Is it weird to peg a few 'resolutions' before the new year even begins? Fortunately, I think the beginning of anything is when we start it, rather than when it is more formally recognised. And if my year needs to start right here and now, then so be it.
A few things about resolutions. Firstly, I think most are too wordy, contain too many guidelines and instructions, and imply weakness if they are not fulfilled to the max. Secondly, that they are generally stated while under the influence - of alcohol, fireworks, guilt, or other people under the influence - significantly ramps up the "ain't gonna happen" likelihood. Thirdly, the word itself feels shallow, short term, and giddy - perhaps the result of too many frivolous references to it.
With all that in mind, I'm going to go for 'philosophies' that set me in good stead for the rest of my days, rather than 'resolutions' that may fade before they even get started.
And so, for what it's worth - and I doubt it's worth anything to anyone other than me - here goes ...
Work philosophy - honesty
Health philosophy - balance
Psychical philosophy - contentment
Life philosophy - joy
If that doesn't paint a strong enough picture for you, check out your thesaurus where all will be revealed.
Nothing earth shattering, but it's a start. Happy new year, everyone!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Oh, Mr Burton!
I have marvelled at your handiwork for years, always willing to be immersed in worlds I could only imagine - although clearly not as well as you do! I have gleefully followed your journey from Edward to Sweeney to Alice and James, I've seen things look Batty, go Fishy and get Sleepy, I've watched unearthly Brides, factored in some Chocolate, AND counted all the way to 9. What an extraordinary ride! What a taste for the wonderful!
Now, at the risk of appearing starstruck or perhaps even slightly insane and stalky, let me just say, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I accept your offer to appear in your next film. I will also say that the only thing standing between me and success in this matter is you. And the actual invitation.
Just so you know, my schedule for the next few years is wide open, my passport is in order, I'm not picky about co-stars or genre, and I'm never late for tea!
Let's talk soon, Mr Burton. Oh, the possibilities ...
Now, at the risk of appearing starstruck or perhaps even slightly insane and stalky, let me just say, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I accept your offer to appear in your next film. I will also say that the only thing standing between me and success in this matter is you. And the actual invitation.
Just so you know, my schedule for the next few years is wide open, my passport is in order, I'm not picky about co-stars or genre, and I'm never late for tea!
Let's talk soon, Mr Burton. Oh, the possibilities ...
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The fact of the matter
What to do when there simply aren't enough hours in the day? What to do when you have ideas, concerns and principles, but no time to share, express or further them? What to do when you feel the pressure to step up, but circumstances intervene? What to do when other things have to get done, but you'd rather write ... about something, anything? What to do when despite your best efforts, you can't seem to fit yourself into the equation?
What to do? Nothing. Life happens. Duty calls. That's it.
For now ...
What to do? Nothing. Life happens. Duty calls. That's it.
For now ...
Thursday, December 3, 2009
And the other reason I don't cook ...
... is that apparently real cooks don't like anyone mucking around in their kitchen. Fine with me because yesterday's ribs? Disaster!
On the plus side, we had dessert for dinner instead. Chocolate marquis. Now that's a meal I could really get my teeth into.
On the plus side, we had dessert for dinner instead. Chocolate marquis. Now that's a meal I could really get my teeth into.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The reason I don't cook
Got lamb ribs out for dinner.
Decide to surprise my guy and have it all ready by the time he gets home.
Oops – no white wine. Decide to substitute orange juice. Okay.
Drat – no soy sauce. Don’t think Teriyaki will do. Decide to leave it out.
Duh – can’t find the cinnamon. Got something that may be it, but not labelled, so not sure. Better leave it out.
Um – no fresh lemon juice, just the “in a plastic squeeze bottle” variety. Too bad. It’s going in.
Open up the ribs – packet seems to be mislabelled and is really a rack of lamb. Guess that will work.
Recipe calls for 3½ pounds, only have 1½ pounds.
Have to halve everything.
Math not my strong point.
Mix the marinade and pour it over the lamb in a plastic bag. Try to suck out the air. Blah! Sucked up some marinade.
Seal it all off, then place it in a dish before putting in the fridge.
Hey, what’s all that liquid?
Bugger! There’s a hole in the bag!!!!!!!!!!
Pour the whole bloody lot into the dish, can’t find the lid, so cover with plastic wrap, put in fridge and close the door.
Just don’t look and it will be okay ... at least until the real cook gets home!
Decide to surprise my guy and have it all ready by the time he gets home.
Oops – no white wine. Decide to substitute orange juice. Okay.
Drat – no soy sauce. Don’t think Teriyaki will do. Decide to leave it out.
Duh – can’t find the cinnamon. Got something that may be it, but not labelled, so not sure. Better leave it out.
Um – no fresh lemon juice, just the “in a plastic squeeze bottle” variety. Too bad. It’s going in.
Open up the ribs – packet seems to be mislabelled and is really a rack of lamb. Guess that will work.
Recipe calls for 3½ pounds, only have 1½ pounds.
Have to halve everything.
Math not my strong point.
Mix the marinade and pour it over the lamb in a plastic bag. Try to suck out the air. Blah! Sucked up some marinade.
Seal it all off, then place it in a dish before putting in the fridge.
Hey, what’s all that liquid?
Bugger! There’s a hole in the bag!!!!!!!!!!
Pour the whole bloody lot into the dish, can’t find the lid, so cover with plastic wrap, put in fridge and close the door.
Just don’t look and it will be okay ... at least until the real cook gets home!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
And so it begins ...
What better way to sign off from November than with a personal and professional commitment to make December all it can be for me. Perhaps a bit selfish, but with good reason. A mere 31 days to pull together solid progress on the books and speeches I have been chipping away at for the past few months. Time to crank up the volume and crack the proverbial whip. Time to make myself accountable to me and to anyone who wants to follow along and keep me in check. Twitter, Facebook and this blog - all vehicles for charting a course toward January, at which point the next phase will be revealed. Interesting, huh? Wish me luck!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dear Victoria ...
So sorry to hear about your bunions. Ouch much! Trust me - I know from experience. Although I took a very different route to making mine a lot happier than yours.
Because I'm 5 feet 9 inches - and got there sooner than most in my youth - and because "taller than me" boys were few and far between while I was growing up, I started out with the flat shoe perspective on life. Eventually, boys grew up - figuratively speaking - and employment put highfalutin heels within financial reach. I stood head and shoulders above the rest, and life from the top was grand.
Until, ouch much, my feet began to hurt, my bunions began to ache, and stepping out became a very painful experience. I followed in your footsteps for a while - exercises, corrective insoles, grins to hide grimaces and gnashing teeth, and blatant declarations that all was well. But eventually, I, too, went off to the doc, and his advice was plain and simple: "Surgery or flats."
Needless to say, I opted to stand on my own two feet, supported by little more than an inch of heel and an abundance of comfort. And before long, flats and gentle heels became my trademark, with my bunions all the happier for it.
Victoria, I can understand your reluctance to swap agony for relief, but might I say that your "stylish look" has nothing to do with the tortuous heels you attach to your feet. Rather it's your success that inspires - in music, with your family, and your charity work.
So, why not ditch the heels and experience life on a whole new level - and in an entirely new price bracket - where you can be an example to all who still follow in your haughty footsteps.
Step up to the challenge. Be a beacon, a shining light, a leader in street-level fashion. Don't let your feet be either "the bane of my life" or "the most disgusting thing about me". Instead, turn your hatred of flat shoes into an opportunity to design healthy heels for fellow bunion sufferers. Not ballerina flats or tacky, tasteless designs that frighten small children. Make them lovely, stylish, fashionable, sexy and classy, with just a hint of spice!
I can see it now ... "Put your best foot forward with GO FOR LOW - the new heel from Victoria Beckham's Cobblers for Cobbers". Your bunions and ours will thank you for it.
Because I'm 5 feet 9 inches - and got there sooner than most in my youth - and because "taller than me" boys were few and far between while I was growing up, I started out with the flat shoe perspective on life. Eventually, boys grew up - figuratively speaking - and employment put highfalutin heels within financial reach. I stood head and shoulders above the rest, and life from the top was grand.
Until, ouch much, my feet began to hurt, my bunions began to ache, and stepping out became a very painful experience. I followed in your footsteps for a while - exercises, corrective insoles, grins to hide grimaces and gnashing teeth, and blatant declarations that all was well. But eventually, I, too, went off to the doc, and his advice was plain and simple: "Surgery or flats."
Needless to say, I opted to stand on my own two feet, supported by little more than an inch of heel and an abundance of comfort. And before long, flats and gentle heels became my trademark, with my bunions all the happier for it.
Victoria, I can understand your reluctance to swap agony for relief, but might I say that your "stylish look" has nothing to do with the tortuous heels you attach to your feet. Rather it's your success that inspires - in music, with your family, and your charity work.
So, why not ditch the heels and experience life on a whole new level - and in an entirely new price bracket - where you can be an example to all who still follow in your haughty footsteps.
Step up to the challenge. Be a beacon, a shining light, a leader in street-level fashion. Don't let your feet be either "the bane of my life" or "the most disgusting thing about me". Instead, turn your hatred of flat shoes into an opportunity to design healthy heels for fellow bunion sufferers. Not ballerina flats or tacky, tasteless designs that frighten small children. Make them lovely, stylish, fashionable, sexy and classy, with just a hint of spice!
I can see it now ... "Put your best foot forward with GO FOR LOW - the new heel from Victoria Beckham's Cobblers for Cobbers". Your bunions and ours will thank you for it.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Not the end of the world
Wednesday November 11, 2009. 4:21 pm. Power's gone out. City is plunged into darkness. Eerily quiet outside. Nothing to do but light candles, take a bath, drink sherry, and ponder.
What does it mean? Who can we ask? When will it end? Should we be afraid? And then the important questions ... How will we cook tea? What about the TV? And twitter and facebook? Will the beer stay cold? Can I still ...?
Oh, wait. A light. The power is restored. Life as we know it is back on track. All is well in the world again. Yippee!
Interesting that given all the apocalyptic scenarios being played out these days on television, in movies and in real life - H1N1, man-made global warming, financial ruin, red-light cameras - there wasn't anyone running around outside during our one-hour blackout screaming that it was the end of the world.
In some places, at least, common sense and logic are still the order of the day.
What does it mean? Who can we ask? When will it end? Should we be afraid? And then the important questions ... How will we cook tea? What about the TV? And twitter and facebook? Will the beer stay cold? Can I still ...?
