Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

The news has been saturated lately with stories about the victims of drowning. There has been 205 people who have died so far this year in Canada. My province of British Columbia has seen an increase, with four people last week alone losing their life in our waters. As some of my readers know I am a survivor but not without a loss that profoundly impacted my family. I posted that experience May 20th, 2010  for National Life Jacket Day.

I understand perfectly the trauma and fear associated with such an experience, how it feels and how much the body and mind remembers. I have a range of emotions with every passing story:

Hurt and Sadness as I know how far reaching the grief extends, as families and friends grapple with the loss for days, months and years to come.

Anger that despite measures put in place for protecting ones self and others we are still not able to take it seriously enough to make the right decisions.

Frustration that no matter how prepared others may be we can not beat the fate that lies ahead.

Hopeful that one or more of these stories, including mine, my cause a person or family this year to be extra vigilant with their personal safety on or near water.

There is speculation that our recent hot weather may have increased the amount of people in the water and therefore more accidents occur. However, to this day I see people not wearing life jackets that partake in water sports and activities.

There is a proposal being talked about to have swimming lessons built into the school system so that children may have a better chance for survival. As a child who had those lessons and had to tread water for a long time before being rescued I can assure you it may help but it is not a cure. Knowing how to swim and being a man who grew up and worked along side water all his life did not help my father.

In life I believe some things are meant to be, people come into this world and leave us. It is our time. I also believe that common sense and not tempting fate is important too. So, I again ask people to please look to what you can do to protect yourself and your family from this kind of tragic accident. Survivors, like myself, really don’t want you to have to live with the memories and go through what we did.

Be safe! Be smart!

CBC News Story

Today we went and explored the Ladner Village Market. During the summer twice per month over 100 vendors come to Ladner to share their products. First, I have to say if you haven’t been to the Ladner/Tsawwassen area before it is worth the time, a great Sunday drive. What we enjoyed at the market was the variety of goods, not all standard crafts, plants or even meat but unique items.

We found beautiful pottery that caught our eye, Choi’s Pottery which had us marveling at all the everyday items that can be turned into stunning pieces of art. We were given a list of the pattern and symbolism that can be found on the pottery which made us identify with it even more. My husband really likes cranes and blue herons, the crane’s symbolism was Long Life and Good Health.

River Run Cottages has a little side business going on and they had barrels that were just right for the garden, including one creation that was a water feature. We have seen barrels used before as part of people’s landscape or for practical purposes to catch the rain from the down spouts but these were well priced and right there. No searching for who is selling barrels.

We bought organic meat from (sorry no website) Spokin Lake Meats Ltd., fresh farm meat with none of the antibiotics and God knows what else that is laced into our food. They were busy, friendly and sold out of a few items but it is worth a try. We have been looking for organic meat suppliers and when we find one we try what they have to offer. I have to say, organic does hold flavor better and for some reason the food digest better too.

I took a moment to have an artist by the name of Pauline Basi paint a beautiful henna tattoo on my wrist.  The design scrolls slightly up my arm and down to my hand. I have always loved Mehndi since I was a child. I watched a slide show of a wedding that family friends had attended in which the brides’ hands and feet were adorned with the art. I never forgot the image and when I come across the opportunity to get it done I’m excited. What I did not know is how talented this woman is beyond the art she placed on each persons body. Her website is magnificent, so calming and I was immediately drawn into her gallery. One more incredible surprise that comes from the day.

Whether it is beautifully designed jewelery, pottery, art, perfumes or preserves, food, plants, crafts or clothing it was all there. Creative people all coming together to sell what they believe each of us needs. Whether we need or just want, markets such as this make shopping fun and festive; with lively music and lots of eye stopping moments.

They say a lot of people are doing stay vacations and local day trips to fill their summer and today showed us we don’t have to go far to have a great time. We got to know more stores in the area for future trips which can only help out local businesses after summer ends. Great idea Ladner, keep it up!

A while back I shared with readers my frustration with the decision by our bus company TransLink to install an automated voice system. Called TMAC (Transit Management and Communications System) this $40 million dollar investment “improves communication, schedule reliability and safety.” (TransLink Media)

Through GPS they can track their buses, tell users when buses are scheduled to arrive at a stop and the “annunciator” helps the visually impaired know which bus it is and where is is going next. Wonderful technology that has now entered the fleet and made already loud, large buses become even more annoying!

Oh, I know there are those that love the new bells and whistles I’m sure. All you, techno loving people benefiting from the multimillion dollar pilot test that really wasn’t a test but a foregone conclusion. It doesn’t matter that this system would be implemented without full consultation on its impact.

