ebenezer's thoughts

Monday, June 04, 2007

The Next Challenge!

So being the fruitloop that I am ... I just registered for my first ULTRA marathon ... I'm registered to do the Niagara 50K on June 23. An out and back course that starts in Niagara on the Lake and turns around at the Falls.

Whatever time I do will be a PB ... so it's 7.8K more than the marathon I did in Ottawa in 5:05 but I'm figuring that last 7.8 will be tough so I'd like to do a 6:30 ... we'll see!

BTW my race photos are posted ... check them out! http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=16942&BIB=3218 I think I look pretty triumphant ... after all it was a PB!

Here's a link to DS's photos http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=16941&BIB=17871

And DH's photos http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=16941&BIB=17872

There's have some unknown people in them too ...

Cheers
~ Shirley

Monday, May 28, 2007

A new PB!!!!!!

We drove to Ottawa on Friday. Nice drive ... hot day. Went to the expo and picked up our kits (DS and DH were doing the 5K Saturday night). The ladies marathon shirt is BEAUTIFUL ... sleevelss in white with pink stripes. Walked around the expo for awhile to soak in the sites. Dropped by the RR booth to pick up a pace band for 5:30 and they didn't have any! So I went to the computer in the hotel and looked up a pace band and did my own.

Sat night the boys ran their 5K ... both felt great and thought they did a PB ... although the chip times don't reflect it. I'm sure they were longer than 2 mins to cross the start line. Ah well. They both felt good.Went for dinner at an Italian restaurant in a ourtyard. Lovely! Then back to the room for bed. Alarm is set for 5:45, race is at 7 and we're MAYBE 100 metres from race start.

Alarm goes off ... I get dressed in the bathroom so as not to wake everyone up and head down for breakfast. (The hotel had a free breakfast and was serving starting at 6 for the runners.) While at breakfast I chatted with a few people and then headed to soak up the adrenaline at the start. I LOVE the start of a race. I love the adrenaline, the excitement. Just great! They corralled people this year based on time and since I was predicting a 5:30 I was just before the walkers. I swear we were 500 meters back from the start line.

We start. I'm doing an R3/W2 and aiming for a 5:30 finish. We hit 3K and I'm ahead of pace by 3 mins! I decide its time to slow the pace. Then we hit 5K and I'm STILL ahead of pace (memories of Mississauga only it's not by 10 seconds!) this time by 4 mins. I say outloud that I'm ahead of pace and someone asks what was your aim to finish I say 5:30 and they respond ... You're ahead of pace for a 5 finish! We carry on ... at around 10K we see the lead women head by (they are past 1/2 way!) Everyone hoots and hollers! Then around 15K it starts to rain. The crowds have been pretty good ... small but people all along the way cheering. We're in embassy row and there along the way was our former PM Jean Chretien cheering on the runners!

I hit the 1/2 way mark and I'm at 2:31 ... ONE MINUTE away from a 5:00 finish. This is WEIRD. I'm feeling good tho' so I carry on still doing R3/W2.At 23K the 1/2 marathoners join in ... we're SWAMPED by them ... and they have relatively fresh legs as they are at 9K. At 24K I meet up with DS, DH and MIL who are working the water station. Michael (DH) says "you're ahead of pace aren't you?" I say yes ... around 15 minutes but I'm feeling good. A photo with DS and I'm off again. At 27K I check again and I'm still WAY ahead of pace for a 5:30. At 30K I check again and I'm at 3:36 (which is only 1 minute slower than my ATB time!) ... at this point I decide to throw away the pace band and just carry on. By now it is POURING rain. We are wet and the crowds are pretty slim ... just the odd person with an umbrella.

At 35K I look again and I'm doing well. Then I hit 37K I've got 5K to go and my watch is showing 4:30. I think to myself ... I'm in PB territory. I also meet up with one fella that I was chatting with in the morning. He's a clinic instructor in Peterborough RR and was looking for someone. He says he things she's way back and so he offers to run in with me. I decide that I'm going to try for that PB and tell Ralph this. I start doing R3/W1 and then we hit 40K and my watch is showing 4:51. I KNOW I'm in PB territory here. So we continue on ... walk break and we're at 750m. We run again and we're at 300 m ... I realize that my legs can't quite do it so a 15 second break and then run it in ... for a PB of 5:05:07 my previous PB was 5:08:08 in 2004! And that one I did R10/W1!

