If you’ve ever tried to get into  a discussion with me over the details of politics and political platforms, I wouled probably throw my hands up and say I don’t know. It’s not that I don’t care or that I don’t want to know; I’ve read articles and have taken my political compass test (I’m Green, FYI – but only because I don’t know/care about military).  I believe that the opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference (as per Elie Wiesel), but it’s not that I’m indifferent about politics – it just doesn’t stick in my brain. I vote at all opportunities, and I know what is important to me – healthcare, employment, public transit, social justice, support for low income seniors and immigrants – and there was one prime ministerial candidate during the election in May whose words really resonated with my soul.

Three months ago I proudly voted for the NDP leader Jack Layton to lead our country. Today I went to his visitation and shook hands with and gave my condolences to his family. A great Canadian man, a leader in Canadian politics, died this week. As I stood in line for the visitation (a line which quickly grew to be hours long), people around me were having intense political conversations and debates, and I prayed that they wouldn’t try to engage me – I wouldn’t have known what to say. What I do know is that I trusted Jack, and I believed in him just as much as he believes in me. Jack’s final testament was his letter to all Canadians, which he wrote during the last few days of his life. Jack entreated to all Canadians to be hopeful, optimistic and loving, and that is why I went today. I went because I am loving, I am optimistic and I am hopeful, and I will encourage myself to continue to believe in myself and my country, the Jack way.

The scene at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto today was beyond moving – I’ve never experienced anything like it in my entire life. Words of optimism, words of hope and words of love were scribbled, scrawled and artistically plastered over every possible surface. I read that ‘Elementary teachers love Jack’, ‘Social workers love Jack’ (okay, that one was me). ‘Tories and Grits love Jack’, ‘Tamils love Jack’, and countless, literally countless messages of dedication and trust and inspiration. It was so emotional, and it was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Jack didn’t ask us all to join the peacecorps, or donate all of our money to charities – Jack believed it started very grassroots, that each and every person could be  part of a movement towards further social democracy and contribute positively to society. As I was eating my lunch I watched a tv reporter interview two individuals – one was a ten year old by whose baseball team was sponsored by Jack, the other was a Hindu pharmacist from Halifax who stated he was compelled to come to Toronto because everyday he saw and helped the people that Jack believed in.  If you’re in Toronto please go and check it out. If you’re watching tv please take a minute to listen – Jack’s legacy will live on, and we have to start by believing in ourselves.

Since Thursday is as good a night as any to confess sins, I am going to divulge a secret to you. See my previously confessed sins, and a guest post on Thursday Night confessions here.

I have not yet been to Micaela’s new home.

Horrifying, I know. She got possession of the house in November, and moved in December, and now we’re almost halfway through March (count ‘em, that’s FIVE months!). I have seen her plenty since then, but the timing has just not worked out in our favour to visit her at home. Even Lau has been there and she lives 8 hours away from Mic (I am only two)!

Tomorrow I am taking the Greyhound to visit her, Bowie, Kent, Kate, Scott, Hailey, Erica, Denis, Mom, Dad, Oma, et al. Uhh, by the way family – I will be in town this weekend. Party at Micaela’s? I’m sure she won’t mind! (Just Kidding.) (Kind of.)

My life is presently a string of complicated, often negative, anxiety-inducing, worldview-moulding events which encourage me to grow with maturity and grace while I remain all-encompassed with ones who love me unconditionally and fearlessly.

In the end, the job didn’t work out for me. Logistically, me and the position weren’t the right fit for each other, a situation which forced me to be honest, poised and professional. It was my decision, and here I am back at square one, career-wise.

This situation is a prime example why I should always go with my gut instincts, as mine are unfailingly accurate. (And no, I don’t want to talk about it.)

You totally thought I was going to forget, didn’tcha!? Well here I am, I wrote it on the subway on the way home from work. Ooh, I’m so metropolitan now.

I’ve been working a ton at my new job lately (you know – the one that starts with an ‘R’ and rhymes with Boots). It’s funny starting a new job, especially one whose hours extend past regular office hours – you spend so much of your time with people you never would have even met before, and you get to know them so well. Their boyfriend problems, their exam schedule, the people you know in common, the products, etc. I see some of my coworkers more than I see my own boyfriend these days! Luckily I like the people I work with, but I can see how having annoying coworkers could make life a living hell.

So that’s my schpiel, blah blah blah, I’m working a lot, still trying to find the perfect job in my field, still trying to keep my head above water stress-wise, still trying to find a doctor and a neurologist for more testing, still loving my new apartment, definitely still loving the Fall weather. It was snowing yesterday morning when I left the house and I almost criend tears of joy. Still missing Calgary, still excited for Micaela’s baby to arrive, still sad she is moving away from Toronto, still worrying too much about things that are out of my control…

(Side note: Kate and our friends Laura and Allison just stopped by to check out my new digs! Thanks girls, it was really nice to see you and talk about babies.)

I am so excited to welcome winter into my life!  Skiing, first tracks, skating on the canal, hot chocolate, fires, beaver tails: all things about winter that I love!

-weheartit-

Also: Jamielynn asked in my post from last week which church I go to in Ottawa. Well the answer is, I don’t usually go to church in Ottawa.  As for the times I did go, I went a couple of times with a friend to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, which is Ottawa’s oldest church, and is right across from the beautiful National Gallery of Art (check it out. Seriously awesome).  We chose that one because we’ve heard so much about it, and how amazing it is.  They really play up the fact that it is old and famous though.  When I’m home I go every week with our parents, Kate, Hailey, Oma, our aunt Louie, and whoever happens to be around to come with us.

Happy Movember! I’m trying my hardest to grow a Moustache, but having no hair on my face is really inhibiting my growth.

-all from weheartit-

Don’t forget to send in your (real or fake!) moustache pictures for Movember!

Every day on my walk to the subway I pass by a little home on a street where all the houses look the same. Nothing visibly makes this home stand out from the others, but every day when I approach it I get a little skip in my step, excited to walk by. Through writing quotes in sidewalk chalk on the driveway, this homeowner inspires passerby’s to reach a little bit higher that day, and probably plants a smile on many faces each day.

Last week:

I love quotes. I like how quotes don’t only come from men and women who have been written about in history books, but perhaps the homeless guy down the street or your best friend’s parent, or even sidewalks.

A while ago, Micaela posted a bit about ‘sisterly connections’, which has quickly become a favourite quote of mine. She wrote:

“The sister connection goes much deeper than things like ‘getting along’. We do, and we don’t, and then we forget that we ever didn’t.”

I truly couldn’t find a better way to describe a sister’s relationship. Honestly, that quote could probably be used to describe the relationship between you and your best friend, too. If you’re a quote lover like me and are constantly looking for new ones to be inspired by, I suggest getting a Tumblr account and following random individuals. It’s a never-ending resource for inspiration.

Do you have a favourite quote? If you do, please share it in the comments.