paulinefogarty

In the News

2011-05-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

I am impressed with the news coverage of world events as of late. My sources of news are many, but lately mainstream news has been more interesting. I love CBC for the Newshour and it is interesting to watch the wedding and the happenings with Osama and Obama. CTV is good in the mornings for Canada AM. It is good to watch the political talks with the special guests and I always find tidbits of predicting information engaging. I also enjoy watching channel 7 news to get information about the states. Channel 13 is also a good source of information and is based in the states. I am getting into the states news lately because it is more hopeful in some ways. However, I would hope that we would never celebrate a death. I simply mean that they have a heads up with more left wing politics.

There are other sources of information I find interesting along with the news. The show 'The Doctors' is good for health-related information and 'Regis and Kelly' is good for entertainment news. Shaw TV is a staple that proves to be interesting in almost every way. Every time I watch, and sometimes re-watch, I gain more information about local happenings and events. It is the best source of information lately and has improved a lot and will continue to improve. If I want to forget about real life for a while, channel 30 or TVO which has stories about real life expeditions are channels in which I'm finding an interest. There was this one show about scuba divers which makes me wonder how some people are so adventurous. TVO also has shows with Steve Paikin which address news topics in an editorial way. I was scared of him for the longest time when I was younger but now I find him intersting.

Masters Project

2011-04-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

I just spoke with my sister about my Master's project idea and she gave me some good ideas. I was thinking I wanted to study the formats of mental health projects who partner with higher education institutions and community. I wanted to look at The New Mentality (www.cmho.org), Mind Your Mind (www.mindyourmind.ca), Mobilizing Minds (www.mobilizingminds.ca), and Active Minds (www.activeminds.org) as models of mental health organizing for anti-stigma. I am interested in learning more about research so one of my professors gave me a book on research and might take me on to help with research in the fall. I really want to free up some time to commit to this because it would be very relevant to my learning future. If I could, I would like to start an Active Minds chapter at Lakehead University, although my sister warned me about this being too elementary for a graduate level project. Something like getting a Mobilizing Minds project started is a bit more difficult because it involves professors committing to dedicating time to get the group started. Right now, emotionally, figureatively, and literally, I am looking at preparing not only myself, but others for the undertaking that will be happening in a year. My sister has said that she did nothing but read even during her undergrad. A lot of other things in my life are going to take a back seat. It's a rigorous process and takes a lot of focus to complete a Master's in Social Work. I'm not resisting, but I am going back to the basics for sure when it happens. Even next year, the preparation begins and I need to rethink my summer and what I am dedicating my time to. Preparation means making changes and working hard. I want to ask my professors a lot of questions, really read the material, and come prepared to get to the next learning level and really improve my education.

Workshop at DFC on Addiction and Sexuality

2011-04-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, with three other RMYC members, I attended the third workshop of a series called "Girl time," targetted towards girls at Dennis Franklin Cromarty high school for Aboriginal boarding students. The workshop was not only a chance for the girls to gain knowledge about the topics of addiction and sexuality, but was a chance to connect and share experiences among participants. The first workshop was done by a Master's student and retired addictions counsellor. They went over the effects of alcohol on the medicine wheel aspects of emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health as well as prevention using the 7 grandfather teachings which are wisdom, truth, respect, love, honesty, humility and bravery. She also talked about some of the pharmacological effects, such as withdrawal, tolerance, and physical dependence, and psychological dependence as well. She ended by going over the different types of drugs and their effects. The second workshop was done by a police officer who has been with the Thunder Bay police for 20 years. He spoke about healthy relationships. He advised that if anyone is in an abusive relationship, they tell their partner, "you've got to get with it. i'm too important to be treated this way and if you don't get with it, I'm leaving." He went into a bit about what the police force does about cases involving domestic violence and the importance of reaching out for any sort of help you can if you are in an abusive situation. The next workshop is Monday night from 4:00 to 8:00pm. Today there is a conference at DFC for high school students. It starts at 12pm and will run until 5pm with a meeting at 5pm for interested participants. The meeting will go until 9pm. There is also an open mic at the Learning cafe at 5pm that goes until 8pm.

