Not So Ford Tough!

I have renewed faith in the Justice system. Toronto's Mayor, Rob Ford has been ordered out of office for conflict of interest. These silver spoon politicians continue to dominate our political system bringing arrogance, bullying and carefree attitudes along with them. It's hard to attract good people into politics with the amount of money you have to put forward just to start, and not knowing the right people in the right class structure. It seems you have two strikes against you from the start.
All we can hope for is that people like Joe Clark get into politics. Even though he did not last that long as Prime Minister, you saw honesty in politics. I guess that's why he didn't last. Honesty and politics together. Wow! What a concept.
I mean I'm really...
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Viruses in Life

Viruses attack and contaminate programs and storage on your computer hard drives. I relate this thought to life. Friends, family, mentors, all have an influence in the way you travel through time. The unfortunate thing is that they can carry viruses with them that may have a drastic, negative impact on your life. The baggage and insecurities that people carry will at some time rear its ugly head and contaminate someone close in an opinion, advice or conversation. It's too bad we don't have virus protection that can quarantine and kill these things before they get to our hard drive. Unfortunately, our anti virus is our own common sense. In many cases it's not so common. I understand you have to reach out to people around you in time of need. Just remember, there are things attached to every conversation you have, direct or underlying, on purpose or innocent. Think about your reaction and response. Go with what feels and sounds right. Everyone has a conscience, we just have to enable it. Be a good person and you will make the right decision. Treat others as you would like to be treated. It sounds pretty simple.
Mmmm, I think I read this kind of thing before.
I mean I'm really...
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Pride & Prejudice

In my job, I get to see how many people live. You would think families that have very little would allocate their finances to the necessities of life. Yeah right! I guess what I consider necessary has changed over the years. Big screen TV's, top of the line stereo systems, BMW's, Smart phones. I guess proper food and clothing is secondary these days. These same families have apartments that have been hit by a tornado. Children running around in animal feces, dirty clothes on their back and mom dressed to the nines going out to party for the evening. These same families are lined up at the food bank expecting other generous people to supply them with what I consider essentials. I really hope these are the few. I do see the reverse on occasion. In one instance, in a low income complex, I entered an apartment that renewed my faith. The family was obviously struggling but the place was immaculate and the residents were polite and thankful for what they had - no big screen TV's or stereo systems! I told the mother that her place looked great and it was a pleasure to see such pride in a home. She beamed and thanked us for our help.
I mean I'm really...
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I'll Change, I'll Change You

I've been married 28 years and love it! When you get married you're blinded by the new love and changes that take place in your life. It's like when you go on vacation and the place you go is the best ever - you could stay there the rest of your life. Well! Wake up. Once you are there for a while you see the many negatives that show up and soon the lustre tarnishes. I loved my wife as she was back then and continue to cherish her as she is now. I would not change a thing with her. The way she gets up in the morning until she goes to bed at night. Well yes, she has areas that may cause me grief at various times, but it passes to the fantastic, caring and very artistic (autistic) person she is. If there is something I can pass along to other couples, it's good luck. You'll not change and neither will your partner. You may adjust, but to change is not in the cards of life. I think the two terms my wife and I use are "work around" and "whatever". The frustrations in marriage and life can best be manipulated into those two terms. Have fun and remember what you did for your partner in courtship. I'm still courting.
I mean I'm really...
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Toys, Not Just for Boys!

In today's depressed economy, I still wonder how the Jones's are keeping up. I see more toys around then ever. I must confess though, that I also see a lot  for sale at the end of driveways. Occasionally I look at old photos from my past. A living room pretty bare. One couch, a small black and white TV, one radio and a splash of not much. Did we suffer? Well, we were outside in the park building forts or in the swamp catching pollywogs, frogs and turtles. Yes, outside without a motorized vehicle or an electronic device stuck in your ear. We were a middle income family with one car, a small house and all that we needed for fun and adventure in a child's life. We were outside from dawn to dusk and more. How many kids in the neighbourhood do you see outside now? Look at your house and see how many TV's, computers and i's that you have. I don't know about you, but I remember the small things in life- The walk in the woods with your loved ones, the picnic in the park, the cold toboggan ride down the neighbourhood hill.
I mean I'm really...
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The Better Illusion

You have to be fooling yourself if you think you'll only be attracted to the same person your whole married life. I mean temptation is all around us. Look at what this person has. Look at the life that person leads. Wow! I wish I could be that person. Think it through. You may be chasing the better illusion. I have seen it and heard it. Everyone thinks everyone else has a better life. Think about it. That means it all comes back to you. Yes, someone thinks you have the best life of all.
I once saw a documentary questioning movie stars, our pillars of the community, and the focus of it was if they had something to adjust or work on in the past, what would it be? The majority of them wished they had worked harder on their first marriage. I guess they may have been chasing the better illusion also. Maybe they thought they would feel better about their life with someone new. How about chasing the better reality? Working on being content and growing within yourself and your family unit.
I mean I'm really...
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Easier, I Think Not!

Personal computers, iPad's, Tablets, Blackberrys, iPhones, when does it stop? Everyone is so wrapped up in technology they have no time to relax. Originally, way back when, the introduction of the personal computer was supposed to make down time more plentiful. Wow! Did it backfire. Everyone is more interested in keeping in touch or listening to the latest tune that they are walking into traffic and getting hit by cars. What ever happened to being aware of everything around you? It can actually be very entertaining. Paper saver? Maybe not. I still have to keep hard copies of everything because of computer crashes. I found it easier to do corporate taxes on the 'one write system', for those who know what that was, than on tax templates. Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate the latest technologies but let's put it where it should be. What ever happened to the KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle?
I mean I'm really...
Just Saying