The Kitchen and Me

Alright, it is time to tackle the subject of me in the kitchen. This is not my area of expertise and not something I would consider to be where I feel the most natural and at peace with my surroundings. Now, that being said, I am not saying I don't enjoy being in the kitchen and playing, because I do, I really and truly love to get in there and try all new sorts of things and what I can do well, I do exceptionally well such as my apple fritters, pumpkin and carrot cake, apple cake as well as out own homemade Chocolate Iced Caps, a beautiful and tasty rip off of Timmie's for which I will not apologise as ours taste better and are a lot healthier. Unfortunately, my attempts at the unknown don't always turn out well.......much to the chagrin of all those around me in my household. The worst part about this is the fact that my best friend and partner happens to have many talents, cooking and baking being among them and she doesn't quite grasp my failings in what should be a simple matter. Now she is graceful and polite about it, and I know she appreciates my attempts, but I feel I must be somewhat of an embarrassment to her in this aspect. Fortunately for me, I have one child, strike that, one young teen, who no matter what is made for dinner always replies with great enthusiasm. It could be a grilled cheese sandwich or fillet Mignon, no matter, it is great. You have to love that kind of eagerness and positive energy around food.

Now this week has been a great success for me and the kitchen, first on Monday I made (in my humble opinion) one of the most fantastic bruschetta pizzas I have ever tasted. Fresh basil, local tomatoes, onions, a homemade crust....mmmmmm, I am salivating just thinking about it. I know, it all sounds amazing simple but for me it was quite the accomplishment. Yes there are a few changes I will make for next time to make it even yummier but was delicious and even my best friend and partner told me so and she is a genius in the kitchen, no guff!

So, it is now Sunday evening and a short time ago I was trying to figure out what I could possibly make for dinner that would please my best friend as she was working on school work and I wanted to try to let her work uninterrupted while creating something healthy, light and for tonight, vegetarian. I chatted briefly with a very good friend Stephen who offered to come over and make what sounded like a very delicious dinner. This idea was very appealing to me on several levels as it would mean that the food would be prepared correctly the first time, I would have some company other than the children while the meal was being prepared, and also because it would mean I would likely have to do less and I was feeling a little lazy today. I contemplated the offer quickly and as tempting as it sounded to have a personal chef for the night, it also seemed a little rude to ask such a good friend to do something like that and it also defeats the purpose of ME trying to do something different in the kitchen, to learn a new recipe or a new skill. I mean, how can I possibly get better if I just bail every time something seems a little difficult? I politely declined the offer and perused the web and some cook books for recipes before I finally found what seemed to be ideal. Quick, simple, light, vegetarian and it sounded absolutely scrumptious. Herbed Fettuccine with  sugar snap peas. I ran to my local grocery store to get the few items I did not have on hand and will admit to using my phone a friend feature to save myself from a cheese mistake (thanks again Stephen). I came home and started what turned out to be a 3 pot dinner, this was kind of scary for me as 2 is usually my limit..lol...but the recipe was beautifully simple and it turned out I had no problems with any part of it. I used the best ingredients I could find, fresh fettuccine, herbed garlic goat cheese, fresh parsley, basil and green onions as well as a beautiful tomato. I wish I had taken a picture of it but that is still a foreign thought to me, to take a picture of the food I have prepared and am about to eat. I am happy to report that the meal was received well by all who tried it, once again, a few changes I will be making to it when I make it again, a little fresh garlic thrown in for fun, I'll make sure the noodle length is a little shorter to allow for thorough mixing in of the fresh sugar snap peas and tomato. I felt incredible when my best friend said that she loved it and would like to have it again, a sure sign that I have gotten it right! What makes me feel the best about this though, is knowing that I have conquered yet another recipe, another skill, and that I have provided myself and my family with a delicious and nutritious meal.  It makes me feel encouraged to get in there and do more and that is the feeling of success.

The Man's Man

Father's Day has come and past once again and I often take the time to reflect on what kind of father I am or should be to my three beautiful children. This is a somewhat difficult task for me as my childhood itself, while better than some, was not an ideal one. I grew up never actually knowing my father, my biological father, as he and my Mom had divorced when I was very young. I did have a father figure in my life a little later, but even as a child, we did not see eye to eye and it was a very troubled relationship. This relationship has formulated some very strong feelings and beliefs in me which I hope I never pass on to my children. I want them to have fonder memories of their childhood than what I currently hold of my own.

