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3 'ii'; a. E _ r. i T 'siGo; c K 5.i I 'ii-IO s n (he (mimic. it limb OliLr " regular le- mumh calendar, But on the inside, in a woman's key in achieving balance in her life, Goal-setting calendar helps women find balance That's how Dealiny Designs founders loanne Atkins and Sarah Milton describe their answer to a heme lifestyle. The "Friends Inspiring Friends" calendar. rutingly named after the business partners' close friendship. is a unique goal-setting tool that's peaking interest in women across the nation. "We decided to aim the calendar at women because women are the ones who seem to have the most trou- ble Juggling their lives to achieve balance." said Mil- ton. "We [Milttin and Atkins) were talking and we realized that we only had enough time to work and sleep. “This is a way for Women to be more productive." The concept of a goal- setting calendar blossomed from a friendly challenge hetween Atkins and Milton over two years ago. The women encouraged each other to sel monthly goals, and met at the end of each month to share a check-list of which goals were achieved. "One month we'd encour age each other to read a book," Atkins said. "Having that encouragement was very motivating." And so were the happy face stickers the women agreed to put next to every accomplishment. During a lunch-hour nul- ing to buy more stickers. the wheels in her head started naming "I was amazed how inspired I was for a happy face sticker," Atkins said with a laugh. Ht just occurred to me hnw excited nlher women could hr "ver being able to arrumplish their goals." she said, - 'Friends inspiring friends' she. hmughl the ide2 In BY AVImu Bum t hmm. le may! _ Aha the result is hanging on refrigerators and door- ways across Canada. Milton, who was immediate- ly supportive. - Sarah Milton (left) and Joanne Atkins. co-founders of Destiny Designs, proudly display their 2004 "Friends Inspiring Friends" goal-setting calendar. Each month has a differ- em theme with goal sugges- lions that correspond with what most people are inter- ested in at that time of year. Other themes throughout the year include Little Peo- ple and Random Acts of Kindness. with emphasis on doing something nice for someone else, Gardening and Personal Growth. and Home Decorating, Ianuary's theme is Fitness and Finance. followed by Health and Beauty in Febru- Atkins paid close atten- tion In December's theme of Good Deeds and Reflections. which encourages women to play good habits for the for lowing year. "What's nice is the themes each month can be applied lhmughout the year." Milton said. "The themes encourage women m think outside the box. And we've put a real emphasis on fun. family and friends because making time for those things is definitely important." LIFESTYLE Both women agreed the calendar's popularity is growing by leaps and bounds Groups of women called Destiny Chicks have formed to serve as a support system. encouraging each other to fulfill their objectives and share ideas. "We don't actually regis- ter the groups so there's probably more of them out there than we think." Milton said. "That's something we're looking to start doing on our Web site, just so we can see how much (popularity) is growing-" The Weh site also offers inspirational stories, an opportunity In buy the cal- endar, and Random Acts of Kindness cards that can he downloaded and passed an to others when a good deed was very motivating. " - Joanne Atkins raft)" nder of I km n y Designs "Having that encouragement “It's our way of being community minded." Atkins said. is done. Atkins and Milton have been asked to present their venture at upcoming semi- nars. And plans are already underway fur next year's cal- endar. "The themes will be slightly modified, and we‘ll be bringing in some other suggestions," Milton said. Em Milton assured, the inspirational message will remain strong. "The synergy that's been created through women see- ing other womengccom- plishing their goals, and the empowerment they feel, is contagious. said Atkins. _ "This kind of goal-setting makes everything seem pos- sible." Milton added_"Break- ing larger goals into smaller steps makes them seem more achievahle'" "Arid knowing that we're touching people through paper is just angling" The "Friends Inspiring Friends" calendar is avail- able at the Destiny Designs Web site. www.destiny- chicUxom, and at Chapters, Indigo and Coles bookstores. The event will be a fun, interactive workshop for parents. grandparents and caregivers of children in Kindergarten to Grade 3. The workshop will explore how to keep learning fun and grow a reader. The Project READ Literacy Network will be holding Literacy is a Family Affair-Next Steps Wurkshop, Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 pun _ The workshop will be held at Preuter public school [Hreipthaupt Park Arena), 40 Pruner Ave.. in Kitchen- er. Admission is free, however pre-registration is required. Call 570-3054 for more information. The topic will be Photography in the Garden with guest speaker Maryanne Weller. a master gardener. The event will be held in the Community room and there is no price for admission. The Waterloo Horticultural Society will be holding an event at the Adult Recreation Centre. 185 King St. s.. Friday at7:30 pm. - A - _ _ The Central Ontario Orchid Society will be holding its monthly meeting. Monday from 7-9 pm. (doors open at 6:30 pm). at St. Joseph's Church (lower hall). located at Courtland and Madison Avenue in Kitch- ener. The meeting will include speakers. seminars, demonstrations. a library of information. sales tables. orchid supplies. a raffle, good company and a show table full of orchids in bloom. The cost is free for members, however visitors are always welcome and can obtain membership for $15, which includes a newsletter. For more information. call 634-5540. The Central Chinese Cultural Centre will hold events to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Saturday from ll arm. to 3 p.m. at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. The festival Will celebrate the year of the monkey with food. live performances, crafts and displays. There will be no price for admission. Free weekly computer workshops will be held for unemployed or underemployed individuals who are looking for work. To register or for more information. call ipk3-2to2, ext, Cgiii5. The' workshops will focus on the resume. cover let ter. Microsoft Word and Internet job searching. Free computer workshops Celebrate Chinese NewYear at Rec Complex Lesson on 'Photography in the garden' Workshop promotes family literacy Orchids bloom at monthly meeting