After work I met up with a friend of mine I haven’t seen in probably half a year. He and his wife are incredible people. They have been busy dealing with a new family and the last time I saw this lovely gentleman was just after his second son has been born, that was nearly a eight months ago. It’s crazy how time flies!
The plan: a group of us were to watch a co-worker perform at a comedy club. But first, this lovely gentleman joined me for dinner before the show at Grazie one of my favourite restaurants in the city. It’s been a long time since just my friend and I had had time to sit alone together, and here we found ourselves with great food, wine and an hour and a half to use up. It was a lot of fun sitting just the two of us catching up on old times!
There is a reason why this is a special moment for me over the rest of the incredibly awesome night night of comedy and more friends. It’s because some of the things that this lovely gentleman remembered felt like they were from a lifetime ago. Really truly, when you've known someone for nearly 20 years, it’s amazing to reflect upon how different your life has become since those first few years of being friends. He and I have worked together, we have gone to school together, we have gone out partying together, we have seen each other through bad relationships, good relationships and changing relationships; and and through it all we have remained friends. There may be months, sometimes even close to years passing before we have an opportunity to reconnect due to our busy lives, but when we do we always have a good time and it always feels like just yesterday when we last saw one another.
As I was sitting across from this lovely gentleman at dinner and recalling stories of our past, I realized just how lucky I was to have such incredible people in my life to call friends. My life may not even look remotely as it did 18, 15, or even 10 years ago, but through all those changes, all those shifts in life focus, I have remained friends with someone as special as this lovely gentleman and his now wife. I know in a pinch if I ever needed anything this is a friend that would be there for me. More and more I realize just how important it is to surround yourself with good people. Fortunately, I’m learning that lesson. Fortunately, I have a couple from my past that remind me to never settle for less that the best of friends.
Moments sharing laughter and stories.
Moments smiling inside knowing how fortunate I am.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Moments D402: Hard Rocking 50's Dressed Lady
I know. What a crazy dichotomy, right?
Here’s the scoop. This evening I attended the closing party for CONTACT Photo Festival. So I dressed up. It’s not often that I have an opportunity to do so. I picked out a dress that I bought late last summer and have yet to wear. It’s a pretty blue dress with flowers on it. A-line in shape, its structured reminiscent of the 50’s. It has a strange sense of innocence. It’s a bit out of my typical style as it is very “girlie”.
As I was driving to work today, I was playing OCTANE on XMRadio. That is a station dedicated to hard rock. I LOVE that station and listen to it often. Today however, it felt a little odd to be dressed up so “girlie” and in such a “delicate” dress and be listening to Octane. It was like two worlds collided. I had to laugh at that moment. I guess it just goes to show how diverse one can be. From hard rock to a delicate 50’s dress
I rather enjoyed that collision though. I’m sure I surprised a few people in rush hour traffic with my windows down, tunes heavy and my pretty blue dress.
Moments of comparing sides of one’s personality.
Moments realizing, it doesn't really matter.
Here’s the scoop. This evening I attended the closing party for CONTACT Photo Festival. So I dressed up. It’s not often that I have an opportunity to do so. I picked out a dress that I bought late last summer and have yet to wear. It’s a pretty blue dress with flowers on it. A-line in shape, its structured reminiscent of the 50’s. It has a strange sense of innocence. It’s a bit out of my typical style as it is very “girlie”.
As I was driving to work today, I was playing OCTANE on XMRadio. That is a station dedicated to hard rock. I LOVE that station and listen to it often. Today however, it felt a little odd to be dressed up so “girlie” and in such a “delicate” dress and be listening to Octane. It was like two worlds collided. I had to laugh at that moment. I guess it just goes to show how diverse one can be. From hard rock to a delicate 50’s dress
I rather enjoyed that collision though. I’m sure I surprised a few people in rush hour traffic with my windows down, tunes heavy and my pretty blue dress.
Moments of comparing sides of one’s personality.
Moments realizing, it doesn't really matter.
p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Dad, who is a SUPER star for all his hard work recuperating. He’s doing brilliantly! Love you Papa bear! xo
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Moments D401: No drowning Allowed
Today I want to recognize and celebrate my friends once again. I am such a fortunate soul to have such beautiful caring people in my life.
Here’s the scenario, perhaps you’ve been there before. The feeling that you might drown in the intensity of a situation. This could be extremely joyous feelings, or extremely overwhelming dark feelings. Sometimes just acknowledging that you have the feelings can be overwhelming. What do we tend to do? Ignore. Distract. Deny.
But sometimes, it catches up with you. You are no longer able to deny, ignore or even distract yourself from the flood coming.
