Traditions ~ Tuesday 4

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  

Tradition is an important part of any family or community and so important that people will fight to be sure they are not neglected or done away with.

From the first day of Autumn, to Halloween, All Saints Day, and Thanksgiving autumn brings many different traditions from all around the world.

School kids cut out paper leaves, pumpkins,etc. Homemakers change decor to reflect the new season.

Sweaters come out of storage... the weather is changing.

1. Why is tradition important to you?

I believe it's the glue that can hold families and communities or even nations, together.

2. Have family traditions helped to shape who you are?

Absolutely. I have many fond memories of celebrating holidays and traditions whilst growing up. Even today I try to carry on some of those same traditions albeit it in a much smaller way because my family is much smaller now and extended family members live very far away. 

3. Do you believe that tradition helps a community or shapes the unity of family and community?

I definitely do. Family traditions such as having dinner together on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Easter give a sense of unity & working together toward a purpose.  Even if it's only making sure you get to the family celebrations on time, these traditional holiday dinners and celebrations are ways that help bond a group of people together. Many families, including mine, have a tradition of extending invitations to dinner to foreigners or visitors from outside the family.  So it becomes a wonderful way to meet people from afar and show hospitality.

Today, I live far away from my childhood home and relatives but I've carried on the practice of inviting people from elsewhere to my home whenever I can.  

Traditions such as a nation's birthday can also be a unifying time for the citizens of a country to celebrate such as on the nation's birthday.  It's a time for citizens to celebrate together in a way that is sanctioned by the governing leaders of the day.  People can enjoy coming together regardless of political persuasions.  Even if it's only for the day.

4. Are there any traditions you would like to bring back and why?

When I was a child in elementary school, the entire school would have a brief patriotic moment with greetings from the school Principal, announcements and singing the national anthem.  After that, the classroom teacher would lead his/her class in prayer and daily Bible reading.  Today that is no longer allowed in deference to the fact that there are others in the class who are not practising Christians and the number of people in this category has grown over time. 

Personally I think we should bring back these morning practises, readings and prayer.  After all this was always part of Canadian culture.  We shouldn't have to change it just because others have moved here since that is often their voluntary choice.  They don't have to be Christian to respect the way the country respects its origins.  Sadly the Christian aspect in public institutions has been watered down in every way and I'd like to see the trend reversed.

Rainy Days & Mondays ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4

We've had a lot of rain recently and it got me wondering about some things.

Could we discuss it please?

1.  Do rainy days and/or Mondays really get you down? If so why?

Rainy days do not get me down. I actually like rain. It's only when it rains heavily for 10-14 days that I start to get annoyed. Thankfully that doesn't happen very often.  

On the other hand, Mondays happen every week and I've never liked Monday's. It's a hold over tension I feel from my school days and my work days. Often I'd have homework from school or work related paper work which I'd bring home but never got around to working on until the last minute if at all. It caused me stress.  I still get a bit of stress when Monday rolls around even though I no longer have home work.  Monday means back to the business week when offices,  'business related' organizations and public institutions are open again.  Either they're calling me or I'm calling them and the telephone tag begins.  These days I find they don't just call once and leave a message for you to get back to them. If you don't call right back they act as if you have really delayed in getting back to them. It's very annoying.  Alternatively they don't even call. They want to email you or text you which is even worse.

2. Does thunder and lightning frighten you at all?

How about your dog or cat and what do you do to help them out?

Yes, actually thunder and lightning do frighten me, especially when the thunder is very loud and the lightning is significant.  I was just telling my dear husband the other night, that the crack of thunder and the flashes of lightning can seem like they're going to split the earth and sky open.  In fact, just the other night we had such significant thunder and lightning here that it made the news. 

I no longer have a cat but when I did, she would hide during a storm. If she was not hiding I would sometimes hold her and try to calm her as she would shake from fright.

