Today wasn't a particularly easy day. That's okay. They can't all be good days. I'm just glad that the day is over. Tomorrow is another day (and my brother's birthday) and I look forward to sending him some love!
Today's biggest smile (and surprise) came from our annual departmental potluck. It was a smaller crowd this year as there were a few out of the office, but the food and chatter was delightful none-the-less.'
But the best of the best was saved for dessert. Homemade chocolate peanut butter balls. OH MY.
Yes. I'll admit it. I had three of them. Shameful. I know. I simply couldn't help myself. I think it was the secret ingredient of rice krispies that put it over the top for me!
DELIGHTFUL.
Moments with co-workers.
Moments with food.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Moments D188: Remembering
It’s coming up to that time of year where I pull out my poppy. I love that simple symbol of solidarity. And every year, when I first put my poppy on, I remember my grandfather’s coffin covered in poppies. It is a vision that will be with me for a lifetime.
Today’s moment was from a high school sign. It made me smile and remember and wonder why the heck I hadn't pulled out my poppy yet.
Let’s all smile today.
Moments to remember.
Moments of thanks.
Today’s moment was from a high school sign. It made me smile and remember and wonder why the heck I hadn't pulled out my poppy yet.
Let’s all smile today.
Moments to remember.
Moments of thanks.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Moments D187: Let there be light!
Okay. I know that sounds pretty grandiose, but let me tell you the story and then you see if it doesn’t perfectly fit!
Today is the day that Hurricane Sandy hits the Eastern seaboard. NYC felt her wrath earlier today. This evening Toronto is feeling it too. Winds are high, the rain is pelting sideways and in large gobs at times.
When I drove onto my street post-volleyball, it was obvious that the electricity was out. My street was blacker than black. (But I was fortunate for parking out front….thank you parking fairies!)
I strategically collected my bags and made sure I had my key in hand before dashing to the front door in the pelting rain. No fumbling and in the door in thirty seconds. Brilliant. In the pitch black.
But, this really isn’t a problem for me (other than studying this evening without my laptop). Why? I play this game with myself sometimes. I love to walk around in the dark and make my way around the furniture and just FEEL a room. I’ve done it since I can remember. This is just another opportunity for me to play this game with myself.
But, as I turn to lock the door behind me the lights magically turn on. There’s no getting away from my study night it seems.
Best smile of the day by far. YES! LET THERE BE LIGHT! (Don’t you agree?)
Moments that make me wonder.
Moments to get back to work!
Today is the day that Hurricane Sandy hits the Eastern seaboard. NYC felt her wrath earlier today. This evening Toronto is feeling it too. Winds are high, the rain is pelting sideways and in large gobs at times.
When I drove onto my street post-volleyball, it was obvious that the electricity was out. My street was blacker than black. (But I was fortunate for parking out front….thank you parking fairies!)
I strategically collected my bags and made sure I had my key in hand before dashing to the front door in the pelting rain. No fumbling and in the door in thirty seconds. Brilliant. In the pitch black.
But, this really isn’t a problem for me (other than studying this evening without my laptop). Why? I play this game with myself sometimes. I love to walk around in the dark and make my way around the furniture and just FEEL a room. I’ve done it since I can remember. This is just another opportunity for me to play this game with myself.
But, as I turn to lock the door behind me the lights magically turn on. There’s no getting away from my study night it seems.
Best smile of the day by far. YES! LET THERE BE LIGHT! (Don’t you agree?)
Moments that make me wonder.
Moments to get back to work!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Moments D186: Paused Moments & Reflection
Today was another long study day, but I started it off with a moment set aside for me. Not for school, not for friends, not for family. For me.
I made myself a pot of coffee and a couple of poached eggs. And then, I watched the end of season three of Glee. It was 45 minutes for me. It was delightful and it was the best way to start my study day, for I felt ready to tackle the study day. That was a first for me. A pause in my drive for studying. Typically I would just dive into studying.
