Last night I had an amazing conversation that melted into the wee hours of the morning. Inspiring, soul searching and heart filling is what this conversation was to me. When I finally shut my eyes near 4am, I wasn't yet ready to leave the conversation, but I was exhausted and needed to allow sleep to find me.
When I awoke at 11 am, my new day, my new path was in full swing. My long weekend plans are nearly laid out and it will be a weekend like no other.
That being said, getting to that point was not easy. Here's why: Yesterday flight costs were $500 (give or take), when I went to book my flight this morning, they were now $1300. After cozy-ing into and committing to this new path, my first step onto the path and I hit a fairly major obstacle. An $800 difference. My budget....blown. What on earth to do now.
Instead of total panic, I had lunch with Arizona and of course we talked about my challenge. She put it in simple terms: How important was it that I go on this trip. I didn't even pause before answering: it was very important to me and my next steps. And so, then and there over falafals, I decided, no matter what it would take, I was going to go to Chicago.
As a side-bar: Chicago is significant for me on a couple of levels. Perhaps that will rise out in another blog post. Suffice it to say, here today, that it brings closure and renewal all at once. I look forward to making new beautiful memories in a city I fell in love with nearly 2 years ago.
When I returned home from lunch, I rolled up my sleeves and dug in. I was ready to make the 8 hour drive alone if I had to. Instead, I found a flight out of Buffalo. Now, my new path is officially cleared of obstacles. It is fully out in front of me. I paused today during the flurry of research and questions. I wonder, if on some level, this was the universe testing my will, or testing my commitment to my new path. If it were a test, I dare say I passed it with flying colours, for I am still on said path.
I'm excited. I'm filled with hope and wonder and I can't wait to turn the page and begin this new chapter.
Moments being shocked and uncertain.
Moments knowing, deep down, you'll do whatever it takes to make it happen.
Showing posts with label conversations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conversations. Show all posts
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Moments D276: Winterlicious in the Snow
Tonight was such a lovely night. It started out with a couple of drinks after work with deep conversation. That was followed by an adventure out to one of the Winterlicious restaurants: Bodega
Now, the restaurant itself was quaint, as is the area that it is. The staff were a little mopy (really, it’s the only honest way to describe them) and the food was a little unimaginative and not overly impressive. My favourite dish was the heirloom tomato and feta salad. That was simple and you could taste that the ingredients were fresh, but there was nothing that made it unique. But I digress, for today’s moment wasn’t about the food, nor was it about the restaurant, but if you are thinking about visiting Bodega, I’d suggest you save your coin for somewhere else. There are too many other unique, friendly restaurants in the city for Bodega to take up your time!
No, tonight was about the company, the conversation and about the pretty snowfall. Yes, we nearly didn’t make it to dinner because of the snow. Ha! The irony. Not making one’s reservation to Winterlicious because of a snowfall!
As we first sat, it was all I could do to peel myself away from the prettiness of the snowfall just outside the window. Here I was in the middle of a very busy restaurant, watching the beauty outside. Shortly after being seated my red wine arrived and the picture was complete. Inside, warm, in a bustling restaurant watching the peace and quiet of snow fall outside. It was a perfect moment for me.
Moments engaged in conversation and being present, but also being somewhat separated and aware of the quiet beyond.
Now, the restaurant itself was quaint, as is the area that it is. The staff were a little mopy (really, it’s the only honest way to describe them) and the food was a little unimaginative and not overly impressive. My favourite dish was the heirloom tomato and feta salad. That was simple and you could taste that the ingredients were fresh, but there was nothing that made it unique. But I digress, for today’s moment wasn’t about the food, nor was it about the restaurant, but if you are thinking about visiting Bodega, I’d suggest you save your coin for somewhere else. There are too many other unique, friendly restaurants in the city for Bodega to take up your time!
No, tonight was about the company, the conversation and about the pretty snowfall. Yes, we nearly didn’t make it to dinner because of the snow. Ha! The irony. Not making one’s reservation to Winterlicious because of a snowfall!
As we first sat, it was all I could do to peel myself away from the prettiness of the snowfall just outside the window. Here I was in the middle of a very busy restaurant, watching the beauty outside. Shortly after being seated my red wine arrived and the picture was complete. Inside, warm, in a bustling restaurant watching the peace and quiet of snow fall outside. It was a perfect moment for me.
Moments engaged in conversation and being present, but also being somewhat separated and aware of the quiet beyond.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Moments D265: Diving In
Tonight I picked up my car (a day earlier than expected) and then met up with an ex-staff member of mine for dinner. I often thing of this creative soul fondly. He’s a brilliant artist (music, painting, drawing, graphic design) and my company was lucky to have had his inspiring thoughts around us for a long as we did.
He holds a special spot in my heart. Not only because of his brilliance and our shared perspective on life, but because he was the first to ever introduce me to anyone as his boss. That day is firmly etched in my brain.
A group of us from work had gone to see his band play. He introduced me to his girlfriend and his band mates. I was flattered and uncomfortable all at the same time as my own role with our company had only recently shifted. It was strange to be considered as anyone’s boss.
