Sexy?

Etymology is a rather interesting subject to me. The study of linguistics and the evolution of the English language, in particular, has my rapt attention on occasion.

I had already figured out that language changes at a fairly young age. It was 1978 when the Whatchamacallit candy bar came out. I will never forget the first time I asked my mother to buy me one. I was excited to see it in the restaurant that we were in. I went to pay the bill, came back to the table and asked my mother if I could have one. She asked several times what I wanted. I repeated time after time, "A Whatchamacallit.", not realizing that she did not know it was a candy bar. In her mind, I was asking for a thingamajig (something whose name is unknown or forgotten). Finally, her friend realized what I was asking for! We all had a good laugh!

Going through school, there were other words/phrases that came up which needed to be explained. My sisters and I thought my mother, especially, had grown up in the dark ages! How could she not know what these things meant? As the parent of a 17 and 19 year old, I have been reassured, that while my mom did indeed grow up somewhat sheltered, it was the linguistics of the time that changed.

One such example that comes to mind is "dating". What does that mean? As a parent, I have had to learn what a "boyfriend" is; I've learned about "going steady",  "going out", and even what "making out" is all about. How do these things change so much? It seems to me that a date should constitute a boy and a girl going to dinner and/or a movie or other enjoyable public  activity that is provided. Today's teens don't seem to agree. It's perplexing at best.

Sexy. Yes, sexy. It is a term used more often than  I would have ever imagined! Derived from the word "sex" obviously. I have the ability to break it down as far as we want, but suffice it to say, sex began as a way to state the difference of male vs. female, then grew to include being engrossed in the act of sex. "Sexy" has been commonly known to represent something or someone that stimulates the sex drive. Yet,  in today's world, we see stocks described as sexy. Yes, even stocks can be known as attractive or interesting. That is what this world has come to. "Sexy" is synonymous with words such as bodacious, desirable, and luscious.

Somehow in my mind, I really want certain things in life to remain a constant. I suppose if I really want to, I can dish up a pretty sexy meal or dessert for my family. It just seems wrong. I am not ready for the Urban Dictionary to tell me new meanings of 6,150,042 words! I don't understand how any generation has the ability to affect our communication standards to such an amazing degree. Considering the approximate 2,000 new definitions/day that the Urban Dictionary receives, I think that I am doomed. It is an inevitable fact that I need to keep up with the times and the young people of today.

Although I am not sure where this picture came from originally, 
I took it from a friend's wall on Facebook. 
Sexy, isn't it? :) 

(If you are honest, I'm sure that you hope to be that much in love when you reach their age too!) 

3...2...1...Impact!

Did you know that it wasn't long ago that in Canada women were not recognized as people? I was horrified to learn that it was only 82 years ago that Canadians officially proclaimed that women are people and would be allowed to hold a public office! Shocking first of all because I wonder how else a woman would have ever been classified. But I am also amazed because even though that would be (Lord willing) a couple lifetimes for me, I realize that my grandmother would have been old enough to hear and understand this incredible news!

Emily Murphy was an author, jurist and Canadian women's rights activist. As a judge, lawyers consistently challenged her rulings because she was not a  "person". She began her fight in 1916. Nationwide support was garnered by 1927. The "Famous Five" (Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards) petitioned the courts, enduring five long weeks of debate only to have their appeal unanimously denied! Finally on  October 18, 1929, Emily and her friends won their case after appealing to Canada's highest courts. (Info from http://archives.cbc.ca/politics/rights_freedoms/clips/1801)

Emily isn't the first, nor will she be the last to stand up for what she believed in. I am thankful for the people who have gone before me and worked so hard so that I can have the freedoms I enjoy. I am encouraged by my friends who seem to have their eyes set on goals or belief systems that they want to help promote.

One of those people is helping with a project to try to help stop human trafficking. Human trafficking is a horrible form of abuse endured by many around the globe. It is alive and well in at least 151 countries, including the United States! In fact, the sale of women is the third largest trade in the world! This is certainly a cause that could use some help. If you are interested in knowing more, there is a showing of Nefarious: Merchant of Souls, a full length docu-drama, at the Appleton Marcus Theater East (the former Regal Cinema) on Thursday night. If you would like more info, please let me know. Advanced purchase is requested.

Another of my friends has a simpler philosophy that I truly enjoy. Her goal is to make at least one person happy each day. As a home-maker, I imagine that there may be some challenge associated with that. She is, however, a very active, hard-working woman and seems to accomplish this goal easily. As a recipient of her loving kindness, this goal is as of as much noteworthy recognition as the people we read about. I hope that I am able to emulate her in even some of the things that she manages to accomplish.

How is it that you impact the world? All of us leave an imprint of some sort, whether it is amongst our family and spread through the work that they do or if it is through supporting our churches and/or other non-profit organizations. Do you have a cause that you would like to share with others?

The "Famous Five" as their commemorative plaque was revealed (with William Lyon Mackenzie King)