I came across an awesome video about mental health last night. If you go to www.thisvideo.ca , you will be able to watch it. It is very insightful and has a great message. I also watched another video I have previously seen but, it had such an impact, I anted to watch it again. It was three high school girls in the states who put together a speech called, Somewhere in America. If you search that title on youtube, you should be able to find it. Queen Latifah had them on her talk show and I am glad she did as their message is an important one to be heard. So if you have a chance in the next while, have a look at those two videos.
I had a good day today. Took Ollie for a play, cleaned up the house and went to the gym. Caught up with my dad in the afternoon and watched some spring training baseball. We are having a relaxing night tonight and I may go to bed early. I think I will be working tomorrow down in the city so I need to get a good sleep. We moved our bed to a new location and I am not a big fan. Haven`t been able to sleep well since the change so we will be moving it back over the weekend. Should be a fun night tomorrow as the Sweet 16 begins. I did not do so well in the first round of my bracket but, still have 9 of 16 teams left. I have Notre Dame beating Kentucky this weekend so hopefully they both win their games tomorrow. I would be looking pretty good if the number one seed was knocked off. I have Wisconsin winning it all.
I will probably work for the first time in months tomorrow and I have very little or no anxiety. If I look back three or four years a go, I would have been wrought with fear and anxiety about tomorrow and the upcoming season. Worrying about what will happen. Will I be able to handle it. What if I mess up. What if someone gets upset with me. Something bad will happen. All of these were just some of the things I used to drive myself crazy with. It just shows how far I have come. I have learned that I can only do my best and work hard. I cannot control every situation or what others may or may not say to me. There is no point of taking shit home with me as it never did me any good. Just have to finish each day, move on and try again the next day. Leave work at work and do my best to enjoy my free time at home. Will there be challenges along the way, most definitely. I have proven to myself that I am capable of handling a variety of situations, yes. So with that being said, I am ready to face anther season head on and hopefully we will maintain our high level of service and have some fun along the way.
Treehouse Masters is on tonight on Animal Planet. It has turned out to be one of my favourite shows. Pete Nelson and his crew are true craftsmen and I love the magic they are able to create up the trees. They don`t build your typical tree houses. It is amazing what they do. I am also looking forward to a new show premiering on HGTV in a couple weeks called Carver Kings. I love watching guys carve with chain saws and they are incredible artists to watch.
I have two books to choose from for my next novel. Will decide on the weekend. Hoping I can keep up with the reading now that I have finished my first book in over a year.
Hope you are well. Take care, Shawn.
When you get knocked down, get up, and continue the fight.
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Great Day
I had a great day yesterday. It was a beautiful day and I had a chance to spend some time outside. Also made it back to the gym after being a way last week. Felt good to lift some weight again. I got a chance to take Ollie for two plays up at the arena. I am sure he was pretty excited to go for a run. It was great to see most of the snow melted on the field at the arena too.
I took the opportunity with such a nice day to do some yard work outside. The long winter leaves dirt, gravel, garbage and some dead grass on most lawns. I got out the rake and raked all the dirt, gravel and dead grass out of the front lawn. It was amazing to see how much I got out of it with a good rake, filled our garbage bucket. I even rolled out the trimmer and made a nice vertical edge on the front walk. I also took out the old blower to blow off the dirt and gravel deposited on the driveway. I am sure our neighbors did not appreciate it as big plumes of dust floated through the air for a few minutes. It is amazing how much of an impact you can make on a landscape in a short period of time. I spent less than half an hour doing that work and our front already looks 100 per cent better.
I will also do some pruning in the next couple days. We have a rose of sharon that I will thin out. I have worked on it the last three years and every year it comes back bigger and better throughout the season. I think people are tentative to cut in to plants and shrubs but, spring is a great time to do it. Their is an art to it and if done right, it will benefit the plant or shrub immensely. They need good air flow so it is important to open things up to allow for that. I would not recommend just hacking in to your plants and shrubs. There are a lot of great videos on you tube that give some tutorials on how to thin out plants, trees and shrubs. I love my mom but, she hacked in to a hydranga at the front of the their house and it does not look good. She is also did it towards the end of last season which is not the best time as their is the risk of frost damaging where the cuts are made. Like I said, there are some good tutorials online that will give you some confidence with your pruning this spring.
I am going to get in a few days of work later this week which is great. Looking forward to being outside again and taking in the fresh air.
That is all for me today. Take care, Shawn.
Appreciate the small things in life.
