Pink Does More Than You Think

Bullying is a really, really shitty thing.  I've experienced it and dealt with it.  Both in my adult life and my childhood life.  It's not illegal, even though it often leads to physical harm or death.  But then, cigarette smoking isn't illegal either, and what's the good of that?

My daughter is being bullied, and it's time to step in.  She got her first job last August, and bullying there escalated to the point very recently where she had to quit.  I know that feeling.  My last job at Vail's Dry Cleaning involved workplace bullying by management.  I have no problems calling them out by name because if I can warn anyone against working there, that's fine.  In Alexandra's case, a very fine woman is managing that store under circumstances that are hard to work around.  I have utmost respect for her, and don't envy the daunting challenges that face her in managing a spotty less than credible staff.

I will take action very soon though at Lex's school where there is something going on where she took sympathy for the family and friends of a student who committed suicide recently.  She went to his funeral during school time, and some kids ostracized her for it claiming she did it only to avoid school.  I know my kid.  She has a very soft heart, just like me, and I went through something very similar when I went to high school.  But, other kids didn't bully me for having feelings.  Perhaps growing up a girl in this day and age is tougher than it is for boys.  I see that girls are getting cattier and cattier as the years go by.

As for the suicide... I will make no bones about the fact that I resent the attention that is given to the boy's actions.  I can't in good conscience call him a 'victim'.  The victims are those who surrounded him and loved him.  His actions launched depressive behaviour in countless others who loved him, and God only knows the ramifications that will ensue as time moves forward through the years.  I realize the mental suffering people endure when they go through tough times, but for God's sake, I wish kids and especially parents would pay more attention to the things that happen around them and take them more seriously.  No blame can be issued to this young man's parents or anyone else.  But lessons can certainly be learned at foreshadowing future events that may instigate possible similar events.  This will dwell in the minds of the affected for years to come, if not forever.

With the federal election fast hurtling towards us, the unpredictability that often surrounds times like these makes for pretty good entertainment if you're at all engaged in the political process, which I so wish more people were.  Especially young folks.  Thank God for the Rick Mercers of the world who are at the ready to light a fire in the arses of some of the lazier minded young adults who typically think their votes don't matter.  The fact that we are able to vote at all should be enough, especially considering the state of the world we live in right now.  One need look no further than the middle east or African nations to see the rebellion going on, with those fed up with their lack of freedom, including their own rights to choose their own leaders.  If so many are literally willing to die for that freedom to vote, doesn't that make those who refuse to vote here in our own homeland look exceedingly complacent?  With our current minority Conservative government hauling in the reigns of democracy more and more with each passing month, it should be clear to anyone who wants to see that we are becoming exactly what those overseas are fighting against.  To not vote, no matter what your age, is an abuse of freedom and democracy.  In my view, a non-vote is a vote for communism, a scenario in which you have no choice whatsoever.  Those who are apathetic to voting retain my own apathy.  Even if there are no viable choices, at the very least submit a blank ballot of non-confidence, something I nearly did in the last provincial election.  I kind of wish I did now.

My wife has been hitting the gym with a fury in the last several weeks.  I caution anyone who might underestimate her to rethink their view of her.  She goes for up to three hours pretty much daily, around five days a week, and does relentless cardio training that primes her for condition that literally and figuratively kicks my ass.  She weight trains with me too, and has just as much or more power than even the strongest women that go to the gym.  Even including a lot of the guys.  Add to that the fact that she's a second degree taekwondo black belt and you have a machine that will mow you over if you get in her way, with a will and determination that can not be deterred.  We have a couple of friends who've joined us going there lately, one of whom I don't see much because of conflicting work schedules named Krystina, who works for Janice.  The other who's become a great friend of the family, Jessica, one of the sweetest souls you'll ever meet.  She claims we've helped her through some of her tough times, which to me is a very humbling gesture on her part, because she's helped us just by simply sticking around.  She's been a friend to our daughter when she needs friends the most.  Maybe more like a big sister.  Janice has been like a surrogate mom to her in helping her, providing a sounding board for topics in her life that she needed the most.  We're happy we can bring any happiness into her life, but she has certainly reciprocated just by showing growth and smiling more than she ever has since we first met her.

