Well, it's been a while since my last post (again). In fact, a whole season has come and gone since the last time I wrote anything.
It's been a busy 6 months. I've survived a parent with brain injury, three weeks in a Cuban hospital (not a bad experience at all), a whirlwind trip to Greece, Turkey and Spain, a research project that just won't end and the beginning of grad school. All that after selling my house and moving to another city. When you look at it that way, I can't say I have been too lazy.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Earth Hour 2009
I find all the commotion around Earth Hour 2009 to have been quite amazing. It was great to see so many people and businesses supporting the idea. Sure it's only one hour, but it's a symbolic hour. With a bit of effort we reduced our power consumption in the city by about 15% and a whole lot of people had some fun.
This year, I decided to stroll around downtown Toronto to see which buildings were dark and which ones were brightly lit up. We headed down to Queen and could see the crowds amassing before we got to Yonge street. We popped into Nathan Philips Square for a bit, in time to ring in the hour, them we headed down Bay. I wanted to see what the folks in the business district were doing. Normally, the lights are on on most of the floor. This time many buildings were almost completely dark or very close to it. Very impressive.
There were a few glaring exceptions on my Bay, King, University, Dundas stroll. The Scotiabank branch on Bay and Richmond was very bright. As if there was a deliberate attempt to buck the trend. So too was the Second Cup at University and Adelaide. Bright, bright, bright.
We were not the only ones checking out the situation. We encountered lots of people strolling the city. Couples, family, gaggles of girls, etc. While it's more likely that this had something to do with the fact that it was a Saturday night, I like to think that they were partying in the spirit (or spirits) of Earth Hour.
All in all a fun evening, despite the fact that we realized, once we were out, that we'd stupidly left some lights on at home. Doh!!
Some photos of the night:
http://picasaweb.google.com/zanipooh/EarthHourToronto2009#
This year, I decided to stroll around downtown Toronto to see which buildings were dark and which ones were brightly lit up. We headed down to Queen and could see the crowds amassing before we got to Yonge street. We popped into Nathan Philips Square for a bit, in time to ring in the hour, them we headed down Bay. I wanted to see what the folks in the business district were doing. Normally, the lights are on on most of the floor. This time many buildings were almost completely dark or very close to it. Very impressive.
There were a few glaring exceptions on my Bay, King, University, Dundas stroll. The Scotiabank branch on Bay and Richmond was very bright. As if there was a deliberate attempt to buck the trend. So too was the Second Cup at University and Adelaide. Bright, bright, bright.
We were not the only ones checking out the situation. We encountered lots of people strolling the city. Couples, family, gaggles of girls, etc. While it's more likely that this had something to do with the fact that it was a Saturday night, I like to think that they were partying in the spirit (or spirits) of Earth Hour.
All in all a fun evening, despite the fact that we realized, once we were out, that we'd stupidly left some lights on at home. Doh!!
Some photos of the night:
http://picasaweb.google.com/zanipooh/EarthHourToronto2009#
Thursday, March 5, 2009
175 Years of Toronto
In 1934, on March 6th to be exact, the City of Toronto was incorporated. At the time the population was about 9,000 people. Today, it's more like 2.6 million. Obviously a lot can happen in 175 years.
In honour of this important anniversary, and my return to this great city, I have decided to explore the great things about Toronto. So over the next 9 months, I want to experience 175 things in, about, of or in this city. And I will report back on how things are going.
Here are a few ideas that already come to mind, in no particular order.
1. Take a walk through Allen Gardens
2. Stroll on the Beaches boardwalk
3. Enjoy a Mojito at Julie's
4. See an IMAX film (can you believe I haven't seen one since Ontario Place in the early 1980s)
5. Read a Jane Jacobs book - She called this city home
6. Buy a book at a local indie bookstore - okay I know that's not really a challenge for me
7. Rediscover old haunts and neighbourhoods
8. Stroll by the spring gardens on Euclid Avenue
9. Catch lots of live music at Harbourfront
10. Visit the Power Plant
11. Visit the MOCCA
12. Visit the new AGO, at a more leisurely pace this time
13. Visit the ROM
14. Cycle the bike paths on the islands
15. Cycle the Martin Goodman trail from the beaches in the east to the Humber River in the west.
16. Go sailing on lake Ontario
17. Take an architectural tour of the city
18. Taste the Mayan chocolate at Soma in the Distillery District
19. Jump up, just a little bit, at Caribana
20. Try a zumba class
21. Follow Mayer Miller on Twitter
22. See a bunch of films at Cinemateque Ontario
That's a good start.