I took the opportunity with such a nice day to do some yard work outside. The long winter leaves dirt, gravel, garbage and some dead grass on most lawns. I got out the rake and raked all the dirt, gravel and dead grass out of the front lawn. It was amazing to see how much I got out of it with a good rake, filled our garbage bucket. I even rolled out the trimmer and made a nice vertical edge on the front walk. I also took out the old blower to blow off the dirt and gravel deposited on the driveway. I am sure our neighbors did not appreciate it as big plumes of dust floated through the air for a few minutes. It is amazing how much of an impact you can make on a landscape in a short period of time. I spent less than half an hour doing that work and our front already looks 100 per cent better.
I will also do some pruning in the next couple days. We have a rose of sharon that I will thin out. I have worked on it the last three years and every year it comes back bigger and better throughout the season. I think people are tentative to cut in to plants and shrubs but, spring is a great time to do it. Their is an art to it and if done right, it will benefit the plant or shrub immensely. They need good air flow so it is important to open things up to allow for that. I would not recommend just hacking in to your plants and shrubs. There are a lot of great videos on you tube that give some tutorials on how to thin out plants, trees and shrubs. I love my mom but, she hacked in to a hydranga at the front of the their house and it does not look good. She is also did it towards the end of last season which is not the best time as their is the risk of frost damaging where the cuts are made. Like I said, there are some good tutorials online that will give you some confidence with your pruning this spring.
I am going to get in a few days of work later this week which is great. Looking forward to being outside again and taking in the fresh air.
That is all for me today. Take care, Shawn.
Appreciate the small things in life.
Monday, 23 March 2015
Back From the Sun
Jodi and I got back from our trip to Florida last night. We had an amazing time and managed to squeeze in a lot of activities in a week. I am not sure how Jodi found the energy but, she kept us moving the whole time. We had a great time with Bernie and Karen. It was so nice to catch up with them and hopefully we will have a chance to go back next year.
It was a good week for me mentally overall. Being in the sun really helped my mood. I did shut down a few times and it probably affected the general vibe a bit at times. I still have a long way to go in terms of controlling my mood.. I find it hard to think outside of my own mind and see how my mood may affect others. Although it may be difficult, I have to make a better effort to be less selfish and try to enjoy being in the moment and not allow my mood to affect others. I have come a long way in social settings but, can continue to work on that aspect.
We came home to a wonderful sight. Our front lawn had no snow on it which I was ecstatic about. There is still snow around but, it is a sign that I will be back to work soon. I would say we would be back full time in two weeks just after Easter as everything should be thawed out by then. I know we will have a few days before then down in places like Etobicoke which will be a good way to ease back in to things. I am looking forward to the routine again. I have some apprehension but, a healthy apprehension as compared to years gone by. I know I can do it and just have to take it one day at a time. April is often the most challenging month as it takes a while for body and mind to adjust to the long days. I am really looking forward to it though and will do some yard work at our place to familiarize myself a bit with some of what we do again.
I was watching CTV News at noon and their segment called Talkback Toronto. The question of the day was whether Canada should continue its mission overseas against ISIS. I have thought about it a lot lately. I find that often society's answer to conflict is to confront it rather than to understand it. If our only approach to terrorism is to combat it with military tactics, then I fear we will be going around in circles and more innocent lives will be lost. To lessen the impact of terrorism, I think it is important that leaders around the world look at the root causes of it. If you think a tree in your yard is a terrible problem, you simply don't cut it down. You would look at alternate solutions. What is the soil and root systems like? Does it need to be thinned out? How does it affect the surrounding landscape? Is it getting enough sunlight and air flow? The same approach can be taken with terrorism. What is the root of the problem? Why do individuals become terrorists? What causes their hatred? Why do they believe they are acting out as part of a faith? Is their room for healing? Can their be discussions with terrorist organizations to come to peaceful resolutions? I think the solution world powers have always taken is militaristic when it comes to terrorism but, yet there are still terrorism after decades upon decades of innocence being lost in the fight. I am not saying that terrorism should be ignored and no line of defense should be taken against such acts. I am simply saying that I believe there needs to be a different approach in terms of stemming the tide for generations to come.
I am still apprehensive about appearing on television. I like my anonymity but, hope it will help in some way. I have faith that the AMI crew will do a great job with the segment. I still have some doubts. Will people judge? Did I say the right things? Did I do a good job? I think a lot of my nerves are natural and I am sure it will work out fine.
