excellent day

Yes, this has been a brilliant day's work. That old saying of wanting to get something done, give it to a busy man - so true.

As a work colleague said today, "You are a writing machine!"

So just to cap off my day, I am tearing through my blog post. After this I can lean back in my chair, heave a contented sigh and know that I deserve to be lazy for the rest of the evening. Lazy means facebook, twitter, a few news sites, the comedy channel and then a good book. Yup - it's a good life.

As I was walking with Abby today I took time to reflect on my life. It's not just good - it's sensational! And it seems to get better every day. This retirement gig is good stuff. So is fully embracing and loving what you have - adoring your life exactly as it is.

Enough Already!

There are days when I honestly think I can't take it any more.

Even when I just skim through the headlines - they make my heart ache.

I want to hear and read different things. I want to read about lives that were saved, about animals that are well cared for, about people who help other people in need, about the rich giving to the poor, about the downtrodden getting a hand up, about rains falling on the parched desserts, about real democracy being enacted, about natural foods being grown by farmers and sold at a reasonable price, about the cost of living going down, about governments caring first and foremost for the people of their country.

Is it too much to ask?

Today M and C had their first baby - a beautiful new life in the world and I pray that he grows up to have a beautiful life in a beautiful world. Several years ago I interviewed Robert Bateman for a book I was writing and I remember one thing he said above all. He was talking about his travels in Africa and said how lucky he was to have lived in a world where you could still see and wonder at its beauty.

I hope we have not entirely lost that.

I hope we never will. But if we are to keep the beauty and wonder that we have, we shall have to work for it and fight for it. We shall have to fight against corporate greed. Perhaps, most of all, we shall have to fight against our own apathy and avarice.

We must change the way we live. We must stop worshipping the gods of "stuff." Let us love one another instead - one another and this precious planet we live on.

Sunny Monday

There's something wonderful about sitting in front of my computer on a Monday morning, gazing out the window just to my left, and seeing the fields below me flooded with sunshine.

And, just to add spice to my morning viewing, the garbage men picking up the garbage (what else) and heaving it mightily into their truck.

Yup, the excitement in the country here never ends.

I have a bit more work to do this afternoon and then I'm done for the day. Next week I'm going to sort out my charity giving for the Christmas season. I suspect that the SPCA will get the bulk of my donations but I also like to have cash on hand for Sally Ann kettles. We'll see. I'm indulging in a new pleasure - watching money being popped into my bank account on the 28th of every month by the government. It may not be much but it's way better than a kick in the pants. And with my modest lifestyle, it does me very well indeed.

black Friday

I am completely appalled by the news I've been reading and seeing from the US. Black Friday. Yes it is black. It's as black as black can be when people shove, poke, trample and pepper spray each other for the sake of a few dollars off a wide screen TV or some other new tech toy.

What have we come to?

Let's start at the beginning. Christmas was created as a Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Christ. I want to know if the people standing in line waiting for the Best Buy doors to open ask themselves "What would Christ do?" I suspect the answer would not be pepper spray anyone who tries to grab what I want to snag.

Jesus - remember him? He's the guy who overturned the money lenders' tables.

He should drop in again some day. I wonder what his take would be on today's money lenders - and the wealth of the churches set up in his name.

At any rate, we know that Christmas as been co-opted by big business in the most obscene possible ways - as has everything else in the world - like food and water and housing.

It's time to Occupy Christmas! How to do that? We need to step back and look at the true meaning of the holiday. It's about love and peace and giving thanks - and giving to those in need. It's about opening our hearts.

If we must shop, let's do it in a small way. Let's shop locally. And let's stop! Look around you - do you really need more stuff? Some people have so much stuff they have to rent storage units to contain it all. They never see their stuff but they sure as hell have to have it! We buy big McMansions to house our stuff - we go into massive debt so we can have stuff.

Please - let's get off this crazy roller coaster. The only reason we keep buying more stuff, especially at Christmas, is because big business spends a lot of money on advertising telling us we have to have this stuff. And then, recently, when people started going public with the idea of not buying more stuff, retailers called them un-patriotic - they were going to kill our economy. I beg to differ. It is the big retailers who killed our economy by shipping our well paying manufacturing jobs overseas.

