Moments D693: Organized

First and foremost:  HAPPY St. Paddy's Day!!!

What on earth is that a picture of?  Well, that's my dream book.  Two years ago, I had a fabulous (if I do say so myself) St. Patrick's Day/Housewarming party - I had my guests sign the book with wishes.   I like to remind myself of those incredible sentiments, this photo is one quick way to those warm fuzzy thoughts.

But today's moment isn't about St. Patrick's Day.  No, sadly, I actually forgot that it was a day to celebrate green!  I will do so tomorrow.  Better late than never, right?

No, today's moment was arriving back into the office after a week away in Jamaica.  This is what I arrived to:

Incredible, right?  That's not how I left my desk.  When I left, my desk was completely bare!

This beauty, was Chica's doing.  An amazing help in keeping things moving forward while I was away.  It was super easy to dive in and sort through the priorities for the week.  How extremely productive.  Perfect!  I loved it!  I started my day with the biggest smile!

Moments being thankful for having someone to share an overflowing workload while on vacation.

Moments really truly appreciating just how helpful she can be!

Moments D679: Shared lunch

Today's moment is a random one that brought a big smile to my face.

My CD came over to my desk and dropped off a 1/4 of a freshly cut avocado that had been lightly juice with a fresh lime.  I know he could have eaten it all, but he wanted to share.landed on my desk.

What a delightful, unexpected treat.

Bangarang!

Moments being surprised by a co-worker.

Moments enjoying fresh foods.

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 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 D541: Fuck being sad

Today I had an amazing lunch with a team mate of mine.  Chica has inspired me many times over the 1.5 years that I've know her.  She is simply a breath of fresh, joyful, bright air.  She's also 12 years younger than I am, and yet, in many ways, her life experience has made her much more self-aware and grounded than I.   Chica is simply a spitfire personality; a ball of energy.  Today's lunch was just another moment with her that left me a little awestruck with the depth that she offers outside of her boisterous ways.

As a total sidebar that ties back in:  Chica, strangely, she reminds me of a younger, wilder me.  I was never as wild as she, but her energy and "joie de vivre" vibrates on a level that I sometimes forget lives within me.  When she and I catch up, it's like slipping on an old set of boots that fit you perfectly from years of wear.  Feeling her energy reminds me of a historical me.

Today's catch over lunch was an incredible moment and one that I won't soon forget.  Why?  Well, Chica reminded me of the bigger picture in life.  It looks a bit like this:

First of all, there were screams.  (Yes.  Full on screams.)
Then a big deep genuine hug.
That was soon followed by a request for all the details.
Then there were tears.  Tears of genuine joy.

(insert lunch and other topics here)

Followed by intermittent yelps of glee.  Yes - The. Entire. Lunch.  Filled with intermittent yelps.

It was, simply, awesome.  It filled my heart with joy.

As we dug a little deeper into our catching up, Chica had some very mature, grounded advice:  "Fuck being sad, life is too short."

It was a light bulb moment, bringing me back to something Heini has shared with me. Like pieces clicking into place, my choice became clearer.

Why?  Because I know (and truly believe) that life is too short to be sad.  It's why I left a content, unfulfilling marriage.  It's why I work hard to make my team more efficient.  It's why I dig deep and communicate (a key to deep relationships).  Bottom line, this notion is very deep within me.  It's why I love to live every moment.  Chica captured that concisely with "Fuck being sad."

It had me thinking.

Bottom line, we all have choices.  They may be limited.  They may be shitty, but there is always a choice.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not all sparkles, rainbows and a bowl full of cherries.  I know that sparkles get lost in the darkness and the rainbows only come after the rain.  I also know that there are pits in the bowl of cherries but that won't stop me from eating them.  My point?  I can (and have) been swallowed into the darkness from time to time.  It happens.  We all find ourselves there.  But sometimes, the wallowing in self-pity gets out of control and (even though the words sound harsh) as Heini gently and lovingly says, "...get over yourself."  It may sound harsh, but it's true.  What's the point in wallowing.  Life is too short.  Choices can be made to find the light:  Find the tools.  Build the skills.  Lean on your support system.

And so, today, I'm going to stop wallowing and worrying as much as I have been.  I have too much going on in my own swirling life to further burden myself with the self-pity and sadness I've been carrying with me.  Bottom line:  I know change is difficult and scary and can tear relationships apart, but it can also build them stronger.  Perspective and digging deeper.

Today's moment was this light bulb moment with Chica over lunch which inspired a commitment to myself to move beyond the sadness that has clouded me for the past (near) week.  I have too much to be thankful for and to celebrate.  I have conquered some of my daemons in the past year.  I have found love, and revealed depth in friendships around me.  Acquaintances have surprised me and family has endlessly supported and loved me for all of me.  Each remind me that my happiness is important.  That I am important to them.  That I am loved by them and I can safely share my light, my love and my dreams with them without guilt or judgement.

Today, Chica reminded me to dig deeper within and be more true to myself when I find sadness creeping in. I may not be able to communicate well enough to change how people interact with me, but I can certainly change how I accept and interact with others.  We all have our own path to follow, and sometimes it is a dark path that lay ahead.  It's simply a path I refuse to walk with so much promise and love surrounding me. It is time for me to follow the bright, sparkly, rainbow covered path for my darkness has lifted and the storms have passed.

I know that those who really love me and support me, know that I'm girl who loves to yelp and scream and enjoy life large.  Not unlike my younger wilder team mate Chica.

So, my thanks to Chica for her bluntness.  I needed that slap in the face today.   She's right:  Fuck being sad, life is too short.

Moments reflecting over one's path.

Moments realizing that a choice must be made to dance in the light.

Moments D490: Support and Love

Today I met up with a special co-worker that recently left the company for lunch.  She and I worked together for nearly 12 years.  This lovely woman was always very prim and proper in the office, but once you got her outside the office walls, her silly side, her funny side, and her sarcastic side radiated through.  

Though she's only been gone a couple of months, I've missed her terribly.  She and I worked so well and so easily together.  She was like an extension of my brain!  Top that off with the fact that she is incredibly funny and I was very happy to be reconnecting with her for lunch. 

Unexpectedly, while at lunch my ex-coworker, offered me $50 to donate towards my coming Tough Mudder adventure in September.  Tough Mudder is known for supporting Wounded Warrior Project.  Part of the reason I jumped on board, was this fact.  Tough Mudder has proudly raised over $5 million to support thousands of warriors returning from the battlefield. I wanted to be a part of that.  (My grandfather was a vet. This is my small way of thanking him and all those that fight for our freedoms.)

What an incredible moment that was as we discussed the obstacle course and why I was running it.  (Yes, it is a hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces, with, apparently, some of the toughest obstacles courses out there!)

My ex-co-worker was very happy to help me help those returning from the battlefield.  She too felt it was a great cause, and with a humourous twinkle in her eye, she was also eager to remind me that I was a little crazy to participate.  We laughed, and I shared my appreciation for her donation.  I am very grateful for any and all donations as every little bit makes a difference.

And then, she bought me lunch and sent me back to the office with treats for the rest of the department.  Yes, I think she misses some of us!

A moment to remind me that my stamina, mental grit, camaraderie and all around strength will be tested to the limit with my team mates.

Most importantly, this moment, is dedicated to our warriors.  To supporting those that fight for our freedoms.  

Moments D473: Silver Linings

Sometimes life is just nasty to you.  It's nothing that you've done to deserve the negative energy, but perhaps it's a moment where you weren't strong enough to shield yourself from it.  It happens.  We all fall down from time to time, get a little (and sometimes a lot) beaten up, and feel bloodied and bruised.

Recently one of our own suffered through a terrible ordeal on his birthday weekend.  I had texted him on his birthday (last Monday) and his reply was to share some details about this birthday nightmare.  He shared it with me and me alone.  When we arrived to the office on Tuesday, I shared the story briefly with our team and we quickly agreed that we should try to help out.  Given that this ray of light touches many lives in the company, we sent out the following email to the entire staff team:

Pardon the intrusion, but one of our own suffered through an ordeal this past weekend and my department would like to reach out and see if we can’t help ease the pain a bit.

