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I wasn't going to post again this weekend, but then this gem came up in my news feed:
It's all a matter of perspective
It's all a matter of perspective
The fact that one American historian admitting something that Canadians all know to be true is news shows how truly insecure they are about their identity. Think about an American equivalent: Someone in Britain admits that the American Revolution did not advance the British agenda one bit, in fact they had to rework it afterwards. This is something I have concluded from my many semesters of American History (please correct me if your non-1776 heavy history lessons from outside New England came to a different conclusion). And from what I hear from Canadians, the fact they won the war of 1812 is similarly hammered into their heads in History lessons from an early age.
So if someone told you that a British historian admitted the above in a book, what would your reaction be?
Magic Money?
Nov. 21st, 2011 20:32My budget got exploded last week - due to varying causes (oddly enough, busting my ankle is not a significant contributor - that has directly cost me less then $50 so far). So I have been budgeting, and trying to make the math work so I can enjoy the holidays. Side note: I might be regretting giving up a full time job just a little bit right now. :)
As part of this I managed to finally figure out how to see my pay stubs for TAing. Besides all the money they are deducting now that I won't see again until I get it back after I submit my taxes, there was one interesting item. You would think that as a student employee vacation wouldn't be in residence on my pay check. There is indeed no way I qualify to accrue any sort of leave, let along vacation time. However, I can still accrue something called vacation PAY. Yes, that is right, for some unknown reason the government requires employers to pay their employees 4% of their gross wages in addition to their gross wages in the form of Vacation Pay. Those that actually qualify for vacation usually get it in a lump sum just before they take their vacation - I get it in a small amount every week. Yes, that is right, I get a 4% bonus just for existing. And so does everyone else - so you have to assume that employers take that into account when setting salaries. So it isn't a bonus after all? Still can't wrap my mind around the fact that the employer pays you an amount that specifically goes towards your vacation (away from your job)!!!
As part of this I managed to finally figure out how to see my pay stubs for TAing. Besides all the money they are deducting now that I won't see again until I get it back after I submit my taxes, there was one interesting item. You would think that as a student employee vacation wouldn't be in residence on my pay check. There is indeed no way I qualify to accrue any sort of leave, let along vacation time. However, I can still accrue something called vacation PAY. Yes, that is right, for some unknown reason the government requires employers to pay their employees 4% of their gross wages in addition to their gross wages in the form of Vacation Pay. Those that actually qualify for vacation usually get it in a lump sum just before they take their vacation - I get it in a small amount every week. Yes, that is right, I get a 4% bonus just for existing. And so does everyone else - so you have to assume that employers take that into account when setting salaries. So it isn't a bonus after all? Still can't wrap my mind around the fact that the employer pays you an amount that specifically goes towards your vacation (away from your job)!!!
Santa Claus Parade!
Nov. 19th, 2011 17:24Today was our local Santa Claus parade - I went to enjoy it along with all the small children in the area. Before the pictures - though you may think it is the same as an American Thanksgiving parade because it is filled with floats, bands, local groups, and politicians with Santa at the end - you would be WRONG! They are different because the WHOLE THING is christmas themed. In short, it was fantastic.
( Christmas time is here! )
( Christmas time is here! )
This week has been tumultuous. As you can imagine, on crutches, I spend a lot of time worrying about transport and actually getting from place to place. I also spent a significant amount of time visiting various medical professionals, and actually doing school work (imagine that!). So today I had had enough. I was sick of feeling trapped by the crutches, sick of people treating me different because I was using them, and sick of everything that I could actually do being such a hassle.
Long story short, i'll be paying for my choices in pain tomorrow. But I feel like I got some pride and independence back, so that's something.
I also had an interesting discussion with my classmate/office mate about his choice to immigrate to Canada. His choice is completely different from mine - he has a wife and a daughter and has lived far more of his life then I have - but it was interesting to hear his rational. He actually thinks he made his life not as good for himself and his wife - they both left behind high paying jobs (and easier access to family) to move here where they can't find a job, so they are each pursuing a second masters. The catch is, he thinks the life for his daughter is better - better schooling, better healthcare, better long term opportunities. Obviously time will tell, and it gives me something to think about . . . though my situation is a bad job market in both locations! Perhaps I should try further afield? Kidding . . . . .
