My View on the Election

I really don't want to have to go back to polls but thanks again to the political greed of a few, I will have no choice. Given that, I am going to say my view on the candidates.
 
 
Michael Ignatieff  
 
Where to start with Mikey. There are so many things for me to not like about him I am finding it hard to find things that I do.
 
 
He was born in Canada yet went to University in the USA. He held a position in 2000 at John F. Kennedy School of Government (gee wonder if that gave him an American Slant on politics), not coming back to Canada until 2005 at which time he decided to become a Liberal candidate in the federal election. Odd thing to give up a position at Harvard and be part of their political scene to run to Canada to try to get a leader position. Reeks of nothing more than opportunism to me.
 
 
He took a stab at Ukrainian Canadians by stating ""I have reasons to take the Ukraine seriously indeed. But, to be honest, I'm having trouble. Ukrainian independence conjures up images of peasants in embroidered shirts, the nasal whine of ethnic instruments, phony Cossacks in cloaks and boots...".
 
 
He wants us to remain at war. The reason Harper couldn't just let us leave Afghanistan is because of this. Harper has a minority government, Iggy didn't support the pull out of the troops.
 
 
He has lived outside of Canada for over 30 years.
 
 
Final judgement - Iggy is wrong for Canadians and is barely even "Canadian" at all.
 
 
Jack Layton  
 
Born in Canada, specifically in Quebec. He comes from a long line of politicians and has been part of Canadian politics (in Canada not the USA) since his school years.
 
Layton and his wife lived in Cooperative Housing in 1990, meanwhile making $120,000. Then in 2004 he accused the Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin of being responsible for the deaths of homeless people, because he failed to provide funding for affordable housing.
 
He opposed the 1996 Olympic Bid. Layton planned the coalition prior to the fiscal update and then persuaded Dion to sign on Layton was hellbent on ousting the Harper government, pledging that the NDP would vote against the Conservative budget regardless of what it contained. So it makes no difference to him if Harpers budget was good he wasn't even going to look, just wanted to take over.
 
 
Layton urged Ignatieff's Liberals to topple to Conservatives before the shelf life of the coalition expired; constitutional experts said that four months after the last election, if the government fell, the Governor General would likely grant the Prime Minister's request to dissolve parliament instead of inviting the coalition. On January 28, 2009, the Liberals agreed to support the Conservative budget with an amendment, ending the possibility of the coalition, so Layton said "Today we have learned that you can't trust Mr. Ignatieff to oppose Mr. Harper. If you oppose Mr. Harper and you want a new government, I urge you to support the NDP."
 
 
His recent campaign speech stated he will punish the "Polluter's" by finding "new sources of energy". Which translates to - Alberta is screwed.
 
 
Final Judgement: Jack Layton is for Jack Layton.
 
 
As for the Green Party, they are not even in the running. The two big wigs here are really Liberal or Conservative.
 
 
Now I will talk Stephen Harper.
 
 
He was born and raised Canadian, and better yet, a MP in Calgary. Yeah so I am a bit biased there I will admit. He has a long political career. During the recession we remained afloat. Unlike our American neighbors who are still struggling and seem to be getting worse, we survived and are starting to come back. I am wondering what he would be capable of if he wasn't a minority government.
 
 
Final Judgement Finally someone who really does seem to have our best interests.
 
I want Harper to have a majority and really get to make some changes. That's how I see it.

Let me start from the begining, no there is too much.. let me sum up..

The past year was a whirlwind of (for lack of a better analogy) complete crap! People I loved were sick and suffering, work was non existent and to top it all off, I did not win the lotto! That last part was of course a joke the rest of it painfully true, unfortunately.

So we begin a new year with new possibilities. So far things have been not too bad. Mostly people around me are doing better. Job situation is improving as well.

Well then what do I talk about? I have some venting to do. So I will just tell you my top pet peeves - lately.

