Blue Nose, Sore Arms, Voiceless

I have not run in a very long time. But one of my favourite things about this time of year in Nova Scotia is how a week or so before Blue Nose Weekend, all of the "runners" come out of hiding. And their easy to spot, mostly because of their brightly coloured and crisp clothing. It's the runner equivalent of spraying new car smell in a beater... it just kind of gives it away. And it never fails, either. Year after year, this same routine takes place. It's not that these long-weekend runners aren't legitimate runners, they just aren't as hardcore as the ones also running outdoors at this time, but with faded clothing, and less huffy and puffy. Anyway, this is usually the tell that Blue Nose Weekend is just around the corner!

Many Halionians, HRMers, or whatever the heck we're calling the people of Halifax and it's surrounding communities, have developed a love-hate relationship with this weekend. On the one hand, you are generally given a 3-day weekend in celebration of Queen Victoria. On the other hand, it creates a lot of traffic disturbances, road blocks, and just an overwhelming avoidance of the downtown area. Now the latter also gives way to alternative opportunities such as exploring parts of Nova Scotia outside of the capital city.

For those of you not familiar with the Blue Nose, and/or were too "lazy" to click on the link above, it's the International Marathon that takes place in Halifax each year. (Queen Victoria is less relevant to this post, so, you'll just have to click her name above if you really want to know!) The Marathon has just wrapped up it's 12th year, and each year it continues to grow.

Several years ago, I completed the 10K race. This year I was voluntold for the weekend. Now, to be fair, it wasn't a hard sell. But this meant Saturday and Sunday I spent downtown acting a variety of tasks.

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of being a Course Marshal, or as I kept mispronouncing it, Court Marshal. Saturday is when the Youth Race is held (although, technically Canadian youth are too old to participate*). As a Course Marshall, I was tasked with guiding participants in the correct direction and cheering them on.

Safety vest √, blue nose √, worn off sunscreen by 10AM √

A shot of downtown Halifax from my marshalling station

Our only bit of instruction was to know the course section we were in, know the emergency/lost or sick child procedures and to make a lot of noise. We were also warned about how by the end, our hands would be sore. I, of course, laughed at this statement. But sure enough, my hands were sore... for a few days following the event! I mean, my body physically hurt, which I think is more of a testament to just how out of shape I have become, more so than how enthusiastically I cheered those tiny people on!

But it was not a difficult task. Seeing that many young people out on a beautiful sunny day*, being active, it was great! In fact, the event was so successful, it had to be delayed because 500 kids showed up last minute!! They even ran out of race bibs!! And this is further proof of not only the power of good weather, but of how much this weekend has grown. With 4200 kids, this was the largest number to ever participate in this event, and was also the biggest group of participants throughout this year's events!

On Sunday, I was also supposed to Marshal, but instead was tasked to a number of other activities. The first was Shepherding, which means we physically herded participants to the finish line (hence the name!). Here I got to hold up a sign with an estimated finish time, danced with and high-fived Myles. It wasn't an overly taxing job, but it was fun nonetheless. Although, I learned that the youngin's are far more polite and appreciative** than those participating in the adult races!

Myles!
Photo credit: iRun

After everyone was on their way, I chugged a cup of coffee, and then began the glamorous task of removing staples from the same signs I had been using just moments before. But, since there were several of us handling this task, we finished in no time, and I was off to my third and final task of the day - being awesome manning the awards table. Here I danced to some amazing/terrible '80s tunes and congratulated the top 3 finishers in each gender and age category for the 10k and half marathon races. Some of their finish times were equal parts impressive and depressing. Impressive in the sense that they finished in such unbelievably quick times... depressing in that some ran the half marathon faster than I can run a 10k!

Around noon, I was told there weren't anymore tasks that needed to be filled. This is a pretty good problem to have, even if it was a bit disappointing that I couldn't be of more help. And, as much as I would have loved to have been back out on the race course, I had a pretty terrific day... well, couple of days!

But that all came to an end. Sunday evening I consumed another obnoxious amount of drugs***, in my attempt to rid my body of Bilharzia. I did much better this time around than last time, and the side effects have proven not to be as intense either! Can hardly wait to do it all again in 4 weeks!

My apprehension/game-face pre-medication.

Until next time, folks!