I would also propose that an economy based on an endless round of buying more stuff is unsustainable - the s**t is already hitting the fan.

I won't be joining the fray this year. I have opted out for several years now and I will continue to do so. I will do my best to be part of the solution - not the problem.

Wet and Windy

Well, it wasn't a full-on hike today, but it was a two hour walk around Cable Bay and it was wet! Really wet!

I was wishing I had a wood-burning stove or fireplace to cuddle up to when I got home. No such luck. But I do have lunch and the Daily News to look forward to.

This is a ritual I absolutely adore. My lunch (the usual - tomato and avocado on rye) while I read the Daily News cover to cover - starting at the back with bridge and comics, then progressing to the editorial page and then the front cover.. What I don't get to over lunch, I save for the next morning.

Then a nap after lunch - which has to be on the couch, never in bed - and then chocolate after lunch - dark, organic and free trade.

I know this sounds quirky (or just plain obsessive) but we all have our strange ways of being and humans, like dogs, are creatures who love habits. Maybe that's why humans and dogs have had such strong bonds for so long. We have our morning routines and our bedtime routines and even our computer routines.

I rotate my clothing, especially my underwear and socks so that everything gets an equal amount of wear. I even rotate my towels. I know - too much information.

Water for Cruise Ships

Should we sell water to cruise ships?

Sure why not?

But - yes, there is a but.

What I don't like is the reason we're selling it. Just like the 10-year no hotel tax idea, this water for cruise ships is all about attracting the ships to come here. Oh really! I'm all for giving them water if the reason is because they dock here - that they dock here because this is a great city full of attractions that tourists are eager to see.

The way this mayor, council and city are selling this city is disgraceful. The message I keep hearing is, we have to have a fire sale of the city because there's really no other way of luring people to come here. It's like Nanaimo is the ultimate Edsel - we can; hardly give it away.

I'd rather sell Nanaimo like it was the ultimate plug-in hybrid. And if it's not, then let's make it that! Anyone who has ever been in sales knows that it's easy to sell something that's gorgeous, efficient, beautiful and practical - the iPhone or iPad for instance. Heck, you don't have to sell those items - you just stand behind the counter and rake in the money.

An HP tablet on the other hand? I wouldn't want to flog it, would you?

So can we please get out of the HP mindset and convert to iPad thinking? How do we do that? First, stop selling Nanaimo like it's a dud. And then look around and tell the truth. What do we have that will make people beat a path to our door? Take inventory and then build on it like mad. We have a great downtown. We have Mount Benson - let's build a tram, a restaurant on top and fabulous mountain biking all the way down. A bridge to Newcastle Island. Get rid of waterfront industry - send it to Duke Point. Convert that waterfront land - what a place for a multiplex, retail and condos.

Those are just a small handful of ideas - other great ideas abound. But we have to attract people. Make no mistake, we are selling Nanaimo - to tourists, investors, business people and residents. Right now the way we are going about it sucks. I wouldn't buy.

We need some serious vision to make this a happening place. I don't know why Nanaimo has such a history of doing things backwards. Build a conference centre - build a hotel - now, let's try to get people to come here. That's just plain nuts!

Build the demand for the city and private investors will jump all over it - they'll invest.

Back to water for cruise ships. We have tons of water. Anyone who has been outside or near a window in the last few days can attest to that. And yet we have water restrictions in the summer? Maybe someone should have a look at how to capture some of our winter abundance. And let's not sell water that we don't have - that is, not at the expense of the residents.

gambling

Today the subject is gambling (as opposed to gamboling, which is a much more usual topic for me to be addressing).

I was thinking (pretty scary right there) as I read the tweets about power outages in Nanaimo. When we get these big storms, do the guys at BC Hydro sit around and take bets about where the power outage will hit first? I'm sure if this was Vegas there'd be all kinds of odds makers.

So let's say they do take bets. If there's enough money in the pot, would there be any people on staff who would tip the odds in their favour? Maybe leave a line not as well hooked-up as it should be? Cut a bit of a notch in a heavy tree branch?

