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I don’t know why but the first thing that came to mind when I thought about entering 2012 was two words “Challenge Yourself.” From there I saw a line drawn in the sand symbolizing something I either have been told not to cross or simply a line I have drawn unconsciously myself, I don’t know which. The lines in the sand visual may be a feel the fear and do it anyway thing or rebellious move to distance myself from others who have been negatively impacting decisions or better still it could be just childlike curiosity to see what happens if I put a toe over the line.

This isn’t about New Years resolutions, as those things never work for me, it is a simple message to challenge myself. The answer as to what that is or how many times I will challenge myself is yet to be revealed and funny enough, I’m not concerned by my lack of specifics at this point. The new year, even without resolutions, always comes with promise. When the clock strikes midnight we might not show any outward recognition of expectations but I really believe that internally many of us see it like opening a curtain on the next stage of our life. There just has to be something good behind there…let the show begin!

I don’t know about you, but I feel when you get a message so strongly as I did this one, it should be given a chance not to fade into the backdrop of every day existence. Maybe you have experienced an intense dream or thought that stays vividly  in your mind for minutes, hours or days on end. Is it worth paying attention too? “Challenge Yourself!” Both personally and professionally I can think of multiple things to do that would be challenging. However, I think I’m going to let it manifest organically… when it feels like it might be a challenge I will say “YEAH!”

If you have a line drawn in the sand by yourself or someone else maybe it is time to cross over, meet the challenge and see what happens.

Nothing is exciting when you know what the outcome will be ~ Joseph Campbell.

How will you challenge yourself in 2012?

One interesting thing about gathering over the Christmas season is watching what happens when multiple generations come together. While children run around like buzzing bees high on the sweetness of candy and presents, the adults catch up on life. My husband and I had the opportunity this Christmas to spend time with family and their friends who were much older than us. I discovered there are a few things that separate us and more things that don’t.

First: Even if you are considered a senior in the eyes of society, how you see yourself can be completely different.  If you are fortunate to be in relatively good shape well into your senior years it appears, like in your youth, your mind has no concept of age. Where you place your focus is key to feeling OK. Changes in health and mobility are inevitable but even though the body may change the mind still has a choice…become negative or find the positives in living. How our older generation is participating in life is so different than generations past; the label of senior is only as limiting as one makes it.

Second: We all have a story. I think it is so important to listen to our elders, they have lived through some of the most challenging and eventful times. The stories are fascinating! What we read about in books is their life story. Wars, childhood mischief, educational pursuits, first loves or only love,  financial upheavals, career advancement, raising children, differences in male/female roles in society, relationship joys and challenges, changes in sexuality, appreciation for art, music and even travel stories. There is a solid thread through every story that is relevant to today’s living and learning. We should be respectful of that story and hold it dear to our hearts.

Third: Times, they are changing. If you really think about what has changed in their lifetime it is astronomical! We have advanced at such a speed over 80 years it can be both exciting and confusing to them. In our travel with my parents I found I had to explain a lot of things that we breeze through but you know, sometimes so called efficiency does seem to take longer. It sounds counter intuitive but there were times where even I thought “Wow, all this questioning, typing, waiting and processing for every little thing we do.” So called, efficiency can be mind boggling for all of us. Our technological and gadget filled world, diversity of foods for dining, the array of things available to us in general is overwhelming to those who have not kept up or prefer a more simplistic way of living. 

Fourth: We should all strive for civility. What I noticed was just how civil our older generation can be. Where middle aged adults and kids lose the art of conversation, preferring instead to operate their devices of communication, the seniors delight in a good chin wag. Seniors, for the most part, still engage in civility. Their world is not immersed in anything other than face to face conversation and even if they are techno savvy they know the appropriate boundaries of its use. They are forever conscious of our enjoyment “Can I get you anything?” Respectful of our space “Excuse me.” “Please” and “Thank you” flow far easier from their lips than many younger people. Helping each other put on coats or opening a door and being aware of who is going through behind them is also common place in their civilized, etiquette driven encounters.  So many examples of a seemingly dying way of life that cultivated relationships and still attempts to exercise considerate conduct.

