Rant on Boxes and Fingers and Mirrors

OK, so I need to rant. I know I've ranted before about people who only see the glass as half empty and are negative all the time, but what is even worse is when those same people cannot think outside the tiny little BOX they have made for themselves, and are always pointing FINGERS at others to blame when things do not fit into that BOX. What drives me even more crazy is when people try to fit others into that tiny little BOX. We in western society are really good at that. What right do we have to tell or think that a community or an individual from another culture is not "up to par" because they don't do things the way we do. HELLO.........if we moved to their country, would you change everything just because we are there. Of course not! There are parts of ourselves and our identity that we would always maintain. Does that make us any less than we are? Then why do we try to BOX others in? Why do we point at them with our FINGERS and say "YOU must change everything to fit our BOX."

Then there are those who cannot think outside the BOX in how to do things (even worse when they are the same glass half empty, change other people to fit in my BOX people). You can try to empower people all you want, but when they can only view it from their small little, narrow little BOX, no amount of support seems to be enough. What's really interesting is that some people like this talk alot to others about how they get no support, yet when support is offered they turn it down. When they are empowered to start something new, and when it does not fly 100% or exactly the way they want it the very first time they try, they drop it or quit (I ask you, when does something ever work perfectly the first time you try?). Needless to say, when things do not work, and the BOX falls apart, the FINGERS begin to point, but outward, because it is everyone elses fault the tiny, narrow BOX doesn't work anymore.

We need to take a MIRROR and hold it in front of us when we point FINGERS. The FINGER will point directly back at us. We need to ensure we look at ourselves and our role in whatever situation first. I have said it before, and I will say it again, I am in no way perfect. I am the first one to look at my role in a situation, HOWEVER..................I will not allow people who cannot think outside the BOX, will not accept and supports or efforts to empower them and point FINGERS when things don't fit the way they want to lay blame on others when they can't look at themselves first. Come on people, get out the MIRROR, stand in front of it and point your finger............then we'll talk!

Ah, now that rant is done, I feel better!

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round......

Life has been quite busy the last couple of weeks (so what else is new!). I have the first draft of my research study due to my prof this week, and a report evaluating all 16 of the TSA Calgary social programs due for the Board of Directors early next week. All work and no play is making Joanne go snaky!

That all being said, last weekend I took a day and didn't touch my research or work reports. We picked Nathan up on Saturday morning and took him to lunch, out to visit the Lanchaster Bomber Museum in Nanton (pictures to come when I get the film processed), and then he and Bruce hunkered down to watch the Toronto Maple Laefs vs the Calgary Flames. It was a hoot. Nathan and Bruce decided that the town of Nanton was a "dump", except for the museum. All day, they referred to going to the Alberta Dump. Nathan loved climbing in the airplanes and seeing the other paraphanalia. When we got home, Bruce gave him a pair of Spoak ears we had picked up for him in Vulcan. Nathan loved them. The best part though was watching the two of them as they cheered and watched the hockey game. Nathan is still a Leafs fan and was thrilled when Toronto won. On our way to church the next day, Bruce and Nathan schemed as to how Nathan could walk into church with his Spoak ears hiding under his hood, then take it off at an opportune time for maximum effect. Needless to say, we had a great time.

So what's with the bus you ask? Well, tomorrow Bruce starts training to be a "Greyhound Coach Operator". After 28 years in one job, the first resume he sent out got him an interview. He got a call back after the interview to go for the physical/medical tests, and 4 days later he got the call to say he starts training this Monday. For the first time in over 28 years, Bruce has to wear a shirt and tie to work. We went out yesterday to spend some cash on him (which he will raraely do), and got him some good shoes and a new dress shirt. Once he finishes training, he will drive routes all over Alberta, from the southern boarder, to Edmonton, over to part way through the mountains in BC and to Regina in the east. He is quite pleased, as he enjoys driving, and he'll be able to see more of the province. There will be many afternoons and nights where he will be called in to do a run, which means I can work late and not feel guilty that he sitting at home alone. So, the move to Calgary has meant a positive move forward in my career, and a positive change in career direction for Bruce. God really does know what he is doing!

Follow the Link

Hey everyone..........make sure you go to Alyson's blog and follow the link. HILAREOUS

Givingthanks

I am taking my lead from Wanda, and have started to think about the things I am thankful for over the past year. So here we go:

1. I have not contributed the the road kill count in Alberta this past year.
2. There has been no initiation ceremony here in Alberta whereby I have had to eat prairie oysters or collect boar semen.
3. Mom and Dad "did it" at least 5 times, giving me wonderful siblings.
4. Furneice and Furnephew
5. Real neices and real nephews
6. Those friends who are newfs and have that wonderful, open and welcoming newf hospitality
7. Those friends who are newfs, yet who don't like typical newfie food (I think I would have starved!)
8. We had a fairly dry summer, meaning not much mud being tracked in the house (yes we are still living in a construction zone)
9. 15 minute ER visits
10. Flying monkies and multi coloured hairy balls (yes, I keep coming back to that)

In all seriousness, I am truly thankful for all the blessings God has given me. I have 3 children who are remarkable people and make me very proud. I have a husband who I know loves me and supports me unconditionally. I have parents who have always encouraged me, even during those times where I was rebellious and perhaps made poor decisions. I have an extended family of wonderful brothers, sisters, in-laws, many neices and nephews, and friends who although we do not "sit in each other's laps", we are always there for each other and provide love and support however we can. As my Dad says, God has given me "enough", and for that I am truly blessed and grateful.