I was at a breakfast meeting last Wednesday where somebody mentioned that the normal rainfall total for the month of April in Ottawa, Ontario is 60mm. At the time Ottawa had received 91mm. This is a clear indication that it has rained way too much.
The Rideau River was on the brink of overflowing its banks, but now it has receded. Meanwhile the Ottawa River is really full of water. Also signs that it has rained too much.
There are a lot of great things that come with rain. The grass is greener. Less pollen is floating in the air, my sinuses really like that. However, it's getting a bit tiresome to have to deal with rain everyday.
It kept me from flying on Friday evening. It's keeping me from spending more time outside. It's making a lot of days grey. It's just not very cool.
We have a week remaining in April. If mother nature wants to keep dumping water for the rest of the month, that's fine. When May comes, we better be getting some sunny weather.
Spring in Ottawa can be really nice. It can be a great city to have a tasty beverage on a patio. It's a great place to go for a walk or run. It can be very beautiful and you want to walk with your camera. However, when it rains everyday, none of that is much fun.
I admit it, I'm frustrated with the weather. It's a bunch of garbage. There is however an upside, the snow has all been washed away. It's been swept away in the Rideau and Ottawa Rivers. It isn't underfoot and slippery.
I know the weather impacts my mood but it's time for it to get better.
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Monday, January 6, 2014
The Warm Sector of a Complex Low
One of the nastiest weather situations is when you are in the warm sector of a complex low. If the low along a front is deep enough it will significantly bend the front until the is a wedge of warm air surrounded by cold air. It results in a lot of precipitation and general misery. One the cold front passes, the weather will return to more normal conditions.
It doesn't sound too bad, except in the winter.
Last night it warmed up quite a bit and rained most of the night. The nice part of the rain is to did beat back a bunch of snow but now the cold front has passed and everything is starting to freeze. Weather like this reeks havoc on a city. The roads ad sidewalks turn to skating rinks. The plummeting temperature combined with the whipping wind makes being outside miserable and it worsens by the second. It's not nice at all.
Today in Ottawa, we are experiencing this.
There are a few lakes from the rain and if you are parked in the lake, you may be there until the next warm day. I was standing in three inches of water on top of ice and the wind was blowing me along. Thankfully I did not fall down, that would have ruined my day.
The good part of bad weather is it does not last forever. This will pass and we will be back to typical winter weather, where if you dress for it, you can be outside. Travel to where you need to be will get easier and life will resume.
Ottawa has been having a rather vigorous winter. The Rideau Canal was open before New Year's Eve for the first time in a decade. It's been cold, it keeps snowing and it doesn't look like its going to let up anytime soon.
Being Canadian means you like to talk about the weather and right now the weather is not nice in the nation's capital, but like all things, good and bad, it will change.
It doesn't sound too bad, except in the winter.
Last night it warmed up quite a bit and rained most of the night. The nice part of the rain is to did beat back a bunch of snow but now the cold front has passed and everything is starting to freeze. Weather like this reeks havoc on a city. The roads ad sidewalks turn to skating rinks. The plummeting temperature combined with the whipping wind makes being outside miserable and it worsens by the second. It's not nice at all.
Today in Ottawa, we are experiencing this.
There are a few lakes from the rain and if you are parked in the lake, you may be there until the next warm day. I was standing in three inches of water on top of ice and the wind was blowing me along. Thankfully I did not fall down, that would have ruined my day.
The good part of bad weather is it does not last forever. This will pass and we will be back to typical winter weather, where if you dress for it, you can be outside. Travel to where you need to be will get easier and life will resume.
Ottawa has been having a rather vigorous winter. The Rideau Canal was open before New Year's Eve for the first time in a decade. It's been cold, it keeps snowing and it doesn't look like its going to let up anytime soon.
Being Canadian means you like to talk about the weather and right now the weather is not nice in the nation's capital, but like all things, good and bad, it will change.
Friday, January 3, 2014
It's Winnipeg Cold
Cold weather does something to people. If you know how to handle it or are just simply willing to put mind over matter, it will help you rise above others. A lot of people are simply defeated by the cold.