Having shared this foreboding with my Bestie in the North, she had a simple insightful premise. (She’s so smart that one!) My friends are strong. They won’t let me drown. I can trust in my friends. Even my newest one. Even the ones that I haven’t spent a lot of face time with.
I kinda loved that insight.
Not only does it remind me of why I love my Bestie so much, it reminds me of how lucky I am to have such beautiful, supportive souls in my life.
Bring on the flood. I am surrounded by support.
Moments of worry and concern melting away.
Moments loving my friends that much more.
Here’s the scenario, perhaps you’ve been there before. The feeling that you might drown in the intensity of a situation. This could be extremely joyous feelings, or extremely overwhelming dark feelings. Sometimes just acknowledging that you have the feelings can be overwhelming. What do we tend to do? Ignore. Distract. Deny.
But sometimes, it catches up with you. You are no longer able to deny, ignore or even distract yourself from the flood coming.
Having shared this foreboding with my Bestie in the North, she had a simple insightful premise. (She’s so smart that one!) My friends are strong. They won’t let me drown. I can trust in my friends. Even my newest one. Even the ones that I haven’t spent a lot of face time with.
I kinda loved that insight.
Not only does it remind me of why I love my Bestie so much, it reminds me of how lucky I am to have such beautiful, supportive souls in my life.
Bring on the flood. I am surrounded by support.
Moments of worry and concern melting away.
Moments loving my friends that much more.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Moments D400: The small things; the big things
Being my four hundredth entry, I thought I should kick it up a notch. And today had a couple of moments that were relevant to a share in a milestone blog post.
Today was an incredibly busy day (yes I know, you are getting used to this by now!). But today was one of those days where I felt that sense of control slipping. Where the mass of “To Do’s” were going to swallow me up. And yet, I managed to take moments to breathe through the rising panic. I organized, prioritized and set off to tackle them one by one.
That’s a big deal for me. And as I sit here now, post-reading for my class tomorrow night, I don’t feel overwhelmed or out of control. I feel like I’ve done what I can given the tools and resources I have. Everything will work out because I do have control over that with my words and my time management. One way or another, things will get done.
A second big thing today happened, my BFF had a particularly challenging day. So much so that the news she received may be life altering for her. I tried to send her as much love and light as I could with my given time today, but it serves as a reminder of just how precious our time is, how important it is to monitor our health and invest in self above all else. (I know most of us are terrible at that!) It also brought to the forefront just how important my BFF (actually all my friends, but in this case my BFF specifically) and how important it is to share words of encouragement and love to help them through dark times.
And finally a very small moment that warmed my heart today. Today, my girlfriend from work and I, let’s call her Arizona, went to grab a coffee together today. In all honesty, we’ve rarely done this in the past because our offices were in two separate buildings only weeks ago. But this morning we went together. That in itself was a lovely moment, but there is one, smaller, and more meaningful moment to me.
Arizona & I picked up coffees for a few people in the office, one of which was destined for an amazingly creative and loving receptionist. Having been with our company for close to 20 years, she has had some serious health battles. But, she is a fighter and a lover and everyone very much adores her.
Today, we surprised her with a coffee. The genuine surprise and gratitude did not go unnoticed. Truly, this is why she is loved so. She is not shy with her sharing of love and light. Her reaction brought not only a smile to Arizona and me, but her words warmed my heart and that inspired me through the early challenges of my day. Karma? Maybe. Either way, I was happy to share a small token of love and appreciation with her.
Moments quietly appreciating the big steps taken and the significant importance of people.
Moments with enthusiastic appreciation of the small things.
Today was an incredibly busy day (yes I know, you are getting used to this by now!). But today was one of those days where I felt that sense of control slipping. Where the mass of “To Do’s” were going to swallow me up. And yet, I managed to take moments to breathe through the rising panic. I organized, prioritized and set off to tackle them one by one.
That’s a big deal for me. And as I sit here now, post-reading for my class tomorrow night, I don’t feel overwhelmed or out of control. I feel like I’ve done what I can given the tools and resources I have. Everything will work out because I do have control over that with my words and my time management. One way or another, things will get done.
A second big thing today happened, my BFF had a particularly challenging day. So much so that the news she received may be life altering for her. I tried to send her as much love and light as I could with my given time today, but it serves as a reminder of just how precious our time is, how important it is to monitor our health and invest in self above all else. (I know most of us are terrible at that!) It also brought to the forefront just how important my BFF (actually all my friends, but in this case my BFF specifically) and how important it is to share words of encouragement and love to help them through dark times.
