Today was a crazy day. Last night we heard that there was a fire in our office building. We knew that the fire department had broken one of our office windows, but we didn’t know much else.
So, when I woke today, I had a delightful conversation with my girl in the North Country and then worked out for 90 minutes. I then signed up for Tough Mudder because, well, why not? My friend wants to be reborn and shed his skin. I think I could use a little of that therapy!
And then I got the call: Head to the office, salvage what you can. So no breakfast, no lunch, barely out of the shower and I rushed down to the office.
The office was a disaster area. Much was waterlogged, but we were able to save and move out many of our computers and printers. It was a day spent moving stuff from our office to a makeshift office elsewhere. And with only three weeks before our big tradeshow, it’s going to be interesting.
And while being in the middle of a big fire scene was rather interesting (the smoke damage, the campfire smell on everything, the broken windows, the teamwork to get everything moved out and set up elsewhere etc.) it wasn’t my moment of the day. Though I suppose I can check it off my bucket list!
My moment of the day was actually as I was driving home from the office. As I waited at one of the stop lights, there was a couple standing, arm and arm facing one another. He was gently stroking his partner’s face and then he tenderly kissed him. It was such a beautiful moment, especially given that only moments earlier a friend and I had been discussing how much hate still exists in the world for people who are different than the so-called norm. Very apropos.
So today’s moment celebrates unbashful love. Here’s to our right as human beings to love whomever we want to.
Moments of surprise followed by happiness.
Moments recognizing how far we've come and how far we have yet to go.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Moments D391: BBQ Smokefest
Today I woke feeling lazy and so I switched my day up. Originally I was going to head to the beach to play volleyball all day before heading to my baseball coach’s BBQ. Instead, I was lazy and planted my herb garden. It felt good to have my hands in the earth. I missed that last summer, but last year I was hurting about leaving my gardens behind at my old home. I wasn’t ready to have my hands in the earth again. Today however, I was ready. And I loved every minute of it.
And then my oldest girlfriend came over. Stop the presses…..
I’m going to give “my oldest girlfriend” a nickname because here in my blog it’s easier and I think it’s time. Heini. She is now dubbed Heini because while I’ve known her forever, she’s not my oldest girlfriend, just one that’s been in my life for a very long time.
Phew. I’m glad we have that sorted out.
So Heini came over just as I had hopped out of the shower. I finished prettifying and she tossed the salad we were bringing to the BBQ and off we went.
The BBQ was a smokefest. Ribs, burgers, salads, beer, caesars, oh my! So much food. The company was great, the food was amazing, but the best moment of the day was when Heini offered to help clean away the paper plates after we ate.
Now, Heini is shorter than I am. I’m 5’4.75”. The gent hosting the BBQ is likely close to 6’ tall. He scopped the plates from the table before she could dive in and literally held them high above her head. And Heini jumped for them.
It was like a bad scene out of a comedy. And on cue, we all laughed deeply about it. How amusing to watch. Of course, she lost that battle. (if you’re going to lose a battle that’s not such a bad one to lose!)
Moments with friends & great food.
Moments of belly hurting laughter.
And then my oldest girlfriend came over. Stop the presses…..
I’m going to give “my oldest girlfriend” a nickname because here in my blog it’s easier and I think it’s time. Heini. She is now dubbed Heini because while I’ve known her forever, she’s not my oldest girlfriend, just one that’s been in my life for a very long time.
Phew. I’m glad we have that sorted out.
So Heini came over just as I had hopped out of the shower. I finished prettifying and she tossed the salad we were bringing to the BBQ and off we went.
The BBQ was a smokefest. Ribs, burgers, salads, beer, caesars, oh my! So much food. The company was great, the food was amazing, but the best moment of the day was when Heini offered to help clean away the paper plates after we ate.
Now, Heini is shorter than I am. I’m 5’4.75”. The gent hosting the BBQ is likely close to 6’ tall. He scopped the plates from the table before she could dive in and literally held them high above her head. And Heini jumped for them.
It was like a bad scene out of a comedy. And on cue, we all laughed deeply about it. How amusing to watch. Of course, she lost that battle. (if you’re going to lose a battle that’s not such a bad one to lose!)
Moments with friends & great food.