I don't like the cold but I don't let it beat me. Yes, I will spend less time outside and yes, it's not ideal but you cannot let the air temperature rule your life.
What makes it really Winnipeg cold is it is bright and sunny to add to the frigid temperatures. It looks cold. The snow looks crisp there is a lot of exhaust fog coming from every vehicle on the road. It's one of those days when you sit in your car, the springs don't compress.
I moved away from Manitoba to get away from, amongst other things, the cold winters. The good part is it is not nearly as dark in Ottawa in the winter, the sun comes up earlier and goes down later than in Winnipeg. i even noticed, that even though the sun was not up at 7am, the sky wasn't pitch black. This brings the hope of spring and renewal.
There are a couple of ways to put your mind over the cold. You can tell yourself it's not cold, but lets be honest, that only works so well. You can remind yourself that days like today make spring and summer so much better. That helps if it isn't cold for too many days in a row.
To really beat the cold you have to be tough. You have to make sure you don't give in, you wear warm clothes and you stay out of the wind. It's really the only way.
Ottawa has cold days but really doesn't have a cold winter. It's going to warm up, I'm going to grab my skates and I'm going to enjoy the canal because using the weather to your advantage is the best way to beat it.
I don't like the cold but I don't let it beat me. Yes, I will spend less time outside and yes, it's not ideal but you cannot let the air temperature rule your life.
What makes it really Winnipeg cold is it is bright and sunny to add to the frigid temperatures. It looks cold. The snow looks crisp there is a lot of exhaust fog coming from every vehicle on the road. It's one of those days when you sit in your car, the springs don't compress.
I moved away from Manitoba to get away from, amongst other things, the cold winters. The good part is it is not nearly as dark in Ottawa in the winter, the sun comes up earlier and goes down later than in Winnipeg. i even noticed, that even though the sun was not up at 7am, the sky wasn't pitch black. This brings the hope of spring and renewal.
There are a couple of ways to put your mind over the cold. You can tell yourself it's not cold, but lets be honest, that only works so well. You can remind yourself that days like today make spring and summer so much better. That helps if it isn't cold for too many days in a row.
To really beat the cold you have to be tough. You have to make sure you don't give in, you wear warm clothes and you stay out of the wind. It's really the only way.
Ottawa has cold days but really doesn't have a cold winter. It's going to warm up, I'm going to grab my skates and I'm going to enjoy the canal because using the weather to your advantage is the best way to beat it.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Frosty
There isn't much to talk about these days besides the weather. I know it's very Canadian and probably a bit annoying but it seems to have taken over my life.
It's Winnipeg cold in Ottawa.
There, I said it. When it's really cold in Winnipeg everyone tries to minimize their time outside. That has been a bit tough for me to do since I walk for thirty minutes to get to work in the morning. Most of the time I love walking to work. There are the exceptions consisting of cold days and rainy days. At the moment we are stuck in a string of cold days.
Yesterday it was widely reported that it was going to be the coldest day in Ottawa in over eight years. That's significant. It was cold. It was cold enough that it impacted my mood. I don't want to do anything. I don't want to wake up or even cook a meal. It's the way I get when it's always dark and cold. The colder it gets the less exciting I get.
The weather can't stay like this forever. It should start to get a bit warmer by the week-end and at this point a bit warmer will feel pretty good. The bad weather days make the good weather days seem all the better.
I don't like January but as a friend of mine reminded me today, it's over next week.
It's Winnipeg cold in Ottawa.
There, I said it. When it's really cold in Winnipeg everyone tries to minimize their time outside. That has been a bit tough for me to do since I walk for thirty minutes to get to work in the morning. Most of the time I love walking to work. There are the exceptions consisting of cold days and rainy days. At the moment we are stuck in a string of cold days.
Yesterday it was widely reported that it was going to be the coldest day in Ottawa in over eight years. That's significant. It was cold. It was cold enough that it impacted my mood. I don't want to do anything. I don't want to wake up or even cook a meal. It's the way I get when it's always dark and cold. The colder it gets the less exciting I get.
The weather can't stay like this forever. It should start to get a bit warmer by the week-end and at this point a bit warmer will feel pretty good. The bad weather days make the good weather days seem all the better.
I don't like January but as a friend of mine reminded me today, it's over next week.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Holiday Stress
A lot of people find the holiday season stressful. Generally I do not. If you back up two steps its all about spending time together. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you are with people who matter to you. That being said, I have injected some new stress into my holidays this year.
Nothing has caused more stress for me over the course of my life than the weather. I have being flying aircraft in the VFR environment with some very restrictive crosswind limits since I was sixteen years old. Eventually it came to be how I make my living. There are a lot of flyable days in the year. There are also quite a few unacceptable days. Often it seems that when you have the people and resources lined up to go, the weather is not as nice as it should be. That's a fact of flying light aircraft in VFR conditions.
(For those of you who do not fly, VFR is Visual Flight Rules, which is flying with reference to the ground. If the clouds are too low or the visibility is too restricted, you can't fly.)
So, this year I have arranged to have a friend fly me in a Cessna 172 from Winnipeg to Brandon, so I can see my parents. This sounds like a good idea as long as the weather cooperates. The forecast has been good for the day since I could see a forecast for that day. However, the low cloud and snow was supposed to stop yesterday. It has not at the time of writing this. The good part is the bad flying weather has cleared out of Brandon. That is typical as most weather moves from west to east in this part of the world. The forecast is still good for the window we want. I'm confident that it will work out.
The difficult thing about weather is you have no control about it. Nothing you can do will exert any influence minute by minute or hour by hour. You just have to understand it, live with it, and adapt to it. When you are flying light aircraft, adapting is often not flying. This will but a wrench in my plans but it isn't then end of the world.
All this does create stress. I don't like stress on my holidays and I'm pretty good at avoiding it. Normally I just roll with the punches but this one is a bit tougher.
You have to admit. Renting a plane and flying to your parents for Christmas does have a high cool factor to it. It's like I'm a high roller except my destination is Brandon not Vegas or Dubai. If I don't fly, I will be disappointed but I'll survive. Just like we all survived the end of the Mayan Calendar.
Nothing has caused more stress for me over the course of my life than the weather. I have being flying aircraft in the VFR environment with some very restrictive crosswind limits since I was sixteen years old. Eventually it came to be how I make my living. There are a lot of flyable days in the year. There are also quite a few unacceptable days. Often it seems that when you have the people and resources lined up to go, the weather is not as nice as it should be. That's a fact of flying light aircraft in VFR conditions.
(For those of you who do not fly, VFR is Visual Flight Rules, which is flying with reference to the ground. If the clouds are too low or the visibility is too restricted, you can't fly.)
So, this year I have arranged to have a friend fly me in a Cessna 172 from Winnipeg to Brandon, so I can see my parents. This sounds like a good idea as long as the weather cooperates. The forecast has been good for the day since I could see a forecast for that day. However, the low cloud and snow was supposed to stop yesterday. It has not at the time of writing this. The good part is the bad flying weather has cleared out of Brandon. That is typical as most weather moves from west to east in this part of the world. The forecast is still good for the window we want. I'm confident that it will work out.
The difficult thing about weather is you have no control about it. Nothing you can do will exert any influence minute by minute or hour by hour. You just have to understand it, live with it, and adapt to it. When you are flying light aircraft, adapting is often not flying. This will but a wrench in my plans but it isn't then end of the world.
All this does create stress. I don't like stress on my holidays and I'm pretty good at avoiding it. Normally I just roll with the punches but this one is a bit tougher.
You have to admit. Renting a plane and flying to your parents for Christmas does have a high cool factor to it. It's like I'm a high roller except my destination is Brandon not Vegas or Dubai. If I don't fly, I will be disappointed but I'll survive. Just like we all survived the end of the Mayan Calendar.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Everything Looks Better in the Sunshine
For the first day of Spring the weather couldn't get much better. As I walked home in the +25 degree Celsius weather I noticed that everyone seemed to be happy.
