The Dash
by Linda Ellis copyright 1996
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars…the house…the cash
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read,
with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent YOUR dash?
Sunday, November 10, 2013
The Dash - By Linda Ellis
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Throwback Thursday
A fellow blogger who has committed to 30 posts in 30 days has created Almost wordless Wednesdays, and Meatless Mondays because as you can imagine, it is hard to be creative every day.
Everyone loved over the spring and summer when I shared photos on Facebook on Throwback Thursdays. This social media phenom founds its way into the urban dictionary this year describing it as people posting photos from "a while" ago on their social media sites.
I just returned from a work trip to Cancun. As I was thinking about what to write for the first throwback Thursday post I was reminded of my very first trip that I took with friends - it was a trip to Cancun, right after we finished high school. It was March 1990.
"back in the day" - what happened on vacation really did stay on vacation. There were no cell phone photos, or videos, no digital camera, no computers = there was so social media. There wasn't instant gratification posting from the nearest WiFi area of the hotel. There were film cameras, and if you are lucky, maybe you still have some of those grainy, crappy photos that you would have developed back then. I see you, you are nodding in agreement with my last sentence.
In today's travel world, it is all about the all inclusive resort for most people. Not ALL people, but most people. How many a la carte restaurant options are there? Is there 24 room service? Is there at least one pool bar? These are all the questions I get asked every day.
Jack Tar Villages and Club Med were the first true all inclusive concept resorts. Meals, drinks and entertainment included - all in one price? What a great idea. My first trip to Cancun was not at a Club Med or a Jack Tar Village. If my memory serves (two out of the three girls I went with will read this post) we didn't even have all inclusive at the resort we stayed it. It was called Calinda Beach. I remember we paid for an oceanview room. Sure, it had a view of the ocean - no balcony and the window didn't open. This I remember, and probably for that, really understand and appreciate the beauty of the balcony. I may not like the beach, but I LOVE the sounds of ocean and listening to the waves come in.
I remember that we packed crackers and peanut butter.
I remember that we ordered pizza from Dominos and sat on the floor at ate it.
Again, I see you nodding, because if you ever went to Mexico back in the day, you ordered Dominos as well.
I remember that we went out on night for dinner at a really great Italian restaurant.
I remember we went to the market, and bought silver earrings and I bought a silver ring with my name on it. I think I still have it somewhere. The earrings, long gone, which is too bad, because I really loved them - lost one and even replaced the pair a couple of times on other trips to Mexico.
I was just looking through someone's Facebook photos (what happens on vacation now ends up on Facebook) and noticed a photo with numerous arm bands from the different clubs in Cancun that they went to while they were away. That is something that has not changed, but again, evolved. There are a lot of clubs that have an entry cost that will include unlimited drinks. Some of the clubs in Cancun (and I know elsewhere) put on shows inside and outside of the club area, so you can drink, watch the show, drink, dance, drink, try to scream any type of conversation to the people you are with. Oh, and did I say drink?
Part of the reason for going on these work trips beyond going and seeing the hotel, tasting the food, and experiencing the resort and destination is to look and observe the people at the resort. Look at the clientele that is there, do they seem to be having a good time, and who out of your personal client base would you think would be a good fit for this hotel/resort/destination.
Cancun was, is and I think will be for a long time, a strong destination, no matter what people say. People are travelling to Mexico, and they are going to Cancun, and they are going to the clubs, markets, shopping, etc. I saw proof of that last week.
1990 - 2013 - that is 23 years between my first trip to Cancun and my most recent trip to Cancun. I have a feeling I will go back to Cancun again soon. I will probably NOT be the one in the Facebook photo of the arm full of wristbands from the clubs, but more like the one sitting with a drink at the hotel lobby bar. That is the different of being 19 vs....well...you can do the math!!
Everyone loved over the spring and summer when I shared photos on Facebook on Throwback Thursdays. This social media phenom founds its way into the urban dictionary this year describing it as people posting photos from "a while" ago on their social media sites.
I just returned from a work trip to Cancun. As I was thinking about what to write for the first throwback Thursday post I was reminded of my very first trip that I took with friends - it was a trip to Cancun, right after we finished high school. It was March 1990.
"back in the day" - what happened on vacation really did stay on vacation. There were no cell phone photos, or videos, no digital camera, no computers = there was so social media. There wasn't instant gratification posting from the nearest WiFi area of the hotel. There were film cameras, and if you are lucky, maybe you still have some of those grainy, crappy photos that you would have developed back then. I see you, you are nodding in agreement with my last sentence.
