Today began as planned -- up to shovel overnight snow in the sunshine. It began to go off the rails after that. I had planned to go for annual fasting blood draw and then home for a yummy brekkie-lunch. Just as I was about to head out the door, I thought I'd dig out my health card to have it handy when checking in at the desk. Well, it wasn't in my wallet, nor had if fallen out into my briefcase, purse or pocket. After checking a few improbable places, I decided that I would make breakfast and see how one gets a replacement card. While eating (must have been the effect of glucose to a fasting brain <grin>), I recalled that all cards had been dumped onto the floor of the car earlier in the month. In the dark that evening, I was sure I'd gotten them all. A quick trip out to the car today and - voila - it and one other were under the passenger seat! So -- trip to the lab has been postponed until next week -- provided my work schedule allows a later start one morning. I generally go for the draw about 11 AM since I eat supper late and have a small bedtime snack around 10 PM. I also don't think it is wise to try and lecture without food or fluids first <grin>.
Having found the lost card and consumed a great french toast breakfast, I moved on to the second thing on my list today. Well, I found 2/3 of the documentation I needed to produce a report. I have no idea where the other items would be. I have the two major files, but nothing there. This missing material will need to be searched out tomorrow -- I'll need to hunt through a pile of files to see if it has been misfiled. Otherwise, I'm going to have to recall and redo a report from a year ago.Given my luck with memory of late, this may be a total nightmare. I hope that a fresh mind and positive approach will help lead me to the needed items. If only the cat could remind me what I did with this package a year ago <smile>.
Today's selection talks about losing something a bit more important than my reports -- but it has some good lines. Enjoy!
This was a good day. I went for lunch with two colleagues. This is something that never happens during an academic term -- there just isn't a time when we are all available. It seems decadent in that regard. We do go out for dinner a couple times a term, but that is an evening event. To actually take time away from the middle of the crazy days of academe is a true luxury -- and one that I really enjoy. The food was delightful and the conversation lively and enjoyable.
Two silly things made me frustrated with myself and once with a local business. I swore, regrouped and then wondered why I was so upset when something little invaded my minute by minute plan for myself. In hindsight this seems overly silly. I did revisit the business, return the purchased item and politely stated my frustration with their inability to keep shelf tagging up-to-date. If this had been the first time it happened, I would have let it go. But, this has been an ongoing issue. I was frustrated with myself for not checking the bill before leaving. The trip back took about 10 minutes, so it wasn't really messing with my rigid schedule <smile>.
Why do little things become earth-shattering events? Perhaps they aren't the issue but something hidden is creating the frustration and just looking for an outlet. Somewhat like water, the frustration will always find a path out. Now, without spending years and thousands on therapy, how does one find a way to face whatever that inner irritation may be? Hmmm I suspect if I had that answer, I'd have written a best seller and be wealthier than I am at present <grin>. Finding some time to sit and reflect without interruption from the demands of the world around me may be a place to start -- just not sure when that may be able to happen.
I heard this song earlier today and it really seems to fit -- one line can be a bit of an earworm, so apologies ahead of time. Enjoy!
The mayhem of the sewer backup seems over for now. The restoration and cleaning company came in today to remove lino and the vanity and to sanitize surfaces. I will admit that the 'lemon spice' scent of the sanitizing solution was a welcomed odour.
Tonight when I opened Facebook, I found sad news. The mother of a colleague and friend died suddenly yesterday. She was 61. While I understand the loss of a parent, I don't presume to know how others feel when struck by this type of loss. I can imagine some of the possible thoughts and emotions having been through the shock of an unexpected death. But again, I won't project my feelings on someone else. I do know that this will be painful.
My first thought was 'oh no' followed quickly by 'what can I do for you?' Interesting that we often process our own distress by cooking or doing something for the other person. Cooking may not be needed as they will be out of town for the next few days -- maybe next week. Does this make it all about me? Or is it that when faced with loss even when removed from our immediate surround, that past personal losses resurface? I'm not sure that one ever gets over a loss, but we generally -- eventually -- learn to move forward again, not in the former way but in a 'new normal' way. I also don't believe that we learn how to grieve. Each loss is different and we are different each time one visits.
I will share something that a friend shared with me when my father passed -- something that made me regain some calm and understand that he will never be truly gone. The card said, "Tonight when you look up at the stars, think of them as porch lights welcoming your loved one home."
