Moments D738: Juggling means knowing your limits

It's been a long time since I have be available to write!  My how time flies.  I know, I've not kept my promise, but I honestly did not expect to be as busy as I was while in school.  Looking back, I was a bit mad to take 6 core courses at the same time with the same level of expectation.  It was not only mentally challenging, but it was a challenge to manage priorities for each of the classes.  Given that they were all fourth year classes, I'm proud to share that not only did I survive the semester, I managed to maintain my GPA.  (Though secretly, I am hoping to bump it up come the last fall semester course in September!)

What was my biggest take-away from my first full time semester of school as an adult?  I think it was admitting to myself that I couldn't do it all.  I had to triage and pick & choose my projects and time spent working on certain aspects of class work.  For example, there were many group projects over the semester (too many honestly!) and my course load necessitated that I could not offer the time commitment to take the reins and manage the group.  In one particular case, that was a completely disastrous decision (we failed the project).  In another, it was smooth sailing and we ended up with an A on the project.  Further, there were projects that I realized I simply would not have the time I would have liked to research or dedicate to in depth editing.  How incredibly hit and miss and all I could do was go with the flow.  I learned to accept that I could offer no more within the time constraints, given that I often had conflicting priorities.  It was the 80/20 rule working in real life.  For the most part, it served me well.

The bigger question, I realize looking back, is can I really dial my style back to 80/20?  I'm not so sure.  While I see the value in it, I always felt like things were not finished to the best of my ability....and the grades definitely reflected that.  After all an A- (or B+) is simply not as impressive as an A+.  Still, does it matter?  No, not really.  That comes from a place of ego.  I like knowing that I've exhausted my tool set and done my best.  Is that wrong?  Some would say yes, it's inefficient.  Others would suggest that it becomes a creative driving force.  Me, I'm still on the fence about it.  (That's the joy of life, always learning and growing.)

These past five months have zipped by.  I left my job of 13 years so I could go back to school full time and get my degree finally completed.  I managed to successfully complete a tough full time semester of school, married the man I love and photographed the first ever Wingsuit World Cup Performance Flying competition.  It's been a whirlwind 5 months and as the sixth month of the year begins, I am ready to embark on my next adventures, including a new job with a company that has been seen as “the competition” for the past 13 years.  It is going to be an interesting year, no doubt about that.

I've rather missed sharing my meanderings, having some quite "brain time", but time has not been my friend.  I have been chasing the clock for far too many months now and I am eager to finally have things slow down.  

Sadly, I'm afraid that things will not slow down anytime soon, though I am hopeful.  The outstanding "To Do" list feels daunting; all I can do is take it one task at a time.  The first big task – is studying for my CFP exam this coming Friday.  I am ill-prepared for it and I have the next four days for some serious cramming.  I know I have bit off more than I can chew and I’m ready for those consequences.  I can always re-write the exam in the fall….either way, it’s all very exciting, with the exam I’ll gain some insight/experience into the world of finance a little more and within two weeks I’ll start my new job, in the same industry as I’ve worked for the past 13 years.  While it will be like slipping on an old worn pair of gloves, it will be gloves being used for a new purpose.  It's exciting and frightening all at the same time, for I've never been good at selling myself and I haven’t yet had the time to determine what the best direction is for me.  A comfortable worn glove is comforting and I look forward to the challenge of understanding the industry from a new perspective.  

The next 7 months will be a lot of soul searching as EQ and I determine where/what we do in 2016.  I’ll officially have completed my degree and we will have many more options open to us.  Sometimes too many choices can be paralyzing!  All we can do is process them as they come.

I suppose that is my moment from these past five months:  recognizing that I don’t have to juggle everything all the time.  I can leave some of the balls on the ground and wait before adding more to my plate.  This is not an easy behaviour for me, but I have learned that I CAN do it.    

Moments choosing the most important projects to be juggled.  Moments knowing that you don’t have to pick up all the balls.  

Moments 735: On fire!

