MCB xo
Wednesday, 17 February 2016
Showering a baby with love and gifts
It has been a very long time since I've been able to sit down and share what's on my mind. I believe it's been a very hectic year since I returned to work as a full-time nurse, juggling a new career and being a wife and mother of two. Amongst all the chaos, in between my daily routines, are several get-togethers with family and friends. Those who are close to me call me FOMO...Fear Of Missing Out...because I hardly decline an invitation and enjoy attending parties whether they're big or small. There is always a reason to celebrate! A few years ago, I was attending 4-5 weddings a year but now I am attending 4-5 baby showers or baptisms a year. With that said, below are photos of gifts to welcome a little one.... created with love. Thank you for all these special orders that were requested. For those who are dear to my heart - thank you for having me present to be a part of that baby's life :)
MCB xo
MCB xo
Tuesday, 9 February 2016
Journaling
I have always enjoyed journaling. When I was a teenager, my diary knew all my personal stories. Piles of notebooks were filled with thoughts, song lyrics, movie quotes and my raw emotions. Since I loved taking photographs equally-so, I compiled it all by creating scrapbooks of my travels, my friendships and later on...my own family. To this day, I take the time to write in my journal....because every time I've come across an older one from the past, I realize how I've captured moments through my writing. Times have changed but I've grown and learned a lot in my life through reflection. 
However, I must admit that with all the goal-setting I've done, the checklists and things-to-do lists I've prepared for...not everything goes in the direction I thought it would. I do take comfort (many a times) that God's plan is always bigger and better than mine. I'm thankful for this journal that was given to me by my sister, Aileen. You know that I will enjoy this during my quiet moments...when the kids are asleep and the hubby's snoring!
Best Wishes and Happy Journaling!
MCB xo
(Christie Zimmer)
Monday, 25 January 2016
Neurosurgery O.R. Nurse!
I just got hired as an operating room nurse!
My mother is a retired OR nurse but while she was working, every time a new graduate walked through the operating room, she used to think to herself, "I wish it was my daughter who'd one day replace me here." Back then, it was a far-fetched dream of hers because I wasn't even thinking about nursing.
Well, just five years after she retired, not only did I graduate nursing but I proudly made her dream come true when I got hired in the OR! I am going to miss my colleagues on the medical-surgical floor I worked on and I know I'm going to miss the patients'-bedside care but I'm up for another challenge. First, I have to read up on all the guidelines for perioperative care, learn all the surgical instruments and equipment, be mindful and vigilant with the sterile field, and be attentive at all times. I don't even know how I will react after a surgical incision, since I have never been exposed to a craniotomy or spinal surgery...therefore, I'm looking forward to that experience. The good thing is that I used to work as the administrative officer in the OR for many years so I already know many of the nurses, respiratory therapists, patient attendants and doctors. At least, I'm familiar with the territory and comfortable around the staff. There's a certification exam to test my theoretical and practical knowledge in peri-operative nursing after 6 months. More studying!
So here goes....I'll let you know how I'm progressing in the next few weeks...
MCB xo
Monday, 11 January 2016
Celebrating Life!
On Sunday, January 10, 2016. We had the blessed opportunity to celebrate 10 years of a new life for our amazing friend, Jaymie M.
It was a surprise party at Portovino Restaurant with her family and close friends.
Jaymie was 23 years old when she was diagnosed with Acute
Myelogenous Leukemia. She went through high doses of chemotherapy
and three days straight of full body radiation but despite all the side effects she had encountered, the treatment wasn't
enough and she needed a transplant. Unfortunately, her only brother was not a match for bone-marrow. Her prognosis was only nine months to live...and she was so young with a fired-spirit.
It wasn't fair. What did she do to deserve it? Why Jaymie? Why would God take her away from us? But Jaymie never questioned, "why me?" In fact, she told us that she was probably the strongest one among us girls who'd be able to handle it. How amazing is it that she can make any unfortunate situation turn for the better all the time? That's when I began believing - "IF GOD BRINGS YOU TO IT, GOD WILL BRING YOU THROUGH IT."