Today's selection is somewhat melancholy to fit my current mood. It has a stunningly beautiful melody and great lyrics all sung by a truly amazing voice. Enjoy!
After a call to the landlord today, there will be someone in tomorrow to pull up the linoleum and vanity followed by some cleaning and sanitizing of the area. I did some surface cleaning on Friday, but couldn't -- and wouldn't -- try to do any demo to get to the rest of the sludge. I expect it will be a while before I have a new vanity and lino, but at least it will be clean there. Luckily the main bathroom is upstairs so full facilities will be available for that duration.
Reflecting on this process has brought up many negative thoughts. Knowing that toxic 'stuff' was in the basement even for a short time has been unsettling at best. Today was day 6, so the thought that the remaining sludge could be growing something even worse than the sludge itself is outright scary. I will be very happy when this mess has been dealt with fully.
I guess some of this also brought back memories of the major flood at my parents home over a decade ago. That one brought 5.5 feet of water into the basement from a water main break that came in through the sewer line -- the physics of this is rather fascinating, but the outcome was horrific. My piano was one of the casualties -- just 5 months before I had planned to have it shipped east to me. That one still hurts. All the other items that were lost was heart-wrenching. Luckily, the photos were on the top shelf, so we still had family pictures from the early 1900s when both sets of grandparents were just married. Some photos were damaged, but the restoration company did a good job with those and with the sheet music from 1930s and 1940s. My mom had been working on a quilt for me and it was thrown out without even trying to salvage any of it. For the backup last week, few things were lost -- just a floor rug and a bath mat. There was also a set of rubber gloves and a sponge mop from the attempt to control the liquid from spreading across the hall to the carpeted rooms -- and the slippers that made first contact.
Today's selection reminded me of the potential issues that can be brought on by such uncontrollable and unexpected situations. (Note: this one does carry a language warning). Enjoy!
Another full day of grading exams is behind me. I did manage to complete both courses today. I was getting cranky around noon, so I went out for a walk to run some errands and get some fresh air and exercise. I feel a bit more positive today as things went more smoothly. When questions weren't answered as expected, it was clear to me what was occurring. That makes me feel a bit more on top of things. I talked to the air a lot as I worked through how to present some of my concerns and interpretations. Not that grades are bad, but I want to explain how they could be better. All in all, I feel ready to tackle the next tasks of further course preparation and assignments.
My walk today was well timed, as it poured rain within the hour after I returned home. The soft snow and slush will freeze overnight, so it will be time for salt and sand to get myself out to the car tomorrow. While I find the water and ice cycling somewhat scary for walking, it is a sign of the transitioning of seasons. Spring is moving closer each day. Soon, it will be time to do taxes <grin>.
Today's selection seems to fit my feeling of being a bit more on top of things -- at least for today. Been paying my dues to the dirt. <smile> The video is entertaining, too. Enjoy!
Today was filled with grading midterm exams and it will continue for another day or two. There is nothing fulfilling about this part of my job and I've yet to meet someone who enjoys this task. Many feelings seem to accompany this endeavour -- oppression, as the pile seems self-replicating; disappointment -- generally in myself when it seems I haven't been clear in my teaching; and weariness, since the process takes much mental energy.
Now, I do understand that not all people will get every point presented in class or lab. I also understand that the exam process is fundamentally flawed and does not reflect knowledge as it is intended to do in the status quo thinking. I even understand that as the Chinese proverb says, "The teacher opens the door, but the student must walk through themselves." So -- why do I feel almost sad when grading? It must have something to do with inflicting disappointment -- regardless of the grade received it often doesn't fit with the picture the recipient had in their head. Year after year, course after course, I still struggle with the process. I want people to succeed and at the level they choose. Granted this may not be realistic on my part, which is all I really have any control over.
For now, I will move forward with the grading process while trying to focus on the points that are answered well. To be honest there is often more of these than those not answered well. Getting a grip on the whole picture rather than segments of the whole might help me to see what has worked well and where extra review may be necessary.
For today's selection, I've chosen a wonderful rendition of a song by three amazing women. The main concept may have something to do with the negative place I've found myself in today <smile>. Enjoy!
