You know, people in North America are so spoiled in the way that we think. If we don't have the best televisions, the latest cell phone, the nicest furniture, or stylish clothes... we feel sorry for ourselves..or feel less successful than our friends. It wasn't until I visited Cuba in 2004, and decided to take a tour of the actual city of Holguin - that I hit a major turning point.
I used to love the newest electronic gadget, and was constantly buying useless "stuff" to fill my apartment. I didn't need the best of everything, but I always had SOMETHING.
Most people in Cuba live in shacks, with no running water, and yet they could still be seen sitting around a decrepit picnic bench, laughing with their friends and family. They have their priorities in the right place; they don't take things for granted and truly understand that life is a gift.
Today, on Facebook, I created a status that said "Meredith is effen happy to be alive". I had several people message me and ask me why. I realize that the way it was written, may have sounded like I had a near-death experience, but some were just curious as to why I was so optimistic in general....
Now I realize that I am as cynical as the next person, but overall, I think I know what's important.
It reminded me of a poem that I have had tacked to a cork board for 15+ years that has always pulled at my heart strings. I still read it and get teary, because it speaks the truth. I have decided to share it with you today.....
The World is Mine
Today upon a bus I saw a girl with golden hair;
She seemed so gay, I envied her, and wish that I were half so fair;
I watched her as she rose to leave, and saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch, but as she passed--a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two legs--the world is mine.
Later on I bought some sweets. The boy who sold them had such charm,
I thought I'd stop and talk awhile. If I were late, t'would do no harm.
And as we talked he said, "Thank you, sir, you've really been so kind.
It's nice to talk to folks like you because, you see, I'm blind"
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two eyes--the world is mine
Later, walking down the street, I met a boy with eyes so blue.
But he stood and watched the others play; it seemed he knew not what to do.
I paused, and then I said, "Why don't you join the others, dear?"
But he looked straight ahead without a word, and then I knew, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two ears--the world is mine.
Two legs to take me where I go,
Two eyes to see the sunset's glow,
Two ears to hear all I should know,
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I'm blest, indeed, the world is mine.
Dr. Tennyson Guyer
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Summer Has Arrived!
Last Thursday I had a bowling tournament for our work social club. Friday and Saturday consisted of me walking around like I had been shot in the hip. Bowling of all things? My knees and hips were killing me.
Today, I felt better and decided to take my first bike ride of the year since the weather was +25. I yanked my bike out of storage and pumped up the tires. A few kilometers into the ride, I got a flat. My stem was cracked. About 45 minutes later, and two hands covered in grease, I was on my way again. I had never changed a tire before so I was liberated and ready to go.
It amazes me when I realize how much of this city I wasn't aware of. There are some GREAT bike paths here.... I jumped on one that took me right down to Queen Street E. It should have taken me to the Lakeshore, but there was a detour....a painful detour. A detour that required you to carry your bike up 100 steps. I was OK, but there was this little Asian guy in front of me with a heavy-ass CCM or Canadian Tire special. The bike must have easily weighed more than him. Why had I missed the detour? Because some stupid asses spray painted over all of the trail signs that tell you how many kilometers are left and what detours are set up. Shame. I never really understood the whole graffiti thing, but I guess I will save that rant for another posting.
I spent an hour or so people watching at the beaches, and biked home again. My bike computer and the GPS system that Annette gave me (you rock Nettles) clocked the whole trip at approximately 40 kms.
I can just imagine how I will feel tomorrow, because currently my knees feel like they have been bashed in by Tonya Harding. My neck is stiff too, from hunching over.
All of that aside, it was SPECTACULAR to get back on the bike again. This weather makes me feel happy to be alive. People were out in the hundreds of thousands today. I passed picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.
Summer is wonderful.
Today, I felt better and decided to take my first bike ride of the year since the weather was +25. I yanked my bike out of storage and pumped up the tires. A few kilometers into the ride, I got a flat. My stem was cracked. About 45 minutes later, and two hands covered in grease, I was on my way again. I had never changed a tire before so I was liberated and ready to go.
It amazes me when I realize how much of this city I wasn't aware of. There are some GREAT bike paths here.... I jumped on one that took me right down to Queen Street E. It should have taken me to the Lakeshore, but there was a detour....a painful detour. A detour that required you to carry your bike up 100 steps. I was OK, but there was this little Asian guy in front of me with a heavy-ass CCM or Canadian Tire special. The bike must have easily weighed more than him. Why had I missed the detour? Because some stupid asses spray painted over all of the trail signs that tell you how many kilometers are left and what detours are set up. Shame. I never really understood the whole graffiti thing, but I guess I will save that rant for another posting.
