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.
Showing posts with label sharing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sharing. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Friday, October 18, 2013
Moments D543: Tears
I've shed quite a few tears in the last week. Quite a few (too many actually) have been tears of loss and disbelief. Others (thankfully) have been tears of joy. Today, I celebrated the latter.
Today, there were tears of joy. They were not my own.
A long overdue lunch date found a swirl of emotional stories being shared. At a couple of key moments in our lunch, I found myself celebrating more tears of joy. Incredible!
As I shared my news, I watched as eyes began to glisten. I dug in a little deeper, and answered questions along the way. As I continued to share my love story the tears threatened to spill. And, with a big goofy grin on my face, I pressed on with my story, watching as the tears silently began to overflow their wells.
And in that moment we both celebrate the tears of joy. With smiles and laughter we paused to hug in the middle of the busy restaurant; and then we dipped back into the rest of our lunch.
Sometimes tears can be a release of frustration.
Sometimes they can be a venting of sorrow.
Sometimes they come from fear.
Sometimes they are built from anger.
But when they appear because of love and joy, it is a most beautiful thing to watch.
Today, I celebrate the tears of joy.
Moments enjoying the depth of meaning behind a tear.
Moments understanding, more deeply, the profoundity of tears of joy.
Today, there were tears of joy. They were not my own.
A long overdue lunch date found a swirl of emotional stories being shared. At a couple of key moments in our lunch, I found myself celebrating more tears of joy. Incredible!
As I shared my news, I watched as eyes began to glisten. I dug in a little deeper, and answered questions along the way. As I continued to share my love story the tears threatened to spill. And, with a big goofy grin on my face, I pressed on with my story, watching as the tears silently began to overflow their wells.
And in that moment we both celebrate the tears of joy. With smiles and laughter we paused to hug in the middle of the busy restaurant; and then we dipped back into the rest of our lunch.
Sometimes tears can be a release of frustration.
Sometimes they can be a venting of sorrow.
Sometimes they come from fear.
Sometimes they are built from anger.
But when they appear because of love and joy, it is a most beautiful thing to watch.
Today, I celebrate the tears of joy.
Moments enjoying the depth of meaning behind a tear.
Moments understanding, more deeply, the profoundity of tears of joy.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Moments D534: Strangers and Burritos
Today I headed back to Toronto. It was mostly a boring travel day....until I hit Cleveland. There I met Bill from Minnesota.
Bill and two of his co-workers sat down close by with three big fat burritos. I was immediately jealous and he caught me eyeing his burrito. I asked him where he managed to find the burrito place was, after all I had toured around a bit and hadn't seen anything appetising to pick up for dinner. Bill told me it was waaaaaay down at the beginning of the concourse. I was at gate 27. Blarg! I laughed and told him to let me know if it was worth the long walk!
And as he dug into his dinner, he shared that it was indeed a great burrito and well worth "hoofing it down there". And then, we began an interesting conversation - complete strangers. We swapped work titles and where we live info. He's a prof from Minnesota returning home from a tech conference in Ohio (and yes it was worth the trek). We had two very interesting conversations from that point onwards. (What a great way to pass the time!)
First, when Bill found out that my love from SoCal was into skydiving, he had a million and one questions for me. I happily indulged him, after all, I just left my love. An easy conversation, only to find out that Bill passed on an opportunity to do a tandum jump as a friend of the family, with 500 jumps, had had a fatal accident. His wife begged him not to do the jump. And so, the million and one questions about the sport. Interesting how conversations roll sometimes.
Second, Bill finding out I was a Canadian led to him asking me my opinion about our health care system. Ah. Very deep for a second conversation. Not knowing what side of the fence Bill was sitting, I was completely honest with him and shared with Bill my feeling that I was grateful for it. I very much believe that if we didn't have health care, my Dad would likely not be with us as he's spent many years very sick. We talked quite a bit about it all. His side of it is that he doesn't really know what Obama Care was all about, but he was nervous about the ever increasing costs of health care in the states.
After our conversations, Bill offered to watch my bag and laptop (charging) if I was ready to "hoof it down" to burritos. And so, I took my key documents and wallet and trusted the rest of my wares with a complete stranger. What?
As I walked from gate 27 passed gate 2 to the food court I was thinking to myself: Have I lost my mind?
And then I found out that the burrito place was closed for the evening (no burritos after 8 pm apparently!). Bummer! So I made my way back to my waiting area.
