A Day Just For Fun!

Today was a blast! Cathy called and invited Raven and I out to share a day at Calaway Park with her and Dakota. This gave Wesley the chance to spend the day with my Mom, so we all went happily off in different directions, except Duncan, who had to go to work). Calaway Park was fun, and we managed to enjoy most of the rides before the crowds got there! Cathy's not much of a ride person, so I took the kids on lots of rides, my favourite being (ofcourse) the Roller Coaster, even if it is a small coaster (Duncan is planning a trip to take me to his favourite Roller Coasters to share with me some "real" coasters). I thought Raven was going to bail on me, but like any respectable parent would, I made her go. She held me hand the first time through, let go for the second round and was begging to go again by the time it was over. I am happy to see she has inherited my thrill for excitement. We ended our time at Callaway Park with the refreshing "splash" in the Log Ride (it was 34 degrees by then) and piled into the car to head out to Kananaskis Country. We spent the rest of the afternoon working on our tans (and girl talk ofcourse) on the shore of Barrier Lake while the kids played in the water. I miss the mountains, so I am planning a camping this summer for Duncan and I. Anyone want to come? Deven?

When I finally got home I had a surprise gift - Duncan had gone out to buy me the DVD of Gangs of New York! Its a fabulous movie (MAYBE EVEN THE BEST OF THE YEAR) by one of my favourite directors, Martin Scorses. I really love how Duncan shares my love of film, it increases the experience one has when watching and rewatching.

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

It's nice to know I can be a good influence at times! You're very welcome Kim, ofcourse!

Any time, Any place, Summerrain…

There now exists an admirable title block (see above) for my blog posts. Yay for html. I am pleased. I spent a small portion of my "busy" day today changing around my template, and a great portion researching topics for the 2003 Blogathon (coming up fast). Mostly I spent time researching the crop circle phenomenon - after watching M. Night Shyamalan's SIGNS again (great movie) the other night Duncan and I decided to undertake finding out more about crop circles as a mini/fun pet project, so when we were at the library on Monday I grabbed a book about it. Seems interesting, controversial (just how I like it). I will post something during the Blogathon about it. AND I am rather enjoying the new MSN 6 (IF you don't have it yet, go download it!) - not only did I chat with peeps for most of the day I also played games online with Megan and Duncan while they were at work. How much more fun can you ask from an online chat system???

So tonight Duncan, I and the kids, went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a special dinner. Where they live now has a great dining room with most excellent food - and tonight we ate in the private dining room. The food was incredible - I very much enjoyed the Salmon Pipotte (melt in your mouth salmon) with delicious spinach, mashed sweet potato and steamed red cabbage... I have never seen Raven eat so much! I do believe that the greatest thing you can do for your body is to give it good food... and today my body got a gift for sure! mmMMmmm good food. After dinner we sat outside and watched the kids play together (Grant was there as well) and then we went upstairs and Grandma showed me about 85 years or so of photographs. What an amazing family I have found myself welcomed to be a part of. The pictures tell an amazing story. I was very honored.

Well, it is actually 4:05 am right now (woke up ans was just re-editing my today post) and I was gonna stay up a bit more but I am thinking I just might be heading back to bed to snuggle up beside Duncans warm body! Sweet dreams everyone!

mMMmmMmmm... I love sex!

And this, in my inbox today:

I love you so much. I love being with you. You are so much fun to be with and kiss. You are amazing. I hope I can stay with you for the rest of my life Allie!

Love,
Duncan

To be completely honest we (and when I say we I really mean Duncan) just erased the entire blog posting I was working on (much kissing and fawning over me ensued, so it's not a bad thing at all), and I don't really feel like spending any more time typing in my blog today, so here is the short version: Today was gorgeous, we had lots of fun shopping, in the sun and watching NUREMBERG. Our night is not finished though and I am more then eager to get back to it...

I will write more tomorrow when we get back from keeping the sabbath day holy (read coffee ritual).

THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY FIVE!



Today's Friday Five is all about friends!

1. Do you remember your first best friend? Who was it?

Of course I remember my very first real best friend. Her name is Dawn. I originally met Dawn when I was 13 years old and volunteering at the SPCA in Nanaimo BC. We actually didn’t like each other much at first, being in direct competition with each other, but we soon found that the tension between us was actually a burgeoning friendship waiting to happen. Dawn told me once that she believed I was the friend she prayed for because she was lonely, like I was the answer to her prayers. Dawn taught me how to love someone, a skill that has done me well in life. For years we were inseparable - and I would suggest today the only real separation between us is the mere 1200 or so km’s between our actual locations.

2. Are you still in touch with this person?

Absolutely! We are like sisters, or twins even… We talk on the phone constantly as well as visits when we can (She still lives in BC). I wish I could get her to email me a little more, or read my blog on a slightly more regular basis, but she lives in a place with no high speed internet offered, so she is stuck with dialup…

3. Do you have a current close friend?

I am gifted in the art of friendship, and I as a result I am blessed with many good and close friends! There is Duncan, of course, who is my best friend, lover, mentor and playmate. There is also Dawn, Cathy, Michele, Elizabeth, Julie, and Joel too, even though he is a boy. As well as my special friends who have moved away and even though I have irregular contact with them, when I do speak with them again it is always like we spoke only yesterday… Nikki in Vancouver, Renee in Belgium and Kerry in Quebec. All of you are in my heart! I should also give special mention to two of Duncan’s close friends, Deven and Quynn, because they have certainly brought a smile to my face more then once lately with their presence in my world!

4. How did you become friends with this person?

Ugh. My previous verbosity has made this a difficult question to answer, but I shall say this… I love people and I find they naturally gravitate to me, and I have always considered myself lucky that so many wonderful and supporting people have crossed my path and decided to stay in my life. I consider their friendship the highest compliment.

5. Is there a friend from your past that you wish you were still in contact with? Why?

Well I guess Shawn would fall into that category – I met Shawn in school when I was finishing grade 12… She was in all of my classes in the last semester of school and we had so much fun (read skipped out) I slipped from the "principles list" (I think the only class we ever really went to was Law 12). Years later, Shawn became Raven’s godmother, but I had already moved to Alberta. We have both moved lots since then, always seeming to find some way to keep in contact… but I fear we may have now lost each other as I haven’t been able to track her down. But now that I am thinking of it, I am going to go look for her on the internet!

So there is My Friday Five for this week!

It's the crazy philanthropist in me...



Sponsor Allie in the 2003 Blogathon!

I have decided to particpiate in this years BLOGATHON.

Blogathon is a revolutionary project that involves hundreds of Bloggers and "universal web addicts" alike engaging the internet in order to raise money (via pledges) and awareness for their chosen charities. This years event is the third annual Blogathon, taking place on the 26th of July 2003 for 24 hours straight.

Yes, I will post every half hour for 24 hours straight.

Last year's Blogathon event drew over two hundred websites and raised more than $50,000.00 in donations. This year I will be blogging in support of DOCTOR'S WITHOUT BORDERS. Please check out their website, take a virtual tour of a refugee camp, and take a moment to make a pledge towards my cause! Your support is entirely appreciated!

And... as I have to come up with roughly 48 topics to blog about during this time span, please feel free to send any requests that you would like me to tackle. Really, anything. All suggestions will be met with open mind and an appreciation of challenge.


Sponsor Allie in the 2003 Blogathon!

With Apologies, America...

I just found this in the archives at This Hour has 22 Minutes. Called "Apology to America", it's more then worth sharing here.

"I'm sorry that we called George Bush a Moron. He is a Moron, but it wasn't very nice of us to point it out...

"I'm sorry we beat you in Olympic Hockey. In our defence, I guess our excuse would be, that our team was much, much, much, much better then yours".

