What is There to be Happy About?

Furthering my extensive search for true happiness....how cool is this shirt? 

The moment I saw it on Pinterest (yep I pin on Pinterest) ((get over it)) I loved it.  I mean, as someone who is constantly trying to define, find, be, and achieve happiness, this totally spoke to me.  So then when I went to buy it, alas, you can't get it to ship to Canada :(. 

I showed it to my husband who thought it was pretty cool and it reminded him of a shirt he saw on a girl at his school. 


One is his primary students was wearing a shirt with a happy face winking on the front and then "40 things to be happy about" on the back. 

When he asked the girl where she got the shirt she said, Justice, http://www.shopjustice.com/ which is a store for tweens - wouldn't be able to find something for this plus size beauty there.  So again, I searched the Internet to try and find something similar and no luck. 

So, I've decided I need to make my own shirts - the one about happiness being the new black AND one listing 40 things to be happy about.

Wait, are there 40 things to be happy about? That's a lot. 

I searched the internet for some help and I found this site http://www.thingstobehappyabout.com/ A woman started this in a small spiral notebook decades ago evolving into a book 14,000 things to be happy about. The site has become the repository for a growing database of happy thoughts. Things to be happy about offers things to be happy about in a list and calendar, a wish list, words of wisdom, a guide to creating good karma, meditations and spiritual reminders, things for kids to be happy about, and a place to create and grow your own happy list. Things to be happy about is a place to savor, share, see, make, send, and support happiness, appreciation, and gratitude.

Seriously, I do not think I could list, think of, or find 40 things.   Let's see....

I am happy about....

1. having healthy parents
2. living in Canada
3. having a job
4. Mr. Fun
5. magazine subscriptions
6. my backyard gardens
7. Megan in my life
8. watching award shows to judge the dresses
9. my time with my Grandparents
10. my pool
11. everyone letting me give them a nickname
12. my nieces and nephews
13. annual blueberry picking
14. my mom not freaking out every time I get a tattoo
15. Florida
16. candy and cake existing
17. Sunday morning crosswords
18. that people forgive me
19. not having to teach math anymore
20. movies
21. getting a "good" cancer
22. not being embarrased when I cry
23. Canadian health care
24. my Crohns being under control
25. having gone to the Biggest Loser Resort
26. owning my own home
27. the 24 hour rule
28. PJs
29. Calvin and Hobbs cartoons
30. Vegas trips
31. having read 50 Shades of Grey
32. BLT sandwiches
33. any music
34. IHOP and Cracker Barrell - yummy when you are travelling
35. drinking gallons of coffee
36. clean sheets
37. silly Christmas card photos
38. blogging
39. family potlucks
40. training for and finishing the marathons

Ok, I do have a lot to be happy about.  What are some things that you are happy about?

Look out Big Apple!!!!

I am thrilled to share that I got picked to run the 2012 New York City Marathon on November 4, 2012.


I am going to take my mom for the weekend and have an amazing time. I have never been to New York and this is a once in a life time opportunity.




The route looks amazing as we run from Staten Island through all the boroughs and finish in Central Park.

I will start my training plan in a couple of weeks completing the Chicago marathon first October 7th.

I wasn't sure if I would ever run again since a health situation that took over the last couple of months but a surgery Wednesday fixed all and I am on my way to an amazing recovery and almost back to my old self.

Will blog about the health situation soon but right now my focus is on getting back to 100% and looking forward to a great training summer.

Hugs

10 Things To Tell the 23 Year Old Me

There has been a lot of blog posts lately and even some videos on YouTube where people are talking about what they wished they had known when they were younger.  One of my favourites is http://kateelizabethconner.com/ten-things-i-want-to-tell-teenage-girls/

I too, wish I had known so many things 20 years ago.  Good and bad, it would have saved a few tears years later.  Here is my list that I would tell my 23 year old self.

1. Fail.  You are going to do this a million times in your life and if you do not get some adapting skills now, you will look like a idiot when you do not get that job at 33 and when you suck at your new found hobby of running at 40 - where you will finish last in a ton of races.  Failure is normal, needed, and important to be continually growing.  You need to learn now that you are not perfect and things are not going to be easy.  Learn to cope now!

2. Stop Worrying About Not Having a Best Friend.  Your elusive search will come to an end when Megan walks into your life in 2000, so for now, enjoy being a friend instead of having one.

