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Tag Archives: family

Enjoying the ‘rents

02 Monday Aug 2021

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Family

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Tags

family, friends, friendship, whiskey

I’ve caught up on some sleep and settled into the basement at my parent’s place after my 13-day road trip from SF to Alberta. I’ve made it my mission to get my mom up every day by 9am (she is more of the night owl vs the early bird like my Dad and me), and then do 1 thing with her every day. It’s often not an easy endeavor but sadly for her, they raised one stubborn daughter so.I.won’t.give.up. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

Great to spend some time with my cousin. Sherry, you have a heart of gold and patience the size of Alberta. Thank you for the love and support you give to my family. And so fun to introduce you to an Edmonton restaurant 🙂

I’ve got my new office setup. It’s so great that my parent’s have AC … but I have to go outside to warm up! Love you Dad, but I’m freezing!

I love this picture. They hung outside together after Mom and I got back from a walk around the Crescent. This Wednesday they will celebrate 54 years together. ❤️❤️❤️

I started today with a great catch up with one of my best friends. Here is a beautiful snap from my ‘walk and talk” with FF.

And I ended the day with a new Starbucks friend!

So I decided to venture to a glass of whiskey before starting dinner tonight. The glass is what I use when I drink whiskey in the evening. The mug is what I use during the day 😆😆.

#SoloRoadTrip – Final Day

28 Wednesday Jul 2021

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Uncategorized

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Tags

family, friends, SoloRoadTrip

Almost home …

And …. I have arrived! My Dad was sitting outside relaxing on the bench after mowing the lawn .. just waiting for me to arrive 😆🚙.

Mom, Dad and Trish — thanks for being there with me every morning, noon and night me on my #SoloRoadTrip. I am happy to be home!

Final Video post ..

  • 13 Days
  • 2 Hotel Stops, 2 Sofas and 3 Friend’s Extra Beds (Thx again Beth, Mike, Courtney, Sean & Tania and June & Jordan!)
  • 6 States – California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana
  • 1 Province – Alberta
  • 20 Podcasts
  • 1 Music Station
  • Starting Mileage – 57,582
  • Ending Mileage – 60,244
  • Total Miles – 2,662

Solo #WindshieldTime … Priceless

#SoloRoadTrip – Day 3

18 Sunday Jul 2021

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Travel

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Tags

family, friends, happiness, running, SoloRoadTrip

Sunday! Man do I love myself a good Sunday!

Today was extra special because I got up … and then went back to sleep. LOL

Easy to do in the super comfortable bed I got to enjoy and my heart full with joy from the days before.

But I did finally get up and make it out for a run / walk (and just because I’m honest to a fault, it was really a walk / run .. not even a run / walk… but that’s OK … 3.5 miles is 3.5 miles and getting out for anything should be celebrated :-).

For some these pictures might not depict much, but I guess it’s from my days growing up on a farm because I LOVE dirt roads and stitched-together fences – just like these ones I found on my hike today. Notice how I upgraded it to a hike now. Pretty slick, huh. 🙂

I needed a new picture for my match.com profile so I snapped this one post workout. To show the sporty side of me 😊 Maybe I’ll add the picture of my golf clubs at the driving range as well! ha ha

When I texted a friend and mentioned what I was doing, she asked, how was the driving range? … followed by, you golf?

To the first question …

.. The first few balls were spectacular .. and then, well, I’ll blame it on the heat.

As to the second question …

… I’m always grateful for my first husband 😆 for teaching me how to golf (actually, it was his best friend Scott that taught me, but Mike inspired me so I give him all the credit!). This year I’ve been fortunate enough to dust off the 25 year old clubs and hit the links with my friend Tannis and her main squeeze Z. If anyone wants to meet me at the driving range once I hit Alberta, let me know! ⛳️

After all of that work, I had to relax and enjoy the view. ☕️ Thanks again to Beth and Keith for the amazing gift of a b.yond comfortable bed and beautiful view!

and then …

Dinner .. with a few of my favo(u)rite things … and a new project we are kicking off in our July issue of Disruption magazine!

