For most of my adult life the idea of fall meant a return to routine, living in my apartment, and eating what I want - when I want. I spent so many summers working away from home, the idea of an endless summer was not attractive.
This summer I did things I have never done.
I worked normal 5 day work weeks. I didn't work on Canada Day. I had two 3-day weekends in July. I exercised regularly. I wore shorts on a regular basis. I enjoyed my summer.
There are a few things I missed.
I didn't fly anything all summer. I like to fly and it used to be a big part of my summer. I miss helping people develop. I used to spend a lot of time, making others perform at a level higher than they thought they could.
I was at a point where a change was needed. It was time to live a bit more of a normal life. Of course, more normal usually means less exciting. There were not daily adrenaline shots. There wasn't the joy of a perfect tow shift where you were hitting your spots all day and putting on a clinic with your landings. However, I also didn't have to check my watch to have a beer. I normally knew when my workday would end. I could commit to things and not have to cancel at the last minute.
Looking aback on the summer that was i have come to realize that I think a summer of flying and a summer of normal work days both bring upsides and drawbacks. Either summer would be acceptable in the future.
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Staycation
I used to use a lot of my time to just stay home and chill out. It was a product of a lot of work travel. Since I moved and have reduced my work travel, I have have been using a lot of my time to go places, both near and far. Well, this last week I took the week off and just hung out.
I had very little on the schedule. The only thing I had to do was convince a doctor I had never met before that I was still healthy enough to fly airplanes. As it turns out, I am. I did a few things that you would expect, such as laundry and grocery shopping. I went to the gym three times, as I do most weeks. I saw a couple of movies and liked them both.
What I did with most of my off time is sleep.
I knew I was getting a bit tired but I had no idea how bad it had become. Getting tired is a slow and insidious thing. It doesn't happen overnight and each day you really aren't any worse than the day before. Over the long haul, you can get pretty tired and that's what happened to me.
On Friday I woke up refreshed. I looked at myself in the mirror as I brushed my teeth and noticed I looked much more refreshed. I have also noticed my mind is much sharper. I am thinking like I can.
I've always been a guy who will grind himself down. I feel I have to get things done or take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. It's a good way to live. It makes life worth living. The drawback is you can get really tired if you are not paying attention.
It was great to get caught up on some sleep. I feel I can take anything on. The alarm is set and I will take on anything that pops up, all because I took a staycation.
I had very little on the schedule. The only thing I had to do was convince a doctor I had never met before that I was still healthy enough to fly airplanes. As it turns out, I am. I did a few things that you would expect, such as laundry and grocery shopping. I went to the gym three times, as I do most weeks. I saw a couple of movies and liked them both.
What I did with most of my off time is sleep.
I knew I was getting a bit tired but I had no idea how bad it had become. Getting tired is a slow and insidious thing. It doesn't happen overnight and each day you really aren't any worse than the day before. Over the long haul, you can get pretty tired and that's what happened to me.
On Friday I woke up refreshed. I looked at myself in the mirror as I brushed my teeth and noticed I looked much more refreshed. I have also noticed my mind is much sharper. I am thinking like I can.
I've always been a guy who will grind himself down. I feel I have to get things done or take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. It's a good way to live. It makes life worth living. The drawback is you can get really tired if you are not paying attention.
It was great to get caught up on some sleep. I feel I can take anything on. The alarm is set and I will take on anything that pops up, all because I took a staycation.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Fit It In
I'm on a course this week so, I'm not walking 30 minutes to get to work everyday. The course has some good points but I had been feeling rather sluggish. Today we had to do a fitness test. I passed but, this isn't the point of this post.
The exercise I got during the test has markedly improved my mood. My mind is much closer to normal and I feel a lot healthier since the test. All this goes to proving that any time spent exercising is a benefit. It was less exercise than a normal day that I go to the gym and walk to work but it had huge results.
People often say they don't have time to exercise. They claim to be too busy at work or with family to work out. I look at it a different way. I think if you want to be effective at work and in your life you don't have time to not exercise. It is an investment that will pay back almost immediately. You will be able to think clearer, get your tasks done quicker, and have more energy after the workday to enjoy time with friends or family.
I'm not saying everyone needs to turn into a total gym rat. You don't need to be exercising six hours a day. If you want to, I won't suggest your don't but if you have some active living everyday you will see the quality of your life improve. I can say this with absolute certainty.
The easiest way to improve how you feel about yourself is to be active. It will give you energy to do more in less which frees up more time for the things you really want. You will have the capacity to overcome challenges which will make you feel more confident. It will even make you look a bit better and who doesn't want to look better?
I don't live in the gym but I do live actively and that's what matters.