The gap between us is not a vast as one might initially think. We each desire to matter, to be heard and appreciated. We don’t want to be irrelevant or to have the world forget to market or cater to us. We want happiness for ourselves and our loved ones. We have certain comforts we will fight tooth and nail to keep because it represents so many wonderful reasons for living. We, several times over, feel the need to recall and tell our story of when we felt most alive, healthy and useful. We are happy in the company of our own peers and enjoy the ease of common understanding. When we look in the mirror, where signs of our aging is evident, none of us can fully comprehend the number that gets attached to us each year. We each long for something unattained and revel in the delight our own accomplishments. We each want love and need touch.

So, as you spend the next few days or even weeks in the company of multiple generations find that common ground. It may be in the playing of a game with a child, exploring an interest of a youth or bridging a gap to follow a life well lived beyond your years.

As we head into our Christmas and other celebrations that bring family and friends together I would like to offer a very simple post.It goes without saying that many around the world will need us to send our good wishes. As we give to each other it would be nice to quietly or collectively take a moment to send a conscious message saying “I’m thinking about you.”

It may go to the child that is begging on a street in Africa, South America or Asia. It may go to the parents who is feeling down about not being able to provide for their family due to the economy. It may go to the children and/or women who are being prostituted, for which celebration never comes. It may be for the entire family that huddles as bombs drop around them. It may be for soldiers far from home.

To take that moment out is to celebrate humanity and offer compassion which is far better to give and receive than anything that will pass from hand to hand this Christmas.

All the best is wished for you all. May health, happiness and success rise up in 2012 for you and yours.

Cell phones, iphones, whatever the device it has made its way to the gym and I hate it! Yes, this is strong language because I’m tired of the fact there is nowhere to go anymore without being invaded by people and their phones. What irks me more is the lack of policies in place to combat this take over of supposed health centres.

I watched a young woman take a picture of her friend while on the treadmill and wondered where’s that going to end up? I’m walking up on an angle towards her friends machine, another woman is on the treadmill next to her, neither of us gave permission to be in that shot but I’d lay money we were in it. Yes, she may crop the picture and maybe she has no intention of putting it up on Facebook or blog but that is not guaranteed nor the point. The point is my right, and every other persons right to privacy.

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Canada finally grows some ***** and sets down a rule that makes sense despite some minor opposition. Niqabs, burkas and other veils will no longer be aloud when new Canadians take an oath of citizenship. The announcement came this week and I for one say “Hooray!”

I mean, really…does it make any sense to have a masked person take an oath? You can’t see if they are saying anything which makes it meaningless. Can you even tell that the person you have in front of you is the person who should be sworn in? I don’t know. What is the protocol for ensuring this is indeed the right individual? I’m a little ignorant about the pre-ceremony process but I have no problem with this rule being set in place.

The diversity of our country is amazing! Love it! Love teaching new Canadians about career options and even conversational English. Immigration, is not a bad thing. Though, it could use some work to make it a better system. (But, that’s for another blog post) What didn’t make any sense was this idea that someone can stand before our officials, participate in a ceremony and supposedly recite the words they must in order to become a Canadian citizen, without even showing who they are.

I also don’t agree with coverings in court or anywhere else where testimony or security is key. This isn’t anything against Muslims. Whether the women choose to where their coverings or not, is up to them. (if it is their choice alone) This is about the very fabric of our Canadian values, our laws and everything that goes with walking through our open door. You have to give up things in order to adopt a country as your new home. Things change and you have to be willing to bend a little to conform with policies and procedures that are built into a system that is designed to serve and protect.

Eventually, this may not be an issue at all. The use of these coverings may not be what future generations subscribe too; at least to the degree it is now. However, for right now we have a situation that needed to addressed and I’m glad it was. We have long been soft on so many issues that have cropped up to the point where it has caused bad blood between new immigrants and Canadian citizens. If we stand up for our heritage, values and laws we are called racist, intolerant and a whole host of other labels but this is not how it should be.