There was a lot of smiling. Car windows and sunroofs were open. The music was turned up. People were high-fiving. It was definitely spring.
It's no secret I'm not a big fan of Winter but it does have an upside, winter makes you how great Spring can be. Even the tulips in front of my building are poking through the ground.
I know everyday cannot be this nice. Next week the forecast is calling for more seasonal temperatures but for now, everyone should enjoy the Springtime weather.
There was a lot of smiling. Car windows and sunroofs were open. The music was turned up. People were high-fiving. It was definitely spring.
It's no secret I'm not a big fan of Winter but it does have an upside, winter makes you how great Spring can be. Even the tulips in front of my building are poking through the ground.
I know everyday cannot be this nice. Next week the forecast is calling for more seasonal temperatures but for now, everyone should enjoy the Springtime weather.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
State of Mind
The weather can really impact your state of mind. The last few days have been a roller coaster of undesirable weather. It was Winnipeg cold then we had a bit of a snowstorm. It wasn't a huge dump of snow but the freezing rain that was mixed in made it miserable. Currently in western Canada, it's super cold.
Bad weather gets into your head. It kills your motivation. It makes you want to lay on the couch and do nothing. The only way to overcome this miserable state is to stay active and power through it until better days arrive.
Bad weather doesn't stay around forever. It will pick up and things will get better. Until then, we have to keep up with the things we like to do. It will help the bad weather days move by a bit quicker.
Bad weather gets into your head. It kills your motivation. It makes you want to lay on the couch and do nothing. The only way to overcome this miserable state is to stay active and power through it until better days arrive.
Bad weather doesn't stay around forever. It will pick up and things will get better. Until then, we have to keep up with the things we like to do. It will help the bad weather days move by a bit quicker.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Snow Messes With People's Heads
So far this fall there had been absolutely no snow in Ottawa. That all changed last night. We got a good dump of snow. Now there are the usual things that people say when it starts snowing. You what they are.
Why do people forget how to drive.
Make sure you take extra time to clean off your car.
You know the stuff, but this isn't about that.
The first snowfall messes with people's heads. Yesterday was a much colder day but people were wearing basically the same this as several days before. Once the snow falls, everyone seems to think they need to dress as Nanook of the North. I understand changing footwear. you may want more traction and to not get snow in your shoes but even though it was much warmer today people had heavy coats on and big scarves. I do understand wearing a hat. Snow in your hair can be annoying.
It just seems to flip a switch when the snow starts to fly.
It's important to make decisions based on the facts. If it is warmer than the day before, then you should dress appropriately. If its colder then put on more clothes. Don't bundle up just because its snowing.
My whole perception may be swayed by living so many years in Manitoba but if you think its cold, and you are not on the Prairies in winter, think again.
Why do people forget how to drive.
Make sure you take extra time to clean off your car.
You know the stuff, but this isn't about that.
The first snowfall messes with people's heads. Yesterday was a much colder day but people were wearing basically the same this as several days before. Once the snow falls, everyone seems to think they need to dress as Nanook of the North. I understand changing footwear. you may want more traction and to not get snow in your shoes but even though it was much warmer today people had heavy coats on and big scarves. I do understand wearing a hat. Snow in your hair can be annoying.
It just seems to flip a switch when the snow starts to fly.
It's important to make decisions based on the facts. If it is warmer than the day before, then you should dress appropriately. If its colder then put on more clothes. Don't bundle up just because its snowing.
My whole perception may be swayed by living so many years in Manitoba but if you think its cold, and you are not on the Prairies in winter, think again.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Have You Ever Seen The Rain?
It was a raining day yesterday in Ottawa. It looks like it will be a rainy week. I much prefer the thunderstorm method of rain delivery. Not only do you get all the excitement of the thunder and lightning but you also get a quick shot of rain and you are back to sunshine.
I realize it is annoying to get caught out in a thunderstorm. It can be scary if you can't get to shelter and hail can hurt as well as being destructive but I will take that over days of continuous rain.
