The Newsy Neighbour March Issue 137

TO THE 11th ANNUAL

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HOW TO WRITE A WEDDING SPEECH

The Ultimate Checklist Now that you ' re engaged, it' s time to start planning

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A Primary Care Network (PCN) is a team of health specialists that complement the care you get from your family doctor.

Through this network, you can access registered nurses, psychiatrists, foot care nurses, pharmacists, geriatricians, family counsellors, social workers, die��ans, and exercise specialists - all working together to ensure greater con�nuity of care for each pa�ent.

As the name suggests, a PCN focuses on PRIMARY CARE. We want to maintain your current good health, manage health challenges, and prevent health issues from becoming serious.

Between the one-on-one services offered by PCN health specialists, and the free classes offered on nutri�on, exercise, health, and mental wellness, PCNs work with your family doctor to ensure your best health outcomes.

Primary care networks help people access the health services they need when they need them.

PCN specialists know their way around the health care system, and can navigate your best path.

Alberta has 41 PCNs. In the Strathmore area, your go-to team is the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network. Get in touch. We’d love to help you be as healthy as you can be!

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The opinions expressed in the advertisements and articles of this publication are those of the advertisers and authors and not of The Newsy Neighbour Inc. The information in this magazine is believed and fully intended to be accurate but not warranted to be so. The Newsy Neighbour Inc. disclaims responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas or products referred to in the articles or advertisements. The mention of any brand in article or photos does not imply endorsement. Images are supplied by readers, advertisers and from shutterstock.com.

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2. Remember that marriage is less about marrying the right person and more about becoming the right person.

3. Don’t forget to laugh. Most couples spend the majority of their time talking logistics: who’s doing the grocery shopping, who’s calling the repairman, who’s picking up the kids. A relationship can’t survive on logistics. Have a water fight instead.

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5. He needs you to be his cheerleader. Let him know you believe he can take on the world.

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10. If it’s not solved at 2:30 a.m., it’s not going to be solved at 3:00 a.m. either. Go to sleep. You can deal with it tomorrow, assuming you even remember what the fight was about.

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11. When you’re having an argument, listen to understand, don’t listen to find loopholes so you can win. Marriage is either a win/win or a lose/lose. You can’t win by beating someone else down.

12. Your kids come second, not first. Your marriage needs to be number one. Your spouse was there before the kids and will be there after the kids move out. Work on that relationship first.

13. If you haven’t fully committed to your marriage, it won’t succeed. If you’re always testing your spouse, your spouse will always come up short. No one is perfect.

14. You will never drift together. People only ever drift apart. If you want to grow closer, you have to be intentional about it.

15. Let her cry. She needs to every now and then.

16. Don’t bug him if he doesn’t cry. Some men just don’t show their feelings. That’s why they’re men.

17. Don’t say everything that’s on your mind. More marriages would survive if more things went unsaid.

18. Let her be your every fantasy. Keep your eyeballs off everyone else.

19. Let him be your every fantasy. Keep your eyeballs off romance novels.

20. Don’t think he’s gross if he farts. Don’t think she’s pathetic if she obsesses over paint colours. You married someone of the opposite gender. That’s what life is about.

21. Don’t run to your mom if your spouse does something you don’t like. You’re a unit now. Act like it.

22. Make one of your favourite topics of conversation how much you admire your spouse. Tell your kids. Tell your friends. And let your spouse hear.

24. Say yes far more frequently than you say no.

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How To Write A Wedding Speech For most people, their wedding day will be among the most important days of their lives. As such, it is customary for a close friend or loved one to deliver a speech congratulating the newlyweds on their union. This can be a nerve-wracking prospect if you’re the one called upon to give a speech in front of a big, expectant crowd. As the speechwriter, it will pay off to make sure that you’re organized, keep it concise and practice extensively beforehand.

Step 1. Introduce yourself to the crowd.

Start by letting everyone in the bridal party and crowd know who you are. Tell them your name, role in the wedding and relation to the people getting married.

Not everyone will have met you, and they’ll want to know how you’re connected with the bride or groom and why you’ve been asked to give a speech.

• The best man and maid of honour are usually each asked to make a short speech on behalf of the wedding party. After that, the microphone is sometimes turned over to whoever would like to say a few words.

• Saying your name and briefly summarizing your history with the bride or groom will be enough. Don’t talk about yourself too much. Remember, the focus of your speech is the married couple.

Step 2. Open with a joke.

Start by telling a joke or recalling a humourous anecdote to loosen up the crowd and yourself. Humour is very disarming, so getting everyone laughing right off the bat can help dispel some of the nerves of giving a speech. It will also get everyone to like you and make your speech more memorable if everyone is having fun.

• Use jokes judiciously to break the initial tension and keep the crowd relaxed. Try not to let your speech turn into a standup comedy routine.

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• Keep your humourous stories and remarks appropriate. There will be people of all ages in your audience, including children.

• Funny stories might include a funny story about the bride and groom's meeting, or an anecdote about one of them as a child.

Step 3. Share memories of the bride and groom.

Recall some of your fondest experiences with the couple of the hour. If you’ve been chosen as the best man or maid of honour, chances are you have a long history with the bride or groom. Relating a special memory or inside joke will spark an emotional resonance that touches everyone listening.

• Sharing unique memories or stories is much more effective than simply complimenting the bride or groom because it is a more personal touch.

Step 4. Offer advice or well-wishes for the future.

Shift the focus of the speech to the newlyweds and their future together. Address the bride and groom directly. Wish them health, happiness, and prosperity. If you want, you can include a short parable or quote to help illustrate the piece of wisdom you’re giving.

• If you decide to use a quote for this segment of the speech, make sure it is short, relevant and not a cliché.

Step 5. Thank everyone in attendance.

Bring the speech to a close by thanking the bride and groom, their parents, friends and family, everyone in attendance and even the staff setting up and catering the reception. Be gracious and make everyone feel like they’re part of a wonderfully special occasion. Ask that everyone enjoy themselves and share in the bliss of the new bride and groom.

• Acknowledging the people who helped make the wedding festivities possible will make you appear humble, as well as making them feel appreciated.

• Express your gratitude in a couple sentences. There’s no need to go on and on thanking every person individually by name.

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Wine & Weddings

From those of us who have a hundred matrimonial relatives, to those of us who have been married more times than Henry the VIII, chances are we've all attended our fair share of weddings. As we sit through the ceremony, watching

two people we care about exchange vows of love, forgiveness, and faithfulness, it's easy to ponder certain questions: Will these newlyweds live happily ever after? Will they have children? Will they stay with each other in sickness and in health? And, most importantly, will the reception have an open bar?

The bride and the groom, though they have enough on their plate, also must deal with putting something in the glasses of their guests. While some receptions do away with alcohol completely, for those driven by certain religions or, perhaps, insanity, most either have a cash bar, an open bar, or a bit of both.

Because of this, choosing what alcohol to serve at a wedding is an important factor in the ceremonious occasion.

It is a factor that teeters between wanting guests to enjoy themselves, but not wanting to form more of a union with credit card debt than with a new spouse. However, there is a way for those throwing the reception to have their alcohol and drink it too. In a nutshell (and a glass), serve wine.

Make it Convenient

Wine is cheaper than other types of alcohol, particularly hard liquor. Because of this, making it available - and read-

ily available - can save a ton of money. While you don't need to shove wine down your guests' throats, or hire a used car salesman to get rid of older vintages, there are a few things you can do to encourage wine drinking in a tactful manner.

One trick of the trade is to have hired caterers walk around with wine, offering it to guests. Not only does this make the guests feel as though they are being waited on hand and foot, but it also decreases the line at the bar, increasing the probability that guests will drink moderately priced wine rather than expensive liquor. If convenient, chances are guests will drift away from a Jack and Coke, and instead, fall into the comforting arms of a Merlot.

Watch Out for Tricky Business

When ordering wine for a wedding, caterers will often charge one of two ways: by the number of guests, or by the amount of alcohol consumed. It may appear more financially frugal to pay by the amount of wine consumed; chances are not everyone at your reception will drink.

However, be forewarned that caterers, when charging you by the amount of wine consumed, may get a little bit tricky, certain you are more concerned with keeping red wine away from the white wedding dress than you are with what the wait staff is doing.

Know How Much to Buy

Running out of alcohol at a wedding reception ranks up near divorce on the spectrum of marriage, causing people, with opened mouths and clenched fists, to ponder why. Because of this, it's essential that you know how much wine to buy if the caterers aren't providing it for you. Obviously, the best way to figure this is by the amount of people attending, and the drinking habits of your guests. For a wedding with a guest list that is made of the-runof-the-mill drinking crowd - the partiers, the socialites, the intellectuals - more wine should be purchased than if the guest list is made up of people the oblivious, the unaware, the masochists - who don't generally engage in wine drinking.

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When deciding to buy red wine or white wine, making things pretty even is usually the best way to go. Typically, half of the people drinking wine will drink white and half will drink red. Chardonnay and Cabernet are usually the most popular types, with White Zinfandel getting an honourable mention. Men, sticking to their blood thirsty carnivorous ways, routinely drink more red wine, while women routinely drink more white wine.

The demographics of your guest list, however, aren't the only things to consider when purchasing wine. You should also consider what you are serving as the main course of dinner. For instance, if serving seafood, chicken, or pork, you may want to stock up on a nice white wine. If serving pastas, red meat, or anything drenched in red sauces, a cellar of nice red wine may need to be invaded.

the Korbel Sparkling Natural Chardonnay to the Gruet Brut Blanc de Blancs, good wine doesn't need to make the bride and groom consider charging a general admission fee to get into their ceremony.

Wine and weddings are as natural a union as husband and wife, particularly for those who are attempting to save a little money on their bar tab. Serving wine at your wedding will be cheaper than providing your guests with hard alcohol or expensive beer. It will also keep guests happy, allowing everyone to eat, drink, and be merry‌or be married. ~ Jennifer Marie Jordan 403 273-LAKE (5253) thelakeshorespa.com

Shop Around

It may seem like the wine purchased for a wedding reception needs to be expensive, as if serving cheap wine is an ominous sign of marital failure. However, this isn't the case at all. Several expensive tasting wines can be purchased for a reasonable price, keeping guests happy and the married couple free of the burden of an outrageous wedding bill.

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Wedding Survival with Essential Oils Weddings are a wondrous, joyful event that radiates love and happiness. However, whether you are planning a wedding big or small, there always seem to be hiccups along the way. I’m hoping that if I can arm the happy couple with a “Wedding 911” survival kit, those

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hiccups will seem easier to deal with and therefore allow the happy couple and all of their closest friends and relatives to enjoy that special day. I have broken the oils down into three categories; Health and Beauty, Relationship Maintenance, and Stress.

Some categories will have a few options of oils to use; this does not mean you need all of them; just one will do. (Unless of course you wanted them all, which is ok too!).

Health and Beauty Immune System – there is nothing more frustrating than

battling a cold while accomplishing the fine balancing act of planning a wedding, working, and maintaining a healthy social life. Here are some recommendations to strengthen your immune system and help those burnt-out adrenals: • Thieves – Apply to bottoms of feet daily to protect you from viruses, diffuse in your home, or place cotton balls soaked in a few drops in your vents to keep the air in your home germ-free, and ensure that none of those lovely relatives and wedding planners bring their sickness into your home!

• Cedarwood – get your sleep!!! Although sleeping will feel like number one million and twenty on your To Do list, it is absolutely vital to allow you to enjoy the process and your day. If you have trouble shutting your brain off or getting quality sleep, cedarwood may be your new best friend. Cedarwood is known as the “sleepy oil” as it stimulates the release of melatonin into your body. Before bed, place a drop on your forehead between your eyebrows, as well as a drop on each wrist. Sweet dreams!

