Today was truly a stereotypical Monday. I headed to the lab for annual blood work only to find the number I pulled to be 20 higher than the only one they called while I was seated. When asked, the receptionists could not say how long it might be. From others I heard that a new person was being trained today so they may have been short staffed. I headed out. Now, the parking lot at the hospital costs $2 on exit. I wasn't worried since I had oodles of change. As I pulled up to exit a small sign noted that only twonies and loonies were accepted ($1 & $2 coins). I had a handful of quarters. I had to back up and repark, which meant the people exiting behind me had to back up, too <sigh>. I went back in and found someone who would exchange the coins.
After leaving the parking lot, I headed to the car dealership. Somewhere on the passenger side there was a sloshy water noise. Who am I kidding? It sounded like major waves on Lake Superior coming from the door area. The service manager said it was in the door likely due to a leakage in the seal around the door and window. They can see me next week on Monday unless someone cancels in the interim. Why the water isn't draining well needs to be checked -- those little holes designed to do just that must be clogged with some schmutz of some sort. When it isn't pouring rain -- as it was again today -- I'll get down and check to see if I can unclog them somehow. The less than good news is that forecasters predict rain almost daily for a week or so.
Pondering the wave motion in the car at stop lights and signs, brought a song to mind. The title is what I think happened in the major rain on the weekend <smile>. Off to find some oars just in case <giggle>. Enjoy!
Two movies on the oldies channel and a peer review today got me thinking of difference and tolerance. "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" took place at the beginning of the Sino-Japanese war in the 1930s. It told the story of a British woman who devoted her life to people of northern China, especially orphaned children. The second, "Fiddler on the Roof" told the story of the expulsion of Jewish people from Russia early in the 20th century. Each dealt with difference with tolerance and intolerance as the outcomes. The changing traditions in 'Fiddler' showed how perceptions can bend and adapt -- but only so far. Beliefs and values take a generation to alter, after which behaviours have morphed. Intolerance of the 'Other' has been with humans forever. Sadly, this often manifests through violent actions. These were present in each movie, even though the stories had been sanitized and subjected to 'artistic licence' by Hollywood.
A friend who had lived in China during the war, described the strafing runs by the Japanese air forces that killed peasants in the fields and destroyed villages. The terror and aftermath of these attacks occurred in 'The Inn' but in a muted format for the movie made in the mid-20th century. While critics would say it wasn't realistic, the emotions were not fully ignored by the director. My friend carried her experiences in triage in a northern city. With these came some deeply rooted anger decades later. Stories such as these and family histories play an important role in showing how the world has developed before, during and after major events. I've always tried to use story-telling in classrooms to explain how current events have grown from past events. Without that understanding, setting future directions will use new knowledge, but ignore past knowledge. Just because something is old doesn't mean it isn't worth examining. <smile>
So --after that thought process on a grey afternoon I felt the need for an upbeat song. One to cleanse a bit before moving further in the examination of the day's themes. The lyrics somewhat speak to tolerance within limits. Enjoy!
It seemed to be twilight all day long. Dark, heavy cloud covered the sky. Some bits of rain and one enormous and very loud thunderstorm brought a huge downpour. It was a good day to have indoor work to do. Weekend chores mingled with the last of the calculations for the taxes. A major headache appeared just as I was putting the myriad forms, schedules, receipts and laptop elsewhere for the day. With a bit of relaxing and a cup of tea, the pain subsided.
Why are bureaucratic forms so convoluted and the instructions so tortuous? Those with lower literacy and numeracy skills are at a decided disadvantage to complete many necessary documents. At tax time, volunteers assist many people to navigate the process. I've learned to rely on a software program to do the calculations and populate the requisite forms. Even so, the guidelines can leave somethings rather murky. Still, the process is stressful. So, one last receipt to print and the final copy will be ready to put in an envelope and mail out on Monday -- the deadline day this year. <smile> I had planned to do some household accounts this weekend, but have decided not to spend more time with numbers and balances this weekend.
Thinking of the numbers and what they represent brought a few potential songs to mind. I chose one not featured here in the past. The lyrics work to put things into perspective <smile>. The video is a bit odd -- so feel free to minimize while listening. Enjoy!
The day saw several tasks completed and several more intermediate steps done. So, I'm all set for the weekend work -- taxes, household accounts and judging some research articles. The day was filled with sunshine again and the sky tonight is amazing with the almost full moon and stars. We expect that rain may visit on the weekend, but I'm hoping we'll see the moon, too.