-the Orange Canadian

*Youth in Canada are considered to be between the ages of 15 and 30, depending on the agency you consult. The UN considers youth to be between 18 and 30. The Youth Races at BlueNose are only for kids up to the age of 15... But I digress...
**As we cheered the kids on and/or during our walk back after the race, many thanked us for volunteering! I thought that was pretty neat!
***As prescribed by a doctor, not just random drugs found around the house!

Elbow-Gate

Remember a few months ago when everyone was all up in arms about the appalling nature of Syrians arriving in Canada? Remember all the base-less facts people were spreading around about the means of getting said families safely to Canada and away from the unimaginable realities they had been living for so long? I do. Allow me to list a few for you:

• It's taking away from our veterans
• It's taking away from children's programs and education
• Why aren't we helping the homeless people

I have, sadly, had to make the point on far too many occasions about the "expense" of international affairs to Canadians. In case you missed one of my in-person rants on this topic, it's less than 1% of the total annual Federal budget. Well... about 0.2% as of 2014. And yes, on a nearly CA$300 billion budget, that still equals significant chunk of chain. Of course, Canada, along with several other Western states agreed to dedicate 0.7% of the annual National budget to this spending area... so there's still a LONG way to go. 

But why I bring all of this up is not to lobby for this additional 0.5% of the promised budget allocation. In fact, I don't really want to talk about that issue at all. No, I bring this up, because Canada is currently in the middle of a crisis, and a big one at that! You see (and I'm sure you have, if you've been on social media or watching the news over the last few days), our beloved, hunky, self-proclaimed feminist Prime Minister did the unthinkable - he accidentally elbowed a member of the opposition. And then, (wait for it)... he immediately apologized! The horror!

So why did I bring up the Syrian refugees or the failed foreign aid promise? Simple. This topic is what "the country" is up in arms about... or elbows, I suppose. Sure, the vast majority of Canadians are probably not paying attention to this non-issue, but the media would have us thinking otherwise. Why I bring this up is because all of those issues so many felt so strongly about - the need for better veterans services, improved childcare and education, and access to support services to the country's homeless - are being forgotten, tossed aside, while this debacle is going on! And yet, no one seems to be bring this up. 

What people are bringing up is how this accidental bump somehow turned into a platform for non-supporters to throw the "feminist" word around, along with other big (although empty*) topics, such as how Trudeau's actions signify the growing need to talk about domestic violence. And the way the media has been reporting what transpired the other day in the House of Commons, the masses will be calling for his resignation by the end of the weekend! It's nuts! 

Have we forgotten what being human is all about? Have we forgotten that people aren't perfect, and that sometimes, just sometimes, they aren't capable of seeing what's physically behind them, only to accidentally nudge them with their elbow? I mean, if the media and others put half the effort they've put into this, into things that matter imagine what that world could be!

I don't want to sound all "big brother's watching us" or paranoid about the control the media has on what we know... or don't, but at some point, we as citizens of the world need to exercise some critical thinking skills. If this is what is being reported... repeatedly, what isn't? What is happening that isn't being reported?

So yes, I'm calling out all of you who cried injustice (to Canadians) during the refugee welcoming. To you who insisted that the government focus more on these disheartening social issues (the ones you used to justify your deeply embedded racism). To those of you who dared to use Fort Mac as a platform to reuse the Syrians will ruin Canada arguments. Do something. Stop listening to the falsehoods of the media, or whatever source you are receiving your garbage information. Get back to what makes Canada one of the most respected countries in the world, and put your money (or volunteer efforts) where your mouth is!

We need to refocus. And we need to do it now.

-the Orange Canadian

*domestic violence is not an empty topic - it's an important one! BUT throwing out this term or action as a means of harming Trudeau's reputation, is empty.

An Evening with the Original JT

Tuesday night marked a special occasion - I stayed up past 9PM. This, might I say, was a pretty big accomplishment for me. But it was made easier by the presence of one man and about 15 000 people. No, I did not participate in what I would imagine to be the world's largest orgy. Instead, I found myself rows away from one of the most respected singer-songwriters ever - JT. And no, I'm not talking about that former boy-bander, who continuously rips of MJ, in order to generate massive album sales through his infectious tunes... Nope. I'm talking about the one and only, James Taylor. 

Some of you might be asking yourself, who is this James Taylor character? One individual whom I might share a house with indicated that he was once a guest star on an episode of the Simpsons, others might describe him as the man behind many of the songs we all know and love. And even if you are searching your brain for any of his tunes, believe me - you've heard 'em! (Seriously, just head on over to the YouTube and the in his name!)

