MONDAY...
– Holiday and it’s another quiet one for me. I think, by day’s end, that I’m now over whatever sickness I felt starting last Wednesday... but it sure means for a mellow long weekend. Watch a few movies, try to do a little house work and a little exercise (although my stamina still is low) and that’s about it.
TUESDAY...
— Didn’t sleep much but still got through work okay. In QC again... and my streak of months without an error ends. Oh well.
WEDNESDAY...
— Iffy day. Work is okay but it’s not a great people day. I leave the office marginally annoyed and ready for alone time.
THURSDAY...
— Another somewhat iffy work day but I go to supper and a movie with Karl in the evening. 300 is a visually stunning movie but I wasn’t thrilled with the dialogue. Over all, I’d still say it was worth seeing, but it’s no classic.
— Toyota trying to mess with me. Saying my summer tires (which I wanted to have put on) had cracked side walls. And they’d offer to sell me new tires to put on for $550. So the winter tires remain for now... Toyota are not getting that much from me.
FRIDAY...
— Bad morning with people garbage that better be over with now cause I’m fed up with dealing with it.
— That said, the rest of the day goes okay. I work with Lisa most of the day and we get along well doing it... it’s the most we’ve talked probably since our days as a car pool.
— Out for supper and drinks with Linda and Leslie after work. It’s a needed distraction.
SATURDAY...
— Lazy morning around the house... catching up on some e-mails and watching some TV.
— Groceries and a shwarma get me out for a bit.
SUNDAY...
— Happy birthday old sister!
If I Had A Million Dollars
If I had a million dollars. Yes, the title of a nasty song by an overrated Canadian band. But what would I do if I actually had a million dollars? I got an envelop from Reader’s Digest that says it’s possible. What would I do?
First thing to happen would be the planned division of cash with my family. Edena and her crew would get a good sized chunk and mom and dad would possibly be fighting me saying “what do we need with that much money?” So straight thirds may not happen but something in that neighborhood would be the case.
I would cease to work for the RCMP. In fact, the plan would be for no real work of any kind. I know $333,333,333.33 isn’t a massive amount of money... but I have a good friend who works magic with money and if I can live on $40,000 a year, without a mortgage to deal with, I’m okay.
So... for that to be a possibility, away from Ontario I’d go. I don’t mind Ottawa. It’s a nice enough city. But it just isn’t me. No ocean, no hills, a conservative population... Ottawa is, as I’ve said before, a Canadian Tire commercial. Everyone seems happy enough, they’re generally friendly enough, but nothing of importance is ever discussed with anybody. There’s a clinging to privacy that rivals that of a reclusive movie star running away from the paparazzi. But this just seems bizarre to me when coming from someone whose life isn’t all that interesting anyway. Nobody’s chasing, but they remain reclusive.
Yes there are crack pots back home. Newfoundland is filled with people who I’ll admit being slightly embarrassed to be associated to. My province doesn’t have a history of rational thought in politics or general way of life. I mean you really have to be a little nuts to want to live on a wind swept piece of rock in the middle of a frigid ocean. But with being nuts comes a general friendliness and openness that makes you feel solid in who you are. I find that, in comparison, I’m left often wondering what people in Ottawa really think about anything. I may get a smile and a “good morning” from someone who turns around and tells someone else that I’m an idiot. I may get a reasonable friend telling me that their life is going great when, in reality, their family was killed in a car accident three days before. Around here, you just can’t take for granted that the things you’re told are what’s real... and for someone who grew up around a province of openness, it’s an adjustment I’ve never fully made.
So, with that, and my new found wealth that needs the aid of a financial adviser to keep me going, I’ll be selling the Ottawa home, and jumping back to that wind swept rock in the middle of that frigid ocean.
Now to be mortgage free in St. John’s, I’d likely not be able to go grand. Once upon a time, you could buy a mansion in St. John’s for a few hundred thousand dollars. Those days are gone. But a nice spot in downtown St. John’s would do me fine. Give me back the old style three story with a loft on top and a view out the Narrows (the harbor entrance for those who don’t know) and I’m good to go.