I was getting boxes filled with shredding and putting files that need to be kept for 12 months into boxes for storage. This is usual at end of term, but the pile of boxes to go to the storage room is bigger than I'd expected. I'm sure I'll find someone who can lift them on (and off) a cart for transport down the hall. I worry about end of year cleanup -- papers, files and communication. Needless stress, but it is present. Changes shouldn't be so problematic. I love the transition seasons because I can see changes occur daily in the world around me. So, why when I'm in the midst of making those changes does this create some anxiety? It might be the time sensitive nature of some of the changes I must facilitate. Or it could be due to the external pressures on me to complete the tasks -- little non-conformist me <smile>. When I'm watching changes occur around me -- spring flowers, trees budding, grass growing -- it is exciting to see what is new. When I have to make the things 'new' -- not so exciting. I'll have to find a better way of looking at this so I can move forward smoothly instead of hesitantly -- that forced procrastination that I feel some days.
Lines from a song ran through my head. I've used this song before here, but have chosen a cover version instead of those with the original singers. The artist performing here has been featured often here, including the song for the first day almost 4-1/2 years ago. He does the song justice. Listen for the keyboards in the background -- wonderful. Enjoy!
Interesting weather arrived today -- big wind from the south and rain in the afternoon. The fixed link with PEI was closed by late morning due to the wind. Luckily, the rain was less intense than predicted, so it wasn't fully horizontal as it fell <smile>. The greyness seemed a bit gloomy, but work moved forward albeit slowly in the office. Further work at home got a report almost ready to finalize. So -- a productive indoor day.
Weather pattern changes can be surprising. The strength of the wind today hadn't been as I'd expected. The temperatures were in the low to mid-teens, so the dampness felt cool inside and warm outside. Again, surprising differences. Many people were still walking around in shorts and flip-flops today, despite the wind and rain -- again surprising. I'm unsure why people choose not to dress for the weather. Sun doesn't mean warm temperatures in the winter and even mid-teens can feel colder when the wind blows in from east or north crossing ice on the straits as it travels to us. Fleece liners are still in my outerwear repertoire. I'd like to think this an age-related function, but I see people of all ages dressed inappropriately for weather -- including the wind.
A song that seemed to fit the weather of the day surfaced in my mind this afternoon -- particularly the first few lines. Several voices have performed this song. I've chosen a version with a different musical arrangement. The video is just weird for the lyrics, so feel free to scroll past the visual <smile>. Enjoy!
Starting last evening, the moon was covered with mist. Today, the sky was greyish and the sun was bright even behind the thin cloud. As the day wore on the sky cover thickened threatening the impending rain. The wind felt cool even though the air temperature was in the mid-teens, so fleece liner in the rain jacket may be best tomorrow.
The day had bright spots among the more murky aspects of tasks undertaken. Completing income tax forms holds a few challenges, but with the right tools and preparation, it will go somewhat smoothly <smile>. It seems that every year there is an elusive receipt that wasn't in the file kept throughout the previous year. Luckily many are electronic, so with some searching of e-files, they can be found. Mindset has a lot to do with such tasks -- time sensitive and filled with numbers -- both things that can increase my anxiety level. Methodical approaches often work to do the tasks one step at a time and help keep the anxiousness at bay. Oh, and always remembering to breathe <smile>.
An odd little song came to mind for today with the sun that was there but partially hidden. I asked the question, though not in the language used in the song. The music and song concept are rather playful. Enjoy!
Temperatures were warmer than yesterday on this second sunny day of the week. The sky had some wispy clouds and contrails of the jets heading east hung in the air longer than usual. When walking around dusk, I looked up at the bright moon and saw a jet flying below the moon with bright sunlight glinting off the body and wings -- it was stunning. One major work task was completed today with one last related task to complete later in the week. The evening was spent at a graduation banquet filled with excited students. Today was the last day of exams, too.
While driving and walking around campus and town today, many cars and trucks were loading bags, boxes and furnishings as students moved out. Excitement was palpable. It brings me back to my times heading home with my dad after final exams. It was always a fun-filled journey. Seeing graduating students finish their last exam of their undergraduate career and seeing others celebrating at the banquet, made me think of the moment and all that lies ahead of these people as they step into their future careers. What that will look like has yet to be revealed -- goals and dreams will drive that. There will be bumps along the way, but they often lead to something wonderful that wouldn't have happened without the downturn. One thing is certain, there will be change. <smile> We just need to recognize and accept opportunities as they shape shift in front of us.