In today's travel world, it is all about the all inclusive resort for most people. Not ALL people, but most people. How many a la carte restaurant options are there? Is there 24 room service? Is there at least one pool bar? These are all the questions I get asked every day.
Jack Tar Villages and Club Med were the first true all inclusive concept resorts. Meals, drinks and entertainment included - all in one price? What a great idea. My first trip to Cancun was not at a Club Med or a Jack Tar Village. If my memory serves (two out of the three girls I went with will read this post) we didn't even have all inclusive at the resort we stayed it. It was called Calinda Beach. I remember we paid for an oceanview room. Sure, it had a view of the ocean - no balcony and the window didn't open. This I remember, and probably for that, really understand and appreciate the beauty of the balcony. I may not like the beach, but I LOVE the sounds of ocean and listening to the waves come in.
I remember that we packed crackers and peanut butter.
I remember that we ordered pizza from Dominos and sat on the floor at ate it.
Again, I see you nodding, because if you ever went to Mexico back in the day, you ordered Dominos as well.
I remember that we went out on night for dinner at a really great Italian restaurant.
I remember we went to the market, and bought silver earrings and I bought a silver ring with my name on it. I think I still have it somewhere. The earrings, long gone, which is too bad, because I really loved them - lost one and even replaced the pair a couple of times on other trips to Mexico.
I was just looking through someone's Facebook photos (what happens on vacation now ends up on Facebook) and noticed a photo with numerous arm bands from the different clubs in Cancun that they went to while they were away. That is something that has not changed, but again, evolved. There are a lot of clubs that have an entry cost that will include unlimited drinks. Some of the clubs in Cancun (and I know elsewhere) put on shows inside and outside of the club area, so you can drink, watch the show, drink, dance, drink, try to scream any type of conversation to the people you are with. Oh, and did I say drink?
Part of the reason for going on these work trips beyond going and seeing the hotel, tasting the food, and experiencing the resort and destination is to look and observe the people at the resort. Look at the clientele that is there, do they seem to be having a good time, and who out of your personal client base would you think would be a good fit for this hotel/resort/destination.
Cancun was, is and I think will be for a long time, a strong destination, no matter what people say. People are travelling to Mexico, and they are going to Cancun, and they are going to the clubs, markets, shopping, etc. I saw proof of that last week.
1990 - 2013 - that is 23 years between my first trip to Cancun and my most recent trip to Cancun. I have a feeling I will go back to Cancun again soon. I will probably NOT be the one in the Facebook photo of the arm full of wristbands from the clubs, but more like the one sitting with a drink at the hotel lobby bar. That is the different of being 19 vs....well...you can do the math!!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
It's my job
I snapped at my dental hygenist tonight.
I didn't mean to, but it just happened. The same way as this post may sound like a bit of a rant, it isn't really. It is just a point to explain how people feel when things are said to them.
Here is how the conversation went down:
Hygenist: "You look nice and tanned, were you away?"
Me: "Yes, I was away for work."
Hygenist: "Where were you?"
Me: "Cancun."
Hygenist: "Work in Cancun, must be nice."
Me: "Whatever, let's move on".
I really didn't want to get into anymore with her. This is not the first time, or the second or third that this has happened to me. It happened a couple of weeks ago in a Facebook chat, with similar questions, and when I replied I was going to Cancun for work, the reply was "must be nice".
My job title is senior travel consultant. Travel agent. Travel Professional. Please note that each of those titles has the word TRAVEL in the title.
The funny thing about is that I compared to some people that I work with, I hardly travel. A co-worker took a three week vacation this past September. I have NEVER taken a three week vacation. I have never taken a TWO week vacation. This summer I took a 10 day vacation. That was the longest "vacation" I have ever taken in my 23 years of working in the travel business.
Yes, I have the opportunity to pay reduced rates for travel to see new hotels, destinations, experiences. It is all to enhance my job description - which is travel sales. If I know more about a hotel, destination, cruise line, theme park, I can sell it better to my customers. If I can make my customers happy, I will make my employer happy. If I can make my employer happy, I get to keep my job. And every two weeks I get a present in my bank account.
That is not any different than anyone that works full time.
I think I will end this here. I think you get the point I am trying to make.
I just read this tonight - "don't compare yourself to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about".
I didn't mean to, but it just happened. The same way as this post may sound like a bit of a rant, it isn't really. It is just a point to explain how people feel when things are said to them.
Here is how the conversation went down:
Hygenist: "You look nice and tanned, were you away?"
Me: "Yes, I was away for work."
Hygenist: "Where were you?"
Me: "Cancun."
