I kept getting scattered thoughts that preoccupied my daily life during these last few days of 2015. I have dreamed of many people that I have been associated with over the years. Some of these dreams may be trying to provide messages which I have not yet interpreted. All in all, today, I decided to put into print my understanding of the events in 2015 that have affected my life and those around me, perhaps even more than myself.

The other day, I was providing advice to some of my grandchildren who are actively considering Engineering as a career. They were enamored with the ring on the little finger on my right hand (working hand). “That is what I want to wear”, they both declared. “I want to be the ‘Groom’ and not the ‘Best Man’ ,” they repeated my definition of the difference between a Technologist and an Engineer. I was merely suggesting that all Technologists report to an Engineer in most firms using both professions.

“You must be aware that an Engineer, taking his education, will endure 44 hours a week of classes and laboratories,” I explained. “The ‘rule of thumb’ requires an equal amount of study and written work after class. This equates to 88 hours in a week where 148 hours are available. Medical professionals recommend 8 hours a night of sleep for 56 hours. So there is a 4 hour per week “window” for recreation. At no time is there any pay cheque but at all times there are expenses that require funds for room and board as well as tuition and books. This is a four year sacrifice and commitment from your young life.”

I continued, “A voracious appetite for Mathematics is an accepted perquisite and senior matriculation grades in the A’s will be required for entrance in most universities.”

“We love Math and our marks are up there,” they responded. “We are ready for the challenge!”

I looked in their eyes and I could see that they were not to be denied were searching for approval from their “Gramps” which I was proud to provide with emotion and pride.

In reviewing my business career that covered development and construction projects throughout Western Canada, I kept recollecting my 35 year years as a Rotarian with Clubs in Trail, Castlegar, Vancouver, North Delta as well as New Westminster, all in British Columbia. The emphasis on regular and punctual attendance at the weekly meetings was underlined with volunteering in the community where it was needed most. One of the most successful Rotary International achievements was the eradication of Polio in the World. A gigantic undertaking that required exceptional organization of all the Rotary Clubs in the World.

When I think about the Rotary these various mottos constitute the Rotarian:

1. “You come to this Earth and rent space. Check from time to time to ensure that your rent is paid”
2. The Four Way Test:
a. “Is it the truth?”
b. “Is it fair to all concerned?’
c. “Will it build goodwill and better friendship?”
d. “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
3. “Service above self”
4. And many more

The ability to socialize with everyone in the Club by their first name and extending that in every Club that would be attended when travelling.

My thoughts became sentimental when I recalled all the Rotarians that I knew, that are now passed on. I know that I miss Rotary but I know that I am not able to serve to a standard that I would find acceptable and so that will have to stay as it is.

I marvel at all the many fantastic relationships that I have been honored to enjoy. Yes there are some that could have been a better experience. How would I know quality of friendship if sometimes lesser levels did take place?

It is with these people that we were able to create projects for the benefit of many people such as:

• Seniors Housing Projects
• Whatshan Lake Retreat
• Doukhobor Museum
• Youth Drug & Alcohol Treatment under Freedom Quest
• Other Projects

Yes, there was sacrifices by all involved but the results are significant and most of the work was performed without fanfare but as “service above self”. All of us obtained this satisfaction.

I am enjoying my “twilight years” with Marilyn. These times are celebrated with our family that has chosen to live near us in the Kootenays of British Columbia. I realize now that financial riches are not equivalent to family love. I am indeed very fortunate!

It seems that Marilyn and I have left a legacy of investments in friendships that covers all of Western Canada. No matter where we travel, there is someone in almost every community that we should visit. Unfortunately, we are usually too “uni-destined” to enjoy the spare time tie to visit everyone. It is the usual comment “next time we will need to appropriate more time to visit”. Yes I know, we are running short of time in many ways.

One of the greatest events that has taken place for s recently, is our trips to Kelowna Hospital, January 04, 2016. Marilyn has suffered several medical emergencies over the past three (3) years and it was time to obtain an Angiogram to determine if there were compromises of any sort in her heart. Not always do patients receive good news after such an examination. In our particular instance, Marilyn was advised that she had no blockages surrounding her heart.

It is with this great news, that Marilyn is determined to live the rest of her live to the fullest. That means an unrestricted participation in Garage Sales and Flea Markets for the “best deals”. Yes, I am joking but this blessing from God has been seriously accepted by both us.

I was able to finally complete a detailed factual account of the Grandview Project with a group of members of the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative. It was an achievement to document it all in a professional manner. This project had encountered some difficulties that are being studied for resolution. Hopefully, that will take place soon so the project may achieve completion.

This blog entry was not intended to be a full article but it simply a reflection of the Writer’s thoughts at this date.

1. I started this as musings on January 02, 2016 in my Office at 145 – 4200 Grandview Drive, Castlegar, B.C. 1845 hours by Elmer Verigin
2. I continued on January 22, 2016 as distractions and organized thoughts come to me.
Posting of this blog took place January 24, 2016

My nephew, Darrell Verigin, came to visit me the afternoon of January 14, 2016. The visit was much appreciated and he was very excited about something. He dropped the latest edition of the Castlegar News (January 14, 2016) on the Dining Room table and directed Marilyn and I to read a page 4 headline:

“Castlegar Refugee Project (CRP) preparing to sponsor family”

This newly organized group in October of 2015, the article outlined, has the objective of sponsoring a Syrian Refugee family and requires $18,000 before they can submit their application for sponsorship to the Federal Government. The ultimate fund raising goal will require $20,000 to $30,000 to cover the costs of sponsorship in collaboration with the Government.