The exercise I got during the test has markedly improved my mood. My mind is much closer to normal and I feel a lot healthier since the test. All this goes to proving that any time spent exercising is a benefit. It was less exercise than a normal day that I go to the gym and walk to work but it had huge results.
People often say they don't have time to exercise. They claim to be too busy at work or with family to work out. I look at it a different way. I think if you want to be effective at work and in your life you don't have time to not exercise. It is an investment that will pay back almost immediately. You will be able to think clearer, get your tasks done quicker, and have more energy after the workday to enjoy time with friends or family.
I'm not saying everyone needs to turn into a total gym rat. You don't need to be exercising six hours a day. If you want to, I won't suggest your don't but if you have some active living everyday you will see the quality of your life improve. I can say this with absolute certainty.
The easiest way to improve how you feel about yourself is to be active. It will give you energy to do more in less which frees up more time for the things you really want. You will have the capacity to overcome challenges which will make you feel more confident. It will even make you look a bit better and who doesn't want to look better?
I don't live in the gym but I do live actively and that's what matters.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Walking Lifestyle
Since moving to Ottawa I have started walking most places. I walk to work, the mall, for most of my entertainment, and to the gym. I haven't given up on driving but I don't need to very much. I like it. I wasn't sure if I would but I do.
Last weekend I was in Edmonton. That city isn't really set up for walking. There are a lot of large parking lots and urban sprawl. It's very difficult to a lot.
The differences make it clear that to have a waking lifestyle you need a city laid out to accomplish that.
There are other factors working against Edmonton being a walking place. It has a long cold dark winter. For much of the cold period the sun isn't up before you arrive at work and has gone down long before you leave for home. That can really discourage you from walking.
Edmonton is the capital of Alberta. The economy of Alberta relies heavily on oil extraction and refining. It would be reasonable to assume they would build their cities to use fuel.
When you walk you can see so much happening. You can take in the city. You can interact. It is part of living. You can feel the pulse. You get part of conversations. It can be quite entertaining.
I like my walking lifestyle. It's hard to deny it's a good way to live. It is very sustainable and today, I don't want to trade it for anything.
Last weekend I was in Edmonton. That city isn't really set up for walking. There are a lot of large parking lots and urban sprawl. It's very difficult to a lot.
The differences make it clear that to have a waking lifestyle you need a city laid out to accomplish that.
There are other factors working against Edmonton being a walking place. It has a long cold dark winter. For much of the cold period the sun isn't up before you arrive at work and has gone down long before you leave for home. That can really discourage you from walking.
Edmonton is the capital of Alberta. The economy of Alberta relies heavily on oil extraction and refining. It would be reasonable to assume they would build their cities to use fuel.
When you walk you can see so much happening. You can take in the city. You can interact. It is part of living. You can feel the pulse. You get part of conversations. It can be quite entertaining.
I like my walking lifestyle. It's hard to deny it's a good way to live. It is very sustainable and today, I don't want to trade it for anything.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Suburbia
I went into the suburbs today. Ottawa has a lot of them. Although the Byward Market always has people in it much of downtown Ottawa is very quiet on the week-end. Everyone returns to their suburb of choice.
Although I logically understand the appeal of the suburbs, emotionally they don't make any sense to me.
I had a specific reason to head out of the urban centre. I found where I was going and did what I had to do. I also stopped at a Burger King. This Burger King also had a Shawarma restaurant in the same location. It's a bit strange if you ask me.
I think what really bothers me about the suburbs is they are so planned. Cookie-cutter houses surrounding power malls. You could be in any city and it looks the same. There is a distinct lack of character. The randomness that stimulates the mind does not exist. You don't find the lawyer's office above the deli. The eclectic mix of people and business is missing. You have to drive anywhere. You travel in your car, separated from others. There is no random encounters on the street. Nobody will stop you to ask directions. Without this you may go from living life to merely existing.
I realize not everyone likes urban living. Some feel crowded and imposed upon. Some feel it is unsafe. I find the urban life to be interesting, sustainable, fun, and energizing. Being able to walk to most of what I need and want is a blessing. Being amongst people gives me energy. You don't get that in the suburban lifestyle.
I may have grown up in a very small town but I have become a city dweller and I don't want it any other way.
Although I logically understand the appeal of the suburbs, emotionally they don't make any sense to me.
I had a specific reason to head out of the urban centre. I found where I was going and did what I had to do. I also stopped at a Burger King. This Burger King also had a Shawarma restaurant in the same location. It's a bit strange if you ask me.