I just finished reading Rob Lilwalls' book Walking Home From Mongolia . I started reading it over a year a go but, never got back to it. The trip to Florida turned out to be a great opportunity to catch up on some reading. I love reading but, I have not done much of it lately. Finishing his book reminded me of how a well written book can take you a way to far off places and make you feel like part of the adventure. I highly recommend reading it. Rob has a wonderful way of capturing the scope of their trials and tribulations along the way. It also proves what people can do with hard work and a steadfast determination. There is also a documentary of their trek which I hope to order in the coming months.
Think I will do some work outside as it is a beautiful day. Spring brings with it renewed strength and optimism. Hope this finds you well. Take care, Shawn.
Fount of mercy, call back the one who flees from you.
Draw towards you the one who attempts to escape.
Lift up the one who has fallen.
Support the one who is standing.
Guide the one who is on a journey.
Thomas Aquinas
It was a good week for me mentally overall. Being in the sun really helped my mood. I did shut down a few times and it probably affected the general vibe a bit at times. I still have a long way to go in terms of controlling my mood.. I find it hard to think outside of my own mind and see how my mood may affect others. Although it may be difficult, I have to make a better effort to be less selfish and try to enjoy being in the moment and not allow my mood to affect others. I have come a long way in social settings but, can continue to work on that aspect.
We came home to a wonderful sight. Our front lawn had no snow on it which I was ecstatic about. There is still snow around but, it is a sign that I will be back to work soon. I would say we would be back full time in two weeks just after Easter as everything should be thawed out by then. I know we will have a few days before then down in places like Etobicoke which will be a good way to ease back in to things. I am looking forward to the routine again. I have some apprehension but, a healthy apprehension as compared to years gone by. I know I can do it and just have to take it one day at a time. April is often the most challenging month as it takes a while for body and mind to adjust to the long days. I am really looking forward to it though and will do some yard work at our place to familiarize myself a bit with some of what we do again.
I was watching CTV News at noon and their segment called Talkback Toronto. The question of the day was whether Canada should continue its mission overseas against ISIS. I have thought about it a lot lately. I find that often society's answer to conflict is to confront it rather than to understand it. If our only approach to terrorism is to combat it with military tactics, then I fear we will be going around in circles and more innocent lives will be lost. To lessen the impact of terrorism, I think it is important that leaders around the world look at the root causes of it. If you think a tree in your yard is a terrible problem, you simply don't cut it down. You would look at alternate solutions. What is the soil and root systems like? Does it need to be thinned out? How does it affect the surrounding landscape? Is it getting enough sunlight and air flow? The same approach can be taken with terrorism. What is the root of the problem? Why do individuals become terrorists? What causes their hatred? Why do they believe they are acting out as part of a faith? Is their room for healing? Can their be discussions with terrorist organizations to come to peaceful resolutions? I think the solution world powers have always taken is militaristic when it comes to terrorism but, yet there are still terrorism after decades upon decades of innocence being lost in the fight. I am not saying that terrorism should be ignored and no line of defense should be taken against such acts. I am simply saying that I believe there needs to be a different approach in terms of stemming the tide for generations to come.
I am still apprehensive about appearing on television. I like my anonymity but, hope it will help in some way. I have faith that the AMI crew will do a great job with the segment. I still have some doubts. Will people judge? Did I say the right things? Did I do a good job? I think a lot of my nerves are natural and I am sure it will work out fine.
I just finished reading Rob Lilwalls' book Walking Home From Mongolia . I started reading it over a year a go but, never got back to it. The trip to Florida turned out to be a great opportunity to catch up on some reading. I love reading but, I have not done much of it lately. Finishing his book reminded me of how a well written book can take you a way to far off places and make you feel like part of the adventure. I highly recommend reading it. Rob has a wonderful way of capturing the scope of their trials and tribulations along the way. It also proves what people can do with hard work and a steadfast determination. There is also a documentary of their trek which I hope to order in the coming months.
Think I will do some work outside as it is a beautiful day. Spring brings with it renewed strength and optimism. Hope this finds you well. Take care, Shawn.
Fount of mercy, call back the one who flees from you.
Draw towards you the one who attempts to escape.
Lift up the one who has fallen.
Support the one who is standing.
Guide the one who is on a journey.
Thomas Aquinas
Friday, 13 March 2015
Lights, Camera, Action
Today was my introduction to being in front of a camera. I was interviewed at Canada Blooms at the Direct Energy Center in Toronto.
My boss came down there with me and I really appreciated having the support as I was a little nervous. We actually made really good time and got there an hour early. We had a chance to go for a nice walk and a good chat.
I met the producer, Harriet, and she took me to meet the rest of the team. The whole crew made me feel welcome and made it easier for me to have some confidence in the whole process. The show is Canada in Perspective and is on the accessibility network which is AMI. I believe it is channel 48 for Bell customers in Ontario.
