How do you cope with debt these days? Being off work recovering (and having been off on sick leave for a few months last summer), it's hard not to accumulate some debt. Not a good time to be in debt, for sure. Interest rates are said to be on the rise. Luxuries have had to go. No dinners out, pedicures on hold (although I am suffering through this, as is anyone who has to look at my feet), vacationing in my back yard (not too hard to take with this Vancouver weather). I do have some coupons for free dinners, a spa gift cert left over from Xmas and a credit with WestJet so I can go back east in August and stay for free at my mom's cottage. These are all fairly painless decisions for an individual to make. And I am luckier than most.
But... what is that big country to the south of us to do with their debt crisis? The one where they will start defaulting on their loans if they don't have refinancing by August 2nd. And... today is July 10th. If I was that close to defaulting on my mortgage, I'd be panic stricken! Cuz' they really do take your house away! And what are they doing in congress? On the news (if what they say is to be believed), there's something of a standoff going on. Instead of working together to solve this ginormous problem, they are digging their heels in! On one side.. "no tax increases"... on the other side... "no cuts to social programs". Nobody's budging.
Maybe one side is waiting for the other side to blink first. What I'd like to know is who are they going to default to? Who holds all that debt? Not much info in the news about that, is there. My guess is that the Americans don't really want anyone to know the answer to that question. For me it's easy... one bank, just down the street. I know the manager and the tellers. But who do the States go to if they need an extra day or two because they are still stale-mated? I am assuming someone knows the answer to that question. This affects the whole world, you guys. So, I strongly suggest you get your act together and soon. Even Greece figured this one out. Because really, how can you be a world power if you can't meet a debt ceiling deadline. Look each other in the eye, go out for a nice long candlelit dinner and get to know each other as human beings. Give. Take. Blink.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Saturday, 9 July 2011
tabloids
How do you walk past those tabloids at the check-out stand without looking at them? It's tough! I try and try and still those cellulite photos draw me in. It feels voyeuristic to me, and doomed to a nasty end... like a moth to a flame. Disasters on TV news do that to me too. The BP oil spill last year, the devastation of tornado alley this spring, floods just about anywhere near a river these days. Can't turn them off. But tabloids are a man-made disaster of immense proportions careening out of control, and when will it end?
In Britain, the tabloids have taken to hacking into dead peoples cell phone records, all in the name of selling their rags. Selling advertising space that is. Agonizing parents thinking their children are still alive are given false hope because their phones are still being accessed. Kidnapped children, dead soldiers. Haunting alcohol and drug addled LA stars is one thing, but tormenting parents of dead children? Now I've heard that one such rag will shut it's doors. Out of shame or to avoid the big lawsuit headed it's way?
I also hear tell that one such "newspaper" had the gall to comment on the the wardrobe of the Duchess of Cambridge... as if it is a fashion faux pas to wear the same pair of jeans 3 times in public on a 10 day trip to North America. I'd call that smart packing! They get away with preying on everyones' insecurities. If they are going to publish and judge the "swimsuit worthiness" of some of the most photographed stars in the world... just where does that leave the rest of us poor slobs? Better buy those papers and check out the latest diets? Wrong! The only way they will ever go away is if we STOP BUYING THEM! (Spread the word!) Somebody buys them... and as much as I am bored at the checkout stand and can't look away, it's not me. Time to educate our youth (and our mothers and friends) about how to turn a blind eye. These newspapers have as much power as we give them, and if they aren't selling, their advertising revenues will dry up. So vote with your pocketbooks. Resist. Ignore. Save.
In Britain, the tabloids have taken to hacking into dead peoples cell phone records, all in the name of selling their rags. Selling advertising space that is. Agonizing parents thinking their children are still alive are given false hope because their phones are still being accessed. Kidnapped children, dead soldiers. Haunting alcohol and drug addled LA stars is one thing, but tormenting parents of dead children? Now I've heard that one such rag will shut it's doors. Out of shame or to avoid the big lawsuit headed it's way?
I also hear tell that one such "newspaper" had the gall to comment on the the wardrobe of the Duchess of Cambridge... as if it is a fashion faux pas to wear the same pair of jeans 3 times in public on a 10 day trip to North America. I'd call that smart packing! They get away with preying on everyones' insecurities. If they are going to publish and judge the "swimsuit worthiness" of some of the most photographed stars in the world... just where does that leave the rest of us poor slobs? Better buy those papers and check out the latest diets? Wrong! The only way they will ever go away is if we STOP BUYING THEM! (Spread the word!) Somebody buys them... and as much as I am bored at the checkout stand and can't look away, it's not me. Time to educate our youth (and our mothers and friends) about how to turn a blind eye. These newspapers have as much power as we give them, and if they aren't selling, their advertising revenues will dry up. So vote with your pocketbooks. Resist. Ignore. Save.
