One More Thing, Penelope...

Hello Penelope!

It's Uncle Mike again.

Remember what I told you about being goofy when life gets you down? That is important, sweetie. But the fact is, sometimes when life gets you down, sometimes you can start to feel crappy. And when that happens and your spirits need a lift, you can listen to this song called Perfect by the singer Pink. She wrote it for her little girl, and now I'm sharing it with you, because you are special, no matter what anyone may tell you as you grow up.

I love you.

Uncle Mike

PS. Don't stay up this late until you're at least 18 :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BIye98Ryic

Welcome Penelope!

As she turned a month old a couple of days ago, I would like to take a moment to say a big hi to our new niece Penelope. Hi sweetheart! You are already so big and strong, and were born into a huge ocean of love.

As for who you got to be your mother, you really lucked out, kiddo. Your mom waited a long time for you to come into her life, and she is thrilled that you're here! She is a loyal friend to all who know her, and an absolutely fierce warrior who will go to bat every time for those she loves. And you, dear Penelope, are now at the top of that list. And that's a great place to be. I don't tell this to too many people, but I have a feeling I can trust you, so here goes. There have been times in my life when I have felt unsure and helpless, and she was there for me every time. I can tell you that whenever you have a problem, she will be there to listen, to offer advice, and to hug you. And whenever you step out of line as all kids do, she will let you know with firm but loving words, and often another hug, just like Grandma Annie did when she raised us. We learned from the best!

I haven't known your dad for as long as I've known your mom, but I've noticed four things about him:

1) You are the apple of his eye.
2) He is hard working.
3) He is really really tall
4) He will know when it's time to just drop everything and run in the yard with you and be goofy.

That is my first bit of Unclely Advice to you, sweet Penelope: As you go through life, when things get you down, sometimes it pays to be a little goofy. Your Auntie Shawna is still teaching me that one. Which reminds me, no matter how old you get, you can always learn more. But for now, you have games of "Heel, Toe, Away We Go!" on Grandpa Paul's knee to get to!

I'm probably rambling by now, so let me finish by saying thanks for letting your mom go to the Keith Urban concert. I know she appreciated it. And have fun next Sunday, when you will most definitely be the star!

I love you.

Uncle Mike

Congratulations Dr. Sherman!

Tonight Dr. Raj Sherman, former embattled Conservative MLA and health critic, has won the leadership of the Alberta Liberals. I offer my most heartfelt congratulations to him, and look forward to seeing what he does to bring them back from the political wilderness, by infusing them with a plan, focus, and heart.

Your Partner In Life

Grandma Lucy's Words of Wisdom

At my mom's retirement party earlier this summer, my 88-year-old maternal grandmother was asked what she thought of Tweeting.





Her response? "I only tweet when I drink too much at Christmas!".





As I was smiling, I asked Grandma Lucy what she thought of social media. To my surprise, she said that there was a lot of good in social media, and that the good tended to outweigh the bad when it is used to keep in touch with family. But she did caution that "there is a lot of crap mixed in with the good", and we would be wise to know the difference. I spent many hours in her company listening to stories of family parties she attended as a young girl, where people just sat around and talked, enjoying each other's company. I have been to enough family parties of my own as the practice passed down through my generation and the next, and when the lightning-fast pace of society infrequently gets me down, these memories are there to calm and sustain me as I take a minute to plan my strategy for climbing the next mountain.

I love you Grandma!

Your Partner In Life

Let's Cut Jack Layton A Break

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter.html

I do not agree with all NDP policy, but I found Jack Layton's "last letter" very moving just the same. I also saw red last week when allegations surfaced that he had help drafting it. Of course he did, people! Mr. Layton was dying, and knew it. In that situation, it's NOT a crime to huddle with a couple of your strategists and your life partner, who know your heart, beliefs and writing style, and ask them to help you draft a final message.

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

The above words close Mr. Layton's letter. I don't believe they were vainglorious, but heartfelt words that we should all try to live by, regardless of our ideological leanings.

Your Partner In Life

Congratulations Mom!

As of July 1, my mom Annette has retired from the Edmonton Public School Board after 31 years of dedicated service. I offer her my most heartfelt congratulations on this milestone.