Suggestions are also always welcome.
Update: I've started a list and you can add to it here -
In honour of this important anniversary, and my return to this great city, I have decided to explore the great things about Toronto. So over the next 9 months, I want to experience 175 things in, about, of or in this city. And I will report back on how things are going.
Here are a few ideas that already come to mind, in no particular order.
1. Take a walk through Allen Gardens
2. Stroll on the Beaches boardwalk
3. Enjoy a Mojito at Julie's
4. See an IMAX film (can you believe I haven't seen one since Ontario Place in the early 1980s)
5. Read a Jane Jacobs book - She called this city home
6. Buy a book at a local indie bookstore - okay I know that's not really a challenge for me
7. Rediscover old haunts and neighbourhoods
8. Stroll by the spring gardens on Euclid Avenue
9. Catch lots of live music at Harbourfront
10. Visit the Power Plant
11. Visit the MOCCA
12. Visit the new AGO, at a more leisurely pace this time
13. Visit the ROM
14. Cycle the bike paths on the islands
15. Cycle the Martin Goodman trail from the beaches in the east to the Humber River in the west.
16. Go sailing on lake Ontario
17. Take an architectural tour of the city
18. Taste the Mayan chocolate at Soma in the Distillery District
19. Jump up, just a little bit, at Caribana
20. Try a zumba class
21. Follow Mayer Miller on Twitter
22. See a bunch of films at Cinemateque Ontario
That's a good start.
Suggestions are also always welcome.
Update: I've started a list and you can add to it here -
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Ottawa Bus Strike - Day 50
50 days and counting since the buses were last running in Ottawa.
My friends back in Ottawa have been have been pretty dignified about the whole strike thing. I'm impressed. They've taken to walking, car pooling and sharing taxis. For the most part, they live relatively close to their offices so the going is pretty easy. But they remind me of the hundreds of thousands who don't. Those poor souls who used to spend an hour on the bus and now are losing jobs or lots of sleep walking for hours in frigid temperatures.
I feel for them. But I can't help feeling glad I am back in Toronto. Of course, Toronto has been known to have the odd bus strike too. So I won't be too smug about being here and not there.
Check out this video from comedian Rick Currie. His reworking of a Johnny Cash song is inspired.
My friends back in Ottawa have been have been pretty dignified about the whole strike thing. I'm impressed. They've taken to walking, car pooling and sharing taxis. For the most part, they live relatively close to their offices so the going is pretty easy. But they remind me of the hundreds of thousands who don't. Those poor souls who used to spend an hour on the bus and now are losing jobs or lots of sleep walking for hours in frigid temperatures.
I feel for them. But I can't help feeling glad I am back in Toronto. Of course, Toronto has been known to have the odd bus strike too. So I won't be too smug about being here and not there.
Check out this video from comedian Rick Currie. His reworking of a Johnny Cash song is inspired.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Top 5 things I will and won't miss about Ottawa.
Now that I have been gone from Ottawa about 6 or 7 weeks, I have had some time and space to think about the impression the city left on me.
Top 5 things I will not miss about Ottawa
#5 - Federal government politics (with both a big and a little "p") - While I am glad I had the chance to learn about parliamentary processes (wait, am I actually really glad to have learned about parliamentary processes? Not sure), the business of government, public service and the important role government can play in people's lives, I am so not going to miss having to wade through Ottawa's politics.
Some of my colleagues squeal with delight over the shenanigans on the Hill. As a spectator sport it can be juicy and fun. But actually trying to get meaningful work done can be a different matter. It's probably a really good thing that Canadians generally don't get what happens in our capital city. Then again, if more Canadians really cared and understood what happens on Hill, we might find ourselves in different circumstances.
#4 - Freezing rain - I just don't get it. If Ottawa is one of the world's coldest capital cities, why is there so much bloody freezing rain. I was not born in Canada. I didn't grow up with skates on my feet. So, I will never find it amusing that I can can skate on lakes, rivers, neighbourhood park rinks and sidewalks. Nope, don't get that. Why didn't I discover yaktrax earlier?
#3 - The Chaudiere Bridge in winter - Perhaps the crappiest bridge in the city lay between my home and my office. Somewhat interesting (and thankfully short) during the summer, this bridge was the absolute pits during the winter. It never drained properly so there were always salty snowy puddles or icy patches along it's "pit"iful footpath. Not being at home on slippery surfaces, the walk to work had the affect of making me arrive frustrated, angry and experiencing back pain, something one might expect more at the end of the day.