Pondering the concept of change and what the future can hold, I thought of a song that reflects the change that is constant in life. The lyrics speak to revelation and hope. The artists are a new duo -- a surprising combination of vocal talents. The song uses a style that reminds me of a warmer part of the world -- a pleasant thought as spring moves towards warmer days. You may want to check out the new album 44/876 released last Friday. Enjoy!
Sun shone all day with a totally clear sky into the evening. I was surprised when closing the lift gate and noticing the moon in the big blue sky. Later at dusk, the moon was so bright. It meant there would be visible stars tonight. It has been cloudy and grey for some time, so this will be a welcome change.
Earlier in the day, I heard a song with a great rhythm wonderfully performed by a man billed as Canada's biggest Latin star along with three accompanying singers. While I didn't catch all the words -- my Spanish is basic -- it seemed to tell a love story of sorts. After the song, the artist explained the lyrics better than my feeble attempt. The song had the power to perk me up this morning. I needed another infusion of that energy by mid-afternoon following several hours working on calculating course grades with Excel. It is a tedious process that is only one-third completed, so I know what awaits me tomorrow <smile>. I'll share that great song with you all today for when you need an energy boost. Enjoy!
Today was sunny and reached double digits. I took time to walk out for milk and eggs and then spent a while clearing up the larger twigs and sticks from the winter and spring wind storms. There are more to gather, but the worst of it all resides in the compost bin -- street pickup next week. The weather fit well with Earth Day giving us a chance to get outside and enjoy the world around us. Today also marks the 92nd birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.
I still feel that procrastination has taken hold. I did get several household chores completed and some bits for the office done or begun. Much more left for tomorrow, though. It could be spring fever -- shall I call it that instead of ennui or flat out fatigue? I look forward to focusing in the office tomorrow to get some grade calculations completed and other paper work begun. I have good intentions each evening and each morning. Somewhere in the middle, it all goes snafu -- or should this be fubar? Either way I'm sure you get the picture. I remember reading about Golda Meir, who would polish silver when she had a big decision to make. Perhaps all the procrastination projects leave room to ponder some of the larger puzzle pieces that need sorting. If so, the bigger things are pushing out the time-sensitive smaller things and I'm not sure how to get things back in control. Hmmm. That may be the issue, my need to exert control. Will need to ponder that idea a bit further.
The song chosen for today seemed to fit Earth Day concepts. Lyrics speak to the beauty and fragility around us. Enjoy!
The Google Doodle today commemorated the 177th anniversary of the birth of Jennie Trout, the first woman to be licensed as a physician in Canada. She and Emily Stowe attended U of Toronto for undergraduate work, and were treated poorly being the first women to enter higher study at that institution. After her program, she enrolled in a US medical college for women. She returned to Canada and was licensed to practice. The in mid-1800s, this occurred as the nursing profession was beginning -- a time when working women were not accepted by society.
Locally, the Scots of the area gathered to remember Culloden, which occurred on April 16, 1746. The loss of this battle between the English forces and the Highlanders, marked the forced ending of the clan structures, when even having a small square of tartan was treated as treasonous. It was an horrific but quick battle, where most Scots were killed. Survivors were sent to prison, sold into servitude, and exiled. Scots moved throughout Europe and into the Americas, with many settling in Nova Scotia -- hence the name -- and across North America. Survivors of Culloden settled north of town and a memorial cairn was built much later. That is where the ceremonies are held each year.
Given the local event today and Jennie Trout, who was born in Scotland, the song that seemed to fit had to deal with Scots in some manner. The immigration to Canada over the centuries is celebrated in the song shared here today. It is sung by a band from the West coast of Canada -- Vancouver. Enjoy!
Some of the work on the 'to do' list was completed today and some wasn't. Too many items were placed on the list yet again. Tomorrow will have time to attend to one or two of the remaining items that need to be done for next week. The weather was a usual grey spring day in the maritimes. I headed out for a walk in the evening and to give a colleague a break during an evening exam. My black coat showed the white precipitation very clearly <smile>. The ground is warm, so it melted on contact. Only windshields and grass showed a bit of white cover. As I walked over the bridge on the way home from campus, the brook was running high and the trees were filled with crows having their evening meeting and debriefing of their respective days. Such intriguing creatures.
While many people, including meteorologists, insist this is not spring, it is. Every year this happens. Spring is not Summer, but is a transition between Winter and Summer. Logic would dictate then that we'd see weather from both seasons during the transition season. We are one-third through Spring, so expecting June weather now is not reasonable. It will come. Be patient. Breathe and enjoy the day as it presents itself.
A song that seems to fit the idea of taking the season as it unfolds is shared here tonight. The singer came from my encounter on the bridge. Enjoy!
