Moments D676: Waiting Rooms

Here's something you likely don't know about me. I dislike waiting rooms. I know, most people likely do.  Really, who likes waiting around for someone else?  That said, some may enjoy the quiet downtime as they wait for their appointment. For me, it's a waste of very precious time.

Unfortunately, for me, my doctor is always running behind schedule. It's not just once in awhile. It's every single time I go to visit her. I wouldn't mind so much if it were merely 5-10, even 15 minutes each time. Sadly, the truth is that she is typically an hour late - or more. It's disrespectful of my time to always be so late.

Even so, she's still my doctor. I know, I know. I should just find a new MD and believe me, I've thought about it, but it's been a low priority given that I really only see her once, maybe twice a year.

Today was a check-up. All I needed was blood work done, so, in essence a requisition form for the lab. I'd see my doctor for maybe 5 minutes for it.

And I waited for just over an hour.

Normally I would have been quite tweaked by the end of my waiting time. Today was a different story. Today I had EQ with me as he's back in town! Our hour in the waiting room was a nice mid-day treat. Bonus time.

Instead of feeling like I had had time stolen from me, I now felt like I had stumbled across bonus time with my love. Perfect really considering he came back to Toronto early.  Bonus time!

We enjoyed every extra minute we had together today because of my tardy, ill-organized, overbooked doctor.  I'm not complaining.  Instead, I'm celebrating that moment.

Moments seeing with a different perspective.

Moments appreciating bonus time.

Moments D675: Spidey-senses

Today was an interesting day.  A day where my spidey-senses were off the charts with activity.  It felt like everything had a double meaning, or a deeper meaning.  Things unsaid were heard.  Things heard left the feeling that there was more to be said.  Small pieces didn't add up.  Bigger pieces felt forced together.

The puzzle was set up and done, but it just didn't feel right.

And I went about my day.  Ignoring the pieces.  Well, sort of.  I was aware of the misplaced pieces, but re-arranging them in my mind (over and over) was unbelievable. Truly.  The version of the puzzle that appeared to best fit, not only seemed unbelievable, it felt like a fairytale story.  No way was that version of the puzzle real.

And yet, as the day passed by, I came to believe that maybe it was possible.  Maybe, just maybe it wasn't just my imagination.  Maybe my gut instinct and understanding of the pieces were right.  Maybe.

On my way home from volleyball, I was on Skype with EQ sharing our days with one another.  As I drove up to the apartment, I realized that there wasn't parking right out front and said as much with, no doubt, annoyance in my voice.  I've never had EQ find a way off Skype with me as fast as he did in that moment.  That was the linchpin for me.  All the pieces locked in place.

Of course, I could still be wrong.

I slowly parked the car.  Methodically.  It was a perfect distance from the curb.
I slowly walked to the apartment.  It was dark.  The hallway light was on.
I slowly walked up the stairs to the apartment.  Nothing seemed out of place.  Nothing changed from when I left this morning.

My belief began to falter.

I opened the door.  It was pitch black inside.  I dropped my bags in the kitchen, said hello to kitt-eh and then flipped on the light.

And there he was.  Laying on my couch.  A big 'ol smile upon his face.  I laughed, still in my parka and stood there a moment and soaked him in.  He was really here, back in Toronto.

And I said:

"I knew it!"

A few seconds more I had dropped my parka and joined him on the couch and we fell into a moment of just holding each other.

What a fantastic, beautiful non-surprise.

EQ was home again.  Early by 4 days.  What a beautiful moment that was.  What a fairytale indeed.

Moments paying attention to the details and not believing what they were saying.

Moments enjoying one of the best surprises ever to come your way.

Moments D674: 30s Dance Party & Respect

Today I had an interesting lunch with a work colleague that I very much respect.  He's got 23 years on me which means he has a lot of experience to offer.  When he shares, I listen.

While our work lunch started with our typical ramblings of the fate of the industry and next steps for both our companies, we found ourselves veering away from that by mid-lunch.  The focus became more about age differences as he was about to head out on a date this coming weekend with a woman younger than he, and I, of course, am with a man 11  years older than me.   Common ground for a very personal subject.

We discussed the challenges and interesting opportunities that an age difference can bring.  Everything from expanding one's perspective to misunderstandings based on those unique perspectives.  It was a fantastic conversation and when I arrived back into the office, it was followed up with another brief moment of age differences.

This song came on the radio and Chica came walking into the office.  Fourteen years my younger, she suddenly broke out into a dance.  In the middle of the office.  Rocking away.  It was a 30s dance party.  It brought a smile and a laugh to everyone in the office.  A perfect breather after a couple of stressful days.

And that's when it all snapped into place.  Respect.  It's ageless.  It can show up in the form of a deep philosophical discussion, or it can show up in a moment of living life large.

Moments enjoying differences of ages.

Moments appreciating that respect can be ageless.

