Vicki Rempel - If you want something done, ask a busy person

There is a saying that if you want something done, ask a busy person.  A person who is always busy is usually highly motivated and organized.  That was one of the things running through my head when I had coffee with Vicki Rempel, a candidate for School Trustee in the last month's election.  The reason our selfie is a little blurry is because I was a little intimidated by her greatness.  I say a little intimidated because she is not intimidating at all, just warm and gracious.  However, her passion and vision both inspired me and made me feel like a slug. 

Vicki first ran for School Trustee in 1994 and was inspired to run again after attending an Equal Voices "Election Bootcamp" for women held last spring.  Women, from all levels of government and all points on the political spectrum presented interested women some tools, some tips and tricks of the trade, in order to inspired more women to influence our political system. 

Although she didn't win a seat on the School Board, she is very proud that three women were elected and very proud of her 1467 voters, a good base to build on the future.  She is proud of the campaign that she ran and is only disappointed that the election turn-out was 38%.  Voting matters and there are so many opportunities to vote in our technological age.  Throughout our time together, Vicki was the right combination of passion and graciousness.  She educated me on the School Board and was able to spout off issues and statistics off the top of her head but at the same time was engaging. 

What impressed me most was the vision she created for her life.  When she and her husband separated, she bought a big house with a vision of the future.  Her home is equipped with a "granny suite" that she thinks her parents will be using within the next year or two.  She knows it will work because she already has provided that level of care to her in-laws.  She currently has 3 International students who she is "parenting" while they are studying either in University or High School.  Currently, her students are from China, Brazil, and Turkey.  Being a Homestay Parent accomplishes many things for her.  It ensures she still has some "skin in the game" in her concern for the School Board.  Also, at one point, she wanted to travel the world, and although that hasn't worked out yet, she has gotten the world to travel to her.  She told me how she ensures that she spends quality time engaging with each student according to their individual needs.  She also lives with and cares for her handicapped brother, and, of course, her personal trainer, her dog. 

As if that wasn't enough caring, she works in health care taking care of others in their homes.  Of course, all of that isn't enough and she is also a Union Steward, and Co-Chair of Access Winnipeg West Health and Safety Committee.  Her Union involvement also includes her position at Winnipeg Labour Council as a delegate and a Member-at-Large on the Executive.  The Winnipeg Labour Council not only endorsed her as a candidate, but made a healthy donation to her campaign. 

In her spare time, she is participating in Courtship.  She manages to fit dating into her schedule which adds more value to her life. Oh yeah, and she is an artist currently experimenting in mixed media.  While we were talking, she was telling me about her three adult sons who have grown, flown, and on their own.  I mentioned that was a very cool phrase and I wanted to write it down.  She thanked me for noting the phrase which she plans to use in song lyrics some time soon.  Of course, she does. 

So, after a big hug, Vicki went on with her day off, a day off that was already planned to be atleast a 14 hour day of activities. 

After she left, I continued on with my plans for the day.  I had another cup of coffee.