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Ok-for the record-I am one of the few non-union folks employed by the schools. I'm a professional-but not a teacher-and thus am Excluded staff ( like the principals)

Teachers want a few things they'd like a raise
They'd like class composition and size regulated (composition means limited # of students with special needs per class-more than the #- get another teacher and class) These 2 things were negotiated and approved. Then current government chnaged the policy and disallowed the agreement in place. Teachers went to court-teachers won-govt appealed-teachers won

So teachers want these things re-instated-Government is in defiance of courts

Why one for the Province-not sure of the history but now the BCTF -teachers' union-negotiates with a Board that represents all school divisions.

It means the local elected school board is very much out of the loop.
 
Couple of suggestions re new hobby/gentle exercise.

Taoist Tai Chi is specifically a health recovery system. They are not-for-profit groups who specialize in making sure that everyone who comes to a class gets some of the benefit of tai chi, even if you have to spend some time doing the movements from a chair. In fact, all four of the 'standing jongs' - the warm up exercises, can be done seated. Our local group has several classes a week devoted to seniors and those in rehabilitation. A huge focus is on improving balance and mobility. But they also tend to have a nice social component. Many classes have a tea break mid-class and many of the members are long-term.

For a meditative art-type exercise, specifically for non-artists, I've become quite addicted to Zentangle.

It's a very busy back to everything time for me. Back to Board meetings, and as I transition from my role as chair, I've got two other groups, an Affirm process, and a Capital Campaign, that I need to gear up and get going/done. Also run our Progressive Christianity study group, and that gets back to work in another couple of weeks, and I need to prep for that. I look forward to retiring from my full time job so that I'll have more time for church stuff!

And in a first for me in quite a few years, my adult daughter has decided to go back to an Adult Learning Centre to finish her high school, so I had a kid (albeit not one living with me) going back to school. I even made her a lunch when she came over for tea on Monday.
 
Taoist Tai Chi is excellent - I did that too, many long years ago - when my evenings were free because my kids were in bed early! Then homework started to infringe on my time ... you've triggered me to see if the local club is still operating ....
 
Carolla said:
Taoist Tai Chi is excellent - I did that too, many long years ago - when my evenings were free because my kids were in bed early! Then homework started to infringe on my time ... you've triggered me to see if the local club is still operating ....
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I keep coming across this. I finally googled, both of the closest UCCans offer it, along with another church I was looking into a bit before moving. I should probably do something about it other than just googling :)
 
It's great ChemGal - when many people see Tai Chi done, they're skeptical. But the sustained and controlled movements are very meditative & you actually do work up a sweat once you get the 'set' (108 moves in sequence) learned. Great for muscles strength & balance, as Bette commented - with actual research to back it up!
 
Carolla said:
It's great ChemGal - when many people see Tai Chi done, they're skeptical. But the sustained and controlled movements are very meditative & you actually do work up a sweat once you get the 'set' (108 moves in sequence) learned. Great for muscles strength & balance, as Bette commented - with actual research to back it up!
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i remember my first Tai Chi session our sensei had us all lying on the floor, teaching us how to recognize the difference between tense muscles and relaxed muscles...

then he left for a phone call

and by the time he came back, some of us had fallen asleep :barefoot:

Tai Chi is awesome. I also recommend swimming, weightless exercise
 
Hi everyone

For those that asked - my leg is doing much better, thanks. My limp is very minor now. I don't understand exactly what was wrong though - various professionals had different opinions. It is much worse when I am anxious (which is often) so I'm thinking that it was likely a tear and a spasm combined (there was an indent and a bulge) - I'm very worried about how to prevent it from happening again and frustrated that these "minor" things keep happening - I know it's way better than what a lot of people have.

I am a volunteer at 10,000 Villages. I just started. I go back a week from this Sunday. I didn't realize that it is a Mennonite organization (not that it is evident at all). Most people who work there are volunteers. I think we have two paid staff - a manager and a university student.

