09 February 2015

Winnipeg These Days



I realize I haven't blogged much since everything came down to us moving to Winnipeg this summer. There never seems to be time - or inspiration - to get a blog going.  Or at least a blog post that I feel would be at all interesting for me to read in ten years (because let's be honest...that's who these words are really for...the "in-ten-years-from-now-Heather" who will want to reminisce on those long days forgotten).

So, I'm ready to make another concerted effort at blogging here.  If anything, to leave my mark on this little space of the web and on the story of my own life.

To be fair, Winnipeg has been a challenge, but in a good way (at least I like to think so!).

Part of that challenge is that I don't really feel like I arrived here until the end of January (I was on the road in November and then we were gone for a good part of December and then was gone for almost two weeks in January).  That made it difficult to settle in and get to know the city a little better.

Another piece at play is our finances.  Dave and I successfully managed to erase our consumer debt when we first got married in just under 18 months.  To say that is something we are immensely proud of is an understatement.  However, we also have big plans moving forward and, as such, we don't give ourselves a lot of "fun money."  When you live in a city, "fun money" is part of the equation when it comes to seeing all there is to offer - museums, art galleries, restaurants, concerts, etc.  Instead, we choose to save our money for what we know is to come in the future and therefore feel a touch of the cabin fever, especially during this dark and cold time of year (there are only so many walks one can take when the windchill is -40 out, okay?).  

It has meant however, that we've explored some lovely spaces like Assiniboine Park and Bird Hill.  When we do get outside, we like it to be a bit unique and not just continue tromping the same path through the same neighbourhood night after night.

It's been difficult to get connected here...in part of what I mentioned above, but also because the work I am doing currently is all online.  I recently started as the Communications Director for the School of Sacred Arts and am focusing on my business, Journeys on the Mat.  However, because all of that is online, the face-to-face interaction has been a bit...well, lacking.  As a result, my rare day working from the coffee shop results in an almost lengthy conversation with the baristas as they have been my only source of conversation during the day.  Thanks to the baristas at Little Sister Coffee Maker and Thom Bargen over the past week.  They probably don't remember me, but I remember them because they made me feel as though I was a part of something bigger than myself.  

Ah, that pesky need for community and connection!  :-)

On the flip side of that, we have amazing friends here - both old and new - that have made the transition here much easier.  It's meant homes to visit, meals to be shared and conversations to be had.  We are incredibly fortunate to have the friends we do have here and it's made our days brighter because of it. 

The weather.  Ah, how could I post about Winnipeg and not post about the weather.  After a slight warm up in January, we are back to good, old-fashioned winter.  It's been snowy and cold and my morning yoga routines find me with woolly socks, a touque, and three layers on top.  Luckily, the sun is coming up earlier and setting later, so the lengthened daylight is bringing up our spirits.  The cold here has affected my Raynauds to a point where my "dead" fingers and toes are a regular occurrence...even in our little abode.

Speaking of abodes...our little home is one of the best parts of being here.  We knew we wanted something smaller than what we had in Moose Jaw...and we got it.  585 square feet of nesting goodness.  It made us pare down (a practice we continue) and determine what was essential...especially as we move closer to our goal of building and owning a tiny home on wheels.  Our space is minimalist, clean, calming, and forces us (in a good way!) to work more closely with one another.  Living here has made us even more anxious for the transition to be in a tiny home!

All things considered, there is so much good stuff on the horizon...

Dave and I are adventuring in Portugal soon!

I'll begin teaching yoga and meditation in Winnipeg at the Dragon Arts Collective space in April.

The first Journeys on the Mat yoga and meditation retreat is taking place at the end of March on Salt Spring Island!

Dave will be getting back to Moose Jaw - to fly and see our awesome friends.

We have big plans for cheap camping excursions this summer!

Until next time...stay warm!

05 February 2015

And...January Came to an End

And, then there was January...

It's amazing how quickly time seems to be going these days.

January was a whirlwind of travel, illness, family, and warm(ish) temperatures here at home.  

Dave and I returned home from a wonderful trip to Vancouver Island over the holidays.  We visited Comox, Tofino and Courtenay.  We saw friends, ate amazing food, enjoyed the sunshine, walked along the beach and just tuned out so we could tune into each other...much needed after a busy year.  




We went snowshoeing and even got to know Salt Spring Island.  A gorgeous little island off the coast of Vancouver Island.  I'll be hosting a yoga and meditation retreat there this March and wanted to do a site visit to Stowel Lake Farm, the gorgeous and magical space the retreat will be held.


We returned home and right away I was on another flight down to the States to see family and to run my second Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge (39.3 miles over two days).  I was still feeling run down from my time in Bali, but I managed to crank it out with the support of Mom and Dad.  Thank goodness they were there to keep me fed, warm, and well-motivated!  We enjoyed time in Florida together, visiting the Magic Kingdom, riding new rides, and just hanging out!  


I also got quality time with Melissa as we enjoyed some tea at the awesome Queen Bee Coffee Company.  We talked and laughed and just savoured the moment, enjoying our down time in that quiet little corner of McDonough, Georgia.  Go visit the cafe if you are in that neck of the woods!





From Georgia I went up to Pennsylvania to spend quality time with my grandmother and godmother.  We toured the shops, had a lovely lunch, and my grandma and I even made soup together!  It was fun getting some alone time with each of them without the hustle and bustle of a holiday surrounding us.  My aunt and I just chilled out, watching Top Chef and eating takeout food!  Perfect ways to spend cold days in PA!

And now...Winnipeg.  I've been busy serving as the new Communications Coordinator for the School of Sacred Arts (the team that I earned my yoga teacher certification from back in April of 2014) and continuing to build my own business, Journeys on the Mat.  I'm getting excited for my retreat and can't wait to start teaching yoga and meditation here in Winnipeg beginning in April!



So...just a quick re-cap, but that's the news from the Moose Jaw Minute!