connections

I like how one thing leads to another sometimes.

I was organizing some of my online bookmarks a couple of days ago, and came across a link to a site that allows users to construct their family tree.

So ... I've started to plug in family members and some of the information needed. It's a bit of hunt at times, trying to fill in dates and places ...

The process has also stirred up memories of my parents who passed on years ago ... stirring memories from my childhood ... and as I add some of their connections to the family tree I try to imagine Europe and the origins of some of my relatives.

It is an interesting learning experience ... clarifying connections and preserving important information for others.

I look forward to finding out a little more about some of the people I am connected to as the tree evolves.

the joy of discovery

One of the attractive things about moving to Ottawa was new adventures ... new sites to see and new things to do.

Janice and I went for a nice bike ride today that took us on a path down by the river to The Hogs Back Falls.


These are a series of artificially-created waterfalls on the Rideau River. The falls are located just north of Mooney's Bay and the point where the Rideau Canal, splits from the Rideau River.

It was a beautiful spring day ... we rode in shorts and T-shirts ...

It was an awesome afternoon that left us with some wonderful memories.

yardwork

It's mid April ... 19 degrees Celsius above today ... I have to do a little raking.

I don't mind - we don't have a huge yard, and it's a good opportunity to get a little exercise and sunshine.

More importantly ... I am grateful to have a nice home, and tasks such as vacuuming and raking are reminders of how lucky I am.

It's a beautiful day to be outside.

Earlier this week, Janice and I went for our first bike ride of the year. Ottawa is fairly bike friendly - with many streets having a dedicated bike lane. There are many wonderful paths, parks and green spaces that we look forward to exploring this spring and summer.

... and then there's volleyball - Tuesday and Sunday nights ... it's fun and great way to stay in shape. It will be nice to shed a few of those winter calories.

... AND - last weekend Janice and I went to Toronto and enjoyed a visit with some of her relatives and some of my relatives. It's great having them within a few hours away.

Yah baby : )

find a sense of purpose

This may be my biggest challenge presently.

Yes - I have helped to provide a clean home ...
Yes - I am supportive of my partner ...
Yes - I actively search for employment opportunities ...
Yet, I know that the possibilities to contribute to society more are boundless.

I am not just looking for a job, I am looking for the opportunity to do something really well.
To take pride and sparkle with enthusiasm.
To be active, energetic and productive.

Passion in life comes from a sense of purpose.

I look forward to the opportunity to enjoy the vitality of
the working world again soon.

patience

If there was one quality that I'd have to say was worth working on for most of us, it would be patience.

Every day there seem to opportunities where we need to just take a deep breath, smile and focus on relaxing.

In line at the grocery store, stuck in stop and crawl traffic, or in dealing with people who are oppositional and rude ... there is no point in letting yourself get stressed out - all that can do is make things worse ...

I remain between jobs ... but will continue to be optimistic.
I could focus on the negative parts of this,
but know that this would not help.
Somewhere out there is meaningful work for me.

It will all fall into place : )