tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25330738980695192262024-03-13T23:56:15.059-06:00Mental MeanderingsCommentaries pulled from the life, interests and perspectives of Rob Spencer & familyRob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-91010376679237211112014-01-14T20:00:00.000-07:002014-01-14T20:00:01.151-07:00Symbols of Canada - Part 6 - War and Peace<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">One of the most powerful symbols of Canada throughout history and into modern day is our presence in the world, particularly in places where there is conflict. We are not the cause of the conflict; in fact, we are generally recognized for our extremely peaceful natures, however, we have a strong tradition of placing ourselves in danger to preserve the rights, privileges and freedoms of other nations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><b>Symbol #6 - War and Peace</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Throughout history, we have been quick to support peacekeeping missions and to step into war to support others. I am not a fierce or violent man. I have never felt equal to combat, or overt conflict. However, I recognize, respect and honour the proud history of our nation at war to bring peace.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">While visiting Ottawa, across the street from my hotel was the war memorial. Similar to my preconceptions about the Parliament, I had pictured a monument far from the bustle of a busy city. I pictured a quiet and peaceful location, where one could visit to gather one's thoughts, reflect on the noble sacrifices of the distant and recent past, as well as that of the current time. Instead, I found a small square off a crazily busy street, from which rose a picturesque statue, depicting the contributions of our military through the 2 World Wars, the losses that occurred and the greater freedoms and benefits that resulted. However, when I entered the square, I felt a peace and quiet settle over me. Coloured maple leaves moved slowly around the area, blown by a light wind. I could see the monument to the Unknown Soldier and the larger monument.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">I reflected on the contributions of my ancestors, who, thankfully came through the war relatively unscathed. I felt like I became more a part of Canada than I had been before, simply by being there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ-Pi0RwCSyqK6xcn4joEMn4E-XT67jGJg0pDwR3PS7TQLPQcN1jC7-DTMTbcixznIfY54H6EMN-o5EMG-DUYMrthlCb5-VoUyg4Ud0rxzGyt4aA_35NOONa6Jkfa9R27K11sEm8r3QA/s1600/IMG_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ-Pi0RwCSyqK6xcn4joEMn4E-XT67jGJg0pDwR3PS7TQLPQcN1jC7-DTMTbcixznIfY54H6EMN-o5EMG-DUYMrthlCb5-VoUyg4Ud0rxzGyt4aA_35NOONa6Jkfa9R27K11sEm8r3QA/s1600/IMG_0459.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM_Kb0chzHtpiFyfvVjPWbJ2v9NBG7WfuHPBp9rSHFZUotYmnwYNXaHxGvY3fpuAQxYqZYYXuhDOrPRpdntPslRr4KMzX8jnc8wN5yzmLqufat8AST_vyvUmEMEoq_2df49H0h6Tl5oQ/s1600/IMG_0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM_Kb0chzHtpiFyfvVjPWbJ2v9NBG7WfuHPBp9rSHFZUotYmnwYNXaHxGvY3fpuAQxYqZYYXuhDOrPRpdntPslRr4KMzX8jnc8wN5yzmLqufat8AST_vyvUmEMEoq_2df49H0h6Tl5oQ/s1600/IMG_0462.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tomb of the Unknown Soldier</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">When visiting the Parliament Building, we took some time to visit the memorial chapel/chamber in the building that documents the various actions and battles where Canada played a part, in the many different world conflicts that have taken place over the years. On one wall, inscribed in marble, was a famous poem written by a great Canadian peacekeeper, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, during the First World War. As a child I recall hearing and reading this moving piece of prose, which tore my young heart (and still does) and cemented in my mind the deep sacrifices of our nation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B8Zx6W0ZPK85svvInRftBCh6SmeaLczZTTb_yZdz6TiYO4JXmmVd8df2EmWHEjtnCP0Xnlq7Rl8qDIZQCxQA7hYlxGA0jbAu7NbvF1OFJBW9VeaB3VtX-0GuW7cUFKdKj3uksy8-XQg/s1600/IMG_0420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B8Zx6W0ZPK85svvInRftBCh6SmeaLczZTTb_yZdz6TiYO4JXmmVd8df2EmWHEjtnCP0Xnlq7Rl8qDIZQCxQA7hYlxGA0jbAu7NbvF1OFJBW9VeaB3VtX-0GuW7cUFKdKj3uksy8-XQg/s1600/IMG_0420.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">"In Flanders Fields" - Written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, on May 3, 1915, following the 2nd Battle of Ypres</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">"<i>In Flanders fields the poppies blow<br />
Between the crosses, row on row,<br />
That mark our place; and in the sky<br />
The larks, still bravely singing, fly<br />
Scarce heard amid the guns below.<br />
<br />
We are the Dead. Short days ago<br />
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,<br />
Loved and were loved, and now we lie<br />
In Flanders fields.<br />
<br />
Take up our quarrel with the foe:<br />
To you from failing hands we throw<br />
The torch; be yours to hold it high.<br />
If ye break faith with us who die<br />
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow<br />
In Flanders fields.</i>"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Over the years, many brave Canadians have left their homes and their families to go into dreadful situations to bring a better, more peaceful world into being. I am grateful to be a fortunate beneficiary of that rich history, which repeats each year around the world. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity that I had to experience one of the most poignant symbols of Canada. That of War and Peace.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-44057466600130890642014-01-11T20:00:00.000-07:002014-01-11T20:00:01.583-07:00Symbols of Canada - Part 5 - Bilingualism<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Symbol #5 - Bilingualism</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Canada's history is rich with cultural traditions that stem from both our British and French settlers. One of the most unique characteristics that comes as a result is our two official languages. While many in our country don't speak both official languages, this trait permeates our entire society, for better (and for worse).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I have lived in other countries where there are more than one official language. One language unifies. More than one language enriches and adds diversity to the culture. It broadens the appreciation of things, as you have the opportunity to look at life and society through two or more lenses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As a young man growing up in an anglophone region, and not being able to speak French, it was always a source of great confusion when confronted with labels, which, by law, were required to have both languages on them. Over time, a habit developed, where you simply turned a product around until you arrived at the label that you could understand. It became deeply ingrained in me. So deep, that I never even noticed it, until it was brought to my attention when I arrived in Switzerland. As I reached for a box of cereal or some such basic item, I found myself at a loss as to what it was. I proceeded according to habit and turned it around. Again and again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And so, to me, bilingualism is personified in the following example. A carton of orange juice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bilingualism is complex. It adds all sorts of things to our culture and country that we wouldn't have otherwise. So, even if you aren't bilingual, embrace it. It is a neat opportunity.</span><br />
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Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-82283924357570400782014-01-08T20:00:00.000-07:002014-01-08T20:00:02.262-07:00Symbols of Canada - Part 4 - Loonies & the Mint<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The other day</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, while visiting the USA,</span> I was out for appetizers and a visit with some friends. One friend remarked that it was hard to see which US bills were which in the poorly lit restaurant. This brought to mind another of our unique symbols that personifies Canada. Our money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Symbol #4 - Loonies and the Mint</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For as long as I can remember, Canada has had colourful and unique bills and coins. Our bills and coins had/have stereotypical symbols of Canada, ranging from the RCMP musical ride on the $50 (no more) to the beaver on the nickel, the caribou on the quarter and the maple leaf on the penny (also no more). When the dollar bill and then two dollar bill were removed from circulation and replaced with the Loonie, we became even more unique; it took a bit of getting used to. But now, it would be hard to go back. Acceptance of the Twoonie was easier, I think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While visiting Ottawa in October, I jumped at the chance to visit the Royal Canadian Mint. I collect coins and I was thrilled to discover that the Mint was only a couple of blocks from where we were staying. We gladly paid the admission for a guided tour of the facility. Even if I'd only seen the 27 kilogram block of solid gold in the gift shop, that would have been worth it, but the tour highlighted how awesome Canada is and how cool our money and the Mint is. If you get a chance, TAKE THE TOUR. You won't regret it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ3khNxzRcZU00LOo-JHqn2loYrSbK8zKl-P2VOhdg753c36yAAVC2vnUYR0zureBJ7X1IMPfQOuubeg2cujG_HG_qbe5b3Ela-dgZ5TrSiDolcDSLg9p0R_pKEFls5tp8vrUD2FSmUo/s1600/IMG_0477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ3khNxzRcZU00LOo-JHqn2loYrSbK8zKl-P2VOhdg753c36yAAVC2vnUYR0zureBJ7X1IMPfQOuubeg2cujG_HG_qbe5b3Ela-dgZ5TrSiDolcDSLg9p0R_pKEFls5tp8vrUD2FSmUo/s1600/IMG_0477.