Moments of belly hurting laughter.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Moments D390: Deep Discussions
Today was an interesting day. I woke a little slowly, but we moved quickly to get to the hospital to wait for Dad to get his discharge papers. Unfortunately it took a little longer than expected, but the time was well spent. I was able to meet one of Dad’s “cell mates” Bob. Bob was delightful and, at 78, he had much to share and I rather enjoyed his stories and his energy.
Hours later, Dad was in the passenger seat and Mom was driving them home.
I made my way home and puttered around for a bit cleaning up the week. And then, I packed a bag, some tasty beverages and I made my way to my BFF’s place. After the week, after having my core shaken again it was exactly what I needed. Low key, backyard sunshine and the best company ever!
We had many deep discussions and we watched the sun go down. We had a delightful first BBQ of the season - BBQ’d meat, veggies and yes, salad. And then the sprinkling rain came. We were finishing up our third bottle by then.
And then the discussion of the day: Was this what we hoped for?
Life. Never as straightforward as you hope for and it’s always offering you learning opportunities. We sat with this idea for a bit as we watched music videos under the big umbrella in the cold spring rain.
Was this what we hoped for?
My philosophy is that if it’s not what you hoped for, it is still well within your control. If you find yourself in a place that you aren’t happy with, then it’s time to take a good hard look at why and find a way to work towards that end goal. Often we settle. Often we find comfort in something that is known, but comfort alone isn’t enough. Sometimes, we’re aware of a deficiency, but we keep ourselves busy and ignore the deeper signs. But truly, we all have the ability to work towards what we hope for. That path isn’t easy. Sometimes it forces you to have a long hard look in the mirror and sometimes it breaks your heart. But after all that hard work, when you get to your goal, it’s that much sweeter.
So today, is a celebration of deep discussions. Of revisiting what’s most important in my life and finding the best path towards that end. It’s about friends, it’s about family and it’s about enjoying the walk along that path, not running too hard and fast that I miss out.
Moments with your best friend.
Moments digging deeper into self..
Hours later, Dad was in the passenger seat and Mom was driving them home.
I made my way home and puttered around for a bit cleaning up the week. And then, I packed a bag, some tasty beverages and I made my way to my BFF’s place. After the week, after having my core shaken again it was exactly what I needed. Low key, backyard sunshine and the best company ever!
We had many deep discussions and we watched the sun go down. We had a delightful first BBQ of the season - BBQ’d meat, veggies and yes, salad. And then the sprinkling rain came. We were finishing up our third bottle by then.
And then the discussion of the day: Was this what we hoped for?
Life. Never as straightforward as you hope for and it’s always offering you learning opportunities. We sat with this idea for a bit as we watched music videos under the big umbrella in the cold spring rain.
Was this what we hoped for?
My philosophy is that if it’s not what you hoped for, it is still well within your control. If you find yourself in a place that you aren’t happy with, then it’s time to take a good hard look at why and find a way to work towards that end goal. Often we settle. Often we find comfort in something that is known, but comfort alone isn’t enough. Sometimes, we’re aware of a deficiency, but we keep ourselves busy and ignore the deeper signs. But truly, we all have the ability to work towards what we hope for. That path isn’t easy. Sometimes it forces you to have a long hard look in the mirror and sometimes it breaks your heart. But after all that hard work, when you get to your goal, it’s that much sweeter.
So today, is a celebration of deep discussions. Of revisiting what’s most important in my life and finding the best path towards that end. It’s about friends, it’s about family and it’s about enjoying the walk along that path, not running too hard and fast that I miss out.
Moments with your best friend.
Moments digging deeper into self..
Friday, May 17, 2013
Moments D389: Friday Lunches
Today I met up with a friend I haven’t seen since months after she had her second beautiful son. Her son is now just over 15 months old.
My day started off with a bang and I put my head down and ploughed through a lot of work. Before I knew it, my girlfriend had touched base to check in on me and make sure that we were still on for lunch. I could’t believe that it was already 11:30 am. The morning have zipped by! And while I was deep into my work, there was no way I was missing out on this lunch!
My girlfriend and I had an amazing lunch. Time seemed to slow and we managed to get caught up with much laughter.
And to think, I very nearly missed it because I wasn’t paying attention - distracted by work.
