tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13133404232489749172024-03-13T16:32:48.028-04:00Ryan Gideon: The Daddy Blog RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-46319622807007631962021-01-21T00:13:00.003-05:002021-01-21T00:13:23.101-05:00Another Birthday!!<p>Nine years ago today my wife and I welcomed our third and youngest daughter into the world and our family. A lot has changed in the past 9 years. We moved, the girls changed schools we welcomed a new puppy into the family in 2017 and a little brother in 2018...and this past year has been a wild ride for everyone. </p><p>Birthdays certainly don't look like they used to pre-pandemic. I know in the grand scheme of things altered birthday plans are not the worst. But I think for us parents it's a source of quiet lament or even sadness over the loss of something so basic as a typical birthday party. Worry over not marking the milestone quite right, of our kids not noting the significance of the day or feeling special is real. No matter how silly that might sound I think it's a reality. A birthday party is such a basic rite of passage; when not allowed to celebrate it the ways that we've grown accustomed to it just feels off.</p><p>We made the most of the day and were intentional about just being present in the day and having fun together. I took the afternoon off and when the girls were done their schooling we went sledding (still permitted) where our new nine year old saw her best friend. Then we went home and our wonderful friends drove by for a pandemic birthday parade where they transferred cards and gifts from their car windows to us. Then we had take-out, homemade ice cream sundaes with ultimate toppings, followed by gifts and a movie.</p><p>Despite not looking the same as birthday parties as we've come to known them. Seeing the joy on my little girl's face when she got to see her friend or as she watched the cars of friends driving by was precious. It was a pretty sweet day that reminded me that the best part of any celebration is just being together with the people you care about. </p><p>It's a joy watching my (I guess) not-so-little girl grow-up. Through all the changes in life, both personal and otherwise, she has maintained such a sweet disposition. She's kind, generous, hard-working and always so easy going. She's one cool kid and I'm proud to be her Dad. </p><p>Happy Birthday!!</p><p><br /></p>RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-81148727842885052192021-01-18T13:10:00.002-05:002021-01-18T13:10:26.214-05:00The Proving Ground<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> It's an exciting time in my family. My cousin and his wife just had their first baby! I remember the
moment when I became a Daddy - not when I became a father, for that happened
some two years earlier. It was the
middle of the night and I was awoken by my first born's little voice coming from down
the hall. She was calling to me,
“Daddy!” </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> C</span>alling <i>for me</i> was significant
because it was the first time ever that she called for me <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i> calling for my wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Daddy” was in fact a newer word in her vocabulary, I'm convinced that she knew how to say it, but she preferred to call both my wife and I Mommy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So there I was, three o’clock in the morning
or thereabouts, hearing my little girl calling for me for the first time,
needing ME!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I snapped into action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a glance at my wife I told her, “I’ve
got this one,” and with a goofy smile plastered on my face and pride swelling
up within me, I made my way down the hall to her room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had only recently moved into her own
room so I figured she had woken-up, realized she was alone and simply needed a
little back rub to fall back to sleep – and on this night she wanted me,
Daddy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned the corner into her room and
stopped in my tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There she was, my
precious little angel, kneeling on her bed, tears in her eyes, arms uplifted,
needing her Daddy, wanting a hug… with puke blanketing the front of her
jammies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instantly taking in the scene
and processing the ramifications of hugging my puke-covered angel, I made my
decision. Without hesitation (okay, maybe a little hesitation) I bent down,
scooped her up into my arms and held her tightly to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then and there, with puke sandwiched between
us, our bond as Daddy and his little girl was cemented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fought back a tear brought on by the
knowledge that my little girl needed me…wanted me…and maybe the pungent smell
of that night’s dinner…but mostly the former.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps that was a way of testing my
devotion to her as a father -her way of seeing if she could count on me through
the harshest of conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to
think that I passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a very brief
moment cherishing our embrace, I called to my wife, “Honey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to need some back-up…”</span></p>RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-23355896105084260522021-01-17T00:25:00.000-05:002021-01-17T00:25:04.224-05:00Silver Linings<p style="text-align: center;">"There's no great loss without some small gain."</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span> Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie</span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><br /></p><p> </p><p>Two months out from a year of living with lock-downs, shut downs, masks and social distancing and it seems as novel as the night I got a call from my boss telling me not to come into work the next day. It was supposed to be for two weeks...It's easy to dwell on everything that we cannot do and everything that we've lost in the past year. If we allow ourselves that indulgence then we miss out on appreciating some small gains altogether. Don't get me wrong. There's a time to grieve and mourn, but when that time has past, then it's time to take stock (and maybe stock up) and move on.</p><p>It's tempting to remain in a constant state of waiting for things to return to the way they were. I've always been, however, more process oriented than product oriented. That is, the journey to wherever it is that I'm going is as intriguing as the destination. The dash between point A and B needs to be embraced to get the most out of this thing called life. Destination "normalcy" (as in life before COVID) may be a mirage. I'm inclined to believe that we know not what kind of world awaits us on the other end of this journey.</p><p>Therefore I choose to focus, or at the very least constantly remind myself, of all the little things that I count as benefits of the past year. In fact the best thing of the past year is no small thing at all. Unprecedented time with my family. With my ability to work from home, the girls primarily doing their schooling online from home and my wife and son already at home...we've spent nearly every day together for the past 10 months. It's a good thing we love each other otherwise this would be a lot harder. There's no one else I'd want to be in lock down with. There has been lots of family games, walks, stories, movies and generally just hanging-out time...time well spent. </p><p>My mom used to have a quote up on a white board at the ol' homestead, "Time wasted is not spent but lost..." Or something like that. The reverse is even more poignant. Time well spent is an investment and never lost. This time that I've been able to invest in my family is precious and I'm sure we will reap the dividends of tighter bonds. </p><p>Who knows how long this journey to the end of the pandemic will take or what it will look like when we get there. Even as I look forward to that day when we regain some sense of normalcy, I will not lose today with all of its blessings while I wait for tomorrow.<br /></p><p><br /></p>RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-88045247391114917892017-08-31T20:13:00.000-04:002017-08-31T20:13:14.124-04:00Time Keeps TickingWell the new school year is almost upon us. The kiddies look to Tuesday with one part lament for the passing of the summer mixed with one part excitement to see their friends again and kick-off another year of learning.<br />
