I watched a powerful documentary last night on depression that struck a deep cord within me. Here's the link to it, it has been divided into 5 parts with a couple of commercials at the start. Really worth watching. I haven't re-watched it but hope it is the entire show.
On the other end of the spectrum, I discovered Men's Journal magazine just before Christmas, en route out west. Never bought it before but I was drawn to it (beyond the Daniel Craig cover...). In depth articles and I like how the small print above the title says "Live the Interesting Life".
Showing posts with label inspirational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspirational. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Inspired Living
D getting his new bike has inspired me to bike more myself. I feed off the excitement of others. It's fun. That's why I like reading blogs and meeting interesting people so much.
His first ride was very successful. He couldn't believe how fast he got and and much easier it was to go uphill while still having a few gears left to go either way. It felt like driving a sports car.
We are looking forward to increased home time in 2012 to cultivate our local interests more. I also want to get to the next level in health and fitness.
I was the unfortunate messenger of bad news recently. The ceiling of my office storage room sprung a leak. The building has a flat roof. I don't know what's involved in fixing it. Hopefully it won't be a hugely expensive ordeal. Nice to be a renter!
I've pretty much given up hope with finding reasonable air fares out west this Christmas. However, we have secured flights in Feb for a couple a weeks.
It will coincide with D's annual guys ski trip so that will save him an extra ticket purchase. Which doesn't hurt his feelings as he has drained his dream account on his new toy.
His first ride was very successful. He couldn't believe how fast he got and and much easier it was to go uphill while still having a few gears left to go either way. It felt like driving a sports car.
We are looking forward to increased home time in 2012 to cultivate our local interests more. I also want to get to the next level in health and fitness.
I was the unfortunate messenger of bad news recently. The ceiling of my office storage room sprung a leak. The building has a flat roof. I don't know what's involved in fixing it. Hopefully it won't be a hugely expensive ordeal. Nice to be a renter!
I've pretty much given up hope with finding reasonable air fares out west this Christmas. However, we have secured flights in Feb for a couple a weeks.
It will coincide with D's annual guys ski trip so that will save him an extra ticket purchase. Which doesn't hurt his feelings as he has drained his dream account on his new toy.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Great Guy!
Meeting the fellow who sold me his tires and rims was a highlight of our weekend. He was younger than I had expected, D thinks between our ages. And so enthusiastic! His energy was contagious.
It was really obvious he was wealthy, happy and non apologetic about his success. A great positive energy to be around. Most people we see who want to be wealthy appear to be trying too had to make others notice them. It didn't hurt that he was naturally really good looking, fit and stylish.
This guy is one of the few people we've met who is joyfully living and enjoying his life and has the means to realize some pretty cool dreams.
When his third child was born, he had to get rid of his vehicle for a larger one, thus the reason he had tires and wheels to sell. We talked about how hard he was hit with depreciation as he bought his vehicle new in 2008. Oh well, he now drives a large Mercedes SUV that seats 7.
He told us about bringing his previous car to the track and how much fun that was. He drove the model up from what I drive which has 100 hp more but recounted with disbelief how there was someone in the group who was driving my model and was constantly on his bumper and passing him.
He remembers exclaiming out loud, "Where is that 100 extra horsepower?!" He figured the other guy had a heavier foot. I suggested maybe he was driving with the sport button pressed.
Told me to take care of the rims as they will still be worth a lot of money when I'm done with my car. That he hoped I'd be driving my car to pick up the tires because he missed his a lot and all the modifications he did on it.
He couldn't believe I had driven a Honda for 14 yrs and made the leap from that or I that had bought my current car used. No more than I could imagine buying his last car new. We were gaping at each other different reasons.
He also apologized many times for being 15 min late. He had emailed me but didn't have my number and worried I left. I like that in a person because it tells me they put a high value on their time and hates when they are wasting someone else's time.
I want to exude his energy and enthusiasm.
It was really obvious he was wealthy, happy and non apologetic about his success. A great positive energy to be around. Most people we see who want to be wealthy appear to be trying too had to make others notice them. It didn't hurt that he was naturally really good looking, fit and stylish.
This guy is one of the few people we've met who is joyfully living and enjoying his life and has the means to realize some pretty cool dreams.
