tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456671667801994812011-11-22T19:37:45.535-08:00... exercises in miserly minimalismChrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.comBlogger1291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-79759018011068316292011-06-27T16:22:00.000-07:002011-06-27T16:27:44.704-07:00

At last, Ocean found a new home dubbed "Ocean's Burrow". On the first floor of a low rental unit, it's easily accessible to town for shopping, medical services and is next door to a lovely park. It took great courage for Ocean to ask her friends for help. She was trusting enough to walk out of the old place and leave the entire job for us. We packed everything, arranged a truck with two

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-40648964666292439482011-06-14T17:27:00.000-07:002011-06-14T17:37:15.447-07:00

Further to this, euthanasia will not be necessary even if the good people at Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue (LCAR), Lori and others working to help are unable to find Kiltie a home by June 24th. Lori, who is a board member, tells me that the LCAR has a no-euthanasia policy. Unless the cat's health warrants it, euthanasia is never considered. Therefore, Kiltie should have as long a life as her

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-39152051897521429302011-06-13T13:18:00.000-07:002011-06-13T14:42:46.010-07:00

Received this email from Lori regarding Kiltie: Hi Ocean, I hope this letter finds you well. I know you are preparing to move, and I send my best wishes your way. I am sorry to have to tell you this, as I never like to cause worry and stress, but Kiltie has had to go back to the vet twice in the past week. She stopped eating and had a fever. Her saliva pocket also filled up. She is terrified

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-87287247065437807832011-06-04T14:28:00.000-07:002011-06-04T14:28:50.036-07:00

For this move and the last one, I have needed others to do the move for me. In 2002, my back wasn't so bad, but I was a few months into what would be a prolonged major breakdown (it lasted until early 2005). Back then, most of the packing I could and did do myself; and all of the cleaning. Organization I needed help with. My mind was falling apart. Back then, I had more stuff; hard-cover and

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-21722506725489878962011-06-04T12:35:00.000-07:002011-06-05T13:55:06.599-07:00

The phantom limb is a common phenomenon experienced by amputees. Despite a limb or organ having been removed, an amputee's brain will maintain its mapping to that body part and keep sending signals, seemingly from that limb or organ, until the brain learns to unmap it. I have a phantom Kiltie. Before Kiltie left, whenever I would lie down to rest or sleep, Kiltie would jump onto the bed, then

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-43625630785941707862011-06-04T11:10:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:56:42.399-07:00

Kiltie has gone. She went to her new home with Lori at 4pm last Friday, May 27th; and she is adjusting well. When I visited Lori at her office Monday morning to deliver Kiltie's drinking bowl, which I'd forgotten, she told me that whenever she enters "Kiltie's room," my wee girl begins to purr and doesn't stop throughout Lori's visit. She winds and rubs herself through and about Lori's legs and

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-69183404307757967572011-05-16T12:21:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:56:42.403-07:00

One forever home belongs to Kiltie; the other to her human. Two bits of good news... Last Tuesday afternoon, I'd made a heartbreaking appointment with the vet to arrange euthanizing my beautiful, loveable, 11-year-old companion, Kiltie. Kiltie had saved my life too many times to count. Just by being there and needing my care, she had prevented my following through on my suicidal thoughts. I

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-19193338715097941822011-05-03T11:34:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:57:29.802-07:00

Am in the process of applying for local low-income seniors housing and prospects are good that accommodation will be available sooner rather than later. It means that Kiltie and I must part, which breaks my heart; but the situation in this building has so deteriorated that it's no longer just about my needs but hers. Over the past two years, as old tenants have vacated the premises, new tenants

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-10705895687672060502011-02-07T11:03:00.000-08:002011-02-07T13:51:34.452-08:00

The headline of the Globe and Mail article asks the question, Why Not a Metered Internet? The argument that follows defends the big telecoms in terms of market forces: for example, the cost of infrastructure building. Here's a different answer to the question: with a metered Internet we would have another case of them that haves and them that don't. We already have a growing economic

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-88520053237133803692011-02-01T14:23:00.000-08:002011-02-01T17:36:31.714-08:00

It leaves me shaking, the bills to maintain my health; even in a province whose Pharmacare is supposed to cover people who live in very low income households; because, of course, Pharmacare doesn't cover DENTAL care. Even people on welfare, I am told, only have tooth extraction covered; no fillings, no maintenance to preserve their teeth. And so welfare recipients' overall health that good

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-18693439296686562082011-01-20T22:00:00.000-08:002011-01-22T07:40:21.128-08:00

So ya may (or may not) wanna know about my eating habits lately... I'm right into a RAW VEGAN DIET which began in July 2009, moving along from vegan to raw vegan. Not such a leap as I thought, initially. The recipes took some getting used to. I shopped at Church Bazaars, garage sales and second hand stores to find 'new' appliances needed in my kitchen. At first, I was gritting my teeth with

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-39490529786413186622011-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:002011-01-13T08:03:34.496-08:00

Well, not quite anyone. If you've not a patch of land or a balcony or suitable space indoors for growing pots (not to mention the required additional equipment), then you're out of luck. But otherwise, yea, anyone can grow shit themselves, as Ms Broke-Ass Grouch makes so eloquently clear in this fantastic article. Here's a snippet: Listen up, locavores, opportunivores, dumpster-diving

