"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" Maya Angelou
I've already discussed one of my "she-roes" in detail on this blog. That would be the Mamma. There are no famous people that I aspire to be like, or that I idolize. I admire Margaret Thatcher's tenacity, and the sauciness of women like Katharine Hepburn and Mae West. But that's about as far as it goes.
The women that I count as she-roes are merely women that I have come across in my daily life who are pretty damn amazing. They don't have assistants, they won't ever be seen on the front of the tabloids, and they are usually underappreciated and overworked.
They've been women who have restarted their lives from the ground after fleeing from an abusive relationship. They've been women who seem to have found the perfect work/life balance; being extraordinary PR gurus while being involved in the lives of their babies, too. They've been women who were single mothers while getting their own business off the ground, battling everything themselves and succeeding. They've been women who have done all of these things on their own, only to find love later and stay independent ass-kicking rockstars. They've been women who have always had a kind word for me, or have made themselves available when I've needed advice. They've been women who have encouraged me to follow my dreams, even if it meant leaving my comfort zone.
Since it's apparently national de-lurking day at some point this week (I've seen blogs say yesterday and others say today), come out of the woodwork and leave a comment about one of your own heroes or she-roes.
Also, while you're at it, check out http://www.intervivos.ca/, I write over there too. interVivos is Edmonton-based but it doesn't mean that you can't comment from anywhere in the world. Today's blog is about Canadians (but also applies to Americans, or anyone else) losing faith in politics.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Pictures to Burn
Lately, old memories have been rushing to me like ocean tides. People who have come in, and out of, my life. Experiences that I had, or wished I hadn't. So, like any normal person, I've decided to broadcast them on the Internet for everyone to see, in a feature of "Monday Memories".
Many people know that I worked in a popular Canadian coffeeshop for 7 long years, but what most people don't know, and what I frequently forget, is that it wasn't my first real* job.
The summer before highschool, I remember being told that there would be no more money coming to me for clothes, and other things parents buy for you when you're young. I'd be given a monthly stipend for my work on the farm, though I was encouraged to seek employment elsewhere to cover any new costs I'd incur.
So started my first job hunt. Resumes and cover letters passed throughout the town. My first experience with being offered every job I applied for, which would cause a lot of confusion later on, when jobs didn't come so easily. When I went to drop off my resume at the bakery in town, I was immediately offered a position. And I took it.
Walking past the little restaurant in my work building this morning, the smell of fresh-baked bread brought images of the bakery flooding back. I did everything but actually bake anything. Long days of washing dishes, serving customers, stocking the shelves. I was the only employee, other than the owners (who did all the baking and none of the other work). A lot of responsibility from open 'til close, with unattractive pay. A job that resulted in tears, and a discussion with my mother that it was probably time to look elsewhere, even if the owners were friends of family friends.
It was just one summer, but it was my first foray into working for a boss that you couldn't curse and cry and scream at when you felt your job was "not fair". It felt good to have money of my own, and buy things for myself. It also taught me that dreading going to work every day wasn't worth it. I searched around for other employment, and got in with Canada's largest coffee chain, a job that was with me for nearly one-third of my life.
*Real meaning someone paying me other than my parents. Growing up on a farm, you'd better believe we had our own jobs to do. We were given tasks that matched our abilities at a very young age.
Many people know that I worked in a popular Canadian coffeeshop for 7 long years, but what most people don't know, and what I frequently forget, is that it wasn't my first real* job.
The summer before highschool, I remember being told that there would be no more money coming to me for clothes, and other things parents buy for you when you're young. I'd be given a monthly stipend for my work on the farm, though I was encouraged to seek employment elsewhere to cover any new costs I'd incur.
So started my first job hunt. Resumes and cover letters passed throughout the town. My first experience with being offered every job I applied for, which would cause a lot of confusion later on, when jobs didn't come so easily. When I went to drop off my resume at the bakery in town, I was immediately offered a position. And I took it.
Walking past the little restaurant in my work building this morning, the smell of fresh-baked bread brought images of the bakery flooding back. I did everything but actually bake anything. Long days of washing dishes, serving customers, stocking the shelves. I was the only employee, other than the owners (who did all the baking and none of the other work). A lot of responsibility from open 'til close, with unattractive pay. A job that resulted in tears, and a discussion with my mother that it was probably time to look elsewhere, even if the owners were friends of family friends.It was just one summer, but it was my first foray into working for a boss that you couldn't curse and cry and scream at when you felt your job was "not fair". It felt good to have money of my own, and buy things for myself. It also taught me that dreading going to work every day wasn't worth it. I searched around for other employment, and got in with Canada's largest coffee chain, a job that was with me for nearly one-third of my life.
