In the early 1960’s good living was associated with eating rich and tasty foods such as prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, apple pie with ice cream, lots of wine or beer, followed by a good smoke. In many cultures, if you were slim at age 40, people would ask with some concern: “are you sick?”
The world changed in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Medical researchers discovered that smoking and eating fatty foods can be hazardous to your health. Over the past 40 years we have been exposed to a wide range of diets, such as traditional, religious, cultural, weight loss, weight gain, weight management, disease fighting, healthy living and individual choice diets. Web site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_diets lists over 80 different diets which have been invented to guide us towards healthy living.
While researching the historical development of healthy living, nutrition and diets, I came across a humorous description of lifestyle evolution (author unknown or just simply wouldn’t admit to it) which I changed slightly for suitability for this article.
At the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and Hungarian paprika. So that Man and Woman would live healthy lives.
Satan, being jealous of God’s goodness, created creamy ice cream, fast food donuts and milkshakes. And Satan said to Man and Woman: “you want coffee with that?” Man said “yes” and woman said “make it double-double for me”. They gained 10 lbs and Satan smiled.
God seeing this, offered Man and Woman a healthier alternative: yogurt so that woman can keep the figure that Man found so pleasing. But Satan brought forth white flower, sugar and chocolate-rich deserts. And Woman went from size 6 to 14.
Now, God offered again a healthier alternative to Man and Woman and said: “try my fresh green salad”. But Satan was determined to win the battle with God so he created Thousand Island dressing, buttery croutons, and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened the belt following the feast.
Then, God created running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. But Satan was quick to the draw and invented cable TV with remote control. Man and woman gained more weight!
Then, God brought forth the potato, low in fat and full of nutrition. But Satan peeled the healthy skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep fried them. And Man and Woman gained more weight!
God then created lean beef so that Man and Woman might consume fewer calories and still satisfy their appetite. Satan responded by creating double cheeseburger and deep fried chicken. He then said to Man and Woman: “do you want fries with that, too?” Man said “yes”. Satan smiled and Man went into cardiac arrest.
God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. Satan responded by creating long line-ups in hospitals and medical centres…
Well, while this may appear to be a fairy tale story, there are some elements of truth to it.
After a bout with prostate cancer, I started to focus on healthy living, including some weight loss. I wanted to increase my energy level and immune system in order to ensure that I beat cancer and be there for the graduation of my grandchildren. A recently published book by Roslyn Franken “The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living” offered a solutions that I like more that fad dieting: making healthy choices and balancing my servings of various food groups for proper nutrition. By making healthy choices in appropriate proportions, I am losing weight gradually and increasing my energy level to the point that even my highly energetic 4 and 5-year old grandchildren are impressed that Papa can keep up with them.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Things that make me laugh
You don’t have to be a comedian to say something funny
Last week the focus of my article was aging. I concluded by posing the question: “How to stay young so you can become a kid again?”. I gave some suggestions one of which was “have a sense of humor”. Laughter can reduce stress and tension. I remember when we lived under communist terror in Eastern Europe (in the early 1950’s), we kept our sanity by telling funny stories about the cruel regime. These stories accomplished two things: they made us laugh at times of hardship and also we got some satisfaction from being able to criticize the politicians who oppressed us.
In today’s world the Internet offers many opportunities for keeping a smile on our faces. Most days I get one or two funny stories from friends who also enjoy having a good chuckle by sharing tasteful and humorous stories about life, politics and behaviour (but no off-color jokes). I also take a few minutes from a busy day by sending out one or two funnies to my friends. I find this very relaxing and seem to reduce the stress that may otherwise put a damper on the day’s activities. I highly recommend to readers to explore this stress reducing opportunity with friends. You can start it with a few friends through personal e-mail or by signing up to Facebook.
Things that I find especially funny involve the use or misuse of the English language. My favorites often come from church bulletins that have not been properly proof read. For example:
“This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin”.