Chemgal I so hear you about medical appointments. My psychiatrist office is the worst for this - when I call to schedule an appointment or when they have to reschedule and I can't take their first available there is a significant sigh and the eye roll is audible - as though someone who doesn't work can't possibly have a good enough reason for not accepting what is given. Last week there was a problem with the pharmacy and then I accidentally took the wrong dosage of a medication. I also had a famliy doc apt, two physio, a massage, two chiro, sports med doc, social worker and therapy group appointments - it's exhausting! I was looking at getting the disability tax credit today and I don't think I qualify which I think is bunk. My whole life is about coping and we spend thousands of dollars on health care (we have good insurance plans, thankfully and claim the rest but some things aren't covered). I think it's interesting, based on my experience only, that medical professionals who are not covered by the province seem to be able to run on time (more or less), but the OHIP ones "cannot" - my chiro, physio, dentist and psychologist are very, very rarely late whereas my family doctor is often 30-60 minutes late (but I love him and am willing to look the other way), the sports med doc was over 30 minutes late (and had not called anyone else into his office during that 30 minutes) and the psychiatrist can be anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes late every time.

I took Chow Chi Chung (?) (it's like Tai Chai) about 12 years ago. It was pretty amazing - I got a concussion about a third of the way through and missed a few classes and they called to encourage me to go back and helped adapt stuff for me. My concussion symptoms got way better after just one session (dizziness went way down, headaches decreased and I was able to sleep better).
 
As i came home from work quite late last night (1am), I saw a young lad walking parallel to the road who appeared to be quite inebriated. He was staggering and waving his arms about.

I stopped for gas and he passed me.

I saw him again, and he was weaving and came close to the roadway.

Question: What would you do in that situation?
a) drive by and remember your youth
b) drive by and offer a prayer
c) stop & offer him a ride home
d) phone the police and let them know of an inebriated person (thinking he is at risk re the road)
e) do nothing
f) do something else
 
Good question Pinga. I think I would probably (1) ask him if he's ok (sometimes people can look drunk when they're actually in medical distress) (2) call police and (3) stay beside him with my four ways on (especially if it is a dark area) until the police got there. It would also depend on how quick I think the police would get there, how busy the area is, if I felt safe, etc.

Interestingly enough, last week I was driving down a busy road in Ottawa around 5pm and there was a guy sitting on the sidewalk with his legs into the traffic. I was in the outside lane so I couldn't pull over. I was with a friend and we were about to call police when he got up. I still wonder if I should have called anyway. It's really hard to know when you are caring for a person vs bugging the police vs getting someone in trouble.

What did you do?
 
I've been back from England for a few weeks now and I'm finally on my computer and able to write a longer post. I'll try to keep it short but I'm also excited to share so please excuse if it gets way too long!

I took a night flight over which I thought was a good idea, turns out not since I couldn't sleep. Part way through the flight, they turned on the lights and asked for a doctor or nurse. A 15 year old boy who was in the row just behind me was having severe pain, shaking and said he couldn't feel his feet. I'm not sure what was wrong in the end, they gave him Tylenol and got him laying down and it seemed to help but since it was right behind me, I couldn't sleep.

Landing in England was a surreal experience for me, I kept on going over how I felt the last time when I landed alone, not knowing anyone and not really knowing what to expect. But seeing my best friend waiting for me in the terminal after not seeing her for two years was fantastic. On the drive to my friend's house, we noticed signs to the town that's nearest the University where I did my exchange so we made a quick detour and stopped by the school. We of course had to take picture of our old residence house.IMG_0008 (800x450).jpg. I met some of my best friends and the most amazing people I know in this place and I was glad to see it again.