Jaymie's oncologist suggested an
experimental stem cell transplant from a baby’s umbilical cord and the procedure was done, under consent, on
January 10 2006. She received her transplant and has now been in remission for ten years!
But you became a bridesmaid at our weddings.
You got married, yourself, to such an amazing man, Chris....who has been by your side as a rocksteady partner.
You became godmother to our children who love you so dearly.
You work at LeWindsor which totally suits your character.
You've gotten to travel the world when there was a time you couldn't leave your isolation room.
All our memories among the girls would not be complete without you, (hundreds!!!). ..coffee and cake, dancing, bummin', shopping, breakfasts....VEGAS!!!!"
Jaymie, your courage and hopeful spirit is immense - it was during your toughest times when I realized you are the strongest person I know. So I won't recount all the suffering you had gone through because today we are celebrating your victory! You've heard it numerous times how much you inspire us...but its incredible how your story has inspired hundreds of people you don't even know!
Thank you for bringing awareness about leukemia to thousands who didn't know about it before. The fundraising for research for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada are so meaningful to all of us - because of you. So many have donated blood or their baby's umbilical cord because you were on their minds. Continue on being "An Earth Angel"..."
See videos here:
I heard this song on the morning of Jaymie's celebration and thought of her. I sang it with all my heart and ended up crying... I had a speech prepared for her but was too emotional that evening to speak...so I gave it to her instead...(but I sang this to her at the corner of the dessert table)
Keep
smiling. Keep shining. Knowing you cab
always count on me...for sure.
That's what
friends are for.
Through
good times and bad times,
I'll be on
your side forever more
That's what
friends are for....
MCB xo
Addendum: Just a month later, Jaymie introduced her company to the world: Impatient Design. She designs gowns so that "patients could still keep their independence while in the hospital." Jaymie believes "If these gowns can bring a smile to a child’s face or make an adult patient feel a little more like themselves, then we have done our job."
Bravo, hun!
Monday, 4 January 2016
Smooth Scheduling
Smooth Scheduling
Today, I am grateful for time.I woke up at 6am, got kids ready for daycare before my 9am class...and it was finished in an hour. Now, I've got time to do homework, eat, housework and possibly squeeze in an afternoon nap. All by myself...
But now it's quiet and I miss the kids....
Do you ever feel like you need a few more hours in each day? It seems like there is always more I would love to accomplish, but the day just runs out before I get it done. However, I realized that having more great things I could do is actually a wonderful blessing. I’m blessed with a toddler, an infant coming soon, a growing business, and an wonderful opportunity to move to a new place. Your weekday morning may look a little something like this: You're in a rush dressing the kids up first, while you put whatever you see first on. You head out the door, order a coffee and bagel at the drive-thru, and rush to your early meeting at work. At work, you're thinking did I fill out all our kids' forms? is it gym day at school? Did I put enough diapers in the bag for daycare? How did the morning fly by so fast? Maybe with experience, things will run smoother, but how long does it take?
Motivate Yourself
Motivation. Bribes. Stickers. Offer an exciting end result to anyone in the family that needs to get something done. have your kids do a race on who can put their jackets and shoes on the fastest. Promise yourself a 20 minute nap later in the day each time you actually do it or "me time".Use a Prioritization System
Your to-do list may never be completely crossed off. There's always something to be added as soon as you think you're done. To make sure the important stuff doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, prioritize your list every morning. Colour-code your tasks by writing them in different pen colors or just placing a small dot next to each one. I’ll take my creativity as it comes productivity when it comes, and I won’t beat myself up when it doesn’t.Just make sure they're done!Create a Command Center
This should be an area where everything you need to have when you leave the house is in one place...your wallet, your keys, your cellphone (charging.) etc. This way when you're in the morning rush, these items won't be forgotten. Keep your purse there, the baby bag, library books, kids school bag and a file holder for all those loose forms laying around.I created a calmer atmosphere in my home and workspaces. This wasn’t completely intentional, but it’s been amazing. I LOVED always walking into a completely tidy home. It automatically helped me feel more calm and productive, and even now that we’re not having showings, I’ve tried to keep up with it.