When his third child was born, he had to get rid of his vehicle for a larger one, thus the reason he had tires and wheels to sell. We talked about how hard he was hit with depreciation as he bought his vehicle new in 2008. Oh well, he now drives a large Mercedes SUV that seats 7.
He told us about bringing his previous car to the track and how much fun that was. He drove the model up from what I drive which has 100 hp more but recounted with disbelief how there was someone in the group who was driving my model and was constantly on his bumper and passing him.
He remembers exclaiming out loud, "Where is that 100 extra horsepower?!" He figured the other guy had a heavier foot. I suggested maybe he was driving with the sport button pressed.
Told me to take care of the rims as they will still be worth a lot of money when I'm done with my car. That he hoped I'd be driving my car to pick up the tires because he missed his a lot and all the modifications he did on it.
He couldn't believe I had driven a Honda for 14 yrs and made the leap from that or I that had bought my current car used. No more than I could imagine buying his last car new. We were gaping at each other different reasons.
He also apologized many times for being 15 min late. He had emailed me but didn't have my number and worried I left. I like that in a person because it tells me they put a high value on their time and hates when they are wasting someone else's time.
I want to exude his energy and enthusiasm.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Artsy Stuff
One of the things I am most looking forward to on this next voyage is seeing Arabic Calligraphy done (hopefully in person!). I love the different forms of script found all around the world.
When I was younger, I remember getting a new calligraphy kit each year and doing pages and pages of writing in all different ink colours. I would love to take a formal course on it.
Turns out there are calligraphy guilds all around the world. I'm considering contacting the nearest one to find out if there are workshops available.
A current TV commercial for Hyundai features Mozart's Sonata in B flat Major reminded me I haven't touched my piano in a very long time. I played that Sonata for my grade 10 piano exam 21 yrs ago...gosh I feel not so young... :)
When I was younger, I remember getting a new calligraphy kit each year and doing pages and pages of writing in all different ink colours. I would love to take a formal course on it.
Turns out there are calligraphy guilds all around the world. I'm considering contacting the nearest one to find out if there are workshops available.
A current TV commercial for Hyundai features Mozart's Sonata in B flat Major reminded me I haven't touched my piano in a very long time. I played that Sonata for my grade 10 piano exam 21 yrs ago...gosh I feel not so young... :)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Poem
Great poem recommended by AONC.
Every time you leave home,
Another road takes you
Into a world you were never in.
New strangers on other paths await.
New places that have never seen you
Will startle a little at your entry.
Old places that know you well
Will pretend nothing
Changed since your last visit.
When you travel, you find yourself
Alone in a different way,
More attentive now
To the self you bring along,
Your more subtle eye watching
You abroad; and how what meets you
Touches that part of the heart
That lies low at home:
How you unexpectedly attune
To the timbre in some voice,
Opening in conversation
You want to take in
To where your longing
Has pressed hard enough
Inward, on some unsaid dark,
To create a crystal of insight
You could not have known
You needed
To illuminate
Your way.
When you travel,
A new silence
Goes with you,
And if you listen,
You will hear
What your heart would
Love to say.
A journey can become a sacred thing:
Make sure, before you go,
To take the time
To bless your going forth,
To free your heart of ballast
So that the compass of your soul
Might direct you toward
The territories of spirit
Where you will discover
More of your hidden life,
And the urgencies
That deserve to claim you.
May you travel in an awakened way,
Gathered wisely into your inner ground;
That you may not waste the invitations
Which wait along the way to transform you.
May you travel safely, arrive refreshed,
And live your time away to its fullest;
Return home more enriched, and free
To balance the gift of days which call you.
-John O’Donohue
Every time you leave home,
Another road takes you
Into a world you were never in.
New strangers on other paths await.
New places that have never seen you
Will startle a little at your entry.
Old places that know you well
Will pretend nothing
Changed since your last visit.
When you travel, you find yourself
Alone in a different way,
More attentive now
To the self you bring along,
Your more subtle eye watching
You abroad; and how what meets you
Touches that part of the heart
That lies low at home:
How you unexpectedly attune
To the timbre in some voice,
Opening in conversation
You want to take in
To where your longing
Has pressed hard enough
Inward, on some unsaid dark,
To create a crystal of insight
You could not have known
You needed
To illuminate
Your way.
When you travel,
A new silence
Goes with you,
And if you listen,
You will hear
What your heart would
Love to say.