Moments D673: More random hugs

Well, it happened again today.  What can I say.  It's been a rough start to the week and my energy isn't what it typically is.

Mid-day, my co-worker walked up to my desk, took one look at my harried face, walked behind me and then enveloped me into a hug.  Then he told me to stand up.

And he gave me a bigger hug.

Just what I needed actually.  It certainly made the rest of the day go by a little easier.

I have really wonderful, caring co-workers.  For that I am thankful.

Moments appreciating a random, needed hug.

Moments appreciating your co-workers.

Moments D672: Needed hugs

Some days it just happens.  I project.  I don't mean to.  It just happens.  It happens when I'm too busy to slow down enough to see what energy I'm sharing with the world around me.

Today was one of those days.  I projected my stress outward.  It's not that I said anything about it, no, it was really just my quick responses, lacking any depth or energy to them.  Today, I had much on my "to do" list and I didn't want any of it to carry over to tomorrow.  (I failed on that point - that's ambition for you!)

Near the end of the day Chica came around to my desk and without saying anything gave me a big 'ol hug from behind as I continued to work away on a document on my computer.  At that point, I had to laugh and turned to thank her.

She said she knew I needed it.  And that was it.  She was off for the day and gone.

She was right.  Her small action made me pause and consider all that I was stressing over.  It will still be there tomorrow.

What a wonderful work moment today.

Moments being unaware of what you are projecting.

Moments being quickly brought back into awareness, with a needed hug.

Moments D671: Early bird catches the worm.....

.....or in this case the GOLD medal for men's hockey.

Mom, Dad & I were all up early this morning so we could watch the final match in men's hockey.   (After all, how could we call ourselves proud Canadians if we didn't?!!)

What an incredible game it was. They came out hard and fast, tweaked their game to better off-set the unexpected offence of the Swedes and kept fighting hard for the win right to the very end of the game.

It was a little surreal eating breakfast over a game of hockey, but I suppose that was a little less surreal than those drinking beer at 7 am today!

So very proud of our Team Canada this winter Olympics.  We ranked in third place in the medal standings in Sochi with a medal count of 25.  We had some spectacular moments this Olympics.  The first female bobsledders to earn two consecutive gold medal in the women's two-man event.   The bobsled crash, where no one was, miraculously, injured.   Sisters winning gold and silver medals in the same event.  Charles Hamelin, crashing out of his two top events.

Dreams being realized and others being dashed away.

We may not have topped our 2010 medal count, but Team Canada was impressive none-the-less.

Congratulations Team Canada.

Moments enjoying the Canadian sport of hockey.

Moments feeling pride for your country`s athletes.

Moments D670: Family Dinners

This afternoon I headed to Welland so that I could watch my nephew in his hockey tournament.  Typically such a visit is quick and I don't have much of a chance to really interact with my brother, SIL or my nephews.  I join them at the arena, spend some time with my SIL and younger nephew and then we all go our separate ways.  As fast as it is, I am always willing to make the drive, when I can, to cheer on my oldest nephew in the sport he loves.

As I sat enthusiastically cheering on my nephew (playing centre these days) I wondered where he would be in 10 years time.  He's only just turn 10, so there are many paths yet before him.  Will he still be playing hockey?  Would he push himself hard to ever make it to the Olympics?  (What can I say?  I have the Olympics on my brain!) Or, will he be more focused on learning?  Of course, I haven't any answers, but there was that moment today where I was pondering where he might go with his love of hockey.  (And boy-oh-boy does he love his hockey!)

While watching my nephew play is best was a heart-warming moment, the real moment today was a surprise family gathering.  The entire family was coming back for dinner after the game.  Not only my brother and his family, but my Big Sis and her family.  There was 11 of us in all.  What an incredible dinner it was.  Our food was simple, but perfect for the occasion and something we "kids" all love.  Spaghetti and meatballs with ceasar salad.  The dinner table was filled with fast moving conversations, silliness with my nephews and silliness with my "nieces".  Lots of laughter.  The only thing missing was my love.  (He's in California right now.)  I think we all missed him tonight.

I was so very happy that my Mom offered to pull this impromptu dinner together for everyone.  I may have only been in Welland for 18 hours, but I managed to see all my peeps.

That was pretty incredible.

Moments appreciating the effort Mom puts in to pull us busy kids together for dinner.

Moments loving and appreciating my family.

Moments D669: Monkey Notes

Tonight after work I headed to Newmarket to have a girls' night with my BFF.  It's been far too long since we've had such an opportunity.  We had a delightful time with "imported" Chino Locos, wine and delightful conversations. (Yes, that's right, I brought dinner with me from Toronto to Newmarket.  And yes, the burritos were still warm when I arrived at BFF's!)

But the best moment of the evening was when I remembered that I had something for BFF.  I dug it out of my purse and gave it to her.  She laughed and laughed.  And I smiled.  It was that perfect moment of knowing you've brightened someone's day a wee bit more than they had expected.  Bangarang!

