Stop The Negativity - Please!

Let me say right now that this post may turn out to be a rant, because I am a bit upset. And yes, I do realize that if I were allow it to turn out that way, it would be completely contrary to the point of the message behind this post.

*Deep Breath*

I have to say that I am really bothered by people who find a way to cast shadow on every positive message or post.  This happens all of the time on Facebook.  Today for example, someone wished Prince George a Happy 1st Birthday and immediately there are negative comments. Either about their personal disdain for the Royal Family, or comments about the lack of spotlight on starving children around the world, or the crisis in Gaza. I mean. C'mon!!!

What is that about? Why?!?!?  Why can't a post just be about that sentiment.  If someone (in this case) takes the time to acknowledge a milestone of a first birthday of a BABY - why can't that be enough? It was on that person's heart to send good energy to that precious child. Let it be just that. Why feel the need to muddy it up with the darkness in your own heart?

Who cares if you don't personally like the Royal family?  What does that have to do with a sweet innocent baby celebrating a 1st birthday?

Starving children around the world, and the dying children in Gaza - are horrific tragedies.  But, again, what does that have to do with this baby?

Are we saying that because horrific things are happening around the world that we should not celebrate a birthday? Are we saying that because there is suffering - there should not be rejoicing in the good things? Are we saying that we cannot celebrate, embrace and show love until every single person on the planet is well?

Wouldn't that be lovely.  Do you hold to that standard on your birthday?  Do you carry that with you when you go out to ring in the New Year?

I mean, c'mon!!!!  Yes! It is awful that wars, and illness exist. It is a travesty that children get caught in the crossfire. Clearly I am not saying that we should not give proper attention to that.  However, does that diminish every single good moment in life? Is that not then evil winning over good?

Sounds a bit counter-productive to me.

And then there are the people who will say - there are children all over the world having a birthday today - but because they are not famous, we don't wish them a Happy Birthday.  True.  To a point.  I'm quite certain that each one of us do indeed wish anyone around the world a Happy Birthday, whether they are known or unknown.  If you happen upon a stranger, and discover it is their birthday, do you not then offer them well wishes on their day?  Does that mean that if we are aware of a 'famous' person's birthday we should not also wish them a Happy Birthday, if we are so moved?

And if we are not moved to do so. That is fine.  Fabulous.  But why do people who are not moved to share in the sentiments, feel the need to poo-poo the ones who are?  This happens every single day online.  You see a post, you do not share the sentiment of the post, and rather than just scrolling past it and moving on with your day, you feel the need - the necessity - to stop your life - and spread negative garbage all over that particular thread.  WHY?!?!?!

Have we not yet learned about rebound energy? Have we forgotten that what we put out there comes back to us - ten fold?  Have we forgotten that if we purposely go around dumping our garbage on everyone else, that surely goodness will not come our way?  Have we forgotten that it is our Divine duty to embrace one another, even in such a simple way as wishing one another good will?

It is my great hope that each of us will take the time to remember how it feels when someone takes time from their day to send us good thoughts or energy. How nice it is to have our special moments in life acknowledged.  And how easy it is to extend love to our fellow human beings.

Please remember, to treat others, the way we, ourselves, would want to be treated.

With that, let me wish you the absolute best in whatever milestone you are celebrating today!

Love and Light

-Laura

Arrive Alive - Don't Drink And Drive!

Let’s be honest, nothing ruins the holidays like a funeral.  As you visit with family and friends or attend parties during this holiday season, please remember to plan ahead for your ride home.  Call a Friend. Call a Taxi. Have a Designated Driver. Stay Overnight. Rent a Hotel Room. Whatever you do – NEVER EVER get behind the wheel when you have been drinking! Nor should you accept a ride from a friend who has been drinking!!  Please be SAFE and Arrive ALIVE!!


-Laura

Country First - The Poverty Crisis

Those who know me personally are aware that I grew up in downtown Toronto. As a result, I have seen a lot of things in my life. homelessness, crack heads, prostitution, crime.. so much in fact that I had become desensitized to it.  Seeing it without really SEEing it.

