Someone back home recently welcomed her first baby, or rather she expelled a little human being and lived to tell. At times like these I feel the distance between Vancouver and Scotland. I often reach out to friends who are new mommies to make sure they know I'm praying for them, their babes, and their … Continue reading formula won: adventures in breastfeeding part one
Month: February 2015
pregnancy: a marathon
Before my first pregnancy, I never considered myself a runner. Sure, I did a few races. I'd always been an active person but my definition of running was more like leisurely jogging with Simon and Garfunkel for, oh, I don't know, maybe fifteen minutes. The company I used to write for was big on running … Continue reading pregnancy: a marathon
what is your legacy today?
"Today is my day," I declared. "Today I'll start properly." I quickly tossed my uniform into my locker, picked up my knives and fled from culinary school. It was a drizzly Vancouver day, the kind where every passing coffee shop is a sanctuary. That day I chose the church of Thomas Haas, properly known as … Continue reading what is your legacy today?
clutter
It's remarkable how things accumulate when left unchecked. Take for example our living room. It was tidy last night before bed, I swear. Now, sitting here on the floor, I'm surrounded by four orphaned socks, dishes from an afternoon snack, a basket brimming with wet clothing, empty DVD cases, an undressed doll, three toy cars, … Continue reading clutter
marathon mama
Greetings from St Andrews. I'm back. The computer mayhem is over, at least for now. The unwanted writing break translated into time for other endeavours, specifically drinking Hendricks with a friend and some long overdue dates with my running shoes. After discussing how similar writing is to running naked, I decided that if I couldn't … Continue reading marathon mama
bird by bird
It's the second week for Professional Amateur, my creative side project. Welcome back. This space was not intended for a navel-gazing list-writing kitten-adoring food-loving mommy writer but in just one week I've already shared some of Scotland's culinary wonders and my honest thoughts on motherhood. There's even a list. I fear failure is imminent but … Continue reading bird by bird
motherhood is underrated
"Motherhood is totally underrated," I stated bluntly to my friend on Saturday. She has two beautiful girls: Lisa, who recently turned two, and Emily, born last fall. She and I have worked on projects together and she is a genius. She'll hate me for saying so. She is very committed to her field and she … Continue reading motherhood is underrated
shooting for the moon
One rainy Wednesday long ago, when we first arrived in St Andrews, I carted my son twenty minutes across town to an auction house. My curiosity drove me - I had no reason to buy anything. Our flat came furnished (though I should use that term loosely. Student accommodations are not designed with comfort or … Continue reading shooting for the moon
munchies guide to scotland
I wasn’t impressed by the deep-fried golden brown food landscape when I first came to St Andrews from Vancouver but now I know better. Scotland brings more than haggis to the global potluck. Okay, edible oddities like Irn Bru and clootie dumpling are in great supply but so is the seafood, venison and whiskey. If … Continue reading munchies guide to scotland
reach for the sky. it’s worth it.
Is it possible to set a goal too high? Yes. So sorry but you won't be able to dance on Mars by the end of next week. Is it worth setting goals too high? Yes and no. It depends on who you ask and when you ask them. If you asked me two weeks ago, … Continue reading reach for the sky. it’s worth it.