DH and DS had a great time at the water station in the rain. They had 1/2 and full marathoners coming through. Then after it seemed all runners had gone through they got it all cleaned up ... only to have THOUSANDS of families come through for the family 2K! Michael said it was like they were swarmed by all these little kids and buggies and parents!

So I feel great ... we came home last night because I felt so good. (We did stop 4x on the trip since it's a 5 hour trip) and today I actually walked down the stairs with only one hand on the railing! So ... there it is ... an R3/W2 in the rain for a PB ... who knew!?!?!?

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Mississauga 1/2 Marathon Race Report

So last weekend I ran the Mississauga 1/2 Marathon as a pace bunny for the first time. I haven't had a chance to post yet because of the new job etc.

So here's the report and some photos!

It was a BLAST! And one of the best parts was that I ran it with a new friend! Cathy and I both post on the message board for the Las Vegas Message board and since she was planning on Miss 1/2 I invited her to say over (she lives in London) and we ran together. Such FUN and both our DH's thought it was kinda wierd that we were doing this LOL

So the morning of the race Cathy and I get up at 5:30 and get ready. We head out at 6:30 for the race start at 7:30 ... but on the way we stopped at Tim's for our morning java. It took a little longer than expected but we're on our way.

We get to the cutoff off the highway and there's a HUGE line up of cars ... and race start is in approx 20 mins. Cathy says you better get going since you NEED to be there and she'll park and catch up. So I speed off and get to race start which has lots of signs for where to position. I'm wearing my RR hat with pink bunny ears that say 2;45 and I'm thinking I hope no one things I'm the 2:45 for the full LOL!!!

I get there and there are people waiting. I talk to a few of them including Cathy's friend Mira and another woman Donna that Cathy and I know from the LVM message board. And folks who say they are going to run with me.The race starts ... it takes 9 (count 'em) 9 minutes for us to get across the start line. Cathy was able to park the car and get to race start before the start luckily! We start off with 3 women and we're doing an R3/W2 strategy. Hit 1K right on pace. By 2K one woman says she can't keep up so she drops back and we carry on.

We hit 4K and 2 other women drop back and we pick up another woman. She's run 4 marathons but at Disney was pulled off the course. she stays with us for a while but then says she can't keep up and she drops back.

We pick up Rick who stays with us to the end. We hit 7K and we're a few seconds ahead of pace. At 10K we pick up another woman who's doing her first and really emotional. She is totally in her head and psyching herself out so we talk to her and she stays for a while. Shortly after 10K we go by a house blasting the Chariots of Fire theme so I couldn't resist and do a slo-mo run by. It's kinda cool at the water stations 'coz the high school volunteers all cheer for "the bunny". After a while Rick and Cathy start teasing me about my "princess" wave to the adoring crowds. LOL

That's Rick just behind me!

Now as I check my pace at each Km marker, we keep adding 10 secs a km despite trying to slow down. So by the time we hit 18K we're 2:30 ahead of pace. I talke to Rick who's doing really well and will DEFINITELY do a PB ... we decide that since he's the only one in our group we'll run him in ... and as we hit 20K we do our final walk break. We round the corner and Rick says "is that the finish?" we answer "yes" and he says "see ya" and sprints to the finish. Cathy and I continue and finish in 2:40:59 chip time ... 4 mins ahead of pace ... but not bad really.

Finish line ... see the quad muscle?

After the race Disney girl, emotional girl and Rick and his wife all come up to say thank you. It was just great!

Cheers

~ Shirley

Monday, April 23, 2007

The Times They Are A-Changin'

So ... things are changing for me ... on May 7, 2007 I start a new job with Sun Life Financial in Kitchener. I'll be Program Director, Organizational Development which is a promotion :)

It will mean a 45-60 minute commute each way but my Mom lives nearby so she's thrilled to bits. I'm sad to leave the hospital as I've truly enjoyed the work I've done there and the people I have met. But leadership issues remain constant and it's time to move on.

