2010: Begin Again – Careful, Big Brother may be watching

Are you OK with your employer using technology to monitor you at work? According to an interview I heard on CBC Radio earlier today, 75 per cent of Canadian companies and organizations may be keeping track of workers and their productivity via their computers. This can take the form of keystroke counting to ensure data-entry efficiency to monitoring Internet access to see what you may be checking out. Big Brother may, indeed, be watching. How do you feel about that?

The CBC Radio show was Spark and I think it was Nora Young conducting the interview, but I didn’t catch the name of the fellow being interviewed. I believe he was from a university’s school of business. Discussion centred on the use of technology to keep an eye on employees to see if productivity is being maintained. Aside from the keystroke counting and monitoring Internet activity, other current and developing trends really start to seem a little creepy.

Security ID cards can track when employees enter or leave the building, or sections in the building. Some companies are introducing cards that will allow them to track employees constantly, knowing exactly where they are at any given time while on the job. Better not spend too much time on a bathroom break!

Part of my 2010: Begin Again project is to work at developing a good side income. My job at the college is a 10-month term position, meaning I’m off work from mid-June to mid-August. Having extra money flowing in will be most beneficial. Having an extra income that could actually replace that from a job could be a blessing if one was to work for an organization that snooped into your life a bit too much!

Thankfully, I’m not in such a position myself. How about you? Who’s watching over your shoulder?

A Year to Live – Experiencing Life By Preparing for Death
Today marked the first session in the ‘A Year to Live’ program I am taking with a friend. This is based on the book A Year to Live: How to Live This Year as If It Were Your Last, by Stephen Levine. We’re meeting once a month with a wonderful woman, Pat, who is guiding us through the program.

Death is not something people are comfortable discussing or considering. I suppose taking time for such a program may seem morbid to some, but when you realize the actual intent is to ensure participants are really living the life they want, it actually becomes quite exciting.

We spent time simply talking about the concept and why we were there. Pat used a guided meditation to begin the process of imagining a doctor had just told us we only have a year to live. What that felt like and what our reactions would be provided fodder for conversation. We also did some solo brainstorming looking at what we would like to accomplish if we truly only had a year left.

What’s interesting is that none of us really know how much time is left for us in this physical realm. The individual with a known terminal illness could outlive us should we have an unfortunate run-in with a bus. And not of the kind I referenced yesterday!

As Levine states in the book; “It can be hard to die when we have forgotten so often that we are alive . . . How often has our life passed unnoticed? How soon will we accept this opportunity to be fully alive before we die?”

Interestingly enough, to me anyway, you may care less; I’m also currently reading You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor. He addresses the same issue about living before we die; “Remember, you do not have a contract to live forever, nor is this a practice run – this is your life and you should be enjoying it to the fullest extent humanly possible.”

My deepest wish is that you are, in fact, living life exactly how you want to. If you aren’t, bless yourself by taking some time to reflect on what’s really important to you, then start to take the steps to make that happen.

Namaste.

Hop on the bus, Gus; 2010: Begin Again

The problem with public transportation is that it is accessible to the general public. Like the middle-age woman sitting behind me on Friday while I was riding the bus home. While her constant muttering was distracting, it paled in comparison to her sudden bursts of violent coughing. Coughing that spewed noxious fumes of gut-fermented garlic into the air shared by fellow passengers.

Concerns over possible viral infection wilted in the onslaught of an herbal assault guaranteed to knock out any germ with greater efficiency than anything offered by modern medicine. I may never eat escargot in garlic butter again.

This past week I had the pleasure of riding the bus home after work. Lynda was using the car due to her late shift at work. While the week ended with the attack of Stinky Rose, it began with the misguided transit worker. He forgot his route!

Right after entering the on ramp to Whoop-Up Drive heading west, he realized he was supposed to go downtown first. And then what do you do? You can’t back up to Scenic Drive and traffic is building up. So, it’s down the hill, across the river, up the other side, around the loop, back down the hill, across the river, back up the other side and finally downtown, to pick up four people, then proceed back down the hill, across the river, up the other side, and running 15 minutes behind schedule!

OK, so maybe there is more wrong with public transit than the public accessibility!


2010: Begin Again - Adventures in The Quest

It’s rolling through the first month of the new year and while things aren’t 100 per cent on track, I’m pretty happy with the way it’s all shaping up. Met up with Darren for a review of the first chapter of The Quest; the spiritual exploration based on Unity teachings. We evolve with time. I’d begun The Quest some years ago with a small group, but when the group broke up, I put it aside. 2010: Begin Again; so I’ve picked it up and Darren and I are going through it.

This timing is right now. I knew that as soon as I checked out the first chapter; “You can begin again . . . and again . . . and again.” It fit perfectly with my current life theme of ‘2010: Begin Again.’

Towards the end of the chapter is a sentence that gets to the heart of Unity teaching. It’s a philosophy that addresses spiritual reality for me . . . maybe not for you; after all you are on your own path.

I do think, though, that if you strip away all of the dogma and baggage of organized religion, the majority of faith practices share a common thread. It’s a thread that has become lost in the tapestry of rituals and traditions that we’ve woven into a myriad of different religious practices.