Hygenist: "Work in Cancun, must be nice."
Me: "Whatever, let's move on".
I really didn't want to get into anymore with her. This is not the first time, or the second or third that this has happened to me. It happened a couple of weeks ago in a Facebook chat, with similar questions, and when I replied I was going to Cancun for work, the reply was "must be nice".
My job title is senior travel consultant. Travel agent. Travel Professional. Please note that each of those titles has the word TRAVEL in the title.
The funny thing about is that I compared to some people that I work with, I hardly travel. A co-worker took a three week vacation this past September. I have NEVER taken a three week vacation. I have never taken a TWO week vacation. This summer I took a 10 day vacation. That was the longest "vacation" I have ever taken in my 23 years of working in the travel business.
Yes, I have the opportunity to pay reduced rates for travel to see new hotels, destinations, experiences. It is all to enhance my job description - which is travel sales. If I know more about a hotel, destination, cruise line, theme park, I can sell it better to my customers. If I can make my customers happy, I will make my employer happy. If I can make my employer happy, I get to keep my job. And every two weeks I get a present in my bank account.
That is not any different than anyone that works full time.
I think I will end this here. I think you get the point I am trying to make.
I just read this tonight - "don't compare yourself to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about".
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
High Density Development
I didn't write a post last night. I wanted to, but it was an exhausting day, and I just didn't have the energy to write when I got home.
Last night I went to a community meeting being chaired by Councilman Alan Sheffman regarding more development in my neighbourhood. I shouldn't have been surprised that it was a "community meeting" and there were less than 15 people there from the entire community. I know that it was posted in our elevators in the condo, but I don't know what other kind of advertising there was about the meeting. More people SHOULD care, but it is the same when we have our AGM meetings or other meetings that require attendance, it is the same 15 - 20 people that always show up at the meetings.
This was to discuss the piece of land that is just north of Centre street at New Westminster. If you are familiar with the area - on the west side of the street you have No Frills, Winners and Homesense. On the East side of the street you have the Constantia Retirement residents and then a large empty parcel of land, well, it doesn't really look like a large parcel of land....until they show you what they want to build.
I knew that this area was going to have a lot of high rise development but I didn't realize how much when I bought my little piece of pie in the sky back in 2004. My complex was supposed to consist of what was supposed to be 7 buildings. They are currently working on buildings 7 - 9 and there are two more to come to end the project. That will be 11 high rise, high density condos.
The next project is this one I attended last night, which is to have two more buildings (not going up at the same time) high density, high rise condos. The are applying to the city to 'ammend their application'. The application they currently have is not for the maximum height allowed for a high rise, which is 22 stories. Their current application is for 18 stories, and they want to have it be the full 22 stories.
If you drive up and down Bathurst Street you are familiar with the green fence that borders the parcel of land from Beverley Glen and Bathurst to the Shoppers Drug Mart. That is purchased land that has been zoned for low rise development. They too have also recently applied to ammend their application to the city. They want to change their zoning from about 400 units to close to 800 units in that small area.
I wrote on the weekend about taking the subway "into the city" and the downtown core, and I realized that I am living in "downtown" Thornhill. In the next 5 - 7 years the landscape of Thornhill around the area that I live in is going to change drastically. There will be more high rises, and the arrival of the Rapid way transit system. They think that people are going to stop driving and get on the transit.....
Could be interesting for investors looking for properties to buy as they release the new buildings.
Time will tell.....but I do wish that this area had one thing that it is lacking....affordable housing. I would love to have a home of my own, in this area, but that is not remotely possible.
Last night I went to a community meeting being chaired by Councilman Alan Sheffman regarding more development in my neighbourhood. I shouldn't have been surprised that it was a "community meeting" and there were less than 15 people there from the entire community. I know that it was posted in our elevators in the condo, but I don't know what other kind of advertising there was about the meeting. More people SHOULD care, but it is the same when we have our AGM meetings or other meetings that require attendance, it is the same 15 - 20 people that always show up at the meetings.
This was to discuss the piece of land that is just north of Centre street at New Westminster. If you are familiar with the area - on the west side of the street you have No Frills, Winners and Homesense. On the East side of the street you have the Constantia Retirement residents and then a large empty parcel of land, well, it doesn't really look like a large parcel of land....until they show you what they want to build.
I knew that this area was going to have a lot of high rise development but I didn't realize how much when I bought my little piece of pie in the sky back in 2004. My complex was supposed to consist of what was supposed to be 7 buildings. They are currently working on buildings 7 - 9 and there are two more to come to end the project. That will be 11 high rise, high density condos.
