2012 in Review

The end of another year is almost upon us. It's gone by quick but slow, and with that in mind, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on some key moments throughout this year.

January
-Allie turned the big one-nine
-Great gram had a rough go of things, but she pulled through

 February
-I had myself a Valentine, who took me to see Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 3D, making me not so anti-valentine after all

-The Hobbit was still as horrible to read as it was when I was in the sixth grade (it was for my degree... whaddaya want from me?)
-Auto Show! I'm not a car freak, but I do enjoy going to see what there is to see

March
-I went on the ultimate girl adventure: my Goose asked me to be in her bridal party, and we went and spent an afternoon shopping for wedding dresses. The dress she chose was also one that I pulled off the rack!
-My 9 year old cousin won his battle with leukemia
-A week later, that cousin's great-grandmother, who was also my aunt, died of cancer
-The weather was that of May instead of March. The air was fresh, sweet, and glorious
-I started to get job placements through temp agencies

April
-With help from some glorious weather on Easter weekend, our household had its first-ever paper airplane competition with my uncle winning the title

-Happy birthday to my mom-friend
-I tried lamb for the first time. I discovered that I don't care for it, but I'll eat it to be polite
-On the 9th day, 1917, Canada won the Battle for Vimy Ridge

May
-Dadder's birthday!
-I always remember my high school science teacher during this month as he would wander through the hallways saying, "May the fourth be with you!"
-I sent my boyfriend a dirty picture of myself (I was filthy from changing the tires on my car, so my mother snapped a pic, and I sent it to him. Get your head out of the gutter)

-Happy 2-4!

June
-Hello, strawberry season!
-The CFL was underway, along with Ivor Wynne Stadium's final year (the home of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats)
-I watched the airshow from my front yard, and yes, it made me very happy
-Lola our Showgirl came back to Canada from France for a visit. It was like she had never left

July
-I was taken on with Arbitrage Magazine, lovingly known as The ARB

-Canada Day! Like every year, my family could be found at the Rec Park
-The Summer Olympics in London, England was in full swing
-The heat in Southern Ontario was insane (for the record, I hate the heat)
-The best fruits and veggies that a person could ever want were finally in season at neighbouring farms
-We adopted the adorable, beautiful, cuddly stray cat that had been hanging around our property. Her name was Meu

-I went to my first-ever midnight movie showing: The Dark Knight Rises

August
-Thoughts of the fair were in the air
-We had become accustomed to Meu being a part of our family
-Mum and I had ourselves an impromptu picnic dinner at the Grand River in Caledonia, bringing back many childhood memories for her
-The days were still hot, but fall could start to be felt in the evening
-My cancer-free cousin and his family went to Legoland in California, compliments of the children's Make-A-Wish foundation

September
-Allie moved back to school
-Our Meu was killed when she got hit by a car. We had her trained to stay off the road at the front of our house, but it never dawned on us that she would go through the field to the road at the side. We were quite sad as she was more than just a cat
-Talk derby to me! The Binbrook Fair was in full swing
-Great gram celebrated her 99th birthday
-Ivor Wynne Stadium hosted its final Labour Day Classic
-My first article with the ARB was posted
-The new Bellmoore opened, and the original Bellmoore became a French Immersion school

October
-It was the year of quarter-century increments: I turned 25, my uncle turned 50, and my papa 75
-I took my boyfriend, who is a hard-core city boy, out on a pumpkin patch adventure that Charlie Brown would envy, complete with gourd slingshots, wagon ride, and cornfield maze
-The suicide of tenth-grader Amanda Todd took the nation by storm, and upped the ante on anti-bullying campaigns across the country

-The end of my road finally had a stoplight put in. It should have been there many years ago when one of my recess playmates was killed at that particular intersection when I was in grade three (she was in the second grade)

November
-Remembrance Day was memorable, like always. I met up with former cadets, former officers, and the service guest speaker, Ted Barris, gave me hope that I too can successfully keep the memories of our veterans alive
-Consumerism drove me bat-shit bonkers yet again as like every year, Halloween had been over for a matter of hours, and the commercials for Christmas had begun
-I interviewed a couple of veterans for my ARBicle, "Confessions of a Poppy Hoarder"
-My dear, darling boyfriend brought me flowers on the 19th to celebrate knowing me for a full year (we met in the Dominican Republic at a friend's wedding November 2011)
-I went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (I had received tickets for my birthday)
-I finished my Literature for Children course

December
-Christmas was in the air, and I started to feel the spirit of the season
-I applied for the ARB's co Editor-in-Chief position, but I wasn't chosen. I'm glad I tried, but I think I may have felt like I was in over my head if I got the position, so a Staff Writer I remain
-Allie moved back home
-The world was supposed to end, but when I woke up the morning of the 21st, and saw that China was still here, I figured the world was planning on sticking around for a while longer
-My family hosted its first-annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
-Unlike last winter, we actually got some snow. I've already been out snowshoeing

If I'm exhausted by the end of tomorrow night, New Years Eve, I think you can understand why. It's been a busy, but fulfilling year. Those of you who have plans for ringing in the new year, may it be healthy and happy. May 2012 have done you well, and may 2013 only get better!

Happy New Year!

 

Christmas Time is Here! Well, Almost...

Merry Christmas Eve Day, everybody! If you don't celebrate Christmas, Happy Whatever-You-Celebrate instead!

Our halls our decked, the tree looks great, and Allie and I will be having ourselves an epic game of Whoville-opoly by the end of the day. Maybe we'll have ourselves a cup of cheer while we play. the Christmas music is blasting through the speakers, presents are wrapped and under the tree. All we have to do now is wait for Santa to come tonight.

If you'd like to see where in the world Santa is at this moment, NORAD has you covered (follow the link below).

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/track.html


Have a great Christmas and New Year!

An Important ARB Piece

Hello again!

My latest article with Arbitrage Magazine has been posted. I encourage passing it along after you've read it. For the readers outside of Canada, Amanda Todd made headlines when she ended her life back in October as the result of bullying. She was only in grade 10. Please speak up for the victims, and stand up to the bullies. No more lives need to be lost due to bullying.

For more on bullying, and standing up to it, please refer to my posts Purple Rain (October 2011), Why So Homophobic? and Why So Homophobic? Part 2 (October 2011), In the Words of Rick Mercer (October 2011), Think Pink (February 2012), Bursting With Pride (July 2012), and An Unfair Price to Pay (October 2012).

Please follow the link below to my ARBicle.

http://www.arbitragemagazine.com/topics/culture/bullying-amanda-todd-case046/

Latest ARBicle

Hey all!

My latest piece for Arbitrage Magazine has been posted. Check it out! If you like it, please, pass it along. Also, this article is for everyone who has ever served in the military. I gave my thanks to you.

http://www.arbitragemagazine.com/editorial-opinion/confessions-poppy-hoarder/

11 Days of Remembrance: There's No Place Like Home

I attended the Remembrance Day service at Canadian Warplane Heritage today. Walking through the hangar doors, I took a breath and said to myself (ever so quietly), "it's good to be home." As I had many an Annual Inspection at CWH, does it come as any surprise that it would be another home for me?

