Today's moment comes from a silly moment at dinner.
Tonight EQ and I had dinner with two of his friends at a Thai restaurant near Ryerson University called Sabi Sabi. While I've never been there before, it came highly recommended by our surprise guest. After enjoying some delightful Thai tapas there, we shouldn't be surprised at how busy they were so early on a Thursday night. (Next time we'll know to make a reservation!)
But today's moment stumbled onto me. It was when we first sat at our table. I ordered a Thai milk iced tea right off the top. EQ has never had one, so his friend explained what they were. When my iced tea arrived, our friend ordered one. EQ tried mine. When our friend's iced tea arrived, EQ ordered one for himself.
The poor server. I'm sure she thought we were a little nuts. It was fun to see the spreading confusion on her face as we ordered each drink individually.
What a fun, silly moment. I love those.
Moments being unorganized.
Moments leading to a smile all around.
p.s. The food and atmosphere of the restaurant was great. Given that it's so close to where I'll be taking classes again come January, I'm sure I'll be revisiting them again!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Moments D569: Taco Wednesday & Life
Tonight I missed out on a work event so I could spend the evening with my niece and EQ. It was the first time my niece was able to meet EQ. We've rescheduled this dinner twice already from "Taco Tuesday" to this Wednesday. Unfortunately my girl, newly in university, has been busy with her schooling (I can relate and don't really miss that!), so while Taco Wednesday doesn't have as nice a ring, it was a most amazing evening and well worth missing a well received work event.
Honestly, who knew that Taco Wednesday could reveal so much about life lessons!
As the three of us sat at the dinner table, the subject of life (as big as that is) was tabled. Deep discussions ensued and I believe that for each of us we had a moment of revelation. We each shared a story that was deep and fraught with emotions (fears, disappointments and most importantly hope).
After dinner, with EQ & my niece deep in discussion, I made myself a little scarce and busied myself by cleaning up dinner. The two of them comfortably lingered at the dining room table, while I enjoyed being the proverbial fly on the wall. It made me very happy to listen in on their conversation and to realize that they were enjoying one another.
The best moment of the evening was while I was driving my niece home. Not five minutes in the car and she was telling me how much she liked EQ. How she enjoyed her conversation with him and how he made her think about things. She commented on how much fun he& I must have discussing things as he's very supportive and yet, at the same time, offers up other perspectives on things. She chatted for some time about how she enjoyed the conversation.
I kinda loved that.
Moments with family exploring life.
Moments seeing your niece as a beautiful, vibrant, strong young woman.
Honestly, who knew that Taco Wednesday could reveal so much about life lessons!
As the three of us sat at the dinner table, the subject of life (as big as that is) was tabled. Deep discussions ensued and I believe that for each of us we had a moment of revelation. We each shared a story that was deep and fraught with emotions (fears, disappointments and most importantly hope).
After dinner, with EQ & my niece deep in discussion, I made myself a little scarce and busied myself by cleaning up dinner. The two of them comfortably lingered at the dining room table, while I enjoyed being the proverbial fly on the wall. It made me very happy to listen in on their conversation and to realize that they were enjoying one another.
The best moment of the evening was while I was driving my niece home. Not five minutes in the car and she was telling me how much she liked EQ. How she enjoyed her conversation with him and how he made her think about things. She commented on how much fun he& I must have discussing things as he's very supportive and yet, at the same time, offers up other perspectives on things. She chatted for some time about how she enjoyed the conversation.
I kinda loved that.
Moments with family exploring life.
Moments seeing your niece as a beautiful, vibrant, strong young woman.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Monday, November 11, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Moments D566: Breakfast in Bed
Today was a full on sick day. I didn't wake up until nearly noon and that's simply unheard of for me. It's official, my cold is in full gear.
The bonus today was that I wasn't alone in my cold misery! After spending a moment to slowly waken my aching bones, I was ready to jump out of bed and start our day. EQ would not even hear of it and he was right there bossing me back to bed!
Shortly after he did, he turned on a movie and went to make me some soup. It's not quite as romantic as breakfast in bed, after all I was feverish, congested and coughing, but soup and a movie in bed was pretty darn sweet today. It made me fall a little more in love with EQ. I found I didn't much mind him being so bossy, after all he wouldn't let me do anything for myself today. Secretly (or not so secretly since I'm sharing here!) it was quite wonderful to be so pampered!
