A year ago today, a dear friend went under the knife. After a full year of testing, evaluation, and endless appointments, this person went into surgery, and had a kidney removed.
To donate to someone else, anonymously.
As this person reflected back on the experience of the last two years, there was a moment where it became so simple and so clear: it was the one year anniversary of a beloved mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, friend, who received a kidney and got a chance to be with her kids and watch them grow.
Late last year, I got in contact with an old friend after many years; I learned this friend has a child who needs a kidney.
My friend's act was extraordinary. It takes a very special person who possesses not only the physical requirements to be a donor, but the metal fortitude and the absolute commitment to be a living donor. I encourage you to give it some thought, but I'm realistic that it's not something just anyone can or should undertake. So I encourage you to do what you can: be a donor after you've died.
Until things change in Canada, we're stuck with an informed consent system of donating organs and tissues. That means that you can sign up to be a donor with a provincial registry (or not) until the cows come home, but ultimately, the final decision to consent to your organs and tissues being donated after you've died belongs to your next of kin. So please, signal that you wish to be a donor, and have that conversation with your loved ones.
Hopefully on some far off day after you've lived a life you can be satisfied with, your passing will result in an anniversary for someone else...the day they got their life back.
Be a donor...
...Wish you were here.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
February 4/14
WELCOME TO THE CLUB, SCOTLAND!!
Today, Scotland became the latest place in this fucked up world to approve Same Sex Marriage! Hey, England? Yeah, you. Ya hear that? I believe that's Scotland telling you to GET ON WITH IT!
Seriously, I'm not in the market for a SSM myself, as I'm in a committed relationship with an opposite sex partner, but I welcome news of any place that pulls its head out of its ass and recognizes equality of rights before the law and does away with discrimination.
It's a celebration every time a new jurisdiction does the right thing and allows SSM, and as much work has to be done to keep the momentum going, it's always one step closer than the fight for equality was before.
Get on the bandwagon, world!
To human dignity...
...Wish you were here.
Monday, February 3, 2014
February 3/14
So, who's a special little snowflake?
This girl! Right here!
Last week, I was notified that I had passed the written exam for a job competition, and that I would receive an invitation for an interview. The problem for me was that it was an insanely busy week last week, as we were hosting a workshop with representatives from across the country. So I was busy workshopping AND obsessively checking my email when I had the chance. Finally at around 2:30 on Friday, January 31st, the invitation came, with the scheduled date for February 7th.
I quickly glanced up at my calendar and panicked..."Tuesday!" I thought. That quick. Oh boy. I would have to spend my weekend cramming. Anyway, I ran downstairs to wrap things up with the workshop, and then rushed to get the required information to respond to the invitation. I sent off my RSVP, and then headed off for the weekend.
I did not study this weekend. I was tired, and quite frankly, I didn't know what to study for. I knew I was meeting with my Director on Monday to do some preparation, and I figured there was no point in looking at anything until then.
This morning, I went to my Director's office to meet with her, and once we settled in, I handed her the invitation print out. "So, this is for Friday, " she half questioned, half stated.
My head shot up from my writing pad. "What?"
Yeah, today is February 3rd.
See, the thing is, when I took my quick glance at my calendar on Friday? Yeah, it was still January. Duh. The 7th of January was a Tuesday. Well done, Me.
So much for paying attention to detail. I know I have the excuse that my mind was very occupied with the workshop and with a task on my main file, but really, that is a sad excuse. I'm supposed to be better than that.
Yup. Special little snowflake.
...Wish you were here.
This girl! Right here!
Last week, I was notified that I had passed the written exam for a job competition, and that I would receive an invitation for an interview. The problem for me was that it was an insanely busy week last week, as we were hosting a workshop with representatives from across the country. So I was busy workshopping AND obsessively checking my email when I had the chance. Finally at around 2:30 on Friday, January 31st, the invitation came, with the scheduled date for February 7th.
I quickly glanced up at my calendar and panicked..."Tuesday!" I thought. That quick. Oh boy. I would have to spend my weekend cramming. Anyway, I ran downstairs to wrap things up with the workshop, and then rushed to get the required information to respond to the invitation. I sent off my RSVP, and then headed off for the weekend.
I did not study this weekend. I was tired, and quite frankly, I didn't know what to study for. I knew I was meeting with my Director on Monday to do some preparation, and I figured there was no point in looking at anything until then.
This morning, I went to my Director's office to meet with her, and once we settled in, I handed her the invitation print out. "So, this is for Friday, " she half questioned, half stated.
My head shot up from my writing pad. "What?"
