Summertime

I've been meaning to post something for a while but just haven't gotten around to it.  Believe me it's not because things have been dull that's for sure.

Where to start...Nicole finished up Soccer season at the end of June.  She had a bit of a challenge this year which was not a total surprise to us but a little frustrating.  From playing with her in the backyard she doesn't lack any skill, but she is a little intimidated by some of the more competitive kids and tends to hang back a bit.  Nicole has an extremely kind personality and hyper-competitiveness just isn't her.  She's also 5.  The bottom line is that by the end of the season she was more more involved and improved a great deal.  She had a lot of fun and made some friends who she will be seeing in the fall at Kindergarten.

Our little strike/lockout at Canada Post was very anti-climactic and bordered on being dull.  The strike has absolutely no effect on our work in Postal Transformation which is full steam ahead.  Our project is moving like a steamroller across the country.  The Winnipeg project will be complete by the end of September and we're moving right through Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, and the "Big One" Vancouver will be an amazing project. 

What else is going on....hmmmmm....let me think....ah yes....the "Russell."  Our little boy is up to his old tricks.  Many of you know that two weeks ago he broke his arm.  I guess he missed Emergency.  We broke a speed record getting in and out of the hospital.  He broke his arm at about 8:00 in the morning...X-Rays in Selkirk...transfer by Ambulance to Children's....set the bone....cast...another X-ray and home by 1:30 in the afternoon.  We were at a total loss as to what to do with the rest of the day.

One highlight for me was to have two experiences, in the past few weeks, to be reminded of how far both Nicole and Russell have come.  Near the end of the school year we had a Kindergarten orientation with Nicole at her new school.  It was quite an experience to see the school, her future classmates, and other parents.  It is so hard to believe it was only a few years ago that we had no idea we would ever have a little girl like her and now she is heading off to school.  I think both Susan and I are going to be total basket cases on her first day of school.  I also had a unique experience to take Russell to his child development assessment.  Russell is significantly behind where he should be due to his medical adventures.  He is now almost three but is quite a ways behind where he should be related to his growth and development.  It was very emotional to observe his assessment as he did the activities he was asked to do.  I wasn't upset or concerned that he is behind.  I was totally blown away at what this little boy can accomplish and how far he has come (he is nothing if not feisty) and he is making fantastic progress.  We just have to remember "baby steps."

Thanks for your Prayers

I read an interesting article in the Free Press this morning regarding prayer in schools and how some school divisions are skirting some of the rules related to this activity. 

I find it interesting to observe people's reaction to this.  In a supposed age of tolerance and acceptance I find it peculiar that those who believe in a higher being are treated as uneducated simpletons who are unsophisticated throwbacks from the dark ages.

It made me chuckle a little bit as I recalled an old bumper sticker that says "As long as there are tests...there will be prayer in schools." 

When we were in hospital with Russell in Edmonton.  The topic of prayer and miracles came up a lot.  There were so many people who told us they were praying for Russell and our family.  It was particularly interesting to hear that comment from people that I had no idea had a belief in God or prayer.  Many have referred to Russell as our miracle baby.  I will tell you first hand, that there is nothing that has happened to Russell that cannot be explained by science.  On the other hand, when you start noting all of the coincidences and circumstances that had to occur for Russell to survive you then begin to think that this all could not happen by mere chance.  The list of events which had to take place for Russell, is lengthy and remarkable.  This is where I contend that this is no chance occurrence but part of a master plan. 

So, should there be prayer in schools?  News Flash...there already is and always will be.  I don't think that will ever change.  I really don't think that is the issue.  My belief is that there is an element in society that does not want children exposed to any opinion other than their own or whatever happens to be politically correct at this moment in time.  The problem with political correctness is that it changes from one moment to the next...you need a scorecard to keep up.  From personal experience when your child is sick or possibly dying in ICU political correctness goes out the window pretty quickly.  That's when you find out what is truly important.

For all of those who prayed for us and continue to do so....Thanks.  We believe it has made a huge difference.  Both Susan and I have felt so supported through people's prayers.  For those who are atheists and do not believe in God or prayer...that's fine with us too.  If you want to support us...I have an easy solution...send cash!http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/schools-ignore-prayer-rules-124478269.html

Attention Nurses

I am currently listening to a demonstration in support of the CUPW in front of our offices at 266 Graham.  Not really a big deal except I am totally disappointed that the Canadian Federation of Nurses has come out in support of CUPW.  Having seen the first class work that nurses do, it does an extreme disservice to nurses to lump themselves with the ideologues from CUPW.

I would strongly encourage any nurses to contact their local union office to denounce the appearance of Linda Silas from appearing at this demonstration.  My personal opinion is that the nurses union should be careful who they associate with.  CUPW is involved in some dubious activites not only nationally but internationally.  For a little more information on CUPW http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Union_of_Postal_Workers . 

I would hope that the nurses wouild be a little more progressive than the neo-70's mentality coming from the postal union.

                "That's just my opinion...I could be wrong"   - Dennis Miller

Strike!!!!!

Everybody loves a parade!

That's what was greeting me this morning as I arrived at work this morning at 266 Graham.  So off to Tim's I went.  I made a shocking discovery.  The lineup at Tim's seemed a lot more intimidating than crossing the picket line.  I quickly bolted from the ludicrous lineup at Tim's and scooted off to Robin's where they were waiting with my large double double. 

Since I am within earshot of the picket line from where I sit...I can hear some of the commotion going on below.  It's all fairly tame except about 15 mins ago they fired up the music.  Let's just say I'm not a huge country music fan! 

