April showers bring May flowers. Mother's Day. One would think that May would be a happy time because the temperature is beginning to warm up, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and everything comes to life again in May. May used to be one of my favourite months. Now, May is a hard month for me though. It's a time when I find myself dealing with grief. I … [Read more...]
The Day Mommy had a Meltdown
Growing up, I don't recall ever seeing my mother cry. I don't recall ever seeing a day that my mom had a meltdown. Sure, my mom would yell at us when we misbehaved or didn't listen, but I never saw her cry. I thought that surely she was the strongest person on the planet. Then I realized when I grew up that no one ever knew if Mom had a meltdown or how often she would … [Read more...]
This is 40 – A Big Milestone
A big milestone is coming up for me. I woke up this morning and realized that in exactly one week, I will be turning 40. Wow! This big milestone has been on my mind for the past few years, yet, surprisingly, as the date approaches, it's not a big deal anymore. I remember when I was a teenager, thirty seemed ancient to me. I couldn't even fathom what life would be like … [Read more...]
My Kid Makes Me Cry
It's true. My kid makes me cry. Oh, usually I cry because she tests me. She's a very stubborn hard-headed frustrating "spirited" child at times. Many people would not believe me unless they've seen her in action. From an outsider's perspective, she seems so sweet and quiet. Most of the time, people who don't know her think she's mute. We get the "Oh, [insert Little … [Read more...]
Thinking about my culinary roots with TVO’s The Food Chain: Girl Eat World
Some of my earliest memories involved spending lots of time in my grandparents' kitchen, observing them prepare food from their culture. Back then, it wasn't food from their culture -- it was soul food. It was food that nourished our family and brought loved ones together. When I think about food, and its important role it plays, it is not just for sustenance, but there … [Read more...]
On Grown-Up Friendships
I remember receiving an e-mail back in the day when Facebook had not made its appearance yet. This was a time when everyone I knew just started using e-mail as their primary form of communication. Phone calls were less frequent, as e-mail was easier and more convenient for many. Texting had not yet become popular, as not many had cell phones at the time. Aunts, uncles, former … [Read more...]
Things I Learned From My Six Year Old
As I went for my morning walk after bringing Little One to the bus stop and after feeding the animals, I reflected on all the things I learned in time time on this planet. There are so many things I've learned and am constantly learning. I've learned that sometimes the hardest decisions in life are the best at the time. I've learned that it's good to trust, but sometimes … [Read more...]
It’s OKAY to cry!
"Shhhh! DON'T CRY!" "STOP CRYING!" "Don't be a baby!" Those are probably words most of us grew up hearing. Many of us were probably raised with the notion that it wasn't okay to cry. Perhaps we were even told to "be strong" or not show our emotions. In some cultures, showing emotions is a sign of weakness. Today, I was on my usual morning walk, but instead of … [Read more...]
On Being an Older Mother
This post was inspired by my friend, Shayna's post titled, Fears of an Older Mother. When I was younger, I had my life all planned out. I had a timeline, like many girls do when they're young and dream about what their lives will be like when they're older. I never thought I'd be "an older mother". I had everything mapped out and wasn't going to let anything let me … [Read more...]
How Being Different Teaches Children Acceptance
It's okay to be different. At least, that's what we keep telling our six year old daughter. She's quirky, a bit feisty, sometimes very stubborn and oftentimes goes against the grain. She's that kid who doesn't like fried food or sugary food. She loves vegetables, meat and fish. She's often the last to finish at any activity and sometimes doesn't finish at all. She … [Read more...]
You’re Being Watched!
The other day, I was rushing out the door and needed to grab something quick to eat because I was hungry but needed to get to a meeting with a local client. As I was just out the door, I reached for an apple. For a split second, I deliberated. Little One and I had been baking brownies to give to friends and I contemplated on grabbing a brownie, but went for the … [Read more...]
On Being a Parent
I lay in bed watching her drift into slumber. Her tiny hand clutching onto my fingers, she whispered, "Mama, stay with me". I lingered for a bit, not wanting to get out of bed. I was content to lay beside my little girl and just soak in the moment. You know that moment right before your child falls asleep? It's that moment when you want to be the last person they see … [Read more...]