*Real meaning someone paying me other than my parents. Growing up on a farm, you'd better believe we had our own jobs to do. We were given tasks that matched our abilities at a very young age.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Interviewed!
The lovely Andrea from Miel et Cannelle, fellow Edmontonian, has sent me some tricky interview questions as part of this interview meme that has been circulating through the blogosphere. As if I didn't ramble on enough about myself already, she's given me fodder to continue. Thanks Andrea, for your great questions. If anyone else is interested, let me know. I can't promise my questions will be as great as Andrea's (she does work for SEE magazine), but I'll try my best.
And the rules are:
1. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address, please.)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions
Here we go!
1. You've been talking about giving a wine and cheese party... if you could invite 5 bloggers, who would be your guests and why?? Who do you think would eat the most cheese or drink the most wine?
A Facebook event has officially been created for my wine and cheese party. Bloggers who I'd invite include (but are most certainly not limited to):
Andrea, from Miel et Cannelle: You're in the city already, so it'd be easy to attend. I'm intrigued by your blog and find you to be an interesting lady. A bottle or ten of wine and we'd certainly hit it off. Enough wine and we may be hallucinating that we're in the fantasy land you speak of in your post today.
Mary, from Real Mary Tales: I spent many, many nights in London (and a few in Edmonton for that matter) drinking with Ms. Mary. I don't think she could keep up with the wine all night, (she'd probably pull some hard stuff out of her bag), but oh the cheese that would be consumed! Also, Mary always has entertaining, and incredibly humiliating, stories about herself to keep party guests entertained.
Ben, from No Ordinary Rollercoaster: His readers love cheese, they're crazy about the stuff. I haven't been reading Ben's blog for long, but he's hilarious and an awesome storyteller. This post is the only reason I need.
Rachel, from Confessions of a Jersey Girl: Rach needs a drink. Have you seen the drama that is her life? I'd like to give her a break for just one night.
Kyla, from Kyla Bea: Kyla's a total sweetheart. Not only does she have mad champagne pouring skills (I promise I wouldn't put you to work, darling), but she would be the best person to have around in the event that you drink too much. Also, she's had some pretty incredible experiences and would make excellent conversation.
Drink the most wine: Would I be cheating if I said it'd probably be me? Most cheese: Ben. He'd simply have to, for his readers' sake.
2. You live in a chilly city come winter - what are your tips/tricks/indulgences for beating the cold and staying chipper?
Hot chocolate and Baileys. Coffee and Baileys. A travel mug full of tea for the walk home (warm drinks are awesome at keeping you that much warmer). Making the decision to either hide inside and avoid the cold altogether, by snuggling up in a blanket or by rocking out with some Rock Band, or to embrace the cold by hitting the mountains (where it's warmer than Edmonton). Getting friends together to go tubing is also super fun, it's hard to complain too much when you're laughing and carrying on.
3. Your city is incredible in the summer - what are you favorite spots to frequent in the summer warmth, and why?
I love the Legislature in the summer. It's transformed into most people's version of the beach. Alberta's beaches are not so awesome, so it's probably a pretty decent substitute. I love to go down there with a book, sit in the shade and people watch. I adore the outdoor market on 104 Street, just north of Jasper Ave. Fresh fruits and veggies, jewelry, baked goods, crafty awesomeness -- with a cold drink it's absolute summer bliss. Though, my absolute favourite spot in the summer, is my apartment balcony. With assorted herbs and flowers potted there, the barbeque, and my little patio set, it's an excellent place to relax with a book, glass of wine or dacquiri to wind down the day. Also, when there are parades down Jasper Ave., it's the perfect parade-watching locale. Oh how I will miss it. *sigh
4. It (being your profile) says you're in communications. What do you do? Do you like it?
I'm a writer (for now). I've done the whole news release writing, speech writing, media planning, campaign-creating aspect of public relations, and I love it. At this point, I've won as many awards in the field for as many years I've been in it. I tend to forget that. As much as I talk about myself a lot on here, I suck at talking myself up in person. I used to work for the Canadian Cancer Society in London as the entire PR team, it was absolutely amazing. I keep my PR skills strong by volunteering with interVivos, a group which brings together business people, politicos, community leaders with young professionals to inspire the next generation of leaders in Edmonton.
5. I've been told that Canadians, and specifically Albertans, are salty snackers, not sweet. What kind of snacker are you? Have any recipes to share, homemaker among us?
Interesting, I've never heard that. I alternate between salty and sweet, I think. I'll give you my favourite cookie recipe. These are the ones most likely to end up in the mail to friends back home (or potentially anyone who I have an address for). Also, my mom just sent me the township's anniversary cookbook from back home, and apparently this is now in there. Ha.