Living away from the downtown core for the better part of the past two decades, I had not seen crack heads and prostitutes or even homeless people every time I stepped outside of my door.  Eventually I became accustomed to not SEEing. Certainly it was not a case of forgetting about the problems, which are in your face when living downtown - but I suppose it was a case of 'out of sight - out of mind'.

I suppose the same can be said for the politicians. It is very easy to forget or overlook a problem when it is not in your face each and every time you leave your home.  Yes, it is true that the majority of the law makers and those who work 'for the people' do work downtown. However, the fact is that the underprivileged do get lost in the shuffle and hustle and bustle of the busy city. Particularly in the downtown core of a big city. And for the most part - by the time those who 'work for the people' head home at the end of the working day - and the downtown core empties ... this is when all those who do not have a home to go to become visible.  The ones who are left behind.  The truth is that they were there the whole time - they just blend into the background while the suits race up and down the streets plugged into their smartphones.

Having moved back downtown a year ago, I admit was sort of culture shock.I was reminded how sad downtown can be. There is a distinct shift in the energy when you come from a quieter community to the downtown core of a metropolis. And your energy begins to match that of the environment around you. Your frequency changes. The only difference was that I did not have blinders on. I was returning and the only change from when I had left so many years ago is not that the problems had gone away - but in fact they have magnified.

How can this be? Why is nothing being done?

Each day and night when I walk my dog, or run errands etc.. I see it.  Am I the only one? I see the lines outside of the homeless shelters.  I see the homeless sleeping on grates.  I see the lines at the soup kitchens. The lineups at the food banks - people waiting to take home that jar of peanut butter and dented can of chick peas.

Over the holidays, my daughter volunteered at a drop-in - serving Christmas dinner to the homeless.  She was surprised at home many people were in need of a home-cooked meal.  A hot plate of food.

Two or three times a year we see on the news that the Daily Bread Food Bank is having another food drive. The local media sets up camp at a random grocery store and they do the drive for the day.  Attempting to reach goals of food and monetary donations to last for the next couple of months.  And each year the demand increases.  Each year the need is more. Year after year after year.  Nothing changes.

Why?

Since the weather has shifted and the nights have gotten cold, I see homeless people in my building ... hiding in the move-out rooms ... you can see them praying that you do not SEE them.  Hoping to fade away into the background as they huddle in a corner - thankful to be in a warm - dry place. Until. security or the police kick them out.

Why?

When I returned home this evening from walking my dog, I tuned into the 11:00 news ... I sipped my tea as I listened to the reports on the homeless during the frigid weather.  I listened to the Beat the Street people and how they make their rounds handing out survival packages consisting of hats, scarves, mittens, sleeping bags and some food.  I listen to the accounts of three local shelters being packed to the rafters.  I see footage of people sleeping on mats on the floor of churches and displacement centers - waiting for a bed to become available for them.  There is no room at the Inn.

Why?

In the same breath - you see reports on the news about agencies collecting for overseas missions.  You read in the newspapers about how Canada is donating $50mil to this 3rd world country ... or $100mil to that hurricane / tsunami / earthquake / (fill in the blank) ravaged country. Aide for people on the other side of the world when citizens are starving and dying on the streets of the homeland.

Why?

People who know me, know that I am a giver by nature. I will give you the shirt off of my back if you need it.  There are many occasions where I have helped this person or that person with food or money or whatever.  And I am happy to do so!! With that said, I always kept in mind that I am running a household. I had a child to feed. And with that knowledge I made certain that my home was taken care of first. I made certain that my child or any assorted pets - lives which depended upon me - were covered first. Then I would assess what 'extra' was available to help someone else who needed the help.

Why does the Government not work this way?  Let me be clear that because I am Canadian, I am speaking about Canada.  However, I am more than aware that this goes also for the U.S.A. and many other countries with ass-backward ideas about sense of obligations towards everyone else ahead of their own citizens.

I am certain that President Obama, or Prime Minister Harper would not allow their children to go without food, while handing out donations to a charity.   So, why is okay to do so on the larger scale? The fact is that if you are the leader of a country - the citizens are your children. Your dependents. And just as in a home - one child may need help with math and another child may need new shoes. Citizens have a variety of needs - be it health care - or the basic needs of food and shelter. No need grater than the other - all needs are required to be met.

