Lynn Manwar

Archive for July, 2012

Lynn’s Comments:  During my recovery from a breast cancer diagnosis, I have spent time scouring the internet for resources and opportunities to learn.  I came across the Young Adult Cancer Canada site several months ago and noticed their amazing programs.  It was close to the date of my lumpectomy and right axillary node dissection that I returned to the site of YACC and decided to submit an application for Retreat Yourself East 2012 in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.  I applied to the program and was informed that I was wait listed on June 25th, 2012.  A few weeks later, I found out the good news that I made it through to getting a spot after being #11 on the wait list!!  I was secretly hoping I could attend the retreat and felt so fortunate that I was accepted!

On July 11th, 2012 after running a few errands I came home and eagerly purchased an airline ticket.  One week later I left on July 18th evening to Sydney, Nova Scotia and met some other gals attending the retreat on the flight there.  In total, 6 of us arrived from Toronto to Sydney airport on a West Jet flight.   It was quite chilly when we exited the airport, very different to the weather we were experiencing in Toronto.

We stayed at Quality Inn Hotel on Kings Road in Sydney.  I awoke the next morning and arrived a few minutes late for breakfast to join the other young women and there were all waiting for us to begin ordering their meals.  A great morning of politeness and courtesy to start off.  It was welcoming and refreshing to be among women with similar experiences to myself.  The conversation began and it somehow stumbled upon the topic of menopause—what a way to begin a morning conversation!

I experienced a wide range of emotions as the retreat began.  I felt excited, nervous, grateful as well as relief to be among a new community of souls who have had similarity in their life journeys.   There was an action packed agenda, with small group discussions, vision boarding, large group shares, hiking, yoga, chi gong, swimming, and acupuncture.    During the free time, I rested mostly, but on the 3rd day, I decided to brave it, and swim in the Atlantic Ocean.  I definitely felt the abundance of the universe while in the ocean and its’ healing energy.

On the whole, we cried alot and shared our innermost feelings.  I also saw the beauty and light of every soul that graced Cabot Shores for this retreat.  The time away from Toronto is just what I needed.  I returned home earlier this week with a sense of strong gratitude and for the new journey that lay ahead in my life.  I start radiation for 30 days next week and then I’ll be a Cancer Graduate!  September is my graduation and that’s only a month away! YAY!

Lynn’s Comments:  One of the most cherished moments spent with my father was in restaurants and hotels, dining for either lunch or dinner.  He enjoyed the finer things in life, so we often went to high end restaurants like the Katsura Japanese Restaurant at the Prince Hotel in Toronto for my birthdays and getting together.   At Katsura we would often have teppanyki where they cook fresh food in front of you, which is extremely exciting and entertaining at the same time.  I recall  a year that I took my father there for his birthday and he was really happy.  It puts a smile on my face when I think of the moments I spent with my father in the restaurants at Prince Hotel.  So classy, great food, and wonderful service.

Whenever I dined out with my father he made sure to get to know the name of the waiter and greet him by his personal name.  During university, my father worked in restaurants as a bus boy and remembered his humble beginnings.   I’ve been dining out with myself these days or with friends during my recent Chemo treatment.  Last week, I went for Ethiopian food with  a couple, a baby and a former coworker who is now relocating to England.

Every time I go to a restaurant, I ensure that I leave a tip for the server, even though my income is dramatically reduced at this point in time.  Waiters and servers need to receive our respect and appreciation for serving us when we dine out— after all, they make the experience more enjoyable.

I very much look forward to dining out in the city with both old and new friends.  If you have a fine dining restaurant that you suggest I visit in Toronto, or another city, please do leave your comments.

Lynn’s Comments:  I attended the Launch Party of the International Fashion Festival Toronto 2012 on July 4th, 2012 with guests at the Grand Victorian Convention Centre.  I love fashion and learning about different styles.  There were well known sought after Indian designers such as Vikram Phandis present, along with Super Models and Bollywood sensation Hamza Faruqi.

The IFFT 2012 fashion shows begin on July 6th to July 8th, 2012..  For more information and to purchase tickets, go to:  www.ifft.ca