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I realized today, that this will be the last year that my oldest is in the same school as one of her sisters until grade 12, six years from now. At first I felt a little sad for the one being left behind only to realize that at least she still has our youngest to keep her company at their present school. Whereas my oldest will be on her own, trailblazing into the great unknown that is middle-school and high school. That takes guts and grit. <br />
<br />
I mentioned it to my girls but was careful not to do it in a way that added too much gravity to the situation. I mean, perhaps the feeling I infused this situation with is simply parental projection...maybe I'm a little uneasy with the notion of the girls growing up and striking out on their own. Okay, alright...I know they're still a few years from disembarking the family ship, but each milestone, like this one, reminds me of how fleeting our time together is. And quite frankly the milestones seem to clipping by a little faster each year. <br />
<br />
I often go through my days without much thought to the temporal nature of familial situation. When you're in the midst of the day-to-day busyness, struggles and joy it often seems like there is no end in sight. Then you take a moment to pause, step back, look around and you suddenly realize that what's to come is actually less than what has been, at least in regards to time. <br />
<br />
My hope is that what's to come is far greater than what has come and gone. I hope it is filled with time well spent with one another and spent well on experiences that draw us closer together as a family. I strive to make it count so that the girls never feel like they're going it alone regardless of the space between us.<br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-81738690067007474942017-08-30T18:44:00.000-04:002017-08-30T18:44:27.702-04:00Full House...AgainCottage living is the perfect foil to the regimented pace of the rest of the year. It is the ideal setting to create sun-drenched, slightly overexposed memories of lazy summer days; my girls more than willing actors emerse themselves in their summer roles, running, swimming, climbing trees (and anything else they can wrap their arms around), kayaking, jumping and bouncing, reading, day dreaming and just general summertime romping. My wife is an eager enabler and has taken every opportunity to sneak away to the cottage to allow the girls to make the most of their respite from the rigours of the school year. <br />
<br />
Therefore I have had the unusual experience of being home alone more often than usual this summer as I stay behind to attend to the duties of the job. Two conflicting reactions emerge:<br />
<br />
1) I'm home alone! <br />
<br />
2) I'm home alone... <br />
<br />
There are benefits to being home alone. I can eat the best looking piece of barbecued chicken - guilt free. I can start working out at eight instead of ten and crank the music while I do (though I inevitably turn it down because I think it's too loud). I watch movies with the volume turned up too loud (which I inevitably turn down as well...because I'm also free to turn it down as low as I want). I can sleep in the middle of the bed snoring as loudly as I want or at least until I wake myself up. Ah yes - these are the indulgences that are not to be taken for granted.<br />
<br />
I enjoy being home alone...for about ten minutes, but then I get lonely. I don't like eating dinner by myself even if I do get the choice cuts of meat. I miss the silly questions that zing around the table and being regaled with the adventures of the day even if it comes with extra mess and constant negotiating over how much food needs to be eaten before one becomes eligible for dessert. It's not the same watching a movie without being able to cuddle with my honeybun and it just doesn't feel right falling asleep and waking up to an empty house. <br />
<br />
It puts my mind at ease and fills my heart with joy knowing my house is full...full of what is most important to me. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." </em></div>
RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-45972222986765264552014-07-01T11:32:00.005-04:002014-07-01T11:35:08.381-04:00Oh Canada...How Do I Love Thee? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Oh Canada...how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><b>1. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:</b></span><br />
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;">(a) freedom of conscience and religion;</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;">(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;">(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;">(d) freedom of association.</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><br /></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;">Often I think these freedoms are being misconstrued in our post-modern (or are we post-post now?) world of uber-secularism and hyper-rationalism. Many take these freedoms to mean freedom <i style="font-weight: bold;">from </i>rather than freedom <i style="font-weight: bold;">of </i>the above. This slight change of phrase has serious consequences. <b><i>Freedom of</i></b> means that we are allowed to openly confess, discuss and be whatever we will be as long as it's done within the confines of civility and law...with gentleness and respect. The lack of gentleness and respect by many participants in this and that cause of the past has lead many to wont for <b><i>freedom from</i></b> the above. Meaning that whatever you want to believe or practice is okay within a private setting but, "I don't want to have your ideologies forced upon me thank you very much! Keep it out of the public sphere! Practice your religion at home! What happens in the bedroom is your business!!" And so on. The problem is that is not real freedom. I'm proud that I live in a country where we still have <i style="font-weight: bold;">freedom of</i>...at least for now. Even if I believe what you believe is foolishness or you think my reasoning is ludicrous we should still be able to believe, confess and express ourselves as we feel is right and appropriate - with gentleness and respect.</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><br /></dd></dl>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><b>2. Canada = Kanata = The Village</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">
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<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Noam Chomsky in the book <i>Power Systems </i>briefly describes the rise of unions and the role they played in establishing the contrasting health care models used by the United States and Canada. He said, "In Canada the unions struggled for health care for the country. In the United States, the struggled for health care for themselves...That's a reflection of different cultural values and institutional structures in two very similar countries." </span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Later in the book he talks about the public education system, "Public education is based on the principle of solidarity. So, for example, I had my children fifty years ago. Nevertheless, I feel and I'm supposed to feel that I should pay taxes so that the kids across the street can go to school. That's counter to the doctrine that you should just look after yourself and let everyone else fall by the wayside...[public education] builds up a sense of solidarity, community, mutual support." </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">This idea of civic duty, looking out for one another and community is a core Canadian value that I hold dear. Though we are a vast and sometimes disparate nation we are one big village that needs to stay together, work together and continue to look out for one another. This sense of community is what has made Canada what it is today.</span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></dd></dl>