Of course, my carry-on and laptop were exactly where I left them. (phew!) When I share the disappointing news with Bill, he was sympathetic and chided me for eating dinner so late. Shortly thereafter, it was time for him to board his plane. He made it a point to come over to me, shake my hand and wish my partner and I all the best of luck in our new adventures.
Incredible really how much you can get to know someone in a couple of hours.
Moments sharing stories with a stranger.
Moments trusting that the stranger is good peeps and finding out he really is.
Bill and two of his co-workers sat down close by with three big fat burritos. I was immediately jealous and he caught me eyeing his burrito. I asked him where he managed to find the burrito place was, after all I had toured around a bit and hadn't seen anything appetising to pick up for dinner. Bill told me it was waaaaaay down at the beginning of the concourse. I was at gate 27. Blarg! I laughed and told him to let me know if it was worth the long walk!
And as he dug into his dinner, he shared that it was indeed a great burrito and well worth "hoofing it down there". And then, we began an interesting conversation - complete strangers. We swapped work titles and where we live info. He's a prof from Minnesota returning home from a tech conference in Ohio (and yes it was worth the trek). We had two very interesting conversations from that point onwards. (What a great way to pass the time!)
First, when Bill found out that my love from SoCal was into skydiving, he had a million and one questions for me. I happily indulged him, after all, I just left my love. An easy conversation, only to find out that Bill passed on an opportunity to do a tandum jump as a friend of the family, with 500 jumps, had had a fatal accident. His wife begged him not to do the jump. And so, the million and one questions about the sport. Interesting how conversations roll sometimes.
Second, Bill finding out I was a Canadian led to him asking me my opinion about our health care system. Ah. Very deep for a second conversation. Not knowing what side of the fence Bill was sitting, I was completely honest with him and shared with Bill my feeling that I was grateful for it. I very much believe that if we didn't have health care, my Dad would likely not be with us as he's spent many years very sick. We talked quite a bit about it all. His side of it is that he doesn't really know what Obama Care was all about, but he was nervous about the ever increasing costs of health care in the states.
After our conversations, Bill offered to watch my bag and laptop (charging) if I was ready to "hoof it down" to burritos. And so, I took my key documents and wallet and trusted the rest of my wares with a complete stranger. What?
As I walked from gate 27 passed gate 2 to the food court I was thinking to myself: Have I lost my mind?
And then I found out that the burrito place was closed for the evening (no burritos after 8 pm apparently!). Bummer! So I made my way back to my waiting area.
Of course, my carry-on and laptop were exactly where I left them. (phew!) When I share the disappointing news with Bill, he was sympathetic and chided me for eating dinner so late. Shortly thereafter, it was time for him to board his plane. He made it a point to come over to me, shake my hand and wish my partner and I all the best of luck in our new adventures.
Incredible really how much you can get to know someone in a couple of hours.
Moments sharing stories with a stranger.
Moments trusting that the stranger is good peeps and finding out he really is.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Moments D234: Playing with Dolls
Today was a busy day, but the best smiling moment was when I had an opportunity to sit with a new 8 year old friend. Today being the first time I met this lovely girl, I never thought we’d get along so well, after all there are many children that are shy at this age.
But not this vivacious eight-year old. She shared her cheer jumps with me (it helped that I had a friend that once coached a cheering squads, so I knew the terminology!) and then, once she opened her highly anticipated gift, she felt I was okay to share her new McKenna doll with me.
What a treat that was. We tried on each of the outfits she received along with the doll and we even did McKenna’s hair. It was quite cute and sweet to have shared that moment.
It took me back in time, to a place where my “nieces” were once this age. Back further in time to when I’d sit and play with my dolls only to get bored of them and then find my brother to crash up some GI Joe things.
Yes it was a good moment with much depth.
Moments in the present and new future.
Moments in memories.
But not this vivacious eight-year old. She shared her cheer jumps with me (it helped that I had a friend that once coached a cheering squads, so I knew the terminology!) and then, once she opened her highly anticipated gift, she felt I was okay to share her new McKenna doll with me.
What a treat that was. We tried on each of the outfits she received along with the doll and we even did McKenna’s hair. It was quite cute and sweet to have shared that moment.
It took me back in time, to a place where my “nieces” were once this age. Back further in time to when I’d sit and play with my dolls only to get bored of them and then find my brother to crash up some GI Joe things.
Yes it was a good moment with much depth.
Moments in the present and new future.