It wasn't anything big, but it was meaningful:

It's a note pad with monkeys as a theme.  I know you are wondering why this might have brought such smiles.  I can't really share the "inside-scoop" to that, but let's leave it as this:  monkeys are an "us" thing and they are meaningful to us.  I simpley couldn't not pick up the pads when I saw them while out shopping a few weeks back.  One for BFF and one for me.

Why two?  Well, because now every time I need a scrap piece of paper for one thing or another, I'll have a laugh.   And so will my BFF when she goes to do the same.  A gift that will keep on giving, to us both over the days to come.

Moments finding something simple and yet special.

Moments sharing the smile for many "pages" to come.

Moments D668: Proud Canadian

This evening I found myself with a little more time on my hands than I had expected.  We had a snow storm.  Actually, we had an freezing rain storm that, North of the city turned into a snow storm.  Typically  on Thursdays I play volleyball in Markham.  Not so tonight as I was convinced by BFF & EQ to no take the chance of a questionable drive there and back. 

So I stayed home.  Instead of making use of this found time for my school readings, I decided to catch up on the Olympics.  (I figured it was my sport night, I might as well catch up on the day's activities at the Olympics if I couldn't be playing volleyball.  That seemed pretty logical to me!)

Earlier today the Canadian women's hockey team had won their game - to bring home GOLD!  I realized as I read up on their game play, that I was one darn proud Canadian.  There were a few Canadian-Olympic feel good stories that brought a smile and a warm heart and downright awe.   I'm so very proud of Team Canada and so very proud to be able to say that I'm Canadian.    

Today, my moment is appreciating my country.  The hard fought games and moments at the Olympics.  Even thought I'm no elite athlete, I have a sense of how hard our athletes train just to compete in the Olympics.  This year, not only did we compete (and do well), we also did so with kindness.  How very Canadian of us.

There are only a few days left in they Olympics, but I am looking forward to cheering Team Canada on to the very end.

Moments catching up on the Olympics.

Moments realizing just how fortunate and how appreciative I am to be Canadian.

Moments D667: Sharing Chili Love

Two days ago I made a pot of chili.  A very, very large pot of chili.  So much so that I didn't have enough room in the freezer for it and I didn't want what I couldn't freeze to go bad, so I had to figure out something to do with the rest of my chili.

Chica loves food.  Nearly as  much as I do.  And so, I took in a little container for her for lunch and another bigger container for her to take home to her fiancée should she enjoy it.

She squealed with delight when I told her of her lunch option today.  (That always makes me smile!)

Before I had a moment to blink, she had eaten all of the smaller portion.  She came bouncing past my desk grinning ear to ear.  Laughing, I asked her if she enjoyed her lunch.  She was all smiles and said, "I sent you an email."

In the email, not only did she thank me for the tasty, unexpected lunch, but also for the dinner she'd now have to share with her fiancée.  Without getting personal, it meant a lot to her, more than I could have imagined.

That touched my heart.  I think I'll bring her another container tomorrow.

Moments of sharing.

Moments of sharing that go deeper than the act itself.

Moments D666: Talking toilet paper

Today I dropped EQ off at the airport - he's headed back to California.  A sad moment to be sure for I don't know when next I'll feel his arms around me.  Time will pass quickly (as it seems to these days), but that moment of saying "see you later love" is never an easy one.

I arrive home to quiet.  After 72 days together, we were now apart again.  It was eerie.

And then I walked into the bathroom and broke out into a round of giggles.  This is what I found:

Even while he was in the middle of his flight to California, the man knows how to share a smile with me.

Apparently the cats decided to help out too by unravelling the toilet paper for me.  I found it just like this!

Can't read it?  That's okay, here's what it says:

Of course, I had to Google Rumi 32.

What a romantic.  Love that man.  Love that he left this surprise (amoung others) for me to find tonight.  It helped with the shift in energy 'round here.

Moments enjoying silliness.

Moments realizing your toilet paper is talking to you!

Moments D665: Comfort foods

Today was Family Day.  A welcomed February statutory holiday here in Ontario.  It ended up being a lazy-stay-in-you-PJ's kind of day.  

Perfect for a lunch filled with comfort foods.  And so, we made fancy grilled cheese sandwiches (okay, who's kidding who, *I* had a fancy grilled cheese sandwich with coriander and avocado in it and EQ had a plain cheddar cheese sandwich) along side, yes, you guessed it, tomato soup!

Delightful.  Simple.  Perfect for a lazy day.

And then I stewed a big (too big) pot of chili for dinner. (Yes, that's right, I overflowed into a second pot!  Whoops!)

Yes, it was a comfort food kind of day.

Moments having a simple quiet day.

Moments enjoying simple comfort foods.