A journey can become a sacred thing:
Make sure, before you go,
To take the time
To bless your going forth,
To free your heart of ballast
So that the compass of your soul
Might direct you toward
The territories of spirit
Where you will discover
More of your hidden life,
And the urgencies
That deserve to claim you.
May you travel in an awakened way,
Gathered wisely into your inner ground;
That you may not waste the invitations
Which wait along the way to transform you.
May you travel safely, arrive refreshed,
And live your time away to its fullest;
Return home more enriched, and free
To balance the gift of days which call you.
-John O’Donohue
Monday, May 17, 2010
Great Inspiration!
First of all, A HUGE Shoutout of CONGRATULATIONS to Sue who participated in the 24hr race in Brive France where she ran just over 197 km to win the Canadian Association of Ultramarathoners 24 hr record for women 40 - 50, surpassing the old record of 185 km. What a debut!
I don't know about you, but I feel like strapping on my running shoes and going for a run!
Remember I wrote about having gone to university with a fellow who is now a professional Rally Car Driver? Well, he won The Oregon Trail Rally yesterday!
Congrats Andrew! In fact, it was a Mitsubishi sweep of the first 3 places with drivers all driving Evos, my dream car...
Now, back to my fairly ordinary life with more ordinary news...
It looks like trying to order tickets online for a performance at Teatro Colon is going to be just as frustrating as for the Deutsche Oper... so I'm going to leave it until I get there in person.
Turns out I'm going at a time where it won't be condusive to catching a Polo or soccer match either. Oh well, I'll need to consult the calendar of events a little closer next time!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Limits
Do you need a carrot to keep motivated?
Our test driving Subarus was to learn some stuff as well as serve as D's carrot to keep himself excited about extra contract work. Any extra monies he makes will go towards travel and saving for a car he really really wants.
It was useful exercise as he found out he couldn't fit into one of the cars he liked. No use pining after something that doesn't actually work. It's a good metaphor for life. Gets you out of your head.
So on the same line, do you put mental and emotional limits on your life? Are you stronger than you think?
Being tested highlights my limits. Otherwise the roll of daily life doesn't usually get me out on enough of an edge (either way) to remind myself of my limitations.
I guess that is why some people work with mediation to test their mental and physical stillness. Why some people do extreme sports, to see just how far they can go. Why some people fast just to be able to feel and overcome the fear of hunger.
I know people who engage in all of the above activities and they tell me they feel the most alive when in that zone. The most in tune with the essence of who they are. And by doing so increases their capacity of what they can handle.
Our test driving Subarus was to learn some stuff as well as serve as D's carrot to keep himself excited about extra contract work. Any extra monies he makes will go towards travel and saving for a car he really really wants.
It was useful exercise as he found out he couldn't fit into one of the cars he liked. No use pining after something that doesn't actually work. It's a good metaphor for life. Gets you out of your head.
So on the same line, do you put mental and emotional limits on your life? Are you stronger than you think?
Being tested highlights my limits. Otherwise the roll of daily life doesn't usually get me out on enough of an edge (either way) to remind myself of my limitations.
I guess that is why some people work with mediation to test their mental and physical stillness. Why some people do extreme sports, to see just how far they can go. Why some people fast just to be able to feel and overcome the fear of hunger.
I know people who engage in all of the above activities and they tell me they feel the most alive when in that zone. The most in tune with the essence of who they are. And by doing so increases their capacity of what they can handle.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Great People
On my flight home, I encountered some neat people. One was a member of our country's freestyle Olympic team (very cool!). The other was a great lady that sat beside me.
I love meeting people who are inspirational. I love the glimmer in peoples' eyes as they are recounting a great experience. It gets me excited about life.
The post holiday seat sales are started. D hasn't bought his flight back out west yet and today's news is going to seal the deal for him. We have not seen prices like this before. It gets my mind just whirling with the possibilities.
My favorite driver was the one who took us to the airport. It was nice being told that he was hoping to bump into us again. He went to Alaska a couple of weeks after I was there last May and loved it too. He and his wife are going to tackle Asia next.
My solo trip is finalized. It will be Iceland in the spring. I hope to see the Aurora there. My papers for the apartment I'm renting came through today. Once I send money, it's mine for the duration. I'm trying to talk D into coming but he has a guys' ski trip he is saving up for and will not be able to swing it.