Long story short, i'll be paying for my choices in pain tomorrow. But I feel like I got some pride and independence back, so that's something.
I also had an interesting discussion with my classmate/office mate about his choice to immigrate to Canada. His choice is completely different from mine - he has a wife and a daughter and has lived far more of his life then I have - but it was interesting to hear his rational. He actually thinks he made his life not as good for himself and his wife - they both left behind high paying jobs (and easier access to family) to move here where they can't find a job, so they are each pursuing a second masters. The catch is, he thinks the life for his daughter is better - better schooling, better healthcare, better long term opportunities. Obviously time will tell, and it gives me something to think about . . . though my situation is a bad job market in both locations! Perhaps I should try further afield? Kidding . . . . .
There is nothing to make you feel more dependent then suddenly finding yourself physically broken. Those of you who know me know that one of the things I am proud to a fault about is my independence. I find it very difficult to ask for help for things I should be able to do myself (even things as small as opening jars!). Well, i'm on crutches and can't put my entire weight on my left leg, and need to put in significant effort each day so my ankle doesn't resemble a balloon by the end of it. I need help.
Intellectually, of course, I know I am dependent on other people everyday to live the way I do - I just don't see them and don't have to admit that I need their help to live my lifestyle. I also know that despite my fiercely independent mental attitude, if I carry it through as much as possible it ends in a lesser quality of life then if I rely on others for some things. I've even put effort in previous years to consciously doing things that will require me to ask for help - exercising that muscle if you will so it is stronger when I find I need it.
Well, right now I need it. I am not at Wellesley, there is no rides list or dining hall, I have no car, and I really only have one functional leg. Everything here is very non-handicap accessible (their ADA equivalent only was passed in 1995 - long after the building I work in saw it's last major renovation) and frankly i'm not very good on crutches - if I break concentration for a split second (which is pretty much my constant state of being so it happens frequently) the rhythm is broken and at best energy is lost - at worst I tumble. So yes, I need my friend's (and strangers) help to get to and from campus (though I can make it on crutches it is exhausting and takes like 20 minutes), to get coffee/food at campus, and to carry things for me. Additionally they are being helpful in supplying me with movies and things to get me to stay put as much as possible so I don't make it worse.
Honestly, everyone here has been wonderful - even the complete strangers (even those on buses!) that go out of their way to open doors for me or go slowly behind me on the stairway (without brushing past) when the elevator is out of service or non-existent. My friends have been even better - changing plans so that I can still make it, offering to do grocery runs, and transporting me when they can, walking with me when they can't. It has been a serious effort to be gracious - especially when I am exhausted and in pain - but I think I have been successful so far. This might be a catalyst to bring me to that next notch of comfort in living here. Maybe this time I won't go stir crazy and crutch into the woods?
Probably not - you have no idea how much I want to go dancing or even bike riding right now. It is so hard to do what is right in the long run at the expense of short run enjoyment!
Intellectually, of course, I know I am dependent on other people everyday to live the way I do - I just don't see them and don't have to admit that I need their help to live my lifestyle. I also know that despite my fiercely independent mental attitude, if I carry it through as much as possible it ends in a lesser quality of life then if I rely on others for some things. I've even put effort in previous years to consciously doing things that will require me to ask for help - exercising that muscle if you will so it is stronger when I find I need it.
Well, right now I need it. I am not at Wellesley, there is no rides list or dining hall, I have no car, and I really only have one functional leg. Everything here is very non-handicap accessible (their ADA equivalent only was passed in 1995 - long after the building I work in saw it's last major renovation) and frankly i'm not very good on crutches - if I break concentration for a split second (which is pretty much my constant state of being so it happens frequently) the rhythm is broken and at best energy is lost - at worst I tumble. So yes, I need my friend's (and strangers) help to get to and from campus (though I can make it on crutches it is exhausting and takes like 20 minutes), to get coffee/food at campus, and to carry things for me. Additionally they are being helpful in supplying me with movies and things to get me to stay put as much as possible so I don't make it worse.