To be honest, when my first child arrived, I really had no idea what I was in for. The roller coaster of emotions as I watched him come into the world. The uncertainty of how to handle new situations as they arose on a daily, if not hourly basis. But we made it, we now have a healthy 13 year old boy who can talk, walk and is extremely academic. When my second child arrived, I felt like I was ready, like I knew exactly what was going to happen. Somehow in all of the excitement, I had forgotten that all we humans are different and have different requirements for satisfaction, even as babies. I am not saying that he was any more difficult or had higher needs, not at all, he was just different and that is what makes all of us special. Now when my third child came into this world, I was ready for anything. We had our little girl at home, a planned home birth, and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. It all seemed so natural, felt so right, to see your child being born in your very own home, immediately surrounded by the love that is felt when you are in a home. I know that I have progressed as a father with every child that has been born and that I continue to progress each and every day. It is a learning experience that I think must continue over your lifetime and where perfection is not likely to be found but you will be rewarded by your own efforts as the children you have raised give you a hug and tell you that they love you, I don't think that anything that could be given by a child to a parent, is greater than that.

I took some time this Father's Day with my children to just play with them, to be silly with them, to teach them, to appreciate them, for without them and without my best friend and life partner, I would not be the father I am today. We had such an incredible time playing volleyball and badminton in the front yard, skipping ropes, chasing each other and giggling like crazy, trying to teach the youngest how to ride a two wheeler while I chased after, crouched low trying to make sure that she remained on two wheels at all times. I can't think of anyway in how I could have spent my time any better than that and it really set up the tone for the day, for even when I was busy doing other household items, they all played together so nicely it was fantastic. This made me realize a few things, firstly, that I do not spend enough time just playing and being with my children. Secondly, we as parents, often believe that we need to go out and spend money to give our children some entertainment or fun, when all that they are really seeking is your time, love and devotion to them. Your recognition of them as human beings, as individuals, as people.

I am not a "man's man". I can't quote sports statistics on demand. I can't tear apart a car engine without a manual and put it back together just knowing it will run perfectly. I can't build something without trial and error. I don't hunt or even believe in the necessity of owning guns to do so unless you can prove that you are going to be able to utilize the entire animal without waste. I cry while watching movies. I cry when I feel hurt emotionally. I bake in the kitchen, I prepare lunches and other meals, I bathe my youngest and dry her hair and put it in pony tails (not as neatly as her mother mind you). I do laundry, I clean, or perhaps I should say I mostly tidy, I dust. I will pretend to sit and drink a tea when my little girl asks me to play restaurant. I tell my kids it is alright to cry if their feelings are hurt or if they are physically hurt. To be perfectly honest I am proud of all these things. I am proud to know that I am teaching all of them that a father can hurt, that he can cry, that he can cook and clean, that he can be silly and play. I try to teach my kids everything I can, how to be kind and respectful to others and to themselves. I try to teach them that failure is an opportunity for growth, a challenge to their spirit and perseverance. I know there is so much more that I need to do with them, to teach them and that I need to show them everyday how much they mean to me. I hope that when my time comes and they are all sitting around talking about me, that they are able to share their personal stories of joy and happiness from their childhood and the experiences we shared as a family.

I am a man. I am a father. I am a husband. I have many roles inside of our home as do all people, regardless of gender. But, I am proud to say I am not a beer swilling, cigar smoking, tobacco chewing, gambling, physically abusive, boys don't cry man's man. For in my humble opinion, a real man cries, a real man admits when he is hurt emotionally or physically, a real man can put his little girls hair in a ponytail. A real man will teach his sons to hug and love unconditionally and to show their appreciation to others. That is who I am and that is who I am proud to be.

New Friends, New Ventures....

I have the distinct privilege of living in one of Ontario's most beautiful little towns on Georgian Bay, Meaford. One of the most beautiful things about Meaford is the great sense of community and pride we have in our town and the municipality as a whole. It is a small town of about 5000 people with the entire municipality totalling over 11,000, there has been an amalgamation which has left some bitter, some pleased and some indifferent but it is still a great place to be and I don't think I could find a better place to raise a family with my beautiful wife and three children.

One thing most people tend to think of small towns is that there is never anything or anybody new to get to know. I can't tell you how wrong that is. I have had the privilege of getting to know quite a few new (to me) people in our town and I can't believe that it has taken me this long to do so. I have met some of the most extraordinary people (who shall remain anonymous for their own privacy) although I would love to share their names so all could take the time to get to know them. It is extremely encouraging to find people out there who care about this community so much, who devote so much time and energy to promoting Meaford and all that it has to offer. You know who you are and I want you to know how much I admire and respect you all. I look forward to getting to know these people better as well as new people whom I have not met yet.

A Late Entry but Still Relevant to me.

Don’t Save the Big 3


I understand that what I am about to say may cause some friction between myself and some of my friends. I am willing to accept that. I worked in the automotive manufacturing sector for approximately 9 or 10 years of my life and have been directly effected by the weakening of the manufacturing sector. I have mixed feelings about what is happening right now and I have done some serious soul searching in regards to the current “automotive manufacturing crisis”.