It has a particularly special meaning for me, because, as the parent of a disabled child, my mom always had time to share her wisdom and humor with me, as well as providing for my needs and making sure that I was not denied the usual preteen and teenage experiences growing up. These included sleepovers, and as the teen years approached, regular weekend visits to a teen dance club. All this while maintaining a full load at work (any notion that part-time teaching is less work is utter hogwash)

And most importantly, as a teacher she recognized my passion for writing early and always encouraged it, even gently prodding me to follow punctuation and grammar rules when I thought what I was doing was good enough. If there is one person responsible for the spirit behind Scenes From Mike's Life and Mikey The Movie Guy, it is her.

Mom, after spending all those years helping and encouraging me, I want you to take the next several decades to be kind to yourself. There is no way I'll ever be able to repay all that you have done for me, and I love you.

Your son,

Mike

Just For The Record...

Ten years ago I had the one-shower-a-week problem. And during a very hot summer to boot. But I fought it, and won. I now get two, which has worked for me. Three is possible, but usually only in cases with mitigating circumstances such as incontinence or excessive sweating. I agree with Wayde that it is deplorable that the one-shower scenario still exists after all this time.

If you are reading this and have similar issues, it is best to keep on top of your social worker or care coordinator, depending on where you live. Dropping a line to your MLA also can't hurt.

Your Partner In Life

WADE LEVER

Wayde Lever is a man with a vision for the province of Alberta, and the drive and determination to carry it out as the Wildrose candidate for Highlands Norwood. I am proud to call him friend.

Your Partner In Life

Happy Father's Day!

At this time, I would like to say a great big Happy Father's Day to all the fathers I know, and specifically to my father Paul, a man who has been through a lot and keeps on keeping on.

Whether it was getting me to push myself on the grass to train for track competitions when I was a kid, or singlehandedly commandeering a walker to outfit it with skis so that I could cross-country ski in Rundle Park, my father always made sure that I had unique experiences when growing up, even though I had a disability.

It's only when we reach adulthood that we realize just what our parents gave up to give us the material and non-material things we cherish. I remember that it used to bug Dad when we'd be in a store and a clerk would go, "Oh, you're in a wheelchair. Would you like a candy?"

Since I was seven or eight at the time, what do you think I said?

But now I understand why it bugged Dad. Because now that kind of societal thinking bugs me.

So thank you Dad, for that lesson, and countless others.

I love you.

Your son,
Michel

Edmonton's Two-Tiered Transit

I love my city.

I could not imagine living anywhere else.

But in a very short time, my fellow disabled transit users and I may not be able to afford to get around in Edmonton.

And this is why.

As I have mentioned before, the city charges us $85.00 per month for a pass. Meanwhile, seniors pay about $30.00 for a pass they use all year.

A few years ago, Edmonton Transit appeared to solve the problem for disabled transit users, by offering us a $30 transit pass. But it comes with an important and disheartening stipulation:

It can only be used on the low-floor transit buses...and not on the disabled transit service, where it is needed most.

Mayor Stephen Mandel, that sounds like two-tiered transit to me.

Your Worship, I would like to compliment you on what you have done for the city of Edmonton. You have done much to revitalize this city with actionable plans, whereas your predesessor was full of big ideas, often without the plans to realize them.

But I also know that the two-price, restrictive pass scenario pits those who can`t pay the extra against those who can, and all because some users can`t get on the low-floor bus.

We are not asking for extra money, Mr. Mayor.

All we are asking is for one reasonable price for the passes. That way, any Edmontonian can enjoy our city, regardless of mobility issues.

Your Partner In Life

Wayde Is Homeless Tonight

Just in case you doubt me about Wildrose Alliance candidate for Highlands-Norwood Wayde Lever's ability to march to his own drum, tonight I have proof.

At the present moment, Lever is literally sleeping under the stars at Edmonton's Telus Field, as part of the Youth Emergency Shelter's Homeless For A Night fundraiser.

How do you sleep comfortably in a wheelchair, and in the middle of a baseball diamond no less?