#2 - Terraces de la chaudiere (or Shoddy Air) - Now, the home of Canadian Heritage, Environment, Indian and Norther Affairs and the CRTC is perhaps no more toxic than the other government buildings in the city. The number of people with chronic headaches, runny noses, fatigue and depression cooped up in these towers is probably no greater than other architectural misadventures of the 1970s. But my old office building has the name that sums it all up.
#1 - 38 degrees C below zero - Again, fully admitting that I wasn't born in Canada, though I have spent two thirds of my life here. But how it is natural that anyone wakes up in the morning and upon hearing the temperatures says to themselves, without skipping a step or a beat, "okay, I know how to dress for that." Really, I ask you!
Funny, how the winter figures heavily in my top 5 list. If Ottawa were either more closely situation to Toronto (and therefore warmer) or somewhere tropical (therefore warmer still), I might still be there.
Top 5 things I will miss about Ottawa
#5 - Byward and Parkdale Markets - Farmers' market rule! Wouldn't you prefer to buy your fruit and veg from local farmers? When I worked in the Byward market during the summer months I loved being able to pop out at lunch and pick up my fruit, veg and salad for the day.
#4 - My first real estate purchase - stacked townhouse with big windows, hardwood floors and a gas stove, only steps from the Ottawa rivers and within a short walk of my friends.
#3 - Ottawa River bike paths - Ottawa is blessed with miles and miles of bike paths and a ton of them run along two rivers (Ottawa and Rideau), the Rideau Canal and Dow's Lake. I need to live near water. Preferably a large body of water. Enjoying the rivers and the canal on the bike kept me sane.
#2 - Gatineau Park - My Toronto friends understood the significance of having a HUGE park replete with lakes, skiing and hiking a mere half an hour from the centre of town. I suspect many Ottawans recognize how lucky they are. Beats the 2-4 hour drive to cottage country for Torontonians.
#1 - My awesome friends - I arrived in Ottawa knowing no-one and left with a group of wonderful friends who I hope will be in my life for a long time to come. That group is growing larger as two have given birth recently and two more additions are on the way.
Now that I have done a top 5 list for Ottawa, I guess I will have to do one for Toronto.
Top 5 things I will not miss about Ottawa
#5 - Federal government politics (with both a big and a little "p") - While I am glad I had the chance to learn about parliamentary processes (wait, am I actually really glad to have learned about parliamentary processes? Not sure), the business of government, public service and the important role government can play in people's lives, I am so not going to miss having to wade through Ottawa's politics.
Some of my colleagues squeal with delight over the shenanigans on the Hill. As a spectator sport it can be juicy and fun. But actually trying to get meaningful work done can be a different matter. It's probably a really good thing that Canadians generally don't get what happens in our capital city. Then again, if more Canadians really cared and understood what happens on Hill, we might find ourselves in different circumstances.
#4 - Freezing rain - I just don't get it. If Ottawa is one of the world's coldest capital cities, why is there so much bloody freezing rain. I was not born in Canada. I didn't grow up with skates on my feet. So, I will never find it amusing that I can can skate on lakes, rivers, neighbourhood park rinks and sidewalks. Nope, don't get that. Why didn't I discover yaktrax earlier?
#3 - The Chaudiere Bridge in winter - Perhaps the crappiest bridge in the city lay between my home and my office. Somewhat interesting (and thankfully short) during the summer, this bridge was the absolute pits during the winter. It never drained properly so there were always salty snowy puddles or icy patches along it's "pit"iful footpath. Not being at home on slippery surfaces, the walk to work had the affect of making me arrive frustrated, angry and experiencing back pain, something one might expect more at the end of the day.
#2 - Terraces de la chaudiere (or Shoddy Air) - Now, the home of Canadian Heritage, Environment, Indian and Norther Affairs and the CRTC is perhaps no more toxic than the other government buildings in the city. The number of people with chronic headaches, runny noses, fatigue and depression cooped up in these towers is probably no greater than other architectural misadventures of the 1970s. But my old office building has the name that sums it all up.
#1 - 38 degrees C below zero - Again, fully admitting that I wasn't born in Canada, though I have spent two thirds of my life here. But how it is natural that anyone wakes up in the morning and upon hearing the temperatures says to themselves, without skipping a step or a beat, "okay, I know how to dress for that." Really, I ask you!
