Sometimes people surprise me. This morning when I stopped at Tim's for a morning coffee, I watched a very pleasant exchange happen between three people ahead of me.
There was a gentleman four people ahead of me who was ordering. He turned back to the two ladies immediately in front of me and asked them what they'd like to order. It was surprising because up to that point it didn't seem like the three knew each other. It brought an immediate smile to my face.
To further amuse me was watching the gentleman just in front of these two ladies, but behind the gentleman ordering. He was not happy as the two ladies passed him and met up with the gentleman who had just ordered (and paid) for their drinks.
This too I was surprised by. So I looked the grumpy gentleman in the eye and said to him as the women passed him, ..."isn't it sweet of him?"
He did not look amused.
But I was!
Moments enjoying a kind offer.
Moments trying to spread the joy.
Showing posts with label strangers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strangers. Show all posts
Monday, January 20, 2014
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Moments D547: I'll Sleep when I'm dead
Tonight I stopped at a Shoppers Drug Mart on my way home from (a new) volleyball outing. It's a Shoppers that I've never been to before, so I wasn't familiar with their staff.
In the cosmetics area, there was a very cool esthetician. She had this amazing updo that was bright blue on top/front and the back of it was short and as black as night. It reminded me of my own hair 10 years ago. Black, with blue & purple streaks. For me it was a fun, silly way to incorporate that silly "something blue" nonsense into my then wedding day. Today, I had a moment where I appreciated her commitment to being different and out there. It made me pause and remember a time when I was as outwardly committed to marching to my own beat.
I loved that she owned her look and she made me smile without even saying hello.
As I paid for my toiletries, I complimented her on her hairdo. She was polite and reserved and said thank you. I thought it an odd response for a woman walking around with such a big personality outwardly showing.
It was late at night. As we waited for my credit card to be processed for payment, she brightened up a bit more and made some small talk with me. She asked me if I had to get up early tomorrow. I simply laughed and nodded and admitted that I would and then I quickly quipped that "...that's okay I don't need a lot of sleep. I'll sleep when I'm dead!" Followed by a big laugh.
HA! Then, I had her!
Her laugh was deep and genuine at that point. With a belly laugh that she couldn't hold back, she told me I was adorable. As I walked out of the store, she called after me to have a great night. I could still hear the smile in her voice.
I'm glad I could make her smile. I love those moments.
Moments being silly.
Moment appreciating a stranger and finding a way to make them smile.
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.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Moments D528: Dog Tricks
Today as I was driving home I watched a very happy couple walk their dog. As traffic was slow during rush hour, I cruised alongside the couple for sometime. They were full of smiles and laughter and it felt like their golden-lab-looking dog was too.
As we made our way closer to an intersection, the gentleman carrying the leash went behind two poles connected by a chain. Kinda like this one:
And then, in amazement, I watched the dog jump over the chain. And then do it again and once more before the couple arrived at the corner of the intersection.
Of course the couple laughed even more having watched their dog jump over the chain - as was I, sitting in my car watching them from afar.
WOW. Fun. Sometimes it pays to pay attention to the passersby.
Moments enjoying a couple enjoying each other and their dog walk.
Moments being surprised by their dog's tricks.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Moments D506: Riding Lessons
Today's moment came early in the day. That being said, as I write this, I realize that the rest of the day was filled with many small beautiful moments. I can't help but share them briefly before sharing the early day moment.
Travelling from Barstow to Vegas, EQ and I stopped on our way into the bright lights and glamour of the city to appreciate and hike the raw beauty of the Mojave desert. When we later arrived in Vegas, we rode the strip. So much fun to do so on the back of EQ's bike. How wonderful to reflect upon a day that started out in the raw natural beauty and ending up in one of the busiest cities in the country.
But the moment I want to dig deeper into is the one that came just before we left our hotel in Barstow. Last night EQ and I met a couple from Montreal who were also riding a bike for their vacation. When we were getting ready to leave this morning, the two of them were also getting ready to leave.
Jacques was 74 and was riding a big Harley that made his younger girlfriend nervous. Jenni, who isn't retired yet, opened up a lot about her concern over how large Jacques' bike was. Thus began a conversation about how big EQ's bike was (it's quite a bit bigger).
Jacques was quite enamoured with EQ's bike wanted his photo taken with EQ's bike and so, we strolled over to Diana. And as we neared, EQ decided that he would not only oblige the photo, he would give Jacques a lesson on how to better handle a heavy bike.