I've officially been a full time student for a month now.  It has been an interesting transition going from a full-time career driven person to a student.  I've been an active working citizen since I was 15 and hey, if you include my paper-route, I was working, making money, since I was 11 years old.  So imagine, having been a part of the work force for nearly 3 decades and then suddenly not being.

Yes.  It's been an interesting transition.

But I have been enjoying it.  I'm on fire with all my classes.  Six of them actually.  I only have 7 to finish off before I'm done my degree, so there is one straggler that I'll need to take this coming fall (but only because it's not offered in the winter!).  It's so close I can IMAGINE the finish line.  Only 72 days left before 98% of my degree is DONE.  (Yes - I'm counting down!)

So how is it that I'm juggling 6 classes, marketing for a new book written by my most awesome guy and helping a friend out with his resume?  Time Management.  It's all about knowing what is coming, when it's due and how much time it's going to take to get things ready.  

So what did I do to find balance in my new world?  I created a spreadsheet.  I know, I know, I get teased all the time for "putting my life" into a spreadsheet, but hey, it works!  Six classes, colour coded with expected deliverable dates; it's a quick easy visual way to understand what is happening and how I need to focus my time.  From that quick list, I set up weekly appointments detailing out all my readings and assignments that need to be done on a weekly basis.  Whenever I have a spare moment, I have a textbook in hand reading.

So far, it's been an interesting shift.  The first week, I was lazy about it.  The second week I woke up and realized that this was real and happening and sorted myself out and started the "catch up game" with my list of "to do's".  Last week, I started four projects, three of which were due this week and one big one due next week.  It feels good to really dive in.

Yes, I'm on fire.

Here we go, blazing a trail.

Moments realizing that you have a new path.
Moments recognizing you are in the groove of that new path!

Moments D732: A new Season begins

Today was the first real snowfall of the season.  It's surprising given it's only November 15th. It is early.  Some would say too early.

To be fair, wasn't much of a snowfall, but it was cold enough that it stayed on the ground - a nice light covering.  It nicely juxtaposed with the orange of the leaves that have only just fallen to the ground.

With the change in season comes a change in focus.  I'm nearing the end of this semester and studying for my final (in only two days!).  My focus this semester has not really been on my studies, and I'm certainly feeling the pain of that now.  The time it's taking me to catch up only proves that point!  (That said, I did enjoy my time with EQ this semester!)  Studying this weekend has been a buckle-down-get-'er-done kind of weekend.  Talk about focus! 

The change in season brings another shift in focus.  As this semester comes to a close, so too does a very large chapter in my life.  Next semester, only 45 days away, I will be going back to school full time.  It's not really my choice to head back full time, but I've reached a point in my degree where I am bound by a timeline expectation from the university.  I am to be done my degree by December 2015.  In order to best make that happen, I need to take five (yes 5!) classes next semester.

Talk about a change in season!  My goal, if the powers that be allow it, is to work part-time and school full-time (essentially swap my time around!)  I barely remember a time when I did five courses at the same time.  I'm not entirely certain that my mind will be able  to manage all that information at the same time!  Fortunately I think my time management skills are 150% better now than what they were back in 1994!

It will be a change in season too because I will shift gears from immigration and jobs to planning for our wedding - just under 170 days from today.  Our ceremony will be a small, intimate gathering.  Regardless of its size, I want it to be a beautiful reflection of the amazing couple we are.  It needs to be perfect....as perfect as my partner and I are together (which is not to say we don't have our faults!  We're just perfect together!).  Invitations, a dress, a bathing suit, a reception of some kind when we get home for everyone to celebrate with us.....yes, many details to flush out yet.  I am eager to have time to focus on this frivolous celebration of our love.   I love this man like I've never known love to be before.  I look forward to celebrating us, without all of life's complications.    It will be incredible to celebrate the depth of love joy we have with one another with those we love and cherish in our lives.  

