I am a mountain biking coach and guide who specializes in young people, and it seems primarily boys... heck, they are young men... are who I interact with mostly.
(It is not that I do not allow females to join us (a close female friend regularly joins us, and shines through whatever the ride throws us), it simply seems that a girl often end up being the only one who signed up. But I have a plan...)
Re: the mission from god... as I have alluded to earlier, as an activator for social change, I believe that young people (who are the future) can use only the finest quality information to create the world they'd rather have, as I believe that the one we have right now is not as grand as it could be. I encourage them to honour that which I trust they know inside, which is the difference between confusing irrational behaviour and thinking, and not-so-confusing, 'we are all friends here and now' behaviour.
(Mind you, the world is essentially fine, but the degree to which low-end thinking takes prevalence in creating our communal realities is, for me, a bit alarming, and disappointing. I just can't stand by!)
I am not so different from these boys. A long time ago I would have appreciated help with all the confusion I saw in the world around me & support to understand it was 'certified crap'; I am now that person I sought a long time ago.
How do I do this through my programs? I pick my battles. I let boys be the intrinsically team-oriented energetic lively zestful people they are, and if low-end thinking or behaviour comes up, I do my best to thoughtfully interrupt it. "Low-end thinkers" (such as bullies and racists) aren't bad or stupid, please do not misunderstand, it is that they might not appreciate the effect of it on the people around them, or they might be acting something out... which doesn't help anything improve over time.
I have seen and heard of many places and instances where my input has resonated; in older boys with their little brothers, in boys around girls, with girls developing confidence in & enjoyment of physical activity (especially 'boys' sports, in this case), and so I am certain I am on a good track.
It's fun to role-model a team-oriented, energetic lively zestful man! The kids sure take to it as bears to honey, and their parents sure like me too.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
confusion? sucks.
I'll tell ya, confusion sucks.
Now, I'm not the clearest thinker out there, but I think that there are a lot of people out there who believe that women are genetically predisposed to take care of people, nurture, etc and quote vague scientific studies to support their perspective. I think that they are confused, and help the human race advance little by promoting their illusions as reality to the young, who might actually be looking for real information.
I think that anyone can do what they really want to do, without limitations.
I think that women can do what ever a man can do (save being pregnant etc), and that if they seem to accept that they are 'genetically predisposed' to some sort of 'female' behaviour they have been brainwashed.
At times (more than I like to think is the case, Holly Go-lightly that I am,) some people's perspectives have a certain conviction that relies on my faith in the speaker's intelligence to be believed. And it is tiring to have faith in fools. (Do they really believe what they are saying, or should I do a whole lot more writing-off than I already do?)
As well, I am really tired of listening to certain women (giving them good attention, listening to what they have to say, because they are smart) only to hear Shit. I cannot believe at this time in the world that women still believe that men and women are intrinsically different, with differing brands of potential. Feels like the 1800's. Or early 1900's. Or the '50's...
Hear me now! Men and Women have the same intrinsic potential, and if we lived in a more respectful and encouraging world, we'd see that very clearly.
I like to look to the Israeli military, where when the chips are down and bullshit takes a long walk off a short plank, women are given ample opportunity to show their leadership potential and kick some serious ass. They even lead men, and have large expectations of respect from them.
By the way, this also means that men can be good listeners, can offer a lot to the raising of children, and are able to cry. Among other things.
I am tired of wasting my time with those of (or worth) little hope.
Now, I'm not the clearest thinker out there, but I think that there are a lot of people out there who believe that women are genetically predisposed to take care of people, nurture, etc and quote vague scientific studies to support their perspective. I think that they are confused, and help the human race advance little by promoting their illusions as reality to the young, who might actually be looking for real information.
I think that anyone can do what they really want to do, without limitations.
I think that women can do what ever a man can do (save being pregnant etc), and that if they seem to accept that they are 'genetically predisposed' to some sort of 'female' behaviour they have been brainwashed.
At times (more than I like to think is the case, Holly Go-lightly that I am,) some people's perspectives have a certain conviction that relies on my faith in the speaker's intelligence to be believed. And it is tiring to have faith in fools. (Do they really believe what they are saying, or should I do a whole lot more writing-off than I already do?)
As well, I am really tired of listening to certain women (giving them good attention, listening to what they have to say, because they are smart) only to hear Shit. I cannot believe at this time in the world that women still believe that men and women are intrinsically different, with differing brands of potential. Feels like the 1800's. Or early 1900's. Or the '50's...
Hear me now! Men and Women have the same intrinsic potential, and if we lived in a more respectful and encouraging world, we'd see that very clearly.
I like to look to the Israeli military, where when the chips are down and bullshit takes a long walk off a short plank, women are given ample opportunity to show their leadership potential and kick some serious ass. They even lead men, and have large expectations of respect from them.