Oh, wait. A light. The power is restored. Life as we know it is back on track. All is well in the world again. Yippee!
Interesting that given all the apocalyptic scenarios being played out these days on television, in movies and in real life - H1N1, man-made global warming, financial ruin, red-light cameras - there wasn't anyone running around outside during our one-hour blackout screaming that it was the end of the world.
In some places, at least, common sense and logic are still the order of the day.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dear Mr Bruckheimer ...
Thank you so much for not becoming an accountant or a brain surgeon. Although I'm sure you would no doubt have succeeded in those professions, I think we have all benefited from your foray into the world of storytelling and filmmaking.
I can't say for sure, but it is entirely possible that I love pretty much anything and everything you have created over the years. Films or television, it doesn't matter. Seems your name is everywhere and your influence knows no bounds, which, of course, bodes well for those of us who love great movies.
So, thanks for all of it, and please don't make plans to retire at any point in the near future. I'm guessing there are a lot of projects currently residing on your drawing board that are waiting patiently for their turn. You wouldn't want to disappoint them by hanging up your shingle before they can take their place in the spotlight.
Speaking of which, if you need a new face for a role in Pirates 4, or any other stories currently in your scope, feel free to give me a call. The only thing better than watching a Bruckheimer production is being in one.
Cheers! And thanks - most sincerely!
I can't say for sure, but it is entirely possible that I love pretty much anything and everything you have created over the years. Films or television, it doesn't matter. Seems your name is everywhere and your influence knows no bounds, which, of course, bodes well for those of us who love great movies.
So, thanks for all of it, and please don't make plans to retire at any point in the near future. I'm guessing there are a lot of projects currently residing on your drawing board that are waiting patiently for their turn. You wouldn't want to disappoint them by hanging up your shingle before they can take their place in the spotlight.
Speaking of which, if you need a new face for a role in Pirates 4, or any other stories currently in your scope, feel free to give me a call. The only thing better than watching a Bruckheimer production is being in one.
Cheers! And thanks - most sincerely!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Oh, crap!
Yep, I really stepped in it this time. Another doggie deposit just waiting to connect with my unsuspecting shoe. I knew I had trampled something squishy, but in the dark it was hard to tell exactly what. My 'conquest' was obvious much later in the local Tim Horton's when the stench infiltrated my immediate surrounds. Oh, crap!
Back at home, a toothbrush - an old one - and some hot, sudsy water dislodged the offending substance, and a few hours outside in the intense but all-too-quickly fading sunlight helped dissipate the remaining scent.
As a dog owner and well-trained poo picker-uper, I just don't get it. You have a dog, you take it for a walk, it poos, you take out your baggie, pick up the poo, dispose of it responsibly, end of story. Not that difficult really. But for some people, the concept of cleaning up after their canines is simply beyond comprehension. Consequently, they leave behind an endless supply of little surprises just waiting to be discovered by some poor sole.
It would be nice if all those who are too lazy and too apathetic to be responsible dog owners could step into a nice big smelly pile of doggie do the next time they go for a walk. Unfortunately, as we all know, they will simply cry foul and look around for someone else to blame.
Back at home, a toothbrush - an old one - and some hot, sudsy water dislodged the offending substance, and a few hours outside in the intense but all-too-quickly fading sunlight helped dissipate the remaining scent.
As a dog owner and well-trained poo picker-uper, I just don't get it. You have a dog, you take it for a walk, it poos, you take out your baggie, pick up the poo, dispose of it responsibly, end of story. Not that difficult really. But for some people, the concept of cleaning up after their canines is simply beyond comprehension. Consequently, they leave behind an endless supply of little surprises just waiting to be discovered by some poor sole.
It would be nice if all those who are too lazy and too apathetic to be responsible dog owners could step into a nice big smelly pile of doggie do the next time they go for a walk. Unfortunately, as we all know, they will simply cry foul and look around for someone else to blame.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The real question
The headline read: "Relax, guys, it's movie shots" (Winnipeg Free Press, October 19, 2009). The story went on to describe a scene from a movie that was interpreted by a concerned citizen as "not normal, law-abiding behaviour". The witness reported "two bloodied men with guns in a vehicle in the Exchange District".
It didn't help that just a few kilometres away, "officers were investigating a bank robbery and possible bomb ... when the call came in". Yikes! All on a Saturday night!
The problem, as it turned out, was that no one involved in the shoot had permission "for a gun shot". Oops! Oh well. The police came, the incident was sorted out, no one was hurt or arrested, and "they all had a good laugh about it".
Lovely.
While reading the article, I couldn't help but wonder, "Why do we keep making movies like this?" The one in question is about "sadistic members of a villainous family who return to their childhood home to terrorize the new homeowners and their guests". The obvious answer is that these films are very popular and profitable. To which I asked the real question - aren't there enough bloody movies out there?
Apparently not. And thanks to incredible (or icky) special effects, filmmakers have a growing number of tools at their disposal to significantly ramp up the gory quotient. Consider the current array of gruesome on screen. Saw VI - more grisly than ever. Final Destination in 3D - a little too up close and personal. Law Abiding Citizen - not so much, and sadistic to boot.
None of it my cup of tea, but not because I have anything against that specific genre. It's just that I wonder how much further it will go before we simply can't take any more of that kind of entertainment. A thought that really hit home the other night while watching an episode of Criminal Minds.
As much as I enjoy that show, the episode was so vicious and disturbing, even I had trouble getting to sleep afterward. The interesting part was that it screened at eight o'clock at night - a time that used to be reserved for family viewing. Not these days.
So, what's the big deal, you ask? It's only make believe, you say. If you don't want to watch, don't, you add. All wise counsel in drawing the proverbial line between enough and too much.
But given that there is invariably someone out there willing to push the envelope that little bit further, be it on the big screen, the small screen, or in real life, there is always the chance that the line will blur, opening the door to the very real possibility that the next time a concerned citizen witnesses something that actually is "not normal, law-abiding behaviour", they will misinterpret what they see and write it off as yet another "movie shot".
Lovely.
It didn't help that just a few kilometres away, "officers were investigating a bank robbery and possible bomb ... when the call came in". Yikes! All on a Saturday night!
The problem, as it turned out, was that no one involved in the shoot had permission "for a gun shot". Oops! Oh well. The police came, the incident was sorted out, no one was hurt or arrested, and "they all had a good laugh about it".
Lovely.
While reading the article, I couldn't help but wonder, "Why do we keep making movies like this?" The one in question is about "sadistic members of a villainous family who return to their childhood home to terrorize the new homeowners and their guests". The obvious answer is that these films are very popular and profitable. To which I asked the real question - aren't there enough bloody movies out there?
Apparently not. And thanks to incredible (or icky) special effects, filmmakers have a growing number of tools at their disposal to significantly ramp up the gory quotient. Consider the current array of gruesome on screen. Saw VI - more grisly than ever. Final Destination in 3D - a little too up close and personal. Law Abiding Citizen - not so much, and sadistic to boot.
None of it my cup of tea, but not because I have anything against that specific genre. It's just that I wonder how much further it will go before we simply can't take any more of that kind of entertainment. A thought that really hit home the other night while watching an episode of Criminal Minds.
As much as I enjoy that show, the episode was so vicious and disturbing, even I had trouble getting to sleep afterward. The interesting part was that it screened at eight o'clock at night - a time that used to be reserved for family viewing. Not these days.
So, what's the big deal, you ask? It's only make believe, you say. If you don't want to watch, don't, you add. All wise counsel in drawing the proverbial line between enough and too much.
But given that there is invariably someone out there willing to push the envelope that little bit further, be it on the big screen, the small screen, or in real life, there is always the chance that the line will blur, opening the door to the very real possibility that the next time a concerned citizen witnesses something that actually is "not normal, law-abiding behaviour", they will misinterpret what they see and write it off as yet another "movie shot".
Lovely.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Well, duh!
And the headline reads: "'Balloon Boy' saga a hoax" (Sydney Morning Herald, October 19, 2009 - 6:30AM). The first line of the article confirms it: "US authorities say the runaway balloon saga that gripped the United States was a hoax concocted by the entire family to drum up publicity for a future reality television show."
Maybe it's the cynical vein that runs through my body, but I never bought it from the first report that flashed across the screen. (See 'Oh, come on!' previously in this blog.) As the 'story' unfolded, it became even less believable - or at least that's what I thought. But the subsequent hysteria by the media, the authorities, and the gullible many, not just in the United States, but around the world, proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that people love this stuff. They love to watch it, report it, believe it, be part of it. And they continue to do so for days on end, until the story eventually runs out of steam, or it's revealed as a hoax, or something else takes its place on our radars.
As for the family, don't they have anything better to do? No? Well, apparently neither do we.
It's happened before; it will happen again. No wonder our world is in such a mess.
Maybe it's the cynical vein that runs through my body, but I never bought it from the first report that flashed across the screen. (See 'Oh, come on!' previously in this blog.) As the 'story' unfolded, it became even less believable - or at least that's what I thought. But the subsequent hysteria by the media, the authorities, and the gullible many, not just in the United States, but around the world, proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that people love this stuff. They love to watch it, report it, believe it, be part of it. And they continue to do so for days on end, until the story eventually runs out of steam, or it's revealed as a hoax, or something else takes its place on our radars.
As for the family, don't they have anything better to do? No? Well, apparently neither do we.
It's happened before; it will happen again. No wonder our world is in such a mess.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Oh, come on!
Balloon boy? Really? Are you kidding me?
"Mad scientist" parents, big helium balloon, reports that a 6-year-old boy had fallen off, or was possibly trapped inside. "The structure at the bottom of the balloon that the boy is in is made of extremely thin plywood and won't withstand any kind of a crash at all."
Media jump all over it, authorities go nuts, videos, live tracking, coverage on every channel, web alerts, breaking news, even as far away as Australia. Reporters trip over themselves in the rush to report, to run the exclusive, to give the full story, to capitalise on this potentially dreadful catastrophe - and big news story. And why wouldn't they? It had all the makings of an incredible story. Besides, one of his brothers "saw" the boy climb into the craft and undo the anchor rope. That fact alone was enough to swing the investigative wheel into top gear.
Eventually, the balloon comes down, gentle landing, but gasp! The boy is NOT inside!
Egads! Big search. Where could he be? Time ticks by. What to do, what to do!