Imagine it's your birthday weekend. You're ready to have an awesome time with your family. Food, drink, presents. The whole nine. Then, suddenly all of that joy is taken away in a heartbeat.

Our good friend Ray of Light experienced exactly that this past weekend, as a thief stole his wife's purse (containing a great deal of cash, credit cards and gifts) while she rode the streetcar. Never mind the financial inconvenience this caused - being victimized like that sure would put a damper on MY weekend plans, and I'm guessing they did the same to Ray of Light and his family.

What we are hoping for, is the generosity of the folks who see every day. Just to give what you can. We are not looking to replace any particular amount, but rather we want to show Ray of Light and his family that there is an opposite (and much stronger) side to their lousy experience. Hopefully they can use whatever funds we raise to have a nice dinner and drinks together - on us.

If you're interested in contributing, we will be collecting your donations till Friday at noon. Let us know you'd like to donate via email, as we'd like to make this a surprise for  Ray of Light.  We'll present him with whatever we collect shortly after that.

Please be aware that we are trying to make this a surprise, so please no sharing with him prematurely!!

Thanks to everyone for whatever you can spare.

Back to your regularly scheduled day.  :)

The response immediate.  The flood of support and the depth of love that it brought with it was inspiring. We've been collecting funds since Tuesday and today when we handed over the card and envelope there was over $1000 collected for Ray of Light.  A company full of incredibly generous people offering to line Ray of Light's dark cloud with a little (a LOT!) of silver.  From the executive team down to the warehouse, he is loved.

When Ray of Light realized what had happened it was like a dam opening.  We're living in tight quarters at the moment and I tried to give him enough space to process the flood.  I hugged him, told him that he was loved by many and quietly handed him the box of kleenex.  Twenty minutes later, composed enough, he shared these words back to the company:

To my team mates, my friends, my work family - words will not do justice, will not suffice to give meaning to how you have all touched my heart –how you have helped my family.

I am so overwhelmed by your kindness – and your thoughtfulness - I am beside myself – I would be more eloquent in thanking you – but I am crying too hard.

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.

My heart is full of names - I love you all, I am in your debt, thank you, thank you.

He sent me a separate note, one that was just as heartfelt and touching:

Thank you most of all – one day I will find out what I did in my life to deserve a friend like you.

Ray of Light is a good man.  A man who has had quite a few hard knocks, and yet, he pushes forward, with a smile, with the ability to give more than he ever takes and he never, ever complains or asks for help. (Even when he should sometimes!)  The outpouring of love and support only goes to show just how many people's lives his beautiful energy has inspired.

It was a beautiful moment to see him soak in the energy reflected back to him today to watch the darkness lift and his storm cloud blown away.  As the rest of the day passed, I could feel him settling into the energy. Now Ray of Light will enjoy this weekend with his family (including visitors from out of town) without worrying about how he is going to afford to feed his extended family.

Ray of Light will left work with a full heart, a recharged soul and the understanding that while life can be nasty and break you down, there are loving people around that can help lift the burden and brighten the world around again.  He is not alone.

You are not alone.  Nor am I.

It's a story to share because many of us feel alone in times of trouble and don't always look past the darkness to realize that we have a support system.  This is a beautiful example of that.  It just takes a moment to share.

Moments watching the darkness lift and a heart swell.

Moments appreciating the beautiful people I work with.

Moments D470: Slipping Happy Secrets

Once in awhile there is a piece of your life that brings you such joy and happiness that you want to hold it close and not share it with too many people for one reason or another.  I very much fall into this behaviour from time to time.   This particular secret has brought me immeasurable joy, light and love into my world. I've been holding it close to me for fear that sharing the secret may jinx it.  As time passes the secret has become ever deeper a part of my life and sharing it seems a lot less scary.

And so, the secret has been slipping out slowly, bit by bit.

In my blogs from the past week, I've casually mentioned that I've fallen in love.  I know, I KNOW, that's actually a HUGE piece of information to share and I kinda just slipped it in there.  But I'm not ready to gush knowing that if I gush may never stop!  I can't do that to you dear readers!   I highlight this secret only to be able to share with you how today's moment found to me.