Friday, 8 July 2011
heat
How do you enjoy the summer weather (finally!!) in Vancouver? I am still on the mend so I have really enjoyed being warm, not shivery, touring all the growing vegetation in my garden and soaking up a few rays (with sunscreen of course). Sun comes out and it's really easy to forget it was ever raining. TV weather people are forgiven (because it's all their faults, after all), Hawaii shirts are on display, and all of Vancouver's hottest patios are making money again.
So what is with these silly people leaving babies and dogs in cars and SUVs??? Is the sun emitting "Let's Forget the Living Creatures in the Heat" rays? Are we so sun-deprived that people have gotten out of the habit of looking after their puppies and little ones? Yeah, it's way easier to not drag out the stroller, especially when the kid is sleeping. And if ya come upon a hot locked car with a sweaty, screaming child or a panting pouch, ya call the police, right? Well, think again... yesterday, an RCMP officer left a 10 month old police dog in training in a police SUV in the heat on Vancouver Island! That will really help to build trust in the RCMP. Great role-modeling there, officer!
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Luckily some good Samaritans passed by in all these cases, and like yesterday, saved the pup (and babes). I really liked the "portable tent-tarp and hosing down the SUV" idea. Quick thinking and brilliant. So, folks, lets all enjoy our burst of summer for as long as it lasts, but keep your thinking caps on at the same time. Maybe a boat ride you've paid big money for isn't worth a dead dog. Don't drink and drive or boat or leave the baby in the car. Watch the toddlers in the inflatable pools. Wear sunscreen. No regrets. Think. Sweat. Enjoy.
So what is with these silly people leaving babies and dogs in cars and SUVs??? Is the sun emitting "Let's Forget the Living Creatures in the Heat" rays? Are we so sun-deprived that people have gotten out of the habit of looking after their puppies and little ones? Yeah, it's way easier to not drag out the stroller, especially when the kid is sleeping. And if ya come upon a hot locked car with a sweaty, screaming child or a panting pouch, ya call the police, right? Well, think again... yesterday, an RCMP officer left a 10 month old police dog in training in a police SUV in the heat on Vancouver Island! That will really help to build trust in the RCMP. Great role-modeling there, officer!
Luckily some good Samaritans passed by in all these cases, and like yesterday, saved the pup (and babes). I really liked the "portable tent-tarp and hosing down the SUV" idea. Quick thinking and brilliant. So, folks, lets all enjoy our burst of summer for as long as it lasts, but keep your thinking caps on at the same time. Maybe a boat ride you've paid big money for isn't worth a dead dog. Don't drink and drive or boat or leave the baby in the car. Watch the toddlers in the inflatable pools. Wear sunscreen. No regrets. Think. Sweat. Enjoy.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
age
How do you cope with the steady advance of time, and all the slow degradation of the body and mind that goes along with it? I woke up one day and all of a sudden I was 50 (that was a few years ago). Like, when did that happen? I didn't feel 50, but my body was sure telling me I wasn't 25 anymore. Arthritis in the knees, so no more running, no more double black diamond runs, hips, backs... when will the losses end?
At least men have Viagra. That way at least a large part of them feels like when they were 25! And with a lot of focus, that swelling can can contribute to a sense of well being and youth. At least that's what the commercials say. What fountains of youth do we women have? Well, I guess we have estrogen et al, with all of the controversy that entails. Feels a bit like Russian roulette. Now the "Wise Ones" are apparently back on the side of using HRT (hormone replacement therapy) if you have symptoms that are driving you crazy (and no risk factors), for up to 5 years. Time to the next flip-flip? ...stay tuned!
My mother gave me good advise... always have a good number of younger friends, otherwise when you're older, you won't have anyone to hang out with. (I'll save her advise about plastics and the Wolf Blitzter botox regime for another blog) Along with hormones and younger friends, as corny as it may sound, is that ever important "state of mind". You know what I mean. Don't act your age, don't go softly into the night, don't dress your age. Get a younger, non-judgemental friend or daughter to take you shopping. Music is important at any age. Find a few new bands who are writing new music THIS decade and buy their music. Work your brain, learn a new skill, write a blog (oops, gave that away didn't I), exercise, don't give up sex. You're only as old as you feel. You're only young once. Ache. Stretch. Grow.