JT has a calm demeanour, and a great sense of humour. He also sits on stools in the most oddly delightful way I have ever witnessed. But, in a room that sold out in under an hour, in many ways the three hours we spent with him felt like an intimate venue, rather than Halifax's largest arena. Check out a few shots below:

Aside from his stage presence, and the fact that he played for a little over 2 hours, he also spent the entire 20 minute intermission swarmed by fans, for whom he graciously handed out autograph after autograph, and permitted self-photograph after self-photograph. I thought this was quite impressive, given that he could have easily spent those few moments taking a rest. 

Although it made for a really long day, it was a good one! And how thankful am I to not have to work the following day!

- the a sleepy Orange Canadian

Acadia Honour

On Sunday, I had the great honour of addressing the 2016 graduating class of Acadia's Environmental and Sustainability Studies program, moments before they crossed the stage. This was an incredible honour for me, not only as a proud member of the Acadia Alum family, but as a proud graduate of this unique program. I have shared some of the achievements of this program in the past, but this is only the beginning. The program is still in its infancy, and I continue to be giddy with anticipation to know what will come next. 

But, Sunday's honour was extra special, because I have studied, worked and been friends with the majority of this year's crop* of ESST graduates. Even those I did not have these experiences with, I have heard many great stories about their contributions to the program, and so, I feel that through those, I am equally connected. 

The students that come from this program are often critical thinkers, who are compassionate, driven, and unbelievable energetic and passionate about how they want not only their own futures to be shaped, but that of the world they live in. They understand the connectedness of the human-built world and the natural world. The understand the complexity of problems big and small. And while the program itself isn't super technical, it is built on the premise of hands on learning. This means, rather than talking about the theory of doing, they are given countless opportunities to test out ideas, from the safety of a welcoming community, eager to see each of them succeed. Furthermore, this community is not just the program itself, or even the Acadia campus, but the surrounding community of Wolfville - where residents frequently come out to events and activities hosted by the hard work of ESST students. Of course, this is also true of other programs, but as a biased ESSTer, I tend to only focus on them! 

Anyway, I've digressed. My mission on Sunday was to act as the voice of my fellow graduates. I was given 10 minutes to ease the minds of the attending parents, and talk about what life after Acadia looks like. Sure, I can only give my own account, but I know I'm not the only one of us that is making their mark on the world outside of the university bubble**. 

In these moments I shared snippets of the impacts from my time in Ghana and Manchester, but mostly Uganda. I spoke of the first-hand experience of witnessing incredible transformations that no one foresaw. I spoke of the excitement I have for my future plans, and my return to the country that I have overwhelmingly fallen in love with. And I spoke of how, as graduates, we are equipped to test the waters of various sectors, positions, and geographic locations. I spoke of the amount of work required to secure a career that is exciting and satisfying, and admitted that I'm still on the hunt. But most of all, I emphasized the fact that possibility and opportunity are out there. 

Sharing stories about post-ESST experiences
Photo credit: Kim Vaughan 

The 2016 Graduating Class of the Environmental and Sustainability Studies program
Photo credit: Kim Vaughan

Then on Monday, I began my new job. Talk about a bubble burster! But, at least I had an epic view of Halifax from the ferry to give me a few moments to reflect and just be grateful. 

Once again - I want to offer a massive congratulations to all of the graduates of the ESST Class of 2016. You have all worked hard to cross that stage. You have been challenged and will continue to be challenged as you go forward with life, and build your careers. And I, for one, cannot wait to see where you go!

-the Orange Canadian

*See what I did there... because we're an environmental program... so I used a farming pun to describe the new cohort of graduates...

**A few are currently enrolled in Master's programs across the country, further developing their areas of expertise and interests. Others are working on community development-related programs both in Canada and internationally. The range of post-graduate activities (meaning education and employment) is amazing and really showcases the variety of students this program attracts!

Choppy Thoughts

Two years ago today I left Canada... and I have to say, life is pretty darn good.

I'm now, of course, back in Canada, but don't plan on being here for long. I'm also not trying to suggest that my life is only good because I left. But, I've just been reflecting over the last few days about the changes, adventures, and opportunities I have seen in this time.

This is, what I think looks like, a nifty mountain scene.
I think this is what started my process of reflection...

