It is the night before Christmas and alas, all the gifts are wrapped and ready for delivery. For once, I am not scrambling around, running around at the shopping mall, fighting shoppers and shopping lines.
Certainly, Christmas is a brief respite from the every day, the mundane, and the routine of work days. Everyone at work is normally a little bit more talkative, happier and giving, whether it be treats or some cheery conversation.
It is also an excuse to visit relatives, or friends, some of whom we have not seem for a long time.
For those people who live in the same town, Christmas visiting is not much of a problem, and may involve a car ride or a bus away.
I do remember a time when I had a Christmas, where I was alone and far away from home.
I lived in Kitimat, , a city in northern B.C. , with a population of 9,000. I knew no one there and went there for the primary purpose of work.
It was a blistery and snowy time and I arrived in the city a few days earlier to buy a used vehicle for $500 which would take me around town and assist me in my reporting job.
It was a brown station wagon and in good condition and was a real steal. After a few pleasantries with the friendly lady, I drove away with my very first car.
Later, I arrived at my apartment and closed the door on the white winter behind me. I realized that I was finally all alone and although I knew no one there, I felt confident that I was ready to face a bright, new world.
But the amazing thing is that the more I was away from familiarity, the more it made me more reflective of my previous Christmases where mornings meant scrambling to open presents and playing with new items, (as a child) and seeing new clothes.
But that was not the Christmas I had in Kitimat. It was a huge sacrifice to go to a place that was as unfamiliar as an unread book. I would later receive regular care packets from home, which contained letters and food. Letters were something that I did on a regular basis and received the same from relatives.
I, and thousands of people like myself, relied on the post office for communication from people far away. Long distance calls were outrageously expensive then, not unlike the unlimited cell plans one has today.
What is clear is that no matter where a person is in this world, even if you happen to be climbing a mountain in Kilimanjaro, everyone wants to be with someone around Christmas. Even if a person is far way from other people, a thought, letter, or email is the best way to get people in the right and peaceful frame of mind.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tis the Season to Have Winter
Summer dreams are but a few season's away. Now that we are in the midst of winter, we only need to look else to feel envious of other places that are full of beaches and sunshine.
But where would the pining for summer be, if not for the cold climes of a wintry's day? We are more appreciate of a summer's day if we experience it's opposite.
Who can tolerate lemonade and cold drinks all the time? Where would we be without hot chocolate, or a eggnog latte?
Although I sometimes envy those who live in year-round sunshine, I think too, it is good to take a break from sunshine, shorts and longer nights.
We all need a break from routine and all of nature seems to become more beautiful, poignant, and dramatic on a winter's day.
Check out your local lake or beach some time. And don't forget to bring your camera.
But where would the pining for summer be, if not for the cold climes of a wintry's day? We are more appreciate of a summer's day if we experience it's opposite.
Who can tolerate lemonade and cold drinks all the time? Where would we be without hot chocolate, or a eggnog latte?
Although I sometimes envy those who live in year-round sunshine, I think too, it is good to take a break from sunshine, shorts and longer nights.
We all need a break from routine and all of nature seems to become more beautiful, poignant, and dramatic on a winter's day.
Check out your local lake or beach some time. And don't forget to bring your camera.
Why David Letterman Is Not So Funny
Those late night comics must be getting desperate. Especially, David who used to be funny, especially back in the days when he was starting up. And now that he is up, meaning famous among the late-nighters, he is not funny.
Especially when the funny is supposed to be scenes of people, who are actors, being bitten by sharks, having a fallen object crash on a person's head, and other forms of dismemberment that used to be in the purviews of the shock horror Stephen King movies.
Have we become so insensitized and desensitized that the latest jokes involve having people being displayed violently killed in front of the television audience? Gone are the days when people would laugh at stand-up jokes made by the likes of Carol Burnett, Phyllis Diller, Robin Williams, etc.
