Taking in the Salt Therapy at The Rock Spa - Breathe Better, Feel Better.

It is possible to have relaxing therapy that involves children too.  At The Rock Spa in Kitchener, you can take a seat in their Salt Therapy Room to relax, de-stress, clear you sinuses and skin ailments, all with the kids in tow.  Seriously!  I was fortunate enough to be asked to try out this therapy that is still fairly new to Canada.  This therapy has been throughout Europe for hundreds of years!

I am a perfect candidate for this type of therapy because of chronic sinus/breathing issues that we still haven't found a medical diagnosis for.  The first time I had stepped into this Salt Room back in June, I was shocked how much of a difference I felt in my sinuses after only being in there for just 2 short minutes.  I instantly felt my breathing passages open up!  Wondering what Salt Therapy is and what it does - check out my blog post from June, it will easily answer your questions.

Sydney was a bit nervous at first, not knowing what "therapy" meant or was and what was waiting for her in the Salt Room.  As you can see, the Salt Room is very cool looking, almost like an Ice Cave.  To me, it felt like a Cool Cave of Salt.  Safe, sterile, natural salt.   Because the room is sterile, I had to blue booties on my feet.  This made her a little bit more nervous - maybe too hospital-like, but once we told her that this was like going to the beach, she felt much better and was anxious to "head into the beach".  Immediately, she went straight for the toys and played just like she was sitting at a sandy beach with her sand toys.  And we didn't have to bring the toys!

Salt is pumped through this small filter in the wall, and in turn produces micro-particles of salt into the room.  You don't notice the salt at all.  The filter is very quiet and you don't even realize that salt is being filtered through this little square box on the wall.  It's job is to capture and remove up to 99.97 % of all the airborne particles which may cause negative effects on your health.

I love the effect of the red, orange and yellow glowing  lights around the room. And with the tranquil music playing in the background, the atmosphere was so relaxing, even with a 3 year old playing in the salt at my feet.  This room has 3 tonnes of salt on the floor, plus 4 layers of salt on the walls, making 6 whole tonnes of salt in the room all together.  In just one session of 45 minutes, I went home with a clearer nasal passage, my skin felt soft and boy was I relaxed.  I recommend that everyone try this for the ailment that affects them, and don't hesitate to bring the kids, or even make a family relaxing therapy session.  You can even book your session online with The Rock Spa!  

I had to take a video of the room during our session to show you just how relaxing and tranquil the Salt Therapy room was.  I hope you all take the chance to book and enjoy your session.

12 Things That I Have Learned about Life

I try not to get too philosophical about life and the meaning of it, but after living it for a while, I have learned a few things along the way..   Its the stuff that no one tells you growing up, but becomes very clear to you as you progress through the highs and lows of life.    Call it age, maybe wisdom, or even lots of experience.. but these are definitely the main lessons that I now know for sure.

(in no particular order).

 

12 Things I Have Learned about Life:

 

Loved ones will be taken from us way too soon.

 

Children will fulfill you and bring you so much joy.

 

You will figure out who your real friends are - the hard way.

 

Your life will likely not go the way you imagined it would, or planned for.

 

People do change, and not always for the better.

 

Heartbreaks are unavoidable, and will come in all sizes and forms.

 

We are our parents.  We will probably mimick their parental skills, morals and values.

 

When parenting your own children, do what works best for you.  Mother knows best.

 

No one is perfect.  Life is about living and making mistakes.  We should learn from them and grow.

 

If you have the chance, do what you love!  (and constantly re-evaluate)

 

Loving someone is easy, its the rest of life's pieces that make the loving part challenging.

 

Go with your gut, always!

 

 

Regrets are always tough to reconcile and weigh heavily on you.  I don't have very many because I have always jumped at opportunities and then deal with the benefits or consequences later (depending on the situation).  How do you life your life?

 

You know that saying, "this too shall pass"?  I love it and feel like it applies to many situations but this year taught me that it will not always apply.  Do you have a favourite motto or proverb that gives you comfort or healing?

momstown KW Welcomes their New Event Coordinator, Lindsay!

Meet our new Event Coordinator, Lindsay:

Lindsay, originally from Elmira, loves the hometown feel of having friends and family close by. So, when she learned that she was going to be a mom, it was only natural for her to join momstown!

Her new daughter, Samantha was born on June 21st, 2012 and Lindsay's passion for event planning quickly turned into planning events and get-togethers for all the new moms and moms-to-be she met throughout her pregnancy.