Well, while the drama unfolded and histrionics reigned supreme, the so-called "balloon boy" was safe and sound - in a cardboard box in the attic above the garage, for heaven's sake.
Now I understand that this could have had a different ending. And I get that some people think we have to know everything every time something happens. And I applaud the media for sticking to their mandate - the public has a right to know - but seriously, can you say, "Whoa, Nellie!"
So, what was all that? A temporary distraction, perhaps? A welcome diversion? An otherwise slow news day? And then it hit me ... of course ... yes ... the perfect publicity stunt. That had to be it! Finally, something that makes sense about the entire show.
Tsk, tsk everyone. Now, back to work!
"Mad scientist" parents, big helium balloon, reports that a 6-year-old boy had fallen off, or was possibly trapped inside. "The structure at the bottom of the balloon that the boy is in is made of extremely thin plywood and won't withstand any kind of a crash at all."
Media jump all over it, authorities go nuts, videos, live tracking, coverage on every channel, web alerts, breaking news, even as far away as Australia. Reporters trip over themselves in the rush to report, to run the exclusive, to give the full story, to capitalise on this potentially dreadful catastrophe - and big news story. And why wouldn't they? It had all the makings of an incredible story. Besides, one of his brothers "saw" the boy climb into the craft and undo the anchor rope. That fact alone was enough to swing the investigative wheel into top gear.
Eventually, the balloon comes down, gentle landing, but gasp! The boy is NOT inside!
Egads! Big search. Where could he be? Time ticks by. What to do, what to do!
Well, while the drama unfolded and histrionics reigned supreme, the so-called "balloon boy" was safe and sound - in a cardboard box in the attic above the garage, for heaven's sake.
Now I understand that this could have had a different ending. And I get that some people think we have to know everything every time something happens. And I applaud the media for sticking to their mandate - the public has a right to know - but seriously, can you say, "Whoa, Nellie!"
So, what was all that? A temporary distraction, perhaps? A welcome diversion? An otherwise slow news day? And then it hit me ... of course ... yes ... the perfect publicity stunt. That had to be it! Finally, something that makes sense about the entire show.
Tsk, tsk everyone. Now, back to work!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Where has the time gone?
Yikes! Awoke this morning with the full realisation that it is already October. Six days on, in fact. Where has the time gone?!
A quick review of the past little while reveals lots of stuff happening, a few distractions, some relaxation, and a great deal of pondering about where the time goes.
Renovations are always a time consumer, and we are right in the throes of those. But they have been going on and on and on for years. You'd think we'd have figured out a way to incorporate them more efficiently and effectively into our lives. Or at least a way to finish them more quickly and save ourselves further angst. Ah, the thought of all that time being directed elsewhere.
Then there are the commitments we can't ignore - the things we promised to attend, want to attend, should attend. The time we spend dealing with people - on the phone, in the street, over breakfast, entrenched in meetings. The accidental things - "It'll only take me a minute", "I suppose I could do that now", "I didn't see that coming!" The pointless things - worrying, being angry, judging. All time munchers.
Jobs are a big sponge. We all have them, in one form or another, and we can easily lose time and ourselves in those. Most of us love our jobs, some hate them, and others do them on the understanding that they are merely a means to an end - something we do so we can get on with the rest of our lives. Whatever your perspective, a great deal of our life time is spent working.
Add into the mix three meals a day, regular cleaning, weekly shopping, getting to and from, sleeping and snooze buttons, pets, kids, schooling, various activities, downtime (movies, TV, reading, conversations), and it's easy to see where the time goes.
And that's not even an exhaustive list!
Taking my own situation into consideration, it all comes down to how I not only allocate my time, but value my time. I'm getting better at the allocation part, but it's the valuing bit that is the real challenge. Especially when it comes to my projects, my needs. Not always easy to make them a priority.
But I can, as long I remember that my stuff is just as important as everyone else's. That I have a choice about what I do when and how I do it. That time will get away from me, no matter how I try to contain it. And that life happens, even if I schedule it out.
So, at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter where the time goes. What does matter is that we have time, and it's completely up to us how we spend it.
A quick review of the past little while reveals lots of stuff happening, a few distractions, some relaxation, and a great deal of pondering about where the time goes.
Renovations are always a time consumer, and we are right in the throes of those. But they have been going on and on and on for years. You'd think we'd have figured out a way to incorporate them more efficiently and effectively into our lives. Or at least a way to finish them more quickly and save ourselves further angst. Ah, the thought of all that time being directed elsewhere.
Then there are the commitments we can't ignore - the things we promised to attend, want to attend, should attend. The time we spend dealing with people - on the phone, in the street, over breakfast, entrenched in meetings. The accidental things - "It'll only take me a minute", "I suppose I could do that now", "I didn't see that coming!" The pointless things - worrying, being angry, judging. All time munchers.
Jobs are a big sponge. We all have them, in one form or another, and we can easily lose time and ourselves in those. Most of us love our jobs, some hate them, and others do them on the understanding that they are merely a means to an end - something we do so we can get on with the rest of our lives. Whatever your perspective, a great deal of our life time is spent working.
Add into the mix three meals a day, regular cleaning, weekly shopping, getting to and from, sleeping and snooze buttons, pets, kids, schooling, various activities, downtime (movies, TV, reading, conversations), and it's easy to see where the time goes.
And that's not even an exhaustive list!
Taking my own situation into consideration, it all comes down to how I not only allocate my time, but value my time. I'm getting better at the allocation part, but it's the valuing bit that is the real challenge. Especially when it comes to my projects, my needs. Not always easy to make them a priority.
But I can, as long I remember that my stuff is just as important as everyone else's. That I have a choice about what I do when and how I do it. That time will get away from me, no matter how I try to contain it. And that life happens, even if I schedule it out.
So, at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter where the time goes. What does matter is that we have time, and it's completely up to us how we spend it.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Gotta hand it to ya
Search for "dryers versus paper" on the Internet in one form or another and be prepared for more than 44,000 sites pleading their particular case.
The main points of contention from a user perspective seem to be which one is the quickest, which one does the best job, which one is the most hygienic, and the degree of environmental friendliness.
I have to admit I'm torn between the two hand-drying tools. I like the idea of using paper - something quiet and tangible in my hands that gets the job done quickly and efficiently. You can even use it to avoid touching the flusher, taps and door handles. Alternatively, dryers are usually slow and noisy, although those new fandangled ones are a vast improvement and kind of fun to use. New or old, however, they don't do anything other than dry hands.
But what about hygiene and environmental friendliness? Well, there are many arguments on both sides of those equations, and even though at least 44,000 websites claim to have resolved the debate, I think the jury is still out. In any case, I have neither the time nor the inclination to investigate further.
So, rather than devote any more energy to the issue, I'm going to take matters into my own hands, so to speak. In lieu of either, I'll simply pack a small towel into my bag whenever I go out and use that instead. Fast, effective, clean and friendly. Might even spark a conversation about the issue of dryers versus paper. Now, what could be more fun than that?!
The main points of contention from a user perspective seem to be which one is the quickest, which one does the best job, which one is the most hygienic, and the degree of environmental friendliness.
I have to admit I'm torn between the two hand-drying tools. I like the idea of using paper - something quiet and tangible in my hands that gets the job done quickly and efficiently. You can even use it to avoid touching the flusher, taps and door handles. Alternatively, dryers are usually slow and noisy, although those new fandangled ones are a vast improvement and kind of fun to use. New or old, however, they don't do anything other than dry hands.
But what about hygiene and environmental friendliness? Well, there are many arguments on both sides of those equations, and even though at least 44,000 websites claim to have resolved the debate, I think the jury is still out. In any case, I have neither the time nor the inclination to investigate further.
So, rather than devote any more energy to the issue, I'm going to take matters into my own hands, so to speak. In lieu of either, I'll simply pack a small towel into my bag whenever I go out and use that instead. Fast, effective, clean and friendly. Might even spark a conversation about the issue of dryers versus paper. Now, what could be more fun than that?!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The sounds of sirens ...
Hard to believe, but at varying times during the past forty-six nights, there have been sirens of some description moving through our neighbourhood. Sometimes along the main road, sometimes passing through en route to other locations, even a few times up our street. Loud, piercing, persistent sirens that announce little, other than the fact that they are on their way somewhere to help someone in some way.
Not sure what that says about our wider community - more people in trouble, more people making trouble - but in our little backyard, it contrasts oddly with other sounds of the great outdoors - all manner of critters scurrying around, gentle breezes, the occasional rainstorm, people chatting, cyclists and their nemeses, neighbours walking their dogs. Of course, we wouldn't notice as much if our window was closed to the sounds of the night, but while summer hangs on and spring threatens, our window stays open.
After forty-six nights, we are looking forward to a siren-free sleep. A small indication that perhaps, for one night at least, all is well in our corner of the world.
Not sure what that says about our wider community - more people in trouble, more people making trouble - but in our little backyard, it contrasts oddly with other sounds of the great outdoors - all manner of critters scurrying around, gentle breezes, the occasional rainstorm, people chatting, cyclists and their nemeses, neighbours walking their dogs. Of course, we wouldn't notice as much if our window was closed to the sounds of the night, but while summer hangs on and spring threatens, our window stays open.
After forty-six nights, we are looking forward to a siren-free sleep. A small indication that perhaps, for one night at least, all is well in our corner of the world.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Too many chains
Chains. I hate chains. All bad. Take 'em all off.
For too long there have been too many chains keeping brilliant minds closed. Too many chains keeping strong voices silent. Too many chains clouding the view. Too many chains blocking the right road ahead. Too many chains taming the wild. Too many chains laying waste to the garden. Too many chains making stones of us all.
For too long there has been too much captivity, not enough freedom. Too much fear, not enough courage. Too much doubt, not enough celebration. Too many ghosts, not enough passage. Too many causes, not enough champions.
For too long there has been too much indifference, too many victims, too many chains, not enough listening.
Take 'em all off. All bad. I hate chains. Cut.
For too long there have been too many chains keeping brilliant minds closed. Too many chains keeping strong voices silent. Too many chains clouding the view. Too many chains blocking the right road ahead. Too many chains taming the wild. Too many chains laying waste to the garden. Too many chains making stones of us all.
For too long there has been too much captivity, not enough freedom. Too much fear, not enough courage. Too much doubt, not enough celebration. Too many ghosts, not enough passage. Too many causes, not enough champions.
For too long there has been too much indifference, too many victims, too many chains, not enough listening.
