My BFF gave me some good advice today. It's her warm words that not only brought a sigh of relief, but a genuine smile.
And I'm going to heed her words. Tonight I'm going to press pause, slow down, stop and smell the flowers and enjoy some quiet time with my man.
No worries of work.
No stress of my homework to get to.
No anxiousness of getting stuff done around the apartment.
Nope. Tonight is a pause, reflect and enjoy my love kinda night.
Thank you BFF for the reminder.
Moments riled up with a million and one things to do.
Moments when you realize what things are most important on your list.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Moments D646: Post Quiz Revelations
Today was not an easy day. I haven't been feeling well. I have also been trying to get back into the swing of school and failing miserably at finding my groove. My mind has been filled with work "to dos" and my body and mind have been too tired to really dig into extra work or school readings. Not a good combination given that I had my first quiz this evening in class.
Fortunately, I was spaced out enough that I didn't really stress too much about my first quiz. It was only worth 10% of my final mark. No problem. I can swallow that and make up for it if I need to. (right?) It was okay that I hadn't read all my chapters. I had my class notes and had walked through the problems assigned to me. I should be able to survive the quiz and that would be good enough. (right?)
Good enough. What? A year ago I would have been really stressed over the missed readings and extra time devoted to thoroughly understanding the material before this quiz. Not tonight. No, not tonight. Who the heck am I?
It's one thing to logically talk yourself into "this is okay" and another thing entirely to believe it once you walk away from that conversation. (In my case, a conversation with myself!) And I wasn't entirely convinced that I was believing that it was okay until today's moment happened.
Today's moment happened just after meeting up with EQ, Comic Guy and Archie for a late dinner and drink. I really was okay with the fact that I likely didn't do well on this quiz. I believed it. It wasn't just lip service. It was that moment when I admitted to Archie that I was okay even though I'm certain that my quiz did not go well. That moment that was the tiniest of blips in my day, but it was a significant one looking back on it.
Instead we sat and had big meaningful life changing conversations. It was incredible and empowering.
That said, you know it means that I'm not going to fight like hell to do much, much better on the rest of my tests in this class, but for this moment, I was okay with "good enough".
Moments recognizing self-growth.
Moments knowing (and believing) that the golf balls in your life really are more important.
Fortunately, I was spaced out enough that I didn't really stress too much about my first quiz. It was only worth 10% of my final mark. No problem. I can swallow that and make up for it if I need to. (right?) It was okay that I hadn't read all my chapters. I had my class notes and had walked through the problems assigned to me. I should be able to survive the quiz and that would be good enough. (right?)
Good enough. What? A year ago I would have been really stressed over the missed readings and extra time devoted to thoroughly understanding the material before this quiz. Not tonight. No, not tonight. Who the heck am I?
It's one thing to logically talk yourself into "this is okay" and another thing entirely to believe it once you walk away from that conversation. (In my case, a conversation with myself!) And I wasn't entirely convinced that I was believing that it was okay until today's moment happened.
Today's moment happened just after meeting up with EQ, Comic Guy and Archie for a late dinner and drink. I really was okay with the fact that I likely didn't do well on this quiz. I believed it. It wasn't just lip service. It was that moment when I admitted to Archie that I was okay even though I'm certain that my quiz did not go well. That moment that was the tiniest of blips in my day, but it was a significant one looking back on it.
Instead we sat and had big meaningful life changing conversations. It was incredible and empowering.
That said, you know it means that I'm not going to fight like hell to do much, much better on the rest of my tests in this class, but for this moment, I was okay with "good enough".
Moments recognizing self-growth.
Moments knowing (and believing) that the golf balls in your life really are more important.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Moments D645: Checkerboards
Sometimes all you need is a crazy cupboard setup to make you smile. Today, when I went to grab something from the pantry, this is what I found:
Yes. That's right. I have black toilet paper. EQ took the time to set it up in a checkerboard in the pantry.
How awesome is that?
What a great little smile to come home to.
Moments of surprise.
Moments that make you smile for no real reason!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Moments D644: "I love you like.....
.....Captain Crunch cereal loves milk."
Enough said.
Moments that bring a smile enjoying a silly moment with your love.
Moments knowing just how deeply you are loved.
Enough said.
Moments that bring a smile enjoying a silly moment with your love.
Moments knowing just how deeply you are loved.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Moments D643: Napping
Today, after a day like yesterday, was supposed to be a big reading day for my winter semester class.
But, it wasn't long before I realized that I wasn't going to be able to properly focus and absorb information with the aching brain I had.
Instead of homework, EQ and I headed out for a little pampering. My typical nail salon is closed for renovations, so we ventured a little deeper into the Beach and found Fresh Nails.
What a gem! We may even have a new location now for our manicures and pedicures! Danny was a hoot!
I would have thought, after getting out for a manicure and a pedicure that I would have been found some energy to dive into my school readings. No, not so.
Shortly after arriving home, I sat on the couch with EQ to chat about the rest of the evening's plans. Within moments I had fallen asleep. Apparently my old bones needed the break (no pun intended!) because an hour later I found myself being guided to bed to continue my nap more comfortably.
I slept for three hours in total. That's a pretty long nap in my books!
What a nap it was! Apparently I needed it. My head was no longer pounding and I felt more alive again.
And that was my smile for the day. Coming out of a three hour "nap", I was feeling better. It wasn't productive, but it was exactly what I needed.
Moments giving in to what your body is calling for.
Moment realizing that your health and well-being are the most important thing, everything else stems from that solid base.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Moments D642: Christmas in January
There are days when it is not easy to get out of bed.
Today was one of those days.
There are days when the weight of the world around you feels to be too much to bear.
Today was one of those days.
There are days when your mind is simply unable to deal with one more choice.
Today was one of those days.
There are days when your body says "Take a break girl."
Today was one of those days.
Today was a slow starting day and though I wasn't feeling the best, I was very much looking forward to seeing BFF for the first time in 7.5 weeks. Not only was I in great need for a big hug, I knew she had been cooking up a storm. There was no way I was missing tonight's dinner.
Tonight was our Christmas dinner. BFF promised me before I left that she would keep all of her Christmas decorations up until we had a chance to do our Christmas together. It was an incredibly sweet gesture. Tonight, being with my "chosen family", celebrating the meaning of the holidays was exactly what the doctor ordered. Love, laughter and good food. That soothes a soul.
Our Christmas dinner was incredible. Not only were the decorations up, but BFF cooked us a full turkey dinner. But honestly, it wasn't so much the amazing food (which was indeed amazing! The pictures below will prove it!), it was the love and support I found myself surrounded in. That's what it is all about.
Moments feeling like you'd rather stay in bed with the covers over your head all day.
Moments realizing that sharing those feelings with loved ones help ease the pain.
An amazing Christmas dinner with two amazing souls:
Friday, January 24, 2014
Moments D641: Push Pins
Yes, really! Today's moment is about push pins. What can I say, they caught me off guard after an insanely busy day in the office.
So busy, that not only didn't I leave my office all day, I barely left my desk. So busy and focused on getting through things that I didn't even notice that I hadn't eaten my lunch (brought from home) until nearly 4 pm. At that point, I ate my apple and kept ploughing through, right until the lights were turned out on me. (Yes, we are "kicked out" at 6 pm now that we're part of the retail store, no late nights in the office allowed!)
Suffice it to say, it wasn't an easy day.
But, if ever a day to avoid going outside, it was today. It was a silly cold day, with biting winter winds. I knew this. I had heard the complains all afternoon. On my way to the car, I decided that instead of walking around to the parking lot outside, my typcial route, I would take the warmer shortcut through the condo building. I rarely ever walk to my car this way, but today's weather begged of it.
And there they were, on the condo clear-of-news news board. White push pins arranged in a hand-sized heart with a single red push pin dead centre. Even my amped-up-post-work-anxious self, in that moment, making my mad dash past the news board, couldn't help but smile.
It was a perfect way to shed some of the energy from the day and re-focus on the coming weekend.
Moments noticing that someone took the time to send a smile.
Moments pausing to enjoy that simple smile.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Moments D640: Removing Objects
Okay. I'll admit it. I'm an Excel geek. Yes. That's right. Microsoft Excel. I have even had a friend once create a fake booklet of "Excel for Dummies" with me on the cover dressed up as a teacher.
Seriously. I know. It's bad. Please. Stop laughing.
Between work and school, I do much in the world of Excel and for the most part, I know a lot of short cuts and tricks that are obscure and rarely helpful.
But once in awhile, I am stumped and I need to use the {gasp} help feature built into the program.