I watched as EQ instructed Jacques how to mount the bike, and then how to balance the bike between his legs, flat footed instead of using his arms. I watched as Jacques began to understand this method. Jenni, all the while, snapped photos.
The couple from Montreal were both filled with huge smiles and laughter as we rode off to breakfast. It was a special moment because not only did we make this couple's day, we also made their lives a little safer. I love that EQ was able to kill two birds with one stone.
Moments meeting strangers and sharing insights.
Moments knowing that the world is a little safer.
Travelling from Barstow to Vegas, EQ and I stopped on our way into the bright lights and glamour of the city to appreciate and hike the raw beauty of the Mojave desert. When we later arrived in Vegas, we rode the strip. So much fun to do so on the back of EQ's bike. How wonderful to reflect upon a day that started out in the raw natural beauty and ending up in one of the busiest cities in the country.
But the moment I want to dig deeper into is the one that came just before we left our hotel in Barstow. Last night EQ and I met a couple from Montreal who were also riding a bike for their vacation. When we were getting ready to leave this morning, the two of them were also getting ready to leave.
Jacques was 74 and was riding a big Harley that made his younger girlfriend nervous. Jenni, who isn't retired yet, opened up a lot about her concern over how large Jacques' bike was. Thus began a conversation about how big EQ's bike was (it's quite a bit bigger).
Jacques was quite enamoured with EQ's bike wanted his photo taken with EQ's bike and so, we strolled over to Diana. And as we neared, EQ decided that he would not only oblige the photo, he would give Jacques a lesson on how to better handle a heavy bike.
I watched as EQ instructed Jacques how to mount the bike, and then how to balance the bike between his legs, flat footed instead of using his arms. I watched as Jacques began to understand this method. Jenni, all the while, snapped photos.
The couple from Montreal were both filled with huge smiles and laughter as we rode off to breakfast. It was a special moment because not only did we make this couple's day, we also made their lives a little safer. I love that EQ was able to kill two birds with one stone.
Moments meeting strangers and sharing insights.
Moments knowing that the world is a little safer.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Moments D484: Convertible of Singing Kids
This morning as I put out my recycling and compost, I spied a very fun moment that made me smile and followed me through the day. It reminds me that while we live in a world where the humdrum of life can pull us down, we have a choice to inject love and light into moments when and where we can.
As I was dropping off my refuse curbside, a convertible with a Dad and two very cute blond girls in the back seat slowed on the street to say hi to a contractor getting out of his truck. Both of the girls were singing at the top of their lungs to tunes that Dad had blaring. Huge smiles were upon the three arriving faces and the contractor quickly joined the ranks with a huge smile of his own.
Dad turned down the tunes as he said hello to the contractor. The girls quickly followed suit in very bright, eager voices. (If I had to guess, the contractor was their Uncle.) They all had a couple of laughs and then Dad looked back at the girls and said that it was time to go because "...who's got to make money today?" And the girls chimed back, "...YOU do Daddy. Time for work." They all waved at that contractor and in a blink the tunes were blaring again and the girls were loudly singing along as the convertible drove off.
The scene brought a smile to me too.
And as I walked past the contractor I said to him, "...there is a happy bunch." His reply, "Yes. I love those kids. Lots of fun." And then we exchanged good day pleasantries and we went about our day.
Moments with strangers.
Moments realizing that we're not such strangers after all.
As I was dropping off my refuse curbside, a convertible with a Dad and two very cute blond girls in the back seat slowed on the street to say hi to a contractor getting out of his truck. Both of the girls were singing at the top of their lungs to tunes that Dad had blaring. Huge smiles were upon the three arriving faces and the contractor quickly joined the ranks with a huge smile of his own.
Dad turned down the tunes as he said hello to the contractor. The girls quickly followed suit in very bright, eager voices. (If I had to guess, the contractor was their Uncle.) They all had a couple of laughs and then Dad looked back at the girls and said that it was time to go because "...who's got to make money today?" And the girls chimed back, "...YOU do Daddy. Time for work." They all waved at that contractor and in a blink the tunes were blaring again and the girls were loudly singing along as the convertible drove off.
The scene brought a smile to me too.
And as I walked past the contractor I said to him, "...there is a happy bunch." His reply, "Yes. I love those kids. Lots of fun." And then we exchanged good day pleasantries and we went about our day.
Moments with strangers.