Take 'em all off. All bad. I hate chains. Cut.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tea, anyone?
There is no doubt that coffee reigns supreme. It fills our cups and is a mainstay at all restaurants and cafes. The proof is (a) in the pouring, which happens on a regular basis, and often before you've even finished your cup, and (b) in the queueing and consuming, which seems never ending. For the most part, coffee drinkers are well taken care of, but what about the tea aficionados?
Despite its "unparalleled and enduring popularity" and reputation as "the world's most prevalent hot beverage", tea has remained, in many ways, a secondary commodity. You would think that given the diverse menu on offer and the much-promoted medicinal benefits, tea would be considered of at least equal importance to its caffeine counterpart. However, in many locales, tea drinkers are regularly overlooked, sometimes even ignored and completely forgotten about, as servers tend to the coffee drinkers.
As a part-time devotea, I have personally been on the receiving end of such treatment. That I survived is not the point. That it happens at all, is. And it was never demonstrated better than on our recent visit to a caffeine-beverage installation with one of our friends.
Put simply, we were amazed and a little embarrassed by the attention we received compared to our friend, who, more often than not, is frequently left to her own devices. Generally, these range from appropriate signals (opening the teapot lid) and passive actions (rudimentary hand gestures, and desperate, pleading looks around the room) to direct communication (going up and asking someone, anyone) and all-out declarations of independence (filling up the teapot herself).
Merely so she can partake in the simple pleasure of infusing tea leaves in hot water and sipping the wonderful, aromatic, extraordinary result, preferably while her dining companions are guzzling down innumerable gallons of coffee.
In this particular instance, device #3 won the day, but #4 was only seconds away.
As far as I am aware, the international signal for tea instead of coffee is still a teaspoon in one's cup, and an open teapot lid still says, "More hot water, please". It's a small ask, but if serving staff and managers make the effort to infuse themselves with these time-honoured traditions, I guarantee it will make the tea drinkers among us very, very happy.
Despite its "unparalleled and enduring popularity" and reputation as "the world's most prevalent hot beverage", tea has remained, in many ways, a secondary commodity. You would think that given the diverse menu on offer and the much-promoted medicinal benefits, tea would be considered of at least equal importance to its caffeine counterpart. However, in many locales, tea drinkers are regularly overlooked, sometimes even ignored and completely forgotten about, as servers tend to the coffee drinkers.
As a part-time devotea, I have personally been on the receiving end of such treatment. That I survived is not the point. That it happens at all, is. And it was never demonstrated better than on our recent visit to a caffeine-beverage installation with one of our friends.
Put simply, we were amazed and a little embarrassed by the attention we received compared to our friend, who, more often than not, is frequently left to her own devices. Generally, these range from appropriate signals (opening the teapot lid) and passive actions (rudimentary hand gestures, and desperate, pleading looks around the room) to direct communication (going up and asking someone, anyone) and all-out declarations of independence (filling up the teapot herself).
Merely so she can partake in the simple pleasure of infusing tea leaves in hot water and sipping the wonderful, aromatic, extraordinary result, preferably while her dining companions are guzzling down innumerable gallons of coffee.
In this particular instance, device #3 won the day, but #4 was only seconds away.
As far as I am aware, the international signal for tea instead of coffee is still a teaspoon in one's cup, and an open teapot lid still says, "More hot water, please". It's a small ask, but if serving staff and managers make the effort to infuse themselves with these time-honoured traditions, I guarantee it will make the tea drinkers among us very, very happy.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Talking to sausages
Who knew that all my attempts to talk to sausages would finally pay off?! If you haven't noticed, the sound that sausages make sometimes while they are cooking is a lot like some birds when they are chatting away up in the trees. Okay, so just the sparrows and some finch-type birds, but what's critical here is that after honing my skills talking to sausages, I tried them out on some little birdies in our backyard. And lo and behold, not only did a few of them stop and look my way, but one of them actually began to hop in my direction. He seemed quite responsive, staying within a few feet for a good 15 seconds or so before taking flight. Does it mean anything? Probably not, but at least if anyone hears me talking to sausages, I will know it's not as crazy as it seems!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
When doubt comes to visit
Some days, it's simply too hard to feel certain. Sometimes, it's too easy to lose momentum. Some opportunities too quickly escape our grasp. Some people make us feel less than we are. Some things seem truly impossible. Some words present insurmountable obstacles. Some roads go nowhere, fast.
What to do when doubt comes to visit.
Well, there are experts with answers, who tell us what we need to do, who hand out all sorts of tips, tricks and tools.
There are friends who listen, places to air our concerns, ways to pretend it's not happening, avenues that promise exactly the right potions.
There are endless distractions, other people's lives to get lost in, other people's success to measure against, moments of blinding brilliance.
There are quick fixes, false senses of security, band aids.
And then there is me.
When doubt comes to visit, I smile and say that it has come at exactly the right time. That it has made me stop and think, reflect, consider why it's there, decide on the next step, find a way out. That it has done its job and now it's time for it to leave.
When doubt comes to visit, I say 'thank you', ask it to come back again sometime, and then I close the door.
What to do when doubt comes to visit.
Well, there are experts with answers, who tell us what we need to do, who hand out all sorts of tips, tricks and tools.
There are friends who listen, places to air our concerns, ways to pretend it's not happening, avenues that promise exactly the right potions.
There are endless distractions, other people's lives to get lost in, other people's success to measure against, moments of blinding brilliance.
There are quick fixes, false senses of security, band aids.
And then there is me.
When doubt comes to visit, I smile and say that it has come at exactly the right time. That it has made me stop and think, reflect, consider why it's there, decide on the next step, find a way out. That it has done its job and now it's time for it to leave.
When doubt comes to visit, I say 'thank you', ask it to come back again sometime, and then I close the door.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Staying on track
G'day fellow freelancers and home office folk! How's your day going? Getting lots of work done? Staying on top of the pile? Avoiding distractions like the phone, emails and blogging?
Me, too. Except for getting work done, staying on top of the pile, and, obviously, blogging. But that's okay; I think I've found a way to fix that.
For the last while, I've been hanging out in coffee shops to get stuff done. Hey, it worked for J. K. Rowling! And it works for me, except for two parts - the time it takes to get there and back, and the amount of coffee I drink while I'm there. Of course, part of the attraction is that there are people around, and although they're probably not watching me work, it feels a little as if they are, which is reason enough to keep me happily working away.
Today, however, I couldn't get to any of my favourite haunts and was finding it tough to stay focused and be productive. Until I remembered something my dad said way back: "Work as if someone is watching". Ooh! Now, that struck a chord. And, other than this blog entry - which, technically, is work since I am a writer and pen my posts in 20 minutes or less - I've stayed right on track.
So, if you're having trouble staying on your track today, try working as if someone is watching. It's as addictive as coffee!
Me, too. Except for getting work done, staying on top of the pile, and, obviously, blogging. But that's okay; I think I've found a way to fix that.
For the last while, I've been hanging out in coffee shops to get stuff done. Hey, it worked for J. K. Rowling! And it works for me, except for two parts - the time it takes to get there and back, and the amount of coffee I drink while I'm there. Of course, part of the attraction is that there are people around, and although they're probably not watching me work, it feels a little as if they are, which is reason enough to keep me happily working away.
Today, however, I couldn't get to any of my favourite haunts and was finding it tough to stay focused and be productive. Until I remembered something my dad said way back: "Work as if someone is watching". Ooh! Now, that struck a chord. And, other than this blog entry - which, technically, is work since I am a writer and pen my posts in 20 minutes or less - I've stayed right on track.
So, if you're having trouble staying on your track today, try working as if someone is watching. It's as addictive as coffee!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Honest policies
It happened in the blink of an eye. Two people, two different responses. Only one a winner.
A man sat down at a table in a coffee shop. A few minutes later, a young lady walked up, bent down, picked up a few coins off the floor behind the man, and said, "Excuse me, sir. It seems you are throwing your money away." She then put the coins on the edge of the table, he thanked her, she walked away.
Another few minutes passed by before one of the store employees walked up, bent down, picked up what appeared to be another coin off the floor behind the man, and ... walked toward the back of the shop, admiring her booty and slipping it into her pocket.
Okay, so a lot of presumptions in this story - that the money actually belonged to the man, that it was money the employee found - but it does bring to mind two different notions: 'finders keepers, losers weepers' and 'honesty is the best policy'.
Which one do you subscribe to?
A man sat down at a table in a coffee shop. A few minutes later, a young lady walked up, bent down, picked up a few coins off the floor behind the man, and said, "Excuse me, sir. It seems you are throwing your money away." She then put the coins on the edge of the table, he thanked her, she walked away.
Another few minutes passed by before one of the store employees walked up, bent down, picked up what appeared to be another coin off the floor behind the man, and ... walked toward the back of the shop, admiring her booty and slipping it into her pocket.
Okay, so a lot of presumptions in this story - that the money actually belonged to the man, that it was money the employee found - but it does bring to mind two different notions: 'finders keepers, losers weepers' and 'honesty is the best policy'.
Which one do you subscribe to?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Un-twittering
Yes, it's true. A short while ago, I shut down my twitter contributions.
I know some of you will be disappointed - thanks for staying tuned as long as you did. But I am temporarily bailing for practical reasons, and I thought I'd tell you about that.
A little while ago, I embarked on a sabbatical so I could completely focus on parts of my work that had been seriously neglected. Speaking and writing are my passions; I feel incomplete without them and want to give them a chance to shine again. As much as I love book editing, it had steered me a little off track, while, ironically, inadvertently convincing me that now was the right time to tap into those other parts of my persona - the chatty, quirky, fanciful remnants of a previous life - that have lain dormant for way too long.
And now, two months in, the only real issue is time, especially if I'm to meet my self-imposed deadline. A few too many peripheral things, external expectations and unnecessary complications meant that some things had to give, and twitter was one of them (even though it's only a modest 140 characters to convey in each contribution).
While I am sidelined, I will still watch but won't play, and when I come back, there will be more to offer anyone who wants to follow along.
In the meantime, there is this blog to keep you amused and intrigued. Blogging serves as an excellent vehicle for impromptu writing, especially if you think that someone is reading it, and provides an avenue to publicly stretch myself, even if they're not.
So, please keep doing your thing and I'll keep doing mine. When we cross paths again, we'll all be the better for it.