“The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals”.
“At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?'
Come early and listen to our choir practice”.
“Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance”.
Advertisements in newspapers can also provide a chuckle first thing in the morning. For example:
“Free puppies, half Cocker Spaniel, half sneaky neighbor's dog”
“Free puppies, mother a Kennel Club registered German Sheppard, father super dog, able to leap tall fences in a single bound”
“Wedding dress for sale, worn once by mistake, call Stephanie”
Then there are quotes from well known people which turn out to be unexpectedly funny. For example:
“To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too may one day be president of the United States” (George W. Bush).
“I frankly felt like the reception we received on the way in from the airport was very warm and hospitable. And I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wave -- with all five fingers -- for their hospitality” (George W. Bush).
“I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. congress” (Ronald Regan).
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt” (Abraham Lincoln).
“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it”. (Sir Winston Churchill)
For evening entertainment I like to watch English comedies on television. “Keeping up Appearances” , “Faulty Towers”, “To the Manor Born”, “Waiting for God” all offer good humor and contribute towards stress free time and quality life style.
Last week the focus of my article was aging. I concluded by posing the question: “How to stay young so you can become a kid again?”. I gave some suggestions one of which was “have a sense of humor”. Laughter can reduce stress and tension. I remember when we lived under communist terror in Eastern Europe (in the early 1950’s), we kept our sanity by telling funny stories about the cruel regime. These stories accomplished two things: they made us laugh at times of hardship and also we got some satisfaction from being able to criticize the politicians who oppressed us.
In today’s world the Internet offers many opportunities for keeping a smile on our faces. Most days I get one or two funny stories from friends who also enjoy having a good chuckle by sharing tasteful and humorous stories about life, politics and behaviour (but no off-color jokes). I also take a few minutes from a busy day by sending out one or two funnies to my friends. I find this very relaxing and seem to reduce the stress that may otherwise put a damper on the day’s activities. I highly recommend to readers to explore this stress reducing opportunity with friends. You can start it with a few friends through personal e-mail or by signing up to Facebook.
Things that I find especially funny involve the use or misuse of the English language. My favorites often come from church bulletins that have not been properly proof read. For example:
“This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin”.
“The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals”.
“At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?'
Come early and listen to our choir practice”.
“Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance”.
Advertisements in newspapers can also provide a chuckle first thing in the morning. For example:
“Free puppies, half Cocker Spaniel, half sneaky neighbor's dog”
“Free puppies, mother a Kennel Club registered German Sheppard, father super dog, able to leap tall fences in a single bound”
“Wedding dress for sale, worn once by mistake, call Stephanie”
Then there are quotes from well known people which turn out to be unexpectedly funny. For example:
“To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too may one day be president of the United States” (George W. Bush).
“I frankly felt like the reception we received on the way in from the airport was very warm and hospitable. And I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wave -- with all five fingers -- for their hospitality” (George W. Bush).
“I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. congress” (Ronald Regan).
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt” (Abraham Lincoln).
“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it”. (Sir Winston Churchill)
For evening entertainment I like to watch English comedies on television. “Keeping up Appearances” , “Faulty Towers”, “To the Manor Born”, “Waiting for God” all offer good humor and contribute towards stress free time and quality life style.
Laughter can reduce stress and improve lifestyle
Last week the focus of my article was on the philosophy of aging. I concluded by posing the question: “How to stay young so you can become a kid again?” Answers to this question included improving lifestyle, removing stress and having a sense of humor. I am a firm believer that laughter can reduce stress and tension. I remember when we lived under communist terror in Eastern Europe (in the early 1950’s), we kept our sanity by telling funny stories about the cruel regime. These stories accomplished two things: they made us laugh at times of hardship and also we got some satisfaction from being able to criticize the politicians without risking imprisonment. We always closed the doors and windows to make sure that these jokes were only for the ears of people we trusted.
