Here we go, one more year winding down and a new one fast approaching. As is custom at this time of year we look back at what was and look forward to what might be. It is a time where we celebrate our past victories and resolve to have more in the time to come. In church today I learned that January is named after the mythological god Janus, the god of the doorway with two faces. One face looks back and reflects upon the past while the other looks forward into the future. Quite appropriate (and now I have taught you something, and on my vacation from teaching no less!). As I look back and forward I am struck by the reality of the present moment and wonder. I wonder about what I have learned and how it might be used to face whatever is coming.
To say that 2013 has been anything less of interesting and event-filled would grossly inaccurate. Much has happened in the world. There were new discoveries made, of which the ancient platypus was one of my favourites. Politics proved entertaining, usually for the wrong reasons. Nenshi proved to us in actions what makes a great mayor, while over in Toronto their Chris-Farley-Tribute-Mayor has given our country international attention of the most undesirable kind. Justin Trudeau came out in favour of marijuana legalization (the dope) and Harper's government is being rocked for a Senate scandal. South of the border we saw the government shut down because neither side wants to play nicely with each other, and people overall became even more disillusioned with politics. The entertainment world brought us more of the same in music, movies, and TV. We had the Boston marathon bombing, a royal prince born, and we paid a sad farewell to Nelson Mandella, undoubtedly one of the 20th century's greatest champions. The old pope resigned, and a new perspective came with the new pope. Lance Armstrong fessed up to cheating in the Tour de France (another dope). Floods hit southern Alberta with a vengeance. Syria continues to be embroiled in civil war. The Parti Quebecois proposed a Charter of Values that is as discriminatory as they come and ignited a national debate on secularism vs freedom of religion. Yet with all this going on, the world pushed forward. We saw heroes emerge from many of these tragedies. We watched people come together in peace and understanding. Still, I have to admit that on a global scale I think 2013 took as back a few steps as a society.
On the personal side, 2013 was a great year. Barbara turned 1 and went from crawling to walking to running. She is talking more and more each day. The best experience of the year with her was at teacher interviews earlier this month where Heather brought her by so we could have dinner together, and when Barbie saw me across the gym called out "DADDY!" and started running towards me. I went to the temple almost every week (several times twice a week), and visited the temples in Salt Lake City, Oquirrh Mountain, Jordan River, and Las Vegas. The zoo was shut down by the floods and several animals from the South America building had to find homes in other zoos, so I was forced to say good-bye to the male white faced gibbon Tunku who was a key piece in my personal healing when I first moved to Calgary. School went great, church has been wonderful, and I have had great reunions and experiences with friends and family. Most notable of those was my trip to the Vegas Star Trek convention with Matt Harker, where we met almost the entire DS9 cast and had our photo taken with William Shatner. I met Weird Al Yankovic, Wil Wheaton, Garrett Wang, and others at two comic expos. My gal bladder sad "adios" in May and put me out of commission for a few weeks, and I was able to live a dream by playing Chef Louis in my school's production of "The Little Mermaid" just a few weeks ago. Heather and I were happy to announce the impending arrival of our second sometime around May 13 next year. So while the rest of the world stepped back a bit, our lives went forward in so many great ways.
So as I look back at what was, I turn to what I would like to see change. Here is my Top Ten List of Things I Saw in 2013 That I Don't Want to See Again in 2014 (and yes, I know that we will see these things, or at least similar things, and that I personally have no control over it. It's simply a wish list).
10. Bro Country. I am a country music fan, and I must admit that this year much of what I heard was disappointing. From a hip-hop tone to every song sounding the same I find this new "Bro Country" as it is called lacks the soul and heart that drew me to country music initially. I have actually begun listening more to CBC Radio than Country 105. What was wrong with mainstream country music this year? Well, I could make a list, but this video sums it up for me:
Suffice it to say, I do not identify much with much of what's on country radio these days. Yeah, I feel this way because I'm getting older.