Heralding in a new season brings with it the passing of the old season.  As many are now lamenting over the distant days of summer and the brevity of our autumn,  I find myself now looking fondly back in time as well.  There is a sense of fear to look forward to the changes coming.  No, that would be a lie.  I am terrified.  I can't admit that outloud as that only makes me seem weak, but I am terrified.   This season that is coming to a close has been comfortable.  Even though it hasn't been easy, it's been comfortable and, for the most part, predictable.  Looking forward, to the season that is on my doorstep, I fear the lack of understanding of what's to come.  What will I be able to control and what must I let go uncontrolled and deal with it?

To keep it short, I fear failing.  I fear the stress that is inevitable.  I fear what that will do to my beautiful relationship.  I fear what I will (or won't) be  doing for work.  And while, for some, my need to talk about my fears seems like wasted breaths, for me, talking about them helps to take away their mystery.  Their power over me somehow falls away when I speak of them out loud.  I think it's a way for me to help create and/or fortify my White Daemons.  For me, not talking about the anxiety that is rising within me only compounds my fear.    

And so, dear readers, I have now shared my anxiety at the turn of the coming season with you.  It's another way for me to ponder how I'm feeling and how I will walk through the challenges ahead.  I know that I am strong.  I know that I will fight through the hard days and find the light at the end of this very, very long school tunnel.  No matter what, I will get it done.   (I always do!)  But that doesn't mean that I'm not anxious about it.  

It's going to be an intense winter and I'm not entirely certain I have the capacity within me to juggle as much as will be hitting me come January.

Moments feeling sad at the change in season.

Moments celebrating the season to come.

Moments D711: Unexpected Compliments

Sometimes friends can really, truly surprise you.  Today was one of those days for me.

After another long day of peering at a mega-spreadsheet, it was finally complete and ready to share with the executive team.  A moment to celebrate given all the energy that has been poured into it over the past weeks (months?).  My way of celebrating was to take a well earned break and walk away from my desk for once.

Being near the end of the work day and Friday, I wandered into Arizona's office.  The rest of the team had ventured out to have a department lunch with our co-worker who was laid off back in February.  As much as I would have liked to join in on the festivities, the timing wouldn't allow it.  I wanted to find out how she was doing and catch up with Arizona as I really hadn't had much time all week to pause.  After briefly sharing how lunch was, it wasn't long before we were sharing stories of working out, aching muscles and results from the workouts.  It was within this conversation that Arizona dropped a pretty big (unexpected!) compliment my way.

An instant flush of heat hit me.  I was embarrassed, I was grateful, I was surprised by her words.  At first, we squabbled a bit about her compliment (okay, I did, and she firmly held her ground!).  In the end, there was nothing I could do but say thank you while scratching my head.  (After all, in my mind, all I could hear was "really?")

Sometimes the strangest things surface from your friends.

Sometimes it's impossible to argue against their logic.

Sometimes it's just good to take a compliment, even if your friend misses the point of the conversation being about sharing a personal frustration.  Her point:  I may be personally frustrated, but others tend to be more so.  Arizona reminded me to be grateful that I'm not in the "more so" category.

Okay girlfriend.  Message received.

Moments being shocked at a compliment.

Moments reminding you why you love your friends.

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 D674: 30s Dance Party & Respect

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

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

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

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

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

Moments enjoying differences of ages.

Moments appreciating that respect can be ageless.

Moments D659: Change is in the air

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

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

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

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

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

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

And I think we are ready for that reinvention.

Moments being shaken to the core in an unforeseen avalanche.

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

Moments D649: February Parties

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

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

Seriously.  Where does the time go?

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

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

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

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

So much fun.  It was so darn easy.

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

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

Moments enjoying quiet reflection of my perfect date.

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

Moments D640: Removing Objects

Okay.  I'll admit it.  I'm an Excel geek.  Yes.  That's right.  Microsoft Excel.  I have even had a friend once create a fake booklet of "Excel for Dummies" with me on the cover dressed up as a teacher.

Seriously.  I know.  It's bad.  Please.  Stop laughing.

Between work and school, I do much in the world of Excel and for the most part, I know a lot of short cuts and tricks that are obscure and rarely helpful.

But once in awhile, I am stumped and I need to use the {gasp} help feature built into the program.