As I had more than enough time to spare before the service started, roughly 90 minutes, I walked though many of the aircraft that I'd be surrounded by on those inspections long ago. I could only make my way through half, though, as the other half of the hangar had replaced the aircraft with chairs for today's ceremony. Still, I was able to find the beautiful Stearman that I had the privilege of flying in when I was 18.

When I had finished walking through the aircraft that had stayed indoors, I went back to my seat for a bit. After I'd sat down, I started to think about my first Remembrance Day service at Warplane Heritage.

I wasn't a cadet for very long, two weeks at the most, when 779 Squadron's Commanding Officer stated that he needed cadets to volunteer to represent the squadron at Warplane Heritage's Remembrance Day service. He had letters for the volunteers to take to school stating the importance behind why they'd be missing morning classes.

I wasn't going to go. I thought I was too new, I was shy, and besides, I didn't even have a uniform yet. However, my mother begged to differ, and told me to turn myself around, and go get one of those letters from the C.O. So I did.

I was so shy. I had done myself up as professionally as a 12 year old could manage, but I still looked somewhat out of place. There was a small gaggle of cadets, all of whom outranked me. The squadron Chief was one of those cadets. I had distanced myself slightly from the gaggle. I didn't know if I'd belong or be accepted. But then I heard the Chief say, "where's the little one?" He turned around, and there I was. I was asked why I wasn't joining the group, and without much say, a couple cadets shuffled over, and made space for me to join them. Ever since, uniform or not, I've tried to make my way out to CWH for Remembrance Day.

As always, the service was moving and thought provoking. The guest speaker, though, he was someone to be admired. No, he wasn't a war hero, or a big-shot fighter pilot. He was an author who's doing what I"m trying just as hard to accomplish. His name was Ted Barris, and he shares the stories of veterans.

So much of what he was trying to instill in people is what I try so hard to do myself. He wants to help keep the memories of our veterans alive. He would interview them, or have a casual conversation. The speaker would try to get them to discuss that which many have tried so hard to bury. He wouldn't pressure them per se, but the veterans would eventually speak about things they had experienced that they really didn't want to talk about.

There was one thing he did, though, that's equally important. He reminded everyone to remember our veterans of today, the men and women who served in Afghanistan. Like me, he believed their stories and experiences are also too important to forget.

When Mr. Barris was finished speaking, I was left with a feeling of hope, hope that I too can accomplish that same goal: Encourage people to not only thank a veteran, but to ask them about their experiences, to remember our vets of both the past and present, and to never let their memories fade. Such a long way to come, from being a shy cadet at my first service to now wanting to get up and make similar speeches like those of Ted Barris.

Those brave men and women... They not only fought for our freedoms, but also for our future. After today, I now hope that I can have a future like that of Mr. Barris where I share the stories of the past, and remind everyone of the present. After all, it's the least he or I can do to thank all veterans.

And so concludes the 2012 edition of 11 Days of Remembrance. Please don't forget to peruse the November 2011 edition. Most important, though, I'd like to say thank you to all veterans, past, present, and to come. You have all made this Earth a better place.

ARBicle #2

Arbitrage Magazine has now posted my second piece. Check it out, and pass it on. Don't forget to see what else the ARB has to offer.

http://www.arbitragemagazine.com/general/binbrooks-community-fair-continues-shine-158-years/

I hope you like it.

11 Days of Remembrance: Don't Forget

Tomorrow morning, I'll be at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum taking in the local Remembrance Day service, the second-largest one in Canada. If you're able to, go to a service as well. If not, there will be many to choose from on the television and radio. Most important, though, don't forget to wear a poppy over your heart, and have a few moments' silence for the fallen. I'll check back in tomorrow when I return from Warplane Heritage.

Don't forget to remember.

My First ARB Article Has Been Posted!

As I'm certain many of you are aware, I've started writing for Arbitrage Magazine. Well, today's a good day as my first-ever piece has finally been posted. Check it out, and please let me know what you think! Also, don't forget to see what else the ARB has to offer.

http://www.arbitragemagazine.com/general/return-black-tuesday-surviving-great-depression/

Thanks for reading!

11 Days of Remembrance: Armour From the Button Box

My great-gram had a button box that my mother accquired many years ago. Who doesn't love to rummage through old buttons? Of course, some of the buttons in the box captured my attention more than others, but not as much as one that's become very special to me.

In that button box were old Royal Canadian Air Force buttons. Does it really come as any surpise that they ended up in my posession? I only have one now as the others were put to alternate uses, such as a wine glass charm, or with other people, but there is one that I keep for a single, special purpose: It's my suit of armour.

A button as a suit of armour may come across as odd. How can something the size of a thumbnail hold so much power? The answer is surprisingly simple, or at least for me. Once upon a time, someone who was full of bravery and courage, much more than myself, wore that button on his uniform in situations that nightmares are made of. When I know that I'm going to be in a situation that makes me nervous or on edge, I'll take my suit of armour, and slip it into my pocket. Believe it or not, running my fingers over the Albatros and RCAF calms my nerves. I like to think that some of that bravery of old made its way into my button armour.

How something so small could have an impact so large I really can't explain beyond what I've already told, yet I think at the same time you can understand. To whoever wore my button on his tunic in the past, thank you for passing some of your courage on to me.


For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011.

The Bill Kelly Bash

I was listening to 900 CHML this morning, as I've lately been doing on my way to work. Bill Kelly, one of the radio voices, usually goes on a rant that he could only dream are as epic and well done as Rick Mercer's. Still, I listen on the off-chance that he does something interesting. This morning was surprisingly such for the wrong reasons.

Mr. Kelly's morning tangent pertained to our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, making suggestions to US President, Barack Obama, on what he could do to prevent and improve the American "Fiscal Cliff" that needs to be fixed before the States falls back into another economic recession. Well, Mr. Kelly decided to go on about how it was a Republican issue, and that Prime Minister Harper really ought to do his homework before giving economic advice. Sadly for Mr. Kelly, he didn't do homework of his own.

You see, Prime Minister Harper's background is economics. Suddenly, knowing that the PM holds a degree in the subject makes him much more qualified to give the President economical advice than the average schmuck.

Bill Kelly, the next time you feel the need to tell someone to, "do their homework" before giving helpful advice, eat your words. Had you done YOUR homework, you would discover that people are qualified to do more than just listen to themselves on the radio.

11 Days of Remembrance: Did You Know That...

Did you know that...

...2005 was the Year of the Veteran?

...the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, located at the Hamilton Airport, is home to one of two Lancaster Bombers in the world that is still capable of flight?

...the cemetery behind St. Paul's Anglican Church on Hwy#6 in Glanford has buried 14 men who were killed during flight training at the Hamilton Airport between 1941-1943 (there are two more men buried at a Synagogue in Brantford)?

...the cadet program was originally created to train young men for war?

...the man Sir Winston Churchill named the Saviour of Ceylon, Retired Air Commodore Leonard Birchall, was Canadian?

Well, now you know!

For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011.

11 Days of Remembrance: Be Brave, Little Soldier

Be mine, o torch,
I hold you dear
So you don't scorch
Tales of yesteryear.

"Lest we forget,"
A simple phrase
That we easily let
Fade in a haze.

Two words as one
Not easy to do
For most everyone
Seems to be true.

Ones from ago,
About we hear.
Does anyone know
Of the ones of last year?