9. YOLO, which in case you did not know, stands for "You Only Live Once". While the slogan itself is not at issue, it is how I have heard it used, usually by teens. They use it as a reason to justify doing stupid things. They will make a decision that they know is wrong and brush it off with a casual "YOLO". Well, guess what, it's true, you only live once, but why intentionally make so many stupid choices that leave you with regret and pain. you are not being funny or clever. You are admitting that doing the wrong thing has no consequences. I would rather you use YOLO to justify making the right decisions. Standing up to the bully, telling the truth, holding back unnecessary harsh words, those are the things that you should do because you only live once.
8. Reality Show Offs. There are too many reality shows that give an unrealistic representation of reality. If I see one more Honey Boo Boo, I'm going to lose it.
7. Miley Cyrus. Enough said.
6. Miley Cyrus. Yup, I repeated myself. That's how much I want to see her disappear.
5. Proper Top Billing in movies. Last Saturday I saw the Hobbit with my wife. Ian McKellan, who plays the important role of Gandalf, was only in the film for what seemed to be a fraction of the time that Martin Freeman, who plays the title character, was, and yet Sir Ian was the first name in the credits. Forget that Armie Hammer plays the Lone Ranger in this year's movie of the same name, Johnny Depp who plays the sidekick is better known so give him top billing. Please. I get it that in Hollywood image is everything, but I find it cheapens the movie a bit when the bigger stars in smaller roles are listed before the actors that play the main character. Of course, this is not new. In 2010 Alice in Wonderland the actress who played Alice was listed FIFTH after all the bigger stars, even though she was in the most scenes and played the title character. Ah, the egos of Hollywood.
4. Cyber-bullying. I have struggled for many years to come to grips with the effects of the bullying that I faced as a youth. I have made much progress, much of which came from helping students with bullying that they face. As I look back at this year, I am so grateful that there were no cell phones or the internet that could have been used against me the way I see it used today. There were some high profile suicides of teens who were bullied. As I listened to the debate, there are still some who feel that bullying and suicide are not connected. It saddens me that some will shut their eyes to the pains of bullying, and the internet allows many bullies to remain anonymous. And sadly it is more than the young who involve themselves in this. The way people treat each other in comment sections, chat rooms, etc. cause me concern for the future. I wish that all of us would use the internet with respect and compassion.
3. Profanity is Everywhere. I get it, people like to swear and cuss. Fine. For some, it is a habit, other times it is used to make a "point", and for some it is a part of who they are. What I am having issue with is that we are becoming more acceptable of it in places that used to be "kid friendly". I could turn on the radio and listen to music without having to hear certain words. The list of words I don't hear is getting shorter, and it seems that some artists just don't care anymore. Of course, that is because we as society are having more acceptance of it. People are allowing it, and when someone complains they are told that they are being too old fashioned. Hey, just because manners is old fashioned does not mean it is outdated.
2. The Idea that Uncouth is Cool. TV shows, music, comedy, movies, art, literature, etc. is become more ripe with envelope pushing. This ties into my #3, but encompasses more than just language. I have had people tell me that it is all about freedom of expression and against censorship. I get that. Does it mean I have to agree that it is acceptable to up the level of sex, violence, gore, vulgarity, etc., just to stay "On the edge" or "relevant?". Point in case, Miley Cyrus. To keep her career relevant, she needed to be controversial. Forget about relying on talent and ability, she felt that she needs to get rid of all self-dignity and become the anti-Disney. It shocks people, which gets attention, which then has us thinking that these things are acceptable, so that 5 years later some other up and coming talent has to raise the bar higher (or should it be lower) to make a name for themselves. When this becomes society's focus, is it any wonder that the world seems a bit murkier?