In today’s world the Internet offers many opportunities for keeping a smile on our faces. Most days I get one or two funny stories from friends who also enjoy having a good chuckle by sharing tasteful and humorous stories about life, politics and behaviour. I also take a few minutes from a busy schedule and send out one or two funnies to my friends. I find this very relaxing and seem to reduce the stress that may otherwise put a damper on the day’s activities. I highly recommend to readers to explore this stress reducing opportunity. You can start it with a few friends through personal e-mails or by signing up to Facebook.
Things that I find especially funny involve the use or misuse of the English language. My favorites often come from church bulletins that have not been properly proof read. For example:
“This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin”.
“The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals”.
“At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?'
Come early and listen to our choir practice”.
“Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance”.
Advertisements in newspapers can also provide a chuckle first thing in the morning. For example:
“Free puppies, half Cocker Spaniel, half sneaky neighbor's dog”
“Free puppies, mother a Kennel Club registered German Sheppard, father super dog, able to leap tall fences in a single bound”
“Wedding dress for sale, worn once by mistake, call Stephanie”
Then there are quotes from well known people which turn out to be unexpectedly funny. For example:
“To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too may one day be president of the United States” (George W. Bush).
“I frankly felt like the reception we received on the way in from the airport was very warm and hospitable. And I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wave -- with all five fingers -- for their hospitality” (George W. Bush).
“I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. congress” (Ronald Regan).
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt” (Abraham Lincoln).
“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it”. (Sir Winston Churchill)
For evening entertainment I like to watch English comedies on television. “Keeping up Appearances”, “Faulty Towers”, “To the Manor Born”, “Waiting for God” all offer good humor and contribute towards stress free time and quality life style.
In today’s world the Internet offers many opportunities for keeping a smile on our faces. Most days I get one or two funny stories from friends who also enjoy having a good chuckle by sharing tasteful and humorous stories about life, politics and behaviour. I also take a few minutes from a busy schedule and send out one or two funnies to my friends. I find this very relaxing and seem to reduce the stress that may otherwise put a damper on the day’s activities. I highly recommend to readers to explore this stress reducing opportunity. You can start it with a few friends through personal e-mails or by signing up to Facebook.
Things that I find especially funny involve the use or misuse of the English language. My favorites often come from church bulletins that have not been properly proof read. For example:
“This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin”.
“The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals”.
“At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?'
Come early and listen to our choir practice”.
“Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance”.
Advertisements in newspapers can also provide a chuckle first thing in the morning. For example:
“Free puppies, half Cocker Spaniel, half sneaky neighbor's dog”
“Free puppies, mother a Kennel Club registered German Sheppard, father super dog, able to leap tall fences in a single bound”
“Wedding dress for sale, worn once by mistake, call Stephanie”
Then there are quotes from well known people which turn out to be unexpectedly funny. For example:
“To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too may one day be president of the United States” (George W. Bush).
“I frankly felt like the reception we received on the way in from the airport was very warm and hospitable. And I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wave -- with all five fingers -- for their hospitality” (George W. Bush).
“I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. congress” (Ronald Regan).
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt” (Abraham Lincoln).
“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it”. (Sir Winston Churchill)
For evening entertainment I like to watch English comedies on television. “Keeping up Appearances”, “Faulty Towers”, “To the Manor Born”, “Waiting for God” all offer good humor and contribute towards stress free time and quality life style.
Obesity is a major health hazard
Obesity is now a bigger threat to people's health than smoking, according to results of a study in the United States. The study was based on interviews with more than 3.5 million adults and found that between 1993 and 2008, smoking in American adults declined by 18.5% while the proportion of obese people increased by 85%. Obesity can lead to diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, sleep apnea, joint replacement and other problems.
The medical profession makes a distinction between being merely overweight and obese. According to MayoClinic.com, a person is considered obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) measures 30 or higher. You can calculate your BMI by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703 then divide this figure by your height in inches squared. According to new Canadian guidelines BMI is classified into 6 categories as indicated below.