So what would I do? Well I can tell you one thing, the life of the 5:15 alarm waking me up would be over. I’ve always been a night person so a return to the lifestyle that includes sleep between 3:30 and 10:30 AM would be fine and dandy. And that leaves me open for late night writing. If I get published, I get published... if I don’t I don’t. But if the money is invested well enough for me not to worry much about supplementing my income, I won’t mind.
Plus, I’d expect I’d be more inspired to write from a loft in downtown St. John’s compared to a terrace home in suburban Ottawa. Per capita, there aren’t many creative writers around here when compared to home. The reason... Canadian Tire commercials aren’t interesting!
What of the people of Ottawa that I am friends with? There are some that I’d hope to stay in touch with. I’ve come across several interesting people who are willing to share a part of themselves with me. So the occasional trip back to the Nation’s Capital, or the invite for the odd trip to Newfoundland by the friends would be in store. In this day and age, if you want to stay in touch with someone, you can.
But back to reality I go. The Reader’s Digest contest will likely be ignored. I’m always suspicious of contests that I’m entered in without even making the effort to enter it. So maybe the move will soon come... but not back home. Perhaps a place out of the suburbs and into the city will create some excitement.
And a message to my friends out there. If I move to a place someday, and it has a garage... if you hear me talk of wanting to sit out there with the big door open so I can look out the driveway at the world around me... I give you total permission to come and beat me senseless. Life drinking in the garage is no life for me.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Few Thoughts.
Updated my "Profile". I had forgotten that it was even there.
Seeing that the profile had been viewed 81 times prior to my update of it, and thinking of what I heard on TV today where it's questioned why so many people want to share so much with so many others, I'm left wondering (and not for the first time) if blogs are even a good thing.
I mean really, what does anyone care what I did last Tuesday? I don't know... I'm torn. There are times when I think it's cool to do this kind of stuff and there are other times when I feel like I'm best off leaving such stuff to myself rather than sharing it to whoever.
Are blogs an outlet for people with delusions of grandeur? And does my having a blog mean that I somehow feel like this is my way to gain fame? And what is fame in this day and age? Let's face it, people who make a joke of themselves on American Idol get record deals... so fame is rather cheap and easy to come by (especially if you want to make an ass of yourself).
Anyway, I just try to think of this thing as my keeping in touch with friends. I mean I'm not a great person when it comes to phone calls. And I clam up some when I see people face to face. So if friends want to get to know me, I suppose this is a way to do it. Or maybe I'm just caught up in fame of the 21st century?
Seeing that the profile had been viewed 81 times prior to my update of it, and thinking of what I heard on TV today where it's questioned why so many people want to share so much with so many others, I'm left wondering (and not for the first time) if blogs are even a good thing.
I mean really, what does anyone care what I did last Tuesday? I don't know... I'm torn. There are times when I think it's cool to do this kind of stuff and there are other times when I feel like I'm best off leaving such stuff to myself rather than sharing it to whoever.
Are blogs an outlet for people with delusions of grandeur? And does my having a blog mean that I somehow feel like this is my way to gain fame? And what is fame in this day and age? Let's face it, people who make a joke of themselves on American Idol get record deals... so fame is rather cheap and easy to come by (especially if you want to make an ass of yourself).
Anyway, I just try to think of this thing as my keeping in touch with friends. I mean I'm not a great person when it comes to phone calls. And I clam up some when I see people face to face. So if friends want to get to know me, I suppose this is a way to do it. Or maybe I'm just caught up in fame of the 21st century?
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Making It Up As I Go Along #270
MONDAY...
— With little work in AFIS, many of us are forced to do work in QC tonight. It’s weird because QC work is normally not done on evening shift and I wasn’t geared up to do this tonight.
— Listen to the hockey game on the radio while we work. I’m not pleased with Buffalo. They’ll cost me the hockey pool and played without hard or guts. But Ottawa has been playing impressively.
TUESDAY...
