Its not usually the time of year that I would sit back and look at what the year was about, but I decided to do it early enough this year so that I still have about a month to make the best of it!
If I do a mental reconciliation, this year has been nothing like I had envisioned at the beginning of 2011 - but when is it ever? Close to the end of this year I have met some amazing people, and did some things that surprised even myself.
Its been a great year, even better since November - thank you for making each day such a wonderful and special adventure with your presence in every waking moment.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, June 06, 2011
What you can do
Did you know that women in Saudi Arabia cannot drive?
Simple, you may think - or - oh, how lucky they are, when you've just been stuck in traffic for an hour on your way to work.
However, did you ever think about the times when someone was ill and you took them to the hospital? Now what if a man wasn't around to drive you - would that person have died?
Think about all the school drop-off and pick-ups you do, would your partner/husband/brother/neighbour be prepared to take on that load, EVERY single day of your life?
Think about your monthly budget - would you be able to afford to hire someone (that would take about a third of your salary) to drive you to work and home again?
Think about being in a car, alone with a stranger that you do not know - would he shift his rearview mirror to look at you? Would he make inappropriate comments knowing that you cannot retaliate - because if you do, you will be left standing at the side of the road, at the mercy of strangers?
Think about not being able to use your own car that you paid for with money you've earned.
Think about that, sister - and feel for those who can not.
Mobility is a basic human right. Whether you cannot afford an automobile, you should have the ability to attain a means of transport in order to realise your needs - food, medical attention, work, education - all of these and more. You should be endowed with the dignity of choice. That is what I believe in.
Simple, you may think - or - oh, how lucky they are, when you've just been stuck in traffic for an hour on your way to work.
However, did you ever think about the times when someone was ill and you took them to the hospital? Now what if a man wasn't around to drive you - would that person have died?
Think about all the school drop-off and pick-ups you do, would your partner/husband/brother/neighbour be prepared to take on that load, EVERY single day of your life?
Think about your monthly budget - would you be able to afford to hire someone (that would take about a third of your salary) to drive you to work and home again?
Think about being in a car, alone with a stranger that you do not know - would he shift his rearview mirror to look at you? Would he make inappropriate comments knowing that you cannot retaliate - because if you do, you will be left standing at the side of the road, at the mercy of strangers?
Think about not being able to use your own car that you paid for with money you've earned.
Think about that, sister - and feel for those who can not.
Mobility is a basic human right. Whether you cannot afford an automobile, you should have the ability to attain a means of transport in order to realise your needs - food, medical attention, work, education - all of these and more. You should be endowed with the dignity of choice. That is what I believe in.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday Afternoons
Something about a Friday afternoon in an office makes one want to drift away.
The pace slows, people laugh and make plans for the weekend. Lunch is a social event. Outside, even the sound of traffic slows down. The smell of cigarette smoke drifts through the windows.
I just looked at my first post, too. Came a long way in writing style since then, and I'm no longer one of the blog superstars (I mean I used get 50 comments on a good day!). This is a really a place I want to be. I want to be with people who want to be around me to hear my thoughts. Or simply just to share silence.
Whatever you do this weekend, make it a GREAT one.
The pace slows, people laugh and make plans for the weekend. Lunch is a social event. Outside, even the sound of traffic slows down. The smell of cigarette smoke drifts through the windows.
I just looked at my first post, too. Came a long way in writing style since then, and I'm no longer one of the blog superstars (I mean I used get 50 comments on a good day!). This is a really a place I want to be. I want to be with people who want to be around me to hear my thoughts. Or simply just to share silence.
Whatever you do this weekend, make it a GREAT one.
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