tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67072586799375568892024-03-13T11:52:03.080-07:00Redekop UpdateTassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-29925892125685877012012-11-14T22:32:00.000-08:002012-11-14T22:32:07.212-08:00Just another dayWe woke up late this morning... it was a combination of efforts from my late shift, my daughter's pseudo asthma / coughing fit at 3am, Indie baying at our window (because HWSNBN failed to secure the homefront perimetre), Child #1 asking what time it was (5am - now go back to bed!) and #2 rounding out the nightmare by crawling into bed like a stealth ninja at 6am and then attaching his fleece covered body onto my back. Add snoring and I think that I slept about 52 minutes last night.<br />
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I decided to call the kids in absent from school (lest a miracle happen and they all slept in (me included) past 9am the usual time the secreatries called around looking for the absent kids) till recess. Thank you absentee voicemail. Crawled back into bed and presto, #2 woke up. As he was not invivted to the dog howling, ashtma / coughing attack at 3am / time check it was naturally time to wake up. He decided to sieze the day and go downstairs to play a rousing game of Minecraft before the sun came up.<br />
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By 8:30 I decided that my slack slovenly parenting gig was up and I better get ready for the day. The kids had to be at school in 2 hours and I needed to get a crackin'. Lunch was slowly organised (why won't you guys eat sandwiches?), breakfast fed to 2 out of 3 kids (as princess was still sleeping off her midnight party) and bags and homework organised. Children clothed. Pre schooler woken up with little fanfare and made it to school with 3 minutes to spare for recess.<br />
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Took the dog halfway across town for her nail clipping then back again for some 'down time' (meaning I unloaded and loaded up the dishwasher, changed the clothes over and folded laundry, fed the preschooler and myself, did Christmas list and unpacked a christmas box).<br />
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Back to school to pick up the big kids, play at the park, return home for mad rush dinner prep and soccer practice then back home again for some PVR time.<br />
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It is amazing but today I appreciate this day because there are some kids out there today who woke up without a mother to care for them and there are mothers today who woke up to the aching hollow of no child to care for.<br />
So for today and all its minutea I am grateful.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-86450349004300380592012-09-04T11:57:00.001-07:002012-09-04T17:46:20.208-07:00Dear City of Surrey & BC Commissionaires,<br />
The BC Commissionaires & City of Surrey (updated 2012AUG22)<br />
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As some of you know our dear cat Glimmer went missing on the night of July 28th. We handed out 100 flyers within a 1 km radius and put up 80 posters at mailboxes, light standards and coffee shops. Hope started to wane that we would find him after the first week. He was an 'outdoor' cat during the day as we have a beagle who uses an animal door. He always came home at night. It became clear to me after several nights and some reports from neighbours about raccoon attacks and coyotes seen in the neighbourhood that our sweet daft Glimmer had been predated.<br />
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He was well loved in our cul de sac and when HWSNBN (He Who Shall Not Be Named is my handle for my husband who hates to see his name in print) went door to door that first night he was missing we saw that love in motion. From the Chinese gramma who fed him tuna from her front step to the Indo Canadian kids who frolicked with him and the stay at home mom who enjoyed his company on her deck. He was loved and missed by our neighbourhood and especially us his non furry family.<br />
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We searched actively for Glim Glams for weeks. We took our beagle off leash in the wooded area and papered the neighbourhood like we were having a Garage Sale to end all Garage Sales. We posted in Craigslist, Facebook and Twitter, PetLynx and the BC Vets. He had a tattoo and we called the original vet and confirmed our address. We reported him missing to the SPCA via their website. We visited emergency vets and called shelters within a 20 km radius.<br />
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One night coming home from work I saw a coyote crossing the road a block from our house. I pulled over at 3 am and shook my fists at the wild dog and cursed it for eating our cat. It gave me the side eye gaze and looped back into the wooded area.<br />
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The story of Glimmer started in December when we adopted him from the SPCA. We found him after scouring the web at the local SPCA sites. I do not believe in getting cats from pet stores (unless placed there by shelters) or backyard breeders. I believe in animal shelters and rescued pets. We found our Glims right before Christmas and adopted him on the spot at the Langley Abbotsford SPCA. We filled out a form and answered all the questions and had our name entered into a database (mabe to ensure that we were not serial cat adopters?). Glimmer came into our home after a nominal fee of $180 which covered his neutering, tattoo and first vet visit. He was scrawny so we fed him turkey and gravy and milk for the first few weeks. He gained 2 pounds in six weeks and got a clean bill of health at his next vet visit. I had some guilt about not adopting a cat from our local SPCA in Surrey but they did not have an orange cat at the time and it took a lot of negotiating to get all three kids to agree on one cat (which we did by looking through the website for the SPCA). Because of my 'buy local' guilt I started to donate to our local SPCA monthly ($30).<br />
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When Glimmer went missing I learned that the SPCA no longer held the contract for the kenneling services in Surrey. An internet search revealed that the kenneling contract had been given to the BC Commissionaires. I searched online and could not find a website for the BC Commissionaires which had ANY information about the Animal Care Centre in Surrey or any information about their services offered. There was no posting of found animals in Surrey and no way to register your pet as missing online.<br />
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I could search Petfinder and the SPCA and they had listed the cats available and the cats reported missing AND the cats turned in as strays. But the thriving metropolis of Surrey BC has no such service for their furry inhabitants. UNBELIEVABLE! And frankly unacceptable considering the amount I pay in property tax.<br />
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I went to the old SPCA location which is where the Commissionaires are at. They had a binder at the front desk and directed me to look in the folder as they had all the found cats there. No Glimmer. I put up a poster on their wall and asked about how often to check back and if I could actually LOOK at the cats that they had in the found area. They told me that for 'liability' reasons they could not allow me to see the cats. I was advised that they only keep the strays for 3 days before putting them up for adoption or euthanisia (a bit of a short window considering the summer months, people are on holidays!). I returned several times and brought a 20 pound bag of Iams cat food as a donation. Each time I went to the shelter I searched the wall of missing cat posters and the binder at the desk.<br />
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We have now come to terms with the fact that our cat is likely not coming home. We packed up our kitty carrier and returned to the Commissionaires building and chose a new cat (with great negotiations going on between the kids). Filled out 4 page form, was ignored by the 4 staff members who were there eating doughnuts and lectured by the clerk at the front about the fact that we should not get a cat unless we can ensure that it can be indoors (because presumably death by leathal injection is preferrable to living with an upper middle class family with a dog door). THEN she yelled at my son for walking the wrong way down the kennel alley where the dogs are kept.<br />
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To add to the misery and disorganisation they told us that they will get back to us within 48 hours after our application has been reviewed by a 'supervisor'.<br />
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During one of our earlier visits this same clerk advised that they had 100 cats and were thinking of housing them by colour.... and now I know why they have 100 cats waiting for a home.... no advertising, horrible service and a 2 day wait period to adopt a kitten.... wonder what went wrong with the low ball offer for the contract.<br />
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So here is what I have learned: you get what you pay for City of Surrey! You gave a contract to the lowest bidder and the result is substandard care of the abandoned and lost animals of our community. Sometimes you don't go with the lowest bidder. I am beyond disappointed that I am in any way paying for this substandard service through my tax dollars.<br />