Elle's Chocolate Fudge and PB Cookies
1 cup butter (soft)
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups peanut butter chocolate chips
Cream butter and sugar, beat eggs into mixture. Add dry ingredients (except chips). I usually add a little extra flour (makes them fluffier in the end). Mix in chips. Roll into balls, bake for 8-10 minuts at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Easy peasy.
And the rules are:
1. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address, please.)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions
Here we go!
1. You've been talking about giving a wine and cheese party... if you could invite 5 bloggers, who would be your guests and why?? Who do you think would eat the most cheese or drink the most wine?
A Facebook event has officially been created for my wine and cheese party. Bloggers who I'd invite include (but are most certainly not limited to):
Andrea, from Miel et Cannelle: You're in the city already, so it'd be easy to attend. I'm intrigued by your blog and find you to be an interesting lady. A bottle or ten of wine and we'd certainly hit it off. Enough wine and we may be hallucinating that we're in the fantasy land you speak of in your post today.
Mary, from Real Mary Tales: I spent many, many nights in London (and a few in Edmonton for that matter) drinking with Ms. Mary. I don't think she could keep up with the wine all night, (she'd probably pull some hard stuff out of her bag), but oh the cheese that would be consumed! Also, Mary always has entertaining, and incredibly humiliating, stories about herself to keep party guests entertained.
Ben, from No Ordinary Rollercoaster: His readers love cheese, they're crazy about the stuff. I haven't been reading Ben's blog for long, but he's hilarious and an awesome storyteller. This post is the only reason I need.
Rachel, from Confessions of a Jersey Girl: Rach needs a drink. Have you seen the drama that is her life? I'd like to give her a break for just one night.
Kyla, from Kyla Bea: Kyla's a total sweetheart. Not only does she have mad champagne pouring skills (I promise I wouldn't put you to work, darling), but she would be the best person to have around in the event that you drink too much. Also, she's had some pretty incredible experiences and would make excellent conversation.
Drink the most wine: Would I be cheating if I said it'd probably be me? Most cheese: Ben. He'd simply have to, for his readers' sake.
2. You live in a chilly city come winter - what are your tips/tricks/indulgences for beating the cold and staying chipper?
Hot chocolate and Baileys. Coffee and Baileys. A travel mug full of tea for the walk home (warm drinks are awesome at keeping you that much warmer). Making the decision to either hide inside and avoid the cold altogether, by snuggling up in a blanket or by rocking out with some Rock Band, or to embrace the cold by hitting the mountains (where it's warmer than Edmonton). Getting friends together to go tubing is also super fun, it's hard to complain too much when you're laughing and carrying on.
3. Your city is incredible in the summer - what are you favorite spots to frequent in the summer warmth, and why?
I love the Legislature in the summer. It's transformed into most people's version of the beach. Alberta's beaches are not so awesome, so it's probably a pretty decent substitute. I love to go down there with a book, sit in the shade and people watch. I adore the outdoor market on 104 Street, just north of Jasper Ave. Fresh fruits and veggies, jewelry, baked goods, crafty awesomeness -- with a cold drink it's absolute summer bliss. Though, my absolute favourite spot in the summer, is my apartment balcony. With assorted herbs and flowers potted there, the barbeque, and my little patio set, it's an excellent place to relax with a book, glass of wine or dacquiri to wind down the day. Also, when there are parades down Jasper Ave., it's the perfect parade-watching locale. Oh how I will miss it. *sigh
4. It (being your profile) says you're in communications. What do you do? Do you like it?I'm a writer (for now). I've done the whole news release writing, speech writing, media planning, campaign-creating aspect of public relations, and I love it. At this point, I've won as many awards in the field for as many years I've been in it. I tend to forget that. As much as I talk about myself a lot on here, I suck at talking myself up in person. I used to work for the Canadian Cancer Society in London as the entire PR team, it was absolutely amazing. I keep my PR skills strong by volunteering with interVivos, a group which brings together business people, politicos, community leaders with young professionals to inspire the next generation of leaders in Edmonton.
5. I've been told that Canadians, and specifically Albertans, are salty snackers, not sweet. What kind of snacker are you? Have any recipes to share, homemaker among us?
Interesting, I've never heard that. I alternate between salty and sweet, I think. I'll give you my favourite cookie recipe. These are the ones most likely to end up in the mail to friends back home (or potentially anyone who I have an address for). Also, my mom just sent me the township's anniversary cookbook from back home, and apparently this is now in there. Ha.