3. Start a Bucket List.  Having your dreams written down is the first step to accomplishing them.  You and Lennie will make lists at 38 but trying to cram a lot of stuff in is not easy (and expensive).  Make your list now and start stroking off some of the coolest things ever - you will run a couple of marathons, meet the Backstreet Boys, travel to Africa, and get your Masters so no dream is too big - write them down.

4. Stay the F%^& out of the sun.  Yes, you look better with a tan but the wrinkles that magically appear on your forehead and NEVER go away no matter how much money you spend will be there forever...and get worst.  OK, if you are going to be in the sun, will you at least wear sunscreen and a hat?

5. Be Nicer to Lennie.  Yep, stop being that jealous, moody, freak for so many years...no need to act that way ever!  He will stick around through thick and thin. Oh, and listen to him when he wants to do something fun, don't be a stick in the mud or you will miss out on some really hilarious times.

6. Get Laser Hair Removal.  This is the only really vain and expensive thing I am going to tell you.  It hurts like hell but is totally worth it when you have to go to the hospital in January 2007 and can't shave for 3 weeks.  You will totally feel so much better knowing that under the sheets is not bear's legs.

7. Start Running.  I mean it, I know you are not a runner but I do not want you to start running to torture yourself, I want you to start running as a way to relieve stress.  You are going to need to have an outlet other than food to deal with the stress of work, life, and more work.  Running will help because it will clear your mind AND you will meet the greatest people along the way.

8. Spend more time with your family.  I realize that you do a lot of holidays with them but your grandparents will not be around forever (they will live past their 90s and 100s but still, they are fabulous and worth every minute) Oh, and make sure to take more photos, you will scrapbook for years and appreciate them over and over again.

9. Go to the Doctor Sooner Yes, you are tough and we all know that but, that does not mean you need to suffer for so long, so many times.  You have Crohns disease and at 23 you already know that something is majorly wrong so go get it look after so you do not have to suffer for 15 more years.

10.  Forgive Yourself.  You will make stupid mistakes, say stupid things, hurt people, and yourself.  GET OVER IT.  No one is perfect, and people will forgive you so why not forgive yourself.  Living in regret, pity, and sorrow for so long does no one any good.  You are better than this, stronger than this, and worth it,

Me? Someone to Meet in Heaven?

What is the most humbling experience you have ever had?

I received the following letter at work before Christmas.

You can imagine how something like that makes you feel.  Just for being me?  But, I really don't like me for being just me, why would anyone else? 

Wendy shared that she wanted to acknowledge us for WHO we are and not WHAT we are.  We spend so much of our day being WHAT we are; mothers, teachers, wives, supporters that this evening was about who we are as people; inspiring, funny, ambitious, talented, creative, friendly. 

We met for dinner in late January and it was a remarkable evening.  Just meeting the 4 other women who Wendy admires made me feel so amazing because they were all so unique, talented, smart and genuine.  One was a co worker at Wendy's school, one a former colleague, one a parent on her son's hockey team, and one a neighbour.  It was interesting to talk about how all our lives intersected - kind of a 6 degrees of Wendy exercise.

We laughed for 3 hours at my favourite restaurant (Bertoldis) in London.

Wendy bought some delicious Bellinis for us and then we pigged out on pizza, pasta, and chicken.  More drinks, laughs and the best part of the evening were the stories that everyone shared.  Wendy shared again to the group why she chose all of us and lots of hugs ended the night.

This is definitely something that I will "pay it forward with".  Thank you Wendy for making us all feel so special, you are certainly someone who would be on my heaven list.

Have you read this book?  Who would be on your list?

My " New" New Balance Friends

Had the pleasure tonight to speak at the New Balance north store again. I love it when Peter and his team invite me to meet and share my story with their runners in the various clinics.

I was there back in September and shared my "top 10" running hints. I updated the list for tonight and promised I would post it again.

Good luck runners with your journey.

1. Get a subscription to a running magazine.

2. Join http://www.dailymile.com/. It helps track your totals, progress and pace improvements.

3. Practice your finish line photo at the end of every run - arms straight and fingers spread and hold. Don't look at your watch.