I'm doing my best to not think about the shear number of hours I will be spending at airports to get to Reykjavik. I'm seriously considering getting a netbook after all.
I love meeting people who are inspirational. I love the glimmer in peoples' eyes as they are recounting a great experience. It gets me excited about life.
The post holiday seat sales are started. D hasn't bought his flight back out west yet and today's news is going to seal the deal for him. We have not seen prices like this before. It gets my mind just whirling with the possibilities.
My favorite driver was the one who took us to the airport. It was nice being told that he was hoping to bump into us again. He went to Alaska a couple of weeks after I was there last May and loved it too. He and his wife are going to tackle Asia next.
My solo trip is finalized. It will be Iceland in the spring. I hope to see the Aurora there. My papers for the apartment I'm renting came through today. Once I send money, it's mine for the duration. I'm trying to talk D into coming but he has a guys' ski trip he is saving up for and will not be able to swing it.
I'm doing my best to not think about the shear number of hours I will be spending at airports to get to Reykjavik. I'm seriously considering getting a netbook after all.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Remembrance Day 2009
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Temptation
My mind is has been a flurry of activity since last night when I found out about a couple of learning opportunities.
I have a chance to learn to play the cello with the lead cellist of a symphony orchestra.
Cello teachers are not an easy group of people to find. I had to teach myself while waiting for the Conservatory to call me back about availability years ago (they never did) and had written the whole thing off since then.
Second, I have a chance to learn ballroom dance again with a professional instructor and competitive dancer who just moved into the area from Montreal. I studied ballroom for 1 1/2 years and loved it.
If it weren't for poor business management of the school, I would still be there. My ballroom shoes/heels were one of the few things I wouldn't sell as I was holding out for a future opportunity.
So my mind is in a tizzy right now.
I am thinking of the cost of these activities (lessons are not even close to being cheap) and I am also thinking of my soul cost of not taking up these opportunities when it is staring me in the face...
I have a chance to learn to play the cello with the lead cellist of a symphony orchestra.
Cello teachers are not an easy group of people to find. I had to teach myself while waiting for the Conservatory to call me back about availability years ago (they never did) and had written the whole thing off since then.
Second, I have a chance to learn ballroom dance again with a professional instructor and competitive dancer who just moved into the area from Montreal. I studied ballroom for 1 1/2 years and loved it.
If it weren't for poor business management of the school, I would still be there. My ballroom shoes/heels were one of the few things I wouldn't sell as I was holding out for a future opportunity.
So my mind is in a tizzy right now.
I am thinking of the cost of these activities (lessons are not even close to being cheap) and I am also thinking of my soul cost of not taking up these opportunities when it is staring me in the face...
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Believe
I've noticed lately that events have turned out way better than I was anticipating. What I was anticipating wasn't very good.
I believe it is the universe coaxing me to believe that the best will happen, even though it may end up being a totally different form than I had wanted.
The outcome in all 3 events/interaction I was kind of dreading was not only surprisingly positive but was in a form I would not have had the capacity to think/make up.
Ironically, one of the first things I bought for my office was a painted wooden sign which sits almost directly across from me that says "Believe".
The latest events have convinced me that my spiritual muscles needs some stretching!
I'll be away for the next few days. Back next week.
Happy Early July 4th to my American Bloggers and Readers!
I believe it is the universe coaxing me to believe that the best will happen, even though it may end up being a totally different form than I had wanted.
The outcome in all 3 events/interaction I was kind of dreading was not only surprisingly positive but was in a form I would not have had the capacity to think/make up.
Ironically, one of the first things I bought for my office was a painted wooden sign which sits almost directly across from me that says "Believe".
The latest events have convinced me that my spiritual muscles needs some stretching!
I'll be away for the next few days. Back next week.
Happy Early July 4th to my American Bloggers and Readers!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
We Are There!
Daisy, over at Frugal Freedom wrote a post a while ago where she realized that her cashable savings was enough to pay off her mortgage entirely. Whether she goes that route is irrelevant. It was the concept of it that had got me thinking since.
When I tallied my cashable assets, I was short. Partly because our cash position wasn't very strong and partly because the markets "took" 50% of it on paper. Now that things seem to be on the incline, when I was updating my NetWorth IQ entry yesterday, I realized we had made it too.