I finds several grey rainy days to be a bit depressing. I admit, it gets to me. Now that I live in Ottawa and tend to walk many places as well as spend time outside, I find rainy days bother me even more.
All that being said, you can't change the weather so my only option is to live with it. Besides, if rainy days are my biggest complaint, life is pretty good.
I realize it is annoying to get caught out in a thunderstorm. It can be scary if you can't get to shelter and hail can hurt as well as being destructive but I will take that over days of continuous rain.
I finds several grey rainy days to be a bit depressing. I admit, it gets to me. Now that I live in Ottawa and tend to walk many places as well as spend time outside, I find rainy days bother me even more.
All that being said, you can't change the weather so my only option is to live with it. Besides, if rainy days are my biggest complaint, life is pretty good.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
It A Sign When...
It's probably not going to be a great day when you are awoken by the sound of wind blowing past your window and it's not your alarm that brings you out of your dream state.
The weather in Ottawa was rather nasty. It made my walk to work unpleasant. However it wasn't as bad I thought it would be. I basically had a tailwind as i walked so the rain wasn't really driving into my face. There were a few moments that the 35 knot gusts made walking unpleasant but it was only a few moments.
After work I walked to the gym. This wasn't as good. As I left the office it started to rain harder and ice pellets fell from the heavens. The water was running off the front of my jacket and soaking my pants. I think this was partly due to me having to walk into the wind. As I got close to the pedestrian underpass near the Rideau Centre I noticed a large group of people congregating in the underpass. It turns out is was a 4-20 party in full swing. I'm not sure if this is a bad thing but it was a minor inconvenience.
After the gym it was only misting as I walked home.
All in all the day really wasn't that bad. It had some moments that I would prefer to forget but I'm safe and healthy so really how bad could it be?
The weather in Ottawa was rather nasty. It made my walk to work unpleasant. However it wasn't as bad I thought it would be. I basically had a tailwind as i walked so the rain wasn't really driving into my face. There were a few moments that the 35 knot gusts made walking unpleasant but it was only a few moments.
After work I walked to the gym. This wasn't as good. As I left the office it started to rain harder and ice pellets fell from the heavens. The water was running off the front of my jacket and soaking my pants. I think this was partly due to me having to walk into the wind. As I got close to the pedestrian underpass near the Rideau Centre I noticed a large group of people congregating in the underpass. It turns out is was a 4-20 party in full swing. I'm not sure if this is a bad thing but it was a minor inconvenience.
After the gym it was only misting as I walked home.
All in all the day really wasn't that bad. It had some moments that I would prefer to forget but I'm safe and healthy so really how bad could it be?
Friday, February 18, 2011
11 Degrees and Sunny
It depends on the time of year but on February 18th in Canada, 11 degrees and sunny is better weather than you could ever hope for. The weather has breathed life into the city. People want to be out and about. They are not in such a rush. They are just loving life a little bit more.
As I walked to and from work I didn't have to wear gloves. I wore a spring jacket. I didn't feel I had to go as fast as possible to stay warm and get out of the cold.
Just the idea of this weather brings joy to people. It becomes the topic of conversation and everyone is on the same side. Everyone is pleased with the mild spring breezes.
Spring is a time of renewal. The earth awakens from it's long winter sleep. However in Ottawa the earth isn't as sleepy as Manitoba. It seems to shut down sooner and get up earlier. I'm ok with that. I'm sure we are not out of all the wintery weather, but it has sure been a lot better than a typical Winnipeg winter. As I continue to discover this new city, I'm quite pleased with the mid-February weather. At least for this year.
As I walked to and from work I didn't have to wear gloves. I wore a spring jacket. I didn't feel I had to go as fast as possible to stay warm and get out of the cold.
Just the idea of this weather brings joy to people. It becomes the topic of conversation and everyone is on the same side. Everyone is pleased with the mild spring breezes.
