the tour has gone to the birds (seagulls to be exact)
Just a short blog today (as he goes on a prolonged diatribe.....). In Halifax for the day. Unfortunately event initially scheduled for this evening was canceled due to a budget freeze related to the Biovail / Valeant merger. This is really unfortunate as this weakens the awareness campaign in this region of the country, but it is completely out of our hands. I have a presentation in Truro early tomorrow a.m. so needed to stay put, catch up and enjoy the Maritimes. We are staying with Bob and Barb (another B+B, yikes!) and already have been treated to great Maritime hospitality. Thanks Susan for this great connection. Barb is originally from Calgary, Bob from this area so we were catching up on things both East and West!
Went for a run yesterday and wondered how I ever made it across the country. Legs felt like lead weights and were surprisingly stiff and sore - probably after all the hours of sitting and driving since the tour ended. Today will be better - I've had a sufficient break so need to get back at some regular schedule even if it is just a fraction of what I was doing just a week ago.
I must say that I am disappointed that none of the Alberta newspapers have picked up the story of the successful completion of this tour. A press release was sent and we have not heard back on anything. I have talks planned in Edmonton and Calgary when we are back, so there is still plenty of time to pursue, but I was hoping that the "local" press would have some interest in this tour which originated in Calgary. We'll keep trying to get the word out there - this is the time of year that SAD starts setting in, so media interest and attention could not be more timely!
Here's the last bit of thanks carried over from the last few days of blogging. I really want to especially thank everyone who really went out of their way to champion this tour. Some of you were MY heroes and MY inspiration! Some contributed so much at critical parts of the tour while others have not stopped contributing throughout. Some of the contributions were small but very timely, sometimes it's the little things that count so much. Others were immense, completely unexpected and amazing! I will mention no names, lest I offend anyone for not mentioning them. The uniqueness of this group of people is that they gave of their time and energy with "no strings attached". There really are still people out there who are kind, generous, supportive, hard-working and choose to remain "behind the scenes" and anonymous. To all these true friends a great big thank you! The success of the tour was because of your efforts and my life has been forever changed because of you.
Tour Day Sponsors are Evan, Camille, Charmaine and Sullivan Strong of Calgary - thanks again so much for the encouragement and very very generous support.
Random Quotes of the Day about depression (in this season of SAD)
Depression is the inability to construct a future.
Rollo May
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb,
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
And a rock feels no pain.
And an island never cries.
Paul Simon
From song I Am a Rock
I have studiously tried to avoid ever using the word 'madness' to describe my condition. Now and again, the word slips out, but I hate it. 'Madness' is too glamorous a term to convey what happens to most people who are losing their minds. That word is too exciting, too literary, too interesting in its connotations, to convey the boredom, the slowness, the dreariness, the dampness of depression.
Elizabeth Wurtzel
From Book Prozac Nation
That's the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it's impossible to ever see the end. The fog is like a cage without a key.
Elizabeth Wurtzel
From Book Prozac Nation
If depression is creeping up and must be faced, learn something about the nature of the beast: You may escape without a mauling.
Dr. R. W. Shepherd
No worries, Ted! Your province will love you when you get back. CBC was great covering Dan all away along. CJOB and the french stations, Monique could cover the french angles. Most importantly do not give your power over to them.....your trip is successful, all who need you will see your sunny faces, motorhome and the message is getting out there! Nobody is expecting you to do physically do another mile.....do it for you and your wellness, you have given your all for Canada. Sometimes it is the exact opposite we need, stillness, calmness and no motion at all, ooooom!
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