We are always so hard on ourselves, me included. So this year, no “shoulda, woulda, coulda” but a celebration of the year gone by…a celebration of all that I accomplished and achieved, of the memories made and lessons learned. What a fun post to write, as I looked through a year of photos, selfies and family adventures that we adored.
So, 2015, you were good, great and memorable…here are my 2015 memories and goals for this year!
- Learned to love working out!This is HUGE for me. I’ve literally never really been to a gym or worked out at all but this year, I joined Orange Theory (in Richmond Hill) and found something I really love! I feel stronger and now I’m able to jog on the treadmill for the full duration! With a one hour high intensity interval workout with an incredible trainer, the one hour class is something I know I will keep up!
2016’s goal- TWICE a week!
- Paul and I dated more and made more time for each other.We went away on a romantic weekend to Niagara Falls, took a road trip to see Charlie Wilson in Rochester and had a the best time together. I wrote about the night we met and we spent our anniversary reliving our early days and even had a photoshoot! We watched Magic Mike XXL together and made a VERY hot new music play list!
2016’s goal- During the fall, life got crazy with work and hockey…I’m desperate to get these dates back on our priority list plus more time to talk and connect!
- I listened to my mama instinct and got Jayden tested privately in the summer, answering many of our questions.With his new diagnosis of ADHD and a learning disability (in writing), we started the year ready to help support him in every way! The amazing result? Jayden is sharing that he has ADHD and not embarrassed or feeling different anymore, school is better and more successful and his hard work is paying off with some great marks so far! So proud of all that Jayden has accomplished this fall!
2016’s goal- Continue to support and advocate for Jayden at school and find new strategies for his impulsivity. This year, we may consider trying medication, but we’re not there yet!
- I lost 30lbs! At the beginning of 2015, I connected with Carrie Burrows, a woman who would change how I eat, how I look and how I feel. She told me things that I needed to hear, and suggested I try to stop eating gluten to see if it made me feel better. It did it and I found 10 tricks that worked for me to lose weight and it changed my life. Eating better led to losing 30lbs and reaching my total goal of 50lbs lost in 2 years! I reached a weight that felt really good. I had more confidence and clothes just fit so much better!
2016’s goal- I want to get down to a weight I was before we got married. My goal is 15-20lbs more to lose and I’m feeling inspired and back on track this January after the holidays were far too tempting!
- I freaking made a quiche! My bestie asked me to make one for a party and now I’ve made several…I would say that with my new quiche and butter tart recipes, I have new “specialties” that people rave about (I can’t eat them on my diet, but that’s cool!)! I even learned how to make some gluten free pasta dishes I love!
2016’s goal- I want to cook more. Really try to make better, healthier meals that my family loves. I want them to be simple and easy, since this is really not what I do best!
- I became a Rep Hockey mom and wrote about it!This fall we learned to love the game, ring the bell as loud as we could and make some great new friends. We’ve seen our boys challenged and celebrated on the ice and we couldn’t be prouder of our two hockey guys. Moms and Dads shared my post on social media, emailed it to friends and messaged me about how much it resonated with them! I was so proud of the results with over 15k views, it is my most viewed post ever!
2016’s goal- Support the boys in whatever their next hockey adventure may be and continue to write the stories that I’ve drafted and ever finished….they might be the next big hit!
- I made the blog leap from Blogger to WordPress and launched tjzmommy.com!
2016’s goal- some tweaks and new tagging to get my site up to where I want it to be!
- More #BlogGoals…I made the top 10 list on SavvyStories for December and the year!I joined this amazing group of writers in July 2014 and I’ve loved being a part of this supportive community!
2016’s goal- Get on the list again next year 🙂
- I won a contest with iTravel2000! Thanks to Social Common on Instagram, I won a $1000 towards our next trip with iTravel2000! In 2015, we took a family trip for my sister’s 40th and made so many memories together. As we plan our trip back to Jamaica this April, I’m thrilled to save money on the cost with my $1000 coupon
2016’s goal- Travel more…so far the year is off to a great start with a trip to Blue Mountain, Mont Tremblant and Jamaica!
- I parted my hair in the centre! This is huge people. I completely changed my look with a centre part and some curls. My bestie and I went back to the amazing Matthew Collins of Brennen Demelo Studio (also from The Social and our night out with Target) and he transformed my hair and gave me a new look to match my new body!
2016’s goal- Find a way to keep curling my locks without damaging it…and also to continue to NOT find any grey (yet).
- I continued to give back to the community in honour of my Zackie!Giving back and fundraising has always been my favourite way to grieve the loss of our son and honour his amazing, but short life. We walked 20km again in the Walk for SickKids and even ran a toy drive. The families at Moraine Hills Public School donated 7 bags of toys to Mackenzie Health! Giving back is a big part of our family culture and will always make our list of goals for the year. With the support of the administration and Ty’s great teacher, we hosted a toy drive and were able to support our local hospital. Since they only have 6 pediatric rooms, they don’t have huge support to get kid-specific fundraising. The nurses we know and love were THRILLED to have stock in toys that will likely allow them to give something to each child over the year. We even got to see Zack’s Dream Room posted on the donor wall, reminding us of the generousity of so many supporters.