There was full sun in the kitchen early today, but by mid-morning the clouds had returned. Big rain filled clouds moved across the sky throughout the day. Nothing more than a bit of drizzle seemed to fall from the sky, though. There may be more overnight but it may be mixed precipitation as the temperatures fall closer to or just below freezing. My day was fairly basic -- a couple of conversations, a meeting and an appointment. The latter was to deal with what I've come to call "grading injury" -- stiff neck and shoulder after a grading binge. Thankfully, the physio can help loosen things up again for me.
Several items that have been left aside during grading need immediate attention. I do hope to get to those tomorrow. It seems that spending the better part of 6 days immersed in a single activity, makes it difficult to move to the next task as seamlessly as usual. The need for sleep, a wee break of some sort and general recuperation is needed. Yet, this is rarely part of the overall plan. Why I keep thinking I can just move on, is a question for the ages. Worse yet, I feel frustrated with myself for not just doing it. I'm sure this year is no different than years past. I just need to be kind to myself -- not the easiest thing to do.
A lyric line hit me today -- "don't get too discouraged, you're where you need to be." How perfect is that? The song that contains this lyric is by a band from Saskatoon. I chose a live and unplugged version to share here today. Enjoy!
Woke to further grading today, though knew it would be the last day. I went out for an afternoon meeting and to provide a break for a colleague invigilating an evening final exam. It was still damp and cool with amazing puffy rain clouds of varying shades of blue-grey in the afternoon and a bit cool in the evening. I did find the air refreshing, though, after being cooped up for several days dealing with the self-replicating piles of exam papers. While the paper grading is over, the next steps involved convoluted equations to calculate the final course grades. Tedious, but it will be new tedium <smile>.
At 2:07 PM the final flourish of the red pen occurred. It is done. At that moment, a song from a movie began -- on for the background noise to shut out the sounds of the world while I focus on grading. The song is from the beginning of a movie that I love -- a remake (1979) of an older movie (1954) that was a remake of an even older movie (1937) with yet another remake on the way (2018) <smile> -- the circle of life. Only the 1979 version focused on musical careers. I'd recommend viewing all three 'old' versions and know I will watch the new version when it is available. The basic story is sound and somewhat timeless, which must be why it is continually being reinvented. Enjoy!
Are You Watching me Now -- Kris Kristofferson (A Star is Born)
After getting to sleep late last night, the day started later this morning. I headed to campus to drop off the second set of multiple choice computer sheets. The wind was major blowing straight out of the north. The air felt bitter and the dampness didn't help. It poured overnight and was misty drizzle when I was out walking. The strength of the wind pushed me to the side twice with the bigger gusts. Sustained winds just made walking against it a bigger workout than usual. Other than that one outing, about 10 hours involved the binge grading. I really wanted to get it done, but chose to stop at 11 -- which turned out to be 11:45 PM. The rest waits for attention tomorrow.
Grading is all consuming -- I've never been able to grade a bit at a time for a week or more. When the piles arrive, I find a red pen and a spare and hunker down. I just want them done. So, having done this process for most of the past 5 days -- and for more than 8 hours daily -- I feel a bit over the whole concept. <smile>. Based on what is left, this part will be completed tomorrow. When I do sleep, it seems that I'm doing similar grading tasks in my dreams -- not in the least bit restful. <grin>
While contemplating the process today, a few lines from the beginning of a song flashed through my brain. I've used this song before around this time of year. I love the lyrics that show a need to escape to a whole new activity. I especially enjoy the line after "I'm thwarted by a metaphysical puzzle," since that is where my mind has gone today. Enjoy!
The day began with a walk around campus to pick up exams from last Friday and drop off computer sheets for multiple choice questions. My afternoon consisted of grading the last two exams for one course, preparing and submitting a report and getting a few groceries in a quick break. The second course final began at 7 PM. When that was over, I walked around campus again to pick up the exams written at accessible learning. I got home about 10:30 PM where I showered, ate and headed off to bed.
Walking around campus began and ended the day. The sun was pleasant early in the day but it was quite brisk by late evening. Either way, the exercise helped with the stresses of exam and grading processes. I find it interesting that I breathe better when walking and stretching the muscles helped bring posture and shoulders back to usual. It took a while to get to a place where I'd be able to fall asleep due to the high stress of the evening.
While walking on campus this evening, I thought of a song. It deals with a similar action, but a different reason behind it. The voice is one the was silenced early in her career -- one I do love to hear. Enjoy!
