Reasons I Love My Grandma

There are few people in the world that are like my grandma. In fact, I would dare to say that she is an original.

Here are some of the reasons that my grandma is like no other.

1. Two words: Class Act.

2. Extremely Clean: This could make some feel weird, but in her house it is very welcoming.

3. Great Memory: She doesn't forget anything. Anything.

4. Great Estimator: If you ever dare to watch "The Price Is Right" with my Grandma, be warned- she'll kick your butt.

5. Yummy Food: If you ever get to have food at my Grandma's house I strongly suggest trying the Frozen Raspberry Pie. And if you ever see her baking a Carrot Cake BACK OFF. It belongs to me (it really is amazing, it has pineapple in it).

6. Her smell: She smells good. Like peppermints and perfume. And a bit of cigarette smoke. And since smell is one of the most memorable things a person can have, it's very important.

7. Mental Stability: She has five kids, and trust me they could test the sanity of anyone. But somehow she is has kept it together. And for people who know her oldest three, she should be given a medal.

8. World Traveller: Alright, despite her admission that she likes to stay close to home, my Grandma has been everywhere. She's seen a lot.

9. Risk Taker: Many reasons to be a risk taker. She's travelled to Australia (very cool), held a koala (and those things can be as vicious as they are stupid). Also, see #7.

10. Zen Like Quality: She's married to a serial wanderer yet she always knows where my Papa is...It's like she has Grandma GPS.

11. She's Quick: Tonight my dear Grandmother tricked me. Told me she was going to Chicago, did I want to go? Yea! Totally! Why are you going Grandma?..."I've got tickets for Oprah."

12. She Can Be Evil: See #11.

All in all, she's cool.

And now she knows that when she crosses me, I will blog about her.

Shoveling The Day After Maggie Leaves

Ok, so everyone knows that here in London we had a green Christmas.

I didn't mind so much (Annie's complaining could be heard in Oxford County) because this meant no shoveling.

And when I was driving Maggie to the airport in the rain she commented on how funny it would be if it snowed enough the next day to have to shovel it from the driveway.

Wouldn't that be funny? Because she and Annie hadn't done any shoveling at all during their stay.

Well, the next day wouldn't you know I was out there shoveling. And cursing my sisters.

So thanks Mags, I appreciate your "help".

The one thought that consoles me is the knowledge that had the both of them been at home during any snow fall we ALL know that neither one of them would have picked up a shovel.

P.S. This is my 101st post on my blog! W00T!

Why I Dislike Oprah, Pt. 2

Ok, so I know I make enemies with my statements about Oprah, but seriously this woman is irritating me.

I can appreciate that she wants to unload her ridiculous amount of cash. Very admirable, since no one, and I mean no one, can ever deserve to make $1.5 billion dollars.

I can even appreciate that she sees a need in South Africa, you'd have to be blind and an idiot not to.

However, Oprah's gift tends to leave a bad taste in my mouth. Why is that? She's given $40 million dollars to create this school for girls, undeniably the most vulnerable population in Africa. To create true equality and to end the evergrowing AIDS epidemic gender inequality is the issue that holds this goal back.

Yet still, Oprah's "gift" makes me want to wash myself everytime I hear about it.

So let's break it down, shall we?

1. Selection Process: Let's start with the way Oprah chose the young girls who are going to her school. She picked the best and the brightest, the ones who were able to perform. The young girls who were living in the worst poverty, with the most violence or with the least bit of advantage were not chosen. Oprah (and presumably her team of experts) got to choose the smartest girls (with probably the best stories) to do what? Should I even type it? To make the best episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show". This playing God with these girls lives is a bit distasteful.