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Glowing Skin – Many brides will spend countless hours scouring bridal magazines, where they are exposed to perfectly airbrushed, glowing model brides. Unfortunately, I cannot offer the airbrushed look, but there are some oils that will help you get that beautiful, glowing skin. Here is the recipe: • Frankincense, myrrh and coconut oil – find a small glass container (loonie store is a great place for these) and add 2-4 drops of each essential oil and some coconut oil. Mix it up and apply to skin daily to get glowing, healthy skin. Bonus: Apply to breasts to keep them healthy.

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Weight Maintenance – a part of me struggles with adding this section because I really would love to be able to tell each bride that she is beautiful the way she is and her soonto-be husband feels the same way. However, I too was once a bride and I remember this feeling really important to me. Fortunately, I was able to do it The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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in a healthy way and really did feel great about myself that day, not to mention how much healthier I was feeling. So I offer this oil as a way to help maintain a healthy diet and exercise: • Grapefruit – Grapefruit is what I sometimes call a “sleeper oil” as it has so many amazing benefits and is on the low end of the money scale! Grapefruit essential oil has been known to help with weight loss (by curbing appetite and satiating cravings), fluid retention, depression, anxiety, cellulite, migraines, stress, and indigestion and is very uplifting. Benefits from grapefruit oil can be received by direct inhalation, applied topically or diffused.

Stress

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At some point during your nuptial journey, 231-2nd Avenue, Strathmore stress is almost guaranteed to rear its ugly valleydentalstrathmore@hotmail.com head, even to those who normally handle stress well. Here are some suggestions of www.valleydentalstrathmore.ca oils that may work for you: • Lavender, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Peppermint or any of soothing. No wonder sandalwood is one of the main ingredithe Citrus oils – any of these oils can diffused, or directly inhaled to ents in a large number of men’s colognes! receive full benefits. It might be nice to keep one in your purse and when needed, apply a few drops into the palms of your hand, rub together and cup your hands over your mouth and nose and inhale For Women three deep breaths.

• Ylang Ylang - has a sweet, soft, flowery fragrance that has made it a long-time romantic favourite. This oil may help elevate sexual energy and enhance relationships. It is a great oil Relationship to diffuse so both can receive the benefits it has to offer. Fun Maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner is absolutely Fact: the soft yellow petals of the Ylang Ylang flower are often vital to having a blissful wedding day. strewn across marriage beds in Indonesia.

It is so easy let this part of the journey • Jasmine – the floral fragrance of jasmine is warm and exotic take a back seat, thinking that after and has been used throughout history for romance and attracthe wedding you will have a chance tion. The essential oil may help balance the feminine energy for to reconnect. Your partner is the the body. It is also a great oil to diffuse. reason this is all happening in the • Rose – Rose is known as “Queen of the Flowers” and is probfirst place and it is so important to ably the most common scent associated with love, romance care for and nurture that relationand Valentine’s Day. This oil is known as the “heart chakra.” It is ship. I have included a few different highly romantic and may help balance the hormones of the feoptions to help keep the passion male reproductive system. Rose oil has also been used for cenand connection between you and turies for skin care and is ideal for dry or aging skin. To receive your partner during this blissful and the benefits of the rose essential oil, put a couple of drops on stressful time. the palms of your hand and rub in a clockwise direction, cup your hands over your nose and mouth and slowly inhale three For Men deep breaths. Place a drip directly on your heart center, behind • Black Pepper - is known to inears, on wrists and womb center. Is also wonderful in a bath. crease circulation and libido in Well there you have it; my quick breakdown of some oils you men. may want to stock up on to help enjoy your wedding day jour• Sandalwood - has a rich, sweet, ney! I truly wish you all the happiness in the world and may warm and woody aroma that your wedding day tell the story or your unique relationship! makes it enticing, erotic and ~ Amalia Zarokostas

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Red Rose

Red roses are the traditional symbol for true love, romance, passion, and desire. It will always be a classic way to say, "I love you" and is the most popular choice for Valentine’s Day. When used in a bridal bouquet, they represent bliss in the marriage, as well as true respect and appreciation toward each other. A deep red rose can mean you are ready for commitment or have a deep passion for that person.

White Rose

White roses, the purist of colours, represent innocence, purity and charm. White roses are often referred to as “bridal roses” because of their association with young love, eternal loyalty, and new beginnings.

Blue Rose

Often represent mystery, the impossible or the unattainable. Give a blue rose to someone and you are telling them they are extraordinarily wonderful and unique. Blue roses are perfect for the woman who marches to the beat of her own drum.

Yellow Rose

Symbols of Roses

Bright, cheerful and joyful are what come to mind when thinking of a yellow rose. Yellow roses create warm feelings and provide happiness. Giving yellow roses can tell someone the joy they bring you and the friendship you share. While it used to symbolize jealousy, now the symbol of a yellow rose represents friendship, joy and caring.

These beautiful sun coloured roses can also convey warmth, delight, gladness and affection, as well as say good luck, welcome back, and remember me.

Pink Rose

Words like admiration, gentleness, grace, gladness, joy and sweetness are just a few ways to describe the meaning behind the pink rose. A pink rose can also convey happiness, gracefulness, femininity, elegance, refinement and sweetness. They are the perfect rose to say “thank you!”

Long a symbol of love and passion, the ancient Greeks and Romans associated roses with Aphrodite and Venus, goddesses of love. Used for hundreds of years to convey mes-

Purple or Lavender Rose

Because they’re unique and not often seen, purple or lavender roses are considered the rose for love at first sight or just an enchanting way to say, "I love you!" Lavender roses can offer a daily reminder of your love and eagerness to grow your relationship. They’re also tied to enchantment, wonder, splendor and mystery. So, if you have a secret crush or if someone has caught your attention and grabbed your heart, this may be the perfect rose to send them!

sages without words, they also represent confidentiality.

In fact, the Latin expression "sub rosa"(literally, "under the rose") means something told in secret, and in ancient Rome, a wild rose was placed on the door to a room where confidential matters were being discussed.

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318-3 Avenue, Strathmore | 403-934-6029 Orange Rose

Orange roses evoke energy, fascination, energy, enthusiasm, desire and excitement. They can say, “I am so proud of you” or offer a burst of energy. Giving orange roses can symbolize your passionate romance and share your excitement of the relationship with your loved one.

Novelty Rose

Consider giving a novelty rose to add a twist to a message you're trying to say. For example, a yellow rose with a red tip can mean friendship or falling in love. They can be a great way to say thank you to a good friend.

Salmon Rose

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Green Rose

Green is the colour of life, abundant growth, and constant renewal of life and energy. The green rose signifies the constant rejuvenation of spirit and fertility, and is therefore a messenger of cheerfulness, balance, stability and peace.

Black Rose

The black rose is a mysterious bloom that can convey many meanings. The colour black has often been synonymous with death and mourning and is usually used at funerals. But black roses do have a more positive meaning as well. They can stand for the beginning of new things and major change. Black roses can inspire confidence by signaling the birth of a new era and can bring hope and courage.

A slightly pinker shade of orange, the meaning behind salmon-coloured roses evoke the same message as orange roses. Salmon roses can indicate enthusiasm, desire and excitement. Give salmon roses as a way to share your desire for someone; and they'll know how you truly feel.

Peach Rose

Are you grateful for someone or just want to show your appreciation? Then consider giving a peach-coloured rose. A bouquet of peach roses shows your deep appreciation and gratitude or just an elegant way to say "Thank You!" They also convey a meaning of modesty, genuineness and sincerity.

Cream or Ivory Rose

While similar to white roses, cream or ivory roses have a totally different meaning. Cream roses are indicative of charm, thoughtfulness and gracefulness.

They are the perfect rose to let someone know you care without romantic intentions, and go well with pink "thank you" roses, which allow you to send two messages in one bunch!

403.934.7997 dirtroadprettyphotography.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Yo u r

Ultimate

Wedding

Planning

Checklist!

Six to Seven Months Before

Nine to Twelve Months Before • Start a wedding folder, box or binder.

Something you can keep all your ideas and inspiration in.

Magazines and Pinterest are a perfect place to start.

• Work out your budget.

• Book your officiate.

• Pick your wedding party • Start the guest list. Make a list to use throughout your planning process, make sure to include contact info, RSVP s, gifts, and any other relevant information in your list. (Want to keep costs low? It may be tough to do, but the best way to save money is to reduce your guest list.)

• Reserve your date and venues. Do you want to have separate locations for the ceremony and the reception? If so, factor in travel time between the two places.

• Research photographers, caterers, florists and bands/DJ’s (there are a few great suggestions in this issue!)

• Throw an engagement party, if you wish. Make sure to only invite people that are also going to be invited to the wedding.

Eight Months Before • Purchase a dress. If you are ordering a dress, it’s fairly standard for it to take 3 months to come in. Plus, you’ll need to schedule time for fittings. Veil shopping can be postponed.

• Book the entertainment. Attend events of potential entertainment to see if you will like them before you hire them.

• Hire the photographer and the videographer.

• Meet caterers. If your wedding venue doesn’t offer its own catering service, look for one right away. Booking them this far just takes one less worry off your plate.

• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Pick hotels at different price points close to the reception venue. See if the hotels will give you a discount for booking multiple rooms.

• Launch a wedding website or blog. Create your personal page through a free provider – there are so many online. Make sure to include the date of the wedding, travel information, and accommodations. Then send the link to everyone you are inviting.

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• Shop for bridesmaids dresses. Just like the bridal dress, you will need time for fittings.

• Meet with the officiate. Plan out the ceremony, what everyone is going to say and confirm that you have all the official documents for the wedding.

• Order you invitations. There are countless options when it comes to invitations. They can also be very expensive. Do your research before deciding who to order them through.

• Arrange transportation. Consider limos, buses and town cars.

• Start planning a honeymoon if you plan to take one right after the wedding. Make sure that your passports are up-to-date.

• Reserve structural and electrical necessities.

• Book portable toilets for outdoor events, extra chairs if you need them, tents, an altar, lighting components, etc.

• Book a florist. Florists can serve multiple clients on one day, so make sure to find a florist now and book your date.

• Start composing a timeline. Do up a schedule of how you would like everything to play out that day like cake cutting, first dance, late night snack, etc.

Four to Five Months Before

• Schedule hair and makeup artists. Make a few appointments with local salons to test them out. Take a look at their portfolios and it wouldn't hurt to snap photos at each trial so you can compare results.

• Send your guest list to the host of your shower. Tell her who you would like at the shower and let her send out the invitations.

• Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner Venues.

Negotiate the cost and the menu. Take into consideration the day-after brunch for guests, and the gift opening.

• Check on the wedding invitations. Are they getting close to being done? Did you get a sample of one before they were ALL printed?

• Select and order the cake. Some bakers require a long lead-time. Remember to book some taste tests.

• Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings.

Bring the shoes along to your first fitting so the tailor can choose the appropriate length for your gown.

• Choose your music. What should be playing during the ceremony? During dinner? To kick off the dancing? Keep a running list of what you want—and do not want—played.

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Three Months Before

• Purchase the rings. This will give you time for resizing and engraving if you desire.

• Finalize the menu and flowers. You’ll want to wait until now to see what will be available, since both food and flowers can change with the season.

• Order favors. Wedding favors are small take-home tokens that will help your guests celebrate and cherish your special day.

• Finalize speeches and make a list of the people giving toasts. What would you like your speech to say? How do you want to thank everyone for supporting you on this special day? Which loved ones would you like to have speak at the reception?

• Purchase your undergarments. Want to wear something special for the night of the wedding? Start thinking about that now.

• Schedule another dress fitting.