Act Out Conference - Tremendous Success

2011-04-09T04:29:00.000-07:00

I thouroughly enjoyed the Act Out conference put on my Gender Issues last Saturday. Sometimes a smaller turnout is okay when you generate good discussion. There was a workshop on mental health in the morning and this inspired me to come up with a plan for action around local mental health. Although there are other groups, I have not heard anything about recent events. I am still holding on to the dream of forming a club on campus, perhaps for my Master's project I can work on this. Just an idea. The second workshop was a workshop about WUSC, the student refugee program at LU that brings in several refugees each year straight from their camps. There was a chilling video and the workshop represented the importance of expanding your mind and trying something new. Next, there was a cultural diversity workshop where we talked about what are commonalities are despite differences, represented by different colored jelly beans. Ending off, we finished with a workshop about Aboriginal activism. I'm sad to have ended my placement at the Gender Issues Centre, but I'm moving forward with other things. I have committed to a job at a Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre as well as hopefully doing placement in mental health next year. I will try to remain involved in the Gender Issues Centre because I enjoyed it so much. I purchased a Good Food Box which I encourage anyone who likes good food to do. They are $12 for a single and $20 for a family and can be purchased in the early part of the month at Northern Women's Centre and many other sites, including GIC during the school year. GIC is closing for the winter, but will be back in full force.

Act Out Social Justice Conference

2011-03-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

The LUSU Centres are hosting a Social Justice Conference addressing topics such as stigma and barriers towards mental health, International refugee student experience, Aboriginal activism, and Cultural Diversity. The event is geared towards high school students, though we have opened it up to any students or youth. It will be a wonderful opportunity to interact with University students and gain some skills in anti-oppression and social activism. I'm thinking anyone would love to attend this free event with lunch provided. If you're thinking of going to Lakehead or would like to know more about student life and social change, please sign up! You won't be disappointed. The event is on Saturday, April 2nd at the Lakehead Regional Centre near the Outpost from 10am-5pm http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=170678659646180 Facebook event is here. https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&ndplr=1&AuthEventSource=SSO&formkey=dFV6NVdtSHhCNUpxdUtvTks1OVlsR2c6MQ Event registration is here.

LU Radio

2011-03-25T20:08:00.001-07:00

This week is the funding drive for LU Radio, Thunder Bay's only campus and community radio station http://www.luradio.ca I just spent an hour listening in on the Fun night featuring host Ryan Trush of Lipstick and Leather to kick the week of activities off. There was also special guests on my friend Gloria Ranger's show "Happy Hour" this morning. Gloria is always a delight to listen to. Her husband, Robin Ranger, hosts a favorite show, it is jazz vinyl from the late 20s to early 30s. It is fantastic! He is performing at the wrap up event this Friday, April 1st at the Finlandia. Doors will open and there will be great Indian food at 7:30pm, cooked by LUs volunteer team. I'll be there dancing all night. There will be a wonderful lineup including DJ Luv. DJ Luv was broadcasting live from the outpost today at lunch as part of the week's events. He is a great local DJ and founder of the Sugar Shakedown which is one of Thunder Bay's most attended regular music scene events. Also, you can donate this week to help fund LU's radio station to keep it going. There was a point that they thought it might stop running, but they brought it back. You can get a shout out on LU radio for a donation of as little as $2 and then a donation of $10 will get you a back with the LU radio logo on it.

Another radio station that I like is Vancouver's only Coop radio station, also 102.7 http://www.coopradio.org/ My favorite shows on this station are "She-Boom" and "F-word." It's a really need concept with this station because there are different hosts every show for "She-Boom" so you get a variation of music. I also enjoy CBC radio 2 http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/ and especially when they play Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain." I wake up to this station and listen to the jazz on my way home. When I took driving lessons, one piece of advice from my in-car instructor was to listen to jazz along the way because he said I drive much better with it. I have trouble seeing at night, so I'll take any help I can get. But, sometimes when the reggae beats are on LU radio, I need to switch to that. I have CBC on at home quite a bit, especially because LU radio does not come through on the alarm clock. Somehow, when I'm listening to music on the radio at home alone, everything is okay. I also enjoy the radio all day at placement at the Gender Issues Centre. Radio is my main source of music and it always have been. I remember times in my life when all I would do was listen to the radio and sing every song and dance to every beat. It drove my parents mad, but I was crazy for music. I want it to push again, that love of music. Music is life.

Social Media as Tool for Action

2011-03-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

I'm so impressed with the amount of time I can spend on twitter and not get bored. I have found it's use and made it work for me. I love blog sites too, and because twitter is so successful at engaging people across distances, and facebook helps the activist and action-oriented community thrive, as a blogger, I see a future in unmarketing my events and activities. I want to blog on this site about the events that are coming up in my community and talk about them afterwards using this forum. It is not far from being a useful tool for community change, but for me it is only beginning.

