It has been a whirlwind year!
I passed probation at the new job a few weeks ago - and got a raise.
Took the bull by the horns in March, made the investment in time and money with Nutrisystem, and dropped 10% of my body weight. Am down two sizes, and counting.
Vacation time this summer was in Montreal with my two sisters - first time since Mum's passing that we have been together in the same place at the same time. Grounding and wonderful.
I have not a darn thing to complain about. I am healthy and happy..!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Dippy Chronicles Pt. 1: A Cautionary Tale
Once upon a time there was a Princess (Jewish, of course) who was chosen to live in a magic Kingdom.
It was a dynamic community, with the potential for new friends and financial stability. Princess 1 was thrilled with the possibilities, and much impressed by the king ruling this magic kingdom.
It was the king's own magician , Herlin, who had brought her into the kingdom, and been her guide and mentor as she learned her way. When Herlin told her she would be appointed to Princess 2 from Princess 1, she was delighted. In the weeks leading up to her transfer, she prepared mentally and even at home, for the changes ahead.
Until the day the king called her into his throne room.
"Procedural error", he noted. "I will deal with Herlin for doing this. It is MY kingdom, and I should have been consulted. You will remain Princess 1. And we will find a suitable Princess 2 elsewhere."
The Princess was shattered. How could she have so misjudged Herlin? And made the King so displeased about things?
Monday morning, she returned to work, bowed but not broken, at the castle.
When a young damsel presented herself and asked where interviews for Princess 2 were being held, Princess politely escorted her there, wishing her well. She expected many more would arrive that day for interviews. After all, the new Princess 2 post was to start in a few days, and much was now needed to be done, to put the best new candidate in place.
Imagine her surprise when she returned to her desk, to hear from the ladies-in-waiting that the candidate was "la blonde" - the girlfriend - of the King himself!
Princess1 was filled with righteous anger. Within days, she had contacted the Prince and Princess Union and prepared a grievance. The very day she was to make the grievance official, she was summoned to the Throne room. She arrived promptly, expecting ominous retributions.
Retribution there was. But not for her..!
Unbeknownst to her at the time, Herlin had gone over the king's head, and contacted Odin about the timing of the peculiar un-promotion and subsequent swift interview of la blonde. In his office - um, throne room - the king put back in place the arrangements as had been made by Herlin. To the letter.
Princess 1 would become Princess 2 after all.
Later that day, the King held a huge town hall. After a few of the usual announcements, he made a public apology about a mistake he had made regarding a certain hiring. He added that a subordinate had gone over his head to right a wrong, and that he now appreciated what had happened. No names were mentioned.
And then he called forward Herlin, and in front of the audience, announced he would now be called Captain Herlin. In the final irony of the day, the Princess' mentor was getting promoted by the very man he had challenged...!
She slept a deep and profound sleep that weekend.
Good had prevailed. Corruption was curtailed. The sun would rise on a brand new week at the castle.
And the Princess believed once again that she would live happily ever after.
The End
It was a dynamic community, with the potential for new friends and financial stability. Princess 1 was thrilled with the possibilities, and much impressed by the king ruling this magic kingdom.
It was the king's own magician , Herlin, who had brought her into the kingdom, and been her guide and mentor as she learned her way. When Herlin told her she would be appointed to Princess 2 from Princess 1, she was delighted. In the weeks leading up to her transfer, she prepared mentally and even at home, for the changes ahead.
Until the day the king called her into his throne room.
"Procedural error", he noted. "I will deal with Herlin for doing this. It is MY kingdom, and I should have been consulted. You will remain Princess 1. And we will find a suitable Princess 2 elsewhere."
The Princess was shattered. How could she have so misjudged Herlin? And made the King so displeased about things?
Monday morning, she returned to work, bowed but not broken, at the castle.
When a young damsel presented herself and asked where interviews for Princess 2 were being held, Princess politely escorted her there, wishing her well. She expected many more would arrive that day for interviews. After all, the new Princess 2 post was to start in a few days, and much was now needed to be done, to put the best new candidate in place.
Imagine her surprise when she returned to her desk, to hear from the ladies-in-waiting that the candidate was "la blonde" - the girlfriend - of the King himself!
Princess1 was filled with righteous anger. Within days, she had contacted the Prince and Princess Union and prepared a grievance. The very day she was to make the grievance official, she was summoned to the Throne room. She arrived promptly, expecting ominous retributions.
Retribution there was. But not for her..!
Unbeknownst to her at the time, Herlin had gone over the king's head, and contacted Odin about the timing of the peculiar un-promotion and subsequent swift interview of la blonde. In his office - um, throne room - the king put back in place the arrangements as had been made by Herlin. To the letter.