That was a great feeling even though we have no intentions of selling off our stocks etc. but it is nice to know that we had it to sell, should we wish. It is a psychological freedom of sorts. Thanks Daizy, for giving me that idea in the first place!
D has made a couple more sales. The cash is going to supplement our spending money for our next trip.
We've had a couple of small kitchen appliances die on us lately. Our rice cooker and slow cooker. After some thought, we decided to give cooking rice over the stove a go. It has been fine and we haven't bothered to replace it. The old us would have gone shopping for one right away.
As for the slow cooker, D made an executive decision to get another one because he felt the benefits we derive from it far out weights the cost. We were unsuccessful at finding one used and ended up getting one on sale instead. Now D can continue making his famous BBQ pulled pork!
When I tallied my cashable assets, I was short. Partly because our cash position wasn't very strong and partly because the markets "took" 50% of it on paper. Now that things seem to be on the incline, when I was updating my NetWorth IQ entry yesterday, I realized we had made it too.
That was a great feeling even though we have no intentions of selling off our stocks etc. but it is nice to know that we had it to sell, should we wish. It is a psychological freedom of sorts. Thanks Daizy, for giving me that idea in the first place!
D has made a couple more sales. The cash is going to supplement our spending money for our next trip.
We've had a couple of small kitchen appliances die on us lately. Our rice cooker and slow cooker. After some thought, we decided to give cooking rice over the stove a go. It has been fine and we haven't bothered to replace it. The old us would have gone shopping for one right away.
As for the slow cooker, D made an executive decision to get another one because he felt the benefits we derive from it far out weights the cost. We were unsuccessful at finding one used and ended up getting one on sale instead. Now D can continue making his famous BBQ pulled pork!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Fun Times
First day back to work went well. I seem to need time away in order to appreciate what I have. My patience level was great and I didn't feel rushed. I was still rolling along at a comfortable pace.
It allowed me to gage whether my software booking program was doing a good job because I like the way things worked yesterday and would like it to continue as my regular working speed.
The actual amount I made over my May take home estimate was $789.48. I've started a new savings account called "Extra" and have put it in there. It will likely be put towards our next Nfld trip.
On the subject of extras, we just purchased tickets to see a rock concert -- Depeche Mode! They are playing near my town but we decided to travel and see them at a venue and city that would be more fun.
Going to see them have been on my "list of things I would love to do when the opportunity is right" for a long time, since high school, to be exact. They played on the night of my high school formal and I so wanted to be there (it was their Violator tour). And now I finally get to go.
The funny thing is, they have been on tour many times since then and I did not make a move until now. Why? If I love them so much? Because I have been living a pretty one track mind for the last 10 years. Putting off things until... no more!
It's amazing how many "little" things can bring such joy that can enhance life along the way, rather than be put off until some magical period in time, somewhere in the future! I feel like a teenager again!
It allowed me to gage whether my software booking program was doing a good job because I like the way things worked yesterday and would like it to continue as my regular working speed.
The actual amount I made over my May take home estimate was $789.48. I've started a new savings account called "Extra" and have put it in there. It will likely be put towards our next Nfld trip.
On the subject of extras, we just purchased tickets to see a rock concert -- Depeche Mode! They are playing near my town but we decided to travel and see them at a venue and city that would be more fun.
Going to see them have been on my "list of things I would love to do when the opportunity is right" for a long time, since high school, to be exact. They played on the night of my high school formal and I so wanted to be there (it was their Violator tour). And now I finally get to go.
The funny thing is, they have been on tour many times since then and I did not make a move until now. Why? If I love them so much? Because I have been living a pretty one track mind for the last 10 years. Putting off things until... no more!
It's amazing how many "little" things can bring such joy that can enhance life along the way, rather than be put off until some magical period in time, somewhere in the future! I feel like a teenager again!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Back Home
Alaska was awe inspiring. I want to go back and if I was American, I would be looking to have a second home there. I found the people there warm and open and calm. It was great.
It is back to business for me today.
The saga with D's potential car sale continues. The person who is interested in his car is a friend and D is feeling awkward about that.
D had previous experience with buying a used car from a neighbour and the day after he bought it, the alternator died and ended up costing him $600. D is having some flashbacks about that and isn't sure how he would feel if his car did something like that shortly after it changed hands.