• Finalize the order of events for the ceremony and the reception.

• Print menu cards and programs. You can easily create these on your computer at home. You could also get these designed to match your invitations.

• Send your event schedule to the vendors. Giving them a first draft now allows time for changes and feedback from your vendors.

Two Months Before

• Send out the invitations. Four weeks’ notice is best for simple, in-town weddings. If it is going to be an out-of-town wedding, then at least six weeks’ notice is best. Make the RSVP cut-off at three weeks after the postmark date.

• Touch base again with all the vendors.

• Meet with the photographer. Discuss specific shots and ideas, and walk through the locations and start planning now.

• Review the playlist with the band or DJ. You probably don‘t want to dictate every single song played, but you should come prepared with a list of songs to play and NOT play.

• Submit a newspaper-wedding announcement if you wish to do so.

• Enjoy a bachelorette party. Arranging a night out with your girlfriends generally is the responsibility of the maid of honor. But if she hasn’t mentioned one to you by now, ask her about it and get a date settled that works for you. Start getting excited! This pre-wedding celebration is just about YOU (...and him)!

One Month Before

• Write vows, if necessary.

• Get your hair cut and coloured, if desired.

• Finalize RSVPs. Phone people who have not yet responded.

• Get your marriage license. If you are changing your name, remember to change it on your Canadian passport, social insurance number card, with the Canada Revenue Agency, your health card and your driver's license.

• Mail the rehearsal-dinner invitations or send the emails.

• Purchase bridesmaids’ gifts. There are so many great ideas online of the perfect gift to remind your bridesmaids how grateful you are.

• Visit the dressmaker for your last dress fitting. For peace of mind, you may want to also schedule a fitting the week of your wedding. You can always cancel the appointment closer to the date if you feel it is not needed.

• Stock the bar. Now that you have a firm head count, you can stock the bar accordingly.

• Send out as many final payments as you can.

• Confirm times for hair and makeup and all vendors.

• E-mail and print directions for drivers of transport vehicles. This gives the chauffeurs ample time to navigate a route.

• Assign seating. Draw out table shapes on a layout of the room to help plan place settings. Write the names of female guests with pink and the names of male guests with blue.

Sticky notes are great, as you can move people about without re-sketching the entire setting.

Week of the Wedding • Pick up your dress. Do a final fitting JUST to make sure.

• Book a spa treatment. Make an appointment for a manicure and a pedicure the day before the wedding. (You might want to get a relaxing massage, too.)

• Reconfirm arrival times with your wedding party, parents and vendors.

• Delegate small wedding-day tasks.

• Choose someone to be in charge of gifts (especially the enveloped sort), someone to hand out tips, and someone to be the point person for each vendor.

• Send a timeline to the bridal party. Include every member’s contact information, along with the people you’ve asked to deal with the vendors and other things.

• Check in one last time with the photographer. Make sure you have all your locations and times set up and agreed on.

• Set aside cheques for the vendors. And put tips in envelopes to be handed out at the event.

• Send the final guest list to the caterer and all venues hosting your wedding-related events. Typically, companies close their lists 72 hours in advance.

• Break in your shoes. You don’t want your feet killing you on the day of your wedding.

• Pack for your honeymoon.

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just leave their coats and items on the chairs or tucked away in a corner and that ensures that they are in full view of the track. It seems to be a very safe environment. You can walk for a toonie+GST. ($2.10), that is truly amazing.

Anyone that mall walks know you can potentially spend much more than that on any given trip. And the bags can be cumbersome and get in the way of the step counting.

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Come get a pedicure and get a free nail colour

The track admission and the Track and Field and Gymnasium admission fees are two different things. We are just talking about simple walking or running, on the track. The admission fees look like this. So very reasonable!

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TRACK ADMISSION FEES Drop in Adult 10 Pass Admission 1 Month Membership 3 Month Membership 6 Month Membership Annual Membership

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THE CHRONICLES OF LARRY AND ROGER:

A Pair of Diabetic Feet

Written by: Vicki L Myhre CPOD (I) CMP PFRP. Enlightened Soles. Internationally Certified Pod-

$2.00 $17.50 $19.50 $48.50 $87.50 $145.25

They also offered us a Drop in Schedule for Basketball, Pickleball and Open Gym. You can rent the fields and gyms for private functions also. It is very exciting to have this type of facility available to us for such a great price. Get out there and get those steps in, folks. Less excuses than ever now. We continue to strive for 10 thousand per day.

We hope you do, too. As the weather transitions, we will look forward to hitting some of the great paths throughout town to get our steps in and some fresh air, all at the same time. Hope to see you all out there.

ologist. Registered through the Canadian Examining.

Board of Health Practitioners

STRATHMORE MOTOR PRODUCTS SPORTS CENTRE

Until Next month, Make your Footprints Count.

Larry and Roger

Hello Everyone, Larry here. Happy March!

In like a lamb, out like a lion; in like a lion and out like a lamb. We will soon see what this season holds in store.

Last year we still had snow on the ground the end of April. We hope this is not going to be the case this year.

Roger and I are pretty pumped. We no longer worry about options for getting our steps in. We went and checked out the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre in as an option to add to our swimming routine and winter mall walks. Safe steps are a focus for us, as they are for so many of you good diabetics and others out there. We absolutely love the new walking track. It is a beautiful facility, and so easy to get those steps in while finding people we know to talk to and walk with if we are looking for the social part of things. Sometimes this makes the time go faster, and sometimes we just want to walk alone, and that is fine too. The hours are 8 am to 9 pm, and they are still building and completing the centre, but the track is done. They say that they have lockers and coat hooks coming soon; in the mean time, they have put out lots of chairs up beside the track so that you can comfortably sit if required. Most visitors 18 •

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BEING YOU! Why is it that people in today’s society is having a hard time expressing themselves without someone getting offended? Whether it is by something someone has said, to the way people dress, who someone is dating, or even the music people listen to. Someone is bound to be offended by something.

I feel that we are all entitled to speak our minds; we do still have freedom of speech! This is Canada, after all. Who cares what brand of clothes someone has on? If you don't have to buy it, don't worry about it.

You do not need to be rude to someone.

I feel there are too many people trying to change the world by saying, “that offended me.” This word is being used too freely, and I feel that people are becoming too sensitive.

Is it the truth that bothers people?

I totally understand that there are things that truly offend people, but being able to talk to the person about what they had done to hurt you is a lot simpler than being angry or holding a grudge.

Another thing that comes to mind is humour; where did our joking nature go? Nobody can even joke around with each other and don't seem to understand when someone is simply having fun and not trying to offend them.

So, in closing, what I’m trying to say is don't take life so seriously. Enjoy it, and enjoy each other. Live, love and laugh. Hope you enjoyed today’s column, and just remember, this is just my opinion.

Thank you for reading!

Connie Greene

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Your pet will always be treated like a part of our family at the Animal Care Centre of Strathmore We have recommendations, training information, and handouts that will help you and your pet. We provide ultimate care in a safe, comfortable environment; catered to your pet’s specific needs including: › Annual Health Examinations › Vaccination Appointments › Behavior Consultations › Isolation ward › Breeder puppy vaccinations › Travel documents › Pediatric patient exams › Geriatric patient exams › Insurance › Referrals

1. Calculate Calories

If you don’t know how many calories your pet needs each day, you don’t know how much to feed. And don’t think you can trust the bag; feeding guides on many pet store brand foods are formulated for adult, un-spayed or un-neutered active dogs and cats. That means if you have an older, spayed or neutered indoor lap potato you’re probably feeding 20% to 30% too much if you follow the food’s instructions.

Instead, ask your veterinarian to calculate the proper number of calories your pet needs each day, based on breed, size and activity level. Unlike when we diet, our pets cannot have calorie restrictions the same way. It must be gradual and monitored.

2. Weigh Meals

A pet parent’s single greatest tool in the fight against excess weight is a weigh scale 403.901.1800 clinic & emergency | info@animalcarecentre.ca | animalcarecentre.ca and measuring cup! Too many pet owners We are located north of the Trans Canada Hwy on RR 254, 2 km West of Strathmore. simply fill the bowl or “guesstimate” how much they’re feeding. Even worse, some pets, especially cats, are fed an “all-day buffet” that results from the “just keep the bowl full” feeding method.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has done studies to show that feeding as few as 10 extra tiny kibbles of food per day can add up to a pound of weight gain per year in indoor cats and small dogs. After you calculate how many calories your pet needs, determine how many kilocalories are in each cup of food, then it should be weighed out for better accuracy.

ASK THE VET

3. Tactical Treating

6 Surprising Ways to Help Your Pet Lose Weight

(And Why It's Important)

According to the latest veterinary surveys, over half of the dogs and cats in North America are overweight. This means almost 80 million pets

are at risk for developing crippling arthritis, debilitating diabetes, catastrophic kidney and heart disease, high blood pressure and many forms of cancer. How can you slim down your super-sized pet, keep them fit and reduce their risk of developing many serious diseases? The answer may be easier than you think. Try these six tips to trim excess pounds from your pet and keep them trim.

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First off, I’m not anti-treats. I am anti-junk treats. If you’re going to give your pets extra goodies, make ‘em count. Too many pet treats are what I call “calorie grenades” laden with sugar and fat blowing up our pet’s waistlines and destroying their health. Choose low-calorie, no-sugar goodies that provide a health benefit. I like single ingredient treats such as sweet potato, salmon, and blueberry bites or functional treats that provide a bonus such as helping to keep teeth clean or promote mobility. Whatever treats you give, be sure to count those additional calories into your pets daily caloric intake. Many pet owners feed the proper amount of food but sabotage their efforts by adding one or two snacks throughout the day. As few as 30 extra calories per day means your pet gains over three pounds in a year.

Better yet, dogs don’t do division. Break treats into peewee pieces and divvy them out whenever your pet earns it. Be cautious of “guilt-treating” – the practice of giving your pet a treat because you feel guilty leaving them home alone. Instead, use treats only as a reward for good behaviour. Pets (and people) need to learn to earn extra goodies.

4. Vital Veggies

As an alternative to highly-processed store-bought treats, try offering baby carrots, green beans, celery, broccoli, cucumbers, sliced apples and bananas or ice cubes. These naturally nutritious tasty tidbits are a healthy option for many dogs. Be sure not to feed dogs a full apple or banana, as they have high sugar content.

For cats, try a flake of salmon or tuna when you’re feeling generous. However, although these treats are healthier options they still need to be counted in the daily caloric intake.

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Festival Dates: March 29th - April 5th, 2019 Showcase Concert: Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00 pm Strathmore Alliance Church Schedule & More Information www.strathmorepaf.weebly.com

5. Hustle for Health

When it comes to living a long, pain-and disease-free life, research proves our most powerful partner is daily exercise. Speaking of partners, anyone with a dog has a built-in, no-excuse exercise buddy. For dogs, as little as 20 to 30-minutes of brisk walking is all it takes to boost immune function, improve cardiovascular health and reduce many behavioural problems. For cats, try playing with a laser pointer, remote-controlled toy or ball of paper for 5 to 15 minutes each day. Other options are maze bowls or water bottles with holes to promote active play all while eating the meal (of course these should be monitored). Do yourself and your dog a favour and commit to daily walks, rain or shine. The health benefits of walking extend to both ends of the leash.

and leash or allow them to eat only pizza and ice cream (which many dogs would LOVE!), it’s up to pet owners to feed healthy, nutritious foods and treats and exercise daily. By using these six simple suggestions, you’ll be on your way to your pet’s best – and healthiest – year yet!