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Bad decision City of Surrey. To the BC Commissionaires a HUGE raspberry for your asshat behaviour to my children and your utterly unprofessional pressence in my community. You are doing a disservice to the animals of Surrey and the potential pet owners. My son was crying when you advised that you might not adopt a cat to us because we have a dog door.<br />
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Oh and I found it especially classy when the staff cringed when the SPCA arrived with a stray dog and they actually started to nervously chatter and shuffle around (and stopped eating the doughnuts).... hmmm funny how your behaviour can change when you have actual professionals around.<br />
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Poorly played City of Surrey... messages into Mayor Diane Watts and her council are in the email bin as well as notes to The Surrey Now and The Leader newspaper. Surely as a community we deserve better.<br />
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Have you had the misfortune of dealting with the BC Commissionaires and the Animal Care Centre? Would love to hear about your experience. Maybe we can change this contract and provide a service that is actually helpful to cats and dogs in our lovely city.<br />
<br />
UPDATE AUG 23, 2012<br />
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We received a call on August 21 by the Commissionaires to advise that our adoption application was approved and we were able to pick up our new kitten (s) later that afternoon. The incredibly rude woman who had lectured me the day before was present although she refused to make eye contact with me. We were assisted by a very helpful Commissionaire (the same woman that took our lost report in July for Glimmer). The kids were thrilled with the wee kitten & older kitten that we adopted (WHOLE other story about how that happened...).<br />
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I hate to criticize and organisation without providing some critical feedback about how they can improve. So here it is:<br />
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The BC Commissionaires need to advertise their available animals on the internet. You should be able to type in 'Surrey lost cat' and get the BC Commissionaires website which has a tab for missing and lost and available animals in the City of Surrey. Currently when you put Surrey Animals for adoption in a google search you get directed the the very efficient SPCA website which provides you with the information that they no longer hold the contract for the City of Surrey.<br />
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Get those available animals on Petfinder, have your own website, allow the citizens of Surrey to view your adoption form and policy BEFORE trekking out to the shelter with their three kids.<br />
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The BC Commissionaires need to hire staff to work at the shelter who actually like people AND animals. Without persistence and a flinty little heart, I would not have gone back there to adopt those cats. I could have easily walked away and gone to the SPCA in Maple Ridge or Langley Abbotsford. Your Mission statement should be to place the most number of animals that are abandoned and given up into the best homes available.<br />
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Last but not least - get some street signage! I was only able to locate the BC Commisionaires Animal Care Centre because it is housed in the old SPCA location on 152 street.<br />
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Advertise, Advertise, Advertise...<br />
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In the end I hope the City of Surrey spends my tax dollars on a new contract for kenneling to the SPCA - the professionals who seem to understand this whole animal welfare business and the importance of an online pressence in order to place animals quickly and efficiently.<br />
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I voted for Diane Watts and her council because I appreciated her style of governing and the fact that she outsmarted the bullies that were formerly in charge of Surrey. We are a better city because of her - I can only hope that she reconsiders this particular contract so the animals in the city of Surrey are better served as well.<br />
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Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-10403529808453123712012-06-25T12:46:00.000-07:002012-06-25T12:46:58.004-07:00Tis time (again) to address the AssSo as some of you know (or can see) I struggle with my weight. I am an emotional eater, however in January of this year I decided that enough was enough and I was going to go back to Weigth Watchers (natch - had been paying for the online membership for OVER a year).<br />
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It all went pretty well (like usual when I am paying attention). Not only am I an emotional eater, I also am a Great White Shark when it comes to snacking. I can easily turn into a mindless eating machine. My body tolerates the abuse until I reach the 200 pound mark then it starts to rebel with foot problems and knee pit issues. The stretch marks reappear (as my fat like to sit on my hips and ass and increasingly my stomach which is hideous as I also have c-section scars which create a natural shelve ANYWAY).<br />
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I lost 20 pound without a lot of hardship within about 3 months. I count my points, I develope a love affair with pickles and veggies. I curb cravings with diet coke (I KNOW it is bad - shhhh it is harm reduction at this point). Every Staurday I give myself a 'free' day where I indulge in all my bad vices. Cheese, wine, chocolate... really anything my heart desires.<br />
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In April I was hit with the double whammy of a new computer system at work (social worker meet layered spread sheet computer system) and easter. Neither of our extended families messes around with Easter and there was Purdy's galore at all three houses. My drug of choice is high calorie foods so I was unable to keep my shiznatch under control with the double hit of incredibly frustrating work program AND abundant good chocolate around the house. Plus everyone at work was bringing in scads and scads of treats (because we all know that poor training can be erased if we fill our pie holes with cookies and hot dip). It felt very Marie Antoinette.... 'Sure they can't document their child welfare issues nor can they do a proper prior contact check - but let them eat cake!'<br />
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Since April 2nd it has been an all out binge. I have gained back about 11 pounds (or more - have not checked the scale since last week). I am facing a summer holiday at my sister in laws cabin (she has the physique of Gwenyth Paltrow although much nicer) and beach trips with the monkeys. All my summer clothing is size 16 so I better lose some weight before I offend everyone around with my muffin top ass cleavege.<br />
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Here's to a healthy summer and clothes that fit right!Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-55829525839052820512012-01-21T23:44:00.001-08:002012-09-04T17:47:33.521-07:00Dear Hot Mama,You don't realise it at the time, but when you have a baby everyone else who had a baby around the same time is now in your posse. You think that you will stay in touch with your non mom friends. But soon they get tired of talking about your breasts in a food production sense. They don't see what is so facinating about mustard seed new born poop and there is a good chance that they want to kick you in the junk everytime you launch into your birthing war story. <br />
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So you find new friends through public health groups, community centres and through other new moms. These are now your people. You will remember these women like they are family. You will see them at the mall 5 years later and give them a hug because they were there for all the horrible stories and first bop on the head and first tooth. Your dog may have licked the germaphobe's kid but its all cool. This is where you belong. <br />
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You remember their kids names (if not theirs). You recognise random kids at the park or ice rink. This is because you were there in their first year of life. These are the bonds that stick. I met my best friend 9 years ago because she was wearing a pair of maternity capris that I had on as well. Our 'babies' were born 1 day apart (one 10 days late, one 10 days early). <br />
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You share the rough patches with these sisters.You debate name choice, ambivelant husbands, sibling rivalry, sugar vs. Nutra sweet, hormone releasing bottles and the issue of blocked milk ducts. I know these people better than I know some of my family. <br />