3. If you are at home on a dark, rainy day what do you do with your time? Some find it a good day to cuddle up with a cuppa and read or watch TV... what is your preference?

I like to sit with a good cup of tea and a snack and read or watch television.  I guess reading would be my preference unless there is something really great on television which is rare these days.

4. Ever been caught in a downpour or has rain ever ruined your plans?

bonus question: Why do Mondays seem to be so unpopular with so many?

I've been caught in downpours in Canada and in East Africa. Rain never ruined my plans but may have delayed getting on with them.  Here at home I always check the weather and make plans appropriate to the weather.

Mondays mean the end of the weekend which people use to catch up on other things, spend time with friends or relax in other ways. See my answer to #1 for a further explanation of why Monday's are unpopular.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week!

The "Ber" Months ~ Tuesday 4

There are just 3 weeks left until the "ber" months begin.  September, October, November and December.  Fall/Autumn begins in September and ends in December.  

Autumn begins in September and it is called that until leaves begin to fall and then it's called "fall". 

Sept means 7, Octo means 8, Novo is 9 and Deca is 10 but the numbers are off since the calendar was changed long ago from 10 months to 12.

Ber is an adjectival suffix from latin meaning month.  Let's discuss it.

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we ask just 4 questions each week to encourage blogging and enjoying the ideas and work of fellow bloggers.

1.   What foods make you think of the autumn months ahead?

Squash soups, pumpkin lattes, apple cider, pumpkin and apple pies, pumpkin and cranberry scones; all these foods and drinks make me think of the cosy autumn months.

2.   Are there any songs you associate with the fall month?

The beautiful Nat King Cole song,  Autumn Leaves.

3.   Are you looking forward to the ber months at all?  Why?

Yes, and No. "Yes" because I love the autumn leaves. I also love the cool, crisp air & taking walks to enjoy and admire the beauty of the season. I also like wearing heavier clothing in fall colours and not having to worry about becoming too hot. 

"No" because the older I get, the less I like winter.  It's too long and too cold for me and the ber months means winter is close behind. Over the winter, I also miss the growing season, the colours of spring and autumn.

It's difficult to take a selfie of one's outfit (I don't like mirror photos)

4.   School in New Jersey always begins after Labor Day and before that I would have dreams of going to school in my pajamas!  Did anything similar happen to you?  Did you dread going back to school or were you happy and excited?

I never had such dreams. Going back to school was always an exciting time. For some reason, kids like to go with their mother to buy school supplies and I was no exception.  It was also the time when we got new clothes for school wear.  In those days we didn't wear school clothes or 'good clothes' at home. We changed our outfits every day after getting home and wore our home clothes. Clothing lasted longer that way.

Thank you for stopping by my Tuesday 4 meme.  I hope to read your answers too!

Summertime ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Summer time is upon us. 

1. What special memories do you have about summer when you were younger?

I remember warmer weather because our summers were very short in the far north. We kids would play outside until midnight because it was so light outside. The sun didn't stay out all night but at midnight it still looked like twilight.

I also remember the annual trip to Bible Camp which I absolutely loved because there were lots of summer activities and lots of good food as well as good company and new friends from all around northern Alberta. I lived in British Columbia (BC) and the camp was in northern Alberta. 

See the highway (SE) from Dawson Creek to Saskatoon Island Provincial Park

Each year my Sunday School teacher and her husband would drive one of my siblings and I to camp along with two of their children. It always seemed like a long drive in the hot sun but according to google it's only about a 1.25 hours drive southeast from Dawson Creek, BC.  Camp was only a week long but it seemed much longer because we did so much in that one week.  Specifically I remember lots of outdoor sports like softball and swimming.  I loved singing around the campfire roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate. We did a lot of church of course and Bible study along with crafting and other things. One summer my house mother was a missionary lady from Africa and that is when my interest in Africa began.