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Canadian Mint</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYKRqV7usY3J3clQ_MAvi-2ZP9WmrehvGbWHKQ6Kr-oaO_dVy86cOeJv53Ce5Q0A8zzMnH0hW9RQzmOz37aJ6_XQ1gaj3KobdbL_LvfAEF8vAnFnf27nVuxEsadrjr91ZYnCTikSuFPI/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYKRqV7usY3J3clQ_MAvi-2ZP9WmrehvGbWHKQ6Kr-oaO_dVy86cOeJv53Ce5Q0A8zzMnH0hW9RQzmOz37aJ6_XQ1gaj3KobdbL_LvfAEF8vAnFnf27nVuxEsadrjr91ZYnCTikSuFPI/s1600/photo3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is worth a lot of money</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDad4NVJZC0vHnHdC5j57LIDA4gHctokWV6-gEWaUeomTkaILLi6G-AaxwjRKIuu4_zKPy_NL54UqWbFOTYqhROiexY1v9fBwCr3Rq1rYApZI5qK4FLCBhW7C1Cbe0DkMpU633ujHcf38/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDad4NVJZC0vHnHdC5j57LIDA4gHctokWV6-gEWaUeomTkaILLi6G-AaxwjRKIuu4_zKPy_NL54UqWbFOTYqhROiexY1v9fBwCr3Rq1rYApZI5qK4FLCBhW7C1Cbe0DkMpU633ujHcf38/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at me. I'm the money!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did you know that Canada mints coins for over 30 countries in the world, and has done so for some of them for more than 25 years? Yup, it's true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did you know that Canada is the only country in the world that can produce </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">coins </span> as close to pure gold and silver as you can get? To 5 places pure (99999). A few years ago, to rub it in the faces of the world, the Mint created massive 100 kilogram replica coins that retailed for several million dollars. Mint nerds (shrug). The whole creation process is very specific, very precise and very interesting. The Mint in Ottawa specializes in investment coins, which have an extremely high level of quality, as well as some of the other specialty coins. The Mint in Winnipeg does circulation coinage only, but I am sure it is a cool place as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did you know that the Mint is commissioned to make Olympic medals? Yup, it's true. For the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics (both Special and the other one), they created over a 1000 bronze, silver and gold medals, each with a unique design that when combined with all the other medals for each Olympic games, created a massive </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">symbolic </span> First Nations art piece. Not only that, but the medals were done with a curved, wave design, just to show that it could be done. Mint nerds (shrug).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There are so many other neat things about our money and the Mint, but when it comes down to it, our money makes us special. Don't dread the heavy pockets. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Take a closer look are your money. </span>Enjoy it. Embrace it. It'll surprise you what you see. And remember, it makes us uniquely Canadian.</span></div>
Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-56284781012083932232014-01-05T20:00:00.000-07:002014-01-05T20:00:00.073-07:00Symbols of Canada - Part 3 - Snow & Cold<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While Canada is full of massive landscapes,
ocean coast lines, a diverse and vibrant culture and bunch of epic cities, what
is the first (idiotic) thing that people (from somewhere else) ask when they
meet you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you live in igloos?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "</span>How do you survive in all that snow and cold?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could list other, even dumber questions,
but I won’t pain your brain by doing so.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Symbol #3 - Snow and Cold </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The fact of the matter is, we live in
an extreme northern climate, the main exception being the populated part of British
Columbia (I'll give some some of the sissy spots in Ontario a break on this one, since they get winter).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They (BC) are punished for the soft weather by
having a CFL team that has to dress in a horrid shade of orange...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Deep breath... </span>Moving on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We have snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Usually together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are known
for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we kick butt at the Summer
Olympics?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, we do not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dominate the winter sports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we should, since our winter can run for
6-8 months of the year. Our winters give us bragging rights. Or at least some significant shock factor when addressing those from softer climes.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter's beauty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow, cold, winter = Canadian</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF2kxFbSmLAogrcqbGJ0cx05I3RnucySh3v2lY-QZMiGBYgHtEj1FmYGkWAbp05oaVNU1ZD6Xa6WFz44E2kt5q4UGZkNMNZXnqoIWEPt9NFXcxXxnBcj6LKPiu-0ROCh0SHHxkAMvUhA/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF2kxFbSmLAogrcqbGJ0cx05I3RnucySh3v2lY-QZMiGBYgHtEj1FmYGkWAbp05oaVNU1ZD6Xa6WFz44E2kt5q4UGZkNMNZXnqoIWEPt9NFXcxXxnBcj6LKPiu-0ROCh0SHHxkAMvUhA/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much like the snowflake, our winters are unique</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Be cold. Be proud. Be Canadian.</span></div>
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<![endif]-->Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-736631107212899842014-01-02T20:00:00.000-07:002014-01-02T20:00:00.202-07:00Symbols of Canada - Part 2 - The Parliament<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While I was in Ottawa at the end of
October, I took the time to visit some of the sights down around the
hotel. Foremost among the things I visited was the Parliament, centre and
symbol of our nation's government.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Symbol #2 - The Parliament</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I will admit that I kind of always
pictured the Parliament Building as a giant, free-standing structure, without
anything at all around it. I expected it to stand separate and away from
the bustle of the city, the clamour of vehicles and the throngs of
people. I hadn't envisioned the adjacent buildings, the police cars (and their accompanying occupants) every
few steps and the proximity to a modern city. Nope, I was wrong on all counts. Well, the standing alone part. The rest was accurate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I don't think of Canada as being all that old, probably because the oldest constructed things in my neck of the woods are barely pushing into the early hundred-somethings, whereas I've lived in places with many hundreds of years of history piled on top of each other. Seeing old, weathered stone of the Parliament and the surrounding buildings certainly brought out our great history. I loved the stonework, the gargoyles (who doesn't love a good gargoyle) and the rich opulence of the detail work, inside and out.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Parliament Building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibp5o9BJU_QFx1B6v532YaHgr6Mz7-paX1Ksvi9KHuBxl1X2MGumL4rHefKGGp6nNOeEU1-Xe2pmS7rtKoDVfTx6ijfnF2w5GHdXVeDm2SAX3gnDpnF3KImmLLH1jvQOrGbNpgu45hl6M/s1600/IMG_0390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibp5o9BJU_QFx1B6v532YaHgr6Mz7-paX1Ksvi9KHuBxl1X2MGumL4rHefKGGp6nNOeEU1-Xe2pmS7rtKoDVfTx6ijfnF2w5GHdXVeDm2SAX3gnDpnF3KImmLLH1jvQOrGbNpgu45hl6M/s1600/IMG_0390.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Peace Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVKxUawhcYg0JlGFD4EwH2sSXBdxr4Ba7BOTyjsMISFWREocWoc2GD9rZ-CSGEeVKBSynwEyvt5iscfKcHUpHOGYBE_ZeUhabuOewDwtglJKrdVvt3J2AT3ulBOq-4pyQ-FqRgoOKOxA/s1600/IMG_0448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVKxUawhcYg0JlGFD4EwH2sSXBdxr4Ba7BOTyjsMISFWREocWoc2GD9rZ-CSGEeVKBSynwEyvt5iscfKcHUpHOGYBE_ZeUhabuOewDwtglJKrdVvt3J2AT3ulBOq-4pyQ-FqRgoOKOxA/s1600/IMG_0448.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of the Peace Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic picture of the back of the Parliament, including the library</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Parliament Building from the front, with the throngs of tourists and a few multi-tasking protesters (protesting 2 or 3 things at once)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNSImg-PJTHCR5Brq-UN2UaRdwwT9wjQBelBU82tpxOg1hoeHnMKso7JLXqqn5J8EzACpJ08h-ZmtgI7eCpHtQmyrFmrCCgR8Cdh7-M7yAjerEguy_mBkDE7V5jcA8Y6Z0cZcnkFSjKU/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNSImg-PJTHCR5Brq-UN2UaRdwwT9wjQBelBU82tpxOg1hoeHnMKso7JLXqqn5J8EzACpJ08h-ZmtgI7eCpHtQmyrFmrCCgR8Cdh7-M7yAjerEguy_mBkDE7V5jcA8Y6Z0cZcnkFSjKU/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the many gargoyles adorning the buildings of Parliament</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The bonus features were the view from
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saskatchewan's part of the Centennial Flame, in front of the Parliament Building</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alberta's part of the Centennial Flame, in front of the Parliament Building</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My incorrect notions aside, it was
interesting to see and visit the building, watch a veritable host of security
personnel working and see a bunch of loud-mouth, bone-headed politicians
endlessly debate topics that may, or may not, have much merit. Despite my
dislike of politicians in general, I enjoyed and appreciated experiencing that
iconic symbol of our nation.</span></div>
Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-79668244052234331462013-12-30T20:13:00.000-07:002013-12-30T20:13:34.666-07:00Symbols of Canada - Part 1 - The Maple Leaf<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am Canadian. Born.