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2 years ago someone in my Hot Mama community got the devastating news that she had an aggressive form of breast cancer. Her children are the same ages as my #1 & #3. Her diagnosis scared the crap out of me. I immediately booked a breast exam and began compulsively checking for lumps. She had a lump but because she was breast feeding her son she was told that it was probably a blocked milk duct. I began thinking of Jackie and crying. She is from my home town and our mothers work & play together. While she and I are not 'friends' in the usual context, she is my community by default due to the ties that bind us in motherhood. <br />
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Jackie has fought her aggressive cancer with everything in her arsenal. She has undergone every treatment and taken her fight to Germany to get specialised chemo therapy. In the last few months it has seemed like the cancer is taking over. While her determination to beat this has not waned, the cancer is attacking her body on so many levels. Jackie's story is not mine to tell - but her fight hits me in the gut then punches me in the face. This is real. <br />
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I think of her boys. Her high school love who also happens to be her husband and partner. I think of her brother and sister. I think of her mom. All of her friends and colleagues who have supported her family through this. I think of all the mothers who gasp when they hear her story because they know that by the grace of God there go they. <br />
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On a blog entry about a year ago Jackie commented that she knew that she needed to get things ready for her children in case she did not survive this disease. I do not know where she found the strength between fighting all of this and having hope and then dealing with the reality that she needed to DO SOMETHING so her boys remember her. They are 7 & 3. Where do you start? How do you write down everything that you would have taught them over the years? How do you find the strength between all the other stuff to make it happen? How do you leave your mark as a mother on a 3 year old? How do you cope with the overwhelming grief that you will not be there to see them grow into the wonderful caring people they are bound to become? How can your community keep your spirit alive? <br />
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We all die. This is not a question. But some deaths are timely and expected. Others happen way too soon before your work is done. It is up to the world around your family to keep memories alive. Treat each other with respect and caring. You simply do not know what they have endured to be here today. <br />
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I wish strength to her and to her family. I am praying for a miracle for my fellow Hot Mama.<br />
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Update Summer 2012.<br />
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Jackie Mountford Lunot passed away shortly after I wrote this blog post. I still think of her daily. Godspeed fellow hot mama.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-90217999386914800472011-10-30T22:32:00.001-07:002011-10-30T22:49:57.584-07:00Farewell Aunty Vicky,Sometimes there are people who enter your life at a very young age and you just know that they are special. They are thoughtful and meaningful and never make you feel like you are not welcome. They stay in your heart forever. They may never know how often you think of them because you don't pick up the phone and call or write often or stop by... but you know by the tear in your soul how important they were to you. <br /><br />I know that it is a bit of a contradiction to say that you are surprised when someone who is almost 90 years old passes away... but the suddenness and permenance of death is always a shock. It feels like a sharp correction to remind you that life is moving along and nothing stays the same. <br /><br />I will sit here tonight and sip a cup of tea in memory of the woman who never made me feel like anything less than her grandchild (even though I was her step grandchild). She never used those words and never had anything but kind words and encouragement. She was always so happy to see me (and I her). When I think of her all I see is a big warm smile and a hug. <br /><br />I still have her recipe for warmed sweet buns (mamas Bulla) scrawled out in loopy handwritten note. <br /><br />While I regret not getting out to see her during her last few years, I know why I did not. I knew that she had dementia and I did not want to see her and bear witness to the event of her not knowing who I was. I have experienced that with my other gramma and it is not how I want to remember my Aunty Vicky. <br /><br />In the end I do not know if I made the right decision. But for now I will mourn the woman who she was and cherish my memories of her. <br /><br />I know that you were greatly loved Aunty Vicky and in your passing there will be a void that can not be filled.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-990506688300468002011-10-10T23:04:00.000-07:002011-10-10T23:15:04.743-07:00Dear Post Thanksgiving Ugh,I have a confession. I don't like turkey. Ever. I will eat it as a sandwich meat ONLY because it is the most low fat low calorie sandwich meat. I dream of the day we go 'Italian' on a thanksgiving and make three different kinds of lasagna. But until that blessed day I must endure the turkey...<br /><br />This year I bought a fresh turkey at Costco. Great idea. Was able to brine the bird (first time - squee!) . It was a success. HWSNBN, who can rarely muster any enthusiasm, proclaimed it fabulous (although not able to be entirely happy went on to lament the fact that the turkeys never cook on time like all the websites say... BUT before he complained about that he said he liked how juicy the turkey was. Score one for me... it was my idea and I did all the work except toe get the guts out (actually I am at about 814 to his 9. But who's counting?) <br /><br />After the brining I noticed that there were some 'bits' coming out of the bird. Turns out that the brining puffed out the flesh so that the remaining feather roots poked through... CUE yuk sac. So I spent the next 10 minutes picking them out. Could have cried but could not feed family bird with feathers still on it. Pick, pluck, pick, pluck.... f&cking hate turkeys. <br /><br />Had the family over minus some members due to being out of town, illness and work. It was really nice. HOWEVER I can't help but be amazed that after all that prep the dinner was complete after 30 minutes. WHAT??? <br /><br />Grocery shopping for thanksgiving dinner 4 hours<br />brining prep 1 hour (had to locate vat large enough & clear out fridge <br />brining 24 hours<br />cooking 5 hours (should have been 4 according to websites..... grrrr)<br /><br />And then POOF all done in 30 minutes. Goodbyes have taken longer at the airport than it took my family to scarf down dinner. <br /><br />Next year we are going European and celebrating with lasagna. No feathers and less prep. Amen.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-20168631016102222982011-09-06T14:09:00.001-07:002011-09-06T14:11:45.156-07:00Dear Mean Girl Muffia,I refer to the Muffia at my kids school often - but stumbled across a blog post by hockemomblog.net which accurately describes the phenomemon. <br /><br />"I know you have a Muffia at your school, club, church, neighborhood association or sports league; the group of moms who seek power and prestige through getting in with the teachers, chairing committees and claiming parking spots. They travel in packs and make sure their children do as well. <br /> <br />For those who are wondering: Who are the Muffia? How do I spot them? Is there a Muffia uniform? I give you a quick Muffia Hierarchy:<br /> <br />1.) Associate: A Workout, Yoga or Tennis Outfit...she's not quite as "into it" as the rest of the Muffia, mostly because she is so busy with her training schedule. She is forever in her workout clothes just to remind you that she is better than you, and has just come from the gym.<br /> <br />2.) The Foot Soldier: Style varies depending on her schedule. She is busy keeping up with her little ones and reporting to all the duties the Capo ropes her into. She is often found on set up/clean up duty at events. Not all foot soldiers become Capos, plenty happily volunteer for years without any aspirations of power. Others drop out altogether.<br /> <br />3.) Capo: Cardigan, bootcut jeans, Dansko clogs, Vera Bradley bag with plenty of pens...she's been around long enough to carry an important folder to school pick up. It's full of committee notes to be passed to the Boss, or some other such nonsense. Her chief duties are furthering the agenda of the Boss, whatever that might be that week. <br /> <br />4.) Consigliere (Underboss): The closest confidante of the boss. She will usually be the most attractive one of the bunch, and the wealthiest. She was chosen for this position by the boss for these qualities. She is dressed well, carries a Luis Vuitton bag, wears Ray Bans and drives a shiny SUV. She goes on glamorous vacations and talks about them loudly. She makes the Boss seems fancy by association. <br /> <br />5.) The Boss: She is the quintessential Mean Girl. She was picked on as a teenager and has decided to make sure this never happens to her own children. She ensures this by yielding extreme power over other mothers, teachers, the principal. She ensures her children are in the right class, on the right teams, with the right children. She chooses her husband's friends. The Boss believes her children are entitled to the best of everything and that her purpose is to make sure they get it. The rest of us are just in the way. <br /> <br />How to deal with the Muffia, you ask? Well that, my friends, is a story for another day. Tomorrow, I promise. <br /> <br />To Be Continued.... http://hockemomblog.net"<br /><br />Hats off to you www.hockemomblog.net for a great summary.