Down the Highway
of Heroes went many
Paying respects as the dead went away.
Too many died when there shouldn't be any.

However they chose,
Like the ones before,
To quarrel with foes
As the days of yore.

So young is each
Soldier who leaves.
So far out of reach...
Just come home safe, please.

Oh, how they marched
From where the others left off
In a desert parched,
Up sand they'd cough.

A new war, "over there"
To set others free,
To have nary a care,
Like you and me.

I remember our present
With all I can give.
Please don't resent
The shared need to live.

Be brave, little soldier,
My support you have.
May peace be when it's over
After all that you gave.

-November 6, 2012

For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011.

11 Days of Remembrance: Ever Humble

I made my way to Limeridge Mall this evening. I was originally on an earring hunt, but I detoured when I came across the veterans' poppy table. My priorities shifted, but I doubt that's a shock.

Nobody appeared to be stopping, but I did. As I'm prone to doing, I held out my hand to each of them and said thank you. They gave me a kind smile, and mentioned how no one really says anything to them. Sure, people pick up poppies, but those two short words seem to be far and few between.

I'd mentioned how I've started writing for a student magazine (Arbitrage Magazine), and that I'm writing a Remembrance Day piece. I had asked if they could share any of their experiences. Share they did.

One of them told me about how on the East Coast, how interesting things could be whenever a submarine surfaced. He had said that the people on the subs on a few occasions were ecstatic to be headed to Northern Ontario to the POW camps. How bad must war have been that those fighting were rejoicing camps? But, as the other veteran had pointed out, the prisoners took comfort in the fact that they no longer had to fight, and if they were in a Canadian camp, they were guaranteed to eat, and be out of harm's way.

When they had finished sharing a tale or two, we ended up discussing my cadet days, along with our ties to the 447 Wing. We spoke of the former Wing president, Rev. Canon Kristine Swire, and how the new Wing is nice, but without the flag room, it's just not the same.

At the end of our conversation, which seemed to gain a small audience at times, I stuffed another donation in the poppy box while they made certain to add to my hoard. I thanked them yet again for sharing their experiences. They thanked me for listening.

My earring hunt may have been a bust, but a conversation with a couple of humble heroes... Now that is worth more than its weight in gold!

For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011. As well, be on the lookout for my Remembrance piece on the Arbitrage Magazine site, www.arbitragemagazine.com.

11 Days of Remembrance: The Torch, Be Yours to Hold It High...

Most of you probably don't know why I write an 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries. Yes, it's true I'm hell-bent on endorsing Remembrance Day, but I write this series for another reason.

Our veterans of the Second World War are getting older now. I believe all those who served during the First World War have since passed on. Some day, a day that I wish would never come, there will be none left, especially since our ones from WWII grow fewer by the year. They will all be gone, and I fear that people may be left to question what we wear poppies for. I write this series to try to keep the memories and stories of our veterans alive.

With that, I ask you this one, small favour. Help me take up the torch. Talk to a veteran. Hear his or her stories, memories, and share them with your friends, family, anyone who you can sit down for a few moments. By sharing their experiences, we can help keep their memories alive. Given all that they've done for us, it's the least we can do for them. Don't let people forget why we wear the poppy.

I would love to hear any tales or memories that you might have. I'll pass them along the way I share the ones that have already been told to me. Let's keep those memories alive!

For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011.

Written Words of Wisdom

I was mucking around on the computer earlier today when I came across writing advice from one of my favourite authors, Douglas Preston (he co-writes the Pendergast novels with Lincoln Child). Before I share Preston's words of wisdom, I'd like to share a few words of my own.

The big problem that people who work with words encounter is writer's block. Most people envision writer's block as a brick wall. Knocking down that wall can be difficult, as anyone who writes could tell you. I, however, choose not to let writer's block get to me.

If you're familiar with the movie The Matrix, this reference will make perfect sense to you. Recall, if you will, the scene where Neo goes to visit the Oracle for the first time. While he's waiting to see her, he speaks to a child who's bending spoons. The child proceeds to say that bending spoons is impossible, but the reason why he's able to make them bend is because there is no spoon. That's what I do to writer's block. I tell myself that there is no spoon, my way of saying that the wall doesn't exist. The brick wall exists simply because we put it there.

When I feel that spoon not wanting to bend, I stop what I'm writing. I'll take a walk, go for a bike ride, grab a shower, anything that can let my mind be free. As soon as I let my thoughts go, the ideas and solutions come flooding in. Suddenly, I'm bending the non-existent spoon.

So that's my written word of wisdom (along with always carry a note pad and pen, because you never know when inspiration may hit). Now that mine's out of the way, follow the link to see what Douglas Preston had to say:

http://www.writingclasses.com/WritersResources/AuthorAdviceDetail.php/author_id/223169

Happy writing! 

11 Days of Remembrance: Poppies Before Presents

I have a pet peeve that always rears its ugly head come November. Halloween is over for mere hours before the television and radio start pumping out commercials and advertisements for Christmas. I'm sorry to those who don't have a problem with it, but starting  November 1 is wrong, especially when there are bigger priorities than Christmas.

I'm of the firm belief that come November, Remembrance Day is both the first and only priority. Quite frankly, I strongly believe that November 11 is more important than the birth of Christ. Don't get me wrong, I know that the day of Christ's birth is important, but it's because of our veterans that we are able to celebrate it freely without fears of repercussions or persecution.  That's why I deem Remembrance Day to be more significant. You don't have to agree, this is just my own personal belief.

From November 1-11, there shouldn't be any holiday advertising. The focus should be on our veterans past, and our military personnel of the present. When I see those holiday commercials pop up the moment November gets here, it makes me wonder if corporations have decided that the need to buy gifts is more important than the need to remember and say thank you to our vets. Keep November 1-11 for Remembrance Day. Once November 12 hits, if companies want to go bat-shit Christmas crazy, they may. Just remember first.

We see all sorts of commercials trying to get people to buy their holiday goodies before December gets here. I only ever see one that speaks for our veterans, unless I'm watching History Television. That's a station that has its priorities in check. Plenty could be learned from that channel, but do people really want to?

I had to go pick up a few things this morning, and I won't say what store I was in, but it had already puked Christmas. For crying out loud, it's only November 4! Sure, there were poppy boxes at the check-out counters, but if I had blinked, I would have missed them. Maybe not, though, because I'm a poppy hoarder who seeks out those donation boxes the way compulsive hoarders hunt down good deals. But the people who aren't like me? They might have missed them.

When will people learn that remembering and thanking our veterans is most important? Sure, many people pin on their poppies, but do they really understand the importance anymore, especially when the need to remember is buried under stacks of holiday flyers and early-playing Christmas music? How many people, now with Christmas on the brain, thanks to the advanced advertising onslaught, actually take the time to stop to thank a veteran? Not nearly enough.

Please, don't get buried under the wrong priority. Remember what's important, and the people, the survivors, the ones who didn't make it, those who still fight today. Refuse to let them be forgotten.   

For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011.

11 Days of Remembrance: Ceremonies Past

When possible, I try to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11. The one I attend is held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope, Ontario, located at the Hamilton airport. There is just something about being surrounded by vintage WWII aircraft and veterans as the ceremony proceeds. To say it's magical is definitely the wrong word, but at the moment, I'm not sure what the best word would be to describe it. Maybe selcouth. Yes, I think selcouth works for the moment.

