Contest: I Think I Can, I Think I Can
Posted on 25. Oct, 2008 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in Inspirations, Outdoors
During the past year, we left our city life and moved into the country. We have learned so much, and I’ve been amazed at what we–two untrained, able-bodied, average-sized people–have been able to accomplish.
When we realized our steep roof needed to be re-shingled, Cameron stated with conviction that we could do it ourselves. I, on the other hand, didn’t believe that we could do it. I truly thought that there was no possible way we could get up there by ourselves to accomplish such a feat. But we did.
Similarly, when we realized that we’d need a substantial amount of firewood to see us through the upcoming winter, Cameron stated with conviction that we’d be able to cut all the wood we needed from our own land. Similarly, I didn’t believe him.
Wood is our only heat source, so that means we need a lot of of firewood. We’re not lumberjacks, and I really couldn’t envision us being able to haul enough wood with our own hands.
Oh sure, I humoured him a little. When he’d talk about cutting wood, I’d smile tightly and say, “We’ll see what happens.” But inside my cold little heart, I figured that we’d end up buying most of our wood.
But once again, he proved me wrong.
Like anything else, it all started with baby steps.
There were the first few logs.
Then we started to get serious.
And Cameron’s skills with the chainsaw grew.
And day after day, the piles kept growing.
Until finally, we suddenly realized that we’d cut enough. It’s a pretty strange and magical feeling to realize that all your tiny trips and baby steps have taken you where you wanted to get to. Do you know what I mean?
I’d love it if you, dear reader, shared a related story. Leave any thoughts in the comment box below.
To help sweeten the pot, we’ll be randomly selecting a commenter from this entry to win another $25 Chapters gift card. More info about contest rules can be found here. The winner will be announced next Saturday.
Have you ever accomplished something you thought was near impossible, only to one day realize that…you’d done it?
[This contest is now closed. The winner was announced here.]
Kerry
Oct 25th, 2008
We, like you, accomplished our dream of moving to PEI, by selling our house, quitting our jobs (well, I quit mine, husband retired), leaving our families and all things familiar and taking a chance that we could make a new life here and love it.
So far, so good. We have no regrets about leaving our old life behind. In fact, our lives are better now. I have left the stress of a highly demanding job and a 45 minute commute for life in the country and a part time job ten minutes away. My dog can run free in the fields behind our house instead of being driven to a park to play. We love it here.
Luclaire
Oct 25th, 2008
I never ever thought that I’d be able to finish university. I remember taking my first few classes and thinking that Id never, ever, ever be able to make it through my entire program. And then four years later I did. It feels weird to look back on how I felt at the beginning compared to the end.
Nicole
Oct 26th, 2008
In April, I began guesstimating how many bricks it would take to cover our porch and then, the walkway between the porch and our driveway.
As you say, the “babysteps” began with the first load of about 160 bricks.
There would be many more such trips before I put the first bricks in place two months later. For the next 11 weeks, the porch and walkway became an obsession.
Rain plagued me. But I persisted. Every weekend. Every holiday. Every day of vacation. Even when I got home from work, I’d spend the hours ’til it was too dark to see laying bricks.
A ton and a quarter of gravel — hauled home in bags — a half ton of sand and countless bags of mortar. Hefting 50- and 60-pound bags at a time. Hands and fingers shredded by the bricks and the concrete of the porch. But once the walking surface of the porch was covered, it all seemed worth it.
The turning point came when I started the walkway. It was July. It was hotter than hell itself. (100 degrees plus). I used a sledgehammer, a set of prybars and a pickax to break it up and then haul it out back. It took two days. Halfway through the first day, I was ready to quit. But I kept going.
My reward for busting up five- or six-inch concrete? Digging out the trench that was left, shoring up its sides, flattening its base and filling it with gravel. Then sand. And more sand. Then mortar. And finally, bricks!
On Aug. 31, I laid the final bricks in place. I was tired and sore. Too exhausted to really enjoy the accomplishment. The next day though, I tapdanced down every inch of that walkway.
