Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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!

Read the rest of this entry »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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!

___________

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%.

It is the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011 and it is on this day we salute our veterans and troops.  As I watched the coverage of this event and saw the faces of young and old I am warmed by the thought that we really appreciate the sacrifices these individuals make.

Across the miles our troops still serve and I want to let them know we remember you! As we have supported our allies in wars we didn’t start we have paid dearly but the souls that passed did so with great honor. It is through their dedication to our country, their selflessness and commitment to the greater good that all of us can be proud. It is not that anyone wants war but when conflict arises it is these men and women that step up and say “Yes” to defend freedom and democracy. Sometimes the reasons for going are not fully understood but because of long-standing friendships our troops extend a hand in the hope of stabilization and reconstruction.

For those that have come home and still deal with the scars of war I wish you healing. There is a need to offer men and women the best post combat care upon arrival home. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is real and there has been a steady increase in veterans experiencing the often complex and debilitating effects of this condition. Today, I think deeply about those veterans. I offer an empathetic plea – Please try to find the appropriate support that will help you talk about what you saw and how you feel. Your mission is to release the pain, anger and helplessness that encompasses your days right now. Find the strength to tap into your true spirit again; let peace, love and laughter come back into your life and the lives of those around you. We await your full return home.

We, as a nation and a people, are so lucky to live where we do and as we do. Very few could say they have the richness of life that has been bestowed upon Canada. When we gripe about so many things that bother us from politics to weather we do so because we are free minded. There may be times when we question the role others have in our existence but ultimately we move throughout our days with the ability to exercise choice. We stand on solid land that was defended on our behalf along time ago. The names of all the people that made this possible are not etched on our minds but their energy exists all around us. We pass by them on the streets, we step on the soil where once they trod, we gather once a year to honor them and that my friends is how their legacy lives on.

This is only a simple post to say “Thank you” to all those who served and continue to serve our country. Support the troops and support the Royal Canadian Legion.

To: Dear Jeannie

Now you can spend a few minutes with Andy Rooney whenever you wish and have a chuckle or two.

Love Billie Boy xxx

This was the inscription on the inside of a book I purchased at a use book store, the book was Pieces Of My Mind by Andrew A. Rooney.

Today, I learned that Andy Rooney passed away and for that I’m sad. It doesn’t matter to me how old he was, I hate that preoccupation with attaching an age to everyone we write about, I’m just sad that he is no longer here. With his recent parting from 60 Minutes I was thinking he would write a book or do something that would keep us connected to his life musings. That was not to be. It would be hard for me to even pinpoint why I loved his work so much, sometimes it is just hard to know why you appreciate someone as much as you do. No real point in trying to unearth reasons other than to say his truthfulness and ownership of what he said and wrote was admirable.

When I read his words or heard him speak I was either laughing or nodding my head in agreement. In a previous post I referred to him as the “George Carlin” of news/opinion writing…without the profanity. There are few people who can thread the perceived complexities of life perfectly with the simplicity in which it needs to be seen. To me, there was always an undercurrent in his words that flowed into “see it for what it is.” The ‘it’ could be anything: a situation, an item or a sentiment. Whether experienced, bought or told we really can make a whole lot of something out of nothing.

He didn’t feel there was any ‘magic’ to what he did but I still think he underestimated his contribution to our world. Mirroring the strangeness, joys and frustrations associated with our human experience is what Andy Rooney did best. It is hard to imagine that he ever turned off his mind from observing life, if he did it was fleeting because the amount of material he has on how he and we have lived is really incredible. From war time to breakfast cereal, fan mail to politicians, the usefulness of household items to holiday observances; was there anything that got by him?

Now, the shelves of papers and books will be packed up and the desk will be cleaned. An old typewriter will find another home to proudly sit and his clothes donated to a community organization. His books will continue to be sold and his 60 Minutes appearance will be prized. His friends, family and all of us who appreciated him will have unified moments of grief for a man who did what he loved to do. I guess, like Jeannie, I will be able to spend moments with Andy Rooney every time I flip a page in his book, followed by a chuckle or two.

If there is an after life for Mr. Rooney, I sure would love to be his connection to giving us his viewpoint of life on the other side. I bet it would make for some great writing.

Rooney on Thanksgiving

Andy Rooney – My Lucky Life

60 Minutes – Andy Rooney