Moments D664: Scotch heaven

Today EQ and I had dinner with Comic Guy and Archie at a local pub - The Feathers.  I had no idea the treasure we were to stumble upon!

EQ is a scotch fan.  He has an impressive collection of his own.  Tonight, after dinner, after a visit to the loo, EQ noticed the wall of scotch which was, literally, right behind him the entire time we were sitting eating.  Oh the look of surprise!  

As soon as our waitress realized just how big a fan EQ was of scotch, she offered him the book of scotches available.  What an incredible book of options!  It was written in small print  with many, many pages. 

And then, the pièce de résistance - she offered him to take a look at the cellar.  WHOA!  Check it out:

Now that is a collection! And in that moment EQ was in scotch heaven.  He came back to the table with the look of a child who had just seen the biggest candy store.

He decided, at that point, that we simply must try one of his favourite scotches, from Ardbeg, from 1974. It was incredible.  (I guess 40 years old isn't so bad after all!)  Even Archie, a non-scotch drinker enjoyed it!

Today's moment, randomly stumbling across a treasure trove filled with scotch.  

Moments being pleasantly surprised.

Moments enjoying watching the childlike exuberance upon the face of the man you love.

Moments D663: Flying with yoga

Today EQ and I tried something new.  New is exciting.  New can be nerve wracking.  New, when it comes to showing and sharing trust is even more exciting and nerve wracking!  And that is today's moment.  Sharing and showing trust.

Today EQ and I participated in a yogaFLIGHT session in Barrie.  It was worth the drive!  Not only was the experience incredible, so were the instructors Sky & Slade.

This was a new experience for EQ and I as a couple. Never before have we done something so interactive and new for us both. yogaFLIGHT is a style of a type of partner yoga exploring yoga practice through connection with another individual. It combines the youthful exuberance of a child (think about when you were young and you enjoyed airplane rides!) with the wonderful and healing benefits of yoga.  And how very accurate that description was!

A couple of great examples from our 2 hour adventure with Sky and Slade.

You can easily see how yogaFLIGHT is all about trust between the "base" and the "flyer".  And, it's all about communication.  

Not only did EQ allow me to fly, I managed to allow him to fly.  Yes!  I was a solid enough base to support him.  It was incredible!  We shared and showed trust for 2 hours in this session.  It was amazing to see, on yet another level, how EQ and I work together.  It was an empowering, experience that had as promised, the youthful exuberance of a child.  If you get the chance to experience yogaFLIGHT with Sky & Slade, I highly recommended it!

Moments experiencing a new activity with the man I love.

Moments enjoying a new way to fly. 

Moments D662: Pampering Mani/Pedi Redux

Today is Valentine's Day.  This year is slightly different for me in that I have love in my life now.  That said, I still feel like V-Day is a "Hallmark" day.   It is, at most, a milestone which reminds me of all the other days of the year that we forget to appreciate those we love.  

This year, I wasn't planning on anything special for the evening.  Why not?  Well, because EQ and I try to celebrate us a little every day.  So my big plan:  introducedEQ to my (now) tradition for Valentine's Day:  A Mani/Pedi for us both!.

We spent some time post work pampering ourselves and enjoying a little chatter with the ladies at the salon. A side by side mani/pedi for EQ and I.  What a treat that was!  After we were all buffed up, we headed home to order in and curl up on the couch together.  Not a whole lot different than any other night, except the fact that EQ spoiled me greatly today.  This I had not expected.

EQ was bound and determined to make it a very special day for us as it is our first Valentine's Day together. He was successful!  

First of all, my morning started with a song that he created for me.  What!?  Really?  Yes!  That alone is the most touching thing anyone has ever done for me.  He later greeted me with an armful of flowers at lunch and showered me with words of love in a special card for me after dinner.

His point:  Valentine's Day is an opportunity to celebrate our love with a little more depth and frivolity. He did that with great charm today.   In the end it was the perfect way to spend our first Valentine's Day together. 

On some level, he's right.  Today is indeed an opportunity to pause and appreciate those you love.  All those you love!  So today's moment:  recognizing this point and conceding to EQ's vision for the day.

And so, I pause:  I am fortunate to have a man in my life that loves me sweetly and deeply.  I am also fortunate to have friends that love and appreciate me (and I them!).  I am grateful for my ever loving and supportive family.  And, in the spirit of EQ's perspective, I sent out text to many of my friends offering a reminder love today.  I even ended up sending out a couple of cards in the mail as a surprise.  

Today isn't easy for some because it's a day aimed at romantic love and those without it can find it a tedious day.  Today, I celebrated both, my romantic love and the love I have for those I am fortunate to have in my life.  

Which brings me back to my nail place.  When EQ and I first arrived the owner catcalled to us as we entered the door:  "She wins!"  She was talking about the fact that EQ is here in Toronto.

Yes.  I did win.  But not really in the way she thinks.

Moments appreciating a quiet moment with the man I love.

