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Is there a genius in the house?
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It’s one of my worst nightmares. My computer screen is black and it stays that way no matter what I press. So I do what most people do — I start clicking keys with wild abandon in hopes I can bring it back to life. The computer fights back. In self defence, it begins…
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A jar of moral obligations
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At the beginning of December, store shelves were brimming with Advent calendars filled with chocolates. Not for me. I was presented with an “Advent Jar” filled with handwritten messages. Always grateful for a pleasant surprise, the little notes intrigued me. Did they actually represent gifts? Perhaps coupons for nice things? Inspirational quotes? Hey, maybe…
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Don’t sell me something. Just give me an argument.
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It was one of my most bizarre shopping moments. I’d just met with a client to confirm we’d be moving ahead with a project. Feeling rather celebratory, I stopped by an LCBO to pick up a favourite bottle of wine. “I’m going to really splurge this time,” I told myself. So often I avoid…
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Northern Lights Unplugged
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Okay, folks, loosen up. Today’s challenge is a biggie. We’re going to pick a stunning place to visit, take in a breathtaking, awe-inspiring, once-in-a-life time mind-altering sight. And we’re going to do it without taking a photograph. In fact, you have to leave your cell phones behind and depend on your memory to remember…
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A rodent ate my garnish
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The waiter explained that the restaurant had a rodent problem. I’m still speculating on what happened when he returned to the kitchen to explain to his boss why he chose those particular words. It’s all part of the charm when you leave the restaurants of Toronto– or should I say, the cafes, bistros, cantinas,…
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All I need
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When you pack for your vacation, what is “all you need?” Assume that the basics of life are covered (i.e. food, shelter). These are the “extras” you need to make your vacation complete. Don’t hesitate and don’t be logical. What’s on that list? What is ALL that you need? My father used to pack…
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Even if it can’t be done, do it anyway
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Anyone who’s been around little kids has a special place in their heart for the word “more!” How many of you have sang “The Wheels on the Bus” so many times that you thought your own wheels would come off? In our house, it was a video based on the book Mike Mulligan and…
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One Ringy-Dingy, Two Ringy-Dingies
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There isn’t a company out there that doesn’t claim “customer service” as the one unique characteristic that sets them apart. Yet as consumers, we continue to experience customer service nightmares, which at best, are as “sit-com” worthy. For example, my latest conversation with the “telephone lady” (oh, I sense an immediate connection here): I’d…
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Whatever floats your boat (or house)
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It was the kind of conversation only a mother could have with her son in a car on the way back from the airport. “How is everything?” “Fine.” How is work? “Good.” “How’s the cat?” “OK.” “How’s the house?” “Floating.” “Floating?” “Oh, I didn’t tell you, we moved.” “Moved where?” “Oh it is a…
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Dr. Seuss, my writing coach
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I’ve learned quite a bit from Dr. Seuss over the years. He’s been a career counselor (Oh, the Places You’ll Go!), a guide to hiring babysitters (The Cat in the Hat), and an advisor when kids get fussy (Green Eggs and Ham). He’s even assured me that I’m not a megalomaniac for the many…