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-42361340739483851242010-12-31T16:15:00.000-08:002010-12-31T19:45:48.819-08:00

It's the time for reflection of the past twelve months and contemplation of the year ahead. I try and live up to the following five Points of Personal Power. #1) Pay Attention: Pay attention to my loved ones, friends, neighbours, community and those I come in contact with daily. Pay attention to the details in my life ~ the garden where I live, the wild forest that surrounds me and the

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-26628185261275885522010-12-23T11:32:00.001-08:002010-12-23T20:10:04.455-08:00

From approximately 85 percent at the height of the period during which signatures calling for the HST referendum were collected, to the latest figure of 54 percent, anti-HST sentiment is plummeting. British Columbians are thinking twice. Some have privately told me of regret for having signed the petition calling for the referendum, or for having too hastily judged the value of the tax. British

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-78723370780004940492010-12-23T09:24:00.001-08:002010-12-23T09:24:50.221-08:00

I so want to take care of my little place; to dust everyday, vacuum at least once a week, change and launder the bedding, do regular laundry, clean the floors. It's not a lot to expect of oneself or of life generally, but my chronic back pain has become so bad that even the movements involved in dusting are causing acute flare-ups. When I asked my doctor a couple of months ago for help with

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-45263000310477378812010-12-23T09:24:00.000-08:002010-12-23T09:30:26.580-08:00

a vacuum cleaner! While I posted Wanted messages for a vacuum cleaner several times to my local Recycle/ReUseIt online site, it never resulted in my getting one I could use: an upright cleaner that is powerful but lightweight. Finally getting rental assistance through SAFER has meant being able to get this little gem: I'd intended to wait to the next day to try it out, knowing the trip there

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-77833301227829972292010-12-22T10:33:00.000-08:002010-12-22T10:40:32.576-08:00

According to Ian Tostenson, head of the BC Restaurant and Food Service Association, people who dine out are paying more for their meals. Tostenson blames it all on the HST. I don't doubt that he is right. Paying more than you would for a meal you or your companions made yourselves is the cost of dining out. Whether you pay extra in tax for your meal or not, you pay for your consumption. That

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-54475683503801468362010-12-09T08:47:00.000-08:002010-12-09T08:48:27.222-08:00

... but I am liking this monsoon weather: the sound of rain on the roof; the fresh scent; the cleanliness after each rainfall (torrential downpour, more often); and the warm temperatures. Can't beat near ten degree weather in December! And don't forget the rainbows. My change of heart about the rain must be related to having dry footwear this season. Ten years of walking with cold wet feet

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-24004039379488194272010-12-04T08:54:00.000-08:002010-12-08T12:38:38.106-08:00

I mentioned previously that my mid-morning snack is four ounces of orange juice. It's expressly for the purpose of aiding the absorption of my iron supplement. To buy juice in cartons or jugs rather than in its frozen form is cost inefficient. You're essential paying for water and a higher price for the privilege of carting that heavier weight home. The frozen form of juice has changed over

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-16705964437772412272010-11-29T15:38:00.000-08:002010-11-30T08:27:42.924-08:00

A few hours ago I returned from my third visit to the office of Dr. Tom, the man who during the original consultation reduced my anxiety about seeing a dentist again after an unavoidable ten years' absence; and now... I've got back the full function of two previously cracked teeth!! I can properly CHEW again and need no longer be wary every time I've a mouthful of food. Dr. Tom is such an

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-75642110784162013292010-11-28T12:47:00.000-08:002010-11-29T12:28:21.606-08:00

Alternative title: Go through your cupboards; improve another's quality of life. ...I am fresh out of having a bubble bath; sprinkled myself with body splash; treated my feet and hands with lotion; and dressed myself in my stay-at-home flannel pants, a blouse and a sweater. At 7:30 this morning, I ate a homemade mix of oatmeal, sesame seeds, almonds, (barley?), and other goodies I can't

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-38175615010801583372010-11-26T16:51:00.000-08:002010-11-26T19:49:54.984-08:00

Once upon a time, about thirteen years ago, Daphne-of-the-Forest and her younger brother, Mountain Manny, spent six months together on Mountain Manny's 160 acres on the north slope of the Granby River in Grand Forks, building a house. A house to become a home that is not on anyone's radar; a house that is completely 'off the grid'.The road to the house winds ever upward for two kilometers before

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-9965298851636704932010-11-25T07:32:00.000-08:002010-11-25T08:11:56.287-08:00

According to a new report, the number of seniors living in poverty soared almost 25 percent between the years 2007 and 2008. Women have been the most affected. Up to 80 percent, suggests the report. Daphne and I are, or soon will be, counted among those women. At 60 years of age we don't yet officially qualify as seniors. However, with the Bank of Canada having kept interest rates ridiculously

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-36463454207777541192010-11-21T18:53:00.000-08:002010-11-22T12:31:00.305-08:00

A few days ago I wrote Over the Edge, where I lamented the rather large outlay of cash to remedy some fallen trees on my property after a fierce windstorm. There IS an upside to this story and it is that two special friends, who read the post came with offers of both money, food and, of all things, an electric chainsaw! My heartfelt thanks to both of these thoughtful friends. The other good

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-27138761718184303032010-11-21T15:56:00.000-08:002010-11-21T19:21:59.150-08:00