Before Samantha came along, Lindsay was the event planner for Destined to Wed and helped to plan many different weddings, corporate events and fundraisers, including trying to get Lions Lagoon free for 2013.

When Lindsay isn't planning or spending time with Samantha she and her husband, Josh, like going to the movies and spending summer nights around the campfire.

momstown Kitchener-Waterloo is so thrilled to have Lindsay on board, helping to plan, organize and execute programming for all our momstown mamas!  With a new baby, her local fundraising efforts and her experience in wedding planning, she will be a huge asset to the team and an aweseome community builder.

Welcome Lindsay!

Now Hiring: Advertising Representative for momstown Kitchener-Waterloo

momstown.ca is an on-line network for neighbourhood moms wanting to connect for support, conversation and just plain fun! With a fantastic event calendar and lively message board, momstown.ca is a great way to get involved with your community while having a blast with your kids! They say it takes a village to raise a child, we say it takes a town!

Are you looking for a way to channel your creative energy? Are you a positive, out-going person inspired by parenting, early education and community? Are you looking for a fun, flexible, part-time job? Then joining the momstown team could be the answer for you!

Job Description – Advertising Representative

The Kitchener-Waterloo community of momstown.ca is currently seeking self-motivated, energetic and enthusiastic individuals for a rolling 6 month contract position as an Advertising Representative. In this exciting role you will be responsible for selling online advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Your work will entail finding and building up relationships with potential/new advertisers and effectively pitching for advertising budgets in the Waterloo Region. You'll make sure that booked campaigns are run smoothly, reported on and that the clients will rebook.

This is a part-time role working out of your own home with flexible hours.  This will involve some time to be out of the house and meeting with your prospective clients. If you have children, some childcare arrangements will be necessary.

Responsibilities:

Sales

o Responsible for selling online advertising and sponsorship opportunities

o Generate sales leads, cold calls, develop client relationships

o Prepare and present proposals to new and existing clients

Administrative

o Maintain client log

o Collect ad artwork from clients by deadline

o Complete monthly ad tracking/booking sheet

o Track monthly sales and invoice momstown and for monthly commission

o Load all ads onto momstown ad server by deadline

Qualifications:

• Outgoing, dynamic leader who is creative, organized, highly self-motivated
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills
• Strong computer skills and internet savvy
• Must have a valid driver’s license & reliable vehicle
• Must have a reliable computer with internet access
• Preferably 2 to 3 years experience in sales and /or marketing

Pay Structure:

• Independent Contract work – 6 month rolling contract
• Highly competitive commission based
• Free membership to momstown Kitchener-Waterloo

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please submit your resume and covering letter, no later than July 4, 2012 to info@kitchener-waterloo.momstown.ca

Please visit our website at www.momstown.ca

What momstown Meant to our Member Ramona As She Says Good-bye

Goodbye momstown…..

It wasn’t that long ago that I discovered momstown.ca and quickly realized what a great resource it would be. An older(ish) first-time mom, my friends either didn’t have kids or their kids were older. I hadn’t a clue what I was doing, no one to do it with, and few to ask.

The message board has by far been the greatest thing about my membership and is unlike any board I’ve ever participated in. It’s always supportive and helpful. You’ve answered my questions, confirmed my suspicions, and let me know that I am not alone in whatever I was going through. And what I love most about it is that it’s filled with other local moms that I have or will have met at some point. 

I credit momstown Kitchener-Waterloo for getting my daughter and I out the door and participating in activities that helped her and me. I’m a better mom for it. From crafts to walks, egg hunts to mom’s dinners, parties to bra fittings, the list goes on and on.

I’ve been witness to heartache too — sickness, death, depression, etc. But once again, the network steps up and helps. Never have I seen a group of people so selfishly offer to help others.

I want to thank Paula for her tireless efforts in making the momstown KW chapter successful. The amount of work that it takes to plan so many events (not to mention all the other work that goes into running a successful business) often means that you don’t get to enjoy with your own daughter.

Sadly the day is quickly drawing near where Myiah and I will have to say our goodbyes to an incredible network of moms and the friends we’ve made.

When I knew we were moving two hours away, the first thing I did was look for the local momstown.ca chapter. Unfortunately there isn’t one in my new community.  So while we move in June, my membership doesn’t expire until August and chances are you will still find me lurking around the boards for a few more months.