Moments realizing that Valentine's Day can be more than just a milestone to lost moments.

Moments D661: How do you.....

.....make a heart as an emoticon.  Yes, this was a serious question today from Chica.  She was so cute and shy when she asked the question.  It totally cracked me up.  Easy for me to see this as today's moment to share with you.

AND, in case you are wondering (at least for those of you who don't know how to create a heart emoticon, it is  <3.

That is a "less than" sign (<) and a three (3), side-by-side.

Fun?  Yes!

Silly?  Indeed!

Moments enjoying a simple question from a co-worker with a huge grin.  

Moments knowing that now she knew how to create a <3, Chica was going to be spreading much love!

Moments D660: It's done. Phew.

Another midterm under my belt.  I survived it.  It wasn't pretty, but I wasn't really expecting it to be.  The first part wasn't as hard as I expected.  The last part, sadly, was harder than I expected.  Of course, that last question was worth the most on this test.

Was I disappointed in my performance?  Yes.  I ran out of time.  I know, with more time, I would have offered up a better tax report for that final question.  I simply ran out of time.  I wasn't fast enough in applying the knowledge I had in my brain ad it's going to cost me dearly.

But, as disappointed as I was, I found myself shaking it off quicker than ever.  I was very much looking forward to being home and curling up with EQ on the couch for a couple of hours before heading to bed.  I know how hard the past few days have been on him, on me and on us.

And so, I stopped on my way home and picked up dinner for the two of us.  When I arrived home, I could tell that his bad day had gotten the best of him too.  With both of us licking wounds, we ate in a content silence as we watched a couple of Ted Talks.

At one point, I asked him if he wanted to talk about it.  He said no.

At another point in time, he asked me if I wanted to talk about my midterm.  I declined.

And shortly after that, we decided to end this day, crawl in bed and pull the covers over our head.

Phew.  It's done.  This day is finally over.  Now for sleep and to begin anew tomorrow with a refreshed view on how to tackle the next half of this semester.

Moments struggling with the day's events.

Moments realizing it's not so bad and after a good night's sleep, it will barely be a blip on the screen.

Moments D659: Change is in the air

It's not quite spring, but change is in the air.

Today was a challenging day in that the day thrust its need for change upon my work world.

A rock should never be shaken, for it is of the ground.  So what happens when the entire earth below the rock gives way to the slope of hill upon which they both rest?

Changes happens.  It's inevitable.  It's scary.  It challenges us and asks us to dig deep.

It also inspires.  To dream.  To go beyond.  For as one door closes, another opens.  What opportunity lay before you in this time of change?  They key is being aware.

So today, I celebrate the change, even though it was challenging.  Even though the days ahead, righting our footing from the avalanche, will continue to challenge  us, it is an opportunity to reinvent ourselves.

And I think we are ready for that reinvention.

Moments being shaken to the core in an unforeseen avalanche.

Moments realizing, once the dust has settled, that it's time to rebuild.

Moments D658: KD - also known as MAC n CHEESE

Tonight was another night in the books.  After tonight, I have only one more night to cram three chapters worth of tax knowledge into my tired brain.  I pushed hard and I persevered through some challenging twists and turns.

But I didn't do it alone.

No.  Tonight EQ sat with me and quietly read.  His presence and calm energy was very welcomed. But the best part, the part that is my moment today was that he made me my favourite "I-am-studying" dinner.  K-D.

Of course, I came to learn that K-D has no meaning to EQ.  Kraft Dinner is what we Canadians know it as.  But to those south of the border, it's known, not by the brand, but by what it is "Mac n Cheese".

No matter what we called it, I called it damn good! 

Not only was it done up special (with a touch of love!), EQ took the time to spice it up a bit.  The attention did not go unnoticed and I had to Instagram it before I even took a bite!

Yes, that's right.  Bread with oil & balsamic as a side with a coriander garnished K-D plate.!

It was heavenly!

Moment appreciating the simple dinners.

Moments being surprised that it wasn't so simple after all!

Moments D657: Found

I know I have talked a lot about words in my blog.  I suppose that is apropos given that I've taken to sharing a moment with the world every day via a blog.  Written words.

Written.

It seems I am better equipped to find the right words (or more coherent words) when I write.

Today was one of those reminder days.

It was a challenging weekend for me.  I've been nose to the grind digging into my textbook to get caught up enough to do well on my coming midterm.

It hasn't been fun.  It hasn't been easy.  It has been necessary.

At the end of today, my spoken words were failing me.  I was frustrated and I, frankly, gave up on them.

EQ came to my rescue.  Just at that moment where you are ready for the world to implode on you because you can't seem to express yourself well, he came to my rescue.

With some magic (at least it was magical to me), EQ found the words that had been floating in my head.  He brought to life the thoughts and feelings I was struggling to explain in my own words.  He was concise and eloquent as he did it.  In three or four sentences he had it all summed up.