It’s been almost two months now. I still grin every time I walk in or out of the front door …
Gary Gray
Oct 26th, 2008
My greatest challenge occurred a little more than six years ago in August of 2002. A Stroke struck like a bolt of lightning as the result of a blood vessel rupturing deep in the central part of my brain. This unexpected event caused my body to lapse into a three week coma and paralyzed my entire dominant Left side. (I was Left Handed)
Of the many challenges presented by the proceeding event I found that not having the ability to use a writing instrument to communicate or to even sign my name to be the one that gave me the greatest disappointment.
Over the past six years I have quite slowly but steadily (step by step) practiced using my Right hand to sign my name, make short notes when required, practice, practice, practice until now I can communicate again through use of the pen using my Right hand.
Hooray!!! Another triumph as a stroke survivor.
Laura-Jane (lady of the wood) and Cam (master woodsman) I have to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your Whimfield blog.
You surely deserve to be commended both on your blog and your marvelous adventure. I look forward to each new post as the adventure continues.
I trust that your new stove and your great piles of split and stacked fire wood will keep you warm in your insulated and renovated farmhouse this winter…Congratulations on all of your many successes.
Welcome to Prince Edward Island.
Smiles :o)
Gary
Mariah
Oct 26th, 2008
Laura-Jane and Cameron,
I happened to come upon your blog after reading that you had spent months living in your car and was enjoying also reading about your Renovation Adventures. I’m very impressed with all the work you have accomplished. Wish I lived there so I could help ya! It looks like a very beautiful place.
Mariah
Utah, USA
C.
Oct 26th, 2008
I lost just under fifty pounds. Hehehehe. I sure didn’t think I could do that, but i did. I’m starting to gain a bit back now, but what can you do
Jenn
Oct 27th, 2008
I wasn’t sure I could ever do it again…but I fell in love. I over came an abussive first marriage to an alcoholic. I was blind to his disease as he kept it hidden from me. Shortly after we married it came out slowly. My family and friends saw it immediately, but I, too blind from what I thought was love. I wanted to believe it would pass and think the best of him. He couldn’t keep a job, and the little money I did have he squandered away on alcohol and cigarettes. He pawned many of my possessions for money to support his drinking habbit, one time asking if he could use my wedding ring. My heart sank into cold isolation, I pulled away from my family because I was ashamed, I had few friends for the same reason. Then it happened. He hit rock bottom and hit me. I left him but returned after he promised to get help, went to AA, anger management but slowly I saw the signs begining again. I shared his orange pop one day only to find it was spiked with almost 70% alcohol. One more time he physically hurt me. I left for good. I was never in such a bad place. I didn’t trust anyone, and feared I would remain alone for my cynical mind set that I had taken on. I had a great family to fall back on and never left my side. My friends too helped me through it…none of them ever saying I told you so. However, they would have been completely entitled to. In 2006 I took a chance on a guy that took an interest and since that day we have been together happily. We recently just bought our first home together and look forward to growing old together. I never thought I would trust again but not only do I trust my partner, he is my very best friend, and love him with all that I have. :)
Francine
Oct 27th, 2008
After 2 failed attempts, I learned how to drive standard. My brother tried to teach me when I was 16, a boyfriend tried while I was in University. No go.
I finally (many years later), paid a driving school that specializes in teaching standard – and success! I’m still more comfortable driving an automatic, but at least I know I can do it!
C Lucuik
Oct 27th, 2008
The toughest thing I ever had to do was hold on to faith when my son took ill and we were told by the doctors that he may not make it. We took him into the Emergency room at our local children’s hospital (he’s 13) with what we thought was a flu/virus. We were quickly told that his immune system was attacking his body and his organs were shutting down. For 48 hours he remained in critical condition in the icu before an angel of a doctor recognized the symptoms of a disease called HLH. She immediately began a treatment plan and we were told to take it one hour at a time. After another 48 long hours in icu, his body began responding to the medication and his labs slowly started improving. Three months later and he’s returning to a normal life.
The experience has taught me the importance of family, how delicate our time is and the strength from within.