Let me pause here and acknowledge that what I am saying is what many people are thinking but what nobody is allowed to say.  Let me also be clear in saying that absolutely less fortunate countries should be helped. Dying children in Africa should be fed and medically treated and housed.  Yes, the people in Haiti need help to recover from the most recent Act of God.

With that said - I am also saying that you take care of your own house first! When there is not one Canadian citizen living on the streets - not one Canadian citizen missing a meal ... THEN you see what is in the reserves and help other countries who need help. The same can also be said about taking on more citizens when you cannot keep up with the demand of those who are already living here. If you cannot adequately feed, clothe and shelter the children in your home - do you bring more children in? Does that make any sense?

So what happens in the meantime?  Well, in my opinion it is down to the people who make such exorbitant amounts of money to do something. I feel like if your annual income is that of a medium sized country - it is incumbent upon you to make sure that you do something for the earthly community.

How many times have you seen the annual lists of CEO's and celebrities raking in tens of millions of dollars a year?  Is that really necessary? Actors making tens of millions to star in a movie.  Really? When there are people starving on your streets?

I'm sorry, but I do not believe that you need to earn $50 mil a year in order to survive.  Or even to maintain any sort of extravagant lifestyle.  That is just ridiculous.  It should be mandatory that if your estate is in the tens or hundreds of millions - you should be automatically made to give half to support 3rd world nations.  To feed the starving children in Africa. To rebuild Haiti. And so forth.

If every celebrity, rapper, or otherwise gave half of their annual income to 'the cause' - in a decade the world would be a completely different place.  And believe me, if the majority of people can live at or below the poverty line - the celebrities can certainly survive on $25 mil a year instead of $50 mil.

In the meantime, countries such as Canada and the U.S. can focus their resources on the people who struggle to survive within their borders.

The year is 2013, how is it that people are dying on the streets? How is it that people are starving? How is it that people are killing themselves to escape the extreme suffering? How is it that crime is on an up-rise because people are desperate? Yet, people are living way - way - way beyond what is necessary?

Governments and Celebrities should be ashamed.

It is criminal and should never have been allowed to get to this point.

"If you do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always got."

Judgement

Have you ever known someone who quit smoking? Started a new job? Found God? Lost weight? Started a health regime?  ... And suddenly they are an all-knowing expert on how you should be living your life?

I wonder why that is.  What is it about human nature that once we accomplish something, we feel the need to convert everyone else, often by way of lecture, to the point of nauseam. Some of us take it a step further - to the point of judging the person for doing exactly what you yourself have just stopped doing.  Don't we all know someone like this?

That person who has become reformed - reborn ... and suddenly feels the need to 'fix' your life. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I am all about personal growth.  I am all about self-betterment. Evolving.  In fact if you are not growing - you die.  And I absolutely do tip my hat to those who have made personal accomplishments in their own lives.  Whether you have quit smoking, drinking, lost weight, found the perfect relationship, the perfect job, your first job, whatever the accomplishment is. That said, how many people do you know who have started smoking again? Gained their weight back? Caught that perfect guy cheating? Fell off of the path to righteousness?

I suppose what I am saying is as the saying goes; "Be careful who you step on on your way up the ladder because they will be the same people you pass on the way back down."  And as we all know - what goes up .... will eventually come back down again.

In the meantime, while you were flying high on your grandiose magic carpet ... looking down your nose upon those who have not yet reached the divinity you enjoy ... you are failing to realize that you are in fact alienating everyone around you.

Perhaps the intentions are good? Perhaps you are only wanting to lift those around you to your new level.  It is after all lonely at the top. Perhaps you do not realize how you are potentially coming off.  Perhaps you have yet to learn the subtle difference between a gentle suggestive nudge vs. a club over the head with the cast iron frying pan.

What we must remember is that there is indeed a thin line between encouragement and belittlement.

In other words .... "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you do."