Today, I found myself wondering how to remove objects (images, check boxes, etc.) imported into a spreadsheet that were unnecessary in my file. Sure you can delete them manually, but what the heck do you do if there are hundreds of objects to deal with? Manually delete them all? No way. There had to be an easier way. The help feature failed me. Really? Was it not possible? No. That couldn't be.
And then I found it. Within seconds of googling "remove objects from Excel spreadsheet" I found this. Three seconds later all 200+ objects in my spreadsheet vanished.
BRILLIANT! Tons of time saved by that quick stroke of keys.
How on earth did I live without the wonderous amounts of random, rarely used information found online?
Now I know how to remove objects from a spreadsheet. It made my day and that knowledge allows me to dust off my geek badge a touch. That makes me smile.
Moments being frustrated by a silly problem.
Moments finding an easy solution and sharing it with the world.
Seriously. I know. It's bad. Please. Stop laughing.
Between work and school, I do much in the world of Excel and for the most part, I know a lot of short cuts and tricks that are obscure and rarely helpful.
But once in awhile, I am stumped and I need to use the {gasp} help feature built into the program.
Today, I found myself wondering how to remove objects (images, check boxes, etc.) imported into a spreadsheet that were unnecessary in my file. Sure you can delete them manually, but what the heck do you do if there are hundreds of objects to deal with? Manually delete them all? No way. There had to be an easier way. The help feature failed me. Really? Was it not possible? No. That couldn't be.
And then I found it. Within seconds of googling "remove objects from Excel spreadsheet" I found this. Three seconds later all 200+ objects in my spreadsheet vanished.
BRILLIANT! Tons of time saved by that quick stroke of keys.
How on earth did I live without the wonderous amounts of random, rarely used information found online?
Now I know how to remove objects from a spreadsheet. It made my day and that knowledge allows me to dust off my geek badge a touch. That makes me smile.
Moments being frustrated by a silly problem.
Moments finding an easy solution and sharing it with the world.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Moments D639: Warmth of Love
Today it was DAMN cold out there. A balmy -22C/-8F. That's without the windchill.
But that didn't stop EQ from standing in the cold subway shelter waiting for the bus to make his way to me for a late afternoon coffee break. Nope. That wasn't going to stop me from walking over to meet him at the coffee shop.
The best moment was when my love walked me back to the office and into the building. Just in front of us was one of our sales reps. He paused, turned in the foyer and looked at us with a big smile and said, "There is nothing warmer than a happy, loving couple and we need some warmth today!"
How very sweet of him to share. Even more warmth was generated as the sales rep smiled back at us.
It made me smile. It made EQ smile. It's the perfect warm moment of the day.
Moments enjoying a brisk January afternoon.
Moments being caught laughing and kissing and spreading the joy of warm love.
But that didn't stop EQ from standing in the cold subway shelter waiting for the bus to make his way to me for a late afternoon coffee break. Nope. That wasn't going to stop me from walking over to meet him at the coffee shop.
The best moment was when my love walked me back to the office and into the building. Just in front of us was one of our sales reps. He paused, turned in the foyer and looked at us with a big smile and said, "There is nothing warmer than a happy, loving couple and we need some warmth today!"
How very sweet of him to share. Even more warmth was generated as the sales rep smiled back at us.
It made me smile. It made EQ smile. It's the perfect warm moment of the day.
Moments enjoying a brisk January afternoon.
Moments being caught laughing and kissing and spreading the joy of warm love.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Moments D638: Question. Always ask Questions
"Never let life impede on your ability to manifest your dreams. Dig deeper into your dreams and deeper into yourself and believe that anything is possible, and make it happen." ~ Corin NemecToday was an interesting day. Swirling energy. Personally. Professionally. Boy oh boy were my boundaries pushed on all fronts.
But that's good, right? Growth. Right?
My day started with a workout, and then a light reading of this list of questions to ask yourself.
These questions were with me as I began my work day.
I was thankful for that as out of the gate, I was dealing with a sensitive issue at work. In my numerous discussions over the course of the morning and into the afternoon, I had an opportunity to share some of the insights of the article that I had read earlier and I found myself asking questions that I wouldn't normally ask.
As the conversation meandered, I found myself drawing out information that wouldn't have otherwise seen the light of day. How incredible it was.
Because of questions.
The one question that came up more than once at work was this: "You do know that it is not your fault, right?" This, of course spanned a deeper conversation and deeper thoughts within myself and how I engage with the world around me.
(the proverbial light bulb went off!)
Yes, it's true. I admit it. I own too much responsibility in many situations that I need not. I am aware of this (more so than ever) and I'm working on it. That said, I really don't want to turn into that person that shirks responsibility.
Because every day I ask the question "What moved me today?"
Questions.
I was thankful for that as out of the gate, I was dealing with a sensitive issue at work. In my numerous discussions over the course of the morning and into the afternoon, I had an opportunity to share some of the insights of the article that I had read earlier and I found myself asking questions that I wouldn't normally ask.
As the conversation meandered, I found myself drawing out information that wouldn't have otherwise seen the light of day. How incredible it was.
Because of questions.
The one question that came up more than once at work was this: "You do know that it is not your fault, right?" This, of course spanned a deeper conversation and deeper thoughts within myself and how I engage with the world around me.
(the proverbial light bulb went off!)
Yes, it's true. I admit it. I own too much responsibility in many situations that I need not. I am aware of this (more so than ever) and I'm working on it. That said, I really don't want to turn into that person that shirks responsibility.
I found myself reflecting, questioning my words, questioning my position. For the most part I know what I did (or didn't do). I can look long and deep into the mirror and accept my faults and apologize for them when I need too. This is not always easy and many times I falter during the process. Sometimes I apologize too much and other times I completely miss the point. Successful or not, I am always asking questions, either of myself or of others.
But what I realized during this introspection is that there are some that struggle more to look into the mirror. Hey, there are some are unable to do it at all. Just look at our mayor, Rob Ford. He openly believes he's done nothing wrong! My point: It's not easy to question. Not yourself. Not others. And certainly not when the emotional stakes are high.
But what I realized during this introspection is that there are some that struggle more to look into the mirror. Hey, there are some are unable to do it at all. Just look at our mayor, Rob Ford. He openly believes he's done nothing wrong! My point: It's not easy to question. Not yourself. Not others. And certainly not when the emotional stakes are high.
But there is a strength in questioning. With the right environment, with the right words, it brings depth. It brings clarity. And, if nothing else, I continue to believe that communication is the key to healthy deep relationships. To dig deeper within yourself and to see the relationship from another perspective.
The energy of those conversations and my introspection spilled into a personal conversation later in the day. I found myself explaining words from two months ago. It's not easy having a daily blog. I've been questioned more than once on my motives for my words, but my blog has helped me to grow and evolve.
The energy of those conversations and my introspection spilled into a personal conversation later in the day. I found myself explaining words from two months ago. It's not easy having a daily blog. I've been questioned more than once on my motives for my words, but my blog has helped me to grow and evolve.
Because every day I ask the question "What moved me today?"
Questions.
Today I celebrate asking questions because not only did it help me navigate a challenging situation at work, it also allowed me to navigate (with a different voice) a tumultuous personal situation.
Moments being inspired by powerful words.
Moments sharing those powerful words and realizing just how important it is to always ask questions.
Moments being inspired by powerful words.
Moments sharing those powerful words and realizing just how important it is to always ask questions.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Moments D637: Coffee for three
Sometimes people surprise me. This morning when I stopped at Tim's for a morning coffee, I watched a very pleasant exchange happen between three people ahead of me.
There was a gentleman four people ahead of me who was ordering. He turned back to the two ladies immediately in front of me and asked them what they'd like to order. It was surprising because up to that point it didn't seem like the three knew each other. It brought an immediate smile to my face.
To further amuse me was watching the gentleman just in front of these two ladies, but behind the gentleman ordering. He was not happy as the two ladies passed him and met up with the gentleman who had just ordered (and paid) for their drinks.
This too I was surprised by. So I looked the grumpy gentleman in the eye and said to him as the women passed him, ..."isn't it sweet of him?"
He did not look amused.
But I was!
Moments enjoying a kind offer.
Moments trying to spread the joy.
There was a gentleman four people ahead of me who was ordering. He turned back to the two ladies immediately in front of me and asked them what they'd like to order. It was surprising because up to that point it didn't seem like the three knew each other. It brought an immediate smile to my face.
To further amuse me was watching the gentleman just in front of these two ladies, but behind the gentleman ordering. He was not happy as the two ladies passed him and met up with the gentleman who had just ordered (and paid) for their drinks.