Raised. Proud of it. I am proud of what being Canadian stands for,
stereotypes and all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For example, I love our accent (although mine is less strong than
that of some other regions). I love the “eh” and the “oot and aboot in my
boat”. I love that we are generally polite and that we apologize for
everything, even if we aren’t wrong. I love that our official mascot is a
beaver and the maple is our tree. I love hockey (even if I don’t play it
anymore). I love the cold, white winter. I love snow. I love
3 downs, wider, longer fields and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (hey, it is what
it is). I love the flat of the prairies, the mountains in the distance,
and all of the unique landscapes that are found in and around every corner of our
beautiful country. I love toques, bunnyhugs (Sorry, another Saskatchewan
reference used there), and all of the other things that are uniquely Canadian
(except poutine, but that is due to lactose intolerance, no other
reason). There has never been a time when I wasn’t happy to proclaim that
I was, in fact, from the glorious land of the North.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I recently had the chance to visit
Ottawa, our nation’s capital. I was actually born in Ottawa, but we moved
back to Saskatchewan after a few months. I’ve always wanted to visit, but
had never had the chance. Why would I want to visit? Because Ottawa
is full of symbols of Canada. Over the next few posts, I'd like to share
some of my thoughts on some of things that, to me, represent Canada and the
essence of being Canadian (although I didn't see all of them in Ottawa).</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Symbol # 1 - THE MAPLE LEAF</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I lived in Europe, I was often
mistaken for an American (since I was often in the company of one or more, and my
French accent was distinctly Anglophone). People were sometimes a titch
more abrupt as a result. But when people learned I was Canadian, their
attitude changed. They recognized our international profile, character
and contribution throughout history. They opened up. Why wouldn't
they? We rock!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There is a reason that travellers put
a Canadian flag on their backpack. It is because, of all of the symbols of
Canada, the maple leaf is the most commonly associated with Canada. It
resides proudly in the centre of our flag. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVKxUawhcYg0JlGFD4EwH2sSXBdxr4Ba7BOTyjsMISFWREocWoc2GD9rZ-CSGEeVKBSynwEyvt5iscfKcHUpHOGYBE_ZeUhabuOewDwtglJKrdVvt3J2AT3ulBOq-4pyQ-FqRgoOKOxA/s1600/IMG_0448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVKxUawhcYg0JlGFD4EwH2sSXBdxr4Ba7BOTyjsMISFWREocWoc2GD9rZ-CSGEeVKBSynwEyvt5iscfKcHUpHOGYBE_ZeUhabuOewDwtglJKrdVvt3J2AT3ulBOq-4pyQ-FqRgoOKOxA/s1600/IMG_0448.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flag flying proudly from the Peace Tower at the top of the Parliament Building</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It sits on our (now defunct) penny.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2My87bWJC-ra6a2Eifev-fRZ6vsCRyWmdJ5Zto-geCyh9cxIGnbEGQt72C5V2_b4Lk8ViHM4PdgoM07PWNAEshjgFOVd7KHJEY4rlNVj2psAm-NWNOo7vxmHWj2TkahLCj0s_jYmGzg/s1600/IMG_0476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2My87bWJC-ra6a2Eifev-fRZ6vsCRyWmdJ5Zto-geCyh9cxIGnbEGQt72C5V2_b4Lk8ViHM4PdgoM07PWNAEshjgFOVd7KHJEY4rlNVj2psAm-NWNOo7vxmHWj2TkahLCj0s_jYmGzg/s1600/IMG_0476.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty penny</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
There are few places where maples (of one species or another) grow. The
distinctive sugar maple forms the hard working backbone of the syrup (and
syrup-related) industry of much of Eastern Canada. While it was late
October when I visited Ottawa, there were still many leaves on the trees (at
least, compared to back home in Western Canada). It was great to see the
different types of maples, offering a bright contrast to the blue/grey skies,
the stonework of the buildings and the brick sidewalks.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful maples next to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> In this quaint little boulangerie, they featured a large display of Canadian
maple leaf cookies, which a certain American President took a fancy to.
Hey, why not? It's Canadian. Who wouldn't want some of that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The maple leaf sits right at the top
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<![endif]-->Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-33608781784637312142013-12-04T12:51:00.001-07:002013-12-04T12:55:31.446-07:00Dear Teenage Daughter<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I write this partly as a shout out to all the amazing parents out there that have and will be in the same boat that I am, and as a way to acknowledge (and/or justify) my behaviour (past, present and future). You see, I, like many before me, have been blessed with a teenage daughter. I write this to her and for her, to help her to understand me and maybe gain a greater appreciation of me and of herself.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As always, allow me to provide some back story.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Years ago, on a very cold, snowy day, I was awoken from the brief and interrupted sleep that has plagued me for some time (I can put a date to it, if need be) by my wife informing that she was, in fact, in labour. She assured me that it wasn't too bad and that she was going to shower and do some laundry. So our day began. Over the course of the day, we moved some furniture with the help of a friend. Later in the afternoon, as we moved our large and ancient couch over the banister in preparation for its departure from our home, my wife exclaimed, seemingly in passing, that her water had broken. And the heightened state of anxiety that has been a perpetual part of my life commenced. You've seen the stereotypical portrayal that Hollywood gives of the bumbling, idiotic father taking his wife into the hospital (my favourite is Steve Martin in Father of the Bride 2, for reference). That was me. I managed to convey to the nurses at the hospital that my wife was, in fact, in labour. They were not as shocked as I think my state deserved, but they took her and sent me to wander down hallways following arrows to do something, somewhere. Within a few hours (x2), I found myself with a pale pink little girl. She was beautiful. She was ticked off. She was flushed. She had me wound up in knots. She had me worried for her health. All within about a minute and a half. She was my daughter. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When she was a month or so old, I gave her a blessing at church (something that fathers may do in our church - it is something like a directed prayer, if I may describe it that way). At that time, I felt very strongly what I was to say. I felt that her spirit would shine very brightly from within her, and that she would have a powerful influence or impact on others. I could SEE the emotional train wrecks that she would cause, because, even then, I could see how her happiness and joy would light up a room and her sadness (or miserableness, as I later came to understand it) would dampen the mood of those around her. She is my daughter.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And now to the present reality.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Looking back, I'd say that that first minute still describes my teenage daughter. She has grown into her curly hair, added several feet in height and has lost absolutely NONE of her spirit and passion for life. She can still light a room with her eyes, or light it on fire with her temper. She is as prickly as a grizzly bear with a toothache, meaning no disrespect to sore-toothed grizzlies, of course.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My daughter puts everything she has into everything she does. In some circles, that is high praise. In other settings, that can manifest as competitive, confrontational, moody, overbearing, bossy or just plain irritating. She runs either completely hot or completely cold. On or off. Happy or sad. She is a study in absolute opposites. In lots of ways, I love it (although I am perhaps less positively vocal about that). Most of the time, it drives me up the wall and sets me to foaming. Why? Because I am, maybe, possibly, similar. Or maybe I just admire someone that is as driven as she is. Hmm, I hadn't thought of that before. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My daughter is a gifted musician. She gets it from her mother. She has sung and played music all her life, although it has intensified lately. She puts her entire heart into what she plays. The louder, faster and more complex the music, the more she loves it. I love to listen to her play. Lots of the time, she sneaks away to play, with headphones on. What a waste, I think. I ask her to pull the plug out and just play out loud, so we can all hear. She doesn't want to show her mistakes. I can understand that. No one wants to be perceived as "weak" or "less than perfect". I am much the same way. But I regret being deprived of the joy of listening to her, all the same.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At this point, I feel like I should explain or provide an interpretation of some of my behavioural eccentricities to my daughter. I might as well be clear about what I like and why I do some of the things that I do. Maybe this will break down some of those walls of assumption and misunderstanding that perhaps exist. We might even find that we are similar. Or not.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At times, we butt heads. She wants to drop out of conversation and to not interact with the rest of us, preferring to text, email and/or hide in a book. I find myself forced to resort to "interesting" tactics to elicit a response. Whether it means singing (badly), dancing (badly), capering, shouting (well), poking, teasing, or whatever it might be, I do it. In the Polish grandmotherly tradition passed on to me by my English Canadian father, I CAN NOT leave anything alone. Limits? No idea what you are talking about. Boundaries? Pffffttt, never heard of them. Why, my dear teenage daughter? Because I would rather see you share your lively, wonderful spirit with us than not. Just like when you were a tiny baby, your temperament affected everyone around you. When you open up and share yourself, there is no one that isn't affected. So, when I push, pull, tease, bother, wheedle, bug, boss and generally irritate you, that means I love you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When you compete, you go all out. You are completely focused on being successful. It makes you touchy, quick to react (negatively) to corrective criticism, and, at times, makes you reckless. It terrifies me to watch you throw yourself around with abandon. On one hand, I want you to succeed. On the other, I just want you to be safe. Lots of the time, in all sorts of situations, when I react sharply, loudly or harshly, it is rarely due to anger. Mostly it is from frustration at not being able to control a situation so that I feel everyone in it to be safe. I also don't love surprises. Shocker.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As my daughter has grown older, I have had to come to terms with the fact that her interests have shifted slightly from whatever they were, to things that make me a bit more uncomfortable. Boys, to be specific. Dear daughter, please don't mistake my suppression of discussion of this boy or that boy or related topics from a lack of interest. In fact, it is born from a great deal of interest. In you, and in your happiness. When you say "Can we talk about ..." or make mention of someone, and I roll my eyes, close my eyes, turn away or shudder, shiver, quiver and groan, what I am saying is not that I don't love you or want you to be happy, or that I don't care, but rather that I do love you, but I (me) am not ready to deal with you going off and being grown up. I don't want to deal with the potential pain, sadness or general emotional ups and downs that come with relationships. You might be ready. I am NOT. So, live with the eye rolls, sighs and groans. And then talk. Just because I don't want to talk about it (or related topics), doesn't mean that we shouldn't talk. So talk.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In recent months, I've discovered that where I was once the fountain of knowledge when it came to all things cool and hip (alright, I was the puddle that Gillian's fountain splashed to create), I am now not as cool as I once was. It is a bit bewildering, to be completely honest. Terms get thrown around. Some ricochet off my head, but the meaning doesn't stick. I'm a step or 300 behind. Dear daughter, when I ask you (again) to explain "fan girling" or "face palms" or whatever else it might be, consider this. At this point, you might think that I am silly and a bit embarrassing. But wait until I'm even older than I am now. When I'm drooling (not deliberately this time), the gas passes accidentally (not deliberately) and I really CAN'T hear you, how cool will I seem? At this point, I can still beat you (sometimes) at video games, I actually like doing most of the things that you do, and I'm young enough to keep up in active games (and still too young and stupid to remember that I'm not as young or physically fit as I once was). I still know (and like) some of the same music (although I refuse to understand 1 Direction). You should be proud that not only do I know what a "selfie" is, I am cool enough to know what a "belfie" is and I can still bend enough to take one AND I am cool enough to know how to post the picture to your Facebook post. So, by definition, I AM cool (-ish). And why do I use stickers in chats? Because I CAN (and I like stickers). Deal with it!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Apparently, my singing and dancing skills are suspect. Hmmm. Who knew? Dear daughter, when I choose to sing along with your sister in an outrageous falsetto (with most of the correct words), and do a little impromptu dancing, it doesn't mean I am a terrible person and am ruining your life. It means that I care enough to interact with you and your siblings. Not many dads would rock Just Dance 3 at a youth activity (including most of the footwork) and be (mostly) okay with it being recorded and posted to Facebook. When I show you (and everyone around) my "moves" (and there are many), enjoy them. Learn them. Chances are those awesome moves will be cool again in a few years anyways. You're welcome.