So I heard on the news this morning

that BC leads the country in child poverty (I think they said for the 6th year running, but I could be mistaken).

They translated that to 23% of children living below the poverty line - a line that is so ridiculously low, that the real percentage is likely more like 50%. So somewhere between 1 in 4 and 2 in 4 children do not have enough to eat, safe and comfortable housing, warm enough clothing, and sufficient health care. Combine that with the reality that most of the parents of said children are 'the working poor' - working long hours for little money, depleted of time and energy and therefore less available to those children for true parenting - and we find ourselves growing a nation of lost souls. I do not know the numbers for other provinces, but I'm sure it isn't pretty.

But... come on Canada, we all know it is MUCH more important that we spend our tax dollars on securing a TITLE for Quebec, than solving the profound and basic human dignity issues facing our children - the future leaders of this nation of ours.

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note:

I have nothing against the people of Quebec. My family originates from Quebec, and many of my relatives still live there. These proud people have voted - more than once - to stay in Canada, to keep Canada united coast to coast. They have spoken - it's just the political arena isn't listening. I do not believe it is the Quebec people as a whole keeping this wound open, but rather the politicians.

Just sayin'

I don't usually do this, but...

Enough already!!!

I'm so sick and tired of Quebec wanting - getting - special treatment and thinking they are more important than the rest of us Canadians.

When I imagine (because it's never entirely disclosed) the millions upon millions of Canadian tax dollars that have been spent on the debate over Quebec - what it should get, separation, and now a proposal by our fearless if less than wise leader that Quebecers form a nation "that is currently within Canada" - well, it makes me shudder in disgust.

How might those same dollars have been spent instead? Oh my GOD!! Perhaps improving wait lists at hospitals, refunding the deep cuts to child services, re-staffing schools so class sizes are not in the vicinity of 30 students per teacher, and hundreds of other fabulously worthy issues benefitting ALL Canadians, not one fucking province.

ENOUGH ALREADY!

Silly Tidbits

Apparently I'm a little cryptic in my writing here, I talk about the big life stuff, but reveal very little about myself and my life. Sooo... I agreed to more detail.

• I've been told I'm like an M & M
• I don't like when my finger nails are short, they are almost always painted and long
• my husband is an amazing soul and the best friend I've ever known - still
• I sang in a rock band many moons ago - it was a time of big hair and spandex
• the Dr. Seuss book - Oh The Places You'll Go is absolutely fabulous
• I live near the ocean, I don't want to live anywhere else
• I miss my parents in a way I can't even find words for
• I was with my Mom when she took her last breath
• I wasn't with my Dad - I desperately wish I had been
• My MIL died last year - I was blessed with TWO amazing Mothers
• I feel all three of them deeply, often
• I loved being pregnant. would love to be pregnant again
• I am the 'baby' of the family, my sister and brother are 10 and 12 years older than me, respectively
• I have been told I'm a lot like my Dad - might just be the best compliment you could pay me
• I have 3 sons - almost 14, 6, and just turned 4
• not ONE of them is a passive soul - Aquarius, Aires, and Scorpio
• Koda is suckling on my toe as I write this (medium dog, 40 pounds - MY ASS, btw - he's gonna be a BIG boy)
• The movie How To Make An American Quilt has such intricately woven life messages, I think I may still not have picked up on all of em!
• my wild side has scared people away before
• I have been to a psychic, I'll go again
• there are a handful of men who have touched me deeply
• a few have left a mark that is permanent (one hasn't even touched me physically)
• I'm profoundly grateful for each
• I love sound of a fire crackling with ocean waves in the background
• I don't like socks, rarely wear them
• I do like sand between my toes, even in November
• I think Grandmas should be plump
• there are a handful of people who have seen me cry - I'm getting better at being more open
• I have plants ALL over my house
• The first cup of coffee in the morning is sacred
• I have very little, if any really, time alone - something I miss and I'm trying to change
• I feel fortunate every day for the parents I was born to and the people in my life
• I swear. A lot.
• I love working with men
• There is an anniversary coming up that makes me smile - you know I love you, am so grateful for you, and love that we 'met' *grin*

November 4th

is the day Morrie died.

I did not know this when on Saturday (November 4th btw) I finally decided to read a book that Husband has been asking me to read for weeks. Tuesdays With Morrie, is a wonderful read.