Today, I found myself wondering how to remove objects (images, check boxes, etc.) imported into a spreadsheet that were unnecessary in my file.  Sure you can delete them manually, but what the heck do you do if there are hundreds of objects to deal with?  Manually delete them all?  No way.  There had to be an easier way.  The help feature failed me.  Really?  Was it not possible?  No.  That couldn't be.

And then I found it.  Within seconds of googling "remove objects from Excel spreadsheet" I found this.  Three seconds later all 200+ objects in my spreadsheet vanished.

BRILLIANT!  Tons of time saved by that quick stroke of keys.

How on earth did I live without the wonderous amounts of random, rarely used information found online?

Now I know how to remove objects from a spreadsheet.  It made my day and that knowledge allows me to dust off my geek badge a touch.  That makes me smile.

Moments being frustrated by a silly problem.

Moments finding an easy solution and sharing it with the world.

Moments D630: Welcome Home

Today was the first day back in the office in some time.  What a treat it was to be working side by side with my team.  Working remotely, while effective and allowing me to get more done, was certainly lonely and without much entertainment throughout the day.

My moment today comes from this:

Who doesn't like to be welcomed home?

Moments feeling missed.

Moments knowing you were.

Moments D568: More Poppies

Today I decided to wear my poppy into work again.  As I pinned it on me this morning, I wondered why we didn't take more time to remember those who perished for us, for those that continue to fight in our name.  As I wake from a warm, dry bed, I wonder how those serving today aren't likely as fortunate.  As I look to my day ahead, drudging through the daily mundane task list, I think of them drudging through their days fighting for peace and freedom.

And so, today, I decided that November (yes the entire month) was going to be a month of remembering our protectors.

As a side bar, because I'm feeling a touch philosophical:  Do I wish we could abolish war?  Yes, of course! Unfortunately I'm not so naive.  I think we would all like to believe we can be humanitarian, share, and love one another in one big community watching out for one another.  If only life were that simple.  Simple it is not.

We live in a society that thrives on power and ownership.  A world where there are many different beliefs in how to achieve either, or, or both.  Naturally there is a clash of beliefs, a clash of wants, and sometimes an actual clash of needs.  I've seen enough apocalyptic and zombie movies to know that when push comes to shove, when someone comes to steal your way of life, you need to protect it.  Think about it.  What are your choices?  Give it away (and perish) or protect it (fight to keep it).   When someone is in dire need of something (and sometimes people are foolish enough to believe that their wants are needs), they will not stop until they either get what they want, or they are stopped.  Dark?  I suppose.  I think it's just reality.

All that being said, do I think we can slowly find better ways of sharing than the world we currently live in? To ease those extreme moments of clashing?  You better believe I do.  Everyday I chip away at that.  Everyday I try to find a special moment with people in my life to share with them.  Family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances.  I share.  I share my bizarre ideas of spreading light and positive energy.  I have (and will continue) to share my knowledge, my love, my patience, my food, my shelter, hell, my finances with many.  I will, at least I hope I will, always continue to do so because I believe that in sharing, we create a society of trust and love.

But I have learned, especially over the past year, that not all are deserving of trust and love.  Sometimes people will take advantage of you.  Sometimes they are malicious about it, in their search for power or ownership, sometimes it comes naturally and subconsciously.  Either way, no matter what the intent, the process is the same: they manipulate and take advantage of you for their own benefit.  This conniving, it's like someone trying to steal something you need away from you.  I am stronger now, and I recognize the manipulation more easily and I now choose to stand and protect myself from those people instead of being plundered.

Wow.  What a long winded way of me saying:  I think today, more than ever I can extrapolate from my experiences and see the reasoning behind armies and war.

So today, I wore my poppy into work again.

Not five minutes after I was sitting at my desk and Arizona asked me why I was still wearing my poppy.  I told her that I was going to remember our protectors all November.  She smiled, clapped her hands and told me she was going to wear her poppy into work tomorrow as well.

New tradition started?  Maybe.  Either way, that moment made me smile.

Moments pushing the limits and connecting dots.

Moments inspiring others.

