Are you there Spring? It's me, Michelle.

Dear Spring,

I know in the past that I've complained and even cursed your sticky, dirty mud that covers the kid’s shoes, jackets, and occasionally hair, but can't we PLEASE put that behind us? Please?

These past few years I've been hard on you Spring, and I'm ashamed to admit it. I have a new appreciation of you after living through this long, cold, snow covered winter. I can't wait for you to arrive so I can open the windows and feel your cool breeze flow through the house. Or to hang out laundry on your beautiful (yet still cool) sunny days and not have it freeze solid. My back will thank you when I no longer need to carry 40 pound bags of wood pellets into the house. I can't wait to be able to take out my bike, my golf clubs, my sneakers......oh Spring, how I long for you.

I know that you're as anxious as I am to arrive. I've caught a glimpse of you a couple of times. This past week I was able to drive up the driveway without silently praying or cursing for the first time in months. Just the other day I spotted some of your sweet little buds on the trees in the yard.

Don't be afraid Spring, this year I promise to take advantage of every cool, sweet day that you are willing to give me. I will drink my morning coffee on my deck, even if I have to wear my winter coat as long as I don't have to look at the dirty mountains of snow in the yard and worry if more will come. I will ride my bike over the pot holes on the road and not complain because I'll be thankful that you melted the snow. I will silently thank you every time I tee off on the first hole...and every hole after if you'd just show yourself to me.

There's something in it for you too, Spring. This year, more than any other, people will be thrilled to see you. They are sick of shoveling, sick of cold weather, and are anxiously awaiting your arrival. March came in like a lion, so can you help us out and let it go out like a lamb?

Signed,

Michelle Symes

Just when you think life really sucks......

Hi All,

Well, where to begin. Let's see. When my husband goes to work, it takes a good week for me to come down off my pins and needles. Let's just say that if a crisis is going to happen with the house, car, kids, etc., chances are it'll happen when he's at work. Case and point, the septic system flooded THE DAY HE WENT TO WORK! He had been in HRM about an hour when it started. If the kids are sick, 9 times out of 10, he is at work.

I guess I was starting to let my guard down as I kicked back to watch Survivor Thursday night. My husband had been at work since Saturday, and so far so good. Until I heard the sound that could wake me out of the deadest of sleeps. The bed puke. This time it was my daughter, and it continued for 28 hours straight, and off and on until Saturday sometime. The lack of sleep, laundry, and disinfecting was going at a rapid pace around here all weekend, and is continuing even now. By the way, who got voted off Survivor?

Saturday, my oldest son went for a sleepover at one of his closest friends houses, Samuel. These guys have been really close since we moved here and it's not hard to see why. They both have a very laid back personalities, and really have a great time together. My son often says that Samuel is the nicest kid he knows, and I really can't argue, he really is such a sweetie. Sunday morning, I get a call from Samuel's parents that my son had been struck with a golf club (by Samuel)and had a nosebleed, might need stitches and I could meet them at the hospital. Total panic in my house. First, I have just gotten out of the shower, my hair is still in a towel, Pukey McBarf is still queasy, and my other son isn't even dressed! What next?!? I called my parents and asked them to meet us at the hospital, told them the bbq I planned for us that afternoon was now cancelled, and could they take care of the other two while we waited who knows how long to get my son taken care of at the hospital. Without a seconds hesitation, they were on their way, with my Aunt Cella in tow.

When we arrive at the hospital, I don't know who to console more, my son, who eventually needed 4 stitches to close his face, or his little buddy Samuel, who was crying way harder than my son.

My parents and Aunt arrived, took the other two kids to our place, and Samuel and his Mom Brenda stayed through the X Rays- nothing broken - the stitches -4 total- plus some steri strips. Meanwhile, my friend and neighbour Jody had stopped by the house when she heard what happened (news travels fast on Boularderie Island!) and said she would take the only healthy child I had left to his banquet at 5:00. Boy I can't wait for my husband to get back home!

As I thought about what a crappy looong weekend I had lastnight, something occurred to me. When I needed help, my family, neighbours and friends were there without a moment's hesitation. My Mom was almost late for work, my parents and Aunt had boiled hot dogs for lunch instead of yummy bbq, Brenda and Samuel stayed at the hospital with me the whole time and helped ease the tension of the situation (I am so not good with needles!), Jody picked up my other son to take him to the banquet. How lucky are we to be surrounded by so much love and support? This is exactly why we love living here in Boularderie.

Thank you Mom and Dad, Aunt Cella, my daughter and other son, Brenda and Samuel and Jody. I really appreciate everything.

I guess just when you think life really sucks, you find out just how lucky you are.

Until next time,

Michelle

NIMBY WIMBY

Hi All,

If you haven't read the article about NIMBY in the Chronicle Herald, here's the link so you know what I'm talking about. http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/Search/1042669.html

Now here's what I think. I have a severe case of NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) and I'm not ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to admit it. The plain and simple fact is that I am opposed to strip mining on Boularderie Island for several reasons, the main one being that it directly affects my family. I can honestly say that if I still lived in HRM, I would have never protested against strip mining on Boularderie Island for the simple fact that it wouldn't DIRECTLY affect my family, my neighbours, and my community. Strip mining puts our water supply at risk, devastates the beauty of this island, and could possibly affect the health of my family. Why should I just sit by and let this happen?

If you think about it, don't we ALL have NIMBY, at least from time to time? We all are more concerned about local issues that directly affect us than issues that are further removed. I am sure that I do not have a case of CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything). There are many things that I don't agree with or support but I don't actively oppose. There are many things that I also silently support, like the seal hunt, which I am sure is a shock to some people.

For example, I think that people from Bridgewater (that's only an example, I have nothing against the people of Bridgewater) would not be able to point to Boularderie Island on a map, let alone tell you of any local concerns or issues, or for that matter, events taking place. And with the exception that many people on Boularderie Island would know where Bridgewater is, the same can probably be said of Boularderie residents knowing the local Bridgewater news.

I also have a case of WIMBY (Want It In My Backyard). WIMBY causes me to help make positive changes in my community. This case of WIMBY causes my family to participate in local clean up efforts, volunteer in local schools and participate in and support local events.

Change begins at home and almost nothing would get done in a small community without the efforts of its citizens supporting it, or in some cases, opposing it. If local people don't stand up and express their thoughts and opinions on what takes place in their own communities, who will do it for them?

That's why I am not ashamed, embarrassed or afraid to admit that I have a case of NIMBY and a case of WIMBY.

Until next time,

Michelle