life is full of comprimises

Ottawa is a wonderful city, with a lot to offer. It is a joy to live here ... that being said, there are a few things I miss after moving here from Winnipeg eight months ago.

The Forks ... There is something almost magical about The Forks. I can't put my finger on it, but it feels good to be there. I have cycled around there many times ... down the river walk ... over the Riel Esplanade Bridge. We have many beautiful places here in Ottawa like The Byward Market, but I still miss The Forks.

Groove FM ... I was surprised to see that there is no dedicated FM radio station here for Jazz. Winnipeg's Groove FM provides jazz lovers great tunes 24/7. I believe I heard a few weeks ago that there was an application to put a blues radio station on the FM airwaves here ... that would be nice; but I still miss my Groove FM.

Honey Dill Dipping Sauce ... I have looked long and hard, but alas I have been unable to find my beloved sauce anywhere here. In the 'Peg I used to get it at Safeway, but there are no Safeway's around here. I'd like to thank Cindy for bringing some from Manitoba for her visit here.

You can't have everything. Life is full of trade offs and compromises. I believe in thinking positive. It's healthier to spend your energies dwelling on things that will bring a smile to your face rather than bring you down. That doesn't mean I never think about some of lifés shortcomings and compromises. I try to recognize them and move on not dwelling on them ... In the end, it's often best to focus on the good things ... Enjoy what's around us and be grateful for life's riches.

these are a few of my favourite things

Today, Janice and I were out and about on our bikes, and we had stopped so she could go into a store for moment, when I found myself looking adoringly at my bike. Cycling has brought me much pleasure over the years, and I am glad my Oryx is with me here now ... showing me Ottawa and all it's beauty. My bike helps keep me healthy and active, and I'd have to say it's one of my top three possessions.

About four years ago I found myself at a crossroads. No longer did I have a wife, two kids and a dog to cart around, and it was silly that I still had my mini-van. It was time to find a more appropriate vehicle. After shopping around, I ended up getting my little Aveo. It's great on gas, peppy and can haul a lot more than you might think. My little yellow car was a good move, and I'd have to say it's probably in my top three as well.

I have always believed that staying organized helps one avoid stress. If I look back over the years, I can see a progression ... pocket calendar / address books, to data bank watches, to PDAs.
I use my personal digital assistant daily ... to store dates, times, addresses, pictures. It plays games, videos and music, it's a photo album, note taker, document storage device. My Palm TX keeps me on track every day, and I'd be lost without it.

I try not to be too materialistic. I've come to learn that stuff really isn't that important in the bigger picture. That being said, I am grateful for some of the wonderful things in my life that improve things for me. We live in a time where technology empowers us, and I know I am lucky to be able to be living here now, enjoying all the things life has to offer.

positive affirmations

I am healthy and happy.

This is the phrase I focus on today. I have used positive affirmations for years. In many ways we create our own realities. We have our battles, our challenges ... how we react to them shapes our happiness and resilience. Today some of my struggles involve health and patience, so I use this affirmation to help me channel my energies in a more positive direction.


I am helpful and friendly.

I have used this affirmation to help me focus on being more approachable and effective at work. Male staff members in the schools can often be perceived as less understanding, less nurturing and sometimes more demanding in ways. I strive to be an advocate for students with my work as an Educational Assistant. I hope my presence assists staff and students as a positive role model. This affirmation can help me bring out some of the positive attributes within me in the workplace.

We attract things to us often by what we focus on. If a person pictures them self as successful and productive, they will often be just that. We have the power within ourselves to overcome obstacles and enjoy life.

Do you believe you can choose to be happy? What thoughts do you choose to spend your energies on? How do you picture your world today? Can you focus on a more positive part of your world?

waterways

We just returned from a lovely walk by Moonies Bay and Hogsback Falls. There is a hot air balloon festival on this weekend, and we saw several of them floating South as we walked. It was a gorgeous evening, and the moon was full. I couldn't help but think about the rivers and canals that help make Ottawa extra special.

We've only lived here for a few months, but had the pleasure of discovering wonderful paths by the canals and rivers, sandy beaches, islands, boat cruises and tours. Not long ago, Janice and I enjoyed a Regatta at Dows Lake.


This week I saw Petrie Island for the first time. Connected to the city by a little bridge, this small island has nice walking paths and beaches, and is one more little gem right here in the city.


This summer we have enjoyed bike rides by the Canal, walks by the lake and beach volleyball. There is something special about spending time near water ... perhaps it's more of a connection to nature.