Keep Shining That Light Mr. Stewart

  On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was leaning against a railing talking to my boss as we prepared to open for business. We watched in horror as the first and then the second plane flew into the World Trade Towers in NYC. We watched the towers collapse and the people running away to safety. It was an unbelievable sight. One I will never forget.

  But through the chaos, one image stands out above all others. Police officers, firefighters, EMT's all running towards the buildings. Running! Towards the buildings! Stopping to help those in need along the way but still moving towards the center of the destruction. Not thinking about their own safety. Not concerned about the consequences. Running!

  For days, weeks and months they worked on the site. Sifting through the rubble to find any trace of the victims who died within the buildings. Long shifts in horrible conditions. All this time though the air quality is awful. Dust and asbestos debris floating in the air. Getting on their clothes and into their lungs. The exposure is excessive. 

  Fast forward eighteen years. Too many of these brave souls are battling cancers and lung diseases. Some of the cancers associated with asbestos take many years to develop. So while they are at their weakest, their most vulnerable the program that pays for all of these selfless heroes healthcare treatments is out of money. Bills are being denied. Claims unpaid. Adding stress to an already difficult situation. 

   Jon Stewart, who has been advocating for these men and women for years, goes and speaks to the US Congress. He shows up with many of those battling diseases that are directly caused by that day and its aftermath. Yet only five of the twenty members of the House Judiciary Committee bother to show up! Only five! It is beyond disrespectful. 

  Of the twenty members, all have repeatedly gone to 911 ceremonies. They have all said, "We must never forget". They have all tweeted about the great sacrifice of these men and women. Yet only five could bother showing up. And Jon Stewart was pissed. As he should have been.

  His speech was eloquent. He was moved to tears talking about the health issues facing these lifesavers. And he could not control his anger. Pointing and raising his voice. Telling those that did show up that their counterparts should be ashamed. All the time knowing they would not. 

  "They responded in five seconds. They did their jobs. With courage, grace, tenacity, humility.  Eighteen years later DO YOURS." -Jon Stewart

  **As I was getting ready to post this I just heard Congress passed a bill today with funding up til 2090 for the 911 rescuers. Better late than never.**

  Ang

Travel Agent

  John said to me yesterday that he hadn't realized just how much work I do when it comes to our travels. He is traveling thru a few European countries with Riley and it's not going as smoothly as he would have liked. We do like our vacations to have a big element of spontaneity but I do my research beforehand too. Did he really think things just always worked out?

  When we decide on a destination I do a general search of the place and see what are the "must do's" then throw out a few suggestions to the family. Depending on the reception I dig a little deeper and check out prices and itineraries. Then I narrow down the choices and see the family reactions. We may do all or none but I am semi-prepared for anything.

  Did this all escape his attention? Apparently so. This afternoon I was checking train times, booking hotels and sending directions to his phone all from the comfort of my family room. And he was very happy I did. In fact, I helped them decide what to do and where. All part of my travel agency care I suppose. 

  Look I'm not tooting my own horn...well maybe a little. But it is nice to know that while my family may not see everything I do to make their vacays special they will no longer think all I do is pack and pay! 

  Ang

A Little Sass Is A Good Thing

    I tried and tried to be more positive and you know what it got me? Nothing written worth sharing and an increase in my blood pressure! So welcome back to the "little bit bitter and twisted" me. Trust me she is much more fun than the "trying to see the positive all the time" me. Now let's begin.... 

   We have just passed the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Imagine the bravery and perseverance needed to land on those beaches.  I can't even. Yet the GOP Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said, and I quote "We should be celebrating our president". Imagine the bravery and perseverance needed to land on those beaches, Just the thought of comparing these brave heroes with a draft dodger is laughable at best and hugely disrespectful. The fact that she actually believes this tells me everything I would ever need to know about her. And it ain't pretty. Oh, and FYI....some other countries were there as well like Norway, Poland, New Zealand and us, Canada.

  John and Riley are in Europe doing the "War Tour" as we are referring to it. Today they are heading to Vimy and a small cemetery in rural Belgium where a great uncle was buried during WW1. We both think it very important to show the kids how our family fought, and in this case died, defending freedom. Our own and those of strangers. I can't wait for Riley to see how Canadians are respected and honored there. It will be a valuable lesson for a twelve-year-old.

  Alex and I are enjoying the peace and quiet that comes when two brothers are not fighting almost constantly. Though between work, school and his political responsibilities I could almost forget he isn't with them. We are, however, indulging in more take-out Chinese food than normal. I guess we have a weakness for eggrolls.