This too I was surprised by. So I looked the grumpy gentleman in the eye and said to him as the women passed him, ..."isn't it sweet of him?"
He did not look amused.
But I was!
Moments enjoying a kind offer.
Moments trying to spread the joy.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Moments D636: Breathe Easy
Today was a work day. School work. Having been lazy yesterday meant that all day today I focused on my readings.
So not much excitement right?
That's true until my BFF informed (via instant message) me that she fell down her front steps, likely hit her head and injured her already sensitive back. And oh....did I mention that she is only 5 weeks post knee operation? And that she's home alone for awhile?
The mama bear in me kicked in. I immediately called her. I needed to hear her voice to be sure she was ok.
She seemed surprised at my call, but I could hear that though she was slightly shaken, she was happy to hear from me.
I promised her I'd check in a few times over the course of the day to make sure she was ok.
All of my subsequent check-ins were a-okay....until the one around 9:30 pm. I didn't hear from her right away. I left it and then I tried again 20 minutes later. Still nothing.
I knew it was possible (and likely) she had simply fallen asleep, but it was also possible that she wasn't ok given her injury run down earlier in the day. So I called her. Both her cell and her home land line.
So not much excitement right?
That's true until my BFF informed (via instant message) me that she fell down her front steps, likely hit her head and injured her already sensitive back. And oh....did I mention that she is only 5 weeks post knee operation? And that she's home alone for awhile?
The mama bear in me kicked in. I immediately called her. I needed to hear her voice to be sure she was ok.
She seemed surprised at my call, but I could hear that though she was slightly shaken, she was happy to hear from me.
I promised her I'd check in a few times over the course of the day to make sure she was ok.
All of my subsequent check-ins were a-okay....until the one around 9:30 pm. I didn't hear from her right away. I left it and then I tried again 20 minutes later. Still nothing.
I knew it was possible (and likely) she had simply fallen asleep, but it was also possible that she wasn't ok given her injury run down earlier in the day. So I called her. Both her cell and her home land line.
Nothing.
Now I had a choice. Pretend everything was okay and go to bed, or be persistent and find out.
EQ & I set a time limit. If we didn't hear back from BFF by 10:30 pm we were going to call the police and have them drop by to check in on her.
I didn't much like that option, but given the circumstances, it was on the table.
Fortunately, shortly after EQ and I decided on our plan of attack, we hear from BFF. All was fine, she was indeed sleeping and the phone calls had woken her.
Phew.
I felt badly for waking her knowing she's had troubles sleeping the past few weeks, but I was also quite relieved to hear she was doing okay.
I promised to check in first thing tomorrow.
Now I can restfully sleep knowing she's in pain, (albeit wide awake now!), but safe. Ah...what are friends for, right?
Moments when things shift and decisions need to be made.
Moments knowing all is well and you can breathe easy again.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Moments D635: Lazy Cooking Days
This morning was an incredibly lazy morning. I awoke at my normal time, 7am. There was no way I was getting up that early today, my weekend day home in bed for 6 weeks. What a sweet treat it would be to sleep in.
Little did I know!
Two hours later, I awoke. EQ and I snuggled and chatted for awhile, then promptly fell back asleep. A few hours later we awoke and did much of the same. Did I have a long list of things to do? Yes, but boy oh boy did it feel good to be lazy and enjoy some quality time with my love.
And then it was time to make the recipe that Mr. B gave me yesterday. Cabbage Roll Soup.
We ventured out to the grocery store for the ingredients, then to the health food store for more supplements for me. By the time we meandered back home, it was time to start prepping & cooking. It was the first really opportunity I've had to test out my new Shun knife that EQ gave me for Christmas. OOOOh I loved it nearly as much as the end result of the recipe.
Moments enjoying a slow day.
Moments enjoying a (delightful!) new recipe.
Little did I know!
Two hours later, I awoke. EQ and I snuggled and chatted for awhile, then promptly fell back asleep. A few hours later we awoke and did much of the same. Did I have a long list of things to do? Yes, but boy oh boy did it feel good to be lazy and enjoy some quality time with my love.
And then it was time to make the recipe that Mr. B gave me yesterday. Cabbage Roll Soup.
We ventured out to the grocery store for the ingredients, then to the health food store for more supplements for me. By the time we meandered back home, it was time to start prepping & cooking. It was the first really opportunity I've had to test out my new Shun knife that EQ gave me for Christmas. OOOOh I loved it nearly as much as the end result of the recipe.
Moments enjoying a slow day.
Moments enjoying a (delightful!) new recipe.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Moments D634: Expanding Circles
Tonight EQ & I met up with Cherry & Kailua for a late dinner at an old restaurant in the beach under new management. Brussels Bistro. While the four of us enjoyed the delightful fares of the restaurant over a three hour dinner, that isn't the moment I'd like to focus on for today. (Though I was pleasantly surprised and recommend the restaurant!)
No, today's moment comes from my circle of friends expanding tonight, with EQ. This a moment that I've been eager for since October. I like Cherry & Kailua's easy nature, I love the way they love each other and I had big hopes that the four of us would have an amazing evening together.
We did and that is today's moment. It happened. An amazing evening with new friends. But that's not much of a story, now is it?
As EQ and I made our way to the restaurant, I knew EQ was nervous. To make matters more challenging for him, where we were seated, there was a very loud table of guests right behind us. That's never a good thing when EQ struggles to hear on the best of days. I forged ahead and caught up with Cherry & Kailua post Christmas & New Years events.
Dinner was not rushed, which allowed us a lot of time to simply enjoy one another and our stories. As time passed, the energy shifted and I could tell EQ felt more at ease. No longer was the conversation simply an exchange of questions and answers, but a fluid give and take of thoughts and ideas.
Just after our appetisers, as we awaited our mains, I realized that Cherry & I were chatting while Kailua and EQ were chatting. That for me was the moment that made me smile. No longer was I trying to orchestrate the conversation to keep things fluid, but we has split into two engaged mini conversations. Brilliant, right?
By the time dessert arrived, we had dug into an even deeper conversation; a fairly controversial discussion about performance enhancing drugs in the world sports. Interesting, challenging and enlightening are adjectives that come to mind.
YES! A great conversation with wonderful people.
Not only did I enjoy the evening, but EQ did as well. Yes, sometimes it's good to open up your circle and allow others in. I'm so very happy to have made that decision earlier for tonight, it was great to see my circle expand. Our new friends, Cherry & Kailua.
Moments enjoying dinner and conversation.
Moments realizing that this is a friendship that will grow.
No, today's moment comes from my circle of friends expanding tonight, with EQ. This a moment that I've been eager for since October. I like Cherry & Kailua's easy nature, I love the way they love each other and I had big hopes that the four of us would have an amazing evening together.
We did and that is today's moment. It happened. An amazing evening with new friends. But that's not much of a story, now is it?
As EQ and I made our way to the restaurant, I knew EQ was nervous. To make matters more challenging for him, where we were seated, there was a very loud table of guests right behind us. That's never a good thing when EQ struggles to hear on the best of days. I forged ahead and caught up with Cherry & Kailua post Christmas & New Years events.
Dinner was not rushed, which allowed us a lot of time to simply enjoy one another and our stories. As time passed, the energy shifted and I could tell EQ felt more at ease. No longer was the conversation simply an exchange of questions and answers, but a fluid give and take of thoughts and ideas.
Just after our appetisers, as we awaited our mains, I realized that Cherry & I were chatting while Kailua and EQ were chatting. That for me was the moment that made me smile. No longer was I trying to orchestrate the conversation to keep things fluid, but we has split into two engaged mini conversations. Brilliant, right?
By the time dessert arrived, we had dug into an even deeper conversation; a fairly controversial discussion about performance enhancing drugs in the world sports. Interesting, challenging and enlightening are adjectives that come to mind.
YES! A great conversation with wonderful people.
Not only did I enjoy the evening, but EQ did as well. Yes, sometimes it's good to open up your circle and allow others in. I'm so very happy to have made that decision earlier for tonight, it was great to see my circle expand. Our new friends, Cherry & Kailua.
Moments enjoying dinner and conversation.
Moments realizing that this is a friendship that will grow.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Moments D633: Welcome Back - Part II (and three)
Tonight was my first night back to playing volleyball with my competitive women's team in 6 weeks. I was nervous. Afraid to be rusty or worse, a downright drag on the team, I arrived a touch nervous for the games ahead.
I changed with some of the other girls in silence. While they too had taken a 2 week break over the holidays, they had all been back over the last 2 weeks. I was definitely the odd (wo)man out.