The sentence gets to the heart of 2010: Begin Again by addressing change . . . and that’s what it’s all about.

“Where does change begin? It begins first of all with the realization that you are worthwhile, that you are not separated from God, that you are a part of God, not apart from God.”

If we could just get to the point where we acknowledged and honoured the spark of the Divine within each of us, I think the world could be a better place.

Where have all the protest songs gone?

“Tin soldiers and Nixon coming, we’re finally on our own. This summer I hear the drumming, four dead in Ohio.” – Neil Young. Not sure why, but the lyrics have been running through my mind today. It leaves me wondering where have all the great protest songs gone? Maybe there are powerful songs today, and I’ve just missed them.

I suspect there may be people in my group of Facebook friends who don’t even know about the incident to which the lyrics from “Ohio” refer. Very quickly, the 1960s and early 1970s were a time of change in North America, particularly in the U.S. The war in Vietnam was raging and, in 1969, the U.S. invaded Cambodia. People were divided on the issue. Some backed the U.S. government, no matter what. Others questioned why young Americans were dying in a war half a world away, and then why the invasion of Cambodia was launched.

Sound familiar? When the U.S. started a war with Iraq after the 9/11 attacks, the nation was divided, though I suspect more were for the government action than against it. Don’t forget, UN weapons inspectors had already proven there were no weapons of mass destruction, but then-President Bush used that scare tactic to justify a war. If you disagreed with invading another country and starting a war, you were often considered un-American.

But it was different on May 4, 1970. Students at Kent State University in Ohio had been protesting the Vietnam War and invasion of Cambodia. They marched in protest in November 1969. And they were protesting on campus in the spring of 1970 and in the town of Kent, Ohio. Protests got out of hand when bars closed at night and bonfires were lit in the streets while some businesses had windows shattered. On the ground of KSU, the ROTC building, which was scheduled for demolition, was torched. Enter the National Guard.

Today we can look at countries like China and deride their stance on human rights. We can express shock when Buddhist monks are gunned down by Chinese military. The few pictures we see are horrifying. Yet, the U.S. is not innocent of such actions. On May 4, 1970, the National Guard, faced with student protest action, opened fire on young American citizens killing four and injuring nine in about 13 seconds of shooting. Two of those killed were among the protesters. Two others were simply students walking from one building to the next between classes. Guardmen claimed they felt threatened. The average distance between those killed and the armed National Guard was 345 feet (105 metres).

Neil Young wrote the song "Ohio", recorded it with friends David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, and release one of the most haunting protest songs of all time. For me, it ranks right up there with “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” Powerful songs about key moments in our history.

So, what are you’re favourite protest songs? Songs with a message. Songs that matter.

Photos: The photos were taken by two Kent State students. John Filo was taking a break from work in the campus photo lab when he captured the top news photo of 1970: a girl screaming over the dead body of Jeffrey Miller who was killed by the national guard. The girl was Mary Vecchio, a 15-year-old runaway from Florida. The photo won a Pulitzer prize. Howard Ruffner, a KSU student photographer, captured some of the best photos of the tragedy.

The He in We

I don’t believe there is a God. I believe that God is all there is. Confused? Don’t be. It’s simply a matter of expanding our concept of God to get beyond the idea that we are separated from a spirit being who oversees every aspect of the universe.

God, no matter what name you choose to use, is far more than the being described in the revered books of man’s many different religions. I’m going to use the term ‘God,’ with the understanding that it’s not a name, but rather a concept. It seems to me that humanity has been trying to understand the universe and our place in it pretty much since the beginning of time . . . dare I say since we first stood upright in an African savannah millions of years ago?

In our efforts we’ve been limited by our understanding of the physical world and our place in it. Ego results in the idea that God is really a fantastic version of us; an individual being prone to the same emotions that control our behaviours . . . but backed up by having omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence. In effect, we’ve created God in our image. We’ve taken the Divine and stuffed it into a human skin in order to make it more understandable. Disagree with that idea? Pick up a copy of the Old Testament and have a read. There you’ll find the jealous God. The needy God. The demanding God. The loving God. The lonely God. In other words, all of the things that make us human.

But what if we could get beyond that concept? New Thought teachings, originating in the mid- to late-1800s do just that. There are different ideas even within this particular spiritual practice. My path has brought me to the point where I believe we, and the universe itself, are physical manifestations of the Divine.

We are spiritual beings experiencing a human existence. We are not separate from God. That which is Divine is found within each of us.

Now take that concept and think about it for a moment. There are those who ask where is God when people commit atrocities? How could He allow such things to happen? I have to agree. How could He? Except, of course, He is We. Next time you’re tempted to ask if there is a God, how come He lets horrible things happen, take a look in the mirror. Then ask, how could We let this happen?

We have yet to awaken to our spiritual magnificence. I’m not sure when we actually will. Hey, and I’m not exempt from this. Sure, I have my spiritual beliefs. But I don’t act like it all the time. That bit about spirit experiencing a human existence tends to get in the way. Yeah, I believe the Divine lives through each of us. So why do I struggle with forgiving some people for their actions or even for my perception of their actions?