I will have to ask him and get back to you on that. I do know that when I tried something similar in an overnight Garth Brooks ticket line, my back was killing me by 9AM.

And I know that such an undertaking as Wayde's tonight takes dedication.

Your Partner in Life

Wayde Lever: In On The Ground Floor

On May 5, Wayde Lever, Wildrose Alliance candidate for Highlands-Norwood, visited the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta Adult Support Group at our monthly meeting. It is a common complaint among the disabled community in Alberta that:

a) The government dosen't know or care about our issues.
b) They never listen to us anyway.
c) Is it even worth getting involved?

Wayde countered with three points of his own:

a) If you've ever complained to a citizen action center, or about a late DATS bus, you are involved.

b) If the government doesn't know or care about our issues, it is because they are unable to see them from our perspective. Wayde stressed that under a Wildrose government, an opportunity exists for us to be heard and understood.

c) The Wildrose policy as it currently stands is fluid and open to change for the better. So if we have a desire to get involved, we have a real opportunity to get in on the ground floor and help make social policy decisions in the coming decades.

It was a very informal and informative meeting, not a "vote for me and send money" pitch of any kind, and somewhat of a "coming home" for Wayde, who for many years served as the fundraising assistant for the CPAA. Thank you Wayde for your time and energy.

Your Partner In Life

A Blogger Trick

As you know, I have been having many problems blogging lately. But last night, after burning just a little midnight oil, I stumbled upon a solution for vanquishing Mr. javascriptvoid(0):

1) Uninstall and reinstall Google Toolbar. It will update to 7.
2) Type your post.
3) Title your post.
4) With your cursor still in the title bar, press Enter. (Who needs Publish Post anyway?)

Voila!

Happy blogging!

Your Partner in Life

Let's Take A Minute

Let us take a minute to remember and encourage the displaced in Slave Lake, a beautiful community of 7,000 where I once spent a weekend with my sister Jacquie, who lived there at the time. Her time there affected her so much that she and her husband Jason (the ones that got me blogging in the first place) have opened their home in Edmonton to several of their friends. Kudos to you guys! I am proud of you.

Your Partner in Life

AISH: There Is Hope On The Horizon

This past Monday night I attended a Wildrose Alliance Town Hall meeting at Edmonton's Norwood Legion, which was organized by Wayde Lever, Wildrose Alliance candidate for Highlands-Norwood.

The highlight of the evening was an appearance by Wildrose leader Danielle Smith, who was greeted by 350 devoted and enthusiastic supporters.

Smith expounded on her plans to bring accountability to government and end the party-line voting currently employed by the Progressive Conservatives. Under an Alliance government, the very draconian Bill 50 land use act, which allows Stelmach's PC's to potentially seize and control any land in the province as they see fit, would be instantly repealed.

But most importantly for Alberta's disabled community, the AISH benefit would be increased under an Alliance government. And significantly, Smith pledged to increase the amount of money that disabled Albertans can earn without losing their benefits, thereby increasing the incentive to work and feel valuable to society.

So hope is on the horizon, if we as the disabled community get out and vote for change. Change can be scary. But if we need inspiration, we need only follow the example of Wayde Lever, who was born 41 years ago with cerebral palsy. I speak from experience when I say that as a disabled person, it is easy to fall into a rut and get down on yourself and your abilities.

Wayde has never done that, and it is that determination which has carried him this far and will continue to do so in his mission to represent the constituents of Highlands-Norwood. As he recently told me, "For me, the letters c. and p. stand for courage and perseverance, not cerebral palsy. If the current MLA for Highlands Norwood wants to keep his seat, he is going to have to beat me, because I am focused. And when I am focused, I succeed".

Your Partner in Life

Some Reasons Why I Miss Ralph Klein

1. Ralph had a plan to take Alberta out of debt.

2. Ralph outlined his plan.

3. Against all kinds of opposition, Ralph stuck to his plan, giving Alberta almost a decade and a half of prosperity under the Alberta Advantage with the simple act of balancing our provincial budget.