4. Acknowledge other runners when you pass with a hello

5. Volunteer for a race

6. Sign up for future races

7. Start a champions wall with all your bibs and medals on it.


8. Read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall or watch the movie Spirit of the Marathon for some history of running, marathons, and to get inspiration. http://www.chrismcdougall.com/blog/

9. Put a schedule, race flyer, photo on the fridge for you and others to see plus get your splits - always something to celebrate

10. Drink chocolate milk. Just like the commercial years ago with the boy who lost the hockey game, it makes everything better

11. Remember there is only 1st and 2nd place in every race. The winner, and everyone else, so you always get at a silver medal


Thanks again Peter and new running friends.

Relay for Life Partnership Launch

I was honored last week to speak at the press launch for the newly formed partnership between the Canadian Cancer society, LRHS, Relay for Life and the London Health Sciences Foundation.

My friend Tam, from Ashley Oaks PS, forwarded my name to the Cancer Society to speak on behalf of survivors at the launch.  They asked me to share my experiences and participation in Relay for Life.

Below is my speech and links to the TV and paper coverages.

It was an excellent experience because the kids from AO were there along with Lennie, my brother, and Lindsay who works for the foundation. I held it together pretty well and even did an interview for Rogers (if you look closely you can see my stupid nose running)

Enjoy

Z

http://www.londoncommunitynews.com/2012/03/relay-for-life-cements-partnership-in-the-cancer-fight

http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=237&rid=9&gid=92374

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iCPopEmMc8&sns=em


"Thank you Paul,

Good morning, my name is Catherine Zeisner and my journey to today is a simple one...in 1 year, this big girl trains for and completes the Chicago marathon, girl gets dream job, girl gets thyroid cancer, girl runs the Chicago marathon again to prove to the world that cancer will not beat her.

Believe it or not, these three intersecting aspects of my life are the greatest things that have ever happened to me. I am, in fact, thrilled that I got cancer. It is just what this workaholic, Type A, very selfish person needed at the age of 42. I needed to have the wind knocked out of my sails to be reminded of what and who is important. What I have gained from this past year is clarity, strength that I never knew I had, and an abundant amount of love.

I have received invaluable physical and emotional support from family and friends but what the London Health Sciences Center, Dr. Nichols & Dr. Rachinski, the Canadian Cancer Society, numerous health care professionals, and the Relay for Life have provided for me is top notch, timely and with integrity...care.

Feeling isolated, alone, and scared is a very natural reaction to a cancer diagnosis but with the Relay for Life partnership today, what you are doing is shining a light on the fact that many many people are here to help you, provide for you, and support you through the cancer journey.

I was honored to participate in the Relay for Life last June for the second time. The first time was a supporter for a group of staff, friends and teachers from my school. They promised me a good time and a lot of chocolate chip cookies. Needless to say we had a wonderful time walking, chatting, eating cookies and raising money. But 2011 was different. I was not there to walk with teacher friends raising money but now I was participating as a cancer patient during the Survivor Victory lap.

You would think that after running a marathon that the survivor victory lap at the Relay would be easy. Its just one lap around a track it not 42.2 kilometers. But in fact, you want the experience to last just as long. You walk in unison with fellow survivors, while your friends, family, care givers, and supportive strangers applaud your efforts and feelings well up inside you. It is amazing what a smiling face and applause does to a person when they are in a fight.

As a Vice-Principal at an elementary school, I had students and families from school lining the track to see me and it provided such pride and hope. I participated because I wanted to set a good example of resiliency, happiness in the face of adversity and the need for giving back. What is truly moving are the luminaries that line the track as you walk, celebrating the lives of survivors and those who no longer walk with us but are among the angels.

I had the word JOURNEY tattooed on my back this past summer as a reminder. Cancer truly is a journey where you learn so much more along the route than at your destination. Survivors, care givers, health care professionals, I am so proud of you, your accomplishments, your successes, you may not be able to see them but I see your capes, who you are... definitely defines the word super hero.

Cancer has changed me, changed me for the better. Just when you think you have lost so much, your health, happiness, hair, dignity, energy, you realize that in the process of losing you are in fact...gaining. Gaining strength of character, support, friends, love and a will to carry on to help eliminate this awful disease.

I will return to Chicago this October to run my 3rd marathon and know that I do not need to come in first place because just like dealing with cancer... “finishing is winning”. My 19 week training plan definitely includes that 1 lap of the track during the Relay for Life Survivor victory lap and it will be the best part of my training regime.