— Dentist trip brings forth the declaration of a cavity! So back I go in July for a filling... jerks!
— Upstairs to barcode tonight with Melissa, Jaymie and Karen. That makes for a very boring evening at work.
— Megan and I at least go to the Chip Wagon... good to step out for a bit.
WEDNESDAY...
— A sick day. I felt fine all day up to about 1:00. Then my stomach is doing odd things, headache and some hot and cold spells come in too. I assume I ate something that didn’t like me too much.
— Some Wilco on DVD takes me through the afternoon. Amazon gets stuff to you quickly, I must say.
— Hockey and sleep take over the night. Buffalo lives for another day, but they won’t be able to beat Ottawa down three games to one.
THURSDAY...
— Off again today. I actually feel worse than yesterday up to about 5:30... and then I’m really tired up to about 9:30. But prior to that, it’s headache big time.
FRIDAY...
— Force myself in even though I’m quite tired still. 9 hours sleep didn’t do much.
— As the shift goes on, I’m improving. Laura and I barcode until supper time. Less boring than Tuesday as we chat a bit as we go (Tuesday, there wasn’t any talking going on).
— Supper outside with Laura, Janice and Dave is nice.
— After supper, I’m downstairs preparing my resume for the upcoming promotions. By 9:00, I’m dying energy wise. Just no stamina right now.
SATURDAY...
— Quiet day around the house as my energy level is still low. I head out for some groceries and supper but that’s it. Hockey on TV too... Ottawa makes it to the finals, poor old Buffalo is out again, and I’m now dead in the office hockey pool.
Week of a Sick Person
Well I’m not creative today. I’ve been sick for much of the week and still feel zapped. In fact, I’m wondering if I am developing an ear or sinus infection. I’ll give it until tomorrow to see if that gets better or worse but my ear doesn’t feel entirely right today and there’s a little something in my throat.
So feeling run down and without much creative juices flowing, I’ll cover a few things that brought me through the week.
An Offer He Can’t Refuse
Weeks after seeing the original Godfather movie, I finally watch Godfather II. Being sick allows you the excuse to sit down through a three and a half hour movie. And it was good and fascinating in the character development. But I just couldn’t help feeling as though this one movie would have been better off as two. Half of it takes place prior to the original Godfather while the other half comes after the first movie. I think I’d have enjoyed it all better had I gotten the story told by the two movies but, instead, as three movies in chronological order. Anyway, that’s irrelevant now. Bottom line is that these are classic movies.
Alone Time
There are drawbacks to life by yourself. I generally enjoy the solitary life and, in fact, there are times when I need it. I’m one who can get tired out by being around too many for too long. But when you’re sick, it’s not all that great to be alone. I guess it’s just one of those times when you want to be a little spoiled. Be it a girlfriend, good friend, or family member... when you’re sick it’s a nice time to have someone else to make sure you’ve got everything you need. Grocery shopping is a pain in the butt when you feel under the weather. And today I’m battling myself as I look at my floors and see that a good vacuuming is in order. Do I wear myself out through the simple task of vacuuming? Or do I let dust and dirt build up for a few more days? Ten bucks to the dear soul who comes over and does my vacuuming! Come on... do it!
Senator Hockey
The Ottawa Senators have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. I’m not a fan of this team, and knowing that it costs almost $150 to sit in the nosebleed seats for the finals makes me feel disdain for price gouging professional sports. But still, I’d love to see a Stanley Cup final game. I’d love to see the Cup presented live to any hockey team. And I do want a Canadian team to finally win the trophy again. It’s been thirteen years since the Montreal Canadiens held the Cup. This is the longest time in the history of the league that the Cup has been held by American cities. It’s time and, as painful as it is to say, the Senators have been playing amazing hockey. There are even some fans that I’d feel very good for if their team wins. Those that have been standing by their team through thick and thin. And I do respect those fans who understand that when Ottawa beat Toronto in a November game, that doesn’t constitute a Stanley Cup style celebration.