"I'm sorry about our waffling on Iraq, I mean, when you're going up against a crazed dictator, you wanna have your friends by your side. I realize it took more than two years before you guys pitched in against Hitler, but that was different - everyone knew he had weapons."

"I'm sorry that we burnt down your White House during the war of 1812. I see you've rebuilt it, it's very nice.

"... I'm sorry that we are constantly apologizing for things in a passive aggressive way, which is really a thinly veiled criticsm... I sincerely hope that you are not upset about this, because - we've seen what you do to countries you get upset with... I'm sorry."

No beating around the bush here...

What is a "completely unintentional mistake" anyway?



New Zealand's TV3 mistakenly labelled President Bush a "professional fascist" when a "mislabelled graphic" flashed up during its primetime news, airing to 360,000 viewers in about the 30 seconds that it remained on the air.

TV3 spokesman Roger Beaumont, on behalf of the network, said "It was an absolute case of human error. The fact that it made it to air was extremely unfortunate... What I can assure you is that it was a completely unintentional mistake."

Unfortunate? Not really. If it makes people think, nothing is unfortunate.

Remember the Early Signs of Fascism?

What a lovely surprise!

My absolutely fantabulous boyfriend gave me an awesome surprise today! While I was away at work he diligently and thoughtfully found a host and set up my allie.ca domain! Isn't he amazing?

I have owned www.allie.ca for just over a year but haven't gotten around to finding a host, etc etc... happy to procastinate between my home page and my blog. However he planned to do this for me and it was the greatest! He so sweet, I'm so lucky!

I LOVE YOU DUNCAN!!!!!

Happy July 4th America

OK, I am gonna give the "Friday Five" a whirl...

1. What were your favorite childhood stories?

For a while I read all of the Black Stallion and Nancy Drew stories, Jack London and the classics… but early on in life I discovered books like Stephen King novels, which fostered a huge interest in the paranormal/horror genre that dominated my life until my late teens.

2. What books from your childhood would you like to share with [your] children?

Bridge to Teribithia, The Chrysalids, Uncle Whiskers, and all of the classics (note that doesn’t include Nursery Rhymes).

3. Have you re-read any of those childhood stories and been surprised by anything?

Only by the perpetual sexism/patriarchy in most of the older texts.

4. How old were you when you first learned to read?

I was reading well at age four, before Kindergarten (my kindergarten teacher put me through the grade one curriculum when I was five).

5. Do you remember the first 'grown-up' book you read? How old were you?

I read the King James Holy Bible at age seven. That was followed shortly thereafter by the Unabridged version of Little Women. From then on I barely slept and read everything I could get my hands on!


Hockey News...

Sigh....

I really liked Chris Drury. I think that was the only trade I ever hollered with joy upon hearing about it. I thought just maybe "we" had finally done something right... Well, I sopose we might as well not break the tradition of bad trades in our downward spiral - no, that would be too much to ask.

Sigh, again.

Anyways, I am absent from posting this week as I am more than gainfully employed (being paid $175.00 a day!) in a beautiful place, working outside! Yay summer is finally here! I will post again soon...

Canada Day 2003



CANADA KICKS ASS

We are beginning our celebration of Canada Day as any 136th birthday should start - with BBQ'd Steak for Breakfast! Yay Canada! It's days like this that I wonder just what it means to me to be a Canadian... lots of different things come to mind that are distinctly Canadian... beer, peacekeeping, snow, ice, hockey... ME (I was made in Canada!) but in honour of Canada Day 2003 I would like to share with you a variety of snippets that will help to illustrate Canada... read/click... watch and enjoy!

The Molson's Canadian BEAVER Commercial - I love this! For so many reasons.

American: "Mr. Canadian! Mr. Canuck! HAHAHAHA Where's your pet beaver then, EH?"
Canadian: *pulls a beaver onto the bar* "Right here."
American: *dumbstruck look*
Canadian: "Attack."

The Molson's Canadian "I AM" Rant - inspired by the frustrations felt by Canadians as we endeavour to define ourselves as separate from, and out from under the definition of, the Americans...

"... Canada is the second largest landmass! The first nation of hockey!... and the best part of North America!"



And HOCKEY, ofcourse - no mention of what it means to be Canadian can avoid even a cursory glance at Hockey and how it prevades our lives (it is freezing cold here most of the year, which miraculousy corresponds with the hockey season!). In 2002, to our pride and joy, our Men's AND Women's Hockey teams took Gold at the Olympics... Medals that were celebrated nationwide with much adieu. But when I think of great Hockey moments, I think of Paul Henderson's 1972 (the year I was born) goal that brought all Canadians together in a unified group - TV's were even brought into school classrooms so everyone could watch Team Canada in the 1972 series.
With mere seconds left in the last game of the series, with all of Canada standing still (no doubt holding their breath), Henderson scored what is perhaps the most famous goal in Hockey history - watch it here!

And, now for a teeny bit of humour (as Canadians have the best sense of humour in the world): These questions about Canada were posted on an International Tourism Website. The countries of origin are indicated in brackets after the question.

Q: I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.

Q: Will I be able to see Polar Bears in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto - can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only Four thousand miles, take lots of water. . .

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada? (Sweden)
A: So it is true what they say about Swedes.

Q: It is imperative that I find the names and addresses of places to contact for a stuffed Beaver. (Italy)
A: Let's not touch this one.

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Canada? Can you send me a list of them in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Halifax? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?

Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Canada? (USA)
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe. Ca-na-da is that big country to your North . . . oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is North in Canada? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 90 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is. . . oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Vancouver and in Calgary, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

Q: Do you have perfume in Canada? (Germany)
A: No, WE don't stink.

Q: Can I wear high heels in Canada? (UK)
A: You are an American politician, right?

Q: Can you tell me the regions on British Columbia where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada? (USA)
A: Only at Thanksgiving.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round? (Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter gatherers. Milk is illegal.

Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada, but I forget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns. (USA)
A: It's called a Moose. They are tall and very violent eating the brains of anyone walking close to them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.

Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first.


It's fair to say that I am proud to be a Canadian! Its the best country in the world... and the most beautiful (and friendly) and although I periodically consider going to work in the EU for a limited period of time, I know this place will always call me back as my one true home. Happy Birthday Canada!



This is MY Country! "I look out and I see a land, Young and lovely hard and strong, For 50,000 years we've danced her praises, Prayed our thanks and we've just begun... Yes, yes, This is my country!

Blogger block...

Ok, I will admit it, I am sufferring a little bit from blogger's block. The weather is warm here - not too hot (no one is dropping dead from the heat) but nice enough to enjoy the sunshine and think of frolicking beside mountain lakes. We have been utilizing the BBQ (Duncan BBQ's up a mean storm!) and enjoying summer evenings (the ones we get to spend at home) drinking on our patio dreaming up the ways our summer will go. Well until the motivation strikes me, please observe the Quizilla Blog rating (as pictured below) and get yourself a rating as well.


What rating is your journal?
brought to you by Quizilla

Disclaimer: My thoughts are mine and mine alone - and I figure if you come here to read, you are entitled to my opinion... if I do say something that offends you, leave your comments (as I am always open to other points of view). But I would admit (I adore dialogue) my aim is more to encourage independant thought in my audience so that knowledge becomes a collective wisdom shared within the expansive medium that is blog.

What if the Hokey Pokey really was all it is about?



This is what I am talking about...

BTW, I like this new Blogger. Thanks Blogger/Google!

When the search for Peace becomes Perpetual War

Reading my Adbusters (July/August 2003) today reminds me that I should still be politically motivated in my blog posts, even though the worlds media seems to have calmed down, creating the allusion that there is nothing to scream about. Well, thats a farce. Shit happens everywhere, all the time, even here (I really have meant to post about same sex marriages - which I unequivocally support). I love Adbusters. It is my favourite magazine (Duncan gets credit for my subscription as it was a Christmas gift) and I am glad it comes to pierce my awareness every once in a while, wakes me up. I have a brain for a reason. I need to challenge my beliefs and my existence, and the beliefs I employ within that existence. I need to be uncomfortable and critical atleast once in a while. An oyster slowly forms a pearl from a single grain of sand that irritates it, as it gently mulls it around...