1. Strength Isn't What It Used to Be. Over this year, I have noticed that some societal voices have tried to redefine what strength is. There have been many different examples over the last few years of people who believe that to be strong means to be rude, belligerent, and to beat down those who oppose you. Yes, this is not a new idea, but it has become more than just the good guy rides into town and beats up the bad guys when they attack him. Look into the political ring, and you will see debate has degenerated into the exchange of insults and put downs. No new ideas are proposed, only degrading your opponent. I am tired of those who try to tell us what strength is. This new year, I want to get the message out that qualities like KINDNESS, HUMILITY, COMPASSION, and TENDERNESS are STRENGTHS, not weaknesses. There is more than enough crass in the world; what we need is more CIVILITY. There is plenty of disrespect with those who differ in opinion, belief, and culture; we need more HONEST RESPECT. There has been more than enough action taken without the care of consequences when what is needed is more THOUGHT and RESPONSOBILITY.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Merry Christmas to All
It is one of my favourite times again, the winter holiday season. I love Christmas time, and having a little girl who is truly experiencing it for the first time is adding so much of the magic again. Yes, last year Barbara was happy to have presents to unwrap, but she is really getting into the swing of things this year. She loves the rocking polar bear that moves as "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" plays, she recognizes Santa, she loves the German Christmas cookies I got at the Edelweiss Village, she thinks all Christmas lights are "pretty", and she enjoys reading the nativity books Heather bought for her. It brings much joy to my heart to see her pure innocence and happiness that this season is bringing. It truly is a joyful time.
To be honest, I have also found Christmas this year to be more hectic than usual. I'm not sure how it happened or why. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and I am finding that my own pace is a wee bit slower than I would like to remember. Maybe it is the extra things that I added onto my plate this year. Maybe it's that little bundle of energy that learned to take her first few steps a few months ago and has been running around ever since. Regardless of which I need to take some time to remember the real reasons that make this time special for me.
For me, Christmas has mostly been about family. As mine is growing (just under five months for the newest little Andrews to enter the world) I find that I must make the most of family not just during these festive times but all year long. I plan on avoiding the stereotype of a father who does not have time for his kids or wife. My best memories of Christmas past has always included family. The great food my mother used to make was often made with us kids. Buying the right gift for a brother or sister was always a careful ordeal. Having the entire family together for Mom's last Christmas was so very important, even though we did not know that it would be her last. It is one of the many blessings that I found looking back that we were able to do that for her. Since Heather has entered my life there have been many great Christmas memories with more family. I realise that many of us look back with a bit of hurt and pain at Christmas memories with family no longer with us. I volunteer at Zoo Lights, and this past Friday I spoke to a woman who was at the wishing tree. She said her family felt she was foolish writing down a wish that she knew she couldn't receive. She lost her son six years ago and wanted him back. She slipped away before I could say much more than I was sorry for her loss. I wanted to give her a hug from her son. I hope someone else will be able to do that for her.
Christmas has also been about looking for the best in things and people. It is about reaching out to those that are all around us with a smile, a hug, a helping hand, a donation, or just a listening ear. It is about going a little out of your way to perform a small act of kindness. It is about finding that little bit of forgiveness to someone who wronged us that we just have been thus far unable or unwilling to give. Christmas is to bring about joy to the world through our actions and our words. It is about bring to pass the peace on Earth and goodwill to men that we sing about but often do little to comprehend. There is love and sweetness that should be woven into the fabric of this holiday season if we are to truly to get the most out of it.
Yes, I have some silly Christmas traditions. I now own every single Muppet Christmas special (although I cannot find the disc for the Muppet Christmas Carol for some reason) that exists, including the before ever elusive Muppet Family Christmas. I cannot have a good Christmas without some lebkuchen, of which now that I know where the prime place in Calgary to acquire them will ever be a staple again. I need to listen to as many parodies of the 12 Days of Christmas I can find (my favourites being the 12 Pains of Christmas and the classic Mackenzie Brother version). That's all well and fine. At the end of the day (or the season as it were), I offer in my Top Ten List the Ten Most Important Traditions of Christmas.
10. Give a little something to those who serve you. There are many ways to do this. I personally try to give a little something to the people in retail and the service industry at this time. Those three-pack Lindt truffles are just about perfect for that. I try to make sure I always have some when I am Christmas shopping and then leave one behind when I make a purchase.