Today's moment came to me from a highly respected and loved co-worker.  He dropped by as he made his afternoon tea.  I know he reads my blog, and I figured he would pick up on my casual mention of love.  Sure enough, he asked me about it. There was no preamble.  He didn't even mention my blog.  With a big smile and a devious twinkle in his eye, he said,

"So, do I know him?"  Long pause.  "I'll bet I know him.  Don't I?"

All I could do was sit there and beam.  Caught.  I couldn't try to put my happy secret away even if I wanted to. My response was just as simple, with a (surely) stupid grin on my face,

"Yes, yes you know him."

We stayed like that for a moment in silence.  Smiling.  Laughing in silence.  It was a perfectly awesome moment.

And then the dam burst and I flooded him with information on my new love.  {gush}

Moments being called out.

Moments sharing a glorious secret.

Moments D464: Cleansing Rains

Today started early for me as I had a few things I needed to go over before my final exam.  Time this morning flew by and before I knew it, I was up to my eyes in planning at work.  The day seemed to skip by and though it was an easier day at work, the day still carried a dark cloud.  This afternoon I had to share some concerning news with a co-worker of mine.  It was overdue.  Now in the loop, he too is ready to tackle any oddities that might come down the pipe.  

The late afternoon brightened with a call from a friend who had received some great news from a waiting room.  It was the best kind of news one can get coming from a waiting room.  Our conversation brought a quick smile to my face and the energy to plough through the rest of my tired day with a warmth in my heart.

And yet, underneath the warm fuzzies I was nervous.  I always get nervous before an exam.  No matter how much prep I do, I get nervous.  And though Chica noted that I "...was holding it all together damn well...", underneath I was nervous.

Today's moment was beautiful!  I decided en route to my exam that I would take some time to breathe before my exam.  As I walked out of the parking garage and towards my classroom  I saw it - a present from the universe.  I held my breath.  There was my moment calling to me.  It was a bistro table with one chair overlooking the Ryerson pond.  I walked directly to it and sat down.  For the first five minutes I simply sat there and watched people come and go.  I smelled a wafting cloud of sweet smoke.  And then it began to sprinkle.  I sat there and pulled out my carefully typed up notes for one last round of reading.

As I sat there, a dog played in the water and the pigeons pecked at my feet.  My glasses were speckled with rain and my arms grew chilled.  I inhaled every moment of it, calming and preparing for the next two hours of writing out definitions and essays.

Before I knew it, my final came and went.  As usual, I over thought it.  The questions were challenging, but fair.  I'm sure I did well enough in the end.

As I left the building post-exam, I walked into the pouring rain.  I paused before heading to the parking garage and let the rains wash over me.  What perfect timing to be caught in a downpour. Another beautiful calm moment found despite the stress.  Another class down despite the distractions.

Moments to take pause to centre oneself.

Moments appreciating the pathetic fallacy of much needed cleansing rains.

Moments D455: Road Trips

Okay, okay.  I admit, it wasn't really a road trip.  What it was, was an hour and twenty minutes in rush hour traffic, but, hey, it had the atmosphere of a road trip.  We bonded like it was a road trip, can't I pretend that it was a road trip?

This evening after work a colleague of mine and I headed North out of the city to do a corporate photo shoot of portraits for the start-up company I've been consulting with.  With ten people attending, it was important that Chica and I showed up on time and ready for the photo shoot.  And so we left work on time, which, coincidentally was just in time to hit rush hour traffic.

A trip that should take about 30 minutes took us 80 minutes.  Insane, I know.  People do this commute every day.  I don't know how they keep their sanity.  Me, I like rolling out of bed knowing I'm only 20 minutes away, worst case, in rush hour.  But I digress.

Chica and I explored some big life questions and philosophies while we were stuck on the parkway.  Though we weren't driving very fast (real road trips mean covering serious countryside by my definition!), it was very reminiscent of a road trip for me.  Initially we had the tunes rocking out, but the conversation turned serious and deep, so the tunes were turned down so we could focus on the words being shared.  It's these types of moments I love best.  Don't get me wrong, I love to sing at the top of my lungs to my favourite songs on a road trip, but it's the meandering conversations that are my first love of road trips.