I wear my surgery scar and the Relay for Life pin with pride knowing that so many people are making a difference for me, cancer fighters, and those who have started their journeys to heaven earlier than the rest. I congratulate you all on this launch, this partnership and success for the Relay for Life 2012.

Thank you"

Finally About Mr Fun

I have chatted a little bit about my husband over the years but have never given him too many props.  But, this past weekend he did something that deserves mentioning and some recognition.

Lennie (aka Mr. Fun) posted the following quote on my Facebook page Sunday morning while we are on vacation.  He says he read it on someone else's page and needed to share it with me knowing that I can't stand the look of my neck or the whole thyroid thing that I continue to struggle with.  

Who does this??!!  What a guy?!! I give him such a hard time - so I thought to show him how much I appreciate him for who he is,  I had to share with all of you a little bit about Mr. Fun and just how amazing he is.

Yep, this is our engagement photo from 1993 - we were both a tad cheesy at the time.  We met at UWO and were both in the same PE classes together and met October 1988.  
I have to admit that he is smarter than me.  His marks were higher than mine in university and his math ability is amazing.  
I won't mention any of his shortcomings here since this is a celebration blog about him but some of them do involve being a tad messy, being on the phone a ton, and arriving home late.  
But enough about those small things....

We got married in London in 1993 after we both graduated from teacher's college.  What a great day it was and we had a celebration in my parent's backyard and then dinner at UWO.  People from all over came and we celebrated for hours and really a couple of days because Lennie's family and friends from Quebec were here and they know how to party.
He will kill me for saying this but he cried through his vows and we laugh about the fact that we do not think we are legally married because he never really said "I do".  Everyone thought it was great that he cried.

Lennie is a hugely generous guy and participates in many charity events.  My favourite is the "MOVEMBER" one, each November where he gets to grow a mustache - he actually looks good in real life with one but he shaves it funny like hockey players from the 70s.


He also donates to all the crazy activities I participate in annually and even models in charity fashion shows when asked.

Lennie is always go go go.  Playing hockey several times a week, coaches a ton, and working a second job that he loves at the Alibi for the past 22 years.


Needless to say on Valentine's Day when I snapped this photo of him after he fell asleep, he deserved the rest.

Len is an outstanding educator and was a deserving nominee for the Award of Distinction at work last year.  My parents and I attended the event and we were all so proud that a parent group and his colleagues recognized him for his hours of extra curricular work, dedication to students, and his fellow teachers.   
At one point in our careers we taught at the same school together.  I taught grade 7 and he taught grade 8.  It was awesome because the whole division bonded and did a ton of great activities together for the kids.  What was great was that I got to see him with kids and how he helped get them prepare for high school.

Len is a very talented artist.  Drawing, sketching and real lifes are his specialty.
This is a picture he drew this past summer for Scott and Meg's son.  It is gorgeous and so realistic.

I am still waiting for him to illustrate a children's book we started many years ago - it will be amazing when we get it done.

Lennie is an excellent son, brother, brother in law, cousin, son in law, and friend.  He would never let anyone down.  You would be hard pressed to find ANYONE who does not like him - except for a couple of goalies who can't stand his goal scoring prowess :)

One of Lennie's oldest and dearest buds is Roger from Montreal.  We do not get to see him nearly enough but Lennie thinks about him often and they call and chat on the phone a ton.  What I love best is that when they get together is just like they are 12 years old again.

This is my favourite recent photo of Lennie while we were on vacation in Florida.
I must admit that he is always right - I never want to do anything fun and he always reassures me that our adventures will be great and they always are.
This past Christmas we drove to Florida and spent a couple of extra days in Naples in which we swam, ate, and relaxed with friends.

We talk often how we will retire to Florida and live the good life.

Lennie is a dog guy.

At least that what he says but I have the photos to prove otherwise.  When we adopted our cats Tigger and Winnie, he and Tigger where inseparable for almost 18 years.

Dog guy my butt!

In 2008 we had the hair brained idea to renew our wedding vows in Vegas.  We invited a ton of family and friends to join us and we had hilarious days of fun.  We asked that everyone dress in 70s attire and meet us at the Vegas sign where Elvis performed the renewal ceremony and then we all went out for dinner.

Just trying to find the clothes before we all went was fun enough but seeing everyone in their costumes, meeting Elvis, and stopping traffic on the main road was the best part of the day.


Of course it was his idea.  See, he is Mr. Fun and I wouldn't want him to change one bit - messy et al.