Other notable highlights …

  • It was wonderful to chat with one of my long time besties today, Moselle. Yesterday I got to catch up with Jules on my drive, who has been there with me through some of the toughest times. Thanks for the travel tips and always being there for me, ladies!
  • And from 20 year old friendships to brand new ones … My friend Dylan cracks me up and I’m living vicariously through him right now. He is the master Match.com-er … so I guess I should ask him to approve my photo.
  • And of course, I had a great chat with Mom and Dad. It’s going to be fun to visit some of the places that they traveled through when they road-tripped across the U.S years ago. And I love how they crack me up every time I call. They are a little comedy act sometimes, even though they don’t realize it!

Well, off to bed because it’s a long drive tomorrow … but I am SO excited to be headed to see our old running pal, Mike, tomorrow in SD. I’m excited for a home cooked meal after my 10-hour drive. Plus wine. Always + wine, people. 🍷 You know that about me, right?

What a treat that is going to be!

And .. as for #SoloRoadTrip Day 3 …. That’s a wrap!

#SoloRoadTrip – Day 1

16 Friday Jul 2021

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Travel

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Tags

family, inspiration, running, SoloRoadTrip

And the journey begins!

And YAY – I can now upload videos! #Sweet!!

As you’ll hear from the video and see from the picture, my journey has started out in the best way possible … a run with friends!

I have been running with this crew consistently for the last five years and they are my lifeline! Our 0545 (turned 0630) morning runs on M/W/F each week have kept me sane and something I look forward to. Our #NeverMissAMonday has gotten me out of bed in the pitch dark of winter and the bright light of summer. Grateful to my friends for joining me this morning before I set off! Thanks Jane, Debbie, Derek and Don! With special mention to their furry friends Leo, Cota and Emmie!

Friday afternoon traffic on the 80 East probably wasn’t the best idea, but once I was out of the city I started to relax and just let the road lead me where I was about to go.

I started the trip off with a few founders — it is always so much fun to connect with ambitious people looking to change the world! And then I got re-acquainted with Sirius Radio — it was one of the things I cut off when Covid hit because I wasn’t driving anywhere! I got in one podcast Lewis Howes – The Millionaire Habits That Changed My Life – Episode 1135. I’ll add some of the highlights from here tomorrow!

And as I pulled into my first destination, I turned on some music that I love … these likely aren’t on your play list but they are on mine 🙂

  • Eric Church – Mr. Misunderstood (I got to see him in concert a few years back – was the best 2nd date that never went anywhere, that I’ve ever had 🙂
  • Rachel Platten – Fight Song (oh how many times I sing this one out loud!)
  • LOCASH – I Love this Life!! (If this doesn’t make you get up and want to dance, well then, you probably don’t like country music 🙂
  • Ashley McBryde – Girl Goin’ Nowhere (Damn, I want to find out where I can see her live – she’s so real and awesome – love her music .. And this song … I’m sorry, but ladies, .. c’mon .. who doesn’t relate to this??!?)
  • Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee – Despacito (GreeceBaby is calling us again Mona, Karen and Mahlet!)
  • Dean Brody – Time (Everyone go and kiss and hug your loved ones, please)
  • John Mayer – In the Blood (Always think of my friend Bruce when this song comes on)

Looking for Audible recommendations; Podcasts, and yes, I’d love to hear what music makes you want to get up and dance!

Grateful for …. my parents and sister for being my co-pilots and check in points along my journey | my team for keeping the train running smoothly while I am away | 30 degree sunshine! | my car! I love driving it and she’s keeping me safe on my travels | friends letting me couch surf and break up my travels.

Not many places to stop and take photos of the breathtaking views as you’re heading towards Tahoe, but just like my Dad says about lotto tickets … all you need is one.

Until tomorrow!