I think what really bothers me about the suburbs is they are so planned. Cookie-cutter houses surrounding power malls. You could be in any city and it looks the same. There is a distinct lack of character. The randomness that stimulates the mind does not exist. You don't find the lawyer's office above the deli. The eclectic mix of people and business is missing. You have to drive anywhere. You travel in your car, separated from others. There is no random encounters on the street. Nobody will stop you to ask directions. Without this you may go from living life to merely existing.
I realize not everyone likes urban living. Some feel crowded and imposed upon. Some feel it is unsafe. I find the urban life to be interesting, sustainable, fun, and energizing. Being able to walk to most of what I need and want is a blessing. Being amongst people gives me energy. You don't get that in the suburban lifestyle.
I may have grown up in a very small town but I have become a city dweller and I don't want it any other way.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
You Gotta Have.....
About a week ago I was walking home from work. As I walked down Rideau street in Ottawa I came upon a red light at King Edward. If you are unfamiliar with Ottawa, King Edward leads to one of the bridges to Quebec. It is one of the faster moving streets over the river, as such it it very busy at rush hour. There are a lot of streets on my walk home where you can cross against the light without any peril, this is not one of those streets.
So, as I wait for the light there is a guy crossing against the light. He's making a mess, causing cars to suddenly stop and flipping anyone the bird who gets too close to him. When he got to the curb he looks at the small group waiting for the light to change and yells out, "You gotta have balls!"
The next morning as I was walking to work I see the same guy, much more subdued, sitting on a short concrete wall by the Metro on Rideau, holding out an empty coffee cup, looking for change.
Now I realize this sequence is probably played out several times a week in many urban environments. The guy was obviously high as he crossed against the light. It didn't take balls it took drugs. I find it unfortunate that he is so misguided. He probably has some talent but for whatever reason has degraded to begging on the street to feed his habit.
This is not an anti-drug rant. This is a know your limits rant. It is easy for the good times to overtake reality and you end up somewhere you don't want to be. We all need to escape and have fun. Some people chose to alter their mind for a while. It's important to understand that your altered state should be the exception. We all have responsibilities, we need to maintain some balance in our lives. This one one example where the priorities may have got out of balance.
It's easy to laugh at the guy the next morning but maybe we need to do a better job at helping people maintain the proper balance in their lives.
So, as I wait for the light there is a guy crossing against the light. He's making a mess, causing cars to suddenly stop and flipping anyone the bird who gets too close to him. When he got to the curb he looks at the small group waiting for the light to change and yells out, "You gotta have balls!"
The next morning as I was walking to work I see the same guy, much more subdued, sitting on a short concrete wall by the Metro on Rideau, holding out an empty coffee cup, looking for change.
Now I realize this sequence is probably played out several times a week in many urban environments. The guy was obviously high as he crossed against the light. It didn't take balls it took drugs. I find it unfortunate that he is so misguided. He probably has some talent but for whatever reason has degraded to begging on the street to feed his habit.
This is not an anti-drug rant. This is a know your limits rant. It is easy for the good times to overtake reality and you end up somewhere you don't want to be. We all need to escape and have fun. Some people chose to alter their mind for a while. It's important to understand that your altered state should be the exception. We all have responsibilities, we need to maintain some balance in our lives. This one one example where the priorities may have got out of balance.
It's easy to laugh at the guy the next morning but maybe we need to do a better job at helping people maintain the proper balance in their lives.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Walk
I started my new job this week. I found a place within walking distance. It's a longer walk but it is quite manageable.
On the first day of work it had rained the night before. It was rather slippery. At one point I was doing the Bambi on ice. I could have but my skates on and skated in a few places. I did make it to work so all was well. It took me a bit longer to get there but I made it. On the way home yesterday it had warmed up and was raining very lightly. It was a bit damp but very manageable.
Today it was warmer. It was a fairly steady rain this morning. It let off as I walked to work. I managed to cut 7 minutes off my time from the first day. The best trip has been the walk home today. There was some sun, it was dry and 12 degrees C. It was a very nice walk. Walking home is a bit easier as it is primarily down hill. It is nice to have that at the end of the day.
I know there will be some colder, nastier days but I'm from Manitoba. I have seen some really bad winter days.
So far I seem to be enjoying this walking to work. I can see this getting better as my body gets more used to it. I also need to get back into my gym routine. With that I will be improving my fitness to where it should be.
I live in a new city and I like it so far.
On the first day of work it had rained the night before. It was rather slippery. At one point I was doing the Bambi on ice. I could have but my skates on and skated in a few places. I did make it to work so all was well. It took me a bit longer to get there but I made it. On the way home yesterday it had warmed up and was raining very lightly. It was a bit damp but very manageable.
Today it was warmer. It was a fairly steady rain this morning. It let off as I walked to work. I managed to cut 7 minutes off my time from the first day. The best trip has been the walk home today. There was some sun, it was dry and 12 degrees C. It was a very nice walk. Walking home is a bit easier as it is primarily down hill. It is nice to have that at the end of the day.