4. When Ralph misstepped and wanted to cut the AISH benefit back for the disabled in 1997, hundreds of us gathered at Edmonton's Grant MacEwan College to voice our displeasure. And the plan was abandoned almost immediately. If I ever had the chance to meet Ralph Klein, I would shake his hand and thank him for that.

5. On those occasions when his personal missteps became public, he admitted and acknowledged them, got help, and dealt with them.

6. And let's face it, Ralph Klein had personality and confidence, two things important to any politician in communicating to the people, formulating long range plans, and sticking to them. When he won in 1992, he exuded confidence, not a look that said, "Oh shit, I thought Jim was gonna win", like Ed Stelmach did.

Your Partner In Life

Just to Clarify...

Thank you everyone who responded to my last post. I was deeply touched, and I truly do appreciate it. Based on the comments, I just want to clear up a few things:

1) As tight with its purse strings as the Alberta government is, it does not only pay me only $315, though I certainly understand how you could arrive at that conclusion based on how I worded my challenge. I receive $1965 modified AISH because my building runs on the Designated Assisted Living program, and my rent is $1650. The $315 is what is left over after the rent is paid. I pay my Internet bill, then I decide if I can afford toilet paper, shaving cream, and a $84 bus pass or three bus ticket books. Believe me, if the government only paid me $315, I think I would stage a production of Oliver! on the Legislature steps! Thanks to Loretta for reminding me to choose my words more carefully. Best of luck to you!

2) To Melanie, a candidate who wanted to know if she was supposed to run a household or a government on $315 per month, it was meant to be a household. Let's say a family of four, with food, clothing, school fees, dental visits and and the like, just to make things interesting. Thanks Melanie, and best of luck to you!

Thanks also to Joe Albertan, whose blog can be found at www.joealbertan.blogspot.com. Joe tirelessly chronicles the many blunders of our leaders. He was kind enough to link my "Some Simple Math" and "MLA Challenge" posts on his blog. Along the way, he has offered much support and encouragement. Thanks friend, I appreciate it. Keep up the great work Joe, way to go!

Your Partner In Life

An MLA Challenge

Okay, Alberta MLAs. I've let you know how much of a budget I have to work with every month.

$315 dollars.

I'm willing to look past the old-style fist-shaking, talking-head screaming matches like the CNN Crossfire of old.

Let me gather you around a virtual table, as we raise our water glasses and I issue you the following challenge.

"Tell me how you would spread out 315 dollars over the course of one month."

Hit the comment button.

Email me at carydean65@gmail.com

Search Michel Mike Hebert on Facebook.

I want to hear from you.

Let's start a dialog.

I'm ready and willing.

Are you?

Your Partner In Life

Some Simple Math

For those who don't already know, I have cerebral palsy.

It's not something I spend a lot of time thinking about, as it doesn't really affect my daily life, such as my ability to blog.

But the fact is that I need a relatively small amount of care to start my day. I am very satisfied with the care that I receive in the building in which I live, and with the company that runs the building and provides the care.

I truly do not mind paying the $1650 per month that it costs to live in the building, as this covers utilities, three square meals in a cafeteria, snacks, laundry and all that great care.

But what I do mind is an Alberta government that gives me $1965 and says "Here's $315, go play real-life Monopoly now". That's one bill and a couple of incidentals, folks. If you want to save for your future, as the disabled can now do with the Registered Disability Savings Plan? Too bad fella! Enjoy that bag of chips now!

Add to that a municipal government that thinks nothing of charging me $84 for a monthly transit pass while charging seniors with GICs and stock portfolios about $30 for a pass they can use all year. I am very grateful for all that seniors did for me and my way of life during the war years, but where's the logic?

Don't misunderstand, I am fully aware of the mess the global economy is in, and I am not going to sit on my ass expecting a free pass. All I want is some accountability and common sense from our elected officials in the Progressive Conservative party, who have been running things for 40 years. As evidenced by the recent YouTube "cookie" sensation starring the now-ousted head of the Alberta health authority, common sense is now not part of their vocabulary.

There is now a new party on the horizon: the Wildrose Alliance. I am now willing to listen to their common sense approach, which involves not muzzling their MLAs in caucus, for one thing.

Your Partner In Life