I have yet to learn the uses of facebook in my life, because I get lost in other people's lives. With twitter and blogger, I feel more control. I can choose the knowledge that I am consuming. I think large text and small text are two entirely different things, and you need both. I have used facebook up until now as a way to keep in touch with friends and find out about local events, but posted very little content. It's not long before I begin to be as active on facebook as I am on twitter. On twitter, I post for http://www.twitter.com/mobilizingminds and http://www.twitter.com/genderissues as well as my own http://www.twitter.com/paulinefogarty ... sometimes I feel like my life is spent on twitter.

I'm rekindling the blogging flame in my life and this is a good start. I have a goal to blog at least twice a week. So, I hope that I can begin to exchange blog names with some interesting bloggers. Where are you? I know you're there.

Two other great Northern social media sites are www.sevenyouthmedia.com and www.wawataynews.com ... they make me smile!

Simplifying Life

2011-02-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” - Socrates

It feels good to decide once in a while to get rid of many things. What does that feeling come from? It is difficult to determine what the meaning is in buying things in the first place if this is the case. What has made me want to stop buying is the feeling that comes with not feeling lured in by being sold things. If anyone is trying to sell me something, there is no joy in the little things that should make me happy.

Stuff would not be needed if there was more appreciation for low cost living. I've come into contact with people who have found ways to find only the things they need to keep rid of the junk and have more happiness with simplicity. It is a shift in thinking and the only cure for obsessive buying and hoarding is embracing hard work and not striving for short-lived excitement or unhealthy habits.

There are ways to enjoy life and treat yourself too. If the treat would make me feel bad after endulging, then it is no treat. "Till Debt do Us Part," is an amazing show that brings light to the fact that the way most people live which is in debt or from paycheck to paycheck can be avoided by changing your lifestyle. Van Oxlade suggests that you cut up your credit cards and debit cards if you're inclined to buy.

What's laughable is these stories about the people who spend to the point of debt are the people who have the most. Living happy is living without all the fixings. If you can find ways to contribute and work hard in a fast paced society without falling into the pattern of overconsumption and over-spending, you can have the peace of mind knowing that you can never get enough of what you don't really need.

Starting new

2011-02-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

I think it's time for a change. I'm not sure what my future holds, but I woke up recently, much like the lead character in "Unknown". He undergoes a transnformation when he comes to the realization that he has lost his memory and now has to live with the consequences of someone else's life and feels a responsibility towards humanity. I have come to realize that what matters to me most is not what I originally thought.

It is interesting to note that the major players in finding my new self were my job for Mobilizing Minds, my placement, and the goal of doing a Master's degree in Social Work. Refreshed after a week long break from school, there will be new motivation to undertake more responsibility in these fields and accept that what mattered to me in my past will not always hold true to be important. I have changed because I am more dedicated to producing outcomes that are satisfying, creative, and driven. I want to learn more about the new me by seeking out opportunities that bring me closer to her.

Finding that self has been impacted by my paper on concurrent disorders and Aboriginal youth. And, my first step in bringing it all together will be going to the youth centre meeting on "Drug Buzz", which will be a workshop this next week at Dennis Franklin Cromarty. It is an opportune time to commit to something that is related to my interests and overall mission to sustain and improve the mental health of myself and others through action-oriented feminist projects. The next step is also defining my role in the Girl Empowerment program at the youth centre. I have come to terms with the fact that, like the lead role in the movie, "Unknown," there are pieces of my past that I need to fix with this new found knowledge that I can change my surroundings by changing my mind. I would love to bring a cause, but sometimes it's better to take it all in before making a decision or articulating my idea.

May 17 World Information Communication Technology Day

2010-05-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

I have been using computers regularly since the early days of internet when I was in Gr. 7. I have a love of exploring, but also being a part of communities and creating content. Lately, with web 2.0, I have fallen in love with the networks that I have over social networking sites, and the ability we have to follow RSS feeds about anything of interest and comment on articles, blogs, poetry and stories. What you can believe, you can realize over web 2.0.

