Hey everyone!! I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve written in my blog. And it’s not from a lack of things to say. It’s more a lack of time - or just forgetfulness. I can blame many many things.

I’ve started a new job recently. I’m the new Membership Field Worker for the Girl Guides of Canada. I am very excited to be working for them because I love the Girl Guides organization. I grew up always belonging to some part of it - beginning with Squirrels (yes, Squirrels!), Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, Junior Leader, to teaching Brownies for three and a half years. I’ve been away from it for a while, having taken time to get married and raise a family, but now that my daughter is old enough to be a Spark - I’ve decided to jump back in and be a leader. I love it.

I’m discovering, however, the lack of support that we as Islanders are willing to give to things outside of our home. I’ll confess, I’m one of them. I often sat on the sidelines of the soccer field growling about the coaches, but never wanting to step in. Of course I know nothing about soccer, but the fact I’m able to volunteer is still there. And I never did it. Now I”m seeing it with the Girl Guides. Everyone wants their children involved in something, but not everyone is willing to lend a hand. There are so many groups lately that we’ve had to close because we can’t find leaders for the girls. Angry parents will call me and wonder WHY????? but then I say ‘are you able to step in and be a leader?’ and I get “I can’t, I’m too busy”. I love it when someone says to me “I have kids”. Uh……hello! I have kids too. Five to be exact. Sure they don’t all live with me (two are my step children) but they’re still all busy, needing us in their own way. In fact we run four nights a week - plus weekends with many of the activities that they’re involved in. But I still decided to help out because I thought it was important for my daughter to be involved in something that wasn’t a sport or competitive in any way. It’s a community based organization and she will learn how to be a great citizen, and how to take care of other people besides herself. Something many many many children are NOT learning these days. Trust me, I’ve seen evidence to the contrary.

I am now a Spark leader in Sherwood and love it. We’re having a Halloween party this week and the kids are so excited I can’t wait to see them dressed up. One of them tells me she’s coming as Chucky’s Bride. Yup…..Chucky’s Bride. How old are these kids? They’re five and six. I’ll leave it at that. There’s never a dull moment!! Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to check out my new book that was just released as an e-book! “Lethal Memoirs” is now available at Champagne Books - www.champagnebooks.com - so get your copy today. More news on that to follow!

Lori