The next day, I dragged my friends to an Estate house that was close to where we were staying. I had two things I wanted to do in England this time, see an Estate house and go to Buckingham Palace (well other than the wedding). So I took my friends to a place called Boughton House IMG_0059 (800x450).jpg. We picnicked on the lawns for lunch (not sure if we were really allowed to) and then toured the grounds and house. It was everything I was hoping it would be though the tour was REALLY long!

The wedding itself was really great. We didn't go to the service part since it was in the Mosque. My friend said she could figure something out so we could go but we didn't want to put more on her only days before her wedding. She did, however, seat us in the lower section of the hall which is usually reserved for close family who were at the service. My friend and her new husband came in followed by their families. She looked so beautiful! Her dress was something else, full of jewels and beads and sparkles everywhere. And she was beaming. She looked nervous but so happy at the same time. Her and her husband sat at the front of the hall while they had someone read/sing from the Koran then two family members sang and there were a few speeches before lunch. I am sorry to say that the four of us white people were the entertainment for our table at least. The food was fantastic but REALLY SPICY! I can usually handle some spice but that was the hottest food I have ever put in mouth. After lunch everyone has a chance to go up and get pictures with the couple. They must have been doing pictures for hours. IMG_0102 (800x450).jpg After pictures, they had a cake cutting ceremony but unlike the ones I've been used to where only the bride and groom feed each other, their ceremony involved all members of both families feeding each other. As we were standing taking pictures, my friend's sister came up to us and if we would like to fed our friend. We thought it was only for family but she assured us that if we wanted to we were more than welcome so of course we went up. That was the end of the official ceremony, but we were able to hang around for a while afterwards and were able to sit and talk with the bride for about 20 minutes before they kicked us out of the hall (for another wedding).

I did two other touristy things. We went to Cambridge for an afternoon, and London. Cambridge was a randomly planned trip so we only took an afternoon. We toured Kings College IMG_0145 (800x600).jpg and walked around the city IMG_0169 (600x800).jpg but that was about it. We had thought of doing a punt boat tour (a popular thing to do there) but we ran out of time. I also didn't get to see the Bridge of Sighs which I had hoped but you have to go through on of the other colleges to see it and the college was closed for a private function. London was fun too. Buckingham Palace was REALLY cool. It was everything I had hoped it would be. A little disappointed I couldn't take pictures inside, but understandable. I'd been to the outside last time I was there so I didn't really take any pictures again. The best part is still definitely meeting my family in the gift shop though. IMG_0183 (800x450).jpg Since I did a lot of touring in London before, the only other thing we did while we were there was go to King Cross Station and see Platform 9 3/4 (from Harry Potter).IMG_0188 (450x800).jpg We had hoped to go there and Hyde Park but ran out of time, and Kings Cross meant more to me.

So there we have it, that's the shortest I could make my post (I've edited a few times). I had a fantastic time and seeing my friends after 4 years was amazing. I made a lot more memories that I will always cherish.
 
I've been having a tough time lately, lots of attacks in a short period of time. I was in the ER last night. Now my head is pounding - maybe just from lack of sleep.
I'm waiting to hear back from someone, then I'm sleeping some more!
 
Pinga said:
As i came home from work quite late last night (1am), I saw a young lad walking parallel to the road who appeared to be quite inebriated. He was staggering and waving his arms about.

I stopped for gas and he passed me.

I saw him again, and he was weaving and came close to the roadway.

Question: What would you do in that situation?
a) drive by and remember your youth
b) drive by and offer a prayer
c) stop & offer him a ride home
d) phone the police and let them know of an inebriated person (thinking he is at risk re the road)
e) do nothing
f) do something else
Click to expand...

I'd probably call the police to come check on him. Would not offer a ride unless, after speaking with him, I realized I knew him & felt safe doing so.
My son was in a situation like this years ago - going to his first high school dance; stopped in at a playground where he & a friend quickly consumed a full bottle of rum (inexperienced in such matters); people saw him staggering near a roadway & called police as they were concerned for his safety - who called me. The officer was great about it. I went to retrieve him, and kept watch over him all night to make sure he was okay - he was. But he sure felt badly the next day!! Lesson learned.
 