We need to protect the very things that attracted people to our country in the first place and we need to be diligent in taking in only those who are ready and willing to accept those principles. People may give up a lot to come here but that doesn’t mean we need to give up everything we have to make them feel welcome.

Do you know anyone who seems to be perpetually in a state of chaos? That somebody who constantly spreads their negative energy around; infecting everyone who comes within ear shot of their latest drama. Yes, there are drama Queens and Kings everywhere.

The following statement resonated with me the first time I heard it…“Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.”  I heard this through an interview Oprah was doing with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor who after having a stroke, suffered severe cognitive and motor skills damage. In the hospital, where she lay, she could not talk with others but she could feel peoples energy. Out of that experience and her subsequent eight year recovery came the realization of just how powerful our own energy is.

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In my column this month I decided to tackle another prickly topic… the use of the words “MERRY CHRISTMAS.” For those that haven’t been keeping up, saying those two words in some circles is taboo. There are groups or individuals that find all manner of ways to circumvent using this greeting that has been in existence since the 15th century. The philosophy behind this omission is that you don’t want to offend someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas ie: Non – Christians or offend those that feel so strongly about inclusion that they have to find a generic way of greeting everyone. Either way you are scrooged!

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In response to a recent plea for donations my mother and I went to the Surrey SPCA with blankets, towels, newspaper and food. Upon arriving we saw several cars pull up unloading their contributions for the society. My mother had never stepped into a place like this preferring instead to go to her local pet store for a look and a cuddle of a puppy. Inside this building contained the hustle and bustle of dedicated staff and volunteers who make it their mission to aid in the health and safety of dogs, cats and other suffering animals.

Amidst the bundles of donations arriving every minute was the signing of an adoption of a dog named “Jersey.”. A man had come in and decided that this was the dog for him, with paperwork and leash in hand he left as a new pet  parent. Jersey had half a look of uncertainty and half a look of happiness with a wagging tail. Let’s hope their partnership is a loving and long one.

Meanwhile, a little Chihuahua who had been found was being cuddled by the front desk clerk. Too scared and shivery to be left in the kennel he was nestled in the jacket of the staff member. This temporary home was just right until they find his parent which might come sooner than later as a missing dog report possibly matches his description.

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Today, was the day my husband and I chose to put up the Christmas lights. I can tell you first hand that next to gardening, hanging Christmas lights is my husbands least favourite job. Still, he indulges my need to string up festive lights across gutters and along the deck fencing, accompanied by fake bows.

Having found that some of the bulbs were burnt out he was back up on the ladder replacing them with new ones. As he made his way up the ladder I could distinctly hear some rumblings, grumblings and expletives that will not be repeated in this post. Of course, there are two sides to a house and so once completed on the front we proceeded to pack up the ladder and commence decorating in the back.

First, was the large shed that meets you at the end of our driveway. Here it was quickly discovered that the blue LED lights were not enough to make their way fully around. One more string, that’s all I need and it will be perfect! Next, set of White LED lights on main house, also was not enough! So, first I improvise with another set of non-matching lights in the middle to see if I could use what we had.

Husband – “Yes, that looks fine.”

Me – “I don’t know if I can live with it.”

Husband – “Why don’t we just live with it tonight and see what it looks like.” (Code for I don’t want to take these things down, hopefully she won’t say anything and will just learn to accept it)

Me – “No, I just can’t do it…I have another idea.”

Up hubby goes again to replace the mix-matched lights with a string that doesn’t quite make it but looks better than the alternative. He quickly plugs everything in and says,

“See, that looks OK lets just put everything away now and have some lunch”

Noting that I may be pushing my limit especially when dealing with a man with an empty stomach, I agreed it’s time to quit. However, now that I think about it…if I just go out tomorrow buy more blue lights for the shed and more white for the house I should have just the look I wanted. “Oh, husband I think I solved our lighting dilemma…”

I just can’t support Occupy Vancouver, plain and simple. I really believe the whole thing started out with legitimate empathy for the plight of people in New York and solidarity with worldwide movements for change. However, weeks in, everyone is still in the dark as to exactly what the the agenda and plan is for Occupy Vancouver.

