just percolating...
My daughter's tastes are what many refer to as "tomboy." She has never taken to playing with dolls of any sort, never cared for the colour pink and couldn't care less what she's wearing as long as she's allowed to play in the mud with it. My husband and I have always chosen to just go with the flow, and let her play with whatever she likes, however she likes. So it's never been an issue at home. And socially, it's never been an issue either … [Read more...]
Beyond the blah-brown exterior of our country's National Arts Centre is a vibrant group of employees, volunteers and an ever-evolving programme of theatre, music and dance. Don't believe me? Well, here's proof for you: their marketing department has a cyber-marketing division. How hip is that? This same cyber-marketing division is hosting a "Blogger Night" at the NAC on Wednesday, September 30th. By a Blogger Night, I gather that they're … [Read more...]
I started this blog in June. Within 2 weeks, I was an addict. My head is always spinning about, thinking about potential blog posts and ruminating about other people's posts. I just love how the blogosphere keeps my mind a-buzzin'. Most of all, I love the fact that people actually come here, read my words and take the time to comment. Oh, I love, love, love that! Not sure why, but if you want, you can pay a therapist to figure out why I need … [Read more...]
Ah, wondering why I've tried another recipe so soon after the last one? I know, it's out of character but hubby's away. And while hubby's away, this wife must cook. Well, okay, not really -- he did leave two meals for me in the freezer. And I admit to ordering in pizza last night. But tonight, those chicken breasts sitting in the fridge gave me the guilts. As in, "if you don't cook me tonight, you're throwing good money into the garbage!" So, … [Read more...]
![Dirty-Dancing-movie-08[1]](http://d3826520.u488.hspheredns.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/dirty-dancing-movie-081.jpg)
Looking back, I can see why my parents continued to fork over what was a considerable sum of money so that I could keep up with my dance classes. I still have no idea how they managed to afford it since I find two children's activities costly, and they had four. But they did. Somehow. Sure, they knew I loved it. And I begged to take as many classes as could humanly be squeezed into a highschooler's schedule. Only now, as a parent myself, do I … [Read more...]
It's okay, you're forgiven for thinking that I'd given up (again!) on the idea of teaching myself how to not suck at cooking. My first post on this topic sparked comments from readers that reassured me that I am not the only female lacking in such talent. Instead of mocking me, these lovely folks were sympathetic and encouraging. This propped me back up because despite it being an age of so-called gender equality, people do tend to go on and on … [Read more...]
I had a great day planned out for yesterday. It's been 7 months since I've returned to Canada from Australia and in all that time, I still haven't had a playdate with just me, my 14-month-old son, my sister-in-law and her 17-month-old son. While we were in separate countries, we both gave birth to boys -- cousins! -- just a few months apart. This kind of playdate is exactly what I pined for during moments of homesickness in Australia. Somehow … [Read more...]
We've been using Sigg bottles for ages. And that really says something, since we don't spend our money lightly on fads. We're talking $30 for a water bottle to put in a child's lunch box. When there's a plastic alternative that's less than $5, we've clearly drawn a line in the sand. Why? It's enviro-friendly not to be constantly purchasing plastic water bottles all the time. Sigg bottles are also extremely tough and survive even the worst … [Read more...]
My husband never fails to be disappointed with the produce from our local grocery store. Well, to be fair, it's not just our local store -- it's any grocery store. After dinner, he'll look longingly at some peaches he picked up that day at the store. He'll pick one up, roll it around in his hand, maybe even give it a sniff. Then he'll sink his teeth into it. "Ugh," he'll pronounce, then put it down and push it aside in disgust. "It looked … [Read more...]
In More magazine's September issue, a writer gets her face pumped up with injectable filler and bets that her husband won't notice. Or at least she hopes, since he's philosophically against these kind of "youthenizer" treatments. Her article "Is my epidermis showing?" reads a bit like a sad commentary on modern family life. When her husband arrives home after work, she's on pins and needles wondering if he is going to notice. Instead: He comes … [Read more...]
Pssst! Got kids? Then you won't want to miss out on this awesome autumn roadtrip. It's an easy daytrip -- or an overnighter, if you please -- so pack up some roadtrip snacks and get the kids ready! Pick up a copy of this Saturday's Ottawa Citizen (Travel section) to get the details. … [Read more...]
In my first "Letter from South Korea," we covered off the basics of who, what, when and why Meaghan Harrison chose to leave Canada and teach English overseas. Now, in Part 2, we can learn a bit more about this experience on a personal level. You’ve been in South Korea for six months now … what’s been the most challenging aspect so far? The most challenging is just the day-to-day life. The majority of Koreans don't know English, so … [Read more...]
How does a recent graduate stay hopeful? The unemployment rate for youth climbed to 14.9 per cent in May, says Stats Can. One in five young adults have moved in with a friend or relative, says Maclean's. Most are suffering from recession anxiety, says the Calgary Herald. If you're graduating soon, recently graduated or a parent of one of the former, I hope you'll take heart with this "Letter from South Korea" post. Below, you'll find Part 1 of … [Read more...]
"I realized the power writing has, and it has also helped me deal with my rage ... It gave me a lifelong commitment not to be afraid to speak out about injustice." -- Dominick Dunne … [Read more...]
The only thing that Julie from the movie Julie and Julia and I share is a name. I have never lived in New York City (although I certainly would if opportunity afforded it), I am not a newly wed (we're clocking 13 years over in this corner), and perhaps most critically, I do not enjoy cooking. I just don't understand how people love to cook. It's sort of how I just can't understand how people love to go running. It's not that I wouldn't want to … [Read more...]
I'm a sucker for anything with "character." You know, one of those people that real estate agents market "charming" properties too. Also, the type that buys a new lipstick simply because its packaging is just so darn beautiful. And last but not least, the buyer of highly impractical, but terribly cute shoes. I can see how this could be considered superficial. It's that whole form over function thing. But so far, this has not led me wrong. Back … [Read more...]
Although I like to blame Dora the Explorer for my daughter's pinata fascination, the truth is that it's become a bit of a cherished tradition around here. It all started on her fourth birthday (yes, that time when all children exposed to a shouting girl in a jungle become madly infatuated and start learning Spanish at amazing speed). We were in Australia at the time and the only thing that Stella requested for her birthday celebration was a … [Read more...]
It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment? ~Vita Sackville-West … [Read more...]
Daughter: Mom, will you play with me? Mother: What do you want to play? Daughter: Pokemon. Mother: Um, okay. But first you have to brush your teeth. Daughter: Okay, great!! Thanks for bribing me, Mom!!! … [Read more...]
Daughter: Have you noticed I haven't asked for very much for my birthday? Mother: Yes, I did wonder a little about that. Daughter: Well, I've been keeping a few things from you. Mother: Oh. Daughter: See, I didn't want you and Dad to have to spend all your money on my birthday presents. So I'm going to save up all my wishes and ask Santa for them. … [Read more...]
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss … [Read more...]
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