There was always a special church service on the last day and a nice luncheon to which the families of all the campers were invited.  Then everyone headed for home to their different locations. It was always a sad day for us young people to part with our friends and fun activities.

2. What is the highest temperature you've experienced in summer? What about so far this summer? How do you weather the heat or humidity?

I'm not entirely sure but I think it was about 43 degrees Celsius or 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit.  Some summers can be very hot here in Canada.  In those summers we usually have a lot of wildfires all over the province where I live and often in other provinces as well.  So far this summer it hasn't been too bad in BC.  The hottest day I can recall so far is about 29.2 degrees Celsius or 84.5 Fahrenheit.  Lytton, BC has been the hotspot of the province so far this year at 36.9 degrees Celsius or 98.4 Fahrenheit. Lytton is the town that burned to the ground due to heat and wildfires a few years ago. It still hasn't been rebuilt and right now there are wildfires in the area where the town is located.

When it's hot or humid I try to stay home. If I go out, it's usually late in the day. I also drink cold drinks and eat fruits like watermelon and cherries.  I keep the fans on when I feel overly hot and will sometimes put an ice pack on my neck or back.  We don't have air conditioning.

3. What's been on your menu so far this summer?

Usually in summer it's too hot to eat regular food so I keep the menu light with lots of salads and fruits like watermelon and cherries.   We have lots of corn on the cob, peaches, nectarines and apricots and wild caught salmon from the ocean.  The weather this summer has been much more bearable so far. It's almost the middle of July and our temperatures have been in the 22 - 26 Celsius range (71.6 - 78.8 Fahrenheit).  Not too hot at all. Quite comfortable in fact.  Right now (Sunday) it's overcast and has been for several days. It looks like rain but so far there is no shower in sight.  July is usually a very hot month but this year the temperatures are several degrees cooler than usual.  It seems like the very hot weather is being experienced in Eastern Canada this year and in Europe.

Given the nice temperatures we've been eating more or less the regular food we eat.  However, because it's summer I'm also making an effort to make a few summer type meals. For example, on Thursday we had a delicious vegetable salad and a Chicken Bacon pie from frozen. Today I made BBQ ribs and a Penne Pasta Salad chock full of vegetables and feta cheese.

Chicken & Bacon Pie

BBQ Ribs & Penne Salad

Penne Pasta Salad.  I was very generous with the feta cheese.

Another salad we like to have in summer is Potato and Egg and I plan to make it early in the week along with some hot dogs on buns.

4. What is on your reading list this summer... anything to recommend to us? What's on your TV this summer. Any music you're liking this summer?

There are a number of books on my reading list this summer:

I recommend Mansfield Park for Jane Austen fans.

I recommend both books. First one is set on a sheep farm in Australia, 2nd in NL., Canada.

I recommend if you like stories told through letters.

I recommend for insight into understanding how we spend money.

I recommend if you want to understand the immigrant experience.

I recommend if you like twisted mysteries.

I recommend The Hotel Nantucket if you like cosy reads set in beautiful places.

I recommend if you like spy stories where the spy is a woman.

On the television I have several streaming services and I usually select a spy movie. I just finished watching the series The Agency with a stellar cast including Michael Fassbender. I've also watched several series on Paramount Plus:  The Marshals, The Madison & The Dutton Ranch.  On Brit Box I've watched The Other Bennett Sister and I'm now watching A Woman of Substance.  The latter is a series based on the novel by the same name which I read decades ago and which has stayed with me throughout the years.  The content is perfectly captured in the title. A young woman rises from abject poverty to become extremely wealthy despite all the challenges along the way.

I also saw quite a good, long movie on my library streaming service over the weekend.  It's called Tomiris, about the Queen of the Massagetae people on the steppes east of the Caspian Sea. I've been trying to find the exact location of the area where the Massagetae people lived but since historical records are scarce there isn't accurate information.  I do believe that the people didn't actually live in Iran but in what is now Turkmenistan and in the other countries of Central Asia with the words ending in 'Stan". In the movie, Tomiris is depicted as a woman destined to protect her people and their lands from the encroachment of Cyrus the Great. Cyrus the Great hailed from Persis, an ancient region in southwestern Iran in what is now called the Fars Province. Click on the link below to enlarge the map of the Persian Empire.




