On with the New

I’ve never been big on the whole New Year thing, probably because I’m a hopeless, jaded cynic. I understand the need people feel for a symbolic fresh start, and I understand the appeal of making a slew of resolutions. It’s kinda comforting, after all, to face January 1 armed with lofty goals and big ambitions. … Continue reading On with the New →

The Joy in Getting Through

While out for a coffee with my husband a few mornings ago, I realized that I inevitably feel a great sense of relief on Boxing Day, when Christmas is in the rear-view mirror and expectations are suddenly lowered. I’m certainly not the first to observe that for many people, and for various reasons, Christmas is … Continue reading The Joy in Getting Through →

Community in Craft

I learned about the upcoming craft fair from close friends. They were over to help me and my husband put up and decorate our Christmas tree, so I was already in an especially festive mood—and even on my glummest, most humbuggy days, my eyes light up at the prospect of attending any craft fair, no … Continue reading Community in Craft →

Grumpy Human, Do Not Touch

You know when you’re minding your own business, waiting for the elevator in the subway station, when a total stranger appears out of nowhere, crouches down, and, without saying a word, starts yanking on your footwear, your pants, and the blanket covering your legs in an apparent attempt to arrange them in a way that … Continue reading Grumpy Human, Do Not Touch →

Showing Off

My parents recently visited from my hometown in British Columbia. They came to spend time with their beloved daughter, obviously, but also so that my husband could go on a much-needed and well-deserved solo trip. (He did, and both he and I are grateful that he had the support and the mental space to recharge … Continue reading Showing Off →

Let’s Go to the Movies

I love going to the cinema. Even now, as an adult, I get caught up in the magic of it; I’m drawn in, fully immersed. Forced to pay attention rather than pretend that I can multitask and successfully follow a plot line, I get way more out of the films I see in the theatre … Continue reading Let’s Go to the Movies →

Friendly Acts of Wheeling

On Saturday, one of my best friends swung by, picked me up, and brought me to the Textile Museum of Canada (which I highly recommend, by the way). It was the first time, I think, that I’ve gone out with a friend beyond the confines of my neighbourhood, without my husband, and for such a … Continue reading Friendly Acts of Wheeling →

The Days Are Short

Though we had a disconcertingly warm October, the ever-shorter daylight hours betray the fact that it’s firmly autumn. Indeed, it’s still dark for several hours after I get up—before the crack of dawn, as it turns out—and the sun’s already set by the time I finish dinner (despite my habit of eating abnormally early). The … Continue reading The Days Are Short →

Better than a PhD

I’d been both dreading and looking forward to yesterday afternoon’s care conference. It was a social worker who offered to get the biggest players on my health-care team together in a virtual room to discuss a major life change that my husband and I have in the works. I’m someone who deals with anticipatory anxiety … Continue reading Better than a PhD →

Classic

This coldhearted lady spontaneously burst into tears this morning while completing a crossword puzzle and listening to Bach (Suite No. 3 in D Major, BMV 1068: II. Air, to be precise). I seldom cry, but when I do, my eyes make up for lost time. It’s as if my tear ducts reserve their salty stores … Continue reading Classic →