Paul is my Hero....Is he yours? Read and see!

This is my mild mannered son Paul, looking all gentle and non chalant.  He just turned 30, as if that's possible!, and works as an Insurance Adjuster which is good cover! But I have been suspicious for many years about his "alter self" a mother just knows these things.  Like the many nights he supposedly "stayed up" playing World Warcraft...now how would it be humanly possible to engage in that much cyber gaming? Or the total perfection of his own earthly life...the great grades...the wise decisions...the financial wit, and romantic, bull's eye choice in a wife?  How could this be...It's certainly not from my great training!  There had to be another cause...something bigger than me, and bigger than Paul....and that would be Dad. but i'm not sure if Paul is bigger than Dad unless he put Mother on his shoulders....which has just brought me a very scarey image...okay image gone! You know that this is the time for revelations...It was at the age of 30 that Jesus started his ministry...unfortunately he was crucified by age 33...but his ministry has become a  worlwide mission. Jesus' first miracle was to turn water into wine at a wedding ceremony on the request of his mother, and the water became the best wine of the night.

Paul on the other hand was in Nevada this past week and had the unusual experience of being near a Nevada zoo that had a Giant Gorilla. running free...not to be slow to act, Jacquie and Paul rented a heliocopter to chase the fleeing animal through the rough terrain of the valley below.  Finally it looked as though Paul would have to reveal his true identity.  They landed a few miles back in the Grand Canyon  whereupon the gorilla charged them, time was runnin out until....

"Golden Boy" reached into his shirt and pulled out a gold medal from the 2010 winter games, and stuck the gorilla down with a single blow.  The Gorilla was stunned, but the Park rangers were able to sedate him with copious amounts of White Russians which they found in the heliocopter (?).  Thanks to the awesome award winning photography of Gordon Gamble this moment will be  forever treasured in our hearts....I am so proud!
God Bless You both

Blind side...My new favourite movie!

Just when you begin to think that all hope is lost, along comes a story that lifts you out of the mud, and reminds you that there is good in the world, that there is hope in that goodness, and that when you listen to God and act out His plan for you without question, beautiful things happen.  Unfortunately the media isn't as interested, in fact we aren't as interested in all the good things that are happening everyday in our world.  Most of the amazing, spirit lifting, and inspiring actions that are taking place never make it to the headlines.  The people that are changing lives for the better, who are reaching out and "taking care" of human kind are never acknowledged...but then that's not why they do it! Fortunately for us, somehow, some way, some of these stories are eventually told, and it is to encourage ourselves that hope isn't dead.  That we too can change a life, have a purpose, and change ourselves in the process.  Sometimes we just have to wait....until the movie comes out!! Remember...

Philippians 4:8 (The Message)
8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Anne Coulter and Ezra Levant...how about an all expenses paid one way trip to Baghdad?

New York News and Features reports...

"Who would have guessed that a letter from the University of Ottawa warning Anne Coulter not to be overly hateful when she speaks there would spawn a larger controversy? The answer is everyone, and everyone was correct. But before Coulter's event at the University of Ottawa yesterday, she first spoke at the University of Western Ontario on Monday. It was there that Coulter told a 17-year-old Muslim girl to "take a camel" if she didn't own a flying carpet — a reference to an old Coulter remark about what Muslims should do after being banned from flying on planes. It's "satire," Coulter later told Canadian television. "

Where do these hate filled people come from?
Are they born this way or is there something in their water supply?
What has happened to Anne Coulter and Ezra "whatshis" name? (whose claim to fame is the Canadian Allah Cartoon Controversy) Who I assume, with the name Ezra, may be Jewish, and so should certainly know better if that is the case?
If they are both so darned passionate about Muslim Terrorists, and want so much attention directed to their cause, why don't they both just hop on a plane to the Middle East, where I'm sure one or two of our dedicated soldiers could take their leave, and they could get their little "hopped up" selves out to Taliban Territory where the real action is, instead of insulting Canadian teenagers with racial slurs and trying to start more conflict at home! Step up or Shut up!
Since when did "FREE SPEECH" ever be set out to mean that you have the legal right to spew hatred and incite violence without consequence?
WHERE DOES IT SAY THAT?????
I'VE READ THE CHARTER AND I DON'T SEE THAT EZRA????
You're makin me CRAZY!