#SoloRoadTrip …. #AlbertaBound

15 Thursday Jul 2021

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

family, life lessons, SoloRoadTrip

Before you get any crazy ideas, no, I’m not moving back to Canada. BUT, I am taking a #SoloRoadTrip from San Francisco to Edmonton!

Some people have asked me why I’m driving. Some have seemed confused as to why I’d do it alone. Most have expressed extreme enthusiasm and support and have asked me to share the journey.

So I’m dusting off my old blog, BeingSuperWoman, that I started years back and at a completely different time in my life …. but it has served me well over the years as a place to channel my inner creativity and occasionally, okay frequently, share snippets of my life and ponder (my) life’s bigger questions. I’ve left it unattended for a long time so I’m excited to dive back in!

Here is a my first video post!

Like, I think my first video post —ever (aside from the bucket challenge I did years back, but I didn’t video myself so I don’t think that counts). Hence, this is most likely, the first ever video I have ever self published 😆

Final Thoughts …

I HAVE to include Paul Brandt’s Alberta Bound — it just has to be played to get this road trip started!

My Tribe

27 Monday Jun 2016

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Inspiration, Life's Lessons

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Tags

commitment, family, friends, friendship, group, love, tribe, wierdos

A few years ago I read an article in a running magazine about the concept of a “Tribe”.  As soon as I read the words, they resonated … and I smiled knowing that I understood.

Tribe

Like anything in life, we can take a concept and create whatever we want from it. For me .. the concept of a Tribe has always been an evolution.  A decade ago I was introduced to the mindset of a personal “Board of Directors” …which I applied for many years until I read about the concept of a Tribe, which I liked much better than Board of Directors —- because it implied people are there beside you versus there above you.

So what … who … is a Tribe? 

Sometimes … your Tribe is your group of childhood friends that remember you as the geeky, not-so-polished, perhaps a little awkward kid … who wanted to hang out with you because he/she was just as geeky, with as much room for improvement as you!

Sometimes … your Tribe is a group of people that share your passion – for the things you love and support  … be it a sports team, a political movement or a personal commitment to a cause that extends beyond your individual capacity to make a difference.

Sometimes .. your Tribe is your morning run group … the men and women that are there at “O’dark hundred hours”, who keep you company as you wake up and face your greatest fears … or celebrate your smallest of successes.

Sometimes … your Tribe is simply your friend(s) that have your back. Period. They are there for you no matter what —- and they call, and text, and they show up like no one else ever could. Now those are good people.

Sometimes …  your Tribe can be a surprise — A person that you just met, that you share an amazing connection with and have endless amounts of things in common … Or it could be a new idea that takes shape and leads you into directions you didn’t know existed.   It could simply be something that thing makes you go …  huh?! … I like that … I want to be a part of that … I want to shape that … Perhaps I want to lead it.  Or maybe following is perfect too – but I want to make sure I’m not missing it!!

I believe your TRIBE is exactly what — and who — and how you want it to be … you might have to go looking for it … or it might fall into your lap. Either way works …. beautifully.

We can do a lot on our own, but with a Tribe, we are unstoppable.

Thanks to my Tribe. The concept is a growing evolution but you are all a constant rock of stability in my life. >> You all know who you are. 

Who is your TRIBE?

behind every successful women Tribe

 

 

{We Meet} Family

17 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Uncategorized

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Tags

auncle, aunt, busy schedules, cousin, family, father, grandparents, happiness, love, memories, mother, reunion, sister, tradition, weekends

Family.

It describes our history … where we are from … why we are how we are … what “features” we have.

It defines us today … those whom we’ve chosen to live with … grow with … start our own family with.

And it brings us pause when we think about the future … who will be with us … for how long … and how our own world will look as the years ahead turn into our reality.

tumblr_n7t18n3nYt1tqsy2vo1_1280

And no matter how old we are … we all have stories to tell about our families. Some good stories. Some sad ones. Others that make us laugh out loud. And some that we really want to forget.  Family is sort of a universal topic because we all have one or two … and if you’re lucky, you’ll have family under various definitions of the word.

