Excellent Week

I had an excellent week.  Everything went smoothly and we got a lot accomplished.  Devin did really well and the grass slowed down just enough to make things manageable.  I have never seen the grass so thick at this time of year.  We have not caught a break at all and hopefully this colder weather will really slow things down for the last five weeks of cutting.  I love grass cutting but, I am really looking forward to our last cut.  I am proud of our little team in how we have handled ourselves during this challenging year.  I am quite amazed at how well I have handled things mentally.  There is no way I would have been able to handle a year like this is if I had not made vast improvements with how I handle my thoughts and mood.  I have learned how to cope in a more efficient manner.  My biggest stride is that I have been able to separate work and home.  In years gone by and certainly with past jobs,  it was an immense struggle not to bring work home with me.  Stress and anxiety were often prevalent during my time off but, I have been able to really enjoy my time a way from work and not worry about things too much.  It certainly has made things easier for Jodi and I and our relationship has grown in a positive way.

I have my first day off of the year coming up on Monday.  I needed to book a day to see my doctor as my medications are out of refills.  It is good for me to check in anyway and it will give me a chance to meet my new physician as Dr. Otto is retiring.  It will be hard to duplicate the relationship I had built with Dr. Otto but, I am sure it will work out just fine.  I am also going to take my learners for my D license.  As I mentioned in a past blog, it was quite the process to be cleared to take my learners.  It still really bothers me that my bi-polar 2 disorder made things challenging with the the ministry of transportation in Ontario.  I have driven for over twenty years and consider myself quite a competent driver.  I feel they are discriminating in a way.  I can understand the meaning behind the process to an extent but, it has still been very frustrating for me. I will drive down to Humber college after I get my learners to book my driving lessons and my road test.  I cannot wait to finally get my D license as it will certainly open up some doors and give me another positive achievement to hang my hat on.

I am looking forward to the Praught clan coming in to Fergus later in October.  It will be awesome to see them all and get a chance to hear about Duane and Erin's one year journey in South America.  I am sure Duane will not let me forget the horrible trade I made with his fantasy hockey team, which I was in charge of while he was gone.  Still wish I had not slept through the draft.  Bernie and Karen will leave for Florida after visiting and I believe we are planning on going down there on March break.  Aunt Kaye is also coming in October and it is always great to see her.  She always has tonnes of energy and is fun to play cards with.

It is bath time for Ollie today.  He is not a big fan of baths but, he is long overdue.  I will take him for a good play today as well.  I am looking forward to relaxing this afternoon and catching up on some college football action.  I should probably get an oil change at some point too.

I am running 10km tomorrow in Oakville.  I am running in support of the Lighthouse Foundation which is an organization that helps families going through loss.  It is an important cause and I really want to finish the run.  I know I will finish as Amaya will be with me stride for stride.  I still think of her everyday and am certain she has been watching over me.  It will be great to see everyone there running for and supporting the A Team.  Les and Bart had some t-shirts made for us and I will wear it proudly.

I hope this finds you in good spirits.  Have a good weekend.  Take care,  Shawn.


“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”
― Helen Keller