Just Sayin' - Not Here

 

 

How many times have you watched the news - a story of a robbery, a shooting, a drug lab, arson - whatever .... and one of the locals being interviewed will say - "Things like this don't happen here!"  

 

What does that mean exactly?

 

Is there a postal code for the non-crime neighborhoods?  Is there a specified zone for where bad things are allowed to happen?  Is that zone marked out by the lines of longitude and latitude we learned about in school?  Perhaps I missed the class outlining just exactly where evil resides.

 

Or is it really about middle and upper class folks living in a false sense of security, believing that their affluent neighborhoods outlined in white picket fences are somehow immune from hardship? Is it that bad things only happen in the slums? That only poor folks can - or should be dealt misfortune?

 

Clearly nobody wants to see sirens racing down the streets of their community, and when tragedy strikes - we are in shock - because it was so close to home.  The "That could have been me" thought begins to play in our minds.  I get it. I've lived it.  Many times.  Truly, cats are not the only ones with nine live! 

 

But I just wonder why it is that we are inclined to take it that one step further in declaring that these horrible things 'just don't happen here'.  Where should they happen? 

 

Puts me in mind of the antidote to "Why me?" being "Why not you?"

 

I think the day we read that Prince Harry was caught experimenting with marijuana states clearly that things indeed happen everywhere!  And may I just say - that when truly horrific things do happen ... drug labs ... shootings ... serial killers .... it seems that the criminal in question typically lives in quaint little towns - where those things just never happen.

 

I don't recall hearing a story about the serial killer that grew up in Compton, or Regent Park ... I do, however,  recall them living in St. Catherines .... Tweed ... and other little non-descript towns that nobody has ever heard of until tragedy befalls them and suddenly the entire world knows about the quaint little crime-free neighborhood. 

 

Just sayin' ...

 

 

 

 



Just Sayin' - Maybe It's Just Me ..

We all have pet peeves.  We all have things that drive us just a little bit crazy.  Things that make us say "REALLY?!?!?!"

Well, I thought I would share a few of mine.

Pessing 1 for English
OK - Now, I live in Canada ... WHY, when I am phoning the CANADIAN Government (Or any place else for that matter)  MUST I press 1 for English?????   Shouldn't the prompt say .... this message is in English - Press 1 for French ... 2 for Chinese ... and so on?

Abandoned laundry
Why do people think it is okay to put their laundry into the machine and then leave the country?  Now, I am not saying that I babysit my laundry.  But, I DO time it to the minute and I AM back in that laundry room when the machine stops.   WHY must I have to touch your laundry in order to empty the machine so I can do my laundry?

Bank Tellers
So, when there are ten people in line .... perhaps it is time for the teller to stop filing her nails, or chatting on the phone and open up a new counter ... ???

ABM
This is a two-part'er .... To begin with there is an unspoken yet understood distance, which must be observed when someone is using the machine.  NEWSFLASH - It is RUDE to stand so close behind me in line that I can smell what you had for lunch!

Secondly,  Can someone explain to me why people take a months worth of banking to the ABM??  I mean REALLY?!?!?!?!  All I want to do is pull out a couple of dollars and go about my business, but I must wait for you to pay your bills and deposit your checks ... update your passbook.  SERIOUSLY?!?!?!

The Holiday Tree
Now this one really irks me!!  Let me just say to those who do not press 1 for English ... I am sorry and do not mean to be insensitive.... HOWEVER,,, it is a CHRISTMAS TREE.   It is not a Hanukkah Tree ... it is not a Ramadan Tree ... it is not an Eid Tree  .... is is not even a New Year Tree!  Say it with me now....

It - Is - A - CHRISTMAS TREE!!

Cologne
Not exclusive to only cologne, but for perfume as well.  Let me just say ... I should not smell you coming before I see you ... nor should I continue to smell you long after you've left.

Less is more.

Taxi Drivers
Where do I begin?  Let's start with the lazy cab driver, all of whom have been in accidents - just had surgery - and have 'bad backs'.   Driving around all day must be a serious physical experience as they all seem to be crippled.

Perhaps they hurt their back the last time they had a shower - in the 80's?  Why do cab drivers not know they are funky.  Must the first thing I do upon sitting in the cab and shutting the door, be to open the window as wide as it will go?  Do you not know when you are funky?

