Happy father’s day to my dad. 
The song that reminds me of him is “Diggin’ on James Brown.” Lyrically, it’s perfect. It’s got groove too.
My favourite song from Tower of Power is “What is Hip?” That really has groove, and I love the lyrics.
My father got me hooked on music…..THANKS!! I’ve got a few more groovy men in my life who dig music, and I’ve broadened what I listen to – but it started with dad.
I’ve included videos for both “Tower of Power” songs.
Some days it’s a Magic Carpet Ride, and some days it’s even a Free Ride.
Well I fit two songs in the first line, but there is a message here. Whether I’m dealing with the knots in my back, or being so tired that I can’t remember hitting the sack, I’m not going to lose the joy of the journey.
I’m an accident prone person. I’ve had some incidents that really if events had slightly gone another way, the ride would be done now. Although. I’m rather content despite all that – and life moves forward.
I’m not fast – in society that matters, in my world that’s just how it is. My CP drains my energy and cause my body to ache. I have a network of people who’ve helped and inspired me, and they’re making the ride great make no mistake.
Free Ride Lyrics
The mountain is high, the valley is low
And you're confused 'bout which way to go
So I flew here to give you a hand
And lead you into the promised land
So, come on and take a free ride
Come on and take it by my side
Come on and take a free ride
All over the country, I'm seeing the same
Nobody's winning, at this kind of game
We gotta do better, it's time to begin
You know all the answers
Must come from within
So, come on and take a free ride
Come on and take it by my side
Come on and take a free ride
There are two ways people handle ignorance….those who ask questions and those who assume answers.
Though I’ve gotten the question about my disability in a variety of ways, I do commend the (curious) people who ask about it. I’ve found my answer over the years hasn’t changed, but as I get older and life’s gotten a bit tougher my head seems to go down as I say “I was born this way.”
The theme of the blog is music, and how it uplifts me. A song hasn’t come around lately that has caught my attention reminding me that when I answer that “so what happened to you?” question I can look back at people in the eye and proudly say “I was born this way.” Admittedly I have only listened to Lady Gaga in passing until now, but Born This Way lifted my head!
I have a damaged brain, but I have a sharp mind and soft heart. My body is slow and crooked yet my personality and sense of humour are quick and twisted…I mean it when I say that I’d have it no other way!
Enjoy the song….
My current job has me working at several locations out of the Durham Region training residents who want to learn more about computers, MS Office, and the internet etc.
I’ve probably been my most successful student. It’s been very rewarding to work with people who want to learn. You cannot be a good trainer if you aren’t open to learning new things yourself. I’ve had people teach me about French Idioms and Penguins. Oh, and I’m close to honestly saying I’m proficient in Excel…
It really has been amazing!
I plan on always being a trainee, it’ll allow me to be the best trainer I can possibly be.
I’m sick today, so I’m watching the Oshawa Generals game from home. Before doing so though I thought I would open up Windows Live Writer and blog…
The season’s ticket has been the best money I’ve spent in a long time. Sitting in front of the boards watching the play, and listening to/laughing at the shenanigans has been awesome. Everything I do doesn’t necessarily need to be turned into a lesson, but this has truly been a good experience – great company at each game.
I haven’t felt the pinch of the writer’s bug lately, and if I don’t have anything of value to write…I just can’t do it. I have decided lately that fighting systemic barriers can’t always bring short term benefit to my life, and the choices I make do not always affect just me. “Toeing the party line” sometimes is a matter of keeping focused enough to move forward. There are things that I’ve seen people do lately that have left a sour taste in the back of my throat. As time goes on I will keep these choices filed away. When I’m able to change the beat of my own drum, perhaps others will march to a different tune.
By the way….GO GENS GO!!
I’ve always felt at rest when I’ve had something to look forward to and/or something to work towards. It keeps me on the move, and motivated. I have a season ticket to the Oshawa Generals, a season that I am very much looking forward to.
Hobbies are a good way to keep focused while we go about our days, and work towards our dreams. Hockey, and music happen to be two of my biggest hobbies, but they help drive to to be something more than I am.
Whether my goal is to walk down the aisle as my best friend’s maid of honour without falling (which by some miracle I accomplished last week) or become a better advocate/web designer/analyst, it’s my hobbies and the people I’ve met while accomplishing these goals that drive me.
I have finished my year long internship with the Town of Markham…and it was great.
I kept a positive attitude as I left, because I knew a long time ago that it would end and Markham and I would part ways. I was constantly assured by others that better opportunities would come my way. They’re right. I haven’t discounted that an opportunity could come from the Town…I REALLY enjoyed it.
I don’t plan on staying off the horse for too long, or I could slide into a rut. I do the motivational work to inspire others, but it’s also so that I keep myself on the right path. Even if I sometimes take the left fork in the road.
It isn’t time to tell my whole “story” yet. My dream is to continue to have a “day job”…to pay the bills. However, I also want to create a few e-books to capture the writing (quotes and poetry) that I’ve drafted. I want to keep people guessing about what I’ll do next.
I attached this version of the song, because the original didn’t speak to me like this one has.
Ok…here’s the deal..
I finally found a person to team up with on my advocating work. In my personal website I describe myself as always breaking barriers. Although I still believe that that is very important, for every barrier that is broken it would be ideal that a bridge be put in it’s place. It helps maintain balance. :)
I love working with people, but I earn a living by working with computers and designing “things”. IT and psychology go more hand in hand than one can imagine. I’ve been able to reach people through my ideas and quotes across the world through the internet, however, getting a power button put on a local Tim Horton’s at the end of the road has been a struggle.
I work with technology, and Scott works with policy. That combined effort can bring about big change.
Personally, I want to emphasize building bridges (creating opportunities), as much as breaking the barriers.
“If we break the barriers that exist in our own minds, together we can achieve anything.”
