Today I bring to you the quirky and insightful musings from Mehnaz. I hope you enjoy!

Karim

Current Mood: contemplative

Current Song: Thinkin’ About You by Norah Jones

Loving the Small Things. A Guest Post by Mehnaz at Strawberry Ghetto

I’m not a romantic. Flowers make my eyes water and too much candy doesn’t do much good for someone who has a metabolism akin to molasses in winter. I’m too old and too allergic for stuffed animals and I don’t like the spotlight anywhere near myself (except when singing). I never liked Valentine’s Day in all its Hallmarked glory. It makes February even more depressing. And quite frankly, the economy is doing nobody any favours at the moment. This February however, I’ve forced myself to write about Love. Perhaps it will push me out my curmudgeonly February state of being. Or perhaps I need the reminder.

Last night I was reading, and I heard the sound of rain outside. I love rain, whether drizzle or torrential (I’ve conceded to being a Vancouverite…. What can I say?). Rain makes me grateful for everything. It helps to clear away things like the last remnants of a terrible snowstorm. It lets you start new. It lets everything sigh in relief. I’m always grateful for rain, and so I love it.

Today it’s sunny. Periodically. It is Vancouver after all. The air has cleared up and I’m seeing the first signs of spring. Everything is turning lovely shades of green. I went for a walk today and reveled in the crisp February air. I still need my red gloves, but it’s all worth it.

When we’re inundated with stuffed bears, cinnamon candy and the overwhelming urge to buy diamond-encrusted heart pendants (another gift that gives me a headache in my teeth from cringing), it’s easy to forget that everyday we’re surrounded by people, things and ideas we love. From a friend who recommends a song you might like, to a spouse who buys that specific kind of cereal you love, it’s everywhere. Nuts to the stuffed bears.

Whether you’re an old realist like I am or you’re someone who believes life is a box of puppies, it’s nice to remember we all love something or someone that makes each day that much more bearable. Why once a year? Love what you have everyday: Fresh laundry, a sturdy umbrella, a savings account, hair. Whatever makes you happy.

I’m not going to say something like ‘Everyday should be Valentine’s day.’ Nobody wants to hear that. I couldn’t live with that. But it should be like any other day really, where the little things matter the most.

Happy Everyday!

While most of the world has been writing about 25, I’m gonna tell you about 21. The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader, that is.

The subtitle of this little book is “Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow.”

This is a great little book and the third book of my 24 this year. By the way, I think I’ll have the opportunity to read more than 24. The reason I bring up the sub title is this:

In today’s wild and (un)predictable world everyone is looking to make themselves a little bit better and more valuable. Our clients, customers and boss(es) are, in fact, demanding it. And this is where John Maxwell‘s classic comes in. If you haven’t heard of Maxwell, many consider him to be THE Leadership Expert in North America.

So what can you learn from this book? It depends on what stage of leadership you find yourself. However, I will tell you a couple of things. First, you don’t have to be at the top to lead. Leaders can be found in all places of an organization: Top, middle and bottom.

Second, the way the book is organized will allow you to think, reflect and act on the 21 different qualities that Maxwell highlights.

If you’re looking at a simple yet powerful read to help you become valuable this is a book you’ll want to add to your personal library.

Lots has been said about wait times in Ontario hospital emergency rooms. The debate has raged between, “way too long” and “way too long.” Not much to brag about to your friends out West.

Until now. Here’s our story:

On Wednesday my wife “sprained” her ankle on her way out the door. (Yes, going to work is hazardous to our health!) After calling Tele-Health soon after she took some painkillers and iced her ankle. By dinner, she was walking around. Around 11pm she was screaming in pain. After more painkillers and ice we got a hold of Tele-Health who advised us to head to the hospital for X-Rays. So we packed books and food and drinks and headed towards North York General.

We left home and were back home in less than an hour! Yes, you read that correctly. Less than an hour, door-to-door. Amazing! From parking, to registering to triage, to waiting, to x-rays, to diagnosis. No break. Just a tensor bandage. We declined the crutches that were offered.

And it doesn’t end here. The X-Rays were forwarded and a “tiny tear” was found so we got a phone call the next day. doctor said nothing serious but let’s take a look to see what we should do. Appointment booked for Tuesday.

No pain, no swelling.

Many people like to bash our “social medical system”. Call it social or call it public. I call it a medical system that works. And I’m thankful for that.

What is your Canadian hospital success story?

Hey!