By the way, this also means that men can be good listeners, can offer a lot to the raising of children, and are able to cry. Among other things.
I am tired of wasting my time with those of (or worth) little hope.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
simple self surgery
Today, I removed a sty from the outer corner of my right lower eyelid.
I made sure to have a quiet area, and a sterilized, VERY sharp hobby knife. (I build plastic models as a favourite pass-time, and I well know how sharp they are!)
Watching my breathing, and telling my housemate to not jostle me(!), I flipped my eyelid over a Q-tip, exposing the sty. A bit of a nick started the bugger out, a bit of pressure with another Q-tip, and voila, out came a little amber orb, solid to the touch (not fluid filled), about 1.5mm in diameter and a bit of blood, which I rinsed away with a tube of saline solution. (I am a mountain bike guide in another house of my life, and have quite the first aid kit.) In order to prevent any kind of further irritation (ie, conjunctivitis) I well irrigated my eye with another vial of saline.
It was so easy! Of course, it required a lot of focus and an appropriate setting (ie, on a city bus, I don't think so. And I am reminded of the baseball player who, while cleaning his ear with a Q-tip in the dugout, lost his hearing on that side when jostled by a team mate... OUCH!!!)
But, would this have been something to take to a doctor? Maybe... but then, what would people have done a time long ago? "You could have poked out/cut your eye!" some might say... but I have a steady hand, which I trust. And with my hobby, I know I can focus on fine detail work.
If one was pressed, I believe one could even pull their own tooth, but I'd rather pay for that service (& the anesthetic).
I have some history of self-care. Once, after having been bitten by a dog, I, assisted by the owner of the mutt (concerned as she well should have been), cleaned out the wounds. In a similar vein, after crashes off my bike, I seem to be able to get myself to a place of safety (ie, off the road, or back to the car, depending on the situation) before taking the time to check myself out. I have a well-developed sense of preservation, methinks.
Once, I had a slight stab wound in my wrist. I waited in Emergency for quite a while
for professional attention, which amounted to surgical tape to close the cut (8mm long, 8mm deep about). Tape for geez sakes!
My knee surgery was another example of simple mechanics. A ligament was 'harvested' and placed so as to keep my knee from moving inappropriately. Now, the operation was WELL beyond me of course, but the theory was dead-simple; reinstall a component of the body in order to prevent excess movement in another. Simple mechanical sense it makes. At an elevated level, I allow.
As for what I did to ameliorate my eyelid's discomfort? Not for all, but fine by me.
I made sure to have a quiet area, and a sterilized, VERY sharp hobby knife. (I build plastic models as a favourite pass-time, and I well know how sharp they are!)
Watching my breathing, and telling my housemate to not jostle me(!), I flipped my eyelid over a Q-tip, exposing the sty. A bit of a nick started the bugger out, a bit of pressure with another Q-tip, and voila, out came a little amber orb, solid to the touch (not fluid filled), about 1.5mm in diameter and a bit of blood, which I rinsed away with a tube of saline solution. (I am a mountain bike guide in another house of my life, and have quite the first aid kit.) In order to prevent any kind of further irritation (ie, conjunctivitis) I well irrigated my eye with another vial of saline.
It was so easy! Of course, it required a lot of focus and an appropriate setting (ie, on a city bus, I don't think so. And I am reminded of the baseball player who, while cleaning his ear with a Q-tip in the dugout, lost his hearing on that side when jostled by a team mate... OUCH!!!)
But, would this have been something to take to a doctor? Maybe... but then, what would people have done a time long ago? "You could have poked out/cut your eye!" some might say... but I have a steady hand, which I trust. And with my hobby, I know I can focus on fine detail work.
If one was pressed, I believe one could even pull their own tooth, but I'd rather pay for that service (& the anesthetic).
I have some history of self-care. Once, after having been bitten by a dog, I, assisted by the owner of the mutt (concerned as she well should have been), cleaned out the wounds. In a similar vein, after crashes off my bike, I seem to be able to get myself to a place of safety (ie, off the road, or back to the car, depending on the situation) before taking the time to check myself out. I have a well-developed sense of preservation, methinks.
Once, I had a slight stab wound in my wrist. I waited in Emergency for quite a while
for professional attention, which amounted to surgical tape to close the cut (8mm long, 8mm deep about). Tape for geez sakes!
My knee surgery was another example of simple mechanics. A ligament was 'harvested' and placed so as to keep my knee from moving inappropriately. Now, the operation was WELL beyond me of course, but the theory was dead-simple; reinstall a component of the body in order to prevent excess movement in another. Simple mechanical sense it makes. At an elevated level, I allow.
As for what I did to ameliorate my eyelid's discomfort? Not for all, but fine by me.