Yeah, today is February 3rd.
See, the thing is, when I took my quick glance at my calendar on Friday? Yeah, it was still January. Duh. The 7th of January was a Tuesday. Well done, Me.
So much for paying attention to detail. I know I have the excuse that my mind was very occupied with the workshop and with a task on my main file, but really, that is a sad excuse. I'm supposed to be better than that.
Yup. Special little snowflake.
...Wish you were here.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
February 2/14
I was out running errands early this afternoon when I got the news.
I belong to a car sharing program here in Ottawa, mostly to do things like go out to the suburbs where the pet stores are located. Earlier today, I went to the PetSmart in Gloucester to pick up food for Purrball, however I was disappointed to find that they had sold out of the wet food, and I would have to go out to the PetSmart in Orleans to get some. I tried to call Etienne to let him know I'd be longer than I thought, but he didn't answer. I set off for Orleans where made my purchase, and then started to head into Ottawa, but I noticed my blood sugar wobbling a bit, so I decided to make a detour to Taco Bell for some dirt cheap, fast, fake-meat, soft shell tacos. I took my order out to the car to gobble them up, and as I sat there consuming my garbage food, my phone rang. Etienne called me back.
I told him I had to run to Orleans, and that I wouldn't have enough time to stop for white wine. He was fine with that, but then he dropped the bomb.
"So, you heard the news?"
"No. What news?"
He hesitated. "The actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman? It's being reported that he died."
BOOM!
Holy fuck. I heard the news that one of the most talented actors of this generation had died while shoving a taco in my mouth. Classy, Fancy. Real Classy. Good way to remember that moment. It was early on, so all he could tell me was that it was reported that he was found dead in his apartment in New York City. My classiness continued with my immediate response..."Shut the fuck up! Are you serious?"
I don't know what to say. It's not my finest moment.
I'd like a do-over...
...Wish you were here.
I belong to a car sharing program here in Ottawa, mostly to do things like go out to the suburbs where the pet stores are located. Earlier today, I went to the PetSmart in Gloucester to pick up food for Purrball, however I was disappointed to find that they had sold out of the wet food, and I would have to go out to the PetSmart in Orleans to get some. I tried to call Etienne to let him know I'd be longer than I thought, but he didn't answer. I set off for Orleans where made my purchase, and then started to head into Ottawa, but I noticed my blood sugar wobbling a bit, so I decided to make a detour to Taco Bell for some dirt cheap, fast, fake-meat, soft shell tacos. I took my order out to the car to gobble them up, and as I sat there consuming my garbage food, my phone rang. Etienne called me back.
I told him I had to run to Orleans, and that I wouldn't have enough time to stop for white wine. He was fine with that, but then he dropped the bomb.
"So, you heard the news?"
"No. What news?"
He hesitated. "The actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman? It's being reported that he died."
BOOM!
Holy fuck. I heard the news that one of the most talented actors of this generation had died while shoving a taco in my mouth. Classy, Fancy. Real Classy. Good way to remember that moment. It was early on, so all he could tell me was that it was reported that he was found dead in his apartment in New York City. My classiness continued with my immediate response..."Shut the fuck up! Are you serious?"
I don't know what to say. It's not my finest moment.
I'd like a do-over...
...Wish you were here.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
February 1/14
Gents, this may be one you want to skip. Cause it's about shopping.
Today, I headed out into the heavy snow to buy...well, no, that's not it, it's not the right place to start.
Members of the Ottawa Art Gallery enjoy several perks, one of which is the ability to rent some of the pieces. Etienne's been a member for a few years now, and we have had several pieces over the years, some of which we've purchased after three months of renting. Last night, we checked out what was on the walls in the rentals room, and I came across a darling little piece called Monkey I. It's relatively cheap, so I made the decision to come back and rent it.
So, here we are today, out in the heavy snow. I trudged to the Gallery and rented my piece. After that, I trudged to the Sir John A. for a burger that I've been craving for months now. Since we left the neighbourhood, I haven't had a chance to go back to get that burger. Once I was done, I left the pub in time to see that a bus was coming up Elgin, but that I would have no shot at catching it, so I walked up to Red Velvet, this cute little women's boutique, intending to wait out the snow until the next bus, but once there, I wandered over to the jewellery, and well...I missed the bus, but I got a great costume ring.
As penance for my bad decision, I walked towards home, but wouldn't you know it, I have to pass by all these stores and a mall to get there. Are you getting where this is going?