A quick warm up with a girl I've played with outside this league and I was starting to feel back into the swing of things. A little rusty, but the cobwebs were quickly being shaken aside.
Before I knew it our first game started and all nerves left me. It's been awhile, yes. I haven't seen these girls in a long time, yes, but I was ready to dive back in. And dive in I did. (Over and over again.)
We had our full roster tonight. Seven players for a game that only needs 6. I was one of the lucky two that didn't sit for a full game. I offered. The captain didn't want me to sit because I was playing so well.
DANG! How's that for being away for 6 weeks?
Not bad. Not bad at all if I do say so myself.
According to one of my teammates, it must have been all that California vitamin D.
Maybe so.
Four (winning) games later and I was feeling relieved that I "hadn't lost it", revived, and damn hungry.
Moments diving back in.
Moments feeling at home again.
(and part three) - EQ and I ventured to a nearby Vietnamese restaurant that we visited back in October. "Jenny" recognized us as we were seated and welcomed us back. Our second time ever in the restaurant. That was a very sweet welcome. Looks like Thursdays nights will be Vietnamese dinner nights for awhile.
I changed with some of the other girls in silence. While they too had taken a 2 week break over the holidays, they had all been back over the last 2 weeks. I was definitely the odd (wo)man out.
A quick warm up with a girl I've played with outside this league and I was starting to feel back into the swing of things. A little rusty, but the cobwebs were quickly being shaken aside.
Before I knew it our first game started and all nerves left me. It's been awhile, yes. I haven't seen these girls in a long time, yes, but I was ready to dive back in. And dive in I did. (Over and over again.)
We had our full roster tonight. Seven players for a game that only needs 6. I was one of the lucky two that didn't sit for a full game. I offered. The captain didn't want me to sit because I was playing so well.
DANG! How's that for being away for 6 weeks?
Not bad. Not bad at all if I do say so myself.
According to one of my teammates, it must have been all that California vitamin D.
Maybe so.
Four (winning) games later and I was feeling relieved that I "hadn't lost it", revived, and damn hungry.
Moments diving back in.
Moments feeling at home again.
(and part three) - EQ and I ventured to a nearby Vietnamese restaurant that we visited back in October. "Jenny" recognized us as we were seated and welcomed us back. Our second time ever in the restaurant. That was a very sweet welcome. Looks like Thursdays nights will be Vietnamese dinner nights for awhile.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Moments D632: First Day (evening) of School
The first day of school, even after this many years, is always a day (or evening in my case) of hope, of some excitement to learn something new (even if it is about taxes), of the anxiousness of meeting new interesting people and where there is an expectation of doing well.
No problem. I can tackle this.
Easy. I'll have lots of time to dig into the readings and be a good student.
And then the prof says to expect at least 10 hours of work outside of the 3 hours of class to do well.
Dang. {brushes off a bit of disappointment, knowing this will be a full attention course}
No problem. I can tackle this.
Moments enjoying your first day of class.
Moments knowing that the hard work you put into it will show in the end.
(just like most things!)
No problem. I can tackle this.
Easy. I'll have lots of time to dig into the readings and be a good student.
And then the prof says to expect at least 10 hours of work outside of the 3 hours of class to do well.
Dang. {brushes off a bit of disappointment, knowing this will be a full attention course}
No problem. I can tackle this.
Moments enjoying your first day of class.
Moments knowing that the hard work you put into it will show in the end.
(just like most things!)
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Moments D631: The Hard Sell
Today, in the office we opened the last of the holiday treats. There was a box of calendars for 2014 and a couple of boxes of holiday treats. Panettone, Baci chocolates, another box of chocolates and yet another of Italian candies.
Just when we thought all the bad food influences of the season were behind us.
Not so much. Today's moment comes from the fact that Chica is now in full steam ahead mode to get herself in shape for her upcoming nuptials in June. She's not really dieting per se, but she is being very careful about what she's eating these days.
Enter the Baci chocolates, stage left. Enter Chica stage right.
Oh, the look on her face was priceless. It was obvious that she wanted one. It was more obvious that she wasn't going to have one.
Enter our Art Director stage left. Within seconds, he leaped at the opportunity to tease Chica and before anyone realized, he was in a full on hard sell of the Baci chocolates sitting in front of Chica. What a hilarious moment, watching her squirm and him finding ever more delightful adjectives about the chocolate or why she shouldn't pass up on this "last" opportunity to enjoy the chocolate.
In the end, he won. I think the fact that the Baci's have inspirational messages inside won Chica over. That said, she didn't go quietly! With a big huff and puff, she snagged a single Baci from it's nest and stomped out of our office and into hers. So much for saying "I love you the Italian way!"
We all had a good chuckle at the theatrics. That's a good moment!
Moments having too much fun in the office.
Moments enjoying the banter between co-workers.
Just when we thought all the bad food influences of the season were behind us.
Not so much. Today's moment comes from the fact that Chica is now in full steam ahead mode to get herself in shape for her upcoming nuptials in June. She's not really dieting per se, but she is being very careful about what she's eating these days.
Enter the Baci chocolates, stage left. Enter Chica stage right.
Oh, the look on her face was priceless. It was obvious that she wanted one. It was more obvious that she wasn't going to have one.
Enter our Art Director stage left. Within seconds, he leaped at the opportunity to tease Chica and before anyone realized, he was in a full on hard sell of the Baci chocolates sitting in front of Chica. What a hilarious moment, watching her squirm and him finding ever more delightful adjectives about the chocolate or why she shouldn't pass up on this "last" opportunity to enjoy the chocolate.
In the end, he won. I think the fact that the Baci's have inspirational messages inside won Chica over. That said, she didn't go quietly! With a big huff and puff, she snagged a single Baci from it's nest and stomped out of our office and into hers. So much for saying "I love you the Italian way!"
We all had a good chuckle at the theatrics. That's a good moment!
Moments having too much fun in the office.
Moments enjoying the banter between co-workers.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Moments D630: Welcome Home
Today was the first day back in the office in some time. What a treat it was to be working side by side with my team. Working remotely, while effective and allowing me to get more done, was certainly lonely and without much entertainment throughout the day.
My moment today comes from this:
Who doesn't like to be welcomed home?
Moments feeling missed.
Moments knowing you were.
My moment today comes from this:
Who doesn't like to be welcomed home?
Moments feeling missed.
Moments knowing you were.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Moments D629: Christmas in January
Today it was Christmas all over again.
No, not all the crazy hubbub that comes with Christmas proper. No, this was an overdue Christmas gathering with my "sister" and her family. My parents, EQ and I met them at the restaurant they chose.
Shortly after we arrived, and pleasantries were shared, my "sister" explained that dinner was on them. This was our Christmas present this year because we were so darn hard to shop for.
I watched her as she spoke. She was a little nervous as she played with the bracelet on her wrist. I then notices that she was wearing both pieces of jewelry that I gave her for Christmas this year. (YES! That's right, I managed to have my act together and left presents for her and her family before I went to California for Christmas!) Too cute.
I was quick to share with her that this was the best Christmas present ever. I explained that we all have enough STUFF, that for me, it's much more important to spend quality time with those I love. Add in some delightful food and drink and voilà ! Perfection.
In the end, we all felt that way and the hours spent together are a testament to that point. How so? We planned on having dinner early so EQ and I could get back into Toronto before it was too late. Four hours later, we were still very much enjoying deep discussions and laughter over a table of food and drink.
Laid back, full of love. What more do I need?
Maybe one extra hug before getting into the car and heading separate ways.
Yes, it was a perfect Christmas present.
Moments with family celebrating the holidays.
Moments recognizing what's most important.
No, not all the crazy hubbub that comes with Christmas proper. No, this was an overdue Christmas gathering with my "sister" and her family. My parents, EQ and I met them at the restaurant they chose.
Shortly after we arrived, and pleasantries were shared, my "sister" explained that dinner was on them. This was our Christmas present this year because we were so darn hard to shop for.
I watched her as she spoke. She was a little nervous as she played with the bracelet on her wrist. I then notices that she was wearing both pieces of jewelry that I gave her for Christmas this year. (YES! That's right, I managed to have my act together and left presents for her and her family before I went to California for Christmas!) Too cute.
I was quick to share with her that this was the best Christmas present ever. I explained that we all have enough STUFF, that for me, it's much more important to spend quality time with those I love. Add in some delightful food and drink and voilà ! Perfection.
