Life's been movin' along 'round here. No profound insights to share. The dog needs a bath, the bathtub needs recaulking, one child has a cold, there's a lot of half-done things that I'm trying to get finished (my daughter's little crocheted purse, a certain article (I haven't forgotten!), visiting dd's godmother, calling a couple old friends (not that they're old, we've just known each other a long time, lol)...
On My Bookshelf (with apologies for poor spelling/not exact titles):
Elliot Coleman's Guide to Organic Growing
Thich Naht Hanh's Teachings on Love
a couple of crochet pattern books
You know, *life*. Nothing profound. Just livin' it. And lovin' it. And laughin'... mostly at myself.
24 November 2011
16 November 2011
All-Candidates' Meeting
Tonight the children and I attended our local all-candidates meeting for the upcoming local elections this weekend. The six candidates for School Board Trustee were in attendance (of which there are three vacancies), as well as the two candidates vying for a spot on our local Land Use Committee, and the two candidates aspiring to become our Regional Director. It was very informative, and to be honest, although I've been voting in elections since I first became eligible when I was 18 years old, this is the first time I have ever attended an all-candidates meeting.
Although we homeschool, that does not in any way mean that I am not concerned about the issues facing the local School District. Our wider community has more families than the provincial average who live in poverty; we have more at-risk students than average. We have a very rural background, despite being relatively close to an urban centre in our province. Our community has doubled its population since we moved here 14 years ago, and it is forecast to grow exponentially over the next decade. Three hundred new students are expected to join the district each year for the next several years, and no new schools will be built within the next 3 years. The issues are never clear cut, never easy to solve. Issues that were brought up - low-income rural families having to pay for bus service to get their children to and from school, and the humiliation of the associated subsidy process, the appropriate use of wireless technology in the classroom, the availability of EAs (educational assistants) in the system to work with identified special needs students, especially those without a diagnosis in the medical system, and more. Certainly the successful candidates will have their hands and heads full as they become aware of the myriad issues.
Clearly, there are many pressing issues facing all the candidates, not just for School Board Trustee, but also the Regional Directorship and the LUC. I think the important thing is to get informed and educated on what's at stake, and then get out there and vote on Saturday.
Although we homeschool, that does not in any way mean that I am not concerned about the issues facing the local School District. Our wider community has more families than the provincial average who live in poverty; we have more at-risk students than average. We have a very rural background, despite being relatively close to an urban centre in our province. Our community has doubled its population since we moved here 14 years ago, and it is forecast to grow exponentially over the next decade. Three hundred new students are expected to join the district each year for the next several years, and no new schools will be built within the next 3 years. The issues are never clear cut, never easy to solve. Issues that were brought up - low-income rural families having to pay for bus service to get their children to and from school, and the humiliation of the associated subsidy process, the appropriate use of wireless technology in the classroom, the availability of EAs (educational assistants) in the system to work with identified special needs students, especially those without a diagnosis in the medical system, and more. Certainly the successful candidates will have their hands and heads full as they become aware of the myriad issues.
Clearly, there are many pressing issues facing all the candidates, not just for School Board Trustee, but also the Regional Directorship and the LUC. I think the important thing is to get informed and educated on what's at stake, and then get out there and vote on Saturday.
14 November 2011
Stop Smart Meters!
Wednesday night, I may have mentioned, we attended the local Awareness Night movie on the effects of electromagnetic frequencies on the human body. VERY interesting. Did you know that adults who begin cell phone usage in their 20s have an 8x increase in the incidence of brain tumors over those who began cell phone usage in their 30s?!? So what about the dramatic increase in children, in those UNDER 20, who use cell phones?!? Especially what about people who use a cell phone exclusively, those who don't have a landline?!? Have we really studied wireless technology and its effects enough? Are we the guinea pigs?
After the movie there was a discussion amongst attendees about how wireless technology, specifically the incoming Smart Meter program here in British Columbia, could affect people.
I'd like to refer you to an initiative petition online; it's at www.stopsmartmeters.ca and it takes only a moment to preregister for the petition. Please educate yourself and sign.
