My favourite book of all time is Mitch Albom's Tuesdays With Morrie, in which a dying man is imparting the wisdom of his years to a former student/friend. It is poignant and intelligent in every sense. "The truth is, once you learn how to die, you learn how to live." I wondered what I might … Continue reading My Truth
Waiting
I had fairly good news from the nurse at the Breast Center Clinic. At this point, my cancer is at an early stage, and I will likely be getting a lumpectomy. Treatment following that will depend on various factors. This is the nurse's take on things after reviewing my biopsy, but the definitive information won't … Continue reading Waiting
My Way
We are all unique individuals and respond to situations in our own ways. I have openly told people about my breast cancer diagnosis, and I’m sure some people think that I should not be sharing this private health matter. I know many who have chosen an alternate route, and that is fine, but for me, … Continue reading My Way
Response to Tariff War
This weekend saw the beginning of a trade war with the USA. Unlike, our premier, I am much more than disappointed-I am furious-with Trump, with his supporters, with the unpatriotic Canadians who are choosing to side with the MAGA crowd who know or care little about our great country. I have a few random comments. … Continue reading Response to Tariff War
The Personal Will
We have all heard stories of families feuding or even splitting up over wills. Sometimes, it is not the cash or property that people squabble over; rather, it is the sentimental things -the ornament, the teapot, the crocheted toilet roll holder, that is the object of desire. I am in the process of writing a … Continue reading The Personal Will
Educated-Not Elite
Populism is increasing in Canadian society with the idea that there are two classes of citizens-the ‘people’ and the ‘elite’. One of the descriptors of being elite is ‘educated’. Somehow, being educated apparently makes you a threat to society. As an ex-teacher I reject this ideology. Education may take many forms. Post-secondary does not have … Continue reading Educated-Not Elite
Angels Among Us
Being human means you have hard times, low times, sad times, and it is at these difficult points in your life that you see your family and friends step up to help. Sometimes, it is a dedicated and compassionate professional-a teacher who listens and points you in a safer direction, a nurse who has a … Continue reading Angels Among Us
Lessons Learned Part 1
LIFE LESSONS In the next few blogs I am going to reflect on some life lessons…those sometimes minor incidents that changed my thinking-sometimes in a positive way-sometimes not. TEACHING-In. The Beginning Over the 30+years of my teaching career I taught every grade in some capacity. I started at the old age of 29 with three … Continue reading Lessons Learned Part 1
Not Necessarily the ‘Good Old Days’
I often hear people in my generation talk about the ‘good old days’ and how everything was so great ‘back in the day’. I’m sometimes guilty of this, too, and think part of the motivation is to proclaim our relevance. Part of it is also nostalgia. I like to reflect back on earlier days of … Continue reading Not Necessarily the ‘Good Old Days’
Don’t!
Parents have a big job. Number one is for their offspring to become good people. Many of our deep-down values come from our childhood teaching, but in my case, it wasn’t so much ‘teaching’ as it was acquiring. I can’t say my parents ever sat me down and said, “Do this because…”. There were a … Continue reading Don’t!
Recycled Reminders
I said there would be no resolutions for me for 2024; been there, done that, but somehow, my personality just won’t let me be. I automatically start thinking of how I can improve myself and my life. I’m a starter, but not much of a finisher. I have tried so many things and abandoned them … Continue reading Recycled Reminders
Mondays with Mary-Lee 