I know some of you will be disappointed - thanks for staying tuned as long as you did. But I am temporarily bailing for practical reasons, and I thought I'd tell you about that.
A little while ago, I embarked on a sabbatical so I could completely focus on parts of my work that had been seriously neglected. Speaking and writing are my passions; I feel incomplete without them and want to give them a chance to shine again. As much as I love book editing, it had steered me a little off track, while, ironically, inadvertently convincing me that now was the right time to tap into those other parts of my persona - the chatty, quirky, fanciful remnants of a previous life - that have lain dormant for way too long.
And now, two months in, the only real issue is time, especially if I'm to meet my self-imposed deadline. A few too many peripheral things, external expectations and unnecessary complications meant that some things had to give, and twitter was one of them (even though it's only a modest 140 characters to convey in each contribution).
While I am sidelined, I will still watch but won't play, and when I come back, there will be more to offer anyone who wants to follow along.
In the meantime, there is this blog to keep you amused and intrigued. Blogging serves as an excellent vehicle for impromptu writing, especially if you think that someone is reading it, and provides an avenue to publicly stretch myself, even if they're not.
So, please keep doing your thing and I'll keep doing mine. When we cross paths again, we'll all be the better for it.
Friday, August 28, 2009
And along comes an opportunity ...
Or I could take myself off to the Toronto International Film Festival next month, where a record 17 Australian movies, including "The Last Ride" and "Beautiful Kate", will be screening. Now, that would be something!
A quick check of the schedule reveals some incredible productions from a whole heap of countries. Could you imagine being glued to various screens for 10 days straight, from early in the morning to very late at night, watching as many of the more than 300 movies as you can? Yes, it's the Aussie ones I'm keen to see, but to be fair, some balance would be so very exciting.
Oh well. There's always next year. And in the meantime, I have a list of Aussie films that will at least tide me over for a while. If I can find them anywhere here.
And to those who are going to the festival? Happy tiff-ing to you all!
A quick check of the schedule reveals some incredible productions from a whole heap of countries. Could you imagine being glued to various screens for 10 days straight, from early in the morning to very late at night, watching as many of the more than 300 movies as you can? Yes, it's the Aussie ones I'm keen to see, but to be fair, some balance would be so very exciting.
Oh well. There's always next year. And in the meantime, I have a list of Aussie films that will at least tide me over for a while. If I can find them anywhere here.
And to those who are going to the festival? Happy tiff-ing to you all!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Score one for Aussie movies!
When I was in Oz recently, I did everything I planned to do except for two things - see "The Last Ride" and "Beautiful Kate". Two Aussie movies that were screening at the time. Trips downunder always include at least one Australian flick - I actually saw three in one day a few years back!
That I didn't see the two films in question was certainly disappointing, but even more so when I read Rachel Ward's commentary in the Sydney Morning Herald today.
Now, I'm not a filmmaker, so I can't speak directly to Rachel's perspective, but as an audience member, I feel her pain, albeit for a different reason.
I love Australian films, but one of the drawbacks of living in central Canada is the minimal access to them. Some make their way into independent cinemas, others turn up as DVDs, but that only accounts for a small percentage of the ones that are out there. Maybe it's the fact that I'm so far from home, but Aussie films make me feel proud and connected, and I will jump at any opportunity to see one - here or there.
So, if someone is "dumping doom and gloom and threatening to squash" any productions before I get a chance to see them, well, that's just not on. I happen to think that, in one way or another, there is something to be gained from every film, which, in my book, makes them all "enlightening, redemptive, inspiring, compassionate, beautiful, transformative, intelligent, human, engrossing, tender, confronting and, yes, entertaining", even the "'dark' and 'bleak'" ones. And if you don't mind, I'd like to see everything on offer and make up my own mind, instead of someone else trying to do it for me.
Like Rachel, I, too, am "calling a penalty kick for the niche product", especially because they "demand and confront and haunt an audience", and stay with me long after the final credits have rolled.
I just hope that "Beautiful Kate" and any others that want to come with 'her' make their way to central Canada soon so I don't have to wait until my next trip downunder to see them.
That I didn't see the two films in question was certainly disappointing, but even more so when I read Rachel Ward's commentary in the Sydney Morning Herald today.
Now, I'm not a filmmaker, so I can't speak directly to Rachel's perspective, but as an audience member, I feel her pain, albeit for a different reason.
I love Australian films, but one of the drawbacks of living in central Canada is the minimal access to them. Some make their way into independent cinemas, others turn up as DVDs, but that only accounts for a small percentage of the ones that are out there. Maybe it's the fact that I'm so far from home, but Aussie films make me feel proud and connected, and I will jump at any opportunity to see one - here or there.
So, if someone is "dumping doom and gloom and threatening to squash" any productions before I get a chance to see them, well, that's just not on. I happen to think that, in one way or another, there is something to be gained from every film, which, in my book, makes them all "enlightening, redemptive, inspiring, compassionate, beautiful, transformative, intelligent, human, engrossing, tender, confronting and, yes, entertaining", even the "'dark' and 'bleak'" ones. And if you don't mind, I'd like to see everything on offer and make up my own mind, instead of someone else trying to do it for me.
Like Rachel, I, too, am "calling a penalty kick for the niche product", especially because they "demand and confront and haunt an audience", and stay with me long after the final credits have rolled.
I just hope that "Beautiful Kate" and any others that want to come with 'her' make their way to central Canada soon so I don't have to wait until my next trip downunder to see them.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My biggest fan
Ah, in this modern age of technology, with all the communication tools at our disposal, it's easy to get trapped in the "what's wrong with me" cycle.
Got any followers for your blog? No.
Does anyone reply to your twitters? No.
Friends comment on your comments on Facebook? No.
Could make a person feel neglected, trivial, even boring.
From my experience, time, content and engagement seem to be the keys to success here, but ultimately, that depends on your measure of success and your original goal. Striving for popularity? Promoting yourself? Getting your message out? Letting others' messages in? Connecting with family? Casting a wider net? Wanting to be heard? Just because?
When I began blogging, twittering and facebooking, it was intended as a public outlet for spontaneous writing and quirky brain spurts, with a dash of curiosity on the side. That is still the course, but, I admit, lately I've let myself get trapped in the "what's wrong with me" cycle. Definitely a creativity killer, especially if I start down the "what should I be writing" road.
Positive action was required, so after spending too many hours checking to see who was 'following' me, I decided to cast off the blues and grays and sign up as my own biggest fan. Instantly lessened the pressure and allowed me to get back to what I originally set out to do - write.
If you're feeling a little neglected, trivial, or even boring, do what you can to break the cycle, stay the course, and free the creativity. Your fans will love you for it, no matter who they are!
PS If you would like to follow me, that would be great. If not, also great. I'll happily continue doing what I do with the ultimate goal being ... well, you'll have to stay tuned if you want to find out what that is.
Got any followers for your blog? No.
Does anyone reply to your twitters? No.
Friends comment on your comments on Facebook? No.
Could make a person feel neglected, trivial, even boring.
From my experience, time, content and engagement seem to be the keys to success here, but ultimately, that depends on your measure of success and your original goal. Striving for popularity? Promoting yourself? Getting your message out? Letting others' messages in? Connecting with family? Casting a wider net? Wanting to be heard? Just because?
When I began blogging, twittering and facebooking, it was intended as a public outlet for spontaneous writing and quirky brain spurts, with a dash of curiosity on the side. That is still the course, but, I admit, lately I've let myself get trapped in the "what's wrong with me" cycle. Definitely a creativity killer, especially if I start down the "what should I be writing" road.
Positive action was required, so after spending too many hours checking to see who was 'following' me, I decided to cast off the blues and grays and sign up as my own biggest fan. Instantly lessened the pressure and allowed me to get back to what I originally set out to do - write.
If you're feeling a little neglected, trivial, or even boring, do what you can to break the cycle, stay the course, and free the creativity. Your fans will love you for it, no matter who they are!
PS If you would like to follow me, that would be great. If not, also great. I'll happily continue doing what I do with the ultimate goal being ... well, you'll have to stay tuned if you want to find out what that is.
Monday, August 24, 2009
It's a dog's life
One thing I enjoy about our neighbourhood is the residents. The canine residents. Cooper, Copper, Shadow, Sam, Jakes, Scrappers, Harley and Mikey. Our girls, Annie and Sydney, made sure we all got to know each other, and even though, for the most part, we don't know their owners, it doesn't matter. In a dog's life, loyalty is extended to anyone who is kind and gentle and makes them feel part of the family.
Unfortunately, both our girls are now gone. Annie stayed with us for 17 years before deciding it was time to go, and shortly afterward, when Sydney was barely 10, she was stricken with lung cancer and had no choice but to leave. At first, it was awful for us. Walking was painful, the old routes were abandoned, visiting was no longer part of our equation.
However, as time passed and grief subsided, we succumbed to the call of the neighbourhood and ventured out, reacquainting ourselves with our canine friends. It was good to know they hadn't forgotten us, and spending time with them reminded us how much better our life is when dogs are a part of it.
Some people can welcome new dogs before or shortly after the loss of a faithful friend. Sadly, we are not those people. Until now, the best we could do was to live vicariously through our neighbourhood's canine residents, but I sense that the time is coming. There are a few things we need to do first, but we are just being careful, making sure we can give them what they need to feel loved and safe.
A dog's life is meant to be with people. People who are kind and gentle and will make them feel part of the family. We can do that. We will do that. It's what our girls would want us to do.
Unfortunately, both our girls are now gone. Annie stayed with us for 17 years before deciding it was time to go, and shortly afterward, when Sydney was barely 10, she was stricken with lung cancer and had no choice but to leave. At first, it was awful for us. Walking was painful, the old routes were abandoned, visiting was no longer part of our equation.
However, as time passed and grief subsided, we succumbed to the call of the neighbourhood and ventured out, reacquainting ourselves with our canine friends. It was good to know they hadn't forgotten us, and spending time with them reminded us how much better our life is when dogs are a part of it.
Some people can welcome new dogs before or shortly after the loss of a faithful friend. Sadly, we are not those people. Until now, the best we could do was to live vicariously through our neighbourhood's canine residents, but I sense that the time is coming. There are a few things we need to do first, but we are just being careful, making sure we can give them what they need to feel loved and safe.
A dog's life is meant to be with people. People who are kind and gentle and will make them feel part of the family. We can do that. We will do that. It's what our girls would want us to do.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Reality bites
I gave it until today, but alas, nothing. And I doubt it's going to happen now.