Growing up...and growing old!

As I mentioned the other day, Matthew has just turned 13 years old, and it hardly seems possible in some ways, and yet, he's such an "old soul", that it also feels as if he's been around forever!  My eldest son, Paul, turned 30 this past December, another shocking occurrence, and in his Birthday card to Matt he says...and I quote...

" Happy Birthday Matt, officially a teenager! Teen years are hard on Mom's. Take it easy on 'er!"

I suddenly realized, as if it hadn't occured to me before, that I'm about to embark on this transformation process for a third time!  I don't have a clue what to expect, because every one of my "teens" have been different.  As different as they are, and will be, as adults.  I also have a fourth young man out there somewhere, that I hope and pray, had a trouble free teen period, if that's possible.
As all these young men grow up, inevitably, I grow old.  That's okay!  I wouldn't change a minute.  In families, things don't always go smoothly, and each of us carries our own luggage through the journey...some heavy...some light.  The trick is not to dump your luggage on somebody else's seat, and make their ride uncomfortable. The benefit of growing old is that, if you allow it, your luggage can be sorted out, dumping the useless or harmful, and keeping the good and fruitful...and that leaves me with both regrets, and hope.
My regrets are for my oldest boys, now men, and the struggles they endured while I dragged my luggage around as a young mother.  It wasn't all bad, but I wasn't the mother to them that I dreamed of being, and I'm so sorry for that.  For Matt, being like an "only child", and living with a sick mother isn't the greatest, but I'm so greatful that my luggage  has been pretty much sorted, giving me the peace and patience that I lacked when I was younger, when I used alcohol to achieve the peace that I feel now without it.

My hope is in Christ, and that with Him, I can love them all through whatever comes along.  I am so blessed to have had them all, and very proud of what God has created through me. What an awesome priviledge it is!

Johnny Depp comes to Matt's Birthday!!!!!!

ALICE IN WONDERLAND: Movie Trailer 2 - For more funny videos, click here

Today is Matthew's 13th Birthday, and we went to the movies, with his girlfreind magical Becks, and saw Alice in Wonderland!!! It was absolutely wonderful, will definitely be required watching for Pauls video library as it will for our own...my only regret is that we did not see it in 3d, but we have to go to Kingston tommorow so who knows ... we may have to stop in at the Cineplex!

Pain Management - Caution or Cruelty, the thought continues...

Back to pain! Partly because it never really goes away, and partly because I believe that if pain was managed properly, then addiction would not be the issue that it is. It is my Pharmacist, not my physician, who has helped me through this next 10 days by supplying me with a limted number of pills to use until my Doctor comes back from 10 days vacation. I hate to think what I'd be saying now if that wasn't the case, if my Nurse Practitioner and Pharmacist didn't go to bat for me. But then I probably wouldn't be saying anything, because I'd be in bed rotating packages of frozen vegetables around the most painful parts of my body. The other alternative to this is to sedate oneself out of the pain using gravol, or taking my sedative meds early. The kicker here is that I do have a semblance of a life, which includes my most marvelous, son who needs me to be here for him. I count and ration my pills,(It reminds me of Fagin in Oliver Twist counting his money) because if I have an appointment to attend and drive to, I may need more medication than I've got...so that has to come from another day that I have to then write off for functioning ie.walking the dogs or doing laundry or picking up groceries.  Instead I must  stay in bed...again. I am always robbing peter to pay paul. I feel more intensely about my pills when I'm always afraid I'm going to have a flare up and have no help for me which again affects Matt.
I get my limited number of pills for the month, and that's it...there's no room for flare ups, no room for getting me through laundry and cleaning day. So often, there are many thinks that don't happen unless I add my own little helpers to the mix, like Tylenol 1, 4 tabs Q 4 hours,plus a gravol...
I'm not surprised at the "stomach contents" list of dead celebrities...Were they killing themselves, or just taking one thing after another just to get relief that no one physician will give them. This is serious stuff...People are dying because of it, and I don't think they have to.
Why can't I get the maximum dose, and be relaxed in the notion that I have back up for flare ups, and  don't have to keep counting pills, because I'll have enough to deal with not only doing the shopping, but unloading it, and putting it away, and the two days of painful hell that follows it. It would be nice to have one less thing to worry about.