Work for me is going very well these days.  Since I've been hired on at SDM in Riverview, at least since the store actually opened, I can honestly... and I would say shockingly... say that I haven't had a bad day there over the months since I started in October.  I can say about this job that I don't really see me ever leaving, I like it that much.  I thought for a long time that my life's career would be in being on the road, since I like driving so much, but I've come to appreciate the interaction with the awesome people that I work with, all of whom are supportive and very much a team.  That can't be said for every SDM around.  There is one store in particular that I will not set foot in because of such a negative air about it and the way it treats a number of its workers.  Hint:  It's not my daughter's former workplace, or my own.

My own workouts at the gym have been fruitful in the department of weight management if nothing else.  I weigh 173lbs, the lowest in years, and I must say I have my share of leanness about me, without being boastful.  My aforementioned friend Jessica gave me a boost of confidence in conjunction with my wife, in that I'm able to look past a lot of meanness directed toward me by random idiots.  Just for example, at the gym, I worked out in my bike shorts (or, tight spandex) and a pink t-shirt, because Janice really likes that on me.  I passed by one of the machines I'd just worked on, and a lady brushed by me, looking at my shirt and shorts and then up at me, with a look of disgust on her face.  I just grinned at her.  In my mind, thinking, "I've got women like my wife and others like Jessica thinking I look just FINE, honey, and you will NEVER be as hot as either of them, so, FUCK YOU."  Pardon my expletive.  But that's the confidence that people like Janice and Jessica supply me.  I posted a pic of that very outfit, which I took right after that incident, on my facebook profile page.  Thank you, Jessica.  Thank you, Janice.  My pink shirt has a permanent place at the gym now to please you and piss off others.

That's going to be it for the time being until a Random Thoughts coming this way soon enough.  Until then, fire up those colortinis and watch the pictures fly through the air.

Have a good day.

RT5

Libya is falling, Libya is falling!  Actually, just bring down Gadafi/Khadafi/Gawdawful and the world will be happy.  I know I will.

There's something about the early part of every year that's recurrently painful to me.  Whether it's a stomach virus (got it), teeth problems (broke a molar, subsequently got it pulled, dry socket ensues), or a sinus infection (not yet... but I'm sure it's coming, happens every year), or all the above, I've learned to brace myself when January comes around.

So, now they've found something else in pop that causes cancer.  Carmel coloring (although real doctors say you have to consume 10,000 cans of pop a day to get the toxic effects... good thing I only drink 9,999).  I don't know about you folks, but I'm getting tired of the flippant finger pointing by health 'officials' being killjoys about just about everything food related.  Remember peanut butter and cancer?  Poison apples causing it?  Red dye in candies?  Sucralose?  Hey, if you're not scared enough, just watch Dr. Oz.  I'm sure having a shit will cause cancer soon enough too.  As will breathing and blinking.

Is anyone out there at all watching American Idol anymore?  Naw, me neither.

I hear some jobs opened up with Canada Post recently.  I couldn't be less interested.  Love the job I have and the people I work with.

Is a guy wearing pink STILL a crime for Pete's sake?

It's a little tough getting some regularity going with gym attendance, but I'm getting there.  Long work hours are beginning to shorten, now I just have to stay healthy.  I sure love a good workout.

My original outlook on Michael Ignatieff being the ideal leader for the Liberal Party here in Canada seems to be cloudy.  He supports too many far-right ideals for my liking, and not the ones I like.  I actually like the Conservatives, just not Stephen Harper and most of his cronies.  Neither do I like David Alward.  I do think Prime Minister Danny Williams or Prime Minister Bernard Lord both have nice rings to them though.  Notice both are Conservatives.

U2 is coming!  I didn't think it would happen because of the stage logistics, but apparently Moncton's willing to accomodate.  We have seats 'behind' the 360 (or 'round') stage.  Even if the view is limited, we're still close and we're still SITTING.  In reserved seats.  And they were less than $40 each!  To any U2 doubters... do not underestimate the power of a U2 show.  This isn't the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, The Eagles, etc.  This is an emotionally involving, spiritual, up-with-people event with four of the most top notch and influential musicians in rock and roll today, with an endless list of hits everyone knows.

Anxiously awaiting a few movies, namely "Battle:  LA", "Apollo 18" and "Super 8", and further down the road my staples "Batman:  The Dark Knight Rises" and "The Amazing Spiderman"; further still, the new "Superman".  These are all films I want to see on the big screen.  The dramas and romcoms or what have you are all small screen stuff for me.