Early yesterday morning when I went to the store to post some letters, I found a wallet lying next to a very big truck. Since there were hardly any other vehicles in the lot, it was pretty obvious that it belonged to the driver of that truck. A quick check of the ID, and the wallet and its very relieved owner, Dylan, were reunited without delay. Everyone was happy.
Unfortunately, the same did not happen for me and my wallet. The last day I was in Australia, somewhere between the Darrell Lea chocolate shop and the rendezvous point with my mum, my wallet disappeared. A small amount of money (thank goodness I bought my chocolate supplies before I lost the wallet!), credit card, bank card, and various other bits and pieces of no value to anyone else - all gone in an instant. My mum reimbursed me the money (thanks, Mum), and the cards were cancelled, so in the end, it wasn't too great a loss.
Except for two very important personal items. A photo of my dad that I have had with me since he died 25 years ago. A bit tattered and torn now, it had been trimmed down over the years to fit ever-decreasing wallet sizes. But it was a great photo, the way I remember him, full of life and good humour. The other photo was snapped by an American serviceman on R and R leave about 38 years ago - another story in itself, but suffice to say it was a special memento from a difficult time.
With no trace of the wallet anywhere, self blame quickly set in - "So stupid! How could I have been so careless?!" - and then reality took over - "It could have been worse, and I do have other photos." But now, two weeks after the fact, it's not the loss of the contents that continues to bug me; it’s the missed opportunity for someone to step up.
Presuming the wallet was actually found, it would have been so easy to hand it in to security at the shopping centre, or call my brother’s mobile phone number, or even send it - intact or otherwise - to my Canadian address. Simple acts that would have meant so much.
Regrettably, not everyone wants to step up, but oh, what a world this would be if we did. And we could start by returning lost things to their rightful owners.
There is a slim possibility that the wallet with turn up, but I’m not holding out much hope. In the end, I can attest to the fact that when reality bites, it leaves an impression, a reminder, a mental note to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It makes for a much nicer world and a much happier ending.
Enjoy your returned wallet, Dylan!
Early yesterday morning when I went to the store to post some letters, I found a wallet lying next to a very big truck. Since there were hardly any other vehicles in the lot, it was pretty obvious that it belonged to the driver of that truck. A quick check of the ID, and the wallet and its very relieved owner, Dylan, were reunited without delay. Everyone was happy.
Unfortunately, the same did not happen for me and my wallet. The last day I was in Australia, somewhere between the Darrell Lea chocolate shop and the rendezvous point with my mum, my wallet disappeared. A small amount of money (thank goodness I bought my chocolate supplies before I lost the wallet!), credit card, bank card, and various other bits and pieces of no value to anyone else - all gone in an instant. My mum reimbursed me the money (thanks, Mum), and the cards were cancelled, so in the end, it wasn't too great a loss.
Except for two very important personal items. A photo of my dad that I have had with me since he died 25 years ago. A bit tattered and torn now, it had been trimmed down over the years to fit ever-decreasing wallet sizes. But it was a great photo, the way I remember him, full of life and good humour. The other photo was snapped by an American serviceman on R and R leave about 38 years ago - another story in itself, but suffice to say it was a special memento from a difficult time.
With no trace of the wallet anywhere, self blame quickly set in - "So stupid! How could I have been so careless?!" - and then reality took over - "It could have been worse, and I do have other photos." But now, two weeks after the fact, it's not the loss of the contents that continues to bug me; it’s the missed opportunity for someone to step up.
Presuming the wallet was actually found, it would have been so easy to hand it in to security at the shopping centre, or call my brother’s mobile phone number, or even send it - intact or otherwise - to my Canadian address. Simple acts that would have meant so much.
Regrettably, not everyone wants to step up, but oh, what a world this would be if we did. And we could start by returning lost things to their rightful owners.
There is a slim possibility that the wallet with turn up, but I’m not holding out much hope. In the end, I can attest to the fact that when reality bites, it leaves an impression, a reminder, a mental note to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It makes for a much nicer world and a much happier ending.
Enjoy your returned wallet, Dylan!
Friday, August 14, 2009
So many books, so little time!
When I come back - not that I'm planning on going anywhere soon - I want to come back as a reader. To go to various locations - coffee shop, a train, mountaintop, favourite chair by the window - with a book - good or otherwise - and read. No interruptions, no distractions, no agenda other than to consume as many titles as possible in as many genres as is practical. I may need to be wealthy, or I may only need to be dedicated to the cause. Either way, as a book editor and a prorogued bibliophage, I feel compelled, called even, by the endless supply of books already published and those waiting to see the light of day. Pick me, they demand. Read me, they implore. Live here, they tempt. Wait for me, they beg. Alas, I am only now trying to make up for lost time, mocked by shelves overly stacked with countless fiction and non-fiction titles that document, explore and foretell the then, the now and the morrow, standing as testaments to my intent, as well as indicators of my failure to read faster, or sooner. In amongst the good, the bad and the ugly, of late I have discovered some gems - The Inkheart series, The Book of Negroes, Lord of the Rings, For the Term of His Natural Life, The Herasaga - and many other titles worthy of the declaration "a fantastic read". All strong, yet meagre contributions to the list of must read/have read books. Regrettably, I will likely go to my grave with too many books - good or otherwise - left unread, perhaps even some that would have guided me much earlier in my desired profession as a reader. Ah, so many books, so little time, but I'm working on it!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Home away from home
A week back from Oz and already feeling the pangs. For Oz? Yes. For here? Yes. Confusing? Definitely!
They say that home is where the heart is, but what if the heart is split and the loyalties are evenly divided?
My guy is here, my friends are here, my life is here, my work is here. My family is there, my friends are there, my life is there, my history is there. More years spent there than here, but I'm not sure that really matters. Ideally, my guy and I would spend alternating three months in both places - winter and summer in Winnipeg, spring and autumn in Sydney. Of course, you need money to do that sort of thing, so not right now, but perhaps down the line ...
Funny how when I go back there, I slip right in as if I'd never been away. The family is always the priority - well, other than the Aussie bush and the chocolate - and the first port of all. Come down for dinner, stay a few days, can you help me with my homework, wanna play Snakes and Ladders, this is my new boyfriend, I can drive now and I'm taller than Mum, let's go shopping, let's go to the movies, let's go for a walk, anyone for a cuppa? Life as we know it.
Friends are the same, although this time some of them went one step further with a belated 50th birthday sleepover that involved little sleep, much laughter and frivolity, and some Aussie swag, lollies and biscuits - that's souvenirs, candy and cookies for those unfamiliar with Oz lingo.
This last trip, there was more time to see relatives I'd missed on previous visits, to catch up with people on several occasions, to travel further than before (and more often, given that I had a car the entire six weeks - thanks, Howard!), to get my website updated (thanks, Peter!), to stock up on chocolate and other assorted treats (enough to fill almost an entire suitcase!!!!!), and to just sit and chat. A very relaxed and successful trip. Thanks to everyone for adjusting your schedules and making time for me!
By the way, those of you who have experienced the idiosyncrasies of both countries will be happy to know that I still got confused from time to time with the light switches, windscreen wipers, money, and crossing the streets, but I have mastered the art of driving on both sides of the road - not at the same time, of course!
Ultimately, you know you are at home in a place when you can slot right in regardless of how long you've been gone. And since I generally manage a return visit every year or so, I guess I'm never really gone from either place for very long at all.
For now, wherever I am, it's my home away from home, and that's just fine with me! But if I get that chance to split my time, well, that will be a whole other story ...
They say that home is where the heart is, but what if the heart is split and the loyalties are evenly divided?
My guy is here, my friends are here, my life is here, my work is here. My family is there, my friends are there, my life is there, my history is there. More years spent there than here, but I'm not sure that really matters. Ideally, my guy and I would spend alternating three months in both places - winter and summer in Winnipeg, spring and autumn in Sydney. Of course, you need money to do that sort of thing, so not right now, but perhaps down the line ...
Funny how when I go back there, I slip right in as if I'd never been away. The family is always the priority - well, other than the Aussie bush and the chocolate - and the first port of all. Come down for dinner, stay a few days, can you help me with my homework, wanna play Snakes and Ladders, this is my new boyfriend, I can drive now and I'm taller than Mum, let's go shopping, let's go to the movies, let's go for a walk, anyone for a cuppa? Life as we know it.
Friends are the same, although this time some of them went one step further with a belated 50th birthday sleepover that involved little sleep, much laughter and frivolity, and some Aussie swag, lollies and biscuits - that's souvenirs, candy and cookies for those unfamiliar with Oz lingo.
This last trip, there was more time to see relatives I'd missed on previous visits, to catch up with people on several occasions, to travel further than before (and more often, given that I had a car the entire six weeks - thanks, Howard!), to get my website updated (thanks, Peter!), to stock up on chocolate and other assorted treats (enough to fill almost an entire suitcase!!!!!), and to just sit and chat. A very relaxed and successful trip. Thanks to everyone for adjusting your schedules and making time for me!
By the way, those of you who have experienced the idiosyncrasies of both countries will be happy to know that I still got confused from time to time with the light switches, windscreen wipers, money, and crossing the streets, but I have mastered the art of driving on both sides of the road - not at the same time, of course!
Ultimately, you know you are at home in a place when you can slot right in regardless of how long you've been gone. And since I generally manage a return visit every year or so, I guess I'm never really gone from either place for very long at all.
For now, wherever I am, it's my home away from home, and that's just fine with me! But if I get that chance to split my time, well, that will be a whole other story ...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Here's an idea
Need some extra help around the house? Well, here's an idea.
Ants. Let's train ants to do simple tasks. Tasks such as putting the soap in the washing machine, folding clothes, cleaning the floors and the counters, putting away the groceries, and any other job that would benefit from many hands making light work.
Crazy? Maybe. But think about it. Ants are often wandering around our homes, coming inside during wet weather, or acting on a tip that some morsel of food awaits them in the third house from the corner. They usually come in large numbers, and we spend most of our time trying to shoo them out.
My point is, if ants are in there anyway, why not give them something to do?
In fact, I've already seen them doing odd jobs in television commercials in Australia, and they really seemed to enjoy the work. Besides, if we can teach dogs, monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even mice to perform tricks and tasks, why can't ants learn to do something more useful than trekking around where and when they feel like it? Worth a try, at least.
Everyone likes to have a purpose. Even ants.