This city is ridiculous for it’s pettiness regarding it’s team. I once heard an Ottawa vs. Toronto regular season game on the radio at work. Ottawa won and the station proceeded to then play “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” (two famous Queen songs) in celebration of the victory. It’s garbage like this that makes me unable to stand behind my home team. Plus last year, a playoff game had to be rescheduled because Dora the Explorer was already booked for a children’s show in the stadium. You’d never see any of the other five Canadian NHL teams get caught in a situation like that.
But despite dumb fans and moronic local media, the Senator hockey team has earned my respect for the way they’ve played so far in these playoffs. Except for Chris Neil... he’s still a frosted tip twit of a goon who has no class. Oh... and Daniel Alfredsson continues to need to keep his mouth shut. Claims of innocense after a cheap shot hit from behind make him look bad, despite his good play.
Chip Wagon
For me, the best part of Ottawa summer is... the Chip Wagon! There’s a van in the Canadian Tire parking lot, a minute drive from the office. Evening shift in the summer is made by the ability to go there for some fries, and possibly a burger. And then to sit around either at the picnic tables next to the van or at the tables in front of our office, and chow down with a few friends. There’s nothing bad about it. In fact, this week I was prepared to go do this summer event twice. On Tuesday I went with Megan. But when Janice and Laura went on Thursday, I was home under the weather. Now... this comes back on the example of friends doing things for you when you’re sick. They should have picked up an extra order and driven the twenty minutes that it takes to get to my place. Sure it would have sacrificed work time for them... and they’d be eating in the car as they got to me rather than in the pleasant breeze at a picnic table... but they’d have made me happy. And really, isn’t that all that counts?
— With little work in AFIS, many of us are forced to do work in QC tonight. It’s weird because QC work is normally not done on evening shift and I wasn’t geared up to do this tonight.
— Listen to the hockey game on the radio while we work. I’m not pleased with Buffalo. They’ll cost me the hockey pool and played without hard or guts. But Ottawa has been playing impressively.
TUESDAY...
— Dentist trip brings forth the declaration of a cavity! So back I go in July for a filling... jerks!
— Upstairs to barcode tonight with Melissa, Jaymie and Karen. That makes for a very boring evening at work.
— Megan and I at least go to the Chip Wagon... good to step out for a bit.
WEDNESDAY...
— A sick day. I felt fine all day up to about 1:00. Then my stomach is doing odd things, headache and some hot and cold spells come in too. I assume I ate something that didn’t like me too much.
— Some Wilco on DVD takes me through the afternoon. Amazon gets stuff to you quickly, I must say.
— Hockey and sleep take over the night. Buffalo lives for another day, but they won’t be able to beat Ottawa down three games to one.
THURSDAY...
— Off again today. I actually feel worse than yesterday up to about 5:30... and then I’m really tired up to about 9:30. But prior to that, it’s headache big time.
FRIDAY...
— Force myself in even though I’m quite tired still. 9 hours sleep didn’t do much.
— As the shift goes on, I’m improving. Laura and I barcode until supper time. Less boring than Tuesday as we chat a bit as we go (Tuesday, there wasn’t any talking going on).
— Supper outside with Laura, Janice and Dave is nice.
— After supper, I’m downstairs preparing my resume for the upcoming promotions. By 9:00, I’m dying energy wise. Just no stamina right now.
SATURDAY...
— Quiet day around the house as my energy level is still low. I head out for some groceries and supper but that’s it. Hockey on TV too... Ottawa makes it to the finals, poor old Buffalo is out again, and I’m now dead in the office hockey pool.
Week of a Sick Person
Well I’m not creative today. I’ve been sick for much of the week and still feel zapped. In fact, I’m wondering if I am developing an ear or sinus infection. I’ll give it until tomorrow to see if that gets better or worse but my ear doesn’t feel entirely right today and there’s a little something in my throat.
So feeling run down and without much creative juices flowing, I’ll cover a few things that brought me through the week.
