Most of us winter-weary Canadians can agree on the value of having a holiday in February.  The Canadian statutory Family Day is celebrated in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Ontario.  Meanwhile, the province of Manitoba celebrates Louis Riel Day, Prince Edward Island has Islander Day, Nova Scotia and the Yukon Territory have Heritage… Read more »

I have a confession to make, something I’m somewhat ashamed to admit.  My parents warned me early on to avoid quitting jobs because eventually no one would hire me.  I did not heed their advice. I did, however, wonder if something was terribly wrong with me, in addition to fearing that I was shooting myself… Read more »

People are exceptionally creative—they can come up with all kinds of excuses why they don’t eat healthy.  These can range from it takes too much time to prepare vegetables (but they’ll spend over 10 minutes in a running vehicle in a drive-through for take-out) to it’s too expensive to eat healthy (but if they tracked… Read more »

Change is good, but change can also be frustrating, overwhelming, and enough to scare us into a confusing period of procrastination or, worse, ennui.  Add in a big dose of anxiety over our parent’s and our own high expectations about what we’re going to achieve and diving into online university studies can feel similar to… Read more »

Bashing the notion of New Year’s Resolutions has become mainstream; people have become increasingly jaded and disillusioned.  With threats of global warming, weather catastrophes, and the continued support of psychopaths leading our countries on a downward spiral, resolutions can seem downright laughable. I’m one of those people who believe it’s the small things that create… Read more »

Sometimes, there is nothing like saying you are done with something—or someone.  Sometimes, it feels good to quit.  Sometimes, the only way to feel better is to indulge in something decadent.  And, sometimes, the only way to get your good vibes back is to do something you probably shouldn’t. I don’t recommend robbing a bank,… Read more »

I thought I would end 2018 with an icy winter poem I wrote, admittedly, a few decades ago when I lived in Prince George, BC. Wishing readers all the warm pleasures the season brings, and the happiest year ahead conceivable. Nechako Surface Whirling queen of the northlands her banks swell jutting through rock and grass… Read more »

Emotions of sadness and grief inevitably intensify over the holidays when you’re missing a recently departed loved one.  That person who used to share traditions, keep in touch, and was always there is now missing.  That person who perhaps made the warmth and joy of the season come alive has gone somewhere, but you’re not… Read more »

With If you’re anything like me, your willpower takes an extended leave of absence when you’re presented with overflowing tables and trays of tasty holiday appetizers.  Chances are you’ll find me hovering like a ravenous vulture over the snack table, gluttonously shoveling handfuls of everything delectable into my mouth.  No, I do not have an… Read more »

With the school year well underway, students are feeling the demands of academic life, topped with a healthy dollop of Christmas chocolates, salty party snacks, and inviting offerings of seasonal alcoholic beverages.  So, how does one remain healthy body, mind, and soul, over the over-abundance of the holidays? Well, let’s find out. Heading out in… Read more »