Strocel.com | Monthly Review

What I Learned in October 2012

Amber on November 5, 2012 4 Comments

Monthly reviews are one of my favourite traditions. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned, and not always the easy way. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here is what I learned in October – or some of it, anyway.

What I Learned This Month

1. Once again I learned that fewer things are more adorable than children in Halloween costumes.

What I Learned in October - Getting ready for trick-or-treating

2. I moved the printer and gave up my old desktop computer, and in the process discovered a whole lot more space on, around, and under my desk.

3. I watched salmon fight the current as they return home to lay their eggs, and was in awe of their tenacity.

4. The rains came, and I re-learned why so many people affectionately refer to the Pacific Northwest as the ‘wet coast’.

5. I drove by my childhood home, and I found that it looks much bigger in my memory.

6. That Princess Leia dress my daughter is wearing? I made it, and I re-discovered just how much I enjoy sewing.

7. I kissed a cod, and was ‘screeched in‘. In the process I learned just how awful rum can taste, and I became an honourary Newfoundlander.

8. I had a moment of clarity about my patchwork pie crusts, when I realized that it’s okay if I’m not an expert at absolutely everything. Perfectionism, be gone!

9. After a six-month hiatus, Hannah and I re-visited knitting lessons, and I felt my heart swell with a very pleased sort of feeling as I watched her.

10. I learned that when someone hurts a child, I am so filled maternal rage that I lose my capacity for sympathy.

I’ve shared what I learned – what did you learn in October? I want to know! If you’d like to play along by writing a review post of your own, link to it in the comments. And please feel free to grab the button from the top of this post.

Filed Under: Monthly Reviews Tagged With: Monthly Review, Navel Gazing

What I Learned in September 2012

Amber on October 2, 2012 2 Comments

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in September.

What I Learned This Month

1. I discovered that while I carry baggage from spending pretty much every Sunday of my childhood ~~going on forced marches~~ hiking with my parents, my children do not. In fact, they very much enjoy taking a walk in the woods.

2. I felt the anxiety and excitement of interviewing one of my childhood heroes, Raffi. The podcast will run at VancouverMom.ca sometime in the next week or two.

3. I re-learned the sweetness of raspberries from my garden in the autumn.

4. I discovered that if you don’t pay close enough attention to your four-year-old as he throws rocks into a lake, there’s a good chance he’ll end up in the lake himself.

5. I watched my daughter head off to grade two, and I discovered once again just how quickly children grow.

6. I learned that you should probably listen to that little voice inside your head when it tells you, “I don’t think this is the right restaurant.” And you should definitely double-check before you pay for parking.

7. My son started music classes, and I discovered that an experienced teacher who knows how to keep a room full of preschoolers laughing is priceless.

8. I discovered that sometimes a few new plates from IKEA can make all the difference in the world.

9. I was a presenter at a local PechaKucha Night, and I made some hard decisions around what to share through 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds each.

10. I learned that sometimes you get lucky and find yourself in the right place at the right time when the Cops for Cancer rode up in front of the grocery store as Jacob and I were walking out. He got a balloon and a flasher for his bike. He was thrilled.

I’ve shared what I learned – what did you learn in September? I want to know! If you’d like to play along by writing a review post of your own, link to it in the comments! And please feel free to grab the button from the top of this post.

Filed Under: Monthly Reviews Tagged With: Monthly Review, Navel Gazing

What I Learned in August 2012

Amber on September 3, 2012 Leave a Comment

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in August.

August Monthly Review

1. I learned how to navigate the New York City Subway, and I even led some of my BlogHer buds on a trip back to our hotel. I am happy to report that we all arrived in one piece.

2. I attended a fabulous session on blogging and branding, and was inspired to re-design both Strocel.com and Crafting my Life. I’d like to thank Marilyn of Cursive Web for the conversation that led me to settle on the leaf logo.

3. I confirmed that while there are a lot of charms to be found in the big city, I like living on the edge of the wilderness.

4. I discovered that life is much better when you have a properly fitting bra.

5. I picked blackberries, suffering the scratches and savouring the sweet reward.

6. I came up with a new favourite gift to give not-so-little kids who are getting into crafting – a starter fabric stash made up of odds and ends from my own collection.