For additional information, visit www.PetObesityPrevention.org Dr. Ernie Ward – Pet Health Network Pro and edited by the team at the Animal Care Centre of Strathmore

6. Smart Supplements

A couple of supplements may help keep your pet (and you) fit and trim. Almost every dog, cat and person can benefit from taking a daily omega-3 fatty acid supplement. These powerful fish oils pack a potent anti-oxidant punch that has been proven to help prevent and treat numerous diseases. In addition, they may help ease achy joints and perhaps encourage weight loss.

L-carnitine has been shown to aid weight loss and promote lean muscle mass in some studies. Ask your veterinarian about omega’s and glucosamine supplements tailored to your pet and their current dietary intakes of these supplements already. Over supplementing can cause problems as well.

It’s the responsibility of each of us to help our pets maintain a healthy weight. Just as you’d never walk your dog without a collar

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• 21

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Natural Options Derek Henry, B.Kin, is a highly revered holistic health coach and world renowned natural health blogger from Kelowna, BC who created Healing the Body to help people understand the fundamental principles and intimate details to exceptional health. His popular wellness guides, coaching programs, and educational courses gives people step by step solutions to achieve a healthier body and mind, while empowering them to maintain that lifestyle on their own accord. If you would like to learn more about what he can do holistically to improve your health, check out his website, www.healingthebody.ca

Green juice Recipe

4 Ways To Do Detox With Food ONLY When the holiday season is over or when the seasons change, people tend to think about detoxification. It’s of no surprise really that after stuffing yourself with food and drink you want to feel lighter, or that when it gets warmer you want to look better in your clothes. Regardless of your reasons, it’s rarely a bad idea to engage in some type of detox.

The only problem is, many people will go all in when their body may not be ready for it. Buying herbal detox kits or fasting can be a sharp adjustment for your detoxification system, and the sustainability of each is usually short term when approached in such an abrupt manner. A much nicer practice would be to focus on detoxifying through food only, at least in the beginning, so your body can begin to lighten the load systematically without creating a toxic back up that could easily make your life more miserable.

With that in mind, here are four easy ways to detox using food only.

Green juice

Starting your day with a glass of green juice is a nearly perfect way to get started in the right direction. After fasting for 8-12 hours, your body is ready for a gentle, hydrating, wake up call that is nourishing and refreshing. Nothing fits the bill quite as well as freshly made green juice.

When you ingest this oxygenating, hydrating, nutrient dense, and toxin removing drink you’ll soon feel like a lighter version

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of yourself, in your mind and on the scale. The enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and easy digestibility of juice will get your bodily systems online and optimized very quickly, and your energy and bowel movements will provide immediate feedback that the nourishment and cleansing action of the green juice is doing its job as promised.

There are many different recipes for green juice, but I find this one below to be highly satisfying, cleansing, and delicious. Aim to get at least 8 ounces a day, and work up to 16 ounces for even greater benefits.

Ingredients 2 green apples (can use red if you like bit sweeter) 2 stalks of celery 2 medium pieces of kale 3-4 inch piece of cucumber 4-6 basil leaves 4-6 mint leaves 1 nub of ginger (to your liking) 1 medium lime Directions Juice all ingredients, in order presented.

Consumption Drink at any time you need a mini vacation!

Adjust key ingredients like basil, mint, lime, and ginger to make it fit your individual taste preferences.

Smoothies

If making juice first thing in the morning isn’t your thing but you like the idea of fresh raw fruit and superfoods first thing in the day, then maybe a smoothie is the better start to your morning.

Made right, a superfood smoothie can deliver more nutrients in a single glass than many people will acquire in a week.

The advantages of a smoothie is you can work in fruits, greens, fibre, fats, protein, and more all into one delicious serving. So not only can you start with an easily digestible meal (unlike most other breakfast choices), you can also get the energy, brain power, and gut satisfying raw materials to help you coast into midday without craving a coffee, pastry, or other ill-advised choice for your body. Even better, the cleansing action of the fibre and nutrients will leave you feeling lighter, more energetic, and mentally sharper.

Soups

Most people can agree that a nice, warm, nourishing bowl of soup can really hit the spot. However, what most people might The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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not understand is that a well made soup can also be very detoxifying as well.

The best part about soup is that you can throw in so many vegetables that are mineral rich and loaded with detoxifying agents, and when you focus on using only vegetables and blending them into a creamy texture that makes assimilation a cinch, the cleansing action dramatically increases. Using ingredients like coconut oil, onions, garlic, cruciferous vegetables, and spices will not only make the flavour amazing but it will also provide a gentle yet effective cleansing process as well.

Sauerkraut

Perhaps the most cleansing food of them all, sauerkraut (or cultured vegetables) has been adored in European cultures for decades, but have since started to make its mark in North America in the last few years. It is definitely a switch from the sweet and salty tastes many have grown accustomed to and enjoying, but one you get the sauerkraut bug, you’ll never go without it again.

Raw (not pasteurized) sauerkraut is loaded with enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and fibre, all which facilitate a healthy detoxification process. It has been shown effective in treating many gastrointestinal disorders, liver challenges, and skin conditions due to its amazingly absorbable nutrient profile, along with its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties. Simply add it as a side to any meal, or put it on salads or some eggs, and enjoy the chemistry and cleansing effects.

If you want to make your own, there is a simple recipe following this article. Otherwise, get some raw sauerkraut from your local health food store and start to work it in a many ways as you can.

Once you learn how to work each of these components into your daily diet, you’ll find the detoxification system kicks into gear without overwhelming your body. Supporting it with the proper medicinal beverages, supplements, lifestyle habits, and exercise will ensure the process goes much smoother.

SAUERKRAUT

Sauerkraut is a fantastic way to add some flavour to your recipes, and is an important component to a healthy digestive system. The trick to a good sauerkraut is to make sure it is not pasteurized, so that all the beneficial enzymes and probiotics are largely intact.

You make sure it is raw by making it yourself with this homemade sauerkraut recipe.

Full of minerals, enzymes, and probiotics, making your own fermented vegetables could easily be the most important and cheapest thing you can do for your health.

Try it on salads, eggs, wraps, hamburgers, and even in salsa!

Equipment Required Food processor Blender Knife 2 large bowls

Ingredients

3 heads green cabbage, shredded 1 bunch of kale, chopped 1 tbsp dill weed

210 - 2nd Street, Strathmore

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl Remove a few cups and place in blender Add filtered water to make a brine which will be the consistency of a thick juice Blend well and add back into the first mixture and stir well Pack mixture down into a air tight container. Use a wooden spoon or other tool to pack down tightly Fill container near full, leaving 1-2 inches at the top for the veggies to expand Roll up cabbage leaves and place on top to fill the remaining space and close container tightly Let sit at room temperature (72F or higher) for at least 1 week.

The longer you leave them, the better they taste and more probiotic rich they become!

Using a culture starter: To make a batch of sauerkraut, a starter is not absolutely necessary. The natural sugars in the veggies will help break it down and render a batch of probiotic goodness. However, if you want to ensure you get a vigorous fermentation, you can dissolve a package of this high quality starter culture in 1/4 cup of warm water (90F). Add a small amount of sugar to feed the starter (ie. cane sugar, honey) and let it sit for 20 minutes or longer to activate. Add this to the brine.

Consumption

Consume 1/4 to 1/2 cup at meals to aid in digestion, or on its own for more therapeutic benefits. ~ Derek Henry facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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12. Don’t jump in to help someone who appears to be in distress. Let local authorities manage the emergency.

13. Tune into Body Language cues – both yours and people around you. Walk confidently and with purpose, make brief 1. Do your research to learn common Travel Scams – eye contact, put your phone and your map away. Notice check Google to learn the most common scams in your how you feel about people in your vicinity. If there is any travel destination. discomfort, move to a different location, even to the back 2. Create a safety plan – know where you will meet your of a queue if need be. people if you get separated, ensure everyone has a copy 14. Inform your bank and credit card company that you are of each other’s passport number, emergency numbers, travelling. and local police, and the number to the hotel. Plan for 15. Be alert to suspicious ATMs – Pull on and jiggle the card getting help before you need it, and affirm the plan ofreader, if it appears to be loose or tampered with, use anten. other machine or go into the bank. Protect your PIN while 3. Sightsee in numbers and keep your family close. Make using the ATM and debit machines in stores or restaurants. sure everyone knows the Safety Plan.

16. Do not use your back pocket. It is the first place a pick4. Carry the business card of your accommodations. pocket will look. Put your money and wallet in your front Book your room for the upper floors of the building if pocket, or use a money belt. possible.

17. Stay sober. Stay sober. Stay sober! And protect your 5. Make photocopies of your passport, driver’s license, drink with a lid. Bring your own insulated cup from home, and accommodation confirmations and leave them with pour your drink in it and enjoy. someone at home. Let family at home know your itin18. Trust your instinct and respond in ways that keep you erary. safe – remove yourself from the situation. Never negate 6. Minimize the opportunity for theft – don’t flash cash this feeling, it will keep you safe every single time! around, keep your wallet and passport in front pock19. Stay alert, be aware and be responsible. ets, attach your purse or backpack to your chair with a 20. Learn basic self-defense – establish your boundarcarabineer, never set your handbag or backpack on the ies, stay aware, and be prepared. Do all you can to avoid floor. a physical confrontation, but if you cannot avoid, then 7. Don’t share too much with strangers: don’t tell them scream and fight back so you can where you are staying, or that it’s your first time in the country. Be polite but private.

Lorna Selig | www.safe4life.ca | 403 701 9037

(403) 936-8432

20 Tips for Safe Travel

24 •

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7 Innovative Ways to Save Your Marriage Are you in a tough spot in your marriage right now? Every relationship has its problems and its rough patches, but that doesn't mean that you need to give up when the going gets tough. For many couples, they can actually work through their problems to create a stronger relationship. Sometimes the hard times are actually learning lessons in disguise.

Here are just a few tips for getting started on the right foot.

Listen

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There's nothing more damaging to a relationship than a partner that doesn't take the time to listen. In fact, that fact alone might be the thing that has led to the feelings of dissatisfaction with a marriage. In order to be a good partner (on either end), you need to be able to remain quiet and talk through problems until both partners are satisfied. Be quiet when they are speaking and try to really listen to what they are saying.

Understand

But listening only goes so far when you're trying to work out problems in your relationship. If you do not really understand where they are coming from, you might be creating more problems. When they are expressing themselves, you want to ask questions when appropriate in order to clarify what they are saying to you. Even if it seems uncomfortable at first, it's important that you make sure that you understand where they are at and how you might be able to help.

A Positive Attitude

Why start off a rough patch by thinking that it will never get any better no matter what you do? When you're trying to work through problems and issues, you will want to make sure that you're going into it with a positive attitude. You don't need to be sugary sweet, but you should start to look at your troubles as learning lessons rather than the doom of the relationship. Try to think about happier times when you start to become negative in order to turn your thinking around.

Be present

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When a partner isn't fully in the moment of trying to fix a relationship, the work becomes a one-sided affair. You need to be able to fully be there for your partner when you need to work through tough times. This might mean that you need to take a few days off work or devote certain times to discussing ways to fix your relationship.

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These times should be uninterrupted by work obligations or time commitments so that neither person feels rushed or distracted.

Stay calm

While you might be upset about the way that things have turned out, you need to remember that being calm is the best way to see things more clearly. Try lowering your voice when you talk - it automatically lowers your blood pressure and your anger. Try to take a few deep breaths before you say anything - this will help you to be clear and calm as you speak. Many people perceive becoming flustered or upset as being angry, and that can lead to a poor environment for working through issues.

Make plans

One of the best ways to help save your marriage is to start creating long term plans with your partner. While this might not seem like the best idea at the time, it will create the idea that you are both going to make it through the rough patch that you have stumbled upon - somehow. Try to make plans for vacations or other far in the future appointments. This will create a little less pressure because the future isn't so vague and unable to be seen in the dark that you are experiencing at the time.

