Narrow-Minded Thinking and Power of the Internet

Well I guess this "small-time" girl with big ambition and drive had a wake-up call this morning. It's funny how one can think about things that they THINK they're going to blog about and then in one instant whether an action, call or thought can change all this.

In keeping with my "empowerment" I originally wanted to write to you about my nutrition plan and what steps I took to get into being a healthier me and that it wasn't about the "d" word (diet) but a chosen lifestyle. I think I will save this thought for another day.

Why? Because something "bigger than life" happened to me and I had an epiphany. I was asking myself "why blog?" Do I even have an audience or am I just typing words into thin air and what would make anyone in the world want to read my blogs over hundreds upon thousands others. What do I bring to the table? I'm just one person in this City just North of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. So out of curiosity I checked stats which I had never done before. I was amazed. To the readers that hail from my home Country of Canada that have freedoms, I thank you. For those that are reading from Italy, Australia, United Kingdom, Alaska, US, Poland, India, Ukraine, Russia and Philippines, a HUGE thank you and I hope that across the miles, you are finding some enlightenment, hope, humour and support from reading this.

So in knowing this, I feel a sense of responsibility and honoured with the opportunity of offering support and showing that everyone has the right to be free; a right to be empowered and know that whatever situation you're in there's hope. That no matter what challenges you face every day that the same patterns do not have to be repeated and no one ever has the power to tell you how to think because you are the only one responsible for your thoughts. For anyone reading this that is facing abuse whether physical or verbal or living in a Country where women are not treated as "persons" or facing persecution for even "looking at a man" and accusations of being unfaithful, I pray for you.

For those people that offer hope and support for these women and it sometimes feels like a "thankless" job (or volunteer work), keep on making a difference. For those that put their lives in danger to help people, thanks for making a difference. This world must be made a better place and we all need to reach out to each other whether in word or other actions, we have to make a difference. No one, whether female or male, should ever feel they're worthless or inferior. We truly need to watch our words and keep negative thoughts out of our minds and hearts and speak words of encouragement, love and support. We must always "pay it forward" and even if it doesn't feel like what we're saying or doing isn't making a difference, we have to believe IT IS touching the lives of at least one person.

I am truly honoured and humbled and no longer shall I be "narrow-minded" and think I'm writing in a cocoon. I trust these words find you well. Continue to look for strength and you can make any changes. Put yourself first. In the words of MJ and friends: "We are the world, we are the children; We are the ones who make a brighter day so lets start giving. There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives, its true we'll make a better day....Just you and me"

Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"

Are You A Fighter?

The heading is not what you think. Not fighting in the arguing, physical sense but a fighter?
First of all, before I jump into my blog, it's not really going to be a daily thing. It will be when time permits and also when I feel that I have a relevant thought or point. Don't get me wrong, I have relevant thoughts all the time but sometimes not so much in the "sharing publicly" and posting kind of way.

My passion is empowerment and women's rights on all accounts. My common-law husband makes cracks (not in a mean-spirited way) about my feminism and for years I shied away from being called a feminist. I didn't feel that I was doing some "all women - girl power" extreme and didn't want to antagonize any men that I have a great friendship and collaboration with but when I explore the definition of the word it is about empowerment and women's strength. In that, there's no shame. Women exude strength and have to endure so much responsibility. Don't get me wrong as there are fabulous men out there who can be great partners and share this responsibility but in the end, you know it's the women that are the one's to wear all the hats: mother, nurse, taxi driver, cook, cleaner, teacher, wife, employee, business owner, and the list goes on. If a single mother and no support, that list just grows.

My questions are: balance - how do we find it? When do we crack? When do we have time to crack? I guess this is up to the individual and truly is a time management thing. It is important to take time out of our day, even if for just two minutes to exhale and have a drink of your favourite beverage. So if you have to fight for that time, so-be-it!

Okay, I got off topic a little. The above kind of ties in but not the bulk of what carries my thoughts today. Am I fighter? In most cases, I pride myself on being that and would like to say yes. However, I have a confession. I have not lived up to my responsibilities or privileges. I am reminded by the video below just how much other women before me had to FIGHT for the right for equality to be called and regarded as a "person". They had to fight for the right to vote so that it would allow me the opportunities today to have a voice. If you can, minimize the video and listen to it as you carry on with other work. It's a really great listen.

How have I failed? I don't vote. I remember the excitement I felt at turning 18 and the right to vote. For years I faithfully did my duty only to see the politicians that were voted into office totally turn their backs on any campaign promises and what seemed to be self-fulfilling. I realize it's not possible to please every single person in the Municipality, Province or Country. (I'm sure that I will face criticism for my post but this is my personal opinion in which I am totally entitled to. I'm sure others may agree even when others may not.)