9. Give back to the community. For me, this is where Zoo Lights comes in, but it can include supporting any charity or non-profit organization. It includes shoveling sidewalks for neighbours and strangers.
8. Singing traditional Christmas carols/hymns. Yes, "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" are fun, but they would all be meaningless if there hadn't been that "Silent Night" where that special child was found "Away in a Manger". When I buy a Christmas album, there must be a few of those songs on it. If they are all party-type fun stuff with no mention of Christ, then it just is not for me.
7. Ward Christmas party. I have been fortunate enough to go almost every year. My church family is so integral to the success that I have had that I relish the opportunity to celebrate an important event with them. The fact that there is usually a great turkey dinner involved is great too.
6. Talking to strangers. Totally in the face of what my elementary teachers taught me, but this means offering a friendly hello and Merry Christmas to those around us.
5. Respecting all holidays, regardless of religion. I made a special effort this year to recognize the religious and cultural holidays and observances of many faiths. I know that there are many people who are not Christian, and while this is a country that was created largely by Christian people, it was created for all people of all belief, even if that belief is none at all. I make no apologies for wishing people a Merry Christmas, but there is no reason to pass along a desire for people to have a Happy Chanukah or a Habari Gani.
4. Forgiveness. We need to find forgiveness in our hearts, for He is willing to forgive us. This includes finding forgiveness for ourselves. We can give ourselves a gift in allowing us to move beyond the mistakes that we make.
3. Tell my wife how much she means to me. Yeah, this is a year long goal, but Christmas includes gift giving, and every day she gives me love, understanding, acceptance, support, peace, joy, and my children. She brings out the best in me and completes my life.
2. Spend time with family. I hope my children will be able to look back when I'm gone and be able to say that I was always there for them, not just at Christmas but always. I hope the activities that we turn into traditions will be fond memories for them.
1. Keep the first six letters in Christmas the main focus.
A last little gift to you all, one of my favourite more modern Christmas songs.
To be honest, I have also found Christmas this year to be more hectic than usual. I'm not sure how it happened or why. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and I am finding that my own pace is a wee bit slower than I would like to remember. Maybe it is the extra things that I added onto my plate this year. Maybe it's that little bundle of energy that learned to take her first few steps a few months ago and has been running around ever since. Regardless of which I need to take some time to remember the real reasons that make this time special for me.
For me, Christmas has mostly been about family. As mine is growing (just under five months for the newest little Andrews to enter the world) I find that I must make the most of family not just during these festive times but all year long. I plan on avoiding the stereotype of a father who does not have time for his kids or wife. My best memories of Christmas past has always included family. The great food my mother used to make was often made with us kids. Buying the right gift for a brother or sister was always a careful ordeal. Having the entire family together for Mom's last Christmas was so very important, even though we did not know that it would be her last. It is one of the many blessings that I found looking back that we were able to do that for her. Since Heather has entered my life there have been many great Christmas memories with more family. I realise that many of us look back with a bit of hurt and pain at Christmas memories with family no longer with us. I volunteer at Zoo Lights, and this past Friday I spoke to a woman who was at the wishing tree. She said her family felt she was foolish writing down a wish that she knew she couldn't receive. She lost her son six years ago and wanted him back. She slipped away before I could say much more than I was sorry for her loss. I wanted to give her a hug from her son. I hope someone else will be able to do that for her.
Christmas has also been about looking for the best in things and people. It is about reaching out to those that are all around us with a smile, a hug, a helping hand, a donation, or just a listening ear. It is about going a little out of your way to perform a small act of kindness. It is about finding that little bit of forgiveness to someone who wronged us that we just have been thus far unable or unwilling to give. Christmas is to bring about joy to the world through our actions and our words. It is about bring to pass the peace on Earth and goodwill to men that we sing about but often do little to comprehend. There is love and sweetness that should be woven into the fabric of this holiday season if we are to truly to get the most out of it.