Spring is a time of renewal. The earth awakens from it's long winter sleep. However in Ottawa the earth isn't as sleepy as Manitoba. It seems to shut down sooner and get up earlier. I'm ok with that. I'm sure we are not out of all the wintery weather, but it has sure been a lot better than a typical Winnipeg winter. As I continue to discover this new city, I'm quite pleased with the mid-February weather. At least for this year.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Putting Winter Behind Me
Looking at the forecast for the rest of the month, I think the worst of winter is behind me. There are a lot of plus temperatures this week and quite a bit of rain. The snow could be all gone by the end of the week. If you are rid of the snow it just makes it easier to get up in the morning.
I know I don't like winter very much. I know the sooner it departs the fix, the happier I am. It seemed that January dragged on for me but February is flying by. The month is over half over. The warming trend makes it easier. I have also been quite busy as of late, which is the key tomgetting through winter.
I'm not sad to see winter go. I'm looking forward to spring as it brings a feeling of rebirth and renewal. Living in Ottawa it just comes a little sooner than I am used to.
I know I don't like winter very much. I know the sooner it departs the fix, the happier I am. It seemed that January dragged on for me but February is flying by. The month is over half over. The warming trend makes it easier. I have also been quite busy as of late, which is the key tomgetting through winter.
I'm not sad to see winter go. I'm looking forward to spring as it brings a feeling of rebirth and renewal. Living in Ottawa it just comes a little sooner than I am used to.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snowy
Since moving to Ottawa I have noted it snows a lot here. Not a lot falls every day but a lot of days it falls. Today we are catching the edge of a rather intense storm that formed in Texas. It was rather bad this morning ut it seems to be tapering off a bit.
Here's the ting about snow, it's a hassle. Everyone likes sunshine. If you have a proper storm sewer system rain takes care of itself. Snow on the other hand accumulates. It will melt but depending where you live that may be months from now.
Snow makes you change how you drive. It reduces traction and can redirect your vehicle without your permission or consent. It forces you to plan ahead and pay attention while you drive. In 2011 in Canada we have become rather accustomed to convenience and instant access. We don't like to plan ahead, we don't want it to take any longer than it should. From time to time nature stands up and reminds us that our lives are small and can be petty in the grand scheme and we should go with the flow and not fight the current at every turn.
To ensure I'm not mis-understood, I don't want to deal with snow. I just know that when it comes I need to adapt. That may be why I have so little stress in my life.
Here's the ting about snow, it's a hassle. Everyone likes sunshine. If you have a proper storm sewer system rain takes care of itself. Snow on the other hand accumulates. It will melt but depending where you live that may be months from now.
Snow makes you change how you drive. It reduces traction and can redirect your vehicle without your permission or consent. It forces you to plan ahead and pay attention while you drive. In 2011 in Canada we have become rather accustomed to convenience and instant access. We don't like to plan ahead, we don't want it to take any longer than it should. From time to time nature stands up and reminds us that our lives are small and can be petty in the grand scheme and we should go with the flow and not fight the current at every turn.
To ensure I'm not mis-understood, I don't want to deal with snow. I just know that when it comes I need to adapt. That may be why I have so little stress in my life.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Winnipeg Cold
It was -29 degrees Celsius this morning when I left to walk to work this morning. That's Winnipeg cold. There was an upside, the sidewalks were not slippery so I could walk fairly quickly. It took my usual thirty minutes to get to the office. I caught quite a few lights along the way.
There were a few things I noticed today. The most obvious is people were very bundled up. I don't blame them. It was cold. There were significantly fewer pedestrians on the sidewalks. I think what I liked the most is there were no vagrants anywhere on my walk home. Usually there are some around and they can be a bit much to deal with.
It looks like the coldest is over. It is supposed to warm up a bit over night and be -16 in the morning. I realize that is not quite suntanning weather but it will feel quite a bit better than this morning did. If it warms up to single digits during the day, going home will be quite fine.
A Winnipeg cold is a real shock to the system. You need one once in a while, mainly to remind you how good you have it most days. I'm happy we are not in for a 2 week deep freeze. That would be a bit much.
There were a few things I noticed today. The most obvious is people were very bundled up. I don't blame them. It was cold. There were significantly fewer pedestrians on the sidewalks. I think what I liked the most is there were no vagrants anywhere on my walk home. Usually there are some around and they can be a bit much to deal with.