I have never been to Canada Blooms but, it is amazing. It is the largest garden show in North America. The space is massive and the displays are amazing. There was such a wide range of plants, trees, shrubs and flowers. There was also a lot of water features and some awesome hardscaping. Oh and there was a tree fort and park in the middle of the space. Kids were having a great time playing on it. If you have not had a chance to go, you should definitely check it out. The Home Show is running at the same time. Today was the first day and it runs for ten days I believe.
So the crew took me to the Landscape Ontario display to set up for the shoot. It took some time to get everything set up. I had been a bit nervous but, was feeling a little more comfortable at this point. I sat down and the director began to ask me questions. There are some aspects of the interview that I wish I had expanded on but, I think it went well considering if was my first time. I talked a little bit about the benefits of the landscape industry to wellness and the positive impact it has had on me working in the industry. I hope it comes across well when it airs.
I had the opportunity to meet a really nice woman named Beth Edney. She is a landscape designer out of Toronto. Her website is http://designsbytheyard.com/. She has a great reputation in the industry and I was glad I had a chance to meet her. Beth will be on the program as well and they shot her footage after me. She looked quite comfortable being in front of the camera.
After they were done shooting Beth, they filmed me walking among st some of the exhibits at Canada Blooms. I found it a bit difficult as I was not talking. I had to walk around looking at things, trying not to look at the camera and attempting to be natural. I hope I don't come across goofy lol.
All and all, it was a good experience. I am thankful to the AMI crew for not only making me feel comfortable but, also for mentioning mental health in their show. As I mentioned in one of my last posts, I have no interest in becoming famous. The reason I agreed to do this show is to help spread awareness surrounding mental health. There is no point in going through what myself and others around me have gone through if I cannot share that experience with others. If I can do a small part and helping start conversations around mental health and breaking stigmas, then today was worthwhile.
Hope this finds you well. Take care, Shawn.
“The gift of life, gives you the greatest opportunity to live and chance to rise above any situation. With hopeful attitude you can overcome any struggle.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Beautiful Quotes
My boss came down there with me and I really appreciated having the support as I was a little nervous. We actually made really good time and got there an hour early. We had a chance to go for a nice walk and a good chat.
I met the producer, Harriet, and she took me to meet the rest of the team. The whole crew made me feel welcome and made it easier for me to have some confidence in the whole process. The show is Canada in Perspective and is on the accessibility network which is AMI. I believe it is channel 48 for Bell customers in Ontario.
I have never been to Canada Blooms but, it is amazing. It is the largest garden show in North America. The space is massive and the displays are amazing. There was such a wide range of plants, trees, shrubs and flowers. There was also a lot of water features and some awesome hardscaping. Oh and there was a tree fort and park in the middle of the space. Kids were having a great time playing on it. If you have not had a chance to go, you should definitely check it out. The Home Show is running at the same time. Today was the first day and it runs for ten days I believe.
So the crew took me to the Landscape Ontario display to set up for the shoot. It took some time to get everything set up. I had been a bit nervous but, was feeling a little more comfortable at this point. I sat down and the director began to ask me questions. There are some aspects of the interview that I wish I had expanded on but, I think it went well considering if was my first time. I talked a little bit about the benefits of the landscape industry to wellness and the positive impact it has had on me working in the industry. I hope it comes across well when it airs.
I had the opportunity to meet a really nice woman named Beth Edney. She is a landscape designer out of Toronto. Her website is http://designsbytheyard.com/. She has a great reputation in the industry and I was glad I had a chance to meet her. Beth will be on the program as well and they shot her footage after me. She looked quite comfortable being in front of the camera.
After they were done shooting Beth, they filmed me walking among st some of the exhibits at Canada Blooms. I found it a bit difficult as I was not talking. I had to walk around looking at things, trying not to look at the camera and attempting to be natural. I hope I don't come across goofy lol.
All and all, it was a good experience. I am thankful to the AMI crew for not only making me feel comfortable but, also for mentioning mental health in their show. As I mentioned in one of my last posts, I have no interest in becoming famous. The reason I agreed to do this show is to help spread awareness surrounding mental health. There is no point in going through what myself and others around me have gone through if I cannot share that experience with others. If I can do a small part and helping start conversations around mental health and breaking stigmas, then today was worthwhile.
Hope this finds you well. Take care, Shawn.
“The gift of life, gives you the greatest opportunity to live and chance to rise above any situation. With hopeful attitude you can overcome any struggle.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Beautiful Quotes
Monday, 9 March 2015
Melting
I saw a glorious sight today which was snow melting. It has been one of the longest cold spells that I can remember and it is wonderful to see some snow finally start to melt a way. We are supposed to be above zero for most of the week so hopefully we will be closer to spring at weeks end.
