Bitten by the Christmas Bug

During the holidays, more than any other time of year, we are somehow inspired to be a bit more compassionate towards others. Generosity comes in many forms, whether that be a donation to a local charity or simply holding the door for a frazzled shopper.

It never ceases to amaze me when I hear a great story on the news about someone’s random act of kindness during the holidays. What truly amazes me however, is that there are grinches out there who try to spoil the season for the less fortunate in our community. When I read that the Salvation Army was robbed at a cost of $25,000 and the Surrey Food Bank had been hit 5 times by thieves, I was inspired to share with you...

The Urban Cowgirl’s Top 10 Ways to Spark your Christmas Spirit

10) Donate to Vancouver’s Covenant House
9) Drop off some nonperishable food items, unwrapped toys or a cash donation to your local food bank
8) Adopt a family through the Salvation Army
7) Adopt a nest from the Stanley Park Ecology Society
6) Sponsor a family through the Vancouver YWCA
5) Give to the Union Gospel Mission by purchasing a gift of comfort or peace from their online catalogue
4) Donate or volunteer for the BC Persons with AIDS Society (BCPWA)
3) Head to the downtown Costco this Friday to contribute to The Beat Cares Holiday Toy and Food Drive
2) Make a donation when casting a vote for your favorite tree at the Sutton Place Hotel, benefiting Canuck Place
1) Stretch your generosity around the world by donating to the Red Cross

Allow me to share with you possums a short video (produced by yours truly) documenting the 14th floor of my building. This lovely gal decorates her entire floor for Christmas every year, complete with goodies for visitors to help themselves to. She’s clearly been bitten by the Christmas bug.

Drama in Ottawa

As many other Canadian bloggers have done this week, I felt the need to blog it up a bit concerning all the hoopla surrounding the proposed coalition. Allow me to break it down for you, in my most educated cowgirl speak...

The Coalition Parties

Let’s start with Stephane Dion. Why oh why would the Liberals elect this man to lead their party? During the federal election, my support for the Liberals was lost due to his condescending tone and angry demeanor. Why must he behave like such a whiney bitch? Sore loser, that’s why. His national address, which clearly displayed Dion at his finest, arrived 1 hour late and was out of focus. When President Bush makes an address to the US there’s catchy music, top of the line production and a flashy back drop. You almost expect some dancing girls to pop out behind him. Not here in Canada folks. Instead, Dion resorted to something that resembled that of an amateur youtube video. Nice work. Can we bring back Jean Chretien please?

Enter Jack Layton, leader of the NDP Party and Dion’s new BFF. It appears that Layton is taking the reins on this one, placing Dion in his shadow. At least he speaks English. Just a tip Layton, lose the porn stash.

Next up, the Bloc. Can’t we just give these folks ownership of an island in the arctic archipelago? If they want to separate so badly, why stop them? Aller mes amis. However, don’t think you’ll be leaving with the largest province in the country, placing a hole in the heart of Canada. Put your parkas on and relocate.

Although not officially part of the coalition, the Greenies have expressed their support. I quite like the idea of the Green Party assuming a few seats in the house. These folks aren’t exactly capable of balancing a federal budget, but I think they have a place in parliament in terms of raising awareness on the subject of sustainability and the environment. Go green.

Our PM

During Stephen Harper’s national address, he had the opportunity to level with the Canadian public and focus on what’s best for Canada. However, he blew it by using his prime time TV spot to campaign for his party, and further campaign for his job. He repeatedly says that he want to ‘focus on what’s best for Canadians’, yet he’s not exactly playing by this principle. By the way, where are his PR people? Harper comes across far too stuffy. Just because you’re the leader of the Conservative Party, doesn’t mean you have to dress so conservatively. You’re the Prime Minister for god sake, invest in a nice suit...but not too spanky, we’re in a recession,


Have the conversation

If nothing else, the proposed coalition has sparked dialogue regarding our political system and hopefully inspired people to learn a bit more about proportional representation (myself included). What would be the impact of a coalition government on the Canadian electoral system? Seemingly, a coalition government is a truly proportional representation of the people but can anything really be accomplished? This is what we should be asking ourselves possums.