It emulated a perfectly wrapped present.  You know, that present that you are dying to know what is inside, but it is so prettily wrapped that you are afraid to open it up and destroy its beauty.  What if, the goodies inside were not as expected?

And here was my perfectly wrapped present from EQ.  A neat little package of words that were deeply meaningful to me.  Was I really ready to open it up and dig a little deeper?

Yes, that was a pretty powerful moment.  That moment where I had a choice to accept those found words or deny them.  I chose the harder path.  The path that forced me to go deeper than ever before.

In the end, it seems I was ready for digging deeper, for what ensued was a profound and fulfilling conversation about growth, opportunity and the excitement of our future together.

All because of a few found words that I wasn't able to find, but were found for me.

Brilliant!

Moments failing with words.

Moments where your partner picks up the vibe and finds the words.

Moments D656: Study breaks

Today was day one of hard core studying for my coming midterm.  I haven't been a very diligent student to date this semester and it's showing.  Between unexpected distractions to a shift in life priorities, my readings have taken a back seat to other things.

Today, there was no more delaying.  It was time to dig in, and dig in deep.

And I'm learning.  Not only the subject that I'm supposed to be focused on, but about taking better care of myself.  I paused mid-day and had a good catch up with BFF.  I took micro-breaks throughout the day and caught up with EQ.  I also ended the day earlier than I normally would so that EQ and I could enjoy a date night together.

Looking back, it's been a good, productive day.  I feel a little uneasy with the work left to do before my midterm, but in the end, I'm also trying to let go of my need for that A+.  Really.  Is that so darn important?Nope.  Definitely not.  It's time that need take a back burner.  It hasn't been easy for me to shift gears, but I can feel the shift more than ever.

That said, tomorrow I'll start a little earlier and work a little later to get more of what I feel I need to get done.  What can I say, I'm slow to shift.

Moments focusing on the back-burner.

Moments realizing that I don't need to push quite so hard.

Moments D655: Debatable

I've never been good at debates.  Some of those closest to me may disagree.  Come to think of it, they may even vehemently disagree with that point.

So let me clarify.  Organized debates.  Debates with high stakes, be it high emotion, high passion, or simply leading towards an important outcome.  Nerves would get the best of me.

Tonight, I watch part of the Bill Nye and Ken Ham debate.  Science vs. Genesis.  Wow.  Talk about high stakes.

It was fascinating to watch to diametrically opposed positions walk through their points to support their positions.  It was even more fascinating to watch them counter-point their opponents points.

I surprised myself watching this debate.  First and foremost, I found myself open minded enough to really listen and pay attention to Ken Ham's points.  Secondly, I actually found myself giving a few nods to Ken Ham's points than I had ever expected.  He was an eloquent speaker and though he sounded defensive more often than not, he had a true path.

Bill Nye was brilliant.  In front of a room of opponents to his view, he walked through his science of life against the most extraordinary claims made by Ken Ham's model of life.

It's an incredible debate.  Watch it.  Talk about it.  Grow from it.

Moments knowing you've grown by experiencing something new.

Moments knowing you should share this experience to help others to grow too.

Moments D654: Bookend

This evening EQ and I went to our first concert together and what an incredible first concert it was.  As everything we do, do don't start small.

We went to see Elton John. A musical legend. A proper knight, knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1998 for his services to music and charitable services. And frankly a man who had great presence on stage without all the crazy costumes he's known for.

Elton John may be a whole lot more tame at 66 than he was at 29, but his talent and passion shone brightly for nearly 3 hours while he was on stage.  He even stopped to do autographs for those in the front row before his encore.  He was more gracious to his devoted fans than I've ever seen a performer be.  Elton John felt bigger than life and I now know, I really know, why he's a legend.

For me, it was a first.  I've never seen Elton John before in concert.  I've always loved some of his music, but I've not really followed him over the years.  My perspective:  A brilliant piano player, with incredibly fun music, married to a fellow Canadian David Furnish.  Yes.  Pretty limited.  I know.  As much as I love music, it's not something that I've invested a lot of time into.

On the flip side, EQ has a deep passion for music.  In many ways, EQ sees (feels?) music in nearly everything around him.  From the sound of my voice to the whisper of a snowfall and everything in between.  Music lives not only around him, but within him.

For EQ, this was the second viewing of Elton John in concert.  EQ's first concert was when he was but a pup.  At the ripe age of 14, EQ watched Elton John perform on his Goodbye Yellowbrick Road Tour.  As a teenager, the concert was, no doubt, awe inspiring to a young man.  This young man, filled with a passion for music, was himself on a path within the world of music.  For years he found deep satisfaction in the industry and music has offered him many extraordinary experiences.