BMI Range Example:
Height 5’10 Example:
Height 5’4”
Underweight Less than 18.5 128 lbs and less 107 lbs and less
Normal weight 18.5-24.9 129-173 lbs 108-145 lbs
Overweight 25.0-29.9 174-208 lbs 146-174 lbs
Obese class I 30.0-34.9 209-243 lbs 175-203 lbs
Obese class II 35.0-39.9 244-278 lbs 204-232 lbs
Obese class III 40.0 and over 279 lbs and over 232 lbs and more
http://www.canada.com/health/Obesity+surpasses+smoking+health+threat+study/2411688/story.html
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for a number of chronic conditions. The latest analysis of Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) data of Statistics Canada reports associations between excess weight and high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. For example, a high BMI is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Just 2.1% of men whose BMI was in the normal range reported having diabetes; the figure was 3.7% among overweight men, and almost tripled (to 11%) among those who were obese. The prevalence of heart disease increased with BMI among men. While 2.8% of men with a normal BMI reported having heart disease, the figure was 6.0% among men who were overweight and almost 8% among those who were obese.
Obesity rates have risen dramatically in Canada over the past quarter century. Results from the 2004 CCHS indicate that 23% of adults were obese. This is up from 14% in 1978/79, but still below the obesity rate in the United States (30%). However, in 2004, another 36% of Canadians were overweight. To make things even worse, research has shown that those who are overweight are far more likely to continue to gain weight than to lose it.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-620-m/2005001/article/adults-adultes/8060-eng.htm
I was motivated to write this article by my recent personal experience. In 2004 I was treated for prostate cancer and I am now cancer “free”. One of the articles I read on how to fight cancer suggested that one should build up a strong immune system. However, the process of building up my immune system has not always been with the best combination of food, resulting in weight gain. Apparently, this then promoted arthritis of the joints (feet and knees) and irregular heart beat (congestive heart failure). I was fortunate to receive excellent medical treatment from my doctor and a cardiologist; in addition, I decided to declare a war on obesity. I lost 27 lbs in 4 months by eating healthy food, and exercising. With the help of medication and improved life style, the heart beat is now normal and the arthritis is less active. I am working on weight reduction of another 35 lbs in the next 6 months. I hope that my story and the information provided here will help readers who have been travelling on the same path as I have. Declare war on obesity with the help of your doctor. Remember, Mark Twain said: “Be careful of reading health books, you may die of a misprint”.
The medical profession makes a distinction between being merely overweight and obese. According to MayoClinic.com, a person is considered obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) measures 30 or higher. You can calculate your BMI by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703 then divide this figure by your height in inches squared. According to new Canadian guidelines BMI is classified into 6 categories as indicated below.
BMI Range Example:
Height 5’10 Example:
Height 5’4”
Underweight Less than 18.5 128 lbs and less 107 lbs and less
Normal weight 18.5-24.9 129-173 lbs 108-145 lbs
Overweight 25.0-29.9 174-208 lbs 146-174 lbs
Obese class I 30.0-34.9 209-243 lbs 175-203 lbs
Obese class II 35.0-39.9 244-278 lbs 204-232 lbs
Obese class III 40.0 and over 279 lbs and over 232 lbs and more
http://www.canada.com/health/Obesity+surpasses+smoking+health+threat+study/2411688/story.html
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for a number of chronic conditions. The latest analysis of Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) data of Statistics Canada reports associations between excess weight and high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. For example, a high BMI is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Just 2.1% of men whose BMI was in the normal range reported having diabetes; the figure was 3.7% among overweight men, and almost tripled (to 11%) among those who were obese. The prevalence of heart disease increased with BMI among men. While 2.8% of men with a normal BMI reported having heart disease, the figure was 6.0% among men who were overweight and almost 8% among those who were obese.