That was ages ago.
Now, he’s moved up the ladder with his skill set and his ambition takes him back to school for graduate studies. His eagerness to learn and his drive for perfection has never been lost on me. I was always proud of him even when he doubted (and still does) himself.
I was barely in the restaurant for 2 minutes and we literally dove into life and deep questions. I think my first question was “Are you done with your application?” Good! ”How are you and how’s your girlfriend.” And we were off and running. It’s been a long time since we’ve had an opportunity to speak to each other without being rushed. Before either of us knew, hours had passed.
We managed to touch upon the depth of relationships. True love versus contentment. Defining happiness (as if we really could!) The idea of wanting to be alone, but also wanting someone to push through that stubbornness in times of need to just hold you when you need it. (But don’t ever tell us it will be “okay”, when you don’t know it will be.)
We spoke of career paths and path changing decisions in life and then we dove in deeper and spoke of Christopher Hitchens and mortality and family. Then we laughed and realized just how deep we had gone!
Sometimes there are people in your life that you may not see for months, possibly years at a time. But when you reconnect, it’s like you’ve never parted. This creative soul is one of the few that fall into that world for me. Never a moment of pause, never grasping for conversation, just an ebb and flow of information shared.
As much as I know I’ve helped to influence this once green artist and career man, I hope he realizes just how much his perspective on life has influenced me as well. We may be decades apart in age, and lifetimes apart in experience, but we have this common perspective on life. It’s interesting and something that inspires both ways.
So today’s moment: Dive in. Why not? Life is short not to ask the deep questions.
He holds a special spot in my heart. Not only because of his brilliance and our shared perspective on life, but because he was the first to ever introduce me to anyone as his boss. That day is firmly etched in my brain.
A group of us from work had gone to see his band play. He introduced me to his girlfriend and his band mates. I was flattered and uncomfortable all at the same time as my own role with our company had only recently shifted. It was strange to be considered as anyone’s boss.
That was ages ago.
Now, he’s moved up the ladder with his skill set and his ambition takes him back to school for graduate studies. His eagerness to learn and his drive for perfection has never been lost on me. I was always proud of him even when he doubted (and still does) himself.
I was barely in the restaurant for 2 minutes and we literally dove into life and deep questions. I think my first question was “Are you done with your application?” Good! ”How are you and how’s your girlfriend.” And we were off and running. It’s been a long time since we’ve had an opportunity to speak to each other without being rushed. Before either of us knew, hours had passed.
We managed to touch upon the depth of relationships. True love versus contentment. Defining happiness (as if we really could!) The idea of wanting to be alone, but also wanting someone to push through that stubbornness in times of need to just hold you when you need it. (But don’t ever tell us it will be “okay”, when you don’t know it will be.)
We spoke of career paths and path changing decisions in life and then we dove in deeper and spoke of Christopher Hitchens and mortality and family. Then we laughed and realized just how deep we had gone!
Sometimes there are people in your life that you may not see for months, possibly years at a time. But when you reconnect, it’s like you’ve never parted. This creative soul is one of the few that fall into that world for me. Never a moment of pause, never grasping for conversation, just an ebb and flow of information shared.
As much as I know I’ve helped to influence this once green artist and career man, I hope he realizes just how much his perspective on life has influenced me as well. We may be decades apart in age, and lifetimes apart in experience, but we have this common perspective on life. It’s interesting and something that inspires both ways.
So today’s moment: Dive in. Why not? Life is short not to ask the deep questions.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Moments D126: Birthday love
Birthdays can be a fickle day for some. But here’s how I see it (thanks Mom): ”It’s better than the alternative.” What’s the alternative you say? Being six feet under. Yes. Having a birthday is definitely better than that!
Today I was able to celebrate a belated birthday with one of my dearest friends. We visited one of the best places in the city to enjoy what she loves most (outside of Hello Kitty and Heineken!), Margarita pizza (D.O.P). (And yes, we googled this at the table!). Pizzeria Libretto. An incredible meal with two incredible ladies.
The moment the brought me the biggest smile was at the end of our delightful evening, when the birthday girl picked up the postcard that came with the bill. She ooohed and ahhhhed over the card. Something simple. Something delightful and unexpected. A Pizzeria Libretto postcard. What an easy way to remember a night of birthday love between friends.
Moments of great conversations.
Moments of just shoving it all in.
Moments of much laughter!
Today I was able to celebrate a belated birthday with one of my dearest friends. We visited one of the best places in the city to enjoy what she loves most (outside of Hello Kitty and Heineken!), Margarita pizza (D.O.P). (And yes, we googled this at the table!). Pizzeria Libretto. An incredible meal with two incredible ladies.
The moment the brought me the biggest smile was at the end of our delightful evening, when the birthday girl picked up the postcard that came with the bill. She ooohed and ahhhhed over the card. Something simple. Something delightful and unexpected. A Pizzeria Libretto postcard. What an easy way to remember a night of birthday love between friends.
Moments of great conversations.
Moments of just shoving it all in.
Moments of much laughter!
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