During our time together I realized that this lovely woman had more depth I was aware.  I love being surprised!  (though thinking upon it now I shouldn't have been surprised!).  I've known Chica for over a year now and I respect her more than most.  With an amazing zeal for life and her ability to live large, she really is a breath of fresh air when she arrives at work.  She's inspiring, she's full of energy, she's full of ideas and compliments and giggles.  I respected and enjoyed her as the glorious light filled person she is before our "road trip".  And then I spent over two hours (in two car rides) with her talking about life.

Why more incredible?  There is depth.  There is a mature understanding that comes with pains that have been processed giving her a more intelligent perspective on life.  It's not all high energy and fun.  There is real depth to her.  The discussions were intense at times and silly at others.  Very much road trip quality!

I love when you start to see someone in a new light.  It almost always happens (for me) after a deep conversation about life. For me, one of two things occurs - they either shine more beautifully, or their shininess is dulled.   Tonight, I came to respect and appreciate Chica a little more after our mini-road trip.   She is shining much, much more beautifully to me.  I am grateful for our paths to have crossed.

Moments filling time in rush hour.

Moments digging deeper with co-workers to find out they are a whole lot deeper than you were aware.

Moments D446: Familiar Faces Parked Outside

This evening I was running late to get to a friends BBQ.  In a mad dash out of my apartment, my step quickly slowed as I noticed there was someone sitting in the car just outside my home.  I slowed enough to realize that the gentleman in the car was someone I knew.  Someone I would never expect to be in my neighbourhood.  I know this gentleman from work.  He and his wife are fellow foodies, in fact, his wife has a food blog focused on some of her recipes and creations.

What a surprise!  My co-worker jumped from his car looking as shocked as I felt!  He promised that he wasn't stalking me (we had a laugh over that) and explained that his wife's elementary school friend lived, you guessed it, next door to me.  It's crazy how small our world can be sometimes!

My co-worker was surprised that I was living here, as he was unaware of my separation and my relocation.   It's strange to work with someone and them not be aware of a major life shift nearly 2 years ago in the making.  Granted, I only see this co-worker sporadically, but I found it  pretty incredible given the well known information grapevine within my company!  So I gave him a brief run down of my situation.   That in itself was odd.  I haven't shared that story in months now and my co-worker received a very short, watered-down version.

And then I was on my way.

But before I could get into the car I was invited to join my neighbours should I return early enough from my own BBQ.  I never made it back in time, but it felt lovely to be invited.

Moments of surprise.
Moment connecting a little deeper with a co-worker outside work.

Moments D422: A gift

Day two of our trade show was not nearly as busy as day one, but on many levels, it was more successful.

Today, one of our key presenters of the show really went above and beyond. Yesterday he and one of my favourite co-workers had an in depth conversation about POV cameras and how they are changing the industry. I think each man found himself (surprisingly?) impressed by the other. It was quite interesting to have heard the story from each perspective later in the day. What I find more interesting is what that conversation inspired today.

It reminded me that sometimes all it takes to really rock someone’s world is a small gift. That moment passed today between these two gentlemen. As a third party, again, hearing the story from both perspectives, I found myself enjoying in the delight of both parties. It was a small token of respect and appreciation from one to another, and a full reciprocation of that respect and appreciation. How could that not make my soul smile?

Moments watching two amazing gentlemen discuss business and life and smiling at the outcome.

Moments being reminded that the little things, the little gifts of life, matter.

Moments D414: Statler and Waldorf

Today was busy day from the start with one final (marathon) meeting before the big trade show. The good news: we are near ready. The news bringing anxiety, we are only days away and there is yet much to produce.

And, as you may recall, my team and I have been displaced due to an office fire. As such we are all working together in very tight quarters. There is little privacy (actually I don’t think there is any privacy come to think of it!) and we are, at times communicating to one another out loud for all to hear. It’s been an interesting dynamic and it has certainly pulled us closer as a team. (And we now better understand musical preferences and the value of earphones, but I digress!)

