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