I'm sure they don't. I'm just saying - it could be interesting if they did...

Late Fall Thoughts

Today I am ticking off the last item on my current to-do list - going to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. I felt so proud of myself yesterday that I actually vacuumed and washed my car.

I could do without the dentist visit.

I wasted a good 30 minutes this morning keeping up with the X Factor USA. Thoughts - I really don't "get" what all the judges see in Astro. Nuff said.

I'm pretty sure the two finals will be Rachel Crow and Josh K. - I also expect Josh will win. He's good - way better than the others. Going home this week? I'd say Chris Rene and Drew. Next to go: Lakota Rayne and Roy - although if it were up to me I'd eliminate Astro right away. The judges, for some unfathomable reason, will keep him alive.

So there you have it - the things that become important when work isn't the main driving factor in life any longer.

Not that I'm sorry about this. Not a bit. I know I'm going to have to be a bit of a sloth for a while before I plunge into something again.

Catchup

There's great satisfaction in getting all the "little things" done - especially if you've had them on hold for a while.

Today is my catchup day. (which is entirely different from a catsup or even a ketchup day) I did things like composting, fetching recycling containers, laundering the car seat dog blanket (yuck - you don't even want to know for how long I've been putting that one off!), setting up new online bill payments, making a dentist's appointment (they had a cancellation for tomorrow - can you believe it?), and putting a book parcel together for my mother. Next on the list: go to post office, go to car wash and actually vacuum the inside too and go to hairdresser appointment this afternoon.

I will feel so accomplished by the end of the day.

Next

The planning has already begun.

In other words, it's a very good Monday.

New work today - and I wanted that. And enough time to get out with Abby and plan the next campaign.

The day - and the future - seem full of possibility, full of the promise of great things about to happen.

I treasure this feeling of deep optimism - this sense of hope and bright promise. As I feel it, I realize it is not an unfamiliar feeling. I know this one. I live with it most of the time.

Lucky me!

The Day After

We didn't win but Jim put out a splendid showing for his first foray into political life. I think that 12 percent is very fine indeed.

Next time - and next time is only three years away.

Jim stayed in complete integrity the entire time - true to his values and passionate about doing what will help Nanaimo in every way - fiscally and socially. I am proud to have been on his team and to move into the future still on his team.

We learn from what we did right and from where we may have erred.

People in Nanaimo now know his name - and that's important too.

And for me, life eases slightly back to normal - normal enough that I went to Chapters this afternoon and came back with an armload of books - yup - that's normal all right.

voting day

It's been a great day so far. It started with a hike up to Heart Lake behind Ladysmith and progressed to a stop at the polls on the way home where we cast our votes. Go Laurie Gourlay! (And Bill Robinson and TerryLynn Saunders etc.)

Then there was that lovely nap after lunch and the dark chocolate afterwards. I feel a hot bubble bath coming on as well.

My gosh, now that campaigning has ended it almost feels like normal life. I think campaigning was more fun.

The victory party tonight at The Vault. I am so excited. And you know, it's a victory no matter what happens - we did the very best we could and that means we win no matter what.

Friday

It's almost all over but for the shouting. It's been an exciting ride. I'd do it again and again.

But now here we are - mid morning on Friday. My guy (Jim Routledge) is knocking on doors. I'm excited that Chief Doug White supports the Bridge to Newcastle Island.

I know that a lot of people (me included) thought "Huh?" the first time they heard Jim talk about a foot bridge to Newcastle. "But it's not an election issue!" I said to him. Not that Jim isn't on top of all the issues - but he had this vision.

It took me a while to get behind it. But I get it now. I get that the leader of the city has to be a visionary. I really got that when I saw that lengthy economic development strategy yesterday. Yes, we need those strategies but more than that, we need vision and we need someone to hold a vision.

The most important thing to know before you start on a journey - do you know what it is? Most people will immediately say, "Well, you need to know where you're going."

Yes, that's important. But even more so is to know where you are. If you don't know where you are, no map on earth will help you. So this is the task: know where we are in this city right now - tell the truth. Know where we are going (Vision!!) and then get moving.