Chad/Sudan: Darfur IDPs and refugees want rebel factions to join hands as one new movement with one chairman

We gather in memory of those who died in the Holocaust, and say we do this so that it shall never happen again...and again it happens. It happens..again and again...
Chad/Sudan: Darfur IDPs and refugees want rebel factions to join hands as one new movement with one chairman

Prom Night In Mississippi - HBO Canada

This is a great documentary, although the content is sad...sad that we're still dealing with such extensive racism in this century. Kudos to Morgan Freeman for putting it together, the kids for taking advantage of the opportunity, and here's hoping that it changed more than a dance! Watch This!

Prom Night In Mississippi - HBO Canada

The Perils of Pain...Caution or Cruelty? Whats do you think...

Do you remember that scene in "Terms of Endearment" when Shirley MacLean's character is losing it...well if you don't remember watch the clip below...

Terms+of+Endearment+-+Emma%E2%80%99s+Pain+Shot

I think when anybody gets the diagnosis of a terminal illness their biggest fear is how they will deal with the pain...it's the pain that is more scarey than the actual dying part, and they would be right. So what is our best hope for a peaceful death? One without pain, or at least with pain well controlled. But there's a possibility that may not be the case, as celebrities and the like are dropping like flies having overdosed on amazing combinations of drugs, legal and illegal. We who suffer with chronic pain do so at our own peril. There is a "Patient's Rights" document regarding chronic pain, that lays out the rights of a patient to be given good pain management...but does it happen? My experiences have been very dodgey to say the least. The whole idea of administering narcotics has become a sinister affair...I feel guilty for asking for pain relief! As if I am under some suspicion of being a "drug addict"! I wait for an hour in the waiting room on not so comfortable chairs, while every bone and muscle in my body, neck and head are pounding to the point of nausea. When I meet with my practitioners, we go through all the typical questions, and I'm met with of course information about other therapies such as naturapathy, and accupuncture that I cannot afford anyway, and there is an air of tension in the room. It's palpable! This previous week we had changed my pain medication because of breakthrough pain, but I could not tolerate it. I was wretching, unable to eat, unable to go grocery shopping (we had run out of food) and so totally spun out, I had to go to bed for 3 days...but it was suggested that maybe the dosage was too low?! I am very close to losing my temper when she announces that there really isn't anything they can do until a week on Monday...a week more with no relief from pain, but I am responsible for the care of a 12 yr old boy with ADHD and I don't have relatives just down the street to come in and take my place. I have been ill for 9 years, unable to work for 7, and started narcotics maybe 5 years ago. I have never received the full dose as decribed on the jar, actually 50% less!!
When she tells me again that they can't help me (I had called the office 3 times describing my reaction to the dilaudid and requesting help)and I finally let go and tell her that is unacceptable...there is no way I can go through March break, or any other break, without proper pain management. I understand they need to be cautious and I don't want to become addicted. I have, in the past, stopped taking narcotics, voluntarily, to see if I could function without them, and avoid this awful struggle of aquiring and managing narcotics...but until someone can provide me with a maid to clean the house, do laundry, groceries, be a mom/dad, and do yard maintenence...then they HAVE to properly address my pain without making me feel like a criminal!
This life is a struggle and having your care team on your side is paramount...they just have to get this...rather than assume that someone in chronic pain can just wait...and wait...and wait! Not anymore. This has to change and I'll use my patients right documents if that's what it's going to take. It's funny but we "disabled" people sureley have to fight hard for everything we get.

Horizontal Inspiration...

That's cool...now if only I could get out of bed!

Sick, sick, sick...