Moments D567: Honour Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance Day. I recently found out that this is a holiday that is mostly celebrated by the commonwealth countries since the end of World War I.  In the US, today is actually Veteran's Day, which is not the same as Memorial Day.   (From what I understand, in the US Veteran's Day celebrates the services of US military veterans, whereas Memorial Day remembers those who have died serving their country.  Here in Canada, we celebrate it all in one, today.  Remembrance Day has always been on my radar as far as I can remember, after all my grandfather was in the Canadian army and served in World War II.  In fact, thinking back now, I remember that I wrote a poem for Remembrance Day back in grade school that won some type of award.   I wonder where that poem is now, or if I'll ever re-read those words.  Perhaps one day, I'll stumble across my words as an eleven year old so that I might share them.

Back to point.  Today's moment is all about remembering.  Our department took two minutes of silence at 11:11 am to pause and gift thanks.  I was proud to see so many blood red poppies over the hearts of many around me.  However, the most touching moment, hands down, was when I ran into Mr. B on his daily walk over lunch.  He was proudly wearing his father's military beret.  It stopped me dead in my tracks.  BRILLIANT.  What an incredible way to not only remember his father, but to signify gratitude to those who fought for and those who continue to fight and maintain the freedoms we enjoy today.

It was so brilliant, I was at a loss for words when I saw him.  It was simply perfect.  I'm sure his father was smiling down proudly.

Moments to pause and reflect upon one's fortunes.

Moments being grateful for those who paved the way.

Moments D564: Patience

My cold blew up on me a bit last night. I wasn't sure if I'd make it through the day let alone out for dinner with EQ and BFF tonight.  The day seemed to be long, but it was very productive regardless of the sluggishness I felt.  When the end of the day finally arrived, it was a mini celebration with EQ & BFF!

But today's moment isn't about the incredible chat I had with EQ en route to BFF's house, nor is it the amazing dinner and evening we enjoyed with her.  My moment today is celebrating patience, because today it felt like I was constantly digging to find it.

You know the kind of day I'm talking about, right?  The kind of day where you are tired, a bit off your game (in my case sluggish because of my cold) and you aren't feeling very talkative.  When you combine an emotional/physical state as this with a day filled with drop-in people asking questions and new projects being added to your to-do list, it's a sure combination for disaster.  Unless, of course, you dig deep and find some patience.

Today, was one of those days for me. I managed to not only avert disaster, but I didn't give into the malicious voices in my head either.  You know the ones.  That little voice in the back of your head calling people names for not getting the picture the first (or second, or third) time.  The voice shouting out your irritation because you've been interrupted for the tenth time today.  It's that voice tempting me to snap at people and not treat them as kindly as I normally do.

While my responses may not have been as effervescent as normal, I was able to dig deep and find the patience to squash that malicious voice.  Every time it bubbled close to the surface, I took a breath and found a little more patience.

Breathing and pausing.  What  a difference it makes.

Moments reflecting on the day and realizing you were pretty successful afterall.

Moments celebrating patience.

Moments D512: Missed at the Office

Today's moment celebrates my "home coming" to the office.  It warms my heart to have been welcomed so warmly.  Chatter from the sales floor.  A quick hug from Mr. B and Arizona.  A high five from the new guy.  It feels great to be missed.    It felt even better to share my travel stories with my colleagues throughout the day.

Now if only my job duties didn't miss me so much!  Ah, the pile!

Moments enjoying the glow.

Moments sharing stories.

Moments D483: Hard Earned Thank Yous

Today was a pretty "plain Jane" kinda day.  That's okay, they can't all be amazing.  Having "plain Jane" days allows for those amazing days to be all that more amazing.

Anyhooooo.....

Today I share in Heini's moment.  It really is the most inspiring moment of my day.  Not only does it warm my heart, it renews my faith in the corporate world.  (After my class this past summer on power, technology and change, I've seen a whole new side to the corporate world and one that is not so shiny!)