In the end, we all felt that way and the hours spent together are a testament to that point. How so? We planned on having dinner early so EQ and I could get back into Toronto before it was too late. Four hours later, we were still very much enjoying deep discussions and laughter over a table of food and drink.
Laid back, full of love. What more do I need?
Maybe one extra hug before getting into the car and heading separate ways.
Yes, it was a perfect Christmas present.
Moments with family celebrating the holidays.
Moments recognizing what's most important.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Moments D628: Coming and Going
Today was a very long travel day, but it's exciting to be back and starting the newest chapter of life here in Toronto and this time my love is with me.
To that point, and a total side bar to today's moment, the fact that EQ now in Toronto with me is amazing. Looking ahead, I'll do my best not to inundate you with "us" stories as our chapter unfolds as I know we'll be experiencing many firsts and exciting moments as the days pass. Only the most relevant that fall into my best "daily moments" will make the cut. I promise!
Back to today's moment.
Today's moment is very apropos to the fact that EQ and I are now travelling together. Not only are we travelling together on the plane (for only the third time in the same direction and not to different cities!), but we are travelling together in life. Metaphorical. Deep, and it had me pondering the bigger picture while watching something very simple.
My moment today came as we were just leaving Atlanta, GA where we were laid over for nearly 3 hours. Our plane was slow to make its way to our takeoff runway and as we waited on the tarmac for the final paperwork to leave, I had the opportunity to watch as other planes were landing.
The "a-ha" moment came, just as we were about to take off. Our engine revving, another plane landed on the runway beside us. As it was turning around to taxi back to the terminals, we began our takeoff.
As I watched, I reflected on the comings and goings of months passed. The places, the people, the food, the experiences. So much has happened. I've been able to spread my wings and fly more and as a result I've grown so much.
So many comings and goings. I found myself smiling because this time I wasn't looking at the other plane wondering how EQ was doing on his flight home. This time he was right beside me. Yes, beside me.
I don't know if he noticed, but I squeezed his hand a little tighter in that moment and then watched our takeoff with a big smile upon my face.
Goodbye Atlanta. Thanks for reminding me that I'm no longer travelling alone.
Moments reflecting upon the hustle and bustle of an airport.
Moments where the coming and going planes remind you of your life.
To that point, and a total side bar to today's moment, the fact that EQ now in Toronto with me is amazing. Looking ahead, I'll do my best not to inundate you with "us" stories as our chapter unfolds as I know we'll be experiencing many firsts and exciting moments as the days pass. Only the most relevant that fall into my best "daily moments" will make the cut. I promise!
Back to today's moment.
Today's moment is very apropos to the fact that EQ and I are now travelling together. Not only are we travelling together on the plane (for only the third time in the same direction and not to different cities!), but we are travelling together in life. Metaphorical. Deep, and it had me pondering the bigger picture while watching something very simple.
My moment today came as we were just leaving Atlanta, GA where we were laid over for nearly 3 hours. Our plane was slow to make its way to our takeoff runway and as we waited on the tarmac for the final paperwork to leave, I had the opportunity to watch as other planes were landing.
The "a-ha" moment came, just as we were about to take off. Our engine revving, another plane landed on the runway beside us. As it was turning around to taxi back to the terminals, we began our takeoff.
As I watched, I reflected on the comings and goings of months passed. The places, the people, the food, the experiences. So much has happened. I've been able to spread my wings and fly more and as a result I've grown so much.
So many comings and goings. I found myself smiling because this time I wasn't looking at the other plane wondering how EQ was doing on his flight home. This time he was right beside me. Yes, beside me.
I don't know if he noticed, but I squeezed his hand a little tighter in that moment and then watched our takeoff with a big smile upon my face.
Goodbye Atlanta. Thanks for reminding me that I'm no longer travelling alone.
Moments reflecting upon the hustle and bustle of an airport.
Moments where the coming and going planes remind you of your life.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Moments D627: Chaos to Calm
Today was a hectic day. Work was a buzz with many new contracts and new paths to investigate. It's like the rest of the world awoke and they all had questioins and opportunities to be discussed. And, of course, the year and push is on.
Ad to that the fact that today was our last day in California and by the time the end of the day rolled around it felt quite chaotic.
We had to head out and run some errands after work and we intended on grabbing dinner before 8pm. My only request: Mexican for dinner.
In the end, the fact that the restaurant we originally found to make that happen was terribly slow to seat us worked out to be a small favour to us because as we sat in the waiting area, we realized that we had forgotten one vital stop before we were ready to enjoy dinner.
In the end, not only did we get our errand checked off our list, we ended up closer to home in our well loved Mexican restaurant.
Sometimes a shifting chaotic swirl can create a new unique outcome.
I kinda love that.
Moments working with the chaotic energy and feeling it sort itself out.
Moments finding yourself in a familiar world because you did "go with the flow" of energy.
Ad to that the fact that today was our last day in California and by the time the end of the day rolled around it felt quite chaotic.
We had to head out and run some errands after work and we intended on grabbing dinner before 8pm. My only request: Mexican for dinner.
In the end, the fact that the restaurant we originally found to make that happen was terribly slow to seat us worked out to be a small favour to us because as we sat in the waiting area, we realized that we had forgotten one vital stop before we were ready to enjoy dinner.
In the end, not only did we get our errand checked off our list, we ended up closer to home in our well loved Mexican restaurant.
Sometimes a shifting chaotic swirl can create a new unique outcome.
I kinda love that.
Moments working with the chaotic energy and feeling it sort itself out.
Moments finding yourself in a familiar world because you did "go with the flow" of energy.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Moments D626: Hiking the Mojave Desert
On the way back from Vegas, EQ and I stopped to hike in the Mojave desert. Why not? It was near the end of my work day, it was gorgeous outside and we both love the outdoors.
So, with one last round of conversations with my team at work, EQ took this photo of me saying goodbye:
.jpg)
The sun bright and low in the sky we hiked for about 40 minutes before I returned to work. (Ooh the joy of a hotspot in the car!) What a beautiful moment our hike was. The temperature was cool, but it was perfect for a hike. We stopped and enjoyed the fauna & flora. I picked up a couple of stones to take home with me, to add to my collection. EQ found one too. We picked up a piece of jumping cactus too. Carefully of course, after all, they bite!
The best part of the hike? The silence. We soaked in the sunny, cool silences, breathed in the dusty winter desert air.
Now that's what I call a "coffee" break.
Moments enjoying the world around you.
Moments at one with nature.
So, with one last round of conversations with my team at work, EQ took this photo of me saying goodbye:
The sun bright and low in the sky we hiked for about 40 minutes before I returned to work. (Ooh the joy of a hotspot in the car!) What a beautiful moment our hike was. The temperature was cool, but it was perfect for a hike. We stopped and enjoyed the fauna & flora. I picked up a couple of stones to take home with me, to add to my collection. EQ found one too. We picked up a piece of jumping cactus too. Carefully of course, after all, they bite!
The best part of the hike? The silence. We soaked in the sunny, cool silences, breathed in the dusty winter desert air.
Now that's what I call a "coffee" break.
Moments enjoying the world around you.
Moments at one with nature.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Moments D625: Fireplace
I nearly forgot how much I love fireplaces. Once upon a time, a lifetime ago, I lived in an apartment with a real, wood burning fireplace. What a treat that was on a cold winter night. With friends, with my boyfriend, solo with a good book and a glass of wine. I loved spending time in front of that fireplace.
Where I've been staying for the past two days, there is a fireplace in the corner. It isn't a "real" fireplace, but a gas fireplace. I know, it's more efficient. It's safer. It's cleaner. I get that. But I enjoy the smell and sound of a wood burning fireplace (or even a potbelly stove!). Even so, this fireplace has a lot of logs in it and the flames are higher than most gas fireplace flames. It even has embers to watch.
It was only 12-15 degrees (Celsius) today, so the fireplace was a nice touch. And so, today I decided to work from the floor in front of the fireplace (most of the day actually). I sat right in front of it. It was like doing Bikram yoga all day as I worked. It was incredible. (and boy do I feel well stretched out today!)
As I worked in front of those warm flames, I reminisced. And then I dreamed of my future fireplace(s?) and smiled.
Simple things sometimes. Simple things.
Moments enjoying a fire.
Moments spent stretching and dreaming with the leaping flames.
Where I've been staying for the past two days, there is a fireplace in the corner. It isn't a "real" fireplace, but a gas fireplace. I know, it's more efficient. It's safer. It's cleaner. I get that. But I enjoy the smell and sound of a wood burning fireplace (or even a potbelly stove!). Even so, this fireplace has a lot of logs in it and the flames are higher than most gas fireplace flames. It even has embers to watch.