So I am sad about the past and exicted and trepidatious about the future.

And ... I was sent this GREAT story recently ... enjoy!

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water, at the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

The moral of the story: Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. We need to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Spring ? Run Off!

On Saturday my boys (DH and DS) and I did the 8K Spring Run Off. It was rather mis-named because it was DARN cold ... at the start it was -4C with a windchill of -10C!

The race is in the middle of High Park in Toronto which has quite a few hills. The boys wanted to do a sub 60 ... and I'm pleased to report I paced them thru it ... R4/W2 was the strategy as it was their longest race to date. DS (who's 12) came in at 57:41 and DH at 59:14.

At 6 1/2 K DS wanted to run ahead ... I said to wait for DH as the plan was to run across the finish line together ... DS said "screw that plan!" ... someone nearby said "you've got a great kid!" ... so he took off and I hung back with DH ... it was his birthday! I was yelling ahead to DH saying "Connor ... you rock!" and a woman nearby said "you've certainly got a lot of energy for this point in a race!" ... DH answered "she's a marathoner ... this is NOTHING to her!" :)

I was pretty proud of them! So now i'm trying to convince them to run an additional 2K in Ottawa and do the 10K on Saturday night instead of the 5K.

I did another 12K on Monday to "makeup" my long run ... DH said I was showing off :)

Cheers

Shirley

Friday, March 30, 2007

Well my 4th 30K Around the Bay Road Race is done!

The day started out … tired. The alarm went off and I thought “ugh” … but I got up. I stepped out to catch the bus to the start and thought “man is it cold!” … it was supposed to be up to 13C that day but I don’t think it climbed to more than 4. I was chatting to a fellow on the bus who was also doing the Bay and he was hoping to come in sub – 2:00! … AMAZING! My best is 3:27! I got downtown and headed for Tims to get my morning coffee :) … While at Tims I was chatting to some ladies who were walking the 5K for St. Josephs. They were asking how I was going to do the 30K and how long it would take. I said how sometimes I like to find newbies and help them finish. They said so look for us along the course and help us … I said if I saw them I knew I’d be REALLY off course :) After the coffee, I hung around soaking in the adrenaline. Then to get warm I dropped by the church and soaked up a different kind of feeling.

The race started and I’m off … doing an R5/W1 pace. Feeling pretty good. I hit the 10K mark and I’m 4 minutes ahead of pace for a 3:30 finish time. Feeling pretty good. Then at around 13-14K I start “noticing” my Achilles tendon / hamstring. This is not good … these are important for the hills that are coming up.

So I decide to slow down my pace to an R3/W1. I hit 20K and I’m still managing to keep up 2-3 mins ahead of pace. Then come the hills. I decide to walk up and run down. … Shortly after 20K I meet up with someone I know who’s walking the race. I stop and chat for a short time and then continue on.

At 21K I got a “burbly butt” feeling … I need a porta-potty and SOON! I spy one ahead … stop and wait for a bit … get in and … pass gas! For this I waited 2 minutes!

Now we’re at Valley Inn Road. Just before I got a high-five from the dwarf who’s always just before the hill cheering on the runners with “We are the Champions” blasting. Very cool … although this year he has a cane which he hasn’t had before. Now the hill … I’m walking … and yet I see people running up it … I call out “you guys are machines!” There’s a older fellow who tells me that his friend beat him years ago by walking up this hill and he himself ran it … it goes on forever … then we’re at the top.

Now there’s 4K to go … I’m trying to R3 but can’t sustain it the whole 3 … feeling tired, and my baby toes are now making themselves known. Blisters forming for sure. So I’m walking a bit and running a bit as much as I can. Now we’re at 29K … yippee the race is nearly done.

