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.