I spent an hour or so people watching at the beaches, and biked home again. My bike computer and the GPS system that Annette gave me (you rock Nettles) clocked the whole trip at approximately 40 kms.
I can just imagine how I will feel tomorrow, because currently my knees feel like they have been bashed in by Tonya Harding. My neck is stiff too, from hunching over.
All of that aside, it was SPECTACULAR to get back on the bike again. This weather makes me feel happy to be alive. People were out in the hundreds of thousands today. I passed picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.
Summer is wonderful.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Update
I would give my left boob for a piece of red meat.
I am craving a greasy burger/steak like mad.
I will not give in though.I had that flu for a couple of weeks and my appetite was poor, yet the scale didn't reflect any loss. I think my body had retained tons of water because I wasn't drinking enough. My rings were tight on my fingers.
I am making better choices - still taking the stairs down 20 floors each morning, and I haven't eaten out a lot. I've been to the gym twice this week. It's on the main floor of this building. It occured to me that even if the gym was IN my apartment, I could STILL talk myself out of going.
So as an update, I have lost a few pounds, but it has been painful thus far. Hopefully I will hit a stage where it's easy - but my body is apparently going through meat/grease withdrawal. My heart will thank me, yes, blah blah. I'll update you every month or so. Any more than that, and it gets boring to read (and type).
Oh one more thing...once the good weather arrives (when the hell will that be? I've already experienced 6 mths of winter..3 in Calgary, 3 here) I can get out on my bike. However, I am a fair weather cyclist.. so I refuse to ride when it's under +15 celcius.
Bring on the effen good weather, gosssshhh.
I am craving a greasy burger/steak like mad.
I will not give in though.I had that flu for a couple of weeks and my appetite was poor, yet the scale didn't reflect any loss. I think my body had retained tons of water because I wasn't drinking enough. My rings were tight on my fingers.
I am making better choices - still taking the stairs down 20 floors each morning, and I haven't eaten out a lot. I've been to the gym twice this week. It's on the main floor of this building. It occured to me that even if the gym was IN my apartment, I could STILL talk myself out of going.
So as an update, I have lost a few pounds, but it has been painful thus far. Hopefully I will hit a stage where it's easy - but my body is apparently going through meat/grease withdrawal. My heart will thank me, yes, blah blah. I'll update you every month or so. Any more than that, and it gets boring to read (and type).
Oh one more thing...once the good weather arrives (when the hell will that be? I've already experienced 6 mths of winter..3 in Calgary, 3 here) I can get out on my bike. However, I am a fair weather cyclist.. so I refuse to ride when it's under +15 celcius.
Bring on the effen good weather, gosssshhh.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Ontario Attractions
So it occurred to me recently, that although I lived in Ontario for 27 yrs before moving away, I really hadn't experienced it to the fullest. Andrea was driving in downtown Toronto one day - I noticed this new neighbourhood that I never really paid attention to before- she told me it was Cabbagetown. My downtown geography was always poor since I was raised in the burbs. I realized that there were several areas and pockets of the city that I had heard of, but had never seen. Same goes for attractions.
So, in an effort to explore this province, I have created a list of things to see and do in the next two years. If you are interested in joining me, please let me know:
Toronto
Casaloma
St. Lawrence Market ( was there when I was about 7; don't recall anything about it)
Kensington Market
Toronto Zoo (it's been 10-15 yrs)
Ontario Science Centre (it's been 10+ years as well)
Day/Weekend Trips
Tobermory (I hear it's gorgeous)
Grand Bend
Explore Ottawa
Niagara-on-the-Lake
So, in an effort to explore this province, I have created a list of things to see and do in the next two years. If you are interested in joining me, please let me know:
Toronto
Casaloma
St. Lawrence Market ( was there when I was about 7; don't recall anything about it)
Kensington Market
Toronto Zoo (it's been 10-15 yrs)
Ontario Science Centre (it's been 10+ years as well)
Day/Weekend Trips
Tobermory (I hear it's gorgeous)
Grand Bend
Explore Ottawa
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Irritable
This past week I have been under the weather - chest cold, flu-ish, etc. I have been so insanely grouchy and irritable since I don't have my regular voice and I am tired all the time.