Yes, I have some silly Christmas traditions. I now own every single Muppet Christmas special (although I cannot find the disc for the Muppet Christmas Carol for some reason) that exists, including the before ever elusive Muppet Family Christmas. I cannot have a good Christmas without some lebkuchen, of which now that I know where the prime place in Calgary to acquire them will ever be a staple again. I need to listen to as many parodies of the 12 Days of Christmas I can find (my favourites being the 12 Pains of Christmas and the classic Mackenzie Brother version). That's all well and fine. At the end of the day (or the season as it were), I offer in my Top Ten List the Ten Most Important Traditions of Christmas.
10. Give a little something to those who serve you. There are many ways to do this. I personally try to give a little something to the people in retail and the service industry at this time. Those three-pack Lindt truffles are just about perfect for that. I try to make sure I always have some when I am Christmas shopping and then leave one behind when I make a purchase.
9. Give back to the community. For me, this is where Zoo Lights comes in, but it can include supporting any charity or non-profit organization. It includes shoveling sidewalks for neighbours and strangers.
8. Singing traditional Christmas carols/hymns. Yes, "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" are fun, but they would all be meaningless if there hadn't been that "Silent Night" where that special child was found "Away in a Manger". When I buy a Christmas album, there must be a few of those songs on it. If they are all party-type fun stuff with no mention of Christ, then it just is not for me.
7. Ward Christmas party. I have been fortunate enough to go almost every year. My church family is so integral to the success that I have had that I relish the opportunity to celebrate an important event with them. The fact that there is usually a great turkey dinner involved is great too.
6. Talking to strangers. Totally in the face of what my elementary teachers taught me, but this means offering a friendly hello and Merry Christmas to those around us.
5. Respecting all holidays, regardless of religion. I made a special effort this year to recognize the religious and cultural holidays and observances of many faiths. I know that there are many people who are not Christian, and while this is a country that was created largely by Christian people, it was created for all people of all belief, even if that belief is none at all. I make no apologies for wishing people a Merry Christmas, but there is no reason to pass along a desire for people to have a Happy Chanukah or a Habari Gani.
4. Forgiveness. We need to find forgiveness in our hearts, for He is willing to forgive us. This includes finding forgiveness for ourselves. We can give ourselves a gift in allowing us to move beyond the mistakes that we make.
3. Tell my wife how much she means to me. Yeah, this is a year long goal, but Christmas includes gift giving, and every day she gives me love, understanding, acceptance, support, peace, joy, and my children. She brings out the best in me and completes my life.
2. Spend time with family. I hope my children will be able to look back when I'm gone and be able to say that I was always there for them, not just at Christmas but always. I hope the activities that we turn into traditions will be fond memories for them.
1. Keep the first six letters in Christmas the main focus.
A last little gift to you all, one of my favourite more modern Christmas songs.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Hmmmm, What to Write
You know, one of the things that I have found to be the most frustrating is deciding what to write about in this blog. I thought once to have a special blog to write about political views (being a staunch independent), but unless there is an election or scandal going on, the topic gets boring for me (and when those things are happening, it is depressing more often than not). I have no problem writing about everything that happens to a person, but I prefer to do that in a journal as opposed to online. quite frankly, I doubt my day-to-day ramblings are of any interest to anyone except those who are descended from my and want to learn more after I'm gone. I could write about all the funny things that Barbara does, or all the amazing things that Heather does, or all the trials and triumphs of my students, but I would not have the time for anything else after that. I could pick interesting little topics to write on, but unless something particular strikes me, I find myself looking at the keyboard and blank screen wondering what I could write about that could possibly be interesting enough for other people to spend some time reading about. So here I am, doing exactly that.
I made a goal to post a blog once a month. It is December 1, and I this will only be my 9th of the year. Oops. It is not like nothing significant happens to me ever. Why, just this past week I began rehearsals with my school's drama team (I play Chef Louis in "The Little Mermaid"), but I think I want to wait with writing about that until my journey is completed (and when I have a cool picture of me in my costume). I know some people who have very little blogging once a week let alone once a day, but for me it's different. As I get older, I feel less like making a big deal out of everything. It's great that people can and do blog like that, it just is not my style these days. With teaching, raising a daughter, helping out two wonderful step-sons, supporting the most amazing woman a man could have as a wife, church duties, etc, time is limited. I am not sure that this goal is attainable to me this year.