Honestly, everyone here has been wonderful - even the complete strangers (even those on buses!) that go out of their way to open doors for me or go slowly behind me on the stairway (without brushing past) when the elevator is out of service or non-existent. My friends have been even better - changing plans so that I can still make it, offering to do grocery runs, and transporting me when they can, walking with me when they can't. It has been a serious effort to be gracious - especially when I am exhausted and in pain - but I think I have been successful so far. This might be a catalyst to bring me to that next notch of comfort in living here. Maybe this time I won't go stir crazy and crutch into the woods?
Probably not - you have no idea how much I want to go dancing or even bike riding right now. It is so hard to do what is right in the long run at the expense of short run enjoyment!
Halloween!
Oct. 31st, 2011 23:15Halloween the commercialized holiday is much the same in Canada as it is in the US so nothing of interest to report there. I went (to various parties) as a Canadian. I wore a hockey jersey, my winter hat (which acquired some canadian flag themed accessories along the way), jeans, and hiking boots (didn't have anything better). I carried a Timmy's (Tim Horton's for you 'mericans) cup and a stuffed "pet" moose (yes trying to put some whimsy into my stereotyping). I also tried to be as ridiculously nice as everyone here is to me on a regular basis.
Needless to say, I failed at the nice bit for the most part, though I was much nicer then normal (I'm not really a nice person when push comes to shove and you are a stranger, huh?). Otherwise I think the costume worked and it definitely let me let off some steam from all the stereotyping I have to put up with on a daily basis. I also don't think I pissed people off any more then I do on a regular basis as my charming American self :).
In the broader sense, I think I have turned another corner towards really feeling at home here. Circumstances at school are forcing me to think seriously about how long term I want to stay here beyond my degree, and though I definitely haven't made up my mind in any sense, I haven't had nearly as many negatives pop up in my idyllic vision of living here that I created before I arrived as I expected. Christmas will probably force me to think about it some more, but for now I need to knuckle down push through until the end of term . . . . which is only one month away?!?!?
Needless to say, I failed at the nice bit for the most part, though I was much nicer then normal (I'm not really a nice person when push comes to shove and you are a stranger, huh?). Otherwise I think the costume worked and it definitely let me let off some steam from all the stereotyping I have to put up with on a daily basis. I also don't think I pissed people off any more then I do on a regular basis as my charming American self :).
In the broader sense, I think I have turned another corner towards really feeling at home here. Circumstances at school are forcing me to think seriously about how long term I want to stay here beyond my degree, and though I definitely haven't made up my mind in any sense, I haven't had nearly as many negatives pop up in my idyllic vision of living here that I created before I arrived as I expected. Christmas will probably force me to think about it some more, but for now I need to knuckle down push through until the end of term . . . . which is only one month away?!?!?
Remembrance Day aka 11/11
Oct. 28th, 2011 11:55So. People started wearing plastic odd looking poppies. Before I committed another faux pas, I was informed I needed to buy one.
Background knowledge: Remembrance day = Veteran's day that is actually observed by the whole population. So far so good, and I know in the back of my head that poppies have something to do with this observance. The poem that inspired the wearing of poppies was actually written by a Canadian - John McCrae. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCrae) Here they wear poppies for the two weeks leading up to the 11th . . . but not beyond. I'm not sure why, but I definitely need to get a poppy. There is also a moment of silence on the actual day that I am going to make sure I actually observe.
Honestly, this seems much better then the half hearted attempt at Veterans Day in the states. Where you don't really get it off and there is no coordinated observance. It's weird, because the perception is that the Americans care more about their veterans . . . but we seem more fair weather supporters . . . we don't really talk about the war dead - we'd rather cheer them on then realize the consequences.
I don't know, this is rolling around in my head right now . . . it might settle into something different.