But there is no denying it … family is family, period. And sometimes, it is up to us to make those relationships what we want them to be.

Twice this month I got to spend some time with my family and my extended family: Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Second cousins. Old. Young. … Sometimes the conversation was easy.  Other times you had to work at it. Sometimes the topic was deep and introspective. Other times it was surface level, like you just ran into an acquaintance at the grocery store.  But you know, I think that is OK. Family is like a kaleidoscope, or sometimes, maybe like the Northern Lights. Always changing. Beautiful.

So hard to capture but managed to get this shot of our magical Northern Lights. So glad we all decided to look up last night!

So hard to capture, but I managed to get this shot of our magical Northern Lights. So glad we all decided to look up last night!

So for just a moment, I’m going to talk about my family. Because I’m so proud of them. So glad I have them … So happy I get to call them my own.

I think what I like most is that my family is interested in my life. I don’t live close so I miss the chance to meet up for the little things and experience some of the big things … Hold little babies in your own arms … watch them grow into toddlers … and then into little human beings … Watch romances begin … turn into wedding bliss … and sometimes, be there when life doesn’t turn out as planned.

I remember having family reunions when I was little.  My parents were younger than I am today when they started.  But some of them stopped … or there was a longer break between them … or you were left in charge of organizing the next one and you didn’t get around to it (one of my life’s regrets).  But if I hadn’t had those early year experiences, I’m not sure I would be so keen to go to one nowadays.

But two weeks ago I went to a reunion on my mom’s side, which is held every two years. Sadly, I haven’t attended one previously. I’m not even sure when they started! But I know I haven’t attended one since moving away 16 years ago. Usually I’m the person that says I will drive for endless hours or across endless miles to see someone that is important to me .. but I missed these in the past. And after joining this one, you can bet I’ll have the future ones on my calendar for the years ahead.

And this past weekend we held our third annual “We Meet” family reunion on my dad’s side. It started just three years ago after we lost my aunt suddenly and both of my grandparents within one year.  All of grandparents lived LONG and healthy lives and I can only hope I have their genes! But they were here on this earth and with us for a long, long time and they taught us all so much that when we gather together, we can’t help but tell story after story about them. And you realize just how much their wisdom and their traditions have shaped all of our lives and how, now, the responsibility is on us.

So now WE are the ones that must take the torch and carry on with the family reunion tradition. To organize, and attend, and bring together the families. So cousins can get to know each other … gain invaluable memories that will no doubt, include a simpler time, … so we all remember how important it is to take a moment to listen, laugh and learn about what is happening in the lives of our important family members. …. The good news. The sad news. The laugh out loud stories from the past. The smiles when we first see each other. And the precious hugs we give to each family member until the next time {we meet}.

These weekends are not always convenient.  They are inevitably with conflicting calendars and invitations elsewhere … especially in today’s crazy busy world. They are also time consuming. A five-hour drive each way for most families  … and over eight hours for another family.  But, no one complains because we are all there because we choose to be. And that in-and-of-itself, is amazing. Because when you think about all of the pressures we have — you realize that everyone showed up was because it was their choice. And for that – I know how lucky I am and how special my family is.

IMG_0318

Little cousin M. Sitting around the campfire that just the evening before, had everyone laughing and sharing stories. With a tear in her precious little eye and I know a hole in her heart, she didn’t want the weekend to end. And neither did I. Until next time I see you little miss M. 

So until next year.

Will the same people come? Will more? I can’t wait to see the kids one year older! I can’t wait to catch up with some family members that I really just got to know this summer. I can’t wait to spend five hours in the car with my mom, dad and sister … really.  I can’t wait to hear about what everyone has been up to. To laugh together. To cry if needed. And to give everyone a big smile and say – hey there family, I’ve missed you .. how are you?  And to embrace each and every one of them as we say our good-byes with the best hug I can give, until {we meet} again.