The theme of this latest Adbusters centres around the mixed messages we are consistently bombarded with, culturally and politically (I usually refer to them as "propaganda"). The cover(s) exhibit people screaming (reminiscent of "the Scream") and sport the words:

PREEMPTIVE WAR IS NECESSARY
PREEMPTIVE WAR IS TERRORISM

The issue contains a provocative article, written by James MacKinnon, who interviewed Richard Falk (Visiting Professor of Global Studies at the U of California and Professor Emeritus of International Law at Princeton University) on the familiarilty of FASCISM in some of what we are hearing and expected to accept within our newest geopolitical climate. It's worth the read, but here is a taste to tantilize:

"Q. Can you tell us your definition of traditional fascism?

Yes: the convergence of military and economic power on behalf of an ultranationalist ideology that views its enemies - internally and externally - as evil and subject to extermination or extreme punishment."

Hmmm. Food for thought... Sound familiar? Irritated yet? Remember, the worst state of being a human can be in is the state of being "right". Wouldn't we rather have pearls? 

American's - take back your country!

Who are you selling your soul too? This will air on July 4th 2003. View it here first in Quick Time or Real Player.

A Toyota’s a Toyota

Racecar, Level, Kayak, Radar, Madam, Deed, Rotor, Eye, Civic, Nun, Deed, Pop, Toot, Pip, Poop, Peep, Mom, Dad, Sis, heh, huh... ok, ok, so I am pushing the limits now. But most are legitimately palindromes. Let me know if you can think up any I missed!

Stop me before I post again!

Check out the new blog I stumbled across. One of my favourite daydream topics! It's Matrix Essays

Out for Blood

The New York Times (24 June 2003) quoted New Jersey Mosquito Control Expert ROBERT KENT, as saying:
"The adult mosquito population is not flying, but resting and staying out of the weather like any other adult with common sense. One of our concerns is that when the weather changes and we get some hot, dry days, they are really going to be out looking for blood."

Speaking of blood sucking pests….

The ART of Seduction?

We picked this book up on one of our library forays thinking it would add to our expanding repertoire of sexual skills…. But as it turns out that the book is a twisted how to/self help concoction that is a good example of the steps a psycho-stalker goes through in selecting and harassing their prey. The book even refers to the potential “lover” as the “victim” and elaborates how to employ certain “tactics” (types of emotional and physical harassment) to “convince” the “victim” of their undying “attraction” and “devotion” to you… ummm, yeah, that’s called harassment, co-dependancy and abuse. It lays out a sick, sad kind of pseudo-relationship that could only appeal to the more deviant amongst us… you know the kind that can’t seem to have a fulfilling, healthy, loving, unconditional relationship. It’s an interesting read into the world of these people but I don’t see how you could treat someone you cared about in this manner.

So this would be a great time to re-suggest reading Gavin de Becker’s “The Gift of Fear: And other survival signals that protect us from violence” – especially in light of the above book… de Becker outlines the common techniques of sexual predators and illustrates how to utilize your instincts to escape and evade these types of manoeuvres. It’s a great read at any given time!

But for those who seriously would like to increase their knowledge in the sexual arena, and learn how to be more confident in your relationships, we highly recommend Lou Paget’s (A U of Calgary Alumni I might add) "How to be a Great Lover".

And for those of you who are actually looking for ways to expand their relationship with their partner, and indulge an element of competition and control in a safe enjoyable manner, we humbly suggest trying out one of our favourite board games, Sexy Folies. It’s an erotic, stimulating board game only for Lovers where you are encouraged to “Conquer” your mate’s body in a provocative monopoly style game. But in the end, everyone wins!

Anniversary Celebrations Galore, House hunting, fact finding, shopping and much much more!!!

Friday in Edmonton was busy, yet pleasantly successful. We managed to get everything done at the U of Alberta Campus and we left with Duncan actually being a student! After we completed our goals for the day we went to our outrageously beautiful hotel to check in for the weekend. As our trip to Edmonton also corresponded nicely with an anniversary of ours (one year of us living together) Duncan took it upon himself to plan and book a romantic getaway weekend at the lovely Fairmont Hotel MacDonald! It was so very sweet of him to think of it, and I was delighted (and he was well rewarded)! The room itself that we stayed in was impressive... a little hard to describe but the bed was amazing - it came all the way up to my waist, and the mattress must have been a foot and a half thick, maybe even two... it was a dream just to lay on it! The room had a three room bathroom, including a lovely little place for the woman to sit and doll herself up, should she so desire. Just staying at the Hotel is an experience itself, but being there with Duncan made it incredible!

Friday evening saw our celebrations begin with reservations for two at the famous Harvest Room, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River. I love eating with Duncan - and we enjoy sampling all sorts of different or exotic fare as if eating was our favourite adventure to share along with the business of living... and I thought this meal was incredible! The meal begans with an amazing assortment of tantilizing breads, which we began to enjoy with our Australian Chardonay, and then with the soups we had as an appetizer. I enjoyed the Wild Field and Forest Mushrom Chowder (with Creme Fraiche) whilst Duncan savoured his Three Year Old White Cheddar Soup. I had the most amazing course of medium rare Pan Roasted White Tail Deer Sirloin with heavenly Foie Gras Butter melted over top of it and Tawny Port Reduction (best deer I ever had!). Duncan devoured the Cider Brined Sturgeon Valley Pork Rack Chop (with smoked applewood cheddar gratin and apple corn salad). The food was absolutley delectable and the company I was entertaining was scrumptious also! It was the perfect evening! Happy Anniversary to us!

Saturday we mostly used up with "House Hunting" type activities, which actually takes more effort then it might sound, but is exciting nevertheless. We did find the area we think we would like to live in and looked at some really nice places there, close to schools and West Edmonton Mall (where we spent the majority of the rest of our time). West Ed is shamelessy consumer driven, but any Mall with an indoor hockey rink is cool in my books! And it's a huge selling point with the kids! Saturday evening we saw How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, which is worth seeing once, in the cheap theatres. I laughed more then Duncan did, but we both managed to enjoy the humour (even if some of it was incredibly evil). Sunday we merely slept in (on that great bed), had coffee and then Duncan drove us home. All in all a good trip.

My Apologies

While I remain unable to currently entertain you, I extend to you this quaint opportunity to "horse around". Enjoy yourself! I promise there is a real post coming soon...

Quaecumque Vera!

Almost lunch time and here we are at the U of A. Fact finding mission going well! Campus here is lovely, but there is a lot of traffic!

It's "O" 600... know what the "O" stands for? Oh my God it's early!

Well as we embark on our latest adventure - which includes heading out into this nasty kind of weather we woke up too - I just wanted to let everyone know I was leaving and likely wouldn't be posting much for the next few days...

We are off to Edmonton, house hunting and the like! Wish us luck!

Time waits for no one, so treasure each moment you have!

I believe that time is relevant - and relevant only to the current situation at hand. I am more abstract then linear, so a lack of time does not usually stress me out - I often find myself wandering (either distracted while on my way somewhere, or daydreaming in my head, which I am apt to do). Sometimes I sit still and purposely watch each moment go by, aware of everything that happens during that time. It's amazing what can fit into one minute. Ever quietly sat and watched an ant?

Lives are lived day by day, and therefore can change moment to moment. Each of our days are made up of many such moments. We can invest and utilize these moments as we please… inducing smiles from those we love, smelling the flowers, petting a cat, watching a sunset, or sometimes breezing too fast through already too busy days.