I had great plans for the day, yet seemed to get through few things. The laundry, including hand laundry, was finished. Left behind today were grading of a paper, editing another paper, and taxes. These items have to be completed in the next week to meet deadlines. Tomorrow I have to grade the last two exam papers from Friday's final and invigilate another exam from 7-9:30 PM. I may be able to get back to one of the papers during that time. I'd hoped to start the week without feeling as behind with things, but that isn't to be.
I felt too tired and disengaged today that things didn't get done. I've felt like I could just close my eyes and fall asleep in the midst of many activities over the past couple of weeks -- not sure if it is all fatigue or fatigue mixed with a need to escape. <smile> Sleep hasn't been great of late either. None of this is new for this time of year at work. End of term is crazy -- well crazier than the rest of the term. So, today I listened to some movies and checked in with social media.
I felt the need for a lullaby or something relaxing before settling to sleep. A perfect one by a superb a capella group fit the bill. These harmonies are tight and gorgeous. Enjoy!
Slept poorly and woke in middle of sleep for an hour or two -- most likely from anxiety to get through exams as quickly as possible and move on to the other grading and reports due next week. After sleeping a bit more, I did some laundry and graded for most of the day and into the evening. I did manage to complete my part of the first final exam. The rest is from the computerized grading of the multiple choice section.I'll submit those on Monday and get the last two exams graded for short answers. I left campus before students in accessible learning were done writing on Friday. I plan to complete those two before heading into the second and final final exam Monday evening. We'll see <smile>.
Grading is a challenge. It can feel excruciating when some questions are answered less precisely than expected. Grading a single question across the full set of exams can be mind-numbingly repetitive. Yet, reading responses that clearly show that major concepts were understood can be validating. The key to grading seems to be that once you check in with yourself -- generally between questions -- it is best to understand if you need food, fluid or a break to move around. If the mood alters in a negative fashion, it is time to step away. A conundrum presents itself since getting the things done becomes paramount, but needing to do the job well has to trump that. Again, just walk away for a short break. Even the time it takes to put one load into the dryer and another into the washer can be more than enough time to recentre.
So -- that was my day -- very repetitive, but productive, which I put down to taking wee moments away from the exams to enhance the ability to focus. Some days this works much better than others. Today, it went well. A song line -- well several lines at the end of a song -- came to mind that described the repeated processes of the day. The cover shared here has a harsher sound than the original and brings a sense of desperation with it - something like my day of grading <smile>. Enjoy!
Crimson and Clover -- Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
The day began with slush falling from the sky. By late morning it was a mix of rain and lesser bits of snow. Overall, the skies remained grey all day with more drizzle expected into tomorrow. At work, my focus was off a bit, like the clouds invaded my head, but some bits of work got done. I set up the final exam and while explaining the sections to the group, I realized that I hadn't passed out exam booklets (lined paper) for students to write their responses. Being in a room with everyone settled with exams in hand, I couldn't leave to get the booklets. So, I e-mailed three people in hopes someone was by their computer. A colleague did come to the rescue. I wasn't sure whether I should blame my tiredness or Friday the 13th for this event <smile>. I was just glad that it wasn't an evening or Saturday exam when no one would be around. In the meantime, the students worked on the multiple choice questions using a computer sheet, so they weren't sitting there doing nothing <smile>.
Forgetting occurs when overtired, distracted or too many things demand attention. I've felt that way for a while now. While work, world and personal stuff independently create demand for processing space, when they are compounded it can be difficult to deal well with anything. Coping strategies involve parking something for a later date, but that may become impossible as multiple factors argue for attention. Even dreams are infiltrated, further disrupting sleep. And so goes the vortex.
Standing in front of the class today and asking their forgiveness for my oversight reminded me of a couple of lines from a song -- "So excuse me forgetting, but these things I do" -- from a great music and lyrics duo. The version shared is from later in the career. Enjoy!
Another day that began with sun. By afternoon, blue sky could still be seen between the many ominous clouds gathered in the sky. Rain is forecast for tomorrow with some drizzle overnight. The rain may help to dissolve some of the remaining snow and add to the mud slicks in the yard. The temperature was above freezing during the day -- a pleasant feel with just the right tinge of coolness. I got things organized for the exams tomorrow and Monday. A faculty reception was a wonderful way to end the day. Lots of people celebrating together.
I felt lucky today. Comradery, sunshine and warmth made the day. A fun song came to mind, too --upbeat and a bit silly. Enjoy!