It's not enough to trudge along doing the same old things over and over. That strategy keeps our heads above water at best. If we keep doing the same things, we'll keep getting the same results.

So the last thing I have to say is, please vote. I honestly can't understand people who don't exercise this precious right and privilege. If the snow was two feet high tomorrow, I'd walk to my polling station if I had to - and believe, that's quite a walk - I live in the country. I have never entered a polling station without tears in my eyes. This is an amazing thing that we do together.

It takes so little time - and makes such a difference.

Please vote!

Boring

Here's my definition of boring - Nanaimo's 2011 economic development plan. Have you seen it? Read it? I dare you to get past page three while remaining awake.

We pay good money - and lots of it - to come up with plans like this. This is probably the third or fourth I've seen in the past dozen years. They are entirely interchangeable. They have coloured charts describing the demographics of the city; they reiterate our "resource" economy and the fact that this is changing - and (yawn) on it goes in the driest possible language.

These reports are passed around. The people who commissioned them and those who wrote them congratulate each other and eventually they collect dust on a shelf.

These many multipage reports are not visionary. They are far from inspirational. They do not act as a blueprint for moving this city forward into the future. And the worst crime? They don't get people excited. That's why we have a city without a mulitplex and with a conference centre that's a drain on the city coffers.

We need vision!

An economic development plan that works would be a couple of pages long. Really! Outline the vision. If you don't have a vision, get one for heaven's sakes! Once you have a vision that everyone is excited about, you have guideposts that inform every decision you make. Never mind where the money is going to come from. That's not the job of the plan - the point is to have something to aim for. We need a star to grasp for.

For instance: I can envision a city that takes back the term. "Hub City." What the heck is "Harbour City" anyway? Dozens of cities have harbours. Not many are the hub of an entire island - the hub for transportation, for the arts, for adventure, for shopping, for great living and more.

Once you know you're the hub then you build on that. You get all the industry on the downtown waterfront out to Duke Point where it's supposed to be. Expand on the cruise ship terminal - put in a multiplex, retail shops and condos. Build the pedestrian bridge to Newcastle Island; make the whole Linley Valley a park, put a gondola up Mount Benson, create a mecca for mountain bikers and while we're at it - a restaurant on the top.

How's that for starters? Crazy? They called Klaus crazy when he suggested murals in Chemainus. I can't even imagine what they said about the Ancient Egyptian who suggested a  pyramid and a sphinx.

The point is not about the details of getting these things done. Those details are best left to 100-page reports that will put you to sleep. The point is to have a goal - a vision - and then steer the ship in that direction.

Well, that's my rant.

The Home Stretch

I don't know how they do it in the United States - political campaigns last over a year. How do they keep up the energy? How do they find time to govern? Oh - they don't. Well then, that explains everything.

It's nice to be in the home stretch. It's been an exciting campaign. There are still people to meet, hands to shake, voices to listen to.

Yesterday's debate at the Daily News was important. Such a well staged event. I know I said that yesterday but I really must give kudos to Cale Cowan and everyone else involved.

The video can be seen here: http://communities.canada.com/vancouverisland/blogs/newsroom/archive/2011/11/16/143.aspx

My job is almost done - just emails to field - last minute work to be done. Party Saturday night. This has been the most fun I've had in years!

Mayoral Debate

The Nanaimo Daily News put on an excellent event today - a mayoral debate.

I thought that everyone performed well. I have to admit that I quite like Dan Didio - he's intelligent and he thinks far outside the box - too far but sometimes a few of those ideas are worth listening too.

At any rate, I'd be interested to know who people think were the winners and who the also rans. I thought that Jim Routledge did extraordinarily well today. He was strong and honest and really being who he is.

I know I'm his campaign manager and biased as hell - but I honestly think that if I didn't know him at all, I would vote for him.

At any rate, I am also doing my research in my own district and for the school board - because that's where I can vote and I want to be well informed. It never fails that I come close to tears when I walk into a polling station. Voting is such a privilege - so fundamentally exciting. We may have a flawed democracy but voting is still the most effective method we have to make sure our voices are heard.