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-32094375189890089952011-09-05T16:47:00.000-07:002011-09-05T16:56:35.272-07:00Dear First Time Mom,Hello! So good to hear from you! Hope you are not too puffy & can still fit into your shoes!<br /><br />Here is the low down on my labours: <br /><br />L - water broke at 39 weeks. because I was strep B + I had to go to the family birthing unit (which should be renamed She Who Roared Unit) right away and get hooked up to some petocin to start the contractions. That was horrific as the contractions were coupling & I could not catch my breath. <br /><br />Cue the anesthetologist! I had my epidural and everything was puppies and balloons. I pushed for about 2 hours once I was fully dialated but nothing... everyone who did an internal exam went up to their elbows and said 'Baby too High!'.<br /><br />L. never came into the birth canal and ended up being a csection. Which was kind of gross as I was injured from all the pushing (and yes you will poop and vomit {definately poop due to the pushing} - vomitting can happen when you transition from one stage of labour to the end stage) and had my section scar (which is technically 'bikini safe' however that can never be proven as no 'regular' women have ever worn a bikini after children). <br /><br />It's all very UNSEXY and it is amazing that people have more than one baby. <br /><br />R: super gross. Water broke again without contractions. He was bron at 33 weeks so the c section went through thicker muscle and joy of joys I also got an infecton in the incision. <br /><br />E: water broke 37 weeks. Scheduled c-section although got bumped off the OR table by some junkie who took a bunch of cocaine and went into early labour with a baby heart beat over 200. So while waiting for the OR to turn around I started to have contractions on my own... it was okay and they grew more intense every cycle. But you are not allowed to 'labour' for your third c section as it is very dangerous for baby and you due to placenta abruption. So wisked in for the c section. It was my BEST section and I felt like Posh Spice (minus the concrete tits).<br /><br /><br />Okay so just re read this and have deemed myself a c section expert and a vaginal birth 'tard.<br /><br />So here is my c section words of wisdom:<br /><br />- spinal anesthisia is horrific but no one even pretends that a needle in the spine is a walk in the park. Honesty is nice.<br /><br />- baby is born quickly and your partner can watch baby being born and will likely be given baby to bring to your face. <br /><br />- it can take a while for the spinal to wear off. In BC they keep you in the recovery room until you can feel the ice on your chest. Baby usually stays with mom and they encourage you to start breast feeding & snuggling skin on skin. <br /><br />- you will have a tube for pee (can't recall the name right now...) but nothing makes the pee bag classy so don't even try. Cathetar! It stays for about 24 hours and it is a mind over matter thing to get your body to pee on demand. And then you have an Austin Powers pee due to the fact that your bladder finally has space to stretch out. <br /><br />- your breast milk might be delayed in coming in if you have a section. Might come in on day 3 or 4 as opposed to day 2 or 3 with a vaginal birth. MAKE the lactation consultants stay with you and teach you about latch. It can be like a lunar docking. Tiny baby - big boob. Try the football hold if the cross body hold doesn't work. Nurses will know what this is.<br /><br />- you still bleed alot after a c section (not at the incision but vaginally). Someone told me that they shop vacced when they did a c section but that never happened for me for any of my sections. Prepare with BIG pads. Hospital will have some but make sure you have some for home. <br /><br />- you cramp as your uterus goes back to size. <br /><br />- take deep breaths every 15 minutes (or as often as you can remember) as this will help with any shoulder pain (air trapped when they sew you back up) and will ensure your lungs are reaching capacity. <br /><br />- they will give you a morpine bollus before you leave the OR. You will feel AMAZING for about 24hours (then you get itchy) and you will be getting out of bed, moving furniture around, etc). then day 2 hits and you want to cry and cry and cry because you realise someone actually cut open your belly. And it hurt. You can use tylenol and advil at the same time but I always found that advil worked best for surgical pain. Okay for baby as it is only for a few days and your milk will not be in full force. <br /><br />- watch for infection at your incision - it will be a red 'creeping' up or down your torso. It's not good but they have great antibiotics that you can take. You might get staples - which are great unless you have an allergy. <br /><br />- you will sneeze or laugh when the morphine has worn off and it willl HURT. You will be amazed at how often you sneeze in real life. <br /><br />I felt 'recovered' from my sections about a week later. Take all the help you can get. Sleep when baby sleeps. <br /><br />oh my goodness - this sounds scary! But no matter what the delivery is over quickly and the real scary stuff starts... parenting! <br /><br />I hope it all goes well! Thinking about you and can't wait to get the update.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-42835643405774657542011-06-25T10:35:00.000-07:002011-06-25T15:11:20.927-07:00Dear School District 36 (Surrey),HWSNBN mentioned that you called last evening regarding the incident yesterday when Darth Vader moved the chair on Luke Skywalker and he subsequently fell backwards and hit his head. Luke is very clear how this incident took place. He states that Darth pushed his light sabre off the table and when Luke leaned over to get his items Darth moved his chair so that he fell backwards. Darth made some sarcastic remarks to Luke (such as ... "ohhhhhh your light sabre fell.......).<br /><br />This is not the first time Darth has been involved in specifically targeting Luke. In December I observed Darth purposely trip Luke. Darth was sitting in the chair closest to the inside door. When Luke passed to go to the library Darth stuck his foot out and tripped him. This was deliberate and Obi Wan Kenobi address it with Darth. <br /><br />Somewhere along the way this child has been given the messaging that his behaviour is acceptable and tolerable. I recall that the Surrey School district has a policy of zero tolerance when it comes to bullying - however Luke has had his incidents of bullying minimized and on several occasions he has been assigned blame. I believe that by assigning blame to the bullying victim you only empower the child who has assaulted the other child. Perhaps this is where some of the messaging that Darth's behaviour is acceptable is coming from. <br /><br />The behaviour that Darth has displayed to Luke is just mean and very typical behaviour of a child trying to gain acceptance from another child in his peer group. As an educator you are well aware that these tendencies do not bode well for that child's ongoing positive social development. I am speaking of the gang mentality between the 3 Republic boys. Any child who would purposely hurt another younger child while trying to gain the acceptance of a peer should be a growing concern to the adults around him. <br /><br />We have been very clear to Luke that he is responsible for his own behaviour and not the behaviour of those around him. With this as our background we are teaching our son to be responsible for his actions. <br /><br />Neither Yoda, Obi Wan Kenobi or myself observed the incident yesterday. I believe Luke's recollection of events as he has nothing to gain from telling an inaccurate story. The other children involved do have something to gain by minimizing their involvement or observations. <br /><br />I am not convinced that consensus building conflict resolution is the best way of addressing bullying at this age / grade level. The children are still at a juncture were they believe in teacher and parental authority. They need to be advised about which behaviours are acceptable and which are not. There is no grey area when dealing with this kind of issue - the messaging needs to be consistent and clear. That kind of behaviour will not and should not be tolerated. <br /><br />These are teaching moments for every child in a classroom. Unfortunately for Darth Vader, he learned yesterday that if your friends fib and you lie about an incident then you will get away with your mean spirited actions. Luke Skywalker has learned that people will get away with harming him and humiliating him in class even when he speaks out and tells the truth. <br /><br />I am wholly disappointed in the reaction from the school in regards to the bullying going on in the classroom and on the playground this year. This latest event is just another example of how some children believe that they have the right to dominate and harass and embarrass other kids. This belief is not being challenged by the authority figures in the class and it repeats itself again and again and again. <br /><br />I am also aware of the fact that I am continually being called to the school to deal with the aftermath of SOMEONE else's kids bad / assaultive behaviour. It is my son coming home early due to being punched in the head, being pushed into a puddle, stomped on or caused to fall and hit his head while the offender walks off and enjoy the rest of the day. Perhaps their parents are not even being notified that their child has assaulted another kid in class. For the record sometimes saying sorry is not enough to absolve a child for a bullying behaviour. 