It also raises the question; is a pluralistic system like we currently have the best option for Canada? Where disproportional seat distribution results from the division of voters into multiple electoral districts, creating a winner takes all system. As one friend put it; “the Conservatives represent 35% of the house, so that means 65% of the votes didn’t count...so why vote?”

Thankfully the Gov General has postponed parliament until the Conservatives present their budget in January. Given the shaky economy, is this really the best time to be experimenting with democracy anyway? After all, it is the holidays. Perhaps our political leaders should kick back and enjoy some rum and eggnog.

Be Frugally Festive

Well hellooooo possums! It’s December (in case you lost track) and the countdown to the big day is on. Tickity tick tick, time to get a move on with your holiday shopping. I know what you’re thinking...gag me with a yule log, but don’t fret just yet. I’ve compiled a list of tips to stay frugal but festive over the holiday season. Fa la la la la...

Do pre-drinks. Has the economic downturn put a damper on your happy hour? Nonsense. No need to blow a wad on a beefy bar bill, invite friends over to have a few pre-drinks before heading to your local lounge.

Stuff your socks. Instead of indulging in big gifts this year, why not buy a few stocking stuffers for each of your loved ones instead? We’re all adults here possums and let’s face it - Santa’s not comin’. Ditch the over priced gifts under the tree, stocking stuffers are so avant-garde.

Spread some Christmas spirit. True, most of us will accumulate more hangovers in this one month then we do in a year but there is more to the holidays than hanging your head in the toilet. Volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen, or host a dinner where all your guests bring a cash donation, nonperishable food item or an unwrapped toy.

Don’t stuff Santa in the mailbox. Instead of spending hours churning out Christmas cards, send a little holiday love online. Conduct your own digital photo shoot, create your own e-card and send it via email to your friends and family. Cost = nothing. Carbon footprint = nada.

Trade spending for sparkle. Looking for a festive activity to share with your ankle biters or significant other? Take a walking tour through some of the city’s most spectacular light displays, with the Urban Cowgirl’s favorite festive places to frolic:

1) The big tree at English Bay (Beach Ave @ Bidwell St)
2) St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope display
3) The courtyard of the Sheraton Wall Centre
4) The green and red sails at Canada Place
5) Harbour Centre Christmas tree
6) The sparkly floating tree in Lost Lagoon

Tis the season to save some dolla bills ya’ll.

Are you dating a Doug?

Just the other day I found myself at the mercy of my local esthetician, getting a much needed mani/pedi combo, when these two gals plopped down in the massage chairs next to me. Having wandered in on my own, I couldn't help but indulge in their neighboring gossip session. Goodie.

As the girls prepped for an afternoon of pampering, I overheard them admiring each others Louis Vuitton bags...which were identical. Gag me with a nail file. They then moved onto a subject matter most commonly overheard in any spa or beauty salon the world over - dating. I guess these gals were so over gossiping about politics and the state of the economy. Ha.

One of them was moaning over her inability to meet Mr. Right and that she was tired of always dating the bad boy. Then I overheard her say, “Why can’t I just date a Doug?” I’m sorry, wha? According to Miss Louis Vuitton to my left, a ‘Doug’ is a nice, stable guy who wears a suit to work. Interesting...I do believe that I am dating this ‘Doug’ that they speak of. My bf is nice, stable and wears a suit to work, however I don’t think this constitutes Mr. Right (although it seems to have in my case).

Ladies - there are plenty of good guys out there. How about Paul the pipe layer, or Dan the mail man or...Ben the baker (I do know a Ben who is a baker, and he’s lovely). Perhaps us gals should stop looking for love based on stereotypes and open our minds a tad. You never know, your prince charming could be installing your cable as we speak.

Until next time possums, I’ll leave you with one of my faves...

Vancouver Votes

As the Vancouver civic election approaches, I find myself riffling through campaign pamphlets in an endeavor to make some informed choices. I received a wonderful little booklet in the mail from the City of Vancouver, which includes individual bios for each of the candidates (obviously self-written). In light of my research, I felt I should share with you...

