Taking the Opportunity- Part 2

As I was getting ready for the day this morning, I opened the blinds to let in the morning sunshine. I was immediately drawn to the movement across the way. As I looked closer, my heart began to smile. My neighbours, a couple that I admire, appeared to be dancing in their living room. As I observed closer, it was clear that they were doing an exercise program, together. Now this is what I call taking the opportunity to be healthy, to be together, to just be. This couple less than 2 years ago lost everything in a fire. They have embraced life to the fullest. They continue to focus on the positive and to move forward, together. So many couples today could learn a few things from this amazing couple. Take the time today to Take the opportunity or Make the opportunity to be with someone you love. It can only make your heart smile!

Ancient footprints of Acahualinca- A little piece of history

Not too long ago, we had the opportunity to share a little piece of history with our children, while visiting Nicaragua.

Tucked away in the city of Managua is a small museum that has preserved footprints that are said to be 6000 years old.

"With the barely pronounceable Huellas de Acahualinca is referred to the ancient footprints left thousands of years ago at the borders of Lake Managua. Workers found a track of footprints by accident in 1874. Later studies proved that these footprints are 6000 years old, which makes them the oldest human footprints on the American continent.

These tracks are left behind by a group of around 10 people – men, women, and children. Some thought these people were fleeing from an erupting volcano close by, but a governmental study has rejected this idea. The people were not running and instead probably on their way to the lake to collect food and water.

Volcanic activity is the reason behind the conservation of the prints though. The original prints were left in a layer of volcanic mud. When a volcano nearby erupted – researchers are not sure which one – a layer of volcanic ash rained down on the footprints and perfectly conserved them.

Only part of the tracks has been found, the other parts probably being covered by volcanic material. In 1978, Nicaraguan researcher Jorge Espinoza excavated an area close to where the footprints ended to see if they would find more. At a depth of 4 meters they indeed found more prints, and the track is believed to continue even further.

At the Huellas (track in Spanish) de Acahualinca (Nahuatl word with several meanings) a small museum is set up. Besides observing the footprints you can also see some artifacts found here as well as in other parts of Nicaragua. Pre-Columbian tools, a scull from León Viejo, and conserved mammoth footprints form part of the collection. Huellas de Acahualinca is a small but very interesting site."

If you are ever in Nicaragua, this is a day trip worth taking!

Taking the opportunity!

Making the best of every situation can be challenging to some. We woke up to more snow, fog, frost and cold. The best thing to do on a cold day is bake with my girls. Mmmmmmm Grandma Price's Gingersnaps are the best cookies to have on a cold day. Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are a close second. Now we have choices. Do we eat the Gingersnap first or the Chocolate chip oatmeal?

Taking the opportunity

Making the best of every situation can be challenging to some. We woke up to more snow, fog, frost and cold. The best thing to do on a cold day is bake with my girls. Mmmmmmm Grandma Price's Gingersnaps are the best cookies to have on a cold day. Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are a close second. Now we have choices. Do we eat the Gingersnap first or the Chocolate chip oatmeal?

The Land of Opportunity

I recently had a conversation with 2 new immigrants to Canada, who gave up everything for the land of opportunity. Including the opportunity to work in their line of work. One with an architectural degree and one a physician. They both studied hard to get their career in their country only to move to "my" country and not be recognized. Both said they did it to provide a better life for their children. All this being said, Canada is a beautiful country, but why is it that they can not work in their line of work? We continue to talk about a doctor shortage in our country, we have a physician who studied for 8 years, who can't practice because she has to undergo numerous tests to prove that she is fit to practice. Really?!? This frustrates me to no end about "my" country. Why are we not supporting those individuals who want to come to our country, work hard, and provide for their families. Instead we tell them they are "not good enough" so they can't work. They have given up their family, their culture, their way of life, etc. for the land of opportunity.

We also talked about my desire to go to "their countries" to provide my children with a better quality of life. Quite interesting, really! I would give up all the materialism that comes with Canada to take my children closer to their culture and their family. I can go to their countries and work. I can put my children in private school. I can work hard in their countries and be comfortable.

It really is interesting to have the conversation about the "Land of Opportunity." How do you view the "land of Opportunity"?