I will be released -- Cass Elliot, Joni Mitchell, & Mary Travers
Today it dawned on me that 19 years ago this month I assumed the online persona of Saturday's Child. I've checked the bookshelf but the annual calendar/diary was not there. It will be in the basement in a box -- one that I must locate as I do want to know the day that I entered a newsgroup on the Internet and met a group of people who have become dear friends, many of whom I have met in person.
We all discussed the group from the '60s, The Monkees and began to get to know each other beyond this common interest. A subset of that original group -- and it grew tremendously over that year leading into the 30 year reunion tours -- still communicates daily. We began on the alt.music.monkees (known lovingly as amm), moved to a listserv or two, began chatting Sunday evenings on dalnet, and now use Facebook and Skype to keep in touch. From an anthropological standpoint, the kinship felt by group members is undeniable. The formation of a social structure online is one thing, but the development of family goes far beyond that. We have seen each other through many of life's joys and sorrows. Indeed, we see each other through things day-by-day and even hour-by-hour, as needed. Group members feel comfort and trust when communicating with each other.
I have met many of the core group when travelling to conferences across the US (I am the only Canadian in the group <smile>) as well as several concert road trips to cities in the US and even Toronto. When meeting for the first time, I have never felt at a loss for words -- we really have many things in common beyond our musical roots. I'm not sure that all 'pen-pals' could say that. I know that this group of friends has been instrumental in getting me through many down times but they have also been cheering along with me for the up times. While I may curse technology some days <smile>, without it I'd be much poorer for not knowing this great group of people.
Today's selection is the basis of the screen nick. Enjoy!
I was awake late last night being a bit weirded out by the sewer backup -- a feeling of invasion almost. I woke for 7 AM so that I could be ready to meet with anyone sent in by the landlord to view the mess in the basement. The landlady called her insurance company this morning rather than last evening so she wouldn't hear back from them until I was in the middle of a hiring meeting at work followed closely with a class lecture. I let her know that I would do my best to arrive home by just after lunch to meet the insurance person. So -- I was a bit surprised to arrive home to a backhoe in the driveway and 3 guys waiting there for me -- not the insurance person. Snow was pushed for the full length of the 100 foot drive and the backhoe moved the 12-18 inches of snow and ice from the back of the yard so the plumbers could locate the external takout. Their power auger was then put into play. After going out 300 feet, they decided that they needed to check with the other two buildings that feed into this line on the way to the main. The closest building seemed to be OK but the farthest building had some minor problems. Once things were augered out from their end, things seemed to work without backing up at my end. The plumber brought a shop vac in to remove the solid 'organics' which made it easier for me to clean the tub (straight Lysol called into action <smile>). They feel confident that things will work well now. I will try a shower tomorrow and if that doesn't flood the basement, I may even venture into laundry on Sunday <smile>.
Once the plumbers had left, I called the landlord to give him the news and we both chatted for a while about our relief with this outcome. Everyone who dropped by to check things and do some work -- plumbers, insurance adjuster, and restoration agent -- were wonderful to work with. That helped me keep things positive and in perspective. I did note that the day was sunny and above freezing (just a bit) for all the outside work as a blessing for the day. I will admit that I pondered what I might have done to bring karma such as this. It wasn't as bad as it might have been, but it was bad enough. To be honest, I actually felt happy most of the afternoon just because something was being done. When it was completed, I felt a flood of relief and giddiness. <smile>
Today's selection deals with this feeling -- happiness means so many things to each of us. Enjoy!
Awoke to more snow -- the wet, heavy kind -- today. There is a lot of water around under the snow, so walking is nasty, especially if you have a small leak in your boots <smile>. Many periods of total white-out occurred during the day interspersed with almost sunny skies. It felt like a spring-style storm, so perhaps the transition season is beginning. Shovelling this evening was hard work, but a kind soul stopped to help me with the end of the driveway -- it was delightful to have someone to talk to while shovelling for a change.
When I went downstairs to get something from the deep freeze for supper, I discovered water on the floor. It was soon clear that it wasn't really water, but sewage. A backup has filled the tub and pushed water and stuff out of the toilet. This house shares a sewer line with a public building out back and I am not convinced that what is downstairs comes from my place only -- actually quite sure this is from elsewhere. There is not enough bleach in the world. I'm waiting to hear from the landlord about a plumber for tomorrow. To be honest, if I don't hear back from him, I will call someone myself and deal with getting reimbursed later. I was clearing away some empty bottles for recycling this evening to provide better access to the takeout in the basement. That made me feel that this was my positive -- I had to clear up that little corner now and not let it sit for clean up another day <smile>.