Bookends.  That's what came to mind when I heard the story of Elton John being EQ's first big concert.  A bookend at the start of his musical career.   And then to realize that our first concert was to be Elton John.  Another bookend.  Another marker of a shift in perspective and a future of many extraordinary experiences.
A stretch?  Yes perhaps.  But I do like the serendipity and I'm going to enjoy the flush of excitement that comes with the dream of the extraordinary experiences to come for EQ & I.

Moments of firsts.

Moments of dreaming bigger.

Moments D653: Snow day!

Today a snow storm passed through Toronto.  It wasn't a blizzard, but a lot of snow dropped this morning. Driving was slow.  TTC was slower.  Sidewalks were not yet cleared.   Many complained.  Most grumbled.

For me, I smiled.  I love a pretty snowfall and today's snowfall was big fluffy flakes. A lot of them.  It was like being inside a snow globe.

Sure, the drive to work was slow.  But sometimes slow is better.  During the slow drive, I had time to appreciate the snow dusting the barren trees, the kids all bundled up and tromping through the snow-filled sidewalks and the white sparkly blanket being laid over the city.  It was simply beautiful.



















And then the best part of my day, today's moment, happened.  I received an email from my professor:  class was cancelled tonight!


WOOT!  Snow day!  I haven't had a snow day in years!

So, instead of making my way to class after work, I made my way home.  I turned off my work/school brain and focused on this bonus time with my love.  It was just the two of us.  Picking up groceries, making dinner enjoying a movie and having a very deep conversation.  All moments that I wouldn't have had, had there not been a snow day.

Grateful for the snow.

For its beauty.

For the forced slowdown.

For the time gained with my love.






Moments deeply enjoying winter.

Moments deeply appreciating bonus quality time because of winter.

Moments D652: Flight and Luffy

I don't know if this has ever happened to you, but for me, there are days when I tend to have difficulty speaking.  Forgotten words, words that come out garbled or mumbled and worse yet, words that get all tangled up in themselves.

Today was one of those days for me.  I don't what was with me!  For the life of me, I just couldn't speak properly.

The best garble of the day:  "Flight and Luffy"

Of course, I meant to say:  "Light and Fluffy".

But I couldn't.  Believe me.  I tried.  During the conversation I was having, not only did I say it once, twice, but three times.  After a full-on belly laughter moment for messing up those words, we tried to continue the conversation.

And I did it again.  Twice.  Flight and Luffy.

I gave in to another round of giggles.  Hard not to really.  I figure, in the end, the message of light and fluffy still comes across, right?

But out of curiosity, I looked up Luffy online.  "A half minded hero....a rubber man that uses really cool moves."

Perfect.  Flight & Luffy.

Moments lost in your words.

Moments lost in silliness.

Moments D651: White Daemons

Today I created my own mythical creature. White daemons.   Why not?  I'm creative.  I like to think out of the box from time-to-time and today I needed some help.

Now, I know most think of angels fighting demons.  Partially to be different (and admittedly less religious, though I suppose that could be debated) and partially to have a mythical creature that had a lot more positive oomph, I created white daemons.  

Without further adieu, please allow me to introduce you to white daemons:

a divinity or supernatural being filled with the power of light and love.  A creature borne with the essence of spirit and human with the ability to fight their dark daemon/demon cousins with the positive power of their light and love.  

The way I see it, these light filled white daemons are much better able to fight the darkness of their cousins (demons) than angels. Borne from the same family, the yang to the yin, white daemons know the intimate secrets and fears of dark demons.  Oh yes, demons do indeed have fears!  This is a white daemon's secret weapon along with the fact that white daemons will grow stronger the more you feed them.  Their nourishment comes from you - your positive energy.  The more strength they have, the better able they are to shield you from the torment of your dark demons.  Not only will your white daemon act as protector to you from the very beginning, your white daemon will grow ever stronger as you continue feed it your confidence in its ability to torment your tormentor.  Circular? You bet.  The inverse is true as well.  (let's not invoke that!)  Feel it.  Feed it.  Believe it.  

Simple, right?

From that perspective, today I decided that the key is to consciously create a white daemon for every dark demon encountered within.  I liked the visual of my white daemons kicking some serious ass of my dark demons.  And, you know what else?  It is actually quite simple to create a white daemon.  All it requires is awareness and a moment to stop and create a positive energy to counter whatever negative energy torments you.

Many people do this naturally.  Others, at times, struggle to do so.  Others yet fail to ever protect themselves from negative energy. Today, I was inspired to create a manifestation of this process because sometimes seeing your light fight your darkness can be as powerful as other visualization techniques.  Why not visualize my light (white daemons) beating out the dark (demons)?  

Here's my example:  

Fear of abandonment.  Oh, dark demon of mine, I will not purposefully feed you any more negative energy.  No, no!  I may fear you and be tormented by you, but watch out!  Today, today, I create my white daemon to counter you:  I will not be abandoned.  I am surrounded by love and light.  The love and light of my family.  The love and light of my dearest and truest friends.   In times of this fear being activated, dear white daemon, I will look to you to shield me from this tormentor and his pull.  White daemon, I fill you with light and love to protect me from this fear and allow me to grow away from this old demon. 

