A year ago, my eldest daughter, two sons and I marched at the Provincial Legislature and now my Eldest Daughter is a City Councillor. And we are all so proud of her !
The amount of research, preparation of videos, contact via social media and door knocking that was done ! Our family took turns door knocking with the candidate, even the youngest at 7 years old ! She listened to the concerns of the residents and used them as she formulated her platform. Fortunately most of the candidates worked well together, were positive and communicated well with each other. Because of her personality, hard work and dedication, she not only has supporters, but has made some good friends[ even with a defeated candidate ! ] The candidate that broke rules-- he was not elected. The candidate that had done no homework but came across as a good guy who jokes, - he was not elected, the incumbent who falsely accused other candidates- he was not elected.
The first thing Council did was to change alderman to Councillor. It was quick. - new signage and papers were needed for the new members so the cost to the city was negligible . Now in Red Neck country, people are still making snide remarks that the women made it THE election focus, stupid feminists , that it cost the City a bundle, etc. All untrue, but how they love to get onto local chat groups to complain and spout lies. Admin and members of a local chat group believe that the city council are accountable to them - a very small group of posters, many who do not even live in the city. It has been an interesting lesson in society being a member of this particular group ! What they haven't realized that council members have opted out of the group because even though they are presented with facts, they chose to ignore them and make disparaging remarks !
I am also astounded by the women who do not understand what feminism has been and is about. They need to read what rights their grandmothers [ and before] did not have. They need to understand how those who have gone before fought for what they, as 21st women have today. Ignorant, many through biblical beliefs.
I took the day off after the election and ED, ES Hubby and I took down election signs ! Each candidate, winner or loser took down all signs and then brought them to a central place where they were organized and ready for pick up ! Since then this council has trained with lawyers, city admin, engineers. Committees were chosen and homework done ! MY councillor is on the three largest committees because of her education and experience in all three levels of government. Funny thing-- one of the largest committees she is on is the Edmonton Metro Council. The Mayor of Edmonton congratulated her for so quickly becoming a Councillor ! LOL Her university for whom she works is behind her all the way and the President of the U has said how proud they are of her. All good things.
Other than that , our ordinary life is just motoring along. We pick up two grandchildren every day from school. My job is to have enough snacks for them as they are always starved ! ED took YS EGS and me to the Winspear to hear Harry Potter for our birthdays. She took me to the Jubilee to hear Amadeus which was absolutely wonderful. Then as a thank you for all the work we did on her campaign, we have been going to hockey games ! Only ES and YGS had a winning hockey game but of course we enjoyed the game !! YS and Hubby [ who has already been to one] go later on this year ! What a wonderful thank you !
Christmas was lovely. The younger generation all went to the Waterpark before we all met up at YD's house. Of course YGS's other grandparents were invited and they seem to enjoy themselves. I guess they are becoming more and more comfortable with us. Funny thing. They have this old family friend who has been in the hospital and several times was expected to die. However she has rallied. Now, she is leaving YGS money in her will !!! All this money [ no idea how much or how little] would have gone to YGS's biological mother ! Haha
I came down with a cold on Boxing Day and slept most of the holidays. Most of our staff was sick. It looks like our ELI program is good to go next year. Can I do another year ?
Today I am making some ham and lentil soup with any veggie I can find to add in. I ran out of wool for the poncho I was making, even though I bought the amount required. I've knit it twice and make rip it out to do it one more time . I've been cutting out hexagons and will make another quilt to use up some more bits and pieces. It may be the weather or lack of sunshine, but I have had a hard time obviating myself to get anything done. No oomph ! This morning I cleaned out the medicine cabinet in one bathroom and may make my way upstairs to do the other one. We'll see.