It was only 12-15 degrees (Celsius) today, so the fireplace was a nice touch. And so, today I decided to work from the floor in front of the fireplace (most of the day actually). I sat right in front of it. It was like doing Bikram yoga all day as I worked. It was incredible. (and boy do I feel well stretched out today!)
As I worked in front of those warm flames, I reminisced. And then I dreamed of my future fireplace(s?) and smiled.
Simple things sometimes. Simple things.
Moments enjoying a fire.
Moments spent stretching and dreaming with the leaping flames.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Moments D624: Words create your story
This morning I had one of my new skydiver friends reach out and share an article with me, that speaks to creating your story and how to better remember our post allowing for a happier tomorrow.
Brilliant really. Life really is all about perspective.
Words definitely create your story. It's why I've written about them in a few blog posts. It's why I continue to write my blog. She and I had a good discussion on it, and I started my day with a glow.
The rest of my day, unfortunately, was filled with miscommunicated words on a few levels, it was good to go back and revisit the conversation I had this morning about sharing words. It really is the perfect moment to share about today.
Today was a reminder that sometimes words are not received as they were meant to. Sometimes words don't quite cut it and sometimes even the simplest of words cut deeply. It's all about perspective and understanding how to edit for a better ending.
I'm getting better at that. Sharing my words and being less afraid to verbalize my words (after all I'm a writer, not a speaker!) are all starting to bring to light another side of me.
While I would have called myself aware in the past, I feel I'm even more aware today. And as I reflect upon today's moment, I realize that creating my story has brought me that depth of awareness.
So, today's moment? Celebrating words because even though sometimes they can mess things up, they also bring much joy and depth into my life.
Moments sharing thoughts and ideas with a new friend.
Moments to remind that even when words get dark, digging into the corners of one's mind is a good thing to process through.
Brilliant really. Life really is all about perspective.
Words definitely create your story. It's why I've written about them in a few blog posts. It's why I continue to write my blog. She and I had a good discussion on it, and I started my day with a glow.
The rest of my day, unfortunately, was filled with miscommunicated words on a few levels, it was good to go back and revisit the conversation I had this morning about sharing words. It really is the perfect moment to share about today.
Today was a reminder that sometimes words are not received as they were meant to. Sometimes words don't quite cut it and sometimes even the simplest of words cut deeply. It's all about perspective and understanding how to edit for a better ending.
I'm getting better at that. Sharing my words and being less afraid to verbalize my words (after all I'm a writer, not a speaker!) are all starting to bring to light another side of me.
While I would have called myself aware in the past, I feel I'm even more aware today. And as I reflect upon today's moment, I realize that creating my story has brought me that depth of awareness.
So, today's moment? Celebrating words because even though sometimes they can mess things up, they also bring much joy and depth into my life.
Moments sharing thoughts and ideas with a new friend.
Moments to remind that even when words get dark, digging into the corners of one's mind is a good thing to process through.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Moments D623: Tunnel Rats
Today my love whisked me away for an after work surprise. I had no idea where we were headed, but we were late and we sped off quickly to get there. And after a lovely 15 minute motorcycle ride, we arrived at the Perris Indoor Skydiving Tunnel. Uh oh. I was going indoor skydiving.
Not knowing what to expect, I was nervous. I'm always nervous trying something new, and this time, I was completely out of my realm and fully in EQ's world. The last thing I wanted to do was embarrass EQ in front of his colleagues and friends.
No pressure, right?
I had 6 minutes in the tunnel. Not all together! Gosh no. That would be insane! My moments were broken up into 1 minute increments, so I was in the tunnel 6 times for 60 seconds each time.
What was immediately noticeable was how much could be learned in 60 seconds. Incredible really. Not only for myself, but for the other two students that were working in the tunnel. By the time I was in my third round, I was getting the hang of it. By the fourth time I was flying on my own and for the fifth and sixth times, my coach was flying with me and spinning me around. EQ even joined us for a second or for for a mid-air kiss. Too much fun.
As I waited in between my turns, I watched the others learn their flying skills. At the end of our tunnel time, our tunnel coach enjoyed the final moments in the tunnel and showed us her expertise. WOW. Incredible.
I can see how people would become "tunnel rats" and enjoy as much time in the wind tunnel as they could. I love every second that I was in there!
Not only did I learn something new today, but I also found myself respecting the sport of skydiving a whole lot more.
Here's hoping I wasn't embarrassing to my love!
Moments enjoying a surprise.
Moments appreciating the finer details of a new sport.
Not knowing what to expect, I was nervous. I'm always nervous trying something new, and this time, I was completely out of my realm and fully in EQ's world. The last thing I wanted to do was embarrass EQ in front of his colleagues and friends.
No pressure, right?
I had 6 minutes in the tunnel. Not all together! Gosh no. That would be insane! My moments were broken up into 1 minute increments, so I was in the tunnel 6 times for 60 seconds each time.
What was immediately noticeable was how much could be learned in 60 seconds. Incredible really. Not only for myself, but for the other two students that were working in the tunnel. By the time I was in my third round, I was getting the hang of it. By the fourth time I was flying on my own and for the fifth and sixth times, my coach was flying with me and spinning me around. EQ even joined us for a second or for for a mid-air kiss. Too much fun.
As I waited in between my turns, I watched the others learn their flying skills. At the end of our tunnel time, our tunnel coach enjoyed the final moments in the tunnel and showed us her expertise. WOW. Incredible.
I can see how people would become "tunnel rats" and enjoy as much time in the wind tunnel as they could. I love every second that I was in there!
Not only did I learn something new today, but I also found myself respecting the sport of skydiving a whole lot more.
Here's hoping I wasn't embarrassing to my love!
Moments enjoying a surprise.
Moments appreciating the finer details of a new sport.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Moments D622: Celebrate Life
Today was a rough day as pieces of bad news made their way to me. An old respected and loved colleague of mine lost his battle with lung cancer yesterday. A team mate of mine lost his mother. Another friend struggles with an ailing father.
Each a message was a reminders that life is short. That we need to do what we can to shape each day into one that is meaningful.
So tonight, even though I was tired and would have liked to tuck in early, EQ & I ventured out for dinner with friends who were heading home tomorrow. I'm glad that I did, for we shared a lot of laughs and stories of life, death and progress. In the big picture, we celebrated their successes from the weekend, which is no small feat given that I've heard how challenging the training course is.
Post dinner, EQ and I celebrated life again on our own, by taking some time for just the two of us. It was perfect. We celebrated life, the milestones we have accomplished and those we are about to set.
Moments that remind you of the fragility of life.
Moments grabbing hold and living a little more.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Moments D621: Purple Slivers
I spent most of the day on my own today running an errand and otherwise reading the day away. A pretty chill day.
I dropped off my broken phone at a repair place first thing this morning, (yes, I had to drive that Big ol' Truck again!), I spent some time in the bed of the truck soaking up the sun, I finished off my book and then drove back to the repair place to pick up my fixed phone.
And when I arrived home, the sun was just lost behind the mountains already and the sky was my favourite colour. And there, in that pretty purple sky was a pretty sliver of moon.
I paused and soaked it in. I couldn't help but share this one out. What a beautiful way to end the day.
Moments seeing your favourite colour as the backdrop to your favourite natural icon.
Moments pausing to take it all in and then sharing it all out.
I dropped off my broken phone at a repair place first thing this morning, (yes, I had to drive that Big ol' Truck again!), I spent some time in the bed of the truck soaking up the sun, I finished off my book and then drove back to the repair place to pick up my fixed phone.
And when I arrived home, the sun was just lost behind the mountains already and the sky was my favourite colour. And there, in that pretty purple sky was a pretty sliver of moon.
I paused and soaked it in. I couldn't help but share this one out. What a beautiful way to end the day.
Moments seeing your favourite colour as the backdrop to your favourite natural icon.
Moments pausing to take it all in and then sharing it all out.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Moments D620: Big ol' TRUCKS
Me, I like little sporty cars. I miss my Tink! (Yes, I named my car!)
Too bad because EQ has a big truck. I haven't driven a boat that big ever. (Though I did drive a fairly big car way back in my teens.)
Tonight I had my second opportunity to drive the truck and this time, it wasn't easy highway driving. (Otherwise known as freeway driving here in the states!) No no! This time I was driving us around town running a few errands this evening. That meant driving in some tight spaces and from one (small) parking spot to another.
At first, I was a nervous nellie, after all this monster is the biggest thing I have ever driven. That said, with every parking job I made, I found the next to be a little easier. By the time we made it home, I was ready to back in the truck into its parking spot.