Princess 1 would become Princess 2 after all.
Later that day, the King held a huge town hall. After a few of the usual announcements, he made a public apology about a mistake he had made regarding a certain hiring. He added that a subordinate had gone over his head to right a wrong, and that he now appreciated what had happened. No names were mentioned.
And then he called forward Herlin, and in front of the audience, announced he would now be called Captain Herlin. In the final irony of the day, the Princess' mentor was getting promoted by the very man he had challenged...!
She slept a deep and profound sleep that weekend.
Good had prevailed. Corruption was curtailed. The sun would rise on a brand new week at the castle.
And the Princess believed once again that she would live happily ever after.
The End
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Introducing Deby Nash, Government Employee..!
I think I more fully grasp why some people don't update their own blogs as often as some of us would like: they / we are just too darn busy getting on with life.
Deby has morphed into yet another life change: a new job..!
I started my latest - and hopefully last - job in March. I am working at a military base clinic in a civilian position. From early morning until late afternoon, I am, putting it mildly, never bored. The job is more physically than mentally challenging, but since I am in an entry level position, I accept that it also holds the potential for change.
For the first time in quite a while, my job is full-time and with full benefits. With so many all around me losing their jobs, homes, and financial security, here am I in 2009, living an opportunity I could only dream about.
My friends and family tell me my appearance has changed- in a good way, in that I look and act more relaxed. They are quick to say I was always cheerful and friendly, but am moreso now. I believe that. I have a peace that's been a long time coming.
So now that this aspect is finally helping plant feet on ground, I can look up and around.
(Note to self: Continue to exhale..!)
I wonder what's around the corner. I am open..!
Deby has morphed into yet another life change: a new job..!
I started my latest - and hopefully last - job in March. I am working at a military base clinic in a civilian position. From early morning until late afternoon, I am, putting it mildly, never bored. The job is more physically than mentally challenging, but since I am in an entry level position, I accept that it also holds the potential for change.
For the first time in quite a while, my job is full-time and with full benefits. With so many all around me losing their jobs, homes, and financial security, here am I in 2009, living an opportunity I could only dream about.
My friends and family tell me my appearance has changed- in a good way, in that I look and act more relaxed. They are quick to say I was always cheerful and friendly, but am moreso now. I believe that. I have a peace that's been a long time coming.
So now that this aspect is finally helping plant feet on ground, I can look up and around.
(Note to self: Continue to exhale..!)
I wonder what's around the corner. I am open..!
Monday, January 19, 2009
"Shower The People": Obama Inauguration Week Begins
I listened to James Taylor (with John Legend et al) sing that song via Youtube this morning - a day after the live Washington D.C. performance.
When Stevie Wonder's video also popped up, singing "Higher Ground" (with Usher and Shakira), I burst into tears.
Mum and Dad really loved Stevie Wonder's music. I was a trippy hippy when James Taylor became famous. Neither they nor I, in those days, ever imagined the U.S. would have a Black President in our lifetimes.
That I can live through these times in middle age, and they to have just missed it by a few years, is a bittersweet, heady time.
So much to live for.
My parents couldn't live this, but they taught me to live free even when they couldn't.
I stand on their shoulders.
When Stevie Wonder's video also popped up, singing "Higher Ground" (with Usher and Shakira), I burst into tears.
Mum and Dad really loved Stevie Wonder's music. I was a trippy hippy when James Taylor became famous. Neither they nor I, in those days, ever imagined the U.S. would have a Black President in our lifetimes.
That I can live through these times in middle age, and they to have just missed it by a few years, is a bittersweet, heady time.
So much to live for.
My parents couldn't live this, but they taught me to live free even when they couldn't.
I stand on their shoulders.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Bahamas 2009 Backwards and Forward
Cannot begin to tell you how wonderful was my two-week Christmas visit to Nassau, to close out 2008.
Saw friends every day. Filled spirit with news of home.
Shared every morning and evening with my beloved sister Diane. Especially enjoyed our private chats during early morning walks along the Cable Beach meridian. Sharing some thoughts about Mum was cathartic. Growing...
Even spent some all-too-brief moments with a pleasant blast from the past. (Thanks, Mark.)
Ever so grateful for my teaching job, and the chance to be gainfully employed while helping people and also learning. I have a good gig.
As for this new year ahead...hmmm. My goal is to be more loving, more fit, and open to more possibilities.
Off to a good start..!
Saw friends every day. Filled spirit with news of home.
Shared every morning and evening with my beloved sister Diane. Especially enjoyed our private chats during early morning walks along the Cable Beach meridian. Sharing some thoughts about Mum was cathartic. Growing...
Even spent some all-too-brief moments with a pleasant blast from the past. (Thanks, Mark.)