The day started slowly for a change with sunshine filling the sky again. A walk to a meeting allowed me to enjoy the sun. In the afternoon I spent time working on the reading and grading file. The evening brought a nice outing with a friend, filled with great conversation. When the bill came, I realized that I didn't have my wallet with me. I'd taken the gloves to wear, but left the wallet by the front door. The waitress took my name and number and I walked the 2.5 blocks home and back to pay the bill. Only in a small town <smile>.
I've felt distracted for some time now. It is likely the fatigue of end of term and flurry of events and tasks that come along with this time of year. Yet, forgetting my wallet was a new one for me -- a bit embarrassing. It made me laugh and not feel angry with myself at least <smile>. It also gave me two chances to chat to the Great Pyrenees three doors down. He is an amazingly huge and gentle dog with a stunning golden coat. On my second trip back to the house, he'd just gone inside but was watching out the door -- so I waved. <smile> There -- see it? being more tangential than usual -- lack of focus <smile>. Maybe more sleep will help get recentred.
A great singer-songwriter wrote and recorded a song with a great chorus line that fits my mind working processes today. Interestingly the song is from an album named Flowers in the Dirt, something we are all looking forward to seeing. <smile> Enjoy!
While the air temperature this morning was still cool, the sun brought an amazing warm feeling. I chose to walk into the office just so I could enjoy the sun. The sky remained blue with full on sun throughout the day. I attended a luncheon to celebrate the end of term and worked at a few electronic files that have been sitting waiting for a day when I had time to focus.
A song line played in my head. It reflected the wonder of the spring solar loading. It also embodies feelings of loss. While smaller personal moments with such feelings have crept in recently, they are nothing compared with the profound loss of the Humboldt hockey team players. I've struggled to find words for my feelings and walking in the sun today helped me to do this -- at least in some small way. The lyrics of this song remind me that memories can help guide us toward peace. Several versions of this song have been recorded, but one seemed to convey best the feeling I had when thinking of the melody and lyrics. Enjoy!
Warmth of the Sun -- The Beach Boys with Willie Nelson
During the night snow continued to fall. The snow on the porch rails and sidewalk was about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) deep. Wind had blown smaller drifts in the back yard where it was a bit deeper. I headed out to shovel after hydrating and eating a small breakfast. The sun felt warm on my back. With that sun and the warmer ground, the snow won't hang around too long. Shoveling was difficult in places due to the mud under the snow -- the shovel won't slide as easily along mud as it does on frozen ground. My plow man called to say he was on the block and would push the chunky bits left by the street and sidewalk plows. That was delightful.
As I shoveled I had time to reflect on things. Today I proudly wore my poppy for Vimy Ridge Day. It was 101 years ago that the 4-day battle began, cementing Canada's nationhood firmly in our collective psyche. I pause on this day each year to remember what horror and squalor must have surrounded all four divisions of the army side-by-side and the first air squadron flying overhead and the armored cavalry in the rear. Casualty rates were high, so the win came at a huge cost. My grandfather was part of this battle. He returned home. That 'war to end all wars' is to be remembered -- war before technology moved away from hand-to-hand combat towards bombing from a distance. It was the first place chlorine gas was use as a chemical weapon -- something that has also become more sophisticated. Still, for those who perished or were never really themselves again, the idea of it being the last of the great wars should be remembered -- deconstructed and remembered.
I also wore green today, in solidarity with the Humboldt Broncos family. There are no words to articulate what I'm feeling in the wake of this tragedy -- tears and sadness are there, but the rest refuses to be put into words. So, for today, I wore green.
While working at the office with the music on shuffle, so many wonderful songs flooded my ears and brain. Yet, I wanted one from World War I. So, after thinking through many I'd heard as a child at my grandparents', I settled on one. The melody is lovely and the lyrics tell of a love story in the Somme area of France. The singer is from over 30 years after the war ended, but his voice was amazing. Enjoy!
The snow began in late afternoon. Meteorologists predict snow accumulation in the area of 10 cm to 20+cm -- so it may be deep enough to require a shovel in the morning -- or not. <smile> Indoors I managed to complete the laundry, vacuum and feed myself. Sitting or semi-reclining to listen to TV or nap seemed to be all I could get myself to do. Motivation to do something -- anything -- from the weekend work pile could not be mustered. That means more to carry into the office to complete there tomorrow. Inertia ruled -- and I was not moving forward so this means that the body at rest stayed at rest. There were moments when entropy seemed ready to intrude as my weekend plans seemed to descend into chaos -- total disarray in my head.
