I think it was George Carlin who said that inside every cynic there's a disappointed idealist. And don't I know it. At times, my wholehearted belief in something has been the beginning of that same belief's undoing; lean in too close to examine something and the entire weight of it might come … [Read more...]
Fun and Games: No Laughing Matter?
When I am too busy and don't play long enough with Toddler, he tugs on my clothes and demands "up, up" and if he cannot get what he needs, he will bury his face in the backs of my legs and whine in his shrillest pitch until I get down on the floor with him and help him find the puzzle piece with the … [Read more...]
The Difference Education Makes.
In a great many places in the world, education means being able to do more than simply survive. It is security, opportunity, and a way to lift whole families out of the poverty cycle. It means literacy, and the ability to advocate for oneself and one's community. Education is enabling. Poverty is a … [Read more...]
No Child For Sale.
[youtube id="4J1sYC3zM2c"] I met a family, two sisters who had made homes on a piece of land they don't own and who raise their children beside fields of sugar cane. The home looked as though it had been assembled over time, like the families had added wood, metal and chicken wire when they were … [Read more...]
Buy Good Chocolate.
[youtube id="YlVICw_kydM"] The last week of October to roughly the second week of February is peak chocolate-buying season, but do you know where your cocoa (and other candy ingredients) comes from? I mean, like, do you really know? I will never look at cheap coffee, chocolate or sugar the … [Read more...]
What’s Your Dream?
Have you ever taken one of those computer-generated career aptitude tests? I took one in the ninth grade and it said I was best suited to a career as a street performer. I tried to picture my parents proudly telling their friends about my fabulous life as a mime and couldn't muster an image I … [Read more...]
International Day of the Girl Child: October 11, 2013
Due to a lot of confusion and bad information, I feel like I spend 50% of my time online ranting about inequities and trying to explain that feminism is simply the belief that women are people and that all people are equal and deserving of autonomy and opportunity. That's it. It's not about cutting … [Read more...]
#DreamShare
When I was a kid, my dream was to be a BC Lions cheerleader and a dentist. Something about sparkly Spandex booty shorts and power tools just spoke to me, I guess. The great thing about Canada is that no matter how ridiculous or misguided your dream is, the odds of you achieving it are a lot higher … [Read more...]
Mucho Gusto.
When I was offered the opportunity to travel to El Salvador with World Vision, I didn't entirely know what to expect. I knew it wouldn't be sun and sand and margaritas, but despite the itinerary I received and my discussions with Britt Hamilton, the Advocacy Communications Officer, I still didn't … [Read more...]
Toddlerhood International: El Salvador, Day 4
I've now been away for five days, and haven't seen Toddler since I put him to bed six days ago. Spouse and I have been talking via Skype, so we have been in regular contact, but Toddler is a rocket and he only whizzes past the screen occasionally. He has been a blur, chirping "mama, out" and trying … [Read more...]