Pass the Lysol
There is an ozone warning for tomorrow. It is the second time in my life that I hear of such thing. You would think that after 33 years on this earth, I would know it all. Me, supposedly a biologist with two or more ecology and climatology courses on my back... hmmm... anyway!
Growing up, I didn't know what allergies were. Everyone around me ate peanuts and nobody was sent to the hospital after turning blue. I also never heard of strep infections, or it was probably called something else. Lacking seasons, there was no pollen or evil trees making us sneeze. Water was good anywhere, and I'm sure I developed a very good intestinal flora that allows me to eat junk without getting sick all the time. And now, surrounded by people who get all kinds of bugs, I never (knock on wood) get sick.
I wonder if it's a madness in these northern countries, to avoid exposure to everything. They have come up with every single thing to keep your house clean to the point of making it even good for an open heart surgery. We might as well just put a freaking bubble around, and make sure we don't run out of Lysol.
So yes, the ozone warning... I'm sure it's always been like that, especially exposed to the same amount of daylight for over 20 years; but what do I know, the Summer season is still new to me (yeah, after 10 years of living in North America, I'm still learning). And I guess the ozone thing is getting worse now that the layer is being depleted. But good God, one of these days we will be warned to stay in a basement. Even the air can be lethal!
That being said, just take it easy with sun exposure. Cancer is no joke.
The Joy of Volunteering
I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy.
Rabindranath Tagore
For as long as I can remember, I've been a person who likes to help others. It was easy to be like this thanks to my parents. My mom has always been involved in volunteer programs, first with the local hospitals, and then with several church organizations. I thank her for putting in my heart the example and desire to give something to the community I belong to. And that quote up there? It's my mother's favourite quote.
A few months ago, there was a discussion in the KC Bloggers group about volunteer programs, and I started thinking I really wanted to join one. I managed to contact Bridging the Gap to join their Earth Day walk, and I had to do overtime that weekend. I sucked big time, and then I just let it go. Then I got in touch with a lady at church, and she gave my name to the education coordinator, and they want to enroll me as a catechist, which is awesome! I went to see her yesterday, and I have to go to a couple of meetings in August.
And then, a couple of weeks ago, John and I went to the Summer Bowl for Kids' Sake event and we decided to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. We talked to one of their recruiters, filled out the applications, did our interviews, and we had a visit from our case manager today. She asked a lot of questions, and exposed a lot of situations I never really thought I had to face by joining a program like this. But I'm very excited, and so is John. We'll get matched with a Little Brother, and we will become a Big Couple. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience.
So now I have my hands full, but being able to help others and get involved in my community makes me feel like I can call this place home. And getting to know more people I can connect with, will probably fill the void from being so far away from my family.
July KC Bloggers Meetup
Tuesday July 22nd, 5pm, at
Tarahumara Mexican Restaurant
10001 W 87th St.
Overland Park, KS
Language Tolerance
A few days ago I overheard a conversation between two people criticizing and making fun of someone because the person couldn’t pronounce a name. It turns out the name is actually Spanish, it is always pronounced with an English accent, and that’s what they think is the correct pronunciation. I had to roll my eyes. Anyway, as I overheard the conversation, I started to wonder why some people in the United States are so intolerant when it comes to foreign languages and accents sometimes. This is, after all, a country made by immigrants; people who come to this country from abroad and actually learn a new language. That is more than I can say about a considerable percentage of Americans who can only speak their own language in a place where they could embrace other cultures easily.
When I lived in Quebec, I felt like most people were interested in talking to me when they learned I came from another country. My accent or the way I talked was never criticized or made fun of. In fact, they actually appreciate the fact that most of us immigrants moved there not speaking a single word of French, and finally managed to make ourselves understood. To talk another language requires a lot of brain work, and to adapt to other cultures without losing your own requires braveness. So when people lose their patience because of an accent, I find it rude.
And it isn’t only because we move to another country. I started using English as my second language when I was rather young, and I wasn’t even obliged to use it. I never attended a bi-lingual school, and English was never required, except to get good notes in English classes. It was a given for me to learn a new language; first because I liked it, and then because I knew one day it would be necessary. And then I learned French. And now I get a lot of “Ohhh Ahhh’s,” but I also get to hear stupid comments like the ones that were made next to me.
Ortega? Sure… Pffft!
Now that the Colombian army has rescued a group of hostages, and that the Farc feel they really have to do something about putting an end to decades of non-sense, they decide they won't negotiate with the current government. They say, and I quote, that only a new government, which is truly democratic, born from a national agreement, could retake the path of the search for a political solution.
What a bunch of crap! That is what they have been saying for the past 40 years. And they continue with their rampage of violence and abuse toward Colombians. And then they add they want to be in a meeting with Nicaragua's president, Daniel Ortega? Give me a break!
I think we've had enough with the circus that Chávez and Correa have put up. One of them has come to his senses (¡Buena esa, Hugo!), and the other one is still throwing tantrums. And now the Farc want to bring another clown in? I understand they do not recognize the Colombian government, but this is not about politics anymore. They are pretty much weakened and without ideals. This is about the 42 millions of people who are claiming for peace.
I think a group that has done nothing but torture my people has no saying in how negotiations will be. They need to put an end to it NOW.