Moments realizing that we're not such strangers after all.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Moments D477: Extending Moments
Today felt like such a short day! A travel day home, we decided to extend our time in the hotel with a late checkout so we could enjoy some quiet time together before rushing to the airport. This gave us the luxury of time to chat about our coming adventures. Before long we were off to the airport to head in separate directions.
And then the (seemingly) theme of today of extending moments continued. A flight cancelled turned into more time to be together at the airport. Fantastic news even though it meant a bit of shuffling around of arrival plans back home. (A hassle no one wants, but it did give us more time together on our travel day, so who's complaining?)
We spent the time in a cute pub that served "only real food". (Which is interesting since the food was served in either plastic containers or Styrofoam plates!) While we were sharing this extra time together, the waitress became quite enamoured with us, even though, at first, it felt like maybe we were challenging her too much. Let me explain:
Upon her asking us for our orders, she had to deal with special dietary requests. Breakfast was on the menu and was what was being eyed. Our waitress was quick to point out that the menu stated that they only served breakfast to 11am. Deadpan. No budging. No laughter. And so, we injected some laughter. We pulled that moment back into the fun side of things and moved beyond the breakfast request. I think she rather enjoyed the banter because she checked in on us frequently (but not too much) and shared a few stories with us along the way. One in particular is a moment that EQ believes would never have happened without me being there. I'm not sure I believe that entirely given that he was the one that enticed the story from our Catholic-school-raised waitress.
In a way, we extended our moment with the waitress beyond her providing us a service and we saw a slice of her private life. It was quite a moment to share today as I love to learn about strangers, their lives and how they perceive things. It's always an interesting exercise and today I had the opportunity to do this with my man.
So what did we learn? Well, our waitress has two cats. One is quite finicky with his food, the other quite normal with her choice of food. (yes, she had a brother and sister cat). The finicky cat is also quite intimidated by her big, tall, deep voiced boyfriend. And we learned that the food from a special pet store is really the only food that Mr. Finicky would eat. Interesting in its own right. But then, EQ posed the question: "Have you ever tasted the food you feed your cats? I have." And with that, we started down a whole new path of stories. Tales of tasting dog treats versus cat kibble versus wet cat food. (I'll admit openly that I tested a dog bone and kibble when I was a kid, but wet food? EEEEKS, no way!)
What could have been a simple story about her pet cats turned into a fun and silly conversation that went a little deeper beneath the surface. It was a shared set of stories that brought all three of us laughter and smiles. All born out of an extended moment together because a flight was cancelled.
Cool butterfly effect sometimes.
Moments that are extended beyond expectations.
Moments getting to know interesting tidbits of strangers.
And then the (seemingly) theme of today of extending moments continued. A flight cancelled turned into more time to be together at the airport. Fantastic news even though it meant a bit of shuffling around of arrival plans back home. (A hassle no one wants, but it did give us more time together on our travel day, so who's complaining?)
We spent the time in a cute pub that served "only real food". (Which is interesting since the food was served in either plastic containers or Styrofoam plates!) While we were sharing this extra time together, the waitress became quite enamoured with us, even though, at first, it felt like maybe we were challenging her too much. Let me explain:
Upon her asking us for our orders, she had to deal with special dietary requests. Breakfast was on the menu and was what was being eyed. Our waitress was quick to point out that the menu stated that they only served breakfast to 11am. Deadpan. No budging. No laughter. And so, we injected some laughter. We pulled that moment back into the fun side of things and moved beyond the breakfast request. I think she rather enjoyed the banter because she checked in on us frequently (but not too much) and shared a few stories with us along the way. One in particular is a moment that EQ believes would never have happened without me being there. I'm not sure I believe that entirely given that he was the one that enticed the story from our Catholic-school-raised waitress.
In a way, we extended our moment with the waitress beyond her providing us a service and we saw a slice of her private life. It was quite a moment to share today as I love to learn about strangers, their lives and how they perceive things. It's always an interesting exercise and today I had the opportunity to do this with my man.
So what did we learn? Well, our waitress has two cats. One is quite finicky with his food, the other quite normal with her choice of food. (yes, she had a brother and sister cat). The finicky cat is also quite intimidated by her big, tall, deep voiced boyfriend. And we learned that the food from a special pet store is really the only food that Mr. Finicky would eat. Interesting in its own right. But then, EQ posed the question: "Have you ever tasted the food you feed your cats? I have." And with that, we started down a whole new path of stories. Tales of tasting dog treats versus cat kibble versus wet cat food. (I'll admit openly that I tested a dog bone and kibble when I was a kid, but wet food? EEEEKS, no way!)
