Blog or white ... because it never is.

Look at that smiling face.  I'm taking credit for that smile.  It is one of the best things I have done.  A few years ago, my mom was fighting for her life in SICU at HSC.  When you are have a relative in ICU, you know that you struggle to find things to do.  Usually, only visitor at a time so you alternate and there are often many things that the medical team need to do that they would prefer to do without you watching.  So, you end up doing a lot of sitting and drinking coffee and feeling guilty that you are just sitting and drinking coffee. You feel like you want to do something.  So, it was a Saturday morning when the medical team needed some time with my mother for about two hours.  I just wasn't up to sitting doing nothing.  Then, I remembered that I was due to give blood.  It was my man's first time in Canadian Blood Services and I asked him to see if he could donate blood.  Someone had told him years ago that he was not eligible, but it wasn't based on anythin

I am a news junkie and I especially like following political campaigns.  For me, I find the major parties platforms to be increasingly similar.  As Canadians, we all have a certain set of values that we want to advance forward and our paths towards this are fairly similar.  In this time in our evolution of a country, I chose to vote for a specific candidate as opposed to a specific party.  So, that is why I am anxious to get to know candidates for public office.  I'm not interested in policies; I am interested in what motivates them and what drives them to sacrifice so much in order for the chance to serve our interests. Usually when I sit down with a candidate, I have to explain that this is a personal profile and not about specific policies or promises.  I also explain that I will ask some political questions but only to get an idea of passions, motivations, and thought processes.  Sometimes, I have to explain this more than once.  Candidates are usually so excited about thei

One of my favorite author/commentator/columnist/strategist is Warren Kinsella.  I will never be in his league, but one of the things that I admire is that every now and then, he shares feedback he receives.  Believe it or not, I also have been getting feedback and I really reflect upon this feedback.  I really welcome the feedback and here is some samples of my feedback and my thoughts back.  "You need to put pictures in your blog.  I don't read anything that doesn't have pictures."  This feedback came from a very close friend who told me that a year after I started my blog.  She was right and I now put a picture in every entry.  "You need to put pictures of yourself in your blog.  People need to see who they are engaging with."  Good point from a good friend.  I try to include myself whenever it is appropriate.  "You have a blog?"  My son.  "I love the title of your blog."  The friend who suggested the title of my blog. &qu

I've tried, but, I just can't get enough steps in by myself.  I need to join a gym.  It is more than difficult.  I have joined many gyms in the past.  In my twenties, I ran 35 miles/week and was very fit.  I only have myself to blame that I have let myself get to this point of sedentary life.  It is embarrassing.  I would like to say that it is hard to look at myself in the mirror but that is irrelevant.  That is one of my problem.  Something bad happened to me in 2003.  Since that time, I don't look at myself in the mirror.  I also purposely put on weight so I would look unattractive.  Initially, it was purposeful.  Then, it becomes something that just happens.  I have problems sleeping.  I'm afraid of everything.  Random situations trigger panic attacks.  Then, I am mad at myself for all of this.  I have lost and found a lot of weight over decades. The thought of going to a gym makes me go on a journey of self-hate.  I know I will be the only one at my size.  Wh

The Leader's Debate is this evening and I am choosing to be happy and excited.  Let's review how this debate is going to ensure that I will be able to pick the right candidate/party to support.  First of all, one of the Leaders is already going in at a disadvantage for me.  I asked a question of the candidate that he is running in my riding.  He has not responded. I don't think it is a difficult question.  If he is not answering my questions now that he wants my vote, I find it highly unlikely he would answer my questions if elected.  I realize I might be making a judgement, but, that is voting is about.   Find the issues that matter to you and make judgments.  In my case, communication and transparency are important to me.  Regardless, the debate is today, and I'm choosing to be happy.  The debate will be held in a television studio, an environment very familiar to all four leaders.  They will feel comfortable.  I am assuming this one hour debate televised on

For the past few years, I, like many Canadians, have been so very grateful, thankful, and blessed that I don't live in the US.  Literally, every day, I watch or read the news, and there is something that makes me shake my head.  (That is the very least response I have.  Usually, I allow it to ruin my day and sometimes I pick something completely random and throw a hissy fit to release some negative energy.)  The reality is that the Trump Affect has affected all of us in ways that we don't even realize.  He is not my President but he is ruining our lives. 10.  People are less informed about the world.   Quite frankly, since Trump, the news is more and more depressing and more people are opting out of watching it.  Also, he is constantly calling everything "fake news" with so much frequency and regularity, it has worked.  People don't trust the Free Press anymore.  We are skeptical about everything so people aren't being as informed about the world.  This

