There'll Always be an England...

And England shall be free...

One year ago today...

Duncan, with all my heart I take you to be my husband. I will love you through all times, through the good and the bad, the joy and the sorrow. I will try to be understanding, and to trust in you completely. I will make you a part of me, and in turn, become a part of you. Together we will face all of life's experiences and share one another's dreams and goals.


Our Wedding Vows

I wanna make you smile, whenever you're sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All I wanna do is grow old with you


Outside of the Legislature

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you


Kissing on William Aberharts desk...

I'll miss you, I'll Kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold


Removing the garter

I'll Need you, I'll Feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control


Hold my hand... forever

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed if you've had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you

Lyrics: I wanna grow old with you

Visit our Wedding Blog

A Rainy Afternoon

"While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die."
~Leonardo Da Vinci

"The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity."
~Seneca

"Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life."
~Albert Einstein

Spousal Support or an Excuse to Remain Dependant Forever?

There was a story today in the news that disturbs me.

The Supreme Court of Canada will be asked to decide whether divorced couples are "lifers" who remain at permanent risk of being forced to support their ex-partners, even after a divorce court declines to award support or cuts off spousal support.

When my first husband left, he left me with all the bills (mysteriously all in my name), old debts, back rent and daycare to pay. One of my proudest moments was when I had, while still going to school, finally paid off all of the bills. There was no whining. I didn't mooch, or leech or beg him to support me. I had pride that I did it all myself. With three jobs to manage the rent and bills I provided well enough for my children (at the time my ex paid only 200.00 a month for child support) and was able to increase our standard of living, even managing to save a little in the process. The most important thing was that no one else could take any credit for my hard won successes.

So this idea that people (mostly women) can/should continue to pursue their ex-spouses as a lifetime method of funding appalls me. What is this saying about us? That we can't let go, can't do it on our own, can't survive without someone there to support us? How can a woman acheive financial freedom when all she is doing is looking towards another person everytime they think they need money? There are other sources of money available people! Set yourself apart; get a job or go back to school. Don't allow yourself to be defined by leechdom, your independance and pride in yourself is what is at risk here. I know it might seem daunting (and yes, it is hard) but in the end it is very much worth it. Especially when you are reaching your goals and your acheivements are your very own. Why would you let anyone else (especially an ex-spouse) take credit for that?

Belated Canada Day Report

I had one of the best Canada Day's of my life this past July 1st. I don't mean to be tardy posting about it - it's more that Canada Day didn't end for me until July 2nd and then the weekend was so fabulous I didn't have time to sit down and blog.

For us Canada's 138th birthday began with a lovely sleep in and special breakfast (eggs benedict, a la Duncan). Then we joined the rest of our 32,805,041 fellow Canadians in partying across our 10 provinces and 3 territories. This entailed the four of us meeting up with Brett and Beatrice to rock along with Randy Bachman (the first concert I ever went to was BTO) and the Bare Naked Ladies, who were HOT. We had been lucky enough to get floor passes so there was much Canadian flag draped dancing and singing to be done by myself and Duncan. It was harder for Wesley and Raven to see but they did their best and still danced. One of the best parts for me was watching Wesley sing along with us to "If I had a Million Dollars" at the end of the concert. It occurred to me that our generations enjoy the same music (but that's a blog topic all in itself).

We ended the night with dinner, a spectacular fireworks show over the Legislature Buildings and some rowdiness along Whyte Avenue before getting a bus home to our beds. The kids left for Calgary the next morning so Duncan and I spent the weekend doing what all other newly weds do when they are left alone to entertain themselves... you know, gardening!

Together. Forever and Always.

"Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven"
- Matthew 16:19

The Avery's, newly sealed.

My oldest friend Dawn is a Mormon, and always has been, even after both her parents left the church. Dawn always dreamed of the day when her and her husband, and their children could be sealed in the Temple. For Mormon's the ritual of "sealing" is understood as the establishment of a bond of legitimacy, joining together children and parents in a relationship that is to endure forever. This special type of ceremony, which can only be preformed in an LDS Temple dedicated to God, is referred to as "eternal marriage" or "celestial marriage."

Dawn and her family had to achieve many important milestones to win the right to travel to the Temple to be sealed (receiving their Temple recommend). This past weekend they drove from Vancouver Island all the way to Cardston Alberta, the closest Temple. Once at the Temple they had many preparatory ordinances (ceremonial washing and anointing before donning sacred temple robes, religious instruction, Temple Endowment and recieving the divine presence) before they were sealed together in eternal marriage.

I am happy that Dawn was finally able to achieve her dream, and that it was as meaningful to her as she had always hoped, her exchange of vows in the celestial room, sealed for all eternity to her husband. And with it, she, and her family, have achieved the goal of every worthy Mormon. Congrats.

Finally!

Same Sex Marriage Legal in Canada!

"This is about the Charter of Rights. A right is a right and that is what this vote tonight is all about."
- Prime Minister Paul Martin

Bird Flu in China out of control

The more than 5000 migratory birds dead from the birdflu in China is not the most troubling news that the Chinese government is trying to keep concealed.

Once again, Boxun news (cf SARS) is breaking a medical story from inside of China, suggesting that there may be as many as 700 human deaths from the H5N1 bird flu virus.

The implications of such news, if confirmed, are staggering. Once the virus mutates to a form easily spread between humans the projected world wide death toll numbers well above 7 million people; the 1918 Flu killed 40 million.

Stars of Thorncliffe Awards Ceremony 2005

Celebrating Successes

Another school year is over and Duncan and I are pleased to share in the successes of Wesley and Raven and their classmates. It really has been an awesome year; good teachers, great friends and many memories.

Wesley was honoured to be a 2005 recipient of the Lou Yaniv Goodwill Ambassador Award, and Raven recieved Academic Excellence (with Honours). They also both recieved the Thorncliffe Diamond of Distinction Gold Award. We are very proud of them!

Thanks to Doug for the pictures!

Portrait of a Family

The Wojtaszek Clan

"It is a wise father that knows his own child."
- William Shakespeare

Duncan,

On this Fathers Day I want to thank you for being a wonderful father figure for Wesley and Raven. I want you to know that in the four years that we have shared together as a family, I have noticed all the sacrifices you have made, all the patient efforts to teach important lessons, the time invested to get to know them and all of the times you have shared not only my pride but my frustrations as well. Your eloquent examples of hard work, successes, balancing real life with play and the good choices you make in life impress Wesley and Raven and I know each one of them looks up to you in a special way. I know it’s not always easy and I know how hard you try at times to remain as successful as you are. Thank you for loving them, and thank you for making us a family.

Where's Bob?

"We're not after money. We're after Bob."
- Janet Wilson, ex-wife of Bob

As reported in the Toronto Sun, the strange story of Robert Petch, or what remains of him anyways; Mr Petch has unfortunatley discovered that the worst of his problems was not his death, but Canada Post. Lost in the mail, poor Bob has essentially missed his own funeral, and it remains to be seen if he will be found at all.

If anyone is wondering what somebodies ashes are worth, Canada Post has sent the family $600.00 and wished them well in their "pretend" funeral.

Hat tip: Quynn

Thank God it's Friday.

I woke up this morning at 5-something, convinced it was Saturday so I turned off the alarm, closed the blinds and snuggled back up to my adoring husband. An hour or so later (emphasis on late) Duncan drags me from the sweet comfort of sleep to inform me that it is indeed FRIDAY. In a panic I jumped up quickly to get ready only to have my nose explode - blood everywhere. When that minor crisis abates I realize that I now cant find my purse, and worse, we've missed the bus. So I phone my boss to let him know I am going to be late, and set off.