Funny, how the winter figures heavily in my top 5 list. If Ottawa were either more closely situation to Toronto (and therefore warmer) or somewhere tropical (therefore warmer still), I might still be there.
Top 5 things I will miss about Ottawa
#5 - Byward and Parkdale Markets - Farmers' market rule! Wouldn't you prefer to buy your fruit and veg from local farmers? When I worked in the Byward market during the summer months I loved being able to pop out at lunch and pick up my fruit, veg and salad for the day.
#4 - My first real estate purchase - stacked townhouse with big windows, hardwood floors and a gas stove, only steps from the Ottawa rivers and within a short walk of my friends.
#3 - Ottawa River bike paths - Ottawa is blessed with miles and miles of bike paths and a ton of them run along two rivers (Ottawa and Rideau), the Rideau Canal and Dow's Lake. I need to live near water. Preferably a large body of water. Enjoying the rivers and the canal on the bike kept me sane.
#2 - Gatineau Park - My Toronto friends understood the significance of having a HUGE park replete with lakes, skiing and hiking a mere half an hour from the centre of town. I suspect many Ottawans recognize how lucky they are. Beats the 2-4 hour drive to cottage country for Torontonians.
#1 - My awesome friends - I arrived in Ottawa knowing no-one and left with a group of wonderful friends who I hope will be in my life for a long time to come. That group is growing larger as two have given birth recently and two more additions are on the way.
Now that I have done a top 5 list for Ottawa, I guess I will have to do one for Toronto.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The countdown has ended
After weeks of sorting and packing, my condo is now empty. The movers picked up my stuff and are on their way to Toronto. Well, Mississauga actually. Somewhere there my stuff will hang out until I have a place of my own to put it. I don't think I did the best job of packing. Suspect I have left stuff out that I will never use and packed away stuff that's essential.
Still, it will be refreshing to make do with a fraction of my stuff.
Great memories flood back. Dance parties, dinner parties, weekends of narrative therapy, hanging on the couch with the cats, great conversations, wonderful food and wine. Enjoying the company of my friends.
On the 13th, this place will officially belong to someone else. Weird. This place only knows me. Will it like the new owner? Will the new owner treat it with the care and loving it deserves. I hope so.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
T minus 30 and counting . . .
In 30 days time, I will no longer be owner and resident of my condo.
It's a weird feeling.
I've only had my condo 4 years, it's true. But, it was my first real estate purchase and the first time something big was mine. Not my parents' or family's, or something I shared with someone else. It was all mine. Since it was a new construction, I made the decisions on counter tops, flooring, wall colour, cupboards and the extra deep tub (which I barely used in end).
In less than 40 days, I will no longer be a resident of Ottawa.
That's weird too.
I came to this city for a 5 month contract and ended up staying almost 10 years. The largest part of my time here has been great. There have been a few less than stellar moments, but when I leave I will leave with great fondness for the city and its residents. Okay, most of its residents.
It's a weird feeling.
I've only had my condo 4 years, it's true. But, it was my first real estate purchase and the first time something big was mine. Not my parents' or family's, or something I shared with someone else. It was all mine. Since it was a new construction, I made the decisions on counter tops, flooring, wall colour, cupboards and the extra deep tub (which I barely used in end).
In less than 40 days, I will no longer be a resident of Ottawa.
That's weird too.
I came to this city for a 5 month contract and ended up staying almost 10 years. The largest part of my time here has been great. There have been a few less than stellar moments, but when I leave I will leave with great fondness for the city and its residents. Okay, most of its residents.
Thinking about design and science
I came across another geat TED.com video about Design and the Elastic Mind.
According to the TED website "MOMA design curator Paola Antonelli previews the groundbreaking show "Design and the Elastic Mind" -- full of products and designs that reflect the way we think now."
Enjoy!!
According to the TED website "MOMA design curator Paola Antonelli previews the groundbreaking show "Design and the Elastic Mind" -- full of products and designs that reflect the way we think now."
Enjoy!!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Media Lab Exhibition
Last night at the Lennox Contemporary Gallery was the CFC Media Lab exhibition of the prototypes created by the 2008 residents. Five groups with five projects that touch the themes of conversation and connection to community.
After two days of building walls, tables, and podiums, mounting projectors and screens and hiding miles of cables under grey and white gaffer tape, we finally got our projects up and ready to be presented to the VIP crowd that the CFC had invited.
It was a great event. We finally got to show the world our projects and engage in conversations about them. Press from the Space Channel, Toro magazine, CBC and elsewhere milled about interviewing the residents.
