DEPRESSION-LET'S TALK

Is a theme day sponsored by BELL CANADA to talk about Mental Health and focus on Depression. Individuals experiencing depression often are misunderstood. It is a real illness that needs treatment and support. We all can experience situational depression that can be related to particular events in our lives. Once we move through those times, our lives will return to our normal. People with clinical depression have a lifetime of the illness. It can cost people a job, a marriage and sometimes a life. For those experiencing depression, seek the help you need. For families with a loved one, reach out to support that person as well as get support for yourselves. Are you experiencing some form of depression today? Do you need to know who to call?

LIFE FLIES BY

Like a blur sometimes. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and the years- well it seems like yesterday sometimes instead of years ago that some events happened. Even when life gets a little blurry, if we stop and look closely we still can see the forest for the trees.

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSBAND DO?

Can sound like an innocent question to married women. It can also be loaded with sexual politics.

The old adage- men can marry down but women should marry up. If you are a wealthy old man, ditch the old woman and get yourself a young trophy wife. Successful women can still be judged by what the husband does for a living. Very rarely have I heard in the workplace a man asked what his wife does for a living especially when the man is very successful. Women have come a long way in terms of equality in the workplace. But we continue to be our own worst enemy when it comes to categorizing how important someone may be. For example, if you are a nurse and your husband is a nurse carries a different weight to some than if you are a nurse and your husband is a doctor! Why is this? Heaven forbid if you decide to be a househusband and your wife supports the family monetarily! Women who are homemakers also are put in various categories depending on the spouse's occupation. If you stay at home to care for your children, you must have a nanny to have more importance. It determines how important your spouse may be. In 2011, why do these outdated judgements exist? It made sense in primitive times when you needed a strong hunter for survival of the fittest. Single women supporting themselves and their children should be put on pedestals instead of a pity party! It takes great strength to carry the load! Often without knowing personal situations, married women can be told " well you don't have to worry about money, your husband is working!" Many women carry the benefit package for those self-employed spouses. The truth is men with confidence do not worry if the wife makes more money- they can enjoy the benefits. A couple and not societal prejudices should prevail. I personally have never liked this question. Having studied psychology and sociology in my undergraduate years, I became attuned at a young age of gender issues and prejudices. For women to become truly confident of their own abilities and personal view of what is successful, we must stop judging- period! We should admit to ourselves when we are jealous of another woman and not try to judge or pigeonhole the person by what her husband does! I feel honoured to work with successful women. Now at my age, younger women are my bosses!! The cashier at the supermarket may be carrying the load for her family; the lady at the Cleaner's may own the store; many women have put their spouses through school. In my case, my husband worked while I finished my Masters- he put me through school! Sexual politics will never go away. The burden can be lessened and I believe it starts with the female gender. What do you think? Do you encounter sexual sterotyping in your workplace? Do you care if someone asks what your wife does?

BIENVENUE BENVENIDO BENVENUTO

Means Welcome in 3 languages. Lately I have noticed people from other countries reading my blog. I welcome comments in your languages. I understand, io capisco italiano, je comprende un peu de francais, comprendo espanol un poco. I work with people, for example, who immigrated from China, Russia, Poland, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Solvenia, Netherlands,India, Japan, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Egypt, South America, Israel and many other countries in Europe, Asia, Africa. So the deal- if you want to write comments in your language- please, per favore, por favor, s'il vous plait and please in any other language write something. I can share with my colleagues and they will translate for me. Do not be shy write in English if you can!! My blog is meant to be an interactive dialogue between people. Merci, grazie, gracias and thank you to all who continue to read. However I really want your reflections too. Will you write me something? Tell me how you feel.

THE LULL AFTER THE STORM

The GTA was supposed to have a blizzard this week but by Wednesday it was just a winter storm. Cleanup was good with few accidents or incidents. We Canadians love to talk about the weather. What always makes me laugh is the reaction to a downgraded storm! So many workmates were saying- it wasn't so bad, driving was okay, what was the fuss! I always think- did you really want a terrible storm? Instead of relief and being glad it was manageable- many people seemed annoyed! I prefer storm warnings so I can be prepared- get some milk, check the batteries in the house in case of a power outage, know what the kids are doing! Winter storms are okay that way- the system makes its way slowly! It's the summer storms with a tornado warning that are the surprises. When it comes to weather, we really are a fickle bunch. On the other hand, weather does give us something to discuss! Hi, how are you? Sure is cold outside! But then not as cold as other parts of Canada- look at the temperatures in Winnipeg and the Maritimes are digging out from another bad storm!

WILL THE GROUNDHOG SEE HIS SHADOW?

Probably unlikely with the snow conditions today on the Eastern Seaboard. That little rodent also known as a woodchuck or marmot will try to predict how long it is to Spring. Punxsutawny Phil in Punsxutawney, Pennsylvania: Brandon Bob in Manitoba, Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia or Alberta's Balzac Billy may just want to stay in their comfortable homes. Perhaps our Wiarton Willie in Bruce County, Ontario may give it a shot but somehow I doubt it. Interesting tradition that goes back to Germanic roots and animalism in Europe. It was a way to try to predict when to plant the crops. Now it is a fun day with many communities having winter festivals around the date. To all the Groundhogs everywhere, Happy Groundhog Day!!!

HEART TO HEART

Helps us to express our feelings. With February full of heart discussion for a healthy heart- that muscle that keeps us going- why not talk to you from the bottom of my heart. It is always endearing to receive a heart shaped valentine, chocolates or candies. Even if I try to have an open mind about things, you can call me a bleeding heart if you want. If you eat to your heart's content be careful you don't get heartburn. Listen to the signs for a heart attack! Don't want any heart surgery! Artichoke hearts are good appetizers. Do you know any heartless creeps that gave a friend a broken heart? If you have lost a loved one, you have my heartfelt condolences. I know many people that have hearts of gold. Have you ever had a boss with a heart of stone? What about those romantic getaways with a heart shaped tub! Just work hard and put your heart into it! Some people are real heart breakers. What about our little Canadian- Justin Beiber- what a heartthrob for young girls! A baby in the womb is soothed by the Mommy's heartbeat! It is heart warming to know that being heart month that any heartache you may have will be resolved by having a good home. We all know home is where the heart is! Adolph is here laughing at me with a hearty laugh. Do you love someone wholeheartedly?