My biggest concern is that the smart meter program is being ramrodded without adequate public consultation. If it goes to referendum and people vote FOR it, well, then the people have at least spoken. But not getting a choice at all whether this is something I want in my life or not, is undemocratic.
Consider my feathers adequately ruffled.
After the movie there was a discussion amongst attendees about how wireless technology, specifically the incoming Smart Meter program here in British Columbia, could affect people.
I'd like to refer you to an initiative petition online; it's at www.stopsmartmeters.ca and it takes only a moment to preregister for the petition. Please educate yourself and sign.
My biggest concern is that the smart meter program is being ramrodded without adequate public consultation. If it goes to referendum and people vote FOR it, well, then the people have at least spoken. But not getting a choice at all whether this is something I want in my life or not, is undemocratic.
Consider my feathers adequately ruffled.
12 November 2011
the incredible expanding grocery bag
I spent 7 hours at tai chi in town today at an instructor's gathering. We discussed commitment - the commitment we, as instructors, have made (to further our own training), and what the nature of that commitment is. It was a very interesting discussion, as I've heard students say that commitment is one reason they hesitate to become instructors themselves. One instructor said that long ago he had heard a story which has stuck with him for many years... I'll paraphrase as best I can...
We tend to think of our lives like a paper grocery bag. We keep putting things into it (commitments, responsibilities, etc.) and at some point, we perceive it to be full. "Can't fit another thing in!" we think to ourselves when people ask us to take on more. But when we practice tai chi (probably yoga or meditation or similar activities, too), it is "bag-expanding" in that the more we practice, the bigger our grocery bag seems to get. And when we decrease the amount of time we spend practising tai chi, the bag appears to get smaller.
It was a very interesting story as it made me aware that our perception of time is just that - a perception. As others have pointed out in the past, we all have the same 24 hours every day in which to do things. It is all a matter of how we choose to use those moments that adds up to a life worth living. (more on that in another post, another day)
On top of the tai chi gathering, we house-sat (and dog and cat-sat) for the neighbours, walking their dog in the morning and again in the evening, and I also did the water job tonight, too. It was a busy day and the kids ended up eating dinner after 8 p.m., which is soooooo different than when I was a kid; we ate promptly at 5 p.m. or 5:30 at the latest nearly every night! I have a few other things I'd like to get done this weekend, so I'm signing off, but wish you well.
Namaste'
We tend to think of our lives like a paper grocery bag. We keep putting things into it (commitments, responsibilities, etc.) and at some point, we perceive it to be full. "Can't fit another thing in!" we think to ourselves when people ask us to take on more. But when we practice tai chi (probably yoga or meditation or similar activities, too), it is "bag-expanding" in that the more we practice, the bigger our grocery bag seems to get. And when we decrease the amount of time we spend practising tai chi, the bag appears to get smaller.
It was a very interesting story as it made me aware that our perception of time is just that - a perception. As others have pointed out in the past, we all have the same 24 hours every day in which to do things. It is all a matter of how we choose to use those moments that adds up to a life worth living. (more on that in another post, another day)
On top of the tai chi gathering, we house-sat (and dog and cat-sat) for the neighbours, walking their dog in the morning and again in the evening, and I also did the water job tonight, too. It was a busy day and the kids ended up eating dinner after 8 p.m., which is soooooo different than when I was a kid; we ate promptly at 5 p.m. or 5:30 at the latest nearly every night! I have a few other things I'd like to get done this weekend, so I'm signing off, but wish you well.
Namaste'
09 November 2011
Another single day juicing this week
Three Sundays in a row! I've juiced one day a week for 3 weeks now. It is starting to feel gooooooood. Like, here it is, mid-week, and I was actually contemplating juicing today, just because. I *am* planning on juicing again this Sunday, and actually, for *all* the Sundays this month. What I'm finding is that one day a week is very grounding; it reminds me that if I'm not aware of it, that I end up eating more than I need. Kinda creeps up on me but ya, I'll eat a whole pound of rawfoodsooke's tamari almonds if they're in front of me. :P So juicing and actually sitting with the feeling of hunger is a fresh reminder that I don't need to eat every time I think I do. A call to be less impulsive and more aware and mindful in my life.