We seem to be living in a leaner, meaner society, especially if we look at the humor on Dave's show. Course it's all in fun, but I liked it better when fun meant poking at the idiosyncracies of people's habits, like the bad driver, or the inattentive one, or airplanes with the skinny bathroom stalls, or the co-worker who gets way too disruptive on the job, or skinny people who pay $20 for an all-you-can-eat buffet, and only eat the greens, or the cat who thinks it's a dog, or the dog who thinks it's a cat.
Dave the jokes on you, and please drop the tired Regis Philbin jokes.
Especially when the funny is supposed to be scenes of people, who are actors, being bitten by sharks, having a fallen object crash on a person's head, and other forms of dismemberment that used to be in the purviews of the shock horror Stephen King movies.
Have we become so insensitized and desensitized that the latest jokes involve having people being displayed violently killed in front of the television audience? Gone are the days when people would laugh at stand-up jokes made by the likes of Carol Burnett, Phyllis Diller, Robin Williams, etc.
We seem to be living in a leaner, meaner society, especially if we look at the humor on Dave's show. Course it's all in fun, but I liked it better when fun meant poking at the idiosyncracies of people's habits, like the bad driver, or the inattentive one, or airplanes with the skinny bathroom stalls, or the co-worker who gets way too disruptive on the job, or skinny people who pay $20 for an all-you-can-eat buffet, and only eat the greens, or the cat who thinks it's a dog, or the dog who thinks it's a cat.
Dave the jokes on you, and please drop the tired Regis Philbin jokes.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Goodbye 2009; Hello 2010
Goodbye 2009 and welcome 2010. It's been a year of great changes; some good; some bad.
We've seen the arrival of the first African-American President of the United States, which gave millions of people world-wide that change can happen, and sometimes in this life-time.
It's been a heck of a year and people whose songs have influenced many people, are now gone. People like M.J aka Michael Jackson, whose music and lyrics spoke of love and multiculturalism. Others like Walter Kronkite, Patrick Swayze, Ted Kennedy and Karl Malden will all be remembered too.
Others have died too young and still full of talent.
It is hard to know what will come about in the New Year. Death is sometimes something we cannot prevent and is unforseeable. At the same time, we, all of us, have the power to change things for the better. Like changing our way of thinking, from negative to positive. Like making positive choices, whether it be limiting our caloric intact, to cutting down the number of credit cards one has in the purse.
Whenever we set up a plan to do things, we often are prevented from doing so, due to external things, like television or the latest gadget. 2010 should be a time for us to realize all of our dreams and reach our full potential. If this means limiting the amount of television, so be it. Think of all the things one can do or take part in next year: like learning to paint, pursue art, or cook a difficult dish, or volunteering at the local S.P.C.A. Why wait for tomorrow? Now is the time to do what you have been putting off. Excuses is something we all dream of. Action is the power to change and make something out of nothing.
If we fail to take action for ourselves and make life interesting for ourselves, we may end up with something like this on our epitaph: Television ruled my life.
We've seen the arrival of the first African-American President of the United States, which gave millions of people world-wide that change can happen, and sometimes in this life-time.
It's been a heck of a year and people whose songs have influenced many people, are now gone. People like M.J aka Michael Jackson, whose music and lyrics spoke of love and multiculturalism. Others like Walter Kronkite, Patrick Swayze, Ted Kennedy and Karl Malden will all be remembered too.
Others have died too young and still full of talent.
It is hard to know what will come about in the New Year. Death is sometimes something we cannot prevent and is unforseeable. At the same time, we, all of us, have the power to change things for the better. Like changing our way of thinking, from negative to positive. Like making positive choices, whether it be limiting our caloric intact, to cutting down the number of credit cards one has in the purse.
Whenever we set up a plan to do things, we often are prevented from doing so, due to external things, like television or the latest gadget. 2010 should be a time for us to realize all of our dreams and reach our full potential. If this means limiting the amount of television, so be it. Think of all the things one can do or take part in next year: like learning to paint, pursue art, or cook a difficult dish, or volunteering at the local S.P.C.A. Why wait for tomorrow? Now is the time to do what you have been putting off. Excuses is something we all dream of. Action is the power to change and make something out of nothing.
