November 29, 2007
“When people show you who they are, believe them.”
-Maya Angelou
SB recently discussed this quote; one that has held meaning to her over the years. One of her comments was: “I tend to be optimistic about people… So when a person shows me, through word or action, that they are self-centered, or unreliable, or unkind, I often choose to ignore it without even realizing it.”
In a similar vein, I had a realization recently about my interaction with others. If I believe you have good intentions but things repeatedly show themselves differently, rather than doubt you or your intentions I begin to doubt me. After a while, it develops into a reflex response to other people or other situations — despite knowing the truth of the matter, I choose to doubt myself. The thing is to learn how not to panic.
November 24, 2007
‘Twas the night before Grey Cup, and all through the Dome,
Not a creature was stirring, but the gophers back home.
The players were nestled and snug in their beds,
While visions of Grey Cup Rings danced in their heads.
When out on the field, there arose such a clatter,
Kent sprang from his bed to see what was the matter,
Away to his window, he flew like a flash,
Threw aside the Green Curtains, and Silky White Sash.
And what did he see with his wondering eye?
But a sea of Green Revelers and a furry brown guy.
“That looks like Dominguez, and Flick and Fantuz!”
“Its way after curfew! Do they want us to lose??”
So, out of his room and down to the field,
Coach Austin stormed out with a fury to wield.
As he went through the tunnel, the ground shook with a beat,
From the dancing and prancing of ten thousand feet.
“Hey Coach,” cried a voice, “Whatcha doing down here?”
It was Szarka and Schultz, and they were handing out beer!
Chucky and Chick were grilling up Dogs,
With Burgers being served by O’Day and the Hogs.
Crandell cooked Hot Wings, Joseph grilled steak,
While Cates, Holmes, and Hughes helped Makowsky serve cake.
“This is nuts!” Austin shouted, “It’s one-thirty AM!”
“I expected some revelry, but this is mayhem!”
Eric Tillman tapped Austin, ” You’re not Eagle Keys -”
“But I’m not Berry, or Gotta, or Gregory, so PLEASE!”
“You’re all waddling around here like Wascana geese!”
“And in need of a dance coach like Donald Narcisse.”
“Now, you’ve all had your fun, so back to your rooms.”
But then Austin’s nose picked up the barbecue fumes.
Then Green Is The Color rang out through the air,
As Congi and Boreham played Banjos with flair.
On Davis, on Johnson, on Coach Ritchie Hall,
Even old Alex Smith flashed a smile after all,
On Lloyd, on McCullough, on Hunt and on Perry,
On Kornegay, Frazier, and yes, even Kerry.
The skydome then filled with a soft greenish glow,
And the whole Rider Nation set poised for a show.
An S and a wheat sheaf then formed in the air,
And a smile took the place of Coach Kent Austin’s glare.
Then everyone there, the players, the fans,
They formed a big circle by all holding hands,
Then right in the centre appeared the Grey Cup,
Which Fairholm and Ridgeway and Elgaard picked up.
They handed it over to Ritchie and Kent,
Who called Kerry and Eddie, and off the Cup went.
It was passed round the field, past heroes to present,
While Gainer dug holes for the Blue Bomber Pheasants.
That music was heard coast to coast people say
And they say Rider Pride grew three sizes that day.
Everyone left there dreaming of Blue Bomber doom.
And they sent all the Banjos to Troy Westwood’s room.
November 23, 2007
I thought it a strange coincidence that Caro and I should write about the same thing on the same day. Several weeks ago I cut back my cable to the barest minimum. I found there is still nothing to watch.
[I am not as brave to cancel my internet however. On one hand, it is my social connection. On the other, my various volunteer commitments would be much more difficult if I was without email access at home.]
It’s all about balance. And balance is something I’m straining to find. Instead of TV for “me time,” perhaps I could read a book or take a walk or meet you for coffee.
November 13, 2007
Tomorrow is World Diabetes Day and the first time this day has been acknowledged by the United Nations. This year, the campaign focuses on Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. With symptoms going undiagnosed and a lack of medication (economy, geography, or supply), many children around the world die of this disease. Diabetes is more than just sugar: it has significant impacts socially and on health status as a whole, impacting the eyes, heart, kidneys and nervous system.
