We have a custom on the wee island - or at least the wee islanders do. If you have ever passed a person on the street and at least nodded to him / her, then it seems expected that you will go to the wake and funeral when that person passes away. I assume it is a point of respect.
Recently a colleague died suddenly. His wife passed away last year and his remaining family consist of 2 children (whom I do not know) and assorted siblings (whom I do not know). I was feeling guilty that I could not make the two hour commitment to go to the wake, when a friend commented - “why are you feeling guilty? You do not know the grieving family, they do not know you - do you feel the need to go and look at *.* dead in his coffin?”
It occurs to me that the wee islanders or more concerned with ‘being seen’ at the event - rather than being there in support of the grieving family. Next event you go to, watch the people in the line. You tell me.
Premier Monday, February 24, 2003
Since 1851 we have had 43 different premiers on PEI. 24 were Liberal. I would have guessed more.
Until 1924, automobiles drove on the left side of the road on PEI.
Car commercial Monday, February 24, 2003
I have heard there is a commercial running somewhere in the world for cars driving themselves around shopping for people. LOL
Friends Sunday, February 23, 2003
Another friend has decided to leave our corner of paradise for opportunities elsewhere. While I am happy for he and his family, it makes me sad. Two friends who have enriched my island experience have left over the past year. This sux.
Instant replay Sunday, February 23, 2003
This is a must read. If you have not read Lou’s comments I encourage you to do so. If you have, read it again!
http://www.quillio.com/
[B]A must read[/B]
(snip....)Employers, too, insist they want motivated, out-of-the-box thinkers. Does that seem true where you work? Granted, it’s never a good idea to show-up the boss and only a fool would do so purposely. But if the boss surrounded himself with as many brilliant underlings are he claims to want, wouldn’t’t he get shown-up by accident on a routine basis, calling his own value into question too often for comfort? Smart, ego-less leadership is ideal, but it’s also damned rare. (snip......)
I’m Baaaaaaack! Friday, February 21, 2003
I’m back on the Island for 4 fun-filled holiday weeks. What did you do with all your snow? (I heard you sold it to the Newfoundlanders.)
ghizoid Friday, February 21, 2003
It the best of times. It is the worst of times: Like when you score a glass of orange juice and you’ve just brushed your teeth. ....and so the race begins.
Word for today Friday, February 21, 2003
”Puerile” is such an interesting word.
Newf will be touched! Thursday, February 20, 2003
Today’s news:
“CHARLOTTETOWN – Phones at the Red Cross office in Charlottetown have been ringing off the hook with offers to help the flood-stricken residents of Badger, Newfoundland. Some Newfoundlanders currently living on this island are also planning ways to raise funds to help people back home. Wally Morrison, who is with the Red Cross in Charlottetown, says more than $500 was raised on P.E.I. in the 24-hours after a call went out for help.”
Could this news as easily been headlined “PEI Largely Ignores Neighbour’s Crisis”? Self-aggrandizement is an embarassing habit of Island culture.