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<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><i>Freedom of</i> and the sense of community and solidarity are complementary values. Even if we hold very different personal beliefs and values than our neighbours, we can still be unified. If we hold to strong community values we will ensure that we express ourselves in a way that does not offend our neighbours or encroach on their rights and freedoms. Likewise we will also defend our neighbours' right to express themselves rather than ask them to keep all of that to themselves. </span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">The problem lies in the danger of moving towards a self-serving sense of entitlement rather than solidarity striving sense of shared space and community. When we concede to thinking about our rights above all others, rather than considering our neighbours' rights equal to ours, then will lose what has made this country glorious and free. </span></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></dd><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><br /></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;">God [help us to] keep this land, glorious and free!</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;">Happy Canada Day!!</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></dd></span></dl>
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RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-55180841932131151452014-06-18T10:57:00.001-04:002014-06-18T10:57:35.775-04:00Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-70903254612715921732014-06-16T10:49:00.000-04:002014-06-16T10:49:02.532-04:00The Days of Our Fathers<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lY1gLPQ_7IA/U577aZkPh9I/AAAAAAAABXA/5yUq8Sz-IEI/s1600/DSCN0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_4hfqJwReA/U575Wbr77II/AAAAAAAABVo/pnvy4-ae3Vw/s1600/DSCN0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_4hfqJwReA/U575Wbr77II/AAAAAAAABVo/pnvy4-ae3Vw/s1600/DSCN0781.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>What a wonderful Fathers Day weekend I just had. The family and I spent the weekend at our church's camp on Silver Lake...well at least during the day. At night we retreated to the comfort of the family cottage not too far away.<br />
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It was a perfect way to pass Fathers Day as it reminded me of past times spent with my father and grandfathers. What better way to celebrate fatherhood than to pass on similar memories to my girls. It's like a legacy of leisure that speaks to the things that are important and enjoyed by the generations that came before me.<br />
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My father-in-law is dedicated to his family more than anything else. He likes to say that the main reason he owns the cottage is for the children and grandchildren. It is truly a blessing to have such a wonderful place to retreat to.<br />
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We went for a hike through the woods on Saturday - which always reminds me of Grampa Gideon (paternal grandfather). I remember hiking with him on Manitoulin Island and him often having some interesting fact to share. Like the one time he found some wild mint leaves growing, took some sap from a tree and made himself some gum. I kid you not. He was born in the forest up near James Bay and grew up in them so he was savvy to the ways of the woods. My knowledge of the woods doesn't come close to my Grampa's, if I tried to make gum I'd probably choose the wrong type of leaf and give everyone a horrible rash on their mouths - not the memories I'm going for. So I didn't pull out any cool tricks on my hike (unless you count getting to the end without running through a bunch of poison ivy a cool trick). However my enjoyment and appreciation of the woods and nature are on par with his and I'm glad my girls also seem to have a natural bond with the woods.<br />
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My Pappa's (maternal grandfather) main priority was always bent towards faith. To that end I'm quite proud to carry on that heritage and raise my girls in an environment, surrounded by people of faith that encourage them to grow and experience faith in their own right.<br />
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These characteristics are not exclusive to my grandfathers; my Dad embodies them and in such a way has been a conduit bringing the past into the present and hopefully to see them live on into the future. My Dad has always been a fun-loving, out-doorsy, water-loving, family man of faith and in that regards I believe I am cut from the same cloth. I don't think I could count the hours spent outside (or at outdoors shows) mainly on or near a lake with my Dad. <br />
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I spent Sunday the way that I think my Dad would have liked to spend it. Most of it was spent either in or on the water. I was planning on going for a leisurely dip but that turned into a massive water fight with a bunch of kids (yes, I was probably the biggest kid there) - my girls were loving it. Then my family took a canoe out for a nice whip around the lake. It was perfect.<br />
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Oh and the driving...yes my childhood reminiscing would not be complete without thinking about all the driving we did. My Dad was born to drive and our trips always included an element of driving...for hours. This was before any cool devices that could placate kids for hours existed aside from the radio and eventually tape players (I think my older sister got a walkman at one point which was amazing to us). Yes our cool technology was mainly books, magazines and the great outdoors.<br />
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We were constantly scanning, "keeping our eyes open" for any wildlife that we might see...<br />
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Well in that regards my Dad would have been proud. In our 2 hour drive (30 minutes X 4) from the cottage to the church campground we saw: 2 turtles, 2 snakes, 2 raccoons, 2 vultures, 2 deer, a butterfly, a daddy-long-legs spider and the shaggiest husky you can imagine. In addition we saw a few blue herons, fish galore, and a playful chipmunk. For awhile there, we were seeing two of so many kinds of animals I thought I might have to start building ourselves a boat. It was wild.<br />
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So that was our Fathers' Day weekend. A celebration of the legacy and heritage passed down that make us Gideons and Paavolas the type of men and fathers we are...a celebration of the past and the present with an eye to the future. May you have had a similar time!<br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-30746546242110299582014-04-26T08:27:00.000-04:002014-04-28T08:38:17.405-04:00We do Judo! We have finally finished up the hockey season and the girls have just started taking Judo lessons at the dojo down the street. I must confess that judo is a much more pleasant sport to have children in than hockey. I love hockey and I'm a proud Canadian but holy smokes its a commitment. The weird part about hockey in Ottawa is that there is really no non competitive leagues around. All leagues are set up with a rep like system with tournaments, travelling, and multiple games a week etc. I have no illusions about my kids sports carers they will likely, like 99% of players, end up just playing the sport for, well, sport. So when we signed the girls up for hockey a year or so ago I was hoping for a easygoing once a week shinny style type of hockey, after all they are only 5 and 8 years old. Unfortunately here in Ottawa, where most hockey parents have good government jobs and plenty of disposable income, hockey is pretty full on regardless of the level of the players. Two overnight tournaments in two different cities, and several week day (during the day, like when people are you know, working) games later we are happy to be done.<br />
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So far Judo has been a happy alternative. The girls are often more engaged in the exercises during their lesson than they were in hockey as it is not so easy to hang back and watch at the dojo. Their teacher is a very soft spoken and calm Japanese lady who is the smallest thing I have ever seen. She also happens to be one of the best female martial arts experts in Canada and was a coach for the Olympic judo team for several years. Her family is also pretty impressive, with her two brothers competing at the Olympics and her sons winning dozens and dozens of martial arts competitions. The awards are so numerous that they have started to nail them to the ceiling at the dojo. So at least I know the girls are in good hands.<br />
