Wednesday 29 October 2014

Vote!

It shocks me every election how few people vote.  Numbers usually come in between 30-50% of eligible voters who actually cast a ballot.  In central Ontario, the highest voter turnout I saw was in Owen Sound, 52%.  The lowest? Barrie, 31%.

This post is not to rip on anyone who didn't vote.  It's to encourage you to think about voting next time around (hint hint - federal election, October 2015).  Voting is a privilege.  People around the world fight and die for, and dream of the opportunity to have their voices heard.  There are dozens of countries like North Korea where the people are so oppressed...and we're on the complete opposite end.  We have freedom.  We can express ourselves without fear of persecution, jail time, torture, or even death.

If that's too dramatic an approach - although in reality, it's not - then bring it back to your life personally.  I always think it's funny when people complain about the government, specific politicians, high taxes, horrible roads, a failing school system...or whatever else bothers you (take your pick), and then an election rolls around and they don't vote.  I've always been of the mindset that if you're going to complain, you should have a solution to go along with it.  Complaining doesn't do much.  Solutions fix problems.  If you're upset with the way things are, one solution is to vote.  It's important to note that this also goes the other way - if you like the way things are, then vote to keep it status quo.  Otherwise, things might change and you'll be on the other side of the fence ("Oh, it's too bad that person didn't get re-elected...")

To me it's sad in general that we don't realize the incredible privilege we have to vote.  But it's even more sad after everything that happened in Ottawa last week.  Corporal Nathan Cirillo's death was a reminder that brave men and women have fought (and continue to fight) for our country, and they protect the freedoms we have today.  People would die to have the privileges we have.  And last week, one man did just that.

Friday 17 October 2014

Being a dad...second time around

My new son is just over three weeks old...and growing like a weed.  What's the deal kid??  Slow down already!  My goodness, the newborn stage is so short...

Fatherhood.  Awesome.  I love coming home and seeing my 22 month old.  He's fun.  He's happy (usually).  I absolutely love watching him learn about the world around him - new words everyday, how things work, the highest stair he can jump from, etc...  He teaches me patience, innocence, genuine excitement, trust, selfishness (yes, selfishness), and what it means to love unconditionally.  The most heartbreaking thing though?  Watching him cry.  Can't stand it.  But I know that sometimes it's necessary for discipline, or it's part of the learning process (I.e., when he realizes, 'Oh, that stair was TOO high').

And now, there's a second one.  I know it's only been three weeks, but it's funny how much you learn the first time around.  I'm much more relaxed with this newborn.  I've learned to try to REALLY cherish the time that he's young and small, because it flew faster than I could ever imagine with our first born.  I've learned to just sit with him and enjoy.  Just stare.  Take him in.

I've also learned that with two kids so close in age, sleep can be a rare commodity, and diapers begin to take over life.  Even still, I wouldn't trade it for anything.


Tuesday 7 October 2014

Nostalgia...

I'm not a 'Dancing with the Stars' type of guy, but this is perhaps one of the best things I have ever seen.  Enjoy a trip down Memory Lane.