Yeah, I ended up at The Bay. After watching Etienne haul in these amazing deals in the last week, I admit I was jealous. I started out on my never-ending quest to find a simple black pencil skirt, and after far too much time on my own, I walked out of the women's department with two short sweaters for the price of one. Right into the women's shoe department sale. Dammit. I console myself that I turned down a darling little dress that was a third of the original price.
The thing is, I've had my eye on this last pair of lavender, patent leather heels that have been on the sale rack for a while now...marked down 50% from the already nice sale price. $110 shoes for $35? Yeah, I fell for it again.
Will power, why have you forsaken me?
...Wish you were here.
Today, I headed out into the heavy snow to buy...well, no, that's not it, it's not the right place to start.
Members of the Ottawa Art Gallery enjoy several perks, one of which is the ability to rent some of the pieces. Etienne's been a member for a few years now, and we have had several pieces over the years, some of which we've purchased after three months of renting. Last night, we checked out what was on the walls in the rentals room, and I came across a darling little piece called Monkey I. It's relatively cheap, so I made the decision to come back and rent it.
So, here we are today, out in the heavy snow. I trudged to the Gallery and rented my piece. After that, I trudged to the Sir John A. for a burger that I've been craving for months now. Since we left the neighbourhood, I haven't had a chance to go back to get that burger. Once I was done, I left the pub in time to see that a bus was coming up Elgin, but that I would have no shot at catching it, so I walked up to Red Velvet, this cute little women's boutique, intending to wait out the snow until the next bus, but once there, I wandered over to the jewellery, and well...I missed the bus, but I got a great costume ring.
As penance for my bad decision, I walked towards home, but wouldn't you know it, I have to pass by all these stores and a mall to get there. Are you getting where this is going?
Yeah, I ended up at The Bay. After watching Etienne haul in these amazing deals in the last week, I admit I was jealous. I started out on my never-ending quest to find a simple black pencil skirt, and after far too much time on my own, I walked out of the women's department with two short sweaters for the price of one. Right into the women's shoe department sale. Dammit. I console myself that I turned down a darling little dress that was a third of the original price.
The thing is, I've had my eye on this last pair of lavender, patent leather heels that have been on the sale rack for a while now...marked down 50% from the already nice sale price. $110 shoes for $35? Yeah, I fell for it again.
Will power, why have you forsaken me?
...Wish you were here.
Friday, January 31, 2014
January 31/14
Being Swiss is a point of patriotic pride for Etienne. He's so eager to share this part of his life with anyone who is interested and he goes out of his way to find Swiss-made goods and companies here in Canada. So, it should come as no surprise that he bought tickets to a Swiss event at the Ottawa Art Gallery as soon as he could.
Every year, the Gallery throws a party to celebrate the start of Winterlude here in the National Capital Region, and this year, the Gallery partnered with the Swiss Embassy and various other companies and organizations to host "Dada for Switzerland: Winterlude Party." There was Swiss wine in ample quantities, large hunks of raclette, big trays of rösti, Swiss flags and games, salutes to Dadaism (including a fantastic old, old film from Cabernet Voltaire that showed a performance art piece that we look back on as quaint), and of course, we had access to a gallery exhibit room or two. The main room was decked out in the Swiss flags, we were serenaded by a Swiss Montagne Choir, an Alpine Horn player, and a DJ from Vevey. The Swiss Ambassador, a thoroughly-bureaucratic looking fellow, dropped by to meet and greet. It was a refreshing change of scene in this rather stayed, unimaginative city.
In fact, it was a very odd collection of people...random Swiss citizens, the OAG arts supporters, club kids, bureaucrats...whatever their motivations, they were there for a good time courtesy of the Gallery. We totally need to get out and do more of this stuff.
Time to party...
...Wish you were here.
Every year, the Gallery throws a party to celebrate the start of Winterlude here in the National Capital Region, and this year, the Gallery partnered with the Swiss Embassy and various other companies and organizations to host "Dada for Switzerland: Winterlude Party." There was Swiss wine in ample quantities, large hunks of raclette, big trays of rösti, Swiss flags and games, salutes to Dadaism (including a fantastic old, old film from Cabernet Voltaire that showed a performance art piece that we look back on as quaint), and of course, we had access to a gallery exhibit room or two. The main room was decked out in the Swiss flags, we were serenaded by a Swiss Montagne Choir, an Alpine Horn player, and a DJ from Vevey. The Swiss Ambassador, a thoroughly-bureaucratic looking fellow, dropped by to meet and greet. It was a refreshing change of scene in this rather stayed, unimaginative city.