It looks like the coldest is over. It is supposed to warm up a bit over night and be -16 in the morning. I realize that is not quite suntanning weather but it will feel quite a bit better than this morning did. If it warms up to single digits during the day, going home will be quite fine.
A Winnipeg cold is a real shock to the system. You need one once in a while, mainly to remind you how good you have it most days. I'm happy we are not in for a 2 week deep freeze. That would be a bit much.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Mind Over Weather
To be honest, I don't like winter. I never have and I probably never will. That being said, I don't have to succumb to the trappings of winter.
I think wee all need to understand how windchill works. Windchill is an approximation of what exposed skin feels based on the ambient temperature and wind speed. The windspeed is measured at the airport. This is out in the middle of a field. If you are walking next to a building that is shielding you from the wind, you cannot feel the windchill factor.
The other point is you can't let yourself feel defeated. You have to believe you can overcome the elements. You have to believe the weather is not bothering you. You have to look for the benefits you are currently enjoying.
Since moving to Ottawa, I now walk to work. The weather is not always nice. There have been several days that have been cold or very snowy. If you don't believe this is a bad thing, it won't bother you. I know we are not always perfectly cheerful but if you don't approach the weather with a generally positive disposition, you will lose to the weather.
It's easy to let the weather discourage you. You can't. There are too many days where it is not perfect, so you must make a point of living mind over weather.
I think wee all need to understand how windchill works. Windchill is an approximation of what exposed skin feels based on the ambient temperature and wind speed. The windspeed is measured at the airport. This is out in the middle of a field. If you are walking next to a building that is shielding you from the wind, you cannot feel the windchill factor.
The other point is you can't let yourself feel defeated. You have to believe you can overcome the elements. You have to believe the weather is not bothering you. You have to look for the benefits you are currently enjoying.
Since moving to Ottawa, I now walk to work. The weather is not always nice. There have been several days that have been cold or very snowy. If you don't believe this is a bad thing, it won't bother you. I know we are not always perfectly cheerful but if you don't approach the weather with a generally positive disposition, you will lose to the weather.
It's easy to let the weather discourage you. You can't. There are too many days where it is not perfect, so you must make a point of living mind over weather.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Snow Road
Last night Ottawa received it's first significant snowfall. Just like my time in Winnipeg, people complain about other drivers driving in the snow. On the one hand, it is comforting to know that people are the same everywhere. On the other hand it is a bit annoying to hear the complaining.
Given the very little driver training we do it is no wonder people have difficulties when difficulties when the conditions change. Driving is something we take for granted. A little bit of pre-thought and I'm sure everyone would have less difficulty with the snowy roads.
The great upside to this is the first significant snowfall in Ottawa was on December 14th. That is over a month later than when it happens in Winnipeg. This is a good thing. It would be nice to keep the winter weather to the winter months. Coming from a place where it can be wintery for all of November to March I can get used to this.
Last night was the first significant snowfall in Ottawa, and just like in Winnipeg is was a reason to complain about drivers.
Given the very little driver training we do it is no wonder people have difficulties when difficulties when the conditions change. Driving is something we take for granted. A little bit of pre-thought and I'm sure everyone would have less difficulty with the snowy roads.
The great upside to this is the first significant snowfall in Ottawa was on December 14th. That is over a month later than when it happens in Winnipeg. This is a good thing. It would be nice to keep the winter weather to the winter months. Coming from a place where it can be wintery for all of November to March I can get used to this.
Last night was the first significant snowfall in Ottawa, and just like in Winnipeg is was a reason to complain about drivers.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
If It Keeps On Raining
If it keeps on raining, the levee's going to break. This line from the great Led song may be quite fitting in Manitoba these days. It has been raining a lot as of late. I have been flying a bit in the last few days and I can tell you there is a lot of water out and about. I realize there are no levees here like there is in New Orleans but the sentiment is the same. If it rains much more, especially in the Manitoba Interlake we may see the revival of Lake Agassiz.