Please vote folks - it's so important.

Systems

We're into the final week and it's crazy and hectic. I honestly don't know how Jim is doing it. Today, while we went over, rehearsed and revised his speeches for tomorrow, he must have been interrupted at least half a dozen times with requests, questions etc. etc.

And in the middle of all that he managed to get a new rack card designed and printed - something that everyone else told him couldn't be done - not under these time constraints.

I'm seeing a whole new side to him - a "doing" side and an "unreasonable" side I didn't know existed, at least not to this extent. Boy, if he's elected, fur and feathers are going to fly - in a good way.

He hit on something really important this morning - that one of the problems at City Hall is underlying systems that were established years ago. If the systems aren't changed, nothing will change substantially.

True. I remember learning this a long time ago. I wish I could remember who the wise person was who pointed out that you could take an entire corporation like IBM, fire everyone, hire everyone new and within six months, the company would be behaving exactly the same way if the systems had not been changed. This is true everywhere. Look at politics in the US and Obama's promises of change. I believe he was sincere. But he fell into the system and he didn't know that he had to change it.

It's good to know that Jim understands this fundamental truth.

If it ain't broke, don't change it. However, if it is broke....

chilly

There are some chilly days (like this one) that are relentlessly grey - days when the damp chill seems to penetrate right through to my bones. On days like this, all I really want to do is sit in a hot bubble bath and then curl up under an eiderdown throw and doze for hours.

I watch my dog curled up on her bed - she snoozes, wakes briefly, repositions herself and goes back to sleep. Some days are meant to be whiled away just like that. On some days (today) I wish I had a dog's capacity for sleep.

However, I will go out soon - reluctantly - and walk with Abby in the back 40. After that, a hot bubble bath might be just the thing.

This morning we walked in the Linley Valley. After all these years living here and it was my first time in the valley. What a spectacularly beautiful place! Of course we have to save it! I can't imagine any other option. At this point in the city's development, we have to preserve all the forest and parkland that we have. This place is a treasure. I'll be back again and again.

rainy Saturday

Actually, this morning was more about snow than rain as J and I hiked in the Westwood Ridges. Yes indeed, that was snow falling down on us in the upper reaches. And I didn't mind one bit. Neither did the dogs. It was just so good to get out and to think about anything other than politics.

Now, of course, it's back to politics. And I've never had more fun in my life.

Have I said that before? It probably needed repeating.

But for the rest of the weekend, lots of sleep, naps, walking - a general rest and then the last big week. Oh boy!

If I were King (Queen?)

Did you ever play that game when you were a child (or an adult) - the "Here's what I would do if I ruled the world" game?

Today, after last night's really excellent candidates event at Beban Park, I played the "If I was running, here's what I would do/suggest/promise."

Of course, I'm not running, so this is just fun for me. What spurred on these thoughts were the words of one candidate (sorry - I can't remember who it was) who said he would bring some of VIU downtown and possibly house the art department in the conference centre. Well - that got me excited because I've had that same idea for ages and it was lovely to see it echoed - and then roundly applauded by those who were present.

Okay - so that's one of the things I would do - not give away our tax dollars to build a hotel - give our downtown white elephant to VIU - bring all that great young person energy downtown and take the empty lot behind the conference centre and make it a bus loop - maybe run a shuttle on weekdays between VIU and the loop.

What else? I've always thought that the waterfront lands south of the Port Place Mall were being completely inappropriately used. All that commercial activity really needs to go out to Duke Point. We have a new cruise ship terminal there - that needs to be expanded to include a multiplex (conference rooms) hotel, retail and some residential.

Ok - I know - who is going to pay for that? This is a game and money is no object - so there. However, it would certainly be something to aim for in a big picture plan.

I imagine with those two changes to downtown other changes would be quick to follow - investment, foot ferry and so on.

What do you think?

multi-tasking

I'm giving new meaning to the words multi-tasking.

I have email open and am handling everything that's coming in - also writing my blog - and (this is really important) am watching the X Factor on YouTube.

Needless to say - the last item is prime right now.

Also needless to say, I have to keep this short - Drew is coming up next.