To be standing for a few moments' silence with the sound of the Lancaster Bomber flying overhead sends chills through my body to the bone. Warplane Heritage is lucky enough to be the home to one of two Lancs in the world that is still capable of flight. The other is somewhere in England.

I don't always remember what happens during the ceremonies, other than I shed a few tears, and I shake a few hands. There are two ceremonies, however, that I attended at Warplane Heritage that have left their marks upon me.

A few years ago, maybe a couple more, my mother and I were seated in amongst the warplanes listening to a wonderful guest speaker. I couldn't tell you his name, but I can tell you that he grew up in England and was a child during the war. He recalled being told to bring to school with him a jar or a can as the class would be needing it the next day. The following day at school, all of the kids in his class recieved the gift of a shiney red apple, and drinking chocolate. They had been gifts from Canadian soldiers. Ever since, he had wanted to see a Canadian soldier. When he was old enough, he had joined the military himself, but still, a military man from Canada, he had yet to meet. When he was almost to the end of his speech, he had said, "now I know what a Canadian soldier looks like," and he promptly snapped a salute. He was finally able to do what he had longed to do for so long. Yes, we all cried.

The other ceremony was last year's. I had gone by myself, but ran into one of my former officers, who I had always been quite close with. I sat with him and a couple of his friends during the service. I don't remember much that the guest speaker was saying, but I do remember him singing, "The White Cliffs of Dover."

It was heartbreaking and beautiful. The speaker started, and then more and more voices joined in. Hundreds of voices in song, and every single person with tears running down their faces. Like the above video, those of us inside the hangar were also hearing the sounds of WWII aircraft flying overhead.

Though I love the ceremonies at Warplane Heritage, there are two that I would one day like to attend. I would like to go to Ottawa for the service at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier, and also go to the Vimy Ridge Memorial in France. One day...

Maybe this year will be just as memorable. One thing is certain, though. I highly doubt there will be a single dry eye in Warplane Heritage.


For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011.

11 Days of Rememberance: A Toast to the Wing

Those who know me could tell you that I spent seven years as an Air Cadet with the 779 Black Knight Squadron in Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada. During those years, much of my time was spent at the 447 Wing, R.C.A.F.A (Royal Canadian Air Force Association). But then, the Wing, as it was lovingly known to us, was 779 Squadron's sponsor, so of course we would be there all the time.

I have so many memories with the Wing. Any major event that the Squadron had or took part in was held in the Wing's Flag Room. By no means was it a huge hall, but it was large enough to house all of us cadets, along with our parents when the occasion called.

I remember going to my first Christmas Dance at the Wing, and seeing the Flag Room for the first time. The flags of many nations hung from the ceiling, while in amongst them were models of military aircraft, mostly of aircraft from the Second World War.

We also had so many meals in that Flag Room. Christmas Mess, spaghetti supper fundraisers, and our Annual Inspection after-party. It only made sense that we would have so many meals at the Wing. After all, it was originally an Officer's Mess during the Second World War.

I can still remember the last meal I had at the original 447 Wing. I had been asked to be a guest speaker for the Wing's Annual Air Force Dinner. To be asked was an honour, so I naturally said yes. My speech was prepared, and 20 minutes long, as requested. I remember giving the Wing much praise for what they had done for 779. A little flattery never hurt anyone. I can never forget the feeling of standing in front of a couple hundred men and women, most of whom were veterans themselves. The Master of Ceremonies had been cracking jokes all night, so I couldn't resist an impromptu ending to my speech with one of my own, after thanking those men and women first, of course.

"You men have set new standards for us ladies. After all, who wouldn't want to marry a military man? You can cook, clean, sew, makes beds, you're in good health, and the best part is you're already used to taking orders!"

The women roared with delight. The Wing's President high-fived me when I sat back down. He thought the joke was fantastic. My Commanding Officer, when he was finished laughing, made his way over to the head table to commend me.

So many memories. Alas, the original 447 Wing that I grew to love is no longer as it was demolished a few years ago. The new 447 is still located in Mount Hope, and it is quite nice, but it's not the same. The model aircraft are still there, but not in a grand hall in amongnst the flags of many nations. Still, though, I would like to do what had been done at many Christmas Dinners before, and what I myself had personally done.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to propose a toast to the 447 Wing... To the Wing!"


For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011.

11 Days of Remembrance: He Who Saw

I'm a wee bit of a poppy hoarder. If I see a table with Legion members, veterans, or cadets selling poppies, I can't help but stop, donate, and purchase more. But then, I suppose there are worse things I could hoard. Besides, all the money collected goes to a good cause. Our veterans have done so much for us, the least I can do is purchase a poppy or two, or ten.

A couple of nights ago, I was at the Walmart in Elfrida. Like every year, there was a table with a veteran, and another Legion member, a young lady who looked closer to my age. We spoke for a few moments, and shared our stories. I told them about Frank and Stan, while they told me about how important it is to keep our veterans' memories alive.

As I was putting my wallet back into my purse, after picking up yet another poppy, and purchasing a pin, from the corner of my left eye, I caught sight of an arm. Money went into the bin, and a poppy was plucked, as I heard the words, "I have seen war." A moment later, when I turned my head, I saw someone who looked to be a few years older than myself, thirty at the oldest. Looking at his face, but especially his eyes, I could see that he's seen what so many haven't and survived. Taking his poppy, he said to the Legion members behind the table, "thank you."

I don't know if his thanks was due to our military saving him in some way, or if it was for Canada providing him with a safe, war-free haven. It didn't matter though. He was grateful.

Part of me was amazed. I suppose it's because I'm not sure how I think someone who's seen war, survived, and fled to a safe environment would feel. This young man was grateful, when part of me thought that he might be angry with the military, especially having come from a place that's far from peaceful.

Though we always remember our men and women of the First and Second World Wars on Remembrance Day, sometimes we forget to remember the ones of today. The men and women who put their lives on the line for those who still have yet to experience a life lived in peace.

This year, when you pick up your poppy, think not only of our brave souls of the past, but our ones of the present. The war-surviving civilian in Walmart always will.

For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011. 

A Few of My Favourite Things: Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack Edition

As we're in October, there are certain soundtracks and films that I feel the need to listen to and watch as they're so appropriate for this time of year. One of my faves is the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Since I couldn't find my copy of the soundtrack, I ordered it in from the local library.

I'm certain you've all heard at least one song from RHPS, and my guess would be the "Time Warp," especially if you've ever attended a Halloween party. If you've never heard it, you will now. For those who have, let's do the time warp again!

 I also really like "Rose Tint My World." Sure, it's a little bizarre, but then so is the whole picture show. I don't know what it is about this song, but it makes me want to sing along, and bust a move, especially if I'm waiting at a stoplight. Yes, I was doing just that on my way home from work today.

As much as I enjoy these two songs, there is one that will always take the cake above the rest in the film. If you're a fan of Meat Loaf, then this song is definitely for you. "Hot Patootie (Bless My Soul)" is hands down, the best RHPS song. But then, can you really go wrong with Meat? Um, no. And yes, I was singing and dancing to this while waiting at a stoplight as well, and no, I don't care about the awkward stares I was potentially receiving.