Before D's car can even be sold, the brake lines will have to be replaced. He was quoted around $700 or so for the job and it will be scheduled to be done this week. That was a surprise piece of news I did not expect to get when I got home!
On the other hand, we made a change last night for the better.
D is used to having a deep freeze in the basement. His mother always had one and it is filled to the brim with food. So, we have one too.
I did not grow up with one so it was a new idea for me.
I've been pushing for another one month experiment where we eat up the food in there and turn it off to see what affect it will have on our hydro bill. D was hesitant about it but we did it last night.
We didn't have to eat up everything. I managed to organize our refrigerator freezer to make it accommodate all the frozen meat we had downstairs. The only thing that was sacrificed was the ice maker (which I am not a fan of anyways).
It was surprising for both of us that with a bit of organization, our existing freezer can do the job of the downstairs one and we had been paying for 2 appliances to do essentially one job. Now that we are eating less and less meat, an extra freezer makes less and less sense.
One other thing D did when I was away was to buy a special waterproof concrete paint and apply it to the walls of our unfinished part of the basement. It is made to seal concrete and to help with keeping down any humidity there. I'm hoping that it will make a difference in the amount of time the dehumidifier gets used. Again, it is a compressor and (in my mind) uses a lot of electricity.
It is back to business for me today.
The saga with D's potential car sale continues. The person who is interested in his car is a friend and D is feeling awkward about that.
D had previous experience with buying a used car from a neighbour and the day after he bought it, the alternator died and ended up costing him $600. D is having some flashbacks about that and isn't sure how he would feel if his car did something like that shortly after it changed hands.
Before D's car can even be sold, the brake lines will have to be replaced. He was quoted around $700 or so for the job and it will be scheduled to be done this week. That was a surprise piece of news I did not expect to get when I got home!
On the other hand, we made a change last night for the better.
D is used to having a deep freeze in the basement. His mother always had one and it is filled to the brim with food. So, we have one too.
I did not grow up with one so it was a new idea for me.
I've been pushing for another one month experiment where we eat up the food in there and turn it off to see what affect it will have on our hydro bill. D was hesitant about it but we did it last night.
We didn't have to eat up everything. I managed to organize our refrigerator freezer to make it accommodate all the frozen meat we had downstairs. The only thing that was sacrificed was the ice maker (which I am not a fan of anyways).
It was surprising for both of us that with a bit of organization, our existing freezer can do the job of the downstairs one and we had been paying for 2 appliances to do essentially one job. Now that we are eating less and less meat, an extra freezer makes less and less sense.
One other thing D did when I was away was to buy a special waterproof concrete paint and apply it to the walls of our unfinished part of the basement. It is made to seal concrete and to help with keeping down any humidity there. I'm hoping that it will make a difference in the amount of time the dehumidifier gets used. Again, it is a compressor and (in my mind) uses a lot of electricity.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Alaska
It looks like my extra income (amount greater than projected) for the month will be around the $750 mark. More than I was anticipating, a nice surprise.
There has been a number of capitol purchases this year for the house and cottage. Things that won't need to be bought again for hopefully a decade or so ie. mattresses.
This has tested our new workings accounts (For those who don't know about this, they are individual savings accounts that I am building up so that they will have enough to pay for yearly maintenance costs as well as a single large cost, like a roof, car etc).
From a life perspective, this year has been clipping along at a good pace so far.
Each year I attempt to put in place a pattern of time off based on my last year's experience. For example -- If I felt that by certain times of the year, I'm feeling worn out and exhausted, the following year, I would reserve some time then in hopes
I won't get to that point physically or mentally again. I cannot entirely point the finger at work for this. A lot of times, it is my other commitments that can use up energy. Each year is different. Things come up -- sometimes really fun things and they will shift plans accordingly.
Now that we are into May, I am happy to report that I am not exhausted, just slightly tired and achy. Mentally and emotionally very good. This has been my goal for the past few years.
To transition back to a place where I have enough time off prior to exhaustion and enough fitness, so that holidays can be more active and exploratory verses forced restorative -- Having to lay down because I had gotten so dragged out.
So I will head to Alaska with a pretty filled gas tank and I look forward to discovering its ins and outs as well as the chance to eat some great Halibut and Crab.
Back in 1 1/2 weeks.
There has been a number of capitol purchases this year for the house and cottage. Things that won't need to be bought again for hopefully a decade or so ie. mattresses.