Ever so grateful for my teaching job, and the chance to be gainfully employed while helping people and also learning. I have a good gig.
As for this new year ahead...hmmm. My goal is to be more loving, more fit, and open to more possibilities.
Off to a good start..!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Standing on the Shoulders of Dorrit Nash
I thought the highlight of October was going to a Zoomer presentation by founder Moses Znaimer. I've joined the national organisation and am slowly working towards starting up a Fredericton chapter. All good stuff.
I was wrong.
This week began the two-week book launch tour of Melynda Jarratt's non-fiction book: "Captured Hearts".
The day of her Fredericton book signing , October 30th, would have been the 85th birthday of one of her subjects: my mother, Dorrit.
Melynda is an international expert on Canadian war brides. She profiles over 60 war brides in her book. What joy and pride I felt, at her reading, to hear Mum singled out.
More than a few people came up to me at the reception following -journalists, historians, and just regular folk, to tell me they had read Melynda's book, and that my mother's story is stunning, in many respects.
Mum's war bride experience gets introduced on page 94: "One of the most extraordinary stories to come out of the European continent involves a young Jewish woman from Vienna.". Little snapshots of her life follow, until the last paragraph: "In life, Dorrit's country and family had been taken from her. It would not be so in death."
How true are those words, these days.
The toll since Mum's death in September of last year has been emotional, profound, and of late, more cathartic than I could ever have imagined.
The film documentary about Mum- being researched as we speak - will continue to share her remarkable journey. Researchers and historians are retracing her steps, and updating me along the way. It looks like I will "cross the pond", as they say, to see where she met my Dad in London. There will be a visit to Vienna, her birthplace, too. So many adventures ahead..!
My friendships are deepening. I work at it. It is a gift, just like my mother,that I do not take for granted.
My teaching job is fulfilling and dynamic. My health is great. And my circles are expanding.
What a year...!
P.S. This is the actual "Captured Hearts" book launch:
http://charlesotherpersonality.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-launch-was-very-fancy-event.html
I was wrong.
This week began the two-week book launch tour of Melynda Jarratt's non-fiction book: "Captured Hearts".
The day of her Fredericton book signing , October 30th, would have been the 85th birthday of one of her subjects: my mother, Dorrit.
Melynda is an international expert on Canadian war brides. She profiles over 60 war brides in her book. What joy and pride I felt, at her reading, to hear Mum singled out.
More than a few people came up to me at the reception following -journalists, historians, and just regular folk, to tell me they had read Melynda's book, and that my mother's story is stunning, in many respects.
Mum's war bride experience gets introduced on page 94: "One of the most extraordinary stories to come out of the European continent involves a young Jewish woman from Vienna.". Little snapshots of her life follow, until the last paragraph: "In life, Dorrit's country and family had been taken from her. It would not be so in death."
How true are those words, these days.
The toll since Mum's death in September of last year has been emotional, profound, and of late, more cathartic than I could ever have imagined.
The film documentary about Mum- being researched as we speak - will continue to share her remarkable journey. Researchers and historians are retracing her steps, and updating me along the way. It looks like I will "cross the pond", as they say, to see where she met my Dad in London. There will be a visit to Vienna, her birthplace, too. So many adventures ahead..!
My friendships are deepening. I work at it. It is a gift, just like my mother,that I do not take for granted.
My teaching job is fulfilling and dynamic. My health is great. And my circles are expanding.
What a year...!
P.S. This is the actual "Captured Hearts" book launch:
http://charlesotherpersonality.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-launch-was-very-fancy-event.html
Thursday, September 04, 2008
One More Week, Day (September Version)
In one more week
- my new teaching contract will be in effect.
- I will be employed for another year, at a place I enjoy.
- fall, my favorite season, will begin moving towards full colour panorama.
- my calendar will NOT be filled with lunch dates with good friends, cause I want to shed a few pounds before Christmas.
- it will be time to be creative and varied in my new social calendar.
- I will be back at the gym, and it will be a pleasure.
- it will be one week closer to my 2-week holiday in Nassau.
In one more day, I hope I will be wiser, happier, smarter, and
...grateful to have one more day.
- my new teaching contract will be in effect.
- I will be employed for another year, at a place I enjoy.
- fall, my favorite season, will begin moving towards full colour panorama.
- my calendar will NOT be filled with lunch dates with good friends, cause I want to shed a few pounds before Christmas.
- it will be time to be creative and varied in my new social calendar.
- I will be back at the gym, and it will be a pleasure.
- it will be one week closer to my 2-week holiday in Nassau.
In one more day, I hope I will be wiser, happier, smarter, and
...grateful to have one more day.
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