Of course there were the obligatory speeches, delightfully short and to the point, and appreciated by all. And we received official notification that we'd graduated and were now among the ranks of treasured alumni.
All in all it was a lovely evening. One that ended with an unexpected yet pleasant surprise.
After two days of building walls, tables, and podiums, mounting projectors and screens and hiding miles of cables under grey and white gaffer tape, we finally got our projects up and ready to be presented to the VIP crowd that the CFC had invited.
It was a great event. We finally got to show the world our projects and engage in conversations about them. Press from the Space Channel, Toro magazine, CBC and elsewhere milled about interviewing the residents.
Of course there were the obligatory speeches, delightfully short and to the point, and appreciated by all. And we received official notification that we'd graduated and were now among the ranks of treasured alumni.
All in all it was a lovely evening. One that ended with an unexpected yet pleasant surprise.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Conditionally Sold
After much griping about how long it was taking to find a buyer for my condo, I finally got an offer. I guess I was expecting it all to happen quickly. And really, getting it sold in less than a month isn't that bad. What with the doom and gloom of the North American economy and the upcoming general election, I guess folks were thinking longer about their real estate choices. But I am happy to say that I received a good offer for my lovely home and I have accepted it. I just have to wait for the conditions of sale to go through and then I can pull out the bubbly.
So now I have to enjoy every last minute of the 5 weeks I have left in my lovely home.
So now I have to enjoy every last minute of the 5 weeks I have left in my lovely home.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
You can't take it wth you
In August, I decided to put the condo up for sale. I had no idea that it would be such a traumatic experience. Sure, I have been planning the move back to Toronto for a while, but this act really made it a reality.
I can't believe the effort it took to de-clutter the place to get it ready for going on the market. You practically have to remove everything that says "hello there, this is my house". When I enter my place now, it echoes in a way I haven't heard since the week I moved in. I quite like the minimalism of it all, though. All the clear countertops and order.
But, it's amazing the effort it takes to keep the place that way. Of course, it would be easier if my roommates actually cleaned up after themselves. Too much to ask of two cats, I realize. But I can dream.
Now after going through all this effort to sell the place, I realize how much I really love it. It's too bad you can't take your real estate with you when you change cities.
I can't believe the effort it took to de-clutter the place to get it ready for going on the market. You practically have to remove everything that says "hello there, this is my house". When I enter my place now, it echoes in a way I haven't heard since the week I moved in. I quite like the minimalism of it all, though. All the clear countertops and order.
But, it's amazing the effort it takes to keep the place that way. Of course, it would be easier if my roommates actually cleaned up after themselves. Too much to ask of two cats, I realize. But I can dream.
Now after going through all this effort to sell the place, I realize how much I really love it. It's too bad you can't take your real estate with you when you change cities.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Time to Reclaim Newbie Status
After almost 10 years in Ottawa, I have decided to move back to Toronto. Originally, I came here for a 5 month work contract. I had had no intention of staying in the city, as quaint as it was. However, 5 months turned into 18. And then I was offered another job. I took that, happy to continue the appearance of regular pay cheques and a chance at a career.
Now, I find myself in a strange position at work. I can no longer pass myself off as one of the "young 'uns", even if ideologically I am more aligned with the twenty-somethings than my own peers. I sailed past that age bracket a few years ago and am fast slamming into middle-age/middle-manager. I am far from being a newbie, so I can't use that excuse for not remembering the HR policy on this silly thing or that silly thing. And sadly, I have been in the organization long enough to watch a number of my friends leave.
Over the last few years, I have had the slowly building feeling that it's time to make a change. I've learned a tremendous amount, and while there is always more to learn, it's time to reclaim newbie status and tackle another steep learning curve in a new job and a new neighbourhood.
About a month ago, I decided to stop waffling and pick a definite date to move back to Toronto. Christmas 2008 is the deadline that I've announced to the universe - job or no job. Gotta act with intent, I say. Some think I am crazy for setting such a short deadline or leaving the security of life here behind. That may be, but I believe in what I am doing and know it's the right thing. I was getting tired of hearing myself warble and complain. If it wasn't fun for me, I can only wonder at how painful it must have been for my friends.
The decision has been really invigorating. I have all sorts of energy these days to put into doing the things that I used to feel passionate about. It's a welcome change after months of dragging my heels. Of course, I am bummed about leaving my friends. They have become an important part of my life. But I can't help being excited about seeing old friends more regularly again.