Because I am human, that’s why. I don’t have all the answers. I struggle as much as anyone with the reality of day-to-day life. I’m not necessarily proud of it. But I am trying. I’m working on developing and understanding my spiritual side. That’s one of the goals for my 2010: Begin Again project.

When I sign off a message with ‘namaste,’ I want to mean it. There are different interpretations, but it is understood to express the idea that “I honour the Light within you,” or “That which is Divine within me, acknowledges and honours that which is Divine within you.”

That Divine that dwells within each of us, that surrounds us, that supports us, that is us, that is the universe . . . that is God.

Namaste.

Spiritual link: Here's a great talk from Unity Center of Walnut Creek, Calif. It's entitled "Entering the God Field."

Photos: JC and I enjoy a tussle. JC with my son, his dad, Devon. And JC by himself. They joined Lynda and me for dinner today. The Divine expresses itself through each of us.

It's About Time

For me, it's 2010: Begin Again. But even though committing to revolution more than resolution, sometimes the past continues to live on in the mind.

The brain is a weird and wonderful thing. It amazes me that it can store the strangest memories for years, then suddenly spring them lose on you when you least expect it. This morning was a classic example for me.

Jingles for TV shows and commercials seem to have the power to embed themselves deep in the mind. For me, they can work their way to the surface at unexpected times. I’m sure something triggers it – something too subtle to register – and suddenly it’s like I’m back in time and music and lyrics are playing in my head. OK, OK, so I’m actually singing along to the soundtrack of my mind.

This morning it was a flashback to a horrible TV show from the 1960s. From out of nowhere I found myself singing:

“It’s about time, it’s about space,
About two men in the strangest place.
Wait ‘til they see what is in sight,
Is it good luck, or is it good night.
It’s about two astronauts
It’s about they’re fate.
It’s about a woman
And her prehistoric mate.”

The lyrics aren't complete, but that's the section I remember. And, weah, the show was called It’s About Time. It came out a time of very silly shows on TV. Things like the Beverly Hillbillies, the Munsters, Gilligan’s Island and more. The premise was sillier than any of the aforementioned, with the possible exception of The Munsters. It’s About Time was a comedy about two astronauts who travel back in time and hook up with a tribe of cavemen. Whacky adventures ensue. Dumb. Really dumb.

But the power of the theme song makes it live on in my mind.

Radio jingles do the same thing. When I was in Grades 1-3, I lived at the air force base near Summerside, P.E.I. Every school day Mom would have breakfast prepared and I’d eat at about the same each morning. Mom also had the radio playing at the same time. And I swear I heard the same radio ads morning after morning.

Now I’m 52 years old and I still remember:

J-E-N-K-I-N-S
Jenkins is the very best.
Beef and lobster, chicken, too.
Jenkins is the best for you.
Shop Jenkins, Jenkins
Jenkins of P.E.I.

Jenkins doesn’t exist anymore. I know. A couple of years ago, when the jingle was going through my mind, I contacted the editor of the newspaper in Summerside to see if it was still around. Nope. It’s long gone. But it lives on in my mind – along with the memory of the first time I had cinnamon toast. That was also one morning in P.E.I. while having breakfast before school.

Cinnamon toast and Jenkins. Two memories intertwined and linked by a simple radio jingle.

The mind really is a weird and wonderful thing.

Christian leader's bizarre take on Haiti

As part of my 2010: Begin Again philosophy, I’m re-examining my stance of ‘live and let live’ when it comes to the spiritual walk of life. Just because I disagree with someone’s personal religious faith doesn’t mean I’m right and they’re wrong. I shouldn’t criticize another’s spiritual beliefs. Or so I used to think.

Now I’m wondering if we have a responsibility to speak out when a particular faith or church has leaders or teachings that build themselves up by tearing others down. Groups that cause harm to others by following a path they’ve determined is the only right way to go and to God.

My spiritual journey in life has taken me down some interesting paths. An atheist. Traditional, conservative denomination. Ultra-conservative. Back out to a much more liberal theology. Finally to my current sense of spirituality. That’s a good thing because when I see individuals like Pat Robertson spouting off offensive garbage about the current tragedy in Haiti, I’m happy to say I no longer call myself a Christian.

Robertson, a one-time U.S. presidential candidate and long-time right-wing Christian extremist, has basically claimed that the horror of the recent earthquake in Haiti is God’s way of dealing with Haiti because slaves “swore a pact to the devil” to gain independence from France in 1804. Robertson is a sad and pathetic man who called on the U.S. government to assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in 2005.

While I no longer consider myself a Christian as usually defined by those who are, I feel compassion for all true believers who get lumped in with the misguided few who take such bizarre stands. Just as the majority of Muslims are not terrorists, I would venture to say the majority of Christians are not followers of the extremist views of Pat Robertson.

Leaders like Bishop John Shelby Spong are, in my mind, what a true Christian should be. If Bishop Spong were leading a church in my area, I’d be there every Sunday. If Pat Robertson had a church in my area, I’d just be embarrassed. My hope is that individuals like Spong will lead the evolution needed in the church today, while people like Robertson will see their approach become extinct.