Sometimes Technology Sucks

Yes - sometimes technology sucks.

Put together a video for CHEK-TV

So far so good.

Now I need to send it to them in a file type they can use - and the choice is multi-faceted.

We finally figure out a file type that we think will work. Of course, for broadcast it's a large file so I have to ftp it. I log in to their ftp site. Still all good.

And now it all comes apart. The ftp site refuses to load.

sigh.

next?

The Countdown Begins

Only 11 more days until election day. At least, I think it's 11 - I never know - am I supposed to count today or not?

So, okay - it's either 11 days or 12. Soooo much to do! Soooo little time!

I love how it's going. I love the process. I love that people love Jim and want to vote for him. They won't regret it!

What's left? Lots of meeting people - open houses, debates, and just plain meeting and talking. Most importantly, I have to plan the election night party - Oh yes, I have my priorities straight!

An Ode to Big Banks

Let me tell you a few things about big banks. They make lots of money because they can.

I'll explain. I opened my account at the Credit Union almost two weeks ago and finally found the time to transfer funds today. This takes time. I had to change my automatic deposits - then I ventured to CIBC to close out my accounts. Chequing and savings - not too onerous. GIC? Well - I have to wait until next year when it comes due. Still no big deal.

Then we arrive at the crux of the matter: RRSP's. I have to wait until they mature. At that point I have to transfer them. I can't put them into a chequing account because then I would have to pay a wallop of taxes. Eventually they will go into a RIFF and I will take money out gradually and all will be good.

But how do I get my RRSP's from CIBC to the Credit Union? Simple - a transfer. Now, like most folks, I buy an RRSP every year and over the years I've accumulated a fair share, all of them maturing at different times over a period of about 18 months. Every single time I transfer one of these (well over a dozen) CIBC charges me a fee of $100!!!!!!

Excuse me? I said to the nice man on the phone. But that transfer is only two keystrokes on your computer. Yes, he agrees. So why 100? To paraphrase his answer (and not too much at that) "Because we can."

And that is just one way big banks make money.

Yes, there's a workaround - put each one in a daily interest saving account until all my RRSPs are in once account and then transfer that one account for a one time $100 charge. (yipee) The catch? I earn virtually no interest for 18 months or so. They've got me either way. I'll just have to wait until I'm 71 and have to put everything in one RIFF - do my transfer then.

And they wanted to know - why am I leaving the bank and moving to a Credit Union? - this might be part of the answer.

Further thoughts on who I would vote for

I'm about to dash off on a morning hike - but before I do, I want to tell you about something I've been thinking about quite hard in the last few days.

After I posted my list of candidates I would vote for if I could following the Chamber of Commerce debate, Diane Brennan tweeted asking, "What did I do wrong?" - because I didn't have her name on my slate.

I thought about that. And here's the thing. I based that list on the performance that took place that evening. And that proves to me the flaw in basing a choice on one meeting - one interview - one performance. People are so multi-faceted. As voters, we have to inform ourselves very well.

In my flawed opinion, Diane did what so many people do who have been in office before - they have inside knowledge of how "politics" work - and, like every profession, politics has its jargon. When politicians, usually unconsciously, start using that jargon, they sound, not like real passionate and excited people, but like tired "been there done that" politicians.

That occurred with more than one candidate Thursday night.

That said, on reflection, Diane is on my list - no question. I would vote for her if I could. I have to weigh everything I know about the candidates and Diane is one in a million - full of integrity and with a real passion for serving her community - all of it.

We have some great people running in this election. It's so important to  find out what these people stand for - to find out who they are. Sure, that entails a bit more effort than just picking a name at random in the voting booth - but they're going to be the stewards of the city - of your tax money - for three years. Choose wisely and choose well.

Above all - choose. Vote! It's a privilege and it's important.

Fall back

I think I finally have this fall back thing figured out. I woke up today at 7.15 - that's almost an hour later than usual. Aha! I said to myself - here's a golden opportunity! Before I even rolled out of bed, I turned my radio clock one hour back and started behaving as though it was an hour earlier (I am ignoring my computer and iPhone clocks).