I have always dreamed of a site like facebook where I could find my old friends from my hometown because I had become so distant from them over the years. It is amazing to know communicate with people I haven't seen for several years. It is thrilling that there are channels of communication for different things, facebook for personal use, twitter for organizational use, and linked in for professional use. And, with the world of internet, uses for social networking are all beautifully mixed and matched.

In reality, there is no limit to the amount of things you can do over the internet. Once I find something that interests me, pursuing it is the easy part, but creatively expressing myself over the site takes time. TakingITGlobal.org is a great place for me, because it is an international community which takes issues which are important to me and makes them active where in my community they are dormant sometimes. It takes a lot to find your niche over the internet as sometimes there is so much content, almost to a fault. But, at tigweb.org I can be a part of a community that challenges me to think, act, invent, and dream. Everyone is so far away, but the energy perpetuates into the Multicultural Youth Centre in Thunder Bay where I work. What's impressive is the different mediums of involvement such as the following: project pages, group pages, organization pages, the global gallery, discussion boards, blogs, commitments, and regional pages to name some of the available networks. The organization is so far-reaching that there are 295,749 members in 261 countries. There is someone active on every interest possible and the possibilities are limitless.

I have recently come into contact with web-casting and that is another great communication tool, especially for rural communities. In rural communities up North, many do not have internet access, so we would do very well to have broadband internet access as is being proposed by the opposition government. Wouldn't it be great if everyone had a home internet to contribute their views and values? My dream is to find those who are impacted by the digital divide locally and then use the internet to advocate for equal access to information communication technologies.

Panorama Submission – Health and Wellness: How are Communities Affected by Illness?

2010-05-09T18:20:00.001-07:00

What do you think the leading cause of death is in Northwestern Ontario? Vehicle-related accidents? Cancer? Gang Violence? The reality is, suicide takes the most lives as a preventable, but deadly community issue. Due to isolation, there is a lack of trained mental health workers, lack of inclusion, lack of confidence, lack of discussions about the topic, and lack of strength among youth to overcome the dangers.

The Aboriginal rate of suicide is 5 times that of non-Aboriginal. Ontario Aboriginal suicide rate was named one of the highest in the world in 2000, when Pikanjikum had 8 girls commit suicide, some as young as 13 and 27 suicides in the Treaty 9 communities. ‘City Natives’ face issues such as gangs, prostitution, poverty, lack of education and substance abuse. A strong activist on Aboriginal issues and Executive Director for the Multicultural Association of Northwestern Ontario stated, “Poverty, homelessness, addictions, a lack of education, and unemployment make many Aboriginal youths moving to the city vulnerable.”

More recently, the students from reserves who attend Dennis Franklin Cromarty in Thunder Bay face an increased risk of suicide. There have been six deaths among school students since the school opened in 2000. Without proper welcoming among city citizens, students feel discriminated against, face homelessness, loneliness and poverty, making it difficult to concentrate on school. These young people have so many stories that we are going to hear in the years to come, much like we are now talking about residential schools. It is truly culture shock when youth leave a small fly-in community that is often less populated than the school they attend in the city, forcing many to constantly think about suicide which is a sign of struggles which needs to be addressed.

Cultural and spiritual teachings were found to be most helpful for suicide prevention options by the Suicide Prevention Coalition’s “Youth Voice” report which came out in April, 2010, after consultations in city high schools with secondary students. “Be proud of who you are” exclaimed an Aboriginal youth on a Thunder Bay Television news segment on the releasing of the report. More activities available for youth was also a recommendation found to be important. Another change that needs to take place is access to professional supports and resources, including online, print, and telephone.

Another suggestion among Dennis Franklin Cromarty students was to have a school resource centre and student residence where students can talk to a counsellor, supervisor or trained peer-helpers. The recent drowning of Reggie Bushie raised many concerns which led to broadcasts such as the one on The Agenda with Steve Paiken:

http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=3&action=blog&subaction=viewpost&blog_id=323&post_id=12040

Soon after, another student named Kyle Morriseau raised concern among many adults in the community. Students also suggest that First Native community Bands could select peer responders from each community to watch over other students and report to the school liaison on what is happening with students at school. Potential problems can be reported before things get worse.
Seeking Bimaadiziiwin, a film of Thunderstone productions, is one account of what it is like to have depression in a Northern community. Visit www.firstnationinitiative.ca to learn more. These types of youth social empowerment through film are fundamental to the involvement of the community as a whole.
Another potential help would be the broadband internet access for the North which is discussed more and more in political circles. Youth out-reach workers, protection services, and respite were recommended in a youth consultation with the Child & Youth Advocate office at the Multicultural Youth Centre

The idea of meeting the youth where they are could mean sharing traditions, providing support, or contributing money. But, that does not solve the problem. We would benefit from dealing with the issue and realizing there is a lot more everyone could be doing.