What has happened in Haiti is a horrible tragedy. But it’s a natural event, not the punishment of some despotic spiritual tyrant so lacking in self-confidence that He needs to lash out at the impoverished ancestors of slaves over some perceived insult from 200 years ago.

Rather than casting blame on the victims, as Robertson has done, the world needs to come together at times like this to provide aid to a country that needed our help at the best of times. Now, it is the worst of times and they need support more than ever, not condemnation from a self-righteous religious extremist.

If you can, find a way to help. Lynda and I will be donating through her workplace, Sun Life, which will be matching all donations from its employees to provide help to the people of Haiti. Hopefully, many enlightened Christian churches will also provide support. That would be wonderful to see in light of the media attention Pat Robertson’s comments will gain.

Such a system is downright evil - Sarah Palin

Fox News has hired Sarah Palin to be a regular commentator on their network. Sarah Palin. A news commentator. On Fox. Offering political commentary and analysis. Insightful comments. About the news. On Fox TV. Sarah Palin. Take a deep breath and let that sink in.

Palin says she’s thrilled to join Fox News. “It’s wonderful to be part of a place that so values fair and balanced news.” Fox News. Fair and balanced. Values it. And hires Sarah Palin. To add her “dynamic voice” to the network. Sarah Palin. Dynamic voice on Fox News. The fair and balanced network. Let that breath out now.

At what point did the world turn into the Gong Show?

Sarah Palin providing news commentary on the “fair and balanced” Fox network? Get serious! This is the same Palin who did her best to destroy attempts at U.S. health reform by claiming Obama’s plan would include a ‘death panel’ that decides the fate of elderly Americans or those suffering disabilities.

The same Palin who couldn’t name a single newspaper or magazine she reads when asked by Katie Couric.

The same Palin who pushed a conspiracy theory that the words “In God We Trust” had been moved to the edge of U.S. coins by the Obama administration. Even though the change took place under Bush’s presidency.

It’s the same woman who has been shown time after time to have almost no grasp of international affairs. Yet she’s qualified to be a commentator for Fox TV? Well, I guess that makes sense in a way. Fox and Palin – proving once and for all that two rights can definitely make a wrong!

One good thing may come from this bizarre event. Perhaps Tina Fey can return to SNL for special Weekend Update segments.

Spirit and Science
The science vs. religion debate seems to polarize some segments of society. There are people so caught up in religion that they vehemently deny what science can teach us about our ancestors. Then there are those with such a strong faith in science that they can't reconcile themselves to accepting a spiritual side to life.

I've traveled a very wandering and twisting road through my five+ decades and I've dipped my toes into both ponds at different times. Today, I'm much more relaxed about the issue and see plenty of room to accommodate both perspectives equally. If you struggle with blending the two, you need to escape the dogma associated with each when taken separately. My suggestion, check out 'Thank God for Evolution.'

2010: Begin Again - Dream Weaver and Litter Things

Dream Weaver
The fulfillment of your dreams is necessary for the well-being of the whole of humanity. The Divine expresses itself through you and your life. Are you living up to your potential or selling yourself short. And, in so doing, adversely affecting all that is. It’s something I struggle with.

I do believe in a spiritual side of life. In fact, I think we are spirit experiencing the physical reality of the universe. Who and what we are is something humanity has pondered for thousands of years. Seems we still don’t have a definitive answer that suits everyone, and we never will.

God, Allah, Shiva, Jehovah, The Light, One Mind, Divine Spirit, Krishna, Shen, Gaia; they are all expressions of our efforts to understand our place in the universe. For me, I tend to follow New Thought principles, not to be confused with New Age. Forget the crystals; you are connected right to the Divine.

Even knowing this, that we are connected through and with spirit, I still struggle with things that are all too human. Not recognizing the Divine in others is a big thing with me. Certain people and the way they act get under my skin and I react without thinking. Not good. And it’s got me into trouble at times.

But I know I can live up to potential and I like the teaching that individual dreams are important to the All. Here’s a great talk about pursuing your dreams.


It’s the Litter Things that Bug Me!
Thank your lucky stars, God in Heaven or own version of the Divine that I’m not in charge of everything. If I were there’d be some changes made. I can’t stand people who litter.

Someone who has such little consideration for others that they’d just throw their trash around is offensive to me. Even with the big interest in being ‘green’ right now, there still seems to be a lot of people who just don’t give a damn. When I walk Max, I often end up picking up the trash left behind by others. Today it was a paper cup from someone’s coffee. Really, how much effort does it take to carry it with you along the path until you hit the next trash container?

Want to help clean up the planet? Here’s what I’d do if I was in charge (and that’s not likely to happen, so relax, you’re safe).

The minimum fine for littering would instantly increase to $1,000 for the smallest infraction. Drop a coffee cup - $1,000 fine. Leave a candy bar wrapping in the grass - $1,000 fine. Toss a cigarette butt on the ground - $1,000 fine. You can be a slob in your house, but not where others have to tolerate your disgusting lack of manners.