An Offer He Can’t Refuse
Weeks after seeing the original Godfather movie, I finally watch Godfather II. Being sick allows you the excuse to sit down through a three and a half hour movie. And it was good and fascinating in the character development. But I just couldn’t help feeling as though this one movie would have been better off as two. Half of it takes place prior to the original Godfather while the other half comes after the first movie. I think I’d have enjoyed it all better had I gotten the story told by the two movies but, instead, as three movies in chronological order. Anyway, that’s irrelevant now. Bottom line is that these are classic movies.
Alone Time
There are drawbacks to life by yourself. I generally enjoy the solitary life and, in fact, there are times when I need it. I’m one who can get tired out by being around too many for too long. But when you’re sick, it’s not all that great to be alone. I guess it’s just one of those times when you want to be a little spoiled. Be it a girlfriend, good friend, or family member... when you’re sick it’s a nice time to have someone else to make sure you’ve got everything you need. Grocery shopping is a pain in the butt when you feel under the weather. And today I’m battling myself as I look at my floors and see that a good vacuuming is in order. Do I wear myself out through the simple task of vacuuming? Or do I let dust and dirt build up for a few more days? Ten bucks to the dear soul who comes over and does my vacuuming! Come on... do it!
Senator Hockey
The Ottawa Senators have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. I’m not a fan of this team, and knowing that it costs almost $150 to sit in the nosebleed seats for the finals makes me feel disdain for price gouging professional sports. But still, I’d love to see a Stanley Cup final game. I’d love to see the Cup presented live to any hockey team. And I do want a Canadian team to finally win the trophy again. It’s been thirteen years since the Montreal Canadiens held the Cup. This is the longest time in the history of the league that the Cup has been held by American cities. It’s time and, as painful as it is to say, the Senators have been playing amazing hockey. There are even some fans that I’d feel very good for if their team wins. Those that have been standing by their team through thick and thin. And I do respect those fans who understand that when Ottawa beat Toronto in a November game, that doesn’t constitute a Stanley Cup style celebration.
This city is ridiculous for it’s pettiness regarding it’s team. I once heard an Ottawa vs. Toronto regular season game on the radio at work. Ottawa won and the station proceeded to then play “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” (two famous Queen songs) in celebration of the victory. It’s garbage like this that makes me unable to stand behind my home team. Plus last year, a playoff game had to be rescheduled because Dora the Explorer was already booked for a children’s show in the stadium. You’d never see any of the other five Canadian NHL teams get caught in a situation like that.
But despite dumb fans and moronic local media, the Senator hockey team has earned my respect for the way they’ve played so far in these playoffs. Except for Chris Neil... he’s still a frosted tip twit of a goon who has no class. Oh... and Daniel Alfredsson continues to need to keep his mouth shut. Claims of innocense after a cheap shot hit from behind make him look bad, despite his good play.
Chip Wagon
For me, the best part of Ottawa summer is... the Chip Wagon! There’s a van in the Canadian Tire parking lot, a minute drive from the office. Evening shift in the summer is made by the ability to go there for some fries, and possibly a burger. And then to sit around either at the picnic tables next to the van or at the tables in front of our office, and chow down with a few friends. There’s nothing bad about it. In fact, this week I was prepared to go do this summer event twice. On Tuesday I went with Megan. But when Janice and Laura went on Thursday, I was home under the weather. Now... this comes back on the example of friends doing things for you when you’re sick. They should have picked up an extra order and driven the twenty minutes that it takes to get to my place. Sure it would have sacrificed work time for them... and they’d be eating in the car as they got to me rather than in the pleasant breeze at a picnic table... but they’d have made me happy. And really, isn’t that all that counts?
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Making It Up As I Go Along #269
MONDAY...
— I work in CNI again today. They needed some extra bodies there to get work done and I was one of them. I nice change again.
— Nice day. Sun and low twenties. Hanging out in front of the building at last break with Laura and Megan made me want to just stay outside for the rest of the day.
TUESDAY...
— Not a bad day. I’m in QC all day, which isn’t ideal, but it goes fairly good anyway.
WEDNESDAY...