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We are not sure what we will choose to do come winter. Hockey is a big part of Canadian culture and the girls for the most part enjoy playing. However our family really has a hard time managing the commitment of such an intense sport. If this is what house league hockey is like at 8 I shudder to think of what it will be at 12, 13, and so one. Plus we don't even have all our kids in yet. Mimi will one day join her sisters in what they are playing, as we tend to keep them doing the same thing (mostly to cut costs).<br />
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If the girls continue to enjoy Judo through the summer we may sadly say goodbye to hockey, and just do pleasure skating at the outdoor arena near our house. At least if they continue with Judo in ten or so years I will have a gaggle of girls who can protect me in dark alley ways or at Ikea on Saturday mornings (it's just like Lord of the Flies at that time, I blame the Swedish meatballs there must be something addictive in them).<br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-84303449676772898882014-04-25T18:25:00.000-04:002014-04-25T18:25:12.316-04:00Signs of Spring<br />We finally survived another Ottawa winter and spring has finally started indoors at least. Here are some of the plants we have on the go. Lex is are main horticulturalist around here and I do the flower bed construction outdoors.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<br /><br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-71989766265602406772014-04-24T19:12:00.001-04:002014-04-24T19:12:30.901-04:00Sorry Ryan it's a mamma post...I'm still a feminist! I seem to have come across a lot of media lately (talk shows, articles, blogs) bashing stay-at-home mothers. Most of these pieces make the homemaker out to be some sort of slave who sacrifices every inch of her self-worth and potential in order to be a stay at home parent. The worst part is when they say Mothering all day is anti-feminist. Now, I grew up on the ultra-liberal side of the feminist debate. I didn't (don't) wear makeup, I went tree planting, I listened to a lot of Indigo girls, I read Naomi Wolf books, so yeah, really really feminist. As I grew older I drew strength knowing that generations of women had worked and fought for women's equality and the freedom for me to choose what I wanted to do in life. <div>
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After I had my first child I knew that the right thing to do in my life was love and care for her at home full time. Because I felt like it was right for our family, for my daughter, and overall the healthy thing for us. Eight years on and three kids and one dog later I am still happy that I do not have a career that takes me out of my home everyday. I feel like I am doing the right thing, just as working moms are doing what they believe is best for their families and themselves. We're all just doing what we think is right. </div>
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Some of the things people say about stay-at-home moms are indeed true. We don't have financial independence (although even career focused mamas have a mortgage and a visa bill, how independent does that make them?). We don't get breaks, we don't use our brains to our utmost academic level (mostly because we are exhausted), and we are dependent on our partners. Oh and we dress badly... that's totally true but if your going to be covered in puke what's the point in dressing up? </div>
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But hang on a second! My husband depends on me too. We are in a fundamental way interdependent on each other. If I decided to go marry the hunky single guy down the road and move to Cuba, Ryan would be totally screwed. As wonderful as my husband is he could not look after our girls even close to the same way as he can now. And if Ryan decided to marry the hot single chick down the road and move to Cuba I would also be totally screwed. This is part of the reason that neither one of us views divorce as an option; apart from all the emotional trauma, it would totally wreck our lives...and the lives of our girls. In our society no one is supposed to need anyone else. Well thats just bananas! People need other people, to love, to do things for, for help, for support, for making mochas in the morning while you wipe sleep from your eyes (thanks Ry).</div>
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I am a stay-at-home mom but I am not a moron. I know that children are not young forever and that one day I will be alone with my husband. I will have no career to keep me busy in my fifties, sixties and so on. But guess what...I don't care! Na na na na pooh pooh! I am digging my life now! I feel important to many people and I feel valued and stimulated every day. I have learnt so much about the power and strength of women and how important we are to a successful society. I have also noticed how undervalued women's work is in our culture by men and women alike. I will continue to be a homemaker despite the confused looks I get when I am asked "so what do you do all day"? Or my personal favourite "aren't you bored?" No, somehow I have not found the time to be bored.</div>
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I feel like I am what feminism was manifestoed to do. We are feminists because we want a choice. </div>
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RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-44816051360933830312014-04-11T23:26:00.001-04:002014-04-11T23:32:59.116-04:00Reason to Celebrate<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SO_NxgO-OcE/U0iyKKQhcgI/AAAAAAAABUE/87HDZg-SntE/s1600/10001565_10152706780728368_6163933213368411160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SO_NxgO-OcE/U0iyKKQhcgI/AAAAAAAABUE/87HDZg-SntE/s1600/10001565_10152706780728368_6163933213368411160_n.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></a>Tomorrow is a big day. April the 12th is the day my Mom was born and also the day my parents and late paternal grandparents were married. As much as it is more blessed to give than to receive, I cannot help but think about how much I have received because of the historic family events that have taken place on April the 12th. I am thankful for the blessing that my Mom and Dad are and for the example they have set for our family.<br />
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Growing up my Mom was one of my heroes and still is. Not only is she an awesome Mom and Mummu to my girls who does all the things that you envision an awesome mom doing, but she also had enough gumption not to give up on her dream. So many years ago now, with three children, she went back to school to complete high school and nursing college. I remember her studying her anatomy books well into the evening and on weekends finding time where she could while still taking care of us all. She accomplished that which she set out to do and continues to succeed in her career as a nurse. She now works in palliative care helping comfort those who have no hope for recovery and easing them into the sweet hereafter. She handles her sacred duty with quiet strength (although she is not always quiet), resolve and compassion indicative of her character. I am proud of my Mom and glad that my girls have such a great example that they can learn from and hope to be like one day (my girls are very fortunate with the number of quality women they are surrounded with).<br />
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My Mom and Dad have done it together for I am sure that my mom would agree that without my Dad supporting her decision to go back to school and encouragement, it would have been a heck of a lot harder to accomplish what she has. They have stuck together through thick and thin, for better or worse, in sickness and in health and continue to demonstrate love, commitment and teamwork. When I consider what my parents have given me I think about the faith they fostered in me, the values they instilled, the belief they had in me and the encouragement and support they continue to give to me and my family. These are priceless... a rich heritage that I strive to guard as fervently as I would a precious family heirloom so that I may pass them on to my girls and them to their children.<br />