Although I see a poor woman with blood down the side of her shin. I stopped and asked what happened she said she has ‘foot fall’ and that she’d spent the last 10K hitting her ankle. I ask if she wants me to stay with her to finish … she says she just needs to get herself together but htanks me for stopping. Now I’m heading down into Copps … watching for the mat at the bottom since I DON”T want to fall again! Then I’m running across the finish line hat in hand … yippee! I did it in 3:34:58 … not half bad all things considered! Splits 1:10 at 10K and 2:21 at 20K.

As well ... I didn't mention that once again things at work are THE PITTS!!!!! So I went into this pretty darn stressed! Next up … Mississauga ½ marathon … and then the full in Ottawa … altho’ the boys and I are doing the 8K spring run off in High Park on April 7 … that should be fun!

Cheers

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Powerful Story ...

I heard this story last week ... quite powerful ... enjoy!

The Old Man and the Children
Once upon a time there was an old hermit who lived near a village. There were many stories and rumours about the hermit. These stories all spoke of the wisdom of the hermit. The children of the town enjoyed visiting this wise man and would spend countless hours trying to think of ways to stump him. They were never able to stump him.

One day they were determined to find a question that he could not answer. They captured a bird and said, "Now we will go to the old man and ask him what we have in our hands.” They did not think he would be able to tell it was a bird. But if he did they would ask “Is it alive or dead?’

And if the old man replies that the bird is dead we will uncup our hands and the bird will fly away and the old man will be wrong. If the old man replies that the bird is alive, we will simply crush the bird to death, and the old man will still be wrong."

The boldest of the children knocked on the door. The old man answered. The boy holding the bird said “What am I holding in my hands?” The old man watched carefully and saw a small feather wafting behind the boy’s back and so he answered “It is a bird.” The children were amazed! The boy then asked the second question, “Is it dead or alive?"

After a moment of deep thought, the old man looked at each of the children and stopped at the boy holding the bird. Looking into his eyes, the old man replied, "Young man, the answer is in your hands."

Monday, March 12, 2007

Exciting Week!

So the upcoming week promises to be pretty exciting!

Why? I hear you asking? ... Well I have 2 interviews this week ... and one I'm particularly excited about.

I have an interview today with World Vision Canada (www.worldvision.ca) ... they are a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. The position is Director of Organization Development, Human Resources. Right up my alley ... sort of a "missions by proxy" ... oh, so cool!

I also have another interview on Friday with Sunlife Financial ... that one also looks interesting.

That said, I'm truly enjoying working on the Values Based Code of Conduct ... it is soooooo rewarding to see people understand the concept that everyone is worthy of respect regardless of their role/job. It speaks to me on so many levels both personally and professionally.

Well ... wish me luck!

~ Shirley

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Chilly 1/2 Marathon Race Report

The Chilly 1/2 Marathon 2007 is now history. This was my 4th Chilly and my 11th half-marthon since I started running 4 and a bit years ago.

I got to the race at 8:30 so I could pick up my race kit early. The race itself didn't start until 10:05. It was completely sold out ... so there were TONS of runners hanging around the Travelodge hotel in downtown Burlington.

I got a cup of coffee (the race sponsor was Tim Horton's the patron saint of Canadian caffeine) and tried to stay warm(ish). I talked to a few people and then headed to the start line at 9:40. I really and truly wasn't expecting much ... just a finish. I was hoping for maybe a 2:30 finish but really not sure if I could do it.

My training had been rather lackluster ... not getting in the weekday runs but getting in the long runs on the weekend. Plus I'd been taking it easy on my long runs ... R5/W1 or even R3/W1 when the wind was up. And ... to add insult to injury I had my period.

So ... we start. I saw a few pace bunnies but decided I was going to run on my own using an R5/W1 strategy. I'm going along at a good pace feeling pretty good ... and I pass the 2:20 pace bunny. I hit 5K mark and I'm 2 1/2 minutes ahead of a 2:30 finish pace. But I'm feeling good .... so I say to myself ... okay try and slow it down a bit since you don't want to overdo it.Then I hit 10K and I'm 6 minutes ahead of pace ... and still feeling good. Now the funny thing is I usually have 2 gels with me on a 1/2 and I didn't check how many I had at home ... so the morning of the race I find I have one Tangerine Powergel with extra caffiene. I usually use Cliffshots Chocolate ... at around 11K i do the gel ... but I don't do all of it since it's not my usual gel.