Each of our “yesterdays” are gone and past, how we spent them now a matter only of the memories that is our life, or have been our lives. We rush through each day, relentlessly towards each tomorrow, sometimes neglecting to recognize its mystery, the fullness of its potential, its promise of a new start. And one of our days, probably too soon even, we will discover we have no more tomorrows.

Time easily passes us by, and we don’t always notice because we are wrapped up in sometimes mundane things. We need to remind ourselves to truly live each day, recognizing the importance of each moment so as not to lose out on an opportunity to make the most of your day! Each moment is precious. Each moment is OUR life. Time is our most precious asset, and our greatest gift to give.

My friend Elizabeth sent this to me today, and it’s worth taking a minute to share with you:

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE-SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Why put off until tomorrow what you can put off until the day after tomorrow??

A good friend (thank you Kristen!) sent me this in an email a while back, and I kept it with the full intention of adapting it slightly for sharing on my blog. A brief internet search turns up quite a few pages with this post, but I have otherwise been unable to locate the original source.

After every flight, Pilots complete what’s known as a "gripe sheet"; the purpose of this “report” is to convey to the ground mechanics any problems encountered with the aircraft during the flight that need repair and/or correction. After the Pilot records the original problem the mechanic reads it and does whatever is required to correct the problem. The lower half of the form records what remedial action was taken, so that the Pilots can review the "gripe sheet" again, before their next flight.

Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of humour.

Here, reportedly, are some "actual" logged maintenance complaints/problems as submitted by QUANTAS pilots, and the solution recorded by maintenance engineers. It has been suggested that QUANTAS is the only major airline that has never had an accident, but I was unable to find their safety records or claims on their website. Regardless, please enjoy!

Key: P = The problem logged by the pilot.
S = The solution and action taken by the engineers.

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except autoland very rough.
S: Autoland is not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 fpm descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more "believable" level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're there for.

P: IFF inoperative.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

Whats Your Summer Coffee Drinking Habits?



This picture snapped by Duncan's Dad (Neil) the Sunday he joined us for coffee (the infamous Sunday we discovered our regular habitually attended coffee place had closed). So here we are, enjoying a pre-summer morning - albeit a tad bit displaced, but content nonetheless!

Thanks to Neil for sending over the picture.

GrrrRRrRRrrRrr......



This is SO going into my sign collection!

(eventually... it is a busy weekend afterall!)

We've child proofed our home... but somehow they still keep getting in.....

Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to His own children. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was "DON'T!"

"Don't what?" Adam replied.

"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.

"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve...we have forbidden fruit!!!!!"

"No Way!"

"Yes way!"

Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.

"Why?"

"Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was ticked!

"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked.

"Uh huh," Adam replied.


"Then why did you?" said the Father.

"I don't know," said Eve.

"She started it!" Adam said

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"DID NOT!"

Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed. Lucky us parents.......

Slow down, you move too fast...

A friend sent me this story today. It's sappy, but worth the reminder that sometimes, things aren't always what they seem. We can become so self involved at times that we may miss all sorts of opportunities or people who need us.

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighbourhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?" The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..."

With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you" the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home . It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door... instead he kept the dent there to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick just to get his attention.

Who am I?
Am I alone?

You are not alone.

Somebody tell me.
Why does it feel more real when I dream then when I am awake?
How can I know if my senses are lying?



There is some fiction in your truth,
and some truth in your fiction.

To know the truth, you must risk everything.

Today is a special day!

Today is an anniversary of numerous sorts, and of the best kind - one year ago Duncan came to live with me. One year ago, he made my house feel like a home, became part of my family and brightened my world beyond question. One year that feels short in it's brevity compared to the enormous promise of many more years to come, yet infinite like the lifetime already lived. One year that has been my beginning of loving him the way he deserves to be loved, and I will only get better at it! And, to top it off, what a better way to celebrate our day but with beer and a Stanley Cup final???

Duncan and I share a deep admiration for the sport of hockey and love the chance to share hockey together. Hockey and the Stanley Cup is why god sent me to live in Canada. There is a certain magic entertained in that vessel, like it is the Holy Grail, and to be in it's presenceis to have your heart beat in a sacred momentum with every puck on every hockey stick that has ever brought it's sniper the most holiest and sought after sports trophies. It has a spirit (and a story) of it's own.

Adding monumentally to the varied list of Cinderella Stories can now be found the infamous but woeful tale of the Mighty Ducksof Anaheim. True, it appeared just not meant to be, and although I guess I owe my hockey allegiance to Martin Brodeur for bringing us our first gold in 50 years last year, I couldn't help but feel a little remorse when I saw Giguere's few brief tears that witnessed his realization that it was all over. So close, yet so very far. When it comes to the Stanley Cup, there is no second place - and "close" only counts in horse-shoes, hand grenades and nuclear bombs. The better team won. However, Giguere's claim to the Conn Smythe was more then valid and definatley deserved - and 'bad form' to the Devils fans for boo-ing him... you did just win your third Stanley Cup in less then ten years, and after all, it was a gallant effort on the part of the ducks bringing a team like the New Jersey Devils to game seven of the Stanley Cup finals.

For those who may have missed the 3-0 win that brings the Devils the Cup - check out the video highlights. The playing of Star Wars Theme music as the Cup is hoisted was particularily pleasing for us, I am sure you will enjoy it as well!

Insert trendy Blog Title here

Red Deer was fun, I improved my tan greatly, and we had some interesting times (got to go out with some new/old friends) and well, we are home again... yesterday we had some fun down at the local park (it has a duck pond and Duncan has a remote control hover craft) - the fun climaxing with Duncan trudging past baby ducks and ornary geese to retrieve/rescue the craft as it batteries wore out in mid pond!

Today has been one of those days that you don't notice until it is gone... we have spent the entire day sitting together at the computer playing Civ III. The Aztecs have fallen to the mighty Japanese and the rest of the world will soon follow. But for now, we are taking a break from world domination to watch the Godfather Part 2. Its nice to have lazy at home days, but hopefully tomorrow we might make it outside!

On the Road Again...

Well, we are off this morning to Red Deer, Alberta! Duncan is there for work in the days, but I am there for "la Stress break" (read: heated outdoor pool, exercise room, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, sunbathing, reading books, etc etc). If on my travels I come across an internet station, I might post... but in the event that doesn't happen I won't be back until Thursday or Friday.

Sunday, Bloody Sunday....

Wow... isn't amazing how, after spending an evening in your local bar drinking, you somehow convince yourself of your sobriety and in those breif moments of infinite wisdom decide to purchase the BIGGEST bottle of wine you can buy at that licqour store on your way home? Yes... well, ahem... wise indeed (winks). Even wiser was the drinking of said bottle... Ack, who needs wisdom when you are having so much fun?

Coffee... must... have... coffee... it is Sunday morning afterall. I want my coffee!

Duncan say's I can have any color I want...



I am very partial to the orange, but that pink is pretty darn cool as well (When Duncan originally bought my game boy advance he had wanted to buy pink but they were all sold out). And that yellow is awesome... sooooo many pretty colors.... which should I pick???

Today we spent some time at the Public Library after going out for lunch, and I carried home The Corrections (by Jonathan Franzen), A Nation Too Good to Lose (by Joe Clark), Communication Miracles for Couples (by Jonathan Robinson) and Esquire's pocketbook of wisdom... What Every Man Should Know About Marriage (by Scott Omelianuk). The little marriage book is chalk full of bachelor type humor and with just a glance I can see that there's gonna be some laughs going through that one with Duncan.

We are still watching the federal PC Leadership convention (they are going to a fourth ballot now, between McKay and Prentice) and the hockey game is just starting. But I have to admit, my heart just isn't into it this year. We are talking about going to the neighbourhood bar to watch it, but I could take it or leave it. I feel the sacracity of the Stanley Cup's be tarnished this year and I am feeling a little brusied, in that choir boy kind of way.....