I can't stand people that do not clean up after themselves. When you make food put your cups, bowls, dishes, pots, pans in the dishwasher! If the dishwasher has clean dishes in it - hey here is a thought - EMPTY IT!  It drives me nuts how dirty and inconsiderate people can be and how they just assume I will be their maid and clean up after them - NOT doing THAT anymore!

People who do not take responsibility for their own actions. Wow what is people who just think the world is at fault and they do no wrong? They are usually the argumentative ones who will argue over anything and everything and never admit they are mistaken or in error. Rude and obnoxious are two words that come to mind. Just a bit of advice for you - the world owes you NOTHING, least of all me, stop taking and start doing some giving. What makes me really laugh is they can usually spot his quality in other people but not in themselves.

Immaturity. If you are over 18 - grow the hell up! Stop whining, stop acting like a child stop expecting people to bend over backwards for you while you take, take, take, - GROW UP! You are not a child you are an adult - ACT IT! I am so sick of today's whiney, no direction, egocentric, self involved, ridiculous youth. This is the world - take a good look around you. Open your damn eyes, and start behaving like a adult.

The Customer is always right. Remember that old rule? When did this stop being common practice? I am sick of service people being jerks. I have even said to a waitress once (after she argued with me about the menu they had posted outside the door, she even went to check, to find I was right) "What ever happened to the customer is always right?" she just looked at me. Much like my beagle looks at me when you try to have difficult conversations with him ... blink...blink....blink...

Well that's all at the moment that I can think of. I am sure I will have more venting later but those are today's biggies!   Thanks for reading :)

******Addition***

Thought of something else! Being taken for granted. This year I am not going to be a doormat. THIS year I will stop the give give give gravy train. It ends right now. I am sick of giving and giving and being totally taken for grated. People who respect you do not do that. Thankfully this isn't a major issue in my life but there is enough that it bothers and upsets and hurts me. So it ends - now.

It is going to get better!!

It seems this year has been a horrible year for everyone I know, myself included. It has been a year that has been filled with health problems, money problems, job problems, just to name a few, for myself and people I love. So being I like to look into what other cultures believe and their views on the matter, I checked into the Chinese year of the white metal Tiger. That would be 2010.

What I found out was:

Chinese Astrology is a Balance Theory of Five Elements. Each animal can be converted into Five Elements. Tiger contains Mainly Wood, Fire and little Earth. Wood and Fire together will make Fire stronger. Metal is afraid of Fire and Metal is also against Wood. That means Metal and Tiger together will fight each other, which implies 2010 won't come quietly and peacefully. We can image that 2010 is a Tiger wearing armor. This Tiger doesn't like armor on the top its body and keeps jumping around. For safety, we should keep our distance from it. That's why many Chinese don't like White Tiger.

Tiger has the potential to become vigorous, ferocious and cruel. So Tiger is a symbol of power and authority. This kind of personality is good for the leadership. With the inflexible and destructive personality, Tiger has very poor people relationship, especially, with family members. In traditional customary, Chinese family don't invite people born in year of Tiger to involve private wedding ceremony.


Well that really sums it up doesn't it. It has been bad - but what does the new year mean? 2011 is the White Metal Rabbit and this is what I learned about that (to sum up):


The Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel kindness and sensitivity to beauty. His soft speech and graceful and nimble ways embody all the desirable traits of a successful diplomat or seasoned politician. Likewise, a person born under this sign will lead a tranquil life, enjoying peace, quiet and a congenial environment. He is reserved and artistic and possesses good judgment. His thoroughness will also make him a good scholar. He will shine in the fields of law, politics and government. The Rabbit year is said to bring peace or at least a respite from conflict or war.


The Year of the Rabbit should be a peaceful year, much welcomed after the Year of the Tiger. Rules and regulations will not be as strictly enforced and people will have fun and relax. Overall, it should be a moderate year with an easygoing pace.


So don't lose hope! A better year is coming and we can kick this tiger to the curb!

Please Vote for my dog!