I am so very sick of nausea, very sick of extreme fatigue, and very sick of PAIN! The irony of this is that, other than the pain, the nausea and some of the fatigue, are exaggerated by the side effects of all the medications I'm on for everything else! I take about 20 pills per day. The illness sucks, and the side effects suck. Trying to manage pain is a real problem. Last week I saw my Nurse practitioner about my pain medication, as I have been having breakthrough pain some 3 hours into a supposed 6 hour stretch of relief, so she decided to try me on dilaudid...Well forget it! I cannot function at all with that stuff, but did get pain relief...in between all the wretching. So now I've stopped taking that of course, but cannot get my Nurse practitioner to get a script for the old stuff rather than nothing but continuous pain...I've left her 3 messages, and really don't feel up to going in again. The whole process of getting in to see her is fairly lengthy 30 - 45 min. wait, but that is an improvement over my GP, whose wait time is 1 hour on average. If I could lie down and have a rest while I'm waiting it wouldn't be so bad!!! I'm also quitting smoking and have been taking Champix, which is yet another additive to the mix, but it's working so I've gotta suck that up. We ran out of food last week, but since the fridge is broken, and I've been to ill to buy a new one and go grocery shopping (I hate grocery shopping, even when I'm stocked up with pain meds, I make it through the store but start to flounder in the line up, and by the time I'm loading it all into the car I'm totally drained, and can just get home and fall into bed...the groceries have to stay in the trunk for awhile until either Matt gets home, or I can revive enoghh to do it!) Matt's been eating alot of take out, and me...cereal. But I know that just like always we will muddle through, and this too shall pass, but I just wish life wasn't quite so hard. I know that I am blessed, and have more than enough to be greatful for and I thatnk God daily for that. I'm just feeling particularly sorry for myself tonight, and that's all there is to it! Thanks for listening.

Ideas on Terrorist Management!

Today I received another email from "JJ" (the lady whose email I found offensive, I told her I was offended, at which point she explained just how offended she was at my being offended, and in detailed language and so on...) who had reccomended that we not email each other again!!! J.J.shared another witty email suggesting that we develop an alternative to "body scanners" at airports and replace them with a device that simply blows you up if you are carrying explosives!!! Yes I found this funny...it's better in the email than my retelling of it, but then I thought how selfish of us to waste those explosives on just one person at a time.  My idea is to kidnap Kathy Griffin, stitch her lips with dissolving sutures, embed her briefly with the Canadian Armed Forces, and then have them launch her into Taliban Territory. Fifteen minutes with her and they will all give up, or kill themselves.

After all, it's our free speech that gave us Kathy Griffin...isn't it time to give back?!

Email Struggle (Jihad) is over!

Please excuse the lapse in blogging, but I have been multitasking, juggling an email war, and vomiting from the new pain medication we're (my doctor and I) trying out.  Also my fridge is broken, and I've been too ill to replace it, or to buy groceries to go bad in it!  I did get to the oral surgeon, who was extremely nice to me, and he said that the dentist who pulled my tooth 3 years ago, and told me I probably had cancer, is wrong!  That opinion only cost me $70.00, whereas the tooth pulling and cancer comment cost $250.00 which was cheaper than the $850.00 he wanted for a root canal!!
I am glad to say that my little email war over freedom of speech has ended, and I got out quite nicely, being called only a few bad names, and certainly none that I hadn't heard before! JJ and I have agreed to disagree, and after all ideally that's how it should all play out in the end.  We are ALL so diffferent, and we come in more options than skin colour, faith, education, sexual preferences, morality, and on and on.
But if you put all that aside, we are just a bunch of humans who "feel" the same, who bleed the same, who die the same. It is our environment and nurturing that preceeds our actions as adults...so maybe if we are better to each other, better to our children, the hatred might wane with each generation of well loved children.  Idealistic?  Yeah...but if it is not considered as an option, it will never be a reality.

The Email Jihad continues!

Amazingly, or not so amazingly, it turns out that people who send out "hate" mail, don't particularly like to be critisized for it! Who knew!  It was always my impression that these individuals were seeking a reaction from their propaganda, but it appears that is only true if you agree with them...so this lady's free speech, trumps my free speech, and maybe even yours!  I've been told that her email to me (by default in forwarding) is none of my business. But didn't she send it out there into cyberspace with the intention that it be forwarded...that's what the email said!?  But she is also un happy that I sent my response to her, and all the contacts that were above.  I'm not really sure why this is such a problem, as she didn't seem to mind publicising her original offensive remarks?

The whole point of this little banter is merely to point out how damaging this kind of thing can be...and it seems that people, like this women, feel that's okay as long as the "damage" falls in the Muslim's backyard and not in hers.