The fine would be payable immediately, or as $500 in each of two successive months. Can’t afford it? Fine. Here’s your options:
1. Authorities will garnishee your wages until the fine is paid.
2. Fulfill 100 hours of supervised community work instead of the fine. This works out to a value of $10 per hour. Hopefully, you’ll spend it in a supervised crew cleaning up parks and roadsides.
3. Serve your time in jail and have a record.

If it’s kids doing the littering, parents are given two warnings. The third time, they are responsible for the kid’s fine, or allowing the kid to work 100 hours of community service.

Yeah, I know. It’s unrealistic and some would say too harsh. But you better believe there would be a decrease in littering and parents may take more responsibility for bringing their kids up right.

Photos: Just me and my shadow - gone over to the dark side! Max waits for me to snap a shot. Ice fishing . . . I don't the attraction. Creek behind the pool the west side - full of snow and a long way from spring!

2010: Begin Again - The Duke . . . and other things

Riding with the Duke
The Duke Diet . . . I found the book in a used place for only $2. For you western fans, no, it was not designed by John Wayne. It’s from the Duke Diet and Fitness Centre. Looking through it, I see how it can have an impact on my plans for 2010. Basically, it’s not really a diet. It’s more of an overall approach to food and exercise.

Moderation is a key word. It doesn’t require a massive change, but more of an evolution. Great recipes with real food. Eg: Dinner – Pork tenderloin with apple chutney, coleslaw and baked potato. It’s about portions and ingredients. Along with exercise. And not crazy exercise, but realistic stuff. Could become part of my 2010: Begin Again plan.


Warm weather on the way
Temperatures are rising in Lethbridge as a chinook blows through and that’s a great thing. It was actually 3C earlier today. And plus temperatures are expected for the next week. Perhaps El Nino will keep this from being as brutal a winter as it’s shaping up to be. It's a great time to be selling windshield washer fluid as the roads turn to slush and slop.


Ridiculous TV ad
Premium Plus ad on TV . . . what’s that all about? Bowl of soup on screen with ‘Lonely, I’m so lonely,’ playing. Box of Premium saltine crackers opens and a cracker falls out to make a big splash in the soup bell while ‘Raise a little hell, raise a little hell’ plays in the background. Raise a little hell? A plain-jane saltin cracker? Seems like a non sequitur to associate something that bland with raising a little hell. If that’s all it takes to make your soup so exciting, I think you should re-evaluate your life.

2010: Begin Again – Clean as a Whistle

Clean as a Whistle

Mmmmmmmmmm. Sedatives. Gotta love ’em! No memory whatsoever of the colonoscopy procedure earlier today. The good news; I’m clean as a whistle. Not even a sign of any polyps forming. So it’s 10 years now to the next examine. If you are 50 or older, or 40 if you have a family history of colon cancer, do yourself and your loved ones a favour – get the examine.

In Alberta, colon cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths. Yet, if detected early, it has a 90-95% successful treatment rate. But only 20% of Albertans 50-74 years old have been screened.

Here’s my experience. I share this to ease anxieties for anyone facing the examination or considering undergoing the procedure.

I showed up at the clinic in Coaldale about 20 minutes early. Check-in was a breeze as a phone interview earlier took care of most questions. My appointment was for 1:15 p.m. It was closer to 1:25 when I was taken to my bed.

The nurse and I discussed the procedure and I was given a gown and housecoat. Once I’d changed, leaving the socks on as I was directed (helped keep my feet warm), I got to lie down and get comfortable. The nurse set me up with an IV; very professional, just a minor pinch upon insertion of the needle. She explained it was just salt water, but it provided access to administer the sedative, too.

After lying there for a few minutes, I was wheeled into the examination room. Blood pressure was taken. Then I rested a bit until the doctor came in. He was great. We chatted as he went over the paperwork and he took the time to explain about the procedure. The sedative was added to the IV without me being told, but I could tell when everything started going a little fuzzy. I was asked to roll over onto my left side.

And that was the last thing I remember until slowly coming to back in the other room. The nurse made sure I was fine. The OJ and digestive cookies tasted so-o-o-o good after a couple of days without food. The nurse told me everything went well and there were no signs of any polyps. Yee-haw!

I got dressed and a nurse escorted me back to the waiting room. I was a little woozy. Definitely see why the clinic insists someone pick up you after. No way I could drive. Lynda met me with a ham and swiss from Timmie’s. Fabulous sandwich. We drove home and I took a nice, long nap.

That was that. Easy peasy. No memory of the procedure at all. And the comfort of knowing I’m clear of any sign of colorectal cancer. Maybe you’re not in the age bracket for screening, but maybe you know someone who is. Encourage them to talk to their doctor about having the exam. Embarassing? Maybe a little. Beats having cancer? Absolutely! No ifs, ands or butts about it!

Photos: Me writing this blog entry. Exciting, it isn’t it? And the photo inside my wonderfully clean colon! Well, actually a photo of the photo. Also, a gratuitous shot of my mice. That's Thelma eating and Ripley taking a drink.