Today’s moment - my Friday lunch. A Friday lunch out of the office! HAPPY days indeed.
I’m even happier yet knowing that my dear old Dad will be leaving the hospital tomorrow morning.
Moments with a near missed lunch.
Moments enjoying awesome food with an awesome person.
My day started off with a bang and I put my head down and ploughed through a lot of work. Before I knew it, my girlfriend had touched base to check in on me and make sure that we were still on for lunch. I could’t believe that it was already 11:30 am. The morning have zipped by! And while I was deep into my work, there was no way I was missing out on this lunch!
My girlfriend and I had an amazing lunch. Time seemed to slow and we managed to get caught up with much laughter.
And to think, I very nearly missed it because I wasn’t paying attention - distracted by work.
Today’s moment - my Friday lunch. A Friday lunch out of the office! HAPPY days indeed.
I’m even happier yet knowing that my dear old Dad will be leaving the hospital tomorrow morning.
Moments with a near missed lunch.
Moments enjoying awesome food with an awesome person.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Moments D388: Being Present
As this week passes by I have come to appreciate new perspectives on old facets of my life and to ponder possible futures. I suppose this had been sparked partially because I’ve spent so much time in the hospital recently. I think the shift also comes from having had some longer days and evenings to talk, really talk, with my Mom and I’ve had more time than ever to be introspective about my path too. This triangulation had caused the shift. Today’s moment of recognizing the need to be present helps to solidify these thoughts. And so… my moment of the day.
Today two of my dearest friends surprised my Mom, Dad and I at the hospital by finding us in the patient conservatory. I knew they were coming, but I was surprised to see them walk in the door when I thought I was going to meet them downstairs. What a lovely surprise that was.
The 5 of us sat in the conservatory and chatted for over an hour. I found it incredibly interesting how my parents and these two incredible gentlemen shared stories with one another. On some level I merely sat back and watched. One of my best friends recently lost his father and yet here he was, barely a week back from the funeral out of the country and he was in a hospital talking to my Mom and Dad. He shared memories of his Dad, both silly and sad. Being present at the time (in that I was hyper aware and not really adding much to the conversation but watching as an outsider) I could feel that this was something good for him.
On the flip side, seeing my Dad so very engaged and telling his own stories was another “being present” moment as I watched and enjoyed the flow of energy between my parents and my best friends. Again, I watched more than I participated. The laughter was real and deep. The tender moments weren’t awkward, instead they felt cathartic in the sharing. Shareing the belief of when it’s your time, it’s your time. Shareing moments of gratitude for our supportive health care system.
The ebb and flow. It felt also very real and natural.
My moment from all of this is realizing that being more fully present is something I need to do more of. Being present with those I love is far more important than many things that cross my path in a day. From a “micro” perspective, the depth of a relationship depends, to some extent upon the time invested into them. Sure it’s necessary to have a connection on some level, but being present gives the relationship depth. From a “macro”perspective: life is short. Life is fragile. Why wouldn’t you always be present to the ebb and flow of energy?
Moments where you solidify wants vs needs a little more.
Moments of being present.
Today two of my dearest friends surprised my Mom, Dad and I at the hospital by finding us in the patient conservatory. I knew they were coming, but I was surprised to see them walk in the door when I thought I was going to meet them downstairs. What a lovely surprise that was.
The 5 of us sat in the conservatory and chatted for over an hour. I found it incredibly interesting how my parents and these two incredible gentlemen shared stories with one another. On some level I merely sat back and watched. One of my best friends recently lost his father and yet here he was, barely a week back from the funeral out of the country and he was in a hospital talking to my Mom and Dad. He shared memories of his Dad, both silly and sad. Being present at the time (in that I was hyper aware and not really adding much to the conversation but watching as an outsider) I could feel that this was something good for him.
On the flip side, seeing my Dad so very engaged and telling his own stories was another “being present” moment as I watched and enjoyed the flow of energy between my parents and my best friends. Again, I watched more than I participated. The laughter was real and deep. The tender moments weren’t awkward, instead they felt cathartic in the sharing. Shareing the belief of when it’s your time, it’s your time. Shareing moments of gratitude for our supportive health care system.
The ebb and flow. It felt also very real and natural.
