This blog was submitted by one of our clients. He wanted to share his experience of attending a social outing with the organization. He is a GIPA volunteer blog writer. It’s his first blog and we wanted to thank him for sharing his story! For more information on the GIPA position available please check out http://www.aidscalgary.org/getinvolved/gipa.cfm

Hi, my name is Lance. It’s around 7’oclock on a Saturday morning. I awakened in my usual gear, overdrive. Not in first gear, like most people do. I had something on my plate, and that was getting down to business in the volunteer world.

A few days prior I had an interview with the volunteer coordinator at AIDS Calgary; Vanessa was the lady in charge. She had mentioned that they are looking for individuals to do some writing for the BLOG! The first thing that came to my mind was, “WHAT THE HELL IS A BLOG?!”I pictured, you know, the small air-pockets over the cartoon characters in comic books.

Once I had checked out the website on the topic, got the low-down, I immediately said “NO” to the idea. Two days after our conversation, I challenged my insecurities, found a little strength, grabbed a pen and paper and began to apply words in writing. What did I have to lose? But lots to gain. These wheels are in motion now.

I would just like to share with you readers about our (the clients) and two staff members of Cares (The Calgary Cares Centre) field trip to the Calgary zoo. There was around ten of us in total. Welcome back to elementary school’s grade three outings! Our inner-child’s were right pumped-up with excitement! All you heard was the laughter, lots of “wows” and “yeahs” comment on what the eyes were seeing out there and of course all the fresh air intake. Here’s the big kicker, the paid for lunch. Nice touch.

Speaking for myself, I have always been on the HOMOPHOBIC side in my life. But that day it was all about putting my personal feelings aside, and I found humility instead. As we all chatted amongst each other, friendships developed! We all possess the same color of blood. It all boils down to we are all brothers and sisters in the end, right?

To close up this ink-kite*, I will leave you all with my overall observations and thoughts from our afternoon venture! With all of our problems in life, our stresses, our health concerns. Those hours we were touring around together as a family. The negative thinking wasn’t upon us. We focused on the moment at hand and just had an enjoyable, fun day.

I hope for my first attempt as a writer that you all have found this entertaining and enlightening. Here is a phrase I once heard in my life’s travel and never forgot it. Absorb this: “Have a great day, unless you’ve made different plans!”. All of us have the power to make positive changes in our lives and it all starts with our attitude about it and towards others! Take it light!

*Ink-kite is a note passed between inmates in prison.