I have a few different posts that I'm thinking about, but this one I need to do today now that I'm back with full internet. Like so many Canadians, I was quite sad to hear about Jack Layton's death.
While I didn't grow up with overly political parents, we did discuss it a lot as I entered high school and university. I've had a healthy understanding of the events and party policies, but would not be the one to really start the political conversation with others. I know I don't share the same view as some of my overly opinionated relatives and have learned to not even mention it.
Jack Layton did get more people interested (or remotely engaged) in politics. His personality and passion were huge parts of that engagement. But he really appeared to be interested in fairness and equality. What I've been most impressed with is his push for advocacy. As someone who pushes younger people to make opinions and take a stand through Girl Guides, it was interesting to see him accomplish it, especially during the election.
He celebrated with the Girl Guides in 2010 when we had a huge celebration on Parliament Hill. Our PM couldn't show - didn't even have many Conservatives there - but Jack Layton showed up. Judging from the people I know that attended, he spoke with all the younger girls there and was patient and genuinely happy to be there. Support a cause I would say I'm passionate about, and you've piqued my interest more.
As a musician (even an artist in general), his absence concerns me. As a teacher with the talks about "mirroring" the states, his absence frightens me. I hope there will be a presence soon in Parliament that can encourage discussion rather than yelling and pushing through everything.

Thank you Jack, for all the influence and inspiration you've shown me, not even solely in a political sense. As a supporter, I will mourn your absence in national politics. Rest in peace, and may your family and friends find the strength and support to continue.

Other posts will come another time. Here's to the orange.

Weird combinations of events...

First off, went to a huge wedding on the weekend. My cousin married a great woman (who happened to go to WM too - woohoo) and she really has been family since she started dating him. It's funny that she still calls Dad "Mr. Peters" instinctively - even in the receiving line! ;) My grandmother said after the first time she met her that my cousin better marry her, or she would disown him... so I'm sure Grandma was watching over the nuptials! It was a gorgeous day, and everything went beautifully.
But it was a very traditional Ukranian wedding. Very Ukranian - and huge! 400+ people at the reception. Her parents help Ukranian immigrants when they arrive, and it showed in the wedding. They were married in a Ukranian Catholic wedding, and tons of traditions (and dancers) at the reception. Even what we thought was a gift opening on Sunday was a continuation of reception - you had to shoot some vodka to get in.

And, the descent begins...

So, back to school is starting to creep into my mind... both through commercials and uh, it being August. Yay for me - I know where I'm going :) and I've been busy throughout the last two weeks, and have a few things lined up before I'm "back at it."
Fringe was this week. I am so glad I randomly decided to volunteer there last year... it is a blast! I get to see some plays, be with like-minded volunteers and talk with crazy-talented fringe performers. There were a few amazing plays this year, and talked a little with the performers of some of them. One was a song cycle called "Twenty-Five" (songs are connected but not overly related like a musical is), and all the people singing are just finishing their music degrees. We chatted about different requirements (thank goodness their piano wasn't portable... they were asking me to play my lefty stuff...), and a few actors once they found out I'm a teacher, had some great conversations! One man (jem rolls) talked about his experience in England schools to make sure that I wasn't like one of "those bloody imbeciles". Another (his play, Big Shot was probably the best of Fringe in my books), talked about how he related to his teachers, and was pumped that I do music and photo (and we have dance... and musicals).
Also saw a ton of students there - most of them went out of their way to say hi ;) I was wearing a strapless sundress on one of the days... I was frequently reminded that I was violating the dress code (bare shoulders). Easy reply: tell the VP when school's back in if I wear it on school grounds lol. I was also lucky enough to run into a guy I went to high school with during his brief trip back home from Korea, and although we only spoke shortly, it was good to see! (The assistant producer is also a high school friend) I just loved that environment. Maybe it's Broadway and my connection there, or the acceptance in the fringe, even with basically complete strangers.

WICKED is this week!!! Mom and I are going to a matinee performance. Super excited - haven't seen a musical since London with Les Mis (sorry, not counting TD's Little Shop...). Now, I realize these are completely different musicals, but nonetheless, it's a professional production. If I wasn't such a nervous performer, I would've loved to pursued that as a career.

And then it's the week of weddings - my cousin is getting married on Saturday here (to yet another WMCI grad - we're the best lol). Should be fun, and huge! Get to see some family that don't live here anymore, so that's a definite plus. Then, the next Thursday, it's a drive to BC so I can shoot another cousin's wedding, then drive home Sun/Mon... to be at school (shudder) on Thursday.

And, in there, I still have to finish my parents' deck/fence painting, do some January conference planning, and finish my prep for school! And of course a few unofficial staff gatherings better be in the works :)

Well, I can't say I'll be bored until school starts (or I give you permission to hit me...)