My moment from all of this is realizing that being more fully present is something I need to do more of. Being present with those I love is far more important than many things that cross my path in a day. From a “micro” perspective, the depth of a relationship depends, to some extent upon the time invested into them. Sure it’s necessary to have a connection on some level, but being present gives the relationship depth. From a “macro”perspective: life is short. Life is fragile. Why wouldn’t you always be present to the ebb and flow of energy?
Moments where you solidify wants vs needs a little more.
Moments of being present.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Moments D387: Puddle Jumping
Today I was fortunate to have a couple of great moments. From an amusing photo of my Dad up and walking today in the hospital, to watching two friends (strangers to me) literally run into one another on the street and watching the laughter that ensued. Many moments where I paused and smiled or contemplated. A bright day of light.
But the one moment I want to focus on happened as I was walking to class tonight. It became significant for me for I had thought of doing the same. Instead, I chose not to for fear of “looking silly”. (This is not normally something I worry about, but today I didn’t want to stand out.)
On campus there is a man-made shallow pond. In summers past, it’s been filled with water. It is still early in the season and it remains mostly empty, minus a few puddles of collected rain at its edges. Walking through the “pond” when it is empty is popular as it is a faster path than walking around to get from one building to another.
As I began my crossing I deviated from the shortest path because of a big puddle. I walked around it, even though I thought about jumping over it, or {gasp} through it. And then, as I neared the other side of the pond, a student walking in the opposite direction did what I could not: he jumped the puddle. In fact, he jumped to a dry spot surrounded by water and then hopped from there over the rest of the puddle. I could help but smile and nod at him. I think I even giggled to myself as I finished up my walk to class.
Puddle jumping. Definitely underrated.
On my way back to the car after class, I jumped that dang puddle! OF COURSE I did. I don’t see a sign like that and not accept it!
And then I smiled all the way back to the parking garage.
Moments of being grounded.
Moments of letting loose!
But the one moment I want to focus on happened as I was walking to class tonight. It became significant for me for I had thought of doing the same. Instead, I chose not to for fear of “looking silly”. (This is not normally something I worry about, but today I didn’t want to stand out.)
On campus there is a man-made shallow pond. In summers past, it’s been filled with water. It is still early in the season and it remains mostly empty, minus a few puddles of collected rain at its edges. Walking through the “pond” when it is empty is popular as it is a faster path than walking around to get from one building to another.
As I began my crossing I deviated from the shortest path because of a big puddle. I walked around it, even though I thought about jumping over it, or {gasp} through it. And then, as I neared the other side of the pond, a student walking in the opposite direction did what I could not: he jumped the puddle. In fact, he jumped to a dry spot surrounded by water and then hopped from there over the rest of the puddle. I could help but smile and nod at him. I think I even giggled to myself as I finished up my walk to class.
Puddle jumping. Definitely underrated.
On my way back to the car after class, I jumped that dang puddle! OF COURSE I did. I don’t see a sign like that and not accept it!
And then I smiled all the way back to the parking garage.
Moments of being grounded.
Moments of letting loose!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Moments D386: Priorities
Today I was in the office early with the expectation that I’d get out on time, or maybe even a little early to head back to the hospital to visit with Dad. I, as always, ended up working later than anticipated without even noticing the time. When I did notice the time, I literally stopped in my current task (which I would normally wrap up) and locked my computer up for the night. I popped over to my colleague’s office and told him that I was heading out. It was met with a quizzical look as that is not typical of me. After explaining that I was not going to miss seeing my Dad his first day post-operation, he completely understood.
The moment that brought a tear to my eye was walking into Dad`s hospital room and seeing the smile light his face and that sparkle twinkling in his eyes again. With a hug and a kiss, any guilt I had for leaving work dissipated.
I spent the rest of visiting hours with him (and Mom) sharing stories and helping him to stand. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Nothing is more important than being there for those you love.
Moments of clarification.
Moments better understanding priorities.
The moment that brought a tear to my eye was walking into Dad`s hospital room and seeing the smile light his face and that sparkle twinkling in his eyes again. With a hug and a kiss, any guilt I had for leaving work dissipated.
I spent the rest of visiting hours with him (and Mom) sharing stories and helping him to stand. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Nothing is more important than being there for those you love.
Moments of clarification.
Moments better understanding priorities.
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