Is it just me, or is our city council really dragging its heels on a lot of things, like a new civic center, the police force, Power Center development, the Killam Drive/Collishaw rotary and God knows what else?  I've never seen the Moncton City Hall act so slowly on so many issues.  And talk about fumbling the ball on the concert site last year.  Not one show, yet so many millions keep getting pumped into the place.  The U2 event will be the first one in two years.  Unacceptable.  There are plenty of touring bands, both last summer and this one, or any summer really.

Speaking of which, there's plenty more acts to chase.  People will come out in droves to see Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Tom Petty, Coldplay, the Billy Joel/Elton John double bill, Dave Matthews, Metallica, Van Halen, etc.

The Cars are back together.  Probably my favorite pop band of all time.  They're just a foursome now I think, with Ben Orr having passed away several years ago, God rest his soul, but I'm just happy to know a new album is coming out in May and maybe, just maybe, they'll come around these parts on a tour.  Although they're not known for their touring much.

Kicking myself in the ass for not bringing home more of Bush's Beans from our Bangor trip, especially the Bourbon and Brown Sugar one.  Don't worry if you hear trumpets in the air, it's not the end of the world, just the by-product of my eating this newly discovered treat of mine.  Wait... Bangor's Bush's Bourbon Brown Sugar Beans.  5 times fast... say it.

"On the next Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew... Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen."  Make it happen, powers-that-be!  They already announced the new cast, so it'll have to be next time.  If those two are still alive.  On second thought... I think I'm suffering an OD of my own, on Charlie Sheen news.  And I wasn't even seeking it out.  Cancel that order.

Lent has started, and we're giving up red meat again.  It's a lot tougher than it sounds for us meat lovers.  We celebrate every Easter Sunday with nicely barbecued prime rib steaks.

Ever get that feeling, "I should've kept my big mouth shut"?  I usually keep mine firmly closed, but my fingers on the qwerty need shutting up too sometimes.  Especially when it comes to giving unsolicited advice.  To any I've done this to, I'll try harder to be less nimble on the MacBook keyboard.

I think what I'll do here on Ragnar is post links to things that I really like, rather than stick them on facebook and clutter everyone's updates.  I find something everyday that I like, but lately refrain from posting them on fb and it's driving me nuts!  I need an outlet.

The new Spidey movie is filming right now, for release next summer.  Can't wait to see the trailers... but there's no J Jonah Jameson in the movie???  MAJOR WTF.  And the costume looks awfully emo to me. I'm concerned... but we'll see.  On the other hand... The Dark Knight Rises is looking really interesting, and they haven't even started filming yet.  It's going to tie in to Batman Begins and the League of Shadows angle, along with Bane and Talia al Ghul, Ra's daughter (Ra's was killed in Begins).  Gary Oldman's read much of the script, and thinks this will even outdo The Dark Knight.  Excited!

In the meantime, I WAS excited about seeing Battle:  Los Angeles until the reviews came out, calling it a mindless video game movie.  Rotten Tomatoes gave it a very low rating.  I'll save my cash.  I am looking forward to Apollo 18 though, and Super 8.  Not terribly optimistic about Thor or The Avengers.

One of my favorite prayers at church, with the congregation, with anecdotes:   I confess to Almighty God, and you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault.  In my thoughts and in my words (applies very much lately...but 'in my thoughts'?  That covers a LOT), in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do.  (Trying to cut down on the 'what I have done' part, especially now that Lent is here, and the 'what I have failed to do' part is pretty haunting)  And I ask the Blessed Mary, every virgin (non Catholics, RELAX... we're not praying to Mary, but appealing to her to help us through her Son), all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

When I say that prayer I say it with a whole lot of thought and meaning, and wonder how many actually do, rather than just recite it blankly.  I really like my parish, St. Bernard's, because there is no condescension whatsoever.  It's very welcoming and it's quite full every mass I go to, bucking the trend of people leaving the church.

That's all I can think of talking about right now.  Thanks for coming by.  I really, really do appreciate it.

Random Thoughts 4

At this very moment, watching W5 where a severely injured soldier paralyzed from the neck down is trying to regain movement of his limbs.  Just when you think life is tough, you see something like this to kick your ass out of your complacency.

What a winter, lots of storms, lots of snow and rain and wind... what I want is the bone chilling temperatures.  You read that right.  Because warm temperatures this time of year just don't feel natural or healthy for our balance of nature.