Goodbye momstown and thanks for all the memories. Ramona & Myiah Kecman

Are You There Mom?

Dear Mom........I am not sure if you can hear me, but I hope you can.   I am still reeling from the shock that you are no longer here and keep waiting for the phone to ring. The greeting you always used "Yo dude, what's happening" got a little old after a while but now I find myself wishing I could hear it again, even just once more.... That was your way, always casual, current and hip. You dressed for comfort but everything else about you was young. You always wore your heart on your sleeve, loud and bright. No emotion hidden and no tear spared. Every thought was always with your heart first and mind last. There was nothing formal about your simple approach to life. Everyone should be open, kind and LOVE LOTS! 

You often criticized me for being too strong and tough, for being a pillar of strength. Even when you were sick. I distinctly remember the last conversation we had on this topic, it plays over and over like a broken record in my mind. You desperately wanted me to crumble. Like a cookie. You didn't use those words but that was the point and my response was that you needed someone to be the "Strong One" right now so that we could stay focused and realistic.   And so I stayed strong.  Too strong.   I was like a statute on auto-pilot that completely malfunctioned on March 1st. 

I remember giving you permission on the Wed (36 hrs) before you passed, that you could give up when YOU WANTED and when YOU WERE READY. You were the one suffering and you could surrender when you wanted, not when we wanted. I was even strong then. I felt that I owed you that, like it was my duty as your daughter to tell you that, to think of yourself for once, and to let go. We suffered yes and will always suffer, but only in our hearts, not with a disease ravaging our bodies. I am not sure if you heeded what I said, or if your body just decided for you, but either way, that Friday March 2, I crumbled. Like a warm freshly baked cookie. Not sure if it was more like an Oatmeal Raisin or a Trail Mix, both your faves.... I crumbled and and haven't been able to come back together since. I kinda feel like Humpty Dumpty after falling off the wall.  And they still haven't figured out how to put him back together yet.

I am almost convinced that you tool my strength with you that day. I cry lots and feel completely overwhelmed with grief some days.  Were you trying to teach me a new way to live life? Or were you trying to make more room for you in my heart?  And on my sleeve :).

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child & Support a Mom

A story of loss and support from Guest Blogger, Angie

When you are expecting, it is supposed to be the best most exciting time in your life.  Your family and friends help you prepare for the arrival of your bundle of joy.  But what happens when less than a month to your due date, your baby is no longer viable while still in utero?

When someone dies, there is an abundance of support and love provided.    A funeral and memorial are held, and people say things about the person that passed.  When it is a baby, things work a lot different.  

Friends and acquaintances often don't know what to say or how to offer support.  I found that we did have a lot of support from strangers, family and friends.   People were always checking in, and sending us packages.   

Without these people I would have gave in to the depression.  I felt like I really needed to find comfort in knowing I was not alone.   Instead of going to fun activities with my daughter, I suddenly found myself going to grief sessions talking about my loss.

Someone once said it takes a village to raise a child, but this can also be said about losing a child.   It was very important for me to be able to grieve openly, and to be honest with my feelings.  You really get to know who your true friends are during a time like this.

It took me months to be able to get out of bed and face the world.  Then a few days after our six month anniversary of losing our daughter, my mom died.   This was like a double blow to my gut, and I thought for sure I would be destroyed. 

Again the same people who had supported me were there in full force.  Not to mention all the people who knew my mom they were there for me in ways I never even knew I needed support.

I found comfort in continuing with my blog, and joining as many online support forums as possible.  Connecting with people who were also grieving was very important.  To know I wasn’t alone, and that none of this was my fault, was also important.    Strangers became close friends, close friends became best friends. 

When people who write to me, and tell me that they were happy I was speaking out this saddened me. Why weren’t more people speaking out?  Why was it I had to be the spokesperson for loss and support?  I encourage anyone who is going through any type of loss to speak out.  Talk to someone, anyone!  Yell, cry, scream, laugh, and show emotions.   Don’t pretend you’re fine, if you aren’t.   In the Waterloo area there are many support systems , I urge you to seek these out and get help.

momstown Kitchener-Waterloo offers a monthly support group for momstown members facing challenges of pregnancy loss, depression, anxiety and postpartum depression.   

**Thank you to Angie for sharing her story and for having the courage to scream for help and survive with all the support she sought out.  You can find more from Angie on her blog http://www.letterstoleia.ca/