The reflection came from the finale. It was quite sad! And, it took me back in time, to when I finished high school. I realized, watching that episode, that I never went through the same process as most people do when they were finish high school. I left high school a semester early to move into the big city for a science school semester. I said goodbye before the end. And when I came back for graduation day, I was already separated from my class. It was surreal for me as I already felt like I didn’t fit in with all of my old friends. But I also knew that I had made many new friends. Yes, this finale shook me to the core. I was sad about missing that moment, but I was sadder still for lost time and the excitement of having one’s life in front of them.
I can rationalize that I still have much of my life ahead of me, but it’s not the same as that wide openness of becoming an adult. I know that I have had many successes and many failures and that together they make me who I am - I wouldn’t change any of that for anything. And yet, I think, in that moment with the show, I grieved the loss of time and the loss of direction.
It was, as a dear friend said to me, a moment to wallow. I allowed myself to sit with it. And then, when it was over, I shook myself and set to my path for the day. Studying. I have time. I have direction. And yes, while the former is limited and the latter is constantly changing, it’s not a bad thing. It’s what makes me who I am.
Moments paused.
Moments to reflect.
I made myself a pot of coffee and a couple of poached eggs. And then, I watched the end of season three of Glee. It was 45 minutes for me. It was delightful and it was the best way to start my study day, for I felt ready to tackle the study day. That was a first for me. A pause in my drive for studying. Typically I would just dive into studying.
The reflection came from the finale. It was quite sad! And, it took me back in time, to when I finished high school. I realized, watching that episode, that I never went through the same process as most people do when they were finish high school. I left high school a semester early to move into the big city for a science school semester. I said goodbye before the end. And when I came back for graduation day, I was already separated from my class. It was surreal for me as I already felt like I didn’t fit in with all of my old friends. But I also knew that I had made many new friends. Yes, this finale shook me to the core. I was sad about missing that moment, but I was sadder still for lost time and the excitement of having one’s life in front of them.
I can rationalize that I still have much of my life ahead of me, but it’s not the same as that wide openness of becoming an adult. I know that I have had many successes and many failures and that together they make me who I am - I wouldn’t change any of that for anything. And yet, I think, in that moment with the show, I grieved the loss of time and the loss of direction.
It was, as a dear friend said to me, a moment to wallow. I allowed myself to sit with it. And then, when it was over, I shook myself and set to my path for the day. Studying. I have time. I have direction. And yes, while the former is limited and the latter is constantly changing, it’s not a bad thing. It’s what makes me who I am.
Moments paused.
Moments to reflect.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Moments D185: Banana Bread
Today was a good day to tuck in and study for my coming midterm and to get a few things done around the apartment that I've been ignoring. (Like the slightly clogged drain in the bathroom!) It was productive and quiet and absolutely perfect.
My happiest moment today was baking banana bread. I haven't actually baked since I moved into the apartment. This was a first. The first time using my antique glass mixing bowls instead of the stainless ones I've used for years. (Those went with the ex.) But it was good. It brought many smiles, even a few giggles, and 50 minutes later I was enjoying a delicious piece (or two) of banana bread.
A perfect way to end a perfectly productive day.
Moments being productive.
Moments baking.
My happiest moment today was baking banana bread. I haven't actually baked since I moved into the apartment. This was a first. The first time using my antique glass mixing bowls instead of the stainless ones I've used for years. (Those went with the ex.) But it was good. It brought many smiles, even a few giggles, and 50 minutes later I was enjoying a delicious piece (or two) of banana bread.
A perfect way to end a perfectly productive day.
Moments being productive.
Moments baking.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Moments D184: Anonymous Hellos
This morning it was warm….warmer than it has been in quite some time. The dew was heavy; so heavy that my car glistened in the dewy coat it was enveloped in.
As I walked to my car I took a moment to breathe in the warm morning air of fall. I love this time of year for its smells and colours.
And then I saw it. The anonymous hello. There on my passenger door were two letters. H. I.
I smiled. As I walked to the driver’s side I even chucked to myself a little.
Yes, I appreciated the anonymous “hi” written in the morning dew. It was a great way to start my day.
Moments of surprise.
Moments shared.
As I walked to my car I took a moment to breathe in the warm morning air of fall. I love this time of year for its smells and colours.
And then I saw it. The anonymous hello. There on my passenger door were two letters. H. I.
I smiled. As I walked to the driver’s side I even chucked to myself a little.