These may be my top three, but the rest of the album is still worth listening to. Want to hear it? Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, the whole album is available for all the world to enjoy, so here you go:

Happy listening!

So Long, Squinty McGuinty!

Do my ears deceive me? I heard a wonderful rumour that Ontario Premier and Liberal Party Leader Dalton McGuinty is stepping down from his position, roughly one year after being voted in for his third term. What's that? MacLean's Magazine has confirmed it?!

http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/10/15/ontario-premier-dalton-mcguinty-resigns/

Oh, happy, joyous day!

I've never been a supporter of the Liberal Party, and even less still of Dalton McGuinty, or who my family lovingly refers to as Squinty. He has done less than little good for Ontario, and I've only ever supported one of his ideas, which was wanting to get free prescription eyeglasses to young children who needed them but didn't have the funds. Otherwise, he was useless, worthless, and gave me a pain where I couldn't bear.

So, for the moment, while this wonderful surprise sinks in, Ontario's Parliment has been prorogued. I'm wondering if this means another election for Ontario, or if the Province's new Premiere will be McGuinty's replacement. Personally, I'm hoping for the election route. After all, I'd rather see the party I support get in. As well, I never get tired of voting.

I might just have to do a little happy dance. The song "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang seems appropriate right about now.

So long, Squinty! Don't let  Queen's Park's door hit you in the ass on the way out!

Why I Do This

Yesterday night, while I was out celebrating a friend's birthday, a discussion occurred, and a part of it was around a post I'd written this week, "An Unfair Price to Pay," which was about the death of Amanda Todd. Many views were given, and just as many questions and observations were raised. It was a fascinating discussion, and I was glad to be a part of it. I felt a small pride knowing that a piece I had written was part of it as well.

Upon the conclusion of the Amanda Todd anti-bullying conversation, I was asked by another guest why I write, and what about. As you are likely aware, I want the A Paper Voice audience to be left thinking, or feeling something, about what I've written. It's important to me to provoke thought instead of being mindless, and for all of you to be able to connect somehow to the words I've carefully strewn across the page. I write for the love and the joy of it. To me, type across a screen, or taking pen to paper is an art form that people don't take enough advantage of. We live in a country where we are all able to be educated without fear of persecution, we are able to think freely, and speak our minds safe in the knowledge that we won't have someone wanting to throw acid in our faces, or shooting us in the back of a classroom. Though many would rather say nothing, I choose to take full advantage of this right, this freedom, and use it to its full potential. And those who don't have the right are daring to do it too.

How many of you have heard of Malala Yousafzai? I've seen her story on my Google Reader, and also on the Facebook pages of my former teachers. She's a teenage girl in the Mid East who was shot earlier this month for wanting an education. A terrifying thing, this need to learn, especially as a girl. After all, how often have we all heard the phrase, "knowledge is power?" Here's someone who would risk anything just to get an education and speak her mind, while the fortunate ones on this side of the world don't want to bother. It's disgusting.

Why do I do this? Because I can, for the love, the need, and the right to do so. Let's all be a little more appreciative of the rights and freedoms that we have. Speak your minds, dare to learn, explore the limitless boundaries of knowledge and free speech. After all, there's one young girl out there who was shot daring to have them.

An Unfair Price to Pay

I'm certain everyone has heard about Amanda Todd these last few days. She made a mistake that haunted her, and caused her to be bullied to the point that she took her own life. What the hell is wrong with people? Yes, we all screw up royally on occasion, but enough to be berated so badly that we're left believing that our only choice is to leave this world? More often than not, no. So, someone please explain to me how a teenager, making a teenager mistake, ended up taking her own life. Oh wait! Because she she harassed about it.

I wonder if those bullies, who should also be considered murderers, feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that they were so brutal to another human being, that she killed herself? Do they go to bed at night, and sleep like babies with the knowledge that they destroyed more than one life the day Amanda ended hers? Do they even feel sorry?

When will enough be enough? If it's not someone being bullied for their sexual preference, it's someone being harassed for a lapse in judgement, and they keep choosing the same solution: taking their own lives. Better solutions need to be found before more lives are lost. Those who are accountable need to be held accountable, and punished appropriately. Not a stern talking to, slap on the wrist or fine, but a jail sentence and a criminal record, though I doubt that would be justice enough for the families who have lost a child due to such bullying bullshit.

We can't stand idly by, and let this continue to happen. Remember, silence is consent. I refuse to keep quiet about this life-altering issue. You shouldn't either. Be heard, and support those who need it the most right now. No more lives ought to be lost. Let's make a difference. 


For more, please refer to my February 2012 post "Think Pink" along with my October 2011 posts, "Purple Rain," "Why So Homophobic?" and "why So homophobic: Part 2."

The Light

At the end of Fletcher Road, where it meets with Rymal, there is a new stoplight. By no means is this light particularly exciting, but I'm very glad it's here as it's long past due. Many people don't realize how dangerous that particular intersection can be, and yes, it has caused at least one fatal accident.

When I was in elementary school, I had a friend who I'd consider a recess buddy. She was a grade below me, so we were never in the same class, but that didn't mean anything. Everyone, no matter what grade, would interact with one another in some way. One day, about seventeen years ago, was thick with fog. My recess friend and her family were at the end of the road, and went to make a left hand turn. Because the fog was so thick, they didn't see the truck coming. My breaktime playmate was killed in the accident.

To have to wait nearly two decades for a set of stoplights to be put in strikes me as a bit of a jab. That accident should have caused them to be put in much sooner. After all, spotting a bright red or green light in the fog is much easier than a car. When the new surveys were going in, and their light was installed immediately, that just rubbed salt in the wound. But at least we have one now.

To those who might be annoyed by the new set of stoplights, please don't be. I'm very glad they're here. So we have to stop and wait now in all directions. Who cares? I feel better now that they're here, and much more comfortable with making left-hand turns at the end of my road. Better late than never, I suppose.    

A Great Pumpkin Patch Adventure (inspired by Charlie Brown)

I'm certain everybody here has heard of Charlie Brown. Also, I like to hope that you've heard of the Peanuts Halloween special, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! If you haven't heard of it, Charlie Brown believes that Halloween comes with a great pumpkin that behaves much like Santa. It's really quite adorable. So naturally, I had myself a Great Pumpkin- inspired adventure.

After much bugging and prodding, I managed to get my boyfriend to come along with me to Lindley's Farm (in Ancaster, Ontario, located on Fiddler's Green Road), and go on an adventure that Charlie Brown would envy. You must remember, that my squeeze is a city boy, and thinks all this country stuff is slightly daft.

For approximately $25 total, we got a wagon ride down to the 4-acre corn maise, and then down to the pumpkin patch, where we get to pick out our own perfect pumpkin. The wind was biting cold, but in the corn field, we were quite warm. But then, corn stalks block everything.

With Lindley's maise, the participants are given a map, and throughout the maise are check points with a letter. Find all the check points, fill them in on the back of the map, and hand in your map with your name and email for the chance to win a prize. Some people take the foolishness too seriously, but I'm in it for the fun.

We didn't spend too much time down in the pumpkin patch since it was so cold, but in the short time we were there, I still found the best pumpkin ever. It's the perfect size, shape, weight, colour, texture, everything that the perfect pumpkin ought to be. Actually, we both found really good pumpkins.

After the wagon ride back up to the top of the hill, we put our pumpkins away, and went back for one more piece of foolishness that I insisted be done: Gourd slingshots. Lindley's has a pond, and out in the middle of it is a dock with a bucket. Get the gourd in the bucket, and win a prize. Allie won herself a big bag of apples a few years ago. Apparently, it's one of her greatest accomplishments to date.

Anyways...

For $2, you get three gourds to fire at the bucket. For originally thinking it sounded like a somewhat lame idea, my city boy sure seemed to enjoy it as he paid for another three gourds. But then, he came within a foot of the bucket, and just had to try again. I think he had much more fun with it than he'd care to admit.

Of course, you can't leave Lindley's until you wander through their little store, where there's all sorts of fresh baked goods, foods of the season, such as squash, and little country oddities. They were also selling apple cider, hot and cold, for those who were craving an autumn treat.

The day may have been cold, but it was fun. Silly, foolish, childlike fun. As we all take life too seriously some days, a pumpkin patch adventure is just what we need to let loose a little bit.

Want to partake in a Great Pumpkin Patch Adventure that Charlie Brown would envy? Support a local farmer, and go to Lindley's:

http://www.lindleyfarm.com/

Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Pumpkin Hunting!

Thanksgiving Again

Hey all!

I apologize for not writing as often on here as I used to, but hey, it's Thanksgiving Monday in Canada, so of course I had to write.

This Thanksgiving is a minor repeat of last year, as I've managed to snag myself another cold. Luckily, this time around, I'm in much better shape than I was last year, and for that, I'm thankful. I'm also thankful that I read the cold syrup dosage properly this time around, and that the kleenexes are the good, soft, cushy ones so my nose doesn't hurt.

I'm also thankful that my family left me a slice of homemade apple pie. Homemade pie makes for a wonderful breakfast.

Last, I'm thankful to those of you who read A Paper Voice, my friends, family, and for having a wonderful guy for the last eleven months.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Please, Martin's, Don't Close for Good!

My favourite local farmer, who's also my neighbour, has closed up shop early this season. The sad thing is, Martin's might not reopen due to a lack of business. If someone could please explain how an onslaught of new residents in a town could bring about the end of a local business that's been around for decades, that'd be great.

Martin's on Hwy #56 in Binbrook has the best damn produce that Ontario has to offer. How could anyone pass up fruit that's so sweet, it's brought people to tears, and has been chowed down faster than the fanciest desserts?

Please, support your local farmers, especially the ones who are neighbours running their businesses from home. If they close up, we all lose. Farmers can't make any money (and farming is their livelihood, after all), and we don't get to appreciate the fruits of their labour as much as we should and they deserve.

Don't let Martin's close, or any other run-from-home produce store. They not only feed country folk, but farmers also feed cities. Now it's time for the city people to do their part, and help support the farmers who feed them.

Mourning Meu

If you remember, back in June, I wrote a post about our latest addition being a 1 1/2 year old kitty that we named Meu. She was a stray that had been dumped in need of a home and a family to love her. Sadly, we lost her a couple of nights ago as she wandered out onto Binbrook Rd, where she was hit and killed. We only had her for a couple of months, but man, how we miss her.

She looked like a cat, but she didn't have strictly cat qualities. She behaved like a dog, rarely using her litter box, and doing the bulk of her business outside. When she wanted to go outside, or come in the house, she'd go to the door, stand on her hind legs, and use her front paws to bat at the door, all while meowing to get our attention. Her tail was that of a spider monkey with a mind of its own. No joke. She wrapped her tail around everything No wrist or ankle was safe.

When we took her in, mum wanted her to be strictly indoor. She didn't want us to be those owners who let the cat out only to have it get hit and killed. The dad, on the other hand, said, "if she gets hit, she gets hit," in the condescending tone that says, "she'll be fine," and proceeded to let her out. Two months later, mum's hating being right, and I'm missing our pretty girl. She was a talkative little snuggle bum.

We miss you, Meu.

Final Classic at Ivor Wynne

Anyone who follows the CFL knows that today's the Labour Day Classic, starting with the Battle of Ontario, and ending with the Battle of Alberta. However, if you don't follow the Canadian Football League, you likely have no idea what I'm talking about, especially if you're not Canadian.

For as long as I can remember, every Labour Day Monday, the CFL has a football double header where the four teams playing are always the Hamilton Tiger-Cats versus the Toronto Argonauts (Ontario), and the Edmonton Eskimos play against the Calgary Stampeders (Alberta). I'm not sure if Alberta has a traditional playing field, but in Ontario, the Ti-Cats ALWAYS host the Argos at Ivor Wynne Stadium. However, next year, the Classic turf will change as this is Ivor Wynne's final year. It's not the most glamourous or glorious stadium, but it's the only stadium many Cats fans have ever known.

So to those who will be participating in this Labour Day tradition, either in person, or on TSN at one o'clock this afternoon, cherish Ivor Wynne's final Classic. I know I will, and I'll be cheering on the Cats in the process.

And now I leave you all with the Ti-Cat cheer:

Oskee wee wee!

Cheers to Another Long Weekend!

It's the Labour Day weekend here in Canada, which, like every other Canadian holiday, means barbeques, booze, the possibility of bonfires, and more than likely a party of some description. It's also the last long weekend of the summer before students go back to school on Tuesday (never the Monday as it's a holiday).

My long weekend was definitely started off on the right foot as last night's supper was barbequed steak, green beans (also on the barbie), salad, and a Strongbow to wash it all down. And now for lunch today it's wings. Since I won't be going out until later tonight, I can have myself another special beverage. I love long weekends in Canada. We know how to do them right.

As always, if anyone's going to be driving, please be responsible as there will be many travelers over the next few days (in other words, please don't drive drunk). Of course, enjoy this last long weekend of the summer to the fullest. Have a beverage, have a party, fire up that barbeque, and have that one last bonfire. Cheers to long weekends in Canada. Have a good one!

Most Excel-ent

I'm one of the first to admit that my computer abilities are less than stellar. Sure, I can type up an essay, send an email, or create a blog post, but overall, I'm no computer techie. Of course, with the wonderful world of Google at my fingertips, everything I could ever need to know about anything is within my grasp (even though I'm rather old fashioned, and would rather have a book in front of me. Computers can crash, internet connections can fritz, and sure, I could look stuff up on my phone, but if it's dead, and I don't have a charger, I'm in a wee bit of a bind... Unless I have a book. Books will never fail me).

Well, I have an interview coming up in a few days, and I needed to brush up on some of my (lacking) computer skills. I can do the most basic of basic things, but that's about the brunt of it with most stuff. So when I was told that I need to be familiar with Microsoft Excel, a, "well hell" moment presented itself.

Though I planned on purchasing Microsoft Excel 2007 for Dummies, I went to good ol' Google in search of assistance. What I found was a free online training site, put together by Microsoft, for technologically inferior souls, such as myself. I was amazed at how useful and helpful it was. I was expecting some beat-around-the-bush confusion, not individual lessons complete with practice sessions and tests (the tests aren't scored or recorded). I've learned about creating formulas, how to create a vast array of charts, even what a pivot table is, and how to create them. I realize that such things are probably elementary for most people my age, but for someone such as myself, I was left feeling like I'd have a fighting chance at properly using a required program.

The site isn't just for Excel, but for all Microsoft Office programs. So if you're like me, and have limited knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, follow the link at the end of this post, and perhaps you as well will (almost) feel like a pro.

    http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/beginner-s-training-for-office-2007-HA010270562.aspx

My Late-Night Guilty Pleasure

I don't care if you think I'm a weirdo, I really don't. We all need a vice, and mine of late is a little different than what I'd normally go for.

It all started one day, about a month or so ago, when I was messing around with my Google Reader. I subscribe to a site called The Awesomer, and one of the awesome things it had posted was a video called "Happy Little Clouds". Have you ever heard of Bob Ross, or the television show he did called The Joy of Painting? If so, the video I was watching was a musical mix of the various things he was known for saying and doing while painting on his show.

Because of this song, I have now found myself watching episodes of The Joy of Painting at night after I've gone to bed. The best part is I'm not an artist. I can wield a brush and paint, but the result isn't going to be pretty. Now, I kind of want to bust out some oil paints, and paint myself some happy little clouds, happy little trees, almighty trees, and almighty mountains. Or perhaps I just want to clean a paintbrush, for the sole reason being that I'd get to, "beat the devil out of it."

I might not be doing any joyous painting at the moment, but I can at least take in some joy from the creativity on the canvas as I watch away at night.

An Impromptu Picnic Dinner

Who doesn't love a picnic? Ok, so perhaps those who dislike ants, fresh air, and the great outdoors aren't fans of picnics, but really, what sane person doesn't enjoy a meal outdoors on occasion?

Yesterday, like we do every week, my mother and I went to pay my great-grandmother a visit (she's been in a retirement home now for a little over a year). As my dad woke up late, and had his breakfast/lunch/supper a little after 3pm, and my sister was out for supper with some friends, my mum and I, after our visit, decided to grab dinner from the grocery store that's across the street from the retirement home, and stop over at the Grand River to eat our supper on our way home.

There's a place at the Grand River, on Caithness St in Caledonia (right across from McClung) where people park their cars and go fishing. It has a picnic table here and there, a small bonfire pit, and it's right on the edge of the river. That was where mum and I decided to stop for supper. Fortunately for us, there was an unoccupied picnic table, and I swear it had our names all over it.

Our location brought back some childhood memories for my mum. She remembers going to that very spot on the Grand with great gram, and with my great-grandfather, for picnics as a kid. Mum's grampa passed when she was ten, but she still has a memory of him being out in the river with his hip-waders. While he was fishing, great gram would bring out a couple of lawn chairs, her metal card table, and the picnic basket (which now sits on top of our kitchen cupboards with mum's teapots). They would eat, and just enjoy each other's company.

While mum was thinking back to her childhood before her grampa passed, we were also watching various birds dive bomb the water for their dinner. There were cranes, and some other birds that we couldn't identify. They were larger than gulls, but smaller than your average crane/ stork/ heron. They had white feathers, and orange beaks with a touch of black. There were a couple of these birds flying around before going beak-first into the water, and coming out with their dinner.

We could also see where someone was having difficulties casting a fishing line. Perhaps it was more than one person, but mum and I figure it was a child or children at least. In the tree in front of us were four red and white bobbers that you attach to a fishing line so you know how far out in the water your cast went. Unfortunately, they never saw the water as they were tangled out of the way in the tree. It really was quite amusing, almost as amusing as water birds unibombing their supper.  

My mum and I might not have had a traditional picnic, but it was still an enjoyable spur-of-the-moment choice all the same. If you haven't had a picnic yet this summer, there's still time before the cold weather hits. And if you don't know where to go? If you're near Caledonia, Ontario, go down to the Grand River. There are plenty of places to sit with your dinner, and watch the world go by.

Feel the Summer Fading

I wandered behind the barn today,
To the edge of the bean-filled field.
Towards the middle, out of the way,
In amongst the yield,
Has started a patch of yellow,
Surrounded by leaves of green,
Much more calm and mellow
Amongst the vibrant sheen.

The walnut trees feel the same.
Some leaves are turning gold.
Going away as soon as they came
Since the nights are turning cold.
Despite the days being warm and nice,
Which very soon will go,
As both day and night will be cold like ice,
On the breeze the yellow will blow.

But still, I hear crickets chirp,
Cicadas on the breeze,
While squirrels and chipmunks burp
Up walnuts as they please
To stash away for winter,
Like they do every year.
Under grass and dirt and splinter,
They sense the end is near.

The days are getting shorter.
There's less daylight to be had.
If only longer you could order,
Many would be glad.
And though I love the fall,
In all its colourful splendor,
My summer list, I've not done it all.
I still have many an endeavour.

But soon, the heat will end,
And the harvest will begin.
Kids back to school, the parents will send
Just as the tractors come on in
To bring in this year's bounty,
Then I'll know the summer is gone.
It'll be felt across the county.
The summer and harvest will be done.

But I still have much I want to do,
Like spend another day at the beach
And get in some more bike rides too,
And enjoy another summer peach.
I want to have another bonfire
Before I bid the summer goodbye.
It's coming down to the wire.
May I please see one last firefly?

I must say I'll miss the summer,
Despite my dislike for heat.
That it's almost done is a bummer,
Like a seasonal defeat.
Though I will not miss
The mosquitoes that bite my nose,
The rest has been a bliss.
Away the summer goes.

Make A Wish

As many of you may know, my younger cousin (he's nine) is a child cancer survivor. Quite a feat, I know. If you've ever heard of the Make A Wish foundation, you might have an idea as to where this post is headed. If you've never heard of Make A Wish, it's a foundation that delivers wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. As such, my cousin was able to have a wish with them, and tomorrow, after being cancer-free for five months, his wish gets to come true. He, his little brother, and his parents head off to California tomorrow, and they'll be spending the next week at Legoland (my cousin loves his lego).

I love how there's a foundation that's a real-life genie, and grants wishes to severely unwell children. Sometimes, I think, the kids need something to look forward to, that extra boost of motivation to go through another round of chemotherapy, or make it through the next blood transfusion. A small morale boost can go a long way.

If you know a child who's made a wish, I hope it came true and was awesome. To those who are still waiting, I hope your wishes are granted, and when they do, I hope the experience is a joyous one.



For more information about the Make A Wish foundation, follow the link I've provided:

http://www.makeawish.ca/


For more posts with related topics, check out, "Child Cancer Sucks!" (September 2011), "One More Month" (February 2012), and "Dear Leukemia" (March 2012).

At the End of the Day...

We're all met with disappointment on occasion, some coming with more frustrations than others. Believe me, I know all to well what it's like to have everything go a-okay only to be blindsided and get a metaphorical slap in the face. But we move on. Sometimes, though, taking a breath, and moving forward can be difficult, and finding something positive, motivation, or a means of boosting morale can be a challenge. That was me yesterday. I was hired on for an office position not too long ago, and then things unexpectedly imploded internally, leaving me to start my employment search all over again. So, I came home, had my two minute tear jerk to let out my frustrations, and then I did what generally makes me feel better. I went onto Youtube, and brought up the Great Big Sea song "Ordinary Day."