Zen and the art of day maintenance

Every once in a while you have to take a day off from the world.

Duncan had a few important errands at the university to get done this morning for his Master's application (which is off and sent now... YAY!!!) and we had to go downtown to buy bus tickets for our upcoming Red Deer trip... With the weather so fabulous we decided to play hookey with the rest of the day. We walked along the river to downtown and partook in an amazing lunch at a lovely Italian resturant (I had a great tomato salad with soup), where we ate outside on the patio, drank wine, shared dessert and relished in an afternoon of each other's company and stories. Duncan is delightful. Truly. I love him so much!



Then we thought we should extend the day of hookey to the kids (it's only fair, heh?) and we busted them out of school early and we all went back downtown to catch the late afternoon show of Finding Nemo at Eau Claire mall. We laughed, we cried, we all had a good time. It's a great movie - all about parental love (and what every parent will go through for their kids), courage, friendship, learning how to trust and to let go. And, it's funny too! Afterwards we got the kids ice cream cones and walked through Prince's Island Park, back along the river into Kensington. We were able to grab some pizza to bring home for dinner before catching the bus home. Devon's coming over tonight to hang out (I won't say that he is going through Zelda withdrawals and needs to get a fix, but... ummm... oh, oh well). The kids are home for part of tomorrow (their Dad had to work) so no one is in a rush even now.

It's been a wonderful day!

something completely boring......

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer”
- Albert Camus



It was an amazing walk to work this morning – there is something to be said about that great contrast between feeling the morning sun on your face and then the coolness on your skin as you walk through the early morning shade, and then sunshine again. That dreamy promise in the new, crisp morning air that is tempered only by the encroaching warmth of the day. That glorious, almost luxurious feel of the spring wind, which across my tanned skin that feels like a caress as it lifts up my hair…. The playful memory of my lover’s early morning touch… That happy, giddy feeling inside of me that comes from being in love, and being loved in return. – life is so good! It was one of those mornings where I was suspected I was five minutes late for work, but didn’t care…

Since I was a small child I have always been a sun worshipper, soaking it up where ever possible, basking in the sun’s glory, adoring the feel of it’s warmth on my skin. I am definitely a creature that belongs outside. That being said, Duncan and I get our bikes out of the shop today and I can’t wait!

The weather is refreshing, finally, after such a long winter, like a release that has set us free. The Canadian winter is long, sometimes hard, and we pass the time together inside; snuggled on the couch, fires in the fireplace, movies, video games, and the things that other Canadian couples do when the mercury drops to harrowing depths (you know, like play hockey!)….



It’s great that everyone around me is so happy… it’s like this bubbly intoxicating feeling inside that sings to me, and I know that nothing could dampen it. It’s nice for everyone to be in such a good mood – Duncan’s excitement is contagious and the kids are so full of anticipation they are sure they can can see Summer Vacation from where they are today!

I am almost finished reading the last of the two books I have been reading lately – the first was Blackbird: A Childhood Lost and Found, and the second, the sequel to Blackbird, is called Still Waters. Both written by Jennifer Lauck, they are the story of her lifetime from her earliest memories, detailing (sometimes shockingly unbelievable and sad) events that she had to muster courage enough just to survive. It’s a powerful story, but not necessarily because of everything that has happened to her, but because it’s her story and she is telling it. Because she empowers herself in it’s sharing, and refuses to keep the secrets any longer. She is owning her responsibility and letting everyone else own their’s. She shows us the way. It's an important lesson for us, as we nestle comfortably into a society that tends to hide more in denial and blame than in anything else. It truly is compelling when you can accept responsibilty for yourself, your own life and pull yourself out of the blame game that some people get so caught up in they stay there, victims for life. Don't be a martyr or a casualty. Command your life and it's outcomes, now. And enjoy doing it (winks)!

"Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly..... "

Well, it's my lunch break, so I am off to sit in the sun, finish my book AND daydream happily about where this summer will take me, and my family. Let the adventures begin!

Who can say why your heart sighs...?

I SO want one of THESE! It puts the sizzle back into hot new trend!

I love Sundays...

My favourite day of the week usually begins with our custom ritual of going to coffee and sharing the newspaper together. For over a year now we have been going, every Sunday (even at Christmas), to a small but enjoyable coffee shop in our community. Nice couches, nice art, nice people, nice food, nice music, no franchises... except for today, when a big yellow sign was posted on the window declaring that they will now be closed EVERY Sunday. Every Sunday means we now have to find somewhere else for Sunday morning rituals and I have mixed feelings about that. I am trying to ignore the low level feelings of disappointment and lots of me thinks that customs need a little shake up now and then anyways or they are in danger of becoming the mundane. So this morning we went to the little Great Canadian Bagel shop just across the highway. Duncan's Dad came with us (Duncan and his family are having a memorial day today for his Uncle Colin) and it was mostly enjoyable, but it's not the same. It will do until we decide where else we are going to take our business. We do have another favourite coffee shop over by Duncan's office, it's called Weeds, that we have been going to for a long time as well, but its a ways away so we haven't decided if thats where Sunday coffee will be partaken or not. Still mixed feelings abide, but that is what life is all about isn't it?

So this huge wasp just flew right in my door. It's like they know that I am allergic to both bees and wasps (and after being stung last year I have been left with a legacy of extreme respect).... So, while keeping my distance and attempting to will it back out the door (Use the force...) I am also stuck trying to impress upon our big and fearless Huntress that a) it will hurt if she actually catches it, and b) she's on her own....

Anyways, as I have enjoyed an enormous amount of time in the sun (and have the workings of a great tan), today I was going to spend some time updating both my blog profile and my home pages. Currently I don't seem to be able to access my blog template so I might do a bit on the home page and then go out in the sun yet again.

Raven's Dance Recital



More pictures can be viewed in our online albums. Be sure to select the "show all" option in order to see the entire contents of the folder you wish to view.

Think about this....you may not realize it, but its 100% true.

1) At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

2) At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3) The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4 ) A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5) Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6) You mean the world to someone.

7) If not for you, someone may not be living.

8) You are special and unique.

9) Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.

10) When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

11) When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

12) When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably sooner or later, you will get it.

13) Always remember the compliments you received. Forget the rude remarks.

14) Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.

15) If you have a great friend take a time to let them know they are GREAT!

This just in (courtesy of the ever popular, back by international demand, Iraqi Information minister)

Above strangled, painful shrieks of disbelief emanating from the community of Varsity in Calgary Alberta, the Iraqi Information Minister was heard today proclaiming that:

“The Senators have indeed slaughtered the Imperialist Devils - 47 to 0 (holding up his fingers in the shape of a zero), in a gloriously played, regulation time, Game Seven. The Senators will proceed to the Stanley Cup finals where they will be victorious and win the Stanley Cup. The Senators will not be defeated, in fact they have already achieved victory! Do not believe the American Infidels whose lying media will have you believe that the Devils won Game Seven! They are all dogs… Imperialist Dogs, I say! Long Live the Ottawa Senators! (dramatic pause) Let the American Infidels bask in their illusions while you celebrate the truth".

Sigh.

Here’s a thought… should a team with a disturbing rendering of a jason-wanna-be duck mask on their jersey play for the most Holy Stanley Cup? And if they do get their “Hollywood” ending, will we suffer through another Disney Movie??? Mighty Ducks: The Real Stanley Quack…

A few curve balls here and there….

Sometimes life is full of surprises. When adventure beckons one must be careful not to deny the heart. Do so and you will discover the futility of living (or not living) your life.

In life there are things you want, and things you need, and things you dream about... but they aren’t always different - and they aren’t always the same.... and deferring one for another doesn’t mean you are giving it up. I always want my life to be an adventure! More on this later...