As with anything in this world, ideas, great or otherwise, simply need someone to make them work. Any takers?
Ants. Let's train ants to do simple tasks. Tasks such as putting the soap in the washing machine, folding clothes, cleaning the floors and the counters, putting away the groceries, and any other job that would benefit from many hands making light work.
Crazy? Maybe. But think about it. Ants are often wandering around our homes, coming inside during wet weather, or acting on a tip that some morsel of food awaits them in the third house from the corner. They usually come in large numbers, and we spend most of our time trying to shoo them out.
My point is, if ants are in there anyway, why not give them something to do?
In fact, I've already seen them doing odd jobs in television commercials in Australia, and they really seemed to enjoy the work. Besides, if we can teach dogs, monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even mice to perform tricks and tasks, why can't ants learn to do something more useful than trekking around where and when they feel like it? Worth a try, at least.
Everyone likes to have a purpose. Even ants.
As with anything in this world, ideas, great or otherwise, simply need someone to make them work. Any takers?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Websites and chocolate - take 2
Clearly some issues uploading blogs from public computers, so let's try this again ...
Imagine travelling almost 15,000 km just to update your website! Perhaps a bit extreme, but these days you sometimes need to go the extra mile for quality work.
Down here in Oz, my friend Peter - yes, the one who said no one would ever read my blog - knows a thing or two about updating websites, and mine desperately needed some sprucing up. So a few days ago, we teamed up to make all the long-overdue changes to www.jennygates.com.
Ah, much better! And I even got a few tips for when I completely remodel my site later this year.
The moral to this story is that if you use the tools, you need to play by the rules. No point having a website if the information is outdated and irrelevant - certainly not for me who has a message to get out, and certainly not for anyone visiting the site in search of a speaker, a writer, an editor, or all three.
Anyway, now it is up to me to keep the site current and viable so that the next time I'm on vacation in Oz, rather than spending valuable time stationed in front of a computer, I can be relaxing on the beach and indulging in some excellent fine wines and real quality Australian chocolate!
Beauty, mate!
Imagine travelling almost 15,000 km just to update your website! Perhaps a bit extreme, but these days you sometimes need to go the extra mile for quality work.
Down here in Oz, my friend Peter - yes, the one who said no one would ever read my blog - knows a thing or two about updating websites, and mine desperately needed some sprucing up. So a few days ago, we teamed up to make all the long-overdue changes to www.jennygates.com.
Ah, much better! And I even got a few tips for when I completely remodel my site later this year.
The moral to this story is that if you use the tools, you need to play by the rules. No point having a website if the information is outdated and irrelevant - certainly not for me who has a message to get out, and certainly not for anyone visiting the site in search of a speaker, a writer, an editor, or all three.
Anyway, now it is up to me to keep the site current and viable so that the next time I'm on vacation in Oz, rather than spending valuable time stationed in front of a computer, I can be relaxing on the beach and indulging in some excellent fine wines and real quality Australian chocolate!
Beauty, mate!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
And the prediction was ...
... wrong. For now, at least. Which is, of course, why I don't bet on the races or gamble at casinos.
The moral to this prediction is - leave predictions to the experts ... and get back to work!
The moral to this prediction is - leave predictions to the experts ... and get back to work!
Monday, June 22, 2009
The silent blogger
So, I started this blog a few weeks back and, for the most part, didn't tell anyone. Well, anyone except Peter, who promptly asked, "Why would anybody want to read anything you have to say?" Thanks, mate!
There is, however, some truth in that comment. Being somewhat of a neophyte in the whole world of e-communication, I figured that if I wrote it, they would read. Alas, that is apparently not the case.
Undaunted, I will persist, but I will take steps to let it be known that I have a blog, whether anybody wants to read it or not - a note on my soon-to-be-updated website, and then maybe I'll say something on my Facebook page. And since I firmly believe that word of mouth is still the most effective means of communication in any language, I'll try that as well.
Essentially, I started writing this because I had to start writing something. Call myself a writer, eh? Well, that only counts if you actually write something - other than business letters, brief editorials, shopping lists, and notes to self.
A blog provides a forum, a deadline, and a speedy publication date, is fun and challenging, and pushes me to think before I write. That the forum is public warrants accountability, good spelling, and something of interest to someone somewhere. It's a great tool of communication, even if it's only for me to get out of my head.
The interesting thing is that I've finally begun working on other writing projects - a play, a screenplay, two books, and lots of speeches. It's exciting to feel the pen in my hand, to see the words spill out onto the page, and to live the stories being told. Cathartic and rewarding!
So, Peter, whether anyone reads this or not is immaterial. That I am actually writing is the real point of this exercise. But thanks for giving me pause to consider the real purpose of my blog, and to delve even further into the world of e-communication by at least letting people know I am here.
PS Having said all that, if anyone is reading this, feel free to send me a comment, if only to let me know that you are out there.
There is, however, some truth in that comment. Being somewhat of a neophyte in the whole world of e-communication, I figured that if I wrote it, they would read. Alas, that is apparently not the case.
Undaunted, I will persist, but I will take steps to let it be known that I have a blog, whether anybody wants to read it or not - a note on my soon-to-be-updated website, and then maybe I'll say something on my Facebook page. And since I firmly believe that word of mouth is still the most effective means of communication in any language, I'll try that as well.
Essentially, I started writing this because I had to start writing something. Call myself a writer, eh? Well, that only counts if you actually write something - other than business letters, brief editorials, shopping lists, and notes to self.
A blog provides a forum, a deadline, and a speedy publication date, is fun and challenging, and pushes me to think before I write. That the forum is public warrants accountability, good spelling, and something of interest to someone somewhere. It's a great tool of communication, even if it's only for me to get out of my head.
The interesting thing is that I've finally begun working on other writing projects - a play, a screenplay, two books, and lots of speeches. It's exciting to feel the pen in my hand, to see the words spill out onto the page, and to live the stories being told. Cathartic and rewarding!
So, Peter, whether anyone reads this or not is immaterial. That I am actually writing is the real point of this exercise. But thanks for giving me pause to consider the real purpose of my blog, and to delve even further into the world of e-communication by at least letting people know I am here.
PS Having said all that, if anyone is reading this, feel free to send me a comment, if only to let me know that you are out there.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
And the prediction is ...
... that Jon and Kate will announce they are staying together and wrapping up their show at the end of the season - all for the good of the family and in an effort to mend their apparently ailing marriage. Tears can work both ways - sad because of all their 'troubles', and sad because they have had to pretend for the sake of ratings. According to Kate, "We can't go back now. We can only go forward and that's what we're going to do." No dispute there, but there are two meanings afoot if you read between the lines. Good luck to those kids, whether I'm right or wrong.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Crossing pedestrians
When I first came to Winnipeg, I was intrigued by crosswalks. Nothing like that in Oz, I said to myself. Looks a bit dangerous, I cautioned myself. And yesterday, I was reminded just how dangerous these tools of the road can potentially be.
Some years ago, a friend was hit by a driver speeding through a crosswalk while she was in the middle of it. She still struggles with the physical and emotional scars.
Yesterday, I saw, on separate occasions, drivers zipping in front of the person crossing, rushing behind them the second they stepped out of the way, and swerving dangerously in front of another car who had actually stopped to allow the pedestrian to cross. Tsk! Tsk!
But it's not only the drivers who tempt fate. In the past, I've seen pedestrians not pushing the button before they cross, not waiting until it actually starts flashing, and not looking before stepping off the curb. Scary stuff.
Lots of excuses on both sides of the issue. "I didn't see the crosswalk" or "I didn't see the pedestrian" or "I have the right of way; the cars should stop - period". Whatever the excuse, it seems to me that paying attention and a healthy dose of respect would go a long way to making crosswalks a lot safer for everyone. So, here are a few 'must knows'.
For drivers ...
Know that crosswalks are out there and keep an eye out for them.
Know that where there are crosswalks, there could be pedestrians. Watch for them approaching or standing at the step-off point - and be ready to stop when the light flashes or the person starts to cross.
Know that if a car is already stopped at the crosswalk, they might see something you don't, so stop beside them rather than charge through.
Know that just because a pedestrian has crossed out of your view, doesn't mean there isn't another who has stepped off the opposite curb and you simply haven't seen them.
Know that if you wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed either to the centre median strip or all the way to the curb, it might delay you for a few extra seconds, but it will mean the pedestrian has crossed safely.
For pedestrians ...
Know that sometimes drivers aren't watching and can be distracted for a split second, so cross with all possible care.
Know that dawdling doesn't help anyone, so cross without delay.
Know that crossing completely in the crosswalk increases the likelihood of being seen. Avoid meandering and angling.
Know that pressing the button, waiting for the lights to flash, and checking before you step off the curb increases the likelihood that you will cross safely.
For both drivers and pedestrians ...
Know that vehicles of all kinds travelling at any speed on the road can main and kill. Enough said about that.
A little 'knowing' by everyone on both sides of the equation will go a long way to respecting these tools of the road and making them safe for all of us.
Some years ago, a friend was hit by a driver speeding through a crosswalk while she was in the middle of it. She still struggles with the physical and emotional scars.
Yesterday, I saw, on separate occasions, drivers zipping in front of the person crossing, rushing behind them the second they stepped out of the way, and swerving dangerously in front of another car who had actually stopped to allow the pedestrian to cross. Tsk! Tsk!
But it's not only the drivers who tempt fate. In the past, I've seen pedestrians not pushing the button before they cross, not waiting until it actually starts flashing, and not looking before stepping off the curb. Scary stuff.
Lots of excuses on both sides of the issue. "I didn't see the crosswalk" or "I didn't see the pedestrian" or "I have the right of way; the cars should stop - period". Whatever the excuse, it seems to me that paying attention and a healthy dose of respect would go a long way to making crosswalks a lot safer for everyone. So, here are a few 'must knows'.
For drivers ...
Know that crosswalks are out there and keep an eye out for them.
Know that where there are crosswalks, there could be pedestrians. Watch for them approaching or standing at the step-off point - and be ready to stop when the light flashes or the person starts to cross.
Know that if a car is already stopped at the crosswalk, they might see something you don't, so stop beside them rather than charge through.
Know that just because a pedestrian has crossed out of your view, doesn't mean there isn't another who has stepped off the opposite curb and you simply haven't seen them.
Know that if you wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed either to the centre median strip or all the way to the curb, it might delay you for a few extra seconds, but it will mean the pedestrian has crossed safely.