Growing up my family moved around a lot. We moved house often, we moved countries many times. Nine and a half years is a seriously long time for me to stay in one place. So I guess it's testament to how wonderful Ottawa is that I have stayed this long.
Now, I find myself in a strange position at work. I can no longer pass myself off as one of the "young 'uns", even if ideologically I am more aligned with the twenty-somethings than my own peers. I sailed past that age bracket a few years ago and am fast slamming into middle-age/middle-manager. I am far from being a newbie, so I can't use that excuse for not remembering the HR policy on this silly thing or that silly thing. And sadly, I have been in the organization long enough to watch a number of my friends leave.
Over the last few years, I have had the slowly building feeling that it's time to make a change. I've learned a tremendous amount, and while there is always more to learn, it's time to reclaim newbie status and tackle another steep learning curve in a new job and a new neighbourhood.
About a month ago, I decided to stop waffling and pick a definite date to move back to Toronto. Christmas 2008 is the deadline that I've announced to the universe - job or no job. Gotta act with intent, I say. Some think I am crazy for setting such a short deadline or leaving the security of life here behind. That may be, but I believe in what I am doing and know it's the right thing. I was getting tired of hearing myself warble and complain. If it wasn't fun for me, I can only wonder at how painful it must have been for my friends.
The decision has been really invigorating. I have all sorts of energy these days to put into doing the things that I used to feel passionate about. It's a welcome change after months of dragging my heels. Of course, I am bummed about leaving my friends. They have become an important part of my life. But I can't help being excited about seeing old friends more regularly again.
Growing up my family moved around a lot. We moved house often, we moved countries many times. Nine and a half years is a seriously long time for me to stay in one place. So I guess it's testament to how wonderful Ottawa is that I have stayed this long.
In Search of Creativity
About a year ago, I discovered Hugh Mcleod's blog "gapingvoid". At first, I was attracted to his cartoon drawings - pithy sayings and crazy doodling all laid out on the back of business cards. It all seemed to work together. After a time I got into his writing. He blogs about web2.0 and marketing with a sense of humour that appeals to me, mostly because he thumbs his nose at corporate culture. I'm down with that.
It's funny how you can happily lose yourself and lots of time on the internet. It started off with checking and updating my twitter account. I saw that gapingvoid had been busy, so I followed along and was lead to his blog post - How to be Creative. Pearls of wisdom. I particularly like points #6, #13, #19, and #22.
It's funny how you can happily lose yourself and lots of time on the internet. It started off with checking and updating my twitter account. I saw that gapingvoid had been busy, so I followed along and was lead to his blog post - How to be Creative. Pearls of wisdom. I particularly like points #6, #13, #19, and #22.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Social Media Breakfasting in Ottawa
A friend and I attended the 2nd official Social Media Breakfast in Ottawa. It was a well attended affair, and in my neighbourhood. It took place in the offices of Overlay.tv in a building I have often admired on my walks around the neighbourhood. My friend and I couldn't help comparing the office space, which was open, bright and airy with the cubicle farms we spend our days in.
It was refreshing to be surrounded by folks from the Ottawa private sector. I think it must have been the first time that I had been in such a sitution. When you think of two solitudes in Ottawa, it's not the French-English divide. In my experience, it's the private sector-public sector divide. The excitement and energy in the room was quite the change from the government events I sometimes attend.
I was pleasantly surprised by the experience and have discovered a whole group of people I didn't know existed. Even someone who deals with Government.
It was refreshing to be surrounded by folks from the Ottawa private sector. I think it must have been the first time that I had been in such a sitution. When you think of two solitudes in Ottawa, it's not the French-English divide. In my experience, it's the private sector-public sector divide. The excitement and energy in the room was quite the change from the government events I sometimes attend.
I was pleasantly surprised by the experience and have discovered a whole group of people I didn't know existed. Even someone who deals with Government.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Post-vacation blues or is the universe just trying to tell me something?
I have been back from Cuba for a few days. Thankfully, the weather here is very nice. I don't think I could have dealt with returning to snow and cold. I've taken a vacation in winter a couple of times and just couldn't deal with returning to a world of grey (grey people, clothes, roads, skies, floors, offices).
So I have made the decision not to venture outside of Canada during the winter months. It's not that I love winter. In fact, if I never had to live through another winter, it would be a very, very long time before I started to miss the snow and cold temps. It's just that I would rather live through the pain than escape to paradise and then have to return to hell. I guess that reveals a fair bit about my personality.