So the next time you get one of those "please forward this horrible message on to as many people as you can" kind of messages...just remember that it might end up in my mailbox, and neither you or I would like that!

Free Speech is very costly...

The problem with free speech is that if you advocate for it for yourself, then you must hold it true for others as well, and some times that can raise emotions in us that aren't pretty!  For instance, the email that I spoke of a few days ago, that attempts to ellicit hatred towards Muslims...I myself founf it to be quite offensive, and have written back to the "sender" my feelings on the subject.  At one time I may have not done this...I may have instead had a drink, bit my nails and kicked the cat! (of course not!!!) however someone might find that offensive too, as I do! So this person, and all her other recipients might possibly react negatively to what I have to say, and that will be okay too...That's free speech!
It's when free speech starts to cost lives, that it becomes too expensive for me to tolerate.  When families, and villages, and countries are ravaged with the notion being that somehow those peoples thoughts,  faiths and values need to be extinguished we called it "colonization" but I thought we had learned from all that tragedy. 
The reality may just be that "He who shouts the loudest wins", so we musn't be quiet in the face of injustice, even if we are Christians...Jesus shouted! Below is a refresher of the Charter.

CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

Being Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982

[Enacted by the Canada Act 1982 [U.K.] c.11; proclaimed in force April 17, 1982. Amended by the Constitution Amendment Proclamation, 1983, SI/84-102, effective June 21, 1984. Amended by the Constitution Amendment, 1993 [New Brunswick], SI/93-54, Can. Gaz. Part II, April 7, 1993, effective March 12, 1993.]



Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law:
Guarantee of Rights and Freedoms

RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS IN CANADA.

1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.
Fundamental Freedoms

FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS.

2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;

(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;

(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and

(d) freedom of association.

Democratic Rights

DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS OF CITIZENS.

3. Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein.

Complete Canadian Charter of Rights

The Oscars 2010: Why this is the year you'll actually tune in for the Academy Awards show

The Oscars 2010: Why this is the year you'll actually tune in for the Academy Awards show

Well It's that time again ... it's time for ANGELA'S OSCAR PARTY!....

It's amazing...every year people spend billions of dollars to make and view movies, just so they can gather at my sister's apartment, crowd around a semi small television (bigger this year) and watch the Oscars while eating chips and dip (Not sure if there's anything else on the menu...maybe egg salad sandwiches but that's an inside joke). I do love movies, but I seldom get to go out to see them. Paul (my eldest) usually gets me cineplex gift cards for Christmas, but he didn't this year (2010)and as a result I will be completely ignorant as to the nominees for next years Oscars. To be fair though, Paul did takeMatt and I to see AVATAR, which I probably wouldn't have gone to see myself unless under threat by Matt. I must say that I was completely enthralled, and stayed seated throughout despite the intense thigh pain that I had decided was a blood clot!! (Thank you Matt forgetting me water to take some medicine!)
Anyway I vote for Avatar if any one's the least bit interested, which they probably aren't, as that's the only nominee that I've seen and it was incredible. I have seen the nominee in Documentary about China's unnatural disaster and it was very powerful...so I vote for it also.
Finally...I think we all owe Angela a debt of gratitude for keeping this Oscar thing going...you truly are remarkable...and yes the bread was good!!

Jihad emails another form of inciting hatred ...PLEASE READ!

So I got this email today forwarded, supposedly, from someone's father who wrote this article for "The Canadian Press"(?)but no clearer reference. First let me say that I believe in Jesus Christ, I am Methodist, and I was raised Catholic. Every 2 weeks I'm visited by a small group of Jehovah's Witnesses and we discuss the Bible and our different faiths...I want to understand our similarities, and our differences. Having FAITH is one thing, and having DOCTRINES is another. Each religion has it's doctrines, and each religion also has it's extremist splinter groups, that use fear and hate mongering to promote themselves. The internet is the perfect place to go "viral" with your messages and fuel the fires that are already smoldering because of the actions of these extremist groups.
We need to be vigilant in ensuring that messages we are forwarding are based on truth, particularly when we know the impact of spreading this "information" is to strike us with fear, and vengeance.