The next project is this one I attended last night, which is to have two more buildings (not going up at the same time) high density, high rise condos. The are applying to the city to 'ammend their application'. The application they currently have is not for the maximum height allowed for a high rise, which is 22 stories. Their current application is for 18 stories, and they want to have it be the full 22 stories.
If you drive up and down Bathurst Street you are familiar with the green fence that borders the parcel of land from Beverley Glen and Bathurst to the Shoppers Drug Mart. That is purchased land that has been zoned for low rise development. They too have also recently applied to ammend their application to the city. They want to change their zoning from about 400 units to close to 800 units in that small area.
I wrote on the weekend about taking the subway "into the city" and the downtown core, and I realized that I am living in "downtown" Thornhill. In the next 5 - 7 years the landscape of Thornhill around the area that I live in is going to change drastically. There will be more high rises, and the arrival of the Rapid way transit system. They think that people are going to stop driving and get on the transit.....
Could be interesting for investors looking for properties to buy as they release the new buildings.
Time will tell.....but I do wish that this area had one thing that it is lacking....affordable housing. I would love to have a home of my own, in this area, but that is not remotely possible.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Parking
There is the 'great divide' amongst this city (and the city above the city). Those of us who live in the 905 vs those who live in the "GTA" or the 416. I have written before how I was mortified when I had to give up my 416 land line for my 905 one. I actually received this comment a couple of months ago, "why do you still have a land line?" To have or not to have a land line isn't what this story is about....
Anyone who has attempted to drive anywhere in this city is aware of the fact that all the parking lots are gone. They have all been taken up by condos. A few weeks ago I attended an event at the Arcadian Court event venue space. Have you EVER tried to park around there? Well, if you did, you probably ended up at the city hall parking lot.
I am happy to say that I have found the best parking lot in the city. It just happens to be the TTC parking lot at Wilson Heights. I know!! Not even close to the downtown core, however three times in the last three weeks I have been downtown and parked there.
First time: Parking cost: $4
During a recent day off from work, I decided to spend the day downtown doing some good for others. Originally I was going to park at Downsview but that lot was full. I knew that Yorkdale would be full, and for a brief second thought I would drive. I didn't want to drive, not just because the hassle of driving downtown, or the $20 it would have cost to park. It was more about spending the 25 minutes on the subway listening to music and taking a well needed time out. I asked on the intercom where I else there was to park. The unfriendly voice on the other end told me to go to Wilson Heights, there was a big parking lot. Not only that, but the entrance to the subway is right there, not a walk, like Downsview or Finch for that matter.
A friend has a child at sick kids and I brought her lunch, and we spend a few hours talking, and catching up, as well as visiting her son. I have only ever been in the NICU one other time, and let me tell you, it is quite the place. It also allows us to be grateful that we live in a city with a hospital like Sick Kids, or Princess Margaret - life saving hospitals at our front door.
My second stop was visiting a family member at Mount Sinai, where again, I realized that the time you give to others is so important. What seems like a small gesture to one, is a HUGE gesture to another. I was glad that I was able to do both. While I was on the train on the way home, I felt very good about the day that I spent.
Second time: Parking cost: $2
Two weeks ago I was going with two of my friends to see Josh Groban at the ACC. During the discussion about how to get down there, it was a no brainer...."the better way"...and parking at my new favourite place to park. The two other ladies I was didn't know about the lot, and because it was after work hours, we scored a spot right by the door, and within minutes we were on the train heading to the concert. Of course Union Station is short walk from the ACC....so we were good to go!
Today: Parking cost: FREE
Weekends are free to park....so really a no brainer. I was going to the International Woman's show at the convention centre, where I think onsite parking is $20. I parked for free and my tokens (3) were $8, so I was ahead of the game, and have one left over for future use.
For those of you who know me well, you know that subways were not always my thing. In fact, for a very long time, I avoided them. But now, if it makes sense to use the subway as a mode of transportation, I would choose it. I am NOT saying that I want to become a commuter and work downtown....please do not misunderstand me, I admire those who do that every day, but that is not me. I know...never say never, but for now, the odd time (3 in 3 weeks) is just fine with me.
Thanks for reading, see y'all tomorrow!
Anyone who has attempted to drive anywhere in this city is aware of the fact that all the parking lots are gone. They have all been taken up by condos. A few weeks ago I attended an event at the Arcadian Court event venue space. Have you EVER tried to park around there? Well, if you did, you probably ended up at the city hall parking lot.
I am happy to say that I have found the best parking lot in the city. It just happens to be the TTC parking lot at Wilson Heights. I know!! Not even close to the downtown core, however three times in the last three weeks I have been downtown and parked there.