Coming off Whitemud onto Fox Drive was slow as the traffic at a stand still. A major accident is blocking an intersection and fire trucks are everywhere. You would be amazed at home much room on a road a couple of fire trucks take up. The bus finally picks its way through the mess and we are on our way again. Then, just as we are pulling onto the university, the girl sitting in front of us starts crying. When her sister asks what is wrong she says she can't see. I assume (looking at the text book in her hand and taking note of the panic in her sister) that this is a new development. Her sister calls her mom and then tries to help her off the bus, except she collapses on the ground. So there I stayed, cradling her for a bit, talking to her and insisting her sister call an ambulance.

Believe it or not, I was only 5 minutes late. But given that this all happened within my first 90 minutes of being awake, I was feeling like my day should be over already, let alone just starting. I'm so very glad it's Friday. We need this break this week!

The New Patriot Act

"You have the right to free speech - as long as you’re not dumb enough to actually try it."
- The Clash, These Are Your Rights

President George W. Bush

The broader powers given to government, police and law authorities by the USA Patriot Act were promised to be temporary. Now the President wants them, and further ammendments, to become permanent.

"My message to Congress is clear: The terrorist threats against us will not expire at the end of the year, and neither should the protections of the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act has not diminished American liberties; the Patriot Act has helped to defend American liberties."

It's a good thing he cleared that up. I was a tad concerned for a moment. The reality is that the Bush administration's attempts to expand and broaden the federal government's powers with the USA Patriot Act should concern all americans. I hope they are paying attention. Rights are more easily lost than regained.

The law itself expires - and with good reason - at the end of this year. Legislation to renew 16 provisions of the law, and several disturbing ammendments proposed by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, is progressing through Congress.

That committee's ammendments include:

1. Allowing the FBI to issue "administrative subpoenas" to collect evidence in terrorism cases without going to a judge.
2. Allowing the Justice Department to gather information under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and it's secret provisions allowing for a criminal prosecution.
3. Make it easier for the FBI to get copies of personal mail.
4. Greater powers of search and seizure allowing law enforcement officers to search homes and businesses without a warrant or notifying the owners.
5. Extends protections for internet service providers who voluntarily turn over e-mails to law enforcement without the fear of civil lawsuits from their customers.
6. Allowing the attorney general to issue subpoenas for business records, including medical, financial and gun, hotel, and education documents, without the target's permission.
7. Allowing the FBI to access your library borrowing records.

But americans would know if their rights were being violated, or if they were under investigation, or if the state regarded them a terrorist, right? Wrong. The law prevents those who have been, or are, the subject of a search from knowing about it because the law requires that these searches be kept secret (in the interest of national security, of course). But don't worry, your boss, your doctor, your librarian, your financial institution, your internet service provider, your mailman, your university and your travel agent might know. Oh, and you'd know when you were arrested, although you might not be told on what grounds.

"When lawmakers seek to rewrite our Fourth Amendment rights, they should at least have the gumption to do so in public. Americans have a reasonable expectation that their federal government will not gather records about their health, their wealth and the transactions of their daily life without probable cause of a crime and without a court order."
- Lisa Graves, ACLU senior counsel for legislative strategy

Land of the Free my butt. More like the "Land of the Little Less Free Everyday But Not Noticing It."

Underneath His Clothes...

Music is something that has always been important to Duncan and I, and when we became friends it developed as one of the special many bases of our relationship. We spent the summer of 2000 sitting in the sun and listening to music, sharing our favourites from before there was an "us", discovering each other through our shared history with the same types of music we both loved.

Today we have been sitting in the livingroom together listening to music, and with each song a memory, a feeling, a special time we have shared together. So many have so much meaning (like the songs we first listened to, or the songs we played at our wedding, or the first song Duncan ever sang in my ear) it's hard to chose one to share here.

This one song I first heard at the end of 2001. I remember thinking how beautiful it was (I had tears in my eyes when a friend played it). The lyrics resonated with me and my feelings so strongly I couldn't wait to play it for Duncan so I made him a CD with it on it. I wanted him to know that the song spoke of how I felt for him, how much I loved him, how I chose him over all else, how he had changed me and my world, just by being in it.

I want him to know I still feel it.

You're a song
Written by the hands of God
Don't get me wrong cause
This might sound to you a bit odd
But you own the place
Where all my thoughts go hiding
And right under your clothes
Is where I find them

Because of you
I forgot the smart ways to lie
Because of you
I'm running out of reasons to cry
When the friends are gone
When the party's over
We will still belong to each other

I love you more than all that's on the planet
Movin' talkin' walkin' breathing
You know it's true
Oh baby it's so funny
You almost don't believe it
As every voice is hanging from the silence
Lamps are hanging from the ceiling
Like a lady tied to her manners
I'm tied up to this feeling

Underneath Your Clothes
There's an endless story
There's the man I chose
There's my territory
And all the things I deserve
For being such a good girl honey
- SHAKIRA, Underneath your Clothes

Music inhabits the place where my soul lives, and I truly believe that Duncan is a song written by the hands of god, written for me. Thanks for sharing the music with me sweetheart.

Annihilating Terri Schiavo

It's been a while since I thought of Terri Schiavo, especially in comparision to the watch I kept as her death was forced upon her. But today I came across this article, very provoking, written by Dr. Paul McHugh, who is the University Distinguished Service Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University. He speaks so eloquently that it is worth reading the entire article, but I have abstracted a tiny part where he speaks of his experience with a man, who until a botched brain operation left him in a state similiar to Terri Schiavo's state, "had been quite simply the foremost clinical scientist in America."

"But this did not ease the task before me upon visiting his bedside each morning as I searched for something interesting to say to my jaded interns. Soon enough they began to grumble that I was repeating myself as I would note dutifully that, although Dr. A’s apathetic state was profound and unchanging, occasionally such a patient might, if startled, give out a coherent response revealing some human consciousness. Looking at the man lying before them, they thought they had ample reason to doubt the applicability of my ideas to this case. A particularly bold intern challenged me one morning: "Enough of that, show us that he can respond."

I knew perfectly well that I was being baited over a matter where I was unsure of my ground, but I moved briskly from the records cart to the bed, shook the patient by the shoulder, and asked in a sharp voice: "Dr. A, what’s the serum calcium in pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism?" For the first time in my experience with him, he glanced up at me and, loudly enough for all the interns to hear, said: "It’s just about normal."

A full and complete sentence had emerged from a man whom none of us had ever heard speak before. His answer was correct — as he should know, having discovered and named the condition I asked him about. Subsequently, in all the months we cared for him, he would never utter another word. But what a difference that moment had made to all of us. We matured that day not only in matters of the mind but in matters of the heart. Somehow, deep inside that body and damaged brain, he was there—and our job was to help him. If we had ever had misgivings before, we would never again doubt the value of caring for people like him."

Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving

The Champion Idealist (eNFp).

Today at work I did the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) workshop. Not Surprisingly, I am an ENFP. Here is the short break down of characteristics:

Warmly enthusiastic and imaginative. Sees life as full of possibilities. Makes connections between events and information very quickly, and confidently proceeds based on the patterns they see. Want a lot of affirmation from others, and readily give appreciation and support. Spontaneous and flexible, often rely on their ability to improvise and their verbal fluency.

