Everyone from Norman Cousins to stand-up comedians understands the benefits of humour. Cousins discovered he could remain pain-free for hours if he watched funny movies. Speakers and consultants have emerged who focus on workplace humour as a way to build teams and reduce stress. Scientists have studied the physical and mental health benefits of good… Read more »
During our recent plumbing emergency and all the preparation for a tour group of visitors to my art studio/gallery, a lot of things got neglected. One of the most annoying things to me was the lack of time to read the Edmonton Journal and National Post each day. Even when I have 14 or 16… Read more »
Thursday night Roy was shaving before a late shower. Before long, with the air of a beaten man, he announced the sink wouldn’t drain. We assumed the culprit was hair in the trap. Removing all the products under the sink, finding an ice cream pail to catch the water, and getting the tools to loosen… Read more »
I like to think I’ve led a reasonably well-informed life. I read newspapers, watch the news, and ask a lot of questions of virtually any and everyone. But there are some things I just don’t get. Am I alone in this? I don’t get the whole Sex and the City phenomenon. We never had satellite… Read more »
As my week-long getaway draws to a close I feel compelled to do a cost-benefit analysis. Did I accomplish as much as I’d hoped? Or is it crazy to calculate the productivity quotient of what was supposed to be a relaxing getaway? My intention was to have no intentions. To simply let my mood and… Read more »
Several months ago, when we booked a week at a Manitoba resort for late May, we made some assumptions. I know what You’re thinking: Manitoba resort?who’s she kidding? Promotional materials promise hiking trails, water sports, golf, horseback riding, pools, on-site spa, and much more. we’ll see. We believed spring seeding would be done. And it… Read more »
I’m not sure where You’re reading this. If You’re in north-central Alberta It’s been a long, painful climb to spring-like conditions. It’s hard to believe my May Day tree will actually bloom in May, given that it doesn’t even have leaves at this writing. We had a surprise snow dump of about 10 inches a… Read more »
Have you caught the de-cluttering bug? The message of urging (and urgency) on television and in books and magazines is relentless. That message is at cross-purposes with the pressure to buy, buy, buy. we’re bombarded with the benefits of purging: breathing space; a calming, zen-like setting; simplicity. we’re shamed into it by the hectoring advice… Read more »
Dear reader, I have a confession to make. I’ve been keeping something from you. I was hoping to have a good news, happy ending, victory-over-defeat story to share this week. Alas, it was not to be. Last year Roy bought a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, thereby living out a dream. He took the Alberta Safety… Read more »
The National Post has been excerpting Daniel McGinn’s House Lust. In the three parts I’ve seen, he touches on a broad range of topics I find endlessly fascinating. According to the book, ?real estate falls into the category of intimate things??topics like roles and relationships you discuss with close friends. Preoccupation with all things real… Read more »