I know there will be some colder, nastier days but I'm from Manitoba. I have seen some really bad winter days.
So far I seem to be enjoying this walking to work. I can see this getting better as my body gets more used to it. I also need to get back into my gym routine. With that I will be improving my fitness to where it should be.
I live in a new city and I like it so far.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Looking Around
Do you every find yourself so caught up on your own life you don't see what is around you? I know I do. I get all tied up with work and commitments that I don't realize what is going on out there. Sometimes I feel like life is passing me by. I'm sure I lead a reasonably fulfilling life. I'm not unhappy. I just wonder some times what else is out there.
I live in Winnipeg. I have lived in Manitoba my whole life. I'm not sure why. I don't feel like I have to live here, I just seem to stay. Maybe, just maybe there is more out there. There are days when I think it can't get much better, but there are also days when I really wonder. I'm sure this is just human nature. I'm sure we all do it from time to time. I'm sure a great day will come my way and make me smile. I do have a lot of good stuff going for me. I have my health. As families go I have a pretty good one. As friends go I have great ones. I know who my real friends are and I can't do any better. I know they are there for me on the bad days and happy for me on the good days. I really can't do better in that department.
Despite all the good, I do wonder from time to time if it could be better. Maybe it could be. Maybe it should be. If I don't look to see what's out there I won't know. Maybe I should be living in a hut on some tropical island flying tourists around or maybe I should be in the rat race in Toronto or New York, or maybe I am in the right place.
I know as I write this I will not look back on life and have a huge disappointment, but sometimes you have to look around to see if you could have a more excitement, if that's what you want.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
In The Gym
I was at the gym today. This is nothing unusual, I normally go after work on Wednesdays. I did my normal routine. Once again nothing unusual. I don't seen to find the time to exercise a lot during the summer. The schedule I keep seems to get in the way of a regular workout regime. With the onset of fall I am back to a regular schedule.
My regular trips to the gym to lift heavy objects repeatedly and climb stairs to nowhere seems to be making a difference. I seem to managing stress better again. I am in no way perfect but I seem to be more optimistic and my mind seems to be clearer. I seem to be seeing the way to solutions better. I am sure the exercise is helping.
It is well know and widely accepted that exercise can help people manage stress. I'm sure this is not the only activity that can help. Everyone needs to find and do what helps them with managing stress.
If you can manage your stress better, your quality of life will improve. Enjoying life is contagious. It can spread if people are willing to let it and work to manage their stress.
We all have stressors in our life. Money, work, family, friends, and even the weather can build up. If you do not find what releases the stress, your life can become rather unpleasant.
Find out how to manage your stress, and do it. Life is way too short to not enjoy it.
My regular trips to the gym to lift heavy objects repeatedly and climb stairs to nowhere seems to be making a difference. I seem to managing stress better again. I am in no way perfect but I seem to be more optimistic and my mind seems to be clearer. I seem to be seeing the way to solutions better. I am sure the exercise is helping.
It is well know and widely accepted that exercise can help people manage stress. I'm sure this is not the only activity that can help. Everyone needs to find and do what helps them with managing stress.
If you can manage your stress better, your quality of life will improve. Enjoying life is contagious. It can spread if people are willing to let it and work to manage their stress.
We all have stressors in our life. Money, work, family, friends, and even the weather can build up. If you do not find what releases the stress, your life can become rather unpleasant.
Find out how to manage your stress, and do it. Life is way too short to not enjoy it.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Suburbs
Over the week-end I was out in the suburbs. It was a birthday party for the youngest kid of good friends of mine. There were grandparents there along with friends and neighbours.
I live in a downtown apartment. I really like the lifestyle. Many things are handy and there is always some action, good or bad.
I have to admit, I really enjoyed my time in the suburbs. We BBQ'ed. We played badminton. We had beer. We had a fire. It was laid back.
I saw for the first time in a long time why so many people choose to live this way. There was a sense of community. All the kids could run free. Pets were everywhere. I saw some true happiness. It was refreshing.
I may be a bit of an urban dweller, but I also like what the suburbs has to offer.
I live in a downtown apartment. I really like the lifestyle. Many things are handy and there is always some action, good or bad.
I have to admit, I really enjoyed my time in the suburbs. We BBQ'ed. We played badminton. We had beer. We had a fire. It was laid back.
I saw for the first time in a long time why so many people choose to live this way. There was a sense of community. All the kids could run free. Pets were everywhere. I saw some true happiness. It was refreshing.
I may be a bit of an urban dweller, but I also like what the suburbs has to offer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)