Everyone I see and speak to seems so over winter and snow removal. I will admit to being right there with them and I have been since the major December storms. It is much of the same thing over and over. Today, not only was there slush outside to make my feet wet, but my feet got wet in my basement. There just is a point when one has to say enough already. <smile>
The selection for today deals with this feeling of world-weariness from the repetitive nature of our larger surround. It is by a true poet. Enjoy!
Today brought with it the chance to become reacquainted with a student who graduated a few years ago. She was back to present her research in our department seminar and I was able to go to supper with her and just chat. It was a fun evening. It was something for me to focus on besides shovelling the heavy snow today <grin>.
I often catch myself speaking in a very proprietary fashion about 'my' students. I do not own them or much of their success -- that is all their doing. It is wonderful to have been part of their academic career in any small way. I do feel pride in where many of them have landed -- it is really very heartening. It gives me confidence that the profession will move forward well in the coming decades.
Today's selection is an older tune by a newish artist -- and time here is quite relative <smile>. Enjoy!
As the midterm break (aka reading week) looms on the horizon, the usual frenzied pace at work ratcheted up a couple notches today. All of a sudden, the many things that are due to be done before break have to fit into the next 3 days. Where did the time go? There will be back to back meetings, exams, seminars, classes and packing sessions (moving a research space to another locale -- in my 'spare time' <grin>). We will all survive this, but there is definite anxiety and tensions in the air.
When in grade school, I recall the angst of waiting a couple of days for some exciting event. As I got older, summer and Christmas vacations seemed so far away and took forever to arrive. My parents told me time would go faster as I got older, but I just didn't understand how it would ever happen. I spoke of this very thing with my 98 year old friend back home this past weekend. She said that she still finds time passes more and more quickly as she ages. I've noted that people I met online and have talked with daily for 'a while' have now been in my life for 20 years. Again, where does the time go? One other thing that my older friend has always said to me, even when she was just 65 <smile> -- "don't wish your life away." That one is difficult as there are always fun things to look forward to and less pleasant things that just need to be done and gone. Yet, when I find myself thinking this way as a result of the anxieties of the moment, I do recall this advice. Pausing to be in the moment, being mindful, can be challenging when all the world seems to be swirling around you. Yet, just a minute here and there can help ground you so that things go more smoothly when you return to the task. Today as I trudged through the new fallen snow being almost grumpy, I caught myself and said out loud, "the snow is light and fluffy" and "look, it is even sparkling in the sun we have today." These little observations helped set a more positive tone for my day.
Today's selection reflects these feelings about the passage of time as we age. Enjoy!
Ice, ice, everywhere. The flash freeze froze much of the rough slush on the ground. The snow banks from the last few storms are now coated in a slick crust of ice due to the rain on the weekend. On top of all this is a couple centimetres of fresh powdery snow that drifted with the major winds from the storm yesterday. My morning began with me chiselling inch-thick ice off the windshield to get in for 8:15 AM class. Roads had been sanded and salted, though temps were not warm enough for salt to act until into the afternoon.
I ran into some disappointments today but they were of my own making as I expect a lot from me and from others. I recognize that my passion for my subject area may not be shared by everyone and when that smacks me in the face, I can still be surprised. Letting that go can be a challenge. I also had to say 'no' to someone today -- I really dislike doing this when it is something that I feel is important to do. There is a limit to how much I can take on and still do a decent job, yet that frustrates me sometimes, too. Taking care of me can feel less important than all those other things that I consider 'fun' -- but if there are too many of them, they turn into 'work' <smile>. Bottom line today -- work to realize that taking care of me is necessary to sustain the passion and learn not to be offended when others don't fully share my passions.
So, today's selection is from a Canadian band from Manitoba. Enjoy!
Takin' Care of Business -- BTO (Bachman-Turner Overdrive)
As in the Winnie Pooh stories, this was a blustery day, though it wasn't a fall day but a definite wintery day. The winds were immense with huge gusts for a few hours in the afternoon. Snow blew around, but there was very little accumulation, thankfully. Just as the snow began as little pellets hitting my head, I was finishing up removal of the slush that fell overnight. I was out for 45 minutes during which time the temperatures dropped from 2C to -6C -- a definite flash freeze as forecast. While working in the house during the height of the winds, the electricity flickered a few times. Friends in the county went without power for a couple hours during that time.