In fact, it was a very odd collection of people...random Swiss citizens, the OAG arts supporters, club kids, bureaucrats...whatever their motivations, they were there for a good time courtesy of the Gallery. We totally need to get out and do more of this stuff.
Time to party...
...Wish you were here.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
January 30/14
An apology...
Sorry for the disruption folks, but there have been so many happenings in the last month and a half that I had my hands full. By way of an explanation, I need to be upfront and open up about the state of my mental health.
Quite some years ago now, I was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Depression. I know I've discussed it in the past, and I'm always open about it. In my opinion, it's not something I have to be ashamed of, and I do my best to be open and honest about it with people, particularly in the workplace--it's true, my energy and output can be affected, but never to the extent that has been the case this year.
This winter has been one of my worst. Despite having good supports and understanding people around me, I've struggled with the depression more than I have in recent years. I felt that it was going to be a tough winter early on, but I didn't expect the frequent and lengthy periods of Arctic-inspired weather in Ottawa which compounded the feeling that I was facing a rough winter.
Earlier this month, I ended up in tears at work, and I recognized that I was close to a meltdown. I've had minor meltdowns at work before, and knowing that I am having a rough winter, I knew I had to act fast. As it was close to the end of the work day, I pulled my manager aside for a private discussion and let her know I was in a bad state, close to an outburst, and we discussed some of the issues involved. From that discussion, it was decided that I would work from home the next day. I knew I had work to do, but I also knew that being in the office in my state could be a bad thing--there are all kinds of stimulati in my workplace, and there is no telling what might trigger the outburst. I'm lucky to have a manager who recognizes and works with me to find solutions, so I spent the next day at home, working on projects that have lacked attention while I tended to more urgent responsibilities. By the time I returned to the office the following day, it was clear that I had successfully averted the meltdown.
Earlier this week, there was a day sponsored by a large national company that focused on dialogue and discussion about mental health. I won't name it specifically because I've got my beefs with that company, but I wholeheartedly support the focus. Many, many people struggle with mental health issues and disorders in silence, feeling that they have nowhere to turn and there's nothing that can be done. In making my decision all those years ago to forgo pharmaceutical therapies for my depression, I knew I would have to be open with people about it. I don't do it to receive special treatment, I do it so that I can work with people in my life to find solutions to issues the my mental health can raise. I have to be part of the solution.
You might not know that someone you care about is struggling quietly, but if you know me, hopefully the signs are a little more recognizable.
Be well...
...Wish you were here.
Sorry for the disruption folks, but there have been so many happenings in the last month and a half that I had my hands full. By way of an explanation, I need to be upfront and open up about the state of my mental health.
Quite some years ago now, I was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Depression. I know I've discussed it in the past, and I'm always open about it. In my opinion, it's not something I have to be ashamed of, and I do my best to be open and honest about it with people, particularly in the workplace--it's true, my energy and output can be affected, but never to the extent that has been the case this year.
This winter has been one of my worst. Despite having good supports and understanding people around me, I've struggled with the depression more than I have in recent years. I felt that it was going to be a tough winter early on, but I didn't expect the frequent and lengthy periods of Arctic-inspired weather in Ottawa which compounded the feeling that I was facing a rough winter.
Earlier this month, I ended up in tears at work, and I recognized that I was close to a meltdown. I've had minor meltdowns at work before, and knowing that I am having a rough winter, I knew I had to act fast. As it was close to the end of the work day, I pulled my manager aside for a private discussion and let her know I was in a bad state, close to an outburst, and we discussed some of the issues involved. From that discussion, it was decided that I would work from home the next day. I knew I had work to do, but I also knew that being in the office in my state could be a bad thing--there are all kinds of stimulati in my workplace, and there is no telling what might trigger the outburst. I'm lucky to have a manager who recognizes and works with me to find solutions, so I spent the next day at home, working on projects that have lacked attention while I tended to more urgent responsibilities. By the time I returned to the office the following day, it was clear that I had successfully averted the meltdown.
Earlier this week, there was a day sponsored by a large national company that focused on dialogue and discussion about mental health. I won't name it specifically because I've got my beefs with that company, but I wholeheartedly support the focus. Many, many people struggle with mental health issues and disorders in silence, feeling that they have nowhere to turn and there's nothing that can be done. In making my decision all those years ago to forgo pharmaceutical therapies for my depression, I knew I would have to be open with people about it. I don't do it to receive special treatment, I do it so that I can work with people in my life to find solutions to issues the my mental health can raise. I have to be part of the solution.
You might not know that someone you care about is struggling quietly, but if you know me, hopefully the signs are a little more recognizable.
Be well...
...Wish you were here.
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