Take time away

While you don't have to become legally separated to do this, taking time away from each other is one of the best ways to stop a marriage from becoming a divorced marriage. When you take time away from each other, you allow yourself to have a new perspective on the events that are happening.

And this can allow you to see new solutions as well as new ideas for how to handle the problems that you may be having. Even if it's just a night or a few hours, taking time to step back from an issue can help it become easier to resolve.

Cucan Pemo facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 25

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225C Wheatland Trail, Strathmore Described as an “[acknowledgement of] a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cozy, charming or special”1, countries outside of Denmark have generated considerable hype which, not surprisingly, has resulted in a few different, albeit misguided, interpretations. There’s Google Translates understanding of it as mere “fun”, and the disappointing twist taken by many corporations: an ingenious bandwagon marketing strategy. But don’t be fooled– true hygge enthusiasts won’t pressure you to spend copious amounts of money to stay on-trend, so you shouldn’t have to.

In general, the idea of hygge really is difficult to define, which has led to much of this confusion. In an effort to tap into this secret of the Danish people, I turned to none other than a Danish woman for insight. Creator of the blog “Hygge House”, Alex– she’s mononymous on her blog as far as I know– brought hygge to the masses before hygge was really a “thing” here. By sharing her merry adventures as a hygge purist, one might say, and sharing her personal tips and tricks designed so that all may embrace this Danish lifestyle, I found her take on hygge to be delightfully refreshing– a way of bring richness into my life without breaking the bank.

In my endeavour to transform my consumer-oriented understanding of hygge, I found a particular part of her blog to be quite profound. Responding to the conclusions of many surveys that suggest the Danes are of the happiest people in the world, Alex provides some clarification:

My Hygge Handbook

“(Happiness is) not the first word I, or most Danes, would think to use to describe themselves … however, during [a] 60 Minutes interview, one of the Danes cleared up my confusion by saying that it’s not that they are the happiest, but they are, perhaps, the most content … With basic needs met one doesn’t have to struggle for the day to day things so much … so one’s energy can go into family, friends and job pursuits. This sets up Danes for that feeling of being content.”2 (emphasis added)

By Sabrina Kooistra

If you haven’t already become acquainted with the Danish cultural phenomenon “hygge” (pronounced “hue-guh”), easing into the new year seems as good a time as any to adopt this revolutionary, yet simple, lifestyle. With March upon us, it is easy to get pulled into this month that seems fraught by rapid, and equally frequent, seasonal shifts: the flirtations of warm weather and sunshine are soon interrupted by the fury and drudgery of Canadian winters leaving us completely at the mercy of Mother Nature. How can one possibly find contentment when the childish back-and-forth of the seasons threatens?

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Lighting candles, opening curtains, and drinking coffee are often associated with hygge, even the Danish version, but Danes also stress the importance of being together, visiting people, eating together, and the like, as illustrated in this quote. It’s this utter simplicity that I find quite intriguing. Could it actually be this uncomplicated? That all it takes is a cup of coffee and a fireplace to bring fulfillment to one’s life? Perhaps it is, but I think the important takeaway from this is that it’s not just the act of enjoy

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Altogether Different

ing a meal with others, it is the feeling of slowness and presence that taking time to eat together actually brings. Similarly, it’s not the act of drinking a cup of coffee before you start your day; it’s drinking coffee to slow down, not speed up.

With this in mind, I wanted to see how I could bring the true beauty of hygge into my spaces and interactions with loved ones.

Drawing inspiration from Hygge House and her guidance for living the Danish style of hygge, rather than the North American version, I reflected on activities I already do, and a few others I’d like to try, to bring “cosiness, charm, happiness, ‘contentness’ [sic], security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness”3 into my life. Indeed, the Danes experience harsh winters akin to our own, but this “art form” of hygge has played an integral role in transforming their perception of daily drudgery into an opportunity to “create simple rituals without effort”4 to boost one’s spirit. From what I’ve gathered, this cultural phenomenon may not be as extraordinary as once thought. It’s an embrace of small instances of closeness or fullness, with as little as a cup of tea on a cold morning, that inspires Danes to find value in the simplest of things.

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So, without further ado, I give you my personally curated list of utterly charming and impossibly special changes I have made to embrace the untouched Danish side in all of us.

1. Visit grandparents in their home.

2. Drink hot chocolate with mini marshmallows in it.

3. Have candle-lit dinners with that special someone.

4. Plant a garden or nurture small house plants. If you have children, have them take part in the process.

5. When it warms up, go for a walk on a sunny day.

6. Sit in front of a fireplace and let the only light in the room be from the fire’s glow.

7. Put pictures into a photo album (not a digital one), and pull it off the shelf every once and a while to look through it with family or friends.

I can’t say that I have perfectly mastered the art of hygge with this list, but I believe the essence of hygge lives in all of these. It seems to me that experiencing hygge is not exclusive to anyone and can’t be universalized. This means that my list is imperfect in the sense that you might find hygge’s “warmth” in other things that aren’t present in my life. By creating this guide to living well, I hope that you, too, will take this opportunity to reflect on the good feelings present in your own life. Not by amassing posses-

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Dr. Ashkan Hamzehi DDS; Dr. Sharif Faizi DMD; Dr. Arzy Kafrouny DDS sions or paying exorbitant amounts to have spectacular experiences, but embracing, or perhaps giving more time to, the small seemingly insignificant interactions and emotions we feel on a daily basis.

It seems to have worked for the Danes, “and thus, we call them happy because, well, doesn’t that sound happy? It certainly does to me.”5

Bibliography (1, 3, 4) Alex. “What is the Meaning of Hygge?” Hygge House. Wordpress.

Accessed January 23, 2019. http://hyggehouse.com/hygge.

(2, 5) Alex. “Danes are the Happiest”. Hygge House. Wordpress. Accessed January 23, 2019. http://hyggehouse.com/danish-life/danes-are-thehappiest

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• 27

www.crystalridgedental.com DR. ELIZABETH ROBINSON | DR. LEANNE LESNIAK STRATHMORE FAMILY DENTAL SERVICES #11-55 Wheatland Trail. Strathmore | 403.934.9681 other nutrients to flow into your brain strengthening your brain cells.

2. Mind exercises.

Concentration and clear thinking are more or less automatic once you remove distractions. Learn to stop and watch your busy mind. As you notice things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them. This might mean making a phone call you need to make, or putting things on a list so you can forget them for now. With practice, this becomes easier, and your thinking becomes more powerful.

3. Healthy breakfast.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Skipping breakfast affects your brainpower and performance at home, school or work. Minimize your eating during the day to mostly live raw fruits and veggies and their juices. This will help you detoxify and nourish your brain with essential nutrients and antioxidants to protect your brain from daily free radicals assaults.

4. Increase Water Intake.

10 Ways to Overclock Brain Activity

1. Physical exercise.

Physical exercise strengthens your brain. Exercise benefitsyour brain cells. The blood vessels inside your brain dilate and increase blood flow when you engage in regular exercise. Exercise helps to elimin toxins and allows oxygen and 28 • thenewsyneighbour.com

Given that your brain is about 80 percent water, the first rule of brain nutrition is adequate water to hydrate your brain. Even slight dehydration can raise stress hormones, which can damage your brain over time. Drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. It is best to have your liquids unpolluted with artificial sweeteners, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. You can use herbal, non-caffeinated tea bags, such as raspberry or strawberry flavored, and make unsweetened iced tea. Green tea is also good for brain function as it contains chemicals that enhance mental relaxation and alertness.

5. Keep journals and notebooks.

All the smart people write down their ideas, thoughts and observations. Writing things down lets, your brain know that you value “it’s” ideas. How does it reward you? By providing more ideas and better ideas. Writing things down creates a feedback loop that makes you smarter.

You objectify your thoughts onto paper and that helps you think about them in a more powerful way. This is a great way to improve your brainpower.

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6. Think positively.

Thinking positively enables you to access your higherthinking abilities. When you are positive and feeling good, your mind functions smoothly. Ask yourself emotion-leading questions like, “What am I grateful for right now?” and “Who do I love and who loves me?”

7. Make sure you sleep enough.

Your brain is rejuvenate during those sleeping hours. Research from the University of California suggests that if you have been awake for 21 hours straight, your abilities are equivalent to someone who is legally drunk. Sleep allows your brain to process new memories, practice new skills and solve problems. Therefore, a good night’s sleep is essential to boost your brainpower. How many hours sleep constitutes a good night’s sleep will vary between individuals, but between 6 – 8 hours, sleep is normally considered sufficient.

8. Creative Visualization.

Use the power of Creative Visualization. Creative Visualization is a technique that involves the use of mental energy to transform and improve the life of the individual who uses the technique. You can use your brain’s mental energy to improve your life because your imagination is incredibly powerful and, when used correctly, can enhance your life by creating what you really want. Creative visualisation can be used to accelerate learning, improve memory and motivation, and of course, improve brainpower!

9. Develop your creativity and your intuition.

Creativity gives power to your thinking. Raw computation can be done by computers now, but humans provide the creative thought that shapes our world. Intuition can be an important part of brainpower. Einstein and others have relied heavily on their intuitive hunches.

10. Make a brainpower plan.

It takes about twenty to thirty days of repetition to establish new habits, many psychologists will tell you. This means that when you create your plan for improved brainpower, be sure you plan to use that new problem solving technique, or eat those new brain foods for at least three weeks. You can use many of the brain boosters here and get immediate results, but it is creating new habits that will give you the most brainpower.

Parenting Fact:

It will never be clean. No matter

what it is. Kitchen, bathroom, shirt, your language.

Never. Ever. Clean.

I never run voluntarily so if you see

me running, you should start running too because something is coming.

Spilling coffee is the adult equivalent of losing your balloon.

FUNNY STUFF Do you know what I like about people?

Their dogs.

Am I getting older or is the

supermarket playing great music? facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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It was my dad’s birthday last month. He really soaked up all the attention and kept celebrating late into the month. Finally, I had had enough. Why is he getting so many celebrations and I’m sitting here not getting my regular 2-walks a day because “it’s too cold”??

So, I did what any sensible dog in my situation would do: I faked an injury.

The first step was creating the plan. I had it all mapped out in my head. I wanted to write it all down but… no opposable thumbs.

I began creating this plan when they were gone on vacation and left us home alone with a stranger. I was pretty mad about that whole situation but peeing and pooping on their floor didn’t seem to showcase my complete disapproval.

Step 1: Remind them of my quirks.

30 •

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Find your family fun!

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So what if it’s -35°C outside?

Sometimes I

need to go outside and take my sweet time. I wanted to remind them of this so I practiced a few times before I put my plan into action. I went outside, in -35°C weather, and stayed out there longer than normal. I walked around, smelling everything, peeing on a few spots I hadn’t previously peed on. Then I came back inside.

Step 2: Say you have to “go outside.”

I walked to the back door and spun around like normal. They didn’t suspect a thing. I went outside and the plan was put into action. Stella, the dumb girl dog who lives with me, went back inside quickly after peeing. She was never made aware of my plan so she was none the wiser. Not that it would have mattered; she’s pretty dumb. I didn’t come back to the door when she went back, but because of Step 1, they didn’t really notice.

Step 3: Still don’t come back.

I will admit, I should have waited to put my plan into action when it was slightly warmer outside. Staying outside in that cold of a temperature wasn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done. But it was too late to go back now. I stayed outside. In the freezing temperature. Longer than I wish I had. Mom called for me but I stayed put.

Step 4. Wait until someone finds you.

Dad came outside to shovel and he found me. I was curled up outside, in the snow, freezing my little butt off. I have never been so cold in my entire life. He called me inside and I couldn’t move. I just laid there.