Be able to refuse some invitations.
Oftentimes, the reason our schedule is bombarded with events is because we say yes to everything. But so many of us forget that we have the ability to make up our own schedule. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, then it’s time to start refusing any new projects. Don’t ever feel guilty about putting your family first. Don't spread yourself too thin. If you don't take care of yourself, how do you expect to take care of others?Doing all of these things can help your stress levels go down and your schedule will move much smoother because of it.
How do you make your schedule run smoother?
MCB xo
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
100 Days of Gratitude
I believe that showing gratitude of everyday experiences can revitalize
my commitment to living life in a sensational way. I believe in God, a higher being, our creator with a master plan. My mother, my sister and I pray, !are spiritual and we are also strong
believers of "The Secret". We have all been convinced, by witnessing
it firsthand, that we've been graced with goodness--- by "putting it out
there in the universe." I'm always
thankful for what I have, but I wanted to share my joy with others by doing a
100 Days of Gratitude Photo-Journal. Every day, I consciously spent a few
minutes to count all of life's little blessings. This year, I received my
license as a registered nurse, got hired in on a medical surgical-floor and
just today- at the operating room department!
Last month, my adorable little nephew was born, I bought a car that I
was imagining to be mine, and my husband and I just bought a house! Our kids are happy. We are all healthy. Surrounding me is my very close family (who
literally live nearby) and I have amazing friends who are always by our
side. There's no doubt - I'm grateful
for the life I am living. 
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is "Thank
You," it'll be enough. - Meister Eckhart
You can see my photo journal here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155608804485574.1073741858.604765573&type=1&l=93c19e823f
Grateful for my mind, body and soul
Health- the most important thing that should never be taken for
granted.
Family.
Warm blankets- especially straight from the dryer
Chocolate
Books - Nobody can take away your knowledge
My parents who are healthy and active
Waking up at 4.00am and realizing there's still a couple of hours
of sleep left.
My bed.
Saturday afternoons.
My 5 senses
Spontaneous get-togethers
Long walks.
My sister
Rumba and Bachata
Hot tubs.
My dog.
Sleep....even a nap will do!
Old photographs
Weddings
Finding a parking spot right away.
Uncontrollable Laughter
Being able to help others.
Makeovers
Feeling loved.
Cuddling and giving loves
Fireplaces and firepits
Ice cream Shops
Dancing....anywhere...anytime
A cup of really good coffee.
Baby's giggles
A good pair of jeans
Peanut butter & Jam...or Nutella
Great conversations.
Takeout.
Childhood memories.
A great zumba session.
Nail polish.
Fresh air and nature
Rainbows- don’t they always make you smile?
Scrapbooking stores
Fruit market
Beautiful sunsets.
The moon and the stars.
Slow dancing
Orchids
Living in a multi-cultural city- Montreal
Bad days- because the good days are then much more appreciated.
My future- what's to come and places I've yet to discover.
Freshly baked chocolate-chip banana bread.
Red Wine in Good Company
Great Friends
Hugs
Light snowfall
Packages in the mail
Music
Candy stores
Heating and hot water
Sushi cravings satisfied
Baby Showers
Romantic-comedy Movies
Falling rain
Kisses on the forehead
Seafood Feast
Fresh laundry
Kind strangers
Cookies and cupcakes
Wonderful co-workers
The Sun.
Sand under my feet.
Going out for breakfast
Cozy sweaters
Facebook and Pinterest
Hawaiian Luaus
Smoothies and bubble tea
Vacation travels
Free shipping and Discounts
Driving on an open road
What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for
yesterday?
What would you have...Tell me.
What would you have...Tell me.
MCB xo
Monday, 26 October 2015
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