officially unofficially winter

And so it starts. The weather is taking a decided downturn this week — winter is wholly upon us after a few fits and starts. I could honestly live without a winter. My theory is that snow should only be able to collect on trees, mountains, and lawns – but nowhere that a person drives or walks.

I think I used to love winter — I have tons of photos from childhood where Ken and I went crazy in the snow — building forts and tobagganing. I’m not sure where that carefree love of cold and snow went to. I certainly don’t feel in love with the snow and ice when I’m walking to the train, across open parking lots.

I suspect I’m harboring a bit of an internal scrooge.

HOWEVER! This Christmas season I’m actually putting up decorations. I’m having a bit of a “decorate my house” party with some friends. I’m pulling out all the glitz and glitter. I even have some decorations planned for my personal office — the main office has already been done up. (have I mentioned I LOVE having my own office, complete with HUGE windows. Government jobs Rock!!)

Tomorrow is our office Christmas party. We’re heading up to the tower for lunch at the revolving restaurant, and then coming back to the office for a fun gift exchange. Our office has decided to make a staff donation to a company called “18 Wheels of Christmas”.

http://18wheelsofxmas.blogspot.com/ 

Such a great idea – and what a great way to donate to the community. We were told that our $$ would be put towards buying baby/infant supplies which they are short of right now. And knowing they can buy in bulk so as to make donation dollars stretch — I think it is such a better idea than simply donating to a food bank as a single organization.

On a side note — I have to renew my driver’s license this month. I made a “lovely” discovery on Friday — while I was living in the US, my step father (who ostensibly sold my car) kept my license plates, and used them until they expired. While doing so, he got a ticket that is now against my driver’s license. It isn’t a huge amount, but since it was 2 years ago, the time for appeal has passed and if I don’t pay it this month, I have no driver’s license.

I admit, I get more and more grateful that I am moving the ‘energy draining’ people out of my life. My ex, my step father, toxic friends, etc…with only one life to live, it is simply too short to pick up after people, or fix other people’s messes (though, ironically enough, one of the attempts to fix my ex’s messes has resulted in a friendship. Alex and I have now been friends for the last year and a half, and while he’s making a trip to the US next year, he’s planning on popping up for a weekend to visit. I suppose that’s the power of doing the right thing — plus his young son thinks I’m the coolest Canadian – probably the only one he knows — but it is very endearing)

I sort of wish I had learned to be stronger about the people in my life sooner, but as a co-worker says — “Everything happens for a reason”. I have listened to some stories about people diagnosed with PTSD, and am consistently amazed that I have absolutely no lasting effects from my own experiences. It is a certain blessing.

Now it is just about living life, being happy, moving forwards and achieving goals. Above all, being able to look at myself in the mirror, and liking myself, my life, my journey.

….I could still prefer the road to be less snow-covered.

public health agency of canada – coughing, sneezing & you

This is the best video — a sort of spoof of those ones from the 50s that taught school children to hide under their desk in case of a nuclear attack. Always thought those were a bit fascinating. Check out the link below.

http://www.archive.org/details/DuckandC1951

updating the blog

I took a tour through my blog — yikes, my delinquency is showing. I’ve been trying to correct links and update pages on my breaks. Still have some work to do to clean it up. It is almost a full time job keeping up on a blog. How on earth do people do this on a regular basis?

casual friday

Taking transit on fridays always amuses me. Whereas through the rest of the week pedestrian commuters in business best cram into the cattle-liners that are the LRT trains, on fridays all that can be seen is a sea of denim-clad legs.

I’ve noticed that some of the denims aren’t even in that great of repair, but people are wearing them to the office and schools regardless.

I wonder at the laxity of it all. I too enjoy wearing jeans to work, but question whether a complete casual dressing is the best option. Rarely do I even see men dressed in the classy types of suits that were once the staple of business attire. Even in my own office, dress pants are uncommon. For those who choose not to wear skirts, cotton cargo-type pants seem to be the norm.

I don’t think it affects the work ethic or productivity of my office place, and am unsure if it has any effect in others. But certainly, we’ve lost a little of the classiness that was once office presentation. Though I do wonder if there is any effect on office workers — much the same as being told to always smile while talking to a client/customer on the phone, as the smile while be noticeable during the conversation…I wonder if there is a sense of self/identity/confidence that follows a certain mode of dress, and if that translates through business interactions.

Not the end of the world, for certain. But things I think about while staring out the train window, crammed in with all the worshippers of casual friday.

if this doesn’t make you laugh..

….courtesy of Anderson Cooper 360 Shots. (gotta love that guy!)