If you can find it on a streaming service you use, I'd highly recommend it. Please note you'll need to turn on the subtitles. If you're in Europe I've read you can watch it on Amazon or Apple TV.



As for music, I'm not one to sit and listen to music though I really do love it.
Recently though I heard this song on Instagram and I had to look up the singer. You might like him too. 
Dusty Rivers is an 80 year old blues and soul singer. He appears to be a real person with a real discography.  It also appears that he uses AI to generate his image in the songs on his YouTube channel. Anyway I really love his voice and have listened to this song a few times. The content of the song no doubt has to do with the result of aging and no longer needing to strive so hard. Perhaps he has also a better appreciation for different things as he nears his last chapter.

 I do spend more time listening to music on occasion and when I do I love to listen to gospel, especially the old hymns, the occasional contemporary gospel song and gospel songs in other languages.  I also l love folk music and the music of the 1970s.

What Do You Call It? - Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4 which was started by our friend Toni Taddeo and kept up in memory of her. Different sections of the USA have different words and customs they use. Let's talk about them. 

1. In New Jersey you put your groceries in a paper bag or plastic bag.  In Athens, Ohio where I went to university, you put them in a paper sack. Is it bag, sack or something else where you live? 

I live on the west coast of Canada.  When we go shopping, especially at the supermarket for groceries, we're always asked if we want to purchase a bag.  I generally take my own and also a bag on wheels because I tend to overshop.

Bags are generally made of fabric, plastic or paper and we no longer get them free in the market place.  In fact we haven't for many years already and most of us have learned to carry our own to the grocery store otherwise we have to buy one at the store. The cost runs anywhere from 25 cents for a paper bag up to $2.50 for a reusable bag.  I often see people carrying their food purchases in their hands.  No bag.  This works if you only buy a few items.

2. Though no one seems to wear them anymore, NJ says "stockings". Athens, Ohio used to call them "hose" and in Britain they are "tights". What about where you live? 

We use all 3 terms depending on what the item is. If they're made of sheer fabric we call them nylons (old term, from the 60s and 70s), pantyhose or hose.  I think before that they were called "sheers".  Pantyhose cover the entire foot, legs and derriere, making it much easier to keep the stockings where they're supposed to be.  On the legs rather than down at the ankles.  I still remember the days when we had to wear some kind of strap around our waists with clips on elastics that were used to secure your nylons and keep them from falling down.  I wasn't quite old enough to have to use these but I definitely remember them. Pantyhose were a huge improvement and more comfortable.  These days most people don't wear any hose except at all except perhaps knee high hose, sometimes called "trouser socks".

"Tights" are like pantyhose except they are made of much thicker material and usually worn on colder days.

We use the words "stockings" or "socks" if they cover the foot and ankle, or the foot up to the calf.  Knee high stockings cover the foot up to the knees. 

Sorry if this explanation sounds too basic but there may be people reading, especially men, who have no idea! LOL

3.  Soda, Pop, Coke? 

Hero, sub, grinder, hoagie? 

We use both terms "soda" and "pop" interchangeably, but pop is probably used more often where I live. People will often say "coke" as a general term when they want a cold drink but when they get to where they will buy it of course they have to be more specific with the tupe of soda or pop they want such as Pepsi, Fanta (Orange), Root Beer, Coke, Sprite, etc. 

We say "sub", short for submarine sandwich but sometimes stores and restaurants will call them Heroes or Hoagies. 