That is me and Alison Kreviazuk hanging out at the pool together.  Yeah, I have met a few world class athletes.  I have also found out many world class athletes are also world class human beings.  That is what I believe about Andrew Harris.  I have met him and he seems like one of the nicest, most genuine guys ever.  He is a big fish in a little pond but no one seems to have told him that.  He appears modest and he also appears everywhere.  Next to Ace Burpee, he is probably the most recognizable Winnipegger.  I'm sure everyone has met him.  He is the only reason that I am interested in #FortheW.  I am sorry but I just can't get excited about the CFL.  It is hard to be pumped for a league that only eliminates one team after regular season.  I lost interest the first time we were shuffled to the Eastern conference.  It wasn't always like that for me.  When I was a little girl, I was a huge Bombers fan.  I hate admitting how old I am, but my two favorite players were

Oliver and I have been watching coverage of the provincial election.  It is a great sleep-aide. Boring. Take yesterday, for example. A perfect example of the excitement of this campaign.  As it happens, all three recognized parties release a portion of their platform or make an announcement.  First, the Conservatives.  Premier Pallister appeared to take the day off from campaigning coming off his stressful day before when he announced that his government was planning on repealing the Byzantine Shopping law.  It is something that sounds good, but is really a housekeeping issue.  The law hasn't been enforced for a long time as it is so confusing.  Essentially, by repealing the Act, businesses will be allowed to open whenever they want and if they can get people to work.  To further explain how meaningless this announcement is, Pallister explained it was something no one could object to.  Way to go out on a limb, there.  So, yesterday, the Conservatives sent another candidate to

On August 22, the ground officially and ceremonially broke on the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.  It simply was a great event for a great facility.  It was would have been Bruce's 34th birthday.  I never met the man, but I know he would have approved.  It was an authentic ceremony and reasonably short.  There was lots of time to mingle and focus on recovery.  In the morning, it was cool and looked like rain.  During the ceremony, there was nothing but sunshine but it wasn't too hot.  It was like having a shower when you are a guest at someone's home.  You aren't as familiar with their settings and how to adjust it, but someone you get the perfect temperature.  It was that feeling of happiness and a signal that the things are meant to be good.  Then, the moment came when Bruce's parents and his brother were putting shovels into dirt to ceremonially break ground.  It was the moment that I had been waiting for, but, at the same time I am quite familiar with dirt and s

I think I will always love this picture.  It was taken a year ago, but it represents so much.  It was taken in front of the Vimy Arena.  Abandoned since 2013.  A veritable eye sore.  It will be torn down soon to build something beautiful.  I have wanted to take a sledge hammer to the building for a while just to have a piece of it.  It's ok if I never have a physical piece of it.  I have this picture.  The Bruce Oake Foundation went to 8 Council meetings to fight to have the Recovery Centre built on this site.  There were times when it looked like those opposed to the Centre would prevail.  They didn't.  This site and the BORC represent to me that growth can happen.  When it looks like the chips are down, just believe.  Things always change.  A year ago, there was a group of narcissists that enjoyed destroying my personal resiliency.  I didn't think I would ever be able to get past it.  I didn't blame them.  They were just doing what they do.  I blamed myself.  I

Things happen for a reason. Sometimes that reason isn't apparent at the time. Two days ago, I had a confrontation with a stranger in a public place.  It was just weird and it was about nothing.  Two complete strangers in a mall getting into each other's face.  I was there shopping for a wedding shower present.  She was there to spread her misery, I assume.  Ironically, we were looking at the same item when she felt compelled to point out another customer who was a "minority" and tell an off-colour joke.  For a brief second, I wondered what was wrong with me.  What was it about me that signaled that I would find this funny.  I looked into her eyes and all I saw was intolerance and ignorance.  I am a social justice warrior.  I know that the combination of intolerance and ignorance lead to injustice.  I knew I couldn't let that comment go.  Somehow, we were in an unpleasant conversation and voices were raised.  The back-and-forth went on until she walked away whe

Perfection.  No words can describe the profound moment when ground officially and ceremonially broke for the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.  There were tears.  There was laughter.  There were emotions that people couldn't describe.  Over 100 people came together on Bruce's birthday to celebrate the lives that will be saved in the Recovery Facility that will bear his name. The Capital Campaign was also officially launched wanting to raise $16M.  That sounds like a lot except that over $11M has already been raised including over $3M last evening at the Gala.  $2M from John and Bonnie Buhler.  Scott Oake said it best when he said that no Winnipegger has not been touched by the generosity of John and Bonnie.  Councillor Gillingham is usually a logical man who doesn't openly express emotion.  I have never seen him speak so forcefully as he did when he wanted to make it clear that people wanting to recover and their families would be welcome in St. James.  Goosebumps emerged

2003 and 2004 were very dark years in my life.  I wish I could say that I have forgotten most of what happened, but, I still experience some of the effects of the trauma that happened so long ago.  There were also some good things to come out of those years.  There is a benefit to living through hell.  You know what is and isn't a problem and you don't get too bothered by the ordinary problems of life.  You sort of get a sense of personal power.  You think that you have survived something really horrible so you can probably survive anything.  Also, things happen that give you a sense of perspective. At one point in this time, I met with my Doctor and had to confess that I wasn't taking my medication.  I was humiliated to tell him that I couldn't afford my meds.  He was not pleased and emphasized how important it was for me to take my medication as prescribed.  He told me this shouldn't happen in Canada.  He left his country of birth because of such issues.  He p

