Perspective

Yesterday I attended a memorial service. Thankfully not something I have had to do a lot, yet, in my life. This was, however, a particularly memorable event for more than its rarity. I was there to say goodbye to a colleague and mentor who was one of the few threads that tie my life as a student in Ontario to my life in Manitoba as a professor. But that is really not the important thing here. This was a woman of rare humanity and skill as a researcher, scholar and mentor; and yet was so much more. Here was a woman to look up to, someone to be like when "I grow up" because of the obvious passion with which she led her life. It seems so utterly unfair that this is the person who is diagnosed with cancer and then is gone in 4 months.

I'm going to be processing this for awhile, but I think the message I took from her wonderful eulogy is that if you want to do it, DO IT. If you care about people, animals, food and the world at large - love them all you can, share the bounties of your life, and let the people in your life know how special they are. Do it all, and do it now. You may not get a better time. Do good work, do it with conviction and passion, but remember that your work is not your life...ok a piece of it but not all of it.

Truthfully, I think the quote used in the eulogy from Hunter S. Thompson sums up where my thoughts are today:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke [glass of Pinot Grigio in hand!], thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!’”

Back at it...

Fall has arrived with a thud, and I'm back in the routine of teaching classes. Not too much that is challenging in teaching first and second year, but I like it. A couple of other small projects, and an invited article that isn't due to Feb. Feel pretty much in control and there have only been a few meetings requiring my presence. This afternoon I have a first - invited to a 'think tank' for design and architecture - they seem to think a geographer might have some interesting and useful info/perspectives on space, place and interiors. If I feel a tool I'll plead a headache and leave early, but it could be quite interesting...and I get dinner. Hopefully it is something I can eat, given my new healthy eating/weight loss regime.

Good news here. Feeling healthier and have dropped 20lbs now. What a difference. Still a ways to go to get to a truly healthy weight, but this is a big step in that direction. Hopeful that I will reach my goal of another 5-10 lbs lighter by the holidays, and another 20 by our trip to Florida in Feb. I think I can do it, sticking to the patterns of exercise and healthy eating (and portions) I have embarked upon.

Gotta just keep moving...

Fall Beckons

The weather has turned cool, and I swear I heard a Canada goose yesterday. Fall is here. And even if the weather hadn't changed, the university where I work is populated again. You'd think I'd get used to it after all these years, but the sudden appearance of students and faculty always seems a shock after the quiet of the summer. Classes don't start until Thursday, but the Orientation groups are marching around, and students are scurrying around trying to find rooms. Three different groups of students asked me for directions today - one particularly anxious student walked right into my office (I'm near a stairwell) breathless and lost. Students don't read the signs to see that if they turn one way, all they will get to are offices, not classrooms. Apparently wayfinding is a lost art.

I'm feeling pretty good about the new term. Got a new iMac so I have a LOVELY new computer that is fast and just well - cool! Rearranged and cleaned the office too - much much better. Fresh start, fresh look. Teaching first and second year courses that I've taught lots before - tweaking and updating but should be an easy term when it comes to teaching. A couple of projects on the go, but nothing huge at the moment. Going to enjoy and get some writing done - a book review and an article I've been thinking about for awhile.


The healthy living program is going well. Making sure I do something every day - WiiFit or exercise bike - more walking - or like this weekend - gardening and moving books (lots) up to the new home office. Still looking for shelves, but soon... Have now lost about 17 lbs and working on making 20 lbs or better gone by the end of the month. Getting used to lots of fruit, veg and fish. Feeling SO MUCH more energized. The ticket is I have to do something when I get up, when I feel most motivated.

Good news on the book front - my book that came out in July - well according to amazon.ca, yesterday there was only 1 copy left with the promise of more on the way!! So that means they are selling!! woohoo!! Wow - I might actually get a royalty cheque! YES! This is the best sort of affirmation.


So - have to just keep on keeping on, keep working, keep moving. So - I'm off for a walk.
See ya around the neighbourhood.