What could have been a simple story about her pet cats turned into a fun and silly conversation that went a little deeper beneath the surface. It was a shared set of stories that brought all three of us laughter and smiles. All born out of an extended moment together because a flight was cancelled.
Cool butterfly effect sometimes.
Moments that are extended beyond expectations.
Moments getting to know interesting tidbits of strangers.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Moments D374: Saved Coffee
Today was an incredible day. It was jam packed with productivity, information, and weather graced us with our first 25 degree, full of sunshine day. AND top all that off with my volleyball team winning the first round of playoffs to hold on to first place for the season. Next week, we’ll take it all! But my special moment happened early this morning.
I didn’t sleep well last night. I woke mid-night and had a hard time falling back to sleep. I re-set my alarm knowing that I’d have to skip my morning workout with the lack of sleep (for the second night in a row!)…..
When I woke, I didn’t feel rushed, and yet I was buzzing around quickly to get off to work quickly. Time seemed to be moving slowly and I was moving quickly. Given my lack of sleep, that’s a good way to start the day.
And then my moment happened. I was out the door, heading to the car with many bags (volleyball gear, lunch, purse) and my coffee travel mug in hand. I quickly realized I didn’t have enough hands to open my passenger door. I mindfully put my travel mug on the roof of my car, thinking to myself “Do not forget your coffee!”. I fussed with my bags, placing everything just so and then I climbed into the car.
As I started the car an adorable elderly gentlemen quickened his very slow pace to reach me before I pulled away. He was pointing, of course, at my roof. I had a good laugh at myself, pulled up my parking brake and jumped out of the car. As I opened my door, the lovely gentleman said “You don’t want to lose your coffee - glad we could save it.” I laughed and agreed quite heartily. I thanked him and we parted ways.
I giggle to myself for being so “mindful” of and then promptly forgetting my coffee.
A good, silly moment and apparently a good way to start the day.
Moments appreciating the kindness of a stranger.
I didn’t sleep well last night. I woke mid-night and had a hard time falling back to sleep. I re-set my alarm knowing that I’d have to skip my morning workout with the lack of sleep (for the second night in a row!)…..
When I woke, I didn’t feel rushed, and yet I was buzzing around quickly to get off to work quickly. Time seemed to be moving slowly and I was moving quickly. Given my lack of sleep, that’s a good way to start the day.
And then my moment happened. I was out the door, heading to the car with many bags (volleyball gear, lunch, purse) and my coffee travel mug in hand. I quickly realized I didn’t have enough hands to open my passenger door. I mindfully put my travel mug on the roof of my car, thinking to myself “Do not forget your coffee!”. I fussed with my bags, placing everything just so and then I climbed into the car.
As I started the car an adorable elderly gentlemen quickened his very slow pace to reach me before I pulled away. He was pointing, of course, at my roof. I had a good laugh at myself, pulled up my parking brake and jumped out of the car. As I opened my door, the lovely gentleman said “You don’t want to lose your coffee - glad we could save it.” I laughed and agreed quite heartily. I thanked him and we parted ways.
I giggle to myself for being so “mindful” of and then promptly forgetting my coffee.
A good, silly moment and apparently a good way to start the day.
Moments appreciating the kindness of a stranger.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Moments D328: Birthday wishes from a complete stranger
This evening one I found myself showered with one more birthday wish. I was surprised and it is not easy to surprise me.
Getting a “You go Girl” and a belated birthday wish from one of my readers was an incredible moment. After all, I figure I’m just writing drivel most of the time. Sure a special moment to me, a little insight to my soul and, of course, I hope to inspire others with my words. We run a fast race this life of ours. If I manage to inspire a few to slow their pace and see the world around them a little more closely I feel like I’ve found a sliver of success.
For me, that small comment was a present I wasn’t expecting. And one that I will cherish.
Moments of surprise.
Moments wondering if maybe your words are being heard.
Getting a “You go Girl” and a belated birthday wish from one of my readers was an incredible moment. After all, I figure I’m just writing drivel most of the time. Sure a special moment to me, a little insight to my soul and, of course, I hope to inspire others with my words. We run a fast race this life of ours. If I manage to inspire a few to slow their pace and see the world around them a little more closely I feel like I’ve found a sliver of success.