Such nice comments from the friends I spoke about in the last Ragnar posting.  They validate even more why they are my friends and always will be.

The wife can not stand Jennifer Hudson's singing in the Weight Watchers commercials.  The mute button does get used from time to time around here.

Trouble in the U.S. again with the shooting in Arizona.  Guns guns guns.  The division in politics down there is so scary that it's become deadly now.  As long as you have the Sarah Palin mentalities prevailing, that's what they're going to get.

Is it just me or are there now too many cartoon movies?

Michael Jackson the hero.  Those of you who are fans, let me ask you this.  If a man who wasn't famous,  who was filthy rich, was accused of pedophilia multiple times (but not convicted however bought out the accusers), wanted to spend the weekend with your kid or kids... would you let him?  Never mind backgrounds.  All of us have trouble from our pasts.

The penalty for drunk driving upon first conviction should be loss of license AND job.  If someone went out and had more than just a drink, wouldn't it be a deterrent if they stopped to think, 'what if I lose my job?'  It seems losing their life or anyone else's doesn't click into them as real enough.  So by law... you lose your job and your license.  You have to earn them BOTH back.  That's just on first conviction.  Enough is enough.  If you drink and drive, you deserve worse really.  Far worse.

Speaking of drinking, I can't be around crowds consuming alcohol.  I get reminded of it from time to time how extremely uncomfortable I am in that scenario.  Too many people act like... forgive me... fucking idiots.  And I won't share that atmosphere.

There are those I couldn't mention in my last post who are friends that aren't on facebook that should get honorable mention.  Friends like Marshall Miles, Pete Howell, sister Debbie Bisson, brother Roy, my current boss Jamie Carter, my very first boss and best ever Don Goguen, Tim Churchill, and others I wish I could remember.  I may add to that list in the next posting.

I'm extremely annoyed that I can't find Poppycock in my area.  My friend Michelle in Vancouver even offered to mail some to me.  A sweet gesture (pun intended), but I'll find it.  Maybe on our next U.S. excursion.

Is anyone else alarmed about the reports of masses of birds dropping dead from the sky?  How about the dwindling population of bees?  Unexplained cow mutilations?  Crop circles that are still going on but not paid attention to?  Increasing UFO sightings?  Here's an idea... go to church.  Better start soon.

I'm in the best shape of my life and I'm 45.  Suck it, Bowflex!

Might be time to hang up the drums.  From time to time I get very discouraged.  I'm in the midst of one of those times right now.  I need a spark to get the interest back which is dropping off big time.

I very recently got a very close up view of how very friggin' strong my wife's legs are getting.  Wow!!!  And she's in the best shape of HER life.  ((sigh!))

Eagerly awaiting the next Coldplay album.  I still listen to Viva la Vida since it's been out, what, three years ago, on my iPod at the gym everyday.  It's timeless.  I can't wait to hear what they come up with next.    KISS too.  I don't know where they're going with their next album producer or direction-wise, but it should be very interesting.  My guess is it will be their last.  Fearless prediction.

Production on The Dark Knight Rises starts in a couple of months.  It'll be summer of '12 that it's out.  I'll be on aicn.com chccking for updates on production every day for that.  As well as the next Spidey movie.  Soon Apollo 18 will be out, a Cloverfield-like movie of 'lost footage', fictional of course.  Ah yes, there's also Super 8 this summer from Spielberg and Abrams.  It's not a movie about motels either.

Think there'll be an election this year?  Count on it, in the spring when Harper brings down the budget.  We'll then see what the Wimperals are made of.  Honestly, it pisses me off.  What we really need is the NDP and Liberals to unite once and for all, grow a friggin' set and have a leader not afraid to stand up to the bullying, spend-crazy Conservatives.  Every time the Conservatives run the joint we go into record debt, you realize that?

The new V tv series isn't too bad I guess.  You'd swear they were soap opera actors or something though.  Celebrity Rehab, on Sundays, is a better show and more entertaining.  And makes you reflect on yourself... you'd be surprised.  But I'm sure some of the people on that show are famous for not being famous, if you get that.  Like Paris Hilton - she's not on it but might as well be.  I still like my wrestling shows, TNA more than WWE lately.  The women on TNA are amazing!  Looks-wise and athlete-wise.

That's going to be it for now.  Thanks for tuning in again.  Let me know you were here if you could be so kind.  And keep coming back!