He had to pick me up and bring me into the garage.

He then yelled at mom for leaving me outside. That was a very nice, unexpected touch to my plan.

Step 5: Wait for the love.

And did it ever come. NO ONE remembered dad’s The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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birthday after this. They were carrying me around, hugging me, crying over me, trying to offer me cheese. I just soaked it all in. I laid in my bed, shivering, pretending I couldn’t walk. They thought I had had a stroke, or broke my back.

I revelled in the attention. I continued to pretend I couldn’t walk. I kept them thinking this was my last night on Earth. Then something happened that I didn’t expect: I had to pee. Oh man did I have to pee.

I thought maybe they’d forget so I stood up normally and walked to the back door. But they didn’t forget. They looked at me with a cocked eyebrow.

But hey, I had to pee. So they let me back outside.

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I then ended my charade. I was fine, and they seemed relieved. But the whole basis of my plan was perfectly met: dad’s hundredth birthday celebration of the month was forgotten and everyone only worried about me. Success!!

Denise Geremia

Whoever said you can't buy happiness,

forgot about

puppies!

Call: 403-608-0686 Email: denise@thenewsyneighbour.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 31

“A man might befriend a wolf, even break a wolf, but no man could truly tame a wolf.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons

32 •

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Gaylene is a Strathmore resident that has trouble taking life seriously and can usually be found making inappropriate or sarcastic remarks around town much to the embarrassment of her family and friends. (of which she has both – honest!)

I Hope You Freeze Your Tongue To A Flag Pole, Mother Nature.

About this time every year, I begin to question my sanity. You see, I am neither prisoner nor hostage and yet here I remain trapped day after day, week after week in a hostile environment where Mother Nature is the prison warden, Old Man Winter the evil head guard, and me?

I'm the weak little inmate without the snowballs to stand up to the warden and say, “Hasta la vista, baby". And so, I remain trapped in my little cell awaiting parole, waiting with the hope a death row inmate has for a last-minute call from the Governor for that time of freedom, of new beginnings, of spring.

Seriously, is it too much to ask to be able to walk to get the mail without my nostrils freezing shut? Thankfully, the mail box is only three houses down; any further and I'd be sporting a Voldemort proboscis - my nose frozen so solid that it simply would fall to the ground and shatter.

At least I don't need to worry about my glasses freezing to my nose. I haven't worn them outside since October … you remember October, back when we thought it was cool we could see our breath and awed at the beautiful autumn colours brought on by the chill in the air?

Yeah, since then my glasses either are covered in frost or fogged over defrosting. It's okay though, every time I bravely leave the hearth of home and head out into the

hinterlands, the tears that form from the shock of the cold freeze my eyelids shut rendering glasses useless.

Listen, I don't even like defrosting the freezer on the fridge once a year, what makes me think I can keep doing winter year after year? I am not a butterball turkey that can be pulled out of the freezer after six months and be set aside to unthaw. I'm simply not qualified for being cold this long. Sure, as a kid I was made of tougher stuff…I used to hope for snow days where the buses didn't run but the skidoos did. Snow days were spent freezing your toes to the point of blue then sticking them in a tub of warm water in a Canadian right of passage akin to torture. My feet hurt just thinking about the pain of the thousand pins and needles that came with thawing out toes after a snow day. But I don't even get to enjoy that – one of the crappy parts of working from home, no matter how bad the roads, I can make it into work. As a kid, snow days were fun; now, snow days mean my knees will ache, my feet will freeze and I will take on anyone that stands between me and the thermostat with the ferocity of a feral fox guarding its den. 25° Celsius is now an acceptable room temperature.

Screw you, Mother Nature and suck my icicle, Old Man Winter. The two of you have made some sort of sick, demented, savage deal and it’s us snow bound, shivering Albertans that are getting the frozen end of the stick. I am here to say, on behalf of all Albertans, winter: it is time to go.

I remember thinking winter was fun, that the snow was pretty, that we were lucky, unlike those who bask in the sun near the equator. Yup, we are lucky because we have seasons! Unlike them with their constant blue skies and sunshine. We get the joy of baby lambs and crocuses in spring, the fun in the sun of summer and is there anything more beautiful than the trees in autumn? And winter…winter…well, crap. My Momma always said if you can't say something nice then just shut up… facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 33

Langdon, AB

Thursday March 14th 6-7pm Social 7-9:30 TALKs Langdon Firehouse 716 Centre Street Langdon, AB TICKETS $20 online $25 at the door womentalk.ca

after her. In the first few weeks after she arrived, she would enthusiastically scamper towards us on her short little legs and then come to a complete stop once we looked her direction. That was her cue to quickly and fearfully turn around and run as fast as she could to the safety of the rug under the middle of the kitchen table.

Women Talk Strathmore

Darlis is an entrepreneur with a passion for helping people in business, organizations and entire communities recognize their uniqueness and achieve possibilities they may not have thought possible. She believes growth and success start at the grassroots level… with people, and she uses training, coaching and facilitating to inspire positive change. She is a Board member of Women Talk Strathmore. Contact her at Darlis@DownToBusinessSolutions.com.

She would sit prim and proper without moving as if she was a statue. Maybe she was thinking, “If don’t move, they won’t see me.” She looked at us in a way that suggested she was both hopeful and fearful that we could come closer to her. Laying down on our bellies so we were less scary by being at her level, we would slowly reach a hand in her direction while speaking in a soft, soothing voice telling her she was safe. At first, she would move behind a table leg, perhaps believing it was hiding her from these big creatures.

Love Wins

Over the next days, we continued to gain her trust by approaching her with kindness and love, speaking to her gently and encouraging her to be brave. Soon, she began to only inch back a bit when we came near. Then she would stay where she was. Eventually she would cautiously come closer. It was all part of the process of overcoming her fears.

"Share yourself with me. I will never judge you. I am here and I will stay here only to love you." ~ Kamand Kojouri

An adorable bundle of black and white fur that looks incredibly like an Oreo on legs runs towards you with her tail wagging. Barely four-pounds in weight and a mere seven inches tall, her excitement is obvious as she bounds across the floor playfully barking to let you know that she wants attention, belly rubs and some good ol’ fashioned lovin’ from one of her humans. When she reaches you, she bounces up and down as if she was practicing to be a yo-yo and when the attention she is expecting is not immediate, she stands up on her back legs to be taller and more noticeable, and she begins to dance. “Look at me! Look at me! I’m so cute. Play with me!”

Perhaps she was afraid of the unknown, of the new place she found herself in, of these big strange beings that looked nothing like her mother and brothers and sisters who were nowhere to be found. I am certainly not a dog-whisperer and can only imagine the confusion she must have felt being taken away from her furry family and now being in her second ‘human’ home in less than a week. Whatever scared her, her response was to run and hide.

She slowly learned to trust us and to love us as we loved her. With that courage, she learned to be curious instead of timid when out on a walk. To approach a new human who entered her house and make sure they were ok. To be herself and lick her human’s ears, nibble on their toes at bedtime, and spread her kibble across the floor when she ate.

Other than the over-the-moon cuteness factor, this not the same five-week old puppy who arrived a couple months earlier to stay until her owner was able to look 34 •

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She experienced what humans experience when we face our fears, we discover wonderful things to enjoy on the other side. To overcome what we fear, we may need to be vulnerable and trusting. We may need to go slowly. We may need others around us who encourage us and give us a safe place to explore who we are. Yes, we may have a few falls and hurts along the way, but not everyone will cause us harm. There are those who will reach out with a loving hand and be gentle and understanding in order to give us space to let go of the fear.

This is what women experience at Women Talk. It is a place where women share their stories of fear and pain as well as joy and celebration. Where you can be yourself and be welcomed with loving hearts.

Come join us at Women Talk Strathmore on the third Thursday of the month at The Station and spend a fun and inspiring evening with women who care. Book your tickets online at www.womentalk.ca/events and bring a girlfriend or two to enjoy the warm embrace that is waiting for you!

To connect to Women Talk in Strathmore, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ womentalkstrathmore/.

www.womentalk.ca

Thursday March. 21st, 2019 | 7pm @ Strathmore Station Sponsored by: TICKETS: $20 Online Seeger Consulting Inc. $25 at the door

Are you passionate about your career and would enjoy the opportunity to share your expertise with youth in your community?

Then consider volunteering as a Career Mentor at our 6th Annual World of Choices event.

World o Choices (WOC) is an interactive leadership and career workshop for young people in Southern Alberta. Hosted

by Junior Achievement, with support from RBC, this event is designed to empower high school students in grades 10-12 to reach their future career goals. These students will be exposed to a variety of career possibilities by participating in 5 small round table discussions with different Career Mentors.

Our goal is to educate and inspire these young people by promoting self-confidence and showcasing potential career paths.

This year’s event will be held Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 at the Strathmore Civic Centre (120 Brent Blvd., Strathmore, AB). Career Mentors will participate in lively discussions with small groups of high school students from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm followed by a luncheon where you will have the opportunity to network with other local professionals.

Hear an inspiring keynote address by Canadian Olympian Bronze medalist Kirsti Lay on bravery and share your own experiences of overcoming fear and seizing opportunity. By sharing your work and education experiences, you will make an impact on shaping the future of local youth in your community. Be a part of this event and help develop our future leaders!

For more information or to sign up to participate as a Career Mentor contact: Lindsay Pollon, Southeast Prairie Regional Coordinator P: 587-226-4811 E: lpollon@jasouthalberta.org Visit www.jasab.ca to learn more about what Junior Achievement is doing in your community. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour • 35

Shaken & Stirred

Ask us about our eco green products

Marcy enjoys helping others experience the joy in life. She started Mountain Lion Leadership, in 2003. As a leadership & community advocate, she is actively involved with organizations & businesses working to aid growth and development. This is combined with a passion to see women grow both personally & professionally whatever their stage of life. Contact Marcy: marcy@mlleadership.com. Follow Marcy on Twitter @MarcyLField to my profile.

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“What If?”

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Have you ever wondered "What if ...?" I do, especially pertaining to my thoughts and decisions as a young(er) adult.

What if my parents opposing political positions created a place for me to examine and debate various political perspectives? What if I'd become an activist rather than stepping onto the collegiate and corporate treadmill? What if I had chosen law instead of communications as a career?

What if...? What if...? What if...?

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What if we did things differently?

People are stuck reflecting on what-if instead of taking advantage of their knowledge, abilities and today's situation.

I'm grateful to be alive today, although at times I feel like I'm reliving elements of the late 60s and early 70s. Technological advances provide more options for humanity today than at any other time in recorded history. The amount of content available via print media, broadcast media and the internet are both overwhelming and intimidating. This contributes to many people choosing to sequester themselves.

The lively interactions, deep thought and conversations we've heard of or witnessed prior to the prevalence of mass media seem to have disappeared. Opinion pieces are published as "alternate" facts. Algorithms reinforce bias. Keyword searches do not differentiate the quality of content.

When we fail to discuss our thoughts with others and live in isolation, the problem is reinforced. Additionally, people are busy - busy doing. Little to no time is allowed for silence and reflection. There is only enough time to egest others' reflections.

The Impact of Bias

Recognizing the power of bias, I began asking those with differing political opinions from mine why they believe as they do. Further, I want to engage in civil conversations to help me understand what lies behind those positions. At times I receive no response or a definitive "I don't want to discuss it". A few wonderful souls chose to share info and 36 •

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Leela

SHARON AHEER

We collect for: SE Rockyview Food Bank Chestermere Food Bank Veterans Food Bank

MLA Chestermere - Rocky View

Please support local businesses.

They are the BEST!

We now offer Commissioner For Oaths services (Free!)