In my opinion, if you need to build a little white daemon army to fight your dark demons, so be it.  Let them help you fight your dark demons.  Visualize your white daemons winning.  Feed them.  Believe in them.  

You are not alone.  You are never alone.  

Moments being (crazy) creative.

Moments realizing just how deep this could go.

Moments D650: One more episode

If only life were like that.  One more episode.  One more chance to see you favourite characters again.  Oh what many of us would do to have one last episode in life.

Today was a quiet reflection of that idea.  Today EQ and I met up with my parents post their recent Disney cruise with my brother and his family.  It was so very good to see them and to catch up.  There never really seems to be enough time though.  The afternoon flew by and before I knew it EQ and I were back on the highway heading home.

During that short 45 minute drive home, I was supposed to be reading my textbook.  Instead, blaming the dwindling light of the early evening sky, I suggested that we spend the time talking.  Okay, okay.  I lied.  I didn't suggest anything, I actually insisted that we talk instead of us sitting together in silence for the drive.  (Is that bad?)  I could see and feel that something was on EQ's mind.  The energy was pouring off him.

And so we dove in, as we normally do, and before long we were at the heart of it.  Without going into the intimate details, the heart of it was:  fear of change.  When you think about it, we're all afraid of change on some level.  If only we could take some of those fears of change and spin it into a new perspective.  That said, today's fears were a little more primal and deep and it wasn't until much later that I realized this.

We had been home, I had done some reading for class and we were about to snuggle in for the rest of the evening when today's moment hit me.  It happened just as EQ and I realized we had one more episode of Sons of Anarchy to watch for the season's finale.  It was silly, but we had a mini-celebration over the news.  Just when we thought we would have to find something else to watch we were instead able to dive into one more storyline with our favourite characters.  Woot!

Silly, right?  And that's when it hit me.  It's a silly comparison, but one that I think many can appreciate.  The fear of change is like reaching that last episode.  It's the uncertainty of a new chapter (or novel).  It's leaving the past behind with only the future ahead.  Will the next season be as good?  Will you like the characters that remain?  Will you grieve the loss of characters from the last season?  So much uncertainty.  Often, with a good story line, we the audience want one more episode to luxuriate in.

I think we do that in real life too.  One more moment.  That night that you never want to end.  That morning you slap snooze on your alarm clock for just a few more minutes of sleep.  Those last moments with a loved leaving to head home to the other side of the country.  Those moments telling a loved one that it's okay to let go, that those behind will always remember them.

One more moment.  Without really acknowledging it, we have mini-celebrations all the time for finding one more moment.

Today, I acknowledge it aloud:   I am going to celebrate the episode(s) that I'm in because I am simply not ready for the last episode.  I know it will come, in one area of my life or another.  Right now however, I am going to be more present and enjoy and celebrate the episode that I'm in.  I know when the change comes (and it will) I know I will be looking for one more episode, one more moment to celebrate.  I won't be able to stop that natural wish, but I do know I can celebrate a little sooner and be present today.

Moments connecting strange dots together.

Moments reflecting upon the amazing circle of love and light I find myself enveloped in.

Moments D649: February Parties

Holy smokes.  It's February.  Already.  Where the heck does the time go?

Tonight was my 13th work appreciation party.  Thirteen years.  Incredible.

Seriously.  Where does the time go?

It is always a treat to see your fellow co-workers all dressed up for the occasion.  So many smiling faces.  So much joy and laughter.  It's always a pleasure to spend an evening with my co-workers.

Every year there are new faces, new stories to share and a few traditions.  One of my favourite traditions are the selfies that a co-worker and I always do.  But my favourite tradition:  dancing until my feet hurt in those darn pretty shoes.  Oh how I love to dance!  This year was no exception.  The usual suspects were on the dance floor and we danced the night away.

The best part was the moment I realized that I had the perfect date.  That's a new tradition that I look forward to enjoying for the rest of my life.

I've never had a perfect date before.  EQ was the perfect gentleman.  He not only did all the gentlemanly things (you know, like opening doors and such), he was also perfect in the sense that he not only enjoyed time with me, he enjoyed time with my co-workers.  It felt like he actually wanted to be there.  EQ didn't need me to be with him the entire time, he was confident and comfortable meeting my co-workers and making conversation with them.  He was as comfortable dancing with me as he was sitting with my co-workers, talking and watching me dance up a storm with my friends.  What a treat it was to find him across the dance floor, share a smile and then go into another dancing frenzy!

So much fun.  It was so darn easy.

I like easy.  It's a new thing for me.  I could get used to this!

Moments enjoying a loud and noisy celebration with your co-workers.

Moments enjoying quiet reflection of my perfect date.

And, just because, here's a picture of our dessert.  YUM!