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So to my Mom and Dad I say Happy Birthday and Anniversary, may God richly bless you today and in the coming year and we thank you for all that you have given to us! <br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-73812773435068429672014-03-03T22:56:00.001-05:002014-03-03T22:56:41.064-05:00Fatherhood is Like GravityWell another Oscar night has come and gone. I used to love Oscar night because I used to love films. There were a few years there that I'm pretty sure I saw every movie nominated for a major award (working at a movie theatre and going to film school were certainly enabling factors). I think this is the first time in eighteen years that I didn't catch any of the broadcast. I didn't even know all the films that were nominated for Best Picture until after the telecast when I was reviewing the winners. It was then that it hit me just how out of touch I am with pulp culture. While fatherhood and family life tend to do that (at least to me) do not think that I am lamenting this fact. I'd much rather be grounded in what matters (family) than caught up with my head in the clouds floating to and fro whichever way the wind may blow (divergent entertainment). <br />
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It all reminds me of that movie Gravity...at least what I imagine Gravity to be about since I've only ever seen the teaser. If I'm correct the movie is about a couple of astronauts sent adrift in space after a spacewalk goes wrong. That's it pretty much in a nutshell, isn't it? <br />
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I think parents need to be especially vigilant with the time they carve out for each other lest they end up like the two astronauts in the movie (although if I could end up looking like George Clooney when I'm 50, I'd be okay with that...and I think my wife would concur). There are so many things willing to be your distraction du jour that it is tempting to lose sight of what's important and float away. If one is not careful, it is easy to get caught up in the doing of the things of everyday life and be sent adrift in the inertia of it all only to look up and find yourself miles from where you intended to be, far from your partner and no notion of how to get back. <br />
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So in the spacewalk that is life (how's that for some fromage?) even when what you're doing is filled with purpose, don't lose focus of the big picture and for goodness sake hang on tight to each other.<br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-70267928395982254012014-02-26T08:24:00.000-05:002014-02-26T08:24:19.264-05:00Sea of PinkHaving three girls I should have expected a certain amount of pinkness in my life but sometimes for no reason it seems to really explode. In a good way. Although my girls are sporty and love things like star wars, lego, and Jack London stories, every once and a while they really have to get their pink on. Like on Saturday after hockey with their little cousin joining in. Enjoy! <div>
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RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-77197190666248930802014-02-24T10:09:00.001-05:002014-02-24T10:09:35.530-05:00No Play AllowedI was at a school park with my kids the other day after school hours. My children were happily playing on the play structure which was fairly snowy, but since it was constructed mostly of wood and not very dangerous looking I didn't really see it as a problem. Now there is a sign on said play structure that says Ottawa District School has closed this structure until spring. "Ok that sounds clear enough Ryan", you say? Wait! The park near the school is actually owned by the city so while the school has rights to the structure during school hours they do not after school is over. So I took it upon myself to ignore the stupid rule sign and let my children play on the "dangerous play structure"; can dangerous play structure even go in the same sentence? I digress,,.<br />
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From the school came abounding two very well meaning ECE workers who help run the day-care within the school. " Sorry but the play structures closed for the season you can you it in the spring", they said in their patronising veiled with concern tone. "But, but, it's only a bit snowy, and it's after 4 pm, and, and, its a dumb rule" I said, somewhat reverting into a fourth grade version of myself. "Sorry it's just way too dangerous in the winter to use it" said the ECE teacher. "OK, fine, we will go play on the two story high snow hill beside the parking lot" I say. Which is actually dangerous but with no other options what can you do?<br />
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Now it's not that I think this is the teachers or maybe even the schools fault. This is an insurance problem. The schools insurance will not cover student injuries in the winter, so they have to lie to students, parents and even themselves and say that it is because the play structure is dangerous in the winter. The problem with this is that everyone starts believing this lie. Students really think it's very dangerous to play on a meter high playground in the winter in Canada. Where it is winter like 9ish months of the year.<br />
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Meanwhile we have a huge push in Ottawa schools to curb obesity. Fresh fruit Fridays, no candy, one candy a day after Halloween, and exercise themed days every so often. How bout we can all that crap, start teaching them to read more often, and open that dammed play structure. Free the children I say!<br />
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I know this will not be happening anytime soon. Not while there is a huge insurance company holding the play structures at ransom. I hope that Canadian children are able to shake off their imposed fear when they are older and learn the difference between real danger and a crazy town idea of danger. And I hope that the school boards ubber health strategy doesn't do more harm than good in their students lives. Personally I would much rather have a bunch of kids falling off play structures in the winter if it meant we could give them a more carefree existence during school recess. But maybe thats just me.<br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-74777734452655465772014-01-16T23:25:00.001-05:002014-01-16T23:25:18.589-05:00And Now for Something Completely Different - Snow Shoveling and Electronic Records<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, have you ever wondered how <a href="http://www.systemscope.com/information-management/let-it-snow-why-e-records-clean-up-is-like-shovelling-snow/" target="_blank">e-Records Cleanup is Like Shoveling Snow</a>? I know, who hasn't, right? I explored that exact topic just a couple of weeks ago for my company's blog. Perhaps electronic records disposition and cleanup is not for you, that's understandable, however I'd still recommend checking out the link to glean some tips for shoveling snow and to sample some more fine writing from yours truly. <br />
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Enjoy!!<br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-7734814391970823722014-01-13T23:38:00.001-05:002014-01-13T23:38:19.648-05:00New Year's Coffee Revolution!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The machine (in that background) that revolutionized the way I think about and drink coffee.</td></tr>
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Latte. Mocha Latte. Mmmmm...yes these are items that only a few weeks ago I considered indulgent. I have to admit I was a plain ol' regular coffee with a splash of milk kind of guy.<div>
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However since my wife and I received a fancy-dancy espresso machine for Christmas (thanks Mom and Dad!!) my coffee habits have been revolutionized! I have discovered the sheer joy of making and partaking in such delectable specialty coffees. It is a fine feeling to sit down after a day at the office and enjoy a fine specialty coffee in my fine home with my fine family. The whole experience is...well, FINE!!</div>
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My oldest daughter is a big fan of the machine too, she is quite proud of herself because she can now make her own hot chocolate. Now the trick will be to teach her how to make a latte and then have her get up early each day (or maybe just on Sundays) so my latte is ready for me when I arise. Ahh...to dream!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first attempt at latte artistry...it's supposed to be a heart with an arrow<br />though it...made with love, for my wife!</td></tr>