Another post from Challenging the Commonplace that needs to come over here. It was originally written on May 31st, 2008. -- I write this in response to the paper "Framing Disease," by Robert Aronowitz, and to the associated commentaries and rejoinder, which appear in the July 2008 issue of Social Science and Medicine. I would like to relate that SSM discussion to a personal account of how

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-78233146983961312382010-11-21T15:41:00.000-08:002010-11-21T15:45:27.083-08:00

This is a reprise of a post written May 21, 2008 on Challenging the Commonplace, one of our political blogs,  long before economicus ridiculous launched January 1, 2010. The post belongs here, as will become evident to readers. -- I filled out a survey yesterday on community meaning. For each question, respondents were to give the first answer which came to mind. Along with questions about the

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-76648210700178661622010-11-18T13:44:00.000-08:002010-11-18T14:52:13.188-08:00

The Bank of Canada's interest rate policy punishes saving and rewards debt. As does the federal government when it bails out "too big to fail" corporations and industries and rescues banks from the results of their rash decisions. Such policies punish those people who scrimp and save, who put off buying today so they'll be able to live tomorrow. Many of these people are now in, or about to enter

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-6046200965322727262010-11-18T08:25:00.000-08:002010-11-18T10:07:57.375-08:00

Recently, friend Ocean's monetary income was enriched, as she had applied and has received, Canada Pension Plan benefits and the Supplement for Elderly Renters. Her quality of living soared. For those of us living in financial poverty, it is a real relief when our fortunes improve. It also gives us the opportunity to say thank you to all who support us along the way. Ocean has done this in the

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-59658980996787391202010-11-17T17:15:00.000-08:002011-06-13T12:56:42.410-07:00

Having a cat is like having children a lot of the time. Each day Kiltie jumps up to the third shelf of the bookcase where I keep the tiny bag that contains her toys. After extracting her head from the bag, which hugs her head neatly like a top hat, she comes out with this or that goodie in her mouth. (Click images to view larger version.) Kiltie's Toy Bag - discarded rubber ball left inside

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-24919036931745511952010-11-17T13:47:00.000-08:002010-11-17T14:19:27.599-08:00

A letter appeared in one of our local papers at the end of September. Anyone who organizes cultural, political, charity or other events for which the charge for admission is 'by donation', and any store owners who engage in trying to collect donations at the till, should read it: Cashier: "That'll be [amount] oh, and would you like to donate [dollars] to [whatever]?" I just went in to buy some

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-13655746485915136002010-11-17T09:04:00.000-08:002010-11-17T09:17:09.103-08:00

I have been coasting along on a tiny fixed income for well over a year. Squeaking by on next to nothing, thinking all was well in my financial world, as I applied for and will receive early Canada Pension benefits in late December. This extra income would act as a buffer for emergencies. Two days ago, our area was struck by a violent northwesterly wind storm, knocking two trees over, topping a

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-59436362353505447342010-11-16T11:31:00.000-08:002010-11-16T12:47:46.259-08:00

At the age of 13, I was struck by a car and thrown 50 metres. I could have been killed, but instead only my right leg was damaged. There was a nasty compound fracture of the femur. For several weeks while I was kept in traction (crikey, that was painful!), doctors feared they'd have to amputate the leg. However, they tried to and eventually did, reach an orthopedic surgeon who was well-known for

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-57357906207375107992010-11-16T06:35:00.000-08:002011-02-01T14:23:42.808-08:00

Now that my annual income, thanks to SAFER and the Canada Pension Plan, has jumped 40 percent - from $7,200 to $10,0001 -, I made an appointment for a consult with the dentist just around the corner from me. He and another dentist were recommended to me by my doctor's office. It was a toss-up which dentist to choose. I went with Dr. Tom Roozendaal - who I will, from this point forward,

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-5330751422696581212010-11-10T07:32:00.000-08:002010-11-16T10:11:53.363-08:00

If you've sometimes had trouble sorting out the mixed messages on this blog with respect to acts of kindness, perhaps this might help you out. "Because of our natural aversion to inequality ... we sometimes find generosity as annoying as selfishness." That about sums it up. Of course, one study does not constitute final proof. However, being unequal in terms of others' valuation and the

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-52835508857778383922010-11-09T11:46:00.000-08:002010-11-09T12:25:50.277-08:00

Some recognized experts are suggesting the solution to homelessness is to give the homeless money to stay off the streets. Of course, the real experts - the homeless themselves - have been saying that for, well, forever. In societies that treat the dollar as god, money is the best incentive of all, folks!

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-58933141881808282010-11-09T09:24:00.000-08:002010-11-09T12:26:18.567-08:00

... for the BC government now to permit public servants to use Facebook, Twitter and other social media, but still not permit them to use email to communicate with members of the public seeking their help. I have written extensively about the problems for people of low income who must choose between having phone service - landline and cell - and having access to the Internet. For such households

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-74643872601438891732010-11-08T14:06:00.000-08:002010-11-08T17:38:35.169-08:00

Am back from having gone to the food bank, and am now eating a pickle sandwich and some almonds and feeling happy for the first time in several years. Not just content, but happy. Several factors have contributed to this turnaround, from chronic depression and chronic pain, to episodes of happiness and substantial reduction of pain. Foremost is having finally qualified, now at age 60, for

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-43647972315191515212010-11-05T13:59:00.000-07:002010-11-16T09:24:21.213-08:00