“The House That Built Me”

10 Thursday Apr 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Family, Life's Lessons, Love

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disappointment, family, farm, friends, growing up, inspiration, life lessons, love, Lyrics, Miranda Lambert, priceless, ski-dooing, snowmobiling, The House That Built Me

The other day I had the opportunity to introduce “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert to two special people. This song has to be one of my top three songs ever. Actually, if I think about it, it is more like my favorite song of all time because of the deep connection I feel with it.

It’s not often that I introduce it to someone and they “get it”. Sadly, when I’ve been so excited about sharing this small insight into who I am with friends, loved ones or strangers, they have mostly displayed little enthusiasm or connection. And it can be SO discouraging – when you care about someone and you really want them to “get you” — and they respond with something like “it’s nice … so what’s for dinner?”.

So what’s the song about that I love it and make desperate attempts to have those in my life understand it (and me)?

Well, it has a very literal and figurative meaning for me. I like to think it was written from a real life experience and the writers were compelled to put pen to paper because of the difficult moment they were going through. If they didn’t – well they at least described my life pretty well. Since we all interpret words and experiences differently, I guess that’s the reason why it’s hard to find someone who understands it in the same way as I do. But the other night was surprisingly different. Finally, I shared it with someone who understood the piece inside of me that I really wanted them to “get”.

I grew up in a very small town that was extremely remote and hundreds of miles away from what most people my age had surrounding them. I was raised on a farm in Northern Alberta and “The House That Built Me” was literally the house that my father built and we lived in growing up on the farm. But the story isn’t as much about the physical house — it is more so about all that surrounded the house that played an instrumental role in who I have become as a person. Turns out this small remote farming town, with a Latitude of 58°N and a Longitude of 117°W, and a population of around 1,200 at the time, and winter temperatures often in the -30 to -40° Celsius, well it turns out … it had to lot to offer.

Looking back – I’m extremely grateful for my childhood – and especially the experience that the farm provided me. (I’d be remiss if I gave all of the credit to the farm and not to my wonderful parents — who always provided a loving, safe and thankfully, a very humble upbringing). But I have some great and unique memories from my childhood — watching calves being born and life created in an instant, Easter Egg hunts amongst the bales at the cow yard, going ski-dooing until our face was so frozen that you had to give in and go into the house to warm up, learning how to drive by the age of 11 and being able to take dinner to my dad {by.myself.I’ll.add} while he was harvesting late into the evening, and oh all of the fun times keeping myself entertained with a simple mud puddle. These life experiences, turned values, were (as I now know), priceless.

BUT it was not without some challenges. And the day I moved away … I was so happy and I vowed silently to my 15 year old self that I would never – ever – EVER – return to the town. You remember how traumatic life can be as a teenager, right?

Over the years I have, of course, matured and in addition to moving far away, I have been fortunate to have opportunities that have expanded my mind and way of thinking. And it has made me more appreciative for all of the challenges and disappointments along the way. I look back and it’s certainly not the past that I would have wanted to write about … but alas, it is the one that is being written.

So ever since I heard “The House that Built Me”, it’s been the comfort that I’ve needed to get past the brokenness … the failed marriages … the feelings of being alone (even when self-imposed) … the separation that comes from leaving family and having friends walk away …. and the severe disappointment knowing that all that I might have wanted in my life, might never come to fruition.

The lyrics read “You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can … I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am” has been so true for me. In general we let too many people, things and situations re-define us and shift our way of thinking that we forget about how strong we are … and how sometimes, what or where we are in life, is a result of doing our best and being determined to not give up – regardless how disruptive the path has been. And sometimes, we need to embrace the wonderful things that are right in front of us, without questioning or worrying so much about timing or right versus wrong, or what others might say.

I went back to this town a few years back. I did it with my Dad and got to hear story after story about life on the farm and his recollection of life back then … and that experience in-and-of-itself, was beyond amazing. Much had, of course, changed in 25 years but some things really didn’t. And there were friends and families there that I used to go to school with – ride the bus with – build ice sculptures with – and spend my time with from the age of zero until 15. And that was pretty cool.