Moments waking with a full blown cold.
Moments being pampered through the misery.
The bonus today was that I wasn't alone in my cold misery! After spending a moment to slowly waken my aching bones, I was ready to jump out of bed and start our day. EQ would not even hear of it and he was right there bossing me back to bed!
Shortly after he did, he turned on a movie and went to make me some soup. It's not quite as romantic as breakfast in bed, after all I was feverish, congested and coughing, but soup and a movie in bed was pretty darn sweet today. It made me fall a little more in love with EQ. I found I didn't much mind him being so bossy, after all he wouldn't let me do anything for myself today. Secretly (or not so secretly since I'm sharing here!) it was quite wonderful to be so pampered!
Moments waking with a full blown cold.
Moments being pampered through the misery.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Moments D565: Southern Love Ice Breaker
Today was a very lazy start to the day, but given my cold it needed to be so that EQ & I could keep our date with Bunny & Bear this evening. Thank goodness for that because it was the first meeting between my love and my friends and what fun we had!
Not everyone knows this, but EQ is actually pretty darn shy. It's interesting because he's quite comfortable teaching in front of a room full of strangers, but one-on-one in a more intimate setting, not so much. I know he was a wee nervous tonight as it was a first date with new friends.
Today's moment happened almost the instant that Bear opened his front door. The first thing that we experienced when we entered their home was the delicious aroma wafting to their front door from the kitchen! Divine! We immediately knew we were going to love the Southern fare that Bear had been preparing all day. Just as quickly as our noses were taunted, we were briskly enveloped into hugs. EQ remarked how all my friends are "huggers" and how much he liked that. The ice was broken!
With a drink swiftly placed in our hands, we sat to chat before digging into dinner. Bear and EQ quickly fell into conversations about work (technology geeks!) and Bunny & I just laughed and smiled at each other knowingly. So much so, that at dinner Bunny & I rearranged our seating so they could sit side-by-side. It was intense! The Southern fare (pulled pork, collard greens, mac & cheese, baked beans, corn bread) was delicious (as expected), but it was the conversation and laughter that I really loved.
It's great to see EQ fitting in so well with my friends. It's also so wonderful to see how well my friends are receiving him into their world. The excitement, the positive energy. It's all so tangible and frankly, pretty incredible.
Of course, I have awesome friends.
AND
Of course, I have an awesome man that I love.
I shouldn't be so surprised that they mix well, should I?
Yes - I'm still learning.
Moments anticipating a meeting.
Moments enjoying tasty Southern food and watching new friendships form.
Not everyone knows this, but EQ is actually pretty darn shy. It's interesting because he's quite comfortable teaching in front of a room full of strangers, but one-on-one in a more intimate setting, not so much. I know he was a wee nervous tonight as it was a first date with new friends.
Today's moment happened almost the instant that Bear opened his front door. The first thing that we experienced when we entered their home was the delicious aroma wafting to their front door from the kitchen! Divine! We immediately knew we were going to love the Southern fare that Bear had been preparing all day. Just as quickly as our noses were taunted, we were briskly enveloped into hugs. EQ remarked how all my friends are "huggers" and how much he liked that. The ice was broken!
With a drink swiftly placed in our hands, we sat to chat before digging into dinner. Bear and EQ quickly fell into conversations about work (technology geeks!) and Bunny & I just laughed and smiled at each other knowingly. So much so, that at dinner Bunny & I rearranged our seating so they could sit side-by-side. It was intense! The Southern fare (pulled pork, collard greens, mac & cheese, baked beans, corn bread) was delicious (as expected), but it was the conversation and laughter that I really loved.
It's great to see EQ fitting in so well with my friends. It's also so wonderful to see how well my friends are receiving him into their world. The excitement, the positive energy. It's all so tangible and frankly, pretty incredible.
Of course, I have awesome friends.
AND
Of course, I have an awesome man that I love.
I shouldn't be so surprised that they mix well, should I?
Yes - I'm still learning.
Moments anticipating a meeting.
Moments enjoying tasty Southern food and watching new friendships form.
Friday, November 8, 2013
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.
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.
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