7. I helped my seven-year-old complete her own first sewing project, a small stuffed turtle. (The pattern is from Amy Karol’s Bend the Rules Sewing.)

8. I discovered that few things are as entertaining to a kid as watching a plumber at work. Too bad it’s so expensive to invite one over! (On the upside, the seal on our upstairs toilet has been replaced and we can all breathe easy.)

9. Thanks to a generous gift from my friend, I watched my son take his first wobbly ride on a two-wheeler, with help from his dad.

10. I learned that when I check in to a hotel I should just ask for a few extra key cards, so that I don’t have to take any walks of shame.

What did you learn in August – or, since it’s Labour Day, over your summer vacation? Please share! If you’d like to play along by writing a review post of your own, link to it in the comments! And please feel free to grab the button from the top of this post.

Filed Under: Monthly Reviews Tagged With: Monthly Review, Navel Gazing

What I Learned in July 2012

Amber on August 1, 2012 2 Comments

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in July.

July Monthly Review

1. I learned that for a preschooler, a water slide that’s closed due to inclement weather is actually more fun than a water slide that’s open.

Jacob jumps the gate on a closed water slide

2. I discovered that if you accidentally drop your iPhone on the pavement a few ~~dozen~~ times, it will stop working, even if you have it in a lovely protective case.

3. I made my first pot on a pottery wheel. It’s a little lopsided, but it’s all mine, baby.

My first piece of pottery

4. I learned that, in spite of my elementary school principal’s dire warnings, fireworks actually can be safe and fun.

5. I tried pole fitness. It was a whole lot harder, a whole lot more fun, and a whole lot less R-rated than I expected.

My instructor demonstrating a move I absolutely cannot do

6. I picked (and ate) the first blueberry of the season off my blueberry bush, and I was once again grateful to whoever it was that planted it.

7. For the second time in four years, I found out if you have an inflatable wading pool, you’re running the risk that it will be destroyed by a raccoon.

An animal destroyed the kids' pool last night :(

Sad, deflated wading pool, sporting raccoon claw marks

8. I got some help cleaning out my closet, and some great style tips.

9. I scored some great thrift store finds to help me put those style tips into practice.

Trying on sunglasses at the thrift store

Hannah trying on her new sunglasses at the thrift store

10. I re-discovered the bounty of my region, as I spent the month eating local.

What did you learn in July? Please share! If you’d like to play along by writing a review post of your own, link to it in the comments!

Filed Under: Monthly Reviews Tagged With: Monthly Review, Navel Gazing

What I Learned in June 2012

Amber on July 3, 2012 3 Comments

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in June.

June Monthly Review

1. I learned that Instagram is totally awesome. Downloading the app has brought more mindfulness into my daily life, and I’m smitten.

One of my photos from Instagram (I’m AmberStrocel)

2. When the power went out for a couple of hours one night, I found that even if I know the lights are out, I will still automatically try to turn them on every time I enter a dark room. Decades of habit don’t just vanish when the electricity fails.

3. I re-discovered the joys of strawberry season. Homemade strawberry ice cream! Chocolate-filled strawberries! Strawberry sundae sauce!

Strawberries at the farmers’ market

4. My whole family celebrated the end of another school year. We made it, and the early mornings are over for the summer!

5. I re-learned the joys of wading in a creek on a warm summer day.

I couldn’t resist this creek

6. I discovered the sweetness of getting the art supplies out of my kitchen when Hannah got her own desk in her room. I can cook without stepping in piles of glitter, and it rocks!

7. I watched my daughter sing for her whole school at the talent show, and I found out that it’s far more anxiety-provoking to watch your kid get up in front of a room full of people than it is to get up there yourself. Or, at least, it is for me. (PS – She did great.)

Hannah dressed as Annie for the talent show

8. I spoke at VancouverMom.ca‘s Fabulous event, and at Northern Voice 2012. In the process I once again discovered that I really do love having the podium.