Sexism? Sucks!
I hate sexism. Let me fill you in on this...
I have found that it is really getting in my way when it comes to getting to know women better, and to have them as good close friends.
(Before shallow people get into the gutter frame of mind, I am simply talking about having great people appreciate me for my qualities, instead of writing me off because I am a male-type human being.)
Yup, I have discovered that there are a few really smart, really neat women who I like and am fascinated by, who really can't notice how much I care about them, because their experiences with men previous to me has undermined their faith in the other gender's ability to think about them.
Pisses me off. The next time a guy starts in with that s---, I will have to straighten him out. For example, how would he like someone to discount his mother's or sister's potential because of their 'nice tits'? Or even their daughter's.... ....
I was so surprised (and upset, to be honest) to find that a long-time friend was not able to recognize, despite over ten years' worth of decent input, that I am harmless and without malice. Because I am a man. (I couldn't believe it! Kind of stopped me in my tracks and looked at things from a woman's point of view around sexism... well, as best as I ever could.)
I have known for a long time (thanks to my mother, a dark woman from South Africa, a very intense lady) that men weren't always very considerate of their womenfolk. Probably not much in that country, actually. (Ah, the tales a South African lady can tell her son...) At an early age I have tried to be as thoughtful as possible around all sorts of poor behaviour a man can exercise... I have not, nor likely will ever be, a saint, but I try to be considerate, and interrupt as much poorly thought out behaviour as I could, both of mine, and others.
Guys, do not fall into this trap that is so well laid out for us. In order to be truly with women we would really rather be around (other than pink powder puffs with no backbone, who have been overwhelmed by the messages originating in sexism, that are so easy to see around us all, all the time) you'll... ahem, WE'll have to work on this.
Or be fated to never really get to know our loved ones.
Are you 'in'... or 'in the way'?
I have found that it is really getting in my way when it comes to getting to know women better, and to have them as good close friends.
(Before shallow people get into the gutter frame of mind, I am simply talking about having great people appreciate me for my qualities, instead of writing me off because I am a male-type human being.)
Yup, I have discovered that there are a few really smart, really neat women who I like and am fascinated by, who really can't notice how much I care about them, because their experiences with men previous to me has undermined their faith in the other gender's ability to think about them.
Pisses me off. The next time a guy starts in with that s---, I will have to straighten him out. For example, how would he like someone to discount his mother's or sister's potential because of their 'nice tits'? Or even their daughter's.... ....
I was so surprised (and upset, to be honest) to find that a long-time friend was not able to recognize, despite over ten years' worth of decent input, that I am harmless and without malice. Because I am a man. (I couldn't believe it! Kind of stopped me in my tracks and looked at things from a woman's point of view around sexism... well, as best as I ever could.)
I have known for a long time (thanks to my mother, a dark woman from South Africa, a very intense lady) that men weren't always very considerate of their womenfolk. Probably not much in that country, actually. (Ah, the tales a South African lady can tell her son...) At an early age I have tried to be as thoughtful as possible around all sorts of poor behaviour a man can exercise... I have not, nor likely will ever be, a saint, but I try to be considerate, and interrupt as much poorly thought out behaviour as I could, both of mine, and others.
Guys, do not fall into this trap that is so well laid out for us. In order to be truly with women we would really rather be around (other than pink powder puffs with no backbone, who have been overwhelmed by the messages originating in sexism, that are so easy to see around us all, all the time) you'll... ahem, WE'll have to work on this.
Or be fated to never really get to know our loved ones.
Are you 'in'... or 'in the way'?
Saturday, August 2, 2008
ha ha hahaha !
Well, I'll tell ya.
This is very exciting. A weblog of my own design. I wonder what the future holds.
I am constantly inspired by a good friend of mine, and I must admit this project (like I need another one) was inspired by her. BUT...
I am also reminded of one of the local mover-and-shakers of the local bike industry's (I live life on (or by) the bicycle) enthusiasm about weblogs. It was interesting to me to find that this individual (who has mass respect from me) believes in the 'blog.
And to find this guy's thinking is also reflected by thisold-time friend of mine... well I just had to get on the boat!
So, I have quite a bit to figure out yet, so this will be the end of this note... for now, of course.
This is very exciting. A weblog of my own design. I wonder what the future holds.
I am constantly inspired by a good friend of mine, and I must admit this project (like I need another one) was inspired by her. BUT...
I am also reminded of one of the local mover-and-shakers of the local bike industry's (I live life on (or by) the bicycle) enthusiasm about weblogs. It was interesting to me to find that this individual (who has mass respect from me) believes in the 'blog.
And to find this guy's thinking is also reflected by thisold-time friend of mine... well I just had to get on the boat!
So, I have quite a bit to figure out yet, so this will be the end of this note... for now, of course.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