I hit 16K ... and I'm 10 minutes ahead, still going and still feeling good ... and I STILL haven't seen the 2:20 bunny ... I realize I'm going to beat my 2:30 time ... I continue on ... 18K and i'm still going ... legs starting to feel a little tired but okay ... 19K ... look at my time and I'm at 2:05 ... I push on ... and finished in 2:20:49. Last year I ran with a bunny to pace me at R10/W1 and finished in 2:21:38 ... and I'm sure I was better trained last year.

The race gods smiled down on me ... so now ... bring on the ATB!

Shirley

Thursday, March 01, 2007

The Gift Economy

I came across this concept recently in my travels. It completely appeals to me ... and as a Christian I think it has inherent Christian overtones and invokes the basis of the early church really.

Here's the definition from (appropriately) Wikipedia :)

A gift economy is an economic system in which goods and services are given without any agreement for immediate or future compensation. This differs from a barter economy - in which there is an immediate or expected quid pro quo (the Latin term for the concept of "a favor for a favor").

Typically, a gift economy occurs in a culture which emphasizes social or intangible rewards for generosity: karma, honor, loyalty or other forms of gratitude. In some cases simultaneous or recurring gifting serves to circulate and redistribute valuables within a community. This can be considered a form of reciprocal altruism. In other cases, gifting is done without implicit expectation of reciprocation.

One of the possible benefits of a gift economy is that it can provide for the needs of some who have no current means with which to reciprocate. For example, if some in a society are so poor as to have nothing material to barter and no goods or money to bring to market, they can still receive charity if sufficient resources exist. Similarly, in the vast majority of societies, parents support their children at least in early childhood (and, in some societies, into adolescence and adulthood) without any explicit negotiation of what is expected in exchange.

Isn't that wonderful???

~ Shirley

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Guess I've been quiet lately ...

I've been quiet on my blog lately ... I plead busy ... school and work ... I'll try to post more.

But I did want to post this ... I "rediscovered" this song last night. It's from a WONDERFUL CD called "Voices from Heaven" and this song is sung by Andrea Bocelli. It was written by the French composer Eric Levi and is his "Hymn for the World". I never ceases to make me cry because it would be sooooooooooooooo wonderful if it could be achieved.

I remember when I heard this song just after September 11, 2001 ... it seemed completely unreachable.

Enjoy!

I Believe
One day I'll hear
the laugh of children
in a world where war has been banned

One day I'll see
men of all colours
sharing worlds of love and devotion.

Stand up and feel
the Holy Spirit,
find the power of your faith.

Open you heart
to those who need you
in the name of love and devotion.

Yes I believe

I believe in the people
of all nations
to join and carefor love.

I believe in a world
where light will guide us,
and giving our love
we'll make heaven on earth.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Really Great Article

I read this article by Bruce Mau in late December in the Walrus Magazine ... amazing.

I'd love to know your thoughts.

Shirley

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Christmas Questionnaire

I saw this on another blog ... nod to Jason :)

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg nog
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrapped of course!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I prefer yellow lights on a tree but since you can't get them anymore we have white on the tree and red in front of the house
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No
5. When do you put your decorations up? Early December
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Ummm ... not sure really
7. Favorite Holiday Memory Getting an engagement ring from Michael for Christmas.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Not really sure ... just sort of came aware of it ... likely around 10 ... I'm slow sometimes.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? NO! Wait until Christmas morning!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Lights first ... then the ornaments which are pretty much all small wooden ornaments with some glass. No tinsel or garland. It's a simple REAL tree. And there is NO theme!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE snow at Christmas
12. Can you ice skate? Haven't in 25 years or more!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My engagement ring
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? The reason for the season - Jesus
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? trifle
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? going to church Christmas Eve
17. What tops your tree? A Star
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving. Shopping for just the right gift ... love it. And the past few years we've sponsored a family through Mission Services so we shop for each child with thier requests, get something for the parents and supply Christmas dinner. It's SUCH a great feeling!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? What Child is This for traditional and for more contemporary It Wasn't His Child.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Welcome to 2007!