I had the weekend to myself, which was... very nice and yet very lonely. I got the house somewhat tidied (omg it was a mess) and finished an article, and generally just wrapped my head around things that are going on. I've been quite good about getting things on the to-do list done... little things that aren't urgent (or even required) but were sitting there...
We've just wrapped up another apple order and the raw food bulk order will be soon, too.
High-speed internet is coming to our neighbourhood - *before* the end of the year! So excited at the prospect of high-speed, yet so not excited about cable tv. A friend joked that there will be a profound difference in our neighbourhood - whereas now people walk their dogs, work in the garden, and generally make eye contact and talk to one another, once cable is here he figures we'll all be inside, behind closed curtains and drapes, watching ridiculously stupid programming, and that it will quietly erode the very deep sense of community we have been so blessed to have here. I guess we'll see.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 15 yrs not having cable. I do not miss it. I think television is a massive time waster, in general. I think people find it hard to self-regulate with television viewing. I have been out-voted in the family meeting to have cable in the house, but I will be monitoring VERY CLOSELY my children's viewing habits once it's here. I *don't* want my kids to lose their unique creativity, imagination, and playfulness (and health) to increased screen time.
I had the weekend to myself, which was... very nice and yet very lonely. I got the house somewhat tidied (omg it was a mess) and finished an article, and generally just wrapped my head around things that are going on. I've been quite good about getting things on the to-do list done... little things that aren't urgent (or even required) but were sitting there...
We've just wrapped up another apple order and the raw food bulk order will be soon, too.
High-speed internet is coming to our neighbourhood - *before* the end of the year! So excited at the prospect of high-speed, yet so not excited about cable tv. A friend joked that there will be a profound difference in our neighbourhood - whereas now people walk their dogs, work in the garden, and generally make eye contact and talk to one another, once cable is here he figures we'll all be inside, behind closed curtains and drapes, watching ridiculously stupid programming, and that it will quietly erode the very deep sense of community we have been so blessed to have here. I guess we'll see.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 15 yrs not having cable. I do not miss it. I think television is a massive time waster, in general. I think people find it hard to self-regulate with television viewing. I have been out-voted in the family meeting to have cable in the house, but I will be monitoring VERY CLOSELY my children's viewing habits once it's here. I *don't* want my kids to lose their unique creativity, imagination, and playfulness (and health) to increased screen time.
30 October 2011
hallowe'en side show!
last night was the first ever Hallowe'en Side Show at our local community hall. you have to understand that we live in a very rural community of less than 500 people. our aged community hall is central to all events held out here. last night, it was packed, standing room only, for this awesome, incredible event.
the masterminds behind it all did such an AMAZING job putting it on - the hall was spookily decorated and there were stilt walkers, hula hoopers, magicians, a lion tamer, a snake charmer, a fortune teller, fire poi spinning/dancing and a giant pumpk... wait, that was a giant garlic pinata... i chuckled to someone that it ought to have been filled with garlic bulbs, not candy. ;) and the kids' lanterns that they'd made a couple weeks back were hanging throughout the park. it was absolutely THE BEST hands-down community event we've been to in a while.
the costumes people came out in were very creative. i, in case you really wanted to know, went as a devilled egg (the vegan in me was appalled!). maybe i'll post a picture later. *maybe*.
And other newsworthy items: ds passed his next belt test in aikido! sooooo proud of him; he did *great!*
the masterminds behind it all did such an AMAZING job putting it on - the hall was spookily decorated and there were stilt walkers, hula hoopers, magicians, a lion tamer, a snake charmer, a fortune teller, fire poi spinning/dancing and a giant pumpk... wait, that was a giant garlic pinata... i chuckled to someone that it ought to have been filled with garlic bulbs, not candy. ;) and the kids' lanterns that they'd made a couple weeks back were hanging throughout the park. it was absolutely THE BEST hands-down community event we've been to in a while.
the costumes people came out in were very creative. i, in case you really wanted to know, went as a devilled egg (the vegan in me was appalled!). maybe i'll post a picture later. *maybe*.