In the room (which I like to call the war room as we are nearly all sitting around one big table) my CD and I are situated at what has been lovingly labelled “the head of the class”. (In some ways it does feel that way, especially when I have an apple on my side and my CD has a ruler on his!) In other moments, like today, we were lovingly labelled “Statler & Waldorf.”

Now, if you don’t know Statler & Waldorf, they are muppets who heckle from their balcony seats. The funniest thing: They are a bit grumpy and grouchy about their heckles and they laugh furiously at their own jokes. And, while my CD and I are not old men, nor are we grumpy or grouchy, we do have many a quip for the team during a day and boy oh boy do we laugh heartily at our own jokes.

So yes - that comparison made me laugh. It makes me smile now even as I share the moment. I loved it in that moment and I love it now. Knowing that we can make the team smile and laugh and we can laugh at ourselves is priceless.

Further, it reminds me, yet again, at what a great team I’m on and I am grateful for all the moments I work with them. Their words, insights and silliness are what makes the day an enjoyable day. Today, I am thankful for the label and the smile!

Moments being labelled.

Moments of pure, unadulterated laughter!

Moments D410: Teamwork and Perserverance

Today was deadline day for two very large marketing projects. The day was busy from the start as we were, of course, complications yesterday as we neared the final stages of our projects.

Today, however, we fought through them all. Together, as a team. We pushed forward. I learned a lot about graphic designing and working on Apple computers. It’s been a wonderfully strange day, it doesn’t feel as long as it’s been. Nineteen hours later, we are heading home. We had a big day, and the four of us dug deep to get here, but it was also filled with lots of smiles and laughter.

I will fall into my bed exhausted, but with a sense of accomplishment.

Moments of incredible teamwork.

Moments knowing you are part of something incredible.

Moments D400: The small things; the big things

Being my four hundredth entry, I thought I should kick it up a notch. And today had a couple of moments that were relevant to a share in a milestone blog post.

Today was an incredibly busy day (yes I know, you are getting used to this by now!). But today was one of those days where I felt that sense of control slipping. Where the mass of “To Do’s” were going to swallow me up. And yet, I managed to take moments to breathe through the rising panic. I organized, prioritized and set off to tackle them one by one.

That’s a big deal for me. And as I sit here now, post-reading for my class tomorrow night, I don’t feel overwhelmed or out of control. I feel like I’ve done what I can given the tools and resources I have. Everything will work out because I do have control over that with my words and my time management. One way or another, things will get done.

A second big thing today happened, my BFF had a particularly challenging day. So much so that the news she received may be life altering for her. I tried to send her as much love and light as I could with my given time today, but it serves as a reminder of just how precious our time is, how important it is to monitor our health and invest in self above all else. (I know most of us are terrible at that!) It also brought to the forefront just how important my BFF (actually all my friends, but in this case my BFF specifically) and how important it is to share words of encouragement and love to help them through dark times.

And finally a very small moment that warmed my heart today. Today, my girlfriend from work and I, let’s call her Arizona, went to grab a coffee together today. In all honesty, we’ve rarely done this in the past because our offices were in two separate buildings only weeks ago. But this morning we went together. That in itself was a lovely moment, but there is one, smaller, and more meaningful moment to me.

Arizona & I picked up coffees for a few people in the office, one of which was destined for an amazingly creative and loving receptionist. Having been with our company for close to 20 years, she has had some serious health battles. But, she is a fighter and a lover and everyone very much adores her.

Today, we surprised her with a coffee. The genuine surprise and gratitude did not go unnoticed. Truly, this is why she is loved so. She is not shy with her sharing of love and light. Her reaction brought not only a smile to Arizona and me, but her words warmed my heart and that inspired me through the early challenges of my day. Karma? Maybe. Either way, I was happy to share a small token of love and appreciation with her.

Moments quietly appreciating the big steps taken and the significant importance of people.

Moments with enthusiastic appreciation of the small things.

Moments D393: Teamwork

Today, although an incredibly challenging day, was an inspiring day. Today my department dealt with the complete relocation of our office. Each of us, individually, dealt with the loss of our “things” from the simplest of things like our tape dispensers or notepads to our personal belongings lost to fire damage.