A new study done in the US predicts that obesity rates there will peak at 42 percent, not the 34 percent previously predicted. My immediate reaction was a shrug of the shoulders. If you live in the poverty well, you know more than most of the 'experts' about the chief cause of certain illnesses. You know more than the health professionals, political advisers or policy makers. To whit, you know

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-41114332564087235142010-11-02T17:47:00.000-07:002010-11-16T09:18:01.949-08:00

Received my first SAFER payment on October 29th, which was a lump sum covering August, September and October. That same day, I walked to town pulling my little shopping cart behind me.* The plan: to buy myself at least one pair of pants or jeans to replace the ones that were literally falling off me. When you've lived frugally - OK, admit it, CHEAPLY - for so long, it's hard to start spending

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-622356035507548352010-10-25T17:48:00.000-07:002010-10-25T17:49:33.495-07:00

Today, I went to my post box and discovered a card from a special friend. My smile lightened my step as I went forward to my little shack in the woods. Once I got home and opened the envelope to find a treat from one who could least afford it, I was elated. It is amazing to feel so uplifted! Such a small thing, others would say, but I know how much it means to receive this unexpected present. The

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-54686075066494719502010-10-13T15:17:00.000-07:002010-10-13T15:18:20.296-07:00

Processed and approved, finally in week 13. Effective August 1, so on October 31st I should receive three months' worth of this Supplementary Aid for Elderly Renters.

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-17281650988165920262010-10-01T08:53:00.000-07:002010-12-23T11:34:42.728-08:00

This is a follow-up to the discussion in the comments section of my original post, specifically to the suggestion promoted by the anti-HST campaign that British Columbians' hydro bills will go up because of the HST.* At the time, I hadn't received a BC Hydro bill covering a period after July 1st, when the HST kicked in. It happens that BC Hydro adjusted the billing period for this area around

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-69914846745547376942010-09-30T11:47:00.000-07:002010-12-12T10:52:24.884-08:00

It's week 11. My application to BC's SAFER program (Supplementary Aid for Elderly Renters) arrived at the SAFER office on July 19th. On four separate occasions since then, I've tried to follow-up with documents that verified the amount of my then yet-to-be-started payments from the Canada Pension Plan. (They commenced August 27th.) When I was preparing my application in July, I'd looked up my

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-10440213399978788542010-09-30T08:31:00.000-07:002010-09-30T13:59:17.085-07:00

Another Living Wage community is coming to British Columbia, thereby doubling the number in Canada to two. New Westminster led the way. In New Westminster the living wage applies to people working directly for the city, as well as contractors who spend a significant amount of time on city property. Most city employees were already paid decently, so bringing everyone up to a living wage cost

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-73110987778929293542010-09-29T08:49:00.000-07:002010-11-10T08:53:45.472-08:00

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be on the receiving end of others' goodwill? A personal example: Someone I did not know in my neighbourhood somehow knew I and my small family were without all the trimmings for a Christmas dinner. They arrive at my door on December 25th, brimming with good intent, goodies in hand to give us. I ought to have been grateful; in awe of their kind

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-89400970510126955442010-09-28T19:27:00.000-07:002010-11-25T20:23:21.279-08:00

Over the past while, as I've written on this blog of going from one crisis to another, someone has occasionally contacted me to offer help. Each time, I've felt conflicted about accepting that offer. Daphne and I began economicus ridiculous for the primary purpose1 of enlightening people about what life looks like when viewed from the bottom of the poverty well. Our purpose was never to gain

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-12294606891555001442010-09-10T09:49:00.000-07:002010-11-10T08:58:42.778-08:00

No, there's been nothing from SAFER. My application still sits at the SAFER office, not having been looked at yet, although it's been there for eight weeks. But thanks to a kind Cowichan woman and her mother, last night, for the first time in awhile, I slept like a baby, warm and snuggly under lovely 'new' creamy soft pink sheets, that were topped by a high quality gorgeous quilt. This photo

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-35221363414775598862010-09-06T23:48:00.000-07:002010-09-11T07:38:45.533-07:00

The more dire my financial situation becomes, the fewer choices I have, and the less room I've to manoeuvre, the more stress I feel. This has a direct affect on my brain's ability to maintain its own health. The brain manages the best way it can. We present our brains with impossible situations, they create improbable and seemingly impossible ways of coping. My brain has learned to cope with

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-9927241666351304842010-09-06T23:08:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:57:29.806-07:00

Waiting is the biggest stressor* for me. It hasn't helped that what I'm waiting for has meant my being unable to buy desperately needed things. My remaining pants and jeans are falling off me, literally. As I walk to and from the grocery store, I'm having to keep hitching them up. When I go out, I look poor and that embarrasses me. Recently, my fallen-apart comforter and last top sheet, plus

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-2618376863552401442010-07-26T20:18:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:56:42.417-07:00

Well, Stacey just arrived, accompanied by his two sweet daughters. As promised, he'd picked up a 40-lb bag of wood pellets in Nanaimo for me and delivered it straight to my door. All with a smile. Thanks to Stacey - a complete stranger, remember -, Kiltie and Brodie are set up with enough litter for their commode for another 12 months; and with a bonus! Stacey managed to find pine pellets, the

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-29901883239595738162010-07-25T17:09:00.000-07:002011-01-01T12:03:58.112-08:00