How do you choose? What do you do when you've lost faith in the people that don't do what they say they're going to do? People are people and there's human error or miscommunication. What if you know the person on a personal level and just can't get past their history or people they're associated with? There's some sort of lack of trust and you question what people's motivations are. Are they good intentioned and well-meaning? Do you befriend them anyway because "it's the political thing" to do and may need to call in "favours"? That's pretty shallow isn't it but also how the world runs right? Not what you know but who you know right? Why can we not change that? Do we just have to keep accepting it and shrug our shoulders in defeat that "that's just the way things are done"? Isn't your name your reputation? What do you want to put your name to? I'm glad I'm not American in the fact that I have to "register" and be a loyal and faithful Democrat or Republican. To be loyal to that no matter who the person is? At least we have a choice here in Canada in voting Liberal, Progressive Conservative, etc. (Ok, I don't exactly recall how US Politics works and would never profess to but I've seen many friends wear their Political stance and pride on their shoulders which has caused many an argument at parties if politics is discussed).

Sure, in some cases it's not the political person's fault when they have to have other members vote and agree but if the general population does not agree, why are "we, the people" not heard? Prime example? Look at the implementation of the HST and other things. Politics, in my opinion, is basically about who's the most popular and do people truly have our best interests at heart? I had the opportunity of working in Government and you had to shake so many hands, keep a smile on your face and be fake. I just couldn't do it. I wear my heart on my sleeve and though I'm not Simon Cowell, I have no problem expressing how I feel. (This is also another reason why sometimes I need to type and keep drafts instead of uploading the blogs right away..LOL).

So, the video below reminds me to be grateful. Women before us fought really hard. Should I still vote knowing how I feel? I don't want these women's actions to be in vain and know I need to be a fighter in all aspects of life. Other Countries are at war to have this right and fight to even have the opportunity or be heard!

I honestly don't know. This is a struggle that I will have to overcome but appreciate your comments and insight.

Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to "Empower yourself and inspire change in others"

Charity Drive – To Benefit the Local Women & Children’s Shelter

Charity Drive – To Benefit the Local Women & Children's Shelter

This is how you can best help the Women and Children presently living in the shelter, or those who have left the shelter to begin life as a family, free from abuse? Sometimes the hardest step is taking that first one to leave, with nothing and having to start over. It's the first step in the right direction…

The Women's Shelter is a non-profit organization. Shannon Murree of RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc, Brokerage is organizing a Charity Drive and need your help!

Below are some items that are truly needed.

You may think of others, feel free to donate whatever you can.

For The Women:
Gift certificates (groceries, WalMart - these do not expire.)
Pajamas, nightgowns, robes, slippers, socks, and underwear- all sizes
Small household items-dishes, cutlery, pots & pans, coffee makers, toasters, cooking utensils, baking pans/sheets
Bus passes and phone cards are very much needed
Notepads, address books, day timers and books for journaling
Toiletries – deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, perfume or gift packs

For The Children:

Teen boy, teen girl and infant gifts are especially needed

Notepads, books for journaling
Gift certificates from music stores, theatres, restaurants, sports Centres, clothing stores and WalMart
Bus passes and phone cards (quite often this is required for safety)


For The Shelter:
Sugar, tea, hot chocolate, juice, bottled water
School lunch items (drinking boxes, snack foods, health bars etc, puddings, fruit cups etc.)
Meat - pork, beef, chicken etc. (or grocery gift certificate/gift cards)
Juice, canned vegetables and fruit, cereal, pasta sauces, canned pasta, condiments, (mustard, relish, ketchup, pickles)
jams, jellies, baking items
Diapers, (size 4,5,6) baby wipes, baby monitors
Gift certificates to purchase formula ie. Shoppers Drug Mart or WalMart
Blankets and/or Single Bed Sheets
Clock radio's, hair dryers, curling irons, hairbrushes, combs
Shampoo, hair conditioner, mousse/gel, hair accessories, toothpaste, handsoap
Kleenexes, towels/ face cloths, bath mats
Wrapping paper, tags, tape, gift bags

Anything, is appreciated and whatever you can afford to offer can be used.
These women have made a difficult choice and starting with nothing.
**ALSO ACCEPTING**
GENTLY USED, NEWISH LOOKING WINTER COATS/MITTS & BOOTS
HAVE YOUR CHILDREN GROWN OUT OF THEM? PLEASE BRING THEM BY!

**deadline is Saturday, December 5^th, 2009**

Drop off donations at one of the following RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc, Brokerage locations at:
152 Bayfield Street or 12 Fairview Rd (Barrie),
2 Summerset (Angus),
1070 Innisfil Beach Rd (Innisfil)

If you prefer a cheque, financial donation or gift card, please contact me (Shannon Murree 722-7100) to arrange pick up as we do not want this dropped off at the Remax office

(If you're out of these areas, please contact your local shelter and help to make a difference please.)
Thank you!

Shannon P Murree

Buyer Representative REMAX Chay Realty Inc, Brokerage 152 Bayfield St, Barrie, Ontario Phone: (705) 722-7100 or (416) 362-7100

An Open Letter - Dear Grandma

****Empowering Women, Inspiring Change****

Dear Grandma,

I usually don't cry. I mean, I will tear and sensitive to some things but otherwise don't. Why am I tearing as I eat a cream cheese and lettuce sandwich?