This crisis has been brought on by the Big 3 themselves. GM, Ford, and Chrysler have done little, if anything, to save themselves from obvious doom. There has been talk for decades about the decline in crude oil supply, the increase in global warming and pollution and the need for more fuel efficient cars and trucks. What did they do about it? They manufactured more trucks, vans and SUV’s than ever before!! Admittedly this was done to satisfy the ever self-indulgent consumer-the 10% of the population that holds 90% of the wealth. I mean, how can you blame the companies for wanting a guaranteed piece of the elite pie? There has been no significant increase in the fuel efficiency of domestic vehicles in the past 20 years. They try to greenwash us with their misleading advertising but I can personally guarantee that you could get more mileage out of a 1990 Chevrolet Sprint than what you can currently get out of 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. What ever happened to the Ford Festiva or all of the other great small cars of the 80's and 90's? There are more fuel efficient vehicles currently offered in Europe than we have ever had grace our dealerships. Why?

I confess, I own and drive a minivan. That being said, it is our only vehicle for our family of 5 with 2 children still in booster seats. I ride my bike to work in the summer and take the bus frequently in the winter. I feel this is a fairly responsible way to approach the need for a family vehicle but still take care of our environment.

I think it is time for the Big 3 to stand up on their own or sink. I don’t want to see 10's of thousands of people lose their jobs as the companies they have sunk their lives and hopes into for the past x amount of years collapse around them but I don’t want to see the government bail out these companies just to see people lose their jobs anyways as the fat cats get fatter. GM has already received $235 million from the government of Ontario. That is not a typo-we, the people of Ontario have given $235 million dollar to GM. Let me tell you something...GM’s CFO is set to receive a base salary of $1.55 million dollars this year. GM’s CEO salary was boosted from the measly $1.65 million to $2.2 million-the total compensation for the CEO in 2007 was $14.4 million or $39452.05 per day (including weekends). Fritz Henderson, who was promoted to president and chief operating officer in March, received compensation of about $9.3 million in 2007, up from about $5.1 million in 2006.

Henderson's salary was raised to $1.8 million from $1.3 million in March with his appointment as president and COO, the No. 2 position to Wagoner.

Vice Chairman Bob Lutz's compensation rose to about $9 million in 2007, from about $5.1 million in 2006. The product chief's salary was raised to $1.75 million, from $1.3 million.

Alan Mulally, Ford president and chief executive officer, earned $2,000,000 in salary and received incentive bonus awards of $7 million. Total 2007 compensation was $21,670,674, which includes salary, bonuses, the Company-recognized expense for stock options and other stock-based awards, as well as all other compensation.

Don Leclair, Ford executive vice president and chief financial officer, earned $1,005,633 in salary and received incentive bonus awards of $3 million. His 2007 compensation totalled $11,703,127.

Mark Fields, Ford executive vice president and president, The Americas, earned $1,255,634 in salary and received incentive bonus awards of $2,850,000. His 2007 compensation totalled $8,389,898.

Lewis Booth, Ford executive vice president, Ford of Europe and Premier Automotive Group, earned $868,133 in salary and received incentive bonus awards of $2,250,000. His 2007 compensation totalled $10,264,463.

Mike Bannister, Ford executive vice president and CEO, Ford Motor Credit Company earned $708,700 in salary and received incentive bonus awards of $2,150,000. His 2007 compensation totalled $8,677,747.

There is no information readily available on Chrysler, suffice to say that it appears in every sense that they have already gone bankrupt. They have been restructuring and consolidating their finances for the past few years. A desperate last ditch effort to save themselves.

Ladies and Gentleman of the jury-I have nothing positive to say about any one of the aforementioned people. They are all guilty of greed, selfishness, no sense of humanity and a level of corruption that is unforgivable. I have had to fight, scrape and claw to survive while these “crapatilists” take advantage of all those around them. Do you really think they are going to care when the ship goes down? I mean, if I made 10% of any one of the salaries listed here, I would consider myself fortunate and wealthy. These salaries cannot be justified in any sense. How may jobs have been lost over the past few years? How many plants have been closed? How many Joes’ and Jane’s have lost their livelihood’s due to this injustice? The Big 3 could save themselves and thousands of North American jobs by cutting their own fat cat salaries. Let’s say each and everyone of these fine, and obviously very hardworking executives had their salaries cut to a max of $250,000 with no bonus or other financial compensations available to them. What kind of cash do you think that would free up to potentially keep the companies afloat throughout this economic downturn? Hmm, kind of makes you think don’t it? Just doing some preliminary math would fill the most pessimistic person with a small sense of hope, and I think, rightfully so.

All I have to say to the Big 3 is this, until you are willing to save yourself, don’t ask me and every other hard working North American, including the ladies and gentleman who put their blood, sweat and tears into your products, to bail you out!! We know where the hundreds of millions of dollars will go, it won’t be to Jane and Joe on the line, it’ll go to the top and the plants will still close with you crying that this was an unforeseeable event. That you have taken every step that you can to make the company sustainable but with no success. You know, as well as I do, that you are full of crap.

Sink you bastards, sink.