A Day in Ottawa: Friendship, Reflections, and Keeping the Streak Alive
Today, I hit the road to Ottawa with my good friend Raj for his big interview. There’s something profoundly rewarding about being there for a friend when they need you most. Whether it’s offering a reassuring word, sharing a laugh, or just being a steady presence in the passenger seat, supporting someone you care about is one of life’s greatest privileges. Raj was a bundle of nerves, his mind racing with every possible “what if” scenario. If you know Raj, you know that’s just how his brilliant, overactive mind works—always spinning, always dreaming. I’m rooting for him, and I’m confident he’s going to crush it.
I had hoped to catch up with my grandma Mimi while we were in town, but she wasn’t up for a meetup. Here health hasn’t been good ss much as I would’ve loved to see her, I respect her decision to take not see me. Her place is on the other side of Ottawa anyway, so we didn’t swing by. Will I mention this to Mom? Maybe, maybe not—I’ll play it by ear and let the moment decide. Sometimes, the best conversations are the ones that happen organically.
Ottawa: A City of Memories and Change
Ottawa holds a special place in my heart. I’ve spent countless summers wandering its streets, soaking in its vibrant energy. But today, I couldn’t help but notice how much the city has changed.
The charm is still there—the historic buildings, the bustling markets—but there’s a different undercurrent now. I saw more homeless folks than I remembered, a stark reminder of the challenges facing not just Ottawa, but cities across Canada. It’s a sobering reality that makes you pause and reflect on the world we’re living in.
The Weight of a Long Day
I’ll be honest: I’m exhausted. I took two naps today, and I’m still ready to collapse into bed. Maybe it’s the emotional energy of being there for a friend, or maybe it’s the lingering effects of our six-hour road trip (huge props to Raj for taking the wheel—I got to kick back and curate the playlist). Raj must be absolutely spent after driving and carrying the weight of his interview nerves. His ability to get worked up over things that may or may not happen is both endearing and exhausting to watch. But that’s Raj—his mind is a whirlwind of possibilities, and it’s part of what makes him so unique.
The Streak Lives On
Right now, I’m not exactly bursting with motivation to write this blog post. The temptation to skip it and crawl under the covers is real. But as Jerry Seinfeld would remind us, you don’t break the streak. For those unfamiliar, Seinfeld’s “streak” philosophy is about showing up every day to do the work, no matter how you feel. It’s about consistency over perfection. So here I am, keeping the chain unbroken, even if this post isn’t my greatest masterpiece. The streak lives on, and that’s what matters.
Lessons from the Road
This journey with Raj left me with a few reflections on friendship and showing up:
Be there for your people. Sometimes, your presence alone can make a world of difference. A kind word, a shared laugh, or just being in the car can lift someone up in ways you might not even realize.
Their wins are your wins. When your friends succeed, it’s a victory for you too. Celebrate their triumphs like they’re your own.
Bet on your friends. Believe in them, even when they’re doubting themselves. Your faith in them can be the push they need to keep going.
Honor boundaries. Giving someone space when they need it is just as important as showing up. Respecting their choices is a form of love.
A Call to Reflect
Today was a reminder that life is about the small, meaningful moments—supporting a friend, revisiting a familiar city, and pushing through when you’re not feeling your best. I’m grateful for Raj, for Ottawa’s nostalgic pull, and for the discipline to keep writing, even on sleepy days like this.
What’s a time you showed up for a friend and it made all the difference? Or maybe a moment when someone was there for you when you needed it most? I’d love to hear your stories—drop them in the comments below or share them with someone who needs to hear it.
Here’s to friendship, to showing up, and to keeping the streak alive, one day at a time.
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton