I like to think I’m a pretty open minded and forgiving person.

Ok, you can stop laughing now.  I said I like to think that I am.  We all know that our internal views of ourselves aren’t always the most accurate.

That said I opened the paper this morning and saw this article: Poppy Funds Pilfered.  While Mr. Torrie thinks that this type of theft is occurring due to ‘lack of education”, I’m more inclined to believe that it occurs because people are so self-centred and in continual search of immediate gratification that they can’t even be bothered to attempt to understand the concept that there are those far more worthy and in need for whom those proceeds were originally intended.

I was disgusted last year when similar occurances happened.  I am equally mortified this year. 

Something has to start changing in society.  I’m really not liking the road we’re walking down now…

Crossposted on my blog at Dust My Broom

Technorati Tags: vet, edmonton, remembrance day, poppy

I’m supposed to be working on my paper that’s due tomorrow so I’ll have to keep this brief.

Last night we went to the Fort for it’s innagural Halloween party and a great time was had by all.  Our former karaoke hostest with the mostest arrived with her just turned 18 daughter in tow and it was great to see her again after her months of self-imposed hiatus.

A group of us got together and planned a group costume – after talking Robin out of coming as the Village People (thank goodness, since they showed up later) – we were decked out in homage to are area not far from my neighbourhood.  I was a street light – with a working light and complete with the anti-prostitution signs and bus stop sign; Drew was our two-bit ho; Wendy a john – complete with bribes and a car; Robin was a pimp; and Caroline was our cop.  Despite the wonders of our ensemble, no one from our group won the best costume prize *sigh*

I guess we’ll have to try harder next year.

I’ve spent time culling through the library of congress and University of Virginia’s online ebook offerings. If you’re cheap, running out of storage space (that’s me) and want to re-read the classics without having to visit your local library (where’s my TAL card?) then I highly recommend visiting the following sites:

• Etext Centre: University of Virginia Library
• Online Books Page: University of Pennsylvanie Library
• MemoWare

All of these have great selections of books available in MS Reader format. If you’re not a fan of MS Reader, you can download a large number of classics at Planet PDF.

I connected wiht a large number of my social circle at my former work place. We have, for years, gone out to a bar on Friday nights to partake in the joys of Karaoke. Over time the make-up of our group has shifted but the central core has always been drink, song, and Robin.

With the retirement of our favourite Karaoke hostest with the mostest we’ve found ourselves stagnating and sometimes bored as a slew of hosts and hostesses made the rounds. Luckily for us a BJ fell into our laps. Our new host plays games and ensures that lots of silliness ensues as the evening progresses. Of course, some of that silliness is of our own doing. After all, how else can you explain the kidnapping of his giant yellow blow up die and our conspiracy to have it filled with water in time for the next roll?

Last night as we were hootin’ and hollerin’ at the venue, the lights went out. Normally, you’d expect a mass exodus for the door and some wrangling over how the bills would be paid. Instead, what any new person wandering into the bar (and there were a few) found was a bunch of happy-go-lucky people singing rounds in harmonizing. Swing Low Sweet Chariot? Edelweis. My Eyes Are Dim. Amazing Grace. We covered it all.

We’ve occassionally bounced from bar to bar following a specific host (we miss you Betty) in our search for a home. No more. Last night was a perfect example of what fun and cameraderie – and too many Karaoke singers gathered in one place – is all about.

Which begs the question – where were you when the lights went out?

Technorati Tags: karaoke, bar, power outage

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since dad’s death. It’s still a daily struggle to remember that I won’t hear his voice when I call home, or that he’s not there to pass on advice or discuss the latest in computer technology. The year has been a surprising one in so many ways. There’s a new roof on our house and we’re finally debt free – minus the mortgage of course. I’ve switched jobs and will no longer be traveling as much as I did in the past, but for the first time in a long time I can say I’m really happy at work. I’ve shifted from my preference for informal learning and have gone back to school (yet again) to finish what I started so many years ago. Most days I’m still shocked at which school I selected and the fact that they accepted me.

I’ve started piping lessons so I can play dad’s Hardies and Drew has joined me. This week we purchased a set of Dunbars for him. I’d love to let dad know how far we’ve gotten in our lessons or watch him wince while I struggle through finding the notes in Amazing Grace or Mairi’s Wedding…

We’ve joined not one, but two bands. I’m sure dad would have loved their philosophies for playing – it’s all about having fun. Competitions and politics are the last thing on everyone’s mind as we’re all just there because we share a love of the instrument and want to play with others, of all levels, who feel the same way.

There have been so many changes and yet in other areas I’ve come full circle.

When I was little, I was a bit of a social butterfly. Hard to imagine when you consider how reclusive I became in my early 20’s and how ingrained in me that has become over the years. I had what everyone needs – a best friend who I could talk to for hours about anything, share laughter and dreams. We did everything together and seemed permanently attached to each other. Sleepovers, hours on the phone, shared camping trips, group activities, you name it; we were always close to each other.

As teenager girls we fell out – I don’t even remember over what or why – and as nasty as teenage girls can be, we never mangaged to get past it. I changed schools and when we both arrived at the same high school, could never bring myself to try and bridge the gap a year had made. No matter how desperately I wanted to I just didn’t know how to even begin.

For a short period of time in university we made attempts to become friends again. Life intervened and we lost touch and track of one another.

A few months ago we reconnected over Facebook. We are relearning how to be friends and I’m thankful for the opportunity. Losing her friendship left a gaping hole in me that I didn’t realize was there until now. In our wanders back into each other’s lives, we’ve learned that we still share so many similar values and experiences. Unfortunately, not all of those experiences are pleasant. Most recently, I learned that while I was home caring for dad as he was dying, she was also going through the same situation. Her father is also battling terminal cancer and as much as I’d love to see a miracle happen, I have walked down this road already and know where it ends.

Godspeed. You and your family are in our hearts, minds and prayers.

Technorati Tags: fathers, cancer, facebook, piping, bagpipes, Hardies, Dunbar