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I have this crazy idea that perhaps I can use my blog to keep my friends and family more up-to-date on the ups and downs and all arounds of my everyday life. I also think it might be a fabulous vehicle through which to practice writing, of which I have done very little since finishing my M.A. We shall see how long it lasts!

So, expect updates and rants and raves and links to things I am passionate about. And of course, pictures of my furball Rusty... (:

Things on my mind of late:

Yesterday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon wrote a web-exclusive commentary for the Globe and Mail entitled "Being in Afghanistan is dangerous, not being in Afghanistan is more dangerous." I wish that this had been shared in the print edition as well, because Canadians need to better understand why our mission in Afghanistan should not immediately end come 2009... including you, Stephane Dion!

And yes, I am liberal-minded. The United Nations is a liberal institution. It aims to maintain international peace and security, to safeguard human rights, to provide a mechanism for international law, to promote social and economic progress, to protect the environment... in short, to improve the human condition on this planet. For all humans, not just the educated and wealthy ones. Therefore, the instability in Afghanistan is problem that challenges all of humanity and one that ultimately requires a global effort to solve. As a "have" country, I believe we have a moral imperative to pitch in. As do all the other "have" UN member countries. We need to remove the blinders that keep us focused on the number of Canadian soldiers lost and look at the progress cited by the UN Secretary General here.

He concludes:

"The Afghan government has far to go before it regains control of its own destiny. But that day will come. It is hard work. There is little glory. It requires sacrifices. And that is why we are there."

In other news. People often have a hard time understanding the connection I've made between environmental and cultural issues. An environmental engineer with a graduate degree in intercultural studies? I don't get it... well, here is an article which highlights perfectly the intersection of the two areas:

The War Over the Polar Bear - Macleans.ca - January 23, 2008

Finally, a great site that makes a mockery of carbon offsetting - love it!!!

About Cheatneutral:

Cheatneutral is about offsetting infidelity. We're the only people doing it, and Cheatneutral is a joke.

Carbon offsetting is about paying for the right to carry on emitting carbon. The Carbon offset industry sold £60 million of offsets last year, and is rapidly growing. Carbon offsetting is also a joke.

If this was Facebook, I would change my status to "Amy is done blogging for today. " Until next time!