If we fail to take action for ourselves and make life interesting for ourselves, we may end up with something like this on our epitaph: Television ruled my life.
Why it's Never too Late to Commit to New Year's Resolutions
As the clock ticks closer towards a new decade, some of us who live for tomorrow will be writing or thinking about a New Year's resolutions, or promises made to ourselves that we hope will lead to a better way of life or thinking.
Of course, it's always the 'lose weight' mentality. But just how many of us will commit to joining the gym, or cutting down on the calories? it's difficult, but it really helps when a whole group of people come together to work towards a common cause.
Take for example, global warming. If whole groups of people commit to taking the bus more often, leaving the car at home, taking the train, rather than the plane, I am sure that we will see a real reduction in the effects of global warming.
But to weight again. I eat very little meat these days, that's because my dinner partner rarely touches the stuff, preferring seafood, to red meats. At first, it was hard to give up on the steaks and ribs, but gradually the yearnings for the heavier and heartier meals gave way to less and less. Finally, I was munching on vegetarian soups and tomato based pastas. Of course, I do grab the traditional fare from time to time, but I can truthfully say that it is getting less frequent.
What I've noticed more and more is that this type of lifestyle, the vegetarian one, gives way to more peaceful, more quieter ways of talking and thinking.
I wonder if our politicians around the world are willing to commit to a steady dose of vegetarianism in hopes that the world tomorrow will be a more peaceful and loving one. Let's put down our arms and grab a tomato.
Of course, it's always the 'lose weight' mentality. But just how many of us will commit to joining the gym, or cutting down on the calories? it's difficult, but it really helps when a whole group of people come together to work towards a common cause.
Take for example, global warming. If whole groups of people commit to taking the bus more often, leaving the car at home, taking the train, rather than the plane, I am sure that we will see a real reduction in the effects of global warming.
But to weight again. I eat very little meat these days, that's because my dinner partner rarely touches the stuff, preferring seafood, to red meats. At first, it was hard to give up on the steaks and ribs, but gradually the yearnings for the heavier and heartier meals gave way to less and less. Finally, I was munching on vegetarian soups and tomato based pastas. Of course, I do grab the traditional fare from time to time, but I can truthfully say that it is getting less frequent.
What I've noticed more and more is that this type of lifestyle, the vegetarian one, gives way to more peaceful, more quieter ways of talking and thinking.
I wonder if our politicians around the world are willing to commit to a steady dose of vegetarianism in hopes that the world tomorrow will be a more peaceful and loving one. Let's put down our arms and grab a tomato.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Why Age really doesn't Make a difference
So here we go again. A new hiring class is coming to the centre. There will be some early twenty-somethings, no doubt, along with scores of people late twenties, early 30's, may be even forties, or fifties.
These days, it is not uncommon for many people of all ages to work together. In fact, it is a reality to find that your supervisor may be younger, or even twice as young as yourself. In many work places, such as call centres or the food service industry, one may be talking to someone very much younger than yourself.
Yet, this person may have been in high school five years ago, talking, laughing and dealing with people their own ages. I am sure that the present high school aged student may be very much surprised to realize that some where down the road, they will have to sit and work with someone much older than themselves.
Another observation: this newborn baby that is arriving in the world today may soon be your coworker or supervisor some twenty years later if you happen to work in the same town and share the same passion.
Clearly, the older a person gets, the less the gap between the young and old. Consider these differences: ages one to 10, ages 10 to 20, ages 20 to 30, ages 30 to 40, ages 50 to 60, ages 70 to 80, ages 80 to 90, ages 90 to 100, and so one.
If you've noticed something about this is that a person's youth is relatively short, but a person generally has a much longer time living his/her life as an older person.