Posted the following notice to my apartment building's bulletin board about a week ago: CAN YOU HELP? I need someone to carry a 40 lb bag of wood pellets to my 3rd-floor apartment. Ocean, Unit 311 No response... despite several able-bodied tenants who could do this without breaking a sweat. My plan was to go with friend Daisy to Shar-kare in Duncan; have them place the bag of pellets into

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-30411860621567231652010-07-22T09:58:00.000-07:002010-07-22T09:58:54.036-07:00

Okay, so here I am, still visiting at my sister's place in Southwestern Ontario. She says, 'Let's go camping for a few days along Lake Huron'. 'Great', I say. I view this as chance to enjoy some of Ontario's beautiful natural conserves without having to fork over pots of money for overnight accommodation. We will use tents! We will bring our own food and cook it over an open fire! However,

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-89823868526011116002010-07-21T16:18:00.000-07:002010-07-21T16:32:35.795-07:00

First, it's my birthday today. Sixty years of age. I made it! Second, my name, the WISE book and economicus ridiculous get mentions in an article today in The Tyee. The writer has done a good job on the issue. That's no surprise coming from The Tyee, an independent media organization that does British Columbians proud.

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-49961019942821233672010-07-05T10:26:00.000-07:002010-11-23T08:32:00.882-08:00

Got my $146.25 GST/HST/carbon tax credits! That's $585 per year! (There must be a cost of living allowance built in, likely on the GST and/or LICAT credits - $230 and $100, respectively. With BC's $230 HST credit, the total comes to $580, not $585.) The $230 annually from BC for the HST is a boost I appreciate. On an income as low as mine, no way does the sales tax I pay come anywhere near it,

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-1246091935380094222010-07-04T12:46:00.000-07:002010-07-04T12:49:49.565-07:00

Here I am, at my sister's place in Ontario. A surreal land of plenty. A one way plane ticket was sent so I could attend my nephew's wedding. Sis lives in beautiful Southwestern Ontario in a two bedroom, two bathroom, full basement brick home with her hard working husband. Her now adult children (and grandchildren) all live within a 20 mile radius and everyone gets along well. I love my sis

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-47009860999763840132010-07-01T13:10:00.000-07:002010-12-23T11:34:42.729-08:00

Ever buy trail mix? Ju jubes or other chewy candy? Chocolate or salted nuts? GST or HST applies to all of them. In some cases, so does the provincial sales tax. Any snack-type foods to which salt has been added, even if they are sold in bulk - such as salted nuts and seeds - are GST/HST applicable. The tax also applies to unsalted or salted mixtures of otherwise non-taxable food items; ergo,

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-87996382008658348482010-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:002010-05-05T10:05:55.363-07:00

The Fraser Institute posted this tweet this morning: If public sector incomes were equal to private sector, gov't deficits would fall by at least $19-billion http://bit.ly/aGKQmD #cdnpoli But here's this pesky fact, oh Guardians of the Wealthy: If private sector incomes were to equal public sector incomes, then government deficits would fall. Why? Because government would then have

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-78677477746490416942010-04-28T09:42:00.000-07:002010-05-05T08:59:39.523-07:00

It's New Westminster, which has been at the forefront of other poverty-reduction campaigns. Living wage bylaws set a wage 'floor' above the minimum wage for workers who work directly for the city, for firms that receive contracts from the city, and firms that receive economic development money from the city. "Once the policy is implemented, all direct and indirect workers (contract workers, etc.

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-71021417279159063342010-04-26T09:40:00.000-07:002010-04-26T15:38:45.711-07:00

Don't be fooled by the big numbers. Here's what the Liberals propose to be included in their national food policy as reported by the CBC: * $50 million to improve food inspections and ensure imported foods meet domestic standards * $80 million to promote farmers markets and local food * $40 million to help 250,000 low-income children get healthy food (my emphasis) Let's look at that last one,

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-75984789694985910162010-04-25T11:16:00.000-07:002010-04-25T11:30:40.675-07:00

Kittimati, Cascadia UnAssociated Press The Union of People with Uteri United to Reduce Savagery (UPURS) met last week in Kittimati, Cascadia to confer on findings from researchers at the International Medical Science Institute (IMSI) and reports from UPURS. IMSI researchers have concluded that symptoms of the debilitating Testosterone Overload Associative Disorder Syndrome (TOADS), that affects

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-61203347614422520762010-04-24T09:51:00.000-07:002010-04-24T09:54:42.231-07:00

From an article by Joan Bryden of The Canadian Press, regarding bogus reviews that appear on the cover of Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff's latest book: "It is common practice for movie and book promotions to use snippets of reviews that often bear little resemblance to the original critiques." It is also common knowledge that book publishers almost always have far more control than authors

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-54919970347870882332010-04-21T10:28:00.000-07:002010-04-21T10:32:20.302-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from someone who reads this blog regularly. She'd heard about Daphne's and my writings through a listserv and had been following my hunt for good footwear. The latter, built for punishing demands, is a must for people who have physical disabilities, cannot afford public transit fare and must walk everywhere. "You say you wear a 7? I have a pair of

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-2249531801657375292010-04-17T09:42:00.000-07:002010-04-17T09:43:06.320-07:00

Over at one of my favourite blogs, the administrator includes a weekly feature Tiny House in a Landscape. It's a photo of a tiny house captured in its natural settling. As I just commented over there, I think the series should be up for an award. The nostalgic photos pull at the heartstrings. They evoke both the yearning for home and the awe of nature’s sublime beauty. Almost every week, I

