Pain in the Backside

The weather the past few days has been sketchy at best – raining, slushy, icy, freezing rain. You get the picture. Last night, while I sat waiting for a red light to change I got rear ended. It happened so quickly. I have never been involved in an accident - and had no idea what to do. I handled it badly – or maybe I should say – I didn’t handle it at all. I was so concerned that this older man’s car was mashed up and that he seemed distraught that I barely looked at my car, and instead busied myself with helping him collect all of the scattered pieces of this bumper and grill. My bumper looked scraped with a little dent but it was hard to see in the dark.

I handled it poorly:

• He didn’t want to put it through his insurance so I didn't even get any of his insurance info


• I asked to see his driver’s license but only wrote down his name and address


• My pen didn’t work and I only had a credit card receipt to write on


• I helped him remove the evidence


• I could have documented the scene with the digital camera I always have with me


• I didn’t make one call

After the accident I continued on to the mall to do my errands. When I got home, Kidlet (who is in driver’s training) briefed me on the proper procedure – so I would know for the next time. Lesson learned.

How embarrassing is that?? Anyway, this whole thing is just one big pain in the backside – for me and Benzie (my car)!

Canada's Pride and Gold

As I called my Dad last night to say my birthday wishes personally, Canada was facing off against Sweden in the junior hockey world championships. Kidlet was perched in front of the TV, snacks in hand, waving me into the other room to talk. I wasn't in there a minute when I heard her squeals and cheers. (Was there really only one kidlet in there??) Canada had already scored a goal and I was barely through the first pleasantries of my call. Dad watched the game from Florida, probably out in his lanai, with the TV volume turned down as he chatted with me.

We talked for over an hour as if I were sitting in his lanai with him. When I hung up Kidlet accused me of making him miss the big game. She couldn't buy that he would prefer a birthday call over a championship hockey game.

Much to our delight the young Canadians dug deep and brought home the gold for the fifth time in a row. I am not sure why hockey stirs up our Canadian pride but the sight of the over sized Canadian flag being passed around the stadium in Ottawa could bring a tear to a glass eye. We Canadians tend to be somewhat reserved - and not such flag wavers as our neighbours to the south. If we need a reason to wave our flag -- the win last night game us a golden one! AT the risk of bragging -- I say -- in a not too reserved way -- way to play Canada!

Celebrating My Dad

Today is my father’s 72nd birthday. As I write that number I feel so grateful that I still have my father in my life as well as the most wonderful, meaningful relationship with him. He defies the age – with an energy level that would rival a 30 year old and a zeal and zest for life that is unmatched by anyone I have ever met. He is a living example of a person who lives every moment of life fully and mindfully. He is enthusiastic about the world and events around him. He can spot a red tailed hawk or roadside deer from the driver’s seat. He derives joy from growing and nurturing the plant life in his garden whether it be his climbing beans, roses or tropical fruit. He loves to cook and preserve the food he grows. He loves to share the experience as much as he does having it. He is like no other.

He is a large man – tall and strong. At 72 his blue eyes are clear and he still has more blonde hair than gray. He is what some would call an overachiever. He has done most everything – and excelled at most. He has been an athlete, a university graduate, an educator, a school principal, a politician, an outdoorsman, a naturalist, a coroner, a justice of the peace, a boat captain, a business owner, a hunter, and a mayor. He is a middle child, father to four, grandfather to eight, and has been a husband to two - and is the core of our family. He has helped change the world we live in – in ways too many to recount. He gives more than he takes. He is a dreamer and visionary and with the exception of not competing in the Olympics, he would probably say he has fulfilled his dreams. One might say that he talks alot - he is a master communicator and storyteller. Recently he started writing and preserving those stories and memories. Maybe he'll add author to the list!

Most importantly to me, he has continuously evolved as a human being. He has allowed himself to be changed by his experiences and continues to surprise me with his willingness to consider and embrace new ideas. He has shown that we are all works in progress and if we so choose – we too can continue to grow. The possibilities are endless. Through his example I have learned many things - including the importance of reaching out to others and maintaining connections. He diligently works his way through his phone book regularly, checking in with friends and family members - and not with those five minute calls either. His calls are the equivalent of an hour-long visit often touching on philosophy, politics or the events of the day. He is a great friend to have and I am proud to say he has become one of my best (friends).

So on this day – my father’s birthday – I would like to tell the world that my dad is not only an inspiration – he is tops! Happy Birthday Pops!

Procrastinating Can Be Fun

So today I was supposed to take down the tree and put away the Christmas decorations and say my final farewell to the holiday season. I had good intentions but I also had a conflict -- with my new approach -- taking it as I like it. Instead I lounged in bed for an extra hour this morning, remote in hand, surfing channels to find out what happened in the world overnight. Funny enough, CNN (the Cable NEWS Network) doesn't cover more than one story at a time! I tried HNN (Headline News) but they were just goofing around and seemed more like TMZ than a news channel. Thank goodness for the CTV Newsnet and BBC. Journalism lives! However, I digress.