What impact? Well, the constant reminders at all hours of the day and evening just where transit users are going! Yes,  the first thing that I hear in the wee hours of the morning is the number and name of the bus that is stopping out front. It is also one of the last things I hear at night just before midnight as I try to drift off into a blissful slumber.

Now, I have observed this annoying annunciator is activated even without one person standing at the stop and if the person’s are visually impaired that are disembarking they are sure good at hiding their condition. The disability advocates apparently have wanted this need filled and they got it. However, I contend that the majority of people actually riding the bus would not fall under the disability category for which it was created.

Instead, according to a very sympathetic TransLink employee, there are hundreds of complaints. Daily people are calling in to discuss the intrusion of “the voice.” The voice that travels great distance to announce what a human could do, if we weren’t so fond of automation. Now, please don’t bother to convince me this is worth the disturbance of communities for a special interest group. You, are probably not the ones whose home is affected by it. Traveling well over 100 feet, over a fence, up a walkway, through closed windows and doors,  this voice is an unwanted visitor daily.

After trying to get some headway with a call to TransLink and a call to see if my city could do anything under a noise bylaw I have become an advocate on behalf of homeowners; starting with mine. With my trusty duct tape and a homemade sign I marched down to the bus stop and erected a quiet but important message of my own.

QUIET PLEASE!

LIMIT THE USE OF THE AUTOMATED VOICE

ESPECIALLY EARLY MORNING AND LATE AT NIGHT.

RESPECT OUR RIGHT TO PEACE.

I’m sure my sign will not stay up long and I don’t have 40 million to invest in testing its effectiveness. That’s OK though, I have plenty of ink in the printer and paper. If they don’t like my small protest I may need to create my own automated voice to greet them everyday. I think it will be quite helpful as my annunciator will tell TransLink where it is and where it’s next stop should be.

If you too are bothered by this and feel inclined to try contacting TransLink here is the link to their customer service and good luck!

Living in the best country in the world!

Freedom for all its people

Beautiful scenery

Diversity abounds

Adventure surrounds us

Caring  Global Partner

Interesting History

Complex issues

Simple needs

Hockey nation

Best restaurants/food

Healthy living

Resources for the world

No matter where I travel in the world, as beautiful as cities are to visit, nothing compares to home. We are a lucky people in so many ways. Despite the challenges that face us all, this country continues to lead in a way that makes me proud to be Canadian! Especially living in Vancouver, BC!!!

Just a moment I’m thinking…

It seems odd that I, of all people, would have to be discussing the importance of trusting your intuition. I come from a long line of highly intuitive women. It should be something I respect by now but apparently I may come from intuitive stock but I can’t always claim to trust and honor it.

Some time back I had a really strong intuition that an opportunity that was coming my way was not the right path to take. For reason that were part practical, part supportive and part investigative I chose to ignore the feeling in the pit of my stomach and went for it. It was a professional decision that I regret in some ways but in others it served as a wonderful lesson. Characteristic of most lessons, it confirmed what I already know but failed to take seriously.

In conjunction with all the bells going off loudly, came the first day I stepped into my role. There in front of me was the same desk I had seen fourteen years earlier in a whole other setting, the same lack of preparedness for my arrival and the inevitable laxidasical attitude. Instead of being able to do my job, I first had to tackle that lack of items necessary to start. It was a flashback that I didn’t enjoy but I weighed in thinking “All these years later I’m sure I can make this work.”

I was wrong again. It seemed my role was not clearly defined and often I became confused as to just what my purpose truly was. The title certainly didn’t match the day to day activities and I was getting a distinct feeling of being restricted, maybe not fully trusted to do my job. After hitting the level I have professionally and enjoying the partnerships established with wonderful people and organizations, it was foreign to feel so confined. I observed things I did not know could exist in the context of our work and ethically felt uncomfortable. It was also clear that though my intention was to do the best I could, my best was not required.  This was the wrong place for me to be and I should have trusted that little voice in my head; that feeling in the pit of my stomach and the deja vu that happened weekly.

So, why don’t we trust our intuition? It obviously has been implanted in us for survival reasons. It, more often than not, is completely accurate. It doesn’t require you to do anything prior, other than to have a thought or a movement that would warrant its very fervent arrival. It is a built in mechanism to aid us but still we question its validity. The only saving grace to all of this is that it never gives up trying to get our attention.