Life's this way. We need to spend all of our times savouring every moment along the road.
These days, it is not uncommon for many people of all ages to work together. In fact, it is a reality to find that your supervisor may be younger, or even twice as young as yourself. In many work places, such as call centres or the food service industry, one may be talking to someone very much younger than yourself.
Yet, this person may have been in high school five years ago, talking, laughing and dealing with people their own ages. I am sure that the present high school aged student may be very much surprised to realize that some where down the road, they will have to sit and work with someone much older than themselves.
Another observation: this newborn baby that is arriving in the world today may soon be your coworker or supervisor some twenty years later if you happen to work in the same town and share the same passion.
Clearly, the older a person gets, the less the gap between the young and old. Consider these differences: ages one to 10, ages 10 to 20, ages 20 to 30, ages 30 to 40, ages 50 to 60, ages 70 to 80, ages 80 to 90, ages 90 to 100, and so one.
If you've noticed something about this is that a person's youth is relatively short, but a person generally has a much longer time living his/her life as an older person.
Life's this way. We need to spend all of our times savouring every moment along the road.
Why are there No Regular Exercise Programs on TV?
Given the amount of obesity we have in society, it would make more sense if there was a TV channel that was devoted to just exercise and fitness.
Although I can sometimes see random programs from time to time about yoga, it is never on a regular basis and it is more likely to be an infomerical.
Wouldn't it be nice to see something on TV that provided useful advice about slimming those waistlines or toning up? There are programs like the Biggest Loser which showcases large people trying to lose weight.
We have the Shopping Network. Why not a fitness channel?
People like myself would be able to learn useful things about stretching, hula dancing and/or even belly dancing. This would be ideal for the house-bound, such as the elderly, mothers or people who are too lazy to go the gym. It is also very expensive to the gym.
Well, enough about wishful thinking. Perhaps if TV won't help, the only other alternatives are to buy a used DVD tape on exercise, cut down on food, and go for a daily walk. Life is going to be the same for many people; one has got to change for the better.
Although I can sometimes see random programs from time to time about yoga, it is never on a regular basis and it is more likely to be an infomerical.
Wouldn't it be nice to see something on TV that provided useful advice about slimming those waistlines or toning up? There are programs like the Biggest Loser which showcases large people trying to lose weight.
We have the Shopping Network. Why not a fitness channel?
People like myself would be able to learn useful things about stretching, hula dancing and/or even belly dancing. This would be ideal for the house-bound, such as the elderly, mothers or people who are too lazy to go the gym. It is also very expensive to the gym.
Well, enough about wishful thinking. Perhaps if TV won't help, the only other alternatives are to buy a used DVD tape on exercise, cut down on food, and go for a daily walk. Life is going to be the same for many people; one has got to change for the better.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Why Food TV Network is not Good for the Pocketbook or Health
Sometimes when the night is long and sleep does not come easily, I turn to watch the Food Network channel. While the programs are often enjoyable and interesting, I found one program called Unwrapped, may influence people into becoming more lazy cooks.
For example, one episode showcased the history and popularity of a brand called Mrs. Smith's. This product line turns out thousands of pies of all varieties, for special occasions like Thanksgiving and not so special events. But what ever happened to good old pie-making? I once participated in a pie contest at work. It is so much more rewarding and economical to make your own pies and add your own ingredients. In my case, I made a recipe that was a combination of apples and nectarines. The sweetness and sourness of the two ingredients must have been a great combination because it was enough to impress the judges. I won first place, which surprised me because the other contestants had submissions that appeared to have been very time-consuming but was equally impressive.
I applaud all new bakers! As an infrequent baker myself, I wholeheartedly encourage people to try to bake or make your own desserts. It is far more rewarding to do so, and people who choose to buy, rather than make your own desserts, may be missing out on an experience that not only helps stretch the dollar, but teaches kids, too that sometimes the best things come about when you work twice as hard at something.