Well out with the old and in with the new ... it's now 2007!

Christmas and New Years are now done ... hard to believe. Hope you had a good Christmas we did ... and I even got a new digital camera for Christmas so I'll be able to post pictures ... YIPPEE!

Christmas Day we spent at my SIL's ... it was lovely and relaxing. Great fun playing with my niece and just hanging out.

Boxing Day I ran the annual 10-mile race and managed to do it in 1:51:22 despite having a brutal cold virus for weeks. This time was only 1:15 longer than my time 2 years ago.

New Years Eve we had our "annual" Pre-Party and this year over 40 people came! Yes there was a round of open houses in the neighbourhood this year so everyone was invited to ours as well. There's a reall sense of community in the neighbourhood which is really cool.

Resolutions ... I have a few:

DS, DH and I are going to do a "streak" ... we will walk or run at least 1 mile each and every day of 2007. So far we're good :
I will lose 5 pounds. I weight in at Weightwatchers on Dec 29 for my 5 year anniversary and I'm proud to say that I've stayed within my goal weight for 5 years. However over the past 3 years I've gained 5 lbs so it's time to take it off.

I've also figured on my race calendar for the year ...

March - Chili 1/2 Marathon and Around the Bay 30K

April - Urban Burn 1/2 Marathon (?) or the Mississauga 1/2 - I haven't decided

May - Mississauga 1/2 Marathon (?) and National Capital full Marathon

August - Edmonton 1/2 Marathon

September - either Scotiabank 1/2 Marathon or 25K Run for the Toad

November - Hamilton 1/2 Marathon

December - Las Vegas Marathon

Should be a full year eh?

Cheers

Shirley

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Christmas is DAYS away ...

And I'm NOT done yet! I hope to get the last few things tonight after work ... in the meantime ... here's a photo of me in my new stylish glasses ...

Friday, December 08, 2006

So it's been a while ...

I guess it's been a while since my last post ... well I've been busy AND sick at the same time. I developed a virus just after my last post and it's STILL lingering on ...

I have registered (I think) for a 10 miler on Boxing Day ... and I've got a 5K with DS and DH this weekend.

And I got new glasses ... they are quite stylish if I do say so myself.

Hard to believe Christmas is almost here ... gotta get moving!

Ciao for now

~ Shirley

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Which Superhero are You?

Nod to Jason

Your results:
You are Robin

Monday, October 30, 2006

Saturday & Story

Well we had our Community Clean-up Day on Saturday ... and despite the weather (which was AWFUL) we had 90 people from 10 different churches come and clean up the core! It was quite a day!!! Really neat ... all the different people all working together!

Also ... I came across this story recently and thought I'd share ...
The Two Wolves

A young native boy came to visit his grandfather. The grandfather could see that the boy was troubled but they boy didn't want to talk. To help, the grandfather told his grandson about a fight that had been going on inside him for many years.

He said it was a battle between two wolves. One wolf was black. This wolf was full of anger, envy, sorrow, greed, arrogance, resentment, lies and false pride. The other wolf is a white wolf. He described this wolf as being full of joy, peace, love, hope, sincerity, humility, kindness, generosity, truth and compassion.

The grandfather said, "It is hard to live with these wolves inside me. Both of them seek to dominate my spirit."

The boy said that this sounded like what was troubling him. He thought for a moment and then asked "Grandfather, which wolf will win? The black one or the white one?"

The grandfather answered simply, "The one I feed."

Which wolf do you feed?

~ Shirley

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Good news ... and bad news ...

So there's good news and bad news ...

First the good news ... I got an A on my first paper for school! Since I hadn't written "scholarly" for over 5 years I was a teeny bit anxious. Not worried just anxious ... but yep 84% which is an A. And the comments were ... "Convincing argument, good integration of ideas and application - well written. Excellent intro, interesting points made and well researched." Yeah for me ... now I just need to learn to write in APA style ...