2. Re-colonization: Alright, this is an annoying item that seems to be happening on a daily basis in Africa now. One of the biggest problems with African state independence was that the countries that had so brutally colonized them in the past picked up and ran (not walked) back to Europe. They left Africa as a collection of countries who hadn't governed themselves in centuries. As a result, leaders like Amin, Mugabe and Kadaffi emerged. Now, the logical response would be that Africa has to learn how to govern themselves (with a hand up, not a hand out from the countries that destroyed their infrastructure). However, in today's messed up world of "saving" poor little Africans we seem to see to be re-colonizing them. African countries need to be providing health care, education and housing to their own. How do we do that? Well, it's not with rich Westerners coming in like a knight on a horse and telling poor Africans what they need. This drives me crazy. Having people with money do what they want in countries that are experiencing such severe poverty that they have lost their voice does not empower them. I don't disagree that these students should be going to school, but I do disagree with how people (namely, Oprah) go about doing this.

3. What about American high schools, Oprah?: Alright, so Oprah was recently asked why not give cash (in addition to) to schools in America. Her answer? Students are more interested in owning sneakers and iPods than getting a quality education. Um. Ok. Right, superficial desires cloud the minds of your nation's youth. Absolutely. They have unrealistic expectations of what they need, what they deserve, what is necessary. There is an increasing sense of entitlement and selfish- Oh, wait, hey Oprah, when's your "Favourite Things" episode airing again? What's that? Next Fall? Ok. Where was I? Right, selfishness and arrogance- wait a second, hey Oprah, when are you going to give away "free" cars to needy people in an attempt to turn your entire show into a commerical for GM again? Uh huh, ok. Where was I again? Oh yes! How dare the youth of America feel like they deserve extravagant luxury, where would they get an idea like that? Ridiculous.

4. The Oprah Winfrey Academy: Ok, she named the freaking school after herself. I understand that $40 million is a lot of money, but how does this empower the community? How does this allow the community to take responsibility of the school? What's that Oprah? Better ratings, you say?

5. Are the makeovers necessary?: Alright, I can appreciate the dorms, the indoor plumbing, the gym and labs. But what's the connection between all of this and including a beauty parlour in your school? What the hell?

6. A star studded premiere: Why was Mariah Carey at the opening? To inject her dosage of crazy into the school? To scare the children? Please someone explain to me, without fawning over Winfrey like she's the second coming.

7. Oprah Fear: Oprah fear is running rampant. Apparently if you give away a small portion of your fortune (that you will surely make back with all the advertising and the funds you make from selling your soul) and mention at any available point that Maya Angelou is your close friend no one will look at you objectively. What the hell is this about? If you're going to have over 1 billion dollars you're going to have to be a bit responsible with how you spend that money.

I feel better now.

She's Frickin' Hilarious

Ok, so I know that Annie is going to hitch hike back to London to give me the beats for posting this darling photo, but she hassled me so much about no updates, she deserves this.

"My legs are so hairy they don't feel hairy anymore."

~Annie Rodger

The Miracle of Hanukkah According to My Littlest Sister

Alright, so you all know that Annie is one of the smartest and funniest women around. But, did you also know that Annie is a Jewish scholar? Me neither.

Which was why I was so surprised to hear that she understood the story of Hannukkah.

According to the Hasidic expert herself, Hannukkah is the celebration of when the Angel Gabriel came down from Heaven (yes, Heaven) to tell the Jews that Mary was pregnant with Jesus.

Yeah. I thought the same thing.

But we'll ignore that thought and remember that she's Annie. And we love her. Even when she tries to re-writes two millennias of history.

They Came, They Bellowed, They Left

Oh, my little sisters came home for the holidays and it was a treat!

Annie moved all her contents of her dorm room home, including her feather duvet.

Maggie brought home her huge duffel bag with wheels including her abused laptop. Everytime she threw it on the couch I think our Dad died a little on the inside.

Apart from that Maggie did get to take over the office and turned it into her bedroom. I think the only thing stopping our Dad from throwing her out fo the office was the fact that had he fixed the hole in the drywall down in the dungeon he would have been rid of her.

We had a great couple of weeks, and we got to keep them both for a few days more.

It was great! Except for the fact that Maggie was doubled over the toilet and Annie had to stay behind because she couldn't take a deep breath without using her inhaler.

But it was great for me.

A Word About Blogging

Ok, I know it's been more than a month since I've blogged, but let me remind you why I blog.

Because I'm alone.

During the holidays I'm not alone. It would be nice if people could be happy that I'm not on the computer writing about things that tick me off.