Today I had a few of those "aha" moments I am so fond of. Duncan is an ISTJ, which is the exact opposit of ENFP and likely why we go so well together. I did find one web page that suggested the perfect match for an ENFP was an ISTJ - but I think it might have been suggesting they were one of the few personalities that could put up with us so well! But, seriously, I do think we complete each other in many ways, this is just one more way I have of understanding it.

I had a lot of fun today. There is alot I could blog about but we are heading out to dinner at Quynn's house any second now and I still need to get ready... how eNFp is that?

Kibbles and Bits and Bits and Bits

Can Elephants Jump?

We have the most interesting conversations at my new workplace (which I am enjoying, by the way). One of the most recent was a mini discussion on the physiology of an elephants legs and feet. Most people think that it is impossible for an elephant to jump and this popular understanding tends to be considered as truth. Yet some elephants do jump. Mostly baby elephants, and usually only if provoked, but there have been a few sightings of adult elephants jumping in the wild. It seems that an elephants body size and weight is not really conducive to the act of jumping, so with little reason for an elephant to jump in its natural habitat (it’s only natural predator is man and 14 tonne tigers) and it’s sheer size making it able to walk through or over just about everything, I can understand why they don’t jump. Why leap when you can trudge?

Java Java Java!

Good organic coffee is hard to find, but once you’ve found it – it sure is hard to forget. So flavourful is the organic roast coffee at the Sugarbowl beneath Duncan’s office that I don’t just crave it, sometimes I dream about it. It really is the perfect coffee, free of chemicals (no pesticides and herbicides), low in acid, non bitter, fairly traded and it’s grown in an environmentally friendly manner. I love the way it makes me feel as it’s warmth flows without resistance into my empty, breakfast free tummy. Even better is spending that time in the morning with Duncan before we head in separate directions to work. Mmmmmmm. It’s the best of all worlds!

Lady bug, Lady bug, Fly Away...

Yesterday when I was walking through a large parking lot I came across the tiniest green leaf, laying there like an oasis in the middle of the bleakness. When I looked even closer I discovered that there was a Ladybug perched on this little green leaf. Their combined vivid colours in the midst of grey vastness gave me pause for thought. It seemed to me to be an overwhelming illustration of pure and simple faith. It made me think of how we, when sometimes caught in the middle of bleakness ourselves, grasp at whatever beauty we can – and how we determinably hang on to that regardless of the circumstances we are faced with.

"Peeking" Duck: Keeping an eye on China

We’ve all heard about the potential that Bird Flu possesses as a threat to humans if the virus manages to evolve into a form that can easily spread from person to person. In the interest of self preservation, I keep an eye on it’s developments. Pandemics have dwindled our numbers since the beginning of time, hitting us hard and fast when they come. But now, for the first time in the history of mankind, we potentially have the ability to keep a worldwide pandemic at bay. IF all the researchers, scientists, medical professionals and politicians in the world work together during the available window of opportunity. With nations like China on our collective team (like it or not) even I realize that this is a big IF. But rational thought will lead us all to the conclusion that the risk of disease increases if we fail to protect ourselves, and hopefully this time history will witness that self preservation is indeed a worldwide human trait.

GENERATION TO GENERATION

Canadian Reserve Forces on Juno Beach

"From year to year, from generation to generation, men and women who love freedom remember this day that is unique in history. The Allied soldiers restored freedom to Europe, and restored dignity to men."
- Hamlaoui Mekachera, Normandy

Some debts can not be paid

GRAPHIC WARNING
This blog post contains some graphic content of a disturbingly sexual nature.

I have recently read some differing "blogopinions" on the overall fairness of the terms of release set for Karla Homolka, undoubtedly Canada's most notorious female convict, and I have some thoughts on the matter. OK, I have a lot of thoughts.

Judge Jean Beaulieu recently ruled that Karla Homolka remains a danger to society and set strict conditions on her behaviour for after her July release date. These types of conditions are not uncommon for convicted criminals deemed to be dangerous offenders. I would even go so far as to say that members of our society are happy that legislation like this exists to protect them and their families from people who are most likely to re-offend.

Note that Karla did sign Beaulieu's conditions and has asked her lawyer to let Canadians know she intends to abide by them. But don’t feel too safe, it’s only for one year.

As such, for the next year, Karla will report to police once a month, stay away from convicted criminals (this includes her boyfriend, Jean-Paul Gerbet, who murdered his common law wife), inform authorities if she intends to travel to Ontario, undergo court mandated therapy, and not be in contact with anyone under the age of 16. Lastly, she has been prohibited from communicating with Paul Bernardo and the families of their victims. Beaulieu made it clear that violation of any of these conditions once she is released means an additional two years in prison.

What did Karla do that was so bad anyways?

Tammy Lyn Homolka

Tammy was Karla's fifteen year old sister. On December 23, 1990 Karla, using halcion sleeping pills she had crushed into alcoholic drinks, induced a state of unconsciousness in Tammy, intending her as a Christmas gift for her husband, Paul Bernardo. Before Tammy died, Paul and Karla took turns raping her until Paul began to penetrate her anally. This is when Tammy began to choke on her own vomit. Karla turned her upside down to clear her airway but to no avail. They hid the evidence, dressed her and called 911, but Tammy was already dead.

Stephen Williams in his book Invisible Darkness describes Karla's plan for Tammy.

She had really thought this thing with Tammy through. After all, she did not want to kill her own sister; she just wanted to knock her out and give her to Paul for Christmas. They sedated animals before they put them to sleep for surgery, so it should be all right to do it to her sister..." "A truly organized rape, as only a thoughtful sister could plan. Maybe even the most thought out and organized rape ever."

Tammy’s death at that time was deemed to be accidental. Because Tammy’s actual cause of death was revealed only after the plea deal, Karla was not be charged with it.

Leslie Mahaffy

Kidnapped at knife point on Friday, June 14, 1991, Leslie was made to strip for the camera, was raped numerous times and beaten for over 24 hours. Paul directed Karla in numerous sexual acts with Leslie, giving elaborate instructions before trading places to take his turn. There was no one to hear Leslie’s screams of pain as Paul raped her anally her with his trademark brute force. She was then (apparently) strangled with an electrical cord before being dismembered, encased in blocks of cement and dumped in a nearby lake. Her remains were discovered on June 29, the very day that Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka were married.

Kristen French

Also kidnapped by knife point, Karla and Paul grabbed Kristen from right outside of her all girls Catholic secondary school on April 16, 1992. They took her home and made her strip out of her school uniform for them, videotaping her using the bathroom. Paul and Karla shared in molesting Kristen. Her rape and torture was much more extensive than Leslie’s was and lasted 3 days, during which time she was forced to fellate Paul and Karla used objects to penetrate her repeatedly. They urinated on her. Eventually they discarded her body in a trash dump near Burlington, in time for Paul and Karla to make Easter dinner at Karla’s parent’s house.

Jane Doe

Jane Doe was a wedding gift for Paul from Karla, meant to replace the loss of Tammy in their fantasy games. Jane was a 15 year old friend of Tammy’s who was unfortunate enough to resemble Tammy. Karla befriended young Jane and on the night she was to present her to Paul she gave her alcohol laced with Halcion and waited for her to pass out. Karla undressed Jane and made love to the unconscious girl first. Paul took her virginity and raped her anally. She didn’t awake until the next morning so had little idea what had happened. In the future Karla invited Jane back again and again, but Jane was far from the ideal sex slave, refusing to let Paul have actual intercourse with her (as she thought she was still a virgin) and agreeing only to oral sex. The druggings continued. (It is worth noting that now 29, Jane Doe wants Karla Homolka charged for drugging, raping and almost killing her when she was a child. She asserts that neither she, nor her parents at any time agreed with prosecutors to waive charges against Homolka for her rapes.)