The Urban Cowgirl’s Favorite Mayoral Candidate Quotes:

Patrick Britten, The Nude Garden Party (very progressive)
“We give freedom of person and society, to learn, evolve, work, play, and love; freedom to triumph beyond conceptions in feardom.”
Feardom? I’m sorry Mr. Nude Horticulturist, there is no such word.

Golok Buday
“...he has joked, Philosophized, managed actors (acting careers), illustrated, painted, auditioned as a child, pamphleteered online, and is (born) from a family of active artists, humanists, and entertainers; also scientists and possible athletes.”
Besides the fact that his photo resembles Che Guevara in full-on revolution mode, I am relieved that he lists ‘joking’ as a qualification. ‘Cause if ya can’t joke people, surely ya can’t be mayor.

Menard Caissy
“Currently, I think Crime Property is down & theft is down significantly since November ’05.”
Thank goodness ‘Crime Property’ is down. Thanks tips. Way to cut and paste a statistic from the city’s website into your bio, very resourceful.

Marc Emery, BC Marijuana Party (he admits to inhaling)
“...introduce a regulated, licensed and controlled distribution of currently black market substances. This will dramatically reduce property crime, gang violence & killings, prostitution...”
Yep, yes it would. The Hells Angels are not going to like this one bit.

Mike Hansen
“As mayor of Vancouver I will bring the city into the 21st century.”
Funny, that works out because I’m pretty sure we were headed there anyway, no?

Joe Hatoum
“Hello fellow CITIZENS, & CANDIDATES; VANCOUVER is STILL POLLUTING the OCEAN with TOXIC SEWAGE - 780 million liters a day!!!”
Ok JOE! You DON’T have to YELL!

Angel Jimenez
“IF I’M ELECTED MAYOR I WILL ORDER the Vancouver Police Department to open its files of proven cases of misconduct by the members of the force.”
WE HAVE ANOTHER YELLER FOLKS. Hidden agenda par chance?

Leon Kaplan
“born in Rio......in 1989 moved to Canada and founded the Storefront Paper. Since then I’ve been running storefronts - things immigrants with PhDs do.”
Yikes, someone’s bitter. Why not open a Brazilian BBQ restaurant? We could use more of those...

Betty Krawczyk, Work Less Party (i fully support the formation of this ‘party’)
“...I am very worried about the future, both the immediate future and the long term future.”
Krawczyk also mentions that she is 80 years old. Not sure you should bank on the ‘long term future’ sista.

Jeff Kuah
“...advocate and champion for the rights of crime victims, student rights and human rights.”
Can’t argue with him there, however shouldn’t the mayor be more concerned with the lack of parking on my street or tax credits for self-employed bloggers?

Peter Ladner, Non Partisan Association
“...two-term city councillor...Vice-Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board...member of the Translink Board...35 years experience in public service...founding the award-winning Business in Vancouver weekly newspaper...avid commuter cyclist.”
Shall I go on? Nothing cheeky to report here possums.

R.H. Maxwell N Bur (how exotic)
“No Gay Parade No IOC Legalize Prostitution Large Business close Sunday There will be no Illegal Drugs in Vancouver”
I’m sorry, wha? The city actually allowed that to go to print? Freedom of speech sure walks a fine line with freedom of lunacy. At least he gives a shout out to the hookers.

Bill Ritchie
“Grassroots priorities from a working class grassroots background.”
I’m definitely going to take a grassroots approach to my voting process and somehow skip Ritchie on the ballot, given I’ll be pre occupied being grassroots.

Gregor Robertson, Vision Vancouver
“...Vancouver’s Mayor’s Environmental Award (2003), and the Ethics in Action Award (2004)...Top 40 Under 40 in the Globe and Mail in 2004...was elected MLA for Vancouver-Fairview.”
Despite the accolades above, have a peek at a previous post featuring Robertson. Wasn’t he recently charged with failing to pay his transit fare?

Scott Yee
”I want to build a public housing system.”
Yee provides a formula for this, however it numbed my skull trying to make sense of it so I’ll save you the migraine.

The above quotes were taken verbatim from the City of Vancouver’s Voters Guide. I kid you not possums.

VANCOUVER VOTES SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15