So be pleased that now I'm alone and am back to blogging.

P.S. I really don't appreciate the physical threats, Annie.

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

At the King Eddy

This was our big ole room in Toronto...

Missed you Mags!

It was a lot different from the Motel 6 in Georgia...

Not Impressed

Hello...

I'm not impressed with my sisters absence in this weather.

Now it's really time for the holidays!

Advent Is My Passion

Woot! No racing anyone to put the Advent decorations on the tree...since I'm here all alone.

Snow Day!

The snow covers the damage on Mom's car.

Snow Day!

Whoa.

Snow Day!

Dad's truck...guess he's not driving to Corunna!

Snow Day

It took the snow ploughs hours to come since public transportation was shut down today.

Snow Day!

Riding the Crimson Wave

OK, regarding my previous post:

I stand by everything I wrote...I still feel betrayed by Nelly Potato.

But it should be acknowledged that I was PMSing hard.

I don't generally like using this excuse ever, but I am a big supporter of letting absolutely everyone know everything about my cycle.

Keeping it a secret makes it dirty.

So there you go. I wish I could say that Nelly was PMSing when she made her statements, but I am afraid I have to chalk up her words to faulty genetics or a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Loose Lips Are Utterly Idiodic

Alright, so I can't say I was really pleased about Nelly Furtado's change in music from folk-y pop to brazen stereotypical sex kitten...but I had to admit there was a certain catchy beat to her tunes.

And I will even admit to liking a couple of her new songs. I certainly don't hold my musical taste in high esteem, I love to listen to JoJo, and more infamously, Asslee Simpson.

But as I was scrolling around the Bitch Magazine website (a great site, an even better magazine as a response to popular culture, www.bitchmagazine.com) I came across a piece on Ms. Furtado. Check it:

Nelly Furtado: Like a Birdbrain
Great. Another famous women who's only too happy to perpetuate the idea that feminists are all about recruiting other women in their quest to get the entire female populace to hate dudes, renounce their sexuality, and stop shaving. Specifically, pop singer Nelly Furtado, whose vapid equation of feminism with man-hating showed up in no less than three international papers this morning: Nelly Furtado has turned her back on her feminist past because she fears it "brainwashed" her into hating men. The LIKE A BIRD singer admits she dabbled with women's rights when she first became a star, but now she's a single mum with a "secret boyfriend" she's a huge fan of guys. She says, "I went through a feminist phase and read a lot of philosophical stuff. "Some of the male-bashing brainwashed me for a bit so I stopped. I love men." I have nothing to add that isn't a really foul string of expletives.
—A.Z. permanent link Comments (36)

OK, lesson 1 in feminism for Nelly Furtado:

Feminism is not about hating anyone. It's the exact opposite, it's about loving. Loving women, respecting women, and understanding that, yes you may be able to be a success in say, the music industry, but let's not forget, Ms. Furtado that you are still required to strip down to blatant sexuality to sell records.

Remember when you made the folk pop music? Yeah, the first album was fantastic. The second? Yes, it tanked but is your response really going to be to trade it all in for a couple of hits that demean you as a woman? Promiscuous? Maneater?

My mistake, Ms. Furtado. You're completely right. The women's movement has progressed so much that even you can exploit your sexuality for monetary gains.

What the hell is the matter with you?

If anything you are an example of why feminism is so crucial at a time like this. So thank you for your idiocy and your complete misunderstanding.

The man (because I'm assuming a woman wasn't the one who had enough power to put a microphone in your hand) that created your career must be very proud.

I can't even believe you.

For feminism to work not only women have to be on board, but men as well. Hating men is detrimental to feminism, don't you see that, you twit? You've got it backwards.

But thanks for everything...I really appreciate your insight.

Your reaction doesn't add up. You call yourself open minded and interested in grassroots political action. Is this true? Or is this something that you say because it fit the image that you wanted? Now that you're "Loose" are you high tailing it to LA and dumping the independent streak?

WTF?

I'm completely confused.

For crying out loud your own mother was a chambermaid! You'd think you'd be able to identify gender equality by now! But it seems like you wouldn't know it if it smacked you on the ass like a dancer in your video.