Obesity rates have risen dramatically in Canada over the past quarter century. Results from the 2004 CCHS indicate that 23% of adults were obese. This is up from 14% in 1978/79, but still below the obesity rate in the United States (30%). However, in 2004, another 36% of Canadians were overweight. To make things even worse, research has shown that those who are overweight are far more likely to continue to gain weight than to lose it.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-620-m/2005001/article/adults-adultes/8060-eng.htm
I was motivated to write this article by my recent personal experience. In 2004 I was treated for prostate cancer and I am now cancer “free”. One of the articles I read on how to fight cancer suggested that one should build up a strong immune system. However, the process of building up my immune system has not always been with the best combination of food, resulting in weight gain. Apparently, this then promoted arthritis of the joints (feet and knees) and irregular heart beat (congestive heart failure). I was fortunate to receive excellent medical treatment from my doctor and a cardiologist; in addition, I decided to declare a war on obesity. I lost 27 lbs in 4 months by eating healthy food, and exercising. With the help of medication and improved life style, the heart beat is now normal and the arthritis is less active. I am working on weight reduction of another 35 lbs in the next 6 months. I hope that my story and the information provided here will help readers who have been travelling on the same path as I have. Declare war on obesity with the help of your doctor. Remember, Mark Twain said: “Be careful of reading health books, you may die of a misprint”.
The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling has had a more significant impact on human history than most people realize. It has shaped our societies and the way we think for all of recorded history, starting with cave paintings, oral storytelling, and up to modern day technology involving videos and internet. Children crave stories, and will spontaneously make them up if they can’t get them any other way. Every culture that exists or has been known to exist had some storytelling history. Stories are used for entertainment, to record historical events, to describe actions of famous people, to teach, to pass on old knowledge and wisdom, and to purposely create followers to certain way of thinking such as religious believes, ideology and political mindset.
Religions have had perhaps the most powerful storytelling impact on civilization, promoting moral values and controlling the lives of faithful followers. In many cases some of the stories were communicated to the believers that they came directly from God and hence should be accepted as laws. “Stories” from the good book have provided comfort for many followers, especially those with limited material possessions and social status; however, some religious leaders have and are still using messages delivered within the context of cultures of earlier times for control and for self serving economic gains. We still hear solicitations such as “donate to God” (through the religious leader?). There were also stories of folk heroes (like Robin Hood) who fought on behalf of the poor; these stories often gave comfort to the oppressed that ordinary brave people can punish the oppressors. Communists used effectively stories about brave partisans fighting the Nazis in an effort to convince people about the virtues of communism.
There are also stories that are designed to “correct” history. Currently a debate is heating up about former Ottawa mayor Charlotte E. Whitton. There is a move to commemorate her as a Canadian historic figure. Pro-arguments include that she was active promoter of feminism and was first female mayor of Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. However, this initiative is being opposed by the Canadian Jewish Congress, based on well documented stories of Whitton’s anti-Semite views and activities. Early in her career, Ms. Whitton served as the director of the Canadian Council on Child Welfare (CCCW) for over two decades. As director, her job was to help improve the lives of countless needy and immigrant children. However, many argue that Whitton did the exact opposite by denying European Jewish refugee orphans into Canada during the Holocaust era, based solely on the fact that they were Jewish. This ultimately led to many children succumbing to Hitler’s wrath. Bernie Farber, CEO of the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) argues against the plans to honor Ms. Whitton and at the same time poses the question: “how do we in fact best commemorate national historic figures, when nobody’s really perfect in this world?” This week, another five Canadian historic figures (already honored), including former Prime Minister Mackenzie King, have been identified as having anti-Semitic views.
Honoring historical figures can be a controversial act, partly because of the “nobody is perfect” notion, and partly because opposing political or religious views will find stories of contradictions that will question the original intentions. Stories about people and historical events can be powerful and can change our views and understanding of history. Winston Churchill understood this well when he commented: “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it”.
