Two Weeks
All my troubles on a burning pile, all lit up and I start to smile.
Showing posts with label winter is cruel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter is cruel. Show all posts
November 24, 2009
February 2, 2009
He's At It AgainNo, not Michael Phelps and his bong (HA!), but that pesky Philly rodent. And you know what he saw --his shadow. Which means were in for a loooong winter, six weeks longer to be exact. This is the second year in a row that little jerk groundhog saw his shadow. It could be more then the second actually, but I will never forget last years winter in TO and I will never forget hearing the news of its extension. Nothing could have been worse. But if winter look’s anything like it has during these last two days, I think I can survive.
April 7, 2008
Un-Broken
When I came to Ryerson it was the end of eighteen years in the same home. All I knew was Coquitlam. I had spent endless nights roaming the streets of my city, hanging out and growing up with my close group of friends, hating and loving the small extended network of everything familiar. Then I moved three provinces away.
In hindsight, coming to Toronto was similar to finding a new guy –the beginning is always the sweetest. It was fresh and more then exciting to be somewhere so unlike home. I was beyond overwhelmed when I first stepped foot onto Yonge Street. It was humid, and overcast and just past four in the afternoon on the Saturday before the last week of August. And I will never forget walking through Dundas Square with my Mom and fretting slightly at the immensity of the city around me.
It was like I had just laid eyes on the ideal man. Each time I stepped into the sunshine that fall I got a fluttery feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had so much to learn about my new home, so much to get acquainted with. With every new person I met and every new place I discovered I was falling more and more in love with my east coast world.
And then…came winter. Winter in Toronto was nothing like winter on Harbour Drive. The cold blasts of air and white washed streets were not a magical snowy wonderland like I had hoped. The honeymoon stage was over. The city and I had become far too comfortable with each other and I started to notice things I had dizzyingly overlooked in the beginning. I was getting cold feet, figuratively and literally.
This past winter was the worst. Even though it was only my second in the town, it was a record maker even by Ontario standards. I was heart broken. What happened to the Toronto I had fallen for? Where did the always exciting town that had captivated my attention and delayed my yearnings for the west go? With the constant drifting of snow came my ever-growing uncertainty for the future of my relationship with the TO. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this place.
And then came last weekend. The dearly missed sun showed her face again and the temperature was not the only thing warming. My broken heart began to mend as I realized just why I liked Toronto when we first met those short years ago. The chirping of birds walking through the quad at school, the patios coming out of hibernation and the discovery of new faces and places while strolling at midnight –it all came back.
But of course, as always, it’s bittersweet. Just when you think things can go back to how they once were, they don’t. They never do. I return to Vancouver in a mere 9 days. And while my time left is short and sweet, it will be enough. Enough to make me thankful for making the trek two short years ago and enough to make me anticipate my return next fall.
Thank you Toronto…we’re not finished yet.
When I came to Ryerson it was the end of eighteen years in the same home. All I knew was Coquitlam. I had spent endless nights roaming the streets of my city, hanging out and growing up with my close group of friends, hating and loving the small extended network of everything familiar. Then I moved three provinces away.
In hindsight, coming to Toronto was similar to finding a new guy –the beginning is always the sweetest. It was fresh and more then exciting to be somewhere so unlike home. I was beyond overwhelmed when I first stepped foot onto Yonge Street. It was humid, and overcast and just past four in the afternoon on the Saturday before the last week of August. And I will never forget walking through Dundas Square with my Mom and fretting slightly at the immensity of the city around me.
It was like I had just laid eyes on the ideal man. Each time I stepped into the sunshine that fall I got a fluttery feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had so much to learn about my new home, so much to get acquainted with. With every new person I met and every new place I discovered I was falling more and more in love with my east coast world.
And then…came winter. Winter in Toronto was nothing like winter on Harbour Drive. The cold blasts of air and white washed streets were not a magical snowy wonderland like I had hoped. The honeymoon stage was over. The city and I had become far too comfortable with each other and I started to notice things I had dizzyingly overlooked in the beginning. I was getting cold feet, figuratively and literally.