For me, that small comment was a present I wasn’t expecting. And one that I will cherish.
Moments of surprise.
Moments wondering if maybe your words are being heard.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Moments D315: Randomness
Today I celebrate a couple of random things that happened today that both totally made me smile.
First, was when I was on all fours this morning looking for my kitten’s ball with its bell in it. (I knew she had lost it as things were rather quiet!) While splayed out on the ground, I found it beneath the filing cabinet. And then as I rolled on the floor a bit with Ma-Ku, I saw something I didn’t expect: my earring beneath the guest bed. This, an earring I thought I had lost while I was on my way home from Florida weeks earlier! I had worn these earrings home on the plane, and when I arrived home to my apartment, I only had one left. How on earth did I end up finding it in the spare bedroom? I was so shocked, I actually went and checked to see if I had a second earring as I thought maybe the kitten had stolen the remaining earring and used it as a toy.
Nope. I now have both earrings. How strange. How bizarre!
The other randomness that happened to me today was an introduction to a colleague’s best friend. She was barely in my office and was instantaneously hugging me and then she stepped back to tell me I was gorgeous! HUH? Talk about unexpected. It was all I could do to find my words without stumbling completely.
Moments second-guessing a lost earring.
Moments of strange meetings.
First, was when I was on all fours this morning looking for my kitten’s ball with its bell in it. (I knew she had lost it as things were rather quiet!) While splayed out on the ground, I found it beneath the filing cabinet. And then as I rolled on the floor a bit with Ma-Ku, I saw something I didn’t expect: my earring beneath the guest bed. This, an earring I thought I had lost while I was on my way home from Florida weeks earlier! I had worn these earrings home on the plane, and when I arrived home to my apartment, I only had one left. How on earth did I end up finding it in the spare bedroom? I was so shocked, I actually went and checked to see if I had a second earring as I thought maybe the kitten had stolen the remaining earring and used it as a toy.
Nope. I now have both earrings. How strange. How bizarre!
The other randomness that happened to me today was an introduction to a colleague’s best friend. She was barely in my office and was instantaneously hugging me and then she stepped back to tell me I was gorgeous! HUH? Talk about unexpected. It was all I could do to find my words without stumbling completely.
Moments second-guessing a lost earring.
Moments of strange meetings.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Moments D313: Coffee Walks
Today I did something different. I was cooped up all day yesterday so this morning I got up and walked to the local coffee shop.
Strangely, the door opened wide for me as I approached. There stood a strikingly handsome man. What a pleasure that moment was as we shared a smile and morning pleasantries over coffee.
In the end, a great morning for a walk to pick up coffee.
Strangely, the door opened wide for me as I approached. There stood a strikingly handsome man. What a pleasure that moment was as we shared a smile and morning pleasantries over coffee.
In the end, a great morning for a walk to pick up coffee.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Moments D273: Cold outside, warm within
Today was the coldest day in the past two years. A brisk -21 degrees Celsius. A mere -27C with the wind chill. Not bad at all for a winter’s day.
As I brushed my car off this morning from the evening’ s dusting of snow, I realized I was smiling and enjoying the briskness. My jeans were crisp, my breath was coming out of me in a billow of mist and my nose hairs were tickling me. I was smiling.
Yesterday a work colleague suggested he might have been a husky in a previous life. We discussed the intricacies about why and how that seemed to be the case. I realized this morning that *I* could have been a husky in a previous life too. I was loving the cold.
On my commute, I saw a couple of things that made me smile. … each having to do with the cold morning. Each brought a warmth to my heart. The first was a gentleman brushing off his truck. He was a tough guy layered with a couple of warm sweater/jackets. They weren't done up though, after all tough guys don’t need to do up their jackets. Nor was he wearing any gloves. As I slowed for the red light we made eye contact. I smiled and he gave me a sheepish grin and shrugged holding up his hands, as if admitting he was silly to be dressed as he was. I laughed and promised myself that this was a sign of a good day to come.
A little further into my commute I saw a Mom stop pulling the wagon behind her to check on the toddler bundled up in its bed. They snuggled faces for a brief moment, then she fussed with the toddler’s hat and blankets, she Eskimo kissed the child and turned to start pulling the wagon again. It was a beautiful moment to watch.