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-26272441182592382532010-04-16T20:38:00.000-07:002010-04-17T20:42:44.894-07:00

In a previous post, I said I would talk about how I came to embrace a vegan diet. When I left home, in my late teens, eating 'red' meat was a once a week occurrence, if that. Eggs, chicken and cheese were the regular fare. Often our meals were vegetables only. Fine by me.When I married, I found that my partner wanted pork, almost unheard of in my nuclear family. I learned to fry chops or

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-67363243663647023942010-04-15T15:17:00.000-07:002010-04-15T15:17:54.825-07:00

On April 14th, we received two items from our readers. The first, from a Public Health Nurse working in the 'Healthy Living Service' of a regional health authority, who reads our posts via the CLICK4HP listserv. This person wants the list administration to eliminate anything written by Ocean, but wishes to hear from all other contributors. There was no reason given. The second, from someone

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-12764847815840323222010-04-14T09:17:00.000-07:002010-07-28T09:05:23.905-07:00

... because neither political entity, city or province, would commit before the other would. An article out today, written by Monte Paulsen for The Tyee, backs up my comments in yesterday's economicus ridiculous post regarding tiny homes. I wrote then that the problem is not a shortage of ideas for extremely low-cost, low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly shelter for permanent housing. The

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-31441197929384384062010-04-10T09:22:00.000-07:002010-04-10T09:25:14.503-07:00

Yes, more sweet, tiny, extremely low-cost, low-maintenance homes. But people of low-income need not apply. Am always on the lookout for a tiny place of my own, with a bit of land to grow my own food. Most recently, I inquired about a fifth wheel already on-site in a mobile home park about one and a half hours north of here. As I've written elsewhere, there's no shortage of great ideas that

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-42598283840888112592010-04-09T10:13:00.000-07:002010-04-21T09:35:49.457-07:00

How will Helena Guergis, now former Minister of State for Status of Women Canada, pay for that $890,000 mortgage, without the extra $50,000 a year cabinet pay and its associated cushy expense account out of which she bought shoes, socks and other clothing? - items that women for whom SWC is supposed to be a champion must hope to get gently used and free? Don't think Guergis' resignation is the

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-27318889990577996482010-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:002010-04-08T08:16:18.918-07:00

On Helena Guergis' husband Rahim Jaffer, see this outstanding investigative report that appeared on the front page of today's Toronto Star. If you don't get the Star in your area, you might want to take a look at this PDF capture of the Star's front page. I wonder if the Liberals' request for the ethics commissioner to review Guergis' mortgage deal, which was arranged in her husband's former

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-24870079761350328202010-04-07T13:16:00.000-07:002010-04-07T13:58:22.745-07:00

From the Globe and Mail today, about the Nova Scotia's NDP government and its recent move to raise the HST to 15 percent: The Nova Scotia NDP under Darrell Dexter are that rarest of political birds: the tax-and-cut party. They are increasing consumption taxes while cutting civil servants and their perquisites. Take their budget issued this week, which raises the harmonized sales tax two

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-23684451880920122692010-04-06T14:14:00.000-07:002010-04-08T09:25:43.468-07:00

The opposition NDP in British Columbia has been making a concerted effort, joined now by former premier Bill Vander Zalm, to organize British Columbians against the coming Harmonized Sales Tax. Vander Zalm is trying to get enough signatures to require the Liberal government to hold a referendum on the tax. Am putting this out there because I just don't get why certain progressives are against

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-51388278934970772412010-04-05T11:06:00.000-07:002010-04-07T16:46:27.619-07:00

Better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer. The Blackstone ratio guides our criminal justice system. The same theme has appeared in one version or another throughout human history, including in the writings of the 12th century philosopher Maimonides and in the Bible. Would that poverty were treated like a crime. In that case, the same principle would justify a

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-78065067579088938582010-04-03T17:19:00.000-07:002011-01-01T12:03:21.082-08:00

Actually, it was 10.2 kilometres, round trip. Am stiff, sore, and my bad hip is worse than it has ever been. It began grinding something fierce when I was about two-thirds of the way there. No matter. Am happy as a clam on a sandy beach. This morning someone posted an offer on my local ReUseIt network, for a pair of gently used women's size 7 Sauconys. Original price for these high-quality

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-65309293803210346222010-04-02T14:00:00.000-07:002010-04-08T08:14:36.923-07:00

... and mortgages it for the full purchase price of $880,000. No money down. House was bought in November. Helena Guergis, Minister of Status of Women Canada, gets a salary of $157,731. That includes a $56,637 top-up for her Cabinet position. As far as I know her husband, one Rahim Jaffer, is currently unemployed. He will begin receiving a lucrative pension at age 55, thanks to his brief

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-74772667419853211942010-03-29T11:32:00.000-07:002010-03-29T11:32:41.401-07:00

Just what is 'healthy' food, anyway? And how does someone living below the economic edge acquire 'healthy' food on a consistent basis? As consumers, we are deluged with messages that promote healthy lifestyles, attainable when you choose 'healthy' food. In most cases, this leads to persuading us to buy the commercially sanctioned 'health' food, which is about corporate profit, not personal

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-6096880110804691982010-03-24T12:51:00.000-07:002010-04-08T09:27:38.918-07:00