This past winter was the worst. Even though it was only my second in the town, it was a record maker even by Ontario standards. I was heart broken. What happened to the Toronto I had fallen for? Where did the always exciting town that had captivated my attention and delayed my yearnings for the west go? With the constant drifting of snow came my ever-growing uncertainty for the future of my relationship with the TO. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this place.
And then came last weekend. The dearly missed sun showed her face again and the temperature was not the only thing warming. My broken heart began to mend as I realized just why I liked Toronto when we first met those short years ago. The chirping of birds walking through the quad at school, the patios coming out of hibernation and the discovery of new faces and places while strolling at midnight –it all came back.
But of course, as always, it’s bittersweet. Just when you think things can go back to how they once were, they don’t. They never do. I return to Vancouver in a mere 9 days. And while my time left is short and sweet, it will be enough. Enough to make me thankful for making the trek two short years ago and enough to make me anticipate my return next fall.
Thank you Toronto…we’re not finished yet.
February 10, 2008
Working Out, Winter Style
While the weather outside is still -unfortunately- frightful, it has come to my attention that the excess of snow and slush may have multiple benefits for your body. If the frigid temperatures and un-desirable driving conditions have forced you to put your new year’s resolutions on hold, fear not! Hear are four simple things you can do when winter weather strikes the GTA.
1) While walking to school, the subway or work, take the back alleys. A usually frowned upon area of travel, these alleys serve as an excellent forum to attain your daily cardio blast. Typically un-plowed and uneven with snow, the open space is perfect for faking an in the city cross country ski path. Simply bend your knees, place your feet flat on the slippery surface below and slide your way to the other end of the alley. To increase your calorie burn, pump your arms in opposition of your feet as you slip along. Don’t be discouraged if people cast un-approving glances your way. Instead visualize their bodies as trees surrounding your snowy cross country skiing trail, and smile knowing your taking full advantage of the winter wonderland around you.
2) If driving anywhere is out of the question. Utilize the variety of public transportation options available to you. Now I know you will not be the only one who decides to bus down to their local TTC subway station, and the over crowding of people on board may be more frustrating then convenient. However, instead of scowling at those who continue to inch into your bubble of personal space, use this time to tone up your abs. Just as the subway doors close, slightly bend your knees, let go of any system of support, relax your arms by your side, and ENGAGE those abs. When the momentum begins to slow as the subway resumes its regular speed, bend your knees further, all the while pulling your belly button towards your back and bracing yourself against the bodies desire to lurch forward. Continue this balancing game at each subway stop until you reach your final one, and your abs and thighs will thank you in the long run.
3) When crossing the street at an intersection, take the path less traveled. See that four foot high snow embankment beside the nicely plowed sidewalk entrance. Climb it. Depending on the height, you could even work in a couple lunges to the top, before having to contract your abs and thighs to safely come down the opposite side. No matter how steep or small these piles of snow are, walking up and then down them, gives your legs the chance to tone up, and gets your heart rate pumping. Repeat several times throughout the day and become one of the few people who don’t curse city workers for un-shoveled city sidewalks.
4) A trip to the local Dominions can be a lengthy excursion when the wintry weather hits Toronto. I always find that for some reason I'm not the only genius who decided to take advantage of the brief halt in snowfall to venture out and pick up some much needed items. But do not begin to tap your feet in impatience when standing in line to pay; instead use the time to firm up your arms. That’s right, evenly distribute your heavier items of purchase in each hand and begin those bicep curls. Depending on the weight, keep your reps to about 10-15 per side, and repeat three times. If the line is still backed once you’re done, take those same items and lift your arms straight up at your sides, holding the weights horizontally in line with your shoulders. Make sure to keep a slight bend in your knees, contracted abs, and shoulders pressed down and back. Hold the weights out for about 10 seconds and repeat three times. Make sure you have adequate space before doing this, as hitting the elderly women next you in line is generally frowned upon.
Voila! In one day you have turned your weather woes around and used the chilly city as an outdoor gym for your bod. Perhaps this winter weather is not as inconvenient as I thought? Never mind, it’s currently -10 with a wind-chill of -22 and an impending snow fall warning, how many days till spring again?