Girls game too, bitch…

Duncan sent me this little foray into E3 from a feminine point of view; written by self proclaimed “fan girl” Rebecca Saschenbrecker, her article, titled E3 – The Revenge of the Sequels, contained the following paragraph, which I will share with you…

"They, at least, were honest about their booth babes by putting them in tight shirts with “Booth Babe” written right on it. They were giggling and passing out fake tattoos trying to entice people to come and get a real one. Right before I left the show they had dressed up a charismatic old lady in their tight shirt and shorts and had her roaming around trying to give boys fake tattoos as a bit for the Jimmy Kimmel Show. When the camera wasn’t on them, the guys were mean to her. I felt badly for the rather charming old lady so I walked up to her while the camera was on the two bubbly blondes and asked for a tattoo. The director saw me and snipped, “No Girls.” There you have it. They don’t want fan girls on camera, just boys and hotties. I am shy to begin with and I had spent most of the day avoiding cameras, both professional and personal. I hope the camera caught my finger. Girls game too, bitch".

Oh yeah, and pictures should be posted tomorrow, relatively speaking!

GO SENS GO!

If we weren't meant to eat Animals why are they made out of meat?

Two cows are standing in a meadow talking to each other, and obviously distressed the one cow says to her friend, “are you worried about Mad Cow Disease?”. The other cow, looking thoughtful for a moment, replied, “no, I am a helicopter….”

Are we going Mad over Mad Cow Disease?

Since the big UK Mad Cow scares and then the Elk in Northern Alberta in 1997-2002, what maybe should have seemed inevitable has occurred. Actually, from what I understand this is not the first time Mad Cow Disease has been in Alberta (ca. 1993)
And likely we shouldn’t be surprised. As much as efforts may appear stringent to guard against BSE, the truth remains that infected cattle feed was imported to our country at a high rate before anyone was aware of the potential for contamination, and really less then 1000 cattle have been destroyed since it was discovered that BSE could cross species to humans to become a new variant of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).
We all know that there are cracks, and that yes, a whole cow can slip through them.

For now, and of as yesterday, one case of confirmed BSE is being dealt with by our authorities. If BSE has been within our Canadian food chain since 1993, and cows were processed before their symptoms were allowed to appear, then we will begin to see cases of vCJD in Canadians within the next couple of years, as it takes the disease approx 10 years to manifest within an infected person (but in kills in only two). In the middle of last year a Saskatchewan man died from vCJD but it was originally assumed he contracted it on a trip to Europe.

If this has been in our food chain for 10 years already then there really isn’t much we can do to lessen our risk so far because any harm has already been done. For now, people are avoiding beef, but those fruits and vegetables look better everyday….

Not quite ready, aye...

I really enjoyed the way this article illustrates the feelings of the majority of Canadians who, while supporting the war on terrorism, were unable to condone or justify an invasion of Iraq based on the evidence that had been presented, and why the differences of thought occur between American and Canadian citizens. It certainly expresses what I sometimes strive to articulate when my views are questioned or challenged, so I will reprint it here for you to read.

This article was written by MICHAEL ADAMS on Tuesday, May 20th 2003, for the Globe and Mail. Michael Adams is President of the Environics (research) group of companies and author of Fire and Ice: The United States, Canada and the Myth of Converging Values, published by Penguin this month.

Neighbours growing apart

Nothing in history is inevitable. But I believe the U.S. decision to invade Iraq — and Canada's decision not to participate — both make sense in the context of the increasingly divergent values of the people of the two nations.

Since the early 1980s in Canada and the early 1990s in the United States, my colleagues and I have been tracking the social values of North Americans. For us, values are the beliefs that motivate people to behave the way they do in their roles as parents, employees, consumers and citizens. Our research was conducted before 9/11 and before the United States, in defiance of the United Nations Security Council, led coalition forces into a war of regime change in Iraq.

Even before these momentous events, our research was showing us the cultural seeds of divergent American and Canadian decisions. In 41 of the 56 comparable trends in our data, we found strong evidence of dissimilar values in Canada and the U.S. On 24 trends, the gap actually widened between 1992 and 2000. At a time when the political, economic and technological forces of globalization suggested convergence, Canadians' social values were becoming more distinct from those of Americans.

The portrait of these two distinct societies of North America starts with a comparison of their religious convictions. We know that Christian fundamentalism has far deeper and more enduring roots in the U.S., particularly in the Bible Belt, than in Canada. Yet not so long ago, we were more conventionally religious. In the mid-1950s, 60 per cent of Canadians told pollsters they went to church each Sunday; the proportion in the U.S. then was only 50 per cent. Today, only a fifth of Canadians claim weekly church attendance, whereas the proportion in the U.S. is four in 10. A 2002 Pew Research Center poll found religion to be important to six in 10 Americans (the highest proportion of all the developed nations it surveyed) and to only three in 10 Canadians, a rate similar to that found in Britain and Italy. In less than a generation, Canadians have evolved from being much more religious than Americans to being much less religious.

When President George W. Bush inadvertently referred to American plans for the Middle East as a "crusade," he was speaking to the majority of his citizens who see the war in Iraq as fulfilling biblical prophecies. Only a small proportion of Canadians hold these same views (there is not even consensus among practising Christians). Our leaders invoke not the Christian God but the secular principles and the man-made rules of international law.

Since the 1950s, many Canadians have begun to replace traditional religious authority with either secular humanism or more personal spirituality. Americans seem to cling to institutions, particularly religious institutions as anchors in a chaotic, Darwinian society.

Further evidence of Canadians' growing predilection for personal autonomy over institutional authority is their orientation to leadership. When asked whether decisions in an organization should be made by one person or as many people as possible, 28 per cent of Canadians in 1996 preferred one person. We found a similar proportion in 2000. In the U.S., the story was marginally different in 1996 (31 per cent wanted the leader to make the decisions), but significantly different in 2000 when 38 per cent wanted the boss to decide.

All this deference to authority south of the border was registered before 9/11. After those terrorist attacks, the proportion of Americans wanting their commander-in-chief to take change has gone through the roof. Canada has seen no similar surge in support for dirigiste leadership.

To monitor orientation to nationalism, we asked respondents in each country if they enjoyed showing foreigners how much smarter and stronger "we" are than "they." Reflecting our increasingly modest place on this planet, only 17 per cent of Canadians in 1992 said they enjoyed demonstrating Canadian superiority, a proportion that dropped to 14 per cent in 2000. Consistent with the view from CNN and Fox News, the numbers in the U.S. are much higher: 27 per cent in 1992, and 31 per cent in 2000, more than double the proportion in Canada.

American deference to patriarchal and hierarchical authority in the hyperpatriotic post-9/11 environment has led to much rallying about the flag. Even half of Democrats polled feel it is unpatriotic to question their president, and the American Civil Liberties Union warns of a climate of severely muffled dissent and debate in that country. Just ask the Dixie Chicks.

Canada has a leader of the opposition whose job it is to question the prime minister and his government. Not questioning the prime minister is seen as a failure if not of democratic verve, then of intelligence. Who is the leader of the opposition in the United States — Michael Moore? Our research suggests that it is the supposedly bold, individualistic Americans who are the nodding conformists, and the supposedly shy, deferential and law-abiding Canadians who are most likely to assert their personal autonomy and political agency.

In U.S. politics, to quote political sociologist Ben Wattenberg, "values matter most." The strongest values of Bush supporters in the 2000 campaign in our research had to do with family, ethics, religiosity, duty and propriety. True to the values he stressed in pre-9/11 America, the newly elected President instituted a suit-and-tie dress code in the White House and cut off foreign aid to groups that might counsel abortion as an option in family planning.

In 2000, the U.S. electoral system elected a president predisposed to moralism, religiosity and patriarchal authority. He seemed at sea until that day when 19 fanatical disciples of Osama bin Laden hijacked those airplanes. Suddenly, he was in a presidential role not seen since Dec. 7, 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, in a revenge movie whose plot is familiar: Establish moral superiority, wait for provocation — and blow them away.