So how do I rectify this issue I have with setting a goal and then not reaching it? I teach my students and children that failing to reach a goal can be a positive thing. Perhaps what I need to do is find a better way to find topics to write on. Perhaps I can ask you, the two or three of you that actually read this, to provide me suggestions (just leave them in the comments). Perhaps I could start brainstorming at night a bunch of different topics, write them down, and then the first weekend of every month draw one at random. Or perhaps I could just write my frustrations at not being better at blogging...oh wait. Shucks, just did that. Oh well.
Here is the Top Ten list for this entry:
Top Ten Things I Hate About Being Sick (last week I had the flu, today a bad cold):
10. Sleep. No matter how much I get, it never seems to be enough.
9. The taste of medication. Come on Buckley's, tell the truth. You make sure your product tastes so horrible that people lie about feeling better so it is never used again.
8. My body using orifices as waste disposal (more than just the usual kind)
7. Missing work. I hate planning for a sub when I cannot even think straight.
6. Going back to work. I usually have to spend at least a day making up for all the problems caused by being gone because I couldn't make up good sub plans due to not thinking straight (see #7).
5. Getting the rest of the family sick. Not the kind of thing I like to share with my loved ones.
4. Daytime TV. Enough said.
3. Tissues become an endangered species.
2. Food tastes...sick, and not the definition of "sick" that today's youth use incorrectly. I mean everything I taste reminds me of being sick.
1. Feeling like an old person because when I get sick, I start complaining about how today's youth do things wrong, like using the wrong definition of "sick".
I made a goal to post a blog once a month. It is December 1, and I this will only be my 9th of the year. Oops. It is not like nothing significant happens to me ever. Why, just this past week I began rehearsals with my school's drama team (I play Chef Louis in "The Little Mermaid"), but I think I want to wait with writing about that until my journey is completed (and when I have a cool picture of me in my costume). I know some people who have very little blogging once a week let alone once a day, but for me it's different. As I get older, I feel less like making a big deal out of everything. It's great that people can and do blog like that, it just is not my style these days. With teaching, raising a daughter, helping out two wonderful step-sons, supporting the most amazing woman a man could have as a wife, church duties, etc, time is limited. I am not sure that this goal is attainable to me this year.
So how do I rectify this issue I have with setting a goal and then not reaching it? I teach my students and children that failing to reach a goal can be a positive thing. Perhaps what I need to do is find a better way to find topics to write on. Perhaps I can ask you, the two or three of you that actually read this, to provide me suggestions (just leave them in the comments). Perhaps I could start brainstorming at night a bunch of different topics, write them down, and then the first weekend of every month draw one at random. Or perhaps I could just write my frustrations at not being better at blogging...oh wait. Shucks, just did that. Oh well.
Here is the Top Ten list for this entry:
Top Ten Things I Hate About Being Sick (last week I had the flu, today a bad cold):
10. Sleep. No matter how much I get, it never seems to be enough.
9. The taste of medication. Come on Buckley's, tell the truth. You make sure your product tastes so horrible that people lie about feeling better so it is never used again.
8. My body using orifices as waste disposal (more than just the usual kind)
7. Missing work. I hate planning for a sub when I cannot even think straight.
6. Going back to work. I usually have to spend at least a day making up for all the problems caused by being gone because I couldn't make up good sub plans due to not thinking straight (see #7).
5. Getting the rest of the family sick. Not the kind of thing I like to share with my loved ones.
4. Daytime TV. Enough said.
3. Tissues become an endangered species.
2. Food tastes...sick, and not the definition of "sick" that today's youth use incorrectly. I mean everything I taste reminds me of being sick.
1. Feeling like an old person because when I get sick, I start complaining about how today's youth do things wrong, like using the wrong definition of "sick".
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