In all these cases the camera in the corner
captured everything. They taped it all.

I don’t believe that Karla is as innocent in these crimes or as safe as she and her lawyers would lead us to believe.

Paul, who was known to authorities as the Scarobouro Rapist, was the perpetrator of numerous rapes over many years. This behaviour continued even after he married Karla with her knowledge. Both young and old, he brutally raped them. However, his MO never included killing them.

Instead, the girls that died were the ones that were victims of both Karla and Paul together. Paul has always blamed the murders of the Leslie and Kristen on Homolka, saying that they happened during times that he had left them alone with Karla. However, since the actual murders themselves were not videotaped the point is moot.

Her word against his, whatever that is worth.

It does stand to reason that if Karla had the opportunity to make a plea bargain to lessen her own fate she would. Just because she testified that Paul killed the girls doesn’t mean he actually did. By pleading guilty to manslaughter and testifying against her husband she received a twelve year sentence instead of sharing his fate. Scared of a lifetime in jail Karla had every motive to lie.

An offender like Karla does not "pay her debt to society" and then get to walk free, forgiven. Being classified as a dangerous sexual offender gives authorities the ability to protect possible future victims from her sick intentions.

Karla Homolka is the worst kind of predator. She preys upon children, including her own sister and her sister’s friends. She is violent and uninhibited. She utilizes drugs to incapacitate her victims. Her crimes subsequently get worse in length and nature. She refuses to admit how much she enjoyed her part in the horrific scenarios that she created as gifts for her husband’s pleasure or to take part in any meaningful rehabilitation. She shows no remorse.

And next month, she's out.

What is in your purse?

I was looking for something in my purse just now and I realized just how much stuff I was able to cram into a relatively small handbag. I have long been amazed at the kinds of things that women think to stow away in their purse - you know, just in case.

My Purse (bought at ALDO)

Right now in my handbag I have: Extra Strength Tylenol, 1 cold and flu tablet, several little salt and pepper packets, a sewing kit, a book of ten stamps, some fast food coupons, a small lipstick, two eyeliner pencils, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, a hairbrush and small mirror, Visine, lip balm, several pens and hair elastics, some extra keyring rings, small box of crayons, a stuffed elephant (placed there by my daughter), a carabeener, a small pencil, band aids, extra bus tickets, little packets of moisturizer sun screen, tweezers, a small vanity kit with q-tips and emery board, a daytimer, address book, a small button that says Chicks Kick Ass, a bunch of small club discount cards, a leatherman micra tool set, folding scissors, nail clippers, various coinage, spare earrings and my wallet (ID, other cards, bus pass, cheque book, pictures of Duncan, Wesley, Raven and of our wedding, business cards - Duncan's and mine, and my growing collection of Return of the Sith movie tickets). Sometimes I also carry my sunglasses, my epipen and an inhaler, just not today.

What do you have in yours?

The Wonder Years

She wonders where all her years went...

Today we celebrated my Mom's 60th birthday. We took her out to Tony Romas and then brought her home for presents (we bought her a DVD player and the Green Mile to go along with it). We tried to make her feel special without feeling too old. Ok, actally we tried to make her feel old (and I think it worked). What else are family for?

I think I was channelling my brother when I wrote my Mom's card, because try as hard as I did to be nice, I found myself writing the words "Sixty is not the end of the world, but it is freakin' old!"

Also today I had the pleasure of going with Beatrice to pick out her wedding dress. It is gorgeous, and I am very excited about the upcoming wedding.

Happy Birthday Daddy

I miss you.

Quote of the Week...

"I'll probably say it three more times. See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda."
- President George W. Bush

President Participates in Social Security Conversation in New York

Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, Where have you been?

At the Legislature with Corgies


Renaming the Provincial Musuem


At Dinner with the Prime Minister


Visiting Edmonton City Hall...

Well, it's official...

It can rain on the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II with our birthday cake

Boy were we wet! But we had great seats, 30 feet away from the Queen with a good view of the show. The 21 gun salute was really cool and I loved the CF18/Snowbird flyover, and as always the bagpipes and native dancing.

The Queen was beautiful. I forgot the camera so I had to steal a picture for the blog. It's a picture of the Queen with our birthday cake, shaped like our Legislature Building and protuding from a map of Alberta. It was really awesome.

Lets hope it doesn't rain tomorrow! God Save the Queen!

Getting the party started

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Tomorrow I am taking my children, husband, Quynn and Deven to see the Queen at our Centennial Birthday Celebrations. My children will also have a chance to see the Queen at the Leg and the Provincial Museum over the next couple of days.

I was about Raven's age when I first saw the Queen, in Nanaimo BC (March 8th 1983). Ofcourse, it was raining as we waited for the royal yacht Britannia to pull into the harbour. Actually, it had been raining for days (that's the west coast). There was some concern that the Queen might not get off the boat in the downpour and I remember my father stating that "It wouldn't dare rain on the Queen."

Moments later the Britannia sailed in and settled at the dock. Then the rain stopped, the clouds split and the sun shone. My eyes grew very wide indeed as I watched the Queen get off the boat and walk towards us in sunshine, a truly magical and beautiful woman. I never forgot that moment, and even now it's magic still touches me.

I am a Royalist, I come from a long line of Royalists, and it's a part of our heritage I am happy to pass on to my kids. I have always been very fond of the Queen, since before I can remember. I loved Princess Diana, whom I met in 1986 (also in Nanaimo), and I enjoyed meeting (and guarding) Princess Alexandra when she came for the 75th anniversary of my unit, the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Victoria, BC).

God save our gracious Queen
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen:
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.

Sith Happens... Again!

Obi Wan knows...

We saw Revenge of the Sith again tonight. Loads of goodness the second time around, encouraging more thought and discussion. I can't wait to see it again! Right now I am reading the Labyrinth of Evil, and then I intend to re-read Revenge of the Sith (and watch Episodes 1 & 2, Clone Wars) before seeing the movie for a third time. I can't wait to see it again!

In our expanded Universe, there can never be too much Star Wars. Duncan is thinking we are going to explore the Star Wars role playing game (let me know if you are interested all you Edmontonians). Watch for updates.

Quick Update...

I am such a geek!

Pleased easily, I am.

And my toys please me. Duncan bought me Luke to celebrate our waiting in line for the 12:01am May 19th showing of Revenge of the Sith, and the rest Duncan and Deven got for me when we were in Red Deer for dinner. Yes, that is the covted Darth Vader Burger King Toy. That's how special I am!

After we watched ROTS we slept a couple of hours and then headed to Banff, dropping the kids off in Calgary first. The couple of days in Banff were heavenly. Then we picked Deven up in Calgary and brought him back with us for the long weekend. It's going to be fun - we've rented movies and are likely going to see ROTS again (ofcourse).

Revenge of the Sith = Great! I liked it alot and found that having read the book before hand was beneficial for having all the back story that they weren't able to include in the movie but alluded to. I really am such a geek! Seeing that I am married to the world's biggest Star Wars fan I can attest that this experience has consumed us in ways that most people wouldn't understand, and it has for weeks even. Wesley, Raven, Quynn, Brett and Beatrice joined us for the movie. We waited in line for hours, but luckily they sat us at 9:00PM. We had great seats, and there were light saber battles, great costumes and a beachball that occupied us in the theatre while we waited for 12:01AM. I will likely blog more about the movie later, but it's been a long day and I want to go play with the boys (video games, people!).

