If pigs could fly

By Denis Flanagan CLD
LO Manager of Membership and Public Relations
 

I always find it amusing to trace the history behind some of the nonsensical sayings we use in our everyday conversations. My all-time favourite is about the weather — which we can all certainly relate to after the wet seasons we had to endure in 2018. How many times this past year did you hear the phrase, “It’s raining cats and dogs”? This makes absolutely no sense. Apparently the origin of this popular phrase can be traced back to 18th century England, when many houses had thatched roofs and during violent storms, animals would take shelter under the layers of thatch. My guess is the grassy layers got sodden enough that animals would then fall through the roof, which could also explain the eccentric behaviour of some of my British ancestors.

We all know the phrase above about flying pigs. Its use in everyday conversation is when we think there is no chance of something actually happening or coming true. But like many phrases, it is sometimes overused. Maybe we just don’t want to put the time and effort into making something happen. On the flip side, hearing the phrase could be all the motivation we need to dream big and make something happen. Maybe there is something you have been putting off, or perhaps a sales target for your company you think is not attainable. Maybe you have always wanted to open a new division, add a crew or completely revise your pricing structure.

According to the Chinese zodiac, the new lunar year begins February 5, 2019 and lasts until January 24, 2020. With each lunar year represented by one of 12 animal signs, the coming year is officially the Year of the Pig. The pig is described as a “mild and lucky animal, representing carefree fun, good fortune and wealth.” Personality traits of people born in years under the sign of the pig are: very easy going, honest, trusting, educated, sincere and brave.

There is a possibility that some born under the sign possess the traits of: stubbornness, naivety, over-reliance, self-indulgence, are easily angered, materialistic, and sometimes lazy.

It’s probably best if I let you decide which set of the above characteristics may describe some of your employees, suppliers or clients.

We often hear from LO members that one of the best benefits of membership is the numerous opportunities throughout the year to network, contribute to meetings, and participate in mentorship networks. In 2019, we challenge you to take advantage of everything membership in Landscape Ontario has to offer. Share your ideas, stories and experiences with others, and you will find they also have something to offer from which you can learn. Most importantly, in the Year of the Pig, consider challenging yourself, your company, and of course, your staff, to make the impossible possible by thinking outside the box.

If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, contact LO’s membership team or myself, and we promise to try and make your ideas fly.


Denis Flanagan can be reached at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com or at 905-875-1805, ext. 2303.