I can tell you right now, I’m apologizing to my little inner voice. I will trust it, honor it and know that it only has my best interest at heart.

HAVE YOU LEARNED TO TRUST YOUR INTUITION? (If not, I highly recommend you trust your built in, free alarm system)

Does the idea of owning your own business, working according to your core values, defining success on your own terms and affecting positive change interest you? Many women have taken steps in their life to do all of that and more but how they accomplish it has changed over the years.

Women entrepreneurs don’t even need a store front to make their professional dreams a reality. This virtual world has expanded rapidly, opening doors for women to develop a business that is unrestricted by international borders. Using the internet and leveraging the power of social media, women around the globe build relationships that strengthen their business and personal aspirations. One of those women is Jill Crossland.

Jill is a life and business coach who started in 2004, what was then, TimeFinders Coaching. Ever the forward thinker, as her company grew so did her recognition of the trend toward self branding. In 2008 she divided her company into Jill Crossland Coaching and TimeFinders Magazine.

She has just launched Create Your Team which brings together a team of professional women with specialized expertise. As one of those team members, I wanted to celebrate with Jill the launch of this site and through the following interview share with readers, one woman’s vision. It is my hope that if you are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur or want to use your expertise in unique way Jill’s story will help you move forward.

From inception to present day Jill gives insight into how a business can evolve, the importance of paying attention to the needs of clients, the wisdom to know you don’t need to do it all on your own and her own struggles with balance. Jill is also looking for women to lend their expertise; maybe through this interview the circle of relationship building will grow.

Take us back to the beginning – At what point did you decide to start what is now Jill B. Crossland Coaching?

It was more of an evolution. Most coaching sites were rather dry and it perturbed me that once you hung up from a client session they possibly didn’t have anything else to fall back on in the way of resources, information and support.  I wanted to provide them with more depth.

When I started it was more for midlife women because I had gone into coaching as a midlife woman and had some difficulty finding the information I needed in order to take that step. So, I thought a lot of other midlife women probably feel the same.

How has your vision for the business changed over the years?

As my demographic became clearer I was able to identify my market and it grew from there. Then it emerged that I was dealing with a larger age group. They were entrepreneurs either starting their business or mid point in their business development.

You have just launched a fresh site called Create Your Team Resources for the Busy Woman. What was your goal for the site?

I wanted it be very efficient, it is about creating a support system, realizing that we can’t all do it alone. When we have made the decision that we can’t do it alone, I want the site to be the place for services, help and support.

How do I find the right website? What is the right social media? How do I find the right babysitter for me to bring on to my team so that I accomplish what I need to with my business?

I thought if I could bring these people together in one area that would be my aim. It’s in its infancy but the goal is that all the resources would be on the Create Your Team site and it would be safe. A safe area to go forth with your team members. This is about women supporting women.

What do feel are the unique needs of women that would drive them to seek out the services offered through Create Your Team?

When I first became a coach everything was about packages, it was sold in big chunks. If you wanted to hire a coach you had to commit to this amount of time and this amount of money, it was the only way you could obtain success.  It was quite overwhelming.

In both my coaching and Create Your Team it is a realization that you don’t have to have full time help. If you have a housekeeper come in once a week that may work just fine; to give you enough time to accomplish what you need to in those hours. If you talk to your coach every month or every two months that may be what you require. The uniqueness is in the realization that it doesn’t have to be a huge chunk of time or money.

You can control who you hire and when you hire them. You can control what you spend; you don’t have to be intimidated into putting out large amounts of money. Women realize they would love to have a housekeeper, or web designer on call 24/7 but they can’t.  They may work out that they can afford it four times a month or once a month.

Isn’t this about flexibility?

Yes.  I know women who say to their accountant “I can do this part but I need you to do this part, I need you at this time of year for my year end.”  Years ago we weren’t saying the words “This is what I need from you” and “This is what I can afford to pay you.” That is very freeing. It enables women to grow their business; instead of sinking all their money into an accountant they can hire a web designer too, they can balance it out.

You have expanded your team of professionals to meet the needs of women and you intend to add even more professional women to provide their expertise. What are you looking for in future team members?

We are looking for financial advisers. I’d like to see life coaches, relationship coaches and business coaches who specialize in start up. We are not only looking for virtual businesses but those that have a physical store front presence. Housekeepers and dog walkers are also needed. For example: if you have a week where you can’t walk your dog this service is helpful. If a very entrepreneurial dog walking service wants to advertise I think they would do well on our site. For the busy woman who is tied up in meetings, she can give them a call.