Moffat Makuto presents that Aboriginal youth need the following things: “A warm reception to help them stay in school, and a caring attitude can give them hope for a better life. This can be the catalyst to deal with the pain of abuse and neglect, break the cycle of addictions, and avoid negative lifestyles to cope with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness.”

What Does Youth Engagement Mean to Me?

2010-05-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

I have learned youth are resilient and with support can reach their dreams. I believe youth are waiting for someone to reach out and nurture their growth. With my engagement in the Regional Multicultural Youth Council in Thunder Bay, I have found a niche where what happens is a direct result of our involvement and our involvement is an indicator of success. We are fruitful in our operations and there are always challenges and exceptions to complete direct impact into the community, but we stand up for what matters as a team. The group is always better than the individual and peer support centres are a great space to express ideas when you’re on your way to adulthood.

Children now come into our youth centre as an active member of programming, and we welcome the younger ones. An example program is the Girl Power group where we are concerned with interactive education about gender-specific issues. The centre is also a place where children can interact over the internet, learn skills and share experiences with this emerging and influential forum. Children also have rights at the centre. They have choices, exhibit influence and grow up with mentors and positive peer leaders. I want every child to have a happy childhood, regardless of the violence, discrimination, bullying, and other challenges they face to limit access to opportunities which other children have.

Freedom of expression is encouraged in our centre. I remember the first time I walked into the youth centre in Thunder Bay and how distant I felt at that time from the person I had meant to be. This type of atmosphere where everyone is accepted was something I had only dreamed of at age 15. Now, twelve years later, there is not a thing that I regret from being involved at the youth centre. I think it is because I can almost grasp this image of everything I had hoped to be from the beginning that I want to share this love of my community with the world.
In a world where there are so many young people who feel lost, I feel extremely lucky to have adult allies who defend our youth voice and are enthusiastic to advocate for our message. When I become an adult, I want to find a way to give back all the support which I have received. I want to thank everyone at the Regional Multicultural Youth Council who have made me who I am and developed my future goals.

World Press Freedom

2010-05-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

Do we create the news? I wonder sometimes how many countries limit the expression of newscasters and reporters. The government and corporations may limit what we see and hear through the news, radio and print media. The American news covers a lot more about the world than the Canadian news. Sometimes I think we’re stuck in a bubble. Is this seclusion caused by the many dangers in reporting some of the world’s danger zones, where news is hard to come by? In truth, we are missing a piece of the puzzle and those who seek to risk their lives in order to raise awareness about the horrors of war and combat are truly making change.

I think that freedom of expression is important and the internet allows us to choose which stories we want to pass by our eyes, minds and heart. In a sense, this is freedom of consumption. We also have the opportunity to censure, not censor, the stories that are biased or discriminatory. Our voice matters as consumers and the majority of readers and listeners control the message. We can hold the media accountable to do their job of expressing both sides of the story and highlighting the matters that are of most concern to our communities. We may create the media by submitting news that we feel is important and writing letters to the editor to encourage dialogue around controversial issues. In this way, we may generate discussion on topics we would like to see dealt with and problems we would like changed. Everyone can be a reporter with new online technologies such as web 2.0.

It is encouraging that World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd) is in place to raise awareness about the injustices that prevent certain countries from expressing the truths that the public deserves. We need to work with the church and government in order to display proper coverage of real news. The power of big business to influence the messages we hear could be as dangerous as some of the military forces which prevent cameras in some countries. Educate yourself through watching the news, but think critically about it. Those who create the news are not always concerned about the public. If you sift through the messages, clearly you will find independent media sources. Try to follow at least three independent media sites so that you can challenge the mainstream message being emphasized. Imagine a world where everyone is a respected newsmaker, through stories, songs, artwork, and media. Start an independent newsletter about a topic of interest to you. Include articles from friends, family, and mentors. Shout it! Your message matters.

