Why would anyone choose to live in Winnipeg?

Some might wonder why anyone would chose to live in a place that confines you to the in doors for half the year  And for a 1/4 of the months not oppressed by the freezing temperatures, the time is spent battling grey, muddy roads, while the rest of the country is enjoying the first fruits of spring.  The final quarter, the summer months, are infested with bird sized mosquitos and scorching hot temperatures.   Moving to Winnipeg to complete my degree, I had very low expectation for the city.  But since September I can say that Winnipeg has pleasantly surprised me.   

The city is constantly in action, there is always something to see or do.   Between the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the city's endless supply of festivals a weekend should never be dull.   My favorite treasure that I've discovered about this city is their endless trails for skating.   Growing up in Mountainous BC the idea of trail skating was foreign to me.  But omigoodness, I spent an hour and a half skating - trails.  This blew my mind!   I wasn't confined to a hockey rink, which for me grows dull very quickly. The city has decked out the trails with beautiful lights and on really cold days warming huts.  Bring a flask of hot baileys et voila the night of skating turns into a party.  

On the Manitoba licence plate is says, "Friendly Manitoba." This isn't a bold or obnoxious statement, I have found that people really do live up to that title.   I had one experience when I was flying back to BC where I sat beside an older gentleman who grew up in Winnipeg.   He jumped provinces to enjoy a more mild climate in his retirement, and said this of Winnipeg, "If I were to ever be stuck on the side of the road, I hope I am in Manitoba, because you wouldn't just get picked up within a few minute and dropped off, they'd probably take you home and feed you first, after ensuring that your car was towed."   I like that about Manitoba.   Everyone seems to have the same mentality in regards to being a good neighbor.   There is something down to earth about that, that reflects the city so well. 

My one complaint about living in Manitoba is the weather, which really is the main reason I think why Manitoba gets such a bad rap.   It cannot be controlled and because of this it limits not only fun activities, (Side note: whenever I say that word I immediately think of Step Brothers) and...DUN DUN DUN, clothing choices. (ahoo...#firstwordproblems)   Being from B.C, where rarely you are limited in what you can wear it usually comes down to the question to wear a raincoat or not to wear a rain coat?   That really is the question, and would be the hardest decision in the Bc'ers morning. In the case of "not to wear a rain coat"  you use an umbrella!   Ahh.. we BC'ers have it so easy!!     Winnipeg has literally cramped my style.   I really like getting dressed up and putting a little effort in... but having that come across in Winnipeg is challenging.  So I've been pondering making a list of the necessities to live and function in Winnipeg according to me.  The first list doesn't leave a lot of room for creative expression... the second is my ideal mild-winter day wear. 

For the fiercely Cold Days:
Sorel's 
Wool Socks
Long Underwear
Mittens- not gloves.   (and mittens inside of gloves are counterproductive, I learned that the hard way) 
A warm WIND proof jacket
Scarf
Toque
Handwarmers

Cold-Sunny Days: (When the temperature warms up a bit you start to have more clothing options- Horay!)  
Leather boots - flat (Snow is slippery :O) (Since this is in an ideal (dream) world, Tory Burch, or Fry's)
Wool Socks
Wool Coat ( lets say... Burberry)
Scarf (Alexander McQueen?  Burberry again... or....HERMES!) 
Leather Gloves (Kate Spade, sure why not?!)
Louis Vuitton Never Full...

Moral of the story- your situation is what you make of it.  Perspective is everything.   The magical things about Winnipeg that I just can't get enough of are the old brick buildings that tell of a time when precision and care was put into tiny detail work, the epic pink sunsets that seem to last for hours, and the clear nights where the stars are so crystal clear.   Its finding the little things and letting them be big. 

Happy Wednesday

hide and seek

Even among the mountains and trees I cannot hide from you.  In my safe haven you linger, in the air I breathe, and in the wind that rustles through the trees. Thoughts of you are like the wind, I cannot see them coming and yet they move me. These thoughts betray me. I am not the same because of you. Credit I wish I didn't have to give, but here I am with an inability to silence my thoughts of you. 