EQ wasn't feeling so confident about that (at the time), but I proved that I could do it. Slow and steady I slipped his beast back into its cage.
Beautiful. I love stretching my world.
Moments learning something new.
Moments finding confidence.
Too bad because EQ has a big truck. I haven't driven a boat that big ever. (Though I did drive a fairly big car way back in my teens.)
Tonight I had my second opportunity to drive the truck and this time, it wasn't easy highway driving. (Otherwise known as freeway driving here in the states!) No no! This time I was driving us around town running a few errands this evening. That meant driving in some tight spaces and from one (small) parking spot to another.
At first, I was a nervous nellie, after all this monster is the biggest thing I have ever driven. That said, with every parking job I made, I found the next to be a little easier. By the time we made it home, I was ready to back in the truck into its parking spot.
EQ wasn't feeling so confident about that (at the time), but I proved that I could do it. Slow and steady I slipped his beast back into its cage.
Beautiful. I love stretching my world.
Moments learning something new.
Moments finding confidence.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Moments D619: Send over the heat
Tonight EQ and I went to dinner with a few of his skydive students. One of his students and his wife arrived here just today from Vietnam, home for 2 weeks visiting. Today's moment is inspired by this couple that I only just met this evening.
After dinner, EQ's student's wife was cold. Surely after 13+ hours of travel that will happen. As the others shared stories within their sport, I discreetly watched the couple. They are still newly weds and it was fun to watch as hubby put his hand on his wife's shoulder and started humming and shaking his arm. A few seconds later, he said, "...I'm sending you heat. Can't you feel it? You are now warming up."
So darn cute! So worth being today's moment.
Moments sharing stories over food (one of my favourite pastimes!).
Moments enjoying a couple's "almost" private moment.
After dinner, EQ's student's wife was cold. Surely after 13+ hours of travel that will happen. As the others shared stories within their sport, I discreetly watched the couple. They are still newly weds and it was fun to watch as hubby put his hand on his wife's shoulder and started humming and shaking his arm. A few seconds later, he said, "...I'm sending you heat. Can't you feel it? You are now warming up."
So darn cute! So worth being today's moment.
Moments sharing stories over food (one of my favourite pastimes!).
Moments enjoying a couple's "almost" private moment.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Moments D618: Expectations, opportunity and thanks
This morning I woke early, on my typical daily schedule. I was wide awake at 4:45 am PST (7:45 am EST) - a normal rising time for me. That's not supposed to happen on New Year's Day. Isn't everyone supposed to sleep in and enjoy a lazy morning in bed instead? Apparently that wasn't meant to be for me.
I also didn't want to wake EQ as he had to work today. He wasn't due to rise for a couple of hours, so I decided to inhale the quiet of the morning and start the New Year with the sunrise on my own.
Just after 6am, I ventured out into the brisk quiet morning. My plan, go for a walk, watch the sunrise and spend some time in with the sun before heading back home. I brought the novel I was reading with me ("The Sister's Brothers - I recommend!) to help pass the time.
The briskness surprised me and I was happy to have bundled up before I left. The first thing I noticed when I started on my morning adventure was that the howling coyotes in the distance. What an eerie, beautiful song they sang.
As started my walk the sky slowly started it's shift in colour. Most interesting was to listen to the still morning as the coyotes quieted and the roosters took over singing as the sky began to brighten. A changing of the guard if you will.
I didn't expect to start my day with the sun breaking the horizon. I didn't certainly didn't expect to start my year walking alone in the briskness of dawn. What I realized in those early moments of my walk, was that sometimes expectations cause inflexibility or kill one's creativity. In the worst scenarios, expectations can also cause you to miss a new opportunity thrown at you unexpectedly.
As I continued my walk, I pondered this conundrum. Life is filled with expectations. We all have them. Expectations of family, of friends, of other people in our circles (or just outside our circle), with our jobs and our co-workers, and how we as individuals present ourselves to the world.
I walked swiftly to keep warm and toiled with this concept, rolling it around in my mind. One really cannot live without expectations, after all that's like living without goal. So the key then, in my opinion, was to find a way to keep balance with expectations so that they don't cause inflexibility. Brilliant. Not mind blowing, considering balance is the key to a lot of things. The bigger point is to find the trick is to sort out how to keep that balance.
Talk about deep thoughts so early in the day, this the first of 2014. I couldn't help but think back to a year ago today where I had also found myself waking to expectations that had been blown of the water. I remember feeling crushed and uncertain of the path ahead of me. And yet as that first day of 2013 progressed, I felt more confident in my path forward, challenging as it was.
I quickly found myself overwhelmed with ghosts. So much has transpired since that moment. And today is the start of another year and I could feel that I was yet again at a crossroad of expectations. My mind heavy with thought, I paused to enjoy the calm of two horses playing with one another.
I needed that pause. In that moment, the warmth of the sun began to break through the chill of the morning. With that moment came the realization just how much I had learned in a year. My personal growth has deepened and I owe much, if not all of that growth, to the people I have surrounded myself with. And that was my moment today. Feeling grateful. Being excited by the future and what I will be sharing with them moving forward.
So, if you'll bear with me, I'm going to take some time to thank them. Yes, today's blog is a novel. For those to expecting a solution to my original thought - you can stop reading here. I never did figure out a solution to keep the balance between expectations and being flexible. I guess I have something to chew on for days to come! What can I say, I was completely distracted by the amazing circle I have around me and I took rest of my time alone, at the beginning of the year, to pause and appreciate them.
In the end, it's been a hell of a day, and a hell of a start to 2014 and I want, nay I need to share a little love and thank my friends for the opportunities they've given me to grow this past year.
Arizona. What a strong, beautiful woman you are. Our friendship is relatively new, but it is a deep friendship. You have offered me many new perspectives in the ever changing world I find myself in. Thank you for sharing with me.
Archie & Comic Guy. My besties. A couple that has been in my life for a very long time. First I love them as individuals for they have unique perspectives that I love from each of them. Second, I love them as a couple. I truly don't know where I'd be without the two of you. Thank you for always picking me up when I falter, for kicking my ass (not so gently) and for helping me navigate some tricky waters in the past year.
BFF. Through thick and thin we've been. Tears, music, anger, joy, milestones and then some. What an incredible colourful journey it's been my dear friend. Thank you for recognizing the value of our friendship, for fighting daemons (of your own and mine) to keep our friendship strong. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from mistakes made in 2013 for I know it means our friendship will grow ever deeper and more meaningful.
Bunny & Bear. Long time friends. I've worked with, schooled with, and spent many interesting evenings with Bear. When he married Bunny, it was a most special day to watch them unit. They are an incredible couple with two amazing young lads. Thank you both for sharing your individual brightness with me as well as that of your beautiful family. I know, without a doubt that you always have my back.
Cherry. A work colleague come friend. Thank you for commiserating with me as we processed through similar life milestones this past year. I look forward to a continued friendship with your and your new beau.
Chica. A fellow co-worker that I adore. You are proof that even someone old like me can learn from a young thing like you. (Not that I'm ageist at all!) Thank of for your endless positive energy and for reminding me that life is too short. I love your perspective on life and appreciate that positive, self-respecting version of the world around you. I will continue to try and incorporate more of that into my world.
Co-workers. Thank you for making every work day easier to get out of bed for. You are an amazing hard working, inspiringly creative crew. I'm thankful every day.
Hawk. Thank you for for the biggest learning opportunity of all this past year. We have shared and lost much together over this past year. My hope is that you find deep happiness in the years to come.
Heini. A friend with nearly 2 decades of history. Over the years we have battled many daemons together. What I have always loved was that you offer your insightful opinions without judgement. You have always listened, understood, respected and supported me even when the path chosen was one you didn't agree with. The truest, deepest mark of a best friend. Thank you for loving me and supporting me through many of life's trials. I have learned a lot from our friendship.
MooCow. A new friend, adopted from EQ's circle. An amazing huge heart, ready to help out at a moments notice. Such a wonderful energy to be a part of. Thank you for accepting me into your world.
Mr. B. A co-worker that I call friend. He's nearly my father's age, but I don't see him as a father figure. I see him for his brilliance and experience. A true mentor and friend to me (even if he does get me in trouble sometimes!). Thank you for all the insights you share with me. I am a sponge to your words.
My team mates. Baseball, volleyball, boot camp and tough mudders. Thank you all for keeping me moving, growing and learning as an athlete. It feels great knowing that even being nearly 40 I still have some moves to share back.