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lately, my daughter has been more engrossed in texting and chatting on Facebook (see above boy-related discussion). She becomes horrified when we A) monitor her chats (apparently that is "creepy", B) participate in her chats (again, "creepy", and C) have the audacity to initiate our own chats with her chatters (or is it chattees?). Dear daughter, when we do this, it doesn't mean we are creepy (mostly). It means we love you and want to spend time with you. We want to share you or for you to share you with us. Plus, teasing you is just our way of drawing you out (again, see above discussion). And we are testing these young men, to prove their mettle. If they can't hack us and our antics, they aren't for you. We want you safe.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Confrontation is the order of the day in our home, I am sad to say. Each of us is often the recipient of a piercing glare from our dear daughter. Despite the lack of response from us, or the negative response that she receives to this, she persists in thinking that a disdainful look or a raised eyebrow will change how we feel about something. Dear daughter, you may wonder how or why I resist your icy stare. There are basically two reasons. First is that you are not Mummy nor my mom. Those are the only 2 women who can shift me simply by raising an eyebrow or narrowing their eyes. Sorry, years of training trumps teenage grumps any day. The second reason is that I love you too much to give into you (all the time). When I glare back, tell you to back off or suggest that one of your ancestors may have been of the bovine persuasion, I am actually doing you a favour. If I rolled over and gave you whatever you wanted, whenever you demanded it, you would be a sorry excuse for a human being and I wouldn't be doing you or the universe ANY favours. Instead, you learn boundaries, limits and reasonable sets of expectations. You learn to go without. You learn that the needs of others might be more important than yours and when and how to deal with that.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In conclusion, yeah, I'm a bit of a weird duck. But, dear daughter, I prefer to think of myself as a swan in a sea of ducks. Which makes you mostly or part swan and SPECIAL. Especially to ME. To the dads of teenage daughters, show them what you are made of. To teenage daughters, appreciate what you have. We love you and aren't afraid to show it. And guess what? We also know how the internet works (since some smart dude from our generation invented it). Ding ding ding. We win!!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sincerely, Dad (of a teenage daughter)<o:p></o:p></span>Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-89719853851277488982013-10-21T22:48:00.001-06:002013-10-21T22:49:19.402-06:00True Friends<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In each of our lifetimes, we encounter a staggeringly huge number of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many will have little or no impact on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most we won’t even remember beyond the fraction of a second that we are in contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some will become acquaintances, both good and bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At different points in our lives we will make friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some will last a week, while others will last until a family move or a change in class or grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, a rare few will stand the test of time and, no matter how many years or kilometres separate you, will always hold that title of true friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The minute you reconnect, whether after hours, days, months or years, whether in person, by phone, letter or something electronic, the friendship is as fresh and full of life as it was the last time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my opinion and my experience, true friends are people that are THERE for you, wherever that might be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stand by you when times are tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They accept your faults, even when those faults might hurt them at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put you first, even if it isn’t convenient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They look at you and see the good, the potential and the greatness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know when to talk, when to listen or an appropriate combination of the above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends remember the good times, and help you walk past and away from the bad times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends do little things that make huge impacts in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends laugh, cry and joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends share in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends can offer advice, because their intentions are selfless and focused on your growth, not on being right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends have things in common with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your priorities mesh in many areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your interests may also align, or not, but they certainly don’t get in the way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a fairly friendly guy, for an introvert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have many good acquaintances and friendly associates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t negate the value of the other people I am friends with, but there are less than a dozen people that I feel like I have truly connected with and consider true friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to share some of my experiences with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll share the names, despite the risk of alienating people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some friends develop over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was in Grade 7 (an awkward time for any teenage boy), I found myself at a bit of a loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a while, I didn’t have many friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself spending more time with a couple of boys, certainly not the most popular kids, but good people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They became my friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One moved away at the end of Grade 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other became my best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George weathered our uncomfortable years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t necessarily similar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was big and awesomely practical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a stick and a bit of a nerd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But George gave me my first, real example of true friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stuck by me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quietly encouraged me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spent time with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He overlooked my faults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was entirely and completely reliable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we grew older, our friendship matured along with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cared for each other and the welfare of each other was fairly central in our minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he went into the trades (temporarily), I went to university, then to Europe on my church mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While not a big writer, George would send me the occasional letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped in and became a better big brother to my little brothers than I had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I came home, he was the person that I spent hours catching up with (after a dose of family).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I met my wife for the first time, George was right there beside me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rode shotgun when we drove Gillian home to her sister’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was my best man at my wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped easily into the role of Uncle George to my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was helping me move furniture when Gillian’s water broke with #2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drove 14 hours, in a marathon 16 hour round trip to Edmonton (starting at 2:30 am) to see the Edmonton Alberta Temple with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He attended the significant events of most of my children’s early childhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to his RCMP grad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent less time together, exchanging the occasional phone call or email.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I still consider him my best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got together for our 15 year high school reunion, we were still in synch enough (or he was), to automatically ride shotgun so that I could give some female classmates a ride home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No need to ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While on my church mission in Switzerland and France, I met many great people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But one family became true and lasting friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Becquereau’s had 7 kids, all serious growing concerns. I still don’t know how they kept it together with all those boys, bookended by the 2 girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Sylvie always had time to talk, listen and encourage a young, insecure missionary far from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 17 or 18 years after our last meeting in France, we got together in Quebec.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite my poor, rusty French, we instantly slipped into that comfortable familiarity we’d had when out for family walks on quiet and hot Sundays in rural France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better yet, that comfortable familiarity included my wife, even though she’d never met them before. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While I was in my undergrad, I got a job working in the horticulture program at the university.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There I met another true friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jackie B was my supervisor, then my mentor and always my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jackie always encouraged, kept things silly and light and enriched our days with great conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She always sacrificed time and effort to make what we did successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she was ill, and I had her job, she still stepped in a supported me so I didn’t make a fool of myself or screw things up too bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We commiserated about our common challenge (who had a name) through work and grad school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To this day, I still feel like I can call and she’ll step up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still commiserate about challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still concerned for her wellbeing and happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grad school is a weird and stressful time for anyone, I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of the time, you spend it trying to make sense of things that you figured would make more sense when you planned them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, there are always people around you that will step in to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enter Parthiba, the smartest, most precise, most patient and soft-spoken person I’ve ever met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parthiba helped me to make sense of statistics (mostly making sense of the data, not stats) and stepped into my life like one of the brothers I already had (but often liked less than him).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He became a son to my parents (he still refers to them as Mom and Dad).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years, with great distances and times between us, it is still a real pleasure to talk to him and spend time with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have another friend named Wayne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friendship comes from common interests and a willingness to step up and in whenever it is needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wayne can be relied upon to come at a moment’s notice to help fix something, build something or generally take a work project to a stupidly intense level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have common priorities in a number of areas of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust him and value his insights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, I will spend hours on a roof, on a ladder, or holding dry wall, if he asks it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’d better pause and mention my true and eternal friend and companion, Gillian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve spoken of her before in other posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I came home from my mission, I wanted to find a wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Gillian; we’ll call it by chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I invited her to come to a singles activity at my parents’ house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was cute and didn’t say much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I’ve come to understand, she was taking it all in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove her back to her sister’s house, with George along for the ride, and memorized her sister’s phone number in one hearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then called her from the river the next day and she came and spent the afternoon with me and some friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was fun. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the evening together, me talking and her listening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had things in common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was smitten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wrote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We fell in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has cemented our true friendship is our mutual concern for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the day at the river, she became my Champion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it was making my dad back down, or having a mean-on for my sometimes less-than-sensitive-or-kind brother, she was there on my side, my team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I feel the same way about her (FYI, I learned that fierce protectiveness from my dad).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gillian has stuck with me, despite my many, many failings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no one that I’d rather spend time with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cuddles or hand holding?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still the best thing ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True Friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to mention another friend, despite the risk of offending those that I might leave out, who might fall in the same category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My little brother Andrew has become a good friend, despite the 7 year age gap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was a teenager, he was an annoying little rug rat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was loud, full of pee and vinegar and never stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, as he’s grown, I’ve come to see him as an example to me in the areas of dedicated service, solid effort, and commitment to principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that we have more in common than I had expected historically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is easy to be around (still loud) and is a good friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FYI, the other brothers (and sister) have become closer over the years as we’ve aged.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a couple, Gillian and I prefer to spend our time together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having couple friends can be a bit of a challenge, since sometimes you jive with one of the pair, but not both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t always mesh with the spouse of your spouse’s best friend but our dear friends Mike and Leela are exactly like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we’ve gotten to know them over the years (or rather, as I have), we’ve come to enjoy spending the time that we can together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting together is challenging (time wise), but not a struggle when we can do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A number of years ago, I met this guy (John) at a youth dance that we were both chaperoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d met earlier than that but hadn’t spent any time together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we talked, we discovered we had a lot in common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had intermittent contact over the next few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day, we decided that we needed to get together as 2 families and made the arrangements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The families hit it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found that Gillian and Dorothy hit it off also, and so did I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, we’ve made more and more effort to get together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spend at least a few days/evenings together a month, despite the 1 hour distance between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We call and talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John doesn’t talk much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting together lightens my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of them are examples to me of good parenting, good and faithful service and, true friendship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have found that it doesn’t take a lifetime to make a lifelong friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my fortunate experience, I have met people that felt like I had known for literally years and felt that immediate connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This summer (and the months leading up to it), I met a few people that I feel like I had known forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frank and Robyn, James & Kate, and Garrett were also leaders at the church youth camp that Gillian and I and 3 kids attended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hit it off immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They exhibited loving concern for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garrett stepped in and made a difficult situation bearable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each supported us unselfishly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a positive and lasting impact on my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admire them and look up to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that people are true friends when a hug isn’t awkward, but a necessary part of your interaction (that is my way of thinking, anyways).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have mentioned a number of people here by name, not to embarrass them (assuming that one or 2 will read this), but to acknowledge the impact that each of these exceptional individuals has had on my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are other good people that I didn’t mention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have parents, other siblings and other friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is impossible for me to mention them all individually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just know that I have been surrounded with good people and I value that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can easily see that I have been greatly blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From each of these interactions and relationships, I have learned valuable characteristics that I try to emulate and put into my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try and act as they act, because I want to have a positive impact on others, like they have on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that you can see some characteristics that are worth picking up and putting into place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expect that you’ll see a series of faces run past your mind’s eye also.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-61008774407628018922013-10-10T21:09:00.000-06:002013-10-10T21:09:25.854-06:00Lucky (times a gagillion)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’ve
never considered myself to be a really lucky guy, at least in classic
terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been fortunate to have
things come into alignment for me on a number of occasions and I have been blessed, but I rarely “win
the lottery” in the luckiness department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At least, I didn’t think so (or remember so), until tonight.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Perspective check: I
have 4 kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two boys and two
girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys are 16 and 12. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls are 14 and 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One girl is pushing pure hormones through her
veins at all times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other is a sulky
mess, most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other dads
out there are hopefully feeling my pain?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tonight was the typical crazy busy Thursday evening that we experience every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between all four kids, we had someone that
needed to be somewhere or be picked up from something approximately every 20
minutes from 3:40 pm until 9pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
most of us at the supper table for at best a 10 minute overlap at any one time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While my wife and I traded taking turns going
out to collect or deliver this kid or that to each subsequent, we worked on the
dishes with Thing #4 and made a couple of batches of cookies.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
was working on cookie batch #2 (chocolate chip skor bit, in case you were wondering), while my wife helped Thing #4 take her shower (under
duress – nothing new there).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the
walls, I heard a question that I have heard a number of times these days from
Thing #4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i>What did you want to be when
you grew up?</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally have dodged
answering this question, as I never really have a good answer and frankly never
gave it a great deal of thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my
wife has thought of everything (probably twice).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard her respond calmly and quietly, “<i>Well,
I wanted to be a teacher, an opera singer, a writer, and actress</i>” among other
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t recall her saying all of
those before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But rather than denigrate
herself and her role as a stay at home mom (which can be typical) and say, “<i>but
I didn’t do any of those things</i>”, she blew my mind with the next sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said “<i>I got to be every one of those
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I teach kids every day, I sing
all the time, I write.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure that
she continued at this point, but I didn’t hear any more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was overwhelmed by a tremendous feeling of
gratitude and that feeling of “<i>winning the lottery</i>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
remembered a similar feeling that came to me about 18 or so years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a single man, I had been prayerfully
requesting major divine intervention to find the woman that would make me
happy, that would fill in my many shortcomings and balance me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after that, I met Gillian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We clicked on the normal levels, I suppose
and things moved ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I
remember that a couple of months after I met Gillian I looked back and could
see that God had given me more that I’d ever imagined I needed (or
deserved).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d “<i>won the lottery</i>”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You’ll
forgive my weak or deficient gambling-related metaphors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not a gambler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my wife is like an eternal jackpot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just keeps coming in a winner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the first to admit that I am not the best
dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not home as much as I should be,
and am often mentally absent when I am physically there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am clueless when it comes to most of what
my kids are doing (although I try and compensate by overreacting when I do
figure stuff out), although sometimes I will admit I try and stay clueless (see
above comments about 14 year old daughters). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help with any of the homework (I blame
the kids – they don’t take any subjects that I know anything about currently) and I
would rather pluck myself bald all over than try and sort out why this girl did
this to that girl or figure out any type of math equation.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But
the beautiful thing is, I don’t have to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everywhere I am weak, my wife isn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Together, we get the job done (although I am dead weight sometimes).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My
wife could have been anything professionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As my dear mother would say “<i>she is smarter than the average bear</i>” (that
is a Yogi Bear reference, I think) and can really do pretty much everything
(except talk to strangers or idiots on the phone).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she puts everything she has into our
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could we use a few more
bucks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But could our kids be the great, unique and talented people that
they are if they didn’t have their mom standing nearby and available to help out, lead out,
guide, cajole, lift up, smack down or love them, no matter what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t think so. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Am
I lucky?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You bet.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Glad I remembered that tonight.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thanks for listening. I just had to share. </span></div>
Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-36059061822034815222013-05-03T12:26:00.003-06:002013-05-03T12:26:58.106-06:00Want more ideas? Disconnect your brain!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">If you are like me (a.k.a.