Feeling the desire to do nothing seemed odd. It is a feeling that does show up, but work still gets done. For some reason today it just didn't happen. Once exams are over, I hope to sleep well and take a couple of days to do nothing or something as the mood strikes me. I have been waking earlier than usual for weekend mornings, leaving me with much less rest than often occurs on the days away from the office. The culprit likely is too much swirling around in my head -- pulling me out of sleep to think about what needs to be done NOW rather than a comfortable later. I feel I could fall asleep throughout the day which makes reading, writing or other work less enticing. The deadlines looming didn't help me today, so it will have to be done tomorrow.
All the backing and forthing with myself today put me in the mood for a parody -- seemed to fit the day <smile>. Enjoy!
Inactive -- Weird Al Yankovic (parody of Radioactive by Imagine Dragons)
The day was relaxed and productive. I worked on finalizing the last of the exams. It took time, but worked well in the end, I think. While on campus to print a copy, several graduating students greeted me at the door to the building. They were waiting for a group of middle school students who were touring campus today. Upstairs the fall orientation team was holding try-outs so major cheering erupted occasionally. It was an active day on campus.
In the evening, a friend and I went to a fund raising concert for the local theatre. It was a wonderful musical night with local talent singing songs from Woodstock -- the original version <smile>. Great Blue Heron and Whiskey Smoke Blues Band and many others performed some of the fantastic music that filled that 3-day concert. We were treated to a guitar solo of Oh, Canada -- a la Jimi Hendrix's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. The whole evening was a treat.
Many songs came to mind from the evening fete and the original concert. I have two to share today. The first was sung by a wonderful female voice. I'd forgotten the song and loved being reintroduced to it tonight. The second was not sung at Woodstock, but became a major part of the counterculture movement of the time. It was written by a Canadian in response to her male friend's experiences at Woodstock -- likely both on and off the stage. I've chosen a version sung by that male and his band mates. Enjoy!
Bright sun today replaced the grayness of yesterday. It also removed the white ground cover that arrived overnight. We held a potluck for the senior research students at lunch. It was a wonderful celebration of their accomplishments. Comments stressed the 'family' feeling among the group and within the department as well as the learning of students and faculty. It is a gift to be part of their learning and growth. I've found that research students bring such joy, help me to see the world in different ways and allow me to witness the personal growth that goes far beyond factual knowledge acquisition.
Reciprocity in the learning process can often be overlooked. I've tried to explain this learning in classrooms, where learning is not a simple hypodermic effect -- from instructor to student -- but is more of a flow of learning between and among everyone in the room regardless if seated or standing at the front of the room. <smile> I admit that this philosophy of teaching comes from my basic epistemological stance -- postmodernism. It is one that supports the term 'learnings' as a descriptor of the plurality of learning.
The concept of reciprocity seemed to fit the lyrics of a song I hadn't heard for years -- "sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow" Enjoy!
The final lectures for both courses occurred today. The first of the last classes went well, with some great questions from the students. The second of the lasts was just odd. I finished the details for the end of lecture material and prep material for the exam, handed back the last of the lingering assignments and when I looked up most people had left or were on their way out. I was speaking, but that didn't seem to make a difference. Like I said, just plain odd. Being the last of the lasts for me, I said farewell to the three upper year students remaining in the room. walked out of the room where I've spent many hours over the years, turned the lights out and stood their taking it all in before walking out that door.
I again was reminded of the words of Suzanne Farrell, who stated, "I have no wish to see something ending, but rather something evolving." A song also ran through my head for much of the day. The lyrics so clearly present the process of change and moving onward. As one door closes . . . <smile> While the song may sound somewhat less than joyful, the words can carry a positive message. Enjoy!
Many people are remembered on this date. In Canada, it is Refugee Rights Day -- a day to remember the 1985 Supreme Court decision that noted the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the basic human rights of refugees in the country. This also is the 90th anniversary of the birth of Maya Angelou. Her words spoke volumes to the marginalized. My favourite poem still is "I Rise." It was a delight to see the Google Doodle use this to commemorate the date. Today the world remembers the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. As a visionary, the "I have a dream' speech noted his belief that the world would change for the better over time.
Eloquent words were the tools of Angelou and MLK. Two quotes that mean a lot to me are shared here.
Dr. King believed in the power of love to change the world. He noted,
Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.
This spoke to me about the need to treat people well, even those who want to push you down.
Maya Angelou stated,
Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes curling my back to the loneliness.
These words make me smile. While I use music to help me contextualize the world around me, it does feel like a refuge from the negativity found in some days. Music also provides me with a place to celebrate the small -- or larger -- triumphs of the days.