'Sorry' is an empty statement if it is not followed up with positive actions and change in behaviour. <br /><br />In short I am not impressed and hope that next year bring a more stringent adherence to the Zero Tolerance around bullying.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Just a Mom in a Galaxy Far Far AwayTassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-5629693334832898682011-06-22T22:54:00.001-07:002011-06-22T23:03:12.507-07:00Dear Ambition (where art thou?),It seems like just yesterday I could not sleep at night due to my ambition. It would keep me up at night - dreaming up ways that I could change the world. I had so many ideas and a naive notion that I alone could pursuade change through conversation. I had plans to write the LSAT, I had plans to travel, I had plans to be a one person change machine. <br /><br />Today I am exhausted by the seemingly full time job of keeping my three kids alive (despite their valient efforts to tempt fate). Don't put that into a light socket, Don't climb up that structure, Don't eat THAT, Put your seat belt on (repeated to the same child at least 3x a day), Look both ways before you RUN out into traffic! That doesn't BELONG there, YOU need to put that stick down, Where is your helmet? Linden? Everly? Rowan? SOMEONE answer me before I call 911!!!!!<br /><br />I wonder, when they are all squared away into the false safety of adolecense, if ambition will visit me again? I hope so. I miss it.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-67416579121345699122011-06-07T12:32:00.000-07:002012-09-04T17:49:54.832-07:00Dear Alzheimer's Disease,I don't think that I have properly thanked you. It is probably very rare that you get a note indicating someone's gratitude... however I am thankful for the gifts your illness has provided to my family. <br />
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In the 1980s my grandmother became very dissolutioned by her family. Her dedicated husband died too early and she was left a widower. She had two grown children with whom she developed a conflicted relationship with. It has been mused that my Pappa kept her grounded and reminded her about what was really important in life. But when he passed she edged closer and closer to a religion that encouraged her to disown her children (and by association she lost touch with several of her grandchildren). In the end she was estranged from both of her kids. <br />
<br />
Despite being repeatedly rebuffed, my gramma's children persisted in contacting her. One fateful day my sister stopped in and was able to drive my gramma and her friend to a doctors appointment. It was there that we learned that my gramma had Alzheimer's disease. She was slowly forgetting the tasks of everyday life. Upon further investigation it was discovered that she had been in ill health for some time (as evidenced by the rotting food in her fridge & the gentleman who took hundreds of dollars from her each month for her church 'dues'). <br />
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Gramma slowly forgot why she was estranged from her family. Or perhaps she remembered but recognised that they loved her and they would take care of her in her time of need. I like to think she chose to follow the genuine love her children harboured for her than the fear her religion used. <br />
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She does not remember who I am, she frequently calls me by my mother's name. This is too bad as I was her first grandchild and I have many fond memories of her up till the age of 7 or 8. However those are my memories now to keep. Sadly I also have the memory of her refusing to attend my wedding. <br />
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For all the heartache I am greatful that my Gramma has allowed us back into her life. Her son and daughter have been tireless in their care of her over the last four years and will continue to care for her with the same tenderness she showed them when they were young. <br />
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I do not want to underestimate the devastation that Alzheimer's wreaks on a family or an individual. But for my family it has been an opening for reconciliation. <br />
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Thank you.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-40058773587950158602011-06-05T00:25:00.000-07:002011-06-05T00:33:20.839-07:00Some crazy days and nightsI have been reminded lately through work what a lucky person I am. I have three busy healthy children, a wonderful husband who seems to be aging in reverse, a dedicated caregiver to my kids, a great dog and 2 'kind of' great cats (if not for the throwing up and bird catching they would be great without the kind of)... <br /><br />I was reminding my 7 year old son, who is having some trouble with some friends at school, that this too shall pass. I reminded him about all the wonderful things that he has in his life starting off with his family, his home, his community, his province and all of his freedoms. I don't quite think that he gets it yet - but in time I hope that he will think of all these gifts that he has and it will help him get through the rough times. He is a pretty lucky kid. <br /><br />I am always cognisant of how we are fragile but resilient. So many things can go wrong - but mostly they don't. You will have more good days than bad, you will have more wonderful dreams than nightmares and you are loved by many people whether you are aware of it or not. <br /><br />Today I am grateful.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-9977387294070410662011-05-18T13:20:00.000-07:002011-05-18T14:15:25.993-07:00James Cardno - a predator in our midst"James Cardno, 46, was charged in March with eight sex crimes against four children. Surrey RCMP issued a warning Tuesday morning that the accused child molester is living in Fraser Heights while he awaits his court hearing next month.<br />Photograph by: submitted, for Surrey NOW" <br /> <br />So I received an email from my local school indicating that there was an 'Important' letter that I needed to read. Inside I found that they were telling parents about a pedeophile who was living in our neighbourhood. <br /><br />While they did not identify him a quick google search found the first article and a picture. <br /><br />Here is what I do not understand: JAMES CARDNO was arrested by Surrey RCMP in March 2011. It is now MAY! For the last 8 weeks this child sex offender has been living in my neighbourhood. <br /><br />In this day and age of mass communication tools this is unacceptable. Surrey RCMP could have and should have warned the residents of Fraser Heights that this dirt bag was living here. He could be renting a basement suite. He could be living in a room and board situation where he has ample access to kids. <br /><br />He could be scoping out his next victim at the Rexall or Nester food market. He could be nestled into the tree line at any of the 5 elementary schools watching. <br /><br />Pedeophilia is not curable and I am seriously angry that Surrey RCMP decided that they did not have tell parents about a predator in their midst. There are enough dangers that we do not know about lurking around the corner. <br /><br />As a parent I worry about my kids playing outside and do not allow them to without supervision. <br /><br />It is reprehensible that Surrey RCMP KNEW about a potent risk to my children and did not tell me or any other parent in this community. <br /><br />Shame on JAMES CARDNO for being a sick pedeophile and ruining children's lives. And shame on the Surrey RCMP for delaying releasing this dirt bag's name and location.<br /><br />You can call the Surrey RCMP and let them know how annoyed you are about their 2 month delay in announcing this guy's name. But I suspect the real issue is the fact that Crown Counsel sat on the information and did not give charge approval (which allows the RCMP to publish warnings) for 2 months. <br /><br />Call your local MP and let them know how you feel about having a sex offender in your neighbourhood without knowledge. For Fraser Heights that is Nina Grewal (Con) and she can be reached at 604-501-5900.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-20646857815261301442010-11-17T11:02:00.000-08:002010-11-18T18:44:26.921-08:00Shut Up and Sit the F&ck down Carol BernerOh where to start with this gong show?<br /><br />Carol Berner is the Delta resident who drove intoxicated and piled into 4 year old Alexa Middelaer while she fed a horse on a rural road. Alexa died and her aunt was seriously injured.