We don’t get to write our story before it happens. Sometimes life is quite frankly unfair. People disappoint us and delight us at the most inopportune times. And we survive. We forgive. Or we move on and forget. Hopefully — when you remember back to the house that built you — and you look to the house that you live in today — you see some resemblance and can find appreciation and strength in the person you’ve become and the small mark you’ll leave on this world.

Oh, and for those two special people that heard the song and appreciated the lyrics … thank you – for seeing beyond the words, and into the house.

The house where I grew up. Albeit it looks a little different now.

The house where I grew up. August 2012. 

The House That Built Me Lyrics

I know they say, you can’t go home again
. Well, I just had to come back one last time
. And Ma’am, I know, you don’t know me from Adam
. But these hand prints on the front steps are mine.

Up those stairs, in that little back bedroom, is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar. 
And I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
, my favorite dog is buried in the yard.

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
, this brokenness inside me might start healing. 
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself.

If I could just come in, I swear I’ll leave
. Won’t take nothing but a memory. 
From the house that built me.

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years. 
From “Better Homes and Garden” magazine. 
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
 and nail by nail and board by board
, Daddy gave life to mama’s dream.

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it, this brokenness inside me might start healing
. Out here it’s like I’m someone else 
I thought that maybe I could find myself.

If I could just come in, I swear I’ll leave
. Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me.

You leave home, you move on 
and you do the best you can. 
I got lost in this whole world aAnd forgot who I am

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
, this brokenness inside me might start healing
. Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself. If I could walk around, I swear I’ll leave.

Holding nothing but a memory
, from the house that built me.

Watch The House That Built Me Video

 

 

Favorite Traditions

18 Tuesday Mar 2014

Posted by Joanne Fedeyko in Family, Inspiration

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Tags

family, holidays, love, st. patrick's day, traditions

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I admit, it’s not exactly the kind of day that encourages a long list of traditions (other than maybe wearing green and drinking beer – which are of course, great traditions), but it reminded me how fun having traditions are and I wanted to inspire my readers to share their favorites or start their own.

I myself do not have a lot of traditions but it’s been on my New Year’s Resolution list for some time. Sort of nerdy I know but “Start New Traditions” is, IMO, a very good resolution. Why? Because the tradition doesn’t have to be big – it can be ambiguous so I can make it whatever I want – and it lives on year after year. So it’s like the gift that keeps on giving!

A dear friend of mine has LOADS of traditions … events with grade school friends, college friends, law school buddies, people he met when he lived abroad, or clubs he’s associated with now. It seems like every time we have lunch I learn about yet another tradition or hear great stories about the ones that keep going (reminds me of the famous Ever Ready Bunny – his traditions keep going … and going).

ebunny

 

Side note – cute image huh?! 🙂 Amazing what you can find on Google!

So be it a new tradition to go along with a holiday, a birthday, a milestone, or the ones I love the most … for no reason at all … I encourage you to think about adding a new tradition to your life. It could be “Friday Night Pizza and Laundry” … just make sure it makes you smile inside and feel good about keeping the tradition going.

As for the new tradition I said I would start back on February 14th …. I’m reminding you to give yourself (and others) some love. Because none of us know how long we will be here, and when we see news stories such as the Malaysia Flight 370 … we should all take a moment to kiss our parents, hug our children and find quiet moments to love ourselves.

My thoughts go out to the families of those on Flight 370. May we learn the truth very soon about what happened to the 239 passengers and crew on the flight.

MALAYSIA-CHINA-VIETNAM-MALAYSIAAIRLINES-TRANSPORT-ACCIDENT

Recent Posts

  • #Solo(Return)RoadTrip
  • Enjoying the ‘rents
  • #SoloRoadTrip – Final Day
  • #SoloRoadTrip – Day 12
  • #SoloRoadTrip – Day 11

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