  Some straight white men in Boston applied for a permit to have a Straight Pride Parade...complete with a parade route. Now if this was on an episode of The Simpson's we could have a good laugh over it but sadly this is real life. There is even an "It's Great To Be Straight" t-shirt you can buy. This was reported the same week two gay women in London were beaten on a bus for being gay and refusing to kiss. Five teenagers have been arrested. Teenagers! I so thought that generation was past all the hate. I'm wrong again.

  Speaking of being wrong, just the other day I was chastised for my lack of parenting skills. I have raised two kind, socially responsible, polite kids and yet I have failed apparently. Parenting is the most difficult job any of us will ever have....even Sarah Sanders and KellyAnn Conway. Let's try to celebrate each other's successes no matter how small. And if you cannot do that then stop talking. Especially to me, I don't want to hear it.

  Well, I feel better now! Just a little sassiness today but tomorrow is a new day. Who knows what it will bring.

  Ang

** Not sure exactly what I did to make this two colors but I've tried to fix it without success...twice. I'd apologize but there would be the sassiness gone **

Vaccination Issues

  My friend Gord is a fanatic when it comes to vaccinations. He believes it should be mandatory for all except for the most extreme health reasons. While I believe in them I don't like the idea of parents being mandated by the government on the issue. For me, it is the start of a slippery slope. But that's for another day. Today is about my confusion over the health departments way of thinking about them. Well just some of them.

 Gardasil 9 is the latest vaccine my kids could receive. This is the male version of the HPV vaccine that is highly recommended for all males starting around age twelve. A few years ago they began giving it to students in grade 7 here in Ontario at the schools. Alex was in 8. The next year they expanded the free program to include grade 8 boys. Alex was in 9. He didn't qualify so we decided to do it on our own.

  This is a pricey one. $196 to be precise. Did I mention they will need three does? Almost $600! That is a lot. Luckily we have insurance and each dose will only cost us around $47. Much better but still a good chunk of change for people who are not used to paying for vaccines. The female version is given free of charge up to age 25 I believe. But boys must pay....doesn't seem fair but it is what it is.

  One thing I should tell you about Ontario is most pharmacists can give shots. Flu shots, immunizations, and vaccines. We've never used them but many people do especially those who don't have a family doctor or don't want to wait at a clinic. But it's always been nice to know we could if we wanted. 

  Once we got the prescription for Alex I asked several pharmacies if they could do it. All very nicely said yes they could.....for a convenience fee! The most expensive was $20....per dose! An extra $60 on top of the cost of the vaccine. This fee is NOT covered by insurance or OHIP, our provincial medical coverage. So in a nation that preaches about the goodness of immunizations one they promote isn't covered and neither is the administration of it. Think about that.

  Now on principal, I didn't want to spend more money on this particular vaccine. So we went to the public health nurse at the clinic. That's run by the Ministry of Health and to my mind, that should equal free. But alas I was wrong again...$15 a pop. That's more than Costco! Even the group that promotes it makes you pay extra...interesting.

   Bottom line we paid the fee. And we will again two more times. It doesn't seem right but again it is what it is. Our kids are lucky. Their parents have the resources to do this. What about those who don't? I have a plea to all those who decide healthcare policy. Make every vaccine free. Free to get and free to be administered. Or stop telling us how great they are. You look like hypocrites.

  Ang

  


  

Stress Relief 101

  A few things are raising my blood pressure and I think if I get them off my chest I might not have a heart attack in my sleep tonight. Yes it's that high. So let's begin.....

  Another shooting at another school in the US today. I'm going to say this in a way everyone can understand. I'll use small words we all know the meaning of. The reason this keeps happening is GUNS. Yes, these people have been radicalized or are mentally ill or blah blah blah. But if there wasn't such easy access to guns this wouldn't happen on a weekly basis. GUNS. Period. 

  Joe Biden is on an apology tour for being in a few women's personal space. Not touching them. Not grabbing them. Not saying inappropriate things. Not sexual in any way, shape or form. Just being too close. Making at least two women feel uncomfortable. Ever ridden on a bus or subway during rush hour? That's being in someone's space. Sit in coach on a plane? Someone's space is being invaded. Holding someone's hand for a second too long or giving a hug to someone in pain? Not a problem. And if you are offended by that or uncomfortable....tell the person. Right then and there. Think about the intention and give the person a chance to understand what they have done wrong.

  Both Premier Ford and PM Trudeau got bad press for coming to the flooded areas in Ottawa this past week. They both were damned if they did and damned if they didn't. Were they a distraction? Of course they were. Did their visits bring extra attention to the devastation? Yup. But peoples anger over it is childish and foolish and needs to stop immediately. People are losing their homes. That is what should be the focus. Grow up.