2016’s goal- Run the toy drive again, possibly a fundraiser for the other supplies that the hospital is in need of and continue to make the visit to Zack’s Dream Room regularly. First visit will be to donate some older DVDs for the tweens and teens staying in the rooms.
- I called my parents more. I love how when I call my parents and one of them answers, the other one must join in so they hear the stories at the same time. I’ve had more conversations with my dad recently and I love our morning chats on my way to work. I’ve tried for most weekdays to call them, but weekends are challenging as we make time for the four of us at home, but I value each and every call we make together, as more and more of my dear friends lost their own parents this past year.
2016’s goals- Call and listen more. More selfies with my mom and dad!
- I went camping! Some may call it glamping, as we did have electricity, a nearby 7-11 and close washrooms (if you can call them that)…but for me, I slept in a tent overnight and cooked (drank) around the campfire…I freaking camped!
2016’s goal- Drink more Malibu with the ladies so I can survive a second night this summer.
- I said goodbye to my Gall Bladder and hello again to a good friend.It’s amazing how a tiny organ removal can bring two friends back together, but it can. It’s a long story…but I was thrilled to get rid of my gall bladder and reunite with someone very special to me.
2016’s goals- I’d like to keep my organs this year.
- I spent time with amazing friends and family. I think this year was a huge reminder of quality over quantity when it comes to friendship. It was also a reminder that family comes in so many different forms and while it may be hard to explain, it’s still love that connects us. We met new family and saw our little nephew grow up this year and celebrated our grown nephews and niece as they welcomed their sons. The “Howiltons” said goodbye to our beloved Jessie but also climbed a mountain together. I was blessed to share some crazy fun nights (like The Weeknd concert), share shoulders to cry on, take a few Burt Reynolds shots, pee my pants laughing and make some memories with truly remarkable women I’m honoured to call friends.
2016’s goals- Connect with old friends, make more time to see each other in person and never act like we’re in our 40s!
- We built our dream deck! My happy place was my backyard this summer. We entertained a lot, blasted some old skool tunes and had a deck dance party and BBQd for our neighbours and friends. After years of saving up to make our dream come true, we enjoyed every minute!
2016’s goals- spend even more time outside and finish our decorating!
Anita Woo
January 15, 2016 at 2:04 am (8 years ago)I am currently watching the Making of a Murderer and Scandal!
Vanessa
January 15, 2016 at 2:08 am (8 years ago)I’m gonna do Greys Anatomy again! I love that show!
Lushka Smith
January 15, 2016 at 11:00 pm (8 years ago)I want to watch Making of a Murderer
Chantal A
January 16, 2016 at 12:45 am (8 years ago)I only started to watch Grey’s 2 years ago so I’d like to start from the beginning. I also want to watch Making a Murderer that everyone is talking about and my kids and I really want to watch Dragons: Race to the Edge
Melissa Greco
January 16, 2016 at 4:04 am (8 years ago)The walking dead is my binge watch pleasure
jay nelson
January 16, 2016 at 5:51 pm (8 years ago)I have never watched Grey’s Anatomy, but I would like a binge.
Tammy Dalley
January 16, 2016 at 5:58 pm (8 years ago)Making of a Murderer
Josh S
January 16, 2016 at 6:41 pm (8 years ago)I’m into Forensic Files right now.
Chris Stockford
January 16, 2016 at 6:44 pm (8 years ago)The Walking Dead!
em
January 16, 2016 at 6:45 pm (8 years ago)we’re watching Narcos
zahra p
January 16, 2016 at 6:47 pm (8 years ago)I think we are planning on watching Suits next
Karla Sceviour
January 17, 2016 at 3:22 am (8 years ago)Breaking Bad
Keri
January 17, 2016 at 5:33 am (8 years ago)Making a Murder
Mrs White
January 17, 2016 at 12:18 pm (8 years ago)We have been binge watching How to Get Away with Murder – So excellent!! 🙂
Bonnie Lee
January 19, 2016 at 4:41 pm (8 years ago)I have been binge watching Crossing Lines – its about a crime solving team in Europe – great scenery!
Sunshine G
January 19, 2016 at 9:52 pm (8 years ago)We’ve just started Heartland!
Barb W
January 20, 2016 at 5:32 am (8 years ago)I want to watch To Make a Murderer since everyone is talking about it!
Julie-Lynne McCann
January 20, 2016 at 9:08 pm (8 years ago)We love Downton Abbey & would love to be able to see Making of a Murder
and ALL British Shows we are addicted too!
missbobloblaw
January 21, 2016 at 8:11 am (8 years ago)I’ve been hooked on Mad Men!
Sandy Trojansek
January 21, 2016 at 1:06 pm (8 years ago)Old school Beverly Hills, 902101!!!
Jennifer L.