2010: Begin Again - Pets Are People, Too; A Weigh We Go

Pets are People, Too
Where would we be without our pets? Oh, I suppose some would say, “we’d be just fine, thank you.” Those poor souls. Deprived of the companionship, entertainment and, let’s be honest, occasional challenge of having an animal in your life. An animal other than your significant other that is!

Sitting next to me, while I write today’s message, is a tall 20-gallon tank that’s home to three female mice – Thelma and Louise, and Ripley. They’re sisters so, for the most part, they get along. Sometimes Louise goes off on a tirade and beats up on poor Ripley, but then I’ll find them grooming each other a half hour later.

They’re sort of like teenage girls. I know because I have one. They’ll get into some squabble over nothing, act like they hate each other and will never be friends again, then up doing each other’s hair at a slumber party.

My own daughter, Kelsea, and I were talking about the mice the other day. We wondered how anyone could be afraid of them. These three are hilarious and very entertaining. Plus they’re cute little guys . . . I mean gals.

My love for animals goes back a long way. Over the years I’ve had a lot of different critters as part of my life. This includes:
• Birds: cockatiels, doves and finches
• Fish
• Lizards: anole, northern alligator lizards, iguanas
• Tiger salamanders
• Frogs
• Turtles
• Snakes: corn, king, boa, python, African brown house, racers, garter, northern red-belly
• Rodents: guinea pig, gerbils, mice, hamsters
• Cats
• Dogs

Life without pets would be a little different. I expect that day will come. For now, I’m happy with the mice and Max, despite the frustrations he can cause! If you’ve got a pet in your life, I hope it brings you a sense of joy and wonder.

A Weigh We Go
Tomorrow is Colonoscopy Day! Yes, that exciting time when a jolly man with white gloves sneaks up your chute while you’re sleeping and checks for any ‘goodies’ that shouldn’t be growing there. If you’re a good little boy or girl, he’ll snip away anything he finds that doesn’t belong. Hopefully, he’ll just be snooping around and then withdrawing without performing extra tricks.

At the outset I said this could jump-start my plan to shed some weight. Well, it’s working. Of course what I’ve ‘shed’ is likely to come back. I can’t take something that cleans me out like this every day. Start eating and the internal build-up will happen. Part of nature. But I can try to minimize it by eating somewhat healthier.

How much have I lost, you wonder? I started out at 200 frackin’ pounds on Jan. 1. As of this a.m., I’m down to 195. Who’d a thunk you’d carry around several pounds of . . . well, you know.

Late tomorrow afternoon, once all is said and done, I’ll be having my first real meal since Monday. Not sure what it’ll be, but I know I’ll love it!

Photos: Max is a fine dog, but that darned ear is giving us problems again. I was cleaning it out earlier this evening. Meanwhile, just down the street today, the neighbourhood deer were making themselves at home on the front lawn. Every winter they come up from the valley and live their lives among the homes of West Lethbridge. For more photos, check out Max and Max2.

2010: Begin Again – Soul Train and Away We Go!

Soul Train

So how’s your spiritual journey going? Is that path well-groomed and frequently traveled? Or does it look a bit like a cluttered, weed infested inner-city lot surrounded by rumble and debris. I know, I know. Never discuss religion. But that’s OK. I’m not. I’m talking about spirituality not religion.

I think we’re all on a spiritual journey, whether we acknowledge it or not. My 2010: Begin Again commitment involves focusing on spirit as well as the physical aspect of life. The path I follow does not have to be the same as your path and vice versa. For me, it’s a very personal journey.

How we connect to Spirit, God, Universe, Source, Higher Self, Christ Consciousness, or whatever personal pronoun you prefer to use can vary according to individual belief and culture. I think if it elevates us to a better plateau, encourages acceptance and love of others and does no harm, it’s all good.

Don’t be afraid to explore. I’ve ventured down some interesting trails in the last 25 years. I’m happy with my current path, which is open and accepting of others. But like any good journey, this road still has plenty of room for new discoveries.

Heading into 2010, here’s a wonderful way to approach goals from a spiritual perspective: Letter to God.


And Away We Go!
Stuck to the exciting pre-colonoscopy diet today. It included a wonderful lunch and dinner featuring plain chicken broth, two pieces of melba toast and tea – no cream or sugar allowed. I choose to drink mine as ice tea – brewed and then chilled in the fridge.

Downed the first pico-salax at 6 p.m. Made the first dash to loo about an hour and a half later. And so it goes . . . literally. Tomorrow the exciting melba toast component is eliminated, but jello or light-coloured popsicles can be added. Woo hoo!

It's nice to have strong family support. As I drank my broth and munched my melba toast, Ryan sat in front of me and snarfed down a tasty looking piece of pumpkin pie with whipped cream and a triangle of a large Toblerone. Lynda returned home from a meeting and yelled out 'snacks' as she came through the door with a platter of mini-cupcakes and tarts. Family - ya gotta love 'em!

Photo: Ready to enjoy chicken broth, tea and two slices of melba toast! Now them's good eats!

