Joy Drop: Soaking up the sun in spring – MASHAHER

Hi, friends! The sun is coming out which is wonderful. We are all in need of some vitamin D for us and our plants! We are at that time of year where there is still snow in many parts of Canada, but there are also record-high temperatures in other regions. 

While we are having fun working at CBC Sports covering all the events and preparing for a busy summer, I took some time to marvel at Asher Hill of The Figure Skating Show, who was falling over with excitement about American world champion Ilia Malinin. Fun fact, Malinin means raspberry in Russian. Asher’s excitement about Malinin’s performance is podium-worthy. I love his energy and his enthusiasm. 

I watched the Juno Awards on the weekend that were hosted in Halifax. Canadian rap legend Maestro Fresh Wes came to CBC Sports to talk about his induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Seeing him get his props makes me happy. I still know all the lyrics to “Let Your Backbone Slide” and was proficient in the accompanying dance. 

I was under the weather last week and one of the things I did was drink a lot of hot lemon water with honey. My girlfriend, Emina, sent me some buckwheat honey which helps with a cough, and she also sent me a throat spray that helps with a sore throat. 

Bees have always been fascinating to me but I went into a hive of learning and found out a lot more regarding the socialization of bees. Basically, they can learn and adopt new bee-haviours and learn really well from each other. 

I have been trying to plan a garden for the spring. Among the exciting things I plan to adorn are solar-powered lanterns I picked up and which work beautifully (available at Costco). I’m trying to get better tips about how to maintain and nourish my small balcony and planter box. 

I found a great blog that is easy to understand and encouraging. I hope my herbs will benefit and flourish!

Speaking of flourish, love this story of Zechariah Thomas who, at 21, has his own company called Swift Hockey, a hockey stick company based out of Oshawa, Ont. Thomas’ story is impactful because as successful as he is, he was reluctant to be the face of his own company because he’s Black. But his stint on Dragon’s Den secured funding and he went forward. 

We are in the thick of the NCAA’s March Madness and there is nothing better than seeing women’s sports thrive. There will be games galore this weekend leading up to the Final Four. 

Lastly, one of the things that is bringing me a lot of joy is the break I am taking for two weeks. Yes, I will be off during the start of the women’s hockey world championships and other things, but back after Ramadan. 

A much-needed break is also exciting and I can’t wait to come back and share more happiness with you.

Hope the next while is full of respite.