Lots of politics lately, of course. But that's a blog for a different day!

The Canadian Rockies - Grand Masterpiece of the West

Enjoying Banff

Banff is a beautiful place, and one Duncan and I love to be. This time we stayed in the Banff Centre. I love how soothed the mountains makes my soul. I love the river and the fresh air, the trees and the wildlife. Before we left we a delicious breakfast at Melissa's Misteak ("our" place in Banff) and had a chance to go shopping. We also stopped in Canmore and then picked Deven up in Calgary and brought him back to Edmonton with us. It's been a great week and it promises to be an even better weekend.

Life's hardest lessons are the most tragic...

My daughter, Raven, learned some hard real life lessons yesterday when she inadvertantly witnessed a fatal collision in Calgary (Bonaventure Dr. S.W.). She was with her Dad when they watched a young woman speed by, only to have her tire blow, causing her to lose control of her vehicle. Her car rammed a minivan from behind, sending it airborne and into a roll... Out of the three people in the mini van only a 5 year old boy was wearing a seat belt. The woman driving was thrown clear of her van and landed head first on the road, while the other woman in the van was sprawled percariously across the back seat of the van with her legs hanging out of the back window (she's in serious condition). The offending car hit yet another car before it stopped.

Raven had to go with her Dad when he went to help. He checked for a pulse on the woman on the ground but she was dead, and then he helped an off duty policeman get the boy out of the van. Firefighters had to cut the roof off to get the other woman out. Raven saw up close the affects and graphic results of both speeding and not wearing your seat belt. I don't think it's anything that she is going to forget any time soon.

People, slow down. Wear your seat belts. What do you have to lose?

My Chosen One

Jedi Master Duncan

HAPPY STAR WARS DAY!!!

Darth Vader

Darth Vader

"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Darth Vader, A New Hope

"Apology accepted, Captain Needa."
- Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back

"No, I am your father!"
- Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back

"I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it further."
- Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back

"The force is with you young Skywalker, but you are not a Jedi yet."
- Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back

"I hope so, Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am."
- Darth Vader, Return of the Jedi

"You don't know the power of the Dark Side!"
- Darth Vader, Return of the Jedi

"Your thoughts betray you. Your feelings for them are strong. Especially for... sister! So. You have a twin sister. Your feelings have now betrayed her too. Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me. Now his failure is complete. If you will not turn to the dark side, then perhaps she will."
- Darth Vader, Return of the Jedi

"You already have, Luke. You already have. You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister... you were right."
- Darth Vader, Return of the Jedi

"Just for once, let me look on you with my own eyes."
- Darth Vader, Return of the Jedi

Han Solo

Han Solo

"You've never heard of the Millennium Falcon? It's the ship that made the Kessel run in less than twelve parsecs."
- Han Solo, A New Hope

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."
- Han Solo, A New Hope

"Look, Your Worshipfulness, let's get one thing straight. I take orders from just one person: Me!"
- Han Solo, A New Hope

"You know, sometimes I amaze even myself."
- Han Solo, A New Hope

"Laugh it up, fuzzball."
- Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back

"You like me because I'm a scoundrel. There aren't enough scoundrels in your life."
- Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back

Luke Skywalker

Luke Skywalker

"I want to come with you to Alderaan. There is nothing here for me now. I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father."
- Luke Skywalker, A New Hope

"I'm Luke Skywalker. I'm here to rescue you."
- Luke Skywalker, A New Hope

"You've failed, your highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me."
- Luke Skywalker, Return of the Jedi

"You're wrong, Leia. You have that power too. In time you'll learn to use it as I have. The Force runs strong in my family. My father has it. I have it. And... my sister has it. Yes. It's you, Leia."
- Luke Skywalker, Return of the Jedi

"I can't kill my own father."
- Luke Skywalker, Return of the Jedi

"It is the name of your true self, you've only forgotten. I know there is good in you, the Emperor hasn't driven it from you fully. That was why you couldn't destroy me, that's why you won't bring me to your emperor now."
- Luke Skywalker, Return of the Jedi

"Your thoughts betray you, Father. I feel the good in you, the conflict."
- Luke Skywalker, Return of the Jedi

Princess Leia

Princess Leia Organa

"General Kenobi: Years ago, you served my father in the Clone Wars; now he begs you to help him in his struggle against the Empire. I regret that I am unable to present my father's request to you in person; but my ship has fallen under attack and I'm afraid my mission to Alderaan has failed. I've placed information vital to the survival of the rebellion into the memory systems of this R2 unit. My father will know how to retrieve it. You must see this droid safely delivered to him on Alderaan. This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope."
- Princess Leia Organa, A New Hope

"Darth Vader. Only you could be so bold."
- Princess Leia Organa, A New Hope

"Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder."
- Princess Leia Organa, The Empire Strikes Back

"Would it help if I got out and pushed?"
- Princess Leia Organa, The Empire Strikes Back

"Han, it isn't like that at all. He's my brother."
- Princess Leia Organa, Return of the Jedi

Anakin Skywalker

Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker

"You're the closest thing I have to a father."
- Anakin Skywalker, Attack of the Clones

"My memory of her is fading, I don't want to lose that memory. I don't want to stop seeing her face."
- Anakin Skywalker, Attack of the Clones

"I wasn't strong enough to save you mum. I wasn't strong enough, but I promise I won't fail again."
- Anakin Skywalker, Attack of the Clones

"I killed them. I killed them all. They're dead, every single one of them. And not just the men, but the women and the children, too! They're like animals, and I slaughtered them like animals! I HATE THEM!"
- Anakin Skywalker, Attack of the Clones

"One day, I will become the greatest Jedi EVER! I will even learn how to stop people from dying!"
- Anakin Skywalker, Attack of the Clones

"Something is happening. I'm not the Jedi I should be."
- Anakin Skywalker, Revenge of the Sith

"Is it possible to learn this power?"
- Anakin Skywalker, Revenge of the Sith

"The Jedi turned against me. Don't you turn against me."
- Anakin Skywalker, Revenge of the Sith

Anakin Skywalker

Little Anakin Skywalker

"Are you an angel?"
- Anakin Skywalker, The Phantom Menace

"No one can kill a Jedi."
- Anakin Skywalker, The Phantom Menace

"Mom, you said that the biggest problem in the universe is no one helps each other."
- Anakin Skywalker, The Phantom Menace

"I don't want things to change."
- Anakin Skywalker, The Phantom Menace

Padme Amidala

Padme Amidala: Queen, Senator, Angel

"I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war."
– Queen Padme Amidala, The Phantom Menace

"Sometimes there are things no one can fix."
- Padme Amidala, Attack of the Clones

"You're not all-powerful, Annie." – Padme Amidala, Attack of the Clones

"I'm not afraid to die. I've been dying a little bit each day since you came back into my life."
– Padme Amidala, Attack of the Clones

"Anakin, you're breaking my heart!"
- Padme Amidala, Revenge of the Sith

Shmi Skywalker

Shmi Skywalker

"There was no father. I carried him, I gave birth to him, I raised him. I can't explain what happened."
– Shmi Skywalker, The Phantom Menace

"You can't stop change any more than you can stop the suns from setting." – Shmi Skywalker, The Phantom Menace

"Now, be brave, and don't look back."
– Shmi Skywalker, The Phantom Menace

"Now I am complete."
- Shmi Skywalker, Attack of the Clones

Obi Wan Kenobi

Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi

"The council has granted me permission to train you. You will be a Jedi, I promise."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Phantom Menace

"Why do I get the feeling you'll be the death of me?"
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Attack of the Clones