January 21, 2016 at 3:38 pm (8 years ago)The Walking dead
Jennifer Ann Wilson
January 21, 2016 at 3:43 pm (8 years ago)Making a Murderer
Carolyn
January 21, 2016 at 6:30 pm (8 years ago)I have The Paradise all cued up as soon as I finish Season 3 of Mr Selfridge
lynn clayton
January 21, 2016 at 6:36 pm (8 years ago)i got get caught up on orange the new black
Radhika Khan
January 21, 2016 at 6:40 pm (8 years ago)House of Cards as soon as it comes out
Robyn Bellefleur
January 21, 2016 at 6:48 pm (8 years ago)A Walking Dead binge.
Cheryl
January 21, 2016 at 7:25 pm (8 years ago)Fuller house will be my binge when it comes out in February
Elizabeth R
January 21, 2016 at 7:43 pm (8 years ago)I might try Fuller House.
Melissa M
January 21, 2016 at 7:53 pm (8 years ago)The walking dead!
aarone mawdsley
January 21, 2016 at 9:14 pm (8 years ago)gotham is my binge
Melinda Jana
January 21, 2016 at 9:15 pm (8 years ago)Men Man for me
Nicole Jubleew
January 21, 2016 at 11:30 pm (8 years ago)Since I don’t currently have Netflix it would have to be Orange is the New Black so that I can finally watch the show all my coworkers are always chatting about.
Tooth Fairy
January 22, 2016 at 2:41 am (8 years ago)Would be great to be able to binge watch some Downton Abbey but we always seem to land on some series to keep us !!
Jonnie
January 22, 2016 at 3:34 am (8 years ago)I’m currently in the middle of a Scandal binge
Steph Bkn
January 22, 2016 at 4:27 pm (8 years ago)I’m currently in love with Scandal, up to season 5 and on the edge of my seat!
ivy pluchinsky
January 22, 2016 at 4:55 pm (8 years ago)I am currently watching the killing, and am looking forward to Fuller House.
elaing8
January 23, 2016 at 12:28 am (8 years ago)I’m currently watching Jessica Jones
Yuen C
January 23, 2016 at 4:37 am (8 years ago)It would be Breaking bad
heidi c.
January 23, 2016 at 5:07 am (8 years ago)House of Cards looks good.
angela m
January 23, 2016 at 3:23 pm (8 years ago)I am watching Heartland.
patricia
January 23, 2016 at 3:48 pm (8 years ago)heard the walking dead is good, so would like to watch that.
Wendy hutton
January 24, 2016 at 3:09 am (8 years ago)going to watch Greys anatomy
Pam
January 24, 2016 at 3:36 pm (8 years ago)I am eager to see the next season of Jessica Jones
laura m
January 24, 2016 at 9:45 pm (8 years ago)Breaking Bad cuz I’ve heard so much about it & I’m catching up on watching!
Sandra
January 24, 2016 at 11:41 pm (8 years ago)Binge watching House of Cards! Loving it!!
Jessica M walker
January 25, 2016 at 12:07 am (8 years ago)I dont have Netflix, but if I did I would binge watch Orange is the new black.
Jenn
January 25, 2016 at 1:15 am (8 years ago)I’m thinking Breaking Bad (we haven’t watched it yet).
Belinda McNabb
January 25, 2016 at 10:00 pm (8 years ago)Greys Anatomy is my next binge
Eldon
January 26, 2016 at 1:03 am (8 years ago)It would be Walking dead
tanyab79
January 26, 2016 at 6:27 pm (8 years ago)The 100 is my current binge.
Judy Cowan
January 27, 2016 at 2:37 am (8 years ago)I am thinking it will be Grey’s Anatomy.
Debbie S.
January 27, 2016 at 5:09 am (8 years ago)It is Breaking Bad here at this house.
nicolthepickle
January 27, 2016 at 3:56 pm (8 years ago)Friends for sure!
Florence C
January 27, 2016 at 11:22 pm (8 years ago)Orange is the new black
Jasen H
January 29, 2016 at 12:02 pm (8 years ago)Next thing I’ll binge watch will be Daredevil Season 2
mary d
January 29, 2016 at 4:28 pm (8 years ago)scareee, The Walking Dead.
lori b
January 29, 2016 at 5:31 pm (8 years ago)orange is the new black
Angela Mitchell
January 29, 2016 at 6:30 pm (8 years ago)Right now I’m on season 3 of the Gilmore Girls.
Juliee Fitze
January 29, 2016 at 6:35 pm (8 years ago)I would like to watch Vampire Dairies next.
leana
January 30, 2016 at 12:05 am (8 years ago)Friends!!!
michelle matta
January 30, 2016 at 4:27 am (8 years ago)We rewatched the walking dead recently. Its even better the second time. Might go for a third.. soon but not yet lol
Courtney
January 30, 2016 at 1:20 pm (8 years ago)Orange is the new black!
Amber Y
January 31, 2016 at 3:22 am (8 years ago)My next netflix binge is going to be catching up on all the once upon a time episodes i haven’t watched yet.