Had my self-prescribed 2 mugs of coffee and a big bowl of Cheerios and then puttered some more. I surveyed the situation and Hubby even brought up all of the crates and boxes out of the basement for me to fill. Decided we needed food and went grocery shopping. Called eldest and youngest daughters to invite them for spaghetti tonight (which Hubby makes so well - with big, spicy meatballs). Yum. I can smell them cooking as I write this procrastinate.

Made the mistake of logging onto my computer and flicking on the TV when I got home. Of course I had to watch Step Mom for the tenth time ... especially that part when Susan Sarandon is singing Ain't No Mountain High Enough with her kids. But again -- I digress, or procrastinate. Or both.

As I sit here contemplating if I should have wine with my dinner (even though tomorrow is a work day), my tree is lit up, my garlands and banisters a ablaze in white light for the final time and I have decided to defer undressing the house. Rather, we will enjoy the beauty one more day (or two) or until I get my backside in gear.

What is that quote? Don't put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today.
I think I prefer Mark Twain's version: Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.

And so the tree will wait. But the spaghetti won't, and a little glass of wine never hurt anyone. Cheers - and here's to taking it as it comes - or as you like it.

Dismantling Christmas

Well the proof is in the pudding - Christmastime is over for another year. I neglected the lengthy "to do" list for today and stole one last day for vacation. I honoured my leisurely morning - savouring every last second of "nothingness". The laundry remained piled high, the tree intact -fully decorated, Christmas decorations abound, the fridge - half empty. Much to do - but nothing that can't wait another day.

The last play day. Hubby played with his new toys - literally. Radio controlled racing cars terrorized and confused our Schnauzer. Hubby lamented how nice it would be to have a place to permanently set up his racing track. I nodded sympathetically as I tried intently to beat his car.

Watched kidlet play her heart out in a hockey tournament and then went to the movies with cousin and family. Ended the evening with lively conversation over Indian food. I think it is fair to say that we wrung the final drops of fun from the holiday season.

Tomorrow we will reluctantly dismantle Christmas and life as we knew it will resume. But for now - that is another day!

As You Like It!

I've been off work for almost 2 weeks now and I am just now feeling fully relaxed. Right from the first day off I gave myself the gift of leisurely mornings. What a luxury to wake up slowly instead of leaping out of bed directly to the shower and being out the door in 25 minutes from start to finish. The past few weeks I wake up at my regular 5:50 am time, give a glance over to the alarm clock, smile defiantely and roll over for another hour's sleep. Then I click the TV on to see what has happened in the world as I slumbered. Finally my caffeine addiction has me up and on the hunt for a mug of strong coffee. Then I head for the couch for more channel surfing as I open my laptop or browse my books. I could seriously get used to this ...

Another gift I gave myself was "no plans" - wherever possible. I had many days where - if there were no family commitments - I would resist the urge to plan. Rather, I would get up and just take the day as it revealed itself. That alone was the single most greatest contributor to my peace and tranquility this holiday.

It has made me realize just how many of our 24 hours are preplanned - used in advance. It has a disempowering effect on the psyche. We become slaves to the calendar and the clock. With a shift in my approach - I still ended up completing all of the errands and chores that needed doing - I just did things as I felt like doing them without precise planning. I injected the option of choice. Maybe that is a secret to personal serenity -- going with the flow and a little less structure. Illusion or reality, there is something liberating in having absolute freedom in taking your day as you like it.

As you like it! I definitely like that!

Affirming the New Year

Today is the first day of 2009, and first day of everything possible. What is it about new starts that motivate us? I just answered my own question. New starts. Blank pages. Clean slate.

A new story waiting to be written. As I reflect on my life and the experiences, events and milestones of the past year I can't help but wonder what the upcoming year will bring. Actually, I subscribe to the idea that we bring "it" to our own lives. It is our story to create. The hardest part is deciding exactly what I want out of the year.

I used to write lengthy lists of goals and action plans - and most came to fruition. These days my wants and wishes are fewer and somewhat more simple ... I prefer to affirm them:

I call my children and parents (hubby's parents too) more often.
I move my body at least three times a week.

I eat lots of green things!
I reach out to those who are lonely or in need.
I tell my loved ones that I love them and what they mean to me.
My hubby, children and family are healthy.
I refrain from complaining.
I give more than I take.
I am kind to our environment and planet.
I volunteer.

I read a book a month.
I write daily.

I count my blessings every day, and am thankful for the gift of each day.

Here's to fresh starts and to creating a Happy New Year!