Ha, ha! Being a commodity is so hot!

So enjoy it, sister. You may be flying high off of bouncing back from record sales, but when your next album tanks, or a younger, prettier singer comes around we'll see how important feminism is to you then.

But when you're ready, you'll be welcomed back with open arms. Because we don't hate you, we just want to smack some sense into you.

City Buses and Snow...Scary Mix

Ok, so I'm trying to do my part and take public transportation this morning and as I'm walking towards the office I almost get HIT BY A BUS.

I want to make sure that you know that it wasn't my fault.

I was walking across Queen St. obeying the rules of the road and a bus tries to turn left onto Queen St. and hit me! Apparently because it's a one way street you only have to look to the right.

That's crap.

So please be careful out there. Because of the colder weather (we have freaking SNOW on the ground) buses are now going to get crowded, slippery, wet and prone to splashing pedestrians (especially those walking along Western Rd.).

Peace.

Addictions Are, Well, Addicting. That's Why They're Called Addictions

Alright, after many months of resistance, I registered with Facebook.

For those of you who know it, you know how addictive it is.

For those of you who don't know about it, I'm hesitate to tell you about it for fear that it will take over your life as well.

Sigh, yet another way for technology to substitute (poorly) for human contact.

Check it:

Facebook me!

The Greatest Piece of Beef Ever

After the taping of the show we all met back at the hotel and decided to go out for dinner.

We walked a few blocks to The Keg next to the market.

We went in ordered drinks and got our table. To which we started screaming at each other. We didn't have an argument. We just couldn't hear each other. To some, this may not present a problem, for the Rodgers, we don't like it.

We left The Keg and started to walk back towards the hotel. And we decided to stop for dinner at Tom Jones' Steakhouse.

Very, very, very nice. Mom and Dad were there on one of their first dates. They had Chateaubriand back then, they had it again on Friday night.

However, we did encounter a noise of a different kind. At the next table over there was an older gentleman with a woman. They were lit. A bit noisy for our liking, and acting bizarrely with each other. They weren't together, but there was lots of talk of a "program" that she was in. This is a shot in the dark, but I'm guessing the program wasn't AA.

After about 25 minutes they got up to leave, finally. The woman bumped into the ice pitcher that held one of the bottles of wine they consumed. Then, the waiter brought their coats to their table. The woman put hers on and said immediately, "This is NOT my coat."

Then a quiet voice at my immediate left said, "That's my coat."

THE CRAZY DRUNK LADY WAS WEARING ANNIE'S COAT.

I just about died trying to keep the laughs in.

After that episode and Tweedledee and Tweedledum left we had a great dinner. Quite possibly one of the best EVER.

I only take off points for the lack of dessert. You'd think at a classy place like this they'd have creme brulee on the menu.

*********/**********

My Soul Mates are Literally Everywhere

So Dad and I got into a cab and headed towards the CBC building. When we got into the CBC there was a line up already for the taping. It seemed to me like there were a lot of people there, but 10 minutes later the number of people doubled.

We got our tickets, and moved to line number two, where we were shuffled off to a waiting elevator. We then waited again to board an elevator. Rode the elevator up to the 10th floor and waited again when we got off the elevator. We were then taken to Studio 42, and waited in line again to be seated.

I'm not implying anything, but this walking 10 yards, wait 10 minutes dance that we played was strikingly similar to when we were be admitted into Fort Benning.

We were seated and we had pretty good seats. We were in the middle left hand side, almost right in the middle of the crowd.

After about 20 minutes everyone was seated and the show got started. We were told when to clap, then Rick Mercer came on stage. A remarkable tiny man. I knew he was short, but I had no idea he was so teeny tiny.

So we got to see all the stuff they do every week, plus a few extras (because some of the jokes weren't too great...especially surrounding the Auditor General's findings about the ex-CFLer turned prison exec, snore).

And then in the midst, Rick and I made eye contact. First Justin, now Rick.

At the end, I was satisfied. Not bad for a free show.

Check out the episode and listen for my laugh Tuesday at 8pm on CBC.