2010: Begin Again. Proud as punch and Boldy Going

Proud as punch
Big evening for the Bly and Harper families at the Royal Canadian Legion this evening. I’m very proud to say that Lynda, my better half, and Kelsea, my sweetie-bird daughter, were both part of the installation ceremony for the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Lynda is now officially president and Kelsea is the sergeant-at-arms. With Lynda’s mom in attendance, three generations were represented – all members of the Legion’s Ladies’ Auxiliary. I don’t know if there are very many mother/daughter combos on Legion executives, but I’m darned proud of these two!
Photos: Lynda and Kelsea with my mother-in-law, Sharon. And the proud hubbie/papa with the two special women.


Up yours!
This coming Thursday a doctor in Coaldale will boldly go where no man has gone before . . . straight up my rectum with a little camera. Yup, it’s colonoscopy time! OK, truth is one other doctor has followed the same route, but that was 12 years ago.

A few days ago I shared a bit about seeing a men’s healthy program on the Dr. Oz show. I don’t normally watch Dr. Oz, but the theme tied in perfectly with my 2010: Begin Again life theme. And one of the topics being covered was the need for a colonoscopy as part of a health maintenance plan. I already had one scheduled for this Thursday, Jan. 7. Actually, I initially had it scheduled for early December, but it was postponed by the clinic in Coaldale as the doctor involved had injured himself with an auger digging fence post holes.

Hmmm. The guy who’s going to go rooting around in my bowel injured himself with an auger? Ironic.

So, here’s the poop on colonoscopies. As Dr. Oz notes on his website:

“No routine cancer-screening test brings about more anxiety then a colonoscopy. Not necessarily the worry of results either. It's the test itself that drives people to skip the test. It is invasive, uncomfortable, embarrassing and intimate. It is terribly inconvenient: It takes a day to prepare and a day for the test.”

But it SAVES LIVES! On the show, Dr. Oz noted about 25,000 people in the U.S. alone die needlessly each year from colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy can make the difference. Uncomfortable embarrassment or death? What to choose, what to choose?

I made my choice.

From my own single experience, I would say the actual cleanse is the worst part. No shit! I’m not kidding! That bowel needs to be clean. The first time I went through it, I had to skip food the day before and drink this horrible liquid – four litres of it! To be honest, I couldn’t make it through the full jug. I got just over three litres choked down, but that was enough to clean like a white tornado.

This time it’s a two-day prep with a liquid diet, two drinks of a pico-salax mixture and three bisacodyl tablets. Instructions say ensure a toilet is nearby at all times. I start the liquid diet on Tuesday. Take the first pico-salax Tuesday night. Stay home from work on Wednesday for the thrill of the PS after effect. Liquid diet on Wednesday, final PS and bisacodyl tablets Wednesday night, then examine on Thursday.

On the upside, after Wednesday it will be a few days again before anyone can tell me that I’m full of it! Also, maybe this’ll kick start my weight reduction plan! Do not expect photos from the procedure!

Health Bonus:
Here's a cool story about the bacteria that help us out and where they live on our bodies, courtesy of Live Science.

What are you weighting for?

2010: Begin Again!

“Hi. My name is Derek and I have a weight problem.”

Sorta sounds like an AA intro, doesn’t it? Except, of course, this isn’t anonymous. It’s a confession, but it’s just between you and me. So keep it quiet, OK?

I never used to have a weight problem. When I was a teen through my 20s, I could eat just about anything and not gain much weight. That all changed in my 30s. Now, at 52, I have a weight problem. How much of a problem? Well, it’s embarrassing to admit, but I currently weigh 200 lbs. (Skipping the metric on this one. Pounds sound more ominous.) Two hundred frackin’ pounds! 2-0-0! YIKES!!!

As noted in yesterday’s entry, I was watching Dr. Oz right around Christmas and he was doing a show about men’s health issues. Weight was one of the issues. Men who carry excess baggage around the middle have a significantly greater risk of heart attack. I tell ya, the heart goes flat and that spare tire won’t do anything to get you back on the road.

So, what am I going to do about it? 2010: Begin Again! I’m committing to shedding pounds this year. Sensibly. Nothing too extreme. By Christmas 2010 I want to weigh 170 pounds. That’s a 30-pound reduction in about 12 months. Do the math and that averages out to less than four pounds a month. Like I said, nothing too extreme.

Reduced meal portion sizes, reducing the junk food intake and increasing physical activity forms the basis of my plan. Sounds fairly straightforward. But for me, it will be a challenge. See, I’ve looked at the appetite suppressors that are supposed to make you feel full so you stop eating. Problem is I often eat because of the sense of taste, not because I’m hungry. I LOVE ticklin’ my tastebuds! But I know I can make the changes necessary to get down to 170. Just watch me!

Today’s photos:
It was time to clean the mouse cage today. The photos show me holding Thelma (white) and Ripley (brown) while transferring them back to their cleaned cage. Louise’s photos were all blurry. She’s got to learn to sit still for the photographer! Funny thing is, I used to feed critters like these to pet snakes. Now the snakes are gone and I’m finding the mice are a hoot. I still like reptiles, but the mice put a smile on my face with their goofy antics. They’re small, easy to care for and they make me laugh. Can’t ask for much more! To see more pix of Thelma and Louise and Ripley, check out http://bit.ly/6nUBgH.

