Archive | May, 2009

The Great Glebe Garage Sale Conundrum

The Great Glebe Garage Sale is upon us again.  This coming Saturday, May 23rd, one of this girlaboutOtown’s all-time favourite springtime events will take place.  For those who thrive on the thrill of the (bargain) hunt, and who love to wander wondrously through one of Ottawa’s most established neighbourhoods, there is nothing better that this, the grandest of garage sales.

From antiques and art to skis and skirts, this massive street event has something for everyone.  Just about every home east of Bronson Ave., west of the Canal, and south of the Queensway has something to offer the hoards of people who descend in droves to uncover some fantastic find.  Serious shoppers and casual browsers alike can easily get caught up in the festive spirit that spreads through the streets like the smoky aroma that emanates from a busy hotdog stand.    Bands play.  Baked goods are homemade.  Beer is available mid-day!

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And, as if all this fun weren’t enough, this is a community event that also makes a contribution.  Since 1986, the Glebe Community Association has encouraged everyone involved to donate to the Ottawa Food Bank, which serves more than 38,500 people a month.

So how, you might be wondering, could this possibly cause a conundrum? 

Well, this girlaboutOtown is in desperate need of a downsize.  I’m overrun with enough of my own previously procured trinkets and treasures, and my resistance to the temptation of thrift is futile.  Any foray in the near vicinity of vintage furniture is almost guaranteed to end in an acquisition, for which accommodation is near impossible.   There are no walls left to line, no closets to co-opt, and my basement has now officially gone beyond chaos.  

Rationally, I know what to do.   Better to stay home and tackle my stacks.  Recycle my jumble and junk.  Filter and fix my previous finds! 

But then again, I might miss something simply marvellous…

Images by me.

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National Capital Race Weekend – The Benefits of Running

Ottawa’s annual National  Capital Marathon is fast approaching, and in Ottawa terms, it’s a big deal.  Race Weekend draws thousands of participants and many more spectators and volunteers.  In addition to the marathon, there are 10k, 5k and 2k run/walks, and these events truly rally the city’s community spirit.  The race also benefits good causes such as the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Athletes Now Fund, as well as a whole host of endorsed local charities.

One such cause is of particular interest to this girlaboutOtown, since I’ve already proclaimed my enthusiasm for the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA. This important organization is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities, and having seen this mission in action, I know firsthand of the Y’s contribution to Ottawa life. 

So, this upcoming May 24, a group of runners from across Canada will walk or run in the marathon in support the Ascent for Kids Campaign and the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA Kids Fit Program. 

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The Ascent for Kids Campaign, launched to inspire kids to live healthy active lifestyles, will establish the Sean Egan Endowment Fund to help sponsor participants in the Y Kids Fit Program.  The Endowment is named after the late Dr. Sean Egan, a local health and fitness enthusiast who died of a heart attack while climbing Mount Everest in 2005.  Egan’s commitment inspired his good friend and local Y volunteer Gavin Lumsden to run 26 marathons – one for each letter of the alphabet – to raise funds to support underprivileged, overweight children in need of some help.  The National Capital Marathon will be his last of 26.

Y Kids Fit is a program designed to encourage good habits like physical activity and nutrition for kids and families who might not otherwise have emphasized the importance of healthy living.   Working in partnership with CHEO, Y Kids Fit empowers young people to participate in old favourites like sports or swimming while enticing them with alternative pursuits like yoga, hip-hop dance and even weightlifting. 

While I have never been much of a runner, I certainly appreciate the importance of physical fitness to my health and well-being.   As a kid, I was the sporty type, and I remember the fun I had just moving and playing.  Now, as a grownup, I make an effort to eat right and hit my treadmill a couple of times a week, even if it is sometimes hard to find the time.  I crank my iPod and get my groove on – and when it’s over – it feels great!

It’s true that kids learn from what they see, and I know my little girlaboutOtown sees me. 

To find out more about the Ascent of Kids Campaign, to become a Trailblazer, or to donate, click here.

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