<br /><br />Carol Berner is also the mother of a convicted killer (her son was found guilty in October 2010 of killing a fellow bus traveller). <br /><br />Ms. Berner was found guilty of impaired driving causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm in the 2008 crash. <br /><br />Ms. Berner is appealing her sentence and conviction. She is complaining that her civil rights were trampled on when Delta police left her locked in the back of the squad car at the scene of the accident. What she FAILS to tell you is that she was put in the back of the car because the police officer in charge of her drunk ass was looking for Alexa Middelaer's brother at the scene. So sorry Ms. Berner that you had to WAIT while a police officer searched for an 8 year old boy who was lost at the scene of his sister's death. <br /><br />Words can barely describe what a waste you are Ms. Berner. You are a drunk, a liar and a really horrible person. You KILLED this little girl and were sentenced to 2.5 years.... surely most of your peers would have sentenced you to LIFE. You should have taken that 2.5 years and served your piddly time. But instead you are going to drag this out and force the Middelaer family to keep this wound open. I hope your lawyer is charging you a significant amount of money. <br /><br />I vomit a bit every time I see your smug face in the newspaper. <br /><br />So tell me what value she has to us as a community? She has raised a murderer, she has killed a 4 year old girl, she has wasted thousands of dollars in court time and fees, she has poked the Middelaer family every step of the way.. and now we are allowing her appeal her conviction and paltry sentence. <br /><br />There is little chance for rehabilitation. Ms. Berner is a paraiah who we should all be protected from. While her words to the Middelaer family were eloquent at her sentencing, her actions have raped those words of condolence and bastardised back to serve her own purpose. <br /><br />I believe that the judiciary has the option to INCREASE a sentence when an convict appeals a sentence. The sword cuts both ways and Ms. Berner might face the possibility of being assessed MORE time. As clearly 2.5 years for this old shrew is not enough. <br /><br />Oh and Mr. Tarnow (counsel for Ms. Berner) I do hope that you are charging Ms. Berner a lot of money for this defense as surely your own reputation is swirling around the sink as hers is.<br /><br />So please just go away Carol. I have enough reminders every day that evil exists in our world. A reprieve from seeing your face would be very welcome. However you seem incapable of doing the right thing.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-72501958588455872022010-04-28T21:57:00.000-07:002010-04-28T22:16:41.847-07:00Maternal Health - Shut up and SIT DOWN Stephen Harper.So there is going to be a big meeting of the 'Big' G8 countries in Ontario in June. They are going to be discussing Maternal Health in the developing world. These countries have the highest maternal mortality rates and the highest infant mortality rates. The reasons for these high rates of death are varied in each country. It is generally acknowledged that one of the key factors in the mortality statistics has to do with the access a woman has to health care during her reproductive years. <br /><br />For some reason the Prime Minster of Canada has made a statement that his government will only fund such Maternal Health initiatives that do not include abortion. <br /><br />Ahhhhh.... wait a minute. Canadian women and most other women in the developed world have access to health care on demand and have access to all kinds of reproductive interventions (from abortion to fertility treatments). So what Stephen Harper is really saying is that poor women who are subjected to sexual violence in their homelands, rampant HIV infection, intermitten starvation and relatively few oppourtunities to access health care do not deserve the same choices as Western women. Hmmm.... <br /><br />Or is Stephen Harper showing his cards about how his conservative government would behave if they were actually in a majority in parliament? I kind of hope that he is showing his true colours and Canadians overwhelmingly vote him out or into another minority government because we will not tolerate his Right wing conservative agenda. <br /><br />I have always been pro choice. This does not mean pro abortion. It means that I believe in individual choice. This was reinforced when I was pregnant for the first time. We were excited, it was a planned pregnancy and we knew that it was going to change our lives forever. But it got me thinking about all the women who fell pregnant due to sexual assault, poor planning and various other reasons. If someone did not want to be pregnant it really was a terrible sentence to have them remain so for 9 months. <br /><br />Ironically one of the reasons why the maternal mortality is high in the developing world is due to the fact that many women access illegal abortions. These women are not choosing abortion because another child is 'bothersome'. They are choosing it to save the children that they have given birth to as sometimes one more is too much of a burden on a starving family. They are choosing abortion because rape is a common tactic of war. They are choosing abortion because they themselves are sick with HIV and knnow that another pregnancy will shorten thier own lives and create orphans. <br /><br />But the why should not matter. Women in developed worlds have a choice. And truthfully if you can't trust me to make a choice then how can you trust me to care for a child?<br /><br />Maternal Health funding needs to include all forms of medical intervention available to women. This includes birth control, proper prenatal care, proper post natal care, PAP smears and abortion. <br /><br /><br />The statement of the Canadian government regarding Maternal Health does not reflect the core values and rights that Canadian women themselves have. <br /><br />So SHUT UP and SIT DOWN Mr. Harper.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-71598108757744876892010-04-20T14:47:00.001-07:002010-04-20T14:49:23.366-07:00Grateful Journal EntryI am grateful today that I do not follow through on my desire to kick people who deserve to be kicked. <br /><br />I am grateful today that I didn't find anything at Gap that I loved and NEEDED to have.<br /><br />I am grateful today that I have three healthy, cheeky and active children.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-18007971454686859422010-04-19T20:59:00.000-07:002010-04-19T23:41:49.672-07:00A Terrorist is a terrorist is a terrorist.In grade 12 I had a history teacher who used to state: A Dictator is a dictator, is a dictator... as though this explained everything that one needed to know about an indivdual... <br /><br />I went ont to get a BA in European History and I agree with my old high school teacher. Sometimes things are that simple. Sometimes and Asshole is an asshole is an asshole. I probably could have written a masters paper on this theory.... <br /><br />In 1985 a bomb went off on Air India 182. The airplane, carrying 329 people (mostly Canadians), plunged from the sky off the coast of Ireland. Everyone on board was killed. It was soon revealed that this bomb and a twin bomb that went off at Narita Airport (which killed 2 baggage handlers). <br /><br />This is Canada's worst act of terrorism. The bombs were created in Duncan BC and loaded onto Air India jet planes in Vancouver BC. The bombs were made by terrorists (obviously) who wanted to settle a score for something that happened in India. For more information about the political issues I recommend reading Kim Bolan's book Loss of Faith: How the Air India Bombers Got Away With Murder. <br /><br />This past weekend the Indo Candian community celebrated Vaisakhi. Prior to the celebration certain members of the community threatened 2 Canadian politicians that they would not be safe at the parade. Both of these politicians are Indo Canadian and both have stood up to these terrorist in the past (MLA Dave Hayer's father Tara Hayer was assasinated in his drive way due to knowledge that he had about Air India and MP Ujjal Dosanjh was severely beaten for standing up to the terrorists). <br /><br />Many provincial Liberals boycotted the event due to the association with the terrorist group and the fact that a parade float would be there which had pictures of 'martyrs' for Khalistan. Once Mayor Diane Watts saw the parade float she left, disgusted. MP Sukh Dhaliwal stayed - for unknown reasons but for which he should be disciplined by his party leader Michael Ignatieff. <br /><br />Remember - Air India bombers KILLED Canadians. And yet somehow we have allowed these Asshats to have a float in a parade with pictures of aforementioned terrorists. <br /><br />This is akin to a float being driven with an Ode to Timothy McViegh in Oklahoma. Would that fly with the general public in the states? I THINK NOT. <br /><br />So lets make sure that the City of Surrey knows that we are PISSED that they allowed a terrorist group to float a parade and wreck a nice family activity. Lets make sure that Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal knows that we are PISSED that he is such a pansy and didn't take a stand against terrorist. <br /><br />And lets give Gordon Campbell, as much as it pains me politically, and his Liberal party big cheers for standing up to those TERRORISTS and not attending this event. <br /><br />I heart Diane Watts at the best of times and applaud her comments and her willingness to leave this event when she realised what was going on. <br /><br />I know that the majority of Indo Canadians do not want to be associated with these TERRORISTS. But by being silent and allowing them to parade around means that you are implicit to their deeds. <br /><br />I remember the victims of Air India 182. I have faith that people in the Indo Canadian community remember these people as well and will not tolerate these TERRORISTS marring their community. <br /><br />I have seen the footage - they pulled dead children out of the Atlantic Ocean in June of 1985. I have an image of a Royal navy helicopter pulling the body of a boy about 4 years old age out of the Atlantic. He was naked because the force of the plane falling out of the sky ripped his clothes from his body. They pulled mothers and fathers and babies. All dead. The Irish people and the Canadian and Indian people gather every year to acknowledge the waste. <br /><br />Do not tolerate these TERRORISTS in our community. They are nothing more and nothing less than assassins of humanity.