"Be mindful of your thoughts Anakin. They'll betray you."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Attack of the Clones

"And don't forget, she's a politician, and they're *not* to be trusted."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Attack of the Clones

"Who could have done this?"
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Revenge of the Sith

"You were the chosen one!"
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Revenge of the Sith

"For more than a thousand generations the Jedi were the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. Before the dark times. Before the Empire."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, A New Hope

"In my experience there's no such thing as luck."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, A New Hope

"The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together."
– Obi-Wan Kenobi, A New Hope

"Use the Force, Luke."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, A New Hope

"A young Jedi named Darth Vader, who was a pupil of mine until he turned to evil, helped the Empire hunt down and destroy the Jedi knights. He betrayed and murdered your father."
– Obi-Wan Kenobi, A New Hope

"You can't win, Darth. If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine."
– Obi-Wan Kenobi, A New Hope

"Luke, don't give in to hate – that leads to the dark side."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Empire Strikes Back

"He's more machine now than man; twisted and evil."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Return of the Jedi

"You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Return of the Jedi

Qui Gon Jinn

Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn

"Feel, don't think. Trust your instincts."
- Qui-Gon Jinn, The Phantom Menace

"I will do what I must, Obi-Wan."
- Qui-Gon Jinn, The Phantom Menace

"There's always a bigger fish."
- Qui-Gon Jinn, The Phantom Menace

"These Federation types are cowards. The negotiations will be brief."
- Qui-Gon Jinn, The Phantom Menace

"Remember: Your focus determines your reality."
- Qui-Gon Jinn, The Phantom Menace

Jedi Master Yoda

Jedi Master Yoda

"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. I sense much fear in you."
- Yoda, The Phantom Menace

"Mmm. Lost a planet, Master Obi-Wan has. How embarrassing. How embarrassing."
- Yoda, Attack of the Clones

"Pain, suffering, death I feel. Something terrible has happened. Young Skywalker is in pain. Terrible pain."
- Yoda, Attack of the Clones

"The dark side clouds everything. Impossible to see the future is."
- Yoda, Attack of the Clones

"Victory! Victory you say? Master Obi-Wan, not victory. The shroud of the dark side has fallen, begun the clone war has."
- Yoda, Attack of the Clones

"The fear of loss is a path to the Dark Side"
– Yoda, Revenge of the Sith

"Twisted by the dark side young Skywalker has become."
– Yoda, Revenge of the Sith

"You must unlearn what you have learned."
- Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

"No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."
- Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

"No. There is another."
- Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

"Luke, when gone am I... the last of the Jedi will you be."
- Yoda, Return of the Jedi

"Luke, the Force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned. Luke, there is... another... Sky... walker."
- Yoda, Return of the Jedi

C3P0, Human Cyborg Relations

C-3PO and R2D2

"I can assure you they will never get me onto one of those dreadful starships!"
– C-3PO, The Phantom Menace

"We seem to be made to suffer. It's our lot in life."
- C-3PO, A New Hope

"No, I don't think he likes you at all.... I don't like you either."
- C-3PO, A New Hope

"That malfunctioning little twirp, this is all his fault."
- C-3PO, A New Hope

"I'm rather embarrassed, General Solo, but it appears you are to be the main course at a banquet in my honour."
- C-3PO, Return of the Jedi

"It's against my programming to impersonate a deity."
– C-3PO, Return of the Jedi

Artoo! Am not! Artoo! Am not!

We are going to see REVENGE OF THE SITH for the first time at 12:01AM May 19th, 2005. Thats the very first showing. When are you planning to see it?

I am going to be posting my favourite character quotes, every day, until then.

May the Force be with you.

Who doesn't want the afternoon off?

Harper and the Conservatives/Bloc Coalition adjourned our Parliament early today.

They also collectively pledged not to attend any parlimentary committee meetings, EXCEPT the one concerning same sex marriage (which they are committed to defeating). That says a lot to me. Canadian voters, witness what is important to this party.

And enjoy your paid afternoon off, since I am paying for it.

May 19th is Showtime

So we will have a confidence vote on the budget May 19th. If the Liberals lose the vote Parliament will be dissolved and we will go to an election, likely June 27th.

Two recent polls suggest an election now would not likely return a much different government. A Strategic Counsel poll (Globe and Mail) showed support for the Conservatives at 31% and the Liberals at 27%, whereas a Decima poll (CanWest newspapers) showed the Liberals at 37% and the Conservatives at 28%.

Ready or not, here we go.

Harper Out of Order

So today the Opposition managed to win a motion in the House of Commons asking the public accounts committee "to recommend that the government resign" (basically instructing the committee to rewrite it's report so that it calls on the government to resign).

A committee?

Stephen Harper then demanded that the Prime Minister formally call a vote of confidence based on this ammendment.

As it appears parliamentary precedent does not imply todays vote qualifies as a motion of confidence it is doubtful it will be treated as one by the government.

Further, Speaker Peter Milliken ruled Harper's demand out of order.

The opposition could call another vote on one of the three upcoming days where they control the parliamentary agenda.

I just hope they can manage to make it an actual, legitimate confidence vote. Is that too much to ask?

Kingdom of Heaven = Good

Balian of Ibelin

"You are not what you were born, but what you have it in yourself to be."
- Godfrey of Ibelin

Kingdom of Heaven

Missing: Canadian Leadership

Sgt Ernest Smith
Canada's last surviving VC recipient (1944)

"I owe those guys so much."
- Steven Scheffer
(liberated by Canadian soldiers in 1945 Holland
when he was 7).

Really, we all do.

Despite this, my Prime Minister chose to miss the celebrations yesterday honouring them, showing up a day late with all my other uppity federal leaders.

I don’t care to hear their fervent excuses. I don’t buy Harper’s plaintive cries of not being able to go without the PMO - he means it wasn’t worth it to him to spend his own money to go a day or so early. Same with Layton and Duceppe. There really isn’t an excuse for any of them. They should have been there.

And while our glorious leaders point fingers and play the blame game I find myself increasingly discouraged that they couldn’t even humble themselves to plan a respite so this important event could be properly marked and our Vets, many of whom might not have another chance to celebrate this day, could be shown the respect that they deserve.

It really is the least they could have done.

Lest We Forget.

On the Eastern Front

"I bow low before all veterans of Great Patriotic War."
- Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia today celebrates the 60th anniversary of VE Day and the end to what they refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."

I have to admit I might be biased from serving in the Cold War Era Armed Forces, but I never could tell if Russia was really an Ally or if we just shared a common enemy... maybe that's a question best left to Duncan to answer.

EDIT: Read this article on the U of A site today, made me think of this post of course. It addresses the quagmire of the Eastern front battles. It's brief, but read if you are interested: Understanding the Great Patriotic War.

In search of my mother's garden I found my own

Mother's Day 2005

"Mother: the most beautiful word
on the lips of mankind."
- Kahlil Gibran

Triple Dog Bullshit

After promising Premier Dalton McGuinty $5.75 billion in federal financial support over the next five years our Prime Minister justified his "generousity" with this statement:

"Federalism only works, Canada only works, if there is a national commitment to shared prosperity and fairness for all Canadians, no matter where they live."
- Prime Minister Paul Martin

I'll call triple dog bullshit on that one.

Ontario votes are all that has ever mattered to the federal liberal party. I mean really - "shared prosperity and fairness for all Canadians no matter where they live?" What about Newfoundland? Nunavut? British Columbia? Saskatchewan?

Hello?

It doesn't matter what you call it...