I was extremely shocked to read the Winnipeg Free Press this morning.  They had the gratuitous Postal Strike story...but what took me off guard were all of the comments from readers.  Usually you get a few wingnuts spouting off about whatever enters their brain and I don't pay a lot of attention to it.  This morning I was really surprised to see almost unanimously how the general public feels the postal system is NOT an essential service and the strike will have little to no effect on them.  Out of 50 or so comments I think only 1 or 2 had any pro-union sentiment. 

My fear is that CUPW and CPC have played a huge game of high stakes "chicken" and both may lose.  There are lots of changes happening at Canada Post...I think a lot more are coming.  Next stop...Workopolis????

The Week's Update

Lots of activity this week.

Nicole had a big day yesterday.  We got to take her to Kindergarten orientation at Birds Hill School.  She was very shy at first, but she quickly got into the swing of things.  She is pretty excited now.  It was nice for us to see the school and meet a few of the staff.  I think Mommy was very proud of her little girl.  They grow up so quick.

At 11:00 yesterday we got the news that most Winnipeggers have been waiting for about 16 years.  The NHL is back.  We watched the news conference online here in the office.  It was interesting to hear some of the discussion after the news conference.  Of course, there are so many naysayers who say this will never work in Winnipeg; it's just too small.  I think there were some interesting points made about Winnipeg and the positive state of the economy here.  If you just look at the cost of Real Estate you will soon get a good feel for what the market is like.  If you think back 16 years ago and all of the changes that have happened in the province it is very encouraging.  I just wish they could develop the technology to eradicate the elusive "pothole." 

I am very curious to hear what name they will come up with for the team.  I am definitely on the "anti-Jets" band wagon.  Why celebrate mediocrity.  I have heard one suggestion that I really like and that is the "Manitoba Blizzard"  I think it is totally appropriate to have a weather related name; after Hockey what do we all talk about..weather.  It totally fits.  I think it has a nice ring to it and has and sounds appropriately menacing.  I mean really...how scary is a "Maple Leaf?"

Strike Update:

June 2 at 11:59 PM is when we find out if CUPW is going to walk off the job.  Even though I work for Canada Post...I have absolutely no idea if it will happen or not.  Stay tuned.

Family Night !

At this time of year I suffer from Sports withdrawal.  College Football and Basketball are months away and Stanley Cup playoffs do provide some relief from the boredom but tonite...there is nada.  Not even NBA playoffs.  Baseball doesn't get remotely interesting until September...so what to do????  Even Dancing with the Stars is done for another season.  At least when that show came on I knew that was my cue to head downstairs and hideout until the pain stopped.  All I can say is how glad I am for Texas Hold'em on my Blackberry (Currently up $3.6 million).

I suppose it's nights like this where you should seize the opportunity to do family night.  I guess we did...as best we could on a rainy, miserable evening.  The one highlight was the two deer who wondered into our yard.  They were about 30 feet from our deck.  It isn't unusual to see deer in our yard, but I've never seen them that close to the house.  The kids have been good this evening...only minor bouts of hair pulling, biting, and pinching.  (NO not talking about Susan)  The kids are now off to bed and it's quiet.  The one thing that we are so thankful for is that both of them are good sleepers.  Sometimes they are a challenge to get to bed...but once they are settled we don't hear from them until morning. 

Tomorrow is a big day.  We get to meet Nicole's Kindergarten teacher.  I am confident Nicole will make a good impression.  We'll leave Russell at  day care...we don't want to scare anyone.  On the other hand, it would be good for Russell to meet the Principal...I have no doubt they will become well acquainted in the future.

What else is new???  Winnipeg has a new hockey team?  Not quite.  Canada Post is going on strike?  Not sure.  However...we should know about both issues by the end of the week.  Maybe.  One I hope happens...the other I hope doesn't.  If the postal workers go in strike...that will not be good for anyone at CPC.  Even the threat of a strike is having a negative impact on our business.  There are lots of businesses including government who are already making other arrangements.  Not a good situation.  Thankfully I don't have a lot to worry about crossing picket lines.  It just means a detour through Tim Hortons and then up to the 2nd level skywalk and into the office.  We can avoid the entrance to the building because the buildings are all connected by public access skywalks.  No issues.

I guess we will see how the week will play out

Little Steps

Every once in a while you have one of those "a-ha" moments with your kids.  You are with them everyday so you don't notice how they are growing or the changes in their personality.  Then; once in a while you observe them doing something that you think to yourself; "wait a minute...i don't remember seeing them do that before."

Today was one of those days.  We had a follow-up visit with our ophthalmologist regarding Russell's eye surgery.  I remember very distinctly taking him to an appointment in February for the pre-op assessment where he was fussy and irritable.  He didn't want to play in the waiting room but didn't want to sit on my knee either.  Today's trip was totally different.  He was running around and playing with the toys.  He was smiling and happy and OK with the world.  When it came time for his examination he insisted on climbing into the examination chair on his own and he did everything on his own.  Just him and the Doctor while Mom, Dad, and Nicole looked on.  Was he a handful....yes....but he did it all on his own.  Then we went down to the cafeteria to get some Timbits (a time honoured tradition) where he walked the entire way.  This boy does not like being carried.  He just needs to be watched closely and herded a little.  All in all...i was amazed on how much his personality has changed since our last visit.  He has a real little personality.  Then there is Nicole, who takes all things in stride and is as cool as a cucumber...the total opposite of her little brother.  Her only concern is "what are we doing now" and can we get "Fries"???

As far as the result of Russell's appointment...well I am attaching a picture.  You tell me.

The words I heard from the Doctor was..."ideal."  Now Mommy and Daddy have to concentrate on getting the boy to wear his glasses.  The surgery may have straightened his eyes but he still needs the glasses.  Another little challenge that we need to deal with.