These are, for many reasons, troubled times both here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and throughout the world. It is rather easy to focus, and occasionally identify and become overwhelmed with, the mess in which we find ourselves – but that is not at all useful. Some countries, institutions and individuals cannot be altered, cannot be changed. All one can do is ignore them. Close one’s mouth, nod politely and walk away. Then stay away and stop thinking about the negative effects and toxicity of those countries, institutions and individuals.
Alter Ego: Well, that is what you are saying Alexis but is that what you are doing?
Me: I am trying and trying so hard! But sometimes I just get drawn into certain irresolvable situations. I try to be rational, tell the truth, try to help try and make a difference and it does not work.
Alter Ego: What happens? Give me an example.
Me: In the midst of positive vibes and positive people two different men, at different times were negative, told lies, and when I tried to tell the truth and explain things they just kept lying and not listening.
Alter Ego: What did you do?
Me: What I was not to do. I said to each of them: That is a Lie! But I yelled it and got angry. It just made them think that they were right and I was wrong. And I kept thinking about it, forgetting the positivity of virtually hundreds of people, teachers at the Saturday Public Education Rally.
Alter Ego: What happened next?
Me: The first guy – one of those people who hate immigration, are anti-vaccination etc. etc. etc. They have all the facts wrong about the benefits of immigration, of vaccines and education. He had infiltrated the magnificent rally and I was drawn into a conversation with him. I was so patient and rational but then he pointed to my “I Got Vaccinated for My Community Pin” and said something utterly inane, a total non scientific lie and I yelled”That is a Lie”.
Alter Ego: What did he do?
Me: He walked off triumphantly saying You are yelling because I am telling the truth.
Alter Ego: What did you do?
Me: I yelled: “No I am yelling because you are so stupid!”
Alter Ego: That does not sound so bad. You did have the last word!
Me: You are right and I never have to see or speak to the guy again! Thanks for your help. I feel better now after our discussion.
If someone f someone has the last word or the final word in a discussion, argument, or disagreement, they are the one who wins it. It is an idiom. Here is the good news about it: “Getting the last word means that you win the debate. It also shows your moral superiority. This should convince your opponent that you are correct, and will certainly impress your fellow Wikipedians. It is particularly important to get the last word where you are in some doubts as to the merits of your case.”
Now all of that may be true, but here is the rub. I got the last word but this man was not hearing a word I was saying anyway. So I am afraid it did not matter, one way or the other.
What did I learn from all of this? To avoid having a conversation with someone who is not going to listen to me. How should I have known? Well he began the conversation with the fabulous teacher organizer by saying of the scarves being given to people.
He: Did my tax dollars pay for these scarves?
She: No they came from our dues we pay to our organization.
So he was one of those paranoid people who think their precious tax dollars are being misspent. Those people never get their facts or numbers straight and never realize that taxes are the privilege of living in a democracy. Those people actually pay minuscule taxes because they are unsuccessful and their income is borderline. In saying that I am not stereotyping but instead being factual, based on scientific studies.
A stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. This from Wikipedia: “In social psychology, a stereotype is a generalized belief about a particular category of people.[It is an expectation that people might have about every person of a particular group. The type of expectation can vary; it can be, for example, an expectation about the group’s personality, preferences, appearance or ability. Stereotypes are sometimes overgeneralized, inaccurate, and resistant to new information, but can sometimes be accurate.[While such generalizations about groups of people may be useful when making quick decisions, they may be erroneous when applied to particular individuals and are among the reasons for prejudicial attitudes.”
People who are successful, who have utilized the strength of the freedoms offered by democracy are not critical of the tools provided. The failures, who for whatever reason were not able to use the benefit to benefit themselves, say that the tools are no good, taxes are misspent, unworthy immigrants benefit, school tuition in Canada is prohibited to higher education etc etc. etc.
The second man, a building employee stood smoking on the balcony which overlooked the Rally.
Me: What an amazing event that was. The promotion of education is SO important.
He: No. Kids go to University and spent the rest of their lives paying for the cost of tuition.
Me: That may be true in the US but not in Canada.
He: No! People in Canada do not go to University because of it.
Me: Excuse me! I went to University in Canada, paid my own way with summer earnings and working during the year in the library. I paid off the grant within two years of graduating.
At that point the volume of my voice may have increased because he said.
He: You are yelling at me. I am not going to listen.
Later I saw him in my hallway delivering notices.
Me: I am sorry I yelled at you. I would like to talk to you about it.
He: I am not going to talk to you about it. You yelled at me.
Me: Okay then. But then I am not going to talk to you at all. You will not discuss this nor listen to me or to reason. If I am silent I will not be yelling at you.
This is a teaching of the Islamic faith. Silence is sometimes the only answer, when the other person is unable to hear your words anyway. This man shall be rather surprised when my friendly manner and cheerful words are replaced with a mere nod.
But I am speaking of the conflict and woe and not the extreme fun I had. My visible hair is beautifully styled – a reel was placed on Instagram. It is funny.
Here is the link. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkBl0vpggCU/?igshid=MDlmYmQ2NmI=.
Also went to Alberta Craft Council purchasing a bunny whose name is Alexis. Judy Nuckles usually makes and names whimsical owls but she switched to bunnies. They arrived, named at the store I walked in the door, the staff greeted me enthusiastically.
They: Alexis! We are so glad you are back. A bunny has your name on it.
Me: Oh my goodness I have to have it!
I did purchase Alexis, and a pair of red mittens which matches the Public Education scarf. I am definitely ready for winter! I also made a funny Instagram reel of me, Alexis the bunny and two guys. The caption of the reel. “At Alberta Council with Bunny Alexis and Exes. “At the amazing Alberta Craft place on 106 Street with new purchase of Alexis the Bunny and two guys. Here is the link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkFIxL2g9LJ/?igshid=MDlmYmQ2NmI=
Alexis the Bunny has already found a home. Photos attached were taken at the Public Education rally both from my window and during the event.
As you can readily see – it was a fun and eventful weekend. I absolutely love living in Edmonton. It is supposed to snow tomorrow – an 80% chance. Well, into each life some snow must fall. The temperature at this Monday morning moment in time is -1C.
Into each life some rain must fall is from The Rainy Day, a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.
My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,
And the days are dark and dreary.
Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary
Here in Edmonton, rain becomes snow at this time of year.