4. Shopping cart or trolley. buggy? What do you call it? 

I call it a shopping cart if you're referring to the metal cart on wheels that you push around in the grocery store and in which you place your intended purchases. I also have a shopping bag on wheels which I like to call a 'buggy' even though that isn't the proper name for it.  I got that terminology from my late mom.  I looked it up and I guess such an invention goes by several names including: a shopping trolley, shopping caddie, granny cart, bundle buggy, or a rolling grocery cart.  Based on this brief research, I guess "buggy " is the short form of "bundle buggy" and an appropriate term to use after all. Who knew? Not me! LOL.

My old buggy

A rare, full shopping cart

My newer, black buggy. I need a new one again.

Thank you for reading this far. I look forward to reading about the terms used where you live. Enjoy your week and please visit again soon. xx

Our Town ~ Tuesday 4

Hello!  This is Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we ask just 4 questions each week in an effort to get you blogging, thinking and learning about others.

Maybe we can discuss the town  you live in.  It might be nice to find out more about where you live and why you live there. Sometimes we just fall into a place and other times we choose. 

Here's a chance to sing the praises of your town or uncover it's faults.. have at it!

Michelle Byrne painting

1. What are the good points to living in your town? Could you interest us in moving there?

The best part about living here is the scenery and the somewhat mild winter compared to other places in Canada.  It rains a lot over winter but we get a little snow.  The rain helps keep everything nice and green and that is plus. 

There are many places to visit in the area with local sites and towns and villages that are within a short commute.  The city is also very close to the border of Washington State, USA if you wish to travel across the line though Canadians haven't been travelling south much since early 2025.

2.  Are the things you need convenient to your home? (shopping, library, schools, entertainment?)

I chose my neighbourhood because it's convenient to everything. It's reasonably close to downtown if you need to go there. It's close to the train station, city transit services and also convenient to get to the airport. All the necessary amenities are in my neighbourhood like schools, libraries and various community centres. If you want to shop you can find virtually everything you need close by although you have to go further afield to downtown or one of the larger malls if you're looking for a variety in clothing choices.  The neighbourhood also has a variety of churches, public parks, one small movie theatre within walking distance and several more theatres a short commute away.

3.  Did you choose your town or did you just end up there? 

I chose to live here because there aren't too many larger cities in my province and it's really only our larger cities that have everything I want and need.

4.   Is your town known for any special foods, activities, places or people? 

My city is known for having a very diverse array of restaurants featuring foods from all around the world. I notice every few years that the trends in popular restaurants changes. When I first moved to the city it was Italian and Greek foods, then it was health foods (as in Vegetarian), then it was Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Vietnamese & Mexican in that order. More recently there is a newer trend toward Middle Eastern restaurants and a few African restaurants, mainly featuring Kenyan & Ethiopian foods though in some nearby municipalities there is Nigerian food. I love all of it.

The city is also known for its beautiful parks, particularly Queen Elizabeth Park & Stanley Park, whale watching tours, beaches and spectacular mountain views.  If you like to ski in winter or like to go hiking we've got you covered.

My city is not perfect by any means. We have lots of issues with which to contend but it is home and it's where I choose to live. I hope you get a chance to visit if you haven't already. Most people who travel here love it.

This Week on Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4, a meme hosted by Annie of Cottage by the Sea, in memory of her good friend, Toni Taddeo. This meme is for Tuesdays though I usually post a day or two ahead of time.

Let's talk about your week okay?

1. Is anything interesting on TV this week?  What will you be watching?

I haven't heard of anything interesting on television. I don't really watch regular programming other than the occasional newscast, newsmagazine and Y & R, the long-running soap I've been watching since I was a teenager.

2. Any books on your horizon right now? What will you be reading?

Yes, I have several books 'on the go' right now. I've started back to reading after 2 months of hardly turning a page whilst recovering from a bout of shingles. If any of you have had shingles you know it is exhausting and also painful. It's a pity I had to deal with this because I had it on my 'to do' list to get a vaccine.  However I've read that a vaccine doesn't guarantee you won't get it and some people seem to get it several times. No one in my family has ever had it so I'm not sure why I did.

