Abstraction

Saturday we walked in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser with the Csillag family and the Bjorkquist family. This fundraiser was for the parkland food bank, and was important to bring awareness to, as well as raise funds for.

Where I felt the most impact, was how much the inability to buy food was such an abstraction for me. I always try to buy a little extra when I buy groceries and place them in the food bank bin on my way out. But that isn’t enough. I believe the effects are similar to just writing a cheque for a charity without caring or understanding why you are doing so.

It reminded me of the periods of time in my life where I struggled to put food on the table. It was a reminder that people of all circumstances, near and far struggle with the same issues. How something that I take for granted is a luxury for so many.

So how do I keep this in front of me? Why is it easier for me to keep the charities we support in front of me, but yet all of these others are still an abstraction? I don’t have an answer, other than to reflect, and to be grateful every day.

I want to thank the Csillag family for leading our team in this. I had a wonderful time, and am so very glad that we were able to participate.

Best year ever!

Goodbye Rooster, hello Dog!

The banquet is now behind us, and we are into the new year. I have to say that last night went relatively well, and while I was looking forward to having it behind us, I am sort of sad to see it go.

It’s takes a lot of space in my head, and after a while it is both tiring but invigorating at the same time. Strange I know. Anyway, on to new goals, and a fresh new year.

Welcome to all of the new members, and I am also happy to see all of you who are returning. I will miss those of you who aren’t on the team this year, but you won’t be forgotten!

Let’s have the best year ever!

Oh my brain!

I was down with a migraine yesterday so missed my blog day. And to be honest, I am not sure where to start today. I’m nervous about the banquet this year as our format is different, and I just feel like something is missing. My brain perhaps?

I am sure though that we will have fun, and we will get through it. It’s a bit exciting as we should have people there who have never experienced our banquet before and I am looking forward to their reactions.

Only a few days more, and then onto the Year of the Dog! Woof!

Food 101

I’m a vegetarian and have been for many years. And I generally don’t find it too difficult, nor do I even miss meat. However, it can make going out interesting sometimes.

Last night we went to the Ging Wu Chinese New Year banquet, and I was reminded of my eating habits/ issues. In theory, being vegetarian at the banquet isn’t so tough. Being a picky vegetarian is though. I have always had issues with texture when it comes to food, so I am careful with what I put in my mouth. And last night was not easy for texture. I didn’t starve by any means, although I did eat beforehand.

Mushrooms are a big deterrent for me, even though they are so good for you. The taste and texture is just wrong. I am starting to like tomatoes though, although I do still have a ways to go there too. Anyway, I hope to improve my palette, so that I can enjoy more variety.