First time: Parking cost: $4
During a recent day off from work, I decided to spend the day downtown doing some good for others. Originally I was going to park at Downsview but that lot was full. I knew that Yorkdale would be full, and for a brief second thought I would drive. I didn't want to drive, not just because the hassle of driving downtown, or the $20 it would have cost to park. It was more about spending the 25 minutes on the subway listening to music and taking a well needed time out. I asked on the intercom where I else there was to park. The unfriendly voice on the other end told me to go to Wilson Heights, there was a big parking lot. Not only that, but the entrance to the subway is right there, not a walk, like Downsview or Finch for that matter.
A friend has a child at sick kids and I brought her lunch, and we spend a few hours talking, and catching up, as well as visiting her son. I have only ever been in the NICU one other time, and let me tell you, it is quite the place. It also allows us to be grateful that we live in a city with a hospital like Sick Kids, or Princess Margaret - life saving hospitals at our front door.
My second stop was visiting a family member at Mount Sinai, where again, I realized that the time you give to others is so important. What seems like a small gesture to one, is a HUGE gesture to another. I was glad that I was able to do both. While I was on the train on the way home, I felt very good about the day that I spent.
Second time: Parking cost: $2
Two weeks ago I was going with two of my friends to see Josh Groban at the ACC. During the discussion about how to get down there, it was a no brainer...."the better way"...and parking at my new favourite place to park. The two other ladies I was didn't know about the lot, and because it was after work hours, we scored a spot right by the door, and within minutes we were on the train heading to the concert. Of course Union Station is short walk from the ACC....so we were good to go!
Today: Parking cost: FREE
Weekends are free to park....so really a no brainer. I was going to the International Woman's show at the convention centre, where I think onsite parking is $20. I parked for free and my tokens (3) were $8, so I was ahead of the game, and have one left over for future use.
For those of you who know me well, you know that subways were not always my thing. In fact, for a very long time, I avoided them. But now, if it makes sense to use the subway as a mode of transportation, I would choose it. I am NOT saying that I want to become a commuter and work downtown....please do not misunderstand me, I admire those who do that every day, but that is not me. I know...never say never, but for now, the odd time (3 in 3 weeks) is just fine with me.
Thanks for reading, see y'all tomorrow!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Could it really be?
November is National Blog Post Month. 30 posts in 30 days. I was first introduced to this by an extended family member - blogger who's blog I had been reading on a regular basis three years ago. When I saw that she was going to challenge herself to write 30 posts in 30 days I thought I would throw down the gauntlet and try it as well.
The first year, I was able to make it through. It was tough, to find interesting things to talk about every day for a month. Last year, I wasn't able to make it through. A friend of mine sent me a private message that it seemed like it wasn't fun, and why do it if you aren't enjoying it. I stopped around the 15th of the month last year.
It is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of another year. I went to walmart this morning to see if they had any discounted Halloween candy and you can see that the seasonal aisle is already taking shape with shades of red and green taking over from the black and orange of the last few weeks.
The leaves are almost all gone. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking pictures of my friend's family.
It was such a beautiful day at the Mill Pond. The sun was a bit challenging, but the photos turned out amazing, and my friend was very happy with the final product. I drove past this one tree as I was heading to the photo shoot and made a mental note to come back and take picture on the way home. As you can see, I did. What you can't see are all the amazing yellow and orange leaves on the ground underneath the tree. It was on private property (and the ground was wet) or I may have just made a pile and lay down on them.
This amazing tree below was actually on my condo property in our back parking lot.
Taken the same day, I had to stop before I went into the underground to admire the beauty of fall.
And now, the beauty has fallen away. We change our clocks tomorrow night and fall is falling away, and winter is arriving.
I hope you will come along with me for my November ride. Until tomorrow....
The first year, I was able to make it through. It was tough, to find interesting things to talk about every day for a month. Last year, I wasn't able to make it through. A friend of mine sent me a private message that it seemed like it wasn't fun, and why do it if you aren't enjoying it. I stopped around the 15th of the month last year.
It is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of another year. I went to walmart this morning to see if they had any discounted Halloween candy and you can see that the seasonal aisle is already taking shape with shades of red and green taking over from the black and orange of the last few weeks.
The leaves are almost all gone. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking pictures of my friend's family.
Taken the same day, I had to stop before I went into the underground to admire the beauty of fall.
And now, the beauty has fallen away. We change our clocks tomorrow night and fall is falling away, and winter is arriving.
I hope you will come along with me for my November ride. Until tomorrow....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)