human), you have probably spent (wasted) a fair bit of time trying to remember
that elusive task, find that lost something, grasp that fleeting thought or flesh
out that next great creative idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
incredibly frustrating when we block time to do something, we sit down, we
remove distractions and then ... NOTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are stymied by a lack of creativity or a soggy brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We find ourselves unable to really get to what
we were thinking about and, ultimately, we often don’t accomplish the task to
the level we had wanted (assuming we’ve remembered it at all).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I have noticed in recent
years that the great ideas and moments of clarity come at unexpected times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t when I am really focusing the grey
matter that I remember the 25<sup>th</sup> item for the to-do list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is when I am distracted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also typically when I am doing something
that has a slight physical aspect to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not something challenging or difficult, but rather something that I can
do without thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something
involuntary or brainless.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are some examples of
where I have my moments of mental clarity (and I am sure that I am not alone in
this).</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">On the edge of
sleep (either edge, but often in that time where I am partially awake)</span></li>
<li>I<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">n the shower</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Walking (alone)
to somewhere</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">On a long drive</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In a meeting or something
like it (ideas generated here are typically unrelated to the meeting content –
bit of negative side effect, really)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">What is really happening?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we be most creative (which I have
often associated with my brain) when we are using it so little?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is perhaps that when we are really
applying the brain to something, it has the same effect as stirring up the
water in a mud puddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more we try
and get the brain going and all cells active and engaged, the more dormant idea
particles and conflicting things swirl up to confound us.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">When we are doing something
simple and basic, which requires our bodies to just act, our brains are in fact
free to get crazy and creative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
almost as if we see clearer by looking sideways at things. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Consider your peripheral
vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the surface, it is pretty
blurry, unclear and unfocused, but if you want to react or catch movement, you
use the peripheral vision, not straight on vision. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we come back to ideas and the brain, by
applying a sort of peripheral mental process, we can open up and tap incredible
creative and mental potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
walk, drive for a long distance, take a shower or just settle into something,
it is almost like our brains shuts off all of the noisy parts (because they
aren’t needed right then), and things really flow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">So, if you really want to get
creative or remember what you want/need to do, distract yourself and disconnect
your brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll be surprised how
different it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, but don’t forget to
pack a pencil and paper, or you won’t remember later.</span></div>
Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-5439254734708332142012-03-12T18:20:00.000-06:002012-03-12T18:20:19.237-06:00Sticks, streams & puddle-jumping – Life’s Simple Pleasures<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Version>14.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Have you ever had an irrational desire to do something simple that you did as a child?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or been swamped with a sudden wave of nostalgia?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These moments often hit unexpectedly, usually in the middle of something potentially important or when you “<i>don’t have the time</i>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often suppress these desires.</span> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today was one of those days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I experienced a rush of nostalgic pleasure as I walked to work this morning.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Then, after grabbing something quick for lunch, I was rushing to back to work to eat at my desk. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following a couple of heavy snowfalls and a return to winter conditions, I found myself walking in weather that could only be described as spring-like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I slipped and slid down the sidewalks, I experienced that euphoric rush back into childhood memories and just about found myself in a puddle, on purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUM7c0pC3GCrkfC8d0YWIKoqR2jRFtr6_7PfzjdfckLe4g-UQDSBfTl7jOTD-mbBg7SxndV2qaTmbZZe0D4JhPYjFztRT2eulp4aBQj-waAzMG8SVtHJyhAXcDGPB2TmIqB5ngBawWsM/s1600/IMG780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUM7c0pC3GCrkfC8d0YWIKoqR2jRFtr6_7PfzjdfckLe4g-UQDSBfTl7jOTD-mbBg7SxndV2qaTmbZZe0D4JhPYjFztRT2eulp4aBQj-waAzMG8SVtHJyhAXcDGPB2TmIqB5ngBawWsM/s320/IMG780.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsJClMkGUeQLPgMNnw240ZVxH2YV1Ygi0AW9M-JYlNbyThZeYkUR0erO1_6OjdsDs87s1b0JKXX8EWEpBZ8lEHmCJg3tuHqoa43UYQR4XveKFtE7Gc4KQsmtkKVTJx2soGpFULr-6dsY/s1600/IMG781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsJClMkGUeQLPgMNnw240ZVxH2YV1Ygi0AW9M-JYlNbyThZeYkUR0erO1_6OjdsDs87s1b0JKXX8EWEpBZ8lEHmCJg3tuHqoa43UYQR4XveKFtE7Gc4KQsmtkKVTJx2soGpFULr-6dsY/s320/IMG781.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I remember the many times that we ventured outside in springtime to watch the melt water rush, trickle or gurgle over the uneven fringes of the road, running through the culverts and down the ditches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d float walnut shell and Plasticine-filled boats (maybe with a toothpick and paper sail), or maybe just a “seaworthy” stick down these mini makeshift rivers, watching them bob along through the rough rapids, the placid straightaways and over the big drop offs, wondering if they’d get stuck, if they’d sink or just how far they’d go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d be entertained for hours (and days).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ABp_rhxZGaHSYuZ2lHbsew3ohY8ngW7g352ibJFNYz4DcWhqcBEK_5Vf7M4u4FcYH3IeMIgprIdU8i-IZpEPMFTrYbsu7WsFSAocJZA7LF2s0d92TISB0WQHrZB_ATyzo0Xtq171RBM/s1600/IMG783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ABp_rhxZGaHSYuZ2lHbsew3ohY8ngW7g352ibJFNYz4DcWhqcBEK_5Vf7M4u4FcYH3IeMIgprIdU8i-IZpEPMFTrYbsu7WsFSAocJZA7LF2s0d92TISB0WQHrZB_ATyzo0Xtq171RBM/s320/IMG783.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I remember going to play in the puddles as a kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d play on the mini-slough that was the semi-truck parking lot across from my house, precariously venturing out onto the thawing ice, hoping that we’d get enough crack and give in the ice to make it interesting, without plunging us through it, into the frigid water below. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, you’d have that heart-plummeting moment of going through the ice or that teetering moment that comes as you move through a<b> P.O.U.D.</b> (<i>Puddle Of Unknown Depth</i>), where you’d wonder, “Is the water going to go over my boot this time?”, giving the dreaded “<i>booter</i>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the inevitable booter (or two since two feet = two booters), you’d experience a liberation or freedom from care (because, once your feet were wet, they weren’t getting any wetter), allowing you to boldly go further (usually leading to wet pants and a retreat indoors).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlKpwCQMZPyyNOtQkILzZPRVuW5zXaNRgZV8FpbLQfHyCwsASmaLF7kz72lBmfcaNnQSUo-h78zl7cmTmx-1Dlblopa4QOZNmr9X59HsIwMMWv7_ntbtyWbtZyAZwwt5Trx68hUCjEuw/s1600/IMG782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlKpwCQMZPyyNOtQkILzZPRVuW5zXaNRgZV8FpbLQfHyCwsASmaLF7kz72lBmfcaNnQSUo-h78zl7cmTmx-1Dlblopa4QOZNmr9X59HsIwMMWv7_ntbtyWbtZyAZwwt5Trx68hUCjEuw/s400/IMG782.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you remember that distinctive loud, hollow cracking sound that those big ice bubbles make in the morning or the sound/feeling that “crackle ice” makes as you walk on it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time (I am serious, EVERY time) I walk on ice in the spring, it takes me back to more carefree times and gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We often refer to these things as “<i>Life’s Simple Pleasures</i>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is it about those moments that have such a strong appeal for us and brings a smile to our face/mind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, there is something there that is strong enough to provide a positive and happy memory, despite the separation of many years and the clutter of a million (or more) other memories. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I think that the reason that we are pulled back into these memories (with an almost unconscious movement to follow through on them) because they are pure and innocent and are not tied to any sort of serious, negative consequence (unless you still live with your mom and she is going to give you crap for getting your boots wet, again).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often in life, we restrict or limit ourselves mentally, saying we don’t have time, or it is too silly or we won’t look appropriate or we are grown up now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is certainly time and places for that (i.e. good, appropriate behaviour).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But maybe a few minutes of puddling (metaphorical or physical) is what we need to keep us sane and in balance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I don’t know about you, but I am going to put on some rubber boots tonight and make a splash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It won’t hurt...</span></div>Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-91131431289988249452012-02-11T20:56:00.000-07:002012-02-11T20:56:48.990-07:00The Power of Words<div class="MsoNormal">From the beginning of time (or at least recorded history), one of the ways that the progress of a society has been measured is by its ability to communicate. Some civilizations or societies maintained an oral tradition, passing on the knowledge and experiences gained throughout generations by a father talking to a son or mother to a daughter. Others used a written language or process.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always loved words. In many ways, it runs in the family. We love to read and we love to talk. The cynical among you might suggest a genetic predisposition to wordiness in my family. It is possible. Certainly, we are not afraid of words, written or verbal. A quick scan through a couple of genealogical layers reveals writers of plays, poems, music, novels, encyclopedia, manuals, etc. There are many accomplished orators in the same ranks. Most love to read. I know that I do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Few things have the ability to affect a reaction more than WORDS. Those reactions can vary across an incredibly diverse spectrum. Words (and their associated symbols) can:</div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>evoke memories</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span>trigger visualizations or mental images</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span>elicit strong physical, spiritual or emotional responses</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Words (written or verbal) carry a massive memory response or linkage. The linkage goes in two directions. Sometimes seeing or hearing something like a phrase or a word will bring a rush of memories. Going the other direction, sometimes seeing, hearing or feeling something will bring “forgotten” words or phrases to our minds. For example, for me, the image of a skull bring the words of The Bard (Shakespeare) from his play “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hamlet</i>” to mind “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To be or Not to be/ That is the question</i>” (although technically, it should trigger “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him well</i>”, but who’s perfect?).