He's a sweetie and so cute! Please vote for our much loved dog "Buddy" so we can spoil him with his winnings! http://calgary.virginradio.ca/Showcase/CutestPet/View.aspx?ID=168617

THANKS!!

A few words

So many things it seems have happened since my brothers surgery, I barely know where to start.

To start with the most positive. My brother is doing a lot better and recovering well. He is now back to work full time, full days and is taking his first business trip since he's been back this week. This is all good. He has to keep getting check ups to make sure the cancer doesn't return but they are keeping on top of it all including blood work done all the time watching his white cell count.

Around the same time my brother was having his fevers and feeling crappy so was my brother in law. He kept being treated for an infection that they just couldn't seem to get rid of. Finally there was a push to look further as the infection was not going away and he continued to feel worse and worse. They found an infection alright but not what they thought it was.

His bowel was attached to his bladder and a opening between them causing a massive infection in the area. They had to operate and take some of the bowel and some of the bladder. He is a Strong man for sure! I don't know how he managed all this time with this horrible infection. He has had the surgery and is recovering. It takes time but he is not one to give up, not ever. I am very proud of him. He is a great person, wonderful brother in law and has always been a good friend. I know he will be back to his old self in no time!

So given these two things happening to people so close to me in my life I have had a rethinking of how I live my life. I had decided to make changes, exercise, eat better - and so on.

My daughters birthday came and we had my Mom and brother over for cake (I made a home made chocolate mint cake - turned out pretty good). I had decided that once the rain had stopped I was going walking with Brent every time he went out. I figured that was as good a place as any to start! So everyone left and I was walking down the steps to our family room. I put my foot onto the first step and stepped on one of my dogs bones and whoosh down I went. I smacked my head on the top step and my body on the other steps and went right down to the bottom. My toe wedging into one of the side pieces. I broke my big toe in 2 places. One just under the toenail going down the side (the doc said a bad break on the side) between the toes. The other the base of the toe going into the foot itself. Painful? F*CK YES!

So here I am covered in bruises, can't walk and pretty much making advil my friend. It's ok though, I should be back to normal or so in a couple of weeks. I have a plan and I am going to stick with it! It just will take a bit longer to start it than I had hoped is all lol.

The other amazing thing that happened is my son became a man! He had his 18th birthday! WHAT a party! Must have been around 100 kids here and DJ's. The house was jumping and full of life! He has such wonderful friends and it was a 18th birthday to remember for sure. I had my friends come too - all but one who didn't show up, didn't call and still has yet to make his apologies or explain why we were blown off. I am angry for that yes I am because this particular friend has no trouble asking us for help (which we have given many times) but couldn't be bothered to come or at least phone and tell us why? Oh well - HIS loss. The party (as I said) rocked - literally! To all my sons friends - you are awesome and the door is always open for you :)

We have been spending a lot of time with a couple good friends of ours and they are great! Also the best pizza in the city is in the North end of Calgary. We went for dinner with them to one place and all I can say is - OH - MY - GOD! Best pizza! So for my daughters birthday we drove all the way to the north to get their pizza for dinner lol! I dunno but I may even consider moving just for that pizza! hehehe. Anyways, they are great friends and I feel very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!

I just have to say, I feel lucky. I do have wonderful friends, and family and also family who are friends! In this world were it seems we are for ever on this roller coaster of ups and downs, whether it be health related, financial related, kid related or whatever - it is so good to know that there are people I love and who love me in return.

On this roller coaster I want to say I feel proud to be sharing the ride with all of you and I am buckled in and ready to keep rollin'! Love ya!

The View from here

Lately there has been a lot of people talking and opinions on various things. I wanted to share my opinion - just for the record.

I was glad to hear Obama wants to pull the troops out of Iraq I only wish he was as committed to do that in Afghanistan. I don't agree with this war at all on any level. I think it has been a tragic waste of lives on both sides.

I hear a lot of things people say about Muslims and it really makes my skin crawl. I know Muslim people and am smart enough to know that all Muslims are not terrorists, just as I am smart enough to know that not all Christians are KKK members! These types of factions take a faith and bastardize it to fit their agenda's.