All in all, an interesting and pleasant day. I got to a number of household chores that had been waiting for some time and got some letters and a package ready to mail tomorrow. I'm now ending the day with Downton Abbey -- a wonderful relax. <smile>
While listening to the wind today a song from many years ago ran through my head -- an upbeat little ditty. Enjoy!
A quiet Saturday here. I've worked on lectures for next week with a few breaks to do some laundry and wash my hair. I've been charging all the electronics in case power is lost in the on-coming storm. This one may bring some ice pellets and perhaps some freezing rain followed by rain. All precipitation will be accompanied by strong winds. Before we get a chance to experience and clean up from this storm, there is another in the offing for mid-week.
A highlight today was a phone conversation with a friend back home who turned 98 this past week. She called to tell me how much she enjoyed my card and that she'd shown it to a number of people and they all giggled just like she does whenever she reads it. I'll admit that it made me giggle a bit at the store, too <smile>. She has such a positive outlook on life even when being 98 must bring some down times as well as some health issues. She has always been a positive and fun person and I love that aging hasn't changed that part of her. She is a fantastic role model for how to age -- just be yourself not what you think someone of your age should be. The other major point that I take from her is to stay active -- move as you can and be social. She goes out almost every day with friends for afternoon tea break or for meals. The major point from her calling me today surely has to be that we need to keep in touch with people even when far away and that sending an actual paper card can mean an awful lot to someone. So -- I will strive to let people know when I am thinking of them and try to be a better correspondent <Smile>.
Today's selection is about a place on Cape Breton Island of Nova Scotia -- and is one that is heard around here often. The melody and words carry the wistfulness of wanting to be home again -- something my phone calls today brought to mind. The singer is also a Nova Scotian. Enjoy!
It was a great Friday today. Work went well with midterms, meetings and mentoring. Fun things for Valentine's Day included a student bake sale -- always a tasty event. I had dinner with a group of colleagues and then we went to see Macbeth at the local theatre. What an amazing group of talented people we have in this little town! It kept everyone's attention and contained some great speeches, very well delivered.
So -- we're at the end of week 6 of the term -- the halfway point. This brings with it some feelings of accomplishment but more anxiety from looking at the list of things yet to finish -- for both students and faculty <smile>. In one more week, we have reading week coming up to help us get things caught up a bit. The storm dropped a lot of rain overnight and promises to bring oodles of snow by Sunday. There is hope for Spring to arrive or to show that the transitions are beginning. Temps went from -24C yesterday morning to +8C this afternoon -- it was warm wet Gulf weather. Things being mixed up, for sure.
So -- today's selection is about the feelings of anxiety that can creep into life as well as the positives that we often overlook and our reactions to each type of situation. It is by a wonderful musician who is celebrating a birthday this week. Enjoy!
The past two nights have contained very little sleep for me. Waking due to noises and restlessness, leaving me with less ability to concentrate on the work things that need attention. The end of the week is approaching, and with the weekend the ability to sleep in a bit may help with the sense of fatigue. Still, I managed to get a number of things done and off my desk today. Had planned to do a bit more this evening, but I seem to be nodding off as I try. So, in the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow's anotha day." <gg>.
Today's selection deals with a different kind of tired. I've included a version with the lyrics as some might find her accent challenging. Enjoy!
Even though the day was relatively pleasant, I was running behind on all tasks on that unwieldy 'to do' list. It was down to the wire for two major tasks. Both were done in draft form by 10 PM. One is for early tomorrow morning -- slides of a lecture -- and they will have to go up as currently written. I'm hoping to stimulate some discussion around a somewhat difficult topic. We'll see how that goes. <smile> The other task involved two midterm exams now in draft form. These will need to be edited and taken to the print shop tomorrow and we'll see how that one goes next week.
At the end of the day, I will admit to feeling a bit 'winded' -- what I imagine it must feel like at the end of a marathon. There is fatigue, but a certain sense of accomplishment, as well. Again, this wasn't the perfect job I'd prefer to do, but it is what it is for today.
While putting the last slides together for the lecture tomorrow morning, today's selection started running through my head. The words and tempo speak to the kind of day it has been here. Enjoy!