I understand we need some rain but I think we have enough for the entire summer. This much rainy weather wears on people's morale. It is hard to be excited about life when it seems that water is always falling from the sky.
I also realize it may not rain for a month. This is Manitoba and I'm not sure if there is typical weather anymore. I'm good with it not raining much for the rest of the summer. The farmers don't need it. The crops are already ruined. If a deity controls the rain, and that deity happens to read my blog from time to time, it would be nice if we had a sunny summer from here on out.
I know there really isn't anything we can do about the weather but I hope it doesn't rain too much more.
I understand we need some rain but I think we have enough for the entire summer. This much rainy weather wears on people's morale. It is hard to be excited about life when it seems that water is always falling from the sky.
I also realize it may not rain for a month. This is Manitoba and I'm not sure if there is typical weather anymore. I'm good with it not raining much for the rest of the summer. The farmers don't need it. The crops are already ruined. If a deity controls the rain, and that deity happens to read my blog from time to time, it would be nice if we had a sunny summer from here on out.
I know there really isn't anything we can do about the weather but I hope it doesn't rain too much more.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Prospects of a Rainy Week-End
The Winnipeg forecast is for a lot of rain this week-end. It looks like outdoor activity will be limited to moving from one building to another. We have week-ends like this from time to time but it doesn't mean I have to like it.
I know there are people out there that like a rainy day. They like to curl up with a good book or watch a movie or 10. Some people even like to be outside in the rain. I'm all about personal choice and these don't seem to be my choices.
I may not want to spend every waking minute outside but I do like to be leisurely on my time off. I don't like to have to rush from my car. I guess if this is the worst part to have to run through the rain to my car then maybe things are ok.
A rainy week-end is usually a chance to get rested up a bit. I will take that as the busy time is coming at a great rate of knots. As for the rest of a rainy week-end, I really can't change a thing so I will do the best I can to enjoy it.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Sun Will Come Out.....Today
The continuous dense overcast layer that has been inhabiting Manitoba for the last month or so finally left, and lo and behold a great glowing how gaseous orb was spotted in the sky. I heard about this orb from a crazy old wizard one time. He called it the sun and spoke of magical powers it possesses. It can help create and sustain life and improve the well-being of mortals as they travel about the surface of this rock called earth.
I really noticed a difference as I walked to lunch with my good friend Kent. The sun was warm on my face and gave me a feeling of warmth and promise. Our daylight hours are dwindling and I am noticing. I see that as daylight gets more scarce I will miss it more. It is also good to know that the sun does come back out. I immediately feel better more optimistic when the magic orb makes an appearance. It was enjoyable to be outside and I have not felt that way for a while.
I would rather take two degrees Celsius and sunny than ten degrees Celsius and a cloudy, rainy day. Maybe its because it is better for both flying and photography (two things I enjoy very much) or maybe its just because a sunny day makes you feel all good.
I know that I may sound a bit nuts here but dude, I really like a sunny day.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Cloudy Days, Sweeping the Fun Away
It has been cloudy a lot lately. Cold dreary and cloudy. This has been going on for way too long. It has had a real effect on my mood. I'm not feeling as cheerful as I usually do. Now, I'm not saying I am always a big, bouncing ball of happy, but usually I'm reasonably cheerful. Lately I have not been so cheerful so on Tuesday I said, "That's it!" and booked a trip to fabulous Las Vegas.
It was impulsive. It was last minute, it will be fun. I am off to Sin City with a couple of friends for about 5 days, four nights of fun and stories I may not be able to tell.
I did this because I was in a rut and did not want to stay there. I know the weather can influence my mood. I do not want to let the world around me run me. I can make my own happiness, or at least have a say in how happy I am. I want to be a happy guy and until I booked the trip I was rather miserable.
The anticipation of going has cheered me up. The trip will be fantastic, and the memories and pictures will be with me forever.
I realize not everyone can just up and go on a holiday when they are feeling blue, but they can try to do something to cheer themselves up, and they should.
You have the ability to influence your happiness, so if the weather is getting you down do something to help you feel better.
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