Spring has sprung! Sort of...

The first day of spring  has come and gone, but Old Man Winter is still clinging on. Despite the recent dump of snow we've had, I'm still keen to get Annabel outdoors. Going for a family walk with the pup is one of our favourite activities, and frankly, one of the main reasons we moved to the country. We love the fresh air, and it's fun pointing out all the trees and wildlife (or neighbourhood dogs) to Annabel.

Annabel out for her first sled ride.

Plus, there are so many other benefits to getting to your kids outside. Have a read in my latest Canadian Living story. And then, go outside!

U of C Memories

Image from ucalgary.ca

The year was 1999. I was in my final year of communications studies at the University of Calgary when I had the good fortune of landing an internship with what was then called arch, the U of C's alumni magazine, with then-editor Charlene Rooke. The mag didn't have an official internship; I just emailed Charlene and asked her to put me to work. And thankfully, she did. I learned a lot about writing from Charlene--one of Canada's best magazine writers and editors. I'm still grateful to her to this day. It was during that time that I fully realized my passion for the written word and that I could actually make a living as a writer. Plus I loved seeing my name in print. Hundreds, if not thousands, of bylines later, it's still not old.

This is just one of many fond memories I have of my alma mater. So it felt good to write for arch's latest incarnation, U magazine, and profile a few fellow alumni: Adam Legge, Christine Klassen and Deborah Herringer Kiss, who are also carrying out their life's work here in Cowtown. Check out U's Winter 2012 issue.

Make-Believe: Not Just Child's Play

Do you remember playing make-believe as a child? I sure do. Some days I was a daring superhero; others a fairytale princess; still others a famous superstar. Little did I know then that all that play was in fact preparing me for my adult life. Okay, maybe the superstar days don't have that much application, but make-believe play is actually critical to developing important life skills. And they don't just stop at childhood. We continue to use make-believe as adults when we mentally play out various scenarios. I explore this topic for Canadian Living and it was quite an eye-opener. So when Annabel starts dressing up and playing with imaginary friends, I'll know that it's all good.

Cook with the kids? Maybe I should learn to cook first...

I cannot believe it is already the New Year, and the second week no less! Time really does fly. Especially when I spent so much of the holidays eating, eating and more eating. I hope all of you also had wonderful holidays full of  cheer, friends, family and delectable goodies.

Now, in keeping with food, I'm in the midst of writing a piece about cooking for City Palate magazine. Yes, me. Laughable I know. I mean, I can make the basics and keep myself alive (good thing since Jason is working out of town this month), and I do have a couple of dishes that I make fairly well, but I am by no means a cook. Not even the lowly deep-frying, burger-slinging kind. I get all nervous and indecisive in the kitchen. And I just don't enjoy cooking. It's so much work! But I do love to eat (in case you didn't pick that up already), and I recognize that cooking my own meals is often less expensive and healthier than eating out.

I also realize that I should be a good mom and at least equip Annabel with some life skills to sustain herself. Given she's only a year old, I have a few years before this will really come into play. I only hope that will be enough time given my cooking track record, or lack thereof. Plus, as I discovered while researching a story for Canadian Living, I want to cook with her because it will teach her a lot more than just how to cook. Anyhoo, have a read while I try to concoct something edible for lunch.

No Touchy, Touchy.

Annabel is cute. I mean, really cute. And I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom. But even if she wasn't, I'm pretty sure we would still get harangued by baby-touchers. That's you folks out there who are overcome with an overwhelming urge to cuddle all the wee ones you come across. Or at the very least, tickle their feet. This is the strange phenomenon that happens whenever I take Annabel anywhere. We are perpetually accosted by peeps who fall all over themselves trying to win a smile from the little miss. And it's as though they believe they have a RIGHT to pat my baby. (Seriously, more people ask for permission to pet my dog than my baby!) But babes deserve their personal space just like the rest of us. I explore this topic in the latest issue of Swerve to remind everyone that the next time you see a baby and are inclined to wave your finger in her face, remember it's only okay if the baby (and her parents) are also okay with it!

Contest Winner Announced!

Thanks to everyone who entered my travel contest to win a free night at any Delta hotel or resort across Canada. (Apologies to those who suffered technical difficulties while trying to enter. Argh.)

Photo from hemingwaysparis.blogspot.com

There were many fabulous entries; choosing a winner was a challenge. But in the end, I tip my hat to Rebecca Lesser. Her cute and quaint entry about her accidental find in Paris made me want to head back to the City of Light straight away. Shout-outs also go to Allan Casey (Burma, wow!) and Rida (What kind of secrets? Do tell!).

Truly, it was lovely to read about your memorable travel experiences. They got my travel buds salivating and I've now got some new spots to hit. Thanks again, and here's to travel!

Why Can't We Just Get Along?

Last summer, I experienced an unfortunate road-rage incident where an ignoramus decided to hit me with some racist bravado. Was I pissed? Damn straight I was. So what did I do? Well, I do what I do about most things. I wrote about it. And it's a pretty good piece if I do say so myself. (See my story in Swerve magazine.)

But as you'll see from the story, I wish I had done more. It reminded me of a discussion I had long ago with a friend over a beverage at a seedy old pub. We were talking about racism for some reason and decided that it should be our life's mission to try to end it, and promote peace and love instead. (And no, we weren't drunk, just young and yet-to-be jaded.) He thought we should buy a big old van, and paint one side white and one side black, then write the slogan, "Why can't we just get along?" down the side. And I heartily suggested that we would drive it around with a megaphone spreading our message through beat-boxing and shouting.

Well, we never did get that van, but I have still always considered myself a vigilante of sorts regarding racism. I let my guard down briefly, but have no fear, I am back on full alert.