Go Canucks, Go!

the canucks are in the stanley cup playoffs - this is our year. we could not have come closer last season and we are determined to bring it home this year. (ok so i can't really skate but we are all canucks in vancouver. the puck drops at 7 pm and the beer and chip dip are in the fridge. honestly, the only thing i miss about cable tv is not being able to watch the canucks on our tv. live streaming on the computer screen isn't the same though i can sew at the same time. if i sew with blue and green fabric we might win tonight? it's great to see people out and about in their jerseys on game days and the scruffy start of many a play off beard.

stepping up

Carrie Gelson of Seymour Elementary, Vancouver, BC
(photo: Mark van Manen/PNG) Story by Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun

while getting my two smaller kids to their school today, i heard a story on CBC radio about an elementary school teacher who has written an open letter to the people of vancouver. grab some tissue and go read it, i'll wait.

when i moved to vancouver i was a single mom and it took my entire wages just to pay the rent but i had some savings and eventually i was able to find a job with an adequate salary and medical benefits. i had family and friends and a great daycare to help me with my son and still things could be very challenging. i try to imagine what it would be like not to have a job, a warm and safe home, weather appropriate clothing, and healthy food and it makes my heart ache. how would it feel to be a child and not have enough to eat or proper clothing? in vancouver? in canada?

when i got home my oldest son and i gathered up all the extra boots, mittens, gloves, and hats we had around the house. we packed them up and went to the nearest dollar store to buy more gloves and new socks and delivered it all to seymour elementary school.

i'm sure that there are many schools in vancouver and indeed, in any other city, which could use help to make sure that kids are fed and properly clothed. my family is going to do what we can. we are going to step up.