I turned my car clock back an hour - and there we have it! Done! Is this any easier than doing it tonight? Who knows - at least it works for me.

Now then, if anyone could please just give me one compelling reason we do this silly clock thing twice a year in the first place, I'd be happy to listen.

All Candidates

It was an interesting evening at the Chamber of Commerce all-candidates meeting. It's a shame every voter in the city didn't turn out - what a terrific opportunity to really "get" what the candidates are about.

Some really stood out for me. If I was allowed to vote in the city here are the ones who would definitely get my vote: Zeni, Fred Patje, Darcy Olsen. Diana Johnstone, George Anderson

What I liked about them was their intelligence, their heart and their balanced approach - just like my top mayoral pick, Jim Routledge.

I also have a lot of time for Gord Fuller and in the end I feel sure I'd put a check beside his name.

I was surprised by how much I like Gary Korpan's comeback - his passion for being in service appears to be genuine.

I like Jim Kipp and Ted Grieves - nice bits of humour there too.

I would say that those candidates who have aligned themselves with the vocal group of anti-supportive housing are going to find themselves in trouble. It's a big, contentious issue but stepping back is not the way to go. Just like 8 out of 9 councillors, who represent the people, voted for the housing on Uplands, so I also believe that 8 out of 9 public think and feel the same way.

I have to commend the Chamber and VIREB for sponsoring the event - a really excellent venue. A bonus was reconnecting with so many people I haven't seen for a while. This city is full of great folks! They are what make this place a great place to live.

So Many Details

It's been a day filled with details - I think tomorrow will be too - it will also be a day of catch-up.

I joined Jim last night at the South End Community Association meeting. I am so impressed. What an amazing group of people - people who really care about their community and work toward making a difference. I think that Jim can really help this community if he is elected. He spoke well and was well received.

The Nanaimo Daily News put up its multi media pages today - well done! Candidates speaking without rehearsal along with brief written bios.

Tonight is a big night - I'll be going shortly to the Conference Centre for the all candidates meeting sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce - another bunch of good folks who care about the community.

I guess that means a quick bowl of soup for dinner rather than the world's best falafel that I enjoyed last night at Aladdin's Cafe on Victoria Crescent.

One Bite at a Time

Is it hubris to be feeling on top of things?

I wrote a big story and got that done.

Back to politics.

I just sent out an invite for Tuesday November 8 at the Harewood Activity Centre. Jim Routledge is holding another Open House - meet and greet. From my experience at the last one, I'd say it's a perfect place to meet the candidate. Jim loves meeting with people. One of his biggest strengths is meeting one-on-one, really listening and taking time with people. Time is 7.30 - 8.30 p.m.

More work to be done but I feel like I have a handle on it today.

Of course, that's rather how felt yesterday until about 4 p.m. when an email showed up in my inbox with 10 questions to answer by midnight - I may add they were well thought-out and Jim had to get right on it. Lots of work there.

I think he acquitted himself well - check out his answers when posted on electyourfuture.com

Brain Overload

I think I'm suffering from some form of brain overload. I have that sort of anxiety feeling in my throat - you know the one? That niggly feeling that tells me something is not quite right or I've forgotten something and I haven't a clue what it is.

First there's the issue of cake - yes cake! Last year at about this time, I rashly promised to make Black Cake with my friend's son for Christmas. Well, Black Cake is a Trinidadian recipe and it uses two entire bottles of booze (should a child be eating this? Or even baking it?) and needs to be started long before Christmas - like right now during the election cycle. Who new I would be up to my cake eating lips in election ads? So - I begged off and I feel awful! I hate breaking a promise. It doesn't sit well with me.

I now have the choice of finding time to squeeze it in or not doing it and retaining a touch more of my sanity. Shoot - I hate these kinds of decisions.

And then there's the long list of everything that still needs to get done with only 2.5 weeks to go. Advertising, questionnaires, debates, radio, open houses - and on it goes. And the hardest part is trying to keep track of everything I have to remind (nag) Jim about.

Deep breath.

It's all going to be just fine. Besides - it really is fun.

And then there are these two double page stories I have to write. That's called "work" and I'd better get on with it.