In the meantime, i'll be finding a poppy to wear - and I did! My friend just gave me one. :)
Background knowledge: Remembrance day = Veteran's day that is actually observed by the whole population. So far so good, and I know in the back of my head that poppies have something to do with this observance. The poem that inspired the wearing of poppies was actually written by a Canadian - John McCrae. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCrae) Here they wear poppies for the two weeks leading up to the 11th . . . but not beyond. I'm not sure why, but I definitely need to get a poppy. There is also a moment of silence on the actual day that I am going to make sure I actually observe.
Honestly, this seems much better then the half hearted attempt at Veterans Day in the states. Where you don't really get it off and there is no coordinated observance. It's weird, because the perception is that the Americans care more about their veterans . . . but we seem more fair weather supporters . . . we don't really talk about the war dead - we'd rather cheer them on then realize the consequences.
I don't know, this is rolling around in my head right now . . . it might settle into something different.
In the meantime, i'll be finding a poppy to wear - and I did! My friend just gave me one. :)
American Trump Card
Oct. 21st, 2011 21:46Last night, I was able to twist everyone's stereotypes to my advantage (finally!). We were playing Apples to Apples at a house party. I had never noticed that the game was so American centric . . . . but what else is new. Everyone was giving me shit for being American . . . . what else is new. . . and then I drew the Americans card. I waited. Then I looked ahead to see Obnoxious coming up in the green cards, so I started to act extra obnoxious and loud. I also let them know I had an awesome card coming up that I was so going to win with. When the time came, I played it. Just my luck, J played a card with a "this one's for you" to me (side note, his card was Hillary Clinton, so fitting) as he put it down. When the cards were turned I made a deal of being outraged at J when my card was turned - it was totally believable that he could play it he didn't deny it, and everyone of course got caught up in it. As the cards got narrowed down and it got closer to Americans I got quiet like I was pissed and everyone bought it. So Americans was selected - I totally owned them all using my not nice American skills!!!
I probably shouldn't feel so good about manipulating the whole situation, but I really, really do.
I probably shouldn't feel so good about manipulating the whole situation, but I really, really do.
Amusement for your Tuesday
Oct. 18th, 2011 09:35Hopefully none of you are having a similar No Good Very Bad Day that I am having so far. To distract me from it I decided to do some of the Canadian Culture homework my friends have assigned me. You know, by then end of this I may actually know more Canadian Culture then American which might be a bit awkward.
Anyway, in honor of my buying insulated winter boots yesterday enjoy this:
Anyway, in honor of my buying insulated winter boots yesterday enjoy this:
Thanksgiving
Oct. 10th, 2011 22:57Today is Thanksgiving here, and in true Canadian fashion (so i'm told) I did not celebrate on the day itself, instead celebrated yesterday with all my friends here who didn't go home for the weekend. We had dinner and went for a hike (not in that order) but the weather was too beautiful (shorts weather!) so everyone else had the same idea and it wasn't as fun. Also, there don't seem to be any real hills here.
I have very many things to be thankful for this year, and I have been reflecting on them over the last two days (not in true Canadian fashion apparently - they just eat?). Because it is a holiday for family, I got asked more then usual if I miss home/the states (three times actually). Kind of silly really, because of course I do, but it is weird to miss them for a holiday that isn't celebrated until November - I sort of feel like I shouldn't miss not going to Chicago for Thanksgiving until Thanksgiving has actually passed down there.
Anyway, postings have been light because I have been super busy (and super tired) which will unfortunately continue this week. I will be taking a group of third year students on a field study trip to the southernmost point in Ontario/Canada. I get to drive a minivan, and have free time to explore in the day - we (the other grad students not the undergrads) also may take a side trip to Detroit for some hockey (it's like I'm pulled to the states like a magnet - I don't even know) but the moral is that I may not have time to post until we get back - Friday evening.
I have very many things to be thankful for this year, and I have been reflecting on them over the last two days (not in true Canadian fashion apparently - they just eat?). Because it is a holiday for family, I got asked more then usual if I miss home/the states (three times actually). Kind of silly really, because of course I do, but it is weird to miss them for a holiday that isn't celebrated until November - I sort of feel like I shouldn't miss not going to Chicago for Thanksgiving until Thanksgiving has actually passed down there.