Religions have had perhaps the most powerful storytelling impact on civilization, promoting moral values and controlling the lives of faithful followers. In many cases some of the stories were communicated to the believers that they came directly from God and hence should be accepted as laws. “Stories” from the good book have provided comfort for many followers, especially those with limited material possessions and social status; however, some religious leaders have and are still using messages delivered within the context of cultures of earlier times for control and for self serving economic gains. We still hear solicitations such as “donate to God” (through the religious leader?). There were also stories of folk heroes (like Robin Hood) who fought on behalf of the poor; these stories often gave comfort to the oppressed that ordinary brave people can punish the oppressors. Communists used effectively stories about brave partisans fighting the Nazis in an effort to convince people about the virtues of communism.
There are also stories that are designed to “correct” history. Currently a debate is heating up about former Ottawa mayor Charlotte E. Whitton. There is a move to commemorate her as a Canadian historic figure. Pro-arguments include that she was active promoter of feminism and was first female mayor of Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. However, this initiative is being opposed by the Canadian Jewish Congress, based on well documented stories of Whitton’s anti-Semite views and activities. Early in her career, Ms. Whitton served as the director of the Canadian Council on Child Welfare (CCCW) for over two decades. As director, her job was to help improve the lives of countless needy and immigrant children. However, many argue that Whitton did the exact opposite by denying European Jewish refugee orphans into Canada during the Holocaust era, based solely on the fact that they were Jewish. This ultimately led to many children succumbing to Hitler’s wrath. Bernie Farber, CEO of the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) argues against the plans to honor Ms. Whitton and at the same time poses the question: “how do we in fact best commemorate national historic figures, when nobody’s really perfect in this world?” This week, another five Canadian historic figures (already honored), including former Prime Minister Mackenzie King, have been identified as having anti-Semitic views.
Honoring historical figures can be a controversial act, partly because of the “nobody is perfect” notion, and partly because opposing political or religious views will find stories of contradictions that will question the original intentions. Stories about people and historical events can be powerful and can change our views and understanding of history. Winston Churchill understood this well when he commented: “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it”.
Through the Eyes of Grandchildren
We can see a world that has no prejudice, just a desire for friendship.
I was celebrating my birthday a few days ago with the help of my two grandchildren who also live here in Ottawa. They went all out to tell me how much they wanted to be part of the celebrations. Ryan (7 years) and Sara (soon to be 6 years) insisted on choosing the birthday cake. So we went to the Independent store at Billings Bridge Plaza and they chose a nice cake which catered to my taste although their favorite vanilla component was rather high on top of things. With a lot of excitement they asked the lady at the pastry counter to write on it “Happy Birthday Papa”. Then they carried the cake, all wrapped up in a white box, to the cashier and placed it on the counter. Ryan then put his hand into the pocket of his trousers and pulled out a $20 bill and handed it to the cashier. Sara then said “today is my Papa’s birthday” followed by Ryan’s loud announcement “Papa is 72 today”. I commented to him “thank you big mouth”; the cashier observed the exchange with a smile and said “your Papa is a good looking man for 72”. I then complimented Ryan for orchestrating the compliment from that nice lady to his Papa.
Grandchildren are great and I treasure the time I can spend with them. I learnt to see the world through their eyes and every day becomes a gift. In 2004 during my cancer treatment I made a bucket list and the first item on it was: I want to live and be at the graduation of my grandchildren. So far I am on track. In 2005 I attended the High School graduation of my oldest grandson (Nathan) in Waunakee, Wisconsin; in 2008 I was there when my oldest granddaughter (Tassia) graduated from High School; in 2009 I was a very proud nagypapa (grandpa in Hungarian) attending the college graduation in photo journalism of Nathan in Missoula, Montana. I plan to be there for the graduation of both Ryan and Sara.