<br /><br />Seriously - you can't guarentee the safety of 2 politicians at a family styled parade in Canada? Me thinks you are in the wrong country Inderjit Singh Bains. Perhaps you didn't read your pamphlet upon arrival - but EVERYONE here has the RIGHT to attend any public function without fear of being attacked.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-14027720710793947382010-04-17T23:29:00.000-07:002010-04-17T23:34:39.363-07:00Grafeful JournalEvery mat leave my goal was to clean up the den and organise it. <br /><br />I have had three years to do this (between naps, feedings, preschool runs, doctors appointments, etc). It never got done. Then we moved into a larger house with a small den. <br /><br />During our move I found a journal that my roomie from university started. She called it a "Grateful Journal'. I hate to say it but I think that Oprah started it... <br /><br />Anyway as you can see I have not been blogging for the last year or so... working full time, parenting full time and maintaining some sort of social life has cut into all my free 'blogging' time and frankly the only time I get to think about interesting topics is when I am driving. And blogging and driving is verboten.. <br /><br />So I thought that I would start again by creating a Grateful list and try to do it once every few days.<br /><br />Today I am grateful for Colin Firth. He is a great actor and seems to embody that special charm which I find utterly attractive. <br /><br />Today I am grateful for the wee bit of sunshine that we got which powered up my solar lights in the front yard. <br /><br />Today I am grateful for Buffalo chicken dip. Delicious.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-84808200550119746352010-04-17T23:14:00.000-07:002010-04-17T23:28:21.790-07:00Protection is RelativeFrequently I think about my job and how the idea of 'protection' is articulated and expected in societies. A co worker recently remarked after a trip to Africa that child welfare really is a relative concept and what we would consider protection here is not what one would consider child welfare there. It is sometimes hard to draw the line.<br /><br />Which of course always brings me back to my own children. My protection of them is primal and does not require legislation. We have an optional parent teacher interview next week. Optional is kind of a funny way to characterise a parent teacher meeting. Especially with the grade one teacher at my son's school. Because obviously they are not saying what they need to be saying to the parents at the door as per their inane report card comments. So optional is really teacher slang for MANDATORY. <br /><br />I first want to say that I have a lot of friends who are teachers (seriously - love you guys & I know that you work hard. Except in July and August...). <br /><br />But really - my son has been in a grade one class that I just pray he makes it out of with his self esteem intact. And at our 'optional' parent teacher interview I will again be arguing for my son to receive some quality teaching and assessment. He is not special needs, he is a boy who was born in November. Which means that he is one of the youngest kids in his class of 42 (SERIOUSLY!!!). <br /><br />At issue are his 'fine motor' skills. Which is a surprise to me as they never mentioned any issues during any of my weekly volunteer time in the class. Or everyday when I pick him up from school. Which brings me back to quality of teaching and communication. Trust that I will be bringing flow charts, cue cards and a pointer to make my self clear to these people. <br /><br />And I need to make it work as I have two more children coming through this mega project classroom and I am not moving. <br /><br />Protection is relative.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-67715487282605272722009-05-13T12:27:00.000-07:002009-05-13T12:34:29.333-07:00Low Voter Turnout - SHAME BC!I am still a bit dumbfounded that people didn't vote for themselves yesterday with BC-STV. But I am even more upset that the voter turnout hovered around 50%. <br /><br />What is wrong with people? Don't you think that your voice matters? In Delta South 2 (TWO!!) votes separates the Liberals and an independent. TWO F&*KING VOTES!!!! Your voice mattered in South Delta. <br /><br />But more importantly if you felt that your vote didn't matter then why didn't you vote to change the electoral system? You could have only voted in the referendum. You didn't have to vote for any candidate. <br /><br />Now we have 8% of the population who voted for the Green Party but they will be unrepresented in the legislature. I should say that I did not vote Green - nor have I ever voted Green. But that doesn't mean that I don't believe those people should have their ideals represented in government. <br /><br />So a big BOO HISS to everyone who didn't vote. And another BOO HISS to the voters that couldn't be bothered to vote for themselves with BC - STV. <br /><br />I believe in Electoral Reform and I believe that it will be debated again.Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-66492521909661744112009-05-13T08:48:00.000-07:002009-05-13T08:55:16.811-07:00A letter from SteveI'm a bit lost for words so I thought that I would publish Steve's letter to The Vancouver Sun. <br /><br />'While the STV supporters failed to convince the voters of<br />the efficacy of proportional representation those in power<br />got what they want by 1) demonizing stv as something<br />that it is not and 2) convincing the voters that accountability<br />and hope for a more democratic future rest with the<br />tried and the failed, rather than the untried and the unknown.<br />Ironically the very thing that STV would have enhanced,<br />voter turnout, continued its woeful performance.<br />Congratulations may be in order to the scaremongers of<br /> of the world; but I wonder if deep down anyone can<br />be happy with results that will never let us know if<br />STV would have worked. As well, a main factor in the<br />demise of STV seems to be that people refused to<br />"understand" it. In the end, in a democracy, who is<br />responsible for determining how to vote.<br />The government? StV proponents? or the voters.<br /><br />Steven Faraher-Amidon'Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-13369361320961395692009-05-11T12:24:00.001-07:002009-05-11T12:25:26.371-07:00STV Counting ExplainedBC-STV <br />Members of the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral <br />Reform have recommended BC adopt BC-STV for <br />future elections because it is a system in tune with <br />the values of a great many British Columbians. <br /> <br />BC-STV is fair because it produces <br />proportional results, it provides voters with <br />more choice and more control, and it <br />strengthens local representation. BC-STV is <br />designed to make every vote count. <br /> <br /> <br />BC-STV basics <br />· There are fewer ridings, each electing between <br />two and seven MLAs – depending on the <br />population of the riding. Because each riding <br />elects a number of MLAs, over-all results are <br />more proportional – that is, each party’s share <br />of seats in the riding reflects its share of votes. <br />· Generally, parties will put forward more than <br />one candidate in each riding – giving voters <br />more options. <br />· BC-STV does not change the number of <br />MLAs province-wide or the number of MLAs <br />representing each region. <br />· BC-STV ballots allow you to vote by ranking <br />candidates (1, 2, 3, etc). <br />· If your vote is not needed to elect your first <br />choice candidate, it can be transferred to the <br />candidate you marked on the ballot as your <br />second preference – and so on. <br />· BC-STV is designed to ensure vote counting <br />can be accurately checked and replicated. <br />· It is also designed to use ballot papers that can <br />be counted by hand or by machine. <br /> <br />Counting the ballots <br />Calculating the quota <br />To win a seat in the legislature, a candidate must <br />receive a minimum number of votes – called a <br />quota. This quota is calculated using the number <br />of valid ballots cast in the riding as well as the <br />number of MLAs to be elected in that riding. <br /> <br />Number of valid ballots in riding <br />Quota = <br />Number of MLAs in riding + 1 + 1 <br /> <br />Counting first preferences <br />After the polls close, all valid ballots are sorted <br />and counted according to the first-preference <br />candidate marked on each. <br /> <br />Eliminating candidates <br />If no candidate has the minimum number of <br />votes (quota) needed to be elected, the candidate <br />with the fewest votes is eliminated. <br /> <br />All of the eliminated