And finally a very small moment that warmed my heart today. Today, my girlfriend from work and I, let’s call her Arizona, went to grab a coffee together today. In all honesty, we’ve rarely done this in the past because our offices were in two separate buildings only weeks ago. But this morning we went together. That in itself was a lovely moment, but there is one, smaller, and more meaningful moment to me.
Arizona & I picked up coffees for a few people in the office, one of which was destined for an amazingly creative and loving receptionist. Having been with our company for close to 20 years, she has had some serious health battles. But, she is a fighter and a lover and everyone very much adores her.
Today, we surprised her with a coffee. The genuine surprise and gratitude did not go unnoticed. Truly, this is why she is loved so. She is not shy with her sharing of love and light. Her reaction brought not only a smile to Arizona and me, but her words warmed my heart and that inspired me through the early challenges of my day. Karma? Maybe. Either way, I was happy to share a small token of love and appreciation with her.
Moments quietly appreciating the big steps taken and the significant importance of people.
Moments with enthusiastic appreciation of the small things.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Moments D399: Consulting
Today’s moment is about me becoming a consultant. I know, right? It’s kind of surprising. And yet, it has officially happened.
To be honest, today wasn’t really my first day of being a consultant (and no, I’m not being cheeky about my ability to assist others in life; being a flashlight of sorts or course). Officially my first day that would have been a couple days ago when I signed a non-disclosure agreement and had my first business discussion with an old volleyball team mate of mine. But that being said, today was the day that I was introduced to the rest (well, most of..) of the team. I was asked to share “me” with the team and that was kind of exciting. This first test of introducing myself to the team went really well. Admittedly, I wasn’t quite ready for that request from the new business owner, however that being said I think I did thank of job of doing so. And, if I might take a moment to ring my own bell, I think I sounded pretty good. I managed to surprised myself while I was speaking about my relationship to the business owner, my history and experience and of course my accomplishments and my offerings to this start-up company team. My many years of working in an office, from my basic organizational and admin skills to my innate ability to build relationships with a marketing eye has finally paid off. I realize now that I have some serious tools to offer a start-up company. That being said, I must admit, I’m a still a little nervous! I hope I’ll be a worthwhile investment for this team.
At this point in time I can’t really share what type of new opportunity I am consulting for, but I can say that it is rather exciting and the creator of this company is vibrant, excited, full of energy, and definitely full of motivation to succeed there’s certainly no no better combination than those qualities.
Today’s moment is about celebrating my tools and insights to offer within the marketing and sales segment of the world of business..
Moments to reflect upon self and ones ability to contribute.
Moments feeling part of a team.
To be honest, today wasn’t really my first day of being a consultant (and no, I’m not being cheeky about my ability to assist others in life; being a flashlight of sorts or course). Officially my first day that would have been a couple days ago when I signed a non-disclosure agreement and had my first business discussion with an old volleyball team mate of mine. But that being said, today was the day that I was introduced to the rest (well, most of..) of the team. I was asked to share “me” with the team and that was kind of exciting. This first test of introducing myself to the team went really well. Admittedly, I wasn’t quite ready for that request from the new business owner, however that being said I think I did thank of job of doing so. And, if I might take a moment to ring my own bell, I think I sounded pretty good. I managed to surprised myself while I was speaking about my relationship to the business owner, my history and experience and of course my accomplishments and my offerings to this start-up company team. My many years of working in an office, from my basic organizational and admin skills to my innate ability to build relationships with a marketing eye has finally paid off. I realize now that I have some serious tools to offer a start-up company. That being said, I must admit, I’m a still a little nervous! I hope I’ll be a worthwhile investment for this team.
At this point in time I can’t really share what type of new opportunity I am consulting for, but I can say that it is rather exciting and the creator of this company is vibrant, excited, full of energy, and definitely full of motivation to succeed there’s certainly no no better combination than those qualities.
Today’s moment is about celebrating my tools and insights to offer within the marketing and sales segment of the world of business..
Moments to reflect upon self and ones ability to contribute.
Moments feeling part of a team.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Moments D398: Extended Family
Today’s moment is about celebrating extended families. Today my family from Canada welcomed extended family from Australia. My Dad`s great-great-great grandfather was the brother of this gentleman’s great-great-great grandfather. (Crazy right?)
And so I drove out to Niagara Falls to meet up with this couple from Australia (what a fabulous drive during a bright beautiful sunny day!). Also meeting up was my Mom, my Dad, my Aunt, my Uncle and their two beautiful girls.
These Aussies might spell their name slightly differently than ours but you know there is a lot of things about them that are very similar to the Canadian contingent of the family line. In fact if you took this lovely gentleman and put him in a line them up with my uncles and my dad, I doubt you would be able to pick him out as extended family. Truly, he looks like one of the brothers. Strange, right?