I just got back from visiting with my boss and his wife. We had a good discussion about the upcoming season. I am really looking forward to this year and believe it will be my best year yet. We are downsizing a bit so we will have our hands full at times but, I know we have the right team in place to handle whatever the season throws at us. If we can get through last year, then this year should be a walk in the park. We will definitely miss having Heather this spring as she really knew what she was doing and was awesome to work with. I am really looking forward to touching base with our customers and finding out what is new with them.
I have been feeling more like myself the last week or so. My thoughts have stabilized for the most part and my mood has improved quite a bit. The sunshine that will be present most of the week will definitely help me stay positive. I have stuck with the gym and that has aided me in maintaining a balance. This was a tough winter for me mentally as it did not exactly go the way I expected. With anything in life, I just have to look at it as a learning experience and prepare myself better the next time.
I am going to be on television. I am doing a segment for the accessibility network on mental health and the benefits of the landscaping industry to my well being. I am going down to Canada Blooms on Friday to shoot the segment. My boss is going to come down with me so it will be nice to have someone there with me. I am a little nervous but, am sure it will be fine. The producer I have been in contact with is very nice and seems to be pretty excited to share my story. I never really aspired to be on t.v. but, if I can help spread a little awareness about mental health, then it should be worthwhile.
Jodi and I head to Florida next week to visit her parents. I cannot wait to catch up with them and spend some time in a warmer climate. It should be the perfect way to transition in to the upcoming season. We are going to see a spring training game too which should be fun. I always enjoy spending time with Bernie and Karen and we always have a good time together. Nice for Jodi to see her parents too. Hopefully I will get a chance to visit them out east this summer too.
The Blue Jays opener at Yankee Stadium is right around the corner so I know spring will be here soon. I am really looking forward to this season. I think there team is close to turning that corner and making it to the post season. We have some good young arms mixed in with a good veteran presence with our pitching staff. Second base is still a question mark but, I have faith we will find the right guy to fill that hole. I am still not sure why we picked up Martin with a catcher like Navarro in the mix but, hopefully it will pay off for us. Should be a fun year though.
That is it for me today. Hope this finds you well. Take care, Shawn.
“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, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”
― Hunter S. Thompson
I just got back from visiting with my boss and his wife. We had a good discussion about the upcoming season. I am really looking forward to this year and believe it will be my best year yet. We are downsizing a bit so we will have our hands full at times but, I know we have the right team in place to handle whatever the season throws at us. If we can get through last year, then this year should be a walk in the park. We will definitely miss having Heather this spring as she really knew what she was doing and was awesome to work with. I am really looking forward to touching base with our customers and finding out what is new with them.
I have been feeling more like myself the last week or so. My thoughts have stabilized for the most part and my mood has improved quite a bit. The sunshine that will be present most of the week will definitely help me stay positive. I have stuck with the gym and that has aided me in maintaining a balance. This was a tough winter for me mentally as it did not exactly go the way I expected. With anything in life, I just have to look at it as a learning experience and prepare myself better the next time.
I am going to be on television. I am doing a segment for the accessibility network on mental health and the benefits of the landscaping industry to my well being. I am going down to Canada Blooms on Friday to shoot the segment. My boss is going to come down with me so it will be nice to have someone there with me. I am a little nervous but, am sure it will be fine. The producer I have been in contact with is very nice and seems to be pretty excited to share my story. I never really aspired to be on t.v. but, if I can help spread a little awareness about mental health, then it should be worthwhile.
Jodi and I head to Florida next week to visit her parents. I cannot wait to catch up with them and spend some time in a warmer climate. It should be the perfect way to transition in to the upcoming season. We are going to see a spring training game too which should be fun. I always enjoy spending time with Bernie and Karen and we always have a good time together. Nice for Jodi to see her parents too. Hopefully I will get a chance to visit them out east this summer too.
The Blue Jays opener at Yankee Stadium is right around the corner so I know spring will be here soon. I am really looking forward to this season. I think there team is close to turning that corner and making it to the post season. We have some good young arms mixed in with a good veteran presence with our pitching staff. Second base is still a question mark but, I have faith we will find the right guy to fill that hole. I am still not sure why we picked up Martin with a catcher like Navarro in the mix but, hopefully it will pay off for us. Should be a fun year though.
That is it for me today. Hope this finds you well. Take care, Shawn.
“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, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”
― Hunter S. Thompson
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