Mental Health and Crime

2010-04-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.tbnewswatch.com/entertainment/89464/Speaking-out-
There was an event at the local sports dome in Thunder Bay to release a report on youth suicide. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has a Suicide Prevention Committee who have been meeting with the youth, particularly those in boarding homes who have travelled from Northern Aboriginal communities to attend high school in Thunder Bay. These Aboriginal youths have six times the average rate for suicide. In Pikanjikum, the rate of suicide is staggering. Four suicides took place in three months January-March of this year.

The suicide prevention task force is truly a force in this city. Their report outlines the findings of focus groups with students in seven local high schools. When the community youth are consulted, there is bound to be positive changes. It helps to have a group dedicated to this issue specifically in rural Northern Ontario because the rates are cause for concern. The youth were on the local news with a message that the youth voice is integral to solving the problem. 'Youth need to be listened to,' said Sheila Hansen, Public Health Nurse with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and she included that the peer-to-peer approach is the most effective.

There is still a long way to go to improve mental health services in Thunder Bay, but changes are rapidly taking place. The Suicide Prevention Task Force is made up of nearly all of the community and institutional mental health agencies and has been working to raise awareness and solicit input from youth.

High School Bullying and Mental Health

2010-04-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20100418/ISSUE01/304189972
http://www.activeminds.org/

At high schools in Thunder Bay, the board officials along with teachers and staff have initiated a program called "Natural Helpers". The young people who become trained "Natural Helpers" are selected by their classmates and initiate referral, support, and peer responding for those who are being bullied, need extra assistance with stress, have mental health concerns, or simply need someone to talk to. The students who are trained gain skills in facilitation, leadership, and social services. Those who would like to become involved in the community, partner with outside organizations and further the work of mental health agencies and their counterparts.

The above link on bullying in schools is rather scary as it deals with youth suicide due to bullying. Because the media has covered so many stories about youth suicide, it is important to address the youth directly and encourage expression of feelings and coping mechanisms to get through the challenges facing students. Young adults in schools in the United States have "Active Minds" (the above link), which is an on-campus student-run club which has connections across campuses, even in Canada. Though many post-secondary campuses could use a similar structure, there is still a stigma about starting mental health clubs or being involved in mental health organizing within schools.

Since the young people are coming up with the increased awareness about the importance of mental health in their lives, I think we are going to see a surge of mental health organizations within Universities in the next generation of students. It is going to become a strong movement, and Mobilizing Minds: Pathways to Young Adult Mental Health is at the forefront of massive changes:

the growing number of young adults struggling with depression/anxiety
the increasing use of online technologies to express oneself and find coping mechanisms
the movement towards a National Mental Health Strategy

It could be a possible project to start up Active Minds chapters in Universities next school year. Active Minds has website resources for those wanted to start a club, as well as support and even a conference for young adults to share ideas, and gain support. Lakehead University doesn't have a club. It would seem like the logical think to do to link up with other Universities to achieve a common vision: mental health positive change in linked Universities.

Reviving my TIG

2010-03-29T13:55:00.001-07:00

(Canada)I am TakingITGlobal.tigweb.org

Special Days in 2009 - mmmemories

2009-12-30T18:17:00.000-08:00

Earth day - took residents to an eco superior event by a river
New Year's Day and Christmas Eve 2009 - spent at home with family
Earth hour - saw children yelling "earth hour" running down darkened street
Canada day - helped at the Marina for a cultural mosaic out of paint, tile, and cocking glue
International Day for Children's Rights - met with the Child & Youth Advocate office
International Food Security Day - picked from a hat to have my lunch in "Africa"
International Day to end Violence Against Women - attended a beautiful candle-lit ceremony
LU events: Lights concert, Disco Night
Wax Philosophic shows: summer fun at Black Pirates and Jack's and holiday fun fo sure
Perspectives in Social Thought 2nd test - really challenging, but fulfilling
Status of Women Award ceremony - A day in parliament and lunch with Michael Ignatieff

Looking forward to starting my year off right in 2010: JPs concert, Gloria's candle light party, Derelicte Haute Cotour Fashion

2010 New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

School Try-to's

Commit weekdays to school work and library study sessions
Attend all my classes and labs

Work Try-to's

Blog on Mobilizing Minds project site twice a week
Communicate often with my supervisors

Personal Try-to's

Cross-train for an hour each day
Dedicate an hour a week to critical self-reflection

Healthy Good Food

2009-12-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

I care about carrots. I like broccili. Somehow vegetables move me because there is so much energy in greens. These are ways to eat healthier I'm going to try to follow in the New Year:
1. Drink more water.
2. Eat a staple food with every meal.
3. Eat three meals a day with snacks in between meals.
4. Stay away from the junk foods.
5. Eat a large breakfast.
6. Cut down on fat.
Brain food is important when I'm at school, so exploring new avenues for snacking is another goal. I want to try to eat local foods as much as possible. Also, I can exercise all I want, but if I'm not eating the right nutrients, my body will not gain ground. There is a connection between how I feel and what I put in me. Portion sizing is important too. Lately I haven't been counting my calories, but when I start the New Year right at the gym I'll need to be more aware.