Elle's Chocolate Fudge and PB Cookies
1 cup butter (soft)
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups peanut butter chocolate chips
Cream butter and sugar, beat eggs into mixture. Add dry ingredients (except chips). I usually add a little extra flour (makes them fluffier in the end). Mix in chips. Roll into balls, bake for 8-10 minuts at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Easy peasy.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
"Duh" story of the day
A new survey has found most Canadians don’t think oilsands companies have done a good job balancing economic and environmental concerns. The study does show more than 40 per cent of Canadians have a positive overall view, compared with 30 per cent who have a negative outlook. The Canadian Association of Petroleum producers says they need to do a better job of engaging with the public and need to recognize and reduce the environmental impact of oilsands development. Water use and greenhouse gas emissions are listed as the top two environmental concerns. Print has picked up this story – headlines are calling it a “PR problem.”
Full story in the Edmonton Journal can be seen here.
Full story in the Edmonton Journal can be seen here.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Air Canada is not awesome. Surprise!
In the news yesterday and today: Some Edmontonians have still not received their lost Christmas baggage from Air Canada. Air Canada is acknowledging it dropped the ball over the Christmas season and did not respond as it should have during the weather-related travel delays.
Big shock, Air Canada is garbage. Unlike the smiling West Jetters who have been known to care so much (my friend Mary upon arriving in Edmonton last year marvelled at how the flight attendant took the screaming baby and sang to it, nearly lulling the whole plane to sleep -- "just like in the commercial"), Air Canada is not so passenger-friendly.
I had my own heinous experience with them last year, without the whole snow-storms-so-flights-are-cancelled issue. I had gotten to the airport in tons of time, signed in, got to the gate before I realized I didn't have a real seat number on my ticket, but a smattering of numbers. When I went to talk to the attendants at the desk by the gate, they had responded, "Oh yeah, we were on the look-out for you -- someone will be around to talk to you soon." Soon ended up meaning after half the plane had boarded.
The airline rep who came to talk to me broke the news to me that I would not be getting on the flight that I had paid so ridiculously much to board. Apparently they always overbook by 40 per cent, so myself and two gentlemen who were landing in Toronto would be hanging around Edmonton until further notice. Seriously, at Christmas you don't take into account that less people will be missing or cancelling their flights last minute? We were told when the next planes going to Toronto were (the earliest was 8 hours away), and assured that we were most certainly not guaranteed a spot on those overbooked planes either.
The news I wasn't going to be home, coupled with the extreme exhaustion from going out the night before and working all day to run home, pack, and head to the airport, led me to shed a few tears. I'm a crier. I'm not going to deny it. I had to hope that my luggage filled with Christmas presents would actually meet me in Toronto, since there was space for it on the plane -- just not me. Then I had to inform the family that they should not drive the two hours to the airport to pick me up, because I had no idea when I'd be there.
The holidays are stressful enough, airlines should be more considerate around the holiday season. I understand it's important to overbook to an extent to pay for expenses if people do back out, but it's all about the attitude with which you handle a situation. West Jet spent loads of money putting people up, sending them home and picking them up for a future flight, and generally doing their very best to accomodate people and make them comfortable.
Other than the lame $200 voucher I received from Air Canada (which I couldn't use to book online, making the trip just as much as if I had just booked through West Jet in the first place), I haven't booked anything through Air Canada since.
Big shock, Air Canada is garbage. Unlike the smiling West Jetters who have been known to care so much (my friend Mary upon arriving in Edmonton last year marvelled at how the flight attendant took the screaming baby and sang to it, nearly lulling the whole plane to sleep -- "just like in the commercial"), Air Canada is not so passenger-friendly.
I had my own heinous experience with them last year, without the whole snow-storms-so-flights-are-cancelled issue. I had gotten to the airport in tons of time, signed in, got to the gate before I realized I didn't have a real seat number on my ticket, but a smattering of numbers. When I went to talk to the attendants at the desk by the gate, they had responded, "Oh yeah, we were on the look-out for you -- someone will be around to talk to you soon." Soon ended up meaning after half the plane had boarded.
The airline rep who came to talk to me broke the news to me that I would not be getting on the flight that I had paid so ridiculously much to board. Apparently they always overbook by 40 per cent, so myself and two gentlemen who were landing in Toronto would be hanging around Edmonton until further notice. Seriously, at Christmas you don't take into account that less people will be missing or cancelling their flights last minute? We were told when the next planes going to Toronto were (the earliest was 8 hours away), and assured that we were most certainly not guaranteed a spot on those overbooked planes either.
