I will be a better Dad

April 6, 11 //

There is a dad and older son (18-20?) behind me on the train. The dad has had a running commentary on everything that is happening – especially going by boats, when the train slows down, now we're going over another old bridge, etc. It's quiet and unobtrusive but I thought it interesting they were taking a trip together. Coming back to my seat I see the son has Downs syndrome. It's very, very sweet. A family with a Downs child once said it's like an 8 year old that never grew up. I can see how they say it's so special when they are in your life, challenges and all. I treasure my time with my 8 year old, it's been a blast so far. That and the dads obvious love for him by constantly talking to him about things, explaining things, showing them to him.

I will be a better dad

Official Opinion #82273: Taking the train instead of planes rocks, despite the extra travel time

April 5, 11 //

I'm thinking of domestically grounding myself for good. How long does it take to get across the country by train?

Shipping containers to be Vancouver housing – British Columbia – CBC News

April 4, 11 //

via cbc.ca

Wow, I’m actually impressed that Vancouver is willing to try this. It just didn’t seem like the kind of thing our somewhat staid-when-it-comes-to-housing city would be willing to try. Kudos to the Atira Women’s Resources Society for proposing it, and for the city for approving it

Growing up

April 4, 11 //

We gave our oldest his first email account today, monitored of course and only shared with family members. We traded our first emails and it was an interesting chapter for me – the first time I signed an email "Dad" and also interesting to see how he crafts his email, how he signs off. It was another step towards his expanding world, and for me, more insights into him (albeit small at this point) and how he views the world.

Pretty weird too – I got my first real email account in 1990, a little over 20 years ago. And now the torch is passed