I don't think forcing "Freedom" down their throats is what they seem to want at all. People up-rise for freedom and rights, when they want them. What we believe to be freedom and right in our culture isn't what other people see as freedom or right. I get really tired of western culture thinking its the be all and end all of civility. It is not. We are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination and should not try to make other cultures conform to western beliefs.

I understand the women are treated differently than here - and people of course find it appauling. So DON'T do that then. This is their faith, what they believe to be true. When women in the west decided we didn't want to be treated like a second class citizen we rose up and said "WE WANT MORE". You can't FORCE that, it has to happen when (and if) they are ready to do that. They may never be ready to do that. We just have to accept that is there way of life, who the heck are we to tell them differently? If you don't like the Muslim faith - then don't become one. Easy. What in the world makes people think its right to invade their country and tell THEM how they have to change to suit you? That is wrong and we told Hitler that when he did that in Poland, whats so different now?

I like living here in Canada, the freedoms I have. This is how I was raised it is what I know. How would we all feel if someone invaded our country and said its all wrong and we should believe their way? It's WRONG plain and simple. There are no WMD we established that, then it became the "war on terror". Who's terror? I am thinking it is far more terrifying for them to be invaded and forced to conform to things they do not believe it! It sure would be if it was happening to me.

That's my 2 cents on that. I am sure it will get some backlash from some people I say bring it on. There is NO way anyone can deny - if it were you sitting in your comfy easy chair watching Sunday night TV and a country invaded telling you everything you are doing and everything you believe is wrong that it would be OK and you'd be "OH I am SO glad someone came to help me". I doubt you can find me one person who would think that was a great idea. They want us out, of course they do. SO lets GET OUT.

For my Brother Kevin, With Love..

A brother is a friend given by Nature ~ ~Jean Baptiste Legouve

Kevin has always been a major part of my life. When we were kids I would want to go where ever he would go. I would cry when he would go with his friends and beg my Mom to make him take me along. Sometimes he would too! If he wanted some time with just his friends he would promise me another day, and always came through on his word. He would take me to the wading pool, or to a movie - just him and I. I recall he took me to see Charlot's Webb thinking it would be a funny good movie for me. He told me when I was older how horrible he felt when he looked over at the end of the movie and saw me crying. I remember after that movie he took me to McDonald's for dinner, even bought me a milk shake - and we sat in the big plastic train!

When I got older I envied Kevin. He got such great marks in school and even when I struggled I never reached the A's he was getting, or the honor roll. I remember bragging to my friends when he went to university and how he got to choose to either be a Doctor or a Lawyer, what a choice! When he chose Law and was accepted to University in Nova Scotia, I bragged even more but the horrible realization that he was going so far away was hard to handle.

When my 18th birthday came, Kevin was at school and unable to be there. He sent me a letter (back in those days it was all hand written, no computers and no emails). It said how he wished he could be there and wished me a happy 18th. A letter to this day I have kept.

As an adult I have to say I have even more bragging rights when it comes to my brother. Truly a man with a heart of gold. He helped to take care of my Nana when she could no longer take care of herself. He gives selflessly and fully of himself when ever family needs him. He has been there when family's health has been failing and when they need help and comfort. He is there to give a hug, and support when I have felt my lowest. I am a proud sister, he is someone I am not only proud to call brother but someone I call friend. Someone I have always aspired to be like. He is a uncle extraordinaire and my kids think the world of him and love him to pieces.

My brother was diagnosed with colorectal Cancer last week. This was a blow to my very core. I can't imagine God's plans or the reason why this would happen to my Kevin. Such a helpless feeling. His latest tests show it has not spread, which is good and his surgery is July 2nd.

I ask you all to pray for Kevin. Maybe this is a tap on my shoulder to remind me how lucky I am and what a gift he is. A wake up call I won't ignore. I will be standing by him, I will help him to fight this and to get well. I will pray, and I hope you will too.

~K