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RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-52044419159779788082014-01-09T08:52:00.001-05:002014-01-09T08:52:06.693-05:00Father's Perspective on CrashingI don't want to dwell on our accident because as scary as it was it ultimately turned out alright. It was a minor trauma that could have been a major tragedy...but wasn't. So while I want to grant it its proper weight, I want to strive to keep it in perspective and avoid indulging in sensationalizing the experience. That said I've had some stuff running through my mind that I wanted to write down and then that's it, it's on to other things (except when I have to deal with insurance et al).<br />
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As a father one of my main duties is to protect my family. As a parent we strive to provide everything our kids need to be safe, healthy and generally provided for. So much of my life revolves around what is best for them. It strikes me that as vigilant and conscientious as we try to be, we are often on the edge of chaos and might not even know it. I read a lot of westerns and one of the primary themes in westerns is the thin line that exists between civilization and basically just surviving. We build up this illusion of control by making plans, working hard and preparing for anything...and in a moment it can all slip out from underneath us and make naught of all we've built. We control so little. Even something as foundational as our livelihoods are often contingent on the whims of the marketplace, the economy and a number of other variables beyond our realm of influence. So what do I do with that?<br />
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Well for starters I beleive in a God that is in control, not even a sparrow falls to the ground outside of his care. Even if we should fall, it's not the end of the world. Even through or maybe especially through difficulties I believe God is working things together for the good of those who are called according to his will and his plan - even if what is happening is not good. Put aside whether you believe God directly causes or simply allows some things or everything to happen and the theological implications of each (that is a big discussion for another day), because beauty can rise from the ashes of tragedy and there are many examples. We may not alwasy be privy to the outcome...but I must believe. As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians to "live is Christ and to die
is gain," he had a hard time deciding which he felt was better.I don't have too difficult a time accepting that on a personal level.<br />
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If this is true for me, then it is true for my wife and children. While I do have a responsibility to them and for them, they are not mine. So often I view my kids as extension of myself, forgetting that they are their own unique people with their own purposes and callings. It's difficult for me to comprehend but God loves them more perfectly than I ever could and has created them for his own good pleasure and for his purpose - not mine. I've been blessed with them for a time and as long as I live I will strive to be the best father for them, to protect and provide for them as vigilantly and diligently as ever. That which I can control and plan for I will, that which I cannot I will trust that in my weakness and inability God will be glorified and his strength and faithfulness be known, and pray knowing that my family will remain in his will.<br />
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I found that it is not easy trusting someone else with those who are most precious to me...but isn't that what God has done and I'm simply recipricating?<br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-30271982511924298902014-01-08T08:02:00.000-05:002014-01-08T08:02:50.120-05:00Happier Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-71085689244749451162014-01-07T08:57:00.000-05:002014-01-07T15:29:48.336-05:00An Inauspicious BeginningIt has been a most inauspicious beginning to the new year for my family. My new year's day Facebook status read, "Happy New year Friends!! May the joy and peace that passes all understanding be yours in 2014 whatever may come."<br />
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It was my thought to encourage and challenge my friends to count their blessings and in all circumstances to give thanks for that which they have, even when times are tough. True joy and peace (that I receive from God) should not be dependent on if we're having a good day, but should be evident through our struggles.<br />
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Little did I know that this sentiment would be thoroughly tested in my life almost immediately in the new year. Thursday, January 2nd was a bitterly cold night. Evie had a hockey tournament in Kingston on the weekend so my family and I were planning on braving the cold night to drive to the cottage to stay. However our car battery was dead and needed to be boosted or charged. <br />
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I called my father-in-law who came over with his car and charger. Boosting it from his battery didn't work. So we decided to push it up the driveway closer to an outlet so we could plug in a charger and connect it to the battery. The two of us were no match for the snowy driveway and as I jumped into the car to apply the break to stop the car from rolling backwards onto the road, my car door that was open because I was jumping into the car clipped my father-in-law's side mirror. CRACK!! Crap...<br />
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I dug out an extension cord, plugged it in and charged the car over the next hour. We decided to postpone our trip until the next morning, thinking that would be the safest option. My Father and Mother in law graciously (considering we just smashed their car window) thought it would be nice to babysit and let Lex and I go have a coffee. I commiserated with Lex about how we just seem to be screwing up again and again. We were so depressed about what we had just done but determined finally to move on and try to be more productive in the days ahead. This was not to be.<br />
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We got up nice and early the next day, loaded up kids, hockey stuff, and suitcases. Thankfully my wife had put them all in warm winter coats and gloves; sometimes we just put warm sweaters on, as a long drive in coats often gives the girls a heat rash. The drive towards Kingston was easy going for the first forty minutes or so. We then started to notice cars in the ditch every few minutes. The weather was very cold but also bright and clear so we couldn't understand why there were so many accidents. We slowed right down to be safe and continued on.<br />
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A few minutes after Lex wondered aloud why we were seeing so many cars off the road we got our answer first hand. The car started to fish-tail like a pendulum,. small little zig zag patterns at first that got wider with each swing eventually spinning our car a full 360 degrees. I think it would have kept spinning if we had not crashed into and through three posts of the guard rail (taking them all out of the ground and splitting two in half), then for good measure we rolled our car completely over and before coming to a halting stop in the ditch, thankfully we landed tires down. We had hit some serious black ice.<br />
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I first looked at Lex and after and after seeing that she was okay turned quickly to the the girls. I think the fraction of a second it took me to look at Lex then turn my head to look back was the most scared I've ever been. I didn't know what to expect but worst case scenarios danced in my mind. The instant after was perhaps the most relieved I've ever been as three sets of terrified eyes greeted me, terrified but alert and no visible signs of injury. Everyone seemed scared but OK. The kids started crying in unison exactly 30 seconds after we stopped rolling, but once we got them out of their car seats and into our arms they soon stopped. Two cars pulled up to help us, one was a actually a family from our hockey team (I cannot tell you how nice it was to see a familiar face), the other car had two sweet grandparents from Cape Breton who offered to drive us to the Kingston arena where we were headed, "Don't worry, we won't leave you" the kind couple reassured my wife as I tried to sort out what we were going to do. I called my brother-in-law, Jason, briefly explained what happened and asked him to come to Kingston and pick up our family (they were staying at the cottage only half an hour from there). So I grabbed what we needed from the wreckage that was our car, loaded everyone up and headed on our way making the requisite call to the police to report the accident, inform them we were all okay and that we were abandoning our car in the ditch because it was freezing. Evie and I traveled with more friends from our hockey team who were a couple kilometers back when we crashed but also stopped to help, while my wife took Noli and Miriam in the nice grandparents' vehicle to the arena.<br />