For those of us who are having to pick ourselves back up, and start all over again, this song's for you. Hopefully it'll make you feel better as it usually does for me.

...at the end of the day, you've just got to say, "it's alright"...   

Another Olympics Over

As of earlier this evening, the 2012 Olympic Summer Games from London, England came to a close. But, all good things must come to an end. If they didn't they wouldn't be special. With that said, I eagerly watched the Closing Ceremonies. The closing didn't excite me as much as the Opening Ceremonies 17 days ago, but there were moments that I absoloutely loved, and those are the moments that I've decided to share with you. 

Christine Sinclair was Canada's flag bearer for the Closing Ceremonies. For those who don't know who she is, Christine Sinclair is the captain of Canada's women's socccer team. She lead this wonderful country of mine to a bronze medal against the French (we would have been in the gold medal game, but the American soccer team had help from the referee. Yes, it was a conspiracy that had Canadians in an uproar, but a well-earned bronze is better than an undeserved gold). Sinclair's smile was huge, and she was the perfect choice to represent Canada, and carry our flag.

For the only time that I can think of in my life, I was actually looking forward to seeing the Spice Girls. I must confess that I was never really a fan of theirs. They were huge in the nineties (when I was in elementary school), so I suppose I was looking forward to them just to relive a wee bit of my childhood.

I started to squeal with joy when Eric Idle of Monty Python fame appeared out of a misfired cannon, and did the always-hilarious "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." I am a huge Monty Python fan, so when he appeared on the screen in all his Python glory, I was ecstatic. The only way the sketch would have been better is if all the remaining Monty Python members were taking part (except for Graham Chapman who died back in 1989).

The lead-in to Queen was amazing. Freddie Mercury, who was the lead vocalist for Queen until his death from AIDS in 1991, was still at the closing in a rather creative manner. These screens popped up in the middle of the stage, and there was Freddie, in all his glory, doing his traditional vocal warm-ups where the audience gets involved. And yes, I knew every note as he hit it before the crowd followed suit. If only the closing ceremony organizers could have kept this Freddie incorporation throughout all of Queen's piece. We viewers had to suffer with Jessie J filling in for the late Freddie (for the record, Jessie J didn't even compare and really wasn't any good), but thankfully, Brain May, Queen's fantastic guitarist, made up for it.

And last, I very much enjoyed The Who closing out the show. They may be geezers, but they still know how to rock and roll.

Now all I have to do is wait until 2014 when the Winter Olympics will be hosted in Socchi, Russia. Long live the Olympics, and great job to Canada's athletes.

Maybe I Am Jamie Oliver

I started my new job yesterday as an office girl at a private culinary school. The head chef had said something about yesterday's lesson being about various sauces. I had mentioned to him that I have been working on perfecting rose sauce, and that after I got that mastered, I was going to make the move to alfredo from scratch. Because I'm the luckiest little girl I know, he gave me a copy of the original, straight from Italy alfredo sauce. So, with that said, you can probably figure out what I made for supper today (and my mother was quite pleased as she didn't have to cook).

It turns out the recipe is quite simple. Five ingredients in total. Butter, heavy cream (also known as whipping cream), shredded Parmesan cheese, garlic, and parsley. I was a little bit concerned at first when I saw how much parsley I had added to the sauce (hey, I put in the amount that the recipe called for), but when the noodles were mixed in, suddenly the parsley didn't seem to be so overpowering.

When all was said and done, I'd cooked a few too many fettuccine noodles, but the outcome was still delicious. I don't want to boast, but I think I nailed the alfredo sauce dead-on. And I'd made enough to share with my grandparents, who happen to live next door.

I think I've maybe watched a few too many Jamie Oliver cooking shows. My pasta outcome made me feel just as pro as he is...or I pretend to be like Mr. Oliver really well... I will definitely be making sauce from scratch again.

They're Not a Peck, but They're Pickled

Last night, after a hiatus of a few years, I got around to doing one of the many things I'm known for: making garlic dill pickles. I had been wanting to make them, but I just hadn't got around to it, so it was rather convenient when my grandmother phoned me, saying that one of her farmer friends had a fresh crop of pickling cucumbers, and would I be interested.

The cukes were much larger than normal, but that didn't stop my urge to pickle. They've just been cut into spears instead. Actually, they look much prettier in the jar that way.

Anyways...

The kitchen, and quite possibly the entire main floor, was smelling strongly of vinegar and garlic, and so were my fingers by the end of the night (nothing a little lemon juice mixed with warm water can't fix). The vinegar smell gets annoying after a while, but the clove of garlic I'd accidentally dropped into the pot with the jars (I put the jars in a big pot with hot water to keep them warm so they'll seal easier) toned down the garlic enough to make it smell quite good.

After two hours of peeling garlic, stuffing cloves, dill, and cucumbers into jars, I had my first batch of pickles made in at least three years. Ten jars total. As they were cooling, every so often, mum and I would hear a pop as they fully sealed. I am seriously considering making another batch of Tilly's Dillys by the end of the week.

Pretty, aren't they?

If you'd like to make your own dill pickles, here's what you need, and how to do it:

4 quarts pickling cucumbers
fresh dill (or 1 tsp/ quart minimum of dill seed if you can't find any fresh)
8 cups water
4 cups vinegar
1/4 cup pickling (coarse) salt
garlic

Clean the cucumbers and soak them in cold water in the fridge for a few hours. While the cucumbers are soaking, make the brine. Add the water, vinegar, and salt to a pot, and bring it to a boil, stirring often. In another small pot, put your lids (the part with the seal, not the ring), add water, and bring them to a boil (they'll seal better this way). In another large pot, place in as many jars as you can fit, standing up, with some boiling water in the pot to keep the jars hot (will seal better, and the heat of the brine won't break the jars this way. And if you pull them fresh out of the hot dishwasher, this will help too, along with the hot water). In the jars, add your garlic, dill, and pickles. Very carefully pour the brine over top (a funnel is really handy for this, and so is a soup ladle). Don't fill the jars all the way to the top, just enough to cover the cucumbers. Carefully add the lids and rings. Let them cool, and listen for the lids to pop. Ta da, you've just made garlic dill pickles. Now find a nice cool place to keep them, like a cold cellar, or the back of the fridge, and forget about them for a few months. The recipe is supposed to yield six 1-litre jars, but to get ten jars, the recipe had to be doubled. It happens. 

Of course, you don't have to use garlic. Find ways to make the recipe your own. I encourage it. If there's a little something you want to add or omit, give it a try. You might prefer the outcome to my kill-you-with-garlic pickles. You can probably use the brine to pickle all sorts of other things too.

Happy pickling!

I'm on Twitter

I've often said that I don't twit (I know a twit's a pregnant goldfish), because I don't like the thought of having a 140-character limitation on free speech. However, circumstances have arisen that require me to use Twitter. It's going to be quite the learning process, but I figured out how to work Blogger, so I should be able to figure out the Twitterverse.

Anyways, feel free to make me part of your Twitter universe:

@ChantelleTillyW

 Happy compressed freedom-of-speeching!