We, as a team, went back into our devastated office. We removed what we could and left the rest behind for the company coming in to clean up what they could and destroy the rest. It was an eerie feeling being in the office without electricity, with the windows boarded up, flashlights, and smartphone apps guiding our way.

It was amazing at how quickly the team settled into our new, very close office environment. Truly we are a tight team before, now, it will be a test of that closeness. .

Beyond the “micro-teamwork”, there was an entire contingent of the “macro-team” where the store managers, warehouse staff, IT, admin staff and everyone in between assisted us. It took 3 hours yesterday and a couple this morning to get us up and running. AMAZING considering the trauma department had just undergone.

Bottom line, we have the best team anyone could ever ask for. Today’s moment is dedicated to those amazing team members who made my team’s lives that much easier today. Those who brought a smile, or a handful of pens.

Moments of pride for the team supporting us.

Moments having your beliefs of people being good and kind being reaffirmed.

Moments D373: Accordions and Monks

Today on our way to the official CONTACT opening at MOCCA this evening three of us from work were stuck in rush hour traffic right in the core of the city. It wasn’t a big deal today because I gave us plenty of time to sit in traffic and still arrive on time for the event. Worst case scenario (and highly unlikely!) was that we arrived a wee bit too early.

While we were sitting on Queen Street, a very, very busy street for both street and sidewalk traffic we saw a most interesting scene.

As we crawled to a stop to allow a couple of emergency vehicles pass, we found ourselves directly in front of an accordion player. She looked sprightly, but her accordion was playing a very sad, melancholic song. The three of us shared that moment, and then as we were commenting on how strange and beautiful the accordion player was, three monks in brown robes walked past between us and the accordion player.

Sometimes you see the strangest of things in the city. It’s spring, the magnolias are in bloom. The accordion players are out on the streets and the monks are strolling along the sidewalk. Of course that’s what happens downtown every day in the spring. Right?

Moments loving the diversity of our city.

Moments enjoying being surprised by the city.

P.S.  Happy MAY!

Moments D372: Laughter, friends and coworkers

Tonight was a fun night. It was work and fun all wrapped into one. But the best moment of the day was when my oldest friend and I entered the bar where a co-worker was hosting a comedy night. The back bar was filled with people from work and a few that were ex-co-workers of mine. While I thought we were running a wee bit late, we ended up being a bit early. (Who knew, comedians can’t keep track of time apparently!) It was a bit like CHEERS when Norm walked in.

It put the biggest smile on my face! I was happy to be early. This gave us time to wait for the rest of the crowd to arrive, and time to catch up with the crowd that was there. I think my oldest friend even picked up a wee crush while we were mingling before the show!

We had a lot of laughs before the show, but even more during the show. Our table was, by far, the most engaged with the comedians. That too made me smile!

Moments enjoying being welcomed into a crowd.

Moments knowing you are part of the group.

Moments D345: Fresh Energy

Today was a great day. Spring has officially arrived. The morning was crisp and cool, but as the sun crossed the sky, it warmed to 10 degrees out today, bright and sunny. IIt was a breath of fresh energy.

And that seemed to be the way the rest of the day went just this way as well. We had a new team member join us today. She joined us at the height of chaos on our team. We are ramping up to a huge trade show, I’m just about to book a couple spring campaigns, and we’ve lost a member. There is much to do, and fewer and fewer hours left to do it.

She joined our team this morning. We had our weekly production meeting off the top of the day. This lovely girl had the full force of the entire team all at once. Tell me that wasn’t overwhelming! But, I have to say, I’m damn proud of our team. At every turn they were trying to make her comfortable and supportive when she looked overwhelmed. We talked through a lot of projects and timelines. For the first hour of her first day on the job, well, that’s kinda like just diving in!

Fortunately I think this girl is going to really fit in. She is quirky. She is quick and, in the end, I think through all the information we threw at her she enjoyed her first day. Big wins for us all.

Welcome fresh energy. Welcome young dragon - we look forward your forces entwining with ours.

Moments enjoying spring.

Moments taking a breath of fresh air, inside and out.