Currently reading

Currently in my reading pile

Salad with canned salmon and eggs

3. What's been on the menu lately?  

Any new recipes caught your eye?

I have no plans for new recipes this week.  I made an Asian inspired Udon noodle soup dish last night.  Unfortunately it wasn't as good as usual because I was also busy with an in home appointment and not paying quite enough attention to the soup.

Usually I don't spend that much time in the kitchen when the weather gets warmer because it's simply too hot. It's the season for more salads and fresh fruits, etc. Tonight however I plan to make rice pilaf, baked chicken breasts and a side dish of vegetables or salad. 

4. Who will you spend time with this week?

Big haul to the thrift store. More to come.

I have no plans with friends this week and DH is very busy for the foreseeable future.  I'm still busy trying to catch up to things left undone over the past few months, whilst I've been convalescing. I'm also in the thick of decluttering and making small upgrades. This week and next week there's lot of researching and shopping or possible shopping for light fixtures, fireplace mantle, microwave, more garden plants, fittings for the bathtubs, caulking materials and various tools needed for the different jobs.  My brother is my handyman so I'll be spending a lot of time with him this week and next week.  This week I also have an appointment with my dental hygienist who is always fun to talk to since he loves gardening, photography and travel. A friend I haven't seen in ages is also wanting to get together soon to celebrate my birthday which was last month. So we're both researching a few places to go and enjoy next week. It will be great to see her again.

Thank you for stopping by. I'd love to hear your plans for the week!

Four Seasons - Four Questions ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

1. Do you have a favorite day of the week and how about  a favorite month of the year? Why?

I don't really have a favourite day of the week though if I have to choose it's probably Friday. It's a hold over from my working years when Friday always meant a brief respite from the pressures of work and a signal to enjoy life a bit. However weekends were always too short and too busy trying to get all the shopping, errands and cleaning done. If you're a working woman there isn't much time for relaxing on weekends. I'm sure most of you women will agree though I know some women have so much energy and yet also manage to relax and do fun things all year long.

My favourite month changes depending on when you ask me, lol.  Today I'll say April because the weather improves, rains aren't as heavy and most importantly new buds and blossoms come out. I especially love the cherry blossoms making April the favourite month though May is a close 2nd because it's my birth month and the greenery is in full force. 

2. What’s the most beautiful or magical thing about each of the four seasons?

Winter - Snow can be magical, especially a gently falling snow that is backlit by pretty outdoor lights. We don't have too many days like that in winter where I live. We get more rain and the rain helps keep out grass green all year and grows our beautiful old trees. So that is lovely too.

December

Spring - The best thing about spring is seeing the new growth poke up out of the ground each year and the anticipation of warmer temperatures and beautiful flowers and gardens ahead. I also absolutely love spring because it's the time of year we also get the most beautiful and amazing cherry blossoms.

April 2026

April 2023

Summer - The light and the relaxing vibes I feel from everyone no matter where I go. I enjoy seeing other people enjoy themselves.

June 2017

June 2017

June 2017

Fall - I love the month of September because the weather is much cooler than July and August. I also absolutely love the magnificent Fall colours when the trees are turning shades of golden yellow, orange and red. 

September 2025

September 2025

September 2025

3. Summer is coming... what does this mean in your life? How will things change, stay the same, etc?

It usually means a road trip, sometimes 2 or 3 to visit family or to explore local environs. To have a change of scenery because we've not gone anywhere all winter and we are kept busy in the spring with all the outdoor cleaning and gardening work.  I love road trips in Canada. Our country is so vast and beautiful. Once you get out in nature you find a peaceful and calm sense of things.  I think most people probably feel that way whether they live in Canada or not because there are beautiful places in nature all around the world.

Other than that, I keep busy doing lots of spring cleaning while the light is better and before the heat of summer arrives. I also try to get out in nature more to enjoy what is around me locally.