While the weather outside is still -unfortunately- frightful, it has come to my attention that the excess of snow and slush may have multiple benefits for your body. If the frigid temperatures and un-desirable driving conditions have forced you to put your new year’s resolutions on hold, fear not! Hear are four simple things you can do when winter weather strikes the GTA.
1) While walking to school, the subway or work, take the back alleys. A usually frowned upon area of travel, these alleys serve as an excellent forum to attain your daily cardio blast. Typically un-plowed and uneven with snow, the open space is perfect for faking an in the city cross country ski path. Simply bend your knees, place your feet flat on the slippery surface below and slide your way to the other end of the alley. To increase your calorie burn, pump your arms in opposition of your feet as you slip along. Don’t be discouraged if people cast un-approving glances your way. Instead visualize their bodies as trees surrounding your snowy cross country skiing trail, and smile knowing your taking full advantage of the winter wonderland around you.
2) If driving anywhere is out of the question. Utilize the variety of public transportation options available to you. Now I know you will not be the only one who decides to bus down to their local TTC subway station, and the over crowding of people on board may be more frustrating then convenient. However, instead of scowling at those who continue to inch into your bubble of personal space, use this time to tone up your abs. Just as the subway doors close, slightly bend your knees, let go of any system of support, relax your arms by your side, and ENGAGE those abs. When the momentum begins to slow as the subway resumes its regular speed, bend your knees further, all the while pulling your belly button towards your back and bracing yourself against the bodies desire to lurch forward. Continue this balancing game at each subway stop until you reach your final one, and your abs and thighs will thank you in the long run.
3) When crossing the street at an intersection, take the path less traveled. See that four foot high snow embankment beside the nicely plowed sidewalk entrance. Climb it. Depending on the height, you could even work in a couple lunges to the top, before having to contract your abs and thighs to safely come down the opposite side. No matter how steep or small these piles of snow are, walking up and then down them, gives your legs the chance to tone up, and gets your heart rate pumping. Repeat several times throughout the day and become one of the few people who don’t curse city workers for un-shoveled city sidewalks.
4) A trip to the local Dominions can be a lengthy excursion when the wintry weather hits Toronto. I always find that for some reason I'm not the only genius who decided to take advantage of the brief halt in snowfall to venture out and pick up some much needed items. But do not begin to tap your feet in impatience when standing in line to pay; instead use the time to firm up your arms. That’s right, evenly distribute your heavier items of purchase in each hand and begin those bicep curls. Depending on the weight, keep your reps to about 10-15 per side, and repeat three times. If the line is still backed once you’re done, take those same items and lift your arms straight up at your sides, holding the weights horizontally in line with your shoulders. Make sure to keep a slight bend in your knees, contracted abs, and shoulders pressed down and back. Hold the weights out for about 10 seconds and repeat three times. Make sure you have adequate space before doing this, as hitting the elderly women next you in line is generally frowned upon.
Voila! In one day you have turned your weather woes around and used the chilly city as an outdoor gym for your bod. Perhaps this winter weather is not as inconvenient as I thought? Never mind, it’s currently -10 with a wind-chill of -22 and an impending snow fall warning, how many days till spring again?
February 2, 2008
Happy Six More Weeks of FREAKIN Winter!
That’s right, Punxsutawney Phil the pride of Groundhogs everywhere, scurried out of his hole (cage) this morning down in Pennsylvania too see his stupid little shadow. And in case you don't already know what that means, save putting away the parkas and toques cause winter's here to stay.
For those of us living here in TO....yesterdays snow storm turned the city streets into a maze of puddles, valleys of slush and enough scattered salt to ruin every last inch of your new boots. Listening to the wind howl through the balcony's each night doesn't exactly make waking up any easier. I know Vancouver has seen its fair share of snow over the past weeks, but something about the picturesque mountain views and considerably warmer temperatures does not make me feel bad.
How long must we wait for the days of flip flops, BBQ's and no coat-check? The days where lying on hills, acquiring freckles and listening to country is considered more then acceptable. As I look out my window the mere thought of being able to take a casual stroll down the road or enjoy a drink patio side is enough to plunge me right into the winter blues. Perhaps February will breeze past rather un-noticed, and before we know it I'll be complaining about sweating through the heat. But until then a prediction of more winter to come leaves my optimism wounded.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