I also didn't want to wake EQ as he had to work today. He wasn't due to rise for a couple of hours, so I decided to inhale the quiet of the morning and start the New Year with the sunrise on my own.
Just after 6am, I ventured out into the brisk quiet morning. My plan, go for a walk, watch the sunrise and spend some time in with the sun before heading back home. I brought the novel I was reading with me ("The Sister's Brothers - I recommend!) to help pass the time.
The briskness surprised me and I was happy to have bundled up before I left. The first thing I noticed when I started on my morning adventure was that the howling coyotes in the distance. What an eerie, beautiful song they sang.
As started my walk the sky slowly started it's shift in colour. Most interesting was to listen to the still morning as the coyotes quieted and the roosters took over singing as the sky began to brighten. A changing of the guard if you will.
I didn't expect to start my day with the sun breaking the horizon. I didn't certainly didn't expect to start my year walking alone in the briskness of dawn. What I realized in those early moments of my walk, was that sometimes expectations cause inflexibility or kill one's creativity. In the worst scenarios, expectations can also cause you to miss a new opportunity thrown at you unexpectedly.
As I continued my walk, I pondered this conundrum. Life is filled with expectations. We all have them. Expectations of family, of friends, of other people in our circles (or just outside our circle), with our jobs and our co-workers, and how we as individuals present ourselves to the world.
I walked swiftly to keep warm and toiled with this concept, rolling it around in my mind. One really cannot live without expectations, after all that's like living without goal. So the key then, in my opinion, was to find a way to keep balance with expectations so that they don't cause inflexibility. Brilliant. Not mind blowing, considering balance is the key to a lot of things. The bigger point is to find the trick is to sort out how to keep that balance.
Talk about deep thoughts so early in the day, this the first of 2014. I couldn't help but think back to a year ago today where I had also found myself waking to expectations that had been blown of the water. I remember feeling crushed and uncertain of the path ahead of me. And yet as that first day of 2013 progressed, I felt more confident in my path forward, challenging as it was.
I quickly found myself overwhelmed with ghosts. So much has transpired since that moment. And today is the start of another year and I could feel that I was yet again at a crossroad of expectations. My mind heavy with thought, I paused to enjoy the calm of two horses playing with one another.
I needed that pause. In that moment, the warmth of the sun began to break through the chill of the morning. With that moment came the realization just how much I had learned in a year. My personal growth has deepened and I owe much, if not all of that growth, to the people I have surrounded myself with. And that was my moment today. Feeling grateful. Being excited by the future and what I will be sharing with them moving forward.
So, if you'll bear with me, I'm going to take some time to thank them. Yes, today's blog is a novel. For those to expecting a solution to my original thought - you can stop reading here. I never did figure out a solution to keep the balance between expectations and being flexible. I guess I have something to chew on for days to come! What can I say, I was completely distracted by the amazing circle I have around me and I took rest of my time alone, at the beginning of the year, to pause and appreciate them.
In the end, it's been a hell of a day, and a hell of a start to 2014 and I want, nay I need to share a little love and thank my friends for the opportunities they've given me to grow this past year.
Arizona. What a strong, beautiful woman you are. Our friendship is relatively new, but it is a deep friendship. You have offered me many new perspectives in the ever changing world I find myself in. Thank you for sharing with me.
Archie & Comic Guy. My besties. A couple that has been in my life for a very long time. First I love them as individuals for they have unique perspectives that I love from each of them. Second, I love them as a couple. I truly don't know where I'd be without the two of you. Thank you for always picking me up when I falter, for kicking my ass (not so gently) and for helping me navigate some tricky waters in the past year.
BFF. Through thick and thin we've been. Tears, music, anger, joy, milestones and then some. What an incredible colourful journey it's been my dear friend. Thank you for recognizing the value of our friendship, for fighting daemons (of your own and mine) to keep our friendship strong. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from mistakes made in 2013 for I know it means our friendship will grow ever deeper and more meaningful.
Bunny & Bear. Long time friends. I've worked with, schooled with, and spent many interesting evenings with Bear. When he married Bunny, it was a most special day to watch them unit. They are an incredible couple with two amazing young lads. Thank you both for sharing your individual brightness with me as well as that of your beautiful family. I know, without a doubt that you always have my back.
Cherry. A work colleague come friend. Thank you for commiserating with me as we processed through similar life milestones this past year. I look forward to a continued friendship with your and your new beau.
Chica. A fellow co-worker that I adore. You are proof that even someone old like me can learn from a young thing like you. (Not that I'm ageist at all!) Thank of for your endless positive energy and for reminding me that life is too short. I love your perspective on life and appreciate that positive, self-respecting version of the world around you. I will continue to try and incorporate more of that into my world.
Co-workers. Thank you for making every work day easier to get out of bed for. You are an amazing hard working, inspiringly creative crew. I'm thankful every day.
Hawk. Thank you for for the biggest learning opportunity of all this past year. We have shared and lost much together over this past year. My hope is that you find deep happiness in the years to come.
Heini. A friend with nearly 2 decades of history. Over the years we have battled many daemons together. What I have always loved was that you offer your insightful opinions without judgement. You have always listened, understood, respected and supported me even when the path chosen was one you didn't agree with. The truest, deepest mark of a best friend. Thank you for loving me and supporting me through many of life's trials. I have learned a lot from our friendship.
MooCow. A new friend, adopted from EQ's circle. An amazing huge heart, ready to help out at a moments notice. Such a wonderful energy to be a part of. Thank you for accepting me into your world.
Mr. B. A co-worker that I call friend. He's nearly my father's age, but I don't see him as a father figure. I see him for his brilliance and experience. A true mentor and friend to me (even if he does get me in trouble sometimes!). Thank you for all the insights you share with me. I am a sponge to your words.
My Family: One big thank you to envelope each of you with a hug filled with love. There are many entries in my daily blog that speak to just how important you are to me. I am so very fortunate to have such an amazing family.
SILIS & Sunshine-Unicorns&Rainbows. A couple from EQ's circle who have graciously accepted me into their world. They have brought many a smile to me over this past year. Thank you for welcoming me in your home just last night for an amazing meal and to celebrate the turn of the year. I'm sure we'll see many more celebrations in the years to come.
To all of my new sky diving friends: What an incredible bunch you are! So diverse, so welcoming, so filled with life. Thank you for sharing a sliver of your world with me.
Tree & Baldr. New friends also from EQ's circle. New friends that, at once, I felt at home with. Thank you for the acceptance and love you have shared with me already. Like long lost souls that have finally had an opportunity to reunite. I'm excited about the possibilities in the years to come for our blooming friendship.
To everyone else in my world that I haven't specifically called out, thank you for crossing my path and for sharing a piece of you with me. Each moment shared is an opportunity for me to learn and grow.
And last, but certainly not least, my dear sweet love - EQ. Never has someone been allowed so deep into my being. Thank you for turning your twinkling eyes my way. How you ever found me I will never know, but I am grateful every day that you did. You make it easy (okay, easier!) to share the deepest parts of me. Thank you for your patience, for your love and for building a strong foundation for our future together.
And there you have it. My little novella that will bore most. For me, it's a perfect way to start 2014, with reflection of the past and the excitement of the future ahead of me.
Moments where one's mind goes in many directions, only to circle back to that which is most important.
Moments enjoying the promise of a new day, and the opportunity to dig ever deeper thanks to those in your life.
To all of my new sky diving friends: What an incredible bunch you are! So diverse, so welcoming, so filled with life. Thank you for sharing a sliver of your world with me.
Tree & Baldr. New friends also from EQ's circle. New friends that, at once, I felt at home with. Thank you for the acceptance and love you have shared with me already. Like long lost souls that have finally had an opportunity to reunite. I'm excited about the possibilities in the years to come for our blooming friendship.
To everyone else in my world that I haven't specifically called out, thank you for crossing my path and for sharing a piece of you with me. Each moment shared is an opportunity for me to learn and grow.
And last, but certainly not least, my dear sweet love - EQ. Never has someone been allowed so deep into my being. Thank you for turning your twinkling eyes my way. How you ever found me I will never know, but I am grateful every day that you did. You make it easy (okay, easier!) to share the deepest parts of me. Thank you for your patience, for your love and for building a strong foundation for our future together.
And there you have it. My little novella that will bore most. For me, it's a perfect way to start 2014, with reflection of the past and the excitement of the future ahead of me.
Moments where one's mind goes in many directions, only to circle back to that which is most important.
Moments enjoying the promise of a new day, and the opportunity to dig ever deeper thanks to those in your life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)