The news I wasn't going to be home, coupled with the extreme exhaustion from going out the night before and working all day to run home, pack, and head to the airport, led me to shed a few tears. I'm a crier. I'm not going to deny it. I had to hope that my luggage filled with Christmas presents would actually meet me in Toronto, since there was space for it on the plane -- just not me. Then I had to inform the family that they should not drive the two hours to the airport to pick me up, because I had no idea when I'd be there.
The holidays are stressful enough, airlines should be more considerate around the holiday season. I understand it's important to overbook to an extent to pay for expenses if people do back out, but it's all about the attitude with which you handle a situation. West Jet spent loads of money putting people up, sending them home and picking them up for a future flight, and generally doing their very best to accomodate people and make them comfortable.
Other than the lame $200 voucher I received from Air Canada (which I couldn't use to book online, making the trip just as much as if I had just booked through West Jet in the first place), I haven't booked anything through Air Canada since.
Alberta's dinosaur bones recognized on the world stage?
Alberta's own Dinosaur Provincial Park is in competition for the "New 7 Wonders of Nature". See the full story here.
Dinosaur Provincial Park was named Canada's official entry for the contest, after beating Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park, the Maritime's Bay of Fundy, Quebec's Rocher Perce and Ontario's Long Point Sand Spit during the first round of voting, which finished on Dec. 31.
The provincial park, which lies in the valley of the Red Deer River, is renowned as one of the great fossil beds in the world. Thirty-nine dinosaur species have been unearthed there, with more than 500 specimens removed and exhibited around the world. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
To find out more about the contest, or cast your votes, the official website is http://www.new7wonders.com/.
Dinosaur Provincial Park was named Canada's official entry for the contest, after beating Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park, the Maritime's Bay of Fundy, Quebec's Rocher Perce and Ontario's Long Point Sand Spit during the first round of voting, which finished on Dec. 31.
The provincial park, which lies in the valley of the Red Deer River, is renowned as one of the great fossil beds in the world. Thirty-nine dinosaur species have been unearthed there, with more than 500 specimens removed and exhibited around the world. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
To find out more about the contest, or cast your votes, the official website is http://www.new7wonders.com/.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Happy Oh Nine.
2009 is getting exciting. The year is already filling up fast with visits and events, and it's only six days in. I haven't even made any resolutions yet! Oh wait, I don't do that. I have goals, things I hope to accomplish, but I don't have anything that will result in being heartbroken or disappointed if things go off course.
This year, I plan on getting a new address book and keep it organized all proper. I love sending real mail, but it makes it less of a surprise when I have to ask the recipient for their address days before "surprises" appear in their mailbox. We get so tied up in the online world and the ease of connecting with people at any time, that we forget that technology is not the be-all and end-all of relationships. As we grow older, and people start to slow down the post-secondary, post-university moving around, it's good to keep track of people's addresses.
The year already includes going to the mountains yet again (somewhere different this time), hosting a wine and cheese party (it's been on the agenda for a while), going home for a visit, participating in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Kaye's (hopeful) summer stint in Edmonton, consolidating what I've accumulated in (by that time) what will be three years in the same apartment (the longest ever, since moving out of my parents' place), moving in with The Boy and paying off my student loan. As friends and family have received shiny rings over the holidays, there's bound to be some weddings in the mix at some point... unless they all hold off until 2010.
Oh, and next week, I'm stirring the pot at work with a new media analysis plan. Weee!
As your reward for reading through this post, here are some pictures of where I've been the past week.
Cochrane has the best ice cream ever. So creamy and delicious. What flavour did I get, you ask? Bubblegum. I'm a child.
This year, I plan on getting a new address book and keep it organized all proper. I love sending real mail, but it makes it less of a surprise when I have to ask the recipient for their address days before "surprises" appear in their mailbox. We get so tied up in the online world and the ease of connecting with people at any time, that we forget that technology is not the be-all and end-all of relationships. As we grow older, and people start to slow down the post-secondary, post-university moving around, it's good to keep track of people's addresses.
The year already includes going to the mountains yet again (somewhere different this time), hosting a wine and cheese party (it's been on the agenda for a while), going home for a visit, participating in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Kaye's (hopeful) summer stint in Edmonton, consolidating what I've accumulated in (by that time) what will be three years in the same apartment (the longest ever, since moving out of my parents' place), moving in with The Boy and paying off my student loan. As friends and family have received shiny rings over the holidays, there's bound to be some weddings in the mix at some point... unless they all hold off until 2010.
Oh, and next week, I'm stirring the pot at work with a new media analysis plan. Weee!
As your reward for reading through this post, here are some pictures of where I've been the past week.
Cochrane has the best ice cream ever. So creamy and delicious. What flavour did I get, you ask? Bubblegum. I'm a child.
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