Anyway, postings have been light because I have been super busy (and super tired) which will unfortunately continue this week. I will be taking a group of third year students on a field study trip to the southernmost point in Ontario/Canada. I get to drive a minivan, and have free time to explore in the day - we (the other grad students not the undergrads) also may take a side trip to Detroit for some hockey (it's like I'm pulled to the states like a magnet - I don't even know) but the moral is that I may not have time to post until we get back - Friday evening.
So, I may have mentioned this before, but I have been getting some anti-american vibes and words up here - and some questions I have no idea how to even start to answer. So as much as I dislike policy, it was clear I needed to be at least familiar with the major issues so I could tread carefully when needed.
Frankly, I knew free trade sucked, but I had no idea how much Canada (and probably the rest of the world) blames the US because they see us as the free trade pusher. One of the books I got turned out to be a tirade against NAFTA and by extension the bullying nature of the US. There was only one chapter (it was a collection of papers) that really divided the american people from the american politics. Frankly, I don't blame them, we don't speak up nearly enough in the US about our government . . . there are reasons for that I know, but those reasons are certainly not visible from here.
One thing that clearly struck me is the use of fear as a driver. Obviously fear has been driving american policy since 9/11, but fear has been driving canadian policy for far longer then that - they seem to be secretly afraid that we will assimilate them (the most extreme think formally, but most seem to think that it will be in all but name) into the US. This isn't something that had occurred to me at all before I got here . . . which just plays into one of their other fears - that we are the powerful neighbor next door so they need to be aware of us at all times and try to compromise to get our favor . . . . and we don't even notice they exist - they are invisible to use and we don't give a shit.
Honestly, Canada has a lot going for it. They need to stop caring that they are in America's shadow - because frankly pretty much every country is right now . . . but that domination can't last forever. They need to stand up to America a bit more or America will roll all over them and take all their resources.
On that note, for your reading pleasure:
"At Home in the World: Canada's Global Vision for the 21st Century" Walsh
If you read any book that I list here, you should read this one. It gives a good overview of major internal issues and external views of the rest of the world from the canadian perspective. It is a little bit dated though as it was written in the middle of Bush's terms.
"Who are the People of Canada Anyway? Waiting for the Next Referendum" Citizen X
This book mostly focuses on the internal history and issues of Canada primarily related to the Two Solitudes (aka the Quebec issue). It is written as someone discussing the controversy and major issues with their family and friends who hold a variety of perspectives. It reminds me of a book that we read in (elementary?) school about the American revolution that looked at the issues from the perspective of a family divided by the war that ultimately ends up fighting on opposite sides. The narrator pissed me off though as the author made his personality into a rather unlikeable middle aged male. I also still don't think I get the whole issue . . . .why did a minority have such power to paralyze the country? I think my stumbling block might be cultural - the tools I would use to move the issue along don't appear as even possibilities in the book.
"Living with Uncle: Canada-US Relations in an Age of Empire" edited by Campbell and Finn
This is the one that turned into a tirade against NAFTA and by extension the US. It is super technical (beyond my policy tolerance certainly) but the base emotions that these variety of authors feel towards the US, it's government, and it's people, come through quite clear (and the range of emotions is quite broad). Perhaps work skimming, but not reading unless you are a policy wonk.
Now I turn my attention to Geography!
Frankly, I knew free trade sucked, but I had no idea how much Canada (and probably the rest of the world) blames the US because they see us as the free trade pusher. One of the books I got turned out to be a tirade against NAFTA and by extension the bullying nature of the US. There was only one chapter (it was a collection of papers) that really divided the american people from the american politics. Frankly, I don't blame them, we don't speak up nearly enough in the US about our government . . . there are reasons for that I know, but those reasons are certainly not visible from here.