This has tested our new workings accounts (For those who don't know about this, they are individual savings accounts that I am building up so that they will have enough to pay for yearly maintenance costs as well as a single large cost, like a roof, car etc).
From a life perspective, this year has been clipping along at a good pace so far.
Each year I attempt to put in place a pattern of time off based on my last year's experience. For example -- If I felt that by certain times of the year, I'm feeling worn out and exhausted, the following year, I would reserve some time then in hopes
I won't get to that point physically or mentally again. I cannot entirely point the finger at work for this. A lot of times, it is my other commitments that can use up energy. Each year is different. Things come up -- sometimes really fun things and they will shift plans accordingly.
Now that we are into May, I am happy to report that I am not exhausted, just slightly tired and achy. Mentally and emotionally very good. This has been my goal for the past few years.
To transition back to a place where I have enough time off prior to exhaustion and enough fitness, so that holidays can be more active and exploratory verses forced restorative -- Having to lay down because I had gotten so dragged out.
So I will head to Alaska with a pretty filled gas tank and I look forward to discovering its ins and outs as well as the chance to eat some great Halibut and Crab.
Back in 1 1/2 weeks.
Friday, May 1, 2009
So You Wanna Hike the Grand Canyon?
I Cannot Believe it! I managed to have gotten through on the busiest day of each month to Central Reservations at Xanterra Resorts to get what?
To Get Accommodations At The Bottom Of The Grand Canyon!!!!! Yippeee!!!!
They sell out like concert tickets -- in 1/2 hr!
They open up a new month's worth of accommodations 13 months in advance so our reservations are for May 2010. You cannot just show up down there and those who camp have to apply for permits way in advance too.
D is super pumped as he has not hiked it before. My last hike down was 10 years ago.
This is the first of our 2010 efforts to travel more budget -- to help balance out this year's adventures.
I started re-dialing 5 minutes to and I wasn't alone as I got busy signal after busy signal. There are 30 lines that once open, pretty much wipes out the inventory.
I got through about 2 minutes after 7am mountain time and I told the agent that I feel like I've won a lottery.
Reservations have to be paid fully in advance and you also have to order all your meals at the same time as food is carried down by miles.
As the path is fairly narrow (not much more than 2 ft), without railings at about 10000 ft, with mules getting the right of way, hikers have to squash themselves against the rock wall in order to let them pass. I would not recommend this hike for children.
There are also no active rangers on the route. Hikers are advised to bring a small mirror to reflect light up to the top as there are rangers with binoculars looking down for signs of distress.
Depending on the trail you take, there may not be potable water available so you would need to carry min. 1 litre for each hour you take -- it gets heavy!
Coming up will tend to take much longer than coming down -- think double -- so an early start is a really good idea as temperature skyrocket pretty fast. You would like to make it to a certain elevation (almost 1/2 way) by 9am.
Cell phone reception is unreliable/non existent. Make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance that includes emergency helicopter transport.
To Get Accommodations At The Bottom Of The Grand Canyon!!!!! Yippeee!!!!
They sell out like concert tickets -- in 1/2 hr!
They open up a new month's worth of accommodations 13 months in advance so our reservations are for May 2010. You cannot just show up down there and those who camp have to apply for permits way in advance too.
D is super pumped as he has not hiked it before. My last hike down was 10 years ago.
This is the first of our 2010 efforts to travel more budget -- to help balance out this year's adventures.
I started re-dialing 5 minutes to and I wasn't alone as I got busy signal after busy signal. There are 30 lines that once open, pretty much wipes out the inventory.
I got through about 2 minutes after 7am mountain time and I told the agent that I feel like I've won a lottery.
Reservations have to be paid fully in advance and you also have to order all your meals at the same time as food is carried down by miles.
As the path is fairly narrow (not much more than 2 ft), without railings at about 10000 ft, with mules getting the right of way, hikers have to squash themselves against the rock wall in order to let them pass. I would not recommend this hike for children.
There are also no active rangers on the route. Hikers are advised to bring a small mirror to reflect light up to the top as there are rangers with binoculars looking down for signs of distress.
Depending on the trail you take, there may not be potable water available so you would need to carry min. 1 litre for each hour you take -- it gets heavy!
Coming up will tend to take much longer than coming down -- think double -- so an early start is a really good idea as temperature skyrocket pretty fast. You would like to make it to a certain elevation (almost 1/2 way) by 9am.