Better Than the Motel 6?

The four of us arrived at the King Edward Hotel on King St. later than we expected.

Between picking up Annie from Guelph, getting out of London on time and Toronto rush hour traffic (it's not that bad) we arrived at our hotel at 5PM.

It was noticable to say the least that Annie was satisfied with our accomodations for the evening. She was practically buzzing when she saw the valet parking, smiling from ear to ear when she saw the door man and levitated when entered into the lobby of the hotel. For some reason she liked it better than the Motel 6 we stayed at in Georgia.

We went up to our room then started to get down to it- Dad and I got ready for our Rick Mercer Report taping at the CBC and Mom and Annie got ready to descend onto the Eatons Centre.

We were able to do this because our room was GI-NORMOUS.

A Whirlwind Weekend

Late last night the Rodgers got back from our weekend in Toronto, to say the least.

Lots O' Fun

We're back from TO

We had a blast, I'm exhausted

Stay tuned

STAND-ing Was Never So Much Fun

Yesterday The General Romeo Dallaire Genocide Institute went to the Armenian Community Centre in Willowdale.

We hosted 465 students from all over the GTA for a day about Darfur. Side Note: We had 385 students registered but one school decided to come without telling me, and bring 70 STUDENTS.

We screened the "Last Just Man", had Dr. Norman Epstein do a seminar on Darfur and had a panel on student activism.

They were all good high school students. Very interested in helping out in the cause.

Even though the day was incredibly long, it was successful.

However, there was an overarching thread that I saw that irked me. Some of the students came to me and expressed their frustration. They were already doing stuff in their school, so how come they hadn't seen results yet? How much longer? What else could they do? Why wasn't the government doing anything? Why weren't their troops on the ground yet? I felt incredibly frustrated. I wanted to tell them that six months of activism doesn't stop a freaking GENOCIDE, so maybe they could find it in themselves to keep plugging away at it? Could ya? That'd be great.

Newsflash ladies and gentlemen: activism is difficult, annoying, time consuming, and progress takes a long, long time. That's why there are so few activists. It's hard and doesn't pay well, and change is not guaranteed.

But we know one thing for sure, if we don't do anything Darfuris will still be killed, raped and mutilated. But if we do something? Who knows what we can do?

I'm So Dirty

Alright, so Monday was election day in London-North-Centre, and I got roped into being a scrutineer for the Liberals. This entails harrassing identified Liberals (old people in our district), being hated on, running around downtown, and getting the crappiest lunch and dinner ever.

Has anyone ever been an Elections Canada official? Could you tell me, do they stick a poll up your ass during training, or is it a requirement before they take you on? Seriously, these people couldn't be more horrible if they tried. Self-importance is their main M.O.

I got kicked out of a poll (I had a folder filled with elections material, contraband in Elections Canada polls). Ok, no problem. The douchebag followed me out of the room and told me to leave the building. Fuck you. I'ain't leaving.

Then at that same poll my boss was with me and he was questioned about his tie that he was wearing. It's a hideous tie that is the Canadian flag. You know, red, white with a maple leaf. Well, since we were scrutineers for the Liberals, was this a political statement? The old school marm asked, would you wear that tie normally? I replied for him, "Yes, he wears it on a regular basis, I can't get him to stop."

Then at another poll the Elections Canada official was on the phone with his headquarters asking if it was ok that he wear it. We wanted to point out that the Conservative scrutineer was wearing a blue t-shirt, did he want to check that out?

Apparently we weren't the only ones who had that problem. At the victory party (tons of food and more thunder stix) another guy told us that a woman requested he take off his red shirt (no emblems, logos on it whatsoever).

Please, people. The $200 dollars the government pays you doesn't mean you have to be a maverick. Just hand out the pencils and do your jobs.

Thankfully, Glen Pearson won his seat in the federal government.

I then went home and scrubbed my skin raw.

But even sweeter than the bakalava served at the victory party was...Dianne Haskett finishing third behind the Greens. Sweet, sweet justice.

It is true what they say, revenge is a dish best served cold.

Why Do You Have To Ruin The Dream?