At least men have Viagra. That way at least a large part of them feels like when they were 25! And with a lot of focus, that swelling can can contribute to a sense of well being and youth. At least that's what the commercials say. What fountains of youth do we women have? Well, I guess we have estrogen et al, with all of the controversy that entails. Feels a bit like Russian roulette. Now the "Wise Ones" are apparently back on the side of using HRT (hormone replacement therapy) if you have symptoms that are driving you crazy (and no risk factors), for up to 5 years. Time to the next flip-flip? ...stay tuned!
My mother gave me good advise... always have a good number of younger friends, otherwise when you're older, you won't have anyone to hang out with. (I'll save her advise about plastics and the Wolf Blitzter botox regime for another blog) Along with hormones and younger friends, as corny as it may sound, is that ever important "state of mind". You know what I mean. Don't act your age, don't go softly into the night, don't dress your age. Get a younger, non-judgemental friend or daughter to take you shopping. Music is important at any age. Find a few new bands who are writing new music THIS decade and buy their music. Work your brain, learn a new skill, write a blog (oops, gave that away didn't I), exercise, don't give up sex. You're only as old as you feel. You're only young once. Ache. Stretch. Grow.
Friday, 1 July 2011
beds
How do you keep all the different uses of beds straight? There's sleeping, of course. Then there's sex, napping and snoring. You can do exercises in bed, watch TV in bed (although not recommended if you have trouble falling asleep) and bring your lap top to bed. Slumber parties, pillow fights and wrestling matches... all this to just name a very small few. One more I'll include in here is common lingo in and amongst a group of women friends I hang out with... MIB. (man in bed) (not to exclude having anyone else in your bed, it's just that most of us are heterosexual)
This used to be the favorite excuse (ok, my favorite excuse) to not show up on a Saturday morning for a run and coffee. Teasy, kinda showy. (being sick with a doctor's note... boring, dull, yawn) New secrets and tidbits to be shared the following week. Sometimes the excuses would go on for weeks, dragging out the suspense. Of course, the excuse was supposed to be used only once, to hold the group together... as attendance was of the utmost importance.
Now that we're older and wiser, we've come to realise that a lot more holds us together than just attendance records. A weekly group of running and coffee friends for close to or over 20 years now... although I stand to be corrected. Outlasted my first marriage. Lots of sharing happens in 20 years. Now that we are all a whole important relationship older, there's a reprise of MIB happening. Haven't kissed a new man in 20 years? Tea light sex? Who's ever heard of that? New beds. New moves. New skin. New pillows. New pillow buddies. Bliss. Angst. Chills.
This used to be the favorite excuse (ok, my favorite excuse) to not show up on a Saturday morning for a run and coffee. Teasy, kinda showy. (being sick with a doctor's note... boring, dull, yawn) New secrets and tidbits to be shared the following week. Sometimes the excuses would go on for weeks, dragging out the suspense. Of course, the excuse was supposed to be used only once, to hold the group together... as attendance was of the utmost importance.
Now that we're older and wiser, we've come to realise that a lot more holds us together than just attendance records. A weekly group of running and coffee friends for close to or over 20 years now... although I stand to be corrected. Outlasted my first marriage. Lots of sharing happens in 20 years. Now that we are all a whole important relationship older, there's a reprise of MIB happening. Haven't kissed a new man in 20 years? Tea light sex? Who's ever heard of that? New beds. New moves. New skin. New pillows. New pillow buddies. Bliss. Angst. Chills.
Sunday, 26 June 2011
breath
How do you take a fairly common (these days) title for a blog entry and make it into something pertinent and topical? A lot of my friends are meditating and breathing these days... not that I am dissing them or anything. I think meditation is a great, wonderful thing I should be doing more of and don't (yet). I was just adding in that little tidbit of info because there is so much meditating and "breathing" these days, that everyone (well, no, not everyone) is writing about it, hence making it a little more challenging to add that novel "twist".
Well... here's my twist. Struggling for breath is no fun. Makes one not want to meditate on your breath. I ended up with a serious chest infection at the end of May (hence my June hiatus) that was misdiagnosed for about a week, and there I was... all of a sudden in the ICU on mechanical ventilation. Some heavy duty drugs have wiped my ICU memory clean. For my brave family and friends, the whole thing lasted 6 days longer than I can remember. Home now and slowly on the mend.