We are not doing products, it is all service based. Create Your Team wants people who specialize in transitions, elder care, divorce, professional organizers, and time management experts.

Every woman’s needs are different. Create Your Team is the one place she can come to find both the coach and all her other needs in one area.

You have your coaching business, TimeFinders Magazine, the Life Deco Blog and the newly launched Create Your Team website…How do you balance your time?

I keep a very rigorous schedule even though like most of you I work from a home office. I keep a very tight schedule as if I’m walking into a corporation every morning.  I’m in the process of learning that when I don’t balance everything, something has to change. Like all women I have those weeks when it just doesn’t pull together and I just let go without guilt or stress.

I have my priorities – it is clients, website, my writing. Clients always come first. At the beginning of the day I start with their needs, and then I make sure the websites are where they should be and then last is my writing. We must always give the priority to our clients.

What have you learned about yourself in the process of building up the business?

I’ve learnt what I’m good at and I’m no longer hesitant in saying “I’m very good at this” or “I’m not very good that and I need someone else to do it.” I have stopped trying to do it all. I’m very happy to turn areas of my business over to the experts in their field.

The hardest thing I’ve learned is sometimes I have to let go of something I’ve enjoyed because there is just not enough time in my day. I’ve had to cut back on a lot my writing. I don’t put articles out as much as I’d like to because I can’t find the time, I miss that.

How are you going to define success?

My success falls in three different criteria; it is not a one stop success. In my coaching practice, to be honest, it comes from a certain number of clients and an income that is steady.  For the magazine, success will come when it is more self- sufficient as I haven’t sold advertising. The success will be advertising and recruiting more writers. I’m still on the cusp, I’m not offering as much as I would like to my readers.

Create Your Team success will be when we have that full range of services to offer. When I feel we have a good selection across the board and emails coming in that say, “Thanks, this helped.” It is nice to know you made a difference. Women have to give feedback really it’s the only way to grow our business.  It is the only way to know, “Is this working” What went wrong or what went really right. Constructive criticism is a wonderful thing.

Is there anything else you would want readers to know?

You asked me earlier what I learnt and I think I would like readers to know they need to embrace their uniqueness. I am unique, you are unique, and the readers of your piece are all unique. You are sitting comfortably in that uniqueness when you recognize your own needs.

It is all very well that we go to workshops, listen to our friends and read self help books. At the end of the day, at 3 o’clock in the morning, it is you that’s lying there worried or wanting to make the right decision, facing uncertainty and that is the unique position. Every woman needs to recognize what their needs are. They are not the same needs as that speaker they just went to see, as remarkable as she may have been, take from her what you need but then make it your own.

Life is not one size fits all. Take advice but take it and make it your own.

While Jill is the person behind the inception of your Create Your Team and will remain behind the scenes as it grows; it took a team to Create a Team. Alanna Morley designed both the website and Mean Business blog. She will also be the CYT manager. IT consultant Terri Pepin keeps the site running efficiently.   Women helping women is ever apparent as Jill Crossland Coaching and Create Your Team grows.

Many thanks to Jill for taking the time for this interview and for inspiring me in so many ways to grow as a business woman.

Violent protest at the G8 Summit in Toronto, Ontario., Canada turned parts of the city into a major conflict zone. As always peaceful protest is overtaken by the agenda of **** disturbers who can’t find another way to get their message across other than to burn cars, smash windows and throw bricks.

I have to ask the questions:

How effective is protests and demonstrations when they are drenched in violence?

Do you feel these thugs garner support by the average voter to join their cause?

Do these people reach the minds of the political leaders, causing them to rethink their positions?

What did they gain today?

Nothing! It did not sway anyone to see their point of view. In fact, if anything it has done the opposite. The legitimate protests that paraded down the street were overshadowed by black masked cowards. What is worse is that people lives were put at risk, businesses were shut down and the chaos that continues adds to the cost of what is already a very expensive undertaking.

Here is the hypocrisy that goes along with protesters such as these:

* They don’t like countries that commit violent acts upon its citizens but here they are committing violence, breaking the laws and generally holding a city hostage.

* They want people to be free to speak their mind without the fear of retribution but they shouted over the voices and stopped the advancement of legitimate, peaceful, fellow protesters.

* They oppose those that receive financial gain from Governments (including ours) that they deem corrupt but many of them are receiving Canadian tax dollars everyday through social assistance to keep a roof over their head and food in their stomach.

* They want Governments/Leaders to be accountable for the health of their citizens while they endangered the health and livelihood of many innocent citizens today.