On May 7 1945 the German High Command surrendered unconditionally to the Allies. Victory in Europe was proclaimed the very next day.

Germany's National Holocaust Memorial

Sixty years later, Germany will "celebrate" this event with what it is calling "Democracy Day."

However, many seemingly confused Germans wonder and debate whether they are marking victory, defeat, liberation, democracy, the end of fascism, or just plain collective guilt. Some Germans will protest and march with neo-Nazi groups through Berlin's streets while the "National Democratic Party" calls for an "end to the cult of guilt" after "60 years of lies."

On my side of the pond, we call it VE Day. And we know what it means.

Canadian Living Magazine

Starring Wesley in:

Me to We: Canadian kids help tsunami victims
Kids across the nation are reaching their helping hands over to Southeast Asia.
By Jennifer Melo, CanadianLiving.com Web editor

Cinqo des Mayo

If I had remembered what day it was this morning I might not have bothered to get out of bed.

Those who know me well enough will know that prophecy, especially "End Time Prophecy" has long been a hobby of mine, one that fascinated me through childhood and even one I studied academically along with other paranormal phenomenon. It ties in somewhat with my later research of religious fundamentalism and terrorism (helps to understand a people's prophecies as part of their motivations) if only to make things interesting. It is something I should get back to, perhaps even write about it again.

But, I digress. May 5th 2005 has long been a suggested date (in many end time communities) for the end of the world, or at least the world as we know and love it. But, as prophecy is neither an exact science nor is it without much interpretation, I suspect today shall likely pass as uneventful as May 5th 2000 did.

I'd hate the world to be ending while I was stuck at work.

That would suck.

Lost in the shadow of the Watchtower

A 14-year-old BC girl, whose chemotherapy regime has inhibited her body’s production of new blood cells, recently traveled to Toronto hoping that an Ontario Provincial Court would allow her to seek alternate cancer treatments offered in New York that would that would not involve blood transfusions.

The girl broke into tears at the end of the court hearing when the Judge ruled she must return to Vancouver for further treatment. The BC government has a current court order which will allow them to administer a blood transfusion as a part of her therapy.

As a practicing Jehovah's Witness, this girl doesn’t merely oppose her impending blood transfusion; her religious beliefs forbid her from receiving someone else's blood.

The BC Government insists she needs a blood transfusion in order to prevent her untimely death. Ultimately these provincial laws provide protection to children who are in need of urgent medical care and the government argues her religious beliefs are of no import over her basic right to life.

But a blood transfusion is not the only option in this case.

As an alternate to accepting blood transfusions, patients (of all religions) can receive a two week course of erythropoietin (a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production), but the procedure itself is much more expensive than just an ordinary transfusion, and I am not sure it is available in Canada.

I believe that every individual should have the right to influence (if not decide) the course of their own personal health management and rehabilitation, especially when it comes to selecting and refusing medical treatments. I think if this girl has such deeply held principles and religious beliefs then compassion dictates her wishes should be given (at least) serious consideration.

Jehovah's Witness’s, rightly or wrongly, have an absolute prohibition on members receiving blood transfusions (based on their interpretation of 3 bible passages: Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 17:10-14 and Acts 15:20-29). The theological argument revolves around the sacredness of blood, and the decision by the Council at Jerusalem to "abstain from blood". They literally interpret these passages as permanent injunctions against taking blood or blood products into their body for any reason. Even if it means they will die.

Is it controversial? Yes, even among Jehovah’s Witness’s. Is it cult like? Yes, but so is most religious doctrine. Does that remove elements of rationality for people? Yes. Do I think they are wrong? Yes. But that’s me, the Religious Scholar and Academic, speaking. My education can not supersede my humanity.

Of course, I donate my blood, giving of myself so that others may heal faster or live longer. It’s one of the most precious things I have, one of the most intimate things I can share, and the easiest thing to give. It’s hard to imagine not giving it; quite simply, it is the gift of life.

But when is a gift no longer a gift? Would I force it on someone? Would I want it forced on myself?

I fear there are no easy answers to any of this.

Life is too hectic sometimes

I really need to find away to honour my family and create quality time we can all enjoy without letting work and other commitments get in the way. I am too busy. We are all too busy. Everything is great, but every once in a while I remember I should be working to make it better anyways.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today my Mom turns 60 years old. It is her first birthday in 36 years without my Dad, and this month brings to a close a long year of those first's for her. It's too bad that he isn't here to share such a milestone with her. I guess I could say that about everything though...

Bone Marrow Donation Update

My human leukocyte antigens (HLA), were assessed for bone marrow donation when I joined the registry back in 2001. There are three designated HLA’s integral to bone marrow transplants (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1). You inherit one set of these three antigens from each parent giving you a total of six HLA’s. In the case of bone marrow donation, tissue typing is critical, so a perfect "six-of-six" match is required. I am a "six-of-six" unrelated match with this person, the recipient, which is fairly remarkable in itself.

Today I went to the Canadian Blood Services in Edmonton for further blood typing to ascertain my compatibility. As well as testing me for every infectious disease it is even remotely possible for me to have, they took enough blood (10 vials) for detailed DNA analysis to compare the DNA code of my HLA’s to those of the recipient. They will also crossmatch our tissue to further determine antigen compatibility. In this test, my white blood cells will be mixed with blood from the recipient to establish if I am compatible with the recipient, meaning how the recipient's immune system reacts will verify if it will ultimately accept my donated marrow or destroy it.

The blood and tissue typing is so rigorous because compatibility between the donor and recipient is essential to a successful transplant. Many potential donors are ruled out in this stage, indeed the odds of two individuals matching are apparently 1 in 50,000, so I guess we are playing the waiting game until the results are in.

Depending on those results, the next step for me is a complete physical exam, review of my medical history and possibly a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, blood tests, urine tests, gynecological exam (ewww) and mammograph... etc. Then the recipient will begin undergoing a massive chemotherapy regime designed to temporarily suppress their own immune system, to facilitate a successful transplant and acceptance of the bone marrow.

For now, I am just letting be what will be. I am sure the path will soon become clear, but I am happy to walk it for as long as there is a path to follow.

In the meantime, I encourage all of my readers to consider placing their names on the Unrelated Bone Marrow Registry, regardless of what country you are in. If you have any questions about it, you can email me.

MAYDAY... MAYDAY... MAYDAY...

OMG! It's May already? When did that happen?

I forget to do my taxes. Bad, bad Allie.

NB - Please note this is not actually a distress or emergency message, and I do not require any search and rescue units (unless they are very cute and can do taxes, then please send right away).

Allie to Tories: I Don't Want An Election!

Compromise. That is the natural essence of a minority government. It should be self evident that a minority government needs to communicate and work with the other parties to ensure that there will be enough votes for legislation (or budgets) to pass.

AND... This compromise is exactly what Canadians voted for!

The proposed changes to the budget mean more money for the social programs most Canadians want and are happy to see added. Canadians DO want tax cuts for small businesses, lower tuition fees, investment in the environment, a plan for Kyoto, and a commitment to affordable housing.

I am almost entirely sure that Canadians DON’T want an election.

The more Stephen Harper complains the more it seems to me inappropriate conduct for someone who is trying to convince me that he's Prime Minister material. Harper’s continual threats to bring down the government at his first possible chance aggravate me like fingernails on a chalk board. I find his attitude to be more than a little arrogant - Canadian voters did have a recent chance to make him PM and yet we didn’t. I am beginning to doubt there’s significant reason or interest to launch him into power now.