Have we reached the stage as a society that people are now to lazy to do things for themselves? Nowadays, we can heat up everthing for our every day needs and find our breakfast, lunch and dinner all ready to heat in the frozen food aisle. Therein may lie the heart of some of society's unemployment problem. There are many people out there who are too lazy to work, much less make food for themselves.
For example, one episode showcased the history and popularity of a brand called Mrs. Smith's. This product line turns out thousands of pies of all varieties, for special occasions like Thanksgiving and not so special events. But what ever happened to good old pie-making? I once participated in a pie contest at work. It is so much more rewarding and economical to make your own pies and add your own ingredients. In my case, I made a recipe that was a combination of apples and nectarines. The sweetness and sourness of the two ingredients must have been a great combination because it was enough to impress the judges. I won first place, which surprised me because the other contestants had submissions that appeared to have been very time-consuming but was equally impressive.
I applaud all new bakers! As an infrequent baker myself, I wholeheartedly encourage people to try to bake or make your own desserts. It is far more rewarding to do so, and people who choose to buy, rather than make your own desserts, may be missing out on an experience that not only helps stretch the dollar, but teaches kids, too that sometimes the best things come about when you work twice as hard at something.
Have we reached the stage as a society that people are now to lazy to do things for themselves? Nowadays, we can heat up everthing for our every day needs and find our breakfast, lunch and dinner all ready to heat in the frozen food aisle. Therein may lie the heart of some of society's unemployment problem. There are many people out there who are too lazy to work, much less make food for themselves.
Why Some Truck Drivers Are Not A Driver's Best Friend
Despite what some song writers say, Monday mornings are not exactly a fun part of the week. It is fine for people who look forward to an interesting event, like a trip to the airport to take an exciting destination, or a job interview that promises a better job and salary, plus a way out of a dead-end job. For most people, Monday's are the beginning of a long and stressful work week.
Actually, this was not my fate on this day, four days before Chrismas 2009. I was heading towards work, giving myself a good 45 minutes head start, to allow me to arrive to work early, grab a coffee and read some emails. I combed my hair, dabbed on the appropriate cost-friendly make-up, packed a microwaveable vegan lunch and set off on my way to work.
Half-way there, I stop at a light and feel a thud at my bumper. There is a huge truck right behind me; not a snow blower! The lights turn green and before I know it, the truck has started to push me all the way through the intersection, despite my horns blazing and my emergency lights on. I quckly pull over to the side of the road.
The truck is gray-white and speeds on past the intersection. I am upset, hurt, and shocked that the trucker not only crashed into me, but also wilfully pushed my car and speed away without so much of a backward glance. This driver did not have noticeable license plate, which would have allowed me to report him more accurately.
This incredible act of cowardice and total disrespect is unfortunately what good drivers like myself have to face on a more and more regular basis from people who have no right to be on the road.
And yet, it is unfortunate that I hear too often about how pedestrians are hurt, even injured by hit and run drivers. Not too long ago, I read about this lady walking her dog that was killed by a hit and run truck driver.
A few years back, I was driving on a bridge heading to work and faced a long-haul truck driver tailing me agressively close, as if to frighten me, and possibly cause an accident.
As of this writing, I am still traumatized by this recent Monday morning experience and must stress that this sounds as though I am pointing out all truck drivers as being bad. This is incorrect. I am merely recording my thoughts about my experience with this particular driver.
I do suggest that every driver come equipped with options that will give them the ability to deal with hit and run drivers. You can start with a digital camera which you can use to photograph the truck or car if it speeds away. Perhaps, on review of the photo, the camera may reveal information about the driver.
As I only got the name of the truck company, this is hardly enough information to provide to the police. Of couse, a cellphone comes in handy, so that you can call 911. Also staying calm and focused is the best way to come out of a bad situation. You are responsible for your own life and although there are bad drivers out there, one must take steps to take in the event that the driver turns into your worst nightmare: the hit and run driver.
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