Had to throw in one of myself for the day, too. That's me waving to you. Thanks Mac Photo Booth.

Just chillin' in the New Year

Jan. 2, 2010

Wind chill. Two words that may not mean a lot to those in Australia and Arizona right now. But if you live in most of the northern U.S. or Canada, you know the effect. What could otherwise be a beautiful day with acceptable temperatures becomes a bone-chilling, face-freezing, Arctic-like experience.

I was a little disappointed that we reached the high temperature for today at some point before I got up at 7:30 a.m. It seems the mild Chinook departed early and temperatures started to fall. When I headed out with Max for a walk at 9:30 a.m., the temperature had fallen from 3C to 0, on it’s way to –5 this afternoon and colder in the evening.

Now, for those of you still living in an area that trails the REST OF THE WORLD in adopting the metric system, I extend my condolences. For a quick reference, in degrees Celsius 0 is freezing and 100 is boiling, generally speaking. Altitude affects the numbers a bit no matter what thermometer you use. Compare that to 32F for freezing and 212 for boiling. Hmmmm. While deserving of comment, that can wait for another day.

I’ve lived in western Canada since I was 16. You’d think I’d know better. But, no-o-o-o! I see it’s 0 and think, hey, that’s not so bad. Maybe I don’t even need a toque. Yeah, right! Glad I opted to take it with me. The breeze was just strong enough to make 0 feel like –10C. Wind chill is like having Mother Nature slap your face repeatedly until tears well up, but you can’t blink them away before they freeze into little crystal jewels clinging to your eyelashes.

When Max and I got home about 30 minutes later, the temperature had dropped to –9. Throw in a wind chill and it’s damn cold. Good times!

Health
About a week or so ago, I was turning everything off before heading to bed when I saw a program listing for Dr. Oz. The whole show was dedicated to men’s health. Knowing I wanted a revolution for 2010, I sat back down and watched as the good doctor looked at things medical and the impact on men.

WARNING: The following contains graphic language that may make some people squirm. Reader discretion is advised.

Dr. Oz looked at erectile dysfunction and what it could be telling a man about his health. I know it’s fun to make jokes about ED, but folks, it’s no laughing matter. An inability to attain or sustain a firm erection can be a sign of plaque build up in the arteries. The proper flow of blood is necessary for a lasting erection. Plaque build up can impede the flow of blood and, while the impact on a man’s sex life can be troubling, it can also be an early warning sign of a potential heart attack.

Guys, if it’s an issue go ahead with the Viagra or the Cialis, but talk to your doctor about other possible implications. Gals, if you love your guy and he’s not addressing an ED situation, kick his butt all the way to the doctor’s office if necessary. What’s better? A potentially embarrassing conversation with a medical professional, or death?

Dr. Oz also looked at weight problems for men and the need to have colonoscopy if you are 50, or if you are 40 with a family history of colon cancer. I think I’ll save those for tomorrow. I found it interesting as I already have a colonoscopy scheduled. Had one about 12 years ago and I’m past due. If you’re a male over 40 and you haven’t had one, all I can say is up yours – and I mean that in the nicest way.

Until tomorrow, ciao for now.

P.S.: For a quick, inspirational spiritual message, check out Unity Hawaii.

Photo: Prepping spaghetti for tonight's dinner.

2010: Begin Again

2010: Begin Again.

Simple words with a simple rhyme. But there can be power in the words if significant action accompanies intent. It’s a new year and with it, new opportunities. In Facebook and Twitter postings a short time ago, I noted that this year I don’t want a resolution; I want a REVOLUTION!

It seems each New Year kicks off with people making resolutions; expressed desires to commit to change. But what happens to those resolutions? Do they last a year? Six months? A month? A week?

Some people can make the resolution and stick to it. Some. I’m not one of them. For me to change, I have come to understand it will take a personal revolution – an uprising against what I’ve allowed to govern my life in the past and a move towards greater personal freedom and responsibility. I don’t believe we can have true freedom without accepting the responsibility that must accompany it.

And so for 2010, at age 52, I embark on a journey of revolution to change my life. I have no expectation of immediate wholesale change. But step by step I will move in a new direction with an understanding that at the end of this year I will be a better person.

One goal I have is to share this journey through my blog. Everyday. I anticipate there will be times when I have a great deal to say and times when I may only have a sentence or two. But I am committing to writing every day. I will also be including a photo with each entry.

Through this blog I will share my steps towards spiritual, mental and physical growth. My purpose is simply to inspire myself . . . and force myself . . . to change my life. Making the commitment to blog brings some accountability to my plan. Maybe someone will read this blog, maybe not. I don’t know. But I will be making entries each day.

Best wishes to all for a prosperous and healthy New Year. 2010: Begin Again.

BTW, I prefer ’20-10,’ not 2,010. Do we say ’19-10’ or ‘1,910’ if we refer to that year from a century ago? Besides, it reads better as 20-10.

Photo:Jan. 1, 2010. I'm scraping off snow packed down on the driveway. Too cold yesterday to do it - -20C. Up to a balmy -4C today.