 

 

Another year over...

Another year has flown by, and looking back I can see a year filled with change, excitement, worry, stress, good memories and hard decisions.   2013 had me running from the get-go with very little down time, and flew by accordingly.    My new years last year was spent creating this blog, as exciting as that was, made me think this year was going to be quite a little dull.  It has been anything but dull.   Looking back I’ve realized that the challenges in 2013 forced me to make hard decisions, dragged me through difficulty situations while also pushing me outside of my comfort zone.   2013 taught me: 

The importance of "down-time" is invaluable.   Pencil it in. 

Don't be fooled by a beautiful summer and fall - winter will come - it always comes.

Hurt comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, colors and hues, textures and finishes.   It isn't a one size fits all-appropriate for all situations kind of feeling. Even if you think you can expect to foresee the depth of your hurt - it will have more dimension to it upon closer examination.   

Put yourself out there - play the interviewer in just about all situations.   Talking to real people is more satisfying than talking to people via technology.

Never ever (never) take the mountains or ocean for granted.  
Missing someone is like being parched.  And rejection is a bitter taste that lingers.

It is really important to get out of the city for perspective and to watch the sunset. 

We become accustomed responding to an apology with , "it's ok."  that is some ways can justify the wrong doing... We have allowed the phrase, " I forgive you" to be phased out of our colloquial language.  those are three importance words.

People make stupid decisions which lead to stupid mistakes - chalk it up to human nature.

I am wondering now if first impressions are always right.  

A relationship that was cut quickly and abruptly leaves frayed ends that perhaps in time will unravel what is left of the relationship, and in time the ability to look back on it will reveal some good.

Distance and time really do make the heart grow fonder.  
"Worry creeps in sometimes unnoticed, almost in disguise.   It is cloaked as the unknown in a thoughts of the future. Maybe people might suggest to avoid these types of thoughts, to just dwell day to day.   I am not that kind of person, and realistically...who is?    Don't we all have to put one foot in front of the other anticipating another step?   Little thoughts of wonder that dig to form holes called worry can be dangerous to ones subconscious.   I try to hold loosely to this "w-word" that comes up constantly.   Often it is easier said than done.

It is hard sometimes to fully risk ones heart be it for someone, or something.   So why do we do it?   Because the reward is worthy of the risk.  I thinks sometimes we stand on the edge of a decision or commitment afraid to throw ourselves in for fear that we might fail miserably and/or that our hearts wouldn't recover.   I tend to keep one foot out at all times, just as a precautionary measure.   But what if I never know life's greatest thrills because of this worry that something might go wrong?"


Practice/write/read/rehearse earlier on in the semester.  Do the grunt work early.Look for good in each day - even the grey, -47 ones.
Hold on to thoughts that encourage and lift you up and disregard thoughts that drag down.

Dear 2014
You are going to be the year of Adventure.  I am going to seek and find adventure (even in Winterpeg. )  I am going to surprise myself with diligence to practice and study harder than I have ever before.   I am going to feel accomplished vocally.    This year I am going to dive deeper in to relationships and seek out opportunities to bless those around me.   I want to let go of my insecurities and learn to trust people and myself.   I want to feel healthy, strong, and accomplished this year.   I want to pour myself into what I love.   2014 I plan to make you one of my best years yet.  


Alexa




Happy 2014.



 

 

 

 

 

 

a little effort goes a long way gentlemen

There are about 15 other things I should be doing right now, you know, it being end of semester.  But as of recently I feel compelled to discuss men's fashion...and  to decode what their clothes really say. Disclaimer: This is a brutally honest assessment/plea.

I would like to start off by saying that a little effort goes a long way gentlemen.   

