting doing the interviewing than it was being the guest, so I applied to SAIT and that’s how my radio journey began.

Natasha

Last weekend my husband and I packed the Acadia and headed to Nipika Mountain Resort. Where? That’s what I said. I’ve been in Calgary almost 15 years and have never heard of this place. Well now that you know it exists, you MUST go. It’s a jewel in the Rockies. It’s off of Hwy 93 on the way to Radium! Here’s the link to Nipika Mountain Resort.

What a wonderful and majestic get away. Quiet, peaceful and FULL of things to do for the whole family. And for us it was perfect as we got to bring out dog Priddis! It’s pet friendly too! My husband enjoyed a morning of fishing, while my son and I (along with our friends that joined us) enjoyed a lovely walk. That lovely walk also saw us using our “survival” skills of yelling and screaming when we crossed paths with a black bear. (use bear as your bonus code) He quickly scurried away into the bushes.

A weekend or a week at Nipika will have you going back for more rest and relaxation! It’s a perfect chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I’m thinking of making a girls weekend out of it this winter too! Maybe I’ve spilled the beans on a “best kept secret”… but trust me; you’ll want to go out there for the wildlife, the picturesque mountains, and the songs of the wild!

So today is my last day of work. But when you look at it, having two children is more work than work actually is… so instead today is my last day of normality!

Baby number two is on the way, and expected to be here by October 8, 2009. Life has been good so far. My two year old, Hudson, is not sure what to think. He’s seen the new crib and the baby toys around the house… and he says baby… but he won’t know what hit him the day we bring the new baby home. I plan on buying him a baby of his own to bring home the same day. And… and great gift to keep him occupied. I thought maybe I’ll get him a new bus. Buses seem to be his favorite thing these days. Whenever we drive around and he sees a bus, he points and yells and screams. He’s soooo excited to see a bus. It’s a toddler thing.

With our new baby due in October, we’ll have a Libra on our hands. (use Libra as your bonus code). So I had to do the compatibility chart on Libras. Here’s what I found out about Libra Children from this site.

He/she enjoys a large measure of popularity due to being loving and attractive. He or she can be particularly charming and will enjoy a large circle of companions and true friends.

This child should never be pushed into such things as contact sports as they will be much happier pursuing music or something in the arts.

Libra children are attracted to the opposite gender early and soon will learn to play off one against another to his or her own exaggeration.

THEN it tells me who is the most compatible parent for my new Libra…

The most compatible Mother for Libra is Gemini or Libra.
The most compatible Father for Libra is Aquarius or Leo.

Uh oh – I’m an Aries – BUT my husband is a Leo – so at lease one of us will work! Ha ha!

Check back on my blog – as I’ll keep blogging when I have time. But since my baby’s not due until October – I should be good to go for this month! Please keep in touch with me christina.rowsell@rci.rogers.com or www.christinarowsell.com