As cold as it was, I was warmed from within today. Many times over. As it began, the warm moments collected throughout the day bringing me inner warmth. A kind email, a deep discussion with my fellow “husky” co-worker, a delightful lunch out with an industry colleague, an afternoon phone call with my “other hand” why is currently fighting the flu….. the list goes on. Yes, today there was much warmth being shared. So much so, that I never felt the coldest day of the past two years.
Moments watching others from afar.
Moments appreciating people close to you.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Moments D266: Singing and skipping Dad
Today was a very productive day. A workout first thing, into work early, a chiropractic/acupuncture appointment for lunch, then late to leave. The productivity continued tonight with a homemade dinner and some homework. A perfectly productive day.
But the most interesting moment today was watching a father walk his son & daughter to school. The cute part was that he was singing and skipping with them and every third beat they did a little hop. It was so much fun to watch while I was sitting in rush hour traffic.
Moments enjoying others enjoying themselves.
Moments to skip and sing.
But the most interesting moment today was watching a father walk his son & daughter to school. The cute part was that he was singing and skipping with them and every third beat they did a little hop. It was so much fun to watch while I was sitting in rush hour traffic.
Moments enjoying others enjoying themselves.
Moments to skip and sing.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Moments D229: It's good to see you
Today was a bit of a struggle. Energies were swirled around me. Some things have come to completion, while others have begun to unravel. As the busiest time of year ends for most of my team at work, my own job digs in a little deeper into the craziness. And as I ramp up for the end of this semester, I realize, I really haven’t been a good student and I’m struggling to get through all the material.
Yes, there is much going on. Fortunately, I know I can get through it. I’ve had much more on my plate in the past. This should be a walk in the park. And yet, I feel the drag.
It’s the emotional stuff that’s really eating at me more than the things that need to be done. Questions about friends and feeling left out, worries about other friends and their family and general doubts about my ability to lead. And while there are a couple of very important, loving people in my circle that have been there for me, I’m feeling ever more abandoned by others and it’s been building over the past few weeks/months.
I suppose this is something that happens when you tear a life apart and rebuild it. For the most part I can logically walk my way through the why’s and how’s of it all. But sometimes, it’s just easier to sit in the darkness. To believe the worst. To wallow.
There were two moments today when a flash of light was thrown on me. The first a message from 3000+ miles away. A smile just as I needed it after a particularly negative encounter. Reassurance that I can make a difference.
But the biggest unexpected smile came from a near-stranger in Shoppers.
I have shopped at this particular Shoppers for as many years as it’s been there. I would recognize most of the cashiers on the street if I ran into them, but I don’t know their names, nor have I shared many a full conversation with them. Today, one of the ladies that I haven’t seen in a long while was back working at the front cash. As we did our typical ritual, I noted to her that it’s been a long time since I had last seen her. She informed me that she had been on maternity leave and we shared a few pleasantries as she rang through my items. Strange how time passes and how things change and we don’t always notice it. Then, as I was all packed up and heading out, she stopped me, looked me in the eye and said “it’s good to see you again”. Then she called for the next customer in line.
Sure, it might have been just her impeccable customer service skills kicking in, but it felt different. It felt genuine. And it gave me the biggest boost of light today. I don’t think I realized that I needed that boost until I had received it. Strange how sometimes the darkness can hide you. Stranger still that someone so peripheral in my life could make me feel that much better.
I left the store with a smile on my face. I smile as I share the story now.
If that’s not a good enough recommendation to be kind to others, I don’t know what is.
Moments to appreciate all people who cross your path.
Moments of unexpected kindness.
Yes, there is much going on. Fortunately, I know I can get through it. I’ve had much more on my plate in the past. This should be a walk in the park. And yet, I feel the drag.
It’s the emotional stuff that’s really eating at me more than the things that need to be done. Questions about friends and feeling left out, worries about other friends and their family and general doubts about my ability to lead. And while there are a couple of very important, loving people in my circle that have been there for me, I’m feeling ever more abandoned by others and it’s been building over the past few weeks/months.
I suppose this is something that happens when you tear a life apart and rebuild it. For the most part I can logically walk my way through the why’s and how’s of it all. But sometimes, it’s just easier to sit in the darkness. To believe the worst. To wallow.
There were two moments today when a flash of light was thrown on me. The first a message from 3000+ miles away. A smile just as I needed it after a particularly negative encounter. Reassurance that I can make a difference.
But the biggest unexpected smile came from a near-stranger in Shoppers.