— It’s a mid week evening shift for me. Although it’s early starting with a meeting... so 1 to 9 instead of 3 to 11. A potluck is also in store tonight... so overall a nice night of work.
THURSDAY...
— More QC for me... I want AFIS or another trip to CNI tomorrow... several days of QC in a week are not my thing. Lunch is outside today, with Megan, Sheila and Laura. And lucky me, I get to hear the story of what women do to keep the hair off of their legs. Craziness!
FRIDAY...
— Day starts as a bit of a pain but improves as it goes. I leave at last break as Leslie and I decide an early start to the afternoon on a patio for a drink is better than hanging at work.
SATURDAY...
— Hockey, movies, supper at Dick’s Diner with Shannon all part of the day.
What to Do on Mother’s Day?
What to do on Mother’s Day?
It comes but once a year.
Should I fly home to mama.
She’s sick, so why go there?
Does it sound a little cruel?
To not want to aid the ill.
But she’s thousands of miles away from me.
For such a flight, just think of the bill.
It’s not that I don’t love my mom.
After all, she’s the only one I know.
Unless you count my sister.
When I was young, she acted so.
Family gatherings are out for me.
They’re all too far away.
Plus Air Canada would mess it up.
So in Ottawa I’ll stay.
Yes Air Canada, our great airline.
They’ll promise you their all.
Until you book to fly with them.
Then the search for service finds a wall.
I could likely get to St. John’s.
But probably two days late.
And just forget about my bags.
They’ll wind up in Kuwait.
So me in St. John’s long enough.
To check in for my flight back.
And my bags atop a camel.
Wandering the desert towards Iraq.
US Military will find my bags.
They’ll suspect a terrorist.
So blow it up, camel and all.
And my poor clothes I’ll surely miss.
So it’s best I stay alone right here.
No matter the condition mom is in.
Cause if I try to go there now.
The fallout story will make CNN.
— I work in CNI again today. They needed some extra bodies there to get work done and I was one of them. I nice change again.
— Nice day. Sun and low twenties. Hanging out in front of the building at last break with Laura and Megan made me want to just stay outside for the rest of the day.
TUESDAY...
— Not a bad day. I’m in QC all day, which isn’t ideal, but it goes fairly good anyway.
WEDNESDAY...
— It’s a mid week evening shift for me. Although it’s early starting with a meeting... so 1 to 9 instead of 3 to 11. A potluck is also in store tonight... so overall a nice night of work.
THURSDAY...
— More QC for me... I want AFIS or another trip to CNI tomorrow... several days of QC in a week are not my thing. Lunch is outside today, with Megan, Sheila and Laura. And lucky me, I get to hear the story of what women do to keep the hair off of their legs. Craziness!
FRIDAY...
— Day starts as a bit of a pain but improves as it goes. I leave at last break as Leslie and I decide an early start to the afternoon on a patio for a drink is better than hanging at work.
SATURDAY...
— Hockey, movies, supper at Dick’s Diner with Shannon all part of the day.
What to Do on Mother’s Day?
What to do on Mother’s Day?
It comes but once a year.
Should I fly home to mama.
She’s sick, so why go there?
Does it sound a little cruel?
To not want to aid the ill.
But she’s thousands of miles away from me.
For such a flight, just think of the bill.
It’s not that I don’t love my mom.
After all, she’s the only one I know.
Unless you count my sister.
When I was young, she acted so.
Family gatherings are out for me.
They’re all too far away.
Plus Air Canada would mess it up.
So in Ottawa I’ll stay.
Yes Air Canada, our great airline.
They’ll promise you their all.
Until you book to fly with them.
Then the search for service finds a wall.
I could likely get to St. John’s.
But probably two days late.
And just forget about my bags.
They’ll wind up in Kuwait.
So me in St. John’s long enough.
To check in for my flight back.
And my bags atop a camel.
Wandering the desert towards Iraq.
US Military will find my bags.
They’ll suspect a terrorist.
So blow it up, camel and all.
And my poor clothes I’ll surely miss.