For pedestrians ...
Know that sometimes drivers aren't watching and can be distracted for a split second, so cross with all possible care.
Know that dawdling doesn't help anyone, so cross without delay.
Know that crossing completely in the crosswalk increases the likelihood of being seen. Avoid meandering and angling.
Know that pressing the button, waiting for the lights to flash, and checking before you step off the curb increases the likelihood that you will cross safely.
For both drivers and pedestrians ...
Know that vehicles of all kinds travelling at any speed on the road can main and kill. Enough said about that.
A little 'knowing' by everyone on both sides of the equation will go a long way to respecting these tools of the road and making them safe for all of us.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The truth is out there
Stories pack the newspaper, generate a buzz on the television, fill the airwaves. They are part of our conversations, our communications, our learnings, our lives. They are funny, sad, helpful, informative, disturbing. Sometimes they are the truth; sometimes they are lies.
"The truth will set you free" (The Bible) is often loosely translated as "... free to change the truth as you see fit or as serves your purpose". Some of us use a sprinkling of that in our stories; others use it as a licence to lie. Both teeter on the fence of precariousness.
Because we believe in the inherent goodness and honesty of people, we generally believe that what they are telling us and showing us is true. We laugh with them, sympathise with them, and retell their stories, often as if they were our own.
Unfortunately, sometimes what we are reading, seeing and hearing is not the truth, yet we believe that it is. And that is not completely our fault.
The truth is often cloaked, misconstrued, invented, altered for the benefit of the teller, expanded for the sake of a laugh, emoted to generate tears or to win support or an audience. Not technically lies, not actually the truth. And at the end of the day, we do feel somewhat cheated when we discover we've been had.
These days, with all the media available to us for the dissemination of stories, truthful or otherwise, it can be difficult to uncover the truth. And when we do, it is often hard to set things right. We don't like to think that we have been deceived, set up, lied to. We don't like to call the author out when we've exposed them. We don't have the time to pen letters to the editor every time we spot an error or a lie.
So, what can we do?
"The truth is out there" (X-Files), and it is up to us to be vigilant, to weigh the evidence at hand, to consider the facts, to understand the words, to look for hidden meanings and intent, to make up our own minds, to think before we believe - and to set the wrongs right, if we can. The truth should not be merely an accessory in our lives; bland acceptance should not be the norm.
In the words of Mark Twain, "If one is honest, there is no need to remember." I believe that applies to all aspects of our lives, whether there's a story to be had or not. And I, for one, have made that a truth I can live with.
What about you?
"The truth will set you free" (The Bible) is often loosely translated as "... free to change the truth as you see fit or as serves your purpose". Some of us use a sprinkling of that in our stories; others use it as a licence to lie. Both teeter on the fence of precariousness.
Because we believe in the inherent goodness and honesty of people, we generally believe that what they are telling us and showing us is true. We laugh with them, sympathise with them, and retell their stories, often as if they were our own.
Unfortunately, sometimes what we are reading, seeing and hearing is not the truth, yet we believe that it is. And that is not completely our fault.
The truth is often cloaked, misconstrued, invented, altered for the benefit of the teller, expanded for the sake of a laugh, emoted to generate tears or to win support or an audience. Not technically lies, not actually the truth. And at the end of the day, we do feel somewhat cheated when we discover we've been had.
These days, with all the media available to us for the dissemination of stories, truthful or otherwise, it can be difficult to uncover the truth. And when we do, it is often hard to set things right. We don't like to think that we have been deceived, set up, lied to. We don't like to call the author out when we've exposed them. We don't have the time to pen letters to the editor every time we spot an error or a lie.
So, what can we do?
"The truth is out there" (X-Files), and it is up to us to be vigilant, to weigh the evidence at hand, to consider the facts, to understand the words, to look for hidden meanings and intent, to make up our own minds, to think before we believe - and to set the wrongs right, if we can. The truth should not be merely an accessory in our lives; bland acceptance should not be the norm.
In the words of Mark Twain, "If one is honest, there is no need to remember." I believe that applies to all aspects of our lives, whether there's a story to be had or not. And I, for one, have made that a truth I can live with.
What about you?
Monday, June 15, 2009
The best laid plans ...
... often go awry, and sometimes with little reason or warning.
However, the Peak Performers Toastmasters Club's 21st birthday party was the grand exception to that likelihood, and proved to be a fantastic event without a single hitch! Wrapping up only a few hours ago, more than 70 people mixed and mingled with friends, colleagues and past acquaintances, and reminisced and rejoiced in a club well lived.
Special thanks to Gerry Gordon on didgeridoo and Mitch Dorge on percussion - great music, guys. The perfect combination, the right sound, and a talking point for days to come!
Congrats as well to the donors and winners of the marvellous door prizes, and thanks to everyone, whether you helped with the organising, stepped in when asked or without being asked, or merely turned up for the party.
And in answer to Friday's question, "What's the worst that can happen?" Apparently nothing. A feat worth celebrating on its own!
However, the Peak Performers Toastmasters Club's 21st birthday party was the grand exception to that likelihood, and proved to be a fantastic event without a single hitch! Wrapping up only a few hours ago, more than 70 people mixed and mingled with friends, colleagues and past acquaintances, and reminisced and rejoiced in a club well lived.
Special thanks to Gerry Gordon on didgeridoo and Mitch Dorge on percussion - great music, guys. The perfect combination, the right sound, and a talking point for days to come!
Congrats as well to the donors and winners of the marvellous door prizes, and thanks to everyone, whether you helped with the organising, stepped in when asked or without being asked, or merely turned up for the party.
And in answer to Friday's question, "What's the worst that can happen?" Apparently nothing. A feat worth celebrating on its own!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Party planning 101
Hats off to all professional party planners!
After spending the last two months organising a relatively small event - the 21st birthday party for the Peak Performers Toastmasters Club - I have to say that I have a whole new level of respect for those who tackle this as their profession.
Definitely not my forte, it is because of the help of many in the Club, as well as Chris Hartley at the Norwood Hotel in St. Boniface, that we were able to pull it all together. Of course, we won't know until Sunday whether it's a success, but with 70 people planning on celebrating the occasion with us, digging into the delicious buffet, sampling the chocolate fountain, and enjoying the didgeridoo and percussion duo of Gerry Gordon and Mitch Dorge, who agreed to band together for the event, it should be a humdinger!
All of which means that just because it isn't your forte, it doesn't mean you can't give it a try. So, my advice for budding party planners? Just do it! Get others on board and just do it. You'll learn lots about what you and others can and can't do, and you'll find that a lot of people you didn't expect will step up to the table in one way or another. Good things to add to your "must remember for next time" list.
Besides, what's the worst that can happen? I'll let you know ...
After spending the last two months organising a relatively small event - the 21st birthday party for the Peak Performers Toastmasters Club - I have to say that I have a whole new level of respect for those who tackle this as their profession.
Definitely not my forte, it is because of the help of many in the Club, as well as Chris Hartley at the Norwood Hotel in St. Boniface, that we were able to pull it all together. Of course, we won't know until Sunday whether it's a success, but with 70 people planning on celebrating the occasion with us, digging into the delicious buffet, sampling the chocolate fountain, and enjoying the didgeridoo and percussion duo of Gerry Gordon and Mitch Dorge, who agreed to band together for the event, it should be a humdinger!
All of which means that just because it isn't your forte, it doesn't mean you can't give it a try. So, my advice for budding party planners? Just do it! Get others on board and just do it. You'll learn lots about what you and others can and can't do, and you'll find that a lot of people you didn't expect will step up to the table in one way or another. Good things to add to your "must remember for next time" list.
Besides, what's the worst that can happen? I'll let you know ...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Birds of a feather
Forget about Susan Boyle and the economy and swine flu and what Madonna is doing these days and who's with who and what movie is tops at the box office. Instead, look for something truly amazing and uplifting and oh, so cute. Go to www.cbc.ca/manitoba/features/falcon and watch a family of endangered Peregrine falcons on a downtown ledge in Winnipeg. Trey and Princess and their three chicks - yet to be named - are the stars of our version of reality television, which has hooked viewers from around the world. There is no million dollar prize at the end and no possibility of divorce. Just a young family doing their best to survive in the midst of all this attention. A sure-fire cure for all that ails you. Recommended viewing for all ages!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Time to start down a new road ...
When the business name renewal application came in the mail, I asked myself, do I really want to renew it?
"get it write." was my first business name, started way back in 1994 when I was a newcomer to Canada. I had the name long before I actually started the business - seemed a natural for a freelance editor and writer. And over the years, as my interests and pursuits evolved, I continued to hold onto the name for nostalgic reasons, even though it didn't completely represent everything that I was now doing.
Then when it accidentally lapsed in 2003, I quickly secured the name again before anyone else nabbed it. Yes, I was operating under a different business name, and yes, I was mostly focusing on book editing at the time, but it was tough to simply let it fold. It was, as I said, my first business name.
Unfortunately, it seems I was a bit late. Even though I could register the name in Manitoba (Canada), "get it write." already seemed to belong to a lot of other people - it was the name for an online service, a book, and several others were using it for their companies. It simply wasn't mine anymore.
Today, when the renewal application arrived, I was momentarily torn. And then it became clear. These past few months, I have been making changes, big changes in my work, and I think that it's time to let an old friend go. Time to distance myself from my past work and to look forward to the future. Time to start down a new road.
Stay tuned ...
"get it write." was my first business name, started way back in 1994 when I was a newcomer to Canada. I had the name long before I actually started the business - seemed a natural for a freelance editor and writer. And over the years, as my interests and pursuits evolved, I continued to hold onto the name for nostalgic reasons, even though it didn't completely represent everything that I was now doing.
Then when it accidentally lapsed in 2003, I quickly secured the name again before anyone else nabbed it. Yes, I was operating under a different business name, and yes, I was mostly focusing on book editing at the time, but it was tough to simply let it fold. It was, as I said, my first business name.
Unfortunately, it seems I was a bit late. Even though I could register the name in Manitoba (Canada), "get it write." already seemed to belong to a lot of other people - it was the name for an online service, a book, and several others were using it for their companies. It simply wasn't mine anymore.
Today, when the renewal application arrived, I was momentarily torn. And then it became clear. These past few months, I have been making changes, big changes in my work, and I think that it's time to let an old friend go. Time to distance myself from my past work and to look forward to the future. Time to start down a new road.
Stay tuned ...