PLEASE CALL 403-700-5437 FOR APPOINTMENT

Phone: 403-207-9889 Fax: 403-216-2225 Chestermere.RockyView@assembly.ab.ca

CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 215, 175 Chestermere Sta�on Way, Chestermere, AB T1X 0G1

dialogue with me. This is both helpful and informative. Helpful because it allows me to delve deeper and informative as it provides me information algorithms determined I'm not interested in. My hope and my belief are that by examining what may be influencing others, I will develop a big picture understanding. (A glimpse at the idealist within me.)

What I discovered is an absence of expertise. When you hire a lawyer, you don't waste time or money offering ill-informed or uninformed opinions about the law. The same is true when choosing to visit a medical professional. The difference between personal opinions not based on expertise and informed opinions, which are based on expertise, a body of knowledge and research is significant. Additionally, it takes time to acquire expertise. Telling a lie repeatedly never makes it the truth. Unfortunately, history shows us when you make a lie big and tell it often enough, people will believe it to be true.

More Questions Than Answers

I'm beginning to get a glimmer as I look at the things influencing us. How we fill our minds influences whether we view life with gratitude or with fear. My lens helps me choose gratitude.

What if we learned lessons from history? What if we looked beyond our backyard for understanding? What if we listened to learn instead of reply? What if we saw we are more alike than different? What if we expressed more gratitude for how truly wonderful life is? What if we realized time is our only non-renewable resource?

Monday – Friday 10 AM to 3:00 PM Please Call First

FUNNY STUFF Did you know?

You can distinguish an alligator from a crocodile by paying attention to

whether the animal sees you later or in awhile.

It’s like winter is mad and keeps storming out, then coming back yelling, “AND ANOTHER THING!”

The more you weigh, the harder you are to kidnap.

Stay safe. Eat cake.

Frankly autocorrect, I’m getting a bit tired of your shirt.

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24 Hour Emergency Road Service: 1-888-KAL-TIRE (525-8473) facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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MartinSHIELDS,MP

CONSTITUENCY OFFICES: Strathmore – Box 2070, 129 2nd Ave, Strathmore, AB. T1P1K1 Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9am – 4pm

Phone: 403-361-2980

fax: 403-361-2989 mar�n.shields.c1b@parl.gc.ca Brooks office: 1-844-241-0020 mar�n.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca www.mar�nshieldsbowriver.ca

A Note From Martin Shields

Please contact our office:

• If you are having issues with any Federal programs or departments • If you are holding or celebra�ng a local event • If you have an Anniversary or Birthday you would like Cer�ficates for • If you would like to speak to the Member of Parliament See Our Social Media Pages for Updates

@MartinBowRiver

/MartininBowRiver

Then, Wilson-Raybould resined from cabinet.

It’s been a freezing cold winter in Ottawa, but debate has remained heated in the House of Commons. We are fast-approaching the next federal election in October 2019, and this session has continued to prove that we have plenty to hold this government to account on.

The SNC Lavalin Affair has thrown the Liberal government into chaos. Allegations against Justin Trudeau’s Prime Minister’s Office were first published in the Globe and Mail. The initial claim was that the Prime Minister’s Office attempted to pressure Jody Wilson-Raybould, who was then justice minister, to intervene in the prosecution of Montreal engineering and construction giant SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. Jody Wilson-Raybould was later fired from her job. The question is: did the Prime Minister relieve Wilson-Raybould of her duties because she refused to intervene in the criminal case? The Prime Minister initially claimed that because Wilson-Raybould was still in cabinet, she had full confidence in the government.

This scandal is still developing, and Canadians need to know the facts in this unprecedented case. The Clerk of the Privy Council, Michael Wernick, delivered testimony to the Justice Committee that confirms that the Prime Minister’s Office launched a sustained and coordinated campaign to interfere in SNC-Lavalin’s criminal prosecution. Conservatives will continue to use every tool at our disposal to get to the bottom of this affair and hold the Prime Minister to account.

Another recent change that prompted a lot of debate is the new Canada Food Guide. Canada produces some of the best quality agricultural products in the world. Our farmers and ranchers supply the market with nutritious, safe products. They are produced with cutting-edge innovation and responsible environmental practices.

Unfortunately, the Liberals have allowed their ideology to influence the development of the new food guide. It emphasizes their preferred political agenda over sound science. I’m concerned that in their effort to encourage plant-based diets, the Liberals have ignored a growing body of evidence that shows the importance of dairy and meat in a healthy diet.

Further, they excluded agricultural stakeholders from consultations on the Food Guide. They claimed that this was to avoid the impression of industry interference in the development process. However, I believe that excluding agricultural representatives allowed them to ignore compelling evidence that their approach to the Guide was flawed. The ill-designed final product is proof that the Liberals should have consulted more broadly.

I can be reached in Ottawa at martin.shields@parl.gc.ca.

My Brooks office can be reached at 403-793-6775 or martin.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca, and my Strathmore office at 403-361-2980 or martin.shields.c1B@parl.gc.ca. Please don’t hesitate to contact me about any federal issue.

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Three Cheap and Easy Chicken Dinners Everyone knows that eating out every night takes a big chunk out of your budget. Cooking dinner for yourself is a great way to cut food costs and experiment with the foods you like. I'm always on the look-out for meals that are easy to prepare and cheap to make and these three cheap and easy chicken dinners fit the bill.

Two of the following recipes involve the use of a slow cooker. If you don't already own one, I highly recommend it. Slow cookers are the ultimate tool for easy preparation.

All you have to do is mix up the ingredients, start the cooker and return home to a hot and ready meal later on.

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole 1 cup of uncooked rice 3 cups of water 1 packet of dry onion soup mix 1 can of cream of chicken 2 uncooked chicken breasts Prepare by mixing all ingredients in a slow cooker and cooking on high for 3-4 hours.

Cheap Chicken Alfredo with Penne 1 box of penne pasta 1 small bag of frozen broccoli 1 jar of ready-made alfredo sauce 2 cups of chopped, cooked chicken 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh) Salt and pepper to taste Begin by cooking the pasta and steaming the veggies in two separate pots. Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes to desired texture and drain. Return the noodles to the pot and add the vegetables, sauce, chicken and basil to the pasta in the pot. Stir and cook over low heat until everything is warmed through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole 1 cup of uncooked long grain rice 3 cups of water 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules 1 can of cream of chicken soup 1 bag of frozen broccoli

Whether you are a solo entrepreneur, small business or corporation, there are many ADVANTAGES to being a Member of the Chamber.

READY TO GET STARTED? Together, we can create a thriving business community.

Phone: 403 901 3175 Email: info@strathmoredistrictchamber.com

www.strathmoredistrictchamber.com 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder 1 teaspoon of onion salt 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese Mix all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours.

Look for preparation tasks you can do ahead of time.

Cooking and chopping up the chicken for two of these recipes immediately after returning from the grocery store will save you time when you're throwing dinner together after a long day of work.

Shur-Lock Self Storage 13 Bayside Place. Strathmore AB, T1P 1C8

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Storage Solution Centre Commercial or Residential

Wyatt 403-324-3055 Wayde: 403-333-8155 facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 39

Founded in 2011, the Chestermere Chamber of Commerce provides an avenue for businesses in the community to create a positive business environment and essentially exists to make the community a better place in which to live.

The Chamber works closely with its municipal government and peaks for the business community at public hearings, the media and behind closed doors. It is the "United voice of Chestermere business".

7 Tips to Keep Your Hardwood Floor Looking Its Best

READY TO GET STARTED?

Many people choose hardwood flooring because it is easy to maintain and keep looking great. True, you will not have to worry about hardwood staining if you spill grape juice on it, as you do with carpet. However, there are a few things that you need to remember when you are dealing with hardwood. Once you have spent a great deal of time and money on your beautiful hardwood floor, you will want to keep it looking fantastic.

Join The Chamber TODAY! Phone: 403 770 9680

Email: info@chestermerechamber.com

www.chestermerechamber.com

1) The most important cleaning tip for hardwood is preventative maintenance. By cleaning your floors regularly and sweeping or vacuuming dirt and debris, you will save yourself a lot of time and expense in the long run.

At Coldwell, we are real people serving real people.

2) Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur. Although you will not have an instant stain when you spill on hardwood floor as you do with carpet, you may expose your hardwood to staining if you do not wipe up spills in a timely fashion. Once stains have a chance to set into the hardwood you may have to refinish the floor in order to get the stain out.

With the right insurance in place, you know you have peace of mind no matter what happens to you.

We at, Coldwell Agencies pride ourselves on providing solutions to our customers’ insurance needs. We provide professional insurance advice and problem solving. Our expertise is in home, automobile, farm and commercial insurance.

3) Sweep your floor everyday or as needed. It is important to sweep up any dirt or debris off of your floor as necessary so that the dirt doesn't scratch the wood. This will vary from house to house, of course. If you have a high traffic home, you may need to sweep a few times a day.

We’re committed to you and your family’s peace of mind. Call one of our experienced agents today at (403) 934-3221 and let Coldwell Agencies demonstrate our dedication to delivering quality insurance policies.

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4) Use a hardwood cleaner once a week to keep your floor looking its best. Hardwood floor cleaners are available at any home improvement center or at a flooring center. They are quite easy to use, and with a little preventative maintenance, you will thank yourself in the future. Simply spray the cleaner on and use a cloth or hardwood broom to buff the floor gently.

5) Never use water and soap when cleaning your hardwood.

Hardwood is not like linoleum or even laminate flooring and you cannot use a bucket of sudsy, soapy water to clean it.

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

BEST PRICES IN CHESTERMERE

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SKYLAR HOMES LAKE DISTRICT, CHESTERMERE

#255 Kinniburgh Rd • 587-324-2252 • SkylarLiving.ca In fact, you can damage your floor if you try to mop it in a traditional style. Because wood is susceptible to water damage, you want to minimize the contact that your floor has with water. Water will seep into the cracks of the boards and can cause swelling, discoloration and deformation of the boards.

6) Protect your floor from furniture scratches and gouges.

It is a very good idea to place felt on the bottom of all of your furniture in order to protect it from scratches. This is particularly important for furniture pieces that move a great deal such as your kitchen chairs. But it is a good idea to protect all pieces equally. You can purchase felt at the local hardware store, and cut it to size to fit the bottom of every piece of furniture that you have.

7) Polish your floor regularly. If you have a hardwood floor with a wax finish, you may want to wax it on a regular basis to keep it looking shiny and new. The waxing process will also will also help buff any scratches out of your floor as well. Every wax product is different so it is important to read the directions carefully and also consult the manufactures guidelines of your flooring before applying any wax product.

With a little bit of preventative maintenance and some common sense, you will be able to keep your hardwood floor looking fabulous for many years. There are only a few simple steps and rules to follow when dealing with hardwood flooring because it is actually one of the easiest flooring types to care for.

FUNNY STUFF SKYLAR HOMES LAKE DISTRICT, CHESTERMERE

My kids can’t remember where they put their other shoe, yet they can

remember that on January 15th at 2:35pm I promised them candy and forgot to give it to them.

Me: Sometimes I talk to myself.

Me: omg same!

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calgaryappliance.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 41

We are 4 RE/MAX First Real Estate Professionals DEDICATED to working together and licensed in Residential, Rural, Commercial and Condos. We are here to help our clients reach ALL their real estate goals. Contact us: reps.remax@ gmail.com. www.the-reps.

Did You Know??

Routines are a GOOD thing…

I’m a routine kind of girl. I LOVE routines. My day always starts the same way. I make coffee for Phil and I, take my vitamins, make the bed, then I head into the yoga room for meditation & then I work out... Every day, like clockwork, this is how I start.

