The Summer of 2012

It's September ... the last two weeks I've been adjusting to early mornings and full days - back to work.

I've been coming home exhausted ... currently working at two schools- one in the morning & another in the afternoon ... at home, upstairs was being renovated (new flooring), so - a lot of cleaning, a lot of stuff moved to & from other places ... I was so wiped, I just had enough energy for the basics - forget about anything else other than supper and getting to bed early. I hope my stamina returns soon ... a new season of indoor volleyball starts next week : )

The climate in many Ontario schools right now is a little tense and stressful, with recent Provincial Government shenanigans, union activity and more pressure on educators ... returning to school this fall is a little less joyful. I am doing my best to focus on the positives ... lucky to be working with some wonderful, talented people ~ it's great to be with children again ~ I am grateful to be employed.

Last week I also applied for a position that would take me to full time ... I am climbing that ladder, rung by rung, upward toward my goal ... wish me luck!

The past summer was outstanding ... beach volleyball, a trip out west to Saskatoon & Winnipeg, volunteering at four music festivals, volleyball in the park, bike rides. It's nice to be back at work ... been going through kid withdrawal for the last two months ... and with the chance to go from half days to full time on the horizon, life is good : )

the grass is always greener ...

I've never enjoyed mowing the lawn. I've always thought of it as a waste of time and energy. I am not a big fan of the typical North American yard expectations ... most people seem to have the mindset that grass is a standard expectation in one's yard.

From what I know of grass, it's mainly ornamental ... and doesn't really serve any other practical purpose. We maintain our lawns because we always have ... it's the norm.

I believe in diversity and creativity. I love seeing yards that have alternative ideas in ornamentation ... using rocks, plants, lights and fountains. When tastefully done, they look great and often require little or no maintenance.

In my last house, I was expected to cut my lawn in the back yard AND the grass between the sidewalk and the curb beside my house ... not my property, the city's, yet I was responsible for keeping the grass mowed.

In Winnipeg it was easier to maintain a decent lawn ... here in Ottawa we now have the strictest chemical laws in North America, AND there are these burrowing creatures called Grubs that make the lawns very lumpy and bumpy.

Some day I'd love to have a no - maintenance yard, but for now I will have to suck it up and cut the grass every 2 weeks. For consolation, I remind myself that I am lucky. I am lucky to be living here with a lawn to cut. I am grateful to have my cordless electric mower and the opportunity to get a little exercise and sunshine.

adjusting nicely, thank you

I arrived here in Ottawa five months ago. I remember driving into the city ... coming down Carling Avenue in rush hour and feeling exhilarated and a little lost. Ottawa is a little bigger than Winnipeg, and I did not know the city at all really.

Thank goodness for my GPS. It has come in handy many times. It's not perfect, but it is a valuable navigation tool that has helped me find my way around.

As I revisit various areas, I become more confident and comfortable with the city. Janice and I are fairly active, and this ends up taking us out and around often.

Ottawa has a lot to offer ... and we are out there exploring and discovering and playing.

Last night we enjoyed a play at The National Arts Centre downtown. After, we walked a few blocks to enjoy a beer at The Royal Oak. It was a beautiful summery evening.

My favourite beer in Winnipeg was Fort Garry Dark, and it has been a challenge to find anything comparable here so far ... but last night I enjoyed a Waterloo Dark. It was good : )

Earlier this week, I enjoyed an evening of beach volleyball at Britannia Beach ... the beautiful sunset and awesome weather were a wonderful treat.

I am so glad we came here ... the weather, volleyball, cycling, theatre, music, travel opportunities, and so much more. Ottawa is a vibrant city that promotes healthy active lifestyles ... and as the years have passed this has become more import to us.

I feel happy and alive ... and it is truly wonderful.