Why, because I remember as a little girl you'd make it for me. You introduced me to it and said to keep an open mind and I'd like it. You were right. I LOVED it. Then you'd change it up sometimes and put cucumbers instead of lettuce. Funny thing as I got older and tried to duplicate it I'd say "Granny, why can't I ever make them as good as yours"? "That's because I'd use pineapple cream cheese and you use plain", you'd respond. I always disagreed with you on that point (I should know better than that) but only because it was the 70's and the company wasn't creative enough to make the flavour stuff like they do now did they? Besides, I don't really like pineapple too much because I find it too sweet. Hmm...I don't remember the sandwiches tasting sweet.

Anyway, what's the reason for this post? I don't have a valid one. Don't need one. I was just thinking of you and I just wanted to let you know. No matter how busy I was, or wasn't, I used to be able to pick up the phone for no reason at all and say "hi granny, everything's ok...I just wanted to say hi". Then we'd exchange the "I love you's" and "bye" and that's all we needed to get each other through the day. You always told me I was your favourite grand daughter (even though you'd always remind me that you're not supposed to say that as a grand-mother because it'd make the other grandchildren jealous). Regardless, you always reminded me how special I was, how gifted I was, and how much I meant to you as a grand-daughter because I took that second, if only out of my day to call for no reason and say hello....just because I was thinking of you and "because we could".

Well, sadly, you passed away a few years ago and I can't do that anymore....at least in person. So this will have to do..

On behalf of achieving my goal to implement and establish YES I CAN by "Empowering Women, Inspiring Change"...thank you. Thank you for being an example of strength and being a huge part of teaching me the core values that a woman can be a woman, can be a boss, can be a wife, mother and be independent but it doesn't make her b* and it doesn't mean she loves anyone else any less. And it doesn't mean she's sacrificing anything or some radical feminist (though there's nothing wrong with that if you are). And most importantly, if someone thinks of you as a b*, or being selfish then to heck with them because they're not in your shoes, step in your footprints or live your life so they can just mind their own business! (And that's cleaning up what you really would have said because you were very direct and not afraid to say what really was on your mind) ;)

Now, for a woman of your age that grew up in a different time and era, I applaud you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for literally being my second mom. I will always and forever hold the memories I have of you in my heart and so grateful that I was blessed to have you in my life. Thank you also for saving me from that one particular situation where it probably would have cost me my life.

I love you Granny, Dorothy Pearl Parr and proudly display my middle name Pearl and passed onto my daughter for her middle name as well. I love you more than words can ever express. I will not say that I miss you because you are and will always be a part of me. So I'm just calling out to let you know that I'm thinking of you today and just wanted to say hi....

Forever yours,

your grand-daughter,

Shannon Pearl Murree

xo

Ballroom Blitz - My Time to Volunteer Again!

****Empowering Women, Inspiring Change****

Well I can't believe this is the third year for the "Ballroom Blitz". I had been asked by Robin to coordinate volunteers again for this wonderful program.

We have a dress drive and collect brand new or gently used Prom Dresses for girls that are less fortunate otherwise. Costs for one night of prom and graduating can be quite costly and those girls that work very hard, financially challenged family...miss out.

I could reinvent the wheel by retyping my thoughts on this, why I believe in it so strongly and why I volunteer my time and $....but I'll sum it up by an interview I just recently gave. If you can...please donate today...whether your time, cash donations or a dress will make a difference.

*******my interview******

I like the opportunity of giving back to young girls and my community.

My mom was a single mom and tried her best to give me every opportunity I could. Unfortunately, we didn't have things like this and I didn't go to my prom.

I'm proud to be part of something like because I can watch it from it's infancy period and grow. I'm amazed at the growth, success and increase in awareness and donations in the last three years alone. I'm grateful to be part of it and coordinate the volunteers. I look forward to see how big the Ballroom Blitz organization is in 10 years even!

Actually, it's sad that parents and families are in the financial situation they are and that there's the need for Ballroom Blitz at all. However, the girl's work hard and every girl, no matter what financial background deserve to celebrate their successes and probably have to work even harder to get there. They should be able to enjoy that one special night and not be segregated. They deserve it as much as anyone else...if not more for the challenges they face. I just hope they remember and give back and the "pay it forward" system. All good things come back around.

I realize we're not saving the world but we're changing one. We're giving back and ensuring the girls know they're special and deserve to be princesses for more than just a day. I hope this empowers them as they enter College, University or the work force.

Sincerely,
Shannon P Murree, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc, Brokerage
Office/Pager: (705) 722-7100
Toronto#: (416) 362-7100
Fax: (705) 722-5246
**It's Not Just Buildings, It's Building Relationships**
*not intended to solicit anyone with written Agency Agreements
Keep up to date on listings! Check out my website at MovingSimcoe.com
Oh, by the way…If you know of someone who is thinking of buying or selling a home and would appreciate the kind of service I offer, I’d love to help them. So, as these people come to mind, please call or email their name and number or pass on my business card. I’ll be happy to follow up and tend to their needs.