Las Vegas to me is adult Disneyland. There are colourful characters, bright colours and lights, games, and rides. If you aren’t into gambling however, venture off the strip to more interesting places for different physical activities, learning opportunities, life experiences, and culinary treats. Most recently, I started my “Vegas” off-the-strip experience with a trip to Red Rock Canyon. Hiking around …
Can air travel be more demeaning?
The first airplane I remember being on was a Wardair flight. I was in awe of air travel overall, and overjoyed when the flight attendant brought my sister and I champagne flutes of orange juice mixed with ginger ale to mimic our parents’ mimosas. That experience was in stark contrast to my most recent flights and I am left wondering …
Another step in language journey
As a parent, it didn’t take too many years of elementary school for me to realize that it’s not only our children that have trepidation about the annual oral presentation requirement of their curriculum. While our children have to face their fear of speaking in front of others, as parents we face our apprehension of having to hear a presentation …
Remembering missing, murdered women
It’s been just over two weeks since more than 300 Nigerian school girls were kidnapped and some were forced into “marriage” with their abductors. Their families and advocates around the world are trying to get the word out and apply political pressure with the social media campaign BringBackOurGirls. Closer to home, hashtag #MMIW represents an important conversation regarding over 800 …
Here’s to Canadian foods
As a Canadian, there are few foods that I am proud to call “ours,” but maple syrup and poutine are two very red and white guilty pleasures of mine. Real maple syrup is one reason not to cross the border for breakfast, unless in a strictly savoury mood. Pancakes, and French toast are simply not “right” unless the syrup is …
City limits sign should laud Olympians
Lately, water cooler conversation has been focused on the delayed spring we’ve been experiencing. As much as I like talking about politics, religion, and the weather (please note the sarcasm), there are plenty of more interesting topics to jaw about lately in the Sault. From Olympic champions to successful first time charity events, proposed tourist attractions and a new coat …
Happiness is a long, hot shower
There is a song on the radio lately by Pharrell Williams that is a catchy little ditty about being happy. It espouses the type of unbridled happiness that one feels when falling in love, being super proud of your children’s latest accomplishments, or after you’ve won the lottery. Part of the lyrics say: “Clap along if you feel like happiness …
A vacation isn’t always synonymous with relaxation
Especially with the steely grip this winter has had on many of our moods, it was high time for an escape. I took the kids on a cruise to the Caribbean, to find some relaxation, sun, sand, and heat. I’ve travelled with my children before, but never for such long airport layovers, and never on a cruise. While I did …
Rebuilding sandcastles
Staring out the window of the airplane, I can’t help but feel small: so small compared to the puffy white clouds dotting the sky. Only minutes ago it was the white caps and the size of the ocean making me feel insignificant. Just hours before, I stood on that beach, my feet sinking into millions of grains of sand. I …
Are diamonds really girl’s best friend?
Diamond engagement rings are supposed to symbolize love, commitment, fidelity, and so much more, and yet their beginnings are rooted in a much less than sparkly past loaded with taboos and gender-bias. Perhaps the most ironic part about engagement rings is that every girl wants one, but none of us knows why. With that, I set off to do some …