And IF you drive a cab for a living .... and KNOW that you are charging fares for the privilege of holding me hostage in your funky taxi .... should you not have change??  Isn't it funny how I always seem to get the crippled cab driver who just that very minute started his shift and has no change.  Looking at me as though I should let him keep the $20 for the $8 ride.

Hmmmm  .... REALLY??!!??!!

School Buses
So, have you ever wondered why it is that the law states (rightly so) that children MUST be buckled up in cars.  But if you put 50 of them in a school bus, they do not need to be belted in??

Just sayin'

Pre-empting My Program
Ok, Now, let me first say I have nothing against our cousins to the south.  Except when my program happens to be on at the exact second when the President feels the need to speak.  No offence, but I live in CANADA ... and I really don't care what the leader of another country has to say when I am trying to find out what Victor Newman has done this time!!

Grammar 101
Let's recap:

You're = You Are
Your = Possessive

They're = They Are
There = Opposite of Here
Their = Possessive

While we are on the subject ... it is Y-O-U ... not... U ..... and it is ... A-R-E .... not ... R.

Lazy, illiterate typing ... not sexy.  The ONLY exception for the U and R thing is in a text message.  Otherwise ... get the lead out and use your letters people!!

Fireworks in the Daytime
REALLY?!?!?!?  What exactly is the point of this?  You can't see them.  All you are doing is annoying everyone around you.  If it is the BANG you are attracted to .... might I suggest a handgun to the temple?

PTA Meetings on a Friday Night
Whose brilliant idea was this?  Parents, I ask you....  after carting your lovely, wonderful children to and from school all week long, do you REALLY want to go back on a Friday night to hear that little Billy can count to 5???

Student Doctors
Maybe I am on my own here.  But let me just say that I have no patience and no interest in training - anyone.  Now, perhaps if I just had a cold.... I would not mind seeing a student doctor.  But, when I have multiple illnesses ... and am going to renew medications... I really have precious little interest in going over each medication and explaining why I am taking it, for a condition I have had nearly as long as they've been alive.

Pssssst
Fellas ... this one is for you.  IF you see a lady you would like to have a conversation with... PLEASE do try to come up with something a little bit more alluring than "PSSSSSSST"

Sooo not sexy!!

Raisin Bran
Is it me?  Or has anyone else noticed that the Two Scoops of Raisins seem to be more and more skimpy?  The box seems to be larger, but I suspect they are using the same size scoops - regardless of the box size.

Who Let The Dogs Out?
Why is it that my dog picks the exact moment to take a dump when a fine man is walking by?  Nothing says "Hey baby, come holla at me" like bending over to pick up a load of steaming doggy-dodo!!

Babies 
I love children ... well .... some of them anyway.   And YES, your baby is the most adorable baby in the history of the world, but WHY must you put the six month old on the phone?  Do you think it's cute? And if you do put little Susie on the phone for me to googoo-ga-ga at ... how long do you think that takes?  Let me help you out .... more than a minute is too long!!

And for the love of God, whatever you do ... do not let the 2 year old answer the phone! NOBODY but you thinks it is cute!!

Dust
How on earth does dust get under things?  Under the TV?  Behind the Glass doors of the Wall Unit??  HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN???

Forgetful Liars
There is perhaps nothing more pathetic and yet amusing than to listen to a liar who cannot remember their own lies.  Do you think I am going to forget that you told me your sofa was lime green?  And when I get there the sofa is really pink?  Do you think I will not notice?  That I won't remember?  You are embarrassing yourself!!

Tell the truth and shame the devil!!

Pop
To end this off ... as I log out and go to get myself another drink.  Let me just say this ... there is nothing worse than warm - flat - cola!

Tardiness
I was speaking with my sister last night and in the conversation I was reminded on what is perhaps one of my biggest pet peeves.  Tardiness ... People who feel like your time is just not as valuable as their own.  I cannot stand waiting for someone. I feel like there is a 10 minute grace period - anything beyond that is just rude!  If I can be there on time - why can't you??