Now, you might ask WHY... Why is a routine so important and what the heck does it have to do with real estate? I’ll get there, I promise.

Morning routines set the day off in the right direction.

Experts say it’s not that important what the routine is.

What matters is that you HAVE a routine - a plan that you follow every day. Many studies show that morning routines increase productivity and lower stress levels significantly in people. I can attest to that theory. I WAS that person. Morning routines were for other people... routines in general seemed too regimented, restrictive, maybe even dull.

I thought that I didn’t need routines or lists. Until one day, I missed an important project that was due at school (yep – way back when) and that project was in a class with my favourite teacher. A person that I respected - a lot. I was embarrassed and quite horrified when I walked into class and it was my turn to present my project. It was at that moment when I felt I had let my teacher and myself down - and I said, never again!!

I bought a note book that day specifically for lists and it became my first day-planner before there actually was such a thing. And what happened was quite amazing... no more stressing about things I had to get done. I knew what the plan was and how it was going to get done.

Routines became a part of my life.

Now, jump forward to present day and Realtor® life.

Here’s the story... I get a phone call from a potential client and they share that they are getting transferred with work to another city and they need to be moved and settled within a certain time frame. As realtors, we hear 42 •

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this story often. This is life. And this is where routine steps in to help.

Over the years, it has become critical to have routines when selling a home efficiently.

I am proud of what the REPS group have developed over time. We have taken the best of what we have all experienced and learned and then created routines that we share with our sellers all the way through the process.

Guidelines and checklists to help our sellers through a very stressful time.

We have an 11-point routine that we share regarding getting ready for a showing and I am happy to share that with you. The REPs group believes that KNOWLEDGE is POWER. And routine is knowledge. It helps you and gives you power.

Getting Ready for a Showing

1. Open up window coverings 2. Store personal items in the bathroom away in a drawer; counter is clean.

3. All dishes are washed and put away 4. Sirty laundry in the hamper 5. All beds neatly made 6. Remove animal beds and store them 7. Take the garbage out with you when you leave 8. Ensure all personal items and valuables are stored away safely 9. Turn all lights on

10. Play soft “elevator” style music 11. If time, leave some fresh baked cookies for the showing group to enjoy We have many, many routine checklists that we have created for our clients. Selling a home doesn’t need to be overwhelming, and having a routine is part of the secret sauce.

If you’ve developed a routine and embrace lists, bravo!

And if you haven’t figured out a routine but are curious, it’s never too late. Start with a notebook, and let me know what you think.

Hayley Poirier - The REPs group RE/MAX First FUNNY STUFF A vacuum salesman knocks on my door.

Before I said anything, he tipped a bucket of dog poop over my carpet and said, “If

this vacuum doesn’t remove every trace of that poop, I’ll personally eat what’s left.”

I replied, “I hope you’re hungry because they cut off my electricity this morning.” facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Leela Sharon Aheer MLA

Leela Sharon Aheer Your UCP Candidate Chestermere - Strathmore www.VoteLeela.com

I am thrilled to be part of the Newsy Neighbour family!

It has been an honour and a privilege to represent you in the Legislature. I am working hard to earn your trust and your vote as the UCP Candidate in the new Constituency of Chestermere – Strathmore. Please contact me at VoteLeela@gmail.com. (authorized by the Leela Sharon Aheer Campaign, LAheer@unitedconservative. ca)

Deputy Leader, United Conservative Party Served as Energy, Education, Childrens Services, Status Of Women Critic A proud Albertan, Chestermere-Strathmore resident for over 40 years Local Small Business Owner, Professional Musician, Volunteer Your priorities are my priorities: I would be honoured to be your voice!

Hello Newsy Neighbour Readers!

“The key to unlocking Alberta’s potential is giving Albertans the freedom to do what they do best”

I was honoured to be asked to participate and speak at the Proclamation of Black History Month and the inauguration of Virnetta Anderson. As we reach the end of Black History Month, I would like to thank The Black History Heritage Society for their work in celebrating the of the impassioned and eloquent Virnetta Anderson, the first Black Alderwoman in Alberta. It was fascinating digging into the archives of the City of Calgary to find out about the amazing work she did during her term from 1974-77 and thereafter: Her love of Alberta was shown in her incredible contributions not only in politics, and her love of democracy, but in her church that established her as a role model for men and women of every background. She was a strong and grounded woman. She was a nominee for the very first YWCA Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Awards. She was an orator, a natural born leader, and along with her husband Ezzret “Sugarfoot” Anderson of Calgary Stampeders fame, they were a power couple and strong Ambassadors for Calgary. A well-known Rotarian, she had a long history of community building and was a woman of stories, wisdom, and wit. Celebrated in the community for her many years as a tireless and enthusiastic volunteer, leader, and contributor to her adopted city, she was honoured with the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal. The list goes on! The Black History Heritage Society’s motto, “One people, one community, one nation.” is an inspiring one.

CAMPAIGN HQ LANGDON 403-324-8655 Strathmore UCP Constituency Association Office 129 2nd Avenue 587-579-9277

Thanks to all of you who have been coming out to our Meet ‘N Greet events around the constituency. With the new riding boundaries, it’s great to meet old friends and new faces and get your input as I work to earn your trust and your vote in the upcoming election. Find upcoming events at www.VoteLeela. com/Events. I am pleased to announce that we are setting up our Campaign HQ in Langdon which is pretty well central in the new riding of Chestermere – Strathmore. For further information, call 403-324-8655 or call the Chestermere-Strathmore UCP Constituency Association office at 587-579-9277.

In the next few weeks, I am looking forward to seeing you at events in your community and at your doors.

IGHBOU NE R Reader’s Choice in

Z AGA INE M

E NEW SY TH

Authorized by the Leela Sharon Aheer Campaign laheer@unitedconservative.ca

BUSINESS

Winner 2016-2017

I would like to give a big shout out to a very special Strathmore Family. Congratulations to Steve and Jessica Marshman and their family on winning the OK Tire National Store of The Year Award. This is such an amazing honour, and I am sure that many of you have used their services. Congratulations to this wonderful family!

In the same vein, congratulations to Strathmore Motor Prod-

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ucts on the opening of their eponymous indoor, year-round multi-purpose, multigenerational recreation facility attached to the new George Freeman K-9 school. I am thrilled (but not at all surprised!) to see local business step up and in collaboration with the Town of Strathmore, the Golden Hills School Division, and Wheatland County bring this facility to the community. That’s what our local businesses do. It is amazing what is possible when communities work together, and this is a shining example. Everything from soccer tournaments to trade shows and major events will be held at this facility. Please join me in thanking Strathmore Motor Products, Pollyco Land Corporation, Sobey’s Strathmore, EPCOR Water Services, Magnum Cementing Services, Strathmore Homes, and Risdon Farming for their contributions to this wonderful legacy project.

I would like to chat about the NEB decision to approve the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion. When we look at the $9.3 billion of your money that is potentially going into this pipeline, you would assume that some answers would be forthcoming regarding when shovels will be in the ground, but there is no such information for us, the people of Alberta.

There are already threats that more court and legal challenges are beginning, and keep in mind that the Federal government directed the NEB to relook at the project after the Federal Court killed the approval of the pipeline last year. The Trudeau Government chose not to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court. When you see the words “The Trudeau Liberals bought the Trans Mountain pipeline” – the old infrastructure, remember – the government did not buy it, you did, and you deserve answers as to why we ended up here? Why have we allowed Governments who are anti-energy and anti-prosperity to continue to run our country and our province? As I write this, another major international oil company announced they were leaving Alberta. Energy projects could end poverty in many First Nations and would provide huge benefits to Canada as a whole. Investment is fleeing fast, and our Governments are effectively saying, “Spend your money elsewhere.” How do we continue to fund much needed social programs, and how do we provide for the people of this country when we handcuff ourselves and our prosperity and for what? To pretend that we are improving our environment? When are we going to acknowledge the incredible strides we have already made as world leaders in responsible resource development? When is Canada going to be seen as the leader it is in energy and in turn sharing our advanced technology with the rest of the world, helping them to improve their own environmental footprints? When will we stop shaming our country and our industry and tout the incredible work that is being done here, and the innovation that happens without government subsidies? How many British Columbians worked in the oil patch in Alberta when the BC economy was in trouble? It is time to stop apologizing. Are there Canadians that truly do not use any of our natural resources and can honestly say that we have alternatives that will replace how we heat our homes in the winter? Diplomacy did not work, and the policies laid out by the NDP have hurt our economy and our people. We have always said we need to stand up strong for our province, our resource stewardship, and our citizens, and this Government has failed us in this respect.

As always, I love to hear from you.

Gail Schmidt Because a Great Experience Begins with a Great Agent!

Want to know whats going on in the market?

Give me a call! 403.993.4550 gschmidt@cirrealty.ca

gailschmidt.com

FUNNY STUFF You spoiled brats with your fancy Cheerio flavours. When I was a kid, Cheerios had

one flavour and that flavour was paper.

Remember to bathe your child in laven-

der lotion before bed so you’re calm and

relaxed when you lose your mind because they won’t go to sleep.

My favourite childhood memory is my back not hurting.

I need to teach my facial expressions how to use their inside voice.

When your children are teenagers, it’s im-

portant to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.

Sticky's Maintenance Services • Commercial, Residential & Condos • Snow Clearing • Fall Clean-ups Travis Boersema - 403-901-9810 Office - 403-324-3700

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ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

This is the 4th time we have published this joke over the last 10 years of The Newsy Neighbour, and we swear it gets funnier everytime we read it! Enjoy!

"A Week at the Gym" Dear Diary, For my fiftieth birthday this year, my husband – the dear – purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since playing on my high school softball team, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Bruce, who identified himself as a 26 year old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started.

The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

Monday:

Started my day at 6:00am. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Bruce waiting for me. He is something of a Greek 46 •

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god - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo hoo!

Bruce gave me a tour and showed me the machines. He took my pulse after five minutes on the treadmill. He was alarmed that my pulse was so fast, but I attribute it to standing next to him in his Lycra aerobic outfit. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring. Bruce was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!

Tuesday:

I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Bruce made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air - then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Bruce's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me!

Wednesday:

The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals.

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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BROKER DELEGATE

TAMARA DESJARDINS 403-874-6486

DEB MURRAY 403-325-0372

GAIL SCHMIDT 403-993-4550

JENS LEHMANN 403-540-0201 LARS LEHMANN 403-585-3389 MARKUS LEHMANN 587-727-1047

CRAIG LANGLOIS 403-630-0384

SHERYL JOHNSTON 403-923-6774

TAMMY LAMBERT 403-934-0937

LYNMARIE NEUFELD 587-717-0663

AUDRA REINHARDT 403-325-0744

S T R AT H M Office ORE 403-902-0440

1051, 100 Ranch Market, Strathmore, AB

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Bruce was impatient with me, insisting that my startled screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Bruce put me on the Stair Monster.

Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Bruce told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other BS too.

of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Bruce wanted me to work on my triceps.

I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. (Which I am sure you learned in the sadist school you attended and graduated magna *** laude from.) The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

Thursday:

Bruce left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today.

Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my Planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

Bruce was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl.

I couldn't help being a half hour late; it took me that long to tie my shoes. Bruce took me to work out with dumbbells.

When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the women’s room. He sent Lars to find me, then, as punishment, put me on the rowing machine, which I rowed to the exit right after stopping at my purse for a snack.

Friday:

I hate that idiot Bruce more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world.

Stupid, skinny, anemic little cheerleader. If there was a part

Saturday:

Sunday:

I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband - the IDIOT- will choose a gift for me that is more in keeping with my age and interests - like lunch or shopping or watching someone beat the crap out of Bruce. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 47

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