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We actually made it to Evie's game on time for her to play, which I think was helpful as it was a fun distraction for the girls while we spent the whole time on the phone with various insurance and tow truck people. After the game Jason, <a href="http://boyadentures.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">his son </a>and our family went to get noodles at our favourite place in Kingston and slowly started to process what had happened. After the day of hockey (Evie played in both games that day and beat the Ice wolves) I picked up a rental car in town and then we all headed to the cottage...slowly and extremely cautiously. It felt so good to get inside and know that I would not have to drive again for the next 15 hours at least.<br />
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Our family as always was so helpful and supportive the next day. Jason and I spent our whole Saturday driving around searching for my car, where it was impounded and house keys (which I thoughtlessly left in the car). We had to drive all over the place which perhaps was a good...get right back up on the horse! It was odd surveying the crash site.<br />
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Meanwhile Kath (Lex's sister) and Lex stayed back with the kids at the cottage. The kids had a cottage perfect day, spent mostly outside sledding or drinking hot chocolate. The children's resiliency and toughness amaze me!<br />
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My wife's parents were amazingly helpful and generous as usual. They spent their Saturday coordinating with a locksmith to have my house door's open (lesson learned - always keep your spare key in its place because you just never know...) They have also generously offered to give us their much newer car for free; which doesn't even surprise me (they are very generous people).<br />
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We are all back home now and safe. Lex and I have very minor stiffness in our neck and back and arms. The girls have no stiffness whatsoever, and are mostly just sad about not being able to drive our old car again. We are all trying to relax and take life a bit more slowly and gratefully now. We have learnt a lot from this. We have resolved to treat winter weather with more respect, drive even more slowly and if necessary not at all when it seems too dangerous. Our other problems which we perhaps worrying about don't seem very important anymore either. I am hoping for a more calm continuation of the year after 2014 started off with a literal BANG and pray that the joy and peace that passes all understanding continues to envelop my household.<br />
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God Bless.<br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-22571110512384207632013-12-30T11:11:00.002-05:002013-12-30T11:11:37.786-05:00Home Sweet HomeAfter about a week and a half of travelling and visiting with family we are happy to be home again. Everything still in it's place, even Ottawa's reliably horrible weather. Honestly I don't think this place was meant to sustain human life but oh well I guess it's working out so far.<br />
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Our car actually held up pretty well this trip. Our little mini Mazda sure gets a lot of looks of bewilderment mixed with amazement wherever we go. With the five of us it looks like when clowns in a circus file out of an amazingly small car. No one seems to know how we manage fitting all the car seats in (with great difficulty) or how we ourselves fit in (with greater difficulty). Then you add heaps of Christmas presents, clothes, books, toys, and snacks; which really makes for a less than luxurious trip to say the least. But other than the extreme lack of space the journey went well. Miriam our littlest was actually one of the best behaved which is a very big change from when she was a baby.<br />
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It was wonderful to spend time with my side of the family as we don't get to see them as much as my wife's side who for the most part are here in Ottawa. My nephews are decidedly taller and so is their sister; all of whom will be entering teenagerhood soon (yikes). I finally met the newest addition to the family, baby Lily. Although she wasn't a huge fan of me I admired her mostly from across the room, which was certainly her preference. The few times I did hold her she would keep her composure for a few minutes so as not to hurt my feelings, and then finally would break down into the "who the heck is this weird hairy guy holding me mama" cry! I seem to remember my own children doing the exact same thing with their uncles but perhaps with a bit more anger. I'm not sure if Lex caught the baby bug or not with having been around such a cutie pie but I guess we'll see.<br />
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We were blessed with many thoughtful gifts this Christmas, we have a very generous family indeed, on both sides. Thankfully our sock collection now includes more that four pairs of actual socks. Lex and I were literally sharing four pairs I kid you not. How did we let it get so bad you ask,,I really don't know, probably a mixture of laziness and cheapness, but were good now.<br />
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New years is coming soon and I will post pictures of whatever shinanegans we get up to on new years eve. God bless! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">clown car</td></tr>
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-50072194950345919112013-12-14T18:54:00.000-05:002013-12-14T18:54:47.061-05:00The Season <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ho Ho Ho</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sam7EEj_0JY/UqzsCLHoVcI/AAAAAAAABNk/U8o75B25vs4/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sam7EEj_0JY/UqzsCLHoVcI/AAAAAAAABNk/U8o75B25vs4/s320/IMG_0995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making cards that are still waiting to be sent.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom supervising </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjQdJL7P51o/UqzsPg1dxSI/AAAAAAAABOA/2WbrL7V8fZc/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjQdJL7P51o/UqzsPg1dxSI/AAAAAAAABOA/2WbrL7V8fZc/s320/IMG_1033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinseling our still frozen tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjU1lmrJhxE/UqzvTZg-XuI/AAAAAAAABO4/458D9EoLRzk/s1600/IMG_1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjU1lmrJhxE/UqzvTZg-XuI/AAAAAAAABO4/458D9EoLRzk/s320/IMG_1032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How did these lights get so tangled?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up for caroling at the retirement home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Silent Night Holy Night'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delivering cookies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMYR3rMFBtY/UqztBGHuX4I/AAAAAAAABOk/cqrrBqCGSPQ/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMYR3rMFBtY/UqztBGHuX4I/AAAAAAAABOk/cqrrBqCGSPQ/s320/IMG_1089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My angels </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ykh73Q3I2M4/Uqzs9W0iIqI/AAAAAAAABOc/qn7vPQj8UwA/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ykh73Q3I2M4/Uqzs9W0iIqI/AAAAAAAABOc/qn7vPQj8UwA/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love it here! They give you candy!!!</td></tr>