Another sunny day in Nova Scotia. It was very cold overnight, though. It was closer to -24C (~-5F) in the early morning hours, and about -17C (0F) by the time I had to make the car go. I will admit to apologizing to the vehicle when I make it start in this cold weather -- block heaters are not common here, nor are they standard equipment on new vehicles.
At work today, I had particular difficulty with lecturing. I don't think I can blame this one on the weather, though <smile>. In both classes today, I managed to say things backwards from the slides -- A increases and B decreases, when the slide and facts state the opposite. In the second class I did something similar and also was umming and ahhing an awful lot as I searched for the words to explain the concepts of milk protein function in food systems. Neither were my best efforts today -- but I kept my sense of humour and moved on.
Today's selection came to me as I was reflecting on the less than stellar performances given in classes. This aspect of the day was a 'no brainer' <grin>. Enjoy!
There had been light snow overnight that continued all day. Accumulation was in the order of 1-2 cm. That is much like the day at the office unfolded. A constant flow of tasks but in a light manner, so not major pressures as in the past weeks. I do hope this is a trend for the office. Unfortunately, my nemeses the meteorologists say that the snow fall will be much greater by the end of the week.
Overall, this has been a wonderful Monday and this song reflects the upbeat nature of the day.
Can it really be 50 years since the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show? Everything on the TV points to this as the true elapsed time. I do recall this as a wee one. We were eating dinner in the kitchen listening to the TV that was in the living room. I wanted to go watch but didn't ask as I knew the answer would not be 'yes.' When we heard Ed Sullivan introduce "The Beatles!" my dad looked at me and said, "Go on and watch your Beatles." I ran into the living room and stood there watching them sing. Rock and roll would never be the same.
The next morning the school yard was filled with kids from kindergarten up to grade 8 singing the songs we'd all heard the previous night. When the TV special tonight says that the appearances changed America (and I would say the world), they definitely changed my world. The first album that I bought with my saved birthday money from a few years, was The Beatles Second Album (got it in the US -- The Canadian release had a different title -- Long Tall Sally, I think). My grandmother had loaned me money as I'd left all my US dollar bills at home when we travelled to Seattle to visit family. I'm not sure she was happy with how I spent it, but she did smile whenever we spoke of it in later years.
On my two trips to London, I have visited places of Beatle fame -- Abbey Road studies, walked the Abbey Road crosswalk, office sites of Maca and Apple Records, and Saville Row where the rooftop concert occurred. The music and lyrics have been with me most of my life, including the solo careers after the infamous breakup. I even have one of their songs on the list for a funeral/memorial service noted along with my will.
So, what song to choose for today? Anyone who knows me, knows that narrowing likes down to a specified number just doesn't work with me <smile>. So, instead I'm sharing the event that started it all. Enjoy!
The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show (all 3 shows in 1965)
Today was a sunny winter day ending with crisp, coolness. Most of my day involved preparing lectures for next week and pondering ways to put together midterm exams when no test bank exists for the text book. That will mean inventing a bolus of questions in the next couple of days. I'm sure this would work better if my brain wasn't as cluttered with all the 'to do' lists of my job, volunteer work and life in general <smile>. The thought of crowd-sourcing questions has crossed my mind, but that may not work as well for this situation as it can for many others. <giggle>
So -- when did life seem to feel the need to be always on the verge of wanting to get out of hand? It is not that I don't enjoy most of the activities that I'm involved in; in fact, I love most of what I do. The quantity can affect quality and that is where I think I become bogged down. I feel great passion for the work and therefore, really want to do a fantastic job for everything. However, the time needed to do this can often be more than is found in a 24-hour day. This is not unique to my work situation, but seems to be the trend across most job settings. The quest for efficiencies has led to fewer people while the quest for expansion has led to more tasks to complete. This approach doesn't compute -- more work in less time by fewer people. Sadly, something has to give.
I'm heartened to see that many young people heading into the professional world have solid expectations for a work-life balance, something that I do hope they are able to achieve. It will take some strong advocates, but it would be well worth their while to stick to their convictions.
Today's selection speaks to changes and how it can affect both those working now and the upcoming generation. Love this guy <smile>. He has embodied the song title through his career. Enjoy!
Well -- the day dawned with gorgeous sunshine and still a sparkling world. I was a little short on sleep, but managed to get through all classes, meetings and appointments. The three odd issues from yesterday are in the process of being managed -- certainly not the best solutions that I'd wish for, but they are what they are.
