back and (trying to be better)
miscellaneous thoughts
I took a break from writing here during beautiful Ramadan in order to allocate time better and in that time many things crossed my mind. I, afterwards, tried to list some of them for simple reading. I may or may not expand on them in the future.
The other day, I bought a take-out stir-fry from a mall food court while shopping - chow mein with fried fish and broccoli. Delicious. However, after I proceeded to tap my card in payment, I watched silently, aghast, as they placed the heavy take-out container into a paper sack. It was a sturdy paper… but no handles. They silently passed over the sack, holding onto it by its uncomfortable body. Once in my possession, it was up to me to figure out how to hold this sack alongside my tote and other shopping bags. I asked - but no, no plastic bags or even paper bags with handles - just try and manage. Is there where we’re at with supposed “environmentally friendly” bag uses? This felt mean.
It doesn’t make actual sense for an empty bus not to let me on for free. Public transport should be free but also, if the bus is already running, what difference does it make if I hop on - you’re already going there! Similar to when someone drops you off, on their way somewhere. I drive sometimes but I’m afraid this note outs me as a forever, ever constant public transportee.
The Cinema4Gaza auction (which raised over $300,000 USD for Medical Aid for Palestinians) included a donation by director of Aftersun, Charlotte Wells, who taped the movie with personalized commentary. I don’t know who won that auction piece but I hope they bring it to the public sphere, as an act of benevolence and charitable good. We need it.
It seems like a scam when you sign up for or pay, but travel insurance is key. The entire world is in environmental shambles (flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes). The more important thought is how climate collapse is upon us, people are dying, forget the vacations, but I have to be honest - that is a selfish thought I had. In most cases, climate collapse will affect poorer countries and people more.
Slightly related, but not, in the past few weeks, an affluent French-American on TikTok (see above) had a flood affect her family’s home in France, a beautiful original millhouse. There were people on TikTok asking her how they could donate to help her. This woman comes from a very wealthy family, was educated at an Ivy League, and lives in different country homes. But they were asking, could they send her their hard-earned money? I’m not sure whether this is because the wealthy cosplay as regular, or if folks are so used to crowd funding for their needs, that they felt the need to extend that to this rich woman. A commenter (a hero!) gently reminded them on one of the posts “she is very rich, I don’t think you need to send her money.” I think the internet is rotting our realities.What is happening over at Boeing? I’m sorry? Are they putting together those planes with playdoh? Whistleblower found dead?
Another company - Metrolinx. Are we going to ignore that they have 82 (yes, 82!) Vice Presidents? That is a wild number… 82! Being paid six-figure incomes under government contracts for public transit expansions that are…. still to be seen. What is happening with the Eglinton line? And now, the new Ontario line - another Metrolinx contract, despite their poor record of delivery. Half of their workforce (3000 out of 6000) makes over $100,000 according to the Sunshine List. Like this thread shares, it is criminal that this is happening while other public service salaries are capped by the government (teachers and nurses, for example). Metrolinx is also, notorious for not disclosing information to the public.
Before learning these strange numbers, the last shady piece I recall is when they awarded taxpayer money to the private consulting firm of their executive - contracts in the millions. They were also hacked by North Korea?Leaning into gratitude is the only way through - gratitude for the love, care and blessings around you. Alhamdulillah!
but actually:
I believe this last photo sums life up. I hope to keep my eyes open and that you do, too. Open to the good and bad. Keep advocating for Palestine, Sudan, Congo, all the oppressed - advocating for a better world, and yourselves. Don’t let people online convince you to buy a lip gloss you don’t need. Do something for someone else, and don’t tell anyone about it. Go on a walk and look up at the sky for longer than a few seconds. Take care!