So, I am delighted to see leaves bursting forth from the trees outside my kitchen and living room windows. I can just feel the energy bubbling under the surface. And I am told we will have cold temps and possibly snow next week. I'm actively ignoring this information and focussing on good images like the beautiful beaches and countryside I experienced in Cuba.
Every time I vacation at the beach, I have to ask myself what the hell I am doing in a cold country. I guess the truth of it is that it's living here that makes it possible for me to take vacations to the beach. Still, my desire is still to retire somewhere warm and by the sea.
Being by the sea also reminded me of how important it is for me to reside by a large body of water. The rivers of Ottawa are lovely and it's great that there are lots of lakes nearby. But really and truly, I know in my heart I am supposed to be by the sea.
So, I guess it's all of this that is making me feel kinda down. I know that I don't have much to complain about. I'm healthy, employed, have great friends and living in the best country in the world (that I have experienced so far). Still, there is this sense of dissatisfaction lurking around the edges. I always seem to go through this when I get back home after a trip. It's the possibilities of another life in another place. This feeling has been popping up more and more frequently in recent years. Somehow, this time it feels different.
Perhaps the universe is telling me to get off your duff and bloody well do something.
Right, got it.
Over and out!
So I have made the decision not to venture outside of Canada during the winter months. It's not that I love winter. In fact, if I never had to live through another winter, it would be a very, very long time before I started to miss the snow and cold temps. It's just that I would rather live through the pain than escape to paradise and then have to return to hell. I guess that reveals a fair bit about my personality.
So, I am delighted to see leaves bursting forth from the trees outside my kitchen and living room windows. I can just feel the energy bubbling under the surface. And I am told we will have cold temps and possibly snow next week. I'm actively ignoring this information and focussing on good images like the beautiful beaches and countryside I experienced in Cuba.
Every time I vacation at the beach, I have to ask myself what the hell I am doing in a cold country. I guess the truth of it is that it's living here that makes it possible for me to take vacations to the beach. Still, my desire is still to retire somewhere warm and by the sea.
Being by the sea also reminded me of how important it is for me to reside by a large body of water. The rivers of Ottawa are lovely and it's great that there are lots of lakes nearby. But really and truly, I know in my heart I am supposed to be by the sea.
So, I guess it's all of this that is making me feel kinda down. I know that I don't have much to complain about. I'm healthy, employed, have great friends and living in the best country in the world (that I have experienced so far). Still, there is this sense of dissatisfaction lurking around the edges. I always seem to go through this when I get back home after a trip. It's the possibilities of another life in another place. This feeling has been popping up more and more frequently in recent years. Somehow, this time it feels different.
Perhaps the universe is telling me to get off your duff and bloody well do something.
Right, got it.
Over and out!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Viva Cuba
I'm off on Thursday to Cuba. It's a first time for me, which is kinda strange since I have been a huge fan of Cuban music for a very long time. You'd have thought that I might have made it there before.
My folks have been there several times and really love it. So they finally convinced me to accompany them. We will be in Varadero which I understand is very touristy, compared to other parts of the country. I hope to do some trips to other regions and get a better feel of what life is like there. I'll post pix when I get back.
My father confesses that the beach at Varadero is even more beautiful than our favourites - Sandy Lane, Miami or the Crane beaches in Barbados. I have seen beautiful beaches in Australia, Fiji and Hawaii but something still draws me to the beaches in Barbados. Perhaps it's because I have such strong childhood memories of body surfing, getting crushed by huge waves and swallowing gallons of sea water.
My folks have been there several times and really love it. So they finally convinced me to accompany them. We will be in Varadero which I understand is very touristy, compared to other parts of the country. I hope to do some trips to other regions and get a better feel of what life is like there. I'll post pix when I get back.
My father confesses that the beach at Varadero is even more beautiful than our favourites - Sandy Lane, Miami or the Crane beaches in Barbados. I have seen beautiful beaches in Australia, Fiji and Hawaii but something still draws me to the beaches in Barbados. Perhaps it's because I have such strong childhood memories of body surfing, getting crushed by huge waves and swallowing gallons of sea water.
A long break
Okay, so it's been a LONG while since I made the last post. And a hell of a lot has happened.
In January, we entered into serious production of our prototype - a Facebook application centred around fostering environmentally friendly and cooperative challenges. The idea is that you invite your friends to join you in doing something good for the environment. It was a fantastic process to go through the development of a prototype at the Canadian Film Centre Media Lab. Great ideas and suggestions flew at us from the faculty and other residents. It was a weird, tough, exhilarating and sometimes scary process. BUT, it all lead to a prototype that looks great and works.