Cell phone reception is unreliable/non existent. Make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance that includes emergency helicopter transport.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Lucky Days
My 2 flights got me home a little ahead of schedule last night, thanks to a favorable jet stream. With daylight savings time and the 3 hours time difference, I am a little wonky this morning.
Lucky D won't be coming home til Sunday so extra ski days for him. For me a 2 day work week, so can't really complain about that. I've ended my ski season a better skier than I started, so I'm very happy about that. It hasn't been easy slaying those fear dragons.
I had the most inspiring driver take me to the airport yesterday. It was just me so I sat up front with him and we chit chatted the time away. He would be in his 60's and was first season working for the resort. Real positive guy for so early in the morning.
Turns out he was awake at 3:30am as he enjoys doing his computer work before getting to his part time job. Also turns out that his computer work consisted of keeping up his skills writing computer code!
He had gone back to university and completed a computer science degree by the time he was 46. Then he worked for a large company for the next 20 yrs. Prior to that, he was a commercial pilot and a scuba diver right out of high school! His next adventure will take him and his wife into rugged northern BC.
By the time he got me to airport (1 hr due to road conditions), he talked me into learning snow boarding. I was so excited, I left my shoulder bag in the van and didn't realize it until I was checking my luggage in. Luckily he was still around.
To round out a great trip, the on board flight TV wasn't "working" properly so we all got the paid per view movies free. And if that wasn't enough, I didn't have to pay for my airport parking ($100) as the self check out terminal was broken! Let the good luck keep rolling!
Lucky D won't be coming home til Sunday so extra ski days for him. For me a 2 day work week, so can't really complain about that. I've ended my ski season a better skier than I started, so I'm very happy about that. It hasn't been easy slaying those fear dragons.
I had the most inspiring driver take me to the airport yesterday. It was just me so I sat up front with him and we chit chatted the time away. He would be in his 60's and was first season working for the resort. Real positive guy for so early in the morning.
Turns out he was awake at 3:30am as he enjoys doing his computer work before getting to his part time job. Also turns out that his computer work consisted of keeping up his skills writing computer code!
He had gone back to university and completed a computer science degree by the time he was 46. Then he worked for a large company for the next 20 yrs. Prior to that, he was a commercial pilot and a scuba diver right out of high school! His next adventure will take him and his wife into rugged northern BC.
By the time he got me to airport (1 hr due to road conditions), he talked me into learning snow boarding. I was so excited, I left my shoulder bag in the van and didn't realize it until I was checking my luggage in. Luckily he was still around.
To round out a great trip, the on board flight TV wasn't "working" properly so we all got the paid per view movies free. And if that wasn't enough, I didn't have to pay for my airport parking ($100) as the self check out terminal was broken! Let the good luck keep rolling!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Erma Bombeck
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
- I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
- I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
- I would have talked less and listened more.
- I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
- I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
- I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
- I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
- I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
- I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
- I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
- I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
- Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
- When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.'
- There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'
- But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
- Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Here, Here!
I have enjoyed greatly the second blooming that comes when you finish the life of the emotions and of personal relations; and suddenly find—at the age of fifty, say—that a whole new life has opened before you, filled with things you can think about, study, or read about.
Agatha Christie (1890-1976)
I am particularly moved by today's "quote of the day" from one of my gadgets in the side bar.
Agatha Christie (1890-1976)
I am particularly moved by today's "quote of the day" from one of my gadgets in the side bar.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
2 Books
If you are looking for some outside of the box thinking and inspiration, I would recommend checking out the books below.
Screw it, let's do it : lessons in life / Richard Branson
Jump in! : even if you don't know how to swim / Mark Burnett
Both very interesting life stories and quick reads.
I had a chance to hear Mark Burnett speak a couple of years ago and is he ever funny! No idea that he was so skilled (in a military way). Guess it makes sense that he'd come up with shows that test people in extreme environments.
Screw it, let's do it : lessons in life / Richard Branson
Jump in! : even if you don't know how to swim / Mark Burnett
Both very interesting life stories and quick reads.
I had a chance to hear Mark Burnett speak a couple of years ago and is he ever funny! No idea that he was so skilled (in a military way). Guess it makes sense that he'd come up with shows that test people in extreme environments.
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