Breathing and not breathing... it's been all around me and in the news lately too. I've had asthma all my life. My dad died last year of pulmonary fibrosis. My mom has post-polio syndrome and is short of breath a lot of the time.The husband of one of my kid's favorite teachers and a community soccer dad died of mesothelioma a few years back. One little fibre of asbestos would have been enough. Made Chuck Strahl sick. Yet our Canadian government(s) in their infinite wisdom(s), are opposing the addition of asbestos to an international list of hazardous, controlled substances. Sounds like a lot of self-interest, "head in the sand" sort of stuff. Canada sells 95% of it's asbestos to other countries and we're spending millions to clean it out of our government buildings? Why do we want to get rid of it so badly if it is safe? If it's the difference between breathing and not breathing?
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Some respiratory illnesses can't be prevented. "Idiopathic"... there's a mouthful for ya. But several important ones can be treated and major ones can be prevented. Stop smoking. There goes lung cancer, emphysema and COPD. Ban asbestos. No more mesothelioma or asbestosis. Because really, what's more important than our breath? In. Out. Sigh.
Well... here's my twist. Struggling for breath is no fun. Makes one not want to meditate on your breath. I ended up with a serious chest infection at the end of May (hence my June hiatus) that was misdiagnosed for about a week, and there I was... all of a sudden in the ICU on mechanical ventilation. Some heavy duty drugs have wiped my ICU memory clean. For my brave family and friends, the whole thing lasted 6 days longer than I can remember. Home now and slowly on the mend.
Breathing and not breathing... it's been all around me and in the news lately too. I've had asthma all my life. My dad died last year of pulmonary fibrosis. My mom has post-polio syndrome and is short of breath a lot of the time.The husband of one of my kid's favorite teachers and a community soccer dad died of mesothelioma a few years back. One little fibre of asbestos would have been enough. Made Chuck Strahl sick. Yet our Canadian government(s) in their infinite wisdom(s), are opposing the addition of asbestos to an international list of hazardous, controlled substances. Sounds like a lot of self-interest, "head in the sand" sort of stuff. Canada sells 95% of it's asbestos to other countries and we're spending millions to clean it out of our government buildings? Why do we want to get rid of it so badly if it is safe? If it's the difference between breathing and not breathing?
Some respiratory illnesses can't be prevented. "Idiopathic"... there's a mouthful for ya. But several important ones can be treated and major ones can be prevented. Stop smoking. There goes lung cancer, emphysema and COPD. Ban asbestos. No more mesothelioma or asbestosis. Because really, what's more important than our breath? In. Out. Sigh.
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
solstice
How do you celebrate the beginnning of summer when it barely feels like there has been a spring? Mind you, there have been hints... flowers, rain (lots and lots and lots of it), robins and grass to be cut. Sure signs of spring in Vancouver. Just... not much sun. Almost always a bone of contention on the left coast. The forecast is for sun today. I'm not holding my breathe. The marine cloud is lurking, not quite ready to give up the good fight to hang on to spring.
I got a spring of sorts last week. Was sprung from a long hospitization. (count the days from my last blog, a little shorter than that) Never a good thing to stop a blog in mid blog, especially when one is a new blogger, so I've been told. Readers who don't know you well think... "well, so much for that blogger, she's dropped off the face of the map". I did kinda.
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So, I plan on thinking a lot about the solstice today. 10: 16 a.m.,Wikipedia says. Transitions, longest day of the year trudging onward to December 21st. Garden is growing strawberries already (loving family responsible for the planting part.), find a labyrinth to walk, or make your own, hug your family and friends. Celebrate new, budding life... and your own. Spring. Sprung. Carpe diem.
I got a spring of sorts last week. Was sprung from a long hospitization. (count the days from my last blog, a little shorter than that) Never a good thing to stop a blog in mid blog, especially when one is a new blogger, so I've been told. Readers who don't know you well think... "well, so much for that blogger, she's dropped off the face of the map". I did kinda.
So, I plan on thinking a lot about the solstice today. 10: 16 a.m.,Wikipedia says. Transitions, longest day of the year trudging onward to December 21st. Garden is growing strawberries already (loving family responsible for the planting part.), find a labyrinth to walk, or make your own, hug your family and friends. Celebrate new, budding life... and your own. Spring. Sprung. Carpe diem.
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