So it’s best I stay alone right here.
No matter the condition mom is in.
Cause if I try to go there now.
The fallout story will make CNN.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Making It Up As I Go Along #268
MONDAY...
— Talk business with Jim in the early afternoon. Good to catch up some... even if it is business related.
— Not a bad night at work. A small group of us and we listen to the hockey game on the radio as we work. Chinese food for supper completes the night.
TUESDAY...
— Mall day for supper. Get some Subway with Megan and Ann Marie. Sort of crumby prints for much of tonight... so my stats aren’t as good as other days... but oh well.
WEDNESDAY...
— Meeting brings us to work a couple of hours early. And discussions of going to watch the Ottawa vs. New Jersey hockey game at a bar has four of us using a couple of hours of leave... so not a real busy work day.
— Janice, Laura, Shawn and I go for supper and the game. Anne Marie shows up about half way through. It’s a pretty fun night.
THURSDAY...
— Quiet day at work as Janice worked from home today and Laura is off sick... Then Anne Marie leaves early and Karen and Atlas are gone for a couple of hours... so for part of the night it’s four of us in AFIS.
FRIDAY...
— Strange night. All friendly and easy going in AFIS up to supper. Shawn, Janice, Sheila, Laura and I all go to the Chip Wagon for supper. And when we all get back, there’s an oddness to the rest of the evening in the office. So half good night and half weird night.
— After work, I bring Janice to Leslie’s house (where she’s dog sitting) and we sit around to chat for a while before I head home.
SATURDAY...
— Hockey on TV in the afternoon. Over to supper and hockey in the evening with Janice, Amy and her boyfriend.
Not much to discuss this week plus I’ve had a bit of a busy weekend that hasn’t been ideal for story writing. So I go with a little observation I’ve noticed over the week.
What Else Would You Expect?
Newfies. I’ve heard it spoken of much more as of recent times. Two guys at work, who are decent enough sorts and who like to try to make light of things would throw it at me.
If I say I cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs... I get “what else would you expect from a Newfie?” When a trivia question came up and it was found that Newfoundlanders have more sex than any other province, again it was a slight to follow... “What else are Newfies going to do?”
And last night, when barbequing with Janice, Amy and Amy’s boyfriend... he makes a Newfie comment (something along the lines of “What would a Newfie know?”). What’s more disturbing about him is that he didn’t realize where I am from... so he wasn’t going for a friendly tease at my expense.
Also this week, the Canadian government felt it was necessary to have a committee sit down with members of Hockey Canada and see why our National Hockey Team would name a man Captain when he was accused of prejudice comments towards the French... a year and a half ago. And then I hear that the horrible comments were “F’ing Frenchman”. And the player in question never even said it.
Newfoundlanders have been called worse things than that on a daily basis. “Silly Newfie”... “What else would you expect from a Newfie?”... and so on. It’s daily routine for moronic jokes, yet if someone calls a hockey linesman a “F’ing Frenchman” there’s a national inquiry to follow. Check that... TWO national inquiries (the first one and the one that follows a year and a half later).
America has their Rednecks to make fun of and Canada has the Newfie. I make light of the digs when people give them. I may fake a little anger or give a jab back. But I’m tired of the joy others feel in making a joke about Newfies. It’s why I hate the term Newfie actually. To see dim or childish people taking great delight in proclaiming their superiority to my home province just makes me want to get mean with those people.
The worst one I’ve been around was a bitter and generally unappealing person commenting on a news story based out of New Brunswick. There was someone there who committed a crime or did something morally questionable and the story had been discussed by a group of people. This bitter individual says “what do you expect from Newfies anyway?” I looked over and said “that person isn’t even from Newfoundland.” Without a hesitation, the response was “Ah, they’re all the same.”
Maybe I’m going to have to stop laughing off and returning jokes to those who take glee in the Newfie jokes. It may make for a few uncomfortable situations but, to be honest, there are a few people that I wouldn’t mind making them squirm with their ignorance.