candidate’s votes are then <br />redistributed to the second-preference candidates <br />as marked on each ballot. <br /> <br />Transferring surpluses <br />It is rare for an elected candidate to gain exactly <br />the quota of votes required to be elected. <br />Successful candidates usually receive more <br />votes than needed to win a seat. Since these <br />surplus votes are not needed to elect the <br />candidate, they could be considered wasted. <br /> <br />But, because BC-STV is designed to make as <br />many votes as possible count fully and fairly, <br />these surplus votes are redistributed. But which <br />votes should be selected to redistribute? <br /> <br />To be fair and to ensure vote counting can be <br />precisely repeated, every ballot cast for the <br />newly elected candidate is redistributed to the <br />next-ranked candidate marked on each ballot. <br />But, not at full value, because a portion of each <br />vote has already been used to elect a candidate. <br /> <br />The portion of each vote used to give the elected <br />candidate a quota, stays with that candidate. The <br />unused portion is transferred. To determine <br />what fraction of the vote should move on to the <br />next preference, the transfer value is calculated. <br /> <br />Candidate’s surplus votes <br />Transfer Value = <br />Candidates’ total votes <br /> <br />So, if a winning candidate has twice as many <br />votes as needed to be elected, instead of <br />transferring half those votes at full value, all of <br />the votes are transferred at half value to the <br />candidates ranked next on each ballot. The <br />transfer value in this case is .5 – or ½. <br /> <br /> <br />Counting continues until all seats are filled <br />Counting continues as follows: <br />· The surpluses of elected candidates are <br />redistributed at the appropriate transfer value; <br />· If there are still unfilled seats and no surpluses <br />from elected candidates to redistribute, the <br />least popular candidate is eliminated and those <br />votes are redistributed at full value; <br />· This continues until all seats have been filled. <br /> <br />Exhausted ballots <br />If, in the course of counting, a ballot should be <br />transferred, but there are no more preferences <br />indicated on the ballot, it is considered <br />exhausted and is put aside. <br /> <br />This can happen when: <br />· The voter marks very few preferences, or <br />· All the preferred candidates have already been <br />elected and/or excluded. <br /> <br />By-elections <br />If a seat becomes vacant between elections, a <br />by-election is held in that riding to elect a new <br />MLA. BC-STV specifies that by-elections will <br />use the same type of ballot used in regular BC- <br />STV elections – called a preferential ballot. <br /> <br />If only one MLA is to be elected, candidates <br />require a majority of votes (50% + 1) to be <br />elected. If more than one vacancy is to be filled <br />in a district, the normal BC-STV vote counting <br />procedures and quota calculation are used. <br /> <br />Elections BC <br />As today, Elections BC will supervise elections <br />and scrutineers will ensure accurate ballot counts. <br /> <br />Further information <br />For a wealth of information on the Citizens’ <br />Assembly, BC-STV or other electoral systems, <br />see www.citizensassembly.bc.ca. In particular, <br />for more detail on BC-STV ballot counting, see: <br />· the technical volume of the Final Report <br />· an animation of BC-STV ballot counting <br /> <br />1. Count voters’ first <br />preferences and allocate <br />these to each candidate <br />3. Does any <br />candidate <br />have enough <br />votes to be <br />elected? <br /> <br />4. Exclude last <br />placed candidate. <br />Redistribute those <br />votes to next <br />preferences <br />marked on ballots <br /> <br />Have <br />enough <br />MLAs <br />been <br />elected? <br />5. Distribute <br />the surplus of <br />all newly <br />elected MLAs <br />to remaining <br />preferences <br /> <br />Finish <br />2. Quota determined <br /> <br />Step 1 <br />All the votes are counted and sorted by the voters’ <br />first preferences. <br /> <br />Step 2 <br />The minimum number of votes required to win a <br />seat is determined. This number depends on how <br />many valid votes are cast and how many MLA <br />seats are available to be filled. <br /> <br />Step 3 <br />Does any candidate have enough votes to win a <br />seat? If no, go to Step 4. <br /> If yes, go to Step 5. <br /> <br />Step 4 <br />Exclude the candidate with the fewest votes. <br />Redistribute these votes – at full value – to the next <br />preference shown on each ballot. <br /> <br />Add up new vote totals and return to Step 3. <br /> <br />Step 5 <br />If the successful candidate has more votes than <br />needed to win a seat, these surplus votes are <br />redistributed to the remaining candidates – at a <br />calculated transfer value – based on the next <br />preference listed on each ballot. <br /> <br />Add up new vote totals and return to Step 3. <br /> <br />Counting Continues… <br />Repeat Steps 3 to 5 until all seats are filled. <br />Adapted from www.dia.govt.nzTassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-8184573961085523582009-05-09T11:25:00.000-07:002009-05-09T11:41:43.071-07:00On the Cusp of Something Beautiful...We are about to make history in BC. We will either go down as the people who dared to change the system, or else we will forever be known as the province that failed to bring about change when we had the chance. <br /><br />I hope that BC - STV get the super majority that it needs in order to change the way that politicians are elected in BC. It may not be the system of electoral change that you would want (MMP, Irish STV, etc) - but I trust the 160 randomly selected citizens from all the ridings & aboriginal groups that put all the time and effort into coming up through consensus BC - STV in 2004. <br /><br />As some of you know my husband Colin (HWSNBN) was a part of the Citizen's Assembly that came to the agreement on STV. I still marvel at the fact that he was randomly selected and I was not. He really didn't have any passion for politics and barely stifled a yawn when I would natter on about social justice, aboriginal affairs and global economies. But he went to the Assembly faithfully and travelled around with them during their time together. He grew to respect others opinions and recognised that BC needed a change. <br /><br />I remember that he would be gone for one weekend a month and went to Prince George on the travelling road show. HWSNBN is an intelligent guy. He is methodical and pays attention to detail. I know that he put effort into this process and BC - STV came about after a lot of debate and argument. <br /><br />The fact that the 160 members of the Citizens Assembly voted 95% in favour of STV speak volumes to me. I work in a system that has professionals who can barely agree on anything - let alone 95% on something. <br /><br />You have a chance to be a part of something big on Tuesday. You have the chance to rock the house on how we vote in BC. The establishment will not give you the chance again to vote on electoral reform. It is not in the interest of Big Political Parties like the NDP or the Liberals to have STV. It makes them work hard at election time to either be your first or second choice. It would create more grass roots candidates from each region. <br /><br />If BC STV gets voted in a super majority (60% +) on tuesday I might even consider running for election.<br /><br />And tell me this - PQ can vote on whether or not to leave Canada with a simple majority - but if BC wants a new electoral system it needs a super majority? Something is messed up there. <br /><br />But we can do it together. We can change the way politicians are elected. This isn't a right or left issue (although it is lamentable that BC STV used the same colours as the NPS candidates). This is about making a change. <br /><br />I believe in BC STV - do you?<br /><br />VOTE VOTE VOTE!Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-38935970371999497752009-05-08T10:26:00.001-07:002009-05-08T10:26:58.798-07:00Christy Clark<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/UhccpzI4lbQ' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/UhccpzI4lbQ'/></object></p><p>I used to greatly dislike Ms. Clark but she has grown on me over the past few years. <br />She is insightful and provides a sound argument in favour of STV. <br /><br /></p></div>Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707258679937556889.post-53817513811057095712009-04-21T23:17:00.001-07:002009-04-21T23:21:29.555-07:00Got a hair cut!I just wanted to update the blog. I have much to say - but alas by the time I reach the computer at night all the provocative thoughts are gone....<br /><br />But here is a preview of what I will be blogging about when I actually get back to blogging (maybe when back at work when my nanny will be here?). <br /><br />1. going back to work with 3 small kids. <br />2. the NANNY!<br />3. HWSNBN's trip to Las Vegas<br />4. Being a MOB (even though I am now a MOB/G I still feel like I am forever in the camp of the MOBs).<br />5. A) The Sell<br /> B) The Move....<br />6. Finding a tenant....<br /><br />Wow this is an exciting list! Well maybe for me... and hopefulLY I can wax poetic about these topics...Tassihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01489116256872877062noreply@blogger.com0