And other newsworthy items: ds passed his next belt test in aikido! sooooo proud of him; he did *great!*
another fasting day
Wow! That week went by REALLY fast! I had a slight earache for a couple days after juicing last weekend and woke up the morning after juicing with a kink in my neck (which thankfully went away with a little tai chi and massage)... with a little self-care the earache went away (hot baths, and hot compresses on it, which felt really nice, and lots of rest, drinking lots of water)... but it was a reminder that I haven't been honouring myself in regards to healthy food and daily exercise in toooooo long.
Today was another juicing day... it was funny but I wasn't hungry hardly at all. I'm hoping I don't get another earache this week, though it's better for the toxins to be out than in. ;)
I enjoyed:
2 mugs of nettle tea with stevia
3c of kombucha
1c of miso dissolved in hot water
5c of apple/carrot/ginger/greens (beet greens & salad greens)
2c of apple/carrot/ginger
hmmm, no water. still, that was more than 3L of liquids today.
I was given 3 fresh salmon (~4 lbs each) which I pressure-canned today. It was a little strange (okay, *very* strange), having been vegan for more than 5 years, I realized that very rarely do I actually have to touch flesh anymore... I hardly ever cook meat nowadays. Still, I was grateful that those in our house that *choose* to eat meat would have some connection to their food. I haven't ever canned salmon, so I was following instructions, and gave a little prayer of thanks for the salmon giving its life for us (well, those of us that eat it). I thought loving thoughts about how wonderful it must've been to live in the water and held its spirit in reverence and respect as I prepared its body into the jars... and definitely I wanted to waste not a single bit of it... the skin and bones went to the cats (who *loved* it! what a treat for them who are normally on dry kibble only!) and a little to the dog. It takes a long time to pressure-can fish, so it took several hours (5?) to get it all done. Now we have 17 jars gracing the pantry shelf. I am very grateful for the friend who passed the salmon on to us; I know the meat eaters in the house will definitely enjoy it.
When I wasn't canning salmon (or making juice) today, I played a couple boardgames with the kids (Stratego, Carcasonne), recaulked the bathtub, and carved jack-o-lanterns (and roasted pumpkin seeds). A couple years ago I dehydrated the pumpkin seeds instead and they were DEEEEEEElicious. Try it!
In Peace,
Today was another juicing day... it was funny but I wasn't hungry hardly at all. I'm hoping I don't get another earache this week, though it's better for the toxins to be out than in. ;)
I enjoyed:
2 mugs of nettle tea with stevia
3c of kombucha
1c of miso dissolved in hot water
5c of apple/carrot/ginger/greens (beet greens & salad greens)
2c of apple/carrot/ginger
hmmm, no water. still, that was more than 3L of liquids today.
I was given 3 fresh salmon (~4 lbs each) which I pressure-canned today. It was a little strange (okay, *very* strange), having been vegan for more than 5 years, I realized that very rarely do I actually have to touch flesh anymore... I hardly ever cook meat nowadays. Still, I was grateful that those in our house that *choose* to eat meat would have some connection to their food. I haven't ever canned salmon, so I was following instructions, and gave a little prayer of thanks for the salmon giving its life for us (well, those of us that eat it). I thought loving thoughts about how wonderful it must've been to live in the water and held its spirit in reverence and respect as I prepared its body into the jars... and definitely I wanted to waste not a single bit of it... the skin and bones went to the cats (who *loved* it! what a treat for them who are normally on dry kibble only!) and a little to the dog. It takes a long time to pressure-can fish, so it took several hours (5?) to get it all done. Now we have 17 jars gracing the pantry shelf. I am very grateful for the friend who passed the salmon on to us; I know the meat eaters in the house will definitely enjoy it.
When I wasn't canning salmon (or making juice) today, I played a couple boardgames with the kids (Stratego, Carcasonne), recaulked the bathtub, and carved jack-o-lanterns (and roasted pumpkin seeds). A couple years ago I dehydrated the pumpkin seeds instead and they were DEEEEEEElicious. Try it!
In Peace,
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