The two people and one legal decision that have this one day in common all deal with the need to recognize the importance of one person. Whether friend or foe, all have rights and should be treated with respect. I found my head going in many directions for a song today. I did manage to settle on one song with lyrics that focus on putting love at the centre -- and notes MLK's death. Enjoy!
Another sunny day brought sunshine to the kitchen floor for the furry one and something to lift my spirits. I've found some puzzling actions in others that make me realize that the more I think I know the less I understand. Some of this may be a generational thing -- heaven knows there is ageism headed in both directions <smile>. I have to remind myself that age doesn't guarantee wisdom, but it can bring with it time for reflection. Yet not all people take the chance to focus on what, why, so what, now what -- a process at the heart of the adult learning model. Thinking through a situation to understand why or how it impacted one can bring great insight. If we go further to see what role we played in the process, that reflexive focus can bring much deeper understanding of self, others and our roles in the world.
I find just when I think I understand and then expect certain actions, they just don't happen. There is some self-centred bits to that statement -- like why would I think that I understand what I or others might do in a particular situation. I don't fully comprehend my own actions at times, so what makes me able to foresee the decision making processes of others. Interesting, eh? Things that don't go as I'd planned -- due to actions of my own as well as those of someone else -- leave me feeling a degree of anger -- which may be made up of resentment, disappointment, and a whole host of other emotions, none of which are upbeat happy things. That can be carried around and never fully dealt with. When that occurs the chance of longer term damage grows. Learning to work through things and let them go takes a lot of energy -- it is work in the truest sense of that word. But, just because it is hard to do shouldn't mean we ignore it and just carry it around forever.
This line of thought brought some song lyrics to mind. One song of the many in my head won the lyric lottery today -- with lines such as "you keep carrying that anger, it'll eat you up inside" and also "the more I know, the less I understand." The version shared here is performed by one of the songwriters. I've loved his songs and voice since I first heard them just a little while ago <smile>. Enjoy!
The final Monday 8:15 of the term was today. Much activity on the weekend led to classroom activity today and desk and computer activity into the afternoon. I found myself running from one place to the next -- like a rat scurrying in a maze. Lots of tasks completed and others underway. The final group of grading before final exams was completed at home tonight. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home from work and for the first time in a very long time -- I repeated the total with a question in my vocal inflection. Like really? I bought things that were on the list, several of which were on sale. I did get a 3 or 4 items not on the list because they were on sale and one because I remembered needing it while wandering the vast expanse of aisles and products. Again, it felt like a rat in a maze.
Physical fatigue from doing one thing at a time can be big. Ticking through the 'to do' list but not organizing trips to printers, mail, main office and such can become very uncoordinated. Taking three tasks down the hall seems more efficient than three or four separate trips. Such was the way of my Monday -- constant motion even when seated <smile>. Once home, I made several trips down stairs to do different tasks, rather than grouping things as I generally try to do. My brain seems not willing to organize things -- again that decision fatigue I spoke of here. Maybe this is the mind's way of working to avoid further decisions -- just allowing one task at a time into the mix and when that is done the next starts. Nothing runs together. Or maybe I just need more sleep in order to kick things into high gear brain-wise. Now that is a goal I can get behind <smile>.
Earlier in the day I read about a song that was recorded on April 2 1964 -- 54 years ago. It is one that can stick in a mind <smile>. It melds together three wonderful styles - a capella intro, rock verses, and a great falsetto chorus. It is from the very early days of an historic band and sound. Enjoy!
Today is Easter Sunday. It is also April Fools Day, Oestre (German Goddess of Spring) and part of Passover. Based on social media posts, April Fools Day on Easter led to some bizarre suggestions for how to scar children for life -- hiding eggs that aren't eggs or not hiding anything at all and sending them out to look. The darkness inherent in such actions seems to be in opposition to the basis of the holiday itself. But, that may just be me. <sigh>
NBC is doing another live musical tonight -- Jesus Christ Superstar. I have known the words to the full libretto since childhood. So, a sing-a-long is highly anticipated. <smile> Over the years, I've seen stage plays, the movie and a concert of the music. I'll admit that the early rock musicals were amazing -- this one and Tommy were the first that I came to know. Casting for the live show tonight brought some surprises -- Alice Cooper as Herod, for example. John Legend in the lead role and Sara Bareilles as Mary Magellan will be two very powerful voices with amazing songs to perform.
It shouldn't be a surprise that the selection for today comes from that rock musical. This one is from early in the play and was challenged since it humanized Christ. Yet it was one that showed the man well. Enjoy!