4. What do you look forward to in each season?

Winter - Slowing down and wearing pullovers/sweaters, lol.

Spring -  Lots of greenery and flowers.

Summer - Visiting with loved ones from afar and a slower, relaxing pace.

Fall - A briskness in the air which I find invigorating and an anticipation in the air that new things are happening.

Your Jobs ~ Tuesday 4

Hello!  It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

This week's idea for questions came from Pamela Steiner and it's all about your occupation and work.

I think that's a great idea, so here are questions prepared for us.

1.What did/do you do for work and how long did you work in that position? 

I'm retired.  In my last job I worked for the federal (national government) as a policy advisor. I was in the department that among other things had different teams negotiating agreements with the First Nations of British Columbia over land (excluding private property), resources (fish, forests, etc.) and government powers (a broad range of powers) to enable the First Nations of British Columbia to enact laws and manage the lands and resources once negotiated agreements were ratified and passed into law.  Parties to negotiations were many First Nations, but not all,  the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada. There were also many interest groups who were party to different aspects of the negotiations but who were not actual signatories to any final agreements. I worked at the job for approximately 10 years and hoped I would have continued working in the job if life didn't intervene and send me into an early retirement.

2. Of the jobs you've had throughout life, which was your favorite? If no favorite, which was the worst? Tell us why you loved/hated your job.

My last job was my favourite because it was mentally challenging, varied in duties and there was a lot of room for showcasing one's ingenuity or problem solving abilities. There were of course things I didn't like about the job.  In talking to many people over the years, and through my own, varied work experiences, I concluded that no job is perfect and though you may really enjoy yours, there is probably something or several somethings, which you would rather do without.  After many different work experiences where things were not always rosy, I finally learned to implement the teaching of the Apostle Paul in the Book of Philippians 4:11-13.  It's best to try to find contentment in whatever circumstance you find yourself in, or be prepared to find a new circumstance.  Even if you look for a new circumstance it won't end up being perfect. 

3. What did your job entail?  Did it require a special education?  

It was multi-faceted. It included analyzing, developing positions, knowing the laws of the land at the federal and provincial level, liaising with legal advisors and other policy advisors in multiple departments and ministries both at the federal and provincial levels. A big part of the daily work involved discussing government positions on subjects and issues with the negotiating teams and advising negotiating team members on the parameters and language for the agreements. Another aspect was developing policy positions with my counterparts in Ottawa. There were many more aspects to the job but this summary captures the essence of it.

The job required previous policy experience and a legal degree and experience. I did however have a colleague who joined the team before I retired. She didn't have a law degree or legal experience but had a lot of other useful experience in the department. However, I'd have to say that I don't think her level of ability to advise or develop policy was anywhere near the level of the other members of the team. She obviously had other skills which stood her in good stead when she decided she wanted a change of pace at work.

4. List all the jobs/occupations you have had.

I've had a diverse work background including jobs as a student like babysitting, waiting tables and washing dishes, research & working in the university library, & summer jobs in one of the legal departments of the Government of Canada.  After graduation from university, I had a number of policy and research related jobs mostly dealing with issues of self-governance, land claims and legal rights of the Indigenous peoples of Canada (not just First Nations).  I primarily worked for the Government of Canada & for non-governmental organizations in Canada both in Ottawa, Ontario and in Vancouver, BC. 

As a young girl I was taught the value of hard work for an honest wage and to take pride in my work.  I carried this teaching with me no matter what work I was doing whether paid or voluntary.  Later I learned that the value of hard work is also a biblical concept.  In case anyone is curious, I found it was easier to implement the hard work ethic than it was to learn how to be content in all things. Thankfully I eventually succeeded in the latter and found it really added a lot of peace and satisfaction to my life overall.

Well that concludes my post for today. I hope you found it interesting and that you'll visit again soon. Take care and have a wonderful week.