I know this is long but read the email, and then the wiki quote...research the link...and then make an informed decision about whether or not you want to participate in this kind of "Jihad"!

"The following article is an extract from The Canadian Press..
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in Canada, especially in the minority races!
Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my federal prison security clearance.
During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs..
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.
After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of
the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?'
There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!'
I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'
The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caughtwith his hand in the cookie jar.'
He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'
I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!'

The Imam was speechless!

I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me!

Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the Diversification training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs.

In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in Canada to elect the Prime Minister!

I think everyone in Canada should be required to read this.

There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us send it on!

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a purpose.

This is your chance to make a difference.

FOR GODS' SAKE! SEND THIS ON

For God's sake DON'T send this on!
from Wikipedia...

Jihad
Main articles: Jihad and Islamic military jurisprudence
Jihad means "to strive or struggle" (in the way of God) and is considered the "Sixth Pillar of Islam" by a minority of Sunni Muslim authorities.[67] Jihad, in its broadest sense, is classically defined as "exerting one's utmost power, efforts, endeavors, or ability in contending with an object of disapprobation." Depending on the object being a visible enemy, the devil, and aspects of one's own self, different categories of Jihad are defined.[68] Jihad, when used without any qualifier, is understood in its military aspect.[69][70] Jihad also refers to one's striving to attain religious and moral perfection.[71] Some Muslim authorities, especially among the Shi'a and Sufis, distinguish between the "greater jihad", which pertains to spiritual self-perfection, and the "lesser jihad", defined as warfare.[72]

Within Islamic jurisprudence, jihad is usually taken to mean military exertion against non-Muslim combatants in the defense or expansion of the Ummah. The ultimate purpose of military jihad is debated, both within the Islamic community and without, with some claiming that it only serves to protect he Ummah, with no aspiration of offensive conflict, whereas others have argued that the goal of Jihad is global conquest. Jihad is the only form of warfare permissible in Islamic law and may be declared against apostates, rebels, highway robbers, violent groups, and leaders or states, Islamic or otherwise, who oppress Muslims or hamper proselytizing efforts.[73][74] Most Muslims today interpret Jihad as only a defensive form of warfare: the external Jihad includes a struggle to make the Islamic societies conform to the Islamic norms of justice.[75]

Under most circumstances and for most Muslims, jihad is a collective duty (fard kifaya): its performance by some individuals exempts the others. Only for those vested with authority, especially the sovereign (imam), does jihad become an individual duty. For the rest of the populace, this happens only in the case of a general mobilization.[74] For most Shias, offensive jihad can only be declared by a divinely appointed leader of the Muslim community, and as such is suspended since Muhammad al-Mahdi's[76] occultation in 868 AD.[77]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam#Articles_of_faith

"I Believe" I don't know what to do now that the O's are Over....

I'm still going through Olympic withdrawal, and can't seem to get excited about anything that doesn't include the potential risk of ligament tears, concussions, or knee surgeries! I'm not certain how much longer this process will take, but until then I just keep playing the "I Believe" video each day so that I'm oriented to time and place...Again, I'm not sure whether this is a good thing or a bad thing?!!!
Go ahead...have a little sing a long for yourself too!

Addressing the crowd, John Furlong, said ..."the time has come to say goodbye...

Addressing the crowd, John Furlong, head of the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Games, said:

"The time has come to say goodbye and to perhaps compare for a moment the Canada that was to the Canada that now is. I believe we Canadians tonight are stronger, more united, more in love with our country and more connected with each other."

Well I know that in these past 2 weeks, even though I've said some negative things about the money that is spent and the relations that have become strained, I have felt more connected to Canada's people, as a whole, than I ever have before...and that is big for me!!! I didn't expect a sports event to touch my heart... but it has!
I don't leave the house much, and have been getting more and more withdrawn, I'm not sure why, except that dealing with pain and the fatigue that it causes, leaves me cautious about expending energy on anything but the basics, because sometimes I can't even do them. So the Olympics have meant alot more to me than watching an sporting event...They have given me exciting things/events to look forward to; things to even cheer about...loudly, and brought them right into my home!
It's been a wonderful ride, and the closing ceremonies were fantastic!
I'll miss it.
Thanks Canada