Was cleaning my kitchen sink just now and began wondering why anyone would use any cleanser other than baking soda for the job. It's cheap; environmentally-friendly; isn't harsh on skin, the cleaning cloth or the cleaning surface; and is as effective as any higher-priced commercial cleanser. It does a whole lot else too. So does plain old white vinegar. Between the two, there's no good reason

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-91685642086153279022010-03-22T11:05:00.000-07:002010-11-27T07:14:54.113-08:00

Two teachers in the USA set about doing an experiment to see if they could eat on less than $1.00 per day for 30 days. Then they published a book about it. They needn't have bothered. This is old news for anyone who lives in my peer group of income. I live like that all the time and have detailed on this blog the struggle to eat nutritional food and still stay healthy. What differentiates

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-7824891917108591312010-03-12T12:06:00.000-08:002010-11-27T07:10:09.049-08:00

[Reprise from a post written September 2009 on Challenging the Commonplace] Imagine what it's like to have yearned for a tiny place all your own, a tiny house or a trailer, one whose maintenance fits within your budget and where you and your furry companions can live in peace. Imagine that someone comes forward and says to you: "I'll buy you a tiny house or a trailer; just find a place to

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-56457850978906110522010-03-12T11:10:00.000-08:002011-06-13T12:57:29.809-07:00

The following is a modification of an email I wrote to a friend this morning. I am writing it to this blog since readers may be wondering why, in addition to Daphne who has had her own problems, I have gone silent... A loner, asocial and an introvert, rarely have I told others what I'm trying to deal with. The deeper the issues go and the more troubling to me, the less likely I am to do so. The

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-43576336936409857802010-03-01T08:55:00.000-08:002010-03-01T10:35:12.679-08:00

My sister's son is getting married this summer. The invitation is sitting atop my fridge. The family lives in Ontario. I want to attend, but the cost is prohibitive, nay, impossible for me to even consider. Saying 'no' to the invite while retaining my pride has been difficult. The excitement of thinking about meeting with my family, the bride's family and all those invited has slowly

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-31785992153024529582010-02-22T13:15:00.000-08:002010-02-22T21:36:53.664-08:00

It's a well-known phenomenon, driven by market savvy (and corporate greed), that areas of high poverty have the least access to low prices for necessary goods, including food. More often than not the places where the deals are require more than mere foot travel. In some cases, not even public transportation goes to these places. And when it does, there's still the problem of being able to carry

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-42816970146025311242010-02-19T14:21:00.000-08:002011-06-13T12:57:29.813-07:00

One advantage to having a near-empty place is not having so much to keep clean. I've actually got more stuff in this closet of a computer room than I do in the big room. There's the telephone table in the corner to the right of me, with (disconnected) fax machine; in front is my little computer cart, with Mac mini, monitor, speakers and printer; and behind me is a two-drawer file cabinet. Then

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-7476641480329706922010-02-19T13:36:00.000-08:002011-06-13T12:56:42.427-07:00

Recall the number of times you've seen people living on the streets who have animals with them. Look at the photo section of websites like that for the tent city Dignity Village. What do you notice, with more frequency than you might expect? What I notice are the animal companions. For quite awhile, Dignity Village had only photos of people with pets; only later did they start adding pictures

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-80028653113723108722010-02-18T13:31:00.000-08:002010-11-26T20:28:56.258-08:00

I moved into this 400-square foot bachelor apartment on October 19, 2002. It suits me just fine and is quite a nice, bright bachelor apartment, as such units go. It's also in a neighbourhood and community I've become used to. So I'd choose to stay here, except for three considerations. First, it's on the third floor of a three-floor walk-up. Pulling my shopping cart up 36 stairs, having

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-85977351065219357682010-02-18T08:22:00.000-08:002011-01-01T12:02:28.217-08:00

I've two challenges to keeping my clothes, linen and towels clean: affordability and back pain from scoliosis that developed from a childhood injury. Regarding affordability, recall that I've $783.24 left, annually, to pay for everything else after shelter costs. To save the most amount of money, hand washing my laundry would be the obvious, ideal choice. It would save the $1.50 for the

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-36686941319757312072010-02-15T12:51:00.000-08:002010-02-25T09:44:58.489-08:00

If you live in the poverty well and are not receiving welfare or disability benefits, your dental coverage is up to you. For someone like me, that means no professional service at all. No checkups, no cavities filled, no tooth extractions. Zilch. If you're an adult on welfare in British Columbia you're not much better off. The only 'dental care' that is covered is tooth extraction. Again, no

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-67945112284055618802010-02-15T09:52:00.000-08:002010-11-26T20:11:34.734-08:00

What were once deemed necessities are no more. The changes described below originally occurred because my finances forced them. The original adjustment to cutting back on modern grooming and hygiene techniques, together with their associated over-hyped products, was painful. However, having finally adapted I doubt I'd return to my previous habits, even if money did come my way... At least... I

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-77529595539663663312010-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:002010-02-14T20:59:09.880-08:00

Today, I spent a few cherished hours with a most resilient woman. As we swapped a synopsis of our lives, I was left breathless and impressed with the depth of her strength, endurance and patience. She shines, nay, glows with life, love and acceptance. Our conversation reminds me that so many women, worldwide, triumph daily over adversary. I salute YOU, one and all. Happy Valentines Day,

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-69382419999957528092010-02-12T17:24:00.000-08:002011-06-13T12:56:42.430-07:00

