Who Is Paul McCartney?

This question popped up on my Facebook feed this morning, linking here. (please excuse the ignorance and use of profanity) I'm assuming this transpired during or following last night's Grammy Awards.

It's a little shocking but also disappointing that (I'm assuming) young people today would not know who this legend is. I experienced something similar when using my Paul McCartney Starbucks card. I handed it to the teenager behind the counter and he looked at it and said "Oh, there's some guy on your card. Weird, I've never seen that one." I responded with "Some guy? That is Paul McCartney." He gave me a blank stare and proceeded with my order.

As you well know, I'm a big fan of McCartney so of course I'm appalled. But even so, I think there is something to be gained from knowing a little bit of pop history. I grew up in the 80s/90s but I still know a lot of music and TV shows from the 70's 60's and beyond. Without those pioneers, we wouldn't have our current pop culture. I think it's more than simply remembering the "good old days"...especially for me. I don't remember those days, but I certainly appreciate what happened in those days. I hope you do too :)

Cultivating Memories

I've always known that I'm a sentimentalist. I tend to attach sentimental value to things that hold memories for me.

In the past few weeks, I've been feeling sentimental about, of all things, farm machinery! Yes, it's true. Melancholy for tractors, combines, ploughs and augers. Let me explain.

Last Father's Day my Dad announced to us (his children) that he was going to retire from farming. He had been contracting different jobs out over the past few years and decided now was the time to call it a day. Farming is definitely hard work and Dad wants to enjoy his golden years as a retired man. Not semi-retired. This announcement knocked the wind out of me. Farmer and Dad were always synonymous in my mind. I couldn't imagine him not working the land.

Winter is a pretty quiet time for farmers and the notion had left my mind for the most part. Until, that is, I was asked to help with some photos he wanted to post for selling his machinery. I really can't explain it, but I was so sad when I thought of the shed being emptied of its contents. It's not like I ever use this equipment myself but the fact that it was being sold for someone else to use... well, it bothered me. I asked Dad if he felt that way and he was very matter-of-fact about it. He wouldn't be needing the equipment so of course he would sell it.

Time moves on and things are constantly changing. The great thing about memories is that you will always have them. They can't be sold or shipped out. My Dad will always be a farmer in my mind, whether he's driving a combine or not. 

Happy Birthday Peggy

I am happy to be celebrating a day that I wondered would actually arrive. The past year has been particularly hard for my Aunt Peggy but today she is marking her 87th birthday!

The majority of this year was spent in and out of hospital, a colon cancer diagnosis and surgery followed by 3 more months in hospital. During this time, I realized that attitude really is the most important aspect of recovery.

I can clearly remember sitting on the edge of Peggy's hospital bed in June. She was telling me about sorting through some things at her house and discovering how many projects she had to do. In fact, she would need to live until she's at least 90 to finish them all! I do not doubt that I will be celebrating her 90th birthday in three years.

After losing my Grandma Mills when I was 6, Peggy has played a "grandma" role in my life. She lives about 10 minutes away from my parents and I was at her house several times a week when I was a kid. She was a part of our family and was at most birthday parties and celebrations. Her kind nature and giving personality makes her a real jewel. Every single member of my family thinks so!

The reality and seriousness of the many hospital visits hit me over the past year. During this time, I struggled with the thought of losing someone so incredibly close to me. The very idea terrified me. It is not something I wanted to think about but sometimes when I was driving home from the hospital, it inevitably filled my thoughts. I decided not to dwell on what could happen but rather enjoy the times we could spend together. I must say, I walked away from those visits feeling encouraged and amazed by this tiny little lady and her attitude.

Peggy got to go home just before Christmas and her health has been constantly improving since. One of the "projects" mentioned earlier is to make a "Bible Quilt". She made one once in her youth and decided she'd like to make another. Apparently it is made up of 12 blocks that are embroidered with a scene from the Bible and then pieced together in a quilt. We talked about this quilt a lot during her hospital stay - something to look forward to. I promised that I would come over and spend a day working on it. I guess she'll have to teach me what to do, because we've booked next Saturday as the day! I hope she hasn't finished it yet, as she's been working on it every day.

So, today I'm celebrating one of my favouritest people! Happy birthday Peggy!

Chill Out

I like my job because I don't work in a cubicle. I'm not stuck staring at the wall. I'm in a wide open space with lots of excitement happening all around me. Some days the adrenaline is pumping when there is a big news story going down. The open concept makes it easy for us to communicate with the rest of the team. It also means that when the excitement has died down and things are quiet, you have to listen to everything going on around you.

Sometimes I don't want to hear everything that someone else has going on. I have my own stuff going on.

Tonight I have my ear buds in and listening to my "chill" playlist.

Live From London, This is Q ...and I Won't Be There

A few months ago, you may remember me blogging/tweeting/facebooking about the #JianInLdnOnt campaign. This was an effort to bring CBC Broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi and his show Q to London for a live show. Being a long time fan of the show and Jian, I was on board!

It was a lot of fun to be a part of the campaign, even getting Kermie involved! Of course, I was thrilled when he announced that London had won the contest and would be doing a show from London. Details would follow but it would be in February of the new year.

In the meantime...my sister Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery in December and will soon be starting treatment. So, when she invited me to join her and Steve and Madison in Florida for a week of relaxing in the sun, I thought it was the perfect opportunity. What a great idea for me to be able to spend some time with some of my favourite people. As much as I'd like to, I just don't see them as often as I'd like during regular life.

I booked a one way ticket and am flying from Detroit to Florida and taking a road trip back to Canada with the Berrys.

Wouldn't you know that when Jian announced the London date today...it's when I'm in Florida. I'm so disappointed and people have suggested changing my trip. That is not a realistic option, so I will miss Q and the gang in London. Looking forward to Florida and catching the podcast. Hopefully they will return to the Forest City.