“I immediately went to the Heritage Credit Union (HCU) and donated $100,” Darrell emphatically stated. (The HCU was accepting donations on behalf of CRP and matching all donations up to $2,500).

“When I thought about this,” Darrell continued, “I immediately thought of my ancestors, the Doukhobors, and how they were so graciously accepted into Canada in 1899. If they had not been sponsored, without any reservation, by the Quakers and Lev Tolstoy in their plight with the Russian Government and religious persecution, it is unlikely that I would not be here to talk about this today.”

It is with his urging and enthusiasm, that I write this blog entry and encourage all of you to support this campaign initiated by the CRP. A call to Rosemary Manarin, chair of CRP, at (250) 365 6470 will inform you of the many other methods that you can participate such as:

• Positive outlook to the project
• Gifts
• Furniture
• Housing
• Doctor and Dentist treatment
• Housing
• In-kind support
• Clothing
• Other essentials to a family that will arrive with nothing

The CRP is a recognized constituent group, under the auspices of the Anglican Diocese in the sponsorship agreement holder with Immigration Canada. The Committee already has ten (10) members and thirty (30)volunteers.

Obviously, it is up to each and every one of us to participate in which ever manner we can.

1. As requested by Darrell Verigin on January14, 2016
Written on January 24, 2016 in my Office at 145 – 4200 Grandview Drive, Castlegar, B.C. 1845 hours by Elmer Verigin

My son-in-law, Rick Woodhouse, and daughter Lori, lent me on June 13, 2015, a pamphlet, “YOU 2” written by Price Pritchett. I am recovering from depression and they were realizing that I needed therapy of a positive nature, to have me continue to a save recovery from this dehabilitating conditions.

You 2 is a high-velocity formula for multiplying your personal effectiveness in Quantum Leaps.

Probably, the largest contributer to my condition was the result of the stoppage in completing the seniors housing project, Grandview, at Castlegar, B.C. In my role as Project Manager, I felt that not being able to complete Chateau Grandview, the campus style complex was a direct reflection on my personal limitation. I realize now that, the contributing elements were beyond my control.

This excerpt from You 2, page 25, is worthy to quote as follows:

“……Seek failure……

Quantum leaps demand a willingness to make mistakes.

You cannot leap up to a safe zone of behavior where you have beaten the odds of failing. An unwillingness to encounter defeat or run into problems outlaws quantum leaps. Unless you allow yourself to make mistakes, to fail, you will never have the opportunity to set limits of what you truly are capable of accomplishing.

You must realize that if you’re experiencing no difficulties, problems, or pain, you probably have aimed too low. You leveled off your growth and achievement. You probably are far from reaching your limits.
So think of problems or pain or slippage in performance as a positive sign. A performance lag ordinarily occurs at the very outset when you are making a quantum leap. It’s the pause during which you poise for the jump, the temporary loss of momentum that occurs in the process of “changing gears”.

You deliberately destabilize yourself when you break out the habit patterns that represent the status quo. You create some inner chaos for yourself. So be prepared for the possibility of confusion, anxiety, and failure. That’s part of opening yourself up to new methodology that has the potential to deliver exponential performance gains.

So often in life, it seems things first get worse on the way toward getting better. Be prepared for that sort of development. Problems belong in the process. They are part of the equation that produces you2. They are not proof that your ambitions are futile or that you should give up.

As someone has said, “Everything looks like failure in the middle.” You can’t bake a cake without getting the kitchen messy. Halfway through surgery it looks like there’s ben a murder in the operating room. If you send a rocket toward the moon, about ninety percent of the time it is off course – it “fails” its way to the moon by continually making mistakes and correcting them.

At the outset you may feel high because going for the quantum leap is heady stuff. But then the hard reality of “problems” may slap you in the face. Progress often masquerade3s as trouble.

It’s easy to lose faith, because other people may withdraw their support and be critical of your efforts. That, plus your own anxieties and uncertainties, can tempt you to turn on yourself.

This is then crucial point in the process – don’t give up! Failure belongs here. It’s a sign of progress!

The stress will seduce you toward retreat to the “safety” of the status quo, the trap of familiar. Just remember this. Failure does not mean you’re defeated.

Actually, the struggle gives you strength. It’s like tempering the steel, or the soreness involved in developing muscle. The difficulties are just evidence that you’re learning and progressing.

So go looking for failure….and the use it. Don’t interpret problems or breakdowns as proof that yu should quit, but instead take them as evidence of your growth and improvement.

Failure is a resource. It helps you find an edge of your capacities……”

I am taking this article as a thrust for me to9 go forward and complete what has been started.

Written on January 21, 2016 in my Office at 145 – 4200 Grandview Drive, Castlegar, B.C. 1030 hours by Elmer Verigin, and quoted from a pamphlet YOU2 by Price Pritchett