Alright, I have a reliable source who tells me that they saw Justin Trudeau waiting outside the Starbucks on Central Ave. and Richmond St. waiting for his wife to order...and it was blatantly apparent that he was trying to be recognized.

On second thought, maybe he does have the makings of a future prime minister.

For Annick...

I agree...the other Trudeau is dreamy.

And not exactly what I'd call a pretty boy.

You know what they say, still waters run deep.

Or he could be a complete dick. I'm only going on this photo for a glimpse into his soul.

Where Are My Thunder Stix?

Alright, so now that you know I've momentarily crossed over to the Centre to support the Liberal in the Federal By-Election you should know what I'm getting out of it.

And it all happened last night.

Justin Trudeau showed up last night at Glen Pearson's campaign headquarters. You'd have thought there was a rock star in the house.

This was the first time I had seen Trudeau speak live, but I can remember the exact moment when I first saw him on television. When his father passed away our school let us watch the broadcast of the funeral live in the library. After that, I bought the latest copy of McLeans where Justin was profiled and his eulogy was published. So while my other friends had pictures of Prince William in their lockers, I had a royalty of a different sort.

Part of me is conflicted with my fascination with the Trudeaus. There was a lot of talk of have the "future prime minister" in the room.

Now it must be said that this should not have been my first live encounter with Justin Trudeau. I was supposed to go to his wedding (seriously), as a close friend of my dad and uncle had an invitation (with guest). Unfortunately, Prof. Matthews forgot to invite me. Probably had to do with the fact that I've met Jamie once or twice in my lifetime.

There were so many people who were clammering for a bit of Trudeau love, it was a bit ridiculous. We did manage to get his contact information, so there's reason to be hopeful.

But even in the crowded room I connected with Justin. The two of us made eye contact. It was an intense moment, to say the least. As if we were the only people in the room. And then Joe Fontana's cries startled, I think, the both of us.

But, the man is married (to a very gracious woman). And to be honest, I've been more intrigued by his younger brother, Sasha the documentary filmmaker for a few years now. Because let's face it, I may be ready to support a Liberal who is right for the job, but wife of a Prime Minister? Absolutely not.

I Bleed Orange, er, Red, No Orange? Dammit.

Yesterday I could be found canvassing for the Liberal candidate in the London-North-Centre by-election.

Don't start gasping with surprise. If you know me, I don't think you'd be that surprised to know that he's the one I'd choose to help in this election. My other choices compelled me to do so.

And personally I think the man is the best candidate...and if you want to know the truth, Glen Pearson is the most forward, globally aware candidate that is running. He is the director of the London Food Bank, he is the creator of a London based humanitarian organization to end slavery in Southern Sudan.

And he was described in Parliament as London's own Mother Theresa.

And I think it says a lot when a card carrying NDPer, like myself, decides that partisan affiliations are so unnecessary I am compelled to support a member of another party.

I Have Sinned

Oh Lord.

I've done something I swore I'd never do.

Bet you can't guess what. In my wildest dreams I wouldn't have thought a day like this would happen.

Needless to say my parents are shocked, and a bit appalled. Must say that I am, too.

But in the midst of my betrayal, I found a soul mate, if only for a few fleeting moments across a crowded, noisy room.

BUY NOTHING DAY

Just a short reminder to everyone that tomorrow is BUY NOTHING DAY!

Check it out:

www.adbusters.org

Falon and the Nun

Falon saw these nuns and said, "I want a picture of with a nun!"

The next thing we knew she tossed Annie a camera and Annie took a reluctant photo.

Ah, sisters.

Puppatistas

One of the puppatistas on the Saturday!

AHHHHHH

A picture of Falon and Annie in our MOTEL room after a shower!

Nice......

For some reason Annie was reluctant to pose.

Sunday Morning

A picture of us with our banner before we headed down to the protest...

SOA Library

A picture of the library of the SOA...

Last year we got to go in, curiously there were empty shelves...

This year we were not allowed to go into the library, only look, another interesting change.

Cool As A Cucumber

Falon, on the other hand, was a pro at getting searched...