Tonight after finishing some lecture slides and notes for 1-2 classes next week, I had a lovely relaxing shower to wash my hair. Then, I settled in to watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. The interpretive dance of such events can be very cool or just so plain avant garde you can't take your eyes off it <g>. I did like the Swan Lake interpretation -- very cool indeed. I wore red yesterday and today and the Vancouver games mitts are my go to hand warmers for the duration. (As an aside, these mitts were found by a friend in BC who hunted through bins to find the right size and mail them off to me. We had no store in my little town that would carry the Olympic gear. Re-connecting with friends from the past who just happen to live in larger centres has more benefits that one could imagine -- this was but a small aspect of the power of social media.) I do look forward to watching some of the games this month. The time change will be a challenge, but once the schedule is clear, I can set the recording equipment and time shift.
Today's selection is for the Sochi games. It is by a Russian singer who often wrote social and political commentary. This is a scene from the movie "White Nights" with a defector from Soviet Russia dancing to one of the folk tunes. It is difficult to decide which is the star here -- the song or the dance -- both are quite magical. Enjoy!
Koni (Horses) -- by Vladimir Vysotsky (interpretive dancer -- Mikhail Baryshnikov)
Today has been an odd sort of day -- encountered all sorts of odd behaviours in others which presented odd behaviours in me <sigh>. I'm trying to work through my responses to actions around me -- the walk home helped until I encountered another simply odd action along the way. I will admit these events cause major confusion, dilemma, consternation, and frustration. Tears at -12C not a good idea <grin>.
Good news -- no one tried to run me down like yesterday. On the walk home today, I also encountered one of nature's interesting events -- a murder of crows -- actually likely several murders <smile>. Hundreds of them in the trees outside the cathedral. It was dark so I couldn't see them, but could hear them for about a block away. It was like a large crowd in terms of sound -- everyone talking at once, with all the different voices, pitches and cadences. In fact, at times an almost human conversational sound surfaced. This happens a lot around town -- I've come home to find the gang hanging out in my yard, in the trees and on the roof. It is rather creepy in a way, as I still carry scars from Hitchcock's take on avian gatherings seen when I was 9 or 10. It is also very intriguing from an animal behaviour standpoint -- as curious as the human behaviours I'd encountered today, but without the negative responses on my part. I found this flocking behaviour of crows truly fascinating. Go figure.
Today's selection plays off the birds encountered. It is a cover of an old favourite from a Saskatchewan girl (at the time <smile>). Enjoy!
After a fairly regular day, I walked home from the office. I'd chosen not to drive today since it wasn't clear when the brunt of this storm was going to hit; I hate driving in major snow and schmutz on the road. It had been snowing lightly for a couple hours when I headed out. Sun had set. The ground looked like it was covered with diamond dust. The snow was the type that truly sparkles in the light. It made for a stunning trip home. It was as if the sky had opened up and dropped this treasure for us to enjoy. (I know this is not how I usually type about snow <smile>). I haven't seen this type of snow with much regularity at this end of the country; it may be a more regular prairie thing. It made the day for me.
I will admit I gasped and then giggled to myself when I first walked out of the building and thought -- "Wow! This will be today's song." Enjoy!
As you may have gathered by reading this blog over the past month, change is a theme that I revisit often. We all must adapt to move forward in life -- growth rather than stagnation. Many people have campaigned for change to systems and institutions, but when it gets down to it, the change occurs with individuals who lead systems change. I have studied change theory from the points of an individual to communities to societies. Much of this theory is based within the ability of a handful of people to change their viewpoint and lead others in a new direction.