I am very lucky that the cancer treatment was successful. At the same time, I consider myself especially fortunate that I have been able to treat the cancer scare as a wakeup call, rather than a death sentence, to lead a better lifestyle and to view positively my priorities in life. Family is definitely the number one item on my priority list. When grandchildren tell me that they love me, it is even a nicer music to my ears than listening to my all-time favorite: Andre Rieu’s orchestra playing Shostakovich' Second Waltz. Seeing my son and daughter happy and practicing good parenting is also on the top of my bucket list and the results are most gratifying. Being healthy and at the same time being able to contribute to society by working still in high tech and writing books exceeds even the most optimistic version of my bucket list.
An area that is not performing well on my bucket list is how world affairs are impacted negatively by race and religion. For example, some religious leaders insist that God does not want women to be priests. Other religious hardliners consider that those who follow different denominations than theirs are non-believers in God. Some men are trying to overcome their insecurity by controlling women in the name of religion and tradition. Let’s get real MEN and learn from children of innocence! They see the world without prejudice, one that is based on friendship. When I pick up my youngest grandchildren from school, I see them hug their friends; race, color and religion do not diminish their friendship and the good feelings they have for each other. Why can’t some adult be like them?
I was celebrating my birthday a few days ago with the help of my two grandchildren who also live here in Ottawa. They went all out to tell me how much they wanted to be part of the celebrations. Ryan (7 years) and Sara (soon to be 6 years) insisted on choosing the birthday cake. So we went to the Independent store at Billings Bridge Plaza and they chose a nice cake which catered to my taste although their favorite vanilla component was rather high on top of things. With a lot of excitement they asked the lady at the pastry counter to write on it “Happy Birthday Papa”. Then they carried the cake, all wrapped up in a white box, to the cashier and placed it on the counter. Ryan then put his hand into the pocket of his trousers and pulled out a $20 bill and handed it to the cashier. Sara then said “today is my Papa’s birthday” followed by Ryan’s loud announcement “Papa is 72 today”. I commented to him “thank you big mouth”; the cashier observed the exchange with a smile and said “your Papa is a good looking man for 72”. I then complimented Ryan for orchestrating the compliment from that nice lady to his Papa.
Grandchildren are great and I treasure the time I can spend with them. I learnt to see the world through their eyes and every day becomes a gift. In 2004 during my cancer treatment I made a bucket list and the first item on it was: I want to live and be at the graduation of my grandchildren. So far I am on track. In 2005 I attended the High School graduation of my oldest grandson (Nathan) in Waunakee, Wisconsin; in 2008 I was there when my oldest granddaughter (Tassia) graduated from High School; in 2009 I was a very proud nagypapa (grandpa in Hungarian) attending the college graduation in photo journalism of Nathan in Missoula, Montana. I plan to be there for the graduation of both Ryan and Sara.
I am very lucky that the cancer treatment was successful. At the same time, I consider myself especially fortunate that I have been able to treat the cancer scare as a wakeup call, rather than a death sentence, to lead a better lifestyle and to view positively my priorities in life. Family is definitely the number one item on my priority list. When grandchildren tell me that they love me, it is even a nicer music to my ears than listening to my all-time favorite: Andre Rieu’s orchestra playing Shostakovich' Second Waltz. Seeing my son and daughter happy and practicing good parenting is also on the top of my bucket list and the results are most gratifying. Being healthy and at the same time being able to contribute to society by working still in high tech and writing books exceeds even the most optimistic version of my bucket list.
An area that is not performing well on my bucket list is how world affairs are impacted negatively by race and religion. For example, some religious leaders insist that God does not want women to be priests. Other religious hardliners consider that those who follow different denominations than theirs are non-believers in God. Some men are trying to overcome their insecurity by controlling women in the name of religion and tradition. Let’s get real MEN and learn from children of innocence! They see the world without prejudice, one that is based on friendship. When I pick up my youngest grandchildren from school, I see them hug their friends; race, color and religion do not diminish their friendship and the good feelings they have for each other. Why can’t some adult be like them?
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