Loved reading your vacation update Greywolf! Those estate houses in Britain are so amazing - we saw some when we were there - tea on lawn & all that wonderfulness! Looks like you had a great time with friends - and surprise visit with family! Nice to have you back here with us.
 
What a great trip that you had. Although you may not have done everything you had hoped for, it sure sounds like you did a lot of great things. Thanks for sharing the pictures and story.

Re my choice re the apparent drunken young adult male.
I kept an eye on him as he walked about a km. I considered phoning the police when I first saw him. I thought about my yoouth, and my son's and nephews. I looped back and checked on him again. As he was making progress, the air was warm, and he seemed to be functioning, I didn't call it in. I did wonder all the way home if I was making the right decision.
 
Yes, sometimes those are hard decisions.

I'm not sure what I would do in a situation like that. I may call the RCMP, but I doubt if I would have offered a ride.

Thanks for sharing your holiday highlights Greywolf.

ChemGal, sorry to hear you are not doing so good . . . I can't imagine what you are going through, I hope that things get better for you soon.

We "moved" into town today . . . we are heading to medical appointments next week and it takes a few days to get things organized and ready. Although we may still spend some days, and possibly a night or two at the lake, we are back in town. It was wet and cold this morning so that made it a bit easier. This month is going to be a busy one, so my time at the lake from here on in and is limited - hubby will get out to the lake much more than me.
 
Beloved, thanks. I think I'm over the worst of it now. I think there's still some minor inflammation going on, but compared to what I had it's minimized, and consider all the extra doses I had I think I'm just going to wait, see if it continues to improve and wait for my scheduled one tomorrow. I think a new medication may have been the issue, I had actually decided to stop it before the bigger attack sent me to the ER, feeling a bit scared.

Carolla, glad to hear the cop choose the easier solution that time. I wouldn't be as hesitant to call if I always knew that would be the first plan that all cops would go to.

Greywolf, glad to hear you had a great time! I looked through your post quickly earlier, I'll have to reread it and take a look at the pictures :)
 
Beautiful day in southern ontario. Cool, nice breeze.

I took Dad and my oldest son out for lunch at a local diner, then took Dad for groceries. I recognize how much we put on the smiley face and do positive in facebook and in other sites. I am glad that in wondercafe2 we can discuss the challenges, with friends who are willing to listen, as we do in real life with friends. Though this is equally as public, it doesn't tend to be such short updates, and so the complexities of the good/bad/ugly of relationships can be discussed more freely.

So, my Dad is often alone. In part, that is due to broken relationships he has left behind him. I recognize the challenge of his high values and expectations which somehow don't apply to him, and how they have impacted his relationship with family and others. He has acquaintances, and people that know him now, but, rarely do folks visit who have known him for years. His grandkids would rather not visit with him. He has lost relationships with most of his children. He , in fact, has disowned and he & my Mom were part of that together. It wasnt' just him.

He also had little time for children or grandchildren. If they sat and asked him questions about his life, they were "good". There was no trips to the zoo with grandpa or drive to the ice cream store. There was no relationship.

Given that, life is challenging with Dad. His poor behaviour, his expectations don't stop. His grumpiness and attitude remain. I practice tough love. I call him on behaviour including his relationships with his children and grandchildren. Somehow, I am able to do that.

It does mean, that at times when my life is stressful and it would be nice to have a caring Dad, or a Dad that recognize dme as a person,r ather than an object to say "hey, that is mine" ....that it isn't work.
 
We've had hot and very humid weather here for several days. I come back from my morning walks with my shirt clinging to my back and car hardly wait to get the airconditioner on. Fortunately late this afternoon a cold front rolled in. Temperature dropped ten degrees in an hour or so. It is raining, but I can handle rain better than feeling I'm in a tropical jungle.
 
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