Lisha
Oct 27th, 2008
After 11 surgeries due to ulcerative colitis a digestive disorder I now have a permanent ileostomy (bag). I never though I couuld get into a two piece swimsuit again. I’ve done it and I even go swimming. I totally accept myself.
Kay Abbott
Oct 27th, 2008
I did correspondence courses for 7 years along with working full time and raising 3 kids to receive my CGA designation.
Intensev5
Oct 27th, 2008
I raised my children while attending University to get my degree in education. I entered University when we already had one daughter by the time I completed my degree we had three children. I never thought I could balance and manage it but I did!!!
GARRY
Oct 27th, 2008
I built a deck all by myself and I have never built anything in my life. I can’t afford to hire someone to do it because it costs 4 times the amount. I saved up all my money to buy some lumber each week, and then I went online and taught myself how to build a deck with stairs. It took me the summer to do it all by myself. However it looks great. I saved a lot of money. I even attached a swing for my daughter attached under the deck. It’s nice and strong. I am very proud of myself.
sharon travis
Oct 27th, 2008
I was so afraid to drive a car and I thought that learning how to drive would be impossible.
Samantha
Oct 27th, 2008
My husband and I spent the last two months before our wedding a province away from each other. We’re very close, and we don’t like being away from each other at the best of times. Then both of his grandparents fell ill and passed away within 10 days of each other and within a month of our wedding day. There was a lot of heartache- with all of this happening, with us being away from each other, and with a wedding coming up.
But everyone pulled through, the wedding was lovely, and we made special arrangements to make everyone’s feel as though my husbands grandparents were with us that day – and I’m sure in their own way, they were.
Lisa Stuparyk
Oct 27th, 2008
I finished my BA finally, after working on it, off and on between children, for 23 years.
Shari D
Oct 27th, 2008
When I was thirty I went back to school. I never thought I would be able to graduate as I had a husband and two young sons at home. I managed to graduate in spite of homework for all three of us, housework and studying for tests. I received an award, and, it was a very proud moment for me.
barb derick
Oct 27th, 2008
I had two great ideas for inventions and finally got up the nerve and sent them in to Lee Valley tools. I am waiting to hear about their assessment. I would have never considered doing that even thinking like that a few years back. I am really excited.
Aliya Daya
Oct 27th, 2008
I had resolved in 2004 to give back to my community by volunteering my time in some way or form. At the time, I was employed full-time and also a full-time student in university (90+ hours a week!), not to mention responsibilities at home.
But I joined a weekend mentoring/homework help/education furthering program that had me working with 9/10 year old children. I would create lesson plans, gather materials, and implement and teach my lessons to a class of 12+ students every single Saturday for that entire year. It was exhausting as the volunteering involved an additional 11 hours a week. I barely had time to eat, sleep or any thing else; I don’t think I saw my family and friends that entire year.
What I discovered was this resolved and strenght in myself to do something good even though it exhausted me; the cause was greater then the energy and time expended because I received so much in return. I have since been doing this for the last four years and I have loved it.
jenn
Oct 27th, 2008
falling in love again
Sharon W
Oct 28th, 2008
One of the hardest battles I had was leaving a unhealthy relationship and after years of tying I finely was able to walk away. Now because of that, i managed to snag one of the best friends a girl could ever ask for, My husband.
Caroline Morin
Oct 28th, 2008
Despite suffering from long-term depression and being made home-bound by an anxiety disorder, I was able to take a trip to Japan.
Maureen
Oct 28th, 2008
I learned how to play the piano……awesome!