Recently the Governor-General, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, championed a national campaign called 'My Giving Moment' as a way to develop a nation more focused on our communities and less on ourselves as individuals. The campaign strives to help Canadians use their "time, talent and money to help others." (mygivingmoment.ca)
I've often felt the need to 'pay it forward' or to support the 'random acts of kindness' that happen in our daily lives. I've encountered great kindness from total strangers.When in London last April for research work, I had a day off from the library so headed out to see Windsor and Windsor Castle. After an amazing tour and walk around the castle grounds, I headed into the quaint High Street of the town to forage for lunch. I found a delightful tea shop -- one with walls out of plumb called the Crooked Tea House <smile>. I was seated in a lovely bay window overlooking the cobbled alley behind the house, in a room with a larger table of 7 people. They were enjoying a full tea and were from Asia and the UK. (I wasn't eavesdropping, it was just a very small room <smile>). I sat enjoying my cream tea -- clotted cream, strawberry preserves, amazing scones and a delightful Burundian tea. I was just a few days from heading back to Canada, and for some reason was feeling somewhat alone -- for only a moment or two. As I was staring out the window, a male voice behind me said, "How are you doing today?" I turned and saw the host from the large table smiling at me. He then said, "We've all been visiting and enjoying ourselves and you are here alone. I've taken care of your bill." That happened just as I was feeling a wee bit self indulgent -- and it brought tears to my eyes as I choked out a thank you. The others at the table all gave me big grins as they were getting up to leave. There in the middle of a little English town, this action helped me back up out of the little homesick place I was briefly in and put a big smile on my face, showing me I was not alone after all. This turned my focus outward again -- and allowed me to find ways to put that same smile on the faces of others.
From those moments of interaction with strangers as well as those we know, we can refocus on our humanity. It need not be huge -- just sharing a smile, helping a lost tourist, donating to a charity, volunteering skills in community groups -- it all helps build a better society and a better us. So -- today I have chosen a song that has always spoken to me about focusing on changing me rather than trying to change others. As Gandhi said, 'Be the change you want to see in the world.' Enjoy!
After a number of conversations today, I began to wonder why one project was more challenging than another. Both are challenging, yet one seemed less frustrating. When reviewing what has happened and questioning what I might be able to do to facilitate the processes more effectively, I said to a friend, "well it's almost like Meatloaf, one out of two ain't bad." <g>. As I drove back from work and groceries, it struck me that maybe I was looking for perfection -- not only perfection, but perfection from my viewpoint only. How do I know that the process isn't working for the other people involved and I'm trying to 'drive the bus' rather than facilitate like a tour guide or navigator -- in keeping with the travel metaphor? Was I more worried about my needs and projecting those onto other people? Hmmm . . .
So -- working to the best of my ability, using multiple techniques, should meet the needs of most people involved. I only have control over my actions and others have to be responsible for their actions. Learning to step back and let things happen and knowledge to develop in its own organic fashion will not be easy, but today I feel that this may be another step in my quest for inner peace.
Today the selection reflects the idea of not 'winning' or forcing my plan forward for all projects. It may sound like the singer is submitting to a fatalistic 'can't win them all' attitude, but I like to see something a bit more positive at work here. Enjoy!
Granted, groundhogs may not be the best prognosticators in the world, but the hype around February 2nd is clear. There are days when these rodents may be as 'on the money' as some meteorologists. Given that the event being predicted is weeks in the offing, both may be reasonably correct at this point in time. Today the Canadian groundhogs were at odds with each other, very similar to how science develops and tests theories.The difference is that the groundhog messages are distributed through mass media alone and science findings do have a peer review process along with mass media for knowledge transfer. There are definite similarities between the rodent and the weather person <smile> but differences exist, as well.
So -- it looks like Spring may not arrive for another 6 weeks. From the calendars, this should not be a surprise. The transition from winter to spring is often welcomed as a bit of respite to the winter temperatures and storms. I know I'm ready for a change to begin. Perhaps rather than thinking of the aspects of life beyond my control, like the weather, I may need to see this in a different light. Today a friend noted that every challenge can be viewed as an opportunity. That helped me to see some things from a different perspective. Hmmm -- another point to keep at hand for when things in my immediate surround begin to cause me to feel frustrated. <smile> Looking outwards instead of being a black hole for negative thoughts may help with some of the oppressive feelings that come with negativity. We'll see -- another goal set for myself.
The selection today deals with this aspect of change. It contains the amazing voice of a Scot-born singer. Enjoy!
Today I'm Gonna Try to Change the World -- Johnny Reid
Today is 'calendar flipping day' as coined by a friend of mine. I'm a bit behind in that, but will catch up tomorrow. Nothing exciting today -- some great sunshine and lots of laundry and lecture prep for next week. Other than pondering starch cookery and nutrient needs of aging adults, there have been few other thoughts bouncing around my brain. So nothing interesting to type or to read <sigh>.
However, I do have a song for a Saturday filled with work stuff.. Enjoy!