As is life, there were many ups and downs. But mostly, there were ups. Even those times that weren't so enjoyable, I take them in stride. They are all learning experiences, after all. And for all of it - the good, the bad, and even the ugly - I feel grateful. I feel like I'm on the cusp of something big, and meaningful, and I'm full of excitement... even if the things I'd planned on doing at this time have not fallen into place. I am grateful and I am hopeful.

This is sort of a choppy post, and for that I apologize. I just thought I'd give you all a glimpse into my thought process, I guess?! But, I also just think there's a lot to reflect upon, and equally so, it's important to take time every once in a while and just appreciate it all. So, thanks... for letting me just be reflective, in twelve* lines or less.

-the Orange Canadian

*This would have been accurate, if I hadn't switched up the layout of the blog! Oops!!

"Look at the Beautiful Flowers"

Just a short good news type story to share with you all.

When I returned from Uganda a few weeks ago, I was pleasantly supposed to see that Michael had planted some tulips in that empty space in between the sidewalk and the road. Thanks to the recent rain, they've really sprouted up! But it's not just my eyes that they're catching!

Over the last few weeks, I have had the pleasure of being - what some might argue is a creepy neighbour - witness to a range of passersby also enjoying these flowers. In one instance a young man in his late teens or early twenties spent a good five to ten minutes snapping photos of them on his cell phone. But, I've also over heard many children heading on their way to or from school point them out (and these are my favourite ones!).

Just the other day, a little guy, maybe 5 or 6, was heading back to class from lunch break with his father. As he crossed the street, he called back to his father: "Dad! Look at the beautiful flowers!" The boy's father, obvious conscious of the time, replied with, what I would suggest is, a very dad response: "Oh, yes - now get back to class, buddy."

Overhearing the joy these flowers are bringing to so many others, really makes you realize just how easy it is to brighten someone's day. That the sight of some flowers could, so simply, lead to expressions of excitement is pretty neat.

Last year Michael had a gigantic sunflower by his front door. Again, it attracted a lot of attention. There was one morning when I could hear a group of children walking together with their parents. One of the Mom's said to the children: "Look at that big sunflower," to which one of the kids replied: "I know, it's huge! Miss (insert name, because I have failed to remember) took us for a walk to see it the other day!"

So there you go, folks. Simple gestures. That's all you need to make someone's day, or to spark a little friendly conversation!

-the Orange Canadian

Making the Cut

Before I left for Uganda I went in for my yearly haircut*. When I was chatting with the hairstylist about what to do with it, I was uncertain as to whether or not I wanted to chop it all off or leave it long. She (thankfully) persuaded me to keep it long, as it would be much easier to manage** for the six and a half months I would be away... in the heat. And, as I've pretty much already alluded to, this was a smart decision. My hair was tied back almost every day, much to the disappointment of my colleague, Matilda***.

Well, those six and a half months have now passed, and with no plans to be going very far, it was time. So, last week, I revisited the same stylist, and my uber long locks were quickly cut away. And this:

transitioned into this:

BUT they weren't just scooped up and thrown away. It turns out, much to my surprise, my hair was over 10 inches long. This meant I could donate a significant portion of what was being cut.

Many of you might recognize a U.S.-based organization by the name of Locks of Love. I had donated my hair in the past to this group, but it turns out, they are a for-profit organization. Even though they are a registered not-for-profit, there seems to be some major discrepancies between their donations and financial records****. Luckily, though, my stylist recommended an alternative, one that isn't in it for the money, but one that also took me a bit by surprise - Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program.

Unlike Locks of Love, Pantene provides a postage-paid***** envelope label, which makes the donation process super simple. Then comes the too-complicated-for-for-my-brain process of turning freshly chopped locks into wigs for women with cancer. And once again, unlike the other organization, Pantene's program provides these wigs at no-cost. Additionally, hair donated from Canadian's goes to the Canadian Cancer Society, while in the United States, it goes to its American counterpart.

So, here's hoping the remnants of the longest hair I've ever grown is put to good use. I have no idea how successful the program is, nor do I have any reason to promote it, other than just as a point of interest. But, if there is no cost for the recipient, and I'm not in need of my unwanted hair, what is there to lose?

-the Orange Canadian

*Seriously - who can afford/justify $40+ for hair every 6 weeks?!
**Low maintenance hair works for me! 
***Did I do better this time? I gave you a shout-out!
****See: Huffington Post, Forbes, or just do a quick Google search for more information on this. 
*****Provided by our own Canada Post (for Canadian donations)