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...]
Are You Prepared in Event of an Emergency? #EmergencyPreparednessWeek
Did you know that May 1-7 is Emergency Preparedness Week? The scene: The bedroom. Wife: Hey! Honey? Are you awake?! Husband: No. It's 2AM! I'm sleeping! Wife: I was just thinking that in event of a zombie apocalypse, we wouldn't be ready. Husband: Are you serious? You're up at 2AM thinking about that?! Wife: Yes. We have so many windows in this house. Zombies … [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...]
Spreading Holiday Cheer with some #WarmWishes!
We're coming up to my favourite time of the year! Regardless of what holiday you are celebrating, I hope it is a wonderful and special time for you and your loved ones! Whether it be Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or any other celebration, the sentiment is the same - Good will to all and spreading holiday cheer with lots of warm wishes to all we encounter. Though helping … [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...]
Ghostly Encounters: Real Ghost Stories
With Halloween just days away, I'm always reminded of some real ghost stories I've shared with friends. My Mom always calls me a scaredy-cat, and the truth is that I really am. You see, strange things have always happened to me since I was very young. I often describe it as me being an open receptacle for all things creepy. Real ghost stories Many people have told me not … [Read more...]
What do people REALLY like on Facebook?
To be honest, that's the question many people have been trying to figure the answer to. Though I try to keep my blog's Facebook page fresh and up to date, and post regularly, I will be the first to admit that Facebook is not my first love when it comes to social media. I should rephrase that and say that it's not my favourite for my own purposes. I do love Facebook for my … [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...]
Why Empty Threats Do Not Work
I will be the first to tell you that I am a rookie mama. I have one child, so that means I've had no previous children to serve as guinea pigs in parenting. Little One is it. It's trial and error for me. Though I've read countless books on parenting and child-rearing and have done ample research (the two child psychology courses I took in university don't count anymore, … [Read more...]
She Doesn’t Look Back Anymore
I remember her first day of junior kindergarten, she clutched my hand so tightly. It was as though she never wanted to let go. I sensed the tinge of anxiety and fear of the unknown. There was excitement, but apprehension too. She was not yet four years old. I was her world. I would rush across the highway to be on her side of the bus so I could wave to her … [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...]
Time Keeps on Slipping… #TBT
Time keeps on slipping into the future. Time just seems to slip into the future. I know it's an odd thing to say, but I was thinking of how it seemed like only yesterday that Little One was still little. Now she's six years old! She's brought us so much laughter (and tears). She's given us so much joy (and tears). She's funny, and quirky, and smart. She's thoughtful, … [Read more...]