Another interesting notion...

Why Is She Smiling?

A picture of Annie getting searched (with a magnetic wand) at the gates of Ft. Benning...

Question...

What's with the smile Annie? Enjoying it? Or maybe you're used to it? Is that it? Do you have a double life we don't know about that you get frisked on a daily basis?

Trouble

Needless to say I was in trouble at the notion of taking a picture of Annie in her sleeping bag Friday night.

Hihi, you look sooo tired!

What Do You Think The Expression On Annie's Face Is Saying?

A picture taken before we were searched to go on Fort Benning for the tour of the Western Hemisphere Institute For Security Cooperation (aka School of Assassins).

Can you tell Annie was terrified?

She acted like police frisk her everyday!

Awww

Here's a picture that Annie took reluctantly (why? I have no clue).

We're at the Mennonite Church getting ready for bed on the floor again...it's a strange day when Annie and Jess are excited to sleep on carpet...

What you can't tell in this picture is that we are boiling! The heat was on a timer and we had to wait two hours to turn it down...GAH!

Breaking the Ice

Here's a picture of Falon and Annie participating in the ice breaker at St. Anne's Church.

In my opinion one of the dumbest ice breakers ever.

But they looked like they had fun.

SOA's Best New Artist?

A picture that Annie took in the gym at St. Anne's Church in Detroit, MI...

Falon picked up a guitar and tried (unsuccessfully) to serenade the hippies in the room....unfortunately people were so hungry they couldn't hear anything.

Soon after Falon could be seen eating plain basmati rice and bread until we rescued her with pizza pockets.

They Sooo Didn't Know What They Were In For...

A picture of Falon and Annie in the van on the way to Detroit.

Highlights of this leg?

Stopping people from eating all of Annie's food, and the seeing Annie's face when she was told she was staying in the Detroit ghetto.

Priceless.

A Short Political Break

Alrighty, just stumbled across this when I saw in the Freeps that Rick Mercer visited London yesterday.

Check out his blog and "endorsement" of Dianne Haskett for the Conservative Party in the London by-election.

Hilarious, and true.

Dad and I will be checking out a taping of The Mercer Report a week from Friday...yea!

http://rickmercer.blogspot.com/

The Three Amigas At The Fence

We got this picture taken at the end of Sunday at the fence.

Truly a moving experience to see the fence filled with memories and names.

One of those grannies took this picture. Sigh. Then I really missed my granny.

Peace-y Peace Peace

The welcome banner at the front stage...

So peaceful....

Lots of Grannies

One of the organizations that came was a group of one thousand grandmothers...

The marched through the crowd at a very slow pace, handed out peppermints.

I missed my granny.

Tons of Boy Scouts

One of the interesting things about this year was the sheer amount of cops and soldiers this year.

This year the military erected a third fence, confining us only to the street. This didn't let us see the 16 people jump over the fence and be arrested.

Another thing that was new was the amout of military personnel behind each fence. I counted 11 soldiers in full camo gear watching us.

I just waved the peace sign...using 2 fingers.

Die In

A picture of the annual die in at Fort Benning.

This year there were over 80 people who participated in the die in...the majority were Canadians from our group.

The die in is like a sit in, but instead of sitting and singing, they dressed in black, painted their faces white, and had red paint thrown on them.

They sat there for the duration of the vigil starting the funeral procession, it's a deeply spiritual event although the people in the die in are stepped on quite frequently.

Stories in Pictures

From the living room floor in London, Ontario to the Fort Benning fence in Columbus, Georgia.

La Toya, Krista and I painted this banner and snuck it over the border.

I folded it up, rolled it in my sleeping bag and prayed that the customs agent wouldn't question our "spiritual retreat" excuse....

Luckily we all pasted as good little Christians, probably in large part due to the big smiles plastered on Annie and Falon's face in the back of the van...

NEWSFLASH: ANNIE IS NOW A HIPPY

Hey All!

Good news, Annie, her friend Falon and I all made it to Georgia and back!

It's safe to say that it was an eye opening experience for my sister and her friend.

Stay tuned for pictures and stories!!! We have a lot of stories...