Our government should demonstrate its ability to work together and make this Parliament work before we are forced into dealing with another one. An election might be necessary sooner than most of us would want but it is certainly not necessary "at the earliest possible opportunity."

When Harper does succeed in winning a non confidence vote he will effectively begin his campaign looking like the champion of corporate tax breaks and enemy of the ordinary Canadian (who would have benefited from the budget additions).

How many Canadians will want to vote for that?

Polls show the Conservatives with only a narrow lead over the Liberals. I suspect, if forced to election too soon, the Canadian vote will register its protest. As a voter, and ordinary Canadian myself, I would simply like to see the government govern. Get on with it, all of you.

Allie's latest cause - Traffic Safety and School Zones in Edmonton

My regular readers will recognize that it was specific events of this past year that made Traffic Safety the newest cause I have been working on. When I discovered that there were no school speed zones in Edmonton I decided right then and there to take it to the Mayor, because out of the little and big things wrong in our city, surely keeping kids safe and raising awareness of speed issues past schools was worth bringing up.

Remember I met April 9th with Mayor Mandel? We had a nice Saturday morning meeting to discuss the lack of school zones in Edmonton and issues related to that. He agreed with me, said he was going to make it a priority, said he would get back to me on his progress, thanked me and sent me on my way with some delicious baked goods. I felt good about the meeting, but remained humbly reserved given the nature of politics and rhetoric.

Duncan just called me a couple of minutes ago to point me to this news brief on 630 CHED


School Zones May Make a Come Back
Apr, 27 2005 - 8:19 AM

EDMONTON/630 CHED - We haven't seen school zones in Edmonton since the '70s.
They were done away with because the thinking at the time was specific marked crosswalks would do a better job.

But now the city is realizing, they're going to great expense puting in lighting mechanisms, yet our safety rate is about the same as any other city.

The city will talk to the two school boards, and police to see if the school zone question needs another look.

They'll report back in September.

It's nice to see this in motion. I feel it's the least I could do, as much for my brother as for my kids.

The price of politics

And I am not currently very fond of our liberal government either... But this is why I am always so conflicted when it comes to my vote federally. Provincially I am conservative, but I keep a wary eye on the federal "Conservative" party for evidence of the old ways (Reform) that did so much damage in my youth. They insist it’s not there, but every once in a while vigilance discovers it.

Conservative leader Stephen Harper says there's no way he can support the newly offered budget, now that "it's been turned into an NDP budget."

The newly ammended budget is the same budget Harper was previously willing to support, except it now includes an additional $4.6 billion investment in Canadians. The money, only part of our projected surplus, will now be allotted for the environment, affordable housing, foreign aid, training programs, and post-secondary education.

So, the question is, what is it exactly that Harper is opposed to?

• He is opposing helping lower income Canadian families find affordable housing.
• He is opposing helping unemployed Canadians attain job training and better jobs.
• He is opposing helping Canadian students begin and finish their education.
• He is opposing helping fund measures that will heal our Canadian environment.

I realize the politics behind a move like this are opportunistic, Harper is thinking he can be Prime Minister if he opposes this budget, and likely he is right. But at what cost? What is really bad about the amendments to this budget? There will be an election soon enough, but if he is so willing to hurt Canadians in the mad rush to claim his trophy, I’m not sure I want him to be my PM.

I for one will be watching how he governs his party in this next little while very carefully.

ORANGE!

Bone Marrow. It's in me to give...

Almost 5 years ago I added my name to the Canadian (Blood Services) Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry. I never really gave it much more thought than that until they called last week and said I had been identified as a potential donor. Today I had a telephone "health assesment" interview and early next week I go for blood tests to determine just how close a match I am.

I have no idea who the intended recipient is, or where they might live, or even what's wrong with them - and there's a good chance I never will know. For now I can only hope that when all the testing is finished that my DNA is a close enough match for them to use my bone marrow. That could take a month, maybe a bit more, before we know.

In the meantime I feel oddly aware of every choice I make that impacts on my bodily health, almost like when I was pregnant and a life depended on those choices. I sopose such a heightened level of awareness can only benefit me in the long run regardless of what happens. There were actually very few restrictions I had to agree to for the next 6 months, most of them easy to make, like no tatoos/peircings, no new sex partners, no IV Drug usage, etc etc. But I felt bad when I told Duncan that I had to agree not to get pregnant for six months (or until this is over). We've been talking about it alot lately, talking leads to planning and planning leads to dreaming... and he looked so sad when I told him.

But 6 months isn't really that long in the grand scheme of a lifetime. Or, in this case, two lifetimes.

Dogged Determination

Pssst... Luna! Look at me... making a hole...


...almost.. through...

Princess, the little dog that lives next door, obviously decided this morning that no mere fence was going to stand in between her and Luna anymore. That's a lot of digging for a dog with such little paws, I must admit she tried so hard, and had almost suceeded when her owner's found her (half in their yard, half in mine) and moved her over to the other side of their yard. Where she sits, pining.

Don't worry, Princess. The real difference between the impossible and the possible lies within your determination. With determination such as yours, I am almost certain you will find a way!

Never doubt that one person can change the world

... or make a difference in it.

Once upon a time I saved a baby's life. I was in the right place, at the right time and just happened to notice (with a stroke of providence I'm sure) a baby crouching between two parked cars as we drove by. It was minus 25 without the windchill, and in a blur of frenzied reaction I yelled for my friend to stop and had already jumped out before I realized the car had stopped, my jacket off to wrap around his tiny, impossibly cold, body. He was dressed only in his diaper, PJ top and winter boots. I brought him back into the car, where I held him, heat full on, and waited for the adult we expected to be out desperately searching, to come along.

After a while, when no adult appeared, we phoned the police, who came and got the little tyke (who had finally become warm enough to start crying). They told us if we hadn't had stopped when we did it would have been too late for him, but they didn't have to tell us that. We already knew.

It's a feeling I can't begin to describe, full of love, opportunity, compassion and satisfaction. It's a feeling I have been thinking about since I got a mystery call from the Unrelated Bone and Marrow Transplant Office yesterday. I have been part of the program for years, but they tell you it's rare to get a call (it's hard to match unrelated donors with patients). They are going to call me back today at work, and its hard to put it out of my mind.

An old Hebrew saying says that by saving one life, you save the world. I'm not sure about the world, but one life is good enough.

Two is better.

I am a bomb technician...

Make Your Time
All your base are belong to us.

I feel a disturbance in the force...

Pope "the Hammer" Benedict XVI


Supreme Chancellor "the Emperor" Palpatine

Mmmmm. Disturbing this is.

I wonder if I can go to hell for this...

Spring Fling and more Bling Bling

Here are some things we have been doing these past couple of days: lunching outside, reading and basking in the sun, primping and preening the yard, planting some bulbs, walking with Duncan, tanning, spending lazy evenings at the park, readying the barbecue, peeling off the clothes, living longer days... Sun.

Kiss my butt, winter. Spring is here.

It makes it VERY hard to stay in my office and do work...

And... Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Wesley is a Great Kid!

Great Kids Award 2005
Honourable Mention  

Congratulations Wesley on being one of only 188 Albertan children nominated for the prestigious Premier's Great Kids Award 2005! Congratulations on your award! With the amount of character and compassion you have shown your different communities this year, your earnest fundraising for those less fortunate, countless volunteer hours, your outstanding leadership successes, academic achievements and wonderful friendships you have maintained, even in the face of so many large personal loses this past year, it's no wonder your school thought you should be nominated for this recognition!

Can you tell I am a proud parent? I can't stop smiling!