I have shopped at this particular Shoppers for as many years as it’s been there. I would recognize most of the cashiers on the street if I ran into them, but I don’t know their names, nor have I shared many a full conversation with them. Today, one of the ladies that I haven’t seen in a long while was back working at the front cash. As we did our typical ritual, I noted to her that it’s been a long time since I had last seen her. She informed me that she had been on maternity leave and we shared a few pleasantries as she rang through my items. Strange how time passes and how things change and we don’t always notice it. Then, as I was all packed up and heading out, she stopped me, looked me in the eye and said “it’s good to see you again”. Then she called for the next customer in line.
Sure, it might have been just her impeccable customer service skills kicking in, but it felt different. It felt genuine. And it gave me the biggest boost of light today. I don’t think I realized that I needed that boost until I had received it. Strange how sometimes the darkness can hide you. Stranger still that someone so peripheral in my life could make me feel that much better.
I left the store with a smile on my face. I smile as I share the story now.
If that’s not a good enough recommendation to be kind to others, I don’t know what is.
Moments to appreciate all people who cross your path.
Moments of unexpected kindness.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Moments D213: Girls sticking together
Tonight was the Metric concert. I’ve been looking forward to this concert for some time for a couple of reasons. One, they are a great band and two - it was an opportunity to catch up with my BFF who has been insanely busy mitigating much change in her life. Fighting a cold and tired, she hauled out for the evening’s festivities. That was a special feeling in its own right.
After a delightful dinner with cocktails and wine at E11ven, we made our way through the definite winter chill to the ACC. We quickly found our seats and were introduced to the couple just next to us. Little did we know that this was NOT a good thing.
This 40-something couple was very drunk! Unfortunately the guy was incredibly obnoxious as well and in everyone’s space around us. Because of this, a group of ladies just behind us were also drawn into the drama as we waited for the concert to begin.
I had hoped that once the concert began they’d settle down into the music and the performance. Sadly, this was not the case. Further, my poor BFF was right beside them. She was bumped and pushed and annoyed to no end by the male drunkard.
I too was distracted by this couple’s actions, for I was worried that my friend, fighting a cold, was really not enjoying herself. I even offered to switch seats to help. It was one of these times where I looked over to make sure that things were going okay when I noticed that the lady directly behind the couple was leaned over and talking sternly to them. YES! She was giving them shit for intruding into my BFF’s space. That was an awesome moment. Having a complete stranger look out for us.
I mentioned this stranger support to my BFF. She said that it was like the 4th time this particular lady had done just that. Oh my. I was doubly impressed. This last time seemed to do the trick though as the drunken couple did seem to keep their distance from that point onward.
In the end, it was a great concert that we were unable to fully enjoy because of this distraction. The woman of the drunken couple actually vomited at one point. Yup. Forty year old party animals. So strange and so unfortunate.
And yet, I smile at the thought that we had a complete stranger watching and helping out from behind.
Moments of distractions.
Moments to thank strangers.
After a delightful dinner with cocktails and wine at E11ven, we made our way through the definite winter chill to the ACC. We quickly found our seats and were introduced to the couple just next to us. Little did we know that this was NOT a good thing.
This 40-something couple was very drunk! Unfortunately the guy was incredibly obnoxious as well and in everyone’s space around us. Because of this, a group of ladies just behind us were also drawn into the drama as we waited for the concert to begin.
I had hoped that once the concert began they’d settle down into the music and the performance. Sadly, this was not the case. Further, my poor BFF was right beside them. She was bumped and pushed and annoyed to no end by the male drunkard.
I too was distracted by this couple’s actions, for I was worried that my friend, fighting a cold, was really not enjoying herself. I even offered to switch seats to help. It was one of these times where I looked over to make sure that things were going okay when I noticed that the lady directly behind the couple was leaned over and talking sternly to them. YES! She was giving them shit for intruding into my BFF’s space. That was an awesome moment. Having a complete stranger look out for us.
I mentioned this stranger support to my BFF. She said that it was like the 4th time this particular lady had done just that. Oh my. I was doubly impressed. This last time seemed to do the trick though as the drunken couple did seem to keep their distance from that point onward.
In the end, it was a great concert that we were unable to fully enjoy because of this distraction. The woman of the drunken couple actually vomited at one point. Yup. Forty year old party animals. So strange and so unfortunate.
And yet, I smile at the thought that we had a complete stranger watching and helping out from behind.
Moments of distractions.
Moments to thank strangers.
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