Slim, fitted pants vs. baggy jeans
Slim, fitted pants give the impression that a little thought put into the outfit of the day.   A simple pair of dark wash denim jeans is a powerful allie when it comes to being well dressed.   Baggy jeans imply a - I could care less mentality. (which if you actually do - all the power to you and this article might not be for you)  Women can sense that kind of hostility and that "could care less mentality." The nineties called and would like their pants back!  Retire the baggy ill fitting jeans - please. 
Leather shoes vs. worn out sneakers
One item that should not be underemphasised is your footwear...  most women will notice the

well worn shoes you wear with and for everything.   I hate to admit it but, shoes speak louder than words.  Sometimes they scream...and it hurts a little. Let just tell you CANNOT go wrong with a pair of good brown leather shoes.  If the whole outfit is going great but then you throw on your 3 year old runners you wear day in and day out, what ever is great up top has been tainted. Invest in a pair of leather shoes, a nice pair of white runners, and a pair of leather boots, and the female population with thank you.  

Sweaters Vs. Not Sweaters
 Another statement piece that I personally love and wish there were more in circulation are sweaters. When in doubt a good sweater - (ie, not piling, hole-y or boxey fiting) is a good call.  They are great for layering...(and layering is good!) They just elevate your look to suave status. 

Button up shirts vs. graphic tee-shirts
One of these items gives the impression of clinging on to your youth for dear life and the other is understated and looks good in just about any situation.  That being said, I can see the merit it the right kind of tee-shirt, a classic white, black or grey would pass as a good investment.  Plaid is always a good idea, and plaid under a sweater is even better. Button it all the way up, pop the collar a little or leave a few unbuttoned. These three ways of rocking a button up are acceptable.  Anything more than three undone buttons though is excessive, and gives off the wrong impression.   Don't be afraid to layer! (ie. plaid shirt + sweater + jacket...) Layering is good... very good.

 

Winter Jackets
Winter jackets have the ability to speak just as loudly as your shoes do...  Saying either, "Hi, I feel like I'm 19 still..." or  "I'd rather be on a mountain" or " Hello... I am suave and have classic taste (*cough* Peacoat* Cough*)  Invest in a good wintercoat...  just do it.   Take a page out of Sherlock's book,  (I've already talked about men's fashion once before referring to his exceptional style)  and get yourself a wool coat while keeping in mind what Sherlock or James Bond would wear. 

 

thoughts for a grey day

Today is grey. 
The sky is an impenetrable canvas of a very pale shade of grey.   It casts grey shadows on trees that once had lively leaves gushing green from their limbs.  But today what are left of the leaves cling to their branches and even they are a grey hue of green.  The sky started to sprinkle wet snow, an appetizer to the main course of blizzards, frozen land, and frost bite that are just around the corner.   These transitional weeks are always the hardest, they are neither here nor there and challenge each person living in this climate in their ability to dress appropriately, and cope with inconsistent weather patterns.  Meanwhile the season taunts everyone with the threat of greyer weather and the impending chill that will soon ensue.


On this particularly grey day, I wandered down my grey street outlined with thick trees that have almost let go of their last leaves. I passed by strangers on the sidewalk and realised that so much of our daily lives are impersonal.   If someone were to walk towards you with a smile on their face and look you in the eye, what would you think?   Sadly, I believe this is an unusual occurrence today.  We have become entities unto ourselves and move around like pawns on a board game never really interacting with each other.  I wonder what life would have been like years ago when people used to know their neighbors, and when sitting at a bus stop wasn't an opportunity to read up on the latest on Facebook, or catch up on emails.  The days when we had less choice as to what restaurant or grocery store to go to, and when people could become "regulars" and not just remain nameless faces.   Of course this is a generalization, but I wonder what would change in our culture if we were intentional about interacting with one another in a positive way.  

 

Grey days like this make me pensive. Perhaps these are just big thoughts that were just inspired by the weather outside.

Happy Friday

The Art of Conversation.

Loneliness - it affects 9/10 people everyday.   ( I actually just made up that stat.)  
But it is a serious issue for some people, myself included. 