I found this article via Twitter.

I also use Google Reader to follow blogs that interest me. I’ll read and tag the one’s that are interesting. This saves me time and money as I don’t need to buy the newspaper or read the whole paper to find something interesting. Also allows me to read and follow stories from around the world.

Anyone not worth following on Twitter/FB/LinkedIn I just “delete/Stop following/DeFriend” them.
About Small Business
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

No matter what we think business is taking “green” mainstream.

Two articles recently came across my Google Reader. The first was Motorola’s entry into the green revolution. Second was news that research firm Environics had just opened up a “Sustainability and Clean Energy” practice to provide PR support to clients looking to market environmentally friendly practices and services.

These are positive things in and of itself. However, there will be people who say that it’s all just a marketing ploy to generate business during this economic storm.

Here’s the rub: It’s good that “green” is good for business. Changing the consumer mindset of North America (and the rest of the Western world) should not be the point. We should be encouraging innovation and “green” enterprise. And applauding it. Consumers will continue to demand products and services that respond to their desire for eco-responsibility. Companies that respond to these needs will succeed and thrive in the coming months and decade.

What’s your opinion and thoughts? I’d love to hear about them.

I don’t know how popular this story was in Toronto this weekend – I tend to be unplugged during weekends. However, I thought it would be important for me to inform you of the story.

The year was 1958 and the University of Buffalo Bulls had just been invited to play in the Tangerine Bowl in Florida. With one exception: The Bulls’ two black players were banned from playing because of a segregation clause in the host team’s school district rules.

The Bulls players decided not to play. (50 years later the Bulls returned to Bowl participation and played UCONN this past weekend in Toronto for the International Bowl.)

My question to you is this – Throughout this year, will you make decisions that are right (and maybe against popular opinion) or will you just shut your mouth and be a follower? It sounds easy.

I pray that I have the strength to do what’s right.

My wife is the executive director of Toronto Green Community. They have done some amazing work in just over 10 years. The windmill on the CNE grounds is just one example. In fact, they have also garnered the attention of musician Jack Johnson and his non-profit organization, All At Once.

And so, in honour of TGC, and with thanks going to storyteller, Sameer Vasta, I’d like to offer you the first 5 readers (I know. I’m stretching to think there are 5 people who read this this blog!) ONE day of carbon neutrality. If you claim this gift, Brighter Planet will donate 136 pounds of carbon offsets in your name. These offsets help fund renewable energy projects and are an important part of fighting climate change. All I ask in return is that you consider conserving where you can during the holidays.

Now that’s cool! HERE’S the GIFT!!

Pick up any newspaper, listen to news talk radio, or read the online reports and you’d think we are seconds away from reaching economic Armageddon.

Think again:

1. Gas prices are 50% lower than they were last summer.
2. You have yet to lose money in the stock market or in your mutual funds because you don’t own any.
3. The cost of to feed yourself and your family has decreased (due to the decline in fuel prices).
4. The fact that prices for commodities have been slowly creeping downwards means that your spending less and saving more (in your CIDC-protected bank account).
5. You are either out of debt or your debt load has decreased because of your decreased spending!

See!

There are probably many other reasons why you are further ahead today than you were a year ago. And maybe that’s not the point because you don’t really feel you’re better off. You know why?

You’re listening to “they”. Who are “they”? Media and those who live according to the gospel of “they”/media. (And this is not a media bashing piece.)

So, what to do?

1. Start following/listening to people who are positive. I recently spoke to a successful Realtor who was around during the last official recession. Him and his firm are keeping busy during this “slowdown”. Why? Because he chooses to be. Sounds simple? The successful people always seem to make it sound so…
2. Start making things happen for yourself. If you have a service or product to provide continue telling your story. Make friends. Develop relationships. Haven’t started? Start.
3. Watch the masses and do the opposite. You’ll be glad you did.

What are your thoughts? Are you a lemming or a initiator? Do you make things happen or wait around to react to what’s happening? Do these suggestions help you? Your comments are most welcome!

On Saturday, December 13th, His Highness the Aga Khan will be celebrating his birthday.

If you’ve been following me here, or the news, you’ve heard that he’s been doing quite a bit of celebrating these days.

In these uncertain and turbulent economic times a little reading up on the Aga Khan and his works will surely bring a smile to your face.

Happy Birthday!

I recently posted a note on my real estate blog. I think it will also be of interest to everyone. I hope you enjoy.

You can find the article HERE.