Last week the university community honoured the contribution of Dr. Eddy Campbell by gathering together at a picnic.  Dr. Campbell was surrounded by family members and accepted many tokens of our collective appreciation of all he has done.  The most notable showing was the applause that went on…and on…and on.  Eddy is not always comfortable in the spotlight and these past few months have no doubt been challenging.  A lesser person would have stepped back months ago.  Eddy’s silly little car is in the parking lot from early in the morning to late at night.  He will be a dedicated Memorial employee long after his term has officially ended.  I hope one day Eddy will be able to return to MUN, but I can’t begin to comprehend the circumstances that would lead to this.  Fare thee well, Dr. C., fare thee well.

Lisa

I am a serial volunteer.  At last count, I was on fourteen different boards or committees that are not part of my daily work.  It’s gotten so bad, that I am afraid to join any more associations for fear that they will see the sign - “I’ll help - just ask me” that must be taped to my back.  Between stuff for the kids, stuff for me, stuff for my profession and stuff that ’s for a good cause, I almost don’t have time to work.  I need help - is there a “volunteers anonymous” with a 12 step program.  Lord help me to know the things that I should help with, know the things I shouldn’t and grant me the power to say no.  First steps should be small ones - I think I’ll let the neighbours run with the Canada Day street party plans - except for the craft table and maple leaf cupcakes, of course.  Baby steps…

Happy Days,

Lisa

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.
- Oscar Wilde

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmas, and caring women who give of themselves to their children, their grandchildren, their cats, their dogs, their husbands and their causes.

Happy Friday,

Lisa

Ever wonder why Easter Seals are called “Easter Seals”?  I wonder about things like this, so I did a little on-line research and found out why.

In 1922 ten Rotary Clubs formed the initial Easter Seal Society. The first Canadian Easter Seal was introduced in Alberta in 1945 followed by the first Canadian national Easter Seal in 1949. The seal is a symbol of support for children with disabilities. The seal is used at Easter time as the Easter theme coincides with the rehabilitation of children. Much like the Easter Story, rehabilitation of children with disabilities results in a physical, mental and spiritual rebirth. The enfranchised members have continued to work at the grass-roots level across the country to elicit the on-going participation of millions of individuals to help make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.  Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador traces their history back to 1937.  Today they assist more than 300 physically disabled children annually in achieving their dreams.

To find out more about how you can support the Easter Seal campaign, one smile at a time, visit http://www.easterseals.nf.ca/

Happy (Easter) Friday!!

Lisa

Those of you who know me, know that I love shiny things.  My husband says I’m like a fish in that I will gravitate toward glitter and bling.  If you want to see some beautiful eye candy, check out this website.  Just watching the opening video is enough to make me happy for hours.  http://www.bulgari.com/splash.php

Happy Friday,

Lisa

It’s here again!!!  Make sure you turn your lights out tomorrow (Saturday, March 28) at 8:30 p.m. for Earth Hour.  Check out the link and sign up to participate.  It’s a real way to make a difference and send a strong message that we care.

Happy Friday!

Lisa

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid “pass laws”.  This massacre of young students who were peacefully protesting against inequality between races led to  the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1966 calling on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.  Canada was one of the first countries to support the UN initiative and launched its first annual campaign against racial discrimination in 1989. In 1996, the Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition became a key event in that campaign. Watch some public service videos here.  http://www.uniteagainstracism.ca/

Happy Friday!!

Lisa

March 8 marked the 98th international women’s day.  Barbie turned 50 the next day.  There is an irony to the closeness  and the order of these dates.  I am not someone who believes in coincidence.  Regardless of the intention, the birth of Barbie by Mattel on the day following international women’s day says something.  Lots of “B” words come to mind…buxom, backlash, bubblehead, the list goes on.  Just another item in the list of things that make me go hmmm….

 Lisa

Okay, not original, but necessary…

Lisa’s New Year’s Resolutions 2009

1.  Lose weight, eat better, exercise, get organized (yeah, yeah, yeah….)

2.  Reconnect with friends (mine, not my children’s)

3.  Stop procrasinating (so this should have been posted before mid-January?)

4.  Treat each experience as a learning opportunity and journal every day

5.  Continue the great things I’m already doing - not smoking, not drinking to excess, being totally in the moment with my children, beading for the pure pleasure of creating pretty things, volunteering my time and energy, being as good a wife, mother, in-law, daughter, boss, peer, employee, mentor, friend as I can be.

Happy New Year

Lisa

My simple wish at this precious time is that each of you may give beyond reason, care beyond hope and love without limit. Enjoy the holidays with family, friends and loved ones and see you all in the new year!!

Cheers,

Lisa