Random thoughts......

I was just exhausted today.....could be that this is my 8th day working straight - with no day off till week's end, maybe the exercise...or thoughts wandering through my head. But tonight I needed to take a time out for myself. The red wine has somewhat "cleared" my head and allows me to feel less restrictive and more creative and open. Hence, my desire to write whatever is on my mind. (oh no!).
What is a true friend anyways? I guess different people will have various interpretations. I don't think it can be defined in black and white. For me, a friend is someone you never have to question whether they will be there for you, cause they always will be. A true friend, does not hide things and is not afraid of telling you the truth, when that is what you need to hear. A real friend wants to get to know you - your good stuff and bad stuff. They will love you for who you are. They will encourage you in things you need improvement on, and will praise you for what you are good at.
OK, another topic.
ME. Yep, I want to talk about me. I think I'm great (ok, stop laughing!). No really. I think I am a great person. Loving, empathetic, caring, openminded, honest, funny, attractive and unique. I am REAL. I no longer pretend who I am. Maybe it is late in my life, but I am finally gaining acceptance for myself and for that which I am not content with, I am making a conscience effort to change. A friend told me that many people don't take the effort to evaluate and reevaluate themselves. I am glad I am doing that for me. I want to be the best I can be. I want to reach for the stars. I want to look back on my life thinking about all I did, rather than all I wanted to do. I feel so good about myself right now, and I just want to progress and continue. This is a great ride.....where do I buy an unlimited pass for this rollercoaster of life?

Port Area and Cherry Beach

Yesterday afternoon, I was able to "escape" my duties as weekend manager for a while. I took advantage by going for a 5K run along the lakeshore, going eastbound to avoid the walking, biking and blading traffic. Proved to be a wise decision! I took the Martin Goodman Trail towards Cherry Street and then went south till the end. The Port Area of Toronto is quite interesting. I'd like to photograph there one day. When I used to go to dragonboating practice, I'd drive through the area. Lots of wreckage, abandoned buildings. A lot could be made out of this area as it does have some great water and skyline city views. However, all the land has been built up from landfill, so I'm not sure how stable it really is. I found it interesting that even though there are no people living in the area, a new Asian supermarket T&T, recently opened there. I bet there will be a spanking new townhouse development in the vicinity by next summer. Getting back to the topic though - ahem....there were quite a number of runners and bikers taking the same path as me, but there was a sense of urban tranquility (a new term...developed by moi). Then to my delight, at the end of Cherry Street, is Cherry Beach. I have never been there, but I know the rowing team in high school used to practice there. What a lovely area. Albeit, not too big, it was SO peaceful. A few people were sunbathing, and in the calms waters, there were sailboats and windsurfers. I sat on a broken tree branch and just soaked it all in. For 10 minutes, I was in a different place. And with the calm I found, I was ready to make the run back on the path and to work. I am so happy that I've learned to take time out for me, getting in touch with myself, my surroundings and living a more healthy and mentally balanced lifestyle overall. So far, I like it....I like it a lot!

Not a country bumpkin

I love the country - the clean"er" air, the quiet, water you can still swim and fish in, fields that last as far as the eye can see. I love the animals, the sounds, the peace. But, I am truly a city girl - born and raised. Wherever I am, I eventually need to get back to the cityscape. The hustle and bustle makes it all the more exciting. You can travel the world in a day with the variety of restaurants, shops and people around. The buildings with their architectural differences, the neighbourhoods, the harbourfront and parks for recreation. You can find it all in the city I live in. That's why I'm so happy to call it home.

Trail running kicks butt!

Despite a cold, after getting the opportunity to leave work early today, I couldn't help the desire to get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather. I put on my gear and out I went for a run in High Park. I managed 5K with only a few stops for water that only took up a max of 2 minutes. So overall, I was really pleased. I did some trail running which was most enjoyable. The soft ground was easier on my knees and the complexity of the path challenged me physically and mentally which I liked a lot. My slow"er" pace certainly helps me to run a longer distance and keep a good steady heart rate. Though my pedo-meter seems to be reading incorrectly, I guess it's a good thing because I'm running a longer distance than what it tells me! No fear, the iPod should be shipped off to me in a couple of days and then I'll finally be on board with Nike+. I'm hoping the music will distract me from any aches and tiredness and the experience will motivate me to run farther and eventually faster. Being competitive is definately in my nature....right now I enjoy competing with myself. In the long run however, I look forward to kicking someone's butt!

Kids..ya gotta love 'em

Tonight, I was in the company of the cutest, most comedic 4 year old boy. He was trying some red curry beef. All of a sudden he takes an ice cube out of his water glass with his fingers and puts the ice cube on top of a slice of the beef. When asked what he was doing, he confidently stated that he was trying to cool the beef down as it was too spicy. Ingenious!!!! I love the way kids think. It is so innocent, uncomplex and refreshing. Adults can certainly learn from them from time to time!!!

This is for you Dad

I've been participating in the Terry Fox Run for 6 years now. This year is the first time that I feel fit enough to run it, rather than walk. I have to say that I'm thrilled about that. However, this year, the Run is particularily important to me because my dad was diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year. Though I know many friends and family who have battled cancer, some successfully and some not, the disease has now hit home, literally. This September 16th, I run for my dad. The man in my life who has always put my interests ahead of his and who loves me with all his heart. I am so blessed to still have him and pray that he will be with us for a long time to come. Tomorrow, I will be thinking of him every step of the way with the hope that someday there will be a cure for cancer. I love you Dad. This one's for you. Thank you to all those who made donations.

The Anniversary of a Tragedy

Today is the 6th Anniversary of September 11th. I didn't want the day to go by without acknowledging the significance that day has for so many people, around the world. I remember that day very well, and exactly how I found out, how I felt, who I called. To this day, I don't know if there was anyone I knew who lost their life. Having studied in NY state, I am sure many of my old classmates from my university days, worked in NYC. But I didn't keep in touch with many of them and so I will never really know of their fate. A close friend was working in a neighbouring building at the time and I recall him telling me about the events of the day. Through "six degrees of seperation", there is another man who I know died that day. September 11th, affected so many people, in so many different ways. For the weeks after that tragedy, the world seemed like a smaller place. Loved ones were held more closely, calls were made to friends we hadn't heard from in a while. The world changed. I know that I look at life a little differently now....and I am a better person for it. My thoughts go out to everyone affected.

The Lo-Down on Wines

I'm no connoisseur...but after some schooling and lots of wine tasting and food pairing.....why not spread the joy! The Lo-Down is coming soon......Have a glass of wine (or two) while you wait....

Puuulease!

So the liberals and Dalton have said that should they be elected in the upcoming election, they will give us all an extra long weekend in February - called "Family day". If they throw in another long weekend in November, then I'm in!
(yeah right, as if there is nothing more substantial a government can bring to the table! Oi vay! I truly hope we are not all so stupid to give them a vote just because of this....)