9. I re-learned the hard way that three-year-olds and restaurants just don’t always mix that well.

Jacob was still for just long enough for me to shoot this photo

10. I found out that, yet again, I can’t successfully grow melons. Sigh.

What did you learn in June? Please share! If you’d like to play along by writing a review post of your own, link to it in the comments!

Filed Under: Monthly Reviews Tagged With: Monthly Review, Navel Gazing

What I Learned in May 2012

Amber on June 4, 2012 1 Comment

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in May.

May Monthly Review

1. I learned that British Columbia’s Premier Christy Clark knows how to work a room when I met her not once, but twice. Plus, on the second occasion my daughter was splashed all over the news and the government’s website.

2. I launched a new, free Crafting my Life tool for busy moms who are searching for authenticity and meaning called Four Easy Ways to Kick-Start a Life of Intention.

3. I re-learned the sweetness of handmade gifts from my kids on Mother’s Day. They really are the very best kind.

4. I discovered a feeling of liberation when I got to ride the ferry and visit Victoria all by myself on a gorgeous, sunny day in order to preview Dinosaurs at the Royal BC Museum for VancouverMom.ca.

5. This one is sort of vicarious, but my daughter Hannah learned to ride a bike, and I was one proud mama. She didn’t let a few tumbles slow her down.

6. I re-discovered bot the joys and the sorrows of the creative explosion when my son Jacob started really drawing – and not always in the places he should draw.

7. I found out first-hand what it’s like to be a 36-year-old.

8. My garden provided a bounty of spinach, flowers and children, and it was sweet.

What I Learned in May 2012 Garden Bounty

9. I learned that while rabbits are sort of lukewarm on carrots, they can’t get enough of dandelion greens. Plus, as a total bonus, I grow vast quantities of dandelion greens whether I want to or not.

10. I discovered that life is just easier when I get adequate sleep. Shocking, I know!

What did you learn in May? Please share! If you’d like to play along by writing a review post of your own, link to it in the comments!

Filed Under: Monthly Reviews Tagged With: Monthly Review, Navel Gazing

What I Learned in April 2012

Amber on May 2, 2012 3 Comments

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in April.

April Monthly Review

1. I discovered that cantaloupe seedlings smell pretty much exactly like cantaloupe, the fruit. Something about this amuses me no end.

2. I re-learned the joys of the walk-in clinic when I was hit by a bladder infection. I also re-learned the joys of the bladder infection. Such fun! Only not. (I am fine now, thanks for asking.)

3. I found out how much rejection can sting when I returned home from two nights away and my three-year-old was sad that it was me, and not his grandmother.

4. I discovered that it’s difficult to give up both meat and gluten, when I found myself reading labels in the vegetarian section of the grocery store as part of my One Green Thing for the month. It seems that many meat substitutes rely heavily on wheat.

5. I toured a shipping terminal, and discovered that I live only a few kilometers away from the largest sulphur export terminal in the whole freaking world. You want sulphur? Port Moody, British Columbia has sulphur.

Look, it's me, in front of a ginormous sulphur pile!

6. I discovered that when you put plants in a planter box, and you live in a rainy climate, you had better make sure there is a drainage hole on the bottom, or your little seedlings will drown. So sorry, little plants!

7. I attended my first Easter egg hunt – at least since I was a very young toddler, myself. So! Much! Mayhem! But the chocolate makes it all worthwhile.

8. In a month of many doctor’s visits, I learned that they don’t treat sinusitis in a seven-year-old until at least three weeks in, because it generally resolves on its own. My daughter’s did resolve on its own, and thankfully it didn’t take three weeks. That much missed school would have made everyone miserable, I think.

9. I re-discovered both the joys (pretty!) and the agony (they stick all over your car and don’t come off!) of cherry blossom season in Vancouver.

10. I experienced the joys of Whole Foods, when I visited the store for the first time to attend a blogger event. I am happy to say that I did not, in fact, actually spend my whole paycheque. I was actually quite smitten. Too bad it’s not in my neighbourhood.

What did you learn in April? Please share! If you’d like to play along by writing a review post of your own, link to it in the comments!

Filed Under: Monthly Reviews Tagged With: Monthly Review, Navel Gazing