We had a very lovely dinner with many laughs and stories shared. And then we too the Aussies to the 14th floor of the Oakes hotel to give them a fantastic view of Niagara Falls. It was incredible to watch how amazed, enthralled and excited they were about watching the falls. We sat there for quite awhile and watching the shifting colours and mist coming from the falls. What a beautiful moment to share their excitement in seeing the falls for the first time. Very amazing.
Moments with extended family and sharing in their explorations of our beautiful country.
Moments enjoying someone else's excitement and wonder of the world around them.
And so I drove out to Niagara Falls to meet up with this couple from Australia (what a fabulous drive during a bright beautiful sunny day!). Also meeting up was my Mom, my Dad, my Aunt, my Uncle and their two beautiful girls.
These Aussies might spell their name slightly differently than ours but you know there is a lot of things about them that are very similar to the Canadian contingent of the family line. In fact if you took this lovely gentleman and put him in a line them up with my uncles and my dad, I doubt you would be able to pick him out as extended family. Truly, he looks like one of the brothers. Strange, right?
We had a very lovely dinner with many laughs and stories shared. And then we too the Aussies to the 14th floor of the Oakes hotel to give them a fantastic view of Niagara Falls. It was incredible to watch how amazed, enthralled and excited they were about watching the falls. We sat there for quite awhile and watching the shifting colours and mist coming from the falls. What a beautiful moment to share their excitement in seeing the falls for the first time. Very amazing.
Moments with extended family and sharing in their explorations of our beautiful country.
Moments enjoying someone else's excitement and wonder of the world around them.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Moments D397: Enjoying the day
Today I spent the day on my own and just focused on getting a few things done. I have to say it was a rather enjoyable day given that most of my day was made up of chores and homework. I tried to bring a little bit of light and enjoyment to each task I did today.
First when I woke, I decided I was in no rush to get out of bed. So I was slow to rise and enjoyed the lazy moments of the day. Once up I squeezed in a 90 minute workout (I must keep pushing forward to prepare for Tough Mudder!) And then I made myself breakfast. But instead of eating my breadfast while beginning my readings, I chose to watch some TV with lunch. What a treat. It’s been awhile since I watched TV!
And then I dove into my homework. While it was only 13 degrees outside, it was very bright and sunny so I decided to go outside and sit and read outside. (The key, layers, and a blanket too!) And though the breeze was quite chilly it was beautiful to be sitting outside in the sun for a couple of hours. Once the shade came around, it was too cold to sit outside. So I came inside, opened the blinds and a couple of windows and finished my readings in the bright, cool living room. (Not quite the same sitting outside but it was sunny and pretty nonetheless.)
Just before dinner I had a surprise phone call with a friend of mine. We talked for nearly an hour about things. It was nice to catch up and to discuss the woes of life. I love those moments and it was a great break from my readings.
And then, I had an opportunity to get out for a drink with another friend. I figured why not? And so I met up for a drink for a couple of hours. What a great way to finish up the day.
So today’s moment is about loving moments the day. It was a day that wasn’t very exciting, but it was good and calm and kind to me. This I appreciate.
Moments getting “stuff” done.
Moments just going with the flow of the day.
First when I woke, I decided I was in no rush to get out of bed. So I was slow to rise and enjoyed the lazy moments of the day. Once up I squeezed in a 90 minute workout (I must keep pushing forward to prepare for Tough Mudder!) And then I made myself breakfast. But instead of eating my breadfast while beginning my readings, I chose to watch some TV with lunch. What a treat. It’s been awhile since I watched TV!
And then I dove into my homework. While it was only 13 degrees outside, it was very bright and sunny so I decided to go outside and sit and read outside. (The key, layers, and a blanket too!) And though the breeze was quite chilly it was beautiful to be sitting outside in the sun for a couple of hours. Once the shade came around, it was too cold to sit outside. So I came inside, opened the blinds and a couple of windows and finished my readings in the bright, cool living room. (Not quite the same sitting outside but it was sunny and pretty nonetheless.)
Just before dinner I had a surprise phone call with a friend of mine. We talked for nearly an hour about things. It was nice to catch up and to discuss the woes of life. I love those moments and it was a great break from my readings.
And then, I had an opportunity to get out for a drink with another friend. I figured why not? And so I met up for a drink for a couple of hours. What a great way to finish up the day.
So today’s moment is about loving moments the day. It was a day that wasn’t very exciting, but it was good and calm and kind to me. This I appreciate.
Moments getting “stuff” done.
Moments just going with the flow of the day.
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