And ... this weekend I'm in a skit at church ... and the cool part is I wrote it! Here's the script ...

40 Days of Growth – Drama – Not getting hands dirty.

Setting: Mohawk College horticulture class.

Larry: Hi, I’m Larry.

Jane: Hi, I’m Jane. (Shakes hands) You’re new aren’t you? I haven’t seen you before. Is it your first class? Are you nervous? Don’t worry. You’ll be fine. I’ve taken a few courses.

Larry: Oh, so you’re an old hand at flowers and plants are you?

Jane: Yes, in fact I’ve taken 6 courses so far.

Larry: So what kind of things are covered in this course?

Jane: Oh, you’ll learn all sort of different things. Plant identification, some information on herbal medicine, soil characteristics, gardening tools, differences between trees and plants, herbs and flowers and the ecology of different plants. Do you watch gardening shows on TV? What’s your favourite?

Larry: I do watch a few. What about you?

Jane: Do you watch Gardeners Diary? And what about The City Gardner? You know since I live in the City I think it’s great. Matt James gives such great ideas for small yards. Have you watched Outdoor Spaces? It’s good. She does gardening makeovers. It’s amazing to see what can be achieved. Do you read gardening books?

Larry: I’ve read a few.

Jane: You really should get the New Ontario Gardener because it’s all about Ontario gardens so it’s really applicable. And you simply must listen to Ed Lawrence on Ontario Today on CBC Radio. He’s so approachable and answers questions so well. I’ve also read tons of books on gardening. So, what’s your favourite flower?

Larry: Hostas are easy and Black Eyed Susans.

Jane: Ah, rudbeckia. Yes, I like that one too. It’s lovely and hardy since it’s a native plant. Its drought resistant, heat resistant and adds great winter interest with its seedpod heads. It’s also great in poor soil and can grow in either full sun or part-shade. I’m also fond of Echinacea, how about you?

Larry: Echinacea? Oh the medicine?

Jane: Oh yes it’s a medicine but it the Latin names for Purple Coneflower. You should learn the Latin names because they are the “official” botanical name. I usually use the Latin simply because its easier to refer to a specific plant that way. Rudbeckia is the Latin name for Black Eyed Susan and Echinacea is the Latin name

Larry: WOW … you sure know a lot.

Jane: Oh, I don’t know. I just really enjoy flowers and plants.

Larry: You sure must. I’ll bet you have an enormous garden.
Jane: Oh no, I don’t have a garden.

Larry: Oh, you must live in an apartment. Do you container garden?

Jane: No, I don’t garden.

Larry: You don’t garden? But you know so much about plants. Why on earth don’t you have a garden?

Jane: Well, I don’t like worms and I really don’t like getting my hands dirty. I’m much happier reading about flowers in books and talking about plants. I don’t need to garden to enjoy flowers do I?

Larry: Do you spend a lot on cut flowers?

Jane: No, not really. I actually prefer artificial flowers at home. They don’t die and always look nice. You can get some really nice ones from Michael’s Craft Store.

Larry: But aren’t you missing the point?

Jane: Oh, I don’t think so. I can look at lovely silk flowers, they match my décor. Plus I have some lovely photographs of flowers on my walls that also match my decor.

Larry: So you have all this knowledge and passion for flowers but you’re content with artificial flowers and two-dimensional images?

Jane: Yes.

Larry: Oh … I think I’m in the wrong class.

Now the bad news ... IT SNOWED TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw snow ... albeit teeny little flakes but it was SNOW ... in OCTOBER ... mid-October ... and after a Monday that got up to 21 ... quite the shock.

Cheers

~ Shirley

Friday, October 06, 2006

Wedding Photos!

In September my dear friend Patti got married. In her honour myself and three friends from the Ministry of Labour who also worked with Patti wore shalwars. (When we worked with Patti she had a shalwar and declared on Friday to be "Shalwar Day" so we all wore shalwars to work!).

It was a lovely wedding ... here are some pics from the wedding.

The Shalwars ~ Lovely and Colourful Eh?

The Wedding Cake

The Happy Couple