Yes, I appreciated the anonymous “hi” written in the morning dew. It was a great way to start my day.
Moments of surprise.
Moments shared.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Moments D183: Flashlights
I know, I know. It sounds kinda crazy that today's special moment is because of a flashlight. But hear me out and you'll (hopefully) see the light.
(Sorry I couldn't help myself!)
When I was first inspired to dig deeper and push beyond the emotional boundaries that I found myself surrounded in (due to an unhealthy marriage) I felt this internal stirring about being a light. And, months ago, in the very beginning of this process of sharing my moments with the public I had had a couple of deep discussions with people close to me. I'm sure if I was labeled or I ended up self-labeling after the discussions, but the term of endearment was I'm a "fucking flashlight". (Please pardon the profanity, but that's verbatim.)
So what the heck does that mean? Let's see if I can summarize this for you....
Well, for me it feels like most of my life my purpose in others' lives is to help shine light upon them. To find the positive. To help them seek out paths that will be more fulfilling to them. Mostly I listen, reflect and shine light in areas that they may not have considered before. This may sound egotistical, but honestly, I have a knack for it. It's not to say it's perfect or easy all the time. (After all, sometimes people don't want light shone upon them!) But in that regard, I'm a "fucking flashlight".
So with that in mind, today was one of those days that affirmed this silly label of mine.
Yesterday I had a meeting with one of my MFRs. He is a gentle and kind soul and someone, who after having an heart attack recently, is feeling as though he's having a midlife crisis. I listened and reflected back my experience with life changing moments. My struggles with my marriage and my realization that having a good, content life wasn't enough. That I wanted happiness and joy and light in my life. Is that a midlife crisis because I left the world of safe and secure behind? I didn't think so.
For me, it's about evolving and being better versions of ourselves and recognizing what is holding us back. We all have the potential to shine a little brighter. He seemed quite moved by the sharing of thoughts and noted that he was going to think more upon my perspective that he felt enlightened. We laughed and said our good-byes.
And then, this morning, I received an email from this gentlemen as a follow up to our meeting. The first line: "It was great to chat with you yesterday too.....enlightening!"
I smiled. He actually meant it. It was in black and white now. My job as a flashlight successful.
Moments to shine light.
Moments to evolve.
(Sorry I couldn't help myself!)
When I was first inspired to dig deeper and push beyond the emotional boundaries that I found myself surrounded in (due to an unhealthy marriage) I felt this internal stirring about being a light. And, months ago, in the very beginning of this process of sharing my moments with the public I had had a couple of deep discussions with people close to me. I'm sure if I was labeled or I ended up self-labeling after the discussions, but the term of endearment was I'm a "fucking flashlight". (Please pardon the profanity, but that's verbatim.)
So what the heck does that mean? Let's see if I can summarize this for you....
Well, for me it feels like most of my life my purpose in others' lives is to help shine light upon them. To find the positive. To help them seek out paths that will be more fulfilling to them. Mostly I listen, reflect and shine light in areas that they may not have considered before. This may sound egotistical, but honestly, I have a knack for it. It's not to say it's perfect or easy all the time. (After all, sometimes people don't want light shone upon them!) But in that regard, I'm a "fucking flashlight".
So with that in mind, today was one of those days that affirmed this silly label of mine.
Yesterday I had a meeting with one of my MFRs. He is a gentle and kind soul and someone, who after having an heart attack recently, is feeling as though he's having a midlife crisis. I listened and reflected back my experience with life changing moments. My struggles with my marriage and my realization that having a good, content life wasn't enough. That I wanted happiness and joy and light in my life. Is that a midlife crisis because I left the world of safe and secure behind? I didn't think so.
For me, it's about evolving and being better versions of ourselves and recognizing what is holding us back. We all have the potential to shine a little brighter. He seemed quite moved by the sharing of thoughts and noted that he was going to think more upon my perspective that he felt enlightened. We laughed and said our good-byes.
And then, this morning, I received an email from this gentlemen as a follow up to our meeting. The first line: "It was great to chat with you yesterday too.....enlightening!"
I smiled. He actually meant it. It was in black and white now. My job as a flashlight successful.
Moments to shine light.
Moments to evolve.
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