I have just moved to a new city, a new university, and a new life experience.   This change has challenged me already and its just been over a month.   I had to take a good hard look at myself the other day - after wondering why I've been feeling so unfulfilled and lonely; I realised that I assume people will make the first move.  4/10 times - someone will. (Another made up stat)   But, what about that 60% of the time when no one comes up to talk to you?    My first reaction is to dive into my purse and fish out my phone so that I can seek comfort in my Facebook "friendships" thinking " Well, if no one cares in real life I'll just Facebook creep everyone else's lives until I get a message or a like or... something!!!!".....AHHHHH..... what is happening to...society!?    (Talking to myself now)  Get your face off of your phone and take a second to realise that you are in a room full of real people and it wouldn't hurt you to make conversation with...someone...anyone!  Life is outside of your comfort zone.

My mother is full of good advice and she has told me for years now to "be an interviewer" when on a date, meeting new people, talking with old or new friends... because people love to talk about themselves.  I had forgotten about this skill, until a few days ago when my mother kindly reminded me to pour into people instead of waiting to be filled yourself.  Aka.   Put energy into getting to know someone else and often that energy will be given back.   The effort you put in will be what you get out of it.   
I put this tactic to the test, and "interviewed" someone new, and it was extremely rewarding.  I had a real genuine conversation and learn more about a new colleague.     

We've (I've) become so complacent and lazy with real friendships and have relied heavily on social media to cover me during awkward silences/moments/boredom.  But what would happen if those silences became non-existent and we filled then instead with genuine questions about another persons day or life?   I bet you our society would become less self-obsessed and more community and relationship driven.   Just a challenge ya'll out there, (and to myself)  next time you find yourself about to flip through Facebook on you iPhone try hunting for someone to strike up a good conversation with.  It is as simple as, "How was your day?"   I truly think that if we can curb our constant craving for a social media fix and invest that time and energy into other people, we will be a happier, healthier society. 

Happy Conversing.  

learning to be thankful

wooo...  It's been a long time since my last post, and since July I have moved to "The Winterpeg," as I call it.

It is funny looking back on my first month in Winnipeg, it has been filled with countless new faces and names, and upon introducing myself as "new here,"  within a moment notice I am warned about the winters.  This courtesy warning is given often as if I thought coming to Winnipeg meant a suntan year round accompanied by mild and enjoyable climates.    Yes, I knew about the outrageous winters, the insane wind and temperatures not for the timid prior to booking my flights and despite these characteristics I have committed myself to three years in the winter wonderland of Winnipeg.
My experience in Manitoba, (Which happens to be the FIRST time I've ever been in the prairies)  has been enjoyable.   I have had the privileged of watching my first prairie sunset on a farm, on a hay bale with good-new-friends.    I've invested in what I believe to be a really (really) good winter coat, and a pair of sorel's.  Winter wear I've always been able to avoid investing in while living in BC, so... I am set.    Thankfully this first month has been mild!

This weekend marks my first Thanksgiving away from my family, and there are tiny cracks forming in my heart when I get phone calls from my loving family wishing me to be there with them at our Cabin in the BC boonies.   Every year for the past 10-15? (I've lost track)  years we have packed up our things and loaded ourselves into our vehicles and scooted ourselves up to our Cabin just outside of 100 mile house.   What makes this experience so wonderful is the lack of technology to vi for our attention.  It is just good -old fashioned family time, spent around a fire, the living room, a turkey...spent together.   I am finding resemblances of 100 mile in Winnipeg... Maybe it is the dry chill in the air and the leaves clapping in the wind as if joining in on the thanksgiving celebrations?   This similarity is both comforting and upsetting.   I found myself desperately wishing for a teleporter today, as I tried to busy myself with activities for one.    This has been a day of thought, and thankfulness.    I've decided, instead of dwelling on the absence of my family, I am going to be thankful to have such a wonderful family to miss. I am thankful for the grey day it was, because it highlighted the yellow hues of leaves and made the surprise of sunshine later in the day that much more appreciated, I am thankful for the tall oak trees that shield my little white house and all the millions of leaves that have trickled down to the ground to create a "fun-must-do" activity for a boring Saturday night.   I am thankful for new friends that have been kind to a new-comer and old friends that have supported me in this adventure.  

I'll try not to go two months before posting again! 
Happy Thanksgiving.