I love Spring!

The weight of the oppressive cold has been lifted,
I feel like I can breathe again.
The birds are singing a sweet melody,
I want to join in their chorus.
The tulip plants, though not budding, are green,
Giving hope for new beginnings.
It's easy to believe that Summer is around the corner,
First I want to take in the Spring air.

Rights

It's been 94 years since women were given the right to vote in the province of Manitoba. I didn't know we were the first province to give women that right. 2 years later women were given the right to vote across Canada in federal elections. That's not that long ago. We've come a long way with Women's rights since then. I'm very thankful for my right to vote, to own land, to have an education, and basically do whatever I want. I can't imagine living in a place that restricted my choices because of my gender. I have absolutely no idea what oppression or discrimination feels like.

It was only in 1960 that Aboriginal people of Canada were given the right to vote in federal elections. That's only 50 years ago, and the wounds from oppression are still evident in our society. How long will it take to achieve a society that is free from discrimination? Is it even possible?

2085

My grandparents have had their share of health problems in the past couple of years, and every year they say they never expected to live this long. My grandpa is 90 and my grandma is 85 and they are still independent and living on their own. I think it's so great, and they really are so cute together. At our Christmas gathering (which happened to be on New Year's Day) I heard my grandpa say to my grandma, "Wow, 2011, I didn't think I'd ever live to see this year. Did you think we'd make it this long?" and my grandma said, "No". It was really cute. My grandma also shared some memories about her childhood Christmas's. Things were so different back then. And it got me to thinking about what life might be like if I live to be 100. I don't ever want to get that old, but what if I do. I'll tell my grandchildren about facebook, ipods and cellphones and they'll laugh and say "face-WHAT?!?" and I'll shake my head and say, "Those were the days." Then they'll fly off to the moon where they now live because it's the latest thing to do.