Most likely, hijacked by the same groups and individuals that trash our city during summits and events, it has become a frustrating mess! Hardly inclusive and safe for anyone who dares to question their intention or legitimacy. The same heavy-handedness and disrespect they say they hate in our Government/agencies is exercised in their dealings with fellow citizens who oppose their action, media and all those trying to uphold laws. They complain about the establishment not listening to their concerns but they aren’t listening to the citizens of Vancouver who want their art gallery back and would prefer peaceful protest.

I would submit that the majority of the people camping out there will never be able to fully identify what their agenda is nor come up with a comprehensive and inclusive plan for action. They are certainly not representative of the 99% and I’m sorry but I have to question how much they contribute to our communities beyond their personal agenda.

Are they concerned where their hard earned tax dollars are going? If they themselves are homeless, was it the governments over- taxing that caused them not to have a roof over their head or was the affordable housing just not in the chosen area?  How much of their money is going back into helping their fellow 99%? Because, I know mine is going out weekly and that is on top of  donations of money, service and goods to charities.

If they are unemployed, did they walk into their local employment agency and not get the service necessary to in order to secure employment? If they can camp out for days on end and stay up late into the night hatching plans and developing strategies for their comfort and protest then I would say they have a lot of skills worth exploring for paid employment. Is it also an environmental cause as indicated on site and media coverage? If so, what’s the environmental impact on a portion of our city with this temporary housing? Now, that the city has paid out close to million on this occupation, how is that benefiting us? If it is against the takers in our society who through their wealth have failed to be honest about their dealings, how far back to do we go in the pursuit of justice?

I agree that we are definitely not getting treated well by our government all of the time; I have lost confidence in so many of them. I also believe that our utility companies are really helping themselves to our wallets. Greed abounds on some many levels. However, I find it funny to complain about Big Business, Corporations and Government in general when you think about what we use day to day. For example: Occupy Vancouver themselves are utilizing services while sitting in their tents on public property.

Last I checked it was the utilities that kept lights on around that encampment …corporation. Police, Fire and emergency crews, city workers responding to health crisis, death, bylaws, clean up and peace keeping….municipal/government. If  any of these individuals are on social assistance or employment insurance….government. Is Occupy Vancouver participants using cell phones, Twitter, Facebook or any other techno/social media communication? If the answer is “Yes”…big business/corporations. For all the things they purport to despise they sure don’t seem to mind using them.

Here’s my bottom line:

Occupy Vancouver has been hijacked!

What started out as movement of support has turned into individual agendas and vendettas.

If you want housing for yourself or others than do what the rest of us do – educate yourself in something of interest, get a trade, save money, move to a more affordable location, find roommates to offset cost,  build your way up from renting to ownership and spend the rest of your life trying to pay it all off.

If you want a job there are plenty of agencies willing to take you through from career planning to job search. Plenty of employers who need help. If we are hiring so many people from outside the country to do certain jobs I’m sure you wouldn’t mind filling some of those positions to complete the goal of housing.

If you want a better government then vote and make sure when you vote you are informed.

If you want to send a message to the powers that be and inspire others to join in, we need focus and manageability. It can’t be so chaotic that the message gets lost in multiple translations.

If you want change then peaceful protest is your right but OCCUPATION is very militaristic… don’t you think? And militarization ‘control exerted by group action’ is something you oppose. See, right now it looks like a you are trying to exert your control over our city and I have to say that isn’t good.

If you want respect than demonstrate the respect to others around you!

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Of course, this is only one woman’s opinion but I believe I have a right to speak as a tax paying citizen and a card carrying member of the 99%.