Moments in memories.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Moments D154: Sharing Love & Light
Today was a roller coaster emotionally for me. I spent two hours of my day waiting for my Doctor who was running late. Once I finally met with her, I find out that my appointment was (for all intents and purposes) a waste of time. No need for blood work, no need to worry. We’ll do all that at my physical in the new year.
This lost time did not make things easy for me at work. I am behind (again) on planning. I hate being behind. I am proactive person. I like to plan and I like to be ahead of the game. There is simply too much on my plate here and I am always running behind. I’m tired of this feeling and frustrated. I try to pull positive energy from where I can to combat this.
Later in the day, the news was on the other end of the scale. I made the competitive women’s league. I was ECSTATIC and shared the news with all who cared. The love and support that came back billowed my spirits. My people. I LOVE my people. Good caring souls. I am a fortunate person to have so many in my life.
But this wasn’t this moment that made my soul smile (as good as it was). It was the moment where I reached out to a friend in need. You see, his father isn’t well and he is many miles away. My friend’s heart and soul is aching from the situation. I sent him a simple text message. His reply made me smile and I knew that for one very brief moment he felt a little better.
Later in the day, a co-worker had to leave work because his ailing mother had been admitted to the hospital with organ failure. He had emailed me to let me know so I could inform the others. I immediately got up from my desk and went into his office and put my arms out for a hug. He was resistant, he said he hadn’t been feeling well and didn’t want to spread the cold. I rebuffed him. No way. I am giving you a hug man. Cold be damned.
I could feel him absorb that moment. And for me, THIS is what life is about. All those little things that we worry about, all the big things that stress us out; bottom line it’s about people and taking care of each other.
Later yet in my evening, I had another friend reach out for my energy. At this point, I was exhausted from my day, but I dug deep and found reserves for him. Because people matter. Having the people in your life know how much they are loved matters.
Moments of sharing your love and light.
Moments with people.
This lost time did not make things easy for me at work. I am behind (again) on planning. I hate being behind. I am proactive person. I like to plan and I like to be ahead of the game. There is simply too much on my plate here and I am always running behind. I’m tired of this feeling and frustrated. I try to pull positive energy from where I can to combat this.
Later in the day, the news was on the other end of the scale. I made the competitive women’s league. I was ECSTATIC and shared the news with all who cared. The love and support that came back billowed my spirits. My people. I LOVE my people. Good caring souls. I am a fortunate person to have so many in my life.
But this wasn’t this moment that made my soul smile (as good as it was). It was the moment where I reached out to a friend in need. You see, his father isn’t well and he is many miles away. My friend’s heart and soul is aching from the situation. I sent him a simple text message. His reply made me smile and I knew that for one very brief moment he felt a little better.
Later in the day, a co-worker had to leave work because his ailing mother had been admitted to the hospital with organ failure. He had emailed me to let me know so I could inform the others. I immediately got up from my desk and went into his office and put my arms out for a hug. He was resistant, he said he hadn’t been feeling well and didn’t want to spread the cold. I rebuffed him. No way. I am giving you a hug man. Cold be damned.
I could feel him absorb that moment. And for me, THIS is what life is about. All those little things that we worry about, all the big things that stress us out; bottom line it’s about people and taking care of each other.
Later yet in my evening, I had another friend reach out for my energy. At this point, I was exhausted from my day, but I dug deep and found reserves for him. Because people matter. Having the people in your life know how much they are loved matters.
Moments of sharing your love and light.
Moments with people.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Moments D96: Husking
First - side-bar: I honestly didn’t even know if that was a word (husking as a verb), but it seems that it is. Bonus!
Today was a family BBQ. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone and enjoy the cooler, breezy July day. The fun moment of the day was watching my Dad implement a new process of husking the corn.
Let me back track….
My father is always keen on finding ways of becoming ever more efficient. (hmmm, I wonder where I get it from!) He reads self-help books, he will ask many questions of one more experienced or comfortable with things. And, he will also watch videos.
Not too long ago he received this video explaining how to husk a cob of corn without any silks remaining on the cob. (Those silks CAN be pesky!) Of course, it being corn season he had to attempt the new process.
Well, low and behold it works, and it works well. There were many smiles and compliments shared amoungst family members. It was like this little tribe finding a new jewel and everyone was admiring it. It made me smile!
Moments of new methods.
Moments of sharing.
Today was a family BBQ. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone and enjoy the cooler, breezy July day. The fun moment of the day was watching my Dad implement a new process of husking the corn.
Let me back track….
My father is always keen on finding ways of becoming ever more efficient. (hmmm, I wonder where I get it from!) He reads self-help books, he will ask many questions of one more experienced or comfortable with things. And, he will also watch videos.
Not too long ago he received this video explaining how to husk a cob of corn without any silks remaining on the cob. (Those silks CAN be pesky!) Of course, it being corn season he had to attempt the new process.
Well, low and behold it works, and it works well. There were many smiles and compliments shared amoungst family members. It was like this little tribe finding a new jewel and everyone was admiring it. It made me smile!
Moments of new methods.
Moments of sharing.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Moments D89: Mama Bear
Today’s moment was one of my “mama bear” moments.
If you don’t know what that “mama bear” moment is….it’s that moment where I can’t help but do what I can to take care of people. It’s where I go out of my way to support, feed, clothe someone.
Today, I did that for our baseball team….and it always feels good to offer up a serving of love (in this case in terms of entertainment and food!)
Unfortunately we lost our one game of the day today AND we missed out on the run differential to move into the semi-finals by 4 runs. Sadly, we didn’t know this right away and the team had to sit through another round of games before we would know we were moving on, or moving to the bar…..
So, in that hour and a bit….we lounged around behind one of the fields. Boring…sitting in the sun waiting. So I pulled out my volleyball and my frisbee. Frisbee was a hit! We played for quite some time before deciding we were hungry. With only 40 min left before we were to possibly play another game, there really wasn’t much time to go out and grab food. So, I pulled out my stash for the tournament. Cheese, chips and an apple. I managed to share quite a bit of my wares.
I do love to share.
Sadly - the wait, the snack, the entertainment was all for not…as we weren’t moving into the semis.
Okay - maybe not for not. We still enjoyed tossing the frisbee and eating cheese and chips together.
Moments of caring.
Moments of sharing.
Moments with new friends.
If you don’t know what that “mama bear” moment is….it’s that moment where I can’t help but do what I can to take care of people. It’s where I go out of my way to support, feed, clothe someone.
Today, I did that for our baseball team….and it always feels good to offer up a serving of love (in this case in terms of entertainment and food!)
Unfortunately we lost our one game of the day today AND we missed out on the run differential to move into the semi-finals by 4 runs. Sadly, we didn’t know this right away and the team had to sit through another round of games before we would know we were moving on, or moving to the bar…..
So, in that hour and a bit….we lounged around behind one of the fields. Boring…sitting in the sun waiting. So I pulled out my volleyball and my frisbee. Frisbee was a hit! We played for quite some time before deciding we were hungry. With only 40 min left before we were to possibly play another game, there really wasn’t much time to go out and grab food. So, I pulled out my stash for the tournament. Cheese, chips and an apple. I managed to share quite a bit of my wares.
I do love to share.
Sadly - the wait, the snack, the entertainment was all for not…as we weren’t moving into the semis.
Okay - maybe not for not. We still enjoyed tossing the frisbee and eating cheese and chips together.
Moments of caring.
Moments of sharing.
Moments with new friends.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Moments D83: Just say it
Today I was given a bunch of words from a friend that were completely unexpected or provoked.
They were so kind. So heartfelt and warm. They, quite simply, made my day.
So, today’s moment: just say it. Tell someone how much you appreciate them; how much you respect them. Tell them how much you love them or how much they mean to you. Tell them how caring or brilliant they are.
Let them know, TODAY how much light they bring to you.
Moments: Share the light.
They were so kind. So heartfelt and warm. They, quite simply, made my day.
So, today’s moment: just say it. Tell someone how much you appreciate them; how much you respect them. Tell them how much you love them or how much they mean to you. Tell them how caring or brilliant they are.
Let them know, TODAY how much light they bring to you.
Moments: Share the light.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Moments - Day 5 - Sharing
What I love most about the people in my life is sharing with them. The give and take.
Today's moment begins with a plant and ends with dirt. Silly. Strange. But true.This morning I bought a dear friend of mine a plant. A money plant actually. It's good luck, and offers to bring good fortune, wealth and prosperity. Who couldn't use this type of energy in their home? I know he will cherish this new family addition....and this brings me a smile.
Later on in the day, I spent a relaxing afternoon catching up with a dear girlfriend. As I was leaving, she gave me a bag of dirt. Yup. That's right dirt. She knows how much I love to garden and share my green thumb.
Ah the timing. I smiled. I smiled a lot.
Today's moment: Sharing.
A moment.
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