Laura Haros
Oct 28th, 2008
After many years of suffering multiple illnesses, which I am still currently overcoming, and 17 major surgeries, I was at my wits end, in a deep depression, and felt as though the world was not on my side, and that I would never, ever overcome any of this, that it was all hopeless, and had lost all faith. The, I began thinking more positively, began seeking treatment with a psycdhologist to have someone to talk to on how I can deal with things better, a little exercise each day for energy, and the support of famliy and great friends, I am doing much better now, and know that things can’t get any worse, they can only get better, my self esteem has improved, and I have an overall better outlook on life. I have accomplished what I in th past thought would be impossible, and am proud of myself for dealing with this all in a better, more positive way! :)
Minda
Oct 28th, 2008
When I was in my early 20’s, I had my mind set that I never wanted to have any children. I enjoyed my life of travel, love, adventure and spontaneity. My boyfriend at the time felt the same way about children because he had already had a daughter. Well, 7 years after dating, I got pregnant. I was scared and did not know what to do. I broke the news to my boyfriend after the doctor had confirmed my biggest fear. His reaction? “We have to take care of this right away. Let’s go right now, right this second.” I was shocked that he would actually suggest such a thing. Well that wasn’t the end of it. After crying and talking for an hour, he quickly realized there was a chance that I would keep this baby growing inside me. His final plea for me to get rid of it was “if you have this baby, I will quit my job and disappear off the face of the earth”. Just then the phone rang and he went to get it. I quickly grabbed my bags and started heading towards the door. You know what he said? He said that if I left, and kept this baby, I’d be throwing away 8 years of our lives together. I sobbed, opened the door and didn’t look back. I left him. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do up until then.
My son is now 7 years old. His father did in fact, quit his job and disappear off the face of the earth. Although it is very difficult at times, and even though I cried for the entire pregnancy, I had the help of my family, the support of my friends, and the love of a new boyfriend. I overcame the most difficult time of my life, and ever since then I just don’t sweat the small stuff. Bringing a child into this world all alone is bigger than anything I could have ever done. Now instead of sacrificing everything I used to do, I allow my son to experience the world, I take him wherever I go, and we do things that other kids have never had the opportunity to do. I have worked very hard and am very fortunate in that I am able to support both of us and still be able to do those wonderful fantastic things such as travel and live life to it’s absolute fullest. I know I can!
Allison
Oct 28th, 2008
When I was 22 years old the economy in Canada was not doing that well; at least that was the way it seemed to me when I tried to get a “real” job after graduating from university.
After trying for about 8 months, and working 3 part-time jobs but still having no money, I contacted the Chinese embassy in Ottawa and asked for a list of universities there. When they sent it to me I wrote letters of application to teach to 20 or so of the universities on the list. I spoke a little Mandarin (thank God for languages classes at university- I was ready to ask anybody “where is the library?” – helpful, I know). I got responses from 12 of the universities offering me positions.
On the 31st of August, 1997 I left, by myself, not knowing a single person there for Beijing. I think I hesitated about getting on the plane about 6 times. My parents kept saying I didn’t have to go. I knew though that I did have to go.
I had a contract for a year and loved it so much there that I stayed for 5. I still love China and miss living there. Moving there was terrifying but you don’t get great things in life by staying home, right? I also became fluent in Mandarin while I was there but I never did have to ask anybody where the library was.
krista
Oct 28th, 2008
I solved the Rubik’s Cube!!!! Now I routinely solve it several times a day during commercials!
Julie
Oct 29th, 2008
When I found myself expecting at age 19 with the father being awol and generally a pain in the butt, I never thought I could manage being a mom when everyone else I knew was partying and doing school. Now, almost 12 years later I look back and am so glad I never gave up and fought through all the doubt and fear.
Jackie
Oct 29th, 2008
I never thought I could leave me current job for another, but applied around and found something amazing! I start in 2 weeks!
np1978
Oct 29th, 2008
I did a two year long distance relationship where we were on different continents and 8000 miles apart! We have now been living in the same city for two years and are getting married next year!
dee
Oct 30th, 2008
I’m enjoying your blog. Do you know that you should only use one piece of green wood for every 3-4 seasoned logs ? be careful and stay warm
Dan Rugg
Oct 31st, 2008
I built a hardwood floor through out a 1300 sq foot house and painted all the walls in a weekend had to have it done before my wife and child came home and they absolutely love it.
erin
Oct 31st, 2008
I’ve done a lot in the past year, that I never thought I’d be able to do. I got on my feet as a newly single mother, started university and lost over 100 lbs. I didn’t think I’d be successful at any of it, but I’ve been able to surprise myself.