Thunder Bay Local Music Scene

2009-12-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

It seems that a good performer in Thunder Bay is part of a tight knit community. There is www.tbshows.com that draws in a lot of frequent concert-goers to see all of the local acts. Hip hop seems to be emerging as a strong draw of the crowds. Some of the bands in the other genres often have a favorite gig spot and the main 'place to go' changes.

We have everything from rock to hip hop to reggae to metal with bands like Auditor General, Wax Philosophic, Last Night, and Norris. These are a few of my favorites. Then there's the type of music that appears at shags and big locations. These are the big bands that pull in many different types of listeners.

I'm most impressed by watching bands, but when it's early morning and there's a DJ, give me someone who reads their audience. It doesn't matter if they're mixing, scatching, or electronic. Truth is, if it's got a beat and you can dance, it works.

My Dog Carlos

2009-12-25T14:04:00.000-08:00

I've never seen anyone so excited about Christmas as Carlos the white fluffball. He's a coton de tulear and his hair is really long and cute now. He came down the stairs at full speed and jumped around as soon as he saw the wrapping paper. He got to open one last night from me (a stuffed jingly cow). He jumped right up and stuck his nose in the gift and tugged at his new toys.

Today, he got a dental bone toy and he was chewing on that for a while before he began putting his toys away in his basket. He's a neat dog. Right away, we shared a moment. I've known him since he was a pup and now he's 5. He wanted his tummy rubbed and all this time I get to spend with him during the day has made me one of his favorites.

I'm going to miss him when my life starts getting busy which is bound to happen as soon as school continues. I'll need to make every second count with him by playing with him and cuddling him 'till the cows come home.

Warm Winter Holiday

2009-12-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived, it's officially snown and Christmas has finally arrived. It's that time of year when I feel like hitting a turning point, with the days officially getting longer. What's the best part of the holidays? For me, it's family, music, and sharing memories with special friends. I have an aching desire for everyone close to me, but I'm home and trouble-free for Christmas.

All I need to do now is relax because the pressures on me have loosened and I'm snowed in. After working so hard in school, it's time to let loose and get a little wild. I have fond memories of my Christmas break so far. I like the feeling and it brings back memories. I know that the University has changed me and this past semester has been even better than I expected...

Looking through life through a different lens has made me stronger, happier, and healthier. I don't say that pretentiously, I mean, nothing else in my life has really changed, yet I have managed to. I think it's perfectly fine that I have gone into hibernation for my holidays.

Lakehead University Shutdown

2009-12-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

Lakehead University has been shut down for four days. The University professors are to work without pay as the school saves a million dollars. This is not a very nice Christmas present and neither is having to protest during the winter months. A rally was organized but staff are being forced to stand up for their rights.

Every time there is a strike, there is good reason for it. Everyone who works for change has their best interests in mind. For me, this harsh treatment of staff reflects poor planning and poor budgeting. During these tough times, we don't need impoverished professors.

When are the professors to mark our exams? It's hard enough as it is for many professors who work long hours and with difficult conditions.

An extra holiday is in the air!

Christmas Eve in the Garden of Eden

2009-12-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

Growing up, Christmas Eve was always the day when we opened our first present, as per Scandinavian tradition (even though we're Irish). It was also the day my older sister Mary was born. Since I read the Bible a couple of years ago, I have thought a bit more about the meaning of Christmas Eve and what the creation story means. The night of the bright star is a beautiful story of love, dedication, and hope.

There are parts of the Bible I don't understand. If Eve was the one who took the forbidden apple and offered it to Adam, then wouldn't apples be taken away rather than restriction? To me, that would be the logical solution. It is easy to blame the woman, but perhaps punishment is soft on Adam.

But, the beauty and history of Christianity draws me in. So much money has been put into designing luxurious churches that have stood the test of time. If only that were enough.