Heini has been working a lot of overtime as her office is short handed.  She's gone above and beyond for her employer, nearing the point of exhaustion and being only immersed in work for a few weeks.  That's a tough gig to keep running.  It's isolating, it's depressing and it's exhausting.  She and I have talked often of being better at maintaining a better work-life balance.   And yet, she persevered through the tough times and did it all with a smile.

Well, today that love and energy was reflected back to her.  All her hard work was recognized and celebrated.  Her employer is going to send her away to the Caribbean for her birthday.  Yes.  You read that correctly.  She'll be heading out on an airplane, away from the hub-bub, to rest and relax upon the white sands of the Caribbean as a reward.

Wow.  Amazing right?  What an incredible thank you gift.

Moments enjoying the high from one of your best friend's moments.

Moments of renewed faith.

Moments D478: Enveloped in Love

Today was a challenging day, after all, returning from vacation is never easy with a pile on your desk to greet you.  Today was no different even though it was only 2 days out of the office - much had transpired while I was away.

Without going into the specifics, suffice it to say that it was a lot.  A lot to process, a lot to understand and a lot to dig more deeply into.  I'll get through it, I always do, but that doesn't mean that I didn't feel beaten up today because of it.

But you know what happened?  My beautiful support group swooped in to help carry the burden and allow me the ability to vent, to process, to see other perspectives.  Arizona gave me much needed hugs, Mr. Ray of Light has promised to help out with the logistics and research that is needed, BFF sent much love & light to help push me through the day and remind me that I will get through it all, my parents offered up an interesting perspective (or two) as did my sweet EQ.

So much love and support in a blink of a day.  I am very fortunate to have the support system I have.  It made today that much more bearable.  Everything will be okay.  I believe.

Moments processing unexpected information.

Moments leaning into the support of your loved ones and finding peace.

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 D437: Smokey vs Smoky

Today we had a discussion in our department upon the spelling of smokey.  (my preferred!)

Was it "smokey" or was it "smoky"?

We had a mini-spelling bee that included one of the executive team members from another department.  In the end, our senior copywriter seemed to be on his own with the spelling of "smoky", whereas the majority was  more comfortable with the spelling as "smokey".  Go figure.

And so, I had to look it up online and figure out how it was that our authority on copy was disagreeing with the majority.  And I found this website on the English Forums.

The major point from this site:  "use smoky if you don't want to be old-fashioned".

We all had a good giggle. We were all the old-fashioned users of the word and our executive team member said outloud, "sure, you are hip and cool with the ky".  And then she realized what she said.  The room exploded in laughter.

You can't script that kind of humour.  My face and belly hurt from laughing too hard.

Moments trying to better understand the English language.

Moments of explosive laughter.

Moments D430: Sweet smell of lillacs

Today was an incredibly productive day that ended in a concert with my BFF with the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty.  An incredible show, with a plastic guitar filled with white wine.  But this is not my special moment of the day, as amazing as it was.

No, today's moment is a simple one.  My partner in crime at work picked a bouquet of lilac flowers for one of the graphic designers on our team as it was her birthday.  The smell of lilacs filled our dark, crowded office.  Their sweetness brightened up the room considerable.  It was incredible how such a small bunch of flowers shifted the room.  When I left the office and then returned, I noticed that I was taking in a deep breath as I walked across the room to my desk.  

Ah, the sweet smell of lilacs.

Moments of simplicity.

Moments enjoying the flowers of the season.

Moments D420: Signs, everywhere signs

Today was setup day for our annual trade show. It is always a bit nerve wracking, but being our fourth year of pulling this show together, we had experience on our side. The tweaks made over last year’s show made setup this year come together more smoothly than ever. And, to top it off, this year’s team was the best rounded yet and the required work came together quickly and easily.

Yet, as always, there were a few bumps and bruises along the way. (Of course, right?) Today’s moment is about averting a challenging situation for a vendor. It wasn’t easy, it took some hoop jumping (okay, quite a bit), but it was accomplished none-the-less. The levels of appreciation, the feeling of accomplishment, the deepening of a business relationship…that’s what it’s all about right?

Moments working hard and feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Moments where the simple act of a sign, makes another’s day.