* They don’t like police interfering and clashing with people around the world but they incite ours to do so.

Hey, I have protested before, I get the need to stand for something. I walked along the streets peacefully to voice my opposition to the invasion of Iraq. There are many things going on in the world that I try to do my part to change but non violence is the only way I know.

Young or old there are people throughout history who have made a difference by there own actions! These protesters are expecting these politicians to fix what they believe ails the prospective countries? Individuals can change the world; people who get up off their couch and begin to find ways in which THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. They volunteer their time in these countries to provide learning, infrastructure and health care. They sit and talk with tribes, communities, leaders and the like, to make a small initiative turn into large initiatives. They donate their money to organizations on the ground who have a better understanding of the issues and needs of the people.

Powerful, meaningful change should not come through violent outbursts but through the realization of hope, onward through the education of a people, from education to a showing of solidarity and eventually with a mass of voices who are capable of changing the future. Who do the people thank later? All those that provided their expertise along the way, those that sacrificed and challenged on their behalf. Great minds, large hearts, people who hold the values the leaders do not.

The violence I saw today did nothing and those protesters were representations of what they despise. They emulated the behaviours, anger, corruption and small minded thinking that keeps certain leaders in power. They need to take their masks off and take a good  look in the mirror.

Charge those that broke the law and if they are receiving any type of assistance from our Government cut them off. If they are paying citizens garnish wages to pay for damages. Right to protest, right to be prosecuted for crimes and damages. Welcome to democracy!

Yes, at this point some of you are going down the path of “This woman is an Iron Maiden fan?” Yes, I am! Along with my devoted heavy metal husband.

We just attended last nights sold out show in Vancouver and enjoyed it immensely. For those that are scratching their heads still trying to figure out what the draw may be to this band well I guess you have to be appreciative of superb musicianship and outstanding vocals.

There is different types of metal and without going into detail about that diversity, suffice-to-say there are bands who train and obtain a level that is untouchable. Iron Maiden is one of those bands. With legions of fans worldwide and generations past now bringing their children, it has become a family of sorts. Beyond the music they produce is the bands genuine appreciation of all the people that support them.

Even my mother, a trained classical singer enjoys watching the DVD’s with her beloved son-in-law. Bruce Dickinson, the singer, is really in a class unto himself. His mastery of vocal range and theatrics is really a treat to watch and now in his early 50’s you see no signs of him slowing down. A singer, a commercial airline pilot and fencer, he is a man that doesn’t do anything halfway. The other band members Steve Harris (bassist),  Nicko McBrain (drummer), and guitarist Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers; bring their high energy, precision and unparalleled performance to the stage and leave nothing behind.

What is also interesting is the historical elements to the songs. Many lyrics reference time in history, poets or individuals so that the listener is in essence learning while rocking. It wasn’t until after I met my husband that I truly appreciated that fact as well as the multiple layers that go into the songs themselves. Follow the guitars and watch as each musician adds in their unique piece, creating a tapestry that is masterful. (click on the song below and follow it through to see what I mean)

We have seen this band several times together and my husband has followed them since his youth. All in all I guess you can’t judge a person or a band without giving them a chance. If you have wanted to expand your musical tastes than I suggest you listen to Iron Maiden or just rent a DVD. See how millions around the world flock to watch these great musicians and a phenomenal singer bring metal to the highest rank it can be.

One song in the show Blood Brothers was dedicated to their friend and mentor Ronnie James Dio who lost his fight with cancer not so long ago. The stadium rose to honor this classy, heavy metal singer and it was appropriate that Iron Maiden reminded us to do so.

I have spent a little bit more time than I want in hospitals this year. Not me personally in the hospital but visiting others who have the misfortune to require surgery and care. It is very clear to me that there is serious problems with the system! Sure, we watch the news and we hear the tale of a person or family that complains how the health care system has failed them. You have a brief moment of angst, empathy and then it is on to the next story. It isn’t until you see it for yourself that you realize “Hey! Something is very wrong here!”

My brother-in-law was admitted to Mission Hospital to address a severe gall bladder attack, he was given some medication, told to book an appointment with his doctor and was released.  Complications arose due to a lack of urgency with his initial complaint of symptoms, so when he went to his doctors office jaundice and having difficulty breathing he was readmitted to the hospital. From there it was determined that he required EMERGENCY SURGERY and would need to be transferred to Royal Columbian Hospital.  That was three weeks ago.

