Ottawa

Parliament Hill at Christmas 

 What I will miss most about Ottawa:

(In no particular order)

1. The beautiful scenery. This is a gorgeous city.  There are so many unique areas of Ottawa that all have something different to offer. I will definitely miss skating on the canal, going for beers in the Byward Market and riding my bike in Hintinberg. 
2. My fiancee on facebook Naomi Simon.  I cant believe how many people think we are actually engaged. Ha Ha Ha! Thank you for being such a great friend and riding the waves of life with me. You are my best friend in Ottawa and I love you dearly! You changed my life here!!! Living 200 feet away from you was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. 200 feet from my house but 2 millimetres from my heart! You are gonna kick ass at TT and your going to be a phenomenal Bikram teacher!! Can't wait till you're on the other side of the podium. 
3. The FOOD SCENE!! Ottawa made me into a foodie! I have never tried so many different types of food nor explored my tastes so much in my life! This is largely accredited to my ex boyfriend who most likely one day be famous! He is destined for nothing but greatness and will one day be on top chef!  But ......Ottawa does have a great selection of kick-ass restaurants. If you ever come to Ottawa bring your appetite. These are my top 3 favourites.


1. Murray Street Cafe - Best cartcutrie in town. I took every single person who came to visit me in Ottawa: http://www.murraystreet.ca/
2. Allium - Had the best steak with blue cheese here in my life but go for tapas on Mondays as it is the best way to try the menu. I went on a Monday with 4 Dietitians and we ate 12 plates! Yum yum! http://www.alliumrestaurant.com/



BYO Yogi's at Bikram Yoga on Bloor

3. Genji - If you like sushi you gotta try this spot! http://www.genji.ca/
4. Of course Bikram Yoga Ottawa - all the students, teachers and work share. These fine yogis deserved a separate blog post. http://believe-dream-love-live.blogspot.ca/2012/03/bikram-yoga-ottawa.html
5. My first friend in Ottawa Hersi Hujaleh.  You were one of the very first people that I had the pleasure of meeting upon moving to Ottawa and steadily became one of my best friends.  Thank you for always being there with a listening ear and solid advice. If we are both still single at 40 we are getting hitched!  Save your pennies for a big diamond! ;) Ha Ha Ha Good luck in Montreal!!!! You are such a great person and I know you will become a great lawyer! :-) Thank you for everything.
6. 326 Besserer & my roomies - Huge Shout out to Leanne & Chantal!!! Thank you for taking me in on such short notice & for being awesome roommates! Get your ass outta Canada and come visit me. We had a rocking party last night! The pictures will soon be posted and I'll definitely help clean up the candy and 100 dollar bills. :)
7. Vino and Shiraz - my beautiful kitties. I never knew it was possible to love an animal so much......parting with you was terribly difficult.   I always thought people were crazy when they talked about how much they loved their animals but now I understand. You are my BBBBAAABBBBIIIIEEESSSS and I will miss you terribly. Your new mommy will love you and care for you. Perhaps one day we will be together again. Thank you kitties for your unconditional love! I love you both so much and you will be the only thing I cry over.              



Vino and Shiraz at 6 months                        

8. Signing my name Leah Sommerfield, RD. I am definitely going to miss being a Registered Dietitian.  Ottawa gave me my career and provided me with the education I needed to get my 'big girl job' (plus letters behind my name). I had the opportunity to work at three different hospitals and was trained in almost every position.  The Ottawa Hospital has a solid group of RD's that all make a difference in their patients lives. Perhaps one day I will work again in a clinical setting however only time will tell....

9. 

   The Ottawa Hospital Civic campus on Carling Avenue

   Anne Marcoux. I may have stole you but you are now destined to be one of my life long friends! There is no escaping me now. I love you dearly and can't wait for you to come visit me on the other side of the Planet Earth
10. The weather. The winters here compared to Winnipeg are like paradise yet everyone still complains that it's cold. Come to Winnipeg in February and then you'll understand what cold really is. The fall here in Ottawa is breathtaking beautiful. In the fall the leaves all change to beautiful shades of orange, red and yellow. Definitely take a drive to Gatineau, Quebec (just across the river) if you visit Ottawa in the fall. 
11.  Location. Ottawa is so close to various major cities; Montreal, Toronto, New York however I will be travelling the world so this component probably wont be missed too much. But in comparison to Winnipeg it is an awesome location geographically wise.
12. Your love. In two years living here I have been graced with so many great friends! Whether yogis, dietitians or randoms I forced into the hot room and into a friendship I have love for you all. Last nights party was truly amazing! The pinatas were awesome. Thank you to everyone who showed up! The pictures will be posted soon! Thankfully I got a picture with 90% of the people who came and left last night. You guys all rock! Keep eating apples and coming to the mat.

First apartment, first week in Ottawa

Thank you Ottawa,

Much Love,

Leah