Which got me to thinking:
People often mention how people get old and automatically turn into grumps. Well, no wonder. When your body won't do what it's supposed to, and you feel as though things are out of your control, it's only natural for your to get angry. I watched my father get more and more grumpy as he got sicker, and I felt horrible for him. There is nothing more frustrating then being totally independent and watching that slip through your fingers.
When you're irritable, things that don't usually bother you, all of a sudden piss you right off. This is what I have noticed this week:
American Idol
Is it really necessary for the contestants to show the audience how many fingers it is to vote for them? I mean, when Ryan says "7" I can't be sure, but I think it means.. 7.
Could Randy maybe develop some vocabulary? I'm so sick of "dawg", "check it out", "it just didn't do it for me", "I don't know" and sucking air through his teeth when he doesn't know what to say. The man is 51 this year, yet he speaks like he's 13.
Spitting
Hmmmm let's see - what else can I complain about....spitters. Is it really necessary to spit all the time? I mean, is it a " I think I am cool" thing, or is it that they really can't stand the taste in their mouths? I stood behind this loser while we were waiting for the bus last week, and he must have spit about 30 times in 10 minutes. I don't know how he wasn't perpetually dehydrated. Oh and one more thing. It's nasty. I understand about those times when you cough and phlegm comes up, you look around, no one is there so you spit...but when you are spitting saliva, and pure saliva, what's the point?
Facebook
Plain and simple, it's addictive. And I love it. Those that know me well, know that I love keeping in touch with people, so this is an amazing tool to do so. Yay, facebook!
I can't finish this post on a negative note, so I will add some positivity.
Saturday Night
I had friends and my sister over on Saturday night as a thank you for being so supportive during my move home. Well, that's how I expected the night to go. I was going to order pizza and we were to chat, play games, etc.
It was all turned around on me and they showered me with gifts and food. I couldn't believe it. As much as I try to "pay back" people here, it's never going to happen. They are so giving it's incredible. Among my gifts, I received a lamp set, a hot shot (the coolest invention ever - kettles are outdated) and my favourite clock from Ikea.
I have wanted this clock forever. It's huge. HUGE.
I know it's hard to tell from this pic, but it's easily 2 feet in diameter - and required a plug in the wall to secure it. I look at it every day and think, man, that's a nice clock.
I have the best friends/family ever. EVER.
Which got me to thinking:
People often mention how people get old and automatically turn into grumps. Well, no wonder. When your body won't do what it's supposed to, and you feel as though things are out of your control, it's only natural for your to get angry. I watched my father get more and more grumpy as he got sicker, and I felt horrible for him. There is nothing more frustrating then being totally independent and watching that slip through your fingers.
When you're irritable, things that don't usually bother you, all of a sudden piss you right off. This is what I have noticed this week:
American Idol
Is it really necessary for the contestants to show the audience how many fingers it is to vote for them? I mean, when Ryan says "7" I can't be sure, but I think it means.. 7.
Could Randy maybe develop some vocabulary? I'm so sick of "dawg", "check it out", "it just didn't do it for me", "I don't know" and sucking air through his teeth when he doesn't know what to say. The man is 51 this year, yet he speaks like he's 13.
Spitting
Hmmmm let's see - what else can I complain about....spitters. Is it really necessary to spit all the time? I mean, is it a " I think I am cool" thing, or is it that they really can't stand the taste in their mouths? I stood behind this loser while we were waiting for the bus last week, and he must have spit about 30 times in 10 minutes. I don't know how he wasn't perpetually dehydrated. Oh and one more thing. It's nasty. I understand about those times when you cough and phlegm comes up, you look around, no one is there so you spit...but when you are spitting saliva, and pure saliva, what's the point?
Plain and simple, it's addictive. And I love it. Those that know me well, know that I love keeping in touch with people, so this is an amazing tool to do so. Yay, facebook!
I can't finish this post on a negative note, so I will add some positivity.
Saturday Night
I had friends and my sister over on Saturday night as a thank you for being so supportive during my move home. Well, that's how I expected the night to go. I was going to order pizza and we were to chat, play games, etc.
It was all turned around on me and they showered me with gifts and food. I couldn't believe it. As much as I try to "pay back" people here, it's never going to happen. They are so giving it's incredible. Among my gifts, I received a lamp set, a hot shot (the coolest invention ever - kettles are outdated) and my favourite clock from Ikea.
I have wanted this clock forever. It's huge. HUGE.
I know it's hard to tell from this pic, but it's easily 2 feet in diameter - and required a plug in the wall to secure it. I look at it every day and think, man, that's a nice clock.
I have the best friends/family ever. EVER.
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