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-66516042883493823002013-12-09T15:28:00.000-05:002013-12-09T15:28:00.973-05:00Recession Smercession I feel like North America, and most of Europe, has been in a recession for long enough now that it's starting to become just a part of life. Frugality is the new normal for so many families including our own. Although I wouldn't exactly call this period of our history that harsh. I'm sure people in Somalia would laugh out loud at our idea of hardship. "A recession you say, somehow corresponding with an obesity epidemic, HA"!<br />
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Personally I am sort of glad that my children are growing up in the "doom and gloom" of it all. I imagine that it will make them more ambitious and more tough. Much like children of the depression held on to their frugal and hard working ways their whole lives. I hope it will make my kids generation more aware of what things matter and what things are irrelevant.<br />
Perhaps they will be less wasteful than their parents (me), and less expectant.<br />
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Growing up I always just expected our lives to be full of mind blowing opportunity. "Just you wait till those baby boomers retire, you'll have so many options" my high school economics teacher would say! And although we have really been amazingly blessed, "real" jobs are such a scarcity these days that when you have one you hold on to it for dear life no matter what. I truly dread being out of work in this economic climate. Apparently so do baby boomers, as they don't seem to be retiring any time soon (not that you should Bonnie, just keep on truckin). But perhaps my children will not have the same outlook on what's ahead for them and what they deserve. No one just deserves a good job after all, or a nice house or car. You must struggle for all these things. Go figure. <br />
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So not to end on a gloomy note here is some encouragement from the bible.<br />
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<b>Jeremiah 29:11-13</b></div>
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'<i>For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 'And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iieozeutVsw/UaLXM4Fm7NI/AAAAAAAAA18/RZOTfrEPSyI/s1600/monkey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iieozeutVsw/UaLXM4Fm7NI/AAAAAAAAA18/RZOTfrEPSyI/s1600/monkey.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where did it all go wrong! </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-49759083702305333832013-11-28T09:11:00.000-05:002013-11-28T09:20:28.529-05:00I know I know I don't Blog anymore,,,OK so this here blog has been a bit underused the last few months. I don't really have any specific reasons for this. I just don't seem to have a whole late to say lately. Perhaps I'm suffering from some writers block, who knows.<br />
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Some things that do make me want to write are of course the advent season we are about to enter. I love Christmas time. Even non Christians love Christmas for some reason; and don't give me that "its a holiday for everyone" stuff. Its not. It's a Christian holiday; partake if you want but don't pretend that its some new secular thing that everyone can do with out it having religious significance. It's <b>Chirst</b>mas,,,,come on people get with the program.<br />
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We also got out first big snowstorm here in Ottawa yesterday and the girls got their first snow day of the year. Hopefully the first of many more snow days to come. We have a never ending rack of drying mittens over every heater in our house right now, which I'm thinking must be obstructing the heat in some way. Oh well, must have dry mittens. Our children are amazing at completely engrossing themselves in their snowy adventures. They come in an hour after we send them outside completely soaked and caked in snow up to their eyeballs usually to get either a fresh pair of mittens or a cup of hot chocolate.<br />
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With the snow came the first round of our endless driveway shovelling chore for the winter. What an ab workout that is. You snow blower owners are really missing out on some free workouts. Although I would guess that by spring I will still not be showing any signs of actual ab muscles on the surface. But they'll be there, just a couple inches down under a layer of insulation.<br />
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If you want my thoughts on Black Friday you can read them <a href="http://ryangideon.blogspot.ca/2012/11/black-friday-indeed.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I feel the same way about the whole thing as last year. <br />
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That's it for now everyone. Happy Holidays! <br />
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Welcome to Siberia,,,I mean Ottawa. </div>
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1313340423248974917.post-75495298697925917882013-11-16T00:22:00.001-05:002013-11-16T00:22:59.427-05:00Back from the Dark Side of the Moon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week marked a very exciting moment for the Gideon family; On Wednesday Evie brought home her very first audition piece for a school play. For those of you who don't know me very well, I consider myself an actor first and foremost. I would say I am more of an actor than any of the positions I've held to make a living, my graduate degree qualifies me as a librarian/information scientist but I'm not sure that's my vocation in the true sense of the word - no my calling was as an actor. It's an extension of the storytelling and writing aspect of my nature - the thing that I think I was best at. I'm not sure it would still be the thing I'm best at now, it's been awhile since I put on a character and took command of a stage. Nevertheless acting is in the blood. <br />
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My isoisa (great-grandfather) Theodore was an actor in Finland - supposedly quite a good one - who as I remember the story turned down an opportunity to study with a professional troupe in Helsinki (something along those lines). <br />
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Now the third generation is ready to give the stage a try. To be sure I had no (direct) influence over Evie's decision to decide to audition. It came as a complete surprise to me when she announced that she was trying out for a part in the play. She seemed very excited and proud to show me the audition script and did quite well reading her part - she's Mosquito One. I have promised her to help her rehearse her part this weekend and promised myself that I would restrain myself from over-coaching her. I will definitely not talk to her about Stanislavski nor run her through any advanced techniques...I promise. I will make sure we have fun together and encourage her to do her best...and I'll give her a pointer or two. It's sooo nerve-wracking from the parent's perspective. I don't think I appreciated the stress that it causes parents, sorry Mom and Dad. <br />
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Theatre for me was the opportunity I needed to really bust out of my shell to find my voice and confidence, which have influenced everything that I have done since then. Beyond the all important transferable skills that I still use today, I will never forget the feelings of being on stage or the high of stepping offstage after a near perfect performance. There are precious few moments that can compare - in all sincerity I would rank the experience just slightly below a touch from God, falling in love and the birth of my girls. <br />
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I didn't discover the theatre until grade 11; I'm glad Evie is testing the waters much earlier. Whether she gets a part this time around or not, I hope she simply has fun with it. I'm proud of my little girl even if she never wanted to have anything to do with theatre ever. I'm happy and excited for her because maybe, just maybe she'll get bit by the acting bug and one day experience all the joy and excitement that I did through acting. In the immediate future it just provides another bonding opportunity for the two of us; another opportunity to show her that I'm there for her and that the things she feels are important are therefore important to me, because she's important to me. <br />
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<br />RyeGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00692831708812090411noreply@blogger.com2