And I’m left wondering why it’s more acceptable to say “what else would you expect from a Newfie?” than “what else would you expect from a Frenchman?”
— Talk business with Jim in the early afternoon. Good to catch up some... even if it is business related.
— Not a bad night at work. A small group of us and we listen to the hockey game on the radio as we work. Chinese food for supper completes the night.
TUESDAY...
— Mall day for supper. Get some Subway with Megan and Ann Marie. Sort of crumby prints for much of tonight... so my stats aren’t as good as other days... but oh well.
WEDNESDAY...
— Meeting brings us to work a couple of hours early. And discussions of going to watch the Ottawa vs. New Jersey hockey game at a bar has four of us using a couple of hours of leave... so not a real busy work day.
— Janice, Laura, Shawn and I go for supper and the game. Anne Marie shows up about half way through. It’s a pretty fun night.
THURSDAY...
— Quiet day at work as Janice worked from home today and Laura is off sick... Then Anne Marie leaves early and Karen and Atlas are gone for a couple of hours... so for part of the night it’s four of us in AFIS.
FRIDAY...
— Strange night. All friendly and easy going in AFIS up to supper. Shawn, Janice, Sheila, Laura and I all go to the Chip Wagon for supper. And when we all get back, there’s an oddness to the rest of the evening in the office. So half good night and half weird night.
— After work, I bring Janice to Leslie’s house (where she’s dog sitting) and we sit around to chat for a while before I head home.
SATURDAY...
— Hockey on TV in the afternoon. Over to supper and hockey in the evening with Janice, Amy and her boyfriend.
Not much to discuss this week plus I’ve had a bit of a busy weekend that hasn’t been ideal for story writing. So I go with a little observation I’ve noticed over the week.
What Else Would You Expect?
Newfies. I’ve heard it spoken of much more as of recent times. Two guys at work, who are decent enough sorts and who like to try to make light of things would throw it at me.
If I say I cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs... I get “what else would you expect from a Newfie?” When a trivia question came up and it was found that Newfoundlanders have more sex than any other province, again it was a slight to follow... “What else are Newfies going to do?”
And last night, when barbequing with Janice, Amy and Amy’s boyfriend... he makes a Newfie comment (something along the lines of “What would a Newfie know?”). What’s more disturbing about him is that he didn’t realize where I am from... so he wasn’t going for a friendly tease at my expense.
Also this week, the Canadian government felt it was necessary to have a committee sit down with members of Hockey Canada and see why our National Hockey Team would name a man Captain when he was accused of prejudice comments towards the French... a year and a half ago. And then I hear that the horrible comments were “F’ing Frenchman”. And the player in question never even said it.
Newfoundlanders have been called worse things than that on a daily basis. “Silly Newfie”... “What else would you expect from a Newfie?”... and so on. It’s daily routine for moronic jokes, yet if someone calls a hockey linesman a “F’ing Frenchman” there’s a national inquiry to follow. Check that... TWO national inquiries (the first one and the one that follows a year and a half later).
America has their Rednecks to make fun of and Canada has the Newfie. I make light of the digs when people give them. I may fake a little anger or give a jab back. But I’m tired of the joy others feel in making a joke about Newfies. It’s why I hate the term Newfie actually. To see dim or childish people taking great delight in proclaiming their superiority to my home province just makes me want to get mean with those people.
The worst one I’ve been around was a bitter and generally unappealing person commenting on a news story based out of New Brunswick. There was someone there who committed a crime or did something morally questionable and the story had been discussed by a group of people. This bitter individual says “what do you expect from Newfies anyway?” I looked over and said “that person isn’t even from Newfoundland.” Without a hesitation, the response was “Ah, they’re all the same.”
Maybe I’m going to have to stop laughing off and returning jokes to those who take glee in the Newfie jokes. It may make for a few uncomfortable situations but, to be honest, there are a few people that I wouldn’t mind making them squirm with their ignorance.
And I’m left wondering why it’s more acceptable to say “what else would you expect from a Newfie?” than “what else would you expect from a Frenchman?”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