North of the border, meanwhile, Canadians responded to 9/11 with heartfelt sympathy and outrage, but also with many questions. They asked why young Muslims would do what they did in New York and Washington. Canadians supported their government's decision to participate in the war on terrorism, but, like many around the world, did not think the U.S. government had made a convincing case for the invasion of Iraq. Moreover, they were determined to support the UN. The individual autonomy Canadians wanted for themselves, they also wanted for their government.

Values do matter most.

And the large and widening gap between the values of ordinary Canadians and Americans — and between the governments both societies elect or choose — have never been more apparent than in the post-9/11 world.

The minority of Canadians who say "Ready, aye, ready" in support of America's global Monroe Doctrine will remain a minority and are fortunate to live in a country where minority opinion is encouraged.

Damn Electronic Crack...

OK, OK... so this morning (after a late night and even much ado in the sack) I woke up at 7:00am. 7:00am! On a Sunday. Tired, groggy, but obviously unable to sleep, my mind racing... thinking... something... wake up more so I can remember... oh yeah! The store opens at 7:00am and today is the only day I can buy turnips for trading on the stock market. Must get up..... must hurry!

Sigh... yes, so I played for two hours, mostly because Duncan was still asleep so there was no competition. I am hungry, ready to start my day - I need some real world time now, so, when I can convince Duncan to stop playing as well, we will go to coffee, as usual, and read the paper. You know.. that thing with all sorts of news and stories about life going on all around you when you are too... err, busy to notice.

Well, briefly I should note that Raven's recitals (she danced in two) went well. We were all very proud of her! She was very beautiful, and I will eventually go to pick up the pictures today, have them scanned and posted on the net soon for your viewing approval.

Welcome to your new life!

In my "real" life, I am a firm believer that while one travels along the journey of life you don't actually ever "begin" or "end" parts of said life, you just progress along to different degrees, and in differing directions as new challenges, opportunites and or paths arise. I have personally so far led a very full and interesting life, and whilst many events/people have graced my life that may have appeared to alter it, it is still part of the normal continuous cycle of my lifetime. My life is a work in progress, an artform, an expression of who I am at any given time. My life has always been a real world illustration of my dreams, my goals, my issues/causes, my loves and who I want to be in my world. I reject any notions that a life should be lived in any or one certain way, to one set of standards, with one set of goals and with no room to grow and/or expand. I have never been perfect - but there is a difference between being perfect and perfectly living. No matter what terrible/funny/amazing things may have happened to me along my path (my friends sometimes encourage me to write a book...), I am happy and am able to encorporate all my experiences into the well rounded, well adjusted, fun and happy person I am today. But... what if lives could be randomly begun?

Lately a strange phenomenon has overtaken my family.

We are living shadow lives in a sort of in-the-closet way. "Pretend" lives, lives that aren't easy to talk about in certain company given the propensity to be misunderstood or teased. Yet we have all been gripped by it - addicted to it in a fashion that it calls to us, permeates our dreams and our waking thoughts, influences how we see the world around us and conquers our efforts to resist or repel it. Lives that should be fine to live, should be proud to talk about, should be eventually accepted to the status quo... yet some how the normalcy of it remains just out of our reach...

We willingly get up early in the morning to participate in our new community, we eagerly return home from our days anticipating special events and or recieving/discovering something new about the community we share in this life we are creating together, the four of us. We have even begun to reschedule "real" world because of "new" life demands. We are hooked in deeper than I ever imagined would be possible. I am ofcourse, talking about the recent introduction of Nintendo's Animal Crossing into our vast library of video games (aka electronic crack).

We each have a character and a house in our Animal Crossing town, which Duncan named Bag End. Duncan and I share an island getaway which I named Hawaii (since I am so looking forward to going there soon) and our combined repetoire of cash/items/skills grows as each minute we live in... err, I mean, play in, Bag End. However, this is a game that never ends. You can't finish it. Nintendo's success has been that it is programed to real time, our time, to the very day. The store is only open from 7:00 am - 11:00pm, people sleep at night, certain animals/fish/bugs only come out at certain times of the day, there are seasons, there are moods, an economy to participate in, loans to repay, a stock market, items to collect, a black market, jobs (missions) to be completed AND day specific events (like mothers/fathers day, christmas, halloween, sale days, certain days fruit grows, etc etc) that you have to actually wait for that calendar day to arrive to enjoy.

In an odd way, it gently (but surprisingly quickly) begins to mess with your head... Things we see in the "outside" and "real" world are related to what we do/see/hear in our Animal Crossing world, and visa versa. I sopose anyone who has played Diablo, or another type of role playing game may understand this type of intergration... but it is met with some humor as well as some trepidation at the way it has become so quickly ingrained in our lives. And don't ask me which life, cause I don't know if I could make a distinction at this time. Regardless, Nintendo is a master, and has more then artfully captured what makes a good game, and it has captured us. Yesterday as a gift, Duncan bought me the Nintendo guide to Animal Crossing. Opening the book revealed a simple yet profound statement on the inside cover...

It reads: "Welcome to your new life". Yep, they know what they are doing alright.

So, I guess if you lose contact with us or we seem to randomly disappear, then maybe some sort of rescue team should be dispatched, or a crisis addiction team, or maybe even the real world police should be made to pay us a visit. Anyways, it's my turn after Duncan finishes so I must get going now...

So here I sit this morning, with a hankering to blog... but really it is my first morning off in a while, and every other part of me wants a break. Nevertheless, it has been a busy busy week - and it actually is a break for me, if you can call a weekend a break based soley on its own merit and not on the activities planned for such weekend.

Thursday evening we were at our PC Calgary Varsity AGM, with our Minister, Murray Smith. It was actually a joint AGM hosted by us and three other constituencies were invited as well. Premier Ralph Klein came and he spoke to us for a while. I am reminded at times like this how much I like Premier Klein - I grew up in BC Politics, many a few Premier's in my time I have met and endured... I understand and know what it is like to live in a place of mismanagement and bad governance, and because of that I appreciate all the more what Premier Klein and his government has been able to do here in Alberta for the people of Alberta. No one agrees 100% of the time with government policy and no one is ever 100% happy with the actions of government 100% of the time, but the PC Party in Alberta's got it going on. It's good here in Alberta, so many different ways and they are all going up. Regardless, it was a good AGM, I became an elected member of the Calgary Varsity Consituency (there is one volunteer position for the next year, but volunteering should be another blog altogether), and it was an evening of fun and networking.

Last night was my friend Debbie's birthday party so a bunch of us met at Earls for dinner (which was incredibly good!) and then eventually most of us headed out to Coyotes, a club downtown (formely known as Desparados). I was impatient for the dancing to begin, which it finally did... it was an interesting club (the night we were there the dance music seemed to be all remixed 80's and 90's music, which thrilled Debbie to no end). My throat still hurts a bit from all that smoke on the dance floor (what is that stuff anyways?) but it was good to get to dance again. I say more please.

Today is Raven's Dance Recital. It is what she lives for, dances for all year. This year she is dancing the Barbie Nutcracker and she is Barbie. The costume is not quite traditional ballet (which I must admit I prefer), it is a long pink dress with frilly stuff. I will post pictures when I get them developed. Her Dad is bringing her home soon so I can begin to get her ready (she needs her hair completely up in a bun and make up applied) and I need to duck out to Walmart to grab a couple of things (pink nylons for the recital -yes for her- and a disposable camera). She has two shows today but Duncan and I have tickets for the afternoon show (beginning at 1:00pm!). Duncan hasn't arisen yet from his slumber after a hard night out, but soon, I hope, shall he stir. Maybe we will grab a quick breakfast out if he wakes up in time.