We previewed our prototype in the middle of a snow storm in February. It was a crazy day and it took me three hours to get from the CFC home and back again. A few intrepid souls made it that night. Bless their lovely little hearts. No one I invited made it. I'm not going to take that personally.
We were lucky and we got some attention from the "green" world. We've been in discussion with an organization that is interested in being more active and visible on the Facebook platform and is looking to use our prototype to do so. I'll let you know what happens.
Once the program wrapped up, I packed up my things and headed back to Ottawa. It was hard to leave family and friends. It was especially hard leaving my group-mates as we were still trying to finish the app and build a company together. Thank goodness for skype. We manage to teleconference regularly and it doesn't seem to bad.
I've been back at work for about a month. While it's weird doing the 9-5 again and dressing like a gainfully employed adult, it never ceases to amaze me how easily you fall back into the old routine. A very good friend who used to work in the same organization has changed jobs. I miss being able to do lunch or coffee with her but am happy that she's off doing new things. I'm working with her and her creative partner on a creative project, and she's also a neighbour so that means we still get to hang out. And our conversations consist of things other than kvetching about work.
Speaking of work, I've returned to the group I used to work with from 2003 to 2006. It's good to be with old friends, who know you and whose work you are intimately familiar with. And luckily, I am able to focus on new technology issues and take advantage of the things I have learned at the CFC and previous work projects. It's nice to know that the time back at school wasn't just for my personal development but that work gets to benefit too.
So despite feeling a bit torn between two cities, I can't complain. I am getting paid to do what I am really interested in.
So now you are all caught up.
In January, we entered into serious production of our prototype - a Facebook application centred around fostering environmentally friendly and cooperative challenges. The idea is that you invite your friends to join you in doing something good for the environment. It was a fantastic process to go through the development of a prototype at the Canadian Film Centre Media Lab. Great ideas and suggestions flew at us from the faculty and other residents. It was a weird, tough, exhilarating and sometimes scary process. BUT, it all lead to a prototype that looks great and works.
We previewed our prototype in the middle of a snow storm in February. It was a crazy day and it took me three hours to get from the CFC home and back again. A few intrepid souls made it that night. Bless their lovely little hearts. No one I invited made it. I'm not going to take that personally.
We were lucky and we got some attention from the "green" world. We've been in discussion with an organization that is interested in being more active and visible on the Facebook platform and is looking to use our prototype to do so. I'll let you know what happens.
Once the program wrapped up, I packed up my things and headed back to Ottawa. It was hard to leave family and friends. It was especially hard leaving my group-mates as we were still trying to finish the app and build a company together. Thank goodness for skype. We manage to teleconference regularly and it doesn't seem to bad.
I've been back at work for about a month. While it's weird doing the 9-5 again and dressing like a gainfully employed adult, it never ceases to amaze me how easily you fall back into the old routine. A very good friend who used to work in the same organization has changed jobs. I miss being able to do lunch or coffee with her but am happy that she's off doing new things. I'm working with her and her creative partner on a creative project, and she's also a neighbour so that means we still get to hang out. And our conversations consist of things other than kvetching about work.
Speaking of work, I've returned to the group I used to work with from 2003 to 2006. It's good to be with old friends, who know you and whose work you are intimately familiar with. And luckily, I am able to focus on new technology issues and take advantage of the things I have learned at the CFC and previous work projects. It's nice to know that the time back at school wasn't just for my personal development but that work gets to benefit too.
So despite feeling a bit torn between two cities, I can't complain. I am getting paid to do what I am really interested in.
So now you are all caught up.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Avoidance Tactics
I've been popping back to the blog and thinking how I need to write something, anything. And then I leave it thinking, I can't write anything until I get the hundreds of other things done that need to be done first. And so time passes and I haven't taken made a blog post and I probably haven't done all the other things that absolutely and positively had to be done before the blog could be thought about.
What a vicious circle. How do I go about making it virtuous?
What a vicious circle. How do I go about making it virtuous?
Friday, January 4, 2008
I'm so excited. I've just discovered that I can embed TedTalks videos right on my blog. Today, I came across Isabel Allende's talk . And to celebrate this new discovery, I am sending this one out to all the creative women in my circle of friends and acquaintances. May you always find the time and space to express your creativity and humanity.
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