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The words of songs often have a strong memory or association. Whether it is a children’s nursery rhyme or the song you associate with your true love, lyrics bring memories, good times and bad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some (verbal or written) symbols are firmly entrenched in our deep societal memory, going back beyond our physical lifespan. They exist simply because it is such a huge part of our history. For example, consider a simple thing like a small red flower worn on a lapel. For many Canadians (or at least for me), this triggers the lines of an oft repeated poem, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In Flanders fields the poppies blow; between the crosses, row on row...</i>” This brings memories of sacrifice and freedoms, memories of stories of ancestors, feelings of sadness and loss, but also joy and appreciation. All from a simple poem and a symbol that is associated with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Words have the power to elicit a physical response. For me, the mere recitation of the lines of the above poem causes me to have a physical shiver and a tightening of my throat. Hurtful words cause a physical tightening in my chest. Spiritually stirring words cause warmth or burning feeling in the same area.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The old children’s rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” may be true in theory, but words can cause (and have caused) many strong emotional responses, resulting in a physical reaction. Some words cause us to smile or frown, laugh or cry. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Them’s fightin’ words</i>” is a pretty descriptive phrase, don’t you think?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been said that “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the pen is mightier than the sword</i>”, perhaps due to the ability of words to bring about permanent change more readily than physical and violent action.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think that the true power of words comes from the ability to alter our emotional state. Words can calm. Words can upset, render us sad, angry, depressed or worried. Words can brighten our day, improve our attitude or improve our morale. Words can enrich us. Words can be treasures or they can destroy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Words are like rocks thrown into a pond. The next time you are in a room of people, watch what different people’s words do to the emotional atmosphere. I’m sure you’ve seen it before. The first words or comments will set the direction or tone of the subsequent discussion. A positive or optimistic word will spawn more positive comments. Negativity will do the same. Nothing dampens enthusiasm or creativity like negative words.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While we often take our words for granted, words can have a major impact on those around you. We are careful of our physical movements or how we act towards others physically, but we usually give less thought to our words than we ought to. We would rarely physically hurt someone deliberately, but we’ll toss words around casually.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We should consider the key place that our words take in our lives and our human natures. Consider the following equation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Words = Thoughts = Action = Habits = Character</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Words lead us to think. Our thoughts lead to action. Our actions turn into habits, which in turn reflect or define our character. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Words are powerful. Some of the most powerful words are “I’m sorry” and “I love you”. Use your words delicately. They’ll take you places. If you choose wisely, you’ll probably like where you end up.</div>Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-60952534072679111682012-02-01T22:02:00.013-07:002012-02-03T07:34:56.933-07:00Value – What are you worth?<div class="MsoNormal">Over the past couple of months, I have been seized by a desire to make some changes. That has meant making adjustments to who I am, both cutting as well as adding.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have taken some new steps. I’ve attempted to tap into some creative options and energies. One area that has been at the forefront of my mind is the potential for some other work or extra income. I’ve undertaken some work on the side of my regular, full-time job. One could say that it isn’t really a huge leap or shift, as it merely represents similar activities in a different venue or to a different audience. That being said, it has resulted in a whole series of internal (and sometimes external) self-worth exercises.<br />
<br />
When you ask someone to pay you to do something (assuming you can get to that point), you have to outline what you are worth. And it doesn’t really stop at “Here is my fee” and them smiling and accepting it. You have to outline the what, the why (usually several times) and the how. You have to prove, in a sense that you are worth what you are asking. It is hard. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our society has developed individuals that generally follow two trains of thought or that fall into two categories. There are those that feel that humility or modesty is most important, where the worth of an individual should not supersede that of others around you. Often, this turns into self-deprecation or undervaluing ourselves. On the other end of the individual value spectrum are those that have a strong and inherent sense of value. I suppose one would call that confidence. Some people exude a sense of superiority. This mutates into a need to “toot their own horn” or feel like their value must exceed that of others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wherever you fall into the value or self-worth spectrum (and I’ve found it can shift as you progress through life or from situation to situation), it isn’t always easy. At least it hasn’t been for me. You have to constantly re-evaluate your abilities, including whether you are actually capable of meeting the value that has been contracted. You have to prepare, demonstrate and then deliver. It is tough. I assume that this gets somewhat easier with time and with experience. One can hope.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While I don’t feel that modesty is wrong or incorrect, it is a challenge to look past one’s current limitations and embrace what you can become. What I’ve learned from this whole experience is this:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1) <b>You (and your time) are worth something – don’t undervalue</b>. If you have to sort out what that time is worth, consider what you would have done with that same time if you were to do something else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">2) <b>Accept that it is going to be painful</b>, or at best, mildly uncomfortable to negotiate your value.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">3) <b>Do your best</b>. When all is said and done, you just have to bear down and get the job done. Let your work and efforts demonstrate your value and wipe out the doubt (your doubt and their’s).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I contemplated this topic, a faint memory of a poem came to mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>THE MEASURE OF A MAN</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Author: Anonymous</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not - How did he die? But - How did he live?<br />
Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?<br />
<br />
These are the things that measure the worth</i> <i><br />
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.<br />
<br />
Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?</i> <i><br />
And - How did he play his God-given part?<br />
<br />
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?</i> <i><br />
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?<br />
<br />
Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?</i> <i><br />
But - Had he befriended those really in need?<br />
<br />
Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?</i> <i><br />
But - How many were sorry when he passed away?<br />
<br />
These are the things that measure the worth</i> <i><br />
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here are several other quotations that I came across that resonated with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“<i>Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one's own sunshine</i>.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“<i>Having a low opinion of yourself is not "modesty". It's self-destruction. Holding your uniqueness in high regard is not "egotism". It's a necessary precondition to happiness and success</i>.” – Bobbe Sommer</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“<i>Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are</i>.” – Malcolm S. Forbes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“<i>Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it is stupid</i>.” – Albert Einstein</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-66685721465444172252012-01-07T23:57:00.000-07:002012-01-07T23:57:35.283-07:00Prayer - There is someone listeningPrayer means very different things to different people. I hadn’t given that concept much thought before today. I mean, prayer is prayer, right? To me, it is many things, including but not limited to: <br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>A way to communicate with God, my Heavenly Father, about whatever</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>A way to build a relationship with my Heavenly Father</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>A source of comfort (from my Heavenly Father), which I can access whenever I need it</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>A means of expressing gratitude, needs, desires or aspirations</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>A starting (and ending) point for inspiration and understanding, questions and answers</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, while on the way to a date with Gillian (or already on it, I guess), we were listening to the CBC Radio program, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Definitely Not The Opera</i></b> (D.N.T.O.). Today, their subject was the “Power of Prayer”. They featured a number of interviews and perspectives with different individuals, including celebrities, authors, random people on the street, as well as the main program host. It prompted some intense thinking and a lively discussion.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As each interviews unfolded, the people explained their views on what prayer was and what it did or didn’t do for them or what it had or hadn’t done. They related experiences where they (or someone near them) had prayed for them or someone else. Then they explained (or perhaps they rationalized) the outcome. It was frustrating to listen to people come so close to grasping the true power of prayer and its purpose, only to hear them explain away what happened, cast aside the experience or make light of the relationship and the source of the power. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the program, most of the people made a first or second step towards what I would consider to be a grasp of what prayer is, or at least what it can be. Here is what I heard and what I think about the principle of prayer that they took missed. It isn’t exhaustive, but it is a start.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>Where is prayer directed? </b>People didn’t make the connection with the end point or who receives prayer. Most did not acknowledge that it was directed at God. Some of them sort of figured that prayer was simply focused thought(s).</div><ul><li><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span>Prayer is communication with a loving Heavenly Father. It isn’t (or shouldn’t be) empty words. There is someone listening. By ignoring or dismissing that there is someone on the other end, we undermine the ability of our Heavenly Father participate in our lives and blind ourselves to the blessings and miracles that occur.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>A Prayerful Heart?</b> People made a big deal about saying prayer in unusual places or seemed to think that prayer could only be done at certain times and places.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"></div><ul><li><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span>We need to grasp the concept of “a prayerful heart” and that we can pray always. I have always felt that I can offer a simple, silent prayer as it is needed, whether before a test, a random or routine job task or to express my gratitude for the help that I have had from my Heavenly Father. I have also prayed at more regular occasions. Prayer is personal and doesn’t have to be a public show, but should be used often. </li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> <b> </b></span><b>Is Prayer a Recipe?</b> I think that people get hung up on the words or think that prayer is a recipe that will only turn out right if you do it just so. People seem to think that prayer is something that is laid out for you to recite and then it is done. Some of the interviewees thought that prayer was some sort of repetitive expression.