One thing that clearly struck me is the use of fear as a driver. Obviously fear has been driving american policy since 9/11, but fear has been driving canadian policy for far longer then that - they seem to be secretly afraid that we will assimilate them (the most extreme think formally, but most seem to think that it will be in all but name) into the US. This isn't something that had occurred to me at all before I got here . . . which just plays into one of their other fears - that we are the powerful neighbor next door so they need to be aware of us at all times and try to compromise to get our favor . . . . and we don't even notice they exist - they are invisible to use and we don't give a shit.
Honestly, Canada has a lot going for it. They need to stop caring that they are in America's shadow - because frankly pretty much every country is right now . . . but that domination can't last forever. They need to stand up to America a bit more or America will roll all over them and take all their resources.
On that note, for your reading pleasure:
"At Home in the World: Canada's Global Vision for the 21st Century" Walsh
If you read any book that I list here, you should read this one. It gives a good overview of major internal issues and external views of the rest of the world from the canadian perspective. It is a little bit dated though as it was written in the middle of Bush's terms.
"Who are the People of Canada Anyway? Waiting for the Next Referendum" Citizen X
This book mostly focuses on the internal history and issues of Canada primarily related to the Two Solitudes (aka the Quebec issue). It is written as someone discussing the controversy and major issues with their family and friends who hold a variety of perspectives. It reminds me of a book that we read in (elementary?) school about the American revolution that looked at the issues from the perspective of a family divided by the war that ultimately ends up fighting on opposite sides. The narrator pissed me off though as the author made his personality into a rather unlikeable middle aged male. I also still don't think I get the whole issue . . . .why did a minority have such power to paralyze the country? I think my stumbling block might be cultural - the tools I would use to move the issue along don't appear as even possibilities in the book.
"Living with Uncle: Canada-US Relations in an Age of Empire" edited by Campbell and Finn
This is the one that turned into a tirade against NAFTA and by extension the US. It is super technical (beyond my policy tolerance certainly) but the base emotions that these variety of authors feel towards the US, it's government, and it's people, come through quite clear (and the range of emotions is quite broad). Perhaps work skimming, but not reading unless you are a policy wonk.
Now I turn my attention to Geography!
So Thanksgiving is coming up quite soon around here (think Columbus day people that are confused). Yesterday I received an email from the international office telling me they would be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner that I could opt into. This spurred me into action because I didn't want to opt into something when I didn't know all the facts about the holiday. So while I was out last night I grilled my friends on Thanksgiving and the age old question: When is the earliest socially acceptable time to start decorating for Christmas?
Thanksgiving, though officially the 10th this year is actually not strict to the day like American Thanksgiving. Instead, families celebrate it at any point that weekend when they can get everyone together. (this I think explains why they only get one day off while we get two usually and many people try to stretch it to more). They don't have Black Friday (their closest equivalent is Boxing Day after xmas). They also don't eat turkey - they eat goose (canadian goose!) which I found interesting because it (oddly) never occurred to me that someone would want to eat a canadian goose. I was super worried that everyone would leave for Thanksgiving and I would be lonely and miss everyone in the States more - but two of my friends here offered to join me for Thanksgiving - and we may even go to one of their houses about 2.5 hours away to celebrate with their family. Yay!
And, because Thanksgiving isn't in November, I can start decorating for xmas after Halloween!!!!!
Thanksgiving, though officially the 10th this year is actually not strict to the day like American Thanksgiving. Instead, families celebrate it at any point that weekend when they can get everyone together. (this I think explains why they only get one day off while we get two usually and many people try to stretch it to more). They don't have Black Friday (their closest equivalent is Boxing Day after xmas). They also don't eat turkey - they eat goose (canadian goose!) which I found interesting because it (oddly) never occurred to me that someone would want to eat a canadian goose. I was super worried that everyone would leave for Thanksgiving and I would be lonely and miss everyone in the States more - but two of my friends here offered to join me for Thanksgiving - and we may even go to one of their houses about 2.5 hours away to celebrate with their family. Yay!
And, because Thanksgiving isn't in November, I can start decorating for xmas after Halloween!!!!!