He is still in the hospital due to multiple errors. No surgery occurred in a timely manner which made his situation worse. He was deemed by one Doctor not be a priority and as such was relegated to the hallway with fashioned bed linens tied to IV polls etc to give him partial privacy. There he laid in discomfort amidst all the traffic and the ever triggered buzzer going off to signify patients who wanted a nurse to attend their bedside.

No MRI on weekends meant he waited longer for information about his condition and at one point someone even considered sending him back home to Mission. However, as a result of all the delays he eventually was now a PRIORITY! Sick enough to warrant service he went in for surgery. Due to the wait time it was more complicated and there were measures taken to try to deal with progression of his condition. To make a long story shorter he recently underwent a second surgery due to an infection (flesh eating disease) no doubt caused by his first surgery and/or post operative care.

A procedure that should have been taken care of quickly with minimal hospital stay has turned into almost a month of panic and pain!

He has noted that there are good nurses who are trying to work in difficult conditions and there are nurses that maybe should get out of the profession. He has left a newspaper under his bedside cabinet which despite the brief presence of cleaning staff, it hasn’t budged an inch. He bled one day badly which sprayed onto the floor, it took two days before that was even cleaned up. He notes that several people around him have also come in for a surgery and ended up with two or three operations… most likely due to infection. There was one man who hadn’t had his bed changed in a week and they both realized care is different depending who is on shift.

In all of this I realized that the system I once defended is a joke! I was opposed to two tiered health care, secure with the notion that if I buy that hospital lottery ticket or vote for more dollars to be spent on British Columbia’s Health care that money was being spent wisely. Well, not anymore! If I could pay for better care I would do it! To see someone you love suffer, become sicker than they were going in, to watch a person lay in crowded corridor, to see cigarette infested entrance ways with staff and patients alike dumping their cigarette butts about, to see dried blood streaked across a floor in a common sitting area….I could go on but you get the picture.

All this money we are throwing this way isn’t going where it needs too. They have privatized where they shouldn’t and stayed public without proper oversight. They have closed hospitals and reduced availability of service to outlying areas and caused hospitals like Royal Columbian to be busting at the seams. Don’t bother to give me some reason to believe the system is working, I’ve seen with my own eyes multiple examples of failure. There is no preventative care, no immediate care and obviously poor post-operative care.

It sucks and God, forbid I end up in a hospital any time soon!

With a goal in mind to stop the Harmonized Sales Tax from being ripped from our wallets, British Columbian’s turned out to sign petitions. Over 10% of the voters in every riding put their pens to paper, did more than just talk, it was seemingly a success! The message was designed  to share with Premier Gordon Campbell our disdain for his lies and underhanded maneuvers to keep the public from having a voice on anything, in particular the HST.

With a traditionally apathetic voting public, who could have predicted a success of this magnitude; obtaining the necessary numbers to maybe get a referendum on the issue. Not surprisingly though, our dictator is not impressed. He fails to care for the opinions of constituents and their reasons for signing. Instead he feels that he knows best, he has the vision and we will learn to embrace it. Tough decisions come from our great leader, we are misinformed peasants. Premier Campbell will hit the road to share with all of us why he lied in the last election in regards to adopting the HST…no wait that’s not it…he will be making a sales call. You may want to get your sign up.. No Peddlers!

However, even one of his own, (with a conscience) Mr. Blair Lekstrom quit his job as Energy Minister to recognize his constituents opposition to the HST. Regardless of what happens, there is at least one person who had the sense to respect who pays his salary and spoke his truth. Others may find heads will role with the discussions of recall.

So, as we scramble to get some things paid for before the HST rams through our doors, we are offered a hand by our neighbours to the south.

“Come shop in the good old USA, show us your ID and you won’t have to pay the sales tax.” “Here, take advantage of up to a 9.5 % savings!”

“Well, thank ya partner, don’t mind if I do.”

In fact, my normal thinking to keep most of my dollars flowing to Canadian businesses has just shifted. My take home pay is really important to me and mine. We just don’t see fit to be throwing it back to a government and businesses that already over price and tax everything. My purse strings just got a lot tighter.

I think we’ll travel south, as it is so very close; we receive better service, more selection and we will be paying closer to what something is worth. Of course, some of my business will stay at home but I will be very selective. This hand just extended across the border and said…

“Hello, neighbour.”  “I will be happy to help out your economy a little. Your government seems mighty friendly, understands our plight and we are just plum tickled you would consider helping us.”

Lucky I have Nexus, the border line ups might be even longer after July 1st, 2010.