From the last update to this post: UPDATE Feb 12, 3:30pm: Kiltie is home and has already settled in. She's presently stretched out on my/our bed. I suspect she's in for a long sleep. Brodie's reaction surprises me. This easy-going fellow, who treats other cats somewhat warily but otherwise is friendly enough with them, HISSED at Kiltie three four five times. So far. (ETA: Sigh. It's now too

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-80488216088012249822010-02-12T11:38:00.000-08:002010-11-26T19:59:48.437-08:00

When did a home morph into 'real estate'? When did the roof over one's head transform into a 'market opportunity'? When did our society start viewing the place where we raise our families, lay our heads, withdraw to soothe hurts, draw sustenance from our animals and contentment from growing things become valued strictly in terms of monetary worth? I read articles like this and I feel sick with

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-85815718425868083612010-02-12T09:56:00.000-08:002010-02-12T09:56:08.126-08:00

I am, once again, awake. It is 4:45am. I fling back covers and stagger to the bathroom, splash cold water on my face, grab a washcloth, soak it in cold water to sponge my neck, arms and torso. Awake again at 5:08 am, 5:33 am, 6:07 am and finally at 7:10 am I kick off sticky, damp and tangled bedsheets, get up and dress for the day. In September of 1999, my body began the agonizing feminine

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-73190373443822095362010-02-12T09:51:00.000-08:002010-11-26T19:53:30.342-08:00

From a post written to Challenging the Commonplace, as tax time approached a year ago... The headline cracked me up: Study finds few eligible Canadians contribute to RRSPs. Barely a third of Canadians who were entitled to make an RRSP contribution last year did, and the total amount contributed was only six per cent of what it could have been, Statistics Canada reported yesterday. I've been

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-27835957423248792632010-02-11T15:00:00.000-08:002010-02-13T04:37:38.778-08:00

Ocean was brave enough to allow herself to be viewed for all to see. Recently, I was in town and decided to take my camera to Ocean to ask her to take some pictures. Of moi. I mean, if shy Ocean can post a picture, then it ought not to be such a trial for me, right? However, I find that as I age, I am less likely to want my picture taken. Sheesh! What's the big deal? Two pictures, then:

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-57923528796154347642010-02-11T09:12:00.000-08:002010-02-12T10:55:54.516-08:00

Until a couple of years ago, the Cowichan Valley, which in 2006 had a population of 79,000, hadn't buses running on Sundays, holidays or evenings. Now we do have that service. However, it's inaccessible to the people who could most use it. It used to be that someone on welfare would automatically get free transit passes. No more. I've no idea when that policy changed, but it was more than five

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-37509082919443570992010-02-10T13:09:00.000-08:002011-06-13T12:56:42.434-07:00

Original post here, which includes the first update from 1:40 pm yesterday (see bottom of post). At 11am this morning, I received an email from Sandi at the SPCA. She has force-fed Kiltie three times because she still refuses to eat. So far, so good. No vomiting. Sandi says she wants to keep Kiltie until she's had at least one good bowel movement. She also suggests that I visit Kiltie, to help

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-27596903374131084092010-02-09T10:35:00.000-08:002011-06-13T12:56:42.438-07:00

I've thought about not writing this. Our intention when starting this blog was to share our day-to-day lives in the poverty well, to put two human faces on it. It means sharing the decisions we make, the barriers we confront, the silly things we do, our talents, our faults, even certain toilet habits. The point was to bring home the reality of two lives in poverty and their struggles to

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-34128651058580980082010-02-08T08:44:00.000-08:002010-02-08T09:38:27.712-08:00

As with Ocean, I have applied for CPP at the age of 60, which comes, for me, in December of this year. The CPP income will be $261 a month. Since I retired from paid work in June of 2009, my skinny savings have been sinking. Last year my total income was $2,646.00 which came from two part-time jobs. This year I am relying on GST rebates at $760 for the year and a meager savings account that is

Daphne Moldowinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469181012833419032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-20517452752900743972010-02-07T17:12:00.000-08:002010-11-29T07:22:04.874-08:00

There's a supposition in this society with its gap-worn social safety net that the people who need assistance can and will access the services they need for everyday survival. However, there are barriers beyond the obvious that can prevent people from applying for help. For a subset of those in poverty, the reason lies far in their childhood, as was demonstrated in the WISE project. It's about

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-38905279648899346382010-02-07T12:57:00.000-08:002010-02-14T10:28:00.373-08:00

Having given the finer details of the why, how, and how much of my annual income, it's time to consider the future. As I fell deeper and deeper into the poverty well in the early 2000s, all I could think of, between bouts of depression so bad all I wanted to do was pack it in, was trying to survive long enough to be eligible for CPP and BC's Supplementary Assistance For Elderly Renters (SAFER).

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145667166780199481.post-43215910486461799342010-02-07T11:53:00.000-08:002010-11-26T19:20:25.853-08:00

Daphne and I have mentioned that each of our households is in the lowest decile of income categories. That's half again Statistics Canada's low-income cut offs (LICOs), which are measured at the lowest quintile of household incomes. Here are the LICOs for 2008 for family sizes of one to four persons: LOWEST QUINTILE (one-fifth): Community Size RuralUrban Under 30K30K-100K100K-500KOver 500K

Chrystal Oceanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171002438761303983noreply@blogger.com0