Thank goodness this is a long weekend. Thats all I have to say about that.

"It's like wiping my ass with silk....."



Duncan and I watched the first showing of the MATRIX RELOADED (late Wednesday evening). Awesome. It has great car chase and fight scenes... and a few surprises. Reviews have been mixed, but I liked it. We are eagerly anticipating the next one (as it is so obviously the second part...) and I have been lamenting most of the day today about how far away it actually is.

Well I didn't feel well enough to go to work today, not sure exactly whats wrong, but hopefully just one of those 24 hour things. I am a big suck when I am sick, like to be pampered and all that good stuff. Anyways, as much as I want to blog more I must getting on with preparing for my evening out tonight. So all of you who can get tickets - I suggest an evening of fun with a friend viewing the Matrix Reloaded. Check out the animatrix before you go see the movie!

What friends do you have?

This was sent to me by one of my friends over email today.

You might be best friends one year,
pretty good friends the next year,
don't talk that often the next year,
and don't want to talk at all the year after that.
So, I just wanted to say,
even if I never talk to you again in my life,
you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life,
I look up to you, respect you, and truly cherish you.

It has made me think how blessed I am, and have been, in my life with friends. Not just any kind of friend (you know those fair weather people who abandon you when things go bad) but those true and beautiful people who are honestly friends, come what may. People have commented in my life about my ability to make friends, and I must admit that I have led a gifted life when it comes to people who love me. During the course of my life, most of my friends have moved on to different parts of the country, or even the world, and yet when we do talk, no matter what the length of time has elapsed since we last conversed, it is like we were never apart. Friends like that know you, the real you, and still love you. My life is blessed.

I wish there was someway I could actually adequatley thank all of my friends, show them what a gift they have been to me... but I am not sure that there are any other ways beyond being a good friend in return. So, for all you friends out there reading this, Thank you. Know you are loved, and in some cases, missed.

Alarm bells should be ringing....

For all you ladies out there who are considering, or have used, dating services or online mate finding programs, THIS IS THE TYPE OF GUY YOU ARE MEETING. Beware.

This "guy" doesn't need a wife, he needs a dog. But I would still worry for the security of the poor animal with this.... "guy".

Any time, any place, Summer Rain

For the haplessly bored (ahem, Ruth, coff coff), you too can try out the "Sloginator" courtesy of The Surrealist. Here are the other slogans it generated for me...

Wait until we get our summer rain on you
Summer Rain saves your soul
You're Never Alone with a Summer Rain.
Good Honest Summer Rain Since 1972
Summer Rain, Take Me Away
Good Things Happen After a Summer Rain
Out Of The Strong Came Forth Summer Rain

I didn't ask to be a princess, but if the crown fits.......

Happy Mother's Day to ME!!! Happy Mother's Day to ME!!!

Yes it is Mother's Day isn't it? You can tell by the way my hair is adorned with a delicate array of colorful and ornate handmade hair clips while my children smile proudly about their well recieved handywork. You can tell by the card my son made me, with a burning "fire sunflower" on its cover and sweet words on the inside:

Allie

Angel
Loves Raven
Loves Wesley
Intelligent
Energetic

Dear mom
You are as sweet as sugar, as delicate as a rose. You have the cuteist tinted brown eyes.
Love Wes

Enter the toothfairy.... Raven just lost her first tooth! One more thing to celebrate today - in addition to Lauren's 21st Birthday, which we are all hurridley preparing for... and we will spend the afternoon and evening at a family BBQ (mMMmMmM BBQ) in honor of Lauren and Mother's day.

So in other news, our lives have become intermingled with our pretend world that we have created in Animal Crossing. It is an amazingly (surprisingly even) addictive game that all four of us play together, but at different times, so you can imagine that Game Cube time has now hit a new premium... But it is a family activity so we are all having fun with it.

Oh yes, and more of a "couples" activity, the link of the day is THE CHURCH OF TANTRA. Only view this link if you are prepared for it to be about SEX, because it is. Oh ya, and enjoy!

Flying by the seat of my pants

As with everything in life, some lessons are easy, while others are learnt the hard way. Some things have been fun, others hard, while others still intriguing as a new challenge. I still haven't decided if it is the job for me (and it was always soposed to be a summer job anyways), but here is a brief summary of what I have discovered/learnt so far during my first week as a bike courier.

1. ALWAYS listen to your boyfriend when he says new shoes won’t be comfortable for work that day
2. Curbs and stairs are not to be considered impediments to progress
3. Follow the path of least resistance
4. Your Dispatcher is an omnipotent god (Just don't tell him I said that)
5. Common sense isn’t
6. If you are going to leave something behind, it will inevitably be the $300.00 pair of Oakley sunglasses you need for riding. Go back quickly!
7. Bike couriers are the fastest way to get a package delivered downtown and everyone knows it
8. There are a lot of bike couriers downtown
9. Being a bike courier is a very competitive venture
10. Everyone I meet says they want my job
11. Merging into downtown traffic is like a knife cutting through butter
12. ALWAYS look over your shoulder
13. Remember to lock your bike even when in a hurry
14. Unlock your bike before attempting to ride away
15. NEVER turn the wrong way down a One Way Street
16. Buses ALWAYS have the right of way, even when they don’t
17. Cars have brakes and will use them as necessary
18. Most buildings have mailrooms to drop stuff at and no one will take it anywhere else
19. Finding mailrooms is not always easy
20. Revolving doors are the bain of my existence
21. There is a coffee shop in every building
22. There are beautiful offices downtown and the views are awesome
23. There is a lot of unused/unleased office space downtown
24. There are NO public bathrooms
25. Security is unbelievably extreme, everything and everyone is locked up
26. There is a lot of “art” downtown
27. Downtown has it’s very own culture
28. You can buy anything you want downtown (three words: Mountain Equipment Co-op)
29. Most elevators have TV’s in them
30. There really aren’t 13th floors in most buildings
31. Not all elevators go to every floor in the building. Serious. Finding the right elevator is half the battle.
32. Boy bikers think girl bikers are hot
33. Boys in general seem to think girl bikers are hot
34. If I look lost, someone will appear to tell me where to go
35. Just because you are a courier doesn’t mean you are given the right address
36. Just because you have an address doesn’t mean it actually exists
37. The client is always right. No, really… even if they are a hag. Just smile nicely.
38. Never be surprised as anything that can happen, will
39. Other bike courier companies will actively attempt to recruit you

"Whatever the answer, it's an indisputable fact that sharing the world has never been one of humanity's defining attributes."

Wow. We just saw X2. X-citing. X-tradordinary. X-ceptional. X-treme. Duncan, Deven and I X-tremely enjoyed X2. Go see it. And I mean now.

In other news, the Federal Progressive Conservative Party Deputy Leader, Elsie Wayne, made some hideously bigotted and hateful comments yesterday, in the House of Commons.

"When it comes to people who wish to live together, whether they are women or men, why do they have to be out here in the public always debating that they want to call it marriage? Why are they in parades? Why are they dressed up as women on floats... Why do they have to go around trying to get a whole lot of publicity? If they are going to live together, they can go live together and shut up about it. There is not any need for this nonsense whatsoever and we should not have to tolerate it in Canada."

Not have to tolerate it in Canada? Excuse me? I don't think that these comments have anything to do with toleration - In fact, perhaps the exact opposite is obvious here.... The best thing about living in a country like Canada is the freedom of democratic thought and being able to petition for change when change is needed.

The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada (whom I am a big fan of) rebuked Wayne, which caused her to "show remorse", but remorse is not good enough for the damage that has been done, not only to herself, but to all Canadians. Go ahead and let Ms Wayne know how you feel about her disdain of people excersing their democratic rights.

One can only hope that antiquated ideas such as the ones expressed by Wayne die out as her generation does.