</div><ul><li><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span>Prayer is, in basic terms, communication or a conversation with our Heavenly Father. As such, while there is a basic format, we have the opportunity to speak freely, expressing our gratitude and thankfulness, as well as asking for help, answers to questions, etc. I feel that prayer is personal and should be used to communicate and draw closer to God; something that I think is restricted or inhibited when we use rote prayers. When I pray, I express myself and there is the ability to create a dialogue back and forth, with inspiration the result.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>The Purposes and Potential for Prayer?</b> People missed the many potential purposes of prayer and the blessings<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>that it can bring to their lives. On the program, people recounted that they hadn’t prayed in 20+ years or seemed to make light of what had happened and didn’t continue. </div><ul><li><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span>Prayer can be for help, comfort, questions, to express gratitude or to build a relationship with our Heavenly Father. People didn’t recognize that prayer is powerful. I have been greatly blessed by prayer, but through my own application of it and through the support of others.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>Prayer + Faith + Action?</b> People didn’t link prayer, faith and action. It is an empty process for them.</div><ul><li><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span>Prayer is a process and an active tool, at least to me. We need to have faith that what we ask for can be given and we need to have faith that it will be given in an appropriate way. Some people acknowledged that prayer did change their perspective but they undermined it and attributed the results to themselves or something else.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>Results from Prayer? </b>People didn’t acknowledge the feelings or positive impact that they experienced during and after prayer. Some felt more at peace. Some felt better. Some recognized the importance of regular prayer, but didn’t make the connection with the act and the results.</div><ul><li><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span>Prayer brings tangible results, in the form of feelings, impressions and sometimes very powerful answers and impacts. Prayer draws us closer to God and will be an influence for good in our lives.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have great faith in prayer. This has come as a result of years of experience, as well as many experiences. I was taught about prayer from an early age, about the application(s) and the power of prayer. I saw the powerful example of my parents. I was encouraged to make prayer a tangible and practical spiritual tool, rather than some sort of inflexible or prescribed recipe or recital. I learned and I experienced how prayer can and should be linked with the actions in our lives. I learned that you can go to your Heavenly Father at any time, about anything. He is there and he will not only listen, but will provide answers to prayers. As life has continued, I’ve continued to pray. I’ve seen the positive influence in my life and the life of my family. I try to teach (and show) the potential power that prayer can have in the lives of my children and family.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Prayer is a powerful gift and a wonderful opportunity for us to use. I am so grateful for my understanding of prayer and that I have been fortunate enough to receive answers to my prayers. I know that when I pray, someone is actively listening and things will happen as a result.</div>Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-84790161784962209752012-01-03T19:09:00.000-07:002012-01-03T19:09:24.336-07:00Directed Motivation with Delusions of Improvement (a.k.a. Goals)The year 2012 was barely 12 hours old and I'd already heard one talk in church and I'd led one discussion on the importance of setting goals. By 36 hours, I'd led a second goal setting discussion with my wife and kids and we'd established some simple goals for myself and my family. I expect that more introspection and internal, mental churning will take place over the coming days and weeks. Let's just say that there is lots to improve on.<br />
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There is something about the dawning of a new year that drives humans to evaluate their lives and to creatively (and sometimes unrealistically) outline a new path or to attempt a self-re-invention or to conduct a specified overhaul of their lives. Personally, I am all for it. I figure, if we aren't taking a serious look at ourselves and our habits, behaviours, qualities and our general progress in life, we are living in a delusional half-life or at least a proverbial "mental cave".<br />
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Goals serve several purposes. They:<br />
<ol><li>narrow our focus and attention and direct our efforts (potentially improving our efficiency) </li>
<li>result in an increase in effort (again linked to efficiency) </li>
<li>give us more reason to work through setbacks and obstacles </li>
<li>can lead to change in attitudes and behaviour </li>
</ol>During my preparation for my lesson on Sunday, I came across some good points that really highlight the importance of focused and "true" goal setting (as opposed to false/fake goals). During the ensuing discussion, there were some excellent points raised by men I really respect, as well as some of those great mental AH-HA moments that I am always grateful to receive.<br />
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The first quotation that I shared with my class was one by O. Leslie Stone (I was informed that he is an emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy - good to know).<br />
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<i>“We should all constantly evaluate our progress. To live righteous lives and accomplish the purpose of our creation, we must constantly review the past, determine our present status, and set goals for the future. Without this process there is little chance of reaching one’s objectives”</i><br />
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I have to ditto this one. I think that it is absolutely critical for us to constantly assess our progress in life relative to our overall purpose in life. We can't truly tell if we are gaining ground or making headway unless we take an occasional look behind us. Looking backwards occasionally has the added advantage of providing us with the necessary perspective we require to make course adjustments and corrections throughout our lives. That is why experience is in the past.<br />
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To clarify, I don't think that you have to spend all of your time "micro-checking" your progress, as this is counter-productive, but you should do periodic checks. These checks can (and probably should) be a part of your goal setting process, with milestones and check stops built into your overall goal(s). Milestones are sort of like micro-goals or stages within your goals, regardless of whether the goals are short, medium or long-term.<br />
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Another great quotation that I came across that really resonated with me was one by Elder Dean L. Larsen (an emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He taught:<br />
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<i>“An important distinction must be made between the potentially confining aspects of setting specific goals and the much more encompassing need of having a general purpose in life. This distinction is more than a play upon words. One’s purpose in life has an overriding influence on what he does with his time, energy, and resources...”</i><br />
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<i>“Unless the goals and objectives an individual works toward are harmonious with his general purpose in life, a devastating kind of internal conflict can develop which is destructive to happiness and personal development. Appropriate, useful goals and objectives must be a direct outgrowth of one’s perceived purpose in life. Otherwise they can lead to a random expenditure of effort and resources that may not contribute effectively to long-range progress.”</i><br />
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To me, the take home message from Elder Larsen is how important it is for us to clearly recognize and accept what our overarching priorities and purposes in life are. If we set goals that are out of synch with our priorities, we'll make no progress and I think that we will actually do some damage to ourselves (sort of a disruptive disharmony - if you can wrap your head around that). Focused goals are good. Focused goals that align and mesh with our priorities are better. Honest, appropriate effort towards our goals that align with our priorities is best.<br />
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Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a number of excellent points relating to goal setting. I have to say that I had several of my AH-HA moments while discussing or considering what he taught.<br />
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<i>"When you set a goal and commit yourself to the necessary self-discipline to reach that goal, you will eliminate most of the problems in your life. Spend your energies doing those things that will make a difference.”</i><br />
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He also taught:<br />
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<i>"I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the technique of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential."</i><br />
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Another quotation from Elder Ballard:<br />
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<i>"I would suggest that if you want to have success in the goal-setting process, you learn to write your goals down. I would even put them in a prominent place—on your mirror or on the refrigerator door."</i><br />
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What I keyed in on in these quotations were the points suggesting that while setting a goal is important, commitment and self-discipline are required to achieving the goal. It is how we live and what we do towards a goal that matters. The goal is the end, whereas self-discipline, commitment and the expenditure of energy are the means to that end.<br />
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I also liked the point of writing down a goal. Somehow moving a thought or a conviction from the mental sphere into the physically tangible realm makes it more real. Posting it, or as the class discussion suggested, sharing it with a loved one (spouse, family member, trusted friend) or by sharing it with God, you put it out there to be remembered. An added advantage would be that you gain the potential for support and encouragement. That is powerful.<br />
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Some final, simple quotations on goal setting. Perhaps this'll give you what you need to make some changes in your life. I know that I am going to start the process, soon.<br />
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Benjamin N. Woodson said...<br />
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<i>“All you need to do is this: Beginning this very day, stop doing some one thing you know you should not do.” After you have written this one thing down, stop doing it! He continues “Start doing each day some one thing you know you should do!”</i><br />
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Elder M. Russell Ballard<br />
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<i>"Perfection is a process and not an event, and you will come to appreciate that perfection is an internal matter, not external. It is a process by which you and I learn to eliminate the things in life that are not good, replace them with the things in life that are eternal in nature, with the objective and thought that perfection is obtainable, but it must be earned."</i>Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2533073898069519226.post-52933526544492768262012-01-03T09:39:00.001-07:002012-01-03T10:25:41.128-07:00Launch of a BlogAmidst the wrap up of one year and the launch of another, I find that there is a flurry of thinking, reflecting and general, semi-productive navel gazing that takes place. Perhaps it is linked to increased turkey intake, combined with general holiday lethargy, euphoria and chocolate. Also possible, and perhaps more likely, it is due to a subconscious desire to feel like I've contributed something of value to someone or that I have another creative outlet for the "deep" thoughts (or shallow, depending on the topic) that occasionally cross my mind.<br />
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Regardless of the cause, I found myself considering creating a blog, and with a few clicks of a button, here it is. Who knows what the result will be, but I am all a-tingle at the prospects.Rob Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519739907312830788noreply@blogger.com0