I'm not as complex as I think I am.  I have two hobbies; blogging and poker.  When blogging is going well, I blog as often as my free time allows.  I am currently having an "issue" with my blog, so, I am playing more poker. I have no illusions that I am a good poker player.  I am a recreational player at best, however, I also believe I have the potential to be a good player.  So, I really don't know the answer to this one and am looking for some feedback. What is the etiquette for tipping the cashier cage? I seriously don't know what is expected.  At the casino which I play, we have only had a dedicated poker cashier cage for about a year and a half. I mention that because I find them very inefficient.  They check each bill for authenticity.  Then, they break down your buy-in.  I know this is standard for the cameras, however, it seems a little extreme.  They are extremely slow.  When they first opened, I thought it was just the slow pace was extra caution

Before I was an adult, I was a child and a teenager.  How many of you were once children and then teenagers?  One of the things that I did as a child was go to camp.  Bible camp, Brownie camp, Girl Guides Camp, Student Match Camp, Leadership Camp, Music Camp, Writer's Camp, Public Speaking Camp, and a couple of others that were affiliated with organizations that my parents belonged to.  I was only homesick once and that was between grade 11 and grade 12.  I know there is a lot of literature that talks about the benefits of camp.  I know I benefited from these opportunities, some more than others.  One thing that I did learn, though, was every camp song know.  One was a four line song in which the first three lines were the same.  "Jimmy crack corn I don't care; Jimmy crack corn I don't care; Jimmy crack corn I don't care" and then "My mastahs gone away."  I didn't give that song much thought until this morning when the Ethics Commissioner r

I wish I was on fire for life today.  Unfortunately, some low life is occupying space in my head today so this is my way of moving on.  Cliff Graydon, Independent MLA for Emerson, is running for re-election.  I hope that he has no chance of winning, however, over the past few years, I have been shocked and amazed more than once.  It is both wonderful and sad at the same time that anything can happen.  There are more than a few issues that I have with Cliff Graydon but I will summarize by saying that he could attend sensitivity training every day for the rest of his life, and I don't think he would be capable of showing empathy or compassion or respect for the female gender.  His defense of his behavior is that he has a bad sense of humour typical of men born in that age.  I guess he means men who were born circa 1947.  Last week I attended a packed funeral for one of my friend's fathers.  Standing room only and people of all generations and demographics.  All there to p

I worked in a personal care home for over a decade.  In Manitoba, 80-85% of all residents have a diagnosis of dementia or alzheimer type dementia.  Most of these residents are lovely and are joys to take care of.  They make us smile, they make us laugh, they make us appreciate our health.  When a family member was diagnosed with dementia, the family would ask, "what can we expect?"  I would give them literature and I would tell them what typically happens, then, I would caution them, that everyone walks their own path.  There are not two people who experience the disease in the exact same way.  That is the frustrating aspect of dementia.  You don't really know for certainty what to expect.  The other thing with alzheimer dementia, as with all dementia, it is a progressive chronic disease and there is no cure.  The best we can expect is a long plateau.  It is best managed by a team of health care professionals but we still don't know definitively what path dementia w

About a month ago, my partner attended a Steven Fletcher form where he was going to explain how he was going to put a stop to the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre being built on the land of the abandoned Vimy Arena.  It turns out that he wasn't quite prepared yet, but he was working on a document that would conclusively show that it was a shady deal and once this document was released, it would be definitive that the BORC plans would be scrapped for good.  More than two weeks has passed.  I must have missed the report, but, I am still curious to see it.  If the report exists, please send it to me or tell me where I can pick it up.  Steven Fletcher said it would be out so it much exist.  Apparently, I am not the only one who has not seen this report.  The ground-breaking ceremony will be held on August 22.  If my math is correct, that will be 9 days from today.  Also, in the news, a new group has been formed that will handle leaders debates.  It is head by former Governor-General Da

My life is so much richer since I have become a social justice warrior.  I have been awaken to so much and have met amazing people who are contributing every day to make our world better.  In Canada, it is easy to be a social justice warrior.  We are the nation that believes in the social safety net as one of our guiding principles.  There are some that might want to dismantle this net, and there may be tweeks that we don't like, but the social safety net will never cease to exist.  It is too entrenched in the Canadian mosaic.  It is part of the fabric of our nation.  I'm not saying it is perfect, but it is better than may countries.  So, I truly believe that every Canadian, at some level, is a social justice believer.  We believe that we should all have the same opportunities and freedoms.  And, then there is Cliff Graydon.  I just found out that the Independent MLA for Emerson is seeking re-election in the upcoming provincial election.  He is 72.  Normally, I wouldn'