  Measles is being reported in record-breaking numbers these past few months. Again an easy way to explain this situation....VACCINATE YOUR KIDS! Omg, it's so simple. So easy. Mothers in third world countries carry their kids miles and miles and miles to have them vaccinated. And we have parents who won't drive five minutes to have their children protected. Ask any doctor. Or nurse. Or Pharmacist. Ask me I'll tell you. Just get the damn needles. It's free for God's sake. Don't have a family doctor? Go to a clinic or Public Health. Call your MP or MPP and ask them where you can get it done. Just get them the needles.

  Finally, I'm so tired of hearing about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's soon to be born baby. Every baby is a blessing. Theirs is no more important than any other baby. Hard to believe I know but it's true. My kids? Just as important. Yours? Ditto. The world welcomes approximately 353,000 babies each day! Every day!! This one is no more and no less, important than any of the other 352,999. And we should remember that.

  I feel better already. Maybe I'll survive the night.

 Ang

Next!

  Doing home renos comes with a mixed bag of emotions. There is the excitement of something being pretty, clean and new. Followed by the fear of how much money is going out. Then the disappointment that it takes much longer than you thought to complete! Just as soon as we finished our beautiful, amazing, perfect family room...can you tell I love it?...we are starting in the powder room!

  Unlike the laundry, kitchen or family room not much is changing in the bathroom. Cleaned up. Prettied up. New fixtures but in the same spots. There is only one little extra thing I want to change and it's a sticking point for John and me.  I want some new floor tiles that will be the big wow factor for the room. He doesn't want the hassle of removing the old ones.

  Realistically there are twenty-one tiles in the bath. Hardly any right? That's what you would assume but...they continue into the hallway and entryway. Some are old. All are ugly. My idea is if we are taking out the bath tiles why stop there? What's another one hundred and seventy-one???? This is the moment where John's eyes roll and he hangs his head as he walks away.

  Somewhere in his brilliant mind, he knows I'm right. The amount of work to remove them all makes his knees hurt just thinking about it I'm sure. But he also doesn't want to do what we Maritimers call a "half-ass job". Cutting corners makes things look not quite right and we really want to avoid that at all costs. Well maybe just me.

  Right now I'm 100% in the excitement phase of renos. I have plans and spent a crazy amount of time on Pinterest today. I've found a toilet, vanity, and countertop. There are tiles and light fixtures picked out. The faucet is taken care of too. I've even looked at wallpaper to go behind the sink though I'm still undecided on whether that will happen or not. 

  It will take a few hours to remove everything in that small space. Add on a day to patch up a few spots and paint. Another to put the new things in. Realistically it's a weekend job. So I totally understand why John doesn't want to touch the tiles. I get it. But.... 

  Time will tell who wins the war of the flooring. The odds are 50/50 as I type this. I will use all my design knowledge to sway him to my way of thinking. Give it a few days and I'm sure his vision will be the same as mine. 

  I do know one thing though. New tiles or old ones, John will create a beautiful powder room. And it will take much longer than one weekend so I guess I know two!

  Ang





  

  

Patience...There's Never Enough

  One week ago I folded a basket of towels. Fresh from the dryer and super soft. They even had that snuggle smell. As one of my wonderful kids went upstairs, I won't say which, they were asked to take the basket with them and put the ten towels in the linen closet. Please and thank you. Exactly one week later the same basket with the same towels still in it, is in the exact same position beside the bathroom door where it was left.

  If you have kids then you know patience is the number one thing necessary to raise them. Love comes a close second...but not too close. From the second they are born children test the one thing we can never have enough of. Starting with sleepless nights then moving on to the terrible twos and the tyrant threes, we struggle to keep our tempers when we have walked on one too many lego pieces and found crayon marks on the newly painted wall. It isn't just you....it's all of us. 

  Once school starts we believe our patience will return but then it's schedules and trying to get out the door at the right time. Getting our little angels to eat cereal for breakfast when they absolutely must have toast with the crust cut off is a mind-numbing crisis we face almost daily. All the while we are figuring out what to tell our boss as we arrive late for work again instead of screaming "get in the car" like we really want to be doing.

  The teenage years, as we are finding out, put those other complaints to shame. "In a minute" is every thirteen to eighteen-year-olds favorite phrase. But it doesn't mean what you think. Nope, it actually means "when I get around to it but certainly not this week." Accepting that is the biggest test of patience. And to be honest, both John and I are failing....badly.

  Since we still have quite a few years before we are empty nesters maybe we need to take up yoga or meditation. Something calming and relaxing for the long road ahead. 

  Too bad we don't have the patience left for either one of them!

  Ang

**FYI the towels have finally made it to the closet. Who put them there is anyone's guess 🙂**